My latest release, Desolation Bluff, has recently had some wonderful reviews that I would like to share with you. Thank you so much to everyone who has been able to read it and leave a review. Every time I see a new review posted, it definitely makes my day! Continue reading
Many thanks to the amazing Sally Cronin for including a review of “Desolation Bluff” in her Author Update. Sally’s Cafe and Bookstore is a great place to visit if you’re looking for a wonderful book to read.
Welcome to the second Cafe and Bookstore Update this week with recent reviews for authors on the shelves.
Delighted to share a recent review for the 6th book in the Sir Chocolate series of stories and cookbooks by Robbie and Michael Cheadle.
About the story
Number 6 in the Sir Chocolate series: Five zoo animals go missing and Sir Chocolate needs to find them. Includes five lovely new recipes. Not only a storybook but a wonderful opportunity for parents and children to create wonderful recipes together.
One of the recent reviews for the book
Robbie Cheadle and her son Michael, in the delightful book Sir Chocolate and the Fondant Five Story and Cookbook, combine children’s story, poetry and recipes together. The story is about a zoo in Chocolate Land with Fondant Five…
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I’m excited to announce that Desolation Bluff, a short suspense thriller, has just been released in paperback. It’s now available in both ebook and print versions at all Amazon outlets. Continue reading
I was very pleased to be a guest on Sizzling Towards 60 & Beyond this week – writing about how I achieve my writing goals.
You can read the article HERE
I have good news to share. Desolation Bluff, my latest release, has received a five-star review on Reader’s Favorite.
Desolation Bluff is a short suspense novel. When blind romance author Oliver Cameron suddenly regains his sight, he uncovers a shocking betrayal – and a deadly game of cat and mouse begins. Continue reading
I was thrilled and honoured to have my new book, Desolation Bluff, featured in Sally’s Cafe and Bookstore today. With thanks to Sally Cronin, who is an amazing and prolific writer and blogger.
Delighted to showcase the new release, a thriller from Toni Pike…..Desolation Bluff
About the book
Blind romance author Oliver Cameron uses the pen name of Fidel Amore and thinks he has the perfect life at his country estate near Desolation Bluff. After a honeymoon in Paris, his wife Vanessa continues her work as his assistant. His friend Ray is the business manager who lives in the gatehouse and also acts as the public face of Fidel Amore, doing all those book-signing trips that Oliver never wanted to attend. Helen Dunkley is the housekeeper devoted to him since childhood – but she detests the two newcomers.
Complications set in when Ray, working on his old car, accidentally backs into Oliver. His injuries appear minor but the next day he suddenly regains his sight. Oliver wants Ray and Rachel to be the first to hear his good news, but when…
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I’m proud to announce the release of Desolation Bluff, a suspense novella about a blind man who suddenly regains his sight. It is set in Australia, in the beautiful Southern Highlands region of New South Wales.
When blind romance author Oliver Cameron suddenly regains his sight, he uncovers a shocking betrayal – and a deadly game of cat and mouse begins. Continue reading
Much has been said and written about narcissists in recent times. They can be found in positions of power, but might also be someone who is a work colleague, a friend or a family member. Continue reading
Minimalism has become a popular trend. Just look at the success of Tidying Up With Marie Kondo. Many people have discovered the benefits of getting rid of unwanted, unnecessary possessions – and having just what they truly need, want and use in their home. The end result is a living space that is less cluttered and easier to clean. Storage areas such as closets and drawers are easy to keep tidy and well-organised, and the contents can be seen at a single glance. Continue reading
Debbie Harris from Deb’s World wrote an excellent article about the books she read in 2018. Her list would be a great place to start if you’re trying to find something to read, and I was thrilled to have three of my books included. Continue reading
As the year comes to an end, I’ve started to think about my plans for 2019. Do you like to make New Year resolutions? Many people don’t like that term because those noble intentions are so often forgotten or abandoned after a few weeks. But I like to set some definite goals to work towards over the next twelve months. Continue reading
The wonderful Sally Cronin from Sally’s Cafe and Bookstore has included me with some excellent mystery writers in her Buy A Book for Christmas series. It’s a great place to start if you’re looking for some gift ideas.
Time for some more book gift ideas from the Cafe and Bookstore and here is a selection of novels that any book lover would enjoy. As always when there is a series I will share book one and that is the case for the first author Mary Anne Edwards and The Charlie McLung Mysteries... Here is the first book in the series – Brilliant Disguise.
About the book
Are you sure you could tell the difference between murder and suicide?
Having had more than enough of the big city, Detective Charlie McClung moves to a small town looking for a simpler life. Turns out his first case is the most complicated of his career.
A young woman is found shot and while everyone is telling him suicide, his gut, and the dead woman’s beautiful neighbor, are telling him something quite different.
How far can he dig before he…
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I’m pleased to announce that I now have a new look for my website. I’ve been unhappy with the previous one for a long time because it offered very little flexibility and was too slow to open. Continue reading
Amazon KDP has introduced a new feature which could have far-reaching implications.
Writers, open your Amazon KDP account and look at your bookshelf. Hover your mouse over where it says “LIVE” for each book. The new availability list will appear. Continue reading
I’m delighted to let you know that I now have brand new covers for all my books. I’m really pleased with them and would love to know what you think.
Here are my top tips to help you maintain your sanity while using Instagram. Instagram is a great way to engage with people around the world who have similar interests to you. I have an account where I post my own travel photos:@authorlovestravel. But, unfortunately, Instagram also has many fake accounts and people whose main priority is to develop a huge following. Continue reading
Sally Cronin has released a wonderful new book.
At last the day has arrived and Tales from the Irish Garden is now available.
The book has been three years in the writing, mainly because what began as short stories in line with the first collection, turned into a full-length book. As we moved back from Spain to Ireland, house hunted, and then embarked on a renovation project, there were breaks from the process. However, the upside was that I had the time to adapt and create new characters and adventures with more freedom. It also gave me time to meet Donata Zawadzka, courtesy of Paul Andruss, and after seeing her wonderful illustrations, I commissioned a number for the book to showcase some of the lead characters. More about Donata shortly.
Many of those that lived in the palace in Spain in the garden of our house, followed me across land and sea to settle in a magic…
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You may be surprised to learn that the real secret to losing weight has been known for thousands of years. Continue reading
Iceland is an extraordinary country with a total population of just 337,000 people. It is experiencing a huge boom in tourism and is now a popular cruise destination. I recently spent a few days there and here are just some of the wonderful things I encountered. Continue reading
More than a hundred years after its tragic maiden voyage, the RMS Titanic still continues to fascinate people around the world. I’ve been lucky enough to visit a number of places that have a special link to that ill-fated ocean liner. Continue reading
Sally Cronin has included D.G. Kaye’s review of DEAD DRY HEART in her wonderful new series which puts the focus on those who work so hard to write book reviews.
Many thanks to D.G. Kaye for featuring my new thriller, Dead Dry Heart, in her wonderful Sunday Book Review series this week. I was both delighted and honoured to see that she has given it 5 stars. D. G. Kaye has one of the most inspiring blogs around, so be sure to check out the rest of her site while you’re there. You can read more here: Sunday Book Review
I was thrilled to have a wonderful review of DEAD DRY HEART included in Sally’s Cafe and Bookstore author update today.
I ‘m excited to announce that my latest release, a psychological thriller called Dead Dry Heart, is now available in Paperback from Amazon. The digital version has already been published and is in Kindle Unlimited. Continue reading
I was thrilled and grateful to have a chance to talk about DEAD DRY HEART today on Chris The Story Reading Ape’s Blog. Chris is a tireless supporter of authors, so be sure to check out his wonderful for all the best articles on writers, writing and all aspects of publishing.
I‘m excited to announce that my latest release, a psychological thriller called Dead Dry Heart, is now live and available at all Amazon outlets. I hope to publish the paperback version in the very near future.
This was something I wrote several years and recently took out of a drawer to rewrite. The story is close to my heart – an Australian thriller set in Canberra, the nation’s capital city, and in a remote area of Western Australian.
Here is the book description.
DEAD DRY HEART – A psychological thriller
Tyler Thompson is Australia’s young, brilliant and charismatic Prime Minister, riding high on a wave of popularity. But the past has come back to haunt him and there is a shocking secret from his childhood that he will do almost anything to conceal.
The one man who knows what happened twenty-five years ago is back – and he is hellbent…
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I ‘m excited to announce that my latest release, a psychological thriller called Dead Dry Heart, is now live and can be downloaded at all Amazon outlets. Continue reading
Many thanks to Sally Cronin for her kindness in listing my new book in her wonderful Sally’s Cafe and Bookstore. Sally has one of the best blog magazines on the Internet, so be sure to check it out if you’re not already a follower.
DEAD DRY HEART – A psychological thriller is now available on pre-order and due for release on 24th July.
Toni Pike has a new release a psychological thriller – Dead Dry Heart – available for pre-order for July 24th. Half Price while on Pre- Order
About Dead Dry Heart
Tyler Thompson is Australia’s young, brilliant and charismatic Prime Minister, riding high on a wave of popularity. But the past has come back to haunt him and there is a shocking secret from his childhood that he will do almost anything to conceal.
The one man who knows what happened twenty-five years ago is back – and he is hellbent on revenge. Tyler’s precious wife and baby have disappeared and their safe return will cost him everything: family, career and freedom.
But even that may not be enough to satisfy his nemesis – and the truth may be more terrible than he could possibly imagine.
A chilling novel about deceit, betrayal and murder, with twists and turns that you will not…
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I’m excited to announce that my latest release, a psychological thriller called Dead Dry Heart, is now available for pre-order in digital format at all Amazon outlets. It will be going live in three weeks, but during the pre-order period it will be selling for half price. So hurry to avoid disappointment! Continue reading
THE MAGUS EPIPHANY, Book 3 in The Jotham Fletcher Mystery Thriller Series, will be free for 48 hours only on 15-16 JUNE 2018 (USA Pacific Time). Just click on the links below to download a copy. I’d be very grateful if you would leave an honest review on Amazon when you finish reading it. Happy reading! I can’t wait to hear what you think.
Many thanks to Maria Hanako van Straaten, who has featured her interview with me on her blog.
I have recently had the pleasure of interviewing the amazing Author, Toni Pike. She is a fellow traveller and novelist who enjoys travelling the corners of the world to gather inspiration for the scenes in her novels. I hope you enjoy reading this article, and her stories.
1. How did you initially find the inspiration for your Jotham Fletcher Mystery series?
I had dabbled in writing for years, but several years ago decided to try my hand at writing a fast-moving thriller. I thought it would be fun to take on the challenge of writing an exciting story that would entice my readers to keep turning the page.
First, I read as much as I could about the features of that genre and decided that I want to write a conspiracy thriller about a religious mystery. While doing some research, I read about Simon Magus, a magician and cult leader…
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Don’t miss the latest author showcase from Sally’s Cafe and Bookstore. Sally was kind enough to include me but I’m with some stellar company.
HOLY SPEAR OF MAGUS, the fourth book in The Jotham Fletcher Mystery Thriller Series, is now available in Paperback. The Kindle version was released early in February and is available for purchase or in Kindle Unlimited. Continue reading
I’m both thrilled and honoured to have HOLY SPEAR OF MAGUS included in the latest update to Sally’s Cafe and Bookstore today. Many thanks are owed to Sally Cronin. If you’re looking for a book to read, check out the authors she has listed there, read about their books and where you can find them on Amazon.
I’m proud to announce that HOLY SPEAR OF MAGUS, the fourth book in The Jotham Fletcher Mystery Thriller Series, has just been released. Jotham Fletcher returns in another non-stop adventure, and this time he must fight to stop the Holy Spear falling into the wrong hands.
There are now four books in the series: THE MAGUS COVENANT, THE ROCK OF MAGUS, THE MAGUS EPIPHANY and HOLY SPEAR OF MAGUS. While they can be read as stand-alone stories, I definitely recommend that you read them in sequence to understand all the background details and follow the continuing story of Jotham Fletcher and the other characters.
I’m pleased to let you know that Book 4 in The Jotham Fletcher Mystery Thriller Series should be released by early February, if all goes according to plan. Jotham Fletcher will be catapulted into yet another another desperate struggle – but this time his enemies will be more diabolical than ever.
Please send me an email if you’d like to be kept informed about the release. I’d be delighted to hear from you. You can find my contact details listed below. Continue reading
I was so delighted and honoured to have THE ONE WAY DIET included in the latest Author Update for Sally’s Cafe and Bookstore. Wonderful writer Sally Cronin has created her own bookstore with a collection of authors and their books, including the Amazon links. If you’re looking for something to read, that’s the ideal place to start.
Have you been thinking about some New Year’s Resolutions? I think that’s a great way to prepare for the start of another year, and they help to remind us of the things that are most important to us. I really want to make the most of next year, so here’s my list of top priorities for 2018. Continue reading
Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy and healthy New Year.
Next week, I hope to share my New Year Resolutions, but first I’ll be spending a few days with my closest family and some dear friends.
Thank you so much for your friendship and support throughout the last year.
I’m pleased to let you know that THE ONE WAY DIET is now available in Paperback as well as eBook format, including Kindle Unlimited. While travelling on a weight loss journey, it can be convenient to have a printed book on hand for reference, so this will give readers that option. Continue reading
I’m pleased to announce that THE ONE WAY DIET has just been released. Are you already thinking about your New Year’s Resolutions? If one of those is to lose some weight, then this is the ideal starting point. Although based on my own experience, this book is more about you, the reader, and how to cope with every aspect of your weight loss journey.
I’m delighted to announce that the first three books in The Jotham Fletcher Mystery Thriller Series are now available in paperback. The ebooks were released first, and are also available in Kindle Unlimited. I’m pleased that readers who prefer print books will now be able to enjoy THE MAGUS COVENANT, THE ROCK OF MAGUS and THE MAGUS EPIPHANY. The paperback version of Book 4, HOLY SPEAR OF MAGUS, will be released soon. Continue reading
I’m excited to announce that a paperback version of Happy Travels 101 has just been released and is now available at Amazon. Subtitled, Don’t leave home without these cruise, flight, safety, packing and sightseeing tips, this short read is filled with great advice for anyone who wants to travel overseas.
It has now been more than one month since the launch of my Instagram account @authorlovestravel – my user name there is Toni Pike Author. It’s been an exciting and busy month, and every day I’ve posted about somewhere around the world that I’ve visited in the past. Here are just a few of the places that have been included: Continue reading
Sue Loncaric from the Sizzling Towards Sixty & Beyond blog, is preparing for an exciting trip to Spain and other parts of Europe. She reflects on her preparations, and talks about some inspiring tips that she’s received from fellow bloggers and writers.
You can check out her post here: The Countdown to Our Spanish Adventure is On
I’m pleased to announce the launch of my Instagram account. As you have probably guessed, the focus will be on travel. I love to explore the world to do research for my thrillers. Every day on Instagram, I’ll be sharing one exciting place that I’ve visited, using my own photographs. It’s going to be both fun and fascinating, so please join me.
My user name is Toni Pike Author (@authorlovestravel). Here is the link: @authorlovestravel
Continue reading
I recently enrolled my books in KDP Select, which means they are now available exclusively on Amazon and available on Kindle Unlimited. Here are five quick tips I learned that you may find useful if you are new to KDP Select or are considering whether to enrol any of your titles.
I was thrilled to appear in Sally’s Cafe and Bookstore Update today, along with great authors Charles E. Yallowitz and the amazing Sally Cronin.
Welcome to the Friday edition of the Cafe and Bookstore author update and two authors today have new releases.
First is Toni Pike with a travel guide for those of us who are keen to head out on adventures to experience new cultures. Happy Travels 101: Cruise, flight and sightseeing tips to enhance your journey.
About the book
BECOME A TRAVEL EXPERT BEFORE YOU LEAVE HOME.
Discover my travel booking tips, my suggestions for exploring any destination, my tips for escorted tours, and my travel packing guide. Find out how to select and make the most of your next cruise, how to cope with a long-haul flight, and how to prepare a travel preparation checklist. And don’t miss my recommendations on travel safety, senior travel, and travel photography.
I love to travel because there is so much to see around the world: breathtaking landscapes, ancient ruins, towns steeped in history…
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I’m proud to announce that all 4 books in The Jotham Fletcher Mystery Thriller Series are now available on Kindle Unlimited – and are being listed exclusively at all Amazon outlets. That means you can now access them if you have a Kindle Unlimited subscription. If you are not a subscriber but would like to try it, then Amazon is currently offering a 30-day free trial.
Thank you so much, everyone, for all your support!
They are available at these Amazon stores: USA – UK – Australia – Canada – France – Germany – Italy– Netherlands – Spain – India – and all other Amazon outlets
I’m excited to announce that my new book – a travel guide – has just been released. Happy Travels 101: Don’t leave home without these cruise, flight, safety, packing and sightseeing tips is now available exclusively on Amazon – including Kindle Unlimited.
Many thanks to Chris Graham from The Story Reading Ape Blog for publishing my article: 13 Things to do after publishing your next book.
You have already published your first book. As part of that process, you set up your author pages on Amazon and other distribution sites such as Smashwords. You also established your own website, Facebook author page, Goodreads Author page, Twitter account and accounts on other social media platforms.
Now the time has come to publish your next book. You upload it and, hey presto, a short time later your precious creation goes live. Here is a list of thirteen housekeeping jobs to attend to before beginning the hard work of post-publication marketing.
1. Assemble your Buyer Links
Assemble a list of the new buyer links for adding to your website, signatures and posts.
2. Your Amazon Author Pages
Update your author pages on Amazon USA, UK, France, Germany and Japan: claim the new book and modify your biography.
3. The Author Page on other distribution sites, such as Smashwords
Modify…
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I was thrilled to have a 5-star review for “The Rock of Magus” mentioned in Sally’s Cafe and Bookstore update today – along with great writer Lorinda J. Taylor. Sally Cronin has a wonderful blog called Smorgasbord – Variety is the Spice of Life. Be sure to catch her latest posts.
Welcome to the first of the review specific posts this week.I am putting together a separate post on how to encourage more readers to leave book reviews later today, but I do want to reiterate my intention in the coming months to focus on reviews of books as part of book promotions. Word of mouth is the most powerful marketing tool that we have and we need to make it easier for our readers to leave their opinions good or bad about our work. More about that in the specific post later.In the meantime I am delighted to share new reviews for these featured authors the first being Toni Pike and The Rock of Magus: Code Red in the Vatican (The Jotham Fletcher Mystery Thriller Series Book 2) with a review by Terri Webster Schrandt
Source: Smorgasbord Book Promotion – Air Your Reviews – Toni Pike and Lorinda J. Taylor
Here are my top five travel tips for those who are fairly new to travelling overseas – though they also apply to those with far more experience. I love to travel and have seen some amazing places around the world that I’ve used as settings in my novels. It is the perfect excuse to do some research! Continue reading
I was thrilled to receive another five-star review for “The Rock of Magus” recently. It was written by Terri Webster Schrandt, of the Second Wind Leisure Perspectives blog.
original image by Unsplash, edited for publication
I am pleased to share my review of Toni Pike’s book, The Rock of Magus: Code Red in the Vatican, the second in the Jotham Fletcher Mystery Thriller series.
About the Author:Toni Pike is the author of The Jotham Fletcher Mystery Thriller Series: “The Magus Covenant,” “The Rock of Magus,” and “The Magus Epiphany.”
She is also the author of “100 Secrets to Love, Health and Wealth,” a guide to finding a job and creating a life that you love.
Toni believes that coffee and long walks are an essential part of any day. After starting her career as a veterinary surgeon, she taught high school and later had a successful career in the public service. Toni lives in Canberra, the capital city of Australia, with husband Jon. Her main passions are writing, travelling, and spending time with family and friends.
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Are there places in the world that you have always wanted to see? People of all ages now travel far more extensively than ever before and most find it an enriching and exciting experience.
Many thanks to Chris Graham from The Story Reading Ape’s Blog for publishing my article about ways to restore your energy levels.
Do you feel as if you’re running on empty, distracted by the constant demands of social media or not finding the time you need to write your next novel? You might need to focus on recharging your writing batteries, and there are six easy ways to do just that. Try one or more of these techniques, and see if it makes a difference to your life.
If you’re writing, blogging and using a computer at work, then you’re spending a great deal of time looking at a screen. Try taking a break and see what a difference it makes. Keep away for all your devices for just twenty-four hours, and then write down how you feel at the end of that day. Chances are that you’ll feel healthier and discover a fresh enjoyment in the world around you.
If you’re a blogger and writer, then you…
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A few years ago, I was lucky enough to go for a balloon ride over Canberra, the capital city of Australia. It was the perfect way to get out of my comfort zone and find my zen.
Do you realise that your own life is the most precious possession you have? There are many things that you might lose: your house, your wealth, your job, your friends and your freedom. You might even lose your family or your health. But all that pales in comparison to losing your life. Continue reading
Many thanks to Sally Cronin for including “The Magus Epiphany” in her latest Author Update, alongside great writers Andrew Joyce and Hilary Custance Green. I’m very lucky to be included in “Sally’s Cafe and Bookstore” where you can find an excellent and wide-ranging selection of authors and their books.
Welcome to the first of the March Cafe and Bookstore updates. The first author to be updated today is Toni Pike who has released the third book in the Jotham Fletcher Mystery series, The Magus Epiphany
About The Magus Epiphany
ONLY ONE MAN CAN STOP THE REVELATION THAT WILL SHATTER THE WORLD.
Jotham Fletcher returns in a deadly quest to save his own family and unravel the mystery behind two ancient relics, the murder of a young woman and a shocking series of messages about an epiphany.
Jotham and Madena have dedicated their lives to stopping the work of the long-hidden Simonian Sect and the Brotherhood who will commit any crime to achieve the same goal. Their belated honeymoon in Italy is interrupted when they cross paths with the sect and hear news of a mysterious object left at the spot where Simon Magus died in Rome two thousand years…
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I was thrilled to have “The Magus Epiphany” featured on The Story Reading Ape Blog. Many thanks to Chris Graham for his wonderful support and inspirational website.
Here is a link to that article: New Release: “The Magus Epiphany”
The Magus Epiphany is the third book in The Jotham Fletcher Mystery Thriller Series, and I’m excited to announce that it has just been released! Continue reading
I was delighted to have an article published on Chris the Story Reading Ape’s Blog about the characteristics of a thriller. Continue reading
The theme of a novel is the major issue that underlies the story, and is the lesson or message that it conveys. It is one of the most important factors to think about when planning and writing a work of fiction. When you studied literature at school, the theme of a novel was always an important point for discussion. Now that you’re a writer, don’t forget to give your own story’s theme the same careful consideration. Continue reading
Be sure to check out Sally’s Cafe and Bookstore for a great list of authors and their books (with the links to Amazon). Sally Cronin has a wonderful blog called Smorgasbord – Variety is the spice of life, that presents a view on books, musics, humour and health. Continue reading
So honoured to be a featured writer on Sally’s Cafe and Bookstore this week – along with wonderful writers Marcia Meara and Susan M. Troy. Don’t miss their books for those last-minute Christmas gifts this week.
Business cards can be an important weapon in the arsenal of any writer wanting to promote their work. Many thanks to Chris from the Story Reading Ape Blog for publishing my article about business cards for authors. Continue reading
A Religious Conspiracy Thriller – Code Red in the Vatican
I’m excited to announce that The Rock of Magus has now been released. It is Book 2 in the Jotham Fletcher Mystery Thriller Series, and this time Jotham heads to the Vatican. There are plenty of twists and turns as he tries to foil the Simonian Sect and the Brotherhood with the help of his new partner, Madena Sutcliffe. Continue reading
I was delighted once again to have a guest post on Chris The Story Reading Ape’s Blog. Continue reading
Many thanks to Chris from The Story Reading Ape Blog for posting my article about having mini-goals.Here is the link to that article:
You need mini-goals to write your novel
Here is the first chapter of The Magus Covenant – Book 1 in The Jotham Fletcher Mystery Thriller Series. It is available at all Amazon outlets. 3 more books in the series have already been released.
Reading fiction is great for your health. On 6th September 2016, I was thrilled to have an article published on Chris The Story Reading Ape’s Blog. Continue reading
If you’ve read one of my books, I’d love to hear your opinion or get your feedback. It would be wonderful if you could help spread the word by leaving a brief review on Amazon or telling your friends. You could also leave a rating or a review in Goodreads. Continue reading
I’m pleased to announce the launch of my Facebook Page. The Author App on the left hand side is a great way to get in touch and access my books. Here is the link, and I’d be delighted to hear if you like it.
We all know what it means when someone says that they are in a good or bad mood. Every one of us has a range of moods, that cover the spectrum from deliriously happy to gloomy or sad, and that is a sure sign of our humanity. Continue reading
Here are some excerpts from reviews of The Magus Covenant – Book 1 in The Jotham Fletcher Mystery Thriller Series.
“Exciting new series that leaves you wanting more immediately!” – Review on Amazon Continue reading
Here are some excerpts from reviews of The Rock of Magus – Book 2 in The Jotham Fletcher Mystery Thriller Series.
“If you have read Toni Pike’s first Jotham Fletcher adventure The Magus Covenant and really enjoyed the read like I did, you are going to like book two The Rock of Magus even more.” Continue reading
On 31 December 2105, I was delighted to be a guest on the Sizzling Towards Sixty website, talking about three steps to achieving your dream. Mine was to become an author, and it was just after I published my first novel. I would love to hear what you think. Here is the link to that article:
3 Steps to Achieving Your Dream
I was fortunate enough to be featured in an interview on Writer’s Treasure Chest. Continue reading
I felt very honoured to have The Rock of Magus included in the Smorgasbord Summer Reading series, presented by the wonderful Sally Cronin.
Here is the link to that article:
I was thrilled to be a guest on the inspirational Sizzling Towards Sixty website.
Here is the link to that article:
Midlife Matters – How to Become an Author in Midlife
I’d love to hear what you think.
The setting of your novel is a critical element that needs careful consideration and planning. It is the backdrop to your story, and requires as much thought as you give to the characters and storyline. There are several aspects that you need to take into account, including the time period, the location, the mood to be evoked and the level of detail to be used in your descriptions. Continue reading
Fiction is normally divided into a range of categories that are referred to as genres. It will be the first way for readers and publishers to judge your novel, and every writer needs to select the genre of their own work. Despite that, many writers find it difficult to make that decision, even after completing the first draft. Many stories seem to fit into more than one category, making the choice even more difficult. This is a brief guideline to help you make that decision. Continue reading
Chapters are a wonderful invention that help to compartmentalise a novel, breaking it up into sections that are easily read in one sitting. Continue reading
You are about to embark on a long and challenging journey and so far you have only stared at a blank sheet of paper or a computer screen in the search for inspiration. It might seem too early too worry about the length of your novel, but I consider that some forward planning is essential. You will know where you are headed and the size of the task you are about to undertake. Continue reading
Learn the difference between these words and you will never get them confused again.
Continue reading
The words there, their and they’re are the source of endless confusion. Continue reading
One of the most common mistakes in writing is the misuse of either its or it’s. Continue reading
I was delighted to have an article posted on Chris the Story Reading Ape’s Blog – about How to Write Dates in fiction.
Your mind is on fire as you type out your latest story at super-fast speed when, all of a sudden, you come to a halt. You want to include a date or a time period, and you’re not sure of the best way to express it.
Here are some easy guidelines to help you get started.
Dates
There are two simple ways to write a date but in fiction you should try to write the words out in full:
Thursday 9 June 2016 – with no comma and no “th”
or
Ninth of June
Always write dialogue the way your character would say it:
“She’ll be here on April the tenth,” said Mary.
Years
Write a single year in numerals:
2014
For a range of years, you can write the numerals:
1998-99 or 2002-2006
But for fiction, you should try to write the phrase in full:
She died sometime…
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In my first thriller The Magus Covenant, billionaire Iago Visser lives in a remote part of Derbyshire’s Peak District in a walled medieval manor house. In the second book of the series, recently released, hero Jotham Fletcher is now the owner. What better way, then, to feed my muse on a recent trip to England than to visit enchanting Haddon Hall? Continue reading
A review of the Magus Covenant was recently posted on the Pick of the Literate blog. Here’s a link to that review:
Review of The Magus Covenant on the Pick of the Literate Blog
