Welcome to another segment of
"An Interview With A Reviewer"
with our guest reviewer
Robin Barton
First Things First,
Let's take a look at Robin's review of "Jack and The Magical Beanstalk" by author Pablo Michaels.
The Review:
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Not the same old Jack…Old and new collide to bring a fresh face to this old classic, December 20, 2015 By RobinJack and the Magical Beanstalk (Yellow Silk Dreams) (Kindle Edition)
Mr. Michael’s brought life and a new pop to this old classic. He gave us insight into the dynamics of being raised by a single parent. He molded the old and new into a beautiful piece of imagery with depth making it easy to relate to the hardships and lessons that are learned along the way. Mr. Michael’s adapted Jack making him easily fit into the 21st century while keeping the old charm that made this story a classic.
Mr. Michael’s subtly slipped in analogies which gave the story a bit of humor only adding to the delightfully well written layering of the original fairytale. He brought a sensuous quality to Jack that gave him more dimension and depth.
Pablo Michael’s has created a magical journey into the world of fairytales. I look forward to more.
 |
| http://www.rukiapublishing.com |
For us to communicate with each other and help each other to understand the power of the review!
In general, these segments are to help not only authors understand a few things about the reviews they may get, but it is also for the people who leave the book reviews as well.
Reviews are a crucial element for any book. Reviews help not only the person considering the purchase of a book but they help the author understand how their book is interpreted by a reader.
We are going to ask the reviewer, Robin Barton, these questions today.
The big question that everyone wants to know...In general, these segments are to help not only authors understand a few things about the reviews they may get, but it is also for the people who leave the book reviews as well.
Reviews are a crucial element for any book. Reviews help not only the person considering the purchase of a book but they help the author understand how their book is interpreted by a reader.
We are going to ask the reviewer, Robin Barton, these questions today.
- Do you have a general review rating that you go by? 5stars, 4 stars, etc. What are the deciding factors that you weigh your decision on? (For instance: I gave “Jack and The Magical Beanstalk” 5 stars because…)
- What about Pablo Michaels book, “Jack and The Magical Beanstalk” did you like the best?
- What about an author inspires you to read a book and review it?
- What is your favorite genre to read?
- Are you a plot driven or character driven reader? Why?
- Do you post reviews for all the books you read?
- What happens before you sit down to read a book for a review?
- Do you have a special place where you like to read? Do you need complete silence?
- How many times do you read a book before you actually write the review?
- When posting a review, which sales channels do you typically post to? Why?
- Have you ever had one of your reviews removed from a sales channel?
- How do you think the digital age has impacted literature as a whole?
- Are you an author? What is the title of your most recent publication? Please feel free to share a link for your book here as well.
- How important do you believe reviews are in the purchasing decision process?
It's easy to follow along!
Read through the post, once you reach the comment section...open them up and you will see each question from above listed in the comment thread.
Join in anytime you want, this is not a closed session. We want to help, not limit!
About The Book
Jack ascends the beanstalk to a land where a Giant Slave serves his larger Master, Jack begs Slave for food to satisfy his hunger from his long journey. But Jack finds Master hoarding treasures.
Attempting to escape the wrath of Master and Slave with the treasures, Jack encounters a handsome, engaging normal sized human man. Sam lives with others that live naturally without clothing deep in the forest. As Jack ages he becomes a handsome man, just like his father, attracting many men, including the two farmhands, Zeke and Adam.
Even though Jack has enabled the farm to prosper with the treasures he stole from Master and is met with increasing danger, he climbs the magical beanstalk again and again to find more treasures and pursue Sam.
Read More About This book here: Meet In The Middle Blog
Read The Interview With Reviewer Ray Sostre
Read The Interview With Reviewer Muffy Wilson
Read The Interview With Reviewer Angelica Dawson
About The Author
Pablo Michaels disguised himself as a shy, friendly heterosexual during his adolescence, fantasizing other males. Falling in love with another man his first year in college, he followed him to another university to maintain their platonic love, while he continued in his in studies. When he had his first sexual encounter with another man, just before turning twenty-one, he exploded into gay life with lust and anger. He attempted to live his new life naturally, seeking love, ignoring the statistics of the books he read on homosexuality in high school, and proving what he had read was wrong.
He wrote poetry and stories since third grade. When he turned twenty-one, he moved to San Francisco to work and write, experiencing more of gay life. In the 1980's he wrote every chance he had, trying and failing miserably at publishing mainstream fiction. He published his first story in 1986 in a literary magazine. read more...
You can follow Pablo Michaels on:
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/PabloMichaelsAuthor123/timeline?ref=page_internal
Website
http://www.pmmanmanromance.com/
Twitter
https://twitter.com/pablomichaels1
DitterVerse
http://ditterverse.com/member/michael_t_jordan#
Pinterest
https://www.pinterest.com/pablomichaels/
Amazon Author Central
https://www.amazon.com/author/pablomichaelsauthoramazon.com
Triberr: Michael T Jordan Pablo Michaels :
http://triberr.com/pages/profile.php?pid=38309
http://triberr.com/MichaelTJordanPabloMichaels
http://triberr.com/pages/tribe-details.php?tribe=41465
Google Plus
google.com/+PabloMichaels
Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-pablo-jordan-michaels-31672041
Tumblr
https://www.tumblr.com/blog/wwwpablomichaels
Purchase Links
How About A Teaser Trailer
About The Author
He wrote poetry and stories since third grade. When he turned twenty-one, he moved to San Francisco to work and write, experiencing more of gay life. In the 1980's he wrote every chance he had, trying and failing miserably at publishing mainstream fiction. He published his first story in 1986 in a literary magazine. read more...
You can follow Pablo Michaels on:
https://www.facebook.com/PabloMichaelsAuthor123/timeline?ref=page_internal
Website
http://www.pmmanmanromance.com/
https://twitter.com/pablomichaels1
DitterVerse
http://ditterverse.com/member/michael_t_jordan#
https://www.pinterest.com/pablomichaels/
Amazon Author Central
https://www.amazon.com/author/pablomichaelsauthoramazon.com
Triberr: Michael T Jordan Pablo Michaels :
http://triberr.com/pages/profile.php?pid=38309
http://triberr.com/MichaelTJordanPabloMichaels
http://triberr.com/pages/tribe-details.php?tribe=41465
Google Plus
google.com/+PabloMichaels
https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-pablo-jordan-michaels-31672041
Tumblr
https://www.tumblr.com/blog/wwwpablomichaels
Don't be shy...Feel free to ask any of us a question at any time!
Go to the comments below, click "Notify" in comments!
Enjoy the interview!
The views in this post and interview are "opinions" based from professional authors, and book promoters. We welcome your opinion but please be mindful of others. This interview session will be monitored for correct content and we reserve the right to delete any offensive posting.
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What about an author inspires you to read a book and review it?
ReplyDeleteI usually pick a book by the title or perhaps the artwork it is hard to say what captures my attention. I generally don’t even read the blurb. I like to go in being surprised most times.
DeleteWhen you first start reading a book, how far do you have to read read before it captures your positive impression?
DeleteI usually know after the first chapter. Once I get a feel for the characters I know. I just connect...
DeleteExactly'
DeleteWhat is your favorite genre to read?
ReplyDeleteMy all-time favorite genre has to be Historical (Medieval) set in Ireland/Scotland. I am drawn to this time period as if I lived there in a previous life. But, because I look at books as magical gifts that take me on journeys and grand adventures any genre is a favorite to me
DeleteUnlike Robin, I shy away from historical fiction, unless it is a contemporary historical fiction, a story that ends in the current time or recent history.
DeleteAre you a plot driven or character driven reader? Why?
ReplyDeleteAlthough I like a good plot I think I am more character driven. I find that I enjoy the plot more if the characters are easy to relate to. What I mean is that I am able to feel their emotions, step into their shoes and become a part of their lives as they have become a part of mine.
DeleteI am both character and plot driven, feeling they are intertwined.
DeleteThis I guess can be said for me also at times.
DeleteI should probably emphasize, a good character, one I can Identify with, is a real plus for involving me in a book.
DeleteAlways. It makes the story seem more realistic. They become like family.
DeleteWhat about Pablo Michaels book, “Jack and The Magical Beanstalk” did you like the best?
ReplyDeleteThe way he Mr. Michaels took a classic, added spice to it making it a magically woven new plot. He left the original story alone just added making it fresh. He is one to watch as I can see his stories will help young men trying to find themselves.
DeleteI appreciate your comment about helping younger men and women find their comfort zone as to who they are. That is my primary purpose in writing gay romance.
DeleteI can feel that in your stories. You have become more confident and comfortable in sharing through your writing.
DeleteYou are probably right. When I write I am much more comfortable than in real life situations.
DeleteI think a lot of writer's are like that. It is easier sometimes to put down on paper what we feel. I know I find it easier to put it in words. I am able to better express or share what I want to convey. In my head I think to far in advance which makes it harder to let others know how I feel.
DeleteDo you post reviews for all the books you read?
ReplyDeleteI read for several authors on their review crews along with a couple publishing houses and a book blog so yes, they get posted for the most part. Sometimes I post from my TBR (to be read) list but I do tend to get sloppy when it comes to something that I don’t have to read. I am getting better though.
DeleteHaving Robin review my books, I feel honored. She comments on how to improve my writing. When I receive a good review from her, I feel like the book is able to reach readers enthusiastically.
DeleteThank you. I want to see you or others succeed as writers. It is only what I hope others would do for me.
DeleteWhat happens before you sit down to read a book for a review?
ReplyDeleteI usually grab some gummy bears and pretzels, usually a sweet tea and chocolate because I don’t want to get up if the book pulls me in.
DeleteI agree with Robin, I don't want to be tempted by food or drink, or activities that will draw me away from reading a story. I like to keep focused on the action taking me to another world.
DeleteIt is a much more enjoyable experience that way. But, there are times when interruptions are inevitable.
Deletettoo true. My husband knows I am writing or reading but feels his interruptions don't stop my flow.
DeleteMy is the same way. But most times I am writing while he is at work or watching sports so he doesn't interrupt too often.
DeleteDo you have a special place where you like to read? Do you need complete silence?
ReplyDeleteDepending on the weather the beach is my most favorite of places. I enjoy getting there early before the families come. I enjoy the waves and distant sounds of the boats, the birds…just so very peaceful. At home the hammock on the patio in the nice weather with the sunshine, while a big comfy chair I curl up in when it is colder. I like to settle in. As far as silence it isn’t needed I am really good at tuning out the sound if I need it. I can focus on just the book and get lost very easily.
DeleteI have grown to like my cave for reading, at my desk on the PC or on the couch or bed on my laptop.
DeleteHow many times do you read a book before you actually write the review?
ReplyDeleteUsually one time is all I need to write the review. I will sometimes put the review off, then I may need to skim for a refresher.
DeleteI read a book twice. Once skimming and then once reading, centering on all the details I can retain.
DeleteI want that adventure first, the magic...
DeleteI don't want it to feel like it is work.
Do you have a general review rating that you go by? 5stars, 4 stars, etc. What are the deciding factors that you weigh your decision on? (For instance: I gave “Jack and The Magical Beanstalk” 5 stars because…)
ReplyDeleteI don’t really like using the star system because for me I rate stories on; how it makes me feel when I read it (how much emotional pull does it have for me)? Do the characters speak to me? Do I connect with the characters/plot (how much warmth, depth, insight into all the contributing factors of said book do I have)? Does it leave me wanting more? The WOW factor…
DeleteExcellent response Robin.
DeleteWhen posting a review, which sales channels do you typically post to? Why?
ReplyDeleteBecause of reviewing for so many different authors, publishing houses etc. I like to make sure that Amazon, Goodreads, Barnes and Noble receive the posted reviews. If there are other places I will also get the reviews to them.
DeleteIf the review is requested I post everywhere possible.
DeleteHave you ever had one of your reviews removed from a sales channel?
ReplyDeleteWhat is your opinion on "Amazon Review Guidelines"? Specifically, what is your opinion about Amazon removing reader reviews because of "Friendship Status"?
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteI haven't had any reviews removed that I know of.
Delete'Friendship Status'- I don't see what the problem is. They can be more brutal in a review than the public.
I'm in total agreement.
DeleteHow do you think the digital age has impacted literature as a whole?
ReplyDeleteI feel that it has opened many new doors for authors by allowing us to interact with our readers on a better level. I think more people read now because it is easier to read from your phone, ipad, computer…it is convenient. I still have to have the physical books available but when asking most people now it is easier to carry the digital item than a book.
DeleteI have friends who never read e-books, not having a computer or smart phone. I don't like the disappearance of mom and pop book stores. It is difficult to find a bookstore in many cities or towns, other than Barnes and Noble. They are few near here.
DeleteBesides becoming a bestselling author my dream is to own one of those mom and pop book stores in a small coastal town. Well, any town would do if I could have my shop.
DeleteI hit publish too soon. I love the smell of old books. The feel of the book in my hand and being able to physically turn those pages. I was upset when the card catalog left the library.
DeleteAre you an author? What is the title of your most recent publication? Please feel free to share a link for your book here as well.
ReplyDeleteYes, but I haven’t had anything published in a few years. I have taken some time off to spend with my grandson Hendrix. He is our first grandchild and it is something I wanted to do. A sabbatical of sorts I guess you could say. I have been working on a few projects getting them ready to send in.
DeleteIt is always beneficial to take breaks. I come back with a different perspective and improve my skills after a break.
DeleteHow important do you believe reviews are in the purchasing decision process?
ReplyDeleteI think it helps in getting new authors noticed. If I see a book that has 173 reviews and the majority of those reviews are either a 4 or 5 star, I would like to think that the story is good and something that I just might need to check out.
DeleteI have never paid attention to reviews until I found they become important for sales as an author. I still pay no attention to them when I choose a book to read.
DeleteThat is why I have started to leave reviews even on my TBR book list (the ones I read just for me). It matters.
DeleteThank you Robin for spending your time to ask questions and talk about my book Jack and the Magical Beanstalk. I always enjoy talking with you.
ReplyDeleteYou are welcome. I enjoy our talks and the encouragement that comes along with them. ;)
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteReviews are important to an author. Take the time after you read that new book by your favorite author and leave a short review on whether you liked the book or not. It only takes a minute and is greatly appreciated.
ReplyDelete