Ten years ago, I decided to write a book. A book based upon this blog. I even took all the pictures on my phone. My first book, the yellow one, was an interesting entry into the world of self publishing. The Yellow One and the Green one, remain two of the most popular books. (all right, the reviews for the green one, say otherwise.)
That was how my writing journey started. I was new, naive to the whole world of writing and especially that of being a self-published Indie Author. A lot has changed since then. There are certainly more books, there have been lots of book-related adventures too. Writing books set in Montana, has led to adventures there. There lots of book adventures scheduled for this year. I am going to reflect as these will continue in the future, and what other avenues I might need to consider about making sure my stories are out there for readers to find.
I’ve learned a lot of the self-publishing indie universe, about books and the challenges that come with writing and marketing. The market is huge, diverse and there stories for everyone about anything. There’s a lot to reflect upon in approaching ten years this summer.
I don’t profess to be perfect, or a rock star, for that matter. I am eternally grateful whenever a reader chooses to pick up a book and invest in it. I’ve lots of notebooks, lots of stories; all waiting for me to attend to them.
A collection of stories that document what might happen if Birmingham played home to dragons. Everyday people find themselves trusted with eggs that help keep the skies of Birmingham safe. There are familiar landmarks, familiar settings that the winged creatures find being their home.
The dragons don’t just stay in this book. They also appear in other parts of my writing universe. If you take a look, you may find them in Chandni rises.
Dragon Realm was a really fun book to write. I was encouraged to write something different, and why not dragons? Why shouldn’t dragons also land in Birmingham. I see no reason why Birmingham should miss out on such fantasy.
The whole book universe is interconnected, so see if you spot all the links!
It feels like a life time since I released Retreating to Peace. The book was released on the 19th January 2018, which means we’re celebrating 7 years of Devan Raaj Coultrie.
For me this a big deal, a lot has happened since that release. Two more books followed, adventures to the US as well. Not to mention the writing, directing and release of a short indie film.
Writing Devan was a risk, and he brings with them adventure, courage and ambition. I think he’s contributed to my growth personally as a human, as a writer. I still have to make sure I count director as well. I worked with an amazing crew in writing him, then making the film. Lots of lessons were learned, there was a lot of development that might not have happened.
The 19th of January will always be special. I mean, Devan does have a birthday; some time in march. But this was the day his Universe was unleashed.
Keep an eye out next week. The Devan Coultrie Saga will be on offer on kindle.
(Yes, that’s an AI generated image. Looks nothing like me…..)
A new year has arrived, and with that I am checking how stuffed my e-reader is. Late last year, I upgraded my e-reader. I’d had it for eleven years, and it has been well-loved. Last year’s reading was no meek affair. I read 177 books from fiction to non fiction.
I quite enjoying reading a diversity of genres and am happy with both fiction and non-fiction. Last year, having adventured to Hever Castle, I read quite about Anne Boleyn, Elizabeth I and the other five wives. In fact, I also ready about the sovereigns all the way up to Queen Victoria. There were also books about Catherine De Medici as well.This year, I have the books by Alison Weir; each of the six wives of Henry VIII has her own book.
What I have found useful is to have maybe 3 books on the go at the same time, to dip in and out. This prevents boredom, increases my engagement and really does help read more widely and diversely.
I’ve stuffed my kindle with all sorts, mainly series. I have ACOTR to finish. I spent a week holidaying, reading that. I have one book remaining. I’m going to reflect upon how I feel about this series. I often read a book to see what the deal is, why is there a fuss? The hypothesis is being tested.
There’s Outlander which is new to me, with lots of romantasy.
Romantasy is a very new to me Genre, and I’m wondering how I will read it, enjoy it and engage with it. There a few 1920’s themed murder mysteries and a blend of general fiction and Psychological thrillers to be read. I may have also stashed a bit of Poirot and Miss.Marple.
The Fragments Universe is an ever-evolving, ever expanding universe. It is the stable, the home of so many characters and has led to a few spin-offs.
Gorbind Phalla and Koby Anand both started off in this book, and have gone on to have their own illustrious careers. Gorbind and his family have three books to their name. Kangana is the story of how Gorbind and Padmi meet, with their family then taking centre stage in the Beyond Kangana Series.
Koby has two books to his name. One with a romance tilt and the second is the upcoming Behind the Scenes novel.
Fragments was an interesting book to write. A difficult one, as it deals with the concerns about loss and bereavement. It was written as I experienced loss and bereavement, and was also in training to become a counsellor. Little did I know at the time as to how much that training would then impact upon my career now.
Whilst it’s a heavy book, there are moments of light as this book concludes. The characters have gone onto develop and find their own readership.
No idea who the Kronos Quartet are, but they sound amazing.
Thing is, they’ve always been a part of my upbring. Especially when it comes to the old-school Bollywood Movies that my family enjoyed as I was growing up.
Whilst adventuring and writing, some of these songs were ear worms. Figured I could listen to them, sate The Muse and see what I ended up writing. Dum Maro Dum, is an iconic song. To me, it is more rock and roll, than it is Bollywood. To be fair, I’ve also been listening to Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours as well. The two do overlap a great deal and the Kronos Quartet certainly feel very rock and roll.
Not sure if I’ve shared before. But many of the books are written with their own play lists. I had a Devan one, but in a pique, having written Peace Betrayed, I pressed delete. I know, daft idea, but I’d thought I’d finished with him at that point. Nothing could have been further from the truth.
Anyway, yes, most books have their own playlist. Gorbind, Koby have one. There’s a Hades one, I think, as well as one for Chandni. I don’t always write with music on. I do like to work in silence. Yet there are instances where it’s okay to have a gentle soundtrack playing to help capture the mood, tone or ambience of the writing.
Writing the most recent Koby book, I had Mozart, with Lacrimosa as well as Zadok The Priest. Big, bold pieces of music that helped it all coalesce. With Chandni Rises and Chandni Chirag, there were four different versions of Carol of the bells.
As to whether anyone can hear these when they read, well, who knows?
2024 was a busy year. I released three books, counselling and teaching was busy. There were also some soul-colouring adventures. (Apologies for not sharing, really was a rapid year).
And 2025 promises to be no different. This year, started with a combination of adventuring to write. Just after the new year’s celebration, I took myself off cross country to Dartmoor. Off to hotel where Agatha Christie no less, spent time writing her first novel. All right, it has burned down and been rebuilt since, but I assure you that the romance and energy was there.
I’ve only been on a day-long writing retreat. About a week before the Pandemic kicked off, and I found it an interesting experience. I’ve never gone off on a longer stint, beyond my desk, adventured to sit down and right.
Thinking of how successful such an experience it was Agatha Christie and feeling that this year will be big in marking ten years, I gave this a go. Travelled 177 miles south west-that was an experiment and challenge in itself. I then spent two and half days writing. I did actually write!
I’ve recently found a revived writing mojo. There is after all, a new book out on the 3rd of March. I wanted this to continue, to be more consistent. Writing this blog is another aspect of that. I’m hoping to make regular, more consistent contributions here to get things moving.
There has been opportunity to assess and evaluate the stack of stories that I would like to write. There are easily half a dozen notebooks that i feel I could tackle. Not all in one go, but work through. There is nothing quite like being sat down, writing and being inspired. I don’t think I experience writer’s block. I can make plan, have a vivid and impassioned response to decant the ideas. It is then carving out time to write and sew those ideas together. All being well, this will happen.
The Fragments Universe reverberates with great change. As Gorbind Phalla exits and his daughter takes up his mantle with Chandni Rises. Someone else will have to rise to the challenge of overseeing The Fragments Universe.
Koby Anand has this challenge thrust upon him. Having been a leading man in his own book, Koby now has to manage not only his life but the contents of the whole Fragments Universe. There is a Transfer of Power from Gorbind Phalla with Koby having to work out what it means to take up the helm and lead the figments of The Fragments Universe.
A cast of familiar faces such as Devan Coultrie, Hades, the Lord of the Underworld and The Lady Aurelia all step into the breech to help Koby take on his new role. Not to mention a few new characters preparing for their own stories in this ever-evolving story telling universe.
A road map that details what Koby gets up to when he’s not tied up by his author’s pen and has to grapple with a whole new way of being a figment of an imagination.
As 2024 draws to a close, the book odyssey for this year also concludes. There has been travels and also book releases.
There were three books released this year. In a second, I might pick up a pen to start a project that is bustling to get done.
I have been to quite a few book signings this year, and each one has come with lessons learned and experiences gained. As an Indie, self-published author these are really instrumental and invaluable for a whole host of reasons. There is networking, finding new readers, gaining insight and of course, having an adventure of a sorts. Ultimately, I go to these events to reach new readers and share my work.
As a British Author of South Asian origin, going to these events has a broader purpose too. To share stories that otherwise might not be told. This helps improves representation of different communities and identities to form a richer tapestry of literature that readers can find. I’ve had the pleasure and privilege of going to events that really take this seriously.
Tales on Trent, Leek Book Fest, Dudly Book Con and Big Sky in Montana are probably, in my humble opinion, events that have been inclusive, diverse and organised for accessibility, for the love of books and helped build community.
There are still events that I miss out on, don’t qualify for and events that are so big, you have to be very well established to even get on the waiting list. I live in hope of having a readership and a fan club, where I do get a look in with these events. It may well be that as 2025 strikes ten years of being an Indie Author, I shall review the process of going to book signings. I still plan to write, don’t worry.
So far this year, I have been to the following events. I’ve learned loads, met lovely people and the experiences have been a really good adventure. Where I can, and where she is available, I try to bring Mama F along. She’s read the books, so that does help!
Dudley Book Con at the heritage archives was fabulous in meeting lots of horror authors. I know, how does a contemporary romance, mixed bag author like me, fit? Well, I did. Crystal organised a cracking good event and I was made to feel very welcome, very much part of the event and made loads of connections. This was such a lovely, successful experience that I’ve been invited back for next year. I was even inspired to write a horror. I have a plan, a cover that could possibly work. I am also standing by my atmospheric zombies in The Battle of Gravelly Hill Interchange.
Leek Book Festival was a first time event, carried out by Sam et al who are form an epic book club. There was a whole week of literary, art events and Mama F and I were invited along. A well organised event, that reached out to the community and had a diversity of authors. This was a cracking good event, and the book canon did well. I’m back next year, and I really hope this grows and grows. I may also get to meet the Mayor again. He came to my table and we had a lovely chat.
Liverpool saw a trip to rebels and outlaws, having been a late addition to proceedings. Not sure which character qualified me for that, but this was an another adventure for Mama F and I. Travelling was fun; possibly the longest distance yet in the United Kingdom for books.
Belfast is probably going to beat that to be honest, and Scotland features as well. I’ve yet to go to Cardiff for a book adventure. Can you imagine? I can then safely say, that I’ve tried to spread my work across the United Kingdom.
Montana saw a return visit to Billings for the Big Sky Book Event. Whilst this has fewer authors, this is by far my most successful book event by several country miles. My link to Montana is of course through the Peace series. Big Sky book event is very close to my heart. A well planned event, with diverse authors and great links to the community. I’m not returning to Montana for some time, but a fictional piece of me lives there. The Two Chandni’s had their international release there.
I endeavour to return at some point. Montana remains my portal to the US, and perhaps I need to consider how to capitalise on that better.
In the matter of the last week or so, I attended Authors behind bars Shrewsbury. A novel event, I had my own cell!
So what happens next. Well.
Next years events-at the moment! These could change depending on availability, and whether I end up waiting lists. Still a cracking good, rather extensive list and who knows what could happen in the next 12 months.
Book Bonanza Leeds 2nd February 2025
Book lovers Birmingham 26th April 2025
Leek Book Festival 7th June 2025
Belfast Books and ballgowns 28th June 2025
Wonderland in Nottingham 26th July 2025
-August watch this space, Scotland is on the list-
A sequel to the Battle of Gravelly Hill Interchange.
As the battle concludes, a new dawn breaks over Birmingham. The city has changed. The city walls vibrate with what happened and what is to come.
As Lord of the Manor of Birmingham, Gorbind rode into battle, with Chandni and Armaan. Padmi had waved them off, with nothing but hope to hang onto. From having survived zombies, to hatching dragons and a dash of vampires.
Delia Entwhistle has earned her stripes and The Lady Aurelia arrives to take her place alongside the Lord of the Manor of Birmingham. Plus, there is Akaash. As he comes to grips with his place in this tale of a family pulling together in the face of adversity.
A story of change as Chandni, Armaan and Padmi do their best to keep each other standing whilst managing the new threats to the City of Birmingham.
Secrets will come out into the open as Chandni Rises.
horticultural 'obbit 