Well, I guess it was inevitable in the current book market that my little book should founder a little in the sea of literature, which is becoming a scene with almost as many contributors as there are consumers. I have been informed that last year I sold less than a hundred copies, and so it will only be available in print for a short time longer. If you have been putting off getting a copy, I strongly recommend that you do so now, and if nothing else, you will be getting your hands on a rarity!
What am I doing about this? Well, I am talking to you, for a start, and more importantly I am doing a quick second edition. Mostly this means having another look at the syntax, having read the book out loud for the first time recently, but I have also picked up a few errors such as referring to Eadmund as Eadwine on several occasions, which I noted has confused one reviewer!
The new edition will be out on Kindle in the near future, and I will of course keep everyone up to date with news here.
P.S.Ласкаво просимо всім моїм шанувальникам в Україні, мені шкода, що я можу використовувати тільки Google Translate би подякувати вам за ваше регулярних відвідувань. Я сподіваюся, що вам сподобалося дізнавшись про "Пригоди козлів Графф". Так благословить вас Бог!
Якщо це нічого не значить для вас, або що ми називаємо по-англійськи "Gobbledegook", будь ласка, коментувати, але майте на увазі, що якщо ви відповідаєте українською, мені доведеться використовувати Google Translate, щоб зрозуміти його, так що відповіді англійською мовою буде оцінили!
Showing posts with label Books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Books. Show all posts
Wednesday, 2 October 2013
Thursday, 30 May 2013
A little bit of self-promotion
I've just joined The Independent Author Network. You can see my page at http://t.co/a6S3T87xC3 It would seem that in order to succeed as an author, you have to spend more time trawling the internet for new ways to flag the interest of new readers than you do writing. There are any number of platforms out there that I have yet to get to grips with; Tumblr, Pinterest, Stumbleupon, etc. I see that Reddit has survived from quite a way back, but I'm sure that there used to be a load of other services like it that have gone the way of the dodo. Ah well, it is a fast changing world online. Anyone been on Friends Reunited recently?
Monday, 23 January 2012
The Library
Some time ago I published a list of books on this blog. All of the books shared a common theme: historical settings which can be described as Anglo-Saxon, separated by defining them in terms of blocks of time within this span, which includes both Dark Age and Early Medieval periods.
As is the way of posts, this list has long since dropped to the bottom and is therefore hard to find. Even though I have added to it over time, it remains quite anonymous. Therefore I created a new page called the Library, which has all of the books on this list as well as being an opportunity for me to expand the list into new categories.
I have included a section on Children's books which relate to the same periods of history and to stories with a modern setting but with influences from Anglo-Saxon or Norse literature.
You can see the Library here
As is the way of posts, this list has long since dropped to the bottom and is therefore hard to find. Even though I have added to it over time, it remains quite anonymous. Therefore I created a new page called the Library, which has all of the books on this list as well as being an opportunity for me to expand the list into new categories.
I have included a section on Children's books which relate to the same periods of history and to stories with a modern setting but with influences from Anglo-Saxon or Norse literature.
You can see the Library here
Thursday, 7 April 2011
Book reviews
One of the things that has been hardest for me as a new author has been getting a print review. Of course I'm pleased to have been reviewed on-line and would welcome many more, but its certainly good to see a review in a printed format. I think it helps that there is the feeling of independence involved that may not apply to online reviews.
I was very pleased when a colleague told me that the Crack magazine had reviewed the book. This worthy and arty magazine has a good circulation in the Newcastle area. I couldn't have asked for a better first review, so many thanks to GM!
The Adventures of the Billy Goats Gruff
Kevin D. Futers, Strategic Book Group, £8
This is a lovely curio of a book from Futers, a Scottish author who has been resident in Newcastle since 1974. It’s a sort of re-telling, or retro-updating, of the story of the three billy goats Gruff; an old folk tale usually associated with Norway. Here the action is set in ancient Northumberland and sees three brothers inflicted by a curse that turns them into goats who must set forth into a land besieged by trolls on the hunt for a maiden’s kiss: not an inconsiderable task when you are distinctly goat-ish in appearance. Naturally, there is a bridge, but killing its guardian heaps only more trouble on the trio who get caught up in an almighty feud. The author’s evident interest in mythology doesn’t come at the expense of a really cracking read in a tale which is full of cauldrons, kings and people answering to the moniker of “Cerdic the Tall” and the book will appeal to both adventurous adults and children alike. GM
Being a lifelong looker of gift horses in the mouth, I would point out that my middle initial is a P, not a D but that is the fault of the font on the cover, so fair enough!
It was also strange to be described as Scottish, even though I am. I put British on the Census!
Now comes the crucial bit - extracting a quote to help with marketing. "A lovely curio of a book" or "a really cracking read" are possible, or a longer bit from "The author's evident interest..." to the end.
I was very pleased when a colleague told me that the Crack magazine had reviewed the book. This worthy and arty magazine has a good circulation in the Newcastle area. I couldn't have asked for a better first review, so many thanks to GM!
The Adventures of the Billy Goats Gruff
Kevin D. Futers, Strategic Book Group, £8
This is a lovely curio of a book from Futers, a Scottish author who has been resident in Newcastle since 1974. It’s a sort of re-telling, or retro-updating, of the story of the three billy goats Gruff; an old folk tale usually associated with Norway. Here the action is set in ancient Northumberland and sees three brothers inflicted by a curse that turns them into goats who must set forth into a land besieged by trolls on the hunt for a maiden’s kiss: not an inconsiderable task when you are distinctly goat-ish in appearance. Naturally, there is a bridge, but killing its guardian heaps only more trouble on the trio who get caught up in an almighty feud. The author’s evident interest in mythology doesn’t come at the expense of a really cracking read in a tale which is full of cauldrons, kings and people answering to the moniker of “Cerdic the Tall” and the book will appeal to both adventurous adults and children alike. GM
Being a lifelong looker of gift horses in the mouth, I would point out that my middle initial is a P, not a D but that is the fault of the font on the cover, so fair enough!
It was also strange to be described as Scottish, even though I am. I put British on the Census!
Now comes the crucial bit - extracting a quote to help with marketing. "A lovely curio of a book" or "a really cracking read" are possible, or a longer bit from "The author's evident interest..." to the end.
Sunday, 2 January 2011
A look at other fiction set in the Early Middle Ages
There is a good sized body of historical fiction with an Anglo-Saxon bent out there. Most of it is good, often it can be seriously flawed, but generally it is entertaining stuff and a good way to bring to life the period. I have arranged the list below into roughly chronological periods which are however undefined in terms of dates.
My most common dissatisfaction with books about the period is simple things being wrong, such as pre-Viking Age characters being given Scandinavian names when there is a substantial choice of English names and enough name elements known to make up your own constructs. Then there is the treatment of Anglo-Saxon paganism as being identical to Scandinavian paganism but with a W at the beginning of Odin, not to mention good old fashioned anachronisms. There are a few other points along these lines but this is not the place to make specific criticisms. As these all point to Amazon, take into account the customer reviews there - there may even be some of mine!
NB: An updated list is available here.
Settlement Period
Rhinegold Technically this is of only passing connection to the Anglo-Saxons, being set in Europe throughout, but I have included it for character and because it is truly outstanding!
Hengest's Tale An account of Hengest's adventures in Frisia, possibly aimed at a younger reader.
Men Went to Cattraeth From the other side: an account of the Gododdin.
Ragnarok Bad title (suggestive of Viking Age) for a good book. A British noblewoman marries an English king.
The Way Of Wyrd: Tales of an Anglo-Saxon Sorcerer Not certain what period this belongs to but it is presumably early rather than late. The title says it all.
The Saga of Beowulf A modern retelling of Beowulf. Originally conceived in two episodes, The Land of Death and Shadow followed by The Land of Fire and Ice. It is also available on Kindle
Heptarchy Period
The Amber Treasure (Northern Crown) Set in the 6th/7th century in Deira
Ship Burial: The Rune of Ing A Christian mission from Kent to East Anglia finds the way is less than smooth.
Paths of Exile King Edwin's life as an exile after his father's death.
Storm Frost Set in the 7th century but the location is unknown.
Brightfire: A Tale of Sutton Hoo Sequel to Storm Frost set in 7th century East Anglia
The Whispering Bell Set in 7th century Mercia - the tale of an orphaned girl.
Month of Swallows Story of Hilda, a girl in the court of King Edwin of Northumbria
Holy Isle Sequel to Month of Swallows. Good luck finding a copy (you are up against me for one!)
Wolf Girl A crime story set in 7th century Northumbria
Viking Period
The Last Kingdom Northumbrian exile fights the Vikings
The Pale Horseman Northumbrian exile at Athelney with Alfred of Wessex
The Lords of the North Northumbrian exile returns home
Sword Song Northumbrian exile returns to help Alfred of Wessex
The Burning Land Northumbrian exile saves Wessex
Hrolf Kraki's Saga Poul Anderson's faithful rendition of the saga with additional material from other sources makes for an almost saga-like reading experience; not to everyone's taste as it can feel like reading a translation rather than a work of fiction.
Byzantium Irish monk enslaved by Vikings finds his way by the Volga to Byzantium.
Raven: Blood Eye A Viking's life.
Raven: Sons of Thunder More Viking's life
The Whale Road Viking band in search of the treasure of Attila
The Wolf Sea Still looking for Attila's treasure by way of a stolen sword.
The White Raven Apparently finished with Attila's treasure the boys have problems at home.
The Prow Beast Their homes lost and their boat sunk, the boys get involved in Swedish politics.
Far After Gold Scottish lass enslaved by Viking brute/hunk in M&B style kirtle-ripper
Pre-Conquest Period
The Homecoming of Beorhtnoth A look back at the Battle of Maldon from the grisly battlefield.
Mercenaries Norman lads go out to seek their fortune
Warriors Norman lads make a name for themselves in Italy
Conquest Normans + Conquest = ? No, not 1066, this sees our Norman lads go on Crusade.
Housecarl The life of a Huscarl in Harold Godwinson's army.
Post-Conquest Period
Last of the English Story of Hereward the Wake
Hereward Another Story of Hereward the Wake (not yet published)
One final comment: I have discovered in the course of compiling this list that at least one book that I had listed elsewhere (but not here) is probably the work of a Neo-Nazi. The Anglo-Saxons seem to hold a great deal of fascination for English Neo-Nazis, so I suppose a small sample of books from the genre may reflect their distasteful world view. If any of the books here are of the same ilk, I unreservedly apologise for including them. This list is to be viewed as a wide sample of the genre rather than a list of recommendations!
My most common dissatisfaction with books about the period is simple things being wrong, such as pre-Viking Age characters being given Scandinavian names when there is a substantial choice of English names and enough name elements known to make up your own constructs. Then there is the treatment of Anglo-Saxon paganism as being identical to Scandinavian paganism but with a W at the beginning of Odin, not to mention good old fashioned anachronisms. There are a few other points along these lines but this is not the place to make specific criticisms. As these all point to Amazon, take into account the customer reviews there - there may even be some of mine!
NB: An updated list is available here.
Settlement Period
Rhinegold Technically this is of only passing connection to the Anglo-Saxons, being set in Europe throughout, but I have included it for character and because it is truly outstanding!
Hengest's Tale An account of Hengest's adventures in Frisia, possibly aimed at a younger reader.
Men Went to Cattraeth From the other side: an account of the Gododdin.
Ragnarok Bad title (suggestive of Viking Age) for a good book. A British noblewoman marries an English king.
The Way Of Wyrd: Tales of an Anglo-Saxon Sorcerer Not certain what period this belongs to but it is presumably early rather than late. The title says it all.
The Saga of Beowulf A modern retelling of Beowulf. Originally conceived in two episodes, The Land of Death and Shadow followed by The Land of Fire and Ice. It is also available on Kindle
Heptarchy Period
The Amber Treasure (Northern Crown) Set in the 6th/7th century in Deira
Ship Burial: The Rune of Ing A Christian mission from Kent to East Anglia finds the way is less than smooth.
Paths of Exile King Edwin's life as an exile after his father's death.
Storm Frost Set in the 7th century but the location is unknown.
Brightfire: A Tale of Sutton Hoo Sequel to Storm Frost set in 7th century East Anglia
The Whispering Bell Set in 7th century Mercia - the tale of an orphaned girl.
Month of Swallows Story of Hilda, a girl in the court of King Edwin of Northumbria
Holy Isle Sequel to Month of Swallows. Good luck finding a copy (you are up against me for one!)
Wolf Girl A crime story set in 7th century Northumbria
Viking Period
The Last Kingdom Northumbrian exile fights the Vikings
The Pale Horseman Northumbrian exile at Athelney with Alfred of Wessex
The Lords of the North Northumbrian exile returns home
Sword Song Northumbrian exile returns to help Alfred of Wessex
The Burning Land Northumbrian exile saves Wessex
Hrolf Kraki's Saga Poul Anderson's faithful rendition of the saga with additional material from other sources makes for an almost saga-like reading experience; not to everyone's taste as it can feel like reading a translation rather than a work of fiction.
Byzantium Irish monk enslaved by Vikings finds his way by the Volga to Byzantium.
Raven: Blood Eye A Viking's life.
Raven: Sons of Thunder More Viking's life
The Whale Road Viking band in search of the treasure of Attila
The Wolf Sea Still looking for Attila's treasure by way of a stolen sword.
The White Raven Apparently finished with Attila's treasure the boys have problems at home.
The Prow Beast Their homes lost and their boat sunk, the boys get involved in Swedish politics.
Far After Gold Scottish lass enslaved by Viking brute/hunk in M&B style kirtle-ripper
Pre-Conquest Period
The Homecoming of Beorhtnoth A look back at the Battle of Maldon from the grisly battlefield.
Mercenaries Norman lads go out to seek their fortune
Warriors Norman lads make a name for themselves in Italy
Conquest Normans + Conquest = ? No, not 1066, this sees our Norman lads go on Crusade.
Housecarl The life of a Huscarl in Harold Godwinson's army.
Post-Conquest Period
Last of the English Story of Hereward the Wake
Hereward Another Story of Hereward the Wake (not yet published)
One final comment: I have discovered in the course of compiling this list that at least one book that I had listed elsewhere (but not here) is probably the work of a Neo-Nazi. The Anglo-Saxons seem to hold a great deal of fascination for English Neo-Nazis, so I suppose a small sample of books from the genre may reflect their distasteful world view. If any of the books here are of the same ilk, I unreservedly apologise for including them. This list is to be viewed as a wide sample of the genre rather than a list of recommendations!
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