All writers know the value of reviews to the success of their books. Yet most readers don’t review- even if they’ve really enjoyed the book – for a variety of reasons. Time is always a factor in the hectic, modern world. There are some people, of course, who simply don’t like the idea, or aren’t comfortable expressing their thoughts for others to read. Perhaps they feel daunted when they see the long, detailed reviews done by Amazon top reviewers and professional editors. Yet even short, to the point reviews are greatly appreciated by authors. Every single one adds to that all-important number that shows up on Amazon or other online retailers.
That said, from today, Saturday 20th February, until Wednesday the 24th, the first book of my Sons of Kings Trilogy will be free on Amazon. It’s entitled, Shadow of the Raven. As you’ve probably guessed, I’m about to say that I would be very grateful for an honest review from anyone who might read it. I’ve set up a few advertising features for these five days, so I’ll just have to wait and see what happens. The trouble is, advertising opportunities seem few and far between in the UK – all of mine are in the US. If anyone knows of any good UK advertising site, I’d really appreciate the contact addresses.
Here are the front covers of the two books of my trilogy so far:
Since Christmas I’ve had two reviews of Book 2, Pit of Vipers, posted on WordPress blogs. One is from the lovely, New York blogger, JF, on his blog Pursuit of Happiness. The link is to the actual review.
The other blogger was across the other side of the world, in Australia. ChristineR
These two bloggers have read and reviewed both of my books on their blogs now, for which I am incredibly grateful. Christine has also put both on Amazon, which is more than appreciated!
Well, over the last week or so we’ve been hearing a great deal about the Arctic weather conditions over in the north-eastern areas of the US and in Canada. Newsreels have given us glimpses of the frozen Niagara and snow-packed streets and highways. Travelling must be a nightmare. All we can do is sympathise – and hope similar conditions don’t visit us!
Here in Nottinghamshire, the weather has been dull in the most part, with just a few bursts of sunshine. But it’s quite mild, for February. Buds on spring flowers are swelling, a few even opening up fully. In our garden we have a few daffodils open and a handful of crocuses.
Snowdrops will be coming to an end soon. Everything sings of the hint of spring, even the noisy little sparrows – and that’s how I intend to think of it. Look forward, not backward. Positive thoughts in all things . . .
Millie Thom 
A very nice and inspiring post for those of us still locked in the chill of Winter. Beautiful images. I took a picture of flowers budding last year every day from the same spot and created a gif. It was fun and came out really neat. I also did the same thing with the leaves changing in Fall.
Thank you, Shawn. I should think keeping a calendar of images of one place throughout the changing seasons would be very lovely. I had to do a year-round study of an alder tree once, with photos. It’s really nice to look at and make comparisons. (I’m not high tech. enough to make a gif!) Autumn/Fall leaves would be very pretty. 🙂
I could certainly point you in the direction of some software that would make creating a gif very easy for you. If you can administer WordPress blog, you would have no problem. ☺
That’s very kind of you! I must warn you, your talking to someone totally stuck in the Dark Ages here. But if the software is as easy as you say to administer, I may even surprise myself. My youngest son also works in IT – but he spends his life all over the world. He’s enjoying the ‘lovely’ weather in Montreal at the moment. If all you have to do is send an email address (or suchlike) for this software, I would appreciate it very much. Thank you! 🙂
The toughest part about making a gif is remembering to take a picture every day! LOL. For me, anyway. 🙂
You aren’t a dinosaur, like me! Keep your camera in a prominent pkace. As long as you affectionately chew-everything-up dog doesn’t get at it and chomp it up. 🙂
You aren’t a dinosaur! Here’s a link, “chat” me with any questions. Have fun with it! http://www.dvdvideosoft.com/products/dvd/Free-GIF-Maker.htm#.VOd6APnF98E
Thank you! I’ll hop over and have a look in a mo. 🙂
Here’s one I made. http://mojoshawn.com/2014/11/01/falling-through-the-month-of-october/
Wow – your covers look great! Good for you!
Thank you, John. I found a good – and not too expensive – illustrator.in Scotland. He’s so good to work with, too. He’ll keep at the images until I’m absolutely satisfied with them. He’s going to do Book 3 for me as well. 🙂
Can you give us a link to Amazon where we can get the books? I would love to read them and give a review!
Millie, how much do Goodreads reviews help? I’ve never written a review on Amazon, but I review or at least rate books on Goodreads all the time.
Hi Sonya. Goodreads reviews are excellent! I have six reviews and one rating on Goodreads for Book One. If you’d be happy to read and review Shadow of the Raven just on Goodreads I’d be very happy. (I hope I’ve not jumped the gun here. You may not have meant that!) But if you do, It would be best to download it from Amazon whilst it’s free. I haven’t put the new version onto Goodreads yet and it hasn’t got the maps in it. Even when the books aren’t free, I’m also happy to send epub, mobi or pdf files to anyone on WP in exchange for honest reviews. Thank you so much, Sonya. 🙂
You didn’t jump the gun at all! I got a copy of your book earlier 🙂
Have to finish another one first, but I’m looking forward to reading Shadow of the Raven.
Thank you X 100! (Which would be double the number of words in your great posts!) 🙂
Thanks, Millie! Yes, we are moved in. I’ve even posted photos on facebook of the view from my front window, but I’ll have to blog about it, too! That way, y’all can see it, too! 🙂
I’ll look forward to seeing your post. You must be very happy now all the hassle is over. 🙂
Yes, I am. I still have organizing to do, but that’s an ongoing production. All the hard work is done. 🙂
Reblogged this on The Storyteller's Abode and commented:
Millie Thom’s writing is beautifully elegant and her books an enjoyable read. If you like historical fiction then check her out. 🙂
Millie are goodread reviews help more than amazon reviews?
Amazon reviews are best because it’s the place people go to buy books, so reviews help them to make up their minds. But Goodreads reviews are good because so many people – both readers and writers – use Goodreads. It’s a great place to get books noticed. Some readers put their reviews on one or the other, and some readers put them on both Amazon and Goodreads. I’d be extremely grateful for reviews on either. 🙂 Thank you so much for asking. 🙂
No than you for your answer. Nice post by the way 😛
OMG! I’m horribly late for the free thing… Sorry dear.
I was so stupid to have never asked you if you wanted a review for your books! If you still do then drop me a mail at thereadingbud@gmail.com and I’ll be happy to review it for you on my blog as well as Goodreads and Amazon 🙂
BTW awesome cover arts 🙂
I wouldn’t have asked, Heena, because I know how busy you’ve been setting up your new site. Of course I’d love you to review it. I’m about to put a note in my side bar, offering a free copy of Book One in exchange for an honest review. I’ll email you, if that’s OK. 🙂
You’re so thoughtful! 🙂
And that’s totally fine… please go ahead and mail me the book in mobi format. 🙂