Lisa Akers's Blog - Posts Tagged "let-me-go"
101 Likes!? For me?!
Are you friggin' kidding me?! I just realized my page jumped to 100+1 likes in a very short time. Some of you may be asking, "so what?" This is amazing, because first of all, I don't even have 100 friends on my personal FB, lol, and secondly, 90% of the likes are from people who don't know me personally. They've found their way here from either the 10% who DO know me and "shared," or my newfound knowledge of GoodReads, Twitter and Bublish, or my friends on several FB groups pages (can check those out under MY likes). I thank you for the many full-star reviews on Amazon, GoodReads and even one on B&N for my book: Let Me Go... And the private messages from readers as well as mentions/kind words on personal Facebook pages. Thank you for buying and reading my book! I've seen rankings from all the way down past the million mark at the staring gate (not good) up to the 30k mark starting with no fans, followers or paid advertising, which I'm told is excellent for a debut author. I've met so many people (now friends) online that can personally relate to something in my book--I get a lot of "wow's" and "couldn't put it down's"--you all have given me a new lease on life; something to look forward to, and feel good about with myself. If you haven't read Let Me Go and are still sticking around, thank you! I have another fiction series coming up soon in a cross-over genre about SHTF/PA, with the same characters. If you like that kind of thing, you'll know what that acronym means, lol (it's another passion of mine). If you have read Let Me Go, and want to read more about Gabby, Olivia and Emma, the new Let Me Go book, Captured Again, Book 2 of the series, should be out in a few months (or less). Either way, for information on either series please be sure to add your email to the little email envelope app at the top of the page. No one else can see it, it won't be shared and you will only be notified about MY books.. and be given any sale promo's before the public. Plus, I'd love to see who my first 101 likes were and remember you all for giving me my start. That email list is the only way I know who you are, as this page doesn't let me see more than 5 or so... Weird thing that FB keeps our own 'likes' or 'fans' a secret from us? Maybe so we don't spam you?! I promise I won't--if I do, you can drop me like a hot rock!
~Also, if you sent me a private msg about my book, please consider adding a short review on Amazon and/or GoodReads... It helps get my book visible! And you can choose 'anonymous' as your posting name. If you don't--thank you anyway for your kind words sent privately
Btw, if any of my posts bore you or offend you, I apologize; there will be some excerpts from both books coming up soon... Maybe give you a taste of whats in the book, if you don't already know.
Thanks again for getting me over 100--I don't think I'll sleep a wink tonight, I'm so excited!
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLLAkers
~Also, if you sent me a private msg about my book, please consider adding a short review on Amazon and/or GoodReads... It helps get my book visible! And you can choose 'anonymous' as your posting name. If you don't--thank you anyway for your kind words sent privately
Btw, if any of my posts bore you or offend you, I apologize; there will be some excerpts from both books coming up soon... Maybe give you a taste of whats in the book, if you don't already know.
Thanks again for getting me over 100--I don't think I'll sleep a wink tonight, I'm so excited!
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLLAkers
Face Your Fears!
I DID IT!! I conquered my fear!
All my life I have been terrified and terrorized by flying, stinging insects. If I'm outside and I see a bee near me, I freak out, running and waving my arms like an idiot, and usually throwing myself onto the first person I see for protection... Even if I don't know them--the person, that is, I don't know any of the bees Seriously. I've embarrassed myself (and my hubby and son) too many times to count doing exactly that: looking like a raving lunatic over one friggin' bee! So this summer, as some of you know, our Koi pond suddenly had a colony of bees in the rocks. ALL summer long I haven't been able to hang out there, walk over and look to see if my baby koi had grown, use our patio set or pull weeds from around the pond... I was banished, from my own yard, watching from afar. Finally I had enough! I called a pest control service and was going to have these bees taken down--out--TERMINATED! Then I started googling... After reading about the plight of bees here in the U.S., and our desperate need for bees, I put the pest control on hold and started googling beekeepers instead. I found Sally, from MamaBeehive Honey Farm. She said she'd come out right away! She and her friend and fellow beekeeper, Cynthia Robinson, two very delightful ladies, came out and determined they were indeed honey bees. They picked up several of the rocks and determined the bees didn't live here, they just drank our water! Then they watched their flight pattern and wrestled through the barrier of trees and Leyland Cypress to the neighbors yard and saw them traveling over there... But they couldn't see a hive-box. Voluntarily, they began to cover the majority of water with sheets. They needed an extra hand on the other side--the side closest to the bees--and I (me, who would rather face a pissed-off possum) faced my fear and climbed into the ivy, while sock-footed, to help! When it was covered, we sprayed it with Old Spice--yes, Cologne--the same stuff your daddy might have worn (bees don't like it either). ***My point here is even if you have been afraid of something your whole life, sometimes it's not too late to face that fear and conquer. Just jump in with both socks and DO it! ***
**UPDATE**: after driving around on the golfcart with my husband looking up into the tops of trees for over an hour like a couple of goobers, I finally just went over and asked the neighbor if he was having bee problems, too. Turns out, he's a beekeeper! Yep. The hive was on his back porch, right outside his kitchen door! Never would've thought to look there! once the bees went home after a long workday serving their queen (I wish I had servants like that), the bees were quietly relocated last night to a nearby farm. I took advantage of one of the few days of Summer left and enjoyed an hour in the sun today, sitting beside my koi pond watching my fish; and the best part... I made two awesome new super cool friends. Thanks, Sally and Cynthia!
All my life I have been terrified and terrorized by flying, stinging insects. If I'm outside and I see a bee near me, I freak out, running and waving my arms like an idiot, and usually throwing myself onto the first person I see for protection... Even if I don't know them--the person, that is, I don't know any of the bees Seriously. I've embarrassed myself (and my hubby and son) too many times to count doing exactly that: looking like a raving lunatic over one friggin' bee! So this summer, as some of you know, our Koi pond suddenly had a colony of bees in the rocks. ALL summer long I haven't been able to hang out there, walk over and look to see if my baby koi had grown, use our patio set or pull weeds from around the pond... I was banished, from my own yard, watching from afar. Finally I had enough! I called a pest control service and was going to have these bees taken down--out--TERMINATED! Then I started googling... After reading about the plight of bees here in the U.S., and our desperate need for bees, I put the pest control on hold and started googling beekeepers instead. I found Sally, from MamaBeehive Honey Farm. She said she'd come out right away! She and her friend and fellow beekeeper, Cynthia Robinson, two very delightful ladies, came out and determined they were indeed honey bees. They picked up several of the rocks and determined the bees didn't live here, they just drank our water! Then they watched their flight pattern and wrestled through the barrier of trees and Leyland Cypress to the neighbors yard and saw them traveling over there... But they couldn't see a hive-box. Voluntarily, they began to cover the majority of water with sheets. They needed an extra hand on the other side--the side closest to the bees--and I (me, who would rather face a pissed-off possum) faced my fear and climbed into the ivy, while sock-footed, to help! When it was covered, we sprayed it with Old Spice--yes, Cologne--the same stuff your daddy might have worn (bees don't like it either). ***My point here is even if you have been afraid of something your whole life, sometimes it's not too late to face that fear and conquer. Just jump in with both socks and DO it! ***
**UPDATE**: after driving around on the golfcart with my husband looking up into the tops of trees for over an hour like a couple of goobers, I finally just went over and asked the neighbor if he was having bee problems, too. Turns out, he's a beekeeper! Yep. The hive was on his back porch, right outside his kitchen door! Never would've thought to look there! once the bees went home after a long workday serving their queen (I wish I had servants like that), the bees were quietly relocated last night to a nearby farm. I took advantage of one of the few days of Summer left and enjoyed an hour in the sun today, sitting beside my koi pond watching my fish; and the best part... I made two awesome new super cool friends. Thanks, Sally and Cynthia!
Guest Post on Literary Meanderings by L.L. Akers
What kind of book is Let Me Go?
Let Me Go is my debut book into the world of writing, and Book 1 of The Let Me Go Series. Many people have asked me what genre it is, and the truth is… I don’t know. The first book falls into so many areas, crossing from Suspense to Coming of Age, to New Adult and Women’s Fiction, with a dab of fantasy and even a pinch of mystery braided throughout the story.
My intention when I starting writing Let Me Go was just to write a New Adult novel. I soon realized my version of New Adult was very different than many out there on the market—parts of it are a little dark. No boxers, rock stars or rich kids carrying iPhones and iPad’s attending fancy colleges and driving fast cars; but I couldn’t change my story… it is what it is, and it was almost writing itself.
My story does fit Wiki’s description: fiction with protagonists in the 18-25 age bracket… a sort of an ‘older YA’ or ‘New Adult.’ But Let Me Go looks at another side of New Adult; the side where kids didn’t grow up with nice clothes, braces, allowances… expecting to go to college. Instead, my characters were just happy to get out of the house, away from the drama of their childhood—as fast as they could—thinking that was the answer to all their problems.
H.M. Ward, the #1 bestselling New Adult author in the world, perfectly described the New Adult genre (at least as it applies in my book), this past week, in a comment on a writer’s board that I frequently pop in and out of:
“New Adult isn’t about age, although the characters tend to be early 20’s. Themes tend to revolve around getting acquainted with life, addressing darker subject matter of death, rape, abuse, etc. It’s not about sex, either. It’s about getting the rose-colored glasses of childhood bitchslapped off your face by the phenomenon known as life,” H.M. Ward.
She nailed it.
If you’ve read Let Me Go, you’ll understand why I concur.
http://www.literaryme.net/2013/09/tou...
Let Me Go is my debut book into the world of writing, and Book 1 of The Let Me Go Series. Many people have asked me what genre it is, and the truth is… I don’t know. The first book falls into so many areas, crossing from Suspense to Coming of Age, to New Adult and Women’s Fiction, with a dab of fantasy and even a pinch of mystery braided throughout the story.
My intention when I starting writing Let Me Go was just to write a New Adult novel. I soon realized my version of New Adult was very different than many out there on the market—parts of it are a little dark. No boxers, rock stars or rich kids carrying iPhones and iPad’s attending fancy colleges and driving fast cars; but I couldn’t change my story… it is what it is, and it was almost writing itself.
My story does fit Wiki’s description: fiction with protagonists in the 18-25 age bracket… a sort of an ‘older YA’ or ‘New Adult.’ But Let Me Go looks at another side of New Adult; the side where kids didn’t grow up with nice clothes, braces, allowances… expecting to go to college. Instead, my characters were just happy to get out of the house, away from the drama of their childhood—as fast as they could—thinking that was the answer to all their problems.
H.M. Ward, the #1 bestselling New Adult author in the world, perfectly described the New Adult genre (at least as it applies in my book), this past week, in a comment on a writer’s board that I frequently pop in and out of:
“New Adult isn’t about age, although the characters tend to be early 20’s. Themes tend to revolve around getting acquainted with life, addressing darker subject matter of death, rape, abuse, etc. It’s not about sex, either. It’s about getting the rose-colored glasses of childhood bitchslapped off your face by the phenomenon known as life,” H.M. Ward.
She nailed it.
If you’ve read Let Me Go, you’ll understand why I concur.
http://www.literaryme.net/2013/09/tou...
5/5 Totally Amazing! Says Book Blogger
Meet Twin sisters Gabriella and Olivia and step into their world of crushing heartbreak, constant fear and anguish.
Reading 'Let Me Go' was almost like an out-of-world experience for me...
It is a story about a trio of sisters...
Prior to starting the book...
The issue with domestic and or sexual abuse is, and will always be, that you can never judge the severity of it unless you've experienced it first hand, no matter how much you've read up on it. That's just how it is, you may disagree with that, but that is the truth.
Like reading all about being an Olympic Swimmer doesn't make you any more qualified than the next guy.
The sad reality is...
It's an issue...
I've watched so many families...
There is so, so much that can be learned from this book....
(click on link to see full review) I think it's safe to say that it was very easy for me to connect with each of the 3 sisters.
I truly appreciated just how much research had to have gone into the making of this book, especially as it was written purely as a work of fiction, with no 'real' truth to it.
On a different note, I found it incredibly refreshing that the characters in the book were portrayed as normal girls, no perky blondes with troubled hearts but otherwise flawless appearance, but girls who share their mistakes and let you into their hearts, which for me, resulted in buckets full of tears and raw emotion.
It's wonderful that once again, an author used their power to give a voice to all those victims out there, because believe you me, if you've been affected by domestic and or sexual abuse, or know someone who is/was, you're not alone in this.There will always be someone to support you.
If you need help, get it. No matter how dark the way.
Final Rating: 5/5 'Totally Amazing'
...Please click here for the full review! http://girlinthewoodsreviews.blogspot...
Reading 'Let Me Go' was almost like an out-of-world experience for me...
It is a story about a trio of sisters...
Prior to starting the book...
The issue with domestic and or sexual abuse is, and will always be, that you can never judge the severity of it unless you've experienced it first hand, no matter how much you've read up on it. That's just how it is, you may disagree with that, but that is the truth.
Like reading all about being an Olympic Swimmer doesn't make you any more qualified than the next guy.
The sad reality is...
It's an issue...
I've watched so many families...
There is so, so much that can be learned from this book....
(click on link to see full review) I think it's safe to say that it was very easy for me to connect with each of the 3 sisters.
I truly appreciated just how much research had to have gone into the making of this book, especially as it was written purely as a work of fiction, with no 'real' truth to it.
On a different note, I found it incredibly refreshing that the characters in the book were portrayed as normal girls, no perky blondes with troubled hearts but otherwise flawless appearance, but girls who share their mistakes and let you into their hearts, which for me, resulted in buckets full of tears and raw emotion.
It's wonderful that once again, an author used their power to give a voice to all those victims out there, because believe you me, if you've been affected by domestic and or sexual abuse, or know someone who is/was, you're not alone in this.There will always be someone to support you.
If you need help, get it. No matter how dark the way.
Final Rating: 5/5 'Totally Amazing'
...Please click here for the full review! http://girlinthewoodsreviews.blogspot...
Guest Post L.L. AKERS'S TOP FIVE FAVORTIE BOOKS!
1. Water For Elephants, Sara Gruen. Loved the book—the movie, ehh… not so much. I feel like it lost the true voice of the elderly man in the nursing home at the beginning of the book; they cut too much out. Read the book even if you’ve seen the movie; it’s much better!
2. The Outlander Series, Diana Gabaldon. This is by far the best series I have ever read! Time travel, sexy hot guy, intense love triangle with a true love story, battles, Indians... all of it evoked a raw emotion from me. At one time, when Claire was raped by bad guys, I threw my book across the room *gasp* and was so mad at Ms. Gabaldon I swore not to read on, but I did. I keep this set hidden in my bedroom, so no one asks to borrow them. Yep—I’m greedy like that.
3. The Shack, William, P. Young. I know this book sparked some controversy. That’s okay. I am not afraid to say I loved this book, and have personally have gifted it to several parents who’ve lost a child, which has to be the most horrible thing I can imagine someone going through. These people have said they found some peace within the pages.
4. The Dark Tower Series, Stephen King. I love a long read and I like almost all genre's. This series is a total of 4,250 pages, mixing four genres: western, sci-fi, horror and fantasy. That's talent. It took Mr. King quite a while to complete it… I was twelve when the first book came out! The last book was released last year! But it was well worth the wait!
5. Room, Emma Donoghue. The author's ability to tell a story almost completely within the confines of one room (one scene) with mostly only two characters, one who had very little dialogue, yet leave us feeling satisfied and fulfilled was remarkable. At one point I was reading standing up, cheering the boy on! The last time I did that was when I watched the animated movie, Spirit, with my son. It’s kinda liberating to stand up and cheer stupidly while reading a book, knowing no one in the entire house knows what you are cheering for… maybe I am one of the crazy writer’s after all?
~Now what's your favorite book?
2. The Outlander Series, Diana Gabaldon. This is by far the best series I have ever read! Time travel, sexy hot guy, intense love triangle with a true love story, battles, Indians... all of it evoked a raw emotion from me. At one time, when Claire was raped by bad guys, I threw my book across the room *gasp* and was so mad at Ms. Gabaldon I swore not to read on, but I did. I keep this set hidden in my bedroom, so no one asks to borrow them. Yep—I’m greedy like that.
3. The Shack, William, P. Young. I know this book sparked some controversy. That’s okay. I am not afraid to say I loved this book, and have personally have gifted it to several parents who’ve lost a child, which has to be the most horrible thing I can imagine someone going through. These people have said they found some peace within the pages.
4. The Dark Tower Series, Stephen King. I love a long read and I like almost all genre's. This series is a total of 4,250 pages, mixing four genres: western, sci-fi, horror and fantasy. That's talent. It took Mr. King quite a while to complete it… I was twelve when the first book came out! The last book was released last year! But it was well worth the wait!
5. Room, Emma Donoghue. The author's ability to tell a story almost completely within the confines of one room (one scene) with mostly only two characters, one who had very little dialogue, yet leave us feeling satisfied and fulfilled was remarkable. At one point I was reading standing up, cheering the boy on! The last time I did that was when I watched the animated movie, Spirit, with my son. It’s kinda liberating to stand up and cheer stupidly while reading a book, knowing no one in the entire house knows what you are cheering for… maybe I am one of the crazy writer’s after all?
~Now what's your favorite book?
3/5 Stars from Bibliophile Kid
"But its real, the problems and difficulties that they've felt truly happens in real life. I don't want to spoil anything from that part, okay? I can't go on deeper than that, you just need to read this mysterious book.
Next, just look at the cover, the two girls suddenly hypnotized just by looking at those dragonflies. That's the thing that I felt that there is something more that definitey happened to them from that point.
As for their mother, she's a bit blinded with love actually. She always feels that the man who surrounds her everytime can fall in love and be honest with her. But she's wrong, that's how I see it. But as Gabby and Olivia restrained from it, I see their love for their mother and it is wonderful.
Let Me Go is a novel full of sadness, abuse and tragedy, yet it displays a large amount of courage and bravery to face all of it to overcome and to be free with all of it."
Read entire post at:
http://bibliophilekid.blogspot.com
Next, just look at the cover, the two girls suddenly hypnotized just by looking at those dragonflies. That's the thing that I felt that there is something more that definitey happened to them from that point.
As for their mother, she's a bit blinded with love actually. She always feels that the man who surrounds her everytime can fall in love and be honest with her. But she's wrong, that's how I see it. But as Gabby and Olivia restrained from it, I see their love for their mother and it is wonderful.
Let Me Go is a novel full of sadness, abuse and tragedy, yet it displays a large amount of courage and bravery to face all of it to overcome and to be free with all of it."
Read entire post at:
http://bibliophilekid.blogspot.com
Interview with Authors To Watch!
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Interview with L.L. Akers
Today, we're visiting with L.L. Akers. She's here to talk to us about her New Adult novel, Let Me Go...
Tricia: Can you tell us a little about yourself?
L.L: I left my career in human resources to provide at-home care for my bed-bound mother-in-law. After she passed, I didn’t want to go back into the business, and I LOVE books… so I took a job as a proofreader with a small publishing firm. After working on over a dozen books, I found I had talent in content/development editing. I opened my own free-lance business to pursue that talent.
Tricia: When did you begin writing?
L.L.: When I found myself trying to re-write entire paragraphs and chapters of other stories I was working on, I decided there was a story in me too… it had to come out.
Tricia: Describe your writing process. Do you plot or write by the seat of your pants? When and where do you write?
L.L.: I write it as it comes with no outline or synopsis. I let the characters do the talking and I just type what they tell me… at home in my office, on the back porch or at night in the garage.
Tricia: Can you tell us about your most recent release?
L.L.: My most recent and only release is my debut novel, Let Me Go.
Tricia: How did you get the idea for the book?
L.L.: Parts of the book are inspired by a true story; other fictitious parts are woven in for suspense and/or story-building.
Tricia: What would you like to tell us about your book or your writing that someone wouldn’t discover during a casual review of your blurb or website?
L.L.: Although Let Me Go is New Adult, there is a thread of suspense woven throughout the book that is not typically found in most New Adult novels. It is a small thread, but packs a heavy punch. The reader wants to find out who is in the box? It winds up with a twist and a happy ending. I think maybe my story doesn’t fit just one category—it could slide into many more, including coming-of-age, women’s fiction, family-saga, and suspense.
In addition, there is a very moving story—within the story—about adoption. I have yet to have one person read my book who did not say they were moved to tears by that chapter. And yes, that part of the book is inspired by a true story. That part of the book is not fiction, although I have changed the names to protect the innocent (and not-so-innocent).
Tricia: What is your primary goal as an author?
L.L.: I just want to write. Even if no one reads it, my goal has been met by writing it. I’m feeding the little monster in my head what it’s asking for.
Tricia: Which authors have inspired your writing?
L.L.: Although my writing style is not even similar, the authors Kathryn Stockett, Diana Gabaldon, and Stephen King have all written books that inspire me because of the emotions they are able to invoke through the pages of their books.
Tricia: What projects are you currently working on?
L.L.: The second Let Me Go novel, Captured Again.
You can connect with L.L. Akers at the following links:
https://www.amazon.com/author/llakers
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLLAkers
Email: contactllakers@gmail.com
You can get find Let Me Go at Amazon, Kobo, B&N, and Apple.
Interview from http://www.authorstowatch.com
Interview with L.L. Akers
Today, we're visiting with L.L. Akers. She's here to talk to us about her New Adult novel, Let Me Go...
Tricia: Can you tell us a little about yourself?
L.L: I left my career in human resources to provide at-home care for my bed-bound mother-in-law. After she passed, I didn’t want to go back into the business, and I LOVE books… so I took a job as a proofreader with a small publishing firm. After working on over a dozen books, I found I had talent in content/development editing. I opened my own free-lance business to pursue that talent.
Tricia: When did you begin writing?
L.L.: When I found myself trying to re-write entire paragraphs and chapters of other stories I was working on, I decided there was a story in me too… it had to come out.
Tricia: Describe your writing process. Do you plot or write by the seat of your pants? When and where do you write?
L.L.: I write it as it comes with no outline or synopsis. I let the characters do the talking and I just type what they tell me… at home in my office, on the back porch or at night in the garage.
Tricia: Can you tell us about your most recent release?
L.L.: My most recent and only release is my debut novel, Let Me Go.
Tricia: How did you get the idea for the book?
L.L.: Parts of the book are inspired by a true story; other fictitious parts are woven in for suspense and/or story-building.
Tricia: What would you like to tell us about your book or your writing that someone wouldn’t discover during a casual review of your blurb or website?
L.L.: Although Let Me Go is New Adult, there is a thread of suspense woven throughout the book that is not typically found in most New Adult novels. It is a small thread, but packs a heavy punch. The reader wants to find out who is in the box? It winds up with a twist and a happy ending. I think maybe my story doesn’t fit just one category—it could slide into many more, including coming-of-age, women’s fiction, family-saga, and suspense.
In addition, there is a very moving story—within the story—about adoption. I have yet to have one person read my book who did not say they were moved to tears by that chapter. And yes, that part of the book is inspired by a true story. That part of the book is not fiction, although I have changed the names to protect the innocent (and not-so-innocent).
Tricia: What is your primary goal as an author?
L.L.: I just want to write. Even if no one reads it, my goal has been met by writing it. I’m feeding the little monster in my head what it’s asking for.
Tricia: Which authors have inspired your writing?
L.L.: Although my writing style is not even similar, the authors Kathryn Stockett, Diana Gabaldon, and Stephen King have all written books that inspire me because of the emotions they are able to invoke through the pages of their books.
Tricia: What projects are you currently working on?
L.L.: The second Let Me Go novel, Captured Again.
You can connect with L.L. Akers at the following links:
https://www.amazon.com/author/llakers
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLLAkers
Email: contactllakers@gmail.com
You can get find Let Me Go at Amazon, Kobo, B&N, and Apple.
Interview from http://www.authorstowatch.com
Waiting on the other shoe to drop...
What am I rambling on about? I seriously am waiting on the other shoe to drop. I just finished up a blog tour, in which close to 20 bloggers either interviewed me, posted excerpts, or read & reviewed my book on their blogs. A few went on to post their reviews on Amazon/GoodReads (a HUGE thanks to those that did!) and I received a really big push in social exposure because of these bloggers and the tour host on Twitter, Facebook, and GoodReads. All good stuff, but...
Here's where the other shoe comes in: during the first 10 days of the tour I only sold two copies of my book, even with the sale price. Pitiful... but actually, that's pretty typical. The tour is not for sales, it's for exposure. I'm an unknown writer with a debut book. No and slow sales are expected. But all of a sudden, within 36 hours almost two dozen copies were purchased! Out of the blue... cannot find who/where/why. I couldn't find the book advertised on any BookBub, pixel-ink, BookGorilla or even on the 'also boughts.' This is unusual and unexplainable.
Now, for an established author, two dozen books in just over a day is nothing--they'd giggle at that. Many indie-authors I know sell hundreds upon hundreds of their e-books everyday. But MY book? That's a big deal. The weird thing is Amazon doesn't even show my book. Since I haven't qualified for a paid ad yet (due to number of reviews needed), I haven't had exposure anywhere on Amazon. Right now (and maybe forever), they only show you my book IF you know the name of it and specifically type Let Me Go into the search bar. Which means no (or slow) sales until I get the reviews--yeah, I know... chicken or the egg concept there, go figure.
Anyhoo... so I'm wondering, in the middle of all this hoopla going on all around us, who bought these books... and why?
p.s. if the other shoe is about to drop, please let it be a Jimmy Choo Shoe! That's the closest I'll ever be able to come to saying I own a pair; later on, when Book 2: Captured Again, comes out, maybe someone will drop the match to it. Size 7 1/2 (okay... an 8, but only because my feet swell)
Here's where the other shoe comes in: during the first 10 days of the tour I only sold two copies of my book, even with the sale price. Pitiful... but actually, that's pretty typical. The tour is not for sales, it's for exposure. I'm an unknown writer with a debut book. No and slow sales are expected. But all of a sudden, within 36 hours almost two dozen copies were purchased! Out of the blue... cannot find who/where/why. I couldn't find the book advertised on any BookBub, pixel-ink, BookGorilla or even on the 'also boughts.' This is unusual and unexplainable.
Now, for an established author, two dozen books in just over a day is nothing--they'd giggle at that. Many indie-authors I know sell hundreds upon hundreds of their e-books everyday. But MY book? That's a big deal. The weird thing is Amazon doesn't even show my book. Since I haven't qualified for a paid ad yet (due to number of reviews needed), I haven't had exposure anywhere on Amazon. Right now (and maybe forever), they only show you my book IF you know the name of it and specifically type Let Me Go into the search bar. Which means no (or slow) sales until I get the reviews--yeah, I know... chicken or the egg concept there, go figure.
Anyhoo... so I'm wondering, in the middle of all this hoopla going on all around us, who bought these books... and why?
p.s. if the other shoe is about to drop, please let it be a Jimmy Choo Shoe! That's the closest I'll ever be able to come to saying I own a pair; later on, when Book 2: Captured Again, comes out, maybe someone will drop the match to it. Size 7 1/2 (okay... an 8, but only because my feet swell)
Breaking Bad... Why do I relate?
I. Love. Breaking. Bad.
Why, you might ask? I don't do or encourage drugs. I don't allow my almost 11-year old to watch it. Yet, I am mesmerized, almost addicted to this show. I guess the fact that an ordinary teacher--not to say teachers are ordinary, but this one was--can dig deep and find within himself something he thought he didn't have: badassness, (Yes, I know that's not a word) is what keeps me glued to it. If you watch from the first episode, the transformation is almost beyond belief to what he has accomplished and the person he is now. Is he a good person? Opinion on that greatly differs. But I guess I can relate. When I had to leave my career in human resources to stay home and care for my mil, who was bed-bound with dementia and severe medical issues, I too had to transform. From a desk jockey, computer-driven people-helper to a diaper-changing, bath-giving, hand-holding person. When she passed, 18 months later, I had a choice to make: go back to HR, where I'd spent my entire career, or transform myself again. I chose the latter. Now, I look at my closets full of designer suits and clothes, my expensive watches/jewelry and piles and piles of shoes that I no longer need, and yet cannot bring myself to get rid of, because I have yet to decide if my transformation is over. Will I give up the new me and go back to 8-5, keeping up with the Jones' or can I stay complacent by being alone most days, not leaving the house for weeks at a time, living in a bubble of words, stories and Internet friends? I don't know. Maybe when I see where Walter White ends up--in the end--I can finally figure out if I have more transforming to do, or if this is my last disguise.
Regardless of what happens, the clothes are out-dated... But I'm keeping the shoes.
Why, you might ask? I don't do or encourage drugs. I don't allow my almost 11-year old to watch it. Yet, I am mesmerized, almost addicted to this show. I guess the fact that an ordinary teacher--not to say teachers are ordinary, but this one was--can dig deep and find within himself something he thought he didn't have: badassness, (Yes, I know that's not a word) is what keeps me glued to it. If you watch from the first episode, the transformation is almost beyond belief to what he has accomplished and the person he is now. Is he a good person? Opinion on that greatly differs. But I guess I can relate. When I had to leave my career in human resources to stay home and care for my mil, who was bed-bound with dementia and severe medical issues, I too had to transform. From a desk jockey, computer-driven people-helper to a diaper-changing, bath-giving, hand-holding person. When she passed, 18 months later, I had a choice to make: go back to HR, where I'd spent my entire career, or transform myself again. I chose the latter. Now, I look at my closets full of designer suits and clothes, my expensive watches/jewelry and piles and piles of shoes that I no longer need, and yet cannot bring myself to get rid of, because I have yet to decide if my transformation is over. Will I give up the new me and go back to 8-5, keeping up with the Jones' or can I stay complacent by being alone most days, not leaving the house for weeks at a time, living in a bubble of words, stories and Internet friends? I don't know. Maybe when I see where Walter White ends up--in the end--I can finally figure out if I have more transforming to do, or if this is my last disguise.
Regardless of what happens, the clothes are out-dated... But I'm keeping the shoes.
Humbled by this blogger's review for Let Me Go.
"...On the flip side, this was breathtakingly beautiful. I don’t want to go to deep into it because I don’t want to give spoilers, but it was. As hard of a subject as this is to write about, L.L. Akers did an amazing job."
...
"Amazing book. I kept turning the pages, who was the girl in the box. Which of these women? Who put them in the box? Do they make it out of the box in time? I finished this in just a couple of hours (272 pages), I couldn’t put it down. I had to find out. I wanted to see if any of them finally stood up and said I don’t deserve this, I am more valuable then this, THIS IS NOT MY FAULT!
Amazing author. I cannot wait for the next book in the Letting Go series. Do not miss this one..."
Read the full review @ http://digiscrapping.net/blog/2013/12...
...
"Amazing book. I kept turning the pages, who was the girl in the box. Which of these women? Who put them in the box? Do they make it out of the box in time? I finished this in just a couple of hours (272 pages), I couldn’t put it down. I had to find out. I wanted to see if any of them finally stood up and said I don’t deserve this, I am more valuable then this, THIS IS NOT MY FAULT!
Amazing author. I cannot wait for the next book in the Letting Go series. Do not miss this one..."
Read the full review @ http://digiscrapping.net/blog/2013/12...
