The 6 Steps Plan to e-Publishing (Kindle ebooks): How to Write, Publish in kindle format and Market your Kindle Books with Amazon KDP by Ally Nathaniel
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I received a free copy of this book from Story Cartel in exchange for this review.

This is a great book about e-publishing. It's very concise and direct. It walks you step by step through the process. It focuses on Kindle and KDP, but that is what the author knows. There are other e-book publishers out there, but Kindle is by far the dominant player in the market. It goes into details about subcontracting work to outsiders, and also illustrations for those who need it (especially for illustrations other than the cover). The e-book contains links to help you get started. One thing to mention is that with any contract, it's always buyer beware. Read contracts carefully before signing them, and especially before transferring money. It touches on pricing and royalties as well. Much of this information is available elsewhere, but it's nice to have it in a concise location. All in all, if you're going to publish a book, this is a good reference.

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About this blog

Hello, everyone! I'd just like to take a minute to welcome my new followers, and to explain something about how I use this blog. First of all, I'm trying out some new things. If the blog looks a little messy now, rest assured I will clean it up. I'm trying to decide what I want on here, as well as where it should go. I'm a tax accountant at H&R Block, so I'm busy until April 15. I will try to adjust as I can, but until April 16, it will be hit or miss. Second, you can follow this blog either by bloglovin or NetworkedBlogs. I'm working to add more. I don't have an e-mail subscription just yet, so these are the best ways to follow me. Third, as you can see from my Goodreads links, I read a lot of books. I've started reviewing to state what I like or don't like about a book in order to help someone else. I try not to make my reviews too long, because I don't want the review to be as long as the book. I do accept free copies of books for review. In accordance with FTC guidelines, I will disclose that I received a free book in exchange for the review. If you notice, I may post the same review here and on Goodreads, Amazon, and B&N. I am not yet a member of Amazon's inner circle, so reviews of books that haven't been published yet will not appear on Amazon or B&N until publication date. Also, I occasionally receive either galleys or ARCs for review. When reviewing these, I overlook any formatting or spacing errors, as I believe these are cosmetic issues that will be addressed before final publication. I focus on the content of the book, since that's what will be the book's legacy after publication. Right now, this is a hobby for me. I get no compensation for this other than the free books. If someone gives me a book to review, I try to read it and get a review in as soon as I can. As I said, right now I'm winding up tax season, so things are busy for me at work. I will definitely have more time starting April 16. Finally, I am also on other social media websites. If you invite me to friend you, I will friend back. I will try to follow you on Twitter, but right now I am at my limit of 2000. I am on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest and Google Plus. Search for Joseph McGarry I'll be talking to you later. Keep Reading!

Kindle Fire Giveaway

Enter to win 1 of 2 great prizes. Winner's choice of a Kindle Fire HDX or $229 Amazon Gift Card or $229 Paypal Cash! The first prize is available via the rafflecopter below. The 2nd is available only to bloggers who post about this giveaway. You can find info on how to enter the 2nd giveaway in the rafflecopter.

Win a Kindle Fire HDX, Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash ($229 value)

All New Kindle Fire HDX 7" Giveaway

The winner will have the option of receiving a 7" Kindle Fire HDX (US Only - $229 Value)

  Or $229 Amazon.com Gift Card (International)

  Or $229 in Paypal Cash (International)

    Giveaway Sponsors: I Am A Reader Feed Your Reader Inspired Kathy Author Rachael Anderson Author Carolyn Cooper Author Kimber Leigh Wheaton Laurie Here - Contemporary Fiction and MORE Fabio Bueno, YA Author A Book Lover's Retreat Laurie's Thoughts and Reviews Becoming Books Fae Books Author Christie Anderson Author David Pandolfe Jetpack Dragons Clutter Your Kindle Crossangels Author Mary Ting/M. Clarke Alexandrea Weis Author Addicted Readers Author Alecia Stone Tressa's Wishful Endings Author Rae Z. Ryans Bella Street's Weird Romance Bonnie Blythe's Pure Romance Author Inger Iversen Author M.A. George Theresa DaLayne Buried Under Romance Author Myrna Mackenzie Owl Always Be Reading Jacqueline Diamond Author Joan Leacott Free Bookster Emma Michaels Jennifer Laurens - author My Nook, Books & More LOVE. WITHOUT YOU The (Mis)Adventures of a Twenty-Something year Old Girl Bound 4 Escape Reviews from a Bookworm The YA Buzz Claudia Burgoa Lynda Raymond Books for Young Children A. Wrighton, Author Author Niki Danforth Lori's Reading Corner Hearts On Sleeves Book Blog The Forever Girl Series Author Crystal Donahue A Leisure Moment : A Casual Conversation about our love for Literature Author Elizabeth Parkinson Bellows Me, My Shelf and I Author FA Michaels The Reporter and The Girl Author Ashley Stambaugh Extaordinaryreads Laurie Treacy, Author Faithful Acres Books   Sign up to sponsor the next Kindle Giveaway here: http://www.iamareader.com/category/kindle-giveaway-sign-ups   Giveaway Details 1 winner will receive their choice of an all new Kindle Fire 7" HDX (US Only - $229 value), $229 Amazon Gift Card or $229 in Paypal Cash (International). There is a second separate giveaway for bloggers who post this giveaway on their blog. See details in the rafflecopter on how to enter to win the 2nd Kindle Fire HDX 7", $229 Amazon Gift Card or $229 in Paypal Cash. Ends 4/30/14 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the participating authors & bloggers. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Every Guest a Hero

Every Guest is a Hero: Disney's Theme Parks and the Magic of Mythic Storytelling by Adam M. Berger
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I received a free copy of this book in a Goodreads giveaway.

I haven't been to Disney Parks in many years. When I was there, I really didn't think about epic journeys or Innermost Caves or anything like that. I just wanted to get on the ride as quick as possible and not spend all day in line. (This was before Fastpass, which allows guests to bypass the line.) I noticed that Disney spent a lot of time on its waiting area, but I thought it was just to keep everyone occupied while they were waiting in line, especially going by the sign that says "Your expected wait time is 60 minutes." I also knew that Disney was good at storytelling. Now, as Adam Berger informs us, this was all part of the mythic design, to make the guest feel like a hero. He goes through an introduction of the myth-making story of Disney, and then describes 10 rides in detail through the lens of Joseph Campbell's theories about myths and epic adventures. I don't know if all rides are like this--I don't remember any kind of epic journey on It's a Small World--but he does a reasonably good job of explaining everything. I think at times the epic part can go overboard trying to fit epic journeys into the rides. Quite frankly, for most people getting to the end of the ride by itself is epic enough. It does say something about Disney's attitude, though. If they put this much effort into the waiting area of the ride, they really care about the guest experience. It may be a lesson for other businesses as well. The customer needs to feel like they're valued, and not just for their money. They need to feel like they're part of something special. In my experience, this can be rare. The epic journey in a lot of cases is getting through to talk to someone in customer service. Push 1 for this department, push 2 for that department, isn't what customers want. All in all, a good book, and recommended reading for any business pro, or anyone who wants to know more about what's behind all that stuff in the waiting line at Disney.

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Keeping Merminia by Emm Cole
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This sounded a little familiar. A group of warriors crossing over land searching for a ring. It was a little jarring at first, switching from 3rd person in the original to alternating 1st person here. After a while I got used to it. I thought the ending was open ended. I wanted to find out what happened to everyone. *Spoiler alert* I didn't realize until the end that Walter was speaking in the prologue. If there isn't going to be a 3rd book, I would have liked to see an epilogue with Walter to round out the story. Otherwise, a good book.

This review also appears on Amazon.com.

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a review.

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Merminia by Emm Cole
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Interesting take on mermaids. Most books have mermaids as a totally perfect kingdom, where everyone lives in harmony, and the only problems arise when they interact with humans. The Litiant empire reminds me of the Roman Empire. I thought it left itself open for a sequel, which there was. At first, I got lost in the characters, but I eventually got into it. All in all, a good book.

This review (and rating) also appear on Amazon.com. I received a free copy from the author in exchange for a review.

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Vienna Nocturne: A Novel by Vivien Shotwell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I received a free ARC from a Goodreads giveaway. My review is based on the ARC, so some elements of the book may change between the ARC and the final published copy.

This book starts out in 1776, when young Anna Storace is just starting her singing career. It soon jumps ahead to her career in Vienna. She meets many of the composers of the day. One of the first she meets is Salieri. I immediately flashed back to Amadeus, and figured that when Salieri was mentioned, Mozart would be appearing soon enough. And, shortly after this, there he was. The book details Anna's romantic life, especially with Mozart, who was already married at the time. Anna herself marries the abusive John Fisher, and gives birth to a child who dies shortly after birth. It continues through the closing concert in Vienna in 1787, then jumps ahead to 1801. (These are not spoiler alerts. These are historical facts. Here is the link to the Wikipedia article on Anna: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anna_Sto... )

Obviously, anytime you blend fact and fiction, some elements are going to be changed. The relationship between Mozart and Anna was probably fiction. Also, *Spoiler Alert* the novel has Anna's baby dying within a week of birth, when in reality the baby lived for 6 months. The music descriptions are excellent, but given that the author is a singer herself, this should be expected.

The one flaw I found in the book was the ending. It seemed a bit too abrupt. *Spoiler alert* After her farewell concert in Vienna in 1787, the book quotes 3 letters, then jumps ahead to her return concert in Vienna in 1801. It stops right before the concert starts. It reminded me of the title cards at the end of a movie telling what happened to the characters. I would have liked a little more description of the years between 1787 and 1801, as well as some of the years after 1801 (she died in 1817.) Otherwise, a very good book.

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Win a Kindle Fire HDX, Amazon Gift Card or Paypal Cash ($229 value)   This is a joint AUTHOR & BLOGGER GIVEAWAY EVENT! Bloggers & Authors have joined together and each chipped in a little money towards a Kindle Fire HDX 7".

All New Kindle Fire HDX 7" Giveaway

The winner will have the option of receiving a 7" Kindle Fire HDX (US Only - $229 Value)

  Or $229 Amazon.com Gift Card (International)

  Or $229 in Paypal Cash (International)

  March Kindle Fire Sponsors I Am A Reader, Not A Writer Feed Your Reader The Ripple Effect Romance Series Bound 4 Escape Fae Books Author Mary Ting Giddy Over YA The Loopy Librarian Bea's Book Nook Laurie Here Bella Street's Weird Romance Bonnie Blythe's Pure Romance Immortal Ink Publishing Owl Always Be Reading Author Alecia Stone Author Heather Gray Author Camelia Miron Skiba Author Kimber Leigh Wheaton The Reporter and The Girl Author Rae Z. Ryans The Storybook Kingdom Loren Secretts Elizabeth Woodrum Paige Ryan Lori's Reading Corner Author Melissa McClone Author M.A. George Author Inger Iversen Lena Sledge Author David Pandolfe Andrea R. Cooper, Author Emily Hemmer, Author Author Jennifer Faye SA Larsen, KidLit Author More Than a Review The (Mis)Adventures of a Twenty-Something year Old Girl My Story That I Like Best Meredith & Jennifer's Musings Ally Shields Author Carol Davis Luce Author Steven Brown Author Danielle Annett The Girl Raised by Books The Stubby Pencil The YA Buzz Author Ednah Walters Author DiDi Hendley Barbara Silkstone Addicted Readers Reviews from a Bookworm Amid Summer Night Dreams Hallowed Ink Press Jennifer Allis Provost Author Rosanne Rivers Author MK McClintock Elizabeth Parkinson Bellows DE Division of Energy & Climate Awesome Romance Novels   Sign up to sponsor the next Kindle Fire Giveaway: http://www.iamareader.com/category/kindle-giveaway-sign-ups   Giveaway Details 1 winner will receive their choice of an all new Kindle Fire 7" HDX (US Only - $229 value), $229 Amazon Gift Card or $229 in Paypal Cash (International). There is a second separate giveaway for bloggers who post this giveaway on their blog. See details in the rafflecopter on how to enter to win the 2nd Kindle Fire HDX 7". Ends 3/31/14 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com Gift Code or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the participating authors & bloggers. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW. a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway for Kindle Fire HDX
http://us6.campaign-archive2.com/?u=e7591d0d8ffeb979aea95e39f&id=1ca6a12f63

William Shakespeare's Star Wars

I just finished this book. It's an interesting concept. It was a little strange at first adjusting to the Shakespearean language, but I got used to it. It imagines that this play is being performed on the stage. There is a chorus to describe the action that would follow the transition scenes in the movie. It's based on the updated Star Wars movie, released in 1997. The characters have asides to explain their actions, just like Shakespeare does. It does paraphrase some other Shakespeare plays. I noticed allusions to Henry V, Hamlet, Julius Caesar, and even King Lear. One unusual note is that R2D2 speaks. This was authorized by Lucasfilm. In fact, Lucasfilm has the copyright on this book. I wonder what it would be like to actually perform this onstage. According to their Tumblr feed, performance rights aren't yet available, but hopefully they will be in the future. 

For more information, check out this link:

www.quirkbooks.com/shakespearestarwars