Hi and welcome to my May newsletter.

This month, a chance to critique the first draft of the description of A Crown Denied. There's news about one of my current dogs in training, followed by links to free samples of fantasy reads to help you discover new authors. And finally, a limited-time offer of the ebook of From Fury Reborn. 

I hope you enjoy reading this email.

Thank you for being part of my publishing life ❤️

Best wishes

Frances

Draft description: A Crown Denied

I mentioned in last month's newsletter that there is a recommended formula for writing book descriptions, though it often takes several attempts and rounds of feedback to get to a satisfactory end point. The formula starts with a "hook", then goes into a short intro / scene setting, building that out with some emotional escalation, and finishing with an inciting incident. Then there's a "why this is a book for you" sentence, and a so-called CTA or call to action.

Because there's a spoiler in the first sentence, and in case you haven't read all the preceding books, I've put the draft description at the end of this newsletter, so you can choose to skip it if you prefer. 

I'd love to hear your first impressions of the draft of the description of A Crown Denied. You can reply to this email, or email me directly at [email protected].  

Progress report: A Crown Denied

Hooray!! The first draft of A Crown Denied is completed and the last chapters are with my editor. Before I start working on her suggested edits of the earlier chapters, and by far more fun, I am writing a new short story to share exclusively with you and all new newsletter subscribers. It hasn't got a title yet but it's all plotted out. It features all the Asters, and follows them as they are faced with their final test before succeeding their parents as the active Asters and being sent out on real-life missions. As you might guess, this test is nothing like what they expected and hardly anything goes to plan. Expect plenty of magic, mayhem, banter and jeopardy - it'll be a blast!! 

Fancy suggesting a title? Reply to this email with your idea(s) and, if I choose it, you will get mentioned in the credits, and your name will used for a character in book 3 of the Asters Original Series. 

The day job, for now....?

If you've come across my Author Bio you will know that I train guide dogs for the blind. For a while I have had a new dog in training. His name is Uday, and he’s a beautiful white Labrador. Before he came to me in training, there had been a slight hesitation from his previous trainer that he might lack the motivation to really enjoy doing guide work and therefore not want to do it. If this is the case after a few weeks of effort on our part, we can decide that the dog might be better suited for a different specialty like assisting someone in a wheelchair or being a buddy dog for someone with PTSD. So, with Uday, it was up to me to see if I could get that motivation of his up, and get him to enjoy the work.   

From the beginning it was clear that his motivation was mostly down because he had no idea what he was doing. Once he started learning, his motivation grew ever so slightly, but still not enough. Until I figured out that he had an incredible talent for one very specific aspect of guide work: being able to walk on a road without a pavement. We have many of these roads outside of the major cities, and our dogs need to be able to stick to the left side impeccably to ensure the safety of themselves and their client. Uday stuck to the left side like a pro—I didn’t need to teach him anything. And he absolutely loves it.  

I could even lean to the left and he wouldn’t meander into the grass. And I could lean to the right and he would adamantly keep me close to that edge. It’s fantastic, and what’s even better: we have clients who live out in the middle of nowhere, who for ninety per cent use these roads, and who need a dog who can do this naturally. So, it’s good news all around: I have found what piques Uday’s motivation, and now we get to look for a client who needs a dog to do precisely the one thing Uday loves doing most in the world.

Discover new fantasy reads

To find new readers for my books I work with fellow authors to widen our readership by promoting our books to each other's email list. We offer an e copy of a book, novella or custom short story for free on sign-up to our newsletter, to help the reader decide if they want to keep following us. 
Interested? Just click on the images or links below to get to the website, browse through the free book(s) on offer, and take a punt.

This novella introduces several main characters of the Elementals of Nordica series, for fan of elemental magic, complex plots, global conspiracies, tyrannical government tropes, and sword and sorcery with a sci-fi twist. 

"I felt like I was sitting in a cinema, watching an action-adventure movie." 

"A unique and engaging fantasy read."

Get your free novella here.

Entanglement introduces the Godcode series, in which a "glitch" has transformed Earth overnight into a mostly uninhabitable place. That is, until new, protected, gated cities open up to new inhabitants - including, and especially, those with exceptional powers.

Get your free short story here.

The first in a new epic fantasy series featuring new worlds, heroes, villains and creatures. The Prince's mission - find the universe's guardian before an ancient being ends all life. 

Get your free download here.

Check out this selection of found-family fantasy offers here.

Limited-time offer*...

From Fury Reborn 

$1.99, a 72% discount 

20-24 May

If you haven't yet got your kindle copy, or want to share this offer with your reader friends, now's your chance.

*USA and UK markets only

As I said above, I'd love to hear your first impressions of the draft of the description of A Crown Denied. You can reply to this email, or email me directly at [email protected].  

Their greatest enemy always one step ahead. The shattering reveal - a traitor in their midst. Can the spy be unmasked before critical secrets are exposed and lives are lost?

The Asters have succeeded in bringing Gayle back to their island home. With the South American King already planning her next move, the Council is desperate for all Affinites to unite behind Gayle. But not everyone is happy she has returned. Secrets about her murderous past are coming to light, and Gayle refuses to play by the Council’s rules to keep them quiet.

While the Asters train with Gayle, Sky finds himself drawn to her power and beauty, despite her ruthless reputation. And when he is entrusted with a revelation that may make all the difference in their next encounter with Kyra, Sky struggles with his conflicting loyalty to his people and to the girl who will do whatever it takes to get her own revenge.

When a trusted ally turns foe, will Sky make the right choices? Or will his divided allegiances place Gayle and his magical siblings in mortal danger?

A Crown Denied is the second book in the Asters Original Series following the adventures of the found family of elite magical warriors; Lian, Sophie, Sky, Matu and Nathan. 

Click “Buy now” to discover whose betrayal will draw Gayle and the Asters in to another fatal reckoning with the most powerful Dark King of all time.

Available for pre-order on Amazon

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