Showing posts with label authors. Show all posts
Showing posts with label authors. Show all posts
Monday, November 26, 2018
Tuesday, October 30, 2018
Happy 10th Anniversary, Goddess Fish Promotions! Meet Marianne and Judy!
I've been reviewing books on my blog for about nine years now. When I stumbled upon the concept of book blog tour companies, Goddess Fish was one of the first few that I found for whom I started doing posts. I've enjoyed with them for all of these years and am happy to introduce you to the women behind the scenes, in honor of their 10th anniversary. So meet Marianne and Judy. And as usual, follow their tour around their various bloggers, leave comments and questions, and enter the giveaways for both authors and readers along the way!
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Judy: I moved to my hometown when I was 5 and lived in the same house until I graduated high school. I spent several years away from home, but moved back 16 years ago and still love it. It's growing, but there's still a bit of a small town feel to it.
Marianne: Where didn’t I grow up? We moved more than a dozen times (and we weren’t military—mom just had itchy feet). Okay, so we stayed in Northern California, but even so I laugh when I get questions like “What was your bedroom like as a child?” because … which one?What’s the best joke (keep it clean) that you’ve ever heard?
Judy: The best one is too long, but do you know why the blonde was fired from the M&M factory? She kept throwing away all the W's. (Hey, I'm a blonde.. I can tell blonde jokes).
Marianne: Descartes walked into a bar and the bartender asked him, "Would you like a drink?" Descartes responded, "I think not," and *poof!* he vanished.What’s the worst job you’ve had?
Judy: I've been very fortunate in my choice of jobs – I can't think of any that I didn't enjoy. Life is too short to stay in a job where you are unhappy.
Marianne: Honestly, I’ve really loved all my jobs. My favorite one had to be bartending (closely followed by waitressing) which is odd considering I’m actually really an introvert, lol.What are some of your favorite bands/singers?
Judy: I'll date myself with these answers. Love The Monkees, Herman's Hermits, Paul Revere and the Raiders, The Carpenters, BeeGees. More current, I absolutely adore Home Free.
Marianne: Depends on the day and my mood. My Spotify lists have everything from Panic and the Disco to Rascal Flatts to Disturbed, but I also have the Andrews Sisters, Jim Croce, Olivia Newton-John and Rita Coolidge. I’m a big fan of show tunes, too … so there are plenty of those on there as well.
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Goddess Fish Promotions Tenth Anniversary
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Welcome to the Goddess Fish Promotions Tenth Anniversary Month Long Celebration!
Who is Goddess Fish Promotions? And what do we do? We're glad you asked!
We didn't want your visit here to be dry and boring, so we decided to have a poetry competition and put what we do into verse. Here are the initial entries:
Marianne:
Roses are Red.Judy:
Violets are Blue.
I'm awful at poetry.
Coffee.
We can edit your bookYeah, for some reason, Judy won!
find things you didn't see
It will be fun to look
at the changes from me.
Even better, her poem is correct. We DO offer editing as one of our options. Here are a couple of testimonials from clients:
I worked with Marianne on a complete edit and was very happy with the results. Her feedback was clear, easy to follow, and she probed on things I hadn’t thought of. She was also responsive whenever I had questions and helped me work through a few issues. Her feedback and guidance improved the quality of my manuscript, all at a very fair price. I’m working on my next book and plan to use their services again.-J B Glazer, author, In Search of Mr. Anonymous
Choosing the right editor for a project is incredibly important to an author. Let’s face it, we want the best for our books. When I was considering editors for my first indie-published book, Regenerate, I naturally thought of Goddess Fish Promotions–and I’m so glad I did.
Marianne Arkins and Judy Thomas are incredibly attentive and professional during the entire editing process. Their input was invaluable and the story is much stronger because they cared enough to help unsnarl plot points and find order in the chaos.
I can’t wait to work with them again. Truly, a top-notch editorial team!
– Sarita Leone, award-winning author of RegenerateWe also offer Virtual Book Tours, Graphic Design, Social Media Promotion and more. You can see more testimonials here.
We hope you enjoyed getting to know us a little (more information is below) and we'd like to do the same. We'd LOVE to see a little poem that tells us a bit about you in the comments. We'll be awarding random book giveaways and $5 Amazon GCs to some of the best poetry we find. It might not be at every stop, but when something really makes us smile, we'll reward it! Come on, be daring...
And now, more about us:
About Goddess Fish Promotions
Goddess Fish Promotions was established October 14, 2008. Why? Well, when Marianne became a published author and got her the first taste of trying to promote a book on a budget, there was only one other virtual book tour company in place at the time, and their fees were simply too high for a small press author. After coordinating and running her own tour, she knew other authors could use the same service for a reasonable price. Thus, Goddess Fish Promotions was born.Because both Judy and Marianne were authors and editors prior to running Goddess Fish Promotions, they approach the business with a unique point of view, and treat their clients how they would expect to be treated.
The People Behind the Fish:
Judy ThomasJudy has a college degree in English and she’s worked in retail, education, at her local library as well as an editor for a small press and for the now defunct ShadowKeep Ezine. She’s also a published author so can see things from both sides of the fence. In 2013, she “retired” and now spends her days helping authors make their dream come true—as well as working as much as she can with her local theater group.
Marianne Arkins
Grammar freak and coffee lover, Marianne wrote her first novel at ten years old, built her first commercial website in 2000, and published for the first time in 2006. She worked as a professional editor for just over a year, and knows what it’s like to write, edit and promote a book on a budget.
http://www.goddessfish.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoddessFishPromotionsTwitter: https://twitter.com/GoddessFish
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/goddessfish/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mariannejudy/
Google+: https://plus.google.com/+Goddessfish
For Everyone: One $50 Amazon/BN GC, two $25 Amazon/BN GCs, Two $10 Amazon/BN GCs
For Authors: 2 $10 GC for any Goddess Fish Promotions service, Winner’s choice of either a free blurb blitz (2 wk) or book blast (5 day), 50% off any tour (excludes Review tour or Full Service Tour), 4 free 25 page complete book edit, 2 Winner’s choice of teaser or social media cover graphic design
Wednesday, October 3, 2018
Advice for Writers from Tina Hogan Grant, author of Reckless Beginnings
Welcome to the virtual book tour for Reckless Beginnings by Tina Hogan Grant! So many readers are also aspiring writers, and they want to know what some of the best practices are to achieve the same level as their favorite authors. Today, Tina is sharing with us some of her best advice for writers. There's also a sneak peek into her latest book and a giveaway. Please be sure to let her know what you think both here and at other stops along the tour!
Please note that affiliate links are present within this post. Should you make a purchase through one, I may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Advice for Writers
In order to improve your writing skills, you need to be adopting certain habits that over time become natural and a part of your everyday routine.Quoted from the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, “Habit – an acquired mode of behavior that has become nearly or completely involuntary.” Another way of saying this is: We do things from the force of habit.
I can’t emphasize this enough. In order to be able to write you need to be reading.
When you’re reading, slow down and take note of the writing style, the grammar, ask yourself questions – why do you like or not like the book? Is the book captivating? Were you drawn into the story right away? Does it have a good plot? Take note of the characters – are they descriptive enough – can you picture them? As a writer, read the book like a writer? Question the book like you would your own story. Learn from the bestsellers.
Like anything in life that we want to excel in, we need to practice and keep at it. Kobe Bryant didn’t become a superstar basketball player overnight. It’s the same with writing. Write every day, doesn’t matter what you write, just write. Write in a journal, write a blog, add something to the current story you are writing. If you are stumped on what to write, use a writing prompt.
When you have completed your story I encourage you to read it over and over and when you think you’re done, read it again and again. Trust me, you’ll be surprised at what you’ll find and how much you want to change. I suggest reading it out loud or use a text to voice software.
When you’ve done all you can possibly do, it’s time to hand it over to others to read. I don’t recommend giving it to friends or family – they tend to be the worst critics, (afraid of hurting your feelings.) It’s best to give it to someone neutral. Listen to what they have to say and use the information.
I also recommend, walking away from your work for a week or two. Write something else, focus on anything but the current story. When you return with a fresh mind, you’ll be amazed by how much more focused you’ll be and I can guarantee, additional changes will be made.
Finally, have your work edited by a professional editor. There is nothing worse than reading a book that has constant spelling and grammar mistakes or simply doesn’t read well. Your reputation as a writer is out there for everyone to judge. An editor will be able to do the final polish and make it shine.
As a writer, more than likely someone is going to criticize your work. We can’t please everyone. The first will hurt, but we can look at in a positive way and grow from it. Take note of the critique, learn from it and expand your knowledge. then tuck it away and move on.
You’re doing something you love to do. You feel the passion to write. Embrace it, have fun with it. Get excited about your creation, the story, the plot, the ending. Don’t make it a dreaded chore – anticipate your next writing session and what you want to achieve. Set goals.
Reckless Beginnings
Tammy Mellows, a fourteen-year-old native of England, was shocked when her father and troubled older sister, Donna, moved to the States.With her family now separated by divorce and divided by an ocean, Tammy felt helpless when she learned Donna had run away and couldn’t be found.
Thanks to her father insisting she stay behind in England to finish school, Tammy could do nothing for the next three years but pray that Donna would be found safe.
When Tammy’s lifelong dream of moving to the States was finally fulfilled, she had high hopes of looking for Donna. But with no leads and faced with turmoil in her own life, there wasn’t much Tammy could do.
After a forbidden secret love affair and a catastrophic dispute with her father, Tammy eventually meets Steven, settles down and has his child, only to discover he is a heroin addict. Thrown into a life of drugs and violence. Shadowed by his addiction, she becomes the silent and forgotten one. Living in fear of what Steven might be capable of and struggling alone to provide for her young son.
What consequences might she face if she leaves Steven? Is she ever going to find her sister alive? Will she have enough courage to conquer the impossible challenges of her twisted world and still come out on top?
Read an excerpt:
“What do you mean she’s gone, John?”
Who was gone? Tammy wondered.
Her mother became angry. “She can’t just disappear, John! Someone must know where she is!”
Glued to the railings, Tammy was dying to know who and what they were talking about.
Then her mother began to cry hysterically while she held the phone tight and screamed into it, “She’s still a child, John. She’s just seventeen. You should never have put her in that home! She isn’t an object you can just discard because she’s in your way. She’s your daughter!”
Tammy remembered how her heart sank to the floor when she suddenly realized they were talking about Donna. Her sister had run away and was now missing. She wanted to race down the stairs and snatch the phone from her mother’s hands and ask her father WHY? Why had he put her in that awful place?
Donna had written a letter to Tammy and Jenny, telling them how much she hated being in the home. How no one wanted her anymore and she was going to run away. Frightened by what she had read, Tammy showed the letter to their mother. As upset as she was by both the letter and the fact that Donna had written to her sisters and not her, Rose never believed Donna would actually run away. “I’m sure she’ll be okay. She just needs time to adjust. It’s all new to her. We have to trust your father’s judgment. He said this would be good for her. I have to believe that. She is a very troubled young girl and needs help,” her mother had told her. But she had run away, and now no one knew where she was.
About Tina Hogan Grant
Tina Hogan Grant was born in England and grew up in a small town on the Yorkshire Moors. She is the youngest daughter of science fiction author, James P. Hogan. After moving to California, she became a commercial lobster fisherwoman, fishing off the coast of Southern California for ten years with her husband Gordon.For fourteen years, she’d had a notion of writing her debut novel “Reckless Beginnings”. But it wasn’t until the sudden death of her father in 2010 and a battle with breast cancer a year later that she made the decision to get it done. Seven years later, she finally completed it. She is now working on a sequel titled, “Better Endings.”
She currently resides with her husband in the small mountain community of Frazier Park in Southern California. Together they enjoy anything that involves the outdoors, fishing, hiking, kayaking and riding quads.
Website: www.tinahogangrant.com
Social Media Accounts
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Tina.Hogan.Grant.Author/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/TinaHoganGrant
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tina_hogan_grant/
Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/tinahogangrant/
One randomly chosen winner via rafflecopter along the tour will win a $50 Amazon/BN.com gift card.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Tuesday, August 16, 2016
Meet Emil Toth, author of the Love Series
Click on a cover to read more about it on Amazon
Meet Author Emil Toth
In 1977, Emil became a Silva Mind Control instructor. He founded and facilitated a meditation class, which was ongoing for over a decade. He facilitated various esoteric classes for over twenty years and also spearheaded and had been a part of several spiritual support and study groups. He formed a spiritual support group, which existed for two decades.
Late in the 1980’s, Emil was inspired to write his first novel, Batu: The Transformation, and it was published in 2002.
In 1999, Emil made a spiritual pilgrimage to India, with several friends and was initiated by his guru, Mother Bandana. Filled with spiritual fervor, he and two of the ladies from the pilgrimage founded the Sacred Waters Spiritual Center located in Mishawaka, Indiana. He was the center’s director, programs facilitator and live-in caretaker for a number of years. The center continues to flourish and provides an atmosphere where people can share their particular skills and acquire philosophical and spiritual knowledge regardless of their belief system.
Since 2000, he has recorded his thoughts and emotions through poetry. In 2003, the poem, Imprisioned, was published in a compilation of poems called The Colors of Life. In 2005, another of his poems, End My Yearning, was published in a compilation of poems entitled, Labours of Love.
In 2002, Emil’s first novel, Batu: The Transformation, was published. To publicize the book, he had a twenty minute interview on the local PBS television station to promote his book. Closely following that event, he was interviewed on a local radio talk show for fifteen minutes.
Emil’s most controversial novel is an inspiring, dramatic and spiritual novel, Seven Souls on a Cross. Paul, the main character after much anguish builds a cross and climbs upon it in hopes of ridding himself of anger. During his stay on the cross, six people become intimately involved with Paul. The sequel novel, Release from the Cross, follows the lives of all seven souls after Paul has reached his goal.
The five book Love Series, which includes Love’s Transformation, mirrors the deep cultural and religious prejudices against women in many countries that subject them to inhumane, if not life-threatening, treatment. Despite large-scale awareness spurred by social media and globalization, these biases still exist in our midst—and Batu and Kaathi’s stories shows us what they look like. Far from being preachy, Batu and Kaathi’s stories are written as is, subtly bringing to fore this “invisible” oppressive world into our mindset preoccupied with consumerism and material want. The Love Series of books elicit our empathy, not sympathy, that reading tomorrow’s news about a mother, wife, or daughter subjected to cultural or religious oppression suddenly has a face: that of Batu and Kaathi’s. The other Love Series books are: Love’s Sacrifice, Love’s Wisdom, Love’s Ancients & Love’s Courage.
A prolific self-published author, Toth has no difficulty using literary tools to shape the characters, juxtapose conflicts and resolutions, and build up suspense to hook his readers. That the struggle of an ostracized woman who is evidently living in an eastern culture is told with philosophical depth by a retired computer programmer analyst from South Bend, IN, provides an interesting back story to the book series.
Emil Toth, however, is no stranger to spiritual and dramatic stories, having authored seven books in the genre. Likewise, he has been actively involved in spiritual support groups, yoga, and writing workshops as a participant or resource person.
Connect with him online:
Website: emiltoth.com
Email: emiltoth@comcast.net
Twitter: Twitter.com/EmilToth
Amazon
Click on a cover to read more about it on Amazon:
Monday, June 13, 2016
Meet Rachel McMinn, author of The Other Side of Loneliness
Ms. McMinn is an English teacher at The College and Career Readiness Center in Meriden, Connecticut where she teaches 9th-12th grade English and entertains her students with her British charm, sarcastic sense of humor and ridiculous projects (who wants to write a 30,000 word novel this semester?)
When she is not teaching or writing, Ms. McMinn enjoys spending time chasing her two year old daughter, running long distances for fun and enjoying warm sunny days at the beach.
The Other Side of Loneliness, is Ms. McMinn's debut novel and was inspired by the resilience and determination she has witnessed from many of her students in the face of adversity.
Rachel McMinn can be found on Instagram @authorrachelmcminn
Rachel McMinn on writing:
Rachel believes that a key to writing is to sit back and observe the world. Every person that you see is a potential character. The more you watch how the world interacts with each other, the more you're in tune with the characters and the more you will find to write.
Still feeling uninspired? Rachel likes to grab a coffee and then go for a walk. Caffeine wakes you up and then what you observe on your excursion may be just the inspiration that you need,
Also, write a lot. Whether it's in a journal or something you may share with others, the more you write, the better you write.
Read a lot. Figure out what it is in the books that you love that makes you love them so much. Look for mentors to encourage you, as well.
Rachel McMinn on her own work:
Rachel works as an English teacher, which provides inspiration as she observes her students over the years. So many of them have had to face difficult struggles, yet are able to persevere. She draws from their strength and stories in her debut novel and believes we need to listen to the voices of the younger generation.
She is taking a short break from writing to conclude the school year and then hopes to work on her second novel. In the meantime, read more about her first one, The Other Side of Loneliness, here.
Friday, March 25, 2016
Meet Michael E. Thornley, Author, Entrepreneur, Blogger
Today I would like to welcome Michael E. Thornley to the blog. He is an author, entrepreneur, blogger, and so much more. Find out more about him and then check out his library of penned publications.
As an Author, Entrepreneur, Blogger, Humanitarian, Conservationist, Photographer, Ornithologist and Traveler, he has experienced many an adventure and met with some 'interesting' characters and of course, some wonderful people along the way.
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His work as an entrepreneur has allowed him to travel all over the world, "living the laptop lifestyle," through his positive midset and online income.
The Wealth Flow Formula is his plan for success in life, and you can share in it with him.
"Achieve your dreams" is his motto in life and the theme of his website where he records his daily thoughts and experiences in this practice.
As an author, he has penned numerous books, both fiction and nonfiction. Please check out his titles below by clicking on a book cover.
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Twists of Fate is a spellbinding collection of 5 short stories set in the land down-under by Australian Author Michael E Thornley. The decisions and consequent outcomes made by the individual characters gives credence to the saying " You Reap what you Sow'.
However, the choices that we make in life may not necessarily provide us with the outcome we desire. Yet it may reward us with the future we deserve, whether we wish it or not!. So be careful what you wish for as it just may come true!
Written in the narrative style of the 'Twilight Zone' the 'Twists of Fate' may not be what you expected. It certainly was not what the characters in the book expected!... that is part of the charm and enjoyment of this series of short stories by Michael E Thornley.
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"Has the attribute of 'Being a Gentleman' and thus the Art of Chivalry been lost in a modern world? What have been the catalysts that have led to an ever changing role for men? This is the question that Australian Author Michael E Thornley raises and discusses in this guide to 'Being a Gentleman'. He has talked to a number of men AND women in the process of trying to establish reasons as to why the act of being a Gentlemen is fading from society and he has asked them all this question “is being chivalrous in fact ... dead?”
You may feel challenged by some of the suggestions which have been put forward from his research and are presented to you is this book for you to contemplate. However there have to be reasons for a change in men and we as a society must consider these reasons closely whilst at the same time decide on how we will all move forward together to return to common courtesies.
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A humorous yet informative guide to those readying themselves for a journey into the world of dating. It also provides thought provoking ideas for couples looking to bring fun and frivolity back into their relationships.
There are practical solutions, numerous cost saving measures and handy tips for those on a limited budget. A lighthearted yet sincere look into world of dating.
Author Michael E Thornley supports many of the suggestions with his whimsical quips and forthright encouragement (and sometimes discouragement should the situation require it. e.g. Like “run for the hills “ :)
We are sure you will enjoy this guide and Happy Dating!
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'A Day in the Life' is a unique look at just some of the adventures that Australian Author Michael E Thornley has experienced over the last five years.
During that time he has traveled from Australia to Bali, Dubai, Spain, Canada and the USA, the latter where he lived for a year.
We share many of the humorous outcomes as he ventures out into the unknown on his daily walks! Well that is the unknown suburban streets and parks of cities around the world. Yet only he could have an adventure in such a situation what with bowling maidens over; being serenaded by turkeys and falling into large holes and having to be pulled out by his feet!
Michael is also in tune with nature as we find him trekking through woods to the Gates of Terror; chasing skunks over wetlands in the moonlight and having visitations from white coyotes and shovel nose rays.
Yet he also shares with us his inner most thoughts and emotions that are felt in some of the more serious moments. Hence it truly is a 'Diary of Humour and Emotions.'
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Who is in Your Family Tree is a guide for the budding Family Tree Researcher or Genealogists as they are also known as... there we are, learning something already and you haven't even read the book yet!
Michael E Thornley is not only an Author and Entrepreneur but in addition successfully runs 'Thornley Genealogical Services' as one of his businesses. “A man that wears many hats at once” he is sometimes heard to say. But he does this most successfully!
This book is a guide to the basics of 'how to get started' in researching your family tree. He has often been asked “ well I have seen all these links on the Internet about where to do the research BUT HOW do I get started??”
Thus Michael has put together a straight forward guide to answer some of the more common questions that are asked. He has also shared tips on what to expect when you start asking family and friends about 'what they know' in relation to 'my family'. You may be surprised at some of the reactions!
Tuesday, December 29, 2015
'Smart Social Media for Authors' by Chris Syme
Blurb:
Does the phrase social media marketing make your head spin? Now you can learn the simple, smart strategies all authors need to know.
Social media can be confusing. You're worn out trying to replicate the success of other authors without much luck. Before you give up, get some common-sense advice from a 20-year marketing veteran.
Author Chris Syme believes that trying to mimic the success of other authors is a dangerous and expensive strategy. If you understand the "why" behind marketing tactics, you'll learn how to make strong marketing decisions that produce results based on your time, resources, and skill level.
Using Syme's SMART system, you'll discover how to approach social media like a profitable business owner. With her two-decades of marketing experience, Syme takes you safely through the minefield of social media and helps you understand what truly goes into a multi-faceted book marketing campaign.
In SMART Social Media For Authors, you'll discover:
- The five rules of SMART marketing and how to use them to develop your first successful plan
- How to identify must-have social media channels that fit your goals
- The fundamental planning steps most authors skip at their peril
- How to run short- and long-term digital campaigns including book launches
- And much, much more!
SMART Social Media For Authors teaches you how to make your social media connect with the right people, at the right time, in the right place, and with the right message. If you've struggled to make social media work for you, then you'll love Syme's user-friendly, easy-to-implement, and to-the-point social media strategies.
Get your marketing back on track today!
Buy links
Amazon / Barnes & Noble / Kobo / Page Foundry
Chris Syme has more than 20 years of experience in the communications and marketing fields and is the owner of CKSyme Media Group, an award-winning consulting firm in Bozeman, Montana. Her agency specializes in digital marketing strategies specializing in social media strategic marketing for fiction, nonfiction, and academic writers.
She is a popular conference speaker and writes frequently for top-tier blogs including Social Media Today, Writer Beware, Digital Book World, Building Book Buzz, and Where Writers Win. She has been featured on MSNBC, Sports Illustrated, and numerous radio shows. She is the author of three books on social media and blogs on social media and book marketing at cksyme.com
Twitter: @cksyme
Pinterest: CKSyme Media Group
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrissyme
Blog: www.cksyme.com/blog
Facebook group: SMART Social Media For Authors
Buy Links For Group:
Amazon: BUY HERE NOW
Nook: BUY HERE NOW
Kobo: BUY HERE NOW
Page Foundry: BUY HERE NOW
Wednesday, July 22, 2015
Why do people love Neil Gaiman?
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By pinguino k from North Hollywood, USA (Neil Gaiman) [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons
What is it about English author Neil Gaiman that is so attractive to so many people?
Perhaps it is his ability to create magical worlds that seem as real as the one in which we actually live. His fantasies come to life. We can see ourselves walking alongside his characters, experiencing everything they do. We can relate to them, no matter what form they take. We learn from them.
Perhaps it is the many forms in which his work exists. His spectrum of works appeals to a broad audience. He writes novels. Some of his work has been adapted into movies. He creates graphic novels and comics.
Perhaps it is the way he speaks. Some swoon over his voice, others his words. He captivates his audience in person, just as much as his books do.
Perhaps it is just his wisdom. Neil Gaiman quotes are rampant as memes on Facebook and other social media sites. Check out 16 of his best ones:
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