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Patricia Sands

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The Bridge Club

The Book Nook in Second Life

September 1, 2014 by Patricia Sands 11 Comments

One of the exciting aspects of the publishing world these days is the continuous opportunity to learn about something new. Today, author Sharon Clare AIbEiAIAAABDCIq9ierswNqzNyILdmNhcmRfcGhvdG8qKDJjMzg0ODE5NmE0NjJkNTFmODYxNGRkZTE3NzhhNzE0MWViNmQ3YTgwAX26kvaFoD5zZJbYlK2Cebd2wiLS is visiting to explain about a very virtual experience for readers and writers.

Read on, please, and I think you will be as surprised and interested as I am!

Take it away, Sharon … 

HIT AN UNTAPPED READERSHIP – PROMOTE YOUR BOOKS

WITH THE BOOK NOOK IN THE VIRTUAL WORLD!

The Book Nook Store Sign 512 x 512

Five years ago, I was intrigued by a documentary about an online virtual world called Second Life. SL is a virtual world where people meet as avatars from all over the globe to engage in socialization, education, business, music, hobbies, role-play, leisure and all sorts of stuff.

After downloading the viewer, I spent a hilarious day trying to navigate my avatar in this world. I quickly saw why people get addicted to these things—it’s not only fun, but I also learned that chatting to my new Malaysian friend while listening to virtual waves roll against the shore was as relaxing as if I’d spent the day on the beach. No wonder Second Life has millions of residents.

I now belong to many writing groups, have met SL friends in real life and have learned to build, teach and run a business. Two years ago, I started a virtual book store where authors can promote and sell their books in world.

According to a state of the industry report by Spil Games, more than 1.2 billion people of all ages and genders play online games worldwide.

If you have a book to sell, why not tap into this market and advertise your books in The Book Nook stores.

Why use The Book Nook in Second Life?

Visibility—Unlike a magazine ad, your book cover is always on display, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in a high traffic area. Unlike a real world book store, books are never shelved side-by-side, book covers always face out. Stuart Applebaum, head of Corporate Communications at Penguin Random House said: ‘We don’t know if getting the word out about the book will sell it, but we know they won’t buy it if they’ve never heard of it.’

Reach—Second Life has on average 60,000 people online at all times. These people log in from all over the world. This is a global audience, and in this age of electronic books, sales are viable and easy. Second Life has been around since 2003, long enough to catch Jeopardy’s notice. It was the answer to a question on the game show recently.

In World Promotion—The London City sim where one branch of The Book Nook is located runs a circulating promotional ad for The Book Nook on their group chat. There are 46,102 members in this group. The London City sim has daily traffic on average of 2,470.The stores participate in grid-wide scavenger hunts. Every ‘hunter’ searches the store for a gift. The gifts are reading related and include a romance sampler (the first 2 chapters) from one of our authors. This looks like a real book with pages that turn and can be read in Second Life. To read more of the story, buy links are a click away. This is a great way to get your book in the hands of readers.

Low Competition—There are very few book stores in Second Life. I’ve not seen anything like The Book Nook.

Play Time—Creative people use Second Life. Most are in world for leisure, so book reading is in keeping with the overall nature of this world.

Affordability—Just $10 for 6 months or $20 for 1 year puts your book in Book Nook stores.

What’s Included?

1. The Book Nook has two stores on different sims, London City Victoria and Art Gallery Route 7. Your book will be displayed in both locations.

Art Gallery Route 7_007

 

2. Every new book gets at least 2 weeks featured as new to the store.

New This Week

3. Each book is linked to your buy link so readers are immediately connected to your chosen web page when they touch your book.

Web Page Link

4. An excerpt or blurb from your book will be displayed on a cycling slideshow that plays in the London store.

Excerpt

5. Your book video added to the Youtube TV that plays in the art gallery store.

Book Trailer_009

6. Your excerpt or blurb posted on the Book Nook Facebook page here and Google Plus page here.

7. Tweets will be posted with your buy link to announce and then promote your book.

8. The option to have the first 2 chapters (around a dozen pages) made into a virtual book sampler that will be given away with your buy links to store visitors. (This is similar to what Amazon offers, but it’s more fun to read in SL.)

The Bridge Club and The Promise of Provence are both sitting on their own virtual bookshelf  in The Book Nook and I’ll be sending Promises To Keep very shortly. Try it! To have your book included in The Book Nook stores, just send an email to sclare@sharonclare.com.

Thanks for visiting today, Sharon. This is an intriguing concept!

If you’d like to visit Second Life, you can find more about it here. Either download their viewer or use the one Sharon uses, Firestorm viewer. The downloads are here: http://www.firestormviewer.org/downloads/

Find The Book Nook stores here:
Art Gallery: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Phasic%20Foo/188/31/25

London City Victoria: http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/London%20City3/213/147/24

 

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Filed Under: Blog, Uncategorized, Writing Tagged With: Patricia Sands, Second Life, Sharon Clare, The Book Nook, The Bridge Club, The Promise of Provence, virtual bookstore

Take off, eh?

May 15, 2014 by Patricia Sands 36 Comments

canstockphoto16657101Ahhhhhh … I can feel it now … there’s something about the takeoff of a plane that is both exhilarating and calming for me. I LOVE IT!

The whirlwind of the past month will slowly dissipate at I settle into my seat on our flight to Zurich, Switzerland, later this afternoon. I’ve felt a touch of guilt (it’s part of a writer’s lot in life, I have come to learn … ) for not posting for almost two weeks here but life has been crazy. The best remedy for me? TRAVEL! And here we go!

First a quick recap:

I’m still processing all the helpful and exciting information picked up at the PubSmart conference in Charleston, SC, last month and blogger extraordinaire, Molly Greene, is PubSmart_logo_290publishing a post I sent her about it. I’ll share that with you here as soon as I get the link later today, so pop back if you are interested. There’s a photo of me with the talented and handsome young Hugh Howey … I was feeling my age when I realized I felt like a proud mother listening to him speak. He truly is a great voice for indie authors!

In the few weeks we were home in Toronto, we had five family birthdays to celebrate plus Mother’s Day. Just catching up with our wonderful, large family, and shmoozing with friends before we leave again, was a challenge! But we did it!

Not realizing what I was getting into, I spent three days at MetalWorks Recording Studios IMG_2013 (… talk about feeling like a rock star when you walk into their studios … that will be another post …what an experience!) creating an audiobook of The Bridge Club. I’ll have to go back and finish in August but I can’t say enough for the very patient sound engineer who has been guiding me along. I now have tremendous respect for the artists who do these recordings as their craft! I ended up sitting on my hands for hours so I wouldn’t wildly gesticulate, as I apparently do!

My new manuscript is with my editor and I am eagerly awaiting her comments. I love this part of the process!  The same accomplished artist who created the cover for The Promise of Provence is at work on the cover for this new novel and he showed me the almost completed work this week. I’m thrilled! At the moment, I feel we are on track for a July release of the ebook and the print will follow.

The subscribers to my newsletter are helping me decide on the title and I love having the involvement of these enthusiastic and supportive readers. There’s a link on the right side of this page or click right here if you would like to join us!

IMG_2042And then there was a terrific all-day writers’ workshop with novelist/blogger Chuck Wendig of the edgy Terrible Minds website. I thought it would be fun for us to say “Hi” to my friend, Colorado writer Susie Lindau, who I knew had met Chuck at the Pikes Peak Writers Conference just a few weeks ago. Chuck does get around!

It was great to reconnect with a lot of local writing friends and, in particular to congratulate Sherry Isaac who, the previous week in Chicago, won the prestigious Fire and Ice award for Women’s Fiction with Romantic Elements. In 2009, Sherry also won the Alice Munro Short Story Award. If you haven’t read any of her work, you should. You’ll find links to all of her exceptional writing on her website.

Okay … so back to travel … which I told you a bit about in my last post. My camera is ready to go to work (I can feel it pulsating … seriously … it’s been almost seven months …) and I have a new iPad Air, so I can try out some video blogs!  I’ll check in with you from Switzerland, France and Vienna and knowing you are keeping me company makes the travel even more pleasure-filled!

While we are on the topic of globe-trotting, here’s a bit about Spain. When I read Marianne’s post this morning, I knew I had to share it!

Here’s the preamble.

My wonderful, adventuresome sister lives in a small village south of Granada (now THERE’S a story … some day …) and I love to spend time with here there. It’s been a few years now but next year it is on the books for certain! I’m not sure why I just told you this … I guess because I have Spain on my mind at the moment and here’s why.

I want to share this link from Marianne’s blog, East of Malaga … a favourite of cartel2014_enmine. A gifted blogger and photographer, she shares her part of the world with us every week and now you can be as overwhelmed as I was with the floral opulence and glory of her visit to Cordoba’s recent Patio Festival.

Cordoba is a “must-see” destination at any time, in particular to revel in the spiritual and architectural splendour that is the Mezquite. Now you can consider planning a visit to coincide with La Fiesta de Los Patios de Cordoba.

Can you imagine watering all those pots?

If you haven’t visited Spain yet, be sure to add it to your wish list. Like every other European country, the history, beauty, food and culture leave you with unique and lasting experiences.

In two weeks, my Friday France posts will be back … on location … OOH LA LA  … be still my heart … from Nice! In the meantime I hope you enjoying hanging out with me wherever I happen to be. I can hear those Swiss cowbells clanking softly now …

Hmmm – it has been a busy time! Do you have any travel planned this year and how do you feel about flying? Even if you are staying home (and sometimes that’s the best place to be!), any time you want to take a trip you can do so from your armchair these days with a good book or a video. Rick Steves’ travel videos are among my favourite ~ just click that link, choose your destination of choice and away you go! Bon voyage!

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Filed Under: Blog, News Tagged With: Chuck Wendig, East of Malaga, France, Hugh Howey, Metalworks Recording Studios, PubSmartCon, Sherry Isaac, Spain, Susie LIndau, The Bridge Club, The Promise of Provence, Toronto

International Women’s Day 2014

March 8, 2014 by Patricia Sands Leave a Comment

iwd_long

Every year a powerful theme drives the goals for the year of the International Women’s Day.

2014 Theme: INSPIRING CHANGE

From the IWD Home Page ~”Women’s equality has made positive gains but the world is still unequal. International Women’s Day celebrates the social, political and economic achievements of women while focusing world attention on areas requiring further action.

Inspiring Change is the 2014 theme for our internationalwomensday.com global hub and encourages advocacy for women’s advancement everywhere in every way. It calls for challenging the status quo for women’s equality and vigilance inspiring positive change.”

canstockphoto14491720-2

The 3 C’s of life : We have to choose to take a chance before change will happen.

Special days are held to draw particular attention to a cause. Whether the cause is gender based or against bullying and war or for peace or love, to name just a few, caring about these issues should be a part of our daily life.  Change is also a part of our daily life, often unexpected. The more we have the courage to make choices and embrace change, the more we will inspire others to do the same.

Some of the women I want to celebrate today are fine examples of ones who have inspired change in each other through five decades. They represent honest, non-judgemental friendship that is always there to listen, to guide, to question, and to pick you up when you stumble so you can stand tall and try again. Celebrate those women in your life ~ give them a call and tell them how you feel.

My real-life Bridge Club-PSandsPhotos
My real-life Bridge Club-PSandsPhotos

And now, a shout-out to all those who raise their voices against violence and work to inspire change for women and girls all over the world. If you don’t know about the global catalyst V-day, you should. Get involved! Share the message and inspire others to do the same.

Click this link to watch a short video that explains the importance of V-Day. It is definitely worth your time! Then inspire others by passing it along.

Within the writing community recently, women (and some men) participated in the Beauty of A Woman Blogfest, now an annual event hosted by the effervescent August McLaughlin. Click on the link to read the inspirational quotes she thoughtfully took the time to compile!

In my post for the BOAW Blogfest this year, there’s a video about the ERA and the fact it still has not been ratified in the United States! Whaaaa? I know! That’s what I said too. Now there’s a change that is long overdue. Raise your voices and make it happen! Click here to see the video. It’s inspiring!

I will end this post as I did last year with a link to Evelyn Hannon’s wonderful Journeywoman.com website where she is once again hosting a photo exhibit of women around the world. The photography has been sent in by bloggers and travellers and it is simply  … yes …  inspiring!

Go forth and inspire change in large ways and small. We can do it! Examine the possibilities in life that exist for each and every one of us.

You know what I like to say, every opportunity I get:225391156320705857_f4fpjwu6_c

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Filed Under: Blog, Social issues Tagged With: Beauty of a Woman Blogfest, change, inspire, international women's day 2014, possibilitarian, The Bridge Club, Women

BEAUTY OF A WOMAN 2014~Hear us ROAR!

February 25, 2014 by Patricia Sands 42 Comments

It’s that time of year again! The fabulous August McLaughlin, had an idea three years ago that continues to blossom … just like a woman! It’s the Beauty of a Woman BlogFest. Everyone who joins in the celebration, blogs on the same day about aspects of beauty we women share. All the links are on August’s blog so click here to get right on over and check them out. The more explicit #Girl Boner edition is featured first and the original version for posts like mine begins Feb. 27th.Closeup decorative grunge vintage woman with beautiful long hair In 2012, I mused about how it feels to be getting older and the joys of being a grandparent. Let’s face it, you have to be old to get there! Last year I shared a treasured book, She Walks In Beauty, and Lord Byron’s exquisite poem. When I considered how I would celebrate this year’s theme, a very familiar song kept playing in my mind. I had turned 30 the year this hit the charts and, as Bob Dylan sang, “the times they were a-changing”. They had been for a decade. So let me take you back to 1975. (I know, I know … a lot of you weren’t even born then!) helen-sizedThe United Nations had declared it to be InternationaL Women’s Year (IWY)  with Helen Reddy‘s song, I Am Woman, as the theme. This was an empowering time for women with Gloria Steinem, Betty Frieden and other groundbreakers leading the way. Women’s liberation was a hot topic as feminists spoke out, demonstrated and lobbied governments. In the United States, the focus was on the success of the ratification of the Equal Rights Amendment, state by state. It’s hard to believe that to this very day it still has not been ratified!  Visit this site for the complete history and advice as to how you can add your voice to this cause. Take a minute to watch this video clip. Let me know if you realized this was the situation. I didn’t know! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uxHLnQZLq20 Unbelievable. Every year since 1975, March 8th has been recognized as International Women’s Day. Have you marked it on your calendar? I’ll wait while you do … no worries … I hope you will take a stand for the ERA on that day. Let’s continue to show what a beautiful anthem can be heard when women raise their voices as one! And now,  get your disco clothes out of that storage box, call up your BFFs, and celebrate the beauty of women everywhere! Make it loud! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MUBnxqEVKlk As I researched what I wanted to share in this post, I came across this interview and helen-reddy-picture_612x817… to be honest … it caused me to wipe a few tears and then cheer. I discovered that today, at age 73, Helen Reddy continues to exemplify the beauty of a woman. Please take seven minutes and 14 seconds to watch this video. I have a feeling you will see what I mean and agree. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CP-Zb5HoPjM It’s what we’re talking about. Choose to be yourself and be proud of your choice! Erm … update … I had lunch with my friend Evelyn Hannon today (she’s the fabulousJourneywoman and you should subscribe to her newsletter … okay, that’s another story )… anyway, she told me that coincidentally she had also been talking about I Am Woman and someone told her Helen was performing in Las Vegas this month! I just checked it out and sure enough … see here. I guess they made her an offer she couldn’t refuse and she decided to take a break from her quiet life, after all. Choices, people, that’s what it’s all about! Here are the lyrics, in case you get the urge to sing along! The meaning is every bit as strong today as it was 40 years ago. I Am Woman I am woman, hear me roar In numbers too big to ignore And I know too much to go back an’ pretend ’cause I’ve heard it all before And I’ve been down there on the floor No one’s ever gonna keep me down again CHORUS Oh yes I am wise But it’s wisdom born of pain Yes, I’ve paid the price But look how much I gained If I have to, I can do anything I am strong (strong) I am invincible (invincible) I am woman You can bend but never break me ’cause it only serves to make me More determined to achieve my final goal And I come back even stronger Not a novice any longer ’cause you’ve deepened the conviction in my soul CHORUS I am woman watch me grow See me standing toe to toe As I spread my lovin’ arms across the land But I’m still an embryo With a long long way to go Until I make my brother understand Oh yes I am wise But it’s wisdom born of pain Yes, I’ve paid the price But look how much I gained If I have to I can face anything I am strong (strong) I am invincible (invincible) I am woman Oh, I am woman I am invincible I am strong FADE I am woman I am invincible I am strong I am woman Transcribed by Robin Hood with help from Maid Marian -Artist: Helen Reddy from “Helen Reddy’s Greatest Hits”: EMI ST 11467 -peak Billboard position # 1 for 1 week in 1972 -Words and Music by Helen Reddy and Ray Burton These lyrics were transcribed from the specific recording mentioned above and do not necessarily correspond with lyrics from other recordings, sheet music, songbooks or lyrics printed on album jackets. ROAR!!!! Now hop on over to August’s blog and feast on the other posts!

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Filed Under: Blog, Social issues Tagged With: Australia, beauty, Beauty of a Woman Blogfest, Helen Reddy, I Am Woman, International Women's Day, Patricia Sands, The Bridge Club, The Promise of Provence, Women

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