My sister takes my books on holiday
My younger sister, Ali Houiellebecq, always likes to take one of my books to read while on holiday. She admits she’s not an enthusiastic reader but Ali has enjoyed Potholes and Magic Carpets in Jersey last summer.
She read Holiday for The Hostile in Tenerife. She enjoyed Holiday for The Hostile so much she raced through it and even dreamt about it.
She has just finished reading The Hostile Game in Costa Rica.
I’m deeply envious she’s been holidaying in Costa Rica since December and won’t be returning until early March. I’ll probably have finished writing the next two books in the Trouble Trilogy by then. I’ve been writing at least a chapter a day since Christmas. Ali says she will leave the paperback of The Hostile Game in Costa Rica so someone else can enjoy reading it.
I prefer to take audiobooks on holiday rather than paperbacks. They’re easier to enjoy when I’m sunbathing. There are nine audiobook editions of my thirteen books. Two were narrated by me, four narrated by Alexander Doddy and three by Tracey Norman. All are available on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes.
http://amzn.to/2r4yyTA
The audiobook of The Trouble With Liam will be available in a few days
This evening, I was thrilled to press the ‘Approved’ button for the completed audiobook of The Trouble With Liam, my psychological thriller. It’ll be my ninth audiobook. Once ACX has checked it, the new audiobook should be available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes in 10-14 days. It’ll join my 8 other audiobooks on those sites. Tracey Norman has narrated three of them, Alexander Doddy has narrated four and I voiced the other two. Working with narrators to produce an audiobook is one of my favourite occupations.
Tracey Norman – Actress/Voice Artiste has given a stellar performance as narrator of my latest book. I think it’s my best audiobook to date, although I know some of my books aren’t everyone’s cup of tea because I pull no punches. I write them for those who appreciate them.
Tracey admitted she occasionally struggled not to laugh as she was giving life to my words; those of you who’ve read my books are well acquainted with my dark sense of humour. She’s a top quality narrator and I’m hoping she will be free to narrate The Trouble With Russell in late-summer. It should be ready for her to narrate by then as I’ve already written 28 chapters. I can guarantee she will be struggling to suppress some giggles as she works on The Trouble With Russell. Sorry, Tracey, I couldn’t resist.
Happy Birthday to me!
I’ve had a fantastic birthday weekend with my daughter, Zoe. She’s an incredibly busy editor for a magazine, so I particularly appreciate the effort she always goes to each year to travel hundreds of miles to my house to make my birthday special. I gave her a paperback edition of The Trouble With Liam and await her opinion. I’ve warned her how shocking some of the chapters are, but it’s so far received nine 5-star reviews on Goodreads in its first month, so it appears readers enjoy my latest book despite the shocks, maybe because of them.
Liam wishes you all a Happy National Pumpkin Day
High praise indeed
Today is a great day. Why? My favourite author, Mark Tilbury, just posted the following about my psychological thriller THE TROUBLE WITH LIAM on Facebook: ‘If you like your fiction dark and gritty and don’t mind a story that tackles some difficult subjects, then I recommend you go get yourself a copy of The Trouble With Liam by Joy Mutter. I’m almost 20% into it and the damn thing won’t let me go plan my next book!’
I feel almost guilty for delaying his next book, which I can’t wait to read as they are always a winner. I only published my book on 1.10.2018 and I think there’s been more interest in it than any of my other twelve books. I’ve already written the first two chapters of the followup book, The Trouble With Wayne. I think I sense a series coming on.
Link to the Kindle edition on Amazon in U.K. https://amzn.to/2xOTHqU £0.99
Link to the Kindle edition on Amazon in U.S.A. https://amzn.to/2DJxIab $0.99
Link to the paperback edition on Amazon in U.S.A. https://amzn.to/2OkvUIX $11.50
Link to the paperback edition on Amazon in U.K. https://amzn.to/2QlsQtb £5.75
Publication day tomorrow for The Trouble With Liam
I hope I survive the night because I’m publishing the Kindle and paperback of THE TROUBLE WITH LIAM on Amazon tomorrow, the1st October. I’d hate for you not to be able to read it.
The Trouble With Liam is a powerful psychological thriller set in Ireland and Sheffield. It tells the story of the life of Liam O’Sullivan, in all its twisted glory. It begins with tales of his challenging childhood in Dublin and follows him through the sometimes tragic events which change him into a misogynistic, controlling, ultimately lethal bully living in Sheffield. Prepare to be shocked in different ways throughout the book. If you’re not a fan of thrillers, or reading books containing violence, sex, and swearing, please avoid The Trouble With Liam. If you enjoy lashings of dark humour, situations to make your eyes pop out of your head, thrills of every kind, all wrapped up in a gripping, dramatic storyline, please read on.
The Kindle of Confronting The Hostile is FREE from 10th-11th September
Link to the audiobook edition on Audible in U.K. http://adbl.co/2xqMw5gToday I finished writing the first draft of The Trouble With Liam
It usually takes me approximately four months to write, edit, layout, produce the cover artwork and publish each of my books. A year has passed since I published my twelfth book, Confronting The Hostile. With a dozen books under my belt, I decided to take my sweet time writing book thirteen, but I’m happy to announce I’ve just finished working on the first draft of The Trouble With Liam. My latest book is a dark psychological thriller which follows the dramatic events in the life of Liam O’Sullivan, an Irishman more attractive on the outside than the inside.
I would have probably published this book by now, but I spent a couple of months helping my best friend, Kathleen Kelly, to publish her first book, called 11. I edited it for her, laid it out for Kindle and paperback, and produced the cover artwork. It’s just received its first five-star review on Amazon and Kath couldn’t be happier. I’m happy too, because the publication of 11 means I’ve been able to return to working on my own book.
I’ve already produced two possible artworks for the book cover that I’m reasonably happy with, but might work on a few more before deciding on the final version. As a former graphic designer, I always enjoy working on my book covers. I also love working on all the drafts that follow on from the first, so, with a cheery wave, I’m off to start working on the second draft of The Trouble With Liam.
Now I can crack on with finishing writing The Trouble With Liam
For the past few weeks, I’ve been working hard editing, designing, and laying out the debut book by my BFF, Kathleen Kelly. It’s called 11. On Tuesday, Kath came to stay at my house so I could show her how to publish 11 on Amazon using Kindle Direct Publishing. After much swearing and laughter, we solved a few technical issues with her laptop and managed to publish 11, her memoir, on 21.8.2018, which, when the numbers in the date are added up, ironically equals 11 11. It’s available on Amazon in Kindle (99p) and paperback (£5.75) https://amzn.to/2LlGNV2
“11 is a true account of Kathleen Kelly’s life and the mysterious phenomena her ordinary life has touched on. Both the ordinary and out of the ordinary experiences were triggered by one event which led her on an extraordinary journey. This story incorporates Kathleen’s memories, including when a mysterious force spoke to her of change. Inside a warehouse in a town in northern England, a trigger activated a chain of phenomenal truths which compelled the author to share her journey with you. 11’s publication date is timed to perfection … 2 + 0 + 1 + 8 = 11.”
I was happy to do all the work on her book for free as I wanted her to feel the elation I feel every time I publish one of my books, especially the first one. But, she surprised and delighted me by giving me some cash and presents as a token of her gratitude. My real reward for my efforts was to see her face light up when she saw her book appear on Amazon for the first time.
Kath and I should each receive the paperback version of 11 tomorrow, and I’ll just have to imagine how thrilled she’ll be to hold her first paperback. My heart is beating faster as I so clearly remember how it felt when the postman popped my first paperback through the letterbox. As I published four books within the space of a day or so, I nearly fainted with delight and over-excitement each time I heard a thud on my doormat. The four books were A Slice of The Seventies, The Lying Scotsman, Straws, and Potholes and Magic Carpets.
Now I’ve finished working on Kath’s book, I can concentrate on writing the final chapters of my psychological thriller. By the end of this year, I should hopefully be experiencing that now familiar bubbling excitement as I hold the paperback edition of The Trouble With Liam, my thirteenth book.
The Kindle of THE HOSTILE GAME is FREE on Amazon from 17th-18th August
In The Hostile Game, Manchester-based Serena, now eighteen and pregnant, finally discovers the reason why Tile X befriended her seven years before. She doesn’t like what she hears. Mayhem ensues, with a retired Irish police superintendent becoming more involved than perhaps he should have.
The Hostile Game, book 3 of The Hostile series, is an exciting contemporary paranormal crime thriller. It was published on Amazon in Kindle and paperback editions in April 2017.
As with all the other books in the series, an audiobook version, narrated by Alexander Doddy, is available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. It can also be enjoyed as a standalone. Book 4, Confronting The Hostile, was published in August 2017, soon followed by The Hostile Series Box Set.
“Joy Mutter delivers another wonderfully offbeat paranormal thriller, mellowed with a delicious dark humour.” “An original premise, using original characters who you will quickly love and hate, and a clever twist at the conclusion.” “Delightfully different.” “A crazy, fascinating journey”. “Compelling, strange, and wonderful”.
Link to the Kindle edition on Amazon in U.K. http://amzn.to/2oYlsqC FREE from 17th-18th August.
Link to the Kindle edition on Amazon in U.S.A. http://amzn.to/2p2ktbQ FREE from 17th-18th August.
Link to the paperback edition on Amazon in U.S.A. http://amzn.to/2ryEQv7 $8.50
Link to the paperback edition on Amazon in U.K. http://amzn.to/2rkHdW0 £5.75
Link to the audiobook on Audible in U.K. http://adbl.co/2xp5N6U
Link to the audiobook edition on Audible in U.S.A http://adbl.co/2hV6faU
11 of my 12 Kindle editions are only £0.99, or equivalent currencies, on Amazon, and are always free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers. The Kindle version of The Hostile Series Box Set is only £2.30 for all 4 books in The Hostile series. Random Bullets, Potholes and Magic Carpets, Her demonic Angel, The Hostile, Holiday for The Hostile, The Hostile Game, Confronting The Hostile, and A Slice of the Seventies are also available on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes as audiobooks.
You can find all editions of my books here: http://amzn.to/2r4yyTA
Here’s an excerpt from THE HOSTILE GAME http://amzn.to/2pKDBfe
The Kindle edition of HOLIDAY FOR THE HOSTILE is FREE on Amazon on 2nd and 3rd August
Serena, plus her unusual friend and partner in crime, Tile X, find themselves suffering a family holiday at her eccentric grandfather’s hovel in Ireland. Who will manage to escape intact from their dramatic holiday from Hell?
Holiday for The Hostile, book 2 in The Hostile series, is a gripping contemporary paranormal crime thriller with a splash of horror. It’s my favourite book of the twelve I’ve written thus far. It can be read as a standalone like the other books in the collection. Book 1 in the series is called The Hostile, book 3 is The Hostile Game. Book 4, Confronting The Hostile, was published in August 2017 along with The Hostile Series Box Set.
The audiobook edition of Holiday for The Hostile, narrated by Alexander Doddy, is available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes along with the audiobook versions of the other three books in the series, The Hostile, The Hostile Game, and Confronting The Hostile.
Here’s a snapshot of what a few readers say about Holiday for The Hostile: “Compelling, strange, and wonderful”; “Ms. Mutter has carved out a new niche for herself. And from where I’m standing, she’s way out in front”; “With some books, you get an idea where things are going and where they’re likely to end. Not this one. Every chapter was a surprise with new characters and situations and a bunch of wonderfully inventive deaths;” “It has plenty of scary bits … can’t wait until the next book is out”; “The end is a total surprise. I was expecting a skeleton in the family closet, but it turns in a completely different direction, keeping you on your toes and guessing;” “Excellent. Really looking forward to more. Joy tells a good tale.”
Link to the Kindle edition on Amazon in U.K. http://amzn.to/2EjlAsT. FREE on 2nd-3rd August.
Link to the Kindle edition on Amazon in U.S. http://amzn.to/2gDui9f. FREE on 2nd-3rd August.
Link to the paperback edition on Amazon in U.K. http://amzn.to/2fUQIoc. £5.95
Link to the paperback edition on Amazon in U.S. http://amzn.to/2fPS28B. $8.95
Link to the audiobook edition on Audible in U.K. http://adbl.co/2y4cQ8T.
Link to the audiobook edition on Audible in U.S. http://adbl.co/2xmGv9v.
An excerpt from Holiday for The Hostile http://amzn.to/2fNXVrU.
11 of my 12 Kindle editions are only £0.99, or equivalent currencies, on Amazon, and are always free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers. The Kindle version of The Hostile Series Box Set is only £2.30 for all 4 books in The Hostile series. Random Bullets, Potholes and Magic Carpets, Her demonic Angel, The Hostile, Holiday for The Hostile, The Hostile Game, Confronting The Hostile, and A Slice of the Seventies are also available on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes as audiobooks.
You can find all editions of my books here: http://amzn.to/2r4yyTA
My sister (below) was so engrossed in Holiday for The Hostile while on holiday last year that she told me she even dreamt about it.
My biggest fan
My sister, Alison, engrossed in one of my earlier books, Potholes and Magic Carpets, on St Brelade’s beach in Jersey. She and I spent a perfect, sun-drenched week at our mother’s house in Jersey, Channel Islands. My daughter added to the fun by joining us for the first few days of our holiday. I arrived back home yesterday and am looking forward to finishing writing the final chapters of the first draft of my latest book, a psychological thriller called The Trouble With Liam.
My four audiobooks in The Hostile series
There are audiobook editions of all four books in The Hostile series of paranormal crime thrillers on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. Three are narrated by Alexander Doddy, and I narrated the first one http://adbl.co/2uhwzhQ
THE HOSTILE is book 1 of The Hostile 4-book series of paranormal crime thrillers. I was the narrator on this audiobook and it is available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. In a rundown area of Manchester, inside the bathroom of a terraced house overflowing with children and dysfunctional parents, a small but powerful entity befriends young Serena with disastrous results. This unlikely enigmatic force not only dramatically affects introverted Serena’s life but also threatens the well-being of everyone she knows, especially those who’ve earned the strange girl’s displeasure. It soon becomes clear that nobody should ever upset Serena if they know what’s good for them. After enjoying The Hostile, you’ll never look at D.I.Y. in the same way again. http://adbl.co/2w2YLIm
HOLIDAY FOR THE HOSTILE is book 2 of The Hostile series. Narrated by Alexander Doddy, the audiobook is available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. Serena, plus her unusual friend and partner in crime, Tile X, find themselves suffering a family holiday at her eccentric grandfather’s hovel in Ireland. Who will manage to escape intact from their dramatic holiday from Hell? http://adbl.co/2wg4j21
THE HOSTILE GAME is book 3 of The Hostile series. Narrated by Alexander Doddy, the audiobook is available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. In The Hostile Game, Manchester-based Serena, now eighteen and pregnant, finally discovers the reason why Tile X befriended her seven years before. She doesn’t like what she hears. Mayhem ensues, with a retired Irish police superintendent becoming more involved than perhaps he should have. http://adbl.co/2fLE2Cz
CONFRONTING THE HOSTILE is book 4 in The Hostile paranormal crime thriller series. Narrated by Alexander Doddy, the audiobook is available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. A retired Irish superintendent and his former colleague, a handsome DCI from Liverpool, attempt to rid themselves and the world of their lethal tile masters. Will they succeed in reclaiming their freedom, or will the bizarre killing games continue? http://amzn.to/2vm1Vpn
11 of my 12 Kindle editions are only £0.99, or equivalent currencies, on Amazon, and are always free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers. The Kindle version of The Hostile Series Box Set is only £2.30 for all 4 books in The Hostile series. Random Bullets, A Slice of the Seventies, Potholes and Magic Carpets, Her demonic Angel, The Hostile, Holiday for The Hostile, The Hostile Game, and Confronting The Hostile are also available on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes as audiobooks.
You can find all editions of my books here: http://amzn.to/2r4yyTA
The Kindle of HER DEMONIC ANGEL AND OTHER SHORT STORIES is FREE on Amazon from 5th-6th June
Some of my fourteen short stories in HER DEMONIC ANGEL are stranger than others, but most are different shades of dark. I wrote them in a variety of genres, so there should be something for everyone to enjoy. To whet your appetite, here are the titles of some of the short stories in the collection: Mirror, Mirror; The Boy They Called Dragon; The Day Nobody Gave A Damn; An Email From Jane; Stuff; Getting Rid Of The Enemy; Skin; Too Beautiful; Philately Will Get You Nowhere; In Memoriam.
“If you haven’t read any of this author’s other books, this is a great one to give readers a peek into a wonderful writer’s vivid mind.”
http://amzn.to/295kGjn for the U.K. Kindle edition. FREE 5th-6th June
http://amzn.to/29dSEpd for the U.S.A. Kindle edition. FREE 5th-6th June
http://amzn.to/295uZbl for the U.K. paperback edition. £4.75
http://amzn.to/29ii97E for the U.S.A. paperback edition. $7.75
http://adbl.co/2yeLJpm for the Audible.com audiobook edition.
http://adbl.co/2fq5VNx for the Audible.co.uk audiobook edition.
Here’s an excerpt from Her demonic Angel http://amzn.to/2bMiO4c
11 of my 12 Kindle editions are only £0.99, or equivalent currencies, on Amazon, and are always free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers. The Kindle version of The Hostile Series Box Set is only £2.30 for all four books in The Hostile series. Random Bullets, Potholes and Magic Carpets, Her demonic Angel, The Hostile, Holiday for The Hostile, The Hostile Game, Confronting The Hostile, and A Slice of the Seventies are also available on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes as audiobooks.
You can find all editions of my books here: http://amzn.to/2r4yyTA
The Kindle of A SLICE OF THE SEVENTIES is FREE on Amazon from 30th-31st May
A Slice of the Seventies tells the true story of Jersey-born Mug, a troubled girl from a recently broken home. It covers her experiences as a teenager at the Isle of Wight Music Festival in 1970, the same year she follows a guru. The book tracks her tumultuous four years as an art student in Coventry, where vegetarian Mug finds herself living next door to an abattoir and a railway shunting yard with David, a fellow art student. Dramatic events follow on from the evening they first meet at a party, where David is attempting to commit an extremely public suicide. Whether you were around during that decade or not, you’re bound to enjoy this nostalgic Slice of the Seventies. This loosely autobiographical book can be read as a stand-alone without having to read The Lying Scotsman, and Straws, books 2 and 3 in the Mug trilogy.
An audiobook edition of A Slice of the Seventies, beautifully narrated by Tracey Norman, is available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes.
Doc Togden said in his review, “I have studied and written about this period of British cultural history and find this book completely delightful. Now you don’t need Dr Who’s TARDIS – you have A Slice of the Seventies.” “A thoroughly gripping read – it will make you boogie.”
http://amzn.to/2tIIV1s for the UK Kindle edition. £0.99
http://amzn.to/297MAdY for the USA Kindle edition. $0.99
http://amzn.to/29osS0l for the UK paperback edition. £5.80
http://amzn.to/297Mdjm for the USA paperback edition. $9.80
http://adbl.co/2lxMCUq for the Audible.com audiobook edition
http://adbl.co/2zQFx6M for the Audible.co.uk audiobook edition
11 of my 12 Kindle editions are only £0.99, or equivalent currencies, on Amazon, and are always free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers. The Kindle version of The Hostile Series Box Set is only £2.30 for all 4 books in The Hostile series. Random Bullets, Potholes and Magic Carpets, Her demonic Angel, The Hostile, Holiday for The Hostile, The Hostile Game, Confronting The Hostile, and A Slice of the Seventies are also available on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes as audiobooks.
You can find all editions of my books here http://amzn.to/2r4yyTA
The Kindle of Living with Postcards is free from 2nd-3rd May
Living with Postcards is my only non-fiction book out of the dozen books I’ve written. It’s packed with colour illustrations and describes my close relationship with old postcards. Each card illustrated in the book is from my own large collection. I’ve collected over 2,000 of these charming, quirky, historical items since the 1970s. I gave a talk to Full Circle members at Oldham Coliseum about Living with Postcards in January 2017. Living with Postcards is a beautiful present from the past that anyone can enjoy. It is available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle editions and is free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers.
http://amzn.to/29d6k5T for the UK Kindle edition. FREE on 2nd-3rd May
The Kindle of POTHOLES AND MAGIC CARPETS is FREE on Amazon from 17th-18th April
Potholes and Magic Carpets is a contemporary character-driven novel. It looks at the dramatic incidents, challenges, and temptations in the lives of four couples of varying ages, professions and sexual persuasions, all linked by blood or friendship. The negative, selfish, sometimes violent natures of some characters in the book wreak havoc on the innocent. A tale of not so simple folk. The page-turning action in Potholes and Magic Carpets takes place in rural Kent and London.
The audiobook version, beautifully narrated by Tracey Norman, is available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes.
Love audiobooks?
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-43129509
My daughter sent me the link to this article because she thought I’d find it interesting. She was right. If you click on the link above, you may, or may not, find it interesting too.
I’m a big fan of audiobooks and now have audiobook editions of eight of my twelve books on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. Four were narrated by Alexander Doddy, two by Tracey Norman, and two by me. Working with these two talented narrators has been a wonderful experience. I plan to publish more audiobooks in the future and hope to soon be working with Alexander and Tracey again.
I’ll probably continue to publish Kindle and paperback editions as well as audiobooks because it costs me nothing except time to do so. I don’t pay for my covers or for book layout because I used to be a professional graphic designer, so I do it all myself.
THE KINDLE OF ALL FOUR BOOKS IN THE HOSTILE SERIES BOX SET IS FREE ON AMAZON FROM 8TH-9TH APRIL
Step into the “refreshingly original” world of The Hostile and lose yourself in a “bizarrely captivating” read. The entire 4-book series of paranormal crime thrillers can usually be yours for £2.30 or equivalent currencies and free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers. The paperback edition is only £12.50, a bargain for 4 books. This “compelling, strange, and wonderful” collection consists of The Hostile, Holiday for The Hostile, The Hostile Game, and Confronting The Hostile.
All four books have audiobook versions on Audible (http://adbl.co/2sEnfTO), Amazon, and iTunes.
THE KINDLE OF HOLIDAY FOR THE HOSTILE IS FREE ON AMAZON FROM 3RD-4TH APRIL
Serena, plus her unusual friend and partner in crime, Tile X, find themselves suffering a family holiday at her eccentric grandfather’s hovel in Ireland. Who will manage to escape intact from their dramatic holiday from Hell?
Holiday for The Hostile, book 2 in The Hostile series, is a gripping contemporary paranormal crime thriller with a splash of horror. It was published on Amazon in Kindle and paperback editions in December 2016 and can be read as a standalone like the other books in the collection. Book 1 in the series is called The Hostile, book 3 is The Hostile Game. Book 4, Confronting The Hostile, was published in August 2017 along with The Hostile Series Box Set. The audiobook edition of Holiday for The Hostile, narrated by Alexander Doddy, is available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes along with the audiobook versions of The Hostile, The Hostile Game, and Confronting The Hostile.
Remember, if you download the free Kindle on Amazon, you can also download the audiobook, beautifully narrated by Alexander Doddy, for a mere pittance.
Here’s a snapshot of what readers say about Holiday for The Hostile: “Compelling, strange, and wonderful”; “Ms Mutter has carved out a new niche for herself. And from where I’m standing, she’s way out in front”; “With some books, you get an idea where things are going and where they’re likely to end. Not this one. Every chapter was a surprise with new characters and situations and a bunch of wonderfully inventive deaths;” “It has plenty of scary bits … can’t wait until book three is out”; “The end is a total surprise. I was expecting a skeleton in the family closet, but it turns in a completely different direction, keeping you on your toes and guessing;” “Excellent. Really looking forward to more. Joy tells a good tale.”
Link to the Kindle edition on Amazon in U.K. http://amzn.to/2EjlAsT. Free on 3rd-4th April
Link to the Kindle edition on Amazon in U.S. http://amzn.to/2gDui9f. Free on 3rd-4th April
Link to the paperback edition on Amazon in U.K. http://amzn.to/2fUQIoc. £5.95
Link to the paperback edition on Amazon in U.S. http://amzn.to/2fPS28B. $8.95
Link to the audiobook edition on Audible in U.K. http://adbl.co/2y4cQ8T.
Link to the audiobook edition on Audible in U.S. http://adbl.co/2xmGv9v.
An excerpt from Holiday for The Hostile http://amzn.to/2fNXVrU.
11 of my 12 Kindle editions are only £0.99, or equivalent currencies, on Amazon, and are always free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers. The Kindle version of The Hostile Series Box Set is only £2.30 for all 4 books in The Hostile series. Random Bullets, Potholes and Magic Carpets, Her demonic Angel, The Hostile, Holiday for The Hostile, The Hostile Game, Confronting The Hostile, and A Slice of the Seventies are also available on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes as audiobooks.
You can find all editions of my books here: http://amzn.to/2r4yyTA
My eight audiobooks
My twelve books can all be found on Amazon in Kindle and paperback editions. Eight of them also have an audiobook version on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes for everyone to enjoy: http://amzn.to/2jjmleB
THE HOSTILE is book 1 of The Hostile 4-book series of paranormal crime thrillers. An audiobook, narrated by me, is available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. In a rundown area of Manchester, inside the bathroom of a terraced house overflowing with children and dysfunctional parents, a small but powerful entity befriends young Serena with disastrous results. This unlikely enigmatic force not only dramatically affects introverted Serena’s life but also threatens the well-being of everyone she knows, especially those who’ve earned the strange girl’s displeasure. It soon becomes clear that nobody should ever upset Serena if they know what’s good for them. After enjoying The Hostile, you’ll never look at D.I.Y. in the same way again.
The Hostile audiobook on Audible in USA https://adbl.co/2pBoWBv
The Hostile audiobook on Audible in UK https://adbl.co/2HZhUgI
HOLIDAY FOR THE HOSTILE is book 2 of The Hostile series. Narrated by Alexander Doddy, the audiobook is available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. Serena and her unusual partner in crime, Tile X, find themselves suffering a family holiday at her eccentric grandfather’s hovel in Ireland. Who will manage to escape intact from their dramatic holiday from Hell?
Holiday for The Hostile audiobook on Audible in USA https://adbl.co/2G5RE3O
Holiday for The Hostile audiobook on Audible in UK https://adbl.co/2G0SL94
THE HOSTILE GAME is book 3 of The Hostile series. Narrated by Alexander Doddy, the audiobook is available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. In The Hostile Game, Manchester-based Serena, now eighteen and pregnant, finally discovers the reason why Tile X befriended her seven years before. She doesn’t like what she hears. Mayhem ensues when a retired Irish police superintendent becomes more involved than perhaps he should have.
The Hostile Game audiobook on Audible in USA https://adbl.co/2I3g2DL
The Hostile Game audiobook on Audible in UK https://adbl.co/2pB1vZg
CONFRONTING THE HOSTILE is book 4 in The Hostile paranormal crime thriller series. Narrated by Alexander Doddy. the audiobook is available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. A retired Irish superintendent and his former colleague, a handsome DCI from Liverpool, attempt to rid themselves and the world of their lethal tile masters. Will they succeed in reclaiming their freedom, or will the bizarre killing games continue?
Confronting The Hostile audiobook on Audible in USA https://adbl.co/2pyAsOg
Confronting The Hostile audiobook on Audible in UK https://adbl.co/2G4mud3
HER DEMONIC ANGEL consists of fourteen of my short stories. I wrote them in a variety of genres, so there should be something for everyone. Some tales are stranger than others, but all are different shades of dark. Narrated by me, the audiobook can be found on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes.
Her demonic Angel audiobook on Audible in USA https://adbl.co/2ufbuIx
Her demonic Angel audiobook on Audible in UK https://adbl.co/2IO9oCz
RANDOM BULLETS is a contemporary crime thriller with a paranormal twist, set in Jersey, Manchester, London, and places not of this world. After shooting and killing his nephew, a gunman runs amok in a London park. What drives Edward to commit such atrocities? Who will survive yet another of his moments of madness? Narrated by Alexander Doddy, the audiobook is available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes.
Random Bullets audiobook on Audible in USA https://adbl.co/2pBG7Tt
Random Bullets audiobook on Audible in UK https://adbl.co/2HZFTwe
POTHOLES AND MAGIC CARPETS is a contemporary character-driven novel. It looks at the dramatic incidents, challenges, and temptations in the lives of four couples of varying ages, professions and sexual persuasions, all linked by blood or friendship. The negative, selfish, sometimes violent natures of some characters in the book wreak havoc on the innocent. A tale of not so simple folk. The page-turning action in Potholes and Magic Carpets takes place in rural Kent and London. Narrated by Tracey Norman, the audiobook is available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes.
Potholes and Magic Carpets audiobook on Audible in USA https://adbl.co/2Gl9LGo
Potholes and Magic Carpets audiobook on Audible in UK https://adbl.co/2G21vvB
A SLICE OF THE SEVENTIES tells the loosely autobiographical story of Jersey-born Mug, a troubled girl from a recently broken home. It covers her experiences as a teenager at the Isle of Wight Music Festival in 1970, the same year she follows a guru. The book tracks her tumultuous four years as an art student in Coventry, where vegetarian Mug finds herself living next door to an abattoir and a railway shunting yard with David, a fellow art student. Dramatic events follow on from the evening they first meet at a party, where David is attempting to commit an extremely public suicide. Whether you were around during that decade or not, you’re bound to enjoy this nostalgic Slice of the Seventies. Narrated by Tracey Norman, the audiobook is available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes.
A Slice of the Seventies audiobook on Audible in USA https://adbl.co/2HXJHOH
A Slice of the Seventies audiobook on Audible in UK https://adbl.co/2G0YKuf
HAPPY LISTENING! I’D REALLY APPRECIATE IT IF YOU POSTED A REVIEW OF ANY OF MY AUDIOBOOKS ON AUDIBLE, GOODREADS, AND AMAZON. THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO HAS ALREADY TAKEN THE TIME TO POST REVIEWS OF MY KINDLES, PAPERBACKS, AND AUDIOBOOKS.
Another day, another free book from me
The Kindle of THE HOSTILE, book 1 of The Hostile quartet, is FREE on Amazon on 20th March.
In a rundown area of Manchester, inside the bathroom of a terraced house overflowing with children and dysfunctional parents, a small but powerful entity befriends young Serena with disastrous results. This unlikely enigmatic force not only dramatically affects introverted Serena’s life but also threatens the well-being of everyone she knows, especially those who’ve earned her displeasure. It soon becomes clear that nobody should ever upset Serena if they know what’s good for them. After reading The Hostile, you’ll never look at DIY in the same way again.
The Hostile is a “refreshingly original” contemporary paranormal crime thriller. “A bizarrely captivating” read. It’s book 1 of The Hostile series, described by one reviewer as “compelling, strange, and wonderful”. Each book in the 4-book series can be read as a standalone. Book 2, Holiday for The Hostile, was published in December 2016. Book 3 in this unusual series, The Hostile Game, was published on Amazon in April 2017. Book 4, Confronting The Hostile, was published in August 2017, followed by The Hostile Series Box Set.
Kindle edition of The Hostile on Amazon.co.uk http://amzn.to/2xEYKv2 FREE 19th-20th March
Kindle edition of The Hostile on Amazon.com http://amzn.to/2nTPfCg FREE 19th-20th March
Paperback edition of The Hostile on Amazon.co.uk http://amzn.to/29dkOkS £5.50
Paperback edition of The Hostile on Amazon.com http://amzn.to/299CVUw $8.25
Audiobook edition of The Hostile on Audible.co.uk http://adbl.co/2x3XgLt
Audiobook edition of The Hostile on Audible.com http://adbl.co/2x45frZ
Here is an excerpt from The Hostile http://amzn.to/2blBo12
11 of my 12 Kindle editions are only £0.99, or equivalent currencies, on Amazon, and are always free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers. The Kindle version of The Hostile Series Box Set is only £2.30 for all 4 books in The Hostile series. Random Bullets, Potholes and Magic Carpets, Her demonic Angel, The Hostile, Holiday for The Hostile, The Hostile Game, Confronting The Hostile, and A Slice of the Seventies are also available on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes as audiobooks.
You can find all editions of my books here: http://amzn.to/2r4yyTA
Free for one day only
The Kindle of RANDOM BULLETS is FREE on Amazon today, 15th March.
http://adbl.co/2yaLOdj for the Audible.com audiobook edition of Random Bullets.
Living with Postcards is FREE on 8th-9th March
Living with Postcards is my only non-fiction book out of the dozen books I’ve written. It’s packed with colour illustrations and describes my close relationship with old postcards. Each card illustrated in the book is from my own large collection. I’ve collected over 2,000 of these charming, quirky, historical items since the 1970s. I gave a talk to Full Circle members at Oldham Coliseum about Living with Postcards in January 2017. Living with Postcards is a beautiful present from the past that anyone can enjoy. It is available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle editions and is always free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers.
“The author shares her impressive knowledge of vintage postcards in an entertaining and informative style. Brimming with lovely reproductions, it’s never dull. A book to read from cover to cover or just dip into. Certainly, a book to revisit. Living with Postcards makes an imaginative present, even to someone like me who has no particular interest in postcard collecting. I can thoroughly recommend it.”
http://amzn.to/29d6k5T for the UK Kindle edition. FREE on 8th-9th March.
http://amzn.to/29gEV0B for the USA Kindle edition. FREE on 8th-9th March.
http://amzn.to/22qrcH1 for the UK paperback edition. £11.85
http://amzn.to/299Jg2c for the USA paperback edition. $24.12
11 of my 12 Kindle editions are only £0.99 or equivalent currencies on Amazon and are always free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers. The Kindle version of The Hostile Series Box Set is only £2.30 for all 4 books in The Hostile series. Random Bullets, Potholes and Magic Carpets, Her demonic Angel, The Hostile, Holiday for The Hostile, The Hostile Game, Confronting The Hostile, and A Slice of the Seventies are also available on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes as audiobooks.You can find all editions of my books on Amazon http://amzn.to/2r4yyTA.
Sneak a peek at the Kindle edition of Living with Postcards http://amzn.to/2bCIbmY.
Link to my Living with Postcards Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/livingwithpostcards/.
Link to my Joy Mutter’s Books Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/JoyMutterAuthor/.
A Slice of the Seventies is FREE on 18th-19th February
The Kindle of A SLICE OF THE SEVENTIES is FREE on Amazon today, 18th February and on 19th February.
A Slice of the Seventies tells the true story of Jersey-born Mug, a troubled girl from a recently broken home. It covers her experiences as a teenager at the Isle of Wight Music Festival in 1970, the same year she follows a guru. The book tracks her tumultuous four years as an art student in Coventry, where vegetarian Mug finds herself living next door to an abattoir and a railway shunting yard with David, a fellow art student. Dramatic events follow on from the evening they first meet at a party, where David is attempting to commit an extremely public suicide. Whether you were around during that decade or not, you’re bound to enjoy this nostalgic Slice of the Seventies. This loosely autobiographical book can be read as a standalone without having to read The Lying Scotsman, and Straws, books 2 and 3 in the Mug trilogy.
An audiobook edition of A Slice of the Seventies, beautifully narrated by Tracey Norman, is available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes.
Doc Togden said in his review, “I have studied and written about this period of British cultural history – and find this book completely delightful. Now you don’t need Dr Who’s TARDIS – you have A Slice of the Seventies.” “A thoroughly gripping read – it will make you boogie.”
http://amzn.to/2tIIV1s for the UK Kindle edition. £0.99
http://amzn.to/297MAdY for the USA Kindle edition. $0.99
http://amzn.to/29osS0l for the UK paperback edition. £5.80
http://amzn.to/297Mdjm for the USA paperback edition. $9.80
http://adbl.co/2lxMCUq for the Audible.com audiobook edition
http://adbl.co/2zQFx6M for the Audible.co.uk audiobook edition
11 of my 12 Kindle editions are only £0.99, or equivalent currencies, on Amazon, and are always free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers. The Kindle version of The Hostile Series Box Set is only £2.30 for all 4 books in The Hostile series. Random Bullets, Potholes and Magic Carpets, Her demonic Angel, The Hostile, Holiday for The Hostile, The Hostile Game, Confronting The Hostile, and A Slice of the Seventies are also available on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes as audiobooks.
You can find all editions of my books here http://amzn.to/2r4yyTA
My short stories are free on Amazon on 12th-13th February
The Kindle of HER DEMONIC ANGEL is FREE on Amazon today, 12th February and on 13th February.
“Joy Mutter is a born storyteller. I particularly enjoy her style of writing and the way she draws her readers into her intimate circle and ensures you read to the last word.”
Some of the fourteen short stories in HER DEMONIC ANGEL are stranger than others, but most are different shades of dark. I wrote them in a variety of genres, so there should be something for everyone to enjoy. To whet your appetite, here are the titles of some of the short stories in the collection: Mirror, mirror; The boy they called Dragon; The day nobody gave a damn; An email from Jane; Stuff; Getting rid of the enemy; Skin; Too beautiful; Philately will get you nowhere; In memoriam.
http://amzn.to/295kGjn for the U.K. Kindle edition. FREE on 12th-13th February
http://amzn.to/29dSEpd for the U.S.A. Kindle edition. FREE on 12th-13th February
http://amzn.to/295uZbl for the U.K. paperback edition. £5.25
http://amzn.to/29ii97E for the U.S.A. paperback edition. $7.95
http://adbl.co/2yeLJpm for the Audible.com audiobook edition.
http://adbl.co/2fq5VNx for the Audible.co.uk audiobook edition.
Here’s an excerpt from Her demonic Angel http://amzn.to/2bMiO4c
11 of my 12 Kindle editions are only £0.99, or equivalent currencies, on Amazon, and are always free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers. The Kindle version of The Hostile Series Box Set is only £2.30 for all four books in The Hostile series. Random Bullets, Potholes and Magic Carpets, Her demonic Angel, The Hostile, Holiday for The Hostile, The Hostile Game, Confronting The Hostile, and A Slice of the Seventies are also available on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes as audiobooks.
You can find all editions of my books here: http://amzn.to/2r4yyTA
The Kindle of Potholes and Magic Carpets is FREE on Amazon on 6th and 7th February
Potholes and Magic Carpets is a contemporary character-driven novel. It looks at the dramatic incidents, challenges, and temptations in the lives of four couples of varying ages, professions, and sexual persuasions who are all linked by blood or friendship. The negative, selfish, sometimes violent natures of some characters in the book wreak havoc on the innocent. A tale of not so simple folk. The page-turning action in Potholes and Magic Carpets takes place in rural Kent and London.
Potholes and Magic Carpets is available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle editions (277 pages). The audiobook version, beautifully narrated by Tracey Norman, is available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes.
“I absolutely love Ms. Mutter’s writing style. Her descriptions are captivating to me, as a lifelong fan of all things British, I enjoy her humour and the clarity with which she delivers her characters. I feel like I know them well by the time I’m well into each chapter. Thanks for sharing your wonderful talents.” “I sometimes find that when books have too many characters I don’t always care about them. It didn’t happen with this book. I really wanted to know more about every one of them.” “If you like complex characters and a strong story, you’ll like this book.”
The Kindle edition on Amazon.co.uk: http://amzn.to/29gA3bE £0.99
The Kindle edition on Amazon.com: http://amzn.to/29Bawbi $0.99
The paperback edition on Amazon.co.uk: http://amzn.to/299FSV3 £6.45
The paperback edition on Amazon.com: http://amzn.to/29dnSxj $10.95
The audiobook edition on Audible.co.uk: http://adbl.co/2iDAFvh
The audiobook edition on Audible.com: http://adbl.co/2m3Wb0Y
Here is an excerpt from Potholes and Magic Carpets http://amzn.to/2bHkrQI
11 of my 12 Kindle editions are only £0.99, or equivalent currencies, on Amazon, and are always free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers. The Kindle version of The Hostile Series Box Set is only £2.30 for all 4 books in The Hostile series. Random Bullets, Potholes and Magic Carpets, Her demonic Angel, The Hostile, Holiday for The Hostile, The Hostile Game, Confronting The Hostile, and A Slice of the Seventies are also available on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes as audiobooks.
You can find all editions of my books here: http://amzn.to/2r4yyTA
The Kindle of The Hostile Series Box Set is FREE on Amazon on 30th January
Step into the “refreshingly original” world of The Hostile and lose yourself in a “bizarrely captivating” read. The entire 4-book series of paranormal crime thrillers can be yours for £2.30 or equivalent currencies and free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers. The paperback edition is only £12.50, a bargain for 4 books. This “compelling, strange, and wonderful” collection consists of The Hostile, Holiday for The Hostile, The Hostile Game, and Confronting The Hostile.
Kindle of The Hostile Series Box Set on Amazon in the U.S. http://amzn.to/2z2wjHV
Kindle of The Hostile Series Box Set on Amazon in the U.K. http://amzn.to/2vIsRyk
Paperback of The Hostile Series Box Set on Amazon in the U.K. http://amzn.to/2wBAXva
Paperback of The Hostile Series Box Set on Amazon in the U.S. http://amzn.to/2w1fUjk
All four books have audiobook versions on Audible (http://adbl.co/2sEnfTO), Amazon, and iTunes.
THE HOSTILE. Book 1. (2016. 194 pages) In a rundown area of Manchester, inside the bathroom of a terraced house overflowing with children and dysfunctional parents, a powerful entity befriends young Serena. He dramatically affects not only her life but also threatens the well-being of everyone she knows, especially those who displease her. Nobody should ever upset Serena if they know what’s good for them. After reading The Hostile, you’ll never look at D.I.Y. in the same way again. The audiobook is available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes.
HOLIDAY FOR THE HOSTILE. Book 2. (2016. 208 pages) Serena and her family endure a holiday from Hell in rural Ireland. The audiobook, narrated by Alexander Doddy, is available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes.
THE HOSTILE GAME. Book 3. (2017. 190 pages) Serena discovers the shocking reason why Tile X befriended her. “Another wonderfully offbeat paranormal thriller, mellowed with a delicious dark humour.” The audiobook, narrated by Alexander Doddy, is available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes.
CONFRONTING THE HOSTILE. Book 4. (2017. 186 pages) A retired Irish superintendent and a handsome DCI from Liverpool take on their murderous enemies. The audiobook, narrated by Alexander Doddy, is available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes.
11 of my 12 Kindle editions are only £0.99, or equivalent currencies, on Amazon, and are always free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers. The Kindle version of The Hostile Series Box Set is only £2.30 for all 4 books in The Hostile series. Random Bullets, Potholes and Magic Carpets, Her demonic Angel, The Hostile, Holiday for The Hostile, The Hostile Game, Confronting The Hostile, and A Slice of the Seventies are also available on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes as audiobooks.
You can find all my books here http://amzn.to/2fjooyd
The Kindle of The Hostile Game is FREE on Amazon from 22nd-23rd January
The Hostile Game, book 3 of The Hostile series, is an exciting contemporary paranormal crime thriller. It was published on Amazon in Kindle and paperback editions in April 2017. As with all the other books in the series, an audiobook version, narrated by Alexander Doddy, is available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. It can be enjoyed as a standalone. Book 4, Confronting The Hostile, was published in August 2017, soon followed by The Hostile Series Box Set.
11 of my 12 Kindle editions are only £0.99, or equivalent currencies, on Amazon, and are always free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers. The Kindle version of The Hostile Series Box Set is only £2.30 for all 4 books in The Hostile series. Random Bullets, Potholes and Magic Carpets, Her demonic Angel, The Hostile, Holiday for The Hostile, The Hostile Game, Confronting The Hostile, and A Slice of the Seventies are also available on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes as audiobooks.
A great start to a Sunday morning
My Sunday morning started off brilliantly after I noticed I’d received this wonderful review of my recently released audiobook of A Slice of the Seventies. It was written by a listener in America. I’m sure the narrator of A Slice of the Seventies, Tracey Norman, will feel as thrilled as I am to read his review.The Kindle of Holiday for The Hostile is FREE on Amazon today, 12th January, and on the 13th January
Serena, plus her unusual friend and partner in crime, Tile X, find themselves suffering a family holiday at her eccentric grandfather’s hovel in Ireland. Who will manage to escape intact from their dramatic holiday from Hell?
Holiday for The Hostile, book 2 in The Hostile series, is a gripping contemporary paranormal crime thriller with a splash of horror. It was published on Amazon in Kindle and paperback editions in December 2016 and can be read as a standalone like the other books in the collection. Book 1 in the series is called The Hostile, book 3 is The Hostile Game. Book 4, Confronting The Hostile, was published in August 2017 along with The Hostile Series Box Set.
The audiobook edition of Holiday for The Hostile, narrated by Alexander Doddy, is available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes along with the audiobook versions of The Hostile, The Hostile Game, and Confronting The Hostile.
Here’s a snapshot of what a few of the readers say about Holiday for The Hostile: “Compelling, strange, and wonderful”; “Ms Mutter has carved out a new niche for herself. And from where I’m standing, she’s way out in front”; “With some books, you get an idea where things are going and where they’re likely to end. Not this one. Every chapter was a surprise with new characters and situations and a bunch of wonderfully inventive deaths;” “It has plenty of scary bits … can’t wait until book three is out”; “The end is a total surprise. I was expecting a skeleton in the family closet, but it turns in a completely different direction, keeping you on your toes and guessing;” “Excellent. Really looking forward to more. Joy tells a good tale.”
Link to the Kindle edition on Amazon in U.K. http://amzn.to/2EjlAsT. £0.99
Link to the Kindle edition on Amazon in U.S. http://amzn.to/2gDui9f. $0.99
Link to the paperback edition on Amazon in U.K. http://amzn.to/2fUQIoc £5.95
Link to the paperback edition on Amazon in U.S. http://amzn.to/2fPS28B $8.95
Link to the audiobook edition on Audible in U.K. http://adbl.co/2y4cQ8T
Link to the audiobook edition on Audible in U.S. http://adbl.co/2xmGv9v
An excerpt from Holiday for The Hostile http://amzn.to/2fNXVrU
11 of my 12 Kindle editions are only £0.99, or equivalent currencies, on Amazon, and are always free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers. The Kindle version of The Hostile Series Box Set is only £2.30 for all 4 books in The Hostile series. Random Bullets, Potholes and Magic Carpets, Her demonic Angel, The Hostile, Holiday for The Hostile, The Hostile Game, Confronting The Hostile, and A Slice of the Seventies are also available on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes as audiobooks.
You can find all editions of my books here: http://amzn.to/2r4yyTA
The Hostile Series Box Set is FREE today and tomorrow
The Kindle of The Hostile Series Box Set is FREE on Amazon today, 5th January, and on the 6th January.
Step into the ‘refreshingly original’ world of The Hostile and lose yourself in a ‘bizarrely captivating’ read. The entire 4-book series of paranormal crime thrillers can be yours for free today and tomorrow. It’s always free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers. The paperback edition is only £12.50, a bargain for 4 books. This “compelling, strange, and wonderful” collection consists of The Hostile, Holiday for The Hostile, The Hostile Game, and Confronting The Hostile.
Kindle of The Hostile Series Box Set on Amazon.com http://amzn.to/2z2wjHV
Kindle of The Hostile Series Box Set on Amazon.co.uk http://amzn.to/2vIsRyk
Paperback of The Hostile Series Box Set on Amazon.co.uk http://amzn.to/2wBAXva
Paperback of The Hostile Series Box Set on Amazon.com http://amzn.to/2w1fUjk
All four books have audiobook versions on Audible (http://adbl.co/2sEnfTO), Amazon, and iTunes.
THE HOSTILE. Book 1. (2016. 194 pages) In a rundown area of Manchester, inside the bathroom of a terraced house overflowing with children and dysfunctional parents, a powerful entity befriends young Serena. He dramatically affects not only her life but also threatens the well-being of everyone she knows, especially those who displease her. Nobody should ever upset Serena if they know what’s good for them. After reading The Hostile, you’ll never look at D.I.Y. in the same way again. The audiobook is available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes.
HOLIDAY FOR THE HOSTILE. Book 2. (2016. 208 pages) Serena and her family endure a holiday from Hell in rural Ireland. The audiobook, narrated by Alexander Doddy, is available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes.
THE HOSTILE GAME. Book 3. (2017. 190 pages) Serena discovers the shocking reason why Tile X befriended her. “Another wonderfully offbeat paranormal thriller, mellowed with a delicious dark humour.” The audiobook, narrated by Alexander Doddy, is available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes.
CONFRONTING THE HOSTILE. Book 4. (2017. 186 pages) A retired Irish superintendent and a handsome DCI from Liverpool take on their murderous enemies. The audiobook, narrated by Alexander Doddy, is available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes.
11 of my 12 Kindle editions are only £0.99, or equivalent currencies, on Amazon, and are always free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers. The Kindle version of The Hostile Series Box Set is only £2.30 for all 4 books in The Hostile series. Random Bullets, Potholes and Magic Carpets, Her demonic Angel, The Hostile, Holiday for The Hostile, The Hostile Game, Confronting The Hostile, and A Slice of the Seventies are also available on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes as audiobooks.
You can find all my books here http://amzn.to/2fjooyd
The photo below was posted on Facebook by a reader who was enjoying The Hostile Series Box Set this Christmas. I was delighted to stumble across the photo by accident while I was scrolling through a random Facebook book page. The admin on the page had asked what everyone had been reading over the festive season. It was heartwarming that a reader had taken the time and trouble to compose a photo to illustrate what they were reading. She’d already read and enjoyed two of the books when she took the photograph and said she was looking forward to reading the other two in the collection.
I’ll keep it simple
I’ve just popped in to wish everyone a wonderful 2018.
The audiobook of A Slice of the Seventies went live yesterday
The audiobook of A Slice of the Seventies, narrated by Tracey Norman, went live on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes yesterday. It is my eighth audiobook on those sites and the second that Tracey has narrated for me. She also narrated my character-led novel, Potholes and Magic Carpets earlier this year. I’m thrilled by how perfectly she’s narrated Potholes and Magic Carpets and A Slice of the Seventies, the autobiographical first book in The Mug Trilogy. I hope to work with her again soon as she’s a class act with the best diction I’ve ever heard. Like all my other books, A Slice of the Seventies is also available on Amazon in Kindle and paperback formats.
A Slice of the Seventies audiobook on Audible.co.uk
A Slice of the Seventies tells the story of Jersey-born Mug, a troubled girl from a recently broken home. It covers her experiences as a teenager at the Isle of Wight Music Festival in 1970, the same year she follows a guru. The book tracks her tumultuous four years as an art student in Coventry, where vegetarian Mug finds herself living next door to an abattoir and a railway shunting yard with David, a fellow art student. Dramatic events follow on from the evening they first meet at a party, where David is attempting to commit an extremely public suicide. Whether you were around during that decade or not, you’re bound to enjoy this nostalgic Slice of the Seventies. This loosely autobiographical book can be enjoyed as a standalone without having to read The Lying Scotsman, and Straws which are books 2 and 3 in the Mug trilogy.
Doc Togden said in his review, “I have studied and written about this period of British cultural history – and find this book completely delightful. Now you don’t need Dr Who’s TARDIS – you have A Slice of the Seventies.” “A thoroughly gripping read – it will make you boogy.”
http://amzn.to/2tIIV1s for the UK Kindle edition. £0.99
http://amzn.to/297MAdY for the USA Kindle edition. $0.99
http://amzn.to/29osS0l for the UK paperback edition. £5.80
http://amzn.to/297Mdjm for the USA paperback edition. $9.80
http://adbl.co/2lxMCUq for the Audible.com audiobook edition
http://adbl.co/2zQFx6M for the Audible.co.uk audiobook edition
It’s that time of year again
Merry Christmas and a fabulous 2018 from me and my books. I’m busy writing books 13 and 14, but not too busy to be planning to enjoy the festive season with my daughter and son-in-law.
One of the books I’m working on is a standalone crime thriller entitled A Shedload of Pain. It’s set in Southern Ireland and Sheffield. The other WIP is book 5 in The Hostile series. I hope to publish them on Amazon in 2018. Happy reading!
You can find all my books and audiobooks here http://amzn.to/2ARWYFa
My audiobooks
There are audiobook editions of seven of my twelve books on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes for everyone to enjoy. In a couple of weeks, there’ll be eight, when A Slice of the Seventies audiobook, narrated by Tracey Norman, will also be available on these sites.
THE HOSTILE is book 1 of The Hostile 4-book series of paranormal crime thrillers. I was the narrator on this audiobook, which is available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. In a rundown area of Manchester, inside the bathroom of a terraced house overflowing with children and dysfunctional parents, a small but powerful entity befriends young Serena with disastrous results. This unlikely enigmatic force not only dramatically affects introverted Serena’s life but also threatens the well-being of everyone she knows, especially those who’ve earned the strange girl’s displeasure. It soon becomes clear that nobody should ever upset Serena if they know what’s good for them. After enjoying The Hostile, you’ll never look at D.I.Y. in the same way again. http://adbl.co/2w2YLIm
HOLIDAY FOR THE HOSTILE is book 2 of The Hostile series. Narrated by Alexander Doddy, the audiobook is available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. Serena, plus her unusual friend and partner in crime, Tile X, find themselves suffering a family holiday at her eccentric grandfather’s hovel in Ireland. Who will manage to escape intact from their dramatic holiday from Hell? http://adbl.co/2wg4j21
THE HOSTILE GAME is book 3 of The Hostile series. Narrated by Alexander Doddy, the audiobook is available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. In The Hostile Game, Manchester-based Serena, now eighteen and pregnant, finally discovers the reason why Tile X befriended her seven years before. She doesn’t like what she hears. Mayhem ensues, with a retired Irish police superintendent becoming more involved than perhaps he should have. http://adbl.co/2fLE2Cz
CONFRONTING THE HOSTILE is book 4 in The Hostile paranormal crime thriller series. Narrated by Alexander Doddy. the audiobook is available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. A retired Irish superintendent and his former colleague, a handsome DCI from Liverpool, attempt to rid themselves and the world of their lethal tile masters. Will they succeed in reclaiming their freedom, or will the bizarre killing games continue? http://amzn.to/2vm1Vpn
HER DEMONIC ANGEL is my baker’s dozen of short stories. I wrote them in a variety of genres, so there should be something for everyone. Some tales are stranger than others, but all are different shades of dark. Narrated by me, the audiobook can be found on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. http://adbl.co/2fMmeqN
RANDOM BULLETS is a contemporary crime thriller with a paranormal twist, set in Jersey, Manchester, London, and places not of this world. After shooting and killing his nephew, a gunman runs amok in a London park. What drives Edward to commit such atrocities? Who will survive yet another of his moments of madness? Narrated by Alexander Doddy, the audiobook is available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. http://adbl.co/2jQ09qt
POTHOLES AND MAGIC CARPETS is a contemporary character-driven novel. It looks at the dramatic incidents, challenges, and temptations in the lives of four couples of varying ages, professions and sexual persuasions, all linked by blood or friendship. The negative, selfish, sometimes violent natures of some characters in the book wreak havoc on the innocent. A tale of not so simple folk. The page-turning action in Potholes and Magic Carpets takes place in rural Kent and London. Narrated by Tracey Norman, the audiobook is available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. http://adbl.co/2iDAFvh
A SLICE OF THE SEVENTIES tells the loosely autobiographical story of Jersey-born Mug, a troubled girl from a recently broken home. It covers her experiences as a teenager at the Isle of Wight Music Festival in 1970, the same year she follows a guru. The book tracks her tumultuous four years as an art student in Coventry, where vegetarian Mug finds herself living next door to an abattoir and a railway shunting yard with David, a fellow art student. Dramatic events follow on from the evening they first meet at a party, where David is attempting to commit an extremely public suicide. Whether you were around during that decade or not, you’re bound to enjoy this nostalgic Slice of the Seventies. Narrated by Tracey Norman, the audiobook will be available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes before the end of 2017.
My 12 books, in various formats, can all be found here: http://amzn.to/2jjmleB
The Kindle of Potholes and Magic Carpets is FREE on Amazon from 30th November – 1st December
The Kindle of POTHOLES AND MAGIC CARPETS is FREE on Amazon today, 30th November and on 1st December.
Potholes and Magic Carpets is a contemporary character-driven novel. It looks at the dramatic incidents, challenges, and temptations in the lives of four couples of varying ages, professions, and sexual persuasions, all linked by blood or friendship. The negative, selfish, sometimes violent natures of some characters in the book wreak havoc on the innocent. A tale of not so simple folk. The page-turning action in Potholes and Magic Carpets takes place in rural Kent and London.
Potholes and Magic Carpets is available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle editions (277 pages). The audiobook version, narrated by Tracey Norman, is available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes.
“I absolutely love Ms. Mutter’s writing style. Her descriptions are captivating to me, as a lifelong fan of all things British, I enjoy her humour and the clarity with which she delivers her characters. I feel like I know them well by the time I’m well into each chapter. Thanks for sharing your wonderful talents.” “I sometimes find that when books have too many characters I don’t always care about them. It didn’t happen with this book. I really wanted to know more about every one of them.” “If you like complex characters and a strong story, you’ll like this book.”
The Kindle edition on Amazon.co.uk: http://amzn.to/29gA3bE FREE from 30th Nov to 1st Dec.
The Kindle edition on Amazon.com: http://amzn.to/29Bawbi FREE from 30th Nov to 1st Dec
The paperback edition on Amazon.co.uk: http://amzn.to/299FSV3 £6.45
The paperback edition on Amazon.com: http://amzn.to/29dnSxj $10.95
The audiobook edition on Audible.co.uk: http://adbl.co/2iDAFvh
The audiobook edition on Audible.com: http://adbl.co/2m3Wb0Y
Here is an excerpt from Potholes and Magic Carpets http://amzn.to/2bHkrQI
11 of my 12 Kindle editions are only £0.99, or equivalent currencies, on Amazon, and are always free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers. The Kindle version of The Hostile Series Box Set is a bargain at only £2.30 for all 4 books in The Hostile series.
Her demonic Angel, Random Bullets, Potholes and Magic Carpets, The Hostile, Holiday for The Hostile, The Hostile Game, and Confronting The Hostile are also available on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes as audiobooks. The audiobook of A Slice of the Seventies (narrated by Tracey Norman), will be available before the end of 2017.
You can find all editions of my books here: http://amzn.to/2r4yyTA
The Kindle of THE HOSTILE SERIES BOX SET is FREE on Amazon from the 27th-28th November
Step into the ‘refreshingly original’ world of The Hostile and lose yourself in a ‘bizarrely captivating’ read. This four-book series of paranormal crime thrillers consists of The Hostile, Holiday for The Hostile, The Hostile Game, and Confronting The Hostile. Also available in paperback. All four books have audiobook versions on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes.
Kindle of The Hostile Series Box Set on Amazon.com http://amzn.to/2z2wjHV
Kindle of The Hostile Series Box Set on Amazon.co.uk http://amzn.to/2uXJDre
Paperback of The Hostile Series Box Set on Amazon.co.uk http://amzn.to/2wBAXva
Paperback of The Hostile Series Box Set on Amazon.com http://amzn.to/2w1fUjk
THE HOSTILE. Book 1. (2016)
In a rundown area of Manchester, inside the bathroom of a terraced house overflowing with children and dysfunctional parents, a powerful entity befriends young Serena. He dramatically affects not only her life but also threatens the well-being of everyone she knows, especially those who displease her. Nobody should ever upset Serena if they know what’s good for them. After reading The Hostile, you’ll never look at D.I.Y. in the same way again. The audiobook is available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes.
HOLIDAY FOR THE HOSTILE. Book 2. (2016)
Serena and Tile X, her unusual friend and partner in crime, find themselves reluctantly suffering a family holiday at her eccentric grandfather’s hovel in Ireland. Who will manage to escape intact from their dramatic holiday from Hell? The audiobook, narrated by Alexander Doddy, is available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes.
THE HOSTILE GAME. Book 3. (2017)
In The Hostile Game, Serena, now eighteen and pregnant in Manchester, finally discovers the reason why Tile X befriended her seven years before. She doesn’t like what she hears. Mayhem ensues, with a retired Irish police superintendent becoming more involved than perhaps he should have. “Another wonderfully offbeat paranormal thriller, mellowed with a delicious dark humour.” The audiobook, narrated by Alexander Doddy, is available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes.
CONFRONTING THE HOSTILE. Book 4. (2017)
A retired Irish superintendent and his former colleague, a handsome DCI from Liverpool, attempt to rid themselves and the world of their lethal tile masters. Will they succeed in reclaiming their freedom, or will the bizarre killing games continue? The audiobook, narrated by Alexander Doddy, is available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes.
11 of my 12 Kindle editions are only £0.99, or equivalent currencies, on Amazon, and are always free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers. The Kindle version of The Hostile Series Box Set is only £2.30 for all 4 books in The Hostile series. Random Bullets, Potholes and Magic Carpets, Her demonic Angel, The Hostile, Holiday for The Hostile, The Hostile Game, and Confronting The Hostile are also available on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes as audiobooks. An audiobook of A Slice of the Seventies will be available before the end of 2017.
You can find all editions of my books here: http://amzn.to/2r4yyTA
Random Bullets is FREE from 13th-14th November. Audiobook is now available.
To celebrate my audiobook of Random Bullets, narrated by Alexander Doddy, going live on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes, the Kindle is FREE on Amazon from 13th-14th November.
After shooting and killing his nephew, a gunman runs amok in a London park. What drives Edward to commit such atrocities? Who will survive yet another of his moments of madness? Set in Jersey, Cornwall, London, Manchester, and places not of this world, Random Bullets is a contemporary crime thriller with a paranormal twist.
‘Action-packed, thought-provoking, a real ride. I couldn’t put it down,’ ‘crime with a twist,’ ‘An insightful look behind the many faces we wear, and how burning resentments can take you into madness and murder,’ ‘This is a very well thought out book.’ ‘Kinetic — really zips along at a pace. I was really drawn in.’ These are just a few of the reviews Random Bullets has received; 20+ 5-star reviews across all Amazon sites so far. Your review would also be much appreciated.
I was interviewed in February 2016 by two BBC Radio 4 producers as part of their Analysis programme on Inheritance. They’d heard that Random Bullets deals with the divisive subject of disinheritance and its aftermath, something I’ve experienced personally.
http://amzn.to/2ahXcc4 for the UK Kindle edition. FREE
http://amzn.to/29eOAnl for the USA Kindle edition. FREE
http://amzn.to/1Y2NmyC for the UK paperback edition. £5.95
http://amzn.to/2906R56 for the USA paperback edition. $9.95
http://adbl.co/2yaLOdj for the Audible.com audiobook edition
http://adbl.co/2yDwlXI for the Audible.co.uk audiobook edition
11 of my 12 Kindle editions are only £0.99, or equivalent currencies, on Amazon, and are always free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers. The Kindle version of The Hostile Series Box Set is only £2.30 for all 4 books in The Hostile series. Random Bullets, Potholes and Magic Carpets, Her demonic Angel, The Hostile, Holiday for The Hostile, The Hostile Game, and Confronting The Hostile are also available on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes as audiobooks. The audiobook of A Slice of the Seventies will be available before the end of 2017. You can find all editions of my books here: http://amzn.to/2r4yyTA
Four books for the price of one
The Kindle of THE HOSTILE SERIES BOX SET is reduced to $0.99 from $2.99 on Amazon from today, 8th November until 13th November. Four books for the price of one. Grab a bargain!
Step into the ‘refreshingly original’ world of The Hostile 4-book series of paranormal crime thrillers and lose yourself in a ‘bizarrely captivating’ read. The paperback edition is only £12.50, a bargain for 4 books. The collection consists of The Hostile, Holiday for The Hostile, The Hostile Game, and Confronting The Hostile.
Kindle of The Hostile Series Box Set on Amazon.com http://amzn.to/2z2wjHV
Kindle of The Hostile Series Box Set on Amazon.co.uk http://amzn.to/2vIsRyk
Paperback of The Hostile Series Box Set on Amazon.co.uk http://amzn.to/2wBAXva
Paperback of The Hostile Series Box Set on Amazon.com http://amzn.to/2w1fUjk
All four books have audiobook versions on Audible (http://adbl.co/2sEnfTO), Amazon, and iTunes.
THE HOSTILE. Book 1. (2016. 194 pages) In a rundown area of Manchester, inside the bathroom of a terraced house overflowing with children and dysfunctional parents, a powerful entity befriends young Serena. He dramatically affects not only her life but also threatens the well-being of everyone she knows, especially those who displease her. Nobody should ever upset Serena if they know what’s good for them. After reading The Hostile, you’ll never look at D.I.Y. in the same way again. The audiobook is available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes.
HOLIDAY FOR THE HOSTILE. Book 2. (2016. 208 pages) Serena and her family endure a holiday from Hell in rural Ireland. The audiobook, narrated by Alexander Doddy, is available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes.
THE HOSTILE GAME. Book 3. (2017. 190 pages) Serena discovers the shocking reason why Tile X befriended her. “Another wonderfully offbeat paranormal thriller, mellowed with a delicious dark humour.” The audiobook, narrated by Alexander Doddy, is available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes.
CONFRONTING THE HOSTILE. Book 4. (2017. 186 pages) A retired Irish superintendent and a handsome DCI from Liverpool take on their murderous enemies. The audiobook, narrated by Alexander Doddy, is available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes.
Each of my other eleven Kindle editions is £0.99 or equivalent currencies on Amazon and always free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers. The paperback versions won’t break the bank either. The Hostile, Holiday for The Hostile, The Hostile Game, Confronting The Hostile, Random Bullets, Potholes and Magic Carpets, and Her demonic Angel are all available on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes as audiobooks. The audiobook of A Slice of the Seventies will be available before the end of 2017. You can find all my books here http://amzn.to/2fjooyd
The audiobooks of Random Bullets, and Potholes and Magic Carpets went LIVE yesterday
I’m thrilled to announce that the audiobooks of Random Bullets, narrated by Alexander Doddy, and Potholes and Magic Carpets, narrated by Tracey Norman, both went live on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes yesterday. They join my other five audiobooks on these three sites. I’m delighted with the performances of Tracey and Alexander. Tracey has the most perfect diction I’ve ever heard, and Alexander puts his heart and soul into narrating Random Bullets, just as he did with Holiday for The Hostile, The Hostile Game, and Confronting The Hostile audiobooks. I hope Alexander will be free to narrate A Shedload of Pain, the thriller I’m currently writing. I’ve reached chapter 17, so it won’t be too long before I publish book thirteen.
The audiobook of A Slice of the Seventies will be available by the end of 2017.
Once Amazon has whispersynced them, which usually takes them about thirty days, they should both be much cheaper to buy. Unlike my Kindles and paperbacks, Amazon sets the price of audiobooks, so authors have no say in audiobook pricing. I’m all for audiobooks costing as little as possible, to encourage people to listen to them. Once both audiobooks have been whispersynced, if you buy the Kindle of either book, you’ll be able to buy the audiobook for much less money than before whispersyncing. The Kindle editions of Random Bullets and Potholes and Magic Carpets are only £0.99 each, and free when I run a free promotion. Remember, all my Kindles are free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers, and the audiobooks are free with Audible trial.
You can find all my audiobooks here: http://adbl.co/2hbBnzs
The Kindle of THE HOSTILE SERIES BOX SET will be reduced to $0.99 from $2.99 on Amazon from 8th November to 13th November. Grab a bargain!
Step into the ‘refreshingly original’ world of The Hostile 4-book series of paranormal crime thrillers and lose yourself in a ‘bizarrely captivating’ read. The paperback edition is only £12.50, a bargain for 4 books. The collection consists of The Hostile, Holiday for The Hostile, The Hostile Game, and Confronting The Hostile.The Kindle of HOLIDAY FOR THE HOSTILE is FREE on Amazon today, 28th October
Serena, plus her unusual friend and partner in crime, Tile X, find themselves suffering a family holiday at her eccentric grandfather’s hovel in Ireland. Who will manage to escape intact from their dramatic holiday from Hell?
Holiday for The Hostile, book 2 in The Hostile quartet, is a gripping contemporary paranormal crime thriller with a splash of horror. It was published on Amazon in Kindle and paperback editions in December 2016 and can be read as a standalone like the other books in the collection. Book 1 in the series is called The Hostile, book 3 is The Hostile Game. Book 4, Confronting The Hostile, was published in August 2017 along with The Hostile Series Box Set. The audiobook edition of Holiday for The Hostile, narrated by Alexander Doddy, is available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes along with the audiobook versions of The Hostile, The Hostile Game, and Confronting The Hostile.
Here’s a snapshot of what a few of the readers say about Holiday for The Hostile: “Ms Mutter has carved out a new niche for herself. And from where I’m standing, she’s way out in front” “With some books, you get an idea where things are going and where they’re likely to end. Not this one. Every chapter was a surprise with new characters and situations and a bunch of wonderfully inventive deaths.” “It has plenty of scary bits … can’t wait until book three is out.” “The end is a total surprise. Was expecting a skeleton in the family closet, but it turns in a completely different direction, keeping you on your toes and guessing.” “Excellent. Really looking forward to more. Joy tells a good tale.”
Link to the Kindle edition on Amazon.co.uk http://amzn.to/2fJTSg0. £0.99
Link to the Kindle edition on Amazon.com http://amzn.to/2gDui9f. $0.99
Link to the paperback edition on Amazon.co.uk http://amzn.to/2fUQIoc £5.95
Link to the paperback edition on Amazon.com http://amzn.to/2fPS28B $8.95
Link to the audiobook edition on Audible.co.uk http://adbl.co/2y4cQ8T
Link to the audiobook edition on Audible.com http://adbl.co/2xmGv9v
An excerpt from Holiday for The Hostile http://amzn.to/2fNXVrU
Remember, if you download the FREE Kindle of Holiday for The Hostile, you can also buy the audiobook version, wonderfully narrated by Alexander Doddy, for a fraction of the usual price. A great idea for those who sometimes prefer to use their ears rather than their eyes to enjoy a book. Each one of my audiobooks can be bought for a greatly reduced price when bought with the relevant Kindle. My Kindles are usually only £0.99, so it makes sense to buy the audiobook with the Kindle, rather than buying the audiobook at full price on its own.
11 of my 12 Kindle editions are only £0.99, or equivalent currencies, on Amazon, and are always free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers. The Kindle version of The Hostile Series Box Set is only £2.30 for all 4 books in The Hostile series. Her demonic Angel, The Hostile, Holiday for The Hostile, The Hostile Game, and Confronting The Hostile are also available on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes as audiobooks. Audiobooks of Potholes and Magic Carpets, Random Bullets, and A Slice of the Seventies will be available before Christmas 2017.
You can find all editions of my books here: http://amzn.to/2r4yyTA
Love short stories?
The Kindle of Her demonic Angel and other short stories is FREE on Amazon today, 12th October, and on 13th October.
Her demonic Angel is my baker’s dozen of short stories. I wrote them in a variety of genres, so there should be something for everyone. Some tales are stranger than others, but all are different shades of dark. To whet your appetite, here are the titles of some of my short stories: Mirror, mirror; The boy they called Dragon; The day nobody gave a damn; An email from Jane; Stuff; Getting rid of the enemy; Skin; Too beautiful; Philately will get you nowhere; In memoriam.
http://amzn.to/295kGjn for the U.K. Kindle edition.
http://amzn.to/29dSEpd for the U.S.A. Kindle edition.
http://amzn.to/295uZbl for the U.K. paperback edition.
http://amzn.to/29ii97E for the U.S.A. paperback edition.
http://adbl.co/2yeLJpm for the Audible.com audiobook edition.
http://adbl.co/2fq5VNx for the Audible.co.uk audiobook edition.
11 of my 12 Kindle editions are only £0.99, or equivalent currencies, on Amazon, and are always free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers. The Kindle version of The Hostile Series Box Set is a mere £2.30 for all 4 books in The Hostile series. Her demonic Angel, The Hostile, Holiday for The Hostile, The Hostile Game, and Confronting The Hostile are also available on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes as audiobooks. Audiobooks of Random Bullets, Potholes and Magic Carpets, and A Slice of the Seventies will be available before the end of 2017. You can find all editions of my books here: http://amzn.to/2r4yyTA
Here’s an excerpt from Her demonic Angel http://amzn.to/2bMiO4c
Here are four of my latest Goodreads Giveaways
For the past couple of years, I’ve been offering a few of my paperbacks each month as Goodreads Giveaways. All readers need to do is enter the Giveaway to have a chance of winning a copy. I’ve written twelve books, so there’s always something different for you to select. I used to limit the entry solely to readers in Great Britain, but recently I’ve been offering Americans, Canadians, and Australians a chance to win one of my paperbacks, as well as Brits.
I only added my Living with Postcards paperback Giveaway today, so it’s showing on here as non-verified, but Goodreads will verify it in a day or two. This book, in particular, looks so much better in paperback than as a Kindle edition because it’s packed with full-colour illustrations of many of my postcards from my large collection. I’ve been collecting mostly fantasy, comic and novelty postcards since the 1970s and own over 2,000 of these beautiful, quirky, historical items. Living with Postcards is my only non-fiction book. My other eleven books are fiction. They are a mix of crime thrillers, paranormal, short stories, novels, and memoirs.
I’m currently enjoying writing books 13 and 14 simultaneously. One is another crime thriller, whose title I’m keeping under wraps. The other is book 5 of The Hostile series of paranormal crime thrillers.
If you enter any of my Goodreads Giveaways, Good luck! I hope you win.
Goodreads Book Giveaway
Living with Postcards
by Joy Mutter
This giveaway has not been approved yet.giveaway details »
Goodreads Book Giveaway
Random Bullets
by Joy Mutter
Giveaway ends in about 1 month (November 15, 2017)
1 copy available, 363 people requesting
Goodreads Book Giveaway
The Hostile Series Box Set
by Joy Mutter
Giveaway ends in 26 days (October 31, 2017)
1 copy available, 129 people requesting
Goodreads Book Giveaway
Confronting The Hostile
by Joy Mutter
Giveaway ends in 10 days (October 15, 2017)
1 copy available, 145 people requesting
The Kindle of THE HOSTILE, book 1 of The Hostile series, is FREE on Amazon today, 4th October, and on 5th October
The Kindle of POTHOLES AND MAGIC CARPETS is FREE on Amazon today, 26th September, and on 27th September
Potholes and Magic Carpets is a contemporary character-driven novel. It looks at the dramatic incidents, challenges, and temptations in the lives of four couples of varying ages, professions, and sexual persuasions who are all linked by blood or friendship. The negative, selfish, sometimes violent natures of several characters in the book wreak havoc on the innocent. A tale of not so simple folk. The page-turning action in Potholes and Magic Carpets takes place in rural Kent and London. It’s published on Amazon in paperback and Kindle editions. An audiobook version, narrated by Tracey Norman, will be available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes in a couple of months.
“I absolutely love Ms. Mutter’s writing style. Her descriptions are captivating to me, as a lifelong fan of all things British, I enjoy her humour and the clarity with which she delivers her characters. I feel like I know them well by the time I’m well into each chapter. Thanks for sharing your wonderful talents.” “I sometimes find that when books have too many characters I don’t always care about them. It didn’t happen with this book. I really wanted to know more about every one of them.” “If you like complex characters and a strong story, you’ll like this book.”
The Kindle edition on Amazon.co.uk: http://amzn.to/29gA3bE
The Kindle edition on Amazon.com: http://amzn.to/29Bawbi
The paperback edition on Amazon.co.uk: http://amzn.to/299FSV3
The paperback edition on Amazon.com: http://amzn.to/29dnSxj
11 of my 12 Kindle editions are only £0.99, or equivalent currencies, on Amazon, and are always free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers. The Kindle version of The Hostile Series Box Set is only £2.30 for all 4 books in The Hostile series. Her demonic Angel, The Hostile, Holiday for The Hostile, The Hostile Game, and Confronting The Hostile are also available on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes as audiobooks. Audiobooks of Potholes and Magic Carpets, A Slice of the Seventies, and Random Bullets will be available before the end of 2017. You can find all editions of my books here: http://amzn.to/2r4yyTA
Here is an excerpt from Potholes and Magic Carpets http://amzn.to/2bHkrQI
The audiobook of Confronting The Hostile went live today
The Kindle of Random Bullets is FREE on Amazon today, 14th September
After shooting and killing his nephew, a gunman runs amok in a London park. What drives Edward to commit such atrocities? Who will survive yet another of his moments of madness? Set in Jersey, Cornwall, London, Manchester, and places not of this world, Random Bullets is a contemporary crime thriller with a paranormal twist.
‘Action-packed, thought-provoking, a real ride. I couldn’t put it down,’ ‘crime with a twist,’ ‘An insightful look behind the many faces we wear, and how burning resentments can take you into madness and murder,’ ‘This is a very well thought out book.’ ‘Kinetic — really zips along at a pace. I was really drawn in.’ These are just a few of the reviews Random Bullets has received; 20+ 5-star reviews across all Amazon sites so far. Your review would also be much appreciated.
I was interviewed in February 2016 by two BBC Radio 4 producers as part of their Analysis programme on Inheritance. They’d heard that Random Bullets deals with the divisive subject of disinheritance and its aftermath, something I’ve experienced personally. Published in November 2015, Random Bullets is available on Amazon in both paperback and Kindle editions. An audiobook edition of Random Bullets is in production, narrated by Alexander Doddy. Audiobook versions of four of my other books are already available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes with four more in production.
http://amzn.to/2ahXcc4 for the UK Kindle edition.
http://amzn.to/29eOAnl for the USA Kindle edition.
http://amzn.to/1Y2NmyC for the UK paperback edition.
http://amzn.to/2906R56 for the USA paperback edition.
11 of my 12 Kindle editions are only £0.99, or equivalent currencies, on Amazon, and are always free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers. The Kindle version of The Hostile Series Box Set is only £2.30 for all 4 books in The Hostile series. Her demonic Angel, The Hostile, Holiday for The Hostile, and The Hostile Game, are also available on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes as audiobooks. Audiobooks of Potholes and Magic Carpets, Confronting The Hostile, A Slice of the Seventies, and Random Bullets will be available before the end of 2017. You can find all editions of my books here: http://amzn.to/2r4yyTA
An excerpt from RANDOM BULLETS http://amzn.to/2btTrAC.
The Kindle of HOLIDAY FOR THE HOSTILE, book 2 in The Hostile series, is FREE on Amazon today, 6th September and on 7th September
Holiday for The Hostile is a gripping contemporary paranormal crime thriller with a splash of horror. It was published on Amazon in Kindle and paperback editions in December 2016 and can be read as a standalone like the other books in the collection. It’s worth so much more. Book 1 in the series is called The Hostile, book 3 is The Hostile Game. Book 4, Confronting The Hostile, was published in August 2017 along with The Hostile Series Box Set.
The audiobook edition of Holiday for The Hostile is available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes along with the audiobook version of The Hostile, The Hostile Game. Confronting The Hostile audiobook will be available in October.
Serena, plus her unusual friend and partner in crime, Tile X, find themselves suffering a family holiday at her eccentric grandfather’s hovel in Ireland. Who will manage to escape intact from their dramatic holiday from Hell?
Here’s a snapshot of what a few of the readers say about Holiday for The Hostile: “Ms Mutter has carved out a new niche for herself. And from where I’m standing, she’s way out in front … With some books, you get an idea where things are going and where they’re likely to end. Not this one. Every chapter was a surprise with new characters and situations and a bunch of wonderfully inventive deaths.” “It has plenty of scary bits … can’t wait until book three is out.” “The end is a total surprise. Was expecting a skeleton in the family closet, but it turns in a completely different direction, keeping you on your toes and guessing.” “Excellent. Really looking forward to more. Joy tells a good tale.”
Link to the Kindle edition on Amazon.co.uk http://amzn.to/2fJTSg0.
Link to the Kindle edition on Amazon.com http://amzn.to/2gDui9f.
Link to the paperback edition on Amazon.co.uk http://amzn.to/2fUQIoc
Link to the paperback edition on Amazon.com http://amzn.to/2fPS28B
11 of my 12 Kindle editions are only £0.99, or equivalent currencies, on Amazon, and are always free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers. The Kindle version of The Hostile Series Box Set is only £2.30 for all 4 books in The Hostile series. Her demonic Angel, The Hostile, Holiday for The Hostile, and The Hostile Game, are also available on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes as audiobooks. Audiobooks of Potholes and Magic Carpets, Random Bullets, and Confronting The Hostile will be available soon. You can find all editions of my books here: http://amzn.to/2r4yyTA
An extract from Holiday for The Hostile http://amzn.to/2fNXVrU
4 audiobooks in production, 4 on sale
There are currently four of my audiobooks in production on ACX. They should all be joining the four audiobooks already on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes before Christmas. Two are being narrated by Alexander Doddy and two by Tracey Norman. I can’t wait to hear the finished results. I’ve produced the audiobook covers ahead of time and here they are (see above). The covers of the audiobooks already available are below. Here is the link to my audiobooks on Audible.com http://adbl.co/2sEnfTO but they are also available on Amazon and iTunes.
Now to carry on writing chapter 3 of book 5 of The Hostile series. It’ll be my thirteenth book.
Hello, one and all
I was toying with the notion of writing an entirely different book, but a few readers have let it be known they are eager to read the next book in the series. I’m also eager to discover what happens next, so, Book 5 it is then. I have far too much fun writing this series to write anything else just yet. 
The audiobook of Confronting The Hostile, narrated by Alexander Doddy, should be available sometime this Autumn. I know I shouldn’t really say this, being the author, but I can’t wait to listen to it because he brings my words to life in such an enjoyable way. He will be narrating Random Bullets audiobook once he’s finished narrating Confronting The Hostile. I keep him busy.
Another wonderful narrator, called Tracey Norman, is busy working on two of my books, firstly Potholes and Magic Carpets, then A Slice of The Seventies. The audiobook editions of these books should be available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes in a few months.
The audiobook of The Hostile Game has received no UK reviews on Audible.co.uk as yet, which is a shame. Mostly Americans ask for my promo codes; Books 2 and 3 in the series have received 4 5-star reviews each on Audible.com, which is encouraging. Still, it’s early days, as The Hostile Game audiobook has only been available for a few weeks. MY AUDIOBOOKS
There are audiobook editions of 4 of my 12 books on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. A couple more are in production http://adbl.co/2uhwzhQ My audiobooks on Audible
HER DEMONIC ANGEL is my baker’s dozen of short stories. I wrote them in a variety of genres, so there should be something for everyone. Some tales are stranger than others, but all are different shades of dark. Narrated by me, the audiobook can be found on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. http://adbl.co/2fMmeqN
THE HOSTILE is book 1 of The Hostile 4-book series of paranormal crime thrillers. I was the narrator on this audiobook and it is available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. In a rundown area of Manchester, inside the bathroom of a terraced house overflowing with children and dysfunctional parents, a small but powerful entity befriends young Serena with disastrous results. This unlikely enigmatic force not only dramatically affects introverted Serena’s life but also threatens the well-being of everyone she knows, especially those who’ve earned the strange girl’s displeasure. It soon becomes clear that nobody should ever upset Serena … if they know what’s good for them. After reading The Hostile, you’ll never look at D.I.Y. in the same way again. http://adbl.co/2w2YLIm
HOLIDAY FOR THE HOSTILE is book 2 of The Hostile series. Narrated by Alexander Doddy, the audiobook is available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. Serena, plus her unusual friend and partner in crime, Tile X, find themselves suffering a family holiday at her eccentric grandfather’s hovel in Ireland. Who will manage to escape intact from their dramatic holiday from Hell? http://adbl.co/2wg4j21
THE HOSTILE GAME is book 3 of The Hostile series. Narrated by Alexander Doddy, the audiobook is available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. In The Hostile Game, Manchester-based Serena, now eighteen and pregnant, finally discovers the reason why Tile X befriended her seven years before. She doesn’t like what she hears. Mayhem ensues, with a retired Irish police superintendent becoming more involved than perhaps he should have. http://adbl.co/2fLE2Cz
The audiobook of CONFRONTING THE HOSTILE, book 4 in The Hostile series, is in production, narrated by Alexander Doddy. It should be available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes in October 2017.
All my 12 books in various formats can be found here http://amzn.to/2jjmleB
THE HOSTILE SERIES BOX SET *new release*
Step into the ‘refreshingly original’ world of The Hostile and lose yourself in a ‘bizarrely captivating’ read. The entire four-book series of paranormal crime thrillers can be yours for £2.30 or equivalent currencies and is free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers. This collection consists of The Hostile, Holiday for The Hostile, The Hostile Game, and Confronting The Hostile. The first three books have an audiobook version on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes.
Kindle of The Hostile Series Box Set on Amazon.co.uk http://amzn.to/2uXJDre http://amzn.to/2uXJDre
Kindle of The Hostile Series Box Set on Amazon.com http://amzn.to/2wLpuGW
THE HOSTILE. Book 1. (2016)
In a rundown area of Manchester, inside the bathroom of a terraced house overflowing with children and dysfunctional parents, a powerful entity befriends young Serena. He dramatically affects not only her life but also threatens the well-being of everyone she knows, especially those who displease her. Nobody should ever upset Serena if they know what’s good for them. After reading The Hostile, you’ll never look at D.I.Y. in the same way again. The audiobook is available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes.
HOLIDAY FOR THE HOSTILE. Book 2. (2016)
Serena and Tile X, her unusual friend and partner in crime, find themselves reluctantly suffering a family holiday at her eccentric grandfather’s hovel in Ireland. Who will manage to escape intact from their dramatic holiday from Hell? The audiobook, narrated by Alexander Doddy, is available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes.
THE HOSTILE GAME. Book 3. (2017)
In The Hostile Game, Serena, now eighteen and pregnant in Manchester, finally discovers the reason why Tile X befriended her seven years before. She doesn’t like what she hears. Mayhem ensues, with a retired Irish police superintendent becoming more involved than perhaps he should have. “Another wonderfully offbeat paranormal thriller, mellowed with a delicious dark humour.” The audiobook, narrated by Alexander Doddy, is available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes.
CONFRONTING THE HOSTILE. Book 4. (2017)
A retired Irish superintendent and his former colleague, a handsome DCI from Liverpool, attempt to rid themselves and the world of their lethal tile masters. Will they succeed in reclaiming their freedom, or will the bizarre killing games continue? An audiobook version is in production.
Each of my other eleven Kindle editions is £0.99 or equivalent currencies on Amazon and always free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers. The paperback versions won’t break the bank either. The Hostile, Holiday for The Hostile, The Hostile Game, and Her demonic Angel are available on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes as audiobooks. You can find all my books here http://amzn.to/2r4yyTA
The Kindle of my new release, Confronting The Hostile, is FREE on Amazon today, 14th August.
In Confronting The Hostile, a retired Irish superintendent and his former colleague, a handsome DCI from Liverpool, attempt to rid themselves and the world of their lethal tile masters. Will they succeed in reclaiming their freedom, or will the bizarre killing games continue?
Confronting The Hostile is book 4 in The Hostile paranormal crime thriller series. It was published on Amazon in Kindle and paperback editions on 9th August 2017. An audiobook version is in production and will be available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. It can be enjoyed as a standalone like the other three books in this unusual series.
Link to the Kindle edition on Amazon in U.K. http://amzn.to/2vm1Vpn
Link to the Kindle edition on Amazon in U.S.A. http://amzn.to/2wLmhX2
Link to the paperback edition on Amazon in U.S.A. http://amzn.to/2vpmT6X
Link to the paperback edition on Amazon in U.K. http://amzn.to/2vszKDH
Each of my eleven Kindle editions is £0.99 or equivalent currencies on Amazon and always free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers. The paperback versions won’t break the bank either. The Hostile, Holiday for The Hostile, The Hostile Game, and Her demonic Angel are also available as audiobooks on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes.
An excerpt from Confronting The Hostilehttp://amzn.to/2usapMU
I published my 11th book on Amazon yesterday
Still on a high after publishing my 11th book, Confronting The Hostile, on Amazon yesterday. It is the 4th book in The Hostile series of contemporary paranormal crime thrillers. The first three books in this series are available in Kindle and paperback editions on Amazon. So far, only the Kindle of Confronting The Hostile is on Amazon, but the paperback version should be on there in a few days once it’s passed CreateSpace’s review process.
Audiobook versions of the first three books in The Hostile series are available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. http://adbl.co/2hNyxDM. I also intend to produce an audiobook version of Confronting The Hostile, narrated by Alexander Doddy. He made such a wonderful job of narrating Holiday for The Hostile and The Hostile Game that I’d be crazy not to hire him to narrate book four. I narrated the first book, The Hostile, but I’m too busy writing book twelve to spare the time to narrate Confronting The Hostile.
In Confronting The Hostile, a retired Irish superintendent and his former colleague, a handsome DCI from Liverpool, attempt to rid themselves and the world of their lethal tile masters. Will they succeed in reclaiming their freedom, or will the bizarre killing games continue? Set in Manchester, Liverpool, and Ireland.
Confronting The Hostile is coming soon!
I’ve been busy completing my latest book, Confronting The Hostile, book 4 of The Hostile series. I’ve just uploaded the MOBI and PDF files for Confronting The Hostile onto my Facebook Hostile series Launch team page for anyone in the team who’d like to read it to give me their valuable feedback. Writing Confronting The Hostile has been an even more enjoyable experience than writing the other three. I hope you’ll find reading it equally enjoyable.
The Kindle edition of A SLICE OF THE SEVENTIES is FREE on Amazon today, 8th August and on 9th August
A Slice of the Seventies is the first book in the Mug trilogy and tells the story of Jersey-born Mug, a troubled girl from a recently broken home. It covers her experiences as a teenager at the Isle of Wight Music Festival in 1970, the same year she follows a guru. The book tracks her tumultuous four years as an art student in Coventry, where vegetarian Mug finds herself living next door to an abattoir and a railway shunting yard with David, a fellow art student. Dramatic events follow on from the evening they first meet at a party, where David is attempting to commit an extremely public suicide.
Whether you were around during that decade or not, you’re bound to enjoy this nostalgic Slice of the Seventies. My loosely autobiographical book can be read as a standalone, without having to read the other two books in the trilogy, The Lying Scotsman, and Straws.
http://amzn.to/2tIIV1s for the UK Kindle edition.
http://amzn.to/297MAdY for the USA Kindle edition.
http://amzn.to/29osS0l for the UK paperback edition.
http://amzn.to/297Mdjm for the USA paperback edition.
Each of my ten Kindle editions is £0.99 or equivalent currencies on Amazon and is always free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers. The paperback versions won’t break the bank either. The Hostile, Holiday for The Hostile, The Hostile Game, and Her demonic Angel are available on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes as audiobooks.
A snapshot of my books
I’m Jersey-born and lived on the island for 18 years. I worked as a graphic designer for 20 years in Kent. I’m now a full-time indie author living in Oldham. I published my 10th book, The Hostile Game, in May 2017.
Random Bullets is a contemporary crime thriller with a paranormal twist. Set mainly in Jersey, Manchester, Cornwall, London, and places not of this world. It’s my personal favourite. http://amzn.to/2ahXcc4
The books in the Mug trilogy are A Slice of the Seventies, http://amzn.to/2tIIV1s, The Lying Scotsman, http://amzn.to/2c0sEy3, and Strawshttp://amzn.to/2bD3Dr0. These books are all loosely autobiographical.
Potholes and Magic Carpets is a contemporary novel set in rural Kent and London. A tale of not so simple folk. http://amzn.to/29gA3bE
Her demonic Angel is my baker’s dozen of short stories in various genres. It is also available as an audiobook. http://amzn.to/295kGjn
Living with Postcards is a perfect present from the past. It is my only non-fiction book and is colour-illustrated throughout. http://amzn.to/22qrcH1
The Hostile series is an unusual collection of paranormal crime thrillers, mostly set in Manchester. Each can be enjoyed as a standalone.
The Hostile is book 1. http://amzn.to/2pAHALo,
Holiday for The Hostile is book 2. http ://amzn.to/2fJTSg0
The Hostile Game is book 3. http://amzn.to/2oYlsqC
Audiobooks of these three books are available on Audible, Amazon and iTunes. I’m currently writing the second draft of book four, Confronting The Hostile.
Each of my ten Kindle editions is £0.99 or equivalent currencies on Amazon and is always free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers. The paperback versions won’t break the bank either. The Hostile, Holiday for The Hostile, The Hostile Game, and Her demonic Angel are available on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes as audiobooks.
Here is the link to my Amazon author page http://amzn.to/2b96qaj, the link to my Facebook author page https://www.facebook.com/JoyMutterAuthor/. The link to my author website is http://joymutter.com where you can find my blog, reviews of all my books, my reviews of books by other authors, my Goodreads Giveaways, plus excerpts from each of my ten books.
My 3 audiobooks in The Hostile series
The Kindle of HOLIDAY FOR THE HOSTILE is FREE on Amazon today, 23rd July until 25th July
Holiday for The Hostile, second book of The Hostile series, is probably even stranger than the first, The Hostile. Serena, plus her unusual friend and partner in crime, Tile X, reluctantly find themselves suffering a family holiday inside her eccentric grandfather’s hovel in Ireland. Who will escape intact from their dramatic holiday from Hell? A paranormal crime thriller with a splash of horror.
Also, the audiobook edition of book 2, Holiday for The Hostile, narrated by Alexander Doddy, was recently published on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. It’s currently only £2.99 on Audible and Amazon. 6 hours 37 minutes of pure entertainment.
The audiobook edition of book 3, The Hostile Game, narrated by Alexander Doddy, was published on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes on 19th July.
Yesterday, I finished writing the first draft of book 4 in The Hostile series, Confronting The Hostile. It’s roughly 55,500 words in much the same vein as the first three books and is equally full of surprises. I’ve also changed the cover to be more in keeping with the other books. I hope to later provide an audiobook of Confronting The Hostile, also narrated by Alexander Doddy.
Dear audiobook lover,
Oh, happy day!
My 4th audiobook, THE HOSTILE GAME, wonderfully narrated by Alexander Doddy, has just gone live on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. http://adbl.co/2thKeUz
Manchester-based Serena, now 18 and pregnant, discovers the shocking reason why Tile X has befriended her. She doesn’t like what she hears. Mayhem ensues, with a retired Irish police superintendent becoming more involved than perhaps he should be. The Hostile Game is the third book in The Hostile series of gripping paranormal thrillers. Each book in this unusual series can be listened to as a standalone.
The audiobook of book 2 in The Hostile series, Holiday for The Hostile, narrated by Alexander Doddy, is currently on sale on Audible and Amazon for £2.99, so grab a bargain.
Each of my ten Kindle editions is £0.99 or equivalent currencies on Amazon and is always free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers. The paperback versions won’t break the bank either. The Hostile, Holiday for The Hostile, The Hostile Game, and Her demonic Angel, are also available on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes as audiobooks.
The Kindle of THE HOSTILE is FREE on Amazon 16th and 17th July
In a rundown area of Manchester, inside the bathroom of a terraced house overflowing with children and dysfunctional parents, a small but powerful entity befriends young Serena with disastrous results. This unlikely enigmatic force not only dramatically affects introverted Serena’s life but also threatens the well-being of everyone she knows, especially those who’ve earned the strange girl’s displeasure. It soon becomes clear that nobody should ever upset Serena … if they know what’s good for them. After reading The Hostile, you’ll never look at D.I.Y. in the same way again.
The Hostile is a “refreshingly original” contemporary paranormal crime thriller. “A bizarrely captivating” read. It’s book 1 of The Hostile series. Each book in the series can be read as a standalone. Book 2, Holiday for The Hostile, was published in December 2016. Book 3 in this unusual series, The Hostile Game, was published on Amazon in Kindle and paperback in April 2017. The audiobook of The Hostile Game will be published any day. I’m currently writing chapter 31 of book 4, Confronting The Hostile.
Each of my ten Kindle editions is £0.99 or equivalent currencies on Amazon and is always free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers. The paperback versions won’t break the bank either. The Hostile, Holiday for The Hostile, and Her demonic Angel, are available on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes as audiobooks. An audiobook edition of The Hostile Game will be available on the same sites in a few days.
Kindle edition of The Hostile on Amazon.co.uk http://amzn.to/2pAHALo
Kindle edition of The Hostile on Amazon.com http://amzn.to/29dk5Qw
Paperback edition of The Hostile on Amazon.co.uk http://amzn.to/29dkOkS
Paperback edition of The Hostile on Amazon.com http://amzn.to/299CVUw
Here is an extract from The Hostile http://amzn.to/2blBo12.
The Kindle of THE HOSTILE GAME is FREE on Amazon today, 13th July and on 14th July
In THE HOSTILE GAME, Manchester-based Serena, now eighteen and pregnant, finally discovers the reason why Tile X befriended her seven years before. She doesn’t like what she hears. Mayhem ensues, with a retired Irish police superintendent becoming more involved than perhaps he should have.
The Hostile Game, the third book in The Hostile series, is a gripping contemporary paranormal crime thriller. It was published on Amazon in Kindle and paperback editions in April 2017 and can be read as a standalone like the other books in this unusual series. An audiobook edition will be available by the end of July, wonderfully narrated by Alexander Doddy. I’m currently writing book four, Confronting The Hostile.
“Joy Mutter delivers another wonderfully offbeat, paranormal thriller, mellowed with a delicious dark humour.” “An original premise, using original characters who you will quickly love and hate, and a clever twist at the conclusion.” “Delightfully different.” “A crazy, fascinating journey.”
Link to the Kindle edition on Amazon in U.S.A. http://amzn.to/2p2ktbQ
Link to the Kindle edition on Amazon in U.K. http://amzn.to/2oYlsqC
Link to the paperback edition on Amazon in U.S.A. http://amzn.to/2ryEQv7
Link to the paperback edition on Amazon in U.K. http://amzn.to/2rkHdW0 http://amzn.to/2rkHdW0
Each of my ten Kindle editions is £0.99 or equivalent currencies on Amazon and is always free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers. The paperback versions won’t break the bank either. The Hostile, Holiday for The Hostile, and Her demonic Angel, are available on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes as audiobooks. An audiobook edition of The Hostile Game will be available on the same sites in a couple of weeks.
An extract from The Hostile Game http://amzn.to/2pKDBfe
Audiobooks of The Hostile series
I’m proud to announce the publication of the first three audiobook editions in my paranormal crime thriller series, The Hostile. I narrated the first book and Alexander Doddy brilliantly narrated books two and three. You really should hear Alexander’s amazing performance. I hope he’ll be free to narrate book four, Confronting The Hostile. I’m currently writing Chapter 28 of book four and aim to publish the Kindle and paperback of Confronting The Hostile by the end of 2017.
All three audiobooks are available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. If you buy, or have bought, the Kindle of The Hostile, you can download its much reduced priced audiobook on Amazon. The same will eventually be true of the other two Hostile series audiobooks on Amazon. They say it takes about a month after publication before Amazon offers an audiobook discount when the Kindle has been bought. As Holiday for The Hostile only went live on Audible on 26th June, the discount on Amazon should appear around the end of July. The Hostile Game audiobook should go live on Audible, Amazon and iTunes in a couple of weeks, so the Amazon discount should come into being by the end of August.
Authors using ACX have no say in the pricing of their audiobooks. I would have priced my audiobooks on Audible and Amazon at the lower price iTunes charge. I’ve often complained to them about the high prices of my audiobooks on Audible. This is why I welcome the offer of my audiobooks at a discounted price on Amazon when a Kindle is bought.
Here is the link for The Hostile on Audible.co.uk http://adbl.co/2tDHDp4
Here is the link for Holiday for The Hostile on Audible.co.uk http://adbl.co/2sELKis
The Kindle of HER DEMONIC ANGEL is FREE on Amazon today, 7th July until 9th July
Her demonic Angel is my baker’s dozen of short stories. I wrote them in a variety of genres, so there should be something for everyone. Some tales are stranger than others, but all are different shades of dark. Despite its slightly suggestive title, Her demonic Angel is not erotica. To whet your appetite, here are the titles of some of my short stories: Mirror, mirror; The boy they called Dragon; The day nobody gave a damn; An email from Jane; Stuff; Getting rid of the enemy; Skin; Too beautiful; Philately will get you nowhere; In memoriam.
http://amzn.to/295kGjn for the U.K. Kindle edition.
http://amzn.to/29dSEpd for the U.S.A. Kindle edition.
http://amzn.to/295uZbl for the U.K. paperback edition.
http://amzn.to/29ii97E for the U.S.A. paperback edition.
Each of my 10 Kindle editions is £0.99 or equivalent currencies on Amazon and is always free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers. The paperback versions won’t break the bank either. The Hostile, Holiday for The Hostile, and Her demonic Angel, are available on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes as audiobooks. An audiobook edition of The Hostile Game will be available on the same sites in a few weeks.
Here’s an extract from Her demonic Angel http://amzn.to/2bMiO4c
Big News
Thrilled to report the release of the audiobook edition of Holiday for The Hostile, narrated by the highly talented Alexander Doddy. I couldn’t be more pleased with his performance. He put his heart and soul into it. He even tackled the Irish and Scottish accents brilliantly when they cropped up in the story. Book 1, The Hostile, is already on Audible, Amazon and iTunes. As it was released before I’d heard of Alexander Doddy, I narrated it myself. The Kindle of A SLICE OF THE SEVENTIES is FREE on Amazon today, 26th June until the 28th June
A Slice of the Seventies is the first book in the Mug trilogy. It tells the story of Jersey-born Mug, a troubled girl from a recently broken home. It covers her experiences as a teenager at the Isle of Wight Music Festival in 1970, the same year she follows a guru. The book tracks her tumultuous four years as an art student in Coventry, where vegetarian Mug finds herself living next door to an abattoir and a railway shunting yard with David, a fellow art student. Dramatic events follow on from the evening they first meet at a party, where David is attempting to commit an extremely public suicide.
Whether you were around in that decade or not, you’re bound to enjoy this nostalgic Slice of the Seventies. This loosely autobiographical book can be read as a standalone, without having to read the other two books in the trilogy, The Lying Scotsman, and Straws.
http://amzn.to/2tIIV1s for the UK Kindle edition.
http://amzn.to/297MAdY for the USA Kindle edition.
http://amzn.to/29osS0l for the UK paperback edition.
http://amzn.to/297Mdjm for the USA paperback edition.
All ten of my Kindle editions are £0.99 or equivalent currencies on Amazon and are always free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers. The paperback versions won’t break the bank either. If you enjoy audiobooks, two of my books, The Hostile and Her demonic Angel, are available on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes as audiobooks. Audiobook editions of Holiday for The Hostile, and The Hostile Game will be available on the same sites in the next few weeks.
The Kindle of THE HOSTILE is FREE on Amazon today, 12th June, until the 14th of June
In a rundown area of Manchester, inside the bathroom of a terraced house overflowing with children and dysfunctional parents, a powerful entity befriends young Serena with disastrous results. This unlikely enigmatic force not only dramatically affects introverted Serena’s life but also threatens the well-being of everyone she knows, especially those people who’ve earned the strange girl’s displeasure. It soon becomes clear that nobody should ever upset Serena … if they know what’s good for them. After reading The Hostile, you’ll never look at D.I.Y. in the same way again.
The Hostile is a “refreshingly original” contemporary paranormal crime thriller. “A bizarrely captivating” read. It’s book one of The Hostile series. Each book in the series can be read as a standalone. Book two, Holiday for The Hostile, was published in December 2016. The third book in this unusual series, The Hostile Game, was published on Amazon in Kindle and paperback in April 2017. I’m currently writing book four, Confronting The Hostile.
All ten of my Kindle editions on Amazon are £0.99 each, or equivalent currencies, and are always free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers. The paperback versions won’t break the bank either. If you enjoy audiobooks, two of my books, The Hostile, and Her demonic Angel, are also available on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes as audiobooks. Audiobooks of Holiday for The Hostile will be available in July, and The Hostile Game will follow in August 2017.
Kindle edition of The Hostile on Amazon.co.uk http://amzn.to/2pAHALo
Kindle edition of The Hostile on Amazon.com http://amzn.to/29dk5Qw
Paperback edition of The Hostile on Amazon.co.uk http://amzn.to/29dkOkS
Paperback edition of The Hostile on Amazon.com http://amzn.to/299CVUw
The audiobook of The Hostile is available on iTunes, Amazon, and Audible.
Here is an extract from The Hostile http://amzn.to/2blBo12.
The Kindle of POTHOLES AND MAGIC CARPETS is FREE on Amazon today, 4th June until 6th June
Potholes and Magic Carpets is a contemporary character-driven novel. It looks at the dramatic incidents, challenges, and temptations in the lives of four couples of varying ages, professions and sexual persuasions, all linked by blood or friendship. The negative, selfish, sometimes violent natures of several characters in the book wreak havoc on the innocent. A tale of not so simple folk. The page-turning action in Potholes and Magic Carpets takes place in rural Kent and London. It’s published on Amazon in paperback and Kindle editions. Random Bullets will be free on Amazon from 25th-27th May
The Kindle edition of my paranormal crime thriller, Random Bullets, will be free on Amazon tomorrow, 25th May until 27th May.
After shooting and killing his nephew, a gunman runs amok in a London park. What drives Edward to commit such atrocities? Who will survive yet another of his moments of madness? Set in Jersey, Cornwall, London, Manchester and places not of this world, Random Bullets is a contemporary crime thriller with a paranormal twist.
‘Action-packed, thought-provoking, a real ride. I couldn’t put it down,’ ‘crime with a twist,’ ‘An insightful look behind the many faces we wear, and how burning resentments can take you into madness and murder,’ ‘This is a very well thought-out book.’ ‘Kinetic — really zips along at a pace. I was really drawn in.’ These are just a few of the reviews Random Bullets has received; 23 5-star reviews across all Amazon sites so far. Your review would also be much appreciated.
I was interviewed in February 2016 by two BBC Radio 4 producers as part of their Analysis programme on Inheritance. They’d heard that Random Bullets deals with the divisive subject of disinheritance and its aftermath, something I’ve experienced personally. Published in November 2015, Random Bullets is available on Amazon in both paperback and Kindle editions. An audiobook edition of this favourite book of mine is in production. Audiobook versions of two of my other books are already available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes.
http://amzn.to/1R5OpGw for the UK Kindle edition.
http://amzn.to/29eOAnl for the USA Kindle edition.
http://amzn.to/1Y2NmyC for the UK paperback edition.
http://amzn.to/2906R56 for the USA paperback edition.
All ten of my Kindle editions on Amazon are £0.99 each, or equivalent currencies, and are always free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers. The paperback versions won’t break the bank either. If you enjoy audiobooks, two of my books, The Hostile and Her demonic Angel, are available on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes as audiobooks. Two more books in The Hostile series are currently being made into audiobooks.
An excerpt from RANDOM BULLETS http://amzn.to/2btTrAC.
Book Buzz
They all said I should create a buzz around my books, so I did.
Random Bullets is a contemporary crime thriller with a paranormal twist. Set mainly in Jersey, Manchester, Cornwall, London, and places not of this world. It’s my personal favourite.
A Slice of the Seventies, The Lying Scotsman, and Straws are all loosely autobiographical and form the Mug Trilogy.
Potholes and Magic Carpets is a contemporary novel set in rural Kent and London. A tale of not so simple folk.
Her demonic Angel is my baker’s dozen of short stories in various genres. It is also available as an audiobook.
Living with Postcards is a perfect present from the past. It is my only non-fiction book and is colour-illustrated throughout.
The Hostile series is an unusual collection of paranormal crime thrillers, mostly set in Manchester. Each can be read as a standalone. Book one, The Hostile, is also available as an audiobook. Holiday for The Hostile is book two in the series. Book three is The Hostile Game. Audiobooks of these two books are in production on ACX. I’m currently writing book four, Confronting The Hostile.
Kindle editions of my ten books on Amazon are £0.99 each, or equivalent currencies and are always free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers. The paperback versions of my books won’t break the bank either. If you enjoy audiobooks as much as I do, two of my books, The Hostile, and Her demonic Angel, are available as audiobooks on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes.
Here is the link to my Amazon author page http://amzn.to/2b96qaj, the link to my Facebook author page https://www.facebook.com/JoyMutterAuthor/. The link to my author website is http://joymutter.com where you can find my blog, reviews of all my books, my reviews of books by other authors, my Goodreads Giveaways, plus excerpts from each of my ten books.
The Kindle of Her demonic Angel and other short stories is Free from 13th-15th May
The Kindle edition of HER DEMONIC ANGEL is FREE on Amazon today, 13th May until 15th May.
Her demonic Angel is my baker’s dozen of short stories. I wrote them in a variety of genres, so there should be something for everyone. Some tales are more strange than others, but all are different shades of dark. Despite its slightly suggestive title, Her demonic Angel is not erotica.
To whet your appetite, here are titles of some of my short stories: The boy they called Dragon, The day nobody gave a damn, An email from Jane, Stuff, Getting rid of the enemy, Skin, Too beautiful, Philately will get you nowhere, Mirror, mirror, and In memoriam.
http://amzn.to/295kGjn for the U.K. Kindle edition.
http://amzn.to/29dSEpd for the U.S.A. Kindle edition.
http://amzn.to/295uZbl for the U.K. paperback edition.
http://amzn.to/29ii97E for the U.S.A. paperback edition.
Each of my ten Kindle editions is £0.99 or equivalent currencies on Amazon and are always free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers. The paperback versions won’t break the bank either. If you enjoy audiobooks, two of my books, The Hostile and Her demonic Angel, are available on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes as audiobooks.
Here’s an excerpt from Her demonic Angel http://amzn.to/2bMiO4c.
THE HOSTILE SERIES
Each book in The Hostile series of paranormal crime thrillers can be read as a standalone. The series consists of The Hostile, Holiday for The Hostile and The Hostile Game. I’m currently writing book four, Confronting The Hostile.
Book 1. THE HOSTILE. (published in 2016. 192 pages) http://amzn.to/2pAHALo
In a rundown area of Manchester, inside the bathroom of a terraced house overflowing with children and dysfunctional parents, a powerful entity befriends young Serena with disastrous results. This unlikely enigmatic force not only dramatically affects introverted Serena’s life but also threatens the well-being of everyone she knows, especially those people who’ve earned the strange girl’s displeasure. It soon becomes clear that nobody should ever upset Serena … if they know what’s good for them. After reading The Hostile, you’ll never look at D.I.Y. in the same way again.
Available on Amazon as a Kindle and paperback. The audiobook is available on Audible, Amazon and iTunes.
Book 2. HOLIDAY FOR THE HOSTILE. (published in 2016. 208 pages) http://amzn.to/2fJTSg0
Serena, plus her unusual friend and partner in crime, Tile X, reluctantly find themselves suffering a family holiday at her eccentric grandfather’s hovel in Ireland. Who will manage to escape intact from their dramatic holiday from Hell?
Available on Amazon as a Kindle and paperback. The audiobook is in production.
Book 3. THE HOSTILE GAME. (published in 2017. 179 pages) http://amzn.to/2oYlsqC
In The Hostile Game, Manchester-based Serena, now eighteen and pregnant, finally discovers the reason why Tile X befriended her seven years before. She doesn’t like what she hears. Mayhem ensues, with a retired Irish police superintendent becoming more involved than perhaps he should have.
Available on Amazon as a Kindle and paperback. The audiobook is in production.
Each of my ten Kindle editions on Amazon is £0.99 or equivalent currencies. They are always free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers. The paperback versions won’t break the bank either. If you enjoy audiobooks, two of my books, The Hostile, and Her demonic Angel, are also available as audiobooks on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes. You can find all my books here http://amzn.to/2r4yyTA.
Step into the ‘refreshingly original’ world of The Hostile and lose yourself in a ‘bizarrely captivating’ read.
The Kindle of Holiday for The Hostile is FREE on Amazon 5th and 6th May
The Kindle of HOLIDAY FOR THE HOSTILE is FREE on Amazon today, 5th May and also on the 6th May.
Holiday for The Hostile, the second book in The Hostile series, is a gripping contemporary paranormal crime thriller with a splash of horror. It was published on Amazon in Kindle and paperback editions in December 2016 and can be read as a standalone like the other books in the series.
Serena, plus her unusual friend and partner in crime, Tile X, reluctantly find themselves suffering a family holiday at her eccentric grandfather’s hovel in Ireland. Who will manage to escape intact from their dramatic holiday from Hell?
Readers tell me Holiday for The Hostile is even better than book one, The Hostile, the paranormal thriller I published on Amazon 8 months before its sequel. Book three of The Hostile series, The Hostile Game, was published on Amazon in April in paperback and Kindle editions. I’m currently writing book four, Confronting The Hostile.
Here’s a snapshot of what a few of the readers say about Holiday for The Hostile: “Ms Mutter has carved out a new niche for herself. And from where I’m standing, she’s way out in front … With some books, you get an idea where things are going and where they’re likely to end. Not this one. Every chapter was a surprise with new characters and situations and a bunch of wonderfully inventive deaths.” “It has plenty of scary bits … can’t wait until book three is out.” “The end is a total surprise. Was expecting a skeleton in the family closet, but it turns in a completely different direction, keeping you on your toes and guessing.” “Excellent. Really looking forward to more. Joy tells a good tale.”
Link to the Kindle edition on Amazon.co.uk http://amzn.to/2fJTSg0.
Link to the Kindle edition on Amazon.com http://amzn.to/2gDui9f.
Link to the paperback edition on Amazon.co.uk http://amzn.to/2fUQIoc
Link to the paperback edition on Amazon.com http://amzn.to/2fPS28B
Each of my ten Kindle editions is £0.99, or equivalent currencies, on Amazon and always free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers. The paperback versions won’t break the bank either. If you enjoy audiobooks, two of my books, The Hostile, and Her demonic Angel, are also available on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes as audiobooks.
An extract from Holiday for The Hostile http://amzn.to/2fNXVrU
The Kindle of my latest book, The Hostile Game, is FREE on Amazon 28th-30th April
In The Hostile Game, Manchester-based Serena, now eighteen and pregnant, finally discovers the reason why Tile X befriended her seven years before. She doesn’t like what she hears. Mayhem ensues, with a retired Irish police superintendent becoming more involved than perhaps he should have.
The Hostile Game, the third book in The Hostile series, is a gripping contemporary paranormal crime thriller. It was published on Amazon in Kindle and paperback editions in April 2017 and can be read as a standalone like the other books in this unusual series.
Readers tell me The Hostile Game is even better than the first two books, The Hostile, and Holiday for The Hostile. I’m currently writing book four of the series, Confronting The Hostile.
Link to the Kindle edition on Amazon http://amzn.to/2p2ktbQ
Each of my ten Kindle editions is £0.99, or equivalent currencies, on Amazon and always free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers. The paperback versions won’t break the bank either. If you enjoy audiobooks, two of my books, The Hostile, and Her demonic Angel, are also available on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes as audiobooks.
A thoroughly enjoyable evening in fascinating company.
I mistakenly thought yesterday was Hug an Author Day, which is why I can be seen invading authors Elizabeth Haynes and Rachel Abbott’s personal space in this photo. They each signed a copy of one of their books for me after giving a riveting talk about crime writing to an audience at Oldham Library yesterday evening. They shared a platform with author Daniel Cole, but he wisely avoided a photo opportunity with me. He probably feared I’d crack his ribs. I once hugged Val McDermid at the same venue. She’s never been the same since.
One of my little rituals
True to form, as soon as the postman delivered my newly published tenth book, The Hostile Game, through my letterbox, after examining it and finding it flawless, I threw it on the living room floor with the rest of my books, whipped out my iPhone and shot a few photographs.
The Hostile Game has now joined my other nine books on their own special shelf, next to a bronze naked lady sculpted by my brother. Steve had been a prolific sculptor before suffering a severe stroke several years ago.
In four or five months, I’ll hopefully be repeating the process when I’ve finished writing book eleven, Confronting the Hostile, book four of The Hostile series. I’ve written five chapters, but there’s no hurry. I usually write from 11 am until 6 pm each day, so it’s hard not to write a 200-page book every few months, including rigorously editing and designing it. When it comes to writing, I’m a disciplined enthusiast.
The link to the Kindle edition of The Hostile Game on Amazon http://amzn.to/2pYdk9J. Also available as a paperback on Amazon worldwide.
I published the Kindle of The Hostile Game on Amazon today
Today, I published the Kindle edition of THE HOSTILE GAME on Amazon.
In The Hostile Game, Manchester-based Serena, now eighteen and pregnant, finally discovers the reason why Tile X befriended her seven years before. She doesn’t like what she hears. Mayhem ensues, with a retired Irish police superintendent becoming more involved than perhaps he should have.
The Hostile Game, the third book in The Hostile series, is a gripping contemporary paranormal thriller. It was published on Amazon in Kindle and paperback editions in April 2017 and can be read as a standalone like the other books in this unusual series.
Readers tell me The Hostile Game is even better than the first two books, The Hostile, and Holiday for The Hostile. I’m currently writing book four of the series, Confronting The Hostile.
Link to the Kindle edition on Amazon.co.uk http://amzn.to/2pYdk9J
Link to the Kindle edition on Amazon.com http://amzn.to/2p2ktbQ
Link to the paperback edition on Amazon.co.uk http://amzn.to/2oDzb6E
Link to the paperback edition on Amazon.com http://amzn.to/2oDJzv5
Each of my ten Kindle editions is £0.99, or equivalent currencies, on Amazon and always free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers. The paperback versions won’t break the bank either. If you enjoy audiobooks, two of my books, The Hostile, and Her demonic Angel, are also available on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes as audiobooks.
An extract of The Hostile Game http://amzn.to/2pKDBfe
Another landmark day
I’m excited and delighted to be holding the first paperback copy of The Hostile Game, book three of The Hostile series, only two days after it was published on Amazon. It’s only £5.75 or equivalent currencies. At the end of April, the Kindle version will join the paperback version on Amazon.
I’m currently writing book four of the series, Confronting The Hostile, which will be my eleventh book. Each book in this unusual paranormal thriller series can be read as a standalone.
In The Hostile Game, Manchester-based Serena, now eighteen and pregnant, finally discovers the reason why Tile X befriended her seven years before. She doesn’t like what she hears. Mayhem ensues, with a retired Irish police superintendent becoming more involved than perhaps he should have.
The link to the paperback edition of The Hostile Game on Amazon.co.uk http://amzn.to/2oDzb6E
The link to the paperback edition of The Hostile Game on Amazon.com http://amzn.to/2oDJzv5
I published the paperback of The Hostile Game today
Today, 17th April, I published the paperback edition of The Hostile Game on Amazon, a couple of weeks ahead of publishing the Kindle version. I could also publish the Kindle today, but I’m waiting for some of my Facebook launch team to finish reading the kindle version. I’ve received enough positive feedback from those who’ve already read it to know it’s ready to publish. A couple of them have said it is the best book of the series. I’m currently writing book four, Confronting The Hostile. Each book in this paranormal thriller series can be read as a standalone.
The main reason I’ve released the paperback edition before the Kindle is so that my ancient mother can read it. She doesn’t enjoy reading Kindle books, only paperbacks. I want to hear what she thinks of my tenth book. She should receive the copy I’ve sent her in a couple of days. She has no idea it’s on its way so it’ll hopefully be a pleasant surprise. She enjoyed the other two books in the series. My sister, Ali, is staying with my mother in Jersey for a few days, so hopefully she’ll have a chance to also read it. Ali literally raved about Holiday for The Hostile, book two in The Hostile series, claiming she even had dreams about it afterwards. Naturally, I’m hopeful that there should also be readers, other than my family, who will enjoy The Hostile Game.
In The Hostile Game, Manchester-based Serena, now eighteen and pregnant, finally discovers the reason why Tile X befriended her seven years before. She doesn’t like what she hears. Mayhem ensues, with a retired Irish police superintendent becoming more involved than perhaps he should have.
The link to the paperback edition of The Hostile Game on Amazon.co.uk http://amzn.to/2oDzb6E
The link to the paperback edition of The Hostile Game on Amazon.com http://amzn.to/2oDJzv5
The excitement is mounting
As my daughter and her husband recover from yesterday’s long flight to Delhi, then Kathmandu, in preparation for the start of their epic honeymoon trek to the base camp of Mount Everest, I’m designing the back cover for the paperback edition of The Hostile Game. I’ll then be carrying on with writing book four. Could our lives be any more different?
Here is my first design for the back cover of the paperback edition. Any thoughts?
Terry, John, and Robert in my Facebook launch team for The Hostile series have now read this latest book in the series and given me valuable feedback. Zoe has reached chapter 20. Their reaction has been extremely positive and encouraging to put it mildly. I can’t wait to publish The Hostile Game but I’ll hold off until the end of this month when I’ll be offering the Kindle for free on Amazon for a couple of days. The excitement is definitely mounting.
A hive of activity, inside and outside my house
While I’m waiting for valuable and much-appreciated feedback from members in my Facebook Launch Team about book 3 in The Hostile series, The Hostile Game, I’m writing chapter 5 of book 4. It’s called Confronting The Hostile. I’m hoping to publish Confronting The Hostile by the end of 2017. It’s strange to think that the entire series was triggered by me noticing a strange object inside my house.
On the subject of my house, the exterior has been bustling with activity all day. Four Irishmen are doing a fabulous job of renovating too many things to mention on the outside of my house. So glad they knocked on my door last night, touting for work. I’ve lived here five years and never have had a thing done to it, so the work is long-overdue, They’ve even cut and strimmed my lawn, and painted the garage and shed door, which I never asked them to do. So far, no disasters, but two of them are up ladders repointing the brickwork, so I shouldn’t talk too soon.
The Kindle of The Hostile is FREE on Amazon on 5th and 6th April
The Kindle of THE HOSTILE is FREE on Amazon today, 5th April and on the 6th April.
THE HOSTILE is a “refreshingly original” contemporary paranormal thriller. “A bizarrely captivating” read. It’s book one of The Hostile series. Book two, Holiday for The Hostile, was published in December 2016. Each book in the series can be read as a standalone. The third book in the series, The Hostile Game, will be published on Amazon in Kindle and paperback at the end of April 2017. I’m currently writing book four, Confronting The Hostile.
In a rundown area of Manchester, inside the bathroom of a terraced house overflowing with children and dysfunctional parents, a powerful entity befriends young Serena with disastrous results. This unlikely enigmatic force not only dramatically affects introverted Serena’s life but also threatens the well-being of everyone she knows, especially those people who’ve earned the strange girl’s displeasure. It soon becomes clear that nobody should ever upset Serena … if they know what’s good for them. After reading The Hostile, you’ll never look at D.I.Y. in the same way again.
All nine of my Kindle editions on Amazon are £0.99 each or equivalent currencies and always free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers. The paperback versions won’t break the bank either. If you enjoy audiobooks, two of my books, The Hostile, and Her demonic Angel, are also available on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes as audiobooks.
Kindle edition of The Hostile on Amazon.co.uk http://amzn.to/22hiRFD
Kindle edition of The Hostile on Amazon.com http://amzn.to/29dk5Qw
Paperback edition of The Hostile on Amazon.co.uk http://amzn.to/29dkOkS
Paperback edition of The Hostile on Amazon.com http://amzn.to/299CVUw
The audiobook of The Hostile is available on iTunes, Amazon, and Audible.
Here is an extract of The Hostile http://amzn.to/2blBo12.
Looks like I’ll soon have to redesign my book promo postcard
Kindle editions of my nine, soon to be ten, books on Amazon are now only £0.99 each, or equivalent currencies. They’re always free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers. The paperback versions of my books won’t break the bank either. If you enjoy audiobooks, two of my books, The Hostile and Her demonic Angel, are available on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes as audiobooks.
My tenth book, The Hostile Game, should be published on Amazon in Kindle and paperback by the end of April. It’s the third book in The Hostile paranormal thriller series. I’m currently writing book four in the same series. If anyone would like to join my Facebook Hostile series launch team, where you can download MOBI or PDF files of all books in The Hostile series for free, I’d love to have you on board https://www.facebook.com/groups/1694776034176904/
Link to my Amazon author page http://amzn.to/2b96qaj.
Link to my Facebook author page https://www.facebook.com/JoyMutterAuthor/
Link to my author website http://joymutter.com. Here you can find my blog, reviews of all my books, my reviews of books by other authors, my Goodreads Giveaways, plus excerpts from each book.
I started to write book eleven today
Even though The Hostile Game, book three in The Hostile series, won’t be published until the end of April 2017, I’m feeling so inspired, today I started to write book four in The Hostile series. It’ll be my eleventh book since 2007. I don’t have a title for it yet, but it’ll come to me in time.
I could publish The Hostile Game in Kindle and paperback on Amazon now as it is finished and edited, but I want to wait for my Facebook Launch Team to give me their valuable feedback about the latest book. My Launch Team members were wonderfully helpful and supportive when I was working towards publishing Holiday for The Hostile in December 2016. They gave this second book in the series a real boost when it hit Amazon, and I’m hopeful the same will happen when I publish book three, The Hostile Game in Kindle and paperback on Amazon. It is written and edited, but I want to wait for my Facebook Launch Team to give me their valuable feedback about the latest book. My Launch team members were wonderfully helpful and supportive when I was working towards publishing Holiday for The Hostile in December 2016. They gave this second book in the series a real boost when it hit Amazon, and I’m hopeful the same will happen for book three, The Hostile Game.
Now it’s back to writing the fourth book in The Hostile series, title as yet unknown. Who’d have thought all these books would have flowed after I spotted an unusual object in my house? All it took was a ton of imagination and the urge to tell a strange story to anyone who would listen.
Book 10 is almost here
I uploaded the MOBI and pdf files of my new book, THE HOSTILE GAME onto my Facebook Hostile Series Launch Team page today. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1694776034176904/
The Kindle of Random Bullets is FREE on Amazon today, 20th March
“Action-packed, thought-provoking, a real ride. I couldn’t put it down,” “crime with a twist,” “An insightful look behind the many faces we wear, and how burning resentments can take you into madness and murder,” “This is a very well thought-out book.” “Kinetic — really zips along at a pace. I was really drawn in.” These are just a few of the reviews Random Bullets has received; 22 5-star reviews on all Amazon sites so far. Your review would also be much appreciated. Feel free to tell me and the world what you think of Random Bullets, a book that means so much to me. 
A fun Friday evening in Manchester
I had a wonderful time at HOME in Manchester on Friday evening. My daughter and I enjoyed the Q and A with author Paul Auster, trying out the intriguing Virtual Reality stand, then watching the innovative theatrical performance of Auster’s City of Glass. The production values were excellent, even though Zoe and I emerged scratching our heads over the story itself. I also had my copy of his new 900-page book, 4321, signed by the author. And there was I worrying my book, The Lying Scotsman, might be too long at 400 pages.
I also had my copy of his new 900-page book, 4321, signed by the author. And there was I worrying my book, The Lying Scotsman, might be too long at 400 pages.
Good news! All my Kindles are now £0.99
I’ve lowered all my kindle prices to £0.99 from £2.25 on Amazon, so that’s a piece of good news to brighten up your day.
Another piece of good news is that I’ve almost finished the first draft of book ten. The Hostile Game is book three in The Hostile series. I’m aiming to publish it on Amazon in Kindle and paperback by the end of April or early May this year.
I’ve had more free time to write my new book over the past few weeks now my paid proofreading work has been given to a larger proofreading company by the independent crime and thriller publisher. The publisher concerned puts out so many books a month that they need a bigger company to handle them all. I’ve said I’ll be glad to work on any work overflow they might have in the future, as we had a great working relationship. Still, I enjoyed proofreading the four books they gave me to work on since January and still have a couple of authors who want me to edit their books. Primarily, I’m an author. The proofreading and editing work came about by accident. Now to finish writing chapter 32 of my paranormal thriller, The Hostile Game. I’m delighted by how the book is turning out. I can’t wait for you to read it.
The Kindle edition of The Hostile is FREE on Amazon today, 7th March and also on 8th March.
THE HOSTILE is a “refreshingly original” contemporary paranormal thriller. “A bizarrely captivating” read. It’s book one of The Hostile series. Book two, Holiday for The Hostile, was published in December 2016. Each book in the series can be read as a standalone. I’m currently writing the third book in The Hostile series.
In a rundown area of Manchester, inside the bathroom of a terraced house overflowing with children and dysfunctional parents, a powerful entity befriends young Serena with disastrous results. This unlikely enigmatic force not only dramatically affects introverted Serena’s life but also threatens the well-being of everyone she knows, especially those people who’ve earned the strange girl’s displeasure. It soon becomes clear that nobody should ever upset Serena if they know what’s good for them. After reading The Hostile, you’ll never look at D.I.Y. in the same way again.
All nine of my Kindle editions on Amazon are £2.25 each or equivalent currencies and always free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers. The paperback versions won’t break the bank either. If you enjoy audiobooks, two of my books, The Hostile and Her demonic Angel, are also available on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes as audiobooks.
Kindle edition of The Hostile on Amazon.co.uk http://amzn.to/22hiRFD
Kindle edition of The Hostile on Amazon.com http://amzn.to/29dk5Qw
Paperback edition of The Hostile on Amazon.co.uk http://amzn.to/29dkOkS
Paperback edition of The Hostile on Amazon.com http://amzn.to/299CVUw
The audiobook of The Hostile is available on iTunes, Amazon, and Audible.
Please feel free to read a sample of The Hostile here http://amzn.to/2blBo12.
Here are the details of the paperback versions of my nine books on Amazon.
Random Bullets is a contemporary crime thriller with a paranormal twist. Set mainly in Jersey, Manchester, Cornwall, London and places not of this world. £5.95 http://amzn.to/2bpCpqy
The Hostile is an unusual paranormal thriller set in Manchester. Book one of The Hostile series. It’s also available as an audiobook. £5.50 http://amzn.to/2lby23W
Holiday for The Hostile is book two in The Hostile series. £5.95 http://amzn.to/2kPBlRY
Potholes and Magic Carpets is a contemporary novel set in rural Kent and London. A tale of not so simple folk. £6.45 http://amzn.to/2lyqqJv
Her demonic Angel is a baker’s dozen of short stories in various genres. It’s also available as an audiobook. £4.75 http://amzn.to/2cr4Jec
The Mug trilogy is loosely autobiographical. A Slice of the Seventies is book one of the Mug trilogy. £5.80 http://amzn.to/2fcdc5V
The Lying Scotsman is book two of the Mug trilogy. £8.25 http://amzn.to/2mfqDRK
Straws is book three of the Mug trilogy. £5.95 http://amzn.to/2boabci
Living with Postcards is a perfect present from the past. Non-fiction and colour-illustrated throughout. £11.85 is a perfect present from the past. Non-fiction and colour-illustrated throughout. £11.85 http://amzn.to/2dlbw3Q
All Kindle editions of my books on Amazon are £2.25 each or equivalent currencies. If you enjoy audiobooks, two of my books, The Hostile and Her demonic Angel, are available on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes as audiobooks.
Here’s the link to my Amazon author page http://amzn.to/2b96qaj. To find out more about my books or if you fancy reading my blog, book reviews, and book excerpts, this is the link to my website http://joymutter.com. My Facebook author page is https://www.facebook.com/JoyMutterAuthor/
The Kindle edition of my paranormal crime thriller, RANDOM BULLETS, is FREE on Amazon today, 21st February and also on 22nd.
“Action-packed, thought-provoking, a real ride. I couldn’t put it down,” “crime with a twist,” “An insightful look behind the many faces we wear, and how burning resentments can take you into madness and murder,” “This is a very well thought-out book.” “Kinetic — really zips along at a pace. I was really drawn in.” These are just a few of the reviews Random Bullets has received; 21 5-star reviews on all Amazon sites so far. Your review would also be much appreciated. Feel free to tell me and the world what you think of Random Bullets, a book that means so much to me.
After shooting and killing his nephew, a gunman runs amok in a London park. What drives Edward to commit such atrocities? Who will survive yet another of his moments of madness? Set in Jersey, Cornwall, London, Manchester and places not of this world, Random Bullets is a contemporary crime thriller with a paranormal twist.
I was interviewed in February 2016 by two BBC Radio 4 producers as part of their Analysis programme on Inheritance. They’d heard that Random Bullets deals with the divisive subject of disinheritance and its aftermath, something I’ve experienced personally. Published in November 2015, Random Bullets is available on Amazon in both paperback and Kindle editions. An audiobook edition of this favourite book of mine is in production. Audiobook versions of two of my other books are already available on Audible, Amazon, and iTunes.
http://amzn.to/1R5OpGw for the UK Kindle edition.
http://amzn.to/29eOAnl for the USA Kindle edition.
http://amzn.to/1Y2NmyC for the UK paperback edition.
http://amzn.to/2906R56 for the USA paperback edition.
All nine of my Kindle editions on Amazon are £2.25 each, or equivalent currencies, and are always free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers. The paperback versions won’t break the bank either. If you enjoy audiobooks, two of my books, The Hostile and Her demonic Angel, are available on Amazon, Audible, and iTunes as audiobooks.
Please feel free to read a sample of RANDOM BULLETS here http://amzn.to/2btTrAC.
The Kindle edition of Her demonic Angel is FREE on Amazon today, 10th – 12th February.
Her demonic Angel is my baker’s dozen of short stories. I wrote them in a variety of genres, so there should be something for everyone. Some tales are stranger than others, but all are different shades of dark. Despite its slightly suggestive title, Her demonic Angel is not erotica. To whet your appetite, here are the titles of some of my short stories: The boy they called Dragon, The day nobody gave a damn, An email from Jane, Stuff, Getting rid of the enemy, Skin, Too beautiful, Philately will get you nowhere, Mirror, mirror, and In memoriam.Kindle of Holiday for The Hostile is FREE on 5th and 6th February
The Kindle edition of HOLIDAY FOR THE HOSTILE is FREE on Amazon today, 5th February and on 6th February. Holiday for The Hostile, second book in The Hostile series, is a gripping contemporary paranormal thriller with a splash of horror. It was published on Amazon in Kindle and paperback editions in December 2016 and can be read as a standalone. Serena, plus her unusual friend and partner in crime, Tile X, reluctantly find themselves suffering a family holiday at her eccentric grandfather’s hovel in Ireland. Who will manage to escape intact from their dramatic holiday from Hell?
Readers tell me Holiday for The Hostile is even better than book one, The Hostile, the paranormal thriller I published 8 months before its sequel. My current mission is to ensure book three in The Hostile series is even more exciting than the first two. No pressure. Here’s a snapshot of what a few of the readers say about Holiday for The Hostile: “Ms Mutter has carved out a new niche for herself. And from where I’m standing, she’s way out in front … With some books, you get an idea where things are going and where they’re likely to end. Not this one. Every chapter was a surprise with new characters and situations and a bunch of wonderfully inventive deaths.” “It has plenty of scary bits … can’t wait until book three is out.” “The end is a total surprise. Was expecting a skeleton in the family closet, but it turns in a completely different direction, keeping you on your toes and guessing.” “Excellent. Really looking forward to more. Joy tells a good tale.”
Link to the Kindle edition on Amazon.co.uk http://amzn.to/2fJTSg0.
Link to the Kindle edition on Amazon.com http://amzn.to/2gDui9f.
Link to the paperback edition on Amazon.co.uk http://amzn.to/2fUQIoc
Link to the paperback edition on Amazon.com http://amzn.to/2fPS28B
My nine Kindle editions on Amazon are always free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers. The paperback versions won’t break the bank either. If you enjoy audiobooks, two of my books, The Hostile and Her demonic Angel, are available on Amazon, Audible and iTunes as audiobooks.
Feel free to read a sample of Holiday for The Hostile here http://amzn.to/2fNXVrU
Better than expected
My meet-the-author event at Oldham Coliseum on 24th January went even better than I’d hoped. There were about fifteen Full Circle members in the audience, which was a perfect number, as I wanted my talk to be informal. I was less nervous than I’d expected to be, probably because I’m passionate about writing and talk about books every chance I get. Selling a few of my signed books was a bonus.
Most of the photographs were taken by Jenny, one of the organisers, shortly after my hour-long talk. I gave my talk next to the small table but sat with the audience for the group photos. I notice I’m wearing the same outfit I wore for another meet-the-author event at Oldham Library in November. I really must wear something different if I’m ever asked to give another talk about my books. People will think I only own one set of clothes, which is far from the truth.
Thanks to Rose Sergent at Oldham Coliseum for organising today’s event. I really enjoyed myself and would happily have talked for two hours, not just the one hour I’d been allocated. It’s now back to writing book ten for me, the third book in The Hostile series.The Hostile series.
Tomorrow’s meet-the-author event
Looking forward to speaking for an hour or so at my meet-the-author event at Oldham Coliseum tomorrow. I hope my voice holds out for that long, as I don’t use it very often. I’ve thoroughly prepared my speech and am not too nervous … yet. I’ll be the only author talking at tomorrow’s event, as far as I’m aware.
My talk will be about my nine books and life as a full-time indie author, although I’ll be concentrating on my non-fiction book, Living with Postcards, as the organiser requested. I’m bringing about 50 of my 2,000 postcards along to illustrate the talk. I could have put together a powerpoint presentation, but I reckon holding the actual postcards will be more satisfying for the audience, and feel less formal. I’ll be handing out my own book promotion postcards too, whether the audience wants them or not, ha! They can turn them into paper airplanes and launch them at me if they get bored.
This’ll be the second meet-the-author event I’ve spoken at in the past six months. Maybe that’s why I’m not too nervous, although my first talk was only 15 minutes long, and there were four other authors speaking then. Wish me luck.
An interesting turn of events
Not wishing to tempt fate, but 2017 has kicked off encouragingly for me. In early January, I was contacted on social media by a publisher of crime thrillers who asked me if I’d be interested in proofreading three books a month for them. They publish six books a month. I’ve already read and proofread three edited books for them over the past two weeks. I found many errors in the three edited books, and have been swiftly paid for my work. I am now free to write my own books for the next two weeks before I receive three more books in February to proofread. I’m currently writing the third book of The Hostile series. I’m looking forward to enjoying the three crime thrillers a month that the publisher will hopefully be sending me to proofread. They seem happy with my work.
The books the publisher has recently sent me to proofread are all on the brink of publication and were all five-star reads. I would have happily purchased them, as I enjoy reading crime thrillers more than any other genre. This new dream job as proofreader came about because of my recent habit of marking typos on my kindle while reading books I’ve purchased on Amazon. If I know the author on social media, I’ve sent them a list of the errors, so they can make their books as perfect as possible. I don’t set out to find errors but can’t ignore them if they spring out at me. Each author I’ve approached has been grateful I sent them the list of errors the editor had missed. One author happened to be the publisher of crime thrillers who now uses my services.
Only one book out of the scores of books I’ve read in 2016 had no typos. Most had well over a dozen errors, several had over a hundred and one had more than 450! All had been ‘professionally’ edited, which makes my blood boil. Aren’t editors supposed to eliminate typos? I suspect some editors had merely run a spellcheck through the document. There is no excuse for such negligence. Yes, I’m sure there are meticulous editors out there, but they seem to be few and far between. It’s one reason I am happy to continue self-editing my books. I no longer trust editors to do a perfect job.
This new dream job came about because of my habit of marking typos on my Kindle while reading books I have purchased. If I know the author on social media, I send them a list of the errors, so they can make their books as perfect as possible. I know hundreds of authors on social media, some in the real world, so I have spent a great deal of time sending free lists of typos in books that have been professionally edited. Two of the books had hundreds of errors in them, even though the authors had paid hundreds of pounds to the editor. One editor apologised and reimbursed the author after my list of errors was sent to them by the author. I ended up editing his book, despite never having edited a book for payment before, and despite being busy with my own writing and marketing. I didn’t set out to be an editor or paid proofreader as well as being an author; it was a happy accident.
I’m not saying I’m perfect, far from it. As I’ve self-edited my own nine books, I dare say there may be the odd typo in one or two of them. If there is an error, I would hope that some kind reader would tell me about it, as I can easily rectify the problem. As an indie author, I can swiftly amend and republish on Amazon.
In other news. In two weeks, I’ll be at Oldham Coliseum talking about my books, particularly my non-fiction Living with Postcards, in front of an over-fifties group. I will be the only author talking at this event, unlike my talk at Oldham Library a few months ago where I shared the platform with four other local authors. I am not too nervous because I have prepared my speech. What’s the worst that could happen? Don’t answer that.
A very happy 2017 to everyone!
A very Happy New Year to everyone from me and my books. All nine books are available on Amazon in Kindle and paperback editions. Two are also on Audible, Amazon and iTunes as audiobooks. I’m currently busy writing book three in The Hostile series. Here is the link to my Amazon author page on Amazon.co.uk http://amzn.to/2iDC3wV and on Amazon.com http://amzn.to/2hCTv2V.
My surprise gift
The first thing I noticed after logging onto my laptop this morning was this wonderful banner collage that Renata de Castro from Brazil has made for my latest book, Holiday for The Hostile, book 2 of The Hostile series. Those of you who have already read Holiday for The Hostile will know that Renata is one of the characters in my unusual paranormal thriller (only taller) along with Jimmy Poodle (with the eyepatch). Thank you, Renata. I love your work, particularly the skull tree. I really appreciate the effort you’ve put into producing this magnificent collage. You’re such a talented lady. Link to the Kindle edition on Amazon.co.uk http://amzn.to/2fJTSg0.
Link to the Kindle edition on Amazon.com http://amzn.to/2gDui9f.
Link to the paperback edition on Amazon.co.uk http://amzn.to/2fUQIoc.
Link to the paperback edition on Amazon.com http://amzn.to/2fPS28B.
Feel free to read a sample of Holiday for The Hostile here http://amzn.to/2fNXVrU.
Merry Christmas from me and my books
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you all from me and my books. http://amzn.to/2hWdfmm.
The Kindle edition of my non-fiction book, Living with Postcards is FREE on Amazon today, 22nd until 26th December. My Christmas gift from me to you all. Merry Christmas. All of my Kindles are only £0.99 or equivalent currencies until 31st January. All my nine books are available in paperback. The Hostile and Her demonic Angel are also on Audible, Amazon and iTunes as audiobooks.
A Christmas gift from me to you
The Kindle edition of Living with Postcards will be FREE on Amazon from tomorrow, 22nd to 26th December. My Christmas gift from me to you all. Merry Christmas.
Living with Postcards is a colour-illustrated non-fiction book that describes my close relationship with old postcards, mostly pre-1924. I’ve collected them since the 1970s and now own over 2,000 of these charming, quirky historic items. Living with Postcards is available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle editions. A beautiful present from the past.
“The author shares her impressive knowledge of vintage postcards in an entertaining and informative style. Brimming with lovely reproductions, it is never dull. A book to read from cover to cover or to dip into. Certainly, a book to revisit. Living with Postcards makes an imaginative present, even to someone like me who has no particular interest in postcard collecting. I can thoroughly recommend it.”
I started enthusiastically collecting postcards whilst writing my main thesis on Fantasy in Postcards at Art College whilst studying for my graphic design degree. My thesis won me a first with distinction, whereas my graphic art annoyingly gained me only a 2:2. My art history tutor suggested I lecture on fantasy in postcards. As I was only twenty-one at the time, I didn’t feel ready to become a lecturer and declined his kind offer. I decided to write this book instead. All the cards in Living with Postcards are from my own large collection. I’m giving a talk at Oldham Coliseum about Living with Postcards in January.
http://amzn.to/22qrcH1 for the UK paperback edition
http://amzn.to/299Jg2c for the USA paperback edition
http://amzn.to/29d6k5T for the UK Kindle edition
http://amzn.to/29gEV0B for the USA Kindle edition
Until 31st January 2017, Kindle editions of all my fiction books are reduced to £0.99 or equivalent currencies on Amazon. They are always free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers. The paperback versions of my nine books won’t break the bank either. On 1st February 2017, my Kindles prices will return to £2.25. If you enjoy audiobooks, two of my books, The Hostile and Her demonic Angel, are available on Amazon, Audible and iTunes as audiobooks.
Please feel free to sneak a peek at the Kindle edition of Living with Postcards here http://amzn.to/2bCIbmY.
In the words of Roger Daltrey, giving it all away
The Kindle edition of Potholes and Magic Carpets is FREE on Amazon today, 19th December and also on the 20th.
The main action in Potholes and Magic Carpets takes place in rural Kent and London. Published on Amazon in paperback and Kindle editions in 2015, my contemporary, character-driven novel looks at the dramatic incidents, challenges and temptations in the lives of four couples of varying ages, professions and sexual persuasions, all linked by either blood or friendship. The negative, selfish, sometimes violent natures of several characters in Potholes and Magic Carpets wreak havoc on the innocent. A tale of not so simple folk.
Here’s a review of Potholes and Magic Carpets on Amazon. Thank you to whoever wrote it. I think they’re American because of the way they spell humour.
“I absolutely LOVE Ms. Mutter’s writing style. Her descriptions are captivating to me, as a lifelong fan of all things “British”, I enjoy her humor and the clarity with which she delivers her characters. I feel like I know them well by the time I’m well into each chapter. This title is on my Christmas list for myself! MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ME! Thanks for sharing your wonderful talents!”
The Kindle edition on Amazon.co.uk: http://amzn.to/29gA3bE
The Kindle edition on Amazon.com: http://amzn.to/29Bawbi
The paperback edition on Amazon.co.uk: http://amzn.to/299FSV3
The paperback edition on Amazon.com: http://amzn.to/29dnSxj
Until 31st January 2017, Kindle editions of all my books are reduced to £0.99 or equivalent currencies on Amazon. They are always free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers. The paperback versions of my nine books won’t break the bank either. On 1st February 2017, my Kindles prices will return to £2.25. If you enjoy audiobooks, two of my books, The Hostile and Her demonic Angel, are available on Amazon, Audible and iTunes as audiobooks. The audiobook of Potholes and Magic Carpets is in production.
Please feel free to sneak a peek at Potholes and Magic Carpets here http://amzn.to/2bHkrQI
In other news, I changed the cover of The Lying Scotsman today and have spent the last week shortening the book, although it still is 400 pages long. My writing style has naturally evolved since I started writing The Lying Scotsman, my first book despite being book 2 of The Mug trilogy. It’s the book that first made me want to concentrate full-time on writing.
I wanted to revise the entire book, so I did; one of the benefits of self-publishing. I also used a greyscale image of the original cover, without the text, inside the book, as it would be a shame to waste it. The changes I’ve made will probably go live on Amazon in a few days. It took 
a while before my improved cover of Random Bullets showed on Amazon, but today I noticed the new cover is up there. I’ve also revised the cover and text of the paperback version of The Lying Scotsman and hopefully the new version will also soon be on Amazon.
I have to put the finishing touches to my hour-long talk about my books that I’m giving on 24th January at Oldham Coliseum. My daughter is arriving for Christmas on 21st December before she and her husband fly off to New York on Boxing Day to relive when he proposed to her two years ago on the lake in Central Park. Who says romance is dead? Her husband could teach The Lying Scotsman a thing or two, ha!
Merry Christmas and a Happy 2017 to everyone!
A Christmas pressie from me to you
As the festive season is approaching like a bat out of Hell, I’m feeling even more generous than usual. Until 31st January 2017, Kindle editions of all my books are reduced to £0.99 or equivalent currencies on Amazon. They are always free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers. The paperback versions of my nine books won’t break the bank either. On 1st February 2017, my Kindles prices will return to £2.25. If you enjoy audiobooks, two of my books, The Hostile and Her demonic Angel, are available on Amazon, Audible and iTunes as audiobooks.
Here’s the link to my Amazon author page: http://amzn.to/2b96qaj.
To find out more about me and my books or if you fancy reading my blog, reviews and book excerpts, here’s my website’s link: http://joymutter.com.
Look at what’s laying under the Christmas tree for you! You lucky people.
The REAL Jimmy Poodle, in all his glory
I just HAD to show you this photo that Irish Jimmy Poodle himself posted on Twitter yesterday. He’d ordered the paperback edition of Holiday for The Hostile as he wanted to see his name in print. I won’t add any spoilers here except to say that Jimmy Poodle plays a big part in the storyline of Holiday for The Hostile. The real-life Jimmy asked to be in the book as a joke because he’s always joked with me for years in the most irreverent ways (I apologise for his behaviour in advance if you ever stumble across him on social media, ha!).
So, I obliged with his request to be a character in the book, although I’ve never met him, only sparred with him for years online. I may live to regret it. Holiday for The Hostile, second book of The Hostile series, is mainly set in Ireland, because of Jimmy Poodle. The real Jimmy Poodle is a likable, rebellious Oirish divil, but I took his character many stages further in the book. I’m dreading what else he’ll say to me on Twitter once he’s read it. It could get messy. He says he jumped to the bit with him in it and is asking me daft questions on Twitter. He’s bound to have questions if he doesn’t read the whole thing.
Renata de Castro, a flamboyant Brazilian film-maker who I know online, also asked to be in Holiday for The Hostile. It would have been rude not to add her as she was so excited by the thought of being in the book, so I worked her seamlessly into the plot. As I mentioned earlier, the Kindle of book one, The Hostile is free on Amazon today.
Kindle edition of The Hostile on Amazon.co.uk http://amzn.to/22hiRFD
Kindle edition of The Hostile on Amazon.com http://amzn.to/29dk5Qw
Book two, Holiday for The Hostile, is only £0.99, like all my other Kindles.
Book one of The Hostile series is FREE today.
The Kindle edition of The Hostile, first book of The Hostile series is free on Amazon today, 8th December, for only one day. Although each book can be read without reading the other, it’s a great opportunity to read the prequel for anyone who downloaded the free kindle of book two, Holiday for The Hostile, two days ago.
Kindle edition of The Hostile on Amazon.co.uk http://amzn.to/22hiRFD
Kindle edition of The Hostile on Amazon.com http://amzn.to/29dk5Qw
To echo this festive season’s spirit of giving, I’ve reduced the price of all my nine kindle editions on Amazon from £2.25 to £0.99 or equivalent currencies until January 31st.
Another freebie from me.
The Kindle edition of my brand new thriller, Holiday for The Hostile, is FREE on Amazon today, 6th December.
Holiday for The Hostile, second book in The Hostile series, is a gripping contemporary paranormal thriller with a splash of horror. It was published on Amazon in Kindle and paperback editions on 1st December 2016. Serena, plus her unusual friend and partner in crime, Tile X, reluctantly find themselves suffering a family holiday at her eccentric grandfather’s hovel in Ireland. Who will manage to escape intact from their dramatic holiday from Hell?
Readers tell me they think Holiday for The Hostile is superior to book one, The Hostile, the paranormal thriller I published 8 months before its sequel. My mission, should I choose to accept it, is to ensure book three in The Hostile series is even more exciting than the first two. No pressure.
Here’s a snapshot of what a few of the readers who’ve read it say about Holiday for The Hostile:
“Ms Mutter has carved out a new niche for herself. And from where I’m standing, she’s way out in front … With some books, you get an idea where things are going and where they’re likely to end. Not this one. Every chapter was a surprise with new characters and situations and a bunch of wonderfully inventive deaths.”
“It has plenty of scary bits so if you don’t like scary bits then maybe it’s not the book for you but I personally can’t wait until book three is out.”
“The action moves to Ireland this time with lots of unforeseen consequences. With two guardian ghosts looking out for Serena, acting almost like Bill and Ben at times, there really are some light-hearted moments. The end is a total surprise. Was expecting a skeleton in the family closet, but it turns in a completely different direction, keeping you on your toes and guessing.”
“Excellent. The story got deeper & you get to know more about Serena and Tile X drops a deep hint! Really looking forward to more. Joy tells a good tale.”
Link to the Kindle edition on Amazon.co.ukhttp://amzn.to/2fJTSg0.
Link to the Kindle edition on Amazon.comhttp://amzn.to/2gDui9f.
Link to the paperback edition on Amazon.co.ukhttp://amzn.to/2fUQIoc
Link to the paperback edition on Amazon.comhttp://amzn.to/2fPS28B
Feel free to read a sample of Holiday for The Hostile here http://amzn.to/2fNXVrU
Kindle editions of all my nine books in different genres are only £2.25 or equivalent currencies on Amazon and FREE to Kindle Unlimited subscribers. Each Kindle in The Hostile series are £0.99, or relevant currencies. The paperback editions of my nine books, all on Amazon, are also reasonably priced. The Holiday for The Hostile paperback is 218 pages long and costs £5.95, or equivalent currencies.
Big day for Holiday for The Hostile
It’s a gripping contemporary paranormal thriller with a splash of horror. It’s currently #11 in its category on Amazon in its first two days, which is encouraging.The paperback edition of Holiday for The Hostile went live on Amazon today!
1st December 2016
I’m so excited to have just ordered the first paperback copy of my brand spanking new book, Holiday for The Hostile, second book of The Hostile series. It’s my ninth book, but the excitement is as great as it was in July 2015 when I published my first book. Holiday for The Hostile is probably even stranger than the first book. There’s certainly more horror, so it’s not for the faint-hearted. I seem to have added horror to the list of genres I write in. The Kindle edition (£0.99) went live on Amazon yesterday afternoon after I pressed the ‘Publish’ button that morning.
I’ve been told Holiday for The Hostile is even better and more thrilling than book one, The Hostile. My mission, should I choose to accept it, is to ensure book three is even more exciting than the first two. No pressure.
Link to the Kindle edition on Amazon.co.ukhttp://amzn.to/2fJTSg0.
Link to the Kindle edition on Amazon.comhttp://amzn.to/2gDui9f.
Link to the paperback edition on Amazon.co.ukhttp://amzn.to/2fUQIoc
Link to the paperback edition on Amazon.comhttp://amzn.to/2fPS28B
Feel free to read a sample of Holiday for The Hostile here http://amzn.to/2fNXVrU
Serena, plus her unusual friend and partner in crime, Tile X, reluctantly find themselves suffering a family holiday at her eccentric grandfather’s hovel in Ireland. Who will escape intact from their dramatic holiday from Hell? A gripping paranormal thriller with a splash of horror.
Can I resist the temptation?
I’ve set the date of Friday, 16th December for the publication of Holiday for The Hostile on Amazon in paperback and Kindle editions. I could publish it right now, but I’m waiting for anyone in my launch team who wants to read the pdf, ePub or MOBI file of the book to do so. I hope I can resist the temptation to push the publish button on KDP Direct and Createspace, but it’s a struggle not to just publish and be damned. When you’re my age, I’d hate to snuff it before I publish book two of The Hostile series.
I’m in several Facebook launch teams and have so far helped 3 other authors launch their books, with 4 more still to launch. Teams such as these are a new phenomenon to me. I only joined my first team a couple of months ago, but it’s a fun way of giving back to fellow authors, as I know how hard it can be at times, enjoyable as writing is. I liked gaining specific, detailed feedback on a book before Holiday for The Hostile went to print.
I received another 5-star review for both The Hostile and Random Bullets yesterday. That brings Random Bullets’ total of 5-star reviews across the whole of Amazon to 17. Despite being published seven months after Random Bullets, The Hostile is catching up with 10 reviews on Amazon, but it can’t boast 5-star and nothing lower, although it averages 4.9-star which is still more than encouraging. The other six books are fairly static, just jogging along, but who cares? Looking forward to starting to write book three of The Hostile series.
Before I log off, here is the review for Random Bullets. It made me smile for allsorts of reasons. I don’t know the reviewer, but thanks, Jim.
By Jim Dyar on November 20, 2016
Yes! Uploaded it!
Delighted to have uploaded the complete version of Holiday for The Hostile onto my Facebook Launch Team page today. I’ve uploaded pdf and ePub files of the entire book so anyone who wants to read it can do so. I was even more thrilled that one of the group, the legendary John Thys, finished reading the final five chapters an hour or two after I’d uploaded them. Go, John! If anyone would like to join my Facebook Holiday for The Hostile Launch Team, I’d love to have you on board. Here’s the link https://www.facebook.com/groups/1694776034176904
Holiday for The Hostile is book two of my paranormal thriller Hostile series. Once I gain feedback from a few more of the group, I’ll be publishing it on Amazon in Kindle and paperback as I do with all my books . A month or two later, I’ll publish the audiobook version of Holiday for The Hostile on Audible, Amazon and iTunes. The first book in the series, The Hostile, is already on these sites.
It’s been an intense but fun few months producing Holiday for The Hostile. I hope you all enjoy reading it. Knowing me, I’ll probably start writing book three in the series tomorrow.
Best result so far
I was delighted that 134 readers downloaded the free kindle edition of The Hostile yesterday, especially as I didn’t pay to advertise the fact it was on offer. The previous best result was when I gained 100 downloads of Random Bullets a few months ago, but I’d paid about £20 to advertise the offer.
I’ve decided to lower the price of The Hostile from £2.25 to £0.99 or equivalent currencies. The reason for this is because of the publication of Holiday for The Hostile in paperback and Kindle editions before the end of 2016. I’ll publish the audiobook edition of Holiday for The Hostile in early 2017. I think the sequel is even more bizarre than the first book, and that’s saying something. One reader said it is the most unusual book he’s ever read and added that he is enjoying the experience. He hasn’t even reached the REALLY bizarre sections yet, so I’m looking forward to his reaction when he does.
I’ve uploaded half of the edited Holiday for the Hostile on my Facebook Holiday for The Hostile Launch Team page. I’ll upload the rest in the next week or two. I’m appreciating the encouraging positive feedback from those supportive Launch Team members who’ve already started to read this sequel to The Hostile in advance to its publication.
If you’d like to join my Holiday for The Hostile Facebook Launch Team, just ask. I’d be delighted to have you on board. Here’s the link https://www.facebook.com/groups/1694776034176904
The Kindle edition of The Hostile is FREE on Amazon today, 13th November
This fact is particularly useful to those readers of my Facebook Launch Team for its sequel, Holiday for The Hostile, which is rapidly nearing publication. If they, or you, haven’t already read The Hostile, it’s a great opportunity to grab a free copy.
If you’d like to join my Holiday for The Hostile Facebook Launch Team, just ask. I’d be delighted to have you on board. Here’s the link https://www.facebook.com/groups/1694776034176904
I’m hoping to publish Holiday for The Hostile in Kindle and paperback by the end of 2016. In early 2017, the audiobook version of Holiday for The Hostile will be available on Audible, Amazon and iTunes. The audiobook of The Hostile is already on those sites.
In a rundown area of Manchester, inside the bathroom of a terraced house overflowing with children and dysfunctional parents, a powerful entity befriends young Serena with disastrous results. This unlikely enigmatic force not only dramatically affects introverted Serena’s life but also threatens the well-being of everyone she knows, especially those people who’ve earned the strange girl’s displeasure. It soon becomes clear that nobody should ever upset Serena if they know what’s good for them. After reading The Hostile, you’ll never look at D.I.Y. in the same way again.
The Hostile is an offbeat, “refreshingly original” contemporary paranormal thriller. “A bizarrely captivating read.”
I’d love to hear what you think of The Hostile and any of my other seven, soon to be eight, books. Kindle editions of all my books are £2.25 or equivalent currencies on Amazon and always free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers. The paperback versions of my books won’t break the bank either.
Kindle edition of The Hostile on Amazon.co.uk http://amzn.to/22hiRFD
Kindle edition of The Hostile on Amazon.com http://amzn.to/29dk5Qw
Paperback edition of The Hostile on Amazon.co.uk http://amzn.to/29dkOkS
Paperback edition of The Hostile on Amazon.com http://amzn.to/299CVUw
Please feel free to read a sample of The Hostile here http://amzn.to/2blBo12
The world may well have gone mad. Nevertheless, the Kindle edition of Random Bullets is free on Amazon today
9th November 2016
The Kindle edition of my paranormal crime thriller RANDOM BULLETS is FREE on Amazon today, 9th November.
“Action-packed, thought-provoking, a real ride. I couldn’t put it down,” “crime with a twist,” “An insightful look beneath the many faces we wear, and how burning resentments can take you into madness and murder,” “This is a very well thought-out book.” “Kinetic — really zips along at a pace. I was really drawn in.” These are just a few of readers’ reviews Random Bullets has received; sixteen 5-star reviews on all Amazon sites so far. Your review would also be much appreciated. Feel free to tell me and the world what you think of Random Bullets, a book that means so much to me.
After shooting and killing his nephew, a gunman runs amok in a London park. What drives Edward to commit such atrocities? Who will survive yet another of his moments of madness? Set in Jersey, Cornwall, London, Manchester and places not of this world, Random Bullets is a contemporary crime thriller with a paranormal twist.
I was interviewed in February 2016 by two BBC Radio 4 producers as part of their Analysis programme on Inheritance. They’d heard that Random Bullets deals with the divisive subject of disinheritance and its aftermath, something I’ve experienced personally.
Published in November 2015, Random Bullets is available on Amazon in both paperback and Kindle editions. An audiobook edition of this favourite book of mine is in production. Audiobook versions of two of my other books are already available on Audible, Amazon and iTunes.
http://amzn.to/1R5OpGw for the UK Kindle edition.
http://amzn.to/29eOAnl for the USA Kindle edition.
http://amzn.to/1Y2NmyC for the UK paperback edition.
http://amzn.to/2906R56 for the USA paperback edition.
All Kindle editions of my eight books in different genres are only £2.25 or equivalent currencies on Amazon and FREE to Kindle Unlimited subscribers. The eight paperback editions of all my books on Amazon are also reasonably priced. The paperback edition of Random Bullets is 252 pages long and only costs £5.95 or equivalent currencies.
Please feel free to read a sample of RANDOM BULLETS here http://amzn.to/2btTrAC.
Remember, remember the fifth of November
Remember, remember the fifth of November. I certainly will always remember that date as it was my first time sharing a platform with four other local authors at Oldham Library as part of last week’s ‘Love to Read’ events. I was as interested to hear what the other authors had to say as I was in speaking myself.
Suzanne Hudson, the lady who recently agreed to place six of my eight books on the shelves of Oldham Library, introduced us all to the audience and then we were up and running. I was going to speak off the cuff, but I’m glad I finally opted to write down all I wanted to say. As the first author considerably overran his allotted fifteen minutes, I was then able to discard a few paragraphs on the hoof when it was my turn so the other authors would all have enough time to speak.
This photo depicts me rummaging in my handbag for change whilst talking the hind legs off the lady buying Random Bullets from me. She also took a copy of Her demonic Angel as she told me that she enjoys reading short stories.
The photo on the left is of me being forced to hold a prop fan by the library admin, but at least it was marginally more sensible than the pink cardboard hat author Helen Durrant ended up with.
I’d only brought six of my eight books to the event. Delighted that Random Bullets was the book of choice bought by a few members of the audience. I had a gut feeling that it would be as big a favourite with the audience as it is for me. I had been toying with the idea of only bringing Random Bullets paperbacks to the event, but at least people could see the evidence that I’ve written a number of books and my other seven books aren’t mere figments of my overactive imagination. They looked great splayed out on the table in front of me. The last photo makes me look like a giant compared to Helen Durrant, but it is mostly due to perspective … I think. I’ll have several copies of my books left over from Oldham Libraries event to bring to my solo author event at Oldham Coliseum on 24th January 2017 at 1.15p.m. By then, I’ll hopefully be able to also bring along paperbacks of book nine, my current book, Holiday for The Hostile.
My fifteen minutes will be expanding into an hour
I enjoyed speaking at Oldham Library’s local author event yesterday morning alongside four other local authors. I’m always happy talking about my books and my experiences living as an indie author. My daughter, Zoe, took these photographs and a few videos. I even sold some books after the four other authors and I answered audience questions. I was surprised and delighted to be invited by a lady in the audience to be interviewed on a Manchester radio station about my books. My 15 minute talk at the library was good practice for the hour-long solo talk I’m booked to give on January 24th 1.15-2.15 at Oldham Coliseum.
When shall we three meet again?
This was the question authors Helen Durant, Carol Talbot and I asked yesterday as we sat having lunch in The Naked Bean, although we already knew the answer … 11a.m. on November 5th at Oldham Library to be precise. We three, plus Jo Harthan who couldn’t make it yesterday, shall be strutting our stuff in the performance area of Oldham library next Saturday, talking about the many aspects of living our lives as authors. When I say strutting our stuff, I can’t promise any dancing, but who knows what might happen if the mood takes us? We will each be allocated fifteen minutes each, with questions from the audience afterwards.
I’ve changed my mind about winging it as I originally planned to do. As the time draws ever closer, the fear is edging in. Having now decided to plan my speech, I’ve written seven pages which I will either read out or use bullet points and freestyle around those bullet points. My freestyling could lead to my fifteen minutes allocated stretching to an hour, so I need to rein in my over-excitable side. I’m so passionate about my books and the writing and publishing process, I tend not to know when to shut up. I know I could gallop off at a tangent when ideas start firing off, so I might be safer just to read it out. I don’t want to be kicking myself afterwards because I missed something crucial out of my talk. At least I can talk more freely if I’m asked a question. I don’t want the first question from the audience to be, ‘Do you think you should be allowed out in public?’
I’ve also been invited to give AN HOUR solo talk about my book, Living with Postcards at Oldham Coliseum sometime in the New Year. It will be for a Full Circle group of over 50s, so I’ll be in good company. They are even offering a small fee to give the talk. I’d have done it for free. I hope I can also mention my seven fiction books at some point.
Apparently, it would be a forty-five-minute talk followed by fifteen minutes of questions. What with also being told on Thursday that six of my books will soon be on the shelves of Oldham Library, I’ve had an amazing week. Once my books are safely on Oldham Library’s bookshelves, I will approach other libraries to see whether they’d also like my books to be included. I’m not completely convinced that there won’t be a hitch, but if there is, I will battle to make it happen.
Unexpected fantastic news
28th October 2016
I’m thrilled to have just received an email from Oldham Library to say they want to stock six of my eight books. I only sent them six. Maybe I should have sent all eight. I’ve been waiting for several months to hear their decision. I thought I would end up being disappointed, but instead, I’ve just received wonderful news; they want my books. They say they will buy a copy of each paperback and then see how they go with the readers. Fingers crossed that the readers of Oldham will love them.
This great news couldn’t have come at a better time as I’ll be talking at a ‘Meet your Local Authors’ event at 11am on 5th November at Oldham Library. Helen Durrant, Carol Talbot and Jo Harthan are the other authors who will be sharing a platform with me. I am having lunch with the other three tomorrow in The Naked Bean inside Oldham Library to discuss the event. I am still planning to wing it as could talk all day about my books, not just the fifteen minutes allocated to me. Just ask the local taxi drivers and Tesco delivery men whether or not I can talk about my books. I will probably have to be dragged off the stage when my fifteen minutes (of fame?) are up. You see, I don’t get to talk to many people these days. I’m too busy writing books.
My Facebook Launch Team for Holiday for The Hostile
I recently set up a launch team closed group on Facebook for my current book, Holiday for The Hostile, sequel to The Hostile, my 2016 paranormal thriller. I finished writing the first draft two days ago and am now working on the second of four drafts. I always make four drafts of every book I write to make each one as perfect as possible. I will also record the audiobook edition before publishing Holiday for The Hostile in late 2016 or early 2017 in kindle and paperback editions. I’m in no hurry to publish as I don’t have a publisher breathing down my neck; I set my own deadlines because I self-publish. If you would like to be part of my launch team, please feel free to do so. The more the merrier. I’m also a team member on several other authors’ launch teams, even picking up an editor role for one of those authors, as I mentioned in my previous blog post entitled I’m an accidental editor.
My original idea for a cover depicted a girl swimming through liquid tarmac, a scene in Holiday for The Hostile, which is set in rural Ireland. However, I changed my mind after reading author Colin Garrow’s article on authors branding their series. I have always understood it is preferable to have a common theme or look to a series of books, but I conveniently shut my eyes to this because I had ideas which didn’t lend themselves to branding.
A couple of days ago, I decided to rethink, so I redesigned the cover and came up with the grey and red hand cover, as it complements the first book. There will probably be a third book, which is odd as I never intended to write a series. It just happened.
The original cover idea won’t be wasted as I intend adding a greyscale version within the body of the book. An extra bonus for the reader. I also will add a greyscale image of a silk postcard, which is also an important, highly sinister part of the story. This photographed postcard is actually one from my own collection of over 2,000 postcards. If you have already read Book 1, The Hostile, you’ll be delighted to learn that Holiday for The Hostile is even stranger. Several readers have said in their reviews that The Hostile was the strangest book they’ve ever read, an opinion which delights me as they went on to say they loved it. I’m hopeful they will love the sequel even more.
I’m an accidental editor
It’s been a funny old week. On Monday, I was busy working on the final chapters of Holiday for The Hostile, sequel to my recently published paranormal thriller, The Hostile, and also narrating my third audiobook, Potholes and Magic Carpets.
I had started reading a book by an author, who shall remain nameless, as I had volunteered to be part of his Launch Team on Facebook. He had paid to have it edited. I was concerned to find eight errors in the first thirteen pages. I messaged him on Facebook to alert him to this worrying fact, whereupon the distressed author asked me to please consider editing his already edited book. I was reluctant at first, as I’m busy with my own work, but I knew he’d not meet his deadline of November 1st if he didn’t rapidly sort out his edit problem.
I initially said I’d edit the book for free because I felt sorry for his predicament, but as he’d been reimbursed by the original editor for shoddy services, he said he’d pay me what she’d been paid. He said he was sure I’d make a better job of it, which wouldn’t be hard. I discovered to my horror that the file he’d paid to have edited was littered with double words, missed or wrong punctuation, typos of every kind, etc etc. It took me four full days to edit his book. I found literally hundreds of errors in this already professionally edited book and amended each one, plus offered suggestions for improvement. When I say professionally edited, money had been exchanged between the first ‘editor’ and the author. It appeared all that had been done was for a spellcheck to have been run through it when diligent line editing had been required.
The author is delighted with the end result and I’ve just submitted my first Paypal invoice for editing services. I usually receive Paypal invoices, not send them, so sending an invoice was a novel experience. I’m guessing he might ask me to edit the next book in the series, rather than the first editor. Now to return to working on my own projects, primarily finishing off writingHoliday for The Hostile.
Update: I received payment from the author for my editing work today, so it’s official. I’m an editor as well as an author. Whether I end up editing any other author’s books in the future remains to be seen as there are many editors out there, although I thoroughly enjoy editing, so I’d certainly consider it.
In other news: Yesterday, I had my hair sorted out at my local hairdressers, not before time. My locks were preened in preparation for my ‘meet the authors’ event taking place at 11am inside Oldham Library on 5th November. I will be sharing the platform with three other female published writers who live in the Oldham area, all of whom I know personally. Helen Durrant is also speaking. She has written many successful crime thrillers. She and I have told each other we intend to wing it, but I bet we will end up panicking last minute and work out what we’re going to say to the audience. She and I occasionally meet up for a highly enjoyable catch-up.
As you can see from the video I made yesterday and stuck on YouTube for everyone to ignore, my lovely hairdresser is tiny. She is also the best hairdresser who has ever had the pleasure of working on my unexceptional hair.
The Kindle edition of my 2015 novel POTHOLES AND MAGIC CARPETS is free on Amazon today, 13th October, and also tomorrow.
The main action in Potholes and Magic Carpets takes place in rural Kent and London. Published on Amazon in paperback and Kindle editions in 2015, my contemporary, character-driven novel looks at the dramatic incidents, challenges and temptations in the lives of four couples of varying ages, professions and sexual persuasions, all linked by either blood or friendship. The negative, selfish, sometimes violent natures of several characters in Potholes and Magic Carpets wreak havoc on the innocent. A tale of not so simple folk.
The Kindle edition on Amazon.co.uk:http://amzn.to/29gA3bE
The Kindle edition on Amazon.com:http://amzn.to/29Bawbi
The paperback edition on Amazon.co.uk:http://amzn.to/299FSV3
The paperback edition on Amazon.com:http://amzn.to/29dnSxj
The Kindle editions of my one non-fiction and seven fiction books in various genres are currently £2.25 or the equivalent currency on Amazon. Kindle editions of my books are free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers. All my books are available on Amazon in paperback at reasonable prices. Her demonic Angel and The Hostile also have audiobook versions on Audible, Amazon and iTunes.
I was too busy editing another author’s book to mention that the Kindle of The Hostile was free on the 20th October. My apologies.
Typos and other irritations
I recently read a cracker of a typo in a traditionally published book that’s been steaming up the Amazon charts. The author used the word infinity when it was clear from the rest of the sentence they’d meant to say affinity. The book in question had been professionally edited. I know this because the author had credited the editor. I found over a dozen other mistakes in the same traditionally-published, professionally edited book.
I never intend to look for errors when settling down to read a book; they’ve always just jumped out at me. I’ve developed a fun habit of highlighting errors on my Kindle as I read each book. I’ve privately pointed out a few typos if I know the author well enough and think they’ll take it in the spirit my comment is meant. I decided not to tell the author about their infinity/affinity and various other errors for fear of being possibly ganged up on by the other authors in their publishing house. I don’t need the grief on social media.
Due to my recent reading typos experiences, I’ve completely lost faith in editors. I’m sure this comment will raise the hackles of every editor, so I will add that just as there are good, bad and indifferent authors, there are also good, bad and indifferent editors.
Over recent years, it’s been rare for me to read a book without finding varying numbers of typos, whether it’s been traditionally published or not. Being self-published, if a reader ever did spot a typo in any of my books, I’d appreciate them telling me, because I can easily make amendments on Kindle Direct Publishing or Createspace. I’ve edited each book at least four times and doubt readers would find more errors in any of my self-edited, self-published books than they’d find in most of the professionally edited and traditionally-published books I’ve read. A bold challenge, I hear you say.
One reviewer even made a point of commenting they’d found no errors in a book of mine they’d just read. It’s as though they’d been expecting to find typos because I’m an indie author. Delighted to disappoint them. I’d be amazed if there were no typos in any of my eight books, as I’m not perfect and have never employed a professional editor. I’ve never paid for any services to produce any part of my books, including the covers. I’m possibly the indiest indie author you’re likely to encounter. You have my permission to inform me, in private to spare my blushes, of any errors you might find in any of my books so I can obliterate the little devils. Authors strive for perfection, but glitches occur because we’re only human.
I feel angry on behalf of the numerous authors who’ve paid hundreds of pounds to editors only for them to allow errors to creep in and embarrass those authors. My daughter has often suggested I should consider becoming an editor. I told her I’m too busy being an indie author, which, as well as a plethora of other tasks, involves meticulously editing my own work, a process I thoroughly enjoy.
The Kindle edition of my 2016 paranormal thriller, The Hostile, is free on Amazon today and tomorrow, 9th October and 10th October.
Today’s free kindle is … wait for it … wait for it
Feeling nostalgic? The Kindle edition of A SLICE OF THE SEVENTIES, is FREE on Amazon today, Wednesday 5th October, for one day only.
A Slice of the Seventies is the first book in the Mug Trilogy. It tells the story of Jersey-born Mug, a troubled girl from a recently broken home. It covers her experiences as a teenager at the Isle of Wight Music Festival in 1970, the same year she follows a guru. The book tracks her tumultuous four years as an art student in Coventry, where vegetarian Mug finds herself living next to an abattoir and railway shunting yard with David, a fellow art student. Dramatic events follow on from the evening they first meet at a party where David is attempting to commit a very public suicide. Whether you were around in that decade or not, you’re bound to enjoy this nostalgic slice of the Seventies.
This loosely autobiographical book, published in 2015, can be read without having to read the other two books in the trilogy, The Lying Scotsman and Straws. The same applies to these other two standalone books in the series. The Mug Trilogy is available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle editions, as are my other five books in various genres. Two of my books are also available as audiobooks on Audible, Amazon and iTunes. All eight Kindle versions are only £2.25 each or equivalent currency on Amazon and I keep the paperback prices as low as possible. My eight Kindles are all FREE to Kindle Unlimited subscribers.
http://amzn.to/28ZLVft for the UK Kindle edition.
http://amzn.to/297MAdY for the USA Kindle edition.
http://amzn.to/29osS0l for the UK paperback edition.
http://amzn.to/297Mdjm for the USA paperback edition.
To sum up
The Kindle editions of my one non-fiction and seven fiction books in various genres are currently £2.25 or equivalent currencies on Amazon. Kindle editions of my books are free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers. I regularly advertise free Kindle offers for each of my books, plus run Goodreads Giveaways of paperback editions. My eight books are available worldwide on Amazon in paperback at reasonable prices. Her demonic Angel and The Hostile also have audiobook versions on Audible, Amazon and iTunes. I’m currently writing the sequel to The Hostile and bursting with ideas for future books. Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on my publications. Here’s the link to my Amazon author page: http://amzn.to/2b96qaj
To find out more about me and my books or if you fancy reading my blog, reviews and book excerpts, here’s my website’s link: http://joymutter.com.
The Kindle edition of Her demonic Angel and other short stories is FREE today on Amazon
1st October 2016
Published in 2016, Her demonic Angel is my baker’s dozen of short stories. As I wrote them in a variety of genres, there should be something for everyone. Some tales are stranger than others, but all are different shades of dark. Despite its slightly suggestive title, Her demonic Angel is not erotica. To whet your appetite, here are the titles of some of my short stories: ‘The boy they called Dragon’ ‘The day nobody gave a damn’ ‘An email from Jane’ ‘Stuff’ ‘Getting rid of the enemy’ ‘Skin’ ‘Too beautiful’ ‘Philately will get you nowhere’ ‘Mirror, mirror’ and ‘In memoriam.’
Her demonic Angel is available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle editions and is also on Audible, Amazon and iTunes as an audiobook. Another of my eight books, The Hostile, is also available as an audiobook on the same sites.
http://amzn.to/295kGjn for the U.K. Kindle edition.
http://amzn.to/29dSEpd for the U.S.A. Kindle edition.
http://amzn.to/295uZbl for the U.K. paperback edition.
http://amzn.to/29ii97E for the U.S.A. paperback edition.
All Kindle editions of my eight books are only £2.25 or equivalent currencies on Amazon and FREE to Kindle Unlimited subscribers. The paperback editions of all of my books on Amazon are also reasonably priced. The paperback edition of Her demonic Angel is only £4.75 or equivalent currencies.
Limbering up
I’m doing my usual limbering up exercises for tomorrow’s one day free Kindle promotion on Amazon of Living with Postcards. It is my only non-fiction book and a true labour of love. With eight books all published within a year of each other, I have many free Kindle promotions to organise. I’m entitled to five every three months for each book. I made this dinky little banner to celebrate. Now to make banners for all of my other books. I loved the surprise banner author Colin Garrow kindly made for my paranormal thriller The Hostile, and the also the eye-catching ones he produces for all of his books, so I thought I’d also make some. Right, back to the star jumps and push-ups. Here is the link to the Kindle of Living with Postcards on Amazon, ready for tomorrow when you will naturally be downloading the free Kindle, unless you already have the Kindle or paperback version http://amzn.to/29d6k5T
A fun lunch at the library with fellow author, Helen Durrant
After we were both justifiably told off for talking by a lady at a writing group meeting last week, author Helen Durrant and I decided to meet up for lunch so we could catch up properly. I should really call her Helen H Durrant, but I usually leave out the H. Helen is a traditionally published author with seven crime novels under her belt. She wrote the Calladine and Bayliss series of crime novels. I recently finished reading the second of her DI Greco books, Dark Houses and thoroughly enjoyed the ride. Helen hasn’t always been traditionally published. She started off as an indie author like me before being signed to Joffe Books.
Helen’s lived in the Oldham area for far longer than I have, yet I still classify myself as an Oldham author, despite having lived in Jersey for eighteen years and over thirty years in Kent. I’m proudly claiming my Oldham author rights, because I wrote and published all eight books since selling my home in Kent and moving to Oldham in 2012 after my back permanently gave out. In 2012, probably high on pain-killing drugs, I spontaneously opted to sell my house in Kent and buy a cheaper one in Oldham in order to write. I did this rather than claim disability benefits, which I’d have been perfectly entitled to claim. The jury is still out over whether this was a wise decision or not. It all hangs on whether I can survive or not as a writer with no other income or anybody else to rely on. It’s not looking good, ha! Whatever happens, I’m enjoying the indie author experience, despite never having worked so hard in my life.
Helen and I met yesterday inside the spacious cafe inside Oldham Library where we ate a simple lunch and talked mostly about anything related to books. She ordered her usual soup but I panicked and randomly ordered Welsh rarebit. There was much to talk about, as we’d not met for over six months. I don’t tend to talk to many people face to face as I’m so involved with my books, so chatting to Helen was a tonic. We could have chatted much longer, but hopefully we’ll meet for lunch again in the near future.
Helen and I are actually scheduled to meet again on 5th November back at Oldham Library, but this time it won’t be for a fun lunch. Helen Durrant, Carol Talbot, possibly another female local author and I, are all giving a talk at Oldham library at 11 a.m. about our books and our lives as authors. This’ll be my first shot at formal public speaking, but I usually have no problem telling taxi drivers, shop assistants, Tesco delivery drivers etc about my books. I’m planning to wing it, which could be dangerous. I might say something unintentionally controversial, because I’m prone to putting my foot in it. I’m too honest for my own good, which you’ll know if you’ve ever read my autobiographical Mug Trilogy.
My daughter, Zoe, will be travelling hundreds of miles from her home in Croydon to my house in Oldham to help carry the books I’ve designated for the book signing afterwards. I suffer from a permanent slipped disc, so carrying anything heavy, like a box of paperbacks, would prove problematic. My birthday is two days before the library event, so Zoe was planning to visit me anyway around this time, so I don’t feel too guilty. The photo is of Zoe, her husband Chris, my magnolia tree and me. Sorry for cropping off half of your head, Chris.
I’ve a feeling there mightn’t be many people showing up to listen to the four of us on a Saturday morning in Oldham, especially as it’s Bonfire night that evening, but I could be wrong. Hopefully the woman who scolded Helen and me won’t be in the audience. I’d probably succumb to a fit of the giggles if I saw her sitting glaring at me. Above all, I must try my best not to embarrass my daughter when I stand up to speak, but it’s pretty much guaranteed.
The Kindle edition of my 2015 novel, Potholes and Magic Carpets, is FREE on Amazon today, 26th September.
The main action in Potholes and Magic Carpets takes place in rural Kent and London. My contemporary, character-driven novel looks at the dramatic incidents, challenges and temptations in the lives of four couples of varying ages, professions and sexual persuasions, all linked by either blood or friendship. The negative, selfish, sometimes violent natures of several characters in Potholes and Magic Carpets wreak havoc on the innocent. A tale of not so simple folk.
The Kindle edition on Amazon.co.uk: http://amzn.to/29gA3bE
The Kindle edition on Amazon.com: http://amzn.to/29Bawbi
The paperback edition on Amazon.co.uk: http://amzn.to/299FSV3
The paperback edition on Amazon.com: http://amzn.to/29dnSxj
The Kindle editions of my one non-fiction and seven fiction books in various genres are currently £2.25 or the equivalent currency on Amazon. Kindle editions of my books are free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers. All my books are available in paperback at reasonable prices. Her demonic Angel and The Hostile also have audiobook versions on Audible, Amazon and iTunes.
Thank goodness for Goodreads readers
I’m really pleased with the response from readers on Goodreads to my books. I’ve received 31 ratings and 21 written reviews spread over my 8 books. My overall score is 4.48% out of 5, which is extremely encouraging. Random Bullets is continuing to receive only 5 star reviews and ratings on Goodreads and Amazon. I’m sure the day will come when it receives less than a 5 star, but I can’t complain about the response so far. To have lasted for the 10 months since it was published with nothing lower than a 5 star rating underlines its worth. One day, one or two people might actually buy Random Bullets and my other books, not just read the free downloads and my Goodreads Giveaways. That would be perfect. http://amzn.to/2ahXcc4
The Kindle edition of my 2016 paranormal thriller, THE HOSTILE, is FREE on Amazon today, 22nd September.
In a rundown area of Manchester, inside a bathroom in a small terraced house overflowing with children and dysfunctional parents, an unfathomable, powerful entity befriends young Serena with disastrous effect. The enigmatic force not only dramatically affects introverted Serena’s life, but threatens the well-being of everyone she knows, especially those people who for some reason have earned the strange girl’s displeasure. It soon becomes clear that nobody should ever upset Serena if they know what’s good for them. After reading The Hostile, you’ll never look at D.I.Y. in the same way again.
The Hostile is an offbeat contemporary paranormal thriller. I am currently writing its sequel. I’d love to hear what you think of The Hostile and my other seven books. All Kindle editions of my eight books are £2.25 or equivalent currencies on Amazon and are free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers. The paperback versions certainly won’t break the bank either.
The Kindle edition of The Hostile on Amazon.co.uk is at: http://amzn.to/22hiRFD
The Kindle edition of The Hostile on Amazon.com is at: http://amzn.to/29dk5Qw
The paperback edition of The Hostile on Amazon.co.uk is at: http://amzn.to/29dkOkS
The paperback edition of The Hostile on Amazon.com is at: http://amzn.to/299CVUw
The Hostile is also available as an audiobook on iTunes, Amazon and Audible.
I’ve redesigned my book promotion postcards
I redesigned my book promotion postcards the other day. 1000 have just been delivered and they’re not too bad, even though I say so myself. It’s often easier to hand out a postcard when people ask what I do. They were delivered just in time, because today I discovered a new place to meet other writers. There’s a meeting in a pub not too far from me tomorrow night. I’ll be able to dish out a few of these bad boys.
An interesting phone call
I’m still smiling following a longer than expected phone call with a stranger, now almost a friend, called Alex. He answered my call to a private pension company. I won’t bore you with all of the tedious pension side of the conversation. Partway through, I casually mentioned that I’m an author.
‘I thought your name was familiar,’ said Alex. ‘I think my girlfriend has a book of yours on our bookshelf.’
‘Are you sure?’ I replied, stunned and unable to believe this could be possible, because I’m a virtually unknown author. ‘Which book is it? Random Bullets? The Hostile? Her demonic Angel? Potholes and Magic Carpets?’
‘Yes, that’s the one, Potholes and Magic Carpets. The cover has a glass jar with two paintbrushes in water, yes?’
Flabbergasted, I replied in a fit of giggles, ‘It certainly has. How wonderful.’
I was conscious the charming young man might be sacked by the pension company for spending too long on a call, but Alex seemed unconcerned. Times must have changed since I worked in a call centre for five years after giving up my long graphic design career. We were under the cosh from the second we shoved on the headset each day.
‘My girlfriend and I are always on the lookout for unusual books to read,’ he said.
‘In that case, you might be interested in today’s free kindle offer for my book, Random Bullets. It’s a paranormal crime thriller and is dear to my heart. I reckon it’s my best book and readers seem to agree, judging by the ratings,’ I said, always primed to promote, given half a chance.
‘We’re not really keen on kindles. Much prefer paperbacks, so I’ll definitely buy the paperback version of Random Bullets,‘ he said.
Warming to my subject, I said, ‘If you enjoy reading extremely strange books, then you should try my paranormal thriller, The Hostile. One reader said it was the strangest book he’s ever read. I won’t tell you much about it, as it’ll spoil the surprise.’
‘Sounds fascinating. I’ll investigate The Hostile tonight,’ said Alex.
We carried on talking about books for a while, then rounded up the call with more boring pension chat. I haven’t stopped smiling since putting down the phone. Young Alex deserves a promotion for making an old author extremely happy. What were the chances that the girlfriend of the man answering the pension company phone would have bought one of my paperbacks? Damn! I forgot to tell him that The Hostile is also available as an audiobook.
The Kindle edition of my paranormal crime thriller RANDOM BULLETS is FREE on Amazon today, 14th September, for just one day
After shooting and killing his nephew, a gunman runs amok in a London park. What drives Edward to commit such atrocities? Who will survive yet another of his moments of madness? Set in Jersey, Cornwall, London and Manchester, Random Bullets is a contemporary crime thriller with a paranormal twist.
Like Edward, I was disinherited by a crazy parent for no reason, so you might understand why I feel a degree of sympathy for his plight. I was interviewed in February 2016 by two BBC Radio 4 producers as part of their Analysis programme on the subject of Inheritance. They’d heard that my book, Random Bullets, deals with the subject of disinheritance and its aftermath.
Published in November 2015, Random Bullets is available on Amazon in both paperback and Kindle editions. An audiobook edition of this favourite book of mine is in production. Audiobook versions of two of my other books are already available on Audible, Amazon and iTunes.
“Action-packed, thought-provoking, a real ride. I couldn’t put it down,” “crime with a twist,” “An insightful look behind the many faces we wear, and how burning resentments can take you into madness and murder,” “Kinetic … really zips along at a pace, I was really drawn in,” these are just a few of the reader reviews that Random Bullets has received. All the ratings for Random Bullets have been 5-star so far. Your review would also be much appreciated. I’d love to hear what you think of Random Bullets, a book that means so much to me.
http://amzn.to/1R5OpGw for the UK Kindle edition
http://amzn.to/29eOAnl for the USA Kindle edition
http://amzn.to/1Y2NmyC for the UK paperback edition
http://amzn.to/2906R56 for the USA paperback edition
All Kindle editions of my eight books in different genres are only £2.25 or equivalent currencies on Amazon unless on promotion. All my books are FREE to Kindle Unlimited subscribers. The eight paperback editions of all of my books on Amazon are also reasonably priced. The paperback edition of Random Bullets is only £5.95. Please feel free to read a sample of RANDOM BULLETS here http://amzn.to/2btTrAC.
Tough crowd
They’re a tough crowd on Audible, so I am chuffed to so far gained 8 ratings and reviews for The Hostile on there with an average of 4 stars out of 5. I’m especially pleased because I narrated my paranormal thriller myself. Paying for narrators for my audiobooks is not an option due to financial constraints. Some listeners are prejudiced against authors narrating their own books, especially if those listeners are voice-over artists. This is why I’m amazed to have scored as high as a 4 average.
The Hostile is the second audiobook of mine that I’ve narrated. First came Her demonic Angel, my collection of short stories written in various genres. Random Bullets audiobook is currently in production. Random Bullets is a paranormal crime thriller and also my favourite, most successful book thus far. I’m about to start working on the audiobook of my novel, Potholes and Magic Carpets.
Narrating, sound-editing and publishing audiobooks on Audible, Amazon and iTunes is labour intensive, so I don’t undertake it lightly. I hope you think my efforts were worth it.
The Kindle edition of A Slice of the Seventies will be FREE on Amazon on Friday 9th September for just one day.
A Slice of the Seventies is the first book in the Mug Trilogy. The Kindle edition was published on Amazon in July 2015 and the paperback version in November 2015. It tells the story of Jersey-born Mug, a troubled girl from a recently broken home. It covers her experiences as a teenager at the Isle of Wight Music Festival in 1970, the same year she follows a guru. The book tracks her tumultuous four years as an art student in Coventry, where vegetarian Mug finds herself living next to an abattoir and railway shunting yard with David, a fellow art student. Dramatic events follow on from the evening they first meet at a party where David is attempting to commit a very public suicide. Whether you were around in that decade or not, you’re bound to enjoy this nostalgic Slice of the Seventies.
This loosely autobiographical book can be read without having to read the other two books in the trilogy, The Lying Scotsman and Straws. The same applies to these other two standalone books in the series. The Mug Trilogy is available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle editions, as are my other five books in various genres. Two of my books are also available as audiobooks on Audible, Amazon and iTunes. All eight Kindle versions are only £2.25 each or equivalent currency on Amazon and I keep the paperback prices as low as possible. My eight Kindles are all permanently FREE to Kindle Unlimited subscribers.
http://amzn.to/28ZLVft for the UK Kindle edition.
http://amzn.to/297MAdY for the USA Kindle edition.
http://amzn.to/29osS0l for the UK paperback edition.
http://amzn.to/297Mdjm for the USA paperback edition.
Another day of spooky synchronicity
Is the universe trying to tell me something? Today I hit 300 Facebook followers for my Joy Mutter’s Books Facebook page and I am one follower short of 3,000 Twitter followers. I’m sure I’ll hit 3,000 by the end of today. This would not be odd if it weren’t for the fact that a few months ago, I hit 200 Facebook followers and 2,000 Twitter followers also on the same day. Spooky!
Here is the link to my Joy Mutter’s Books Facebook page in case anyone feels the urge to like it. https://www.facebook.com/JoyMutterAuthor/
As happened a few months ago, to celebrate these landmarks, I’m sending a paperback of their choice to author Suzy Henderson who is my 300th Facebook follower. Delighted she chose a paperback of Random Bullets, my personal favourite. I’m also delighted she lives in the UK; it cost me more in postage to America than the book cost me when I sent a paperback to the American winner of my 200 Facebook likes event.
I also offered a free paperback of their choice to my 3,000th Twitter follower. Still waiting to hear back from them. They might have unfollowed me in horror ha!
Update: I heard back from them. They live in Zimbabwe. As it would work out too expensive to send them a free paperback, I offered to send them a free ePub edition of any of my books.
In other news, here is the link to a new feature post about Random Bullets on Awesome Book Promotions site http://awesomebookpromotion.com/random-bullets-by-joy-mutter/
The Kindle edition of POTHOLES AND MAGIC CARPETS is FREE on Amazon today, 4th September
The main action in Potholes and Magic Carpets takes place in rural Kent and London. This contemporary novel looks at the dramatic incidents, challenges and temptations in the lives of four couples of varying ages, professions and sexual persuasions, all linked by either blood or friendship. The negative, selfish, sometimes violent natures of some of the characters in Potholes and Magic Carpets wreak havoc on the innocent. A tale of not so simple folk.
The Kindle edition on Amazon.co.uk: http://amzn.to/29gA3bE
The Kindle edition on Amazon.com: http://amzn.to/29Bawbi
The paperback edition on Amazon.co.uk: http://amzn.to/299FSV3
The paperback edition on Amazon.com: http://amzn.to/29dnSxj
The Kindle editions of all seven of my fiction books are currently £0.99 or the equivalent currency on Amazon but will all be £2.99 from 5th September onwards. Kindle editions of my books are free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers. All eight books are available in paperback at reasonable prices. Two of my other books, Her demonic Angel and The Hostile, have audiobook versions on Audible, Amazon and iTunes. Please feel free to sneak a peek at Potholes and Magic Carpets here http://amzn.to/2bHkrQI
£0.99 Kindle promotion will end on 5th September
My £0.99 Kindle promotion ends on 5th September, then all Kindle editions of my eight books on Amazon will cost £2.99 or the equivalent currencies. All of my Kindles remain free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers.
Each book is also available in paperback on Amazon. The Hostile and Her demonic Angel are also available as audiobooks on Audible, Amazon and iTunes.
I’ve joined The Alliance of Independent Authors
I recently became a fully paid-up member of The Alliance of Independent Authors. As I’m an extremely independent author, who has written, designed and published eight books single-handed, it seemed an appropriate organisation to join. Time will tell if I did the right thing as it wasn’t cheap to join and I’m not made of money. Several authors whose opinions I value have already joined, so I will blame them if I find no benefits from joining.
My reviews of other authors’ books
Although my life is crammed with writing, designing, publishing and marketing my own books, I think I should try to review other books after I’ve read them. If I can’t be bothered to write a review after reading a book, why should I expect other people to find the time to write reviews of my own books?
I’d already written a review a couple of months ago of Owen Mullen’s book, Old Friends and New Enemies, and today I wrote a review of Pete Adam’s book, A Barrow Boy’s Cadenza. I thought it was worth creating a new page on this website to house my reviews of other authors’ books. You can read what I think of these two books on my new page. I already have a page for reviews of my own books, so it seems only fair. I’ve read several hundreds of books in my long life, but as it takes a while to write a decent review, I think it wiser for me to only write reviews of books as and when I read them, not write retrospective ones.
A lovely present from another author
My Facebook author page is worth a mention. If you happen to be passing, take a look. If you’re feeling generous, please feel free to click the ‘like’ button.
https://www.facebook.com/JoyMutterAuthor/
Living with Postcards is FREE today on Amazon
The Kindle edition of LIVING WITH POSTCARDS is FREE on Amazon today, 28th August. A paperback version is also available.
Living with Postcards is a colour-illustrated non-fiction book that describes my close relationship with old postcards, mostly pre-1924. I’ve collected them since the 1970s and now own over 2,000 of these charming, quirky historic items. A beautiful present from the past.
I started enthusiastically collecting postcards whilst writing my main thesis on Fantasy in Postcards at Art College whilst studying for my graphic design degree. My thesis won me a first with distinction, whereas my graphic art annoyingly gained me only a 2:2. My art history tutor suggested I lecture on the subject of fantasy in postcards. As I was only twenty-one at the time, I didn’t feel ready to become a lecturer and declined his kind offer. I decided to write this book instead. All of the cards in Living with Postcards are from my own large collection.
http://amzn.to/29d6k5T for the UK Kindle edition
http://amzn.to/29gEV0B for the USA Kindle edition
http://amzn.to/22qrcH1 for the UK paperback edition
http://amzn.to/299Jg2c for the USA paperback edition
All kindle editions of my seven fiction books are currently £0.99 or the equivalent currency on Amazon and free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers. Please feel free to sneak a peek at the Kindle edition of Living with Postcards here http://amzn.to/2bCIbmY
FREE today!
The Kindle edition of my contemporary 2016 paranormal thriller THE HOSTILE is FREE on Amazon today, 20th August.
In a rundown area of Manchester, inside a bathroom in a small terraced house overflowing with children and dysfunctional parents, an unfathomable, powerful entity befriends young Serena with disastrous effect. The enigmatic force not only dramatically affects introverted Serena’s life, but threatens the well-being of everyone she knows, especially those people who for some reason have earned the strange girl’s displeasure. It soon becomes clear that nobody should ever upset Serena if they know what’s good for them. After reading The Hostile, you’ll never look at D.I.Y. in the same way again.
I am currently writing the gripping sequel to The Hostile. I’d love to hear what you think of it and my other seven books. All Kindle editions of my eight books are only £0.99 or its equivalent currency on Amazon and are free to Kindle Unlimited subscribers. The paperback versions certainly won’t break the bank either. I keep my prices low to encourage people to read my work. Just because the Kindles and paperbacks are low in price doesn’t mean they are poor quality. My reviews and ratings show the true worth of my books.
The Kindle edition of The Hostile on Amazon.co.uk is at:http://amzn.to/22hiRFD
The Kindle edition of The Hostile on Amazon.com is at:http://amzn.to/29dk5Qw
The paperback edition of The Hostile on Amazon.co.uk is at:http://amzn.to/29dkOkS
The paperback edition of The Hostile on Amazon.com is at:http://amzn.to/299CVUw
Also available as an audiobook on iTunes, Amazon and Audible.
Please feel free to read a sample of The Hostile here: http://amzn.to/2blBo12
Sticking with the Olympics theme …
Random Bullets is my current Gold medal holder in the fiction event. The Silver medal goes to The Hostile, closely followed by Bronze medalist Potholes and Magic Carpets. In the non-fiction event, my Living with Postcards book is undisputed Gold medalist because it is my only non-fiction book.Happy First Birthday to the Mug Trilogy.
23rd July 2016
A day after publishing Potholes and Magic Carpets on 22nd July 2015, I published on Amazon the Kindle editions of A Slice of the Seventies, The Lying Scotsman and Straws. They were two of the most exciting days of my life. In November, I published the paperback editions of these books. Four other books followed over the next twelve months, published in paperback, Kindle and some also in audiobook editions.
Coincidentally, this morning I received a lovely message from a reader who has just finished reading A Slice of the Seventies. She said ‘I couldn’t put it down. Great stuff’. What a wonderfully encouraging message to wake up to.
Happy 1st birthday to Potholes and Magic Carpets
22nd July 2016
Happy first birthday to Potholes and Magic Carpets. It is the first book that I ever published on Amazon. It was swiftly followed over the next day or so by the Mug Trilogy, comprising A Slice of the Seventies, The Lying Scotsman and Straws. All four books had been written over the previous few years. As I realised that I was not getting any younger, I decided to self-publish rather than waste time looking for an agent and publisher. I took control of my own destiny and became a full-time indie author. I am relieved and proud to report that I never paid for anyone’s services throughout the whole publishing process, even if I could have afforded to pay anyone.
All of my books started off as Kindles. I never thought I’d manage to teach myself how to publish them all in paperback, but the paperback editions followed the Kindles on Amazon a few months later. My twenty years as a graphic designer helped me to design them. Over the past few months, I have also made audiobook versions of Her demonic Angel and The Hostile.
The past year has been a concentrated whirlwind of writing, editing, designing, publishing, redesigning covers, republishing and marketing each of my eight books. It’s been an enjoyable juggling act. It shocks me to think that it has only been 365 days since my first book was born. So much has happened in that time. Thank you so much to everyone who has encouraged me and given much needed moral support as I struggle on. It has been a successful year, but not financially. It has been a fulfilling twelve months in so many other rewarding ways that have nothing to do with money.
As it has been a year since I first became a self-employed author, I will take this opportunity to recap on how I became a published writer, for those who do not know. Many people are probably unaware of what led to my present unusual circumstances. As a single working woman in her late fifties, I developed a chronic back condition in 2011. I had developed a permanently slipped disc that specialists say cannot be cured. They told me it would be too dangerous to operate on my spine. I was medically discharged from my job. I did not want to claim disability benefit as I have never claimed benefits. I wanted to see if I could survive unaided. I hasten to add that I have nothing against anyone who does claim benefits. If my books fail to find readers, maybe I will have to claim disability benefit in years to come. I just wanted to see if I could survive unaided.
Instead of claiming disability benefit, I decided to sell my small house in Kent in 2012 to move north, where I knew nobody. I now fund my writing solely from the difference between the cost of my old house and my new house in Oldham. I believe I have the talent and certainly have the determination. I just need a lucky break, just as every unknown author needs. If I fail, it certainly won’t be due to lack of trying. Whatever the future holds, I will never give up writing, designing, publishing and marketing my books all day and every day. Writing is in my blood.
More exciting developments
I received two exciting pieces of news this morning. I had emailed Suzanne at Oldham main Library a few weeks ago to ask if the library might be interested in including any of my eight books on their shelves. As I had not heard back, I assumed that she would not be interested. However, Suzanne has just emailed me to say that she had been extremely busy but would indeed like me to send her copies of my books for her to assess. I immediately organised for Amazon to deliver six of my books to her in the next day or so. I’ll be keeping my fingers crossed that one, some or all will be deemed acceptable. I am glad that I recently redesigned all of my books and republished them with new covers. They now stand a much better chance of being accepted.
In her email, Suzanne also invited me to be one of the guest speakers at BBC #LovetoRead Weekend on 5th November 2016 at Oldham Main Library. I will be asked to give a talk about my writing career and my books, plus answer questions from the audience. She told me that I can also sell my books at the event. I look forward to hearing which other authors will be speaking at this local event. Hopefully, I will already know some of them.
I doubt that book nine, the sequel to The Hostile, will be published by November, but you never know. I have so far written 15,000 words of the current book and it is progressing very well. It is unimportant whether it is published by then because I have more than enough books to bring along. As my books are printed on demand, I hope I will be given a rough indication of how many will be attending. As well as bringing enough copies of my books to sell at the library, I will definitely be bringing a bundle of my promotion postcards to hand out. Maybe I can have a box of my books delivered to the library beforehand. That would make sense as I live alone, cannot drive and have a chronic back condition. Lugging boxes of books to the library is not really an option.
These two pieces of news from Suzanne have certainly made my week. I have also been encouraged by the number of listeners, mostly from America, who have recently been requesting promo codes from me through Audiobook Boom for my two audiobooks, Her demonic Angel and The Hostile. I await their reviews on Audible with bated breath.
In shock
I’m in shock. I’ve just received a message on Facebook from Tobias Van De Peer, someone I have not met for over ten years. He told me that he has recorded himself narrating the first chapter of my thriller, Random Bullets, on SoundCloud. He is a talented musician, actor, voice artiste and all-round performer, so I am amazed but thrilled that he took the time to record a chapter of my book. He had mentioned that he would like to narrate it, but I never thought that he actually would. By the way, the Kindle edition of Random Bullets is free on Amazon 18th and 19th July.
I think he has done a fantastic job. What do you think? I know that he had enjoyed reading the book and had rated it 5 star, but I am delighted he likes it enough to narrate it too! Here is the link to the SoundCloud file of Toby narrating Chapter One of my Random Bullets that he has just sent over to me on Facebook. https://soundcloud.com/tobiasvandepeer/random-bullets-chapter-one I asked him if I could share this on Facebook and he kindly agreed.
Thank you, Toby, for taking the time to do such a wonderful job of narrating the first chapter of Random Bullets. I reckon that you narrate my books better than I do, ha! I’m looking forward to hearing you narrate the rest of my book.
I ventured into Audiobook Boom territory yesterday
I decided to try to market my two audiobooks more effectively and so I placed Her demonic Angel into this Tuesday’s Audiobook Boom’s newsletter postings. I have already received about ten requests for gifted promotional codes from listeners, mostly in USA. Audiobook Boom require these people to post reviews for these promo codes. There have been a few requests from people who have not posted reviews as yet, so I won’t be posting any of my precious Audible promo codes to them just yet, I might later if I have any codes left over. I await the legit reviewers responses to my audiobooks with bated breath. I have entered The Hostile into next week’s Audiobook Boom. I am hoping that all of my extreme effort to narrate both books will prove to have been worth it.
What a surprise!
11th July 2016
I was thrilled to discover late last night whilst browsing Facebook that my only non-fiction book, Living with Postcards, has been featured in an advert by Jersey-based Victoria Art and Framing Company. I must pop in and buy one of their snazzy mini easels next time I visit Jersey, where I was born.
Here is the link to the paperback edition of Living with Postcards: http://amzn.to/29sp0sR
I’ve entered The Hostile into a Goodreads Giveaway
10th July 2016
Although Goodreads has used my old cover for my promotional giveaway of The Hostile, I’ll forgive them. I have been entering paperbacks of all eight of my books into Goodreads Giveaways for the past few months. Hopefully my efforts will generate a few more reviews. This Giveaway is open to readers in the UK. I will send a paperback edition of The Hostile to each of the three winners. The draw takes place on 3rd August. If you are entering the draw, good luck!
In a rundown area of Manchester, inside a bathroom in a small, terraced house overflowing with children and dysfunctional parents, an unfathomable, powerful entity infiltrates twelve-year-old Serena’s life with disastrous effects. The enigmatic force not only dramatically affects introverted Serena’s life, but threatens the well-being of everyone she knows, especially those people who for some reason have earned the strange girl’s displeasure. It soon becomes clear that nobody should ever upset Serena if they know what is good for them.
After reading The Hostile, you will never look at DIY in the same way again.
The Hostile is a contemporary thriller with a heavy sprinkling of fantasy. It is in a similar vein to my previous thriller, Random Bullets, but with more emphasis on fantasy than in my earlier book.
The Hostile is available in paperback and Kindle editions on Amazon and is also available on Audible, Amazon and iTunes as an audiobook, narrated by the author.
I have finally finished redesigning the covers of all eight of my books and they are now live on Amazon
9th July 2016
Over the past couple of weeks, I have managed to redesign, update and republish all eight of my book covers in both paperback and Kindle editions. I also updated the end matter of each book to reflect the new books that I have written and published over this year. It has been an enjoyable but mentally draining exercise. I hope that you all think that it was well worth the enormous amount of concentrated effort.
I have certainly thought since the beginning of my writing career that each book deserved better covers than I had first designed. I was far too busy writing the current book to spend much time on the way the covers of my first books looked. I did my best within the constraints of Createspace, but I recently found a way to create the artwork myself and then drop it into the Createspace templates. I am mightily relieved to have achieved that task. As an ex-graphic designer with twenty years of graphic design experience, I always knew that my original book covers were lacking. I knew that I would have to revisit these original book covers, most of them designed a year ago, and revamp them. The old covers did not do me or the interiors of my books justice. Remaining true to my indie roots and philosophy, I did not pay a penny to achieve these results.
Here is the link to my Amazon author’s page where you can buy all of my books in paperback, Kindle and some in audiobook editions too http://amzn.to/29vbqql
New covers for all of my books
7th July 2016
I think that my new cover for Straws, the third book in The Mug Trilogy, is an improvement on the previous cover. http://amzn.to/29k847A.
I received printed paperback editions of Random Bullets and Her demonic Angel this morning. I am so glad that I redesigned them.
I have made an executive decision and all of my books will have new covers within a week or so, even Living with Postcards and The Hostile. I have so far redesigned and republished paperback and Kindle editions of six of my eight books.
I wish that all of my newly designed covers for the Kindle editions of my books would hurry up and reveal themselves on Amazon. I have been uploading them over the past few days and they are showing as ‘live’, yet the old covers are still frustratingly displayed on Amazon. Hopefully they will change to the new ones at some point.
Once all of my books have new covers and are showing on Amazon, I can return to writing the The Hostile’s sequel. I have finished writing chapter four, so it is progressing well. I already have ideas for the cover.
The Kindle edition of A Slice of the Seventies will be FREE on Amazon from 4th-7th July
The Kindle edition of A Slice of the Seventies will be FREE on Amazon from tomorrow, 4th July until 7th July.
A Slice of the Seventies is the first book in The Mug Trilogy and the second book by me. Published on Amazon in July 2015, it tells the story of Jersey-born Mug, a rape victim from a recently broken home. It covers her experiences as a sixteen-year-old girl at the Isle of Wight Music Festival in 1970, the same year that she follows a guru. It tracks her tumultuous four years as an art student in Coventry, where vegetarian Mug finds herself living next to an abattoir and railway shunting yard with David, a fellow art student. Dramatic events follow on from the evening they first meet, when Mug saves David from a very public suicide attempt.
This loosely autobiographical book can be read without having to read the other two books in the trilogy, The Lying Scotsman and Straws. The same applies to these other two books in the series. They are available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle editions, as are all eight of my books.
http://amzn.to/28ZLVft for the UK Kindle edition.
http://amzn.to/297MAdY for the USA Kindle edition.
http://amzn.to/29osS0l for the UK paperback edition.
http://amzn.to/297Mdjm for the USA paperback edition.
I’m reviewing the situation
3rd July 2016
A wonderful book blogger called Alison Daughtrey-Drew has just sent me this image on Twitter. I had just tweeted that I am patiently waiting for honest reviews and ratings from the readers of all the Goodreads Giveaways and free kindle offers I have been involved with for almost a year.
I couldn’t agree with the image’s sentiment more. I feel rather guilty about all of the books that I have read in the past without bothering to write a review. Until becoming an author myself, I never realised how important book reviews and ratings are, especially in the case of unknown authors who are trying to gain a readership in an overcrowded market. Not many readers are going to buy a book with a string of 1-star ratings and derogatory written reviews, unless they are family members or best friends of the author.
I officially became a self-employed author on 22nd July 2015 when I sold my first book on Amazon. From that day on, my fingers have stayed firmly crossed whilst I hope and pray for decent book reviews on Amazon and Goodreads of my published books. This makes it tricky typing book nine, a sequel to The Hostile.
Reviews can help to shape, make or break a writer’s future. I have also learned from experience that reviews, book or otherwise, can be used by some people as weapons, but that’s another story.
Back to the writing
27th June 2016
After immersing myself in creating the audiobook of The Hostile and doing more marketing of all of my books than was worthwhile, I have been recommitting my time to writing the sequel to The Hostile. I am not sure what the title will be but there’s plenty of time to dream one up. I completed a chapter a day and was about to begin chapter four of the sequel when I received a private message on Facebook from an exciting author of gritty crime thrillers, called Owen Mullen. He saved my bacon by telling me that I was promoting the free Kindle edition of Th e Hostile today, when Random Bullets Kindle is showing on Amazon as being free. I jumped into action and deleted all of the adverts I had placed for The Hostile and have just finished replacing them with ones for Random Bullets. It is now 17.30 and so I think I will delay writing chapter four until tomorrow.
To cheer myself and everyone else up, here is a little billboard I had knocked up for my non-fiction book, Living with Postcards. Hopefully it’ll generate a few more sales.
FREE Kindle edition of Her demonic Angel
23rd June 2016
The Kindle edition of Her demonic Angel is FREE on Amazon on 23rd and 24th June.A slight but exciting delay
20th June
Well, my plans to steam ahead with writing the sequel to The Hostile were somewhat delayed today after the delayed arrival of 25 free promo codes for The Hostile audiobook that I wrote and narrated. I have just downloaded my free copy of The Hostile audiobook, even though I wrote and narrated it. When I made my first audiobook, Her demonic Angel, I was so keen to download it that I actually bought it from iTunes for £7.95 as I did not know that I would be receiving free promo codes from ACX that I could have used instead of hard-earned money. I was more patient this time and waited for the free codes for audiobook number two and now have The Hostile audiobook proudly sitting on my iPhone inside my Audible app. I also have asked for some promo codes for Audible.com as well as the Audible.co.uk ones that arrived by email from ACX, so that I can distribute them to relevant Americans as well as to some British listeners.
Here is the link to The Hostile audiobook on Audible.co.uk http://adbl.co/28It6kz
At last, it’s time for me to make a start on The Hostile’s sequel
Freebie alert!
The Kindle edition of my 2015 thriller, Random Bullets, is FREE on Amazon today, 18th June.A doubly momentous day
16th June 2016
June 10th 2016 was not only the day that my beloved daughter, Zoe, married Chris Blyth in Ilfracombe, Devon, but it was also the day that the audiobook of The Hostile went live on Audible, Amazon and iTunes. As with my audiobook of Her demonic Angel, an iTunes copy is half the price of the Audible and Amazon copies. To be honest, I was so enchanted and involved with celebrating the spectacular wedding that I didn’t even notice that The Hostile audiobook, narrated by me, is now for sale or free download until I returned home on 13th June.
On 8th June, I flew to Exeter from Manchester, stayed a night in Exeter with my 86-year-old mother, who had flown from Jersey for her granddaughter’s wedding. We then caught a taxi (£110!) to Ilfracombe. At least we could share the cab fare. The rain luckily held off until after the outdoor ceremony overlooking sea, then it hammered down as we enjoyed a Lionel Richie themed reception. There was even a Lionel Richie cake and a Lionel Richie conga. It has been a magical, perfect six days that I will remember forever.
I am now back in Oldham, slightly shell-shocked and slowly recovering from the festivities, gradually sliding back into my normal life of writing books and trying my best to market them, whilst bracing myself to start writing book nine, a sequel to The Hostile. Oh, did I mention The Hostile audiobook went live on iTunes, Amazon and Audible last Friday?
I’m trying to suppress a huge WOOHOOOO!
6th June 2016
I’ve just received an email from #ACX telling me that my resubmission of my audiobook of my latest thriller, The Hostile, narrated by me, was successful! There were no problems with it at all.
ACX informed me that The Hostile audiobook is now heading for retail, where it will join my other audiobook of Her demonic Angel, which is already available to buy on Audible, Amazon and iTunes. I’ll let everyone know when The Hostile is up on the retail sites. I dare say ACX will give me 25 promo codes again, so 25 people can have a free copy of The Hostile. It is wonderful news to hear just before my daughter’s wedding to Chris on Friday.
A partly reluctant FREE offer
4th June 2016
At long last, I have decided to offer the Kindle edition of my only non-fiction book, Living with Postcards, FREE on Amazon tomorrow, 5th June and on 6th June. I have held off doing this for months, because I consider that Living with Postcards is better read as a paperback, although there are still full-colour illustrations of the postcards in the Kindle version. It just feels better on paper rather than on a screen. In the end, I decided that I would like more people to have the chance to read it, and not everyone is willing to shell out £11.85 for the paperback edition. I would love to know what you think of it. Here is the link to the FREE Amazon Kindle edition: http://amzn.to/24ppK7k
Another day, another of my FREE Kindle offers!
2nd June 2016
The Kindle edition of Potholes and Magic Carpets is FREE on Amazon today, 2nd June and also tomorrow. If readers prefer, it is also available to buy on Amazon in paperback.
Help! I think I am becoming addicted to giving away my books
28th May 2016
I only recently started offering free paperback editions of my books on Goodreads Giveaways. I have already completed and sent off five copies of Random Bullets to five lucky winners. I am crossing my fingers that they will be kind enough to leave me reviews and ratings, although they are in no way obliged to do so.
Tomorrow, 29th May, my giveaway of five copies of The Hostile ends. On 31st May, my giveaway of five paperback editions of Her demonic Angel ends. I will then have to organise for the ten winners to receive the relevant paperback books. I am oddly excited about this, despite soon being well over fifty pounds out of pocket ha!
Today, I set up yet another giveaway for two copies of Living with Postcards, which starts on 10th June, my daughter’s wedding day, and ends on 10th July. I am only offering two copies of Living with Postcards because each book will cost me £11.85. My other paperbacks are mostly half that price to buy to send to the winners. I have set up a Goodreads Giveaway page on this site, so I reckon that I am going to be continuing to give my books away. As if regularly giving away free Kindles of all of my books wasn’t bad enough.
Dipping a toe into Facebook advertising waters
26th May 2016
I thought that I ought to pay some attention to my non-fiction book, Living with Postcards. With a mixture of hope and desperation, I have just placed a small advert promoting my Living with Postcards Facebook page on Facebook. It will run for 7 days from today. Please let me know if any of you see it lurking in the sponsored panel down the side of your page. I’m very interested to see how effective the advert will be. My recent Facebook advert for my Joy Mutter’s Books page gained thousands of views but zero sales. The same might happen with my Living with Postcards sales. Who knows?Minor setback
19th May 2016
Well, unlike the production of Her demonic Angel audiobook which sailed through problem-free, six of the twenty chapters of The Hostile audiobook need revisiting. Fourteen chapters passed the scrutiny of ACX with flying colours, so that news was very encouraging.
I was disappointed about the problematic six chapters for about five minutes, then buckled down to start remedying the slight issues. I rerecorded chapter three entirely on the same day that ACX told me that there were one or two extraneous sounds. I am now in the process of sound editing it and will then work my way through the rest. I have also sorted out sound errors on chapter seven. Luckily, I am not up against any external deadline, so I am not in the least bit panicked by this minor setback. The Hostile audiobook will be available within the next month though, or my name’s not Joy Mutter!
I was actually somewhat encouraged that errors were discovered by ACX as it proved they were actually listening to the tracks. I had been amazed at how easily Her demonic Angel audiobook passed quality control on ACX, considering it was narrated, recorded on Audacity and sound edited by yours truly. So, undaunted, it’s back on with the headphones and off I go again.
Still giving it all away
15th May 2016
Since my last blog, I have been working towards the publication of the audiobook of The Hostile. I have only two chapters to sound edit and then I am ready to upload it to ACX. Then I will be holding my breath in the hope that there are no problems. There weren’t any issues at all when I produced the Her demonic Angel audiobook, which is now available on Amazon, Audible and iTunes.
In the past couple of days, I have dipped a toe into advertising my books on Facebook. I am hoping that it will be effective and actually produce a few sales. According to Facebook, people seem to be looking at my advert, which consists of a video of all of my books. It’s running for a week and cost only £12, so I am not expecting miracles, although for a miracle to happen would be perfect.
I ran a one day offer of a free kindle edition of The Hostile yesterday, just for the hell of it. Hopefully the readers who have taken advantage of my many free offers and promotions will leave reviews, but it is naturally not guaranteed. I very recently was delighted to discover that I had gained a couple of five star reviews for two of my books, Living with Postcards and also for The Hostile. I pasted their kind words into the Reviews page on this site.
Yesterday, I offered my next-door neighbour, Lee, the choice of a bottle of wine, money or a paperback copy of my latest book, The Hostile, for unblocking my outside drain and trimming my hedge. I hasten to add that he offered to do these jobs, I didn’t beg him. I am delighted to announce that he chose my book as payment! I laughed and told him that I’d have punched him if he had chosen the wine or the money ha! He now has two of my books, although he knocked on my front door to ask if he could buy a paperback of Living with Postcards from me at Christmas to give to his mother. Luckily I had one spare copy that I could sell him. Now that Lee has so generously unblocked my drain and cut my hedge, I wish I had given, not sold it to him.
The Kindle edition of Random Bullets Kindle is FREE tomorrow and Thursday
3rd May 2016
The Kindle edition of RANDOM BULLETS is FREE on Amazon tomorrow, May 4th and on Thursday May 5th. Just because
2nd May 2016
As it’s such a cold, wet Bank Holiday, I thought that I would try to resist continuing to work on my audiobook of The Hostile, as it’s supposed to be a holiday. Instead, I decided to throw all of my books on the floor and photograph them on my iPhone. Trying to be logical, I ranged them in order, from the first book I wrote and published, A Slice of the Seventies, to the latest, The Hostile. And why not? Before you say anything about the quality of the photograph, I am a writer not a photographer.
The Kindle edition of The Hostile is FREE today!
2nd May 2016
The Kindle edition of my new thriller, The Hostile, is FREE on Amazon today. I am glad to report that many readers have already grabbed this bargain. I will probably offer it free for a couple more days in a few weeks. I would really love to know what you think of it. Link to Kindle edition of The Hostile on Amazon
I have also just organised another two FREE Goodreads Giveaways. The first Goodreads Giveaway is five paperback editions of Her demonic Angel. It starts on 5th May and ends on 31st May. The second Goodreads Giveaway is five paperback editions of The Hostile and starts on 8th May, ending on 29th May. Goodreads will then tell me the names and addresses of the ten lucky winners of these two Giveaway draws and then it is down to me to send the winners the relevant paperbacks. I will then buy ten copies of my own books and instruct Amazon to send them to the relevant winners. These winners are under no obligation to review my books, but it would be wonderful if they decided to. Receiving book reviews are one of the only ways that my book sales will increase. I greatly appreciate each and every review that I receive. A HUGE thank you to everyone who has already taken the time and trouble to write a review of one of my books.
After much soul searching, I eventually decided to only offer these last two Goodreads Giveaways to British readers, because, as an unknown author, it is too costly for me to pay the postage to America and other parts of the world on top of paying for the paperbacks themselves. I will probably occasionally extend similar Goodreads Giveaway offers to countries other than Britain.
The weather this Bank Holiday is grim. Ideal weather to snuggle down in front of a fire and read a good book. I might even be lucky enough for you to read The Hostile. Did I mention that the Kindle edition is free on Amazon today?
My Goodreads Giveaway of 5 free paperback editions of Random Bullets ended yesterday
1st May 2016
I have just sent the five paperback copies of Random Bullets off to the five lucky winners. It was the first Goodreads Giveaway that I have ever attempted and it remains to be seen if it will affect book sales. Nearly six hundred people entered the draw, which was encouraging, and also resulted in over a hundred people adding it to their ‘to read’ list on Goodreads. This is far more than have added any of my other books to their ‘to read’ list. If you aren’t on Goodreads, you probably don’t have a clue what I am talking about, but I shall carry on regardless.
I had allowed Americans and Canadians as well as Brits to enter the draw, and naturally it was all Americans who won a copy of Random Bullets. This meant that my ploy to have free postage with my Amazon Prime membership went out of the window, as I had to not only pay Amazon for the paperback but also for the postage to America, but hopefully the extra expense will be worth it. You live and learn, well, I try to anyway, ha!
I think my next Goodreads Giveaway will be exclusively for British entrants, but I will probably relent at the last minute and include Americans and Canadians as well. Many of my most supportive online friends are American, so it’s only fair that I don’t exclude them. I’m such a giver ha! I have probably given away almost as many books as I have sold, but that’s fine by me … sort of.
I am just about to trot off to Goodreads Giveaways to give away 5 free paperback copies of Her demonic Angel, my collection of short stories. This practice of entering my books on Goodreads Giveaways might turn out to be addictive. I hope that I don’t bankrupt myself!
Memory jogger
The kindle edition of my new thriller, The Hostile, is free on Amazon today, 1st May and also tomorrow, 2nd May. Grab yourself a bargain! Link to the Kindle edition of The Hostile on Amazon
The Kindle edition of The Hostile will be FREE for two days!
30th April 2016
The Kindle edition of my new thriller, The Hostile, will be FREE on Amazon tomorrow, 1st May and on Monday, 2nd May. I would really love to know what you think of it. Link to Kindle edition of The Hostile on Amazon
If my Goodreads Giveaway of 5 paperback editions of Random Bullets goes well, then in May, I will offer five free paperback editions of The Hostile. My Random Bullets Goodreads Giveaway ends today, so I will soon be finding out if Goodreads Giveaways are worth doing. It certainly managed to generate a buzz around Random Bullets, so hopefully it will also stir up some more interest in The Hostile.
Thrilled!
It is hard to believe that it was only yesterday that The Hostile went live on Amazon and yet I am holding a printed copy this morning. I’m so thrilled with the finished result, which is an appropriate emotion, because it’s a thriller.
Link to the Kindle edition of The Hostile on Amazon
Link to the paperback edition of The Hostile on Amazon
Another day, another edition of The Hostile
Today, the paperback version of The Hostile was made available on Amazon to keep the Kindle version company. I already had a lunch planned with my good friend Diane, so I have just celebrated the publication in style. Tomorrow, I will continue with the production of the audiobook edition of The Hostile.
My first attempt at a Goodreads Giveaway of another of my thrillers, Random Bullets, ends on 30th April. I will then be sending five lucky readers paperback copies of Random Bullets. If the Giveaway goes well and does not cause me any unexpected headaches, I will give away free copies of The Hostile and some of my other books on Goodreads. I hope that I will receive some reviews from the Goodreads Giveaways, but the winners are in no way obligated to review the book. I have my fingers crossed that they will do though, because I will never be able to interest new readers without reviews.
The Kindle edition of my thriller, The Hostile, went live on Amazon today!
As promised, my contemporary thriller, The Hostile, went live on Amazon this morning as a Kindle edition! I am hopeful that the paperback edition will be published on Amazon tomorrow or the next day. The audiobook version, narrated by me, should be available on Audible, Amazon and iTunes in a week or two.
Here is the link to the Kindle edition of The Hostile on Amazon : http://amzn.to/242YqRo
I would really love to hear what you think of The Hostile.
A rather momentous day
I managed to hit a few more milestones today. This morning, I finished recording my narration of the final chapters of The Hostile audiobook. I have edited the sound on about half of the chapter tracks, so it will be a few weeks before the audiobook version is released on Audible, Amazon and iTunes, where it will join my audiobook edition of Her demonic Angel. I also sent the files for the paperback edition of The Hostile off to Amazon this evening to be reviewed by them before I publish it on there. Tomorrow, I will submit the Kindle version for review, even though I am tempted to do that tonight. I have to remind myself that there is no rush. Only I am setting the deadlines. The excitement of publishing my books has yet again taken hold of me, as always happens when I am so close to publication, but I will force myself to resist this evening and watch television instead.
One reason for me telling myself that I should perhaps rest this evening is because the inside of my mouth is very sore from concentrating so hard for so long. My poor lips have never recovered from when I published Her demonic Angel earlier this year. A sore mouth is a hazard that I would never have imagined happening to an author, but the more I concentrate on writing and publishing my books, the sorer and more swollen the inside of my lips bizarrely becomes. I am starting to look like a Mick Jagger impersonator!
The Hostile is a contemporary thriller with a generous dash of fantasy. It is my eighth book, which I find hard to believe, but it is a fact. I am trying to decide whether to start book nine, or to concentrate on making audiobooks out of Random Bullets, then Potholes and Magic Carpets. A Slice of the Seventies would also lend itself very well to being turned into an audiobook. I am also torn between writing a sequel to The Hostile, because a sequel is very possible, or writing a completely different story. I have ideas for both books. Decisions, decisions!
A FREE Her demonic Angel audiobook!
I thought I’d give away a FREE audiobook copy of ‘Her demonic Angel’ to the FIRST person to leave a comment on my website saying ‘Yes Please’. I’ll then send the winner the promotional code for them to claim their prize. If you win, just follow the directions below and the audiobook is yours for FREE! The prize is worth over £16!
Dear winner,
1. Go to my book’s page on Audible.co.uk: http://adbl.co/1RMgQhD
2. Add the audiobook to your basket. (The promo coupon won’t work on any site except Audible.co.uk.)
3. If you are prompted to sign in, please create a new Audible.co.uk account or log into it if you already have an Audible.co.uk. Otherwise, proceed by clicking “Do you have a promotional code?” beneath the cover artwork of the audiobook.
4. Enter the promo code, and click “Apply Code”.
A credit for the audiobook will be added to your account. Click the box next to “1 Credit” and click the “Update” button to apply the credit to the purchase.
5. Complete checkout, and start listening to the free copy of ‘Her demonic Angel’.
I hope that you enjoy this collection of all of my short stories, written in different genres. I’d love to hear what you think of it.
What a giveaway!
15th April 2016
I must be feeling generous. I recently seem to be giving away books left right and centre. My first Goodreads Giveaway promotion has been running over the past couple of weeks – five copies of the paperback edition of my contemporary thriller with a fantasy twist, Random Bullets. The promotion ends on April 30th, when Goodreads will inform me to whom I will be sending the five free paperback copies. I will probably be entering all of my other books into Goodreads Giveaway promotions at some point.
I am also giving away FREE copies of the Kindle edition of my collection of short stories, Her demonic Angel over this weekend, 16th and 17th April.
On my Facebook Joy Mutter’s Books page, I have been giving away promotional codes to the first person who comments on my post. The winner can then use the code to claim a free audio book of Her demonic Angel from Audible.co.uk. worth £16. Not to be sniffed at! So far, I have only given away one promo code but I have plenty more to give away. I will run promo code giveaways for free audio books of Her demonic Angel when the mood takes me.
I am itching to step up the promotion of my book Potholes and Magic Carpets but I am reluctant to do that whilst Amazon is dragging its heels changing its BIC classification from Fiction/Erotica to Fiction/General. There is no erotic content in this book or any of my other books to speak of since I published revised editions of Potholes and Magic Carpets, Random Bullets and The Lying Scotsman a month or so ago. I asked Createspace support team to change the classification over a month ago, but it still has not been done. I have told them that it urgently needs to be done because anybody buying the book expecting it to be erotica will be sadly disappointed, which would reflect badly on me and on Amazon. I am perfectly willing to delete Potholes and Magic Carpets from Createspace and Amazon and republish it under a new BIC classification if that is the only way that I can remedy this unfortunate situation. However, Createspace support keeps telling me that they are dealing with the matter and that I should be being told soon that the problem has been solved. I have been told that for over a month. Meanwhile, I cannot promote Potholes and Magic Carpets at all, because I do not want to misrepresent it. Hopefully they will soon tell me some better news and I can start marketing the book properly.
I am halfway through narrating, recording and sound editing my second audio book, The Hostile, even though I have not as yet published the paperback and Kindle editions. The Hostile is my eighth book and is another thriller with a fantasy twist although nothing like Random Bullets. The Hostile is written and edited, but I am finding that reading it out loud as an audio book is showing me further ways to improve it before I publish it as a paperback and Kindle edition. I will probably always record the audio book before the printed editions in future.
My audio book of Her demonic Angel has just gone LIVE on Amazon!
I am so excited to have just received an email from ACX telling me that my AUDIOBOOK edition of Her demonic Angel has just gone live on Amazon and will soon also be available on iTunes! It’s free if you’re an Audible member apparently. I don’t know yet what the iTunes price will be. I narrated the whole book myself and also produced the cover. My thirteen short stories are written in different genres. Her demonic Angel is also available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle editions.
I am thrilled that producing the audiobook unexpectedly all went through without a hitch because it is my first venture into making an audiobook from scratch. If you ever buy one, I’d really love to know what you think about it. A review would be very much appreciated.
I definitely will be producing more of my own audiobooks in future, whether anyone buys a copy of Her demonic Angel audiobook or not. It has been a ton of hard work but well worth the effort because now I can read you all a bedtime story!
I’m feeling generous. TWO free offers!
The kindle edition of my first book in The Mug Trilogy, A Slice of the Seventies is FREE on Amazon from Monday 4th April until Friday 8th April. http://amzn.to/1DFfHDE.
Through Goodreads, I am also giving away five FREE paperback editions of another of my books, a contemporary thriller with a fantasy twist, called Random Bullets. I will discover which five entrants Goodreads Giveaways has selected to receive Random Bullets on 30th April.
My only non-fiction book, Living with Postcards
I thought I would show me posing with my only non-fiction book, Living with Postcards. It has sold better than any of my fiction books but it is still early days and I am hopeful my fiction work will eventually gain more readers. Those that have read them have been very complimentary, so I am not disheartened. An author rarely gains many followers when they are as unknown as I am, plus marketing is not really my strongest point. I am an author above all else, but I do my best at getting the word out. The trouble is, every other author is also doing their best to advertise their books. I believe that the reading public is becoming somewhat immune to the clamour to be noticed. Here is the link to the Amazon.co.uk page for Living with Postcards paperback book: Living with Postcards book on Amazon
Another intense day of recording my first audio book
13.3.2016
I finished recording all thirteen of the short stories in my book, Her demonic Angel yesterday. It felt like another landmark day. I am relieved to have recorded them all before my neighbours bring home their new-born son from hospital. I was fearful that my plans to use my spare room as a recording studio would be scuppered by the sound of a crying baby coming through the dividing walls.
I now have to edit each track, which will take much longer than recording them. I enjoy the process, although I may have ripped out my hair by the time it is all finished. I have never attempted anything like this before and I am having to teach myself every step of the way, but hopefully it will all work out in the end. All of this effort, just so that I can read people a bedtime story, ha!
In other news, I spent all today turning Random Bullets from an erotic thriller into a thriller. It has taken me a few months to come around to realising that the erotica in the book was getting in the way of a good story. I have published a second edition of Random Bullets in both paperback and Kindle formats. I think it will also be my next audio book. I am now taking the graphic sex out of Potholes and Magic Carpets for the same reasons. I will be publishing a second edition of it, just as I have done with Random Bullets. Sometimes it takes a few years for an author to find their authentic voice.
An evening with Val McDermid
I enjoyed a splendid evening at Oldham Library yesterday. The wonderful crime writer Val McDermid was giving a talk about her books and signing copies. I could have listened to her for hours. It was also fun to meet up with other members of two writing groups that I’m part of. The lovely lady with the red hair is another author friend of mine called Helen Durrant. We are both very supportive of each other’s writing and I enjoyed chatting to her before and after the main event. Whilst Val McDermid was signing one of her books for me, I sneakily gave her one of my own book promotion postcards. Yes, I’m incorrigible!
Today, I recorded the first five stories of the audiobook that I’m making of my short story collection called Her demonic Angel. I thought it wise to make a start because I found out yesterday that my next door neighbours have just had a baby. It was news to me as I didn’t even know his wife was pregnant. The baby boy was premature so won’t be coming home for a couple of weeks. I must try to finish recording my audiobook before he leaves hospital because I know from experience that the walls between our houses are annoyingly thin. Recording audiobooks and crying babies don’t really mix.
Mothering Sunday
6th March 2016
I have just spent a wonderful weekend with my daughter at my home in Oldham. Zoe drove up from Croydon with her fiance, Chris. He spent most of the weekend at his sister’s house which is about thirty minutes away, but all three of us managed to spend a decent amount of time together.
As one of my Mother’s Day treats, my daughter agreed to take a few photographs of me posing with each of my seven books. She could not really refuse my request with it being Mothering Sunday, ha! I transformed the photographs into a short video just for fun.
Today is also my remarkable mother’s 86th birthday. I do not recall her birthday ever falling on Mothering Sunday before. It is a shame that we live so far apart with her still living in Jersey and me living up North in Oldham, but at least we managed to talk on the telephone. I am looking forward to us all meeting up in Devon in a few months for my daughter’s wedding to Chris.
I am grateful to have an excuse to stay indoors today
I refuse to walk anywhere outside until this snow disappears. I had not heard any weather reports and so waking up to thick snow was a big surprise. I hope that it doesn’t make the five-hour drive from London to my house in Oldham too grim for my daughter and her fiancé this evening.
At least I have a good excuse to stay in the warm because I am working on my latest book. It is my eighth book, a contemporary thriller called Hostile. When have you ever known me not to be working on some book or other? #amwriting
Her demonic Angel is now available in paperback as well as Kindle edition on Amazon
I am delighted to announce that Her demonic Angel is now available worldwide on Amazon as a paperback as well as a Kindle edition. Book eight, Hostile is progressing very well and I am currently writing the final chapters. As I have mentioned before, I am looking forward to producing the next three drafts of Hostile. I hear many authors complaining on Twitter about how they dislike editing their own work but I am enthusiastic about polishing my books as much as I can before publication. I am also itching to begin book nine which will be another thriller. Postcards will be involved in the story, which is a satisfying link to my non-fiction book, Living with Postcards.
Yes! A proof copy of Her demonic Angel has just been delivered to my house!
Yes! I’ve just received a proof copy of my short story collection called Her demonic Angel! I have checked it through and told Amazon to go ahead and make it available in their stores worldwide. It only costs a fiver ha! I wanted to keep it as inexpensive as I could so that folk could afford to buy it. It should be possible to buy it in three or four days, maybe sooner. The Kindle edition is already available on Amazon for only £0.99. Bargain!
I would love to hear what you think of it if you ever take a leap of faith and buy it. By the way, book eight, Hostile is going really well.
A Kindle edition of ‘Her demonic Angel’ is now available on Amazon. It will be available in paperback in the next couple of weeks
21st February 2016
It might be yet another rainy day in Oldham, but I am feeling sunny inside because last night Her demonic Angel, my collection of short stories written in different genres went live on Amazon as a Kindle book. Once I have received the printed proof copy from Amazon and approved it, it will also be published in paperback format.
I really must get around to publishing my latest book and other of my books as audiobooks. I have all the equipment and software to perform this task but have been too busy working on Her demonic Angel. I think that my short stories might be the most suitable candidate to first be made into an audiobook. If I enjoy the process, then I will make one or two of my other books into audio versions. That is the plan, but we all know that plans can change.
Now that Her demonic Angel has been written and published, I can turn my attention back to Hostile, another modern day thriller that I broke off from writing in order to complete my collection of short stories. I am not one of those that take time off to celebrate or sit around once a book is finished because I usually have another book on the go that I am eager to work on.
You might be wondering why I jumped ship and abandoned Hostile in favour of Her demonic Angel. The reason was guilt. My elderly mother had telephoned me from her home in Jersey and questioned the amount of graphic sex there is in Random Bullets and Potholes and Magic Carpets.
‘I’ve been trying to read these two books of yours but every time I hit a sex scene, I have to put them down,’ she told me sweetly. ‘Does Jilly Cooper have as much graphic sex in her books as you do in yours?’
‘I really can’t remember whether she does or not,’ I replied. I felt relieved that at least my mother loves my Living with Postcards non-fiction book, but she is not as big a fan of my fiction work. She loves the actual story lines, except for the sex scenes. It must be a generational thing, although I know many folk of all ages feel the same way that she does. I am very open-minded but I have to acknowledge the fact that not everyone else feels the same way.
I was becoming rather tired of having to justify the way that I write sex scenes. Knowing that there is no sex to speak of in any of my short stories, I wanted my mother to own another book of mine apart from Living with Postcards that she could read without being offended. Hopefully she will enjoy Her demonic Angel as much as she loves Living with Postcards but we shall see. Her eighty-sixth birthday is next weekend and it would be wonderful to be able to send her a present of a paperback copy of Her demonic Angel. I had better whip onto Createspace website and order my proof print copy. Once I have received and approved it, Her demonic Angel will be made available in paperback on Amazon. My mother could always buy it right now as a Kindle edition, but like many folk, she prefers a paperback to having to look at a screen to read a book.
‘Her demonic Angel’ will soon be available on Amazon
A rainy day in Oldham, 20th February 2016
My six books will soon be joined by a seventh. ‘Her demonic Angel’ is a collection of all of my short stories. They are written in several genres, although there is no erotica in this book, despite the title. Once I have approved the final printed proofs, ‘Her demonic Angel’ will be available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle editions just like my other books. Book number eight, a contemporary thriller called ‘Hostile’ will hopefully be published well before the end of 2016.
I would really love to know what you think of my books. A review on Amazon and Goodreads would be more than appreciated if you have the time to write a few words. Reviews are so vital to an unknown indie author like me who is up against millions of established writers. Thank you so much to anyone who has been kind enough to write a review of any of my books.
I’ll be honest, it would be wonderful to have even just one book sale this month. Despite all of my diligent attempts at marketing my books, I have had zero February sales. This could be seen as crushing after spending years working seven hours a day, seven days a week to produce every single aspect of each book. However, I refuse to be crushed and am even more determined to continue writing books despite the disheartening lack of interest shown by the general public. Writing is such an integral part of me that I cannot imagine my life without it. I am in this for the long haul and it is still only three months since I published my first six books on Amazon.
Before I send ‘Her demonic Angel’ off to Amazon later today for a printed proof copy for me to approve, I want to say how extremely grateful I am for all of the wonderful people who have actually shown me their support and encouragement over the years since I started writing books. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart. I honestly could not do all of this without you. #amwriting http://amzn.to/1Kq3h29 Go 👀
I have just listened to my interview on BBC Radio 4’s ‘Analysis’ programme on Inheritance that was aired last night
The plan was that I was going to listen to the broadcast at 20.30 with Diane whilst we ate our supper in the Millgate pub after our monthly writing group meeting at Failsworth Library. I had been feeling slightly concerned that my contribution might not come over exactly how I had hoped it would, so I was not too bothered to discover that I could not listen to the programme as there was a particularly noisy group of inebriated people in the pub.
‘I’ll listen to the programme later at home because they are making it available online,’ I told Diane and that is exactly what I did.
My contribution was near the beginning of the programme and I was pleasantly surprised by how sensitively my hour-long interview with Jo Fidgen had been edited. She was the beautifully spoken, blue-haired presenter of the programme who had originally interviewed me whilst the producer, Jo Kent had made the recording in my living room here in Oldham. I had felt honoured that they had made the long journey from London to Oldham a few weeks ago to interview me on how it had felt after learning that my crazy, bullying, adulterous father had disinherited me over fourteen years ago.
When my mother telephoned me with some trepidation to tell me that my name had not even been mentioned in my dead father’s Will, I felt so shocked and angry that I came out in psoriasis all over my entire body for several weeks afterwards. Psoriasis is an ailment that I have never suffered from before or since. I am glad the producers kept this part of the interview in the show and also my remark that psoriasis has been my sole inheritance from my father. I would not have cared in the slightest that I had been excluded from the Will if it had not been for the fact that he had left all that he owned to my brother and sister on the death of his second wife.
I am relieved that the programme mentioned the fact that I had never expected me or my siblings to inherit anything because he had never really given us anything. My father never actively worked against my brother and sister in the way that he had hated me for as long as I can remember. He was never physically violent or emotionally bullying to them as he always had been to me.
Not understanding his reasons for doing such a hurtful thing and being unable to do anything about it because he is dead has caused me many problems over the following years. Agreeing to the interview stirred up many painful memories that I had buried and I am still feeling the effects weeks after the interview was recorded, but I hoped that the Radio 4 interview might help publicise my books. Several of them deal with the theme of disinheritance, especially my thriller Random Bullets and my autobiographical Mug Trilogy.
In time, my unearthed memories and churning emotions will subside, but they will never disappear completely. I just learn to live with them. Although the presenter mentioned that I am a writer, they naturally did not have enough time in the half hour programme to mention the name of any of my books. This is totally understandable as they also had David Cameron, Toby James and several other celebrities on the show. I felt honoured that an unknown author like me had found myself in such illustrious company.
I have received several very kind comments about my contribution to the programme which I really appreciate. My daughter thought it was ‘brilliant’ and she felt proud of me for agreeing to do it. If you missed the programme, it is being repeated on Sunday 21.2.2016 at 21.30 and is available to download on the Analysis website.
Here is the link to the Analysis programme on Inheritance:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b070d28w
A change of schedule for the broadcast of my BBC Radio 4 ‘Analysis’ interview
I’ve just been told that the scheduling has been changed for my forthcoming interview on BBC Radio 4’s Analysis programme on the subject of Inheritance. Joe Kent, one of the BBC journalists who interviewed me a few weeks ago, has just emailed me. He says that the Analysis programme is now going to be aired this Monday, 15th February at 20:30 and repeated on the following Sunday.
He also told me that I have been allotted quite a large chunk of time at the beginning of the half-hour show. I am cringing already at the prospect of listening to myself being broadcast on BBC Radio 4, ha! I can’t really avoid listening to it though, because Joe Kent told me that he wants my opinion on the programme that he and blue-haired Jo have put together. Gulp!
Getting to grips with my new hardware and software.
I admit it, I have been treating myself lately and bought myself a few presents. After all of my hard work writing and publishing my six book, I reckoned that I deserved to buy a new laptop. My old beast was falling apart and I naturally could not risk being without one. Having to bash the letter P very hard every time I wanted to use it on the old keyboard was driving me scatty. I am very impressed with my reasonably priced new Lenovo Ideapad 300 laptop, complete with Windows 10 and terabyte of disc space. I spent most of yesterday setting it all up and surprisingly did not encounter any major problems.
Today I dragged a brand new Snowball Ice microphone from the box that it had been entombed in since before Christmas. I bought this attractive piece of kit months ago with the intention of making my own audiobooks to sell on Amazon alongside my other paperback and Kindle editions. People have often told me that I have a decent voice, so I’ve decided to put my dulcet tones to good use. I gave the new laptop and mic a testdrive today by making a podcast on Spreaker. During the ten minute broadcast, I described several of my exciting experiences over the past six months. I’ve previously broadcast 20 or so podcasts on many different subjects, not only about writing and publishing my books. They are all under the banner heading of Joyster’s Tracks on Spreaker if anyone wants to listen to them, including the track that I broadcast today.
A Kindle edition of ‘Her demonic Angel’ is now available on Amazon. It will be available in paperback in the next couple of weeks
21st February 2016
It might be yet another rainy day in Oldham, but I am feeling sunny inside because last night Her demonic Angel, my collection of short stories written in different genres went live on Amazon as a Kindle book. Once I have received the printed proof copy from Amazon and approved it, it will also be published in paperback format.
I really must get around to publishing my latest book and other of my books as audiobooks. I have all the equipment and software to perform this task but have been too busy working on Her demonic Angel. I think that my short stories might be the most suitable candidate to first be made into an audiobook. If I enjoy the process, then I will make one or two of my other books into audio versions. That is the plan, but we all know that plans can change.
Now that Her demonic Angel has been written and published, I can turn my attention back to Hostile, another modern day thriller that I broke off from writing in order to complete my collection of short stories. I am not one of those that take time off to celebrate or sit around once a book is finished because I usually have another book on the go that I am eager to work on.
You might be wondering why I jumped ship and abandoned Hostile in favour of Her demonic Angel. The reason was guilt. My elderly mother had telephoned me from her home in Jersey and questioned the amount of graphic sex there is in Random Bullets and Potholes and Magic Carpets.
‘I’ve been trying to read these two books of yours but every time I hit a sex scene, I have to put them down,’ she told me sweetly. ‘Does Jilly Cooper have as much graphic sex in her books as you do in yours?’
‘I really can’t remember whether she does or not,’ I replied. I felt relieved that at least my mother loves my Living with Postcards non-fiction book, but she is not as big a fan of my fiction work. She loves the actual story lines, except for the sex scenes. It must be a generational thing, although I know many folk of all ages feel the same way that she does. I am very open-minded but I have to acknowledge the fact that not everyone else feels the same way.
I was becoming rather tired of having to justify the way that I write sex scenes. Knowing that there is no sex to speak of in any of my short stories, I wanted my mother to own another book of mine apart from Living with Postcards that she could read without being offended. Hopefully she will enjoy Her demonic Angel as much as she loves Living with Postcards but we shall see. Her eighty-sixth birthday is next weekend and it would be wonderful to be able to send her a present of a paperback copy of Her demonic Angel. I had better whip onto Createspace website and order my proof print copy. Once I have received and approved it, Her demonic Angel will be made available in paperback on Amazon. My mother could always buy it right now as a Kindle edition, but like many folk, she prefers a paperback to having to look at a screen to read a book.
‘Her demonic Angel’ will soon be available on Amazon
A rainy day in Oldham, 20th February 2016
My six books will soon be joined by a seventh. ‘Her demonic Angel’ is a collection of all of my short stories. They are written in several genres, although there is no erotica in this book, despite the title. Once I have approved the final printed proofs, ‘Her demonic Angel’ will be available on Amazon in paperback and Kindle editions just like my other books. Book number eight, a contemporary thriller called ‘Hostile’ will hopefully be published well before the end of 2016.
I would really love to know what you think of my books. A review on Amazon and Goodreads would be more than appreciated if you have the time to write a few words. Reviews are so vital to an unknown indie author like me who is up against millions of established writers. Thank you so much to anyone who has been kind enough to write a review of any of my books.
I’ll be honest, it would be wonderful to have even just one book sale this month. Despite all of my diligent attempts at marketing my books, I have had zero February sales. This could be seen as crushing after spending years working seven hours a day, seven days a week to produce every single aspect of each book. However, I refuse to be crushed and am even more determined to continue writing books despite the disheartening lack of interest shown by the general public. Writing is such an integral part of me that I cannot imagine my life without it. I am in this for the long haul and it is still only three months since I published my first six books on Amazon.
Before I send ‘Her demonic Angel’ off to Amazon later today for a printed proof copy for me to approve, I want to say how extremely grateful I am for all of the wonderful people who have actually shown me their support and encouragement over the years since I started writing books. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart. I honestly could not do all of this without you. #amwriting http://amzn.to/1Kq3h29 Go 👀
I have just listened to my interview on BBC Radio 4’s ‘Analysis’ programme on Inheritance that was aired last night
The plan was that I was going to listen to the broadcast at 20.30 with Diane whilst we ate our supper in the Millgate pub after our monthly writing group meeting at Failsworth Library. I had been feeling slightly concerned that my contribution might not come over exactly how I had hoped it would, so I was not too bothered to discover that I could not listen to the programme as there was a particularly noisy group of inebriated people in the pub.
‘I’ll listen to the programme later at home because they are making it available online,’ I told Diane and that is exactly what I did.
My contribution was near the beginning of the programme and I was pleasantly surprised by how sensitively my hour-long interview with Jo Fidgen had been edited. She was the beautifully spoken, blue-haired presenter of the programme who had originally interviewed me whilst the producer, Jo Kent had made the recording in my living room here in Oldham. I had felt honoured that they had made the long journey from London to Oldham a few weeks ago to interview me on how it had felt after learning that my crazy, bullying, adulterous father had disinherited me over fourteen years ago.
When my mother telephoned me with some trepidation to tell me that my name had not even been mentioned in my dead father’s Will, I felt so shocked and angry that I came out in psoriasis all over my entire body for several weeks afterwards. Psoriasis is an ailment that I have never suffered from before or since. I am glad the producers kept this part of the interview in the show and also my remark that psoriasis has been my sole inheritance from my father. I would not have cared in the slightest that I had been excluded from the Will if it had not been for the fact that he had left all that he owned to my brother and sister on the death of his second wife.
I am relieved that the programme mentioned the fact that I had never expected me or my siblings to inherit anything because he had never really given us anything. My father never actively worked against my brother and sister in the way that he had hated me for as long as I can remember. He was never physically violent or emotionally bullying to them as he always had been to me.
Not understanding his reasons for doing such a hurtful thing and being unable to do anything about it because he is dead has caused me many problems over the following years. Agreeing to the interview stirred up many painful memories that I had buried and I am still feeling the effects weeks after the interview was recorded, but I hoped that the Radio 4 interview might help publicise my books. Several of them deal with the theme of disinheritance, especially my thriller Random Bullets and my autobiographical Mug Trilogy.
In time, my unearthed memories and churning emotions will subside, but they will never disappear completely. I just learn to live with them. Although the presenter mentioned that I am a writer, they naturally did not have enough time in the half hour programme to mention the name of any of my books. This is totally understandable as they also had David Cameron, Toby James and several other celebrities on the show. I felt honoured that an unknown author like me had found myself in such illustrious company.
I have received several very kind comments about my contribution to the programme which I really appreciate. My daughter thought it was ‘brilliant’ and she felt proud of me for agreeing to do it. If you missed the programme, it is being repeated on Sunday 21.2.2016 at 21.30 and is available to download on the Analysis website.
Here is the link to the Analysis programme on Inheritance:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b070d28w
A change of schedule for the broadcast of my BBC Radio 4 ‘Analysis’ interview
I’ve just been told that the scheduling has been changed for my forthcoming interview on BBC Radio 4’s Analysis programme on the subject of Inheritance. Joe Kent, one of the BBC journalists who interviewed me a few weeks ago, has just emailed me. He says that the Analysis programme is now going to be aired this Monday, 15th February at 20:30 and repeated on the following Sunday.
He also told me that I have been allotted quite a large chunk of time at the beginning of the half-hour show. I am cringing already at the prospect of listening to myself being broadcast on BBC Radio 4, ha! I can’t really avoid listening to it though, because Joe Kent told me that he wants my opinion on the programme that he and blue-haired Jo have put together. Gulp!
Getting to grips with my new hardware and software.
I admit it, I have been treating myself lately and bought myself a few presents. After all of my hard work writing and publishing my six book, I reckoned that I deserved to buy a new laptop. My old beast was falling apart and I naturally could not risk being without one. Having to bash the letter P very hard every time I wanted to use it on the old keyboard was driving me scatty. I am very impressed with my reasonably priced new Lenovo Ideapad 300 laptop, complete with Windows 10 and terabyte of disc space. I spent most of yesterday setting it all up and surprisingly did not encounter any major problems.
Today I dragged a brand new Snowball Ice microphone from the box that it had been entombed in since before Christmas. I bought this attractive piece of kit months ago with the intention of making my own audiobooks to sell on Amazon alongside my other paperback and Kindle editions. People have often told me that I have a decent voice, so I’ve decided to put my dulcet tones to good use. I gave the new laptop and mic a testdrive today by making a podcast on Spreaker. During the ten minute broadcast, I described several of my exciting experiences over the past six months. I’ve previously broadcast 20 or so podcasts on many different subjects, not only about writing and publishing my books. They are all under the banner heading of Joyster’s Tracks
To save you the trouble of finding the track on Spreaker, here it is:
My next door neighbour knocked on my front door this afternoon to ask if I had a copy of my book ‘Living with Postcards’ that he could buy to give as a Christmas present to his mum. Luckily I had a spare copy. He asked me if I would sign it. I naturally was happy to oblige. I guess that counts as my first book signing and I didn’t even have to leave the house! If my lovely neighbour had been better prepared for Christmas, he could have bought my book or one of my five other books from Amazon at http://amzn.to/1Jl0Org
Living with Postcards by Joy Mutter – a perfect present from the past
7.12.2015
When my mother told me that she thought that my Kindle version of Living with Postcards deserved to be available in print as well as for Kindle, her remark set in motion a string of events. Making a reality of her suggestion kept me occupied for all of my waking hours over the past month or so. I have chewed my lips with concentration for twelve hours a day and I am now paying the price as they are sore and swollen. All of the hard work and pain were well worth it.
After working endlessly on my laptop organising the print publication for all six books, a few days ago I managed to organise for Amazon to deliver a copy of the fully illustrated printed book into her very appreciative hands. She is honest to a fault and a woman who has never avoided giving criticism when needed. To have her shower me with high praise for my book was very rewarding.
At last my mother owns a book of mine that she can be proud of, without ‘too much sex’ in it like my other books, according to her. She told me that she has been showing my Living with Postcards to all and sundry ever since she received it as an early Christmas gift from me. Hopefully some of those people will eventually buy it. As my marketing seems to be showing poor results in the week since all of my books progressed to paperback editions, it would encourage me to gain one or two sales of the book. I know that I am biased, but I agree with her when she said that it would make an ideal gift, especially at Christmas.
If a person of any age appreciates beauty, charm, art and quirkiness mixed in with a little slice of postcard history then they could not fail to enjoy Living with Postcards.
All six of my books are now available in PAPERBACK on Amazon!
27.11.2015
Yesterday was a very special day for me. I self-published all six of my books as paperback editions. They went live on Amazon in the evening. The speed of publication took me by surprise because I was told that it would take a few weeks before they went on sale, but no, it was immediate. As soon as I pressed the ‘Approved’ button they went on sale.
I was so impressed that I even bought a copy of one of my own books, ‘Living with Postcards’ and had it delivered to my mother over in Jersey. She will be pleased, as she thinks all of my other books have too much sex in them ha! I hope that she approves of my dedication to her in the front of the book.
Last week was frantic for me. I was working on my own for twelve hours a day, seven days a week in order to achieve my publishing goal. I almost fainted with excitement as the first printed proofs were delivered into my trembling hands. The Kindle versions are fine, but every author knows that nothing compares to holding your own printed books in your hands.
I amended each proof, changed the size of each book and made the covers myself. Still, all that is behind me now and I can continue working on books seven and eight. One book is another erotic thriller with an even bigger fantasy twist than in ‘Random Bullets’ and the other book is a collection of short stories in various genres.
The first delivery has arrived of the printed proofs for three of my six books!
25.11.2015
I was so excited to receive the first three printed proofs of the six books that I sent to CreateSpace to be proof printed. The thrill of holding my first printed paperback book in my hand last week was indescribable. Another two books swiftly followed. Apart from them being too large, with only a few minor changes to the covers, I will soon be telling CreateSpace to print them and offer them on Amazon. I designed them as 6 x 9 books as that is the most popular book size according to Amazon, but I think that is too cumbersome.
I designed the interiors and the covers of all of my books. As an ex-graphic designer, I have so far thoroughly enjoyed the entire book publishing process. I can’t wait to publish books seven and eight hopefully in 2016. I already have the covers prepared!
The next three completed printed proofs should be delivered to my house on Monday. I can’t wait to see them! I’m delighted with the first three proofs.
Gadgets and gizmos
Anticipation
Exciting times
11.11.2015
I ordered printed proof copies of ‘Random Bullets’ today. I am thrilled at the prospect of soon being able to hold a printed book that I have written in my hands. It should arrive next week. If I approve the proof, then Amazon will distribute ‘Random Bullets’ to the world. I am now going to do the same for ‘Potholes and Magic Carpets’ and my other books.
The next step
10.11.2015
I decided to break off from writing for a day or so in order to organise the printing of my latest book, Random Bullets. I think it is my best book thus far and two reviews stated that the readers could not put it down. I need to provide paperback versions for folk that dislike eBooks, for book signings and for sale on Amazon. I hope to then organise the printing of Potholes and Magic Carpets and the rest of my books. As usual, I am tackling everything single-handed. Wish me luck!
A slight change of plan
26th October 2015
After publishing Random Bullets, which I am delighted to report has recently gained its first five-star review I had been intending to write a collection of short stories. I have written ten of these stories over the past month that I was happy with. I am still planning to write another ten to complete the book, but before I strive to accomplish this, my eleventh short story has served me a curve ball. This particular short story emphatically told me that it needs to become an entire book. Who am I to disagree?
Without giving the game away concerning the content of the book, suffice it to say that it is another contemporary erotic fantasy thriller. However, it is shaping up to be nothing like my latest book, Random Bullets. I sense that the fantasy element will be even stronger, judging by the first ten pages that I have already written. In my opinion, and also in the opinion of one of the readers of the book who said that they could not put it down, Random Bullets is probably my best offering thus far. Hopefully I can outdo myself with this next book. Whatever happens, I am thoroughly enjoying the process of writing it, which is always a very good sign.
On another note, one morning a few days ago I received an interesting email from an editor-in-chief of the erotic book section of a publishing company. She said that if Potholes and Magic Carpets is still available, her company would be ‘happy to consider publishing it.’ To be honest, I had forgotten that I had sent them the first 50 pages of the book over three months ago. Since sending it, I had decided to self-publish all of my books on Amazon as eBooks, which is exactly what I have done.
In the afternoon, I received another email from a different woman in the same department of the erotic book publishers. She informed me that she had taken over the job of the woman who had originally emailed me that morning. She told me that once she had read it, she would let me know whether or not she too thought my book was worthy of her company publishing it. At least she had the good grace to apologise for any confusion. To say that I was confused is an understatement. I await her decision with interest.
I never consciously set out to write erotic fiction. Erotic elements seem to mysteriously creep into my writing. I try to ensure that there are always many other elements and levels to my books over and above the erotic content. It is not my fault that most of my characters enjoy sex. After all, they are only human.
Random Bullets, my sixth book
On 27th September 2015, with very little splash, bunting and brouhaha, I self-published Random Bullets on Amazon at the eye-watering price of £0.99. It is an erotic thriller with a fantasy twist. The low price of my latest eBook is in keeping with my policy to keep all of my books affordable for everyone. I mentioned the fact that I had published Random Bullets on Twitter, on Vine, my Facebook author page and my website with very little effect because I have only sold three copies to date. Luckily, I have now steeled myself for very little response, so I expected as much to happen. I know that the biggest threat to my love of writing is a feeling of despondency due to realising that nobody gives a hoot whether I have published a new book or not. Only acclaimed, long-standing authors have readers panting for the release of their latest oeuvre. Realism has crept into my life over the three months since I published my first five books on Amazon following my initial unsustainable euphoria.
I am now working on a collection of short stories of mixed genres and thoroughly enjoying the experience. I am sticking to my timetable of writing from eleven in the morning until six in the evening. Decent book sales would be a very welcome cherry on the cake, but unless I throw time and money into promoting the books it is unlikely to happen. I am more interested in writing than in promoting the end result, but I probably will change the emphasis at some point over the next few years. There are apparently many con artists out there keen to profit from promoting an author’s books, especially if the author is self-published. I do not want my enjoyment of writing tainted because of falling foul of this type of unscrupulous business. At this point, my books can take their chances with a minimum of publicity amidst the millions of others on offer.
Ironically, I have just listened to a televised discussion of the topic of authors buying reviews of their books. I wonder whether the public will suspect book reviews in future and not rely on them to make their book purchasing decisions. Until recently, I yearned for more starred book reviews, but only genuine ones. I would only be interested in receiving honest, above board reviews and would not dream of buying one to appear more established and venerated than I really am. Authors who buy their reviews have muddied the waters for everyone. What price literary fame based on dishonesty? I hope this shady practice of buying book reviews will be stamped out so that the true value of a book review can be restored.
Reviews over Revenue
I have decided to reduce all five of my fiction books to £0.99 each for the foreseeable future. This is because I would prefer people to read them than scroll past them on Amazon because they cannot afford to buy them. When Amazon allows me to reduce my non-fiction, Living with Postcards book, then I will reduce that too. I am confident that all of my books are worth considerably more than £0.99 each, but there are so many other books for sale on Amazon at low prices that I cannot justify charging more.
It has been a couple of months since I first published five of my books as ebooks on Amazon. My sixth book is literally hours away from publication. I have recently realised that reviews are what I need more than revenue. Without a five star review, the reading public cannot be expected to trust a book to deliver what they expect it to. It is a Catch 22 situation. Without reviews, nobody will buy a book, but the book has to be read to be reviewed. Two of my books have received a five and four star review in the two months since I have published my books. Hopefully I will receive more in the near future or my strenuous efforts to bring my books to the general public will have been in vain. However, I will carry on writing regardless of sales, as it has been such a massively important part of my life for so many years.
Bargain alert!
All four of my fiction books on Amazon are reduced to £0.99 or $1.55 for six days from 23rd August 2015. My non-fiction ‘Living with Postcards’ book is also being reduced to the same price for six days the following week. This is the first time my kindle books have been reduced and I am interested to see what affect, if any, this will have on sales.
Where is everybody?
So, with considerable difficulty, the first part of the task is complete. I am finally a published author, ten years after starting to write my first book. There are now five, almost six of my e-books available to purchase on Amazon by anyone with the urge to buy them. The past year has seen me emailing chunks of each work off to be scrutinised by an ever-increasing number of literary agents. I emailed my last offering to eighty-five agents, but it has so far turned out to be a fruitless occupation, although not all have yet replied. I impatiently decided to shun them all just as they had ever so politely shunned me. After a sudden rush of blood to the head, I opted to self-publish. Some literary agents had made encouraging noises, particularly over my penultimate book, ‘Potholes and Magic Carpets.’ However, as they have hundreds of book samples thrust at them weekly, they said that they did not have space on their lists for little, old me.
After speaking to three authors who have had books published through established publishing houses, I realised that I did not want to work for any publishers in any case, with their deadlines and intrusive input. I have always been a fairly strict self-disciplinarian and do not need anyone to crack the whip to force me to write. Having decided to change tack, I launched myself onto an unsuspecting world, rejecting the constraints and shackles of a traditional publishing house.
The plan was for me to trot along to my friend Diane’s house and pay her husband to upload my books onto Amazon. That particular day, Diane was busy making jam and suggested meeting up the following week. As there was far too much fire in my belly to wait until the following week, I gritted my teeth, girded my loins and decided to tackle the task myself.
I researched the Kindle direct publishing process, watched several YouTube video tutorials on the subject and dived headfirst into the absorbing world of self-publishing. After a few extremely helpful telephone calls and some online correspondence between Diane and myself whenever I hit a brick wall, my first book disappeared up the chute. With the click of a button, it was suddenly made available to the world through Amazon, much to my delirious, giddy delight. I could not have managed it without Diane’s initial assistance and encouragement, for which I am eternally grateful.
Silence then followed with zero response for the first few hours. What had I expected? Did I honestly think that clamorous applause would ring out across the world because a woman in Oldham had published her first book? Irrationally, maybe I was, such was my over-excitement over what I had just achieved. I had no way of knowing what to expect, because I had never even used Amazon to buy other author’s books, having always been an iTunes customer. I was so hyped up on adrenaline and over-work after succeeding in my ambition after a decade of trying, it was hard for me to come to terms with the fact that the world fundamentally did not give a damn about my book, not deep down, not like I did. Why should they?
To blot out the deafening silence, I immediately ploughed my way through publishing the remaining four, already written books. Over the next couple of weeks, I learned more about the entire process. I was engrossed to the point of obsession, twiddling with my laptop for over twelve hours each day, revising each book countless times until I was satisfied with content, layout and covers. Having earned a living for over twenty years as a graphic designer who has laid out artwork for other author’s books, it is a joy to lay out my own literary works.
I eagerly looked at my sales figures at least six times a day during the next few days and was ecstatic when the first book of my Mug trilogy was purchased by a mystery buyer in America. Oddly, my first three buyers were from America, despite me being a British author. I am doing much of what new, self-publishing authors should do; I bought a domain name, set up my first author’s website and created my page on Author Central. I promote my books on Twitter, Vine, Spreaker, LinkedIn, Facebook and anywhere else that I can think of. I am mindful that too much self-promotion could be irritating and counter-productive. However, such was my initial over-excitement that I am embarrassed to admit that I even informed my neighbour, three taxi drivers and two Tesco deliverymen about my book publishing enterprises. I could sense their polite indifference.
My mother eventually managed to access my Amazon Author page and telephoned me from Jersey to rave about how much she loved my non-fiction, ‘Living with Postcards’ book sample. Gaining any sort of praise from my mother has always been quite an achievement and her words touched me deeply.
‘I shan’t be buying any of your books until they’re in print,’ she added. I smiled and sighed. So like my mother. She eventually bought all five books and I am now awaiting the backlash, as most of my books have a fair sprinkling of sex in them and three are mainly autobiographical.
It has been three weeks since all of my five books were published on Amazon. There have been nineteen book sales worldwide during that time, nine books of which were bought by either me, my mother or my sister, who is reading her way through ‘the Mug Trilogy.’ They have both given me welcome, constructive criticism which I have acted upon. Perhaps there might be an increase in sales when the price is discounted to $1.99 for a week in late August, a normal part of the traditional, Amazon book-selling strategy. I am still finding my feet as far as the pricing of my books goes. I am considering permanently lowering the prices because they are only e-books, despite my decade of hard work to produce them. It takes much longer than three weeks to build even minor publishing success, especially as an unknown non-celebrity.
I am content now that my life-long ambition of becoming a published author has been achieved. Am I disheartened by the understandably slow response? I was initially mildly deflated, but that sinking feeling has diminished and will never deter me from completing books six, seven and however many books I am lucky enough to produce in my lifetime. Book sales are a secondary incidental to me because I am aware that the competition from other writers is intense and growing daily. Fortunately, my main pleasure comes from the writing process itself. I was never in it for the money, which is just as well.
I’m impressed with all the books you’ve written and just wanted to be the first one to leave you a comment. I do like your agapanthus!
Thank you so much for leaving me a message, Barbara. I think you’re the first non-spamming person to do so. The agapanthus were near Gorey Castle in Jersey where I was born. I was visiting my mother at the time and my daughter took the photograph. Agapanthus are very popular on the island.
Joy x
Thank You for The Free Book The Hostile Game on Amazon
My pleasure, Linda. I hope you enjoy it. Looking forward to hearing what you think of it.
You’re very welcome, Linda. I’m currently writing the fourth book in The Hostile series, Confronting The Hostile. I’d love to hear what you think of it.