My Review: The Religion of the Heart by D.M Miller

December 3, 2015 gibbsdreamLeave a comment

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http://www.amazon.co.uk/Religion-Heart-D-M-Miller-ebook/dp/B015RYHZ8S/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1449165737&sr=1-1&keywords=the+religion+of+the+heart

This book is a story of love that spans over a decade for a boy and a girl who are instantly attracted to each other despite the hurdles they face such as religion, culture and miles of separation they hold true to the dream.

When Abdul tries to talk to Catherine in English when he realises that she doesn’t speak Arabic he can’t remember a word that he has learned. I loved that little touch, I could picture the poor boy’s discomfort.

A beautiful phrase in the book that I loved: Time forgot to hurry, creeping by at the pace of a blustery Alaskan winter.

I would have likes to have seen a little bit more of this kind of description.

Abdul is a young man who is weighed down and browbeaten by his family to bend to their will – I kind of thought that Catherine did the same to him. It felt as though the majority of compromises were made by him. Both characters were highly emotional and if I’m honest maybe too much for my personal taste, but that’s just me. It was a lovely tale and it was easy to read.

My Review of: Ties that Bind by E.R Chissick

December 2, 2015December 2, 2015 gibbsdreamLeave a comment

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I could barely put this book down. The author has spun a story of love, betrayal, joy and pain with consummate skill. The characters are 100% believable and relatable. I caught my breath on a number of occasions as I found myself rooting for them. The story flows well and the pace is natural all the way through. I loved the different layers in this book and how the author had me on my toes the whole time never sure where it would go and what would happen. My only issue (minor) would be the overuse of certain objects such as the Cherry Coke Lip Balm and to a lesser degree the Classic Corvette. I do also think while the sex scenes were incredibly well written it could have benefitted from cutting out a couple of the scenes. I will definitely be looking out for more books by this author.

Books · Uncategorized

John Sharpe No. 1,348

December 1, 2015December 1, 2015 gibbsdream7 Comments

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Alice in Wonderland meets Oliver Twist collides with The Hobbit.
Right from the first sentence a smile lit up my face: John had his head in the oven and his arse in the air when the man appeared out of nowhere, unfurling like a woodlouse coming out of hiding.
I laughed my way through this book sometimes out loud and in public. If you like books to be serious this book isn’t for you. If, however, you enjoy humour I would highly recommend that you dip in and indulge.
At first the little asides in brackets appeared to be a little clunky but then as I read on I realised that they were actually the humour of a very creative, intelligent brain and these became some of the LOL moments.
The author weaves the story with skill and beautiful phraseology: The voice was gnarled and knotted like tree roots.
The visuals she creates are exceptional: He was somewhat disappointed not to see clocks or skeletons or shoes, or indeed any other random objects floating by, like they did in films – you know, when the intrepid heroes go back in time or through mysterious tunnels – just like that, only it wasn’t.
This story also has a deeper message hidden within the pages and the humour. Read it and discover for yourself what that message is.
I will definitely be reading more by this author.

Books · Self-publishing

777 Challenge

September 30, 2015September 30, 2015 gibbsdream3 Comments

I was tagged today by DM Miller for the 777 Challenge. I am certainly up for a challenge and this one is far easier than the ice bucket and half marathon challenges.

DM is the author of The Religion of the Heart

Catherine and Abdul come from two opposing worlds. She is raised in the Judeo-Christian West, while he comes from a Muslim family in Egypt. Their first meeting is little more than a fleeting moment, but it sparks over a decade-long desperation and agonizing battle to be together. Incompatible religions, distinct cultures and hot-tempered families vowing to keep them apart are the overwhelming hurdles they face, and reality hits once mysteries are solved and the fairytale beginning fades away. They are left with difficult decisions as they determine how important their respective religions are and whether or not the Muslim culture can mesh with the West. Can an enduring yet taboo love conquer all when conflicting religions are duking it out, or will threatening roadblocks stand in the way?

Click to buy: http://amzn.to/1PO6IS6

The Challenge

So the idea is that I take seven sentences from the seventh line of the seventh page from my newest book or work in progress (WIP)

I will be using my WIP – My novel Is This Love?

Theo & Gemma meet on a night out, after an instant attraction and the evening spent getting to know each other they face the moment when the night draws to a close:

A catfight broke out between two girls who’d had too much to drink. Two policemen separated them as clumps of peroxide hair came away in the taller girl’s hands. Skirts the size of belts hung askew and beer-stained tops rode high up flabby midriffs. Hair coiffed to within an inch of perfection at the beginning of the night was now lank, while makeup ran down their faces, and they screamed abuse at each other.

“Come back with me?” Theo whispered.

Every inch of my body screamed to go. I’ve come here to spend the weekend with Chris.

Hope you enjoyed it. Gemma and Theo will be coming to an Amazon Kindle near you soon. 🙂

I now need to tag 7 authors in this to take part:

Rose English is the author of One Breath

The rainbow had vanished, swept away behind a great sweeping of grey clouds. The air was still fresh and fragrant from the afternoon April shower, when for a time the sun had peeked through cotton candy clouds. Dorothea magically produced a tiny retractable umbrella, from her coat pocket, just as the first drop of rain fell. Albert always marvelled at her ability to be prepared for any event, she was his beautiful and intelligent petite little Dotty. The rain started gently, in spits and spats but the heavy laden clouds were being whipped up into a frenzy. As little Dotty opened the brolly a sudden gust of wind shot through, and flipped it inside out.

The couple began to laugh as they struggled together to right the umbrella, whilst standing in the middle of a sodden, damp country lane. The rain was now pouring; it fell heavily, quickly soaking them through to the bone. They didn’t hear the car approaching, what with the wind, whipping round them and both wrangling with the now useless item, still clenched between them.

Then it was too late.

Click to buy: http://amzn.to/1j19HMS

2. Tanya Jones-Thibodeau is the author of Dreams of Beautiful Whisper

When Amanda learns that the gorgeous beauty-boy of her disturbingly life-like dreams is in fact an elven warrior from her past, things get complicated. But shortly after being urgently moved back to the village where she was born, well things just got weird.

WHO IS SHE?
AMANDA, A HIGH-SCHOOL GIRL WITH A BOYFRIEND SHE INTENDS TO EVENTUALLY MARRY? or
AMANAE, A POWERFUL ELF WITH A SOUL-MATE FOR ETERNITY?

As the haze of her blocked past lifts, the truth of who she is, what she must endure and how it will change her peaceful human life forever, threaten to be more than she can handle. Even with her practical approach to challenges, the reassurance of her boyfriend Jordan and the encouraging support of an entire elven kingdom, will Amanda have the strength and skill to fulfill her destiny?

Click to buy: http://amzn.to/1QLrkuj

3. CJ Rutherford is the author of Souls of the Never (and more)

Katheryne thinks she’s just a normal 20-year-old, until her dreams descend into terror and pain.
At the edge of the universe, an ancient evil awakens. It wants into our world; and it’s coming through her.
As the dreams become reality, Katheryne is pitched into a battle that has raged for thousands of years. The fate of all reality rests in her hands.

Click to buy: http://amzn.to/1WyOrvS

4. Colette Kebell is the author of The Retail Therapist (and more)

Window shopping! Don’t you just hate the term?
It is like going into a sweet shop and not being able to buy anything, or not knowing what to buy first. That is exactly my line of business, helping people make the right choice.
I’m one of those fashion consultants that are so popular nowadays amongst the upper crust, although I started ages ago. Choosing the right clothes for the right occasion is not an easy task: the dress has to match your personality and, if it can, enhance it.
This story is about how I abandoned the rat race, spending days in a legal office, and followed my dream of becoming a fashion consultant. I believe I’m something more though, I’m a Retail Therapist and I’m sure you are itching to know the story about how I started and how I helped my clients look fabulous! So, what are you waiting for? Hurry up, click that “buy” button up there and be prepared to enter the mysterious world of a Berkshire Retail Therapist girl.

Click to buy: http://amzn.to/1P5VSbO

5. M.B Feeney is the author of Right Click, Love (and more)

Disheartened about not being able to find “Mr. Right” on the London dating scene, best friends Jodie Lynch and Louise Hewson create a blog to not only document their disastrous dates with the numerous “Mr. Wrongs” and “Mr. Okay-for-nows” but also to help those going through the same experiences and to see where they’re going wrong. How will they deal with everything the dating scene has to throw at them — planned or otherwise?

Click to buy: http://amzn.to/1POcYJu

6. J.C Clarke is the author of Fragile (and more)

Deep down I enjoyed this life, it was fun seeing the different towns. Seven months on the road, five months back at the yard. Day in, day out. Nothing changed except the weather and the accents of the fair-goers.

Until tonight. That’s when I see you standing there, looking back at me when my eyes find you. Even in the dimming light of the day and the harsh flashing bulbs, I see you blush before you look down, looking anywhere except back at me. A smirk creeps onto my face with my thoughts: you look beautiful in your baggy jeans and vest top.

The light captures your black hair shielding your face. I know I need to grab a shower before I head into the pay box, but I can’t seem to tear myself away from watching you.

Click to buy: http://amzn.to/1hbpxCz

7. Kathleen McGurl is the author of The Pearl Locket (and more)

When Ali inherits her great-aunt’s house she immediately moves her whole family in, despite the warnings that there is something strange about the place.

Unfazed Ali begins redecorating, going through the rooms, making each one her own with the help of her daughter, Kelly. But when under the wallpaper in Kelly’s new room they discover a scrawled message from 1944 Ali begins to question the history of the house as she knows it.

Her family has always seemed so picture perfect, not a blemish or a secret to be found. Yet, this discovery throws her into confusion and Ali begins to question exactly what she knows about her family and the mysteries they have kept hidden…

Click to buy: http://amzn.to/1FILWTt

Life · Self-publishing

Life throws a curve ball – watch this arc

August 15, 2015 gibbsdream2 Comments

It started with a lump, well maybe it didn’t quite start there. The roots probably go further back, but I am starting this life journey at the lump.

This year I fulfilled a lifetime’s dream of publishing my writing. I bit the bullet and self-published. I have two short stories out there, one soon to be in print and at least 8GB of brain memory filled with new ideas.

I started writing as a child, one who read voraciously. Enid Blyton was my hero, followed by J.R.R Tolkien a few years later. A whole host of amazing authors have made their mark on my brain, and my favourite author as an adult is Sharon Penman.

I have spent -gasp- 13 years working on a novel. Life got in the way, and when I thought it was finished, I discovered that it was a long way off, by about 70,000 words. In that time though I have worked on many other projects and have a list of WIP that rival the normal person’s TBR list.

Last year I met a man who has become a friend, a man who inspired me and woke me up from merely existing. I followed his advice (not to the letter) and in January I published ‘As Dreams Are Made On’ followed by ‘A Lifetime or a Season’ in February. I have learned so much in that time, made changes, paid for a professional to design my covers. (A Lifetime will be receiving an overhaul imminently) I have been able to take this experience though and put it into the changes that I need to make with the novel.

How did I meet this guy? He turned up to do a CBT (Compulsory Basic Training Course) for Motorbikes at the place I work. I also met another man there who came to do his full bike licence with us and after chatting he gave me the details of a friend of his who is also an author. She gave me some great advice when I started out, and it is through her that I came to employ the services of the amazing woman who provides me with the most beautiful book covers.

So, I can hear you asking “Where does the lump come into this?”

I woke up one morning some years ago, stretched -as you do. As I lifted my arm up above my head, I discovered a lump under my arm. This wasn’t a little limp that you had to use a magnifying glass to see. This was a lump of epic proportions. I eventually had it nicknamed my ‘third boob’. I’m sure you can all imagine the fear I experienced, the C word reverberated around my head. Imagine my fear when the Consultant ran across the hospital to see if he could get me booked in for an emergency scan. Mmm yes, I haven’t seen many doctors running outside of A&E.

It turned out to be a Lipoma (a benign tumour of fatty tissue). I was given the opportunity to have it removed straight away, or I could leave my third boob in place ( Rival Anne Boleyn’s finger count!). Of course I wanted it removed, sunbathing with three boobs was just weird. It tucked in rather nicely under my arm until I lifted it up and then the thing sat bold as brass. The Doctor was straight with me and said it is only cosmetic but because of the placement of it I could risk losing the use of my left arm if the surgery went wrong. I made the only sensible decision: so my third boob stayed.They told me to monitor it and if things got worse it would be removed.

A few years later, the tumour spread. I got to the point where I was in pain and couldn’t really move my neck easily. I returned to my local hospital where I was patronised by a different Consultant and had to wait ages to get an appointment for the removal. I went to my GP and was then referred to The Royal Marsden one of the best cancer hospitals in the world. The treatment I received was second to none though I felt slightly fraudulent when I saw the patients with ‘real cancer’. The operation was a success, but I had to take two weeks off work and wasn’t allowed to ride my scooter or lift anything heavy for three months.

In that time, my CBT bike licence expired as did my insurance, so my brother wheeled it into my back garden to wait my return. When the three months was up, and I knew my arm was strong enough, I booked myself in for a CBT. If my insurance and CBT hadn’t expired, I would have taken my bike to the training centre. Instead, I took my helmet, jacket, gloves and trousers. (Gear that other people have worn stinks to high heaven!) My instructor’s name was called Lewis. I was one of those students who pipes up with all the answer and an array of anecdotes and jokes (probably very annoying!). It transpired that Lewis’ mum lived locally to me, so I cheekily said “Give us a lift home.” He did. We chatted a while, and he told me that he and a friend Terry were setting up their own business. I knew of Terry, he also lived around the corner from me.

A week or so later I bumped into Terry, and we also talked about this new business venture. I was ready for a new challenge, so said if they were looking for admin then let me know.

It was about a year later that Terry turned up on my doorstep asking “Are you still looking for a job?”

I said “Potentially, come on in.”

So that is how the lump that scared me, that had me envisioning all sorts of dire ends brought me to a new job and meeting two men who in their own ways helped me in my self-publishing journey.

So maybe the moral of this particular story is that even when life is as bleak as it can get, it might just be a stepping stone to the life you are destined for. I look forward to continuing to pursue my dreams. At the moment I’m not living the life I love but I am on the path.

Self-publishing

Self-publishing – 6 months down the line

July 27, 2015 gibbsdream4 Comments

It seems now that I have been part of this game forever, but it is only six months. I started out – as mentioned in previous posts- completely clueless. Every week I learn something more about this process and probably forget something also. One of the areas that surprised me the most was the camaraderie involved in networking. I have spoken to so many people online through Facebook & Twitter that are becoming daily names in my world much as or more even than friends and family. They have become an author network family, and I enjoy hearing about their successes and achievements. The support between one author and another is fantastic. I know there are a lot of authors out there who say they have no time to network, they post and run, and yet they seem to be missing out a very valuable part of the process. It is people from those networks who will help you, promote you and support you in a way that friends and family very often won’t. All you have to do is reciprocate. It isn’t hard to do.

I’ve learned about algorithms on both Amazon and Facebook. I know that on Amazon these are activated by sales and reviews. The outside world has no idea just how important those reviews are. It isn’t only about allowing other potential customers to become aware how good your work is; it also triggers promotions from Amazon. Likewise with Facebook, when you post something, it doesn’t automatically go to everyone on your friend list, only certain people see it but the more people engage with that post by liking, commenting or sharing then Facebook allows it to go out to a wider audience. On Twitter, there is the chance that something, if retweeted enough, will go viral. So when I see the posts, links, etc. of my fellow authors I want to help them with that process and that is part of the reason I set up the Facebook group Pay it Forward for Authors.

I still haven’t made that million that I wanted 😉 I haven’t even made enough to make it a full-time proposition but I have learned so many valuable things in publishing my two short stories that I can take that forward and it will help me with publishing my novel – when I finish the edit, if I ever finish the edit!

I have discovered that behind all the hard work, the endless hours of writing, editing, reading, social media, formatting, etc.. I am actually enjoying the process. Well, maybe with the exception of the formatting. Wow, I have come a long way! A few months ago editing would have been included in the exception.

At the moment, both my short stories are dangling close to the top 100 in a sub-category, and that is so exciting. The irony is that with one or two sales your ranking can jump significantly and likewise with a few quiet days, weeks you can plunge into obscurity. This is the point where I am seriously considering paying people to buy my books – no I’m only kidding. This is a pet hate of mine, I don’t and won’t buy followers, reviews or anything else. My success is made or not as the case may be on its own merits. It’s like winning a board game as a child by cheating; no satisfaction can come from it at all unless you are on a hunt for glory.

It will be interesting to see where this journey takes me in the next six months.

Uncategorized

Read a book by an independent author

May 27, 2015July 5, 2015 gibbsdreamLeave a comment

Indie or self-published authors don’t have the benefit of having a publicity team behind them to support them and guide them; they don’t have the connections or the expertise. They are writers, people who are driven to write but for various reasons have gone down the self-publishing route and are having to adapt to a plethora of different roles.

Being an Indie or Self-published author doesn’t mean that you don’t have the ability to create amazing worlds for people to escape to. It may mean though that the book cover isn’t to the quality of a traditionally published book. Maybe the author cannot afford a professional cover, maybe their eye for detail is not that of a pro but the words inside may well be.

Maybe the blurb doesn’t have the succinctness that one would find in a traditionally published book. What? I hear you say. You’re a writer isn’t that just writing? No, writing a novel, short story, novella, etc. and writing the blurb for them are completely different. The blurb wouldn’t be written by the author generally. So please look beyond the blurb. The book hiding behind it may become your favourite book ever. Go on give it a chance.

Being noticed is one of the hardest challenges we face. There is a vast ocean of books and authors, the popular names get top billing, advertised, pushed in your direction but for the author starting out it really is hard; an almost thankless uphill slog. Reviews get an author noticed, but you need to get quite a few for it to make a difference. That is why we always bang on about how important reviews are. The review is also the equivalent of a tip to an author, a thank you for a good service, for all their hard work. A reason for continuing when they feel like giving up.

We live in an age where we can take a sample of the book, go away, read it and decide whether it appeals to us. So taking a chance on an unknown author isn’t as bad as it sounds. Go on have a look, download a sample, take a peak, read it and if you think that the author connects with you then click to buy. If you like it, leave a review. It doesn’t have to be a long review; you don’t have to have a way with words, “Loved it.” would suffice.

So trawl through the books in the genre you love or peak behind the curtains of one you haven’t tried yet. Above all else, keep reading and keep enjoying.

https://indiebooknetwork.wordpress.com/

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