Over on Hughes blog, we’ve been set the photography challenge of ‘Games’ by Ronovan.
I’ve struggled with the theme this week. So I decided to make up my own game.
This object is something I brought back from holiday, something I really love to look at but not hold because it’s quite heavy. Can you guess what it is?
I’ll update you with the answer next week. In the meantime, why don’t you have a guess in the comments.
The Iron Ship is Book One of The Gates of the World. Published in 2015.
‘Merchant, industrialist and explorer Trassan Kressind has an audacious plan – combining the might of magic and iron in the heart of a great ship to navigate an uncrossed ocean, seeking the city of the extinct Morfaan to uncover the secrets of their lost sciences…’
It was my book group choice. My first impressions – I loved the cover, was intrigued by the blurb and couldn’t wait to read it.
The Iron Ship is a fantasy / steampunk mix, perfect for those who love indepth worldbuilding. Unfortunately, I’m not one of them.
It took me over 200 pages to get into the story. There are a lot of characters – we follow the lives of the six Kressind siblings, but also a lot more besides, and it’s hard to keep track of everything that’s going on. I would think those who enjoy the huge scale of Game of Thrones would enjoy this new series.
It’s a long book and sometimes the descriptions can drag. But there are also moments of high tension and excitement that draw you in. I just wanted more character focus, to live the story through them more. I did like (but not love) some of the characters Katriona, Guis and Tuvacs, and would be interested to continue their stories in the next book.
There are plenty of new concepts to enjoy; the Tyn people, talking dogs which are used as horses, lizard-like creatures and plenty of fantastical beasts, twin moons, Glimmer magic, Guiders to send spirits on, the Drowned King… I could go on. There is a lot to explore in this book. If you are a fan of world building this could be the book for you.
I rate it 3 out of 5 stars.
With the closing date of 14th Feb, there’s only 8 days to enter my Goodreads giveaway to win 1 of 3 signed copies of Visions of Zarua.
It’s the first giveaway I’ve done, so I’ve been a bit obsessive looking at the stats. As of 9.30am this morning (sat 6th Feb) I am number 23 on the most requested fantasy giveaway list. That’s pretty cool.
I’m overwhelmed that over 1000 people have entered the giveaway so far, and of those over 400 have marked the book as to read. This is amazing exposure for a first-time self-published author.
For those authors considering doing a giveaway, I would say go for it! But I will also do an update post at the end of the month on whether the giveaway has had any impact on the number of sales and reviews.
For readers who have read Visions of Zarua, I would like to ask if you would consider leaving a review. It’s the only way that self published authors get noticed and taken seriously. So far I have 6 brilliant reviews and a star rating on Amazon of 4.7. A big thanks to my readers who have been kind enough to share their views.
Please share and tell your friends. And have a wonderful weekend everyone.
Soon after I posted a picture of ‘frosty the frog’ on #wordlesswednesday, I saw Hugh’s weekly photo challenge for a picture of a rusty object.
Well I love this trumpet playing frog and couldn’t resist entering him. My son rescued the frog from the River Thames several years ago. I think it was some time after the floods, so maybe the poor frog was washed out of someone’s garden. The frog, which my daughter informs me is actually called Ribbit, sits happily by our little pond guarding over all his froggy friends. He is getting quite rusty now, but we love the quirky character and are glad to give him a home in our garden.
Last week I finally completed the read through and edit of ‘Search for the Sentinel’. It’s in good shape, though far from ready to self publish. I need to add in a dozen or so scenes and have lots of tell and unnecessary exposition to delete. I also need to work on some of the world-building ideas to make sure they come alive for the reader.
I’ve challenged myself to complete this next stage of editing in two weeks, deadline when the kids breakup for half term. If you could see the scribbled mess of my draft you would know that it’s quite an undertaking. But if I don’t set the challenge I will just drift along without completing anything. Looks like I will have to unplug my Wifi.
The plan will then be to print it and read it again after a break of a week or so. Then I’ll keep repeating the process until I’m happy enough to pass it on for it’s first beta read.
I also need to look into book covers. This time it will need to have a theme that can run through 3 books – and I have no ideas where to start with that. But I shall be heading over to ‘The Cover Collection’ who made the brilliant cover for Visions of Zarua.
In the near future I hope to put together an editing checklist which will incorporate what I’ve learnt from creative writing classes, professional critiques and professional editing. Watch this space.
My editors are getting ready to give me a hand…
See you on the other side of two weeks, if I still have my sanity!
When I get stuck for story ideas or am in need of some inspiration I love to look through my magazine collection. I’ve found new counties and countries that might feature in my stories, possible characters, interesting facts, buildings and objects, articles on crafts and quirky details that might spark story ideas.
Some of my favourite magazines are:
Countryfile – This magazine is always filled with inspiring stories, beautiful walks and landscape photography, crafts and seasonal articles. Plus they usually run a few pages on a chosen location with lots of interesting facts and pictures. It’s been a source of many of the photos on my wall for my W.I.P – Search for the Sentinel.
Discover Britain – this magazine is brilliant for pictures and articles about Britain. They have a focus on history and places to visit in Britain, and each issue will star a particular county i.e. Norfolk for the magazine in my picture. They have headers like History, Architecture, Art, Gardens and a Travel guide. Plenty to inspire…
Lonely Planet – The spectacular photographs are the stars of these magazines. I also find lots of interesting articles on places all over the world. They have monthly features like Globetrotter, Easy Trips, Great Escapes and Mini Guides.
My collection of writing magazines – These always have interesting articles to learn from and inspire, and I always head straight to the competition pages to see what’s coming up that I may be able to enter. I like the themed competitions for inspiration, and those that offer critiques for a small fee – possibly the most valuable thing to come out of entering competitions (if you don’t win that is!).
I’m always on the look out for interesting and quirky magazines. Do you have any to recommend?
I would like to share this wonderful review from C at happymeerkatreviews. I supplied her a free copy for an honest review.
I was kindly sent a free digital copy of this book from the author Suzanne Rogerson. It’s a wonderful fantasy book. Links for the author’s website and other sites are below the review.
This is my review of Visions of Zarua:
This is a dark and thrilling fantasy book that really keeps you gripped from beginning to end. Set in the world of Paltria, where there is magic, wizards and dark creatures, Paddren and his friends begin their journey by trying to save his master Kalesh. But when Kalesh is found dead they must find out why and their search reveals the dark and sinister past haunting Paltria.
This book is one of the best fantasy books I’ve read to date! From the very first chapter I was hooked to read more and it isn’t many books that truly keep you reading from the very beginning to the very end. …
View original post 459 more words
Book blurb – Boy is late for his train. Rushing out of the house, he drops his favourite hat. Luckily, Dog is there to pick it up. But will Dog catch Boy in time? Follow the plucky Dog on this wordless adventure through the streets and rush-hour crowds. Charming and humorous. Dog on a Train is a book to delight dog lovers and tired commuters alike.
This is a beautifully illustrated children’s book published 1st October 2015. The story is told through illustrations only and that is part of its charm. Toddlers and young children can interpret the story through the pictures. It is a perfect introduction to story telling, and can help children prepare for school where the first books they bring home to read with their parents are picture only books.
I rate the book 5 out of 5 stars and recommend to anyone with young children. It would also make a beautiful gift.
Buy now on Amazon UK
Books, games, music, and life — filtered through the mind of a writer, drummer, and philosopher who thinks too deeply about all of it. If it moves something in your chest, I'm interested.
Shining a small, bright light in a wilderness of writing scams
Nobody cares what I'm on about...not even me!
Stories that bring sunshine after the rain
...Book review blog with lots of heart...
Fantasy by Deborah J. Lightfoot
Because stories are everywhere
The speculative fiction of P. H. Solomon
Hannah's book blog. This is my place where I share my favourite reads and chat about books.
Reading my way through a thousand worlds...
My little corner to talk about books
Book Sniffer and Bookstagrammer
Suzanne Rogerson Author 