Thursday, July 17, 2014

YVONNE MASERUMULE: HER WORLD OF FANTASY, REALITY AND INSPIRATION FROM NELSON MANDELA

Yvonne Mahlape


Yvonne Mahlape


Imagine a world without books, poets, authors, and writers, how is it going to be? Many writers, scientists, and people from all walks of life continue to change the world with their wisdom and philosophical ideas.


Technology is improving daily, gradually enhancing education and our environment, giving us hope for a better world in the future.

One aspiring young writer who is gradually making her presence felt in the world of literature is Yvonne Mahlape Maserumule. Born and raised at Phokoane, Limpopo, she currently lives in Acornhoek, Mpumalanga Province in South Africa.

At a very tender age, she has always been fascinated by magazines and various works of literature.  The English language rates as one of her best subjects in High School, where she especially fell in love with the literary work of Shakespeare, Stephen King, Danielle Steel and many other authors of high caliber. 

During her high school years her outstanding creative abilities got quickly noticed, and in her the final academic year in 1992, her short story, SCHOOL DAYS, got published in Drum Magazine.

Her then Headmaster at St Mark's College (Jane Furse, South Africa), Mr. Peter Anderson, was a great fan of her writing abilities and encouraged her to consider a career that would enable her to unveil and promulgate her God-given writing talent. 

She's currently developing a blog titled: ‘My world of fantasy and reality, in which she acknowledges, among others, the late former President of South Africa, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, who has been her inspiration. 

Yvonne also blogs on issues that are of common human interest, such as SUBSTANCE ABUSE and its impact on households. On 19th June 2014, Dr. Yomi Garnett broadcast a Radio Promo celebrating the creative abilities of this young lady live from the studios of VOICE AMERICA in Phoenix, Arizona

She has recently established a strong relationship with creative people in the field of writing, such as Jeannie Faulkner Barber, Marta, and Merajver Kurlat, who have been tremendously supportive of her writing career in its infant stage.

One of Yvonne's aspirations is to launch a Christian blog, through which she hopes to share the love of Christ with her current and future contacts. 

She is also working on a collection of short stories that she hopes to publish very soon, either in print or online. Apart from her writing career, she enjoys collaborations and involves in various volunteering projects which involve working with and aiding the impoverished, the homeless and the sick. 

One of her greatest passions is working in children ministries and teaching young ones about the love of Christ.  She is therefore hoping to enroll for courses related to Social Work in the near future, to enable her to establish a career in this field.





Sunday, July 06, 2014

HOW TO SELL YOUR BOOK WITHOUT REVIEW


A book royalty cheque


A book royalty cheque



One of the essential advantages of book reviews is an author getting his or her work known to readers. It enhances and facilitates the sales of books. 



Unfortunately, the book review doesn't come easy. There are thousands of authors who have written great books, but due to lack of review, the books are unknown. 

In the past and present, there have been debates on social websites over book reviews, if it is right to buy reviews or not. Actually, I'm one of those authors who wouldn't pay for a review, because it's like paying a bribe or enticing someone to write about your book. 

Since paid, the reviewer will be under pressure to give a good review, even though he or she might find the book not good enough.

As a new author, I've never depended on book reviews to sell my books, because I don't want to depend on something which is not coming. So I tried something and it worked. One of my books 'The Passion of Reggae and African Music' is selling well.

What I did was introducing the book on Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook, then I provided a free sample link where readers can read or download a few pages. 

The strategy worked. Those who find the book interesting purchased it. Since then I have been receiving my royalties regularly every month. The threshold of my royalty is $25 but I receive sometimes $34. 

If this strategy has worked, definitely it may work for other authors as well. One thing authors need to remember is, 'One can't put a lighted candle under a bucket, expecting it to brighten the environment. We need to find every necessary plan to sell our books. 

http://www.amazon.com/Joel-Savage/e/B008SCTYI6