How to craft prequels the Star Wars way
By: Ginger | Posted on May 31, 2024
The Star Wars prequels have long been a topic of debate among fans and critics alike, but it’s hard to argue against their success in expanding the beloved fictional universe into something even bigger and grander in scale. There are many reasons for creating a prequel, from adding depth to an existing story to offering fresh perspectives that create stronger connections with well-known characters. Numerous prequels have enriched their original series, and when done well, they are usually appreciated by fans eager to return to a world filled with familiar characters and settings. For authors, prequels provide the opportunity to build rich new backstories for their characters and enhance their fictional worlds, as long as they maintain continuity with the original works. In today’s blog, Ginger uses the Star Wars universe, and many other examples from film and literature, to illustrate how you, too, can use prequels to captivate your audience… Read More >
Sizzling Hot Romance Novels to make your summer even sweatier
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on May 28, 2024
Our readers know that no two love stories are the same, so they scoop up new books every chance they get. – and sizzling hot romance books are by far the most popular! From mafia romance to light hearted rom coms, if you are looking for a new read to make your summer sweaty, there’s something for everyone on this list! Ruby Tears by Pepper Winters With over 450 ratings and a 4.5 star average on Amazon, Ruby Tears is the first installment of The Jewelry Box series, a dark romance. The blurb notes that this book is dark, explicit and pushes boundaries so readers wishing to avoid triggers should take that into consideration. “I knew going into this book that it was going to be rough. If the actual author hints that this is going to be a bumpy ride, then heed those hints. I thought I was prepared…. Read More >
People DO still read during the “Summer Slump”
By: Ginger | Posted on May 24, 2024
As the summer sun heats up, the temptation to take a break and relax becomes irresistible. But while it’s commonly believed that book sales tend to dip during these warmer months, there’s a golden opportunity hidden within this “summer slump”, especially for self-published authors. It’s possible to turn this seasonal slowdown to your advantage, ensuring your books become the go-to reads for vacationers everywhere. From understanding the summer reading habits of your audience to crafting compelling marketing strategies that resonate with the season’s vibe, Ginger covers everything you need to know to boost your book sales during June, July, and August. So read on to discover new ways of making your book stand out in a less crowded market, and transform the next few months into a season of sales success! I don’t know about you, but my ideal vacation is pretty simple. I want to sit outside by the… Read More >
Add these Books for Children to Your Reading List
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on May 21, 2024
Do you have a young reader in your life? Or maybe you’re looking for some titles to keep your kids busy on a Memorial Day road trip. We have a handful of books for children to add to your reading list! Our Hidden Gems ARC readers loved the following titles, and we bet your young bookworm will, as well. Oceanius’ Waves by Lion Tales With 14 ratings and an outstanding 4.8 average star rating, Oceanius’ Waves is a picture book recommended for children 5-8 years old and describes the Elemental Protectors’ journey to save Water World. Oceanius’ Waves is a standalone story that is part of the Elements Guardians series, and all of those titles are currently offered in Kindle Unlimited as well! “This was beautifully illustrated! I used this as a bedtime story and loved how it took real life issues and showed the life of the sea working… Read More >
Using Science Fiction Writing to Reflect Reality
By: Ginger | Posted on May 17, 2024
Science fiction, a genre where futuristic worlds and advanced technologies serve as the setting for exploring profound societal issues, has always been more than mere escapism. For as long as the genre has existed, it’s been used to mirror both our deepest anxieties and our highest aspirations. By using fantastical backdrops to delve into pressing issues, authors not only captivate readers but also subtly encourage reflection on real-world challenges. By providing examples of how legendary sci-fi writers have used their stories as platforms for commentary and change, Ginger illustrates how we, too, can use our science fiction writing to not just entertain, but also challenge, inspire, and perhaps even influence how our future unfolds. I love all types of books and stories, but science fiction has always had a special place in my heart. Growing up, I used to devour my father’s huge collection of science fiction paperbacks and short… Read More >
SciFi Novels Full of Wonder
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on May 14, 2024
Readers adore SciFi novels for their boundless capacity to spark imagination and creativity, evoking a profound sense of awe. Whether delving into space exploration, time manipulation, encounters with extraterrestrial beings, or uncharted territories, these five science fiction books garnered high praise from Hidden Gems readers, who were fortunate to enjoy them at no cost. Of Friction by S.J. Lee Sam “Valkyrie” Ryan is in turmoil. Wrestling with her brother’s decision to retire after their next mission, the recon specialist fights to sway his choice. Yet, her emotions take a back seat as they’re assigned to safeguard a crucial reconciliation summit between the Altered and Humans, threatened by terrorists advocating human supremacy. Amidst the chaos, Sam finds herself drawn to a captivating female medic but struggles to maintain focus as events spiral out of control. As tensions escalate unpredictably, Sam is blindsided by secrets from the past, uncovering a sinister plot… Read More >
Self-published authors write the way to a better tomorrow
By: Ginger | Posted on May 10, 2024
As self-publishing has become more accessible to everyday people, traditional publishers have seen their dominance and control over the industry start to fade. Aside from giving authors more control over their careers, this shift has also led to a significant transformation within the fiction landscape, enabling a wider range of voices to share their stories. As more people are given an opportunity to express themselves, we’re seeing the emergence of fresh ideas and sub-genres that are adding depth and variety to the literary world. As Ginger explains below, self-publishing has not only turned writing into a viable option for more of us, it has resulted in a dynamic arena for creators in general. Freed from the constraints of risk-adverse publishers who often prioritize profits over content, independent authors are making an impact, reaching broader audiences, and contributing to a more inclusive literary future. Some self-published authors are in it for… Read More >
Thrillers That Will Keep You on the Edge
By: Hidden Gems | Posted on May 7, 2024
Prepare for a rollercoaster ride of twists, bone-chilling scenes, and suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Hidden Gems ARC readers have had the privilege of diving into a plethora of suspenseful tales in recent months. Here’s a roundup of the most beloved and highly praised page-turners. Shadow in the Ward by Ari Gray In a future where AI threatens to replace the human touch in medicine, Dr. Seth Kelley faces burnout in his high-stress job. Joining a hospital trial using AI, disaster strikes when the system malfunctions. Seth, a programmer and medical student, must outsmart the AI during a lockdown, exploring human resilience and the limits of machine care. “This novel takes place in the future, where AI is a big presence in hospitals. Robots do a lot of the work, but as machine learning evolves, robots take on a new and more important role,… Read More >
Using Alternating First-Person POV in your Novel
By: Ginger | Posted on May 3, 2024
There are many ways to tell a story, and authors tend to write in the style that they find most comfortable. Yet there are sometimes reasons to select one style over another, aside from personal preference. For example, an alternating first-person point of view, with chapters switching between the perspectives of the main characters, can enrich storytelling in a variety of genres by offering a more intimate connection to the characters’ inner thoughts and feelings. Ginger discovered success with this POV style years ago, and has been using it in most of his novels ever since. Through his years of experience, he has gathered an understanding of the mechanics, benefits and nuances that go into it, and he’s sharing that knowledge with us today. So if you’re unfamiliar with this technique but looking to give it a try, or even if you have some experience with it of your own, read… Read More >
