#FridayBookShare – Lord of the Silver Bow by David Gemmell #fantasy

Posted on August 12, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

Set up by Shelly on her blog. Anyone can have a go – all you need to do is answer the following questions based on a book you enjoyed reading and use the hashtag #FridayBookShare. Be sure to like, comment, and share other participants posts.

First line of the book.

Recruit fans by adding the book blurb.

Introduce the main character using only three words.

Delightful design (add the cover image of the book).

Audience appeal (who would enjoy reading this book?)

Your favourite line/scene.

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FIRST LINE – To sleep is to die.

RECRUIT FANS (BLURB) – Three lives will change the destiny of nations.

Helikaon, the young prince of Dardania, haunted by a scarred and traumatic childhood. The priestess Andromache, whose fiery spirit and fierce independence threatens the might of kings. And the legendary warrior Argurios, cloaked in loneliness and driven only by thoughts of revenge.

In Troy they find a city torn apart by destructive rivalries – a maelstrom of jealousy, deceit and murderous treachery. And beyond its fabled walls blood-hungry enemies eye its riches and plot its downfall.

It is a time of bravery and betrayal; a time of bloodshed and fear. A time for heroes.

INTRODUCE THE MAIN CHARACTER – Helikaon; brave, heroic, legendary

DELIGHTFUL DESIGN –

AUDIENCE APPEAL – Anyone and everyone who likes fantasy. There is the historical element as well, and the myths of Troy etc. I would say the Troy trilogy is some of Gemmell’s best work.

YOUR FAVOURITE LINE – Utterly impossible to choose. I think I love every line in this book! Each sentence means something, and hints at events to come. I’ll go with this…

‘What is wrong, Odysseus?’ she asked him. ‘Is it the coming battle? Do you fear for your friend?’

Odysseus shivered suddenly. ‘I am filled with fear, but not for his safety. Helikaon is a fighter, but there are depths to the man which should never be plumbed.’

20 pages later we find out what Odysseus feared…

Buy it now at Amazon UK or Amazon US

#WWWBlogs How publishing taught me to be more self-reliant #indiepub #indieauthor

Posted on August 10, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

I just wanted to share a link to my guest post over the Writing & Wellness blog run by Colleen M Story.

To view the article click here . While you’re there, have a look around. There are plenty of great articles to read.

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

Posted on August 9, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

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?

David Gemmell – 10 year anniversary of my writing hero’s death #fantasy

Posted on July 28, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

This is just a brief post to highlight the wonderful work of David Gemmell. He was my inspiration to start writing fantasy and I’ve loved all of his books, without exception!

Whenever I’m asked who my favourite author is, the answer will always be David Gemmell.

I remember when I learnt of his death. I’d just found out I was pregnant with my second child and was contemplating the impossible task of typing up the scribbled first draft of Visions of Zarua before the baby’s arrival. David Gemmell’s death really affected me. No more Druss, Waylander, Skilgannon, Connavar or Jon Shannow… the list of wonderfully flawed heroes goes on and on.

I was so pleased to hear that his wife, Stella Gemmell, had agreed to finish the book he was working on when he died. The last book in the Troy Trilogy – Fall of Kings. I read the book with tears in my eyes for the great story teller that was lost, but also because that last book was brilliant and I knew I would never get to read any more of his work.

I read that he died at his desk. I don’t know if it’s true, but I like the romantic notion of dying whilst doing one of the things you love best.

I have a long list of books on my TBR pile, but to honour the great man I shall make this my next read.

If you want to read a heroic fantasy story you could pick up any one of Gemmell’s books. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

5 days left to buy Visions of Zarua $2.00 #Smashwords #fantasy

Posted on July 27, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

For the whole month of July I’ve been running a 50% sale with Smashwords. 1000’s of books are discounted so it’s worth having a look at the sales page.

Here’s Visions book page. You just enter the code SSW50 and the discount will be applied. Smashwords is good for buying ebooks from different retailers / different formats i.e. kobo, nook, iTunes and of course kindle (mobi, pdf etc.).

For me, this is a last attempt to drum up some interest in Smashwords before I enrol in KDP Select. It will be interesting to see if the KDP scheme has any impact on sales, so I’ll keep you informed of my findings.

In the mean time, here’s the blurb…

Two wizards, 350 years apart. Together they must 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?

Also available via

Amazon UK

Amazon US

There are some brilliant reviews on Amazon and Goodreads. If you are intrigued, why not check those reviews and see what you think.

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A quick question for all you indie authors out there, have you switched to KDP select and what do you think? Would you recommend it?

#SundayBlogShare – Less than 24 hours to win a paperback copy of Visions of Zarua #fantasy

Posted on July 24, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

There is less than 24 hours to go in this worldwide giveaway on goodreads. Almost 1300 people have entered so far and I’m gratified to see Visions on over 1000 people’s bookshelves!

If you’re not sure whether to enter, why not take a look at the reviews on Goodreads – average rating 4.42 (12 ratings / 11 reviews).

Enter the giveaway here.

There are also some great reviews on Amazon UK (average rating 4.5stars) & US (average rating 4.4 stars).

Plus the Smashwords discount is still running for 50% off ebook / kindle.

You may also want to check out my recent blog tour for Visions of Zarua. Reviews, Q&A and some picture quotes like this…

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On a personal note, the kids have just broken up for the summer hols. It was a busy & emotional time, especially with my son leaving junior school, but he has taken it in his stride and can’t wait for Seniors in September.

I plan to be quite busy with them for the next few weeks, plus I’m still trying to finish my next book. I have a couple of posts lined up but then things may go quiet at my end. Please still leave comments and I will check back when I can.

Happy summer everyone.

Visions of Zarua #review on YouTube

Posted on July 15, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

I’m really pleased to share Visions of Zarua’s first YouTube appearance. Thanks to Rosie Amber for sharing her review here. Please head over to YouTube and like the video review. She has reviewed lots of other books on YouTube, maybe you’ll find your next read among them.

#WWWblogs – Visions of Zarua #Giveaway & price promo

Posted on July 12, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

At the end of my two week blog tour I announced the goodreads giveaway via lucciagray‘s blog. It’s a worldwide giveaway where one person can win a signed copy. I’m aiming to beat my last giveaway entry total that hit over 2k. Will you help me spread the word?

Click here to go straight to the Goodreads giveaway page.

Visions of Zarua is still on sale via Smashwords Summer/winter sale. Pick it up for $2.00 throughout July. I assume this will be discounted in other countries too. Just add the code SSW50 at the checkout.

If you missed any of the blog tour posts, you can check out my dedicated page here. I’ve added links to all the blogs involved – reviews, Q&A’s, promo posts etc.

There have been some wonderful reviews of Visions of Zarua. 8 months on, I’m so pleased that I took the risk and self published.

Today I have an average rating on Goodreads of 4.42, Amazon UK 4.6 and Amazon US 4.5. I’m thrilled that readers like Visions, and I ask again if you have read it would you consider leaving a short review? I love to read what you think, and the more reviews I have the more notice people will take of my work.

If you’ve been inspired by the tour / other reviews, here are the purchase links;

Amazon UK

Amazon US

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I will be taking a rest from blogging for a bit. I’ll still post book reviews and photos, but I need to spend some time finishing my next book. Plus the summer holidays are looming large and I will have two children to amuse and stop from killing each other.

Thanks again to everyone whose supported me.

Visions of Zarua #Blog Tour – A New #Fantasy Book among my favourites

Posted on July 10, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

That’s it, the tour is complete. 14 days, 15 blogs! It’s been exhausting, but fun and what better way to finish the tour than with a final great review. Please check out the link to Color me in Cyanide and Cherry.

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It is my great pleasure to participate in Visions of Zarua blog tour. I was generously given this book by the author in exchange for an honest review, and I simply adored the book. Below you can wi…

Source: Visions of Zarua Blog Tour – A New Fantasy Book among my favourites

Visions of Zarua Blog Tour: A Dark and Thrilling #Fantasy Novel #BookReview

Posted on July 9, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

It’s day 13 of the blog tour and I’m really happy to share this brilliant review of Visions of Zarua, plus one of my favourite photo quotes. Please head over to Happymeerkatreviews.

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I am excited to be a part of the Visions of Zarua blog tour and today I’m going to re-post my review of this amazing book by Suzanne Rogerson along with a few extras: Book Blurb: Two wizards,…

Source: Visions of Zarua Blog Tour: A Dark and Thrilling Fantasy Novel Review