Thursday, October 21, 2010

Update on books

Hey all!

Just a quick update that at long last the first chapter of my fourth book has been typed up. It took forever for some reason, but at long last it's complete. I hope that now that I have gotten the groundwork laid somewhat, the story will start to flow better. I have so much to write and yet it's been impossible to do so. Not sure why. Well, I'm hopefully getting book four now. Lord willing someday there will be five books and they will all be published and settling nicely on store shelves for all my loyal fans to pick up and read and add to their romance collection.

Signing off for now,

Amy

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Book Reviews-A Way To Get Out Of The Dumps

Okay, so clearly I'm not the most dedicated blogger. I apologize to anyone who has actually been following me faithfully. I guess part of the reason for the huge gap between writings is just not knowing what to write. My last post was one of frustration, anger and disappointment. This one, while not completely opposite, hopefully will be a little more encouraging. I joined a website less than a month ago (October 1st to be exact) called Authonomy.com and was amazed at the reviews I received on my book. Some were as simple as, "Great writing" while others were long, and even gave me ideas on how to make my book better, some without even realizing they were doing so. After my last crushing disappointment I had begun to think that perhaps my book was poorly written, or at the least would only gain a readership of a handful of very young teens. What a shock when writers my age and older began to read, comment on and 'back' my book! Imagine! So, not as any sort of pat on the back, but simply to share some of my favourite comments, I am putting them here, complete with author name and book (if they indicated it). Someday I hope to find some of these titles in bookstores, and when I do, I will be able to go back to my blog and see how these writers encouraged me on the road to publication as well.

So, without further ado, here are just a few great comments by total strangers who adored my book, The Heart's Discovery (previously Once Upon A Time), Book One in The Heart Saga:
(These are direct quotes, any mispellings or any other grammatical issues are the author's voice and therefore nothing has been changed in the reproduction of these)


With adroit use of graphic and vibrant prose the underlying emotions of the family arriving at their new location is sensitively and perceptively described in The Heart's Discovery, even down to the detail of the queasy unease felt by Angie aboard the boat. This attention to detail, without becoming restrictive or mundane, permeates this work and allows it to stand out in comparison to many others. BACKED. Robert Davidson. The Tuzla Run

The Heart's Discovery

Dear AMV,

You are not an aspiring author, you are one.
This is well written. The characters are real. The dialogue is too.
The setting that you present at the outset is magical.
It is my pleasure to back this book.
A Zoomer

I really enjoyed what I read of this book. In my opinion it is going to be a serious contender for a place on the Ed's desk.
The description is perfect.
BACKED !!
Sye
Losing The Hate

Hi Amy,

Aspiring? - I think not! beautifully paced, crisp dialogue & well rounded characters. Read as far as chpt 12 & will finish it out - not sure about the title; minor quibble

backed

Rob (After this particular comment, I changed the titles of all five books and the saga as well and discovered that the new titles all worked much better than the old ones-so thank you Rob!)

Did you say you wre an aspiring author? Hell no, you are one and one among the best. I love your simple effective style and the way you blend chracter, dialogue and setting. This is so enticing and bit by delicious bit, the reader get more and more of the intrigue and plot. Great work, truly.

A fine book and one that is going to climb..

Best (yasmin esack)

You have a very colorful writing style- very enjoyable. Your characters come to life-- which, of course, is the mark of a good writer. Great balance of dialogue and narrative, easy flow to your paragraphs, natural writing.

Backed with pleasure!

Cori
"Princess"

Amy,
Once Upon a Time is a delightful story which is sure to appeal to young adults. I wish I could have known Angie and Devon. Backed with pleasure.

(Walden Carrington)

Nicely written. The dialogue is sharp and you describe your MC's journey from helpless home-sickness to excited wonder superbly. I can see no areas for improvement here. Backed with pleasure. Colin

You have written a very interesting, funny and unique storyline, which I do like, and created most memorable main characters in Angie and Devon. The dialogue is realistic and well written and the pace of your story flows well. All of this along with your descriptive writing makes your work a pleasure to read. Backed.

Andrew Burans
The Reluctant Warrior: The Beginning

Interesting journey Amy. Nice consistent structure. Good flow of thought. Make a terrific movie!

blessings,
jim
jack & charmian london

Dear Amy
totally original read, funny in places and very well crafted....I loved your short and long pitch both really sell your book which they are meant too so CONGRATS, and love the way you write. Your ability with words to craft an orginal read is amazing. the characters have decided to take up permanent residence but i will insist they leave soom to go home. ha!
The VERY best of luck to you

BACKED BY ME FOR SURE.
Denise
The Letter

Dear Amy, I love your romantic story :) - ah, love. :) Your pitch was concise & prepared me for your trilogy :) - that's exciting the your story will go on :) - & on. :) Crisp dialogue & paragraphs, along with your wonderful love-story moved your story quickly through chapter 11. :) I've backed your book :)

Love, Susie