Meet Guest Author, Richard Dee…

Meet author Richard Dee over at the story reading ape blog. #author #recommended

Chris The Story Reading Ape's avatarChris The Story Reading Ape's Blog

I’m Richard Dee and I’m from Brixham in South Devon. I wasn’t always a writer, it sort of sneaked up on me.

Write what you know, they always say. It’s good advice, you can speak with authority and use your knowledge and experience to make everything authentic.

What do you do when you love Scifi and Steampunk? How can you write what you know then?

Rather stupidly, I assumed that it would be easy to write about the future, or even an alternative now. There would be no need for research. After all, I told myself, you can’t research what hasn’t happened yet.

I got halfway down my first page before I realised just how wrong I was! Research is key, my worlds have to sound true, I start from what you know and take it somewhere else, blurring the line between what is and what might be. Then I…

View original post 600 more words

The Magister

Jack Eason is sharing a snippet of his new story Magister. #mustread

Jack Eason's avatarHave We Had Help?

95198-magister-keldonus

Here is a snippet of my latest Work In Progress.

~~~

For years he had been troubled by the simplistic conclusions of academia concerning our past on this planet. Not one academic had provided an answer that didn’t adhere to accepted conventional thinking. It was long past time that someone put them straight!

~~~

On reaching his seventieth birthday, a fundamental change occurred in him. James began to experience what in the beginning were strange dreams. For instance, in his dreams he no longer slept in a bed. Instead his body floated in the air a few feet above ground, surrounded by a protective sphere. Nothing and no one could harm him while he remained inside. As for feeding himself, in his dreams he grazed all day long. No longer needing to eat a sleep inducing heavy three course meal, or breakfast and lunch.

In every respect he was an…

View original post 673 more words

7 Psychological Tricks For Book Promotion

Interesting marketing ideas from Nicholas Rossis. #mustread #marketing #books

Nicholas C. Rossis's avatarNicholas C. Rossis

Book marketing psychology | From the blog of Nicholas C. Rossis, author of science fiction, the Pearseus epic fantasy series and children's booksImage: Gerd Altmann, Pixabay

Book marketing has come a long way since Medieval scribes advertised their services in the Middle Ages. For one thing, there is an entire branch of psychology that deals specifically with marketing. I recently came across a great post by a marketing student with 7 psychological tricks you can use in marketing. That post formed the basis of this one, only this one deals with book promotion in particular instead of marketing in general. I hope you find it useful!

1. Your Book Needs To Fit Your Genre

It’s important to understand your readers and what they expect from you. Every genre has some common traits. And you need to respect that.

Everything about your book, from your title to the book cover, needs to fit your genre.

Let’s take YA fiction, for example. Your readers will probably be 15-to-25-years-old. The most…

View original post 643 more words

Review Rogue Elements – The Gamma Sequence Book 2 by Dan Alatorre

FROM USA TODAY BESTSELLING AUTHOR DAN ALATORRE

THE PAST DOESN’T DIE. IT WAITS TO BE FORGOTTEN.

After completing the biggest case of his career, private detective Hank DeShear returns home to start treatment for a disabling genetic condition that could end his life, but he learns his partner on the prior case has just been murdered. Was he wrong to conclude the secretive killer known as The Greyhound had declared a truce? Or have disciples of The Greyhound surfaced to carry on with the murders?

DeShear is able to attach himself to an overseas goodwill mission headed by the U. S. Vice President, enabling him to pursue leads in foreign hospitals he thinks could be offshoots of Angelus Genetics’ illegal organ harvesting programs and human trafficking operations. Determined to pursue the truth wherever it leads, DeShear must also keep a low profile so he doesn’t become the next murder victim—but the onset of his debilitating condition may kill DeShear before the murderer gets a chance.

FANS OF ROBIN COOK AND MICHAEL CRICHTON WILL LOVE THE LATEST ADDITION TO THIS WELL-WRITTEN AND SUSPENSEFUL SERIES.

 

My review:

This is very different from my usual go to read, (which is often YA Fantasy/Paranormal,) but that’s a good thing. It’s great to immerse yourself in new genres from time to time. Rogue Elements: The Gamma Sequence Book 2 is a Medical thriller which packs a punch, with some truly gripping moments which will stay with me for a long time. There are a couple of real, ‘Oh my God,’ instances.. where I could almost see the events/trauma unfolding before my eyes and making me squirm as if it was happening to me…

You really wouldn’t want that!

Dan Alatorre is a talented multi-genre author with wide ranging abilities extending from, for example: cookery books, to paranormal, thrillers, sci/fiction, horror, realistic fiction/fatherly experiences and even romance!

But, from reading this second book in the Rogue Elements series, (unfortunately I haven’t read the first,) and his short stories in Nightmareland I get a gut feeling that his writing style excels whilst scaring and thrilling his readers!

Therefore, if you crave books that aren’t afraid to broach difficult subjects and touch upon dreadful evils such as ruthless organ harvesting –   this is for you! Rogue Elements is a fast paced narrative, full of engaging dialogue and the characters are well written and believable.

Alatorre’s strength lies in his ability to write scenes that are almost cinematic in their execution. I wish I could say more but if I did it would spoil the book for you and I really don’t want to do that.

My recommendation: Highly recommended. 5 stars.

Please note: I received a copy from the author but this in no way influences my review.

 

So, what’s next on my reading shelf?

I’m currently reading Philip Pullman’s Northern Lights which was recommended by a colleague at work, who complimented me saying that there are similarities in our writing style! Now, that’s a compliment… More about that soon, plus do come back for more Indie Book Reviews…

What are you reading? Have you read Dan Alatorre’s Rogue Elements: The Gamma Sequence?

Social Media Links

Authors Website: https://mjmallon.com
Collaborative Blog: https://sistersofthefey.wordpress.com
Twitter: @Marjorie_Mallon and @curseof_time
#ABRSC: Authors Bloggers Rainbow Support Club on Facebook
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17064826.M_J_Mallon

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mjmallonauthor/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjmallonauthor/

 

 

 

 

If you are serious about it, writing ain’t easy

Wise words from Jack Eason about #writing #writefromtheyesofthereader to avoid formulaic writing

Jack Eason's avatarHave We Had Help?

storyboard1

In a post I became aware of on someone’s blog via a link today thanks to a blogger friend, its author was talking about whether or not it might be a good idea to employ story-boarding when it comes to writing fiction. To the uninitiated, it may sound like a sensible suggestion. But, while new writers might wish to employ the technique, writers like myself largely refrain from doing so for the simplest of reasons.

Most full time writers (I include myself in this group) will tell you that writing a story is a dynamic process where ideas constantly change direction during the story’s evolution. By relying rigidly on a mapped out storyline, it is far too easy to literally ‘paint yourself into a corner’. I’m a firm believer in ‘flexibility’ being the key to good writing.

One other valid point to consider – story-boarding is just another name for…

View original post 333 more words

The Wyrd Shop #Edinburgh #crystals #writing inspiration #mindfulness #walkingmeditation

My latest post on The Sisters Of The Fey blog.

M E Hembroff: Voices of Yesterday #NewRelease #PlaistedPublishingHouse

The Voices of Yesterday

Description

In part one Kate is confused and overwhelmed about her parents’ divorce. Her teacher gives the class an assignment to research and write about a historical event, person or place in Riverdale. Kate chooses the Franklin Manor where she lives with her Mom. Her classmate Rose finds information about a fire that left Kate’s Gran an orphan. Kate sets this information aside until she has completed her assignment. As Kate continues her research, she finds her Great Aunt Rebecca’s journal. She stumbles across a link between the Franklin’s and her family. What is that link? How does it affect Kate?

In part two Kate and her mom spend the summer at her Gran’s farm. Kate helps her Mom sort through the items hoarded over the years. She finds old journals written by her Great, Great Grandmother. Old treasures turn up in unexpected locations. A rift has developed between Kate and her dad. She doesn’t accept that he has a girlfriend who he intends to marry. Will Kate find all the family secrets? Will she resolve her issues with her dad?

 

Author Biography

 

Marjorie was imaginative since early childhood. She grew up on a farm, before television, where there was lots of scope for imagination. Marjorie did art and writing assignments in school. After she had married and moved to Alberta Marjorie took art and writing classes, some by correspondence.  Marjorie joined an art club and took part in their shows. At that time she started to have strange dreams. In these dreams, she held a book with blank pages and no cover. In other dreams, there was a series of books with no covers. Marjorie told one of the art group members about the dreams. That artist had learned to interpret dreams. She told Marjorie she was supposed to write the stories and draw the pictures for the covers. Shortly after that Tiny in Gramma Mouse Tells a Story was born. It wasn’t long before the idea for Bess’s Magical Garden surfaced.

Marjorie’s favorite author has always been L.M. Montgomery. In some ways, she felt akin to Anne the main character in the Anne books.

Marjorie has since written and self-published Gramma Mouse Tells a Story, Bess’s Magical Garden and the sequel The Mystery of the Hidden Cabin. She now resides in Strathmore Alberta. Her books are sold at local craft sales every fall and Christmas as well as on Amazon. She has also written numerous stories. Some can be found on her website.

Book Links

Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/dp/170826681X

eBook: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B081LHWTCK

 

Web site:

https://www.mhembroff.wordpress.com

www.amazon.com/author/mehembroff

https://www.facebook.com/mehembroff

https://twitter.com/margiesart1

http://www.goodreads.com/mehembroff

http://www.plaistedpublishinghouse.com

 

 

It’s been great having another Marjorie over! That’s a first…

Bye for now,

 

My Buy Book Link YA/Fantasy: myBook.to/TheCurseofTime

 

Author Spotlight – Cendrine Marrouat & David Ellis #Poets #Submissions #Auroras & Blossoms Poetry Journal

Today, it is my great pleasure to welcome not one, but two poets…

Author Spotlight – Cendrine Marrouat & David Ellis

Cendrine and David co-founded Auroras & Blossoms Poetry Journal, a magazine that promotes inspirational and uplifting poetry no matter the topic. They accept everyone, as long as they have something positive to say in their poetry.

They published the first issue of their magazine in October of this year.

You can submit one free poem per submission period to the magazine.

13-16 year olds can also submit to the magazine, via their parents and guardians.

Furthermore, Auroras & Blossoms are also looking for article submissions or essays relating to poetry that are inspirational in nature.

For more information regarding their poetry journal, how to submit and to subscribe to their magazine then go to: abpoetryjournal.com

Bios:-

Cendrine Marrouat

Originally from Toulouse, France, Cendrine Marrouat has called Winnipeg, Canada, her home for 16 years. She is a photographer, poet, author, French instructor, and the Head of marketing and communications at ConnexionFranco.Coop. She has also co-founder two projects, FPoint Collective and Auroras & Blossoms Poetry Journal.

Cendrine specializes in nature, black-and-white and closeup images. Her photography seeks the mundane to capture the fleeting, but true beauty of life in its many forms.

Cendrine is passionate about haiku. She has studied the Japanese poetry form extensively and written many pieces since 2006.

In 2015, Cendrine was recognized as a Top 100 Business Blogger by BuzzHUMM. Social Media Slant, her former blog, also made Fit Small Business’ Best Small Business Blogs of 2015 & 2016 lists.

Walks: A Collection of Haiku (Volumes 1 & 2) are Cendrine’s 12th and 13th books. Other releases include five collections of poetry, three photography books, a play, two social media ebooks, and a spoken word CD.

Website: https://www.cendrinemedia.com

Email: cendrine@cendrinemedia.com

Twitter: http://twitter.com/cendrinemedia

Instagram: http://instagram.com/cendrinemedia

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cendrinephotography

David Ellis

David Ellis is a UK based author of poetry, fiction and music lyrics. He has been writing poetry and music lyrics for years.

His debut poetry book ‘Life, Sex & Death – A Poetry Collection Vol 1’ is an International Award winning volume, having won an award in the Readers’ Favorite 2016 Book Award Contest for Inspirational Poetry Books.

Think of him like the thriller genre in that he is fast paced, relentless and impossible to put down!

His latest book ‘See A Dream Within: Found “Poe”try Based On The Collected Poetry Works Of Edgar Allan Poe’ can now be purchased on Amazon Kindle, on Lulu and in print at major outlets.

Connect with him on Facebook:- TooFullToWrite (FB)

Like his Facebook Page:- Toofulltowrite – The Creative Palace For Artists & Author Resources

Follow him on Twitter:- @TooFullToWrite

For Creativity Resources, Writing Advice, Guides, Author Interviews and Poetry, visit his website/blog at:- www.toofulltowrite.com

It’s been wonderful to discover two new poets, plus Auroras & Blossoms Poetry Journal. Sounds like a great opportunity to submit your work.

Do get in touch if you’d like to be featured on my blog. Writers, poets, artists and creative individuals are all welcome.

Bye for now,

Buy Book: myBook.to/TheCurseofTime

Social Media Links

Authors Website: https://atomic-temporary-67364188.wpcomstaging.com
Collaborative Blog: https://sistersofthefey.wordpress.com
Twitter: @Marjorie_Mallon and @curseof_time
#ABRSC: Authors Bloggers Rainbow Support Club on Facebook
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17064826.M_J_Mallon

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mjmallonauthor/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mjmallonauthor/

When It’s Time To Commit #CoverReveal for Marriage Unarranged

Congratulations to my lovely friend Ritu on her cover reveal for Marriage Unarranged. Awesome. Love it. Wishing her much happiness and success with her book launch.

Ritu's avatarRitu Bhathal

Photo Credit Kimberley Farmer. Banner produced on Canva

It’s been a while, and for that, I apologise, my dear readers.

I haven’t been wallowing in a puddle of misery because I got another rejection.

Nothing like that. Unfortunately it has been my health that has held me back from progessing further.

You see, I made a decision to become an Indie Author, and self publish my baby!

And, in order to self publish, there are a few things that need to be done.

  • Finish editing my book – so close, I am just in the throes of discovering my crutch words… cringe-worthy!
  • Sending it to my editor for that final look over
  • Formatting the text for paperback as well as e-book
  • Writing the blurb
  • Writing acknowledgements, etc. for inside the book
  • Setting a publication date
  • Designing a cover

Wait. What?

I actually have an item on the list that I…

View original post 121 more words