The Write Stuff with... Carol Thomas

Today it's my pleasure to welcome Carol Thomas back to the blog to talk about The Wonderful World of Research. Her latest book The Purrfect Pet Sitter was published last week.

Introducing Lisa Blake, the purrfect pet sitter! 

When Lisa Blake’s life in London falls apart, she returns to her hometown rebranding herself as ‘the purrfect pet sitter’ – which may or may not be false advertising! 

But being back where she grew up, Lisa can’t escape her past. There’s her estranged best friend Flick who she bumps into in an embarrassing encounter in a local supermarket. And her first love, Nathan Baker, who, considering their history, is sure to be even more surprised by her drunken Facebook friend request than Lisa is. 

As she becomes involved in the lives of her old friends Lisa must confront the hurt she has caused, discover the truth about her mysterious leather-clad admirer, and learn how to move forward when the things she wants most are affected by the decisions of her past.   

There comes a point in every writer’s career where you have to head off in to the unknown, to move beyond your own experiences in the stories you tell and start on the wonderful world of research. While Google undoubtedly makes life much easier for writers to do this, there is a lot to be gained by actually getting out into the world and experiencing at least aspects of the lives your characters will lead.

Of course this is not always possible. I know one author who was recently trying to find out if a scythe would cut through bone and another who wanted to know if it was possible to kill her husband without leaving a trail of incriminating evidence. In instances such as these having a dodgy Google search history, or interviewing those in the know, is preferable to being sent on a writing retreat courtesy of HM Prison. 

The Write Stuff with... Carol Thomas

Today it's my absolute pleasure to welcome Carol Thomas back to the blog to talk about the inspiration behind her new children's book Finding a Friend. 

As an experienced primary school teacher and mum of four, I know the importance of inspiring a love of books from an early age. I have read a great many children’s books and enjoy sharing them. Of course, it is not just about the story and pictures; it is about that moment of connection with those you are sharing the book with too.

Young children love books for many reasons. It can be that the subject matter connects with them; or that it fires their imagination, enabling them to venture into another world; but it can also be because of that moment they share with you as the reader. Snuggling up and sharing a story with your child is for anytime, not just bedtime (though of course, that can be a very lovely way for you and them to end their day). 

When inspiration struck for my children’s book, Finding a Friend, it was as I had finished reading a story to my then five-year-old son. I was looking at a photograph in his bedroom, of him with our much-loved chocolate Labrador, who had recently passed away at the grand old age of sixteen. The two of them shared a close bond, and I thought how lovely it would have been if they had grown up together. The first verse sprung to my mind, and I kept going, hurriedly noting it down soon after. It was one of those moments that just clicked for me as a writer, the inspiration, the words and enough time to record them, coming together.

The Write Stuff with... Carol Thomas

This year I'm introducing a new feature to the blog The Write Stuff with... which gives authors the opportunity to talk about anything writing related.  Today it's my pleasure to welcome Carol Thomas, author of Crazy over You, who has writting a piece about Setting Promotion in Place.

Promoting a book is an ongoing process. Getting started can feel daunting, especially for self-published authors. So for those looking to get their promotion in motion, here are five top tips I have learnt from fellow authors:

1) Get to grips with social media: 
Aim to focus on one or two social media sites and to do them well. When beginning your social media campaign think about the persona you want to present and the brand you want to create. Keep personal and professional accounts separate – you never know who will be looking you up in the future!

Facebook allows people to follow you and for you to start building a buzz about your work. Initially invite your friends to follow you and ask them to encourage others to do the same.

Twitter readily enables you to reach a wider audience. Follow other writers and those people who may be your future readers, they may follow back. Use hash tags such as #amwriting and those relating to your book. Aim to be interested in others and interesting yourself. Check out opportunities for promotion such as @TheAuthorHour.

You Tube is becoming hugely popular as the place to promote yourself and your work. You can record and post interviews, events, and things relating to you, your research and your book. Aim to post regularly and to promote when your posts will appear through your other social media pages.

Pinterest or Instagram may be useful if your book or research lends itself to image or photo sharing, especially to drive traffic to your website.

If you decide to undertake a social media advertising campaign, such as Facebook advertising, it is advisable to research what works well before you begin.

Kelly's Review: Crazy Over You by Carol Thomas

Reviewed by Kelly Spillane

Love can drive you crazy… in more ways than one! 

When Abby met Simon, a drink in the uni bar lead to keeping in touch, late-night phone calls and intimate catch-ups. It was the start of something special, a love Abby believed would last a lifetime. 

A wedding, two daughters and fifteen years later, Abby’s world is falling apart. Having discovered Simon has had an affair, her normally ordered mind is spiralling out of control. Crushed by the betrayal and shocked by her own reaction, she knows she needs to get herself together; she’s just not sure where to start. 

She wanted all the pain and angst gone from inside her. Would meeting someone do that? She was one lone person in a world of people. Who would notice her? Nobody had in the last fifteen years. 

With Simon on a mission to win her back and a close friend hiding a secret that could push her further over the edge, Abby finds strength and support where she least expects it. But as she attempts to gain control of her life and make decisions about her future, it may be more than the limits of Abby’s mind that are put to the test! 

Amazon links: Kindle or Paperback

Guest Post: Top Tips for Giving Personal Gifts this Christmas by Carol Thomas

Today I'm pleased to welcome author Carol Thomas with a guest post about giving personal gifts this Christmas.

In my novel, Crazy Over You, Abby and Simon have been married for fifteen years; they share a long history and know each other well. As the novel opens with them at a crisis point in their relationship, Simon begins a mission to win Abby back through a series of words, actions and pertinent gifts. Whether his efforts would work or not (and you’ll have to read the book to see if they do) it was important that his intentions seemed thoughtful and sincere. So I set about researching the ultimate in personal gifts. 

The good news for most of us is that giving the perfect gift doesn’t have to cost a lot; giving something that shows you’ve paid attention and you care was repeatedly deemed of greater value than impersonal gifts that cost more. With that in mind, here are mine, and Simon’s, top tips to giving a personal gift this Christmas…

Give a reminder of a special day: If the gift is for your partner, don’t just think of the obvious ones like your wedding day or first date, for Abby and Simon it is a day spent at the zoo. Give a bottle of the drink you shared at a happy time, a CD of the music that was relevant to the beginning of your relationship, or even better a mix CD of your songs. This type of gift can be appropriate for your best friend as much as your partner.