Friday, February 26, 2010

Centrefold... A Review

It's funny. I think I've said this before, but when I started writing, I didn't really think beyond the acceptance letter. Sure, I envisioned my books in print, or at least on the computer, with fabulous cover art and my name in big, bold letters. But that was about as far as I got. I didn't really think of fans... not that I didn't want any, it just wasn't how my brain worked. I'm not sure who I thought would be reading my masterpieces (no laughing, just allow me my delusions), but the word 'fan' never really did cross my mind. And I certainly didn't think about reviews.

But it seems reviews are as anticipated and as nerve racking as those submission letters. Every time I find one, or they send it along directly to my in box, 'cause yeah, they're just givers that way, my pulse quickens and my breathing becomes that raspy wheeze I get at the top of a trail. I can hear my heartbeat echo in my ears and I have that moment of queasiness where I'm not sure whether to open it, or just hit delete. It's similar to the feeling I get when I'm attempting something I know I should be able to do, but am also aware that failure means swift and brutal pain. Anyone who mountain bikes will no this feeling...

But I digress. Anyway, since my first book came out in October 2009, I've gotten a total of three reviews, two of which arrived this week. I'm thrilled to say that, thus far, they're all pretty good. Some where more flowery than others, but it seems that the reviewers all enjoyed reading the book. But it got me to thinking how reviewers actually review a book. Do they have a sort of checklist they follow, marking off required items as they go?

One point for having sympathetic characters... another for believable action... two for making you squirm during the sex scenes, and so on.

Or do they take the South Park spoof on things and sacrifice a chicken and wait to see where the body lands so they can give out a mark?

Okay, I doubt they sacrifice small animals or use herbs or spells to judge a book, but it just seems like such a crap shoot, that I never know what to expect. I've read some great books that got bad reviews and some down-right awful ones that got straight 5's. So what gives?

I know... it's just one person's opinion. But that one opinion can have lasting results. A good review might get a new author some new readers, whereas a bad one could push you to the bottom of the 'try' pile. So how much stock do you put in reviews? I do believe that most reviewers try to be fair and honest, and I respect their position. I also realize how hard it must be to give a bad review. I don't think most folks like to point out flaws, so criticizing a book can't be an easy task. I'm just not sure my heart can take the bated anticipation.

Anyway, this all started because I got a nice review from Jo at Joyfully Reviewed for Centrefold. Now Joyfully Reviewed isn't like the other review sites I've seen. They don't have hearts or stars or sighs or dancing divas. They just give honest opinions, and I kind of like that. It allows readers to judge the book for themselves, with the knowledge that the reviewer either liked or disliked a novel, without stereotyping it to a 3 out of 5 or a 4.5 out of 5. (Of course, getting 4.75/5 for Healing Hands was awesome:). So here's what Jo had to say about Centrefold...

The holidays become erotic and dangerous when three lovers track down a killer. Centrefold brings Scarlet, Roman and Aiden together at a holiday gathering for a sexual magazine where the headline is murder. The opening chapter shows Scarlet and Roman together are an explosive mix, but when they came back together and Aiden is added to the mix, explosive isn’t even close enough to what happened between them. I loved watching as Scarlet discovered two sexy men devoted to her are even better than one, and how loving and protective Roman and Aiden both were of Scarlet. Centrefold is erotic and sensual while having just enough of a touch of danger to keep it unpredictable and engaging.

You can read the entire review here.

Of course I read this and thought, "So, did she like it?" But I think it's an interesting way at looking at a review. Give a general, yeah, I loved this part, and let the reader fill in the rest. Because in the end, we all have our own opinion... but I'm happier than a pig in poop that they've come back on the positive side.

Here's to more "positive" reviews and to my heart withstanding the strain...and I thought submitting was the hard part.

Cheers,
Kris
Romancing life...one adventure at a time.

Monday, February 22, 2010

Healing Hands has been Reviewed

What a great way to start off a week... I got a fabulous review for Healing Hands.

Usually, I hate Mondays... the start of another week of getting kids to school, art, hockey, ringette... you name it. Of course, I've just spent the weekend doing the same thing, but somehow, Monday's are the worst. Well, not today.

Zollyanna from Night Owl Romance not only gave Healing Hands a great review, but also picked it as a Reviewer Top Pick!!! I'm totally thrilled. Here's the bit Zollyanna had to say...

Kris Norris is a very talented author giving us a hot and steamy story in Healing Hands. It weaves a story of love at first sight, loyalty and hot and steamy romance all together in one torrid romance story that I am sure anyone will love.

You can read the full review HERE.

Thanks to Zollyanna and Night Owl Romance Reviews for making this Monday a fabulous one. You can read more about Healing Hands at TEB or at my website.

Cheers,
Kris
Romancing life...one adventure at a time.

Sunday, February 21, 2010

New Cover Art...

I know... I haven't posted in forever... but some family stuff has been dragging me down. It's weird when you realize you will soon be the oldest generation in your family... a position I'm not looking forward to.

But in happier news... I got cover art!!!

I actually got three covers this week. Two are finalized and one is still being worked on. Here's the gorgeous new cover for Deadly Obsession, due out with Total-e-Bound on April 5th!!!

I love how it's tied into Deadly Vision, the first in the series, and let's face it... I sure wouldn't mind being the heroine in this one.

My other cover is for Worlds Apart, due out with Resplendence Publishing on May 25th. It's awesome... I love the guy on it. You can strand me on a desert planet any time if he's going to be the compensation.

I've added these new covers to my slideshows and have blurbs on my website. Feel free to pop on over.

That's about all that's new. I spent the day in Nanaimo with my best friend and 5, yes 5 boys today... gotta love spending the day with boys. You certainly learn lots. Can't wait to do it again.

cheers,
Kris
Romancing life...one adventure at a time.


Tuesday, February 2, 2010

I'm The Wednesday Wonder Writer...

Hey all.

Thanks to the wonderful Brynn Paulin, I'm her guest today as part of the Wednesday Wonder Writers. You can pop on over to Brynn's Blog and read all about my quirks. And I have to warn you, I have plenty of them. I had a blast doing the interview and I hope you enjoy reading it. She's a fabulous author, and if you haven't read any of her books, you should drop on by and try one. You won't be disappointed.

I've also been busy tinkering with my blog again. Notice any differences? Go ahead, look.... yup I'm waiting.... Okay, I'll confess. First I made the blog wider... again. Because let's face it, blogs can't get too wide, can they? And I love having the extra space on the sidebar for all my nifty videos and slideshows. Yes, I'm that geeky. I also changed the HTML so there's a cute little box around all the widgets on the sidebar and the lines are solid instead of dotted. I know, hardly worth jumping up and down over, but it is to me. Another small part of the darn HTML code I've broken, or at least copied. Gotta love google.

Finally, I'm working on another book trailer for a friend, the lovely and talented Mia Watts. As soon as it's done, I'll post it here. I have to admit, I'm getting quite addicted to these things and find myself whoring out my services to any friend who will have me. Thankfully, I have very writing prolific friends, who don't love the tech side of things like I do.

Well, that's about all. Not much to say. I'm just finishing up the final touches on Worlds Apart before I send it to my editor... always the last to do blurbs and the like. Then it's on to new stuff, because my calendar is full. One month down and only eleven left in 2010.

Cheers,
Kris
Romancing life...one adventure at a time.