2013 was a busy year for me. Here's a quick summary of what happened:
I look forward to connecting you more in 2014
Featured Friday
The Orphanage by A.E. Crowe
Disclosure: The FTC Disclosure Provision is a law that requires influencers to disclose when they are being paid to promote a product or service. So please know that if I'm not making money through affiliate links/sponsored content on the post you're currently reading, it's an oversight on my part and will be corrected soon. Read the full disclosure about all the legal stuff here.
About the book
Title: The Orphanage
Author: A.E. Crowe
ISBN:978-1479325108
ASIN: B008UEGUB6
Purchasing Links:
All respectable Amazon links for Ebook and paperback, plus CreateSpace for paperback. I do have extended distribution but don't know those links at this time.
All respectable Amazon links for Ebook and paperback, plus CreateSpace for paperback. I do have extended distribution but don't know those links at this time.
Book Blurb:
Having lost her parents in separate car accidents, Abigail Crane's life becomes a whirlpool of emotions that are challenged at an orphanage in Charleston, South Carolina. She discovers in this whirlpool, a dark secret that her mother kept hidden from her. In this compelling story of good versus evil emotions, the debut author, A.E. Crowe, portrays the story of a young girl growing up in the South trying to hang on to Southern traditional manners while battling conflicting inner values influenced by the environment at the orphanage.
Having lost her parents in separate car accidents, Abigail Crane's life becomes a whirlpool of emotions that are challenged at an orphanage in Charleston, South Carolina. She discovers in this whirlpool, a dark secret that her mother kept hidden from her. In this compelling story of good versus evil emotions, the debut author, A.E. Crowe, portrays the story of a young girl growing up in the South trying to hang on to Southern traditional manners while battling conflicting inner values influenced by the environment at the orphanage.
Video trailers:
Author Bio:
A.E. Crowe is a 31 year old author who was born and raised in Georgia United States, she has enjoyed writing different things such as plays and novels since she was a child. She loves to not only write but read as well. Some of her biggest influences are JK. Rowling, Danielle Steel, Charles Dickens, Margeret Mitchell, and her Grandmother Bertha. She spends her time either with friends, or her dogs when she isn't writing. You can find her not only on Amazon but also on Facebook, and Twitter among other social outlets for her work.
Reviews: ( I have fixed editing issues since these were posted)
4.0 out of 5 stars Not bad for a first time author August 21, 2012
By reindeer
Format:Kindle Edition
Set in the historical and beautiful old southern city of Charleston, South Carolina, the author uses a young girl's life that has been woven into a tangled web of events that are beyond the child's control to show how one can change what seems to be unchangeable. During this journey, Abigail learns a lot about herself and helps others to see themselves in a different light. For a first time author, Ms. Crowe shows great talent. Yes, there is room for improvement, but don't we all need that? Great job; I look forward to the follow up!
3.0 out of 5 stars Ok, but could use some work. December 1, 2012
By T. Goff
Format:Kindle Edition
This is an interesting story but it really needs an editor. There are quite a few problems that distract from fully enjoying the book. Most of the problems are quick fixes, like word choice within the body of the text. Those word choices throw off the narative because they break the syntax of the story. When a word feels like it doesn't "fit", that is usually a syntax problem. This syntax problem carries over into the dialogue where it causes issues for the characters. "Do people talk like that?" "Do children talk like that?" Those are the kind of issues this book is giving me and I find it hard to focus on the story. They are quick fixes and an editor can point them out very quickly for correction.
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| A.E. Crowe |
Why did I write this book?
Because I felt like the story needed to be told and that the characters were truly speaking to me. I always feel that if it's meant to be told then I will get it down on paper one way or another.
Anything you would like to share about this creation of this book?
Just that I did publish it last year but due to some editing issues I had to republish it.
What can we expect to see from you in the future?
OH you can expect to see a lot from me. I have all of my work back out that includes a children's book, and two novels one being the Orphanage. I also have about another six on the go.
My latest collaboration, Jasmine at Work, is now out in print. This fun children's picture story book, written by +Maria Rochelle and illustrated by yours truly is available from Createspace now and will be out on Amazon over the next few days.
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| Screenshot from Createspace |
You can also get the kindle version from Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/Jasmine-At-Work-Maria-Rochelle-ebook/dp/B00H8Y1ENS/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1387387301&sr=1-1&keywords=jasmine+at+work (where it became a best seller on the day of it's release).
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| Screenshot from Amazon.com |
Book description:
Take a romp with Jasmine the little gray dog as she imagines the fun of going to work like her Mommy! Follow this little Miniature Schnauzer as she dreams about having a real-world job. Kids will love Jasmine's can-do attitude and love of friends and family, and parents will appreciate her ambition and desire to succeed. Join this adorable puppy as she takes on the working world in the first book of the Jasmine Dreams series.
As always, we'd really appreciate if you could take a minute to post a review for the book on Amazon (and Goodreads... and anywhere else you can think of ;)) once you've read the book.
As more and more people are using mobile devices to visit websites now it's well and truly time for me to update my website and create a mobile version. I've been planning on doing this for a while but just haven't had the time to actually do it.
This is what my website currently looks like:
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| screenshot from www.JoLinsdell.com |
I like the simple, clutter-free design and the colour blue on white (blue is my favourite colour btw ;)) so I'll be keeping that. What will be changing it the format. I'll also be giving it a few more professional touches and tidying up the navigation.
As I'm a multi-genre author and offer services as well as my books, I'll be making each of my "jobs" more evident in the new design too.
It's going to be a big make-over and probably take some time to get it perfected but not only will it look better, and be easier to navigate, it'll also be optimised for mobile viewing too.
If you have any suggestions for the new site, features you'd like to see included, etc... please leave a comment below and I'll do my best to incorporate them in the new design.
I have a special discount deal running today for readers in the UK. You can grab a copy of my children's picture story book Fairy May for just 99p (a saving of 55% off the usual price).
Fairy May dreams of one day becoming a tooth fairy but she struggles at school and always seems to get things wrong. With hard work and determination Fairy May prepares for her test. Will she realise her dream and become a tooth fairy?
Here's a sample of what people have been saying about the book:
By kos
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
Fairy may is a enchanting read to share with your small child. Subtlety encouraging tooth hygiene and perseverance to get results. Lovely read for your own little fairy
5.0 out of 5 stars WHAT WE LOVE! 1 Feb 2013
By LaMarzia - Published on Amazon.com
Format:Paperback
I'm not an expert of children books, as far as a mother-of-2 (3,5yo and 1,5yo) can't be called as an expert of children books. =) This is the reason why my review will be "just" about what we love in this book.
We love the cuteness of drawings and the light, delicate colours.
We love the rhymes, a good exercise for non-mother-tongue children to improve their English knowledge.
We love the story, the strength of tiny May in following her dreams. We love the good example: if you want something you must be ready to work hard!
We love the highlight on dental hygiene, the importance of brushing teeth and we will download soon the extras!
We love to read it, and read it and read it again.... as we did with previous release by Jo Linsdell "OUT AND ABOUT AT THE ZOO"! =)
We love the book itself. Fairy May is a new character in our life and we hope in future new adventures to be released!
We love the cuteness of drawings and the light, delicate colours.
We love the rhymes, a good exercise for non-mother-tongue children to improve their English knowledge.
We love the story, the strength of tiny May in following her dreams. We love the good example: if you want something you must be ready to work hard!
We love the highlight on dental hygiene, the importance of brushing teeth and we will download soon the extras!
We love to read it, and read it and read it again.... as we did with previous release by Jo Linsdell "OUT AND ABOUT AT THE ZOO"! =)
We love the book itself. Fairy May is a new character in our life and we hope in future new adventures to be released!
5.0 out of 5 stars It Works!! 1 Feb 2013
By Neil Edwards - Published on Amazon.com
Format:Paperback
When a story is told using rhyming words, too many times it does not work, but this one surely does! The rhyming does not feel forced and the story line flows. I think it would be great for a beginning reader to use for practice as well as a fun read-aloud that reveals an important lesson!
5.0 out of 5 stars enchanting story 31 Jan 2013
By J. campbell - Published on Amazon.com
Format:Paperback
Fairy May is a story that will draw in younger children with it's colorful, playful illustrations and clever writing. Younger children will favor it as a bedtime read, while older children learning to read can choose it to practice their craft. Well produced with high quality!
For more reviews check out the product page on Amazon.
Get your copy now at http://www.amazon.co.uk/Fairy-May-Jo-Linsdell-ebook/dp/B00BA8ZERA/ref=la_B003V5AFXS_1_5_title_1_kin?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1387142873&sr=1-5
Note: This offer is vaild from 8am on 16th December until 8am on 17th December 2013.
Books
Featured Friday: My First Travel Book by Anna Othitis
Disclosure: The FTC Disclosure Provision is a law that requires influencers to disclose when they are being paid to promote a product or service. So please know that if I'm not making money through affiliate links/sponsored content on the post you're currently reading, it's an oversight on my part and will be corrected soon. Read the full disclosure about all the legal stuff here.
Title: My First Travel Book
Author: Anna Othitis
ISBN: 13: 978-1625109453
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| Front cover |
Book Blurb:
Are you ready to take to the skies? Then welcome to Angelic Airlines! Come join the adventures of Captain Frankie and the Angelic Airlines flying angel as they travel across the world to some of the most popular, entertaining, and educational places in the world. Captain Frankie is waiting for you to book your ticket, safely stow your bags, and open your eyes to the beautiful places created for all of us to visit in My First Travel Book.
Are you ready to take to the skies? Then welcome to Angelic Airlines! Come join the adventures of Captain Frankie and the Angelic Airlines flying angel as they travel across the world to some of the most popular, entertaining, and educational places in the world. Captain Frankie is waiting for you to book your ticket, safely stow your bags, and open your eyes to the beautiful places created for all of us to visit in My First Travel Book.
Purchasing links:
Living most of my life in Zimbabwe, now settled in Wanaque New Jersey, we immigrated to the U.S. from Zimbabwe about 12 years ago. Born in Greece, we moved to Zimbabwe with my family as an infant, where a few years ago left for the U.S.A. due to political turmoil, and fortunate to give out three sons more educational opportunities in lands of opportunities. I was inspired by my vast experiences in Africa and by the many beautiful places that I and my family have visited over our life time in Zimbabwe.
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| Back cover |
I have authored our new children’s book recently launched, that "flies" children around the world and at the same time teaching them about some of its most famous destinations in the world. My recent visit to Niagara Falls State Park in New York over the summer which is one of the famous destinations featured in my educational, fun and inspiring book “My First Travel Book” for children between the ages of 3 and 10 also featuring my home country and land with Victoria Falls of my native Rhodesian/Zimbabwean heritage. Our book is written in a fun rhyming format featuring beautiful and very real illustrations of our destinations with educational experience for the young readers, with lessons in history and geography on these famous destinations.
Authored together with our son Frankie we wrote and edited the book released through Tate Publishing. The amazing creation, which stands in the Military Museum in Gweru, Zimbabwe, was one of my inspirations to write my cute children’s book this sculptured by a fellow rural man from sticks and small tree trunks, an image of a aero plane which he saw flying in the skies, not often seen in Zimbabwe’s remote areas, like a huge bird in the skies. I and my family have in the past great opportunities in visiting many destinations around our beautiful earth and world of such natural nature which we and our children have to preserve and appreciate, taking care of our environment is of the outmost importance. My book features “Captain Frankie” himself, training to become a commercial pilot and flying his Angelic Airlines flying angel to such majestic destinations, all of these hold special significant memories to our family and with my book to pass on these experiences to our Our wonderful, lovely children of our beautiful world who can now travel and experience them through our beautiful well illustrated and informative book “My First ravel Book” with our friendly “Captain Frankie” to enjoy, reading and learning on their parents/grandparents laps.
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| At book signing |
Let us all take care of our amazing environment so that we do not spoil our beautiful miraculous earth and wonderful world with its beautiful living beings and animals that surround us every day.
“My First Travel Book” on Angelic Flights with your friendly “Captain Frankie” authored by Anna Othitis, co-authored by Frankie, is a worthwhile fun, educational, inspiring children’s book recommended to all adults where they can learn along and enjoy flying the world with their young readers, be it from their classrooms, homes and more .
Our children have such amazing curious little observant little minds, always wanting to learn and question so much in their growing lives.
Video Book Trailer:
Some Customer Reviews:
This is a great book to introduce different parts of the world to young children. The illustrations are amazing too!!
Very informative and easy for kids to understand! Really works their imagination and would recommend this book to all parents for their kids. Very well written.
My grandson LOVED THIS BOOK, as did I. It explained to him about landmarks throughout the world that they don't cover in school anymore. Kudos to you for putting it into such a format that is fun and educational!
From the author:
My Poem below on why at that particular time I subconsciously chose these destinations:-
My Poem below on why at that particular time I subconsciously chose these destinations:-
This very bright, crispy, morning while sitting on our back yard balcony in the warm lovely sun shining day drinking my Greek coffee, with the birds happily singing and chirping in the back round, my thoughts took me back to the time that I started writing our children's book " My First Travel Book " what was it in my heart at that particular moment to choose these lovely destinations that Captain Frankie flies to.
Our beautiful loved home we lived and grew up in, Zimbabwe with her mighty, thunderous water of wonder ' Victoria Falls'
Our land Africa where we grew up in with its wonderful wild animals and life, its stillness of natural beauty, its primitive people.
My country of birth and culture Greece with its ancient land mark of the ' Acropolis '
Our now country of residence USA, the country of freedom, where the opportunity for Captain Frankie was given to take up the love of his life and career, aeronautics/pilot with her amazingly huge land mark ' The Statue of Liberty '
The land of Canada where our two sons were given their opportunities to reside in with the mighty curtain of water so very powerful 'The Niagara Falls '.
The ' Eiffel Tower ' where the beginning of our two sons Canadian future paths began.
This is the "beautiful bright sun shining light" that suddenly shone in my heart on this wonderful morning that took me back to think of that particular moment of our angelic flights and choices of destinations in our children's book with Captain Frankie.
THERE IS ALWAYS A STORY TO BE TOLD BEHIND EVERY CREATION IN LIFE.
Let us take a deep look into the bottom of our happy hearts our inner selves and know that we all have HAPPY, wonderful, thankful, mysterious, worthwhile stories to tell our family, friends, the world , to all of our children in our world, always with such happy endings, always seeking more and more happy, fun adventures to travel to in our beautiful world.
Exciting news to share... Jasmine at Work, written by +Maria Rochelle and illustrated by yours truly, was released today in kindle format
AND....
it's already a best seller! (currently ranked #91 in Bedtime and Dreaming).
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| Screenshot from Amazon.com |
Get your kindle copy at http://www.amazon.com/Jasmine-At-Work-Maria-Rochelle-ebook/dp/B00H8Y1ENS/ref=pd_rhf_dp_p_d_1
Not got a Kindle reading device? No problem! Download one of the free apps from http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=dig_arl_box?ie=UTF8&docId=1000493771 and you'll be able to read all the kindle books you want.
Once you have read the book, please take a moment to post a quick review with your feedback. It will only take you a minute but means a lot to us.
When buying my books from Createspace this holiday season I'm giving you 15% off. All you need to do is use the code: WPL4YMCT at the check out. It's valid on all my titles on site too ;)
I just love it when people contact me asking to host me on their sites and that's exactly what happened this week. Back in October I was hosted by +Lynnette Phillips on her Book World Marketing blog as part of my virtual book tour to promtoe the release of my book Virtual Book Tours: Effective Online Book Promotion From the Comfort of Your Own Home. Well, she got back in touch this week after watching one of my YouTube video's and asked if she could feature it on her blog. Of course, I said yes and here it is on her site: http://bookworldmarketing.com/2013/12/06/benefits-of-hosting-others-on-their-vbt-from-jo-linsdell
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| Screenshot from Book World Marketing |
If you'd like to host me on your site, re-use my content for posts, or even just want a quote to include in an article, drop my an email.
ABOUT ME
Welcome to my world! This is where I share my passion for books, blogging, travel, health and fitness, hair and beauty. A lifestyle blog packed full of useful advice, ideas, and inspiration.
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