All posts by NewEngland_Muse

I'm a traditionally and self published author. I write in the genre of children and YA at the moment but working my way up to adults. I'm a sports loving, photo taking gal who loves to sing/dance to my own enjoyment. I love to laugh even at myself. I am also owned by 8 birds and 2 hamsters, and yes they know it. :)
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My Badge of Honor: Trolls

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Trolls, gotta love them. My book came out the 7th of September of this year. On the 9th I got a one star rating attached to a rather mean review. I was confused for the book had just came out two days ago. Not wanting to start a war on my book page I left it alone. Every one told me it happens, it is no reflection on you, move on. My publisher felt that this was a person who was trying to help their friend out, who might be in the same genre, by lowering my book. She had seen this before I believe. I was wowed.

I can handle a one star review if you read the book but I truly did not think it was plausible they did. So I decided to dispute it. The comment complained about the pricing being to high however he/she placed the same review for my ebook and the one in print. I disputed first the ebook. I said this review does not match since they are complaining it is to high at 13.99 yet the book was listed at 5.99.

I then went to the print book to dispute that review. I mentioned how the book had only been out two days. Even if it was in print there was no way it would have been shipped out that fast for this person to have read and review. I did not think that was possible. Plus my publisher said no book had been sold via Amazon at that time. If they had purchased from her again they would not have gotten it that soon.

I placed both remarks to Amazon and moved on. I figured I did the best I could. This past Monday a friend texted me to say the reviews had been removed. I am not sure if my disputing the comments had any thing to do with it, I like to think so.

Writers alike this is a win for us. It is. I will not be able to get rid of every troll, it will happen, it is part of the game. But I am wearing this badge of honor for this time I got rid of one.

Art Council Grant, Literary, Writers

A Literary Grant

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Last month I heard of a grant being offered by the local art council. It included people in the literary field. The goal is to help artist get to the next level of their career and what they would need to obtain it. YAY!

The problem was the time frame was close at hand. I had two weeks to get the letter of intent to them. That was easy to do until I tried to fill in the application online, a pdf file. Nothing would save no matter how many times I filled it in. Files like this are tend to be read only yet I was told it could be done. What eventually happened was the printing of the form before closing it, scanning, converting to a pdf file and mailing it to the grant director. It was approved.

I now have a week to gather a/ the narrative b/resume or bio c/a letter of reference which is optional d/ a sample of my work, all in pdf format, and then upload to a site given to me.

I have all the components but the recommendation. While this is optional I have decided to include one in. My publisher will be writing one up for me.

I have had to research fast how to write-up this grant. It is my first attempt. I am not sure how long it will take to decide on who gets what. But it will be before the year is out due to the grant year being January 2014. I am going to give it a good try if nothing else. All they can say is no. If I don’t try I already know my answer.

 

 

 

Amazon Parrot, Celebration, Published

Release day: Celebration

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This past Saturday I had a celebration. It was the release of my first book, “Jasper, Amazon Parrot: A Rainforest Adventure” and it was time to enjoy that. I decided to eat out at a local restaurant in town and raise a glass of wine in the air. I could have done this alone and still enjoy the day.

But instead I sent the word out to some friends and writers I knew. What occurred was a gathering of 12 people snuggled close together enjoying and supporting my accomplishment. My friend Robin started it well by sprinkling the table with green stars in Jasper’s honor. That was awesome. She included a gift basket that had a bag of millet sprays for Jasper so he could be included.

Four hours of chatter, laughter and just enjoyment by people who get what I have done. It went by fast as food was eaten, wine was drunk and the day went on by. My book signings won’t be coming for a few weeks so this was the next best thing.

I am proud of myself. This was my goal three years ago when I started this project. I was not going to settle for writing a book to read to my grandchildren down the road. I did not let road bumps deter me. I learned from my mistakes, listened to good advice, and with a lot of time and effort it is now here.

Jasper is oblivious to all of this. He just knows mom gives him shelled almonds and goes on and on how he will be big. So long I pat him on his back, belly,wings, and head he is good.

Life is good right now for my bird and me.