Fiona Tarr's Blog, page 5
May 25, 2020
Timely Read from Ellie Midwood
I don’t share the books I read here often, but I just finished Ellie Midwood’s latest historical fiction novel set in Berlin during the 1920’s.
The book is so very timely, with German government sentiment of that time, not unlike the attitudes of some of our western governments today. The book focussing on people like Ellie, who we need more of in our society if we are to avoid ending up like Nazi Germany in the 1940’s.
Ellie is a great writer, with a style I continue to enjoy. She pulls no punches in describing the debauchery of the darker side of Berlin in the 1920’s but I love the way this book highlights the necessity for some liberalism in all societies because without, we are one sided, controlled, stifled and rather artistically hamstrung.
You can start with book 1 Metropolis, but it isn’t really necessary. If you are looking for a little stroll through the artistic world of Berlin in the 20’s with an undertone of politics and a society being slowly sculptured to blindly allow their government to persecute the minorities, then you’ll enjoy this series.
Just click the image to buy either of these on Amazon, or check them out with your preferred ebook retailer.
May 19, 2020
On Publishing by Marie Lavender
Ever since I can remember, I’ve wanted to write for a living. To seek out the profession of a novelist. At the age of nine, I just knew it. I realize I’m lucky, that not many people can say with absolutely certainty at an early age which is the right career for their life. Most of us entertain different options, until something finally clicks. Our parents, other relatives, some teachers, and even our friends tell us to aim high. The sky’s the limit, and so on, and so forth. To pursue that dream which might seem out of reach. Young writers are often encouraged to keep going.
It’s only later on when reality sets in. We aren’t warned about everything involved in a writer’s success…the fact that writing skill and even some talent are only part of the process (cue all the rejections), and a little business savvy couldn’t hurt. That promotion is half the battle, and so many different steps feed into the final product. Most writers learn that the hard way. My father often looked on with disappointment as I pursued what he termed an ‘unmarketable career’, rather than going into the engineering industry or becoming a computer analyst as my siblings did.
Despite the obstacles, I moved forward, determined to have a book published. After college, I decided to try the new self-publishing craze. Why not? So I prepared some stories and poems for a collection. It was such a proud moment to see the paperback copy, and notice there was a purchase page for the book on Amazon! Upon reflection, now knowing I’ve made my share of mistakes – and wishing somewhat that I’d done more research on how it works before being impulsive – it’s been a learning process, for sure, and none of it was easy. Then again, the most rewarding experiences never are…
I still held out hope that I would find a traditional publisher. I took my time perfecting the big manuscript, and enjoyed being an indie author too. I’d put out a novella now and then in various genres, but most were contemporary romance or romantic suspense. One hard lesson I faced was coming up with the right pen name. I quickly discovered that having multiple pseudonyms was more trouble than it was worth. I’m still working on shifting my backlist so all the books are under this pen name.
In 2011, after my novel-length book was finished – and edited to the best of my ability with the help of critique partners – I began submitting the manuscript to literary agents and publishers. Oh, I had plenty of rejections! Yet, I tried to adopt an outlook of what I call ‘persistence and perseverance’. I kept going despite the letdowns, and the only way to approach it (at least for me) was to submit a query to a new agent or publishing company right after I received a rejection. It’s impossible to overlook that initial stab in the heart when someone sends a form letter that this book you’ve spent so much time laboring over ‘just isn’t the right fit’ for them. But I figured if I didn’t dwell on it too much, and I tried to be a little optimistic by trying one more name on the list, then in the end, I had a better chance of achieving my ultimate goal – publication.
This took time, of course, but I think the method panned out. By August of 2012, I’d received a contract for my first historical romance, and the book was released on February 13th. Much of my journey with the mid-sized publisher was spent on learning the process of being under contract. I released other books with them too, in various subgenres of romance. As my projects evolved, I grew more accustomed to the idea of occasionally publishing my own work on the side.
Having a publisher is a challenge at times, but it can also be nice to fall back on that community of authors and editors. Policies change, though, and what was once the case might not be so again. Whereas with indie publishing, every aspect of the process falls on you as the author (writing, editing, cover art, formatting/uploading to booksellers, marketing/promotion, advertising, and book launches, among other things), unless you’re lucky enough to be able to delegate certain duties or pay for help. Some writers have PAs or assistants who handle the development of their author brand, and investing in book tour services isn’t a bad idea either. But if your budget is on the smaller side, you must do a lot of it yourself. When your book is under contract, that publishing company usually handles the editing, the book cover, and the formatting involved. Some will cover marketing. Each publisher is different, though, and they all have separate expectations. Read your contract thoroughly before you agree to or sign anything, and make sure it lines up well with typical contracts in the industry.
During my time with that publisher, I learned a lot. I evolved as a writer, author, and blogger. I grew more open-minded about different types of marketing, even did radio interviews now and then. Numerous accolades (book and author awards) dotted my portfolio.
However, six years later – last June, in fact – I found myself in a difficult situation. I’d taken for granted that my career would steadily grow as it always had. Instead, those book contracts I’d celebrated weren’t renewed again, as they were before. All nine of them! Grr. The publisher was headed in a different direction, even dropping certain genres from their repertoire. It was a fact that boggled my mind, yet I was forced to adapt to additional rejections as the returned book contracts piled up. It seemed my author career was all about acclimating to constant changes.
That was when I decided to start self-publishing more books. Still, once the rights to my historical series were reverted back to me, I knew I wanted to try submitting to a traditional publisher again. The trilogy was close to my heart – and despite being wary of falling into the same situation – I wasn’t yet willing to send it out into the world without a good representative. I hoped to get a literary agent during this round of submissions, but that sometimes eludes the best of us. I tried, though.
And just when I imagined I might have to resort to publishing the Victorian maritime romance series on my own, I stumbled across a different type of publisher. One claiming to ‘put the author first’. Gears started to turn in my head, and I thought…Hey, why not? What could it hurt to at least try?
The effort was worthwhile. Several weeks later, I reached out to the CEO on Facebook. I’d met her once years before, and just started chatting her up about current events, and wished her good health. We talked about writing too. But I didn’t want to be a pain in the butt either, one of those writers who never leave a prospective publisher or editor alone. I hate to lose a good opportunity, though. People get busy, and I figured it couldn’t hurt anything to remind them of the submission. I had read in numerous articles that it’s okay to check on your submission status. The lack of response was killing me, and really, I just wanted to prepare for a rejection upfront instead of going through the initial shock. In any case, I casually mentioned I’d submitted one of my manuscripts recently. She was shocked, wasn’t aware I had. After searching for the book, she forwarded the story to their acquisitions editor to take a good look. I like that she appreciated my professionalism – mainly submitting the manuscript under my real name instead of the author brand I’d developed. Whoa…people do that? And before I knew it, two hours later, she had emailed me, offering a contract for the book, stating the acquisitions editor loved the story, and noticed the writing was tight and well-edited. She stated they’d be pleased to take on the book, and any follow-up titles for the series.
I was ecstatic! I guess my tenacity paid off, huh?
In summation, do not lose hope if you’re holding out for a traditional publisher. Just make sure you do your homework on each one, and thoroughly read every contract you’re offered. This one was different from my former publisher, but I’m cool with that. I am so excited to see all the new book covers, and what the second editions of those historical romances will look like. I’m hoping to see the Heiresses in Love Series come out soon!
Still, I would recommend the hybrid approach, at least if you ask me. Be just as open to indie publishing alongside the traditional route.
Another reason I chose to self-publish my recently released romantic comedy series, The Misfits Series, is that I knew I would embark on a new-to-me genre with book six in the set. Chasing Ginger, a steamy romantic comedy about a plus-sized heroine, just came out in March.
Every respective book covers the romantic misadventures of each friend in their special group of ‘Misfits’. The final book in the series is a LGBT romantic comedy, actually a lesbian romance. And even though I have evolved considerably as an author, adopting the multi-genre mindset, I can’t be sure some readers will be open to my leaning in that direction. But all I can do is follow the vision of each book, and the characters therein. Nicole is a unique one, and her story should be told, and I’ll do so to the best of my ability.
Years ago, I discovered that my publisher then was no longer taking on children’s books. So, when the idea for a kid’s fantasy story materialized in my head, I knew I’d need to take special steps to put it out on my own. I even designed the cover for A Little Magick. This story is part of a series, yet it can also be read as a standalone. The first book in the series, Magick & Moonlight, covers the tale of Rosie’s parents. It is a contemporary romantic fantasy. The second edition came out in April, complete with extra material and an all-new book cover.
Book three of the trilogy will probably get released sometime next year, after I finish writing that story. Though M&M was originally published with my former publisher, the full Magick Series will now be self-published.
Things do change, don’t they? But I also know this is right, as I have far more control over how the series develops using this method. The same goes for the other books and series – Eternal Hearts, Code of Endhivar, and the Blood at First Sight Series – which are set to be indie released.
As for any different books in the works? How they get published will solely be dependent upon each project.
The publishing journey for a writer is challenging, no matter whether you decide to go traditional or publish a book on your own – or a bit of both. But in the end, the winding roads still take you right back where you’re meant to be. Pursuing your dream, and following the stories as they come to you.
Why else would you want to be a writer, after all?
GUEST BLOGGER BIO
Multi-genre author of Victorian maritime romance/family saga, Heiresses in Love, and 18 other books. Marie Lavender lives in the Midwest with her family and two cats. She has been writing for a little over twenty-five years. She has more works in progress than she can count on two hands. Since 2010, Marie has published 21 books in the genres of historical romance, contemporary romance, romantic suspense, paranormal romance, romantic comedy, dramatic fiction, fantasy, science fiction, mystery/thriller, literary fiction and poetry. An avid blogger on the side, she writes adult fiction, as well as occasional stories for children, and has recently started some young adult fiction. She also contributed to several anthologies. Though Marie has standalone titles on the market, her current published series are The Eternal Hearts Series, The Magick Series, The Code of Endhivar Series, The Misfits Series and The Blood at First Sight Series, but she has many others planned. Her Victorian maritime romance series is returning, and the second editions of the trilogy will be released soon under her new publisher, Foundations Books. Discover more about her and her work at the following links.
Official Website: http://marielavender.com/
Blogs: http://iloveromanceblog.wordpress.com/
http://marielavender.blogspot.com/ http://marielavenderbooks.blogspot.com/
Social Media: https://www.facebook.com/marie.lavender.58
https://www.facebook.com/MarieAnnLavender
https://twitter.com/marielavender1
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/marie-lavender/27/187/10a https://www.instagram.com/marielavender1/
Amazon author page: http://bit.ly/MarieLavender
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6938764.Marie_Lavender
Follow her on BookBub for new release updates: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/marie-lavender
Universal Reading List link: https://books2read.com/rl/marielavendersbooks
Sign up for Marie’s Newsletter: http://bit.ly/1g3wO13
Fan mail email: writeme.marielavender@gmail.com
May 11, 2020
Reign of Retribution Cover Reveal
So close to release now! I thought it might be time to share a cover reveal with you.
I’m still working on the blurb (I really struggle with them) and as soon as I have it ready, I’ll share it. The manuscript is with my editor and should be back within the next week or two.
In the meantime, you’ll find book 1 of this series on sale for 99c. The Jericho Prophecy was a finalist in 2 awards in 2018 when it was released, so it should be worth your time. Find it on all ebook sellers on sale for the month of May.
May 7, 2020
So Busy for Isolation
I just realised it’s been nearly two months since I touched base and shared anything on my website. Considering we’ve been in lock down here in Australia, it’s hard to believe just how busy I’ve been.
Book 3 – Final Draft is with my Beta readers.
I’m tossing around names and working on the cover as we speak, but I’m expecting to get this out late May, early June depending on my editor’s workload.
I had to make some name changes that might upset the historical buffs, but believe me; Ahaziah, Athaliah, Jehosheba and Jehoiada were way too close to get dialogue or scenes flowing properly. You’ll see once I release it.
In case you have not read book 1 & 2 in The Eternal Realm Series, then make sure you grab your copy of book 1 – The Jericho Prophecy for only 99c. This book was a finalist in the Mythology genre with Readers Favourite and it was # 1 new release for nearly two weeks. Don’t ask me why, but if you read it, maybe you’ll work it out.
Grab your copy for only 99c NOW! On Amazon
Not the Only Thing Keeping Me Busy!
Now, I can’t blame this new book for taking up all my time this past few months. Even though we have been in isolation, we’ve actually been busy with work (online mostly). Also, because we can still exercise at the beach, I’ve been foil surfing and kiting.
And when we weren’t doing these fun things, we were catching up on some overdue house projects.
So in actual fact, it’s a miracle I even got the third book finished. I’ll be revealing the cover in the next week and sending the book off for a final edit. I hope you and your family are keeping safe. Feel free to share what you’ve been doing during this weird lockdown time.
March 17, 2020
Coronavirus and My Writing Delays
I was all set to get stuck into writing after we moved our business recently, but then the Coronavirus Pandemic was announced and things started to change drastically.
Who would have thought you could waste half a day running around trying to find toilet paper or tissues. The world has gone completely mad.
The fall out from the Coronavirus for us here in Australia is yet to be fully felt, I’m sure but so far we’ve had cancelled bookings (my day job is tourism based) and we’ve seen significant downturn in local spending. All of this means I need to dedicate a little more time for at least a little longer to ensuring our family business keeps ticking away. While also ensuring we keep infections to a minimum to keep our families (particularly the oldies) from harms way. (My oldest son is randomly spraying the hallways with Glen 20 as we speak).
The benefit is, I’ve spent more time on the water lately. It’s part of the job to promote the product and I hope one day I’ll be in the position to do the same for my writing (attending events and book signings etc) but that is a way off for now.
As I draft my next two books, I would really appreciate your feedback. If you have read any of my books, please leave a review on your favourite ebook store. Here is a link to my author page on Amazon if that gives you a placer to start.
If you are looking to catch up on some reading during forced quarantine or social distancing, then take a look at these two awesome giveaway opportunities. Warning! Some of the romance books look a little hot for some tastes, so please select carefully.
February 10, 2020
2020 – The Year to Write
The end of 2019 started out with some major catastrophes to be honest; my father in law had to have heart surgery and our youngest son had a serious accident that landed him in a coma for 2 days and in hospital for 9 days. So… 2020 snuck up on me when I was least prepared for it.
Having said that, both my father in law and our son are recovering (after some very sketchy moments) and we have made some major changes to the way we run our water sports business; changes that will allow me more time to spend writing the stories I love for my small, but dedicated fan base.
I might even find the time to write a couple of stand alone novels based on the research I did in Egypt last year, but first, I’ll be writing book 3 in both my current series.
I think this might be the last book in The Eternal Realm series, at least for a little while, but Ariela has many more adventures planned in The Priestess Chronicles.
I’d really love to know which series you liked most, The Eternal Realm or The Priestess Chronicles? If you have read them, maybe you could comment below to share your thoughts or put up a review on your favourite book on Amazon or your preferred ebook retailers.
For now, The Priestess Chronicles is still in KU (kindle unlimited), and will be until the end of April, so if you read on KU, now is a great time to catch up on both these stories. As I’m getting more and more sales from other ebook resellers lately, I will be removing the series from KU at the end of April.
I’m doing a little experiment with this post. I’d love to know how many books you read a year. It doesn’t matter if it’s 2 or 200, if you can comment below or reply to my email newsletter (my contact page is on the blink), I’d love to know.
That’s it for now. I’m moving our water sports business over the next few weeks, so if I’m a little off grid, you’ll understand why.
November 6, 2019
Kindle Unlimited!
I’ve just added The Priestess Chronicles to Kindle Unlimited as promised and it’s live, ready to read.
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October 2, 2019
Relic Seeker Released
Relic seeker will be available on Amazon and all ebook retailers until the 1st November. Then both book 1 & 2 will be going into Kindle Unlimited, so if you read on Kobo or Apple etc, grab your copy today.
You can read the blurb on the sales page, but I thought I’d give you a little taste of what you’ll find in this next instalment.
This scene is early in the book, so no spoilers:
Culaan felt Ariela’s hand slip from his as the sensation of spinning abated. He opened his eyes with panicked urgency and looked around into the gloomy forest.
‘Did you hear what Morrigan said?’ Genevieve asked Culaan casually as she tried to focus on his face in the dim light of predawn grey that greeted them.
‘Where is Ariela?’ Culaan turned around more than once, his eyes squinting into the dim surroundings trying to make out where they were, where Ariela was.
Genevieve lifted her bow from her shoulder and the ethereal light sprang into a bright silvery glow. Culaan pulled his sword from its scabbard and it too lit the early morning dimness with mystical light. The two warriors circled defensively with their backs together.
‘She isn’t here Cul.’ Genevieve could sense her best friend’s panic through his body which shuddered with supressed fear and anger.
‘That damned Angel has taken her and left us behind.’ Culaan snarled the words and Genevieve felt her own anxiety rising.
‘No, we are not in the land of our clans Culaan. Look!’ Genevieve nodded to the flat plain that greeted them beyond the trees. ‘She must be here somewhere.’
Just as the pair of warriors relaxed, the sound of movement amongst the thick forest caused Genevieve to redraw her bow.
‘Don’t make any sudden moves.’ Culaan warned.
‘Since when have I needed your instruction in battle!’
Culaan looked over his shoulder and caught sight of their foe. ‘We are surrounded. What was that damned Angel thinking?’ He moved his sword between himself and the closest warrior. It seemed to buzz and sizzle with his frustration.
Genevieve released an arrow that flew through the air, pinning the collar of the closest warrior’s fur-lined coat to the tree branch just behind his left ear. ‘The next one goes between your eyes.’ The arrow sparkled with light but didn’t ignite the coat or the branch. ‘I’m getting the hang of this.’ The Huntress congratulated herself.
‘And that wasn’t a sudden movement now was it!’ Culaan growled as he rolled his sword around his wrist, the lightning like effect leaving streaks in the pre-dawn light.
‘It be the son of Oden Atta.’ A young man’s voice rang out as the first rays of sun crested the distant mountains.
‘Don’t you be going any closer Blaze.’ A broad-shouldered man moved forward, pushing the boy behind him protectively.
‘Look at him Atta. I’m sure it’s him. Look at that sword!’ The boy peered around the warrior to get a better look as he bounced from foot to foot with obvious excitement.
‘Is the boy right? Are you sent from the gods?’
Culaan looked at Genevieve and smiled. The Huntress returned the grin mischievously and shrugged.
‘Technically, yes.’ Culaan answered carefully, wiping the grin from his face as he cautiously sheathed his sword, the light disappearing instantly.
‘What happens in the after-life for those who impersonate gods?’ Genevieve whispered. Culaan frowned appearing to suddenly reconsider the wisdom of his deceit.
‘See Atta. I told you he’s Thor. Just look at him and she must be Skathi.’
‘Take a breath Blaze. We’ll see. Skathi or not, will you lower that bow woman?’
Buy Online:
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I can’t believe I’ve written 9 books in 5 years. I nearly didn’t continue with this series, but that’s another story I’ll share later. I hope you enjoy reading Relic Seeker – book 2 in The Priestess Chronicles.
I’m tossing up continuing with The Priestess Chronicles or returning to write another book in The Eternal Realm series. I’d love your help. Tell me which of my books is your favourite and why?
August 29, 2019
Cover Reveal – Relic Seeker
Help me choose the final cover for book 2 in The Priestess Chronicles. 1, 2 or 3? There are only minor differences between each one, but I’d love your feedback. Maybe you even like parts of each. Just leave your comment below.
I’m still working on the book blurb, but here is a draft.
A young time travelling, magic wielding Priestess and her gifted friends seek an ancient Goth relic that has the power to change history.
This isn’t the Priestess Ariela’s first trip through time, but now she has friends along for the journey. But when she arrives, she is alone, dressed as a servant, yet surrounded by opulence. Her guide and mentor, the Angel Raziel hasn’t given her a clue about her quest and she quickly finds herself serving an enemy from her past.
Ariela realises that keeping her magical powers a secret isn’t going to be easy with a powerful magic wielder hunting her. But when she discovers she is in the middle of a battle to protect an ancient relic—Brisingamen—once worn by the goddess Freya—from being used to change history, she must enlist the help of strangers and find her missing friends.
As Ariela gathers her allies, she realises her powerful adversary isn’t the only threat. She has been betrayed by someone she thought she could trust.
Relic Seeker will be released on the 1st October. If you haven’t read book 1 – Call of the Druids yet, then grab it now at only 99c. Buy on Amazon here. Or on all other ebook retailers here.
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May 16, 2019
Egypt Mythology to Spark a Novel
I don’t write Egyptian mythology, not yet anyway. But after two week of touring Egypt from the Pyramids to the Isis Temple of Philae I have grown inspired by the stories of Pharaohs, Queens, Priests and Conquerors along with the development of culture through religion.
Queen Hatshepsut was said to be despised by her step son, Prince Thutmose III for taking his crown and she appears to be unloved by our guide in Egypt (scornful of her theft from the true monarch). But I found her story one of courage and intelligence in a world dominated by men.
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Then there is King Ekhnaton, the first King of royal blood to be struck from the records by the Priests of Amun-Ra for daring to encourage belief in a monotheistic god. Now there must be a story behind Eknaton’s motivations and it might be a fun one to explore in fantasy.
Further travels brought us to understand that the Egyptian people loved their gods, so much so that all Alexander the Great had to do to be accepted by the people of Egypt as their new King was to claim to be the son of Amun-Ra (and the most powerful man alive of course). Such a simple twist of religious truth to bring the people to his feet, rather than rise up against his rule.
Yet modern Egypt is a place of huge contrasts. From enormous temples of opulence and grandeur to back streets littered with rubbish and broken buildings either fallen-down from neglect or half built for reasons I am yet to discover.
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The people are warm and friendly, yet you can see the hunger in them. A hunger to return to a time of powerful Pharaohs; but they understand that this world we live in now is a world of finance, economy and prosperity, not dominance, war and might.
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Egypt is a place steeped in religious history, from ancient old world gods, through Christian times to past and modern Islam. We visited the Coptic churches in Old Cairo and discovered a Christian Church that had been purchased by the Jewish community and turned into a Synagogue. In a time of financial crisis, it was sold to the Jews for a high price because the water well where Moses drank on his travels could be found in the back yard.
Less than 100 steps down the road is the Abu Serga church, built over the cave where Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus took refuge to hide from King Herod. No matter what your religious beliefs, Jesus is a part of history and the church built above this holy place took my breath away. Even the Muslim community respect this place with a reverence not often seen in the modern western world.
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The area was damaged by fire and it was the Muslim community that helped rebuild both the Synagogue and the Abu Serga Church. This kind of tolerance and respect brings hope to those of us with liberal minds that can see a harmony can be found between all of humanity regardless of our beliefs.
I can see a few stand-alone novels coming out of Egypt, (when I find the time of course).
