It is getting more and more difficult to appear intelligent and well-read these days; never mind actually being intelligent and well-read.
There is an answer which could help. Here is a way for you to know every book it is worth knowing in one simple and quick read. Pick up a book and read it from cover-to-cover in one minute. CLICK HERE
And if you have the same problem with all the movies you'd wish to have seen. CLICK HERE
CLICK HERE
I have a new Marketing Manager and a Public Relations Adviser. His name is Bonzo Bookcase. You can see his photo above.
We met today to discuss ways of promoting my books and how to get help from my loyal readers to pass the word around about my books and recommend them to other potential readers.
The conversation went something like this:
Marketing Manager: You must stop monkeying around Vic and take this question of book promotions seriously.
I didn't pay much attention as I was eating some monkey nuts he had in a bowl at the time. He threw a banana at me to get my attention and asked: How many books have you got published so far?
Larry Adman, the PR Adviser smirked as he chewed on a banana.
Bonzo Bookcase shook his head in contempt, scratched his armpit for a while, and then said: Forty? You have a lot to say for yourself. Are they all available on-line as well as in the shops?
Me: Yes, some are available in paperback and Kindle format from AMAZON, whilst others are available in Kindle format only. I have a website which shows my Christian books and my Funny books too.
Marketing Manager: Funny books?
Me: Yes, they attract new readers who may then hopefully read my Christian books too. My website has an option called "more" at the top of the screen where people can choose the style of book they want to read (HERE).
Marketing Manager: Good ... have you had any feedback from your readers. And I don't mean have they sent you bananas and peanuts!
Me: Yes, some have e-mailed me saying they liked the books, others have left Reviews on the AMAZON website.
Marketing Manager: Why don't you encourage them to write more Reviews on AMAZON for you?
Me: How? Anyway, I don't want to impose.
Marketing Manager: You're not imposing you ape! If your readers genuinely like what you write they'll be happy to spread the word for you in AMAZON Reviews or by word of mouth even. If some of your readers have Blogs or contacts on social media like FB, X or whatever, why don't they write about your books there? That's the greatest compliment they could pay you? Better than just good wishes.
Ask them ... beg them even ... to tell others about your books. If they are as nice as you say they are, they will oblige.
Me: Sounds a good idea! I just don't want to bother my readers.
Marketing Manager: Your books are not expensively priced ... why is that? Some are the price of a cup of coffee or a bunch of bananas; peanuts even!
NOTE: At this point I decided to run out of Bonzo's office without signing a Contract with him. Any ideas or advice as to promoting my books gladly appreciated. Or an AMAZON Review perhaps. Thanx.
 |
These days there are adverts everywhere. On TV, radio, newspapers and magazines, trains and buses, street signs and in all other places too.
Advertising works; otherwise people would not do it. Organisations would not spend fortunes on advertising if they did not result in more sales.
Have you heard of subliminal advertising?
VISIONS -
Of all Moubarak's Father Ignatius stories, this one most definitely is his most poignant. Torn between his priestly vows and the re-emergence of a former love, Fr. Ignatius is faced with a deep and life-changing decision. You do not want to miss this one! (Martha Orlando)
DON'T LET THE DEVIL WIN - I found this story so relatable ... in particular, Fr. Ignatius' vulnerability. On more than one occasion I, too, have wondered if God was punishing me. Good to realize, I'm not the only one. (Myra G)
If you like a down to earth good drama, this is one to give a shot. I enjoyed it from beginning to end as it covers the distress of a priest who in on the verge of leaving the priest hood with all the torments and feelings. It has a great ending, not what I expected, but it is good. Victor writes a good book. I am protestant and Victor's hero or main character is Father Ignatius, Catholic Priest. As I read Ignatius seems like your average 'preacher'. The same every day life and problems associated with those in a parsonage (my dad was a preacher so I know a little about that. LOL) Anyway, I highly advise this book, entertaining and informative. (Jack Darnell)
MURDER IN THE MONASTERY -
Today I had to go from my city to another big city to meet a marketing executive who said she can increase my book sales. The journey consists of a taxi from home to the railway station, a train ride lasting more that an hour and another taxi ride to her office at the other end.
I was keen to create a good impression and get there on time. The night before I prepared all my business papers, records of book sales, and other documents and even got dressed and wore my best tie and slept standing up by the front door ready for the pre-booked taxi. I had phoned the executive's secretary and suggested I come early and spend the night with her; but she said it would not be ethical. That is, to spend the night with the executive and/or her secretary.
At the railway station I was annoyed whilst waiting for the train with all the advice on the loudspeakers and on the electronic boards. Advice like:
The weather is very hot today. Make sure you carry some water with you to avoid dehydration which can affect your health.
Also ensure that you wear a hat or other head covering, especially if you are light-haired (presumably meaning bald as a coot).
If you loose a shoe, do not walk with just one shoe as this may cause you to unbalance and fall; or it would wear out the sock in the shoe-less foot. To avoid this please ensure you have another pair of shoes with you.
Why can't they just bring the train along and let's get moving?
On the train I got even more irritated by a man talking loudly on his cell-phone. These things should be banned in open-spaces. This is the one-sided conversation.
Thank you for looking after Daisy for me. How is she?
Is she? Oh dear ... she does sometimes bark and growl ... she gets upset when I'm not there.
Have you fed her? Give her another biscuit ... she's still growling?
Try singing to her ... yes, singing ... it often quietens her down ...
Try Presley songs ... You ain't nothin' but a hound dog, Cryin' all the time, You ain't nothin' but a hound dog, Cryin' all the time, Well, you ain't never caught a rabbit and you ain't no friend of mine.
Is she still barking? Do it in a Presley voice. Yes, you can Mary. Just try ... Old Shep ... Daisy likes this one ...
I thought this idiot would go through Presley's whole repertoire just to annoy me. I had a good mind to give him a piece of my mind but I could ill afford it. Besides, he might well bite my leg.
I eventually did get to see the marketing executive on time. She asked me why are my books so generously priced? I explained that the intention was not to make money but just to cover printing costs. She thought I was an idiot. She did not say it but implied it by her demeanour. She suggested I encourage my readers to write positive reviews of my books on AMAZON.
HERE I AM LORD - ISBN: 9798868253072
A delightful selection of short stories featuring the amiable Father Ignatius in his daily tasks serving his congregation and following in Christ’s footsteps.
Each story contains a message to help you reflect on your Christian journey and your daily prayers. You can read the stories in chronological order or at random, each being a stand-alone vignette to treasure time and again.
Written in the author’s inimitable style the characters come alive as real people you would like to meet and get to know in your life.
This book is an ideal gift to yourself or to a loved one. The stories and the characters remain fresh to be enjoyed many times over. Add it to your collection of other Father Ignatius books by the same author.
A series of short stories featuring the amiable Father Ignatius tending to his flock as he walks daily in Christ's footsteps. Faced with the many problems and difficulties of his congregation, the kind priest carefully dispenses practical advice with humility, compassion and love for his people. Imitating the Lord Jesus as best he can.
Father Ignatius, the Parish priest at St Vincent Church is an amiable soul whose kind and jovial personality is well loved and appreciated by his parishioners and all those who know him. His is not a nine-to-five job where he can get home on time for his evening meal and a good evening watching TV, or playing golf. He is always “on-call” so to speak having to attend to his flock when in trouble and difficulties, or having to go to hospital at all hours of day and night when someone is gravely ill.
This is a collection of short stories specially selected by the author as amongst his favourites. They tell of the day to day adventures of a gentle pious priest with a gift of dispensing good advice and wise lessons to a troubled world.
A priest’s life is not always mundane and pedestrian doing the same thing day in day out. His main responsibility is to take care of Christ’s sheep; the many people who throughout life are brought into his care as God’s servant and shepherd. There are times when unexpected events turn Father Ignatius’ day upside down and send him to unexpected activities he did not plan; all for the sake of his parishioners and all those he gets to meet in his vocation as a priest. This book is a collection of short stories in the life of a humble man trying his best to follow in his Master’s footsteps.
IN HIS SERVICE - ISBN-13: 979-8696 585475
A delightful selection of short stories featuring Father Ignatius; the main character in the books “Visions”, “The Priest and Prostitute”, “To Love a Priest”, “Don’t Let The Devil Win!” and many others by the same author.
Each story
is a stand-alone vignette. In
this book we see Father Ignatius dealing with numerous situations in
his daily life as a priest with compassion, with love and with
understanding.
Always there for his parishioners. Always following in his Master’s footsteps. Always In His Service.
Well ... in a way my books might be repetitive, but that is because the message is the same. God is the same as He always was, is and will be. Jesus is His only Son and together with the Holy Spirit they form the Holy Trinity. The Christian message of love and forgiveness is the same and should always be the same.
Jesus said: “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35
He didn't say, "Love one another depending on the fashion of the day, or who it is you want to love!"
The message that there is one living Creator God is the same. It doesn't change with trends and fashions and what is considered these days as "enlightened" thinking. There are many these days who would want us to believe in other deities like power, influence, riches, celebrity, fame and happiness.
Basically, my Christian books divide into three categories. The devotional or educational ones where we discuss Christian issues that may have crossed our minds from time to time: Like does God really love us? Can we trust Him? Why does He allow bad things and suffering?
And stand-alone novels and short stories collections, featuring the fictitious character of Father Ignatius, and tackling similar issues and questions as raised above.
I don't expect anyone to buy all of my books, but perhaps someone somewhere may buy one book of whichever style they like, devotional, novels, or short stories, and therein perhaps find the message which they were looking for and may lead them to search further for a personal relationship with God.
Here are some recent reviews.
CHRISTIAN REFLECTIONS
Everything you ever wanted to know ....
Buying a gift for someone is such a personal thing that we should be careful that the recipient really appreciates what we have bought for them. My books for instance have boomerang qualities in that they can be passed on to others when bought and enjoyed; although most people tend to keep them for themselves. Especially the FREE ones.
Some years ago, after visiting us and enjoying many a rest by the pond in our back garden, when he left Uncle Eric sent us a fish for our pond. It arrived special delivery. It was a frozen salmon.
In his haste to thank us for a nice holiday he went to the wrong website and ordered a fish from a high class specialist fishmonger. We enjoyed the fish, but never told him the truth. We said his fish was flourishing in the pond.
That same uncle was invited one year for Christmas. In early November he sent us a turkey. Well, not a turkey as such. It was a coupon whereby we go to a nearby farm, choose a live turkey, and nearer Christmas they slaughter it and prepare it and send it to us special delivery ready for the oven. Thankfully, I did not have the children with me. I did not have the heart to point at a bird and condemn it to death. I signed the relevant papers and told them to send me any turkey.
One week before Christmas a parcel came special express delivery. I opened it and it was a leg of lamb. I looked at it once or twice and it was still a leg of lamb. I went out of the kitchen and back in again; it was still a leg of lamb.
I rang the farm. They said they sent a turkey; "are you sure Sir?" she said to me. I went to the kitchen and checked again. Yes, I was sure it was a leg of lamb because it looked like a leg of lamb rather than a turkey which is altogether a different shape.
I then spoke to the manager, he informed me that my turkey had escaped the farm and had an argument with a combine harvester and became ground meat. So they decided to send me a leg of lamb costing more than the turkey as compensation.
I explained that technically I had not chosen a turkey, so "my" turkey could not have escaped and met his demise against a mightier opponent.
To save further headache, we accepted the leg of lamb and we quickly bought a turkey from the supermarket. When Uncle Eric came for Christmas we told him this was his turkey on the table.
Another gift I received from someone was a day at a health farm. You start with a sauna where you are boiled alive like a lobster. Then the brochure showed a whole body massage with a photo of a young man lying naked on a table with a tiny towel on his backside and a beautiful masseuse rubbing his shoulders. Knowing my luck the masseuse will be a heavyweight wrestler with a grudge against society. What is it with this fashion of lying naked in-front of someone you never met and have them touch you all over? You don't know where they've been. The brochure also offered a mud bath, or putting your feet in a pool of water and having fish nibble at your toes. I gave that gift coupon to someone else.
And yet another strange gift I won in a competition is a flight on a hot-air balloon. You know the one ... hanging there in mid-air in a wicker basket with a gas cylinder above your head blowing air into a flammable canvass flying just anywhere without a rudder or compass or any means of direction. A modern image of society, I guess.
What if the wicker bottom gave way because of the weight of the people and we all fall down without a parachute? Or if the balloon loses its air ... You know, when you have a party balloon which you blow up and then let go ... and it flies all over the place left and right as it deflates going bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz as it loses air. Does this happen to a hot-air balloon? Can you imagine it flying all over the sky left and right as it deflates dragging people hanging for their lives in a picnic basket? Not for me, I tell you.
I prefer my gifts of the edible kind. Even if it is a leg of lamb pretending to be a turkey.
VISIONS: Three children see an apparition of Jesus in the park. News spreads throughout the town and people react differently, some violently towards the children and their families. Father Ignatius is caught in the storm not of his making as well as obedience to his Church's instructions. Meanwhile, Jesus appears again and again ... ... ...
THE PRIEST AND PROSTITUTE: A prostitute is found murdered in the grounds of St Vincent Church and the police investigate. Father Ignatius is a suspect. What is his relationship with this woman? Was he her client perhaps? His parishioners jump to various conclusions without any proof or evidence. Now is the time for the priest to find out who his friends really are.
TO LOVE A PRIEST: When his past catches up with him Father Ignatius' life is turned upside down. He needs to consider his position as a priest as well as his promise and vocation to God when he took his vows. This book tackles delicate questions as yet unresolved within the Church.
DON'T LET THE DEVIL WIN!: In this book Father Ignatius is tempted and tormented by the devil, even resorting to physical, mental as well as emotional pain. The battle between the priest and the devil is one we might have experienced ourselves in our lives. The book takes us through a journey often reaching breaking point of wondering whether we have been abandoned by God; yet affirming that He is always by our side - only a prayer away.
MURDER IN THE MONASTERY: A priest is found dead in a secluded monastery in suspicious circumstances. Anyone of the monks there could have been the killer since few of them have a good alibi and some may have a good motive to wish the elderly priest dead. What is the secret which caused the death of an old priest in his eighties? What was he hiding from his past? Who is the mystery man seen lurking in the priory gardens? Father Ignatius investigates albeit he is also a suspect.
A story of suspense and intrigue which will keep you guessing till the end.
A SHOT IN THE PARK: A gunshot is heard in the park opposite St Vincent Church. Is Father Ignatius the victim or is he the perpetrator of this heinous crime? What was he doing in the park at the time he was due to be hearing confessions? Was he meeting someone from the criminal fraternity? Is this the end of our much-loved priest?
The last in the series of Father Ignatius books. A fast-paced and intriguing story with a credible plot-line and fascinating ending.
.
.
