5 days left to buy Visions of Zarua $2.00 #Smashwords #fantasy

Posted on July 27, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

For the whole month of July I’ve been running a 50% sale with Smashwords. 1000’s of books are discounted so it’s worth having a look at the sales page.

Here’s Visions book page. You just enter the code SSW50 and the discount will be applied. Smashwords is good for buying ebooks from different retailers / different formats i.e. kobo, nook, iTunes and of course kindle (mobi, pdf etc.).

For me, this is a last attempt to drum up some interest in Smashwords before I enrol in KDP Select. It will be interesting to see if the KDP scheme has any impact on sales, so I’ll keep you informed of my findings.

In the mean time, here’s the blurb…

Two wizards, 350 years apart. Together they must save the realm of Paltria from Zarua’s dark past.

An ancient darkness haunts the realm of Paltria.

Apprentice wizard Paddren is plagued by visions of a city on the brink of annihilation. When his master Kalesh dies in mysterious circumstances, the Royal Order of Wizards refuses to investigate.

Helped by his childhood friend, the skilled tracker Varnia, and her lover Leyoch, Paddren vows to find the killer.

The investigation leads Paddren down a sinister path of assassins, secret sects and creatures conjured by blood magic. But he is guided by a connection with a wizard from centuries ago – a wizard whose history holds the key to the horror at the heart of the abandoned city of Zarua. Can Paddren decipher his visions in time to save the Paltrian people from the dark menace of Zarua’s past?

Also available via

Amazon UK

Amazon US

There are some brilliant reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. If you are intrigued, why not check those reviews and see what you think.

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A quick question for all you indie authors out there, have you switched to KDP select and what do you think? Would you recommend it?

#WWWblogs – Goodreads Giveaway #Indie #Writers take advantage of free advertising

Posted on July 25, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

Are you self published? Have you tried a free goodreads giveaway?

Ok, it’s not free in the sense that you need to supply the paperback and pay the postage, but it is one of the best ways to reach people that actually read books.

I’ve run 3 giveaways for my novel Visions of Zarua. One over Christmas, one over Easter and this last one at the end of my first ever blog tour (see the blog tour page here in case you missed it).

This morning at 8am the competition closed and a winner was selected by Goodreads. I’m pleased to see the winner reads and reviews books, and I really hope they will enjoy Visions enough to consider reviewing it at some point in the future.

I was amazed that 1658 people entered in just two weeks. That’s 1658 people that have seen my book and wanted to win it! That’s my reason why the goodreads giveaways are so good for Indie authors.

Visions of Zarua is also marked as to-read by 1221 people.

I know these are just numbers and don’t equate to sales, but it’s really exciting to think that all these people have seen my book.

Poppy is ecstatic with the results.

(Note to the winner – Poppy’s cuddling my copy. Don’t worry, you have a brand new book being sent to you.)

My experience

Of my 3 giveaways, one winner did drop off of Goodreads completely and I don’t know if they even received the book. When postage costs more than £10, plus the cost of the book, it’s frustrating but that’s just the way it goes. I think it’s still worth the risk to get the book noticed by more people. I have yet to receive any reviews because of the giveaways, but maybe the winners will get around to it one day.

The only thing I would have done differently with this giveaway is the timing. I should have had the giveaway running throughout the blog tour, all that extra publicity missed! But marketing is a learning process and I hope my mistakes will help others as they begin their journey into self-publishing.

Do you have any tips to share?

Have you tried the goodreads giveaways and what did you think?

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On another note – I won my first ever goodreads giveaway at the same time as someone won mine. I can’t wait to receive my free book ‘Late Summer in the Vineyard by Jo Thomas’ and you can be sure I will review it. Watch this space.

#WWWBlogs – 2 Easy Steps To A Massive #Blog Tour

Posted on July 24, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

Do you want to run a blog tour? This is how I did it, as explained by Dan on his blog. Please let us know what you think.

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My friend Suzanne Rogerson was able to create weeks’ worth of blog tours (aka publicity for her new book) by doing….something. What, though? I had to know. For you, or course, because I love you gu…

Source: 2 Easy Steps To A Massive Blog Tour

#SundayBlogShare – Less than 24 hours to win a paperback copy of Visions of Zarua #fantasy

Posted on July 24, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

There is less than 24 hours to go in this worldwide giveaway on goodreads. Almost 1300 people have entered so far and I’m gratified to see Visions on over 1000 people’s bookshelves!

If you’re not sure whether to enter, why not take a look at the reviews on Goodreads – average rating 4.42 (12 ratings / 11 reviews).

Enter the giveaway here.

There are also some great reviews on Amazon UK (average rating 4.5stars) & US (average rating 4.4 stars).

Plus the Smashwords discount is still running for 50% off ebook / kindle.

You may also want to check out my recent blog tour for Visions of Zarua. Reviews, Q&A and some picture quotes like this…

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On a personal note, the kids have just broken up for the summer hols. It was a busy & emotional time, especially with my son leaving junior school, but he has taken it in his stride and can’t wait for Seniors in September.

I plan to be quite busy with them for the next few weeks, plus I’m still trying to finish my next book. I have a couple of posts lined up but then things may go quiet at my end. Please still leave comments and I will check back when I can.

Happy summer everyone.

Did you guess right? #Photo challenge

Posted on July 21, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

Thanks to those who made guesses yesterday on this strange close up shot for my #wordlesswednesday post. It was inspired by my brilliant camera phone that has been wowing me with its macro abilities.

I asked who can guess what this is?

I had some great guesses and the answer is…

started

this…

And with a little help from one of these busy little fellows…

It became this…

Nothing tastes quite as good as home grown cucumber, but watch out for those prickles! Seeing them close up for the first time really did freak me out. They remind me of the sting on a wasps bottom, and I don’t want to be on the receiving end of one of those again!

Thanks for all your guesses, and of course congratulations to those of you who got it right. Hope you’ve enjoyed this bit of fun. I’ll be posting some more veg inspired pictures next week.

#Wordlesswednesday – Can you guess what this is? #photo

Image

Author Profile: Suzanne Rogerson #indieauthor #fantasy

Posted on July 19, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

I’m really pleased to share my interview over on Dan’s blog. Plus there’s links to my goodreads giveaway which ends soon.

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One of the many privileges of this job is I get to showcase terrific author who have become friends. Today’s another one of those days. Meet Suzanne Rogerson, author of the new novel Visions …

Source: Author Profile: Suzanne Rogerson

#Bookreview The Blue Ridge Project – Neil Rochford #RBRT #crime #tuesdaybookblog

Posted on July 16, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

The Blue Ridge Project by Neil Rochford

Genre – Crime thriller with a dash of Sci-fi

Pages – 262

I received a free copy from the author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewing as part of Rosie Amber’s book review team #RBRT.

Blurb

Detective Andrea Nox is investigating a bizarre and violent murder-suicide with far-reaching consequences, both for Beacon City and the people who run it. But all she has to show for her efforts so far are nonsensical clues and dead ends.

Then, there’s another murder.

Journalist Robert Duncan is visiting home after a personal crisis when the unthinkable happens and he unearths long-kept secrets about his family and his place within it. Before long, he is going back over an old story that implicates powerful people in horrible crimes, drawing him deeper into a dangerous and widespread conspiracy he wishes he had no part in.

Frank Mortimer, disturbed son of a wealthy and influential family, has no interest in conspiracies. He only wants to take part in an experimental program that promises to make him ‘better.’ However, with the shadowy and powerful group known only as The Project pulling the strings behind the program, what he is getting better at could prove disastrous for everyone else, as a dangerous power is being unlocked inside him…

Their paths will converge in murder, intrigue and a clandestine experiment that threatens to change the world itself. Discover the secrets behind The Blue Ridge Project…

My review

First thoughts – I was intrigued by the blurb and as I started reading the book immediately felt different to the usual detective stories.

Characters – In the beginning there are too many characters to keep track of. It keeps you on your toes because you never know which character will play a part or is the next victim. That kept things interesting, but also made it hard to form an attachment to any of the characters.

Style – Part one is present day and then part two switches back to events that happened in the past. This second part is where the story came together for me and where I got a better understanding for the characters.

Final thoughts – Towards the end a lot of things that I had been wondering about were explained (I won’t say too much in case of spoilers). I thought it was cleverly written and I am definitely intrigued enough to continue with the series.

Recommend to – Those who like crime thrillers with a touch of something different.

Rating – 4 / 5 stars

Check out the book for yourself on Amazon UK Amazon US or Goodreads

#Review Bill Bailey – #Limboland #Comedy show at #GLive

Posted on July 15, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

I’m a long time fan of Bill Bailey. My husband and I used to roll in from the pub and watch his late night comedy show on TV. I’ve always loved his mix of music and comedy, so when I saw the tickets go on sale for the brilliant venue at GLive – Guildford, I couldn’t resist.

Bill was on top form.

He started with some Brexit jokes to warm us up. His style of comedy is so clever, I love the fact he doesn’t swear (even though I like a bit of swearing in comic standup). He gets the message across without the need of bad language, my mum would definitely approve. Plus the kids can enjoy it (we have all his DVD’s), even if a lot of the jokes go over their heads.

His observations on life are spot on in a weird, nuts way.

His musical ability is amazing. Guitar, keyboards, drums, whistle, bells – I think this guy can play anything. I love his songs and bought his CD as a memento of the evening.

My favourite track is this beautiful piece – Pot Plant Elegy. It’s instrumental and I could imagine writing a dramatic, emotional scene whilst listening to it. The only problem is that its too short!

Highlights – the audience made a song with him and there were some very funny heckles.

Final thoughts – Great show, great music. All round fun entertainment. I could have stayed all night!

If your looking for a great night out, I whole-heartedly recommend Bill Bailey.

Visions of Zarua #review on YouTube

Posted on July 15, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

I’m really pleased to share Visions of Zarua’s first YouTube appearance. Thanks to Rosie Amber for sharing her review here. Please head over to YouTube and like the video review. She has reviewed lots of other books on YouTube, maybe you’ll find your next read among them.