Lydia MacClaren's Blog, page 2
July 14, 2023
Seven Lives Saved is One year old!
A bookmark to match the book? Sign me up!
One year ago today I published my debut novel. It was a day full of excitement and nerves as I saw my book officially launched for the world to see. I had always dreamed of publishing my stories, and it’s still surreal that it’s actually done.
July 14th, 2022 will be a special day in my life, and this book will hold a special place in my heart. I’m so grateful for everyone (family, friends, readers) who has supported me along this author journey.
Seven Lives Saved will have many more birthdays to celebrate, and I pray the LORD allows me to add many other book birthdays to my calendar.
May 1, 2023
Get Caught Reading Month
A bookmark to match the book? Sign me up!
May is Get Caught Reading Month, a month dedicated to encouraging people of any age to pick up a book and enjoy! So, to celebrate, here’s a special deal for the reader looking to get caught reading!
During the first week of May, Seven Lives Saved will be only $.99 the first week of May!
If you’ve been eyeing up the book, now is your chance to snatch it at a greatly reduced price!
And while you’re picking up a new book to read, don’t forget that Bone Beads is always free to read. So, might as well click here to get that as well!
Happy reading!
February 7, 2023
Book + Bookmark Giveaway!
A bookmark to match the book? Sign me up!
From now (2/7) to Valentine’s Day (2/14) I’m running a fun giveaway with the opportunity to win a signed physical copy of Bone Beads and two gorgeous matching bookmarks! What do you need to do to enter? Simply read and review Bone Beads!
Official Rules:
The giveaway begins February 7th at 12am EST and ends February 14th 12pm EST. Open to entrants in the USA. Entrants under 18 will need parental permission to enter. There will be ONE winner. The winner must provide their shipping information.
Read and review the free ebook of Bone Beads by February 14th. Reviews can be posted anywhere, but the author (Lydia MacClaren) must either be tagged (IG/TT/Twitter/FB) or sent a screenshot of review (Goodreads/Storygraph/Personal Blog) to either her email (lydiamacclaren@gmail.com) or her IG Account (@lydiamacclaren)
The giveaway is hosted by Lydia MacClaren, and is not affiliated with any of the platforms - i.e., Facebook, Instagram, TikTok - on which it may be shared. Winners will be announced on Lydia’s social platforms (her blog, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok) and will be notified by her by private message.
To receive the ebook of Bone Beads click here.
So… if you’re interested in reading Bone Beads now’s your time to do it!
February 2, 2023
Free Novella!
Free novella?
You heard that right! Subscribe to my newsletter, and you will receive a free romantic fantasy novella. (already subscribed? Then check your inbox, the novella is already there!)
The Novella: Bone Beads
Leiv has a deadline to meet. Sent to record the first census at the nomadic tribe’s annual gathering, he wants everything to go perfectly. But when a snowstorm delays his return to the capital, Leiv must face how foreign he feels in his own tribe.
Eirlin needs the census taker to leave. Frustrated by all his counting, Eirlin cannot focus on preparing for her sister’s coming-of-age ceremony. But when a snowstorm traps him there, Eirlin can no longer ignore her harsh attitude toward Leiv or why his presence makes her uneasy.
As the snow continues to fall, Leiv and Eirlin discover that late winter nights often lay bare the simplest things.
Prefer a physical book? No worries! You can get the beautiful physical book at Amazon for $4.99.
Free Novella and Giveaway!
Free novella?
You heard that right! Subscribe to my newsletter, and you will receive a free romantic fantasy novella. (already subscribed? Then check your inbox, the novella is already there!)
The Novella: Bone Beads
Leiv has a deadline to meet. Sent to record the first census at the nomadic tribe’s annual gathering, he wants everything to go perfectly. But when a snowstorm delays his return to the capital, Leiv must face how foreign he feels in his own tribe.
Eirlin needs the census taker to leave. Frustrated by all his counting, Eirlin cannot focus on preparing for her sister’s coming-of-age ceremony. But when a snowstorm traps him there, Eirlin can no longer ignore her harsh attitude toward Leiv or why his presence makes her uneasy.
As the snow continues to fall, Leiv and Eirlin discover that late winter nights often lay bare the simplest things.
Prefer a physical book? No worries! You can get the beautiful physical book at Amazon for $4.99.
December 13, 2022
Dragon Book Giveaway!
Dragon Giveaway!
Seven Lives Saved has a hardcover, and to celebrate I’m hosting a giveaway!
I teamed up with three other authors of dragon books to host this awesome dragon book giveaway. Head over to Instagram to enter and win these four books (three physical copies!)
Enter now!
November 24, 2022
Multi -Indie Black Friday Book Sale!
Want a large selection of indie books all priced under $1?
Perhaps a silly question, who doesn’t! From today (11/25/22) until Cyber Monday (11/28/22), check out this massive list of clean indie books from a multitude of genres from 99 cents to free. Oh, and of course, you’ll see Seven Lives Saved included in this list!
Check it out!
Prefer a physical copy? Now is your chance to grab a discounted paperback of Seven Lives Saved! From now until Cyber Monday, the usually $11.99 price will drop to only $9.99!
November 1, 2022
Massive Indie Book Giveaway!
Happy Author Day!
And what better way to celebrate than with a massive indie author book giveaway? All clean and Christian, these books range from fantasy to nonfiction, contemporary romance to journals. There’s something here for anyone, regardless of reading preferences! Prizes include digital and physical books as well as other bookish swag!
Oh, and yes… Seven Lives Saved is included!
How to enter:
Enter now! Entry includes email address, and then you can earn more points by subscribing to newsletters, and following social media accounts.
The rules:
The giveaway begins Nov. 1st and ends Nov. 7th at 12pm EST. There will be two prizes, one for US and one for international. (18 and under will need parental permission to enter!) US winner must provide shipping information to receive physical prizes, while International winner will receive digital prizes (unless intl. winner resides in the same country as one or more of intl. authors, then address will be required as well).
Grace Johnson is hosting the giveaway, but isn’t responsible for shopping issues. The giveaway is not associated with any platforms (FB, IG, TT, etc) or with internet host (Rafflecopter).
October 13, 2022
Introducing the Resource Page!
A new addition to the website - and it’s just for you!
I am perhaps a little too thorough in my research and organizing, but now you get to profit from my work! I have compiled all that I have found helpful from my years of being both a fantasy reader and writer, and have now made my research available for you as well!
Reader: Enjoy these recommendations of Middle Grade to Adult fantasy books, as well as peruse guides for logging books, creating reading habits, considering how to read in a God-honoring way, and giving good bookish gifts.
Writer: Profit from my self-publishing journey through recommendations on developing your writing craft, guides on self-editing, self-publishing on a budget, habit setting, how to glorify the Lord through your writing, and giving good writerly gifts.
Is something missing in the resource section? Send me an email, and I can see what I can do!
August 6, 2022
First Author Event
A local bookstore invited me to display Seven Lives Saved at their shop during First Friday.
Self publishing as a whole has pushed me way out of my comfort zone! But my first author event certainly took it a step further. It was nerve wracking to think about talking with people about my book, but it turned out to be a successful event!
I brought copies of my book to sell, as well as a “writing starter pack” for children that included a small notebook and a golf pencil to encourage the next generation to write their own stories.
I was able to speak with a young student about her budding love for fantasy, and she referenced so many stories I read at her age. Speaking with her was certainly the highlight of my evening.
With my first author event done, I’m certainly excited to see what future opportunities I will have!
