I agree with the closing thoughts

“Whose book is it anyway? The hardest thing a writer has to learn is that once you publish a book, it’s no longer truly yours – even though it’s got your name on the front and it lives inside you. It belongs to the readers now. All you can do is steel yourself as you push it out into the world, stay gracious, and get busy with the next one.

And if you can’t stand the heat of the blogosphere – don’t Google yourself.”

Now onto my view of this as a reviewer…

I am lucky enough to be one of several consistent reviewers for www.burnbright.com.au . We also do a monthly book club which gives our readers multiple points of view on the one book. I guess Bloggers and reviewers who aren’t lucky enough to have a team helping with the content either end up having to put lousy reviews on their sites, or risk having no content.

Marianne has a no bad review policy, which we all follow. Basically, if you can’t say anything nice, don’t say anything at all.

Since getting to know Marianne a little over the years; I have learned how difficult it can be to get a book noticed. There are, after all, thousands published in Australia alone, so how are you going to get people to pick up yours, when the shelves are packed?

There is the argument of publishers being so stretched they can’t create the massive hype for every book they will put on the shelves, hence the need for review copies. Your friends, family, and the publicity team do their damnedest to get your book noticed, but having people read your books and using word of mouth is one of the most powerful tools you will have at your disposal.

 How people react to the review copies is entirely up to the individual reviewer. Followers of reviewers are generally following them because they have found similarities between the reviewer’s point of view and their own experiences.

Now with all that in the back of your mind, have you ever seen a book that EVERYONE loved? No. The old adage ‘you can’t please everyone’ is true. Bad reviews are a fact of life for anyone putting a product out there. Whether it is a book or a brand of perfume, there will always be people who oppose what you believe to be brilliant.

The only thing you can control is how YOU react to their opinion. Starting a public stand off resulting in pissing off reviewers is not helping anyone.

I’ll leave you with my uncle’s quote, which I agree with and it applies here.

“Opinions are like assholes; everyone’s got one.”

~ I want to read 80 books this year. 12 of which to be Aussie. Reviewing as many as possible.

~ I want to do at least 12 video blogs/ reviews or tutorials this year.

~ I want to be the best president I can be for the Vision Writers group.

~ I want to find a part time paid job.

~ I want to aim for $500 for my fundraising for Ovarian Cancer Awareness Australia this year.

~ I want to get my creative memories program back up and running so I can resume making pretty digital scrap booking pictures.

~ I want to be in print again this year.

~ A 100 word a day base level again. (between blogs, reviews, or story writing)

~ I want to be more social.

~Again trying to keep the housework under control.

Achievable goals.

Ones that can be met by working harder and trying my best.

Lets have at it shall we.

First book of 2012 to be finished is Pale Demon by Kim Harrison. Love the Hallows series but this book is by far a stand out effort.

I’m now on Wildcat Fireflies by Amber Kizer, the sequel to Meridian. Book 1 sucked me in just from the excerpt on Amber’s website. Book two has been on my most anticipated list since 2010. Can not wait to get stuck into it for hours.

Here’s an excerpt:

A San Francisco cable car holds 60 people. This blog was viewed about 2,000 times in 2011. If it were a cable car, it would take about 33 trips to carry that many people.

Click here to see the complete report.

January

The floods across Queensland started and caused Mum’s knee replacement to be rescheduled.

Hubby and I trekked into Ipswich to help with the clean up for 2 days straight. It was extremely exhausting.

We helped my cousin and his family move house, though they did the brunt of the work.

February

The kiddo started flute lessons through the school’s instrumental music program.

Helped the fundraising for Ovarian Cancer Awareness by getting a make over by Napoleon Perdis and the same evening we went to the Belinda Carlisle concert. A wonderful evening; even if I was wearing more make-up than the drag queen behind us.

March

The first ever Friday Ketchup Program was sent out onto the airwaves. It sucked, but I had fun.

My Aunt and I held our first ever fundraiser for Ovaran Cancer Awareness. Raising in total from raffle ticket sales, jewellery and card sales and a percentage from sales of the Creative memories party added up to a nice $258. I was proud.

April

Earthquakes making Mackay a little wobbly

May

Mother’s day weekend saw my Dad’s side of the family and us at a table together. Baa Baa black sheep.

Kiddo did really well in the sports day events.

June

I was invited to take photos at the first ever smoking ceremony to be undertaken in a Queensland State School. Amazing.

We saw Borders Close their doors.

July

Hubby and I went to the Abbey Tournament and had a blast… even with the cannons.

We also managed to find ourselves at Motorfest at Eaglefarm raceway.

August

We all managed to get a cold.

Police made a HUGE break through on the Daniel Morcombe case. Brilliant, but sad.

I went to the Hen’s night of one of the kids I used to baby-sit. She’s all grown up and it makes me feel old. Not quite as old as backing up that evening with an event at logan north library.

Needless to say I got home and crashed, and it wasn’t until a few days later that I discovered that my review piece for Quillblade by Ben Chandler has been used for the online rundown of the book on the Random House website and a snippet of it is on the back of Beast Child by Ben Chandler. I SWEAR it was one of the most amazing moments of my life.

September 

My kiddo turned 10. More feeling old but I received Angel Arias by Marianne de Pierres in the mail and found I’m in the acknowledgements. FANTASTIC!!!

That kid I used to Baby-sit got Married. Back to feeling OLD… oh dear.

I won a chance to become a part of an art installation… it was loads of fun.

October

Was all about the reading. I went crazy, but in a good way… I think.

I struggled through migraines and  an enriching day at the Islamic Women’s Association.

The friend of mine that was Diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer 20 months ago passed away. Shock and sadness made life a little tense, though I had a visit from my Dad to lighten things up a little. She was to turn 51 in December.

November

I read the book Pure by Julianna Baggott and I can not understand how the publishers see the book as a Young Adult book. They will be making it into a movie in 2012. The book is well written but left me with nightmares.

Police officially close the search for the remains of Daniel Morcombe. How tragic the family didn’t up with all of their son to lay to rest. I am sure the SES didn’t agree to the closure of searching.

I was also elected as the President of the Vision Writers Group.

December

I’ve had fun and laughs. Life is good.

I spent the month refilling my internal wells. Doing things that make me smile.

For the last 12 months I have enjoyed myself immensely and learned a little along the way.

People grieve in different ways, but it is always good to find someone who does it the same way you do so you can bitch about how everyone else is doing it wrong… and then move on.

If you don’t take the time to smell the roses, they will just wither and die on the bush. Sure it bloomed; but it did it in vein if you didn’t marvel at it’s beauty or take joy in it’s scent.

There is nothing quite like getting free books in the mail.

I’d like to update you all on my resolutions from 2011

• Read at least 1 book a week at least 52 a year and 12 have to be Aussie authors

DONE!! Seriously happy with this one. I am on book 77 for the year and the best bit is, because of the reviewing gig, I didn’t have to pay for them all. YAY!!

• Make at least one piece of jewelry a week again at least 52 a year.

Nope. Don’t think it’s gonna happen next year either

• Keep the housework under control

Nope again. But it’s not a complete shambles.

• Write at least 100 words a day (A total of 36500 if I can do it)

I stopped counting in June and it wasn’t looking good. If i get energetic in the new year I might actually figure out if I made it or not. At the moment I think not.

• Put a story in each month for Vision Writers (10 short stories)

Nope. Not even one.

• Get at least 1 rejection letter (for my writing)

No rejection letter but I was included by name on the reviews on the back of BEAST CHILD by Ben Chandler and I’m included by name in the acknowledgements in ANGEL ARIAS by Marianne de Pierres this year. That is more than a success in my opinion.

• Raise $1000 for Ovarian Cancer Awareness.

I think it ended up being under $300. The friend that had Ovarian cancer died on October 29th 2011. Next year I hope to do better.

• Plant more sweet basil.

Bought the pot, the seeds and all… still haven’t done it. Though I have 24 hours or so. Maybe I’ll make it yet.

• Hand write more letters send them as well.

I made cards. They had letters in them.

• Save money update my wardrobe.

I saved a little and rewarded myself with a brand new steel boned Corset by Christine Woods bought from Voodoo Lulu in Fortitude Valley.

In the next few days I will reflect on 2011 from my point of view.

This year as far as my, resolutions go, have been mildly successful. I have grown to know myself a little better, and I like who I am becoming.

I don’t know what 2012 will bring but I have hope that it will be an even better year than 2011.

Keep in mind they’re hand made, and therefore are imperfect. I am sure that the people I gave them to loved them.

This one was the Birthday card for my most fabulous co hostess.

Then we have the thinking of you card I made for one of my fellow staff members of Burn Bright.

Then there is the card that I will be posting this afternoon, and one I wouldn’t have to make for a long while yet. The condolence card for my former boss.

And the inside of the card…

I bought a bunch of new papers today so I’m going to be having a little fun in the coming months when it comes to card stuff.

I’ll probably be doing a video tutorial  or 2 for burn bright on how to make similar cards in the near future.

Have a great end to the week!!!

I do a radio show ~Friday Ketchup ~ on Saturday mornings (6am Queensland time) or Friday afternoons in the USA (4pm eastern).

My co hostess Jackie and I have so much fun it should be illegal, and we sometimes make the other laugh so hard we just about pee ourselves laughing. Otherwise known as a pee your pants moment (pyp)

A while back I made a noise that had Jackie in a pyp moment. She threatened she’d take a sample of the moment and make it special…

The threat was carried out and the aftermath is now a pyp moment on youtube.

Here’s my rendition of a Koala Mating Noise… but remixed.

Tune in and come have a laugh with us.

Hope the clip gave you a giggle.

Without further ado…

Hippyastrums (sp)

And now for some bugs and stuff for Que… Since it’s been AAAAGGGEEES

Paper Wasp Nest (Must remember to spray the buggers tonight)

Spring has really sprung in my garden. Impressive things are just everywhere.

The Book for this OCTOBER is

ELIXIR

by Hilary Duff

When Clea suddenly encounters this man in person she is stunned—and feels an immediate and powerful connection. As they grow closer, they are drawn deep into the mystery behind her father’s disappearance and discover the centuries-old truth behind their intense bond. Torn by a dangerous love triangle and haunted by a powerful secret that holds their fate, together they race against time to unravel their past in order to save their future—and their lives.”

Anyone can join in, read along with us, tell us your opinions, and leave link to your review!

I give you my list of books so far this year.

JANUARY

Managing Death – Trent Jamieson  REVIEW

Ghost of a Chance – Yasmine galenorn

Legend of the Jade Dragon – Yasmine Galenorn

Prom Nights From Hell – Anthology REVIEW

Murder Under a Mystic Moon – Yasmine Galenorn

Harvest of Bones – Yasmine Galenorn

One Hex of a Wedding – Yasmine Galenorn

Girls in Pants (Audio Book) – Ann Brashares

February

Razorland book 1 – Ann Aguirre REVIEW

Real Murders – Charlaine Harris

Burn Bright – Marianne de Pierres REVIEW

March

Dangerously Placed – Nansi Kunze REVIEW

Vampirates book 1 – Justin Somper

Vampirates book 2 – Justin Somper

April

Monster High book 2 – Lisi Harrison REVIEW

Glass Houses – Rachel Caine REVIEW

No Mercy – Sherrilyn Kenyon

The King’s Bastard – Rowena Cory Daniells

Entice – Carrie Jones REVIEW

One for the Money – Janet Evanovich

How to Ditch your Fairy – Justine Larbalestier

Dead Girl’s Dance – Rachel Caine

Harvest Hunting – Yasmine Galenorn

Blood Wyne – Yasmine Galenorn

May

Power and Majesty – Tansy Reynor Roberts REVIEW

June

Forever in Blue (Audio Book) – Ann Brashares

Moon Sworn – Kerri Arthur

Confessions of an S&M Virgin – Linda Jaivin

Cloud Roads (PDF) – Martha Wells

A Bone to Pick – Charlaine Harris

3 Bedrooms, 1 Corpse – Charlaine Harris

Invincible – Sherrilyn Kenyon REVIEW

The Julius House – Charlaine Harris

July

Huntress – Malinda Lo REVIEW

7th Sigma (PDF) – Steven Gould REVIEW

Night Life – Caitlin Kitteredge

August

The Traitor’s Gate – Sarah Silverwood REVIEW

Generation Dead- Daniel Waters REVIEW

Tithe – Holly Black

Demon’s Lexicon – Sarah Rees Brennan

Bloodsong – Rhiannon Hart REVIEW

Beast Child – Ben Chandler  REVIEW

September

Angel Arias – Marianne de Pierres

Dark Secrets book 1 – Elizabeth Chandler

The Poison Garden – Sarah Singleton

Shadowfae – Erica Hayes

Low Red Moon – Ivy Devlin

Kisses from Hell (Anthology)

Night’s Cold Kiss – Tracey O’Hara

Banewreakers – Jacqueline Carey

October

Elixir – Hilary Duff

Annabella Candellabra & the questy thing to end all questy things – A.K.Wrox

_______________________________________________________

And that’s 52 books by my count.

But my TBR pile is still impressive and I look forward to getting through them over the next 12 weeks.

There’s another Charlaine Harris Omnibus to read (and one more to buy) plus a couple of sookie stack house books to get.

More Trent Jamieson. AA Bell, Rowena Cory Daniells and Kylie Chan from the Aussie Contingent of my book shelves.

There’s a Laurell K Hamilton I haven’t even looked to buy yet (but it will happen)

THEN there’s the up and coming review books.

I’ve had a blast so far this year and we’re not even through.

My personal pressure is off now so all I have to do is enjoy the books and keep the content coming in for Burn Bright and all will be lovely bubbly.

Excuse me now while I put some music on to drown out the *Bleeep* head across the road yelling at his wife. I don’t want my happy to go away.