Let me apologise right away, I said I would not review any more biographies of the royal family. However, I am sure you agree I needed to review this book with Prince Harry’s book ‘Spare’ available in bookshops.
I’m among the many readers who purchased a copy of this book on its release day, eager to dive into its pages to find some interesting revelations about life as a royal. Currently, I’m a quarter way through its contents, and I must confess, the prospects of finishing it remain uncertain. On two separate occasions, I’ve attempted to read the just before bedtime. However, within five minutes, I’ve drifted off to sleep.
One of the book’s aspects that truly irks me is the fact that I’ve already encountered chapter 31 when I’m only a quarter of the way through. I appreciate shorter chapters, but it’s crucial to remember that a book’s chapter should signify a transition in the story or the recounting of a significant life event, rather than serving as a mere pause or filler to extend the book’s length.
Most people reading the book are intelligent and can understand a sentence. We don’t need to be told one fact and then have it backed up in three different ways to emphasise the point.
Language and Tone
The language, and tone of voice, is incredibly disjointed. The sentences no longer flow, and the alternative word makes you sit up and question its use. You can see when there is an authentic voice writing and when someone has sat in front of a thesaurus wanting to make them sound more intellectual.
This book has sparked a flurry of articles, capturing the collective imagination of readers and sparking extensive discussions. Countless hours of television and radio airtime have been devoted to dissecting its contents, with each commentator offering their unique perspective, resulting in a kaleidoscope of interpretations. What’s essential to bear in mind when diving into any biography is the age-old adage that there are three sides to every story: the perspective of the author, the viewpoints of the other individuals entwined in the narrative, and the unadulterated truth of what transpired. Within these pages, it’s imperative to keep in focus that what we’re exploring is essentially the author’s personal lens through which they perceive the unfolding events.
I am getting more frustrated with the narrative and the constant repetition of points. Would I recommend this book? I have to say, don’t go and spend £24.99. Wait until it’s in the second-hand bookshops.
In conclusion – Spare by Prince Harry
I will admit that I have been led by the media, which in this book is the villain and everything is their fault. More importantly, I have lived through some of these events from afar. I have taken a view of what has happened and am comfortable understanding the events. I’m afraid I have to disagree with some of the authors’ interpretations. I accept that I am viewing these events from afar. Still, the inconsistencies are too many, and the narrative is so very sad.
Most of us may have heard of Katie Hopkins from her formidable presence on TV shows such as The Apprentice and the now-infamous radio show on LBC. Katie has made a name for herself as one of the most outspoken personalities on British TV and radio. She is fiery, outspoken and can be disrespectful. But who is Katie Hopkins? I hadn’t given it much thought until she popped up on my Instagram feed. She was doing an amusing skit about a topical review on her channel’ Katies Arms’. I knew she was flaky, had a temper, and was opinionated and bossy.
Her book Rude provides an entertaining account of her opinions and how witty and humorous she is. She doesn’t apologise for her opinions or justify her views; they are her opinions and are direct and honest. But what she does is tell you more about her life and the woman behind the views.
I vaguely remember that she had epilepsy and later a brain operation to repair the epilepsy. I didn’t know how dangerous and severe it was. She would have an attack at night and wake up with one or both arms dislocated and in excruciating pain, needing hospitalisation. She isn’t a woe is me, and it’s more a matter of fact. This is what I had and how I dealt with it.
She discusses her life as a working mother and how much she loves her kids. They are an essential part of her life, but they are part of her life. They are not all she is.
She has an opinion, voices it whenever she can, and has a passion for her truth. She discusses the objections to her views and how people try to stop her from voicing them, which is odd when you think about it. Because they are expressing their opinions about her, I don’t think many people see the irony. What can go wrong?
Famously, she shared her opinion that all fat people are lazy and deliberately gained three stones and lost it to prove her point. I was waiting to get across as I have just started as the Slimming World Consultant in Faringdon. However, I couldn’t dislike all of what she said. It was her opinion, and although I disagree with some of it, she will never understand the complexities of being overweight.
In Conclusion of Rude by Katie Hopkins
This book will bring a smile, some laughs, and possibly some heated discussions. It takes an unapologetic stance on modern society, speaking out frankly about the challenges of having one’s own opinions in today’s climate. It truly speaks up to those who have been silenced by our cancel culture. This book won’t be for everyone, but try it with an open mind and let me know what you think.
It is a very dry read and gives you a historical perspective of the role of a courtier. The book covers the mid-twentieth century to the present day. There are anecdotes, memories, and stories interlaced throughout the book. We are told how people used to cherish the title of being a courtier, but now it appears the job/career title is something to be ashamed of. This is not to mention the uniform a courtier has to wear. A Courtier’s job is not an easy one. Their primary role is to attend to the monarch or other royal family members.
What is interesting is how much power a courtier has over the royal family and the different courtiers. This power comes as advice and suggestions. It almost feels like a coercive relationship, and they trap members of the royal family in a cycle of tradition and appeasing the general public.
Harry, Meghan, William and Kate
Let’s be honest; anyone who invites a new person to join a family is going to have some issues, as we all have different ways and ideas about life. It is no surprise that this book has gossip about the current royal family, their troubles, and the various family members at war with in-laws. These stories and issues have seeped into the book for sensationalism and in an out-of-date sequence, which can get confusing and appear a little unnecessary. Low touches on the accounts of bullying staff and the resulting mental health issues, but much has been written about this before.
Should I Recommend This Book? After delving into its contents, I must admit that I’ve done the legwork so you don’t have to. Furthermore, spanning roughly 400 pages, it leaves me questioning its purpose. Additionally, it comes across as an attempt by the author or publishing company to capitalize on the public’s fascination with the royal family, while desperately searching for a fresh angle to push book sales.
A well-designed book cover can distinguish between someone picking up your book and not. It’s essential to have a book cover that is eye-catching and accurately represents the content of your book. A good cover will also help your book stand out from the competition. So how do you go about designing a book cover that sells?
Designing a book cover can be challenging, but if you follow some simple tips, you can create a cover that will stand out. Here are a few things to keep in:
1 Accuracy of content
When you design a book cover that sells, it’s essential to represent the book’s content. If your book is about a serious topic, your cover should reflect that. Conversely, if your book is lighthearted or funny, your book should also reflect that. This will help potential readers understand the book before they even read the synopsis. It will also help them decide whether they want to read it.
Clear Theme
You know who wrote this
Clear Title
2. Simplicity
When designing a book cover, it’s essential to keep it simple. A busy or cluttered book cover can be off-putting to potential readers. Stick to a simple design that is easy to read and understand. This will help make your book more appealing to potential buyers. We are in the era of quick reads. People want to grab and go.
3. A pop of colour
When it comes to design a book cover that sells, colour is critical. Think about the feelings you want to evoke in your potential readers. Different colours can evoke other emotions in people, which is why it’s essential to use colours that will appeal to your target audience. For example, bright and bold colours can create a sense of excitement or happiness, while softer and more muted colours can convey a sense of calm or relaxation. However, make sure you use colours that complement each other well and don’t clash. A colourful book cover will catch the eye of potential readers.
4. Keep it simple.
When it comes to book covers, less is often more. A busy or cluttered book cover can be overwhelming and off-putting to potential readers. This is because it’s challenging to decipher what the body is trying to say. As a result, potential buyers may not be drawn to the book, or worse, they may mistake it for something else. So when designing a book cover, keep it simple and easy to read. This will help make your book more appealing to potential buyers.
5. Use high-quality images needed when you design a book cover that sell.
When designing a book cover, it’s essential to use high-quality images. Blurry or low-quality photos will make your book look amateurish and unprofessional. This is because potential buyers cannot see the cover details clearly and will not be drawn to them. As a result, your book may not sell as well as it could.
6. Title and Authors’ Name
An author’s name on a book cover is essential because it helps people identify who wrote the book. It also helps people remember the author’s name, which can help promote the author’s other books. An author’s name on a book cover also shows professionalism. It can help make the text appear more credible.
Including the book’s title on the book’s cover is also essential. This is because it helps potential readers identify what the book is about. Having the title of the book prominently displayed on the body is also a sign of professionalism. It can help make the text appear more credible.
You want people to quickly and easily identify who wrote the book and what it’s called.
7. Whether your book has illustrations.
If your book has illustrations, they must be consistent when designing the cover. Will they be included in the design, or will they be separate? It would help if you kept to the same format and style.
8. Your target audience.
When designing a book cover, it’s essential to consider your target audience. Different audiences will respond differently to varying types of book covers. For example, if your book is meant for children, you will want to use bright and colourful images that appeal to them. Conversely, if your book is intended for adults, you will want to use more muted and sophisticated colours.
You should also keep the design of your cover simple so that it is easy for your target audience to understand. Ensure that all the text on the surface is legible and easy to read. This will help ensure that potential buyers can quickly and easily identify what your book is about.
9. The genre of your book.
Suppose you’re writing a mystery novel, for example. In that case, you’ll want to use images and colours that suggest suspense and intrigue. If you’re writing a romance novel, you’ll want to use softer colours and prints that evoke love and happiness.
Colours can set the tone for a book and influence how readers feel about it. Using colour in print can effectively attract attention and evoke emotions. Using bright colours on a book cover can make it more eye-catching and inviting while using darker colours can create a more mysterious or suspenseful mood.
10. Your book’s size is important when you design a book cover that sells.
If you have a small book, you’ll want to ensure that all the information on your cover is legible and easy to see. With a larger book, you have more space to play with, so you can include more details on the surface.
11. Whether your book has illustrations.
If your book has images, they must be considered when designing the cover. Will they be included in the design, or will they be separate? How much space will they take up?
In conclusion on how to design a book cover that sells
A well-designed book cover can distinguish your book from other books. It will help a potential reader select your book to read the blurb on the back. It’s essential to have a body that is eye-catching and accurately represents the content of your book. An excellent cover will also help your book stand out from the competition. If you are going to design a book cover for your own book, bear the above points in mind. Enjoy the process and have fun. Designing a book cover can be just as much fun as writing the book itself.
After reading this blog on how to design a book cover that sells you may be interested in the following:
Why define your audience when writing your memoirs?
As a writer, you want to ensure that your memoirs reach the right audience so you will need to define your audience. After all, you don’t want to spend all that time writing only to have your work go unnoticed. Therefore, spending some time defining your audience is an essential part of your writing process. This way, you can ensure that your memoirs reach the right people and that your work is appreciated by the correct audience. Tailoring your memoirs to fit a particular audience can also be helpful when you come to market your finished memoir. Knowing your audience also allows you to better understand what they want from your work and how they might react to it — both positively and negatively.
How to define your audience
This can be tricky, especially since you want to ensure that your work reaches the right people. You can do a few things to help you figure out who your audience is. The first is to think about what you want your memoirs to achieve. Are you looking to share your personal experiences with the world? Are your memoirs just for family and friends, or are you hoping to educate people on a particular topic? Once you have a general idea of what you want to accomplish with your memoirs, you can start narrowing down your audience.
How do you know when you’ve defined your audience correctly? One way to tell is by testing your work out on people who fit that demographic. If they understand and enjoy your memoirs, then chances are you’ve hit the nail on the head. However, it may be time to rethink your approach if they’re confused or uninterested.
Creating an Avatar as your Audience and Writing for them!
When creating your memoirs, thinking of your target audience as an avatar can be helpful. You may want to create a character or group of characters who represent your ideal reader. Doing this will help you write in a way that is more appealing to them, and it may even make it easier for you to connect with them emotionally
It’s helpful to develop a few characteristics for your avatar.
What are they called?
How old are they?
Are they married or single?
Why are they reading your memoirs?
How old are they?
The language level of your audience
Their cultural background
Interests they may have
What are their interests?
What books do they read?
What websites do they visit?
Once you understand your audience well, it will be easier to tailor your memoirs to fit them. This doesn’t mean changing who you are as a writer, but simply making sure that your readers will understand and appreciate your work.
Maybe they love books and are always looking for new authors to read. Perhaps they’re interested in history or just looking for a good story that will make them laugh. Do they want to learn something from you? Once you have a good idea of your avatar, you can start writing for them specifically. This means thinking about what they would want to read and what would interest them the most
If you’re having trouble getting into the right mindset, consider interviewing people who fit your avatar’s description. This can give you some great insights into what makes them tick and may inspire new ideas for your memoirs. With a clear picture of your audience, writing for them becomes much easier – and more rewarding.
Defining your audience when writing your memoirs?
Research Your Audience
You can research your audience in various ways, including online surveys, focus groups, or interviews. However, one of the best methods is simply asking your existing contacts for feedback. This can be done through questionnaires or surveys or by asking for honest feedback via social media or email.
How can you tailor your memoirs to fit your audience?
It’s also important to consider the tone of your memoirs. Are you aiming for light-hearted entertainment, or do you want to share more serious stories? Are you writing for people who are already interested in your memoirs, or are you trying to reach out to a new audience? Tailoring your tone and content to fit your audience is essential to writing successful memoirs.
Once you understand your audience, it’s time to tailor your memoirs to fit them precisely. This may mean adjusting your language, tone, and content to ensure they enjoy your work and get the most out of it.
For example, suppose you are writing for a younger audience. In that case, keep your language simple and avoid using too much jargon. Alternatively, suppose you are writing for an older audience. In that case, add more detail and discuss historical events in more depth.
Write for Your Audience – What do you want your memoirs to achieve?
Once you have a general idea of what you want to accomplish with your memoirs, you can start narrowing down your audience. Are you looking to share your personal experiences with the world? are your memoirs just for family and friends, or are you hoping to educate people on a particular topic?
Now that you know your audience and how to tailor your memoirs, it’s time to write! Remember to keep your readers in mind at all times while penning your stories and make sure that everything you include is relevant and interesting to them
What if I don’t have a specific audience in mind?
If you don’t have a specific audience in mind, you may have some difficulties if you want to sell or promote your memoir. Unless your memoir is being written just for you. Here, your memoir will be more of a personal journal. A journal documents personal thoughts, feelings, and experiences daily. Memoirs are usually longer pieces that focus on a specific time period or event in someone’s life. Memoirs often provide more detail and may be read by a wider audience.
Edit and Revise for Your Audience
Once you have completed a draft of your memoirs, it’s essential to go back and edit it accordingly. This means ensuring that everything is accurate from a factual standpoint, as well as ensuring that the language and tone are appropriate for your target audience
Promote and Publish for Your Audience
It’s important to remember that once you’ve finished writing your memoirs, you’re not done! You still have to publish and promote your memoirs. This means making sure they are available in the right format and on the appropriate platform for your readers.
If your memoir is just for family and friends, you can talk about your memoir, show them printed copies if you have them, or give copies away as gifts.
If you sell your memoir, make sure to have an attractive website or blog where people can read snippets. Decide if you want your memoir to be printed into a paperback book, an ebook, or available on a website. Then, of course, you will have to promote your work on social media and via email lists and ensure that people know where they can find your memoirs.
In conclusion – how to define your audience
Now that you understand the importance of how to define your audience and how to tailor your memoirs, it’s time to write! Remember to keep your readers in mind while penning your memoirs and make sure that everything you include is relevant and exciting to them and the theme of your memoir. Edit and revise for your audience, ensuring everything is accurate from a factual standpoint, before promoting and publishing your memoirs for their enjoyment. With these tips in mind, you’re sure to write a memoir that your audience will love!
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When you sit down to write your memoirs, you may wonder whether to use photos. After all, a picture is worth a thousand words, right? While that may be true, some important things to consider before including photos in your memoirs. In this blog post, we’ll explore the pros and cons of using pictures in your memoirs so that you can make an informed decision about what’s right for you. As a memoir writer, you have the unique opportunity to not only recount your memories but also to physically document them with photographs. Here are a few reasons photos can be vital to your writing.
The Pros of Using Photos in Your Memoirs
1. Photos Can Help to jog Your Memory
If you’re having trouble remembering specific details about a particular event in your life, looking at a photo from that period can help to jog your memory. This can be especially helpful if you’re writing about a time from childhood or adolescence when memories can be more challenging to recall.
2. Photos can provide a context for your story.
Besides helping you remember specific details, photos can also provide a context for the events you’re writing about. For example, if you’re writing about a European trip, a photo of you in front of the Eiffel Tower would provide some much-needed context for your reader.
3. Photos Can Help You Visualise Your Story
This can be helpful in writing and editing your memoir, as it can give you a better sense of your story and the overall flow and structure.
4. Photos Can Help to Bring Your Stories to Life
Let’s face it: words alone can sometimes be boring. Including photos in your memoir can also help to bring your stories to life for your readers. Seeing a photo of the house you grew up in, or the dress you wore to your high school prom, can help your readers to better visualise the scenes from your life that you’re describing.
5. Photos Can Help You Connect with Your Readers
If you include photos in your memoir, it’s likely because they hold some emotional significance for you. And suppose they have emotional meaning for you. In that case, there’s a good chance they’ll also hold emotional significance for your readers. Including photos can help you connect with your readers more personally and create a stronger emotional connection between you.
6. Photographs can also serve as their own standalone storytellers.
By capturing a moment in time, they can tell a unique and exciting story that engages the viewer. When done well, photographs can transport the viewer to another place and time and leave them with a lasting impression. When used with your written words, they can help to paint a complete picture (literally) of the past for your readers. They can show a moment that speaks to the reader/viewer. A well-told photograph can stand independently, regardless of who is in it.
7. Capture the mood, feel, and importance of an event
A well-chosen photo can capture the feeling or mood of an event far better than words ever could. If you’re struggling to describe a particular moment in your memoirs, including a photo can do the job for you.
The Cons of Using Photos in Your Memoirs
1. Not All Stories Need Photos
While including photos in your memoir can be helpful, it’s important to remember that not all stories need photos. Adding a photo can take away from the story you’re trying to tell. If a particular story doesn’t benefit from including a photo, it’s best to leave it out.
2. You May Not Have Access to Photos
Another potential downside of using photos in your memoir is that you may not always have access to the photos you want to include. For example, suppose you’re writing about childhood memories. In that case, you may not have any pictures from that time if they were lost or destroyed over the years.
3. Some Stories Are Better Told Without Photos
Sometimes, using a photo can actually make a story less potent than it would be without one. For example, if you’re writing about a challenging experience such as the death of a loved one, adding a photo of the person who died can be too painful for some readers. It may take away from the emotional impact of your story.
4. Including Too Many Photos Can Be Overwhelming for Readers
If you choose to include photos in your memoir, it’s important not to go overboard. One or two photos per chapter are plenty. Any more than that, your readers may feel overwhelmed by all the visuals and lose track of the story you’re trying to tell.
5. Not everyone shares your memories.
While looking at photos can help jog your own memories, not everyone who reads your memoir will have the same memories as you do. In fact, some readers may find that looking at photos makes it harder for them to follow along with your story.
6. Photos can be distracting.
Another downside of photos in your memoir is that they can distract readers. Suppose a picture is placed in the middle of a particularly gripping scene. In that case, it could disrupt the flow of the story and cause readers to lose interest.
7. Copyright
Do you own the copyright to the photo (or if there are other people in the photo), you could be sued for infringement. To avoid this potential issue, only use photos that you have taken yourself or that are public domain
8. Space
Another potential downside to using photos is that they can take up a lot of space. If you’re self-publishing your memoirs, this could increase printing costs. Finally, depending on how you’re self-publishing your memoirs (e.g., as an eBook), it may be challenging to format images correctly.
9. Con: Photos Can Be Misleading
Another potential downside of using photos in your memoir is that they can be misleading. A photo can only capture one moment in time, and it’s often impossible to know what was happening outside of that frame. A photo can give your readers a false impression of what was happening when it was taken, which could ultimately distort their understanding of your story.
10. Photos Can Be Emotionally Charged
Looking at specific photos can bring up old emotions and memories that might not apply to the story you’re trying to tell. This can be distracting and overwhelming for you as the writer and your readers.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are both pros and cons to using photos in your memoirs. Ultimately, the decision is yours based on what’s important to you and what will work best for your particular story. If you decide to use photos, just be sure to protect yourself from copyright infringement claims by only using images that you have taken or that are public domain. If you’re thinking of incorporating photos into your writing, keep the above points in mind—and have fun! Photographs can be a powerful addition to any memoir when used thoughtfully and correctly.
All the images used in this blog post have come from pixabay.
