Category Archives: Social Media Networking

Internet Free Fortnight ~ That’s two weeks for those over the pond!

Kinghorn Fife

Kinghorn Fife

I’ve just enjoyed an internet free break staying with friends in Kinghorn, Fife, where we lived for a year. At first it was difficult. On our first trip to the nearest wee toon, Kirkcaldy, (pronouced Kirkawdy) I hinted popping into M & S or Costa for a coffee so that I could just have a peep – only to check my emails – you understand. My hubby peered at me knowingly. He didn’t have to say ‘you promised.’ It was written all over his face. I did sneak into WH Smith’s though, to pick up a copy of Writers’ Forum, but strangely enough I did not open it until I got home.

The magic of Kinghorn and Pettycur worked its wonders. The weather helped since the sun shone at some point almost every day and on many mornings the sun greeted us over the estuary as we awoke.

On the first day I was left to my own devices. Hubby went to have a golf lesson with a friend over in Inverkeithing. For me it was just like being back on retreat. I stopped to have a cuppa and chat at the Wee Shoppe, then ambled up the Braes and down to Pettycur, breathing in the oh so unforgettable view from the tiny harbour. Then I walked up the cliff steps, just to prove I could and was proud that I only paused to catch my breath once. At the top it was well worth it. The view over towards The Forth Rail Bridge was stunning.

A stranger sat next to me and we had a wee blether, as you do. It was so refreshing to share our stories as to why we DSCN2512[1]loved that spot.

I must admit having a wee wobble in the afternoon when I glanced at the opening times of the library. I could have just popped on to Facebook and Twitter. No-one would have known – but it was Monday and the library was closed that afternoon. Saved!

I was so upset to hear that Kinghorn Library faces closure. While living up there I often popped in and still am a member. It is central to community life, attached to the thriving community centre. It has good access for wheelchairs and pushchairs, lots of safe parking and is a vital resource for young and the elderly and the access to computers is also vital for those seeking work so that they do not have to pay bus fares into Kirkcaldy.

Why, why, why? What a waste and a sad day for British history. I feel as if we are denying future generations their birthright – easy access to good literature – particularly distressing for the folks of Kinghorn. I wish them every luck in their campaign against the closure.

Well Kinghorn and Pettycur, I thank you for your warm welcome, your humour and good cheer. We felt truly blessed!

……..

Do you ever have internet free days, weeks …?

How do you get on?

Now what have I got to do next. I’ve written a blog post, popped on to Twitter and read a few posts on Facebook. Now to catch up on Goodreads, Linkedin and my various email address … bfn

5 Comments

Filed under Social Media Networking

Welcome to Historical Fiction Author ~ Tony Riches

2014Hello Tony. Thank you for appearing as a guest on my blog today. Can
you tell us a little about your latest book Warwick in no more than
twenty words?

Hi Diana – and thanks for inviting me. Subtitled The Man behind the Wars of the Roses, Warwick is about Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick, known as the ‘Kingmaker.’

Can you remember the inspired moment which led you to write Warwick or was it partWarwick of a journey of discovery?

I was watching the BBC series The White Queen, (based on Philippa Gregory’s books) and wondered why the richest man in England would risk everything to back the young Edward IV – then change sides to support Queen Margaret of Anjou, his sworn enemy. I guessed there was more to his story than the BBC suggested – and found no one had ever tackled Warwick’s life as a novel.
Historical fiction is a tricky market and a controversial one. I should know. There will always be historians out there who know far more than we do, though we try our best to ensure authenticity in our writing. Was it your intention to write a good read or to stick as close to historical ‘facts’ as possible?

I enjoyed the research for Warwick and was amazed at what I found out about his life. It can be difficult but I feel historical fiction authors should try their best to ensure that details are checked. It’s fine to ‘fill in the gaps’ but not to ignore well-documented facts. The truth, of course, is often stranger than fiction, so this needn’t be at the expense of a good read.

I agree with you there. It has been said to me that historical fiction is a way of reaching a wider public with key moments in history and may stir an interest in the reader delving into the subject in greater depth. What do you think?

Yes, feedback from readers supports this – it would be great if more people were inspired to look into the pre-Tudor history of England.

That’s true Tony – there are many novels inspired by the Roman period in English history and the 18th and 19th century, but little in between.  On reading Warwick I have been prompted to look into this particular history of St Albans, of which I was totally unaware, even though I grew up there.

You have also written a business management book and one for authors on building a social media platform. Would you say that you are most comfortable writing fiction or non fiction? (or both of course!)

I enjoy being a multi-genre author. My management book was my first US best-seller, based on my work in project management and my previous  novel, The Shell, is set in present day Mombasa.  I’m currently working on another fifteenth century historical fiction book (about Eleanor Cobham) and am planning a trilogy to follow on from Warwick.

Those sound exciting projects for us to look forward to.

Finally, since you are experienced in book marketing, what is the one most important piece of advice you would give an author when launching a novel in order to reach a wider public?

Plan ahead. Set aside time in advance to work with book bloggers and reviewers. I support book launches on my writing blog and am sometimes surprised that authors don’t even have the basic information ready, so you can make life much easier for yourself by having all the links, images, blurb and your bio to hand before the big day.

Is there anything else you would like to add ~ an anecdote maybe?

In an audacious bit of ‘forward planning’ I set up a Twitter account for @EleanorCobham  on the same day I drafted the first chapter of my WiP. Since then she has gained 1,800 followers – and from the comments I wonder how many think she is a real person…

Wow – that’s something to think about. I wonder if it would work with an imaginary character too?

Well Tony, many thanks again for taking the time to appear on my blog and I wish you well. Do let us know when your next project comes to fruition.

###

Tony Riches is a full time writer and lives with his wife in Pembrokeshire, one of the most unspoilt areas of the UK. His first novel, Queen Sacrifice was written after looking into the early history of Wales and seeing the parallels to a game of chess, with kings and queens, bishops and castles – and the people becoming pawns in their civil wars. When not writing Tony enjoys sea and river kayaking. He also enjoys hiking and plans to complete the full 186 miles of the Pembrokeshire Coast path which passes fifty-eight beautiful beaches and fourteen harbours. You can find him on Twitter @tonyriches and his new Facebook Author Page

Links: 

Books: http://tonyrichesauthor.wordpress.com/

Blog, The Writing Desk http://tonyriches.blogspot.co.uk/

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5604088.Tony_Riches

Warwick Video Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J6y5FcLgpRg

 

Leave a comment

Filed under Book reading, Book reviews, Events, Marketing your novel, Reading a novel, Research, Social Media Networking, Writing, Writing a novel

Join me for a Virtual Book Launch ~ Tuesday 22nd April

‘Murder, Now and Then’ is available on Kindle from today.

‘Compelling ~ Complex ~ Mysteries ~ Unravelled!’

You can click on the book cover below and follow the link and it will take you to

‘Murder, Now and Then’ on Amazon.co.uk:

Available on Kindle

Available on Kindle

It is also available on Amazon.com and throughout the world!

I will be having  a virtual launch party on Facebook

 7 am to 9 am

12 noon to 2 pm

5 pm to 7 pm

Quizzes with real and virtual prizes

including mugs and gift vouchers!

I would love to see you there to join in the fun. If you are not already a friend then do come and say hello on Facebook. It would be lovely to have your support:

https://www.facebook.com/DianaJacksonauthor

For those of you who would prefer to wait for the paperback version then you are welcome to join me anyway. The paperback version of ‘Murder, Now and Then‘ will be launched in June 2014!

8 Comments

Filed under Book reading, Events, Murder Now and Then, Social Media Networking