It’s Sunday 26th and I’m feeling pretty good to have reached the 45k mark on book three in my Mermaid Hotel series.
Here’s a graphic of my progress. It’s been fun to keep track in this way and I think I will continue to use it for future books. It’s a little grubby as Daisy, my cocker spaniel, jumped on my work with muddy paws. Still, you can’t have a dog without a bit of mess and I wouldn’t change that for anything.
I’ve also had some good news over the weekend about book one reaching the long list in a competition. I’m really happy with that, but obviously I’m hoping it will go a lot further.
Book 2 is still at the same state. I haven’t even opened the folder of notes and edits to do. I’m really getting excited about it though. Hopefully in a week or two I’ll be in a position to start working on it.
Before that I have Nano to complete. I’m really hoping the draft of book 3 will be completed in just over a week. I’m going on a sort of writing retreat straight after November where I plan to write during the day and listen to music / entertainment in the evening. All meals are cooked for me and I won’t have any chores to worry about. Bliss!
I’m looking for inspiration for some short stories while I’m away as well as working on finishing book three.
On a different note, A Christmas Wish has been selling well this month. I was surprised to open the KDP dashboard today to see 9 paperback copies had been bought in the US. Great news!
Even a year later, I’m still proud of this book and can’t resist sharing a little cover pic from last year.
Next year I will 100% release another Christmas collection, I’m so sad that I didn’t manage to this year. Working part time has definitely limited my writing time. But on the plus side, Nanowrimo has given me a reason and an excuse to focus on writing again. I’m so glad I decided to go for it. I wish every month could be the same as this!
I’ll be back soon with a last Nano update and a book review.
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Suzanne Rogerson – Author of epic fantasy, heart-warming romance and short stories
This is a quick update as I really should be getting on with the word count!
It’s day 20 of NaNoWriMo 2023. So far, I’ve been able to stick with the daily target of hitting around 1667 words a day. My word count currently stands at 32,027 and should be 33,340 by the end of the day. Fingers crossed!
But that’s only on book 3 in my romance series and I had set myself a target of adding word count to book 2 as well. As yet, I haven’t even looked at extending the draft for book 2. That may be a task for December if I don’t get a chance to work on it before.
Through November, I’ve been busy editing book 1 after some great beta reader feedback. Hopefully, I will soon be sending it out to publishers, I want to act before it gets too close to Christmas.
I’m hoping in these last 10 days of Nano I can really pick up the pace on book 3. It would be great to beat the 50k target. I know I can do it if I really get my head down, but I also know it’s easy to get distracted. This blog post is a perfect example! HA HA.
With that in mind, I think I will wrap this up. I may try for another update at the weekend, if not I’ll been back at the end of the month hopefully with good news on my word count.
Are you taking part in Nano? How are you finding the daily demands?
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Suzanne Rogerson – Author of epic fantasy, heart-warming romance and short stories
Today is the start of NaNoWriMo, where thousands of writers pledge to dedicate themselves to writing a novel, or 50k of a writing project, during November.
I’ve tried the challenge on and off since 2011 with varying levels of success.
In 2023 I’ve pledged to type up my handwritten draft of book 3 in the Mermaid’s Hotel series and expand it to 50k (or more if I can!).
I also want to increase the word count of book 2 in the series which currently stands at 24,096. I would like to add 20k to this, but that would be an added extra as my main focus is book 3.
I have written a novel plan of each book in the 6 book series on excel to help me. This is a break down of each chapter showing what happens and whose VP it is.
I have some cool printed word count sheets to keep me going. And I’ve signed up to Nanowrimo where you can post your daily word count and watch it grow. You can also see how your buddies are getting along.
I’m hoping to post weekly updates on my progress, so look out for that. These sheets should have a bit of colour on them by then!
Now I really must get on. It’s been a slow start for me so far with only 500 words achieved today. Hopefully I can put in a big stint before bed.
See you next week for that update.
P.S. Are you taking part. Let’s cheer each other on.
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Suzanne Rogerson – Author of epic fantasy, heart-warming romance and short stories
It hasn’t been that long since my last update back in July (see the post here), but I thought October was a good point in the year for another brief writing update.
I’ve been making some decisions over the last few days and feel positive about the future of my Mermaid Hotel series. Book 1 is currently with beta readers and I am embarking on a re-read myself. Once I’ve had some feedback, and made any changes, I hope to send off the whole book to a few publishers on the short list I’m currently compiling.
I do have some sad news for my fantasy readers. Starlight Prophecy is still on hold. I feel the whole series needs more time dedicated to it but my head and heart are too much into the romance books at the moment. I hope to look at it again towards Christmas time, it depends how my other plans go. Which leads me to…
I’m signing up to do NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) this year with not one, but two books!
I originally signed up to force myself to type of the draft I have of book 3. Because it is already partly written it felt like cheating, so I decided I would also try to increase the word count of book 2 – from 24k to 44k. Obviously it will still need a lot of work to reach the 90k mark I’m looking for, but I can’t set my sights too high for one month! Or can I?
Considering I’m working part time now, it may be a bit much of an ask to write 70k in a month, but I seem to work better to a deadline. After all, I did write and prepare to publish ‘A Christmas Wish’ in just 6 weeks last year. I guess I like a challenge.
On the reading side, I still have three books from netgalley / publishers to read and review by December so look out for some more reviews coming your way soon.
I’ve also played around with the colours and background on my website. Take a look and let me know what you think.
Now, I best get back to work planning for Nano and reading book 1. I’ll be back with another update before the end of the year.
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Suzanne Rogerson – Author of epic fantasy, heart-warming romance and short stories
This is another great, feel good story from Jo Thomas.
The Blurb
Chloe can’t wait for Christmas . . . to be over! Her son Ruben is staying with his dad and Chloe is planning to ignore the holidays altogether. Her only festive touch is her son’s advent calendar, to help count down the days till he’s home again.
But a surprise call changes everything. Chloe might be the unexpected owner of some land in Canada! Surely, it’s a scam. Or could it be just the escape she needs right now? Ruben’s latest note in the advent calendar tells her to ‘say yes!’
In a flash, Chloe’s new countdown to Christmas involves a log cabin in the middle of a snowy forest, a community that’s worried for its future, a gruff lumberjack who gives her butterflies and a lot of pancakes with maple syrup . . .
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My Review
I loved the characters, the setting and the premise of counting down to Christmas via an advent calendar Chloe’s son made to help her get through the period without him. Although Ruben isn’t in the book that much, her 12-year-old son has a great impact on the story and I’m sure the readers.
As usual, food plays a main role (everything with maple syrup) and I learned something new about another part of the world and profession – tapping trees. The supporting cast were great, especially Bea at the diner and Theo as the rugged hero of the story. But I also loved the rogue turkey always chasing Chloe around.
I loved every minute of this book. I’m so pleased with the ending as well, wish I could say more but I don’t want to have spoilers in this review!
Thanks to the publisher and Net Galley for my ARC copy.
I hope you enjoy this festive book as much as I did. Let me know if you’ve read it, or if you plan to read it this season.
I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this book before it was released in May 2023. Life has got in the way of me reading it until now, but that is no reflection on the quality of the advice on offer.
This book is packed full of information that will help you on your indie publishing journey. It’s a practical guide on what you can expect along the way, drawing on GJ Stevens experiences.
It’s the kind of book I wish I’d had when I first started out. And for those who have experience, there are still many things you can learn. It’s always interesting to see the world of indie publishing through another author’s eyes, and compare techniques.
I like how the author has discussed the different software he uses and professional services that are available to help you with the process of writing and self publishing. It’s great to know you are not alone and that you can draw on experts for certain areas that may not be your strong point.
The take away from this book is anyone can do it. Go on, go for it!
This is a how-to guide I highly recommend to new writers, and those like me that have done it before but may be looking for some tips to improve the process.
Here’s the blurb.
A helpful guide for authors, whether established or just starting out.
Despite writing and publishing eight novels, two novellas and an array of short stories over ten years, I still remember how daunting it was to start with a blank page.
This book is intended as a guide for anyone thinking about writing a book or those who have written a book but its sales are stalling. Presented in two sections, we’ll take a journey through the writing process before delving into strategies to get your book in front of reader’s eyeballs.
Covering a range of topics, including the basics of writing, editing, cover design, blurbs and publishing, I pass on the many tips and tricks I’ve learnt along my journey to get you started and help prevent you from making costly mistakes.
I’ll introduce everything you need to know to get your books selling, from building your community on social media, advertising and selling in person, all with an aim to fast-track your sales with my tried and tested methods.
August bank holiday is the perfect time to sit back, relax and pick up a few bargain reads. That’s why many of my fellow fantasy, sci-fi and horror authors have got together to offer a sale of their books. This time there are 300 books on offer!
For a change, I’ve decided to offer both The Lost Sentinel and The Sentinel’s Reign at the discounted price of 99p each.
‘A story in which the authors world building is exceptional, I was immersed in Tei’s story from beginning to end and the characters were fantastically developed.’ Vine Voice Reviewer
‘THE SENTINEL’S REIGN breathes life into an island of magic as well as enemies thirsting for its power. Adventurous and unique this fantasy only gets more captivating with every turn.’ Amazon reviewer
There are loads of bargain books on offer for the next 3 days. Please head over to the Narratess Indie Salewebsite for all the details and links to the individual sales page. There are filters on the page to make searching for your perfect read easier, and so many attention grabbing covers. What a treat.
I’m looking forward to adding a few new reads to my collection. I hope you enjoy the sale. Let me know what you get. And don’t forget to share on social media. #NarratessIndieSale
I’ve been meaning to review my writing goals for 2023 for a while. It was good to look back at last year’s post Writing Plans for 2023to see what I’ve achieved, what I still need to do and also judge if these goals are still important to me. I have to admit that even though we’re over half way through July, it doesn’t look good for my long list of tasks.
You can also see straight away why this blog has been so quiet – it’s all down to goal 1.
Goal 1 achieved – Get a part time job to bring in some money and support my writing. I’ve been employed for just over 3 months now. It’s been good getting back into the workplace and I’m enjoying my role, but fitting writing into my new schedule has been harder than expected.
As well as working in my new job and trying to keep everyone sane at home through the stresses of exams, I’ve been busy editing Secrets and Love Songs at The Mermaid Hotel (formerly known as Evie’s Song). This leads me to…
Goal 2 achieved – Join the Romantic Novelist Association’s New Writer Scheme. I managed to secure my membership the day it opened in January. Since then I’ve been able to send a full MS off to a professional reader for feedback. I hope to get that report back by the end of the month and then I can decide my next steps. While I wait, I’ve been reading the draft of book two to see where the story needs development. I’m also planning to add in the VP of the hotel owner, especially as part of the storyline for book 2 links back to her past. How I’m going to deal with that is still a mystery to me so there is still lots of work to do. I need to write approx 60K to this draft to bring it close to the word count of book 1. No problem!
An extra achievement – Whilst looking for work at the beginning of the year, I received some 1-2-1 help from A2 Housing Association’s employment service. It played a big part in helping me gain the confidence to apply for jobs and I’ve recently appeared on their website. You can read the news article here.
Delayed goals
My fantasy series The Starlight Prophecy is still stalling and I’m struggling to find my way back into the story. I tried for a month of frustrated false starts that left me feeling deflated. Maybe I need to accept that I’m still not ready to write this series even though it really hurts me to give up on it. I love Delphine, my troubled anti-heroine, and I want to tell her story and share it with the world. Maybe her time will come soon…
A new short story collection – I haven’t written much short fiction, at least not much that is worthy of putting in a new book. This is disappointing as I really enjoyed writing last year’s books, especially A Christmas Wish. Those stories still make me feel good when I think about them and I desperately want to replicate that. I also still want to revisit the world of the Silent Sea Chronicles but again not much has happened there apart from a vague storyline that won’t leave me alone.
Goals that are still in progress… or at least I still plan to do at some point.
Approach libraries to stock my books and see what formats they accept. This will lead on to whether I should publish large print editions of my short story collections and if hardback editions of all books are worthwhile.
Update all books with publication details of the short story collections published in 2022, which also means I need to reformat all books to conform with the new table of contents Amazon prefer.
Contact reviewers
Set up book Ads
The dreaded tax return – this really should be a priority!
Short term plans
Work on the romance series – Decide if book 1 is ready for the next stage. Edit and develop book 2.
I’m enjoying reading a fellow author’s book – ‘Your book won’t well itself: An introduction to writing and publishing’ by GJ Stevens. I’ll share a review here as soon as I’ve finished reading it, but spoiler alert I think it’s a great starting point for those considering becoming an Indie author.
I’ve signed up for an RNA course that runs through September. Led by Jessica Redland, it’s called ‘A series bestseller’s guide to writing a series’. I attended her last course in series settings in March and enjoyed it, so I’m really looking forward to this one. It could be just what I need to get me writing again. Plus I hope to see some familiar faces amongst the other writers taking part as I know a few of the writers on the March course were signing up to this as well.
Now it’s time to leave this update and get on with some writing!
I will try to review my goals again during the last quarter of 2023 and I hope to have some positive news on both the romance and fantasy series I’m writing. Wish me luck.
How are your goals for 2023 shaping up? What have you achieved so far this year?
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Suzanne Rogerson – Author of epic fantasy, heart-warming romance and short stories
I realise I haven’t posted anything for quite a while as I’ve been busy with a new job and working out how to fit writing and life around this big change. I’ve also had teens going through GCSE’s and A levels, which is a difficult time all round. Now the summer holidays have hit, things are settling down and I’m hoping for a peaceful summer.
I plan to review my goals for 2023 in another post very soon, this is just a quick update to let you know I’m still here!
I wanted to share this recent review of my audiobook, Visions of Zarua, because it reminded me why I should keep finding time to write. Sometimes it’s easy not to bother, but I know I’m a happier person when I’m writing. I’m even happier when I get reviews like this.
‘A thrilling story guaranteed to leave you wanting more and more until the story reaches its conclusion. . Memorable Characters, magic, sadness, happiness, and twists and turns make up this epic novel. Beautifully narrated by the narrator. He brings the characters alive in a superb way. Give it a read, you will not regret a second, I promise.’
Here’s the link to the book page on audible. Thanks to the reviewer, Greg, for sharing his thoughts.
Guy Barnes did an amazing job narrating Visions of Zarua and I would love his work to get more recognition. I still have some free codes available if you would like a listen. Let us know what you think.
I’ll leave you with a taster of Guy at work. I love how he gets into character!
During the #IndieApril book sale I could not resist picking up some new books. I haven’t read any of these authors before so I’m looking forward to checking them out. Here is a taste of what attracted me to these books…
The Traitors We Are – In a world where writing disappears when the author dies, 22-year-old Cael Oberlan watches the last gasping breaths of his best friend. He pulls a scrap of paper out of his pocket as his friend’s signature fades. Cael only wants vengeance for his friend and to create a reality where he no longer has to bow before any man. However, the nagging suspicion that his father, who started this war, hasn’t given him the whole story about his role in this conflict threatens to unravel everything he ever thought he knew about himself and the people he is fighting to free.
As nephew of the King, 24-year-old Emil Trestinsen should be a hero. He should already hear his name echoing in celebration in the streets of the capital. In a young life already full of disappointment, a lack of recognition for ridding the kingdom of “Ruinous” Lorcen Oberlan may prove to be the final push he needs to seize his destiny. He will prove his worth to his family and his nation. He will end this rebellion and take his rightful place as the next governor of the rebels.
When 18-year-old Merily Oberlan receives letters from the frontlines, and the top one is blank, she is devastated to realize one of her loved ones has died in battle. She is determined to help bring an end to this bloody war and be strong for her people, a cultural and religious minority in the kingdom of Harfal.
What started as a simple rebellion transforms into a complicated web of lies, betrayal, and difficult decisions no one should have to make. It is a race against time and death as handwriting continues to disappear, erasing the contracts and historical records necessary for peaceful negotiations.
Winds of Destruction – Ancient pacts have been broken and powers greater than anything is about to be released and threatens to swallow the world. Life wants vengeance and the Wind freedom. The Spirits will fight for their justice and only the thunderous Storm can lead them to victory.But the war her ancestors have started is too much for her to handle alone. To break the Lord of Life’s dynasty and set the Spirits free she needs help from her uncle; a long-lost war hero now wasting the remnants of his broken life in ale. Once he was the Lord of Winds, but the Wind, people whisper, cannot be killed.
Broken Sky – Dorian Valmont is the sorriest excuse for an aeronaut the crew of skyship Phoenix has ever seen.
Forced to flee his home to protect his magical inheritance from the machinations of his ambitious stepfather, awkward misfit Dorian finds himself poorly suited to the rigors of life in the sky. But when an exiled dragon finds him, injured and desperate for help, Dorian learns it’s not enough merely to run away. Dorian must learn to fight back.
Caught between forces that seek to use or destroy him, Dorian must train and adapt if he wants to survive. But if he can, he might just hold the key to restoring the world’s faltering magic — or destroying it once and for all.
Flames over Frosthelm – An Investigation Gone Awry Sometimes, your case takes a left turn. Or three or four. Marten Mingenstern and Boog Eggstrom are provisional inspectors, fresh out of Inquisitor’s Guild training and eager to prove themselves. Assigned the mundane task of tracking down stolen jewels, they instead uncover a mysterious cult set on destroying the city. After a thief explodes, they earn the enmity of a vicious noble, the Chief Inquisitor gets bought off and goes rogue, they are seized by barbarians, and they are sentenced to death at least a couple of times. In a final, frantic race with prophecy, they face ruthless fanatics, a city turned against them, and terrible forces long buried.Flames Over Frosthelm is the first novel about the Inquisitor’s Guild, the investigative arm of the government of Frosthelm, a medieval city-state where criminals thrive, nobles scheme, and dark secrets lurk. Expect intrigue, mystery, swordplay, adventure, politics, romance, and the strong bonds of friendship. And a little magic along the way. Described as Princess Bride meets CSI, this new novel is a tale of classic adventure with a healthy dose of humor.
Devil’s Deal – When two angels break their deal with the Devil, he comes for the one they’re trying to protect.
16-year-old Eleonora Santos works through the summer break so she can visit her family in Italy when she graduates. With the new school year around the corner, her focus is back on homework and enjoying life with her tight group of friends. But on their first day back, she finds them fawning over two new guys in their class—Ben and Danny.
Not a day goes by before Nora’s life is turned upside down. Her best friend now hates her, and the boys seem eager to get to know her. Despite their charming efforts, she’d rather have her best friend, not a boyfriend.
When Nora discovers Ben and Danny are not who they claim to be, and their nefarious deal goes wrong, Nora is caught in the middle.
To fix their mistakes, she must face the Devil and betray herself—or pay with her life.
Silver Mage – NEW EDITION – The dragons once sacrificed everything to destroy their enemy. They failed. Now the burden of that failure falls on the man they have called to reforge what their war destroyed – the link between the races and the magic that holds the world together.
Touched by elemental Fire, Aarin is driven by his need to return the dragons to Andeira. But the dragons vanished three thousand years ago, taking their magic with them, and their ancient partnership with mankind is now no more than legend. Even the memory of the magic they shared is fading, and Aarin’s obsession has made him an outsider even to his own people.
But when he is confronted by a magic he thought long lost, he suddenly finds himself in conflict with powerful forces intent on preventing the return of the dragons at all costs. And, deadlier still, the machinations of an age-old power that would sacrifice anything to see them returned, even the life of the man they have waited thousands of years to find.
Beset on all sides, Aarin must sort friend from foe and unravel the mysteries of a past long forgotten. Because, to survive, he must first discover the secret of why the dragons left – and what they risked everything to destroy. A classic epic fantasy adventure, Silver Mage is the standalone first novel in the Long Dream sequence.
City of Masks – When a royal conspiracy topples the noble House Falco, Sofia must take up the burden of her father’s mantle and assume guardianship of his Greatmask. Yet the sentient bone mask, powerful enough to Compel those around her, will not speak, and Sofia, the first female Protector in a hundred years, is left defenceless.
Hunted by the king, she is driven from the palace and must fight for survival, alone in the cold streets of Anaskar. There, she crosses paths with Notch, a bitter mercenary with problems of his own. Accused of murder, Notch is trying to clear his name while hunted by the city’s robed assassins, the very people who are now searching for Sofia.
To take back their city and cast down the tyrant on the throne, Sofia and Notch must face the blades of Anaskar’s assassins, the rage of a mighty sea beast, and the mysterious Lupo, a man with a Greatmask of his own, who has masterminded vicious terrorist attacks on the city that spurned him.
Their struggle threatens to tear the city – and the kingdom – into shreds.
No Heart for a Thief – We are the stories we tell ourselves…even the lies.
The Thief, a great spirit, and her descendants have abused their ability to steal magic for centuries. When Kaylo starts to hear the song of other people’s magic, he must learn to hide from his people as well as the invaders. A gift or a curse, Kaylo may be able to save his people from the Gousht Empire that claimed their land with this stolen magic.
Eighteen years later, Kaylo still prays to the spirits, but not out of loyalty or love. He knows better than to rely on those selfish bastards for anything. While hiding in the forest from his foolish acts of rebellion, he encounters a girl, Tayen, being pursued by two soldiers of the empire. Against his better judgment, he risks facing the consequences of his past to intervene.
When Tayen attempts to run off seeking vengeance for her family, he offers to train her to wield her magic and a blade. If he can’t convince her to relinquish her need for vengeance and stave off the demons of his past, he’s going to get them both killed.
Spirit of the Dragon – Every dream comes at a price.
Twins Genshu Masanori and Genshu Hidekazu watched in horror as a woman was kidnapped from the annual Midsummer Festival. Delving into the case, they discover she wasn’t the first victim of the sorcerer who took her, nor will she be the last.
But fighting to rescue the woman will mean breaking ancient clan laws against warfare. By embarking on this rescue mission they will sign their lives away to the prestigious Tsukiko Academy… regardless of the rumours about the dark secrets harboured within the school grounds. Yet embracing their future as warriors is only the beginning.
As the twins unravel the sorcerer’s sinister plan, they come to the horrific revelation that if they can’t find him in time, the game of life and death he whispers about might be the last anyone ever plays…
Jump into the world of Yumihari, a land filled with spirits, dragons, monsters, and characters who wield elemental magic. If you love epic fight scenes, mystery, monsters, and mayhem you will love Spirit of the Dragon!
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I can’t wait to dive into some new fantasy worlds. How about you? Have any of these books caught your eye?
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Suzanne Rogerson – Author of epic fantasy, heart-warming romance and short stories
Suzanne Rogerson Fantasy Author 