Julia Hughes's Blog, page 19
January 16, 2013
Apologies, a little rant, and a reminder.
Firstly, apologies: With the best will in the world, even super smooth automation misbehaves, and for some reason or another, Dody's touching memoir "Adventures in Mothersitting" failed to go free today. Worry not, or no worries, as the kids (and middle-agers trying to be hip), say. Dody and her publisher are working with the river gods to right this wrong. I know many of you were looking forward to reading Dody's heart warming account of taking on the role of 'care bear' to her beloved mom, and you'll be pleased to learn that "Adventures in Mothersitting" will become free in the very near future. Follow Dody @mothersitting on twitter, or pop over to Dody's blog for information straight from the horse's mouth.
Staying on the subject of twitter, and horses, the stream is awash with jokes and puns revolving around horsemeat. This follows the shocking revelation that some supermarket chains in the UK have been found to have horsemeat in their meat produce; mainly mince.
How on earth did this happen? In 2004, it became compulsory to register all horses and other equine 'stock' for a horse passport with the Department of Agriculture. We were told this legislation would be enforced by the Food Standards' Agency; also that the purpose of this 'passport' was to ensure that horses previously treated with medication (and naturally as our animals become older, they are more likely to be under some form of medication) didn't end up in the human food chain.
Here in the United Kingdom, the thought of eating horse meat is as offensive and repulsive as the thought of eating dogs or cats. It may be hypocritical to enjoy beef or pork, yet shun other animal flesh; but if you take that thought to its logical conclusion – where do you draw the line? Soylent Green anyone?
Hopefully those supermarkets who strive to ensure their meat is sourced from British farmers will benefit from this shambles. Better still, more supermarkets ensure they buy from British farmers who treat their animals with respect, and adhere to the guidelines laid down by animal welfare groups, and organisations like Red Tractor Assurance.
Finally a reminder, that this is the last day to snaffle a FREE copy of "The Griffin Cryer." This promo ends at midnight EST which is approximately 8.am Thursday GMT. Here are the links one more time! Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.de and download a free copy of "The Griffin Cryer"
Staying on the subject of twitter, and horses, the stream is awash with jokes and puns revolving around horsemeat. This follows the shocking revelation that some supermarket chains in the UK have been found to have horsemeat in their meat produce; mainly mince.
How on earth did this happen? In 2004, it became compulsory to register all horses and other equine 'stock' for a horse passport with the Department of Agriculture. We were told this legislation would be enforced by the Food Standards' Agency; also that the purpose of this 'passport' was to ensure that horses previously treated with medication (and naturally as our animals become older, they are more likely to be under some form of medication) didn't end up in the human food chain.
Here in the United Kingdom, the thought of eating horse meat is as offensive and repulsive as the thought of eating dogs or cats. It may be hypocritical to enjoy beef or pork, yet shun other animal flesh; but if you take that thought to its logical conclusion – where do you draw the line? Soylent Green anyone?
Hopefully those supermarkets who strive to ensure their meat is sourced from British farmers will benefit from this shambles. Better still, more supermarkets ensure they buy from British farmers who treat their animals with respect, and adhere to the guidelines laid down by animal welfare groups, and organisations like Red Tractor Assurance.
Finally a reminder, that this is the last day to snaffle a FREE copy of "The Griffin Cryer." This promo ends at midnight EST which is approximately 8.am Thursday GMT. Here are the links one more time! Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.de and download a free copy of "The Griffin Cryer"
January 15, 2013
The Griffin Cryer's Journey Continues ... and a new adventure begins!
The last four days have whizzed by, and I've been overwhelmed by the dizzy heights "
The Griffin Cryer
" soared to – we hit number one in Action and Adventure free downloads, and were briefly inside the top one hundred. It's a great feeling to know that Frankie will (hopefully) soon be sharing her adventures with a whole new audience! I'm extremely grateful to everyone who's helped "
The Griffin Cryer's
" journey.
It ain't over till the fat lady sings! There's still a whole 24 hours to get " The Griffin Cryer " free for your kindle - although I'm fully expecting any moment to be shuffled from the top spot by the new kids on the block! One of those is our good friend Dody's moving yet inspiring memoir of caring for her beloved mom: " Adventures In Mothersitting ".
Dody (Doreen Cox) is a tireless supporter of her indie friends, so I'll be there in my cheerleader's outfit, turning cartwheels on the sidelines along with many of her friends and supporters – not that we'll be needed.
" Adventures in Mothersitting " has been hailed as "a must read for family members, care givers, health professionals, nurses, retirement community and hospice staff who work with dementia or other related mental health conditions." (From just one of the fourteen five star customer reviews).
" Adventures in Mothersitting " will be free to download from tomorrow, and is highly recommended heartwarming read, to discover more about Dody, and her magical short stories, poems and photography, visit her site " Treasured Encounters " or you can read Dody's earlier interview with me here.
Adventures in Mothersitting ~ Doreen Cox (14 five star reviews)
For a daughter, at age 61, being called “mommy” by her own mother was a heart-wrenching experience. This happened to the author during the course of a three-year adventure as the at-home caregiver to her mother, much loved yet caught up in a downward spiral of physical, mental and developmentally regressed disabilities.
Adventures in Mother-Sitting is not just a chronicle about the dementia-induced antics of an independent, spirited mother as she approaches the time of her death. The book is also about a daughter’s journey through an emotional roller coaster-passage of grief intermixed with surprising sweet instances of joyful connections with not only her child-like mother but, also, the core of her Self. Throughout the book, the author portrays the ways in which the physical and mental needs of an old-age mother and the emotional, spiritual needs of a caregiver daughter lovingly served each other and how the dementia served them both.
Each day is an adventure because when dementia is present, the typical actions involved with daily care habits become unpredictable. The experience is also termed an adventure because of the surprising twists and turns of emotion that arose in the author, compelling her to recognize and face deep-seated fears and unwanted emotional reactions whenever her performance was not in accord with the spiritual vision that she had of herself. Moments of comic relief would save the author from the depths of grief’s despair during not only pill-taking and messy hygienic episodes but, also, during her mother’s recurring stumbles and falls and during those night-time personality changes that occur due to sun downing events that are a common aspect of dementia.
Adventures in Mother-Sitting is a story that reveals a mother’s final gifts of spirit to a daughter who had yearned for and sought after ever-deepening experiences of faith, trust, humility, and the peace that passes all of her understanding. The mantra that kept her going, reverberating in the back of the author’s mind, was an echo of her mother’s life-long response to any calamitous event. Her mother had always told her girls, “You do what you have to do. God gives you the strength. That’s how I was able to raise you four little girls after your daddy died.”
Regressed in her mind to comprehending the world through a child’s point of view, the mother’s last few years of life were full of happy, joyful moments despite the downward spiral of her physical body’s health. This mother’s expressions of spontaneous joy became the balm that soothed the author’s own tired, sad, and despairing spirit. “How can I stay sad in the presence of my mother’s joy?” the author wrote in her journal one night. Adventures in Mother-Sitting depicts not only the role changes that occur in the relationship between a caregiver daughter and her beloved mother but also, the more compassionate relationship that the daughter gains with herself as she learns to walk more honestly and gently with her fears, worries, and shortcomings.
Download for free from Amazon.com Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.de
It ain't over till the fat lady sings! There's still a whole 24 hours to get " The Griffin Cryer " free for your kindle - although I'm fully expecting any moment to be shuffled from the top spot by the new kids on the block! One of those is our good friend Dody's moving yet inspiring memoir of caring for her beloved mom: " Adventures In Mothersitting ".
Dody (Doreen Cox) is a tireless supporter of her indie friends, so I'll be there in my cheerleader's outfit, turning cartwheels on the sidelines along with many of her friends and supporters – not that we'll be needed.
" Adventures in Mothersitting " has been hailed as "a must read for family members, care givers, health professionals, nurses, retirement community and hospice staff who work with dementia or other related mental health conditions." (From just one of the fourteen five star customer reviews).
" Adventures in Mothersitting " will be free to download from tomorrow, and is highly recommended heartwarming read, to discover more about Dody, and her magical short stories, poems and photography, visit her site " Treasured Encounters " or you can read Dody's earlier interview with me here.
Adventures in Mothersitting ~ Doreen Cox (14 five star reviews)For a daughter, at age 61, being called “mommy” by her own mother was a heart-wrenching experience. This happened to the author during the course of a three-year adventure as the at-home caregiver to her mother, much loved yet caught up in a downward spiral of physical, mental and developmentally regressed disabilities.
Adventures in Mother-Sitting is not just a chronicle about the dementia-induced antics of an independent, spirited mother as she approaches the time of her death. The book is also about a daughter’s journey through an emotional roller coaster-passage of grief intermixed with surprising sweet instances of joyful connections with not only her child-like mother but, also, the core of her Self. Throughout the book, the author portrays the ways in which the physical and mental needs of an old-age mother and the emotional, spiritual needs of a caregiver daughter lovingly served each other and how the dementia served them both.
Each day is an adventure because when dementia is present, the typical actions involved with daily care habits become unpredictable. The experience is also termed an adventure because of the surprising twists and turns of emotion that arose in the author, compelling her to recognize and face deep-seated fears and unwanted emotional reactions whenever her performance was not in accord with the spiritual vision that she had of herself. Moments of comic relief would save the author from the depths of grief’s despair during not only pill-taking and messy hygienic episodes but, also, during her mother’s recurring stumbles and falls and during those night-time personality changes that occur due to sun downing events that are a common aspect of dementia.
Adventures in Mother-Sitting is a story that reveals a mother’s final gifts of spirit to a daughter who had yearned for and sought after ever-deepening experiences of faith, trust, humility, and the peace that passes all of her understanding. The mantra that kept her going, reverberating in the back of the author’s mind, was an echo of her mother’s life-long response to any calamitous event. Her mother had always told her girls, “You do what you have to do. God gives you the strength. That’s how I was able to raise you four little girls after your daddy died.”
Regressed in her mind to comprehending the world through a child’s point of view, the mother’s last few years of life were full of happy, joyful moments despite the downward spiral of her physical body’s health. This mother’s expressions of spontaneous joy became the balm that soothed the author’s own tired, sad, and despairing spirit. “How can I stay sad in the presence of my mother’s joy?” the author wrote in her journal one night. Adventures in Mother-Sitting depicts not only the role changes that occur in the relationship between a caregiver daughter and her beloved mother but also, the more compassionate relationship that the daughter gains with herself as she learns to walk more honestly and gently with her fears, worries, and shortcomings.
Download for free from Amazon.com Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.de
January 14, 2013
Snow!
Once again, massive thanks to everyone who's been so incredibly supportive of "The Griffin Cryer's" free promotion. I did mean to write a really interesting, funny and entertaining post but - it snowed! So I didn't! Got some great photos of the dogs playing in the snow though! 
January 13, 2013
The Griffin Cryer hits the top ten free download charts!
The first day of our free promotional run sees "The Griffin Cryer" charting at number eight in Amazon.com's freebie Action & Adventure, and number fifteen in Teens, and we're also at fifteen in the .co.uk freebie charts, Action & Adventure.
Courtesy of the lovely Charlie Plunkett, "The Griffin Cryer" even took to the airwaves!* Check out Charlie's great radio show at "Coastway" the hospital radio for Brighton, Charlie's a real tonic, and I'm certain just listening to Charlie makes patients feel brighter!
I'm ultra grateful for all the tweets, retweets, mentions on facebook, likes and of course downloads! Special gratitude to Dody, who took "The Griffin Cryer" to her heart, and devotes hours to promoting a whole host of indie writers, thank you Dody – you're one in a million!
…and if you want to know how to ride a griffin, check out my interview with Dody, at her blog "Treasured Encounters"
If you enjoy a titter on twitter, Randall @itsonlymeandyou is running a parody "The Giraffe Cryer" which makes me smile and also wonder what he's on! Seriously - thank you Randall, your talent is endless!
Forthcoming features:
In between reading and reviewing, Brook Cottage Books will be running a feature on "The Griffin Cryer" a wonderful bookish site, and a must visit for book lovers! We'll also be featured on Flurries of Words, another highly recommended site – Flash Fiction – Reviews – Interviews and all the free books your kindle can handle!
I haven't even begun to mention all the lovely people who help put the word out on some fantastic indie titles, but I'll be reporting today's events tomorrow and adding more names to my own personal role of honour of friends and colleagues who have helped "The Griffin Cryer" take flight!
Many thanks if you have downloaded "The Giraffe Cryer", I hope you enjoy the read, and take time at some point to post a line or two on Amazon's customer reviews! In the meantime, if you haven't yet downloaded a free copy, here are the links again -
The Griffin Cryer
free now and until midnight 16th January, download from
Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk
Book number ASIN B00AM5GQUG
Frankie Shaunessy's friends are out of this world!
It's an easy mistake to make - instead of whistling and calling for her dog, fifteen year old Frankie accidentally summons a griffin and his rider from another world. The Rider is tall, blond and extremely rude. On the other hand, Balkind is the sweetest, most lovable griffin Frankie's ever met, and Frankie is determined to help the Rider and his griffin find a way back to their own world.
Dealing with parallel universes, disgruntled warriors, and hungry griffins is the easier part of Frankie's life. At school, Frankie learns friends can become enemies, teachers aren't always right, and the boy of your dreams can be all too human. Told in approximately 53,000 words, suitable for young adults, and all those who've ever dreamed of riding a griffin.
Cover art by Laura Wright LaRoche of LLPix.com Designs
Courtesy of the lovely Charlie Plunkett, "The Griffin Cryer" even took to the airwaves!* Check out Charlie's great radio show at "Coastway" the hospital radio for Brighton, Charlie's a real tonic, and I'm certain just listening to Charlie makes patients feel brighter!
I'm ultra grateful for all the tweets, retweets, mentions on facebook, likes and of course downloads! Special gratitude to Dody, who took "The Griffin Cryer" to her heart, and devotes hours to promoting a whole host of indie writers, thank you Dody – you're one in a million!
…and if you want to know how to ride a griffin, check out my interview with Dody, at her blog "Treasured Encounters"
If you enjoy a titter on twitter, Randall @itsonlymeandyou is running a parody "The Giraffe Cryer" which makes me smile and also wonder what he's on! Seriously - thank you Randall, your talent is endless!
Forthcoming features:
In between reading and reviewing, Brook Cottage Books will be running a feature on "The Griffin Cryer" a wonderful bookish site, and a must visit for book lovers! We'll also be featured on Flurries of Words, another highly recommended site – Flash Fiction – Reviews – Interviews and all the free books your kindle can handle!
I haven't even begun to mention all the lovely people who help put the word out on some fantastic indie titles, but I'll be reporting today's events tomorrow and adding more names to my own personal role of honour of friends and colleagues who have helped "The Griffin Cryer" take flight!
Many thanks if you have downloaded "The Giraffe Cryer", I hope you enjoy the read, and take time at some point to post a line or two on Amazon's customer reviews! In the meantime, if you haven't yet downloaded a free copy, here are the links again -
The Griffin Cryerfree now and until midnight 16th January, download from
Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk
Book number ASIN B00AM5GQUG
Frankie Shaunessy's friends are out of this world!
It's an easy mistake to make - instead of whistling and calling for her dog, fifteen year old Frankie accidentally summons a griffin and his rider from another world. The Rider is tall, blond and extremely rude. On the other hand, Balkind is the sweetest, most lovable griffin Frankie's ever met, and Frankie is determined to help the Rider and his griffin find a way back to their own world.
Dealing with parallel universes, disgruntled warriors, and hungry griffins is the easier part of Frankie's life. At school, Frankie learns friends can become enemies, teachers aren't always right, and the boy of your dreams can be all too human. Told in approximately 53,000 words, suitable for young adults, and all those who've ever dreamed of riding a griffin.
Cover art by Laura Wright LaRoche of LLPix.com Designs
January 11, 2013
Frankie Speaks ...
Is it my fault if he can't control his griffin? I mean! Honestly! And he's rude too! When I told him Balkind was nothing like the griffins in the story books, he shot me a look from those strange navy blue eyes, and do you know what he said? Get this: 'that maybe so on this planet, but on Ella-Earth, griffins look like Balkind.' Honestly! There's something about him though, he seems so alone, and not just because he's stranded in this world. I know what it's like to feel lonely … they needed my help, the odd couple … so I sneaked them home, but in the morning they were gone – I hope they made it back to their own world. Balkind's kinda sweet, and the Rider isn't that bad, if only he didn't pretend to be so superior.
"Little girl" – that's what he called me and he knew what he was doing. Everyone treats me like a child, when I'm not. I'm nearly sixteen – I will be sixteen in five weeks and three days. Even Chelsi and Poppy try to boss – and Poppy has gotten even bossier if you can believe that! Ever since Miss Gerraty put her in charge of the school play. Every single lunch hour, I have to practice my piano playing. It's quite fun though – Miss Worstall's composed this wicked piece for me, from Tchaikovsky's Symphony Number Six. Maybe not fun fun, but it takes my mind from Ford, and I think I've almost got it – Miss Worstall seems pleased anyway. Hope I don't mess up during the play. Ford's coming to watch; Chelsi and Poppy say this is my big chance to win him back from Annette. That would be good, but sometimes, when I think of that crazy griffin and his Rider …
'Would you like a ride on Balkind?' he asked me, on that long ago starry night. I wish I'd said yes.
The Griffin Cryer
free from tomorrow, 12th January until midnight 16th January, download from
Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk
Frankie Shaunessy's friends are out of this world!
It's an easy mistake to make - instead of whistling and calling for her dog, fifteen year old Frankie accidentally summons a griffin and his rider from another world. The Rider is tall, blond and extremely rude. On the other hand, Balkind is the sweetest, most lovable griffin Frankie's ever met, and Frankie is determined to help the Rider and his griffin find a way back to their own world.
Dealing with parallel universes, disgruntled warriors, and hungry griffins is the easier part of Frankie's life. At school, Frankie learns friends can become enemies, teachers aren't always right, and the boy of your dreams can be all too human. Told in approximately 53,000 words, suitable for young adults, and all those who've ever dreamed of riding a griffin.
FREE from tomorrow! Click on Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk , click like, then click download! If you enjoy the read, it would be great if you could spare time to say so on the "product page" even the briefest reviews helps other readers find good books!
Cover art by Laura Wright LaRoche of LLPix.com Designs
"Little girl" – that's what he called me and he knew what he was doing. Everyone treats me like a child, when I'm not. I'm nearly sixteen – I will be sixteen in five weeks and three days. Even Chelsi and Poppy try to boss – and Poppy has gotten even bossier if you can believe that! Ever since Miss Gerraty put her in charge of the school play. Every single lunch hour, I have to practice my piano playing. It's quite fun though – Miss Worstall's composed this wicked piece for me, from Tchaikovsky's Symphony Number Six. Maybe not fun fun, but it takes my mind from Ford, and I think I've almost got it – Miss Worstall seems pleased anyway. Hope I don't mess up during the play. Ford's coming to watch; Chelsi and Poppy say this is my big chance to win him back from Annette. That would be good, but sometimes, when I think of that crazy griffin and his Rider …
'Would you like a ride on Balkind?' he asked me, on that long ago starry night. I wish I'd said yes.
The Griffin Cryerfree from tomorrow, 12th January until midnight 16th January, download from
Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk
Frankie Shaunessy's friends are out of this world!
It's an easy mistake to make - instead of whistling and calling for her dog, fifteen year old Frankie accidentally summons a griffin and his rider from another world. The Rider is tall, blond and extremely rude. On the other hand, Balkind is the sweetest, most lovable griffin Frankie's ever met, and Frankie is determined to help the Rider and his griffin find a way back to their own world.
Dealing with parallel universes, disgruntled warriors, and hungry griffins is the easier part of Frankie's life. At school, Frankie learns friends can become enemies, teachers aren't always right, and the boy of your dreams can be all too human. Told in approximately 53,000 words, suitable for young adults, and all those who've ever dreamed of riding a griffin.
FREE from tomorrow! Click on Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk , click like, then click download! If you enjoy the read, it would be great if you could spare time to say so on the "product page" even the briefest reviews helps other readers find good books!
Cover art by Laura Wright LaRoche of LLPix.com Designs
January 9, 2013
The Griffin Cryer - mini blog hop!
Whoo Hoo! Here we go – blogging all over the world! – Or at least that's how it feels.
I may have mentioned this before; but "The Griffin Cryer" goes free on Saturday 12th January – until midnight 16th January.
Ultra kind indie authors and supporters have enabled "The Griffin Cryer" to perform a mini blog hop! The links are below, but even if you're not a griffin fancier, please do visit these sites – they all have one thing in common – They're all quality and you're sure to find something interesting to read!
Today I appear on D.C. McGannon's site; be sure to check out his predictions for 2013 directly below my interview – great fun!
Tomorrow I'll be appearing on Jenny Worstall's site – Jenny is the very talented author of "Make A Joyful Noise" and generously provided input for the musical sequences in "The Griffin Cryer" – thank you Miss Worstall!
On Friday, I'll be guesting on Nancy Wood's author interview site. This is a new feature on Nancy's site, and has already proven a huge success!
Previous guest appearances still available to read on line by kind invitation of:
Dody – Treasured Encounters – we somehow got talking about the best way to ride a griffin!
Joyce Strand interviewed me, just as The Griffin Cryer was released, and posed some very thoughtful questions. Strand's Simply Tips has some marvellous features and is highly recommended!
And Rebecca Ryals Russell kindly published my guest post "Griffins Rule – Dragons Drool" on her "Yellow Hat Writer" site "Spellbindings" – here you can discover if you have what it takes to be a griffin rider!
Finally, a massive thank you to Randall Peterson, who when he isn't sending my new title up mercilessly in his twitter parody " The Giraffe Cryer " is as always, incredibly generous, and allowed me to talk about "The Griffin Cryer" when it was first released, on his site " There's Magic in Everything ".
There you have it; everything you never thought you wanted to know about me, and my writing! But seriously, the above are all great sites, and a whole range of interesting features are there for your entertainment! Hope you'll visit and say "hi" to this merry band of indie authors, who make it very easy to make new friends!
The Griffin Cryer
free from Saturday, 12th January until midnight 16th January, download from
Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk
Frankie Shaunessy's friends are out of this world!
It's an easy mistake to make - instead of whistling and calling for her dog, fifteen year old Frankie accidentally summons a griffin and his rider from another world. The Rider is tall, blond and extremely rude. On the other hand, Balkind is the sweetest, most lovable griffin Frankie's ever met, and Frankie is determined to help the Rider and his griffin find a way back to their own world.
Dealing with parallel universes, disgruntled warriors, and hungry griffins is the easier part of Frankie's life. At school, Frankie learns friends can become enemies, teachers aren't always right, and the boy of your dreams can be all too human. Told in approximately 53,000 words, suitable for young adults, and all those who've ever dreamed of riding a griffin.
Cover art by Laura Wright LaRoche of LLPix.com Designs
I may have mentioned this before; but "The Griffin Cryer" goes free on Saturday 12th January – until midnight 16th January.
Ultra kind indie authors and supporters have enabled "The Griffin Cryer" to perform a mini blog hop! The links are below, but even if you're not a griffin fancier, please do visit these sites – they all have one thing in common – They're all quality and you're sure to find something interesting to read!
Today I appear on D.C. McGannon's site; be sure to check out his predictions for 2013 directly below my interview – great fun!
Tomorrow I'll be appearing on Jenny Worstall's site – Jenny is the very talented author of "Make A Joyful Noise" and generously provided input for the musical sequences in "The Griffin Cryer" – thank you Miss Worstall!
On Friday, I'll be guesting on Nancy Wood's author interview site. This is a new feature on Nancy's site, and has already proven a huge success!
Previous guest appearances still available to read on line by kind invitation of:
Dody – Treasured Encounters – we somehow got talking about the best way to ride a griffin!
Joyce Strand interviewed me, just as The Griffin Cryer was released, and posed some very thoughtful questions. Strand's Simply Tips has some marvellous features and is highly recommended!
And Rebecca Ryals Russell kindly published my guest post "Griffins Rule – Dragons Drool" on her "Yellow Hat Writer" site "Spellbindings" – here you can discover if you have what it takes to be a griffin rider!
Finally, a massive thank you to Randall Peterson, who when he isn't sending my new title up mercilessly in his twitter parody " The Giraffe Cryer " is as always, incredibly generous, and allowed me to talk about "The Griffin Cryer" when it was first released, on his site " There's Magic in Everything ".
There you have it; everything you never thought you wanted to know about me, and my writing! But seriously, the above are all great sites, and a whole range of interesting features are there for your entertainment! Hope you'll visit and say "hi" to this merry band of indie authors, who make it very easy to make new friends!
The Griffin Cryerfree from Saturday, 12th January until midnight 16th January, download from
Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk
Frankie Shaunessy's friends are out of this world!
It's an easy mistake to make - instead of whistling and calling for her dog, fifteen year old Frankie accidentally summons a griffin and his rider from another world. The Rider is tall, blond and extremely rude. On the other hand, Balkind is the sweetest, most lovable griffin Frankie's ever met, and Frankie is determined to help the Rider and his griffin find a way back to their own world.
Dealing with parallel universes, disgruntled warriors, and hungry griffins is the easier part of Frankie's life. At school, Frankie learns friends can become enemies, teachers aren't always right, and the boy of your dreams can be all too human. Told in approximately 53,000 words, suitable for young adults, and all those who've ever dreamed of riding a griffin.
Cover art by Laura Wright LaRoche of LLPix.com Designs
January 8, 2013
"The Giraffe Cryer" vs. "The Griffin Cryer"
One does meet the nicest people online – talented too! Randall Peterson is currently serialising his parody "Adverb Killer" on Twitter – it's a hoot! I'm marvelling at how he manages this, and "Micro Fiction" not to mention "Micro Bios" and encourages Sickem the wonder-dog's passion for drawing!
However, "The Giraffe Cryer" Randall's latest project has got me worried. I'm laughing with him, but inside I'm crying, certain it's going to be a bigger success than "The Griffin Cryer". I've threatened to strike back with "Daft Train – a Ticket to Hide" by R Peters on and on & his mutt Sickly, but the bearded one merely jeers, knowing he's safe enough. I can only hope that Randall's debut "Death Train" continues to receive rave reviews, and steams into the best seller charts. Hopefully then Randall will have to concentrate on the promised sequel "Scarecrows: The Burning" – but worry not fellow tweeters – what you lose on Twitter, you gain on your kindle! If you're not already, you should be following Randall @itsonlymeandyou, and prepare for something completely different (as the Python boys say)! If you're a fan of Stephen King, and you like your horror delivered with a healthy portion of adventure, and a dash of humour, you'll love "Death Train" – I did! Download a free sample of "Death Train" from Amazon today: Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk
"The Giraffe Cryer":
a serial parody from the King of Twitters, Randall Peterson, @itsonlymeandyou.
Not to be confused with
"The Griffin Cryer"
a young adult fantasy that will be free to download from Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk from 12th January until the 16th January.
However, "The Giraffe Cryer" Randall's latest project has got me worried. I'm laughing with him, but inside I'm crying, certain it's going to be a bigger success than "The Griffin Cryer". I've threatened to strike back with "Daft Train – a Ticket to Hide" by R Peters on and on & his mutt Sickly, but the bearded one merely jeers, knowing he's safe enough. I can only hope that Randall's debut "Death Train" continues to receive rave reviews, and steams into the best seller charts. Hopefully then Randall will have to concentrate on the promised sequel "Scarecrows: The Burning" – but worry not fellow tweeters – what you lose on Twitter, you gain on your kindle! If you're not already, you should be following Randall @itsonlymeandyou, and prepare for something completely different (as the Python boys say)! If you're a fan of Stephen King, and you like your horror delivered with a healthy portion of adventure, and a dash of humour, you'll love "Death Train" – I did! Download a free sample of "Death Train" from Amazon today: Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk
"The Giraffe Cryer":a serial parody from the King of Twitters, Randall Peterson, @itsonlymeandyou.
Not to be confused with
"The Griffin Cryer"
a young adult fantasy that will be free to download from Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk from 12th January until the 16th January.
January 6, 2013
Helping hands, not sharp elbows!
Recently, LK Jay kindly awarded me 'Blogger of the Year' award, for being helpful to other indie authors – I'm pleased and honoured of course, but as well as genuinely admiring all those indie authors who appear on my site, I'm merely paying forward all the help I've received in the past year or so from the indie community. Without my fellow authors' support, promoting a new title would be a thousand times harder – the equivalent of a one man band competing with an orchestra.
As more experienced indie authors know, competition for kindle space is fierce, even for free ebooks. Many of the free book listing sites now set minimum requirements before considering promoting your books to their audiences. If you're fortunate enough to be picked up by a couple of the biggest sites (Pixel of Ink and E Reader News Today, to name but two) can mean the difference between "going big, or going home" to paraphrase Sean Campbell.
Less than a month after its release, and "The Griffin Cryer" has seven customer reviews of five stars; which means we're ready to start planning our free promotion. I'm not going to re-hash old posts, or run over ground all ready covered – if you're new to the indie scene, I recommend you read Sean Campbell's excellent post 'Freebie Marketing Blueprint' or better still, download a copy of the Campbell Brothers' invaluable "Can't Sell, Won't Sell." Ask Morgen Bailey to add you to her "5am free flash" and visit the Gallery Cat who also provide a list of sites to list your freebie on.
Apart from running Facebook and Goodreads events, appearing as a 'guest' on bookish sites is another way to get the word out about your freebie. "The Griffin Cryer's" mini blog hop kicks off courtesy of Rebecca Ryals Russell very popular "Spellbindings" site, join me there to discover why "Griffins Rule – Dragons Drool!"
Finally, this post may be titled "Helping hands, not sharp elbows" but that doesn't stop a little bit of friendly competition. The person I regard as a master of marketing, Sean Campbell, achieved a staggering 50,000+ free downloads on his last promotion of "Dead on Demand" (co-written by brother Dan). I think this record breaking number surprised even Sean, and is way beyond my wildest dreams! Instead I'm aiming for the top twenty in young adult fantasy free downloads. If you can lend a helping hand, (which you can be sure I'll reciprocate), you know where I live!
The Griffin Cryer
free from next Saturday, 12th January until midnight 16th January, download from
Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk
Frankie Shaunessy's friends are out of this world!
It's an easy mistake to make - instead of whistling and calling for her dog, fifteen year old Frankie accidentally summons a griffin and his rider from another world. The Rider is tall, blond and extremely rude. On the other hand, Balkind is the sweetest, most lovable griffin Frankie's ever met, and Frankie is determined to help the Rider and his griffin find a way back to their own world.
Dealing with parallel universes, disgruntled warriors, and hungry griffins is the easier part of Frankie's life. At school, Frankie learns friends can become enemies, teachers aren't always right, and the boy of your dreams can be all too human. Told in approximately 53,000 words, suitable for young adults, and all those who've ever dreamed of riding a griffin.
Cover art by Laura Wright LaRoche of LLPix.com Designs
As more experienced indie authors know, competition for kindle space is fierce, even for free ebooks. Many of the free book listing sites now set minimum requirements before considering promoting your books to their audiences. If you're fortunate enough to be picked up by a couple of the biggest sites (Pixel of Ink and E Reader News Today, to name but two) can mean the difference between "going big, or going home" to paraphrase Sean Campbell.
Less than a month after its release, and "The Griffin Cryer" has seven customer reviews of five stars; which means we're ready to start planning our free promotion. I'm not going to re-hash old posts, or run over ground all ready covered – if you're new to the indie scene, I recommend you read Sean Campbell's excellent post 'Freebie Marketing Blueprint' or better still, download a copy of the Campbell Brothers' invaluable "Can't Sell, Won't Sell." Ask Morgen Bailey to add you to her "5am free flash" and visit the Gallery Cat who also provide a list of sites to list your freebie on.
Apart from running Facebook and Goodreads events, appearing as a 'guest' on bookish sites is another way to get the word out about your freebie. "The Griffin Cryer's" mini blog hop kicks off courtesy of Rebecca Ryals Russell very popular "Spellbindings" site, join me there to discover why "Griffins Rule – Dragons Drool!"
Finally, this post may be titled "Helping hands, not sharp elbows" but that doesn't stop a little bit of friendly competition. The person I regard as a master of marketing, Sean Campbell, achieved a staggering 50,000+ free downloads on his last promotion of "Dead on Demand" (co-written by brother Dan). I think this record breaking number surprised even Sean, and is way beyond my wildest dreams! Instead I'm aiming for the top twenty in young adult fantasy free downloads. If you can lend a helping hand, (which you can be sure I'll reciprocate), you know where I live!
The Griffin Cryerfree from next Saturday, 12th January until midnight 16th January, download from
Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk
Frankie Shaunessy's friends are out of this world!
It's an easy mistake to make - instead of whistling and calling for her dog, fifteen year old Frankie accidentally summons a griffin and his rider from another world. The Rider is tall, blond and extremely rude. On the other hand, Balkind is the sweetest, most lovable griffin Frankie's ever met, and Frankie is determined to help the Rider and his griffin find a way back to their own world.
Dealing with parallel universes, disgruntled warriors, and hungry griffins is the easier part of Frankie's life. At school, Frankie learns friends can become enemies, teachers aren't always right, and the boy of your dreams can be all too human. Told in approximately 53,000 words, suitable for young adults, and all those who've ever dreamed of riding a griffin.
Cover art by Laura Wright LaRoche of LLPix.com Designs
January 3, 2013
Teenagers!
I confidently expected the short story spin off to "The Bridle Path" to be polished and ready for publication over the Christmas holidays. It should be available now, as a freebie, and I deeply regret that it isn't. I could say this is due to technical reasons beyond my control. In a way it is; one of the main characters won't talk to me. I've tried and tried, but just can't hear Winny's voice. Maybe she's sulking. Maybe the story line doesn't fit her. It isn't writer's block – I've written around her; the other characters are only too willing to build their parts up, but this story, provisionally titled "Will to Win" won't work without "Wilful Winny". What can I do? Other than apologise profusely, and offer "The Bridle Path" as a free download at Smashwords. Until further notice, you can either read "The Bridle Path" on line here at this site, or download from Smashwords: "The Bridle Path"
Meantime, if anyone has any tips on how to deal with bolshy teenagers, drop me a line! And of course, the delightful rom/com "Make A Joyful Noise" by Jenny Worstall is available FREE until midnight tonight (3 Jan) here's the links again: Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk
Meantime, if anyone has any tips on how to deal with bolshy teenagers, drop me a line! And of course, the delightful rom/com "Make A Joyful Noise" by Jenny Worstall is available FREE until midnight tonight (3 Jan) here's the links again: Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk
December 30, 2012
Look who's coming on New Year's Day!
Last chance today to grab your free copy of "Crombie's Christmas" and of course the excellent duo of short stories by Jenny Worstall, "Infant Barbarian".
But the good news is that "Make A Joyful Noise" Jenny's debut full length novel will be free on New Year's Day – from January first, until midnight January third – a brilliant start to the New Year.
Here's what others are saying about this brilliantly observed look at an English Choir as they rehearse their big number:
"A lovely "boy gets girls" romance set around William Walton's Belshazzar's Feast... "The author is clearly a perceptive musician who describes her characters with precision, charting their adventures in a most amusing style. The mix of romance and music is delightfully handled with a great sense of fun and humour. Michelle,UK"
"A Bridget Jonesian affair (in third person) in which the protagonist must choose between her Mark Darcy and Daniel Cleaver. An enjoyable read which I would recommend. Steph,UK"
"I didn't want to put the book down...C.Plunkett"
"As a music teacher, choir member and mother, the various characters in this story couldn't have ticked more boxes for me! Lucy, UK."
"A sweet tale which cracked along at just the right pace. The characters were well drawn, vivid and amusing. Ellen, Croydon."
Jenny will also be making a guest appearance on this site on New Year's Day, so please drop by and say "Hi" – and be sure to download "Make A Joyful Noise" for free – you really don't want to miss this one! Here's a suggestion – why not download a sample now, then you're ready to rock with the choir on Jan 1! Make A Joyful Noise in the USA: Make a Joyful Noise in the UK.
But the good news is that "Make A Joyful Noise" Jenny's debut full length novel will be free on New Year's Day – from January first, until midnight January third – a brilliant start to the New Year.
Here's what others are saying about this brilliantly observed look at an English Choir as they rehearse their big number:
"A lovely "boy gets girls" romance set around William Walton's Belshazzar's Feast... "The author is clearly a perceptive musician who describes her characters with precision, charting their adventures in a most amusing style. The mix of romance and music is delightfully handled with a great sense of fun and humour. Michelle,UK"
"A Bridget Jonesian affair (in third person) in which the protagonist must choose between her Mark Darcy and Daniel Cleaver. An enjoyable read which I would recommend. Steph,UK"
"I didn't want to put the book down...C.Plunkett"
"As a music teacher, choir member and mother, the various characters in this story couldn't have ticked more boxes for me! Lucy, UK."
"A sweet tale which cracked along at just the right pace. The characters were well drawn, vivid and amusing. Ellen, Croydon."
Jenny will also be making a guest appearance on this site on New Year's Day, so please drop by and say "Hi" – and be sure to download "Make A Joyful Noise" for free – you really don't want to miss this one! Here's a suggestion – why not download a sample now, then you're ready to rock with the choir on Jan 1! Make A Joyful Noise in the USA: Make a Joyful Noise in the UK.
