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.
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.
It’s not easy being an Indie Author. The market is huge, there’s a lot of variety. A bit like Arabian Nights, there are 1001 stories that you can sample at any one point. Being an Indie Author, means not having the massive machine of a publisher behind.
As such, when a review comes through, I’m inclined to do a happy dance. A happy dance with a heart gladdened by someone taking a chance, a risk, on my work.
Reviews are very important as an Indie Author. These help to measure success, spread the word and acts as a bench mark to help readers choose their next read. They are however, very elusive to gain.
They have an immense power. To encourage and to crush. I think I have a full set of one to five stars. Not the best of accomplishments to celebrate, but I hope that even traditional, big-hitting authors have their share of these.
We live in a world where social media is huge and growing. I keep seeing the strap lines-tik tok made me buy this, the newest tik tok sensation. That’s a huge movement of bookworms, and book worms are important. The power of books, of writers and their stories shouldn’t be underestimated.
It’s a daft person who underestimates the power of social media. After all, I’m sat here writing this blog. I can be connected with via insta, twitter, FB as well, These are all forums and arenas for communication.
Don’t get me wrong. I’m not spouting sour grapes at not being a tik tok sensation. That comes with its own baggage; social media can have both positive and negative impacts.
Being a tik tok sensation is in the same league as:
1.Being a cup winning therapist-I can but dream of the FA cup, and make my way up to Euro and world.
2.Winning an oscar or a bafta; I did write a movie, but these are proper pie in the sky ambitions.
3.Being No 1 author on any given list, never mind USA today. All the way from Brummie land.
Yeah, the chances are slim, aren’t they? But, I celebrate the review. Each and every one. That means someone read my book, thought about it and shared it.
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-
From being a romantic lead in ‘Kangana’ and getting involved with Padmi, to finding Zombies in ‘The Battle of Gravelly Hill Interchange’, he’s been a bit busy. Beyond all of that, Gorbind has a life.
Find out what he gets up when he’s not worried about Zombies and fall out from the world nearly ending. A series of short stories that show us what Gorbind gets up to when he’s not tied up by his author’s pen.
Gorbind is supported by a cast of familiar characters from his author’s pen. Why does Devan Coultrie keep turning up in his kitchen. Where does he stand in relation to Koby Anand. What happens when he goes on holiday and what has Hades, Lord of the Underworld got to do with anything?
And we can’t forget Padmi. See how their relationship has evolved.
Based upon the story by Punam Farmah from the Peace Novella Series.
So here we have it! A poster for a project that I has been such an adventure to be part of. There are quite a few people who are part of this. Lots of people to thank!
To think that the screen play was written and completed during Lockdown 2.0. That was when we had to find a real life Devan, the rest of the cast and locations. We did it though!
The film is and was, made in Birmingham. The Cast and Crew are local to the West Midlands. As such, our locations are very local too. Part of the film was shot in the iconic Gunmakers Arm’s in Birmingham. A pub that has a special place in my heart and the Devan Coultrie Journey.
In just over 24 hours, The Commonwealth Games will open in the city of Birmingham, United Kingdom.
I qualify that as UK, as there is another Birmingham in the USA.
Anyway. The City of my Birth, welcomes athletes from across the world to participate in what are the dubbed ‘The friendly’ games.
Birmingham, is friendly to it’s core. Here in Birmingham, the city of a thousand trades, we all come from somewhere. The former workshop of the world has connections to so many places. It’s richness and diversity is what makes it tick.
The City of Birmingham is also a backdrop for at least four of my books. I’ve been thinking for months, how could I make a link with the games?!
I didn’t figure that bit out. Only that I like Birmingham. So whether we think about the Bull Ring, the BMAG, Gravelly Hill, the Jewellery Quarter or the canals; you’d be making a bingo card for all things Birmingham.
It’s not often that Birmingham makes it into books. That’s to say, I’ve rarely encountered it. May be in an Austen, or even Jilly Cooper’s Appasionata, where there’s a bit of ragging towards the CBSO.
(I love the CBSO, and one day, I’ll write a story around them)
I feel positive about the Commonwealth Games coming into town, I hope they happen well.
And if you get time between the events, why not check out the books.
Whilst Tolkien was inspired by Sarehole Mill, I’m at a loss to identify other pieces of fantasy, apocalypse or such drama to be set in the West Midlands.
I mean, why do aliens, zombies and creatures otherwise unspecified go to other geographic locations?
Why shouldn’t Birmingham not be a backdrop?
Please don’t get me wrong. I love Birmingham; Brummie Born and Bred. I am not tempting fate, being disparaging. Not in the least.
Working with Author city for the book event anthology, I picked the theme of a city of a thousand trades.
And chose to marry that with Dragons.
Here we have ten short stories that see Birmingham become home to some rather interesting creatures.
horticultural 'obbit 