Book News! Visions of Zarua is being published in Czech #fantasy #epicfantasy

Those who follow my blog may remember a while ago I mentioned I’d been contacted by a publisher about a Czech translation of my debut novel, Visions of Zarua.

Well last week I received the signed contract so I can finally announce the deal is official!

I do not have a publication date as yet but I’m so happy to share this news and to say I will soon be a traditionally published author! That is a dream come true, even if it has come about in a totally unexpected way.

Visions of Zarua Book Cover

I am so proud of this book and can’t wait to see what it looks like in Czech!

For those of you unfamiliar with the book here’s the blurb…

Two wizards, 350 years apart. Can they save the realm of Paltria from Zarua’s dark past?

An ancient darkness haunts the realm of Paltria.
Apprentice wizard Paddren is plagued by visions of a city on the brink of annihilation. When his master Kalesh dies in mysterious circumstances, the Royal Order of Wizards refuses to investigate.
Helped by his childhood friend, the skilled tracker Varnia, and her lover Leyoch, Paddren vows to find the killer.
The investigation leads Paddren down a sinister path of assassins, secret sects and creatures conjured by blood magic. But he is guided by a connection with a wizard from centuries ago – a wizard whose history holds the key to the horror at the heart of the abandoned city of Zarua. Can Paddren decipher his visions in time to save the Paltrian people from the dark menace of Zarua’s past?
Goodreads book link

 

Why not see what others have been saying on Amazon via universal book link.

I am currently approaching agents with this book and would really love to get some more reviews on Amazon and Goodreads, or to be featured on your book blogs. If you are willing to post an honest review in exchange for a free copy, please get in touch using my contact form. Alternatively, Visions of Zarua is enrolled in Kindle Unlimited where members can read it for free.

I hope to have more news to share soon, but for now thanks for reading.

News and writing update #amwriting #nanowrimo

A short update to let you know I’m still around…

Things have been quiet on my blog recently as I try to edit book 2 (The Sentinel’s Reign) and draft book 3 (The Sentinel’s Alliance) during Nanowrimo 2017. It’s been difficult to spread my time between the two projects, along with having a new boiler fitted, a broken phone to sort and now a bout of RSI. Hopefully, that’s it for the bad luck and my wrist sorts itself out soon.

I’m on track to meet the 50k word count, though now I’m starting to panic about where to take the story. Writing without a plan is not easy and although I like the freedom of writing what comes into my head, it’s so hard to shut off my internal editor and just let it all flow without going back and tinkering with it. Much like that last sentence!

I’m very behind on sharing my book reviews, but I have a couple of reviews planned shortly.

The news I’m really excited to share is that I finally have a cover for The Sentinel’s Reign! I’ll do a cover reveal at a later date, but right now I need to focus on finishing the edit/read through so I can pass it to my beta readers. I really hope to publish book 2 early next year, but with Christmas creeping ever closer…

In other news, Visions of Zarua is 2 years old next week. I’ll be running a Goodreads paperback giveaway and an ebook giveaway on the blog, more news of those will follow.

How are you all coping with the demands of Nanowrimo? Have you any tricks to share? And does anyone have any advice for RSI?

Have a great weekend everyone.

Pre-order The Lost Sentinel now for 99p / 99c #epicfantasy #fantasy #swordandsorcery

I’m about to publish my second fantasy novel!

This is an exciting day and one I hope you’ll help me celebrate by sharing this post with everyone you know on your blog, twitter and facebook.

The release date is 16th June 2017.

The pre-order price is 99p but will go up to £2.99 the week after publication.

THE LOST SENTINEL COVER

Here’s the universal book link on Amazon.

You can add The Lost Sentinel to your Goodreads want to read list now, plus news of a paperback giveaway will follow soon.


Beta-reader review

The Lost Sentinel is an enthralling fantasy set in a world divided into those who have magic and those who do not. It is a world on the point of self-destruction. The trials and tribulations of the main character, Tei, as she follows her destiny will have you on the edge of your seat. This is a book full of magic, suspense and bloodthirsty action. It will leave you in parts elated, devastated and finally desperate for the sequel which you will be pleased to hear, the author has already partly written. Rogerson’s characters are so well-realised and the plot so intricate that you will find it hard to put this book down.

Beta-reader L.Spiers – December 2016


Blurb

The magical island of Kalaya is dying, along with its Sentinel. With the Kalayan people turning their back on magic, can Tei help the exiles find their new Sentinel before it’s too late?

Kalaya is controlled by the Assembly – set up to govern but now under the control of Rathnor, who is intent on persecuting those who have magic, many of whom have taken refuge in the Turrak Mountains.

Tei has been raised to hide her magic, until her father, Migil, is visited by an old friend who warns them that they must seek refuge in the mountains.

On the journey, an enemy attack leaves her father mortally wounded. He sees her into the care of two exiles, Rike and Garrick, and on his deathbed makes a shocking confession that changes Tei’s life.

Tei must put her trust in these strangers, especially when mysterious Masked Riders seem determined to stop her reaching Turrak.

Struggling with self-doubt, Tei joins the exiles in their search for their lost Sentinel. But the Masked Riders want the Sentinel too, and time, as well as hope, is running out.

Can Tei help the exiles save the island magic and reunite the Kalayan people before their ignorance destroys them all?


Don’t forget to order your copy of The Lost Sentinel now for only 99p.

ARC will be available by the weekend if you’re a book reviewer / blogger and are willing to review during publication week – 16th June. Even if you can’t meet that date or would prefer just to post about the book release, please get in touch. I’m also happy to do guest posts etc.  

Thanks for your support.

Book News! #fantasy #indieauthor #IARTG #ibelieveinbookfairies

My big news is that Visions of Zarua is about to get some publicity via The Book Fairies.

On Tuesday 2nd May 2017 they will be hiding 20 copies in public places and posting about it on twitter and instagram. It follows on from the initiative of Books on the Underground, which I’m sure many of you will be aware of Emma Watson (Harry Potter star) supporting.

The Book Fairies are all over the world, currently 25 countries are involved. Check out their website ibelieveinbookfairies for more information.

So if you’re out and about in the UK on Tuesday 2nd May, keep a look out for this book with a white and green Book Fairies sticker on it;

VOZ print book 3d image standing

I believe this book drop will be nationwide, so who knows who will pick up a copy! Hopefully, lots of book lovers will find Visions of Zarua, take a picture and tweet about it. Then they can take it home to read, before returning it to any public place for another book lover to find. If you find it, let me know what you think. I love hearing from my readers.

Amazon book link – If you’re not lucky enough to find a copy, it’s free to read through Kindle Unlimited.

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My other big news is that I’m almost ready to set up the Amazon pre-order for The Lost Sentinel!

I still have a couple of minor details to work through, but it is almost there and I’m so excited. I hope to reveal the book cover to the world next week.

I’ll also be looking to send ARC’s to book reviewers, but I’ll post more about that once the changes are done.

Here’s a taste of what The Lost Sentinel is about.

The magical island of Kalaya is dying, along with its Sentinel. With the Kalayan people turning their back on magic, can Tei help the exiles find their new Sentinel before it’s too late?

Cover reveal, excerpt and a beta reader’s review will follow in the coming weeks.

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If you’d like to review either The Lost Sentinel or Visions of Zarua please get in touch.

#KDP #Countdowndeal continues Visions of Zarua http://mybook.to/VOZ #promo #SFF #fantasy

Just a quick reminder that the Kindle Countdown deal is still running today.

The ebook is £1.99 / $1.99 today only.

visions_of_zarua

 

TWO WIZARDS, 350 YEARS APART. CAN THEY SAVE THE REALM OF PALTRIA FROM THE DARK MENACE OF ZARUA’S PAST?

If you like epic, fantasy with a good helping of sword and sorcery, magic and a dash of romance, why not try this standalone fantasy. Plenty of reviewers have said its perfect for readers of mystery and those who have never read fantasy before.

Here’s the universal book link to your Amazon site Visions of Zarua  (I’m very proud of myself creating this simple link and if you want to create one yourself, here’s how I did it in yesterday’s post ).

Have a great weekend everyone!

#Mondayblogs #fantasybook update and new #kindle #countdowndeal for Visions of Zarua

I’ve taken a long break from blogging to concentrate on my next book, The Lost Sentinel – Book 1 in the Silent Sea Chronicles.

I’m pleased to say it’s now with my editor for an edit and proofread, so fingers crossed I’ll soon be able to set a publication date. I can’t wait to do the cover reveal and to start contacting book reviewers to offer ARC of the finished book. And I can’t wait to finish book 2, which I’ve also been neglecting for too long.

In other news, Visions of Zarua has finally been seeing some action on Kindle Unlimited which I’m really pleased about. There’s nothing quite like checking the pages read to see it spiking over 1k pages in a day. That’s the equivalent of 2.3 books read and although that may seem small to many authors, I’m chuffed.

Now I need to convert some of those reads into reviews! The reviews have slowed down, nothing since late December, so if anyone is interested in reviewing Visions of Zarua please get in touch for a review copy.

Or you could pick it up for 99p on Thursday 23rd March when the Kindle countdown deal starts in the UK & USA. It’ll then be 1.99 on 24th March and revert to its usual price on 25th March.

Here’s the book link Amazon UK & Amazon USA

Visions of Zarua Book Cover.jpg

cathy - pyre picture quote

I’ll be blogging about it throughout the deal, and I’d love your support in sharing the posts. Thanks very much.

 

 

Blog update, #Giveaway and New Book News

I’ve been very busy this week editing my next book, The Lost Sentinel, which I’m hoping to publish in the next few months.

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There are still a couple of days left to enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for Visions of Zarua, my debut epic fantasy.  It’s an international giveaway and all you have to do follow me on twitter etc. It’s all set up via BrizzleLass who reviewed the book in December.

Featured Image -- 15761

Don’t forget, Visions of Zarua is still free to read on kindle unlimited UK and US.

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I’m still editing The Lost Sentinel, but I wanted to share the blurb to see what people think. It’s a work in progress, so any comments will be gratefully received.

The Lost Sentinel

Silent Sea Chronicles

Book 1

Tagline

The magical island of Kalaya is dying, along with it’s Sentinel. With the Kalayan people turning their back on magic, can Tei help the exiles find their new Sentinel before it’s too late?

Blurb

Tei’s always hidden her magic to avoid persecution from the Assembly who govern Kalaya. She lives happily as a tailor’s daughter until an old friend of her father’s visits bringing news they’re in danger. They flees for the Turrak Mountains where other exiles of magic have made their home. On the journey, an enemy attack leaves her father wounded. He sees her into the care of two exiles, Rike and Garrick, and on his deathbed makes a shocking confession that changes Tei’s life.

Tei must put her trust in these strangers, especially when mysterious masked riders seem determined to stop her reaching Turrak.

Struggling with self-doubt, Tei joins the exiles in the search for their lost Sentinel. But the masked riders want the Sentinel too, and time as well as hope is running out.

Can the exiles save the island magic and reunite the Kalayan people before ignorance destroys them all?

***

Are you intrigued? Let me know.

Additional question – 8/1/17 I changed the series title from Bloodlines Trilogy to Silent Sea Chronicles. Blood seems to feature so often in books that I wanted to go for something more original. Any thoughts on Silent Sea Chronicles?

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I’m taking a bit of a break from social media for now, just so I can get The Lost Sentinel ready for publication. I’ll still post the odd book review and photo, and respond to all comments, so keep in touch.

And a belated Happy New Year to everyone!

Visions of Zarua #Kindle Countdown deal 1 day left #fantasy #sale #fantasybook

Good Morning world. Today you can still pick up my debut fantasy at a reduced price in the UK and US.

Be quick as the usual price resumed tomorrow.

Amazon UK

Amazon US

Two wizards, 350 years apart. Can they save Paltria from the dark menace of Zarua’s past? Pick up Visions of Zarua and find out.

 

Please share this post and help me reach more readers like these lovely people who’ve left reviews.

help-please

5.0 out of 5 stars thrilling and dark fantasy that really keeps you gripped from beginning to end!, January 27, 2016

4.0 out of 5 stars Visions of Zarua | dark sorcery with slithering secrets, 8 April 2016

5.0 out of 5 stars brilliantly written fantasy, finished it and wanted more!, 7 July 2016

5.0 out of 5 stars A super fantasy read, December 4, 2016

 

Visions of Zarua 99p / 99c today only! #epicfantasy #darkfantasy #bookpromo #kindle

Want to bag a bargain before Christmas?

My debut, standalone fantasy, Visions of Zarua is 99p / 99c for today only via kindle countdown deals in the UK and US.

There are plenty of 4 & 5 star reviews on Amazon UK and US to help you make up your mind. Here’s a peek at the most recent…

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a dark fantasy novel that I loved, 26 Nov. 2016       Visions of Zarua is set in the magical world of Paltria, where there are Wizards, mythical creatures and enemies around every corner. This is a dark fantasy novel, that I loved from the very first page…

5.0 out of 5 stars How I love the fantasy genre that always makes me think back …, 4 Dec. 2016      How I love the fantasy genre that always makes me think back to childhood and reading fairy tales. It is where anything and everything is possible a place of wizards and witches. This is Suzanne Rogerson’s debut novel and oh my does she deliver the goods. Set back in medieval times the story is shrouded in mystery, spells and  deadly mystical creatures….

Two wizards, 350 years apart. Can they save the realm of Paltria from Zarua’s dark past?

Visions of Zarua Book Cover.jpg

Blurb
An ancient darkness haunts the realm of Paltria.
Apprentice wizard Paddren is plagued by visions of a city on the brink of annihilation. When his master Kalesh dies in mysterious circumstances, the Royal Order of Wizards refuses to investigate.
Helped by his childhood friend, the skilled tracker Varnia, and her lover Leyoch, Paddren vows to find the killer.
The investigation leads Paddren down a sinister path of assassins, secret sects and creatures conjured by blood magic. But he is guided by a connection with a wizard from centuries ago – a wizard whose history holds the key to the horror at the heart of the abandoned city of Zarua. Can Paddren decipher his visions in time to save the Paltrian people from the dark menace of Zarua’s past?

cathy - pyre picture quote

#Tuesdaybookblog – Visions of Zarua is available via #KindleUnlimited #fantasy

When I first published Visions of Zarua I wanted to reach as many book markets as possible. So I published with Kindle and Smashwords (which covers markets like Kobo, iTunes, Nook).

However in the months since publication I’ve only sold half a dozen copies through these platforms via Smashwords. Even running various sales, and a half price sale throughout July has not helped. Kindle has produced much better results so I decided to unpublish with Smashwords and try out KDP Select.

Amazon UK Kindle Unlimited

It’s just gone live this morning, so I’ll give a progress report in a few months on how this is working. I’m really hoping it will boost sales and that having access to extra marketing opportunities will allow me to step back from my own efforts and finish my next book – I’m miles behind schedule for publishing this year!

I’m also looking at the option of an audiobook. It would be a very expensive audiobook to buy, but not for readers who are monthly subscribers to audible etc. I’ll update on this as I go along.

Maybe these new platforms will lead to bigger and better things. I’m keeping my fingers crossed!

In other news;

Visions of Zarua is still in the running for Mark Lawrence’s #SPFBO 2 (self published fantasy blog off). Some of the reviewers have already whittled down their list to a few, so I’m looking forward to seeing what happens in my group of 30 authors.

As September draws closer, I’m eagerly awaiting the results of the Creative National Writing competition. Visions of Zarua has been shortlisted and several prizes will be awarded. I have everything crossed hoping it gets placed amongst the winners.

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I think I have just about exhausted all the marketing opportunities for indie authors – goodreads giveaways, blog tours etc. As much as I want to let go and focus on other projects, it’s hard to see Visions of Zarua disappear amongst the millions of other books available. Does anyone out there have any other marketing suggestions? Are there any avenues I’ve missed?