Book Review: Deadly Straits by R E McDermott

Synopsis: I love a good action/adventure thriller, particularly if it’s set in a realistic context against a convincing political backdrop.  So I was looking forward to reading DeadlyStraits by R E McDermott.

An Important Contribution to the 'Future of Publishing' Debate

Big Al, of Books and Pals, has posted on the future of publishing.  As always, the post is well-considered and expressed in his inimitable style.  The e-revolution may be bad for legacy publishers, but it’s good news for readers and authors alike.  Check out what Big Al has to say.

Guest Post by Mark Williams – e-book/paperback markets

Mark Williams is half of the Saffina Desforges writing partnership.  He’s posted extensively on the e-book market and has direct experience of it, having achieved huge success with Sugar and Spice and Snow White. In his guest post, he reflects on the development of the e-book and paperback markets, and further expounds these thoughts at his blog – Mark Williams International.

Book Review: Conflict of Interest by Lauryn Christopher

I bought this in response to reviews at BigAl'sBooksandPals and A Grateful Bookaholic.  I must admit that I wasn’t disappointed.  It’s a great read.

Are the markets for e-books and paperbacks different?

Saffina Desforges, Joe Konrath and numerous others, are proof it’s possible to make a living e-publishing.  But while there’s a lot of sound advice out there about marketing e-books, there’s still much to be learnt about the most effective way for writers to promote their work. So much so, that I believe it’s fair to say indie authors are still experimenting with what works and doesn’t with regard to e-book promotion.

My journey to becoming a writer

I began writing my first book, No Escape, for all the wrong reasons. I’d read that Lee Child wrote his first JackReacher novel, Killing Floor, to generate income after having been made redundant. On leaving a job in France (and being out of work) I thought, if he can do it so can I.  However, at the time I didn’t realise that there are only a handful of agents who hold the key to authors making a living from traditional publishing – a big advance.

Book Review: The Hunter by Tom Wood

While this isn’t the work of an indie author, I enjoyed this book by Tom Wood so much that after buying it in paperback at a train station I felt I had to post a review.

Synopsis: The Hunter of the title is Victor, a hired assassin.  Following a hit that goes wrong, he ceases to be the hunter and becomes the hunted.

Book Review: Coming Home by P D Martin

I was prompted to buy this book by a review I read on the great book blog by Elizabeth A. White.  I’d never read anything by P D Martin before, but wasn’t disappointed by Coming Home.

Synopsis: FBI profiler, Sophie Anderson, had thought her brother’s abduction and murder, when she was a young girl, would go unsolved forever.

‘Indie Authors’ step up to the plate

With the development of e-publishing it’s an exciting time to be writing and reading. New authors are appearing on the scene who previously wouldn’t have been able to get published. The writing partnerships of Saffina Desforges and Louise Voss and Mark Edwards are two good examples of this.  These authors have an electrifying voice and an exhilarating story to tell that mainstream publishers were reluctant to embrace.