Farewell 2016 and a few other things

Alas, it is time to say goodbye ...

Parting is such sweet sorrow!

Paperbacks are up

All my books are now available for purchase as paperbacks. If you're a fan of that old fashioned 'book smell', go grab yourself a copy at Amazon. They're pretty cheap too! Or, subscribe to my newsletter and enter the Giveaway I'm currently running exclusively for subscribers. You could win up to three paperbacks.

The Viscount's Son Trilogy – a dark paranormal mystery series (vampire fiction)

The Borderlands Trilogy – a young adult contemporary fantasy series

The Secret Chronicles of Lost Magic – an epic fantasy collection

I sit before the fire and think – J.R.R. Tolkien

I hope this poem from The Fellowship of the Rings brings some 'connection' to anyone feeling sad this week.

It was a dark and stormy night ... How important are first lines?

Many writers turn themselves in knots about this one. The golden rule of writing dictates the first line must grab the reader. This seems like common sense, but it also sounds like a bucketful of pressure! Really? A book MUST hook readers with the first line?

Must a book grab you from the very first line?

Who gets your vote – Sauron or Cersei? (The intriguing matter of politics in fantasy)

Everyone's either talking about politics, or trying to avoid talking about politics. It's a tricky subject. One that can bring on a rash. I know. I'm still itching from a recent dinner party (yes, sometimes I attend these sophisticated soirees – very adult of me) in which a political discussion got rather heated. That well-regarded rule 'never talk about religion or politics' is there for a good reason it turns out.

But there is one place where politics is safe and infinitely intriguing to contemplate – in the world of fantasy fiction.

Politics in fantasy – so intriguing!

Review of 'The Blood-Tainted Winter' by T.L. Greylock

In Midgard, the king is dead and a gathering is convened to choose the successor. Raef is forced to staunch his desire to discover new lands and must attend the gathering with his father, Lord of Vannheim. When murder disrupts the search for a new king, war breaks out and Raef burns with a new desire: a thirst for revenge.

"You know as well as I the rumours of battle in the northern lands, of foul betrayal and cursed blood."

Free Reads for Halloween

This Halloween, find yourself the perfect spooky read with over 50 free ebooks to choose from ...

SPRT is running another promo on 29th - 31st October, featuring a tantalizing range of spooky stories – perfect for curling up with on a cool Halloween's eve. There's also a Giveaway with some great prizes.

Find a spooky book this Halloween

You'll find my novella, The Viscount's Son there. It's free right now (until November 1st). A perfect read for vampire and paranormal mystery fans.

Happy Halloween!

Like magical adventures? Get the first two books in 'The Borderlands' trilogy for just 0.99!

'The Borderlands' is a Contemporary Fantasy trilogy about a young misfit, Dale, and her quest to find out who she is and where she belongs. Get the first two books in this series for just 0.99!

If you love adventure, magic, otherworldly creatures and mystery in your fantasy, you'll love 'The Borderlands'.

"... a pleasant mixture of fantasy and magic combined with a coming of age story. The plot contains many twists and turns ending with what the reader would least expect." – Barbara Mojica, Goodreads reviewer

The Borderlands (Book One): Journey

Free everywhere Monday 24th - Friday 28th October

Grab your copy now!

The Borderlands (Book Two): War

Discounted to 0.99 Monday 24th - Monday 31st October

  Amazon US

Amazon UK

Discounted to 0.99 everywhere else Tuesday 1st October

Grab your copy now!

Is it time to make vampires scary again?

Are we currently seeing a lull in the production of (good) vampire stories? And if so, is it time to make the vampire scary again?

When was the last time a vampire story actually scared you?

Why be an Indie Author? My publishing journey, part two #PoweredByIndie

October is an important month for Indie authors. There was Indie Author Day on 8th October, and Amazon is on the Indie bandwagon with the #PoweredByIndie campaign on its pages and across social media (be sure to check out the Fantasy books). It's timely, therefore, to return to a question I asked back in July... 'Why choose self-publishing?'

How to take a (guilt free) break from writing

Hard work and self-discipline are the keys to success. Apparently. So, where do holidays fit into one's writing-publishing journey?

Can a break be good for one's writing?

The Raven – Free for 5 days

"Fantasy fans who like to be transported into a new world of magic will really enjoy this book." – The Reader's Hollow

Like epic fantasy? The Raven is free from September 26th to 30th. Grab your copy now!

When a foreign tribe attacks the peaceful Onan people, a lonely outcast is forced to reveal her secret Gift – but will such power bring acceptance? 

It is the darkest time in winter, when suns, moons, and stars all wane from the sky. In the Wolf clan, a baby is born with a powerful Gift, but dangerous omens brand her an Outcast, and the Elders name her Iluna. 

Iluna struggles to find her place in the proud and distrustful Wolf clan, and as her powers bloom, she discovers a mysterious friend. 

Dark magic, war, and treachery soon jeopardize the life of every clan member; many suspect Iluna and her Gift. 

Is this Outcast girl to blame, or is she salvation?

'The Secret Chronicles of Lost Magic' is a collection of histories that will take readers on a journey into a rich new fantasy world. Enjoy stepping into the dark days of time in this sweeping prehistoric fantasy. 'The Raven' is the first Chronicle in a collection set in a vibrant new world by Aderyn Wood.

The Borderlands: War is out and only 0.99!

Love Contemporary Fantasy? The Borderlands: War, Book Two in 'The Borderlands' trilogy, has launched!

 0.99 for two days only!

The Borderlands: War – Chapter Two

In the lead up to my next release, The Borderlands: War, I'm posting the first three chapters. Here's Chapter Two – enjoy! Be sure to add the book to your 'to read' list at Goodreads.

Over 50 free books and a Kindle Fire!

Sci-fi, Fantasy and Horror fans should head over to this page and check out the range of books available FREE from 24th-26th August.

Wow! 10K words a day really is possible!

I don't use many gifs, but for this post, nothing else will suffice.

Look at that! 10K words a day really is possible!

The Borderlands: War – Chapter One

In the lead up to my next release, The Borderlands: War, I'll be revealing the first three chapters. Here's Chapter One – enjoy!

Looking for Fantasy with a difference?

Head on over to Fantasy Faction for some Fantasy reads that are truly different.

Science Fiction and Fantasy FREE BOOKS!

It's another weekend for some bargain books...

Get some great books for free this weekend only at pattyjansen.com/promo

A writing update – two new quests!

Yesterday, I packed off The Borderlands: War to the editor. After spending every waking moment on it for the last four months it's wonderful to look to new horizons.

Like an adventurer leaving the comforts of the village, I'm off to find new stories!

The Borderlands: War – Prologue

In the lead up to my next release, The Borderlands: War, I'll be revealing the first three chapters. Here's the prologue – enjoy!

Why choose self-publishing? My writing journey, part one

'Why did you choose to become a self-published author?' You may think the answers are obvious, and many of them are, but I've never explored this topic here on my blog. After reading yet another great post from author friend, Danielle K girl, I think it's time.

My writing journey has been a winding path

The Borderlands: War – Cover Reveal

It's that time again ...

The Borderlands: War out soon!

Anyone else suffering GoT withdrawals?

Monday used to be our (me and hubby's) favourite day of the week.

GoT Season 6 brought happy Mondays and winter to Australia

The highs and lows of editing that final draft

Writing is hard. This is known. But coming in a close second is editing.

Editing is hard!

Get two books for only 0.99 – Super promo for 'The Viscount's Son' trilogy

Releasing a book always makes me feel generous, so this week you can ...

Music for vampire fiction

Music can take the reading experience to a whole new level (or it can just help block out the cat, television or the neighbour's kids' incessant bickering). And I've found a great source for vampire fiction.

Peter Gundry's music adds another level to the vampire story

My writing process – Step Two – Outlining

All writers have their own process and the second step for me is all about outlining.

An outline is like a winter tree without the complexities of leaves, flowers and nesting birds.
Image care of Annimaas' Bucket 

Over 100 FREE SciFi & Fantasy books!

Get ready for a weekend of reading!

The World of Ice & Fire – A must for diehard Game of Thrones fans (of the books)

It took me over a year to get around to it, but last week I finally went out and bought myself a hardcover copy of George RR Martin's 'untold history of Westeros', The World of Ice and Fire.

And the winners are ...

The Earl's Daughter Rafflecopter Giveaway has been drawn. And the winners are ...

Drumroll please!

The Earl's Daughter has launched!

The long-awaited sequel to The Viscount's Son has been released!

Why vampire fiction doesn't suck (or, don't judge a book by its trope!)

"I don't read vampire books."

– a frequent lamentation of some readers on the interwebs

Should you not choose a book just because it has a vampire in it?
Image care of GDPrince

The Earl's Daughter – Giveaway

I'm very excited to announce The Earl's Daughter, my long awaited sequel to The Viscount's Son, will officially launch on 16th May! 

The Earl's Daughter out on May 16th!

The Earl's Daughter – Chapter Three

Chapter three of The Earl's Daughter can be read below.

Zodor

"The great hunter didn't bother with a cloak to protect him from the icy rain ... Zodor's unbound hair whipped around him and his muscles, like carved flint, gleamed in the flashes of lightning that still flicked through the night."

Jason Momoa would be perfect for the role of Zodor

Image care of NNDB

Yuli

"Zodor's youngest son, Yuli, had a strong light and was born at an auspicious time – during Agria, the festival of Light. It made sense that he could become Izhur's novice in the future."

Avan Jogia would be perfect cast as Yuli

Xaroth

"Xaroth's authority filled the space with the quiet hiss of his voice."

Ben Kingsley would be perfect cast as Xaroth

World Building in The Raven

"It took days to move the clan to Ona's Valley; almost a full cycle of Imbrit's moon would have passed by the time they arrived for the summer solstice. They travelled over mountains and valleys, through plains and forests, loosely following the path carved out by Mittha's River."

A map showing the estimated territories of the Onan People
Map made with Inkarnate

Vampire

"The skin of my throat gave way under the piercing bite."

It all began with the Gypsy woman
Image care of Peter Gundry

Unseelie

"But remember the Second has two courts ... The Unseelie are dark and evil ..."

The Unseelie have various guises, many of them fearsome
Image care of Director-16

Totems

"If an enemy knows of your totem, they can cast injurious spells."

One's totem must remain secret
Image care of Sickbrush

Soragan

"This is your burden, you are our Soragan now."

Daniel Day Lewis has the perfect features for Soragan Izhur
Image care of Pinterest

Raven

"There on a thick branch of the oak, sat a bird similar to the crows of their summer lands, but different. Its feathers were so dark they seemed to shine with a blue gleam. It was much larger, too, and the feathers under its beak gathered, as though it wore a beard."

The raven
Image care of Carol Cavalaris