Reviews! 🎊

One of the many meaningful parts of publishing a new book is reading the reviews. Much appreciation to readers and fellow writers who take the time to leave a review.  

Stay tuned for some great reviews of my latest book as well as some tips for leaving reviews for your favorite authors. Please check out the hotlinks and support the social media and books of the mentioned authors—they are super talented, riveting writers. 😊

Also, if I’ve inadvertently missed anyone’s post or review:  my sincerest thanks for your time and effort on behalf of my writing—writers rock and are so generous!  

These awesome reviews might give you inspiration for the many easy ways you can spread the word about your favorite writers as well as the many fun, articulate ways you can describe their books. 😊

 

Excerpts from What Readers Are Saying about Does It Look Like Her?:

From Martha Engber Reads Reviews:

“Melanie Faith’s Does It Look Like Her? is a narrative poetry book that reads like a novel. But rather than rely on a lot of words as novels do, each of the 26 poems in the three-part fictional story of Alix is a brushstroke like the kind used by a renown artist to render her likeness into fame…

Image Courtesy of Martha Engber.

If you’re new to poetry, this book should be your entry. It’s accessible, but not simple, beautiful, but not “cute.” Best of all, each poem’s ending packs an insightful punch that caused me to think about, and find, new angles to my own life, rendering me to murmur, ‘Ah.’”

 

Amazon and Goodreads feedback:

From Carolyn R Russell’s review:

“With each reading, forwards or backwards, my connection to this examined life, this character, and the language of this stunning little book intensified. Certain narrative threads receded while others popped. Linguistic phrases seemed to leap at me with new significance as context for them deepened.”

 

From Laurie’s @lauriemiller2015 [Instagram]’s review:

“This collection is passionate, melancholy, loving, and to me, an homage to artists who may struggle with their writing, painting, or creating their art. My favorite pieces were the three in which Alix’s son, Sam, speaks about a famous portrait of his mother—the first at age eight, the second at age 20, and the third at age 39. Through those three poems, the reader sees Sam’s perspective, and his relationship with and understanding of his mother, evolve. As the mother of a grown son, I related to the changes in their relationship, and it was beautiful.”

 

From an Etsy review by Janessa Haley @janessahaleyauthor [Instagram]:

“Melanie's book is so inspiring! This lovely book of poems has been added to the special place on my bookshelf full of Melanie's other books :) If you love beautiful words and poems that tell a story, this book is a must for all poetry lovers!”

 

From an Etsy review by Jessie Carty:

“So excited to read Melanie's newest poetry book!”

From an Instagram post by Ian M. Rogers:

“Psyched to get Melanie Faith’s new poetry collection, Does It Look Like Her?...If you haven’t already, check out her new innovative, story-based poetry book and her first foray into independent publishing, the latest of many new endeavors—she has signed copies available on her Etsy store (just Google Melanie Faith Etsy), or you can buy it from the Big A (Amazon). Here’s to more creative adventures, and I can’t wait to dive in!”

From a Goodreads review by Terri McCord:

“This book rings true as not only an inventive tribute to creativity and family, but also to the rich history of art and artists. Does It Look Like Her? is also a wonderful collaborative chat with art-makers, past and present, and shaped with such great care by this writer/poet, and art-maker herself. The language is musical, and the relationships are tender, and the portrait that emerges is well worth reading.”

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If you’ve ever thought about reviewing anyone’s book, here are 5 helpful ideas:

*Don’t have much time right now? No problem—click on the number of stars you wish to give a book at Amazon, Goodreads, or another site.  You can return later to write your review, and in the meantime, you have contributed to a better rating for the book. Win-win.

*Unlike formal reviews, you can literally leave just a sentence or two. [See “running short of time” above.]

*Not sure what to say? Here are a few options. Compliment: 

  •        characters you connect with

  • good pacing

  •         funny passages or passages that made you think  

  •         a resonant line or two you liked

  •         the conflict or main goal of the protagonist

  •         how this book compares to others in the same genre (you can even name-drop a book or two it reminds you of)

  • your favorite chapter/poem/essay/line

  •          what you like about the dialogue

  •          POV or alternating POV in the book

  •         what you like about this author’s writing style

*In addition to the book sites listed above, some writers (like myself) also sell their books through an Etsy shop or a personal website. Etsy, in particular, has a feedback box which is another great place to reach readers who are interested in the book.

* Post a few words about a book you love at your own socials and tag the author if you’d like.

*There were also many generous Facebook posts and Facebook replies that I deeply appreciate. Facebook and Facebook Groups can be a great place to share reviews.  

To writing beautiful book reviews that make a difference to readers and authors alike!🥳

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Would you like to read a copy of Does It Look Like Her?:

Signed copies of Does It Look Like Her?  available at my Etsy store: clickety-click. Also, available (unsigned) through Amazon: clickety-click.  

Cover design and photography by moi 😊

My Silhouette Portrait Published in Suspended Magazine & Giveaway Reminder 📸🥳

Very pleased to have one of my photos, “Open Space Silhouette Portrait,” published in the current issue of Suspended Magazine. Check out the issue, and consider submitting poems, art, or short fiction to this amazing literary magazine: details here.


More insights from the magazine about my photo: “I’m interested in the numerous exciting permutations portraiture and self-portraiture can take. From precise likenesses to figures that could be a stand-in for almost any character or human form, the possibilities when documenting the self and others are encouraging for photographers who wish to explore. I took this self-portrait using a Nikon 35 mm DSLR, creating a window reflection and then playing with filters that introduced light leaks that offered a compelling interplay between buoyant, yellow warmth and movement against deep, calm shadows of introspection and stillness. I’m intrigued by how the finished photo suggests both anchoring and spaciousness.”

***

Also, just a reminder that Women on Writing’s Thankful for Books Giveaway runs up to November 20th! 🍂📚

Copies of my book, From Promising to Published , will be part of the prize packages for three lucky winners.

Read more and enter the contest at: Thankful for Books Giveaway!

Blog Tour: Review at Lesliesvoice.com & Many Thanks! 🎉

Such a pleasure to have a review of my book at Lesliesvoice.com!

An excerpt from Leslie’s thoughtful review: “Through anecdotes, metaphor, and humor, this author keeps the reader engaged and laughing throughout the book. Yet the serious part of publishing comes through loud and clear, and a brief exercise is given at the end of each chapter to drive home the content. 

This book, From Promising to Published, came to me at the perfect time, just before I typed “The End” on my manuscript. I’ve made notes and scribbles throughout the book, a good sign that I’ll be coming back to it again and again. I’m in the middle of preparing all those things Melanie talks about: Author Bio, Cover Letters (including elements and examples), building a web and social media presence, and managing, and even planning for, rejection (something every writer needs). One of my goals for 2023 is to take more risks with my writing life. The author uses swimming as a metaphor for risk. I’m not a swimmer and, in fact, I’m terrified of deep water. But in writing, I’ve gone beyond the ‘toe-tip in the pool’ to mastering the ‘swan dive.’ Next up, the ‘butterfly stroke.’ I many never learn the ‘freestyle.’ To learn what each of those strokes represents in writing, take a deeper dive into this book, and enjoy the ripple effect of taking some risk. 

From Promising to Published contains helpful information about identifying a target audience and submitting to literary journals. But beyond that are tips and tricks I haven’t found in other books on publishing; for example, courtesies and networking among authors, protecting my personal space, avoiding burnout through self-care, and my favorite…celebration! A few months ago, I bought a beautiful peace sign paper weight for myself and had it wrapped up as a gift at the store. After typing “The End” following the last chapter (about freedom and peace), I celebrated by opening my gift. It sits on my bookcase as a daily reminder that I was able to achieve a significant milestone in my writing life!”

Read the rest of the review at: clickety-click!

Check out more of Leslie’s wonderful writing and publications here (“Friday Speak Out!: The List-Maker,” here (“My Favorite Chair”), and here (“What I Would Teach My Children”). Also enjoy this great interview with Leslie from Women on Writing when Leslie’s work placed Runner Up in WOW!’s 2020 Creative Nonfiction Contest: clickety-click.

Many thanks to Leslie Cox for this beautiful review and for making the final stop of my blog tour so meaningful! 🎉

My sincere appreciation and thanks to all of the bloggers who hosted my book during the tour and wrote reviews; to Women on Writing for ongoing support, enthusiasm, and kindness; to Nicole Pyles for applying her amazing blog-tour creation skills to my tour and making this such a fun experience that I couldn’t have done on my own; and to each of YOU, dear readers, who have come along on the fun journey of this blog tour and offered marvelous feedback and messages and/or have purchased From Promising to Published.

May your muse continue to shine, and here’s to filling 2023 with wondrous words and publications aplenty! 🎉

Blog Tour: Reviews at Liberate & Lather and Word Magic 🌟

Super excited to have reviews of From Promising to Published at Liberate & Lather and at Word Magic!

From the Liberate & Lather review: “I ended my read feeling built up, and options I never thought of were gifted to me.  My power to forge along as a writer has been renewed.  If you are on the fence about publishing or not publishing, wrestling with imposter syndrome, or needing fresh ideas to get your work in front of many eyeballs, then you want this in your hands.”

Many thanks to Angie Clay. Check out Angie’s awesome Ignite & Write Subscription Boxes, inspiring podcast, and self-care products.

From the Word Magic review: “Melanie’s goal is to demystify the mystifying process of publishing and she succeeds in this by giving a step by step, logical sequence of milestones and how to accomplish each goal. The chapters are coherently arranged for easy navigation. The author also advises that not every tip will apply to every reader, and they should feel free to pick up on the ones that most suit their situation. One piece of advice I liked was this: say you are a writer/author right from the start, not an imposter, and cling to that knowledge.”

Many thanks to Fiona Ingram at Word Magic. Check out Fiona’s amazing books and her wonderful series website: clickety-click!

Blog Tour: Craft Article, "6 Tips To Tame the Taking-on-Too-Much Spiral"🌟

I’m honored to have my craft article featured today at Editor-911 as the next stop in my book tour for From Promising to Published.

An excerpt:

How can we step back a little to create a gentler schedule?

Tip 1: Refrain from the immediate yes, however tempting. Pause for an hour (or even a day) when a great opportunity lands to think it through, step by step. 

Break down the opportunity’s required components and guesstimate possible time investments. Factor in your current energy level and health (yours and family members) before taking on a promising project. 

Visuals help: physically open your calendar and pinpoint exact hours in your schedule when you will do the work involved.  If you don’t have a lot of successive empty spots in your weeks ahead, you already know the answer. 

Last week, I had a fantastic short-term gig land in my inbox. My first instinct was to leap on it. Yes, yes, yes! Sign me up! 

Then, it occurred to me: a project like the one offered requires 2.5 to 3 hours minimum per day, 5 or 6 days a week…”

Read the rest at: clickety-click!

Many thanks to talented writer, book publisher, and educator Margo L. Dill!

Check out Margo’s awesome online writing classes, including Manuscript Draft Editing Package with Consultation (For Novels, Short Story Collections, and Memoirs), Children’s Novel Draft Editing Package (For Novels for Children Ages 9-12), and Writing a Novel with a Writing Coach: One-on-One Instruction, and Margo’s books and editing packages, sure to inspire and support your writing projects! Sign up for her free newsletter: clickety.

Blog Tour: Craft Article about Beta Readers 🌟

Thrilled to have my craft article, “Bountiful Betas: Benefits of a Beta Reader and Tips for Finding One,” featured today as a guest post as part of my book tour for From Promising to Published at Elle Backenstoe’s blog.

An excerpt: “Beta readers can save authors a lot of time and frustration trying to figure out elements of our own work that can be hard to pinpoint—such as why a certain character feels flat or why a scene that started so well deflated within a few short paragraphs.” 

Read the rest at: Elle Backenstoe’s blog. Learn more about Elle and her forthcoming book here and here. Thanks so much, Elle!

Book Tour: Author Chitchatting with Jill Sheets 🌟

In which our author couldn’t resist posing with these wintry, rectangular beams of sudden sunlight.

One more week of enjoyable stops on my book-blog tour; thanks for all of your messages, positive feedback, and support during this tour.

Kickstarting this week with a fun interview. Stay tuned for some info-packed craft articles/guest posts ahead about beta readers and the art of not taking on too much!

It was a real joy to chat with Jill Sheets recently about the art of pacing, not giving up too soon, photography, forthcoming writing classes, my lack of athletic prowess, and From Promising to Published, among other topics.

Check it out: clickety-click!

Many thanks to Jill Sheets. Check out more of her awesome interviews with writers and blog-tour posts at: clickety-click.

Blog Tour: Article: "GPS: Tips for Finding a Good-Fit Freelance Editor"🌟

Ever wondered how to find an editor to assist on your writing project? Thrilled to have a craft article I wrote featured at Beverley A. Baird’s awesome blog today. Stop by to get advice on finding a best-fit editor for your manuscript.

An excerpt: “It can be invaluable to get an impartial view on our writing with the in-depth, personalized feedback a freelance editor provides. Editors catch inconsistencies, scope for grammar and structural problems, note unintended repetition and filler words, red-flag plot holes, mark underdeveloped dialogue or characterization, and much more. 

Where do you find a freelance editor anyway?

·         Ask a librarian. Many libraries host readings or writing groups as part of their community outreach. Plus, librarians dig a good information search and have a wide network…

·         Check your favorite indie author’s website. A sizable portion of authors take on editing projects.

· Check the Acknowledgments section of your favorite recently published books.”

Read the whole article with oodles more tips at: clickety-click!

Blog Tour: 2 Reviews 🌟

So happy to have two wonderful new reviews of my book, From Promising to Published!

Check out this review from Glenda at The Mommies Reviews: clickety-click.

Along with this review from Beverley A. Baird: clickety-click.

Many thanks to Glenda and Beverley! Check out more at: http://www.themommiesreviews.com/ and https://beverleyabaird.wordpress.com/.

Blog Tour: Article--"7 Surefire Tips For Writing Author Bios With Personality And Heart"🌟

Super excited that my book tour stops today at Mindy McGinnis’ blog today and features my writing craft article with tips for crafting a meaningful author bio [clickety-click below to read]:

7 Surefire Tips For Writing Author Bios With Personality And Heart

Many thanks to Mindy! Check out Mindy’s awesome YA books, podcast, and editorial services while you’re there.