JulieRyanBooks

At the beginning of the year I posted my most anticipated list - books that I was looking forward to reading; newly published and a few from my ever-expanding 'to read' list. Despite reading and reviewing 100 books in 2016, there are still quite a few from the start of the year that I still haven't read. They have become part of the family as I look at them apologetically as I walk past the shelf and choose another book to read.' Maybe next time' I say to them knowing that the chances are receding with each new book added. 'I will read you' I promise, 'I just don't know when'. Anyway, let me share a few of the great books that I did manage to read. With so many to choose from, here are just a few of my favourites. The Silk Merchant's Daughter - Dinah Jefferies                                                                ...

                                                                              Situated on the banks of the river Severn in Worcestershire, Bewdley is one of my favourite places to camp as there's lots to see and do there. A few weeks ago then when I first discovered that there would be a book festival there, I jumped at the chance of attending. My interest was piqued even further when I found out that best-selling chick-lit author Carole Matthews would be giving an interview. When a cakey tea was included in the ticket price, it would have been a crime not to attend. I did have a little trepidation though as this was the first event I'd attended and I wondered if I'd be the one in the corner who didn't know anyone. I needn't have worried as thanks to Facebook, an announcement went out ...

So you've written a book? What to do next can be very daunting at the start so I thought I'd share a few tips on how to begin that self-publishing journey. I was lucky that I had a mentor in the form of an established writer who helped guide me through the process. I thought it would be only fair to share with you what I've learnt so far. Six months before P - Day 1. The promotion lies with you and you alone if you go down the self-published route and ideally needs to begin several months before you plan to publish.  It's all about getting your name known. After all, people can't buy your book if they don't know about it. That does not mean banging on endlessly to total strangers to buy your book - it's a sure fire way to hack people off. Instead set up a Twitter account in the name you plan to use as an author and try to engage with people. Not easy but I learnt that adding a photo to your tweet increases visibility. What are you going to tweet about ...

                                                                                With the start of a new year, I like to look back at the books I've read over the last year and to look forward with eager anticipation to books still on my TBR pile or newly published. My Goodreads challenge this year was to read 100 books. That averages out at nearly two books per week. I didn't think I was going to make it but thanks to some Christmas novellas I just managed to reach my target. Of course, no matter how fast I try to read, I always have more books by the end of the year unread than I did at the start - one of the perks of being a blogger - oh and a one-click addict too. Here are a few of the books that I didn't get round to reading in 2015 but are top of my list for 2016. In no particula...