Category Archives: Sharon C. Williams

Books, Sharon C. Williams

Reviewing a children’s book

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2013-10-19 11.06.56

As a reviewer for Booksneeze, we are required to write a 300 word review. Easy peasy, right? The book I received on Monday was so short it took me under 30 seconds to read it. The material is geared at the young children who are learning to read on their own so it had short sentences and a heck of a lot of pictures.

My first thought was, “How in the hell was I going to come up with a 300 word review?” It didn’t help that my reviewer brain went into full gear as I picked it apart from a level of a book meant for an age much older. I didn’t like the concept, parts didn’t make sense and overall I was left flat in feeling.

Being the first reviewer for this book I did not want to leave such a remark on a book. I sat back in my chair and thought on how to write this. Then it hit me. It didn’t have to work for me, it had to work for the child reading it. Once I made the realization the review was easy. I commented on the short sentences, the easy words, the colorful illustrations that a child that young would enjoy. The book worked for it worked for the child that it was meant for.

By the time I was done writing I had 344 words. Not bad, huh? I see so many bad reviews. I wonder if people forget who the book is aimed at when placing the post up online. As a writer, we have to write for the audience that is in our target audience, why should the review be any different?

 

You can find me here at my blog that is strictly for reviews: Www.mainemuse.wordpress.com

 

"Squirel Mafia", Book Cover Release, Sharon C. Williams

Book cover release: Squirrel Mafia

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Title: Squirrel Mafia

Author: Sharon C. Williams

Release Date: August 12, 2014

Publisher: Sharon C. Williams

Genre: Non-Fiction, Humor

Sharing is not an option!

We tend to think of squirrels as cute furry creatures that scamper around playing while looking for nuts. Yet I’ve a different outlook on these rodents from Hades.

As an animal lover, one who’s owned by eight birds, I’ve had the opportunity to observe a group of squirrels around my home here in the suburbs for the past year. The experience I’ve gained gives a whole new meaning to the words ‘little darlings.’

I offer you a unique perspective of the furry friends entangled within our everyday lives. Their antics and shenanigans have earned them the name of the Squirrel Mafia. This book chronicles my ongoing battle with these pesky little critters.

(Purchase links are not yet available.)

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/22814849-squirrel-mafia

Excerpt:

Chapter 1

Maine

Squirrels are furry and adorable animals that come from Hell. They give us the illusion they’re cuddly, and full of sugar and spice and all that is nice. Well, if you want that kind of story you might want to put this one down.

Growing up in Northern Maine, I honestly don’t recall seeing squirrels around me. My life could have been preoccupied with things that mattered more, like being a kid and spending time with family. Granted, the weather in Maine is harsh during the winter months, which can last a good portion of the year.

Wildlife, though, is plentiful in this region with moose, bear, and deer. Between the different hunting seasons, one would think people would notice squirrels running around. As numerous and hardy as they are, one would logically think that even a region as cold as Maine would be full of them.

Perhaps they didn’t bother me back then. I still would have been under the misconception that they were cute. Perhaps my memory is just lapsing, or I’m just in denial. Yeah, that’s it, denial!

Lesson learned—squirrels can make you forget.

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About The Author:

Sharon is a native of New England, raised in Northern Maine. She lives in North Carolina with her husband and son. She is also owned by a flock of eight birds.

Sharon has a B.S. degree in Chemistry, but is currently disabled, so writing keeps her busy. She tends to lose all track of time. The world could be coming to an end, and she would be oblivious to it. When writing, she envisions the scenes in her head, and tries to imagine the reality of what is written down on paper. Different options, scenes, and problems are noted on the side in case she can use them later.

Sharon tends to write by long hand as the flow works better for her this way. Her bookshelf consists of works written by Stephen King, Agatha Christie, Bentley Little, and James Patterson. The best advice she has ever received about writing was to write about what you know. Her first thought was, “Yeah right,” but it really is that easy. A writer just needs to know a little tidbit to turn it into a short story, and soon enough, there’s a book.

Sharon loves to read, sketch, take pictures, walk, exercise, go to the movies, and listen to music. She is a budding bird watcher, and knits on the side. She is a huge sports fan of baseball, basketball, hockey, and football.

Two of her short stories were published in the anthology, “Cassandra’s Roadhouse.” She will be releasing several short story anthologies during the upcoming months. Her children’s book, “Jasper, Amazon Parrot: A Rainforest Adventure,” has just been picked up by Fountain Blue Publishing, and should be released sometime this year.

Social Media Links:

Blog: http://www.newenglandmuse.wordpress.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Author-Sharon-C-Williams/195232693863109
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/NewEngland_Muse
Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5394360-sharon
Google +: https://plus.google.com/u/0/110251056756084178306

Smashwords: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/NewEnglandMuse

Linked In: http://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=165672049

Email: NewEngland_Muse@yahoo.com

"Squirel Mafia", Cover release form, Sharon C. Williams

“Squirrel Mafia” needs your help

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I have mentioned a few times my short book called Squirrel Mafia which is a non fiction book. Publishers did take an interest in it but they wanted me to make it fictional. Maybe down the road I can do that but for now the truth about these varmints need to be told.

I will be self publishing it soon. The dates have been finalized for the cover reveal for Squirrel Mafia which will include the media kit information. I am looking for some help. If you have time and are open to posting on your own blog about the release check out the form below. The cover release will be August 1st while the book will be released August 12th. This is truly a book that I am so very excited about. It has seen a lot of edits, picture changes and exchange of ideas and emails between my editor and myself. I am proud of the end product. It has come a long way.

http://tinyurl.com/p25gp3u