Suzanne Rogerson's Blog, page 76
December 29, 2015
Book review of Ink and Bone by Rachel Caine
Book Review of Ink and Bone – Volume 1 of The Great Library
I picked up this YA fantasy novel purely on the strength of one review from fantasyreads.
I’m so glad I did, though I have to admit to several late nights where I just couldn’t bear to stop reading. This was one of those books that helped me rediscover the joy of reading and allowed me to become completely immersed in another world. Not just for the fact that I loved the premise of a society focused on protecting books, but the story and the characters had me hooked right from the beginning.
It is a very fast paced, entertaining read and I loved the alternative history that was so cleverly portrayed, with plenty of magic and intrigue thrown in. The characters have such depth, especially scholar Wolfe, and there are so many details that add to the world, like the sometimes murderous Automatons and the Burners with their Greek Fire. There are many aspects to this story that I can’t wait to explore more, so many possibilities…
Even as I write this review, I could quite happily read the whole book again.
I give Ink and Bone 5 stars and have no hesitation recommending it to anyone who enjoys fantasy.
The worse thing by far in discovering a new series is to know that the next book is not available until July 2016!
Change to UK paperback price
I have changed the price of Visions of Zarua to £10.00.
At the original cost of £9.99 there was a p&p charge at Amazon, but for 1p more there is no postage and packaging fee!
If I had realised this in the beginning, I would have set the cost to £10.00 from the start. I suppose that’s all part of the learning process indie authors go through.
I wish I could set the cost lower to be more competitive in the marketplace, but the price is calculated on pages and this book is quite long at 420. At least the extra hours editing to tighten the final word count also shaved a little off the cost!
I’m hoping my next book will come in shorter, but we’ll have to wait and see what 2016 brings.
I’m also investigating registering with the Kindle Matchbook scheme – where those who buy the paperback can buy the kindle version at a reduced cost. At the moment I don’t know if this works in the UK.
Can any of you confirm if it does or not?
The kindle version is still reduced for the Holiday period across all Amazon Kindle stores. Check out the links if you fancy picking up a bargain.
Happy New Year everyone!
December 28, 2015
What does it take to write a novel?
Answer:
7 note books, reams of paper, years of hard work, thousands of hours of writing and rewriting, 4 beta readers, several online courses and professional critiques, and lets not go into the money involved…
Now that Visions of Zarua is published, I decided to use this lazy day between Christmas and New Year to tidy my desk drawers and go through all the old paperwork. I’ve boxed up all the note books that hold the first draft, the pictures of characters and places that helped me create my world, my extensive notes on everything to do with Paltria and its characters, the various critique reports and my notes on rewriting.
Who would have thought that pile of scribbles and half formed plans would turn into this…
Visions of Zarua started way back in 2003 with a tiny idea. I wonder what my younger self would think if she knew the long, long journey ahead.
December 27, 2015
My top 4 blog posts for #newwriters and #IndieAuthors
As 2015 draws to a close, I’ve been thinking about my New Years Resolutions. Apart from the usual eat healthy, drink less and exercise more, my top resolutions have to be to write more and blog regularly.
With that in mind, I decided to look through my posts of 2015. I have only been blogging for about 6 months and amongst my 40 odd posts I wanted to share my favourites aimed at aspiring writers and indie authors. Click the links to read the posts in full.
I summarised my Top Tips for New Writers, ranging from attending evening classes, using beta readers and professional services in My Top Ten Tips for New Writers
Ready to proof read your novel? Use my Proof Read Top 10 checklist to give you a head start.
For those who plan to self publish in 2016, I’ve shared my tips on How to Survive Publication Day and The things I wish I’d done before Publication Day to help your publishing experience go smoothly.
For me 2015 has been a year of learning lots of new skills, of frustration when things haven’t gone to plan, but ultimately I’m left with a great deal of satisfaction knowing I’ve achieved one of my biggest dreams – publishing my first novel as an ebook and paperback.
I hope to publish my second novel next year and to continue building my author profile as well as reaching new readers and writers. I’m planning a blog tour in early 2016 and my Goodreads Giveaway (which closes 14th Feb 2016) is already attracting attention.
The world of indie publishing is full of opportunities and I look forward to the new challenges 2016 throws my way.
Bring on January 2016, I’m ready for you!
December 24, 2015
Getting in the festive mood with a Goodreads Giveaway & Kindle sale!
To combine the fun of the holidays and the recent launch of my paperback, Visions of Zarua, I’ve set up a Goodreads Giveaway.
It starts on 25th December 2015. To be in with a chance of winning 1 of 3 signed copies, please click the link from tomorrow.
I’ve also reduced the price of the Kindle edition for a limited time only. The price reduction is available across all Amazon Kindle sites. Please click the links to buy your copy now.
Merry Christmas to everyone.
December 14, 2015
Paperback available now!
I’m delighted to announce that there is now a paperback version of Visions of Zarua available to buy from Amazon.
It’s been a mad few months getting everything ready for self publishing. I’m looking forward to a quiet Christmas and then I’ll be diving into my next project. Hopefully everything I’ve learnt will make the process a lot smoother next time around.
December 2, 2015
Visions of Zarua – Paperback coming soon!
I haven’t posted anything for a while so I thought it was time for a quick update.
Since my eBook was released on the 16th November, friends and family have been asking when the paperback would be available. So the answer is very soon.
I’m just waiting to agree the cover and then I can request my proof copy. If all goes well, it could be on sale in time for Christmas.
Looks like I’ll be needing another bottle of champagne.
November 24, 2015
My author interview with ‘NyaReads’
I’ve just had my first author interview published on NyaReads website.
Please click the link to read it here.
November 20, 2015
My first poll experiment – contractions in fiction
I’ve never run a poll before. As I’m planning to write a blog focusing on what I’ve learnt about editing, I thought this little experiment might be fun.
Take Our Poll
When my editor, Alison Williams, first mentioned to me ‘There are places where your writing sounds a little too formal, a little strained, usually where you haven’t used contractions’ I was a bit confused. I’d always thought you could only use contractions in dialogue.
I headed straight to my overflowing bookcase and checked out my favourite fantasy authors (David Gemmell, Robin Hobb) and a whole selection of other novels in every genre I own. I checked old and newly published works, and of course I researched the subject online. I was amazed to find that authors have been using contractions all this time and I hadn’t realised. It’s one of those things you just don’t notice unless you’re looking for it. I hope I’m not alone in my confusion, it certainly seems to be a much covered topic on the internet.
Please join in the poll, share and comment. If it works, I’ll be writing about the results next week.
November 19, 2015
Things I wish I’d done before publication day
For anyone about to self publish, or considering it in the future, these are the things I’d do beforehand.
I would have lined up some reviewers and sent them preview copies.
I would have started taking an interest in social media a lot sooner – not just for promotional purposes, but because you can learn so much from other writers who have already been through the whole process.
I would have got more sleep to balance out the late nights and periods of insomnia.
I would have drawn up a marketing plan and researched all the possible avenues for promotion.
I would never publish in November if I also planned to take part in NaNoWriMo.
I’m not sure that a Monday is the best day for publication. A Friday or Saturday are better days for a celebration and I definitely WOULD throw a huge party! Why not, it’s all over so quickly you may as well make the most of it.
I would have organised a print copy to be released at the same time as the ebook. People have been asking for a paperback version, so maybe the printed book isn’t dead. It may cost more, but at least people have the choice and you aren’t missing out on possible sales.
I would already be in the final stages of editing my next book so I could get that published asap.
I’m still learning as I go along, so I’m sure there will be many points to add to this list over time.
If you have any helpful tips or suggestions, I would love to hear them.
