It’s 3 years today since I started my little book blog! It’s undoubtedly one of the best things I’ve ever done. I have met SO many lovely people through being a book blogger. I’m looking forward to what year 4 brings 😊
A massive thank you to all who have supported my blog, the authors and all the lovely books featured. Every like, share and click really does help. Keep sharing the book love!
Resigned to another lifetime of being a witch’s familiar, Caitlyn has found a degree of peace in her role as the Duke of Normandy’s protector and spy.
But that peace is shattered when she returns to her native land only to come face-to-face with her past, and fall in love with a man who she desperately hopes will become her future.
Elizabeth Davies is a paranormal author, whose books have a romantic flavour with more than a hint of suspense. And death. There’s usually death…
Website – www.elizabethdaviesauthor.co.uk
Twitter – @bethsbooks
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/ElizabethDaviesAuthor/
Instagram – @elizabethdavies.author
*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 I reserve 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 I will delete the data. I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize
Hi and welcome to my stop on Rachel Pudsey’s The Watcher of the Night Sky blog tour with Kelly @ Love Books Group Tours 🙂
For those who don’t know already, could you tell us about yourself and your book(s) please?
Hi, my name is Rachel Pudsey. I was born in Scotland but have a ridiculously English surname (*ahem* Pudsey Bear *ahem*). I studied Psychology in university before heading into the big bad world and getting a job absolutely unrelated to my degree. Imagine that. I currently live in South Korea, have been here for almost seven years now, and pay the bills by teaching business English to adults in Seoul. I am the author of the Aronia Series, a YA fantasy romance series set in a fictional land called Aronia. So far there are two titles available: The Watcher of the Night Sky and The Faelti. They follow the lead character, Abigail, as she tries to undo a terrible mistake that resulted in her being cursed: wishing on the stars.
Where did/do you get your ideas from?
All over the place! Sometimes they just pop up in my head. Sometimes a song title or lyric does it. Mostly, my ideas have been sparked by the environment around me. Nature has a big part to play, as does tourist or cultural sites. I think that hearing real folk stories or cultural oddities is really fascinating and they help to get the creative juices flowing.
Are any of your characters based (however loosely) on anyone you know?
Yes. I can tell you with absolute sincerity that one of the male leads in the Aronia Series is based on an ex-boyfriend. It sounds so corny to say, but when I dated him I felt like I had met my Edward. He was my perfect man. A Korean Taekwondo trainer/ex-bodybuilder who just wanted us to be happy. Obviously, we are broken up now so there were some unfortunate issues that couldn’t be resolved. But at the time of writing The Watcher of the Night Sky, I based the character, and some of his appearance, on him. It was the best way for me to understand the attachment my main character, Abigail, would have for someone she loved.
How do you pick your characters’ names?
I mostly research names and use them based upon their meaning. That is with the exception of some of the dwarf and fae names. Most of them were picked using a Finnish name generator (I used Finnish for anything connected to the Kelluva Isles) and because I liked the sound of them.
Can you share your writing process with us, in a nutshell?
I write whatever comes to mind and worry about the structure later. I don’t map out an entire story from beginning to end. I suppose I use the Stephen King approach. Most of the time I don’t know how my story will end. Too many things happen in life that can affect my story, so I just let it all out and then worry about structure and planning later. Editing is when I knuckle down, fix the plot holes, and make dramatic changes.
Who are your top 5 favourite authors?
Hard question! I guess I’d have to say J. K. Rowling, S. E. Hinton, Brandon Sanderson, William Goldman, and Brent Weeks. Because I like to read them. But I want to add Terry Pratchett, Jane Austin, Ernest Hemingway, and Charles Dickens simply because I highlight sentences in their books for being so epic.
If you could meet any author, who would it be and what would you ask them?
Honestly, I mulled over this question for a long time. I am finding it hard to come up with someone. Maybe Jane Austin. I’d like to know more about the era she lived in.
Were you a big reader as a child?
Absolutely. I grew up reading Goosebumps and Point Horror books in primary school.
When did you start to write?
I wrote my first novel (if I can even call it that) in primary school. Maybe primary six or seven, but I can’t quite remember. It was a Point Horror style book with students from my class as the victims. Seems a bit morbid now I look back on it!
If you could re-write the ending to any book what would it be and what would you change?
Probably Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows. I really wanted both of the Weasley twins to have survived the battle at Hogwarts. You can’t have one without the other! I am still raging about that. I wish it was Percy instead. And I hope Fred returned as a ghost and helped George run their store.
Is there a book you wish you had written?
Maybe The Princess Bride by William Goldman. That book is genius.
If you wrote an autobiography, what would your title be?
I’m as discombobulated as you are.
If you could invite any fictional character for coffee who would it be and where would you take them?
Coffee with Albus Dumbledore would be an interesting day. Since this is entirely fictitious, I would take him to Diagon Alley in Universal Studios, Japan. They have a Three Broomsticks there.
What are you working on right now?
I am writing the third and final book of the Aronia Series. The title is named Aaravale.
Tell us about your last release?
My last release was The Faelti, book two of the Aronia Series. It continues the tale of Abigail as she tries her best to rid herself of a curse she accidentally placed on her life after wishing on the stars. I don’t want to give away too much to those who haven’t read the first one!
Do you have a new release due?
Yes, but unfortunately I can’t give a release date for Aaravale yet. All I can say is it will be released next year.
What do you generally do to celebrate on publication day?
Nothing much. Maybe just some drinks and dinner with close friends.
How can readers keep in touch with you?
They can contact me through my website: http://www.rachelpudsey.com
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/2LScrcZ
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorrachelpudsey
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/rachelpudsey
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/rachelpudsey
Is there anything else you would like us to know?
I am a Gryffindor. I love The Outsiders. And wish you all to Stay Gold ^^
Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions, Rachel 🙂
BE CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR
Fifteen-year-old Abigail Crumble was never much for talking about love and marriage and other such nonsense – no matter how often her boy obsessed best friend pestered her to do so. Or so she so adamantly proclaimed.
Yet on the eve of her sixteenth birthday, Abigail makes the biggest, most contradictory mistake of her life. She wishes on the stars for love, or even the smallest amount of attention, without knowing the full impact of such a feat.
Abigail soon finds her simple life in chaos as princes, men and mysterious creatures come to her door, each adamantly in love with her and refusing to leave her side.
Mixing fantasy, humour, and romance, The Watcher of the Night Sky begins the tale of one girl’s quest to rid herself of a curse that was definitely far more than she wished for.
Rachel was born and raised in Scotland but has a ridiculously English surname. A graduate of psychology, she now resides in South Korea. She has dabbled in teaching children, but after a few blessed years has succumbed to teaching business English to adults in Seoul.
Rachel has been writing stories for as long as she can remember. An obsession with Point Horror books led to her first novel being written at the age of ten. Truth be told, it wasn’t very good. The following years were spent reading, amateur acting in a youth group, occasionally playing guitar, and dabbling in songwriting, all the while continuing to write stories unworthy for print and developing her own style.
A mixture of inspiring authors had a huge influence upon her mind: S. E. Hinton, Mario Puzo, R. L. Stine, William Goldman, C.S Lewis, J. R. R. Tolkien, Neil Gaiman, J. K. Rowling … the list goes on. For years, Rachel has cited The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton as her favourite book. These days, she considers The Princess Bride by William Goldman to be at the top of the list. But the list always changes. How can one simply pick a favourite from all the wonderful books out there? It’s like trying to pick one favourite food. Inconceivable!
Hi and welcome to my Flashback Friday feature 🙂
On the first Friday of each month I like to have a little look back at what I was reading during the same month the previous year.
Feel free to join in and don’t forget to share your link with us in the comments, if you do.
Here are my reviews from October 2017…..
A Cosy Candlelit Christmas by Tilly Tennant @TillyTenWriter @bookouture #BookReview #BlogBlitz
Silent Lies #BlogTour @KatCroft @bookouture #BookReview
Her Last Secret #BlogBlitz Barbara Copperthwaite @BCopperthwait @bookouture #BookReview
The Madam by Jaime Raven @JaimeRaven1 #BookReview @AvonBooksUK
Have you read any of the above?
Hi and welcome to my stop on Michelle Scott’s Just The Two Of Us blog tour 🙂
For those who don’t know already, could you tell us about yourself and your book(s) please? Maybe it’s because of my Halloween birthday, but I’ve always been attracted to scary stories. On the other hand, I love romances as well. Once I discovered that these two genres existed side-by-side in urban fantasy novels, I was in heaven! Urban fantasy is like chocolate and peanut butter: a perfect, to-die-for combination that I can never get enough of.
I’ve been writing since childhood, but earned my bachelor’s degree in psychology and my master’s in English literature. When I’m not writing, I’m a straight-laced English teacher at a two-year college in Detroit. I’ve been married to Mr. Right for over twenty-five years. I also have three teenaged children: a boy and two girls, all of whom have threatened to never speak to me again if I turn them into characters and put them into my books.
Where did/do you get your ideas from? Ideas come from everywhere. Sometimes I’ll zone out in the grocery store because a can of soup gives me an idea for a scene in a story. Other times, I’ll be talking a walk or even sleeping when an idea comes! I’m always on the lookout for something to weave into a book. Kind of the way robins will use random bits of ribbon and thread to weave into their nests in the spring.
Are any of your characters based (however loosely) on anyone you know? My family often tells me that they seem themselves in the book. In reality, however, I don’t base any of the characters on friends or family. Unless it happens subconsciously…
How do you pick your characters’ names? Believe it or not, this is a hard part of writing! Many times, a name will pop into my head, but then I’ll realize that I know someone with that name. Or that I’ve used it before in another story. Google is oftentimes a huge help. I’ll search for baby names or, if I know I want a certain-sounding name, I’ll Google ‘nature, baby names,’ or something.
Can you share your writing process with us, in a nutshell? I’m kind of all over the place when it comes to a process. I have a terrible habit of writing ¾ of a book then setting it aside for an idea that suddenly storms my brain. In fact, I have four books halfway completed right now. I know that I’ll eventually complete them, but it’s so hard to focus on an old story when a new one comes along.
Who are your top 5 favourite authors? Stephen King, Jodi Picault, Sarah Waters, J. K. Rowling, and Kazuo Ishiguro. Not necessarily in that order.
If you could meet any author, who would it be and what would you ask them? I would definitely want to meet J. K. Rowling. I’d love to ask her how she comes up with those amazing names of things. Hogwarts? Flourish and Blotts? Pure genius!
Were you a big reader as a child? Definitely! My mother was a big reader as well, and she always made sure to take me to the library. She’d give me books for Christmas or my birthday, as she knew how much I loved them. I would spend hours reading everything I could lay my hands on.
When did you start to write? I’ve written stories ever since I was a kid. If I wasn’t writing them, I’d dream about them or imagine them. I also wrote Star Wars fan fiction back in the 1970’s when the original movie came out. We didn’t call it fanfic back then. In fact, I didn’t realize that fan fiction was a thing until recently.
If you could re-write the ending to any book what would it be and what would you change?
Is there a book you wish you had written? I’ve always wanted to rewrite Anna Karenina. Surely, she deserved a happier ending!
If you wrote an autobiography, what would your title be? Head in the Clouds since that’s me most of the time.
If you could invite any fictional character for coffee who would it be and where would you take them? I love Molly Weasley! I’d love to chat about ordinary things like raising kids and maintaining a household. I would also press her for stories about how she fought Voldemort. To me, she’s a great example of a strong woman. I’d definitely take her to Starbucks where my son works so that he could meet her.
What are you working on right now? Right now, I’m in the middle of writing a supernatural thriller. It’s a ghost story in which a young man named Ethan is trying to solve (what he thinks is) his best friend’s murder.
Tell us about your last release? Just the Two of Us is a romance with a love triangle. Two sisters, one guy. There’s a fair bit of sibling rivalry between these two, as well as a history of deceit. The older sister, Janice, suffers from a brain injury related to a suicide attempt. She blames her condition on her younger sister, Starla. Starla, on the other hand, feels guilty for what happened to her older sister. Although there’s plenty of drama, there are also many bright spots. For one thing, Nick is both an excellent frisbee player and a good sport. Starla, on the other hand, enjoys making art out of other people’s trash.
Do you have a new release due? No, not yet. I’m hoping, however, to release something in the winter.
What do you generally do to celebrate on publication day? I like to give myself a day off from writing. I’ll sleep in, enjoy my coffee, and then spend most of the day with a good book.
How can readers keep in touch with you? I’m on Twitter as @mscottwriter and on GoodReads at https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/2896599.Michelle_Scott. I have a Facebook Page at https://www.facebook.com/MichelleScottsFiction/
Is there anything else you would like us to know? I can tie the stem of a cherry in a knot with my tongue. Don’t ask me how I learned that. 😉
Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions, Michelle 🙂
Starla wasn’t trying to steal her older sister’s boyfriend. In fact, she was fighting him off when Janice caught the two of them alone in the dark. Unfortunately, love-struck Janice didn’t see it that way and tried to end her life. Although she didn’t succeed, her suicide attempt left her brain damaged, and it became Starla’s responsibility to care for her. Four years later, the sisters’ peaceful lives are interrupted when Nick, a handsome, young attorney, moves in upstairs. Seeing that Janice is attracted to him, Starla keeps herself out of the picture. After all, she hurt her sister before, and she’s not about to do it again. Yet as much as Starla tries to ignore her feelings for Nick, she can’t bury them entirely. Especially not when he seems to be choosing her over her sister.
Daughter of a slave…wedded to the warrior!
Livia Valeria is furious when she’s ruthlessly gambled away by her intended bridegroom. Luckily, it’s tall, muscled and darkly handsome Roman centurion Marius Varro who wins her as his bride! Livia must hide her Caledonian roots, but when Marius faces a barbarian rebellion at Hadrian’s Wall she must make a choice: her heritage or the husband she’s falling for…
Amazon UK https://amzn.to/2NWoZSS
Amazon https://amzn.to/2NWoZSS
iBooks https://apple.co/2udYkZI
WHSmith http://bit.ly/2Nbne3b
Jenni Fletcher was born on the north coast of Scotland and now lives in Yorkshire, where she writes Medieval, Roman and Victorian romance novels.
She studied English at Cambridge University before doing an MA on Women and Literature in English and a PhD on Victorian & Edwardian literature at Hull. After realising that she was better at writing than teaching, she worked in a number of administrative jobs whilst trying to finish her first book, which was rejected. Thinking there must have been some mistake, she then wrote another, which was fortunately accepted by Harlequin Mills & Boon.
Her favourite Jane Austen novel is Persuasion and her favourite Brontë is Anne. If she had to choose a romantic hero it would be John Thornton, but maybe that’s just because she’s Northern.
FB https://www.facebook.com/JenniFletcherAuthor/
Twitter @JenniAuthor
*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 I reserve 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 I will delete the data. I am not responsible for despatch or delivery of the prize.
Hi and welcome to my stop on Jason Minick’s Arcam blog tour 🙂
Many thanks to the author and to Kelly at Love Books Group Tours
For those who don’t know already, could you tell us about yourself and your book(s) please?
I have been a railway signalling engineer for twenty-eight years. I am currently a self-employed consultant in the design discipline. I’m pleased to say that my profession keeps me busy presently; but, as you can probably imagine, this poses a challenge in terms of fulfilling my writing passion.
I am married, with three extraordinary children. The kids are currently aged fourteen, eleven and eight. So, of course, I take my role of husband and father seriously. All this means that I could really do with there being just another couple of hours in a day. Something I know many of you will empathise with.
Nevertheless; I find that if you really want to do something enough, you will find the time. So it is for me with writing.
I am a fan of reading several genres, but I was in no doubt that I would begin my writing journey with a crime-fiction series.
I began writing Arcam, my debut novel, at the very beginning of 2017. The book is a crime/conspiracy thriller, based predominantly in Somerset, England. It is the first book in what I intend to become a series, based around the main protagonist – DCI Jack Robson.
Where did/do you get your ideas from?
There is no doubt that the inspiration for the Arcam story came from the location in which it is based.
North Somerset is an area I have become very fond of. In particular, I find the Quantocks and coastal area of St Audries Bay, Watchet and Porlock to be rather enchanting. My first novel was always going to be a crime fiction and it could only have taken place in one area.
I had several ideas in my mind as to what sort of sinister events a novelist could make happen in this area, but I was surprised at how, once I’d started writing, the events almost unfolded by themselves.
I was intrigued by what might happen if one got beneath the surface of such an understated, relaxed haven of tranquillity. In contrast to many thrillers that are based in well-known city locations, I wanted to use this ostensibly sleepy area to bring out the potential for the unexpected.
There are certainly a small number of specific, key locations in the book.
As I soon discovered, one of the key factors in plot development is identifying early on what the perpetrator wants. Without wishing to give too much away in this post, I can absolutely confirm that the locations themselves provided the answer to this challenge.
I have been fortunate enough to be able to spend quite a lot of time in the area, which really was a blessing in terms of location research. In fact, among the many enjoyable elements of writing this book has been the opportunity to try to bring the area to life on the page, as it were.
Having the main character being from a totally different location also provided the opportunity to highlight the contrast.
Are any of your characters based (however loosely) on anyone you know?
Not particularly, no.
I suppose DCI Jack Robson was quite easy to ‘build’. He’s not based on anyone specifically but is more an accumulation of various character traits.
First and foremost, I wanted Jack to be a ‘good man’. I wanted him to be strong, maybe even tough; but not in the stereotypical sense perhaps. It seemed important to me to be able to show vulnerability, to make Robson believable.
I don’t know if it’s because I am a father of young children, but it seemed obvious to make Jack a father, to add to his relatability for readers. This eventually evolved into the back story regarding his late wife, Isabelle.
Trying to put myself in his place, that of a single father, was not particularly comfortable. But I think it enabled there to be quite an interesting dimension to his relationship with Emma Wilson.
It seemed a natural development to incorporate some degree of romance in the story, given Jack’s sad past. I also wanted a strong detective partner for him, who also possessed a high level of intelligence and a personality that complimented Jack’s foibles.
Enter the remarkable Inspector Emma Wilson, of Somerset CID.
Emma is an attractive young woman and a fast-tracked high flyer in the force. But she soon proves to Robson that she isn’t one of the ‘wet-behind-the-ears’ new breed of recruits. Wilson has common sense and is street-wise.
These two main characters were really a product of how I wanted the tale to develop. Others, such as Superintendent Thorpe and Sir Geoffrey Charlesworth were also conjured in my mind. Although, when I think of Thorpe, I remember a grumpy, brusque college lecturer I once had. Perhaps I’ve also met someone like Sir Geoffrey before also.
Jonny Searle was based on a man I saw drinking at the Ship Inn at Porlock Weir, while I was still writing the first draft. He looked, to me anyway, like a typical man of the sea. He had an unassuming ruggedness and I couldn’t help noticing his rather large hands. He also seemed quite jolly and appeared as though he enjoyed life’s simple pleasures. (Perhaps the latter characteristic made its way into Jacob Miller).
The core characters were Jack, Emma, Sir Geoffrey and perhaps Thorpe. The other characters were developed around this core group, out of necessity as the story developed. I think I probably found the process of developing characters as equally rewarding as developing the story. After all, what could be more creative than producing new human beings!
I have been delighted by the feedback I’ve received so far, regarding Robson and Wilson in particular. I very much hope that I do these characters justice in book number two!
How do you pick your characters’ names?
Often, I lean back in my chair, close my eyes and imagine the character. But also, to pick some of the surnames that featured in the Arcam story, I did a little research into common Somerset names. Eventually, I found I would come across a name that ‘felt right’.
Can you share your writing process with us, in a nutshell?
Certainly:
Phase 1 – I think about what I want to happen in the book, very much in generic terms. I also consider locations. I spend a few weeks scribbling ideas in my notepad. I also use this initial period to carry out any obviously key research that is necessary; whether it be locations, technology or protocol (police, military, etc).
I also like to visit any pertinent locations in person, to get a feel for the surroundings, including taking in the sights, smells and sounds. Where this is not practical, then it’s a matter of desktop research of course.
Phase 2 – Begin first draft. The best advice I have absorbed is to write, write, write! The first draft is essentially a brain-dump. It’s the most creative period really. I may know what key events I want to happen and I will have a vague idea of the ending; but I don’t know what’s going to happen in between until I write it.
Phase 3 – Start to turn the waffle into a decent piece of writing. For Arcam, I wrote five drafts, before I was happy to submit my manuscript for proof-reading. This re-writing process not only involved trying to make the writing good; the plot was also developed further – some scenes deleted, some added.
Phase 4 – Proofread/editing – I paid a professional to carry out a kind of hybrid ‘proof-edit’. This was money well-spent. No matter how carefully you check your own work, it is never possible to pick up everything. So, an independent, professional review is a must.
Phase 5 – Get a cover design and publish!
Who are your top 5 favourite authors?
Tricky … I’ll settle on these:
Frederick Forsyth
LJ Ross
Charles Dickens
James Ellroy
CJ Sansom
If you could meet any author, who would it be and what would you ask them?
I would like to meet H.G. Wells (using his time machine, of course!).
I’d visit him in 1895 and invite him to come and sample 2018 for a short while, so that I could ask him what he thought of society in our time.
I would ask him if civilisation had evolved into all that he had feared, or whether he saw any unexpected positive developments.
I suppose I’d also have to ask him … “Would you have voted for or against ‘Brexit’”!
Were you a big reader as a child?
Honestly … no.
There were certain books that captured my imagination, but I remember being an impatient reader. I’ve always loved the idea of getting lost in books, but my reading didn’t really take off until I was in my early twenties. I do, however, remember wanting to write my own stories from a very young age.
When did you start to write?
Very recently! Many people speak of how they would “love to write a book, but don’t have the time”. That was me, until a couple of year ago, when I decided to finally take some action.
For a while before I finally began work on Arcam, I found myself wanting to write down thoughts and snapshots of storylines that occasionally popped in to my head, when I wasn’t thinking about work, family, or other daily issues that tend to occupy our minds almost constantly!
I was slightly surprised at how cathartic I found the process of writing to be – that of simply putting one’s thoughts and ideas on paper. I believe that’s what drove me on to proceed with my first novel.
If you could re-write the ending to any book what would it be and what would you change?
Romeo and Juliet.
It’s a great tale, but the ending is far too harsh! We studied R & J at secondary school and I remember being possibly more invested in the story than any other I had encountered up until that point.
It was such a cunning ploy they came up with to ultimately be with one another; and I found it quote disappointing when it failed so disastrously.
But then again, it wouldn’t have qualified as a ‘tragedy’ otherwise, would it?!
Is there a book you wish you had written?
The Book Thief (By Markus Zusak).
There are some books you read, that you never forget. This is one of them, for me. I think I’m in awe of this work for several reasons.
But, in a nutshell, it’s the way Markus has written about a deeply sad subject and still portrayed human traits that we can relate to, with great clarity. The narrative is just so very clever. I remember being hooked from the first sentence.
A masterclass in writing.
(I haven’t included Markus in my list of favourite authors, because this is the only work I’ve read of his so far).
If you wrote an autobiography, what would your title be?
‘Help me, I’m scared!’
If you could invite any fictional character for coffee who would it be and where would you take them?
Victor Frankenstein.
We’d visit a convention or exhibition for Artificial Intelligence.
What are you working on right now?
The second book in the DCI Robson ‘series’ – It is a sequel to Arcam.
Tell us about your last release?
Arcam is the first book in my ‘DCI Robson’ crime series. In the first book, the investigation that Robson is appointed to lead turns out to be a little more than your average crime.
I wrote book one in such a way that I hoped it would be a ‘standalone read’, as well as setting the scene for the story to continue further.
I am currently working on the sequel – watch this space!
Do you have a new release due?
Not yet. I’m probably three quarters of the way through my first draft. So, I estimate an Easter 2019 release.
What do you generally do to celebrate on publication day?
Well, nothing formal took place when I released my debut novel, Arcam. However, we subsequently got together with friends and drank Prosecco to recognise my accomplishment!
How can readers keep in touch with you?
My website is: www.jasonminick.com
I’d also be delighted for people to keep in touch via social media:
https://www.facebook.com/JMinickFictionAuthor
https://twitter.com/JMinick_Author
https://www.instagram.com/jminickauthor/
Is there anything else you would like us to know?
Thank you for taking the time to read this interview. I hope you will give Arcam a try and I would be glad to receive your feedback, whatever it may be, good or bad. Happy reading!
Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions, Jason 🙂
Blurb
A FAST-PACED CRIME/CONSPIRACY THRILLER THAT IS FULL OF SUSPENSE:
DCI Jack Robson believes he is hunting a kidnapper…
Away from his posting in London, Robson is asked to lead an investigation in the south west of England. But what begins as a baffling local kidnapping mystery, quickly escalates into something far more sinister.
In pursuit of the perpetrators, DCI Robson joins forces with Inspector Emma Wilson and the rest of the regional CID team. Together, they attempt to make sense of the lack of evidence or motive, eventually getting drawn to the tiny island of Steep
Holm, in the Bristol Channel.
As the investigation progresses, Robson, Wilson and their colleagues find themselves facing something far beyond normal detective work. Unthinkable connections lead them to a conspiracy, so great it could change the course of humanity. The question is, can they intervene before it’s too late to prevent the appalling future that potentially lies ahead …
Jason Minick is an engineer living in the south-west of England. He has a passion for the written word and reading.
Jason is a fan of many genres. His debut novel, Arcam, is a crime/conspiracy thriller set in his favourite part of the UK.
He lives with his wife, Emma, and his three children, Lucy, William and Sophie. The family share their home with two very small dogs, Digby and Tizzie.
The author is currently working on the second book in the DCI Robson series, the sequel to Arcam.
Hi and welcome to my stop on Ronnie Turner’s Lies Between Us blog tour! I am absolutely OVER THE MOON to be a part of this tour. It is going to be epic!!
Check out how many awesome book bloggers are taking part, throughout October ⇓⇓⇓
Lies Between Us is a very cleverly written psychological thriller and one which is likely to stay with me for a long time to come. It’s hard to believe this is a debut novel!
I’m going to find it quite hard to review I think as I don’t want to give anything away and I’m pretty sure nothing I say will do this book the justice it deserves, but I hope I can convey how much I have enjoyed it and would recommend to anyone looking for a unique and compelling story in this genre.
The story is told from three perspectives. John is married to Jules and they have a little girl. Their life is a happy one until their daughter goes missing and they struggle to piece the clues together to find her, all the time being tortured with horrifying images sent by the kidnapper to make sure they suffer the worst thing any parent could possibly go through. They quickly realise this must be someone obsessed with John, looking for some kind of revenge, but who and why? He can’t think of anyone from his past who would be capable of such an horrendous act and time is running out.
Maisie is an ICU nurse, taking care of her current patient, Tim, who was attacked and left for dead. She gets caught up in the life of his family and friends, always wondering if there is more to their story than his wife seems willing to let on. Maisie also has her own difficulties and she’s an intriguing character. It was hard to see her significance to the story initially, but I still found myself intrigued by her and this family she is caring for.
Miller is a disturbing character. This is a child with some serious issues and his chapters made for uncomfortable reading, but he is fascinating and I couldn’t help being intrigued by him. The characterisation throughout this story is amazing!
I had SO many questions forming in my mind as I was reading this book as I had no idea where the story was going, although I had a feeling it would be nothing like I was imagining. It was clear the obvious was not going to be the truth, but finding out what on earth was going on and how these people could possibly be connected made for a very tense and exciting read. I’m pretty sure I held my breath towards the end and was absolutely blown away. Jaw dropping would be a bit of an understatement!
Excellent writing! I can’t wait to read whatever Ronnie Turner writes next.
Many thanks to the author and publisher for my ARC. I highly recommend!
Lies Between Us
by
Ronnie Turner
E-Book & Audiobook 1st October, Paperback 13th December 2018
Blurb:
Will they ever learn the truth?
Three people, leading very different lives, are about to be brought together – with devastating consequences . . .
John has a perfect life, until the day his daughter goes missing.
Maisie cares for her patients, but hides her own traumatic past.
Miller should be an innocent child, but is obsessed with something he can’t have.
They all have something in common, though none of them know it – and the truth won’t stay hidden for long . . .
A gripping psychological thriller for fans of Clare Mackintosh, Shari Lapena and Lisa Jewell.
Buy Links:
Kobo:
Google Play:
https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Ronnie_Turner_Lies_Between_Us?id=N3BbDwAAQBAJ
Amazon UK:
Itunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/au/book/lies-between-us/id1388910063?mt=11
&
Lies Between Us on Goodreads:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40169201-lies-between-us
Author Bio:
Ronnie Turner grew up in Cornwall, the youngest in a large family. At an early age, she discovered a love of literature and dreamed of being a published author. Ronnie now lives in Dorset with her family and three dogs. In her spare time, she reviews books on her blog and enjoys long walks on the coast. She is currently working on her second novel.
Ronnie’s debut novel, Lies Between Us, will be published by HQ Digital in October 2018.
Twitter:@Ronnie_ _Turner
Facebook: @RonnieTurnerAuthor
Instagram: @ronnieturner8702
Website: www.ronnieturner.wordpress.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/RonnieTurner
#LiesBetweenUs
#WhereIsBonnie?
Hi! Do you live in, or around, Stoke-on-Trent? If yes then why not go along to one (or all) of the following events…..
Saturday 13 October, 11am-12.30pm
City Central Library, Hanley
Cost: free
Join us for a morning of poetry from Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire, featuring Stoke-on-Trent Poet Laureate Stephen Seabridge, former Staffordshire Poet Laureate Bert Flitcroft, and local poets G.K.A.Gay and Nick Degg. Each poet has their own distinct style and voice, and all are excellent – so do get in touch if you’d like to come along.
This event is free, but tickets should be booked in advance.
Tel: 01782 238455 Email: central.library@stoke.gov.uk
Wednesday 17 October, 6:30-8:30pm (doors open 6.15pm)
City Central Library, Hanley
Cost: free
The event will begin with an introduction to the evening at 6:30pm. Following which, members of the City Voices Writers Group will share their work until 8pm. Time permitting, there will then be an opportunity for audience members to share their own work (2-3 minutes per person). Please bring a story or poem with you if you would like to share your own work. Books produced by the group and its writers will be available to buy on the night.
This event is free, but tickets should be booked in advance.
Tel: 01782 238455 Email: central.library@stoke.gov.uk
This is always a lovely evening and is becoming increasingly popular. Hope to see you there!
Tuesday 11 December, 7-8.30pm (doors open 6.30pm)
City Central Library, Hanley
Cost: free
Six writers…six readings…six minutes each. By popular request, this will be a seasonal evening, with readings that echo the time of year – be that Christmas, Yule, New Year or other Winter/December celebrations.
For details of how to submit your work, go to the Writing Guidelines page at https://6x6writingcafe.wordpress.com/ The submissions window opens 1st October and ends 25th November. If you’re not reading your work aloud, you are very welcome to come, listen and give your support.
This event is free, but tickets should be booked in advance.
Tel: 01782 238455 Email: central.library@stoke.gov.uk
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