A review from Readers' Favorite

Once, I don’t really remember when, I had submitted one of my books at http://readersfavorite.com/ for a review.

You can pay a certain amount of money to receive an honest review  + promotion (I am poor), or you can just submit your book and hope someone will pick it up (I am the hoping type).

So, today I opened my mailbox, and voilà, a review! :)

A nice, detailed review of my Billion-Dollar Girl.

http://readersfavorite.com/book-review/13013 

 "The Billion-Dollar Girl by I.D. Blind is about Eva Milton. Her only wish was to become famous, have money, many fans, and a glamorous lifestyle. Though she lacked the talents to make it to the top, she had perfect skills for her ambitions. The book is different from the usual humorous stories you read. Though the theme is relevant, the author has handled it in a novel way. The character of Eva Milton is someone whom you find now - empty, shallow, gold-digging, and willing to do anything to become famous. The names of more than a few celebrities come to your mind while reading. You keep wondering if the author meant to refer to any one of them.

The Billion-Dollar Girl is the story of reality in our society. People have become so obsessed with money and they have become so materialistic that they tend to lose focus of what they are really looking for, apart from money. The book also tells us how these brainless creatures are worshiped and admired by many. Apart from a humorous story, the book also shows the pathetic and fake society we live in and how we give our everything to become rich and famous. What I liked most in the story was the way the author has spoken about the release of home porn videos and how they mention that it is 'accidental.' This is an old trick of celebrities to be in the news.

The writing is original and spirited, and the book is fast paced. With the humor, there is an amount of truth in how the character is depicted and how modern society is."

 This was a really pleasant surprise. And if you think I deserve more surprises like this, you can always find my books on my Amazon page. Just click the link below:

Books by I.D. Blind.

Are you looking for an editor?

It is a truth universally acknowledged that if you are writing, you need an editor.

It doesn’t matter if you are going to self-publish your book, or if you are planning to send the MS to an agent/publisher. You need an editor.

You say you spell-check your MS. I say you need an editor.

You say you use paperrater.com or grammarly.com.  I say you still need an editor.

You mean to ask a friend or family member to edit and/or proofread your book? I advise you not to. Instead, get an editor.

Never publish an unedited book. It doesn’t matter if your storyline is great, no one will know about your story if your novel is sinking in typos, misused words and phrases. You will not only lose readers; you may besmirch your own reputation.

And I am not even talking about authors who, like me, are not native speakers. For us, hiring an editor is mandatory (as well as for everyone else (: ).

Editing is not cheap, but reputation is priceless. And luckily, there are editors whose prices are affordable for beginners like us.

I was lucky to find editors who saved me and my books from disgrace. And because I wish my fellow authors nothing but success, I will share their contacts with you:

claudettecruz@ymail.com

editingbyamber@outlook.com

gwest1967@yahoo.com

These ladies are wonderful editors and will help you out with your novels.

p.s. I wish my editors would also edit my blog posts :)

Photo taken from http://enggroup1.wordpress.com/2012/09/24/peer-editing-reflection/

Sleepy Hollow TV Series

I am a huge fan of "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow." Such a big fan, that the title of my "Witch Hollow" series is a direct homage to Washington Irving's story.

Although Tim Burton's "Sleepy Hollow" has very little to do with Irving's short story, I still love the movie, for it is daunting, atmospheric, and reminds me of my childhood's weird dreams.

And now, prepare! Sleepy Hollow TV series is coming soon. Ichabod Crane has been transported to the 21st century, along with the Hessian, who, judging by the trailer, might be one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse!

Long pause, because I don't know what to write. Also because I am laughing hysterically, and while I am rolling on the floor, you may enjoy the trailer for the upcoming series.

This could be interesting, but Horseman of the Apocalypse? Just because the Hessian rides a horse? Surely, Bible is an interesting source of inspiration and myths (I use a bit of Christian Mythology in one of my books), but this type of a plot line is only good for TV series called Supernatural, which started so well, then turned into a mindless battle between Angels and Demons.

So, let's wait and see.

Wheel of Time

So, here they are! Arrived today. Ten books of the "Wheel of Time" series:

I have to admit this will be my first epic fantasy. I have read LOTR, and Silmarillion is one of my most favorite books, but “Wheel of Time” seems ten times longer.

I have never started anything as epic before, and I’m not sure I will finish it in less than five (!) years.

Last night I read the first two chapters. Then reread them. Too many names, too many characters and locations. I had a hard time remembering the names of the characters and who was who. But since early morning I have been longing to go back to the book.

Either I am already addicted to “The Eye of the World” or I am afraid to forget what has already happened in the book, because then I will have to start anew.

I am not sorry for my big purchase. I know I will love the “Wheel of Time”. The only thing I feel sorry for is that I had a moment of parsimony and did not buy the e-books. Those used paperbacks cost almost nothing ($40 for the whole set), but now I’m outside, and won’t be able to resume my reading till late at night when I get home.

And at last, I will understand what Blind Guardian has been singing about. 

That's a big bonus! :)

The young man says:
"I will never give in"
The prophecy
Behold it's true
I conquer the flame
To release the insane
I'm crying
I cannot erase
I'm the Dragon Reborn
And in madness
I soon shall prevail
Twice I'll be marked and
Twice I shall live
The heron sets my path
And name me true
Twice I'll be marked and
Twice I shall die
My memory's gone
But twice I pay the price.

(Blind Guardian, "Wheel of Time" from the album "At the Edge of Time").

It's available!

Witch Hollow and the Dryad Princess is already available on Amazon.

As promised, it was published on the last day of summer :)

Remember to tell me what you thought about the 3rd book of the "Witch Hollow" series. Your  reviews and comments will  help me to finish the series.

I recently received an email from a reader, who was wondering why some of the characters were not dying. She told me that in popular YA/Fantasy books at least two characters in one book should die. 

Do you agree with what this reader is saying? 

As for me, I don't think I will kill off a character unless it is necessary for the plot :) And sadly, deaths may happen in the next book. But no more spoilers. Enjoy the book and don't forget that you can always email me at idblindauthor@gmail.com.