I would have written sooner, but Rosa has been busy with her art stuff, and has just wall-papered the two bedrooms. They aren’t perfect but look okay. She’s so vain and thinks that’s a good reason for ignoring me, thus you. Honestly!
She did design my business cards, though. What do you think?
But, I am here now! — And still have nothing much to tell you. Sales of my books are pretty good when I go to markets etc. but still no money for advertising. Can somebody tell me why as soon as I get a bit an unexpected bill arrives?
I am still writing book 3 of the Beaufort’s Landing series. It is coming easier now, in fact I wrote over 1000 words this morning. It felt good. Writing red herrings is the best. Sometimes I even fool myself…like, What? Where did that come from? She can’t be the murderer! … It’s a hoot.
If anyone reading this is also on my newsletter list. I apologise for not putting anything out there for absolutely ages. I have no excuse.
So…the launch of the Prequel to the Murder Mysteries and Daughter Of Anger is over. I sold a few books, but really it was a great big flop. I am no good at this marketing game. I did the best I could, but without money for advertising etc I am up against it. Nevermind, I love writing…
What on earth has happened to this blog page? It’s gone all weird. Why can’t I make the pics smaller? Too bad. I don’t have time to muck around so que sera, sera.
What I really want to talk about is how weird my post-covid time was. I knew I had fog-brain and was very fatigued, but man!
So, I’ve told you I’m writing Book 3 in the Beaufort’s Landing murder mysteries series. I had written a portion before the covid got me. I was pretty useless for about 2 weeks, then I felt a bit better, apart from the brain thing. I wrote some, slept a lot, wrote, slept etc for almost 2 months. That may seem pretty good…right? I thought so, but I decided to print out what I had, read and edit it before continuing. Guess what? —— The new writing is a complete jumble. I mean, really crazy with paragraphs and sentences in the wrong chapters, characters out of place, absolutely not continuity. The sentences made sense in themselves, but not in the storyline. Not only that! But, there were 20 -30 pages I didn’t even recognise. I wrote them??? Yep, but couldn’t remember writing them. Having re-read them a couple of times since, I think I kinda remember them, but not really. I mean, the pages weren’t in too bad shape so I a little ahead there.
However, I’m a bit weirded out about the whole thing. I was so demented and that’s scary.
The good news is, that I’ve been beavering away, now that I’m back to normal, and the MS makes some kind of sense. I’m feeling better about everything. Have you had any peculiar post covid effects? Let me know. I have to go now, so until next time,
First let me say to all those who have liked or followed my blog lately and all along, ‘Thank you!’. I’m not ignoring your encouragement, but life is hectic sometimes and things get away from me.
You’ve probably read at Per Rose Oddly that we are getting a payment from Amazon. I believe I can take the credit here, After all every one loves a whodunnit, right? Her Poetry is all right, but can hardly compete with me.
I am sending for the proof ofDaughter of Anger. so that will be out soon. Book 2 of the DNA Trilogy —
The recipient of a 5 star People’s Choice award. Read the review part of which appears below….
“This is a very interesting story for fans of suspense and psychological thrillers, a fascinating story with multilayered characters. The narrative is stellar and it features excellent prose and powerful plot points. Note that it does contain mature content and situations that can be psychologically challenging. The use of the epistolary style reinforces the beauty and depth of the story, allowing the mindset of the protagonist to come out clearly, deepening the elements of the conflict, and enhancing character development. The twists and turns in Jenny’s Story (sic – previous title) are manifold and readers won’t see them coming. Percy Rose has a unique and compelling voice in the genres of crime and psychological novels, and this book is a fascinating read and a real treat.“
Just to whet your appetite, let’s read the opening…
My Story
Dear Doctor Alec,
I’m innocent. I didn’t do it. I would never murder anyone. You believe me, don’t you?
Sorry, I had a moment’s panic there. I’m getting ahead of myself…
Let me open with a little quote my mother used…
‘True! – Nervous – very, very dreadfully nervous. I had been and am; but why will you say that I am mad? The disease had sharpened my senses – not destroyed not dulled them. Above all was the sense of hearing acute. I heard all things in the heaven and in the earth. I heard many things in hell. How, then, am I mad? Hearken! And observe how healthily – how calmly I can tell you the whole story.’
It’s a quote from the beginning of Poe’s, ‘The Tell-Tale Heart’, with which I am sure you are familiar, my dear doctor. Pretty apt considering my circumstances, don’t you think? I’ve never actually read any of his work myself. And, it’s a funny thing, Mum never used to read fiction at all until her later years. Most of what she did read was on the dark and weird side.
As you can see, I have decided to take up your suggestion and write down my story. But I shall do it in my own way and in my own time. After all, a girl must have her secrets.
You pretend this is for my own good, but I know the truth. The truth is that you are curious, with more than an academic, professional curiosity. Yes, much more than that. You want to see into my life, into my mind, how I think, so you can take possession of it, of me. You think that if you can just understand, that if I know you understand, I will be yours.
Ah yes, I can hear the shocked denial echo through that bulbous head of yours, but you know it’s true. That is why you are a psychiatrist. You love that smug sense of superiority. You love watching your patients’ futile struggles as you pin us down with your words, your diagnoses. You love poisoning us with your filthy drugs that subdue us, make us malleable in your hands.
Outrageous, you say. And well you might, because it is outrageous. You are a very naughty man. I’ve heard all about you, and what goes on behind closed doors. Do you think that we don’t speak to each other, we in-mates of the female locked ward at the Mental Health Unit. Such a fancy name for a Lunatic Asylum, a Looney Bin. You may not see our lips move, but we are communicating all right. Have you never heard of telepathy? Yes, telepathy. They have told me everything. They whisper to me constantly, especially at night. Their voices ring in my head, telling in intimate detail, intimate detail of their ‘sessions’ with you.
They tell me everything. They send me pictures – your hand on a breast, sliding sensuously up a bare thigh, your full, wet lips kissing and sucking. I thrash around in my bed. I groan aloud as I bite the pillow to muffle my orgasm.
However, that is not what you want to hear about, is it?
What do you think? Admit it, you want to read more…
I know, I know. I’ve been AWOL but I do have reasons — if you want to know know about them go to Per Rose Oddly or TipC — you will just have to for give me.
I am determined to make a better effort this year (not exactly off to a flying start am I?) Never mind every day holds the gift of a new start.
So, Ruth In Pieces, Book 1 of ADNA Trilogy (Psychological Thriller), is available in ebook and hard cover on Amazon. I don’t have any copies in my own hands yet, but will do soon.
Life is shattering
Book 2 Daughter of Anger will be released in May and Book 3 Clothed In Black by year’s end…hopefully.
The Beaufort’s Landing Murder Mystery Series has books 1 Escape to Danger and 2 Tidal Secrets available as ebooks and paperback and Book 3 At Curlew Cry and a series Prequel Becoming Xelma soon to be released.
Hiding in North Qld brings new dangers
At Curlew Cry will be dedicated to a brilliant Australian Author, Peter Watt, whose encouragement I have always appreciated. He and I have know each other for a number of years and Book 1 of his earliest Series is Cry of the Curlew.
So as you can see, I will need to really get to work. How about you? What are your plans for the New Year? Are you, like me, finding it hard to knuckle down? Don’t worry, just start typing…that’s what I tell myself. Let’s hope it works. Hope to hear from you,
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.
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.
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.
Well the bad news is that I’m not really any closer to deciding on the cover for Ruth. The good news is that I’ve had lots of very helpful feed back from the good people in the Indie CoverProject Facebook group. We’ll see what they think of the latest ones I’ve just posted there.
My other news is a lot more exciting. I have been accepted for a grant from the Townsville City Council through my local community association RaDCA. So if you hapen to be at a loose end on the dates below come on over…
I’ll let you know how it goes. I’m very nervous. Lots of work to do beforehand. So I’ll leave you with that thought. ‘Bye
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.
Percy Rose - Author 