Get ready for summer with nine out of this world romances for just 99 cents each. But hurry, they won't stay in orbit for long! Click HERE or the banner above. for instant transportation to their homeworld and pick the retail portal of your choice.
Showing posts with label sale. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sale. Show all posts
Saturday, June 17, 2017
Tuesday, November 8, 2016
It's All About What Works For You #amwriting
This is the first year since I wrote Keir that I haven't done a single NaNoWriMo. Not even Camp earlier in the year. And the really weird and worrying thing is, this is the first time I've seen others posting about their word count and I've merely shrugged rather than wish I'd joined in.
But since Greta and Donna have talked about their writing processes and NaNoWriMo, I wanted to share my thoughts, especially as I see far too many writers who don't make the 50K in November getting depressed about it. Declaring themselves failures.
You. Are. NOT. A. Failure.
Did you get words down? Then you're a champ. A writer is someone who puts their butt in the chair and puts down words. It doesn't matter how many. It doesn't matter if they're crud. You've got them down, and they can be worked on, improved, polished up until they shine. That's how any author does it.
Confession time: I have never hit 50K. I've won a couple of Camp NaNoWriMos where you can set your own word count and I've used it to finish off shorts, or even to do edits on a novel, but never 50K straight. Even when the muse it in full flow, I'm normally burned out by 30K even on a good run. The two NaNo novellas I have published are both in the mid 40K range at complete, but didn't hit that count during the event. They're still complete and published works at the end of the day.
NaNoWriMo is definitely not for everyone, and you definitely shouldn't feel a failure for not hitting 50K. I think it's worth trying, but not using it as the measuring stick for your writing success. In general I've used Camp NaNo for finishing off projects/editing, and the main NaNo event too kickstart a project or clear my head of one that wouldn't leave me alone (my adorable zombie story, Restless In Peaceville, for example. Muse wanted to do it, I didn't think I could or should but she wouldn't shut up until it was done. That was some NaNo! O.o ). I didn't hit 50K but I achieved my own personal goals - things finished or off my mind, lol. My personal writing method is chaotic (and will probably make my two co-bloggers shudder). Not only am I a 'throw the words down and move on' writer, but I don't even write linearly! Bwahahaa!
I have tried plotting, but it doesn't work for me. I put down a few key scenes (they might be beginning and end and a few in between, but not necessarily), then fill the gaps. If I don't have a deadline, I might well do some editing/re-reading between writing sessions, but not during NaNo. Once the first draft is done, my next step is a brutal 'slash and burn' revision where I ruthlessly delete out the crud and weak words and repetitions, and rewrite the rest. After that, it's less destructive. :-P
But the key two points about this post and Greta's and Donna's are:
1. It's what works for you. It doesn't matter a pair of fetid dingo's kidneys what any other author does. It's no good at all forcing yourself to plot because so and so does and they're super popular for example (though I advocate for any author, new or experienced, to maybe try things they haven't before). When I first started out and saw lots of authors talking about plotting, I felt such a failure. I tried to force myself into it. It didn't work out and actually killed my enthusiasm for a story so much that I still haven't gone back to it. I've now come to the conclusion that I do my own kind of basic plotting by throwing down those few keys scenes and building around them, but that's as close as I get.
2. What matters next is what you do with that story after putting down the first words and before submitting to agents/publishers or publishing yourself. There is no one way it must be done but you do need to revise, self edit, spell check, and put it through an editor before release (yes, I've seen authors insist they don't need an editor because they self edit. I disagree. I want my book to be the absolute best it can and I never put anything out without it going through an editor. I've seen too many books where it looks like even basic spell check hasn't been used. I know editing costs, but if you can't at least get someone to proofread for you, prepare for complaints).
For me the process is those key scenes, filling in the gaps, a 'slash and burn' revision (I know that sounds awful), probably a couple more revisions before beta readers (then revising based on feedback), before a spell check and off to my editor. Depending on how it goes, there are generally at least three passes on developmental edits, followed by a line edit. Then it goes to my proofreader (who is also an editor, so she'll pick up on other details). It takes time and money, but I'm not doing it any other way.
The fastest I've got from first words to submission is four months - exceptional, and only because I wrote it for NaNoWriMo, subbed a sample during a call for NaNo novels at the time and got a request for a full. Normally I'll spend about two years on a piece from first words to submission/sending to my editor, even on a short story. It all depends.
Right now I'm doing the slash and burn revision on Keir's Shadow (Book Three of Redemption) because I wrote it some four years ago and have learned heaps about writing since then (especial about plot, romance, and character motivation, oh my!). There's also changes that need making because of the transformations books one and two have gone through. A large chunk of book three - 30K words - were written in one crazy day that left me I'll for about a week after because the words didn't stop coming. Just another example of how chaotic my writing methods are.
Conclusion: everyone is different. The five of us who blog here all have different methods, but we're all published authors so clearly our very individual writing processes have worked for us. Experiment and find what works best for you, but don't be afraid to try something new or even something old again at a future date. Just don't get bogged down in all the articles that say 'it must be done this way and no other'.
And don't get down about not hitting 50K for NaNoWriMo. It isn't the be all and end all. Oh, and while hitting 50K in November doesn't matter and as I repeatedly tell my eldest who is forever starting new stories - finishing is important. You can't publish an unfinished book.
Status Update
As mentioned above, despite my current disenchantment with writing, I am working on Keir's Shadow. Right now it's a bit like putting sticky plasters over the hole in the Titanic, but progress nonetheless. I promised the book for 2017, so I have a year - six months for me to fix it, then six months for Danielle Fine to
Happenings
Today is absolutely the last day of the iBooks SFR Sale Event! Click HERE to be transported to 21 out of this world romances.
It's also your last chance to pick up my two scifi heroes at a discount before I start putting the prices back up - time travel romance with Keir ($1.99 instead of $4.99), and scifi adventure with Gethyon ($0.99 instead of $3.99).
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| A Science Fiction Romance Novel Goodreads | Webpage Available from... iBooks | Nook | Kobo Amazon | ARe | Smashwords |
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Gethyon
A Scifi Adventure Novel
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No chook pics this week - the girls are fine despite the cold but I was indoors all last week nursing a cold - but here's some of my monsters enjoying some home fireworks and sparklers for Bonfire Night.
Saturday, November 5, 2016
Huge SciFi & Fantasy 99 Cent Promotion
Over 100 Titles on Sale for 99 Cents ~ This Weekend Only!
To see covers, titles and links for books at all available vendors
To see covers, titles and links for books available on Amazon
This sale includes works by Spacefreighters Lounge bloggers
Pippa Jay (under Science Fiction)
and
Laurie A. Green (under Science Fiction & Fantasy Romance)
Tuesday, November 1, 2016
#BristolCon Aftermath: #Cosplay For The Win!
Some of you may remember the absolute disaster of BristolCon last year, when car failure stranded us halfway there and resulted in us being towed home and missing the whole shebang. It is not my favourite memory.
via GIPHY
So I was extremely nervous preparing for it this year. Finances meant my plan of taking a hire car got scrubbed. We did all we could to ensure our old banger was as journey worthy as possible (although the same precautions last year didn't and couldn't have prevented the breakdown). However, we planned to leave earlier in the day so if we did have a repeat of last year we still had time to abandon car and jump on a train instead (I learned later that the trains into Bristol were fubar'd - probably just as well I hadn't know that beforehand). >_<
Getting stuck in a traffic queue where we broke down last year was one of the most terrifying few moments of my life. But we made it to Bristol. The relief of getting here was like Christmas coming early! Parking was a bit of an issue, but the hotel we'd booked was lovely (as were the staff), and later I was able to move the car to the convention where it was free (bonus!).
I'd originally planned to do most of the set up on the Friday night but leave the books until the following morning. However, as they were locking the dealers room overnight I figured my books would be safe. I had a gorgeous black velvet table cover (courtesy of a local charity shop) and had already talked to the lovely KS Turner whom I was sharing the table with but who wouldn't be arriving until the following morning. Hubs and eldest had some 'suggestions' on the set up, wanting me to move my two character dolls to the centre, but in the end I stuck with my original plan.
BristolCon is one of the most relaxed and friendly conventions I know (admittedly my recent experience is limited and BristolCon is the only one I've attended as a dealer rather than just a visitor) but the atmosphere is so lovely. I am not a natural socializer and rather shy. Social situations exhaust me. But by the end of the con I was so jazzed I wanted to do it again the next day (not normal for me but a tribute to BristolCon for creating such a conducive atmosphere).
While I didn't sell many books, overall it was such a positive experience and so fun that it's given me a much needed confidence boost when I really needed one. I did sell three books, had enquiries as to whether they were available in ebook form, was approached by a reviewer, had a few people tell me they had things I'd written like Tales (and the lovely author/editor from Grimbold Books - Kate Coe - told me she had When Dark Falls on her to read and review list for this year. That gives me such a buzz, since most of my audience is US). Bookmarks and business cards were picked up. Another Grimbold author - Allan Bott - told me about Ludosport: learning lightsaber duelling as a martial art. We got compliments on our cosplay and I even got asked for a couple of photos (you can also find some convention photos HERE).
I also picked up some books (surprise!). Two Anne McCaffrey books from the swap table (having traded them for my Brent Weeks Way of Shadows trilogy). I spent my earnings on two steampunk urban fantasies for eldest from Rob Harkness, and of course both eldest and I got our favourite authors to sign a book each (Jaine Fenn for me, Janet Edwards for her). Both were also kind enough to come to our table and chat, as well as gifting eldest tokens for her cosplay.
And the highlight of the evening (though we missed it originally and it was only thanks to a BristolCon minion that we got spotted coming in late) was my eldest winning the cosplay contest with the Rey outfit I made. Admittedly there hadn't been much competition, but to have something she asked for and that I'd spent time and effort on be appreciated by others was just awesome. We had to go on stage to collect her prize - a rather awesome trophy, a book, and a book token. I don't think she could have been more chuffed (or I more proud).
All in all it was a wonderful experience. I have to say such a huge thank you to BristolCon:
Its members, organizers (especially Mark Robinson, dealer herder) and minions (especially Scott Lewis who shouted out our late arrival at the closing ceremony for the cosplay award), to my fellow authors (especially those from Grimbold Books who came to chat), to everyone who gave my eldest tokens for the cosplay contest, to Janet Edwards and Jaine Fenn (our two favourite authors who came to chat to us at our table and later signed our books), to the chap who took my photo for his blog and said more female Jedi were needed, to my lovely fellow author KS Turner and her husband who were a delight to share a table with, and lastly to my family (particularly my tolerant husband) but most of all to my eldest who shares my love for cosplay and books. *takes a deep breath* Gosh, I hope I didn't miss anyone out.
But best of all, it looks like we'll be going again next year ^-^
Events
The iBooks special sale event is still going strong - you have one more week to pick up one or more of 21 award winning scifi romances right across the spectrum of SFR. Don't put it off! It'll be gone before you know it.
A double cover reveal for Susan Grant's 2176 Freedom series is taking place across the internet, but you can check out my post HERE or on the Brigade blog HERE.
And Gethyon is on sale for just 99 cents until the 8th of November!
When an unforgivable act sets him on the run, it'll take more than his unearthly powers to save his skin and the lives of those he cares about. It'll take a sacrifice he never expected to have to make.
via GIPHY
So I was extremely nervous preparing for it this year. Finances meant my plan of taking a hire car got scrubbed. We did all we could to ensure our old banger was as journey worthy as possible (although the same precautions last year didn't and couldn't have prevented the breakdown). However, we planned to leave earlier in the day so if we did have a repeat of last year we still had time to abandon car and jump on a train instead (I learned later that the trains into Bristol were fubar'd - probably just as well I hadn't know that beforehand). >_<
Getting stuck in a traffic queue where we broke down last year was one of the most terrifying few moments of my life. But we made it to Bristol. The relief of getting here was like Christmas coming early! Parking was a bit of an issue, but the hotel we'd booked was lovely (as were the staff), and later I was able to move the car to the convention where it was free (bonus!).
While I didn't sell many books, overall it was such a positive experience and so fun that it's given me a much needed confidence boost when I really needed one. I did sell three books, had enquiries as to whether they were available in ebook form, was approached by a reviewer, had a few people tell me they had things I'd written like Tales (and the lovely author/editor from Grimbold Books - Kate Coe - told me she had When Dark Falls on her to read and review list for this year. That gives me such a buzz, since most of my audience is US). Bookmarks and business cards were picked up. Another Grimbold author - Allan Bott - told me about Ludosport: learning lightsaber duelling as a martial art. We got compliments on our cosplay and I even got asked for a couple of photos (you can also find some convention photos HERE).
I also picked up some books (surprise!). Two Anne McCaffrey books from the swap table (having traded them for my Brent Weeks Way of Shadows trilogy). I spent my earnings on two steampunk urban fantasies for eldest from Rob Harkness, and of course both eldest and I got our favourite authors to sign a book each (Jaine Fenn for me, Janet Edwards for her). Both were also kind enough to come to our table and chat, as well as gifting eldest tokens for her cosplay.
And the highlight of the evening (though we missed it originally and it was only thanks to a BristolCon minion that we got spotted coming in late) was my eldest winning the cosplay contest with the Rey outfit I made. Admittedly there hadn't been much competition, but to have something she asked for and that I'd spent time and effort on be appreciated by others was just awesome. We had to go on stage to collect her prize - a rather awesome trophy, a book, and a book token. I don't think she could have been more chuffed (or I more proud).
All in all it was a wonderful experience. I have to say such a huge thank you to BristolCon:
Its members, organizers (especially Mark Robinson, dealer herder) and minions (especially Scott Lewis who shouted out our late arrival at the closing ceremony for the cosplay award), to my fellow authors (especially those from Grimbold Books who came to chat), to everyone who gave my eldest tokens for the cosplay contest, to Janet Edwards and Jaine Fenn (our two favourite authors who came to chat to us at our table and later signed our books), to the chap who took my photo for his blog and said more female Jedi were needed, to my lovely fellow author KS Turner and her husband who were a delight to share a table with, and lastly to my family (particularly my tolerant husband) but most of all to my eldest who shares my love for cosplay and books. *takes a deep breath* Gosh, I hope I didn't miss anyone out.
But best of all, it looks like we'll be going again next year ^-^
Events
The iBooks special sale event is still going strong - you have one more week to pick up one or more of 21 award winning scifi romances right across the spectrum of SFR. Don't put it off! It'll be gone before you know it.
And Gethyon is on sale for just 99 cents until the 8th of November!
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|
Gethyon
A Scifi Adventure Novel
|
Abandoned. Hunted. Out of control.
Gethyon Rees had always felt at odds with the universe, and hoped for an escape among the stars. But discovering he has the ability to cross time and space with just a thought brings more problems than it solves--a deadly bounty hunter who can follow him anywhere, the return of Tarquin Secker, the mother who abandoned him, and an ancient darkness that seeks him and all those with his talents.
When an unforgivable act sets him on the run, it'll take more than his unearthly powers to save his skin and the lives of those he cares about. It'll take a sacrifice he never expected to have to make.
A science fiction adventure novel previously published 3rd June, 2013 by BURST (Champagne Books), and part of the Travellers Universe. A 2014 SFR Galaxy Award winner for Most Awesome Psychic Talent, and a 2015 EPIC eBook Awards finalist in the SF category. Also now includes the SF short story The Bones of the Sea. Returning September 2016. Available in all digital formats from Amazon, Omnilit, Kobo, Barnes & Noble, iBooks, and Smashwords. Print available from CreateSpace, Amazon, and Barnes & Noble. Download a free pdf sample and read the reviews at Goodreads.
"With colorful worlds full of nuance and dimension, characters that walk off the page, and themes that anyone who has been either parent or child can relate to." J.C. Cassels, author of The Black Wing Chronicles series
Status Update
I've come down with post convention lurgey - not what I needed after coming back to an overflowing inbox but not entirely surprising. I'll soldier on! I'm not doing NaNoWriMo this year, but the prospect of returning to BristolCon next year has prompted me to think about getting Keir Book Three done so I can have it in print for then, plus a nudge to get a move on with my short story collection if I want those out in print too. Don't hold your breath, though! That's a big ask considering the current state of both. >.<
Chook Update
The girls survived three days without us, although Pitch has been noisy since we got back - scolding us maybe? I'm not entirely sure whether they can miss us, but they seemed grateful for some treats - mealworms and sunflower hearts - so at least their stomachs apparently missed us!
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| Left to right: Chiana, Scoop, Fizzgig, Pitch, and Effie |
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| Near left to right: Effie, Chiana, Scoop Under table left to right: Kyru, Fizzgig, Pitch |
Tuesday, October 25, 2016
The Big @iBooks SFR Event & #BristolCon: Final Countdown! #scifi #romance #sale
Status Update
It's just four days until BristolCon! O.M.G.
This was my final practice set up before the con, so I know exactly what I need/want to take and how to lay it all out. I'm kind of relieved I don't have any other titles in print right now because I'm struggling for space with just half a table to myself! A good problem to have?
I've been doing final prep and packing for the past week, and it's pretty much consumed my attention. We are having a very minor car issue (not again!) but only with her starting on the now cold mornings. As long as she starts, we're good. I absolutely refuse to be thwarted by a machine again - our mechanic is stumped by her starting issue but otherwise sees no reason for her to break down on us. Let's hope those aren't famous last words...
Between BristolCon prep, the iBook event, arguing with ParcelForce over their inability to take my customs charge payment and deliver my package, and my cosplay, no writing or editing is getting done. I'm hoping to go back to Keir book three in November, but I'm not making any promises right now. >_<
Chook Update
My girls are all nicely fluffed up for winter but very reluctant to emerge of a morning now it's chilly and the days are shortening. Last week they had a little wander in the garden on one of the warmer days when I could tolerate sitting out there.
See you after BristolCon!
Tuesday, May 31, 2016
Tuesday Teaser - Last Goodbyes #timetravel #romance #sale #scifirom
Keir lay awake some time later, staring up
into the darkness in silent contemplation. Quin’s passion tonight had been
almost frenzied, alarming him with its intensity and desperation. As if she
sought to bind his soul to hers so they could never be parted. Afterward, as
her heart raced in time with his and with the touch of her hands still burning
him, he had asked her why. His only answer had been her tears dampening his
skin. He had stroked her hair until the tears were spent and she eventually
fell asleep, her arm across his waist and both of them draped in her filmy sarong.
Even when their minds were merged, when he could see so much inside her, she
kept things back. Did she truly believe this was their last night together? Had
she foreseen their fate and hidden it from him?
Her dark mood had infected him at last, and
he held her tight, memorizing the way she felt in his arms, the scent of her
hair, and the sound of her breathing in sleep. He rested his hands on her back,
straying again and again to her scars, touching them with a shiver of something
that felt like premonition.
Around their small clearing, the sheltering
greenery whispered in the faint sea breeze, enclosing them in a blanket of soft
sounds and protecting them from the sharp edge of the wind. In the distance, he
could hear the saurians celebrating still. L’enko had said it would continue
until dawn, when morning would herald the start of the wraith hunters’ lives as
true adults, by island tradition. It was possible the royal guard would also
arrive with the new day, and Keir wondered if Quin finally believed J’dahzi’s
stark warning that the queen could no longer be trusted. Had T’rill betrayed
Quin? What would the sunrise bring?
“Keir?” Quin murmured.
He buried his doubts and fears as he held
her close, unwilling to lose precious time to his own bleak thoughts. If this
was all they would have together, he would not waste it.
A sudden silence fell in the distance as
the first ray of morning light set the horizon aglow.
“Dawn,” he whispered.
Quin sat up and stared into the fiery
crescent of the rising sun, peering apprehensively between the bamboo stalks
that shielded their secluded hollow, as if fearing the touch of light through
the ridged stems. Then she turned and kissed him, as fierce as the newly risen
sun.
This time, he did not respond. Instead, he
seized her shoulders and held her back, keeping her from him. “Quin,” he said
sharply. “Stop trying to say goodbye to me. Is it death you have foreseen?”
“I don’t know,” she whispered, and shook
her head. “There are things worse than death.”
“Quin!” He sat up then, unable to keep the
despair from his voice as he pulled her to him. “I swore last night to be with
you until the end of forever. I would follow you even there.”
Trembling, she clung to him, her arms
locked around his neck. As he held her, Keir’s mind flooded with panic at the
stark possibility of losing her, of a life without her. Whatever danger lay
ahead, he was determined to face it with her, no matter if it ended in victory
or death.
Without warning, a thunderous sound filled the
sky and a vast shadow blocked the morning light.
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Keir (Book #1):
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| Webpage Available for free from: Amazon | ARe | Kobo| B&N iTunes | Google Play Smashwords |
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
Time And RelateD Inspiration in Space #amwriting #scifi #romance #DoctorWho
Yes, the title is a very bad play on TARDIS, the Doctor's famous time travelling machine. But since that's what this post is about...
Most Fridays I try to post a random fact to my Facebook fanpage and Twitter related to my books or myself as an author. Lately they've been related to Keir's Fall as I (hopefully) approach release. It reminded me that the main antagonists started life many years ago when I was a teen, in a Doctor Who story I wrote called Gamehouse, (and many, many years before I ever heard the term 'fanfic'). That reminder led me to dig out an old diary filled with fragments of that fanfic and others (1989 for those curious). FYI I've never (willingly) thrown away anything I've written, though some things have been lost or accidentally destroyed over time (I have folders and notebooks and big boxes of all those things).
I've been watching Doctor Who since I was three years old. Yeah, I can be sure of that because I remember the episode very clearly. That was way back before the benefit of repeats, before iPlayer, before video even. It was Jon Pertwee's last story, and something I blame my spider phobia on: Planet of the Spiders. Theoretically, though, Tom Baker (4th) was the Who I grew up with, and 'my' companion was Sarah Jane Smith (the now sadly deceased Elizabeth Sladen), who didn't merely scream in the right places and flatter the Doctor. She had spunk!
So I've seen a lot of Who's evolution. I was one of those who cried when the series was cancelled and felt my world had come to an end. But it did inspire me to do something about it, and to do something positive as a writer. With DW off screen, I finally sat down and completed my first ever novel (after dozens of unfinished works): A Doctor Who story featuring the 7th Doctor (Sylvester McCoy), but with a new companion called Quin. Some people might recognize the name. ;) That story was called Shadowshaper. It not only featured the first incarnation of Quin (who went on to be the heroine in several uncompleted stories before Keir) but the sentaic and Rulk as well. The original machine-typed manuscript, along with that rejection letter and some of my own character sketches, now sits on my bookshelf, hand-bound by a friend's dad who knew how to put proper old-fashioned books together.
I don't know that it qualifies as fan fiction being as I actually submitted it to WH Allen, the then publisher of DW books, and written it in keeping with the final series and current canon. It got rejected but with a wonderfully detailed critique from the publisher. At age 18, that was huge - a publisher telling me they liked it (I'd broken a couple of central laws like (deliberately) leaving out the then companion Ace and revealing some of the Doctor's inner thoughts - a then definite no-no!). Maybe I'll get around to posting it on WattPad one day... My main epiphany with that book though was actually finishing something, an achievement not to be repeated for another twenty years when I finally wrote Keir. >.<
And new Who? Well, I had my doubts about Christopher Eccleston despite my elation at seeing the series return, but he did a damn fine job of bringing it back. I never liked Billy Piper, and the romance between her and Ten was the one thing that ruined it for me (Donna Noble was my favourite companion, and I've yet to fall in love with any since). But I guess DW had to grow up and evolve like the older generations of fans, and needed to draw new ones if it was going to continue. I think it did a great job. I'll admit my devotion died somewhat during the Matt Smith era.I dunno. Maybe it was him being the first Who actor actually younger than me. Maybe it was the awkward love triangle with the Ponds. Whatever, it was the first time in Who history that I skipped watching episodes.
Bur while the Matt Smith fangirls might have abandoned ship at his departure, I was over the moon to see Peter Capaldi take over. Much more my idea of the Doctor. Maybe I have a bit of a thing for older men but I adored him as the Angel Islington in the BBC TV adaptation of Neverwhere. And Missy? Adore her! Finally a Master who really is just evil and kills without hesitation.
Will I always be a Who fan? Who knows? :P But without it, I have to wonder if I'd have ever finished a whole book and tried to get it published in the first place.
Status update
I have round three of Keir's Fall still in progress. Are you sick of me saying that yet? Round one of Reunion is almost done - really almost. I've left it to focus on KF again. Round one of my proposed June release is still with Dani.
Happenings
The Goodreads giveaway for a print edition of When Dark Falls is still open until the end of November.
Enter Giveaway
In preparation for the release of Keir's Fall, Keir (Book One) is now reduced to $0.99/99 Euros/99p across all digital platforms (it's $1 at All Romance eBooks because they work by percentage discount there rather than setting a price) until the end of the year.
And to finish, my Venus Ascendant novella (currently under the working title of Revived) came second in the Paranormal/Speculative Fiction/Urban Fantasy category of LERA's Rebecca contest. This is my first win in the Rebecca after three years of entering it. I'm chuffed! I'm also proud to be sharing the category with fellow Brigader Lea Kirk who took third place with her scifi romance Prophecy (releasing 12th January 2016 but already available for pre-order). Revived will be releasing sometime in 2016 (sorry, I'll give you a date as soon as I can get my act together!)
Before I sign off, I'm going to share the first promo image for Keir's Fall, from my very talented cover designer, editor, and sanity saver Danielle Fine. Enjoy!
Most Fridays I try to post a random fact to my Facebook fanpage and Twitter related to my books or myself as an author. Lately they've been related to Keir's Fall as I (hopefully) approach release. It reminded me that the main antagonists started life many years ago when I was a teen, in a Doctor Who story I wrote called Gamehouse, (and many, many years before I ever heard the term 'fanfic'). That reminder led me to dig out an old diary filled with fragments of that fanfic and others (1989 for those curious). FYI I've never (willingly) thrown away anything I've written, though some things have been lost or accidentally destroyed over time (I have folders and notebooks and big boxes of all those things).
I've been watching Doctor Who since I was three years old. Yeah, I can be sure of that because I remember the episode very clearly. That was way back before the benefit of repeats, before iPlayer, before video even. It was Jon Pertwee's last story, and something I blame my spider phobia on: Planet of the Spiders. Theoretically, though, Tom Baker (4th) was the Who I grew up with, and 'my' companion was Sarah Jane Smith (the now sadly deceased Elizabeth Sladen), who didn't merely scream in the right places and flatter the Doctor. She had spunk!
So I've seen a lot of Who's evolution. I was one of those who cried when the series was cancelled and felt my world had come to an end. But it did inspire me to do something about it, and to do something positive as a writer. With DW off screen, I finally sat down and completed my first ever novel (after dozens of unfinished works): A Doctor Who story featuring the 7th Doctor (Sylvester McCoy), but with a new companion called Quin. Some people might recognize the name. ;) That story was called Shadowshaper. It not only featured the first incarnation of Quin (who went on to be the heroine in several uncompleted stories before Keir) but the sentaic and Rulk as well. The original machine-typed manuscript, along with that rejection letter and some of my own character sketches, now sits on my bookshelf, hand-bound by a friend's dad who knew how to put proper old-fashioned books together.
I don't know that it qualifies as fan fiction being as I actually submitted it to WH Allen, the then publisher of DW books, and written it in keeping with the final series and current canon. It got rejected but with a wonderfully detailed critique from the publisher. At age 18, that was huge - a publisher telling me they liked it (I'd broken a couple of central laws like (deliberately) leaving out the then companion Ace and revealing some of the Doctor's inner thoughts - a then definite no-no!). Maybe I'll get around to posting it on WattPad one day... My main epiphany with that book though was actually finishing something, an achievement not to be repeated for another twenty years when I finally wrote Keir. >.<
And new Who? Well, I had my doubts about Christopher Eccleston despite my elation at seeing the series return, but he did a damn fine job of bringing it back. I never liked Billy Piper, and the romance between her and Ten was the one thing that ruined it for me (Donna Noble was my favourite companion, and I've yet to fall in love with any since). But I guess DW had to grow up and evolve like the older generations of fans, and needed to draw new ones if it was going to continue. I think it did a great job. I'll admit my devotion died somewhat during the Matt Smith era.I dunno. Maybe it was him being the first Who actor actually younger than me. Maybe it was the awkward love triangle with the Ponds. Whatever, it was the first time in Who history that I skipped watching episodes.
Bur while the Matt Smith fangirls might have abandoned ship at his departure, I was over the moon to see Peter Capaldi take over. Much more my idea of the Doctor. Maybe I have a bit of a thing for older men but I adored him as the Angel Islington in the BBC TV adaptation of Neverwhere. And Missy? Adore her! Finally a Master who really is just evil and kills without hesitation.
Will I always be a Who fan? Who knows? :P But without it, I have to wonder if I'd have ever finished a whole book and tried to get it published in the first place.
Status update
I have round three of Keir's Fall still in progress. Are you sick of me saying that yet? Round one of Reunion is almost done - really almost. I've left it to focus on KF again. Round one of my proposed June release is still with Dani.
Happenings
The Goodreads giveaway for a print edition of When Dark Falls is still open until the end of November.
Goodreads Book Giveaway
When Dark Falls
by Pippa Jay
Giveaway ends November 30, 2015.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.
In preparation for the release of Keir's Fall, Keir (Book One) is now reduced to $0.99/99 Euros/99p across all digital platforms (it's $1 at All Romance eBooks because they work by percentage discount there rather than setting a price) until the end of the year.
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Print available from...
Amazon | B&N | CreateSpace
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Before I sign off, I'm going to share the first promo image for Keir's Fall, from my very talented cover designer, editor, and sanity saver Danielle Fine. Enjoy!
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