The Northern Witch's Book Blog

The Snow Hare by Paula Lichtarowicz 2.5 out of 5 Synopsis In this "riveting, heartfelt" novel of love and consequences (Heather Morris, New York Times bestselling author of The Tattooist of Auschwitz ), a woman dreams of becoming a doctor until World War II leads her instead into an astonishing love—and a fateful choice. Is it possible to fall in love at the edge of life? Lena has lived a long, quiet life on her farm in Wales, alongside her husband and child. But as her end approaches, buried memories begin to return. Of her childhood in Poland, and her passion for science. Of the early days of her marriage, reluctant wife to an army officer. Of the birth of her daughter, whose arrival changed everything. Memories less welcome return, too. Her Polish village, transformed overnight by the Soviets, and the war that doomed her entire family to the frigid work camps of the Siberian tundra. And buried in that blinding snow, amongst the darkness of survival, the most haunting memor...

 How to... survive the Big Day This summer I am sharing some of my tips for attending book events, to hopefully aid new authors, and those stepping out to events for the first time. Blog Posts: How to pick your events Getting ready - what you need to take The big day Today I am going to be sharing my insight into what to expect from attending an event as an author. 1. ARRIVAL & SET-UP 2. THE SELLING BIT 3. WHAT ELSE TO DO 1. ARRIVAL Getting There You need to read the emails that the organisers have sent to you. It will give you details on how to get there and, as a trader, where you have to bring your vehicle; as this can sometimes be different to the main entrance attendees will be using. They will often give you advice on where to park your car - even if you've been to this event before, it's good to check that nothing has changed. They will give you times for unpacking all your gear. If you are going to a comic con, the organisers may mention unloading gear the day befor...

How to... get ready for a Book Event This summer I am sharing some of my tips for attending book events, to hopefully aid new authors, and those stepping out to events for the first time. Blog Posts: How to pick your events Getting ready - what you need to take The big day Today I am going to be sharing my insight into what I take as standard to all of my book events, and where I get everything from. Please keep in mind that I am a Fantasy author, based in the UK; and that I buy from UK suppliers. 1. WHAT BOOKS TO TAKE 2. HOW TO MAKE YOUR TABLE LOOK PRETTY 3. OTHER IMPORTANT BITS 1. WHAT BOOKS TO TAKE The Books The big question for authors - what books to take with you? Once you've been to a few events, you'll get to know how many sales you can expect. Keeping in mind, I've only gone to mid-size one-day events so far. I generally take about 10 copies of each of my books, and sometimes take 12 of my series starters, because they tend to sell a little more. (When I go to the ...

 How to... pick your Book Event This summer I am sharing some of my tips for attending book events, to hopefully aid new authors, and those stepping out to events for the first time. Blog Posts: How to pick your events Getting ready - what you need to take   The big day Today I am going to be sharing my insight into the events that I have attended, and what has worked for me. Please keep in mind that I am a Fantasy author, so other genres might have a different result. 1. TYPE OF EVENTS & RESULTS 2. HOW TO FIND & BOOK EVENTS 3. WHAT TO DO NEXT 1. TYPE OF EVENTS & RESULTS Book/Literary Events                     Let's start with the most obvious one. Clearly, Book and Literary Events are going to be solely focussed on books. I think they're a great place to start, and excellent for meeting and networking with other authors. I always try to go to at least one Lit Event a year, as they are a lot of fun, and...

The Hemlock Cure by Joanne Burn 2.5 out of 5 Synopsis It is 1665 and the women of Eyam keep many secrets. Isabel Frith, the village midwife, walks a dangerous line with her herbs and remedies. There are men in the village who speak of witchcraft, and Isabel has a past to hide. So she tells nobody her fears about Wulfric, the pious, reclusive apothecary. Mae, Wulfric's youngest daughter, dreads her father's rage if he discovers what she keeps from him. Like her feelings for Rafe, Isabel's ward, or the fact that she studies from Wulfric's books at night. But others have secrets too. Secrets darker than any of them could have imagined. When Mae makes a horrifying discovery, Isabel is the only person she can turn to. But helping Mae will place them both in unimaginable peril. And meanwhile another danger is on its way from London. One that threatens to engulf them all . . . Based on the real history of an English village during the Great Plague, The Hemlock Cure is an utter...

The Christmas Escape by Sarah Morgan 3 out of 5 Synopsis “Morgan’s latest Christmas tale will delight readers and give them the perfect excuse to snuggle up for a few hours with a cup of hot cocoa.”—Booklist on The Christmas Escape This Christmas, be whisked away by USA Today bestselling author Sarah Morgan in this uplifting novel of friendship, the festive season, and risking everything for the biggest gift of all... It was supposed to be Christy Sullivan’s perfect Christmas getaway—a trip to Lapland with her family and best friend, Alix. But facing a make-or-break marriage crisis, Christy desperately needs time alone with her husband. Her solution? Alix can take Christy’s little daughter to Lapland, and they will reunite there for Christmas Day. It’s a big ask, but what else are friends for? There’s nothing Alix won’t do for Christy. But Christy’s request to save Christmas is giving Alix sleepless nights. She knows something is wrong, but for the first time ever, Christy isn’t talkin...

The Women of Troy by Pat Barker 3 out of 5 Synopsis Troy has fallen. The Greeks have won their bitter war. They can return home as victors - all they need is a good wind to lift their sails. But the wind has vanished, the seas becalmed by vengeful gods, and so the warriors remain in limbo - camped in the shadow of the city they destroyed, kept company by the women they stole from it. The women of Troy. Helen - poor Helen. All that beauty, all that grace - and she was just a mouldy old bone for feral dogs to fight over. Cassandra, who has learned not to be too attached to her own prophecies. They have only ever been believed when she can get a man to deliver them. Stubborn Amina, with her gaze still fixed on the ruined towers of Troy, determined to avenge the slaughter of her king. Hecuba, howling and clawing her cheeks on the silent shore, as if she could make her cries heard in the gloomy halls of Hades. As if she could wake the dead. And Briseis, carrying her future in her womb: the ...

The Landlord of Hummingbird House When April moves into Hummingbird House, she is intrigued by her mysterious landlord, Dai.  With a bruised heart and a distinct lack of furniture, she spends the summer getting to know the other occupants. As she smartens up her home and makes peace with her recent past, she befriends Paul, a solitary ex-chef, and Betty, an elderly lady who lives in the basement flat.  But Hummingbird House holds many secrets, and the relationships of the tenants are not as straightforward as they seem. April learns some shocking truths one eventful night, and realises that victims and villains can look the same.  The Landlord of Hummingbird House is a contemporary novel exploring unlikely friendships, unexpected love interests, and family relationships. Here, everyone is in need of a second chance - and appearances can be deceptive. Purchase Links  UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Landlord-Hummingbird-House-Impressions-Chances-ebook/dp/B099J88F84 US - ...

#IndieApril Guide for Authors In the spirit of #IndieApril I am sharing a few tips for new authors, or authors that feel like they've yet to make traction. I've pulled together some tips. Many of these are basic and easy to do, and I just want to show authors that it really is worth doing these little things. I will also try to include budget options for each tip (where applicable), because I definitely didn't have any spare resources when I first published. A bit of background - I am the UK fantasy author K.S. Marsden. I have ten books published, and a reasonable income from them. I am also a prolific reader and reviewer (hence this blog). I read up to 100 books a year, and try and promote as many authors as possible. Which means I'm part of your target audience, and can give advice from both sides of the book industry. 1. Cover 2. Online platforms 3. Reviews 4. Newsletter 5. Advertising 1. Does your book look the part? Now, be honest with me, and with yourself. Does y...