A book by its Cover

There is a well known saying, You Can't Judge a Book by its Cover. There are many arguments that come down on both sides of this. It is something I have been thinking about, a lot, recently. The second book in the DI Shona McKenzie Mysteries will be out in July. The cover, above, has been designed by Cathy Helms, of Avalon Graphics, and I love it. I think it gives a real flavour of the book, moody and mysterious. It also incorporates elements of Dundee in the river and bridge. 

So back to our discussion of judging a book by its cover. I have read some books which I have enjoyed, where I hated the cover. I will add here that this does not happen often. The first thing a reader notices when they pick up a book, is the cover. If they don't like it then they will, most likely, put it down again without going any further. The cover and title are crucial in encouraging the reader to look further. This moves them on to the blurb on the back of the book. This is a whole new post so I won't go into it here.

Successful author entrepreneur, Joanna Penn, has written a superb post about book covers and titles. She has recently gone through the process of changing hers. You can read more on the link below

On Changing Book Titles and Covers

Whether you are traditional, or indie, published, it is important to ensure that books are professionally designed. Working in partnership with the designer is key. I respect Cathy's talent and expertise, and she is willing to listen to me, the author. The result, I am sure you will agree, is fabulous. It think it fits in well with the cover of book one, Killer's Countdown.

  

That's the first time I have seen them together and I am feeling quite emotional. Not long now until they will be together on my, and the bookshops, shelves. The release date for Killer's Craft is 20th July, 2015. It's exciting being an author. 

If you haven't, yet, read Killer's Countdown, you buy it from Amazon by clicking on the links at the top of the page. The books, are stand alone mysteries, but you will see the characters develop more fully, by reading them in order. 

That's it for today my Bookaholic friends. I'm off to have a glass of Champagne to celebrate. What do you mean it's too early. Maybe you're right. I'll wait until this evening. 

Guest Post by Juliet B. Madison

Today on Bookaholic we welcome back Juliet B Madison to talk about her latest DI Frank Lyle related project. Juliet is undertaking a worthwhile project. Collecting stories together for a charity anthology. Thank you Juliet and it's over to you.

A short time ago I issued a writing challenge.

My idea was to come up with an anthology of stories by other writers which could be published and sold to raise money for charity.

But I wanted to do something different. I have often wondered how other people would get on writing about my characters so I decided to make it a DI Frank Lyle fan fiction challenge. The three stories I have received so far have done my characters proud and I look forward to gathering them altogether into the DI Lyle anthology Alternate Voices.

You can find out the requirements for your story on My website

I have devised my own Twitter hashtag for the anthology. Please use it whenever you tweet about Alternate Voices. #AlternateVoices

I have selected Macmillan Cancer Support as the charity to benefit from Alternate Voices. They were extremely helpful to my late partner, David, and I when he was ill. I intend to release Alternate Voices on 23rd September 2015 which will be the 7th anniversary of David’s death. That is always a difficult week for me so it will help to have something positive to focus on during that time. You can read about their work here.

In these times of austerity it can often be hard to find money for “luxuries” such as entering a writing competition. I wanted to give new authors a challenge and a chance to showcase their writing. By effectively taking a story as payment you can be sure that the entrant writes because she wants to (I haven’t had any male writers enter just yet) and therefore writes from the heart and through the love of their (or in this case my) characters.

Unless I am suddenly totally inundated ALL stories entered will appear in Alternate Voices. The one I judge to be my favourite after the final submission date of 1st July 2015 will be published in full on Juliet B Madison Crime author

So far competition is tough; I love all the stories I have received for different reasons, but all of them have captured the essence of the series and characters.

Sadly there have been a few writer friends unable to join in this time around, but I wish them well with their current projects. It is impossible to pick a time when there won’t be someone who can’t take part.

I sincerely hope that everyone reading this will show support to the anthology even if they don’t contribute a story.

Thank you Juliet. It has been a pleasure having you join us again. You can find out more about Juliet and her work via the links below.

http://julietbmadisoncrimeauthor.weebly.com/

http://difranklylefanz.weebly.com/

https://twitter.com/JulietBMadison

www.facebook.com/JulietMadisonCrimeAuthor

That's it for another day my Bookaholic friends. I will see you all back here very soon. Until then, keep reading.

4 Top Notch Books on Editing for Writers

I have been editing book two in the DI Shona McKenzie Mysteries for the past few days. Writing the book is the easy part. Editing, as all writers know, or will find out, is the hard part. In preparation for editing I have been reading some excellent books on the subject. So today I bring you four, which I think every writer should have in their arsenal.

The Little Book of Self Editing for Writers by Bridget McKenna

This is a cracking little book. It is only 96 pages long, but every page packs a punch. It is in three parts.

1. Search and Destroy
2. The self editor's toolkit
3. Self editing resources

I read it through quickly and then used it to transform my manuscript. McKenna uses Zombies to illustrate some of her points. No, I am not joking. Yes, it does work. It is the most brilliant tip I have come across. You will, of course, have to read the book to find out more.

Part three has a self editing checklist. I used it to go through my manuscript and again transform it into something readers will love. Using this checklist will help any author eliminate areas which will slow the manuscript down and take the reader out of the story.  I loved this book and is one I would highly recommend.

Self Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne and Dave King

This is one I have reviewed before, but I make no apologies for including it in this list. This book is an excellent addition to the library of any writer. It covers every aspect of editing and takes the author through them in simple steps. It is clearly written  and uses examples to support  explanation. This method works and it is easy to see at a glance how your writing can be improved. This book also contains checklists to use when editing. It also has a number of writing exercises to help the author develop their craft. This is one I cannot recommend highly enough.





APE: Author, Publisher, Entrepreneur by Kawasaki and Welsh

This book isn't specifically about editing, but about the process of writing, self publishing and marketing your book. However, it does contain an excellent chapter on editing. This is chock full of links to resources which will help you to edit your book. Overall, the book is excellent, but for the purposes of this blog, the section on editing is outstanding.







Polish Your Fiction by Jessica Bell

This is not a large book but every piece of advice within it is solid and helpful. As Bell says in her introduction it is not about writing a book, but about polishing it with a good edit. It covers all the key areas such as:

1. First Line Hook
2. Character consistency and point of view
3. Dialogue tags
4. Tightening Descriptions
5. Removing superfluous words
6. Identifying and replacing overused words
7. First person and Third person pronouns.



There are more chapters but this gives you a general feel for the way in which this book helps you to do an in depth edit. It is one which all writers should read and have by their side during the editing process, and one which I highly recommend.

Now for a bonus book.

Self Publish Your Book by Jessica Bell

This is not specifically about editing but does contain some excellent advice on how to format your book if you are self publishing. It takes you through all the steps you need to get your book finished and ready to publish. The steps are easy to follow and will save you a lot of time









So there we have it my Bookaholic friends. Another one for writers. However, I am reading a cracking crime book at the moment so will be back with another review soon. Until then, keep reading and writing.

Interview with Scottish Writer Christine Richard

We continue with the Scottish theme on the blog as I highlight some great Scottish writers and books. Today I am joined by Christine Richard, author of Whitewalls, a contemporary Scottish saga. Welcome Christine. It is a real pleasure to have you join us on Bookaholic. Thank you for agreeing to answer some questions about your life and your writing. I know you are busy so it is kind of you to take time out to meet with me.

I am sure the readers would love to hear about you. Could you start by telling us a little bit about yourself?

I was born in Yorkshire but came to Scotland with my first family as stepmother to three baby boys whose mother had sadly died and had my daughter, Fiona, who designed the book cover of ‘Whitewalls’ and prepared it for publication. I remarried and had a second family of stepchildren. One of my sons, Christopher died four years ago of heart failure and we all miss him greatly as he was a ‘golden boy’ who went round the world doing good! As far as my own history to date is concerned I have always been involved in politics, since the age of 16 and current affairs. I stood for Parliament three times and served as a Councillor in Edinburgh for 12 years – four of them as Leader of the Opposition. In 1992 I was made an OBE and I am a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. Simultaneously with politics I have had a career as a qualified Business Studies lecturer and non-executive director. I have been scribbling both poetry and prose from a very young age. Now, I suggest that is quite enough about me!

Can you tell us something about the setting for your book?

My book ‘Whitewalls’ is a Scottish family saga set in the present day. The title comes from the name of the house, which is a Scottish Baronial style whitewashed house which I have set on the banks of the River Tweed. It is the heart of the family which has four generations included from boy and girl twins aged 9 to a very naughty great grandfather, Sir Alistair, who is still being naughty in his eighties. There are two sides to the family, the Douglas’s (named after a racehorse owned by my late husband, John) and the Bruce’s. As well as the Borders I have locations in Edinburgh Perth, Yorkshire, the Cotswolds, London and France. Rosie who is in her fifties is the gentle matriarch whose mission in life is to ensure the happiness and prosperity of her extended family. What I wanted to show in writing this book about and upper middle-class family who, on the surface, have everything – money, lovely homes, talents and successes but who suffer the same troughs and peaks as the rest of us.

Where did you get the inspiration for your book?

In a way this is the easiest question. I followed the sound advice ‘write about what you know’

Your book sounds really interesting. Can you tell the readers about it.

In a way I have mentioned some of this already. But here is some more! Art is one of my interests and one of the main characters, Rosie’s husband, Jamie, is an artist as well as helping his father, Roddy, to farm at Roddy is a widower. Polly, their daughter, is married to Richard, an Edinburgh lawyer and they are the twins’ parents – Minty and John. Horses are another interest of mine so they feature too. Hughie Bruce is Rosie’s brother and their mother, Lady Elizabeth Bruce was married to the rascally Sir Alistair who she divorced many years ago. The house belongs to the Douglas family. Charles, Jamie and Rosie’s son, is a professional soldier currently in Afghanistan and in love with a lovely actress, Maggie, who has red hair and green eyes. She is very close to her grandmother, Florette, who is French. Hughie is married to Virginia and they live in an Elizabethan Manor house in the Cotswolds. So it is quite a complicated story with a large cast and, I think, just as you had read enough about one group I take the reader along to the next part of the family at a different location.

When you are not writing what types of books do you read?

I read all kinds of books from the classics, the Brontes who lived close to where I was born and I have a full set of their books. I read political biographies and autobiographies, I like Rosamund Pilcher’s work and found some inspiration in her storytelling, also Penny Vicenzi and for light relief, Jilly Cooper.

Have you any other books in the pipeline?

Yes, I am completing the sequel to ‘Whitewalls’ which took place over one spring and summer, with the title ‘Autumn at Whitewalls’ which will be launched in time for that season and the early Christmas market. As the first one this will be published by New Gewneration, which is part of Legend Press and a good halfway house between self publishing and mainstream. They are very helpful.

As a new writer what would be your number one piece of advice to other new writers?

Just do it! Don’t ask too many people’s advice. Whatever you choose to write about it has to be your composition. It isn’t easy. So many people have said to me ‘I could write a book, if only I had time!’ If you want to write with enough passion to do it you will find time. Once you have started make up your own ‘rules’ about how you go about it. Get to know your characters, do your research where necessary. Every time you get to a point where you have an idea what is going to happen next, STOP. This will be the perfect time to begin your next session.

If you were to choose one writing book to recommend to a new writer what would it be?

I wouldn’t. Apart from the few simple rules I have mentioned – research, characters and plot (the plot will change as you go along) own your own work.

Now we are going to get personal. What would you say is your favourite type of music?

Classical music – Rachmaninov, Mozart, Beethoven and Debussy.

Do you use music to help you write? If so what type?

I prefer to write in silence – no distractions.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

Theatre, concerts – I am a patron of the Edinburgh Festival and King’s Theatres Trust’ I helped to obtain the Festival Theatre (which I was allowed to name) when I was a Councillor. I enjoy spending time with family and friends as well as horse racing and the countryside. I am Arts Editor of online magazine Lothian Life and do book and exhibition reviews. Also I am an accredited ‘journalist’ covering the Edinburgh International Festival (I served on the Board of that for the maximum 6 years) I am sure that is more than enough.

Thank you for answering my questions so patiently and in such great detail. I have loved getting to know you and your work and I am sure my Bookaholic readers will enjoy meeting you too.

You can find out more about Christine and her work by clicking on her Amazon Author Page

You can buy copies of the book from Amazon UK and Amazon USA by clicking on the links below. 

     

I will receive a few pence commission if you buy the books through these links. You do not have to do so and can buy them by going direct to Amazon

Book Launch: On a Wing and a Prayer by Ruby Jackson

On Tuesday evening I had the honour of being invited to the launch of On A Wing and a Prayer by Ruby Jackson. This was held in Waterstones, Dundee and has to be the most entertaining book launch I have attended. Ruby Jackson held the audience in the palm of her hand as she told tales of the people she met whilst researching the book. The book is set during World War 2 and for the book Ruby Jackson interviewed people who did extraordinary things during this period. The accounts of what they did had the audience spellbound. 

Ruby Jackson does an incredible amount of research for her books. She tells the tale of contacting Fortnum and Mason in London. She needed to know the cost of honey during WW2. Fortnum and Mason told her she needed to speak to their archivist. What? Who would have known that a London store would have an archivist. I also learned that Fortnum and Mason have bee hives on their roof. How interesting is that? Something else I learned was that many rich young men, who had their own planes, handed them over to the military for the war effort. I could go on. 

Attending this event has made me think very carefully about how a book launch can be entertaining, interesting and informative. I hope that Bookaholic readers will also take some ideas away from this blog on rethinking their own launch.

So what is the book about. This is book 3 in the Churchill's Angels series, which is about four plucky girls from Dartford, Grace, Sally, Rose and Daisy. This book tells the story of Rose, an ordinary working class girl, who joins the ATS. You can rest assured that the historic details are 100% accurate as, in most cases, they come straight from the horse's mouth. If you like historical romance then this is an excellent book which I would highly recommend. You can buy the book from Amazon UK or USA by clicking below. 

     

See you all again soon Bookaholics. Whatever you are reading, enjoy.

Book Review: Fixed in Blood by T.E. Woods

Good evening Bookaholics. I realise there has been a lot of writing talk on the blog recently so to make up for it I am bringing you a review of a top rate book. All the mystery fans out there will love this one. 

I really enjoyed Woods first book the fixer and was looking forward to this new offering. I was not disappointed. Woods is an excellent storyteller and uses words to good effect. She draws the reader in and keeps them reading. I was engrossed in the story form the first word. 

Initially the different parts of the story seem a little disparate but once you get to know the characters and the story better they start to pull together. In fact the wondering where it is all going is part of the overall tension. There is tension aplenty in this book. There are parts which are high octane and others which are slower paced, but the tension never eases up. 

I liked the characters, particularly that of the Chief of Detectives Mort Grant. He is not a caricature but a real person, confident, knows what he is doing and yet with his own foibles. Woods uses dialogue to good effect to keep the story moving and to give characters their own voice. 

Some parts of the book are really creepy and the reader feels like they are in the presence of evil. There are some parts which are not for the faint hearted. Given the themes of the book such as the sex trade, they are necessary for the story and help to set the tone of the book. I feel they are handled well. The resolution of all the storylines and the way they pull together is excellent. I certainly wasn't expecting the end. 

This is a top notch book, fast paced and engrossing, and I would highly recommend it. 

   

This book will not be available until 16th June. However, it is available on preorder from Amazon on the link above. 

That brings us to the end of another review and book aloha blog. See you all back here very soon. 

I was given a copy of this book from the publisher for review purposes. At no time was I asked to provide a positive review. The review is imperial and based on my reading and enjoyment of the book. 

Interview with Scottish Author Rosemary Gemmell

Today on the blog we welcome highly talented Scottish author Rosemary Gemmell. It is a real pleasure to welcome a fellow Scot to Bookaholics. Thank you for taking time out of, what I know is, a hectic schedule to join us.

many thanks for inviting me along to your blog Wendy

I am sure the readers would love to hear about you. Could you start by telling us a little bit about yourself?

Now that my two children are well grown up, one with a child of his own, I’m lucky enough to be a full-time writer, although I don’t write full-time hours! I also have a very supportive husband and I reward him by doing some of his admin and proof-reading.

I was a well-published short story and article writer before turning to novel length and I still like the variety of different types of writing, including poetry and children’s. I write historical romance and contemporary novellas with a touch of mythological fantasy as Romy, and tween fiction as Ros. The Highland Lass, published by Crooked Cat, is the first novel under my full name.

I live in the beautiful west coast of Scotland and am inspired by living so near the sea and countryside. I love to share information with other writers and often adjudicate competitions, one of the best ways to learn what works!

In what way are The Highlands important to your story

Although my new novel is called The Highland Lass, it doesn’t take place in the usual highlands of Scotland. The title is significant for another reason. The novel is set in the present and the past and the historical chapters trace the story of Highland Mary, one of Robert Burns’ great loves. The highland part refers to the area of Argyllshire where Mary grew up speaking Gaelic, which gave her a lilt to her voice and earned her that name when she moved to the lowlands of Ayrshire. The other significance is the letter the modern character, Eilidh, find addressed to her late mother, where the unknown writer refers to her as his ‘highland lass’ – all part of the mystery!

What is it about books set in Scotland that would excite the reader?

One of the most popular aspects of Scottish-based books is the wonderful scenery that incorporates mountains, glens, rivers and lochs. The Highland Lass takes the reader on a journey to Argyllshire, Ayrshire, Loch Lomond, Glasgow and Inverclyde with Eilidh trying to discover the identity of her father while researching Highland Mary and Burns. Some readers have said they learned a lot more about this area of Scotland!

Where do you get the inspiration for your fiction?

Anywhere and everywhere, from snippets of news or history to places I’ve visited. My Aphrodite and Adonis series was inspired by a visit to Cyprus some years ago, as it is known as Aphrodite’s Island and I’ve always loved mythology! Some of my short stories were inspired by paintings or photographs. Inspiration is literally all around if you look at it with a writer’s mind.

Which is your favourite character in any of your books and why?

I think it’s still the hero from my very first novel, Dangerous Deceit, set in 1813. Lord Sheldon is my ideal male character: strong, brave and sensitive with a respect for the heroine, Lydia’s, headstrong independence.

When you are not writing what types of books do you read? What would you say was the best book you have ever read?

I read constantly, especially in the evening. I love a variety of genres from historical romantic intrigue, to crime and modern mysteries. I also love philosophical type novels that make me think. I have lots of favourite books but one of my all-time favourites which I read many years ago is Knowledge of Angels by Jill Paton Walsh and I keep meaning to re-read it one day.

What are you working on at the moment? Without giving too much away can you tell us something about it?

I’m trying to finish the third novella in the Aphrodite and Adonis series which I promised the publisher, Tirgearr, some time ago! That’s the priority, but I’m also working on a couple of other novellas in different eras and the first in a Victorian crime series set in my own area. Plus several articles and the odd short story.

Now we are getting personal. What is your favourite food?

Apart from chocolate you mean? I love Chinese food with noodles and the occasional Italian or Indian dish. I also adore salmon.

If you could travel to any one country in the world where would it be and why?

I’ve been lucky enough to travel to many countries already as my husband works in travel. I loved Canada and one of my eternal favourites is Venice. Of those I haven’t yet seen, I quite fancy India (though husband doesn’t!) as I’ve often been fascinated by its culture, colour and noise, through films and books set there.

Who is your favourite author and why?

As with books, I have many! One of my favourites is Sarah Waters and I always look forward to her new books as she is such a wonderful storyteller, no matter where or when the story is set. Fingersmith is one of the best novels for its unexpected twist and turns and I love being surprised like that.

If you ever have a day off from writing exciting books what do you like to do in your spare time?
I love going out for coffee and walks with my husband at the weekend, especially beside the coast. Even during the week, I make sure to meet up with friends now and then over coffee or lunch. I also enjoy visiting interesting places or exhibitions as they often provide inspiration. I love swimming and dancing and both have been neglected recently so I’m aiming to put that right. I can only sit at a computer for so long before I need a distraction. These days, I’m sometimes called upon to look after my gorgeous wee granddaughter who will soon be three and that’s a great delight.

Thank you Rosemary. It has been a real pleasure chatting up with you and getting to know a bit more about you. It would seem that all my guests have one thing in common with me, we all love chocolate. I love Rosemary's Video which accompanies her book.

You can find out more about Rosemary and her books below as well as the links to buy The Highland Lass from Amazon UK and USA

    

Website: www.rosemarygemmell.com  

Reading and Writing Blog: http://ros-readingandwriting.blogspot.com

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Romy-Gemmell/1422387704702586

Twitter: https://twitter.com/RosemaryGemmell