Marilyn's Musings

Hi Marilyn. Since we last talked, my novel, HEALER , has done quite well. In fact, it won an award at the 2015 Public Safety Writers Association Conference in Las Vegas. For those who have yet to read HEALER , here’s a short blurb: Sixteen-year-old Billy Anderson’s short life has been full of daunting challenges. A birth defect, and later, the death of his parents, has forced him to live with his Aunt Staci who serves as his guardian. That situation becomes untenable for Billy and he chooses to live on the street, rather than suffer the humility and neglect from his own relative. One day things change dramatically for Billy when he receives the “Gift of Healing.” Not only does Billy’s own life take a dramatic turn, but also his new gift affects those around him. Is this gift a blessing or a curse? I’ve had many favorable reviews. CatholicFiction.com said, “ The hardest thing for Christians to comprehend is the mind of God. The most common question asked of Him is “Why?” ...

I know that most authors think, "When am I supposed to write if I have to do all this promotion?" What it boils down to, is you sure better be doing something. Figure out what you like to do, or better yet, what seems to result in sales, and be consistent. Believe me, it needs to be more than one thing. Some of the online promotion venues I didn't mention yesterday (and there are many more, but I can't possible write about all of them) are: http://pinterest.com  This is a great place to post your book covers--and a lot more. I must confess I don't do as much on it as I could. Your author page on Amazon. This is something that if you don't have, you should create right away. Be sure to keep it up to date. Check out the reviews of your books on Amazon, and I think it's fun to thank those people who've written good reviews in the comment space below the review. However--don't argue with anyone who has given you a bad review--just i...

I sent out 11 copies of the uncorrected Advance Reading Copies of Murder in the Worst Degree for review. Unless you're an author you have no idea how scary that is. Waiting to hear what people think about your latest book, is most nerve wracking. But here are the first three reviews and I'm happy to say they are both wonderful! Review: F.M. Meredith has outdone herself with Murder in the Worst Degree. I have enjoyed this series ever since I read my first one, but this is the very best one yet. All the familiar characters return. their lives continue to change and progress. When an elderly man’s body washes up on the beach at Rocky Bluff, the police begin their investigation, only to discover he was already dead before his body went into the water. In addition, a rapist strikes. As always, all the plot lines are completed, and the ending is very satisfying. This is a great read and highly recommended. --Lorna Collins This is my first review ever. I receive...

Hard as it is to admit, reviews have great importance--not just on Amazon, but everywhere. Of course I'm speaking about good reviews. I've been fortunate enough to get mostly good reviews--but not nearly enough. Does that mean not many people have read my books? I hope not. I've never been a best seller, but I do have a loyal following. And though I do write for readers who say they are anxiously waiting for the next book, whether it be a Deputy Tempe Crabtree mystery (and yes, one is coming soon) or a Rocky Bluff P.D. crime novel (the next one is written just waiting for my critique group to hear it all the way through), I also write because I love my characters and want to know what is going to happen to them next. Since I am their creator, I have to write another book to find out. Not having many reviews can work against the promotion for a book in a couple of ways--too few and readers wonder why more people didn't leave their opinions. There are some promo...

http://readingmama.blogspot.com/ has another review for No Sanctuary . As I've said before, it's always a bit nail-biting time while waiting for reviews. I'm always glad someone is willing to read the book and write a review--but there's no way of telling whether someone will actually like it. Tastes do differ. Though the crimes I write about can be pretty horrific--I don't go into detail. My cops are for the most part family men and don't use bad language. Though there are relationships, I don't go into intimate details. I figure most adults can fill in the blanks with their imaginations. Most of my readership appreciates the lighter touch--and it makes it possible for kids to read the books. They do tend to buy them when I'm doing book fairs and festivals. Marilyn aka F.M. Meredith