insight

This has been the first year since 2012 that I haven’t published a new book. I have produced Codename: Foxglove, and Military Matters: An Anthology of Poetry as paperbacks, but both were already available in eBook format.

Did the lack of new titles affect my sales performance?

I would say, no, and without paid promotion, or excessive exposure on social media, my work is still being picked up, mainly digitally, but occasionally, physically.

The five books that make up the series, A Life of Choice show sales almost daily, and without promotion, all five books are creeping up the charts. At first, it was ex-service, and serving personnel who were the main readership, but it seems that the fact-based-fiction series also appeals to those who have never donned a military uniform.

My crime thrillers, and the Light at The End trilogy have continued to achieve regular sales over the past twelve months. Once again, my royalties on sales have been easily surpassed by the royalties from KENP, the Amazon ‘page reads’ system.

Strong female lead characters are popular, and none more so than any story featuring ‘a girl with a gun’. I create such protagonists to satisfy my readership, but also because they are enjoyable to bring to life. This is reflected in reviews, and in the balance of my projects.

Crusader is my main Work in Progress, and is on schedule for publication in March 2023. As I write the story I’ve been fitting in snippets of information which will be ‘removed’ to help create the sequel, Constance.

Did I publish or have success apart from my main brand?

Yes, I did, but under another name. The erotica I write using a female pseudonym has continued to be successful, and this year saw the publication of four novellas and an anthology of six short stories. My ‘secret‘ erotica brand has been in existence for three years, and has demonstrated stamina (appropriately), and achieved a steady growth.

It may seem that there is a continual stream of titles, but that’s because the stories are created piecemeal and it may take many months before an individual title is completed.

Will I continue to work with two brands?

Yes, while my alternative brand has its own Work in Progress, and there is a demand, I’ll happily cater to those readers. Some of the naughty tales may be slightly shorter (novella), but I don’t cut corners with them. They are stories first, and erotica second.

I’d like to wish you all the very best for the upcoming festive season, whatever your religious persuasion.

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*Remember, books are not just for Christmas. 😀

This story is a humorous and satisfying read for both sexes. In my opinion, when you strip away the genre, there are three types of fiction: bad, good, and believable. Heather Hill has created here one of the most believable, funny and heart-warming tales I’ve read in a long time.

As a writer, I read a wide range of genre, and I am critical of various aspects of the writing. In this uplifting tale, the reader is treated to good imagery, natural dialogue, superb characterisation, sense of place, and a plot that will make many honest men and women do some soul-searching.

We get to know the main character Bernice through excellent first-person point of view narrative. She is attractive, but isn’t gorgeous, and she is witty, but doesn’t do a stand-up routine. She is a mother. She is honest to a fault and has hang-ups about her personality and body as she goes into her 40’s.

It’s natural to think of characters like ‘Shirley Valentine’ and ‘Bridget Jones’, but Bernice is a combination of those two – on a particularly good day.

I use email and telephone calls for added depth in my own work, so for me, the inclusion of Facebook entries was insightful, and they are hilarious. Although porn is the poison in the relationship, it is dealt with tastefully – no pun intended.

Bernice’s love for her husband knows no bounds – or does it? That is the question posed early on, but through great writing, it isn’t answered until the end.

For me, this tale ticked all the boxes, and I rate it five-star.