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Matthew Drzymala
Matthew Drzymala - First Novel Progress!
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Doesn't have to be novel-length to make an impact, Matt! Short stories and novellas (drabbles even) can still pack in a great storyline and some good ideas. :)Don't do yourself down with the 'just a novella'. Quality not quantity. :)
Thanks Jonathan :) I like novella's. I want to finish my novel but as you know it's a lot of work. I think I'm happy to churn out novella's for now while chipping away on my novel.I don't get a lot of time to write so a novel is extremely demanding, but I'm chipping away at it a bit at a time. Hoping to release it next summer :)
I would like to do a Bumpkinton novel, but so far I have storylines that I think suit novella's. I want to come up with a corker of a story before I attempt a full length novel for the village :)
The Bumpkinton Tales: The Bachelor is available to buy from today! It is the second novella in the Bumpkinton series and you don't have to have read my other stories to enjoy it, but it helps. You'll find out more on those below too.Here is the blurb for The Bachelor:
If there is one thing Fenton knows, it’s that he’s a ladies man. With a stylish suit, perfect hair and a seductive smile that can send women weak at the knees, he knows he’s got it all.
However, Fenton has a secret. He’s no longer single.
As the Bumpkinton Singles Night draws close, Fenton arrives in the village to woo the ladies. Even a secret lover won’t stop him from indulging in his favourite hobby, flirting, but how much can he get away with?
You can download it here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bumpkinton-Ta...
I have two stories available for free today. To coincide with the release of my new Bumpkinton novella, The Bachelor and that these two are both shortlisted for an IBB SpaSpa award I have decided to do a free run until 25th June 2014.
You don't have to have read them to read my new novella, but they will give you a feel for some of the characters.
Last Christmas: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Last-Christma...
Bittersweet: http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Bumpkinto...
I have received my first review on Goodreads and Amazon.5 Stars - My favourite of the series so far
Yet another cracking story in the Bumpkinton series of novellas and short stories, and my favourite of all three. This one is not so much a whodunit as a “who is the mystery lady”. When vain, “man about town” ladies man Fenton visits his brother in Bumpkinton he is also meeting his secret lady friend. But who is she? We are given plenty of potential girlfriends from the female population of Bumpkinton, but we won’t find out her identity right until the end. And, there is something she doesn’t know – whilst in Bumpkinton, Fenton fully intends on attending the village Singles Night! We are then set up for a funny read which really made me giggle at times as I watched the entire village population of singletons try their hand at speed dating.
What I had come to expect from these reads though is that not everything will go according to plan – and whilst for some there will be a happy ending, there will definitely be disappointment for others. I am really enjoying this series of stories, which are full of colourful amusing characters in a wonderful location which is turning out not to be quite as “cosy” as it first appeared. A series of stories that are well worth a read, funny and amusing but always with a little bit of pathos tucked in there at the end.
Fantastic news yesterday when I found out that my short story, Last Christmas was announced as the Winner of the Short Story award for the Indie Book Bargains SpaSpa Awards.My novella, Bittersweet, was a runner up in the Best Novelette section. These were my first two released stories and I am over the moon to have been voted for by fellow indies.
You can buy my award winning short and runner up novelette right now from Amazon :)
Last Christmas: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Last-Christma...
Bittersweet: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bumpkinton-Ta...
Congrats! I'm not surprised though, they were both wonderful. I've bought the Bachelor an am very much looking forward to reading it!
Thanks Kathryn :) I have a third novella part written and I started this years Christmas story today. I think, like Last Christmas, it won't be packed full of twists or have a massive twist.It will be like Last Christmas in that it just follows a story of a character. It's certainly strange writing a Christmas tale when it's sunny with blue skies outside! :)
I'd also like to announce that if anybody who has read my stories and would like to be kept up to date with the latest news you can follow me on Facebook at:https://www.facebook.com/mattdrzymala...
or Twitter
www.twitter.com/mattdauthor
And my website at:
www.matthewdrzymala.com
Kathryn wrote: "Congrats! I'm not surprised though, they were both wonderful. I've bought the Bachelor an am very much looking forward to reading it!"You won't be disappointed Kathryn!
Thanks :) I'm glad you enjoyed it. Still working on this years Christmas Tale. Won't have quite the sad ending Last Christmas had but feel it still needs a side story running through it. Thanks to everyone who reads my stories. When I write I never expect anybody to like them so to hear back from readers is a wonderful feeling :)
Well done Matthew and very well deserved. :-))
I've updated my website with the latest news and I shall add it here too. I am currently on the 2nd draft of my Christmas short story set in Bumpkinton.The Bachelor was likely to be my final piece of work for the year, but I have decided that the Bumpkinton stories do work with a festive short story.
While Last Christmas won an award and received a number of positive reviews, it was also accused of lacking plot or twists. I hadn't planned that story to have them, but it's not easy to convey that to the average readership. I have tried to put a little bit in that makes you think 'Eh?'
A twist? A small one, but I wanted to tell a story with this one. I hope it is a little cheeky twist. I mainly hope people just feel Christmassy when they read it and are happy to be back amongst some old friends.
The working title is Albert's Christmas (subject to change, but maybe not) and will focus on the village tramp, Albert Scatterhorn. The story will also feature Father O'Grady and Father Stawker as well as some cameos from some old characters as well as a couple of new ones.
Release date and cover will be released over the coming months.
I've posted a question on my Goodreads blog as well as on Facebook and Twitter. Do get involved with your opinions! :)https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog...
https://www.facebook.com/mattdrzymala...
https://twitter.com/mattdauthor/statu...
I have been interviewed today by Lynzie Fitzpatrick from Limelight Literature. You can find out about my favourite Bumpkinton character, my thoughts on Fenton O'Grady from The Bachelor as well as some news about the future:http://matthewdrzymala.com/2014/10/13...
I have been interviewed by Eatsleepwrite.net about mt novella, The Bachelor.Find out more here:
http://eatsleepwrite.net/drzymalaintv
I am running a launch party for my new Bumpkinton Christmas short story, Albert's Christmas.While I write next years novella/novel set in the village I am filling in the gap by releasing this festive extra.
If you would like to join the online launch party on 12th December 2014 then join below:
https://www.facebook.com/events/14983...
There will be a chance to win a free copy of the short story, Amazon gift cards (just in time for Christmas!) as well as fantastic signed copies of brilliant books by fellow indie authors. Do join me, I'd love to see as many people there as possible :)
To go with my launch party, I am gathering a list of books by fellow indie authors that will be given away for free as part of my launch day.So far, the free giveaway books will include:
FAG by Jonathan Hill (Signed copy)
Eight Crowns to Brno by Paul Simpson (Digital copy)
Bang by David Wailing (Signed copy)
Auto by David Wailing (Digital copy)
Message in a Bottle by Kath Middleton (Signed copy)
On top of this I shall be giving away a free copy of Albert's Christmas, 4 Bumpkinton themed pens and two Amazon gift cards.
There may be more free books to come.
Join my launch party today and join in on 12th December :)
https://www.facebook.com/events/14983...
I now have the FULL list of prizes on offer. Check them out and join in the fun!http://matthewdrzymala.com/2014/11/29...
Today I have a website update with an interview with the fabulous Cecilia Peartree!Read about her new book, The Christmas Puzzle, as well as what she would take to a desert island...
http://matthewdrzymala.com/2014/12/10...
Today see's the release of my new short story, Albert's Christmas. This is a festive extra from my Bumpkinton Tales series.The story sees the village tramp, Albert Scatterhorn, step forward to fill some very big black boots as a last minute crisis threatens to spoil the evening for the children.
This story is full of silly humour and some sadness too.
I hope you enjoy it. You can pick it up here: http://authl.it/B00Q1J55GS?d
I am also giving away my three earlier Bumpkinton stories, the short story Last Christmas and the two novella's, Bittersweet and The Bachelor. Here's the links if you fancy checking them out but hurry, they are only free until 14th December:
0.5 Last Christmas: http://authl.it/B00HFRAI12?d
1.0 Bittersweet: http://authl.it/B00HFRRJ50?d
2.0 The Bachelor: http://authl.it/B00L5T9QHS?d
I am also running a launch party on Facebook with lots of free prizes up for grabs, so join in today before the prizes go and say hello! :)
https://www.facebook.com/events/14983...
Matt
It's almost time for the big day so before Christmas has gone and while you're still feeling festive, I have a new short story out now from my Bumpkinton Tales series. There's a Christmas crisis in Bumpkinton and Fathers Whitworth O'Grady & Harrison Stawker must find somebody to fill some very big, black boots. With protests, flirty florists and a vindictive journalist in their way time is running out. Then someone steps forward to take on the challenge. Someone they did not expect....
Albert's Christmas has been described as "full of delightful and eccentric characters" with "lots of festive cheer".
I hope you'll agree :)
http://authl.it/B00Q1J55GS?d
With the release of Albert's Christmas I have been interviewed by Cecilia about Bumpkinton and beyond.Check out the interview at the link below:
https://ceciliapeartree.wordpress.com...
I was recently asked to take part in an author blog tour to talk about my current work in progress.You can find out the fun details on my website:
http://matthewdrzymala.com/2015/02/26...
You will also find the title reveal for my next Bumpkinton story. I'm aiming for a novel, though I am still unsure if I'll manage it! :D
I am giving away my short story, Brainstorm, for FREE between 19th-23rd March 2015. Brainstorm shot to the top of the psychological free download charts last summer selling over 600 copies.Here's the synopsis:
Clinical psychologist Michael Eriksson makes a living from helping others, but after a series of events he is left fighting to pick up the pieces of his own shattered psyche. When he is called to an attempted suicide on a stormy summer's night, Michael has the chance to save a life, but will it be his own?
If you enjoy it then please do leave a review. I have a much longer sequel planned.
UK: http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00JMSPGXW...
US: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00JMSPGXW/?...
Recently I was interviewed by fellow indie author, Melissa Holden. I think I may have answered more questions than she was expecting!Read about my writing and upcoming works below!
https://melissaholden.wordpress.com/2...
My latest blog/website update is about meeting a very talented indie author as well as the prospect of meeting more later this year.It's a great way to make connections and put faces to names to people I know online but haven't met face to face, until now!
Here's my latest blog post about meeting fellow indie authors! :)
http://matthewdrzymala.com/2015/04/23...
Today I am happy to officially announce future plans in my Bumpkinton Tales series. Although I have mentioned it as a possibility in the past the next Bumpkinton story, The Fantastical Gregory Shortbread, will officially be a novel and will be released in both Book and paperback forms. It is currently in the process of being written and is some way off yet. I’ve yet to finish the first draft and already know it’s going to need a fair bit of work when I do get to the end of draft 1.I can also announce that all my previous Bumpkinton stories will be released in paperback for the first time in The Bumpkinton Tales: Volume I. This collection will not include The Fantastical Gregory Shortbread due to it being a novel in its own right. The collection will however include a previously unreleased bonus short story inspired by last years competition winner, Pat Allen.
I am yet to decide whether both paperbacks will be released simultaneously or if they will be released separately. This will depend on a number of factors, but I’ll make an announcement nearer the time.
I have no talent for design whatsoever and today I am launching a competition for all those budding artists and creative types out there. I am looking for somebody to design a logo and a coat of arms for my Bumpkinton Tales. You can either design just the logo, just a coat of arms or you can design both. They can be colourful or in black and white, whatever you want it to be. Unfortunately I cannot afford to pay but the winner/s will receive lots of free stuff.
What stuff can you win then?
Well, the winner/s will receive signed copies of The Bumpkinton Tales: Volume I and The Fantastical Gregory Shortbread as well as a number of Bumpkinton products with their logo and coat of arms on it, including pens, advertising cards plus other little bits and pieces that I’ll decide upon a little nearer the time. Their names shall also appear in Acknowledgment pages in all of my stories. A full list of prizes will appear when the winner/s are chosen.
So, how do you get involved?
Well, if you’d like to get involved just drop me a private message on my Facebook page, which can be found at: www.facebook.com/mattdrzymalaauthor
Don’t have Facebook? Then just go to ‘Contact‘ at the top of this website and send me a message and I will send you a private email to send your entries to.
If you haven’t read my Bumpkinton stories, here’s a quick flavour. They are silly, humorous stories set in a strange village with a band of quirky, colourful characters who rarely get on.
The winning entries will be chosen by my partner, Elaine, to filter out any bias towards any friends who may enter. The closing date for entries is: Tuesday 31st June 2015, this is so I can start incorporating the logo and coat of arms onto my cover designs which will start well in advance of release. Do not worry about getting your entries perfect for the closing date. I am happy to accept sketches with the final product, if it wins, to be completed within a time period after closing that will be decided upon by myself and the winner/s.
Good luck to everybody who wants to have a punt.
Having written mostly short stories and novellas, I am currently working on my first novel in The Bumpkinton Tales series, The Fantastical Gregory Shortbread.I finished the first draft in November then had a breather. I printed it out this weekend and decided to tackle it in 5 chapter chunks, making notes on a pad or on the print out. I tried on the screen but I just couldn't get it to work, editing like that is easy enough in short stories, but I found it ridiculously difficult, hence the print out.
Still got a lot to do, and the more I look at it, the further the release date slips back.
Hopefully I can release this story this year. I've had this story in my head since mid-2013 so it will be a relief when it's all done and dusted.
Frenchie wrote: "Better late than never. Good luck with your writing but don't forget to have fun too. :-) Here is a little something to make you smile. "
Haha, thanks Frenchie! I'll get there, though there are some chapters I'm dreading, however the groundwork is there, I suppose ripping up a chapter and completely re-writing it with a basic foundation is better than having nothing to work on and no ideas!
Anyway, my new novella in the Bumpkinton series is available to buy from 21st June. You can add it to your 'to read' list from today.
I hope people will like it more than the first, this one is more to how I envisaged some of the humour originally and I think the characters from the first have grown a little.
I don't have a storyline for a novel just yet so for the time being it's likely to just be novella's until I think up something befitting a longer tale.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...