Tag Archives: #bookpromo

Why do I do it?… a question from an indie author

 Something I never take for granted and never will is the simple fact that people buy, download and read my books.

Now I appreciate that as a self-published author with eight books bearing my name that that might seem a crazy thing to say but let’s reflect on this for a moment.

Stop to think for a moment how many books are available via Amazon either as eBooks or as paperbacks. The last stats I could find are several years out of date and at that time there were circa 7.5M books available for Kindle.

So, in that huge ocean of words, how does anyone ever find mine?

That’s a question I don’t know the answer to.

I rarely share details of the royalties that I earn from my books because to be honest, most people don’t believe that it amounts to as little as it does.

So far September has been a good month.

What really excited me when I looked at the stats was that someone has purchased a paperback book from me. So much blood, sweat, tears and sweary words go into pulling those paperback editions together that to sell even one is a big deal to me.

And something even bigger is seeing people from around the world reading my books. I am a UK based author and to  see that my USA market is bigger than my UK one is mind blowing!

Seeing my eight books on Amazon with their twinkling stars fills me with pride. (And that’s something that has taken me a long time to admit out loud)

I may not be raking in millions and fighting off publishing contracts, but I have seen the dream not only come true but continue year after year. This is especially encouraging as I am only too aware that I haven’t published a new novel for a while.  For those who are impatiently waiting on Book Baby 9, it is coming. More on that soon.

For now, though I want to pause and take a moment to reflect on what I have achieved. Sometimes its not about looking ahead to see how far you’ve got to go but about pausing to look back at how far you’ve come.

Thank you for sharing the journey with me.

And if you’ve yet to find my books among the millions on Amazon, allow me to help you.

Silver Lake series

Amazon.com links –

Stronger Within – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VXDSC1M

Impossible Depths – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C0GS30K

Bonded Souls – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XSQHG71

Shattered Hearts – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZY8ZSDM

Long Shadows – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08RR1FGLG

Amazon.co.uk links  –

Stronger Within – https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00VXDSC1M

Impossible Depths – https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01C0GS30K

Bonded Souls – https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B06XSQHG71

Shattered Hearts – https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07ZY8ZSDM

Long Shadows – https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08RR1FGLG

Riley

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B9SWP6K3

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0B9SWP6K3

Ellen

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FYHKR44

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07FYHKR44

Beginnings

Beginnings – a collection of poems – Kindle edition by McCallum, Coral. Literature & Fiction Kindle eBooks @ Amazon.com.

Beginnings – a collection of poems eBook : McCallum, Coral: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store

Spend Memorial Day weekend with a free ebook

An early morning mist had rolled in off the ocean creating an eerie atmosphere along the beach. It had been early when Lori had crept out of the house to go for a walk. She did some of her best thinking alone down on the sand. Over the months her confidence and her physical strength had grown allowing her to walk along the shoreline without a constant nagging fear of falling. With the broad base plate attached, she still used her cane for support, psychological as much as physical. She had left Jake snoring loudly in bed, his long limbs spread out over more than his fair share of the mattress. When she had come down the hall, she had found Rich asleep on the lounge floor, his leather jacket serving as a blanket. As she wandered The last two revellers hadn’t even made it indoors. Gary and Scott were dead to the world on the sun loungers outside. Someone had had the good sense to cover them with the fleecy blankets from the sun room. Images of the sleeping rock stars made her smile as she strolled along the sand. This early the beach was deserted, and the pockets of morning mist created her own small private thought bubbles.

This holiday weekend you can download Impossible Depths, book 2 in the Silver Lake series for FREE using the links below:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C0GS30K

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01C0GS30K

Flashback Friday – Have you met Ellen?

“It’s fine, Rocky,” said Ellen, praying she sounded calmer than she felt. “Luke, I’ll make a deal with you. One error and I’m gone. One from you and the result’s the same. You go.”

Want to know more? Check out Ellen on Amazon today.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07FYHKR44

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07FYHKR44

Today’s the day…..it’s time to meet Riley

***** NOW AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE *****

Hi. My name’s Riley and this is my story. You might remember me from Shattered Hearts when I burst into Jake Power’s class late and from Long Shadows but don’t worry if we’ve not met before. This book tells you about the release of my debut album and the formation of the RJ Band and well…I’ll let the rest speak for itself.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B9SWP6K3

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0B9SWP6K3

** note- this tale makes reference to self-harm**

One sleep to go until we meet Riley….

“Been a big week for you,” commented Garrett as he poured himself a second glass of red wine. “New album, album launch, a tour to Europe and a new band.”

“I know! So much is changing so fast!”

“No less than you deserve, my dear,” added Jethro warmly. “I have a good feeling in my braids about this for you.”

Riley giggled as she helped herself to another slice of pizza.

“We’re meeting for lunch on Sunday,” she explained, her mouth still full of pepperoni. “Will be good to get to know the guys a little better before we get to work.”

“You thought of a name yet?” quizzed Garrett.

“No!” gasped Riley, her eyes wide. “I hadn’t even thought about a name.”

“Molly and I had provisionally thought of the boys as The RJ Band,” revealed Jethro casually. “This is still all about Riley Johnson. It’s all about you so it needs to be Riley and the…”

“The old man’s right,” added Garrett calmly. “You’re the star here. It needs to be your name up there in the big letters. Those boys will just need to get used to being behind you.”

“Am I ready for this?” asked Riley quietly, a wave of fear seeping through her.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B9SWP6K3

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0B9SWP6K3

** note- this tale makes reference to self-harm**

Two sleeps to go…… It’s almost time to meet Riley

Up on stage, Three Dead Mice brought Killer to an end.

“New York, thank you!” screamed Rob, glancing over towards them. “Now, we’d like to invite a friend… sorry two friends… up here to join us. New York, let’s hear it for the beautiful Riley Johnson and the legend that is Jake Power!”

The small crowd went wild as Riley and Jake stepped up on stage. Hurriedly a guitar was found for Jake then Rob stepped back up to the mic.

“Time to Shoot To Thrill!”

With a nod, Rob and Jake both began to play the distinctive ACDC intro before the others joined in on bass and drums. Gone was the quiet Riley from the album launch. In her place, centre stage, was a rock queen in waiting as she poured all her vocal power into the raucous lyrics. Both Rob and Jake joined in for the chorus, standing either side of her.

“Pull the trigger!” screamed Riley as she spun away, allowing the two guitarists to play together. No one watching would have guessed that the performance was entirely unrehearsed. Their passion for the classic rock track was clear for all to see and hear.

“Folks, give it up for Riley and Jake!” roared Rob, grinning from ear to ear as sweat ran down his face.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B9SWP6K3

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0B9SWP6K3

** note- this tale makes reference to self-harm**

Riley…..two weeks to go

Two weeks until release day….

The restaurant was busy but, when Jethro gave the hostess his name, they were led straight through to a table at the back of the room, affording them a little privacy. A few moments later, Riley became aware of a tall, slender woman with waist length rainbow coloured hair weaving her way through the table towards them.

“Jethro!” greeted the woman enthusiastically. “So sorry I’m late. Traffic out there is horrible. All snarled up.”

Standing to hug the new arrival, Jethro assured her, “It’s fine. We only just got here ourselves.”

Indicating that she should take the empty seat between them, Jethro said, “Riley, meet Molly. Molly, this is Riley.”

“Lovely to meet you at last, sweetie,” said Molly shaking Riley’s hand. “Sorry I missed your launch party last night. My flight from London was delayed. It was after midnight before I got in.”

“Nice to meet you too,” replied Riley shyly.

Pre-order using the links below to ensure Riley is ready and waiting on your kindle on 18 Nov 2022

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B9SWP6K3

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B0B9SWP6K3

** note- this tale makes reference to self-harm**

Riley – still chasing my pre-order target

And so began several hours of poses, standing, sitting, solo, and together. After nearly three hours, Riley needed a moment or two to herself. Without a word, she wandered down to the water’s edge, stopping just out of reach of the gentle waves that were lapping ashore. Her toe caught something, and she bent down to investigate what it was. It was a small perfectly formed conch shell with stunning mother of pearl markings. Carefully, she rinsed it off in the shallows then slipped it into her jacket pocket, a souvenir of the day.

“Perfect,” declared Neil, appearing beside her. “Totally relaxed shots. Thank you, beautiful lady.”

“Sneaky,” laughed Riley. “I never knew you were there.”

“That’s the whole idea,” replied the photographer. “Your band are being herded back onto the bus, by the way.”

“Thanks. Guess I better say goodbye to the ocean.”

“Well, you’re taking a little piece home in your pocket,” observed Neil, referencing the shell. “If you’ve sand in your pocket, you’re never far from the shore.”

“Ain’t that the truth.”

Once back on the bus, Riley sat up at the back on her own. She sifted through her large soft leather hobo bag until she found her lyrics journal, curled her feet up under her and began to scribble furiously. Every now and then she put her hand in her pocket and ran her fingers over the shell. Inspiration had struck when Neil said about taking a little piece of the beach home in her pocket.

Pre-order using the links below to ensure Riley is ready and waiting on your kindle on 18 Nov 2022

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B9SWP6K3

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0B9SWP6K3/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_S6SCJ8PPM7NPDDHPNR8P

** note- this tale makes reference to self-harm**

Riley – have you pre-ordered your copy yet?

Riley  ****Now available to pre-order ****

“I have one last song for you,” began Riley. “I hope you’ve enjoyed yourselves tonight. I’d like to say a few thank yous. Huge thanks to Dr Marrs, to the guys from Silver Lake, to my record label, to each and every one of you for making tonight magical. This really is a dream come true. A Firefly Dream. I have one final extra special huge thank you for Garrett for hosting this party and for giving me a chance, a job and a home. Garrett, I love you.”

As the cheers died out, Riley continued, “This last song was inspired in this very place. I’d never seen a real four-poster bed before Garrett invited me to stay here. You can work out the rest of the story. Folks, it’s been amazing. I’m going to leave you with Jumping On The Bed.”

The light-hearted song was the perfect choice to end the show with and left everyone in a buoyant mood as the lights came back up and the caterers began to circulate with trays of drinks and canapes. Not quite sure what to do, Riley stayed in the alcove tidying up her guitars and her lyrics folder. Suddenly, she felt two strong arms wrap round her. The hint of a familiar exotic spicy aftershave tickled her nose. Without a second’s thought, she spun round and wrapped herself round Todd.

“You were sensational, girl!” he declared before kissing the top of her head. “Awesome set.”

“Thank you,” said Riley, snuggling in close.

Pre-order using the links below to ensure Riley is ready and waiting on your kindle on 18 Nov 2022

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B9SWP6K3

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0B9SWP6K3/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_S6SCJ8PPM7NPDDHPNR8P

** note- this tale makes reference to self-harm**

Save the date…18 November 2022

*****  Riley – coming 18 November 2022 *****

And to keep you going until 18 November, here’s another little sneak peek inside.

“I have one last song for you,” began Riley. “I hope you’ve enjoyed yourselves tonight. I’d like to say a few thank yous. Huge thanks to Dr Marrs, to the guys from Silver Lake, to my record label, to each and every one of you for making tonight magical. This really is a dream come true. A Firefly Dream. I have one final extra special huge thank you for Garrett for hosting this party and for giving me a chance, a job and a home. Garrett, I love you.”

As the cheers died out, Riley continued, “This last song was inspired in this very place. I’d never seen a real four-poster bed before Garrett invited me to stay here. You can work out the rest of the story. Folks, it’s been amazing. I’m going to leave you with Jumping On The Bed.”

The light-hearted song was the perfect choice to end the show with and left everyone in a buoyant mood as the lights came back up and the caterers began to circulate with trays of drinks and canapes. Not quite sure what to do, Riley stayed in the alcove tidying up her guitars and her lyrics folder. Suddenly, she felt two strong arms wrap round her. The hint of a familiar exotic spicy aftershave tickled her nose. Without a second’s thought, she spun round and wrapped herself round Todd.

“You were sensational, girl!” he declared before kissing the top of her head. “Awesome set.”

“Thank you,” said Riley, snuggling in close.