Susan Buchanan's Blog, page 28
August 25, 2012
Specs and Ginger Blog - Review of Sign of the Times
Well, I wasn't expecting Specs to finish Sign of the Times so quickly, but he fair lapped it up (sorry, couldn't resist, what with their logo being a cat!)
Can I just point out that Specs is a bloke - a bloke who couldn't read Sign of the Times fast enough and is champing at the bit now for the sequel. Sign of the Times is not just for the girls....I did tell you!
Enjoy!
http://specsandginger.wordpress.com/
And, in breaking news, The Dating Game should be finished later today!! Off to complete that last chapter. Sooz
Can I just point out that Specs is a bloke - a bloke who couldn't read Sign of the Times fast enough and is champing at the bit now for the sequel. Sign of the Times is not just for the girls....I did tell you!
Enjoy!
http://specsandginger.wordpress.com/
And, in breaking news, The Dating Game should be finished later today!! Off to complete that last chapter. Sooz
August 24, 2012
Review - Feria - A Spanish Comedy by N E David
Thank Crunchie it's Friday (no product placement intended - although now I come to think of it, I could fair go a Crunchie. But breakfast first! And before that, this week's review.
A fun novella which you will devour quickly. If anyone can help me get my font size back to normal, even better! Enjoy!
I was asked by the author if I would provide an independent review and provided with a review copy of Feria. I've given this 4 stars and my one phrase to describe it would be 'Fun Portrayal of Spanish Village Life'
I was instantly drawn to this novel by the Flamenco dancer on the cover. I am a fluent Spanish speaker and have lived a couple of times in Spain, so it's fair to say that I love all things Spanish.
Feria is a charming novella, humorous and accurate in many ways, if a little stereotypical (but it's intentional) of Spanish village life. From the lazy, drunk Police Chief, to the unfaithful Mayor, the local boy with no property who admires the pretty girl, but has no chance, since he has no worldly goods. I particularly enjoyed the aspects around which the story is set, namely the Feria or feast day. The 'hiccup' which occurs to proceedings and the many hilarious ancecdotes then related, involving goats, tuba players and vats of paella, will make you smile. I have been to events like this in Italy, but they are similar to those in Spain. If you want to laugh whilst finding out about Spanish village life and the pride that goes into their Feast days, then 'Feria' is for you.
You can buy Feria at the links below:
http://amzn.to/PG5Lw8 (UK) &
http://amzn.to/O83pGw (US & other.com)
And I'll see you all back here Sunday for the latest instalment of The Dating Game - I am writing the 2nd last chapter, so I hope to finish it over the weekend. Am so excited! Have a great weekend, everyone. Sooz
A fun novella which you will devour quickly. If anyone can help me get my font size back to normal, even better! Enjoy!
I was asked by the author if I would provide an independent review and provided with a review copy of Feria. I've given this 4 stars and my one phrase to describe it would be 'Fun Portrayal of Spanish Village Life'
I was instantly drawn to this novel by the Flamenco dancer on the cover. I am a fluent Spanish speaker and have lived a couple of times in Spain, so it's fair to say that I love all things Spanish.
Feria is a charming novella, humorous and accurate in many ways, if a little stereotypical (but it's intentional) of Spanish village life. From the lazy, drunk Police Chief, to the unfaithful Mayor, the local boy with no property who admires the pretty girl, but has no chance, since he has no worldly goods. I particularly enjoyed the aspects around which the story is set, namely the Feria or feast day. The 'hiccup' which occurs to proceedings and the many hilarious ancecdotes then related, involving goats, tuba players and vats of paella, will make you smile. I have been to events like this in Italy, but they are similar to those in Spain. If you want to laugh whilst finding out about Spanish village life and the pride that goes into their Feast days, then 'Feria' is for you.
You can buy Feria at the links below:
http://amzn.to/PG5Lw8 (UK) &
http://amzn.to/O83pGw (US & other.com)
And I'll see you all back here Sunday for the latest instalment of The Dating Game - I am writing the 2nd last chapter, so I hope to finish it over the weekend. Am so excited! Have a great weekend, everyone. Sooz
August 22, 2012
Guest spot - Not So Anonymous Authors
Yes, Novel d'Tales has me back for the third and final time, to talk a little about my new novel and a teeny bit about me, too. Check it out!
http://noveldtales.blogspot.co.uk/
http://noveldtales.blogspot.co.uk/
August 20, 2012
Rosie Review Blog features Sign of the Times
Happy Monday!!
Hope you all had a good weekend and enjoyed yesterday's Six Sentence Sunday.
The week's off to a flying start with this lovely review for Sign of the Times, from Rosie on her review blog - have a peek!
http://bit.ly/NbknXZ
I will be back on Wed, tune in to see why!
Hope you all had a good weekend and enjoyed yesterday's Six Sentence Sunday.
The week's off to a flying start with this lovely review for Sign of the Times, from Rosie on her review blog - have a peek!
http://bit.ly/NbknXZ
I will be back on Wed, tune in to see why!
August 19, 2012
Six Sentence Sunday - extract from The Dating Game 19/8
Yep, it's rolled around again, Six Sentence Sunday on this sunny (yes, don't faint from shock!) August morning. Don't worry, I'm sure it will be raining by lunchtime.
Since the release for The Dating Game is happening in the next few months, I decided to continue with a snippet from that this week. I might nip back to Sign of the Times for SSS once I've finished writing The Dating Game and I am 90-95% done now! But, for today, let's see how Gill is faring on her latest date. Enjoy!
She was getting the hang of it – finally. Deciding she’d be a little bit more daring, Gill thought she'd try the fancy footwork the father in the next lane favoured. Maybe it wasn’t that difficult after all. Concentrating hard, Gill swung and bloody hell, what's happening? Gill’s right foot crossed the line, milliseconds before she let go of the bowling ball, she slipped on the waxed surface and both legs shot up in the air.
Remember, you can check out all Six Sentence Sunday entrants at sixsunday.com, after 2pm UK time (9am EST).
And, as ever, if you can't wait for The Dating Game to come out, why not pick up Sign of the Times, my first novel, to whet your appetite in the meantime
If you like drama, humour, Scotland & Italy, it's for you! -
http://amzn.to/GKqZGd (UK)
http://amzn.to?IYN0Fc (US & other .com)
Since the release for The Dating Game is happening in the next few months, I decided to continue with a snippet from that this week. I might nip back to Sign of the Times for SSS once I've finished writing The Dating Game and I am 90-95% done now! But, for today, let's see how Gill is faring on her latest date. Enjoy!
She was getting the hang of it – finally. Deciding she’d be a little bit more daring, Gill thought she'd try the fancy footwork the father in the next lane favoured. Maybe it wasn’t that difficult after all. Concentrating hard, Gill swung and bloody hell, what's happening? Gill’s right foot crossed the line, milliseconds before she let go of the bowling ball, she slipped on the waxed surface and both legs shot up in the air.
Remember, you can check out all Six Sentence Sunday entrants at sixsunday.com, after 2pm UK time (9am EST).
And, as ever, if you can't wait for The Dating Game to come out, why not pick up Sign of the Times, my first novel, to whet your appetite in the meantime
If you like drama, humour, Scotland & Italy, it's for you! -
http://amzn.to/GKqZGd (UK)
http://amzn.to?IYN0Fc (US & other .com)
August 17, 2012
Interview with Joanne Phillips
Morning all - Happy Friday - naturally, it's pouring with rain today, just in time for the weekend, but at least I managed to put on sun tan lotion yesterday and write for a bit in the garden - 45 mins, after 6 failed attempts which lasted on average 25 seconds - at sitting in sun, you realise, not writing!
After reviewing Jo's book on the blog last week, I am delighted to have her join us today to answer my searching questions. Enjoy!
You’ve had phenomenal success with Can’t Live Without in the past month. How much do you think is attributable to your blog and mapping out since January your progress writing it?
I think the steady sales I’ve had since publishing the book in May have been down to my blog journey, and the promotional work I do constantly. But the success Can’t Live Without has enjoyed this past month has been entirely down to the free Kindle promotion – it’s all about visibility at the end of the day. No one is going to buy my book if they don’t know it’s there, or can’t see it when they’re browsing. The Kindle promo put the title in the top 100 paid charts where lovely readers could see it – and buy it! The effect has worn off now, of course, but thankfully the steady sales continue.
I hate to ask such a trite question, but as it’s really a concept I had never seen in a novel (and when I think about it now, I wonder why not) why did you decide to write about a house fire?
It’s not a trite question at all. It wasn’t so much a decision as the idea just found me – I was walking around Willen Lake in Milton Keynes one day and I heard a fire engine in the distance. I started to imagine arriving home and finding it was my house on fire (I do tend to terrify myself with my thoughts!), and the idea of Can’t Live Without was born. Stella just jumped into my head pretty much fully formed, with all her problems and messed up family.
I loved the sub-plots, particularly the teenage daughter’s drama. Did you always know what happened to her was going to happen? If not, at what stage did you decide this?
I’m glad you liked Lipsy’s story. No, I didn’t know what was going to happen to her – I think I just got so involved with the characters that they almost decided themselves what was going to happen next! Well, that sounds a bit mad – what I mean is, it seemed like the worst possible thing that could happen to Lipsy – and Stella – at that point in time, and I do like challenging my characters by making them face the worst!
I loved Paul. Did you base him and indeed any of your other characters on any living person, whether celebrity, friend or acquaintance, either personality-wise or physically?
Paul is ace, isn’t he? I can’t say any of my characters are based on any real people – I’m sure that people I’ve met creep into them all the time, but it’s not conscious. Some of Lipsy’s characteristics are based on me as a teenager, I’m afraid! When I started writing Paul I guess he was my idea of the ideal man (I hadn’t met my husband yet back then, but he does have all of those lovely qualities). I wanted to write about a man who was sexy and safe, to prove (to myself?) that reliability and loyalty were most definitely not boring!
What made you introduce an office bitch? Did you have fun writing her?
I did have so much fun! I always knew that Loretta would have a key role in keeping Stella and Paul apart later in the book (no spoilers here!), and I also felt that Stella needed someone to spark off so the reader could see her character more clearly.
I have read many reviews which have said, they laughed out loud. Although there are parts in the book which are very funny indeed, for me, the overall impression was one of drama, love and family dynamics. What do you, the writer, consider as the key themes of the book and which was most important to you?
For me, the key themes are materialism, communication, and refusing to face the truth. I’m fascinated by how we lie to ourselves and the lengths to which people go to avoid the truth of any given situation, and there are many places in Can’t Live Without where this is explored, not least of all in Paul’s feelings for Stella – and vice versa! A critic of the book said recently that she thought the misunderstandings between them seemed contrived, but it’s my experience that people are terrible at telling each other their true feelings if they are afraid of opening up and risking being hurt, and that all sorts of problems arise from this.
Who did you enjoy writing the most and why? If Stella, please also tell me about another character, too!!
I did enjoy writing Stella, but I think the two characters I enjoyed writing the most were Stella’s mum, Maggie, and John Dean. Maggie because I felt such huge empathy for her as a character, and John Dean because he is such a slime-ball! He was always John Dean in my mind, and is the only character constantly referred to by both first-and-surname in the book, and I think this is because he is set apart, perhaps, as the only character who doesn’t undergo much of a transformation!
What’s the link between the cover you chose and the book?
Oh, covers! They are so hard, aren’t they? I spent a lot of time in Waterstones, just looking at covers and noting what attracted me as a reader. I wanted a woman on the cover, but not a face, and I wanted a very simple colour palette to catch the eye. When I came across this image it just seemed right, and the paving actually reminded me of pavements in Milton Keynes where the book is set. I also wanted it to be recognisable in the genre of chick lit, but to be moving away from the overtly pink and cartoony style of cover. Can’t Live Without was book of the week on Stafford FM a few weeks ago, and the presenter referred to it as ‘the book with the legs on the cover’. He liked them a lot!
You’ve said in the past week that you have ditched your current WIP, a third of the way through, because your heart isn’t in. So, what now? Will you try another genre? Have a break? What’s next for you?
I’m going to start work on the sequel to Can’t Live Without as soon as I come back from my holiday. The characters are alive and kicking in my mind, and they need closure! As far as genre goes, yes, I would like to try writing a different genre in the future, but I don’t think I can cope with the structural demands of genres like crime and mystery. But that’s not to say I won’t ever write a romance with mystery elements, or a novel that has a crime in it! One author I really admire is Linda Gillard, and she really has no genre – or rather, she can write across genres. This does make it harder to market your books, though, so I do think it’s helpful as a writer to keep, if not genre, at least the type of readers you are hoping to satisfy in your mind as you write.
You also said that you wanted your writing to touch people. When I think of that I think of authors like Jodi Picoult, where the dilemmas make you really wonder what you would do, if you were in their shoes. Is this what you meant? Can you give us your analogy?
I’m not a big fan of Jodi Picoult’s books, although I think she’s an amazing author. I find the ‘what would you do’ premise too much like hard work, as a reader anyway. I prefer to find issues in fiction really tucked away, almost invisible, so the story can be enjoyed on any level you like. CLW is in many ways just a good, fun read, but there is deeper stuff which can be explored and thought about if it resonates with the reader.
I think that’s what I mean when I say I want to touch people. I want to write about people who seem real, facing everyday problems, and bring them to life in a way that might make the reader think about their own everyday problems in a different way. As an analogy I’d cite Anne Tyler’s A Patchwork Planet – my favourite book of all time. It’s just about a man who lives alone, works as a handyman and has a tricky relationship with his family. And it’s a funny, engaging read. But really, for me at least, it’s about coming to terms with becoming an adult, learning to separate your real self from what your family thinks about you, and trying to recognise love when you stumble upon it. But these issues aren’t forced upon you, they’re just there to discover. If you want to.
Fun stuff
Everyone knows I adore Rupert Penry Jones, but who’s your favourite actor from an acting point of view and also from a ‘he’s just drop dead gorgeous’ point of view?
Anthony Hopkins for acting. No one for drop-dead gorgeous, I’m afraid! My husband is the only one who does it for me JIf it has to be a famous person, I’ll choose Morrissey.
What are you reading?
Linda Gillard: The Glass Guardian
What genres do you read?
I will read anything, but I prefer loosely women’s fiction (whatever that is!). I don’t read horror, sci-fi or gritty crime. I’m ridiculously sensitive.
Have you done anything really daring (sky-diving, bungee-jumping etc) – No, getting published doesn’t count, although I realise that’s terrifying!
No. Very safe and boring J
Do you watch scary movies? If so, do you have a favourite?
No way! It’s not that I mind being scared so much as those films always seem to have horror elements that I just can’t cope with. I got scared watching Toy Story 3. Enough said.
If you won the lottery, what would you do?
It’s funny, because my husband and I talk about this a lot (!), and I always say that I would just keep doing what I do now – writing, indexing, enjoying my time with my family. We live in a lovely rural location near my daughter’s school, so no need to move house. What would change for me would be that hubby could give up work, and I’d never have to worry about money again! Bliss. But apart from that, nothing. My life’s pretty perfect as it is. I might pay for a personal trainer, and a personal shopper because I hate shopping.
Favourite music
Morrissey.
Favourite author
Anne Tyler
Which talent don’t you have that you would like to have? (invisibility and things like that are not permitted!)
I’d like to be able to cook! I’m like Wendy Craig in Butterflies – everything I touch goes wrong.
Your greatest achievement to date ( can’t be writing/getting married or having a child – although I realise those will probably be in your top 3) It can be district Majorette champion or whatever!
That is such a hard question. There’s loads of stuff I’m proud of, but to pick one ... Last year I did an eight mile walk for Thyroid UK, which was a huge achievement for me as since being diagnosed with a thyroid condition three years earlier there were times when I could barely walk up the stairs! I raised £300 and it gave me a real boost, both in health and confidence.
Thanks Jo, for being on the blog today. You can pick up Can't Live Without at the following links:Amazon UK - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cant-Live-Without-ebook/dp/B0083SJB4MAmazon US - http://amzn.to/PpSiu3You can also find Jo on her blog - http://www.joannephillips.co.ukon Twitter - https://twitter.com/joannegphillipsand on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/joannephillipsauthorFor now, have a great weekend and remember to check in on Sunday for the latest instalment of...well, I'll keep you guessing! Sooz
After reviewing Jo's book on the blog last week, I am delighted to have her join us today to answer my searching questions. Enjoy!
You’ve had phenomenal success with Can’t Live Without in the past month. How much do you think is attributable to your blog and mapping out since January your progress writing it?
I think the steady sales I’ve had since publishing the book in May have been down to my blog journey, and the promotional work I do constantly. But the success Can’t Live Without has enjoyed this past month has been entirely down to the free Kindle promotion – it’s all about visibility at the end of the day. No one is going to buy my book if they don’t know it’s there, or can’t see it when they’re browsing. The Kindle promo put the title in the top 100 paid charts where lovely readers could see it – and buy it! The effect has worn off now, of course, but thankfully the steady sales continue.
I hate to ask such a trite question, but as it’s really a concept I had never seen in a novel (and when I think about it now, I wonder why not) why did you decide to write about a house fire?
It’s not a trite question at all. It wasn’t so much a decision as the idea just found me – I was walking around Willen Lake in Milton Keynes one day and I heard a fire engine in the distance. I started to imagine arriving home and finding it was my house on fire (I do tend to terrify myself with my thoughts!), and the idea of Can’t Live Without was born. Stella just jumped into my head pretty much fully formed, with all her problems and messed up family.
I loved the sub-plots, particularly the teenage daughter’s drama. Did you always know what happened to her was going to happen? If not, at what stage did you decide this?
I’m glad you liked Lipsy’s story. No, I didn’t know what was going to happen to her – I think I just got so involved with the characters that they almost decided themselves what was going to happen next! Well, that sounds a bit mad – what I mean is, it seemed like the worst possible thing that could happen to Lipsy – and Stella – at that point in time, and I do like challenging my characters by making them face the worst!
I loved Paul. Did you base him and indeed any of your other characters on any living person, whether celebrity, friend or acquaintance, either personality-wise or physically?
Paul is ace, isn’t he? I can’t say any of my characters are based on any real people – I’m sure that people I’ve met creep into them all the time, but it’s not conscious. Some of Lipsy’s characteristics are based on me as a teenager, I’m afraid! When I started writing Paul I guess he was my idea of the ideal man (I hadn’t met my husband yet back then, but he does have all of those lovely qualities). I wanted to write about a man who was sexy and safe, to prove (to myself?) that reliability and loyalty were most definitely not boring!
What made you introduce an office bitch? Did you have fun writing her?
I did have so much fun! I always knew that Loretta would have a key role in keeping Stella and Paul apart later in the book (no spoilers here!), and I also felt that Stella needed someone to spark off so the reader could see her character more clearly.
I have read many reviews which have said, they laughed out loud. Although there are parts in the book which are very funny indeed, for me, the overall impression was one of drama, love and family dynamics. What do you, the writer, consider as the key themes of the book and which was most important to you?
For me, the key themes are materialism, communication, and refusing to face the truth. I’m fascinated by how we lie to ourselves and the lengths to which people go to avoid the truth of any given situation, and there are many places in Can’t Live Without where this is explored, not least of all in Paul’s feelings for Stella – and vice versa! A critic of the book said recently that she thought the misunderstandings between them seemed contrived, but it’s my experience that people are terrible at telling each other their true feelings if they are afraid of opening up and risking being hurt, and that all sorts of problems arise from this.
Who did you enjoy writing the most and why? If Stella, please also tell me about another character, too!!
I did enjoy writing Stella, but I think the two characters I enjoyed writing the most were Stella’s mum, Maggie, and John Dean. Maggie because I felt such huge empathy for her as a character, and John Dean because he is such a slime-ball! He was always John Dean in my mind, and is the only character constantly referred to by both first-and-surname in the book, and I think this is because he is set apart, perhaps, as the only character who doesn’t undergo much of a transformation!
What’s the link between the cover you chose and the book?
Oh, covers! They are so hard, aren’t they? I spent a lot of time in Waterstones, just looking at covers and noting what attracted me as a reader. I wanted a woman on the cover, but not a face, and I wanted a very simple colour palette to catch the eye. When I came across this image it just seemed right, and the paving actually reminded me of pavements in Milton Keynes where the book is set. I also wanted it to be recognisable in the genre of chick lit, but to be moving away from the overtly pink and cartoony style of cover. Can’t Live Without was book of the week on Stafford FM a few weeks ago, and the presenter referred to it as ‘the book with the legs on the cover’. He liked them a lot!
You’ve said in the past week that you have ditched your current WIP, a third of the way through, because your heart isn’t in. So, what now? Will you try another genre? Have a break? What’s next for you?
I’m going to start work on the sequel to Can’t Live Without as soon as I come back from my holiday. The characters are alive and kicking in my mind, and they need closure! As far as genre goes, yes, I would like to try writing a different genre in the future, but I don’t think I can cope with the structural demands of genres like crime and mystery. But that’s not to say I won’t ever write a romance with mystery elements, or a novel that has a crime in it! One author I really admire is Linda Gillard, and she really has no genre – or rather, she can write across genres. This does make it harder to market your books, though, so I do think it’s helpful as a writer to keep, if not genre, at least the type of readers you are hoping to satisfy in your mind as you write.
You also said that you wanted your writing to touch people. When I think of that I think of authors like Jodi Picoult, where the dilemmas make you really wonder what you would do, if you were in their shoes. Is this what you meant? Can you give us your analogy?
I’m not a big fan of Jodi Picoult’s books, although I think she’s an amazing author. I find the ‘what would you do’ premise too much like hard work, as a reader anyway. I prefer to find issues in fiction really tucked away, almost invisible, so the story can be enjoyed on any level you like. CLW is in many ways just a good, fun read, but there is deeper stuff which can be explored and thought about if it resonates with the reader.
I think that’s what I mean when I say I want to touch people. I want to write about people who seem real, facing everyday problems, and bring them to life in a way that might make the reader think about their own everyday problems in a different way. As an analogy I’d cite Anne Tyler’s A Patchwork Planet – my favourite book of all time. It’s just about a man who lives alone, works as a handyman and has a tricky relationship with his family. And it’s a funny, engaging read. But really, for me at least, it’s about coming to terms with becoming an adult, learning to separate your real self from what your family thinks about you, and trying to recognise love when you stumble upon it. But these issues aren’t forced upon you, they’re just there to discover. If you want to.
Fun stuff
Everyone knows I adore Rupert Penry Jones, but who’s your favourite actor from an acting point of view and also from a ‘he’s just drop dead gorgeous’ point of view?
Anthony Hopkins for acting. No one for drop-dead gorgeous, I’m afraid! My husband is the only one who does it for me JIf it has to be a famous person, I’ll choose Morrissey.
What are you reading?
Linda Gillard: The Glass Guardian
What genres do you read?
I will read anything, but I prefer loosely women’s fiction (whatever that is!). I don’t read horror, sci-fi or gritty crime. I’m ridiculously sensitive.
Have you done anything really daring (sky-diving, bungee-jumping etc) – No, getting published doesn’t count, although I realise that’s terrifying!
No. Very safe and boring J
Do you watch scary movies? If so, do you have a favourite?
No way! It’s not that I mind being scared so much as those films always seem to have horror elements that I just can’t cope with. I got scared watching Toy Story 3. Enough said.
If you won the lottery, what would you do?
It’s funny, because my husband and I talk about this a lot (!), and I always say that I would just keep doing what I do now – writing, indexing, enjoying my time with my family. We live in a lovely rural location near my daughter’s school, so no need to move house. What would change for me would be that hubby could give up work, and I’d never have to worry about money again! Bliss. But apart from that, nothing. My life’s pretty perfect as it is. I might pay for a personal trainer, and a personal shopper because I hate shopping.
Favourite music
Morrissey.
Favourite author
Anne Tyler
Which talent don’t you have that you would like to have? (invisibility and things like that are not permitted!)
I’d like to be able to cook! I’m like Wendy Craig in Butterflies – everything I touch goes wrong.
Your greatest achievement to date ( can’t be writing/getting married or having a child – although I realise those will probably be in your top 3) It can be district Majorette champion or whatever!
That is such a hard question. There’s loads of stuff I’m proud of, but to pick one ... Last year I did an eight mile walk for Thyroid UK, which was a huge achievement for me as since being diagnosed with a thyroid condition three years earlier there were times when I could barely walk up the stairs! I raised £300 and it gave me a real boost, both in health and confidence.
Thanks Jo, for being on the blog today. You can pick up Can't Live Without at the following links:Amazon UK - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Cant-Live-Without-ebook/dp/B0083SJB4MAmazon US - http://amzn.to/PpSiu3You can also find Jo on her blog - http://www.joannephillips.co.ukon Twitter - https://twitter.com/joannegphillipsand on Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/joannephillipsauthorFor now, have a great weekend and remember to check in on Sunday for the latest instalment of...well, I'll keep you guessing! Sooz
August 14, 2012
Intervooz with Sooz - N E David gets the lowdown
Morning! Sun is out (although I realise it won't stay - about to leave us until at least Saturday and basically, the forecasts are just not shown any further ahead...)
So, to cheer us up, I thought I would share with you my slightly antagonistic interview (and I am sure he won't mind me saying so) with fellow author N E David. We didn't see eye to eye on everything let's say - which makes for more interesting reading!
Enjoy! - http://bit.ly/P4bHTu
So, to cheer us up, I thought I would share with you my slightly antagonistic interview (and I am sure he won't mind me saying so) with fellow author N E David. We didn't see eye to eye on everything let's say - which makes for more interesting reading!
Enjoy! - http://bit.ly/P4bHTu
August 13, 2012
Visit to Book Talk with Georgia's Barbara Barth
Muggy Monday - yuck! Did anyone else waken up with all that rain last night? Gee whizz, I mean really! But what an Olympic closing ceremony - rollerskating nuns and everything!
Anyway, I digress. I was asked by Barbara Barth at Book Talk to write an article about how I became an author - so, not an interview - no questions - a welcome change! If you want to learn something new about me - then here's where to find it -
http://barbarabarthbookblog.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/susan-buchanan-sign-of-times.htm
Back soon, I am deep into writing The Dating Game and am nearly 80% done with the first draft! Exciting few weeks ahead. Happy Monday everyone! Sooz
Anyway, I digress. I was asked by Barbara Barth at Book Talk to write an article about how I became an author - so, not an interview - no questions - a welcome change! If you want to learn something new about me - then here's where to find it -
http://barbarabarthbookblog.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/susan-buchanan-sign-of-times.htm
Back soon, I am deep into writing The Dating Game and am nearly 80% done with the first draft! Exciting few weeks ahead. Happy Monday everyone! Sooz
August 12, 2012
Six Sentence Sunday
How can it be Sunday already again? Where has the week gone? And now that bloomin' sun is back out to distract me and make me want to go read in the garden and skive off! But, before I go, here's this week's extract for Six Sentence Sunday. Decided to stick with The Dating Game. I only wrote this section last weekend. Basically, Gill's latest date has a surprise in store for her.
Enjoy!
Once the taxi had deposited them outside the hotel, Gary led the way, nodding once at the member of staff they met on the way up the steps. Gill was busy relishing how luxurious the hotel’s interior was, when Gary turned a corner and they entered the Glenlivet room. Immediately Gill’s expression turned from one of anticipation to one of consternation. It was a
wedding reception. Oh my God! She didn’t know anyone, she hadn’t been invited.
Right, well, you're probably going to have to wait until October to read The Dating Game, especially if I keep skiving off to read!
To see the other Six Sentence Sunday entrants, visit www.sixsunday.com but remember the link doesn't go live until 2pm UK time, 9am EST.
In the meantime, if you can't wait until October, why not sink your teeth into my first novel, Sign of the Times - which has received lots of lovely new reviews this week!
http://amzn.to/GKqZGd (UK) & http://amzn.to/IYN0Fc (US & .com)
Enjoy!
Once the taxi had deposited them outside the hotel, Gary led the way, nodding once at the member of staff they met on the way up the steps. Gill was busy relishing how luxurious the hotel’s interior was, when Gary turned a corner and they entered the Glenlivet room. Immediately Gill’s expression turned from one of anticipation to one of consternation. It was a
wedding reception. Oh my God! She didn’t know anyone, she hadn’t been invited.
Right, well, you're probably going to have to wait until October to read The Dating Game, especially if I keep skiving off to read!
To see the other Six Sentence Sunday entrants, visit www.sixsunday.com but remember the link doesn't go live until 2pm UK time, 9am EST.
In the meantime, if you can't wait until October, why not sink your teeth into my first novel, Sign of the Times - which has received lots of lovely new reviews this week!
http://amzn.to/GKqZGd (UK) & http://amzn.to/IYN0Fc (US & .com)
August 10, 2012
Review for Can't Live Without - Joanne Phillips
Happy Friday! The sun is shining and I am reliably informed that it's not meant to rain until Monday! Yippee! Perhaps my back garden will become less bog-like after the flooding we had last Saturday night! Well, there's one thing about global warming, it keeps you guessing!
And without further ado, let's check out my review of Can't Live Without, by fellow indie author, Joanne Phillips.
I was given an Advance Review Copy by the author, in order to provide an independent review.
Contrary to the cover, which I really like, but comes across as being very chick-lit, Can't Live Without is so much more than chick-lit. Rather it's the exploration of relationships and assessing what's important in life. After Stella's house burns down, she changes from being very materialistic to actually focusing on what she can't live without. I particularly enjoyed the relationship between Stella and her daughter and I thought that the trials they went through were very appropriate and would be related to by many parents. I also thought the daughter trying to get the granny onside, driving a wedge between Stella and her mother was very well done. The parallels between the generations, with their similarities and differences was entertaining. The three love rivals vying for Stella's attentions was also interesting and sometimes hysterical to observe. As for the office bitch, I would have dealt with her a lot sooner, I have to say!! I applauded how Stella finally dealt with her.
The sub-plot about Stella's father was genius, although I still don't understand his actions... It took me a while to guess where he was and I had no idea of her mother's involvement, until it was laid bare for me. The sleazy lodger sub-plot was a welcome addition & showed the vulnerability of Stella's mother in the absence of her father. In my mind, this book starts off being similar in type to Dorothy Koomson and then later becomes a bit more chick-lit. It also has plenty of laughs, particularly with the OCD sports car driving neighbour, Stella turning up to work in her slightly smelly gym gear and with the many misunderstandings by her and her love interests. If I didn't already have a fab boyfriend, I would have quite liked Paul to be available! Oh and I loved the finale - including the little quirky detail right at the end - which appealed to my romantic, fun side.
Will be looking out for Joanne's next book later this year.
You can pick up Can't Live Without at Amazon - http://amzn.to/P944un (UK) & http://amzn.to/RvXI7m (Us & other .com)
and she also has a paperback book available for order from Amazon and other outlets - check out her website at www.joannegphillips.wordpress.com for more details
That's it for today folks - check in again on Sunday for the latest instalment of Six Sentence Sunday.
have a great weekend, Sooz
And without further ado, let's check out my review of Can't Live Without, by fellow indie author, Joanne Phillips.
I was given an Advance Review Copy by the author, in order to provide an independent review.
Contrary to the cover, which I really like, but comes across as being very chick-lit, Can't Live Without is so much more than chick-lit. Rather it's the exploration of relationships and assessing what's important in life. After Stella's house burns down, she changes from being very materialistic to actually focusing on what she can't live without. I particularly enjoyed the relationship between Stella and her daughter and I thought that the trials they went through were very appropriate and would be related to by many parents. I also thought the daughter trying to get the granny onside, driving a wedge between Stella and her mother was very well done. The parallels between the generations, with their similarities and differences was entertaining. The three love rivals vying for Stella's attentions was also interesting and sometimes hysterical to observe. As for the office bitch, I would have dealt with her a lot sooner, I have to say!! I applauded how Stella finally dealt with her.
The sub-plot about Stella's father was genius, although I still don't understand his actions... It took me a while to guess where he was and I had no idea of her mother's involvement, until it was laid bare for me. The sleazy lodger sub-plot was a welcome addition & showed the vulnerability of Stella's mother in the absence of her father. In my mind, this book starts off being similar in type to Dorothy Koomson and then later becomes a bit more chick-lit. It also has plenty of laughs, particularly with the OCD sports car driving neighbour, Stella turning up to work in her slightly smelly gym gear and with the many misunderstandings by her and her love interests. If I didn't already have a fab boyfriend, I would have quite liked Paul to be available! Oh and I loved the finale - including the little quirky detail right at the end - which appealed to my romantic, fun side.
Will be looking out for Joanne's next book later this year.
You can pick up Can't Live Without at Amazon - http://amzn.to/P944un (UK) & http://amzn.to/RvXI7m (Us & other .com)
and she also has a paperback book available for order from Amazon and other outlets - check out her website at www.joannegphillips.wordpress.com for more details
That's it for today folks - check in again on Sunday for the latest instalment of Six Sentence Sunday.
have a great weekend, Sooz
