Amazon review round up

WARNING: SELF PROMO MODE ACTIVATED. If you'd prefer to avoid me selling/begging then best skip this blog entry... But do come back for the others!

So with my little novella in the hands of readers across the globe I thought it might be worthwhile compiling some of the positive feedback I've received from Amazon reviews to, well, pimp it. And in the process hopefully tempt a few more curious readers to give it a shot.

If you're one of those people who were sitting on the fence here's some genuine comments taken direct from Amazon that might change your mind.

"The story is full of action, and graphic sequences, extreme entertainment. 4/5." - doseofbella

"...a pretty interesting read. It's quick into the action, an interesting and different plot line, along with likeable characters." - Anna Johnson

"...this is a proper page turner, with nods to the classics of book and film, this is a must-read for horror fans." - Dunk

"A refreshing blast of horror that marks a fantastic début for the author." - J R Park

"...the deaths are gruesome and the book is action packed recommended." - the reader

"I absolutely loved this! I read it in one sitting." - Steph

So far it's sitting comfortably with a 4 out of 5 stars which I'm incredibly pleased, proud and equally worried about as my next book has a lot to live up to! As if I haven't reminded you enough you can buy it in paperback or Kindle format today!

Finally if you use Goodreads head on over to my author page and introduce yourself, I've only just set the page up so it'd be nice to say hello to some fellow horror fans!

If you like pina coladas

Last night I watched Marvel's Guardians Of The Galaxy and, ever since, I can't get it out of my head.

James Gunn, best known to horror fans from Slither, absolutely nailed it. Every cast member brought their game face, every effect was top notch, the soundtrack was phenomenal and for all the jaw dropping spectacle it delivered there was genuine heart to it.

While not without it's faults I haven't smiled through a film like that since God only knows when. It's a rare thing to have a Summer tentpole film deliver on its promise.

Guardians Of The Galaxy is a rarity. A film of fun AND substance.

And it comes loaded with Marvel swagger. The confidence is palpable. Go and see it. Encourage big studios to hire visionary talent like Gunn as the end results speak for themselves.

If you put your money where your mouth is we'll get more of this kind of film. More risk taking. More left field thinking.

And if you disagree well I can only say "O-o-h child things are gonna get easier. O-o-h child things 'll get brighter."

Facebooked

Despite my best efforts, protests, Diva-like crying and general furiousness I was coerced into making an author page for myself on Facebook by fellow horror brethren Justin and Dunk.

So check it out.

If you want to.

Although I will add it was a bloody nightmare setting it up. You can't edit page settings from a non-desktop system and everything in Facebook is like some sort Lemarchand's Box. Only without Cenobites.

Bad reviews and Ben Hutchinson

It’s inevitable when you create something and invest countless hours of blood, sweat and tears into it that you’re proud of it. Some may say precious or protective. It’s your baby. You've given it all the love in the world and you want the world to love it as much as you do. The thing is that it’s never truly the case. Just because you love it, it doesn't mean somebody (or everybody for that matter) will feel the same.

Whether it’s from a stranger, a respected peer or industry professional it’s inevitable your work is going to piss somebody off. And the sooner you can accept that the better your work will be. Everybody gets bad reviews. Even the people you respect and admire as creators. I love John Carpenter with all of my blackened heart but he’s made some shit let’s be honest (Ghosts of Mars anybody?!).

The worst part of this process is that you can’t try and defend yourself from a bad review. You may write a chapter or draw an image and instinctively know that it’s not going to sit right with some. It doesn't matter. Don’t change what you’re doing. Your energy and passion for what you’re doing colours the work you do. Don’t water it down or homogenise it.

Bad reviews will creep up on you like a thief in the night and there’s nothing you can do. And if you let it scare you your work will never be the same. Despite your best endeavours you cannot head it off at the pass.

The fact you’re thinking and worrying while creating means you care for the project you’re doing. And what’s better is that if you’re worrying about them there’s a good chance you've already taken the preventative measures to avoid the many criticisms headed your way.

The bad news is that it won’t matter.

Some people will just not like what you do. No matter how hard you try. And that’s okay. It’s subjectivity.

The reason I write this is today I received my first bad review.

A chap named Ben Hutchinson kindly took the time to read my book but didn't like it and dutifully posted his opinion on Amazon. His two star review states “Started off quite well but became confusing. A great idea but too much was left unexplained in the end. On the whole quite poor.”

To Ben I say I'm sorry you didn't like it – truly I am. But I greatly appreciate you taking the time to read it and post your feedback. 

Kindle version updated to fix minor issues

If you've downloaded the Kindle version of Burning House please update the file as I've made some minor alterations to increase the general quality of the read as well as changing a tiny amount of errors that cropped up in conversion to Kindle format.

You can click here for a guide on how to enable automatic updates if you're unsure (don't worry it's not complicated).

All you have to do is head to the Manage Your Kindle item on the Amazon menu and then click the “update available” next to any book that has an update. Then click the Update this title now link. It'll take a few seconds and will increase your enjoyment immensely!

And who knows, maybe there's updates to your other books that you weren't aware of? Kindle books are updated regularly so don't forget to check if you haven't enabled automatic updates.

Thanks!

Some well deserved thanks

Within a week over 100 copies of my little book are out in the wild. It's a scary but humbling experience. It's amazing first and foremost. I look forward to hearing what new readers think, I'm under no impression it's perfect so it'll help me develop as an author.

I wanted to take a moment to thank everyone for their support and help. Most are named in the book but for many reasons some aren't, so for those that aren't I raise a glass to you. And to the wonderful Twitter people who retweeted I give enormous thanks.

Thanks everyone. X

Burning House is FREE on Kindle and Kindle apps for the next 5 days

There's not much to say besides the fact that Burning House is FREE on Kindle and Kindle apps for the next 5 days. Get it while you can!