Tuesday, April 6, 2021

What We're Writing? Hank is Waiting



HANK: I love when there’s an unexpected theme. Let me first say: I wrote this post last weekend, before I read Hallie’s post yesterday. Like I said. A theme. 

 HANK PHILLIPPI RYAN: It’s interregnum time. This is one of the times that is the most difficult in a writer's life. 

Oh, I suppose every time is difficult for some reason or other, but this is the time of waiting. I have sent several proposals to my editor, and now – – I am waiting. Waiting waiting waiting. I saw something on Twitter that said "A watched inbox never fills." So I am trying not to watch.

 And, while waiting and not watching, I found a wonderful quote from Iris Murdoch. She said "When you begin a novel, you are in a state of unlimited freedom, and this is alarming.” Yes, Iris, you are so right.


But there is something that has happened for the past 15 or so years every time I am in this position. I start cleaning up. I collect all of the tiny little pieces of paper, and sticky notes, and extraneous random stuff on my desk and in my office that I will never need again and toss it. I dust. I organize my books. I make sure the last-book research and talking-to-myself notebooks are labeled and stored. I sharpen all my pencils. I get two new spiral notebooks. One red and one black Five Star, college ruled, all pristine and ready to go. I get a new box of Blackwings. 

Oh, and a new white board, because I am going to. try something. 

 And then I hope. I hope I will need those things. 

 Importantly, I try to remember that I felt like this every time, and that I never thought HER PERFECT LIFE would ever be accepted. Let alone written. And now the run-up to that publication is underway.

 First, soon there will be a BookBub for THE FIRST TO LIE! I love them, and I love the buzz and the new readers--and you can be sure I will tell you when the downprice hits. (I will tell you several times, I fear.) But what do you think about those? Do you buy books because they are incredibly inexpensive? 

 There is some thought that people just buy up these downpriced books, stash them on their e-readers, and never look at them again. Then they buy an expensive hardcover for $30 and read that, because they feel paying so much for it makes the contents more valuable. 

What do you think about that? And how about after you buy a downpriced book? If you love it, do you go out and buy the authors back list? Or their upcoming book?  Do you review it? Or does that purchase not really connect to anything? 

 

There will also be a Goodreads giveaway for the advance reader copies of HER PERFECT LIFE! I am very excited about this, since it is sort of the debut for the book, and a gauge of the demand. Publishers really monitor that, just saying. (And now, continuing to not-worry, I am reminding myself that I worried about The First to Lie, and now it is nominated for the Mary Higgins Clark award, so, okay then, that’s something.) 

 Have you ever entered a Goodreads Giveaway? Have you ever won? If you did, did you review the book? Did you tell people about it?

 In this time of the interregnum, I am also thinking and worrying, of course: are my ideas actually good? Will I be able to write these books? (Please remind me if you remember I always say this.) And then I go back to work. 

Because I am also editing the Bouchercon short story anthology! It is called This Time For Sure—about revenge, and second chances, and do-overs. I am beyond thrilled about it. Our own Lucy Burdette has a story in it, so wonderful and Key West-y. And Craig Johnson and Kristen Lepionka and David Heska Wanbli Weiden and Karen Dionne and Alexia Gordon… and so many more! They are spectacular. And I am delighted that there are some authors you may have never heard of (yet!) who hit their story out of the ballpark. I cannot wait for you to read them. 

So in the ebb and flow of the writer’s life, I am happy to be swimming swimming swimming, trying to keep my head above water, waiting for word on what happens next. 

 Sometimes I can’t believe a year has gone by since the pandemic started, and how much has happened since then. But in the writing life, there is a through line that doesn’t change, no matter what. And this is the time to embrace it.

 

(And speaking of ebb and flow—Flo and Eddy have returned. So really, there’s nothing to worry about. All is well. And this is actually Flo and not-Flo, but Eddy was not around when I took this.) 

 So let’s talk about downpricing! How do you feel about it?

103 comments:

  1. How nice to see Flo and Eddy back again . . . .

    It’s funny, but I never thought of ebooks as being downpriced books. I do buy them [sometimes] but I’d really rather hold the book in my hand and turn the pages, so I’m much more apt to buy the hold-in-my-hand book than the electronic version.

    Goodreads . . . yes, I enter their giveaways, yes, I’ve won some wonderful books, yes, I always review the books I win. [Ditto for LibraryThing books.] One of the best things about Goodreads is getting to read the books before they’re on the store shelves. [Maybe this is why I like NetGalley even though I am not so thrilled about ebooks.] I love having the chance to read advance copies of books . . . .

    I guess I understand [mostly] about authors worrying about their books and having a bit of self-doubt [although I still think paralyzing self-doubt over every book is sad], but I hope having readers anxiously waiting to get their next book in their hands helps alleviate a bit of that anxiety . . . .

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    1. Oh, that is so great that you won! Very exciting! And yes, it’s all part of the package, I fear, and we just laugh when that happens. So I wouldn’t call it paralyzing so much is… Well, annoying. Briefly annoying. xxxx

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  2. I do purchase some e-books from BookBub, but not many. I seem to have put more on my Kindle lately due to NetGalley than anything else. But, I often double up. I have both a physical book and the e-book at the discounted price so that I have options of how to read it. I prefer a physical book. Having stated my preference, it seems that there's a trend towards receiving ARCs through NetGalley now, and so I am doing more reading on my Kindle. Some of those I will also be buying in the physical form because they are from authors, such as the Reds, whose books I want on my book shelves.

    And, it is lovely to see Flo and Eddy back at their faux pond again. The date I picked for their return was too early, but I'm just glad they returned safely once more.

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    1. That is fantastic to hear, Kathy! I have done that a couple of times too. And it is quite the luxury! But especially now I have learned the joy of reading on the treadmill, my E reader comes in very handy. But off the treadmill, a regular book is better. So complicated :-)

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  3. I honestly do buy some ebooks on BookBud. Sometimes from authors I am not familiar with and I want to see if I enjoy their books. I also have hard copies that I buy when they come out of the authors I read on a regular basis. I write reviews and enter Goodreads giveaways. I think we all do the scale of ebooks and hardback books. I sometimes have both. I don’t think ebooks will ever replace books. I think they are another option just so I am not caught without anything to read. I also love the ARCs from NetGalley.

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    1. That is so wise! Yes, just like radio did not disappear when the television got more popular. We embrace it all.

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  4. HANK: Thanks for sharing your clean-up, and waiting ritual. I enjoy learning these details from my fave authors, like you.

    And YAY for Flo and Eddy's return!

    Frankly, since retiring, the only way that I now have over 14,000 mysteries is to buy discounted/free books, most of them are ebooks. I get most of them from signing up for author newsletters, Bookbub deals. I have won a couple of Goodreads giveaways and I have received over 500 ARCs from Netgalley during the past 5 years. So yes, I do write reviews for Goodreads prize books and Netgalley ARCs.

    As for the hard copy books, they are from book bag and book store purchases while attending Bouchercon (since 1992), and Left Coast Crime (since 2000). Often, I do not get the first book in a series, so if I like the book I read, I will go back and buy/read the backlist.

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    1. Thank you so much… I was so relieved to see them! and let me say, one more time, or maybe i’ll simply keep sending it forever :-) , your reviews are so appreciated! Nothing makes authors happier! Thank you thank you thank you.

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    2. HANK: Glad to hear that reviews make a difference. And I will say that 2020 was an anomalous year. Despite the fact that I do have a towering TBR mountain that goes up to the ceiling, I did buy over 100 hard copy books. Our libraries were closed for more than 1/2 the year and I could not wait to read some fave authors.

      As a general reader without a blog, I consider it a privilege to get the Netgalley ARCs. I take my responsibilities to write a proper review very seriously.

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    3. WOW. You are such a rock star. Thank you.

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    4. HANK: So kind of you. Some publishers and authors do appreciate my previous reviews. I get some emails and thank you messages so I know they are being read. Some authors/publishers also starting to send me physical ARCs (which I know are $$ to ship to Canada). I am also on the street team for 5-6 authors that I really enjoy reading, so it is a win-win situation for both.

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    5. YAAY! You are so incredibly generous!

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  5. How I wish I cleaned like that between books. Maybe this time! Fingers crossed on them loving your new ideas. And welcome back to Flo and Eddy!

    I've never bought a book on a BookBub, but as an author, I'm always delighted to have my publisher run one. As for Goodreads, I have a funny story. One of my thirty-something son's friends is a big cozy mystery fans. My publisher ran a hundred-book Goodreads promotion - and I was amazed to see Paula's name out of the many, many who had entered.

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  6. Hank, I have to ask... how do you put together proposals when I'm pretty sure I recall you're a pantser? For the first time in my career, I'm in the position of writing proposals before writing the book and it's making me crazy. (Okay, craziER than usual.)

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    1. They make me crazy, too, Annette. Sigh. But, as our friend Catriona says, needs must.

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    2. Good question! But obviously, we can’t say to the publisher: i’d like to write another book or two! And have them say: sounds great! Go for it.
      So I have to offer some sort of idea of what the book might turn out to be in someway. If that sounds vague, yes, it is. They understand my process pretty well, and to know that the synopsis, such as it is, will not mirror the real book. But they just need to know the principle of the thing.
      So I generally introduce The genre: “another twisty psychological cat and mouse thriller “and the main character, or maybe two or three, with who they are and where they are and what inciting thing happens to them and what they want— and how those desires clash with each other..
      At the point when I am writing that, usually I get an idea or two of what some of the plot points and hooks of the book might be.
      It kind of begins to take shape when I begin to think about who wants what and why.
      And how far they would go to get that.

      The endings of these synopsis is are pitiful and embarrassing, and hilarious. Like: and finally, Sally begins to realize what’s really important, and overcoming all odds and a really exciting/scary thing, she triumphs— and your life will never be the same.

      And then we all laugh, because that is short out for “Hank has no idea but it will all work eventually..”

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    3. But they are absolutely the worst to write! My final advice about it is to just write something. Anything. And then think about it a bit, and tweak it a bit, and at some point you will get some brilliant insight, or insight enough, and it will work.

      Also, see if you can find some hooky first line. Like in my new one, I will reveal it says

      : “In most divorces one spouse gets all the friends. The other, if they’re lucky, gets the benefits.
      Sally Smith, trying to recover from a terrible btrwakup, really needs a best friend. And then – – she gets one.”


      What does that mean? I’m not actually sure, but it sounds like a good book. I hope.

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  7. Downpricing? I've never actually heard that term to describe discounting books before.

    For me, I don't read e-books so whenever I see an announcement of the $1.99 e-book SALE, I know I can't take advantage of it so I kind of just move on with my day. I suppose if I did read e-books, I would take advantage of that kind of thing. But I would actually read it, not stash it and then buy the physical copy.

    Because I'm not independently wealthy, I don't always buy a hardcover book. You have to reach a certain level of me loving your work to be added to my "MUST BUY IN HARDCOVER ASAP" list. Otherwise, I'll probably wait until the book comes out in paperback. After all, these days you can get three paperbacks for the cost of a hardcover. Or thereabouts anyway. Hank, don't worry you are on the "MUST BUY" list!

    As for the Goodreads giveaways, yes I enter them. I enter a bunch of them. Whenever there is a giveaway for an author I like (and sometimes for an author whose book intrigues me), I enter the giveaway. I've only won a single time (for the Carlene O'Connor book MURDER IN AN IRISH COTTAGE). And I did post a review on Goodreads. It's part of the deal that you'll do that when you win a givewaway. So I post it on Goodreads and I share the link on my Facebook page. Sometimes Twitter too if I remember to do so.

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    1. Oh, writing a review is part of the deal? I didn’t know that! OK, that’s good to know. Thank you, oh wise one!

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    2. Maybe it isn't the case with every giveaway but I know the one I won mentioned doing a review when I received it in the mail.

      And it would just seem good form to do a review anyway. I mean, they aren't giving these books away just because they think it is a good idea. They want to build up a pre-release hype and/or groundswell for a book and a bunch of positive reviews certainly can't hurt that cause.

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    3. Exactly! But you would be surprised (or maybe not) how some people do not recognize that.

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  8. Fourteen years ago or so I bought the first Kindle. It was big and bulky, the battery frequently fell out, and it came in the most beautiful packaging, a glossy white hinged box that looked like a thick book. It was love at first sight. That Kindle is carefully packed away now in its original packing, waiting for someone to pay a huge price for an antique!

    I've never gone back. I no longer travel with half a dozen books in my suitcase. I carry a library of thousands on my Kindle. I am never without something to read. My newest Kindle is the 2019 Oasis. Not cheap, best lighting ever, and a bigger screen to case ratio.

    https://www.amazon.com/All-new-Kindle-Oasis-now-with-adjustable-warm-light/dp/B07F7TLZF4/ref=sr_1_3?crid=X32LPYTTPCTF&dchild=1&keywords=kindle+oasis+2021&qid=1617708544&sprefix=Kindle+Oasis%2Caps%2C196&sr=8-3

    I do buy hard copies, first editions, signed by the author. I receive more as gifts from my writer friends. I treasure these, but for ease of reading, I also by the electronic version. I no more crave to squint at paper than I feel the need to wash dishes by hand instead of in the dishwasher.

    Now, as for bargain books. Of course I buy them. Usually I download a sample to get the flavor of a book first. I don't always love every book written by a favorite author, and I don't want to clutter my Kindle with the unreads. I've discovered many new writers this way, found material by old friends that I somehow missed the first time around, and, if I like a book, will go back and search out more of the same.

    I also pay top price, pre-order, all that, for others, buying several of those a week as opposed to 1-2 from Bookbub.

    I am high on all the giveaway list as a DON'T CHOOSE THIS ONE! I rarely win, although I used to. That's ok. I'll live either way! I've won a couple on this blog, both from Hank. (Thank you Hank.)

    I hope my dedication to e books isn't a deal breaker. After all, I buy and read and read and buy and that's the important stuff.

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    1. You are so right! That is the important stuff! And oh, I forgot about the sample books. I love love love those! Once on an airplane ride, I prepped my phone with about 10 of them, and it was so much fun!

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  9. Love hearing about all YOUR habits Reds! I need a new e-reader because my old ipad has suddenly refused the kindle app. Any suggestions?

    Oh of course we know Hank's publisher is going to love all those proposals. But what in the world do you do with all those pencils??

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    1. If I were going to buy a device strictly for e-reading, I'd be looking at the Kindle Paperwhite.

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    2. I am reading on a Kindle fire, and I absolutely love it! It is so great on the treadmill! It is a little heavy for real life, but the treadmill is its best friend.
      And I use the pencils to write my notes to myself. I don’t know, I just love pencils, and I can erase my errors.

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    3. Lucy, I have a Kindle Fire but only read things with color illustrations on it--i.e. cookbooks, magazines. I MUCH prefer my Kindle Paperwhite. So easy and comfortable to read with, in any light, stays charged for ages, and is even waterproof!

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  10. I rarely read an e-book, though I see the appeal for traveling. Of course, I never board a flight without books to cover every 2.5 hours of flight time (plus down time at the gate).

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    1. Back when I was traveling, my Kindle made a huge difference in the weight of my bag. As many books as I'd need for vacation (or convention) all on that little tablet! I still prefer to read on paper, but each has its place.

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    2. You will be so surprised at how much weight you are carrying with a real book on the plane – – if we ever fly again. The only problem is – – and is this still the case? – – you can’t have your E reader on for takeoff. I have begun to do the crossword puzzles in the magazine, and see if I can complete them in that 10 minutes where you can’t use your reader. I mean, back in the before times.

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    3. We just flew, Hank, and they just ask that small devices like phones and readers be in airplane mode. Only laptops have to be off.

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    4. We went on a hiking vacation to Glacier National Park 2 years ago and took 6 paperbacks with us. I had 2 in my backpack, just in case the suitcases got lost.

      Also, Kindle is electronic with drawbacks, as Karen mentioned above, but also, electronics are finicky. I will always travel with a book even if I have the Kindle with me.

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    5. HANK: You can keep your ereader/tablet on in airplane mode during take-off. It's just larger devices such as laptops that have to be shut down.

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    6. Oh, okay! I will get back into the swing of it. Someday. SO funny to think how far away that seems...

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  11. I'm so happy Flo and Eddy have returned! I was beginning to share your worries about them.

    I do purchase e-books on Bookbub. When I first started doing so, I was a little over-eager and did buy some that have languished on my Kindle ever since. Now, I am a little more discerning about it. If a book catches my eye there, I open another tab and go see how it has been reviewed on Goodreads or Amazon. If what I see there supports it, only then do I purchase it. If I read the book, I will write at least a short review on Goodreads. If I like it, then I am VERY likely to search out the author's backlist.

    I have often wondered, though, who writes the Bookbub blurbs about the books. I do not feel that they flatter most. I have even mentioned this to my husband. Almost everything that is Women's Fiction, for example, seems to have this description: "Protagonist experiences divorce/job loss/death in family/other specific life disruption and goes to City Name to rebuild her life by opening or taking over a business/spending a summer with a relative/other plot device, and it forces her to deal with her unresolved issues." Reduced to that level of mundane, I doubt even books I have LOVED would look interesting!

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    1. Oh my golly, standing ovation! You are so right about the descriptions! I have tried to get mine changed, actually, and apparently there’s some mystique about it that no one has any control over except the people who control them, and no one knows who they are. Gah.

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    2. I did an event last night and the bookseller read our back of the book blurbs. I cringed all the way through--it was rife with foodie puns and sounded so silly read aloud. Marketing is so mysterious, and IMHO, not always on target because I think it underestimates readers.

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    3. Yes. It is truly fascinating--they often don't really do justice to the book.

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  12. I read on both my Kindle and from the printed page. I choose the e-version for ease of access/purchase and reading in bed, while the printed page is needed if I want to make notes in the margins or want that spine on my shelf -- either because of the author's name or the meaning of the book to me before even reading it.

    I am naturally distrustful of over-hyped books, so have made no forays into BookBub etc. Though to be honest, I don't have the time required to read as an actual activity; I currently read only at end of day, so I'm not a galloping reader.

    And, HANK: I love that you buy a whole new box of Blackwing pencils when embarking on a new book project. Yay! They are the absolute best writing implement for planning on paper...

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    1. Oh, so pleased to find another blackwing fan! What makes them so good, anyway? I learned about them from Joe Finder, and I was so skeptical, but they instantly won me over.

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  13. Happy to learn the return of Flo and Eddy.
    I live far from bookstores, I have a limited budget, a limited space and a voracious reading habit so, I rely a lot on E-books and the public library.
    Taking advantage of a bargain ( or down price as you call it ) will help me to discover a new author or a new series . If I like what I read, I’ll buy something else of the author or go back to the beginning of a series.
    I can assure you that I’ve read every book that I downloaded and that I liked.
    I do the same at the library, going through the work of an author that I like.
    As my library offers mostly books in French , I download most of my American’ s favourite authors like you Reds.
    An occasional down pricing relieves my wallet but , as for your book Hank, I already bought it when it came out.

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    1. Oh, that's wonderful...that is exactly how we hope it'll work! And aw...thank you, dear friend. xoo

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  14. I will buy a down-priced book if it's an author I've never heard of and I want to take a chance ($30 is a lot to spend when the author is unknown) OR if it's the opportunity to stock up on books I've been intending to buy and just not gotten around to (see Julia's run-up to HID FROM OUR EYES last year when her publisher put all her previous books on special). If I love the book, yes, I'll go buy a backlist or future books.

    I've entered a couple of Goodreads giveaways but never won.

    And yes, dear Hank, you say this every time and it always turns out magnificently. I'm sure it will this time as well and I can't wait for HER PERFECT LIFE.

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    1. Aww...thank you. That is so lovely and kind of you. Aw. And yes, crossing fingers!

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  15. Welcome home, Flo and Eddy! ('bout time!) I often enter Goodreads giveaways and have won a few times. Occasionally I'll buy a book that's on BookBubs but I've become more selective lately. I really prefer not to read on my Kindle but sometimes that is the best option. Any book I love, by an author I love, I will have to have the hardback version. If I have already read the e-book version I will still get the "real" book and read it again that way, because, you know, the book is better held in my hand. A closer connection to the author!

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    1. That's such a fascinating theory! And I do agree. A real book absolutely seems realer. (My most brilliant statement yet...)

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  16. You do realize, don't you, that those ducks are both males? Just saying...

    I can't WAIT to read HER PERFECT LIFE and to hear you talk about it. Your stories about where your get your ideas are always fascinating.

    I ALWAYS buy a book at full price when I go to a book event. Like Liz, I'll buy a down-priced one if it's an author I'm not sure about but interested to see. The bargains are amazing, and from the author's point of view it's a great way to expand your audience.

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    1. Oh, yes, ha ha, that is NOT Flo and Eddy, as I said in the post! That is Flo and not-Flo, both males. Eddy was not there for the photo. xoxo

      And I am so eager for you to read her Perfect Life! I think. It's too scary to think of you reading it, actually..

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  17. This topic is so interesting, Hank. (As was yesterday's, but I did not read it until this morning. I am on the West Coast.)

    I am actually reading this blog and commenting via my Nook, which is a Samsung Galaxy Tab. It includes the Nook app, the Kindle app, and I can read library e-books on it through Libby. My first Nook was Barnes & Noble's first one that included other apps, and like Ann, I have never looked back. We are traveling at the moment, and I am reading one book on the Nook and listening to an Audible book for book club this week, also via my Nook. Kindles did not include the ability to use other reading apps, so I prefer the Nook. Also, B&N does not have any kind of monthly fee, which I also prefer.

    So to answer the question, I will read whatever, fiscounted, full price, or free, hardback, trade paperback, mass media paperback, e-book, or audio, and it makes no difference to me how I ended up with it. Half the time it takes me months to get atound to reading books, sometimes longer. There is a reason for the Tower of TBR! Luckily, there is no physical danger from the backlog of electronic titles.

    I signed up for a Goodreads account, but never used it for more than checking a librarian friend's list. Which i have not done in years.

    However, I am not a reviewer. Dating back to the days of book reports, I totally stink at it, and am always so amazed at insights shared by fellow book clubbers. They catch things I miss, all the time. I admire this talent in others, though, like Kathy, Dru, and Kristopher.

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    1. I meant to also say that the Samsung Galaxy is actually a tablet computer, so I can access more than just books on it. It is very similar to an iPad, which you can also use as an ereader, if you have the apps.

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    2. And reviewers Mark and Jay!

      Have a great family visit, Karen. Did you feel safe traveling?

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    3. KAREN: I have used a Samsung Galaxy tablets for 8 years, and love it. I have my Kindle, Kobo and Netgalley Shelf, Audible apps for ebooks/ARCs. I have used a Samsung android smartphone for over 12 years, so it is also useful to sync the Google apps and others on both devices. I used to lug a laptop around on my travels but the Samsung Galaxy tablet is much easier to carry and use both at home, and on the road.

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    4. Yes, Karen, YAY for the reviewers who know their stuff! (Someone asked me to review a book the other day, and I said no. Why, they persisted? And I said that I was an author, not a reviewer. It is a true skill, different from blurbs, and I hesitate to cross that line. (I have done it, but SO rarely, and in different genres.)

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    5. And Karen, that sounds..complicated. But I will look into that "Nook on the Samsung" world!

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  18. I love BookBub and have purchased many down priced books of authors I haven't heard of or haven't read yet. That way I have discovered lots of authors I never would have tried. If I find an author I really like, I am obsessive and go on a reading binge through every one of their books. Doing that right now with Elly Griffiths.

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    1. VERY WISE! And fabulous choice, I must say! xxx

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    2. Jackie, I do the same thing with an author. When I get wowed by one book, I find all the others as fast as I can and just keep reading them.

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  19. Hi Hank. So much to think about. First, I was so happy to see that Flo and Eddy returned. You may remember the story, The Snow Goose. I always think about that book when you post about your ducks.

    I will absolutely buy a book for my Kindle from Book Bub. It is usually an author I really want to read but need to kind of stash the book until I get to it. I do occasionally buy hardcover, new books of authors whose works I already know and love. Not too often anymore, mainly because of my Kindle. Some authors' series I have completely on my Kindle, so I will frequently add to those when new books come out.

    I have only entered Goodreads give aways for authors I really love. Of course, I will write a review if I promise to do it. I usually write reviews on books I've loved. I do not see any point in dissing a work. I adore the REDS. Most of the guests here have been terrific, but a couple of them, MEH. I would not do that. No. Not I.

    I have won books from some of the JRW contests and also from FCF. Yay. I entered those because I wanted to read the book. Period.

    But two things, I do not write reviews very often. I am embarrassed to say that I am just lazy about it, so, I am greatly in awe of Kathy, Grace and Jay. Hurray for constant and dependable review writers. Secondly, my Kindle has many books I want desperately to read, but I cannot stop myself from putting more on there, from buying new books of authors I adore, from pre-ordering and from using the library A LOT. I have been keeping a diary of books since last December and am writing enough so that I can do a review if I feel the urge. Most of my reviews are on Amazon under a pseudonym, Dayhiker, which I once was. Now JRW knows all of my secrets.

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    1. The Snow Goose...I have vague memories. Isn't it..sad?

      And oh HO! But trust me, we will never tell! ANd we are incredibly grateful! xxx

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  20. I am guilty of having bought the down priced ebooks (not yours) just because of price and they sit on my iPad unread. I don’t buy the expensive copy of the same but I do often check out the actual book from the library. What I have learned is that price has no impact on my desire to read. There are so many books I want to read and I get them no matter the price because otherwise the less desirable will just sit in my stack while I dig into the ones I truly enjoy.

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    1. That makes so much sense to me. 99 cents is a pretty irresistible price, and hey, can't hurt. And so agree--your reading brain chooses what it wants, no matter the price.

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  21. I never buy full-price, hard-copy books. I read so fast, and they are so expensive, that it just doesn't seem worth it. I get most of my books at the library. The library in the town where I moved 10 months ago doesn't have as extensive a catalog as my libraries in the Bay Area, but I have discovered that I can often get what I want through the LINK system if I'm willing to wait a bit. And this new library allows FIFTY holds per person, which is dangerous for me, as I frequently have to pick up multiple holds at a time--7 last week!

    I enter a lot of book giveaways, wherever I see them--Good Reads, Facebook, Bookreporter.com, and so on. I make sure that they are books I WANT to read, of course. I have won books from Bookreporter.com and numerous other sources, and I do review them. I am also on one mystery author's raters team so I receive her books twice a year for free!

    Yes, I do buy down priced books when I see ones that are by a favorite author or have been recommended by trusted friends and bloggers. I prefer "real" books but don't mind reading on my Kindle or iPad (it's handy when I'm trying to eat, for example!). As a result, I have more books on my Kindle than I will ever probably read, but not as many as some have described here! Yet I'm always looking for more, more, more. I think the thrill is in the hunt, really. It's an obsession, but one that I continue to enjoy.

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    1. The thrill is in the hunt! I love that! And yay for libraries! xx

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  22. Bookbub has introduced me to authors whom I now count among my favorites. And yes, I do buy more of their books later on. I continue buying print books as well as e-books. The Reds and a handful of other authors are people whose books I MUST have in print! The worsening arthritis in my hands/wrists makes it necessary for me to do a lot of reading on my Kindle. I don’t especially like reading print books because it hurts so darn much. Even though I may want to read a book in one sitting, I can’t do that with most print books. But I do plan to continue buying print versions of books by the Reds and by Edith Maxwell and a couple of other people.

    DebRo

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    1. Thank you, dear DebRo! And we are so lucky to have the Kindle. When it works for your life situation, it is a joy!

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    2. Thank you so much for me including me in that august company, Deb!

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  23. Delightful blog! I'm looking forward to 1) hearing which of your proposals [or all] have been accepted for publication because I'm sure they will be; and 2) your latest BookBub and I'll be in line for the buy!

    Depending on the price of the e-book, I do wait for sales, and I do read the books and review them, although maybe not right away. I have been fortunate to win some Goodreads giveaways, and I also make it a point to review those as well. In fact, I review any book that I receive from a contest. I figure it's my way of paying for the book. So far, I've been lucky and I haven't received any duds. As for hardback, except for those I've won - they sit on my shelf until I have space and time in my life to sit in a chair and read them!

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    1. Aw, thank you! And, sigh, crossing fingers.

      Yay for the BookBub--you can be sure I will let you know! Thank you!

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  24. Late commenting today because we ventured forth to get Amy vaccinated. The car line for the site was 2 miles long.. so we went to breakfast out instead.
    As far as purchasing, before e readers, I would buy from remainder tables, or from used book stores. Mostly tho, I relied on my library system. I now own a Kindle fire tablet. It is perfect for late night reading and for adding my ARC books. Thanks to JRW encouragement I am reviewing again. I am a general reader, thus I am thrilled when I do get an ARC from either netgalley or from Booksirens. Also glad the drakes have showed at Flo and Eddy's pond. Hope Eddy will appear soon.

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    1. Thank you! Yes, Eddy comes and goes on her own sometimes, and she is much happier when there is only one male around. (Pause for laughter.). Yes, I love my Fire, too. And HURRAY! SO eager to read your reviews. (And be sure to sign up for my newsletter--we will be recruiting super-readers soon!)

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    2. And HEY--go back for that vaccination! xxx

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  25. Cannot wait to read Her Perfect Life, Hank! And sending lucky wishes your way for those proposals.

    I buy all manner of books. Expensive hard back only when written by an author on my auto-buy list which is not as long as it once was.

    It is not at all unusual for me to discover an author through NetGalley and then go on to buy the entire back list.

    I have entered give-always at Goodreads but have never won.

    I'm very lucky to have author pals who occasionally send me autographed copies of their books or an ARC. I cherish these and will keep them forever. And I often will buy copies of these books to share with good friends and family; I love gifting books. Especially when I can say it was written by someone I know.

    I am beginning to cull books from the shelves to re-home. It's hard! I've become more discerning of what hardback books come into this tiny house.

    I have come to prefer reading on my Kindle Fire. I've come to prefer my Kindle Fire over my laptop. Things I never would have believed could happen.

    Recently I discovered K. F. Breene's Magical Midlife series. Hysterical. I loved being able to call up the next in the series with a click of my magical Kindle button at 11:30 at night to see what magical craziness was happening next.

    And SO happy Flo And Eddy are home!!

    Xxoo

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    1. Yes, that is the CRAZY thing about devices.On a whim, ping! And there you have it. It's CRAZY.

      And so interested in how you are doing the culling, Kaye. I am in the same boat, and it is sinking.

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  26. I will buy an inexpensive ebook and let it sit on the Kindle app on my phone unread for years.

    But I will also buy the expensive hardcover and let it sit unread for years on my bookshelf, too. I'm equal opportunity like that. :)

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  27. I hate the waiting, the self doubt that whispers ‘she’s going to hate this one’. But it happens every time
    But I love, love, love Bookbub. Each time the publisher offers one of my books it gets an amazing Amazon rank.
    And I now have 127,000 followers on Bookbub. No idea where they came from or how that happened but I’ll take if!

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    1. Sorry wrong account. This was Rhys

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    2. Thanks for the reminder. I follow my favorite authors on Bookbub and I look for their book recommendations too.

      Diana

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    3. Oh, thank you! It is so important to follow authors on BookBub! Publishers really notice that!

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  28. I'm an e-book reader. I have no hand control to hold and read a print book.

    I only buy books that I know I will read - I do have my auto-buys.

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    1. This is so fascinating! xxxx Hope you are feeling okay, dear Dru....

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  29. HANK,

    Downpricing? I never heard of that applied to discounted books. I do not look for less expensive books although I often get offers. I buy books that I want to read. If it is a new book by a new to me author and if the library has a copy, I borrow instead of buying the book.

    Because of the pandemic, I cannot drop off used books at Goodwill, which has closed in my area. I have been reading more ebooks from the library. If the libraries do Not have the book, then I buy a ebook version. Once in a while I will buy a hardback or a paperback.

    On another note, I refuse to buy books from a "publishing house" that mistreats their workers (no sick leave, punishing pregnant workers for bathroom breaks, forcing them to work without masks during the pandemic, and so on.)

    Diana

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    1. Yes, it depends on your reading situation, right? And that is a scary story to hear…

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    2. Agreed it is a scary story to hear and I want to steer clear of that.

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  30. HANK,

    Regarding book giveaways, I once won a copy of Jane Eyre from a bookstagram giveaway. Once a year or every other year, I seem to win a book giveaway from Goodreads and I always write a book review.

    Diana

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    1. That’s great! So fun that you won Jane Eyre!

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    2. Hank, it is on my bookstagram feed. It is gorgeous cloth cover with lilac color. I am reading it slowly.

      Diana

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  31. Hi, my name is Debs and I'm addicted to Bookbub. Do I read all the $1.99 books I buy? No, but I have found some gems, and if I find an author I really like I will go through a whole series on my Kindle. So I think the downpricing is a really good way to pull in new readers. However, I do not wait for books by favorite authors to be downpriced, and my very faves I still buy in hardcover.

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    1. Debs, I love Bookbub because it is easy to do book reviews there and I often add books to my wishlist to remind myself of books that I want to read. My faves are often in paperbacks unless they are hardcovers first. Some series are in paperbacks only.

      Diana

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    2. That is hilarious, Debs! After all, you never know when you might need that book.

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  32. I like Bookbub! I buy full price ebooks for Nook and Kindle for certain authors. I'll try out new authors if it sounds good, the library doesn't have it, and it's discounted. I've discovered must-buy authors that way. Not being rich as Croesus I utilize my library. A lot. I get frustrated when I find a new series I like and the library doesn't have all the books. Just yesterday one of those books popped up on sale as an ebook and I grabbed it. I'm afraid my must-buy authors are sorted out by paper, Kindle, and Nook. Gets confusing.

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  33. The waiting. I am in the same rowboat, I fear. Proposals sent for my next women's fiction and so I wait. You've inspired me, Hank, I'm going to buy some office supplies because they always make me feel better. Also, I think down pricing is a nice way to get new readers to take a chance on you. I don't really e-read anymore because my eyes are tired and require paper so I don't generally buy them. If I like an author it's hardcover all the way baby. Which reminds me, time to go and pre-order Her Perfect Life! Wooo hooooo!

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    1. We can row together, sister. It is a strange place to be.
      But hooray! Pre-ordering sounds like a great way to spend your time! Thank you! XOXO

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  34. I buy downpriced ebooks on a regular basis but I always read some reviews and check out the authors other works on Goodreads if I'm not familiar with their work first. I've come across a lot of great authors and cozy mystery series by checking out the Kindle deals. I've also come across authors via BookBub, Goodreads and writers I follow on other platforms. Once I get to know an authors works or get hooked on a series, I start buying more and if I really like a series I pre-order whenever there are new releases coming! As I am legally blind, I do all my reading on a Kindle Fire. Yes, I do have dozens of books on there that I haven't read yet but I do get around to them. I also don't want to start a series somewhere in the middle so if say book 3 or 5 in a series I think I'll enjoy goes on sale, I'll buy it but put earlier ones on my wish list. When my limited book budget allows, I buy them and start at the beginning!

    I've only entered a couple of Goodreads giveaways but never won. Most of the giveaways that I've been interested in aren't available to Canadians or aren't being given in ebook. Oh well!

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    1. I am so sorry about the US only situation… But the postage to Canada is just incredibly expensive! The postage costs more than the book…:-(

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  35. I love books in any format and there's just something special about holding that hardcover in your greedy little paws when you've been waiting and waiting for a book by a favorite author to come out. But, my hands and arms often don't appreciate the reading I do, so my kindle gets a regular workout--it only takes one finger to turn the page and I can prop up the kindle so I don't have to hold it in place. I will buy sale-priced to fill in the gaps in an author's series or to try a new author, mostly. And Hank, what kind of dilemma will you have when you get a call/e-mail saying "How do I pick from all of these great proposals??"

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    1. Oh, Flora..wouldn't that be AMAZING??? Thank you. ANd yes, I am in love with reading my Fire on the treadmill.

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  36. I refuse to pay full price for an e-book, even a "discount" on a new e-book is too much for me ($14.99???). I recently got an e-book and wanted to share it with my niece. Apparently you can't do that anymore, even for full price e-book, so I am annoyed. The only benefit to having an e-book is that it takes up less room in my overflowing guest room AND I can order it in the middle of the night. BUT yes, I have found new authors on Book-Bub and I have entered giveaways on Goodreads and WON. Now that I am retired, however, I am much less likely to go and buy all of a series, even if the e-books are only $3.99 or $4.99. I try the library, and used bookstores. Recently I found a new author I liked and there are 20 books in the series. Um I probably am not going to buy all of those books and they don't have them at the library. Bummer.

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    1. You never know… Maybe someday they will be free or you will win them! you sound like a very lucky person… Love that!

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