The Lazarus Child – Jay Raven

I am joining the blog tour for The Lazarus Child by Jay Raven today. Many thanks to Jay for allowing me to share an extract from the book, and to Rachel Gilbey at Rachel’s Random Resources for inviting me to be a part of the tour.

BLURB:

To save his missing daughter a distraught slayer must venture deep into the heart of darkness

Legendary vampire hunter Anton Yoska is on the edge, tormented by the rumour that the precious child he once thought dead is still alive and lost in a world of monsters.

One creature alone knows for sure what happened to Gretchen, but Terek Modjeski won’t divulge his secret – revelling in the twisted power over his long-time foe.

Despairing and drinking heavily, Anton stumbles from near disaster to near disaster as he puts his team in jeopardy, testing their friendship and loyalty to snapping point.

Only one diabolical solution is possible – to confront Terek in his maximum security cell and force the bloodsucker to end his game of cat and mouse. But making the cunning infernal talk will mean employing brutal methods that go against every code Anton has ever lived by, forcing him to become as much of a demon as the leeches he hunts.

Face to face with the evil, taunting vampire, the desperate slayer takes a decision that will change his destiny forever – sending him hurtling into danger to confront a terrifying truth about his lost child that risks not only his sanity but the future of mankind.

PURCHASE LINKS:

Amazon US

Amazon UK

EXTRACT:

In this extract, slayer Anton Yoska and his sidekick Quintz arrive at a chilling location, led there by captive vampire Terek Modjeski 

No-one knew for sure when The Sorcerer’s Circle had been constructed. The mysterious ring of granite monoliths was rumoured to date back long before the Roman occupation of Transylvania. Some believed it had been the court of a Dacian monarch, or the remnants of a fortification, others argued that it was a vast calendar hewn from rock where ancient priests worshipped, tracking the changing stars, cataloguing their seasonal movements across the heavens.

All Anton Yoska knew was that, in the mid evening darkness, the massive bleached standing stones gave him a deep sense of foreboding, as though evil dwelt in the 50-metre central void; the wind that howled through the gaps in the structure swirling around the interior, creating disturbing banshee moans.

From up close, he couldn’t help picturing the weather-beaten pillars as a council of elders, meeting in a huddle to devise laws and to dish out judgements on those who had transgressed.

And what a fitting place to be judged and found wanting, he thought, grimly. But guilty of what?

Turning to Terek Modjeski, he demanded: “Okay, bloodsucker, we’re here. It’s time to start talking, if you hope to live a minute longer. Why have you brought us to this God-forsaken spot?”

Although his legs were still shackled, hands bound closely together, the vampire managed to stretch as languorously as any lazy cat.

“To set the scene,” he replied, “so that you can imagine what it was like to be here five years ago. As I was, when I witnessed what took place that wondrous night.” He paused a half second for effect. “When your darling daughter Gretchen was auctioned off to the highest bidder.”

Anton couldn’t help himself, he staggered back, drawing in huge lungfuls of air, dizziness hitting him as surely as any blow.

“You’re lying,” Quintz spat, spinning to tell the slayer: “Don’t listen to him. It’s another of his sick fantasies.”

“Is it?” Terek challenged smoothly. “Why should I lie? What would I gain from it?”

He reached out to touch the nearest stone, fingers caressing the roughness of its surface, and its coldness; feeling a strange kinship with its unyielding, emotionless solidity.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jay Raven is the author of Gothic chillers and historical horror reminding readers that the past is a dangerous place to venture, full of monsters and murderous men. He blames his fascination with vampires, witches and werewolves on the Hammer Horror films he watched as a teenager, but living in a creepy old house on the edge of a 500-acre wood may have something to do with it.

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Website

Twitter

Facebook

Don’t forget to visit the other blogs taking part in the tour to find out more about The Lazarus Child.

There’s Only One Danny Garvey – David F. Ross

It is my stop today on the blog tour for There’s Only One Danny Garvey by David F. Ross. Many thanks to David, and Orenda Books, for providing me with a copy of the book, and to Anne Cater at Random Things Tours for inviting me to take part in the tour.

BLURB:

Danny Garvey was a sixteen-year old footballing prodigy. Professional clubs clamoured to sign him, and a glittering future beckoned. And yet, his early promise remained unfulfilled, and Danny is back in the tiny village of Barshaw to manage the struggling junior team he once played for. What’s more, he’s hiding a secret about a tragic night, thirteen years earlier, that changed the course of several lives. There’s only one Danny Garvey, they once chanted… And that’s the problem.

A story of irrational hopes and fevered dreams – of unstoppable passion and unflinching commitment in the face of defeat – There’s Only One Danny Garvey is, above all, an unforgettable tale about finding hope and redemption in the most unexpected of places.

PURCHASE LINKS:

Amazon UK

Amazon US

REVIEW:

I can almost hear my friends and family falling off their chairs at the thought of me reviewing a book centred around the world of football, given that my interest in the sport is less than zero. I honestly couldn’t tell you what it was about this book that made me even consider reading it, but I am so glad that I did.

As you might expect from a book called There’s Only One Danny Garvey, the eponymous Danny takes the lead in telling this tale, ably assisted by some wonderful characters popping up throughout to share their take on a situation with us all. These asides were a real highlight of the book for me, written in a style that felt like the characters were speaking directly to you, sharing confidences and secrets. It was a really unusual take on the points of view changes that you so often find in books, and I loved it. I fell completely in love with each of the characters who took the time to share their thoughts. I know it sounds strange speaking about secondary characters as if they are real, but the writing style for these segments of the book really made me feel like I was talking to old friends.

There’s Only One Danny Garvey is a book about football, there’s no getting away from that, but it is also so much more. It is a book filled with so much emotion, and pain, and suffering, as Danny and his friends, family and neighbours come to terms with the events of the past that continue to haunt Barshaw. I was really taken by surprise by just how invested I became in the story. I even found myself rooting for the ragtag bunch of misfits who played for Barshaw!

If, like me, you might not tend to read sports based books, don’t let the football factor in this one put you off. If you do, you will be missing out on a truly special book.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

David F. Ross was born in Glasgow in 1964 and has lived in  Kilmarnock for over 30 years. He is a graduate of the Mackintosh School of Architecture at Glasgow School of Art, an architect by day, and a hilarious social media commentator, author and enabler by night. His debut novel, The Last Days of Disco was shortlisted for the Authors Club Best First Novel Award, and received exceptional critical acclaim, as did the other two books in the Disco Days Trilogy: The Rise & Fall of the Miraculous Vespas and The Man Who Loved Islands. David lives in Ayrshire.

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Twitter

Twitter – Orenda Books

Don’t forget to pay a visit to the other blogs taking part in this tour.

 

A Remedy In Time – Jennifer Macaire

I have the honour of welcoming Jennifer Macaire to the blog today, as part of the blog tour for her book, A Remedy in Time. Many thanks to Jennifer for taking the time to talk to me, and to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for inviting me to be a part of the tour.

BLURB:

To save the future, she must turn to the past . . .

San Francisco, Year 3377. A deadly virus has taken the world by storm. Scientists are desperately working to develop a vaccine. And Robin Johnson – genius, high-functioning, and perhaps a little bit single-minded – is delighted. Because, to cure the disease, she’s given the chance to travel back in time.

But when Robin arrives at the last Ice Age hoping to stop the virus at its source, she finds more there than she bargained for. And just as her own chilly exterior is beginning to thaw, she realises it’s not only sabre-toothed tigers that are in danger of extinction . . .

PURCHASE LINKS:

Amazon UK

Amazon US

Headline

GUEST POST:

In our family, the women have the reputation of being witches. It started with my great-grandmother, who used to put curses on things. She cursed a reservoir and it dried up. Because witchcraft is seen as something bad, we don’t talk about it much. But it has always been present in my life. I have no particular talents, I can’t fly on a broomstick, I can’t heal with my hands. I can’t see anything in the crystal ball my sister gave me for my wedding. But I can cast the cards, and about once a month I’ll sit down with the tarot deck my father gave me on my 14th birthday, and I’ll read the cards. It’s just for fun, although sometimes (often), I’ll ask questions about things that worry me – will my son pass his exam? Will my daughter like her new school? Will my husband’s heart valve operation go well? And the cards tell me, in their own way. Or perhaps it’s just my mind reading patterns and finding the answers. However, for months now, things have been strange with the cards. I keep getting the same ones.

I always ask the cards a vague question – a sort of “How are things in the world?” and of course, I’m thinking about Covid-19, right? And this is what I’ve been getting: We were woefully unprepared (the 7 of wands) and the worst is right over our heads (the 10 of swords), but when it all dies down, there will much rejoicing (the 3 of cups) and it will include people from all over the world (the 5 of wands).  However, in order to get there, we we have to overcome individualism (6 of wands reversed) and work together. There will be a lot of deception and fake news (the 7 of swords). There were also the 9 and 10 of pentacles – two cards representing wealth – but the ten of pentacles was reversed, which represents the dark side of wealth, financial failure or loss. There are many, many people who will lose money. But there will be those who profit from the situation. It is going to be very important to share the wealth in the years that come, so that there is not a total collapse of government. The main card for this reading was the Hanged Man, which is the card of ultimate surrender, of being suspended in time, and of martyrdom and sacrifice to the greater good. The hanged man also represents a search for wisdom – and in this case I think we can say it’s representing not only the scientists searching for a cure, but the people working tirelessly in health care as well.

Anyhow, all that is just cards on a table. I’m far too imaginative for my own good, which is how I came to be sending one of my hapless (though certainly not helpless!) characters into the far past to collect samples from sabretooth tigers in order to help stop a pandemic! I wrote the story long before Covid-19 hit, so it wasn’t at all inspired by that. It’s just a coincidence – like the cards getting mixed up and dealt – and seeing patterns in things that may or may not be there! If you like action and adventure, romance, and a dash of danger, please do check out “A Remedy in Time”, I hope you enjoy it!

Happy reading!

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Jennifer Macaire lives in France with her husband, three children, & various dogs & horses. She loves chocolate, biking, & reading. She grew up in upstate New York, Samoa, and the Virgin Islands. She graduated from St. Peter and Paul high school in St. Thomas and moved to NYC where she modeled for five years for Elite. She went to France and met her husband at the polo club. All that is true. But she mostly likes to make up stories.

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Twitter

Facebook

GIVEAWAY:

Win a $25 Amazon Gift Certificate (Open INT)

*Terms and Conditions –Worldwide entries welcome.  Please enter using the Rafflecopter link below.  The winner will be selected at random via Rafflecopter from all valid entries and will be notified by Twitter and/or email. If no response is received within 7 days then Rachel’s Random Resources reserves the right to select an alternative winner. Open to all entrants aged 18 or over.  Any personal data given as part of the competition entry is used for this purpose only and will not be shared with third parties, with the exception of the winners’ information. This will passed to the giveaway organiser and used only for fulfilment of the prize, after which time Rachel’s Random Resources will delete the data.  I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.

ENTER HERE

Don’t forget to visit the other blogs taking part in the tour to find out more about Jennifer’s book.

The Invitation (Lucy’s Crypt 1) – Katie Webster

Today I am joining the blog tour for The Invitation by Katie Webster. Many thanks to Katie for providing me with a copy of the book, and to Anne Cater at Random Things Tours for inviting me to be a part of this tour.

BLURB:

On the island kingdom of Meta Emery, a young queen, Abigail, wakes in the middle of the night to a terrifying realisation; hostile wizards from the rival kingdom of Archmond have finally done what they’ve been threatening to do: bring a girl, Lucy, into this world to destroy the queen and all she has worked for.

Hundreds of miles west, in Archmond itself, a great feast unfolds in the castle to celebrate Lucy’s arrival. Soleman, one of the wizards and a co-ruler of Archmond, has spread the news to his people that Lucy is the heroine an ancient prophecy predicted; he promises that the discord throughout their world will soon be over. But his fellow ruler Ronald remains dubious that this apparently meek and troubled girl could really overthrow Abigail, or whether she is ever likely to want to.

This highly imaginative and original novel is the first in an exciting new fantasy series, ‘Lucy’s Crypt’.

PURCHASE LINKS:

Purchase Link

REVIEW:

The Invitation marks the start of a YA fantasy series with a lot of potential. The attention to detail in the worldbuilding is fantastic, although the level of detail required to create a clear picture of the strange world that Lucy finds herself in does slow the pace of the book somewhat at times, and occasionally left me feeling disconnected from the story.

Katie Webster has created a wonderful world, filled with three dimensional characters, some of whom I loved, and others who creeped me out somewhat (yes, I’m looking at you Bear!). The different cultures that Lucy encounters on her mission to defeat Abigail make this book a fascinating read. Although I found The Invitation to be a relatively slow read, I get the feeling that it is building to something, and subsequent books will be a lot more action-packed. There is a lot of world for the reader and for Lucy to understand before she can complete her quest.

The quest itself really grabbed my attention, and left me wondering if Abigail was really the villain of the piece here, or whether it might be Lucy herself, or even whether they are simply two young girls being manipulated by power hungry men. There is still a lot to unravel from this series, and I think the remaining books could prove to be quite exciting.

If you like a slow burner with detailed and complex worldbuilding then you will love this book. If you prefer something faster paced this is perhaps not for you

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Katie Webster is an Australian lawyer, born in Queensland’s Daintree Rainforest. She has worked in both criminal and international law. She has published academically, but this is her debut novel.

Make sure you visit the other blogs taking part in this tour.

Networking for Writers – Lizzie Chantree

Today I am joining the blog tour for a book that I think writers everywhere will love, Networking for Writers by Lizzie Chantree. Many thanks to Lizzie for providing me with a copy of the book, and to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources for inviting me to be a part of the tour.

BLURB:

Are you swamped with book marketing and looking for a way to find new sales? Learn simple and effective networking techniques, to grow your readership and connect with other authors and book lovers, today!

Whether you are a new or experienced writer, self-published or traditionally published, this book will show you how to grow your readership and author network, through some of the most powerful of all marketing tools – word of mouth and recommendation. 

This book will show you:

How networking can help you sell more books.

Why author branding is important.

How networking hours work.

Specific Facebook groups for writers

How to utilise social media to grow your readership.

How not to waste valuable writing time.

How to make our marketing more effective.

Throughout Networking for Writers, we will explore running or attending book signings, hosting seminars, finding a writing buddy or mentor, author networking groups, social media planning and so much more.

PURCHASE LINKS:

Purchase Link

REVIEW:

I don’t know about you, but I am terrible at selling myself. It doesn’t matter whether it is in my professional work life, blogging, writing, selling craft projects, I just lack the confidence and the know-how to really put myself out there. Then, I discovered this book, and it was like a dream come true for me. I have made so many notes on how to build various networks, and am in the middle of making a whole load of plans off the back of reading it.

Networking for Writers is a relatively small book, but that actually works in its favour because it means it isn’t too daunting for a relative novice like me. The information is delivered in bite size chunks that are easy to dip in and out of, and covers just about every form of networking, marketing and social media that a writer could wish for. In fact, I was surprised at just how much detailed information there was.

I have always found networking to be a terrifying prospect, but with the help of this book, for the first time ever I am excited to try and build my brand, not just in writing, but in my non-writing life too.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

International bestselling author and award-winning inventor, Lizzie Chantree, started her own business at the age of 18 and became one of Fair Play London and The Patent Office’s British Female Inventors of the Year in 2000. She discovered her love of writing fiction when her children were little and now works as a business mentor and runs a popular networking hour on social media, where creatives can support to each other. She writes books full of friendship and laughter, that are about women with unusual and adventurous businesses, who are far stronger than they realise. She lives with her family on the coast in Essex. Visit her website at www.lizziechantree.com  or follow her on Twitter @Lizzie_Chantree https://twitter.com/Lizzie_Chantree .

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Website

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

YouTube

Make sure you have a look at all the other blogs taking part in this tour for more about this handy little book.

New Year News Part Two!

Following last week’s post where some of my favourite authors shared their plans for the upcoming year with me, I asked them what books being released in 2021 (apart from their own) they were most excited to read, and here’s what they all had to say. Not all of the covers have been revealed yet, but I have included the ones that have.

MADELINE DYER: Oh, there are so many amazing books being released! I can’t wait for Smoke by Tiffany D Jackson and Your Corner Dark by Desmond Hall. Oh, and We Could Be Heroes by Mike Chen and Firekeeper’s Daughter by Angeline Boulley sound amazing too.

RACHEL CHURCHER: I can’t wait for Vulture – book three in Bex Hogan’s Isles of Storm and Sorrow trilogy. Book two ended on a breath-taking cliffhanger, and I need to know what happens next! I’m very excited about Tales from the Hinterland by Melissa Albert – I loved her twisted stories in The Hazel Wood and The Night Country, and I’m looking forward to reading them in full. And I’m counting the days until I get to read A Vow So Bold and Deadly, book three in Brigid Kemmerer’s Cursebreaker series. I like book one, I adored book two, and I’m hoping book three is even better!

ISABELLA MAY: Julie Caplin’s The Little Swiss Ski Chalet is definitely on my January radar. I have adored every book in the series and can’t wait to jump into the latest instalment. I am also looking forward to reading the new books in Heidi Catherine and Tamar Sloan’s fantastic dystopian series – Expose: Beyond the Thaw (book 8) will be out in March, and Tournaments of the Thaw is set to release in September. I highly recommend the series. It’s like Hunger Games on steroids. I am also eagerly anticipating the final book in the Indigo Chronicles trilogy by N.J. Simmonds. Other than that, I am trying not to look at new releases too much as my Kindle TBR pile has gone out of control and needs to be tackled!

KILTIE JACKSON: My exciting new releases will be anything by the fabulous Susana Gregory and also The Little Swiss Ski Chalet by Julie Caplin which is out in January.

TEMPEST SILVER: The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna is top of my list!

ELIN ANNALISE: I’m really looking forward to Pumpkin’ by Julie Murphy.

JACQUELINE SYLVESTER: I’m a huge fan of Sarah J Maas, so I’m excited to read A Court of Silver Flames that’s out in February, and her next Crescent City book.

N.J. SIMMONDS: I can’t wait to read Angie Thomas’ Concrete Rose out in January.

RACHEL MCLEAN: I’ve got Alison Weir’s fifth book in her Six Queens series on pre-order which is an annual January treat for me – this one covers Kathryn Howard so should be dramatic. I’m also looking forward to reading new crime books by Angela Marsons, JD Kirk and Val McDermid among others, and to watching the sixth season of Line of Duty.

LEXI REES: There’s a few hardbacks that I’m looking forward to coming out in paperback, and several of my writing buddies have books coming out which obviously I’m excited about. Most of the time though, I rely on book bloggers to highlight gems by less well established authors and indie publishers, so I’m looking forward to lots of brand new discoveries.

MARIAN L THORPE: In the indie world, Karen Heenan’s upcoming A Wider World, the second book in her related Tudor Court series is the one I’m most looking forward to. In the trad pub world, the book I hope is coming out in 2021 is the third of Philip Pullman’s Book of Dust trilogy.

EMMA MILES: I have no idea what books are coming out this year, I have a huge TBR pile still for 2020, I just haven’t had the time.

I already had a few of these on my own TBR list for 2021, but there are a few more that I will be adding now. What books are you most excited to see released this year?

 

A Sparrow Alone – Mim Eichmann

Today I am joining the blog tour for A Sparrow Alone by Mim Eichmann. Many thanks to Mim for providing me with a copy of the book, and to The Write Reads for inviting me to be a part of the tour.

BLURB:

1890’s Colorado. Desperate following her mother’s sudden death, thirteen-year-old Hannah Owens apprentices as domestic help with a wealthy doctor’s family in Colorado Springs. When the doctor declares bankruptcy and abandons his family to finance his mistress Pearl DeVere’s brothel, however, Hannah is thrown into a vortex of gold mining bonanzas and busts, rampant prostitution, and the economic, political and cultural upheavals of the era. Two of Cripple Creek’s most colorful historic characters, Winfield Scott Stratton, eccentric owner of the richest gold mine in Cripple Creek, and Pearl DeVere, the beautiful madam of The Old Homestead, come to life as this old-fashioned, coming-of-age saga unfolds, the first of two historical fiction novels by debut author Mim Eichmann — a tribute to the women who set the stage for women’s rights.

PURCHASE LINK:

Bookshop.org

REVIEW:

Okay, confession time. When I signed up for this blog tour, I somehow read the blurb for an entirely different book. If I had read the correct blurb, I probably wouldn’t have signed up, as this is not an area of history I am drawn to particularly. I think the old movies my dad is always watching have put me off. However I am so glad that I made this mistake, because I thoroughly enjoyed A Sparrow Alone.

Set in the gold rush camp of Cripple Creek, Colorado, Mim Eichmann seamlessly blends fact and fiction, weaving real events and people, such as the devastating fire that ripped through the camp and the colourful characters of Pearl de Vere and Win Stratton into the fictional story of Hannah Owens.

The characters are charming and the author details the landscape and community so beautifully that you can imagine yourself there. Hannah is a remarkable woman, coming from nothing and fighting for everything she deserves, against so much adversity both personally and in the societal norms of the period.

A Sparrow Alone has really sparked an interest in this particular period of history, and has made me wonder what other books I have bypassed, judging them on my preconceived ideas.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

A graduate from the Jordan College of Music at Butler University, in Indianapolis, IN, Chicago-based author Mim Eichmann has found that her creative journey has taken her down many exciting, interwoven pathways as an award-winning published lyricist and songwriter, professional folk musician, ballet choreographer and now, historical fiction author. Her debut historical fiction novel, “A Sparrow Alone”, published by Living Springs Publishers on April 15, 2020, has met with extremely enthusiastic reviews and “Muskrat Ramble” which will be published on March 23, 2021, is its much-anticipated sequel. 

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Website

Twitter

Editing Your Novel’s Structure – Bethany A Tucker

My second review today is for Editing Your Novel’s Structure by Bethany A Tucker. Many thanks to Bethany for providing me with a copy of the book, and to Rachel at Rachel’s Random Resources, for inviting me to take part in today’s blog blitz.

BLURB:

Before it’s time to check for commas and iron out passive voice, fiction writers need to know that their story is strong. Are your beta readers not finishing? Do they have multiple, conflicting complaints? When you ask them questions about how they experience your story, do they give lukewarm responses? Or have you not even asked anyone to read your story, wondering if it’s ready?

If any of the above is true, you may need to refine the structure of your story. What is structure you ask?  Structure is what holds a story together. Does the character arc entrance the reader? Is the world building comprehensive and believable? These questions and more have to be answered by all of us as we turn our drafts into books. 

In this concise handbook, complete with checklists for each section, let a veteran writer walk you through the process of self-assessing your novel, from characters to pacing with lots of compassion and a dash of humor. In easy to follow directions and using adaptable strategies, she shows you how to check yourself for plot holes, settle timeline confusion, and snap character arcs into place. 

Use this handbook for quick help and quick self-editing checklists on:

– Characters and Character Arcs.
– Plot.
– Backstory.
– Point of View.
– A detailed explanation of nearly free self-editing tools and how to apply them to your book to find your own structural problems.
– Beginnings and Ends.
– Editing for sensitive and specialized subject matter.
– Helpful tips on choosing beta readers, when to seek an editor, and a sample questionnaire to give to your first readers.

Grab your copy of Edit Your Novel’s Structure today! Now is the time to finish that draft and get your story out into the world.

PURCHASE LINKS:

Amazon UK

Amazon US

REVIEW:

Editing Your Novel’s Structure is a handy little guide to first level developmental editing for the less experienced writer, which makes it perfect for me. Although I am a long way from even having a completed first draft, never mind thinking about editing it, this book contained a great deal of information that will be very useful to me on my writing journey, and I know that I will return to it when the time comes for me to start my editing.

Tucker’s house analogy, which she uses throughout the book, sets the writing process out simply and clearly, making it really easy to visualise the order in which you need to think about things. The editing process is broken down into bitesize sections, complete with handy checklists and resources list at the end of each section.

I don’t know about you but as a novice writer, I find a lot of writing guides can be too wordy and dry, making them difficult to properly engage with. Bethany Tucker writes in a friendly, familiar style, making the editing process feel a lot less scary than it did before, but without dumbing it down too much, or coming across as patronising. This really is a fab beginner’s guide, but also a book that some more experienced writers could probably do with reading as well.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Bethany Tucker is an author and editor located near Seattle, U.S.A. Story has always been a part of her life. With over twenty years of writing and teaching experience, she’s more than ready to take your hand and pull back the curtain on writing craft and mindset. Last year she edited over a million words for aspiring authors. Her YA fantasy series Adelaide is published wide under the pen name Mustang Rabbit and her dark epic fantasy is releasing in 2021 under Ciara Darren. You can find more about her services for authors at TheArtandScienceofWords.com. 

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Website

The Art of Creativity – Susie Pearl

Today I am joining the blog tour for The Art of Creativity by Susie Pearl. My thanks to Susie and Orion Spring for providing me with a copy of this book, and to Anne Cater at Random Things Tours for inviting me to be a part of the blog tour.

BLURB:

What do most highly creative people have in common? What are the habits they cultivate? What is ‘the flow’ and how do you get into it? THE ART OF CREATIVITY is a practical guide to help you unlock your creative potential and find fulfilment and happiness in the process.

After 20 years working with some of the most creative people on the planet, writer and business coach Susie Pearl has unearthed the habits of highly creative people and takes you on a journey to unlock your own inner stream of creativity.

Over the course of this easy-to-follow guide, you will learn to take risks with your inner artist, ignore critics, release blocks and get into daily creative habits in order to build better projects, ideas and artistic collaborations, and unearth creative solutions and innovations. Containing practical tools and exercises, and a step-by-step to help you along the way, THE ART OF CREATIVITY will reveal a more fulfilled, passionate and creative you.

PURCHASE LINKS:

Bookshop.org

Waterstones

Amazon UK

Amazon US

REVIEW:

It’s time for my first review of 2021, and it is for a fantastic little book, filled with exercises to help you tap in to your creative side.

Susie Pearl’s wealth of practical experience makes her a true expert on unlocking your creativity, and the inclusion of anecdotes and experiences throughout the book add a real personal touch. Yes, she knows what she is talking about and understands the science behind the theory, but at no time does the writing feeling like a lecture, because you know that Susie has been through the same process and fears that you are going through yourself. This really help you to realise that you are not alone in thinking and feeling how you do.

As a crafter, I know that being creative is a real mood-booster and yet I still question my creative abilities, especially when it comes to writing, and so I subconsciously talk myself out of trying things in case I fail. I am a perfectionist and can be my own worst enemy a lot of the time. I am hopeful that, with practice, the habits detailed within this book will help me break through the self-imposed barriers and help me achieve my dreams.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Susie Pearl is a writer, podcaster and a host of workshops on creative writing, visioning and meditation. She is a mentor and holistic coach for companies such as MTV, Huffington Post, Google and Sony. She is the author of Instructions for Happiness and Success (2012) and has been involved in writing and collaborating on international bestselling titles including The Art of Eating Well with Hemsley & Hemsley and contributed to research for Paul McKenna’s I Can Make You Rich. She is the founder of a celebrity PR agency in London, and lives between London and Ibiza. She hosts the Conversations with Susie Pearl podcast and is a cancer survivor.

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Twitter

Instagram

Facebook

Website

Don’t forget to visit all the other blogs joining the tour for this great book.

New Year News Part One!

The back end of 2020 saw me pestering some of my favourite authors to see if they what, if anything, they could tell me about what they will be working on in 2021. I was thrilled with the responses that I received, and I am so happy to be able to share all their news with you today.

MADELINE DYER:

So, in early 2021, I’ll be putting the finishing touches on my final Untamed Book. It’s called The Threat of the Hunt and it’s the conclusion to the Dangerous Ones series, and also the last book set in my Untamed world. I’m so excited about this book, but it’s kind of a bittersweet feeling too, being the end of an era. I’ve been writing books set in this world since 2013, so I’ve spent a long time in it, but I’m excited to move onto other projects too. And the rest of 2021 will see me concentrating on these other projects. I hope to be able to reveal more about these soon!

EMMA MILES:

Fingers crossed, Queen of Ice, Catya’s standalone linked to the Fire-walker Saga will be out end of February. The last instalment of the Fire-walker Saga, Raven Fire, should be out for Beltain. Whilst those are coming out, I’ll probably be working on Temerran’s book, Bard of the Borrows. But… then again, I might be writing something else.

 

RACHEL CHURCHER:

I’ve spent 2020 writing tie-in books for my Battle Ground series – one novel, and one a collection of shorter fiction. I’ll be publishing them at the start of next year, and then I get to write in a brand new setting! New characters, new stories – I’m really looking forward to it. I’m planning a novel about a YA superhero. Sort of an origin story with a twist. I want to write something about hidden disabilities, and how you never know what the person next to you is going through behind the scenes. I can’t wait to get to know my new heroine, and to start shaping her adventures!

ELIN ANNALISE:

So, books three and four of my Aces in Love series are set to release in Spring and Summer 2021, which is very exciting! These are own-voices ace romances, and writing them has been a dream! It’s so nice to write characters who share my own sexuality. I’ll also have a third novel release in 2021 too – What We Have is a contemporary romance that examines identity, self-worth, and eating disorders, and this is the first book in my Rose Haven series, following the prequel short story that released in 2018 called When We Were Young.

ISABELLA MAY:

In 2021, I plan to release two books, so there’s a lot of work to do! The first of those, Bubblegum and Blazers (estimated release date July) is maybe my most quirky and ambitious romcom to date. Here’s the blurb: When Ali, Blake, Charlotte and Grant sign contracts to star in a Back to School reality TV show, love is the very last thing on their minds: Ali flies to the UK from New Zealand, intrigued by the golden opportunity to advance her amateur influencer career and silence her overbearing mother. Blake carpe diems the moment with both hands after a constant flurry of bad luck. Charlotte jumps at the chance to relive her sporting glories of the past. And Grant is just relieved to get away from his failing second-hand music shop. But once the advances hit their bank accounts, it soon becomes apparent that producer Jock’s Pied Piper-style offer to change their lives is distinctly lacking in fizz! In fact, the only sweet thing about this gig for the former students and the rest of their Bubblegum and Blazers competitors may just be the packet of candy in their pockets. Re-enacting their past is a rollercoaster of revelations, retaliation, and unlikely romance in the goldfish bowl of a bubble where Raphael (Agony Uncle of the school sweet shop) and his rhubarb and custards reign supreme… The second book will come out later in 2021 and it’s my first attempt at a Christmas romcom. Let’s just say River Jackson from The Cocktail Bar gets fed up with Cornwall!

TEMPEST SILVER:

So, my debut novel, Spirit of Fire, releases in Spring 2021, so I expect that I’ll be hard at work on the sequel to that for much of this year! I am so excited for Spirit of Fire’s release – it’s a YA urban fantasy romance and it’s a story I’ve had in my heart for years.

 

KILTIE JACKSON:

I currently have three books waiting to be edited so they’ll be my priority in 2021, although I have a new book growing in my head as I type and have already written the first three chapters, so the editing will be competing with the writing!

 

CAEDIS KNIGHT (A.K.A. JACQUELINE SILVESTER AND N.J. SIMMONDS):

NJS: Well, we have book two, Witches of Barcelona out in March, and two more books to follow that. Maybe even a seasonal novella. Plus I have the next five parts of my Manga comic Out of the Darkness coming out this year, and 8th July the final book of my past life/fate fantasy trilogy, Children of Shadows, is out. Plus I have been working on another writing collaboration which I have kept secret in 2020, so I hope this year I will get to shout about that. Oh, and I’m re-writing a historical fantasy book that I didn’t have much luck with in 2020… so that, hopefully, may go somewhere!

JS: As Natali said, we have three books with the Blood Web Chronicles, I am working on the final instalment of my Wunderkids trilogy, I’m talking to agents about a contemporary YA I’ve finished, and I’m writing a really fun MG involving Russia, STEM and computer games. So you’ll be seeing a lot more us next year!!

LEXI REES:

I’ve got quite a few things in the pipeline actually. I have had lots of kids chasing me for the final part in The Relic Hunters trilogy, which I promise is coming. I’ve also been working on a “Choose Your Own Adventure” spin off – I loved those books as a kid so always wanted to write one. It’s a very different writing experience to fiction – the spreadsheet keeping track of all the paths is worthy of a maths A level I reckon!

There’s a third book in the Creative Writing Skills series, but that’s at an early stage still, and a pony journal with a twist (you know I’m pony mad) which will be heading to a designer soon.

I’ve also spent all year working on a mindfulness series. It’s a collaboration with a mindfulness teacher who works in schools. If nothing else, 2020 has shown us just how essential it is. It would have been good to have it out in 2020, but it’s taken a lot of work to develop as it’s a toolkit for parents and kids, and being effective is more important than rushing to get it out.

RACHEL MCLEAN:

In 2021, I’m going to be releasing the fourth Zoe Finch book in January, and then writing the fifth and sixth books, which will be out in the spring. Once book six us out, I’ll be starting a spin-off series for one of Zoe’s colleagues, which I’m excited about writing. It takes place in Dorset, where I spent all my childhood holidays. The county has some stunning backdrops for murders – clifftops, ruined castles, steam railways… Can’t wait to get stuck in and maybe if I’m lucky (i.e. if restrictions allow) take a research trip to Dorset.

MARIAN L. THORPE:

Empire’s Heir, the second book in the Empire’s Reprise trilogy will be released, with publication scheduled for the autumn of 2021.

 

Reading all these plans, I am so excited for this year, but also a little sad, because so many of the series I have loved over recent years are going to be coming to an end. Luckily, everyone seems to have fantastic plans for what is coming after these series! For more information on each of these wonderful authors, click on their names to be taken to their Goodreads pages, and come back next week when I will be sharing the new release for 2021 that they are each most excited about.