You can read "The Griffin Cryer's" reviews here, and of course there'll be another free promotion very soon - although if you hurry, there's still time to enter "Sher A Hart's" free competion, to win signed copies and eBook copies of "A Raucous Time".
"The Griffin Cryer" is my first real foray into young adult fiction, and blowing my own trumpet (as indie authors are wont to do) this little adventure has been lucky enough to receive some fab reviews. Many have made me smile with delight, but the latest five star review filled me with pride. It may be my name up there as an author, but I truly couldn't have managed to convey Frankie's story so well without the help of some very special beta readers, most of whom are indie authors themselves, and generously devoted hours of their own precious time. So thank you again, and the pride I feel is shared in equal measure with thankfulness at being blessed with kind and talented friends, and I hope I'm forgiven for wanting to share the excitement and wonder that each new favourable review brings.
You can read "The Griffin Cryer's" reviews here, and of course there'll be another free promotion very soon - although if you hurry, there's still time to enter "Sher A Hart's" free competion, to win signed copies and eBook copies of "A Raucous Time".
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"Sher a Hart" is taking part in a "Back to the Future" blog hop; and Paul Hewlett, author of the "Lionel Snodgrass" adventure books for younger readers kindly invited me to take part.
But no surprise there really! Paul's a tireless supporter of indie authors and artists, and I first met him here on the wild wild web when Paul contacted me to ask if he could feature Laura Wright LaRoche's cover art of "A Raucous Time". Of course, the answer was YES! – and never one to miss an opportunity, I also asked if Paul would like a copy of "A Raucous Time" for review purposes. Paul graciously accepted, but warned that he wouldn't be able to review the story for some time, due to pressure of work, something all indie authors understand. If I remember correctly, that was some months ago, and hearing nothing from Paul, I assumed that either he was completely snowed under, or perhaps the story wasn't his "cup of tea". It came as a very pleasant surprise then when Paul gave a shout out a couple of weeks ago to say that he really enjoyed the read, although some of the British phrases used gave him pause for thought, and invited "A Raucous Time" to take part in "Back to the Future" blog hop. "A Raucous Time" is the first in the Celtic Cousins' Adventures, in which the boys go after the lost treasure of King John, which was last seen back in 1216. I still find it incredible that not so much as a gold coin of this fabulous treasure hoard has been discovered, and in my mind, the reason it hasn't been found is because it was never lost, merely hidden. If anyone reading this has a metal detector or a spade and a yearning to go treasure hunting, give me a shout! Alternatively, you could enter "Sher a Hart's" great free contest, and be in with a chance of winning a copy of "A Raucous Time" and go treasure hunting with the Celtic Cousins! Two autographed paperback copies, and two ebook copies of "A Raucous Time" are up for grabs, there's five days left to run, so be sure to get your entry in now (it's free!): "Sher a Hart" "really great book. I didn't know what to expect but it was really good, but sometimes a little weird in some parts" recent 5* review left by a lovely reader who's won my heart!) - guilty as charged! I've received some stonking* reviews on the books I've pushed out since first discovering self publishing, but I think the remark above left recently by a reader sums them all up perfectly.
Oh yes please! Let's be a little weird in parts, go off the beaten track and explore the hidden places and wonder at the mysteries of life. We'll be safe in the knowledge that it's only fantasy, and we can retreat back to the real world anytime we choose. – a reader reading completes the story's circle, and their interpretation is unique to them. For that reason, I've never commented on a review, apart from to say "Thank you kindly". (I hope my quoted reader doesn't mind being the exception to this rule.) Once the story's out there, my work is done, but a reader's work is never finished. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm way behind on my own reviewing, and I've read so many stonking good books lately! *stonking: ace; awesome; brilliant; marvellous. If you know me personally, you'll know I'm the shy retiring type. On Twitter it's a different kettle of fish, these past couple of days especially I've been a bit shouty, but in my defence, I offer "Exhibit A" and "Exhibit B": Otherwise known as "It's Always Darkest", a thriller by Stephen Spencer, and "Adventures in Mother-sitting" a touching memoir by Doreen "Dody" Cox. Both these ebooks have been running a free promotion, and while they couldn't be more different, they're both five star reads. I know both Dody and Stephen are happy to have reached so many readers, and would love to hear your comments. If you enjoy, perhaps when you have a spare moment, you'll be kind enough to take the time to post a few lines as a "Customer review" - by doing so you're helping other readers find good books. And there's more good news, "It's Always Darkest" may no longer be free, but for a rock bottom price of only 77p, (around a dollar) you can join in the adventures of Paul Mallory - try before you buy! Click here to download your free sample: "It's Always Darkest" and of course, there's a great free sample of Dody's memoir to be had by clicking here: "Adventures in Mother-Sitting"!
Last day to enjoy two great kindle ebooks: for free: "Adventures in Mother-sitting" by Doreen "Dody" Cox and "It's Always Darkest" by Stephen Spencer
"Adventures in Mother-sitting" "Adventures in Mother-sitting" by Doreen "Dody" Cox For a daughter, at age 61, being called “mommy” by her own mother was a heart-wrenching experience. This happened to the author during the course of a three-year adventure as the at-home caregiver to her mother, much loved yet caught up in a downward spiral of physical, mental and developmentally regressed disabilities. "It's Always Darkest" by Stephen Spencer Small-town sportswriter Paul Mallory doesn't need much to keep him happy: Red Stripe beer, H. Upmann cigars, and enough money to put down a few bets at the track every so often will do the trick nicely. He likes his quiet, undemanding life in upstate New York, and he really likes his quiet and undemanding girlfriend Pam. Maybe he even loves her. The free promotion on "The Griffin Cryer" is over; and it's been a wicked ride! Thank you so much to everyone who downloaded, liked and shared this flight of fantasy, and helped Frankie and the Rider make it to number one in free Action and Adventure: they stayed in the top ten for four consecutive days! No mean feat, and we couldn't have done it without your help!
It's delightful to think that "The Griffin Cryer" is now on thousands of kindles world wide, and even more delightful, I'm already having feedback via twitter and customers reviews from readers who are kind enough to say they're really enjoying the story – again thank you! "The Bridle Path" remains free on Smashwords and has just received another lovely five star review – this romantic fairy tale for grown-ups has been likened by one customer to a "Mills and Boon romance, but with an edge!" Which is exactly what I was aiming for – I can't do anything about the price on Amazon unfortunately, but it is available there too, at a rock bottom price of 77p – here are the links if you'd like to try a sample: Amazon.com Amazon.co.uk Amazon.de – but my advice is grab your copy from Smashwords where it's free! "The Bridle Path" Free at Smashwords. Also running free today, until Saturday, is Dody's touching memoir of caring for her dementia challenged mom, "Adventures in Mothersitting". Courageously honest, this is an inspiring account of coming to terms with change, and learning to see the world through more innocent eyes, as Dody's mom reverts to childhood. The bewilderment and grief of seeing a person you love so dearly, and respect so highly are finally swept away by love, understanding and acceptance. Please help yourself to a copy of this heart-warming true story, from Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.de. Visit Dody's "Treasured Encounters" blog, where there's some enchanting short stories, poems and spectactural photographs of the wild life in Dody's back yard, you can also discover more about Dody here, when she dropped by for a chat earlier last year. Firstly, apologies: With the best will in the world, even super smooth automation misbehaves, and for some reason or another, Dody's touching memoir "Adventures in Mothersitting" failed to go free today. Worry not, or no worries, as the kids (and middle-agers trying to be hip), say. Dody and her publisher are working with the river gods to right this wrong. I know many of you were looking forward to reading Dody's heart warming account of taking on the role of 'care bear' to her beloved mom, and you'll be pleased to learn that "Adventures in Mothersitting" will become free in the very near future. Follow Dody @mothersitting on twitter, or pop over to Dody's blog for information straight from the horse's mouth. Staying on the subject of twitter, and horses, the stream is awash with jokes and puns revolving around horsemeat. This follows the shocking revelation that some supermarket chains in the UK have been found to have horsemeat in their meat produce; mainly mince. How on earth did this happen? In 2004, it became compulsory to register all horses and other equine 'stock' for a horse passport with the Department of Agriculture. We were told this legislation would be enforced by the Food Standards' Agency; also that the purpose of this 'passport' was to ensure that horses previously treated with medication (and naturally as our animals become older, they are more likely to be under some form of medication) didn't end up in the human food chain. Here in the United Kingdom, the thought of eating horse meat is as offensive and repulsive as the thought of eating dogs or cats. It may be hypocritical to enjoy beef or pork, yet shun other animal flesh; but if you take that thought to its logical conclusion – where do you draw the line? Soylent Green anyone? Hopefully those supermarkets who strive to ensure their meat is sourced from British farmers will benefit from this shambles. Better still, more supermarkets ensure they buy from British farmers who treat their animals with respect, and adhere to the guidelines laid down by animal welfare groups, and organisations like Red Tractor Assurance. Finally a reminder, that this is the last day to snaffle a FREE copy of "The Griffin Cryer." This promo ends at midnight EST which is approximately 8.am Thursday GMT. Here are the links one more time! Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.de and download a free copy of "The Griffin Cryer"
The last four days have whizzed by, and I've been overwhelmed by the dizzy heights "The Griffin Cryer" soared to – we hit number one in Action and Adventure free downloads, and were briefly inside the top one hundred. It's a great feeling to know that Frankie will (hopefully) soon be sharing her adventures with a whole new audience! I'm extremely grateful to everyone who's helped "The Griffin Cryer's" journey. It ain't over till the fat lady sings! There's still a whole 24 hours to get "The Griffin Cryer" free for your kindle - although I'm fully expecting any moment to be shuffled from the top spot by the new kids on the block! One of those is our good friend Dody's moving yet inspiring memoir of caring for her beloved mom: "Adventures In Mothersitting". Dody (Doreen Cox) is a tireless supporter of her indie friends, so I'll be there in my cheerleader's outfit, turning cartwheels on the sidelines along with many of her friends and supporters – not that we'll be needed. "Adventures in Mothersitting" has been hailed as "a must read for family members, care givers, health professionals, nurses, retirement community and hospice staff who work with dementia or other related mental health conditions." (From just one of the fourteen five star customer reviews). "Adventures in Mothersitting" will be free to download from tomorrow, and is highly recommended heartwarming read, to discover more about Dody, and her magical short stories, poems and photography, visit her site "Treasured Encounters" or you can read Dody's earlier interview with me here. Adventures in Mothersitting ~ Doreen Cox (14 five star reviews) For a daughter, at age 61, being called “mommy” by her own mother was a heart-wrenching experience. This happened to the author during the course of a three-year adventure as the at-home caregiver to her mother, much loved yet caught up in a downward spiral of physical, mental and developmentally regressed disabilities. Adventures in Mother-Sitting is not just a chronicle about the dementia-induced antics of an independent, spirited mother as she approaches the time of her death. The book is also about a daughter’s journey through an emotional roller coaster-passage of grief intermixed with surprising sweet instances of joyful connections with not only her child-like mother but, also, the core of her Self. Throughout the book, the author portrays the ways in which the physical and mental needs of an old-age mother and the emotional, spiritual needs of a caregiver daughter lovingly served each other and how the dementia served them both. Each day is an adventure because when dementia is present, the typical actions involved with daily care habits become unpredictable. The experience is also termed an adventure because of the surprising twists and turns of emotion that arose in the author, compelling her to recognize and face deep-seated fears and unwanted emotional reactions whenever her performance was not in accord with the spiritual vision that she had of herself. Moments of comic relief would save the author from the depths of grief’s despair during not only pill-taking and messy hygienic episodes but, also, during her mother’s recurring stumbles and falls and during those night-time personality changes that occur due to sun downing events that are a common aspect of dementia. Adventures in Mother-Sitting is a story that reveals a mother’s final gifts of spirit to a daughter who had yearned for and sought after ever-deepening experiences of faith, trust, humility, and the peace that passes all of her understanding. The mantra that kept her going, reverberating in the back of the author’s mind, was an echo of her mother’s life-long response to any calamitous event. Her mother had always told her girls, “You do what you have to do. God gives you the strength. That’s how I was able to raise you four little girls after your daddy died.” Regressed in her mind to comprehending the world through a child’s point of view, the mother’s last few years of life were full of happy, joyful moments despite the downward spiral of her physical body’s health. This mother’s expressions of spontaneous joy became the balm that soothed the author’s own tired, sad, and despairing spirit. “How can I stay sad in the presence of my mother’s joy?” the author wrote in her journal one night. Adventures in Mother-Sitting depicts not only the role changes that occur in the relationship between a caregiver daughter and her beloved mother but also, the more compassionate relationship that the daughter gains with herself as she learns to walk more honestly and gently with her fears, worries, and shortcomings. Download for free from Amazon.com Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.de Once again, massive thanks to everyone who's been so incredibly supportive of "The Griffin Cryer's" free promotion. I did mean to write a really interesting, funny and entertaining post but - it snowed! So I didn't! Got some great photos of the dogs playing in the snow though!
The first day of our free promotional run sees "The Griffin Cryer" charting at number eight in Amazon.com's freebie Action & Adventure, and number fifteen in Teens, and we're also at fifteen in the .co.uk freebie charts, Action & Adventure. Courtesy of the lovely Charlie Plunkett, "The Griffin Cryer" even took to the airwaves!* Check out Charlie's great radio show at "Coastway" the hospital radio for Brighton, Charlie's a real tonic, and I'm certain just listening to Charlie makes patients feel brighter! I'm ultra grateful for all the tweets, retweets, mentions on facebook, likes and of course downloads! Special gratitude to Dody, who took "The Griffin Cryer" to her heart, and devotes hours to promoting a whole host of indie writers, thank you Dody – you're one in a million! …and if you want to know how to ride a griffin, check out my interview with Dody, at her blog "Treasured Encounters" If you enjoy a titter on twitter, Randall @itsonlymeandyou is running a parody "The Giraffe Cryer" which makes me smile and also wonder what he's on! Seriously - thank you Randall, your talent is endless! Forthcoming features: In between reading and reviewing, Brook Cottage Books will be running a feature on "The Griffin Cryer" a wonderful bookish site, and a must visit for book lovers! We'll also be featured on Flurries of Words, another highly recommended site – Flash Fiction – Reviews – Interviews and all the free books your kindle can handle! I haven't even begun to mention all the lovely people who help put the word out on some fantastic indie titles, but I'll be reporting today's events tomorrow and adding more names to my own personal role of honour of friends and colleagues who have helped "The Griffin Cryer" take flight! Many thanks if you have downloaded "The Giraffe Cryer", I hope you enjoy the read, and take time at some point to post a line or two on Amazon's customer reviews! In the meantime, if you haven't yet downloaded a free copy, here are the links again -
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Wren Prenderson; "A Ripple in Time" best hero.
"The Griffin Cryer" best Urban Fantasy. Thank you to the hard working judges and everyone who voted at the eFestival of Words, organised by Julie Dawson, of Bards & Sages. A Raucous Time, A Ripple in Time, and The Griffin Cryer. Thank you to Julie and her hard working panel of judges and reviewers.
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