Mary is coming for you.....................

Ever say it in to the mirror? Anything happen? Anyone know who she really is?

Well my 2nd book is just a little idea as to what I think the bloody Mary legend is all about.
She is all finished now and as of today she's off to the editor. I am hoping that she will be gracing us with her presence by the end of May, but we will see and I shall make sure to keep you all posted.

You can now get a read of the prologue (un-edited) on the Sneak Peek page, along with the final draft of the cover art. I hope you enjoy it and look out for the ARC reviews, coming soon.

Happy Reading
Ann
xx

Would-Be Cover Art?

The covers you can see below is what the cover for my next book entitled "Mary" could be.



I would love to know your thoughts on this preview so please leave a comment and let me know what you think.........................

Happy Blogging

Ann

xx

Goodreads Group Blog

Just a little recommendation to join the Goodreads group We Love YA Books. I am lucky enough to be member of this group and I can honestly say that I have so much fun there. Its full of readers and authors from all over who are simply there to chat about all things books and whatever else pops in to their heads. There is now a blog as well so we are able to reach a little further, find it here www.weloveyabooks.blogspot.com 

I am happy to be the Featured Author and Author Interview for this blogs debut so please check it out and join in.


Happy Blogging
Ann
xx

Sunshine Award xxx

Sadie Forsythe of www.sadieforsythe.com has been kind enough to nominate www.annhaines.blogspot.com for a Sunshine Award.

So here we are…… my first award!! Ok so it’s not like I’m the only one to receive a Sunshine Award nomination, but if I’m totally honest………… I don’t care! I’m thoroughly chuffed that I’ve been nominated and also been given the chance to recognize my favourites in the blogging community too.

Here are the rules…

1. Include the award logo in your post & on your blog.

2. Answer 10 questions about yourself – You can make up your own or you can use mine.

3. Nominate 5 – 10 other wonderful bloggers.

4. Let the other nominees know they are nominated and include links to their blog.

5. Link the person who nominated you.

The following 6 blogs are my nominees for the Sunshine Award. They are each fantastic bloggers that sneak a ray of sunshine in to my day whenever I read their page. Check them out and give them a follow.

1.       http://readforyourfuture.blogspot.co.uk/

2.       http://sandeelovesbooks.blogspot.co.uk/

3.       http://emily-confessionsofabookaholic.blogspot.co.uk/

4.       http://www.rachel-morgan.com/

5.       http://megantalksbooks.blogspot.co.uk/

6.       http://thoughtsandroses.blogspot.co.uk/

And here the Q&A for you. Enjoy!!

1. Who is your favourite author ever?

I find this so difficult as I tend to be neurotic about such things and break it down in to genre etc. Also having met new authors and having then read their work, my list just seems to get larger and larger. However, James Herbert just has to be my choice. I’ve been reading his books since I was a teenager who was obsessed with horror and the supernatural. He is a superb writer and I haven’t read any other author as many times as I’ve read him.

2. What is my biggest passion?

It would seem boring to say writing, even though I love to do it, and so therefore I won’t!! So I would have to say Music. From Vivaldi to the Foo Fighters. From Rihanna to InMe. I love music; it can change my mood instantly. I couldn’t live without it!!

3. What is your favourite movie?

There are too many of these as well!! I am a massive fan of horror though and there is a classic Hammer Horror called The Nanny starring Bette Davis, its creepy, chilling and brilliant.

4. What is your favourite colour?

Green.  Always has been and always will be!!

5. Facebook or Twitter?

Twitter. I love it!

6. What’s your favourite non-alcoholic drink?

Lemon Barley, I drink it like it’s going out of fashion.

7. Favourite pattern?

The Willow Pattern. My neighbour had it on her china when I was a young girl and I used to draw it. It has a beautiful story as well which I’ve always loved.

8. What's your favourite flower?

Arum Lilys. They are simply beautiful and always give me the feeling of peace.

9. Favourite animal?

Cats. They fascinate me, not sure why but they always have. I have 5 of my own!!

10. Something random about you?

I’m a Comic Book geek! I grew up hoping, wishing and almost believing that Gambit would be my Husband!!  J  Sigh!!!!

A little Tweak!!

I'm not just a writer, I'm an avid reader as well. I love to read and although I have my favourite genre's and favourite writers, I love finding new ones and taking chances on new books. Since penning my first book, well typing anyway, I have been very lucky to have come across a number of great books and great authors. I'd like to share them with you guys too. So this blog is now open to some great recommendations. If you would like to see a particular featured author or book, even an author interview then please join the blog and leave a comment for me. 

I have my first featured author on my blog right now!! M J Webb is a great writer who's book's are very exciting. Check the page out and see for yourselves. Reviews and interviews will start soon so stay tuned.

Happy Reading
Ann
xx

Scary Mary xxxxx

So I go on about Brunswick all the time, because it's my first born, but I'm going to start wetting your whistle with my new novel Mary now. Its a lot more supernatural than Brunswick but as you may have seen in my previous post I never meant to write a fantasy!!

All the books that live in my head are supernatural and at the moment I am giving a new twist to the Mary Legend. I L.O.V.E urban legends. I have always been fascinated by them and the psychology they carry. The effect that they have on people is great because it varies so much. Even the non-believers have so much to say. Bloody Mary is one of my favourites as mirrors in the supernatural realm have always held a lot of power and secrets.
When I was a little girl my big sisters told me that if you starred in the mirror long enough you would see the face of the devil. Of course this little legend was a way to stop the devil that is vanity, but it didn't stop a little Ann from being scared to hold my reflection for to long. As I got older I did it purposely to make sure that I got to see the Devil. Of course this never happened and all I got was bad eyesight, thank you sisters!!!, but my curiosity with all things supernatural never went away. I grew up loving horror books and horror movies, the psychological side of it fascinated me and still does.
I tried the Bloody Mary chant before and nothing happened, no proof for me, but I read so many reports of something happening to people when they did it. It just made me think why is it different for some than for others. Now whether you believe the reports to be true or not is neither here nor there, the person making the report about 80% of the time does believe something happened to them. Some have even walked away with injuries? I think that's fascinating because it must be a psychological thing, what is in this persons psyche to make it such a different and traumatic experience for them. Most paranormal investigators have never seen a ghost but many have witnessed poltergeist activity which is, apparently, linked to the psyche.
I'm a bit of a hippy I must admit and I truly think all things are connected. I believe heavily in fate and also in new beginnings and karma.
Anyway before I start to ramble about my beliefs and fascinations too much, I should say that that is why I chose this story. I've mixed it up a little and have my own little twisted idea as to the Bloody Mary Legend. I'll keep you posted and I promise a sneaky peek at the prologue just like I did with Brunswick.

Happy Blogging
Ann
xx

I never meant to write a Fantasy novel? xxx

Of all the books that are stored up in my brain, Brunswick was the first one I wanted to write. It came from the idea that as we get older our imagination and beliefs change. I watched my son when he was about four years of age turn his bedroom in to an entirely different world. If I walked in to the room he would stop me in my tracks and tell me to be careful of traps. Then he would navigate me through the room until I was safe. Of course I could of just said "don't be silly" and barged in, but where's the fun in that. He spent the whole time thinking he was a hero and that he had rescued his Mum from bear traps and I spent the whole time telling him that he WAS a hero for saving me. Watching him play as a toddler it just astounded me that he really did believe in the game that he was playing. He could really see and create things that strongly, I mean it was amazing to watch. Now of course he is a teenager and spends more time defeating monsters on his PlayStation or killing the competition at athletics (not literally of course) than rescuing his dear old Mum from bears. It doesn't matter though, because he gave me the idea 10 years ago that what if "just because you cant see it, doesn't make it any less real" was in fact a true statement. I mean it kind of is, you cant see love but we know that's real right? Ive always loved the story about Peter Pan, not just the boy never growing up bit but the part about the imagination being a powerful thing. It really is, and it kind of comes in to play with the supernatural stuff as well, I mean thanks to your imagination you would be more scared in a creepy house than your own home maybe? Or like when someone is afraid of the dark? So when I started to plan the story for Brunswick I was originally heading for the supernatural twist, but my son played a part so heavily in it that it became a fantasy about a young man, like Jonathan. All the ideas and characters just naturally flowed towards the Fantasy genre. Not that I'm upset about this, I love fantasy, I was just shocked that it went that way. I am a "go with the flow" person though and I write what comes naturally and although I was surprised a Fantasy story came naturally, I'm glad it did. I believe I was meant to write Brunswick the way that I have and I couldn't be happier with it.

For all of you that have or will in the future read it, I hope you are happy with it too!!

Happy Blogging
Ann
xx

A Massive Thanks XXX

Well I am so happy to say that my Free Easter promotion went fantastically. Between the UK an the US I had over 300 books downloaded. That may not seem like many but to me, A debut Indie Author, it is a huge amount. I'm looking forward to hearing the reviews, good or bad. I say that now but if I'm blasted Ill be weeping in my pillow! hahaha Just kidding!

So to finish this post a massive THANK YOU to all who downloaded Brunswick and a pre-emptive thanks to all who will do so in the future.

Lots Of Love
Ann
xxxxx
:-)

The importance of an honest review!

I never realised how having a thick skin would help me so much. Not only just in life generally but especially in my chosen career path. When submitting my book to agents I geared myself up for all the rejection letters knowing full well that I would get so very many. I kept in my mind that no matter how many people said NO to me it would only take one person to say YES, so I had to be patient. Whilst I was waiting patiently though I got itchy feet and started to look in to self publishing. The rest is history, as my previous blogs will have explained.

Then of course came a fresh set of challenges and of course a new test of just how thick my skin really was. Marketing and promoting the book is not an easy task by any means, but there are people out there to help and give advice. Then of course there are the all important reviews. For me it was actually getting to hear what others thought after they had read my book that was the biggest challenge. Submitting the book to all kinds of YA book bloggers and awaiting reviews has become harder and harder for me. While I wait for their opinions I cant help but pick apart the book that I so dearly love to try and anticipate their every quibble with it. However, when I first released the book and my family and friends were there to buy it and of course review it if they wanted too I had a different worry, the "would they be honest" worry. So you see, there is always a panic about something once your book is out there. The truth is that no matter what happens you need to prepare for it. As thick as my skin is I had a nasty run in with someone who really didn't like Self Published Authors or the work they have to do to market their own book. They went as far as to call my reviews "FAKE" and also slate the book when they hadn't even read it. They did it in a forum and then when they got no response they did it on my Amazon product page. Other members that saw the forum post and reviews were wise to it though. Luckily people are very clever and can spot a indecent and dishonest post from a mile away.However I should tell you that it all started because I made a huge mistake and self promoted on a post I should NOT have. My warning to you is take your time and be careful. Needless to say it was a mistake that won't be making again!!

Bad reviews can get under your skin easily but, I have tried very hard to learn from what they are saying. If I really don't agree or decide not to take it on board then that's my choice. NEVER argue with a bad review. Don't go telling them all the ways that they are wrong or how they are unjust in their review. It is just their opinion after all. My advice would be don't reply what so ever, but if you must reply make it a thank you. Anything else will make you look very unprofessional and undo a lot of your hard work.


Then there are others, the bloggers that have really helped me on my Self Publishing journey. They helped with marketing and reviewed my book with decent and honest reviews. The formatter that I use for my work and the editor, both of which are writers and have books of their own out, which means they know the process from both sides of the coin. Friends and family support is always plentiful. Amazon themselves are very supportive of their authors, in my experience, and of course the readers that have bought the book, read it and honestly reviewed it.

The fact of the matter is that the whole process is very yin and yang. There will be great people that you meet and other run-ins with not so nice people that will leave you deflated. Its those run-ins that I personally find hard to deal with. And yet I did.
I have had good reviews and bad reviews and the truth is I appreciate all of them, as long as they are honest. If they are honest reviews then good or bad they can only help you. They let you know what you are doing right and what you are doing wrong, constructive criticism may be hard to hear but it is worth listening to. They also help you notice your audience. If a lot of adult readers posted bad reviews of my work but a lot of YA readers liked it, then I'd know that I should be marketing more toward the YA genre. Proof is there that good or bad, the reviews help.
As for any spiteful attacks or dishonest reviews my advice is ignore it. You can report the abuse to Amazon or whatever platform it has come from and then let them deal with it. If they are left up, then so be it. Let people read it. Like I said, people are very smart and they will know when they read a review and when they read an attack. 

Let the Giveaway begin!!

Easter is upon us people and although it is such fun to stuff our faces with chocolate eggs (which I'll be doing a lot of by the way) I am giving a better Easter gift. It has no calories and no fat content. That's right it's BRUNSWICK!!!

Over the Easter period I am offering my book for FREE!! No I'm not mad just very giving and I want to share my work with as many people as possible. So Brunswick will be offered for free in the Amazon Kindle Store from Friday 6th April until Monday 9th April. That's four whole days to collect your gift, from me to you.

No thanks is necessary, I only ask that once you have read it you post a review on Amazon. Please make it an honest one too, even if you didn't really like it. Don't worry I'll take it like a man!!! Your honesty is very important to me and my learning curve.

So Happy Easter everyone, I hope you enjoy you pressie from me and get loads of chocolate eggs from the Easter Bunny too.

ENJOY!!!

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B007FZVOLC 

Happy Blogging
Ann

Whats the WRITE number of Books?!?!?!?!

Having spent such a long time writing Brunswick and then publishing and promoting it, I had become immersed in the idea that my first book needed to be a huge success before I could possible publish another. Hmm the trouble is I also underestimated how writing and publishing Brunswick would give me the gallons of fuel I needed to suddenly put all my ideas in to words.

Since Brunswick there are eight other books that I'm going to be writing and publishing, and they are flowing really well but really quickly. I thought maybe the speed of my writing would affect the quality of the book. Having read them through, I was wrong!!! And so my dilemma begins, how many books do you publish and promote at the same time??? I would love to have all my books on Amazon and Smashwords and even in print, all at the same time. The thing is do I run the risk of one book over taking the other or shadowing in anyway. My books are my babies and I put so much of myself in to them that I worry one will not get the attention it deserves from me and therefore the readers. So what do I do and how do I overcome this? I am already half way through my next novel Mary and although I was planning to have it out in July, I'm pretty sure it will only be a few weeks until its published. I know that its not a bad thing to be able to offer as many of my books as possible to my readers, it's just learning to find the right balance between offering a lot and ramming it down peoples throat (which I'm not a fan of!) is really quite hard. At least it is for me!!!

Normally blogs like this are like a short story in which it actually has a resolution to the conflict. A kind of "this was my problem and this is how I overcame it with success". However this blog is more of a question and if any of you guys out there wish to comment with ideas and opinions on my dilemma, that would be great.

Happy Blogging
Ann