Category Books

Reviews and writing

June 16, 2011 The Docks

"Well written and suspenseful this novel is an absorbing read."Book'd OutA nice way to start the week, with another good review of Fire Season. This one is from "Book'd out" a well-known reviewer on Amazon and Goodreads. I also just received my sales reports for May and June. Kindle sales have remained at the same level, despite the price increase after the launch offer ended. I've a few things coming up: more reviews, and an indie book lounge interview due in July, so hopefully it will help me reach more readers. "The Docks" is also being offered in the Great Summer giveaway on the Coffeemugged blog (details here)."Conflict of Interest" is at 12,000 words. Its target release date might slip to August, as the plot has just gone in an unexpected direction. At the moment, this is the

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SampleSunday – The Docks Chapter 1

May 29, 2011 SampleSunday, Smashwords, The Docks

This Sunday, my sample is Chapter One of "The Docks". After all the changes -a new cover, new layout and new price - I'm also adding a Coupon code valid this weekend to download the whole ebook for free.

Get the full book on Smashwords HereCoupon Code: AB96D (Free - 100% discount, Valid until 30th May)

(Also available on Amazon, but Amazon does not offer the coupon discount)

Chapter 1 of the Docks

Bob had told me we were going to sink the ship, but what he hadn't mentioned was that it wouldn't be empty when we did it. My jaw dropped in horror as I saw the arm, smashing out the cabin window, black against the flames behind it as it fumbled for the door handle on the outside to escape the inferno. Fumbled at the door that Bob had blocked.

"Good night's

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The Docks – an update

May 27, 2011 The Docks

Before I get back to "The Docks" here's a quick update on what I am currently working on. The sequel to "The Docks" is now at 6,000 words and a completed outline, so it is due out later this year. I have another novel at 60,000 but the research for that one is taking a lot of my time. Now on to the important news."The Docks" has just been updated on Smashwords. There are a few changes:New cover, provided by Razzle Dazzle design. It's more gripping and definitely more relevant to the book that the original.New text file - mainly to add the copyright notice for the new cover.Sampling has changed slightly. This is a personal choice because, I'll admit, I wanted to end it on a cliffhanger. And finally price. The book is now set at 99 cents. My last blog post mentioned a few of the issues

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“Reader sets price” – pros and cons

May 23, 2011 Smashwords, The Docks

I was using "Reader sets price" for "The Docks". On review, I don't think this is working and will be switching to 99c fairly shortly. The "Reader sets price option" seems to restrict your audience without providing many advantages. The first issue is that most offers on Smashwords rely on coupons, which can't be generated for books using "Reader sets Price". At the same time, you can't link "Reader sets price" books to the free ebook directories and users still need a Smashwords account to download it while free books can be accessed by anyone. Some Smashwords readers I spoke to skip over books with this payment type because trying to work out how much to pay is an extra step between them and the book.If there was a tip jar option on the author page, I'd just make the book free and link

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SampleSunday – The Docks

May 15, 2011 SampleSunday, The Docks

A sample from "The Docks", the novella I've been working on. Rather than another sample from Fire Season or Arrival, for this week's Sample Sunday, I thought I'd try something new. With the help of my publisher, The Docks is now available on Smashwords. I'm trialling the "reader chooses" method, so readers can pay what they like or download it for free, while it will be Smashwords minimum of $0.99 on all other channels.Sample: The Docks

Bob had told me we were going to sink the ship, but what he hadn't mentioned was that it wouldn't be empty when we did it. My jaw dropped in horror as I saw the arm, smashing out the cabin window, black against the flames behind it as it fumbled for the door handle on the outside to escape the inferno. Fumbled at the door that Bob had

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Easter Holiday Offer – Fire Season 99p on Kindle

April 22, 2011 Fire Season

A short announcement, because this is some good news I was not expecting.For the Easter holidays, Ragged Angel have discounted Fire Season to 99p (and a similar discount for readers on .com and .de). Apparently this was arranged yesterday but has spent today working through the Amazon's systems, hence the announcement on the bank holiday.While the offer is on, you can get the discounted price from Amazon here:Amazon

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New Review

April 6, 2011 Fire Season, Reviews

A new review of the book has just gone up, and it's also appeared on Amazon.com for the Kindle edition A review within a day of it going live was unexpected.The review, from E & K Family Books, is also available on their blog (here)."The characters are rich and their interactions natural and unforced. I loved the multi layered personalities each character brought forward."

E & K Family Book Review

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Arriving in second place

January 23, 2011 Arrival, Smashwords

I suppose I should be upset Arrival is currently at position #2 on a Smashwords anthology search.On the other hand, looking at number one......what chance do I stand against Justin Bieber?Arrival homepage - free e-book on Smashwords

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Kindle and Smashwords

December 28, 2010 Arrival, Smashwords

I did not intend to blog over Christmas. After all, with all the shops closed, the snow falling and everyone at home what could possibly happen?Well, Arrival could hit 800 downloads and a brief appearance on the Smashwords most downloaded anthologies list. It was at #8 when I checked so you'd need to scroll down to see it, but that is a nice Christmas present. This is completely unexpected, and a very pleasant surprise. It is getting to the point where I am tempted to do a trailer for my free ebook.ArrivalOn the other hand this does give me some grounds to approach my publisher about moving the release of the Kindle edition of Fire Season up. I have no idea whether or not a commercial product will be as successful, but the ebook does seem to have moved rather fast. I hope you had a Merry

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A quick update on Arrival.

December 24, 2010 Arrival, Smashwords

Going by what other bloggers had said, I was expecting maybe ten downloads a day. Short stories from unknown authors with little promotion apparently go unnoticed. Instead Arrival (uploaded on 14th December, went into directories on 19th) reached 500 downloads last night and is still going. That's not including anyone who read it on Goodreads or viewed it online. My round-up for the year will go live later today, but that news makes a very nice early Christmas present.Arrival by VH Folland

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