Suzanne Rogerson's Blog, page 57

Guest Post: 15 Tips for Self-Publishing (the second time around) #writingtips #indie #writers

I’m really pleased to share my guest post over on The Eternal Scribbler’s blog. If you’re thinking of self-publishing, you might find these tips useful.

eternal scribbler

This week’s guest post is the wonderful Suzanne Rogerson, author of Visions of Zarua, sharing her tips for self publishing

#WWWblogs Guest Post: 15 Tips for Self-Publishing (the second time around) #writingtips

I’m really pleased to share my guest post over on The Eternal Scribbler’s blog. If you’re thinking of self-publishing, you might find these tips useful.

eternal scribbler

This week’s guest post is the wonderful Suzanne Rogerson, author of Visions of Zarua, sharing her tips for self publishing[image error]

15 Tips for Self-Publishing (the second time around)

by Suzanne Rogerson

View original post 1,080 more words

#Audiobook #bookreview – Look Behind You by Sibel Hodge #thriller

Look Behind You – Sibel Hodge

Narrated by – Susan Duerden

Blurb

Chloe Benson wakes up kidnapped and bound in an underground tomb with no memory of how she got there.

She manages to escape but no one believes her story—not the police, not the doctors, and especially not her husband, Liam.

When she suspects Liam is lying to her, Chloe is forced to retrace her past, following in her own footsteps to find the truth and stay alive. But who is following Chloe?

Look behind you. You never know who’s out there.

***

My Audio Review

I really loved this book. It reminded me of Before I go to sleep by S J Watson, which I also loved. Chloe is in a similar situation, she can’t remember the last 7 weeks of her life and doesn’t know who to trust or what to believe.

The story gripped me and I couldn’t stop listening. I loved the mystery surrounding the memory loss and how Chloe had to retrace her steps leading up to what happened.

The only problem I found was the narrator. In the beginning I found her style too much. It was all very desperate sounding, but it did fit the situation perfectly. I would be desperate if I woke, tied up in a pitch black room with no memory! Her male voices all sounded samey, but I got used to that and it didn’t detract from the story.

There was one issue that bugged me from the start. Chloe was tied up and broke free, there would surely have been rope marks around her wrists and ankles to prove her story, but everyone insisted on thinking she made it up.

Overall, I loved it and give it 5 stars.

#WordlessWednesday – Is this why it’s called a Hebe?

 

 

#Bookreview – David Gemmell Lord of the Silver Bow #fantasy #epicfantasy

Lord of the Silver Bow – David Gemmell

My review

When I shared this book on my Fridaybookshare post, I found it impossible to find a line or paragraph to share. How can I when I love every part of the book? I’d have to transcribe the whole thing!

It’s my third read through of Lord of the Silver Bow and my passion for it hasn’t diminished. I loved every moment of it; the characters, the heroes, the writing skill, the world of Troy…

I wish I could get everyone to read David Gemmell’s work (especially would-be writers). Gemmell was a master of creating characters that you’ll love or love to hate, characters that stay with you long after you’ve finished reading. See my little tribute to him here.

There were many times reading this that my eyes welled and my throat burned trying to hold back the tears. Having read it before I knew what I was in for, but I was still a snivelling wreck at the end of the book!

The best thing is knowing that I still have two more books in the trilogy to devour. I can’t wait to start, even though I know there is a lot more heartache and tears to come!

Please read this book and let me know what you think.

A 5 x 5 x 5 star read!

***

Here’s the blurb in case you missed it on my previous post.

Three lives will change the destiny of nations.

Helikaon, the young prince of Dardania, haunted by a scarred and traumatic childhood. The priestess Andromache, whose fiery spirit and fierce independence threatens the might of kings. And the legendary warrior Argurios, cloaked in loneliness and driven only by thoughts of revenge.

In Troy they find a city torn apart by destructive rivalries – a maelstrom of jealousy, deceit and murderous treachery. And beyond its fabled walls blood-hungry enemies eye its riches and plot its downfall.

It is a time of bravery and betrayal; a time of bloodshed and fear. A time for heroes.

 

#Audiobook #bookreview – No Longer Safe by A. J. Haines #thriller

No Longer Safe by A.J.Haines

Narrated by Emma Powell

Blurb

She was your best friend. Now she’s your deadliest enemy – and there’s nowhere to run…

When Alice receives an invitation from Karen, her charismatic University friend, to stay in a remote cottage in Scotland, she can’t wait to rekindle their lost friendship. But two more former students arrive – never friends of Alice’s – and as the atmosphere chills, Karen isn’t the warm-hearted soulmate Alice remembers. Barely is the reunion underway before someone is dead and the fragile gathering is pushed to breaking point.

As the snow cuts them off from civilisation and accusations fly, Alice finds herself a pawn, sinking deeper into a deadly game she can’t escape.

NO LONGER SAFE is a chilling Psychological Thriller that delivers a delicious sting in the

My review

The book moves along at a slow pace, but I wasn’t bored at any point. The backstory is slowly revealed and as you get to know the four reunited friends, you start to understand that no one is quite as they seem. The story becomes more dramatic and events drag Alice along a path that she will have trouble coming back from.

Your suspicions are raised more during the short chapters from Karen’s perspective.  You’re left in no doubt that Alice is being deceived. But it takes a good part of the book to understand just what Karen has planned.

Did I guess the ending? Definitely not. What a shocker!

I’ve already pre-ordered the authors next book which is due out in October.

A recommended read for those who enjoy thrillers at a slightly slower pace, but it still has a dramatic end.

4 star read / listen!

Weekend Wanderings – Along the River Thames #photo #nature

Last week we took a family stroll along the river on a lazy Sunday afternoon. I haven’t really seen this hidden part of Staines-Upon-Thames before, and it was only spoilt by the occasional dumped rubbish or poo tied up in a bag (why do dog walkers do that?). Plus I got a gnat bite which has been driving me crazy, but it was still a wonderful hour on an August afternoon.

Some interesting angles.

 

And my favourite, a couple of macro shots to finish off.

#FridayBookShare – Lord of the Silver Bow by David Gemmell #fantasy

Set up by Shelly on her blog. Anyone can have a go – all you need to do is answer the following questions based on a book you enjoyed reading and use the hashtag #FridayBookShare. Be sure to like, comment, and share other participants posts.

First line of the book.

Recruit fans by adding the book blurb.

Introduce the main character using only three words.

Delightful design (add the cover image of the book).

Audience appeal (who would enjoy reading this book?)

Your favourite line/scene.

***

FIRST LINE – To sleep is to die.

RECRUIT FANS (BLURB) – Three lives will change the destiny of nations.

Helikaon, the young prince of Dardania, haunted by a scarred and traumatic childhood. The priestess Andromache, whose fiery spirit and fierce independence threatens the might of kings. And the legendary warrior Argurios, cloaked in loneliness and driven only by thoughts of revenge.

In Troy they find a city torn apart by destructive rivalries – a maelstrom of jealousy, deceit and murderous treachery. And beyond its fabled walls blood-hungry enemies eye its riches and plot its downfall.

It is a time of bravery and betrayal; a time of bloodshed and fear. A time for heroes.

INTRODUCE THE MAIN CHARACTER – Helikaon; brave, heroic, legendary

DELIGHTFUL DESIGN –

AUDIENCE APPEAL – Anyone and everyone who likes fantasy. There is the historical element as well, and the myths of Troy etc. I would say the Troy trilogy is some of Gemmell’s best work.

YOUR FAVOURITE LINE – Utterly impossible to choose. I think I love every line in this book! Each sentence means something, and hints at events to come. I’ll go with this…

‘What is wrong, Odysseus?’ she asked him. ‘Is it the coming battle? Do you fear for your friend?’

Odysseus shivered suddenly. ‘I am filled with fear, but not for his safety. Helikaon is a fighter, but there are depths to the man which should never be plumbed.’

20 pages later we find out what Odysseus feared…

Buy it now at Amazon UK or Amazon US

#Thursdaydoors – Malta / Gozo

I’ve seen others posting their #thursdaydoors and thought it was time to join in.

During a day trip to Gozo last week, I spotted several doors with these wonderful door handles. I would’ve loved to have stopped and taken some close ups, but this is the best I could do through a coach window.

#WWWBlogs How publishing taught me to be more self-reliant #indiepub #indieauthor

I just wanted to share a link to my guest post over the Writing & Wellness blog run by Colleen M Story.

To view the article click here . While you’re there, have a look around. There are plenty of great articles to read.