Book Review: The CleanSweep Conspiracy by Chuck Waldron

Book Review: The CleanSweep Conspiracy by Chuck Waldron

Jo Linsdell   08:00:00

I got sent a copy of this book from the author as part of a virtual book tour organised by iread books tours.

Title: The CleanSweep Conspiracy

Author: Chuck Waldron

My rating: 4 stars

About the book:

Matt Tremain publishes Verité, a modest blog dedicated to writing about the truth and exposing scams. Currently, he’s following up on rumors concerning something called CleanSweep, a mysterious project in Toronto, Canada.

http://amzn.to/28Wfe5i

Matt gets his break when a whistleblower connects CleanSweep to billionaire Charles Claussen. Claussen plans to rid Toronto of undesirables, beginning with street people and extending to any citizens who don’t match Claussen’s restrictive screening matrix.

With the help of a high-ranking government official, Claussen plans to incite riots and violent unrest, conning Torontonians into sacrificing privacy and civil liberties for illusionary security and safety. Toronto will be reduced to a repressive city-state.

The information overwhelms Matt, who doubts he has the courage, skill, or readership to take on CleanSweep. But the murder of his source convinces the blogger to take a stand—although he’s too late to prevent chaos from gripping Toronto’s streets.

To get the word out, Matt’s going to need allies. He may have found some in a Toronto police detective and a local TV reporter pursuing the same story—presuming they aren’t allied with Claussen. If they are, Matt’s going to become yet another victim of CleanSweep, and the truth will be buried forever.

Watch the video for my full review:

Have you read this book? What did you think of it?

Camp NaNoWriMo: July Writing Challenge

Camp NaNoWriMo: July Writing Challenge

Jo Linsdell   08:00:00

This July I'm going to be taking part in the Camp NaNoWriMo writing challenge (you can find me on there at http://campnanowrimo.org/campers/jolinsdell). Although I've done (and won) the November NaNoWriMo writing challenge several times, this will be my first year doing Camp NaNoWriMo. 

The Camp works slightly differently to the November challenge. NaNoWriMo has the goal of writing of 50K novel in a month. Camp NaNoWriMo is more flexible. You pick your goal. The point is that you write.

This year I'm going to be using the challenge to finally finish my chick lit novel "Twice" that I started as a NaNoWriMo project a couple of years ago. It's been sat on my computer and ignored for far too long! 

I'm really excited about getting back to my characters. It's a bit like meeting up with old friends you haven't seen in a while. I'd forgotten how much I liked this crazy bunch :)

My official Camp NaNoWriMo participant badge.

Are you doing Camp NaNoWriMo too? What are you doing for the challenge?

Featured Premade eBook Cover

Featured Premade eBook Cover

Jo Linsdell   08:00:00

This weeks featured premade ebook cover:

PMBC21

  

Find more cover designs at http://www.jolinsdell.com/p/premade.html

Library Reads: 19th-25th June 2016

Library Reads: 19th-25th June 2016

Jo Linsdell   08:00:00

Welcome back to another Library Reads book haul!

This week we went bilingual, and learnt about music :)

This week the kids picked:

- Bebop Express

- Hungry for Numbers

Watch the video to find out what we thought of them:

Subscribe at https://www.youtube.com/user/jolinsdell to make sure you're the first to know when new videos are uploaded.

Book Review: Cabin FURvor by Patricia Fry

Book Review: Cabin FURvor by Patricia Fry

Jo Linsdell   08:00:00

Title: Cabin FURvor

Author: Patricia Fry

I got sent a free e-copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. 

About the book:

A girls’ fun getaway weekend quickly becomes something that would rival any Fright Night flick. The women run into the infamous mountain monster, they’re visited by an escaped kidnap victim, and they’re privy to rumors of a deranged serial killer who may live secretly in their cabin. Just when Savannah, Aunt Margaret, and their two best friends think the worst is over, they make a grisly discovery that shakes up the mountain community. This thriller is also rich in hilarity and features plenty of cat action, as Rags and his tabby friend Dolly tag along on this fur-raising adventure.

I'm giving this a 3 star rating.

Watch the video for my full review:

Purchasing link: http://amzn.to/1sIYapR

Have you read this book, or other books from the series? What did you think of them?

Featured Premade eBook Cover

Featured Premade eBook Cover

Jo Linsdell   08:00:00

This weeks featured premade cover design:

PMBC16

 

Find more cover designs at http://www.jolinsdell.com/p/premade.html

Library Reads: 12th-18th June 2016

Library Reads: 12th-18th June 2016

Jo Linsdell   08:00:00

Welcome back to another Library Reads!

Our last trip to the library was a special one, because it was the end of term party, and the kids got awarded certificates for being active library members. My youngest got his for taking part in the group activities and listening to the stories, and my eldest got his for reading aloud to groups of other children.

The library staff put on a fab party for us all with face painting, dancing, and lots of fun and games. Just another reason why we love our library so much :)

And now to talk about this week's Library Reads...

We decided to check out another book in the It's a Wild Life, Buddy! series. We LOVE this series. 

This week the kids picked:

- Lizzie the Elephant

- The Pigeon Has Feelings Too!

Watch the video to find out what we thought of them:

Have you read these books? What did you think of them? Got a suggestion for a book we should check out in the future? 

Does your library have an end of term party? What kind of activities does your library offer for kids? Leave a comment below ;)

Don't forget to subscribe at https://www.youtube.com/user/jolinsdell for more video's.

Book Review: The Tao of Book Publicity- A Beginner's Guide to Book Promotion by Paula Margulies

Book Review: The Tao of Book Publicity- A Beginner's Guide to Book Promotion by Paula Margulies

Jo Linsdell   08:00:00

Paula Margulies recently sent me a free ecopy of her book The Tao of Book Publicity- A Beginner's Guide to Book Promotion to review and WOW! It was awesome. This one gets a 5 star rating.

About the book:

In The Tao of Book Publicity, publicist Paula Margulies outlines the basics of book promotion and explains how the business of publicizing a book works. Designed for beginning authors but also useful for those with some experience in book publishing, The Tao of Book Publicity provides information on the importance of writing a good book and the need for developing a platform, as well as how-to explanations for developing publicity material, including front and back cover text, press releases, Q&As, media and blog tour queries, and newsletter and media lists.

The Tao of Book Publicity also covers social media, book pricing and sales, book tours and media interviews, and author websites. In addition to explaining how book publicity works, this valuable handbook explores practical topics such as publicity costs, timing, and considerations when hiring a publicist.

Simple, straightforward, and informative, The Tao of Book Publicity includes expert advice on all aspects of book promotion and is a go-to reference guide for beginning and experienced authors alike.

What I thought of it:

The Tao of Book Publicity: A Beginner's Guide to Book Promotion by Paula Margulies

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Although the subtitle of this book states "Beginner's Guide" this book is really a must read for all authors. Margulies obviously knows her stuff and gives good advice and tips throughout. I thought she particularly excelled when talking about planning, organising, and carrying out events, and loved that she went beyond just simple book signings to include conventions, trade shows, and more.

Whilst she does mention her experience as a book publicist throughout the book it's never done in a "talk down to you" kind of way. In fact she even has a chapter at the end of the book where she talks about finding the right publicist for you, and if it's worth you getting one.

View all my reviews

Watch the video for the full review:

Purchasing link: http://amzn.to/1Ua0384

Have you read this book: What did you think of it? Got a suggestion for another awesome book about book marketing? Leave a comment below ;)

Featured Premade eBook Cover

Featured Premade eBook Cover

Jo Linsdell   08:00:00

This weeks featured premade cover design:

PMBC20

 

Find more cover designs at http://www.jolinsdell.com/p/premade.html

Library Reads: 5th-11th June 2016

Library Reads: 5th-11th June 2016

Jo Linsdell   08:00:00

Welcome back to another Library Reads update!

This week I was happy to find that the kids picked out two books which were very different from the usual picture books we find (Chester, and If...). It would be great to see more books like these on the shelves. Great conversation starters. 

This week the kids picked:

Little Miss Chatterbox

Mr. Bump

If...

Chester

Watch the video to find out what we thought of them:

Have you read any of these? Which is your favourite Mr. Men book? Got a suggestion for other books we should check out? Leave a comment below ;)

Book Review: Sister Dear by Laura McNeill

Book Review: Sister Dear by Laura McNeill

Jo Linsdell   08:00:00

I was sent a free e-copy of this book from Book Look Bloggers in exchange for my honest review. 

Book Description:

All Allie Marshall wants is a fresh start. But when dark secrets refuse to stay buried, will her chance at a new life be shattered forever?

Convicted of a crime she didn’t commit, Allie watched a decade of her life vanish – time that can never be recovered. Now, out on parole, Allie is determined to clear her name, rebuild her life, and reconnect with the daughter she barely knows.

But Allie’s return home shatters the quaint, coastal community of Brunswick, Georgia. Even her own daughter Caroline, now a teenager, bristles at Allie’s claims of innocence. Refusing defeat, a stronger, smarter Allie launches a battle for the truth, digging deeply into the past even if it threatens her parole status, personal safety, and the already-fragile bond with family.

As her commitment to finding the truth intensifies, what Allie ultimately uncovers is far worse than she imagined. Her own sister has been hiding a dark secret—one that holds the key to Allie’s freedom.

I loved this book! A real page turner. The whole way through it had me asking what really happened that night, and who did it. I normally find books that 'time hop' irritating and confusing but this one was done brilliantly. If you like mysteries and suspense you'll want to check this one out. 5 stars!

Watch the video for my full review:

Purchasing link:

http://amzn.to/1P9mgid

Have you read this book? What did you think of it? Got a suggestion for other books I should check out? Leave a comment below and let me know.

Library Reads: 30th May-4th June 2016

Library Reads: 30th May-4th June 2016

Jo Linsdell   08:00:00

Welcome back to another Library Reads! 

My posting schedule for our library updates has been a bit off recently with all the end of term activities going on (sorry about that), but also because the library is now no longer open every Saturday and so we had to change the day of the week we visit. This means I've had to rework our reading schedule, but also my schedule for filming and posting. With the summer months upon us finding our routine won't be easy either, but we will continue to go to the library every week and so Library Reads will continue for June and July. 

This is what the kids picked:

- Say Hello to the Animals

- Harry the Wolf

Watch the video to see what we thought of them:

You can also follow the Library Reads updates at https://www.youtube.com/user/jolinsdell

Got a suggestion for books we should check out in the future? Let me know in the comments section below.

My TBR List

My TBR List

Jo Linsdell   12:15:00

I love reading! I've always had quite varied taste in books too, and that has increased since I started doing professional book reviews. I've read lots of books that I would never have thought of reading, but decided to give a go because they sent me a copy in exchange for my honest review. I put the word honest in bold because it's very important. I won't ever give a good review just because I got sent a free copy of the book. If the book is terrible I just won't review it. "If you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all" is my review policy ;)

Those of you that follow me over on Instagram will already know that I like to share my to be read list (A.K.A. TBR list). 

I often get asked what I'm reading. I also get a lot of requests to review more books, and so I thought I'd share my TBR list (for reviews) with you today. 

The Tao of Book Publicity

http://amzn.to/1Zu6V1t

The CleanSweep Conspiracy

http://amzn.to/1Zu6NPJ

Cabin FURvor

http://amzn.to/1Yctb1u

Laundry in Like

http://amzn.to/1PfHvPs

Book Descriptions that Sell

http://amzn.to/214ZCOu

Competing with a Star

http://amzn.to/1UbP3s8

As you can see, I'll be reading a variety of genres over the coming month. I also have many more titles on my TBR list that were not sent in exchange for reviews but I'll be reviewing those too anyway because I like to share with the reading community, and support other authors. I'll share those in another post though.

What are you reading this month? Have you read any of the books I listed here?

SALE: Out and About at the Zoo ONLY $0,99!

SALE: Out and About at the Zoo ONLY $0,99!

Jo Linsdell   08:00:00

It's been a while since I did any promotions for my children's picture story books and so thought I'd set one up to start your kids summer reading off with a bang. 

From 12am PST on 2rd June until 12am PST on 5th June you can grab a kindle copy of Out and About at the Zoo for just $0,99 (Normal price $2,99).

Here's what readers have been saying about the book:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for the Grandkids!

By Jan Verhoeff 

This is a fun, short book for the grandkids! If you love reading to your children or grandchildren, this book will become a family favorite quite fast. The simple wording and bright interaction of characters makes it easy for very young readers and exciting for toddlers still listening.

Jo puts some serious thought into toddler reactions and includes those in the book. My favorite part was the last page, because my toddlers decided immediately that we needed to take a trip to the Denver Zoo. "Yay!!! I get to see the elephants!" (Okay, that part was ME not them. But they get to go too.)

 4.0 out of 5 stars Delightful read

By Margaret C. Arvanitis 

As a early childhood educator I find this book exactly what I like to read to my preschoolers. Colorful, well illustrated and attention keeping. A "read it again" story. I'll be sending copies to my great grands for Christmas.

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful Book for Kids!

By Victoria Marshal 

As a mom I can tell you there is no better compliment to a children's book than to have your child say, "read it again" when you finish reading a book. This is exactly what happened when I finished reading Out and About at the Zoo to my 3-year-old.

The story is a short one and I'm sure from the title you can guess what it's about. My little one couldn't get enough of the friendly, illustrated animals that inhabit Ms. Linsdell's zoo. Unlike some illustrated children s books that look like they're trying to win a modern art prize; Ms. Linsdell's illustrations are very approachable for children. The story is uncomplicated, which makes it easy for younger readers to follow along.

Overall, Out and About at the Zoo is a fun read for kids, which makes it priceless for this mom. ~V

5.0 out of 5 stars Its all Happening at the Zoo

By Bennet Pomerantz 

I review many books. When I see a children's picture book, I tend to savor the artistic way the writer and the artist tend to mesh. Sometimes its the blending that makes a simple child's book something really worth reading.

Out and About at the Zoo is a combination of the artist and the writer being the same person Jo Linsdell. She crafted a very cute and adorable children's volume. This simple children's book with bright colors of animals from the zoo is crisp in it poetic delivery. The art sparkles in its simple characters of the zoo animals.

Ms Linsdell seems to know her target audience and gives them a bright a images for them to enjoy. These young children will delight in this books rhythms that come from its verses and art. It is a good book to give for those young and young at heart.

Buy now at: http://amzn.to/20R7TFy

GIVEAWAY:

I've also set up a giveaway for added fun ;)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Here's some examples of photo's sent in from fans:

And don't forget you can download free Out and About at the Zoo printables from the FREE Resources page.

Changes and Updates

Changes and Updates

Jo Linsdell   15:22:00

This past couple of weeks I've been up to my eyeballs with end of term activities with my kids. Between school shows, swimming exams, Jiu Jitsu, and other year end festivities things have been pretty hectic. 

I decided that I'd make some time today to get organised before the summer break starts and my days melt into a constant kid zone. I'm not saying I won't be working through out the summer months, but I also know I'll be busy with the kids and have less time to dedicate to work.

I wanted to not only get organised with my blogs (particularly scheduling posts in advance for www.writersandauthors.info as much as possible. BTW if you want to be hosted there this summer now is the time to email me to set it up ;)), but also get organised with my works in progress.

I've neglected my works in progress so far this year, partly due to my health and partly due to being busy catching up for lost time whilst still dealing with life in the meantime. In order to help get myself back on track, and so that you can more easily follow my progress I've installed progress bars to the side bar. These will also hopefully work as inspiration for myself to finish all the projects I have on the go. 

screenshot showing progress bars

My goal is to finish all books in the editing/illustrating stage over the summer, and hopefully move those in writing to the editing stage. 

As a side note, I've also been researching for another project (one that will be my NaNoWriMo for this year). It's something completely different from anything I've ever done before and so I'm starting to plan early. I won't reveal more right now but I will tell you it will be the first book in a Young Adult series, and that I'm beyond excited about it.

I'm also undergoing a slight re-styling of my brand image. This is something I've been playing around with for a while now, making small changes here and there. I want a more solid look to the website, and my branding in general. This is something that will still take a while to fully integrate but I like how it's all coming together.

I'm slowly working on updating this website and tweaking it here and there so that things are easier to find, and so that the general look is more professional. If you have any suggestions please let me know in the comments section and I'll add them to my list ;)