Celebrating new book cover which will be familiar to many of you as the kindle book cover used since publication of
Murder, Now and Then:
Category Archives: Marketing your novel
New paperback cover available for bookshops
Filed under Bedfordshire, Marketing your novel, Murder Now and Then
The Ampthill Writers’ Group – A big thank you!
The idea for the Ampthill Writer’s Group was conceived by myself and @adamcroft at his booksigning in Horatio’s, one of the many indie bookshops which sadly died during the recession. Originally it was known as The Albion Writers because we met in the back room of the wonderful pub in Ampthill, The Albion, in the tradition of true literary giants of the past. We aspired to be giants in our different ways – as every writer does!
The meetings, which are now held the first Wednesday of every month in The Albion, but have moved out to the main bar area because numbers have grown so much thanks to Rachel! Our purpose has always been to meet, talk, share ideas, glean advice and generally relax in the convivial company of fellow writers. It had never been formal, which has not suited a few, who would have preferred more of a structure, but most of us revelled in this special time each month. Our other purpose, mentioned on the first meeting, was to plan an Ampthill Literacy Festival. My only sadness was that the actual realization of this idea happened when I was living in Fife and so I could not take an active role, but I am happy that Rachel_J_Lewis, who also took over the running of this writers’ group, Philip Whitely Felipewh and a band of extremely competent folk from Ampthill (I live in a village close by) have now run the festival for two years and I’m thrilled for them that it has been very successful. A perfect venue – Ampthill!
Since I have chosen the next few blog posts to say a big thank you – this is a very special one. I would like to thank all of the Ampthill Writer’s group, especially Rachel_J_Lewis , for being so supportive over the last few years. adamcroft has now written numerous murder mysteries. Felipewh Philip had his first novel published a few months ago and a special mention to Simon Michel who will be at Waterstones Bedford this Saturday 17th October from 11.30 am to sign his novel The Brief. He will be in full judge’s gown I hear so I look forward to popping by.
Just a word of encouragement to revpeterlaws , who has also been such a good listener and encourager – Keep faith. I am sure one of the big ones will snap you up shortly!
Filed under Bedfordshire, Events, Marketing your novel
One Year On and many thanks – To The UK Indie Literary Festival
One year on since ‘Murder Now and Then‘ was published and there are many folks I’d like to thank. Firstly to the team at The UK Indie Literary Festival for being so supportive, especially Rose English and Dawn Singh who have worked tirelessly on our behalf. Great people!
You can find a plethora of authors on their website Indieliteraryfest.weebly.com and they are on Facebook too!
I’ve read Rose English‘s ‘One Breath’ – a delightful story – one of those which you want to read twice straight off because you don’t want to let it go. She featured on my book review of the month and this is what I wrote:
“This story takes your breath away – literally. When you read it make sure you find a quiet spot ~ in the garden would be perfect ~ but certainly one where you will not be disturbed for half an hour. I’ve read it twice already.
Beautifully written, it tells the story of Dorothy, or Dotty as her ever loving husband Albert likes to call her ~ oh, what can I say without spoiling the story for you. This is a tale of love and tragedy and you will probably shed a tear or two, out of joy as well as pain. Dotty has a love for her garden, in which lies the symbolism of all that is significant in her life, including a rose to commemorate her ‘almost’ still born baby, Grace.
There is humour, fantasy and emotion woven through this tale, which won second prize in an online competition via ‘The Daily Bookworm’. I hope that Rose English will go on to write novels and I believe her name will be one to watch out for in future years.”
I have yet to read Dawn Singh’s ‘The Monster Inside’ but it is on my wish list. What a title though!
Here’s a snippet of Rose’s review of ‘Murder Now and Then’ which you can read fully if you click review:
“As I said previously a real page turner, a book I feel would appeal to many ages’ especially younger readers wanting to perhaps try a mystery for the first time.
Very highly recommended”
Filed under Book reviews, Marketing your novel, Murder Now and Then
Diana Jackson 