Catharina’s Comments (group member since Dec 21, 2011)

Catharina’s comments from the Scratch a back group.

Here is a snippet of my Through Time Indefinite:


“Trust her, Mother,” Ramses said as he looked at Siaylah, “for she speaks the truth. She is not of this world, are you?” he asked with the wisdom and foresight with which he would one day rule all of Egypt. “I knew you were not as the others. I have watched you in the chambers of the harem. I have seen you are not as they. You cannot be, for you are goddess!”
“Um . . . no. Not goddess, but also not of this world. What you have seen are acts worked through me by great, unseen gods. I am sent to aid those, who my gods, in their infinite wisdom, have chosen to bless. Those who are chosen are vital in their works, and important to history,” she tried to explain, but they were still confused. She tried again.
“I am visitor. I was sent to stop your death,” she stated more bluntly, seeing no harm in it now since it was over. “I strongly advise you, my prince, when you are Pharaoh, to take a wife. Have heirs and groom them to succeed you. Your rule as Pharaoh shall be one deeply loved by your people and known throughout the times forever more. Follow your heart and your father’s good works. Your kingdom will be blessed by the gods with wealth, happiness, and—” she suddenly shot up stiff as if lightning struck her. Then she trembled as an unseen force took control of her being, seeping into her, and possessing her. “No . . . please. Not now, please,” she gritted through clenched teeth.
“Siaylah! Do not go! Do not go!” Ramses shouted as he shot off the bed. “I command you to stay! I command it!”
She lowered her head with eyes filled with pain and tears. It was time, and she knew it. She hated this part the most. She always hated good-byes . . .
She watched as he moved toward her. Quickly at first, but he slowed no matter how determined he was. She saw his dark, handsome face in panic, mouth agape in anguish, and she felt his desperation, but he couldn’t help her anymore. How could one, who no longer exists, help her?
Then she saw his tears slowly freeze in his big, dark eyes.
It was like a glimpse of a memory, a moment in time, and it was fading away. She knew her task was fulfilled. He, the Pharaoh, Queen Tuya, Minamon, the royal chambers, the royal guards, the lavish markets of ancient Egypt, and the fruit she was never able to taste . . . they all began to fade from view, straight into the history books of the future . . .

Oops! Forgot the links. You can find my post on it including links, on my blogspot: http://catharinashields.blogspot.com/

Storiesonline: http://storiesonline.net/home.php

Finestories.com: http://finestories.com/

Harry, the best marketing for anything is target marketing, and blogger reviews is target marketing for indie authors. Amanda Hocking has openly said her success is due to bloggers.

People who are a member of and read blogs are already in the right mindset and just need to find out where they can spend their hard-earned money.

Mark Coker of Smashwords had done a survey and was surprised that 47% of the 206 respondents chose the following:

1) "Recommendations from fellow readers on online message forums, blogs and message boards," with 29% of respondents choosing this."

The second is name brand - i.e. your name. I know this to be true since a lot of my sales come from my readers from free online sites (I know this because they let me know when they buy).

I would suggest to all authors to post their work on free online sites like Storiesonline.net (for all erotic stories) and Finestories.com (for non-erotic).

Both sites are moderated by the same man, Lazeez. He publishes your stories quickly (usually within a couple of hours) and takes them down just as quickly.

Through feedback you'll learn what takes and what doesn't while readers participate in helping you polish up your story as they send suggestions/advice while at the same time. Your work gets "peer reviewed" as they get a taste of your writing. This helps you with name recognition.

Cross-marketing is an excellent idea as well.

Since I write paranormal romance, there are enough bloggers out there who enjoy reviewing this genre. And that's a good thing since paranormal romance (both erotic and non-erotic) is what I write. :-)

Only my Of Vinegar and Honey series is a contemporary romance, but it still has something magical - faith healing. Sort of.

I have notice, though, that many bloggers prefer printed books to review. I don't know why that is. Anyway, I avoid those.