Fancy doing a book review?

Its been 4 months since I published my début novel, Deadly Obsession, and it has been a whirlwind since then. After coming down from the heady high of seeing my book on Amazon, I investigated how to publish it as a paperback and knuckled down to complete that.

My paperback was released on Amazon.com on March 27 this year (my birthday!)

Then I went and got a new job - yes, authors are normal people too - and time ran away from me.
I'm starting to catch up with it, and the next book(s) are forming in my head, but the task of getting my book out there and known, and onto shelves (and hopefully, enjoyed) is upon me.

The major challenge for any author is to get their book out there. This means bringing the book into the field of vision of an increasing number of people.

As with anything, there will be people dying to get their hands on it at first look (like being in love at first sight); there will be those who forget about seeing it a minute afterwards because its not about something on their immediate radar; and then there will be those who are interested but may or may not come back to it depending on what life throws at them in between.

And these are only those currently in my network (both on and offline). That's where celebrity endorsements always come in handy... if you happen to know a Lady Gaga, a Paulo Coelho or Justin Bieber!

And so, the search for willing and able book reviewers/bloggers is here. The offer includes 5 electronic copies to give away to your readers/followers.

Can I tempt you?

Rain

Born in Britain, lived in South Africa, back now in Britain - that's me. Sometimes, people look at me as if I'm crazy. Why would I leave a country where the sun shines every day, where rain showers are short and sharp.

'How do you deal with the British weather?' They ask, particularly on days like this.

When we have days like today, grim by most people's standards, I understand their sentiments, and yet, I have to admit, I love it! The rain, the gloom, the chill in the air, the wind.
Some of my best walks have been through the woods on a day like today.

The forest is alive with sound as the rain and wind talk to the trees. Drops of rain hit the ground and drip from the branches of tress in a constant chatter. Leaves are great whisperers when the wind moves through them. If you listen you can hear the forest sigh with pleasure.

Rain is Nature's way of washing the world. I love its fresh smell, and the way it releases the rich scent of sodden earth. The wind in my hair and across my face loosens the cobwebs of conditioning and I am free and blissful.

Its not a good feeling if I'm trying to get away from the wind, because its relentless, but when I stop resisting it, and just allow myself to feel in the moment, it never fails to make me feel alive.

The incredible natural beauty we have in this country, and the spectacular seasonal changes we experience are due, largely, to the amount of rain we have.

Canada and parts of Northern America are similar - once they all used to be one large landmass.

Who can forget Bella and Edward falling in love in Edwards forest where the sun seemed to shine only in that magnificent field of flowers.

Its different strokes for different folks, I guess. For me, the rain is heaven-sent.

If you go down to the woods today...

I've had the most wonderful last few weeks with one of my dearest friends staying with me, all the way from Oz.  We've laughed and talked long into the night catching up on life and each other. The last time I saw Lynnie was almost three years ago now, when life was very different for me. Even thousands of miles away, she will always be my rock.

Of course, it goes without saying that I had to take her walking in my magical woods, to share with her why I love them and this country so much.
I wanted her to feel the resonance I feel when its just me, the dog, the trees and the breeze.

If they could speak (the woods) I imagine they may say something like ....

A young male deer and I met in the woods. 

"Every day is a new routine, and we're never sure who is going to lead the dance that day. When a strong wind sets the pace, we creak and groan in wild abandon to an ever-changing rhythm. 
The strong wind heads off elsewhere, and its time to sigh, and rest as leaves of silence waft to the forest floor. 
In the heat of summer the beat throbs yellow, orange and red through our greens- constant and unrelenting. Nothing moves. 
Its a light breeze that lifts the spirits - ours and those of the forest creatures - as it carries hope and soothing cool on its gentle eddies." 


That's when the magic happens.


You can see it if you look...