Love Thyself (by Layla Stevens)

Thank you for your interest in helping spread the word about my book, Love Thyself! The ebook, a depiction of the internal struggle many LGBTQQ individuals deal with, was made available October 10, 2015. I am available for guest posts, interviews, features, and reviews for the Blog Tour on a request-basis.

This book is intended for anyone who has ever felt like someone different, knows someone who is of the LGBTQQ community, or simply is open to a good, quality read. This book is very graphic in nature and deals with other topics as well such as child trafficking.

About the Book: Warning: This book is graphic in nature. 18+ is advised. Have you ever felt like different, like you didn't belong? Kellie Kingston knows that feeling all too well. She’s not who she pretends to be, instead from the inside out, Kellie is actually Kaleb. For years, Kaleb has wanted to break free from the reins of Kellie’s lifestyle. He knows he was born in a female’s body, but with a soul of a man. What happens when skeletons are forced to be kept in dirty closets? No one should judge a person by the gender of their body, but the passions found within their heart. Will the people of Kaleb’s community ever be able to accept him for who he really is? Will Kaleb ever be free to truly love himself or will southern socialite secrets keep him hidden forever?

you were

About the Author:

I was born in Tulsa, Oklahoma but moved to Pensacola, Florida in 1996. I have a huge family who I shocked them when I told them I was writing my first book. I have had a love a reading since I was young. Reading has always been my escape. I can read and be a princess or a warrior. Reading for me was always something magical. And I hope to pass that on to you all. I am blessed to be the mom of a little girl named Sage who is the light of my life. {I call her Olga, and she hates it} I did not give birth to her but I choose her. I am blessed with great friends who have always had my back. I have a lot to learn in this world of writing but, so far I am enjoying the ride. I have a fantastic Four that are my true loves. No names will be mentioned as they know who they are. I Love you all very much. {I didn't include alters in that comment}. I'm very opinionated and have no filter. I speak my mind without thinking of the consequences. Does this get me in Trouble? Yes, it does every single day. But I will not change. I march to my own beat. My mom says that I can be a one-man band. I am always willing to help out anyone who is in need all you have to do is ask. I never knew that writing a book would show me so much about myself. I have learned so much in a short amount of time. And I can't wait to learn more.

Reviews:

I was gifted the ARC of Love Thyself by Layla Stevens. First off let me say that Layla stepped out of her comfort zone on this book.

This book talks about several topics that have touched many lives from transgender issues, sex trafficking, bullying, abuse, murder, child trafficking, and lies. I could not put this book down, I felt like I was Kellie when it came to some issues. Despite how you feel about this type of book, this is a must read.

Kellie is a teenager that has tried several times to tell her mother that she was born into the wrong body. Kellie takes her pain out on her body in several different ways. After Kellie comes out to her parents, things have taken a dramatic turn. Kellie learns about some secrets that her parents have.

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US http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MR3HQZ0

Goodreads
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18773845-broken-love-and-forever-bound

Goodreads Damaged Love
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25089097-damaged-love

Goodreads Once Anthology
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25439598-once-a-collection-of-sinfully-sexy-and-twisted-tales

Goodreads Love Thyself
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26228725-love-thyself?from_search=true&search_version=service

Goodreads Mouth Anthology
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26840028-mouth?from_search=true&search_version=service

Goodreads Inspirational Beautiful Eescape 2
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25824877-this-beautiful-escape-2?from_search=true&search_version=service

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Book: Ethan’s Fall

Series: A Choice Novel

Author: Dee Palmer

Expected Release: 26th November

Hosted By: Francessca's Romance Reviews

Synopsis:

They say once bitten… Ethan Cates is anything but shy. A little time away from his playboy playground has hardened his heart and returning from his travels he has every intention of keeping it that way.This summer his plan is for the three S’s Sun, Sea and Surf…It’s just not his entire plan. Three more S’s… Sex, Sex and more Sex. Ethan loves women. He is just not ever going to love one women and this summer he is on a mission to prove it.

Everyone has a story but not everyone wants to tell their story. Ada is hiding and has no choice but to stay that way because she needs to find someone more than she needs to take her next breath. If she is found and identified she knows she will never get that chance. It’s not a life choice. This is self-preservation, she’s lost too much, but she will never give up.

For the first time since moving to the small coastal town, Ada feels isolated in her opinion of Ethan, the town's favourite prodigal son. He is arrogant, rude and a complete arse to her. But, the first time in forever, Ada is distracted by a man who seems to delight in torturing her, teasing her and playing a game Ada can’t afford to lose…A game she can’t afford to play.

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Excerpt

The door handle seems stiff when I realise its locked. What the fuck! I shake the handle and yell.
“Open the fucking door!” I no longer contain my rage not giving whoever has the audacity to lock themselves in my bedroom time to comply with my demand. I step back and with one fierce kick I boot the door wide open. A sharp shrill scream competes with the sound of the cracking door frame and splintering wood.
Not what I was expecting. The trembling girl in front of me, her white knuckles fiercely gripping the handle but her hold is wobbly and she weakly waves my baseball bat at me.I instantly step forward and swipe it from her grasp. She yelps and jumps back against the wall. Her dark blue eyes are wide with terror and I get a sudden pang in my chest that I am causing this distress. I drop the bat and walk to my closet all the while keeping my eyes fixed on her. She looks scared shitless which is understandable. I guess I might look a little scared if some strange naked guy crashed into my room. But this is my room and I’m not the stranger she is. But yes, I am naked and I need to fix that. I pick the first set of shorts I can find and slip them on. I can see her visibly relax and I like that I have done that.
“Who are you?” Her voice waivers, but she coughs and straightens her shoulders in a display of faux confidence. It makes me smile which seems to irritate her.
“My apartment darling… I get to ask the questions.” My tone is clipped. Yeah, I can be irritated too. I have had way too little sleep and currently have a hard-on that won’t go away. Her eyes keep dipping to take in my tenting crotch which honestly isn’t helping. “What are you doing in here…taking a break from the performance?” She is almost naked herself. Her slim bare legs peek below a skinny T-shirt that look familiar. It’s mine or at least used to belong a girl I went to school with. She must have left it here when she visited from University. It has St Andrews University blazoned across the front and it is far too small to fit me. So apart from my clothing she doesn’t appear to have anything else on…certainly no bra. Interesting.
“What?” Her shocked tone piqued with insult halts my wayward thoughts.
“Are you taking a break from the show I just broke up?” I speak slowly and I know my patronising tone is causing the fury to flash in her crystal blue eyes. I tip my head toward the other room, to the highlight my point and the scene of the crime.
“Oh absolutely…and the locked door is all part of my foreplay!” She crosses her arms tightly around her chest which just lifts her breasts that little bit higher.
“It’s effective” My face fails to hide my amusement. “Rude to point.” I fail again to hold in a laugh, but then I’m not really trying. This is the most fun I have had in a long time. She instantly cups the offending nipples with her hands and flashes bright red.
“Oh my God! Sky said you were cool, but you’re actually an arsehole!” Her haughty tone, however, is my breaking point. I stride over to her and grab her elbow. She yelps at my tight grip and I easily drag her from my room. There is practically nothing to her, except delicately soft skin under my finger tips, masses of unruly jet black waves and fierce piercing blue eyes. I open the front door and deposit her outside on the landing in her bare feet.I go to close the door.
“Wait!” She screeches. I hold the door and regard her cooly through the gap. “My clothes…all my clothes are in your washing machine.”
“Why?” I am confused, but she looks like I have just asked the dumbest question.
“I used you laundry facilities. Sky said I could. I’ll pay for the washing tablet but I need my clothes…you have all my clothes….” She bites her words out and I fight back a grin. She is in no position to be snarky with me.
“Not all you clothes.” I casually glance at the T-shirt she has borrowed from one of my draws.
Her eyes dip to where my gaze is focused and she tugs at the material for emphasis. “This is yours…I just used it while mine were washing. Everything I own is in your machine!” She is fighting her frustration. I can see the way she is biting her cheek that she is just itching to tell me all her deepest desires. No, she’s itching to rip my fucking bollocks off but I like my internal fantasy better.
‘You are right…that is my T-shirt.” I cup my hand in the universal sign language of ‘hand it over’. The shock on her face is priceless.
“What? No!” She shouts out indignantly.
“My T-shirt. You either give it to me or I will take it from you.” She takes a step back and crosses her arms once more. It’s cute her tiny frame trying to emanate any kind of barrier.
“You wouldn’t?” Her voice is a whisper and her eyes are wide like saucers, deep blue mesmerising saucers. I step up to her but don’t say a single word. I silently wait…and wait. Her eyes narrow and she huffs. “You’re an arsehole…you know that?” I wait… “Fine!” She steps away creating enough space to roughly pull the T-shirt from her body before flinging it with some considerable force at my face. Not the first time today I catch the missile aimed at my head but this time I hold it. She has cupped her breasts. I was right, no bra. My eyes flick down her body and my mouth slides into the smuggest smile I can manage.
“No…no please.” Her breathy pleas go straight to my cock which would be caged in a pair of loose fitted boxer shorts but she is wearing them. Well, she is wearing one pair of them at least. Even with the tight elasticated waste the oversized underwear hangs deliciously from her slender hips. Her delicate curves no match for the might of gravity pulling the shorts further down her body exposing even more skin.
‘Oh dear,” I say solemnly but with no remorse. “Those would be mine also I believe hmmm?” I tap my finger lightly on my chin as if pondering this great conundrum. ‘What to do? What to do?”
“Please, Ethan.” My name on her lips sounds…strange…familiar…sexy. I like it and fuck, I could get used to that pleading.
“I’m nothing if I’m not a gentleman.” I offer but just as she steps forward misunderstanding the limits of my chivalry, I push the door closed in her face. I let her keep the pants.

Other Books In The Series:

Never A Choice

(The choices Trilogy Book 1)

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

Always A Choice

(The choices Trilogy Book 2)

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

The Only Choice

(The choices Trilogy Book 3)

Amazon UK

Amazon USA

About The Author 

Dee Palmer hates talking about herself in the third person so I won’t. My husband had my iPod engraved one Christmas with ‘sing like no-one’s listening’ and I know my family actually wish they weren’t listening because I am, in fact, tone deaf but it doesn’t stop me and this gentle support has enabled me to fulfil a dream. This has been a truly brilliant experience, I wrote The Choices Trilogy back to back and released them this year just one month apart...Don't you hate waiting for the next book in a series? The entire process has undoubtedly been made possible by my incredibly supportive family. I know this is very much an acknowledgment but I know I wouldn’t be writing even this single paragraph if it wasn’t for them so this is about who I am, I am because they let me be.

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Review: The Basilisk's Creed, Volume One

The Basilisk's Creed, Volume One by Eme Strife
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Eli and Matt are the two main characters. Eli is a rather poor young woman who although is employed as a glass collector in a high-end nightclub she is not earning a lot, she owns a broken clock that wakes her up at the wrong time (ok poor or not buy a new one as they are cheap). Eli falls asleep one night and has a vivid dream in which she ends up in a chapel and Matt catches her thinking she is an intruder, Matt is described as being a Soul Reaper although I did not notice him reaping any souls during the story, unless you can say he reaped Elis soul, both of them immediately were attracted to each other, they were drawn to each other. So we can clearly see dreams are intertwined because Matt must be dreaming about her too.

The sexual encounters in this story are hot and steamy, the language is strong, so I would recommend this for 18years and older. I did get a bit lost here and there as reality and dreams seemed a bit confusing, but I did enjoy what I read, not sure if I would wish to read further stories in the series.



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Review: Doctor-Patient Confidentiality: Volume One

Doctor-Patient Confidentiality: Volume One by Eme Strife
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Ramona appears to be a confident girl, but deep down she has plenty insecurities, her music gives her plenty confidence but when an illness threatens her voice she has no choice but to pop to the doctors for treatment. Well, meeting the doctor shook her to her core, the slightest touch of his hands had her spinning and she was a little more than hot and bothered. The sexual chemistry was there from the start it was sizzling hot and I really expected from the first steamy encounter that things would become a fury of sexual activity between these pair as a romance develops. Unfortunately, it did not quite happen that way, the story sort of lulled in the middle and the sexy doctor vanished until we reached almost the end of the story before he surfaced again.

Ramona's story was intriguing and the author detailed it very well, her past, and her present, it leaves lots of scope where the author can take Romona's future for sure.

Don't get me wrong it is a nice story, well worth the read, and as part of a series it may just be a taster of hotter steamier things to come.

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Review: A Tale of Three Cities

A Tale of Three Cities by Alexander McCabe
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

When you are living the dream in a mansion house in Scotland with your girlfriend, it must feel like you have it made. Well, Z and his girlfriend Lady Penelope Munro (Penny) were living the dream, but dreams sometimes turn into nightmares especially as Penny, has a dark past. They live alone in their castle with their handyman Andy who looks after the maintenance etc.

Penny is rich and is a customer of the local bank where Melisa Chisholm works, Melissa is in charge of Penny's affairs. Melissa believes in happy ever afters, and when she starts to read a story at the dentists about a man in the USA, by the name of Michael Bradley who is heartbroken after the disappearance of his wife who is believed dead, she suddenly realises that his missing wife is not dead as he believes but that she is very much alive. Melissa wants to help him find his wife, but the $1million reward is a bonus that she cannot fail to look forward too. A simple plan that cannot fail? or can it?

The story is told in both USA and in Scotland, with a trip to the Cayman Islands thrown in for good measure. There is plenty going on for sure. There is love & romance, violence and threats, robbery, and then the Mafia just to keep it interesting.

I loved this story, it truly was a terrific read, I loved how the Author drew you into the story, the intrigue, how you were willing things to go a certain way, and how you got a surprise at other things that happened along the way.

Be prepared to laugh at parts and have your heart in your mouth at other parts, definitely one to keep the emotions bouncing around as if you are on a rollercoaster.

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Title: A Tale of Three Cities
Author: Alexander McCabe
Release: 2nd November
Genre: Romantic Suspense / Thriller

​

Penny had never expected Z to walk through the gates of her sprawling Scottish estate and unlock her heart, but that is exactly what he did. Living the dream, they are blissfully happy in their little slice of paradise.

Until the dream is shattered when the nightmare that was her past finds them. Now, the race is on to protect all that they hold dear…each other.

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Click here to Preview on YouTube - A TALE OF THREE CITIES 

After graduating with a couple of useless degrees in law, I left my Scottish homeland and wandered nomadically around the globe to experience the rich diversity of culture that the world has to offer.

For the moment, my wife and I are happy to call Toronto home but neither of us is entirely sure for how long and, somewhat irrationally, this more excites than scares us!

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Review: A Journey of Dragons

A Journey of Dragons by Scott Robert Ladd
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A Journey of Dragons is set in a place called Syraqua, where dragons rule and humans are all but extinct, save for a few scattered around the globe. This is an exciting, in-depth story, the descriptions have your mind wandering off imagining these creatures, and places, the Author draws you into the story with his skill, I loved the descriptions used like "skies turned blood-red and winds laden with sulfur and smoke". As soon as I reached that part early on in the book I knew I was hooked.

There are many creatures in this story, like dwarves, highly intelligent reptiles, the humans have tried and failed in the past to return to rule but always failed. This time, they seek the help of the Dragon but can the dragon forget the ancient wrong done to him, can he forget?

Kaylen, a human finds himself washed ashore after his boat sinks and everyone is lost, he survives and wonders why. Symurallix the dragon rescues him from an attack by another beast and takes him to his dragon castle. Although the dragon is still bitter from past events it is curious about Kaylen - can the dragon help the Kaylen? you have to read the story yourself to find out.

The story is truly delightful, it is gripping and you do get lost in its mystery and it's surroundings.

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Review: Touching Evil

Touching Evil by Kylie Brant
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Serial killer Mason Vance is finally in prison and Dr Sophia Channing is the only witness still living who can give evidence to put him in prison for life. The only problem with this is that his accomplice is still at large, which means that Sophia is a target. Agent Cam Prescott has to protect his witness, at the same time he has to capture the other killer before he strikes again.

The author did a terrific job with the spine-chilling suspense. I was on tenterhooks half of the time I was reading. I absolutely loved this story and I did not have the pleasure of reading the first book in the series prior to reading this, but it did not detract from my enjoyment at all. I will be reading the next instalment for sure!

I have to thank the Author/publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review.

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Review: Tear Drop

Tear Drop by Joanne Clancy
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Wow this is an exceptionally great book, I loved the way the author kept you guessing, Elizabeth was the lead detective in The Metropolitan Police in London who was on the hunt for a serial killer nicknamed Tear Drop, his real name was Ross Campbell, but he eluded her.

10 years later she is living in Ireland and is asked by the local police to help, they have reason to suspect her elusive killer is back and in their region, but is this the same killer? is it a copy cat killer? is it a totally different killer? so many questions and you think you know who the killer is but you are wrong. This is a thrilling story that the killer seems to be laying down the plot for and everyone else is along for the ride.

I started the book and could not put it down it was that good.

Thank you to the Author/Publishers via NetGalley for allowing me to read this story in return for an honest review.

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BLINDSIDED (The Fighter Series #1) by TC Matson

Blindsided by TC Matson

Synopsis

Paige

He’s everything I’ve never wanted—an egotistical, womanizing MMA fighter. Yes, he’s easy on the eyes with a body to die for, blue eyes to fall into, and a smile that will make your heart skip beats. His smell is intoxicating, and he’s fun to be around. But I’m not interested in being another notch in his bedpost. I can’t lie and say I haven’t thought about what it would be like. I have. Unfortunately, I know a woman like me can’t make a man like him settle down.

Levi

Look at me. I’m everything she wants—a sexy MMA fighter who no one can resist. What? I can’t help they all want me. I know she fantasizes about my naked body on top of hers. Who doesn’t? But she has telltale signs—her glassy green eyes, her crimson red cheeks, and the sweat that glistens on her face—she wants me. I’ve never had to chase, you know, put effort into getting a girl in bed, but she is sending me on the longest treasure hunt I’ve ever experienced. Not even my smile can make her panties drop. But somehow, somewhere in the mix of chasing her, I’ve developed feelings. This cannot be happening.

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NEW RELEASE - SNOWBOUND by CJ MARTIN

Title: Snowbound

Author: CJ Martin

Genre: New Adult/College Romance

 Release Date: October 20, 2015

Blurb

A professional snowboarder. A novice skier. An inevitable collision.

Anders Vik is a force on the slopes and he knows it. World number one. Countless endorsement deals. Looks to match. When a vicious scandal rocks his world everything he’s worked so hard for is threatened. Banished by his coach to a local ski resort, he spends his days losing himself boarding and in numerous women. But when she crashes into his world he’s not sure which will change his life more. The wait for his name to be cleared, or her.

College senior Elena Espinosa plays by the rules. Work hard. Study harder. Rely on no one but herself. Coerced by her best friends, she reluctantly tags along on the final trip during winter break. For Elena, novice skier is an understatement. She never dreamed a lesson on the bunny slope would send her hurtling towards her destiny. Nor did she imagine it would come in the form of a blue-eyed Nordic God.



She isn’t looking for love. He doesn’t do commitment. But what burns between them is so strong it threatens to melt the polar ice caps. What happens when two different worlds collide?

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CJ Martín lives in Pennsylvania with her wonderful husband and her adorable (sometimes infuriating) dog, Albert. She is an avid reader and has been known to spend her days ignoring her responsibilities while engrossed in a good book. She enjoys traveling and yoga. Snowbound is her first book.

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CJ HEATH, Author Spotlight

Authors Spotlight CJ Heath

I am very pleased to introduce you to Author CJ Heath, who is with us today participating in our Author Spotlight.

Please tell us a bit about yourself.

I’m Chris Heath though I publish as CJ Heath (no strategy involved here, it’s simply there is a website for Chris Heath already and I wanted to avoid confusion) a 46-year-old married father of three and I’ve been with my wife since I was eighteen. 2015 will see our 25^th wedding anniversary so I guess it’s reasonable to assume I’m something of a family man. I’ve lived all my life in England, first in Hampshire, then I moved the great distance of seven miles to Surrey. If writing ever funds me sufficiently, I’ll make a bold retreat all the way to Wales (Snowdonia) where my heart tells me I should live.

I’ve been many things in my life moving through various forms of retail to spend 14 years as in Security for the Ministry of Defence (including a time as a dog handler). It was a round of budget ‘efficiencies’ that caused me to write. I have always written stories but in January 2014 I received a payment that allowed me to leave the MoD and spend six months writing full time. That was the start of my career. Too soon the money ran out and I’m now employed within the Highways Agency but the time off permitted me to set a discipline I adhere to now. When I’m not working, I’m up at 6am and sat writing before seven for the best part of the morning.

Of my writing, I tend to write emotive tales. Something within me makes me want to look into the hearts and minds of my characters. I may sound cruel, but I want the reader to feel the pain and if I can bring tears to the reader I feel I’ve succeeded in my aim.

Tell us about your latest book/series.  If yours is a series please tell us the order they should be read in.

My most recent book published is The Gypsy’s Lie.

Ostensibly it’s a weepy, a piece of indulgent chick-lit but it’s categorized in the LGBT, coming of age, romance genres so as to not mislead the reader. Set in 1953 England, the main character is, surprise, surprise, a gypsy. Mickey Ray is a pure Romany, engaged to a girl he’s known since childhood, the son of the camp leader and a bare-knuckle prizefighter. What he’s never told anybody is he’s gay. He’s living a lie and expects to pretend for his entire life, but then he meets Tom, a quiet, bullied local boy and as a relationship begins to grow, his fiancé learns Mickey’s secret but is still determined to make him her man.

The story concentrates on the emotional entanglements and avoids anything that may be considered erotic. It’s a gentle story rooted in the history of the time and the culture of the Romany.

Tell us about your Work in Progress

My current story, only just begun but plotted a year ago is something different for me. Untitled as yet, it’s a reworking of an old Welsh faerie tale. The synopsis is simple in that a young man encounters a girl of the fair folk and subsequently marries her with the caveat that should she be struck by iron, she will be lost to him. The conflict is generated by a violent miner jealous of the young man and risk is introduced by the young man being an apprentice blacksmith. It feels like a fun story and though I’ve lived this for some time, I’m waiting for it to surprise me.

What inspires your writing?

My imagination sparks every story and the initial prompt can be anything from a song lyric, a location, an unusual name. Most often, I see the close of my story like the end of a film and I have to work a story around that image. Once I’ve seen the end I have to figure out what scenarios caused that situation. Sometimes the reverse engineering of the plot births a story very different to what I’d originally envisioned. Ultimately, after a few weeks of learning about my characters, they start to steer me through the story.

What do you do when you are not writing?

Mainly work and sleep. I am a shift worker and work 12-hour shifts which means I work for four days (or nights) and then have four days off. Every day off I can be found in my local Starbucks for the first three or four hours of the day with my laptop (curiously, they all know how I like my coffee). The remainder of the day is mundane such as shopping or impersonating a taxi for my wife and three sons. When the evening arrives, I become a film addict until it’s time to sleep.

How hard was it to get your first book published?

My first book, “Her Name is James” was completed in May 2014 and initially I sent it to one agent. It didn’t feel right to submit it to many people at once (though I understand this is exactly what an author is supposed to do). I waited, and waited, and waited. Eventually, I received the response that the agency didn’t handle my genre of story. Well, I was unwilling to wait so long again and with a complete dread I self-published

Did you find it hard to think of names for your characters or did they just pop into your head?

Finding names is simple, finding names that don’t match those of people I know is hard. I tend to explore baby name websites or stroll through graveyards for inspiration but occasionally. In my Dark Angel trilogy, I needed archaic names, for Gypsy’s Lie I needed names popular in the early fifties and in Her Name is James I needed everyday names for the early nineties.

Do you prefer stand-alone or series?

I prefer to write a stand-alone story although there is a commercial practicality to write a series. I found with my trilogy I had so many characters to update with, the start of the third book was little laboured and I had to sacrifice some action for the sake of character exposition

Do you read the genre you write about or do you prefer something different?

I mainly read fantasy; I’m not entirely sure how I’ve come to write what I do. I have nine stories in various stages of development and little by little I do seem to be stepping more toward fantasy but not in a wild, furious fashion, more a gentle creep into light fantasy such as the afore mentioned faerie tale and subtle supernatural touches in the world we know.

Now tell us about your absolute favourite book that you have read, and why it is special to you.

Legend by David Gemmell. Despite being  traditional fantasy the story is so rich with credible and flawed characters it’s a delight to keep rereading. David Gemmell avoided the usual clash of swords and having all problems solved by magic, he let his characters think and act as people genuinely would. I also love how he can have a coward or an assassin as the hero rather than relying on the format of a teenager coming into some hidden inheritance. How many stories can give you a lovable hero who is a sixty-year-old, rheumatic, unfriendly, stubborn son of a bitch?

How do you get your books to the attention of the public?

That is the question few authors can answer. Ultimately, the public brings a story to the public’s attention. It doesn’t matter how thoroughly you plug a publication on Facebook or pay for advertising on book sites, there are only three stages to attracting a readership; you need to write a cracking story, you need a great and honest blurb and you need people to tell others how much they love the book. For me, I’m hopeless at the blurb and the promotional side of things. I know my stories to such a depth I find it impossible to encapsulate the story in a short synopsis that doesn’t give the game away. I’m blessed with some beautiful reviews but until word spreads, I shall remain in obscurity. I’m a writer, I write. I’m not a salesman and so, as poorly as my books may do in sales, I will still write, It’s my passion and though I want to be read, the fiscal side of things will only ever be a factor to me on the day I can write full-time.

Do you have a Street Team, or the likes?  If so would you like to share the link so our readers may consider joining?

I did have a Street Team, but I persuaded the wonderful ladies who set it up and ran it that I didn’t merit their efforts. I was ever so grateful, but I am too anonymous to be found in the posts among so many other authors. Maybe one day a Street team will be warranted but now is not that time.

Bio image 

(Below is the usual identity image I use across my social media and until recently, the only image of myself I was comfortable showing anybody. I’m a very shy guy even by author standards.)

STALKER LINKS

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/cj.heath.925

Twitter https://twitter.com/writecjheath

Website http://www.cjheath.com/

 Buy links,

Her name is James

http://www.amazon.com/Her-Name-James-CJ-Heath-ebook/dp/B00O2658BO

The Gypsy’s Lie

http://www.amazon.com/The-Gypsys-Lie-CJ-Heath-ebook/dp/B0159B33Z8

Dark Angel

http://www.amazon.com/Dark-Angel-CJ-Heath-ebook/dp/B00NE0U2Z6

Hell on Earth

http://www.amazon.com/Hell-Earth-Dark-Angel-Book-ebook/dp/B00V0U7GHE

Lucifer

http://www.amazon.com/Lucifer-Dark-Angel-Book-3-ebook/dp/B0122Q3YNY

Book covers

Thank you, Christopher, for participating in the Author Spotlight, I really appreciate your taking the time and effort out of your busy schedule to make this happen.  Good luck with your upcoming books, I shall be sure to keep watching to see what you publish next!!!

Thanks again

Lilian