Yesterday I ventured out into the cold to run a bookstall with a fellow author, GJ Stevens. It was a local town event – Ashford Wide Christmas Fair (Surrey). We got there super early and were one of the first stalls to set up in our row.
We’re attended several times in the last few years, but this year I was hoping it would be a little different as I’m attending with my first ever collection of Christmas short stories. A Christmas Wish was written with this event in mind, and was a challenge to say the least considering I only decided on the idea in October.
It wasn’t the roaring success I’d hoped for, but the new book did draw the eye and get some interest.
It was still good to physically see the result of my hard work spread out for sale and I received some lovely comments and words of congratulations. The highlight of the evening was a young lady who has previously bought all my fantasy books, asking if my new trilogy was for sale yet.
It was a shame to disappoint her, but it has given me the kick up the butt I needed to get back to work on the Starlight Prophecy series. Hopefully 2023 will be the year for it!
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A Christmas Wish has been out a few days now and I would love to get some reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. If anyone would like a free ARC in exchange for an honest review, please message me.
That’s it for now. I’ll be back soon with end of year wrap posts on reading and writing, and hopefully some audiobook news too!
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Suzanne Rogerson – Author of epic fantasy, heart-warming romance and short stories
My collection of festive stories is out today in ebook!
The price will remain at 99p for the rest of the year, so it’s the perfect time to pick up a Christmas read. And if you’re looking for a present for a reader in the family, the paperback is only £4.75. It is also available in hardback. I’m seeking a narrator for the audiobook, but considering the date I’m not sure it will be released this side of Christmas.
If you love animal stories we have Blaze the therapy dog and a naughty puppy named Buddy. Family and friends feature in many of the stories and there are small acts of kindness that may just change peoples’ lives.
Read on for more information…
A heart-warming collection of feel-good stories showing snippets of family life and friendship during the festive period.
Santa Paws Delivery
Blaze delivers Christmas cheer to a care home.
Christmas Wish – Part One
During the office Christmas party Cassie is forced to re-evaluate her life priorities.
For the Holidays
A stepdaughter’s not just for Christmas.
Chance Encounters
Two brothers must unite to do the right thing when faced with a life-threatening choice.
Christmas Wish – Part Two
As Lynn contemplates another lonely Christmas, can Harry provide a welcome distraction?
The Icing on the Cake
Preparing for a big family Christmas, will the day go as Jess plans?
Not Just For Christmas (extended version)
The Shelton family welcome a new addition to the family, but could it spell disaster for Christmas?
One Good Deed
Struggling with life after University, Sam is stuck in a rut until he meets a homeless man with an unexpected gift.
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I would love you to share the news and help me reach as many readers as possible. And if you fancy getting in the Christmas spirit, why not pick up a copy here.
Thanks for your support.
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Suzanne Rogerson – Author of epic fantasy, heart-warming romance and short stories
Things haven’t been going to plan at the moment, at least not the plans I set myself a few months ago. I still like to look back, take stock and make new plans in the hope I can get back on track. With this in mind, I’m going to take a moment to celebrate what I have done so far this year.
Achievements in 2022
I’ve published not one, but two short story anthologies!
After a barren couple of years of not publishing anything, it’s been brilliant to break back into self publishing. These are passion projects that I hope fans of my writing will enjoy, but they will also hopefully help me reach new readers too. I had a blog blitz for Fantasy Short Stories in June and have another planned in October for Love, Loss and Life In Between. Rachel’s Random Resources is still taking sign ups for anyone interested.
The Mermaid Hotel Romance series
I’ve edited and rewritten parts of Evie’s Song, including adding a new VP character (the match making hotel owner Mrs Shallon) and adding more scenes which include a prologue and an epilogue. I’m trying to find time to read through all the changes and decide if it’s finally ready or not.
I’ve spoken with a few agents via the Winchester Festival in June and have taken steps to make changes to Evie’s Song as per their suggestions.
Probably the most fun thing I’ve done this year is go to a weekend writing retreat run by Alison May and Janet Gover. It was so helpful and wonderful to spend a whole weekend just focused on writing, in particular Evie’s Song. The 1-2-1 feedback was invaluable! I would love to do it again, but funds are tight so it maybe a while before that is possible. They run these retreats 3 times a year and I highly recommend them.
Not gone to plan
Starlight Prophecy
The trilogy has stalled while I worked on the two short story publications and focused on Evie’s Song. I haven’t looked at it for months, but hopefully my subconscious has been working on those plot issues while I’ve been busy. I love fantasy and really would love to get this going again. I’d hate to abandon the 139k I’ve written between books 1 and 2, and Delaphine is an awesome anti-heroine I can’t wait to share her with the world!
MH Romance Series
I had hoped to have up to 3 books in the series published in 2022. Evie’s Song is coming along nicely and I have the drafts of books 2 and 3, but I just haven’t gotten around to continuing with them. With funds tight, the idea of self publishing may have to go on hold, and I’m still toying with the idea of approaching agents and publishers direct. We’ll just have to see where things stand in a few months.
Plans for the rest of 2022
The Mermaid Hotel Series
Finish Evie’s Song and make a decision on publication method. If self publishing I would love to have this ready by December. But I’m not sure yet. And is December / Christmas the best time to release a summer romance anyway?
Work on the drafts of book 2 and 3 so they are in more publishable shape.
Plan and develop series arc.
Starlight Prophecy
I want to work on this, even if it is just to plan the series and characters arcs so I can finish the first draft.
Future Projects– no date in mind
Reworking the old
Whilst watching the first episode of the House of the Dragons (the difficult birth scene) I was reminded of the second fantasy book I ever wrote. It was written 20+years ago, and will no doubt have many amateur mistakes. But as I started explaining the scene to my husband and all the events leading up to it, I got really excited for the idea again. I also realised I had a pretty twisted imagination back then, I’m definitely a lot kinder to my characters now!
I would love to revisit my old novels and see how much effort it would take to re-write them because I still want to tell those characters stories. I’ve even transferred them to my kindle so I can read them without being tempted to start editing straight away. It’s been in the to do list a long time!
Series and other ideas
I would love to write a fantasy series with shorter instalments than my trilogy. I’m think around the 100 to 150 pages mark. I have a project in mind, but nothing planned beyond the first few chapters.
I have ideas for a timeslip romance, and spin off stories around the Mermaid Hotel series.
Silent Sea Chronicles
I would still love to write the prequel to book 1. I recently reviewed the prologue I’ve written for it and really like it, but I’m still not sure if a prequel would spoil the rest of the trilogy. That’s what’s been holding me back for so long.
I would also love to continue the story of the various characters and see what the future holds for them. I just need to decide what format those stories will manifest in. A book of short stories, novellas, or a whole new novel / series?
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I think that will do for this update. I will review my achievements and goals at the end of the year. I can’t believe that’s only a few months away.
Have you any goals to share? Ones you are happy with achieving, or ones you’ve set yourself to complete by the end of 2022?
I will share my reading goals in another post very soon. Until then, happy reading and writing!
Suzanne Rogerson – Author of epic fantasy and heart-warming romance
This is just a quick reminder of what’s going on with my books at the moment.
Later I will post a writing update for the last quarter of the year and, as I feel as though my reading list has slipped off track, I’ll also pick some books I want to read by the end of 2022.
For now, if you haven’t read my debut standalone fantasy – Visions of Zarua – you’ll have to be quick to buy it for 99p as the deals ends tomorrow.
‘Would highly recommend for anyone who is looking to lose themselves in a new and exciting magical world.’ Amazon reviewer
Next up…
Love, Loss and Life In Between, my new mixed genre anthology, will publish on 9th September. These are a collection of short stories I’ve written over the years with themes around love, loss, and second chances. I’m excited to see what readers think of the change in direction from my usual fantasy stories.
On 15th October 2022 Rachel’s Random Resources will be running a 1 day blog blitz to celebrate the publication of my new book – Love, Loss and Life In Between. We’re looking for reviews and promo posts so if that sound like your thing, you can sign up now.
If you are not a book blogger, you can pre-order a copy of the book for only 99p. Love, Loss and Life In Between comes out on 9th September 2022.
Here’s a little taster of what the book is about;
With themes of grief, finding hope and second chances, facing the consequences of your actions and getting help from the unlikeliest of places.
As Cecilia helps the dying, she questions what happens to their spirits. But is she ready to find out?
Can a mother’s race through the New Forest save her son?
Will visiting a medium bring Christina the closure she needs?
Can an intruder help an old lady with her loneliness?
Will the start of another wet and miserable Monday morning end with Maeve’s happy ever after?
The anthology includes the prize-winning flash fiction story – ‘Spirit Song’.
It will be great to have my second short story collection out this year and hopefully the change of genre will encourage some new readers to take a chance on my work.
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Suzanne Rogerson – Author of epic fantasy and heart-warming romance
A couple of weeks ago I announced the upcoming publication of my short story collection – Love, Loss and Life In Between. The release date is 9th September but it is available to pre order now for only 99p worldwide.
Blurb
This collection of short stories gives a glimpse into life, love, loss, and the inexplicable in between.
With themes of grief, finding hope and second chances, facing the consequences of your actions and getting help from the unlikeliest of places.
As Cecilia helps the dying, she questions what happens to their spirits. But is she ready to find out?
Can a mother’s race through the New Forest save her son?
Will visiting a medium bring Christina the closure she needs?
Can an intruder help an old lady with her loneliness?
Will the start of another wet and miserable Monday morning end with Maeve’s happy ever after?
The anthology includes the prize-winning flash fiction story – ‘Spirit Song’.
Spirit Song judge’s critique – ‘Unusual, emotional, warm, surprising — a warm, unusual story. It moved me when I read it.’
Full story list: Spirit Song Goodbye Forever Garden Therapy Starting Over A Cat-Shaped Hole The Phone Call Knocked Off Her Feet Catalyst Not Just For Christmas A Mermaid’s Tail
From the fantasy author of Visions of Zarua and ‘Silent Sea Chronicles’, this story collection features multiple genres including romance, supernatural and thriller.
ARC readers wanted!
If this sounds like your kind of read, please get in contact about receiving a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. I would love to get some reviews up on Amazon around the publication date. If you that doesn’t suit you, Rachel’s Random Resources will be running a one day blog blitz for me in October. More details on that will follow soon.
Please help me spread the word by sharing this post and if you fancy a read, don’t forget to order your copy here.
Thanks very much and keep reading!
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Suzanne Rogerson – Author of epic fantasy and heart-warming romance
It’s Indie August and a bunch of indie authors, including myself, are involved in a huge sale over the weekend. See the graphic below for just a few of the titles on sale.
Please check out the sales page with all the links you need.
This year I have included my standalone fantasy, Visions of Zarua, for 99p worldwide and my Fantasy Short Stories collection for free for the next 4 days!
It’s the perfect time to try out some new authors and fill your kindles / devices with indie books!
Happy reading everyone.
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Suzanne Rogerson – Author of epic fantasy and heart-warming romance
Just a quick post today to announce the publication of my fantasy short story collection in paperback.
The ebook came out in April and has received some lovely reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. I decided it was time to publish a paperback so those readers who prefer that format do not miss out on the origin stories of some of the characters from my fantasy worlds.
Readers loved Garrick in Silent Sea Chronicles and I loved writing Garrick the Protector set 10 years before the start of book 1 The Lost Sentinel.
Readers never had a chance to meet Kalesh in Visions of Zarua, so again I loved being able to introduce him to the world in The Guardian.
Finally, we have War Wounds which is an introduction to some of the characters who will feature in my new series Starlight Prophecy. I can’t wait to get working on this.
I’ve updated the blurb to a more succinct version too. Let me know what you think.
A collection of stories featuring characters from Visions of Zarua, ‘Silent Sea Chronicles’ and a glimpse into the new series, ‘Starlight Prophecy’.
The Guardian
With an assassin picking off wizards one-by-one, can Kalesh keep his students off the assassin’s radar long enough for his order to stop the killer?
Garrick the Protector
In a land that persecutes magic users, Mara’s mystical abilities puts her whole family in danger. Can her cousin, Garrick, get her to safety in the Turrak Mountains before the Assembly catches up with them?
War Wounds
When months of bloody battle unleash a sixth sense buried inside Calder, all he wants is to go home to his wife. But can he pick up his old life when the powers within him have been awakened?
Each story gives readers a tantalising glimpse into the fantasy worlds created by Suzanne Rogerson.
What readers are saying about Fantasy Short Stories
‘If you’re looking for some fantasy to jump into, these bite-sized stories will give you a good taste of something new – and if you’ve read these books already, these will give you some backstory of your favourite characters.’ Goodreads Reviewer
‘…a gripping little slice of what promises to be a gripping web of plots, intrigue, and mystic arts for those who venture on to read Rogerson’s full-length works.’ Goodreads Reviewer
‘If you enjoy fantasy with a touch of magic, and some really intriguing storylines, I would highly recommend this collection of short stories.’ of fantasy stories.’ Amazon reviewer
Book 3 in the Agent Carrie Harris spy thriller series came out on 10th December 2021. I’ve enjoyed the prequel and first book in the series (links to my reviews below) and I look forward to catching up with the rest of the series in 2022.
Here’s the blurb for book 3…
The Gemini Assignment
Only hours after stepping from a plane, and still reeling from the turmoil of her last assignment (LESSON LEARNED), Agent Carrie Harris’s journey to headquarters is interrupted when the Operation Centre task her to hunt down something so sensitive they can’t even tell her about it.
Carrie is under no illusion that her second official assignment would be easy, but little did she know, whilst hunting down the first clue, a childhood she’d consigned to a distant memory would confront her in a way only helpful to the enemy.
Distracted by a time she’d thought she’d forgotten, Agent Harris battles to concentrate on the hunt leading her across London and onwards to the suburbs, hoping to stay one step ahead of rivals intent on getting to the prize first.
Despite a constant concern that if she doesn’t succeed so many could die, including an innocent who’d become so important to her, the chase takes her over the ocean where her fears seem as if they have come true. Can our hero stay focused enough to see if she’s a match for the evil she’s confronted with and return what was stolen, or will Carrie lose everything she holds dear, including her life?
For fans of John Wick, Jack Reacher, Sydney Bristow and Eve Polastri from Killing Eve.
Plus the series has brand new covers which look awesome. Book 3 has already received some great reviews which you can check on these links below;
Today I’m celebrating the 5th birthday of my debut fantasy, Visions of Zarua. It’s hard to believe I started my indie author journey so long ago!
It has been a time of ups and downs, and the best part has been getting so many positive reviews from happy readers. I don’t think you can beat that feeling.
I shared this back in January, but I do love to see how my book was brought to life. Why not give it a like on youtube and give Guy Barnes a boost – he did an epic job!
If you are interested in finding out more about Visions of Zarua, please follow these links.
‘The author created such believable, magical worlds with wonderful characters that I didn’t want it to end. There’s everything in this story, good v evil, romance, crime, mystery, passion & fabulous magic, all put together in a wonderful writing style.’ Amazon reviewer
‘I completely recommend this, both for fans of the fantasy genre and for those of who haven’t read fantasy before. The story was great, the characters genuine and likable, and the worldbuilding fantastic.’ Amazon reviewer
This is the perfect time to share some news – there will soon be a new short story published in the world of Paltria featuring characters from Visions of Zarua! It’s part of a project I’ve been working on, lead in stories to introduce new readers to my fantasy stories and also for fans that want to read about their favourite characters. More news will follow soon…
For now you can help me celebrate the 5 year anniversary by sharing this post, writing a review if you’ve read it, or just say hi. I love to interact will fans, readers and bloggers.
Suzanne Rogerson – Author of epic fantasy and heart-warming romance
Suzanne Rogerson Fantasy Author 