Names Starting With 'Z': My Blog Drives My Novel's Downloads

Names Starting With 'Z': My Blog Drives My Novel's Downloads: I do reviews for indie authors to promote their work because I believe that it is in the new pool of independent, self-published writer...

But...where are the dragons?

I asked myself this question right after reading Souls of the Never. 

I mean, the short prequel Origins of the Never had some magnificent specimens of dragon kind. But besides a few dead dragon carcasses, there were none to be found in the story itself.

Or so I thought, until I read Worlds of the Never. I can't believe how blind I was! They were there in front of my eyes the whole time. Granted, even the characters in the book aren't aware of their place in the whole plan, but I should have seen it. All the clues are there.

I won't spoil it for the rest of you humans. Read the books. Find the dragons.

Dragon eggs are better than chocolate

Happy Easter from Claude the imaginary dragon

I thought I'd share a picture of my auntie Mabel's encounter with the Easter Bunny. What? You think he's not real? Little git tried to steal her eggs. I can still remember the smell of roast rabbit. Mmmmm

Not my usual cup of tea, but it's actually very good.

If you follow this blog, you will know I have a certain taste in books.I like historical stories, because I have lived so long I imagine what I was doing at the time the book is set in.

I don't usually like futuristic books, as they are out of my comfort zone, and to be honest I don't normally read mystery books.

Download on Amazon

This one has me all a flutter, as it's both of the above, but I thoroughly enjoyed it. I intend to pay a visit to Ms Lugo later on, to congratulate her in person. Apparently she likes cognac, so I'll stop off at my stash on the way. I have a little of the 1781 left aside for special occasions. For now, I will simply link in the review that Colin has written.

Colin's review of Daniel's Fork

Oh, I should also mention that it's free. Well done Ms Lugo, and I shall see you later.

The best stress buster available

Today was a hard day for Colin. I won't bore you with the details, but the storm clouds in his head were threatening lightning, and I despise lightning. Singes my wings you see.

Fortunately, our relationship has defrosted of late, so I told him to give himself a shake and do something he loves, in order to calm down.

So, at this moment, while I write this blog, Colin is writing a little short story for an anthology he's been invited to participate in. I've read it, it's actually rather good. Quite dark, as it begins in a particularly morbid place. Auschwitz. Now, of all the many unfortunate things you humans inflict upon each other, this one sickens me the most. I know Colin actually shed a tear while writing it.

The thing is, writing is a wonderful way to relieve stress. You can disappear into a world of your own making, write in things or people who have annoyed you; and then kill them.

Tonight shall be a night of relaxation.

Aaah, bliss.

A nice surprise

Imagine my surprise when Colin awoke this morning to find we'd been nominated for something called a Liebster award. I had no idea what this was, but Colin was good enough to look it up on that webby thing you humans use so much. I had no idea spiders were so knowledgeable.

Anyway, this award is for new bloggers, and is a method to introduce them to the wider blogging community. I would like to thank my good friend and mentor, KT Bowes, who writes the Bowes Library Corner blog. She also a very talented author, with several best sellers under her belt.

She has requested that I answer some questions she has posted, though why anyone might want to know a dragon's viewpoint on them I don't know. But here goes.

1. What time of the day do you blog?

Normally in the evening, after Colin's kids go to bed. I love his children, almost as much as he does, and I wouldn't dream of dragging his attention away from their bickering. It amuses me.

2. What's the most controversial thing you've ever blogged about?

Hmm, I don't think I've posted anything controversial...yet. I must get my thinking cap on. Nothing like a little controversy to drum up some publicity.

3. What's the one thing you've blogged and then wished you hadn't?

I'm a dragon, and as such have a very logical mind. I've also been around for the last few centuries. I seldom make decisions I regret, except when it involves going out with Demelza Carleton's mermaids and drinking Fireball whiskey all night. Oh my head the next day! Dragons don't do anything in a small way, so my hangover was huge.

4. Who is your favourite blogger?

I have an eclectic taste, so I enjoy a wide range of blogs. My favourite would be a tie between Kate's and Heather Osborne's blog.

5. Do you find that blogging as Claude makes you braver in the things you say?

See picture below

6. What is the vision for your blog?

I would like to educate the world about dragons. There have been some absolutely horrid portrayals over the years. 

7. What is your favourite blog topic?

Isn't that obvious? Me, of course!

8. Did you start with a particular blog style in mind or has it evolved over time?

Colin had this silly idea that he'd like to write it. I know I post the occasional link to his books, but I feel a dragon's input is far superior to you humans...no offence.

9. Potato chips or chocolate (Colin, Not Claude!)

Colin says Tayto cheese and onion. Give me roast lamb with mint sauce any day.

10. Who is your personal idol and would you want them to read your blog?

I as a dragon don't have many idols. Colin, however, enthuses about several authors he loves. Doug Danridge is one, and yes, I think Colin would love Doug to read this.

11. Would you ever take a blog post down if it caused offence, or would you leave it up there for posterity?

See question 5

I would like to finish off by nominating my good friend Heather Osborne for a  Liebster award. As a dragon, I have no idea what questions to ask, but Colin has given the list below:

1. Why did you start blogging?

2. Is it important to connect to your audience?

3. Who would be your dream reader and commenter on one of your blog posts?

4. When you are rich and famous, will you remember your lowly author friends?

5. Do you get a buzz out of helping others out?

6. Red or white? You know what I mean ;)

7. Do you tend to blog on one subject or spread things out?

8. How long have you been blogging, and do you expect to keep it up?

Anyway, that's it for me. I will leave with thanks to Kate once more.

#liebster

#blogging

#amwriting

A slight delay

I'm sorry to report a slight delay in the release of Colin's new book, Worlds of the Never, book two of his Tales of the Neverwar series.

Pre order Worlds of the Never on Amazon

Thankfully, it's only a short delay. The new release date is 26th April. It's available to pre-order via the link above. Chapter One is included as a bonus at the end of book one in the series, Souls of the Never