Tuesday 28 April 2015

The Birth of Ives Andrich #RPBP The Killing Game Series

Hello everyone,

I thought I would share this by The Black Rose as it is creating a lot of interest from readers who love to probe the minds of authors.
How do authors create and build characters for a new novel?
Happy reading :)
Sarah Jane

Rukia Publishing is hosting a feature by The Black Rose, author of The Killing Game Series on my blog. 
I love these features because I am always curious to know what inspires the creation of such complex characters. This post gives us an insight into the birth of the character Ives Andrich. 

I simply woke up one morning and had to write a novel. “What’s up with that?” I thought. The computer was not in working order, so out came the typewriter. Rewrites were difficult but manageable with a bizarre numbering system that even the best mathematician couldn’t calculate. All in all, it went well. I started the first story. Then I had an idea for another and started it. Eventually, I purchased another computer: faster, additional memory, and all-around better. The writing was going well. 
Then one evening around seven o’clock, after having dinner with my parents, I stopped at the Mesquite branch of the Phoenix Public Library in Paradise Valley, Arizona (I was living in AZ then). I was looking for a telephone directory to find real estate agents in Manhattan. I planned to move there within the next year. Of course, there was none. However, as I crouched down and looked across the shelf at the bottom of the bookcase, I heard a man’s soft voice sounding from my left. 
“Excuse me, Miss.” I looked up.
“Yes,” I whispered back as I stood up. Once fully upright, I looked down at him slightly. That made me think, why is it always the short men that are trying to get my attention. Not that I’m that tall at 5’8”. “Hum,” I thought silently and waited for him to speak first for I had not approached him, he had approached me and a slight suspicious chord in me felt he had an ulterior motive. 
“Can I ask you something?” he asked. 
My eyebrows moved up in a questioning fashion. “Sure,” I answered. 
He pretended to be coy, or so it seemed as he looked down, then back up at me when he asked, “What do you do for a living?” 
“I’m a writer,” I answered and went back to looking at the directories. All throughout the conversation, I showed little to no interest in him whatsoever because there was none. He smirked. I should have known better and walked away after that, but I remained. 

“I thought you might be,” he said in a way as if he knew something I did not. I frowned slightly at him. 
“And why might that be?” 
He shrugged. “You look like a writer; you know...creative.” 
I nodded slightly, then looked around to see whether anyone else saw this guy or was I the only one. A few people saw him, mostly because his tone was a bit loud for the library. 
“What can I do for you?” I asked, attempting to hurry along whatever this was. Was he attempting to pick me up? That wasn’t going to happen. He was not my type—too short, too cocky, and generally average. 
“Well...,” he said, pausing slightly, “First let me introduce myself. I’m Jeffrey Shepherd.” He paused again, thinking I would volunteer my name, but I didn’t. I just looked at him, waiting as if he had more to say about himself. “What is your name?” he asked.
“Allina,” I said. 
“Hi, Allina. Do you have a minute to talk with me?” 
“Isn’t that what we’ve been doing?” 
He smirked again, and I didn’t like that. I don’t like people that smirk. It’s creepy and somehow underhanded. “Yeah, we have been.” He paused again as if he was trying to mastermind something intelligent to say. 
“Where are you from?” “What do you want?” I asked him straight out. 
“Did you ever think about writing a novel?” 
“I already do that?” 
“Anything I would have read?” 
“How would I know?” There was that smirk again. So sarcastic that I wanted to turn and walk away. Instead, I turned my attention to the bookshelf and finished looking for the directory. 
“What are you looking for?” he asked. 
“Just something.” 
“So, did you ever think about writing a novel about illegal sports gambling and the mob?” 
“No, not particularly. Why? Have you?” I asked. 
“I’m not a writer. But, what if someone paid you to write about that? Would you do it?” 
“I know nothing about either,” I said. 
His eyebrows jolted up in the strangest, most disbelieving fashion, and I truly had no idea why. What was it that I said that made him react that way? Or was it that he knew something that I didn’t? Something about me? Bored with him, I returned my attention to the telephone directories. “What if I asked you to write a novel about illegal sports gambling and the mob? Would you do it?” 

Releasing an uninterested sigh, I turned and looked at him. “No, I don’t think I would.” 
“Not even for the right amount of money?” 
“I don’t know enough about the subjects to write intelligently about them.” 
“It would be fiction. There’s already enough factual books out there on those subjects,” he said as he held out two books to me: one on the mafia and one on sports gambling. 
“So you are asking me whether I will write a book for you on those subjects. Why?” 
He suddenly got quiet. He looked down to the books, but when he looked back up to me, he said, “I had a friend that was killed


Read what happened next here


Amazon Author Page 
http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Black-Rose/e/B00BTQ0OR8/
Author Website http://andrichpublishing.com/

Thursday 23 April 2015

Shame by Phil Thomas - The story of justice continues for Medomsley abuse victims #RPBP exclusive interview!

Hello and welcome to a slightly different author interview. 
Regular followers of my blog will know that I interviewed Phil Thomas in May 2014 about the release of his debut book Shame which is a true account of his life and the impact both physical and psychologically of his abuse at the hands of a prison officer and church minister Neville Husband. If you would like to read that post for background before reading this interview which deals exclusively with what happened next then click here.

Welcome Phil, it's really great to chat with you again.

Since you were last featured on Sarah Jane’s blog there has been increased media coverage of the stories of abuse and the justice system's handling of the cases at Medomsley.
The BBC reported that:
“Up to 500 people could have been abused there in the 1970s and 80s, say police.”
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-27159570
Do you think that's an accurate figure from the contact you have now with other victims?

There are 500 victims from Medomsley that have come forward 300 of which were sexual abuse in the kitchens and over 200 are in counselling. The turnover of boys in the kitchen was 12 boys every two months I believe that every boy that worked in the kitchens were sexually abused so that would mean over 1000 victims of sexual abuse over 'Husbands' 16 year tenure.

Do you think your reader audience for Shame has changed in light of the increased information available to the public, by that I mean do you think people have become more inquisitive?
There has been a lot more interest from the media especially since the inside out documentary.
I have also had a lot of victims contact me through various social media sites who don’t trust the police. Some that just want to talk to someone that went through the same ordeal as them and some that are too ashamed to relate what Husband did to them and what he made them do to him.
I think that people who have read Shame find it hard to accept that what went on Medomsley was allowed to go on for so long.

What do you think could have been done differently to support the victims of Neville Husband?

After the first trial of Husband the police told us that the only recourse we had was to sue the Home Office. But then they put every obstacle in our way. They took us through every court in the land all the way to the House of Lords. I came forward in 1996 to get help with what was going on in my head and not once was I or any other victim offered counselling or any other help until 2009. But things have changed since then, all victims are offered some form of help as soon as they come forward.  

The fact that he was a prison officer was bad enough, do you think that as he was also a church minister, that the church did enough to support the victims when the abusive assaults were exposed?

After leaving the prison service Husband went on to be ordained in the united reformed church were he continued to abuse children. The church would not condemn him or comment on anything he did.

Do you think in light of the publicity and your work supporting the victims, there is a reduced risk of something like this happening again and going unpunished for so long?
I think we live in a different world now and there are a lot more safe guards in place to protect children at risk. The more abusers that are brought to justice regardless of how long ago it was the better because they will see it doesn’t matter how many years go by they will still be prosecuted.


How do you feel about moving on with your life now?
It's hard to say really as I am still waiting for justice, but I am a stronger person even though I have my bad days they are nothing like as bad as when I decided to try to take my own life. Perhaps when Operation Seabrook has concluded and all those that helped and enabled Husband and failed to protect us, even though they had chance after chance, are brought to justice then I can put it away to some degree.
Let's talk about Shame. How long did it take you to write Shame and do you have a sequel planned to follow the events that followed?

Shame took me almost three years to write I had to keep leaving it and get myself into the right frame of mind to come back to it again. Writing Shame was like reliving everything over and over again. I do have a follow-up to Shame in the pipeline which tells the story of how we got justice and how many friends who were abused by Husband and who I think of as brothers, are doing today.
What are your favourite parts from your book?

My favourite parts of my book are all the shenanigans I got up to when I was a child before Medomsley even though growing up was hard I had some great fun with my friends. 

What are you currently reading and why did you choose it?

At the moment I am reading and reviewing a lot of non-fiction books on authonomy.
If you could share one thing about yourself that you would like readers to know what would it be?
Because of what happened to me at Medomsley I am more empathetic to people and aware of the dangers that children from broken homes face in the care system.
Thanks Phil.

I have read Shame twice now, in addition to reading the first draft on authonomy in 2013. I am in awe of the strength and courage it took, and still takes, to deal with the aftermath of abuse. I hope that your search for closure with the Operation Seabrook investigation helps to bring some inner peace for you and the other victims. 
Thank you so much for sharing more details of a very personal traumatic experience with us.

Sarah Jane

If you would like to read Shame it is available on Amazon UK priced at just £1.19.

Rukia Publishing author Phil Thomas is an advocate of indie authors and we are proud to work alongside him.

Wednesday 22 April 2015

A Twist of Fortune by Mike Martin is showcased at Rukia Publishing #RPBP


Rukia Publishing Book Showcase

Today I am featuring Mike Martin author of A Twist of Fortune which is the 4th book in the Sgt. Windflower Mystery Series.

Mike Martin is a member of Ottawa Independent Writers, Capital Crime Writers, the Crime Writers of Canada and the Newfoundland Writers’ Guild.


Mike Martin and Rukia publishing are showcasing his new release. 
The book showcase is live on the website now and Mike is also taking part in a 'Meet the Author' feature with me very soon.

A Twist in Fortune is available in ebook and paperback format.


Monday 20 April 2015

Time Trap by Richard Smith is in the Rukia Publishing showcasing spotlight today! #RPBP


Today, we have a blog post that is for the young at heart readers. I have to admit that when I won a copy of this book several months ago I didn't have any intention of reading it. Instead, I was going to send it to my son who lives in London and loves anything to do with Victorian London and time travel. That combination is a perfect fit for this novel. However, intrigued by the cover I opened it up and thought I would read the opening chapter. Several hours later I was still reading. You can read my review on the Rukia book reviews page where you will also find recommendations on books from many genres.


Time Trap by Author Richard Smith





Find out about the significance of this map!

 Check out the Rukia Publishing Showcase for Time Trap 

For more about Richard Smith and his book visit his Author Website www.timetrap.co.uk
Don't forget to connect with Richard on Twitter  @RichardSmithTT

The English Informer tracked me down! #RPBP







Talking with Author Sarah Jane Butfield.



Author Sarah Jane Butfield was born in Ipswich and raised in rural Suffolk, UK. Sarah Jane is a wife, mother, ex-qualified nurse and now an internationally published author. Married three times with four children, three stepchildren and two playful Australian Cattle dogs, she is an experienced modern day mum to her ‘Brady bunch’, but she loves every minute of their convoluted lives.

Sarah Jane, the roving Florence Nightingale, fulfilled her childhood dream of becoming a nurse and went on to utilise her nursing and later teaching qualifications to take her around the world. She is now an international best-selling author of three travel memoirs set in Australia and France.

What was your inspiration to write?
"I have always enjoyed writing but during my adult life to date, it has been confined to my personal journals. I came to being a self-published author completely by accident or I should say under the influence of Mother Nature. I have had a long held dream of writing a romantic fiction novel. Writing this romance novel is a bucket list item and so I decided to work towards it by enrolling on a course in creative writing to upskill to be able to hopefully one day achieve my dream. I haven’t written a romance novel yet, but I have inadvertently self-published three travel memoirs set in Australia and France. The most rewarding part of being a self-published author is the complete freedom in relation to my books content, images and distribution."

Read the rest of this interview at http://www.englishinformerinfrance.com/full-article/Talking-with-Author-Sarah-Jane-Butfield#comments

Sunday 19 April 2015

Cover Reveal for The What, Why, Where, When, Who & How of Book Promotion Series - Book 2 #RPBP



The wait is almost over!
 Book 2 in the new series goes on pre-order soon and so it's time for the cover reveal.
Book 2  The Amateur Authorpreneur
The Amateur Authorpreneur is a beginners guide to setting up as an author who intends to develop their writing into a business, by firstly addressing the important task of book promotion and marketing. We look at the author book promotion toolkit, building a fan base on social media and much more.
Our non-author beta readers have said that they have discovered tips that have helped them in both their personal and professional social media interactions.

Readers who enjoy the work of indie authors are amazed at what's involved behind the scenes.



Release day news coming soon. 
Watch for updates on the new 

What's that I hear, you haven't read Book 1 The Accidental Author?

Wednesday 15 April 2015

Not Your Typical Historical Romance - Shalah #RPBP

Picture

Author Bobi Sextun has released Shalah and it's 'Not Your Typical Historical Romance' 
The beautiful, impetuous Shalah is betrothed to marry Rolfmuke, Grand Butcher of the Vichy Horde. 
But the lady harbors a dark secret, one that threatens not only her life but her family’s as well. 
Hemlon, handsome and dashing yet scarred by his past, is faced with a difficult choice. 
He can honor an obligation that would ensure the perpetuation of his tribe; 
or, he can follow his heart straight into the arms of a woman who has promised herself to 
another.Together, they will risk everything for a love that can move mountains.


Read more about Bobi Sextun and access a sneak preview 
over on Sarah Jane's blog at Rukia Publishing. 
Bobi Sext

To get your copy of Shalah visit Amazon 

#RPBP Read the latest Rukia the Reader's book reviews now being loaded!



Readers: 
Are you looking for a recommendation for a great book, then check out the Rukia Publishing readers area.

Don't forget to sign up to receive news from your favourite indie authors and great deals on free and discounted books?
Authors:

Rukia Publishing provides a range of free services to self-published authors including book reviews which are then loaded to Amazon, Goodreads, Nook, etc.


Read the latest review.





Moirae is available on Amazon

Sunday 12 April 2015

'The Chase' - is a new release from The Black Rose a Rukia featured author #RPBP




One of Rukia Publishing's featured authors who I have the pleasure of working with at the moment, The Black Rose, has a new release. The Chase, which is Book 2 in The Killing Game series, is out now in digital and paperback format. 

The Black Rose was featured on my Sarah Jane's blog over at Rukia Publishing this week. To find out more about The Killing Game and this awesome new release pop over and take a look. Be sure to share, tweet and comment.

You can also visit The Black Rose website and listen to the soundtrack to accompany The Chase.

 
Picture

Picture

Thursday 9 April 2015

What's for dinner Mum? #RPBP



What's for dinner Mum?

At the end of a busy day when you haven't defrosted anything or been to the supermarket do you ever open the fridge door and look inside thinking what shall I make for dinner tonight?

It was this inventive, some may say innovative thought process and survival style that we adopted during our frugal summer in Charente. However, it was not a question of opening the fridge door and thinking what shall we eat, but stepping out of the back door into the garden and looking at the veggies growing and choosing either the most plentiful or the ones that needed to be used to prevent it going to waste. It was from this 'eat what needs to be eaten' mentality that some experimental recipes which are never to be repeated, evolved. Obviously these less successful recipes never made their way into my culinary memoir, the worst one being my radish curry recipe!!
As I respond to emails and messages from readers who are preparing and planting their gardens ready for a fruitful summer of abundance, but who want tips on avoiding waste, I remembered that the beneficiaries of my experimentation. These were the dogs, ducks, chickens and my compost bin because between them my cooking disasters were conveniently disposed of!

I would love to hear about your creative recipes that need never to be repeated.

So, what will we eat tonight?





Find frugal cooking and gardening stories and fun recipes in Our Frugal Summer in Charente by Sarah Jane Butfield

Available at:
iTunes - http://bit.ly/OFSCiT
kobo - http://bit.ly/1uM4WG1
Nook - http://bit.ly/1MWzizH
Scribd - http://bit.ly/Sbdofsc
Google Play - http://bit.ly/1EAHn6P
Paperback - http://bit.ly/ofscpbaf

Sunday 5 April 2015

#RPBP And the winner is ..........







Happy Easter. 
Today author Robert Fear is here to announce the 
Winner of the March Fred's Diary travel story competition


Hello everyone,
We had three great featured entries in our March travel story competition.

They were from well-known authors Frank Kusy, Richard Klein and Susan Joyce.  You can read their entries on the Travel Stories pages.

It was a difficult choice, but the winner of our monthly prize is SUSAN JOYCE for her travel story THRONE SITTING AROUND THE WORLD.  Many congratulations Susan.

We are now looking for entries to our April travel story competition.  You don't have to be a well-known_ author to enter.  Details are on the Competition page.



Thanks Robert, I am busy working on my entry! Who else fancies having a go?