A Good Thriller discussion

Hello. I'd be interested to participate in the next readalong (so now, that I've posted here I'll hopefully receive any updates...)

Usually updates added here, on this thread.

We try as best as we can not to send many to the whole group.

Sadly we get members leaving, due to a group message, sad as it is.

I personally would like to send and keep members updated on the news, but we have to be careful.

Maybe a rare one to go out soon.

Next read along is in November at the moment with Eldon Farrell book.

Only just seen this. As most of the people in this group who know me well will already know, I was completely abscent for most of June and July. Hardly did any writing or reading. Personally, I keep my author hat and reader hat totally seperate. If a book in the readalong appeals to me I will read it for that reason alone, not because the author read my book. If that were a mandate quite a sizeable number of well known authors owe me a read or two. Dave Edlund's book did appeal, and I will read it at some point. I will also rate and review it, which I notice many authors do not bother to do despite knowing how helpful this can be.

I think this is the best group on goodreads, with a great bunch of regular members, and for that reason I intend to continue participating whenever I have time, primarily as a reader as I enjoy the interaction. I also have no issue in regard to recieving PMs, they are easily deleted or ignored if not wanted.

I wanted to drop a comment in here. I was very happy to have a Readalong in June for my book, The Third Rule, and I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I didn't really notice a spike in sales, which is not a problem (I gave my book away for free so that I might interact with more readers on here) because I was here to listen to reader's joy or otherwise. It was worthwhile for that alone, and I learned a lot from it, and had a ball explaining my rationale as I wrote the book.

But I just wanted to let you know how things are from my own point of view in case people were thinking that I took advantage of the group's goodwill and didn't reciprocate.

Here's a little background for you, I used to be a member of several Goodreads groups and a splendid indie group too. I have a Twitter account, three Facebook pages, and a website.

I am also a dad to a beautiful 2 year old girl. I work for the police as a CSI and spend 60 hours a week at work. I also have two wonderful kids from a previous marriage who I'm desperate to keep in touch with. On top of that, I'm trying my very hardest to carve out a little writing career. I'm 56k words into a new novel (and, frankly, I'm wondering if it will be my last) and work very hard at 'getting it right'.

Anyway, the crux of the matter is time. The lack of it. I've abandoned the indie group, rarely go on my other Goodreads group, and despite really wanting to be more involved with this group (I'm very selective about groups I join, by the way), have struggled to have the time to participate to any extent. I skip through the facebook stuff, rarely touch Twitter, and am really sad to admit that I'm reading the same book now that I begun about two months ago.

It's 21:40 here, and this is the first chance I've had to sit here at the keyboard all day, and I'm up at 05:45 for work in the morning. I was hoping to do some writing (I have a wonderful scene in mind!) but I don't think I'll have the time now. I participated with the Readalong in June under quite a bit of strain. I'd begged and borrowed time from my partner (she also works full time as a police officer) and from her parents who took care of my daughter, Ellie, so I could partake. So yes, I do feel very guilty that I haven't been able to play my part in any readalongs since I was lucky enough to have one of my own. But it cost me a lot (in time) to do, and I'm pretty sure I couldn't release that amount of time again. I feel very selfish, and I apologise.

Just one other point, and this is in response to David's post above. And that concerns reviews by authors. For the last few years I've been aware of how difficult it is to leave reviews in case that review is removed by Amazon. I'm friends with lots of authors and for that reason don't post reviews. I did however used to post reviews on the indie site (KUF), which had no connection to Goodreads or to Amazon - so was safe.

Andrew wrote: "I wanted to drop a comment in here. I was very happy to have a Readalong in June for my book, The Third Rule, and I must say that I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. I didn't really notice a spike..."

Andrew, it sounds like you're writing under circumstances that make any literary activities nothing less than heroic. Rather than thinking your current book will be your last, why don't you just take a break? I mean although it's very time consuming, the writing is obviously giving you a lot in return. So just spend the extra time with your family and get a bit of perspective. At the end of the day a little breather might get you just the distance you need to see what works better for you.
You can always come back to it if you miss it, without having taken dramatic decisions (or not).

Thanks for all your comments.

All understandable.

I follow and market very closely this group, my baby.

I know how life is so busy for us all in different ways.

David, thanks for your comments, and I hope still you will add your comments to the general file "What Makes This Group/Club Your Home". A very important procedure, as our group will be mentioned in a book by two Doctors and Antropology

I market this group on our Facebook page "A Good Thriller"

I also have my own Facebook page, twitter page, Linked page and Instagram page.

My own website, updated daily www.thestarsphotos.com.

And of course work full time, with tennis 3-4 times a week, snooker 2 a week, padel tennis once a week.

A passion for music and films

As you say also family life, with the gardening etc..

Life is hectic !

Yes I agree with Magnus, never give up on a passion, take a step back Andrew.

I am so happy to have authors who do take part in the group, and do recognise the difference between busy authors, and authors are here just to promote, and I guess we encourage them to join?

I thank you for your support, comments and loyalty.

Sound advice Magnus and Sean, thank you. At the risk of running this thread right off topic, I shall keep this brief.

When the current book is finished, I shall indeed take a tiny step back, but I know it won't be very long before I'm back hammering the keys - I just can't keep away.

I love writing. The only thing I dislike about writing is promotional work, so that takes a back seat (assuming I remember to put it in the car at all!). I will try to find the time to visit here more often - it really is a very good group indeed, and I do enjoy being here.

Andrew, I totally know what you mean. My summer holidays are now over so it's back to having 90 free mins a day at best which I'll pour (or dribble) into my new book, not into promoting the previous one...

Sean wrote: "Usually updates added here, on this thread.

We try as best as we can not to send many to the whole group.

Sadly we get members leaving, due to a group message, sad as it is.

I personally would l..."

Can't wait...and it gives me time to finish about a dozen I need to get to! Perfect!

Question-- Important.

A member here, a publicist, works for a publishing company, and one of her authors has a book coming out.

They would like to do a December Readalong.

With the book costing £1.00

http://sandstonepress.com/books/fallow


Fallow by Daniel Shand....

Are You interested.....

November is author member Eldon

The blurb doesnt float my boat, Sean. I would have had a read of a sample chapter to get a better idea, but there doesn't seem to be one. I never buy a book, whatever the cost, without sampling the writing style.

If it became available on Kindle US and depending on the price I would be interested

David wrote: "The blurb doesnt float my boat, Sean. I would have had a read of a sample chapter to get a better idea, but there doesn't seem to be one. I never buy a book, whatever the cost, without sampling the..."

I didn't mind the blurb but would also like to read a sample

How long is it?

Sean wrote: "Question-- Important.

A member here, a publicist, works for a publishing company, and one of her authors has a book coming out.

They would like to do a December Readalong.

With the book costing ..."

It's too hard to tell from the blurb for me.....

Karen B. wrote: "If it became available on Kindle US and depending on the price I would be interested"

I agree. It would have to be available for my U.S. Kindle......The other comments about reading a sample are a great idea, too!

Sean wrote: "Question-- Important.

A member here, a publicist, works for a publishing company, and one of her authors has a book coming out.

They would like to do a December Readalong.

With the book costing ..."

What book is November?

Christy wrote: "What book is November?"

My debut book Stillness is BOTM for November.

Hi all, thanks for your comments!

Here is a link to a sample: https://www.dropbox.com/s/6x0ucymhd15...

Fallow has 277 pages and will be available on both UK and US amazon Kindle.

I hope you enjoy!

Eldon Farrell's book

Stillness is FREE NOW

27th, 28th, 29th October.

For November Read a Long.

Showing as £3 on Amazon UK, Sean

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Stillness-De...

Sean wrote: "Eldon Farrell's book

Stillness is FREE NOW

27th, 28th, 29th October.

For November Read a Long."

Sorry to have to correct you Sean but Stillness will be free starting on the 28th through the 30th.

Okay... Tired !

got it!

got it too

will there be a thread for group read discussion?

Yes, there will be Sandy. Will set one up soon.

thanks for responding as I just acquired the book at well...

I have the book... Stillness.

Also have a copy of Fallow to read, will give my feedback for a future Read a long.

Sadly very busy at the moment, with lots of overtime.

Will try to keep up with my books

Sean wrote: "Usually updates added here, on this thread.

We try as best as we can not to send many to the whole group.

Sadly we get members leaving, due to a group message, sad as it is.

I personally would l..."

Sad, they leave over this. I am always behind on noticing the "group read" since I visit the site in a random manner and see the giveaway for the book was a few days back. My mind is jammed with my "to do" and at one time I would be organized to remember to check sooner, but it gets crowded back in my older mind now. I might do better with it having a group letter ahead of time. Can't please all of the people ............... You know the saying. I am sorry they do this.

Karen wrote: "Sad, they leave over this. I am always behind on noticing the "group read" since I visit the site in a random manner and see the giveaway for the book was a few days back. My mind is jammed with my "to do" and at one time I would be organized to remember to check sooner, but it gets crowded back in my older mind now. I might do better with it having a group letter ahead of time. Can't please all of the people ............... You know the saying. I am sorry they do this."

I'm so on the same page, Karen. Most of my other active groups send a monthly newsletter to all group members and it helps a lot to stay updated on what's going on. I think people really interested in the group won't really mind and all the other ...

Karen wrote: "Sean wrote: "Usually updates added here, on this thread.

We try as best as we can not to send many to the whole group.

Sadly we get members leaving, due to a group message, sad as it is.

I perso..."

another Karen agreeing with you on this. I like getting group reminders.

This is the part of Karen's message I meant to reply to:

Sad, they leave over this. I am always behind on noticing the "group read" since I visit the site in a random manner and see the giveaway for the book was a few days back. My mind is jammed with my "to do" and at one time I would be organized to remember to check sooner, but it gets crowded back in my older mind now. I might do better with it having a group letter ahead of time. Can't please all of the people ............... You know the saying. I am sorry they do this.

I feel like a monthly group message is not excessive and it beneficial to keeping up with the group. People who would leave a group over a once a month message probably are not active in the group anyway and it wouldn't be that big of a loss except from a "numbers" point of view.
I know there has already been a lot of discussion about this and it is probably beating a dead horse, but Karen sums it up well about not being able to please everyone anyway. This is one of my favorite groups and I think you guys are doing a great job!

I agree, Vicki! And honestly, even in other groups where the mod/mods may leave many messages, I don't really mind. I just delete the ones that don't pertain to me and move on. At first I was a bit perturbed by how many there were in that group but I just put it in perspective. I love getting messages for the simple fact that they contain pertinent info that one wants anyway!

Our next Read a long, starts January 9th, a Monday.

With Magnus Stanke. His book will be free for three days, 6, 7 and 8th of January.

Sorry for the late notice, but to help Magnus we have started this month, as the book is up for an award nominations close January 31st.

More information to follow.

Sean wrote: "Our next Read a long, starts January 9th, a Monday.

With Magnus Stanke. His book will be free for three days, 6, 7 and 8th of January.

Sorry for the late notice, but to help Magnus we have starte..."

Cool, I already have both of his books - which one we'll read or ?
I'm really looking forward to the discussion!

Hello and sorry about the late notice. All my fault, but I only found out yesterday that public voting on www.undergroundbookreviews.com starts now and ends on January 31st. The aim is to find the 'novel of the year' from their shortlist, and I'm chuffed to say that 'Falling in Death and Love' is among the titles.
So please downoad 'Falling in Death and Love' free next weekend - January 6, 7 or 8, join us in this readalong and vote here https://apps.facebook.com/my-polls/fo... if you think that 'Falling in Death and Love' deserves more attention -
I'm much obliged and wish everybody a Happy New Year!

Agnieszka wrote: "Sean wrote: "Our next Read a long, starts January 9th, a Monday.

With Magnus Stanke. His book will be free for three days, 6, 7 and 8th of January.

Sorry for the late notice, but to help Magnus w..."

Hi Agnieska - it's 'Falling in Death and Love' in the readalong, not 'Time Lies'...
Have a good start to 2017!

Magnus wrote: "Hello and sorry about the late notice. All my fault, but I only found out yesterday that public voting on www.undergroundbookreviews.com starts now and ends on January 31st. The aim is to find the ..."

Magnus, I hate to ask this but can you remind us again next weekend?

Karen B. wrote: "Magnus wrote: "Hello and sorry about the late notice. All my fault, but I only found out yesterday that public voting on www.undergroundbookreviews.com starts now and ends on January 31st. The aim ..."

You bet I will... :)

Magnus wrote: "Agnieszka wrote: "Sean wrote: "Our next Read a long, starts January 9th, a Monday.

With Magnus Stanke. His book will be free for three days, 6, 7 and 8th of January.

Sorry for the late notice, bu..."

It's even better I set it again and again to the end of my reading list, now I'll have the best of all reasons to read it - finally :-)
Wish you a great New Year as well :-)

BTW the underground page moved from .com to .org :-)

Agnieszka wrote: "BTW the underground page moved from .com to .org :-) "

You're quite right, of course, Agniezka. Thanks for poiting it out
it's www.undergroundbookreviews.org

My bad - sorry

Karen B. wrote: "Magnus, I hate to ask this but can you remind us again next weekend?"

Hi Karen (and everybody else)
Just a quick heads up that 'Falling in Death and Love' is now free until Sunday January 8 so get your copy from amazon https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...

and then join us on the readalong discussion here
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

Can't wait :)
Best & thanks

Hello. Please grab my Mallorca-set Retro-Thriller 'Falling in Death and Love' free today. The offer ends at midnight, of course.
The book has been shortlisted by undergroundbookreviews.org as 'Novel of the Year 2016'.

Find out what the fuss is about. Download it. Read it. Vote for it (hopefully)

http://tinyurl.com/z9ytgp9

I'm much obliged

I see Susan May has a new book out!

Any upcoming reads?

I will look into another read a long , soon.

What happened to / by Joshua Hood - did I somehow miss it? I was waiting to read the book(s) with the group.

Trying to get hold of Joshua.

One of many authors who have agreed, but then cannot get dates or replies back.

Joshua, is a full time policeman as well.