#BookReview of Ink and Bone by Rachel Caine

Posted on December 29, 2015 by suzannerogersonfantasyauthor

Book Review of Ink and Bone – Volume 1 of The Great Library

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I picked up this YA fantasy novel purely on the strength of one review from fantasyreads.

I’m so glad I did, though I have to admit to several late nights where I just couldn’t bear to stop reading. This was one of those books that helped me rediscover the joy of reading and allowed me to become completely immersed in another world. Not just for the fact that I loved the premise of a society focused on protecting books, but the story and the characters had me hooked right from the beginning.

It is a very fast paced, entertaining read and I loved the alternative history that was so cleverly portrayed, with plenty of magic and intrigue thrown in. The characters have such depth, especially scholar Wolfe, and there are so many details that add to the world, like the sometimes murderous Automatons and the Burners with their Greek Fire. There are many aspects to this story that I can’t wait to explore more, so many possibilities…

Even as I write this review, I could quite happily read the whole book again.

I give Ink and Bone 5 stars and have no hesitation recommending it to anyone who enjoys fantasy.

The worse thing by far in discovering a new series is to know that the next book is not available until July 2016!

Buy it at Amazon.co.uk

Buy it at Amazon.com

Change to UK paperback price

Posted on December 29, 2015 by suzannerogersonfantasyauthor

I have changed the price of Visions of Zarua to £10.00.

At the original cost of £9.99 there was a p&p charge at Amazon, but for 1p more there is no postage and packaging fee!

If I had realised this in the beginning, I would have set the cost to £10.00 from the start. I suppose that’s all part of the learning process indie authors go through.

I wish I could set the cost lower to be more competitive in the marketplace, but the price is calculated on pages and this book is quite long at 420. At least the extra hours editing to tighten the final word count also shaved a little off the cost!

I’m hoping my next book will come in shorter, but we’ll have to wait and see what 2016 brings.

I’m also investigating registering with the Kindle Matchbook scheme – where those who buy the paperback can buy the kindle version at a reduced cost. At the moment I don’t know if this works in the UK.

Can any of you confirm if it does or not?

The kindle version is still reduced for the Holiday period across all Amazon Kindle stores. Check out the links if you fancy picking up a bargain.

Amazon UK 99p

Amazon USA $1.47

Happy New Year everyone!

What does it take to write a novel?

Posted on December 28, 2015 by suzannerogersonfantasyauthor

Answer:

7 note books, reams of paper, years of hard work, thousands of hours of writing and rewriting, 4 beta readers, several online courses and professional critiques, and lets not go into the money involved…

Now that Visions of Zarua is published, I decided to use this lazy day between Christmas and New Year to tidy my desk drawers and go through all the old paperwork. I’ve boxed up all the note books that hold the first draft, the pictures of characters and places that helped me create my world, my extensive notes on everything to do with Paltria and its characters, the various critique reports and my notes on rewriting.

Who would have thought that pile of scribbles and half formed plans would turn into this…

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Visions of Zarua started way back in 2003 with a tiny idea. I wonder what my younger self would think if she knew the long, long journey ahead.

My top 4 blog posts for #newwriters and #IndieAuthors

Posted on December 27, 2015 by suzannerogersonfantasyauthor

As 2015 draws to a close, I’ve been thinking about my New Years Resolutions. Apart from the usual eat healthy, drink less and exercise more, my top resolutions have to be to write more and blog regularly.

With that in mind, I decided to look through my posts of 2015. I have only been blogging for about 6 months and amongst my 40 odd posts I wanted to share my favourites aimed at aspiring writers and indie authors. Click the links to read the posts in full.

I summarised my Top Tips for New Writers, ranging from attending evening classes, using beta readers and professional services in My Top Ten Tips for New Writers

Ready to proof read your novel? Use my Proof Read Top 10 checklist to give you a head start.

For those who plan to self publish in 2016, I’ve shared my tips on How to Survive Publication Day and The things I wish I’d done before Publication Day to help your publishing experience go smoothly.

For me 2015 has been a year of learning lots of new skills, of frustration when things haven’t gone to plan, but ultimately I’m left with a great deal of satisfaction knowing I’ve achieved one of my biggest dreams – publishing my first novel as an ebook and paperback.

I hope to publish my second novel next year and to continue building my author profile as well as reaching new readers and writers. I’m planning a blog tour in early 2016 and my Goodreads Giveaway (which closes 14th Feb 2016) is already attracting attention.

The world of indie publishing is full of opportunities and I look forward to the new challenges 2016 throws my way.

Bring on January 2016, I’m ready for you!

Getting in the festive mood with a Goodreads Giveaway & Kindle sale!

Posted on December 24, 2015 by suzannerogersonfantasyauthor

To combine the fun of the holidays and the recent launch of my paperback, Visions of Zarua, I’ve set up a Goodreads Giveaway.

It starts on 25th December 2015. To be in with a chance of winning 1 of 3 signed copies, please click the link from tomorrow.

Goodreads Giveaway

I’ve also reduced the price of the Kindle edition for a limited time only. The price reduction is available across all Amazon Kindle sites. Please click the links to buy your copy now.

Amazon.co.uk £0.99

Amazon.com $1.49

Merry Christmas to everyone.

Paperback available now!

Posted on December 14, 2015 by suzannerogersonfantasyauthor

I’m delighted to announce that there is now a paperback version of Visions of Zarua available to buy from Amazon.

It’s been a mad few months getting everything ready for self publishing. I’m looking forward to a quiet Christmas and then I’ll be diving into my next project. Hopefully everything I’ve learnt will make the process a lot smoother next time around.

Visions of Zarua – Paperback coming soon!

Posted on December 2, 2015 by suzannerogersonfantasyauthor

I haven’t posted anything for a while so I thought it was time for a quick update.

Since my eBook was released on the 16th November, friends and family have been asking when the paperback would be available. So the answer is very soon.