Retro Reads discussion

Hi there!

This group is going to trial a new feature!

I have had a request from one of our authors for a folder where authors can promote their work.

Tadiana & I have talked it over & Tadiana has left the decision to me.

So we will see how this works.

Our rules are:

1 The author must already be a member of this group & have contributed to the discussions. Twenty posts that have nothing to do with their book seems fair.

2 The book should have a Retro author feel. For example no Shape shifters!

So let's see how it goes.

I’m the guilty party here! I am in the process of publishing a new novel, the first in a historical fiction series. The eBook is out now and the paperback should be in my hands in a few weeks.

Because I love retro fiction so much I tend to write in a retro style—I want more of what we get here! So I thought my charming fellow readers in this group might enjoy my book. For the holidays I’d like to offer up to ten free copies in either format to any members of Retro Reads who think they might enjoy it (where you live doesn’t matter to me, but you’d need to send me a note with your address for a paperback copy, and whatever info is necessary for gifting an eBook (I haven’t done that before). Messages can go in private to my writerly e-mail address, shadows AT alumni DOT princeton DOT edu.

The book is called Coldharbour Gentlemen. It’s set in rural Surrey in the year 1800 and is about a young boy who escapes the constraints of his life by joining a band of smugglers. He thinks it’s all fun and games until the dark side of the enterprise starts to become clear, putting him and everything he loves in peril. Rather like Gentian Hill which we’re reading now, it’s about the need to belong and how hard it can be to hang on to what’s beautiful in this world.

So reach out if you’d like a copy. If you do read it, I’d be grateful for an unbiased review.

Congratulations! Sounds exciting, I’ve added to my TBR pile.

And sent you an email at the writerly address - sorry, forgot to specify, I’m fine with paperback or ebook. Beautiful cover, has a delightful, old-fashioned, romantic (in the adventure sense, not smoochy) look and feel.

Thanks for the kind words an enthusiasm! The cover is a watercolor by an artist who conveniently traveled all over the area I’m writing about in the years just after the stories take place, painting houses and churches and landscapes of the area. Perfect for giving a series a consistent look!

Just bought me a kindle copy.

Thanks, Lesley! Hope you like it.

Told you I was a Luddite- didn’t realize it was already available on Kindle! Just bought a copy!

Abigail wrote: "Thanks for the kind words an enthusiasm! The cover is a watercolor by an artist who conveniently traveled all over the area I’m writing about in the years just after the stories take place, paintin..."

Terrific look!

Abigail, I was curious about the map, so opened it in kindle - wanted to let you know, I can click and enlarge easily and read it, that is a lovely, intriguing map. I then read the first paragraph to get a taste, and can honestly say that is an epic first sentence- probably one of the most engaging, intriguing first sentences I’ve read in a very long time! Congratulations on that! ; )

Thanks! I had a lot of fun with the project. Your eyes must be better than mine because even when I enlarge it with Kindle it looks too small. There is a large version of the map on the Web site at www.darkinghundred.com. I had a wonderful map artist who really dug into the project, researching buildings in the area and creating the little portraits of actual buildings in the corners.

Abigail wrote: "Thanks! I had a lot of fun with the project. Your eyes must be better than mine because even when I enlarge it with Kindle it looks too small. There is a large version of the map on the Web site at..."

Well, it’s delightful, well done!

I haven't got started on the book yet - want to get on to Gentian Hill first - but I have had a good study of the map. I love maps like this and it is wonderful!

Look forward to seeing you in the Gentian Hill threads!