Paula Lofting's Blog, page 5

Read an excerpt from my historical novel Sons of the Wolf

A lot goes on in my week. I work, I look after my family and my elderly mum, I do re-enactment, attend AA meetings and I write and blog. I dont know where the hours are found to fit everything in. At the moment I am currently working the edit of my second novel The Wolf Banner which is the sequel to Sons of the Wolf. I have so many intended projects to get on with I just dont know where I am going to fins the time! Anyway, I thought that as my blog is linked to my GoodReads account I would post a link to an excerpt from my current book Sons of the Wolf. Hope it might encourage people to download it or buy the paperback.

Many thanks in advance to those who check it out!

http://paulalofting-sonsofthewolf.blo...



Paula Lofting is a re-enactor with Regia Anglorum (www.regia.org you can find out more on her website, www.paulalofting.com

Read an excerpt from my historical novel Sons of the Wolf!

A lot goes on in my week. I work, I look after my family and my elderly mum, I do re-enactment, attend AA meetings and I write and blog. I dont know where the hours are found to fit everything in. At the moment I am currently working the edit of my second novel The Wolf Banner which is the sequel to Sons of the Wolf. I have so many intended projects to get on with I just dont know where I am going to fins the time! Anyway, I thought that as my blog is linked to my GoodReads account I would post a link to an excerpt from my current book Sons of the Wolf.  Hope it might encourage people to download it or buy the paperback.

Many thanks in advance to those who check it out!

http://paulalofting-sonsofthewolf.blogspot.co.uk/2012/01/little-taster-from-novel-sons-of-wolf.html


Paula Lofting is a re-enactor with Regia Anglorum  you can find out more on her website

Book of the Month

  
         'Damn your eyes, sir! You think me a simpleton? If you was to set the Excise men loose on Redmond’s affairs, there’s no telling that they might not stumble upon your own. Is that not the case? This whole town is riddled with corruption. Why, they tell me that sometimes you have timbers imported here on the very same vessels that land Redmond’s tea, so that you might avoid the duty together.’1744, and the whole country is threatened once again by civil war as the exiled Stuarts attempt to recover their lost throne. Their Manchester supporters will use any means to raise support and finance for the Jacobite Cause. But those loyal to the current monarchy are equally determined to stop them. As the opposing forces gather, and the threat of civil war becomes a reality, the fates of both sides will lie in the hands of one man – Aran Owen – who must choose between loyalty to the family who have raised him and his burning ambition to become a renowned artist. The finale will be played out on the ramparts of Carlisle Castle in the winter of 1745. Hopes of a Stuart Restoration are dashed – and Aran finally discovers who are the Rogues and who the Righteous within the complex web of his relationships.  This book is a massive work of art and the extensive research done by the author is to be commended. This book was nothing like I expected when I first picked it up. I was looking forward to what I believed to be a tale based around 'Bonnie Prince Charlie' and his fight to win back the British throne from the Hanoverian King George for the Stuart dynasty. I was dissapointed to find that it was not, but as I continued to read I found itquite intriguing and the more I read the more I enjoyed it. It begins with a prologue in which the reader is left with a moral. The main character a young Aran Owen is sent by his mother on a fly wagon to Manchester, on the way there he travels with a gentleman who teaches him that he will need to know the righteous from the rogues. Then years later, we meet the family that a grown up Aran has been fostered to in Manchester. They are staunch Jacobites, supporters of the Stuart cause. At the head of the family is Titus Redmond, a wealthy, middleaged merchant and brothel owner, his beautiful wife who uses her charms to gain information for the cause in her liason with royalist James Bradley and their four daughters, the eldest, Rosina, equally as attractive as her mother, but 'afflicted' by tribady (lesbianism). Another main player was the insidious and  interesting double spy Dudley Striker whose sinister presence throughout the book makes him one of the most strangely enjoyable characters. Other characters include the coffee house owner Elizabeth Cooper, who seduces the young influential Rosina Redmond much to the distaste of Aran who hankers after the beautiful Rosina. The relationship between the two women cause a terrible scandal in Manchester social circles and astounds not least , Rosina's parents. The above are just some of the characters in this book, there are also many others who contribute to the many threads of this tale as they lead to the explosive conclusion of the book. We see the two different sides, the Jacobites, steadfastly Catholic and the Protestant Royalists as curiously they strive to behave with decorum in social circles whilst behind the scenes plotting the downfall of their rivals. Titus Redmond's wife Maria Louise was one of the most likeable characters.She is loyal to her husband despite her sexual liasons, one with Aran, which they hide duplicitly from Titus and the other with James Bradley, a relationship that Titus encouraged in order for the Jacobites to gain oneupmanship on the Hanoverians. However, Titus doesnt bargain for Maria Louise falling for Bradley, whom she later realises she is in love with. One of my small criticisms was that it was difficult to follow who the main character was at times as it seemed there were more scenes where the focus was on other characters and considering that the author implies that as the Jacobites apprentice, Aran is the main character, he appears to have the smallest role so-to-speak. However, the plot seems to evolve as Aran is drawn into the Hanoverian camp and having come under threat from the deadly assassin Striker, does his best to remain loyal to the family who have brought him good fortune, the Redmonds. The weird relationship between Rosina and her lesbian lover, Royalist Elzabeth Cooper leaves you wondering why on earth the author has used the story line but all will be revealed in the conclusion as Aran works out who were the Rogues and who were the Righteous, however it seems apparent to him, I confess it wasnt exactly apparent to me. I must say the it went a little over my head much like a joke's punchline that you dont understand. The language of The Jacobites Apprentice was authentic and very amusing. David Ebbsworth uses well researched 18thc vernacular and the over use of a certain swear word sometimes made me cringe, however I accept that this was the personality of the character being portrayed. In his author's note, David lets us know what his references were and he produces an extensive library to back up his use of events, places and people. He also lets us know what his inventions were and which part of the novel were accurately portrayed. Dudley Striker it seems was based on a real person, I particularly liked reading his back story. The characters are quite complex and there are no perfect heroes, they all have their foibles. I could see this book being made into a big televsion production or even a musical! Well they did Sweeny Todd didnt they! The Jacobites would not be for everybody I imagine, it is a great sweeping giant of a book and the language is authentic and reads like a classic. If you like an easy read, this isnt for you. but if you are the type who enjoys Henry Fielding and Charles Dickens this is definitely for you. And if you want a challenge, then this is also for you! Brilliant stuff. Go on Challenge yourself! Its worth it! 

The Jaco...

  
      
The Jacobites' Apprentice : book of the week 'Damn your eyes, sir! You think me a simpleton? If you was to set the Excise men loose on Redmond’s affairs, there’s no telling that they might not stumble upon your own. Is that not the case? This whole town is riddled with corruption. Why, they tell me that sometimes you have timbers imported here on the very same vessels that land Redmond’s tea, so that you might avoid the duty together.’1744, and the whole country is threatened once again by civil war as the exiled Stuarts attempt to recover their lost throne. Their Manchester supporters will use any means to raise support and finance for the Jacobite Cause. But those loyal to the current monarchy are equally determined to stop them. As the opposing forces gather, and the threat of civil war becomes a reality, the fates of both sides will lie in the hands of one man – Aran Owen – who must choose between loyalty to the family who have raised him and his burning ambition to become a renowned artist. The finale will be played out on the ramparts of Carlisle Castle in the winter of 1745. Hopes of a Stuart Restoration are dashed – and Aran finally discovers who are the Rogues and who the Righteous within the complex web of his relationships.  This book is a massive work of art and the extensive research done by the author is to be commended. This book was nothing like I expected when I first picked it up. I was looking forward to what I believed to be a tale based around 'Bonnie Prince Charlie' and his fight to win back the British throne from the Hanoverian King George for the Stuart dynasty. I was dissapointed to find that it was not, but as I continued to read I found itquite intriguing and the more I read the more I enjoyed it. It begins with a prologue in which the reader is left with a moral. The main character a young Aran Owen is sent by his mother on a fly wagon to Manchester, on the way there he travels with a gentleman who teaches him that he will need to know the righteous from the rogues. Then years later, we meet the family that a grown up Aran has been fostered to in Manchester. They are staunch Jacobites, supporters of the Stuart cause. At the head of the family is Titus Redmond, a wealthy, middleaged merchant and brothel owner, his beautiful wife who uses her charms to gain information for the cause in her liason with royalist James Bradley and their four daughters, the eldest, Rosina, equally as attractive as her mother, but 'afflicted' by tribady (lesbianism). Another main player was the insidious and  interesting double spy Dudley Striker whose sinister presence throughout the book makes him one of the most strangely enjoyable characters. Other characters include the coffee house owner Elizabeth Cooper, who seduces the young influential Rosina Redmond much to the distaste of Aran who hankers after the beautiful Rosina. The relationship between the two women cause a terrible scandal in Manchester social circles and astounds not least , Rosina's parents. The above are just some of the characters in this book, there are also many others who contribute to the many threads of this tale as they lead to the explosive conclusion of the book. We see the two different sides, the Jacobites, steadfastly Catholic and the Protestant Royalists as curiously they strive to behave with decorum in social circles whilst behind the scenes plotting the downfall of their rivals. Titus Redmond's wife Maria Louise was one of the most likeable characters.She is loyal to her husband despite her sexual liasons, one with Aran, which they hide duplicitly from Titus and the other with James Bradley, a relationship that Titus encouraged in order for the Jacobites to gain oneupmanship on the Hanoverians. However, Titus doesnt bargain for Maria Louise falling for Bradley, whom she later realises she is in love with. One of my small criticisms was that it was difficult to follow who the main character was at times as it seemed there were more scenes where the focus was on other characters and considering that the author implies that as the Jacobites apprentice, Aran is the main character, he appears to have the smallest role so-to-speak. However, the plot seems to evolve as Aran is drawn into the Hanoverian camp and having come under threat from the deadly assassin Striker, does his best to remain loyal to the family who have brought him good fortune, the Redmonds. The weird relationship between Rosina and her lesbian lover, Royalist Elzabeth Cooper leaves you wondering why on earth the author has used the story line but all will be revealed in the conclusion as Aran works out who were the Rogues and who were the Righteous, however it seems apparent to him, I confess it wasnt exactly apparent to me. I must say the it went a little over my head much like a joke's punchline that you dont understand. The language of The Jacobites Apprentice was authentic and very amusing. David Ebbsworth uses well researched 18thc vernacular and the over use of a certain swear word sometimes made me cringe, however I accept that this was the personality of the character being portrayed. In his author's note, David lets us know what his references were and he produces an extensive library to back up his use of events, places and people. He also lets us know what his inventions were and which part of the novel were accurately portrayed. Dudley Striker it seems was based on a real person, I particularly liked reading his back story. The characters are quite complex and there are no perfect heroes, they all have their foibles. I could see this book being made into a big televsion production or even a musical! Well they did Sweeny Todd didnt they! The Jacobites would not be for everybody I imagine, it is a great sweeping giant of a book and the language is authentic and reads like a classic. If you like an easy read, this isnt for you. but if you are the type who enjoys Henry Fielding and Charles Dickens this is definitely for you. And if you want a challenge, then this is also for you! Brilliant stuff. Go on Challenge yourself! Its worth it! 

The Good and Bad about Booksignings

Hi Everyone

I haven't posted here for quite sometime apart from posting some interviews with my new author friends. I have been quite busy with work and family and also some health problems. But I am back and this years regime is family,write, blog, re-enactment, sell books and take care of house. So, I'll go back a little and tell you whats been happening in the last couple of months.

Well, I have had a couple of Waterstones signings, one in my home town of Crawley in September which was quite successful. I managed to sell 13 out of 15 books, which I consider for my genre and the fact that I am a new independent author, really quite good. I then had an event at Crawley Library which was indeed successful with about 36 people in attendance. I thought that my initial success at Crawley Waterstones and the good rapport I had built up with the staff would endear me to other Waterstone stores and I was obviously very naive to think that. We had heard the news that Waterstones were about to get very selective about who they had doing booksignings, but because Crawley had been so welcoming, I figured that it was not as bad as whatevery one was saying...well at storelevel any way. And so I gaily abandoned myself to calling stores around the Sussex area to arrange a booksigning event and found that a lot of stores were either down right rude in their rejection or apologetic, saying that although they would love to help Indie authors, they were not allowed to. This seemed to be going against what their head office was telling my publisher, Silverwoods Books, but it seemed that whilst they were advising their stores not to cancel any events that people were booked in for, they should not book anyone in future that could not  guarantee queues at the till. Well, how many indie and unknown authors could do that? One of the most startling things I was told by one of the store managers was that my book was far too expensive for their customers at 12.99. She stated that she was hardly able to sell a book at 8.99 let alone 12.99. I explained to her that it was priced that high because it was a big book, around 150000 words, plenty of book for your money. But no, she wouldnt give in even though I'd sold nearly all of my stock at Crawley Waterstones, a less afluent area. I later went on to sell out at another store despite the price being 12.99 and when i am only getting about £2 return on that then thats the only way I'd getting anything.

Anyway, I failed to be deterred and carried on working through my list. Then I came upon a refreshingly interested lady called Celia in Maidstone and she invited me to come for a signing at there store in East St. I was very happy to have achieved a signing at last but I waited with baited breath for the inevitible email that would tell me regrettably that they had instructions to cancel me. An email did come, but it was to confirm that I was still available to come on that date. Happily, I returned the email confirming that I was and waited for the date to come around, which was on November 17th. On November the 10th I had arranged to have a signing with the wonderful John Pye in his Bookshop in East Grinstead High St, nestled in a row of marvellous Tudor buildings. In the afternoon I was to have an event at the museum which was to take place across the road in the East Grinstead museum. I had re-enactors come to demonstrate weapons and daily living in the 11thc. Unfortunately no one came to the museum event which was very disappointing. Although I had gicen them posters they hadnt really done a lot to advertise, but on the upside, I had a reasonably good day at the Bookshop and John Pye invited me back to have another signing which I did on December the 8th.

Then came the Waterstones event in Maidstone, East St. When I arrived the staff were very welcoming and chatty and advised me that they couldn't promise me a good day. In fact the lady last week they'd had in only sold one copy of her book to a friend. Oh dear, I thought. not what I want to hear. I wondered if I should just go home then and there! Anyway, I resoved to give it a good try. Long story short, after a very slow start, it suddenly took off. I sold the whole of the stock they'd got in. The staff were very impressed after their depressing prediction earlier! They admitted they had got it wrong - lol. I have been offered another signing in their other Waterstones Branch in Fremlin Walk sometime this year.

So on the upside there have been good and bad reactions to booksignings in Waterstones. I have also got a positive response from Hastings Waterstones also, so all is not lost where Waterstones are concerned. I have also got the chance of more library events coming in the new year and hopefully some more Museum Events. One thing I have learned is that its a hard world out there for Indie authors who dont have the luxury of a big publishing house to back them, market them and support them. But to me, the advantages of being self published far outweigh the disadvantages and I love being in control, something that a published author in the mainstream industry doesn't necessarily have. And this is not a career for me, but more of a hobby. The most rewarding thing is definitely not the money I might make on my book, which is quite frugal when sold through retailers, but the joy of knowing someone is reading my hard work and if they like it, its a bigger bonus in the happiness department as far as I am concerned.

And so I am working now on the edit of the sequel to Sons of the Wolf,  The Wolf Banner and hoping it to be published in the Spring. http://paulalofting-sonsofthewolf.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/the-wolf-banner-is-rising.html, tells you more about the continuation of Wulfhere's story.

One of the biggest joys I have had is knowing that a group of people regarded my book highly enough to award it a medallion. Winning an Indie BRAG medallion last year was an amazing feeling!
And there is almost nothing that compares to the feeling you get when someone tells you they are reading your book and enjoying it immensely. For that I am always grateful.

So here's to 2013, more writing and more reading!

THE NEXT BIG THING!: MY TURN!

 

What is the title of your next book?
It’s called The Wolf Banner and follows on from my debut novel Sons of the Wolf. It continues the saga of Wulfhere’s life and the reader will discover more about the historical events that led to the Battle of Hastings and the Norman Invasion.
Where did the idea for the book come from?
My Sons of the Wolf series was inspired by David Howarth’s “1066 the Year of The Conquest”.

What genre does your book fall under?
Definitely Historical Fiction
What actors would you choose to play the part of your characters in a movie rendition?
Hmmm, I think that Wulfhere should be played by someone like Kevin McKidd. Edward the Confessor would be Jeremy Irons. If Daniel Craig was a wee bit taller he would definitely make the best Harold Godwinson ever. I’d like to see James Purefoy in their somewhere but not sure who I would cast him as yet. Brian Cox would be good as Leofnoth and Jeremy Irvine as Aemund. For the women I would think that Naomi Watts should play Ealdgytha and Scarlet Johanssen as Freyda. Harold’s Eadgyth should be played by Eva Green and Queen Edith should be played by Kate Beckinsale. Finally, the actress I would like to see cast as Alfgyva would be Emily Blunt. Mind I’m sure there would be others better but thats all I can think of at the moment.

Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?
Self Published

How long did it take you to write the first draft of the manuscript?
Originally Sons of the Wolf and The Wolf Banner was one big book and it took me 6 years to write and research. However realising it was far too an ambitious project for my first novel, I made it into two books.

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?
I think my story compares to Bernard Cornwell in the sense he takes a fictional character and plonks him in a historical setting. I find it easier to write about fictional characters rather than real because with fictional, you can make him be and do whatever you want without having to stick to facts. Don’t get me wrong though, I make sure my book as historically accurate as it can be.

Who or what inspired you to write this book?
I’ve always wanted to write since I was a young girl reading the likes of Rosemary Sutcliffe, Leon Garfield and Dickens.
What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?
It has everything, love, romance, blood feuds, family rivalry, battles and intrigue. It’s an emotional roller coaster of adventure interwoven with historical facts and details.
 Click on the link or more info about my current novel  Sons of the Wolf


I’d like to tag, in my turn, these writers:

Tony Franks Buckley
Christy K Robinson

Author Spotlight: Kathleen Morris, Writer of Christian Fiction

 
I was born and raised in Saskatchewan and love to put a little bit of it in each book I write. My favorite genre is Christian Fiction Suspense but I've written poems and songs as well as many plays over the years.

I look at my writing as my ministry. I like to write about 'real' Christian people with flaws and show how they overcome them. I think we are all the same basically, with the same pressures in life, the same difficulties. I know I like to read about that and love to incorporate it all in my stories so we can all learn from each other.

I enjoy sitting in my office typing away. If you were a fly on my wall, you'd find me smirking, laughing, grumbling, and yes...even crying as I write my characters lives.

I consider my books as my babies...and I have two. Deep Bay Vengeance and Deep Bay Relic are two books in my first series. I thoroughly enjoyed writing both of them even though it took me ten years to get them published. I'm currently working on my next series. The Blood War Series...but for now...I will keep that a secret:)

I have raised three grown children and find that my nest is empty now since they have all moved away...but since I've filled it with my new babies...I never feel alone. Yes I see my grown children often and spend time with my hubby of twenty five years...but I always seem to be thinking of story ideas because writing is and always will be my passion!


Links to Kathleen's books
Download Purchasing Links: DEEP BAY VENGEANCE (BOOK ONE) :
Barnes & Noble : http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/deep-bay-vengeance-kathleen-morris/1113047331
Kobo : http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Deep-Bay-Vengeance/book-ef-uOPiV606fW6W1O6N1Aw/page1.html
Sony : https://ebookstore.sony.com/ebook/kathleen-morris/deep-bay-vengeance/_/R-400000000000000805360
Apple : https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/deep-bay-vengeance/id556042108?mt=11
Amazon : http://www.amazon.com/Deep-Bay-Vengeance-ebook/dp/B0099DS0NI
Diesel : http://www.diesel-ebooks.com/item/SW00000216343/Morris-Kathleen-Deep-Bay-Vengeance/1.html
Smashwords : http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/216343

DEEP BAY RELIC (BOOK TWO) :
Barnes & Noble : http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/deep-bay-relic-kathleen-morris/1113047330?ean=2940044812420
Kobo : http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Deep-Bay-Relic/book-E5K7t36S_0iBdySJW3wE6w/page1.html
Sony : https://ebookstore.sony.com/ebook/kathleen-morris/deep-bay-relic/_/R-400000000000000795052
Apple : https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/deep-bay-relic/id556043183?mt=11
Amazon : http://www.amazon.com/Deep-Bay-Relic-ebook/dp/B0099E2DZI
Diesel : http://www.diesel-ebooks.com/item/SW00000216350/Morris-Kathleen-Deep-Bay-Relic/1.html
Smashwords : http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/216350

Author Interview Susie Hanley

What is your book about?Muse is an adult urban fantasy about a woman who finds out she is a Muse and gains some interesting abilities. The story is about her coming to terms with her new role in life, adjusting to having some superhero type Guardians stalking her every move and all the while, keeping her kids safe.

2. How did you come up with the idea for your book?
I have always been fascinated with the idea of a Muse, that unseen force that influences our endeavors. Even more intriguing is the idea that a person in our lives can be our Muse. This was such an unexplored idea that I wanted to build upon it and bring something new to the Urban Fantasy genre.

3. What makes your book different than others in your genre?
There are two things that really make Muse different to the Urban Fantasy genre. The first is simply the idea: it has never been done before. This uniqueness also makes for a bit of difficulty since people don't, generally, have any idea of what a Muse is. For example: if I told you I wrote a book about vampires, you'd have some idea of what that means (they probably don't go out during the day, they drink blood, etc.), but when I tell you I wrote a book about a Muse ... you probably have little, if any idea, what I am talking about. This isn't a bad thing, but it does make it unique.

The second thing that makes Muse different to the urban fantasy genre is that the main character has children. I am glad I found a way to incorporate this important aspect of many women's lives into my story. My hope is that it makes her a much more relatable character.

4. Who is your favorite writer? Why?
I don't think I can pick just one. I admire the talents of many authors and try my best to emulate each one at times. I will have to say that Janet Evanovich and Laurell K. Hamilton have been the most inspirational while writing Muse. Stephanie Meyer will always have a place in my heart too and more recently E.L. James taught me a thing or two as well.

5. What strange writing rituals do you have?
I think the strangest ritual I have is doing my nails while I think. I am not big on having my nails done or spending a lot of time on my appearance, but when I am writing and stop to think, I file my nails. Then the next time I stop writing to think I buff them, and so on until I have a good few coats of clear nail polish on them. Then over the course of the next few days I peel off the polish and then start again. I am not sure how or why this ritual evolved, but it certainly helps me think.

6. Is your writing style similar to any other writers? If so which ones.
I write first person and there are a lot of writers that also do so. Janet Evanovich, Laurell K. Hamilton, Stephanie Meyer, and E.L. James just to name a few. Charlene Harris also writes this way, as well as Richelle Mead, Jeanianne Frost and many more.

7. Who is your Muse?
This question made me chuckle. I have to say that I don't have just one Muse. I pull from a lot of characters when I write and each character that I write has a lot of characters that inspire them. I guess I'd have to say that my Muses are the people in my life who love me. They each bring something unique to my writing.

8. What are your hobbies?
Other than writing? Laundry. Just kidding, with two kids and a husband I often feel like laundry is a cosmic joke without a punch line ... it really does never end.

When not writing or doing laundry, I spend a lot of time on DIY type projects. This month I painted an exterior door, last month I repainted the man cave a couple nice shades of dark brown for my husband. Recently I made some cool paper window coverings and embroidered curtains for my daughter’s room and my dining room. I do a lot of needlepoint projects, and I do enjoy crafty things like painting and such. Otherwise I am organizer extraordinaire. If it can be sorted, I'll be there!

9. Does your main character resemble anyone in your family or circle of friends?
I suppose my main character most resembles myself, but she is really quite unique. I like to think that I mostly pulled elements from my life and put them into hers because they were familiar. Things like her car, house and kids. Otherwise she is definitely her own person.

10. How long did it take you to write your book?
To actually write Muse only took about 8 months with the help of an award winning writing coach pointing me in the right direction. However, Muse went through no less than 15 drafts over the course of nearly 4 years. There are many important steps in editing that often take more time than the actual writing does. Let alone all the time it takes to prepare the book for publication.

11. What are some writing goals for the future?
Muse is intended to be the first in a series of books about Muses and Guardians. My first goal is to have Book 2 released by the end of 2013. I also have a specific number of books I'd like to have sold by that date, which will also be about the time I turn 30.

12. If you were stranded on an island which book would you bring with you?
Hmm... Definitely one that would have lots of information about how to survive being trapped on an island.

13. What makes a good (pick one, depending on your genre) mystery, horror, romance, sci-fi, memoir, how-to, children’s book, etc.
I guess I will pick romance and I think what really makes one good is when they simply can't live without each other for some reason or another. Forbidden love is always fun, but can get overdone and corny really quickly.

14. What was the most difficult thing you have learned being a writer?
This one is easy to answer: rejection.
The most difficult thing to accept as a writer is that not everyone will like my work and that's okay. I've collected over a hundred rejection letters from agents and publishers and even had friends and family tell me that the story just wasn't their taste. As you can imagine, at first that was really difficult to live with, but then after a while you realize that not everyone likes Harry Potter or Twilight either and you do your best to get over it. People love to complain and those who complain often do so louder that those who compliment.

15. What are you reading at the moment?
At the moment I am reading The Man with the Green Suitcase by Dee Doanes and someday soon getting back to Game of Thrones. I have a ridiculously long to-read list at the moment, but it is my to-write list that is keeping me awake at night for the moment.

Author Interview with Samantha Holt

Today I would like to post an interview for the best selling historical romance writer, Samantha Holt.
What is your book about?
The Angel’s Assassin is a medieval romance but it explores the ideas of trust and redemption. The hero, Nicholas, is the ultimate anti-hero - a man with a bad past and a sinful deed to carry out. My heroine, Annabel, is the complete opposite of him and challenges him in many ways. She makes him want to change but whether Annabel believes him capable of change is another thing!

How did you come up with the idea for your book?
I wanted to write an anti-hero and I knew I wanted to set it in early Norman England, a time when the country was still very much in turmoil It started with a baronial revolt and the story went from there really. The revolt only really plays as the backdrop for the story as the events act as the trigger but the rest of the story really revolves purely around Nicholas and Annabel.

What makes your book different than others in your genre?
My use of language is different. I know my native English tongue differs slightly but I hope that brings a sense of realism, particularly when it comes to dialogue. I love writing dialogue and I think that comes across. I’m lucky in that I’ve been able to visit places featured in my books (castles etc) and I hope to bring a sense of realism into my stories by blending my experiences into my tales.

How long did it take you to write your book?
Generally I take about three months. I write full time so I put in anything between 4-6 hours of writing a day.

What are some writing goals for the future?
I’d like to perhaps expand into a different historical era or even write some contemporary romances. For the moment, I still have some untapped medieval stories but I imagine there’s only so many you can write. Having said that, I’m always sure the one I’m working on will be my last one and then another miraculously comes along.

If you were stranded on an island which book would you bring with you?
How to Survive on a Desert Island - I’m making the gross assumption this book exists! Failing that, North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell.

What makes a good romance book?

The characterisation is essential. I love it when a book makes your stomach churn with fear, apprehension, excitement… If you don’t care for the characters then that won’t happen. In romance, you need to want them to get together and I love that little stomach flip you get when it finally happens.

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http://www.samanthaholtauthor.blogspot.co.uk
https://twitter.com/SamanthaHAuthor

Book Launch Party!

Hi guys! Very happy to report on how my Book Launch Party for Sons of the Wolf went at Crawley Library last week. My novel is my debut attempt at historical fiction. Click on the above link for the synopsis.  I wanted my party to have something different than just a book talk, reading and 'buy my book' theme. I wanted people to enjoy the night and be informed, regardless of whether they bought  my book or not.

 I am pleased to say that it went amazingly well! I had 5 members of the public turn up the rest were my friends and family. Altogther including myself, my re-enactors and library staff, there were 43 people in the room and to be honest we couldnt have fit any more people in there. It was very exciting for me to see so many people turn up for my debut novel and I was overhwelmed. It felt amazing to have this opportunity and am so grateful to the library staff for their help. I was very lucky to have my re-enactors Adam Price and Katrina Burton who did me very proud and Rich Price who read so beautifully for me  and helped his son Adam demonstrate the weaponry.

The evening started with a welcome, food was laid out and wine and soft drinks for the guests to help themselves to. It was great to see so many of my friends coming through the door and also the people I had not met yet. The library had told me that 15 people had put their names down at the library but at least 5 turned up! Each guest was given a raffle ticket to win a free copy of my book. They didn't show it but I am sure they were delighted! Then when everyone was settled and the Library staff had done their Health&Safety thing, I nervously got up to introduce myself and thank everyone for coming. I must admit I was nervous and felt that I shouldn't be reading from a script but I had been so busy with work and everything I hadn't had a chance to try and 'learn' my speech. Still, people gave me great feedback and I was happy with that.
After I had done the intro, my dear friend and fellow re-enactor Rich Price read from the first chapter of Sons. To be honest, he blew me away with his rendition, it was amazing. If anyone has ever experienced someone read their book with such grace and eloquence  as Rich did for me, then they will certainly know the feeling I got when I heard his deliverance of my prose. I could hardly believe I was hearing the words that I had written. I had to pinch myself to see if I was dreaming. the applause he got was heart warming.
The next part of the presentation was to introduce my first re-enactor, after I had explained a little more about the main character and his background. Initially I had intended to have someone play his part, however, due to work commitments, the actor was unable to make it so his 'wife' Ealdgytha had come accompanied by Wulfhere's deputy, Esegar. Ealdgytha was played by  Katrina Burton. I have known Katrina for some years now and she knows her stuff. Katrina has worked for Tunbridge Wells Museum and currently works at the  Fishbourne Roman Villa near Chichester. She began by describing what she was wearing, her tunic and her underdress and her wimple and what her day would have been like. She  described how she had dyed her clothing with woad, to make her dress a pale blue. She also demonstrated how wool is spun on a drop spindle.

After Katrina had wowed the audience with her presentation, I spoke a bit more about the land division in Sussex and how the military system in 11thc England was linked to this. Then it was time for my young warrior, 'Esegar' AKA Adam Price to take centre stage. Esegar is Wulfhere's right hand man and shield bearer. He is a semi professional warrior and part time farmer, brought into military service by the one man for every 5 hide law. As a King's thegn, Wulfhere also owed military service. He and Esegar have been through much together having served in two major battles. As Wulfhere was unable to attend due to being on King's business, Esegar has come in his place to demonstrate the weapons used by the 11thc army.
  Rich demonstrates how the sword might have an adverse affect on an armoured warrior.
 Rich wields a great Dane axe at a terrified audience.
  Some of the shields available to a warrior were round.
 
The Kite shiled was becoming more popular









Now it was time to talk briefly about the Battle of Hereford before Rich performed the last reading, a scene from Chapter 19 The Battle of Hereford. As I listened to the reading, I was amazed once more at the care and considerstion Rich was giving to the prose. The dramatic lines made me realise how gory it was and I was satisfied that I had done the scene justice, however I apologised to the audience just in case the gore was too much for them. Apparently they thought it was brilliant!

Next I talked about Regia Anglorum, the re-enactment society that we belonged to and hopefully may have recruited a couple of people. And then it was time for questions and answers and got some great feedback from the audience who asked some really interesting well thought questions to which I tried my best to reply with sensible answers. Of course I had my trusty re-enactors to help me out. This followed with book signing and raffle draw. I managed to sell 12 books, most of my friends already had bought one prior to the launch. I also donated a copy to the library and was pleased that the library people were impressed enough to offer me some more venues around West Sussex libraries. which I am happy to say I will take up in the near future.

It was a great evening and I cant thank every body enough for coming and helping me have a fantastic first Book Launch!

Find out more about me at www.paulalofting.com