Literary Love

A New Cover New version to come soon I have been working with an artist on a new cover for both the eBook and print versions of my novel. This one still has the designer's watermark on it. Designing a cover has been quite an learning experience. Trying to get someone else to envision what I had in mind was, at times, difficult. (Worse through email) But I believe the final product is very nice. What do you think? Current version on Amazon New cover by Steph's Cover Design

The world breaks everyone, and afterward, some are strong at the broken places.   ~ Ernest Heming Everyone is a critic. Authors must grow a thick skin. I am both an author and a critic. I'm not proud to say I have been unkind at times, but being an author has made me more aware of criticism and how hurtful it can be. I've read some harsh and nasty public reviews of other author's novels online. I found these reviews on Amazon: Sorry but I think this author needs to find another profession. Could not go on after the 3rd chapter! Reads like a child wrote it.  And another, after a paragraph of why the book didn't work for her, she ended with: I won't recommend this book to my friends. I won't buy a book from this author again.  I am grateful these reviews were not aimed at me or my book, but I feel for these authors. The naysayer in me is resistant to believe these reviewers understand that out there, in the intangible wor...

"Into each life some rain must fall"   ~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow  Got my first 2 star review. As much as I want everyone to LOVE my story, it is implausible. Tastes and attitudes vary so greatly from one person to another … and I know this. The reviewer said she read the beginning and didn't care for the language or characters, and therefore did not finish the book. I take no offense to this review. It sounds like she wanted something gentler than what "Saving Toby" offers.  If you want sweet and gentle, please don't read this story. I put a 'Graphic Content' warning within the book's description on Amazon because I wanted to warn potential readers:   Saving Toby isn't gentle I wrote it to evoke strong emotions. There are scenes that are sweet and a few that may make you laugh, but it is often harsh, and, at times, sexual but then, so is life and love. I tried to write an honest portrayal of a contemporar...

Downloads were plentiful! Over the weekend, Saving Toby was downloaded almost 1,700 times! It hit #1 in ranking for Romance and Love genre and #11 in New Adult/College genre downloads on both Friday and Saturday. I also received an additional 5 star review from a reader! (someone I don't actually know! lol) What also filled my heart with joy, was the phone call I received yesterday from my sister-in-law, a woman's whose opinion I value, not only because she is a wonderful person, but because she is well-educated, and a librarian, to boot.  I was immensely pleased with her feedback, and I hope she won't mind me quoting her, but she said, "It is so much more than a love story." She is suggesting Saving Toby to her husband and friends to read. So if you took advantage of the free download over the weekend, please don't just leave it hanging about on your eReader. READ it! I think you'll enjoy it. And, of course, don't forget to give...

Get my book for Free! If you haven't already gotten it, Amazon is featuring FREE, yes FREE downloads of my novel, Saving Toby,  Friday and Saturday, September 6 and 7. Click the link below and get a copy. Be sure to leave a review when you finish reading. All reviews welcomed and needed - that's how we writer's grow! Amazon Website link to Saving Toby