MY BLOG TOUR:
TB Markinson - Fictional Fog
Quanie Talks Writing - My Top 10 Favorite Witches
**************************************************
Not many readers pay attention to dedications though and
often skip right past them on their way to the first page of the story. I think
the only readers who really pay attention to dedications are those who want to
be writers themselves. Or who are naturally curious.
Just because readers don’t read them doesn’t mean they are
pointless. A dedication page is the authors chance to dedicate their book to
supportive loved ones. Many married authors dedicate their books to their
spouses or children. Others dedicate their books to people who inspired them,
helped them, and encouraged them. If you want to honor someone by dedicating a
story to them then go right on ahead!
You can skip the dedication page entirely if you want to.
Maybe instead of dedicating your book to one person (or a
few) you want an acknowledgement page to thank a laundry list of people for the
specific duties they helped you with. An acknowledgement page is a nice
opportunity to thank everyone who had a hand in bringing your book to life such
as an agent, editor, cover artist, beta readers, as well as family and friends
who kept you sane.
TIP: If you want to do an acknowledgement page, start a list early and keep adding to it when someone helps you with your book. Include the people who offer you information you gathered during research and everyone who takes a turn reading your manuscript.
QUESTIONS: If
you’re published, who have you dedicated your books to? If you’re an aspiring
author, who do you want to dedicate your books to? And finally...which famous
author(s) do you wish would dedicate a book to you?
**************************************************
Title: A Change of Mind and Other Stories
Author: Nick Wilford
Genre: Speculative fiction
Format: Ebook only
Page/word count: 107 pages, approx. 32,000 words
Release date: 25th May 2015
Publisher: Superstar Peanut Publishing
Blurb:
A Change of Mind and Other Stories consists of a novella,
four short stories and one flash fiction piece. This collection puts the
extremes of human behaviour under the microscope with the help of lashings of
dark humour, and includes four pieces previously published in Writer’s Muse
magazine.
In A Change of Mind, Reuben is an office worker so meek and mild he puts up
with daily bullying from his boorish male colleagues as if it’s just a normal
part of his day. But when a stranger points him in the direction of a surgeon
offering a revolutionary new procedure, he can’t pass up the chance to turn his
life around.
But this isn’t your average surgeon. For a start, he operates alone in a small room above a mechanic’s. And he promises to alter his patients’ personality so they can be anything they want to be…
In Marissa, a man who is determined to find evidence of his girlfriend’s infidelity ends up wondering if he should have left well alone.
The Dog God finds a chink in the armour of a man with a megalomaniacal desire to take over the world.
In The Insomniac, a man who leads an obsessively regimented lifestyle on one hour’s sleep a night finds a disruption to his routine doesn’t work for him.
Hole In One sees a dedicated golfer achieving a lifelong ambition.
The Loner ends the collection on a note of hope as two family members try to rebuild their lives after they are torn apart by jealousy.
But this isn’t your average surgeon. For a start, he operates alone in a small room above a mechanic’s. And he promises to alter his patients’ personality so they can be anything they want to be…
In Marissa, a man who is determined to find evidence of his girlfriend’s infidelity ends up wondering if he should have left well alone.
The Dog God finds a chink in the armour of a man with a megalomaniacal desire to take over the world.
In The Insomniac, a man who leads an obsessively regimented lifestyle on one hour’s sleep a night finds a disruption to his routine doesn’t work for him.
Hole In One sees a dedicated golfer achieving a lifelong ambition.
The Loner ends the collection on a note of hope as two family members try to rebuild their lives after they are torn apart by jealousy.
Purchase Links:
Excerpt:
“Not seen you in here before,” said the barman, while
dispensing the frothy liquid into a glass. Fascinated by the collection of
grubby beer mats on the ceiling, I was jolted by the fact another person was
apparently trying to start a friendly conversation with me.
“Errm... I don’t get out much.”
Well, there it was. I’d revealed himself as
a loser already, as if this guy didn’t already know.
“Why’s that, pal?” The barman put the
dripping glass onto a stained towel covering the bar. I gazed into the bubbly
liquid as if it held all the answers to life’s dilemmas. The urge to simply
walk out was overwhelming, but I steeled myself and took a deep draught of the
beer. It settled in my stomach and then seemed to radiate outwards, imbuing a
sense of calm.
“Well, I don’t have any friends.”
I expected the barman to walk away and find
something else to do, although there were no other customers at the bar, but
the man remained where he was, absentmindedly running a cloth over the
discoloured bar top.
“Seems to me, if you got out more, you might
make some friends. Seems to me you’re in a bit of a vicious circle at the
moment. What’s your name?”
“Reuben.”
“Reuben. I’m Dave. Now let me give you a bit
of advice. When you came in just now like a drowned rat – I know, it’s not your
fault it’s raining – you stood there like you owed the world an apology. Like
you were sorry for using up air. And you looked like you were terrified of
everyone. If you stood up straight, acted a bit more confident, you might get
on better.”
I had to stop myself from rolling my eyes
and telling the guy he sounded like my dad. Somehow, I didn’t think that would
help.
Meet the author:
Nick Wilford is a writer and stay-at-home dad. Once a
journalist, he now makes use of those rare times when the house is quiet to
explore the realms of fiction, with a little freelance editing and formatting
thrown in. When not working he can usually be found spending time with his
family or cleaning something. He has four short stories published in Writer’s
Muse magazine. Nick is also the editor of Overcoming Adversity: An Anthology
for Andrew.
Please leave a kind word for Nick. :)
I tend to read both the dedications and the acknowledgements, but then I'm a writer. Sometimes I have to go back in a Kindle book when it starts on page one and skips all the interesting behind the scenes stuff,
ReplyDeleteMy debut novel had a joint dedication to my late step-daughter that had died too young, and to riders killed competing (as that had influenced the story).
I hate it that Kindle starts on chapter one and I have to backtrack to get to the cover page and dedications.
DeleteThat's a lovely dedication, Roland!
Congratulations to Nick!
ReplyDeleteI dedicated my first book to my wife, my second to my critique partners, my third to all the friends I've made on this journey, and my latest to all the insecure writers out there.
Those are perfect dedications, Alex! I think you for everyone important.
DeleteYay for Nick! I always read the dedications and acknowledgements. Sometimes they're really funny. I've dedicated books to family, friends, and groups. I'd love to have a famous author dedicate a book to me too! I've had a few thank me for the reviews I've left for them, and that is exciting in itself.
ReplyDeleteGetting a thank you for a review is awesome. I've never even been mentioned. Not even for beta reading. :(
DeleteI do read the dedications, but I've been told I'm a nosy person.
ReplyDeleteI've never been told I'm nosy, but I am curious. ;)
DeleteI dedicated the first one to my husband and the second one to my mom. I have a four-book series coming out next year...it's tough...because I want to recognize my niece, nephew, and stepdaughter but I don't want to show preference between my niece and nephew by having one recognized first!
ReplyDeleteYou can dedicate a book to a few people. :)
DeleteI always read the dedications. I feel like that's a great way to get to know the author and understand them more sometimes by the dedications. I am in awe of so many writers. I am not a writer and don't plan to ever write a book. Its such a cool thing and big deal to anyone who has a book published.
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way, Holli. :) Even before I wrote, I liked peeking at the dedication page as well as the acknowledgements and wondering who those people were.
DeleteI've never done the dedication, I don't think the cat cares if I give him props or not lol
ReplyDeleteCongrats once more, Nick.
Maybe that's why the cat is so snarky...because he does care. ;)
DeleteI always dedicate a group of people. Sometimes friends and family. I dedicated one book to authors and bloggers like YOU!
ReplyDeleteThat's awesome, Jay! :D
DeleteI don't know if I would do a dedication, but I have thought about an acknowledgments page. I have actually started a mental list of who to thank...and maybe a couple haters to *not* thank...anonymously of course ;)
ReplyDeleteCongrats to Nick!
Hehe! It's fun to think about who you'd thank and not thank. ;)
DeleteHuge congrats to Nick!
ReplyDeleteI dedicated my book to my parents, whom I lost long before I had the chance to achieve anything in my life. For me, it’s the most important page in the book. I do read acknowledgments. And in yet another one of those weird moments of blogging synchronicity, I posted about my own acknowledgment page today.
VR Barkowski
I'm sorry your parents never got to see you achieve your dream. That is weird. Coincidences seem to follow me around when it comes to what I blog about.
DeleteI always read the dedications - love them! I dedicated my collection to my husband. :)
ReplyDeleteI've been mentioned in Acknowledgements and it's quite a thrill. At least it was for me. :)
Dedicating a book/collection to a spouse is a must. I don't have a spouse, but one day....
DeleteCongrats on your mention! :D
I tend to do really deep, serious dedications. My first Russian historical is dedicated to the memory of the real Mikhaila (no further details given), my family's first computer (on which I began the book so many years ago), and my favorite writer. My third Russian historical is dedicated to all those who lived through the traumatic, world-altering events of 1933–48, like the Holodomor, the European diphtheria epidemic of 1943, WWII, and the Great Depression.
ReplyDeleteOne of the dedications in my four Atlantic City prequel books is to the real Ariania, the only person after whom I based one of my original characters whom I'm still friends with all these years later. I've never told her I based a character on her, a character who's developed into her own person over all these years.
I like to do deep dedications to. I dedicated 30 Seconds to all doctors and police officers as well as the person who inspired my heroine.
DeleteI dedicated my first book to my oldest son who was the inspiration behind FREE RUNNER :) And also to my lovely CPs, because, let's face it, without them, we'd wouldn't be published! My current book will be dedicated to my second son whose zany ways and antics have inspired a humorous MG novel.
ReplyDeleteCPs and betas are the best and deserve to be thanked.
DeleteInterestingly, the more serious non-fiction or academic the work, the more likely I will read the dedication page. Part of this is to know who the author is giving credit to (and in my fields, if I know them). I don't tend to read the dedication pages for fiction. Congratulations Nick!
ReplyDeleteYou don't read the dedication pages for fiction? Ouch! It takes a lot of work (maybe not as much as non-fiction) to write and publish fiction.
DeleteSorry, I didn't mean to pinch you. It is mostly because of wanting to know who they are drawing from... depending on the type of work (or how specialized), I might even be reading the bibliography or footnotes--I have even seen my own articles referenced by someone I don't know--that's a good feeling!
DeleteThat's okay. I get it. Non-fiction writers are inspired by real life people and their stories. Their acknowledgements do tend to be meatier.
DeleteThat is really cool to get mentioned for your expertise. :)
My second book, Snapshots, I dedicated to my nephew, Arik. He was born with a lot of medical issues (had 3 surgeries by the time he was 3 yrs old) but is such a happy little boy. I kept making Cyc find reasons to smile and look up the same way my nephew was.
ReplyDeleteThat's so sweet, Patricia!
DeleteThese stories sound fascinating. Kind of Twilight Zoney---sci fi. The cover is really cool! Congrats Nick! Who did you dedicate your book to?
ReplyDeleteI dedicated my book to my kids, my Partner and friends/family who helped me in my divorce. In that order of importance. I've recently read a book where the acknowledgments were pages long.
I was going to ask him that, but I got this info last minute and didn't want to give him more to do. Hopefully he'll stop by and comment. :)
DeleteOther than my romance titles under my pen name, I dedicate all my books to my daughter, and she knows it. Every time I have a new book come out, she immediately turns to the dedication page to see her name. :)
ReplyDeleteThat is adorable! She's one lucky little girl. :)
DeleteI always read the dedication page, acknowledgements, and the forewords if there is one. I feel incomplete if I don't read them all, LOL :)
ReplyDeleteNick's book of stories sounds so good! Enjoying following the various blogs that have been hosting him. Might have to get a copy of it to read for myself :)
betty
I like that! They are part of a book, pages worth exploring. :)
DeleteI read the dedications and the acknowledgements and would include them if I get a novel published. I'd probably dedicate my novel to my mom since she was the one to take me to the library every two weeks without fail to get a new stack of books.
ReplyDeleteI like that. And I know she'd like that too. :)
DeleteNick, I'm glad I was at last able to see one of your interviews! Your book indeed sounds intriguing - Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteChrys, another terrific post! I always read the dedications, but then I always read everything cover to cover...My second book is dedicated to those who inspired and supported throughout.
Dedicating our work to those who inspire us and support us is important. :)
DeleteI've put dedications in most of my books, usually to family, friends or people in my writing groups. I always read them in books I'm reading.
ReplyDeleteThat's great, Susan!
DeleteI always read the dedication page and usually the acknowledgements too.
ReplyDeleteMy dedications are usually to kids, grandkids, parents.
Margaret Mitchell would be my choice for an author to dedicate her books to me, but she's gone and I can't think of anyone else.
Congratulations to Nick. The book sounds great.
Margaret Mitchell would've been a good one!
DeleteCongratulations to Nick! Sounds like a goodie!
ReplyDeleteAs far as dedications go, I always read them. I think they give us a better idea about the author. I wanted to dedicate my book to my niece but my self publishing company wouldn't allow it and would charge even more money for the page. Once I get an actual contract, I will always dedicate my books to those who inspire my ideas or support my work as a writer.
I am glad to be back my dear friend!
That's sad that you couldn't dedicate CBDS to your niece. At least you can tell her that she inspired it and write a special dedication for her. :)
DeleteGlad you're back!!! xoxo
I read all dedication pages. If the book was exceptionally good I tend to read it several times. It is hard to put a good book down even when you are finished.
ReplyDeleteThat is very true, Ann.
DeleteCongratulations Nick! I do enjoy the blurb and want to know more. I always read the dedication because the person who wrote the book felt it important for us to know. I would like to write about my mom one day as many have said I should do. I would dedicate to my dad who was her rock
ReplyDeleteThat would be very nice, Birgit. :)
DeleteBest wishes with this, Nick.
ReplyDeleteHi Chrys, I was just at Gina's and wanted to say I think you're a very talented author. Keep up the good work.
Hi, Sandra! :D Thank you for the lovely compliment. I think you're very talented as well. :)
DeleteI've dedicated mine to a variety of friends and family. My husband should have all the dedications though since he put up with me writing all of those books.
ReplyDeleteHa! That's cute. :)
DeleteI read books cover to cover, but sometimes they are ARCs, so I don't always get a chance to read those pages. I am a curious person and maybe a dreamer when it comes to writing. Heck, ya just never know what tomorrow might bring.
ReplyDeletesherry @ fundinmental
I like knowing that there are readers out there who read books from cover to cover. :)
DeleteHave to be careful. You don't want to forget someone on the acknowledgements page.
ReplyDeleteTrue. That's why it's important to start jotting down names as soon as you start writing a new book.
DeleteI am nosy and want to know everything about authors so always read the dedication page. I have not thought about what a dedication by me would say, but Liz has a point, I would have to be careful (like an award acceptances speech) to not forget anyone.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard coming up with a dedication and trying to make it sound catchy. I always want mine to be both serious and interesting.
DeleteI've always been curious so dedications have always been something I've read. I have dedication page for each of my completed stories. None are elaborate but they are heartfelt.
ReplyDeleteNick, I think that's the first time I actually read your bio. Had no idea you had been a journalist or a stay at home dad. Very cool.
Sia McKye Over Coffee
I didn't know he had been a journalist either. I wanted to be one when I was younger. :)
DeleteNick! I liked the exert and several of those stories sound interesting! Added to my TBR pile!
ReplyDeleteYou know, I've honestly never fantasized about an author dedicating a book to me. Why would they, you know? As for my own books, I'm not sure if I'd dedicate them to anyone. I'm writing under a penname, you know? Maybe I'll do an acknowledgement page for editors and beta readers and the such. Or if someone gives me a great idea or lends me their name or something.
Well, yes, the author doesn't know you, but that never stopped me from fantasizing about being friends with one and getting a special dedication. I guess I just daydreamed too much as a kid. ;)
DeleteI am not sure I want to know the nitty gritty details about a writer. I make a point not to learn about musical artists just because I don't know want to know just how bent they are.. it might tarnish my POV. That's me. I love the words they write. Sometimes that's enough for me.
ReplyDeleteInteresting POV. When I like an artist of any kind, I always want to know more about them.
DeleteCongratulations to Nick! I've been seeing his book everywhere the past few days.
ReplyDeleteHis book has made the rounds. :)
DeleteYes there is definitely a difference between acknowledgement and dedication pages. :-)
ReplyDeleteAnna from Elements of Writing
Sure is. :)
DeleteI always fantasized about what my own dedication and acknowledgement pages would say--I love thanking people and giving them credit.
ReplyDeleteMy first published book was released last month, and I dedicated it to my boyfriend, who also copyedited the book, and my friend Dee-Dee. Dee-Dee is in my writing group, and she told me about the call for submissions and brainstormed the initial idea with me. So if it wasn't for her, The Bear Who Wouldn't Leave probably wouldn't exist!
Of course I'd love it if Stephen King would dedicate a book to me, but I'd be satisfied with a blurb. :)
Props to Dee-Dee! The Bear Who Wouldn't Leave is an awesome story. I can't wait to read more of your books in the future. You're very talented. :)
DeleteI love the dedication page, it means a lot to me.
ReplyDeleteHey Nick, wow, great tour!
Dedication pages are great, aren't they?
DeleteNever gave dedications much though. Well, that is to say, mine. I read dedications in books all the time. As for me, I'm not sure who I'd thank. Out of all my friends and family I only have a select few who read what I write, from time to time.
ReplyDeleteNick Wilford's short stories sound interesting, especially the Change of Mind one.
I also only have a select few who read what I write or who are even interested in my writing.
DeleteHaving a book dedication from Nora would be the pinnacle.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, commenting and following, Chrys. Much appreciated.
It would! Oh, it's my dream. :)
DeleteYou're welcome, Sandra! You know, I really thought I had followed your blog a long time ago. No wonder I never saw your posts in my blog feed! Ugh.
Thanks, Chrys! Sorry for being late - laptop issues. I always read the acknowledgements because it's like seeing behind the scenes and that interests me. For this book, I thanked my family, the editor who first published some of the stories, and my. CPs, but still worried I missed someone out! The dedication was to my late stepson who inspires me every day. I can't imagine not dedicating a book to him.
ReplyDeleteThat's okay, Nick. I hope you enjoyed reading the comments went you stopped in, though.
DeleteThat is a sweet dedication, Nick.
YAY! for Nick. I've been seeing him all over the place. Great stuff and I really like the idea of his shorties ... creepy mind/brain stuff. Kind of scares me, though. LOL Great advice about writing acknowledgements.
ReplyDeleteNick is great at creepy mind/brain stuff. ;)
DeleteI do read the acknowledgements. I have dedicated my works to my family and all the quiet ones out there, as well as my critique partners and a librarian. Congratulations on the release, Nick. The stories sound good, and I'm especially curious about The Insomniac. Best of luck with this collection!
ReplyDelete"All the quiet ones out there..." I love that! :D
Delete