BOOK REVIEW: THE SLIPPERY ART OF BOOK REVIEWING

Title: The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing
Authors: Mayra Calvani, Anne K. Edwards
Publisher: Twilight Times Books
Publishers website: http://twilighttimesbooks.com/
Copyright: 2008
ISBN: 13: 978-1-933353-22-7
10: 1-933353-22-8
Format: Trade Paperback, 190 pages
Genre: Non-fiction/Writing

Reviewed by Kathy Stemke

As you dive into the pages of The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing, you quickly realize there is far more to skillfully reviewing a book then you might have previously thought. As experienced authors and reviewers, Mayra Calvani and Anne K. Edwards guide you through the pitfalls and joys of reviewing. Soon you realize that every book review is full of nuances, and has a different intent and impact.

Part I, The Art of Reviewing, takes you through clarity of thought, grammar skills, objectivity, honesty, and tactful reviewing. The authors reveal the secrets of what separates amateurs from pros. The following is an example of the invaluable list of don’ts that should hang on every reviewer’s wall. “Don’t sugar-coat a review. Using phrases like ‘This is the best book I’ve ever read in my life’ will raise incredulity and suspicion in the intelligent reader. Facile praise is for ad copies, not reviews. Never be afraid to criticize when you feel you have to. Remember your main duty is to the reader.”

As an author, I appreciate the detail Calvani and Edwards put forth on critical reading. They suggest several practical methods of note taking to mark positive or negative points about plot, narrative, pacing, characterization, dialogue, description, symbolism, point of view, theme, tone, spelling, and grammar.

The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing also deconstructs actual reviews, explaining why certain points are needed and work well, or in the case of poorly written reviews, why some points must be eliminated altogether to ensure a professional, objective presentation.

Calvani and Edwards give a step by step guide to setting up your own review website with information on types of review sites, budget, choosing a domain name, selecting an internet provider, designing your site, becoming an affiliate, defining your submission guidelines, recruiting reviewers, making contacts, promoting, and keeping a detailed log. The authors list common problems you may have with authors, publishers or publicists, and practical suggestions on how to handle them. Calvani and Edwards even include sample letters, emails, and phone responses that will explain and soften reactions to negative reviews.

The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing sheds light on ethical questions like: “Who has the ownership and print rights to the review?” “Should a reviewer show a review to the author before its publication?”

Part II, The Influence of Book Reviews, delves into the uses and impact of a book review for librarians, booksellers, authors, publicists, book clubs and readers in general.

How and where to post reviews is the thrust of Part III. These 31 pages are packed with tips and contact information to help every participant in the book industry to zero in on the genre you like the best.

It’s easy to see why The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing is a finalist in Foreward Magazine’s Book of the Year Award, and the 2009 Next Generation Indie Book Awards. This book also has the esteemed honor of being listed as required reading at several universities.

Although a small amount of the material seems repetitive, I recommend The Slippery Art of Book Reviewing to amateur and professional book reviewers, book review editors, publishers, booksellers, librarians, authors, and readers alike. Take advantage of this engaging, well organized, thought provoking, and user-friendly reference tool. You will refer to it for years to come.

Kathy Stemke's websites:
Moving Through all Seven Days link:http://www.lulu.com/content/e-book/moving-through-all-seven-days/7386965#http://www.helium.com/users/406242.htmlhttp://www.associatedcontent.com/user/237923/Kathy_stemke_dancekam.htmlhttp://kathystemke.weebly.comFollow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/kathystemkeFollow me on Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=6147172660&topic=4910#!/kathymarescomatthews.stemke?ref=profile

MEET DEBRA ECKERLING!

Debra Eckerling has expertise in feature articles, corporate communications (newsletters, corporate profiles, and web content), and public speaking. She does business and individual consulting; has written for local, national, trade, and online publications; and is the eZine editor for StoryLink.com. Debra has led workshops and writers support groups for more than 10 years.

Freelance writer, Debra Eckerling recently expanded her focus, so she can help young adults learn to love the written word. Her new website – www.PurplePencilAdventures.com- has interviews with young published authors, as well as weekly writing “adventures:” fun writing prompts to get the creative-brain going. Check out this sample post.

Jolie Vanier, Puwaii Adventures with Joliea and Friends, is an author and film actress with a lot of energy and a ton of personality. What better way to put her talents to use than to create a series about “the world’s youngest fashion designer” who goes on adventures? Book #1 - Puwaii Adventures with Joliea & Friends - comes with an audiobook CD. Book #2 - Puwaii Adventures with Joliea & Friends ... the Adventures Continues - comes with an audiobook CD and a DVD for a read-along, where she offers art lessons. Jolie loves watching her character come to life. She talks about being a writer, offers advice and encouragement, and more!

Debra: How did you come up with the idea for Puwaii Adventures? And the concept for including a DVD?

Jolie: I had to figure what the book would be about. That was the easy part, because I love fashion. My fascination with fashion started when my mother took me to a Pucci exhibit; I loved his designs and those wonderful, brilliant colors! (Color is fascinating to me - do you know that by combining red and yellow, you get orange?) I was trying to figure out how to start the story at the same time my family and I went on a vacation to Hawaii. That’s when I had the bright idea of “smooshing” Pucci and Hawaii together, and I came up with the Puwaii look!

Next, I decided my main character would be “Joliea”, the “youngest fashion designer in the world” who travels in a magical submarine. (Notice the similarity between Jolie and Joliea? Hahahaha!) I’ve read enough to know any exciting story needs a villain - so I came up with “Jack the Rat.” My other characters are taken from real life, like “Princess Issa,” is actually taken from my Maltese dog, Izzy.

I thought how nice it would be if I offered my books on CD, so my readers can hear me read my books! Then with my second book I included a DVD with a pictorial read-along. I also give children art lessons! Then I have a section where I tell you how to create your own book. I like the idea of “giving back, so that’s why I included both the CD’s and the DVD.

“I’ve always found a kinship with writing,” Debra explains. “I enjoy encouraging people, whether they are 8 or 80, to express themselves. Strong communication skills – the ability to compose your thoughts, whether you are writing or speaking them – are essential for any kind of success.” Here’s a writing prompt found on the website.

We have two "holidays" this long weekend: Valentine's Day on Sunday and then Presidents' Day - and no school - on Monday!

Here is this weekend's fun, writing adventure: Create a new holiday! When is it? What is it? And how do you celebrate? Be creative!

Debra’s workshops are designed as a safe environment for tweens and teens. They can play with words, share them with their peers, and get constructive nudges in the right · Communication Skills direction, while developing their voice in the process.

Workshops: Writers Group Leader Debra Eckerling has created a program to help kids learn to love the written word.
Develop:
· Writing Skills
· Creativity
· Self-Esteem
· Communication Skills

“It was my creative writing class in high school, where we had to journal a certain number of pages a week, that helped me the most. In doing all this writing I found my voice, but more importantly it gave me a safe place to express my emotions. It also built my confidence.

“I love helping writers go from dreamer to doer. And it is so simple. All you need is a pen, paper, and the confidence to realize you can achieve any goal you set out to accomplish.”

Debra Eckerling’s website – www.writeononline.com – gives writers in all areas a virtual home to get motivated, set goals, and move forward on their projects. The site has Author Q&As, Expert Columns, monthly writing contests, and more.

Check out this article on Traditional vs Self-Publishing.
Moving Write Along: Advice from the Experts – Traditional vs Self-Publishing

Visit Debra’s websites: www.purplepenciladventures.com and www.writeononline.com. You can also become a fan at www.facebook.com/writeononline and follow Debra at www.twitter.com/writeononline.

VBT - Writers On The Move: March Author and Book Tour Schedule http://is.gd/9hRRx

Kathy Stemke's websites:
Moving Through all Seven Days link:http://www.lulu.com/content/e-book/moving-through-all-seven-days/7386965#http://www.helium.com/users/406242.html
http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/237923/Kathy_stemke_dancekam.html
http://kathystemke.weebly.com
Follow me on twitter: http://twitter.com/kathystemke
Follow me on Facebook:http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?uid=6147172660&topic=4910#!/kathymarescomatthews.stemke?ref=profile

CELEBRATE WITH US!

It's so exciting!

Next month, VBT – Writers on the Move is having its ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY!

To celebrate this accomplishment, we are having a STUPENDOUS Blogaversary Tour!

Daily postings and DAILY PRIZES! But, that's not all, we're still having our Mystery Site Giveaway: the Anniversary PRIZE is a $25 (US) GIFT CARD.

Visit the VBT – Writers on the Move blogsite for all the details.
http://vbt-writersonthemove.blogspot.com------------ --------- --------- --------- --------- ----
Nov. 1 Dianne Sagan is hosting Heidi Thomas
Nov. 2 Harry Gilleland is hosting Karen Cioffi
Nov. 3 Karen Cioffi is hosting Martha Swirzinki
Nov. 4 Kathy Stemke is hosting Brigitte Thompson
Nov. 5 Nancy Famolari is hosting Deborah Weed
Nov. 6 Margaret Fieland is hosting Elysabeth Eldering
Nov. 7 Crystalee Calderwood is hosting Harry Gilleland
Nov. 8 Katie Hines is hosting Heather Paye
Nov. 9 Helena Harper is hosting Steve Tremp
Nov. 10 Liana Metal is hosting Crystalee Calderwood
Nov. 11 Carolyn Howard-Johnson is hosting Marvin Wilson
Nov. 12 Gayle Trent is hosting Dianne Sagan
Nov. 13 Mayra Calvani is hosting Carolyn Howard-Johnson
Nov. 14 Marvin Wilson is hosting Gayle Trent
Nov. 15 Linda Asato is hosting Mayra Calvani
Nov. 16 Heather Paye is hosting Katie Hines
Nov. 17 Steve Tremp is hosting Helena Harper
Nov. 18 Elysabeth Eldering is hosting Linda Asato
Nov. 19 Darcia Helle is hosting Liana Metal
Nov. 20 Deborah Weed is hosting Nancy Famolari
Nov. 21 Brigitte Thompson is hosting Margaret Fieland
Nov. 22 Martha Swirzinki is hosting Darcia Helle
Nov. 23 Heidi Thomas is hosting Kathy Stemke



Moving Through all Seven Days link:http://www.lulu.com/content/e-book/moving-through-all-seven-days/7386965#http://www.helium.com/users/406242.html
http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/237923/Kathy_stemke_dancekam.html
http://kathystemke.weebly.com

THE MUSE ON LINE WRITERS CONFERENCE

I'm taking part in a fantastic on-line conference with hundreds of authors and dozens of brilliant teachers. Some of my workshops include: Adding Suspense to your novel, Fine Tuning the Senses, Creating Teacher Guides, Getting to Know your Characters, How to Write Power Sentences, First Pages in the YA Market, Assulting a Writer's Thinking, Before Copy Editing, Tightening Up your Writing, Finding your Voice, World Building, and Creative Block Busters. I just may have overbooked myself. I'm on information overdrive.

Wait, I'm not done yet. I was also given the opportunity to meet and chat with publishers and agents. They give invaluable information like what they are looking for as far as genre, and even style. It doesn't hurt to be able to mention in a cover letter that you met at the Muse Conference.

There are chat rooms designated for mingling with the other authors, too.

Finally, I got the opportunity to pitch my new picture book to an excellent publishing house. I got positive feedback and was asked to submit my manuscript. Keep your fingers crossed.

The very best feature of this conference is that I attended it in my PJs in bed. If your interested in writing, I highly recommend you attend next years conference. By the way, it's free.

Moving Through all Seven Days link:http://www.lulu.com/content/e-book/moving-through-all-seven-days/7386965#http://www.helium.com/users/406242.html
http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/237923/Kathy_stemke_dancekam.html
http://kathystemke.weebly.com

Sign up for Donna McDine's FREE MONTHLY NEWSLETTER: WRITE WHAT INSPIRES YOU!

Come along for fascinating and intriguing interviews from writers, illustrators, and editors of the children’s publishing industry. It is imperative for your writing career to grow on a daily basis by learning from others in the field. Donna McDine’s monthly FREE newsletter, Write What Inspires You! will certainly help you do so. Additional features include a Proclaim Your Successes column, submission based Reflections or Dreams column, book review, and support ads. Each month you will walk away with new inspiration for your writing career. Go ahead opt-in today at www.donnamcdine.com.

Kathy Stemke's websites:
Moving Through all Seven Days link:http://www.lulu.com/content/e-book/moving-through-all-seven-days/7386965#http://www.helium.com/users/406242.html
http://www.associatedcontent.com/user/237923/Kathy_stemke_dancekam.html
http://kathystemke.weebly.com

AN INTERVIEW WITH LILLIAN CAULDWELL

Thanks for coming back to answer a few questions for my bloggers. Your books are so descriptive and exciting.

Kathy: Lillian,is it true that your first book was a non-fiction book? Tell us a little bit about background and how you became a children's book author.

Lillian:In 1992, I wrote a non-fiction book about handling teenage behavior, "Teenagers! A Bewildered Parent's Guide." The book was quite successful. My editor told me I told great stories and I should consider writing for a young adult or tween audience. I wrote another book, "Sacred Honor," that targeted the young adult market. That book too, a historical science fiction, was also quite successful. After that second book, I recognized that my strengths in writing focused on teenagers and tweens. Since then, I've concentrated my writing on targeting tweens and teenagers.

Kathy: What do you enjoy most about writing for children?

Lillian: Their sense of wonder, their ambivelance to the world and each other, and their wisdom. The clue is to listen to what they're saying, and not interpret their thoughts. I remember my own childhood still, and this makes it easier for me to relate to children as I write their stories.

Kathy: What is the most difficult part of writing for children?

Lillian: Keeping them focused on the written page. Children today are of the "instant gratification" stage and wants to be "entertained" all the time. An author must blend in humor, challenge, and a believable storyline to hold children's attention. Otherwise, the book goes unread.

Kathy: Tell us about the marketing process for authors. What do you do to market and sell your books?

Lillian:

*Word of mouth helps.

*Have a book-party in your home inviting friends, relatives, and the media.

*Tie your book to a current event, a happening politically, economically, and kid-wise. For example, The President Elect is the first African American in U.S. history to take office. The Anna Mae Mysteries: The Golden Treasure: Anna Mae and Malcolm Botts, the first African American sneaker-toed sleuths to solve the mystery of Jefferson Davis lost gold. Take advantage of what's happening around you.

*Read your book in a serial fashion, and post it on your website.

*Get on Internet and regular radio.

*Send out your books for reviews.

*Target your local library and schools. An author can't be shy when marketing and promoting their book. Authors are up against the competition. They must make themselves heard and seen.

Kathy: Do you have a website? If so, please give the URL. If not, where can listeners go online to learn more about your book(s) and to order?

Lillian: Two websites are available for listeners:

http://lilliancauldwell.homestead.com/radioshow.html

http://www.authorsden.com/lilliancauldwell.

The Anna Mae Mysteries: The Golden Treasure is already posted on http://www.amazon.com.

Additional bookstores should be carrying it within the next two weeks, or they can buy directly from Star Publish LLC at http://www.starpublishllc.com.

Kathy: What are you working on now?

Lillian: I'm working on the second book of the series: The Anna May Mysters: King Solomon's Ark, The Black Hat Society, and After. All books for the young adult.

Kathy: What is your best tip for an aspiring children's author?

Lillian: Know your subject matter. Remember what it was like when you were a child, pre-teen or teenager. Human nature doesn't change, just the environment and the social culture.

Thanks again for coming and sharing your knowledge and expertise in the children's book market. We're looking forward to the next book in this exciting Anna Mae Mysteries series.

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