Smorgasbord Blog Magazine – Christmas Book Fair -Guest Post – Wendy Janes – Musings on #proofreading fiction and non-fiction.

Learn about how editors and proofreaders work, and how complex the job can turn out to be

Can the Cold Case of Book Marketing Be Solved? — A Writer’s Path

I personally feel that the more invested you are in the branding and marketing process of your book and yourself as an author, the more people you’d sell your books to. I must agree with some of the points put forth in this article as well!

by David Gittlin Comparatively speaking, writing a novel is the fun, easy, first step of the self-publishing process. The second step, creating an attention-getting book cover, offers its own unique set of challenges. However, the most intimidating and difficult undertaking, to most authors, is the third step—marketing. The word strikes terror in many […]

Can the Cold Case of Book Marketing Be Solved? — A Writer’s Path

Writer’s Tips: A Great Edition to Maximize Readership for Authors and Bloggers —

Great tips from DG Kaye’s website! She is definitely one of the authors you should follow to learn more about becoming professional author.

This edition of Writer’s Tips offer some great links for writers and authors – How to use Amazon search words for best visibility, the importance of using Goodreads for authors, The Kindlepreneur with a generator machine to drum up ideas and book titles, and did you know that just by commenting on other blogs your…

Writer’s Tips: A Great Edition to Maximize Readership for Authors and Bloggers —

Hiring freelancers for self-publishing: Fiverr, Upwork and Reedsy — My Human Experience

As an entrepreneur who started her journey from microservice platform, I can relate to this author’s journey in finding some of the most affordable service providers that would not break your bank.

Thanks to the sharing economy, there are a plethora of options for you to choose from when you’re deciding to hire freelancers. In fact, there are so many options that it can be overwhelming for the debut author to know where to start. This was my journey.

Hiring freelancers for self-publishing: Fiverr, Upwork and Reedsy — My Human Experience

V is for Validation – How Writers Want It

I can relate to you and the thought about being on top of the game just puts the pressure way too much, even during the writing process. I have asked readers and writers of non-fiction books to validate my book idea just to get the feel that I am on the right track, until one day I felt that this is enough and I gotta just write what needs to be written.

#Bookreview opportunity Friday: Fresh From The Oven – featuring Author Dan Bar Hava

Friday: Fresh From The Oven

Author Dan Bar Hava is going to join us live on screen on 13th December, Friday 8PM CST on our Facebook page. We’re seeking potential paid video reviewers who would like to read Dan’s 14-page book and join us live on screen. Contact us via http://wp.me/P3Z97N-er

About the Author:

Dan Bar was born and raised in Jerusalem. Creativity was an essential part of Dan’s life early on, with music being the focus during teens and young adulthood and writing thereafter. After serving in the military and phase I of higher education, Dan Bar moved to the US.

Dan Bar has co-written the film “Falling Star” (AKA “Goyband”), a romantic comedy, featuring Adam Pascal and Natasha Lyonne and “Brooklyn, All American,” a coming-of-age sports tale. The Thirty Six Watchers is Dan’s first novel.

Blurb:

“It is said that at all times, there are 36 special people in the world, and that were it not for them, all of them, if even one of them was missing, the world would come to an end.”

Was the crucifixion engineered to end Roman rule? Could World War II be avoided? Could the Titanic be saved? The 36 Watchers tells the story of Jenna Berg, a young, professional, carefree NYC dweller, who, almost unwillingly, becomes a member of the most secretive and powerful group that has been protecting humankind from total destruction since the beginning of time.

The 36 Watchers

Author Spotlight: Lucie M La France

Lucie M La France

This book is an inspiring story of young lady who graduated from a French high school but wanted to pursue her dreams in America. She had to overcome language barriers , poverty and resentment from others because  She left her parents back home and had to work to support herself. In the end, She achieved all her goals and made a name for her family.

I write the story because it is very important and compelling to me. Consequently, others will be inspired from reading this book.
I want readers to understand that we can overcome difficulties or achieve our dreams when we persevere. There is hope for us if we determine to pursue our goals and dreams with tenacity and endurance, we can change our destiny. There will be obstacles, dilemmas and struggles, but if we don’t quit or get discouraged, we can eventually reach our aspirations.

Blurb:

Learning English as a second language has never been an easy process. However, after graduating from a French high school, a young lady decided to leave her native country and families in the pursuit of her dreams in America. Based on her language barriers, many perceived her aspirations and ambitions to be impossible and unattainable. Despites the negatives feedback and others’ opinions, she was determined to pursuit her dreams, and to make a name for her family. She let nothing stand in her path of successes. She coped with her limitations and lack of support, and did not let fear, cultural chaos, poverty or intimidations stopped her from chasing her goals diligently. Compelled by her tenacity and determination, she conquered all her aspirations in the face of challenges, struggles and societal misconceptions.

In these pages, she describes the following:
– Her challenges with the English language.
– The tactics she used to quickly learn English and to survive the academic endeavors.
– Her daily financial struggles.
– Her disappointments, setbacks, and resentments from others.
– The fulfillment of her dreams.

Author Branding — Aloisius and I

Author Branding
Photo by Caio Resende on Pexels.com

An excellent post about author branding!

“Pick three key pieces of your personality that show up in all your work and that you’re also willing to discuss with others, so that you

a) create a persona, for sure, but one that feels real and sustainable;

b) make yourself available for author-reader relationships, but also remain in control of what you share; and

c) build an honest brand that will carry you through your career, no matter what you’re writing, in what genre, with what set of characters, because the components of your brand are inherently you.

You’ll have to excuse my year-long absence. I was busy getting my shit together in a process that went something like this: give up alcohol on the Autumn Equinox, 2018; journal out the thoughts that bubbled up and snapped and lapped tar across my brain; cry a lot; let go of a lot; step away […]

Author Branding — Aloisius and I

9 Things Authors Aren’t Doing (And Should Be Doing) – by Martin Crosbie… — Chris The Story Reading Ape’s Blog

Martin Crosbie had listed out some really important things we authors should be looking at when it comes to developing our writing career. I hope you’d enjoy reading the post as much as I did as it made me reflect on how I am approaching marketing and positioning myself as an author.

on Indies Unlimited: At BookDoggy, we often receive submissions from authors that are missing important items which could totally help them connect with more readers. We’ve put together a rant, I mean a list of things that drive us crazy, I mean things that will help you. Anyway, here it is. Continue reading HERE

9 Things Authors Aren’t Doing (And Should Be Doing) – by Martin Crosbie… — Chris The Story Reading Ape’s Blog

How to tell apart passion and purpose: An Interview with Brian C. Dobbs

Brian C. Dobbs

Catch the Live interview with Brian HERE at 8PM CST 24th October 2019

Brian C. Dobbs encourages “cultural shift” in new personal development book – Uniquely Called

Dynamic speaker, minister and business coach releases his latest book, where he aims to help readers trigger life-changing emotions and actions

Brian C. Dobbs is known for his unique combination of faith, personal progression, and professional development to create tremendous growth toward powerful, substantial results. In a similar vein and in line with his goals of helping as many people as possible to discover their calling and reach their full potential, Brian just released a new book titled “Uniquely Called.”

The world is usually quick to celebrate the achievements of people who have excelled on different grounds. While some people know and appreciate the struggles of the successful ones, others are not particularly aware of their exploits. However, while millions of people can also achieve amazing feats by simply identifying their calling and sticking to it, many people do not have an idea of how to forge ahead. This is where Brian C. Dobbs seeks to inspire readers to take the right actions that will spur them to success.

“Uniquely Called” has been described as a “thrilling journey,” chronicling the challenges, obstacles, and peak-and-valley moments of people that have realized their calling and made the best of their time on earth. The book offers a captivating insight into the lives of different characters and how they were able to go against all odds to achieve their live goals.

The author of the book, Brian C. Dobbs, aims to touch the lives of readers while ultimately leading to a shift in culture to create a better place for others. Over the years, he has been featured on different industry platforms, using his wealth of experience and knowledge to motivate and inspire countless people to greatness. Brian is looking to continue his work of literally speaking greatness into individuals across the globe.

For more information about Uniquely Called and other work by Brian C. Dobbs, please visit – https://briancdobbs.com/. Brian is also available across several social media platforms, including Facebook and LinkedIn.

About Brian C. Dobbs

Brian C. Dobbs is a dynamic speaker, minister and business coach who is popular for speaking and coaching professionals, corporations, churches and organizations on the importance of reaching success through relationship building and identifying one’s personal brand. Through public speaking and business coaching, Brian guides teams and individuals on a journey where they first find their purpose and then determine how to utilize it to their fullest advantage.

1. How did you get into entrepreneurship? Please tell us more about your journey as an entrepreneur.

a. My earliest experience as an entrepreneur was when I was around 16 years old.  I got a job as a lifeguard and taught swimming lessons.  I started doing private lessons for individual and groups.

b. There has always been a yearning inside of me to create, build and make an impact.  My journey has had challenges, road blocks, obstacles and peak moments.  The joy that I get when I can create something that produces the results I want keeps me going.

2. Who are my role models?

Great question.  I have several people I follow and consider role models which include some greats as Jim Rohn, Zig Ziglar, Billy Graham and Henry Ford.

3. Did you read any books that inspired or motivated you on your journey?

Yes, I read many books including Darren Hardy’s book, Entrepreneurial Roller Coaster and Carol Dweck’s book Mindset both had a huge impact.

4. Please tell us about your company.

I own a speaking and business coaching company where I work with individuals and groups on personal and professional development.

5. What is your most memorable experience as an entrepreneur?

My most memorable experience is when I hit rock bottom and had to make the decision to quit or pick my head up and move forward.  It was the time I was most vulnerable and at a loss sitting at my dining room table with a note pad and pen.  After having my pity-party and melt down I asked the Lord to help me put things back together.  At that moment I found strength, energy and creativity that propelled me forward to where I am today.  I have since published my book, Uniquely Called where I share the details of the story and process that got me back on my feet and moving in the right direction.

6. Are you using any online marketing strategies for your company? How are you using different social media channels to market your company?

Yes, I have created a comprehensive marketing strategy for my company and for my clients.  I utilize a system to disseminate a custom message over multiple platforms.

Plus, social media and technology changes so quickly I am constantly learning about new techniques and building the community of experts around me.

7. What’s your greatest fear as an entrepreneur?

My greatest fear is not taking more risks.  Fear is inevitable but not jumping out in faith will cause you to stifle growth.

8. Looking back, what’s one thing you wish you understood about entrepreneurship before you ever got started?

Looking back, I would say the greatest thing that I could have done would be to be more intentional about building my mentor and coaching circles first.

9. Would you like to share any success secrets that helped you in your journey?

Be a life-long learner, it was easy for me to mistake the passion that I have for knowledge.

Be coachable, now I can say that I would rather invest in a coach first before charging forward.

Excel at communication, I knew how to speak; however, when I became a student of communication it helped in every area.

10. What do you enjoy most about what you do?

I would say that I get the most enjoyment when I help others get that ah-ha moment they have been longing for.

11. What keeps you going when things get tough?

My faith, number one keeps me in the game.  I know that my life-purpose and that keeps me motivated.

12. How can people connect with you?

Visit my website: BrianCDobbs.com

Brian@BrianCDobbs.com