Off The Scale

I am very pleased to announce that I’ve been given a slot in the “off the page” Stirling Book Festival 2013!

Off The Page Front Cover

This is incredibly exciting. It’s also daunting, as there’s an admission fee, and I’ll need to be witty and interesting enough to persuade a few folk to firstly attend, and then to stay for an hour and a half without demanding a refund! 

Off The Page Inside

I’ll be joined by my publisher Dave Lyons and we’ll be talking about what the brave new world of Independent Publishing feels like at the sharp end, reading some stuff from my novels and taking questions. I might even have a brand new novel to promote if I can get my act in gear and finish “Stark Choices” in time – nothing like a deadline to sharpen the mind.

If you do fancy coming along, you’d be most welcome. We’ll be at the Dunblane Library on Friday 6th September from 7.30-9.00pm. Details of how to get there (and the tons of other great events taking place as part of the festival) can be found on the Stirling Libraries website.

Woo hoo!

Peter Carroll

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Dilemmas of Independence

In 2014 Scotland will have a referendum to decide whether or not we’d like to become an independent nation. The democratic process in action; people exercising their free choice and then most of them not getting what they wanted. Then again, it’s a better system than the one they use in Burma or China. However, this blog may not be what it seems. I’m not going to discuss the dilemmas facing an Independent Scotland; rather I’m going to ask for your advice, your democratic input into resolving the dilemmas facing this independent author.

I have three books, but the difference in their sales performance perplexes me. Much of it is self-doubt, that stressful and unpleasant domain of all people who chuck a piece of creativity out into the world for others to judge. Some of it is more technical; to do with cover images, blurb and so on. Some of it is about marketing and trying to hit the right note with readers and reviewers. 

In Many Ways Cover

The good news is that ‘In Many Ways’, my debut novel, has done very well. Since publishing in late august 2011, I’ve sold nearly 7,000 copies, it’s attracted twenty-seven 5 star reviews (25 in the UK, 2 in the US), and I’ve had lots of nice feedback from readers via Twitter in addition to these reviews. In April 2013 it won a Thriller of The Month award from e-thriller.com. I’m extremely proud of this and grateful for all the positivity.

However…

PP5

‘Pandora’s Pitbull’ was published in March 2012 and so far has sold modestly. Less than a thousand copies so far. I’ve only garnered seven 5 star reviews (6 in the UK, 1 in the US). I have come up with a few reasons why might this be and the dilemmas facing me:

1. The cover is putting people off. I used an aggressive, striking image of a pitbull, thinking this would attract attention. Maybe it does, but of the wrong kind? The first big dilemma – should I change it after a year and a half?

2. The title is not quite right? I have been torn by the title since the day I decided to go for it. It comes from a line in the book. Originally, in an early form of the story it was called ‘Dawn of the Ned’. I backed out of this in the end fearing the joke would be lost on non-Scots and it might imply the book was a comedy, which it’s not. Next big dilemma – should I risk changing it?

3. The blurb is not hitting the right note with browsers or prospective buyers.

Stark Contrasts Cover

‘Stark Contrasts’ was published in December 2012 and has done pretty poorly so far in sales terms, and with similar review stats to PP. However, it also won a Thriller of the Month award for May this year on e-thriller. So, why am I struggling to sell this book when it’s in a similar genre to ‘In Many Ways’ and is the same price? My problem here is not with a lack of faith in the technical side. I don’t think the cover is a problem (I might be wrong) and I like the title (I still might be wrong!). The blurb may not be attracting buyers mind you. It just seems less easy to nail down for Stark. Why won’t it sell?

This is where I need your help, your votes, your democratic input.

Should I change the cover and/or title of Pandora’s Pitbull or just stand by it, accept it won’t ever sell that well and move on to writing another book?

Thanks in advance for any advice or opinions given.

Peter Carroll

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Getting Your McVoice Heard!

saltire

As an indie writer, with limited resources and back-up, it can sometimes feel like you’re on your own as far as promotion and selling is concerned. You’re not really of course – family, friends, Dave Lyons at Ravencrest and some of the other Ravencrest writers, all pitch in with stuff from time to time. However, the bulk of the promo falls to me.

I’ve joined and posted on several websites, posted on Book Promo Facebook pages, had reviews on e-thriller.com, created a website and blog, created profiles on brandyourself, Pinterest, Twitter, Facebook, and Google+, and had guest blogs and interviews posted on other folks sites. It’s a time-consuming, frustrating and occasionally rewarding process.

My latest foray into the world of promo is with Brendan Gisby and his fantastic Scottish based venture McVoices. I’m really excited to be involved with this collective of new, talented indie writers, all of whom have some connection or affinity with Scotland. Please do head over to the website and check out all the fantastic writers who’ve gathered to add their McVoices to the crowd. Hopefully, with so many of us, we’ll have a better chance of being McHeard!

Independents who’re Better Together! That should confuse the politicians in the run up to the Referendum.

Oh, and there’s a Facebook page to Like as well if you fancy it.

Sláinte!

Peter Carroll

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Book of the Month Award 2!

Well, what can I say? Incredibly proud to announce that Stark Contrasts has followed in the footsteps of In Many Ways and been chosen as a Thriller of the Month by www.e-thriller.com.

Stark Contrasts Cover

Once again thank you to Paul and Mike at e-thriller for their support. Why not see what else they recommend and if you want to follow them on Twitter you can do so here. https://twitter.com/ethriller

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Book of the Month Award!

I’m thrilled to announce that “In Many Ways” has been selected as a “Thriller of the Month” for April 2013 by www.e-thriller.com

Described as “riveting”, it’s fair to say I’m very chuffed about this! Thanks to Mike and Paul at e-thriller.com for their support. If you’re an indie author, why not submit your book to them for consideration? I’m glad I did!

In Many Ways Cover

Peter Carroll

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A Visit to the Writers’ Chateau

My friend and fellow author Lisette Brody has interviewed me on her blog. Pop on over and check out what I had to say for myself and while you’re there, enjoy exploring the rest of her site.

Thanks for hosting me Lisette!cropped-Chateau-de-Malvaux-sky

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It’s A Library Thing!

Mobile Library

In the late 1970’s I lived in an area of Edinburgh called Redhall; an unremarkable collection of housing perched on a steep hill, on the western side of the city. The highlight of my week was the visit of the mobile library. This converted bus would park at the foot of the hill and draw the nine year old me to it like I was wearing an iron filing suit and it was a giant magnet. I would hurtle downhill, clutching the books I’d devoured in the previous six days, desperate to get aboard and check out whether or not they had what I was looking for next. Two series of books gripped me in those days: Franklin W Dixon’s Hardy Boys Mystery Series and Willard Price’s Adventure Series. I was determined to finish all of the books from both.

I loved that library. It took my imagination on trips all over the world, sharpened my wits as I tried to solve mysteries, taught me things I didn’t know, and kept me entertained for countless hours

                  Willard Price           Hardy Boys

I’m very pleased to say that from a very early age, my own daughter has loved all things written word. Once again, I am living at the top of a steep hill but, this time, the local library is a permanent fixture in the town centre. The whole family have used it extensively and, in my humble opinion, it is a crucial local amenity.

This week, my wife went in to order a couple of books for herself and there, on a ‘New Books’ fixture, was my novel In Many Ways. She took a picture and shared it via social media (as did I). I was immensely proud. That nine year old lad who charged downhill to the mobile library could never have imagined that one day, a book he wrote, would be rubbing metaphorical shoulders with Willard’s and Franklin’s (even though it turns out he was actually a series of writers using the pen name). Of course, I’m not inspiring a new generation of readers in the way they did – my book is very much an adult affair – but it’s the principle that matters. Well, to me anyway.

Library Book!

That may well have been a great moment, but this morning an even better one came along. I visited the library with my wife and daughter, for my wife to pick up her books, and to have a look at my book in situ, only to discover that someone had borrowed it! I don’t mind admitting I was a bit emotional. I still consider libraries special places and this is possibly as big an achievement in my mind as writing a novel in the first place.

I would love to hear other people’s memories of libraries and what books inspired them to read as kids. If you’re a writer, have you had your own library moment?

And, in case you were wondering; I never did finish either series. My tastes changed and my reading matured before I could get through them all. In my defence, there were a lot of them and, from what I remember, I had a really good go!

Peter Carroll

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Passing Remarks

I think it’s probably true that most novelists include a degree of autobiography, personal observation or their own feelings and beliefs in their stories. It’s inevitable really…isn’t it? My own writing certainly does. Usually, it’s a snippet of a story, a small scene within a chapter or an exchange of dialogue. Nothing to embarrass or hurt anyone I know – except myself perhaps!

This week, two small scenes gleaned from my own personal archive have taken on a new resonance with the passing of the people involved. Both characters were a big part of my formative years in different ways. This is not a gushing obituary, merely a few remarks made in the passing.

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Gerry Anderson created a host of TV shows in the 60’s and 70’s. The two that most enamoured me were Thunderbirds and Space 1999. They were not just at the cutting edge of TV for their time; they were at the vanguard of merchandising. My abiding memories of both series, other than the title sequences, were the die-cast models of the spaceships I received as a child. Space 1999 stays with me in particular as, due to fiscal restrictions, I was required to create a moonscape and landing stage for my Eagle Transporter from paper-mache and old shoe boxes. I spent many happy hours re-enacting episodes and creating my own. I noticed that these models (the one pictured above is identical to the one I had) are now selling on eBay and the like for up to £60 a time – wish I’d taken more care of mine now!

As far as Thunderbirds go, one of my characters in my first novel is described as having a ‘head bobbing like a Gerry Anderson puppet’, thanks to his copious intake of alcohol. A small homage to the characters I so adored.

jack-Klugman-2_2436786b

In the late 70’s and early 80’s Jack Klugman played a character called Quincy ME: a pathologist who fancied himself as a detective, helping to solve mysteries surrounding the cadavers he dissected. In my very early teens, I was inspired to become a pathologist by this curmudgeonly, clever, interesting character. I never did become one – for various reasons – and my latest novel features a character upon whom I have projected this little bit of my history. Of course, whether I became a curmudgeon, clever or interesting can be decided upon by others!

Both men led long and fruitful lives, doing things most people only dream of. They will be remembered by way of a body of work to be immensely proud of. Good on them and RIP both.

Thing is, I’m a bit worried now about who else I might have jinxed through my random reminiscences!

Peter Carroll

 

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Stark Contrasts!

Well, it’s finally here. You can buy Stark Contrasts via one of the links to the right. Thank you to all the wonderful folks who’ve helped me get here. In particular, Dave Lyons from Raven Crest Books and my wife Sharon and daughter Megan who have to let me spend hours locked away in a room churning out words.

I hope you enjoy the story. If you do, then a review, a tag ticked, or a Like would be much appreciated.

Stark Contrasts Cover

Peter Carroll

 

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The First No(v)el!

I can hardly contain my excitement. Christmas might be just round the corner but I’ve received the best early present I could ever have hoped for. ‘In Many Ways’ is now available as a paperback!

Just remember it’s not for suitable for children!

Not suitable...

Peter Carroll

 

 

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