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.

My #BookTube Thank You to Steph's Rom Book Talk | @Stef_uncensored @steph814carder

Stephanie mentions my BookTube account in her video (towards the end). SO .. this is a post showing off that video and giving you a meet-and-greet of Stephanie's BookTube Account.

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 ...

Week #12 of When & Where am I Wednesday | #BookTuber #BookBlog @CatherineMann1

WHEN & WHERE AM I WEDNESDAYS are a weekly bookish memes, hosted by Jess of From Me to You ... Video, Photography, & Book Reviews. Anyone can play along! To participate here's what you need to do:

• Based on the book your currently reading -- tell us when and where you are in your book, and possibly what "you're" (meaning the characters) doing or who "you" (meaning the characters) are with.
• Try NOT to include spoilers!!!
• Make sure to share the book information [title, author and/or book cover] so if someone likes what you write they can add that book to their TBR list.

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

My #BookTube Thank You to Tati The Tiny BookTuber | @TinyBookTuber

Tati mentions my BookTube account in her video (towards the end). SO .. this is a post showing off that video and giving you a meet-and-greet of Tati's BookTube Account.

Second Sentence Saturday: Beyond the Stars | @StacyWiseBooks #BookTeaser #RomanceNovels

SECOND SENTENCE SATURDAY is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by Jess of From Me to You ... Video, Photography, & Book Reviews. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:

• Grab the novel/novella your currently reading or previously read
• Open to the first page of Chapter 1 or its Prologue
• Share the SECOND sentence from that page
• Share the novel/novella's title & its author, so that other participants can add that novel to their TBR Lists if they want

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MY Second Sentence Saturday :

"Beyond the Stars" by Stacy Wise - [Amazon Book Link]

He snorts, and I stare straight ahead, willing the red light to change to green.

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PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT to share either the link to your own SECOND SENTENCE SATURDAY post or share the sentence in a comment here (if you don’t have a blog). Thank You!

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If you want to assist Jess, here's what you can do :

• FOLLOW Jess' blog and/or any of her social accts (the options to do that are on this website's sidebar)
• COMMENT on this blog post
• SHARE this blog post Any and Everywhere!

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 ...

My #BookTube Thank You to Books and Looks | @BeccaBuckeye @Msianez0

Though it was only within Mike & Becca's Video Description, they have and did support me in their video post. SO .. this is a post showing off that video and giving you a meet-and-greet of Mike and Becca's BookTube Account.

Cooper's Bedtime by Hallmark & Stacey Donovan / Illustrated by Crista Couch | #BookReview, Spreading the Word & From My Kids to You

Today I'm showing off Hallmark's "Cooper's Bedtime."

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"Cooper's Bedtime"
[Book 3]
by Hallmark & Stacey Donovan
Illustrated by Crista Couch
My Book Description :

Follow Cooper as he tries to go to bed. But is being in bed really more fun than staying up and seeing what all the unusual noises are? I'm not sure. But what Cooper imagines the noises could be is quite interesting and silly. 😋

What is Omegaverse? | A Book Genre Discussion | #BookTube #BookTuber

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

Week #11 of When & Where am I Wednesday | #BookTuber #BookBlog @SarahMAnderson1

WHEN & WHERE AM I WEDNESDAYS are a weekly bookish memes, hosted by Jess of From Me to You ... Video, Photography, & Book Reviews. Anyone can play along! To participate here's what you need to do:

• Based on the book your currently reading -- tell us when and where you are in your book, and possibly what "you're" (meaning the characters) doing or who "you" (meaning the characters) are with.
• Try NOT to include spoilers!!!
• Make sure to share the book information [title, author and/or book cover] so if someone likes what you write they can add that book to their TBR list.

My Book Reviewer Confessions (All my Unread Books & E-books) | #TBRList #BookBlog

Jess confesses about her email overload and her evergrowing TBR list.

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

Week #10 of When & Where am I Wednesday | #BookTuber #BookBlog @pccastauthor @KCastAuthor

WHEN & WHERE AM I WEDNESDAYS are a weekly bookish memes, hosted by Jess of From Me to You ... Video, Photography, & Book Reviews. Anyone can play along! To participate here's what you need to do:

• Based on the book your currently reading -- tell us when and where you are in your book, and possibly what "you're" (meaning the characters) doing or who "you" (meaning the characters) are with.
• Try NOT to include spoilers!!!
• Make sure to share the book information [title, author and/or book cover] so if someone likes what you write they can add that book to their TBR list.

Week #9 of When & Where am I Wednesday | #BookTuber #BookBlog @novelsbylia

WHEN & WHERE AM I WEDNESDAYS are a weekly bookish memes, hosted by Jess of From Me to You ... Video, Photography, & Book Reviews. Anyone can play along! To participate here's what you need to do:

• Based on the book your currently reading -- tell us when and where you are in your book, and possibly what "you're" (meaning the characters) doing or who "you" (meaning the characters) are with.
• Try NOT to include spoilers!!!
• Make sure to share the book information [title, author and/or book cover] so if someone likes what you write they can add that book to their TBR list.

Week #8 of When & Where am I Wednesday | #BookTuber #BookBlog @novelsbylia @pccastauthor @KCastAuthor

WHEN & WHERE AM I WEDNESDAYS are a weekly bookish memes, hosted by Jess of From Me to You ... Video, Photography, & Book Reviews. Anyone can play along! To participate here's what you need to do:

• Based on the book your currently reading -- tell us when and where you are in your book, and possibly what "you're" (meaning the characters) doing or who "you" (meaning the characters) are with.
• Try NOT to include spoilers!!!
• Make sure to share the book information [title, author and/or book cover] so if someone likes what you write they can add that book to their TBR list.

ReRead-A-Thon 2018 | @ReReadAThon2018 #Giveaways #BookBlogger #BookTube #ReReadAThon2018 @merphynapier

Welcome to ReRead-A-Thon 2018!!
This read-a-thon is the brainchild of Merphy Napier's who has also assembled 21 hosts - 7 BookTubers, 7 Instagramers, and 7 Book Bloggers - to lead this read-a-thon that's running from March 18th to March 24th! This will be my main page for this read-a-thon though I will be trying my best to post daily vlogs/blog posts and keep current with the daily hosts so you will have first access to all of this read-a-thon's on-goings ... well I'm going to try my best at least.


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

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?