While I'm Signed Off...

I'm sure I don't need to tell anyone where I took this photo! Can't wait to revisit this favourite part of Europe. And if you're still curious, the previous photo was of the beautiful Greek island of Santorini.

Here are a few links and markets to keep everyone busy for a while. I'm looking forward to taking a short break from all social media and the Internet and I've now signed off from all the forums I'm on, but I expect I'll be keen to get back to see what's happening online again! It's sometimes difficult to do without it once so much of our lives revolves around online activity and I really appreciate all the lovely friends I've made online - yes, that means you!

I came across this link to one of the best overviews of twitter I've read on the Indie Author News blog and it might interest anyone thinking of signing up to it.

I've had the link to this great Writing Forward blog for ages but haven't really spent enough time studying it - it seems to offer lots of useful writing advice.

Box of Words is taking submissions of short stories, the proceeds of downloads go to charity.

Choc Lit are running another short story competition, closing on 31st August. Full details on their webiste.

Another short story competition is being run by Gemini Magazine, closing date 31st August. Full details on website.

Still Moments Publishing have several opportunities to submit to their various anthologies.

Have a good summer and see you in a couple of weeks!
Rosemary

Winding Down

It's that time of year again, when I like to step back from the blogs, take stock and decide in which direction they are going. I've found three blogs quite a handful at times, although my husband and and I might be starting a travel blog, if we ever get around to it! However, that's another thing to think about when we're on holiday at the end of the month.

For now, it's making sure I have everything I need for our cruise - all the incidentals and toiletries take such time to organise. Then I want to make sure I'm up to date with all writing projects that have closing dates or self-imposed submission dates. I was going to make this my final post for a few weeks, but no doubt I'll pop back on towards the end of the week and maybe leave some writing links.

Meanwhile, the photo at the top is of one of the ports we're visiting - I've only called in here once before and I'm really looking forward to seeing it again as it was spring last time and not so sunny. Anyone recognise it?

Rosemary

Author Spotlight: Moira McPartlin

It’s a great pleasure to welcome Scottish author Moira McPartlin to the Reading and Writing blog with her debut novel, The Incomers. I’ve known Moira off and on for a few years, and always knew her short stories were worth reading. I’m so glad her first book has now been published by Fledgling Press, as it’s an amazing story told with a sure voice.

From main character Ellie’s first appearance, I was completely drawn into the rather narrow-minded world of the 1960s when a small Scottish village meets its very first black resident. Ellie’s Scottish husband is also well drawn, showing his different persona in Africa and Scotland. Even Ellie’s baby, Nat, and the little English girl, Mary, feel like real characters. The pairty-line is a very clever device that allows us access to the community’s small-mindedness and illustrates their fear of anyone different from themselves.
A worthy debut novel.

Before Moira kindly answers my questions, here’s a blurb for The Incomers

The Incomers

Mission-raised Ellie Amadi expects to live a dream life when she and her son Nat leave home in West Africa to join her white, estate factor, husband James in the Fife mining village of Hollyburn. In 1966 Fife, mixed marriages are unusual, never mind interracial ones, and Ellie soon witnesses the villagers’ ignorance of outsiders. Ellie struggles to adapt to her new life and rebels against her husband’s pressure on her to conform.

When she is accused of neglecting her baby, and subjected to an allegation of witchcraft, Ellie questions her ability to go on living among white faces.

The story draws on deep parallels between the cultures of West Africa and Scotland. Each chapter ends with a vernacular ‘party line’ telephone conversation between two village women, tracking the initial animosity towards Ellie and gradually, a grudging acceptance of her.

This novel cleverly explores historical racial prejudice in Scotland and may raise some difficult cultural issues, perhaps still applicable 45 years later.

The Incomers is available from Fledgling Press; Waterstones; Kobobooks and all good bookshops. It's also available on Kindle from Amazon UK and Amazon US.

Thank you for taking time to answer these questions, Moira.

Have you been writing long, and in which genres do you normally write – do you have a preference?

I began writing seriously about twelve years ago when I was travelling but I recently found a pile of writing I composed at school so it seems I have always written in some form or other.

Genre is a difficult one for me. I write stories that I am passionate about. I tend to write Scottish or International contemporary fiction with a social message. As well as novels, I write short stories and poetry and have recently written my first stage play. I was amazed to read the school writing and to discover my style hasn’t changed - it seems I have always had a social conscience. I have no preference - I write the form that feels right for the idea.

The Incomers is set in the 1960s – what made you decide to use that decade?

I originally wrote the novel from the perspective of Mary, a ten year old girl but West African Ellie came into the story and took over. The inspiration for the novel came from the time I moved, as a small child with an English accent, into a Scottish mining village. This was in the 1960s. The villages in West Fife then were closed communities, the mining industry was booming and there were no black people there. It seemed like a good period to choose and was far enough rooted in the past to allow me freedom to use the characters and the language in a provocative way.

Is the main character, Ellie, based on a real person and was it difficult to get into her voice? And is the setting inspired by an actual Fife village? (If you can answer that!)

No, Ellie is completely fictional. I didn’t want her as a main character because I knew nothing about Africa, but once she was on the page she insisted on her story being told so I created a full back story for her. She was great fun to work with. I love her and sometimes wish she was real.

Her voice was difficult to get right. I could hear her in my head but transferring that to the page was tricky. I remembered hearing James Kelman talking about creating the child’s voice in Kieran Smith Boy. He said it didn’t have to be right it just needed to be different and consistent. I aimed for that. (And it works!)

I created the village of Hollyburn on a large sheet of paper but drew many of the features from my own childhood. I grew up in the West Fife village, Carnock, and went to school in the neighboring village of Oakley. But many of my Fife friends agree Hollyburn could be inspired by any of the villages in West Fife.

Did you have to do a lot of research for this novel? For instance, on that particular region of Africa depicted in the first few chapters?

Yes I did loads of research. As I said, I never intended Ellie to be the main character. I resisted for a long time but in the end succumbed, stopped writing and started to research. I read volumes of West African literature and non fiction. I spent hours in the Mitchell Library pouring over glossy picture books and travel books and I went to The Gambia for a week before I finished the edits. I deliberately did not pin Ellie’s nationality to one country or tribe. I found through my research that due to the tribal system in Africa many of the West African states are very similar.

I also did quite a bit of research into the 1960s because I was quite young then and couldn’t rely on my memory.

What inspired you to have a ‘Party-line (or ‘Pairty-line’!) at the end of each chapter? (a great device by the way)

The ‘Pairty Line’ was one of those inspired ‘Ah-ha’ moments. I was writing the story from Ellie’s point of view and found that the village was being demonized. I didn’t want that, their story needed to be told too and the reader deserved to understand the villagers’ motives. I can’t remember when I had the ‘Pairty Line’ idea but it was probably when I was out running or in the bath; that’s where I solve most of my writing problems. There are only twenty four pages of ‘The Pairty Line’ but it is enough.

Did it take you long to find a publisher?

It took over a year. I bought The Writers Handbook, highlighted all the possible publishers who took unsolicited manuscripts and systematically worked my way through them. I felt quite early on that The Incomers would be published by the good feedback I was receiving back with my rejections. Many publishers asked to see the full manuscript; a few loved the story but were scared of the language and racial aspects of the book. Some publishers took months to get back to me (one took over a year). It takes time, perseverance and a thick skin to stick with it.

Do you think eBooks are the future? Or do you prefer print?

I think there is a place for both. It is funny but the older generations seem to have embraced the eReader; you see them on planes and trains. EBooks are great for travellers and for people who devour the written word but don’t really care about the physical book.

I can’t imagine a world without books. Since I was a child I have been enchanted by the feel and the smell of real books. I love possessing them, my house is filled with books and I am addicted to buying them. I use my eReader to read classics and for downloading research material. I’m reading The Count of Monte Cristo on my Bookeen at the moment which is quite a read and even when I am out and about I can read the odd chapter on my phone reader.

Do you have a favourite writing place? Or one that inspires you?

I have many favorite writing places. I love writing in my conservatory. It is bright, and has comfy seats as well as a large table for spreading out work – and it has a fantastic view! But I can also be found in the Mitchell Library, 4th floor and in many Glasgow West End cafes. Cafes are very inspiring. (Completely agree!) I also write my journal in bed first thing in the morning!

Do you find time for hobbies?

I have lots of hobbies. In the last couple of years I have acquired a new hobby – two lovely grandchildren. They are fabulous fun and invigorating. I have a large garden and try to grow all my own vegetables. I attempt to play the guitar and the whistle but the poor quality of my playing is testament to the few hours I devote to practicing. And when I get the chance I hill walk. This is my passion and there is no better activity for the big sky thinking I require as a writer. We have just returned from a walking holiday in the South of France. It was hard work, but the weather, the scenery, the food and accommodation were first class – I would recommend it. I came back tanned, slimmer, fitter, and inspired.

What are your current writing plans? Will you revisit the 1960s?

I have no plans to revisit the 1960s. I’m currently working on a novel set in the future. The plot came to me in a dream. I wrote it as a short story but many writers told me it was a novel. It is great fun to write. The main protagonist is a young boy and at the moment his voice is causing me problems but it will come out in the end. I also have a couple of children’s stories I would like to get published and I need to do more work on my play.

Any tips for new writers, or those trying to get published?

Don’t get hung up on other peoples’ writing processes and ignore word count. Find what works for you. Not everyone can write for hours on end or treat writing as a nine to five. For me writing is like running. The hardest part is getting started, but once you are out there you can be as free as you like. You can go for a short burst or, if you feel good, keep going for a marathon. Sometimes you will hit hard uphill sections, at others times you free wheel. The important thing is to keep putting one foot in fort of the other. One word after another leads to a sentence, one sentence after the other leads to a paragraph and before you know it you have a chapter to edit.

For those seeking a publisher, I would say the same as every other writer – persevere and believe in yourself. If you have created a crafted, original piece of work someone will want it eventually.

When I was submitting my novel I sent out short stories and poems for publication. Small successes make a huge difference to your motivation and self esteem.

Oh and drink lots of peppermint tea – it is very stimulating.

Many thanks for those interesting answers and great advice, Moira!

Moira McPartlin is a Scot with Irish roots. Although born in the Scottish Borders, she was brought up in a Fife mining village. She has been writing short stories, articles and poetry for a number of years and has had work published in Northwords Now, Crannog, Countryside Tales, Brittle Star, Giggle, The Scottish Mountaineer and a number of anthologies.

Moira is one of the organizers for Weegie Wednesday, a monthly book industry networking event held in Glasgow, and she sits on the editorial board of New Voices Press, the publishing arm of the Federation of Writers’ Scotland.

The Incomers, Moira’s debut novel, was published by Fledgling Press - March 2012

You can find out more about Moira on her website.

An Overview of the RNA Conference

Well, what a fabulous RNA conference at Penrith this year, from start to finish! Inspiring, informative and interesting workshops and speakers, wonderful fellow writers, excellent organisation, goody bags full of books and chocolate (the latter now eaten), friendly staff and good food, fun kitchen party, glamorous Gala dinner – and the sun even shone most of the weekend! I’ll try and give an overview of the speakers/workshops I attended. And many more were on offer so it was sometimes a hard choice. I travelled there and back with my friend, Joan.

My first session on Saturday morning was Maggie Seed’s talk about writing My Weekly Pocket Novels. Vivacious, fun, and friendly is how I’d describe the wonderful Maggie. She is so open to writers sending in their pocket novels (50,000 words) and absolutely loves escapism, romance, thrills, danger, conflict – and the heroine doesn’t have to be ‘nice’, or mega young! I might do a later post about this session.

Maggie Seed

I next went to hear Kate Harrison talk about the results of her recent survey into women’s fiction: ‘A Woman’s World? – the future of books by, and for, women'. Interesting, but no surprises. And, as you can imagine, a certain '50 Shades...’ book kept popping up in talks. It has sold 20 million copies around the world (2 mil in UK). But, overall, it seems readers are most looking for something thought-provoking, even if just a new way of finding love.

Then I had the first of my one-to-one sessions, with Gillian Green of Ebury Press. Very useful and encouraging, but I need to process her comments myself yet (she liked my novel’s idea)! After lunch, I went to her talk about ‘Boldly going where Ebury Fiction has not gone before...’ An interesting and informative overview of Ebury’s fiction – definitely worth looking at for anyone writing general fiction. And they seem to be fairly open to new submissions as they’re hoping to build their list.

Afterwards, I had my second one-to-one – with the overall editor of Mira. Again, it was a very interesting, encouraging and thought-provoking chat (and she liked my lyrical writing!). Still need to process her comments too. After coffee, I attended the Mira talk by three of their editors. It was informative and friendly. Again, they seem very open to new submissions for this more general imprint of Harlequin. They gave us ‘Ten things we hate about you’ and ‘Ten things you hate about us’.

Saturday evening was time to dress up and enjoy the Gala dinner and late-night kitchen parties!

Another friend, Gwen, and me

Bright and early on Sunday morning (or not, depending on how much wine people drank the night before), one of the first sessions was with the lovely American editor from Samhain Books. I’m so glad I attended this as it was a revelation. So many people think this is mainly an erotic fiction e-publisher, but they take just as many sweeter or more traditional romantic genre novels and they also print books over 50,000 words. I was also impressed with their whole ethos, publishing and marketing strategy. Definitely one I’ll be looking at more closely.

Next was another fascinating session from Tamsyn Murray about YA fiction ‘Going all the way? – YA comes of age’. I’m so glad I didn’t miss this either as it was so helpful and relevant to some of the ideas I have. Good discussion about how far is too far in writing about sex and other teenage problems in YA fiction. No definitive answer, I’m afraid, but lots of recommended published books to read, from those containing only implied physical relationship, to those that are very ‘full on’! As with adult fiction, it all comes down to character/plot/situation and the author’s own comfort zone.

The final session before lunch was a much-needed writing coach workshop with Sonia Duggan. Those of us attending had filled out a questionnaire before the conference and this session was all about ‘Getting to where you want to be’. Just what I needed to think about! It was useful up to a point and did force me to identify what’s holding me back from my ultimate goals, and to set some specific new goals.

After lunch, we had to get ready to travel back to Scotland, although a few more sessions were in place for those staying on that day. What can I say now? I’m thoroughly inspired, encouraged and raring to go. But first I’m catching up on emails, forums, blogs, FB and twitter, then I’ll clear the decks and use the next couple of weeks before holidays to write down what I want to achieve over the next couple of years.

And to start me off, I came home to 2 cheques, 1 PayPal payment, 1 email telling me a story has got through the first round of selections for an American anthology, 1 email telling me a story had an honourable mention in a comp, and only 1 rejection (from PF). Onwards and Upwards!

Rosemary

RNA Conference 2012

Hurrah - it's almost time to go to the RNA weekend conference at Penrith! This is as far north as the conference comes and it will be only my second attendance at one. The programme is excellent - interesting, informative and hopefully inspiring. And then there's the endless chatting, meeting old friends and new - and I'm especially looking forward to meeting a few blogging friends 'in the flesh' at last. See you there Paula, Jean, Talli, Debbie, and anyone else I chat with online.

Although I've mentioned the RNA New Writers' Scheme before, it's a good time to remind unpublished novelists who write any type of romantic fiction about this wonderful opportunity. First of all, don't be put off by the word 'romance' - this covers all kinds of fiction now and as long as there is some kind of romantic element in the story, it should be fine. Once you have joined the NWS, you can send in a full manuscript by the end of August each year, for which you will then receive an in-depth written critique. Excellent value for the price of the joining fee. Places are limited and interest is huge, so you would need to apply in the first few days of January. Details are on the RNA website.

As well as a valuable critique, there's always the chance your novel might go to a second read which means it's well on its way to possible publication. Some writers might not realise that Pocket Novels and other category novels are acceptable for this. In fact publication of a woman's magazine serial would gain you full membership to the RNA itself. The NWS also allows members to join the official online discussion forum of the RNA.

Meanwhile, I still have my packing to do for an early start tomorrow morning - once I decide finally what I'm taking. Our lovely, changeable weather doesn't help! But that's by the way, as I'm more excited about the workshops and people. I'll report back afterwards, if we haven't sunk under water at Penrith!

Rosemary

Freelance Writing and Submitting

I’ve been making a conscious effort this year to get as much of my writing as possible ‘out there’ – again! If we’ve been writing for many years, it’s inevitable that a little pile of finished, rejected, and soon-to-be-completed work builds up over the years.

Like many writers, I begin full of good intentions - sending work out in hope, then ignoring it for a while if it doesn’t sell and moving on to the next one on the list. As many of you know, I write in a variety of genres and sometimes neglect one in favour of another. I’m trying to earn some kind of living from writing, so I also do occasional adjudicating, and speaking about writing to supplement the paltry income, and am lucky enough to be invited to do so a couple of times each year.

This is all part of being a Freelance Writer and, as well as being fun, it brings variety to the writing year. But when it gets down to basics, we still need to write, edit, and send work out if we ever want to be consistently published. And we all have to start somewhere – even if it’s in small press, lower circulation magazines, or websites. Being published at all means your name is getting known and that’s all grist to the mill if eventually publishing novels.

So here’s a little breakdown of my submissions and results (so far) since the beginning of 2012 – (5-6 months). At least I think that’s all!

Tween Novel Published – One!

Short stories to editors/comps: 22 sent out. Two accepted; 1 competition win and published online; 3 rejections; 16 awaiting reply/results.

Articles to editors/comps: 3 sent out. One accepted; 1 not mentioned in comp; 1 awaiting reply.

Children’s stories to editors/1 comp: 5 sent out. One acceptance; 1 rejection; 1 not mentioned in comp; 2 awaiting reply.

Children’s short novel: 1 sent out. Awaiting reply.

Adult novella: 1 sent out. Awaiting reply.

Flash Fiction: 2 sent out. Awaiting reply/results.

Letters to magazines: 2 sent out. One published; 1 waiting reply.

Synopsis and 3 chapters of mainstream novel: 3 sent out in UK (same novel). One reply (no thanks); 2 awaiting reply.

Photos for Competition: 2 sent out. Awaiting results.

I’ve also sent a couple of poems out but don’t write as much of that these days so I won’t hold my breath with those, although I’ve had some published and some gaining a place in past competitions.

As you can see, the vast majority of submissions are still awaiting a reply of some kind – and that’s the bane of a freelance life. So what we most need is patience, perseverance and sheer determination to keep sending that work out. And the more we send out, the more chances of being published!

Good luck with yours.

Rosemary

Author Spotlight: Michael J Malone

I’m delighted to welcome debut crime author, Michael J Malone, to the reading and writing blog today. I’ve known Michael for many years now through various writing associations in Scotland. As well as being a well-published author of wonderful poetry, he’s a great guy. I’m not the only colleague cheering to see his first crime novel, Blood Tears, finally and deservedly in print.

I’m halfway through reading it and, besides being a well written police procedural, the humour and banter between the police colleagues elevates this debut Scottish crime novel into a class of its own. Before I chat to Michael, here’s a little about Blood Tears.

Blood Tears

Detective Inspector Ray McBain is in his early-thirties and has three compulsions; work, married women and chocolate. Not necessarily in that order.

A body is discovered, a body that has been horribly mutilated. Ray quickly determines the wounds were committed pre-mortem. They spell out the wounds of the stigmata.

Early on in the investigation, McBain discovers that the victim was a serial abuser in children’s homes and becomes certain that this is a revenge killing.

One of the earlier orphanages where the victim worked is one where McBain himself stayed as a boy. Knowing how important time is and for reasons not even apparent to him, Ray hides this particular fact and remains head investigating officer. This deception is soon uncovered and he is arrested and charged with the murder.

...and the dreams begin. Dreams where a murder has just happened and where he himself is centre stage; covered in blood and choking in a cloud of white feathers.

Ignoring his fears that he might actually be the killer Ray escapes from police custody in search of the truth. A truth that could be locked on his own mind, but he knows that he must act before more people die.

D.I. Ray McBain must find a determined killer before he kills again, save his sanity, his career and his own life.

Blood Tears is available in paperback from Amazon UK and the Book Depositary - it will soon be available as an e-book.

Welcome, Michael, and thanks for taking time out to answer my questions.

Tell us a little about how you became a writer.

I don’t think you have enough space for me to accurately reply to that question, Rosemary. The quick answer would be through lots of reading and then lots of writing. Then when I was doing lots of writing I was seeking feedback from people whose opinions I valued – entering competitions – networking with other writers – learning and honing my craft. Then once I had something I thought was of any value I submitted to publishers and agents – and again with the short version, after about 12 years of this I found a publisher.

You’re also a well published poet. Do you use naturally poetic language in your novels, or did you find a different voice for those. And was the humour intentional?

There are times when I can’t help myself, times when I do it deliberately… but there are also times when I studiously avoid it. Language and the imaginative use of it is important to me and something I look for when I am reading other writers, but I am writing in the crime genre so pace and tension are vital components and lyrical language can slow that side of it down. Being aware of when it works and when it doesn’t is key I think. And that comes from practice.

As for humour, it’s like the poetry in that I can’t help myself. I’m so not funny in person, but when I’m writing – particularly dialogue – that stuff just flows from me. But again, I have to be wary of it and ensure it doesn’t get in the way of the novel. You don’t want a character cracking a joke while they are watching a loved one die. Or maybe you do.

Blood Tears delves into the topical world of Catholic orphanages and the disturbing legacy they left in some children’s lives. Did you have to do a lot of research for this novel?

I didn’t have to do any research for it, for the simple reason that I spent a good portion of my childhood in one of these places. Of course it is all heightened. I’m writing a novel after all. However, there were some things I experienced that made it in to the novel – you’ll just have to read it and see what I’m talking about.

Is DI Ray McBain based on a real person? (You don’t have to admit to it!) Did you approach the police service for procedural information?

McBain is entirely a figment of my imagination who turned up purely by accident one day when I was writing. The attitude, the voice, the salty language were all there the moment I began to write. I needed a detective and there he was. Almost fully formed.

As for the research side of it, I know quite a few guys in the force so I was able to phone them to ensure I got that side of it right.

Is this going to be a series of books? If so, do you think a series is easier or more difficult than stand-alone novels?

It is going to be a series and I think there are pros and cons for both approaches. When I was writing the follow-up everything was there in my head. The characters and the places, I just had to come up with a story to hang them all on. The downside is that when writing a series you can begin to repeat yourself, particularly when you write books that are so strongly character based as I do. If you are writing about the puzzle then all (all???) you need to come up with is a new puzzle, but when it’s about your character as much as the puzzle there is only so much you can put them through before it becomes laughable.

Stand-alone novels might be more difficult in that you have to come up with a new premise, a new setting and a new set of characters each time. But you are less likely to repeat yourself.

Is it difficult to fit your writing around the day job? And do you have a favourite writing place?

It can be difficult to fit writing in. As you well know, life can get in the way of any writing targets you might have, but I think the key is to get yourself a work habit. I know a guy who wrote 5 novels at work during his lunch hours. He had timed it that he had 30 minute slots every day to write – and he just got on with it.
As for a favourite writing place, a friend of mine offers me the gift of time and space in a wonderful house in the north of Scotland. I go there as much as I can and write up a storm.

Do you think eBooks are the future? Or do you prefer print?

I MUCH prefer paper. There’s nothing quite like the experience of browsing the shelves of a bookshop, chatting with other shoppers, or the staff. For me part of the pleasure of reading is a sensual experience. There’s the heft of the book, the smell of the paper, assessing the cover, reading the blurb on the back and then checking out the first page. Sure, you can do some of that with an e-book, but it’s just not quite the same as far as I’m concerned. I have to agree!

However, anyone who says that e-books are not part of our reading future is kidding themselves on. There’s everything to play for and nothing is settled yet but I think both mediums will survive.

Do you find time for hobbies/relaxation?

Absolutely. I’m far too lazy to just work all the time. I have a dog, so he gets an hour or so of my time every day. I also watch way too much telly. And I always find time to read.

What are your current writing plans?

I think it’s important to have some fallow time, to give the brain a break from all that word-work. That’s my excuse and I’m sticking to it. So, right now is a fallow time. Having said that, book 3 in the McBain series is just itching to be written and various ideas are going through the filter of my sub-conscious.

Any tips for new writers?

Put the hours in. Read lots. Write lots. Learn your craft and if you ever hear yourself saying “that’ll do” know that it means it’s not quite good enough and needs more work.

Many thanks for the interesting perspective and great advice!

Michael J. Malone has published over 200 poems in literary magazines throughout the UK. (His career as a poet has also included a very brief stint as the Poet Laureate for an adult gift shop. Don’t ask.)

His debut crime novel Blood Tears won the Pitlochry Prize (Scottish Association of Writers) and is published by Five Leaves. His next publication, Carnegie’s Call, is a non-fiction work about successful Scots, to be released in October 2012.

Michael reviews regularly for the popular crime fiction website http://www.crimesquad.com/ and he blogs at http://mickmal1.blogspot.com/.

Two-Day Half Price Book Sale

Thought I'd mention the MuseItUp Publishing half price sale on their ebooks for today and tomorrow only, 3rd and 4th July, to honour the American 4th of July holiday. You can buy any of their ebooks here, if so inclined - don't forget the code: MUSEJULY4. They also use PayPal.

MuseItUp are Canadian and published my tween book, Summer of the Eagles!

Rosemary