E. Rachael Hardcastle's Blog, page 11
June 27, 2017
Quarterly Review Of Goals
Green = metOrange = likely to meet soonRed = haven't met
On 28/12/2016 set myself some writing-related goals. By 28/03/2017, I'd met three of them, so I added three in their place. Here's what the goals were:Original:Publish Finding Pandora: Eternity before EasterRelease Finding Pandora: Volume OneFinish typing up my non-fiction bookFinish writing The WantedFinish writing Faded RealmReach 500 Facebook followersReach 2000 Twitter followersHit 100 YouTube subscribersReach 3000 sales by my birthday in SeptemberAdditional:Hand out all 50 of my book signing posters to spread the wordWrite one helpful writing-related blog post per week and share it across my social mediaAdd descriptions and important information from The White Room's 16 episodes so far for reader reference.I also promised I'd keep you up to date, so here's how I did this time around:I'm thrilled to say that I released the Eternity ebook and published it in the Finding Pandora: The Complete Collection paperback, for which I'm holding a book signing for on July 1st 2017 - that's in a few days. There is also now a hardback available! Although I didn't hand out all 50 posters, I did get plenty of them circulated. I decided to leave the date and time box blank so I could use spares for the future, so it actually benefited me to save some. I added a last minute event at Shipley Arts Festival on 2506/2017 so they came in handy. I both met and failed this goal because of that decision, but in my eyes it's a win!I was lucky enough to reach 500 Facebook followers and 2000 Twitter followers! As September is not for another few months and we're only just at the end of June, I haven't yet met my 3000 sales but I am so close!I've decided not to type up my non-fiction book and instead look at a series of videos focusing on what I've learned since I started the journal.I've had some other cool projects on the go, so my Aeon books haven't had much attention. I'm not proud of this neglect, but I do plan on taking part in NaNoWriMo 2017, so The Wanted (book 2) can be completed then!My Youtube subscribers have increased for sure, but I'm not yet at 100. The more videos and interviews I upload, however, the more likely I am to attract followers so this is still ongoing. I'm also now in the process of co-hosting a new podcast (details coming soon).I didn't write one helpful blog post per week, but I updated fairly often across the sections of my site. I'll work on updating more often!Of the remaining goals, I met five with some time to spare, so I need to set some new goals in their place for the next review. So, here goes:Reach 100 Instagram followersHave interviewed 30 authors on The White RoomReach 850 Facebook followerSo that's it for my goals update. I'll do the same thing again on 27th September 2017 to see if I'm any closer to reaching my 2017 targets. Wish me luck!E. Rachael Hardcastle
On 28/12/2016 set myself some writing-related goals. By 28/03/2017, I'd met three of them, so I added three in their place. Here's what the goals were:Original:Publish Finding Pandora: Eternity before EasterRelease Finding Pandora: Volume OneFinish typing up my non-fiction bookFinish writing The WantedFinish writing Faded RealmReach 500 Facebook followersReach 2000 Twitter followersHit 100 YouTube subscribersReach 3000 sales by my birthday in SeptemberAdditional:Hand out all 50 of my book signing posters to spread the wordWrite one helpful writing-related blog post per week and share it across my social mediaAdd descriptions and important information from The White Room's 16 episodes so far for reader reference.I also promised I'd keep you up to date, so here's how I did this time around:I'm thrilled to say that I released the Eternity ebook and published it in the Finding Pandora: The Complete Collection paperback, for which I'm holding a book signing for on July 1st 2017 - that's in a few days. There is also now a hardback available! Although I didn't hand out all 50 posters, I did get plenty of them circulated. I decided to leave the date and time box blank so I could use spares for the future, so it actually benefited me to save some. I added a last minute event at Shipley Arts Festival on 2506/2017 so they came in handy. I both met and failed this goal because of that decision, but in my eyes it's a win!I was lucky enough to reach 500 Facebook followers and 2000 Twitter followers! As September is not for another few months and we're only just at the end of June, I haven't yet met my 3000 sales but I am so close!I've decided not to type up my non-fiction book and instead look at a series of videos focusing on what I've learned since I started the journal.I've had some other cool projects on the go, so my Aeon books haven't had much attention. I'm not proud of this neglect, but I do plan on taking part in NaNoWriMo 2017, so The Wanted (book 2) can be completed then!My Youtube subscribers have increased for sure, but I'm not yet at 100. The more videos and interviews I upload, however, the more likely I am to attract followers so this is still ongoing. I'm also now in the process of co-hosting a new podcast (details coming soon).I didn't write one helpful blog post per week, but I updated fairly often across the sections of my site. I'll work on updating more often!Of the remaining goals, I met five with some time to spare, so I need to set some new goals in their place for the next review. So, here goes:Reach 100 Instagram followersHave interviewed 30 authors on The White RoomReach 850 Facebook followerSo that's it for my goals update. I'll do the same thing again on 27th September 2017 to see if I'm any closer to reaching my 2017 targets. Wish me luck!E. Rachael Hardcastle
June 21, 2017
Susan Wingate chats with Indie Author E. Rachael Hardcastle
Thank you so much to Susan Wingate for inviting me on her show - I had so much fun! We chat a little about what it means to be an indie author, why it benefits those just starting out and how it differs from traditional publishing.We also talk about the inspiration behind Finding Pandora, Forgotten Faith and Aeon Infinitum.What about post-apocalyptic stories interests me?It was such a pleasure to talk to Susan about my work in schools, to give Year 6 students a shout out and explain how their books Children of War came about.How do I support other indie authors and businesses?What events do I have coming up?
Shipley Street Arts Festival 2017
I'm super excited to announce I'll be participating in Shipley Street Arts Festival 2017 on Sunday 25th June 2017 between 1100-1600 hrs to help support the talented locals in Shipley, West Yorkshire, UK.
I'll be setting up at 11:00am in the market square, acting as your hub for all things creative writing and indie publishing. Come and see me for:your questions about who I am and what I do answeringyour questions about creative writing, editing and publishing answereduseful tips and tricks for writing your own bookthe benefits of indie publishingIndependent Bookstore Week informationI'll be bringing along:fun activity sheets for the kidsa sample of my own novelsmerchandisefreebiesIf you're local and have some time to spare, please visit and say hello to show your support for all our talented local artists, performers, writers and all those in between. Of course, if you'd like to purchase a signed copy of my novel/s you can do so on the day (stock will be limited- hurry!) or visit me the following week at my Wrose Library book signing (01/07/2017 at 1100-1430 hrs).I can't wait to meet you all!
June 19, 2017
Independent Bookshop Week
What is Independent Bookshop Week?IBW is a campaign to celebrate independent book shops on the UK's high streets. It takes place between 24th June - 1st July 2017.Visit their website: https://indiebookshopweek.org.uk/HomeHow and why am I supporting it?On Sunday 18th June I visited the above bookstore - The Whitby Bookshop - and spoke with a friendly shop assistant. Not only did she help me find the book I wanted - Tuesdays With Morrie by Mitch Albom - but when we got chatting she kindly gave me some useful materials to help promote IBW. I will be tweeting #IBW2017 and displaying their bookmarks, bellybands, social media images and posters during this week and also on the day of my book signing (the final day of IBW, 1st July 2017) to show my support and encourage people to visit their local high street store.
I love ALL bookstores, but I want to support local high street bookstores for several reasons:The service is personal.Smaller - easier to find what you want/ easier to find someone to help you.Indies need to stick together!Usually happy to stock indie and local books.They are always beautiful with gorgeous displays.The list goes on.Are you an indie author? Do you want to support indie bookstores? If so, you can find some promo material here on their website: https://indiebookshopweek.org.uk/Bookshop-Resources.Thanks for reading!
June 9, 2017
June 5, 2017
June 1, 2017
Make Your Own Potion Bottles
For Finding Pandora: The Complete Collection's first official book signing at Wrose Carnival, July 1st 2017, I've been making some lovely glass potion bottles. The book is a high fantasy, focusing on magical powers, good vs evil and Pandora's Box. Here is a really cheap and easy way to make these for your own event.What you will need:Mini glass bottles - available from craft stores/ onlineMedium glass bottles - available from craft stores/ onlineGlitter or multi-coloured gemsCharms1 page of your novelTeaWhere I sourced my supplies:The Works, UK (bottles) for mini with glitter and medium corked.Amazon (charms)How To Make Them:Open up the bottles and empty out the glitter. Mix the colours together.Share the glitter between the bottles. This can get messy, so I used a paper plate bent in two as a funnel, or you can tap the glitter from bottle to bottle.In the medium-sized bottles, drop in a charm. I used the infinity symbol (from the novel) but you can choose something else.Print out your page and rip (not cut) them into strips. The rip will give an uneven edge, like old parchment. Using a damp tea bag, stain the paper and leave it to dry for several hours.When dry, roll the strips up with the text facing out and slide them into the bottles.Replace the corks and shake to mix up the ingredients.You should find a unique and interesting way to display these at the event, and as they are so cheap and quick to make you can give them away as freebies or tokens with any purchase. Have fun and good luck with your event!
