P.J. Roscoe's Blog, page 13
December 2, 2013
My new Guest Author Katie McKnight
http://www.pjroscoe.co.uk/?page_id=258
Another guest on my website - and I hope to have many more - all are welcome to contact me on FB or via website or twitter to ask for a slot - I love to cross promote - I believe we authors should help each other - because who else will?
Sometimes it feels like everyone is against us, agents, publishers, traditional authors, readers who read under the misconception that all indie authors produce crap and nothing else - well I say, stop being prejudice and look between the cracks and you may find a gem.
Echoes is an indie book and has won an award as well as given an honourable mention and had producers look over it as a possible production. O.k, so far, nothing has come of it, but the fact that they took the time to look and contemplate is pretty good, don't you think? Or have I got blinkered glasses on?
So come on readers and authors alike, help each other out - readers read and leave productive reviews and authors make sure you give out the best work you possibly can and hey, who knows?
Happy reading xx
http://www.pjroscoe.co.uk
Freya's Child
Another guest on my website - and I hope to have many more - all are welcome to contact me on FB or via website or twitter to ask for a slot - I love to cross promote - I believe we authors should help each other - because who else will?
Sometimes it feels like everyone is against us, agents, publishers, traditional authors, readers who read under the misconception that all indie authors produce crap and nothing else - well I say, stop being prejudice and look between the cracks and you may find a gem.
Echoes is an indie book and has won an award as well as given an honourable mention and had producers look over it as a possible production. O.k, so far, nothing has come of it, but the fact that they took the time to look and contemplate is pretty good, don't you think? Or have I got blinkered glasses on?
So come on readers and authors alike, help each other out - readers read and leave productive reviews and authors make sure you give out the best work you possibly can and hey, who knows?
Happy reading xx
http://www.pjroscoe.co.uk
Freya's Child
November 28, 2013
Christmas is coming!!!
O.k, so we're nearing the end of this month, cold, damp November I find, is a horrible month. My hands and feet are barely body temperature and every day is a battle to make sure the blood reaches all my parts so they don't fall off!
A bit unfair to poor November I suppose, it can't help being the month before December when many feel that tingly feeling of joy and anticipation that the world will be a little better for just a few weeks. It's amazing what a bit of tinsel and fairy lights can achieve!
Usually, November can be fairly difficult for me to write - physically more than anything else, but this year has seen a fire in my belly and my fingers can barely move fast enough as I type out chapter after chapter of my third novel.
I kept making mistakes this morning as I typed because what was in my head refused to make my fingers move faster! Needless to say, I am pleased with my mornings work and the hours I've put in before this day. I think I'm hoping to have got the first draft finished by christmas and then I can take some time off - like normal people do!
You see, I don't know about other authors/writers, but I see my writing as my main job. I clock on, well, kind of, I make a cup of coffee and make a note of the time! And i begin, until a toilet break, another warm beverage and continues until lunch, if I remember to listen to my stomach. Today though, I couldn't stop writing until I had finished a scene and it was perfect (if I may say so!)
So, christmas may be coming, along with bucket amounts of wine and mince pies and other assortment of goodies, but work comes first, so wish me luck readers - I'll keep you posted xx
http://www.pjroscoe.co.uk
Freya's ChildP.J. Roscoe
A bit unfair to poor November I suppose, it can't help being the month before December when many feel that tingly feeling of joy and anticipation that the world will be a little better for just a few weeks. It's amazing what a bit of tinsel and fairy lights can achieve!
Usually, November can be fairly difficult for me to write - physically more than anything else, but this year has seen a fire in my belly and my fingers can barely move fast enough as I type out chapter after chapter of my third novel.
I kept making mistakes this morning as I typed because what was in my head refused to make my fingers move faster! Needless to say, I am pleased with my mornings work and the hours I've put in before this day. I think I'm hoping to have got the first draft finished by christmas and then I can take some time off - like normal people do!
You see, I don't know about other authors/writers, but I see my writing as my main job. I clock on, well, kind of, I make a cup of coffee and make a note of the time! And i begin, until a toilet break, another warm beverage and continues until lunch, if I remember to listen to my stomach. Today though, I couldn't stop writing until I had finished a scene and it was perfect (if I may say so!)
So, christmas may be coming, along with bucket amounts of wine and mince pies and other assortment of goodies, but work comes first, so wish me luck readers - I'll keep you posted xx
http://www.pjroscoe.co.uk
Freya's ChildP.J. Roscoe
November 18, 2013
Reviews - oh how they can turn my mood on a dial!!!
As the title suggests, my moods change with each piece of feedback, critique and review that is given to me either verbally or through the web.
The latest reviews for my books have made me smile, delighted that another human being has found enjoyment within my pages.
It is an interesting feeling when someone cares enough to leave a review. A lot of people tell me to my face, which, don't get me wrong, is wonderful, but going that extra mile to inform the world is such a humbling emotion.
It reminds me that we humans can be so much more than what we credit ourselves. Taking the time to leave a review, letting the world know that you found joy within the pages of a book, goes that extra mile.
Oh I know, we've become review mad and it can get erksome! I was asked to review the purchase of some sandpaper the other day!!! NO! IT'S SANDPAPER!!! It did the job I needed it to do!
With books, where someone (me) has spent time and effort in the hope that others will enjoy the story is another matter.
So, as always, I acknowledge everyone who leaves reviews or contacts me through twitter/FB - a great big thank you and may the universe send you her blessings.
Love and light to all my readers xx
http://www.pjroscoe.co.uk
Freya's Child
The latest reviews for my books have made me smile, delighted that another human being has found enjoyment within my pages.
It is an interesting feeling when someone cares enough to leave a review. A lot of people tell me to my face, which, don't get me wrong, is wonderful, but going that extra mile to inform the world is such a humbling emotion.
It reminds me that we humans can be so much more than what we credit ourselves. Taking the time to leave a review, letting the world know that you found joy within the pages of a book, goes that extra mile.
Oh I know, we've become review mad and it can get erksome! I was asked to review the purchase of some sandpaper the other day!!! NO! IT'S SANDPAPER!!! It did the job I needed it to do!
With books, where someone (me) has spent time and effort in the hope that others will enjoy the story is another matter.
So, as always, I acknowledge everyone who leaves reviews or contacts me through twitter/FB - a great big thank you and may the universe send you her blessings.
Love and light to all my readers xx
http://www.pjroscoe.co.uk
Freya's Child
November 3, 2013
A true story (Keeping an eye on things)
O.k, so I've missed Halloween and the dark side of the moon, but I promised myself i would tell this tale, so here I am during the first slither of light as the moon awakens from its slumber.
a true tale of ghosts... Are you sitting comfortably...
Once there was a family, whose father was a clever builder; he built them a beautiful bungalow and they moved in. In the next field, behind their new home, the ruins of an old mill could be seen and the children would venture there and made it their den.
Now, it happened the father was asked to work abroad and this left the mother and her four children alone for long periods of time... or were they?
Soon after moving in, the teenage daughter began to feel uncomfortable, as if she was being watched. It became so bad, that she'd run along the corridor to and fro between the lounge and her bedroom, hating the feeling of someone behind her.
After a few months, the youngest boy came running into the kitchen to ask where the man had gone? Mother and daughter shrugged, but he was insistent. So insistent that everyone searched the bungalow and grounds in search of this mysterious man who had apparently watched the boy playing, firstly from outside, through the window and then inside the bedroom.
Outwardly, the mother showed no fear, but it was apparent that this was troubling her.
'The man' would appear frequently to the youngest boy (aged four/five)but on each occasion, both Mother, daughter and brothers, found no one.
Strange sounds began to be heard. Knocks and things would move from one room to another. The feeling of being watched increased and one evening, the daughter was brushing her short blond hair in the mirror, when her face changed to an older woman with long black hair and green eyes - she was frightened,yet intrigued.
After about a year, the atmosphere suddenly changed and it was then that the mother finally admitted that she'd been having a ghostly visitor, a man, who would sit at the end of her bed. She'd watch the indentation form on the bed and see his outline. But the scariest vision for her, was the increasing amount of sightings, of only his eye.
She would wake and see a man's eye watching her at a man's height. Sometimes he'd walk down the corridor, but only the eye could be seen.
She consulted a medium who showed her how to cleanse our home and help the man to move into the light.
So was he from the mill and coming to see who had invaded his home? I guess I'll never know...
http://www.pjroscoe.co.uk
Freya's Child
a true tale of ghosts... Are you sitting comfortably...
Once there was a family, whose father was a clever builder; he built them a beautiful bungalow and they moved in. In the next field, behind their new home, the ruins of an old mill could be seen and the children would venture there and made it their den.
Now, it happened the father was asked to work abroad and this left the mother and her four children alone for long periods of time... or were they?
Soon after moving in, the teenage daughter began to feel uncomfortable, as if she was being watched. It became so bad, that she'd run along the corridor to and fro between the lounge and her bedroom, hating the feeling of someone behind her.
After a few months, the youngest boy came running into the kitchen to ask where the man had gone? Mother and daughter shrugged, but he was insistent. So insistent that everyone searched the bungalow and grounds in search of this mysterious man who had apparently watched the boy playing, firstly from outside, through the window and then inside the bedroom.
Outwardly, the mother showed no fear, but it was apparent that this was troubling her.
'The man' would appear frequently to the youngest boy (aged four/five)but on each occasion, both Mother, daughter and brothers, found no one.
Strange sounds began to be heard. Knocks and things would move from one room to another. The feeling of being watched increased and one evening, the daughter was brushing her short blond hair in the mirror, when her face changed to an older woman with long black hair and green eyes - she was frightened,yet intrigued.
After about a year, the atmosphere suddenly changed and it was then that the mother finally admitted that she'd been having a ghostly visitor, a man, who would sit at the end of her bed. She'd watch the indentation form on the bed and see his outline. But the scariest vision for her, was the increasing amount of sightings, of only his eye.
She would wake and see a man's eye watching her at a man's height. Sometimes he'd walk down the corridor, but only the eye could be seen.
She consulted a medium who showed her how to cleanse our home and help the man to move into the light.
So was he from the mill and coming to see who had invaded his home? I guess I'll never know...
http://www.pjroscoe.co.uk
Freya's Child
October 30, 2013
The ups and downs of writing
I'll be honest, as I've always promised i would be on my blogs, I feel down. I feel sad and anxious and very worried about my future.
I have been feeling let down, conned, stupid and vulnerable these last few weeks by people who promise much, but deliver nothing. being an author, over the years I have found that I need a hard outer skin, to take the lies, the broken promises, the comments, feedback, but sometimes, I can't always shake it off.
For those who know me, patience is not my strongest point when it comes to waiting for something. My anxiety levels go sky high. On top of that, the constructive feedback from various people have made me question my ability.
Oh, I know I can write a damned fine story! I am the storyteller, but what works for me in grammer, is not always working for others and it's a tough pill to swallow.
Even as i write that, I am very aware of the readers who've enjoyed the books so much, they hound me to finish the third!! Plus, a writer's digest judge considered my book good enough for screen - whoohooo!
On top of that, having offered to give my book away for free, only one person took me up on the offer!!! I can't even give my award-winning book away!
I know it's fierce competition out there and at this moment I am wondering if I should continue?????????
http://www.pjroscoe.co.uk
Freya's Child
I have been feeling let down, conned, stupid and vulnerable these last few weeks by people who promise much, but deliver nothing. being an author, over the years I have found that I need a hard outer skin, to take the lies, the broken promises, the comments, feedback, but sometimes, I can't always shake it off.
For those who know me, patience is not my strongest point when it comes to waiting for something. My anxiety levels go sky high. On top of that, the constructive feedback from various people have made me question my ability.
Oh, I know I can write a damned fine story! I am the storyteller, but what works for me in grammer, is not always working for others and it's a tough pill to swallow.
Even as i write that, I am very aware of the readers who've enjoyed the books so much, they hound me to finish the third!! Plus, a writer's digest judge considered my book good enough for screen - whoohooo!
On top of that, having offered to give my book away for free, only one person took me up on the offer!!! I can't even give my award-winning book away!
I know it's fierce competition out there and at this moment I am wondering if I should continue?????????
http://www.pjroscoe.co.uk
Freya's Child
October 22, 2013
New Guest author blog
http://www.pjroscoe.co.uk/?page_id=258
I have a new guest author, Tina Brown, check out her blog on my website http://www.pjroscoe.co.uk
I love all this collaboration lark! Meeting other authors and working together - all good.
I have a new guest author, Tina Brown, check out her blog on my website http://www.pjroscoe.co.uk
I love all this collaboration lark! Meeting other authors and working together - all good.
October 18, 2013
Feedback for 'Freya's Child' that made me feel good!
21st Annual Writer’s Digest Annual Self-Published Book Awards
Entry Title: Freya's Child
Author: P.J Roscoe
Judge Number: 74
Entry Category: Genre Fiction
Books are evaluated on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 meaning “needs improvement” and 5 meaning “outstanding”. This scale is strictly to provide a point of reference, it is not a cumulative score and does not reflect ranking.
Structure and Organization: 4
Grammar: 3
Production Quality and Cover Design: 3
Plot (if applicable): 4
Character Development (if applicable): 4
Judges Commentary*:
The writing crackles with excitement, and tells a fascinating story that lends itself well to the horror/thriller genre. The crosscutting of scenes and shifting from third to first person narration is effectively done. This book would lend itself quite well to being filmed commercially. The cast of characters, especially Helen as she quickly emerges to become the primary protagonist, are, individually and collectively, certainly strong enough to command center stage throughout the novel, and will successfully engage the reader's interest in wanting to know what will happen next. This is a really entertaining plot that could easily appeal to a wide audience.
The most pervasive issue that undermines the professionalism of this novel is improper punctuation, especially use of the comma in dialogue. It is recommended that the author acquire the short reference work, The Elements of Style by Strunk and White, which belongs on every writer's desk; my copy is within reach as I write this. These are the nuts-and-bolts details that prompt most of us to cry out, 'But I'm a storyteller, not a grammarian!' Nonetheless, the Devil is in the details and so it has to be done right. Proper use of the semi-colon, the comma, the question mark etc. is essential in presenting a novel for consideration.
*Commentary may be quoted as: “Judge, Writer’s Digest 21st Annual Self-Published Book Awards”
Having had one honest feedback regarding my punctuation I am in the process of going over it again. Having received this from a judge, I will go over it more carefully!
I think, for me, when I write, I hear it being said out-loud, but on paper, it doesn't project as well.
"I walked down the road..."
"I walked, down the road..."
The second adds flavour, mischief, sinister apprehension perhaps?
That said, I am reassured by other readers who have loved the books and didn't notice anything amiss. It seems they all agree that I can create a good story, so that is in itself, a wonderful thing to know xx and I will endeavour to continue creating and weaving and better myself.
Freya's Child
http://www.pjroscoe.co.uk
Entry Title: Freya's Child
Author: P.J Roscoe
Judge Number: 74
Entry Category: Genre Fiction
Books are evaluated on a scale of 1 to 5, with 1 meaning “needs improvement” and 5 meaning “outstanding”. This scale is strictly to provide a point of reference, it is not a cumulative score and does not reflect ranking.
Structure and Organization: 4
Grammar: 3
Production Quality and Cover Design: 3
Plot (if applicable): 4
Character Development (if applicable): 4
Judges Commentary*:
The writing crackles with excitement, and tells a fascinating story that lends itself well to the horror/thriller genre. The crosscutting of scenes and shifting from third to first person narration is effectively done. This book would lend itself quite well to being filmed commercially. The cast of characters, especially Helen as she quickly emerges to become the primary protagonist, are, individually and collectively, certainly strong enough to command center stage throughout the novel, and will successfully engage the reader's interest in wanting to know what will happen next. This is a really entertaining plot that could easily appeal to a wide audience.
The most pervasive issue that undermines the professionalism of this novel is improper punctuation, especially use of the comma in dialogue. It is recommended that the author acquire the short reference work, The Elements of Style by Strunk and White, which belongs on every writer's desk; my copy is within reach as I write this. These are the nuts-and-bolts details that prompt most of us to cry out, 'But I'm a storyteller, not a grammarian!' Nonetheless, the Devil is in the details and so it has to be done right. Proper use of the semi-colon, the comma, the question mark etc. is essential in presenting a novel for consideration.
*Commentary may be quoted as: “Judge, Writer’s Digest 21st Annual Self-Published Book Awards”
Having had one honest feedback regarding my punctuation I am in the process of going over it again. Having received this from a judge, I will go over it more carefully!
I think, for me, when I write, I hear it being said out-loud, but on paper, it doesn't project as well.
"I walked down the road..."
"I walked, down the road..."
The second adds flavour, mischief, sinister apprehension perhaps?
That said, I am reassured by other readers who have loved the books and didn't notice anything amiss. It seems they all agree that I can create a good story, so that is in itself, a wonderful thing to know xx and I will endeavour to continue creating and weaving and better myself.
Freya's Child
http://www.pjroscoe.co.uk
October 14, 2013
Free Halloween gift
Looking at Echoes by P.J Roscoe @derwenna1 at #smashwords https://t.co/RkXgVSZcBb Free gift for 1st five people to contact from 14th Oct
I am offering this in exchange for an honest review to be placed on Amazon/ Goodreads and anywhere else you are online.
I am offering this in exchange for an honest review to be placed on Amazon/ Goodreads and anywhere else you are online.
October 9, 2013
When Tomorrow comes...
"Well, last night, when I was lying in your arms and I was wondering where you were. You know you looked just like a baby, fast asleep in this dangerous world..."
Anyone who knows the band 'Eurythmics' will know that song!
I thought it apt for how I feel.
Tomorrow I give my talk at Greasby library to an audience of ? I could barely sleep last night and I watched, with my cat, Eric, my husband lying fast asleep, with not a care in the world and for a moment, I envied him.
Oh don't be misled. We have many stresses around our life with jobs, kids, house, life in general, you know, the usual stuff, but somehow, hubbie manages to go to sleep - I, on the other hand, am different.
I went over and over my talk, found it boring and went over it again. I want to inform, to inspire, to give anyone coming a snippet or a mountain of information depending on where they are in their journey.
At the same time, this isn't a lesson, it's a half hour talk, with readings, Q&A and hopefully some signings. It's all VERY nerve-wracking. So when tomorrow comes, take a moment to think of me, an inexperienced, yet willing author giving a stomach churning, wobbily legged talk on life so far as a self-published author!
http://www.pjroscoe.co.uk
Freya's ChildEchoes
Anyone who knows the band 'Eurythmics' will know that song!
I thought it apt for how I feel.
Tomorrow I give my talk at Greasby library to an audience of ? I could barely sleep last night and I watched, with my cat, Eric, my husband lying fast asleep, with not a care in the world and for a moment, I envied him.
Oh don't be misled. We have many stresses around our life with jobs, kids, house, life in general, you know, the usual stuff, but somehow, hubbie manages to go to sleep - I, on the other hand, am different.
I went over and over my talk, found it boring and went over it again. I want to inform, to inspire, to give anyone coming a snippet or a mountain of information depending on where they are in their journey.
At the same time, this isn't a lesson, it's a half hour talk, with readings, Q&A and hopefully some signings. It's all VERY nerve-wracking. So when tomorrow comes, take a moment to think of me, an inexperienced, yet willing author giving a stomach churning, wobbily legged talk on life so far as a self-published author!
http://www.pjroscoe.co.uk
Freya's ChildEchoes
October 1, 2013
Kindness is a gift.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00CCUB80C...
Above is a link to a fellow authors next novel, due out on October 10th, 'The Manhattan Puzzle by Laurence O' Bryan.
This man helped me a few months ago by giving me a spot on his website as a guest author. http://bit.ly/ZTiyE9
It showed me that there truly are kind people out there who are willing to help others, be it a guest spot, an interview (with Susan Finley on her website)or another guest blog with Manic Readers. The lady who run this site, Ivy, was so surprised that I wasn't going to demand a particular day that my blog was featured, she kindly allowed it earlier than expected.
I am learning as I move along this path, that people are willing to spend time, give you a leg up, space to voice your opinion if common courtesy is forth-coming.
I wonder in this age of technology that people are forgetting how to speak with others? To communicate with kindness and compassion and understanding and love, I fear are becoming feelings of the past? Skype, e-mails, mobile phones, texting have robbed us of our ability to speak and communicate with our brothers and sisters.
I am setting up a guest author page on my website
http://www.pjroscoe.co.uk
And I will welcome an author, regardless of how many books he/she may be selling, but on courtesy. I have been shown kindness, I am a kind lady, so who'll be the first to contact me for the first slot?
Freya's Child
Above is a link to a fellow authors next novel, due out on October 10th, 'The Manhattan Puzzle by Laurence O' Bryan.
This man helped me a few months ago by giving me a spot on his website as a guest author. http://bit.ly/ZTiyE9
It showed me that there truly are kind people out there who are willing to help others, be it a guest spot, an interview (with Susan Finley on her website)or another guest blog with Manic Readers. The lady who run this site, Ivy, was so surprised that I wasn't going to demand a particular day that my blog was featured, she kindly allowed it earlier than expected.
I am learning as I move along this path, that people are willing to spend time, give you a leg up, space to voice your opinion if common courtesy is forth-coming.
I wonder in this age of technology that people are forgetting how to speak with others? To communicate with kindness and compassion and understanding and love, I fear are becoming feelings of the past? Skype, e-mails, mobile phones, texting have robbed us of our ability to speak and communicate with our brothers and sisters.
I am setting up a guest author page on my website
http://www.pjroscoe.co.uk
And I will welcome an author, regardless of how many books he/she may be selling, but on courtesy. I have been shown kindness, I am a kind lady, so who'll be the first to contact me for the first slot?
Freya's Child
