Saturday 27 February 2016

"Going Off The Trail" With Time Trap #Time-Travel #London #Afghanistan #Bookboost @RichardSmithTT #RPBP #ASMSG

"Going Off The Trail" With Time Trap #Time-Travel #London #Afghanistan #Bookboost @RichardSmithTT #RPBP #ASMSG



News, news and more news! #RPBP New releases & #FREE books from Sarah Jane!


It's a leap year and although traditionally it's the date when a woman can propose to a man, I propose to launch into March with some big book news!
So let's take a look at how this is all rolling out!

News Flash 1:
NEW RELEASE  - the audiobook version  Ooh Matron! which more by luck than my direct intervention has released during...... wait for it!
Amazon http://bit.ly/OMAudio
http://bit.ly/AudibleOM






News Flash 2:
The FIRST ever FREE ebook promotion of Ooh Matron! Which was planned as a thank you gift for members of We Love Memoirs for inviting me to.......
http://bit.ly/OMwix















News Flash 3:
Take part in Spotlight Sunday on 28th February at We Love Memoirs Facebook Groups (which by the way is approaching 3000 members - be the 3000th member and win! So join to day and be sure to say Sarah Jane sent you!)
http://bit.ly/WLMjoin














News Flash 4: Yes I am nearly done! 
NEW RELEASE - Book 3 in the What, Why, When, Who & How Book Promotion Series for aspiring and new authors. Release day is 1st March and if you are quick you can secure your copy at the special price of 99c/99p while it is on preorder, that's half price! That's not all if you haven't caught up with this series yet Book 1 the Accidental Author is FREE and Book 2 The Amateur Authorpreneur is only 99c/99p
http://bit.ly/authors16



Have a wonderful weekend and don't forget to pop into We Love Memoirs from 9am GMT on Sunday 28th Feb when you can ask me anything!

See you there!

Want to get in touch? Here are the places you can find me!
Sarah Jane's blog and website:
https://twitter.com/SarahJanewrites
Stop by and say hello on Facebook
http://bit.ly/FacebookOM Ooh Matron! page
Support and networking for authors provided by Sarah Jane and the Rukia Support team:

Friday 19 February 2016

First ARC review for new authors guide The Intermediate Authorpreneur #RPBP


The countdown is on to release day 1st March for 
Book 3 
in 
The What, Why, Where, When, Who & How Book Promotion Series
Pre-order special price 99c until release day!!
http://smarturl.it/IntAuthPO

Extract from the first ARC review for 
The Intermediate Authorpreneur

"As usual, I found the book a riveting read. Not being an author myself, and never having had to get my head around the business of publishing, I was totally blown away by the amount of work you have to do on a regular basis.  I am in awe.  If I may say so, though, I think you present the information in a friendly informative way, and I think any budding authorpreneur would find your books invaluable. More power to your elbow." 


My ARC readers come from book clubs and author groups and as such they are not all authors, as you can see from the extract above. This makes the feedback even more crucial because if I can explain to a non-author how to create, set up and establish an author platform then the language and terminology is exactly where I wanted it to be; simple, easy to understand and practical to implement.
Everything in these books has been tested on my books and those of some of the authors at Rukia Publishing therefore the objectives, challenges, results and feedback is honest and it clearly demonstrates what can be achieved.
If you haven't caught up with this series yet here's what's in books 1 & 2.



Book 1 - FREE!
The Accidental Author introduces the author and this series of self-help e-books for new or aspiring self-published authors. The introduction starts with how and why Sarah Jane came to write and self-publish Glass Half Full: Our Australian Adventure. Find out how an aspiring author aims to be discovered while learning on the job how to write, publish and launch a new career in writing.


Book 2 -99c!
The Amateur Authorpreneur is a beginners’ guide for authors who intend to develop their writing into a business, addressing the important task of book promotion and marketing. We look at laying the foundations of the authorpreneur book promotion toolkit, building a fan base on social media and much more. 
You've written a book or you plan to - what do you need to consider? 




What does it offer readers? 
Why will they buy it? 
Where are your readers? 
When will you publish it? 
Who are you? 
How do you promote it! 
Find out how to take the business of being an author up a gear to become an authorpreneur. 
The Amateur Authorpreneur will describe, using the What, Why Where, When, Who & How template, the process of taking the first steps into combining the craft of being an author with the business of marketing your work. 


Get your copies of Books 1 & 2 here

Let's work together to help new authors get established in the world of self-publishing!


Visit Rukia Publishing for information on Free and Paid support services for independent authors.


Thursday 18 February 2016

At The Seven Dials~Time-Travel With Time Trap #Time-Travel #Seven Dials #London #Bookboost @RichardSmithTT #RPBP #ASMSG




"TIME-TRAVEL THURSDAY 
WITH TIME TRAP"

THE TIME-TRAVEL THROUGH 
PICTURES SERIES
Seven Dials
TIME-TRAVEL THROUGH PICTURES

WITH

TIME TRAP

BY

AUTHOR RICHARD SMITH

Welcome to the Fifth piece of "Time-Travel Thursday With Time Trap".

Each week we will feature a new piece from The Author Richard Smith.

Please follow along on this exciting journey as we 
Time-Travel with Time Trap!




About The Book
TODD'S IN A STREET GANG, JAMIE WANTS TO BE. TO GET HIS FRIEND'S BACKING AND JOIN THE RIVERSIDE POSSE, HE TAKES HIM TO A SECRET LABORATORY. BUT DISASTER IS ABOUT TO STRIKE...

Who was the mysterious Hector Lightfoot? What was he up to when he disappeared, and who were the two ghosts once seen in his house? School friends Jamie and Todd are destined to find out when they go to London to spend a weekend with Jamie's Uncle Simon, who now lives in that very house. Soon after they arrive, Jamie has a frightening encounter with the two ghosts.

Hector, a veteran from the First Afghan War, joined a covert expedition to China, and afterwards worked on a secret Government project in an underground lab at theBritish Museum. He vanished suddenly, and was never heard from again.

Simon takes the boys to the lab, where they find a strange contraption – which, unknown to any of them, is a time-travel device. When the building is struck by lightning, the device is energized, and sends the boys back in time to the year 1862. There, surrounded by danger and exposed to disease, they are sucked into a life of crime in order to survive.

Only if they can find Hector will they have any chance of getting home again. But why has he gone into hiding? Who is the man after him and what does he want?

As the boys struggle to escape back to their own time, Jamie becomes convinced that the two ghosts he saw earlier are following them…

"TIME-TRAVEL THURSDAY WITH TIME TRAP"
~ISSUE FIVE OF SIX~
Seven Dials Then and Now


Seven Dials Then

The area was described by Charles Dickens in his collection Sketches by Boz, which includes the quote:
“The stranger who finds himself in the Dials for the first time…at the entrance of Seven obscure passages, uncertain to take, will see enough around him to keep his curiosity awake for no inconsiderable time…”


From The Trail
Take Earlham Street (Little Earlham Street back then) opposite the pub and after a short walk, turn left into Tower Court. Look at the school, built in the 1880s, it’s the location of the Holton Gang’s hideout. They dwelt in the basement of a defunct business.
Now follow the route Jamie and Todd took with Swiper and Patch to Soho Square, where they burgled the house.
As I mention in the Trail, Seven Dials is one of my favourite places in London. I sometimes come and visit and stand there, imagining how it was in the mid 1800’s, when criminals dwelled in the neighbourhood, just like the Holton gang in Time Trap. who occupied a basement in Tower Court.

An Excerpt From Time Trap
Henry Holton, the young and powerfully built gang-leader, sat in a big leather chair, hands clasped together. Blond hair pulled back into a ponytail framed his stern face.
Jamie found himself directly under the light, conspicuous in the glare. Henry picked up a bottle of rum and leaned forward. He stared menacingly at them all.

Seven Dials Today
About The Seven Dials
The original layout of the Seven Dials area was designed by Thomas Neale in the early 1690s. The original plan had six roads converging, although this was later increased to seven. The sundial pillar was built with only six faces, with the dial itself acting as the seventh.

Following the successful development of the fashionable Covent Garden Piazza area nearby, Neale aimed for the Seven Dials site to be popular with well-off residents. This was not to be, however, and the area gradually deteriorated. At one stage, each of the seven apexes facing the column housed a pub. Today, only one remains: The Crown. By the nineteenth century, the area had become one of the most notorious slums in London, being part of the rookery of St. Giles.

Read More About The Seven Dials
Follow The Time Trap Trail

REMEMBER, ONCE YOU COMPLETE THE TRAIL AND EMAIL RICHARD THE CORRECT ANSWERS, HE WILL DOWNLOAD TO YOU THIS PERSONALIZED CERTIFICATE!

Get Your Copy of Time Trap Today! 

Take A Trip Through Time on The Trail!


by author Richard Smith!


Join in on

and have some fun!



It's an experience like no other!

What People Are Saying About Time Trap
What do you get when you mix a couple of boys, 2 too many ghosts and a time travel device? Adventure and mayhem that is what! I purchased this book to read with my daughter who loves adventure books with a little thrill ride built in. Once it arrived we dug right in and I have to say that we both loved it. It really is a great read for older children, teens, and adults with a heart for adventure.

I was a little worried that it would be too intense for my daughter (she sometimes frightens easily) but she loved it. It was interesting to follow along as Todd and Jamie encounter some hair-raising and sometimes threatening situations that only a determined will and strong fortitude could get them through. I love the way the characters are put into those situations where they must show courage and endurance and rely on each other to make it through. I think that serves as a good message for the young readers.

What is there not to love, Richard Smith is a fantastic story teller and Time Trap is an out of this world (or at least this place in time) adventure! Filled with twists and turns and mysterious moments, it encompasses everything I could hope for. It is well written with exceptional character development. 5 stars all the way!

TIME TRAP REVIEWS ON...


"Very exciting book; keeps you interested from the start right the way through. You can tell a lot of research has gone into the writing of this book because all the roads, pubs, churches etc in the adventure are real and in line with accurate history. Fantastic bonus is the London Walk you are invited to take all educational."
---
"Time Trap came recommended from a review site and I thought my son would enjoy it. As it was I read it first and thoroughly enjoyed it. It has a really engrossing storyline, strong characters and plenty of intrigue."
---
"A hugely enjoyable time romp, Time Trap is the debut novel from author Richard Smith and it really is a little different. Not only a perfect mix of fantasy, intriguing technology and action to keep even the most demanding of young readers entertained, it has more than its share of mystery to boot."
---
"An undeniably fun and engaging read, Time Trap will certainly pique your interest and leave its readers wanting more. Raising high expectations of future releases from author Richard Smith, it is recommended without reservation!"
---
"My 10 year old, well-read son has been reading Time Trap solidly over the last few days and loves it."
---
"Smith it seems has certainly succeeded in weaving a wonderful tale."

INVITE RICHARD TO TALK AT YOUR SCHOOL!
This is a wonderful experience for children of all ages!
There's Richard accompanying the pupils of Highlands Primary School, about to follow the Trail. Notice they're all wearing their "I'm on the Time Trap Trail" baseball caps.

Follow Richard For Updates
Twitter

Facebook

Website

Amazon Author Page

See Richard on Rukia Publishing

Week One: Temple Bar

Week Two: Farringdon Road

Week Three: Manette Street

Week Four: Shelton Street

Rukia Publishing


Wednesday 17 February 2016

#Reflections of Jail Time In #Thailand "Behind The #Scenes" With Fred's Diary 1981~#JailInThailand~#RPBP #TravelsInAsia #Memoir #Diary @fredsdiary1981

"BEHIND THE SCENES"
Thank you for joining us as we go behind the scenes
 of
Fred's Diary 1981,
with the Fourth edition
of 

"Behind The Scenes".


Robert Fear takes us on his journey, as he travels in Asia taking daily notes in a diary. 
This authentic look into his dairy has been extended by going behind the scenes with Robert as he reveals himself to us each week with an original inside look.

Reflecting back on Jail Time in Thailand

6 day eye-opener 
This is the last thing I expected to happen when I set out on this trip. But, oh shit, it’s definitely happening! 

The three of us are off to court this morning and if things go as expected we will be in prison tonight rather than the police cells where we’ve spent the last few nights. 

Andy, Stan and I have certainly got to know each other very well. Considering that we hardly knew each other a week ago, we have become quite close, through necessity if nothing else.

As you may have gathered our initial optimism for a quick release didn’t come to fruition. In the meantime we’ve learnt a lot about the corruption and bribery that goes on in this beautiful country. 

We wouldn’t have got through this so far without outside help. It just shows how fellow travellers will group together and help in whatever way they can, even if it means sacrificing part of their trips. 

Basically you are given nothing in here. No food, no water, no bedding. Nothing! Anything you want comes at a price and without friends outside things can get very difficult. There are other detainees here who have no money and are really struggling. 

We keep beating ourselves up about the way we were caught out in the raid on our guest house. It was stupid and naïve of us to be so casual about the drugs but it all seemed so natural at the time. Even so, for the small amount we all had, the punishment certainly does not match the crime! 

The strange thing is that I only got into smoking hashish and grass during my last stay in Frankfurt. Prior to that I had smoked cigarettes or roll-ups and enjoyed my beer but this was a whole new experience to me. It helped broaden my outlook though and probably influenced my choice of coming to Asia. 

Valium has been the drug of choice in here. It is sold freely in the chemists and Graham has ensured that we have had a good supply. I wouldn’t have remained so calm and rested without it. Even so my stomach is constantly churning through the worry of the whole situation. 

I’ve just been reading back through my diary, which is proving to be a real comfort during these difficult times. It really helps to be able to write things down and release some of the frustration. 

Here’s a short extract which sums up how we are all feeling: 

“This starts to feel more and more bizarre. I mean we aren’t exactly hardened criminals but they were even talking about deporting us.”

Due to overcrowding in Thai prisons, none of the cells have beds, nor are prisoners are given any mattresses.
Just a thin sheet. If they have any money they can buy extra bedding.

Worrying times in Thailand
Each of us had mixed feelings about what the day holds. We were let out of our cell at 8:15 a.m. and had some visitors. Ead came for the first time and didn't look too happy for us. Graham, Aja and Marie, John and Michael were all there as well.

Exchanged some small talk but as nothing was certain everyone was nervous. About 9 a.m. we got all our things together for imminent removal but did not leave until nearly 10 a.m.

They handcuffed us together with three Thai guys and we were escorted outside, where we managed to get some quick hugs from Marie and Aja along with good luck handshakes from the guys.

The sunlight was dazzling after six days in the cells. They put us into a wired-up open truck which transported us to another cell near the court, where they herded us together and checked that we were all there.

Half an hour later we were taken to the courthouse and all sat down on benches. Within two minutes the judge came in and called out our names. We had to stand up and acknowledge that we were there. 

After signing a form we were all herded back into the truck and driven to the prison where we arrived at 11:30 a.m. Stan had been taken off somewhere else so Andy and I went to the prison alone. A Canadian guy, Jim helped us. 

We had all our possessions searched and our money taken from us, although they let me keep the lucky Irish £1 note Bobby had given me. The British consulate was at the prison so I was able to see him for a short while. I gave him all the details with specific instructions that he shouldn't inform my parents.


Did you miss the past three segments of 
Behind The Scenes?


Fascinating time capsule from the 80’s


NEWLY RELEASED SECOND EDITION 


SYNOPSIS


Have you ever wanted to read someone else’s diary? 


Would you like to experience travelling in Asia without leaving home? 


Then this book is for you. Fred’s Diary 1981 is a fascinating insight into a young man’s travels around Asia in the early 1980’s. This is a unique opportunity to delve into Fred's daily diary, which details the 158 days he spent travelling around Asia. Follow Fred throughout his extensive travels to Hong Kong, Thailand, India and Nepal. 


Appreciate the many friendships formed along the way with fellow-travellers. 


Relive the highs and lows that he experienced during this fascinating journey. 


Recognise the huge differences in technology, particularly communications. 


Become immersed in the different cultures, peoples and surroundings of Asia in the early 1980's. 


Understand more about the drug culture of the 1980's, especially in Thailand and Nepal. 


Learn from Fred's youthful mistakes, especially if your dream of travelling to Asia becomes a reality.



The price of Fred's Diary 1981: Travels in Asia has been dropped to £1.99 / $2.99 
(was £2.99 / $3.99). 


Get your copy while this offer lasts:


You can find out more about author Robert Fear on 
Rukia Publishing's 
Meet the Author page:

Come back next week when we publish another original segment 
of
"Behind The Scenes"
with 
Fred's Diary 1981
by 
author Robert Fear




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