Authors need lots of things that are rather specific to their work: space and time to write, trusted critique partners, and a steady supply of whiskey, to name a few. Okay, perhaps the whiskey isn't a necessity, but it sure does take the edge off line edits. Something else authors need are people willing and able to review their work.
Let's talk about these reviews for a moment. You know how at your place of employment your supervisor will set up a meeting, and discuss the quality of your work? NO ONE likes those reviews; well, maybe some sadists enjoy them, but for most looking at the black and white results of your efforts is nausea inducing. Yet authors solicit reviews, actively and often.
Does that make authors masochists? Not really. You see, authors only get paid when a book sells, and the best way to sell any book is based on reviews. Don't believe me? Go have a look at your favorite online retailer, or some of the larger library systems. The top selling titles are always accompanied by reviews. Some titles have reviews in the tens of thousands.
So yes, that means you could have hundreds or even thousands of mini book reports out there, all based on your work. See why I mentioned whiskey earlier?
Speaking of reviews, I'm sure ya'll know that I have a new release out: The Virgin Queen, the second installment of The Chronicles of Parthalan. And--surprise!--it could use a few reviews. Now, I know that it takes time and effort to read and review a book, so I thought I'd offer something to sweeten the pot. Post your review and enter via the Rafflecopter form below, and you'll be entered to win a $10 gift card either to Amazon, or the independent bookstore of your choice.
If you've already got a copy of The Virgin Queen, thank you! If you need one, you can get it
here. If you decide to review (and THANK YOU in advance for that) don't forget to come back and enter the raffle! Good luck!
A broken queen. A friendship mired in deceit. Can one man from the desert help hold the realm together?
Asherah, Queen of Parthalan and Lady of Tingu, has led her people through eight centuries of prosperity. That peace shatters when Mersgoth, the mordeth thought long dead, attacks Teg’urnan. In the aftermath a new warrior emerges: Aeolmar, a man as secretive as he is deadly.
Asherah and Aeolmar race across Parthalan in pursuit of Mersgoth, and track the beast to the High Desert. While they're gone, Harek, now Prelate of Parthalan, conspires with the Dark Fae against the elves...Against Leran, the king of the elves and Asherah's son in all but blood. Will Asherah see the truth of Harek before it's too late, or will he bring down the fae once and for all?
The Virgin Queen - Book Two of the Chronicles of Parthalan
a Rafflecopter giveaway
That's right, for a limited time Heir to the Sun, book 1 of the Chronicles of Parthalan, is on sale for 99 cents. If you haven't gotten your copy yet, now's the time!
Click to purchase: http://amzn.to/1WtPujA
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A mad king. An escaped slave. One warrior to save the realm...[/caption]
A mad king. An escaped slave. One warrior to save the realm...
When Asherah, stripped of both her memory and her dignity, learns that King Sahlgren is responsible for her torment it nearly breaks her. Instead, she leads her fellow slaves to freedom. More prisons are scattered across Parthalan, and Asherah vows to burn them all.
Caol'nir, a warrior descended from the gods, is sworn to serve and defend the king. Then a priestess is murdered, and Caol'nir learns that Sahlgren is to blame. Determined to stop the king, sacred oath or no, Caol'nir joins Asherah's rebellion.
What Caol'nir doesn't know is that Sahlgren has promised the demon lord a woman of rare and singular beauty, a woman whose abilities are rumored to rival the sun god’s themselves…a woman Caol’nir knows all too well.
The Virgin Queen, Book 2 of the Chronicles of Parthalan is Available Now: http://amzn.to/1qXueEY
The signing will feature over sixty authors, cover models, and other literary luminaries! And did I mention that it will be held in the Grand Pequot Ballroom? For more information, or to purchase tickets, click 
Last but not least, Copper Veins, the third installment of the Copper Legacy, is almost here! If you'd like to take part in the week long release blitz, click here: 
That's all for now! How are you kicking off your summer? Let me know in the comments!