Happy New Year everyone! Let’s hope 2021 will be a much better year for all of us. I’m starting off the year with a look back at my favorite reads for 2020.
As much as I love to read it’s always a toss-up between writing my next book or cozying up in a comfy chair with a good book. Most times the writing wins and my reading time suffers. Readers have asked if I would bring back my reviews and the answer is yes. I have posted a few in the last couple of months and promise I will continue to do so throughout 2021
I enjoy most genres from Historical Fiction, A Cozy Mystery, a good suspense thriller, and let’s not forget a steamy romance. It all depends on my mood. What are your favorite genres?
Here are my top ten favorite reads in no particular order for 2020
Click the images for more information on the books
It was hard for me to narrow my choices down to just ten books, I wish I could list them all. What have been your favorite books of 2020?
Discover New Books & Authors.
If you are like me, I’m sure you like to discover new books and authors and each month I try to bring some to you. Check out these special, group promos and some freebies.
Twelve Miles (Serendipity Series Book 1) by Robin Edwards
**A Second Chance, Small Town Romance**
I was mortified. I ran away because I couldn’t face the embarrassment of what took place at the party. Now he’s back in the picture and I don’t think I can face him.
Will he remember who I am? SAM
Sam Ellis was not your average Sutton Hill resident. The quaint, coastal town known for its sunshine, crystal clear water, and waspy, upper-class residents. No one was more unfitting than Sam.
Sam used to live a fast life: the exotic cars, big house, women that threw themselves at him but when asked to take over his father’s estate all he wanted to do was be left alone. JAMIE
A little rough around the edges, Jamie never had the best luck. After years of playing venues with her bandmates, she met Sam, entrepreneur and high-profile member of the Sutton Hill Country Club. After crossing paths, Jamie could not get Sam out of her head.
Would Jamie be enough for the hot billionaire who already had everything?
First in a series Freebies
Discover a new series by grabbing some of these free first books in a series. all of them are free! Grab a few or grab them all Offer ends January 31st.
Podcasts For Readers & Writers That Keep me in my Car
Before I wrote my debut novel Reckless Beginnings I never paid much attention to podcasts. I never researched the different types and had no idea there was such a vast library of them. and how much I was missing. You can find a podcast on practically any topic. I didn’t discover this until I was trying to think of ways to promote my book and someone mentioned I should try podcasts. Well, I’ve never looked back since. I can’t remember the last time I listened to the radio or music in my car. No matter what I’m in the mood for, there is always a suitable podcast. I listen to writing tips, advice for self-publishers, marketing tips and when I just want to relax and listen to a good story, there are plenty of podcasts I can choose from. These podcasts are so good that I find myself not wanting to get out of the car when I’ve reached my destination. I want to keep listening and have at times driven around the block so I can hear the rest of the show. If you’ve never listened to a podcast, get on board and browse topics that interest you. I can guarantee you will find something that captivates you.
What Do I Listen To?
My first experience with podcasts was when I was a guest talking about my book and was blown away that I could listen to the show anywhere any time. Even in my car! Well, I was hooked. It was after my first podcast interview, that I began reaching out to more in the hopes of appearing on them. During my research, I began my own personal library. The only time I can listen to them is in my car, so now I can’t wait to get in my car and go someplace. I’m ecstatic that I can combine, what use to be a boring drive listening to the same old music into a commute that is now a time to listen and learn. I have a huge library but there are a few that I listen to every week, never missing a show and I’ve put together a list of my favorites that I think you may enjoy. Some I have appeared as a guest on a few of them and have now become a frequent listener. If you can recommend any that I’ve not mentioned please let me know.
Created by best selling author K.M Weiland, this podcast has over four-hundred-fifty episodes. No matter what part of your writing you are looking to improve on, Weiland has probably spoken about it on one of her episodes. in great detail that is easy to understand and follow.
Periodically I find myself frustrated with my writing. It’s not flowing as it should. Often I have problems with characterization and making my character believable. She helps with storylines and plots and so much more. This is by far my podcast of choice when it comes to writing tips.
This podcast is a wealth of information for any writer wanting to improve their skills and knowledge when it comes to writing. There are currently over one-hundred-thirty episodes. They give great examples to apply to your work and occasionally they will have interviews with writers and authors who share their experiences and techniques. These segments I really enjoy.
Oh, How I hate the English language sometimes. Grammar Girl aka as Mignon Fogarty has come to my rescue on many occasions. Each episode is short, (roughly ten minutes) but what I like about this show is that its fun, comical at times and the host has a great personality and is at most times, a bit quirky. She offers great tips on all aspects of grammar, occasionally has guests and takes the guesswork out of English language, that at times can be a challenge.
Out of all the podcasts, I listen to, this by far is my favorite. Hosted by Bestselling indie author, Mark Dawson, and Author in training, James Blatch, it’s a show I look forward to every week. Each episode averages about one hour and it’s crammed with a wealth of information for thriving authors. Every show has a guest author and I love hearing their stories about the mistakes they have made and also their successes. Anything to do with self-publishing this podcast covers it, from; writing your manuscript, editing, cover design, uploading, Amazon, Kindle, marketing and advertising. The list is endless. I highly recommend this podcast to anyone who is just starting out in the author-industry.
This is another favorite of mine that I listen to every week. Hosted by marketing expert, Jim KuKral, and author/speaker, Brian Cohan. The show focuses on self-publishing for new authors but also talks about the latest news in the book industry. They focus a lot on Amazon and KDP select, especially when it comes to using Amazon ads. If you are considering using KDP or KU for your book, you will find this show extremely helpful.
Becca Syme, the mother, and a bestselling Indie author co-host this show with her daughter who is also an author, Chris Syme. They take the guesswork out of marketing books and simplify the whole process with useful tips, easy to follow instructions and sharing their experiences. They offer online courses, webinars and some great books they have written on the subject.
Storytelling Podcasts
Sometimes I just want to turn off my brain and just listen to a story. These are a few of my favorites, that allows me to do just that.
Since launching in 1997 The Moth has presented thousands of true stories, that are told live and without notes to a room full of strangers. What I like about this podcast is that the stories are told from the heart. Some are comical. Others are heart-wrenching but they are all original and sincere and that’s what makes it stand out from the rest.
This podcast has been around since 1995 and there are hundreds of episodes to dive into. Each week a different theme is picked for the show and based upon what has been chosen, stories are told that are based on true events. The range of topics is tremendous and come from around the world.
I love the twist to this podcast. 1 phone call. 1 hour. No names. No holds barred. That’s the premise behind Beautiful Stories from Anonymous People, hosted by comedian Chris Gethard (the Chris Gethard Show, Broad City, This American Life, and one of Time Out’s “10 best comedians of 2015”). Every week, Chris opens the phone line to one anonymous caller, and he can’t hang up first, no matter what. From shocking confessions and family secrets to philosophical discussions and shameless self-promotion, anything can and will happen! A truly entertaining podcast.
Other News
It was an honor to be a featured author on Fat Jacks Coffee! Check out the article by clicking the link below.
Amazon currently has the paperback edition of Reckless Beginnings on sale for $8.81. That’s 44% off the cover price. I’m not sure how long the sale will last, so if you haven’t picked up your copy yet, now is a good time. Click on the image below to purchase from Amazon
Click to buy from Amazon
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