Why I no longer bug the shit out of people for reviews (and what is way easier...)

I once wrote a blog called, Why do authors bug the shit out of you for a review, where I discussed the importance of writing book reviews. I always felt like asking people to write book reviews was like a teacher instructing them to write a major essay to pass a class. It felt like a lot. And in fairness, I know people don't have time. 

These days I no longer ask for book reviews. Besides not feeling comfortable asking, I think there's a much easier way to get positive attention to my book with someone simply sharing my book on social media. The ideal and easiest way to help is to take a picture of themselves with my book and share it online. It takes a second and is done.

Any good attention is helpful. To learn more about this topic, check out my video:

July 2024 newletter 🇨🇦

🇨🇦 Happy Canada Day! To those in Canada, I hope this is a wonderful day to celebrate with friends and family. If you're American, Happy Independence Day 🇺🇸 (a few days early) Not into the parties? Maybe it's a great day to relax with a book!

🥳 Here's a quick rundown of what's new.

📽 I'm currently working on uploading all my videos to TikTok. 

📺 Check out my LATEST videos/blogs -

     Protagonist switch...what does that mean? Rumble/ Youtube/ Blogger

     Everything an author does (other than write books) Rumble/ Youtube/ Blogger 

     Helping other authors Rumble/ Youtube/ Blogger 

Hope everyone has a wonderful July. ⛱

I still have a few FREE ebooks for Everybody Wants to Rule the World. It's a PDF file (so you can share it with friends) just send me a message and I will send you the link and the code to use to get your copy! Find me on social media and send me a message today!

Thanks for your support,

Mima 

Protagonist switch....what does that mean? 🤔

One of my favorite things about writing is switching up the protagonist. So, what does that mean, exactly?

As you know, most books have a protagonist. Sometimes it is more than one character, but most times, there is one main character that the reader follows throughout their journey together. The great thing about this is that you can get an in-depth, personal understanding of that character. The not-so-good side is that you only get that character's perspective; therefore, it may need to be more accurate. Occasionally jumping to another protagonist allows you a broader view of the story. Think of it like talking to two friends about an argument they had as opposed to just one of them. One person may only mention some aspects of the argument, giving you a limited view of the scenario. Hearing both sides allows you to see both perspectives, allowing you a much greater understanding.

To have a better understanding, check out this video. 

Everything an author does (other than write the book) 📚

People always seem surprised when I tell them there's much more to being an author than just writing books. Of course, it's like most things in life. We only see one aspect of it rather than the full circle. I look at many professions and only have an idea of what takes place on their average day. 

What makes being an artist unique is that many (especially indie artists) probably have a job on top of their art. It's a challenge, but most of us find a way to make it work. 

My average day consists of preparing social media, contacting libraries to tell them about my latest book, keeping up with my website, and sometimes jotting down new ideas for my next book. I would say writing, in some aspects, takes up a portion of most of my days. If a book is recently published, it takes much more of my day than times like this, where my latest book was published months ago. 

For more ideas, check out this video.

Helping other authors 📇

As an independent author, I enjoy helping my community. It can be an uphill battle without the support of a traditional, larger publisher. You want to share your book with the world but must compete with best-selling authors, celebrity memoirs, and the internet. Despite your best efforts, it's often a challenge to get your book into a potential reader's hands. 

Trust me, I know.

Although I'm on various social media and try to post regularly on most, I prefer X (Twitter) because it tends to be the stomping ground for most authors. It's so easy to share other authors' books on my page. They often do the same for me too. It allows you to find a whole new set of eyes that might want the exact book you wrote. It's so simple to do, so why not?

I sometimes also purchase other indie authors' books and donate them to my local library. It's another easiest thing to do that helps an author's sales, while giving them a new, potential audience. 

Of course, there are many ways you can promote your book, such as creating and giving out bookmarks, having events at your local library or bookstore, or making videos like I do and hope someone watches. 😉 (hint hint)

June 2024 newsletter ☀️

Summer days are ahead! Do you have your summer reading yet?? 

I recently recorded a few NEW videos and plan to upload them in the upcoming weeks. Check out a couple where I talk about my earlier books 👇🏼

My first two books - Fire and A Spark Before the Fire
      Rumble/ YouTube/ Blog

My Vampire books - The Rock Star of Vampires and Her Name is Mariah
      Rumble/ YouTube/ Blog 

Learn more about all my videos HERE. 

There will be more to come throughout the summer. If you have a topic you'd like me to address (or an old topic you'd like me update) please reply to this email and let me know.

Have a wonderful June!! Thanks for the support. 

Mima 🏖

I have videos. Lots and lots of videos 🎬

Tired of corporate fiction that seems like the same book you read ten times already? Are you interested in learning about an indie author who colors outside the lines? 

I have over 200 videos about my writing and books. Each video is usually under 5 minutes long, and many explain what you'll find in my books, why I write these specific stories, and why you might be interested. I also cover many writing questions that people have asked me over the years, never claiming to be an expert on anything, I attempt to tackle them to the best of my ability.

My original channel was on YouTube. You can click HERE to see all the videos.

I later added everything to Rumble. You can click HERE to see all the videos.

If you find value in these videos and wish to keep up to date, I'd love for you to subscribe to my channel. If you enjoy what you watch, please leave a comment or 'like' the video. This helps to boost my attention on the channel and as you can see, I have a limited audience so I can use all the help I can get. 😬

Thanks so much!