Rewrites // Pseudo-Venetian Fantasy // Rejections
Feb 19, 2021 2:46 am
Hello from London,
After a forced covid-related absence from my own writing, I returned to it afresh. Unfortunately, as often happens, I suddenly decided I didn't like some parts of my Emily Voss episode 5 draft, and promptly threw in into the bin, for the third time. I'm now halfway through draft four of the same story.
In the meantime, a few new reviews for Emily Voss Episodes 1-3 rolled in, and I have to say that I'm warmed and heartened by them. Lower down you will find a couple of quotes, because this is my email list and I should - occasionally and with restraint - be allowed to celebrate small achievements!
Also: If anyone knows how long the bloody headaches and exhaustion are supposed to last after an episode of Covid-19, feel free to let me know.
New Reviews for Emily Voss 1-3.
While I was sick, I received some new reviews for the first tome of the Emily Voss series, and they were very positive. Since this is my first serious attempt at publishing something, my ego, self-confidence and motivation were at stake. Receiving good reviews like this is almost as much of a relief as when someone actually buys the book on Amazon!
The feedback has been almost entirely positive so far.
The unusual story concept, wonderful characters and captivating writing were all very impressive...
I enjoyed this review most of all, because it's author obviously read the book carefully and understood everything I was trying to do with the characters. That actually seems to happen quite rarely. The review was quite long and involved. They also picked out a few quotes from the book, and those happen to overlap a lot with my favourite bits as well, so I felt like they really connected with my writing.
I thoroughly enjoyed episodes 1-3 of Emily Voss. It tantalises sooooo much more to come.
Short but sweet. I suppose like sportspeople, authors benefit from the audience cheering them on. I'd never thought about it that way, but readers asking me when the next book is coming out is very motivating.
The characters are complex, genuine and realistic with traits and qualities that balance and blend, with amazing depth and diversity with enough spice to add an extra kick to the mix.
This reviewer liked it enough that they got a little carried away. I'm not sure myself that I deserved some of the praise that preceded the it I quoted above. It's quite thrilling to know your work generated that strong of a reaction in someone.
I've about twenty reviews now across several sites, you can read them yourself by clicking through to the novel's page on Amazon, Goodreads, Bookbub and Amazon UK.
If you haven't read it and would like to, the book is available on Amazon, and is free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers. If you've bought it, thank you, and I very much hope you enjoyed it.
Book Review: The Mask of Mirrors by M.A.Carrick
You can read the full review on my website, where I went into considerably more detail about what I liked about this fantastic novel.
The Mask of Mirrors is a work of fantasy set in an imaginary version of Venice. Ren, the protagonist, is from this city, but in her new identity as Renata Viraudax, as far as anyone knows, she has only just arrived. Her intention is to run a long con to insert herself into one of the noble houses as a long-lost niece.
That intention, while never forgotten or abandoned, is quickly drowned beneath the layers of intrigue that envelop the rich, noble and privileged classes of this city, or the warring factions that exist within its borders.
The world created is rich and well-developed, with lots of attention to detail. There are many characters whose intentions and motivations are complex and
layered, all of which contributes to the intricacy of the narrative. Each revelation gives us sight of additional layers of history and allegiance, betrayal and strategy, making the story somewhat convoluted and extremely satisfying.
This is the first in a trilogy, and I have no doubt this book and the next two will all meet with considerable success.
You can read my full review on my website, or find The Mask of Mirrors on Amazon.
Author Spotlight
Soul Bound by Nicholas Woode-Smith
Meet Kat. Student. Cat lover. Part-Time Monster Hunter.
Kat wants to make a name for herself in the world of monster hunting, but will her cheap swords and ghostly companion be enough to face the darkness of Hope City?
Soul Bound is a prequel to the Kat Drummond series.
Siphon Break by Isabelle Quilty
The first thing young Siphon are taught is to relinquish all guilt at the consumption of the beautiful, dazzling scaled mer-eople.
The second is that you will never drown, but to never walk to into the ocean.
The third, your prey will always be wearing a green-blue necklace to allow them to walk on land.
Rey knows these rules like the back of his hand. But these rules start to look a whole lot different one Summer when that hand begins to hold the hand of the soft-spoken yet wise mer-man Finn.
Cora Blake: Arcane Agent by D.C. Fergerson
An agent is missing.
Still in training, is Cora Blake ready to help save him? Called out of her arcane and combat training early, Cora is placed on assignment. Anti-meta separatists are holding a hacker hostage.
Together with her mentor and a shape-shifting Italian operative, Cora steps into the game. But does she know what she’s getting into?
Witness the first mission of NSA Arcane Agent Cora Blake in the prelude to The Dragon’s Dream Saga!
Midwinter Knots by Chuck Boeheim
Escher and Emeline have brought a tree into the house to decorate, and Trefoil the cat must investigate, of course. There's something not quite right about this tree — they've brought trouble into the house along with it. It's up to Trefoil to guard the house against the mayhem that ensues. If he doesn't get put outside first.
A short story set in the world of Knots: A Thief with a Conscience
Werewolves by E.L.Jones
In a town fully inhabited by the supernatural, life is surprisingly chill. Amelia, a young sylph, works as a bartender as she dreams of going to college and leaving her boring hometown behind. But little does she know, her boredom is about to be taken out by the light of the full moon…
On a night of partying and reckless fun, Amelia’s best friend Eva, a witch with the power of prophecy, blurts out a fortune: newcomers are on the horizon. And though no one gives it much thought, things are about to change!
Discover New Science Fiction and Fantasy Authors
Here is a book / prequel / short story giveaway for you, so that you can discover a few new authors, worlds or (anti)heroes. All of the many novels available through this promotion are free, and should give you something to consider if you're looking for a new voice to fill the space between two stories.
Thanks for reading, don't hesitate to hit 'reply' to get in touch, and see you again in the next newsletter.
Nick.
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