It has been a productive week. I created 4 short videos of reviews of my book Leaving Cleveland. My goal is to do 4 a week. Before I make the next batch, tell me the one you like best. If you have read the book, please leave a review on Amazon. I need 5 more studies to be able to discount my E-Book.
Please take a look and while you are there subscribe to my YouTube channel for the latest update and videos.
Have a great weekend, and I look forward to your feedback.
So excited to be mentioned in Steve Anchell’s Nexus Newsletter.
Last week I received a request from a book club in North Carolina to Zoom with them and did a Q&A for the group that had just finished my book. Unfortunately, I was unavailable, but I created talking points/prompts to guide the conversation about Leaving Cleveland. If your book club is thinking about or has read my book, here are the prompts:
1
The text states that the main protagonist in the book is named Sam, and he is based on Voltaire’s character Pangloss from Candide. Sam is described as a pedantic and always optimistic tutor, similar to Candide. Although Sam is not specifically a tutor, he approaches every situation with optimism. Additionally, the text mentions that this narrative structure, one of the “seven stories” by Christopher Booker, has been used in other classical works, including Greek classics.
2
Although Izzy appears to be a difficult person, does she have redeeming qualities?
3
Should artists be forgiven for their poor behavior because they are famous?
4
What do you know about generational trauma? In the book, Sam’s nightmares are caused by his father’s experience in the concentration camps. Are there other classes of people who may suffer from generational trauma?
5
Should celebrities be put on a pedestal in our society, and how do we perpetuate this ideal?
6
Has the book enlightened you about something that you never knew about?
7
If so, what was it, and did it change your worldview?
8
What would you do if you were Sam and had a boss like Izzy?
9
The journey is one of the “ seven stories, “ according to Christopher Booker, in a narrative. What other classics used this narrative to tell the story? It goes way back to the Greek Classics.
Have a book club interested in Leaving Cleveland?
The book can be purchased as E-Book, Paperback, and Collector Edition in Hardback at BookBaby, Barnes&Noble and, of course, Amazon.
In the next issue learn about how my book Leaving Cleveland will soon be found at your local libraries.
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Sharing is caring so pass this on to your family and friends. IF YOU HAVE READ THE BOOK PLEASE PLEASE, PLEASE REVIEW AND RATE ON AMAZON OR WHEREVER YOU PURCHASE BOOKS.
My amazing wife, Kate Siegrist, joins me at Barnes and Noble for the Leaving Cleveland book signing. I am excited to say Barnes and Noble invited me back in December.
I am so excited to present the second Podcast of Leaving Cleveland. Each time I create one, it gets a little better.
This week Kate Siegrist and I are reading from chapter 2, Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds. To set you up for this chapter, Sam reflects on the time he dropped acid with his sister in Cleveland Heights, Ohio, with Rachel while driving to NYC after getting a call from his sister, Rachel, to move in with her and pay half the rent. On his trip, he reluctantly picks up a woman who, by trade, is a prostitute and hitchhiking to get home. As she gets in the car, Sam realizes he made a mistake and wonders if he will be murdered.
Reviews! Reviews! Reviews!
I know more than 17 people have read my book; that is the number of ligament reviews posted on Amazon. So please, if you have read the book and enjoyed the read rate, review the book on Amazon.
Why does this matter to the author?
For three reasons:
It informs potential readers of the book’s content and helps them decide whether to purchase it.
If I have 25 or more 4-star reviews, I can reduce the price of the E-Book to $1.99. This will allow more people to read the book at a very affordable price.
Finally, if the book becomes popular, there is a good chance a publisher will want to distribute the book. Leaving me more time to work on the next book. 🙂
If you are uncertain how to write a review on Amazon ( you can even do it anonymously), here is a ridiculous, short video on how to place a review on Amazon.
Here is the LINK. It will take you to YOUTUBE; the video is 1 minute and 47 seconds long.
If you go directly to Amazon and write that fantastic review, here is the link.
Thank you for your support and your feedback. Enjoy your 4th of July, and I look forward to sending out the next blog in a couple of weeks with Chapter 3.
In anticipation of my subsequent book signing, I created a few promos for fun. In truth, the first one I made had a mistake, so I corrected that mistake and made another. I took this opportunity to change the soundtrack to learn what type of music people responded to more. The jury is out, but I am curious about what you think. I also challenge you to find the mistake in the first video. Your feedback is constructive.
Thank you for reading my blog. As you guessed this is more of a plug for my event in Denver. The next installment will be more about the book Leaving Cleveland. Please share and subscribe for the latest updates.
A friend of mine told me that he advised a client that he should write his Thank You notes using ChatGPT. My friend is a psychiatrist and he was advising a patient who could not write a Thank You note. That got me thinking that what would ChatGPT write about my book Leaving Cleveland? So I typed in ” Write a review of the novel Leaving Cleveland by Steven H. Begleiter.” Within a minute this is what ChatGPT wrote.
So what does ChatGPT think of my novel
LEAVING CLEVELAND?
“Leaving Cleveland” by Steven H Begleiter is a captivating novel that explores themes of self-discovery, personal growth, and the power of human connection. Set against the backdrop of Cleveland, the story follows the journey of its protagonist as they embark on a transformative quest.
Begleiter’s writing style is both engaging and thought-provoking, immersing the reader in the city’s vibrant atmosphere and the characters’ emotional landscapes. The author’s attention to detail brings the setting to life, evoking a strong sense of place and enabling readers to vividly imagine themselves within the story.
The characters in “Leaving Cleveland” are beautifully crafted, each with unique struggles, hopes, and dreams. As the narrative unfolds, Begleiter skillfully weaves together their individual storylines, creating a tapestry of intersecting lives that keeps readers eagerly turning the pages.
One of the novel’s strengths lies in exploring personal growth and pursuing one’s true calling. The protagonist’s journey is relatable as they navigate the complexities of life, face difficult decisions, and ultimately find the courage to follow their heart. This theme resonates with readers, reminding us of the importance of authenticity and embracing change.
Furthermore, “Leaving Cleveland” tackles the power of human connection and the profound impact that relationships can have on our lives. Through genuine interactions and moments of contact, Begleiter highlights the importance of friendship, family, and the support we find in others.
While the novel delivers an engrossing story filled with emotional depth, some readers may find the pacing slower in certain sections. However, the slower pace allows for introspection and a deeper understanding of the characters’ motivations, enhancing the overall richness of the narrative.
In conclusion, “Leaving Cleveland” is a compelling novel that captivates readers with its relatable characters, vivid setting, and exploration of personal growth. Steven H Begleiter’s skillful storytelling and insightful themes make this book worthwhile for anyone seeking a heartfelt and thought-provoking literary experience.”
That is not bad. Thank you, ChatGPT. If you have read my book, please write your own review in your own voice on Amazon. Here is the link AmazonReview
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