Tag: Books

Writing

My venture beyond self publishing…

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Photo by Markus Winkler on Pexels.com

So, early this year I thought I could try to break the mold of self publishing my books and try approaching publishers to see how things can proceed forward and to find someone interested enough to want to publish my 3rd poetry book, collection of short stories and the novel that I am still trying to beat into shape.

I approached just a couple of independent publishers (here in the UAE) ‘cos I thought that would be an easier way to break into getting published by those whose business it is to run such things.

I wouldn’t say that I was disappointed in the least. I got a favourable and quick response after they had reviewed my materials, but I must say that I was startled out of my shoes at the exorbitant cost that they included in the publishing contract couched under the term ‘contributory fees.’ Maybe I am too naive about what it truly entails to publish, promote etc. and such found the quote a bit shocking to say the least.

If I had the said amount, would I go ahead with the proposal? I suppose so for various obvious reasons that I can’t even begin to delve into right now but most especially on top of the list is to see my book published and marketed professionally and see how it moves.

On the other hand, even if I had the funds, how on earth would I recover the amount invested, not to talk of making any sort of profit from the whole venture, or are we not expected to make proceeds from our endeavours? The sale of the book has to be in huge numbers to break even before you can talk about profit.

Hmm. There’s no easy way out there. As I don’t have many nickels to rub together right now, much less pay a publishing outfit a king’s ransom to get my books published, I guess my desire has to be dampened till further notice. However, knowing that the opportunities are out there was a good outcome in my opinion.

What are your thoughts? Have you ever tried using an independent publisher for your books? What was the experience like?

@beyondexisting.j

There’s always something better waiting to happen in your life. #fyp #stayfocused #staypositive #deepthoughts #inspirational #dontquityourdaydream

♬ original sound – Beyond Existing
Book · Humor - Bellyful of laughter · The Great Book Of Lists

The Wedding Night…

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Image result for mills and boons

The pain was sharp and astonishing.
Dreamy wedding night illusions
induced by copious pages of Mills and Boons
shattered with vigorous thrusts.

©

Jacqueline

Who binged on Mills and Boons? Well, I did. I read tons of them and more and had many rose-coloured dreamy visions of married life…the rude truth is that the pages of a book tell huge lies 😉

Author Zone

Bring Your Books 4 – Author Zone

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This week in Author’s zone

Watching the Daisies: Life Lessons on the Importance of Slow by [Gallagher, Brigid P]

Check it out Available on Amazon

A Bit About Brigid

Brigid P. Gallagher aspired to become a doctor but God had other plans! She spent thirteen years in the life assurance industry, including Actuarial and Life Underwriting departments, before following her heart and training as a Natural Medicines therapist. Brigid trained in colour and crystal healing, aromatherapy, reflexology, nutritional medicine, flower essences, electro-crystal healing, radionics, and E.F.T or Emotional Freedom Technique. She practiced and taught Natural Medicines for 20 years, teaching at Stirling University’s Open Studies and Summer Schools from 1993 to 1999, setting up the Scottish School of Holistic Healing plus a therapy center and shop in Stirling, Scotland. In 1999, she relocated to Donegal, Ireland the home of her ancestors. Four years later, she succumbed to a mystery illness which was eventually diagnosed as fibromyalgia and possibly rheumatoid arthritis. Stopping the world for 2 years, forced Brigid to reassess her life, and thus she began retraining in Organic Horticulture. She taught this subject in schools part-time until early 2016. Her garden was featured in the Donegal Garden Trail in 2012, 2013 and 2014. Brigid continues her lifelong passion for gardening, singing and writing in her new life of SLOW.

Word From Others

Brigid does a great job in capturing her journey of health challenges…
Brigid does a great job in capturing her journey of health challenges and bringing spirituality to life to help a person move through difficult times.
Divya Parekh
Author of “The Entrepreneur’s Garden: The Nine essential relationships to Cultivate Your Wildly Successful Business”

A wonderful, insightful book!
A wonderful book! I forced myself to put it down a couple of times because I didn’t want to stop traveling vicariously with the author. Gallagher has written a memoir that takes to many beautiful countries but also on her journey of family loss, health and commitment to learning. Her gifts as a healer and gardener add to the beauty of the book.
Alexis Rose
Author of “Untangled: A Story of Resilience, Courage, and Triumph”

Check it out on Amazon

Annette has so many book titles under her belt and in her words below:

A Bit About Annette

I was born writing! At least this is how it seems. I had the good fortune to be published while a sophomore in high school so continuing the journey by publishing books has been a natural course of events.
I have chosen to release my annual haiku collection in time to celebrate National Poetry Month, in April. A Haiku Perspective 2017 is filled with smiles, laughter, wisdom and creativity, all cleverly disguised as haiku poetry. Enjoy!
My book, GO YOU some encouragement when you need it, is a pep-talk in a book! Each page gives you a quick way to start your day, help you through a moment or even provide someone else words that can inspire them to a better life. We can all use a cheerleader when one isn’t available, this book fits the bill!!

Most of the books I have published here are centered in poetry, Haiku poetry to be exact. Much of the feedback I receive about the haiku poetry is that people can really understand the messages and they appreciate that the poems are short and sweet!

Angel Messages – a wing and a prayer is my first book about Angels. Filled with photos, prayers, poems and prose of and about Angels, this book will delight any Angel lover in your life. Check out the reviews, people are drawn to the inherent inspirational nature of this book and as result is fast becoming their favorite. You can have it right away using the Kindle option or order a paperback copy (or two) and carry it with you wherever you go.

I mentioned that many of my books are filled with my poetry and several of them combine that with my love of taking pictures. Books that feature poetry and photos include Perspective, it’s all about replacing one thought with another, PhoKu, visual perspective haiku and BooKu, Halloween haiku. Perspective has a wide variety of pages that can feature prose, poetry and nature photographs, while PhoKu is filled with the photographs I have taken in nature with Haiku poetry added to them, hence the title: PhoKu. BooKu is a “behind the scenes look at how Halloween decorations feel about their jobs. All three of these books are available in print and Kindle formats.

A Haiku Perspective 2015, and A Haiku Perspective 2016 are haiku poetry books. When I first experimented with the haiku writing format, I have no idea I would enjoy it as much as I do. These days, I am writing haiku daily and finding myself thinking in 17 syllables. You can find these books in both print and Kindle formats
There are several other books planned for release this year alone, So please, check back frequently to see what I have published and share what YOU are doing! Cheers!!

A Word From Others

What a Beautiful book. Written by a very talented gifted author. I am so happy she finally put a book together of her Angel Messages that she sends out every day. Of all the books Annette has written this by far is my favorite. I don’t think I can say enough about this book or how proud of Annette I am for putting it together. All of her books are a labor of love and worth having. They are also great for giving as gifts.
Kylie
Inspirational messages are always a hit with me. In a world where you could be anything, be inspirational. That’s what Annette Rochelle Aben has done with this book. Open your heart and allow yourself to be inspired too!
I absolutely loved this book! very touching and loved it from the front page to the back and  I would highly recommend this book if you needed your spirit lifted!!!  I loveAnnette’s books! She is a wonderful writer author!
Mary Irvine
A writers’ journey can be a lonely and arduous trip and the success of a writer is the collective effort of all those who surround him/her. You are welcome to promote your book on Author Zone. To learn more check this.
Uncategorized

The One and Only Beautiful Gem Called Tanya Cliff.

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A beautiful and fascinating lady writer whom I admire greatly. It is said that one’s words are a mirror into their soul and Tanya’s one amazing writer who’s words reach you on another level.

A Bit About Me

Tanya Cliff, Writer, Interview

My pen is a mighty tool. I’ve been using it all my life to tell stories and explore this world in all its natural wonder and human diversity. I write everything from the diminutive, but powerful, haiku to the full-bodied epic adventure. Of all my writing endeavors in the past few years, I’m most proud of the successful use of some of my work a juvenile detention center in SE Wisconsin to foster creative expression and encourage these children to develop their unique talents.

My passion for human rights manifests in a strong voice of advocacy for the persecuted and poor and an ongoing family effort that supports a range of humanitarian efforts. Watch where you step on my blog. I shatter a lot of glass of past hypocrisies with my pointed quill.

I love working with the camera and use my photography to illustrate the pieces I share on my blog, with a special emphasis on nature shots and work with a macro lens. The credit for all the photos of me goes to my talented 13-year-old daughter, who shares my enthusiasm for a good capture.

I’m a classically trained flutist with a rich and eclectic taste in music, performing everything from Mozart to jazz improvisation.  My favorite playing hours, however, find me behind the piano keys.

I am a graduate from the University of Wisconsin – Madison.

A Bit About My Blog

prodigalfronta

The Prodigal 

I started my blog just over a year ago as a platform to support the fantasy novel I had just published and to grow my writing skills. On my blog, I write everything from the diminutive haiku to free verse poetry to short stories. I have even begun sharing stop-motion videos that I produce. My work often serves as a platform for social commentary and critique and a voice of support for those who have nothing. My passion for nature finds frequent expression through words and photos on my blog. I love my interactions with bloggers all over the world and take great inspiration from their friendships and encouragements.

Blogging Challenges

I recently retooled my blog to include new projects that I have and directions I’m exploring. This involved clearing a lot of old writing off my blog and completely redoing my home pages – a major facelift.

Projects

political-frontpr

My first-in-series epic, fantasy novel, Tales from the Valdaren – The Prodigal Son, was published just over a year ago and maintains a 4.5-star rating on Amazon. The second novel is in development.

I just published, A Haiku for Ricky Baker, a book of poetry including Haiku, Tanka and free verse poems telling the stories of neglected and at-risk children. All proceeds from that book go to fund art and writing programs for children in juvenile detention. I also hope to use this book to introduce Haiku and Tanka to these children as a method of developing strong writing and reading skills.

The second book of poetry and short stories, The Politically Empty Glass, will be released shortly. This book explores the hypocritical application of “liberty” in the United States through a combination of Haiku, Tanka, free verse poems and satirical short stories. It is a work that has come about, in part, due to the encouragements of my blogging friends.

I am also delving into screenplay work, using the development of stop-motions videos as an initial platform. I love the challenge of telling a story through this medium.

ricky-baker-frontpr1

Haiku for Ricky Baker

 

Author Zone

Author Zone Launching – Bring Your Books

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reading

A writers’ journey can be a lonely and arduous trip and the success of a writer is the collective effort of all those who surround him/her.

I know that I am a small time blogger out there but I believe so much in the strength that lies in unity.

It’s been in my heart for quite a while to find ways of contributing, encouraging and promoting my fellow authors around.

Many are struggling to get their works out there and the challenge of breaking into the limelight of traditional publishing is humongous.

We are the only one’s who can attract and drive our own growth in here. Buying and reading bestsellers is brilliant, all well and good, but contributing to lift up a fellow writer in our midst from one level to the next should be our collective care because it matters.

Support your fellow author/artist/writer/blogger. Collaborate with each other to help them grow.

The truth is that purchasing a book from a little-known author barely costs much. If you are buying 3 books a month, pick up one from an author in our midst, the cost is not even up to a cup of coffee at Starbucks, Tim Hortons, London Dairy or where ever it is that you love to get your sweetness.

The idea behind ‘Author Zone,’ is to highlight a number of authors and their books bi-monthly.

If you would like your book highlighted, please feel free to contact me. I would also try to do a review of a book once a month.

Please share this as much as possible to reach as many authors/writers as we can.

Thank you for your support.

Jacqueline

Today’s Highlights

Rhymes of the Times

judy-martin

 

A lighthearted look at life through rhyme

Readers’ review

If you love rhyming poetry, and a bloody good laugh, this book is for you. Short at just 61 pages, you could get through it during a cuppa and I promise you will laugh the whole way through. Martin is a master at rhyme, and also with twists, there were a few poems with unexpected endings, one particular line caught my eye for its clever analogy:

Judy Martin is a gem. A supportive blogger friend and talented writer whose lighthearted look at life through her words make me smile. To get the book, you can check out this link. 

 

Everything Smells Just Like Poke Salad

nutstrok

 

A Readers’ review

Wonderful tales . . . all connected. Well written. At times poignant . . . at time hilarious. A nice little book that I very much enjoyed reading. Thank you Ms. Bethea for sharing the stories of your family with us.

Linda’s gift of story telling is awesome. You only need to read her words to get a good dose of laughter bubbling in you. To get the book, you can check out this link.

Everyday People

Besotted Readers…Every day beautiful people # 63

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“Books are a uniquely portable magic.” Stephen King

Readers[1]

We buy books like the magical garden for the children but derive utmost pleasure from reading them and being child-like again 😉

Sometimes, I wonder who gets the most pleasure, the adult who is still a child at heart or the child who soaks up the words in innocent wonder?

I know a lot of us who enter bookstores and come out buying more books than we planned to 🙂

I am guilty all the time.

Below is my first just published Poetry Book “Out of the silent breath” which is available on Amazon and Smashwords.

When you buy my book, you support me in an invaluable manner.

Stars, Five Stars, Logo, Icon, Symbol, Five, Rating

From the very first poem, “Dreams,” this book captivates with passionate and perceptive words. Jacqueline Oby-Ikocha captures a broad expanse of the human experience in this book of richly layered poems.

Out of the silent breath

Stream of Consciousness Saturday.

Book me down!…Stream of consciousness Saturday.

jacquelineobyikocha8 Comments

Book writing, book reading, book store’s, bookshelves, bookworms, book-keeping a lot about my life these days revolves around books.SoCS badge 2015

Reading a book takes me on an adventure where I journey with the writer through apertures unknown, on exhilarating trips of thoughts, experience, and wonder.

I love books. It’s an easy way to melt my stress and when anything else gets on my nerves I can bury my nose in a book and come out feeling better.

I have been craving a specific type of bookshelf, but because my living in the UAE is possibly transitory, I find myself reluctant to get on with the idea of investing funds and energy into having that personalised bookshelf only to get up and have to leave it here a couple of years down the line. Moving books or bookshelves as you migrate is not an easy feat.

I know how I felt about my books back in Houston. I felt as if I was giving away my good friends but the good thing is that donating the books to an old people’s home and the library made me feel better and happy.

Two of my young ones are turning into bookworms, it’s as if they are chewing through them so fast that I have to keep buying more books each month. I remember myself at their age. I read voraciously as well and we had a mobile library that catered to my passion and made life easier.

Going to the libraries over here takes planning because it’s not close by, unlike back in Houston where our home was five minutes away from the huge Lones Star library in Cypress. That’s a haven of books!

Well, right now, I’m trying to trick my mind to focus on writing my second book which I have been working on in jerks and stops. It’s all about books. Can’t get it off my mind.

The title I used for this post ‘book me down ‘ is a popular Lagosian phrase that we use to indicate our interest or availability for something. I wonder where else they use that?

Thank you, Linda, for giving me permission to:

Beat about the books

I’m going to use every trick in the book 

to get my hands to keep still and write my books

‘cos writing a book 

is definitely different from cooking the books.

To be a bookworm 

is borrowing a leaf 

from an open book 

now let’s sing from the same hymnbook

as long as you don’t throw the book at me 🙂

P.S. Just feeling silly. After all, it’s Saturday folks

Below is my first just published Poetry Book “Out of the silent breath” which is available on Amazon and Smashwords.

When you buy my book, you support me in an invaluable manner.

Out of the silent breath

Everyday People

Timeout…Every day beautiful people # 59

jacquelineobyikocha9 Comments

“It’s always good to take a little time out of your busy life to focus just on yourself and if you’ve got a friend to share a cup with, that’s goodness tasted and remembered.” Jacqueline

Friends_drinking[1]

It’s a weekend good folks. There’s nothing like a little timeout to chill and natter with a good friend with some music in the background, or,

to chill all by yourself with a compelling good read, soft music, a warm cuppa or glass of cold drink – whichever suits you best 🙂

Enjoy. Love and light

Below is my first just published Poetry Book “Out of the silent breath” which is available on Amazon and Smashwords.

When you buy my book, you support me in an invaluable manner.

Out of the silent breath

I listen to the tinkles of the water,

the thrums of the guitar and the deep rhythm of the bass.

No words are said, as you stare deeply into my eyes.

The look caught within your pupils, mirrors all the love trapped inside

aching to flow out, a syllable at a time. Just like that soft jazz.

Personal · The Great Book Of Lists · This Is My Life

I am currently….personal TGBOL

jacquelineobyikocha19 Comments

PicsArt_05-06-05.48.04[1]

For this week’s great book list, Duchess gave us something a little different. It’s a snap portraiture of who I am, what I do and what my current plans are.

She found the list idea on MAMBI website as a freebie for their Create 365 brand.

How does it work ? We should list items starting with I currently…. love, eat, drink, etc, so here goes…

a. Loving… Life and the state of my mind that keeps expanding with possibilities each day

b. Eating… Less even though I had one greasy Hardee’s burger after gamboling around the beach.

c. Drinking… Lots of water and blended fruits otherwise called smoothie these days.

d. Watching… Jumanji with the children and last night was Casino, with dear Himself.

e. Going…To start different things, a new blogging platform focusing on blogging, writing and speaking, searching more ardently for income opportunities and marketing my book.

f. Reading… A Prisoner of Birth, my bible, a host of blog posts and O’s Little Guide to Finding Your True Purpose (O’s Little Books/Guides)

g. Texting… Family and friends. Just finished having a chit-chat with one of my sisters and my roomie back in University.

h. Playing…. In the sand at the beach and watching the children ride their segway. I passed on their offer to teach their mother. I don’t want to break any bones or lose my dentition.

i. Working… On my second book. I decided to focus on one at a time instead of the different manuscripts I am working on.

j. Stressing… Over marketing methods, over an ill relative and the current state of my country, Nigeria.

k. Celebrating… My blog’s one year today and one of my boys will be celebrating his birthday in four days, so he’s making a long plan for me 😉

l. Listening… To Happy by Pharell Williams and my playlist, that uplifts my spirit.

m. Thanking… God every day for his grace and mercy and friends for their presence in my life.

n. Buying… Not much. Asides from our regular grocery and books to read each month, I have been on a spending hiatus.

o. Pinning… I honestly haven’t pinned much of anything, except darning my son’s shorts, I guess that passes for pinning something 😉

p. Planning… Summer slowly in my head and hoping to be done with my second book by then. Planning not to crowd my mind with so much and focus on the important things.

q. Visiting… Ajman. We went last weekend to the nearby Emirates and it was a lovely quiet time.

r. Wondering… Where to find the energy to do all my weekend cooking, writing and tidying. I am feeling lazy.

s. Feeling… A mix of emotions. More like melancholic.

© Jacqueline Oby-Ikocha

Below is my first Poetry Book “Out of the silent breath” which is available on Amazon and Smashwords.

When you buy my book, you support me in an invaluable manner.

Out of the silent breath

Dance to your heart’s delight my African child, until echoes of your stamping feet, beating heart; bright eyes, smiling lips; and waving hands, resonates over and over like thunder claps, reverberating throughout the Universe.

Just dance.

Personal · Photographs · The Daily Post

Beach Bums…

jacquelineobyikocha37 Comments

 

Zanzibar - Kempinski

I am not a beach bum but I love spending time by the beach side. Soaking in the lovely sea breeze that lulls you to sleep on the chair.

Running in the surf’s spray and dipping my toes in the water is particularly soothing, though the sand has a way of getting in nooks and unexpected crannies.

Coincidentally, it’s a long weekend in UAE as today is a public holiday, so we plan to spend time tomorrow morning at Jumeirah beach before the sun gets too hot.

It can be wickedly hot in this place, but for now, the rays are still kind to us.

I have a big beach bag that I plunk in all sorts of stuff, from my sunglasses to headphones, blue tooth loud speaker for music, sunscreen, water, serviettes, the large book that I am currently reading A Prisoner of Birth by Jeffrey Archer. A fantastic and compulsive 600+ pages read.

Maybe I’ll do a book review after, but does Archer need a review? I doubt it.

I’ve got Summer on my mind once the children get through their exams by the end on the month. Yippeee!  🙂

© Jacqueline Oby-Ikocha

Beach, The Daily Post Prompt.

Below is my first Poetry Book “Out of the silent breath” which is available on Amazon and Smashwords.

When you buy my book, you support me in an invaluable manner.

Out of the silent breath

Jacqueline Oby-Ikocha’s poems portray images that stare us right in the face. Images of love, joy, death, pain, challenges, violation, and freedom. She writes in a language that’s rich in imagery, earthy, honest, vulnerable, yet full of the promise of hope, of loving and of Grace. A collection of light and dark soulful prose.