Diversity on Booktube: Michelle Obama's Booktube | Fangirling @TheArtisanGeek

I have recently found another eloquently spoken video to bring you all. Though this video is again about diversity on BookTube I feel you should hear Seji, from The Artisan Geek, out as she takes on the topic after hearing about Michelle Obama's upcoming YouTube interview with some well known "BookTubers." I was unaware of the interview until Seji posted this video and I do agree that the ones who set this interview up could have done better. Hear her out than check out her website if you have a chance.

Diversity on Booktube: Michelle Obama's Booktube
by The Artisan Geek

If you can't see/watch the above video then click here to watch it.

Booktubers aren't original and creative anymore. | Fangirling @richardxdenney

Okay, I know I'm a little late to the party when it comes to this video but I really enjoyed watching what Richard had to say about "being you." I know he was discussing BookTube in particular but I feel this goes for any social media outlet that you want to put your stamp on, blogs included. In addition, Richard had asked (at the very end of the video) to share his video around and because I have been known to do that throughout my social media platforms, here you go! I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I did.

Booktubers aren't original and creative anymore.
by Richard Denney

If you can't see/watch the above video then click here to watch it.

Where You'll Land by Jacqueline Simon Gunn / @DrJSimonGunn | #GuestPost, Spreading the Word, & #BookSale

Today I'm showing off Jacqueline Simon Gunn's "Where You'll Land," a post that she originally shared on her website here, and her novel's Preorder Book Sale happening on Amazon's Kindle!! Links to get a copy for yourself are down below!

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"Where You'll Land"
[Where You'll Land Series, Book 1]
by Jacqueline Simon Gunn
Author's Book Description :

After a bad breakup, I packed up my life and moved to Miami to study for my doctorate in psychology. I made one promise to myself: Do not get romantically involved while I was in school. I needed to heal.

And then Will Easton came into my life. He was warm and sweet and intelligent. And he got me. What I didn’t know was that Will was running from a tragedy of his own.

When you try to escape your past without confronting your emotions, you repeat those same past patterns over and over. And that’s just what happened to Will and me, along with a few others who got swept up into the storm that was our relationship. Then came the awful secret. The one that changed everything.

Sometimes the most painful relationships are the ones that help us grow into who we are and to find the love we had been searching for all along.

Which begs the question: Can we choose who we love?

Racist BOOKTUBE DRAMA? Reaction to Entitlement vs Elitism on #Booktube | @TheNovelLush

To quote Lauryn, "We gotta do better."
Below I am showcasing Lauryn, from The Novel Lush, recent video that was a mixture of a discussion video and a reaction/response video to another video that has been taken down. Lauryn eloquently states her position, which I highly agree with, against what this other BookTuber said about BookTube and POC BookTubers themselves. I had not seen the full videos from this other BookTuber I had just heard about her videos but Lauryn did track them down and included clips for us to understand both sides of the story more. What I saw from the clips is that this other BookTuber was quite ignorant and definitely has issues of her own. But I don't know her so for that I cannot be certain, yet it's hard to deny that her videos, for what I saw of them, were not something I would support at all.

So, the reason I'm posting Lauryn's response video here is because this ties into my previous blog support posts that I did which were Christina Marie's Christina Marie's Black Bookish Peeps Database & More & Jo's IS BOOKTUBE RACIST?. In Lauryn's video she covers it all including her response to the other BookTuber's videos. I wish I could get my thoughts across about the topic as well as Lauryn does but since I know I cannot I'm showing you hers.

In addition, underneath Lauryn's video I have included links to two other responses (one a youtube video and one a twitter post) that I feel should be checked out too.

IS #BOOKTUBE RACIST? | @jthegreatbiblio

I'm sharing Jo from Jo the Great recent video about her thoughts on if BookTube is racist. Like she states, this is not the first video of this kind to be brought up about diversity within the book world but more specifically the BookTube community nor will it be the last as everyone else keeps sharing their own stances. However, I do agree with most of her points and feel like I should share her video around as I did for Christina Marie a while back.

As I tell my own children no one is perfect ... we all have our flaws even if we don't realize what they are ... but talking about our thoughts, getting them out there into the world, and calmly discussing them with others IS the only way I feel that we as a whole can move forward. So, please hear out Jo ... follow her ... follow me ... comment wherever you like and lets get this momentum of communication to begin.

Thanks for stopping by and be sure to check out Christina Marie's Black Bookish Peeps Database too.

Christina Marie's Black Bookish Peeps Database & More

I am not Christina Marie but as I have for a LOT of other things I am helping spread her message too. I feel she makes some excellent points and I really love that she put together the Black Bookish Peeps Database (see below to access the form).

The End of #CockyGate | Fangirling @BSommerland, @SashaWhite & @MistressofReads

Since I did soooo many blog posts (Post #1, Post #2, Post #3, Post #4, Post #5, & Post #6) talking about #CockyGate I feel I should inform you that a settlement has finally happened and now #CockyGate is OVER!!! Yahoo!

Yet everyone who started talking about this more (myself included) knows that though the word Cocky is back in action, there really is no complete "end" because we find that trademarks have not been really handled that well as of late. But you can just follow CockyBot™'s twitter account so you can be sure your aware of the latest trademarks ... some are fine ... while others are quite "out there." Any who ... per usual I'm leaving it to those who know more and/or who can eloquently get the information out better than I can on this topic. Basically they already created the videos so why shouldn't I just promote them more instead of making my own ... here you go!

Key Weekly – Key West Weekly by The Weekly Newspapers – May 2018 Issue | From Jess to You Services @fromjesstoyouVA @author_solange

Today I am showing off Key West Weekly's May 2018 Issue of their eMagazine because Solange Ritchie! Solange is a client of mine through my business, From Jess to You Services, and I am so happy to show this off as Key West Weekly has put together a wonderful article! Please check it out if you have a chance! =0)

If you can't see the above eMagazine then click here to check it out better.

It's time to #GetLoud about Book Stuffing | #FightLikeaRomanceAuthor - Fangirling @HeatherCLeigh, #SLawrence, @SuzanTisdale, @DakotaWillink, & @BSommerland

So this is the first time I feel confident in talking about a heavy topic. And that topic is book stuffing/page stuffers. I have two videos for you. The first one is the video I actually talk about my thoughts on book stuffing and talk about an author who I had reviewed a book stuffed "novel" for previously when I was not familiar with the term. The second video is one that I had created in April 2018, when I just complain about this author tactic yet hadn't known the correct terms for it at that time.

BUT FIRST this is the NEW RULES that Amazon has in regards to "BONUS CONTENT"

Authors, Book Reviewers, Book Readers are you aware of this Trademark Crisis? | Fangirling @kneupperwriter, #fightlikearomanceauthor, @SuzanTisdale, & @BSommerland

I had really high hopes ... but people are being crazy. And it seems like some are staying that way ...

If you are not YET familiar with #CockyGate please check out my previous posts so you can be updated:

1. We're Getting "Cocky" Over Here ...
2. We're Getting A Bit "Cockier" on #teamfreethecocky
3. Jess is ALL about the #ThisIsHowYouIndie and #AuthorSupport
4. Who's Getting Cocky Now? Find out here because there is a Rebellion brewing ...
5. Here's Your Morning Cocky Update ...

Now in Recent News ...
- Click This Tweet to Find Out More -

Here's the legal threat I received from her lawyer. Personal details about lawyers omitted because I'm that much of a stand-up guy (everybody deserves a lawyer and no qualms with someone doing the job).

Prepping up the docs I received soon. pic.twitter.com/bFOQMUSvPG

— Kevin Kneupper (@kneupperwriter) May 25, 2018

If you can't see/watch the above video then click here to watch it.

Find out more about this novel & BUY NOW!!

For reasons I cannot disclose, I encourage to you pre-order the Cocktales Anthology ASAP.

And that's all I'm going to say about that.https://t.co/oYcf9U1pwc

— Penny Reid (@ReidRomance) May 25, 2018

Nice article from @MaryDube_, a fellow Texan-in-exile in CA and journalist for USAToday, about the "(CENSORED)tales" anthology. I hope she keeps following the story of this anthology - she may have to write a new one very soon!https://t.co/JWCTJlELp9

— Kevin Kneupper (@kneupperwriter) May 25, 2018

All proceeds to COCKTALES goes to fighting trademark bullying and creative obstruction. Going live at midnight on all platforms. COCKTALES Collective. 40 authors #fightlikearomanceauthor

— Aleatha Romig (@AleathaRomig) May 26, 2018

I can't wait!! I'm thinking of #vlogging it 🤔 Please support!! Get it here: https://t.co/0pST0LD880#BookRecommendations #cockygate pic.twitter.com/7fwggrlRyz

— Jess@From Me to You (@fromjesstoyou) May 26, 2018

In light of the hashtags, #fightlikearomanceauthor + #fightlikearomancereader, The Cocky Collective has unleashed a Teespring upon you all. Other styles + MUGS available! Again, we do not profit in any way. https://t.co/cOS8Htr4Gg #cockygate pic.twitter.com/Q41HTHHV2C

— Emma Hart (@EmmaHartAuthor) May 26, 2018

Here's Your Morning Cocky Update ... | Fangirling @SashaWhite

I've been busy with client stuff so I had been out of the loop for a day or two ... but Sasha White has an update for us all ... so here you go!


If you can't see/watch the above video then click here to watch it.

Who's Getting Cocky Now? Find out here because there is a Rebellion brewing ... | Fangirling #thisishowyouindie, @kneupperwriter, @selfpubwithdale, @BSommerland, & @MistressofReads

I hope I'm not loosing anyone here because of these posts but I feel obligated to share the knowledgeable information (as much as I can keep on top of) about the CockyGate fiasco. It seems a bit crazy to me that we have to keep talking about it because it is not going away ... at least not easily ... mostly because (as Bianca Sommerland calls her) the Trademark Troll doesn't seem to want to drop the issue (her Cocky trademark). So here is more info for you about what else has been going on so Jess can keep you updated ...
First though I want to show you the GOOD that has happened because of this fiasco and it is called #thisishowyouindie! Below is the live twitter feed for that hashtag. 🙂
#thisishowyouindie Tweets

Okay NOW for the FIASCO, opps! I meant COCKYGATE updates!

Jess is ALL about the #ThisIsHowYouIndie and #AuthorSupport | Fangirling @AuthorEYork, @jessicabfry, @LMBrownAuthor, @eBookBuilders, & @Jenny_Trout

Over the past few days I've seen a lot of author reactions over on twitter about this CockyGate fiasco ... and it is RIGHTFULLY SO ... this is TERRIBLE and should NOT happen for ANY common words. I feel like everyone in the book world NEEDS to be on top of this to some degree so like many people I was VERY happy when I found out that CockyBot was created. And if you want to stay on top of it I say check out their link OR go here to see their feed on my blog.

But what this blog post is TRULY about is my sharing of some new-to-me authors who have decided to be more open about this fiasco that is happening. Also ... be sure to check out Cassie Sharp's "Open Letter to Faleena Hopkins" here. So ... here we go ... and be sure to check out the end of this post to see the video the Trademark Troll had previously posted on her Facebook page but deleted off ...

We're Getting A Bit "Cockier" on #teamfreethecocky | Fangirling @NASTYGALREVIEWS

While I would LOVE to rant about this whole #CockyGate topic because I feel Ms. Hopkins is a very wishy-washy person in her actions and verbiage, as I was saying earlier today. Especially after all the information we were talking about yesterday I can definitely say she has portrayed herself to be an unreliable source for yourself (which is sad). But her lies just keep coming. THEREFORE, I am so happy I found out about NASTY GAL BOOK REVIEWS as they are staying on top of this situation and report it beautifully!!

We're Getting "Cocky" Over Here ... | Fangirling @MistressofReads @BSommerland @SashaWhite @CasSharpAuthor

I would LOVE to report about this "Cocky" talk on my YouTube/BookTube account. However, I know I am not eloquent enough to get all of the facts straight for this fiasco so I am soo happy that I found some wonderful ladies to do so for me!!

Therefore I am THRILLED when I found these videos from Mistress of Reads, Bianca Sommerland, & Sasha White ... please check them out below.
ALSO as I was putting together this blog post I was notified through twitter about another AMAZING blog post that was posted. And because it is soo good and well-written I am sharing Cassie Sharp's open letter below too.
Some of Jessica's Thoughts First ...

An author I'd never heard about before (@FaleenaHopkins) thought others were copying her so she trademarked the word Cocky (as it's in her book titles) and is now telling other authors who've used the word that they need to change their novel's titles. ☹😡 Truly a bad move.

— Jess@From Me to You (@fromjesstoyou) May 5, 2018

You know what she did in this varied erotic area of romance novels is the equivalent of someone trademarking "cozy" in titles from the mystery genre. Or the equivalent of trademarking "Amish" for the romance genre. #cockygate #byefaleena pic.twitter.com/od9ENlROBE

— Jess@From Me to You (@fromjesstoyou) May 8, 2018

Sad to say though I believe the "publicity stunt" part because I searched "cocky" in Amazon and for like the first two pages it's mostly her books 😞 #cockygate #byefaleena

— Jess@From Me to You (@fromjesstoyou) May 8, 2018

I'm considering doing a #CockyGate video series. I will read/review a book that has the word COCKY in the title OR has an author that wants to join who's created a fake book cover w/ a changed book title. I'm ONLY taking submissions from authors though. Submit away if interested!

— Jess@From Me to You (@fromjesstoyou) May 6, 2018

Are Goodreads Reviews REALLY for the authors? | And Jessica's Fangirling Anne R. Allen / @annerallen

This morning I was in a Twitter Discussion about "are Goodreads Reviews REALLY for the authors." My standpoint (which will never change no matter what you say) is that any review (good or bad) about the book it is listed as a review for IS FOR THAT AUTHOR too. It is for readers yes, of course BUT it is supposed to be a book review about the authors novel and I wholeheartedly believe that book reviews are always 50% about the reviewer's thoughts and personal issues .. and 50% about the novel itself. I mean a prefect example of this would be my review for Joan Kilby's "The Secret Son." Also, as an author assistant for the past 2 years, I understand that EVERY review matters .. even those over on Goodreads. Therefore, after this morning's discussion, I went on a google search & I saw a LOT of opposing viewpoints. Yet, I found this one that I seem to agree on ALL this author's points & really liked her tips. So, I am deciding to share ...

Firestorm by Solange Ritchie / @author_solange | #GuestPost & Spreading the Word

Today I'm showing off Solange Ritchie's "Firestorm" and sharing a guest post where Solange discusses her writing process.

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My Writing Process
First, a lot of research. My second novel "FIRESTORM" involves a serial arsonist who works as a paid firefighter. I did a lot of research into that kind of mind set. Those who have read the book say "I nailed it."

As for the process, I always know my beginning scene and my ending scene. In the middle, is when the characters give me their words and actions for the page. And yes, my writing is very visual in the way that I envision what a character is seeing, feeling, touching, hearing, tasting and most important, what is there response to it. While my scenes are visual, they are not overly descriptive, as I hate books that waste time with overly descriptive bribble that does nothing to move the story forward. Because I write in this way, I do not write about places I have never been. If I cannot envision them in my head like a movie screen, I can't write about them.

I do not outline my novels, but I believe the the rule of threes. Opening with big impact incident in the first 10 pages, minor conflict at 100 pages in, middle should resolve conflict but add something new, build to final conflict with chapter or 2 at the end showing some form of character reflection, i.e. What has the character learned from what has gone on, what are their feelings now that things have resolved.

I think from being a lawyer for so many years, I am gifted at knowing the pacing necessary to make this approach work without doing an outline. Outlining kills the creative process for me. That being said, many authors do outline extensively. For instance, Jeffrey Deaver outlines for 8 months before he ever puts pen to paper.

My work has been compared to Patricia Cornwell and Catherine Coulter (both huge compliments) so I hope you (and your readers) find my process useful.

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"Firestorm"
by Solange Ritchie
Author's Book Description :

A year after the death of her ex-husband, FBI forensic pathologist Dr. Catherine “Cat” Powers and her young son, Joey, are trying to cope with the emotional aftermath of life without him. Joey is especially vulnerable after being kidnapped by the “Burning Man” and witnessing his father’s brutal murder.

On a peaceful Saturday afternoon in Quantico, a mysterious manila envelope arrives in Cat’s mailbox. Inside, she finds a lock of Joey’s hair and a photograph of him taken during his abduction, his face twisted in fear. The photograph could have been taken by only one person. Cat immediately knows that the Burning Man is back—and she and Joey may never be safe again.

When the Burning Man resurfaces in Southern California, a trail of the brutally mutilated bodies of young women left in his wake, Cat teams up once again with police detective Jim McGregor to hunt down the madman once and for all. But while Cat and McGregor methodically pursue one serial killer, Southern California’s beautiful neighborhoods begin to burn one by one. The investigators realize they must catch another killer: a serial arsonist who is happy not only to burn buildings but to watch his infernos consume people’s lives—a man obsessed with fire above all things, a man with a deep sense of hatred toward society. Cat and McGregor find themselves growing closer as they become enmeshed in a deadly game with two deranged killers who leave few clues and always seem to be one step ahead.

As the death toll mounts and powerful Santa Ana winds whip the flames, the evidence reveals that the two killers are connected to each other—and that one of them seeks revenge for the sins of Cat’s past. In the fire-ravaged hills of Southern California, Cat wages an epic battle against an arsonist and a sadistic murderer. She promises herself that this time, she will not let the killers get away. This time, she will see justice done—for the victims, for their families, for Joey. But will Cat have to pay the ultimate price?

The Bridge of Deaths by M. C. V. Egan / @M_C_V_Egan | #GuestPost & Spreading the Word

Today I'm showing off M. C. V. Egan's "The Bridge of Deaths" and a post that she originally shared on her website here that talks about Ms. Egan and this man's take on "The Bridge of Deaths."

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Past Lives
This was posted on Thursday October 27th, 2011 Frank Colatosti was my advisor for hypnosis terminology as well as the inspiration for the gentleman who guides the group past-life regression in London, where Bill and Maggie discover they had a past life together.

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OUR MEETING.....I first met M.C.V. Egan, Catalina when she participated in one of my group past life regressions in September of 2010. Yes, they do occur and Catalina had a great experience, seeing herself as a woman of means, about a hundred years ago, traveling a great deal with vivid memories of Easter Island. Catalina mentioned that she had been researching a book for 18 years and that if she lived during the period of the book, she would love to have a private past life regression to that time period so as to obtain additional back ground. About a month latter Catalina did indeed regress to that period and was very close to one of the main characters of the story. I won't say who the individual was; I will leave that for Catalina to share if she chooses. As a result, she obtained additional details on that time period, with a personal connection.

THE BOOK.....It was interesting knowing a few details of the story prior to the book being published. It was fascinating to read how Catalina intertwined non-fiction and fiction to create a wonderful tale; twisting history and fantasy into a great story. Using past life regression, as a tool to blend truth and make believe.

THE AUTHOR.....Catalina Egan an outgoing, vivacious, intelligent woman, with a great sense of humor, much more fun than the Catalina of the book. Yes she worked on this story for 18 years, but she lived her life to the fullest as she did. As a past life hypnotist I look for karmic patterns. I see Catalina as someone who was close to one of the main characters and didn't accept the official reports of the crash at the time and choose to be born as the grand daughter of another main character to shed light on what really happened. There are few coincidences in life; we typically don't know the entire story.

Thank you Catalina for wonderful adventure, I'm looking forward to your next story. Please don't wait 18 years however.

Frank Colatosti

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"The Bridge of Deaths"
by M. C. V. Egan
Author's Book Description :

On August 15th, 1939, an English passenger plane from British Airways Ltd. crashed in Danish waters between the towns of Nykøbing Falster and Vordingborg. There were five casualties reported and one survivor. Just two weeks before, Hitler invaded Poland. With the world at the brink of war, the manner in which this incident was investigated left much open to doubt. The jurisdiction battle between the two towns and the newly formed Danish secret police created an atmosphere of intrigue and distrust. The Bridge of Deaths is a love story and a mystery. Fictional characters travel through the world of past life regressions and information acquired from psychics as well as archives and historical sources to solve "one of those mysteries that never get solved." Based on true events and real people, The Bridge of Deaths is the culmination of 18 years of sifting through conventional and unconventional sources in Denmark, England, Mexico and the United States. The story finds a way to help the reader feel that s/he is also sifting through data and forming their own conclusions. Cross The Bridge of Deaths into 1939, and dive into cold Danish waters to uncover the secrets of the G-AESY.

The London Book Fair launches inaugural UK Book Blog Awards | @LondonBookFair @midaspr #BookTube #BookBloggers

The London Book Fair launches inaugural

UK Book Blog Awards

The hunt to find the most influential

book bloggers, bookstagrammers and booktubers is on

London, 14 February 2017: The London Book Fair is delighted to announce the launch of the first ever UK Book Blog Awards @ LBF – a new initiative designed to celebrate social media influencers and their important contribution to the book industry.

A new feature for LBF 2018, this will be the first time this community has been officially recognised and rewarded by the British publishing industry.

Bloggers, social media influencers, members of the publishing industry, and the general public are invited to nominate the best book blogs, bookstagrammers and booktubers across three categories:

• Book Blogger of the Year
• Bookstagrammer of the Year
• BookTuber of the Year

Once the shortlist has been revealed, a panel of judges will select one winner in each category, who will be honoured at a special awards ceremony at The London Book Fair. In addition, the Fair will introduce new seminars and networking events aimed at bringing the social media influencer community closer to the publishing world.

Jacks Thomas, Director at The London Book Fair commented: “Book bloggers are an increasingly important part of the book world. Their passion for authors, genres and books is integral in reaching new audiences. We’re really excited to be launching the inaugural UK Book Blog Awards @ LBF and recognising the crucial role social influencers play in the promotion of books.”

The awards are open to any blogger, YouTuber or Instagrammer that features books published in the UK and/or UK authors. To put forward a nomination, or to nominate your own blog/Instagram account/YouTube channel visit: www.londonbookfair.co.uk/UKBookBlogAwards

– Ends –

 

For further information please contact Edwina Boyd-Gibbins at Midas Public Relations on 0207 361 7860 edwina.boyd-gibbins@midaspr.co.uk

www.londonbookfair.co.uk

Uncaged Book Reviews – December 2017 Issue | From Jess to You Services @fromjesstoyouVA @patriciadeddy @UncagedBookRev @CyreneOlson

Today I am showing off Uncaged Book Reviews' December 2017 Issue of their eMagazine because Patricia D. Eddy! Patricia is client that I have assisted off and on through my business, From Jess to You Services, and I am so happy to show this off as Uncaged Book Reviews has done a wonderful job! Please check it out if you have a chance! =0)

CONGRATS PATRICIA!!

If you can't see the above eMagazine then click here to check it out better.