Win a signed print edition of #EverRest

This novel I’ve been telling you about. You can win one of three signed copies by taking part in a simple game at the TripFiction website.

TripFiction is a massive online library that categorises books according to their setting. So if you have a yen for the Fens or a penchant for Peru, you can find the books to take you there. Ever Rest scores for a number of locations – Nepal, obviously, and closer to home (my home) you’ll find London and the hills of Shropshire.

If you’ve read my travel memoir Not Quite Lost, you might recall Craven Arms, the Shropshire town that Dave and I became trapped in on a bleak winter afternoon. I transplanted the Craven Arms experience into Ever Rest and created Bonnet, the depressing, provincial town that makes two of the characters desperate to bust out and do something remarkable with their lives.

To enter the giveaway, hop over to Tripfiction.

Back with a proper post tomorrow!

If you’re looking for writing advice, my Nail Your Novel books are full of tips. If you’re curious about my own creative writing, find novels here and my travel memoir here. And if you’re curious about what’s been going on on at my own writing desk, here’s my latest newsletter. You can subscribe to future updates here.

‘To draw a curtain around a mental space’ – The Undercover Soundtrack, Bryan Furuness

My guest this week measures his novels in rainstorms. More accurately, I should say he measures them in how many times he has listened to one rainstorm during the writing. His novel is about a dreamy and messianic boy, and he used a loop of weather noises to cocoon himself in a mental space where he felt composed enough to write. The result is a meditative post, perhaps perfect for summer days in the drowsy grip of a heatwave. His name is Bryan Furuness and he’s on the Red Blog with his Undercover Soundtrack.

GIVEAWAY Bryan is giving away 2 paperback copies of The Lost Episodes of Revie Bryson to commenters here. Extra entries if you share the post on Twitter, Facebook or other platforms – but remember to note in your comment here that you have! He also asks that if you happen to win, he’d be extremely grateful for a review on Amazon or Goodreads – favourable or otherwise.

Also, don’t forget that there’s a giveaway here on the Purple Blog  as well… to celebrate a new cover.

‘Love is the key to these stories’ – The Undercover Soundtrack, Andy Harrod

I heard a quote this week that I love: ‘All art aspires to the condition of music’. Meaning, it works beyond its medium; a direct connection with nerves and heart. This quote seems particularly to fit my guest this week. He says he writes from a need to understand, to uncensor, find meaning and connect with self and life. He prefers his music on vinyl (good man!) to better enjoy its sleeve art, and his book, Living Room Stories, is housed in a 7in record sleeve. How could you resist? He is Andy Harrod and he’s on the Red Blog with his Undercover Soundtrack.

GIVEAWAY Andy is giving away 1 handmade copy of Living Room Stories and a print of two from tearing at thoughts. To enter leave a comment or tweet the song that represents love for you. Andy will pick his favourite. If you take the tweet option, include the link to the post and the hashtag #undersound. Good luck!