Yours and Ringo's Dreams
So You Wanna be a Paperback Writer?!44 total reviews
Comment from Alexandra Trovato
I haven't met you because either, I mostly missed you by joining just over one month ago or, we are the same person and therefore can not exist together in one place. Let's stick with choice one, for the sole purpose of this review. I've given you five star because I did read some witty words in your writing. I'm not a published writing and I'm new here, but I do have a Masters degree in Literacy. I believe I'm being a good friend to tell you that your writing would be stronger if you were to cut it down a little. There is a lot of good writing there, and there are a lot of extra words, as well.
My review is good and five is the highest star I have to.give. I just would love to read this, again, after you possibly review it and only keep what is necessary. You shouldn't distract from the good writng that you have there. Try to read it objectively, as if you've never seen it before, let alone have written it. Best wishes. :)) Alex
reply by the author on 20-Apr-2023
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I haven't met you because either, I mostly missed you by joining just over one month ago or, we are the same person and therefore can not exist together in one place. Let's stick with choice one, for the sole purpose of this review. I've given you five star because I did read some witty words in your writing. I'm not a published writing and I'm new here, but I do have a Masters degree in Literacy. I believe I'm being a good friend to tell you that your writing would be stronger if you were to cut it down a little. There is a lot of good writing there, and there are a lot of extra words, as well.
My review is good and five is the highest star I have to.give. I just would love to read this, again, after you possibly review it and only keep what is necessary. You shouldn't distract from the good writng that you have there. Try to read it objectively, as if you've never seen it before, let alone have written it. Best wishes. :)) Alex
Comment Written 20-Apr-2023
reply by the author on 20-Apr-2023
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Thank you, Alex. Oh I know I'm a tad chatty and my prose could stand a haircut. And it sounds like you could be the one to teach me the art of brevity. I must say, though: many have tried. None have succeeded. But still, I'm open to the challenge. In the meantime, while you are planning your curriculum, won't you read the freebie whose link I gave you in yesterday's post about the importance of Titles. I think you'd enjoy the book, "The Uneven Zen of Time". And hey! It's free, and who doesn't like free? Here's the link if you don't have time to wade through the other post: https://tinyurl.com/y2txtza7 .
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That is thoughtful of you because I'm terrible about going back to find links. I must inform you that I did teach anf I do have the degrees I stated but in 1993 I was temporarily blinded in one eye and diagnosed MS. I taught, earned my masters and was even raising my child alone all while fighting MS attacks mostly ti my eyes. I'm lucky my sight was sawd each time but their are scars left on my optic nerves that flare with symptoms ftom time to time in 2010 I left teaching for good and haven't worked since because MS effected my mobility and balance. I have a relapsing remissing firm of MS so I am now in remission and I can see and walk ok but I still don't work. Thankfully my husband has a good job and now I am getting back to writing and artwork too actually.
I would definitely like to assist you with some feedback if I can and full disclosure I write too much alsu. Ha I'm learning, also, to curtail and I'm the kind of person that immediately wants to help others id I learn something.
What your writing I was reading along and understanding and then was taken off track a few times. I have trouble focusing begin with so maybe it was just me but I thought in general that my own writer seems stronger when I focus on making the few main points stronger. You're probably a g genius like I convince myself that I am, and THATS why you have so much to write.
I actually learned in cognitive therapy from my MS symptoms that the skull is prioritizing So like ggo through your writing and ask yourself what is most important to convey. It's difficukt when one is truly excited about what they are writing but try it. Then you could try to put a few of the other points within the authors notes. My authors notes have become wrongs of their own. People have actually told me to put my authors notes as commentary writing and I did once. I was like I don't mind if I do. Knowing how I had saved the from having to read it all in one lauge super post.
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You know off the bat what I think would suit you wel? Like a daily observation type things. 2-3 paragraphs interesting and funky if you wish. I realized you have good observational humor skills.
You could tutke your writing This Is How u See It or something like that. Eventually, they could be collated to gotm a book of observations about everything or certs in things or even nothing like
This Is How u See It
Whikr people are made to worry about this or that erg day these obscure things are happening
I mean you could do both observing things happening then on some days observe little recognized things that are being upstaged by the bigger things
Someone like you could write do much like that but for the reader it will be easier to digest guess I'm suggesting a different format for all you have to write. I'm liberal I think people should express all they want. What I noticed about you was iyiu were not doing your words justice by putting too many together. I hope this all makes sense for now I can always give feedback. Bye for now, :)) Alex
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Alex, thank you, sincerely, for your detailed suggestions as well as your own personal history. You've had, and continue to have massive challenges.
first thing, about my writing. I've been doing it for better than 65 years. I'm 83 years old. Without underrating your suggestions, which I appreciate more than you know, I have to tell you I'm not likely to change my writing voice, tighten things up, and un-ramble my prose. That said, the piece that you're reading now, is not really reresentative of my style. The very book I'm giving away, if you're ever able get your hands on it (only two more days for free), is as lean as I'll ever be. Please read it.
Again, thank you so much for caring.
Jay
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I will read it now. And btw, I looked you up online this site and then generally, and I told my husband I have to apologize to my new friend. I usually don't jump to judge anything but I definitely misjudged that you would need any advice from me. There's a woman here who is 85, that I am getting to know. In 2016 my Mom passed away at your age. She had heart attacks for 30 years then diabetes and a stroke. I'm not trying to cheer you up lol I'm trying to say that she had so many health problems for so long. My Dad on the other hand, who was 12 years older than my Mom, lived into his 100th year.
I'm very impressed by your many years writing and your friendly patience with me. I am going to read your work now. Thank you! :))
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Oh, but I do, Alex! There is so much I can improve on and I try daily, but I always seem to fall short of my intentions, LOL. I'm including that link again, in case you can't locate on the other post:
https://tinyurl.com/y2txtza7
Also, in case you can't download it (Amazon can be kinda ify sometimes), you can read it here where I was fortunate to have it scooped up by a Literary Journal, Fabula Argentea. https://tinyurl.com/4yfyxrmd
(You'll have to paste the link to your browser.)
Really, truly, don't change who you are. Your sincerity fairly bubbles out when you review.
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Hi I actually signed up for Kindle Amazon free trial and started to read and I might just buy the book. It's easier to read than phone screen. I have to read things over and over. Not the MS I was an honor student but I have attention problems mu neuro told me at 54 yo. OH that makes a lot of sense.
I started reading you were writing about a friend of your who would call and you'd call once in a while I started relating to how that feels. You said you were 110 yo and your daughter was 85 Thsts when I decided to talk with you. Lately concrete things are easier but possibly you were joking or you were time traveling. I have to use a computer not a phone too small. If I can I'll print it out if not I'll buy the book. Btw btw is their someone you'd like a drawing portrait of. I am practicing just drawing tonight. :)) Send a photo person per anything like that I can draw for you and send it for you by uploading here. Or email. ? I love to be changed to draw. Bye for now :) Alex)
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Awwww, Alex, thank you for getting the book. It wasn't a joke or time travel. I wasn't writing about myself, though I was writing from the 1st person point of view. He is the second oldest person in the world. The friend he is emailing is the third oldest in the world. The 85-year-old is his daughter. I hope that helps. Again, you warm my heart to be reading my book.
Jay
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Oh that helps a lot. Thank you. Your book is ahead of it's time because some day they will be common. I saw a science news special on tv about how babies born noe will live to 150 years old. That probably could happen nor if we focused on eliminating disease and we stopped him violence. As a society we are satisfied with the idea that somehow someday someone will fix things and we don't worry urgently to stop people from dying and suffering now. If we could help some people live better noe they could live longer now. What's wrong with me? That bothers me to hear people fantasize about longevity in some future time when we have 70 and 80 year old people dying now. The events in your book are in current times. That's how things should be. Maybe your book will help price to want that now where two very old friends are calling each other up and planning to meer etc. Most people are buried alive in their homes because travel isn't as safe as it should by now, and we live with futuristic prices but not futuristic health. Your book will open minds I think. And; cant find my glasses so I hope I wrote something legible here. Have a good day Friend! :)) Alex
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Jay My pleasure. What a very cute concept for your book. I have my husband reading it with me too. We read little by little but we are enjoying it. :)) Alex
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I am so glad you're enjoying it, Alex.
Jay
Comment from Debbie D'Arcy
Wow, I've got to say your whole experience left me very tense which is not a good thing because I'm off to bed shortly but I must say your perseverance in the face of Amazonian adversity was truly admirable, amusing at times, unbelievable at others when you think we are living in the 21st century and deserve better. What ever happened to voice-activated commands? That's what I'm going to wait for. Well done anyway for getting the job done after all this time! A great relief and very satisfying! You can relax now. take care Debbie
reply by the author on 20-Apr-2023
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Wow, I've got to say your whole experience left me very tense which is not a good thing because I'm off to bed shortly but I must say your perseverance in the face of Amazonian adversity was truly admirable, amusing at times, unbelievable at others when you think we are living in the 21st century and deserve better. What ever happened to voice-activated commands? That's what I'm going to wait for. Well done anyway for getting the job done after all this time! A great relief and very satisfying! You can relax now. take care Debbie
Comment Written 20-Apr-2023
reply by the author on 20-Apr-2023
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No ... I can't relax now! My work has just begun. Now, I need to make sure that everyone has got his/her freebie. I hop you have. I really want you to read it and help create the buzz. Free is good! But mainly, I value your opinion. So, will you get your copy?
Jay
Comment from LJbutterfly
I don't know if I feel encouraged or discouraged. I didn't start writing anything until five years after my second retirement, when I joined a writing group at my local library in 2020. Because of Covid the library closed and I joined FanStory and wrote for personal entertainment. Recently, a couple of members suggested I publish. What? How? Where?
Thank you (I think), for this very informative, and humorous piece outlining the challenges of self-publishing. Actually, I think I feel encouraged enough to give publishing some thought, do some research, and cut and paste your instructions for additional review. Now, I think I'll click on your next post and read what you have to say about titles.
reply by the author on 20-Apr-2023
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I don't know if I feel encouraged or discouraged. I didn't start writing anything until five years after my second retirement, when I joined a writing group at my local library in 2020. Because of Covid the library closed and I joined FanStory and wrote for personal entertainment. Recently, a couple of members suggested I publish. What? How? Where?
Thank you (I think), for this very informative, and humorous piece outlining the challenges of self-publishing. Actually, I think I feel encouraged enough to give publishing some thought, do some research, and cut and paste your instructions for additional review. Now, I think I'll click on your next post and read what you have to say about titles.
Comment Written 20-Apr-2023
reply by the author on 20-Apr-2023
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Thank you so much for reading this, Lorraine. Don't let my frustration get you down. Sandra pumps through publication through Amazon every couple of months. And she's been helpful to me just with her encouragement. Give it a shot. Meanwhile, please get my freebie! https: //tinyurl.com/y2txtza7 I'll apologize in advance over the sloppiness of the chapter numbering. I'll have that corrected later, but I can't do it while the window is open for the freebie. As far as I can see, the content hasn't been affected.
Jay
Comment from BethShelby
Well congratulations on getting all that accomplished in a month. I only say no wonder I'm hesitating about starting that process even though I have several I'd like to publish. I'm unwilling to pay for help so they'll probably never get published.
reply by the author on 20-Apr-2023
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Well congratulations on getting all that accomplished in a month. I only say no wonder I'm hesitating about starting that process even though I have several I'd like to publish. I'm unwilling to pay for help so they'll probably never get published.
Comment Written 20-Apr-2023
reply by the author on 20-Apr-2023
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Beth, do give it a shot. Sandra has published a whole slew of novels and she says she makes some money off them. I am a putz when it comes to following detailed instructions. You might find it a snap. Meanwhile, have you gotten your free book yet? I'd love to have you read it. Get it while it's still free. I already gave you the link for it. I want to apologize, in advance, over the sloppiness of the chapter numbering. I'll have that corrected later, but I can't do it while the window is open for the freebie. As far as I can see, the content hasn't been affected. So it should be a good read. I just want to keep everything buzzing! And your sons and daughters. Let them know!
Jay
Comment from Spitfire
Your 'rambles' have that comfortable conversational tone. I, too, had a bad experience with Amazon on publishing my book about Bobby and living with MD. But my bad, I made the mistake of not asking for proofs first. GAG! My bio was printed TWICE on the back cover for one thing. Oh, to find another free place for self-publishing or else pay over one thousand for a professional job.
reply by the author on 20-Apr-2023
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Your 'rambles' have that comfortable conversational tone. I, too, had a bad experience with Amazon on publishing my book about Bobby and living with MD. But my bad, I made the mistake of not asking for proofs first. GAG! My bio was printed TWICE on the back cover for one thing. Oh, to find another free place for self-publishing or else pay over one thousand for a professional job.
Comment Written 20-Apr-2023
reply by the author on 20-Apr-2023
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Shari, you have to accept Amazon's learning curve. I found out just about the time I was going to throw in the towel an Amazon link for "Kindle Create". What's good about that is that when you upload it to your computer, you can also upload Jane Austin's Pride and Prejudice and use that to practice all your different formatting on even before you drop in your own manuscript. It's really a novel approach. So give it a try.
As to my post, thank you for reading it and enjoying its ramble. Did you follow through, though, on its subtext? Did you download my freebie? Please do. I want your opinion of "The Uneven Zen of Time". After you do, I want to apologize over the sloppiness of the chapter numbering. I'll have that corrected later, but I can't do it while the window is open for the freebie. As far as I can see, the content hasn't been affected. So read it. Pass the link of to your friends in your facility, your new boyfriend, anyone who likes free. You'll be doing me a great favor, Shari.
Jay
Comment from giraffmang
Hi Jay,
I have to say I've not self-published anything. It sounds like hard work so I use the traditional route of submitting my work - thankfully, I've been quite successful on that front. I had my first published short story only eight months after I started writing. I don't send a lot of stuff out but what i do has done me proud.
I'm working on my wo novels at the moment which explains my lack of presence here - that and general dissatisfaction here anyway!
to make your covers (as I did for my trilogy), It's automatically pixelated to the correct dimensions. - it's (no capital) after the comma following he closing bracket.
I used to use Canva a lot. It's not bad.
a blub you've composed about why the world should read your novel. - I think blurb would be more apt here than blub.
Good luck with it all
G
reply by the author on 20-Apr-2023
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Hi Jay,
I have to say I've not self-published anything. It sounds like hard work so I use the traditional route of submitting my work - thankfully, I've been quite successful on that front. I had my first published short story only eight months after I started writing. I don't send a lot of stuff out but what i do has done me proud.
I'm working on my wo novels at the moment which explains my lack of presence here - that and general dissatisfaction here anyway!
to make your covers (as I did for my trilogy), It's automatically pixelated to the correct dimensions. - it's (no capital) after the comma following he closing bracket.
I used to use Canva a lot. It's not bad.
a blub you've composed about why the world should read your novel. - I think blurb would be more apt here than blub.
Good luck with it all
G
Comment Written 20-Apr-2023
reply by the author on 20-Apr-2023
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Hahaha! I thought I took care of that "blub" long ago. It must have been on my list of to-dos that I didn't get around to. I'll take care of that. And thank you for your support. By the way, don't give up on my Trilogy. It will be self-published as well. And I want to shoot you an autographed copy of it. But I want to pub them all at once and I have the wrap-up on the final chapter to do first. When it's done, I'll get your address. Thank you my good friend.
Jay
Comment from T B Botts
Hello Jay,
I knew there was a reason I didn't publish on Amazon. It takes much more technical know how than I have. I have enough of an issue selling my books, which were published elsewhere, through them. I was fortunate enough to have a publisher who I trusted and who gave me a reasonable price per book. Unfortunately he got out of the business. I haven't written any other books, so I guess it doesn't matter one way or another. Sorry you've had such an ordeal. Have a blessed evening.
Tom
reply by the author on 19-Apr-2023
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Hello Jay,
I knew there was a reason I didn't publish on Amazon. It takes much more technical know how than I have. I have enough of an issue selling my books, which were published elsewhere, through them. I was fortunate enough to have a publisher who I trusted and who gave me a reasonable price per book. Unfortunately he got out of the business. I haven't written any other books, so I guess it doesn't matter one way or another. Sorry you've had such an ordeal. Have a blessed evening.
Tom
Comment Written 19-Apr-2023
reply by the author on 19-Apr-2023
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Tom, don't give up on your dreams. Mine was a question of fatigue (because of my age) and frustration (because of my age). But, most importantly. I hung in there (In spite of my age). In my final day of struggles, I stumbled upon the method and it worked. The Yellow Book post drops in about 15 minutes. It will have the link for my freebie. I do hope you get it and spread the word!
Jay
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Thanks Jay, I'll check it out.
Comment from Soledadpaz
You poor soul, trying to navigate that digital publishing world, but it sounds like you beat it into submission. Good thing you ordered a proof so that you could see what a customer would actually get if they decided to go the POD route, print on demand. Great luck with your books!
Sol
reply by the author on 19-Apr-2023
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You poor soul, trying to navigate that digital publishing world, but it sounds like you beat it into submission. Good thing you ordered a proof so that you could see what a customer would actually get if they decided to go the POD route, print on demand. Great luck with your books!
Sol
Comment Written 19-Apr-2023
reply by the author on 19-Apr-2023
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Thank you, Sol. Oh, yes, and again! Your review means so much to me. It lets me know there is commiseration out there. But they are all there, with their paperback siblings. I'll be honest with you. After having gotten the proofs twice (for each of the two books) and finding the same stupid errors, I finally got smart and started using their new, and vastly improved Kindle Create. I was able to see exactly how they would appear to the reader and was able to add some doo-dads to hopefully make them appear more professional. I hope you will choose to get your freebie after midnight tonight and see for yourself. I'll be posting this evening and include the link for the freebie. If it pleases you, won't you please let friend and family know it is free, and will be for the next 4 days? It would make me so happy. I want this to be a buzzzz party like no other!
Again, thanks
Jay
Comment from Aiona
OmG. Jay, I admire you. You lay it all out there, don't you? Blood, guts, and no glory! I'm definitely going the self-publishing route this year. I'm going to try Smashwords first, but I heard that can be even harder to format for than Amazon. Anyway, thank you for the rant/information. It's nice to know that you "got 'er done." Inspiring story for a masochist like myself!
reply by the author on 19-Apr-2023
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OmG. Jay, I admire you. You lay it all out there, don't you? Blood, guts, and no glory! I'm definitely going the self-publishing route this year. I'm going to try Smashwords first, but I heard that can be even harder to format for than Amazon. Anyway, thank you for the rant/information. It's nice to know that you "got 'er done." Inspiring story for a masochist like myself!
Comment Written 19-Apr-2023
reply by the author on 19-Apr-2023
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I tried Smashwords at first, but found they didn't have a large enough audience ... compared to Amazon. Good luck though. By the way, Mark Coker (their founder) has an excellent tutorial on publishing through them entitled, "Smashword's Style Guide" for free on Amazon. Do yourself a favor and get that first. Let me know how it turns out, Aiona.
Jay
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Thanks, Jay! I think I downloaded Coker's book almost ten years ago. See! I procrastinate too!
Comment from Ulla
Oh dear, this sounds absolutely ominous, Jay. I have to say that you made me laugh all way through. But having said that, I'm not looking forward to going through the same process as I know I will have to do one day. I can't wait to reading.on and learning. Ulla:)))
reply by the author on 19-Apr-2023
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Oh dear, this sounds absolutely ominous, Jay. I have to say that you made me laugh all way through. But having said that, I'm not looking forward to going through the same process as I know I will have to do one day. I can't wait to reading.on and learning. Ulla:)))
Comment Written 19-Apr-2023
reply by the author on 19-Apr-2023
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All I can say is thank goodness that Sandra was always available to guide me through the rough patches. Ulla, you really need to get your Grandpa's story out to a wider audience. Amazon is as good a place as any ... and better than a lot of them. Now, I do hope you'll catch my post later this evening and grab your link for your free copy of "The Uneven Zen of Time". Once you read enough of it to feel comfortable, then I hope you'll toot its horn to any of your friends and relatives before it stops being free! Will you do that for me?
Jay
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Absolutely, I will be looking out for it.