Health Update

   I wanted to let you all know, I'm getting there.  My eye doctor says my eyes are slowly healing. I do read for extremely short times. I'm not supposed yo strain my eyes ay all.  I get bored though with nothing to do.

  Other health issues have wandered into the situation. Some not too bad, others really throw me for a loop. Like this one- I am a diagnosed insomniac. Sleep is not my companion.. lol. Not for years. I go days at a time and never sleep. What threw me happened this week. I  fell asleep and my last thought was please let me sleep longer than 30 minutes.  I did alright. I slept for 20 HOURS!! TWENTY HOURS!!  It scared me to death! I haven't slept that long in my life. I'm the one who wakes the alarm clock up. lol  When I figured out how long I slept, I asked a serious question. DID ANYONE CHECK ON ME? Since I don't sleep, I thought perhaps one to the two kids still in the state would think hey, it's been awhile since I've seen or heard from mom, maybe I should check on her.  NOPE! Never crossed their minds.  I said so if I die at home, I won't be found for probably a week or two. No, they said, we'd check on you before then. I'm not so sure. lol  I have a couple of other issues causing problems as well. We are working on them and I am praying my eyes will be back to normal before Christmas. Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Melanie

(As dictated to her daughter)

  

The Littles and Reading

              Books make such a great gift. They also help the littles read more or have someone reading to them more. I stumbled on these two Little Golden Book Biographies and was amazed.  Did they really bring biographies to children?  They certainly did!

How wonderful! I was simply amazed at these books. They do have many other biographies as well. These books will be great for third thru sixth grades. They will help them learn about important people in our lives and in the world.

Look for more Little Golden Book biographies:

Queen Elizabeth II

Audrey Hepburn

Elton John

Julie Andrews

Oprah Winfrey

   Here is a short list of some of the books. I am thrilled to share this find! Of course my littles are grown but they still see some they'd like to read.  Here are a few others.      

Lin-Manuel Miranda

Marie Currie

The Wright Brothers

Taylor Swift

Stan Lee

The Story of Strong Black Men ( five stories inside)

Simone Biles

Jackie Robinson

Thomas Jefferson

Alexander Hamilton

  So as you can see, the list is huge. I love when I find books that teach the littles something. This find is just terrific. Consider them when looking for a gift for the little in your life. Their favorite celebrities' might have a Little Golden Book Biography in the list.

Check them out yourself! Then pick up several for your littles library!

       

Rekindling Her Heart Virginia Barlow

    Mara Miller didn't expect her life to take the direction it did. She had other plans. Ultimately, it wasn't up to her. Fate decided how her path would go.  Mara decided she could and would make the best of it. Raising her daughter alone had never been easy but Mara did it.  Everyone abandoned her the moment they heard the word baby. 

  Bruce Moretti's life was changing too. He was moving into an apartment down the hall from Mara. He needed the change. He was dealing with his own issues and not ready for a relationship. He did notice Mara though. Would these two get acquainted or just be ships passing in the hall?

   This is a great book. The writing is solid and the characters well defined. I found this to be an easy read. It does cover some intense subjects. Light hearted and fun, you'll be able to read this in one sitting. I enjoyed this book very much. You will as well, so get your copy now.

  I found no issues.

  I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because it delivers in every way.

Let Me Share Something

 

t

 Hello All!

I thought I'd try to explain something about the reviews. I receive on average 120 review request in a week. I try to keep the number I agree to review in a comfortable amount. I try not to over extend.  With the health issues I've run into the last 3 years, it has kept me on a very slow pace. 

  In order to help facilitate a better understanding of my schedule, I'm sharing something no one has ever known about my list.  Right now, I have over 1159 books on my Kobo waiting to be reviewed. There are 2140 books on my Kindle. I have 275 physical books here.  Then we go to the biggie. I have 11264 books on my computer to review. When I say I'm busy, I  mean it.

My Kindle is one of the original ones and very slow moving. My Kobo is also troublesome. I am unsure how much longer either  of them will last. The question is, how do I replace them?  I also am having trouble with Amazon allowing me to post reviews. Their policy of having to spend $50 a year to post reviews of any kind is ILLEGAL! You can not require payment for such reviews. They know this and so does my attorney.

How to leave a book rating or review on Amazon (even if you didn’t buy your book there).

   The answer is: You can leave a rating or review for a book that you didn't purchase on the site.  

Amazon ratings/reviews are important to authors  The Consumer Review Fairness Act was passed in response to reports that some businesses try to prevent people from giving honest reviews about products or services they received.

  

I will be back to it as soon as I can.

 New Health Update

On one hand the reviewer can't be compensated for their reviewws 

  I thought it was time to post an update.  I'm still healing, that's the best thing!  I still seem to have fun-house-like vision in my left eye.  It makes for some interesting days. lol.  Unfortunately, till have blood making may vision milky and hazy. It is diposting my reviews. Mr. Bezos also allowed my profile to be put bacfficult to read. I am still trying though. 

  I have noticed my visits here going from 900 to 7. I won't lie, it hurts and disappoints me but I haven't given up. I know I will be back to reading and reviewing before end of year. I miss it all. I understand my blog isn't as popular as thousands of others, but I keep reviewing. 

  I am still boycotting amazon. allowed my They have underhanded and unfair business practices. They expect anyone to spend $50 a year to post any review. If you receive a gift from amazon, you can't post a review about it. Unless, they get their $50.  If the Author, himself or herself, give you a copy of their book to review, unless they've gotten their $50. If you receive as a gift a book and want to review it, unless they've gotten their yearly $50 spent there.  They do however, have a rule about reviewers accepting payment for reviews.  If you do and someone reports you, they will not allow you to reviews for  any books. On one hand the reviewers can't accept compensation. On the other hand, amazon  can DU was shocked the first time anyone asked me to review for them/EMAND you spend $50. In essence , you are paying to post reviews. How is that a fair business act? In the past, Jeff Bezos  would "flip" whatever switch they need to and allow me to keep posting my reviews. Mr. Bezos also allowed my profile on amazon to be put back up.

  I know I sound like a crazed lunatic but I assure you, this is for real. I am 60 years old. I live on a budget so tight it squeaks. I don't have a penny extra at the end of the month. Getting free books to review is a dream come true for me. When I tell my Author friends I appreciate them, or I love my Author friends, It comes from the heart.   Authors are my favorite celebrities. 

I will be back at it as soon as I'm able. I do appreciate my members and those who stop by often.

MELANIE

 

HEALTH UPDATE:

   Hi All!!

    I thought i should let you know what's happening. The initial eye surgery went well. The Retina is doing well. The surgical area is doing well. Dr. Gordon is a bit concerned because I still have bleeding in my eye. She may have to go in and drain the blood. It will mean another procedure. I'm just  ready for it to be over and my sight to be restored.

   I am trying to read, however it isn't going well. I NEED my left eye back.  I am asking for those who pray to maybe include one for me and my children.  I'm not the easiest patient. I worry too much and I get angry that I can't get through my day as I have for 60 years.

Hanging in there!

Hugs to all,

 Melanie

 

The Cook of Castamar Fernando J. Múñez

     The Duke of Castamar has lost his wife to a horrible accident. It destroys his spirit. He neglects his duties and his family while he mourns. The King of Spain sends a messenger to tell the Duke, he must return to his duties. No more mourning time.

   Clara Belmonte's  father is killed during the war. Clara takes the news so hard she becomes agoraphobic. A monk secures employment for her at Castamar. Clara's mother taught her to cook and then when she died, Clara continued to cook and create recipes. What follows is a story you will fall in love with.

     I watched this movie because I couldn't find the book translated anywhere. It's beautiful and groundbreaking for the time period. I couldn't get enough of this movie. The movie is broken down into twelve one hour episodes. I knew I had to find the book translated. This is just as beautiful and wild as you can imagine. You must read the book and see the movie.

    I did find issues. If you watch the movie first and fall in love with it... don't read the book. You will be disappointed. The back stories in the book are significantly different. Relationships are different. Not just a bit different though, it changes the story. The book is more violent as well. I am so glad I found the movie first.

     I gave this one 3 cheers out of 5 because it changes the story too much.

Shmuel's Bridge: Following the Tracks to Auschwitz with My Survivor Father by Jason Sommer

  Jay is ninety eight years old and extremely accomplished. He speaks ten languages,  taught gymnastics and dance. He was awarded New York's teacher of the year and the national teacher of the year . Jay was also a Holocaust survivor. He told Jason, his son, many memories of his horrific experience. The memories were getting harder for Jay to recall and so Jason decided they needed to visit the places in his memories.

  You are going to love this book. It tells you and takes you to some of the most horrific places. It's very well written and should be in your must read pile. You will experience the Holocaust first hand in this book. Mr. Sommer's tells the story in such clear and haunting terms you'll feel like you are there. I love that Jay and his son went back to the places he spent time in. As Mr. Sommers relives those memories you get a first hand "look" at Auschwitz.

   I did find one issue. The book's title is about Jay's brother yet he isn't mentioned much at all. I feel to be true to the title, prying the information about Shmuel from family members memories.

 I gave this one 5 cheers because I enjoyed the book so much. You will as well so get your copy today.

Update

 Hello All,

  I am hanging in there and reading when I can. Somedays my eyes just won't clear and focus like they should.  

  My eye specialist says I have to have three more surgeries before all is hopefully clear. I appreciate everyone who follows me anywhere and for those who stop by here.  It's frustrating to me that I am unable to read as I once did. I feel like a turtle reading right now.  I am following doctor's orders and doing the steps they suggested.

  Thanks again for hanging in there with me. Hopefully I'll get back to reading  my way, very soon.

Hugs and Keep writing!!!

                                                                                                MELANIE

Mistletoe in the City: A Steamy New Adult Holiday Romance by Amber Daulton

      Not everyone gets to attend college and go on to a great career. There are times when life intrudes. Derek Weston's life was changed when his father had a stroke. Derek had to quit college and head home to help his parents. He took over as the maintenance guy for apartments his parents owned. He just hoped nothing else changed. Boy, is he in for a wild Christmas!

  What a wonderful story! While the story is set at Christmas, it fits any time of the year. Beautifully written and with fantastic detail, you'll want to add this one to your TBR list. The characters are well fleshed out and are people you'll recognize in your own life. I found this book to be a quick read simply because you won't want to put it down. The book is perfect for yourself or as a gift for a friend. Get it!

  I found no issues in this one.

  I gave this one 5 cheers out of 5 because it shows life can be beautiful with or without college.

  

BOOK BEDS

 

Scandalous: Family Ties and Spies Monica Burns

      The last thing Amalie Rockwood wants to do is get married. She tells her parents she'll be happier at their home in Scotland. Though not happy about this turn of events, her parents accept it. It takes only one night for Amalie's life to change completely. The Earl of Sommerville is furious with Amalie. He also had no plans to marry. When she turns up in his rooms at her parents home, the Earl knows marriage is inevitable. 

   This book is captivating from the first page to the last. I applaud the unique storylines in this book. I thought they were handled in a brilliant way. Rarely do you see books with this combination. I enjoyed it immensely.  The book is well written with a keen eye to details. The characters are extremely well defined. You can't go wrong with this book. Get it now and add it to your TBR pile.

   I found it a bit long. It seems in spots Ms. Burns spreads the story a bit thin.

   I gave this one 5 cheers out 5 because even with the issue I found, it's a phenomenal book.

Catching Rose Virginia Barlow

    May 1, 1872. This was to have been Rose's wedding day. The problem is the groom is a no show. Though family and friends try to console Rose, she is convinced he didn't want to marry her.  The guests are still milling around and family are making sure everyone is taken care of. Rose can't wipe the thoughts from her mind. Where could he be?

     Ms. Barlow created characters for this book that are so life-like it's easy to picture them in your mind. Then she wove a story around them with intrigue, love, and excitement. I really enjoyed this book and have to say I was pleasantly surprised. I was taken on a journey I hadn't expected. The spunk and determination of these characters is something to see. Get this book!

     About three-fourths of the way in, the book does slow down some. It relaxes the pace too much. In this same area, there is some repetitive passages.

      I gave this one 4 cheers out of 5 because of the issues listed above.

How Authors Can Take a Great Head Shot Your Headshot Can Help Cinch a Media Interview and Establish Credibility

 

By Scott Lorenz

Westwind Book Marketing

I’ve worked with some of the best photographers in the USA. I’ve been in dozens of studios all over the country and have been privy to their backstage techniques. These photographers have photographed Miss America contestants, professional hockey and baseball players as well as CEOs, authors, doctors, lawyers and entrepreneurs. I got the skinny directly from them on their tips for getting the best head shot possible.

While the written word is powerful in landing a media placement, as a book publicist I know that a great photo can cinch a media opportunity just as well and sometimes even faster. How? It’s simple. The photo immediately tells the reporter if the author looks credible and it tells a TV producer if the person is going to look good on a TV interview. If you don’t think they care, think again. It also declares race, sex and sometimes creed. It all matters, and don’t assume it’s a negative thing as it helps news producers provide a balanced newscast so that all voices can be heard. It’s the same with print or broadcast media.

To be sure you convey your message in your headshot and to put your best face forward you’ll want to hear some tips on How to take a great headshot.

First let’s talk about the use of the head shot and its purpose as that dictates the style.

Author Headshots will be used on a book cover and press materials, website and social media. You want multiple variations as the thumbnail close up on Amazon will be different from the one you use on LinkedIn, Amazon and your book flap. Is this a serious book? If so then you should look professional. If it’s a cookbook then look like a cook in proper attire in the kitchen. If you are a doctor then look like one!

Renowned photographer Sam T’ang of Sam T’ang Production Studios, who regularly photographs Miss America and Miss USA contestants, says planning ahead is critical and offers these tips:

1. Get a good night’s sleep and rest the day before your shoot. (You don’t want wrinkles or baggie eyes for your shoot).
2. A good headshot should focus just on your face. Clothing should be complementary & should have contrast, IE, someone with lighter color hair should have darker tops or suits, someone with darker hair should have lighter colored tops or suits.
3. Clothing/wardrobe should not be busy or have patterns. Always bring several different outfits if possible. It is always better to have too much than only one outfit to work with.
4. Backgrounds should be clean, un-cluttered and should not have a pattern (unless it’s an environmental portrait).
5. Accessories (Women). Jewelry should be subtle and not overpowering (again, the main focus is on the face).
6. MAKEUP/HAIR (Women & Men). If it is possible to have a makeup artist/hair stylist, hire one! Makeup is not only important, but makeup looks COMPLETELY different on camera than in real life and the camera PICKS UP EVERYTHING. Everyday makeup under professional photography lighting and strobes will look like you have no makeup at all. A professional makeup artist is well worth the investment!
7. Lighting. A professional photographer should understand lighting conditions whether it’s natural light or strobes (flash). Good lighting makes a huge difference in your photos. Be aware that shooting under fluorescent lights will cast a green tint to your photos.
8. Photographers. There are many talented photographers out there, but only a few who actually specialize and can take a GREAT HEADSHOT. A good photographer should make you feel comfortable and be able to communicate and direct you, thus making your shots look natural and relaxed instead of stiff or too posed and awkward.
9. Retouching. Almost all images are retouched and edited. One caveat, just don't have your photographer OVER RETOUCH your photo or use FILTERS that make you look too plastic and not real (unless that is the look you want).

Jack Kenny whose photography book CUBA is filled with photos of the people of Cuba says he likes shooting outdoors in available light. Natural light outside can be beautiful. I like to shoot in doorways or windows or under overpasses, keeping the subject just out of the direct light.

For headshots, says Kenny, “I like to work both in the studio and in natural light. Sometimes I use a combination of the two where the natural light isn’t sufficient to “fill” the subject. For males I prefer to use a single light source (in varying sizes depending on the drama desired). The light is placed at a 30 to 90-degree angle from the subject and sometimes I use an edge light on the opposite side or a reflector to fill in the shadows. For women I tend to use a softer light – usually two front lights – one weaker than the other, and I keep the light sources closer to the camera.”

According to Steve Kovich who shot for the Detroit Red Wings, Tigers, Lions and is currently the Tampa Bay Rays official team photographer, “You want to create depth and mood. Lighting a subject from high above and off to the side is what I like to do. This lighting style is commonly referred to as “Rembrandt” lighting as this is the way the light came into his studio.”

“On the creative end, it’s the ability to evoke or more likely to capture emotion. Whether it be happy, sad, or otherwise,” says Kovich.

In the end, says Jack Kenny, almost any light can be used depending on the effects desired, but a true headshot should emphasize the subject and not the photographer.

About Sam T’ang

Based in Detroit and Miami, Sam T’ang is a national and international published photographer specializing in Beauty, Glamour, Fashion and Swimwear. Sam’s work has appeared in advertisements, calendars, magazines and posters: MAXIM, STUFF, PLAYBOY, FHM, COSMOPOLITAN, GLAMOUR, TEEN, YOUNG MISS, PERFECT 10, OCEAN DRIVE, HAWAIIAN TROPIC, VENUS SWIMWEAR, FITNESS USA, AUTORAMA, and many others.

Sam has photographed headshots for the Miss America, Miss Universe, Miss USA, Miss Teen USA, Miss Venus Swimwear, Miss Hawaiian Tropic pageant contestants, the Detroit Pistons and Detroit Red Wings players headshots/promos as well as thousands of models, actors and celebrities. (www.SamTang.com) 248-845-8274 and 305-502-1354.

About Jack Kenny

Based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Kenny specializes in headshots and has photographed dozens of CEOs, doctors, lawyers, authors and entrepreneurs. Kenny is also author/publisher of Cuba where he takes readers on a photographic journey through modern day Cuba. www.kennyphoto.com  (734) 395-1265

About Steven Kovich

Based in St. Petersburg, Florida, Steven Kovich has photographed celebrities such as Kevin Costner, Kevin Bacon and Hulk Hogan as well as hundreds of sports figures including Derek Jeter and Red Wing hockey great Steve Yzerman. He’s also the Tampa Bay Rays official team photographer. His list of corporate clients includes Hyatt, Ameritech, AT&T, CBS, Coke, Chrysler, Domino’s Pizza, Detroit Symphony, ESPN, Ford, Dupont, General Motors, Getty Images, Proctor & Gamble, Pulte Homes, American Red Cross and the US Postal Service. Kovich’s web site has few words as he lets his photos speak for themselves. www.kovich.com  727-452-2349.

The Bottom Line: Your headshot is one of the most important elements in your book promotion. Get a professional to shoot it. Don’t skimp out and use a cropped shot from your summer vacation!

About Book Publicist Scott Lorenz

Book publicist Scott Lorenz is President of Westwind Communications, a public relations and marketing firm that has a special knack for working with authors to help them get all the publicity they deserve and more. Lorenz works with bestselling authors and self-published authors promoting all types of books, whether it's their first book or their 15th book. He's handled publicity for books by CEOs, CIA Officers, Navy SEALS, Homemakers, Fitness Gurus, Doctors, Lawyers and Adventurers. His clients have been featured by Good Morning America, FOX & Friends, CNN, ABC News, New York Times, Nightline, TIME, PBS, LA Times, USA Today, Washington Post, Woman's World, & Howard Stern to name a few.

Learn more about Westwind Book Marketing at https://www.WestwindBookMarketing.com or contact Lorenz at scottlorenz@westwindcos.com  or 734-667-2090 or fill out the form below. Follow Lorenz on Twitter @aBookPublicist. Want help titling a book? Check out Scott Lorenz’s new award winning, bestselling book: Book Title Generator- A Proven System in Naming Your Book www.BookTitleGenerator.net

Would You Like Major Publicity for Your Book?

 

 Scott Lorenz here of Westwind Book Marketing.

 

Do you have a book, product, cause or business you’d like to promote?

Want to be interviewed on top TV shows and featured in major national publications?

Apply to take part in the National Publicity Summit, a one-of-a-kind conference where you'll personally meet more than 75 radio/TV producers, journalists, podcasters and other media decision-makers in Zoom meetings, taking place between March 11 and March 23, 2024.

https://bit.ly/PR-Summit

During the Zoom sessions, you can directly pitch your story to them, one-on-one and face-to-face from the comfort and safety of your own home or office.

If you’re got a message to share, seriously consider taking part, because there’s no better opportunity to make personal connections with this many media, this easily.

An in-person event in years past, the Summit online is strictly limited to only 65 participants, which means you should act now if you're interested in taking part.

Previous Publicity Summit participants have been featured on or in such major media as:

ABC's The View... Today Show... Good Morning America... Fox News Channel... 48 Hours... Tamron Hall Show... Martha Stewart Living... Family Circle... Parents... Parenting... Health magazine... New York Post... Good Housekeeping... and many others.

Don't feel ready to pitch major outlets? There are also have smaller shows and publications represented, which can be great outlets for refining your interview-giving skills.

Where else can you get direct, unfiltered access to media gatekeepers and decision-makers so you can tell them exactly why their audiences need to know about you and what you do?

Again, if you're interested in taking part, go here now:

https://bit.ly/PR-Summit

I look forward to hearing about all the media you land as a result of the Summit!

One more thing, if I can ever be of service to you in the promotion of your book please contact me. Please know that I have attended the live event for 15+years and came up with the idea for the virtual event due to the pandemic, and also that I am a compensated affiliate of Steve Harrison.

In the meantime, be sure to check out my article below about author headshots and how they can help cinch a media interview.

Good luck!

Scott Lorenz

President

Westwind Communications

Office: 734-667-2090

scottlorenz@westwindcos.com

www.westwindbookmarketing.com

Follow me on Twitter at @aBookPublicist