W.H.Smiths here we come!

Since our supernatural thriller, The Bitter End, was published by Bloodhound Books last summer, co-author, Rob Tysall and I have had a busy time promoting it.

Firstly, a book signing in Hunts Book Shop in Rugby, which is Rob's home town. Hunts are a fabulous independent bookshop and couldn't have been more helpful to us.  The Saturday morning was particularly enjoyable for Rob as a number of his family popped in as well as old friends - one Rugby lady who he hadn't seen for 30 years! Obviously somebody from primary school!

We then had another signing at Kenilworth Books. Again a great independent bookshop who, like Hunts put on lots of author events. It's just fantastic to get bookshops such as these really helping and encouraging local authors.

Our signing at Kenilworth Books was an evening event which included a talk to a sit-down audience about how we collaborated on the book with questions and answers as well as signings. There was wine and nibbles and an enjoyable evening was had by all.

We were thrilled when local BBC Coventry & Warks Radio presenter, Vic Minett chose our book as her 'Book of the Week' and invited us into the studio to talk live about it, and our collaboration. We've both been on the Brody Bunch also on BBC Cov & Warks Radio a number of times, and we were also delighted to be interviewed by Neil Wilkes for Touch FM radio.

Our next event is a book signing at W H Smiths, Queens Road, Nuneaton. This takes place Saturday 23rd February from 11am-1pm. We are delighted that W H Smiths are giving authors - not just the big names, but local authors, the opportunity to come and sign their books. The staff have been so friendly and helpful in getting this organised, and we're looking forward to the event tremendously.

But prior to these events, we had our own launch when the book first came out, with a few friends at a local pub. it was great fun - but I couldn't resist giving Rob the chop!

The Bitter End is available at all good book outlets and Amazon in Kindle and paperback. Ask your local Waterstones, W.H.Smiths or independent bookshop and no doubt they will order it in for you, if it's not on their shelves already. Or contact me for a signed copy in the post.
ann-evans@btconnect.com

There's a full list of my books at the very bottom of this blog. Or visit: http://www.annevansbooks.co.uk

Discover more about The Bitter End here: http://thebitterend.org.uk/

Buy from Amazon:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bitter-End-dark-mystery-twists-ebook/dp/B07F2GVQ6J

INTERVIEW WITH OUR CHARACTER, FATHER WALLACE WILLOUGHBY.

This last month has been a very exciting time, with the launch of The Bitter End – the first book I’ve co-written with anyone. Sharing the excitement of a book’s release with another author is double the fun – and Robert D. Tysall and I have enjoyed every minute, with still lots of book signings and radio interviews to come.

On Saturday 11^th August we will be at Hunt’s Book Shop, High Street, Rugby from 11am-2pm. Then on Thursday 13^th September we will be at Kenilworth Books, Talisman Close, Kenilworth from 6.30pm – 8pm. We would love to see you there.

For those who haven’t read The Bitter End, here’s the blurb – and just for fun, an interview with one of the characters. We will be interviewing other character over the coming weeks. Hope you enjoy!

The Bitter End Blurb.

Paul finally has his life back on track. After losing his wife, Helena in a horrific car crash, he has found love with Sally and moves into her country cottage.  

As a former high-ranking Naval Officer, Paul now works as Head of Security at MI5.

Paul has no memories from before he was ten years old. An accident left him in a coma for 9 months.  But was it really an accident?

 

Soon Paul starts to have flashes of childhood memories, all involving his childhood friend, Owen.

Sally introduces him to her friend, Juliet, the owner of a craft shop. Paul is shocked when he is introduced to Juliet’s partner, his old friend Owen.

Flashes of memories continue to haunt Paul, particularly the memory of his first wife Helena burning in the car crash.

As dark things start to happen, and local people begin dying in horrific accidents, Paul must face his past and will end up fighting for his life.

Interview with a character from The Bitter End.

For this blog, I decided to speak to Father Wallace Willoughby, the parish priest and a neighbour of the protagonist, Paul Christian.

Although Father Willoughby is a diminutive little man, he’s something of a fire and brimstone preacher and his loud booming voice can rattle the windows! Even so, I didn’t expect the reaction I got from him.

He glared at me through those small round glasses of his, his voice fairly controlled – for the moment. “I’m afraid this is not a book I approve of,” he said. “In fact, I'm horrified that you could write about such dark and dreadful deeds.”

“It’s just fiction,” I reminded him, but he cut me short.

“The Good Lord did not grant you your writing skills to produce such heinous characters or such odious atrocities… and have you no thought for me?”

“You didn’t like the role then?”

“Well at first yes, I was flattered that you’d created me and it all started so innocently. But I had no idea what you… and that other author fellow – Tysall, Robert Tysall, had concocted.”

“Yes, well, that was the idea,” I tried to explain. “You don’t want the reader to guess what’s coming.”

“I didn’t see what was coming!” he bellowed. “How could you? I remember when you used to write nice children’s stories.”

“I like to try different genres,” I said, smiling, hoping he’d understand.

 He shook his head. “Alas, it is done, and the book – what is it called again – Ah yes, The Bitter End, is published and available for the world to read. And read it they will. You mark my words. The devil works in mysterious ways.”

“But it’s a fight for good conquering evil, Father Willoughby,” I reminded him.

He didn’t seem convinced and was actually a little sarcastic. “So, it's a happy ending for all of the characters, is it?”

I sort of hung my head in shame. “Well, no, but...”

He sighed. “I shall be praying for the saving of your soul, my child.”

“Oh! Come on!” I argued. “It’s just a fictional story…”

“I enjoy fiction!” he said in that booming voice. “I, just like the Holy Father in Rome, am extremely fond of television’s Father Ted for instance. But really, The Bitter End goes a step too far.”

There was a grimace on my face. “Er, so you won’t be in book two?”

The disdainful glance he cast me provided the answer.

I nodded and said goodbye, deciding it was probably best not to tell him that while he wouldn’t be in book two, possibly his older, and slightly stranger brother would be.

You can buy The Bitter End from all good bookshops and online. Here’s the Amazon Links:

UK:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bitter-End-dark-mystery-twists-ebook/dp/B07F2GVQ6J

USA: https://www.amazon.com/Bitter-End-dark-mystery-twists-ebook/dp/B07F2GVQ6J

Discover more: http://www.thebitterend.org.uk

www.annevansbooks.co.uk

https://www.facebook.com/robert.tysall

https://www.facebook.com/Ann-Evans-Books-146957850210/

https://www.facebook.com/thebitterendbook/

Have you read Kill or Die? https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kill-Die-Ann-Evans-ebook/dp/B06Y55N625

Published by Bloodhound Books. 

Thrilled about our new thriller!

It’s a massive day for myself and good pal – and co-author Robert Tysall.  After 4 years of working together on a novel, today, 4th July 2018 is its release day!

The Bitter End is a supernatural thriller, published by the fabulous Bloodhound Books.

It’s the story of Paul Christian who finally has his life back on track after losing his wife, Helena, in a horrific car crash. Now, he has found love with Sally Knightly and is moving into her country cottage – close to where he grew up as a child.

As a former high ranking Naval officer, Paul now works as Head of Security at MI5. He has no memories from before he was ten years old. An accident in the woods left him in a coma for 9 months. 

Soon Paul starts to have flashes of childhood memories, all involving his childhood pal, Owen.

Sally introduces him to her friend, Juliet, the owner of a craft shop. Paul is amazed when he is introduced to Juliet’s partner, noneother than his old friend Owen.

However, dark things start to happen. Local people are dying in horrific accidents. But are they just tragic accidents, or is something more sinister going on here?

The Bitter End is Rob’s debut novel which makes its release extra special. And we’ve been delighted with the ARC reviews. We’re getting lots of 5 and 4 stars, but even 3 star reviews are saying great things about our book! Here’s a few examples and extracts. We’ve put a selection up on our website too: www.thebitterend.org.uk

“Wow! What a book!  From the very beginning of the story, the reader is immersed in all the action. The storyline was well thought out and fast paced.  You cannot do anything but keep turning the pages until you reach the stunning conclusion.  This is not a book you can pick up, read a few pages and put it down again.  A book of this calibre needs to be read in one sitting. I have no hesitation in recommending this novel, and cannot wait to read more from the authors. Hopefully, that won't be too long!”  Sue B. 5 stars.

“….The Bitter End whilst definitely being a story of the supernatural kind, would definitely make a great horror film. I was literally pinned to the book, on edge, waiting to see what was going to happen next. It reminded me slightly of The Omen with that over bearing sense of evil throughout. A dark and tense read which had me racing towards the end to see what the outcome was going to be.” Sarah H. 4 stars.

“This book was really addictive.  I read it in a day, in fact I couldn’t put it down!! It’s a very different type of book and very enjoyable….”  Carol G.5 stars.

 “This is another one of those books where I’m so happy I signed up for a blog tour. I know that if I’d have heard there was a supernatural thread running through this I’d not have picked it up. However, after reading the blurb I signed up for a blog tour and I’m so glad I did because this is a book I’m glad I didn’t miss out on reading….”  Philomena. 4 stars.

“I really enjoyed the horror/supernatural elements of this story and it definitely gave me the chills as I read under my duvet. I live in the countryside and was avoiding looking out of my window onto the nearby woods as I neared the end. I finished this book in one sitting I was so engrossed in the story. If you’re looking to give yourself the heebie-jeebies go buy The Bitter End!”  Ellen D. 4 stars.

We’ve got a few events coming up and it would be great to see you there. The website and our Facebook pages will be adding new dates, but at present we have a book signing event at Hunt’s Bookshop, 9 High St., Rugby CV21 3BG on Saturday 11^th August. Time TBA.

A book launch with free wine and nibbles at Kenilworth Books, 12 Talisman Close, Kenilworth CV8 1JB on Thursday 13^th September 6.30pm-8pm.

But this Thursday, 5^th July, you’ll find us at The Anker, Nuneaton from 7pm. We’re hoping friends will pop in and join us for a celebratory drink to mark the launch of our book, The Bitter End.

Look out for our trailer too. Link coming soon.

Teamwork!

Writing can be a lonely old business, so it’s great when you find yourself working with a good friend on a writing project. My pal of 26 years, Rob Tysall and I have been collaborating on a supernatural thriller for the last four years, and I’m delighted to say that it’s been accepted by Bloodhound Books and will be published in early July 2018.

Collaborating with Rob isn’t a new thing. We’ve been working on non-fiction articles as a team for many, many years. Giving ourselves a working title, we are Words & Images UK, my words, his images and we generally work anywhere in the UK. Although we have travelled abroad for some articles.

However, creating articles for publication involves two different skills – photography and journalism. But, writing a novel is a combination of both of our imaginations, visions and writing skills. The only images are those in our heads – and the skill is in getting the pair of us imagining the same thing!

Although our book has only just been accepted, and we’ve only just settled on what its title should be, which is:  The Bitter End, people are already asking, “So how does collaborative writing actually work?”

For myself and Rob it’s been a sort of evolving situation. Neither of us could have made a deliberate decision such as, “Hey, let’s write a book together!” It was nothing that straight forward. We’ve simply found ourselves chatting about story ideas over the years. If ever I was stuck for a plot, or written myself into a corner, I could chat it over with Rob and he’d always come up with a great twist or a new idea. In fact, I’ve dubbed him my Ideas Man.

One day about four years ago, he came up with an idea for a book that he thought I should write. I listened and then said, “I can’t write that! It’s too dark. It’s too deep. I don’t think along those lines!”

But would he let the matter drop? No! His idea was growing and growing in his head and he wouldn’t let up.

For a while we didn’t make any actual progress, but we did a lot of talking, and plotting and planning, until finally, I relented and drafted out the beginnings of a story. Not surprisingly, it wasn’t how he had envisaged it. But it was a start and we decided not to scrap what was written but began working on it together. As any writer will tell you, editing something is a lot easier than editing a blank page!

Admittedly, his first suggestion that I change a paragraph sent me into spasms! Someone telling me what I should or shouldn’t write! Unheard of! But that’s where a solid friendship comes into play. We listened to each other’s ideas and reasoning, discussed every scene and sentence, and didn’t fall out! In fact. Some of the most tragic and intense scenes would reduce us to fits of laughter as words and ideas ran away with us.

There are dark sections in this book, especially from the viewpoint of one particular character (no spoilers here) where Rob was in his element and waxed lyrical while I typed. The practicalities of a collaboration, at least in our case, is that just one person does the typing, that keeps the style ‘uniform’. And I’m a much better speller, and faster typist – which I really need to be, as once his imagination is let loose, I’m hard pressed to keep up with his dictation!

So, imagine if you will, a male Barbara Cartland lounging on the sofa dictating his latest masterpiece to his secretary! 

It wasn’t quite like that, but you get the picture.

Creating the characters and their backgrounds has been great as a collaboration especially having someone of the opposite sex putting the male point of view over, and I think this shows in the dialogue and actions.

And discussing the plot with someone else provides a stack of events and dramas, that one person alone would not have thought of. For example, when halfway through the book, Rob says, “You know (character) has to die, don’t you?” And I scream: “What? No! You can’t kill (character)!” And Rob just nods and says, “Yes you do.” I admit I was reminded of the famous Stephen King quote: “Kill your darlings.”  (Don’t worry it’s not the dog…)

Now our book is finished, I think the proof of the pudding as to whether the collaboration worked or not, is the realisation that without each other, the book would not have been written. And we’re still friends! And making a start on a sequel!

Q. So, collaborating with a friend, is it something you’ve done or tried to do? And did it work for you?

The Bitter End by Ann Evans & Robert D. Tysall. Published by Bloodhound Books, July 2018.

More on Rob Tysall: https://www.facebook.com/robert.tysall   https://twitter.com/TYSALLSPHOTOS

 Have you read crime novel: Kill or Die, also published by Bloodhound Books. 

 https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kill-Die-Ann-Evans-ebook/dp/B06Y55N625

 Have you read time slip thriller for YA, Celeste, published by Clean Reads. 

Decisions can be murder!

My first adult crime fiction novel, Kill or Die was released in May of this year, but I'd actually written the first version of it some years previously. At the time I didn't get far in finding a publisher. I sent it to two publishers and their feedback totally contradicted each other. One said it was too gory and graphic, the other said it wasn't graphic enough for a crime novel.

So, what did I do? Put it away in a drawer and got on with something else. Some years later I came across the manuscript again, and saw that there was a hand written comment at the bottom saying how much the reader liked my style.

When you're just a novice writer, a rejection is a rejection. It's only through experience that you get to read between the lines, and learn how to pick up on what the editor did and didn't like and, if you use your brain, you'll suggest making a few changes. At the time though, I pushed it away in a drawer and forgot all about it.

Then, after re-discovering it, reading it again and seeing for myself how it could be improved, I got to work on the re-write with the aim of this time persevering in finding a publisher. Amazingly the first publisher I sent it to liked it and said they wanted to publish it. Months of interaction followed before I realised that the company was bogus! Quickly extracting myself from being associated with them, I was a little wary of sending it off anywhere else.

However, my next publisher – Bloodhound Books, with the lovely Betsy Freeman Freavly and her husband Fred at the helm, it turned out to be the best decision ever. 

They have proved to be a great publisher to work with, who really work hard for their authors. They have a Facebook page for just the authors so we can share our sorrows and celebrations, and have the occasional meet up too.

 I was recently at the Theakston Old Peculiar Crime Festival in Harrogate, where lots of Bloodhound authors as well as Betsy and Fred all got together. And it was great fun!

The Harrogate Festival was just brilliant, and I came away after the four days totally inspired after listening to talks by world famous authors such as Lee Child, Ian Rankin, Mark Billingham, Val McDermid and many others. I even got to meet Lee Child!

I'm working on another book now, which I'm hoping Bloodhound Books will accept. But meanwhile here's the blurb and an extract from Kill or Die which I hope you will enjoy:

A vicious burglary goes horribly wrong when an elderly victim is killed and one of the burglars is injured.

In the detached house next door, Julia is preparing to leave her husband. He has let her down for the last time and her bags are packed. Taking their eight-year-old daughter, Lucy, from her bed they set off in the fog.

But on this cold, dark night, fate steps in and these strangers collide.

When Vincent and Nash abduct the mother and daughter, and take them to a derelict house, the situation takes a grave turn.

Meanwhile, Julia's husband, Ian, is distraught that his wife and daughter have left, and when the murder and burglary are discovered, suspicion falls on him.

For Ian, Julia and Lucy, life is about to become a nightmare.

Can Julia and Lucy escape from the twisted criminals?

What will Julia decide when the choice is – kill or die?

Extract from Kill or Die:

The car's headlights came out of nowhere, as Julia pulled out of her drive. She instinctively tried to swerve, but there was no avoiding the impact. It was slight, a faint tinkling of glass breaking – a sidelight or indicator light. In the back, Lucy buckled into her seat, cried out in fright.

Through the fog, Julia distinctively saw the driver brace his arms against the steering wheel, but his passenger shot forward, cracking his head against the windscreen so hard a circular cobweb effect of blood-smeared shattered glass instantly appeared, before he ricocheted back into his seat.

“God! That must have hurt. Stay here, Lucy. He might need an ambulance.”

She got out, heart thumping, and dashed to the other car's passenger door. She was aware of the driver getting out, and walking around the back of his car towards her. He was tall, taller than Ian, and he was five eleven. This man was broad shouldered, too, and dressed all in black, like a large shadow she was only barely aware off, as she focussed on the passenger. He didn't seem to have moved since ricocheting back into his seat. She hoped to God he wasn't seriously injured.

“Shall I call an ambulance? I think your passenger is hu...”

Her question was left hanging in the air, as Julia realised she couldn't make out the driver's face, because he was wearing a woollen balaclava. Something stirred in the pit of her stomach. A slight warning. She ignored it. It was a horrible night. Why wouldn't someone wear a balaclava? What mattered was the passenger wasn't moving. Was he unconscious? Dead? God, she hoped not.

She went to open the passenger door when an arm, clad in black leather, was thrust in front of her, shoving her hand aside, and yanking open the passenger door. The thick smell of leather filled her senses, as he crowded over her.

“He couldn't have been wearing his seat belt...” she tried to say, but then the driver spoke.

“Nash, get your arse out of there.”

Julia shot the man a sharp look, thinking how awful to snap out an order to someone who'd hit their head against a windscreen. Through the slit in the balaclava, his pale blue eyes were luminous – and cold.

The passenger looked to be in his mid-twenties, and horribly disfigured on one side of his face. He groaned, and slumped forward, his head almost in his lap.

“He needs help. My mobile's in my bag. I'll...” A leather gloved hand clamped suddenly and roughly around her mouth and nose, and she felt the terrifying feeling of suffocation. Frantically, she struggled against him, writhing, twisting, trying to kick back at his legs to scrape her heels down his shins. Desperately aware she couldn't breathe, she clawed at his hand, but she was being lifted bodily off the ground, and carried back to her own car. He bundled her into her driving seat.

“Shut it! One sound, and the kid dies, understand?” His eyes locked onto hers, glittering with menace.

Kill or Die (ISBN 978-1912175147)is available from all good book stores in paperback and Kindle.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kill-Die-Ann-Evans-ebook/dp/B06Y55N625

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