Tag Archives: reviews

Questions and Confidence

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(c) istockphoto.com, pearleye 2010

I question my work sometimes, as I’m sure most writers do. I’m learning and growing with every project, both as a writer and a reader (in terms of what I enjoy reading and what I look for in a love story). This fosters questions as I move ahead in my writing career.

I recently read this article about voice (Voice – answering Jane’s Question), and it resonated with me. I think a part of me was holding back when writing lately. What is my voice? Can I repeat it? Do I want to? Do I want to change some aspect of the way I write? I’d like to grow and evolve as a writer, but in what ways?

As I’ve mentioned before, the good reviews can mess with your head as much as the not-so-good reviews. There have been some stellar reviews for BREATHE. In some respects those have been great for my confidence level, but I’m not sure I always want to–nor should I–attempt to write something as heavy as the theme/topic of BREATHE. Can anything else measure up? For me? For readers? Will something lighter and sexier appeal to readers who enjoyed BREATHE? Can BREATHE appeal to those who loved MORE? Should I be writing in third person or first? Where is my strength as a writer and how do I repeat that in subsequent stories?

Those types of questions weren’t a big distraction because I do believe in writing for myself first or I lose the passion for storytelling. But as I said, I think I was holding back when it came to my voice.

Kate Walker’s article helped me to relax and get back to the core of what I’m writing, why I’m writing it, and how I like to convey a story, the importance I try to place on the deep point of view of each main character. I was able to let my own passion and emotion flow through the words.

So far this week, I’m feeling really good about the revising I’m doing on HOME AGAIN. I’m still working on the first three chapters, but I’m writing with the love of this story and these characters, and that always feels good. I’m finding that place where I can’t wait to share these men and their love story with others.

Now, back to the manuscript…

Happy reading, everyone!
Sloan

Celebrating & Giving Away Free eBooks (Contest Closed)

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BREATHE recently received three wonderful reviews. I try not to get too focused on reviews for fear both the good and bad will mess with my head, but I have to say, I was thrilled to see such lovely comments. (oh, and don’t get me wrong. I love to SEE reviews for my work. Just not sure authors like me should read his/her own if they are going to interrupt the writing. Reviews are for the readers.)

A Best Book by Tuberose at Whipped Cream Reviews
“This is one of the best books I’ve read since I started reading m/m books. Sloan Parker does it again with her sophomore release. Her characters, Lincoln and Jay, are so well written that you fall in love with them and are cheering them on towards their happily ever after despite the odds against them.”

A Recommended Read from Doug at Dark Divas Reviews
“…to place two characters who have such a major event tying them together and holding them apart at the same time…it was captivating. And without giving anything away, I’ll simply state that this talented author has delivered. She has managed to create both as sympathetic, sexual, and lovable. Their relationship becomes something you not only want but need to see succeed.”

A Top Pick from DH Starr at The Romance Reviews
“The characters, their issues, and the action was organic, flowing beautifully from one scene to the next. The fact Ms. Parker has managed this with a large cast of characters and fast-paced movement is nothing short of masterful writing.”

The Sloan-is-celebrating GIVEAWAY

In celebration of this good news, I’d like to give a little something back to the universe…so I’m giving away free ebooks today. Here’s how it works…

  • Comment on my blog post to enter the giveaway stating which of my ebooks (MORE or BREATHE) you’d like to win.
  • FIVE of the commenters will be randomly selected to win their choice.
  • The ebooks are available in winner’s choice of these formats: PDF, EPUB, PRC, LIT, or HTML.
  • Giveaway ends at 11:59 PM EST on Saturday, January 22, 2011.
  • Please don’t put any links in your comment. Sometimes those get caught in the spam filter.
  • Do include your email address in the Email form field.

I’ll contact (via email) the winning five on Sunday.

Good luck!
Sloan

Update – To all who’ve entered the giveaway:

First off, thank you to those of you who already purchased one or both of my ebooks. As I have more releases, I hope you have a chance to win a future contest.

Looks like there are 18 entries in the giveaway. Since this was a quick weekend contest and you were all good enough to stop by and share which book you are interested in (and since I’m still in such a great mood), I’m going to say “forget the five” and am sending everyone who entered one free book. Look for an email from me verifying which book you want and asking you for a preferred format. Congratulations to all. If you don’t get an email from me by Monday morning, feel free to contact me in case I missed you or the email got lost.

I hope you enjoy the story!
Sloan

More wins Best Gay Romance Rainbow Award

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Posting late again this week but wanted to share some exciting news about an award, an upcoming contest for readers, and a few reviews.

MORE wins a Rainbow Award
I am thrilled to announce that MORE won first place in the Best Gay Contemporary Romance category of the Rainbow Awards. I would’ve been excited to see my debut novel in the top 10, but to see it win was both shocking and fantastic. Thanks to Elisa for hosting the awards and the judges for volunteering their time. Congratulations to all the winners, including the other top winners in my category, Marie Sexton and Eden Winters! You can view the full list of categories and winners here.

Happy Holidays Reader Contest
Next week I’ll be starting my first Happy Holidays blog contest. I’m giving away gift cards and free ebooks. Be sure to check back on Monday to find out how to enter.

Reviews for BREATHE
Thought I’d share the links to some reviews and mini-reviews for BREATHE. Thanks to Chocolate Minx (at Literary Nymphs), Chris (at Stumbling Over Chaos), and Wave (at Reviews by Jessewave) for taking the time to read my second release. Reviewers are like gold to newer authors like me (every mention of our work helps us get noticed in the sea of new book releases).

And lastly this week, I just want to say thanks to everyone who has picked up a copy of BREATHE. I hope you’ve enjoyed Jay and Lincoln’s story.

Have a fab weekend everyone!
Sloan

Thanks to Reviews by Jessewave

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Today I’d like to thank Wave at Reviews by Jessewave for including me in her list of “New M/M Authors Who Rock.” Thanks, Wave! And congrats to all the new authors selected in this three part series. I’m honored to be included in the list.

If you haven’t seen Wave’s site, it’s a wonderful resource for readers and authors of m/m romance. It features reviews, articles, free book contests, polls, interviews with authors, and a new series offering tips to authors of m/m romance from some of the best in the genre. Check it out at: www.reviewsbyjessewave.com.

All the best,
Sloan