Free for today

Romance is one of the two biggest genres in literature, which makes it very popular, also very popular are free things – I don’t know anyone who can resist the chance to get a bargain, and free is just about the best bargain you can get.

Since that’s the case, it seems to me that a free romance novel should be just about as popular as it’s possible for something to be, and with that in mind, here today is a free romance from one of my fellow indie authors, D L LeBlanc.

Broken: Frost Series Part 1

After a man had left her broken, she successfully shut herself off from all men. She loved her organised, boring life; until she meets him. Could he break through her barriers and make her want to live & love again?

He wasn’t looking for anything serious. He was there on business, and his motto was get in, get out, and move on; until he meets her. Could she break through and become more valuable to him than his business empire?

At the time of writing this post, this book is free, and can be found by following the links below, enjoy

Kindle US

Kindle UK

Kobo

iTunes

My Writing Process

I was thinking about random things this morning, as you do, and for some reason I realised I that I have an actual process when it comes to my writing. It’s not something I’ve thought about before, but I’ve decided to share it here, in case it might be of interest to any of you.

The Idea

I can get an idea for a novel just about anywhere, and I frequently get several every day. When I do I normally file it away in the back of my mind, unless I’m near my ideas pad, in which case I scribble down the basics of it – the ideas pad is used mostly as a aide-de-memoire, as they say. I don’t like to put too much down at this stage because it takes me away from whatever I might be doing at the time.

Planning

When I’m ready to work on an idea I sit down with a pad and pen and start plotting out the idea I’ve decided to go with (sometimes the hardest thing I have to do is work out which of my numerous ideas I’m going to write next).

First off I sketch out the broad strokes of the idea: how it starts and where it’s going to end, and I give names to the main characters. Once that’s done and I have the beginning and the end, I put those sheets to one side and start again, plotting out the book in more detail, and beginning to separate it into possible scenes, as well as deciding on details about the main characters and creating outlines for the more minor characters.

Drafting

I nearly always (sometimes circumstances force me to work differently) write my first draft by hand, using a fountain pen – I don’t know why, but it just doesn’t feel like I’m a proper writer unless I’m using a fountain pen, which isn’t always easy since I’m a leftie and constantly in danger of smudging what I write.

While I am writing the first draft I’m inclined to scribble on any and all scraps of paper that come to hand, including bus tickets, receipts and loo roll – it all depends on where I am and what’s available when a scene comes to mind. Once I get home and I’m at my desk with my pad and fountain pen I begin to assemble my notes into a proper draft, though at this stage there’s still a strong possibility that scenes will need to be moved around and possibly even removed.

When the first draft is done I go back to the beginning. The second draft is where I start to put my book on the computer; as I type up the handwritten version I make whatever adjustments I need to a scene, whether that means expanding what I’ve written, removing bits or even removing the scene, in some cases I’ve had to rewrite a scene entirely. I also work on ensuring the all the scenes are in the right order and adding any I feel are needed to fill gaps I might have left.

The third and final draft is more about tightening up what I’ve already written than anything else

Editing

I have some experience in editing so I’m able to do this myself, which is just as well since I can’t afford to pay for the services of a professional editor, though I am still refining the best process for doing this efficiently without missing any problems.

First off, I read through to make sure I haven’t made any continuity errors, such as incorrect names, places, or times, I also check that the story reads smoothly without any jarring elements. This can include removing unnecessary stuff – padding – and tweaking sentences to eliminate some of the duplicated words and make it all flow better.

The second run through is done with the text set to double line spacing to create a gap between lines make it easier to focus on each line separately while I look for typographical and punctuation errors.

The third run through is the same, except done with the text set to treble line spacing.

When I have completed all three editing passes I print the novel off and hand it over to a trusted family member who reads through it to make sure I haven’t missed any mistakes and there are no continuity errors that escaped me.

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This is my writing process. The process is different for everyone, and all you can do is find the process that works best for you – there may be something in how I do things that would work for you, and maybe there isn’t.

THE MASK OF NORMALITY – Hiding My True Self (An Asperger’s Conundrum)

I can relate to this in so many ways.

Blocked

Today I am suffering the agony of writer’s block – not with regard to my books, I’m in editing mode on Where There’s A Will and it’s going really well, and I’m pretty sure if I were to sit down with one of my many book ideas I would have no problem there. No, I’m suffering writer’s block when it comes to this blog; most of what I have posted so far have been reviews of one sort or another, with some random stuff which might give you all a few details about me – namely that I suffer from mental health issues and the approach of winter is giving me a bit of a kicking.

I wanted to write something a little more upbeat, something perhaps, dare I even suggest it, a little fun; I even considered writing a bit about myself so you could all get to know the other side of me, beyond the writing and the mental health issues. My good intentions, however, are not going so, well, good; I have so far started and deleted 3 posts because I couldn’t think where to go with them, and now I’m not sure what direction to take.

I’m not really comfortable with talking about myself, but I’ve heard that one of the best ways to connect with potential readers, and this is the main reason I set up this blog, is to let them get to know you, both as an author and as a person, so here goes.

Alex R Carver is not my real name; I have decided, for several reasons, one of them being the issues I have as a sufferer of autism/aspergers and other mental health problems, that I don’t wish to publish under my own name, so I picked a name I was comfortable with and which, although no outlandish, might stand out a little.

Despite ‘hiding’ behind a pen name, I think first and foremost I should reassure you all that whatever I reveal of myself on this blog, it is the real me.

Now, onto me, who I am and what I like; this is likely to be more of a list of qualities and interests than anything else right now, but I intend expanding on what I tell of you of myself as time passes by. From time to time I will put up posts that reveal more about me, and which touch on my interests, you can also check out my social media – such as it is, I’m not really one for social media – to find out a little more about me.

A few facts:

I’m almost 40 (a lot closer to it than I’m comfortable with)

I have brown hair

I generally have stubble, because I’m lazy about shaving

I’m little under average height, and a little (perhaps more than a little) overweight

Reading is one of my biggest pleasures, I cannot begin to guess at how many books I’ve read in my life, but there are still many more for me to go through, and I hope to get to them before I’m done.

Outside of reading, I enjoy TV and movies, and I usually have something playing in the background while I work – work being writing; I have been writing since the age of ten, when I was given an assignment in an English class to write a story, the story I came up with, which was significantly longer than those written by my fellow students, was a Famous Five style adventure that I wish I still had.

Currently I am unemployed, I don’t see that as a problem, though, because it gives me all the time in the world to follow my dream of becoming a full-time, self-employed, successful writer. My first novel, Where There’s A Will is scheduled for release in January, and I am on track to meet that target, with 5 more books already written in the Inspector Stone series (they’re currently on paper) and several other books also awaiting release, which should happen at the rate of 1 book every 4-6 months.

 

Anyway, I think that’s enough about me for now. My social media accounts, if you’d like to know more about me, are here

Twitter

Pinterest

 

Phoenix – a YA fantasy

Today I am promoting a recent release from a fellow British author, a 99c bargain throughout the month of October

PHOENIX (The Peradon Fantasy Series Book 1)

Daccari Buchelli

Camelot meets lord of the rings – Stephen B Cooper on Amazon

Recommended for all lovers of fantasy intrigue – Michael Kelly on Amazon

Magic never ceased to bring Violetta joy, until the day it became her curse. Aged fifteen, the young Flame Mage and Princess finds herself drawn to the mysterious and charming Frost Emperor, Ryore.

Torn between her sudden feelings and inescapable duty to the throne, Violetta seeks to strike a balance. Will she surrender her will forever, or strive for freedom by doing the unthinkable?

You can buy it here

Amazon US

Amazon UK

If you would like to find out more about the author and his books, check out his site

http://www.buchellibooks.co.uk/books

My First BookBub Rejection — alfageeek

I was thinking of trying for a bookbub promotion, when circumstances are right, but I also plan on going into the KDP select program when my first full novel is ready, so this was an interesting read and something to think about.

I’ve always thought bookbub to be a bit over-priced but they do have a reputation as the best promotional tool for an indie author, if you can get your book selected by them.

I decided to take a shot at doing a promo with BookBub. Over the past few years, they have become the most effective marketing platform for e-books. Their reputation is that they reject almost all submissions, and they never tell you why they rejected you. But if you manage to get accepted, then you will […]

via My First BookBub Rejection — alfageeek

Winter isn’t coming, it’s here

Okay, as many of you will realise from my title, I’m a fan of Game of Thrones, I like both the books and the tv series, though with every season they become more and more separate. This post isn’t really about either, however, so sorry to those who have found there way here because of the GoT connection in the title.

I’m writing today about actual winter, that horrible thing that happens at this time of the year when the sun disappears, the clouds gather, it rains, the temperature drops horrendously and the rain changes to snow.

During this time moods drop and motivation can be hard to come by, just getting out of bed can be incredibly difficult, and you (or at least I) want to eat constantly. As a sufferer of mental health problems, this period of the year is even tougher for me to get through, and I don’t even have the advantage of a regular job, with a boss breathing down my neck, to encourage me to get up and do things.

I am currently unemployed, officially at least, while  I work on establishing myself as a published and successful writer. That means I have to get myself up and at the computer if I want to get anything done and make any progress, which is far from easy.

We’re currently in the early stages of winter here in the UK, and I am already going through copious amounts of coffee every day, along with lots of chocolate and other unhealthy snacks, in an effort to give me the energy to work. I also have to hug a hot water bottle to get warm enough to do anything – I’m really not looking forward to the arrival of full winter.

 

Commuters make their way over Brunel’s suspension bridge in Clifton, Bristol following a night of heavy snow across the UK. Up to 15cm of snow has fallen overnight causing widespread traffic disruption and school closures. 18 January 2013

I’m curious, and would really appreciate some answers in the comments, what do you all do, especially the indie writers and self-employed people among my readers, to motivate yourselves and make sure you keep working and get things done?

One Dark Night

Good morning all, today I will be promoting a book by an indie author like myself, something I set up this blog to help do, at least in part.

One Dark Night (Historical Romance)

Anna Faversham

 from 13 reviews on Amazon UK

It is 1821 and smuggling is rife on the English coast. Lucy doesn’t know who to trust, while those around her suspect she is a spy and treat her accordingly. Her problems increase when two men enter her life:

Lieutenant Karl Thorsen, sworn to avenge his father’s murder, is determined to hang the violent smugglers.

Daniel Tynton has smuggling in his blood. Undaunted by Thorsen’s threats, he is respected and feared. When he witnesses a murder, he makes a bold decision, and many lives will never be the same.

Lucy is bewildered by the mixed messages she is receiving from the men in her life. She has to make up her mind which of her suitors to give her heart to, while uncertain whether such commitment will lead to love, convenience or misery. At every turn of events, she is confused about where her own heart lies.

Soon, the smugglers and revenue men have their day of reckoning and Lucy is caught in the midst of it and endangers her life.

Book One of The Dark Moon Trilogy is a romantic thriller.

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Read an excerpt from the novel:

“To reach the porridge on the stove, Lucy had to pass Daniel and the dog, and neither moved. Rather than squeeze between him on her left and the kitchen table, she walked around the other side, collecting a bowl as she went. Still Daniel did not make way for her. “I would be obliged, Mr Tynton, if you would move just enough for me to reach the pot.”
“Say that again and I’ll move.”
Lucy raised her eyes to meet his sparkling blue ones. He was jesting. “Why?”
“I like to hear you talk.”
“Why?” Lucy wondered if it was wise to hold her ground now that Daniel was no longer a boy.
“It’s good to see you’ve still a lot of fight in you, Lucy. I’ve been hearing a few tales.” He nodded his head in the direction of the scullery. “But I can hold out longer and I’ll not move until you say that again for me.”
“Why?” The word had come out quicker than she’d intended. Should she play these games with someone who held her livelihood in his hands?
Daniel took hold of her frozen hand. Lucy withdrew it and immediately regretted her instinctive reaction. His eyes had not left her since she’d walked through the door and her nerve was failing. “You don’t talk like the rest of us round here. I’ve missed your voice and, like me Ma says, you sound like you’re from the gentry.”
He meant it. Lucy could see that gentle look appearing in his eyes, the one she took to bed with her and to her sanctuary on the cliffs, the look which warmed her and fought to stay in her fading stock of cherished memories. Playfully, Lucy dropped him a curtsey and said, “Kind sir, I would be obliged if you would move just enough for me to reach the pot.”

One Dark Night is currently on a Kindle Countdown Deal and is reduced to the bargain price of 99c, you can but it here

Amazon US

Amazon UK

A little about Anna Faversham

England is my home but I’ve also lived in New Zealand, a beautiful country and the people are great, and central Africa which was an interesting and useful experience that I’ll never forget.
On returning to England, I’ve written and read for the BBC and published short stories as well as three novels. Two are set in my county of Kent and the latest is set in the beautiful Isle of Wight.

Raised by Wolves

The Garry family are an unconventional family; Della raises her six children (five daughters and one son) in a small house with the help of their grandfather, who has split from their grandmother, where they are home-schooled and taught the art of fending for themselves in the big bad world. Among the lessons they are taught is the art of furnishing a house from car-boot sales.

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I stumbled across this series by accident after seeing a one-off and absolutely loved it. There’s so many great characters in it, and they’re all great in different ways; the writing is spot on and does a wonderful job of mixing funny dialogue, physical comedy and sight gags. This won’t be to everyone’s taste, some of the comedy is a little cringe-inducing, based as it is on the almost overpowering hormones of the eldest daughter, but I still laugh at it even as I cringe.

I love comedies, but it’s rare that I actually laugh out loud at something, this makes me do that often, though. I can’t wait for the next series.

Commando

A retired elite Black Ops Commando launches a one man war against a group of South American criminals who have kidnapped his daughter to blackmail him into starting a revolution and getting an exiled dictator back into power.

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This is one of the numerous action movies Arnie did in the 80’s, which means it’s short on plot, just look at the synopsis above, and the acting and writing are only average. None of that matter’s though, because you watch it for the action sequences, and it has them in abundance.

Nobody can deny that this is anything other than mindless violence, and it doesn’t pretend to be, it is purely an action movie that intends to entertain, and boy does it do that. The final action sequence following on from when Arnie arrives on the island is lengthy and bloody, with some great improvisation when it comes to weapons, and a load of fun to watch.

If you’re after something clever with top drawer acting, look elsewhere, but if you only want something to entertain you for two hours or less, look no further.