My Books

Buy one of my books... Available above at Amazon. Also available at SmashWords, Barnes & Noble and iTunes


Monday, October 31, 2011

New Blood - 1 Day & Counting

The calm before the storm... Yes, it's that time. I think I'm more or less done now. There's just a few things to print out this evening, ready for tomorrow and the world is set! Amazon has already done its thing. Smashwords is prepared. Barnes & Noble will get it today. Paperbacks are printed. Marketing materials are all available. Me? I'm just worn out!

So, that's about it. Just a reminder that today is your last chance to win a FREE book!!! You want one? Of course you do. Then just CLICK THIS LINK and leave a comment. A FREE book could be yours.

Until tomorrow.... Enjoy!


Watch the New Blood trailer:


If you don't have a flash enabled browser, click HERE to watch trailer


Sunday, October 30, 2011

New Blood - 2 Days & Counting

Wow! Down to the wire and it's almost time to just sit and wait. If only it was that simple! There's still all the night of launch stuff to do. Price tags, book packing, pens, business cards to sort through. I hope it's not a last minute dash!

So, what's happened since yesterday? Well, the amazing news is that I have already started writing Book 2 in the series! Yep - that's right. I'm excited already to see where this one goes. Of course, I have most of it already sketched out, but there's always one or two twists that appear from nowhere when I'm actually writing. The goal is to have the manuscript finished by Christmas. We'll see how it goes!

So, another reminder today that you have a chance to win a FREE copy of the book. So far there are only about 6 comments on my offer blog post, so the odds are high that you could be a winner! Just CLICK HERE and leave a comment. What have you got to lose? It's FREE!!



New Blood (Melrose Part 1) - Genre: 16+ Young Adult Urban Paranormal Thriller

In a world where big corporations are controlled by a secret society, Beau is on track to have everything he ever wanted and more. And there is only one woman that stands in his way - As long as she can resist falling in love with the man of her dreams.

In this contemporary tale of power, greed, ambition, love and death, what would you be prepared to sacrifice to have it all?


"New Blood is a paranormal conspiracy novel that has a wide range of appeal. There is enough romance to bring in fans of that genre, but the story is not overshadowed by sappy teenage love scenes. The relationships between the characters bring the story to life in a believable and entertaining way that everyone can enjoy." - IndieBookBlogger

"This is paranormal at its finest...This story will have you asking for more by the time you reach the end. I for one, cannot wait until the second book in the Melrose series comes out." - Eva's Sanctuary


Saturday, October 29, 2011

New Blood - 3 Days & Counting

So - what have I done since yesterday? Upload the ebook version to Amazon and made sure I have all the bits in place. Now I just have to wait for Amazon to 'do its thing.'

Well, that was a really short blog post! No, seriously I think I'm really almost there. It's time for a well deserved glass of wine (as I actually write this it's Friday evening). So without further ado, I'm going to put this post to bed. I'll sign off with a link to the New Blood book trailer. Give it a whirl - I think you'll enjoy it. Then, for a chance to get a free copy of the book, CLICK THIS LINK and leave me a comment. Remember- the drawing is on Monday!!


Watch the New Blood trailer:


If you don't have a flash enabled browser, click HERE to watch trailer


Friday, October 28, 2011

New Blood - 4 Days & Counting

Yep, I can't believe it. Just four more days until The Big Launch. Scary stuff - and it's not even Halloween yet! Yesterday I updated my Book Launch invitations in Facebook, took a visit to the two pubs that are hosting my events and made sure the posters were still in place. I even handed out a few cards to encourage people to come. Then last night I created a little table card for one of the pubs (JJ Mahoney's) to help kick the marketing up a gear. I also sent out a box of my paperbacks to my PR company, ready for them to send out to reviewers who request a copy. There are still too many jobs left to do... Oh well, chill, relax. It'll soon be time for a relaxing glass of wine at the weekend!

In the meantime, take a look at the table cards, advertising my book launch. Have a great day! - Oh, and don't forget to leave a comment HERE for your chance to win a FREE copy of the book.


Thursday, October 27, 2011

New Blood - 5 Days & Counting

Today my message is nice and simple... Would you like a free copy of my upcoming ebook, New Blood? Of course you would! All you have to do is CLICK THIS LINK and leave a comment on the blog post. I will be drawing a name from the list of comments on the afternoon of October 31st, 2011. So - what have you go to lose? CLICK THIS LINK and leave me a comment. See you tomorrow!

Genre: 16+ Young Adult Urban Paranormal Thriller
A single kiss can get a girl killed. But what if he's the most irresistible man you've ever met? What would you do?

In a world where big corporations are controlled by a secret society, Beau is on track to have everything he ever wanted and more. And there is only one woman that stands in his way - As long as she can resist falling in love with the man of her dreams.

In this contemporary tale of power, greed, ambition, love and death, what would you be prepared to sacrifice to have it all?

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

New Blood - 6 Days & Counting

The countdown continues! The exciting news today is that yesterday boxes of paperbacks arrived! Yep - I now have the paperbacks I need to attend my book launches next week. Book launches? Didn't I mention it? So let me tell you a little story.

As you know, the book is entitled New Blood (Melrose Part One). What you probably didn't know was that Melrose was the name given to Redmond, WA (where I live) when it was first named back in 1881. The name didn't last long and in 1883 Melrose became Redmond. The rest, as they say, is history. Anyway, my novel is set in and around Melrose (Redmond) and even features a couple of the local pubs in its pages - Disclaimer: all likenesses or similarities are merely coincidence ☺ - Next week's book launches are taking place in two local pubs: JJ Mahoneys (on 11/1/11 @ 7:30pm); and The Three Lions (on 11/3/11 @ 7pm). If you live in or near Redmond, WA take a trip over to see me and get a book personally signed by the author. There will be freebies and, of course, discounted books... I look forward to seeing you.

Boxes of books arrive...

Nicely packaged bundles of New Blood awaiting buyers!

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

New Blood - 7 Days & Counting

Seven more days to my book launch and most things are nearly in place. New Blood is live at Amazon as a paperback and also on Smashwords as an ebook. Want a pre-release sneak copy? Then head over to Amazon or Smashwords.

Today I am expecting several boxes of paperbacks to arrive via UPS - I just can't wait. More news tomorrow. In the meantime, in case you've missed all the hype, here's what it's all about:

Watch the New Blood trailer:


If you don't have a flash enabled browser, click HERE to watch trailer

Sunday, October 23, 2011

Cougars & Beavers - An Evening Watching College Football

Last night I got to watch my first college football game since I've been living in Washington state. The game was the Washington State Cougars versus the Oregon State Beavers - two teams that have struggled over recent seasons. It was played at Seattle's Centurylink field in front of just under 50,000 fans.

Was it a great game? Not especially. Was it an important game? Certainly for the future of the WSU coach. And certainly for the pride of OSU. Was it a fun evening? Totally. The score didn't really matter (it was 44-21 to OSU), the defense of WSU forgot to show up, and the refereeing reminded me at times of several MLS soccer matches. But the important thing was the spectacle - and a spectacle it was. Take a look at the photos below and then visit my Facebook album to see the rest.





Click to see the complete Cougars & Beavers album on Facebook.

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Pre-Release Sale - New Blood (Now Available at Amazon)

Yes, it's true! Amazon has my upcoming 16+ Urban Paranormal Thriller, New Blood, available in its stores as a paperback!

Can't wait until November 1st to get it as an ebook? Or do you simply want the paperback version? The good news is that you can get your hands on the book TODAY!! - And AT A DISCOUNT!! Normally $12.95, if you use coupon code YQF733H7 at checkout, Amazon will take $2 off the price you pay - That makes the book only $10.95. So head over to my personal book page by clicking THIS LINK and pick up a copy today. This discounted price will only last a few days.



New Blood (Melrose Part 1) - Genre: 16+ Young Adult Urban Paranormal Thriller

A single kiss can get a girl killed. But what if he's the most irresistible man you've ever met? What would you do?


In a world where big corporations are controlled by a secret society, Beau is on track to have everything he ever wanted and more. And there is only one woman that stands in his way - As long as she can resist falling in love with the man of her dreams.

In this contemporary tale of power, greed, ambition, love and death, what would you be prepared to sacrifice to have it all?


Watch the New Blood trailer:


If you don't have a flash enabled browser, click HERE to watch trailer

Tuesday, October 18, 2011

New Blood - Book Trailer

This morning I am pleased to bring you the brand new video trailer for my upcoming novel, New Blood. Patricia Lynne has done a great job in producing this for me and I hope you spend a little time to click on the trailer below and see just what New Blood has in store for you when it's released on November 1st. Enjoy! And I welcome your feedback.

A single kiss can get a girl killed. But what if he's the most irresistible man you've ever met? What would you do?

Watch the New Blood trailer:


If you don't have a flash enabled browser, click HERE to watch trailer

"New Blood reads like season one of an addictive paranormal TV series. The premise takes the power of relationships beyond even the vampire thrill. The characters are fleshed out (except the victims, who are left convincingly dry) and we care enough about our heroine Lucy, to dread her migraines almost as much as she does. Add in a paranoia about the people who are really in power and... well, the temptation is to call it a formula for a long and satisfying series. However, Paul Dorset rises above formulaic prose with writing so compelling that only after you catch your breath do you realize the craftsmanship. He tells stories. And as with the best paranormal fiction, the fantasy serves to illustrate some basic truths of the human condition." - G. Tuttle (reviewer)


New Blood (Melrose Part 1) - Genre: 16+ Young Adult Urban Paranormal Thriller

In a world where big corporations are controlled by a secret society, Beau is on track to have everything he ever wanted and more. And there is only one woman that stands in his way - As long as she can resist falling in love with the man of her dreams.

In this contemporary tale of power, greed, ambition, love and death, what would you be prepared to sacrifice to have it all?


Monday, October 17, 2011

A Farewell to Kasey Keller - Seattle Sounders

I thought I'd go off-topic today, among all my craziness of preparing for a book launch, and dedicate a little blog post to a goalkeeper extraordinaire, Kasey Keller. For those of you that know nothing about him, Kasey is the goalkeeper for the excellent MLS soccer team, the Seattle Sounders. Kasey is coming to the end to his career, having played soccer all over the world, including as the US National goalkeeper, earning over 100 caps for his country. Most recently he has played for the Sounders and been a major reason why the team has enjoyed so much success.


So, sit back, take a look at a few pictures and then click the link HERE to browse the complete photo album on Facebook. Have a great day!


Go to the complete Facebook album: CLICK HERE!

Thursday, October 13, 2011

How To Write & Self-Publish Your First Novel - ON SALE TODAY!!!

Ever since I first launched my ebook How To Write and Self-Publish Your First Novel, I've been asked time and again if the book was available as a traditional paperback. Well, I'm pleased to say that now it is!

For those of you that are unfamiliar with the concept, this book is aimed at helping up and coming authors to perfect their craft, become better writers and get that book that is inside of you out into the big wide world. It is written as a series of essays, each one concentrating on a particular aspect of the book-publishing process. The full contents are as follows:

CONTENTS
1. Don't Start the Story at the Beginning
2. Become a Successful Writer in 2,000 Hours
3. Poems and Short Stories
4. Creating a Good Plot
5. How Long Should a First Novel Be?
6. Writing in the First Person
7. Writing in the Third Person
8. Dialog Versus Narrative – Show Versus Tell
9. Writing Your First Novel: Words & Routine
10. Conflict and Its Importance
11. Plot Pace
12. Creating Believable and Well Rounded Characters
13. Writing Dialog – Or ‘He Said, She Said’
14. Creating a Page Turner
15. Letting the Book 'Cook'
16. Self-Editing Your Novel
17. The Process of Pre-Reads
18. Creating a World of Fantasy
19. How to Write & Self-Publish a Novel: The End-To-End Process Checklist
20. Creating a Writing Environment without Interruptions
21. Reading to Write
22. Encouraging All Would Be Authors
23. The Self-Publishing Process - The COMPLETE A-Z Instructions
24. Marketing Your Novel - The Relevance of Social Media, ARCs and Book Bloggers


Normally the paperback retails at $8.99, but for a limited time I am making this book available with a 15% discount. That's only $7.64!! To claim your book at the discounted price, head over to my store page now and use discount code 4AHAHLWJ at checkout to claim your savings. Click HERE to make the jump. It's something you'll be marking up and referring back to, time and time again!

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

New Blood - Marketing Materials

Well, my complete selection of marketing materials have arrived for my upcoming novel, New Blood. Now it's time to get organized and promoting! I just need to click a few buttons and the book will be ready to go live on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Smashwords. It's going to be a fun couple of weeks. The official launch is Tuesday November 1st, but there will be a couple of opportunities during the next two weeks to download a version ahead of the crowds - keep reading my blog! Also, don't forget you can enter for a chance to win a FREE copy of the book by clicking THIS LINK and leaving a comment. The draw takes place at the end of the month.

In the meantime, here's some pictures of what I've received:
  • Business Cards (great for giveaways)
  • Postcards (use to promote locally or use as small flyers)
  • Banners - 36" x 18" - (to promote a book event once it is running)
  • Posters - 18" x 24" - (to advertise upcoming book events)
Banner
For picture of poster - please see previous blog post

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Picture Of The Week (#14) - Scenes From Kashmir


Today I am continuing my ad hoc series that shows my picture of the week. It's just something that struck a chord with me for whatever reason. This week it's a couple of pictures from a far away region of the world, Kashmir. Kashmir is claimed by both India and Pakistan and a fortified border separates the two parts. China also borders the country. Kashmir is a country of great beauty and also of great poverty. When you get a moment today, stop and reflect on the life you have. There are other parts of the world that are not as fortunate as us.

Have a great week!



(Click picture for original size)
Pictures from Boston.Com

Sunday, October 9, 2011

New Blood - Book Launches Scheduled!

Yes - I've finally arranged the first of two local book launches for my upcoming novel, New Blood. As I've written before, New Blood is a 16+ Young Adult Urban Paranormal Novel and is set in the Pacific North-West city of Melrose. Melrose was the original name given to Redmond, WA when the first post office opened there in 1881. Redmond became the official name in 1883.

Two of Redmond's local pubs are featured in New Blood and I am pleased to announce they will both stage book launches: JJ Mahoney's on Tuesday November 1st, and The Three Lions Pub on Wednesday November 2nd. Exact time and details to follow later. I am excitedly looking forward to holding these events.

So until then, read a little about the book and then CLICK HERE for a chance to win your own FREE copy! Have a great day.

Genre: 16+ Young Adult Urban Paranormal Thriller

A single kiss can get a girl killed. But what if he's the most irresistible man you've ever met? What would you do?

In a world where big corporations are controlled by a secret society, Beau is on track to have everything he ever wanted and more. And there is only one woman that stands in his way - As long as she can resist falling in love with the man of her dreams.

In this contemporary tale of power, greed, ambition, love and death, what would you be prepared to sacrifice to have it all?

Saturday, October 8, 2011

New Blood - Poster

Yesterday I received my New Blood posters - which will allow me to advertise upcoming book events in various locations. They are 20" x 30" - and they look bigger than I originally imagined! I'm really pleased with them and ought to be good crowd pullers.

Now I just have to wait until Monday, when the rest of the marketing materials arrive.

(Click on picture for larger size)

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Writing For Success - Now Available in Paperback!

Ever since I first launched my ebook How To Write and Self-Publish Your First Novel, I've been asked if the book was available as a traditional paperback. Well, I'm pleased to say that it now is!

For those of you that are unfamiliar with the concept, this book is aimed at helping up and coming authors to perfect their craft, become better writers and get that book that is inside of you out into the big wide world. It is written as a series of essays, each one concentrating on a particular aspect. The full contents are as follows:

CONTENTS
1. Don't Start the Story at the Beginning
2. Become a Successful Writer in 2,000 Hours
3. Poems and Short Stories
4. Creating a Good Plot
5. How Long Should a First Novel Be?
6. Writing in the First Person
7. Writing in the Third Person
8. Dialog Versus Narrative – Show Versus Tell
9. Writing Your First Novel: Words & Routine
10. Conflict and Its Importance
11. Plot Pace
12. Creating Believable and Well Rounded Characters
13. Writing Dialog – Or ‘He Said, She Said’
14. Creating a Page Turner
15. Letting the Book 'Cook'
16. Self-Editing Your Novel
17. The Process of Pre-Reads
18. Creating a World of Fantasy
19. How to Write & Self-Publish a Novel: The End-To-End Process Checklist
20. Creating a Writing Environment without Interruptions
21. Reading to Write
22. Encouraging All Would Be Authors
23. The Self-Publishing Process - The COMPLETE A-Z Instructions
24. Marketing Your Novel - The Relevance of Social Media, ARCs and Book Bloggers


For full information on the book, jump to my Writing For Success page on my blog, and then head over to Amazon to pick up a copy. At only $8.99, it's something you'll be marking up and referring back to, time and time again!

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

New Blood - Countdown To Launch (FREE Sample)

I received my second set of proofs last night for New Blood and I've now started the countdown until launch day of the book. The next two weeks will be full of teasers and freebie offers, so keep reading my blog! I'm really excited about this novel as it's really something different from my usual fare.

Today I thought I'd give you all a first-time sampler from New Blood. Of course, you can also read the opening paragraphs elsewhere on my blog (and find out a little more about the book).

Want to receive a FREE copy of New Blood? Just leave a comment at the end of this post telling me what you like best about paranormal novels. I will draw a name from the list after midday US pacific time on October 31st, 2011.

Genre: 16+ Young Adult Urban Paranormal Thriller

A single kiss can get a girl killed. But what if he's the most irresistible man you've ever met? What would you do?

In a world where big corporations are controlled by a secret society, Beau is on track to have everything he ever wanted and more. And there is only one woman that stands in his way - As long as she can resist falling in love with the man of her dreams.

In this contemporary tale of power, greed, ambition, love and death, what would you be prepared to sacrifice to have it all?

     “You have the files?” Beau asked, as he opened the door of his Mercedes for Wendy.
     “Yes, although it’s not a project I’m familiar with.”
     Beau stopped in his tracks and let go of the car door. “What?”
     “Project One-Eighty-Five. Today is the first time I have ever seen it.”
     “You’re not serious, are you? I’m relying on you to be able to tell the customer the details.”
     “Sorry Beau, but I’ve never even seen this project before. And no one else seemed to know anything about it either.” Wendy finished getting into the car and looked up at Beau.
     “I don’t believe it.” Beau slammed the door shut and walked around to his side of the car. “Just what do you people do all day?” he asked, getting in beside Wendy and fumbling with his keys.
     “Look Beau, don’t get mad with me. I just do what I’m asked and this is a project we have never been asked to look at before. Okay?”
     “It’s just not acceptable. It’s no wonder that corporate is firing everyone’s ass in this branch.” Beau started up the car and screeched out of the parking lot, nearly hitting another car as he exited. “Just what do you know about this project?”
     “Only what I’ve read in the last hour.” Wendy shuffled with the folders on her lap as she spoke. “And I didn’t really understand a lot of that to be honest. It seems this is a prototype project that isn’t fully developed yet.”
     “Everything we do here is a prototype, Wendy. Just what do you think Zygote Technologies actually does? We are at the cutting edge of software and biometric meta-technologies. We do what we do with the brightest people there are, and then sell our ideas to companies that can take them and commercialize them. I know we’re only a Sales and Support organization here in Seattle, but my god, you need to at least know what the hell we do.”
     “Don’t get mad with me, Beau. I may not be mister hotshot, but if I am to work on your team then you need to at least respect me.”
     Beau pulled his Mercedes over to the side of the road with a squeal of tires and let his hands drop from the wheel. “Look Wendy, you have absolutely no idea just what pressure we are under at Zygote do you? We are one of three companies looking to break into a three hundred million dollar a year turnover in this emerging technology. And if we are not the first then we might as well all pack up our bags now and go home.”
     “I’m just saying that not all of us are familiar with all our projects. We only support those that we have actually sold. That’s why I was in Support, Beau.” Wendy wound down her window and took in a deep breath.
     Some of the color drained from Beau’s face and he gripped the steering wheel of the car once more. “Yes Wendy. I am aware you were originally from Support. But I was told some of our brightest and best people were in Support. I was told that if anyone knew anything about our projects then Support was the group. Are you telling me I was told wrong?”
     “We only know about those projects we support. Zygote doesn’t give us a list of the projects that are under development or are trying to sell. Only those projects that have actually been sold. Didn’t you know this?”
     “Shit!” Beau banged his head on the steering wheel and then sat back in his seat. “Should we cancel today’s meeting then? Maybe we should cancel meetings all week until the team has caught up with some of the projects we are actually trying to sell. I knew this company was messed up, but my god, talk about the right hand not knowing what the left hand does.”
     “Sorry.”
     Beau took another deep breath...