With over forty small publishing credits, her first novel receiving a favourable response, and several books now available, the muses have definitely found a home at aonia…
When people ask me to explain my work, only one word springs to mind: Diverse. I’ve written fact and fiction in almost any genre. So far, I’ve been extremely lucky in that I have had the opportunity to do this, but I’ve also, often, had the pleasure of crossing genres. Thus, crime, horror, fantasy, action, adventure, fairy tales, gothic, erotica, romance, and slipstream, are themes I’ve use in any combination.
I should like to take this opportunity to express my thanks for my publishers and most of all my readers for their interest, support, compliments, and enthusiasm.
*****
I tend to have my own marking system for books. Five stars is for an outstanding read. It’s one of those I wish I had written myself. Four stars is for a book I’ve found exceptional in some way. It could have been something about a character or the plot, but something in the book has made me remember it. I usually say that it’s haunting. Then, where most people would think three stars is a mediocre title, I apply it to all the other good books I’ve read; the type of books I’ve truly loved and that will stay in my house, and I think worth anybody’s time of day. Two stars is for something that I may keep but probably never read again. It’s one of those ‘if you’ve nothing better to do’ categories. One star I seldom apply because if a book is that unsatisfying to me I’ll likely never mention it.
I seldom give bad reviews for two reasons. One, I know how I would feel if it were me and two, I’m always aware that what I dislike someone else may well love. It’s all personal opinion at the end of the day. As a writer I think in some instances it’s best to be careful what you say, but I know there are some deplorable books out there. I’m sorry to say that the advent of epublishing has opened doors to many good writers who may not otherwise have been given a chance, but many unscrupulous individuals have also seized the opportunity to set up as publishers and many will take any work and market it. This isn’t the fault of the inexperienced author. Whether you have the ability to write or not, without the right guidance you may never realise why you’ll never be a best-selling author, or you may simply have a talent that just needs nurturing. An unscrupulous publisher will heap praise on the unsuspecting where it isn’t warranted, and how is the writer to know?
Please, as a reader or writer, don’t let one bad experience put you off. There are reputable epublishers out there, and there are some excellent authors. Many of these books are as good as anything you’ll see in print, maybe better. The format doesn’t change the quality of the work. Only the publisher does that.
When I give a review I seldom award stars, anyway. I tell you what I think of a book and why. I hope you find something to enjoy!
