Author: Connie Berry

Connecting Authors & Readers (It’s Not Easy)

Books

One of the first things impressed upon new authors is the importance of connecting with readers. Traditionally, we do that by establishing a social media presence, participating in conferences, appearing at book club events, holding book signings, starting a blog, and most importantly, compiling a list of emails for a newsletter. This all takes time, of course, and it isn’t easy or automatic. If no one knows your book exists, they won’t read it. If they don’t read it, they can’t love it and recommend it to others.
Fortunately, there are new ways of getting your book and your name out there. A new website called Shepherd.com exists to do just that.

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The Perfect Summer Beach Read

Reading

The Perfect Beach Read—a phrase readers often see on the covers of paperback novels. But what exactly is a beach read? And what if I prefer a lake or the mountains or the forest for my summer vacation? Does it make a difference?
I thought I’d ask my fellow Miss Demeanors…

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Developing a Writing Plan That Works For You

Writing

First a confession: I was never a model student. My early report cards always included comments like “She could do so much better if she tried” and “Getting assignments in on time would help.” Even in college I struggled with a lack of discipline. I cut way too many classes, neglected to study, and left papers until the very last minute.

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When It’s Time to End a Series

Books, Writing

The first thing to say is my Kate Hamilton Mystery series is not ending. But I’ve been thinking about this question lately for two reasons. First because I’ve been developing a possible new historical mystery series, which has been fun. Second, because two wonderful series written by writer friends have recently and unexpectedly ended. Why, when the series were doing so well?

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WORDS: Five We Misspell, Five We Mispronounce, and One Pet Peeve

Language

Who cares about spelling anymore? With spelling tests in schools fast disappearing, our children are left to blunder along, trusting in technology to set things right. The upshot? In my opinion, although we may make fewer mistakes on paper, we are losing the ability to spell. And therefore to read. So, in an attempt to stem the tide of illiteracy, I humbly submit five common words just about everyone misspells followed by five words most people mispronounce and one small, very personal pet peeve.
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Hello World, Here I Come!

Books, Fiction, Giveaway

Launching a new book always feels a little like watching your child climb onto that big yellow school bus for the very first time. There she goes—your baby—into the big, wide world without you. In exactly a week—on May 10th—The Shadow of Memory, the fourth in the Kate Hamilton Mystery series, will make its debut. To celebrate, I’m giving away a signed copy (plus a few other goodies) to one lucky commenter during the month of May.

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