Grammar Day: Ampersand

Grammar is a tricky subject. With all the rules and exceptions, how can a person keep track? I can't answer that, but I can help with little pieces here and there.

Today's Topic: The Ampersand

Sometimes it seems like every punctuation mark is "one of my favorites," yet I'm entirely sincere. Today's favorite is the ampersand (an unnecessarily fancy term for &).

In my journal writing and notes to friends, I love using this symbol in place of "and" or "etc." (&c.). As an Austen fan, I read several of her letters and noticed the way she used & throughout. I suppose doing the same gives me a sense of connection.

Unfortunately, using it the way Austen and I like to isn't considered "proper."

When can this beautiful symbol be used? When it's part of a title or name (i.e., Rogers & Hammerstein). That's it.

Any Exceptions? Sadly, no. I shall have to be content with using it in private communication...and on Twitter.

I love to learn; let me know what I'm forgetting!

Have a grammatical question? Email me at Jansina@rivershorebooks.com to learn the answer--and have your question featured in an upcoming Grammar Day post! I'm here to help and encourage in any way I can.

Visit my website to learn more about me, my books, and my proofreading services, or join the Rivershore Books Writing Forum for support from fellow authors.

Still want more? Find me on Facebook, Pinterest, Tumblr, and Twitter!

Book Review: Marketing Your Book on a Budget

Marketing Your Book on a Budget (2013)

by Kathryn Elizabeth Jones

As a small business owner and an author, marketing is always on my mind. To be honest, I was hoping for but not expecting something new from this book.

It's true that I had seen many of the tips before, but Jones expanded on them in new ways.

The author not only gives ideas of "what" to do, she gives the "how" and even the "why." There are helpful links throughout the book, as well as tips to find others.

This is a book I will refer back to over and over.

As a professional editor, I feel compelled to mention that there were some grammatical errors throughout--but reading is still smooth, and they don't detract from the excellent resources in the book.

I recommend this to anyone needing a motivation boost to start or continue the marketing journey.

Jones' book is available in paperback and ebook formats, on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

You can find Kathryn Elizabeth Jones on her personal website, 

and learn about her business here.

Author Interview: Shalight Saja

You may recognize Purple Eyes as one of our latest published books. Today, we have an interview with the author!

What is the name of your book? 

My book is called Purple Eyes.

Can you give a short (one to three sentence) summary of your book? 

Purple Eyes is a collection of poetry that I wrote as I started the healing process after six years of abuse. It is a diary of sorts chronicling the early stages of my journey toward defining myself by who I want to be rather than by what has happened to me.

What genre is your book? Poetry, fiction, nonfiction…?

My book is subtitled "a biography in poetry," and that's the best way I know to say it.

Who is your book’s audience?

I pray that this book could be helpful for those who have had a friend or loved one experience any kind of abuse. It may provide some clarity or insight as to possible repercussions of abuse. Even more specifically, I pray that it might be a companion to those struggling with these repercussions themselves; that it might be a reminder to survivors that they are not alone.

What first inspired your book?

I realized that I had a story that was not specific to me. I knew that I wanted to find others and struggle through with them. Publishing a book from the poems I had written seemed like a part of the natural progression toward that goal.

How long have you been writing, and why did you start?

I started when I was twelve, but my writing habit really took off when I turned sixteen. In coping with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, I would write at night when I could not sleep because of nightmares. Eventually, I realized that writing helped me process my thoughts most effectively. So I kept going.

Where do you write most often?

I write wherever I feel most comfortable, which generally ends up being on my floor or outside.

What are your ‘author quirks’?

It's very difficult for me to compose on a computer. I have to write with a black or purple pen on paper, and then copy it onto the computer by typing it.

What advice do you have for other authors?

Don't let anyone stop you, especially yourself.

What do you do when you lack motivation?

I go outside to be in nature, or Google inspirational quotes. Listening to music is a common practice of mine as well.

What do you most want your readers to know?

That they are not alone.

And finally, where can we find your book?

Purple Eyes is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. You're also welcome to visit my blog.

I Thirst by Gina Marinello-Sweeney

I am delighted to announce Rivershore Book's newest published novel, I Thirst by Gina Marinello-Sweeney! (You may remember the interview we had with Gina earlier this year.)

The characters in this book are fun, random, and silly, yet have deeper sides to them. I found myself relating to each of them in different ways, and thoroughly enjoyed following their journeys as they dealt with the complexities of friendship and life. This is the first in a series of three, and I can't wait to read the rest! (Yes, that's a hint to the author...)

From the back cover:

When Rebecca receives a mysterious note from an unknown source, she has no idea how it will change her life. Twenty-year-old Rebecca Veritas is used to being different, but has never felt extraordinary. She is a Dreamer, living in a world of poetry intermixed with the antics of her unique family and eccentric best friend Adriana. When she meets Peter, a young student from Canada who seems somehow to understand her from the start, her perception changes. With "Intermission", the single word in that mysterious note, as inspiration, the two writers embark on an incredible journey to a new world in the form of a story that will ultimately parallel their own lives. Yet, as the story progresses, events remain ever more shrouded in mystery. When unexpected circumstances in the real world throw their lives in disarray, it will be up to Rebecca to find the true meaning of "Intermission" before the curtain closes on the final act.

       

This engaging story is available in paperback on Amazon for $12.99!

Learn more about the book and the author at www.ginamarinellosweeney.com, and feel free to "Like" her on Facebook!

New: Author Promotion!

I love helping my fellow authors! Because of this, I have decided to offer book reviews and author interviews. If you are interested in either, or if you have another idea, please email me at Jansina@rivershorebooks.com.

I also offer some cross-promotion options on my author blog. Please check out the new For Authors tab for details.

I post everything in the order I receive it.

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Book Reviews

I would love to review your book. My faith is the most important thing to me, so while your book does not have to be "Christian" for me to review (and like) it, if the content is questionable it will be reflected in my review, or I may choose to return it unfinished. Thank you in advance for not putting us in this position.

Review Options:

1. Send me a free copy of your book.
2. Do a review exchange with me! We can exchange our books (or each purchase the others', if you prefer). We'll post the reviews around the same time.

What to Send:
Please email the following to Jansina@rivershorebooks.com

• Email the book in Kindle format or as a PDF, or snail mail a hard copy (email me for the address). I don't have a preference.
• The cover photo of the book.
• Your author photo and short (1 to 3 sentence) bio, if you'd like it included.
• Links where the book can be purchased, author blog, website, social media, &c. Anything you would like me to include in my blog post of the review.

Content Guidelines:

• I'm a bit of a wuss...please no horror or paranormal. 
• I'm not opposed to fantasy, but to give you a general idea: I love The Lord of the Rings and Narnia; I don't intend to read Harry Potter.
• I'm a professional editor, so I will definitely notice grammar mistakes (and probably comment on them in the review). However, they won't affect my star rating unless they make reading difficult.
• Fiction, poetry, and nonfiction are all welcome!

Reviews will be posted on my business blog and on your book's pages on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Lulu, Goodreads, and Smashwords (whichever apply). I'm happy to expand this--just send me the links!

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Author Interviews

My first intro into professional writing was journalism, and interviews were my favorite part.

As mentioned above, my faith is the backdrop of all I do. While I would rather not say no to any author, I will only post interviews of authors whose books I would read. (See review guidelines, or send links to your books if you're uncertain.)

What to Send:
Please email the following to Jansina@rivershorebooks.com

• Pen name, author photo, and short (1 to 5) sentence author bio, if you would like it included.
• Any links you would like posted (where we can purchase your book/s, author blog, website, social media, &c.).
• Any photos you would like included in the post (i.e., book cover/s).

I will send you a Word doc of the questions, and you can fill it out and return it when you're ready.

Purple Eyes by Shalight Saja

Rivershore Books is thrilled to announce the publication of our newest book, Purple Eyes by Shalight Saja. The author is an abuse survivor, and her poetry captures both the pain she experienced and the beauty of the healing she received. No matter your story, there is comfort in the fact that the feelings expressed in Purple Eyes are universal.

Purple Eyes is a collection of poetry written during a young woman's healing process after six years of abuse. It is a story of the early stages of her journey toward defining herself by who she wants to be rather than by what has happened to her.

This beautiful book of poetry is available for $8.99 in paperback and ebook formats, on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Smashwords:

Paperback (Amazon)
Kindle
Nook
Smashwords

Author Interview: John Carlin

In 2012, we had the opportunity to publish a unique math book by John Carlin. It gives tips and tricks to solve even difficult math in your head, and it's definitely worth the read. Today's post was written by the author.

The name of my book is Don’t be Baffled at Binomial Blvd & Algebra Ave. The book is a bridge or transition book from Arithmetic to Algebra. It uses mental math to teach how algebra is related to arithmetic. It contains a lot of what is commonly called Vedic Math, but goes farther than that since there are techniques and examples in the book you won’t see anywhere else. The book is nonfiction and is tilted toward students that are junior high age. Typically, that is the age where students sometimes just check out on math. Adults may find it of interest also.

I have run across people from other cultures that were almost so agile with numbers it was amazing. Most of them learned math at an early age starting with an abacus. I have always been fascinated by them and wished that my own math experiences included some early alternative learning methods. About ten years ago I discovered Vedic Math and was amazed at the simplicity of it. I will be a very happy if the book helps even a few students develop better math skills.

I have only been writing for about three years. I started because I discovered that actually writing about a topic like this actually made me a better mental math calculator. Typically I write in a spare bedroom that we converted into a computer room/study. I talk aloud to myself as I write at times, so the need for a little quiet and seclusion is rather important. My advice to others about writing is to do everything you can to foster your creativity. Write when you are well rested, take notes when a good idea hits you, write in spurts, change genres, or projects when you are blocked. Get exercise, stay relaxed, and don’t force it. Motivation can’t be forced either, but you can be patient and set some really small incremental goals to accomplish until a new wave of motivation establishes itself again.

I want my readers to give up their preconceived notions about math. Don’t judge yourself to be bad at it based on prior experiences which may include bad teachers and texts. Think of it as a game you want to raise your skill levels in. One where you aren’t competing against someone so much as you are competing against your own former best. That approach leads to personal growth and enjoyment of the subject. My book is available from Amazon and Barnes & Noble, and as an ebook.

Thank you, John!