[…] Well, December is here and good friend of mine, Anthony Lavisher has set up a competition. Some lucky reader will win a copy of Whispers Of A Storm, the first Book of the Storm trilogy in paperback. Find all the details here: http://alavisher.wordpress.com/book-giveaway/ […]
There’s still time to enter the competition to win the signed 1st edition copy of Whispers of a Storm. Just like the Book Giveaway post and follow my blog (if you haven’t already).
Hi Anthony, I’m sorry to hear the news and I am one of those people who probably understands quite well. I am quite close to my father in a strangely distant way that I can’t possibly explain but I’ve been anticipating similar news for years as my father is also an alcoholic. I would grieve for what my father has taught me, the man he can be sober, but I grieve for those things anyway.
Thank you for your reply, Emma. It is a very difficult thing to explain, a personal set of emotions that for every person who has a similar tale, will experience in a differing way. It is a horrible thing to sub-consciously anticipate and, when the time comes, it is, for me, a very strange thing to deal with. I shall hold onto any good memories that rise to the fore and I hope, when the time comes, I hope you can, too. Take care.
Nicely done. I really liked the line about “being familiar with the river you’re in”. The interview questions were well-thought-out too, which makes an interview worth the time to read.
I can really identify with the “But I don’t read fantasy” comment and I do find it frustrating. But then it is also true that I need to read more widely. The problem is that I get bored with contemporary fiction, I need more “what if” stimulation of my imagination.
But I’m concerned that you would liken your writing to George R R Martin without having read his work. I have read his novels and am inspired by him in my writing, but feel it would be presumptuous of me to draw such a comparison. One day, just maybe, someone else might make such a comparison and I would be delighted. Sure it’s helpful that many people are now aware of him and he is an exemplar of the field’ but still…..
Hi Clive. Thanks for your kind response. Sorry, I should have clarified it a bit better with regards to George R.R Martin’s books- I liken my book to the Tv series, not the books, because of the style/feel of the program (which I have seen) as a quick way of letting someone know what type of fantasy it is – I had a kind review recently which did actually say ‘If you like Game of Thrones, you’ll love this’ 🙂
The inspiration behind my writing was actually the fabulous David Gemmell, whose work I love and miss terribly. And, as you rightly say, it would be presumptious of me to liken my own work to the great man, but, should I be lucky enough for a reader, one day, to draw a comparison with my literary hero, I would be a happy, honoured man, indeed.
I totally understand your need for more ‘what if’ as well.
A true ‘Legend’ of British Fantasy. With so many wonderful tales, I couldn’t chose a favourite – although, I will never forget the feelings, the emotions I had with the first book of his I read, ‘Knights of Dark Renown’ and the influence it had upon me.
[…] was recently invited to take part in the ‘My Writing Process’ Blog Tour by Anthony Lavisher and, um, kind of forgot. It’s been busy times of late, with lots of projects on the go, much […]
I always take my time over naming charcters. I think names are incredibly important. I have read many books where the characters portrayed are fabulous, but the names just don’t fit.
Reblogged this on Blätterflüstern and commented:
If you haven’t read the first two sequels, you should do so now, and then suggest a character name for a chance to win a signed copy of the next instalment.
Oops! Thought I should update how my book-signing went. A slow day, but a good one. I got to meet some lovely people who were members of local book groups – so am hoping to be invited along to do a few talks in the future foer them 🙂
Welsh cakes are amazing and don’t taste like anything else! You make dough and cook the cakes on a hot frying pan. Is Welsh Brew a brand?
I have two questions.
Are you Welsh?!
How did you break the writing barrier? The false starts, lack of perseverance, etc. That is, assuming you faced these things! 🙂
Hi Emma. They (Welsh Cakes) certainly are wonderful, going to be having one (or two) with my mid-morn cuppa today 🙂
In amswer to your questions, I have lived in Wales for four years now and whilst I was born in Berkshire, I love Wales, its people and way of life here (Welsh Brew is a brand of tea from Wales – not sure if it is available outside Cymru).
It was my wife Amy, who helped me break that barrier, give me the confidence I needed to take that next step from having it sat on my laptop, to believing that I may have a story other people would like to read. Up to that point, the only real tentative step I had taken was to send, many years before, the first chapter of Whispers off to be critiqued (it was a short story back then and bare bones compared to how it appears in the book) – I had a reply saying if I could flesh out the story some more, I would have a very readable piece of fiction… so that was a big boost – but then, as life always has a way of doing, it got firmly in the way.
I struggled with balancing a full-time job and writing Shadows of a Storm, which is why, sadly, it took a lot longer to arrive – but since Nov 13, I have been part-time and that is why things have started to happen a lot quicker now. I have a routine at last.
My real barrier now, is me. I am my own worst critic and I beat myself up probably far too much over all the promotion I have to do for even one person to become aware of me. It means a lot to me when people read my book (whether they like it or not) and it keeps me going through the dark days of self-doubt.
I have a literary agent, also, which is such a boost to my confidence and it keeps me going on my path, which at times can be a lonely one.
But I wouldn’t change any of it for a second 🙂
Oh my goodness, I didn’t realise you published with Author House first time round – I have read SO many bad things about them, not least of all some guy who paid £3000 to go with them, and all he received was a badly edited and produced book, priced so highly that no one bought it! Glad you got out of that contract – this is why I blog about these scammers, and urge new writers to understand that publishers pay authors, not the other way round. Look forward to reading this series of blog posts – I hope they’ll be of help to newer writers 🙂
Hi Terry. Yes, I didn’t really know what I was doing at the start. I basically paid £600 (so I got off lightly by the sounds of it) for them to produce the book and cover, which you can create for free on Amazon these days. Back in 2011 , unless I missed it, I don’t think there was that option for me then, and I had spent a year sending the manuscript off to publishers, only to hear the standard “no thanks” after months and months of waiting – so I thought I would go for it and just get myself out there.
The layout of the novel was all down to me, which was why it did look very good inside – AH did nothing with that, just added in copyright blurb. I had very little support through the process, other than to get a few proofs through, but, of course, if you wanted ‘extras’ you would have had to pay for that privelage.
It did get me out there, give me a small platform to shout from – but all of that was because of my hard work – if I thought my large word count paperbacks are fairly pricey on Amazon these days, Whispers was listed (and I had no control on that if I recall correctly) by AH for something stupid like £17.50 – basically, I sold all the copies myself at shows etc., and only a very small few copies online – so much for the amazing exposure AH would give me.
The only positives I can see from my own personal experiences with them was that it did get me out there, and, to their credit, the paperback quality that AH produced was of a much higher standard than the ones I recieve from Amazon – but I really did have to pay for that privelige.
Yes, that’s the problem with vanity presses – they’ve already made their money from the author, they don’t need to promote the books. I can see how authors who really want to have their books in paperback will try this option – I never saw myself as anything other than an ebook seller.
I don’t seen anything wrong with going with a vanity press if you know what you’re doing, and why; I reviewed a book a while back from a guy who had gone with Troubadour (who seem to be the best of them), simply because he wanted the paperbacks and proofreading service they offered. The problem comes with these scammers who call themselves ‘traditional publishers’ and flatter the authors into thinking that they have a real publishing deal.
Sadly, as always, the bad companies seem to outweigh the good ones. I had not heard of Troubador. I think AH have re-branded themselves now, so I have no idea who/what name they are operating under.
Amazon’s service makes it very easy to use for new writers, and the option to have a paperback as well is an added bonus for those authors who want to go that route as well.
Yes, I think my motto is, “if you are paying anything for your deal, it is not a deal.”
If I was starting out today, I would not start off the same way I did – but, I guess, this is what the journey is all about – the adventure. I am learning something new every day, it seems. let’s hope that by talking about it, we can help others, too.
Just finished reading “Whispers of a Storm” – what a great read – it has everything- intrigue,betrayal,adventure, romance, and above all the code of conduct of honour. I have just taken out the other two books from Pembrey library – all of the books signed by you, and am looking forward to being thoroughly entertained again. Well done.
Dear Nick. Thank you so much for taking the time to get in touch. I am always so humbled when people tell me how much they loved one of my tales – especially so, when they have discovered me through their local library. When I am not off adventuring through my imagination, I work two days a week in my local library in the Vale of Glamorgan, and I can tell you that my smile when I read your message, stretched from the coast here to Pembrey Sands.
I truly hope you enjoy the continuing adventures ahead of you and I would really appreciate it if you are able to spare some more of your valuable time to share your thoughts on Whispers of a Storm with your fellow readers in a review. Word of mouth can be just as powerful as those written on the page, and it would certainly help to spread awareness of my work even further.
Happy adventuring in the Four Vales, and thank you so much again for getting in touch.
Thanks for replying – so far the first 100 pages of “Shadow of the Storm” are just as riveting as ” Whispers of a Storm”. How do I go about writing a review, or more to the point which platform do I use? You are a talented writer and deserve to have your work very widely read – Whilst I was reading “Whispers of a Storm” I was thinking what a great film could follow – you never know!
Thank you so much for your kind words, Nick. It’s no small thing to say that you have got my 2020 off to the most wonderful of starts.
With regards to reviewing, most people tend to use sites like Amazon to leave reviews, or Goodreads. Either of those would help, if you have access to them, and of course, the best way is to tell people yourself about books you have enjoyed.
I’m so glad you can visualise it that way, it’s excatly how I write my novels, picturing each scene as if I were watching a film, or epic tv show.
Let’s hope that one day, Khadazin and Cassana’s will be read (and who knows, seen) by many, many more people.
Just finished reading “Vengeance of a Storm” the last of the Storm trilogy and it is with some regret – I didn’t want the story to end. The trilogy has been written for the romantic adventurer creating hat fulls of skulduggery and valour in equal measure which is occasionally soothed by the promise of romance. The plot is wrought by the sheer nastiness and heroic selflessness of the of the villains and heroes at play and drops ice water or honey into the cauldron to pull the reader deeper into the political intrigues of the Vales. I have to say a special mention to the villain cum hero Arillion who by himself could fire a good many yarns.
Well done Anthony – what a bloody good film this literary masterpiece would make. Don’t be shy – send a synopsis to the intelligent – you never know!
I am usually a man of many words, but your kindess has rendered me speechless.
Thank you so much, Nick. I am so pleased you enjoyed the trilogy. For my first novels, I poured everything into them in the six years it took to write the Storm trilogy, and it touches me greatly to know that others have loved my tale as much as I did crafting it.
Here’s hoping that we will both return to The Four Vales, once again soon .
Thanks, Brian. Yes to 1917, it’s one I have to watch again before I share my thoughts, and it will be interesting to see how it transfers to the small screen.
I adored this series, and the film, of course! It’s a long time since I’ve seen it and I have a shocking memory – you’ve made me want to watch it again!
Thanks, Terry. It’s a fantastic show/film! And I expect you will pick up even more from a second watch – it was really hard to say something, without saying anything 🙂 A 4th season is coming out soon, though I am avoiding everything about it, as I don’t want any spoilers.
I recently discovered Dominic’s Daniel Beckett trilogy and am mesmerized by his fast-paced, erotically-descriptive dialogue. Anxiously awaiting release of his fourth book, “Bitter Almonds and Jasmine!” In anticipation, I’m wearing Guicci’s new fragrance and letting my imagination run amok!
That’s great to hear, Kate. I am about to delve into his first offering, so I am even more excited about what’s ahead for me now. Hopefully I can catch up by the time Dominic’s fourth book arrives.
Adored Joker but found The Lighthouse too slow… I know it’s artistic, atmospheric, etc etc, but it just didn’t grab me, and we turned it off after about half an hour.
Parasite is a must watch – it’s hard to put into words how enjoyable it was. I totally get where you are coming from about The Lighthouse, and we almost gave up on it, too. I am glad we didn’t – it’s stayed with me, that’s for sure. It may be a long time before I watch it a second time (and I daresay my wife will not watch it with me again), but I am looking forward to delving into again – though I may have to put the subtitles on to get everything being said 🙂
Yes, it sure has. I am in good company, it seems in my views. I can’t even predict how this will all end! am hoping it ties up prefectly with how we meet him in Breaking Bad. That would have the best cameos in recent TV history.
A fine collection! It’s so long since I watched Fargo that I can’t remember what I thought of it, but tick tick for Queen’s Gambit, and I really must try The Last Kingdom again – loved the first season, but we watched ep 1 of S2 and thought it had become a Happy Shopper Vikings. We will re-visit!
Thanks, Terry, Glad you are enjoying them (and if my love of these reviewed shows makes people want to watch/re-watch them, I am a happy man). Give TLK another go (first few of season 2 are a bit meh, as you have said – but defintely worth sticking with).
I just started Kiss Me When I’m Dead last night. It’s a fantastic read with interesting characters. One of the best things about this book is that it is written in Present Tense! After I took a screenwriting class I started writing in Present Tense and haven’t looked back. And Dominic does a great job with First Person, too. I’ve had lots of difficulty with First Person. I tend to blather on about nonsense. Fortunately, Dominic’s wiseass protagonist does a perfect job with this narration. His opinions of the characters he encounters is quite hysterical and appropriate. Now that I’ve started reading Dominic’s series, all my own writing will be set aside.
Hi Adam. Sorry for the delayed response. So glad you loved it! I am currently enjoying Kiss Me When I am Dead myself, and I whole-heartedly agree! I have tried, and failed in present tense before, but Dominic’s style, and he has plenty of it, has certainly inspired me to try again. Enjoy the rest of his series!
How time flies! There are not many books in my life that I have read more than once but I am proud to say that this is one that I have and that reading this trilogy gave me a lot of pleasure.
Coming up this November, 2021, Kiss Me When I’m Dead, along with the entire four-book Daniel Beckett series, will be the featured Book of the Month on my FIRST DRAFT Website: http://botm.blackdogebooks.com/botm-feature/
dlavisher
December 1, 2012 at 5:06 pmLets see if I can win a copy!
rangerant
December 4, 2012 at 12:17 pmThanks for entering. Good luck!
Tiff
December 1, 2012 at 10:32 pmCome on let me win one!!!
rangerant
December 4, 2012 at 12:18 pmBest of luck. Thanks for entering 🙂
Interview with Anthony Lavisher, Englishj Fantasy Author | Ideas Captured
December 3, 2012 at 9:48 am[…] Well, December is here and good friend of mine, Anthony Lavisher has set up a competition. Some lucky reader will win a copy of Whispers Of A Storm, the first Book of the Storm trilogy in paperback. Find all the details here: http://alavisher.wordpress.com/book-giveaway/ […]
Emma Hatton
December 4, 2012 at 11:03 amWell, I have shared it on Facebook (with a recommendation) and signed up for your blog. Hope that’s enough!
rangerant
December 4, 2012 at 12:16 pmThanks for that Emma. Very kind of you. Good luck!
rangerant
December 29, 2012 at 12:51 pmThere’s still time to enter the competition to win the signed 1st edition copy of Whispers of a Storm. Just like the Book Giveaway post and follow my blog (if you haven’t already).
Interview with Anthony Lavisher, English Fantasy Author | Ideas Captured
January 3, 2013 at 7:24 am[…] Not enough I hear you say. Then go here and get the rest of Chapter 1: http://alavisher.wordpress.com/whispers-of-a-storm-chapter-sample/ […]
Emma
February 18, 2013 at 5:54 pmHi Anthony, I’m sorry to hear the news and I am one of those people who probably understands quite well. I am quite close to my father in a strangely distant way that I can’t possibly explain but I’ve been anticipating similar news for years as my father is also an alcoholic. I would grieve for what my father has taught me, the man he can be sober, but I grieve for those things anyway.
rangerant
February 20, 2013 at 8:36 amThank you for your reply, Emma. It is a very difficult thing to explain, a personal set of emotions that for every person who has a similar tale, will experience in a differing way. It is a horrible thing to sub-consciously anticipate and, when the time comes, it is, for me, a very strange thing to deal with. I shall hold onto any good memories that rise to the fore and I hope, when the time comes, I hope you can, too. Take care.
margaret
March 10, 2013 at 10:55 pmgood for you Ant!
Andrew Peters
January 20, 2014 at 11:18 amKeep at it!
Rachel Amphlett
January 21, 2014 at 9:29 amCan’t wait to read the next instalment!
Martin
January 22, 2014 at 12:52 pmOh come ON already! 😉
(Just off to DL ‘Whispers’)
rangerant
January 23, 2014 at 11:21 amThanks, all! Working hard on getting the manuscript and cover sorted.
Anthony Lavisher - Author
February 10, 2014 at 10:29 am[…] Author Interviews […]
kathyree
February 10, 2014 at 6:27 pmNicely done. I really liked the line about “being familiar with the river you’re in”. The interview questions were well-thought-out too, which makes an interview worth the time to read.
rangerant
February 11, 2014 at 9:34 amThank you, Kathy. Most kind of you to say! I’ll have more interviews in the coming weeks, so I hope you enjoy them, too 🙂
Monday blogs | Anthony Lavisher - Author
February 17, 2014 at 10:54 am[…] Author Interviews […]
Clive Anthony
March 17, 2014 at 1:51 pmI can really identify with the “But I don’t read fantasy” comment and I do find it frustrating. But then it is also true that I need to read more widely. The problem is that I get bored with contemporary fiction, I need more “what if” stimulation of my imagination.
But I’m concerned that you would liken your writing to George R R Martin without having read his work. I have read his novels and am inspired by him in my writing, but feel it would be presumptuous of me to draw such a comparison. One day, just maybe, someone else might make such a comparison and I would be delighted. Sure it’s helpful that many people are now aware of him and he is an exemplar of the field’ but still…..
rangerant
March 17, 2014 at 2:32 pmHi Clive. Thanks for your kind response. Sorry, I should have clarified it a bit better with regards to George R.R Martin’s books- I liken my book to the Tv series, not the books, because of the style/feel of the program (which I have seen) as a quick way of letting someone know what type of fantasy it is – I had a kind review recently which did actually say ‘If you like Game of Thrones, you’ll love this’ 🙂
The inspiration behind my writing was actually the fabulous David Gemmell, whose work I love and miss terribly. And, as you rightly say, it would be presumptious of me to liken my own work to the great man, but, should I be lucky enough for a reader, one day, to draw a comparison with my literary hero, I would be a happy, honoured man, indeed.
I totally understand your need for more ‘what if’ as well.
Clive Anthony
March 17, 2014 at 3:20 pmAh, David Gemmell, couldn’t agree more, so many brilliant tales…
rangerant
March 17, 2014 at 4:02 pmA true ‘Legend’ of British Fantasy. With so many wonderful tales, I couldn’t chose a favourite – although, I will never forget the feelings, the emotions I had with the first book of his I read, ‘Knights of Dark Renown’ and the influence it had upon me.
Aman(@amanhimself)
April 14, 2014 at 11:41 amThanks for visiting by 🙂
Richie Earl’s Tales of Finn Dragon Blog Tour | Anthony Lavisher - Author
April 25, 2014 at 10:35 am[…] Author Interviews […]
J.D.Hughes
June 2, 2014 at 12:39 pmCheers for following my blog, Anthony and good luck with your sequel 🙂
rangerant
June 3, 2014 at 9:05 amMany thanks, JD. Great to connect with you here, also.
Author Interview with Rachel Amphlett | Anthony Lavisher - Author
June 9, 2014 at 9:31 am[…] Author Interviews […]
My Writing Process | The Welsh-Londoner's Literary Adventures
August 3, 2014 at 6:41 pm[…] was recently invited to take part in the ‘My Writing Process’ Blog Tour by Anthony Lavisher and, um, kind of forgot. It’s been busy times of late, with lots of projects on the go, much […]
Bel
September 8, 2014 at 12:41 pmI’ll have to think about that one. 🙂
rangerant
September 9, 2014 at 10:52 amI always take my time over naming charcters. I think names are incredibly important. I have read many books where the characters portrayed are fabulous, but the names just don’t fit.
Bel
September 9, 2014 at 4:54 pmI usually just accept the names as the author chose them, but I do sometimes wonder. 😀
Literati
September 8, 2014 at 5:23 pmReblogged this on Blätterflüstern and commented:
If you haven’t read the first two sequels, you should do so now, and then suggest a character name for a chance to win a signed copy of the next instalment.
rangerant
September 9, 2014 at 10:53 amMy thanks for the re-blog. Most kind. I look forward to receiving your suggestions 🙂
Literati
September 9, 2014 at 7:57 pmWill read the second ‘Storm’ first, then see what I can come up with (IF inspiration hits me). 🙂
rangerant
September 10, 2014 at 8:36 pmThat is most kind. I look forward to your inspiration 🙂
Literati
September 23, 2014 at 7:25 pmWish I could go. Hope it will be a great success!
rangerant
September 25, 2014 at 7:30 pmThank you, that’s very kind of you. I’ll update next week to say how it went 🙂
rangerant
October 24, 2014 at 1:35 pmOops! Thought I should update how my book-signing went. A slow day, but a good one. I got to meet some lovely people who were members of local book groups – so am hoping to be invited along to do a few talks in the future foer them 🙂
Literati
October 27, 2014 at 10:34 amI’ll keep my fingers crossed for you. I hope people spread the word. 🙂
rangerant
October 27, 2014 at 10:37 amThank you, that is most kind of you. Hope all is well with you!
Don’t forget, there’s still time to name a character in Vengeance of a Storm 🙂
Literati
October 27, 2014 at 10:47 amI’m having a cold, but otherwise well, thanks. I still can’t make up my mind for a name; I haven’t forgotten about it, though. 🙂
rangerant
October 27, 2014 at 11:29 amThere are plenty of colds going about at the moment. Hope you are feeling better soon.
Literati
October 27, 2014 at 11:34 amThank you, so do I. 🙂 I can’t concentrate, which means I can’t read for long. :-/
rangerant
October 27, 2014 at 11:40 amI know that feeling! I am fighting off something at the moment and I really should be writing… should be 😉
Literati
October 27, 2014 at 11:55 amWe’re in the same boat then – sort of. Get well soon. xx
rangerant
October 27, 2014 at 12:10 pmThanks. you, too x x
Margaret Sherborne
October 21, 2014 at 6:32 pmmy suggested name is Tobias Tallis
rangerant
October 24, 2014 at 1:33 pmThank you for the entry 🙂
Literati
December 5, 2014 at 7:17 pmWell, I’ve thought about it on and off for ages now. I suggest Apenimon, which I am led to believe is an Indian name meaning “worthy of trust”.
rangerant
December 8, 2014 at 10:13 amThank you very much for your entry! What a lovely translation.
Literati
February 10, 2015 at 2:52 pmOK, I’ll bite. 🙂 Is the manuscript nearly ready for proofreading? Oh, and what is a Welsh Cake?
rangerant
February 13, 2015 at 9:30 amNearly ready 🙂 Here’s BBC’s take on what makes a lovely Welsh cake for you:-
http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/welsh_cakes_16706
Hope you enjoy them if you give them a go 🙂
Literati
February 14, 2015 at 12:19 pmThanks for the link. Sounds lovely. 🙂
Emma Hatton
February 10, 2015 at 4:18 pmWelsh cakes are amazing and don’t taste like anything else! You make dough and cook the cakes on a hot frying pan. Is Welsh Brew a brand?
I have two questions.
Are you Welsh?!
How did you break the writing barrier? The false starts, lack of perseverance, etc. That is, assuming you faced these things! 🙂
rangerant
February 13, 2015 at 9:44 amHi Emma. They (Welsh Cakes) certainly are wonderful, going to be having one (or two) with my mid-morn cuppa today 🙂
In amswer to your questions, I have lived in Wales for four years now and whilst I was born in Berkshire, I love Wales, its people and way of life here (Welsh Brew is a brand of tea from Wales – not sure if it is available outside Cymru).
It was my wife Amy, who helped me break that barrier, give me the confidence I needed to take that next step from having it sat on my laptop, to believing that I may have a story other people would like to read. Up to that point, the only real tentative step I had taken was to send, many years before, the first chapter of Whispers off to be critiqued (it was a short story back then and bare bones compared to how it appears in the book) – I had a reply saying if I could flesh out the story some more, I would have a very readable piece of fiction… so that was a big boost – but then, as life always has a way of doing, it got firmly in the way.
I struggled with balancing a full-time job and writing Shadows of a Storm, which is why, sadly, it took a lot longer to arrive – but since Nov 13, I have been part-time and that is why things have started to happen a lot quicker now. I have a routine at last.
My real barrier now, is me. I am my own worst critic and I beat myself up probably far too much over all the promotion I have to do for even one person to become aware of me. It means a lot to me when people read my book (whether they like it or not) and it keeps me going through the dark days of self-doubt.
I have a literary agent, also, which is such a boost to my confidence and it keeps me going on my path, which at times can be a lonely one.
But I wouldn’t change any of it for a second 🙂
judithbarrow1
December 20, 2015 at 2:21 pmReblogged this on Barrow Blogs: .
MThomas
February 5, 2016 at 11:48 pmWhy is it for some reason I feel like I’m reading my own biography?
rangerant
February 11, 2016 at 10:52 amIt’s always good to know that we writers are not alone 🙂
Sharing an author friend’s blog post | Blätterflüstern
March 8, 2017 at 10:06 am[…] über Win a set of signed copies of the Storm Trilogy — Anthony Lavisher – Author […]
Terry Tyler
April 28, 2019 at 12:33 pmOh my goodness, I didn’t realise you published with Author House first time round – I have read SO many bad things about them, not least of all some guy who paid £3000 to go with them, and all he received was a badly edited and produced book, priced so highly that no one bought it! Glad you got out of that contract – this is why I blog about these scammers, and urge new writers to understand that publishers pay authors, not the other way round. Look forward to reading this series of blog posts – I hope they’ll be of help to newer writers 🙂
rangerant
April 29, 2019 at 9:38 amHi Terry. Yes, I didn’t really know what I was doing at the start. I basically paid £600 (so I got off lightly by the sounds of it) for them to produce the book and cover, which you can create for free on Amazon these days. Back in 2011 , unless I missed it, I don’t think there was that option for me then, and I had spent a year sending the manuscript off to publishers, only to hear the standard “no thanks” after months and months of waiting – so I thought I would go for it and just get myself out there.
The layout of the novel was all down to me, which was why it did look very good inside – AH did nothing with that, just added in copyright blurb. I had very little support through the process, other than to get a few proofs through, but, of course, if you wanted ‘extras’ you would have had to pay for that privelage.
It did get me out there, give me a small platform to shout from – but all of that was because of my hard work – if I thought my large word count paperbacks are fairly pricey on Amazon these days, Whispers was listed (and I had no control on that if I recall correctly) by AH for something stupid like £17.50 – basically, I sold all the copies myself at shows etc., and only a very small few copies online – so much for the amazing exposure AH would give me.
The only positives I can see from my own personal experiences with them was that it did get me out there, and, to their credit, the paperback quality that AH produced was of a much higher standard than the ones I recieve from Amazon – but I really did have to pay for that privelige.
Terry Tyler
April 29, 2019 at 10:09 amYes, that’s the problem with vanity presses – they’ve already made their money from the author, they don’t need to promote the books. I can see how authors who really want to have their books in paperback will try this option – I never saw myself as anything other than an ebook seller.
I don’t seen anything wrong with going with a vanity press if you know what you’re doing, and why; I reviewed a book a while back from a guy who had gone with Troubadour (who seem to be the best of them), simply because he wanted the paperbacks and proofreading service they offered. The problem comes with these scammers who call themselves ‘traditional publishers’ and flatter the authors into thinking that they have a real publishing deal.
rangerant
April 29, 2019 at 10:43 amSadly, as always, the bad companies seem to outweigh the good ones. I had not heard of Troubador. I think AH have re-branded themselves now, so I have no idea who/what name they are operating under.
Amazon’s service makes it very easy to use for new writers, and the option to have a paperback as well is an added bonus for those authors who want to go that route as well.
Yes, I think my motto is, “if you are paying anything for your deal, it is not a deal.”
If I was starting out today, I would not start off the same way I did – but, I guess, this is what the journey is all about – the adventure. I am learning something new every day, it seems. let’s hope that by talking about it, we can help others, too.
Terry Tyler
April 30, 2019 at 9:16 amMuch more ‘in genre!’ I love the lettering 🙂
rangerant
April 30, 2019 at 10:24 amThey certainly got it right! Hits the target audience and catches the eye at the same time. I love the lettering as well 🙂
Nick Prendergast
January 23, 2020 at 11:44 amJust finished reading “Whispers of a Storm” – what a great read – it has everything- intrigue,betrayal,adventure, romance, and above all the code of conduct of honour. I have just taken out the other two books from Pembrey library – all of the books signed by you, and am looking forward to being thoroughly entertained again. Well done.
rangerant
January 24, 2020 at 9:17 amDear Nick. Thank you so much for taking the time to get in touch. I am always so humbled when people tell me how much they loved one of my tales – especially so, when they have discovered me through their local library. When I am not off adventuring through my imagination, I work two days a week in my local library in the Vale of Glamorgan, and I can tell you that my smile when I read your message, stretched from the coast here to Pembrey Sands.
I truly hope you enjoy the continuing adventures ahead of you and I would really appreciate it if you are able to spare some more of your valuable time to share your thoughts on Whispers of a Storm with your fellow readers in a review. Word of mouth can be just as powerful as those written on the page, and it would certainly help to spread awareness of my work even further.
Happy adventuring in the Four Vales, and thank you so much again for getting in touch.
Nick Prendergast
January 24, 2020 at 6:37 pmThanks for replying – so far the first 100 pages of “Shadow of the Storm” are just as riveting as ” Whispers of a Storm”. How do I go about writing a review, or more to the point which platform do I use? You are a talented writer and deserve to have your work very widely read – Whilst I was reading “Whispers of a Storm” I was thinking what a great film could follow – you never know!
Regards Nick
rangerant
January 25, 2020 at 5:49 pmThank you so much for your kind words, Nick. It’s no small thing to say that you have got my 2020 off to the most wonderful of starts.
With regards to reviewing, most people tend to use sites like Amazon to leave reviews, or Goodreads. Either of those would help, if you have access to them, and of course, the best way is to tell people yourself about books you have enjoyed.
I’m so glad you can visualise it that way, it’s excatly how I write my novels, picturing each scene as if I were watching a film, or epic tv show.
Let’s hope that one day, Khadazin and Cassana’s will be read (and who knows, seen) by many, many more people.
All the very best,
Anthony
Nick Prendergast
March 1, 2020 at 7:52 pmJust finished reading “Vengeance of a Storm” the last of the Storm trilogy and it is with some regret – I didn’t want the story to end. The trilogy has been written for the romantic adventurer creating hat fulls of skulduggery and valour in equal measure which is occasionally soothed by the promise of romance. The plot is wrought by the sheer nastiness and heroic selflessness of the of the villains and heroes at play and drops ice water or honey into the cauldron to pull the reader deeper into the political intrigues of the Vales. I have to say a special mention to the villain cum hero Arillion who by himself could fire a good many yarns.
Well done Anthony – what a bloody good film this literary masterpiece would make. Don’t be shy – send a synopsis to the intelligent – you never know!
rangerant
March 2, 2020 at 9:44 amI am usually a man of many words, but your kindess has rendered me speechless.
Thank you so much, Nick. I am so pleased you enjoyed the trilogy. For my first novels, I poured everything into them in the six years it took to write the Storm trilogy, and it touches me greatly to know that others have loved my tale as much as I did crafting it.
Here’s hoping that we will both return to The Four Vales, once again soon .
Terry Tyler
August 10, 2020 at 9:53 amGood questions, Ant – good answers, Simon! I agree, Embers Drift is a terrific title.
rangerant
August 10, 2020 at 3:30 pmThanks, Terry. I will have to get you on here next 🙂
Simon Williams
August 10, 2020 at 8:52 pmThank you Terry- I do always say it takes good questions to generate good answers 😉 Hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it!
Brian
August 18, 2020 at 5:17 pmAgreed! What a great film. How about a review of 1917?
rangerant
August 19, 2020 at 9:48 amThanks, Brian. Yes to 1917, it’s one I have to watch again before I share my thoughts, and it will be interesting to see how it transfers to the small screen.
Terry Tyler
September 28, 2020 at 8:12 amThank you for a most interesting article, and the free book, gentlemen!
Anthony Lavisher
September 28, 2020 at 9:53 amThank you, Terry. Much appreciated!
Terry Tyler
October 7, 2020 at 10:02 amI adored this series, and the film, of course! It’s a long time since I’ve seen it and I have a shocking memory – you’ve made me want to watch it again!
Anthony Lavisher
October 7, 2020 at 11:02 amThanks, Terry. It’s a fantastic show/film! And I expect you will pick up even more from a second watch – it was really hard to say something, without saying anything 🙂 A 4th season is coming out soon, though I am avoiding everything about it, as I don’t want any spoilers.
Kate Davis
October 21, 2020 at 11:13 pmI recently discovered Dominic’s Daniel Beckett trilogy and am mesmerized by his fast-paced, erotically-descriptive dialogue. Anxiously awaiting release of his fourth book, “Bitter Almonds and Jasmine!” In anticipation, I’m wearing Guicci’s new fragrance and letting my imagination run amok!
Anthony Lavisher
October 22, 2020 at 7:42 amThat’s great to hear, Kate. I am about to delve into his first offering, so I am even more excited about what’s ahead for me now. Hopefully I can catch up by the time Dominic’s fourth book arrives.
Simon Baelz
January 5, 2021 at 6:27 amThank you Anthony. Very enlightening.
Anthony Lavisher
January 5, 2021 at 9:14 amThank you, Simon. Stay tuned, next up, I will be sharing my thoughts on the films that helped me through 2020.
Terry Tyler
January 13, 2021 at 10:39 amAnd I STILL haven’t watched Parasite…!!
Adored Joker but found The Lighthouse too slow… I know it’s artistic, atmospheric, etc etc, but it just didn’t grab me, and we turned it off after about half an hour.
Anthony Lavisher
January 13, 2021 at 10:51 amParasite is a must watch – it’s hard to put into words how enjoyable it was. I totally get where you are coming from about The Lighthouse, and we almost gave up on it, too. I am glad we didn’t – it’s stayed with me, that’s for sure. It may be a long time before I watch it a second time (and I daresay my wife will not watch it with me again), but I am looking forward to delving into again – though I may have to put the subtitles on to get everything being said 🙂
Terry Tyler
January 19, 2021 at 10:58 amBetter Call Saul has got better and better! Easily as good as Breaking Bad now.
Anthony Lavisher
January 19, 2021 at 11:08 amYes, it sure has. I am in good company, it seems in my views. I can’t even predict how this will all end! am hoping it ties up prefectly with how we meet him in Breaking Bad. That would have the best cameos in recent TV history.
Terry Tyler
January 25, 2021 at 10:15 amI remember this – it was brilliant. Yo respect to Michael K Williams, one of my favourite actors ever…. and I also love Joshua Jackson.
You’ve made me want to watch it again!
Anthony Lavisher
January 25, 2021 at 3:29 pmYes,the cast are wonderful, and do justice to such a powerful story. I shall be watching it again at some point in the future, too.
Terry Tyler
February 2, 2021 at 10:05 amA fine collection! It’s so long since I watched Fargo that I can’t remember what I thought of it, but tick tick for Queen’s Gambit, and I really must try The Last Kingdom again – loved the first season, but we watched ep 1 of S2 and thought it had become a Happy Shopper Vikings. We will re-visit!
Loving the TV posts – keep ’em coming!
Anthony Lavisher
February 2, 2021 at 6:37 pmThanks, Terry, Glad you are enjoying them (and if my love of these reviewed shows makes people want to watch/re-watch them, I am a happy man). Give TLK another go (first few of season 2 are a bit meh, as you have said – but defintely worth sticking with).
Happy watching!
Terry Tyler
March 2, 2021 at 10:01 amI gave up after half an hour on this one!
Anthony Lavisher
April 14, 2021 at 9:55 amI wish I had, too! Sorry for not responding sooner. For some reason I had stopped getting notifications.
Adam James
March 23, 2021 at 8:27 pmI just started Kiss Me When I’m Dead last night. It’s a fantastic read with interesting characters. One of the best things about this book is that it is written in Present Tense! After I took a screenwriting class I started writing in Present Tense and haven’t looked back. And Dominic does a great job with First Person, too. I’ve had lots of difficulty with First Person. I tend to blather on about nonsense. Fortunately, Dominic’s wiseass protagonist does a perfect job with this narration. His opinions of the characters he encounters is quite hysterical and appropriate. Now that I’ve started reading Dominic’s series, all my own writing will be set aside.
Anthony Lavisher
April 14, 2021 at 9:53 amHi Adam. Sorry for the delayed response. So glad you loved it! I am currently enjoying Kiss Me When I am Dead myself, and I whole-heartedly agree! I have tried, and failed in present tense before, but Dominic’s style, and he has plenty of it, has certainly inspired me to try again. Enjoy the rest of his series!
Stephen Ormsby
April 14, 2021 at 9:27 amCongratulations, Anthony.
Anthony Lavisher
April 14, 2021 at 10:54 amThank you, Stephen. Not sure where that decade went! I hope you and all your family are all well.
David Annetts
April 14, 2021 at 1:50 pmIt would be an honour to own a signed copy. Amazing author
Anthony Lavisher
April 14, 2021 at 4:46 pmThank you, David. That is most kind.
Keven Brooks
April 14, 2021 at 2:21 pmHow time flies! There are not many books in my life that I have read more than once but I am proud to say that this is one that I have and that reading this trilogy gave me a lot of pleasure.
Anthony Lavisher
April 14, 2021 at 4:45 pmThank you, Keven. I am humbled by your kind words.
Debbie Fairbrother
April 14, 2021 at 5:54 pmAbsolutely love the Storm trilogy, I was hooked after the first chapter of Whispers of a storm
Anthony Lavisher
April 14, 2021 at 6:28 pmThank you, Debbie. I really appreciate your kind words and passion for the Storm Trilogy over the years. Here’s to the adventures still to come.
Stacey Taylor
April 15, 2021 at 8:59 pmOnly recently been turned onto the series and I can’t put the book down!
Anthony Lavisher
April 17, 2021 at 10:22 amThank you so much, Stacey. Welcome to the Four Vales. I am so glad you are enjoying it. Here’s to the adventures ahead!
Tanya Harrison
April 16, 2021 at 7:59 pmI really love your trilogy Antony I have read and re-read several times each time is a joy.
Congratulations on your anniversary.
Tanya xx
Anthony Lavisher
April 17, 2021 at 10:20 amTanya, that is so wonderful to hear! Thank you so much for journeying on this adventure with me. There is more to come.
Simon Brotherton
April 19, 2021 at 10:18 amHi! Judging by the comments you’ve already received, this sounds like a riveting series! Good work!
Anthony Lavisher
April 19, 2021 at 2:45 pmHi Simon. Thank you, that is most kind of you. All the best.
Tom Williams
May 4, 2021 at 11:57 amBeautiful!
Anthony Lavisher
May 4, 2021 at 12:24 pmThank you so much, Tom. Let’s hope what’s inside the cover lives up to the fabulous artwork.
Sue Bavey
May 4, 2021 at 11:46 pmReally lovely! If you need people to read arcs I would love to!
Anthony Lavisher
May 5, 2021 at 7:41 amThank you, Sue. Email on its way to you 🙂
AndyG
May 4, 2021 at 11:59 pmStriking cover! I look forward to reading the book.
Anthony Lavisher
May 5, 2021 at 7:42 amThank you very much, Andy. Stay tuned! More news soon on the release date.
Adam James
October 11, 2021 at 5:49 pmComing up this November, 2021, Kiss Me When I’m Dead, along with the entire four-book Daniel Beckett series, will be the featured Book of the Month on my FIRST DRAFT Website: http://botm.blackdogebooks.com/botm-feature/
In Review of… 2021 – Anthony Lavisher
January 11, 2022 at 2:06 pm[…] 2021 should also include the finale in the Last Kingdom series, War Lord, by Bernard Cornwall and Kiss Me When I’m Dead, by Dominic […]
Koszt Lotu Balonem
March 31, 2024 at 12:34 pmYour writing never fails to impress. This post was full of insights and beautifully articulated.
Anthony Lavisher
March 31, 2024 at 1:26 pmThank you so much, that is most kind. I have not posted for wuite some time, and I hope have more content very soon.