authorvalpenny3 days ago4 minKnow Your ReadersI write commercial crime fiction and as an author the most important piece of information I need is who my readers are and what they want...
authorvalpenny7 days ago2 minPoetry From the Heart by Olusola Sophia AnayanwuI was honoured to be approached by the poet to review her new collection of poetry. I had not read anything by Olusola Sophia Anayanwu...
authorvalpennyJun 115 minWriting in Deep Point-Of-ViewI attribute most of my confidence in writing not to Peter Robinson of DCI Banks fame or the talented Scottish author Karen Campbell who...
authorvalpennyMay 73 minThe Switch by Beth O'LearyI will be quite honest, I bought The Switch by Beth O'Leary from Amazon because it xounded interesting and was on sale for £2.00. The...
authorvalpennyMar 301 minAuthor News by Spellbound BooksWe are beyond thrilled to welcome Val Penny To SpellBound! Val has an Llb degree from Edinburgh University and her MSc from Napier...
authorvalpennyFeb 193 minThe Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel BarberyThis is a very French book, both in subject and in the style of writing. That is why it is interesting that the book is so successful...
authorvalpennyFeb 27 minAn Interview with Jenna MorrisonI am delighted to have American author, Jenna Morrison visit the blog today to discuss her new novel, A Brother's Truth. Jenna, thank you...
authorvalpennyJan 263 minThe Themes of Badlands by Gary KruseBadlands is the debut novel by English author Gary Kruse. I am delighted to have him discuss the themes of Badlands here. Thank you for...
authorvalpennyJan 223 minThe Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-timeMark Haddon is a British novelist and poet, although his best known novel The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time was published...
authorvalpennyJan 194 minGetting PublishedEvery author is keen to be published, but each wants to be treated fairly. You might want to try to get advice from other published...
authorvalpennyJan 153 minNo Time for Goodbye by Linwood BarclayThis book is a great read. My older daughter had recommended it to me years ago when we were on holiday, but I never got around to...
authorvalpennyJan 124 minAn Interview with Karen MooreI am delighted to have bestselling English author, Karen Moore, visit the blog today. Thank you for making the time to stop by, Karen....
authorvalpennyJan 64 minAn Interview with Jessica ThompsonI delighted that busy American author, Jessica Thompson has taken time to stop by and chat with me about her new book. Jessica, firstly,...
authorvalpennyDec 29, 20214 minWriting a SynposisWhether you are submitting to an agent or a publisher, it is imperative that you follow their specific guidelines and requirements for...
authorvalpennyDec 25, 20212 minA Christmas Present -The First Cut The First Cut is free for the first time this Christmas weekend. I hope you enjoy it and to give you a little taster by way of an extract...
authorvalpennyDec 18, 20212 minAn Extract from Hunter's RulesFor those of you who want a taster of what to expect from DI Hunter Wilson's exploits in the case he examines in Hunter's Rules. Here is...
authorvalpennyDec 8, 20212 minShow Don't TellAll editors advise their authors to show, not tell. What this means is that, instead of writing long paragraphs of explanation or...
authorvalpennyDec 1, 20212 minAn Extract from Hunter's RulesLet me share another little glimpse into my new novel, Hunter's Rules. The novel forms book #6 in The Edinburgh Crime Mystery series....
authorvalpennyNov 27, 20211 minWriting Hunter's Rules My family has been moving between the U.S.A. and the U.K. for generations. It is always a bit of a lottery as to where you end up! As for...
authorvalpennyNov 20, 20212 minThe Book Club by C. J. CooperI had never read any novels by C. J. Cooper but this book was on sale, it was a genre I enjoy and the title amused me, so it seemed to be...