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blueirisfox (125 KP) rated Write to Market: Write a Book that Sells (Write Faster, Write Smarter 3) in Books
Feb 15, 2020 (Updated Feb 15, 2020)
Very concise and to the point. (2 more)
The exercises at the end of each chapter are an absolute gift for new and aspiring writers (and I'd imagine even experienced ones). Each one is actionable and aims towards publishing successfully.
Essential for any authors that want to be self-published (especially on Amazon), as the author is writing from their own experiences.
The only reason I even knew this book existed was because I stumbled upon the authors YouTube channel.
From watching his videos, I understood the level and tone of the advice he would be giving in his books, and I've gotta say, the guy is an absolute gift to the writing community.
Even if you don't buy any of his books, there is so much to learn from him for free on his YouTube channel: from plotting to selling, this guy pretty much has it all.
Saying that, I still 100% recommend buying his Write Faster, Write Smarter book series, because I can't stress enough how amazing his targeted exercises are.
For this specific book in the series, he explains how to effectively sell books to targeted audiences. This can sound a bit controversial, as if you were simply copying an idea and trying to cash in on it. BUT THAT'S NOT IT AT All. Chris Fox himself shuts down the idea of copying hit books quite early on. What this book will do, is explain to you how to use popular tropes to your advantage.
If you're not really sure about this book from my review, check out its page on Amazon and read the first few pages. Better yet, check out Chris Fox's YouTube channel and get a feel for what this guy is like, because at the end of the day we all absorb information differently and find certain things useful that others simply don't.
Anyways, I hope that this helped someone find the tools that they need in order to do Storytelling some justice.
Peace out,
blueirisfox
From watching his videos, I understood the level and tone of the advice he would be giving in his books, and I've gotta say, the guy is an absolute gift to the writing community.
Even if you don't buy any of his books, there is so much to learn from him for free on his YouTube channel: from plotting to selling, this guy pretty much has it all.
Saying that, I still 100% recommend buying his Write Faster, Write Smarter book series, because I can't stress enough how amazing his targeted exercises are.
For this specific book in the series, he explains how to effectively sell books to targeted audiences. This can sound a bit controversial, as if you were simply copying an idea and trying to cash in on it. BUT THAT'S NOT IT AT All. Chris Fox himself shuts down the idea of copying hit books quite early on. What this book will do, is explain to you how to use popular tropes to your advantage.
If you're not really sure about this book from my review, check out its page on Amazon and read the first few pages. Better yet, check out Chris Fox's YouTube channel and get a feel for what this guy is like, because at the end of the day we all absorb information differently and find certain things useful that others simply don't.
Anyways, I hope that this helped someone find the tools that they need in order to do Storytelling some justice.
Peace out,
blueirisfox
Little Red Hood
Sarah Ardizzone and Marjolaine Leray
Book
She started life as a little red scribble and then, there she was: a little red hood. The wolf is...
Laura Doe (1350 KP) rated The Appeal in Books
Aug 31, 2022
After having read The Twyford Code first, I was desperate to read The Appeal having heard rave reviews about it for the last year. I was apprehensive that it might not live up to the hype, but it didn’t disappoint me. I didn’t want to put it down and it kept me guessing until the very last page.
The Appeal is written as a series of correspondences: first as a letter from a lawyer to two of his students, then as messages between the two students and then the bulk of the book is emails, texts, handwritten notes and even police transcripts. It is interesting to try and work out what is happening when you only have some of the story (we don’t have all of the correspondence as some is quite obviously missing and we only have the replies) and there are so many layers and deceptions that you need to work through.
The bulk of the messages centre around a few main characters Issy, The Haywards: Martin and James, and Sarah-Jane and her husband Kevin. Trying to pick your way through their many messages between each other to try and work out what parts of their correspondence were real and which were fabrications was part of what kept me so enthralled in the whole book. Just as I thought I had it all worked out, we would go back to the lawyer and his two law students and it would make me rethink my theory and start all over again.
Janice Hallett has a great way of writing, and both of her books that I have read have been so different to anything I’ve ever read. I’ve read books were messages were included, but never one that was solely written in messages. I hope Janice Hallett has plans for more books, as I would like to see what else she can come up with that makes her books stand out.
The Appeal is written as a series of correspondences: first as a letter from a lawyer to two of his students, then as messages between the two students and then the bulk of the book is emails, texts, handwritten notes and even police transcripts. It is interesting to try and work out what is happening when you only have some of the story (we don’t have all of the correspondence as some is quite obviously missing and we only have the replies) and there are so many layers and deceptions that you need to work through.
The bulk of the messages centre around a few main characters Issy, The Haywards: Martin and James, and Sarah-Jane and her husband Kevin. Trying to pick your way through their many messages between each other to try and work out what parts of their correspondence were real and which were fabrications was part of what kept me so enthralled in the whole book. Just as I thought I had it all worked out, we would go back to the lawyer and his two law students and it would make me rethink my theory and start all over again.
Janice Hallett has a great way of writing, and both of her books that I have read have been so different to anything I’ve ever read. I’ve read books were messages were included, but never one that was solely written in messages. I hope Janice Hallett has plans for more books, as I would like to see what else she can come up with that makes her books stand out.
The Twilight of Southern Steam: The Untold Story 1965 - 1967
Book
This book is first and foremost the story of the enginemen and their steeds which brought the steam...
BookInspector (124 KP) rated Berlin Calling in Books
Sep 24, 2020
I am quite a bit of a fan, when it comes to books about World War II, add women in it, and I’m intrigued. That was what drew me to this book, a woman figure in the context of war and not just woman, a foreigner. The description above, describes this novel quite well. It started with very romantic notes, how Maggie met Kurt, and how she ended up in Berlin, landing a job in Propaganda House. Maggie is very interesting character in this book, and I really loved her in this novel. She is beautiful, pleasant to be around, incredibly hard working and independent. I’m kind of used to these disturbed characters which are used in most of the books, and it was very refreshing to read about one, who is not mentally or emotionally messed up. Other characters were interesting to read about as well, and all of them where quite the personalities. I really enjoyed, that author did not make this book from one characters perspective, and included most of the characters by allowing them to speak. This made the book more pleasant to read, and more interesting.
The plot of this book was really absorbing, and different from most of the WWII books I read. Normally, I encountered the books, which used to describe the tragedy of war, such as concentration camps or Jew’s killings, and their fighting for survival. This book was softer on that part, it mentioned the cruelties’ which happened during the war, but never in so much detail to make it stomach turning. It was written more about the political aspects of it, and how German propaganda was used to influence people from other countries. It’s been a while since I studied history of WWII, and I studied from different countries’ perspective, so to see how it looked from Germany's perspective was quite appealing. I think that author was trying to show, how Germans thought about this war and why most of them supported what Hitler was doing.
I am a big fan of short chapters, and this book didn’t disappoint me with that. The chapters were divided into smaller parts, which made it more pleasant to read. Every chapter was quite detailed, but the meaning and the point of that chapter was very lovely opened, and concluded for the reader. The story was flowing nicely and smoothly. I believe Author has a great personal knowledge about war, and used it greatly in this book. There was a little bit of monotony while reading this book, and lack of twists and turns, that would’ve make it more exciting. The language used was not difficult and easy to read, but I had to look up some German terms used in this book, as I’m not familiar with the language. The ending of the book was really entertaining but not complete. I wished more conclusions, and to know what happened to Dieter. To conclude, it is a great book if you looking for World War II stories of war from German perspective, love, and survival.
The plot of this book was really absorbing, and different from most of the WWII books I read. Normally, I encountered the books, which used to describe the tragedy of war, such as concentration camps or Jew’s killings, and their fighting for survival. This book was softer on that part, it mentioned the cruelties’ which happened during the war, but never in so much detail to make it stomach turning. It was written more about the political aspects of it, and how German propaganda was used to influence people from other countries. It’s been a while since I studied history of WWII, and I studied from different countries’ perspective, so to see how it looked from Germany's perspective was quite appealing. I think that author was trying to show, how Germans thought about this war and why most of them supported what Hitler was doing.
I am a big fan of short chapters, and this book didn’t disappoint me with that. The chapters were divided into smaller parts, which made it more pleasant to read. Every chapter was quite detailed, but the meaning and the point of that chapter was very lovely opened, and concluded for the reader. The story was flowing nicely and smoothly. I believe Author has a great personal knowledge about war, and used it greatly in this book. There was a little bit of monotony while reading this book, and lack of twists and turns, that would’ve make it more exciting. The language used was not difficult and easy to read, but I had to look up some German terms used in this book, as I’m not familiar with the language. The ending of the book was really entertaining but not complete. I wished more conclusions, and to know what happened to Dieter. To conclude, it is a great book if you looking for World War II stories of war from German perspective, love, and survival.
Merissa (14146 KP) rated Dream Sight (Dream Waters #3) in Books
Dec 17, 2018
Dream Sight is the third book in the Dream Waters Series. We go straight back into the thick of the action, with Charlie shouldering (literally) the weight of the mirage, whilst the Dragon King searches for his lost princess. There are red herrings, and diversions aplenty, as the pieces of the puzzle slowly come together. There are also fresh happenings that will be surprising, and enjoyable (and no, I'm not talking about the same events!)
Whilst this book feels like it is being wrapped up, there are also more loose ends, which lead nicely to the fourth book. Rose plays more of a part in this book, and Nellie also plays her part, with sorrowful consequences. Tristan plays a role in Mia's life (new character) and I can't wait to find out more about that.
I won't give out anything about the story, as I do feel you need to read these to get the full effect. Suffice it to say, the old favourites are there, new characters are introduced, and old enemies are there to despise.
As with books one and two, there were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. The scenes flowed where they should, and kept my attention. Most definitely recommended by me, and I can't wait to continue with this series.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Whilst this book feels like it is being wrapped up, there are also more loose ends, which lead nicely to the fourth book. Rose plays more of a part in this book, and Nellie also plays her part, with sorrowful consequences. Tristan plays a role in Mia's life (new character) and I can't wait to find out more about that.
I won't give out anything about the story, as I do feel you need to read these to get the full effect. Suffice it to say, the old favourites are there, new characters are introduced, and old enemies are there to despise.
As with books one and two, there were no editing or grammatical errors that disrupted my reading flow. The scenes flowed where they should, and kept my attention. Most definitely recommended by me, and I can't wait to continue with this series.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Merissa (14146 KP) rated The Krampus's First Christmas Gift (An MM Monster Christmas #6) in Books
Dec 19, 2025
THE KRAMPUS'S FIRST CHRISTMAS GIFT is the sixth novel in the MM Monster Christmas series, and finishes off the series (I think!).
This is also the one where we find out just what happened to Jasper, and what his mysterious illness is all about. If you've read the prior books, you know Jasper had a fall in the forest and never fully recovered. You find out snippets in both Leo's and Trent's stories, but now you actually get all of it.
You might think, because of the title, that this might be scary or frightening, but what you get is a touch-starved black sheep of the family with a heart of gold. I loved Kraghol from the very beginning, but hearing about his family life and upbringing about broke my heart. I loved how Jasper made no judgments and fought for what-or rather, who-he wanted, right up until he didn't. That was the right thing in my opinion, and I loved how the story continued after that.
Trent's story will always be my favourite out of the bunch, but this one comes a close second. A brilliant story that I read in one sitting, that held my attention from beginning to end. A great series that I definitely recommend.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 19, 2025
This is also the one where we find out just what happened to Jasper, and what his mysterious illness is all about. If you've read the prior books, you know Jasper had a fall in the forest and never fully recovered. You find out snippets in both Leo's and Trent's stories, but now you actually get all of it.
You might think, because of the title, that this might be scary or frightening, but what you get is a touch-starved black sheep of the family with a heart of gold. I loved Kraghol from the very beginning, but hearing about his family life and upbringing about broke my heart. I loved how Jasper made no judgments and fought for what-or rather, who-he wanted, right up until he didn't. That was the right thing in my opinion, and I loved how the story continued after that.
Trent's story will always be my favourite out of the bunch, but this one comes a close second. A brilliant story that I read in one sitting, that held my attention from beginning to end. A great series that I definitely recommend.
** Same worded review will appear elsewhere. **
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 19, 2025
Sam (74 KP) rated Where am I Now?: True Stories of Girlhood and Accidental Fame in Books
Mar 27, 2019
I think I actually expected this to be one of those books that I sort of like but don’t really go mad on but I was wrong.
I always wanted to find out more about the actor behind Matilda and this really gave me the dose I needed.
Mara Wilson is brutally honest about how her acting career when she was younger took its toll on her mental health and even goes into detail about all of the mental health issues she has had. I loved how honest she is – she doesn’t try to sugar-coat it or turn her memoir into a self-help book. Instead she says everything as it is and exactly how it felt for her.
I loved reading about her friendships with other actors, especially Danny DeVito and Robin Williams. I’d previously heard quite a bit about her friendship with Danny DeVito and was really interested in how much he had looked after her while she was working on Matilda.
The only reason that it didn’t make it to five stars from me is that I hoped for a bit more on Matilda, but she seemed to glaze over it a lot.
Overall though, it’s a really interesting read and definitely worth picking up.
I always wanted to find out more about the actor behind Matilda and this really gave me the dose I needed.
Mara Wilson is brutally honest about how her acting career when she was younger took its toll on her mental health and even goes into detail about all of the mental health issues she has had. I loved how honest she is – she doesn’t try to sugar-coat it or turn her memoir into a self-help book. Instead she says everything as it is and exactly how it felt for her.
I loved reading about her friendships with other actors, especially Danny DeVito and Robin Williams. I’d previously heard quite a bit about her friendship with Danny DeVito and was really interested in how much he had looked after her while she was working on Matilda.
The only reason that it didn’t make it to five stars from me is that I hoped for a bit more on Matilda, but she seemed to glaze over it a lot.
Overall though, it’s a really interesting read and definitely worth picking up.
Merissa (14146 KP) rated The V Girl: A Coming Of Age Story in Books
May 8, 2023
This book is disturbing - it's as simple as that. However, it is also absolutely fantastically mind-blowing! The whole book is about a dystopian future where 'recruitment' happens once a year. Recruitment is basically another name for the forced enlistment of people, to be used as 'entertainment' for the troops. In a world where virgin is something that is said as an insult, and rapes of both male and female occur on an almost daily basis, you would not think that this book would be any good at all.
Wrong!
This book is exceptional. It is dark and fear-filled, it is horrific and stomach-churning, and yet it is also a book about hope, about a light that can shine in the darkness, about the comfort the human touch can bring, about love.
The V Girl is simply astounding. I am so glad that I have read it. I really can't recommend it highly enough - but please, take note of the trigger warnings. They are there for a reason as this book is full of unicorns and rainbows!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 21, 2015
Wrong!
This book is exceptional. It is dark and fear-filled, it is horrific and stomach-churning, and yet it is also a book about hope, about a light that can shine in the darkness, about the comfort the human touch can bring, about love.
The V Girl is simply astounding. I am so glad that I have read it. I really can't recommend it highly enough - but please, take note of the trigger warnings. They are there for a reason as this book is full of unicorns and rainbows!
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book; the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian - I Dig Good Books!
Dec 21, 2015
Christine A. (965 KP) rated Through the Storm (The Solar Storms #1) in Books
Dec 9, 2018
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book so I could give an honest review.
There have been countless books written about what would happen if a catastrophic event shut down all electronics on Earth. Usually they are set well after the event occurred. "Through the Storm (The Solar Storms #1)", however, starts just before the event and shows how fast civilization as we know it would collapse. The story follows a family of a father and his two sons and their ensuing struggle. Neal Evans, the father still grieving over the death of his wife, is at a conference and Connor, the oldest son, is away from home hunting when the event occurs. Drake, a high school freshman, is home alone on the farm and does not realize anything is wrong until hours after the event. I had not really considered how fast people would panic and therefore how fast the situation would turn dangerous. Kyle Pratt's style moves the story quickly but includes enough detail to keep readers caring about the Evans family's survival. This book is the first in the "Solar Storms" series. Its publication date was September 2017 and no date has been announced for other books in the series. Pratt's other series is called "Strengthen What Remains" and has concluded.
There have been countless books written about what would happen if a catastrophic event shut down all electronics on Earth. Usually they are set well after the event occurred. "Through the Storm (The Solar Storms #1)", however, starts just before the event and shows how fast civilization as we know it would collapse. The story follows a family of a father and his two sons and their ensuing struggle. Neal Evans, the father still grieving over the death of his wife, is at a conference and Connor, the oldest son, is away from home hunting when the event occurs. Drake, a high school freshman, is home alone on the farm and does not realize anything is wrong until hours after the event. I had not really considered how fast people would panic and therefore how fast the situation would turn dangerous. Kyle Pratt's style moves the story quickly but includes enough detail to keep readers caring about the Evans family's survival. This book is the first in the "Solar Storms" series. Its publication date was September 2017 and no date has been announced for other books in the series. Pratt's other series is called "Strengthen What Remains" and has concluded.