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/

Blog Tour

Well, folks, publication day is nearly here. Time to Say Goodbye will finally be released into the wild on Thursday.

Yes, that’s right: later this week. I absolutely can’t wait.

To mark the launch, we’re holding a February Blog Tour. Details below.

Also, to whet your appetite, the first chapter will be debuting on This Chick Reads book blog on Wednesday, so make sure to check it out.

Meanwhile, the book is already available to pre-order in paperback or ebook formats.

The Sun described it as ‘heart-achingly good with laugh-out-loud moments’.

Why not grab a copy now? You could be reading it on release day.

Run-up to release

Only 30 days to go now until publication. Whoop whoop!

In the run-up to release, I’ll be doing everything I can to spread the word about Time to Say Goodbye, hoping to convince as many people as possible to give it a try.

If you’ve managed to get hold of an advance copy and you’ve enjoyed it, please tell other readers.

As the novel is all about the unique bond between a father and his daughter, I’ve written a couple of comment pieces about my time as a stay-at-home Dad: one for The Telegraph and another for the Huffington Post.

I’ve included links in case you fancy giving them a read.

Book cover reveal

So here it is: the cover reveal of my debut novel. 

It will be released in the UK on 11 February 2016 in paperback and as an ebook.

Time to Say Goodbye is already available to pre-order from booksellers including Amazon, Waterstones, and WHSmith.

I’m chuffed to bits with how the cover looks. My publisher, Avon HarperCollins, has done an amazing job. Hope you like it too.