Posted on by susannevalenti · 21 Comments

Free books and To review or not to review – why does it help and what can you do?

It has been nearly 3 months since my debut novel Chained was released and I have been very fortunate to receive a number of reviews for it on amazon and goodreads and a lot of them are down to the wonderful people I have met here through my blog! However, following those initial reviews and despite continuing sales, the ammount of new reviews has dwindled.

 Why does this matter? I hear you cry, well I’ve prepared a little something to explain why…

  
There are lots of books out there, this much is true,

They’re written for readers – people like you! 

If you finish a story and it touched your heart, 

a little review is the easy part,

Just a tap of your finger and a short line of praise, 

can excite an author on the darkest of days!

  
If something you read made you break down and cry, 

Or a there’s a character you just wish would die,

Or perhaps you’re in love with a character you met,

And there’s a follow up book you can’t wait to get,

The author’s done their job in making you care,

You could write a review and leave it somewhere!

  
Now everyone knows it can’t all be good,

If you could please everyone then everyone would,

No author sets out to make you feel bad,

The passion they have should make no one sad,

But if they write something you really enjoy,

Your reviewing skills should be set to deploy!

  
And everyone knows that your time is short,

But tiny reviews can give a great report,

Even three little words like ‘I loved it’ will do,

With a simple star rating which shows that it’s true,

This small act of kindness will go a long way,

To making an author have a great day!

  
We write because we love to read like you,

And reviews can help all our wishes come true,

It’s a sad truth but without good reviews,

Sales come slowly and that’s bad news,

It’s not about begging but just the same,

But a few great reviews can change the whole game!

  
So when it comes down to it, what I’m trying to say,

Is that books gain momentum by reviews going their way,

So I hope this inspired you to help an author out,

Because that’s what this post is really about!

And if more specifically you’d like to help me,

I’m willing to give you my books for free!

  
So here’s the deal – if you like dystopian YA then I’m more than happy to give you a free copy of the books in my Cage of Lies saga which have already been released (Chained and Linked) and all I ask is that you give me a review on Amazon and goodreads (I’m happy with a full review or even just a line that sums up your feelings) all you need to do is email me at susanne3587@hotmail.com and let me know if you’d prefer an ePub or PDF copy of the books 😊

It’s a sad fact that the number of reviews a book has massively affects the sales so the more good reviews I can get, the better it is! I’ll be eternally grateful to anyone who helps me out ☺️xoxo

Posted on by susannevalenti · 1 Comment

Free dystopian ya today! 🎉

I’m super excited that Chained is free on Amazon today! I write because I want people to read (and ideally love 😍) my books and so I can’t think of anything better than giving you my world, characters and my words ☺️

I have been so blessed to have gotten some really great reviews on Goodreads (4.25 average for Chained) if you would like some unbiased opinions to sway you ☺️

   Terrified of the contamination and the creatures it has created, humanity hides behind The Wall. No one knows what lies beyond the wasteland. Maya has never thought much about what might still be out there, lurking in the forgotten places. But when she’s thrust into the unknown, she is forced to question everything she has ever been told. Not everyone outside died, some of them became something… else. As her heart is torn in two, every choice she makes is harder than the last. What she discovers will change her forever. She knows she will probably die, but Maya has seen enough of death and she won’t let it have her without a fight. 

So, my lovely WordPress family please, share, tweet, reblog and I’ll be eternally grateful for your help in spreading the word! Xoxo

Posted on by susannevalenti · 15 Comments

Confessions of a writer tag…

  
I was tagged to do this by Melanie so thank you! This looks fun and a little daunting but here goes nothing…
This tag was created by a little bookish a little writerly and the rules are listed there!

1. When did you first start writing? Was being a writer something you always wanted to do?

I first started writing my Cage of Lies books in August 2013 but have been writing on and off since I was a kid. I always wanted to be a writer and it was something I always just said and bpnever really did much about so one day I just decided to stop talking about it and stat doing it!

  
2. What genre do you write?

So far Dystopia but I have an apocalyptic series running around in my head which will probably follow and I’d love to do fantasy one day too!

  
3. Can you tell us a little about your current work in progress? When did you start working on this project?

I’m currently working on Broken, the third instalment of my Cage of Lies saga. I’m in more of an editing stage with it than all out writing and as it’s the third book I won’t give too much away but this one is emotionally more difficult than the others. Maya, my protagonist, is dealing with a lot of difficult issues in her personal life as well as the ongoing struggles that run throughout the series. I’ve been working on the series for a few years but can’t be sure exactly when I started in this book!

4. What was your first piece that you can remember writing? What was it about?

The first piece I can actually remember writing was a fantasy with lots of dragons and people who lived in cities in the clouds. It started off with this little hermit guy who was guarding a town in the middle of the city. Some people came and kidnapped a girl from the town and killed the hermit… I didn’t finish it but maybe one day I’ll find it and see if there’s anything there that I can use going forward lol

  
5. What’s the best part about writing?

I get go on an adventure every day!

  
6. What’s the worst part about writing?

Killing off characters you love because the plot demands it 😭

7. What’s the name of your favourite character and why? (This can be from another author or your own work. Book crushes are perfectly acceptable here as well.)

Today, it’s Harry Potter I don’t have to tell you why because you already know! 

  
8. How much time a day/week do you get to write? When is the best time for you to write (morning or night)?

Time of day doesn’t make much difference to me. I tend to write when I get in from work in the evenings or on my days off and I’ll squeeze some into my lunch breaks too. When I’m in all out writing mode I have a minimum of 2000 words a day to write but on my days off I make that 8000 and I’ve managed 12000 a few times ☺️

9. Did you go to college for writing? Or if you haven’t been to college yet, do you plan to?

I didn’t. I don’t think it matters as I think writing is a passion and you can either do it or you can’t. Everyone’s routes to it are different but for me college wasn’t part of my journey.

10. What bothers you more: spelling errors, punctuation errors or grammar errors?

They all bother me but I’d go for grammar because I can’t bear it when people get their there and they’re muddled – it sets my teeth on edge! 

  
11. What is the best writing advice that anyone has given you?

Write what you love. If you love the story you are trying to tell then you will get it written, edited and out there. If you don’t love it you’ll lose momentum along the way…

12. What advice would you give to another writer?

Write the book you want to read. Don’t try and please anyone else, don’t compromise your vision and when you finish it you’ll be proud of it!

13. What are your favourite writing sites or blogs that you turn to for help, tips or encouragements?

To be honest I’ve never used any 😕 I just do what feels natural and I have my sister to discuss any issues with or offer encouragement!

14. Besides writing, what else do you enjoy doing? What are your hobbies?

Reading lol I love working out and watching movies and playing video games if I get the chance too.

  
15. What is the best book you’ve read this year?

Ahhhh this is so hard but I think Queen of Shadows pips it for me!

  
16. What is the best movie you’ve seen this year?

Ahhh this is hard too 😬 maybe the new Terminator as that sounds out in my mind

  
17. What is your favourite book or series of all time?

I don’t know I don’t know! I’m going for Harry Potter, Game of Thrones and the Twilight saga oh and Lord of the Rings and probably more too because I have too many!

18. Who is your favourite author?

I can’t pick. If I do a list it will have more than ten names on it so I just won’t lol

19. What are your plans for the rest of the year in terms of your writing?

I’ll be editing and trying to release Broken and I think I’ll try to write and release another novella called Embers (I can’t give away anything about that one for spoilers lol)

20. Where else can we find you online?

Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads and my books are available on Amazon 😊
I’m just nominating any authors out there who would like to do this, I’d love to head your answers too! Xoxo

Posted on by susannevalenti · 20 Comments

Another offer of ARCs!

Hey guys! October has been a crazy month for me so far and it’s about to get a little crazier! The second book in my Cage of Lies saga is going to be released later in the week and I’m looking for anyone who would like an ARC 😊 

It is book 2 in the series so I’d advise you to have read Chained first 😊 

Here’s the blurb to give you an idea of what you’re in for…

In a world she never knew existed, Maya is coming to terms with how much her life has changed. Danger lurks around every corner, nothing is as she expects and she’s never felt so alive. But the choices she makes could change everything and jeopardise the things she cherishes most. There is so much to learn and so much to love but her heart is pulling her back. The Guardians are hiding in the shadow cast by their Wall, concealing the truth from the people inside. It’s a shadow that darkens her happiness and she can’t stop fighting until the truth comes to light. It would be easier to walk away but Maya has never run from anything and she’s not about to start now. 

Just send me an email at Susanne3587@hotmail.com if you’re interested and let me know if you’d prefer an ePub or PDF! ☺️ xoxo

  

Posted on by susannevalenti · 6 Comments

Linked Cover Reveal!

So it’s not long now until my second book Linked will be released and the time has come for the cover reveal 😁 so here it is…

  

In a world she never knew existed, Maya is coming to terms with how much her life has changed. Danger lurks around every corner, nothing is as she expects and she’s never felt so alive. But the choices she makes could change everything and jeopardise the things she cherishes most. There is so much to learn and so much to love but her heart is pulling her back. The Guardians are hiding in the shadow cast by their Wall, concealing the truth from the people inside. It’s a shadow that darkens her happiness and she can’t stop fighting until the truth comes to light. It would be easier to walk away but Maya has never run from anything and she’s not about to start now. 

I’m overwhelmed by the amount of support, interest and love I’ve been receiving for Chained (the first book in the series) and am so excited for the release of Linked. If you’d like to take a look at Chained then you can grab your copy (or read it for free on kindle unlimited) at Amazon! You can check out the reviews or add it to you shelf on Goodreads too 😊  and you can like my page on Facebook too if you fancy it hehe

And here’s a sneak peak at an excerpt from Linked too 😆

  “Ripples!” Taylor yelled from my left and we all stopped and turned towards the line that was zipping through the mud. Everyone grabbed weapons from holsters and the air was filled with the sounds of safety catches being removed and rounds being pumped into place. 

 We froze, unsure what we were aiming at.

 The bubbling line of movement drew level with us, squelching sounds reached out to our ears and no one dared to move. We waited with baited breath and then the bubbles ran past. We watched as whatever it was flew by and headed for two men who were well ahead of us.

 We started shouting warnings and moving towards them as quickly as we could. The ripples moved at an impossible speed. 

 “Behind you!” I screamed and my throat felt ragged as I tried desperately to get their attention. 

 “Behind us!” Laurie yelled. 

 We all clamoured to a halt and turned to see another line heading straight for our little group. 

 We held our breath and aimed our weapons as it approached but then it turned sharply. We spun to watch as it followed the first line and headed for the two men. 

 We all just stood still for a moment then we started screaming and moving towards them again.

 One man turned and raised a hand to us. 

 We were shouting and waving our arms and I had no idea how he would know what we were trying to warn them about. Then, he glanced down and noticed the ripples. They were upon them a second later. 

His scream was so loud that I felt my heart skip a beat. Three sharp jerks later and he disappeared into the mud. 

I hope you enjoyed it ☺️

Posted on by susannevalenti · 6 Comments

🎈Let’s start the celebrations!🎈

🎉Hello! Welcome to the start of my book launch party!🎊

  
🎈Pull up a chair, grab a glass of champagne and a slice of cake and let’s get to partying 🍰

  
🎉I’d like to start the party off by using this post as a platform for any questions you may have about me or my book Chained (which you can purchase here) so go ahead and ask me anything in the comments 😊

  

Posted on by susannevalenti · 5 Comments

Tomorrow my book is out… Let’s party

  
This is an invitation to all of you to attend my book launch party tomorrow!

Throughout the day I’ll be online to chat with you all about the book and anything else you’d like to discuss! There will be extracts and character profiles going up throughout the day here on my blog and over at the event on my Facebook page too so come on over and join me ☺️ here

I’ll also be hosting a competition to win an advanced e-copy of the first novella in the series.

  
So are you in? 😊xoxo

Posted on by susannevalenti · 23 Comments

Would anyone like to do a cover reveal? 😊

This is just a quick post to see if any of you would like to take part in a cover reveal for the second book in my Cage of Lies saga ‘Linked’?

  
I’d love us to do the reveal on October 5th and the book will be released on October 15th (I’m going to be offering ARCs too within the next few days)

Here’s the blurb for Linked:

In a world she never knew existed, Maya is coming to terms with how much her life has changed. Danger lurks around every corner, nothing is as she expects and she’s never felt so alive. But the choices she makes could change everything and jeopardise the things she cherishes most. There is so much to learn and so much to love but her heart is pulling her back. The Guardians are hiding in the shadow cast by their Wall, concealing the truth from the people inside. It’s a shadow that darkens her happiness and she can’t stop fighting until the truth comes to light. It would be easier to walk away but Maya has never run from anything and she’s not about to start now. 

So, if this sounds like your cup of tea I’d love to have you along for the ride 😍 just email me at susanne3587@hotmail.com and I’ll send over a copy of the cover! Or if you’d prefer to post your email in the comments I’ll send it to you from there ☺️

I’m really pleased to say that the reviews of Chained are coming in and they are really positive (you have no idea how nerve wracking it is to finally set your book baby free lol) You can check them out at goodreads or preorder it at Amazon (no more shameless plugging I swear)

Thank you in advance for getting involved – I’m seriously falling for my blogging family and feel free to ask me to do anything for you in return! xoxo

  

Posted on by susannevalenti · 16 Comments

2 months, 592 followers and an upside down dog…

I’m super excited to announce that after two months of blogging on here I have acquired an overwhelming 592 followers to my lil blog! I just want to take this moment to thank you all for taking the time to read the ramblings of mind and allowing me to read yours! 😍😍

As has become a kind of tradition for me on here with these milestone moments, I’d like to share something new with you from my writing journey! So today I’m going with the opening to the first novella from my Cage of Lies saga and I’d love to know what you think 😊 the novella is called Cut Glass and will be released in a few weeks in line with the release of the second full novel in the series. 

The wind whispered through the trees above Chrissie’s head and she stirred. 

 She rolled onto her back and looked up at the waxy material of the tent roof which flexed against the breeze. Her mom reached for her, entwining her fingers with her own. 

 “It’s just the wind Chrissie, go back to sleep.”

 The tent was hung with shadows, anything could be concealed at the foot of her bed, beyond the material that was so thin. 

 “Will we stop in a town soon?” Chrissie asked, her voice barely more than a whisper. 

 “In a day or two,” her mom replied, her voice laced with fatigue. 

 “I don’t like sleeping in the forest.”

 “Neither do I,” her mom agreed though she knew it was a lie. 

 Her dad’s light snores filled the silence and Chrissie turned to face him on her other side. His chest rose and fell steadily. She studied his silhouette in the darkness. His wiry beard was reduced to a soft blur around his mouth which fluttered as he took another breath. 

 She released her mom’s hand and reached out to touch his face, running her fingers along his nose. 

 “Sleep,” he mumbled. 

 Something moved outside the tent, a shadow rippling across the fabric as it passed them where they lay. 

 “I’m afraid,” Chrissie whispered. 

 “That’s what makes you brave,” he said. 

 “Why?”

 “You can’t be brave if you aren’t afraid. Bravery is standing up to your fears and saying ‘no, you can’t have me.'”

 “What does that mean?” Chrissie breathed. 

 “That you should sleep even though you’re afraid to.” He rolled over and slung his arm across her, pulling her mom into the embrace too. 

 The wind rustled through the trees again and an owl cried as it swooped for its prey. Chrissie cringed against her dad’s chest and closed her eyes firmly. There was nothing to be afraid of. Nothing. 

 She started counting each breath she took as her eyes stayed firmly shut, the darkness pressing in on her. They’d slept in the forest a hundred times before, she’d never liked it but she’d never felt as nervous as she did at that moment. 

 There was a chill in the air. Summer was coming to an end and the nights were getting colder and colder. She pressed her frozen fingers to her dad’s chest, trying to leech some warmth from him. He grumbled something and pulled her closer. 

 The hairs on the back of her neck stood on end, like a primal instinct telling her to run. 

 Chrissie counted to one hundred and opened her eyes again. The moonlight was shining brightly in the clearing which they had chosen for their camp. It was so bright that she could make out shapes through the brown material of their tent. 

 The trees shifted in the breeze again and she watched as the shadows cast by their branches swung back and forth above her head. 

 A branch snapped somewhere outside and Chrissie twisted in her dad’s grip. 

 “There’s something there,” she whispered. 

I hope you liked it ☺️ my dog Ozzy didn’t have much interest so he’s lying upside down…

  
😊 xoxo