A Big “Thank You” to all recent Reviewers of Conditions

Wow – since the BookBub promotion I had a surge in reviews – mostly good and a few bad ones – the full range.

Thanks to ALL REVIEWERS – from the bottom of my heart – for taking the time to read and for telling others about it.

I fully agree with the 1* review by the way: I also didn’t like the Tom character from page one, which is why I never wrote him
😉 

On Amazon: http://smarturl.it/CONDITIONSCFF

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, December 29, 2014 Big Apple (New York) Verified Purchase  Excellent novel from the author of The Three Nations Trilogy. Fans of Fischer will appreciate the new polish and depth to this work as his writing continues to mature. Readers new to Fischer are in for a treat – expect an intense, well-written character drama that pretty much delivers as described. This is classy, smart literature of the highest standard. 5.0 out of 5 stars The Crazy In Families., December 28, 2014 LaDramaPrincess-The Galloping Erotica Reviewe… This book really resonated with me watching what a friend is going through in her own family. The book seemed too real at times and became very heartbreaking, yet that made it a compelling read. the characters were all well-written and challenging. Good book to try. 2.0 out of 5 stars Pass on this one…., December 28, 2014 JLA (MO) Verified Purchase The story wasn’t over. Although this is well written the story ended abruptly. 5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating Read!, December 28, 2014 Anari – See all my reviews What a diverse cast of characters! The very meaning of the word ‘family’ is challenged within this book and it’s an interesting and believable take on how trauma, death and disaster can affect the very foundations of being. A very thoughtful outlook on the bonds and ties of a nuclear family dealing with mental illness, who have plenty of problems and challenges to overcome. A fascinating read from start to finish! 3.0 out of 5 stars tough situations and their solutions, December 27, 2014 Emily Bates This book has little to do with estranged brothers and more to do with one brother and his odd friends. Nevertheless, I love that there is no foul language. I like that the advice given is sound. BUT… the people say way too much too often without a response from others. It’s like a decent movie with really bad actors. There’s no real emotion or conviction. The characters are simply reading off the lines to get them read. And it’s hard to hear the difference between them when everyone talks exactly the same! Ends abruptly. 4.0 out of 5 stars iT WAS A PRETTY GOOD BOOK, December 27, 2014 Connie Tersigni Verified Purchase iT WAS A PRETTY GOOD BOOK, BUT SEEMED CONFUSING TO ME AT THE BEGINNING TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHO WAS WHO, THE ENDING ALSO LEFT YOU KIND OF UP IN THE AIR. I GUESS I’M A ROMANTIC–I LIKE HAPPY AND FINAL ENDINGS.   5.0 out of 5 stars made me pause and ponder how it can become so difficult to have empathy toward those we are supposed to love the most, December 27, 2014 Melodie Ramone A portrait of a dysfunctional family in stressful situations, Conditions spins a rather intense emotional plot with unforgettable characters that seemed real and reminded me of people that I have known in my own life. It’s an interesting look into the relationships within a family. Charles, in particular, made me pause and ponder how it can become so difficult to have empathy toward those we are supposed to love the most. Although the book had a bitter-sweet feel for me, I thoroughly enjoyed it. In my mind, if I finish a book and find myself musing over it’s deeper message later, I call it a wonderful book. Conditions is a wonderful book. 4.0 out of 5 stars Raw!, December 26, 2014 Mandus I’m an avid psychology student and I’ve always found family relationships to be intriguing. This book really managed to capture the rawness of life and what experiences can arise from undesired circumstances within the family. It is evident that the author is well-versed in this subject of human emotions and the complexities and intricacies of human relationships. Also, and importantly, the characters are well-drawn and full of life, all in their own shape and form. An interesting read that I am more than happy to give a SOLID 4 star to! 1.0 out of 5 stars Did not like Tom’s character from page one, December 15, 2014 E READER Verified Purchase(What’s this?) Couldn’t get into the book. Did not like Tom’s character from page one.

Conditions

When Charles and Tony’s mother dies the estranged brothers must struggle to pick up the pieces, particularly so given that one of them is mentally challenged and the other bitter about his place within the family.
The conflict is drawn out over materialistic issues, but there are other underlying problems which go to the heart of what it means to be part of a family which, in one way or another. has cast one aside.
Prejudice, misconceptions and the human condition in all forms feature in this contemporary drama revolving around a group of people who attend the subsequent funeral at the British South Coast.
Meet flamboyant gardener Charles, loner Simon, selfless psychic Elaine, narcissistic body-builder Edgar, Martha and her version of unconditional love and many others as they try to deal with the event and its aftermath.

On Facebook: http://ow.ly/C0ZqX

On Amazon: http://smarturl.it/CONDITIONSCFF

On Goodreads: http://ow.ly/C0Ziw

The Healer

When advertising executive Erica Whittaker is diagnosed with terminal cancer, western medicine fails her. The only hope left for her to survive is controversial healer Arpan. She locates the man whose touch could heal her but finds he has retired from the limelight and refuses to treat her.  Erica, consumed by stage four pancreatic cancer, is desperate and desperate people are no longer logical nor are they willing to take no for an answer. Arpan has retired for good reasons, casting more than the shadow of a doubt over his abilities. So begins a journey that will challenge them both as the past threatens to catch up with him as much as with her.  Can he really heal her? Can she trust him with her life? And will they both achieve what they set out to do before running out of time?

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheHealerNovelbyChristophFischer?ref=hl

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23662030-the-healer

Amazon: http://smarturl.it/thehealerthriller

 

Short Biography:

Christoph Fischer was born in Germany, near the Austrian border, as the son of a Sudeten-German father and a Bavarian mother. Not a full local in the eyes and ears of his peers he developed an ambiguous sense of belonging and home in Bavaria. He moved to Hamburg in pursuit of his studies and to lead a life of literary indulgence. After a few years he moved on to the UK where he now lives in a small hamlet, not far from Bath.  He and his partner have three Labradoodles to complete their family.

Christoph worked for the British Film Institute, in Libraries, Museums and for an airline. ‘The Luck of The Weissensteiners’ was published in November 2012; ‘Sebastian’ in May 2013 and The Black Eagle Inn in October 2013. “Time To Let Go” , his first contemporary work was published in May 2014, and “Conditions” in October 2014. He has written several other novels which are in the later stages of editing and finalisation.

Website: http://www.christophfischerbooks.com/

Blog: https://writerchristophfischer.wordpress.com/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6590171.Christoph_Fischer

Amazon: http://ow.ly/BtveY

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CFFBooks

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/christophffisch/

Google +: https://plus.google.com/u/0/106213860775307052243

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=241333846

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WriterChristophFischer?ref=hl

All Facebook links:

http://www.facebook.com/WriterChristophFischer?ref=hl

http://www.facebook.com/TheLuckOfTheWeissensteiners?ref=hl

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sebastian/489427467776001?ref=hl

http://www.facebook.com/TheBlackEagleInn?ref=hl

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Time-To-Let-Go/257989361049799?ref=hl

Advertisement

RELEASED TODAY – “Extinction Horizon (The Extinction Cycle, Vol.1) by Nicholas Sansbury Smith.

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Extinction, Nicholas Sansbury Smith

RELEASED TODAY – “Extinction Horizon (The Extinction Cycle, Vol.1) by Nicholas Sansbury Smith. (I was given an Advance Review Copy)

It is an excellent medical thriller. With the current threat from Ebola the story had a particularly strong impact on me.
Dealing with a worst case scenario of viral outbreaks, mutation and a few more developments that I will leave for you to discover first hand, the story is scary and unbelievably gripping.
The prologue takes us to Vietnam where U.S. soldiers were injected with VX-99, an experimental drug that feeds them hallucinations and effectively transforms them into insane killing machines.
This will give you an idea that this book is not a one-trick pony or yet another replication of an ~Outbreak~ scenario.
Virologist Kate and Sergeant Beckham join forces to stop the worst case scenario for the planet.
Written with competence and strong characters the book never lets you down. I was stunned by the direction the book was taking and found myself reading it in almost one sitting.
An frontrunner in the genre as far as I’m concerned. Brilliant.

I received an ARC in exchange for an unbiased review.

Find the book on Amazon UK and Amazon US and here is a

Link to an interview with Nicholas and a link to another feature of his work on my blog

About this author  

Nicholas Sansbury Smith is the author of several post-apocalyptic books and short stories. He worked for the State of Iowa for nearly 10 years before switching careers to focus on his one true passion—writing. When he isn’t daydreaming about the apocalypse he’s likely racing in triathlons around the Midwest. He lives in Des Moines, Iowa with his family and several rescued animals.

For more info, visit him at: http://nicholassansbury.com

THE WORST OF NATURE AND THE WORST OF SCIENCE…
WILL BRING THE HUMAN RACE TO THE BRINK…
OF EXTINCTION

Master Sergeant Reed Beckham has led his Delta Force Team, codenamed Ghost, through every kind of hell imaginable and never lost a man. When a top secret Medical Corps research facility goes dark, Team Ghost is called in to face their deadliest enemy yet–a variant strain of Ebola that turns men into monsters.

After barely escaping with his life, Beckham returns to Fort Bragg in the midst of a new type of war. The virus is already spreading… As cities fall, Team Ghost is ordered to keep CDC virologist Dr. Kate Lovato alive long enough to find a cure. What she uncovers will change everything.

Total extinction is just on the horizon–but will the cure be worse than the virus?

Pre-Release Review of THE HEALER

Thank you for this amazing review of  THE HEALER:

One of the best books I’ve read in a while, and written by a true craftsman, who knows his stuff. Set in UK and Europe, The HEALER covers areas that fascinate me, both geographic and medical, but from a whole new perspective. The research is detailed, and the plot has me wondering just what the various characters’ truths are. We have Erica/Maria as the woman diagnosed with Grade 4 pancreatic cancer seeking a miracle cure. And her workplace junior, Hilda, who becomes her best friend and support. Enter Amesh/Arpan, the hippy guru-styled healer, who believes he has lost his healing mission due to pharmaceutical giants, who in turn feel their empire is under threat if this healer is not completely shut down. But then again, with all their backing millions, they have been trying for a score of years or more, and Arpan has survived. Sure he went to ground, but… So add in his protégé, Anuj, who is more like a son to Arpan than protégé. Then there are the friends who are not as they first appear, and the enemies who are not as they first appear. So deftly woven is this story as to make an early assumption naïve. I am a great fan of Fischer’s books, and know that when I choose one, I will not in any way be disappointed. This is yet another, to join my growing select collection.

 

Bloggers and Reviewers pls ask for an Advance Review Copy.

“The Healer” is available for pre-order on Amazon

You can also find The book on Goodreads 

and on Facebook 

When advertising executive Erica Whittaker is diagnosed with terminal cancer, western medicine fails her. The only hope left for her to survive is controversial healer Arpan. She locates the man whose touch could heal her but finds he has retired from the limelight and refuses to treat her.  Erica, consumed by stage four pancreatic cancer, is desperate and desperate people are no longer logical nor are they willing to take no for an answer. Arpan has retired for good reasons, casting more than the shadow of a doubt over his abilities. So begins a journey that will challenge them both as the past threatens to catch up with him as much as with her.  Can he really heal her? Can she trust him with her life? And will they both achieve what they set out to do before running out of time?

 

Scheduled Release Date is Thursday January 15 2015

Short Biography: 

Christoph Fischer was born in Germany, near the Austrian border, as the son of a Sudeten-German father and a Bavarian mother. Not a full local in the eyes and ears of his peers he developed an ambiguous sense of belonging and home in Bavaria. He moved to Hamburg in pursuit of his studies and to lead a life of literary indulgence. After a few years he moved on to the UK where he now lives in a small hamlet, not far from Bath.  He and his partner have three Labradoodles to complete their family.

Christoph worked for the British Film Institute, in Libraries, Museums and for an airline. ‘The Luck of The Weissensteiners’ was published in November 2012; ‘Sebastian’ in May 2013 and The Black Eagle Inn in October 2013. “Time To Let Go” , his first contemporary work was published in May 2014, and “Conditions” in October 2014. He has written several other novels which are in the later stages of editing and finalisation.

Website: http://www.christophfischerbooks.com/

Blog: https://writerchristophfischer.wordpress.com/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6590171.Christoph_Fischer

Amazon: http://ow.ly/BtveY

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CFFBooks

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/christophffisch/

Google +: https://plus.google.com/u/0/106213860775307052243

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=241333846

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WriterChristophFischer?ref=hl

“Love a Foot Above the Ground” by Anna Burke

“Love a Foot Above the Ground” by Anna Burke is a beautiful story about love, loss and getting past tragedy. Told from a familiar perspective, the protagonist of Burke’s crime series, Jessica Huntingdon, it is mainly about the housekeeper and mother figure of Bernadette. Bernadette, a woman who joins the family from Mexico, the woman who loved Guillermo and tragically lost him one day.
The story is quite powerful as we get introduced to it from the perspective of a young Jessica, not older than 9 at first, when she hears the wonderful love story with its many heart-warming episodes.
Having a strong bond with Bernadette and seeing her both, from a girl’s point of view, as well as at a later stage in Jessica’s life, it gives a large spectrum of reflection on the strength of this love and tragedy.
Bernadette is a deeply religious woman with trust in god, whereas Jessica isn’t. This is a well handled component in the characterisation of Jessica.
I know Jessica as the slightly spoilt woman who will find herself investigating cozy mysteries, such as “A Dead Husband” and “A Dead Sister”. Seeing her grow up in “Love a Foot Above the Ground”, with those beautiful episodes between Guillermo and Bernadette, forming a bond with the housekeeper and learning the meaning of love, explained much of the depth that Jessica brings to the series.
The book is uplifting and a fantastic addition to the series which balances itself just perfectly between cozy mystery, chicklit and character depth.
I read this book in one sitting, I was that touched by the story and intrigued to find out how Burke would tie everything together.
The metaphore of the title says it all. Highly recommended.

Find the Book on Amazon US and Amazon UK

Link to an interview with the author 

 

 

 

Connect with the author on

TWITTER:                             https://twitter.com/aburke59

FACEBOOK BOOK PAGE:   https://www.facebook.com/annacelesteburke

WEBSITE:                              http://www.desertcitiesmystery.com/

BLOG PAGE:                         http://www.desertcitiesmystery.com/#!blog/c1dh1

ABOUT.ME:                          http://about.me/annaburke/#

GOODREADS: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7553558.Anna_Celeste_Burke

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE:  http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00H8J4IQS

BUY A DEAD HUSBAND:

AMAZON KINDLE SMARTURL: http://smarturl.it/ADEADHUSBAND

AMAZON PAPERBACK U.S.:   http://ow.ly/yFnyH

BARNES & NOBLE PAPERBACK:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/a-dead-husband-anna-celeste-burke/1117656215?ean=9781494413514

Proof reading done in time for X-mas – Advance Review Copies of THE HEALER available now

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Christoph Fischer

Sleepless nights, day and night shifts in a battle against time but we made it. Proof reading for THE HEALER is over before the family takes X-mas residence in our house. PHEW.
Interested parties for a pdf or mobi advance review copy please get in touch.

“The Healer” is also available for pre-order on Amazon

and you can find The book on Goodreads 

and on Facebook 

I’ll try to be quiet for a few days now, so MERRY X-mas to you all – or: Nadolig Llawen a Blwyddyn Newydd Dda and Frohe Weihnachten!

The first review for THE HEALER  is out, too- from an early Advance Review Copy.

“The story opens with Erica, a pancreatic cancer patient, having just finished a bout of radiation. She is out in the Wales’ countryside in search of a Guru healer, Arpan. The lush countryside descriptions and crisp dialogue instantly drew me into the story, as well as my instant liking and empathy for the protagonist Erica, who’s desperate to find a cure to her illness. Arpan is her answer and when she is immediately rejected by him, his icy voice (coming from inside his humble dwelling) jumps off the page as she begs, “I’m very ill. You are my only hope,” he responds, “You’ve come to the wrong place.” She continues to beg him to share his gift, to save her life, even with this, he asks her to leave. How can one not want to continue reading this story to find out what happens, so thick is the initial tension and conflict that drives the story. When she falls to her knees and he softens a little she says his name and he again rejects her stating that his name is Amesh, one that suits him better. He explains that the man who could help her disappeared with the name, garnering some sympathy for this character, leaving the reader to wonder what his story is and why he is so resistant to helping this struggling, suffering woman. Finally, he comes out of his home and they meet. He’s not what she expected, a bare shell of the man she’d seen images of, a mere reflection of his earlier self as Arpan. When Amesh’s apprentice, Anuj, leads her off the property there is much rich and wise dialogue, “I’m his apprentice and I, too, can see the disorder in your life that needs to be rectified. You carry hurt and anger with you. Your disease has prompted you to fast track those issues and sort them out. Look into your heart and you will find this to be true.” Her car is broken down and she is told to walk to the nearest place but when she arrives no one is there so she returns to Amesh’s place. Then Amesh, invites her in to rest. When she felt Amesh’s hands on her shoulders, the warmth of his hands radiated powerfully through her body. And thus, the healing begins—for both of them. As the author Christoph Fischer moves the story along, we encounter mysterious events, intrigue, and the power of the mind interspersed into scenes and dialogue. When all is said and done, and Erica returns to have her follow-up scans, an unfriendly doctor challenges her with, “What is it you want from this scan,” Dr Kowalski asked, still in a tone that sounded unfriendly. “The notes from your doctor indicate clearly that the tumor is very advanced, and you know that. So why are we looking at it again? Is it a second opinion you want, or do you want to see how fast it grows?” No spoilers with how this all turns out but one can surmise they will be glued to the page as they navigate through corruption, betrayal, illusions, and one mystery after another, right up to the very last sentence in the epilogue, which I didn’t see coming. This was an interesting read, a very satisfying read, with so much of the human condition playing into the scenes: desperation, fear, hope, joy, conniving, greed, and trust. Another great story by the talented Christoph Fischer.

“The Healer” is available for pre-order on Amazon

You can also find The book on Goodreads 

and on Facebook 

When advertising executive Erica Whittaker is diagnosed with terminal cancer, western medicine fails her. The only hope left for her to survive is controversial healer Arpan. She locates the man whose touch could heal her but finds he has retired from the limelight and refuses to treat her.  Erica, consumed by stage four pancreatic cancer, is desperate and desperate people are no longer logical nor are they willing to take no for an answer. Arpan has retired for good reasons, casting more than the shadow of a doubt over his abilities. So begins a journey that will challenge them both as the past threatens to catch up with him as much as with her.  Can he really heal her? Can she trust him with her life? And will they both achieve what they set out to do before running out of time?

 

 

 

Scheduled Release Date is Thursday January 15 2015

Short Biography: 

Christoph Fischer was born in Germany, near the Austrian border, as the son of a Sudeten-German father and a Bavarian mother. Not a full local in the eyes and ears of his peers he developed an ambiguous sense of belonging and home in Bavaria. He moved to Hamburg in pursuit of his studies and to lead a life of literary indulgence. After a few years he moved on to the UK where he now lives in a small hamlet, not far from Bath.  He and his partner have three Labradoodles to complete their family.

Christoph worked for the British Film Institute, in Libraries, Museums and for an airline. ‘The Luck of The Weissensteiners’ was published in November 2012; ‘Sebastian’ in May 2013 and The Black Eagle Inn in October 2013. “Time To Let Go” , his first contemporary work was published in May 2014, and “Conditions” in October 2014. He has written several other novels which are in the later stages of editing and finalisation.

Website: http://www.christophfischerbooks.com/

Blog: https://writerchristophfischer.wordpress.com/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6590171.Christoph_Fischer

Amazon: http://ow.ly/BtveY

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CFFBooks

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/christophffisch/

Google +: https://plus.google.com/u/0/106213860775307052243

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=241333846

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WriterChristophFischer?ref=hl

The King’s Jew by Darius Stransky

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author, Darius Stransky, Historical fiction, interview, review

“The King’s Jew: Book One – Changeling” by Darius Stransky took me into an era of British History that I knew next to nothing of. Detailed and well researched in the manner of a CJ Sansom novel the story is immediately gripping with its vivid descriptions and sense of autenthicity.
Court intrigue and mundane life are well illustrated in a plot rich and fascinating stories full of well chosen characters. This is just the beginning of the story of the King’s Jews and leaves us on the eve of further struggle.
Historically sound, competent and well written this should do very well.

Midnight, Westminster Abbey, Friday, October 27, 1307 and Lord Cristian Gilleson keeps vigil at the tomb of Edward I. Death stalks the Abbey as Edward II, Piers Gaveston and their supporters try to bring him down. Many years ago he vowed to spend this last night by the side of his dead friend and Cristian has never broken a promise. A long night beckons and many will not live to see the dawn. Plot and counter-plot at the king’s court as “The King’s Jew” reflects on a turbulent life with his king. His enemies are many and supporters few yet he will keep his promise to the greatest of England’s kings or die in the attempt.

Interview with Darius:

How did you come to writing?

Always been a lover of literature and writing – it’s a natural to me as breathing. Eventually I found myself working as a freelancer for various media groups in the UK and US, weekly columns ETC. One day I realised I’d written enough words in one year to fill two novels. Hmmm, I thought to myself, about time I wrote a ‘real’ book. The rest, as they say, is history. Or in my case Historical Faction.

 

What is your interest in history and the eras you write about? Do you have a preferred era?

To me history is about people. The only thing that stopped our ‘ancestors’ from thousands of years ago achieving what we ‘modern’ people do is technology. Once you realise that people from the past are exactly the same as us then you can understand them. Their loves, hopes and fears were the same as ours yet set in a harsher, more brutal, society. I chose the thirteenth century world of Cristian Gilleson and Edward the First because of the monumental events that took place in that time. The shaping of modern England and Europe began then.

How do you research?

Extensive reading and online sources. Only now has a writer the ability to access medieval texts and references with comparative ease. The research came before the story. I needed to know my historical world to immerse myself in it and to wonder at the fortitude of thirteenth century people. Most of the main characters are real. Look ‘em up!

How do you come up with your story?

‘The King’s Jew’ – the clue is in the title. Without spoiling the plot all I can say is that the medieval Jews were banished from England’s shores in 1290 by King Edward I. Indeed, the Jewish population of England was ‘owned’ by the king. Now imagine a man who is born out of wedlock and rises to walk beside the king – to be his friend – what if that man one day realised just who and what his mother had been? That he was ‘different’? The main person in my book arrived in my mind before I began the work. This is his story and the tale of a misunderstood minority.

Were the plot and subplots completely planned from the start or did they change during the process, and if so, how?

Strange to say this but I knew exactly where the plots and SPs would lead. I knew how the story ends in Book Three. What really amazed me was the way certain characters appeared in the narrative. Take Mathew for instance – he appears at the start and I had no thoughts of him playing a major role. Then when a group of men delivered a letter to Cristian Gilleson lo and behold Mathew was there! He ‘elbowed’ his way into the narrative and the work is all the better for him and his ilk.

I‘ve only read one of the books so far. What is the idea behind your series?

Yes, you read Book One. I’ve got be careful here lest I give too much away! We follow a man who rises to be companion to the king of England. Certain sectors of society were marginalised, abused and even, on occasions, massacred for their beliefs. Not every medieval Christian hated the Jews. Some tried to help them and ended up being persecuted themselves. Think twentieth century pogroms in a thirteenth century world. Think how an ‘insider’ at the centre of a king’s court must hide his true feelings to aid others less fortunate. Our MC has a dangerous path to tread between two opposing ideologies. If he is discovered he loses everything, even his life.

Do you prefer to stay in one era and genre or do you see yourself spreading out?

In my freelancer days I thought of myself as a (if you’ll pardon the expression) ‘literary prostitute’. I’d write anything for anybody so long as they paid me! For the time being I’ll stay in my medieval world.

You have created great characters. Which one is your favourite?

I can’t answer that. Can a father say he loves one child more than another? They are all my children, from the peasant who flits in and out in the space of a line to Cristian Gilleson and King Edward. The one could not exist without the others.

Are you like any of the characters (and how so)?

We are one and the same just living in a different era.

Tell us about your other books?

Book One covered the period up to 1265 and ends with the Battle of Evesham. Book Two takes us up to 1290 and the banishment of the Jews. Book Three finishes on Saturday, October 28, 1307 when Cristian’s struggle ends and the opening conflict that started in Book One is resolved. Thus the circle is complete.

What is your advice to new writers?

Get through the first 30,000 words and you’re home free. Oh, and believe in the validity of your work yet listen to others who have your best interests at heart.
What are the best and the worst aspects of writing?

The best? When you hold the finished book in your hand. The worst? Knowing when it’s finished. There comes a time when you have to walk away and let the readers be the judge.

What do you do when you don’t write?

Read and think. And maybe have a warm beer in a snug old fashioned bar. Sometimes more than one beer!

Who are your editors and how do you quality control your books?

Lovely beta readers. Quality control? I take each and every suggestion / criticism seriously and act accordingly. Yet the final decisions are mine.

How do you handle criticism of your work?

With gratitude.

How have you found the experience of self-publishing? What were your highs and lows?

Taking that decision wasn’t easy. We all want the ‘Big Five’ to pick us up and run with us. Yet when you look at the financial considerations it’s best to be an independent and guess what? You get to meet some really interesting people. No highs or lows it just sort of worked for me.

How do you balance marketing one book and writing the next?

Book Two of ‘The King’s Jew’ is almost ready for publishing but I need to tie up a few things. I use social media first thing in the morning – I don’t overdo it – word of mouth is best. Then I write and edit for five hours.

Who are your favourite independent writers?

Best indie? Galen Watson whose book ‘The Psalter’ deserves more recognition. Look him up folks (and no we’ve never met).

Who are your favourite authors?

Cormac McCarthy. Hilary Mantel. Franz Kafka. Shakespeare.

What book are you currently reading and in what format (e-book/paperback/hardcover)?

‘Dunkirk (fight to the last man)’ by Hugh Sebag-Montefiore. Paperback. Second time of reading.

Tell us one odd thing about you and one really mundane thing.

Odd? I get up early with, or before, the sun. Mundane? Cats, their individuality, they don’t take any nonsense. Treat a cat badly and it moves on, bit like me really! I like cats.

Anything you want to add before we go down the pub?

Yes. A big vote of thanks to people like you who give people like me the opportunity to talk to our readers. Can we go now? It’s my round.

Website http://dariusstransky.wix.com/darius-stransky

Amazon http://www.amazon.co.uk/KINGS-JEW-Book1-Changeling-Sept-ebook/dp/B00OAAI2WY

Booklaunch https://booklaunch.io/Darius%20Stransky/5485643305c86d826650270d

Twitter https://twitter.com/DariusStransky

FB https://www.facebook.com/darius.stransky

Liz Marshall: “Seeing Eye”

“Seeing Eye” by Liz Marshall is a well written, clever, fresh and fascinating mystery novel. The main character, Rory, is a psychic who works as Madame Mona at a fun fair where she mostly gets by with quick and superficial readings. Until a client comes in and Rory has a clear vision about a missing man, who she knows was killed and she knows by whom.
Soon the police pay her a visit and Rory gets involved into the solving of the murder and, the danger zone that surrounds the murder, too.
The book handles the mystery excellently and also the element of a psychic being involved. There is ambiguity and intrigue. Marshall fleshes the story out excellently by bringing in several sub-plots, which aren’t always immediately recognisable as connected to the case or to Rory/ Mona.

I loved the narrative voice that shines with honesty and dry wit and which makes our protagonist such a great character. The psychic element is not over-shadowing the investigations and the secondary characters and the chemistry between Rory and the police detective make this a well- rounded read.
This is a hugely enjoyable story that I hope will turn into a series.

Interview with Liz: 

–Tell us about yourself and your psychic side.

Although I have no psychic ability, I’m very empathic – I read emotions that others don’t seem to see, and it often causes me pain. The other night I was watching a cabaret show with some friends. It was a wonderful show, and we were seated only a few feet from the performers. I was smiling, swaying to the music, clapping, nodding encouragement, showing them that I appreciated their efforts. But when I looked over at my friends, their faces were impassive, like they were watching a movie. I felt so sad for the people on stage.

How did you come to writing?

I’ve been reading non-stop since first grade, and I think there just comes a point, as a reader, where you want to try writing too. There are so many stories in my head that need to be told. 

–Are you at all like Rory? How did you come up with the character? Who would you cast to play the characters in a movie?

Those are interesting questions, Christoph. When I wrote the book I was sure that Rory and I were nothing alike. It was only later that I noticed that we’re both loners who have trust issues, who are estranged from our families, and who have a wicked, ironic sense of humor.

If I were lucky enough to have the book turned into a movie, I think my dream actress for Rory would be Jessica Chastain, and for Michael Warrick I would love to have Ryan Reynolds.

–Were the plot and subplots completely planned from the start or did they change during the process, and if so, how?

(laughing) Nothing was planned, I just plunged in and started writing – which I do not recommend, by the way. From the beginning, I knew who the killer was, and I was writing toward that ending, but somewhere in the middle, a different killer emerged. It was quite exciting to receive that gift from my unconscious.

–Who are your editors and how do you quality control your books?

As an independent author, I am the editor. I relied on my critique group first, and then beta readers. And I’m still finding errors. I would recommend proper editing to any writers reading this, for sure.

–What is your advice to new writers?

Well, this is a hard question, because I feel that I’m still a new writer, too. I guess my best advice would be to pace yourselves, because this is a longer and more difficult journey than you can possible imagine. Don’t look too far ahead, but start writing and just go one step at a time.

I think the other thing I would advise is to connect with other writers, because they will be your best supporters and the only ones who can understand what you’re going through. Writers, I have found, are very giving and supportive people.

What book are you currently reading and in what format (e-book/paperback/hardcover)?

I’m reading a book on Kindle you might be familiar with, Lorna Lee’s “How Was I Supposed to Know?” It’s a very good book, those pages are turning fast! I prefer print books, but ebooks are much more affordable, so I do read them.

What do you do when you don’t write?

Right now I have no time to write. I had no idea how time-consuming it would be to market a book once it’s published. I left mortgage banking a few years ago, and now I work part time with an older lady with the early stages of Alzheimer’s. It’s rewarding but also a huge challenge. I’m really looking forward to the time when writing will be my full-time job.

Tell us one odd thing about you and one really mundane thing.

I have a good sense of humor, I swear I do, but I can’t stand comedies, either on TV or in the movies. I always think they’re stupid. Stupid people don’t make me laugh, they make me want to bang my head against a wall.

What makes you laugh?

I think laughter keeps us sane, so I always try to find the humor, even in dark situations. I have Rory, the main character in “Seeing Eye”, also find the irony, and readers really enjoy it.

What (not who) would you like to take to a lonely island?

My little dog, Zoey. I would be very lonely without an animal to keep me company.

Tell us about your other books?

None yet, stay tuned!

What else would you like us to know about yourself and your books?

Enter to win – post a review on a public site such as Amazon or Goodreads, or your own blog, and let me know about it at www.LizMarshall.co, and be entered in a drawing. The winner will appear as a character in my next “Seeing Eye” novel! The drawing will be held April 30^th, 2015.

Liz MarshallAuthor of Seeing Eye
Being different can be deadly.
LizMarshall.Co
FearlessFool.com
Twitter: @elizmar987
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLizMarshall

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_7?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=liz+marshall+seeing+eye&sprefix=liz+mar%2Cstripbooks%2C221&rh=n%3A283155%2Ck%3Aliz+marshall+seeing+eye

https://www.goodreads.com/author/dashboard

Godfather

TODAY I’M TAKING A MUCH NEEDED STEP BACK FROM WRITING AND PUBLISHING AND WILL SHARE WITH YOU SOMETHING WONDERFUL FROM MY PERSONAL LIFE: 

I’M TO BE GODFATHER FOR RHYS CHRISTOPHER WILLIAM SLADE

I FEEL PRETTY HUMBLED BY THE HONOUR BESTOWED UPON ME BY HIS PARENTS LIZ AND ANDY. IT’S YET ANOTHER WELSH CONNECTION FOR ME, TOO. 

UNTIL RHYS LEARNS THE SENTENCE: “WHAT WERE YOU THINKING MOM????” I WILL ENJOY THE MOMENT.

THANKS FOR LISTENING. 

 

 

Voting request: Time To Let Go is nominated as one of 50 self-published books worth reading

And here is a favour to ask: My novel “Time To Let Go” is short-listed in the literary fiction category in thereadfreely 2014 50 self-published books worth reading http://www.readfree.ly/vote-50-self-published-books-worth-reading-201314-literary/
Please consider voting for me 😉
Again, THANK YOU SO MUCH for your support .

Time To Let Go:

Time to Let Go is a contemporary family drama set in Britain.
Following a traumatic incident at work Stewardess Hanna Korhonen decides to take time off work and leaves her home in London to spend quality time with her elderly parents in rural England. There she finds that neither can she run away from her problems, nor does her family provide the easy getaway place that she has hoped for. Her mother suffers from Alzheimer’s disease and, while being confronted with the consequences of her issues at work, she and her entire family are forced to reassess their lives.
The book takes a close look at family dynamics and at human nature in a time of a crisis. Their challenges, individual and shared, take the Korhonens on a journey of self-discovery and redemption.

On Facebook: http://ow.ly/BtKtQ

On Goodreads:  http://ow.ly/BtKs7

On Amazon: http://smarturl.it/TTLG

Conditions

When Charles and Tony’s mother dies the estranged brothers must struggle to pick up the pieces, particularly so given that one of them is mentally challenged and the other bitter about his place within the family.
The conflict is drawn out over materialistic issues, but there are other underlying problems which go to the heart of what it means to be part of a family which, in one way or another. has cast one aside.
Prejudice, misconceptions and the human condition in all forms feature in this contemporary drama revolving around a group of people who attend the subsequent funeral at the British South Coast.
Meet flamboyant gardener Charles, loner Simon, selfless psychic Elaine, narcissistic body-builder Edgar, Martha and her version of unconditional love and many others as they try to deal with the event and its aftermath.

On Facebook: http://ow.ly/C0ZqX

On Amazon: http://smarturl.it/CONDITIONSCFF

On Goodreads: http://ow.ly/C0Ziw

The Healer

When advertising executive Erica Whittaker is diagnosed with terminal cancer, western medicine fails her. The only hope left for her to survive is controversial healer Arpan. She locates the man whose touch could heal her but finds he has retired from the limelight and refuses to treat her.  Erica, consumed by stage four pancreatic cancer, is desperate and desperate people are no longer logical nor are they willing to take no for an answer. Arpan has retired for good reasons, casting more than the shadow of a doubt over his abilities. So begins a journey that will challenge them both as the past threatens to catch up with him as much as with her.  Can he really heal her? Can she trust him with her life? And will they both achieve what they set out to do before running out of time?

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheHealerNovelbyChristophFischer?ref=hl

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23662030-the-healer

Amazon: http://smarturl.it/thehealerthriller

Short Biography:

Christoph Fischer was born in Germany, near the Austrian border, as the son of a Sudeten-German father and a Bavarian mother. Not a full local in the eyes and ears of his peers he developed an ambiguous sense of belonging and home in Bavaria. He moved to Hamburg in pursuit of his studies and to lead a life of literary indulgence. After a few years he moved on to the UK where he now lives in a small hamlet, not far from Bath.  He and his partner have three Labradoodles to complete their family.

Christoph worked for the British Film Institute, in Libraries, Museums and for an airline. ‘The Luck of The Weissensteiners’ was published in November 2012; ‘Sebastian’ in May 2013 and The Black Eagle Inn in October 2013. “Time To Let Go” , his first contemporary work was published in May 2014, and “Conditions” in October 2014. He has written several other novels which are in the later stages of editing and finalisation.

Website: http://www.christophfischerbooks.com/

Blog: https://writerchristophfischer.wordpress.com/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6590171.Christoph_Fischer

Amazon: http://ow.ly/BtveY

Twitter: https://twitter.com/CFFBooks

Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/christophffisch/

Google +: https://plus.google.com/u/0/106213860775307052243

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=241333846

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WriterChristophFischer?ref=hl

All Facebook links:

http://www.facebook.com/WriterChristophFischer?ref=hl

http://www.facebook.com/TheLuckOfTheWeissensteiners?ref=hl

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sebastian/489427467776001?ref=hl

http://www.facebook.com/TheBlackEagleInn?ref=hl

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Time-To-Let-Go/257989361049799?ref=hl

THANK YOU!

Thanks to everyone who helped promoting my recent giveaway of CONDITIONS.

I had over 25,000 copies of the book downloaded in the US alone within 5 days. This is an amazing result and should help to get word of mouth for the book and find a larger audience.

I was asleep during the main rush but I got to at least

US Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6 Free in Kindle Store 

UK Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #16 Free in Kindle Store
#1 in Kindle Store > Books > Literature & Fiction > Genre Fiction > Family Life

Australia Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #62 Free in Kindle Store
#4 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction > Contemporary Fiction

Canada Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #10 Free in Kindle Store 
#2 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Literature & Fiction

Here is a link to my article on how I organise these promotions

And here is a favour to ask: My novel “Time To Let Go” is short-listed in the literary fiction category in the readfreely 2014 50 self-published books worth reading http://www.readfree.ly/vote-50-self-published-books-worth-reading-201314-literary/
Please consider voting for me 😉
Again, THANK YOU SO MUCH for your support .

Conditions

When Charles and Tony’s mother dies the estranged brothers must struggle to pick up the pieces, particularly so given that one of them is mentally challenged and the other bitter about his place within the family.
The conflict is drawn out over materialistic issues, but there are other underlying problems which go to the heart of what it means to be part of a family which, in one way or another. has cast one aside.
Prejudice, misconceptions and the human condition in all forms feature in this contemporary drama revolving around a group of people who attend the subsequent funeral at the British South Coast.
Meet flamboyant gardener Charles, loner Simon, selfless psychic Elaine, narcissistic body-builder Edgar, Martha and her version of unconditional love and many others as they try to deal with the event and its aftermath.

On Facebook: http://ow.ly/C0ZqX

On Amazon: http://smarturl.it/CONDITIONSCFF

On Goodreads: http://ow.ly/C0Ziw