C.M. Gray's Blog, page 2
January 27, 2014
What a great review for Shadowland, and it was the 158th on Amazon!
This is a tale that wraps around your mind and keeps you embraced, engaged and entertained - by Colleen Bratley
It's an historical fiction fantasy, written to school, but really completely entertained.I love stories of medieval times and fantasy so it had a lot going for it from the start. The writing though was what took you into the era hook line and sinker. You saw, felt and heard what the characters did from page 1 through to the end, and lived in that time. It truly was wonderfully written. I read some other reviews, and seriously thought the lower rated ones somehow missed the mark. I found a few mistakes in this book, but I can find those and more in the biggest named authors out there. The author's writing ability far outweighs a few mistakes. Trust me.
If you know anything about King Uther, King Arthur, Merlyn and the Druids, then you will know some of the storyline. How this author goes into the background of these people though is what keeps you fascinated and wondering throughout the pages. I always wonder about characters and in this case historical figures and their lives beyond what I have read, such as their childhood, what shaped their personalities and so forth. This story ventures into that realm of speculation, or maybe truths, you be the judge.
It's a great story to give to a younger audience, from 3rd through adult age as it is written with clean yet interesting verbage. No sex or profanity, and even though there are wars fought and therefore violence, it is told with a gravity toward a 'compassionate humanity wins out', giving it an ending feel of the right morals are in place. Morals that when the leaders lived by them, a great nation was born. History tells us how great it was, and also what the falsehoods and falters were. If only present leaders would understand history and see that it repeats itself, for the same reasons.
The format of the story is a character that lived it, telling the story of what actually happened. It was a nice and comfortable rendering that made you feel connected, like years had not passed. The fantasy elements were what allowed this possibility and for the story to continue, again connecting you with the past as if it happened just yesterday. I consider it a great way to tell an historical tale that keeps the reader engaged and learning a little history at the same time.
Overall I loved the book. I have since purchased it for others, and recommend all who are interested in the medieval times to enjoy this venture. The ebook is extremely easy to buy, very affordable and one you definitely won't put off reading after reading just the first page.
Thanks so much Colleen, I'm thrilled you enjoyed Shadowland!
It's an historical fiction fantasy, written to school, but really completely entertained.I love stories of medieval times and fantasy so it had a lot going for it from the start. The writing though was what took you into the era hook line and sinker. You saw, felt and heard what the characters did from page 1 through to the end, and lived in that time. It truly was wonderfully written. I read some other reviews, and seriously thought the lower rated ones somehow missed the mark. I found a few mistakes in this book, but I can find those and more in the biggest named authors out there. The author's writing ability far outweighs a few mistakes. Trust me.If you know anything about King Uther, King Arthur, Merlyn and the Druids, then you will know some of the storyline. How this author goes into the background of these people though is what keeps you fascinated and wondering throughout the pages. I always wonder about characters and in this case historical figures and their lives beyond what I have read, such as their childhood, what shaped their personalities and so forth. This story ventures into that realm of speculation, or maybe truths, you be the judge.
It's a great story to give to a younger audience, from 3rd through adult age as it is written with clean yet interesting verbage. No sex or profanity, and even though there are wars fought and therefore violence, it is told with a gravity toward a 'compassionate humanity wins out', giving it an ending feel of the right morals are in place. Morals that when the leaders lived by them, a great nation was born. History tells us how great it was, and also what the falsehoods and falters were. If only present leaders would understand history and see that it repeats itself, for the same reasons.
The format of the story is a character that lived it, telling the story of what actually happened. It was a nice and comfortable rendering that made you feel connected, like years had not passed. The fantasy elements were what allowed this possibility and for the story to continue, again connecting you with the past as if it happened just yesterday. I consider it a great way to tell an historical tale that keeps the reader engaged and learning a little history at the same time.
Overall I loved the book. I have since purchased it for others, and recommend all who are interested in the medieval times to enjoy this venture. The ebook is extremely easy to buy, very affordable and one you definitely won't put off reading after reading just the first page.
Thanks so much Colleen, I'm thrilled you enjoyed Shadowland!
January 9, 2014
Happy New Year!
Okay, I know I'm a little late with that, but I've been having a busy time of it lately!After getting some interest in 'Shadowland' from a BigLondon agent (gasp!), I've been doing a few re-writes and changing a few things at their request and hope that when I shoot it back at them in a few weeks, they like what I did, snap it up and you will soon be able to buy it in bookshops!!!!
They had me change a few names that weren't 'Dark Agey' enough and expand a few scenes, so this has been keeping me busy.
I'm also still adding to the sequel, 'Uther' which is where my heart is at the moment, I much prefer writing something new rather than editing and changing, but gotta do what I gotta do!
The Flight of the Griffin had a great book tour over the Christmas period with a nice surge in sales after Christmas as everyone got their new kindles from Santa, this has now followed into a rise in sales of the sequel, 'Chaos Storm.'
Still not writing full time, but every month I'm getting a little closer!
P.S. If you read any of the books over the last month or two, please write a review on Amazon, it helps the books compete with the big publishing houses!
They had me change a few names that weren't 'Dark Agey' enough and expand a few scenes, so this has been keeping me busy.
I'm also still adding to the sequel, 'Uther' which is where my heart is at the moment, I much prefer writing something new rather than editing and changing, but gotta do what I gotta do!
The Flight of the Griffin had a great book tour over the Christmas period with a nice surge in sales after Christmas as everyone got their new kindles from Santa, this has now followed into a rise in sales of the sequel, 'Chaos Storm.'
Still not writing full time, but every month I'm getting a little closer!
P.S. If you read any of the books over the last month or two, please write a review on Amazon, it helps the books compete with the big publishing houses!
December 2, 2013
December Blog Tour for The Flight of the Griffin!
During December, I'll be touring a number of different blogs, talking about my writing and trying to explain what exactly makes me tick! The tour is built around
The Flight of the Griffin,
but will go into all kinds of subjects from my personal travels and adventures to the long awaited interview with Bartholomew Bask... if you can convince him to turn up...The first interview is on 'The Examiner' and it's now live and can be read HERE!
Monday, December 2Interview at Virginia Beach Publishing ExaminerFirst Chapter Reveal at Pump Up Your BookTuesday, December 3Guest Blogging at Lori’s Reading CornerBook Review at Our Families AdventureBook Featured at Cheryl’s Book NookWednesday, December 4First Chapter Reveal at Our Families AdventureBook Featured at Margay Leah Justice Author BlogThursday, December 5First Chapter Reveal at Crazy Book LadyInterview at The Writer’s LifeFriday, December 6Book Featured at Rose & Beps BlogFirst Chapter Reveal at The Fiction EnthusiastMonday, December 9Guest Blogging at My Devotional ThoughtsFirst Chapter Reveal at Hardcover FeedbackTuesday, December 10Book Review & First Chapter Reveal at Deal Sharing AuntWednesday, December 11Book Featured at Mom With a KindleInterview at The Children’s and Teens’ Book ConnectionBook Featured at R.K. Avery’s BlogThursday, December 12Guest Blogging at Moonlight ReaderBook Review at Laura in BooklandFriday, December 13First Chapter Reveal at Laura in BooklandInterview at PUYB Virtual Book ClubMonday, December 16Guest Blogging at Icefairy’s Treasure ChestBook Review at Teenage RushTuesday, December 17Book Featured at Book SuburbiaWednesday, December 18Book Featured at Shhh…Not While I’m ReadingBook Featured at Plug Your Book!Thursday, December 19Guest Blogging & First Chapter Reveal at Crystal’s Many ReviewsFriday, December 20Character Interview at Laurie’s Thoughts and ReviewsMonday, December 23Book Review at Shhh…Not While I’m ReadingThursday, December 26Book Review at Mary’s Cup of TeaFriday, December 27Book Review at Ashley’s BookshelfInterview at Straight From the Author’s Mouth
November 12, 2013
What a great big Griffin!
Coming to a bookstore near you! When is the film? When is the film?Paperback - http://bit.ly/1a9LFpz
eBook US - http://amzn.to/HWuZVA
eBook UK - http://amzn.to/19RclxI
November 7, 2013
The first paperback copies of The Flight of the Griffin have arrived!
There is nothing quite like holding a paperback copy of my book, especially knowing how many people are downloading the eBook version. You can get your own copy from Lulu directly - http://bit.ly/1a9LFpz
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October 30, 2013
News Flash! - Bartholomew Bask Agrees to an Interview!!!!
*The Freyan Times*
After much pursuit and considerable persuasion, Bartholomew Bask, senior merchant of Freya has finally agreed to an exclusive interview with The Freyan Times. Will we finally get some insight into the blustering secrecy that has recently surrounded the life of one of this cities most senior tradesmen. What is his connection with known felon and fugitive Matheus Hawk? Is Mr Bask connected to the disappearance of one of the King's fighting ships? And did he really seek the deaths of a group of young vagrants?
Merchant Bartholomew Bask pictured recently outside Blake's Inn.
Watch this space in the coming weeks as we try to unravel these questions and more as we attempt to find out just who Mr Bask really is, and what his connection might possibly be to a number of unsavory events played out both here and in Sterling Port.
After much pursuit and considerable persuasion, Bartholomew Bask, senior merchant of Freya has finally agreed to an exclusive interview with The Freyan Times. Will we finally get some insight into the blustering secrecy that has recently surrounded the life of one of this cities most senior tradesmen. What is his connection with known felon and fugitive Matheus Hawk? Is Mr Bask connected to the disappearance of one of the King's fighting ships? And did he really seek the deaths of a group of young vagrants?
Merchant Bartholomew Bask pictured recently outside Blake's Inn.
Watch this space in the coming weeks as we try to unravel these questions and more as we attempt to find out just who Mr Bask really is, and what his connection might possibly be to a number of unsavory events played out both here and in Sterling Port.
October 17, 2013
Come see my shiny new blog!!!!!
Thanks for stopping by, I now have a shiny new blog where you can read excerpts from my books and get loads of Info on upcoming projects....
Please come see and follow me there!
Click here!
Please come see and follow me there!
Click here!
Giving away thousands of Kindle books…. what madness is this?
I’m sure you've all seen me shouting for the past few days
about giving away FREE kindle copies of The
Flight of the Griffin, and if you haven't, I can't believe I missed you! I've been tweeting
on twitter, posting on Facebook and shouting out loud on Goodreads… did you not get my email?
I've been asked several times why go to all this trouble to give my books away for free, so I thought I would
explain a little.
I now sit, after the first of a three day free promotion,
and I've given away over 13,000 electronic kindle copies of The Flight of the Griffin.
Many independent authors hate the idea of giving books away and I totally understand, it takes a lot of
effort and heart ache to write so why should it be given away free?
There are actually several reasons. Firstly it pushes the
book up through the Amazon rankings made up of some pretty complicated algorithms.
So currently, TFOTG is number one on the US Amazon Kindle for Epic fantasy
books, which is pretty amazing, and it’s currently running at 7th
top free book on Amazon.
After the promotion these numbers will gradually drop, but
it will be high on the search list for a few weeks and bring in paid sales (Yeeeessss!)
I’m also hoping that of the 13,000 people that downloaded,
maybe 2,000 will actually read it (many people just grab free copies and never
read them….. go figure!) and that of those 2,000 a few will be good enough to
leave a nice review, which also pushes the book up in the rankings on Amazon.
Of the people that read it, of course I’m also hoping that many will want to
read the sequel, Chaos Storm, and buy it… yes, another hearty cheer!
All in all, it’s better than remaining a needle in a
haystack, I’m just bouncing up and down trying to get my books read; so please,
download it while it's free, read it, tell the world and yes… please review!
about giving away FREE kindle copies of The
Flight of the Griffin, and if you haven't, I can't believe I missed you! I've been tweeting
on twitter, posting on Facebook and shouting out loud on Goodreads… did you not get my email?
I've been asked several times why go to all this trouble to give my books away for free, so I thought I would
explain a little.
I now sit, after the first of a three day free promotion,
and I've given away over 13,000 electronic kindle copies of The Flight of the Griffin.
Many independent authors hate the idea of giving books away and I totally understand, it takes a lot of
effort and heart ache to write so why should it be given away free?
There are actually several reasons. Firstly it pushes the
book up through the Amazon rankings made up of some pretty complicated algorithms.
So currently, TFOTG is number one on the US Amazon Kindle for Epic fantasy
books, which is pretty amazing, and it’s currently running at 7th
top free book on Amazon.
After the promotion these numbers will gradually drop, but
it will be high on the search list for a few weeks and bring in paid sales (Yeeeessss!)
I’m also hoping that of the 13,000 people that downloaded,
maybe 2,000 will actually read it (many people just grab free copies and never
read them….. go figure!) and that of those 2,000 a few will be good enough to
leave a nice review, which also pushes the book up in the rankings on Amazon.
Of the people that read it, of course I’m also hoping that many will want to
read the sequel, Chaos Storm, and buy it… yes, another hearty cheer!
All in all, it’s better than remaining a needle in a
haystack, I’m just bouncing up and down trying to get my books read; so please,
download it while it's free, read it, tell the world and yes… please review!
October 13, 2013
Welcome, welcome..
...and yes, welcome again to my nice shiny new blog and website!It's here that I can update you on my current projects, of which I have two - the sequel to Shadowland, which has a writing title of Uther, and book three in the Griffin series... which has no writing title yet, it's just 'book three!'
This is also where you can read a bit about my current books, why I wrote them and how they got started, and I've also put the prologue or first chapter on each book page so you can take a 'sneak peak!'
Chaos Storm will be out on Kindle next week and to help launch it, I'm making book one FREE on 16th,17th & 18th October!
So welcome to my blog, a million thanks to the wonderful Adriana Haganu for designing the blog and new book covers, you're awesome Adi!
Here is the new cover for The Flight of the Griffin once again, if you haven't done so already, please read and review!
September 25, 2013
Just 6000 words, two chapters into book 4.
This one is going to be a sequel to Shadowland which is selling really well and now has 132 reviews on Amazon US with an average 4.3 stars.... so I just had to write a sequel, didn't I?
Anyhow, its great to be back with Uther, he's a bit older and at an interesting time in his life. The smell of horse droppings and blood just oozes from every page at the moment ;)
People really stank back then and even kings had fleas... tough life eh!
