reader help – FI PHILLIPS

14th November 202414th November 2024

Become a part of the magic

There’s only one week to go – that’s seven sleeps – until Haven’s Deceit is published by Burning Chair on 21st November. This past month has gone by in an exciting blur. My author copies have come in. ARC reader copies have gone out. I’ve been talking about Haven’s Deceit all over the online world to anyone who’ll listen. All I need now is a little support from you, dear reader.

Here’s how you can help me spread the word about Haven’s Deceit and become part of the magic.

Blog about Haven’s Deceit

Some of my readers are bloggers too. If that’s you, please help spread the news about Haven’s Deceit by writing about it. You could blog about the book launch, interview me, or post a book review on your blog. Any mention of Haven’s Deceit would be really appreciated.

Tell your friends about my novels

If you’re reading this blog post, it’s a fair assumption that you like to read fantasy novels. What about your friends? If they, your family, or members of your book club enjoy reading fantasy too, please share the love and tell them about Haven Wakes, Magic Bound, and Haven’s Deceit. Thank you.

Shout about Haven’s Deceit on social media

Everyone and their auntie are on social media these days. Whether it’s on BlueSky, X, Threads, Tumblr, Kofi, Facebook, Instagram, or somewhere else in the social media universe, a like, comment, or share of my posts means that a wider audience will find out about Haven’s Deceit. Even better, a post by you about my novels will massively impact my social media reach. Thank you.

Leave an honest book review of Haven’s Deceit

If you enjoy reading Haven’s Deceit, an honest book review on Amazon, Goodreads, or wherever you bought my book would be fantastic. It spreads the word, tells other readers what to expect, and provides that much needed evidence that Haven’s Deceit is an excellent read.

Your book review doesn’t have to be long, just honest. Thank you.

Haven’s Deceit: All the details

If you want to spread the word about Haven’s Deceit and get the book launch off to a great start, here’s all the information you need.

The blurb

The magic continues…

As Steve Haven and his friends mourn the loss of a companion, they think things can’t get any worse.

But then the gates linking Darkacre to the outside world are sealed shut by the Council. And to make matters worse, Hartley Keg’s magical travelling powers are cruelly taken away, leaving him as trapped as the rest of them.

Steve is determined to find his missing parents, and maybe the mystery of where they have been all this time will be the key to freeing them and Steve’s friends from the Council’s traps.

And so Steve and his friends must embark on their most difficult and perilous journey yet. As they do so, they find themselves drawn into a world much more dangerous than they ever imagined, ending in a place where no-one can be trusted, everyone is controlled, and there can be no secrets.

Will Steve find his parents and the truth behind who he really is?

And who will save him this time, when his friends are powerless, trapped, or both?

The links

Burning Chair Publishing

My newsletter

Email me

Other details

Haven’s Deceit is published on 21st November 2024 by Burning Chair Publishing. It’s the third novel of a YA futuristic fantasy series called the Haven Chronicles. There will be two more books in this series.

If you’d like more information or a range of bookish images, want to interview me for your blog, or just want to say ‘hi’ or ‘good luck’, drop me an email.

All that’s left to say now is thank you for all your support and roll on book launch day.

20th June 202420th June 2024

The one where I answer reader questions

a woman's hand holding a cup of coffee and an open book with the words answering reader questions

One of the lovely things about seeing my books in the hands of readers is that the conversation doesn’t end when they turn the last page. So many readers ask me questions about my books and writing process. That might be as part of a book review, in an email, or as a comment on social media. So I thought I’d take the time to answer the most frequently asked questions here on my blog.

Are Haven Wakes and Magic Bound set in our world?

While the setting of the Haven Chronicles is similar to what our future may look like, there are definite differences. For a start, there are place names like Caercester and the Black Strait that are versions of places in our world.

The technology in the world of the Haven Chronicles, such as the vast number of robots, suggests that the world of the novels is on a slightly different and sometimes more advanced scientific path to our own.

So no, Haven Wakes and Magic Bound aren’t set in our world. Instead, they take place in a twin (but not identical) world to the one we know.

Do you already know what will happen at the end of the series?

Absolutely, but I can’t say I’ve known about it from the start. The idea developed as I wrote Magic Bound and then book three. Something happens at the end of Magic Bound that starts a series of events and sets one of the characters on a completely new path. Not even my publisher knows about it.

So yes, I know how the series will end.

Where do you get your character names from?

Some characters, like Hartley Keg, turn up ready named. I have no explanation for how my imagination does that. Other characters take a little more thought. I’ll generally start with a name search based on the meaning of that name. Does it match the personality and other details of the character? The sound of the name and its rhythm matters too, especially when adding a surname to the mix.

I sometimes use names that I already know; some are even from my family tree. Or they might be completely new to me and found by searching for a name that means ‘river’ or ‘warrior’.

Do you have to read the Haven Chronicles series in order?

You can find the answer to this in my March blog post.

What inspired you to write Haven Wakes and Magic Bound?

I’ve blogged about what inspired me to write my novels, Haven Wakes and Magic Bound, in the run up to the release of each book. Here are the links to those blog posts:

Haven Wakes

Magic Bound

If you have any more questions about my novels, please do ask. You can drop me an email or contact me through Instagram, Facebook, or X/Twitter.

28th March 202428th March 2024

Do you need to read the Haven Chronicles in order?

Quite a lot of readers have asked me this question, so I thought I’d answer it here on my blog. Just in case you’re new to my writing, the Haven Chronicles series is made up (so far) of two books, Haven Wakes and Magic Bound. The third book is currently with my publisher, Burning Chair. There’ll be two more books in the series after that.

I think the reason that many fiction series can be dipped into wherever you want is that they’re so well known by the reading public, from the characters, to the world where the story takes place, and the overall feel of the books. There’s an element of familiarity that bridges any gaps lost by not reading earlier books in the series.

When it comes to the Haven Chronicles though, I think the greatest reading experience will be gained by starting at book one, Haven Wakes. Here’s why:

Getting to know the characters

In Haven Wakes, the characters are new to the reader and to each other. We get a first impression of them all. For instance, the first time you see Hartley Keg, he’s dressed in an apron and offering breakfast to Steve. That initial impression (if I’ve done my job right) is of someone who is easy to get along with, welcoming, a little comical, and nearly always thinking about food. The reader gets to know Hartley and the other characters as Steve does. And of course, we get to know Steve too.

By the end of Haven Wakes, we know the characters a little better, and we’ve seen a subtle change in Steve too. We know what he’s capable of and how he may act in the future.

In Magic Bound, we learn more about the characters’ back stories, see their interactions evolve, and watch them grow and develop with each new challenge they face. The Steve we know by the end of Magic Bound is more confident, braver, and more decisive than the boy we first meet in Haven Wakes.

World building

Haven Wakes provides a snapshot of Steve’s high-tech world – where most people own a robot (or two) – and the hidden magical underbelly that Steve discovers. We get the chance to run around the city of Caercester and delve into the magical community of Darkacre.

In Magic Bound, that knowledge is the starting point for an adventure that takes Steve and his friends beyond the city limits. We also learn more about the magical community and their history.

In the third novel, our characters venture even further and discover so much more.

Haven Wakes provides the foundation of your understanding of the world, rules, and culture of the Haven Chronicles.

Story arcs

Each novel in the Haven Chronicles has its own individual story, but there’s also an overarching storyline that runs throughout the series. While dipping into the Haven Chronicles at any point will provide you with a treat of an (individual) adventure, you may miss out on the storyline of the entire series. Each novel provides a basis for the next novel and a step further along the overall story arc.

Breadcrumbs

When I say ‘breadcrumbs’, I mean clues. I know how the series will end. There’ll be a massive reveal in the final novel and so far, I’ve scattered a number of breadcrumbs through Haven Wakes, Magic Bound, and book three. There’ll be more in book four too.

So if you jump in at books two or three, you might miss some of those lovely breadcrumbs and the chance to carry out a little deduction.

***

You are, dear reader, free to read the Haven Chronicles in whatever order you like but I hope I’ve proved my point that starting at Haven Wakes is a good idea before moving on to the second book and beyond.

25th July 202315th November 2023

What are beta and ARC readers? Unveiling the enchanting heroes behind your favourite books

You’ve probably heard me talk about beta and ARC readers, but I don’t think I’ve ever explained who these marvellous people are and why you might want to be one. Beta and ARC readers play a crucial role in shaping the stories I tell and the tales I love to read. They are the generous souls who give up their time to make our authorly lives easier. Let me explain.

Beta readers: trusted companions in the writing journey

Picture a group of loyal companions, standing side by side with the author on their literary path; these are the beta readers. These fantastic individuals arrive on the writerly scene early on, lending their invaluable perspectives to the author’s manuscript before it’s polished and published. They are like those childhood friends I used to act out stories and plays with, only this time round, they’re helping me to write my books.

Beta readers are the wizards who provide constructive feedback, helping authors like me to identify the hidden gems in my stories and the quagmires that need a little extra enchantment. They’re the people who spot plot weaknesses, character inconsistencies, and ensure that the entire story works.

But what’s truly magical about beta readers is that they’re a willing audience for our imagined adventures, helping to bring our stories to life and making sure that they captivate readers like you.

ARC readers: champions of unreleased tales

As an author, there’s nothing quite like the moment when you catch a glimpse of your treasured novel resting on a bookshelf – be that in a book shop or in your own home. While my books may not be in physical bookstores just yet, holding a real, tangible copy of my creation is incredibly satisfying and yes, a little awe inspiring too.

ARC readers are the heroes who receive advance copies of books right before they hit the world stage. Imagine being one of the first to step into a mesmerising world of fantasy. ARC readers get to experience that magic before anyone else.

But they don’t keep that enchanting experience to themselves. ARC readers eagerly share their book reviews, igniting excitement and anticipation among potential readers. Their word-of-mouth magic spreads like wildfire, making sure that those books are embraced and cherished by readers like you.

Becoming a beta or ARC reader: the heroic opportunity

Here comes the exciting part – you, dear reader, have the chance to be one of those heroes. If you’re eager to step into the enchanting world of beta and ARC reading, why not sign up for my monthly Author News? By doing so, you’ll stay up-to-date with beta and ARC reader opportunities for my novels, becoming an integral part of the storytelling process.

It’s thanks to the wonderful support of beta and ARC readers that our tales come alive and reach a wider audience. These marvellous people, who shape and celebrate the art of storytelling, are the unsung heroes behind the magic of your favourite books.

14th July 2022

Want to help make Magic Bound a best seller?

paperback copy of Magic Bound on forest background with words Help make Magic Bound a bestseller

The big day – when Magic Bound is launched by Burning Chair Publishing – is only weeks away. It’s all rather exciting and the countdown is going in a blur. Advance book reviews are coming in and the pre-order links are up. I lovingly unwrapped my author copies, and even made an unboxing video. What I need now is a little help in getting the word out about Magic Bound in the run up to its publication and on the big day too.

Would you help me make Magic Bound a best seller, dear reader? Yes? Brilliant. Then this is how you can make a huge difference.

Blog about Magic Bound

Some of my readers are bloggers too. If that’s you, help raise the visibility of Magic Bound by writing about it. You could blog about the actual book release, interview me, or post a book review on your blog. Anything would be really appreciated.

Tell your friends about Magic Bound

If you’re reading this blog post, it’s a fair assumption that you like to read fantasy novels. What about your friends? If they, your family, or members of your book club enjoy fantasy too, why not tell them about Magic Bound?

Shout about Magic Bound on social media

Everyone and their auntie are on social media these days. Whether it’s on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or some where else in the social media universe, a like, comment, or share of my posts means that a wider audience will find out about Magic Bound. Even better, a post by you about my novels will massively impact my social media reach.

There are other novels out there called Magic Bound so if you want to use a hashtag on social media, please use #MagicBoundFiPhillips

Leave an honest book review of Magic Bound

If you enjoy reading Magic Bound, an honest book review on Amazon, Goodreads, or wherever you bought my book would be fantastic. It spreads the word, tells other readers what to expect, and provides that much needed evidence that Magic Bound is an excellent read.

If you want to get involved in spreading the word about Magic Bound and get the book launch off to a great start, here’s all the information you need.

The blurb:

The magic returns.

When Hartley Keg and Blessing go missing, Steve Haven, the young heir to the Haven Robotics Corporation, once again finds himself plunged back into the chaos of Darkacre.

Teaming up with the darkling, he finds himself on the run from the Council and their enforcers, the Hidden, as he seeks to keep safe those he holds most dear.

Things are complicated further when a new player emerges: the Parity, who are far too keen in the Haven Corporation, and the magical device which nearly led to its destruction.

What follows is a race not only against time but through a series of worlds, each more fantastical and dangerous than the last, as Steve and his friends try to keep one step ahead of their pursuers.

Magic Bound is the second adventure in the Haven Chronicles, following on from Haven Wakes, a unique blend of fantasy and sci-fi which has been described by readers as “shades of Artemis Fowl, hints of Harry Potter… and Skulduggery Pleasant”.

The links:

Magic Bound is published on 2nd August by Burning Chair Publishing.

If you’d like more information or a range of bookish images, want to interview me for your blog, or just want to say ‘hi’ or ‘good luck’, drop me an email.

22nd April 202116th November 2021

5 ways that Readers can help Authors like me

Over the last couple of days, I’ve been asked the same question by a friend and a couple of readers. All three of them have read my debut fantasy novel Haven Wakes and left glowing reviews, but they wanted to know what else they could do to make my life easier.

After a think, this is what I told them.

Recommend my books

Here’s what I mean:

You’re twittering with the best of them and you come across a reader asking for YA fantasy and sci fi book recommendations. Why not tell them about Haven Wakes?
Your book club is on the look-out for a speculative fiction book to read. Suggest Haven Wakes.
Your friend’s cousin’s daughter’s friend wants a new fantasy series to read. You guessed it! Point them to Haven Wakes.

Whenever you comes across a chance, please recommend my books.

Share my social media posts

With any luck you’ve already connected with me on at least one of my social media channels:

Facebook

Twitter

Instagram

If you come across my social media posts, especially ones pointing to my newsletter or book sales page, it would be really helpful if you could widen my reach by sharing my post with your connections.

Blog about my books

If you run a book blog, whether that’s as a writer or a reader, it would be really appreciated if you could drop me and my books a mention.

If you need content for your blog, let me know and I’m more than happy to answer your questions for an author interview, pen a blog post on writing-craft, or write a piece on some other suitable topic.

Even better, sign up to be an ARC reader and blog as part of my next book launch.

In return for a mention on your blog, I’ll happily share it on my social media channels. It’s a win-win for us both.

Request my books

If you want to buy my book in paperback from your local bookstore but they don’t stock it, why not ask them to order it in? With any luck, they’ll buy in more than one copy so some other reader can get their hands on it. You could even take a shot of my book on their bookshelves and post it on social media (don’t forget to tag me though).

I know that not everyone can afford to buy my book. The next best thing is to borrow a copy from the local library. If this is you but they don’t have a copy, it would be really appreciated if you could ask them to order it in. I dropped off a copy to my local library for just this reason.

Sign up to my mailing list and share my Author News

Social media is an absolute boon for authors to get the news out about their latest books, but it’s reliant on algorithms and readers being online at the right time to see our posts. A mailing list doesn’t have either of these restraints and is the best way to keep up-to-date with an author and their latest news.

a free short story set in the same world as Haven Wakes
my monthly goings-on and writing progress
my book news, including the chance to be a beta or ARC reader
a book recommendation that I love and hope you will too (and not a book I’ve written)

And if you have friends who you think might appreciate reading my Author News too, why not forward my newsletter on to them.

While buying our books and leaving book reviews will always be the best way to help us authors, lovely readers like you can make us smile in so many other ways too.