Re-editing

So, I was so happy editing Weeping Willow with Write Way Pro that I decided to re-edit Restraint. It is amazing how any mistakes I caught while listening to MS Sam reading my manuscript. I have come to the conclusion that no matter how many times I read something, there will always be some kind of mistake. However, having another voice read my work aloud was a huge help.

I have already posted the newly edited version of Restraint to Barnes and Noble, Amazon, and Smashwords. All other sites are not under my control, and I must wait for Smashwords to update iBooks, Sony E-reader, etc. That takes up to two months! So, if you are thinking of buying Restraint, please do so at B&N, Amazon, or Smashwords.

Now I have to continue to write Lament. Keep you all posted.

Fixing Old Mistakes Takes Time...

So, I have been writing my latest novel, Lament, and I realized that little mistakes are so annoying while I was reviewing it. Despite reading something over twenty times, I still found mistakes each time. It was driving me nuts!!!

I am lucky enough to have a volunteer editor for my future works, but the short stories I had already published were bothering me... haunting me. I noticed my biggest mistake was reading what I thought was there rather than reading what was actually written. The misstep is that, as I am the writer, I know what is supposed to be written. So, when I am reading, my focus drifts and I believe I wrote sentences as they are in my mind. When in actuality, there is an error.

Finally, I downloaded a manuscript software called Write Way Pro . Although I basically set up character profiles and outlines by hand anyway, this program reads the chapters that I have written individually or it can read me the whole book. So, I am hearing it as if my reader were reading it! Genius!!! Now I can catch those annoying little spelling errors.

So, I have tried it out by going over Weeping Willow. I have found plenty of foolish errors which I fixed. I put the newest version on Smashwords . Since Smashwords is the vendor that delivers my short stories to the other online bookstores, it will take about two months to update in those secondary online stores. So, if you can live with the errors while reading, that's fine. Otherwise go onto Smashwords and download a fully revised copy for your e-reader today. Thanks and keep reading!!!

Short Stories

Hello, Everyone!

So, I spent the morning hours updating my website and blog. I added more links to places where my work can be downloaded. But the major change was the addition of my short stories to this blog. So, they can be viewed and read online for those that don't have an e-reader. Feedback and reviews can be left under each individual tab.

I will continue to update my blog here and there as I become familiar with the Blogger interface.

Published Overboard!!!

For all of those that have been anxiously awaiting, I published Overboard last night on Smashwords and Feedbooks for FREE. It should be on Barnes and Noble and other sites within a few weeks.


I hope everyone enjoys this short story even though it is quite different from the others. This one is a psychological thriller which I first thought up when I was in the fifth grade. After a failed attempt at writing it, I finally decided to give it another go, and I am happy I did.


Thanks, everyone!

Currently Editing...

I finished writing Overboard, and I can't wait to share it with everyone. It is a departure in that it is a psychological, murder mystery. The story is a bit crazy and confusing, but I love the end product. I hope you do, too.


I plan on publishing it within a week, because right now it is going through the editing process. Special thanks to Susan Blevins for helping me out with the task.


Please don't forget to leave reviews on bookstore websites, this blog, or my personal website. Your opinion is important and I take every criticism as advice for the future.


Check out my updated website (www.sandramadera.com) and stay tuned for more news on Lament and future works.

Feedback and Reviews

I wanted to take the time to thank everyone who has posted reviews or sent me emails. I appreciate the feedback and kind words. I do take into account what the readers say, and thankfully, most of the reviews are quite positive. 

For those that have not left reviews, please take the time out to leave feedback. Whether it is positive or negative, I take what you think into account when I come up with other works. What you think is important as my target audience, and no voice is too small so start reviewing!!!

Thank you to everyone that has written. I hope you don't mind that I share your writings... There are so many more I want to share so look out for more posts in the future.

Some of Your Words:

ZBomb0:

- 5 stars - Weeping Willow 1 and 2

Weeping Willow was "An intriguing though short tale after reading both I know I love these characters and the story behind it this was a fun read and I look forward to more like it. Honestly a sweet short lovely two books if you haven't yet these are a must read."

Joni:

"You do such a good job of putting down a story and not a bunch of unneeded blah! You know what I mean. (You) get to the story and tell it!!!!! Cannot wait for more! Congratulations. Wonderful storyteller. Hope you can post this somewhere for reviews."

LFF:

- 5 stars - Weeping Willow 1

"Action at its best! Madera could give Stephanie Meyer a run for her money with Weeping Willow."

-5 stars - Weeping Willow 2

"A must read!!! Awesome! The only regret is that it is over, I could keep reading the Willow Saga for as long as possible. Thank you!"

Anonymous:

- 4 stars - Weeping Willow 2

"Should be a movie!!!!! ;) Awesome nice twist in the middle just short. But some times the shorter it gets the better it is! ;)

Anonymous:

- 5 stars - Weeping Willow 2

"OMG. Read it my only complaint is that it wasnt longer jst read it and hope she start to write longer books."

Anonymous

-5 stars - Weeping Willow 2

"A must read. A good storyline, developed characters that keep you interested. My only complaint is the book is too short! I can't believe this book was free."