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Time for Titanic 22 Mar 2018 2:00 AM (7 years ago)

It's less than a day until I head off to Belfast for the Titanic Signing event. I can't wait to meet the amazing authors who will be attending.

I will be bringing along copies of all my books, bookmarks, postcards, and some goodies for readers who stop by my table.


Yep, I will be bringing along a whole lot of soap, some with scents inspired by my books. Everything from chocolate, the eye colour of one of characters to coffee for Something Wicked. For those with a sweet tooth, I'll have rainbow lollipops inspired by the rainbow roses Caleb gives to Triona in Shades of Atlantis.

To top it off, I will also be hosting a giveaway at my table. All you have to do is pop along and drop your name and a contact into the fish bowl. You could win yourself some handcrafted soap, a copy of Something Wicked, plus a signed copy of the award winning book, Forbidden by Feather Stone.

Titanic Signing, Belfast 19 Mar 2018 12:17 PM (7 years ago)

I've been out of the limelight for a while now. What better way to jump back in than with an amazing event like the Titanic Signing in Belfast?

It's just a few days until authors from all around the globe will gather in the ballroom of Titanic Belfast, with the backdrop of the replica staircase from Titanic's first class dining room.


To celebrate this unique event some of the attending authors have collaborated on a very special short story collection. 12 tales straight from the heart of the ocean and inspired by the ill-fated ship that sank on its maiden voyage in April, 1912.




Don't forget, there are still tickets to the event available at: https://titanicsigning18.eventbrite.co.uk

Review - 44 Gilmore Street by Shani Struthers 3 Aug 2016 12:00 AM (9 years ago)

Summary
Psychic Surveys - specialists in domestic spiritual clearance - have never been busier. Although exhausted, Ruby is pleased. Her track record as well as her down-to-earth, no-nonsense approach inspires faith in the haunted, who willingly call on her high street consultancy when the supernatural takes hold. But that's all about to change. Two cases prove trying: 44 Gilmore Street, home to a particularly violent spirit, and the reincarnation case of Elisha Grey. When Gilmore Street attracts press attention, matters quickly deteriorate. Dubbed the 'New Enfield', the 'Ghost of Gilmore Street' inflames public imagination, but as Ruby and the team fail repeatedly to evict the entity, faith in them wavers. Dealing with negative press, the strangeness surrounding Elisha, and a spirit that's becoming increasingly territorial, Ruby's at breaking point. So much is pushing her towards the abyss, not least her own past. It seems some demons just won't let go...

Review

A brilliant finale to a series!

I read this a few weeks ago. 44 Gilmore Street was pretty timely after my disappointment with the movie, The Conjuring 2. The later was based on the infamous Enfield Poltergeist, but unfortunately made changes that didn't improve on the original story, giving it the Hollywood treatment. 

44 Gilmore Street did immediately remind me of the Enfield story, with the haunting carry on happening to an average family, living in an average house on an average British Street. So I wasn't surprised when the reference to the case came up. 

Let's face it, we don't usually expect people living down the road or next door to experience a haunting. Because most of us can relate to their living situation, it notches up the creepiness. 

All the team return, but this latest case comes with the added scrutiny of the press. That and the persistence of a new client that Ruby is reluctant to take on threatened to drive a wedge into the team. And at a time they are facing one of their most violent hauntings, they need to pull together. 

The writing, as ever, is engaging but simple and direct with the perfect balance of decription, carrying the reader through the action flawlessly. The story is complex with several misdirects so just when I thought I had it all figured out, it shifts again, keeping me turning pages right to the very end. 

I highly recommend this entire series. 

Tempting Jo by Nancee Cain - Release Day 28 Jul 2016 1:00 AM (9 years ago)

Congratulation to Nancee Cain on the release of her second novel, Tempting Jo. Look at that beautiful cover. To celebrate release day, I have a few teasers and an excerpt.

Add Tempting Jo to you TRL on Goodreads

About the Author



 

To Blue or Not to Blue 3 Apr 2016 8:32 AM (9 years ago)

It's Autism month. There is some debate on if it should be awareness or acceptance month. The fact is, even those living with Autism can't agree on almost anything connected to Autism. Yesterday, buildings and monuments all around the world went blue for World Autism Awareness day and lots of people are Lighting Up Blue. I won't be. It's not popular to admit that or to point out what Light Up Blue officially represents. I specifically didn't post this yesterday out of consideration for those who just wanted to enjoy the day and not get involved in the politics of Autism. 

Living with Autism can sometime feel like shouting into a void. It can be lonely and frustrating. Awareness and Acceptance are complex issues, and my own views are continually evolving. The truth is somewhat disconcerting. Although Autism connects us, the Autism community is a community, not divided but splintered into a million pieces. There is very little universal consensus on anything from causes to decision making to if the term should be 'Autistic' or 'person with Autism'. Being a spectrum disorder, Autism affects individuals and families in such vastly different ways that everyone wants something different from Autism month. The one thing that we all want is to feel heard.

It's a touchy subject for some. Like it or not, aware of it or not, agree with it or not, Light it Up Blue started and still represents an Autism Speaks Campaign.

I used to Light Up Blue. I used to support Autism Speaks with money and time. I donated work for a fundraising collection of stories. I spread the word on social media. Then I found out that, like other charities I'd previously donated to, huge sums of money raised was going to pay salaries, research, and marketing campaigns to raise even more money. And very little going to directly to help those in need right now.

That is why I no longer go Blue. 

I don't support everything they stand for, but anyone would be hard pressed to find a group they can agree with on everything. It's not about the goal of the research for a cure because I do support the research. I hope those who are severely debilitated or who wish it can someday access a cure. It's not that they sometimes portray autism as something terrible, because you know what? For some it is terrible. It's not even that they support parents and caregivers as advocates, because what is the alternative? Someone who has never met my son but thinks they know better because they are on the spectrum too? I would no more allow my son to make major life decisions alone than I would a four-year-old. And I am even less likely to allow some autistic stranger tell me that I don't know best for my son and myself. Because I sure as hell do.

So, when I don't Light Up Blue, IS NOT A JUDGEMENT on anyone who does. Is it not me saying I support anti-AS groups either, because I don't. I have no interest in being silenced or discounted as a voice for my son. It is not me saying I support acceptance over awareness. I want both to a degree.

I will never accept something that hurts my child the way Autism does. I do want acceptance in a positive way that helps autistic people integrate and live their life to whatever level they are capable. 

I want awareness. Real awareness, not the fluffy 'isn't autism great for Silicon Valley' awareness. The raw awareness of the good and bad. The meltdowns, outbursts, the stress, the grief, the work from caregivers and autistic individuals, the determination, sleepless nights, the milestones, achievements, and the moments of joy. I want Awareness of how little things can make life a little easier. 

So, regardless of want to achieve this April, if you turn blue or not, whatever it is you support or how you support it, and even if I don't agree with your message, I do hope at the end of it, you feel heard. 

Happy Autism Month.

The Revenger by Debra Anastasia Release Day 22 Feb 2016 2:15 PM (9 years ago)

I am so very excited about this release and I am already reading it. This is a not to be missed book. On FaceBook I described it as "Sheer Brilliance". It's a sort of anti-hero origin story for adults. Or hero origin story depending on your perspective. Dark, twisted, and heartbreaking. Debra Anastasia at her very best.

Summary

Tallow was a quick learner and smoothed his fancy shirt. 
          “Okay then, let me see what else we have."

Abandoned Blog Tour - Guest Post from Elisa Dane 19 Feb 2016 12:00 AM (9 years ago)

Today, I'm delighted to welcome Elisa Dane to my blog as part of the blog tour for the release of her latest book - Abandoned. As a writer myself, I'm always fascinated by the process of other writers and so I opted to ask Elisa a question about her writing. I will review the book at a later date, but trust me, this book is to the author's usual incredible high standard.

Publisher:  Swoon Romance

My name is Tierra Owens, and I like to kiss. A lot. It numbs the hollow ache in my chest and—for a few minutes—makes me forget how truly alone I am. My mother is an alcoholic. She hates me and insists I'm the reason she's not married to my father, whom I have never met. My best friend, Kaylee, is the only person who knows the real me. Everyone else sees what I want them to: a happy, confident, popular girl who has the world at her feet.

I am a fraud.

Relationships are forbidden. I avoid them at all costs. Sex? Emotions? Those things make a person vulnerable, and vulnerability always leads to heartbreak. When my childhood crush, Mattie shows up at school my world tumbles off its axis. The shell I surround myself with feels more like a pathetic crutch than a protective barrier, and I find myself wanting things. Daydreaming about what it would be like to have a boyfriend, a relationship—love.

The sad fact is: I'll never have any of those things. I am unworthy—trash. Which is why my mom abandoned me.

Review - Poughkeepsie Begins by Debra Anastasia 9 Feb 2016 7:03 AM (9 years ago)

 Summary
  
It ends with the beginning. This legendary, indie, cult-favorite series ends its tale with the story of the Poughkeepsie brotherhood before the tattoo. Before the train station, before the church, before a criminal empire there was a foster home and three teen boys who chose each other as family, because the ones they were born into didn’t exist

Still in high school, Beckett is already laying the groundwork for a grander life ahead, one where his brothers want for nothing and get some respect for once. But even as he plans, Beckett must decide if he’s ready to make that choice—diving in to a life that trades his chance at a future, his chance at something as simple as first love with a girl named Candy Cox, for their chance to find happiness.

Blake, Beckett, and Cole’s devotion to each other is forged by fists and the driving need to belong somewhere, to do more than just survive this life. Readers of the series know they each get there in the end, but before we count smiles, we must first shed tears. These early days of the Poughkeepsie brotherhood will play on your heartstrings before serrating them with a knife; they’ll lift your soul with music, only to leave you with nothing but a desperate prayer for hope.

And when you reach the end of the beginning, you’ll be ready to start the series all over again.

Review 
 
It ends where it begins is so true. This is a book that delivers a hat-trick in less than two hundred pages. It is a stand alone book, an ending, and a beginning all in one. For those who haven't spent the last several years engrossed in the tales of the Poughkeepsie brotherhood as I have done, PB is an excellent way to dip your toe in the water. It's complete in itself, a stand alone novel with no cliff ending and no need to be familiar with any of the characters.

But, who are we kidding? If you haven't already, you are going to want to read the Poughkeepsie Brotherhood series after this. In which case, it's a fantastic place to begin, right back in high-school.

If, like me, you have been following Beckett, Cole, and Blake through their adventures and heartache as adults, this is a bittersweet goodbye, a gift from the author. It will break your heart and give you hope all over again.

Although it is a book about young adults, this is an Adult book, or at the very least New Adult. It deals with some difficult themes, there is course language, violence, raw emotion, sex, and abuse of all sorts. However, don't let that put you off. It is a gripping story that is not long or drawn out so although it's emotionally intense, it's short enough that it didn't leave me drained as some books have in the past. 

A book definitely worth a spot on your To Read list.

Review - Aced (Blocked #2) by Jennifer Lane 19 Dec 2015 4:08 PM (9 years ago)

Volleyball wonder Lucia Ramirez found her love match in Blocked despite the glaring political spotlight aimed on her family. In Aced, the second book in Jennifer Lane’s Blocked series, it could be her brother Alejandro’s turn to get lucky in love.

Medical student Alejandro’s hot Latin looks get him plenty of attention, but his deep faith and admiration for his father keep him on a righteous path, with no time for something as frivolous as love. He strives to do the right thing—study diligently, take care of his siblings, represent the family well—so why does he feel so unfulfilled?

Enter Lucia’s friend and teammate Maddie Brooks, who shines at blocking the ball and acing the serve. Too bad this graduating senior isn’t so confident about her life off the court. Her longtime boyfriend has just bailed on her, and med school applications loom large. Oh, and a nerve-wracking tryout for Team USA also approaches.

Maddie meets Alejandro when he visits Lucia at school, and she’s soon drawn to his sharp mind. Alejandro is similarly intrigued by Maddie’s talent and strength. But will personal biases and family politics smother the slow burn of their attraction? Unless Maddie can learn to believe in herself, and Alejandro can become his own man, their kindling romance hardly stands a chance.

Will either of them be bold enough to try something new? Find out in this emotion- rich story that refuses to shy away from life’s hardest questions. Because love is worth the risk.


Review

Overall I loved this book as much as the first book. It's a sweet romance the delves deeply into what it means to be an athlete as well as what happens when it's taken away. It also deals with darker issues of family dynamics, illness, and race. I couldn't put it down once I started. Based on the first book, I knew I would struggle with Alejandro as a leading man. I knew his principles would irk me, and they did. Jennifer Lane doesn't do cutout characters. She has a way of capturing them with all sorts of views that never come across preachy, even when they are ridiculously fixed in a somewhat narrow world view. Just like real people can be. This book is no exception.

I found Alejandro overbearing and self-righteous, especially at the beginning. But then, I found myself thinking he was a bit wishy washy when he couldn't stick to those same principles later in the book because they didn't suit him. Seriously, the poor guy couldn't catch a break with me. He did have his good points such as being kind and brave, and did eventually win me over. Although, we'd never be able to talk politics.

Maddie I could empathize with a lot more. She is struggling with depression and trying to hold her world together while it is being turned upside down. She had much more moderate world views, however, getting on with her own life seems to be enough for her during the course of the book. It's not that she doesn't care about the wider world, because she does. It's just that she seems to take it as it comes to her without preconceived notions about anyone.

There is almost instant sizzle between these two, although getting to the relationship part was a sort of slow, gentle burn that reminded me of old black and white movies. As if Alejandro was a gentleman courting her. Maddie deserved that, she deserved some love and care. I respected his character more for taking his time.

Since these books are set against the background of politics(Alejandro is the president's son) some of things discussed by the characters are very much a part of American current affairs. However, nothing that I wasn't already aware of or couldn't keep up with and the book is very much about the romance and relationships rather than the backdrops.

Like I said, all in all, I loved it. I'm very much looking forward to book three that will focus on another Ramirez sibling. 


Easy 5 star read, for those who love sweet romance with a side of reality in all it's wonderful and broken glory.


About the Author

 Get psyched for romance with psychologist/author (psycho author) Jennifer Lane! By day she’s a therapist, and by night she’s a writer. She can’t decide which is more fun.

Jen adores creating sporty heroines and hot heroes in her college sport romances. Volleyball wonder Lucia Ramirez found her love match in Blocked despite the glaring political spotlight aimed on her family. In Aced, the second book in the Blocked series, it’s her brother Alejandro’s turn to get lucky in love. Aced launches in December 2015.

A swimmer and volleyball player in college, Jen writes swimming-based romances as well: Streamline, a military mystery, and the free New Adult novella Swim Recruit.

Stories of redemption interest Jen the most, especially the healing power of love. She is also the author of The Conduct Series, a romantic-suspense trilogy that includes With Good Behavior, Bad Behavior, and On Best Behavior.

Ultimately, whether writing or reading, Jen loves stories that make her laugh and cry. In her spare time she enjoys exercising, attending book club, and visiting her sisters in Chicago and Hilton Head.

Review - Broken Bonds by Trisha Wolfe 15 Dec 2015 3:19 PM (9 years ago)

Let me start by saying, I am way behind on my reviews and hope to catch up over the holidays. This year has really kicked my butt. I'm reading almost as much as ever and although I tend to only spend time reviewing books I've enjoyed, I haven't even found much time to do that!

Adult Read

So, here we go. Broken Bonds is actually the series name for With Visions of Red books #1,#2, and #3. It's available in single books or as a handy dandy box set.

 
 I've read a number of Trisha Wolfe's books in the past and she never fails to impress me, but let me just say that these books blew my socks off. I had book one on my To Read from release but never quite got around to it and by the time the box set came out, I totally forgotten what the series was even about. So, I dived in blind. Although it is three relatively fast reads, they are not books for reading in isolation. They need to be read together and in order.

Sadie Bonds was introduced to the world of blood and violence in a brutal and very personal way. Now working as a criminal profiler, catching the bad guys seems to verge almost on obsession for her. By night she explores her dark fantasies at an exclusive BDSM club. It's there she meets Colton, a rope rigger at the club with a dark past of his own. Meanwhile, there is a sadistic serial killer on the loose and he is trying hard to get Sadie's attention. So begins a twisted game of cat and mouse.

Despite the gore, brutality, and sometimes disturbing scenes depicted, there is a sophistication about these books. I can only put it down to the skill of the author. Think Dexter/Hannibal. With varied points of view, the reader gets to explore the world of police investigation from different angles. The killer's POV was particularly chilling with almost poetic prose I found genuinely scary.

Contrasting that is the developing romance between Sadie and Colton. The sex scenes are sensual and detailed rather than graphic and each scene serves a purpose in propelling the story forward. And these books do zoom along with fast paced action that will keep any reader completely engrossed.

One for those who enjoy an excellent crime read with a dark hit of romance and erotica.

Five Stars


About the Author

From an early age, Trisha Wolfe dreamed up fantasy worlds and characters and was accused of talking to herself. Today, she lives in South Carolina with her family and writes full time, using her fantasy worlds as an excuse to continue talking to herself. 

Aced by Jennifer Lane Release Day! 2 Dec 2015 5:56 AM (9 years ago)

Volleyball wonder Lucia Ramirez found her love match in Blocked despite the glaring political spotlight aimed on her family. In Aced, the second book in Jennifer Lane’s Blocked series, it could be her brother Alejandro’s turn to get lucky in love.

Medical student Alejandro’s hot Latin looks get him plenty of attention, but his deep faith and admiration for his father keep him on a righteous path, with no time for something as frivolous as love. He strives to do the right thing—study diligently, take care of his siblings, represent the family well—so why does he feel so unfulfilled?

Enter Lucia’s friend and teammate Maddie Brooks, who shines at blocking the ball and acing the serve. Too bad this graduating senior isn’t so confident about her life off the court. Her longtime boyfriend has just bailed on her, and med school applications loom large. Oh, and a nerve-wracking tryout for Team USA also approaches.

Maddie meets Alejandro when he visits Lucia at school, and she’s soon drawn to his sharp mind. Alejandro is similarly intrigued by Maddie’s talent and strength. But will personal biases and family politics smother the slow burn of their attraction? Unless Maddie can learn to believe in herself, and Alejandro can become his own man, their kindling romance hardly stands a chance.

Will either of them be bold enough to try something new? Find out in this emotion- rich story that refuses to shy away from life’s hardest questions. Because love is worth the risk.
“Jennifer's characters always interact with each other in a very comfortable pattern of easy and witty banter. She is exceedingly good at dialogue. Aced is a very brave book. Like Blocked, it is not simply a fluffy, sweet and cozy romance."
~Teresa from Goodreads

"Lord forgive me for I have sinned and lusted over the hottie known as ALEJANDRO. Yup, dibs he's all mine, chicas."
~Nelly from Romance Bytes

"The plot is so well paced, I was reading until the wee hours of the morning."
~Karie Deegan from My Reading Reality

"Blocked captivated my attention from start to finish and Aced does not disappoint. Hotheaded Alejandro meets his match in stubborn and confident Maddie."
~Aaliyah from Goodreads

Poughekeepsie Begins Blog Tour - Interview with Debra Anastasia 23 Nov 2015 8:52 AM (9 years ago)

Over the years I've made no secret of my love for the Poughkeepsie Brotherhood series. Now, it's time to go all the way back to the beginning and meet the boys where it all started. And look at that cover! This is a prequel and can be read as a stand alone, but let's face it, no one is going to want to stop at the beginning. Read on for a look at the summary, an excerpt, some quickfire questions for Debra, and an extra special surprise gift for readers!


-->

Cover Reveal - Aced(Blocked #2) by Jennifer Lane 21 Oct 2015 3:47 AM (10 years ago)

Volleyball wonder Lucia Ramirez found her love match in Blocked despite the glaring political spotlight aimed on her family. In Aced, the second book in Jennifer Lane’s Blocked series, it could be her brother Alejandro’s turn to get lucky in love.

Medical student Alejandro’s hot Latin looks get him plenty of attention, but his deep faith and admiration for his father keep him on a righteous path, with no time for something as frivolous as love. He strives to do the right thing—study diligently, take care of his siblings, represent the family well—so why does he feel so unfulfilled?

Enter Lucia’s friend and teammate Maddie Brooks, who shines at blocking the ball and acing the serve. Too bad this graduating senior isn’t so confident about her life off the court. Her longtime boyfriend has just bailed on her, and med school applications loom large. Oh, and a nerve-wracking tryout for Team USA also approaches.

Maddie meets Alejandro when he visits Lucia at school, and she’s soon drawn to his sharp mind. Alejandro is similarly intrigued by Maddie’s talent and strength. But will personal biases and family politics smother the slow burn of their attraction? Unless Maddie can learn to believe in herself, and Alejandro can become his own man, their kindling romance hardly stands a chance.

Will either of them be bold enough to try something new? Find out in this emotion-rich story that refuses to shy away from life’s hardest questions. Because love is worth the risk.

Get psyched for romance with psychologist/author (psycho author) Jennifer Lane! By day she’s a therapist, and by night she’s a writer. She can’t decide which is more fun.

Jen adores creating sporty heroines and hot heroes in her college sport romances. Volleyball wonder Lucia Ramirez found her love match in Blocked despite the glaring political spotlight aimed on her family. In Aced, the second book in the Blocked series, it’s her brother Alejandro’s turn to get lucky in love. Aced launches in December 2015.

A swimmer and volleyball player in college, Jen writes swimming-based romances as well: Streamline, a military mystery, and the free New Adult novella Swim Recruit.

Stories of redemption interest Jen the most, especially the healing power of love. She is also the author of The Conduct Series, a romantic-suspense trilogy that includes With Good Behavior, Bad Behavior, and On Best Behavior.

Ultimately, whether writing or reading, Jen loves stories that make her laugh and cry. In her spare time she enjoys exercising, attending book club, and visiting her sisters in Chicago and Hilton Head.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Vampire and I–A Decade of Twilight 8 Oct 2015 5:09 AM (10 years ago)

 

So, I'm a fangirl(Note: there is no upper limit on the use of girl in this context), I make no excuses for it. I've been a fangirl most of my life. Dracula, Star Trek, Supernatural, Twilight, Marvel and DC, and beyond. Experiencing a book or movie, or television show is made a million times better by sharing the experience.

Many moons ago my American sis-in-law passed along a book her mum had passed to her. That book was Twilight. It was trickling into Ireland and no one I knew had heard of it yet, although Twilight had already well and truly taken off in the US. People who hadn’t picked up a book in years were reading again. And when they finished with Twilight, they wanted to keep reading other books. Twilight got people reading. 

“But it’s just a book, right?” Okay, for a moment let’s forget the debate about the writing, the sexism, the unhealthy relationships, the baby name, the anti-climax in Breaking Dawn, and the plot holes. Oh yeah, and the seemingly mass disappointment of the new book.

To this day I couldn’t tell you about Twilight that kept me so hooked, but back then I wanted more. Fanfiction came to the rescue.

That was early days before the Twi fandom grew huge, before the movie, before Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart were on every magazine cover, before the drama kicked in about Breaking Dawn and Midnight Sun. However, there was already an astonishing number of Twilight fanfictions doing the rounds and already a strong indication that non-canon and alternate universe fanfictions would dominate.

Non-Canon: An idea, storyline, pairing, concept not from the original.

Alternative Universe Fanfiction: Taking the entire story and turning it on it’s head by creating a new universe or changing the characters so dramatically, they are no longer the original character.

An earlier post about why I consider these types of fanfiction as original writing in their own right. 

I came across Wide Awake. An all human story about an emotional scared Bella and Edward, straining under the weight of their traumatic past. The story was posted chapter by chapter and it was in the comments section, while discussing the story, that I met readers who would become my fandom friends and later, real life friends.

We got together on a closed website/social group. We chatted about the hottest fanfictions(a number of which have gone on to become published novels), we made recommendations, shared fan art, laughed, cried, laughed some more, and raised money for fandom sponsored charities. Over time, the profile pictures and fandom names became real names with real faces and real life stories. Twilight brought friends together.

Others in the group were writing fanfictions of their own. Some hadn’t written anything in years and some were new to creative writing. Twilight got us writing.

As for me, I was going through a significant dry spell. For a number of reasons, I’d lost my confidence, I’d lost my passion for writing. Shades of Atlantis was trunked(put away) and I’d given up on the idea of ever publishing. After a while, I began to feel the bug to write. Fanfiction seemed a safe way to dip my toe back in the water and stretch my writing muscles again. I posted anonymously at first and didn’t even tell my fandom friends. After some initial positive feedback, I told the group what I was up to. One of the ladies graciously stepped forward at great time expense and I’m sure a trial on her patience to edit my chapters before I posted them. Some of the other group members helped with later writing. In fact, all of my work since then has benefitted from the eyes and notes of people I met through the Twilight fandom.

This was common in the Twilight fanfiction community. Writers would often have anything up to three, four, or sometimes more beta readers or editors. Others set up websites offering grammar help and writing workshops. WC(word challenge) was common place, with writers from all corners of the world getting together on social media chat groups to write, critique, and encourage each other. The expectation of quality increased. Twilight made us better writers.

To say nothing of those who created cover art or artwork for the stories, created video trailers, ran competitions, blogged, promoted, and reviewed. Some of whom have gone on to work in publishing. It wasn’t all about the stories either. It was about the people, people from every walk of life, every income bracket, every age bracket and education level, and all over the world. There were swapshops, Christmas gift exchanges, women’s issues awareness, charity drives … Twilight inspired us to get creative.

Meanwhile, in the background a subtle shift was happening. Some were leaving the fandom, through a natural progression they were moving on to other thing or they just lost interest. Some got disillusioned with the cliques that naturally form in such huge groups and the self-styled mean girls.

Other Twilight fans wanted to share beyond the fandom. Publishers were getting a whiff of these online stories that were receiving tens of thousands of reviews. Scrubbing or rewriting fanfiction and publishing it was nothing new. The Mortal Instruments by Cassandra Clare is the subject of heavy fandom debate since it began life as Harry Potter fanfiction. The Twilight movie and franchise was huge, mostly because of the free advertisement and absolute mayhem that went along with the Twi fangirls. Publishers wanted a piece of that action. There was talk about some fanfiction writers being contacted by Trade publishers. And within the fandom, two small publishers were just about to burst onto the market. The people at Twilighted announced the opening of Omnific Publishing, a separate entity for publication of original writing. And The Writers Coffeeshop fanfiction site were opening a publishing arm.

There is no doubt this caused a huge rift in the fandom. An anonymous hate site came along where it seemed no one was beyond attack and users happily hid behind fake names. On one side were those who didn’t want to share. They didn’t like the idea of writing that was previously free being sold on the open market. There was the issue of copyright. Obviously anything canon in the Twilight universe was off limits. What made a story derivative and what made it original, and who owned what? Many in the fandom believed they held some sort of ownership over stories shared as fanfiction. That these stories did not belong to the writers, but the readers.

Others were thrilled at the prospect of owning their favorite stories in print. From their perspective(one I share), many of the biggest stories shared little in common with Twilight beyond names which were easily changed. They believed the prose and original ideas belonged to the writers, even if the inspiration to write came from Twilight. It wasn’t as if there would be any impact on the Twilight books. No one was about to go into a shop looking for a Young Adult book about a teenage girl falling in love with a vampire and accidently walk out with an Adult Contemporary about a panty-ripping CEO.

I respected what these publishers were trying to do. So many of the people writing in the fandom were as talented as anyone available in book shops, but they probably would never have considered publishing. These small publishers were giving them a voice and a step onto the publishing ladder. I personally didn’t feel it affected me that much. As a reader, if I finished reading a fanfiction, I didn’t see it was any of my beewax what the writer did with it after. As a writer, since my full-length story was a role swap of Twilight and focused heavily on the original cannon, it was never going to be a candidate for pulling it from fanfiction.net and publishing, or Pull to Publish as it came to be known. I was more interested in the prospect of digging up Shades of Atlantis and submitting it. I had seen what the team at Omnific Publishing had done with Twilighted and I trusted them enough to considering publishing again.

Twilight brought many of us into publishing.

It wasn’t only me. You may have heard of a title that originally came from The Writer’s Coffee Shop called Fifty Shades of Grey. Now, while not everyone has had the same success, there is a huge number of titles from authors who started out in the Twilight Fandom. Some of the books from these writers started life with Bella and Edward and many didn’t.

So, you see, Twilight is not just a book. For many it’s means much more. They say you never forget your first love. Well, you never forget your first fandom either. For many, Twilight was their first introduction to a fandom community. So while there was drama and bad feeling for some, and a good many have moved on from their Twilight days, most are still grateful for all the good times and the friends it brought to them.

Grianán of Aileach 16 Sep 2015 6:33 AM (10 years ago)

Grianán of Aileach was one of our stops while visiting Innishown this past summer. I say "one of our stops" but it was actually right next door to the hotel where we stayed, An Grianán Hotel, so it wasn't so much a stop as a visit next door.

The hotel was first on the agenda to gather some information about the local area and was partially handy since it has a visitors center right on site. As you can see from the a above picture, the region is steeped in folklore of the The Tuatha Dé Danann, the ancient people featured in Shades of Atlantis. The hotel hosts Celtic Feast Nights a few times a year. Unfortunately, and much to my disappointment, our visit wasn't going to coincide with one of these dates. However, I was able to console myself with breakfast in stunning surroundings of The Old Church Restaurant, a magnificent building dating back 150 years, before the boy and I set about exploring the visitors center.


For someone like me with a genuine passionate interest in folklore, The Old Church Visitors Center is something of a spectacular find tucked away at the top of Ireland. I was in my element. The boy was pretty excited too.  


Walking around the back of the hotel, we were greeted by none other the King Nuada, examples of standing stones and a Celtic cross, all with voiced information. Then onto the hut, where we met a hologram of Danu, Goddess of the Dé Danann. 


Passing through a door into the Old Church, we proceeded up the stairs to the presentation beneath the rafter, wandering around for a solid hour as colored light filtered through stained glass windows and chandeliers sparkled overhead. Among the exhibits are replicas of  Dé Danann's magical weapons, costumes, and an informative history of the local area. They boy even got to stand on Lia Fáil (The stone of Destiny also featured in Shades of Atlantis), which folklore says scream when touched by the rightful ruler of Ireland.


Unfortunately, according to Nuada's Hologram, his was not destined to rule Ireland. However, in an amusing twist, it seems I am. You can just call me Queen Carol.

My photos don't do the visitor's center justice but for more, you might like to check out this Youtube video from the offical site. Absolutely worth a visit while visiting Innishowen.

 

As instructed by Dagda, off we went to visit the Ring Fort.

Grianán of Aileach sits on top of a steep hill and is open to the public for a part of the year. It's not a big distance from the hotel, but walking it wouldn't be for the faint of heart. It's up, up, up, narrow winding roads all the way. I was glad we took the car. There is ample parking before a very short walk to the fort. Even in the car park, the views into the distance were something else. As you can see, we didn't get great weather. It is Ireland after all.

 

The ringfort dates back to sixth or seventh century and is thought to be the seat of the Kingdom of Aileach, and built by the Uí Néill. Finds at the site suggest it was of some importance long before the structure was built. The fort was destroyed in 1101 according to the Irish annals. In the 19th century the site was excavated and the ringfort rebuilt.

Outside, the ringfort dominates the hillside, with walls 16 feet high and 15 feet thick. Inside, there are three terraces with stone steps. If you are brave enough to climb the steps in windy Irish weather, the 360 degree view is worth it.

Bride Without A Groom 7 Sep 2015 6:06 AM (10 years ago)

I went to a wedding fair this weekend. Honestly. I've been to two this year. Yes, yes, I can practically hear the shocked laughter from those who know me in real life. Me at a wedding fair with my track record! Let's just say I've heard more proposals than the panel at Dragon's Den. I joked with my sister-in-law that I was getting a head start on things for my next ex-finance.

I was actually there for the cake. My sis-in-law runs a small but successful home bakery, Vanilla Valley Cakes, catering everything from treats and desert tables to birthday and wedding cakes.

Amazing Grace in Inishowen 31 Aug 2015 4:29 AM (10 years ago)

Writers find their inspiration in many ways. For me, it's mostly been Ireland. We have a rich heritage and a stunning landscape which has provided me with an endless supply of ideas over the years.

One of the few remaining places I've always wanted to visit, but have never had the opportunity, is Innishowen in Donegal. So, imagine my delight when my son picked it as one of the places his wanted to explore this summer. From the area's connection to the Tuatha Dé Danann from Shades of Atlantis and providing me with the name of a character in Something Wicked, Innishowen translates to The Island of Eoghan, I couldn't wait to get exploring. 

Innishowen is a peninsula in Donegal on the northern coast of Ireland, tucked between Lough Foyle and Lough Swilly.

I am not the only writer to find inspiration there. Even if you've never heard of Innishowen, you've no doubt heard of the hymn, Amazing Grace.

Many Years ago, a man named John Newton, a former slave trader and rogue, was traveling aboard a ship to England. The ship got caught up in a violent storm. The ship, already in disrepair upon setting sail, was in no condition to weather the storm. Crew used everything and anything on hand to try and keep the ship together despite a gaping hole in the side. With little hope of rescue because they'd been blown off course, Newton, a man who had already brushed death on several occasions was sure he was about to die and prayed to God for mercy.

Although he was convinced God's mercy was beyond reach for a man such as him, it arrived in strong winds that pushed the ship onward. Eventually they came within the sights of Tory Island off the north coast of Ireland. The ship limped as far a Lough Swilly and Newton was saved.

Later he reflected on the almost shipwreak as being a metaphor for how his life and how he had been lost as sea long before boarding that ship. He wrote the first verse of the famous song while awaiting repairs of the ship.

Stepping back from Publishing - Update. 21 Aug 2015 5:24 AM (10 years ago)

So, it's probably about time I catch up on blogging. And, a good way to do that is to catch up on what we got up to this summer.
Back in May I wrote about why I felt I needed to take a break from publishing. Things were slightly different on the home front this summer. For one thing, stepping back from the pressure I was putting myself under for publishing turned out to be the right decision and I now feel ready to start dipping my toes back in.
I never planned to stop writing, but initially felt I needed a little break to recharge. As any writer knows, taking a break isn't as easy as it would first appear. In the beginning, I promised myself no new projects, but it was very difficult to let go of the habit of carrying a notebook and pen. I didn't exactly manage it. Even when I wasn't writing on paper, I found my mind was still whirling with ideas. I was still processing what my next moves would be in this great adventure of publishing. I was still drawn to places that inspire my writing.
What was a girl to do? Okay, so I gave in a little. More on that in upcoming blog posts. I also took out my crochet and knitting needles.

After years of scribbling in notebooks every time I sat down for a coffee, or on a train, or bus, I couldn't stop writing. Not even for a week, never mind the summer months! Knitting and crochet turned out to be a way to keep my hands busy and following patterns kept my mind from wandering, prompting a barman in a hotel we stayed in to asked if I was a smoker trying to quit. I chuckled and explained smoking wasn't my particular addiction.

I also baked - A lot.


If anything, taking a break has reaffirmed to me that even though I love all this other creative stuff I get up to, my first love is writing and that I want to share my writing by throwing my hand back into publishing soon.

Another big change this summer was my son settling into his autism adult service. However, we still managed a bit of exploring. On my next blog post I'll be talking about our trip to Donegal and the connection to The Tuatha Dé Danann from Shades of Atlantis.

Review - Saving Evangeline by Nancee Cain 17 Aug 2015 2:04 PM (10 years ago)

Summary

Evangeline is the town pariah. Everyone knows she’s crazy and was responsible for the death of her last boyfriend. Even her mother left her and moved cross-country. Lonely and desperate, Evie decides to end her life.

Rogue angel Remiel longs to return to earth, but there’s just one problem. He tends to invite trouble and hasn’t been allowed back since Woodstock. The Boss sends him to save Evangeline, but there’s a catch: he can’t reveal his angelic nature, and he must complete the task as Father Remiel Blackson.

Forced together on a cross-country trip, a forbidden romance ignites and love unfolds. A host of heavenly messengers tries to intervene, but Remiel and Evangeline are headed on a collision course to disaster. Will his love save her, or will they both be lost forever?

My Review

This review has been a long, long time coming. I read this back in June but because of other commitments and taking a step back from writing for the summer, I haven't been blogging much. My apologies to Naccee Cain for the long delay in sharing my love of this stand out debut novel. 

Who over a certain age doesn't remember the allure and drama of The Thorn Birds, both the mini series and the book, and the captivating intrigue of  the priest torn between his love of God and his love of a woman?

Father Remiel isn't a young man like any other, he isn't even a priest, and not particularly happy with his lot. He is an angel in disguise...and I don't mean that metaphorically. There is every reason why this book shouldn't be a romance, neither of these two is in place or time in their existence that screams datable. However, love is not convenient, it's messy, stubborn and intrusive. It sometimes creeps into cracks that appear when someone is falling apart and helps to glue them back together. It's not people who find love, it's love that finds people. Which, let's face it, makes us root for Remiel and Evie even more. 

When an angel with rebellious streak is bored in Heaven, what's his boss to do? Send him on a mission to save a depressed young woman from herself. The catch, he has to do it in a guise of a priest. A battle of wins ensure after Remiel recuses Evie. Though I got a sense immediately that these two flawed characters would need to save each other if either is to survive. 

Well written, this novel is sharp, intriguing, and witty. The author doesn't shy away from sensitive subjects but handles them with care. I can sometimes be critical of books dealing with suicide and depression but felt this writing held up very well. The author clearly has a good insight. Not one moment of wanting to throw the book across the room.

It is full of angst and emotionally draining in some parts but perfectly balanced with the hope of a happy ending. The imagery immerses the reader in the story, so much so, I could easily image this on a big screen. It's adult so there is sex scenes. I felt they were a natural progression rather than something forced for the sake of squeezing sex into the book. 

All in all, this is an excellent debut and expect big things from Nancee Cain.   

Buy it now

Release Day! Saving Evangeline by Nancee Cain 26 May 2015 2:05 PM (10 years ago)

I couldn’t be more delighted to bring you the news of this wonderful debut from Nancee Cain. It’s already gathering plenty of 5 star ratings, with many more sure to follow.
Evangeline is the town pariah. Everyone knows she’s crazy and was responsible for the death of her last boyfriend. Even her mother left her and moved cross-country. Lonely and desperate, Evie decides to end her life.
Rogue angel Remiel longs to return to earth, but there’s just one problem. He tends to invite trouble and hasn’t been allowed back since Woodstock. The Boss sends him to save Evangeline, but there’s a catch: he can’t reveal his angelic nature, and he must complete the task as Father Remiel Blackson.
Forced together on a cross-country trip, a forbidden romance ignites and love unfolds. A host of heavenly messengers tries to intervene, but Remiel and Evangeline are headed on a collision course to disaster. Will his love save her, or will they both be lost forever?

Trouble Me by Beck Anderson–Release day! 12 May 2015 12:15 PM (10 years ago)

Trouble Me is the follow up to Fix You, in which a film star and a young widow find their lives turned up side down by a chance meeting on a jogging trail. You can read my full review of Fix You here.

Omnific Publishing

Release 12th May 2015

In Fix You, movie star Andrew Pettigrew (Andy to his fans, Andrew to his friends) somehow found the level-headed love he was looking for in young widow and “regular girl” Kelly Reynolds. Now, as they work to mesh their growing relationship with his gold-statue ambitions, things go a bit sideways, in true Hollywood fashion.
Though they’re still wonderfully in love, it’s challenge enough for Andrew and Kelly to decipher what it means to be a family—and a growing family at that—between takes on set. But Andrew also brings history with a temperamental co-star, assorted paparazzi, and someone out there who has serious, perhaps obsessive, issues with him into the mix. Suddenly the Reynolds-Pettigrew clan must fight not just to stay together, but to stay safe.
In Trouble Me, the sequel to Fix You and third novel from Rita finalist Beck Anderson, Kelly and Andrew struggle to stay sane within their whirlwind life. It’s a life that’s equal parts amazing and amusing, less glamorous than you might expect, and spiked with very real fears no amount of stardom can overcome.
Will Andrew and Kelly be torn apart, or will they help each other stay strong at their broken places?

Goodreads

Amazon

About the Author

Beck Anderson believes in the power of perfectly imperfect women and in the healing power of love. Her first novel, Fix You, grew out of those beliefs and the time to write afforded by the worst Thanksgiving blizzard she’s ever witnessed in West Yellowstone.
Beck balances (clumsily at best) writing novels and screenplays, working full-time as an educator, mothering two pre-teen males, loving one post-40 husband, and making time to walk the foothills of Boise, Idaho, with Stefano DiMera Delfino Anderson, the suavest Chihuahua north of the border.

Website     Twitter     Facebook     Goodreads

 

While we are talking Omnific Publishing, let me introduce you to an upcoming debut release from Nancee Cain. This is one for the To Read list. Add it to your Goodreads shelves here.

 

Evangeline is the town pariah. Everyone knows she’s crazy and was responsible for the death of her last boyfriend. Even her mother left her and moved cross-country. Lonely and desperate, Evie decides to end her life.
Rogue angel Remiel longs to return to earth, but there’s just one problem. He tends to invite trouble and hasn’t been allowed back since Woodstock. The Boss sends him to save Evangeline, but there’s a catch: he can’t reveal his angelic nature, and he must complete the task as Father Remiel Blackson.
Forced together on a cross-country trip, a forbidden romance ignites and love unfolds. A host of heavenly messengers tries to intervene, but Remiel and Evangeline are headed on a collision course to disaster. Will his love save her, or will they both be lost forever?

Vibrizzio by Nicki Elson-New Release 22 Apr 2015 4:41 AM (10 years ago)

 

Congratulations to Nicki Elson on her latest release, Vibrizzio. I’ve loved everything Nicki has written so far, so I’m betting that I’ll love this too.  

Adult Read

Swoon Romance

Released April 21st 2015

Lyssa Bates doesn’t need a man. Not when the world is fully-stocked with double A batteries (long-lasting) and a wide array of options in Amazon’s health and sexual wellness category. Thank the gods of Internet ordering.
After yet another failed relationship, the twenty-six-year-old investment analyst is convinced that real guys aren’t ever going to live up to her expectations—so why should she bother with them when the only thing standing between her and her next mind-blowing O is the case in which she keeps Vibrizzio? Yep. She gave it a name. An Italian name!
She’s determined to keep her dating life purely electronic...though she occasionally fantasizes about Hayden King, the delicious new associate she just got partnered with at work.
While Lyssa manages her romantic risks by deleting men from of the equation, the ever-charming Hayden protects his heart by diversifying his love life across multiple women.
As the two young professionals travel together around the country for business, their flirty working relationship develops into a close friendship that hurtles toward something more.
Between hot tub confessions in Baltimore, an accidental kiss in Dallas, and an all-nighter in Chicago, Hayden proves himself to be better than any fantasy, and Vibrizzio's days may finally be numbered.

VIBRIZZIO at Amazon

Rise to Me by Shani Struthers–Review 14 Apr 2015 5:20 AM (10 years ago)

Supernatural

Adult

Crooked Cat Publishing

Summary

“This isn’t a ghost we’re dealing with. If only it were that simple…”
Eighteen years ago, when psychic Ruby Davis was a child, her mother – also a psychic – suffered a nervous breakdown. Ruby was never told why. “It won’t help you to know,” the only answer ever given. Fast forward to the present and Ruby is earning a living from her gift, running a high street consultancy – Psychic Surveys – specialising in domestic spiritual clearance.
Boasting a strong track record, business is booming. Dealing with spirits has become routine but there is more to the paranormal than even Ruby can imagine. Someone – something – stalks her, terrifying but also strangely familiar. Hiding in the shadows, it is fast becoming bolder and the only way to fight it is for the past to be revealed – no matter what the danger.
When you can see the light, you can see the darkness too.
And sometimes the darkness can see you.

Review

Finally, I’m getting around to writing this review. After reading the first book in this series, The Haunting of Highdown Hall, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this book. Let me just say, I grew up on dark supernatural and horror. From a young age I probably saw more movies and read more books in the genre than I should have. I had nightmares because of James Herbert and Stephen King books, and one of the first movies on our home cinema(a projector and screen) was The Masque of the Red Death. So I don’t scare all that easily.

I knew from teasers and the author that this would be a darker story that the first. I more or less laughed it off. Reality is so much more frightening than fantasy, the idea that something could happen rather than something that is impossible. Shani Struthers knows how to take a scenario right up to the line of possibility. That’s what makes this book so creepy.

In saying all that, it took me longer to get through than I expected. It was a lot to take in and even when I wasn’t reading it, I was still thinking about it.

Ruby and the team at Psychic Surveys are back, along with Ruby’s matriarchal psychically gifted family. The book starts out as expected with Ruby and co. helping spooks to find their way back into the light. It quickly takes on a darker tone when she is called to the home of a deeply troubled young man convinced he is being stalked by something evil. Ruby tries her best to help him but the encounter opens a doorway in her memory to a dark encounter of her own. 

“I see you, Ruby, I see you.”

Colour me chilled to the bone with that line.

And so begins an escalating  fight between good and evil where Ruby is the prize. Ruby isn’t about to lose herself so easily, and neither are her friends and family, especially her mum, Jessica, who has been little more than a zombie for many years.

There is a lot of detail in this book, a lot of history on Ruby’s life before the first book, on spiritualism and the history of occult. It’s a meaty read but I found, especially in earlier chapters, that the reader gets a little break to digest while characters went about their daily lives and give a real sense of who they are and what they are about. This is important to making the reader want to root for them. This story is layered and deep, thought provoking while not being pretentious.

Shani Struthers once again shows why she is an automatic buy for me. Her writing is fantastic, her prose tight and realistic with enough description of surroundings and characters to completely submerge the reader in to the world she has created. Everything was tied up at the end, there were no characters left dangling over cliffs. I got a sense that there may be more darkness to come in future books.

It’s difficult to talk about this book without giving too much away, so I’ll leave it there. It’s a must read, especially for those who read books or come out of a cinema shrugging at what was meant to be spine tingling. 

links

Goodreads     Amazon.com      Amazon.uk

About the Author

An avid reader, I'll wade through pretty much anything but hot favourites right now are romance, horror (not gory though, more supernatural) and contemporary. Am discovering some wonderful books through Goodreads and writing circles on Facebook - haven't had to pop into Waterstones for ages! I'm also the author of The Runaway Year, published by Omnific Publishing - a contemporary Cornish romance with a healthy dash of sass. Later this year my second novel will be available - a paranormal mystery this time. Psychic Surveys Book 1: The Haunting of Highdown Hall will be published by Crooked Cat Publishing and is the first in a series which will only get darker.
Read all about it on my website or on my blog. I'm also on twitter: https://twitter.com/shani_struthers and Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Shani-S....

Command the Tides by Wren Handman–Excerpt 21 Mar 2015 5:05 AM (10 years ago)

Book Title: Command The Tides (The Chronicles of Midvalen, Book One)

ISBN: 9781623421809

Genre: Romantic Fantasy

Available in Paperback and Ebook March 17, 2015

Summary:

Enter Midvalen, a world of kings and kingdoms, princes and pretenders.
In the Kingdom of Miranov, Taya seems to have it all: she owns her own store, she’s engaged to be married to a handsome man, and she’s a success. But the truth is more complicated than anyone could guess. Her engagement is a sham, an agreement of convenience that she made with Darren so she can own land and he can get his mother off his back. She thinks things have become complicated when she realizes that she's fallen in love with him, something she never planned to do. But what's worse is discovering that her simple sailor boy is actually the crown prince of neighboring Sephria, and his usurping Uncle is trying to kill him.
When Darren shows up at her door, bleeding and fleeing assassins, Taya is drawn into a complicated mess of politics, fighting, and broken hearts. Her allegiances will be questioned, her love will find a new course, and she’ll do it all while trying to stay alive, save the day, and guard her heart.

Excerpt

“David, help Ryan cover the trail. I’ll help Sarah take Darren. Taya, take my sword and cover us.”

“The girl? She’s like to cut off her own feet as an enemy!” Liam hissed.

Taya felt her face grow hot. As always when she felt embarrassment closing in, she covered it with anger. She grabbed Jeremy’s sword by the hilt, drawing it out with one smooth motion and swinging it down so the point touched the

ground just an inch in front of Liam’s foot. She felt Jeremy take a staggering

step backward, startled.

“I will not only cut our enemy, I will cut the feet off of our enemy and

leave them to bleed in the dirt. I haven’t let us down yet, and I certainly don’t

intend to start now. And if you ever call me ‘the girl’ again, I will show you

exactly what I am expert at cutting off,” she snarled, and then she hoisted the

sword and spun on her heel, storming away before he could react.

She stood at the edge of their sad, sodden company, the hilt of the sword

resting snugly in the palm of her hand, her back straight and her head held high,

and the only thing going through her mind was the fact she had absolutely,

completely, no idea how to use a sword.

Amazon    BN.com    Goodreads     Simon and Schuster

Author Bio

Wren Handman is a novelist, fiction writer, and playwright. Her first novel, Last Cut, was published by James Lorimer Publishing Ltd (Sept 2012) and is aimed at teenagers with reading difficulties. She has published short stories both in print and online, including in the anthology Voice From the Planet (Harvard Square Editions) and the online magazine Crow Toes Quarterly, an award-winning Canadian children’s publication. For regular updates check out her short fiction project, Lucid Dreaming (www.wrenhandman.com/lucid-dreaming), which responds to original art pieces with flash fiction stories.

Why I’m stepping back from Publishing for now 17 Mar 2015 8:09 AM (10 years ago)

 

Writers who keep writing are those who must. Even on the dark days when it seems no one wants to read what they are writing, there’s always one more story they have to get down, one more idea to flesh out, one more perfect first line that leads to a second and third. You catch my drift here. They will gasp out their last breath tapping on a keyboard or with arthritic fingers grasping some writing implement or another.

Those writers will never stop writing because it’s in their blood. It’s in mine.

Publishing is a different kettle of kittens. A writer doesn’t need to publish. Publishing isn’t writing. It’s been my experience that one has very little to do with the other. This might sound like a strange admission coming from a writer with a fifth novel recently released. There are all sorts of reasons to publish--Reach is one, sharing a story through a medium that may be beyond the individual. Some publish for the glory, for the sense of achievement, or the money. Although money has always been the worst of all reasons to publish. Most published authors will agree there is little money in comparison the the hours put in.

I envisioned my stories in the hands of people from every corner of the world. To do that I felt I needed to belong to the publishing community. I saw myself writing everyday, interacting with other writers and readers while my books did the reaching with me. Anything beyond that seemed like a pipe dream.

Books have always been important to me. They are a means to escape when I can’t. A way live in other worlds when my own becomes overwhelming. To be other people and have grand adventures when my life sucks. So, I also wanted to be a part of the book industry. To be blunt, I never expected to earn vast sums or top best seller lists but I also didn’t expect to fail so abysmally as an author.

I write and I spend months revising, then there’s the submission. And then the real work begins. Making a book is incredibly time consuming and involves a number of people. Writing, by comparison, is the easy part. Once it’s done, it’s done. After the book is out there, there is the constant promotion to garner even a couple of sales. In the past, I’ve had days where I spend about 25 minutes working on a story and several hours a day working on promotions. As of today, my latest Something Wicked (released January 20th) is still out of stock on US Amazon and only recently stocked elsewhere. Because stuff happened in publishing, deadlines, and time slots, and miscommunications. Not necessarily anyone’s fault but no less stressful because it isn’t.

Publishing is a business. I don’t want this to sound like sour grapes. I don’t in any sense feel I deserve to sell books. I don’t feel readers owe me reviews or word of mouth. I’m extremely grateful to those who have given me their time. I’m grateful to those who have supported me because I know that’s a gift they didn’t have to share. I’m grateful for the reviews, good, bad, and indifferent. I came into this with what I thought were realistic expectations. It’s not a sense of entitlement. I don’t feel I entitled to have my books read just because I put them out in the world. But I did hope they wouldn’t disappear into oblivion.

I know the reality is that I’ve been lucky. Despite atrocious sales, my publisher continued to believe in me and continued to invest in my work. I will always be grateful for that. I write what I want and don’t limit myself to one genre, age, or even to happy ever after. There isn’t a lot of consistency in what I produce.

The terrible truth is, my books don’t sell. To be honest, they don’t garner a lot of interest in giveaways either. It would appear in the grand scheme, there are very few readers who connect with my style of writing and storytelling. As much as I hate to disappoint faithful readers, my options are change how and what I write or keep writing what I love and step back from publishing before shouting into the void and chucking my work(and the work of all those who help me create my books) into the abyss drives me insane. Neither is ideal, but I know I can’t just write something I don’t believe in. I can’t change how I write.

I’m not one to quit. It’s not in my nature, so this has been an almost impossible decision for me. My instinct is to keep slogging away until the bitter end. But I don’t want to think of publishing with bitterness. I want it to be something I’m proud of and something I may well return to one day. I’m not planning to disappear from the blogosphere or social media and I’m not saying never. I don’t know what the future holds. Maybe I will take another pop at publishing in the future. Maybe my time will come. But for now, I’m taking a break from chasing my next publication to enjoy simply writing for pleasure again.

It’s been a roller-coaster. Thank you for taking the ride with me.