By jodi@oonian.com , 5 October, 2016
screenshot-from-2016-10-05-194137 So you've typed "The End" after months of working on your novel. You sit back, smile, and sigh, thinking you are just a few clicks away from publication. Just another time through ought to do it, right? WRONG!! Slow down, and let's do this thing right, lest your first review calls you out for repetitive phrases, misspelled words, grammar errors and other typos.

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By jodi@oonian.com , 30 March, 2016
blog hop banner

 Thank you Debdatta for hosting the Spread Some Indie Love Blog Hop! www.b00kr3vi3ws.in My new release, JOLT, is a clean romance set in 1892 Manitou Springs--the little town at the base of Pikes Peak near Colorado Springs. I had so much fun researching and writing this book!

By jodi@oonian.com , 22 January, 2016
Screenshot from 2016-01-22 17:01:27

 Pulled off balance she stumbled sideways, watching Tate and Nellie heading out without her. She looked to the one who waylaid her, already suspecting whose hand was still wrapped around her arm. Seth Dickson grinned down at her, his blue eyes shining. “I say, Miss Torres, you're looking prettier than a picture this morning.” Lalita swallowed. “Mr.

By jodi@oonian.com , 18 January, 2016
Manitou clock

 “Excuse me, did you say the 'time' you come from?” 

She nodded. 

“The time. Not the place.” 

“Well, the place is different, too, since I'm not from around here.” 

“Where are you from?” 

“Missouri. Close to Kansas City.” He leaned in again. 

When are you from?” She spread her hands dramatically. “The early 21st century.” 

By jodi@oonian.com , 4 January, 2016
Right now my house is a complete disaster. A painting project plus a cover photo shoot plus Christmas decorations take-down plus a headcold= one great big mess. But usually it's not. Usually, you could drop in on me almost any time and I wouldn't be embarrassed by the state of my home. And I don't spend every waking minute cleaning either. In fact, I write two 100,000 word novels a year and record, edit, and master two other books every year. Recently, I've seen a chore plan floating around facebook, and even for a clean freak like me, it seemed completely overwhelming.
By jodi@oonian.com , 25 December, 2015

I read just shy of thirty books this year, although I laid down and didn't finish at least that many again. Since I set a goal in January to read fewer badly written books, I'm very proud of myself for laying these down and moving on. And still I only found ten books out of the list that I gave 5 stars to. Am I picky? Yep. I consider characters, dialogue, plot, over-all writing quality, and un-put-downability with every review I write.

By jodi@oonian.com , 25 March, 2015
Screenshot from 2015-03-25 22:05:02

There is a skill to reviewing a book. The point is not merely to like or dislike.  It is not to compare the writer's perceived morals to your own. It's a place for critical analysis. Since most reviews give you a chance to rate them with 1-5 stars, may I suggest 5 points to consider when rating.