The Flipside of Social Networking for Writers By Guest Blogger Shelia M Goss

Due to the Internet and the various forms of social media, readers have easier access to their favorite authors. This can be a good thing, however beware of the flipside.

Blogging, Tweeting or being on Facebook can be a good way to express your thoughts on newsworthy items, let others know about your books, talk about controversial topics, etc. When you’re voicing your views online, everyone is not going to agree with your point of view. You might gain some readers using some of the social networks but you may also alienate a few people as well.

I’m not saying don’t say what you want to say, but beware that whatever you say on your own page or in the comment fields is subject to criticism. Should writers care about what they post online? How should an author respond to comments, especially those that are directed at them? I say use your best judgment. Some things can’t go left unsaid, while other comments need to be simply ignored.

Several of my favorite bloggers no longer blog on a regular basis because of fall out due to some of their blog posts. Some people took what they said on their blogs personal and there was a big “backlash” in the blogsphere from it. Personally, I feel like they should have kept blogging, but professionally, I can see why they stopped.

Some folks find it hard to separate the author from their books so if they don’t like their online persona, they won’t purchase their books. It’s unfortunate but that’s just how it is. The online social networks can be another promotional tool but beware of the thin line. On the flip-side don’t let the thin line stop you from having your say—just beware that what mama said about “never say something you don’t want repeated” is not just true for your offline world, but it’s true for when you’re on any of the social networks too.

What’s your opinion about using online social media? Have you ever crossed the line and if so, what was the backlash? Do you ever use the anonymous key when posting? If so, why?

Shelia M Goss is the national best-selling author of six women's fiction novels: Hollywood Deception (2010), His Invisible Wife, My Invisible Husband, Roses are thorns, Paige’s Web, Double Platinum and three young adult books: The Lip Gloss Chronicles series: The Ultimate Test, Splitsville, and Paper Thin. For more information, visit her website: www.sheliagoss.com or www.thelipglosschronicles.com.

What readers are saying about Hollywood Deception:

"With Hollywood Deception Shelia Goss has done it again. Love, lies and delicious drama! Pick this book up and you won't be able to put it down. Be ready though - this fun novel is not a passive read. You'll be yelling at Hailey, relating to her, wanting to slap her and cry with her all at the same time. Hollywood Deception is an all around good read full of scandal, just the way we like it. Well done, Ms. Goss!" ~Abiola Abrams is an Author & Media Personality. Viewers also know Abiola as the host of BET's short film show and Miss Picky of VH1's Tough Love.  www.abiolatv.com

“Glitz, Glamour & LOADS of Drama…Ms. Goss once AGAIN keeps me turning the pages with another ENTERTAINING, yet fictional glimpse into the fast-paced lifestyle of a celebrity.” ~ Sweet N Sassy, Book Reviewer

Hollywood Deception is Shelia Goss' ninth book. It's available in hardcover and paperback and is available in stores or online from any of the online outlets such as Amazon.com, BlackExpressions.com, Borders, Barnes and Noble, etc.

REVIEW: Soul on Fire by Skyy Banks

REVIEW

Date:                         April 5, 2010

Title:                          Soul on Fire

Author:                     Skyy Banks

ISBN 10:

ISBN 13:                   978-0-9815326-5-3

Pages:                       241

Publisher:                UrbanEdge Publishing

Cover:                       Softcover

Rating:                      4 Stars

Reviewer:                Adellia Whitson-Stafford– Literary Wonders! adelliawhitsostafford@literarywonders.com (www.literarywonders)

From the outside Dana Taylor seems to have everything.  She is a beautiful young woman that owns her own thriving business.  No one knows about the nightmares that wake her up at 3 o’clock most mornings.  No one knows about the many men that have hurt her in one way or another.  No one even knows about the jealousy that she feels towards her best friend Chelle.

        Dana wants what most women want; to be happy and loved.  She tries to find it in the arms of numerous men but none of them can give her what she needs.  One is married and one has an ulterior motive.  Then there are her nightmares of masked figures and a little girl.  All of these things combined finally drive Dana to seek professional help from a therapist.  After a family tragedy, more is revealed than she ever expected.

        Can Dana deal with all the harsh blows that life is throwing at her?  It has been said that God doesn’t give you more than you can handle but she feels otherwise.  Does she need to lower her standards?  Chelle seems to have everything that Dana wants. Can she get over that jealousy?  In the end she will find strength and support in the people that she least expects.

       

On a scale of 1-5 I give this book a four.  The only thing that kept me from giving it a five had nothing to do with the story.  There were times in the beginning where there was confusion with the paragraph and sentence structure.  It kept throwing me off and making it hard for me to get into the story.  I would have to read the sentence over again to comprehend.  After doing that one too many times I had to put the book down for a few days.  I wish that I hadn’t because when I picked it back up- the story picked up. 

        In Soul on Fire, Skyy Banks really drew me into Dana’s story.  She kept me interested in what was going on with her.  I hurt with her and I was happy when she was happy.  This was a great story.  It makes you laugh, almost cry, and want to slap a few people.  I can easily see Skyy Banks becoming one of my favorite authors if she keeps this up.

Review: Closing the Curtain on Baby Mama Drama: A Guide for Fathers Fighting for Their Children Inside and Outside of Family Court by Eric Legette

REVIEW

Date:                         April 5, 2010

Title:                          Closing the Curtain on Baby Mama Drama: A Guide for Fathers Fighting for Their Children Inside and Outside of Family Court

Author:                     Eric Legette

ISBN 10:                   978-0-595-44022 ppbk

ISBN 13:                   978-0-595-88343-1 ebk

Pages:                       134

Publisher:                iUniversve

Cover:                       Softcover

Rating:                      5 Stars

Reviewer:                Gregory Bryant– Literary Wonders! (www.literarywonders)

Closing the Curtain on Baby Mama Drama: A Guide for Fathers Fighting for Their Children Inside and Outside of Family Court by Eric Legette is a very informative and resourceful book for fathers dealing with the constant battle of gaining custody of their children.  Mr. Legette has touched on a subject that a lot of good men deal with on a daily basis.  

Mr. Legette expresses poignant information infused with his own personal experiences of dealing with a revengeful mother.  He gives examples on how, even though the court’s decision should be based on the best interest of the child, the system is often unfair to the father.     Mr. Legette gives tips on how fathers should act, dress, speak and keep focused on their child.

I also commend Mr. Legette for telling fathers to keep a positive attitude throughout the ‘baby mama’ drama storm. He suggests to fathers not to get caught up in the revenge factor which is a tactic often used by mothers. Using your child as a weapon of mass destruction is never acceptable.

Mr. Legette gets down and real with those fathers who only worry about the financial aspect of raising a child.  Mr. Legette, through his own personal experiences and experiences of others from his foundation, (Fathers with Voices) express the importance of being a positive force and being present in your child's life.  In other words, child support payments are important but your child should mean more than just money to you.  

Eric Legette also provides valuable information on selecting a good lawyer.  He provides a glossary of terms, a self examination and contact information for attorneys and much more.  

This author has put together an instruction manual that I strongly recommend to fathers who want a relationship with their child without all the baby mama drama. When going into any battle you must be aware of all of your rights and where to look for information.  

Pick up Closing the Curtain on Baby Mama Drama: A Guide for Fathers Fighting for Their Children Inside and Outside of Family Court.  Kudos to Mr. Legette for this excellent guide for fathers.

Gregory "the poet" Bryant-reviewer

Literary Wonders!