Suzanne Rogerson's Blog, page 51

Visions of Zarua 99p / 99c today only! #epicfantasy #darkfantasy #bookpromo #kindle

Want to bag a bargain before Christmas?

My debut, standalone fantasy, Visions of Zarua is 99p / 99c for today only via kindle countdown deals in the UK and US.

There are plenty of 4 & 5 star reviews on Amazon UK and US to help you make up your mind. Here’s a peek at the most recent…

This is a dark fantasy novel that I loved, 26 Nov. 2016       Visions of Zarua is set in the magical world of Paltria, where there are Wizards, mythical creatures and enemies around every corner. This is a dark fantasy novel, that I loved from the very first page…

How I love the fantasy genre that always makes me think back …, 4 Dec. 2016      How I love the fantasy genre that always makes me think back to childhood and reading fairy tales. It is where anything and everything is possible a place of wizards and witches. This is Suzanne Rogerson’s debut novel and oh my does she deliver the goods. Set back in medieval times the story is shrouded in mystery, spells and  deadly mystical creatures….

Two wizards, 350 years apart. Can they save the realm of Paltria from Zarua’s dark past?

Blurb

An ancient darkness haunts the realm of Paltria.

Apprentice wizard Paddren is plagued by visions of a city on the brink of annihilation. When his master Kalesh dies in mysterious circumstances, the Royal Order of Wizards refuses to investigate.

Helped by his childhood friend, the skilled tracker Varnia, and her lover Leyoch, Paddren vows to find the killer.

The investigation leads Paddren down a sinister path of assassins, secret sects and creatures conjured by blood magic. But he is guided by a connection with a wizard from centuries ago – a wizard whose history holds the key to the horror at the heart of the abandoned city of Zarua. Can Paddren decipher his visions in time to save the Paltrian people from the dark menace of Zarua’s past?

#Audiobook #bookreview See How They Run by Tom Bale #Tuesdaybookblog #thriller

See How They Run (Audio version)

By Tom Bale

Narrated by Kris Dyer

Blurb

In the dead of night, new parents Alice and Harry French are plunged into their worst nightmare when they wake to find masked men in their bedroom. Men ruthless enough to threaten their baby daughter, Evie.

This is no burglary gone wrong.

The intruders know who they’re looking for – a man called Edward Renshaw.

And they are prepared to kill to get to him.

When the men leave empty handed, little do Alice and Harry realise that their nightmare is just beginning. Is it a case of mistaken identity? Who is Renshaw? And what is he hiding?

One thing is clear – they already know too much.

As Alice and Harry are separated in the run for their lives, there is no time to breathe in their fight to be reunited. And with their attackers closing in, there is only one choice:

STAY ALIVE. OR DON’T.

Terrifying, unputdownable and full of twists and turns, this stunning thriller will have you on the edge of your seat right to the very last page.

My Review

I bought this book on a whim having seen the audio book on sale with audible. The premise sounded engaging and I was certainly gripped by the beginning sample. The book starts with a bang, putting you straight into the action as a couple are threatened in their own home along with their 2-month-old baby.

There were quite a few viewpoint characters in the book, which is necessary to drive the story along. It was well narrated with all the different voices depicted with skill.

It was an absorbing listen. I enjoyed the mounting tension as the story rattled along at a pace, dragging the main characters, Alice and Harry, into ever increasing danger.

I loved that some of the action happened in Glocestershire, Ross-on-Wye and Symmons Yat, favourite holiday spots for our family.

In all this was a gripping thriller, however after the main action had taken place the end did drag on a bit.

A recommended read or listen for thriller and mystery fans.

My rating 4 stars

 

#Tuesdaybookblog Book Tag: The Coffee book tag!

Here’s a great book tag challenge for you to have a go at. I must try it out soon, but in the meantime check out Sissy Lu’s take on the challenge. My book features in her list so I’m feeling rather chuffed!

***

So, I went out and I search for a book tag to do because I was bored and making myself some tea because I’ve already had my cut off amount of coffee for the day [Ugh, it’s sad I have to…

Source: Book Tag: The Coffee book tag!

#Mondayblogs Call for help & advice with KDP Countdown Deals #indieauthors

I would like to ask for help and advice for my upcoming KDP countdown deal.

My second attempt at the countdown deals starts in the UK and US on 9th December – if I have set it up correctly this time!

Visions of Zarua will be 99p on 9th & £1.99 on 10th December.

It was a bit of a non event last time as I didn’t know what I was doing. Now I’m hoping to generate some interest via Amazon’s sponsored products & product display Ads. I will also have a Goodreads Ad and Facebook Ad running for those few deal days.

Are there any other free or cheap promo sites that will help me? I really want to draw some attention to the sale and make it worthwhile this time around.

Help from the blogging community would be greatly appreciated. If you could reblog and retweet my posts on those days I would be very grateful.

I also want to set up a Rafflecopter paperback giveaway in the UK before Christmas. I haven’t run one before, are there any tips anyone can offer?

Thanks in advance.

VISIONS OF ZARUA by SUZANNE ROGERSON #SundayBlog #Fantasy #BookReviews #Amreading @rogersonsm

I’m really pleased to share this great review of Visions of Zarua.

BOOKS FROM DUSK TILL DAWN

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Two wizards, 350 years apart. Together they must save the realm of Paltria from Zarua’s dark past.

An ancient darkness haunts the realm of Paltria.

Apprentice wizard Paddren is plagued by visions of a city on the brink of annihilation. When his master Kalesh dies in mysterious circumstances, the Royal Order of Wizards refuses to investigate.

Helped by his childhood friend, the skilled tracker Varnia, and her lover Leyoch, Paddren vows to find the killer.

The investigation leads Paddren down a sinister path of assassins, secret sects and creatures conjured by blood magic. But he is guided by a connection with a wizard from centuries ago – a wizard whose history holds the key to the horror at the heart of the abandoned city of Zarua. Can Paddren decipher his visions in time to save the Paltrian people from the dark menace of Zarua’s past?

HERE ARE MY…

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#Weekendwanderings Bedfont Lakes, Surrey #wildlife #photo #nature

We are lucky to live a short drive away from this beautiful country park in Bedfont. It has interest all year round, but I especially love to visit on cold and frosty mornings.

Sometimes the lakes freeze over.

I like how the sun creates long shadows at this time of year.

A few wildlife shots.

Swans are always so graceful and easy to capture in photographs. Whereas this little tufted duck kept diving and disappearing out of view.

I enjoyed the challenge of trying for an underwater shot.

Finally here are a couple of my favourite shots from a few years ago.

I hope you’ve enjoyed the little wander around Bedfont Lakes. There is much more to see, including a nature reserve area and several really good play areas and for the kids. I highly recommend a visit any time of year. Here’s a link if you want to find out more Bedfont Lakes Country Park.

#WordlessWednesday – Cold day at Bedfont Lakes #photography

At the weekend I hope to go for a weekend wander around Bedfont Lakes. Please join me then.

#Tuesdaybookblog #Bookreview Getting Book Reviews by @RayneHall #indieauthors

Getting Book Reviews by Rayne Hall

Part of the Writer’s Craft Series

Blurb

Reviews help sell books.

When browsing online for their next read, most readers are drawn to the books with many reviews. More and more readers glance at what other readers have to say about a book before they hit the ‘buy now’ button. The more people have read and liked the book, the more they want to experience it for themselves. This is a known psychological factor called ‘social evidence’, and it plays a big role in purchasing decisions.

The more reviews your book has, the better, especially if they are genuine, personal, thoughtful and positive. Reviews can multiply your sales and catapult your book to the top of bestseller lists – but how do you get them?

Perhaps you’re a new author and can’t get those crucial early reviews to start the train rolling. Maybe you’re a seasoned author and your books have garnered reviews, but not as many as you need to break out. Or perhaps you’ve gone the corporate publishing route, and find that your publisher’s publicist isn’t getting your book the attention it needs.

This book shows you many proven strategies to get the reviews your book deserves. Instead of urging you to labour through tedious, spirit-draining procedures, I’ll reveal quick, fun, empowering tricks.

All my suggestions are legitimate and ethical. In this book you won’t find methods for manipulating, faking and cheating. Strengthen your readers’ bond with you, don’t sabotage it.

Most of the methods I suggest are free, although some incur expenses. You will definitely need to spend time. You can apply them all these techniques, or cherry-pick the ones you like now and keep the rest for another time or a different book.

At the end of most chapters, I’m sharing mistakes I made and learnt from. They all seemed a good idea at the time.

Rayne

My Review

First thoughts

Since I self-published for the first time in 2015, I’ve been trying to increase my book’s profile on Amazon by getting more reviews. This book sounded perfect to help me do that.

Summary

Each chapter in the book covers your options when trying to gain reviews. They state the method, along with pros and cons for each and lessons learnt by the author. There were chapters on things like beta readers, approaching amazon reviewers, review circles and general product review agencies.

Writing Style

The book has a friendly, easy to read style just as the previous book of Rayne Hall’s I read and reviewed recently. Why does my book not sell? 20 Simple Fixes

Issues

My only real issue was that I’d already learnt alot of this by myself the long and hard way! It would’ve been great to have a manual like this to work through, to save time and effort.

Final thoughts

I have stumbled my way throughout the process of self-publishing and the same can be said for the way I’ve tried to get reviews. I have made connections with some brilliant book bloggers and gained some wonderful reviews, but I wish I’d known about this book long before I hit publish; things like putting a personal letter at the back of the book would have been easier if addressed beforehand.

This is a quick read, and one you can go back to again and again for sound advice.

Recommend to

I think this book is most helpful to authors who are soon to publish. Of course if you have already self-published, there are still plenty of helpful tips in here for you.

Rating  4 stars

#Mondayblogs My 10 tips on running a book stall/signing #indieauthors #writingtips

I ran my first book stall at the local Christmas fair the other day. I was nervous about it during the weeks leading up to it, but I knew it was time to start putting myself out there. It felt a bit like coming out of the closet ‘My name is Suzanne Rogerson and I am an author.’

I did sell some books, which is wonderful, but most importantly it was a big step in building my confidence. For those of you who are nervous about trying it, I say go for it! Here are a few tips that might help you make a success of your own event.

My Tips

I had a sign stating ‘Local Author’
Display your log line big and bold to draw some interest.
My posters of the book cover could be seen from a distance and were eye-catching.
The boards were great for displaying everything a potential reader might want to know without having to ask.
Have readers quotes on display so the browsers can see others have enjoyed your book.
Have different forms of information on display. I had posters, picture quotes that I used in my blog tour, quotes from readers with star ratings and my author photo.
Display the price so you don’t have the embarrassing discussion of money
Be approachable, but not pushy. I was happy to talk to anyone who wanted to, but I didn’t throw myself at them.
I had a sign to show where the book is available and the prices. I also mentioned it’s free to read for Kindle Unlimited readers.
Don’t go over board with stock.

 

Things I wish I’d done

I would have had a sign that said please take a card.
I could have walked around handing out cards – but I didn’t want to force myself on people. I don’t like that approach in the street, and it’s just not me.
I didn’t mention the magical words ‘If you like it, would you consider leaving a short review.’ Some were bought as Christmas presents so that wouldn’t really have applied anyway, but it’s still a missed opportunity.

 

I haven’t made any money, but I didn’t enter into it for monetary gain. It’s all about getting my books into readers hands and getting exposure. I’ve already had some lovely feedback and that is what matters. People have been really supportive – friends and strangers alike.

My final advice to any shy writers like me, don’t let it hold you back. Go for it and see what happens!

A brilliant #bookreview of my #fantasy novel Visions of Zarua by @mummyworgan

Happy weekend everyone, at least it has been for me. I’m still on a high from my book signing event last night, and then I woke up to read this excellent review this morning.

Review extract…

Visions of Zarua is set in the magical world of Paltria, where there are Wizards, mythical creatures and enemies around every corner. This is a dark fantasy novel, that I loved from the very first page. It has to be said that fantasy novels are not my usual genre, but I was surprised by just how much this book spoke to me. Even though it is set in the mythical world of Paltria, and the ancient and abandoned city of Zarua, the book echoed the emotions of everyday, normal life. This is why I connected so much with this book and the characters within it…

Click to continue reading on Jo’s blog Brew and Books Review. It’s a great review – I’m not biased, honest!

I’ll post a bit more about the book signing and any tips I’ve gained from the experience in another post.

Bye for now.