WSG 23: What Makes a Book Unique?

Writer's Survival Guide 23: What Makes a Book Unique?

I've been preparing pitches for the conference I'm attending, and one of the questions that's come up is "what makes your book unique?"


This should be easy, right? We know our books inside and out. But I'll admit, at first, it stumped me.

So I brainstormed the elements my book contains that other books I've read don't. After that, figuring out what makes my book unique became simple. I can quickly point out the "different" factor in any one of my books.

And it's always been easy for me to evaluate other books for uniqueness. Let's look at a few.

Of the three books I read and reviewed on my blog over the last few weeks, I'd like to point out what makes them unique.

Die Run Hide by PM Kavanaugh:

Character motivation. This is a woman on the run who will do anything for freedom, including betraying the man she loves. However, over the course of the book, she realizes freedom isn't worth the price she was willing to pay, and she comes up with her own plan to have both.

Fairyproof by Constance Phillips:

World-building. Constance created a world I got sucked right into--a world where fairies can influence humans but who also can return to a world only fairies occupy. What an intriguing place to reside in!

Unending Devotion by Jody Hedlund:

Setting. Set in a Michigan lumber camp in the 1880's, the setting stood out as being extremely unique. I'd love to read more books in this setting.

As you can see, each of these books was unique for a different reason. We don't have to come up with a completely new plot (I don't think it's possible, anyway!) to stand out.

What makes your current book unique? What book comes to mind when you hear the word unique?

Have a terrific day!

And the winner from Friday's giveaway?

Huge congrats to LIZ R. for winning a copy of Jody Hedlund's Unending Devotion!!

I will be at a writer's conference this week and will return to bloggin a week from Wednesday.

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Debut Novel Party for PM Kavanaugh!!

Guess what? Two of my best friends have debut novels coming out this week! So we are celebrating it up on my blog!! It's virtual party time all week. :)

I'm thrilled to kick-off the celebrations by presenting Die Run Hide, a fast-paced thriller, oozing with romance, written by PM Kavanaugh and published through Crimson Romance!

First, grab a cup of coffee (or tea or water!). PM is secret code for "Patrice," so from here on out, I'll be referring to Patrice. And since I happen to know she has a wee obsession with Starbucks, our  beverages will be served in lovely white and green cups. :)



Also, this party needs some chocolate in the form of an ooey-gooey bar. Go on, have a slice! They are calorie free after all.


Now that we're all snacked up, let's get to the good stuff.

I met Patrice a few years ago at my local writer's group, MVRWA. She's one of those super cool people who combines elegance and intelligence with a wicked sense of humor. She's the other half in my success team (success team has a better ring to it than accountability partners!). It came as no surprise to me when she called to tell me Crimson Romance wanted to publish her book. I had the pleasure to read Die Run Hide, and let me tell you, it rocks!!

Die Run Hide

Follow orders or die. Anika Washington knows the rules laid down by the counterterrorist agency that owns her. When she aborts a mission in order to spare a young girl, she’s given an ultimatum: take on a new mission that requires betraying her fellow operative, and lover, or forfeit her own life.

After discovering that her lover, Gianni, has chosen another, Anika accepts the mission. In the aftermath, she learns that Gianni was faithful to her and she’d been tricked into thinking otherwise. The knowledge comes too late and she’s almost killed in an agency double-cross.

Now she must run—battling time, former enemies and the agency itself to stay alive and save the man she loves.

Now that you know what the book is about, here is my review!

(I received an advanced reader copy of this book with no obligation to review it. All opinions are my own.)

Jill's review:

Buckle up! This fast-paced thriller had me on edge from the first sentence to the very end. I couldn't put it down! Indeed, I read it in one sitting--it's THAT good.

Set in the near future, Anika is a federal operative, but not by choice. She's trying to escape a life of no privacy, forced dangerous missions, and few choices. But her love of fellow operative, Gianni, threatens everything, and she makes a desperate decision that forces her on the run. Along the way, she learns the freedom she yearns for means nothing unless she's with her heart's desire.

I loved this book. Each action-packed, emotional chapter had me guessing, and I love guessing. Who can she trust? How will she react? Can she escape? Will she get what she longs for? And as the plot progressed to the end, I was left with a deep satisfaction and my own longing--for a sequel!
If you enjoy the Jason Bourne series or Mr. and Mrs. Smith, you'll love this book!

***

About PM Kavanaugh ~

A writer of thrillers spiked with romance, PM Kavanaugh has always loved intrigue, danger and adventure, especially when observed at a safe distance from her own life. She shares her home, dreams and some of her plotting dilemmas with her clever-enough-to-be-a-spy husband and her talkative office cat, Max.

Die Run Hide is now available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other retailers! Head to PM Kavanaugh: Thrillers Spiked with Romance for more information!

Thanks so much for celebrating with us today!

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