I’m humbled and honored to announce NOLA is now available in paperback through Amazon.
NOLA by Molly Jo Realy. Click on image to order.
Soon available for ebook readers.
With a cup full of awe and a head full of stories, Happy Reading. ~Molly Jo
Frankly, My Dear . . . Savor the Journey!
Frankly, My Dear . . . : Bohemian Hurricane
Molly Jo is better known as the Bohemian Hurricane. She is the author/curator of The Unemployment Cookbook and several eBooks available on Amazon. Her debut novel, NOLA, is a romantic mystery novel set in New Orleans, and the first in her City Series.
So I guess I’m in good company with finally launching NOLA next Wednesday. If you don’t know why June 26 is so significant, you can read my recent blog post: Are You Ready to Visit NOLA?
I’ve had several Swarm members buzz around and ask how they can help beyond buying the book.
Frankly My Dear . . . How to Write a Book Review
Lemme tell ya: There are two things an author covets more than anything once the book is published. (Well, three if you count coffee.) The first is sales. Buy the book. Buy it for yourself. Your friend. Your significant other. Your neighbor, mailman, kid’s cousin’s dog walker’s parents. Buy. The. Book. And buy it in all forms. Print. Digital. Audio. However it’s available, however you’ll read it.
I mean, yah, we totally write because we don’t know how to not write, and you hear us say, “Oh, even if no one bought my books ever I’d still be a writer.” What a load of youknowwhat. I mean, it’s true. But in a demented, look at my sadlittlelife kind of way. So, really. We like the book sales. I ain’t gonna lie.
The best nonmonetary way you can support your favorite authors is to write a review and share it. But readers. Well, y’all are readers, yah? Not writers. You want to get into the characters, the setting, the whole joie de vivre of it. “Oh, great,” you say. “Now she’s speaking French. I’m never gonna understand!”
Calm you’re kettles. It’s gonna be okay.
Reviews show popularity. And you know who gets noticed in the industry? The ones who are getting noticed. Think on that for a minute.
Amazon and Goodreads drive book popularity based partly on sales and reviews. That’s why both are important.
The most important thing to realize is a book review is not a book report.
There are three things imperative to a good book review:
You have a social media site to share the review on (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)
You have an account at Amazon and/or Goodreads
You’ve read the book.
Seriously. That’s it. Once that’s all been established, you click on the book link, then click on “Reviews,” then click where it says, “Leave Your Own Review.” Type away, and share.
The second most important thing to realize is this is your review.
You’re not graded on sentence structure, grammar, or word count. You won’t be put in reviewer jail if you misquote something. Just tell the author and their audience if you enjoyed the book, and why/why not. Use your own words and speaking style. Don’t fancy it up or dumb it down. Most review site require a minimum of 250 characters. Easy peasy.
PERSONAL PREFERENCE: There is no wrong way to leave a review, but don’t give away spoilers like, “It was really crazy how that spaceship zapped up Rain and Josie at the very end. I mean, I thought it wasn’t a sci-fi.” [Real spoiler alert: that is not how NOLA actually ends.]
Now, I’m not all in for author-bashing or trolling (those little internet mongrels that like to badmouth strangers just because they can!), but I am a fan of authenticity. So be honest, but be nice. Remember, you’re reviewing the book, not the author, not their lifestyle. If you want to review that, go to other websites. Get me?
A detailed review can be as short as three or four sentences. Did you find it compelling? A page turner or a nodder (one that put you to sleep)? Do you want more from this author, these characters? If the story is set in a real place, did the reading feel accurate? Did you emote through the story?
Based on the above, a positive review of the Wizard of Oz might read: (Five Stars) “I was enthralled with the duality of worlds and Dorothy’s struggle to realize everything she needed she already had. The Flying Monkeys were very scary, but the Cowardly Lion, Scarecrow and Tin Man were wonderful companions and showed a true depth of character as they grew along their journey. I highly recommend this book, and can’t wait for the sequel. “
A negative review might read: (Two Stars) “The fantasy worlds were too much for me to grasp. Frank L. Baum’s writing style is definitely for children. Although the writing is clean and the plot flows as it should, this book isn’t for me.”
You may be asked to title your review. This isn’t mandatory, so you can start with the first line of your review.
But the stars. If you feel the book is really good, but not as great as others you’ve read, it’s okay to leave four stars instead of five. Note that a Five Star Review means you really loved the book and want more. One Star means you’ll never read that book again. Three Stars mean you’re either apathetic, or the book didn’t reach it’s full potential.
PERSONAL PREFERENCE: Review the book and the author, but leave out any personal details. “I really loved helping Amy Pen brainstorm as she outlined this story,” or “I’ve known John Writer since we were kids and I’m so proud of him.” Those personal kudos can go on your social media sites, but don’t belong in a review.
Reviews are an author’s equivalent to crypto-coin. Well, maybe not. But sort of. And you have the power to make them rich.
Here are a few other ways you can support your favorite authors:
Ways to Support Your Favorite Author
Leave a comment: Do you leave reviews for books you’ve read? What are some of your favorite summer reads?
With a cup full of sweet tea and a house that needs cleaning, Happy Reviewing. ~Molly Jo
Frankly, My Dear . . . Savor the Journey!
Frankly, My Dear . . . : Bohemian Hurricane
Molly Jo is better known as the Bohemian Hurricane. She is the author/curator of The Unemployment Cookbook and several eBooks available on Amazon. Her work-in-progress, NOLA, is a romantic mystery novel set in New Orleans, and the first in her City Series. [Note to Self: Seriously. Change this.]
Are You Ready to Visit NOLA? (Or, How I’m Celebrating the Best Decisions I’ve Ever Made in My Life)
This is typically the pre-post point wherein I give you an update on NOLA. You know, something witty, adorably personal, maybe with a touch of Bohemian humor.
Well, I hate to disappoint y’all, but there will be no pre-post update.
Awww, don’t cry! It’s okay. No, really. It is.
Wanna know why?
Well, I’ll tell ya:
NOLA IS FINISHED AND WILL BE RELEASED NEXT WEEK!
How do you like them beignets?
NOLA, by Molly Jo Realy
Isn’t she pretty? I’m so in love with the cover. Like, crazyinlove with it.
Ah, but first. The celebrations.
It was exactly one year ago today I woke up, and I just knew. I knew in the way no one questions the blue sky, or green grass. I knew I had to move to South Carolina.
What started as a five-year plan so became a one-year plan. Then maybe a six-month plan. Then God smiled and said, “Fasten your seat belt, honey. You’re on a race track and there are no stop signs.” Four months later, I unlocked the door to my new home.
That’s Celebration No. 1.
Celebration No. 2, of course, is finishing NOLA.
Like, really finishing it. Not just typing “The End” and going back to fix what wasn’t broken. But hiring the book designer, stop micromanaging the character dialogue, and just letting it simmer. Let a tea kettle on the stove on a hot summer day.
Which, come to think of it, is kinda what today is.
And you know what? That tea kettle is singing for attention. Yup. That’s right. I pulled that baby right off the burner, poured it over some leaves, let it cool, and now we have a nice brewed book ready to be drunk in with all the love a sweet summer tea can offer.
NOLA will be available through Amazon starting Wednesday, June 26.
That is Celebration No. 3.
And a very significant anniversary. It was seven years ago to the date that I started NOLA. What began as an idea for the name of a free-spirited character evolved into a short story until it became apparent a novel was born.
NOLA Research
And now here we are. I’m becoming Josie. I’m living in the South. And my book is a real thing. I just don’t know what to do with all this goodness except drink it in, toss my hair back, and smile.
Yup. It’s time to party.
Oh, did I mention I’m having a Launch Party on Facebook? You can join now if you like: NOLA Facebook Live Launch Party. There will be posts, polls, and lots of fun stuff for the next few days. The Live Event will be Wednesday, June 26 at 9pm EDT. Did I also mention gifts and prizes? I didn’t? Must’ve slipped my mind …
Well, much as I’d love to stay and chat, it’s super late on Thursday night and I need to make sure this gets posted. I also have some beignets to order.
Leave a comment: What are you celebrating this summer?
With a cup full of chicory and heart full of love, Happy Writing. ~Molly Jo
Frankly, My Dear . . . Savor the Journey!
Frankly, My Dear . . . : Bohemian Hurricane
Molly Jo is better known as the Bohemian Hurricane. She is the author/curator of The Unemployment Cookbook and several eBooks available on Amazon. Her work-in-progress, NOLA, is a romantic mystery novel set in New Orleans, and the first in her City Series. [Note to Self: Time to change the bio info. #shazam!]
Eight Habits of a Slightly Unsuccessful Writer (Or, How to Write When You Don’t Take it Too Seriously)
Frankly, My Dear . . . : Eight Habits of a Slightly Unsuccessful Writer
~#~
But first, NOLA NOTE: I recently returned from my annual trip to the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference where I was told by several professionals I am, in fact, doing the Write Thing (aw, see what I did there?). Most importantly, the Godfather (who shall otherwise remain nameless, to protect the innocent) gave me some words of wisdom on how to proceed. In particular, he opened the conversation with, “Why didn’t you come to me for publishing advice?” To which I gulpedshiveredreplied, “I didn’t know I could.” Yeah. So, now I have a mentor for future writings, and, you know, a little eleventh-hour input into NOLA. I’d love to have y’all join my private Facebook group for more information, memes, and all-around fun. (Don’t worry, the Godfather won’t be there.) You can join on Facebook by clicking here: NOLA Swarm. [Side Note: Pray for the return of Bee the Zebra and Whisper, as they did not make their way home in the luggage, and are somewhere, I hope, still on the Ridgecrest Campus, waiting for my rescue.]
Frankly, My Dear . . . : Have you seen Whisper and Bee the Zebra?
And now, the post you’ve all been waiting for:
~#~
Eight Habits of a Slightly Unsuccessful Author:
Isolate yourself. Writers are lonely, crazy beings with no people skills whatsoever. We have no understanding of human nature, and say things we can’t edit. You most certainly will not learn anything by holding unnecessary conversations, especially with other writers. If you must socialize, do so in small groups, and in small doses.
Drink copious amounts of coffee. From noon to 3pm, drink gallons of decaf. At 6pm, drink another cup of espresso for good measure. Sleep two hours. Wake up and start all over. Your brain will thank you for it, even if your body doesn’t. If you must drink other than coffee, add something to it. Like fermented grapes.
Write, don’t read. You don’t have time to pay attention to someone else’s works. It’s imperative you put your own words on paper, in whatever fashion you can. There’s nothing to learn by reading classics or books within your genre. Who cares about the writing style of someone else, or supporting your friends already in print? If you must read, read outside your genre, and read things that will allow your mind to wander as your eyes skim the pages.
Don’t diversify your creativity. It’s best to focus on your writing and master it completely. Train your discipline. Give up photography, scrapbooking, creative journaling and the like. Other people have multiple interests, but that’s not you. So write. And, only write. If you must express creativity in other ways, don’t let others know about it. Don’t invest in it. And never share it on Instagram.
Write only what you know. Stay away from fantastical ideas, and topics you’re unfamiliar with. Research? Who has time for research? World-building? That’s too complicated. If you must write new material, use nonsensical words and settings and make it too complicated for others to understand.
Write when the muse hits you. Don’t worry about setting a time to write every day. Writer’s block? That’s for other writers, the ones who aren’t as focused. Because whenever you sit down, the words always flow without stopping. If you must write on a schedule, make sure to have multiple journals and lists available so you can jot a thousand grocery items and ten ways to fix the house as these thoughts will invariably demand your attention.
Don’t feed your muse. Stay away from inspirational movies and music. Don’t play with your food, enjoy nature walks, or travel. These will only inspire you in other ways and thus confuse your writing. If you must feed the muse, don’t enjoy the arts or have new experiences. This will only deter you from your true calling of being a writer.
Never, ever continue writing unless what you’ve already written is perfect. Brain-dumping and first drafts are myths and will not help you clear your head. Definitely do not use place-filler text [“Write Something Here About Rain’s past relationship with Cheryl and have him hint at why he no longer trusts Penny Jo”]. If you must write imperfectly and continuously, do not revisit those pages. They will only depress you and keep you from getting to the true heart of your story.
LEAVE A COMMENT: What tips and habits do you cultivate for your craft?
With a blank page and a full glass, Happy Writing. ~Molly Jo
Frankly, My Dear . . . Savor the Journey!
Frankly, My Dear . . . : Bohemian Hurricane
Molly Jo is better known as the Bohemian Hurricane. She is the author/curator of The Unemployment Cookbook and several eBooks available on Amazon. Her work-in-progress, NOLA, is a romantic mystery novel set in New Orleans, and the first in her City Series.
When you haven’t blogged in a month, but you don’t want your peeps to forget you, but you’re at your annual conference and forgot how busy this season is. And then you remember you have like, a *lot* of inspirational memes you share as a teaser until you get back into the habit of blogging.
Yeah, that.
Happy viewing, y’all. And, you know. #wishyouwerehere
Leave a comment and let me know which is your favorite.
Announcement and Cover Teaser
Say Hello to my nameless little friend.
Two types of birds …
Be the beautiful mosaic you’re meant to be.
You always have something to bring to the table.
Liz Taylor
MoJo rocking the Crazy Zebra Outfit (zebra leggings by LuLaRoe, Steve Jobs’ Crazy Ones speech on the T-Shirt)
Turn the knob
Choose the right vehicle.
Rest well.
Guts are messy.
Enjoy the journey.
Get back up.
Take care of yourself.
Talk yourself into success.
With a meme-making app and too many blog ideas to post, Happy Whatevering.
