5 Authors Committed To Writing Inclusive, Diverse Books
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on March 29, 2022
Each month we have the opportunity to interview the writers that bring fantastic stories to your eReaders. From debut authors, to seasoned pros we’ve enjoyed getting to know these folks and learning about their inspiration and lives outside of writing. Today we’re pleased to bring you a round-up of five recent interviews with authors dedicated to writing inclusive and diverse books that are willing to address challenges currently facing society. Self-published and traditionally published authors face a lot of competition to be seen with well over 1 million books published every year, according to Bowker. Through the Hidden Gems ARC program, we’ve introduced readers to books in over 15 genres from authors of all walks of life, from those just starting out to well seasoned pros. It’s been an honor connecting readers and writers through stories and feedback. The Hidden Gems ARC program is 100% free for readers. Each morning… Read More >
Publish like a bestseller (even before you are)
By: Ginger | Posted on March 25, 2022
For those that work regular jobs, there’s a saying that goes, “Do the job you want, not the job you have.” Essentially, that just means that if you want to get promoted or move up in your job, you should start by proving that you can handle what that higher position has in store for you. But does that still apply to self-published authors that don’t work for anyone but themselves? Of course it does, because after all, you may not be trying to prove anything to anyone but yourself but at the end of the day, isn’t that the person you want to impress the most anyway? The truth is, there is always more success to be had, or higher levels to reach for in your career, and sitting back on your laurels is no way to get there. As Ginger describes below, the best way to capitalize on… Read More >
Nutrition Focused Cookbooks To Add To Your Collection
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on March 22, 2022
Each and every week, subscribers to Hidden Gems are offered FREE books to download, read, and review – from any or all of over 15 different genres. Today we’re going to highlight five cookbooks with a strong nutritional focus that our readers enjoyed exploring. Whether you want to re-evaluate your meal choices, or are simply looking for some new delicious recipes, check out these great cookbooks and don’t stress about what’s for dinner this weekend. A Beginner’s Guide to Sustainable Plant-Based Weight-Loss by Shane Corbitt Curious if a plant-based diet is right for you? In A Beginners Guide to Sustainable Plant-Based Weight Loss, you will discover a straightforward guide to following a plant-based diet, 20+ easy to make recipes, tips and tricks to help you make the shift and the science behind plant-based diets. “This book was great, it had a lot of great information and was easy to… Read More >
Accounting for Authors
By: D.F. Hart | Posted on March 18, 2022
I’m sure there are very few authors that would claim to enjoy the accounting side of self-publishing. But keeping track of your numbers is essential, because selling copies and getting royalties can make it seem like the money is flowing and the profits are growing, despite the fact that your fixed costs mean you’re actually still in the red. The whole subject seems daunting, but that’s why we turned to someone that has literally wrote a book on the subject. D.F. Hart’s Accounting for Authors is coming out next month, but today she stopped by to give us a quick little primer, laying out all of the key terms and factors that self-published authors need to think about. Ah, numbers. Most authors’ least favorite component of self-publishing. They’re necessary – but they don’t have to be painful. Understanding some basic accounting concepts can go a long way toward strengthening… Read More >
Author Spotlight Interview: Amy Craig
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on March 15, 2022
Today’s interview is with romance author Amy Craig, who writes stories where everyone gets a happy ending. We were honored to chat with Amy about her self-publishing journey, writing style and exciting upcoming projects. HG: How would you describe yourself to somebody who isn’t familiar with your writing yet? AC: Lots of banter, medium-heat sex, and some research to set the scene. I’ve written contemporary romances and romantic suspenses, but the main difference is the presence of the “bad guy” vs. circumstantial impediments. In my stories, everyone gets a happy ending. Sometimes, even the villains get a second chance. HG: What have been the challenges you’ve faced in your publishing career? AC: Someone published my book, so I’m the luckiest girl in the world! Realistically, so many people have amazing stories to tell. I wish I was the type of person who slaved over a novel for decades and fine-tuned… Read More >
How to Tell a Story
By: Ginger | Posted on March 11, 2022
Knowing how to tell a story is one of the key elements to being an author, but effective storytelling is more than just having a strong grasp of the language and a story you want to tell. If two writers were given the same story to write, told the same key details and given the same list of characters, they would both end up with very different books. And regardless of how great the actual story they were given was, there is no guarantee that both, or even one, of the resulting books would be bestsellers. Whether you’re writing a short story or a novel, you need to weave an engaging tale that takes your readers on a journey, keeping them hooked right through until the very last page. How you do that is the tricky part, but Ginger is here with the secret of how to do just that…. Read More >
Young Adult Novels to Read in 2022
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on March 8, 2022
Hidden Gems ARC readers, regardless of age, appreciate young adult novels. As an adult, there’s something so nostalgic about sinking into a YA, and for teens there’s usually a relatable theme in the storyline, or at least an opportunity to escape to another world. We’re certain you’ll want to add these highly rated YA reads to your TBR list this year. BFF: A Story About Bullycide by Lindsey Bell With an astounding, 4.9 star rating on Amazon and well-loved by Hidden Gems ARC readers, this story comes with trigger warnings for bullying and suicide. It examines heart-breaking consequences of struggles that teens face. The characters in BFF will stick with readers. Ann B. explains in her 5-star review, “This book ventures into areas that are hard to present to middle grade and young adult readers: bullying, suicide, sexual preference, race and culture. The tenderness and thoughtfulness put into the… Read More >
Ads work best when you think like a reader
By: Ginger | Posted on March 4, 2022
Great fiction novels are often filled with a roster of unique and believable characters, each with their own backstory that define how they react to the events of the story. As the author of that book, your job is figuring out what those actions and reactions would be, even when they might be very different than how you, personally, would behave in that same situation. One way to do that is by imagining yourself as that character, viewing the world through their eyes and colored by their history instead of your own. As Ginger explains this week, when it comes to improving the sales of a poorly performing book, you can actually rely on some of those same skills. Instead of looking at your ads in terms of what you meant or hoped for them to convey, you should take a walk through the same buying journey that your readers… Read More >
Author Spotlight Interview: Ben J Henry
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on March 1, 2022
Today’s interview is with teacher turned author Ben J Henry. Ben writes fantasy full of wonder, inviting readers to explore lucid dreams. It was truly fascinating to hear from Ben about his writing process, inspiration and future projects. HG: How would you describe yourself to somebody who isn’t familiar with your writing yet? BH: My favorite works of fantasy hold a mirror to our minds. I was fascinated by His Dark Materials, and how Philip Pullman’s daemons represent our personalities. I was left asking: What animal would my daemon take? What would happen if someone had a split personality disorder? Great fantasy leaves you wondering not just about the plot and characters, but about yourself. These are the stories that I strive to write. HG: That’s fascinating. I understand your books center around lucid dreaming. Can you tell us more about what lucid dreams are and what prompted you to… Read More >
