Tag: Percy Rose

Novels, Writing

Toot toot—all aboard!…

I’ve decided to give this scheduling thing a try so will put this one in for next Mon that gives you a about a 2 week break from my babbling. I know I promised a mont but what can I say, I miss you. Lol.

So I have been busy as Rosa, BUT also done some stuff for Me Percy. I’ve uploaded the new cover for Ruth In Pieces and sent for a print proof (Already available as an ebook – HERE). Trouble is I accidentally pushed publish button in the first instance, then had to wait 72 hrs to take it out of publish and order the proof. They then sent me another message saying my book is published…so I went in again and asked for a proof again…still no notification that my proof is ready.

Anyone else dumb like me and made this mistake? What happened? Help?

Anywho, it is twice as thick as my other mysteries, so it will take me a while to check it and re-edit it…along with all the other stuff.

I always make the mistake of thinking I’ve got the Amazon process mastered, but there is always some little problem. Take the cover for example – I always get a template, use it, never change anything on it and then feeling smug submit it. BUT, there is some thing wrong, usually the size. I use their size but no it is off by 1 0r 2 mms and therefore inadmissible. SO, I go back and enter the new image size and usually ‘voila’ it works.

The interior is okay, because I use Vellum and never have a problem down loading the content…unless I myself screw something up.

Needless all this fooling around with the marketing end has sidelined my writing. I do have a schedule, but have gone off track for the past few weeks and now I’m off to Rockhampton for a friend’s big 60th bash. Whoo hoo! Travelling by train, a first in a veeeeryy long time for me. Poor dog is not allowed so is staying with my daughter and family. Hope he doesn’t fret too much….hope I don’t fret too much.

Okay time to put this on schedule See you after.

PS Stupid thing is not showing up as scheduled, even though when opened for edit it shows the 19th when I go back it says it’s still in draft. I’ll close the site and see if that works.

Novels, Writing

Book 2 Paperback Now Live!

Since then, I received my proof for Tidal Secrets, edited it – again and the print version is now live. You lucky things!

https://www.amazon.com.au/Percy-Rose/e/B089ND1WRF/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_ebooks_1

I can’t believe that it’s been a month. How on earth did that happen? The reason I’ve not got to blogging is that I’ve been busy editing and u loading new covers etc. I find it a bit discouraging when all this external business takes me away from writing which is what I love to do. Still, needs must. If I am honest a lot of it is that I’m so stubborn and that I rather enjoy the challenges inherent in these other efforts. How about you?

I am about half way into the prequel for the mystery series, Beaufort’s Landing, and have decided on the Title Coming Home since It starts with Xelma returning to Australia from Paris, having parted from her long-time lover there. She meets, Al. Remember him? Yes, that’s right — the crime boss ex-husband. Very gooood. It will only be a short novella, and available free, in the first instance, only to my newsletter subscribers. So, sign up below.

I still haven’t got to printing Ruth in Pieces but this week for sure.

So saying I must get on with it

P.S. My other me has been busy too and you can read all about it here….

P.P.S. I am going away for a couple of weeks on the 19th and since I no longer have a working laptop, I’ll probs not get back here until next month. Though, that is probably more than enough for you. See ya later alligata!

Novels, Poetry, Short Stories, Writing

Where to next?

Hello friends and followers, It has taken me this whole week to recover from the emotional and physical fatigue workshop week-end cost me. I won’t be so knocked around by anxiety next time, if there is a next time. The good news on the back of that, is that for my Townsville and surrounds followers both ‘Escape to Danger’ and ‘Death, Danger and Dark Dreams’ are now available in paperback from Mary Who’s Bookshop in Flinders St.

My present missions are to finish the Prequel, ‘Comimg Home’ and Book 3, ‘At Curlew Cry’, of the Beaufort’s Landing series. I am feeling the weight of that demand as I ready Book 2, ‘Tidal Secrets’, for print.

So, instead of getting on with these, I’ve allowed myself to be distracted by covers. Yes, bloody covers again, but this time I have more positive news. I have gone in and changed the cover fonts so they look more of a set and more, I hope, in genre. What do you think of these?

A bit better I think.

Now, along with the above I’ve finally decided on the cover for ‘Ruth In Pieces’…no, seriously…I think. Oh, and I’ve altered the cover for my collection of dark tales and poems, ‘Death, Danger and Dark Dreams’ – to wit…

Oh rats, the ‘Death’ one is supposed to have the author in caps. I’ll go fix that, sigh. Anyway, you get the idea. Are these en pointe?

I also need to be getting on and readying RIP for print and finishing Book 3 of that trilogy. I’ll get there, but not too much pressure yet as I can’t really do much until Book 2 returns with its rejection from Allen & Unwin in September.

You’ll excuse me, I’m sure, as I have to get back to work.

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Novels, Short Stories, Writing

Book Cover Blues

Halfway through May, and I am still working on the Ruth In Pieces cover…slowly improving, but apparently still missing the mark. I am a stubborn ass and am determined to do something worthy of the genre. I must have done about 100 variations, and now have decided to take the last few to my Meet The Author/Workshop event in a couple of weeks 28/29th May. If your live in Townsville or environs. Come along and meet me on the Friday night and/or participate in the Workshop on short Stories. ALL FOR FREE.

I am going to write in more detail about this in the TIP-C group, if you’re interested in the gory details.

In the meantime, I have to confess I haven’t done much work on actually writing my mystery Series. Escape to Danger is available on Amazon in both ebook and paperback.The ebook of Tidal Secrets is up on Amazon and the paperbook will be up soon. The Curlew’s Cry is languishing badly, but I will be back on track by beginning June.

This link will take you to my page and You will be able to read some of the first pages, almost all of chapter 1.

The psychological thriller books, Ruth In Pieces being the first of the trilogy, is up on Amazon in ebook form also. However with a cover I”m told just won’t do…see above. Book 2 is with Allen and Unwin. Book 3 is in the pupa stage and vaguely mapped out with a start on Chapter 1 having been made…

I know you want to tell me to concentrate on one thing at a time, and I would if I could. Don’t worry I’ll get there…ummmm, yair of course I will.

My good twin Rosa Christian has been busy as well. Her blog will go up tomorrow on Rosa’s Work.

In the meantime, I need you to sign up for my newsletter and/or do a review for me on Amazon. If you do subscribe you get a FREE sample of the short story anthology Death, Danget and Dark Dreams. Just a mouse click away.

Thank you in advance.

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P.S. If you are an author, formatter, cover designer or otherwise involved in book publishing don’t for get to visit TIP-C and share your invaluable knowledge, experience and insights.

Writing

Down to business

So, here I am trying to be much more professional in my approach to this business of writing, because if you’re self-publishing it is a business. I have yet to get readers and reviews, but I’m trying my darnedest…Damnit!

Go to my amazon page and buy and read now….please.

One of the other things I have done to help my self stay on track is, I’ve made a roster…I have to do something. I get side-tracked so easily. It is not a hard and fast schedule rather something that gives me a scaffold to work on. Today is day one and I am not on track really, but hey I’m doing this blog right?

This morning was rostered for washing, but I fell down the rabbit hole of trying to do a good cover for Ruth In Pieces. I have tried many things but they aren’t good enough and other authors have told me so, in the nicest terms possible. Someone suggested I send it to a professional, but hell honey if I could afford that I wouldn’t be trying to do it myself….Have a look at these for me and see what you think, bearing in mind its a psychological thriller.

Theses have all been kicked to the sidewalk…

The ones below I’v done this morning Please help me out and tell me honestly if you would pick up a book with a cover like this and read it. Which one?
  • a broken mirror symbol of 7 years bad luck

I feel brutalised…I need a rest and some food…and a cuddle from the dog.

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Writing

A New Idea

Well, for me at any rate.

I have been helped along the way, mostly Callie Berkham, (remember that name), and many of the groups I now belong to. Anyway, I thought, I’d like to help others as well. So Callie and I put our heads together and have started a group for local authors who are, or are contemplating, indie publishing. Please put your hands together for TIP-C (Townsville Indie Publishing Community)

I am still in the process of setting it up, but feel free to go in and leave us a note on how excited you are to see this new venture. You are excited, aren’t you? I am.

Of course, it is NOT confined to people in Townsville. That just fit to make the catchy title. Anyone from any where is invited to participate in the discussions and/or lend others a hand. Neither is it confined to authors we welcome and want illustrators, cover designers, editors, formatters etc.

By the way I say ‘us’ because Callie is going to co-administrate the site, when I figure out how to add her to the admin list. Sometimes all this social media stuff is like pushing water uphill.

I’m still trying to collate the other stuff I’ve learned lately to make it easier to follow the steps needed to set up a newsletter and get subscribers. The latter of which I’ve yet to master.

Come on sign up…there will be freebies and sales further down the line, when I figure out exactly what my approach will be. Which reminds me, I really need to get my first proper email out there, so I’ll see you, Percy.

Click here to suscribe to Percy’s Newsletter

P.S. Dale is now co-admin on TIP-C. Come and join us

Poetry, Short Stories, Writing

Success!

My friends,Percy Rose after a lot of mucking around (Excuse me! That’s with a ‘M’ if you don’t mind.) I have managed to set up a newsletter, and I am pretty chuffed with myself because it was not as easy as you may think. Well, certainly not for me.

Big thanks to author Callie Berkham for helping me navigate these choppy waters. She is an absolute gem and gave readily of her time and expertise. Thanks hon.

I know it’s only a small victory, but hey I’ll take any kudos I can.

Try it! You get a free sampler booklet of my dark short stories and poems,

Death, Danger and Dark Dreams,

titled, appropriately I think.

A Taste of Death

made especially for you,

Click here to suscribe to Percy’s Newsletter

Go on you know you want to…

When you sign up you will be taken to a form where you enter your email, hit subscribe and be taken to the download. Story Origin take care of my downloads and if you have any difficulties their support staff will be happy to help you.

Shortly after that you will receive your Welcome email.

This means that my blog is now going to be more about the writing/publishing guff and not the chatty, chatty stuff, which will now be in the newsletters.

See you there. Cheers Rosa.

Novels, Writing

Ta Daa!


So, I’ve done it. Book 2 in the Beaufort’s Landing Series is now available as an ebook on Amazon. It was fun visiting Xelma again for the final read through. Hope I caught all the errors. Let me know if you find any.

Speaking of which, I went into my author page on Amazon and I have a big beautiful 5 star review on Escape to Danger Book 1 of Beaufort’s Landing Series.

“I really enjoyed this book. The characters were very vivid and I got a real sense of what life is like in the tropics! The lead character wasn’t your classic heroine. She didn’t need saving! But it was thrilling and nail-biting all the same when she found herself in dangerous situations. I also enjoyed the fact that she had psychic skills. A very absorbing and page turning read!”

Whoo hoo!

I have determined that I really need to learn the marketing side of this biz. but it all feels so big and so much to learn it’s overwhelming. Still I must make a start. So, presently am trying to find reviewers and start a newsletter for followers of my writing. Trouble is of course that everything costs, not necessarily a lot but each little bit adds to the other and before I know it I”m even more skint. Ah the woes, eh?

What this means for my blog post is that personal guff will now appear in my newsletters and the blog will be more aimed at the writing process and those authors that I love and their stories etc etc. God knows when this will happen but there will eventually be a button for you to subscribe to my newsletter. Watch this space.

Having said that, I’d better get stuck into it. Cheers, Percy.

Writing

Feeling Frustrated!!

Hi, I apologise for the lapse of time since my last post, but I have been wrestling with trying to get paperback prints of my books. I really, really wanted to go local…Look, I know that they can’t quote as low as the bigger printers, but no one I approached would even come down to a viable print-cost for me, the author. I tried to explain: 1. That I didn’t expect the same prices as larger printing firms, but needed something reasonable. 2. That there would be many orders to follow. 3. That there are other authors in Townsville, of whom there are many, who are interested in supporting local industry. 4. That I really, really wanted to support local.

BUT…no one wanted to come to the party! One company had given me a quote some months earlier, so I went to them to explain all the above. The woman agreed to give me a new quote, which duly arrived by email…it was even more than the first!

SO…I thought surely someone in Australia must be able to do better. I sent off for quotes with the above information, to several companies. No quote came near, many didn’t bother answering, or returning calls.

NEXT…I decided I’d probably better go with the international printing company which has printing facilities in Melbourne. Lots of authors in Australia use this company, with apparently no problems. After a number of errors in uploading by me, due in large part to the non-intuitive way of finding one’s way around their pages, the book got the go ahead and I went on to add the info needed. However, my account has been stuck for weeks with the message on it saying ‘revision incomplete’, and I can’t find how to get into wherever that can be fixed. I rang to get help, was told their people were busy and they would ring me back. That was 2 weeks ago.

NOW…I am going to try to start there, with a clean slate. I will remove my book completely and start from dot one…fingers crossed.

IF THAT DOESN’T WORK…I will have to fork out big bucks for overseas printing. Costs are quoted in USD and look very reasonable until you convert and add the inordinately high cost of delivery, which I expect is because of the weights involved.

AAaarrrrgggg!

Er, excuse me…I know this is a long whinge, but I am so frustrated I feel like I’m going nuts, I’m invisible, don’t matter and am bloody useless.

LOL…on the upside, Book 2 of the Beaufort’s Landing Series is almost ready to go up on Amazon. I’m just dickering around about the title. I think I’ve settled on ‘Tidal Secrets’…almost, I think.

I will try to be happier in my next post. If you can help me overcome this printing conundrum, I would appreciate it very much.

Wish me luck, Percy.

Writing

DON’T READ THIS…

Book 1 in the Death ‘N Anarchy series.

Now available as an ebook on Amazon

DON’T READ THIS BOOK unless noir psychologique is your thing.

Be warned… It broaches many disturbing subjects.

Not to give too much away, but there is a serial killer out there, and it may be someone you know – someone charming and kind…and deadly. They are everywhere – living next door, pillars of the community, in your family. 

You will call them evil, but they are you and me – to a lesser or greater degree. They are people you like and/or admire. They are human; complex, damaged and cruel: oft-times kindly, generous and loving. 

If you are filled with rage and hatred and want to hurt them, want to kill them; what does that make you; what does that do to your soul? 

Look into their eyes. They were once young and innocent, until something happened to change them, weren’t they? OR, were they born evil, already damaged by an aberration in their D.N.A.? Look into their eyes during their last moments; they are frightened of death, but long for it; terrified by life, but long for it. They are human.

Of course, the whole book is not filled with horror. As in life, there are good even joyful moments, full of love and laughter; tenderness and beauty; adventure and travel; exploration and discovery. 

You must understand, whether protagonist or antagonist, or sometimes one and then the other, the characters are human after all. However, you know that…you’ve met them…

Percy Rose.

P.S. I got some kick-back for writing such racy, nasty, weird, horrifying stuff.

Others loved it…go figure…