Why Content Quality Trumps Grammar Rules

What’s more important? Grammar or Content?

I just read a book that took me on a page-turning emotional roller coaster. Was the writing grammatically, correct? I have a vague memory of a few stumbling blocks that I had to slow down my reading to get the gist, but I don’t remember what they were. Because the story, the content, was that good. Did I ding the stars I gave for this review over a couple of unremarkable slowdowns?

Yes, grammar serves as the backbone of effective communication, providing the rules and structure necessary for clarity and coherence in writing. But is one invisible quotation mark going to spoil the entire story?

Judging from the book I gobbled up like a starving puppy, quality content goes beyond grammar, encompassing engaging, insightful, and relevant information that grabs the reader and keeps tugging.

A great story has the ability to inspire, educate, or entertain, leaving a lasting impact on readers and establishing credibility and authority in your writing.

Content is king, and engaging content is like the crown jewels. It’s not just about throwing together words; it’s about capturing your audience’s interest and keeping them hooked from start to finish.

But grammar tools are like spell-check on steroids – they help polish your writing and catch those pesky errors you might miss. Embrace these tools to level up your grammar game.

It’s true. Balancing engaging content with proper grammar is like juggling flaming swords – tricky, but so rewarding. Keep your content exciting while upholding grammar standards to create a winning combination.

Remember, it’s not about choosing sides – it’s about striking the perfect balance. I’ve never slapped a good book closed because of a glitch. That would probably have resulted in no reading for me. Nothing and nobody is perfect. Not even me, this computer I write on, or these pesky gnats that I smoosh eventually.

In conclusion, while the debate between grammar and content may persist, it is evident that both elements are indispensable in effective communication.

To do your best:

  • Let your manuscript cool for more than a couple of days.
  • Read it slowly the last time through.
  • Read it slowly one more time after it has cooled again… and publish.

The book I couldn’t put down? Here it is:

The inspiring, true story of Anne Dodds.

When her husband passed away after a long, trying illness, Annie Dodds was forced to sell almost everything to settle his estate.

Homeless, with little money, she wondered if it might be time to pursue a decades-old dream of living a quiet, self-sufficient life alone, off-grid. One day, when her son told her he knew of an old house on fifty acres, she knew it was time.

Feeling empowered and prepared by having read so much over the years, she loaded her belongings into the back of her pickup truck. But as she pulled into the driveway that first day, she could not imagine the challenges she would face, the obstacles she would overcome, the self-doubts she would master, and the soul-strengthening peace and contentment she would find living in a rundown old home on fifty acres of country heaven.

5-Stars! – An awesome page-turner that took me on an emotional roller coaster ride page after page. Here’s the Amazon link for eBook, Print, and Audiobook.

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(A shout out to Tiny Wow for the AI assist in inspiring me to write this post. Thank you. Also…some links may be affiliate links.)

Unlocking Your Inner Inspiration

What Inspires You?

Finding inspiration is a powerful force that drives creativity, motivation, and personal growth. It can come from various sources, both internal and external, and can manifest in different forms. Understanding what inspires you and how to harness that inspiration is key to leading a fulfilling and purposeful life.

Definition of Inspiration


Inspiration is like that “aha” moment when a light bulb appears over your head. It’s that spark of motivation that gets you excited and ready to take on the world, or at least your next project.

The Psychology of Inspiration


Psychologically speaking, inspiration is like a mental kick in the pants, pushing you to think outside the box and see things in a new light. It’s that burst of creativity that makes you feel like you can conquer anything.

But when inspiration sags…

When my own inspiration sags, I turn to those who inspired those quirky characters that reside in every one of my books… Here’s a picture that pops into my head first…

From Joan Freed to Sally to Mary Linn and beyond, you’ll find snippets of their personalities and words of wisdom I grew up with. As a matter of fact, these ladies are the direct inspiration for Mama’s Morsels of Home Cookbook

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Homemade Noodles came from Grandma. She (I helped) often made them on Sale Day at the auctionhouse. I think because they cooked fast when the grandpa’s last crony had gone home. Hearty One-Pot Dinner was Mama’s answer to me making supper when she was working late. Mama’s Ginger Creams (using 8 cups of flour) was the answer to snacks for 6 rambunctious children to satisfy… and long-term snacking for this young bride’s first journey to Alaska.

Where inspiration comes from…

Inspiration comes from surprising sources. It might be a picture, an achievement, a song, a sunrise, or even a positive word. But at the end of the day, the most powerful source of inspiration is within yourself. It’s that inner fire that drives you to pursue your passions, overcome obstacles, and keep pushing forward, no matter what life throws your way.

So go ahead, tap into that well of inspiration inside you and watch yourself shine. I’ll join you in just a minute… and I’d love to learn what inspires you. Click my email link below and tell me…

But if momentary escapes is your current need for inspiration…

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(A shout out to Tiny Wow for the AI assist in inspiring me to write this post. Thank you. Also…some links may be affiliate links.)

Expand Your Reach: Publishing on Multiple Platforms

Publishing Wide — should you or shouldn’t you…

Publishing wide is like being a social butterfly in the literary world. Instead of putting all your eggs in one basket, you spread them across different platforms like a savvy dabbler of words. It involves making your work available on various online bookstores, not just putting all your hopes on one exclusive platform.

Advantages of wide publishing

Advantages? Oh, there’s a few.

Think increased visibility and reach. You’re not limiting yourself to a single pond; you’re swimming in an ocean of readers. Plus, more control over pricing and promotions, and the sweet scent of independence.

Challenges of wide publishing

Of course, nothing great comes without its challenges.

Coordinating different platforms can feel like herding cats. Each one has its quirks, rules, and algorithms. Plus, building a loyal readership across multiple sites takes time and effort. But hey, nothing worth doing is ever easy, right?

Don’t put all your literary eggs on Amazon’s shelf. Spread them out!

Explore other platforms like Apple Books, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords, and more. Cast a wide net to catch a wider audience. There’s a very easy way to do that… kind of a one-stop-shop if you will. I’ll tell you about it coming up.

Royalty structures vary

Navigating the world of royalty structures across different platforms can be like decoding a secret language. But understanding how you get paid for your work is crucial in maximizing your revenue streams when publishing wide. It’s like unlocking a treasure chest of earnings potential.

Platform-specific requirements


Different platforms often come with their own set of rules. These requirements can feel like juggling multiple balls at once. But take each platform step-by-step to successfully navigate the wide publishing landscape. It’s like being a ninja, agile and adaptable in the face of challenges.

Now to the nitty gritty simplicity of what this author does…

I publish on Amazon, D2D, and Google Play. That’s it. (With one exception – Direct from me, the author)

By uploading to these three platforms, my books are available online worldwide. Readers find my books at Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple, and about 25 others; including libraries.

  • Amazon handles eBooks, Large Print, and Audiobooks. (Except Mama’s Morsels of Home. It’s currently available only on Amazon and only in standard print.)
  • Google Play has only eBooks.
  • But D2D is the treasure chest. D2D distributes eBooks and standard print paperbacks to Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Apple, and more… including libraries.

In conclusion

Publishing wide offers readers and writers a world of opportunities. For writers, opportunities to expand their reach, connect with diverse audiences, and maximize their earning potential.

Cheers to a future filled with creativity, innovation, and wide-reaching impact.

Onward to this post’s featured escape opportunity.

Here is Book 2 of the Joan Freed Life-Changing Mystery and Adventure Series.

Two women lay sprawled in front of my truck.  They are very dead.  Queenie sits still like a statue on the passenger side of my vintage Chevy pick-up. She looks like the circus fat lady, which she thinks she is. But she’s not laughing.  I am on sabbatical in the Kaibab National Forest. I am feeding my own free spirit with life-changing time by myself. This time is much needed and anticipated after my last exhausting coaching case. 

I know none of these women. The two dead ones seem to have known me. They have magically materialized near each of my camps for a couple of seasons now.  I met Queenie last evening. I was simply lending a hand, or in this case, my truck and nutritional expertise, to a woman in temporary need.  Our less than 24-hour kinship was an uncomplicated ‘women helping women’ moment – I thought.

While this could be a wearisome story of murder and mayhem, it isn’t.  It’s the story of how one woman’s life changing personal transformation had a ripple effect in solving a cold case and enriching personal growth.

The Personal Transformation of Queenie is on sale now for 99 cents at your favorite retailer. Or… you can download the eBook direct from the author by clicking the link below.

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Attention Cozy Mystery Lovers! Call to Action…

Attention Cozy Mystery Readers! A call to Action…

Could you use a free cozy mystery break in your busy life? Would you consider a free book in exchange for a quick, easy, and enlightening review a fair exchange?

Why should you take 2 minutes out of your day to leave a review?

Reviews are like breadcrumbs in the forest of literature – they guide lost readers to hidden gems and help authors navigate the maze of publishing. Your opinion matters more than you think.

Authors love reviews like Poirot loves his mustache – they show appreciation and help them understand what readers enjoy. It’s a beautiful cycle of mystery-solving and tea-sipping camaraderie.

And, in case you wondered, your review doesn’t just disappear into the vast abyss of the internet – they can have more impact than a magnifying glass on a suspicious footprint.

How can my feedback help the author and other readers?

Constructive criticism is like serving a detective a clue to crack the case, while destructive comments are more like planting a red herring to throw them off. Be kind, specific, and remember, even Miss Marple could use some pointers now and then.

How do I write my review for social media and other platforms?

So, you’ve just finished a cozy mystery that kept you up past your bedtime, and now you’re ready to spill the tea in a review. Here are a few tips to make your review shine brighter than a detective’s flashlight in a dark alley.

Think of your review as a teeny-tiny mystery novel itself – it needs a solid plot (summary), engaging characters (your insights), and a satisfying conclusion (recommendation). Bonus points for adding a dash of humor.

It’s that simple. Here’s an excerpted example of a 5-star review of ‘The Golden-Brown Robberies’:

Joany the Rebel and Sally the Loner are back in action and on the case again. The desert seems to attract folks with dark drives and motives. As new threats and “protections” enter the neighborhood, things get tricky…  I love their feistiness, and the exceptional critter companions.’

As you can see… it’s a piece of cake… or as easy as pie…

Are you hungry for the book break and to share your thoughts?

Sally the Loner Meets the Sourdough Kid’ is ready and waiting for you to cozy up with and post your review. The link below will give you easy access and prompts to post your review on several platforms at one time. SCORE!

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What could be worse than getting shipped off to an Alzheimer’s Care Center where nobody will listen instead of to the broken hip rehab center?

How about:

  • Becoming marooned in a city park when a monsoon storm struck?
  • Get mugged of your taxi fare when you escape?
  • Be kidnapped by your rescuer?

All while in hip replacement pain and getting around with a walker.

Meet Joan Freed’s 87-year-old spunky Aunt Sally and her sidekick they call the Sourdough Kid.

The mystery is not who dunnit, but how did Sally get into this mire of errors? And how will she slog out of them? Or does she?

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Quick and Easy Home Cooking for a Very Busy Cook

Quick and Easy Home Cooking for a Very Busy Cook

Have you indie published a cookbook yet? How did you get it to upload as precise, not gibberish?

This one is finally done! And it’s ready to claim its cranny on your cooking shelf!

It was a challenge!

I learned things about Word that I never thought existed. Things like what the ‘layout’ section is for. And how to use it. Phew!

And then there’s the upload as an eBook…

The biggest learning curve was getting it to upload as an eBook. We had to ensure it wouldn’t pop-up as gobbledygook on your, the reader’s, end. The problem was keeping the precise formatting through cyberspace that recipes need. But thanks to Amazon, there’s an app for that. It’s called Kindle Create (it’s free). I only had to download; install it and follow the so-called bouncing ball.

When I opened it to get this eBook finally rolling off to you, I had a decision to make. What kind of book am I creating? The correct answer is ‘print replica’. I uploaded my ‘camera ready’ PDF. And, much to my shocked glee, we were off, running, and done in no time… a ready to ship kdp file nestled into my computer.

The app is only for Amazon. Therefor, I could not successfully list Mama’s Morsels of Home on all my usual publishing sites. The great news is that it’s currently available on Amazon Kindle in both eBook and small print.

And in case you’re faced with the same predicament, I’ll share with you how I got it done. In 9 easy steps. Here they are:

  1. Enter the recipes (with 300 dpi images) into a database like Recipe Keeper.
  2. Download the ‘cookbook’ so you can open it in a word processing program like Word.
  3. Open the ‘cookbook’ in your word processing program. Add your front matter, introduction, dedication, and back matter.
  4. Format and edit the entire manuscript to your specs (page size, page breaks, layout, etc). Plan on several edits because things change and move with the formatting. You want the manuscript to be ‘camera ready’. When it’s ‘camera ready’
  5. Quick! Save it as a PDF to freeze everything where you want it!

Hang on! You’re on the home stretch to publish your cookbook successfully!

  • Create a new project in Kindle Create – it’s free on Amazon Kindle Direct Publishing.
  • Upload your ‘camera ready’ PDF into the app.
  • Check it. Save it. Export it to your cookbook file on your computer.
  • Voila! You now have an epub fixed format file to upload as an eBook. You also have a PDF ‘camera ready’ file to upload as a print book.

But in case you missed the caveat… Amazon is the only place that the eBook file will upload to. And Amazon is the only place that offers to print with full color images. So, Amazon it is…

Please email me here if you’ve found a better way. A better way to indie publish a cookbook with color photos to all venues.

So, in the meantime… It’s done! Ready for your perusal, cooking and dining pleasure. Here it is… sporting the cover that readers chose… I like it. I think you will, too.

Heads-up!

If you’re seeking 22 ingredient recipes, you won’t find them here. We also don’t have 22 steps to score perfection. And if you’re looking for man-cave meats, this is NOT the cookbook for you.

This cookbook is for the chief cook and bottle-washer who is short on time, cash, and energy.

It is perfect for those who love easy, tasty meals… and more…

Both ingredients and methods are classified as Super Simple to Simple.

You will find:

  • Easy recipes for everyday meals
  • Hints, tips, and tales to entertain and educate
  • Casseroles and One-Pot-Wonders up the wazoo
  • Yummy Cakes with or without eggs
  • Cookies to grab and go with
  • Bobbies Sourdough Collection
  • Sauces, Beverage, and Baking mix

And a whole bunch of other stuff to put a smile on your face and a song in your tummy.

This is the Sally book of wholesome and amusing comfort foods from many Mama’s kitchens. Click here or on the book cover to get it now as an eBook or standard print.

Cheers

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Last Minute Gifts to Fulfill Your List

Last Minute Gifts for Everyone on Your List

Did it happen again? Here you are… the clock is ticking… you need gifts that will entertain, encourage, and teach… in an hour?  Yikes!

Take a breath. It will be fine. Your people will know that you searched and searched and then nailed it just for them. They’ll never know that you simplified and saved your sanity (shhh — if you don’t tell them).

Sit back. Relax. And let your fingers do the shopping with these fast and easy grabs.

Gander through… Click it… Voila! Phew!

For the little ones 4-6 years old:

scarecrow the series
The Scarecrow Series is available in eBook, Print, and Audible

Got teens? Here you are… Available in eBook, Print, and Audible

Siblings? Check these out:

Joan Freed Life-Changing Mystery and Adventure Series is available in eBook, Print, and Audible

Parents and grands and neighbors and the postman? These will tickle them:

Get it in eBook, Print and in Audible
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In eBook and Print! Large Print!
In eBook and Print… Large Print!

To coin a phrase…

The cost for your sanity? Priceless!

Read to the end for your gift… the freebies…

Have a great one… whatever it is you’re celebrating.

Happy Trails and Tales from Alexie Linn, Aaralyn Rae and friends

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A teenager who enjoys graveyards? What’s up with that?

A quirky teenager’s mysterious adventures.

Alexie Linn is intrigued by Mary Linn’s hobby. What moves a teenager to scout graveyards for other’s lost ancestors? Is she a ghoul? A vampire? A witch in a secret coven? What is she really in search of? Blood? Ghosts? Magic? Or is it her own bloodline? Her father’s secret past that Joan has mentioned? Or is graveyard hunting simply Mary Linn’s way of escaping from the trials and tribulations of being a teenager? So many options…

And check out these FREEBIES!

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Adventures in Retort Canning — 2nd Edition — New and Improved

Need quality ready-to-eat, yummy food at your fingertips? Have you heard of Retort Canning?

What if you could make a family reunion-size pot of stew and eat from it over months without preparing it all over again?

Is there more? Yes, there is!

Master your health goals! Improve your quality of life! Overcome ‘There’s Nothing Good (EASY) to Eat” syndrome – One delectable meal at a time. Read on for more about Retort Canning…

You can. I did. And here’s how I did it.

In E-book and Print

It’s called ‘Retort Canning’.

Armed with this book you can:

  • Make your own Meals-Ready-to-Eat
  • Travel light.
  • Be in control of your diet

And if that’s not enough…

  • Save money
  • Save time
  • Reduce trash in your landfill

Start living your best life possible. Pick up your copy of ‘Adventures in Retort Canning’ by clicking BUY NOW below – before the price goes up.

BUY NOW at Amazon….

And while you’re here…

Free Audiobooks……Free Audiobooks……Free Audiobooks…..

Click here to join our Audible Lovers Cornucopia group. It’s free and where you’ll find links to Free Audibles for your listening and reviewing pleasure.

The easiest way to get updates is to follow this blog and  follow me on Facebook.  New posts should appear on the Alexie Linn page – if I’ve held my mouth right… 😊

BUT! If you only want updates and pre-order deals of new releases of Books, Vellas and Audibles, the easiest way is to follow me on Amazon. When you get an email notice of a new book release, simply ask for it by the title – or for all the Alexie Linn authored titles at your favorite retailer.

Subscribe to my You Tube Channelto not miss a fun and entertaining Book Trailer. They’re short. They’re mesmerizing. And they won’t waste your time.

And just one more thing. Here’s where to find and follow me on Goodreads. Please do to get in on all that Goodreads has to offer. Goodreads is always at the very best price. It’s FREE!