Jean Harkin's Blog
April 12, 2024
Used Books Like Rabbits
They multiplied like rabbits in springtime; used copies of my novel did. More offerings than the number I received royalties for! A month ago, three used copies of “Promise Full of Thorns” were available on Amazon, and twelve copies were listed on Abe Books. I wondered who had purchased my novel and were now re-selling their copies online.
Not a clue who in Australia was listing my book (used) for $26.86. That one is no longer listed, but the highest priced copy-- $85.54 is still for sale from a source in Texas. The median listed price is $29.12 on Abe Books, $13.04 on Amazon. As of today, the population of used “Thorns” is slowing a bit, now down to nine copies from Abe, still three on Amazon.
Where did these used copies of my novel originate? A knowledgeable author friend, James R. Dubbs (author of “Confessions of a Farmers Market Romeo” and “Life in the Lion’s Mouth”), provides an explanation:
“The books listed at realistic used book prices are actually used books the seller has in their possession. The ones listed at close to or above list price are secondary sellers who take the order and then order the book and have it shipped directly to the buyer. They get a 40% discount when they order and are content to make a small amount of money for, in essence “flipping” our books. I think they list them as “used” because more people search “used” than “new” on their sites. The author still gets a royalty (although 40% smaller) when they order.”
Jim adds that in the case of “Promise Full of Thorns,” booksellers probably don’t realize that my book is out of print and impossible to flip. Won’t that be a slap in the face when the book orders can’t be filled!
Authors, take note: See how many of your books are for sale “used” from online booksellers, and be amazed at some of the asking prices.
Not a clue who in Australia was listing my book (used) for $26.86. That one is no longer listed, but the highest priced copy-- $85.54 is still for sale from a source in Texas. The median listed price is $29.12 on Abe Books, $13.04 on Amazon. As of today, the population of used “Thorns” is slowing a bit, now down to nine copies from Abe, still three on Amazon.
Where did these used copies of my novel originate? A knowledgeable author friend, James R. Dubbs (author of “Confessions of a Farmers Market Romeo” and “Life in the Lion’s Mouth”), provides an explanation:
“The books listed at realistic used book prices are actually used books the seller has in their possession. The ones listed at close to or above list price are secondary sellers who take the order and then order the book and have it shipped directly to the buyer. They get a 40% discount when they order and are content to make a small amount of money for, in essence “flipping” our books. I think they list them as “used” because more people search “used” than “new” on their sites. The author still gets a royalty (although 40% smaller) when they order.”
Jim adds that in the case of “Promise Full of Thorns,” booksellers probably don’t realize that my book is out of print and impossible to flip. Won’t that be a slap in the face when the book orders can’t be filled!
Authors, take note: See how many of your books are for sale “used” from online booksellers, and be amazed at some of the asking prices.
February 11, 2024
Trees and Their Stories
Portland, Oregon was hammered mid-January by a 30-60 year snow, ice, and wind storm that resulted in literally tons of downed trees, damage to property, and loss of human life. It was beyond sad, tragic really. But I’m still a tree hugger, knowing how hard trees work to sustain themselves and benefit life on the planet—bringing us joy and sustaining our environment. I urge everyone not to let fear of the power of trees overwhelm our appreciation for their wonder. After all, it wasn’t the trees’ plan to topple into chaos. It was the storm—the power of Nature, and let’s hope a “perfect storm” like that won’t happen again.
Coincidentally, I just finished reading “Witness Tree” by Lynda V. Mapes. She is an environmental writer who spent an entire year living in the Harvard (research) Forest in Massachusetts. Ms. Mapes is a storyteller of a reporter, whether she’s writing about the science of trees, the history of the landscape and its settlers, or her climbing experiences as she gets to know her “witness” red oak. See my complete review on Goodreads.
This book brought to mind Katherine Applegate’s novel, “Wishtree” in which another red oak named Red narrates its own story of hopes fulfilled and racial prejudice averted in a community. If only climate change can end in as happy a way for the earth! Shall we also hang our wishes on trees?
There are many wonderful tree-focused books out there, both scientific and fanciful and some in between. Two that I liked and reviewed on Goodreads are as follows: “The Overstory” by Richard Powers is a novel that shows people at their best when standing tall with trees. “Harry’s Trees” by Jon Cohen has a shade of magic realism in a forester’s story of love and loss. “Trees of Greater Portland” has been a helpful local guide, published 1993.
Meanwhile, my own pet tree, a 110-year-old Camperdown elm, saved from development, continues to witness and span the seasons of our lives on Northwest Cornelius Pass Road in Hillsboro, Oregon.
Happy Lunar New Year to Friends of my Goodreads blog! It’s the year of the green wood Dragon. Perhaps this might inspire you to read more books about trees and some fantasies containing dragons.
Coincidentally, I just finished reading “Witness Tree” by Lynda V. Mapes. She is an environmental writer who spent an entire year living in the Harvard (research) Forest in Massachusetts. Ms. Mapes is a storyteller of a reporter, whether she’s writing about the science of trees, the history of the landscape and its settlers, or her climbing experiences as she gets to know her “witness” red oak. See my complete review on Goodreads.
This book brought to mind Katherine Applegate’s novel, “Wishtree” in which another red oak named Red narrates its own story of hopes fulfilled and racial prejudice averted in a community. If only climate change can end in as happy a way for the earth! Shall we also hang our wishes on trees?
There are many wonderful tree-focused books out there, both scientific and fanciful and some in between. Two that I liked and reviewed on Goodreads are as follows: “The Overstory” by Richard Powers is a novel that shows people at their best when standing tall with trees. “Harry’s Trees” by Jon Cohen has a shade of magic realism in a forester’s story of love and loss. “Trees of Greater Portland” has been a helpful local guide, published 1993.
Meanwhile, my own pet tree, a 110-year-old Camperdown elm, saved from development, continues to witness and span the seasons of our lives on Northwest Cornelius Pass Road in Hillsboro, Oregon.
Happy Lunar New Year to Friends of my Goodreads blog! It’s the year of the green wood Dragon. Perhaps this might inspire you to read more books about trees and some fantasies containing dragons.
December 31, 2023
Fairy Tales for the New Year
Happy New Year to Friends of my Goodreads blog! Maybe you are, like me, delving into books you unwrapped over the holidays. Two holiday books revived an old coincidence for me. It has happened once again that two books I read in succession have common links. Both involve “coming of age” and both are inspired by themes from fairy tales.
“The Fairytale Life of Dorothy Gale” by Virginia Kantra is inspired by “The Wizard of Oz” but stands on its own as a relationship and coming of age story about grownups finding where they truly belong. Main character Dorothy (Dee) goes to the Emerald Isle, not the Emerald City, to escape an embarrassing situation at a university in Kansas.
“Fairy Tale” by Stephen King begins as 17-year-old Charlie Reade saves the life of an elderly neighbor and falls in love with his dog. The story continues into a Stephen King world of fantasy magic, horror, and heroism. Fantasy and horror fans would give this more stars than I did and will welcome the movie adaptation when it releases.
I reviewed both novels on Goodreads.com. I also reviewed and gave five stars to “There’s a Cat Hair in My Mask,” a memoir of a Covid year with cats by Portland author Mollie Hunt.
For New Year 2024, I proudly announce the November publication of “Carnival of Muses,” volume 11 of “The Writers’ Mill Journal.” A carnival of ideas and expressions have been collected from the inspirational Writers’ Mill writers of Oregon and around the world. The anthology is available on Amazon.com. Profits from sales go to the Cedar Mill Library of Washington County, Oregon.
Cheers, All the Best, and Good Reads to you in 2024! Thanks for reading my blog and keeping in touch!
“The Fairytale Life of Dorothy Gale” by Virginia Kantra is inspired by “The Wizard of Oz” but stands on its own as a relationship and coming of age story about grownups finding where they truly belong. Main character Dorothy (Dee) goes to the Emerald Isle, not the Emerald City, to escape an embarrassing situation at a university in Kansas.
“Fairy Tale” by Stephen King begins as 17-year-old Charlie Reade saves the life of an elderly neighbor and falls in love with his dog. The story continues into a Stephen King world of fantasy magic, horror, and heroism. Fantasy and horror fans would give this more stars than I did and will welcome the movie adaptation when it releases.
I reviewed both novels on Goodreads.com. I also reviewed and gave five stars to “There’s a Cat Hair in My Mask,” a memoir of a Covid year with cats by Portland author Mollie Hunt.
For New Year 2024, I proudly announce the November publication of “Carnival of Muses,” volume 11 of “The Writers’ Mill Journal.” A carnival of ideas and expressions have been collected from the inspirational Writers’ Mill writers of Oregon and around the world. The anthology is available on Amazon.com. Profits from sales go to the Cedar Mill Library of Washington County, Oregon.
Cheers, All the Best, and Good Reads to you in 2024! Thanks for reading my blog and keeping in touch!
Fairy Tales for the New Year
Happy New Year to Friends of my Goodreads blog! Maybe you are, like me, delving into books you unwrapped over the holidays. Two holiday books revived an old coincidence for me. It has happened once again that two books I read in succession have common links. Both involve “coming of age” and both are inspired by themes from fairy tales.
“The Fairytale Life of Dorothy Gale” by Virginia Kantra is inspired by “The Wizard of Oz” but stands on its own as a relationship and coming of age story about grownups finding where they truly belong. Main character Dorothy (Dee) goes to the Emerald Isle, not the Emerald City, to escape an embarrassing situation at a university in Kansas.
“Fairy Tale” by Stephen King begins as 17-year-old Charlie Reade saves the life of an elderly neighbor and falls in love with his dog. The story continues into a Stephen King world of fantasy magic, horror, and heroism. Fantasy and horror fans would give this more stars than I did and will welcome the movie adaptation when it releases.
I reviewed both novels on Goodreads.com. I also reviewed and gave five stars to “There’s a Cat Hair in My Mask,” a memoir of a Covid year with cats by Portland author Mollie Hunt.
For New Year 2024, I proudly announce the November publication of “Carnival of Muses,” volume 11 of “The Writers’ Mill Journal.” A carnival of ideas and expressions have been collected from the inspirational Writers’ Mill writers of Oregon and around the world. The anthology is available on Amazon.com. Profits from sales go to the Cedar Mill Library of Washington County, Oregon.
Cheers, All the Best, and Good Reads to you in 2024! Thanks for reading my blog and keeping in touch!
“The Fairytale Life of Dorothy Gale” by Virginia Kantra is inspired by “The Wizard of Oz” but stands on its own as a relationship and coming of age story about grownups finding where they truly belong. Main character Dorothy (Dee) goes to the Emerald Isle, not the Emerald City, to escape an embarrassing situation at a university in Kansas.
“Fairy Tale” by Stephen King begins as 17-year-old Charlie Reade saves the life of an elderly neighbor and falls in love with his dog. The story continues into a Stephen King world of fantasy magic, horror, and heroism. Fantasy and horror fans would give this more stars than I did and will welcome the movie adaptation when it releases.
I reviewed both novels on Goodreads.com. I also reviewed and gave five stars to “There’s a Cat Hair in My Mask,” a memoir of a Covid year with cats by Portland author Mollie Hunt.
For New Year 2024, I proudly announce the November publication of “Carnival of Muses,” volume 11 of “The Writers’ Mill Journal.” A carnival of ideas and expressions have been collected from the inspirational Writers’ Mill writers of Oregon and around the world. The anthology is available on Amazon.com. Profits from sales go to the Cedar Mill Library of Washington County, Oregon.
Cheers, All the Best, and Good Reads to you in 2024! Thanks for reading my blog and keeping in touch!
October 5, 2023
Frankly, My Dears
I’ve been re-reading “Common Errors in English Usage” by Paul Brians, and frankly my dears, it’s downright entertaining! I’m not perfectly sure I’ve used “frankly” in the proper context. Brians says that sentences or phrases should only begin with this word to express a shocking or unflattering statement, as in “Gone With the Wind” when Rhett Butler tells Scarlett that he “frankly” doesn’t give a damn.
Says Professor (of English) Brians, “frankly” should not be used in a self-serving way, such as “frankly, I think such and such is. . .”
A few other cautions from the author, in his inimitable style, are as follows:
1) “When you hear a public figure say ‘to be completely honest with you,’ expect a lie.”
2) There is a difference between “envious” and “jealous.” You are envious of what others possess but jealous of what you have and want to keep, such as “your boyfriend’s attraction to other women.”
3) Don’t describe anything physical as “one-dimensional.” This is an impossibility. Says Brians, “If you are bothered that two-dimensions are too many, just use ‘flat.’”
4) The word “till” has been spelled this way for over 800 years and is older than “until.” Both are better English than “til” with or without an apostrophe.
Brians has me chuckling often with his examples of improper language use. Cleverly-captioned illustrations scattered throughout the book add to the professor’s gently humorous correctness. I recommend his book, along with three others of my 5-star September books I reviewed on Goodreads:
“A Gentleman in Moscow” by Amor Towles; “State of Wonder” by Ann Patchett, and “Walk the Blue Fields,” a collection of Irish stories by Claire Keegan.
Happy Fall, my dears, and happy falling into good books!
Says Professor (of English) Brians, “frankly” should not be used in a self-serving way, such as “frankly, I think such and such is. . .”
A few other cautions from the author, in his inimitable style, are as follows:
1) “When you hear a public figure say ‘to be completely honest with you,’ expect a lie.”
2) There is a difference between “envious” and “jealous.” You are envious of what others possess but jealous of what you have and want to keep, such as “your boyfriend’s attraction to other women.”
3) Don’t describe anything physical as “one-dimensional.” This is an impossibility. Says Brians, “If you are bothered that two-dimensions are too many, just use ‘flat.’”
4) The word “till” has been spelled this way for over 800 years and is older than “until.” Both are better English than “til” with or without an apostrophe.
Brians has me chuckling often with his examples of improper language use. Cleverly-captioned illustrations scattered throughout the book add to the professor’s gently humorous correctness. I recommend his book, along with three others of my 5-star September books I reviewed on Goodreads:
“A Gentleman in Moscow” by Amor Towles; “State of Wonder” by Ann Patchett, and “Walk the Blue Fields,” a collection of Irish stories by Claire Keegan.
Happy Fall, my dears, and happy falling into good books!
August 8, 2023
Crazy Daze of Publishing
Long story short—my debut novel “Promise Full of Thorns” has been un-published, that is, it is no longer available from publisher, Sunbury Press. What an apt title—the thorns! The novel I wrote, edited, and fretted over for seventeen years had a short life span—five months, from January to June 2023.
It is now a “limited edition” as well as a “first edition.” A few copies are available through Amazon and direct (signed) from me. It is available at the local Cedar Mill library in Beaverton, Oregon.
Now, with my copyright restored to me, I hope and plan to publish a new edition of “Promise Full of Thorns” with a new cover in 2024.
My sad publishing story isn’t the worst, however. Dana Shavin writes in the August 2023 issue of “The Writer” magazine that an author was dropped by her agent and publisher after publishing her fifth book. Shavin adds, “there are changes in wind speed and direction that we can’t see coming in the publishing world.”
One of the factors causing upsets in publishing is the rising cost of printing. The price hike of my novel was the spark that lighted my disagreement with the publisher who subsequently dropped my book.
Writers who are new to the realities of publishing are often surprised and upset (as I was) with the lengths of time for responses from agents and publishers, and the months-long waits between signing a contract and the start of editing and other processes leading to the book’s release. For me, it was about fifteen months between signing the contract and being contacted by my editor.
It was a joy to have my novel released. Now, my balloon is only temporarily burst. Re-publishing awaits! My advice to other writers facing rejections; long waits; or difficult publishers, agents, or editors is this: Don’t become jaded, don’t give up! Shavin’s article in the August “The Writer” is worth the encouraging read.
It is now a “limited edition” as well as a “first edition.” A few copies are available through Amazon and direct (signed) from me. It is available at the local Cedar Mill library in Beaverton, Oregon.
Now, with my copyright restored to me, I hope and plan to publish a new edition of “Promise Full of Thorns” with a new cover in 2024.
My sad publishing story isn’t the worst, however. Dana Shavin writes in the August 2023 issue of “The Writer” magazine that an author was dropped by her agent and publisher after publishing her fifth book. Shavin adds, “there are changes in wind speed and direction that we can’t see coming in the publishing world.”
One of the factors causing upsets in publishing is the rising cost of printing. The price hike of my novel was the spark that lighted my disagreement with the publisher who subsequently dropped my book.
Writers who are new to the realities of publishing are often surprised and upset (as I was) with the lengths of time for responses from agents and publishers, and the months-long waits between signing a contract and the start of editing and other processes leading to the book’s release. For me, it was about fifteen months between signing the contract and being contacted by my editor.
It was a joy to have my novel released. Now, my balloon is only temporarily burst. Re-publishing awaits! My advice to other writers facing rejections; long waits; or difficult publishers, agents, or editors is this: Don’t become jaded, don’t give up! Shavin’s article in the August “The Writer” is worth the encouraging read.
June 5, 2023
Extinction Threat or Novelists' Helper?
Alarms are sounding about the existential danger of artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots and language models. Even Sam Altman, the “godfather” of AI is concerned and has requested governmental, even international, regulations regarding this phenomenal new technology. Other high-level tech executives agree. Risks of AI include falsification of news, images, and information; transgressions to U.S. security; usurping of jobs for humans; scams of all kinds, and more.
Technology futurist Elon Musk has called for a six-month pause on AI development. Stuart Russell of “The Boston Globe” opined that hyper-intelligent AI is analogous to the invasion of an alien civilization beyond human control.
On the other hand, in a family discussion, we considered how AI might be a handy assistant to writers facing the “soggy, saggy middle” of their novels. This is often the most difficult part of a novel to plot and pace. A compelling beginning and a dynamite ending can leave a blank middle-ground for a writer. As a possible solution, the inspired parts of a story could be “fed” to a chatbot, allowing the AI to fill in the middle section. Of course, the writer should edit and revise the artificial text. This method might be a possible leap over writers’ block!
Price hike alert: Due to rising costs of printing, Amazon is leading the way for all publishers to raise prices on books this month. I have protested a price increase of my novel to $25, but to no avail. As a result, I will continue to personally sell copies of my novel “Promise Full of Thorns” for under $19. If interested, please contact me.
As for my short story anthology, “Night in Alcatraz and Other Uncanny Tales,” I am offering a few copies for sale at $3.79. If you would like a copy at this great bargain, let me know. Amazon has raised the price to $7.99.
Technology futurist Elon Musk has called for a six-month pause on AI development. Stuart Russell of “The Boston Globe” opined that hyper-intelligent AI is analogous to the invasion of an alien civilization beyond human control.
On the other hand, in a family discussion, we considered how AI might be a handy assistant to writers facing the “soggy, saggy middle” of their novels. This is often the most difficult part of a novel to plot and pace. A compelling beginning and a dynamite ending can leave a blank middle-ground for a writer. As a possible solution, the inspired parts of a story could be “fed” to a chatbot, allowing the AI to fill in the middle section. Of course, the writer should edit and revise the artificial text. This method might be a possible leap over writers’ block!
Price hike alert: Due to rising costs of printing, Amazon is leading the way for all publishers to raise prices on books this month. I have protested a price increase of my novel to $25, but to no avail. As a result, I will continue to personally sell copies of my novel “Promise Full of Thorns” for under $19. If interested, please contact me.
As for my short story anthology, “Night in Alcatraz and Other Uncanny Tales,” I am offering a few copies for sale at $3.79. If you would like a copy at this great bargain, let me know. Amazon has raised the price to $7.99.
April 2, 2023
Serendipity Happens--and Another Freebie
Serendipity happened again! With no planning on my part, two books I recently read in succession shared a connection. They were two books revealing the devastating, long lasting effects of war on children.
“We Should Never Meet” by Aimee Phan is a collection of linked short stories about Vietnamese children who were passengers of ‘Operation Babylift’ that brought orphans from Viet Nam to the United States near the end of the Viet Nam war. As adults they struggle to fit into a new culture and suffer alienation when facing the past.
“What Strange Paradise” by Portland author Omar El Akkad tells of the heartbreak and tragedies of Syrian refugees seeking asylum in countries where they are unwelcome. Amir is a nine-year-old boy saved by a teen-age girl on an island where he is tossed in a shipwreck. Their race to find sanctuary is suspenseful, as their lives are forever changed.
Read my full reviews of both books here on Goodreads.
I’m offering another chance to receive a free copy of my debut novel “Promise Full of Thorns,” published in January. The first person to comment here on my Goodreads blog and the first to send me an email comment will receive a free copy of my book. But you must state that you want the freebie copy. Two copies will be given away.
This is no April Fool’s joke!
“We Should Never Meet” by Aimee Phan is a collection of linked short stories about Vietnamese children who were passengers of ‘Operation Babylift’ that brought orphans from Viet Nam to the United States near the end of the Viet Nam war. As adults they struggle to fit into a new culture and suffer alienation when facing the past.
“What Strange Paradise” by Portland author Omar El Akkad tells of the heartbreak and tragedies of Syrian refugees seeking asylum in countries where they are unwelcome. Amir is a nine-year-old boy saved by a teen-age girl on an island where he is tossed in a shipwreck. Their race to find sanctuary is suspenseful, as their lives are forever changed.
Read my full reviews of both books here on Goodreads.
I’m offering another chance to receive a free copy of my debut novel “Promise Full of Thorns,” published in January. The first person to comment here on my Goodreads blog and the first to send me an email comment will receive a free copy of my book. But you must state that you want the freebie copy. Two copies will be given away.
This is no April Fool’s joke!
January 31, 2023
Romance, Relationships, and a Free Book
My new favorite romantic couple is now Alice and Charlie Lukas, the main characters in “Promise Full of Thorns,” my debut novel that has just been released by Brown Posey Press (an imprint of Sunbury Press.)*
Since it’s Valentines month and my novel newly released, I’m inspired to recommend my favorite romance and relationship books that I read and reviewed (here on Goodreads) in 2022:
“Bed Stuy” is Jerry McGill’s debut novel. Set in Brooklyn’s Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood, it is the story of a bi-racial and age-varied romance with fascinating complications.
“Confessions of a Farmers Market Romeo” by James R. Dubbs is a blend of humor, drama, and ‘foodiness.’ It rock-and-rolls through astonishing episodes like a TV sitcom.
“Fresh Water for Flowers” by Valerie Perrin is about a French woman who is keeper of the local cemetery; her husband is past history since he disappeared without a trace. There are back stories of love and secrets in this tale that involves a mystery.
“Hidden Among the Stars” by Melanie Dobson. This time-slip novel involves not only a romance in present time but also a past story of star-crossed loves during the Nazi period in Austria.
“Lila and Theron” by Bill Schubart tells of a motherless boy in Vermont who finds his true love and holds on through time and age.
“Oh William!” by Elizabeth Strout returns character Lucy Barton, divorced from husband William, but still with a loving commitment. An adventurous journey ensues.
“Remarkably Bright Creatures”, Shelby VanPelt’s debut novel, shows that love and faithful friendships are not limited to humans.
“Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor” by Melanie Dobson is another time-slip novel with forbidden love affairs and secrets in an English village.
“The Stranger” also by Melanie Dobson presents a slow-building love story between an outsider and a faithful member of a strict religious commune in 1890s Iowa.
“The Keepers of the House” by Shirley Ann Grau is a novel where forbidden love causes tragedy and heartbreak over generations.
*You may order my book in print from Sunburypress.com or any bookseller, including Amazon. Or order direct from me at a discount. E-books also available.
*I’m giving away two free paperback copies of my novel: 1) to the first person who wants a copy and leaves a comment on my Goodreads blog, and 2) to the first person who wants my book and is the first to send a comment about my blog to my e-mail address.
Have a lover-ly Valentines month! I hope to hear from you.
Since it’s Valentines month and my novel newly released, I’m inspired to recommend my favorite romance and relationship books that I read and reviewed (here on Goodreads) in 2022:
“Bed Stuy” is Jerry McGill’s debut novel. Set in Brooklyn’s Bedford-Stuyvesant neighborhood, it is the story of a bi-racial and age-varied romance with fascinating complications.
“Confessions of a Farmers Market Romeo” by James R. Dubbs is a blend of humor, drama, and ‘foodiness.’ It rock-and-rolls through astonishing episodes like a TV sitcom.
“Fresh Water for Flowers” by Valerie Perrin is about a French woman who is keeper of the local cemetery; her husband is past history since he disappeared without a trace. There are back stories of love and secrets in this tale that involves a mystery.
“Hidden Among the Stars” by Melanie Dobson. This time-slip novel involves not only a romance in present time but also a past story of star-crossed loves during the Nazi period in Austria.
“Lila and Theron” by Bill Schubart tells of a motherless boy in Vermont who finds his true love and holds on through time and age.
“Oh William!” by Elizabeth Strout returns character Lucy Barton, divorced from husband William, but still with a loving commitment. An adventurous journey ensues.
“Remarkably Bright Creatures”, Shelby VanPelt’s debut novel, shows that love and faithful friendships are not limited to humans.
“Shadows of Ladenbrooke Manor” by Melanie Dobson is another time-slip novel with forbidden love affairs and secrets in an English village.
“The Stranger” also by Melanie Dobson presents a slow-building love story between an outsider and a faithful member of a strict religious commune in 1890s Iowa.
“The Keepers of the House” by Shirley Ann Grau is a novel where forbidden love causes tragedy and heartbreak over generations.
*You may order my book in print from Sunburypress.com or any bookseller, including Amazon. Or order direct from me at a discount. E-books also available.
*I’m giving away two free paperback copies of my novel: 1) to the first person who wants a copy and leaves a comment on my Goodreads blog, and 2) to the first person who wants my book and is the first to send a comment about my blog to my e-mail address.
Have a lover-ly Valentines month! I hope to hear from you.
January 2, 2023
Permissions and Persimmons--Bah Humbug!
Christmas season has passed, and so has the December release date for my debut novel! Now that it’s 2023, a whole year of possible release dates stretches forward. Publishing has involved delays and glitches, agonies of editing and revising, but now the ball is in the publisher’s court. As a fellow author astutely commented, “the best moment is definitely when you get the contract offer. All the rest is an uphill battle with knuckleheads.”
One of my biggest hurdles was the obtaining of copyright permissions. I wanted to use a mere two lines of lyrics from each of two 1940s popular songs and a couple of stanzas from a 1919 poem by Robert Graves.
To use the lyrics, two music companies required, among other things, the following: 1) the number of books in the initial print run, and whether my novel would be distributed digitally; 2) a synopsis of the publication and a PDF excerpt of the lyric reprint with surrounding text to show context; 3) a complete list of all songs and writers that would be reprinted in the novel; 4) the title of my book and territories where it would be distributed; 5) my postal address.
And after all of that, I assume there would have been a price tag. I decided to write my own song lyrics! *
As for the poem, it is in public domain in the USA but not worldwide. So I chose not to quote the poem, although it would have been a perfect fit for a critical scene in my novel. Instead, one of my characters paraphrases the poem to another character. I think it works OK.
A bump in the road that could lie ahead: Collecting royalties. My oft-quoted fellow author related that he had to sell about 160 books on Amazon to make the same profit from directly selling 14 books himself.
So, WHEN my novel “Promise Full of Thorns” is released and IF you wish to purchase it, please order directly from me. I will accept pre-orders any time. Thanks. And Happy New Year of reading and writing!
PS: The Writers’Mill 2022 anthology, “Millworks framing life,” is now for sale on Amazon!
*PPS: Song lyrics prior to 1926 are in the public domain.
One of my biggest hurdles was the obtaining of copyright permissions. I wanted to use a mere two lines of lyrics from each of two 1940s popular songs and a couple of stanzas from a 1919 poem by Robert Graves.
To use the lyrics, two music companies required, among other things, the following: 1) the number of books in the initial print run, and whether my novel would be distributed digitally; 2) a synopsis of the publication and a PDF excerpt of the lyric reprint with surrounding text to show context; 3) a complete list of all songs and writers that would be reprinted in the novel; 4) the title of my book and territories where it would be distributed; 5) my postal address.
And after all of that, I assume there would have been a price tag. I decided to write my own song lyrics! *
As for the poem, it is in public domain in the USA but not worldwide. So I chose not to quote the poem, although it would have been a perfect fit for a critical scene in my novel. Instead, one of my characters paraphrases the poem to another character. I think it works OK.
A bump in the road that could lie ahead: Collecting royalties. My oft-quoted fellow author related that he had to sell about 160 books on Amazon to make the same profit from directly selling 14 books himself.
So, WHEN my novel “Promise Full of Thorns” is released and IF you wish to purchase it, please order directly from me. I will accept pre-orders any time. Thanks. And Happy New Year of reading and writing!
PS: The Writers’Mill 2022 anthology, “Millworks framing life,” is now for sale on Amazon!
*PPS: Song lyrics prior to 1926 are in the public domain.
