Julia Hughes's Blog, page 16

April 7, 2013

Making a Splash!

I've just discovered that Floridian Ladies don't make idle threats. True to her word, Doreen "Dody" Cox enlisted the help of Andy the alligator, to announce her winner of "The Griffin Cryer". Together with her sister, Dody arranged slips of paper bearing each individual entrants' names on her dock, and Andy obligingly cruised by and slapped his tail against the water, splashing just one slip of paper. To see photos of this amazing creature in action, shoot over to Dody's site; Treasured Encounters, where you'll discover more about the author of "Adventures in Mother-sitting," together with samples of Dody's poetry and wild-life photography.

Dody's careful not to 'take liberties' with her prehistoric neighbour, enchanting though his smile may be, and I'm relieved to report no humans were harmed during this contest. 

I'm tempted to run my own contest, with a prize going to the cutest, most beautiful and most spectacular prize drawers - but doubt we'd ever be able to pick a winner! Thank you again to my hostesses and celebrity prize pickers: Monica and Nero,  Charlie and Cole, and Dody and Andy. 
Congratulations to your winners who should be receiving their signed paperbacks by the end of this month. 
Picture "The Griffin Cryer" is available in paperback (£6.60p) or to download from Amazon to your kindle for only 77p. 


To date, there's been an incredible response from readers who've enjoyed the ride:

49 Reader Reviews in the USA (4.7* Ave)
22 Reader Reviews in the UK  (5* Ave)
 2 five stars from Canada 
and a rock solid five star review from Germany. 

Many thanks to every reader who has taken the time and care to share with others their views on this story. 

I'm very grateful for each and every review, it's delightful to read your thoughts and comments. 


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Published on April 07, 2013 02:42

April 3, 2013

Dody's winning name will be drawn today – look snappy! 

During my mini blog hop to promote "The Griffin Cryer" in paperback, my lovely hostesses agreed to help me give away four signed copies of the paperback edition.

Yesterday Charlie Plunkett's beautiful boy Cole did a wonderful job of choosing a winner from entrants at Charlie's site. Congratulations to @Lyndseymummaduck, while the day before Monica La Porta's beagle Nero performed the honours, congratulations to Sean.

Today, at around 5pm BST Dody is threatening to ask Andy the Alligator to chose her winner. This really is one you don't want to miss. I've asked Dody to make certain she is secured firmly by the ankle and someone is ready to jerk her back to the dock at the speed of light. I've also asked to be included in her will. I'm joking of course, our friend Dody has far too much respect for the animals and birds inhabiting her Florida home to take liberties with any of the native wildlife. But imagine waking up and looking outside your bedroom window to see this fascinating relic from the dinosaur epoch! I'd be forever on the dock, alligator watching - thank you Dody for taking so many snaps! 
Picture If you want your name to be included in this draw for a free signed copy of "The Griffin Cryer" there's still a few hours to join in the fun - dash over to Dody's site now – snip snap! Treasured Encounters indeed – fingers crossed this won't be close encounters of the meal time. I'll be tuning into twitter this afternoon, and peering at my computer screen from behind the sofa! 
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Published on April 03, 2013 01:15

April 1, 2013

New Release: The Middle of Nowhere is hell on earth ...

...it's also Paul Mallory's most dangerous adventure to date – the woman he loves is in mortal peril – Paul Mallory is prepared to go to hell and back for his bride Julie: – In Reese City, Paul encounters creatures straight from the pages of the most horrific gothic novels, and scarier than any demon hell can hold. Get ready to believe in the unbelievable: download a sample now from Amazon – at only 77p/99c this is a gift! 

"In the Middle of Nowhere" Spencer's hypnotic page turning prose weaves a convincing spell and readers will find themselves believing in the unbelievable.
SYNOPSIS 

As the world's most peripatetic (and most reluctant) international traveler, news analyst Paul Mallory has officially seen everything...and then some...all in the line of duty and for the greater glory of his employer, the larger than life and beyond mysterious Bentley Livingston Cramer.

But that was then and this is now. Paul's newly married, and his days with Cramer are now behind him. Which is fine with everybody involved, but especially Paul. He's looking forward to leading the ordinary and uncomplicated life he's always wanted--with the girl of his dreams by his side.

Then, late one night while his wife was out of town, the telephone rang.

Julie wouldn't be coming home any time soon...


(This is the fourth book in the Paul Mallory thriller series. It follows IT'S ALWAYS DARKEST, THE DEVIL YOU SAY, and THIRD TIME LUCKY)


"THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE" Free for prime members; or download for only 77p/99c from Amazon. 

Discover more about Paul Mallory at author Stephen Spencer's website. 
Catch Stephen tweeting on twitter @Stephencspencer Picture Picture Picture Picture All the above titles are available free to prime members, or to download for only 77p/99 cents - click on images to download a sample. 
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Published on April 01, 2013 04:51

March 31, 2013

Bow wow to the Emperor Nero - we have a winner! 

My lovely host Monica La Porta asked her lovable beagle Nero to choose a winner - the results are posted on Monica's site now - Nero doesn't look terribly impressed! Are you a winner? Find out now by zooming over to Monica's site - but be warned - you'll lose your heart to Nero! 


There's still three more signed paperback copies of "The Griffin Cryer" to be won from Dody, at "Treasured Encounters", JB at Brook Cottage Reviews, and the lovely Charlie Plunkett's site.  The Griffin Cryer has received some wonderful reviews, thank you to every one who's taken the time to share their thoughts and opinions. I'm very grateful indeed. 

If you didn't manage to grab a free ebook copy, for a limited period, you can download to your kindle for only 77p, or 99 cents. "The Griffin Cryer.
The paperback is also available for £6.60, and of course it's always a treat to visit the lovely Dody, JB or Charlie Plunkett, all of whom have signed copies to give away - but hurry - these free and easy co

Indie author pals Stephen Spencer and L K Jay are running free promotions on their excellent short stories, you can discover more details over on Words, and also for your delight and entertainment, Wonderdog Sickem has designed some sketches to complement Randall Peterson's "Back Story", which this week is the story behind his new serial freebie "Puppets" which is up on Randall's site right now: "There's Magic in Everything" - have a read and then come on over and join in the fun at Words Unlimited

Lastly, the brilliant Jenny Worstall has a wonderful collection of short stories up for grabs still - simply like Jenny's facebook page to be entered into a draw to win a copy of the highly rated "Jubilee Violin" - but hurry - this ends very soon!  Picture
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Published on March 31, 2013 14:27

March 30, 2013

Did you ride with the Griffin Cryer? This one's for you! 

Picture We're coming to the end of an amazing free promotion, and achieved the top ten across three continents, and five countries. Mostly due to some amazing support from friends and friendly readers who helped spread the word over the world wide web. You each deserve a personal mention, but I'd fill up everyone's time line naming all the wonderful people who have helped this promotion soar, so instead, this badge is for you - wear it with pride - and my sincere thanks!
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Published on March 30, 2013 06:39

March 28, 2013

"The Griffin Cryer" swoops into day three free! 

Can I tempt you into downloading a free ebook copy, or entering a free contest to win a signed paperback of "The Griffin Cryer". 
Still hesitating, not too certain if you want to go on flying with the griffin riders? 
Let my good friend and talented writer Dody persuade you, with this wonderful tribute to griffins:  

OH TO MEET A GRIFFIN!

‘Why a griffin,’ a friend asked, imagining griffins in flight ~
‘Aren’t they too fierce, so often prone to bite?’
I laughed at those words, my heart bursting for her to see ~
The griffins that come from Ella Earth are gentle as can be.  

A griffin’s wings are gossamer, delicate yet full of strength ~
Catch thermals so effortlessly, barely flapping their full length.
Griffins soar with neck curled, wings unfurled –what a sight ~
Like magnificent sailboats who tack against a wind’s might.

The air turns warmly humid when a griffin is about to land ~
His wings tuck behind talon-like forelegs that are so very grand.
When a griffin views his rider, a hoarse bellow blasts all around ~
His land-gait is sweetly comical, oddly shuffling when on the ground.

                   Two short velvety sugar horns protrude from equine head ~
The texture of skin though it seems rough is oh so silky instead.
It feels so unbelievably satiny when a griffin’s fur you stroke ~
His ‘happy sound’ will make your heart get caught up in your throat. 

My friend began to jump around and grab my hands in glee.
“I want to see a griffin!” she said, “You’ve made them real to me.”
“Take my kindle and open to menu,” I answered in happy sigh.
“‘The Griffin Cryer’s’ Balkind takes you on a most extraordinary ride!”
Copyright 2013 Doreen 'Dody' Cox. Reproduced here by kind permission of the author.

After reading Dody's inspirational poem, I want to rush off and download a copy of "The Griffin Cryer" – if you've been inspired too – here's the link: The Griffin Cryer  
This is a free download of the ebook, if you'd like the paperback, it's also available for $9.99, or around £6.50.

Win a free signed paperback by visiting any or all of these wonderful sites:
Monica La Porta fellow indie author and talented artist;  Brook Cottage Books where you can find some superb book reviews & book news; Treasured Encounters where you can find more of Dody's inspirational poetry, and learn about her heart warming memoir "Adventures in Mothersitting; and Charlie Plunkett of "True Diaries" and "100 Little Words on Parenthood" fame.

Leave a comment and your name's entered into the hat! Couldn't be easier – and if you click on the tweet or facebook buttons at each site, you can share with all your friends. The free ebook offer and free to enter contests are available until midnight 30th March, be sure to add your name to the entries!  

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Published on March 28, 2013 06:57

March 26, 2013

Reaching for the skies

Today is launch day for the paperback edition of "The Griffin Cryer" and to celebrate, the ebook version can be downloaded for free! There are also free to enter contests to win a signed copy over at Monica La Porta's site, Brook Cottage Books, and Dody's Treasured Encounters.

I'm tremendously proud of this little adventure, although I can't claim too much credit. I've been aided and abetted by Dody, Dan and my own two young adults all of whom volunteered to beta read, while Stephen Spencer ran a critical eye over drafts, and Jenny Worstall provided invaluable advice on the musical scenes. For the first time ever, the story seemed to write itself, with unexpected themes on bullying, freedom and self belief emerging. After recruiting Charlie and Jenny to proof read, I crossed my fingers and uploaded "The Griffin Cryer" to Amazon's virtual shelves.

I always peer sideways at reviews, a little anxious of what readers might have to say – however, since its release, "The Griffin Cryer" has gained forty reviews in America (ave. 4.7 stars), sixteen five star reviews in the UK, and one solid five star review in Germany. It's hard for any writer to be objective about their own work, so confirmation that "The Griffin Cryer" did deliver an entertaining worthwhile read was more than welcome. I've been overwhelmed by some of the comments left by readers. From short sweet reviews, to longer more in depth critiques, "The Griffin Cryer" seems to be connecting on more levels than expected. As I mentioned before, this story wrote itself, and fellow indie authors generously shared their expertise with critique, beta reading and proofreading. I've also had some marvellous support from so many fellow book addicts, both here in the UK and in the States, and lately Europe and India. I hoping to reach the top twenty in genre in the free download charts – be ace if we made it happen in four continents.

"The Griffin Cryer" is suitable for young and old adults, and recommended reading for all those who've ever dreamed of flying on the back of a griffin. You can download a copy for free from Amazon onto any smart phone or ereader, or of course, the good old fashioned kindle! If you have a moment or two to spare, I'd be grateful if you could like, share or tweet this post and help spread the word about this promotion. 

Picture "The Griffin Cryer" is FREE to download from 26 - 30th March from Amazon - here are the links once again: 
America:  Amazon.com 
United Kingdom: Amazon.co.uk
Germany: Amazon.de
France: Amazon.fr
Spain: Amazon.es
Canada: Amazon.ca
India: Amazon.com 

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Published on March 26, 2013 06:20

March 25, 2013

'Fantasy is escapist …it's our plain duty to escape' JRR Tolkien. 

Picture Happy World Tolkien Day everyone! Thanks to my good friend, and fellow book addict Ao Bibliophile for the head's up. I wanted to share one of my favourite Tolkien quotes: 
“Fantasy is escapist, and that is its glory. If a soldier is imprisoned by the enemy, don't we consider it his duty to escape?. . .If we value the freedom of mind and soul, if we're partisans of liberty, then it's our plain duty to escape, and to take as many people with us as we can!” 
― J.R.R. Tolkien

I hope everyone's getting ready for their great escape tomorrow - when you can download your free copy of " The Griffin Cryer " and escape this world for spell or two with Frankie and her griffin!

Our facebook event is going great guns – I say 'our' rather than 'mine' as I've had so much support from friends old and new. If you haven't yet joined in the fun, here's the address The Griffin Cryer Paperback Launch and Free eBook Giveaway. – please bring your friends: there's some great flash fun giveaways, with top indie authors donating free ebooks and other great prizes. If you're not on facebook, there's still plenty of free contests to enter. Signed paperback copies of "The Griffin Cryer" can be won at the brilliant Brook Cottage Books site, and my friend, the lovely and very talented Monica La Porta's site also has a copy to give away. Monica and her equally talented friend Alessandro Fiorini designed the beautiful cover of "A Ripple in Time", and today only you can enter and win your own signed copy of this time travel romantic adventure, which one critic compared to "A paranormal Sophie's Choice." You can find details on how to enter and win on facebook, however, if you don't have a facebook account, just leave a comment on this website, and your name will be entered. The winner of this very special prize will be announced after mid-day tomorrow. 
Picture Picture "The Griffin Cryer" will be FREE to download from 26 - 30th March from Amazon - here are the links once again: 
America:  Amazon.com 
United Kingdom: Amazon.co.uk
Germany: Amazon.de
France: Amazon.fr
Spain: Amazon.es
Canada: Amazon.ca
India:  Amazon.com 


I'm incredibly proud of this young adult adventure fantasy, which has received forty reader reviews on Amazon's .com site, (ave. 4.7 stars), sixteen five star reader reviews on .co.uk and a thrilling five star review on the .de site. Please if you have a spare moment(!) take the time to spread the word about this free promotion, with your friends and fellow book lovers. You can do this just by tweeting this post! Thank you
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Published on March 25, 2013 05:46

March 24, 2013

Learning to Fly! 

This is our very first book trailer ever! The voice you'll hear reading the introduction to "The Griffin Cryer" belongs to #1 son - I don't usually boast about my boys - they're both fine young men, and their achievements are their own, nothing to do with me. But on this occasion, I'm overcome with pride and just have to show off!  "The Griffin Cryer" will be FREE to download from 26 - 30th March from Amazon - here are the links: 
America:  Amazon.com 
United Kingdom: Amazon.co.uk
Germany: Amazon.de
France: Amazon.fr
Spain: Amazon.es
Canada: Amazon.caIndia:  Amazon.com 


If you're on facebook, please come along to the main event - "Griffin Cryer paperback launch & free giveaway
I'd love to see you there! To win a free signed copy of "The Griffin Cryer" drop by Monica La Porta's fantastic site, and the wonderful Brook Cottage Books also have a signed copy to giveaway. 
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Published on March 24, 2013 03:25

March 21, 2013

The story behind the story: 

The story behind "The Griffin Cryer" is a simple one: I wanted to explore my conviction that each and every one of us have a special talent, all we need is a little more belief in ourselves to perform wonders. Although very few of us will discover an ability to summons a griffin, complete with its rider! However, as the story progressed, an unexpected theme emerged: Freedom. Frankie Shaunessy's twin brother Michael is in a coma, consequently she has built an emotional wall around herself. The griffin's rider is captured and held in a physical prison, while Michael is trapped inside his own body. Ultimately, Frankie and the griffin rider will become each others' salvation; and this becomes fairly obvious to readers early on in the story. However, as one reviewer noted: "Frankie is a fun character who grows exponentially within the scope of the story-line. There are certain elements (from which) that the reader can anticipate the end result ... but the journey is the point and Hughes gives us a compelling progression." 

Other reviewers have remarked on the sweetness and believability of the griffin, Balkind. I have to agree with them, Balkind is the sweetest griffin in this world or any other, and I sincerely hope you'll take time to make his acquaintance soon. The Griffin Cryer will be free to download as an ebook from 26 - 30th March - please drop by the Facebook page event and be sure to invite all your friends! 
Download from Amazon.com 
Amazon.co.uk
Amazon.de
Amazon.fr
Amazon.es
Amazon.ca
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Published on March 21, 2013 08:35