Stream Of Consciousness Saturday #SoCS: ‘Compliment / Complement’
This post is written in response to Linda G. Hill’s prompt on Stream of Consciousness Saturday. Today’s theme is “compliment/complement.” Use one or use them both. Have fun! Anyone can join in! Enjoy posting and/or reading other posts here.
I’d like to take a few minutes to compliment myself, before Saturday ends. It’s not something I do very often, being far too critical and demanding of poor me.
Even though I do my best, it doesn’t seem like it’s enough, and it should be. Your best should always be enough, because there’s no more to give, without causing undue stress.
Today I’d like to compliment myself because a year ago I published my first novel, and I did my best, so that’s a success for me. No doubt there are plenty of much better and more successful books out there, but I couldn’t have done it any better, so I’m proud of All Hallows at Eyre Hall, and what I’ve achieved this past year. See my previous post for more details.
On the other hand, all compliments should have a complement. It’s no good patting yourself on the back and forgetting about it. You must move on and do something else to complement your compliment, thereby moving on in your abilities and objectives.
My compliment also has a complement, and that’s the second book in the trilogy which will be published next summer, Twelfth Night at Eyre Hall. See my previous post for more details.
Keeping my spirits up every day isn’t always as easy as it seems, but I have a little trick to perk myself up. A song. I have several, but Nobody does it better is one of my favourites.
I take it with me to the shower and sing my heart out while I lather up, so that ten minutes later, when I’m drying my hair, I’m on the top of the world! Sometimes, as the day progresses, I’m a little further down, but who cares, I shower every day!
Don’t forget to compliment yourself on your achievements, and complement them with some more achievements!
What makes you feel great when you’re a little down?
Anniversary ‘All Hallows At Eyre Hall’ and Cover Reveal: ‘Twelfth Night At Eyre Hall’
Exactly a year ago, on 2nd of May 2014, I published my first novel: All Hallows at Eyre Hall.
I don’t know what I expected when I hit ‘publish’, because publishing was new to me. I didn’t have much of an online presence. I had about a dozen followers on my blog, no twitter, and Luccia Gray, my pen name and alter ego, was an unknown product of my imagination.
A year later, I have 319 followers and 14,000 views on my blog, 282 likes on my Author Facebook page, and over 2,000 followers on twitter, which means that many people know that Luccia Gray is a writer.
All Hallows at Eyre Hall has 37 reviews on Amazon.com, with an average of 4.4 out of 5 stars, and I’ve sold about one thousand ebooks. My Amazon Best Sellers Rank yesterday was #259,181 in the paid in kindle store. I also have 4.21 average rating on 33 ratings on Goodreads. I have no idea what this means in the bigger picture. I’m probably still a drop in the ocean, but I’m satisfied.
Now I’m a successful published author, because I’ve been an Amazon Bestseller on various occasions during the past year, and also because my book is being sold, read, and reviewed. Although I know more about indie authors and indie publishing, I’m still not sure what to expect as a writer in the long-term, but I do know that I’m going to keep on writing.
My career as a writer is a journey, not a race, and I’m not sure of the destination, except that the first stage of this journey includes writing the The Eyre Hall Trilogy.
The Eyre Hall Trilogy is a neo-Victorian Gothic Romance, set in Eyre Hall, the rebuilt Thornfield Hall, which was burnt down in Jane Eyre.
The trilogy takes up Jane’s life 22 years after her marriage to Edward Rochester, when she was a naïve 19-year-old, orphaned governess. In The Eyre Hall Trilogy, Mrs. Rochester is the mature matriarch and virtual administrator of the Rochester Estate, while her husband is lying on his deathbed, and unspeakable secrets, which rock Jane’s world, are gradually disclosed.
Book one, All Hallows at Eyre Hall, portrayed some dramatic and even shocking events, which escalated into an unexpected and unfortunate ending. Although there are several romances, it is a darker novel due to Rochester’s death, and the nature of the secrets revealed.
Twelfth Night at Eyre Hall, book two in the trilogy, takes up the story of the scattered and damaged characters, moving them on to experience more unexpected happenings, and surprising reunions and turns of events.
Although the plot is still thick with unexpected twists and some unpleasant turns, it is a more hopeful novel, as the diverse stories within the novel embark on a more promising journey, which is what I wanted to convey with this cover.
The highlight of the novel occurs around Christmas, 1867, when the members of the extended Rochester family: Jane, Richard, John, Annette, Adele and her fiancé, Mr. Greenwood and his son, Dante, their employees: Dr. Carter, Mr. Briggs, Michael, Susan, Simon, Beth, Daisy, Leah, Jenny, Nell, and Thomas, and some intriguing new characters, are reunited at Eyre Hall.
The action will take an unexpected turn with the death of a member of the household, in suspicious circumstances, on Twelfth Night, 6th of January.
The estimated publication date of Twelfth Night at Eyre Hall is the end of July, 2015
I’d like to thank Melody Simmons for the beautiful cover.
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Do you like my cover?
Would you be interested in beta reading?
Would you be interested in an advanced review copy (ARC)?
I’d love to hear from you in the comments below or via email luccia.gray at gmail.com
#AtoZChallenge Round Up Featured Authors
I’ve finished my A-Z Challenge and I’d like to thank all the wonderful authors I featured.
Firstly, I’d like to thank them for writing wonderful thought-provoking books.
You made me think about love, good and evil, forgiveness and vengeance, relationships, our history, our future. You also made me laugh and cry, feel angry and happy, you frightened me and entertained me, but overall you made me think about myself, because every book I read teaches me something about myself as person and as a writer.
Secondly I’d like to thank you for being kind enough to answer my questions and visit my blog. It was a pleasure to have you.
I really appreciate the support, because although the spotlights were for you, I was also being implicitly supported as a blogger and writer. Thank you for trusting me to feature you.
Here are all my wonderful featured authors and their blogs.
They have all written wonderful books which have inspired me in the last six months. Check them out!
Ava Zavora her website
Laura Taylor her Blog
Faith Mortimer her Website/blog
Alison Williams her Blog
Erica Stevens her Amazon page
Mark Rubinstein his Website
Terry Tyler her Blog
Olga Nuñez Miret her blog
Jo Robinson her Blog
Karen Long her Blog
Dominic Piper his Amazon Author Page
Lara Ormiston her My Blog
Noelle Granger her blog
Matt Cairns his Blog
Geoff Le Pard his blog:
June Kearns his Website
Regina Jeffers her Website
Ita Ryan her Amazon author page
Elizabeth Hein her blog
Georgia Rose her Website and Blog
Fran Clark her blog
Frances Evesham her Website/blog
Davis Burnett his Blog
Cathrina Constantine her Blog
Ben Adams his website and blog
Loreen Auguri her blog
You can also check out their interviews and featured books here on my blog.
#AtoZChallenge Roundup
So, the A-z Challenge is over!
I made it with hundreds of other blogs.
I’ve popped into lots of blogs which I’ve enjoyed. Some I knew before and some I’ve met on the way, which was wonderful.
The following are those I’ve visited more often, sometimes daily. Here they all are, in no particular order. Check them out!
- Ruth has given us lots of tips on photography, as well as her wonderful photos!
https://madmeanderingme.wordpress.com/2015/04/30/z-is-for-zoom-burst/#like-2002
- Shawn has been sharing bits of wisdom and profound thoughts from his grandparents
http://downhomethoughts.com/2015/04/30/a-to-z-2015-z-is-for-zachariah/
- Ula has been sharing wonderful short poems, real gems.
https://broccoliaddict.wordpress.com/2015/04/30/z-is-for-zeal/#like-1387
- Sharon has been telling us about the setting of her novel There Must Be An Angel, which is on my TBR list.
http://sharonbooth.co.uk/2015/04/30/z-is-for-zaftig/#like-1749
- Noelle has been showing us around Maine, where her main character Rhe Brewster lives and works.
https://saylingaway.wordpress.com/2015/04/30/z-zebulon-smith-house/#comment-2362
- Rosie Amber has been telling us about the main characters of the books she’s read and reviewed.
- Jessica has been gifting us with beautiful and inspiring quotes and pictures every day
https://sendsunshine.wordpress.com/2015/04/30/the-zest-of-life/#like-35181
- Keith has been offering a limerick a day
http://keithkreates.com/2015/04/30/z-is-for-zulu/#like-2699
- Bookbug who had no particular theme, but lots of diverse and interesting posts
https://bookbug2012.wordpress.com/2015/04/30/z-is-for-the-whole-bunch-of-things/
- Jennifer who has offered us beautiful pictures and words
http://jennifernicholewells.com/2015/04/30/yellow-island/
- Willow who has given us beautiful poems and pictures
https://willowdot21.wordpress.com/2015/04/30/not-the-a-to-z-april-challenge-zirconia/#like-8575
- Elizabeth has been telling us all about the Galapagos Islands and its wonderful wildlife
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?tab=wm#inbox/14d09fc3a1e8e28e
- Geoff, with his wonderful thought-provoking posts
http://geofflepard.com/2015/04/30/z-is-the-end/#like-4464
- N J Magas and her varied posts on mythology, history, and writing.
https://njmagas.wordpress.com/tag/april-a-z/
- Lauren, who has been writing inspiring flash fiction every day.
http://laurengreenewrites.com/2015/04/30/z-is-for-zoe/#like-20807
- Linda who also hosts Stream of Consciousness Saturday
http://lindaghill.com/2015/04/28/x-is-for-execute/
- Doree Weller’s Blog with lots of insightful posts
http://afriendofjesus2013.com/2015/04/30/z-is-for/#comment-4068 With inspiring posts from the Bible.
https://shailajav.wordpress.com/2015/04/30/zen-atozchallenge-aprila2z/#like-1376
Thank you for all your wonderful posts.
Congratulations for taking part and completing the challenge!
There’s still time to check out some of the other blogs on the A-Z Challenge. There are plenty of interesting and varied topics.
Three Line Thursday Challenge: Week Twenty-nine #3LineThursday
This week’s picture prompt for Three Line Thursday comes from the talented C. J. Ross.
This is what the picture inspired me to write:
Your brush strokes my mind,
Your colours paint my sighs,
I’m a smudge me on your canvas.
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Would you like to read some of the other entries?
I received an Honorary mention for this entry. I am indeed honoured. Thank you to the judges. I love this contest!
Letter Z The April A to Z Blogging Challenge #AtoZChallenge
April Author Spotlight 2015
Letter ‘Z’ is for Ava Zavora author of Dear Adam.
Why do I recommend Dear Adam?
The closest I ever came to a computer or mobile phone before the age of 30 was while watching Star Trek! But like most of my versatile generation, I caught on quickly, so now I’m a proud and proficient user of social networks and digital communications, that’s why I’ve been waiting to read a book like Dear Adam for some time.
I admire Ava’s bravery in daring to experiment with the traditional layout of a novel, because the majority of the dialogue takes the form of twitter messages, PM, emails, and telephone conversations on Skype.
The novel also addresses contemporary issues of new kinds of social interaction, and how friendships and romantic relationships can flourish without any kind of physical contact, rendering the participants vulnerable to lies and scams, or unprecedented opportunities and lasting relationships.
There’s no getting away from the Byronic Hero, although I’m not complaining, just wondering where they’re hidden in real life. Adam is mysterious, magnanimous, wealthy, and wicked, but he has an endearing quality: he loves our heroine, so we can overlook all his flaws, can’t we?
There are two endings. I much prefer the second, because it improved the whole experience of reading by presenting an inspiring grand finale, where fiction and metafiction challenged me, as the reader, to decide what I had been reading, and what the final outcome would be.
If you’d like to read an innovative and thought-provoking novel, which also has all the traditional elements, such as a neat plot, real characters, and diverse geographical settings, then this is the book for you.
What is Dear Adam about, Ava?
Dear Adam is about a book blogger who meets her soul mate online and falls in love with him sight unseen. Adam is everything Eden has ever dreamt of but soon she begins to doubt his truthfulness. Is Adam too good to be true or is the truth more startling than fiction?
Those who are drawn to epistolary novels or movies such as “You’ve Got Mail” and “The Lake House” will love Dear Adam. Quite a few readers have remarked how it is different from every other romance novel they’ve ever read and the intensity of feelings Eden and Adam’s story has aroused in them. I believe that most readers see themselves in Eden, who’s bookish, smart, and independent, yet yearning for a love story right out of a novel. Her relationship with Adam has an old-fashioned appeal with a modern twist of tweets and e-mails instead of letters by post – without foregoing the scorching, sensual elements.
What are you working on now?
I am in the midst of what I affectionately refer to as my bane, an epic fantasy/historical novel I have been writing and rewriting for five years now. Although I have reworked the plot several times, the bones of my novel are comprised of Alexander the Great, the Amazons, and a lost treasure of supernatural origin. I’ve made a devil’s pact with myself to finish it before working on anything else. Hence, I haven’t published anything new in a long while.
What would you like readers to know about you?
I’m wildly romantic, secretly believe in fairy tales but outwardly throw up a sarcastic façade, can eat a whole tin of anchovies, laugh hysterically at inane jokes made by 8-year-olds, drown my sorrows in a can of Fanta, recently developed a fascination for fedoras and floppy hats that veil me in mystery, and will likely be fatally injured by the teetering towers of books in my home that form a hazardous labyrinth.
How can we know more or contact you?
Dear Adam on Amazon.com and Amazon UK
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Please take some time to check out some of the other blogs on the A-Z Challenge. There are plenty of interesting and varied topics.
Letter Y The April A to Z Blogging Challenge #AtoZChallenge
April Author Spotlight 2015
Letter ‘Y’ is for Laura Taylor author of Desert Rose
Why do I recommend Desert Rose?
Sometimes reading makes me feel guilty of pure escapism based on totally imaginary scenarios, like being on a holiday on a desert island, without a care in the world, with a sexy hero by my side. I enjoyed losing myself in this powerful and unusual love story, which starts off in a prison, in the middle of a war in the Middle East, and ends up back in the safety of a quiet small town.
I loved the way the tension was built up between David and Emma, who were in separate prison cells, and I was enthralled by the love story which gradually developed between the US aviator and a humanitarian worker, building up to the steamy sex scenes which would have greatly shocked readers of Jane Austen, although, I dare add, not readers of Jane Eyre, who are more understanding of strong passions.
Desert Rose has believable and likeable characters. You’ll enjoy it if you’re in the mood for a well written steamy romance. It’s a treat: for pleasure only.
What’s your book about, Laura?
I think the best way in which to describe DESERT ROSE is to share with your blog readers the Romantic Times Book Review summary of my novel:
DESERT ROSE (Warrior Series – Book #1)
Contemporary Series Romance with a Military Hero.
“A firecracker of a book from Laura Taylor! In the beautifully written DESERT ROSE, a downed pilot imprisoned in the Middle East learns the true meaning of love when a lovely humanitarian relief worker is thrown into the next cell. Ms. Taylor brings more than one tear to the eye as she brilliantly depicts the very high price sometimes asked of individuals in the name of higher causes. But it is the joy of her lovers’ triumph over their adversity that will linger with you always.”
Romantic Times Book Awards for DESERT ROSE:
- Reviewer’s Choice Certificate of Excellence for Best Series Romance Novel;
- Reviewer’s Choice Award for Best Bantam Loveswept Novel of the Year.
I believe that DESERT ROSE, as well as the three other novels in the WARRIOR SERIES, will appeal to readers of sensual contemporary military romance.
Perhaps the thing that sets the entire WARRIOR SERIES apart from most books in this genre is the fact that it is my personal tribute to the military men and women who sacrifice and serve across the globe. Both my father and my late husband served in the military, and it’s my love for them that is reflected in the heroes I’ve created for heroines of DESERT ROSE, MIDNIGHT STORM, HEARTBREAKER, and MORE THAN FRIENDS, the four romance novels that comprise the WARRIOR SERIES.
What are you working on now?
I think my answer will surprise you! My schedule in recent weeks has been hectic, and I imagine it will continue in that vein for many more weeks to come. I’m currently monitoring the French translation for DESERT ROSE, I’m assisting the Chinese translators who are handling the translations for all four of the books in the WARRIOR SERIES, and I’m completing the first edit of my next book, which will be released mid-summer.
What would you like readers to know about you?
I would like readers to know that I appreciate them. I appreciate their many years of loyalty and encouragement as my writing career has unfolded. I appreciate their praise when they take the time to review my books. In particular, I appreciate the fact that they inspire me to always strive to be my best and to write classic love stories that affirm our collective belief in the attainment of a true and lasting love.
As a thank you to readers and as an introduction to the WARRIOR SERIES, DESERT ROSE is free for Amazon Kindle, B&N Nook, Apple, KOBO, and Smashwords. Additional contemporary romance titles available at your favorite ebookstore: MIDNIGHT STORM, HEARTBREAKER, MORE THAN FRIENDS, FALLEN ANGEL, WILDER’S WOMAN, MOMENT BY MOMENT, WARRIOR SERIES Boxed Set, THE CHRISTMAS GIFT, ANTICIPATION, SEDUCTION, SURRENDER, SUBLIME, and the LOVE AT THE BEACH Boxed Set.
And I hope you will accept my sincere thanks, Luccia, for your kind invitation to visit with your blog readers.
How can we learn more or contact you?
DESERT ROSE (Warrior Series, Book 1) ~ 4.5 stars on 47 reviews
My Blog
TSU
Thank you so much for your visit, Laura, it’s been great to have you featured on today’s Author Spotlight. I look forward to reading your next book this summer, because I’ve read almost all the others!
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Please take some time to check out some of the other blogs on the A-Z Challenge. There are plenty of interesting and varied topics.
Letter X The April A to Z Blogging Challenge #AtoZChallenge
April Author Spotlight 2015
Letter ‘X’ is for Faith Mortimer author of On Christmas Hill
Why do I recommend On Christmas Hill?
I love Christmas, and I love the way seasonal literature and films enhance our experience of this ancestral need to believe that good can and will conquer evil. I like to believe good people attract good luck, so good things happen to them, eventually, in spite of the difficulties they encounter. On Christmas Hill makes us believe in the magic of Christmas, at least for a few wonderful hours.
It has all the ingredients for a great romantic and suspenseful read, such as a lost love letter delivered much later, but not too late, an unfaithful husband, a cruel jealous girlfriend, a cheating boss who sacks ex-mistress, a negligent and miserly landlord, parents who abandon their child in need, a Byronic hero, a single mum with many worries, and a fatherless child who writes a letter to Father Christmas asking for a father for Christmas.
I loved the positive, endearing characters who were generous, honest and gullible, while I disliked the bad ones, who were selfish, scheming, and cruelly intolerant. I enjoyed the gradual unveiling of the plot, as the characters grew in depth, while the twists and turns led to an ending Father Christmas would approve of.
I enjoyed On Christmas Hill because it’s so easy to love, so delightful to read, and so hard to forget, that I’m sure I’ll be rereading it next Christmas.
What’s your book about, Faith?
Firstly, before I answer your questions, may I just say how nice it is to be featured on your blog today? I am indeed honoured and appreciate it immensely. Thank you.
On Christmas Hill is primarily a romance, but I like to think it is more than just a ‘boy meets girl and happy-ever after’ scenario. All my regular readers and followers know that I write in three genres: psychological thrillers, mystery suspense and finally, romance which is usually unsettled and antsy in some way. Such is the case as with On Christmas Hill, and because of this I believe a good cross-section of readers – both male and female – enjoy the story.
Yes, we have a hero and heroine, a ruthless ex-lover and dire circumstances which I believe all makes for an interesting and gripping read. But because life isn’t a bed of roses, catastrophes and difficulties are constantly being thrown at us, and subsequently, our destiny is usually out of our control.
In, On Christmas Hill, the heroine is in trouble. Distressed, desperate and with no one trustworthy to turn to, when help does arrive (our hero) she cannot bring herself to believe someone is as nice and honest as they appear. The results are surprising.
What are you working on now?
My editor and I are in the middle of editing my latest suspense thriller. Entitled, A Brutal Trade. This novel is the 7th in my Diana Rivers series, (all standalone books).
Set on the Mediterranean island of Cyprus, author and sleuth, Diana Rivers and old flame Adam, a Chief Superintendent in the UK police force; team up again in a fight against money-laundering. Only this time calamities escalate tenfold when they become involved in a horrific battle involving human trafficking and the illegal sale of body parts – real dark fiction.
I became interested in this subject after learning about the plight of real-time women who have been trafficked through Cyprus. I realize slavery has always been in force throughout the world since time began, but with international media we are seeing and hearing about it daily. Once published, I plan on giving a generous portion of my royalties towards charities aimed at stopping these dreadful crimes against humanity.
What would you like readers to know about you?
I like to think I’m an ordinary person, with a loving husband and family. I have travelled extensively ever since I was five years old, and because I enjoy learning about foreign countries and customs I often share my discoveries in my novels.
After school I trained as a Registered nurse, learned to sail and have the proud distinction of being a Yacht Master! Apart from sailing, I enjoy skiing, reading, hashing, walking, acting and cooking.
I took up writing seriously after sitting a Science degree when I was forty(ish!) Now I am lucky enough to have retired from ‘real work’ and happily write as often as I can. I consider myself a very lucky person as I now have the best job in the world!
You can find me on:
All my books can be found on:
Thank you so much for your visit, Faith, it’s been great to have you featured on today’s Author Spotlight. I look forward to reading your psychological thrillers and mystery suspense novels.
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Please take some time to check out some of the other blogs on the A-Z Challenge. There are plenty of interesting and varied topics.
Carrot Ranch Flash Fiction Challenge 22nd April: Stories including vices
99-Word Flash Fiction Challenge
April 22, 2015 prompt: In 99 words (no more, no less) write a story that includes a vice. It can be part of a character or a part of the story. The vice can be the focus or it can be subtle. Think of ways to use a vice (or multiples, if you are so daring) to create a compelling flash fiction.
Respond by April 28, 2015 to be included in the weekly compilation. All writers are welcome! Check out the other stories here.
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Not Quite an Affair
‘Where’s lunch?’
‘In the fridge.’
‘Again, dad?’
‘Afraid so.’
‘Don’t you care?’
‘Of course I care, but what can I do?’
‘Talk to mum.’
‘I’ve tried.’
‘We’re not a family any more, just three people who live in the same house.’
‘It’s hard to reach her.’
‘Doesn’t she love us anymore?’
‘Not like she used to.’
‘Why doesn’t she want to talk to us?’
‘She’s busy.’
‘It’s worse than an affair.’
‘God, no! That would be much worse.’
‘Not for me! I swear I’m going to throw her kindle out the window.’
‘She’ll kill you if you do that.’
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You all know how much I love reading, even more than writing, even more than speaking, or walking, or talking…
Is it a vice? It might be…
Is this autobiographical? It might be…
Why live with only the people around you when you can live with so many more…
