Published to YouTube on 15th February 2022
All The Twos Reading Challenge
This post contains affiliate links. To learn more, please visit my Affiliate Disclosure page.
I’ve set myself a challenge for 2022 to read as many book twos as I can. I often start a series and never get to the next book so I have plenty of choice. Join in with the hashtag #AllTheTwos
Check out the link at the end to get a free printable to track you books read!
I’m planning to publish book two this year. Enjoying amazing book twos is sure to keep me motivated to publish mine.
Here are ten, 2nd in the series, books I’m looking forward to reading in 2022:
Sea Witch Rising by Sarah Henning
You can read my review of book one, Sea Witch, here: https://lde.tuq.mybluehost.me/book-review-sea-witch-by-sarah-henning/
Glass Sword by Victoria Aveyard
You can read my review of book one, Red Queen, here: https://lde.tuq.mybluehost.me/book-review-red-queen/
Holiday Date by Debbie Ioanna
You can read my review of book one, Blind Date, here: https://lde.tuq.mybluehost.me/reading-challenge-blind-date-by-debbie/
Kairos by Naomi Kelly
You can read my review of book one, Meraki, here: https://lde.tuq.mybluehost.me/book-review-meraki-by-naomi-kelly/
Essentia by Hannah Reed
You can read my review of book one, Tenebrasco, here: https://lde.tuq.mybluehost.me/book-review-tenebrasco-by-hannah-reed/
Awaken by K.S Marsden
You can read my review of book one, Winter Trials, here: https://lde.tuq.mybluehost.me/book-review-winter-trials-by-k-s-marsden/
This Poison Heart by Kalynn Bayron
You can read my review of this authors debut novel, Cinderella is Dead, here: https://lde.tuq.mybluehost.me/book-review-cinderella-is-dead/
A Court of Mist & Fury by Sarah J Mass
You can read my review of book one, A Court of Thorns and Roses, here: https://lde.tuq.mybluehost.me/book-review-a-court-of-thorns-and-roses/
Dance of Despair by Kara S Weaver
You can read my review of book one, Crown of Conspiracy, here: https://lde.tuq.mybluehost.me/reading-challenge-crown-of-conspiracy-by-kara-s-weaver/
The Almost Boyfriend by Christina Benjamin
You can read my review of book one, The Practice Boyfriend, here: https://lde.tuq.mybluehost.me/book-review-the-practice-boyfriend-by-christina-benjamin/
Bright New Penny by Grace Herbst
You can read my review of book one, Brave New Girl, here: https://lde.tuq.mybluehost.me/reading-challenge-brave-new-girl-by-grace-herbst/
Wiccan Romance: Sam’s Story by Nicola Hebron
You can read my review of book one, Wiccan Romance: Amelia’s Story, here: https://lde.tuq.mybluehost.me/reading-challenge-amelias-story-by-nicola-hebron/
Forever Frozen by Trinity Lemm
I am currently reading book one, Forever Burn, but hopefully should have a review very soon!
FREE Book Tracker
I created this freebie for my followers on Ko-Fi. It’s free to follow me there and in return you will updates on my writing, be able to buy exclusive merchandise, and access to my Freebies.
Link to product in Redfae’s Ko-Fi Shop: https://ko-fi.com/s/31eb6ec8bf
[kofi]
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End the Year with a Book Bargain!
Ocean Heart has 50% Off in the Smashwords End of Year Sale!
Why Smashwords?
Smashwords enables you to read your eBooks on whatever device/app you prefer. This puts you, the reader, in control of your books.
The Smashwords End Of Year Sale
The Sale is a great way to discover new books and authors, and grab a bargain. Go check out what is on offer. You might find a new favourite!
Click here to browse the Smashwords End Of Year Sale!
NaNoWriMo Project
My NaNoWriMo Project
New Moon (working title)
This project is set in the same low fantasy world of The Soul Heart Series. In fact, for readers of Ocean Heart they may recognise the main character, Denny.
This story is a prequel. It’s set in the 90s, back when Denny was a teen herself. It will cover how she became friends with Gwyn, started her Sparkle Cake business, and the highs and lows as a new mum.
Preparation
I feel more prepared now I have created a title, cover, and blurb. Of course these are all just a work in progress, so could change but it helps me feel more focused.
I’ve started writing an outline. I intended for this to be a novella but I already have a sneaky suspicion this could become a full length novel.
I’ve also made a spreadsheet to help me track my word count. If this works successfully, I will look at making a version available to my followers on Ko-Fi.
The Goal
I’m going to aim for the big Five-O (50,000 words). If I don’t make it, I will still have made progress, but if I do, it’d make me so happy.
I’ve been struggling with motivation because Sky Heart is on hold until I can afford the professional services I need to move it forward. I’ve also been bummed out with all the germs (sick kids) ruining September, and fracturing my ankle ruining October.
I really want to get back into the habit of writing again. My ultimate goal for November is this: To write!
Are you doing NaNoWriMo? What’s your project, goal, and how do you prepare?
[kofi]
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Book format and buying options…
Buy it!
There are tons of ways to own your very own copy of Ocean Heart. Check out my webpage About Ocean Heart for full details, but here are a few:
Some of these links are affiliate links. Please visit my about Affiliate Links page for more details.
Signed Copy
You can buy a signed copy of Ocean Heart from Ko-Fi, and there are two options:
Personalised & Hand Signed
This is limited to the UK due to postage costs. First, I order the book, sign it, and then send to you. If you’d like a personalised message for you or someone special, I can do this.
This was the method used for the first 20 copies of Ocean Heart bought during my book signing event at Stillwater Books.
Now, you can get a hand signed copy by supporting me on Ko-Fi & visiting my Ko-Fi Shop.
Personalise & Digitally Signed
This is limited to countries with an Ingram printing facility. I will design a personalised page for you, that will be added to the book when printed. Ingram then will send out directly to you (saving on international postage costs/emissions).
Currently there is only one copy of Ocean Heart like this that I gifted to a TikToker.
Now, you can get a digitally signed copy by supporting me on Ko-Fi & visiting my Ko-Fi Shop.
Paperback
Bookshop.org
I recently blogged a ton of reasons to shop with Bookshop.org but the main one is to support your local independent bookshop.
Amazon
Amazon encourages shoppers to leave product reviews, helping consumers to make more informed decisions.
If you are not UK/US, try this universal link to find Ocean Heart at your local Zon: http://getbook.at/OceanHeart
eBook
Smashwords
The great thing about Smashwords is you can buy your eBook and choose the format, enabling you to read on whatever device is your favourite. In addition your eBook is saved to your Smashwords library, so you keep it forever.
Amazon
Kindle is one of the most popular eReaders both as a tablet and app.
If Smashwords and Amazon aren’t your thing, you can get Ocean Heart from many other popular eBook stores. Click this link to discover more eBook buying options: https://books2read.com/OceanHeart
[kofi]
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A little trip to the library…
If you know me, you’ll know I’m very naughty when it comes to returning books. In addition, I lose books! And, my youngest destroys books. Library fines are common.
But, during the pandemic my fines got to a point where they barred my account! ?
I was a bit scared & embarrassed to go into the library to pay my fines. But, as always, the local librarians were lovely. We sorted it out and I can borrow books again.
Ocean Heart never at the library…
When I released Ocean Heart last year, I approached my local library to recommend they stock a copy. And, they did!
It felt too good to be true. So, I searched using Suffolk County Libraries app to check it was really there. It was, but out on loan, with another Suffolk library!
A few weeks later, I checked to see if it was back. It had returned to Felixstowe but was on the Reserved Shelf.
When I paid my fines, I asked what the Reserved Shelf meant. It meant someone had requested it! My book is in demand! And, it had already been collected! ?
I must say I’m relieved. I love my library and would hate them to waste money on an unwanted book. As a new author building my audience, I worried I might be too unknown. I feared nobody would be interested in Ocean Heart. It makes me so happy to see it’s always checked out.
If you want to borrow the paperback, you’ll need to reserve it. It is in their collection, but there’s a queue. ?
For students of Felixstowe Academy, there are a few copies available from their school library.
Ocean Heart on Overdrive App
Overdrive is an eBook app used by libraries. You can search for Ocean Heart and request a copy to read. I don’t think they’ve ordered the eBook yet but all you have to do is ask.
If you love reading eBooks, supporting your library, and supporting authors, get this app and start enjoying a vast range of eBooks for FREE using your library card.
Ocean Heart ISBNs
It’s easy to find my book searching by title or my name, but to be certain you found the right copy, use the ISBN.
Paperback or eBook?
There you have it, Ocean Heart is available for you to read for free using your library card. If it’s not currently stocked by your local library, just ask them to order it in.
Buy Ocean Heart
Below are some affiliate links for buying Ocean Heart. You can learn more about these on my Affilate Disclosure Page.
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/1092737?ref=Redfae
[kofi]
Why you should shop at Bookshop.org
This post will contain affiliate links. You can learn more about these on my Affiliate Disclosure page.
There are tons of good reasons to support bookshop.org which was why I created an affiliate account with them. But, I strongly believe you shouldn’t recommend something you have not tried yourself. So…
What a good excuse to go book shopping!
Joy’s Summer Love Playlist by Piper Bee
I won some book merchandise in an Instagram giveaway from this author. I then felt compelled to buy the matching book. How could I not?
Ordering was super simple. I searched Bookshop.org, found Joy’s Summer Love Playlist, added it to my basket, and checked out like I would any other online store.
The only extra step was choosing which bookshop to support. Bookshop.org gives the sale to independent bookshops. I choose my local bookshop, Stillwater Books, to support my local high street.
My book arrived in a cardboard book mail envelope – exactly like Amazon would.
Red Wolf by Rachel Vincent
Just to be sure that my first buy wasn’t a fluke, I had to buy another book – a great excuse to preorder my all time favourite authors latest release!
Again, my order came packed perfectly. No damage. No issues. And, so incredibly gorgeous.
More reasons to shop with Bookshop.org
Supporting Independent Bookshops
Bookshop.org support local bookstores by creating an easy to use online store to rival Amazon. I’ve nothing against Amazon but I don’t want to see independent bookshops wiped from the high street because they can’t compete with Goliath. Thanks to Bookshop.org the battle field is more even, giving consumers more choice.
Bookstores can earn commission for supporting Bookshop.org. They get 30% if a buyer uses their affiliate link. In addition 10% from sales goes into a kitty that is shared between all bookstores in the program, so they can make money even if they didn’t make a sale!
Bookshop.org will tell customers about upcoming events and book deals at their favourite store, and give the store your email so they can keep in touch to with their newsletter.
Bookshop.org do all the leg work for the sale. Books are distributed by Gardners, and they promise to keep deliveries Carbon Neutral.
Bookshop.org can connect people with their local bookshop. I expect you know where yours is. But, if you’re on holiday in the UK, use their map to find when the nearest independent bookstore is.
They have an awesome affiliate program!
You may have seen my Affiliate links on my site. One of the affiliate programs I’ve joined is Bookshop.org
My own Bookshop
It’s only virtual but to have my own bookshop is a dream come true. Okay, it’s not a real bookshop, it’s an affiliate shop, but I get to pick the books to go on my “shelves” aka lists.
Check out Redfae Bookshop
Book List Recommendations
Not only can you share links to your books, but you can create book lists to recommend a collection of books.
Here’s a Book List I created for my Redfae bookshop.org to showcase indie books. I definitely should be using this feature more!
Anything else…
Bookshop.org accept National Book Tokens. If you got one as a gift, add it to your account and spend it.
Any issues…
Well, the only problems I’ve had are that I can only create affiliate links for the UK Bookshop.org. I’ve applied for a US account too but they’ve not approved me, so, I think it is restricted to my own country.
They also don’t have book reviews or ratings. I like readings reviews as they help me decide if a book is right for me.
I’ve not yet made any money from it but I’m not bothered about that as I see it as a free tool to embed books in my website that is aesthetically pleasing.
These things are very minor and don’t put me off using or recommending Bookshop.org . And, maybe one day in the future they will have those features or it’ll become an income venue for me.
Final thoughts…
You should look at getting a Bookshop.org account if you recommend books for others to read. I love it, the ethics, and how easy it is to use.
If you are thinking of buying a product using an affiliate link, you should because it costs you nothing extra. It just helps out the person making the recommendation, and in this case it also helps independent bookshops.
Also, buy Ocean Heart by Ally Aldridge. ?
[kofi]
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Summer Reading Challenge
World Indie Warriors is a nonprofit organisation that has a mission to bring indie authors together so they can collaborate and help each other. They are a lovely bunch and a joy to work with.
#WIWBINGO
Over on Instagram @worldindiewarriors have created a reading challenge for indie books.
Readers are encouraged to get a line of three by reading books on the bingo cards.
When readers post their review, WIW would like readers to tag them in it.
My debut novel Ocean Heart is featured on one of the bingo boards!
If you want to join in, you might be interested to know that Ocean Heart is available to borrow from all good libraries. The library might need the ISBN to order it in. You may find this pic useful.
As a supporter of indie authors & indie books, I already have a few of the books ticked off the bingo card, but no lines.
Check out the reviews below:
Crown of Conspiracy by Kara S. Weaver review
Sorceress of Truth by J.D. Groom review
Agent Undone by Cassidy Reyne review
Duet Rubato by Claerie Kavanaugh review
Amelia’s Story by Nicola Hebron review
Read the first 3 chapters of Ocean Heart
I’ve been meaning to post the first three chapters of Ocean Heart online ever since I published. I wanted people to be able to sample the book before they buy it.
Amazon does allow a peep inside but not everyone shops with Amazon.
I decided to post Ocean Heart to two places:
Wattpad
I’ve been on Wattpad for years but I’ve struggled to get seen amongst all the voices there. I liked how easy it was to use.
You can follow me @Redfae on Wattpad and read Ocean Heart there.
Movellas
I’ve had an account here for years but never really used it as I didn’t find it as user friendly. I recently got encouraged to give it another go as it’s being revamped.
So far, I am impressed. It’s a lot more user friendly appears to be more social and engaging than Wattpad. I’m looking forward to their new app coming soon.
You can follow me @Redfae on Movellas and read Ocean Heart there.
Ocean Heart for Free
Both the above sites are currently free to join. Writers post their stories (content) and readers enjoy it, comment, and rate it.
I also included in the books about when Ocean Heart has been given away free. This isn’t something I can do all the time.
I also reminded people that Ocean Heart can be ordered in by libraries. If you have a library card, you can borrow and read Ocean Heart if your library stock it. If they don’t, you can ask them and they’ll need the ISBN.
I hope you enjoy the chapters enough to treat yourself to a full copy. I also look forward to connecting with you on either platform or social media.
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Ocean Heart is free on Smashwords
[kofi]
Mermaids in Felixstowe Magazine!
Felixstowe Magazine recently reached out to me and asked if I’d be willing to do an interview with them about my book Ocean Heart.
We set on the title Mermaids in Felixstowe and I was set questions to answer. You can read the article using the link below.
https://www.thefelixstoweapp.com/blog/c/0/i/57284190/mermaids-felixstowe
More News
For a month where I didn’t have much planned, it is filling up fast. Here are the highlights I don’t want you to miss!
Sky Heart needs Beta Readers
If you’re interested in helping me out by Beta Reading Sky Heart, please check out my post asking for sign ups!
Ocean Heart is free for July
To celebrate Ocean Heart now being available on Smashwords it is in their Sale, making it free for July 2021.
Indie Summer Book Fayre (31 July to 1 Aug)?
I am one of the authors taking part in this event. You can see the full line up in my recent blog post!
[kofi]