Andrew Toynbee's Blog, page 8
February 14, 2014
ARCs of A Construct of Angels – the 2014 re-launch.
As part of the re-launch on Feb 28th, I’d like to offer out a few Advanced Review Copies to my fellow bloggers and readers, preferably in exchange for a fair review of the book on Goodreads or Amazon.
Would anyone be interested?
If so, please let me know in the comments below, and then email me your address to; andybee64 (at) hotmail (dot) com.
Please let me know if you’d prefer a Kindle, ePub or PDF version. The paperback is not yet available, but will follow along later. I hope to give away a few of those in the future.
As I’m on the road a lot, plus there’s a re-launch to organise, and I’m trying to pen the sequel etc, etc, so I’ll have to limit the number of ARCs to just fifty.
So first come, first served, as the old saying goes. I’ll leave a comment below when I’ve reached capacity.
P.S. Please don’t just ‘grab and forget’ – this book was written to be read and enjoyed - not cached. And if you’re a book reviewer, let me know and I’ll make available a copy outside of the fifty limit.
.
February 13, 2014
Revisiting the scary world of creation
After having spent so darn long living with my debut novel, revising, re-revising, then working through Tara Shaner‘s edits, I find myself (finally) back in familiar territory – something that all writers may recognise.
I’d almost forgotten the simultaneous fear and thrill of creating new adventures for my characters, of developing their personalities from the ones I’d grown so accustomed to in the first book, whilst remaining faithful to their original outline.
Just to throw a spanner (wrench) in my own works (something I do very often), I’ve switched First Person POVs for the sequel, describing the new adventures through the eyes (and other senses) of a different main character. For me, it provides a fresh perspective on the character’s mileu.
I just hope the reader will agree. By comparrison, Philip Pullman did something similar between ‘The Northern Lights’ and ‘The Subtle Knife’.
Another spanner/wrench is the two-day overlap that occurs between the first and second books… a sort of half-reboot, if you like. Think of how ‘Back to the Future II’ meshed with the first film - except I’ve used days instead of years. No DeLorean, though. Shame.
By introducing this half-rebooted overlapping First Person POV switch (still with me on this?), I may have limited my timeline to some extent as the confluence of events must fit snugly against the original adventure. On the plus side, the alternative POV enables me to expand on the details of the overlapping scenes.
Win-win? We shall see. Ask me in a year’s time. 
.
Coming soon! Dun, dun-dundun-duuuun.
Write on!
.
February 11, 2014
A Construct of Angels – the 2014 re-launch.
It has taken many, many months of hard work, but the revised version of CoA (Kindle, ePub and Kobo) is finally ready to be shown to the world. The paperback is due to follow shortly afterward.
My editor, Tara Shaner and I have been bouncing the MS back and forth across the pond since July, and now, finally, we are both happy with the result. It’s fifty or so pages shorter, two characters lighter and a great deal tighter than before.
I’ve learned a great deal during the process of revision (old hands will nod sagely at this point, but bear with me).
An edit is not just about spelling and grammar. It’s as much about the flow as it is about the structure. It’s about plot threads and loose ends; developing characterisations as well as removing characters who either complicate or lend nothing to the plot. Pace, language and humour are also essential elements of an engaging MS.
I began 2013 with the certainty that after scores of read-throughs, my MS would be error-free and ready to roll.
No need for an editor, I thought.
I can do English. I know how to use punctuation.
I was so naive.
I’ve learned, by taking this long way around, that it really does take an outside and professional eye to spot repetitive or erroneous patterns in a Manuscript – and to offer solutions. A writer can become settled and overly accustomed to the flow of the story and (I have caught myself doing this at times) can tend to ‘read’ the story, rather than edit it objectively.
Be in no doubt that you may begin to question your own skill as a writer as overused words, inappropriate dialogue tags and pointless character actions are unearthed before your disbelieving eyes. ‘Did I really write that? What was I thinking?’
But a good editor should also indicate the places where your work shines, where the humour tickles and where the pace grips the reader. And whilst human nature will automatically remember the bad over the good, an indicator of competent, nay, great work will help to soften the blow – as well as encouraging the writer not to throw in the towel.
I know where my towel is.
So the re-launch is imminent. Watch this space and if you can, please join me on my Author page for some fun, frolics and giveaways on Friday, 28th February.
January 5, 2014
Five *star* review for CoA :)
Stone Angel Reviews have just awarded ‘A Construct of Angels’ five stars.
Please drop by and read Riiva’s reviews as they happen and perhaps ask if she’d be interested in reviewing your book too!
This is a brand new site and I will watch its growth throughout 2014 with interest.
December 18, 2013
The Bucket List Part four – ‘Chilled Out’
Just in time for Christmas! Well done!
Originally posted on ihearteroticastories:
Release day is finally here! When I offered to write a Christmas version of The Bucket List back in August, December (as it always does) seemed to be an age away. Of course, it’s here with a bang, as are Lucy, Amber and all her friends.
This story contains a small surprise. I could tell you, but I will let my very good friend and fellow author Robert Fanshaw reveal the details on his blog. His first book, ‘Shameless Ambition’ was part of the reason I was able to craft ‘Chilled Out’ in the first place. Thanks Robert!
The Bucket List Part four - 'Chilled Out'
Reblogged from ihearteroticastories:
Release day is finally here! When I offered to write a Christmas version of The Bucket List back in August, December (as it always does) seemed to be an age away. Of course, it's here with a bang, as are Lucy, Amber and all her friends.
This story contains a small surprise. I could tell you, but I will let my very good friend and fellow author…
Just in time for Christmas! Well done! :D
November 21, 2013
Cover Reveal for ‘Backward Compatible’ by Sarah Daltry
I’m very pleased to be part of this cover reveal, something that marks a bit of a departure for Sarah. Until now, she’s concentrated on Adult-themed fantasy works, but she’s taken the bold step of branching out and trying her hand at a ‘Geek Romance’, a genre that’s completely new to me. The result is ‘Backward Compatible’, a fun and witty story packed with gamer-talk that kept my eyebrows furrowed. Don’t get me wrong, I played Pac-Man and Galaxian back in the day, but…
Hold on, someone is whispering something to me.
I’m writing a blog post about Sarah and Pete’s new book. Can’t it wait?
Oh, apparently it ‘isn’t cool’ to mention Pac-Man and Galaxian – so I’ve been told. Plus I just got called ‘Grandad.’
How about Tetris, then? No? Lemmings? Worms?
*Scratches head* WTF is Candy Crush?
Aaaaaaanyway, back to the novel. It’s a gamer stroke geek stroke romance story that Pete and Sarah have put together. Looking at their gaming history, it appears that a lot of their own experiences (with games) have now proved useful. Who says video games are a waste of time? Useful research in this case…
I will leave you with a short excerpt from the book, which is due to be released in December (2013, if you’re watching this on a re-run).
Put it on your to-buy list. I’m gonna.
Excerpt from ‘Backward Compatible’
“These graphics suck,” George says and I look back at the screen. We’re standing in the middle of the Estate, colorful orbs quivering ahead of us. We each have to choose our starting advantage. Waterfalls shimmer in the distance and the sunlight streams over multicolored stones in the courtyard.
“Amateurs,” Lanyon concurs. “I mean, they couldn’t have five waterfalls?”
“Your ironic wit is mind blowing, but choose your damn orbs,” I tell them. I consider. Magic, defense, offense, stealth, and charisma. I always go for magic as a black mage, but I wonder if a druid needs something else. Screw it. I need charisma in real life, too.
“Charisma?” Lanyon asks. “No one ever picks charisma.”
“We’re a party of a thief, druid, and a bard. We’re screwed regardless.”
“You two underestimate the mighty power of my lute,” George argues.
“Did you start with charisma?” Lanyon asks.
“Hell, no. I have charisma in spades. I started with stealth.”
“Great. A stealthy bard,” I sigh.
“She’s right,” Lanyon concedes. “We’re screwed.”
However, it actually isn’t bad at all at first. We power through the Estate and make it to the Yobanaria Dale with no resurrections and all at level ten. I’m impressed. George hasn’t actually fought anything, but he has some pretty awe-inspiring charm mastery already. I think I might have a serious crush. He seals the deal when he buffs my hailstorm spell without even being asked.
“Can you guys watch El Thiefelo? My mom wants me to eat supper,” Lanyon says.
“Yeah, we’ve got it,” I tell him. “The first boss is in the elven ruins anyway, so we should grind a bit. I think he’s a twelve.”
George and I explore the Dale, taking out bats and Joba spores. It’s fairly quiet, except for when we combo with his charms and my spells and he yells out, “Eat lute, bitch,” but it’s nice. We work well, almost inherently understanding each other. I’ve never been able to play this effectively with anyone. I try not to think about his eyes. Stupid boys, being cute and stuff.
By the time Lanyon comes back, we’re all at level 12, although Lanyon leveled up just by standing by a door while we played. Still, we are ready to take on Balsa the Proud. As a black mage, it took me about nine seconds. Trees don’t like fire. However, druids don’t have the same level of black magic and all elemental magic is weakened by the need to draw from the elements nearby. Sadly, trees seem to avoid storing fire runes in their villages. I expect this to be a little more challenging. It might even take fifteen seconds.
“First boss. Also known as the freebie bitch to sucker the young folks into a false sense of security,” Lanyon announces as he runs into the center of Balsa’s lair. The cinema plays and then, in a moment of pure absurdity, El Thiefelo is squished as Balsa steps on him.
“Can someone revive me?” Lanyon whines.
.
Sarah’s dream Cast for the movie version:
About the Authors:
Sarah Daltry writes about the regular people who populate our lives. She’s written works in various genres – romance, erotica, fantasy, horror. Genre isn’t as important as telling a story about people and how their lives unfold. Sarah tends to focus on YA/NA characters but she’s been known to shake it up. Most of her stories are about relationships – romantic, familial, friendly – because love and empathy are the foundation of life. It doesn’t matter if the story is set in contemporary NY, historical Britain, or a fantasy world in the future – human beings are most interesting in the ways they interact with others. This is the principle behind all of Sarah’s stories.
Sarah has spent most of her life in school, from her BA and MA in English and writing to teaching both at the high school and college level. She also loves studying art history and really anything because learning is fun.
When Sarah isn’t writing, she tends to waste a lot of time checking Facebook for pictures of cats, shooting virtual zombies, and simply staring out the window.
She has written several books, most notably Bitter Fruits, an urban fantasy in the Eden’s Fall series, and the Flowering series, including Forget Me Not, Lily of the Valley, and Star of Bethlehem.
Pete Clark likes writing, animals, potato chips, and cheese. Midnight Riders is his first published novel, although he can also proudly say he finally finished Helix Crashing, the fantasy novel he has been working on for over a decade. In addition, he has written Across the Barren Landscape, a collection of linked Western short stories. He also writes plays, both dramatic and comedic.
When he is not writing, Pete tends to ignore everyone around him and obsess over sports.
Playlist:
http://hypster.com/create/playlist?playlist_id=6805166
Trailer:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-0qwqxUYTw
Social Media Links:
Sarah’s Website: http://sarahdaltry.com
Pete’s Website: http://punchmyselfintheface.wordpress.com
Sarah’s Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/SarahDaltryAuthor
Pete’s Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PeteClarkAuthor
Sarah’s Twitter: http://twitter.com/SarahDaltry
Pete’s Twitter: http://twitter.com/PeteClarkBooks
November 1, 2013
If you’re struggling with that minority language called ‘British’…
I have occasionally ecountered comments that pointed out my failings - one of them being misspellings.
My spelling ‘mistakes’ often get picked up on Facebook and (occasionally) on WordPress.
I like to think I’m very thorough when I’m writing and take pride in my spelling and grammar.
Yes, I soemtimes mis-type (who doesn’t?) as my ‘want to type’ speed exceeds my ‘able to type’ speed and my fingers become a pink blur above the keyboard.
However, when I begin to receive feedback that I ‘should check my speling’ (sic) and see one-word corrections for my spelling when there is nothing amiss, I begin to see red.
I’ve been told (more than once) that I use a lot of British English (BrE). Yes, that’s true. I’m British, my characters are English and their story takes place in England. That would follow, wouldn’t you think?
Apparently not.
Ciara Ballintyne appears to have the same problem and states her case here .
So recently, I’ve been writing British English, but with the knowledge that non-Brits may very well read my work. For instance, my character drives a Volvo ambulance instead of the (correct) locally-sourced type because only Brits would know what a Vauxhall Astra was. However, I don’t compromise on ‘labour’ or ‘honour’, ‘realise’ or ‘criticise’ because Brit readers would hate me for it. My characters use Pounds rather than Dollars. I was astounded when I was told that someone had to Google ‘Biro’ because it wasn’t clear that it was a ball point pen. What are those cheap, crystalline ball point pens made by BIC known as in the US - BIC pens?
These are things we need to know…
I had considered adding a disclaimer stating that the book contains ‘British English’ just to clarify. In this electronic age, the written word is spread far and wide and a novel in English could easily have been written in Australia, South Africa, Japan or any number of countries. I learned recently that along with Australia, Canada still uses BrE, which was a bit of a surprise. I wonder how many other countries do? I’d be interested to know that Britannia does not stand alone…
Write On!
October 30, 2013
The editing continues – revisiting CoA (again)
Sometimes, I’ve been extremely fortunate in my writing journey. When I’ve needed them the most, I’ve met people who have shown me that ePublishing is not only possible, but in some ways it is preferable to traditional publishing.
During my year of querying agencies and receiving a whole basketful of raspberries, around the time I’d started to build my author platform, I quickly began to encounter other writers, some of whom were still querying, others who had decided to go it alone by self-publishing.
And as they proved to me that there is definitely hope after rejection, one author in particular steered me towards the tutorials that explained how I could complete the process myself. Thanks Ryan!
I’ve also become friends with several other authors who went on to recommended exactly the right cover artist.
Thank you everybody! You are my guardian angels. Or at the very least, he recommended you all. 
Now I am entering a new phase in my writing. By sheer chance, and some very fortunate timing, I have become friends with Tara, an aspiring editor who began by examining my first chapter, but went on to review the entire MS. We are now working together on a complete and thorough edit of CoA.
When I wrote the post How to accept editing feedback I thought that accepting a professional critique would be much more daunting, but Tara has been fair as well as thorough with my MS.
She even likes my jokes…
As I write this, we have already made some major changes to the story and I now have several words to purge from the MS, on pain of nagging.
It seems that I use the words ‘just’, ‘like’ and ‘sigh’ a great deal (thanks, WordSmith!), to the point where it has begun to leap off the page at Tara. *Sighs* We are also discussing the intricacies of ‘forwards’ versus ‘forward’ and it looks as if I have sinned with ‘towards’ as well. Taking into account that I write in British English (BrE), we both understand that different rules apply on our respective sides of the Big Pond, but she may have me cornered in this instance.
However, Tara seems to enjoying the peculiarities of BrE and I’m slowly introducing her to some of our colloqualisms. I’ll soon have her speaking like a native of the UK and then we can be china plates for life!
Once we’ve finished my fish hook, of course.
Toodle-pip!
October 25, 2013
So tough…
The fact that Scotty survived where others fell has always left me wondering… until now.
Originally posted on Adventures and Musings of an Arch Druidess:
