Today’s Featured Author – Suzanne Rogerson

Posted on March 4, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

I’m very pleased to be the featured author on Into Another World’s blog this week.

Please welcome to my blog author Suzanna Rogerson. Her book, Visions of Zaura, is currently special for $1.99 for a limited time.

Interview

Please tell us about your current release?

Visions of Zarua is my debut fantasy novel, which I self-published in November 2015.

The novel focuses on the interlinking stories of two wizards who live 350 years apart. The first is an apprentice wizard named Paddren who’s been plagued by visions of death ever since he was a boy. The second wizard, Jago, is a junior wizard who lived 350 years before Paddren’s story begins. Jago returns to Zarua after a five year absence to find a dark undertow sweeping through the city. But the Elders refuse to believe Zarua is under threat, a mistake that has far reaching consequences.

Both wizards must fight to save the realm of Paltria from the dark menace of Zarua’s past.

How did…

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Visions of Zarua 99p / $1.99. My #Mslexia Ad & Subscriber Spotlight in #WritingMagazine

Posted on March 3, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

Two days ago I received the new Mslexia magazine and was very happy to see my ad for Visions of Zarua at the top of their noticeboard on page 12.

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If you can’t read my blurry picture, the ad states ‘Visions of Zarua by Suzanne Rogerson. Paddren is plagued by visions of a city on the brink of annihilation. When his master dies investigating the visions, Paddren vows to find the killer. His childhood friend, the skilled tracker Varnia, and her lover Leyoch agree to help. They’re guided by 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?’

Then today, I received my Writing Magazine and right in the centre is my piece in the Subscriber Spotlight section.

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(Hopefully this picture is a little easier to read.)

These magazine pieces have come at the perfect time to drum up a bit of interest in Visions of Zarua as I have just set up a kindle and ebook price promotion of 99p / $1.99. I’m hoping this will help persuade people to take a chance on my debut epic fantasy.

Available to buy here: amazon smashwords

I’m looking into ways to advertise this price promo, so any tips you can offer will be very welcome.

I also have news of another Goodreads Giveaway. This time I’ve limited it to the UK, but I will do another worldwide giveaway in the future. The giveaway runs from 10th to 24th March, so I will be shouting about it nearer the time.

Please share and help spread the word.

Visions of Zarua – Results of the #Goodreads Giveaway Feb 2016

Posted on February 15, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

First of all thanks so much to all those who entered, and to those who have helped me spread the word.

Three winners were picked by Goodreads and the signed books are about to be sent out. Congratulations to the winners, I really hope they enjoy the book.

I ran my giveaway of Visions of Zarua for 2 months, not having put much research into what is a good timescale beforehand. Others have suggested that a shorter period is better, but maybe for a new indie author the longer the giveaway runs, the better.

2070 people entered the competition and of those 835 marked it as to read on their bookshelves. I’ve also managed to pick up some new followers. These are people that would never have heard of Visions of Zarua without Goodreads, so I see the competition as a great success. I really enjoyed running the giveaway and I may run another competition again soon.

I have also considered doing a Rafflecopter giveaway, but know even less about this than I did Goodreads. Can anyone offer any advice?

A bit cheeky I know, but if you were intrigued by the giveaway and fancied picking up a copy, Visions of Zarua is available for only £2.99 on Kindle, Kobo, iBooks, Nook, and Smashwords for other formats.

For any authors out there considering a giveaway, I say go for it.

UPDATE – 17th February 2016

A small note of caution. Running the giveaway is free, but the costs can still add up. My lucky winners were from Romania, India and USA. In all, the postage has cost me £27.45. Add to this the cost of the books which I brought direct from createspace and had to pay shipping on as well. I’d say I’m around £50.00 out of pocket.

However, as far as advertising costs go, that’s a bargain.

I know 2070 people (plus their friends on Goodreads) have now seen my book. Being in the fantasy section of the giveaway ensures I have done all I can to target my ideal audience. So although the giveaway hasn’t had much impact on sales yet, I’m hopeful it will help spread the word about Visions of Zarua. I read somewhere that consumers need to see a product a lot (something like 7 – 10 times) before they buy. So I shall just keep plugging away and keep dreaming of those sales and reviews rolling in.

1 day left to enter #goodreads #giveaway for epic fantasy – Visions of Zarua

Posted on February 13, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

Two wizards, 350 years apart. Together they must save the realm of Paltria from Zarua’s dark past…

If you want to be in with a chance of winning 1 of 3 signed paperback copies, enter the Goodreads Giveaway now. It ends midnight 14th February 2016. So far 1440 people have entered.

Please share this and help me spread the word. Thank you.

About Visions of Zarua

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?

The Iron Ship – K.M.McKinley #bookreview

Posted on February 9, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

The Iron Ship is Book One of The Gates of the World. Published in 2015.

‘Merchant, industrialist and explorer Trassan Kressind has an audacious plan – combining the might of magic and iron in the heart of a great ship to navigate an uncrossed ocean, seeking the city of the extinct Morfaan to uncover the secrets of their lost sciences…’

It was my book group choice. My first impressions – I loved the cover, was intrigued by the blurb and couldn’t wait to read it.

The Iron Ship is a fantasy / steampunk mix, perfect for those who love indepth worldbuilding. Unfortunately, I’m not one of them.

It took me over 200 pages to get into the story. There are a lot of characters – we follow the lives of the six Kressind siblings, but also a lot more besides, and it’s hard to keep track of everything that’s going on. I would think those who enjoy the huge scale of Game of Thrones would enjoy this new series.

It’s a long book and sometimes the descriptions can drag. But there are also moments of high tension and excitement that draw you in. I just wanted more character focus, to live the story through them more. I did like (but not love) some of the characters Katriona, Guis and Tuvacs, and would be interested to continue their stories in the next book.

There are plenty of new concepts to enjoy; the Tyn people, talking dogs which are used as horses, lizard-like creatures and plenty of fantastical beasts, twin moons, Glimmer magic, Guiders to send spirits on, the Drowned King… I could go on. There is a lot to explore in this book. If you are a fan of world building this could be the book for you.

I rate it 3 out of 5 stars.

Amazon UK

Amazon US

#goodreads #giveaway update – Visions of Zarua

Posted on February 6, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

With the closing date of 14th Feb, there’s only 8 days to enter my Goodreads giveaway to win 1 of 3 signed copies of Visions of Zarua.

It’s the first giveaway I’ve done, so I’ve been a bit obsessive looking at the stats. As of 9.30am this morning (sat 6th Feb) I am number 23 on the most requested fantasy giveaway list. That’s pretty cool.

I’m overwhelmed that over 1000 people have entered the giveaway so far, and of those over 400 have marked the book as to read. This is amazing exposure for a first-time self-published author.

For those authors considering doing a giveaway, I would say go for it! But I will also do an update post at the end of the month on whether the giveaway has had any impact on the number of sales and reviews.

For readers who have read Visions of Zarua, I would like to ask if you would consider leaving a review. It’s the only way that self published authors get noticed and taken seriously. So far I have 6 brilliant reviews and a star rating on Amazon of 4.7. A big thanks to my readers who have been kind enough to share their views.

Please share and tell your friends. And have a wonderful weekend everyone.

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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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

Last chance to buy Visions of Zarua for 99p

Posted on January 4, 2016 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

As life returns to normal and people return to work and school, the price promotion for my standalone fantasy novel is also coming to an end tomorrow – 5th January 2016 at 10pm GMT.

Two Wizards, 350 years apart. Together they must save the realm of Paltria from Zarua’s dark past.

If you like fast-paced, character driven fantasy, Visions of Zarua could be the perfect novel for you.

Amazon UK 99p

Amazon USA $1.47

The Goodreads giveaway is also still running. Enter for your chance to win 1 of 3 signed paperback copies.

Getting in the festive mood with a Goodreads Giveaway & Kindle sale!

Posted on December 24, 2015 by Suzanne Rogerson Author

To combine the fun of the holidays and the recent launch of my paperback, Visions of Zarua, I’ve set up a Goodreads Giveaway.

It starts on 25th December 2015. To be in with a chance of winning 1 of 3 signed copies, please click the link from tomorrow.

Goodreads Giveaway

I’ve also reduced the price of the Kindle edition for a limited time only. The price reduction is available across all Amazon Kindle sites. Please click the links to buy your copy now.

Amazon.co.uk £0.99

Amazon.com $1.49

Merry Christmas to everyone.