Is it All Relative

arrived with hopes of love, hugs, kisses, and chocolates. Suddenly we’re at the end. Geez. I used to say, time is the only thing constant. Well, evidently, I’m wrong.

According to Einstein’s theory of relativity, time and space are not constant. The true constant is the speed of light. Time can run fast or slow, it all depends on how high you are. Geez, in other words, does that mean I’ll age faster living in at a higher altitude than if I live at sea level?  

Einstein said, it’s all relative. Have you stopped moving to read my blog? Well, no. You’re on Earth which is traveling around the sun at 67,000 miles an hour. You feel like you’re standing still, but only because you’re on Earth while you are traveling at high speed through space. While we’re traveling around the sun, the Earth is rotating at a speed of approximately 1,025 mph at the equator. The further you are from the equator, the slower you spin, rotating at the speed of one rotation per 24 hours unless you’re at the poles of the Earth, then your speed is zero. If you’re in Florida your movement is about 1,000 miles per hour. Florida moves about 1,000 miles per hour which is the reason NASA launches rockets from there and not further north like New York.

That’s it. I’m done. All of this is waaaaaaaay above my head. Not only  that, if I think about Einstein’s theory too long, it’s too deep for my little brain to think about!!

If you’re interested in more, here are the two articles I refer to for information:

It’s All Relative    and   How Fast are you Spinning

I’m not sure how I got on the subject. Maybe because I was reviewing my class on Finding My Why. Why do I keep writing stories? Why do I have all these characters in my head? Find your why. Do you know your Why? Or, would Einstein say it’s all relative?

I have a PowerPoint on my website if you’d like to check it out for free. Click Here.

I’m still looking for another Beta reader. If you’re interested, please email me at judybakersugg@gmail.com and I’ll send you a copy of my novel YaYa House.

Enjoy the rest of your February, Judy

Why Authors need Beta Readers

Qualities needed in a Beta Reader?

 1.    A Reader. An avid reader is important. One book a year is not an avid reader, and an author won’t receive the feedback needed.

 2.    A Reliable Reader. An author can’t wait for a reader to read their manuscript over several months before receiving feedback. Beta readers must commit to the time it takes to read and return feedback.

 3.    Authors need beta readers to be honest. It’s important for the author to receive honest feedback from the reader’s perspective.

 4.    Beta readers should read the genre the author write. If a beta reader offers to read a genre she isn’t familiar with, how can there be constructive feedback. 

Authors and the Beta Readers

1. Beta readers should have knowledge of your genre

Your beta reader should read and enjoy books like your book, otherwise, the reader will not be able to give honest feedback.

2. Confirm a deadline with your beta readers

3. Most beta readers appreciate knowing when you expect feedback from reading their novel.

4. Feedback

All feedback should be considered carefully. If several beta readers make the same remark, then it obviously a signal to step back and rethink an issue.

How many beta readers do you need? 

No magic number for beta readers. Some authors like three to five, while other like more. But don’t ask too many or you’ll find yourself overwhelmed by all the feedback.

Do Beta Readers Get Paid?

No. It’s a good idea to keep track of your beta readers to thank them when they finish. Some authors send a published print copy to the readers to show appreciation. 

Guidance for Beta Readers. 

Ask a few questions to help readers in their feedback (you may have more questions that pertains to your story)

1.        Was the story compelling?

2.        Did you feel confused or unsure about a scene while reading the story.

3.        Were the characters interesting?

4.        Did you find gaps in the story that needed clarifying?

How can an Author Find Good Beta Readers?

Obviously, with friends, colleague, acquaintances, and family members. Also, online communities you belong to. These are probably the easiest to find, but remember you want them to be brutally honest.

Writing communities: 

 1.    Beta Readers and Critique Partners Facebook Group 

This is a private group with over 7,000 members, you’ll have to request to join. 

2.  15 of the best online writing communities for aspiring authors: Here

3.  Goodreads:  this Goodreads Beta Reader Group is a valuable resource

4.  Your Author Website: sign up as a beta reader, use your newsletter to ask for beta readers

I'm in need of another beta reader.

My Women’s Fiction, YaYa House is in need of a Beta Reader. If you’re interested, I’ll send you a copy. Please email me at judybakersugg@gmail.com 

YaYa House  

Friends throughout the decades, four women decide to be adventurous and move eight-hundred miles from their family, causing chaos.

    

In a blink, you’re there. Where? Living the last chapter of your life.

Widowed for two years, Annie made a spontaneous decision to buy a house eight hundred miles from her adult children. Feeling youthful, again, Annie moves into her dream house on a cliff overlooking the ocean in Oregon. Never dreaming her new adventure would take her to the doorsteps of contentment, especially when her YaYa Sisters come to visit and make their own decisions in becoming part of the YaYa House.

Will Annie’s daughters forgive her for being independent, or will their emotional rebellious attitude go as far as to declare her incompetent? Will Annie have to compromise and leave her sisters in her dream home by the ocean?

What about her charming neighbor? Is it possible at this point in her life for a romantic relationship at her age?

           I hope you and yours have a wonderful New Year ahead. 

Judy

 Merry Christmas. 

 I hope and pray you and yours have the spirit of Christmas together filled with love, kisses, and hugs.

Mark your calendar and join me 

Wednesday, Dec. 22

7:00 p.m. Mountain Time,

Jen Spencer’s Ten-Minute Book Club

a Facebook group for sweet romance readers, writers, and future fans. 

I’ll be giving away a copy of Karibou Magic, and Jen Spencer will be giving away a copy of her newest book, Dandelion Meadows, to two readers chosen at random from anyone who comments or asks a question in the comment section.

 Follow this link to join the group before Wednesday night so you can be part of the fun and enter the giveaway! 

Please note, all my Christmas novels are on for $.99. Makes great Christmas presents.

Don’t forget to join us on Two Authors, Books and a Beverage every first Tuesday of each month for our special interview and chat with an author. Our special guest for January 2022 will be Kathryn Elizabeth Jones. Come meet her and remember each author has an album of books on display on our Facebook site: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1215880052156125

Merry Christmas from my home to yours. 

  xoxox Judy

 A Thankful Thanksgiving

Now Thanksgiving is upon us, I admit there’s much for me to be thankful for in my life. It’s been a while since I’ve been in touch, but life happens.

Some of you may not know, my sister Jane passed away in August, leaving a hole in our hearts. I know we’ll meet again, and I’m thankful she isn’t suffering now. 

left to right: Sherry, Judy Gail, Judy Ann, 
and our beloved sister, Jane

As I mentioned, I have lots to be thankful for, and we must continue to remind ourselves of all our blessings, and find something to smile or laugh about every day.

I have finished two books, which I had started during Covid 2020. Now off to the editor. I’ll keep you posted about publications and book covers. The titles are Tucker Twin and Ya Ya House. 

Finally, Mary Martinez and I have a new video on our November Two Authors Books & a Beverage Club, which we’ve launched on Facebook. We’re talking to author Marie Higgins. Come join us HERE  

Each month we’ll be talking to an author, live on the first Tuesday nights of every month at 7:00 PM. Come join in and ask or comment while listening to the authors.

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/1215880052156125

Marie Higgins: https://www.amazon.com/Marie-Higgins/e/B004O3WYQ2%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share

Hope all is well with you and yours. 

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving from the Bakers:

 Charlie & Stanley

 Read or Listen

I hope you have May flowers blooming around your home – a promise of wonderful weather ahead. 

A quick announcement for this month, our May YouTube event is ready for your review on Two Authors, Books & a Beverage :  https://youtu.be/aUjKORaHONM  

This month I’m talking about Better She Die, Book one of the Silver Sage Creek series.

  There’s a short video on my website: CLICK HERE   

By the way: Don’t forget to enter the rafflecopter  after you watch our YouTube to win any of the following.

 1. If you’ve read all three books, enter the rafflecopter for a Silver Sage Creek Mug by answering one question from each book

A. Book 1 Better She Die: What is Clare Rose’s son's Comanche name?

B. Book 2 Better She Live: Who is the owner of the Silver Sage Saloon?

C. Book 3 Better She Love: Who is Dr. Millie’s mother?

 

2. If you haven’t read Better She Die enter to win a free autographed copy.

 

Bonus giveaway:  If you’ve read Better She Die, the first 3 people who email me through my website: judybakerauthor.com (contact) I'll send you a free ebook of Better She Live.

This month, I read one book and listened to an audio book.

Edge of Anarchy: A Post-Apocalyptic EMP Survival Book 4 by Kyla Stone

 Audio: Edge of Defiance: A Post-Apocalyptic EMP Survival Thriller Book 5 by Kyla Stone

I love Liam’s character in this series, as well as the Great Pyrenees dog, named Ghost. I can’t wait to read book 5 & 6. Yes, I said READ. I’ve tried three audio books by authors that I like and decided Audio Books are NOT for me. I discovered my mind has a hard time focusing on audio books. I’m constantly backtracking to hear what I missed because my brain drifted!!!!! When reading I’m absorbed in the story and forget my surroundings.

What about you? Do you like audio books?

Have a great May,

 Judy

 

 Happy Spring,

Well, at least it was on Sunday when it was 78˚, but today it was 33˚when I crawled out of bed!!! And, SNOW. Spring in Utah!

I’m excited to remind you of our YouTube Event for April. Lisa MacDonald is our guest this month.

She will be talking to us about her graphic book covers, custom covers, and the best way to make sure your book cover and title is eye-catching.  If you are ever in need of a book cover, banner, logo – the list goes on, come hear what she has to say. Click HERE.  

Also, don’t forget to enter our Rafflecopter drawing for one of the following:.

April Giveaway

A free Banner from LDMGraphics.com

Or

Reader’s Choice of any eBooks of Mary’s or ML’s

 Click Here

HAPPY SPRING,

JUDY

 March video

During the month of March, many  people celebrate their Irish heritage. Do you celebrate in a special way. We'd love to know. 

 On our March YouTube, Two Authors Books & a Beverage we are also celebrating St. Paddy's Day with a special giveaway.  ML Foxx, who I've interviewed on our video is giving away her novel, Celtic Mist to  celebrate her Irish heritage. 

Watch our YouTube and don't forget to enter the rafflecopter for ML's Celtic Mist fantasy novel and The Quartering Act by Judy Baker.

Link to sign up for the Rafflecopter: Click HERE