Tuesday 31 July 2012

I would like to welcome, a very special guest on my blog, author Julia Hughes


Watching the Detectives.

It's a pleasure to be amongst the first authors to appear on this very popular review site. Nikki's warm personality shines thorough even in cyberspace, as does her love of reading and books.

I contacted Nikki about a year ago, asking if she had time to read and perhaps review my first foray into independent publishing. A scary step, and if I'd known then what I know now, A Ripple in Time might never have been attempted. With two time lines, three points of view, a splash of paranormal activity and a major tragedy, it isn't a run of a mill romantic adventure. Happily, most people were willing to forgive the novice errors, and even more amazing, readers interpret the story in different ways.

Nikki not only read, but also said publicly that she enjoyed the read – and that was all the encouragement needed! The Celtic Cousins; Rhyllann – (aka Annie) and Wren appear fully formed in A Ripple in Time, and obviously have a history. Some readers picked up on references made to an earlier Celtic Cousins Adventure. In this story, the boys were younger, and so rejected by conventional publishers as being too young for a main stream audience. Having already braved the indie waters, A Raucous Time was polished to a high degree, and this prequel published not as an afterthought, but with high hopes. To hedge bets slightly however, Detective Crombie moved a little more centre stage.

It came as a delightful surprise when readers emphasised with the fat old bloke. He's a typical white hat wearing copper – but understands human fallibility. With four daughters and slightly overbearing wife, I get the feeling he quite welcomes the uncomplicated shenanigans of the cousins. The latest adventure to feature Crombie and the Cousins An Explosive Time will be free to download August 5 – 7, so no excuses not to join in the fun!

Julia's bio:
My first job after leaving college was at the BBC helping to write scripts for their schools' programmes. After a varied career, it is a dream come true to be  writing for myself, and the reader I'd like to be. For the past sixteen years I've lived in the last of London's villages, concentrating on supporting my two sons as they achieve adulthood. Any spare time I have is spent cycling, playing tennis or swimming. Drop by my website anytime, all visitors welcome! Julia Hughes.

PS: Nikki has been kind enough to review The Bridle Path, a complete change of pace for me, because that's the way she rolls. Thank you again for all your hard work Nikki, as both a reader and indie author it's always a treat to browse your site looking for my next great read.

12 comments:

  1. A lovely site, Nikki, it's my first time here!

    A great blog post, Julia! I loved it! My you have been a busy lady! Fab work and glad to see it getting out and about, just as it should. You've worked very hard and it's fantastic to see all that hard work being promoted, celebrated and enjoyed by readers.

    Keep it up!

    Jess :-)

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  2. Thanks, Nikki, for promoting books & authors for readers like me and for featuring Julia Hughes at this time. I've just finished and thoroughly enjoyed reading AN EXPLOSIVE TIME (jumping the gun a bit!)
    In reading your post, Julia, I have a deeper appreciation for not only your passion to write but, more so, the journey that you have taken to write/publish. It was Alfie the gator that initially drew me to read AN EXPLOSIVE TIME and you exceeded my expectations. I look forward to reading the other two Celtic Cousin series!

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  3. I can't tell you how much of a fan I am of 'A Raucous Time' It had all the excitement and adventure I remember dreaming of as a kid, and the beautiful way it was written show you/Julia to be an author of extraordinary talent. I have started 'A Ripple in Time' and am loving it, but time restraints have made it a stop-start read. I cannot wait to read 'An Explosive Time' as it heralds the return of Crombie. Ahhhh Crombie, how you make me smile. Such a brilliant character. I look forwards to many more novels with these characters (especially Crombie Julia ;-)) and trust me when I say that you have a hell of a career ahead of you Julia. All the very best. Beeza (Paul) :-)

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  4. Thank you Jess and welcome :) x

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  5. I just do this through my love of reading Dody. Im living my dream job! I love it :)

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  6. Nice going, Julia! I have to say I really like the updated book covers...and well done, Nikki, in creating a place devoted to helping indie authors realize their—I should say "our"—dreams. I'll be back again, and often!

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  7. Thank you Steve, and Paul recognise those faces anywhere! Thanks to Jesse too for dropping by, agree with you Nikki's book site is the best! Dody is too modest to say so, but her published memoirs of how a daughter can finally repay her mother's love touches heartstrings. I forgot to mention that the best thing about being indie is the people you meet and get to interact with.

    Julia

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  8. Uh oh... I see my TBR list growing exponentially. I really enjoyed A Ripple in Time and can see I have much to catch up on now. Julia - love your writing!
    Not too mention all the great books Nikki has recommended.

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  9. Hello Kate - how lovely that you've dropped by! Hope you have a chance to pick up the freebie An Explosive Time but always always delighted to provide review copies, especially for my favourite reviewers. Very lucky to know you both. Thank you again Nikki for being such a gracious hostess, and just know these author interviews/posts will go from strength to strength.

    Julia

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  10. Thanks to you too Julia :)

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