What to Read this Weekend
Of course it’s a push – I want to let you know that Not On The Cards is going free this weekend. Only this weekend. Which means, go there this weekend, rapido, and get it. And if you do get it, please do a review.
There are many reasons I like to see the reviews – and none of them have to do with how it boosts sales (although people keep telling me the only way to get good sales is to have many, many positive reviews – oh, and keep writing).
What I look for is how people respond. I aimed the story at a particular segment of the reading world. When I read the reviews, I can determine whether I shot wide, hit the mark, or … any other options would be a kick to the backside, right? I need to know how it’s received by the intended reader.
Did I hit the mark? Are you the reader this story needs? Let me know. Please.
A simple mistake, to fall in love.
Worse, to bear the child in secret.
Worst of all is when her baby is stolen at the birth.
A mother will do anything, travel all worlds, through times and planes and dimensions, even beyond hell, for her child.
Chiri’s first concern should be the safety of her daughter, but as the Gate-Keeper responsible for the lives of millions, those now in grave peril due to her error, she must choose.
Will she sacrifice the search for her child, or abandon her world to the fate decreed in the Cards?
Reviews:
M said: I enjoyed the book. It read like a short story — very fast paced, very focused on plot. I got caught up in Chiri’s desires. … I liked the way it was a growing mystery enfolded in a sci-fi thriller.
L said: Congratulations! It’s so beautifully written, so polished. …writing is so engaging and therefore held my interest. I wanted to keep reading throughout, it’s a page turner! I love the sense of place with Camberwell, too, the markets and the junction. It’s real and grounded. The later scene where the junction itself becomes the portal is really good. I can visualise it all so perfectly. The pace of the scenes … is great. It’s edgy and I felt all the emotions that Chiri was going through.
I loved it, Cage – not a genre I normally read, so thank you for the introduction to it, and for the privilege of being an early reader. Best wishes for a best seller!
C said: Fast paced from the start; I was completely enthralled with her fears and journey. I would recommend this to the person who wants something interesting and different. Not witches, not warlocks, but enough arcane mixed with soft sci-fi, and in places we can see, smell, and hear. Loved it. GoodReads
Meanwhile, back at the ranch … okay, at the computer, still writing.
At the moment, I have two mss (that’s manuscripts, plural) submitted to traditional publishers. Why did I do that if I’m an Indie Author? Because I’m afraid I’m not hitting the mark. Authors have this thing where they always wonder if what they wrote is ‘good enough’ or ‘the right story’ or [you get the idea of suffering from severe lack of confidence].
So I lodged those two and await with bated breath. Well, no, I don’t. If I did that, I’d die of asphyxiation months before anyone even looked at them. I also entered one competition. Not holding my breath for that one either. Hundreds, if not thousands, of people are in there with me.
Some good news: I submitted some stories to StoryMart and two were accepted (I’ll let you know when they go live). That’s an amazing feeling. Someone liked the stories. Leap up and dance around and sing (okay, let’s not get too carried away – all the dogs in the neighbourhood just arced up). Backside back in chair, please.
And my current WIP: The Second Battle for the Wild Hunt is well underway. Next week I’ll put up a storyline/blurb and you can let me know if it’s enough to tempt you to … read the whole story.
