Merry Christmas

I just wanted to take this opportunity to wish all my readers, fellow writers and friends a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

There’s not long to go now until the publication of my second novel, If Ever I Fall, on 9 February 2017.

In the meantime, I’ll be downing tools for a few days to eat and drink too much while spending some quality time with my family. 

I hope you all have a fantastic festive season.

Free sampler up for grabs

Fancy a sneak peek at my next novel, If Ever I Fall, right now? Then look no further.

With only 10 weeks to go until publication day, those marvellous folks at my publisher, Avon HarperCollins, have released a special Kindle sampler of the first few chapters.

You can download it from today and it won’t cost you a penny. Yes, that’s right. It’s totally free of charge.

Here’s the link:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/If-Ever-Fall-free-sampler-ebook/dp/B01MRGTTKZ/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1480523117&sr=1-2&keywords=if+ever+i+fall

Hopefully that will whet your appetite ahead of the full book being released on 9 February. To get your hands on a Kindle or paperback copy as soon as it comes out, your best bet is to pre-order here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/If-Ever-Fall-S-D-Robertson-ebook/dp/B01KEPJJPM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1480526985&sr=8-1&keywords=if+ever+i+fall

Time to Say Goodbye heads to Japan

Just a quick post to share the cover of the Japanese version of my debut novel, Time to Say Goodbye.

It’s released in December and I must say that I think it looks absolutely fantastic.

This cover is so different from the UK version, which I’ve always loved, and yet I think it works equally well, perfectly conveying the heart-rending, mystic nature of the story without appearing too dark or gloomy. I particularly like how the father in the picture doesn’t cast a shadow.

I’m so excited to think of people as far away as Japan reading my work.

Three months to go

FELINE excited: My trusty cat, Bernard, gets his paws on a proof copy of If Ever I Fall.

Ladies and gentlemen: your three-month warning. Yes, that’s how close we are now to my second novel hitting the shops. If Ever I Fall will be released in paperback and ebook formats on 9 February by HarperCollins UK.

I recently got my hands on a proof copy, which is always an exciting moment. It’s incredibly rewarding to see your work transformed from the manuscript you’ve been sweating over for months into a finished product. (Well, almost finished. The final cover will feature an eye-catching blue/purple foil to give it that extra wow factor.) I absolutely can’t wait for this book to get out there into readers’ hands.

So what’s it about? Well, I’m afraid I can’t reveal too much without spoiling it. It’s the kind of novel where you need to piece together the puzzle as you read. In essence, though, it deals with the breakdown of a marriage in the aftermath of a horrific incident.

The plot hinges around Dan and Maria Evans, the married couple in question, plus a mysterious third character known only as Jack.

Dan’s life has fallen apart at the seams. He’s lost his house, his job is on the line, and now he’s going to lose his family too. All he’s ever wanted is to keep them together, but is everything beyond repair?

Maria is drowning in grief. She spends her days writing letters that will never be answered. Nights are spent trying to hold terrible memories at bay, to escape the pain that threatens to engulf her.

Meanwhile, Jack wakes up confused and alone. He doesn’t know who he is, how he got there, or why he finds himself on a deserted clifftop, but will piecing together the past leave him a broken man?

Hopefully that’s enough to whet your appetite. If you enjoyed my debut novel, Time to Say Goodbye, why not pre-order this one and make sure you get it as soon as it comes out? Here’s the link: https://www.amazon.co.uk/If-Ever-Fall-S-D-Robertson-ebook/dp/B01KEPJJPM/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1478683342&sr=1-1&keywords=if+ever+i+fall

If Ever I Fall cover reveal

Good evening, folks. I’m delighted to unveil the cover of my second novel, If Ever I Fall. I’m sure you’ll agree it looks fantastic. The lovely people at my publisher, Avon HarperCollins, have done me proud again and I can’t wait to see it hit the shops.

The book will be released on Thursday, 9 February 2017. That might sound a long way off, but it’s only four and a half months, believe it or not.

It’s already available for pre-order here in the UK, both in ebook and paperback formats. So if you enjoyed my first novel, Time to Say Goodbye, why not get in there and bag yourself a copy now? Here’s the link, where you can also find out a bit more about the plot: https://www.amazon.co.uk/If-Ever-Fall-S-D-Robertson/dp/0008100691/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1474549773&sr=8-1&keywords=if+ever+I+fall

Watch this space

My second novel, If Ever I Fall, will be released on 9 February 2017 by Avon HarperCollins. That’s less than five months away!

Bernard, my cat, couldn’t believe it when I told him just now. He’s playing it cool, but I know he’s secretly very excited.

If you enjoyed reading my debut novel, Time to Say Goodbye, I hope you’ll really like this one too.

Anyway, watch this space at 7pm on Sunday (25 September) for an exciting announcement regarding the new book.

Recommended reads

Looking for a brilliant book to take on your holidays?

The big summer break is a fantastic opportunity to catch up on your reading, whether sunbathing on the beach, lounging by the pool, or chilling on your balcony.

You’ve finally got some time away from the daily grind. Why not set your mind free by losing yourself in an amazing novel and tasting a life less ordinary?

The only difficult decision is what books to take with you. There’s no point wasting precious luggage or hard drive space on a dud.

   

That in mind, I’ve drawn up a list of 10 novels that I’ve loved reading in recent times and I recommend you try. I’ve mainly steered clear of new releases, as there are plenty of other places where you can find such recommendations. Great books don’t age and I wanted this list to offer something different.

There’s no particular order and the titles are quite diverse. Hopefully there’s something for everyone to enjoy. There’s even one children’s book, although it will definitely appeal to adults too. So you can find out more, I’ve included links to Goodreads, Amazon or Waterstones in the titles.

Anyway, I hope you all have a great summer. Happy reading. Here’s the list:

•     A Visit From the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan

•     The Raw Shark Texts by Steven Hall

•     Bright Shiny Morning by James Frey

•     The Bubble Boy by Stewart Foster

•     Touch by Claire North

•     The Passage by Justin Cronin

•     Shotgun Lovesongs by Nickolas Butler

•     The Snowman by Jo Nesbø

•     Post Office by Charles Bukowski

•     All Quiet on the Orient Express by Magnus Mills

If Ever I Fall

So my second novel has a title.

It’s called If Ever I Fall and is due to be released in paperback and as an ebook in February 2017. It’s already available for pre-order on Amazon UK.

If you enjoyed Time to Say Goodbye, I really hope you’ll love this one too. I’m so excited about it and I can’t wait to see what the fantastic team at Avon HarperCollins will come up with in terms of a cover design. The last one blew me away – and I don’t doubt they’ll do it again this time.

If Ever I Fall is about a married couple, Maria and Dan, who have been driven apart by a horrific incident from their past.

I can’t tell you much more at this stage, other than to say I’m busy editing it, but watch this space for more information in the run up to release.

Meanwhile, Time to Say Goodbye continues to go great guns. I’m delighted to say that it’s still up there in the Kindle charts and has now sold more than 63,000 copies, which I still can’t quite believe.

Thanks once again for all the enthusiasm and support. It’s been a massive help.

What a fantastic reception

The German version of Time to Say Goodbye

I thought it was about time for a blog post to update you on the progress of Time to Say Goodbye and my next book.

I must say that I’ve been blown away by how well my debut novel has been received.

It’s been on sale for almost three months now and has already sold more than 41,000 copies here in the UK, which is fantastic. It’s also made it into the Amazon Kindle Top 20 and, as I write this, is currently sitting at #17.

I’m delighted to announce that it’s also set to be published abroad, with foreign language editions agreed in Japan, Germany, Spain, Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland, with at least two other countries hopefully to follow.

Time to Say Goodbye has had such a warm reception from readers, with more five-star reviews than I ever dreamed possible. I’ve received so many wonderful comments in person, as well as via social media and email. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate this.

I love to hear from people who’ve enjoyed the book. Several readers have also told me how they’ve found comfort in it, having lost a loved one, and that means so much to me. Knowing that my words have affected people’s lives in a positive way is an amazing feeling.

I really enjoyed the local library events I attended in Lancashire and Manchester soon after publication. It was great to have the opportunity to interact with fellow book lovers, giving them a taste of my novel via a reading, and doing my best to answer their many varied and perceptive questions.

But now I’m back at my desk, editing my next book. The final title is still a work in progress, although we’re getting close now and I should have something to share with you soon. It’s scheduled for release in early February 2017. If you enjoyed Time to Say Goodbye, I do hope you’ll be back for more.

Are you desperate to get published?

Time to Say Goodbye takes a trip on the London Underground.

Are you a budding writer? 

Do you want to get published more than anything?

Check out this guest blog I wrote for Sainsbury’s Entertainment and find out how I managed to do it: 

https://www.sainsburysentertainment.co.uk/blog/how-a-bold-decision-led-to-time-to-say-goodbye-by-s-d-robertson/

Manchester library event

Just a quick post to say that I’ll be in Manchester next Wednesday (30 March) for a reading and Q&A.

The event will take place at Manchester Central Library, on St Peter’s Square, from 18.30 to 19.30. 

All welcome. See link below for free ticket details and other information.

https://t.co/ezFakFD0ry

Library visits

I’m attending a couple of events in East Lancashire tomorrow (Thursday 3 March) for World Book Day.

I’ll be at Accrington Library at 3pm and at Rawtenstall Library at 7.30pm. I’ll be giving a reading from Time to Say Goodbye followed by a Q&A session at both venues.

Please do pop along and ask me anything you like, from tips on getting published to any questions you might have about my debut novel.

All welcome.

Big thanks to the book bloggers

It’s been two and a half weeks now since Time to Say Goodbye was released.

Last Friday I got the fantastic news that it was No.1 in The Bookseller’s Fiction Heatseekers chart, based on sales. I was over the moon.

However, the main purpose of this post is to say a massive thank-you to the book blogging community for supporting the launch of my debut novel. You all play such an important role in the modern publishing process – and your enthusiasm is fantastic.

I had a brilliant blog tour (everyone involved did a superb job) and I’ve had so many amazing reviews from bloggers far and wide.

Hats off to all those who’ve helped spread the word, whether it’s been by sharing the cover reveal last December, carrying a guest blog on their site, or taking the time to write a review. It’s all massively appreciated.

Here are some of my favourite things bloggers have said about Time to Say Goodbye:

‘A strong contender for my favourite book of the year … Emotional, heart-warming, tragic, bittersweet, charming and very, very satisfying.’ Silver Thistle bookblog

‘One of those unique books that once read will truly stay with you for a lifetime.’ Compellingreads.co.uk

‘A beautiful well written heart-rending story about a father’s love for his daughter.’ ireadnovels

‘A tender, warm, and wonderfully written novel.’ Becca’s Books

‘An engaging, heartfelt and stunning read.’ A Spoonful of Happy Endings

‘A heartbreaking story of a father not wishing to leave his daughter’s side ... well worth a read.’ Lozza’s Book Corner

‘Gave me hope, renewed my faith and made me feel like there is more to look forward to on the other side of life than just an empty space.’ Comfy Reading

‘A moving, beautifully written novel I’d happily put on my “re-read” shelf.’ October’s Leaf

‘Makes the reader think about life beyond death, and what would happen to those left behind should we be able to hang around to watch … Fantastic story.’ RockChicBlog

Guest blog round-up

So Time to Say Goodbye has been released for just over a week now.

It’s been fantastic seeing it ‘out in the wild’ and hearing so many people’s lovely comments.

Time to Say Goodbye is out now.

This is the first chance I’ve had to post a blog here since publication, although I’ve been busy writing articles and guest blogging on various other websites.

Below is a selection of some of those things I’ve written, including details of my journey to publication, manuscript editing tips, a look at my two central characters, and advice to help busy dads get closer to their daughters.

Hope you enjoy.

http://www.writing.ie/resources/9-steps-to-turn-dreams-to-reality-by-s-d-robertson/

http://weheartwriting.com/2016/02/seven-suggestions-to-soup-up-your-manuscript-sd-robertson/

http://www.goodhousekeeping.co.uk/news/how-dads-can-ensure-daughters-have-healthy-relationships

http://www.yearofthedad.org/daddy_novelist

http://www.femalefirst.co.uk/books/s-d-robertson-time-to-say-goodbye-915687.html

http://compellingreads.co.uk/time-say-goodbye-will-ella/

http://lindasbookbag.com/2016/02/17/time-to-say-goodbye-by-s-d-robertson/