Hi, everyone. I’m Willow and I’d like to welcome you to Working Girl Reviews. I hope you enjoy all the great reviews we’ll be posting and not only find some wonderful new books to read, but a few new authors to add to your favorite’s list.
Just a few things about me for those sending books for review. I’m a multi published author and have reviewed professionally. But the most important thing is that I adore books and I’m a voracious reader of many genres. Having reviewed books by small press, big press, and self published authors, I’ve discovered a great book is a great book. I have no preference when it comes to how your book was published. I am a romantic at heart, so any love stories/romance with subplots of suspense or the paranormal are my favorites, especially those with ghosts or time travel. I also love thrillers and a good mystery, cozy or otherwise. That’s about it. Enjoy the site and have fun reading all those books…
Willow
Dear Willow: Beautiful name and picture. I’ve written Ghost Child to Triumph (from a child with no voice, to someone who speaks up against injustice), and am working on getting it self-published. Mine is the story of overcoming and triumphing a lifetime of abuse (except for 3 years in the army).
A childhood of physical and verbal abuse, 120-year old tenement house with cockroaches and rats (they didn’t
visit too often, fear of my mother,) LOL
Molested by a drunken neighbor while sleeping, had my hand held over an open fire by another drunken (woman) neighbor; snow which came in through a crack in the wall (outdoor sports on the inside!)….poverty: no phone, car, refrigerator or bathroom (toilet in the attic; always a joy in the middle of the night).
I would be so honored if you wanted to read my story. I’ve been holding on to it for 10 years, and just know that now is the time to get it published.
I simply cannot believe my endorsements: Elie Wiesel, Dr. Larry Dossey, Dr. Elaine Weiss, Patricia Evans (my heroine), Clint van Zandt, Nikki Giovanni….14 in all
Thank you so so kindly!
P.S. http://www.churchabusepoetrytherapy.com is my site of poetry of anguish, healing, hope and comfort…which came pouring from my wounded soul, after being voted out of a 31-year church membership….because I got a divorce after 31 years of abuse, and then let the ex live in my house afterwards. I fought the system for 18 months….in the end, my name was put up on a big screen, followed by the words: Conduct Unbecoming a Child of God.
I am overwhelmed with who I should use for an editor or which company to use for self-publishing. Any ideas you would give me…I would be so grateful
Smiles, Alice (over comer and wounded healer)
Alice,
So sorry for all you have suffered. WGR doesn’t review unpublished books unless it’s a pre-pub review for a book nearing release. Otherwise it would be a critique and I’m sorry we don’t do critiques.
As for an editor or publisher, you can do research online for possible candidates. Many writers have articles offering advice on how to find good ones and avoid the scammers. There are a lot of ways to self publish…some free, some reasonably priced and some very expensive. It just depends on what you want or need for your book.
I wish you well with finding the perfect place for your book and once published, we’d be happy to do a review.
Dear Willow
I’ve just read your review of my book, Brown Girls, and, no lie, I am dancing around the room. That may not be a very manly thing to do, but that’s how pleased I am that my “baby” earned your approval.
It’s a long, difficult slog marketing a book (and that’s after actually writing it) and to discover that someone else “gets it” — that they enjoyed my characters and could “see” the setting and thought the plot worked . . . well, you might be able to tell I’m slightly overwhelmed.
Thanks again for the positive attention I know this review will generate for Brown Girls.
Kind regards
John
You’re very welcome, John. Reading your book was MY pleasure.
Willow
Dear Willow,
You can only imagine the stir you have caused in our household tonight. The Golden Slipper?! I am honored and so thrilled. This book has been a labor of love and to see that it is already touching people’s hearts and lives makes the journey worth every up and down.
I thank you for taking the time to read this book from an untested author. I thank you for your review. Though I am prejudiced, I think you have hit the heart of the story with a bullseye. Renewal… yes.
Blessings,
Susan
You’re welcome, Susan. It’s the first Golden Slipper I’ve given and to tell the truth, I never thought I’d use it for one of my reviews. “Halfway to Each Other” was THAT good. I wish you every success with the book and all good things for you and you family.
Willow
I’m another writer set to dancing around the room by your wonderfully perceptive and generous review, Willow. Thank you so very much.
Writing can be such a solitary activity, and at times it’s hard to maintain motivation. Having a response like this to my work is a powerful encouragement. I’ve leapt into my current WIP with renewed energy.
The Golden Slipper was the icing on the cake.
Thank you once again,
Shayne.
And thank you, Willow, for the wonderful review of “Mud and Gold”!
I couldn’t resist commenting.
Hope you’ve seen my comment left this am for The Crimson Bed. Many thanks indeed. It is good to have a truly understanding and helpful reviewer.
Loretta