Tuesday, 28 November 2023

J.L. Campbell - Flames of Wrath blog tour

Today, I'm welcoming the excellent author J.L. Campbell to help kick off the blog tour for her new release, Flames of Wrath!


The need to right a wrong against an innocent victim triggers a hailstorm of revenge. 


Flames of Wrath

by J.L. Campbell

Genre: Crime Thriller 

A mother’s quest for justice turns into a race against time to stop insidious murders that mysteriously begin populating throughout the city. Fans of Lisa Jewell and Ruth Ware will be enthralled by this emotionally chilling thriller!

The need to right a wrong against an innocent victim triggers a hailstorm of revenge!
 
In less than twenty-four hours—before Alexia Leighton is scheduled to return to Miami from spring break in Jamaica—a group of friends betray her in a grisly assault that stops a heartbeat away from murder. The seventeen-year-old prays for the mercy of death. She survives. While on the road to recovery, Alexia's attackers become victims of mysterious acts of violence, leaving authorities confounded and racing against time to prevent another deadly attack. Concern looms, as the perpetrator has proven to be two steps ahead of them at every turn.
 
When the attention swings to Alexia's mother, a cyber-security expert, the family closes ranks. Geneva Leighton must quickly eliminate herself as a suspect, but not without handing down more punishment. The offenders fear for their own safety and the secrets that plague them. Can they trust the police to find the killer before someone else dies, or has their fate been sealed—leaving them with no place to run, and no place to hide . . .


Amazon * Apple * B&N * Kobo * Bookbub * Goodreads

An Accidental Adventure

Flames of Wrath is a new genre for me and an adventure that started when I pitched a romantic suspense story to Black Odyssey Media. They were more interested in a thriller, and since I’m not one to back down from a challenge, I brainstormed the idea with my son and expanded on the concept I’d come up with in a synopsis.

The main character is a cybersecurity expert, so that meant a fair amount of research to make the story credible. Writers tend to fall down a rabbit hole when researching, so I had to balance information on technology without getting lost in subject matter that I wouldn’t use in the story.

The writing was the easiest part of pulling Flames of Wrath together. I tend to take a linear approach but this book had me writing chapters out of sequence. Some at the back end of the story were written early and only had to be tweaked a bit when I arrived at that part of the book.

The best thing about writing this novel is the fact that it’s a new adventure for me. I’ve been blessed in that I’ve never written in a genre that didn’t like me. There were times when I asked what I had gotten myself into with this story, but my experience with romantic suspense gave me the edge I needed to bring all the critical elements together in a cohesive way.

Would I do it again? That’s a definite yes. The characterization, accidents-on-purpose, and plot twists made Flames of Wrath exciting to write. I hope readers will find it as interesting to read.

National Bestselling Author, J.L. Campbell lives in Jamaica and writes across several genres. She is a certified editor, and book coach, who has produced over forty books. When she’s not writing, Campbell adds to her extensive collection of photos featuring Jamaica’s natural beauty.


Website * Facebook * X * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads


Follow the tour HERE for special content and a giveaway!

$10 Amazon


a Rafflecopter giveaway


Thursday, 2 November 2023

IWSG Apology and Good Luck for NaNoWriMo!

I'm just realising I spaced on IWSG this month so I'm just checking in to apologise, I had a slow start to the week writing wise and so I was more focused on getting words on a Word doc rather than the blog composer. I see the question related to NaNoWriMo, being November, so I'll give a shout out to anyone buckled in for that crazy ride this year. I've taken part three times (I think? It's a bit hazy), winning once, but of course it's more about getting ideas down and getting re-inspired if you need it than getting to 50k words per se. Good luck and I'll be here next month. Hard to believe 2023 is nearly at an end!

Wednesday, 4 October 2023

IWSG October 2023

Time for our monthly meeting of the Insecure Writer's Support Group! Hosted as ever by Alex J. Cavanaugh, the aim of the group is to offer a safe space where writers can share doubts and insecurities without fear of being judged. This month's co-hosts are Natalie AguirreKim LajevardiDebs CareyGwen GardnerRebecca Douglass and Patricia Josephine.


Today's optional IWSG question is a good one! I'm a bit late today, but I couldn't resist weighing in on this one.

The topic of AI writing has been heavily debated across the world. According to various sources, generative AI will assist writers, not replace them. What are your thoughts?

This one's interesting to me because I'm currently exploring AI themes in my WIP - not in terms of assisting in writing, but in the context of VR worlds and immersive experiences. Suffice it to say, things don't go so well when the characters are allowed some degree of independent thought rather than following preprogrammed behaviour patterns. I suppose it reflects my fear that AI could get out of control if we let it - and the most sinister result could be an overload of blandness. We all know there are already plenty of human-produced works out there in every genre that reproduce the same set of tropes that fans of that area have come to expect. AI can only compound this and accelerate the stagnation because it can only imitate, not innovate. I suppose the argument in favour is that this is giving readers what they want, but art isn't a production line. I like to know exactly what I'm getting when I order my favourite pizza. In contrast, when I pick up a new book, I'd like to be surprised - to encounter a different way of looking at the world, to come away slightly changed by the experience. Also, can AI capture the intricacies and idiosyncracies of human relationships in the same way we can? I'd need to be convinced on that.

AI can't move things forward, it can only reproduce and dilute what's already out there. I don't think it'll produce a great work of world literature like Frankenstein or Lord of the Rings. They may not have been the first ever works of horror or fantasy, but they were different to what came before and changed the game in terms of what those genres could be and what they could achieve.

I could go on, but I'd probably get into an even more worried and troubled state. Maybe I'm a Luddite in some ways, but the only word processing software I've ever used is Word and I don't even like the autofinish feature - how many times does it come out with the wrong thing?! Creativity has to stay in the hands of humans if things are to remain vital and progressive. 

Over to you - I'd love to hear your thoughts! I'm sure there are also loads of interesting answers at the IWSG sign-up sheet here.

Friday, 22 September 2023

The Becalmer blog tour Day 5

It's the last day of The Becalmer blog tour already! Can't believe it's gone so quick, but it's been a huge amount of fun. I hope you've enjoyed following along with some of the posts. For today's final stop, I'm at Lisa Haselton's blog with an interview and excerpt. Have an amazing weekend!



Thursday, 21 September 2023

The Becalmer blog tour Day 4

Onto Day 4 of the blog tour for The Becalmer, my recently released traditionally published debut. Today's stops are as follows:

Literary Gold - excerpt/interview

Kit 'n Kabookle - excerpt/interview

Don't forget there's a chance to win a $10 Amazon/B&N gift card all week. Hope you can join!



Wednesday, 20 September 2023

The Becalmer blog tour Day 3

It's day 3 of the blog tour for my debut traditionally published novel, The Becalmer. Can't believe we're already halfway through! Here are today's stops:

Archaeolibrarian - excerpt/review

Straight from the Library - interview/excerpt

Hope to see you there!



Tuesday, 19 September 2023

The Becalmer blog tour Day 2

Onto day 2 of the blog tour for my debut traditionally published book, The Becalmer and today I'm calling in at the following stops:

Sybrina's Book Blog - excerpt/guest post on why I write speculative fiction

Fabulous & Brunette - excerpt/guest post on how to create great main characters

Hope you can join! Don't forget, there's a giveaway running throughout the tour to win a $10 Amazon/B&N gift card too.



Monday, 18 September 2023

The Becalmer blog tour kicks off today!

Happy Monday all! Just a heads up that the blog tour for my recently released debut traditionally published novel, The Becalmer, starts today. The first two stops are as follows, which you can visit now.

Kenyan Poet - excerpt/guest post

Long & Short Reviews - excerpt/guest post


The tour will continue through to this Friday, September 22 and I'll post up the links for each day. Each post will have a chance to win a $10 Amazon/Barnes & Noble gift card.

As a reminder, here's the blurb for The Becalmer:

Harica is gifted with the ability to defuse conflicts using her mind. When she is recruited to assist in resolving a war via an arranged marriage, she discovers that the reluctant bride-to-be has similar powers. Princess Jasmila doesn't use her powers for good and when Harica arrives to help with the marriage arrangements, she fights back and sends Harica into a coma.

It is through this comatose state that Harica discovers a mysterious liminal space populated by others who share her gift. In this new realm, she learns to do things she never believed possible, but soon things spiral out of control.

In the face of a terrifying and seemingly unstoppable adversary, Harica wrestles with the decision to come to terms with the dark side of her gift. Will she take ownership of it or turn her back on it forever?

Order links are here, or add it on Goodreads!

Have a great week!

Tuesday, 12 September 2023

L. Diane Wolfe's The Werewolf blog tour

Today I'm honoured to welcome a fantastic author and publisher as part of the blog tour for her latest release, The Werewolf. Many of you will be familiar with Diane. As well as bringing many fantastic stories into the world through her imprint, Dancing Lemur Press, she's also the author of her own books, the latest being the In Darkness series with a fresh take on various creatures found in the horror and paranormal genres. 


How did you get started on your writing journey? What sparked your interest in writing?

I’ve always been an avid reader. I devoured books as a kid. One day I picked up a new release, Anne McCaffrey’s The White Dragon, and something clicked. I could picture my name on a book cover. That kicked off a writing frenzy.

 

Tell us a little about how Dancing Lemur Press came about. Did you have any publishing experience going into it?

 

I’d published a couple books, doing it all wrong. Then I really dove into research, reading everything I could get my hands on about publishing. When I felt I had a handle on it, I mapped out the steps, selected a name, and started putting everything in place. That was fifteen years ago!

 

Your In Darkness series looks like a lot of fun. How did the idea for writing the series come about and how did you first get interested in paranormal fiction?

 

I like romance and horror so the genre was a natural blend. I’d written and polished The Vampire and The Werewolf eight years ago. The Alien was written 30 years ago (and needed a rewrite) and I had an idea for The Shark. That’s when I realized they would make a good series, tied together by the theme of darkness.

 

Tell us a little about The Werewolf. There are a lot of werewolf stories out there. What makes this book stand out?

 

As more than one reviewer has pointed out, it’s the sweetest werewolf story you will ever read. Often werewolf stories are gory-scary or involve an alpha male. This is a story of acceptance with a lycan who is gentle and shy even when in wolf form. Readers who hesitate to read werewolf stories will enjoy its sweet innocence.

 

What’s it like juggling being an author and publisher? How do you divide your time between these two roles?

 

My balance is chaos! Usually, I’m the publisher. Dancing Lemur Press and our authors come first, so I don’t have a lot of time for writing my own books. This series came about only because there was a lull and I already had two of the stories finished. But other books are rolling through the process with mine right now, so it’s a juggle.

 

What advice would you give to someone who would like to get into publishing?

 

Research, research, research! Spend months learning the process. You compete with other traditional publishers by being professional and following standards. Don’t take shortcuts.

 

Can you share a favourite line from The Werewolf?

 

Just one is difficult! This one makes me chuckle as Nicholas is preparing dinner for Vicki at the family house:

 

“Son, might I suggest you relax? If you’re this tense for dinner, Vicki will be afraid to breathe.”

 

Are you a plotter, pantser, or somewhere in between?

 

I am a definite plotter. I like making outlines and character sheets. I really want to know where the story goes and where it ends before I begin writing.

 

You have a day free of all publishing tasks and responsibilities. What do you do with it?

 

I’m going somewhere! Day trip to see something fun, go out with friends, go to a concert. Just get out and live a bit away from my computer.

 

Thanks, Nick!

 

 

In Darkness: The Werewolf
By L. Diane Wolfe

Souls shrouded in darkness…

On her own in England, Vicki trains at a prestigious fencing school. Face marred by a birthmark, she’s suspicious of Nicholas’ attention. A dinner date reveals his genuine interest and they begin to connect. Nicholas is attractive and she wonders why he’s so shy and reclusive.

Then one evening she happens upon him changing into a lycan. Every werewolf legend is shattered by the gentle, fearful creature before her. Vickie accepts his secret, but Nicholas knows he’s an unpredictable beast. Can they trust love enough to overcome their physical challenges?


Release date – Sept. 5, 2023
Romance/Paranormal/Shifters (FIC027310), Romance/Paranormal (FIC027120), Fantasy/Paranormal (FIC009050)
eBook ISBN 9781939844927
$3.99 eBook available in all formats




A professional speaker and author, L. Diane Wolfe conducts seminars, offers book formatting, and author consultation. She’s the senior editor at Dancing Lemur Press, L.L.C. and contributes to the Insecure Writer’s Support Group.
http://www.spunkonastick.net/ - Spunk On A Stick
http://www.circleoffriendsbooks.blogspot.com - Spunk On A Stick’s Tips
http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/ - Insecure Writer’s Support Group

Links:
Amazon - 
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BRR4VLN7/
iTunes -
https://books.apple.com/us/book/x/id6445310855
Barnes & Noble -
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/s/2940165994548
Kobo -
https://store.kobobooks.com/en-us/Search?Query=9781939844927
Scribed -
https://www.scribd.com/search?query=9781939844927&language=0
Goodreads -
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/75711711-in-darkness


Thanks to Diane for dropping by today! Have you read any of Diane's books? Planning on picking up The Werewolf?

Wednesday, 6 September 2023

IWSG September 2023

Time for our monthly meeting of the Insecure Writer's Support Group! Hosted as ever by Alex J. Cavanaugh, the aim of the group is to offer a safe space where writers can share doubts and insecurities without fear of being judged. This month's co-hosts are Sonia DograJ Lenni DornerPat GarciaSarah - The Faux Fountain Pen and Meka James.


Let's have a look at this month's optional IWSG question, which is a good one:

The IWSG celebrates 12 years today! When did you discover the IWSG, how do you connect, and how has it helped you?

This is an excellent question and is sure to spark off a lot of memories for a lot of people. I realise that I'm pretty lucky to have been around from quite near the beginning. Having my launched my blog in October 2011 - so that would be one month after the IWSG - I first heard of the group during the A-Z Challenge in April 2012, the event that really helped me immerse into the blogging world because it introduced me to so many others, many of whom I'm still friends with today. One of those who stopped by my posts was a certain Alex J. Cavanaugh, who recommended the IWSG as a good venue to keep these connections going. I think my first post must have been June or July 2012, and I haven't looked back since!

Although obviously members have come and gone, the group itself has provided an invaluable source of support, and I hope that continues for many years to come. Among the vagaries of social media, with many different platforms popping up here and there, the IWSG represents something solid and dependable. And there isn't another sphere that permits the space to go into depth about what ails us as writers. Not to mention it also offers the chance for publication (the excellent anthologies) and representation (#IWSGPit).

I've also witnessed firsthand how the group will rally round to support a cause. I received a tremendous response to my call for stories for Overcoming Adversity, the anthology I put together to help raise funds for my stepson Andrew's college fund in early 2013. When we tragically lost Andrew later that year, the outpouring of love was overwhelming, with many members sending me videos of them releasing red balloons in Andrew's honour.

All in all, I'm very glad the Ninja Captain had the idea to start this group a dozen years ago. It's developed into a fantastic resource for all writers and I hope it continues for a long time to come.

For other entries this month, check out the IWSG site here.

Tuesday, 8 August 2023

The Becalmer release day!

 It's finally here! The Becalmer, my first traditionally published book is out in the world.

Thanks to everyone who's helped to get it to this point - my amazing publisher, Jean Lowd at Creative James Media, my brilliant critique partners Annalisa Crawford and Rebecca Douglass, my rockstar editor Staci Petroski, Victoria Kaer at Dark Angel Graphics for the beautiful cover, and last but not least my incredible wife Heather for the invaluable suggestions on the female voice!

Genre: YA sci-fi

Blurb:

Harica is gifted with the ability to defuse conflicts using her mind. When she is recruited to assist in resolving a war via an arranged marriage, she discovers that the reluctant bride-to-be has similar powers. Princess Jasmila doesn't use her powers for good and when Harica arrives to help with the marriage arrangements, she fights back and sends Harica into a coma.

It is through this comatose state that Harica discovers a mysterious liminal space populated by others who share her gift. In this new realm, she learns to do things she never believed possible, but soon things spiral out of control.

In the face of a terrifying and seemingly unstoppable adversary, Harica wrestles with the decision to come to terms with the dark side of her gift. Will she take ownership of it or turn her back on it forever?

The Becalmer is available to purchase wherever books are sold. Some of those places can be found here. You can add it on Goodreads here.

I'll have a blog tour coming down the line in the next few weeks so I'm looking forward to that. In the meantime I'm going to try and relax, celebrate and enjoy the day!

Wednesday, 5 July 2023

IWSG July 2023

Time for our monthly meeting of the Insecure Writer's Support Group! Hosted as ever by Alex J. Cavanaugh, the aim of the group is to offer a safe space where writers can share doubts and insecurities without fear of being judged. This month's co-hosts are PJ ColandoKim LajevardiGwen GardnerPat Garcia and Natalie Aguirre.


This month's optional question is: 99% of my story ideas come from dreams. Where do yours predominantly come from?

This is a really good question. I have to say I rarely get story ideas in dreams, although I have had a couple of good ones. It just doesn't happen very often. Most of the time, ideas will suggest themselves when I have some downtime to think (like when out on a walk) and things that have been swirling around my head crash together and suggest something new and different. I'm constantly soaking up information about the outside world (and let's be honest, quite often worrying and stewing about it) and regurgitating it through plotlines is my brain's way of dealing with it. Of course, at other times overhearing a fragment of conversation or catching something on TV is enough to spark an idea off. I don't always write these ideas down straight away, but if I'm still thinking about it a day later then there might be something to it and it'll receive a scribble in my notebook.

Just a couple of quick news items now. My debut traditionally published book, The Becalmer, will be out in just over a month (it's sneaking up fast!) and I've entered the beautiful cover in AllAuthor's cover of the month contest for July. If you could spare a minute to vote by going here, it would be greatly appreciated!

And, all my previous books are available for free for this month in the Smashwords Summer/Winter sale. So if you'd like to check out my YA dystopian series or collection of shorter speculative fiction, you can find them all here.

To visit other wonderful ISWG authors, check out the list here!

Wednesday, 7 June 2023

IWSG June 2023

Time for our monthly meeting of the Insecure Writer's Support Group! Hosted as ever by Alex J. Cavanaugh, the aim of the group is to offer a safe space where writers can share doubts and insecurities without fear of being judged. This month's co-hosts are Patricia JosephineDeidre KnightOlga GodimJ. Lenni Dorner and Cathrina Constantine.


I'm going to skip the question this month because I really have nothing to answer it! Honestly, it made me a little bit anxious. Instead, I'm going to talk about a subject I'm sure many of you can relate to: the jitters leading up to a book release. Any form of release will come with nerves, I know that, but with my first traditionally published book this feels different from self-publishing because there's a lot of other people invested in my book and its success. I don't want to let them down, but at the same time there's so much that feels out of my control: reviews, sales, events... it all seems pretty overwhelming. And I'm lucky that my publisher offered on my follow-up too. With this being a writer's group, what I want to explore is the impact all this has on my writing. You'd think I'd be more comfortable and confident in that area knowing that people are backing me. Instead, it seems harder than ever before to string together a sentence that makes sense. Can I deliver again? I don't know. Can I find the fun and joy in writing again without a lingering sense of pressure? Really hope so. Switching from a publishing/marketing mindset to a purely creative one means wearing two completely different hats and just putting one down and putting the other one on is no easy thing. I know this isn't groundbreaking news or anything, but I'm feeling it more than ever right now.

I know many of you will have been here, or are here. Grateful for any and all advice. I'm in a privileged position, and this isn't meant to be a whine. But I guess what I'm learning is there's no point or nothing that can happen that would make writing "easier" or less of an effort. But it's never meant to be easy, or ultimately the reward wouldn't be as good.

To find more posts for the IWSG, check out the list here!

Thursday, 4 May 2023

IWSG May 2023

Time for our monthly meeting of the Insecure Writer's Support Group! Hosted as ever by Alex J. Cavanaugh, the aim of the group is to offer a safe space where writers can share doubts and insecurities without fear of being judged. This month's co-hosts are Joylene Nowell ButlerRonel Janse van VuurenMeka James, Victoria Marie Lees and M Louise Barbour.


Apologies for getting here slightly late. I spent a very nice long weekend on a mini cruise with my other half taking in Bruges in Belgium and the island of Guernsey. We got back late on Tuesday so I was tuckered out on Wednesday. I only remembered IWSG when my wife reminded me! What would I do without her? Being a day late, I'll take the opportunity to wish everyone a happy Star Wars Day, and may the force be with you always.

OK, let's check out the question for May's meeting. A good one I think...

When you are working on a story, what inspires you?

This is such a multilayered question and there will be an infinite variety of answers. Of course, there's the multitude of elements that might possibly go into choosing what story to write (overheard conversations, news stories, memes, social media posts, TV shows, books, podcasts, the list goes on), but when working on the story itself... I'd say I'm inspired by trying to capture something, an atmosphere, something that might be about a totally different world but also says something about our current one. There is no shortage of things to comment on. Things that raise red flags. The rise of AI, rights abuses, human voices not being heard. Not that I'm setting out to create something worthy or take some moral high ground. I'm just as confused as things about anyone, and I'm trying to grapple with them through the medium of my characters. I'd like to leave readers with things to think about while also feeling like they've been taken on a thrill ride of twists and revelations. Quite a lot to pull off but it keeps me trying!

While I'm here, I'll just offer a brief reminder that the preorder campaign for my debut traditionally published book The Becalmer, about a girl who can resolve conflicts using her mind, is well underway. I'm offering signed copies for the first one hundred paperbacks, as well as a swag pack for those who leave a review. All formats available here.

Don't forget to visit other IWSG blogs here, and see you next month! 

Monday, 10 April 2023

Pre-orders for The Becalmer are live!

Happy Monday! I hope you've had a wonderful weekend, whatever and however you celebrate. I'm keeping the party vibe going today because I'm delighted to announce that The Becalmer, my first traditionally published book, is now up for preorder!


Blurb:

Harica is gifted with the ability to defuse conflicts using her mind. When she is recruited to assist in resolving a war via an arranged marriage, she discovers that the reluctant bride-to-be has similar powers. Princess Jasmila doesn't use her powers for good and when Harica arrives to help with the marriage arrangements, she fights back and sends Harica into a coma.

It is through this comatose state that Harica discovers a mysterious liminal space populated by others who share her gift. In this new realm, she learns to do things she never believed possible, but soon things spiral out of control.

In the face of a terrifying and seemingly unstoppable adversary, Harica wrestles with the decision to come to terms with the dark side of her gift. Will she take ownership of it or turn her back on it forever?

Release date: August 8, 2023

Publisher: Creative James Media

Genre: YA, Sci-fi

Universal preorder link

Add on Goodreads

Since signing the contract over a year ago, I feel like it's been a long road getting here but I'm grateful for the opportunity for a steady build-up. It feels a lot more real now and I'm excited for Harica to make her way into the world in just a few months. Have a great week!

Wednesday, 5 April 2023

IWSG April 2023

Time for our monthly meeting of the Insecure Writer's Support Group! Hosted as ever by Alex J. Cavanaugh, the aim of the group is to offer a safe space where writers can share doubts and insecurities without fear of being judged. This month's co-hosts are Jemima PettNancy Gideon and Natalie Aguirre.


There's a great question this month. It's: Do you remember writing your first book? What were your thoughts about a career path on writing? Where are you now and how is it working out for you? If you're at the start of the journey, what are your goals?

I do remember writing my first book. It was around this time sixteen years ago that I started writing it. It was meant to be some sort of psychological thriller because I was reading a lot of that sort of thing at the time. Mistaken identity and amnesia were involved, but I don't remember much more of the finer detail. I do recall it took me two years to write it and then a year seeking an agent, during which time I did no further writing. That was my first mistake because I've since learned you should always keep moving forward in your work while waiting to hear from any gatekeepers. Thankfully, it was not long after that I started a blog and joined IWSG and started up soaking up wisdom from legions of wonderful authors. That means you - I'm amazed that I've known some of you reading for over a decade now and I'm so grateful for that connection. I suppose when I started writing my first book I had naive ideas of doing packed book tours to adoring crowds and topping best seller lists. Through IWSG, I learned that writing is more about grafting and getting the next sentence down. After my first couple of books, I put my agent hunt on the back burner and pivoted to self-publishing, which taught me a lot about marketing and probably about what not to do as well. It was a lot of fun organising blog tours, cover design, ARCs. I was still interested in the traditional path and becoming a hybrid author and I started seeking a small press for the book I started writing during the first COVID lockdown. I thought it was the strongest thing I'd done and I wanted to seek other avenues for it and see where they could go. I believe the reason I was able to write a stronger book that a fantastic publisher was willing to take a chance on was because I'd picked up so much great advice from all of you over the years, not just about the writing itself but about ways to keep motivation going, as well as reading so many superb books you wrote as well. That's the best way to learn!

Whew! That got more emotional than I expected. Thanks for this question because it's definitely good to look back and see how far you've come sometimes. It keeps you putting one foot in front of the other. 

In terms of where I am right now on my journey, I just had my cover reveal for The Becalmer and preorders start in a few days, on April 10. Trying not to get too freaked out...

To read others' answers - and I'm sure there'll be some awesome ones - check out the IWSG list here

Monday, 3 April 2023

The Becalmer Cover Reveal!

A big day today as I get to unveil the cover for my forthcoming debut traditionally published book, The Becalmer! Really excited and I hope you love it as much as I do.


Title: The Becalmer

Author: Nick Wilford

Publisher: Creative James Media

Cover design: Dark Angel Graphics

Release date: August 8th 2023

Preorder date: April 10th 2023

Add on Goodreads

Blurb:

Harica is gifted with the ability to defuse conflicts using her mind. When she is recruited to assist in resolving a war via an arranged marriage, she discovers that the reluctant bride-to-be has similar powers. Princess Jasmila doesn't use her powers for good and when Harica arrives to help with the marriage arrangements, she fights back and sends Harica into a coma.

It is through this comatose state that Harica discovers a mysterious liminal space populated by others who share her gift. In this new realm, she learns to do things she never believed possible, but soon things spiral out of control.

In the face of a terrifying and seemingly unstoppable adversary, Harica wrestles with the decision to come to terms with the dark side of her gift. Will she take ownership of it or turn her back on it forever?

*

If you'd like to sign up to receive an ARC of The Becalmer or join its street team, you can do so here. I'll see you on Wednesday for IWSG!

Wednesday, 1 March 2023

IWSG March 2023

Time for our next monthly meeting of the Insecure Writer's Support Group! Hosted as ever by Alex J. Cavanaugh, the aim of the group is to offer a safe space where writers can share doubts and insecurities without fear of being judged. This month's co-hosts are Diedre KnightTonya DreckerBish DenhamOlga Godim and JQ Rose.


Sorry I missed last month's meet! It just snuck up on me for some reason. Leaving that aside, let's turn to this month's IWSG question, which is an interesting one: Have you ever read a line in novel or a clever plot twist that caused you to have author envy?

I'm sure most writers have had that sort of moment where you think "I wish I'd thought of that" or even "I'll never write anything as clever as that." And probably on multiple occasions - I'd struggle to pick out specific examples. Envy is a strong word though and not one I'd probably use to describe that feeling. It's more a sense of healthy competition that spurs you on to do better. We're all learning all the time and probably every book we read has something to teach us. Envy doesn't go anywhere - it means we want what others have, but only that author could have written that book. By the same token, no one else could have written the books we write, either. So, be amazed, be inspired by others' accomplishments, and funnel that inspiration into doing what you do best!

In other news, I've got some slightly nervous insecurity as things will start to roll out for my debut trad pub release in August. I've been told my proofs are on the way, so I will finally get to "hold my book in my hands", and there should be a cover and blurb reveal in the next few weeks. It's a good kind of nerves, I suppose, there's just always that tingling anticipation at how it will all go down.

For more takes on this month's question and to see what other authors are up to, check out the list here.

Wednesday, 4 January 2023

IWSG January 2023

A brand new year and it's time for our first meeting of 2023 for the Insecure Writer's Support Group. Hope everyone's excited and has great plans for the year ahead. Hosted as ever by Alex J. Cavanaugh, the aim of the group is to offer a safe space where writers can share doubts and insecurities without fear of being judged. This month's co-hosts are Jemima PettDebs CareyKim LajevardiSarah FosterNatalie Aguirre and T. Powell Coltrin.


January 4 question - Do you have a word of the year? Is there one word that sums up what you need to work on or change in the coming year? For instance, in 2021 my word of the year was Finish. I was determined to finished my first draft by the end of the year. In 2022, my word of the year is Ease. I want to get my process, systems, finances, and routines where life flows with ease and less chaos. What is your word for 2023? Why?

I had a think about this - I initially dismissed the question because I've never had a "word of the year" but on reflection it might be quite a nice idea. And a good word for my 2023 might be "present." No, it's not a hangover for Christmas, I'm not fixated on receiving gifts. No, I mean it would be a good idea to be present in the moment and receptive to opportunities, especially in the year when my first traditionally published book is released. It's about not second guessing things in terms of what could go wrong or right because it's easy to get into a tailspin that way. I'm not saying that nerves or anxiety about my work coming out on a particular platform are going to go away. I think those are ever present for all of us to a degree no matter where we are in our career. But it's about managing that and not letting it stop us enjoying special moments when they happen. Obviously, being present is a good motto in any situation - with family, for example. 

So, yeah, that's the word I'm going to take going forward for this year. What about you? See how others answered at the IWSG list here.