Wattpad reads of the first six chapters are up to 296 which is fab! If you want a sneaky peek of what Marvin has instore, here's the link!
http://www.wattpad.com/story/3921672-marvin%27s-curse
Monday, June 24, 2013
Sunday, June 23, 2013
BOOK TRAILER FEEDBACK
So 164 people have now seen the book trailer for Marvin's Curse... and what did you think?
Was the music a good choice?
Was it too long/too short?
How about the pictures - good choice, too scary/not scary enough?
Timing?
And the phrases? Enough information? Did they make you want to buy the book?
I'd be really interested to hear any feedback you have on this.
Was the music a good choice?
Was it too long/too short?
How about the pictures - good choice, too scary/not scary enough?
Timing?
And the phrases? Enough information? Did they make you want to buy the book?
I'd be really interested to hear any feedback you have on this.
Friday, June 21, 2013
Marvin's Curse now available in all e-book formats and PDF!! Just £1.99 ($2.99) Please share with anyone, friends, family, little old ladies, dogs, cats...
 |
| Or the spooky man will get you.... |
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Marvins-Curse-ebook/dp/B00DCDC1OA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1371824340&sr=8-1&keywords=marvin%27s+curse
SMASHWORDS:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/325225
Thursday, June 20, 2013
How to make a book trailer!
For those of you who would like to have a go at this, here are some basic ideas as to what I did. I used Windows Movie Maker to make mine and it was free (apart from an image I had bought for my book cover). It does takes a while, but it was really good fun to do.
Have a look on YouTube at other book trailers to get an idea of what yours could be like. Aim for no longer than two minutes in total. Here's mine http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpNB65nYyRM
1. Familiarise yourself with the Movie Maker program by using/importing images in from your own files, adding bits of music you might have in files.
2.Choose your photos. Think about the type of photos you could use. This will probably be the most time consuming part. You can get free royalty free pictures online. I got mine from here: http://www.dreamstime.com/free-photos You'll need to download them and save them into a folder.
3. Choose your music. Remember to think about the age and genre you are writing and how the music will help to get across your message. I found free royalty free music here: http://teknoaxe.com/cgi-bin/home.pl Obviously, you can choose from a different site, just be sure it is free to use and royalty free. Download your music and save to your folder.
4. Now for the actual making. I googled 'How to make your own book trailer' and this site came up.
http://kingdomelectlady.hubpages.com/hub/Create-Your-Own-Book-Trailer-Free
It was really useful and gives lots of other ideas as to what to do.
Take your time and enjoy the process. Sit back and watch your book trailer!
Have a look on YouTube at other book trailers to get an idea of what yours could be like. Aim for no longer than two minutes in total. Here's mine http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpNB65nYyRM
1. Familiarise yourself with the Movie Maker program by using/importing images in from your own files, adding bits of music you might have in files.
2.Choose your photos. Think about the type of photos you could use. This will probably be the most time consuming part. You can get free royalty free pictures online. I got mine from here: http://www.dreamstime.com/free-photos You'll need to download them and save them into a folder.
3. Choose your music. Remember to think about the age and genre you are writing and how the music will help to get across your message. I found free royalty free music here: http://teknoaxe.com/cgi-bin/home.pl Obviously, you can choose from a different site, just be sure it is free to use and royalty free. Download your music and save to your folder.
4. Now for the actual making. I googled 'How to make your own book trailer' and this site came up.
http://kingdomelectlady.hubpages.com/hub/Create-Your-Own-Book-Trailer-Free
It was really useful and gives lots of other ideas as to what to do.
Take your time and enjoy the process. Sit back and watch your book trailer!
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Great Interview!
Just seen the great interview put up by Vinny at the Awesome Gang website. Have a look!
http://awesomegang.com/debra-j-edwards/
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I live in Surrey, Uk in a rambling Victorian house with my non-writer husband and boisterous staffy, Buster.
I have written three other books which are published on Amazon and various other sites. The first book, Aggie Lichen; Pilp Collector is followed by Arty’s Revenge then Hero Required.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The latest book is a YA paranormal novel called ‘Marvin’s Curse’. I have been inspired by many YA books, mostly to do with fairies and angels, not psychics and ghosts, which is what my book is about. I think that in many ways I wanted to come away from vampires and werewolves too and so looked for something different. I have been told that it reminds people of ‘The ghost of Thomas Kempe’ by Penelope Lively. I don’t know as I haven’t read it – perhaps I should…
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Er, depends on what is unusual… Writing while watching T.V., scribbling in the car (obviously not while driving!), waking up and scribbling on pad by the bed. No, perfectly normal habits for a writer…
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Herbie Brennan (Faerie Wars) is my hero. I loved his faerie books so much. He very kindly gave me a wonderful quote for my first book after reading it himself.
J R R Tolkein – what’s not to like here. Probably the start of my love affair with fantasy.
What are you working on now?
I’m Working on ‘Rae Gandos – Dragon Slayer’ at the moment. It’s a YA book which is a cross between The Hunger Games and Buffy the Vampire Slayer !? Only into chapter two at the moment, but loving every minute of writing it!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I think you have to get to as many websites as possible that promote books. Obviously, this one is a great place to start! That’s why I’m here! Also, look for book blogs to review your work as that is sooo important.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep everything you write – seriously. You just never know when you’re going to dig up that character you threw away last year. Also, back things up (er, not like me and have everything on one stick) memory sticks etc. Keep going – how many times do we hear that, but it’s true. If your book is good it will sell, simple!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Keep writing and don’t give up.
What are you reading now?
I’m reading The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa. It’s the last of four in the Iron Fey series and I shall be sad to see the end of the characters when I finish the book.
What’s next for you as a writer?
To continue with my new book and to carry on with promoting the latest book out, ‘Marvin’s Curse’ on different sites and blogs.
What is your favorite book of all time?
Lord of the Rings! All three. Has to be!
Author Websites and Profiles
Debra J Edwards Website
Debra J Edwards Amazon Profile
Debra J Edwards Author Profile Other Bookseller
Debra J Edwards’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
http://awesomegang.com/debra-j-edwards/
Debra J Edwards
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.I live in Surrey, Uk in a rambling Victorian house with my non-writer husband and boisterous staffy, Buster.
I have written three other books which are published on Amazon and various other sites. The first book, Aggie Lichen; Pilp Collector is followed by Arty’s Revenge then Hero Required.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The latest book is a YA paranormal novel called ‘Marvin’s Curse’. I have been inspired by many YA books, mostly to do with fairies and angels, not psychics and ghosts, which is what my book is about. I think that in many ways I wanted to come away from vampires and werewolves too and so looked for something different. I have been told that it reminds people of ‘The ghost of Thomas Kempe’ by Penelope Lively. I don’t know as I haven’t read it – perhaps I should…
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Er, depends on what is unusual… Writing while watching T.V., scribbling in the car (obviously not while driving!), waking up and scribbling on pad by the bed. No, perfectly normal habits for a writer…
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Herbie Brennan (Faerie Wars) is my hero. I loved his faerie books so much. He very kindly gave me a wonderful quote for my first book after reading it himself.
J R R Tolkein – what’s not to like here. Probably the start of my love affair with fantasy.
What are you working on now?
I’m Working on ‘Rae Gandos – Dragon Slayer’ at the moment. It’s a YA book which is a cross between The Hunger Games and Buffy the Vampire Slayer !? Only into chapter two at the moment, but loving every minute of writing it!
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I think you have to get to as many websites as possible that promote books. Obviously, this one is a great place to start! That’s why I’m here! Also, look for book blogs to review your work as that is sooo important.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Keep everything you write – seriously. You just never know when you’re going to dig up that character you threw away last year. Also, back things up (er, not like me and have everything on one stick) memory sticks etc. Keep going – how many times do we hear that, but it’s true. If your book is good it will sell, simple!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Keep writing and don’t give up.
What are you reading now?
I’m reading The Iron Knight by Julie Kagawa. It’s the last of four in the Iron Fey series and I shall be sad to see the end of the characters when I finish the book.
What’s next for you as a writer?
To continue with my new book and to carry on with promoting the latest book out, ‘Marvin’s Curse’ on different sites and blogs.
What is your favorite book of all time?
Lord of the Rings! All three. Has to be!
Author Websites and Profiles
Debra J Edwards Website
Debra J Edwards Amazon Profile
Debra J Edwards Author Profile Other Bookseller
Debra J Edwards’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Book Trailer News
An incredible 115 views of the Marvin's Curse book trailer have been registered on Youtube. I've been asked a lot about the images used, mostly the man's head that pops up. I've been told it's a bit scary! Good! That's what I wanted. Thanks to everyone who clicked on it and special thanks to those who have shared it with their friends & followers! Best played loud with head/earphones!
Saturday, June 15, 2013
Trailer figures
Pleased that the book trailer for Marvin's Curse has had over 70 views so far. Not gone viral by any means, but still means that the word is getting out about the book which is the whole point of producing the trailer. I will be going into detail about how it was made next week, but for now, let me leave you with it.
Turn the sound up! It needs loud!
Turn the sound up! It needs loud!
Friday, June 14, 2013
FIRST MARVIN REVIEW!!
First review for Marvin's Curse is in and it's 5 stars!!
'I decided to not read this book until after I finished my exams, because after having a free preview of the first 5 chapters, (Wattpad) I knew that I wouldn't be able to stop reading it. I felt in the mood to read a good book however, as a break from revision, so I went for it. Having read other books by the author I knew I was in for a treat.
I was unable to put it down. It was so gripping I read all of it in one sitting. The book is such an original story. Though there are thousands of books in the same sort of genre, I have never heard of anything like this book. It was so unpredictable the whole time, and I love that in a book. Every time I turned a page, I found something new which allowed me to piece more of the story together.
I really connected with the main characters, and actually sobbed at some points. The book was just so good I cannot describe to you how pleased I am that I read it.
I would thoroughly recommend this book to any one. I think it would be impossible to read the book and not be extremely pleased that you did so! It's quite rare to find a book that grips you so much that you can't put it down until you finish it but that is what this book did to me!
It was incredible'
Emily 27
'I decided to not read this book until after I finished my exams, because after having a free preview of the first 5 chapters, (Wattpad) I knew that I wouldn't be able to stop reading it. I felt in the mood to read a good book however, as a break from revision, so I went for it. Having read other books by the author I knew I was in for a treat.
I was unable to put it down. It was so gripping I read all of it in one sitting. The book is such an original story. Though there are thousands of books in the same sort of genre, I have never heard of anything like this book. It was so unpredictable the whole time, and I love that in a book. Every time I turned a page, I found something new which allowed me to piece more of the story together.
I really connected with the main characters, and actually sobbed at some points. The book was just so good I cannot describe to you how pleased I am that I read it.
I would thoroughly recommend this book to any one. I think it would be impossible to read the book and not be extremely pleased that you did so! It's quite rare to find a book that grips you so much that you can't put it down until you finish it but that is what this book did to me!
It was incredible'
Emily 27
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Marvin's Curse out now!
SO... Marvin's Curse is now available on Amazon for £1.99 or on Smashwords for $2.99. YEAY!!
It's taken a while to get there as they need different formats in order to reach all the different e-readers. I do hope you'll pick up a copy and more importantly. let me know what you think - good or bad!
It's taken a while to get there as they need different formats in order to reach all the different e-readers. I do hope you'll pick up a copy and more importantly. let me know what you think - good or bad!
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Monday, June 10, 2013
Book trailer so far!
It has been an exciting few days, sorting out the book trailer and I feel I'm almost there. This is the first screen that will show and it comes across as quite eerie which it was I was after.
Still have some bits to tidy up and all in all it has been a steep learning curve, but really good fun.
Friday, June 07, 2013
Wattpad
This site is proving really useful for trying out Marvin's Curse on readers before launching the whole book. Here, readers can scan through different genres of sample chapters or whole books to see what they like. Marvin's curse has been read by 169 people so far which is very pleasing.
http://www.wattpad.com/story/3921672-marvin%27s-curse
http://www.wattpad.com/story/3921672-marvin%27s-curse
Thursday, June 06, 2013
Judging a book by its cover!
At last I've decided on a book cover for Marvin's Curse and thought I'd blog about the process.
When I finished my first book, Aggie Lichen; Pilp Collector, I was desperate to 'get it out there' and paid very little attention to the cover. Why would it matter? What was inside was more important! Oh, so wrong. I messed about in Word using a background of purple and then added basic shape stars to it. The stars were filled with silver and spread all over the front and back covers. I found a nifty font for the title and my name and bingo! Well, in school, where I was at the time teaching, it went down well, but after a while I decided that the cover wasn't saying anything about the book. It didn't give the reader any kind of insight as to what was inside and when compared to other books of this genre it was just plain dull. I found an illustrator, one of my daughter's graduate friends, and a new cover was designed for all three books in the series as they emerged.
Now you think I might have learnt a lesson with my new YA book, MARVIN'S CURSE, but things have changed considerably tech wise in the last ten years. I've used a photo/draw package to develop the cover. I looked more into it, paid more attention to what other books looked like in this genre and this time found advice on the web to guide me through it. The most difficult part was finding an image I really liked and that was somehow connected to the story. Images, while possibly royalty free, are not usually free and have licences to be purchased. Surpisingly, there are millions of images to choose from and they need not be too expensive. I did find one, but after waiting for the owner of the image to come back to me with a price I gave up and started again. The image I have used, The Angel of Grief by Meletios Verras, has an extended licence for resale ebook and printed book use and cost 50 credits, around £35, from the site 123RF. After payment, the image was immediately ready for download and I can go back and download again if needed. Personally I think that's a good buy, but remember I don't own that image. It's copyrighted and I just have a licence to use it for my book.
For the rest of the cover, I have played around with different fonts, colours and shadows. I've added flowery bits from art on the internet which didn't require licencing. If I print the book, I'd like to pick out the flowery bit in relief, with the stem possibly in silver. At the moment though, I'm just going to release it as an ebook and see how things go. I'd possibly go for POD instead of using my own printer, but that's a blog post of the future!
When I finished my first book, Aggie Lichen; Pilp Collector, I was desperate to 'get it out there' and paid very little attention to the cover. Why would it matter? What was inside was more important! Oh, so wrong. I messed about in Word using a background of purple and then added basic shape stars to it. The stars were filled with silver and spread all over the front and back covers. I found a nifty font for the title and my name and bingo! Well, in school, where I was at the time teaching, it went down well, but after a while I decided that the cover wasn't saying anything about the book. It didn't give the reader any kind of insight as to what was inside and when compared to other books of this genre it was just plain dull. I found an illustrator, one of my daughter's graduate friends, and a new cover was designed for all three books in the series as they emerged.
Now you think I might have learnt a lesson with my new YA book, MARVIN'S CURSE, but things have changed considerably tech wise in the last ten years. I've used a photo/draw package to develop the cover. I looked more into it, paid more attention to what other books looked like in this genre and this time found advice on the web to guide me through it. The most difficult part was finding an image I really liked and that was somehow connected to the story. Images, while possibly royalty free, are not usually free and have licences to be purchased. Surpisingly, there are millions of images to choose from and they need not be too expensive. I did find one, but after waiting for the owner of the image to come back to me with a price I gave up and started again. The image I have used, The Angel of Grief by Meletios Verras, has an extended licence for resale ebook and printed book use and cost 50 credits, around £35, from the site 123RF. After payment, the image was immediately ready for download and I can go back and download again if needed. Personally I think that's a good buy, but remember I don't own that image. It's copyrighted and I just have a licence to use it for my book.
For the rest of the cover, I have played around with different fonts, colours and shadows. I've added flowery bits from art on the internet which didn't require licencing. If I print the book, I'd like to pick out the flowery bit in relief, with the stem possibly in silver. At the moment though, I'm just going to release it as an ebook and see how things go. I'd possibly go for POD instead of using my own printer, but that's a blog post of the future!
Tuesday, June 04, 2013
Chap 5 Marvin's Curse
Chapter 5 of Marvin's Curse now on Wattpad.
http://www.wattpad.com/17813349-marvin%27s-curse-chapter-5#.Ua21T5wQOrg
http://www.wattpad.com/17813349-marvin%27s-curse-chapter-5#.Ua21T5wQOrg
Friday, May 31, 2013
Another giveaway! 5 signed copies up for grabs. Please review if you win!
Enter to win
Goodreads Book Giveaway
Aggie Lichen
by Debra J. Edwards
Giveaway ends June 24, 2013.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Second book Kindle freebie!
The second book, Arty's Revenge, will be available on Kindle for free over the next five days starting 16th May.
Here's the Amazon link for the download. Grab it while you can!
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Aggie-Lichen-Pilp-Collector-ebook/dp/B007SXTOXQ/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1368641609&sr=8-5&keywords=aggie+lichen
Here's the Amazon link for the download. Grab it while you can!
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Aggie-Lichen-Pilp-Collector-ebook/dp/B007SXTOXQ/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1368641609&sr=8-5&keywords=aggie+lichen
Giveaway!!
With the Goodreads giveaway now closed, I was pleased to see that 845 readers entered to win one of five signed copies of the first book! Congratulations to the winners who have all been notified! Your books are winging their way to you! Enjoy!
Saturday, May 11, 2013
KINDLE PRICE CUT!
Aggie Lichen; Pilp Collector - the first 'Aggie' book - is now on Amazon for £1.02 for the Kindle edition. Won't be for long so snap it up!!
Cornerstones WOW Comp 2013
Although 'Marvin's Curse' didn't make the longlist...
'We thought that you may be pleased to know that you did in fact make the
First Round of 32 entrants selected out of over 400, which I hope you will
agree, is quite an achievement.'
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