Today our focus is on… Books! So, grab your favorite beverage, curl up in your coziest corner, and let the mysteries unfold—because in the world of cozy mysteries, the only thing that’s truly dangerous is the risk of falling head over heels in love with the characters!
You might like…
Attention Cozy Audiobook Lovers
There’s a new audio version of Book 3 of the Sally the Loner Series available now. AND… the new version is available in more places than Amazon, aka Audible!
It’s titled ‘The Price of Luck’. I’ll give you the nitty gritty in just a bit. But first, I’ll share with you a major change at alexielinnauthor.com.
The Really Big News
Audiobooks are now going wide… really wide… to the tune of 50 or more outlets. Every day a new retail source adds Alexie Linn Audiobooks to their catalog… you can even request and listen through your public library! How cool and exciting is that?
The key? Request, request, request the book by title.
Because of Amazon’s (ACX) rules, I can’t offer all of my previous audiobooks widely for several more years… but beginning with ‘The Price of Luck’ and going forward (next up is ‘Too Many Burros and a Body’), you’ll be able to find Alexie Linn’s audiobooks at your favorite retailer – including Amazon; not instead of. You can even listen and laugh through Spotify!
It’s as simple as requesting the book by title through your reading or listening app. And Voila!
Two more activities I’ve been delving into the learning curves on are Bookbub specials and Instagram posts. You can find and follow Alexie Linn on Bookbub; but I’m at Aaralyn Rae on Instagram. Both links are included below to zip over there and click on the ‘follow’ button.
And now… on with today’s featured book audiobook…
First published as ‘Sally Wins the Lottery; But She Didn’t Buy a Ticket’ the title, cover and narrator are all new and improved in this version. It’s now called, ‘The Price of Luck; a Pawsome Conundrum’ and is narrated by that queen of voices, Schann Stewart.
I have free reviewer’s copy codes for audiobooks.com or spotify. Please specify which site you prefer.
A golden retriever pup; a winning lottery ticket; and a gutsy old woman. What could possibly go wrong?
When Charlemagne (the pup) vanishes to uncover a lottery ticket alongside the road, Sally embarks on a tangled quest to reunite the ticket with its rightful owner. But time is ticking, and a mysterious, determined thief is hot on her trail.
Will Sally and Joan crack the case before the ticket – or she — expires? Should she just cash it in and keep it for herself? What’s an 87-year-old spunky woman to do?
What would you do?
Here’s how to get ‘The Price of Luck; A Pawsome Conundrum‘ audiobook:
Ask for it by name, ‘The Price of Luck’ audiobook or click here to grab a free reviewer’s copy code through Spotify. Or… click here to get your free reviewer copy code through Audiobooks.com
On that note,
You might also like…
Attention Cozy Mystery Readers! Are you ready for a new kid on the block?
Okay, she’s not a kid… She’s a 57-year-old mother of 15 children. Her name is Cozy Mae Thorne. And 15 children aren’t the half of it. She’s also the matriarch of an original 53,000-acre Texas land grant acquired by her great-great-great grandfather, Isaac Glass. Besides children, they grow peanuts, Alpacas, and power on the farm . But that’s not all…
With a wild, crazy, and quirky history like this, how can she be anything less than a gritty, clever and delightful character?
The jury is still out on whether she’s going to author her own books from her mountain of journals or collaborate with Alexie Linn for her own series. But she’s making her debut in Book 16 of the Sally the Loner series.
Next up; Cozy Mae and Alexie are putting the prequel to the series together. By the next newsletter, the decision of fly alone or join Alexie could be made. And, if they hold their respective mouths right… the prequel will be available for you to download, too. Did I mention it will be a free eBook download for newsletter subscribers?
In the meantime, get acquainted with Cozy Mae Thorne by grabbing the Book 16 eBook, Too Many Bodies and a Burro, for just 99 cents through the link below.
But first, I bet you’d like to know more about Too Many Bodies and a Burro. Here then, is Book 16 of the Sally the Loner Series for your collection.
An unforgettable adventure as Sally and Rodney hit the open road for the first time since the infamous ransacking. turning a seemingly ordinary vacation into a thrilling quest for answers.
From escaping a past trauma to uncovering hidden family secrets, this road trip is filled with suspense and intrigue. Hop in the van with them as they navigate through twists and turns, uncover the truth about their lineage and the mysteries that have long been shrouded in secrecy.
Join Sally and Rodney on a journey that will challenge their perceptions, unveil long-buried truths, and ultimately lead them to discover untold stories that bind their family together.
You might also like…
How to Make Your Mark and Get a Dollar Deal
Do your book sales shout that you’re invisible? Even after you spent all that money advertising, setting up at book fairs, and slipping your books into the Little Free Book kiosks?
If you’ve proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that you’re not a celebrity and need to make your handle memorable, try this:
I, being of non-celebrity status, have been making my mark by gifting snack bags to the unsung heroes I meet daily… and… it’s working. To stand out from the crowd, you have to be doing something different. I am becoming memorable with snack bags.
Who’d a thunk? Snack bags. Why snack bags, you ask?
Here’s what an Alexie Linn snack bag looks like today:
I hand a snack bag to each delivery person that brings me something – like, but not limited to, Amazon, FedEx, and UPS delivery drivers. I tell each one that the snack bag is to show my appreciation for them. Which it is.
But what if they are getting more than one bag? They can leave extras in the break room or pass it on to anyone else.
Am I making my mark? My sales say ‘Yes!’ These are advertising dollars well spent. I let the snacks do the talking.
What else does the talking? A great deal! One you can only grab here and now. And here’s one just for you as a reader of this email.
Click the link below to snag The Personal Transformation of Queenie: A Joan Freed Life-Changing Mystery and Adventure eBook for just 99 cents with the code. It’s all about the code.
Two women lay sprawled in front of my truck. They are very dead. Queenie sits like a statue on the passenger side of my vintage Chevy pick-up looking like the circus fat lady that she thinks she is – but she’s not laughing. I am on sabbatical in the Kaibab National Forest, feeding my own free spirit with life changing time by myself, much needed and anticipated after my last exhausting coaching case.
I know none of these women, but the two dead ones seem to have known me because they have magically materialized near each of my camps for a couple of seasons now. I met Queenie last evening and 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.
You might also like…
What’s in the Bin?
Do you like to be introduced to a book series before you dive in?
Here’s your chance to meet Joan Freed, the rebel life coach, and learn how she and Alexie Linn became a team. The 100% off price of $2.99 is my way of saying thank you for participating in the game of life with me.
It’s a short, fast read… a novelette – as opposed to the usual novella. And you can grab it here today for nothing; nada; zilch; no cost.
Here’s the details and the link to buy it now:
“Meet Joan Freed, a charismatic 60-something rebel life coach with a treasure trove of secrets, mysteries, and adventure tales. Join Alexie Linn on a captivating journey as she uncovers the essence of Joan’s irresistible allure, folksy wisdom, and remarkable charm. Get ready to be enchanted by the origins and ongoing adventures of the Joan Freed Rebel Life Coach Series, where connection and adoration await.”
But wait! You might also like…
It’s the Idea Party – Come One, Come All
“How do you know what to write about?” Is the prevailing question.
And the prevailing answer to that question is, “I don’t.”
I don’t know what will pique the curiosity of the multitudes. Myself is the only person I know that well. Therefore, I write about what rouses my own desire to snoop or participate.
Here’s how it goes… generally:
When I’m nearing the end of a story – say 2/3 or ¾ of the way through – the little voice in my head starts to niggle with this question. “What’s the next book about?”
As I get closer to the wrap-up, the niggle becomes a nag and then a panic if the seed of an idea hasn’t sprouted before I’m into the current work-in-progress epilogue.
I can’t speak for other authors. I can only share with you how the next book becomes a reality for me.
I start with a question. A ‘What if’ question. In the case of ‘The Tangled Tails of Spaghettio’, the ‘What if’ question was, “What if Sally gets attacked by something every time she steps away from the house?”
Where does the ‘What if’ question come from?” I never know. It’s literally a surprise when I hear or read something and the lightbulb explodes.
Again, using ‘The Tangled Tails of Spaghettio’, it was a statement from my frustrated friend. She simply said to me, ‘I get pelted with ice crystals every time I step away from the house!’
The antagonistic ice turned into a crazy cat because the multitudes like to read about cats. And how does a cat get crazy except by catching a smidge of a spell cast by a 194-year-old practicing witch?
Are you catching my drift?
Is your curiosity piqued about ‘The Tangled Tails of Spaghettio’?
Here it is – along with a link and a code to buy the eBook now for 99 cents.
Prepare for a thrilling ride as Sally finds herself in a tangled web of feline intrigue!
Outside the door of her quaint little igloo in the desert, she encounters the most unexpected visitor – an orange tabby cat like no other.
Meet Spaghettio, the mischievous cat with an agenda that keeps Sally on her toes. As the cat’s relentless pursuit chases her back into the safety of her home, Sally’s world transforms into a captivating mystery.
With a name as delightful as his appearance, Spaghettio becomes Sally’s reluctant captor, asserting dominance over her every move. But why? Where did this enigmatic feline come from, and why is it determined to keep Sally confined?
Amidst the chaos of Rodney’s hilarious mishaps with his bionic arm and wheelchair, Sally finds herself entangled in a web of bizarre circumstances. With both mankin and cat unleashing havoc, our courageous 87-year-old protagonist must rise to the challenge.
Can she uncover the truth behind this demented cat and unravel the insanity gripping her world? Will she be able to save Rodney from the clutches of his malfunctioning arm?
Hold on tight as you dive into this uproarious adventure filled with unexpected twists and turns. Join Sally as she untangles the mysterious cat’s origins and confronts the mysteries that lurk beyond her very own doorstep.
Prepare yourself for a rollercoaster of laughter, mystery, and heartwarming moments in this charming tale that will keep you eagerly turning the pages.
‘What a funny story! I never knew what to expect next. I couldn’t put t down until I finished it!… J. Durbin’
‘A hilarious romp of an adventure!’
You might also like…
Attention Readers! Try Reviewing and Get Complimentary Books from Authors!
What if the author of the book you just read and yourself met at a crossroads. You have 1-minute to say what you think of the story you just read.
What would you say to the author about the story?
Would you say:
Or (heaven forbid) would you say:
So, what reader doesn’t have an important opinion of the story they just read? And isn’t the review the crossroads where the reader and the writer come together?
This post is two-fold. Two-fold because what author isn’t also a reader?
But for clarification, I’ll separate the reader and writer specific sections.
As a reader you will learn:
As an author you will learn:
Let’s get started.
Your opinion of a book is a powerful tool for both readers and authors. Prospective readers want to know your thoughts before they buy it for themselves or as a gift for another.
They want to know if the characters are lively and memorable; if the story flows; and if you enjoyed the journey.
How many stars do you give it? Would you recommend the book?
Future readers and the writers both learn from your evaluation.
And here’s the great news! Your evaluation does not have to be as monstrous as a book manuscript. Simply say with a few well-chosen words what you liked (or didn’t like) about the book.
Think succinct empathy.
According to Bing, a book review is a critical evaluation of a literary work that provides a reader’s perspective on its strengths and weaknesses. It goes beyond summarizing the plot, diving into aspects like character development, writing style, and thematic elements 1
In my opinion… the above definition means:
If the characters are lively and memorable; if the story flows; and if you enjoyed the journey.
How many stars do you give it? Would you recommend the book?
You could add if you recommend it to a specific group of readers.
Search engines scrape up about 168 million ways to write a book review. All the same, but completely different. It’s all relative.
I, as a prospective reader and an author, want to know if the characters are lively and memorable; if the story flows; and if you enjoyed the journey.
And even more important, how many stars do you give it? Would you recommend the book?
If you approach writing a review by simply addressing the above concerns, I believe you’ve earned the giveaway aspect of the agreement. At least for me and my offerings. And I thank you for your input.
Of the 21 million listings on Bing, I chose one to get you started. It’s the one I use for my own works after sifting through about 20 million of the listings.
My goto affiliate is Story Origin. The platform is easy to navigate. You can choose categories and tags to narrow down, peruse and select from. The instant download to your e-reader device is fast and easy. I like it.
As a matter of fact, I recently uploaded a free novelette that is a prequel to the Sally the Loner Series. Here’s where you can instantly download ‘Come for Coffee with Sally’ and get the skinny on how the series came to be.
If you like old people who speak their mind and cozy mysterious misadventures, you’ll get a kick out of Sally’s (87-years-old) antics.
Or, if you prefer a different genre, Check out Story Origin here.
Reviews make all the difference in a book’s success. No reviews screams failure to get noticed. Talk about feeling invisible…
But how to make it quick and easy to, at least, get stars clicked is an overwhelming ongoing challenge.
This writer gets lots of 5-star feedback. People relate to and enjoy my writings. Especially the characters that insist on writing the stories without me to referee. But the reviews are verbal or by email. Verbal reviews provide the oomph to keep me turning out fun, interesting, and provocative reading materials. Thank you. Thank you. Read these reviews on my alexielinnauthor.com website.
But verbal reviews do not guide worldwide prospective readers at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Bookbub, Goodreads, etc.
It’s the reviews that direct this writer to keep going or to sharpen weak prose and characters… to make the read more fun, flowing and attention grabbing. And I’m willing to give away my book to get a reviewer’s honest, well addressed opinion. And to have it posted where interested readers can see it. It’s that simple.
As a reader, I’m as bad at going back to the distributor to leave a review as the next guy. After I’ve paid for a book, I read it, form my opinion, and move on. I don’t ignore the request for a review… I just don’t seem to get it done. How to get over this hump of procrastination?
Go to where the people who review books in exchange for a gratis copy are. That’s what they’ve signed up for. Downloading an eBook, reading it, and posting a review to specific sites.
One place to post your books for reviewers to find and review is Story Origin. It works. Not always overnight, but it works. You’ll see action on your book faster than molasses running uphill in January and you’ll get reviews. Here’s the guide to how it works.
The site is easy to navigate and relatively easy to follow-thru with posting and getting your works out into the world. Evan, the site operator, has both written and videoed tutorials to help you get the job done. And he responds fast to help emails. Thank you, Evan. Click here for a no-nonsense guide to email marketing.
Crowd promotion is what I see, affiliate with, and now participate in. I’m forced out of my recluse writing frame of mind to spend time and energy spreading the word on my own works as well as other’s.
Go here. Sign-up to open the flood gates. And start seeing activity on your books. It’s time and money well spent.
In summary, reviewing books is an honorable side hustle that benefits both readers and authors. Be entertained while you crack your whip with love and empathy.
Happy Trails and Tales
You might also like…
I have Writer’s Block as I write this. There are several causes of Writer’s Block. Here are four of them:
Hurry-Up-and-Wait Syndrome
It happens when I’m waiting to run the final edit on the latest book. I’m afraid to start the next book because I’ll have to stop to run the final edit or listen to the audiobooks that are in process.
I know I should be using this time to blog about the writing process… but I don’t know what to blog about. I have writer’s block.
Being Overwhelmed
When I know I have only 45 minutes before the chaos begins around me. And my ‘do-today’ list has at least five critical items on it.
Interruptions
When one of my characters has their finger in the dyke, but the phone squawks. There stands my character. Waiting for me to write down what they’re saying besides ‘Help!’. By the time I get back to them, they forgot what they were going to do to save themselves – and the town below.
Boredom
When it seems like my characters are spending too much time sitting down, standing up, or pouring their 25th mug of coffee since climbing out of bed. Why are they there? Why isn’t something happening to struggle their way out of?
Only you and your proteges can decide what’s next. And all it takes is a look, a word, or a knock on the door.
And have fun! No matter what!
Just one more thing.
Email me here at alexielinn@gmail.com.
Oh my! Look at the time! Chaos will begin in 5,4,3,2,1….
The End Stuff
P.S. 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!
Sales and Promotion – Amazon KDP
What’s KDP? KDP is an acronym for Kindle Direct Publishing, Amazon’s indie publishing platform. It’s easy to sign up and upload your indie books to KDP.
Amazon’s KDP is a huge market with a gargantuan membership to get your book(s) in front of!
Competition to get your book found is astronomical. But there are a couple of options to help close the gap and get your works discovered by interested readers.
It’s called promote and advertise. And it’s title specific.
Access the promote and advertise link through each of your published books that you want to promote in your KDP bookshelf.
When you click the promote and advertise link inside the promote and advertise section, it takes you to a page where you can choose to run a price promotion or an ad campaign.
While I do give away books to avid readers and reviewers, Amazon is not my chosen medium for giveaways. Amazon is the place I want to have them flash before reader’s eyes time after time after time. I skip the price promotion and choose the ‘ad campaign’. This is the method that puts your book in the ‘You might also like’ ribbon sections of a product the customer is perusing.
Where your book shows up in the ribbon is based on your bid for clicks. High bids per click come first. Lowest bids per click come in at the end. You pay by the click, not by the impression (aka flash). Get the picture?
What products your covers show up in the ribbon for is determined by keywords and/or other book ASIN’s that you can choose.
How do I choose which keywords or products?
I found a great little program that saves me hours and days of making lists from online research. Dave, the KDP Guru that I’m so glad I found, also offers several lessons – both free and paid – to show you how to be proficient at running an effective KDP ad campaign.
I love the program so much that I affiliated with Dave, the KDP Guru, to offer it to you right here in this post.
The program is called ‘Publisher Rocket’.
It’s easy to use… type a word; click, sort and download. Voila! A viable list of keywords and applicable book ASINs appear. You simply copy and paste to your KDP campaign. Pffft… it’s so easy-peasy. And you can Get Publisher Rocket here.
Incidentally, I don’t run ad campaigns for all of my books. I run campaigns for one book from each series and trade them out for different covers after a time. This gives me a better handle on what gets buyers attention and saves me oodles of time and money.
When I started promoting with ad campaigns, my books got found and bought on Amazon.
I’m still not a millionaire, but I’m closer to becoming one.
On that note…
Happy Trails and Tales,
Alexie Linn
P.S. Since this new, finely focused blog is just getting started, 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… 😊
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.
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!
Oops! Another ‘One More Thing’… 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.
