New Release by All Things That Matter Press
Bottom Feeders is out!
Published by Solstice Publishing & available on Amazon
Short Stories: Little Understated Gems
Reading is a part of my daily ritual. Typically, it’s how I calm my mind to get ready for bed. If I find extra time in my day, which is atypical, I will push through to finish an especially tantalizing book, especially if it’s a psychological thriller. If you were to take out a magnifying glass and train it on my reading habits, you might think I was a prime candidate for experimental study… or maybe counseling. I have specific tastes and routines, but there are rules. Well, the term rules might be a bit rigid. Let’s call them strategies.
I use short stories as a strategy when I’m working on my own novel or piece of non-fiction. In my day job as a faculty member, non-fiction or academic writing is an integral and required part of my job. I write a lot about mental health. A lot. When I am working on a novel, I work on it most days until I’ve completed the first draft. During these periods of heavy writing, I don’t read other novels. Don’t get me wrong. I’d love to read them, but I know myself well enough to know that when I’m under pressure, I’ll default to spending all day reading my book and doing nothing on my projects.
This is where short stories come in. After several trials using different approaches, I finally settled on the short story treatment. Rather than reading a 350-page novel, I turn to short stories that can be read in a single or double sitting. I get to read authors I might not otherwise read. I can finish a short story and close the book with a satisfying push of the (Kindle) button. Nothing pulls me away from the other work I have to do. You can bet, though, that when I’m finished writing a particular work, the very first thing I do is download a full-length psychological thriller.
Here are some of my latest short story reads:
Lisa Unger: Fog Descending (House of Crows), Circling the Drain (House of Crows), Let Her Be, The Sleep Tight Motel
Fredrik Backman: The Answer Is No
Caroline Kepnes: The Bad Friend
Chris Bohjalian: Slot Machine Fever Dream
Jess Lourey: Catch Her In A Lie
Ivy Pochoda: Jackrabbit Skin
The brevity of short stories is a perfect cup of tea when I’m writing other works. They are little understated gems that allow me to continue my self-care routine while not overwhelming an already hectic schedule. Their brief form frees me to continue the discipline of cranking out manuscripts while not derailing me or playing a guilt trip. It works wonders for me. Have only a little bit of time? Check out a short story.
Summer Plans
The summer is my designated hard-core writing time. During the academic year from August to May, I am a faculty member in the Master of Social Work program at Gallaudet University. During this time, I teach classes like human behavior, self-care, trauma, and research. My days and nights are filled with developing lecture materials, creating assignments, and, of course, grading those assignments. After May 15th, though, the door to my writing life swings wide open. What’s happening this summer?
I’m glad you asked. I completed the first draft of my fourth mystery novel. This summer will be spent editing the draft, asking beta readers to give me their feedback, sending it to a professional editor, and (hopefully) publishing it. It’s a lot of work, I know. Writing the first draft is like trying to climb up a waterslide backwards. It’s slippery and requires a lot of concentration and focus.
Sometimes my brain decides to be uncooperative. A tiny voice tempts me, asking, “Hey, don’t you want to clean the bathroom?” or “A nap sounds nice, doesn’t it?” When this happens, I fight the urge. Sometimes. I really love writing, but creating a novel is hard work and takes a long time. When I feel inertia biting at my heels, I shake things up a bit. How do I do this?
Usually, I take a trip. This summer, my big trip is a month in Key West, Florida. I spent my middle school, high school, and college years in South Florida; so it feels like going back to my childhood home. It will be there that I work on the revisions of my manuscript and get ready for the next step. Wish me luck.
Send me a note at teresacrowebooks@gmail.com to let me know what your plans are this summer.
Why Book Reviews Matter To Authors
Book reviews are a crucial element in the lifecycle of any book, playing an indispensable role in an author’s career. They provide valuable feedback, help build an author’s reputation, and significantly influence a book’s success. Here’s why book reviews are essential for authors:
1. Feedback and Improvement
One of the most immediate benefits of book reviews for authors is receiving direct feedback from readers. Whether it’s a detailed critique from a professional reviewer or a succinct comment on a retailer’s website, each review provides insights into how readers perceive the book. Authors can use this feedback to hone their craft, rectifying mistakes in future works and reinforcing successful elements.
2. Visibility and Discovery
In a market flooded with countless titles, getting noticed is a challenge. Book reviews help overcome this obstacle by increasing a book’s visibility. Algorithms on platforms like Amazon and Goodreads favor books with more reviews, pushing them higher in search results and recommendation lists. This enhanced discoverability is vital for new authors and for those who publish independently or through small presses.
3. Credibility and Trust
Reviews build credibility. A book with a substantial number of positive reviews is more likely to be trusted by potential readers. This trust is crucial not just for individual books but for an author’s brand as a whole. High ratings and positive comments can attract new readers who might be skeptical of investing time and money into a new author’s work.
4. Sales Impact
There’s a direct correlation between reviews and sales. Positive reviews can lead to increased sales, as they act as a form of social proof that the book is worth reading. Even mixed reviews can be beneficial, as they often provide a more nuanced view of the book, appealing to readers with specific tastes. The mere presence of reviews, regardless of their sentiment, suggests that a book is generating interest and discussion.
5. Engagement and Community Building
Reviews can foster a community of readers around an author’s work. Authors can engage with reviewers by responding to comments, participating in Q&A sessions, and sharing reviews on social media. This engagement not only builds a loyal reader base but also encourages other readers to leave their reviews, creating a virtuous cycle of interaction and interest.
6. Endorsements and Opportunities
Professional reviews from respected sources can open doors to new opportunities. A glowing review in a major publication can lead to invitations for interviews, speaking engagements, and participation in literary festivals. These opportunities can further an author’s career, expanding their reader base and establishing them as a significant voice in their genre.
Authors Appreciate Reader Feedback
For authors, book reviews are more than just ego boosters or marketing tools; they are an essential part of the dialogue between an author and their readers. They help authors refine their work, increase their visibility, build credibility, influence sales, and foster a community. Whether you’re a reader or an author, the next time you finish a book, consider leaving a review. It might just be the boost that leads to an author’s next great work.
New Release from All Things That Matter Press!
In the tight-knit Chesapeake Bay community of Mystic Beach, social worker Dr. Clara Starr appears to have conquered her troubled past. But when the body of local waterman Bobby Ward washes ashore, Clara’s darkest secret plunges her into the heart of a chilling mystery. As her clients become the prime suspects in Bobby’s murder, Clara must reveal the true identity of the killer before someone is falsely arrested.
Aided by Clara’s deaf mother, Vallurea Starr uses her skills in tarot reading passed down from a long line of deaf women to help guide her daughter in the direction of truth. Along with Clara’s trusted assistant, Addie, they grapple with long-held secrets and the deadly consequences of past mistakes. Clara must unravel a web of deceit and betrayal.
When the shocking cause of Bobby’s death is revealed, Clara finds herself on the precipice of losing everything. She must decide whether to keep her secret hidden and risk arrest or expose her past and face a devastating truth.
Unlocking the Mysteries of our Well-Being: Why Reading Books is Essential for Starting the New Year Right
As we begin a fresh start in 2024, we set our hopes high and pledge to make a change for the better. While some may focus on weight loss goals, career aspirations, improving finances, or finding a new job, we can forget about one of the simplest yet most powerful activities we can do for our well-being: reading books. As mystery readers, we already know the power of diving into good literature, but did you know that reading has more benefits beyond escaping into an intriguing plot?
Reducing Stress
As we gear up for the new year ahead of us, we can find ourselves overwhelmed with stress and anxiety. However, studies have shown that reading books can reduce stress levels. When we read, our minds become focused, and we relax deeply. The act of reading can slow our heart rate and ease tension in our muscles. So, if you’re feeling overwhelmed by the stresses of life, grab a good mystery novel and lose yourself in the plot. Your mind and body will thank you for it.
Enhancing Empathy
Reading books can also increase our capacity for empathy. When we read about different people from different cultures, our brains begin to see the world through their eyes. We become more understanding and accepting of others. As mystery readers, we can dive into the minds of impossibly clever detectives and wily criminals. Through vivid descriptions and clever plot twists, we develop a deeper sense of the human experience. In the new year, make it a priority to read books that take you on a journey with characters from different backgrounds.
Improving Cognitive Function
Reading books is like a workout for our brains. When we read, we activate various regions of our brain, including those responsible for memory and critical thinking. People who read regularly have better cognitive function and are less likely to experience cognitive decline later in life. As a mystery reader, you are always flexing your mental muscles. But to really boost your cognitive function, challenge yourself to read books from different genres and styles. Whether it’s a classic novel or a sci-fi bestseller, exposing your brain to new ideas can help keep it sharp.
Cultivating Creativity
The act of reading can stimulate creativity and imagination. As we read, our minds weave together a mental image of the story, creating a unique and personal experience for each reader. This process can help us cultivate our own creativity. As mystery readers, we are used to envisioning intricate plot twists, clever clues, and satisfying conclusions in our heads as we read. Take this a step further and try your hand at writing your own mystery story. As you read, pay attention to the author’s writing techniques and experiment with your own style.
Escaping Reality
Finally, reading books allows us to escape reality, even if only for a little while. As mystery readers, we know how easy it is to get lost in a good book. The thrill of the mystery, the intrigue of the plot, and the satisfaction of a good ending can transport us to a different world. As we begin the new year, make it a priority to carve out time for yourself to read. Even if it’s only a few minutes each day, giving yourself permission to escape into a good book can do wonders for your well-being.
Make reading books a priority on your list of resolutions. From reducing stress to stimulating creativity, the act of reading has numerous benefits that will enhance our well-being. As mystery readers, we already know the joys of diving into a good plot, but we should also take the time to appreciate the numerous mental and emotional benefits of reading. So, as you make your resolutions for the new year, consider adding reading to your list. Your well-being will thank you for it.
Teresa Crowe Books 