Dark and thrilling fantasy novel: Visions of Zarua

Posted on January 27, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

I would like to share this wonderful review from C at happymeerkatreviews. I supplied her a free copy for an honest review.

Happymeerkatreviews

I was kindly sent a free digital copy of this book from the author Suzanne Rogerson. It’s a wonderful fantasy book. Links for the author’s website and other sites are below the review.

This is my review of Visions of Zarua:

This is a dark and thrilling fantasy book that really keeps you gripped from beginning to end. Set in the world of Paltria, where there is magic, wizards and dark creatures, Paddren and his friends begin their journey by trying to save his master Kalesh. But when Kalesh is found dead they must find out why and their search reveals the dark and sinister past haunting Paltria.

This book is one of the best fantasy books I’ve read to date! From the very first chapter I was hooked to read more and it isn’t many books that truly keep you reading from the very beginning to the very end. …

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#WordlessWednesday

Posted on January 27, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

Dog on a Train by Kate Prendergast #Bookreview

Posted on January 24, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

Book blurb – Boy is late for his train. Rushing out of the house, he drops his favourite hat. Luckily, Dog is there to pick it up. But will Dog catch Boy in time? Follow the plucky Dog on this wordless adventure through the streets and rush-hour crowds. Charming and humorous. Dog on a Train is a book to delight dog lovers and tired commuters alike.

This is a beautifully illustrated children’s book published 1st October 2015. The story is told through illustrations only and that is part of its charm. Toddlers and young children can interpret the story through the pictures. It is a perfect introduction to story telling, and can help children prepare for school where the first books they bring home to read with their parents are picture only books.

I rate the book 5 out of 5 stars and recommend to anyone with young children. It would also make a beautiful gift.

Buy now on Amazon UK

#BookReview – Wild Ruins by Dave Hamilton

Posted on January 22, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

The first thing that drew me to this book was the title, Wild Ruins. I’ve always loved ruins and this book has over 300 of them to discover. Then there is the amazing cover, which drew me in, not least because it’s just like an image I have in my head for my current WIP – Search for the Sentinel.

This is a very easy to use reference book with chapters focusing on counties i.e. Cornwall, Hampshire and Isle of Wight.

A nice touch are the pages at the beginning where the author suggests the best ruins for things like foraging (a favourite pastime of mine), picnics, beautiful walks, the weirdest and strangest ruins and the best for children and families. The book has lots of inspiring pictures, maps, ordnance survey grid references and post codes for sat nav.

It’s a good size to fit in a ruck sack, and I certainly can’t wait to take it on family holidays and outings to discover these Wild Ruins for myself.

From a writers perspective this is a book of pure inspiration, a must for all our bookshelves.

I’ve rated it 4 out of 5 stars. I suppose my only complaint would be the lack of glossy pictures inside, just to make it more visually pleasing.

Check out Wild Ruins on Amazon.

Now for something a bit different – #indiemusic

Posted on January 19, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

Indies need to stick together, whether we are writers, artists or musicians. All of us can use a helping hand when it comes to getting discovered. So I would like to introduce local indie band, Pybus from Surrey, UK.

pybus attempt 3

They are an alternative/indie rock duo who released their first album, Better Days, in Dec 2015. Check out their website for more information and to sample the tracks on their album. Pybusmusic.com

Their YouTube video ‘Standing in a field’ is lots of fun with a catchy tune and some cool guitar.

Please take a look, and share.

Visions of Zarua #giveaway and #review update

Posted on January 16, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

Last week I had my first delivery of merchandise. It’s so strange to hold a bundle of my very own books. I love ebooks, but there’s nothing quite as special as seeing it in print.

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3 of these books are destined for the Goodreads Giveaway which is running until 14th February, and the other 2 are for giveaways I am planning in the future.

Review update – Visions of Zarua is currently rated 4.5 stars on Amazon uk thanks to 2 5 star and 2 4 star reviews.

‘The perfect amount of epicness…’

‘A gripping, well written story…’

‘A brilliant read…’

Another reviewer ‘really enjoyed this book.’

It’s so lovely to see that people have enjoyed something I created. And these reviews are important in helping other readers decide if they are willing to take a chance on a debut author. So if you have read Visions, would you consider leaving a review? I’d love to know what you think.

9 ideas to create your perfect writing space

Posted on January 10, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

During the Christmas holidays, I had a break from writing, though it was never far from my thoughts. It never is. I decided to use the time to prepare my writing space. I think you’ll agree it’s an organised mess, but it does the job. As soon as I sit here I feel in the mood for writing.

my writing space

9 ideas for a productive writing space;

Reminders of any successes: I have a poster of my published book to remind me what is achievable, and that no matter how hard the struggle it can be done.

Have a mascot: Meet Poppy the cat. She keeps me company while the kids are at school, though she does have a habit of attacking my fingers as I type and often treads all over the keyboard.

Beautiful pictures and visual aids: I have pictures of places and characters for my WIP – Search for the Sentinel. I find it best to write the first draft and then gather pictures that appeal to me to help build the world in my mind and flesh out the details.

To do lists: I have My 9 point plan to succeed in 2016 pinned up to remind me of the tasks I have set myself. I also have a marketing to do list for Visions of Zarua.

List of useful #hastags: I find it really handy to look at this list when I’m on twitter.

Reference books: I have a bookshelf above my desk filled with reference books. From books on herbs and the forest, to horse care and survival guides. I also have a very large dictionary, but usually rely on the computer’s spell check.

Objects that make you smile: I have a few ornaments that I like to look at; a Viking warrior, an owl, a goblet and a werewolf (he was the inspiration for the Nagras in Visions of Zarua).

Odds and ends: I have a beautiful pen pot and smart little note pad.

WIP: An A4 notebook and a hard copy of Search for the Sentinel that I am currently reading through.

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As my desk is in the corner of the kitchen I can never escape everyday life, so it’s important I make the space feel like my own little writing haven. Somehow I don’t think I’ll get much writing done today!

not getting any work done

Do you have any strange items in your writing space?

Visions of Zarua by Suzanne Rogerson – Review + Giveaway

Posted on January 8, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

I’m really pleased to share this thoughtful 4 star review of my debut fantasy novel, Visions of Zarua. Reviewer Nyareads.

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Visions of Zarua by Suzanne Rogerson Publication date: December 14th 2015 Genres: Fantasy An ancient darkness haunts the realm of Paltria. Apprentice wizard Paddren is plagued by visions of a city …

Source: Visions of Zarua by Suzanne Rogerson – Review + Giveaway

The Pleasure & The Pain

Posted on January 6, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

Books can give readers hours of pleasure, and for the minimal cost involved they really are brilliant value for money. This article spells out the hard work and heartache all authors must go through to produce something worth sharing with the world. Thanks Claire Stibbe for putting it into perspective.

Source: The Pleasure & The Pain

#WritingCompetition – still time to get your entries in! #wwwblogs

Posted on January 6, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

I love a themed competition to get the ideas flowing. Here’s one worth looking into Theme – The Key. Not long to go though, deadline 30th January. Good luck everyone.