Friday 20 September 2013

Kerry's Chitter Chatter #23

Hello everyone! My Friday didn't start as planned. I thought I would be upgrading my mobile phone today to the shiny new gold iPhone 5s but an hour after going on sale and it's sold out. I feel like screaming, loudly and shaking something. Anyone that knows me, knows that my iPhone is my right arm. I am never without it and I was excited for the iPhone 5s. I was due to upgrade 4 days ago but thought I would hang out for the very new one instead of the 5 or 5c. Now I either settle for something else (not an option!) or wait until the 5s comes back in stock so waiting it is and I hate waiting! 


I have made massive progress with my writing this week but its funny how I have ended up in a completely different direction. I started one one thing, went to another and now I am working on something else. I am planning to run with something else because it is falling together nicely and next week I reckon I will be ready to announce the details. I had to do some research for this book and it was fun! 

So I did another interview a little while ago with A Thousand Live Reviews and it went live Wednesday this week. I forgot what a great interview it was. I am very pleased. Here it is or check out their blog spot where you can find similar interviews with other authors and loads of other fun stuff. http://athousandlivesreviews.blogspot.co.uk/ 



Author Interview of the Week




Meet Kerry Frith, author of the Cocktails and Tattoos series.

Photo by Kerry Frith
What made you want to be an author?
English was always my favorite subject at school. As soon as we’d have an essay to write, I was in my element. I loved to write! I think I have an over-imaginative brain and what better way to use it then be an author?  It’s always been my dream but you know, with the 5 figure sum book deal, books on shelves in stores and people cueing round the bloke for a signed copy. I’m not quite there yet but I feel I am living my dream and I believe if I work hard enough, I could get the full package one day. Now that would be awesome. 
   
Who has inspired you the most?
Well, other authors for sure. Reading another author’s book and thinking, “I want to do that.” has made me sit down and do it. Also, my husband and kids. They inspire me everyday. Even when they are driving me mad because one of them always manages to do something that ends up in my book!   

Can you tell us about some of your earlier days of writing?
I decided to write my first story when I was in senior school, around the age of 14/15. My best friend at the time was my proof reader/editor and it was about a girl named Holly experiencing love and heartache for the first time. Nothing ever came of it. I think I still have it around somewhere, handwritten in some folder or another. Maybe I should dust if off one day. From then, the stories came few and far between but life got busy and I stopped but it never left me. I have written many books, which I have never finished. Maybe one day I will get round to finishing them and perhaps published. Who knows.

How has your life considerably changed since you've been published?
Being called an author is weird. It kind of makes it official, doesn’t it? It makes it feel so much more then just being a writer or a daydreamer or someone that just makes stuff up and spends far too much time on the PC. Actually it’s my freedom pass to spending time too much on the PC. My eldest son said to me just yesterday that he’d told his teacher I was an author and she didn’t believe him so he got my books up on Amazon. I feel proud that he feels proud of me. It’s a great feeling. He also told me I am famous because he typed my name into Google and I came up ha ha ha I don’t see myself as famous at all but the thought is nice. Since being published, I think I have changed. I am more confident and I speak more openly. People tend to ask questions because they are generally interested. I can never get bored of that. It’s also opened my eyes. From people I expected to get the support from I never, and I got it from the people I least expected, so you know, when I do make my millions I know who I will be sharing it with :) 

What inspired you to write the Cocktails and Tattoos Series?


Ah, good question. I think I’d just finished reading a book and it made me laugh and gave me that fuzzy warm feeling most romantic novels give you and I wanted to do that. I sat down with so many ideas but once an idea struck, it fell together piece by piece. I knew in my head what I wanted my main character to be and when I got down to it, it just wrote itself. It didn’t take me long to write because I knew exactly where I wanted to take it but at the time, I never had any intentions of publishing it. It was going to be just another file to clog up my PC. It’s funny how things turn out. Once I wrote the first, I started a second then I had an idea for a third and fourth. It just happened and I am so glad it did.
How difficult do you find it to get the word out about your books in other countries besides the UK? 
I always say, writing a book is the easy part, everything else that follows is hard. Self-promoting is a tough business. I try to pump it as much as I can but of course I don’t want to over do it and be seen as desperate. I think I am at a little advantage as I have family in the USA and they have all read my books and recommended them but when you are self-published it’s all word of mouth unless you get lucky. People in other countries only tend to read my book when it’s on a freebie because of course I am an unknown. Who wants to pay for a book by an author they don’t know. I must say though, the first time Cocktails & Tattoos went free, it hit #7 in the top 10 free downloads in romance *brushes knuckles on chest and gives them a blow.*

What has been the best experience so far on your journey as an author?
I’d say I have two. The first being people telling me how much they love my book and I don’t mean supportive relatives but by proper fans you don’t know from Adam. Now I can never get enough of that. Second, seeing my name in lights, or should I say on Amazon. It makes it feel real. Of course I downloaded it to my kindle too just so I can look at it. Who doesn’t? 

Can you give us some insight on any upcoming projects?

I have my first stand alone book being published on 9th August called Handbags at Dawn. I am super excited. It will be interesting to hear what people think because they have only ever known me to write the Cocktails & Tattoos series so they are familiar with the characters but this is totally new. I can’t wait. Also, I am writing a fifth in the series to Cocktails & Tattoos. I did plan to stop after the fourth but what can I say, if the characters are still talking to me, what can I do other then continue their story. All Cocktails & Tattoos fans will love it I’m sure. I know I am enjoying writing it. 

What advice can you give to any upcoming authors?
Do it and never give up! I started writing when I was teen but I didn’t actually publish or let anyone else read my stuff until I was 33! Don’t wait that long. Just follow your dream and do it. I am so glad I did and instead of being scared of what people will think of your work, you’d be surprised at how many people will like it. 

Thanks so much, Kerry for interviewing with us! Don't forget to follow her outlets below!


I have recently received loads of new likes on my author page and I would like to thank every single one for taking the time to stop by. I welcome you all and it's great to have you. Remember if you have a page you would liked in return, just leave me a comment and I will be happy too. To celebrate all the likes, I will hold a like for like Saturday tomorrow so be sure to stop by and leave your page link and help others by liking their page too.


BCG is also something that is coming along brilliantly with almost 900 members. If you are a member, remember to spread the word and add family and friends. We are always looking to welcome new members. We often play games, hold a weekly discussion, recommend books and one of our admin's love to interview authors. You can also grab the odd freebie and share reviews. We are a friendly bunch :) Click on the link to join and if you an author interested in an interview, just let me know.



AUTHOR OF THE WEEK
Debbie Bennett

Debbie Bennett is a thriller/crime and fantasy writer with a new book coming out before Christmas. To find out more about Debbie, for more info on her books and where to contact her see my author of the week on my Facebook page ~ https://www.facebook.com/notes/kerry-frith-author/author-of-the-week-23-debbie-bennett/566005993461340

Until next time ~ Kerry

Random fact #23 ~ if you pet a cat 70 million times, you will have developed enough static electricity to light a 60-watt light bulb for one minute. It hardly seems worth it, does it? 




Friday 13 September 2013

Kerry's Chitter Chatter #22

Welcome to this wet and windy Friday. I think autumn is definitely on its way but I love autumn. Unlike winter, autumn is full of bright changing colours and I love the rain when I haven't got to go out in it. So how has everyone's first week been since the kids returned to school? Mine has been bliss and I never realised how much I actually missed the school run until it started again. I had missed everyone and it's so nice to get out the house at least twice a day again! The 3 year old's nursery teachers came for a visit Tuesday. He will be starting October 8th and I cannot wait for that. I know he will love it and it means I will only be left entertaining the 2 year old each morning. That can be easily done!




Well it was a double celebration in our house on Sunday. My daughter turned 11 and my son turned 2. On Saturday for their birthday treat we went to Cadbury World. After a stressful screaming and arguing 2 and a half hour drive, we arrived at Cadbury World and met the rest of the family there. Now, I am not entirely sure what I was expecting but what we got, I wasn't. I am not saying I never enjoyed it and I am glad we went BUT I was left feeling a little disappointed and I wouldn't go back. I suppose what I was expecting was something along the lines of Charlie and the Chocolate factory. Ridiculous, I know but that has to be everyone's dream don't you think? I wanted to see a chocolate river and a boat and a room which shrunk! I was well disappointed I didn't see any Oopma Loompas too. I know, I am such a kid. The history was interesting and we went on a car ride but that was basically it... oh and spent a fortune in the gift shop but the chocolate was HALF PRICE. The kids enjoyed it so that was the main thing.

Last night I attended my eldest son's (14) award evening at school as he was due to receive an award for physical education. It was a long evening but the awards that were given were amazing and the school had a very successful exam pass rate and sixth form graduate. My son is very into his sports and I believe he will go far. I am very proud. My 11 year old daughter received her 'moving into secondary school' pack this week and from next week we will be looking at secondary schools to start next September. That is a very scary thought. She's still my baby! I am really only interested in 2 schools and that is the one on our door step and the one my eldest son currently attends.

So, despite the kids returning to school this week I haven't really done any writing because I have been so busy with housework, home visits, school runs, brownies, award evenings and shopping but I am hoping to put all my all into it this weekend. I am also considering releasing a new book which is an old book of mine but it still needs editing etc and now my printer is playing up! I just have to decide which one to do. Decisions!!

Did you see my interview on Welcome to the Limelight on Sea-anan Empire by author, Jessica Kong? Here it is just in case you didn't ~ http://seaanan.com/2013/09/11/welcome-to-limelight-kerry-frith/ 

1.  Please tell us the name of your book.  Cocktails & Tattoos series.
2.  What genre do you write in?  Romance
3.  Tell us a little about your book?  Follow Harley-May Reid as she finds love, goes travelling, embraces marriage and takes on parenthood in this four book series. These will have you laugh, cry and cringe, as you witness firsthand what it’s like to be Harley, the east London tattooist with a blue mouth and very hot husband.
4.  Is your book a short story, novel, and/or a part of a series?  Four book series. Currently writing a fifth.
5.  Are you self-published?  Yes, I’m self-published.
6.  What aspect of your book sets it apart from others in your genre?  The comedy, the accident prone nature and the bad swear words Harley constantly likes to use.
7.  Where do you get your inspirations for your books?  Inspiration comes from everywhere. I could be washing up or driving through a beautiful countryside & wham! All of a sudden I think that can make a good story! My imagination runs wild. I have so many ideas, I think my head will burst.
8.  How long did it take you to write your book?  I’d say three months on average but I’m not entirely sure. These were so easy to write. They practically wrote themselves because I knew exactly where I wanted to take them and how it should end.
9.  Who are your favorite characters in the book? Why?  Harley, the main character. She makes me laugh. You can’t help but love her. She reminds me a lot of myself. Big Bruce, Harley’s dad. He is such a larger then life character, you know when he is around. Emma and Lewis. You cannot beat loyal best friends.
10.  Have you ever killed off a character you were attached to?  If so, how did you feel while you wrote the scene?  No and not sure I have the heart to…
11.  What is next on your agenda?  My first standalone book is being published next month, called Handbags at Dawn. That is something to fill the gap while I write the fifth book in the Cocktails & Tattoos series, called Birthday Cake & Sandy Beaches.


I am finally reading again ~ yay! I have started Best Man by Kristan Higgins and I am enjoying it. It's about a girl called Faith who was due to marry her childhood sweetheart but got jilted at the alter because he was gay so she left town to start a new life in San Francisco. The book then picks up 3 & a half years later when she returns to her home town to lay those ghosts to rest. So far it has me hooked. It's funny and Faith is very likable, let alone the sexy chief of police. I have loved every Kristan Higgins book so far so I am sure I will like this one to. 



AUTHOR OF THE WEEK 


Zushka Biros
  
Zushka Biros, born in New England in the middle of the 1960's, spent 20 years in the desert of Arizona. Finding inspiration in the red rocks of Sedona, Zushka's journey into journaling began over thirteen years ago. During a period of soul-searching, her life story began to unfold in her daily writings. A survivor, Zushka's life story is one of personal inspiration. For more info on Zushka, a sympnoisis on her new book "Let's Try This Again" and links then check out my author of the week post ~ https://www.facebook.com/notes/kerry-frith-author/author-of-the-week-22-zushka-biros/562582743803665

Until next time ~ Kerry

Random fact #22 ~ Like fingerprints, everyone's tongue print is different. Did you know that?

Kerry Frith Author Facebook Page.

Thursday 5 September 2013

Kerry's Chitter Chatter #21

Today rounds off the end of the summer holiday for the kids and in typical good old British weather style it would have to rain. This week has been long and sleepless but it has been successful. We finally kicked the dummy habit. I promised myself the 3 y/o will no longer have it by the time he starts nursery which is in a few short weeks. I have tried previously and failed. I think I had to be determined to stick to my guns and put have with the screaming as much as he had to be determined to give it up. The first morning was a nightmare. He screamed. He gave me headache then that night he asked for it, I told him no and he hasn't asked for it since. It ended up being easier then I thought.

Last weekend we had the joint hen and stage. That was a fun day and night and I know some people woke with very sore heads Sunday. I went to watch my son's first match of the season, which was just a friendly and they won 5-1. This weekend is a double celebration in my house. My eldest daughter turns 11 on Sunday while my youngest turns 2 on Sunday. To celebrate we are off to Cadbury World on Saturday, the 11 year old's choice, along with a trip to the cinema to see One Direction. I am looking forward to Cadbury World. I am a chocolate lover. Sunday we will have presents and lots of cake! Then Monday it's off to school they go and I can have some peace again....

Writing is coming along well. I will get back onto Birthday Cake & Sandy Beaches but I have been working on my new project which I am hoping to have out very soon. It will be exclusive to Amazon. Details will be coming soon.   

I have been honored with being passed down the Book Chat Group. It has evolved and we have gained some fantastic members. It's been lovely getting to know everyone. I am sorry to see Theresa leave as Admin but we will continue to try and entertain you with our daily freebies, author interviews, book recommendations, games and discussions. If you are not a member, then please come and join us. We would love to have you. Also, if you are an author and would like to be interviewed, please contact me and I will forward your details onto our interviewer, Jacque. Book Chat Group.

I haven't done much reading at all but I did fit in a quick short story called Tides of Passion which can be found on Amazon. Here is my review. 



This tells the story of a forbidden love between the son of Dracula Demetre & the princess of the sea Alliyana. They meet one night by chance but are looking for the same - to find love. Demetre must marry before his 19th birthday and to the girl his parents have chosen but he wants to marry for love and soon finds out the girl he is suppose to marry is fighting her own battles. Alliyana must marry to become queen and her mother has chosen the perfect man to become king with her but Alliyana can sense this man is evil. With help from the gods Demetre and Alliyana must stand tall and fight for what they believe in if they want to be together. 

I am not a fantasy reader. I have never been into vampires so I was a bit skeptical about reading this but I was interested in the story and finding out how it could work having vampires and mermaids in the same book. Susan writes in such a fun way, she makes it enjoyable to read. I loved the story line of two people who couldn't possibly be together and the problems both main characters have to face. This is a sizzling hot short read which will have you hooked.

5 shiny gold starts from me :)


AUTHOR OF THE WEEK


Dean Pace-Frech

Dean Pace-Frech is a new author and his debut novel, A Place to call their own was published in July. Dean is a man with a dream of a successful publishing career and he immediately started writing his second novel, Disappear with me. For more info on Dean, his bio and purchase and contact links, see my Author of the week post

Until next time ~ Kerry

Random fact #21 ~ Saudi Prince owns a diamond encrusted $48 million Mercedes and he charges $1000 just ti touch it. Yeah right, keep your Mercedes. I have been things to spend a grand on. 

Kerry-Frith-Author page