Goodreads Authors/Readers discussion
Fantasy
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Welcome Fantasy Authors and Readers!
Hi fellow readers and writers. I have a shameless plug for my book, a theoretical question and a request for marketing advice. I, David Day have written a Heroic Fantasy novel, The Punished. If this is your genre and even if it is not, I invite you to read a sample to get a taste. There is a slightly longer sample at Amazon.
Shameless Plug: In the Realm (a large prosperous feudal country), large scale battles are few because Magic is powerful and crude - until Amandine saves an orphan named Job. Concurrently, the balance that prevented true war has been upset and mages are dying along with peasant, noble and knight by Punishment Circles and the Punished they create. The Punished, men and women who rage with the power killing hundreds or thousands. Only the best can defeat them.
Brother Cecil, a militant monk, finds Amandine, a newly discovered mage, and brings together his pupil, Job, and the third son of the local count, Zedakai to train as a team. Separately each will fall to powers greater than themselves. Together they must find the cause of the circles, discover the reason mages hide and protect the City they love.
Join Job, Zedakai, and Amandine as they learn about themselves and the true dangers around them.
Question: I am a new author and have recently been part of an interesting discussion in the SF and F group regarding the stagnation of the genre. I contended perceived stagnation comes from a lack of story or characters not conventions of the genre (dragons elves etc.) and was interested in your opinion. I ask because the reason I began (at age 47) to write a book for publication was because I had been reading a series where the main character and story were lacking. It seemed the hero was either stupid or contrived and I said, "I can do better than that." out loud. My book is the result of those passionate if naïve words. I think all the dragons, elves and magic you put in a story do not matter without characters and a story, Do you agree?
Advice: I am also curious about marketing. I am open to suggestions here. I am strapped for time and am clueless about marketing. Someone has to see the book before they buy it. It is the specifics that get me.
Thank you for taking the time to read this post. I look forward to your comments.
David Day
David wrote: "Hi fellow readers and writers. I have a shameless plug for my book, a theoretical question and a request for marketing advice. I, David Day have..."
Hi David,
Please feel free to check out my marketing attempts at www.LARC.SciFi.com .
If you are looking to pay for ads, I think that here on Goodreads you'll get a better deal than with facebook of kindle.
I get plenty of positive interactions of Instagram and Twitter, but don't know if its selling any books. I just do it because I feel that they tie in to my reading/ writing passion.
I would like to see the preview of your book please email it to shane_is_tall@yahoo.com if you would like me to consider it to read free for review.
On genre stagnation. I agree with you that people want to read about the lives of other people (or humanoids, elves, dwarves, etc.) and no one wants to read glorified dungeon master quests. I was inspired by stone age archaeology and the fantasy genre, so one created the next in my recent release:
A Paleolithic fable
Sorry if I got spammy! I felt it was relevant, and I love it!
Cheers,
Shane
Hi there. I’m Watts Martin, Yet Another SF/Fantasy Author! I’ve been doing this off and on for...well, a while now, with mostly short stories and novellas. This particular one,
Going Concerns
, is a 99¢ ebook that I published earlier this year through Pronoun; before that, it was part of a small press anthology called Five Fortunes.People from across the empire come to the cosmopolitan city-state of Raneadhros to find new lives. After fleeing a past employer she’s sure tried to have her killed, though, Ann Swift’s having trouble starting over: when you’re a six-foot-six wolf woman, it’s hard to convince people you just want a quiet job as an accountant. When Gibson Scava, a brash feline detective investigating the very employer she’s trying to get away from, barges into her life to get her to work a case with him, it gets even harder.
As assassins show up at her doorstep and the Ranean Guard takes a dim view of her “interference,” Ann needs to decide just much she can trust the flirtatious Gibson—and just how much she’s willing to embrace the Big Bad Wolf stereotype she’s been fighting against her whole life.
Set in a world of Victorian engineering, low magic, and human and animal races, this darkly humorous mystery was nominated for a Cóyotl Award in its original publication.
While I’ve kept this a bit under my hat (not that I wear a hat), the story setup is inspired by the old TV show “Moonlighting.” Just, you know, if instead of Cybill Shepherd and Bruce Willis, you had a wolf and a cat. (Think “Zootopia” more than Wind in the Willows, although in the setting everyone’s more or less human-sized, and the animal races are the equivalent of high fantasy’s elves and dwarves.)
You can find links to all the ebook stores on Pronoun’s Book Page. (Again, only 99¢!)
My name is K.J. Chapman and I write in the SF/ Fantasy genres. My fantasy book Thrown to The Blue was released Nov 11th 2016.Thrown to The Blue
Foretellings have no place for goodness, only greatness. Princess Ezrahli is far from good, but she is a great woman in a conventional Kingdom, followed by whispers and scorn. However, across the waters is un-convention, magic, and fable. Her existence has been foretold in the battle against dark magic, and destiny shall weave itself into her life because darkness cannot be fought with goodness, only greatness.
Smuggling and sorcery leads to adventure, and adventure leads to destiny. Reed is a prince of the streets, but what he lacks in title, he makes up for in skill; a skill that sets him on a path already written in fate. Can he be more than what is expected? Can he enable greatness in another and survive the process?
Vengeance is a motivator, but it can never be your friend. In the end, it will ask for sacrifice, and only the great will pay the fare.
Hey everyone, I'm N.J. I recently entered the world of Self publishing. My first novel is available on Ibooks, Kindle, Nook, Kobo, Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Paperbacks will be available soon. 
I am an avid outdoorsman. I love hiking, photography, camping, backpacking, fishing and snowboarding. Any excuse to get out into the mountains and I will take it. I am currently working on book two. You can find samples of my work on Wattpad and Scriggler.
I love connecting with other authors and fellow readers.
Hi all,My recent epic fantasy remains on sale for a little while longer.
99 cents or free on KindleUnlimited.
As a commoner, Gant is not allowed to study swordsmanship. He does so anyway in secret with the help of his Uncle Jarlz, a nobleman and superior swordsman. One day on the way home from training, Gant stumbles upon a nobleman attempting to rape a peasant girl. Gant puts a stop to it but is branded an outlaw for striking a nobleman. He flees to a lawless city-state outside the realm of his king. There, Gant must learn to survive in a world filled with dangers he has never known. As the world grows darker, Gant is pulled reluctantly toward a destiny he doesn't want. Bent on revenge against the western kingdoms the evil Barlon Gorth summons a demon prince to aid him and only the greatest magic has any chance of stopping them. Gant might be the chess piece capable of neutralizing the demon but a woodland nymph captures his heart and nearly prevents him from getting involved at all. No one can stand alone against the powers of darkness that have been assembled and Gant will have to rely on friends who aren't all what they seem to be.
Hi, my name's Oumaima Tiguint. I want to recommend my new book to you, in hope that you will commit to buying it for me in advanced publication. This book follows a young girl named Miracle in a journey to fin her true identity, but in doing so she came across some mysterious secrets about her family's past and her prophesized fate. If you want to know more about this book go to this link https://publishizer.com/the-heinous-p...
If that sounds like something that you want to read and support then go ahead and make a pledge to pre-order one of my books, the more preorders I get in the next 30 days the more likely I am to get published.
And if you subscribe, you will receive occasional updates from me about my book publishing journey.
Thank you so much for your support!
https://www.amazon.com/Shield-Maidens...Reviews needed. I write many reviews. astarteimmortal at yahoo . com
Hi, I'd like to introduce my latest title "The Sparrow Princess" for your review. It is an epic fantasy and family saga novella for MG/YA. Of course I'd love to get a zillion 5 star reviews on Amazon. But for now, I'm open to discussing it on the book page. I just want people to read it and share their thoughts about it. If you need a copy for free I can arrange to send you a mobi, epub or pdf. Just message me. Thanks. https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
Details for our coming epic fantasy adventure novel - Magic Mirabelle and the Riddle of Night OpiumTitle of Novel: MAGIC MIRABELLE AND THE RIDDLE OF NIGHT OPIUM
Published By: Mirador Publishing – Greenbrook Terrace, Taunton Somerset, United Kingdom.
www.miradorpublishing.com
ISBN and Date of Release: 978-1-911473-80-0.
Book release date: March 2017
Format: ebook and paperback
Length of Novel; 300 pages, approximately 123,000 words
Author’s Name and Location: Manfred, Ex-pat Australian and permanent Danish resident, presently resides in Charlottenlund.
Book’s Rating: Adult, or Young Adult, 15 and over.
Book Buy Links: Amazon (not yet available.) Mirador Publishing www.miradorpublishing.com
Literary Genre and Style: Fairytale, Fantasy, Paranormal Romance, Young Adult Coming of Age Novel, Witchcraft and Magic,
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/magicmirabel...
https://www.facebook.com/magicmirabel...
SYNOPSIS
If you liked Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland and the Narnia and Harry Potter books, you will totally LOVE Mirador Publishing’s latest epic fantasy novel - “Magic Mirabelle and the Riddle of Night Opium.” The story begins in East Finchley London where, after making a Wish with her mother and little brother, the young Witch Mirabelle discovers a Magic Box with a very mysterious and enigmatic riddle in it.
The riddle has been left for Mirabelle by her admirer the Magician and Alchemist Night Opium, who wants to make the young Witch his apprentice and share his knowledge of Magic and Goldmaking with her. After that, Mirabelle discovers that she is not only caught up in the most amazing adventure, but she has also become the central player in the most sinsiter and dreadful game: a game which has been played as part of the Initiation of young Witches and Wizards for generations, called the Dungeons of Lethe Game.
What began for Mirabelle as a madcap Quest for the Philosopher’s Stone, now ends as a terrifying Rite of Passage, where to complete her Initiation as an apprentice Witch, she has to defeat her deadly rivals in the Dungeons of Lethe Game and take part in three Magical Battles, each more psychologically demanding and gruelling than the last.
Fortunately for her, she has powerful allies to help her in the Game, the saucy one foot one Fairy, Apricot Lantern, the madly eccentric Father of Wishes and her devoted admirer, the Romantic Sorceror Night Opium himself. In the thrilling climax to the book, which takes place in the historic centre of Westminster London, the young Witch understands that not only her own fate, but also that of everyone she loves, depends on both her victory in the Dungeons of Lethe Game, along with her finally solving the Riddle of Night Opium.
Filled with many delightful plot twists, nail biting suspense and countless moments of madcap humour and spicy romance, our book, in addition, has more breathtaking scenes of wonderment, magic and enchantment than you will find in just about any fantasy adventure novel anywhere!
A highly innovative and ground-breaking novel that has the potential to help redefine the YA Fantasy- adventure genre.
Get yourself a copy. We promise that you won't be disappointed.
To be released by Mirador Publications in February 2017
Am looking for reviews etc.
Anyone interested in reviewing or just saying hi post to my profile.
Best regards Manfred
Hello! Thank you so much for checking out my post on this thread.
After almost seven years of writing and re-writing and screaming and re-writing again, I am pleased to announce the publishing of my FIRST NOVEL, the sweeping fantasy epic, The Redemption of Brian O'Connor!
For those of you who know me, you know how long and tortuous this process has been. Writing a book is not easy, and writing one while being a dad of two babies and working a full-time job doesn't help. Yet still, by the grace of God, the greatest American realistic fantasy novel is complete! I have shunned the tropes of traditional fantasy to bring you a sweeping epic driven by the struggles of men (and women) and the conflicts they face.
Here is a short description of the story and the map that goes along with it:
"The lands of Northern Caltus are consumed by war; a war that has raged for three bloody decades. The expansionist aggression of the Empire of Elriol is only countered by the defiance of the young khan of the Korghum Khanate, and the two are locked in a desperate struggle for hegemony.
Into this steps the disavowed assassin, Brian O'Connor, once a servant but now his own master. A man with a sordid past, Brian seeks the end of Elriol by any means, even if he must bare blade alongside former enemies to see it done.
In his quest for retribution against the Emperor of Elriol, Brian finds a deeper meaning to life that causes him to question all that he knows. Yet the choices that he makes leave him torn between the retribution that he seeks or the redemption that he needs.
His story, one of courage and strength, cunning and sacrifice, will shatter the foundations of Northern Caltus. A new era in the world begins to the gunfire of Brian O'Connor."
While I am fully aware that self-published books are often a gamble, please check out the sample on my website, or the sample given with the Kindle version on Amazon. You can also find it in paperback on Amazon and CreateSpace.
While I may be a little biased, I am pretty certain you're going to like this story. Chock full of memorable warriors, loyalty, and battle, The Redemption of Brian O'Connor will provide the epic tale you are looking for! The first in a trilogy, be on the lookout for the next two installments!
Let me know what you think! And if you have any questions or comments, I welcome them all! There is no such thing as a bad discussion.
Thanks,
~ N.H. Roncolato
After almost seven years of writing and re-writing and screaming and re-writing again, I am pleased to announce the publishing of my FIRST NOVEL, the sweeping fantasy epic, The Redemption of Brian O'Connor!
For those of you who know me, you know how long and tortuous this process has been. Writing a book is not easy, and writing one while being a dad of two babies and working a full-time job doesn't help. Yet still, by the grace of God, the greatest American realistic fantasy novel is complete! I have shunned the tropes of traditional fantasy to bring you a sweeping epic driven by the struggles of men (and women) and the conflicts they face.
Here is a short description of the story and the map that goes along with it:
"The lands of Northern Caltus are consumed by war; a war that has raged for three bloody decades. The expansionist aggression of the Empire of Elriol is only countered by the defiance of the young khan of the Korghum Khanate, and the two are locked in a desperate struggle for hegemony.
Into this steps the disavowed assassin, Brian O'Connor, once a servant but now his own master. A man with a sordid past, Brian seeks the end of Elriol by any means, even if he must bare blade alongside former enemies to see it done.
In his quest for retribution against the Emperor of Elriol, Brian finds a deeper meaning to life that causes him to question all that he knows. Yet the choices that he makes leave him torn between the retribution that he seeks or the redemption that he needs.
His story, one of courage and strength, cunning and sacrifice, will shatter the foundations of Northern Caltus. A new era in the world begins to the gunfire of Brian O'Connor."
While I am fully aware that self-published books are often a gamble, please check out the sample on my website, or the sample given with the Kindle version on Amazon. You can also find it in paperback on Amazon and CreateSpace.
While I may be a little biased, I am pretty certain you're going to like this story. Chock full of memorable warriors, loyalty, and battle, The Redemption of Brian O'Connor will provide the epic tale you are looking for! The first in a trilogy, be on the lookout for the next two installments!
Let me know what you think! And if you have any questions or comments, I welcome them all! There is no such thing as a bad discussion.
Thanks,
~ N.H. Roncolato
Hello, everyone!!I am a new indie author. I write epic fantasy and my new book, The Empress of Ventra: The Sword of Rhiannon: Book One just came out on Amazon. Book two, The War of the Gypsy will be out sometime in the next couple of months.
The Empress Of Ventra The Sword Of Rhiannon: Book One
Here is the blurb:
She had questions about her past. The answers she received took her to another world and changed her life forever.
Suffering from vivid nightmares, Rhiannon Kossi is sure that
she’s been lied to about her childhood. Seeking the answers to long forgotten questions, she is mysteriously taken from her quiet, simple life on a Montana cattle ranch and thrust into a new, violent world where she is forced to either fight or die. In her quest for answers to her past Rhiannon must accept hard truths that will forever change the course of her life…that is, if she can stay alive.
You will get lost in this spell-binding journey through a breathtaking world of legendary battles, dangerous quests, an ancient prophecy, forbidden love, and brutal self-discovery in book one of the new page-turning epic fantasy series, The Empress of Ventra: The Sword of Rhiannon: Book One. Buy The Empress of Ventra today.
And here's where to get it:
http://www.melissaebeckwith.com/books/
or
https://www.amazon.com/Empress-Ventra...
I am looking for reviewers so if you'd like a FREE copy and you'll agree to give me a review, please contact me at:
MelissaEBeckwith@gmail.com
Thanks, guys!! Have a wonderful day!!
Melissa
Hi all,I wanted to announce the second volume of Book of Kayal, Houses of Light, has been released on Amazon. I'm currently looking for honest reviews. Here's the blurb, links for review giveaways and links fore where I'd be most interested in having some reviews published.
Blurb: The Sky Wing has returned to threaten the Empire. The Demigod Emperor Servak plans one last journey to save the lands, but this time it's not his own. Salus, the Emperor's youngest son, is sent away and his memories are taken from him. After two years of living with no knowledge of his past, things start to change and events unfold. With his last dying breath, Salus' caretaker guides him to where his journey is destined to begin, in the putrid lands of Katabasis, where Ganis, the hero of Utyirth, has been plotting.
Giveaway Links:
DOWNLOAD EPUB: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0Bxn...
DOWNLOAD MOBI: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0Bxn...
DOWNLOAD PDF: https://drive.google.com/open?id=0Bxn...
Review Links:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MYDRC3A
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01MYDRC3A
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
Thank you all.
S.Nileson.
Hi all, I'm Mallory - a new book blogger.
I love to read, especially Young Adult
Have a slight (major) obsession with Harry Potter.
I'm Dutch but currently living in Swansea, Wales.
I love to travel, go out and do fun stuff, go for hikes and read.
Excited to connect with some people who have the same interests as me :)
If you wanna have a look at my blog and let me know what you think I'd love it :D
https://malloryreadsblog.wordpress.com/
Love Mallory x
I'm Mallory - a new book blogger. I love to read, especially Young Adult
Have a slight (major) obsession with Harry Potter.
I'm Dutch but currently living in Swansea, Wales.
I love to travel, go out and do fun stuff, go for hikes and read.
Excited to connect with some people who have the same interests as me :)
If you wanna have a look at my blog and let me know what you think I'd love it :D
https://malloryreadsblog.wordpress.com/
Love Mallory x
Hi again,Looks like there are a lot of interesting books on this list. Too bad we can't read them all, but time is limited.
I just wanted to thank the readers who've posted ratings or reviews of my epic fantasy, Fall of the Western Kings
. It got as high as #37 on the Kindle Fantasy list and continues to sell well. Thanks for making this book a success and to those who've wondered when book 2 will be out, all I can say for sure is that it is being worked on but it won't be released until it is ready.Good reading all.
Goodmorning everybody! My name is Fany and I am still really new to this whole writer thing! My first book is part of a 4-book series, and it belongs in the Fantasy genre. You can take a look at it here https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...! Reviews are truly welcome, either positive or negative. P.S You can also check out my blog fanystravels.com for various opinions and thoughts on everyday matters, and to have a taste of my writing style.
I have released my debut novel, a science fiction, fantasy, and technology thriller. Also posted this in the sci-fi section.
The setting for the book is the fictional world of Elthea’s Realm. Five friends who have drifted apart after college, are involuntarily brought to this land. Here they are befriended by a race of people called the Astari. These people were once computer software programs on Earth, but they evolved, gaining intelligence and became mortal beings. Their nemesis is an evil race called the Bots, who gained physical form after beginning their existence as destructive computer virus programs. Now the Bots are pursuing the five friends because of their participation in a nearly forgotten college course called The Utopia Project.
I enjoy writing about lands that have just a bit of magic in them so that you know things there are different, but not so unbelievable. In many ways, Elthea’s Realm could be Earth. The story is about how five ordinary people, just like you or me, react when not only they are threatened, but the Earth itself is endangered. What are they feeling and thinking? But mostly, how do they respond.
Here's a link to the Goodreads page: Elthea's Realm
My website is: www.johnmurzycki.com
Looking for feedback and reviews. Thanks.
Hi everyone! I published a fantasy book name 'Three Kings (God of War, #1)'. You can check it out in the link below for an unpredictable and complex story that will capture your attention.
https://www.amazon.ca/Three-Kings-God...
Hi everyone! I published a fantasy book name 'Three Kings (God of War, #1)'. You can check it out here for an unpredictable and complex story that will capture your attention.
https://www.amazon.ca/Three-Kings-God...
Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
Hi everyone! I published a fantasy book name 'Three Kings (God of War, #1)'. You can check it out here for an unpredictable and complex story that will capture your attention.
He was a great and brave king who conquered and ruled three adjacent lands. One day, he divided and gave the three lands to his three commanders to go to a faraway land where he built a new kingdom, Esquil. Thirty years had passed, and the three new kings decided to assassinate his son, so he sent his agents to these kingdoms to take revenge on them and reshape the territories. Their mission was to destroy the kingdoms from inside, but their specific plans were hidden from one another.
https://www.amazon.ca/Three-Kings-God...
Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
The Last TrollidWhat more do you want in an adventure story? World jumping magic, Dragons, ruthless invaders, epic battles, unlikely heroes, bravery, sacrifice, and a steam cannon worthy of Archimedes! And yes it does have wizards, both good and very bad. Romance? Yes, a little of that too!
A disparate band: fussy spinster, Ida Fairweather; crusty old soldier, Endor Caffri; dishonest manservant, Moleskin; King's guard, Lineth, and Last of the Trollid, Bort, engage in a desperate struggle against the Harrowen invaders.
Available as an EBook from Amazon; UK £2.07 & US $2.59;
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Last-Trollid...
https://www.amazon.com/Last-Trollid-S...
Goodreads Detail; 5 stars from 2 ratings & 1 review
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Part of the sunset of Magic series;
The Last Trollid The Counsel of Wizards Bort's People
For other books and work in progress visit my website;
http://alipotter.co.uk
The Box of Tricks Beach Life 2
"Dragon Lightning" is stand-alone Book II in the Dragon Dreamer series. This MG/YA Science Fantasy is layered for readers 9 to 99.https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
Drakor seems like a normal young ice dragon with a talent for making lightning swords. But he alone feels the changing heart of his island Volcano. It destroyed his beloved sire. Now he foresees their doom, but none will listen.
Nice to be here!
There isn't a category for weird western and my novel is more fantasy and humor than horror so I'm placing it on this list to start.
The Black Blade: A Huckster Novel
If you want a copy for review, it's available on KU or I can gift you a copy. Just PM me. Thanks.
Here's the blurb:
An enchanted blade. An evil old man. An ancient spirit behind a mask. The Weird West just gets weirder.
Orville and Jimmy are a pair of hucksters, struggling to scrape together enough coin for a square meal. While Orville angles for the big score, Jimmy hopes to make an honest buck for a day's work. When an old man calling himself Marzby asks for help with a supernatural pest, Orville smells opportunity. Jimmy smells danger.
In two shakes of a lamb's tail, Marzby imprisons Orville and only Jimmy can save him from a gruesome death. The price for Orville's life? Jimmy must retrieve an enchanted knife from inside Skull Hill and put it in Marzby's hands in three days time. With the blade in reach, Jimmy runs head on into more trouble: a shapeshifting opossum, a larger than average coyote and an ancient spirit determined to keep the blade where it is. Maybe the evil Marzby shouldn't have the blade, but without it, how is Jimmy going to rescue Orville?
The Black Blade is a weird western novel in Jeff Chapman's Huckster Tales series, mixing horror, fantasy, and comedy in an Old West setting. Climb up in the wagon and follow Orville and Jimmy as they once again plunge over their heads into supernatural trouble.
Mallory wrote: "I'm Mallory - a new book blogger. I love to read, especially Young Adult
Have a slight (major) obsession with Harry Potter.
I'm Dutch but currently living in Swansea, Wales.
I love to travel, go..."
Hi Mallory,
Since you enjoy fantasy and young adult books, could you take a look at Dragon Lightning? It's a stand-alone book with dragons and an undersea world.
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
Thanks for looking!
Hello all!! My name is Shara Maude, and I recently published my first fantasy novel, which you can find here!! Tales of the Driss: Krystal Dragons It's the story of two brothers from an ancient race known as the Driss. They must protect each other as they face betrayal and danger from both friends and foes as they journey to find the Krystal Dragons. I would love to see you all around, so if you have questions, feel free to ask. have a look at the book. Review if you would like, but just enjoy the story!! And I hope to hear from you!! Cheers!!
ForsakenHello there fantasy fans.
I wanted to put my short story Forsaken on everyone's radar. It is the first in a short story series following Ayla, a strong female protagonist. Ayla is an exiled princess who, over the course of the series, will be attempting to retake her kingdom. Each story, however, is self-contained with its own fully developed arc. The second story Storm Witch is out next Friday and you can expect each in the series to be out roughly the middle of each month.
If it sounds interesting please feel free to add to your TBR. If you would like a free copy, you can contact me as well.
Hello Everybody!Just wanted to let you know about my new Urban Fantasy/ Paranormal book, Mistress of the Crossroads!
Here is the blurb:
Immortality can be Hell, at least when you serve as a temptress for the Crossroads. For over a thousand years, Seraphine had played the part of dark seductress. What else could she do when Hell owned her soul? Working with demons, tempting souls down the path of corruption- it was all just another day in the office. Sure she had her looks and her youth, but eternity was a long time when your boss was literally a bitch from Hell. When her demoness superior hands her an impossible task, Seraphine finds herself pulled into a dark web of sinister conspiracies and hidden agendas. Failure is not an option and she must use all her skills just to stay alive. Who can she trust and who is only out for themselves? As she is pulled deeper and deeper into an immortal game of cat and mouse she finds herself questioning everything she has ever known. When nothing is as it seems and everything is at stake, she must forge unlikely alliances and play dangerous games. Will she rise to the challenge or trip and fall, all the way into Hell?
The amazon links are bellow:
https://www.amazon.com/Mistress-Cross...
https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B06XDPGB...
Thank-you very much for your time!
All three books of the Fantasy trilogy are out! The books are out on Amazon :)
If you're interested in getting free PDF/Mobi copies of the whole series, feel free to message me!
Hi, I am KSY. I recently published my first work. It is named 'God Slayer'.Synopsis :- A contract killer reincarnates into a foreign world. In his new life, he learns the meaning of family and love. He had already decided to obtain the power to make sure that he didn’t face the same predicament as in his former life and keep his loved ones safe from all sorts of harm. He wished to become the master of his own destiny. "
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3...
It is available on Amazon:-https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XKW8FST
KSY, that sounds VERY intriguing! Must check it out.
Hi folks, ...initiate 'grump' mode;
I've been opening-up a lot of these recently posted novels on Amazon 'preview' and have been very disappointed with the formatting.
Missing paragraph indents - spaces between paragraphs - massive indents - indents for 'new section' or 'new chapters' where there shouldn't be any... the list goes on. If you paid someone to do this - get your money back!
I don't think you're doing yourselves any favours posting such poorly formatted copy. These established conventions help readers navigate your page, and missing them out, or clearly having no control over them, just makes the text look 'amateurish' - I said 'looks', before anyone gets upset!
You can have the best-written novel, but if it 'looks' amateurish, or is difficult to read, you've already shot yourself in the foot.
Putting this in a public and commercial space says; 'I haven't spent any time on this part of the job', and will suggest to many potential readers, that you also probably haven't spent the time needed on the basic text polishing and editing of your novel, and/or acquiring the necessary writing craft skills to write that novel. I've seen plenty of examples of exactly that on Amazon!
Last page typed - now let's publish! Wrong... learning how to edit your own work IS one of those 'craft skills' that help you become a better writer.
Come-on guys (and gals) - show a bit of pride in your work, get this sorted! There's plenty of do-it-yourself help out there in 'Google' land.
...end 'grump' mode.
Having said that - even getting to the end of a first draft is a major achievement. You join an elite group of souls that have managed to navigate the long journey from first word to last full stop! I'm not trying to take that away from you, just pointing out the obvious.
Alistair.
Alistair wrote: "Hi folks, ...initiate 'grump' mode;
I've been opening-up a lot of these recently posted novels on Amazon 'preview' and have been very disappointed with the formatting.
Missing paragraph indents..."
Very well said. Thank you. ;)
Brenda wrote: Very well said. Thank you. ;)"Hi Brenda, thanks for that. Having examined your 'reviewing credentials' I can see you have a keen interest in this topic.
My mantra is; 'anything that reminds the reader they are reading is a bad thing', from a writer's perspective!
The Crimson Guild by Allan Walsh
Conall O’Lorcan has a rage within him, a rage he doesn’t know how to control. Cast out of his village when he becomes a danger, he must seek a new life where nobody knows his secrets. When he is recruited into a guild of thieves, his secrets become hard to hide.
Available from:
https://www.books2read.com/u/4jKzgv
https://www.amazon.com/d/B06XFH4LLH/
https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B06XFH4LLH/
https://www.amazon.co.uk/d/B06XFH4LLH/
Alistair,Good for you putting that up here. I'd like to add that "do it yourself" isn't probably best when it comes to editing. Too much of what we said or what we meant gets in the way of seeing what is actually on paper. Get someone who will be critical and is good at reading exactly what is there and then don't shoot the messenger.
J. wrote: "Alistair,Good for you putting that up here. I'd like to add that "do it yourself" isn't probably best when it comes to editing. Too much of what we said or what we meant gets in the way of seeing ..."
---initiate rant mode...
I can't DISAGREE more - my experience is that writing is like a muscle, the more you exercise it, the better it gets. Achieving a polished style takes time, and if you 'sub contract' your opportunity to examine your own work with a truly critical and professional eye, you deny yourself one of the great learning opportunities available to writers as they develop their CRAFT and unique voice. [word rep 'opportunity' - sort later :-) ]
Acquiring the skill to self-edit is not something that just gets done 'afterwards' - once you have the 'skill set' ingrained in your writing arsenal, it happens as you write, meaning you have much less editing to do at the end of the initial novel writing phase.
Someone who always sub-contracts, never learns how 'poor' and 'amateurish' their initial efforts are; and we were all there once if we're honest!
I started as a POOR and AMATEURISH writer with a whole pile of ideas I wanted to share, then I learned through rewrite, research and reading, what it is to produce text that is polished enough to present those ideas to the public in a way that almost bypasses the writing process and allows them to 'inhabit' the worlds I create with as little perception of the reading process as I can manage.
When you read a book that you think is an easy-read, you're actually reading the end product of a lot of hard work, hair tearing and perseverance.
Yes the initial 'creative' phase can be a little chaotic, but if someone else extracts the 'better novel' from that chaos, producing a very different flow and nuance to the work, then that is not because the initial writing was good, it's because the editor was inherently a better writer, with a better grasp of the CRAFT elements of writing required to produce a half-decent piece of work.
I'm not talking perfection here; if you get the text good-enough, and have a confident style and a good story to tell, readers are always more forgiving.
OK, once I'm raking-it-in and spending more time on TV chat shows than I can devote to writing, maybe I'll let a 'ghost' write my novels, but I doubt it. I take great pride in knowing that every word I put in the page is mine. I want MY final text to be 'all my own work' and to reflect MY individuality, personality, style of writing and creativity.
Remember I mentioned CRAFT? One of those CRAFT skills is the ability to 'swop hats' from the 'creative' to the 'editor' - which is why one of the most fundamental pieces of advice to new writers is to put one's work aside and leave it for a while. That distance allows the writer to be less precious and more critical.
The gift that comes from the whole process is the ability to 'almost' perform both creative and editing tasks at the same time ...though there's always that last polish! :)
If you don't know how to self-edit - find out! There's plenty of resources that will help you spot why a seasoned writer's work looks polished, and new writer's work doesn't. It's not rocket science.
----end rant mode...
Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to get back to my twenty-fifth attempt at re-writing my very first completed novel!
With the greatest hope for seeing beautiful, polished text in future from all you writer's still 'on the journey', Alistair
Alistair,Well okay and what works for you might not work for others, like me. Best of luck with your 25th while I get back to my 20th.
Patrick wrote: "KSY, that sounds VERY intriguing! Must check it out."If you buy it then kindly leave a nice review. Thank you.
FREE Kindle download today 3/27 only. Bander's Keep is a fun and exciting adventure for middle school aged readers, there's even some humor. Snag yourself a copy today. Thanks. Bander's Keep by Paul Amdahl
Hi there, I'm Louise and I have a YA fantasy The Devil's Poetry coming out soon with Kindle Press and an adult fantasy a-cooking. Callie’s world will be lost to war – unless she can unlock the magic of an ancient manuscript. She and all of her friends will be drafted into a global conflict so when the mysterious Order of Sumer tells her she can bring peace just by reading from a book, it seems simple. Perhaps too simple? Callie soon finds herself hunted, trapped between desperate allies and diabolical enemies. But how do you know what to do when no one will tell you the truth? Dare she Read the book? What’s the price - and who pays it? Questions are dangerous but the answers can be deadly.
Commended in the Yeovil Prize 2016, this is a page-turning blend of thriller and love story. 'Twisty, suspenseful and heart-rending, this is a captivating read.' Emma Haughton, author of Now You See Me and Best Left Buried
You can download the first two chapters of The Devil's Poetry at https://www.instafreebie.com/discover... and I also have a small collection of short stories for you all for free.
if you follow my facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Louise-Cole-... I'll let you know when the first in my trilogy is on sale - and better still when it's on promotion!
Thanks
Louise
Hello everyone! I am new to this group, and I wanted to let people know my fantasy/steampunk novel The Sailweaver's Son was released last Sept. by Silver Leaf Books, a small sci-fi/fantasy press near Boston that is very much worth checking out.It's a coming-of-age adventure story that readers of all ages have enjoyed. The book has 80+ positive reviews on Amazon so far and 16 on Goodreads.
Sci-Fi Fantasy World called it "A sweet coming-of-age tale in an enthralling world, mixing epic fantasy with a dash of steampunk that includes sailing airships, exploding gas-bubbles, and floating islands!"
TeenReads said "The Sailweaver's Son creates an innovative, steampunk, fantastical world...the story intertwines actual science with magic that astounds."
More info, including links to these full reviews and many more are on my website: https://www.jeffminerd.com/
I plan to run a giveaway on Goodreads soon and will post about that here too.
Happy reading!
The Sailweaver's Son
Amazon Page:
https://www.amazon.com/Sailweavers-So...
Silver Leaf Books:
http://www.silverleafbooks.com/
Hello all! My name is Nicholas Rinth and I’m the author of the Epic Fantasy series, Heartstone. The first book in the series, The Drowned Tower, can be found here and on other sites like Amazon, B&N, !ndigo, etc.I’m currently holding a giveaway for it until May 25th for all those living in the US.
Great to connect with you all!
Blurb:
Freedom is out of the question for practitioners of the Institute, and any supporters otherwise are dealt with violently. A system Sylvie Sirx neither refutes, nor endorses--born from an enviable family, talented in her skills, and entirely too content with her position, her path has always been a straight one... until now.
Her qualifications backfire when an elder from the north descends upon her home for a Choosing. He calls upon the Drowned Tower's most sought after practitioners for a simple job that ends in blood, and then Sylvie's blissful world erupts. She finds herself in the company of the Elementalist, Jacques Dace, an insufferable but deadly enthusiast of personal reform. Together, they're swept into a spiral of powerful magic and ancient grudges. Where truth bends, stones whisper secrets of the past, and their home lies at the heart of what could very well be Ferus Terria's next recorded war.
And for once, she is forced to choose a side, learning for herself what it means to master fate.
Fantasy novel Elthea's Realm has been recommended by the Editor of Donovan's Literary Services. The book was placed on the 'Prime Picks' recommended reading list for the month of May 2017. The novel by John Murzycki is a mix of thriller, futuristic sci-fi, and fantasy. “Elthea’s Realm is an inviting recommendation for cross-genre fans who enjoy fantasy stories imbibed with thrilling action and heartfelt inspection,” said Diane Donovan, Editor. “The plot is engaging and fast-paced, but the inclusion of a bigger picture translates to a thought-provoking read which lingers in the mind long after the story's final revelations about technology and humanity's interconnected futures.” Read the complete review at Diane's Bookshelf: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Hi, everyone,I’m S. Woffington, and I'm so happy to find this group! Besides being an avid reader, I’m an author, teacher, and developmental editor. My first indie novel, Unveiling, received honorable mention from Writer’s Digest.
My newest novel, Evil Speaks, is book #1 in the Warriors and Watchers Saga, a mythological fantasy series. Seven quirky and special needs teens must become warriors to stop the lords of the underworlds from opening the ancient gates of evil.
I’ve been on iHeartRadio and other radio stations speaking about the book and also about inclusion and bullying: 20% of children are bullied—50% of special needs children. I’m trying to change that.
So far, I’ve had great reviews:
Clarion Foreward ““Evil Speaks, weaves suspense into an action-packed plot and brings characters from classic mythology into a modern adventure story. . . . Characters are from an appealingly broad range of ethnic backgrounds, and their differing physical abilities result in a welcome embrace of diversity.”
Midwest Book Review ““Original and consistently entertaining from cover to cover. . . Evil Speaks is unreservedly recommended for community library collections.”
Also good reviews from Kids Book Buzz, book bloggers, and, of course, Goodreads—(and a single 2-star review on Amazon from a Christian who objects to the other worldly gods). Oh, well.
I could use another 20 or 30 reviews on Goodreads/Amazon. If you would like a copy of Evil Speaks, contact me here or through my website: https://warriorsandwatcherssaga.com/
I look forward to participating regularly and getting to know you—all of you!
Sandra
Hi everyone, I've just self-published my first novel Isabella Bedi called Maya. I would love some feedback/reviews. I'd be happy to return the favour.
Sofia Taylor is brutally hit by a car one morning in New York City. When she awakes, she finds she's been taken prisoner - not just in a stranger's home, but in the underworld. Trapped in a mysterious and dangerous world, Sofia teams up with the higher council, a group of celestial beings, and two forsaken souls, who all aim to find out what their tormentor has in store for them...and everyone else.
My book is available on amazon https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01N15RSXN
Thanks :-)
My latest novel, Child of Evil, is finally available at least as an ebook. For now it is available only at Amazon, which if you’re a Prime member means you can get it for free through Kindle Unlimited. Some of you have been following the progress as the manuscript went through the process from draft, to proof, to release, and I hope you’re itching to get a copy. More than that, I hope you’ll forward this people you know who like to read epic fantasy novels. The book continues the adventure started in Fall of the Western Kings and while readers will recognize many of the characters, Child of Evil stands alone. 
Child of Evil
Hi! I am Christy Newman, coauthor of the Turn of the Tides series. I have 7 Kindle Edition books to give away.Talwan's Vengeance
by Silver Mist Books
Prize:Talwan's Vengeance (Turn of the Tides Book 1) (Kindle Edition)
Winner:First 10 entrants win.
Requirements for participation:
18+ years of age (or legal age)
Resident of the 50 United States or the District of Columbia
Your giveaway link:
https://giveaway.amazon.com/p/8a21023...
Great promotional idea, Christy!Question. Will you have a blindfold on as you plunge your hand into the fishbowl? :)
Well, anyway, count me in!
Goodreads Authors/Readers
Books mentioned in this topic
In the Pull of Infinity: Fantasy–Adventure Suspense (other topics)The Fives' Oath: Legacy of the Bloodborn (other topics)
The Guiders of the Galaxy (other topics)
Misery Loves Alchemy (other topics)
Eternity's End: The Call of Zeil'Galia (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
G. Minerva (other topics)Nilesh Prabhu (other topics)
Melissa Rakestraw (other topics)
Dia Constantine (other topics)
Jessa Skye (other topics)
More...
Slaying Dragons is a term used to describe, in this instance, someone who has overcome their battle with addiction to drugs and/or alcohol as well as defeating evil or the Devil.
Synopsis:
Brian Phillips lies alone in the Lumpton Treatment Center, reflecting on the poor choices that lead him there. When a deadly virus is unleashed, Brian must flee for his life—aided only by a strange, otherworldly figure …
Meanwhile, Drew’s life is turned upside down when his wife walks out following an explosive argument about his drinking. The next morning he receives an untimely phone call, sending him to his ailing mother’s bedside.
As Drew arrives in Florida, a horrifying plague spreads at an alarming rate throughout the Earth. He must now make the long journey home on foot, encountering others along the way—each with their own hidden addictions. As the world is plunged into chaos, can those remaining fight through a disintegrating humanity and overcome their demons … or will they simply succumb?
A compelling look at addiction and the perseverance of the human spirit, Addiction and Pestilence is the exciting first installment in Edmund Kelly’s Slaying Dragons series.
Addiction & Pestilence can be found on Kindle and paperback coming soon! Amazon.com/author/edmundkelly
http://www.edmundkelly.com
Thank you,
-Ed