Merry Christmas 2016!

Leadenhall Market Christmas tree, London by RMSones

Christmas 2016 is nearly upon us and, for many of us, this year has been one of great highs and crushing lows. There have been moments when we wish that the world around us would end. But, in contrast, there have been many times when we couldn't have wished for a better time to be alive. There is so much happening around us, both good and bad, and it's what we make of those circumstances that counts. Do we let them crush us? Or do we allow them to turn us into a better version of the person we currently know?

At the end of every year, we tend to pause and look back over the previous months. We reflect on what's been lost and what's been gained. We say goodbye to people who are no longer in our lives and thank those who are.

For me, this has been a year like no other. It's been a year of change and discovery. In January, I believed that I was set for a certain path. Yet, as the year draws to a close, I see that the paths have changed and I'm now walking a different, and hopefully better, route. I'm excited to see what 2017 brings.

This is the time of year when I also say thank you to everyone who is a part of my life. Thank you for being there through the ups and downs. Thank you for all that you do and, most of all, thank you for being you.

Relax over the Christmas period and, if there's change in your life, embrace it in 2017. Whatever direction life is nudging you in, welcome it with open arms and run with it. Let it take you on its journey. The journey may be rocky at first but, over time, it will smooth out and you'll be glad that you made the decision to follow that little voice in your heart.

Whatever you're doing this Christmas season, I wish you a peaceful and happy one. May 2017 be an amazing year for you!

When You Support Artists...

This post is dedicated to everyone who's ever bought my books. This is for those who support and love me because, without you, none of this would exist.

When you buy a book (or anything from any kind of artist), you're not just buying a product. You're helping them to keep going. You're helping to pay their bills, buy research materials, or replace a slowly dying computer. Without supporters, there would be no art.

Recently, I decided to clear out some of my stock. I had a couple of boxes of print books that I was using as a foot rest under my desk. They needed to be out in the world, being loved and read by other people. I also needed a new piece of equipment. So I listed the books on social media and was overwhelmed by the response. Thanks to all of you, in less than a month, I was able to buy what I needed.

The equipment in question is a Zoom H4n, a small multi-track recorder that, with a bit of studio wizardy can be plugged in to a phone. This allows me to record interviews without having to physically be with someone (and without putting too much pressure on my shaky internet connection and ageing computer). It's small enough to fit in my hand so can go wherever I go. It's perfect for what I want to do.

You're not just fans. You're not just readers. You're beautiful human beings whose constant support and encouragement are the engine in any artists life. You allow us to expand and try new things. You give us the opportunities to put out more of the work you love. Without you, this world would be far bleaker.

Thank you so much for all that you do, from buying books to writing reviews to just being there. You're an important part of my life and I hope that I get to share many more projects with you.

Slavery

One of the things which seems to bother some people about my books is the way Erus treats Cedo.

Unfortunately, in the 1900's, it was a way of life. There was no welfare state and, if you were poor or destitute, you had two choices: take what was offered or starve, even if it meant you used for sexual favours or beaten. You took what was there because you didn't even want to think about the final choice: The workhouse. The workhouse, but that was not a place you wanted to go to, no matter how desperate. Tales from the workhouses are far more horrific than any novel or film could ever portray.

We'd like to think that such things no longer take place. Tragically they do, and may even be happening right where you live. People trafficked to be used as sex slaves. Whole families forced to work back breaking hours just to survive. Children who should be in school working in factories just to pay their way.

Whether you want to acknowledge it or not that, and much more, still happens around the world. There are numerous people trying to put a stop to it and, if you search for "Modern Slavery" you'll find many websites and charities which are dedicating to putting an end to it once and for all. Last Christmas, the Advent Conspiracy's advert discussed just how little of a person's annual Christmas spending it would take to help free people from slavery once and for all.

It doesn't matter who you are. It doesn't matter if you only have a little money. You can give something you do have to help others: Your time. Go out there and help change the world. Don't think you can? Wrong! Of course you can!

Thanks for reading and keep being amazing!

Thank You!

I know the year isn't over yet, but I wanted to take the time to say thank you.

2012 has been a huge year for me. There's been the publications of my first two novels, along with all that entails. It's the first time I've stepped in to the Steampunk community and to say I was nervous was an understatement. Yet you welcomed me with open arms, relaxing my nerves, becoming my friends and teaching me a whole lot of new things along the way. I've had the utmost pleasure of meeting some of you this year, and I can't wait to get to know all of you. I truly hope that, in 2013, we'll have the time to sit down with a cup of tea and have a really great chat.

I'm also truly grateful to my friends, old and new, who've been there every step of the way, who've encouraged me and helped in every way you can. You're the family we choose for ourselves and I'm so thankful for each and every one of you. Some of you I've yet to meet but you've still taken a chance on me. You were brave enough to try a new author, and your words of love and encouragement mean a great deal to me. It's wonderful to know that there are still such beautiful people out there, and I look forward to the day I can thank you in person.

Facebook has been a huge one for me this year as well. Many thanks are extended to the wonderful people at The E-Reader House, The Independent Paperback Gift Shop, Destiny of Angels, The Adventures of Cecilia Spark, Best Dad I Can Be, The Alterium, World of Steampunk, and the fantastic minds over at Creators of Glorious Steam. Without all of you, without your knowledge and all that you've given to this world, none of what I've achieved this year would have been possible. I'm so grateful to you all for extending the love and for giving me a chance.

The amazing people over at Torquere Press need a mention for all they've done this year. For helping ship books over and for explaining the intricacies of the US tax system. For just being there when a new author was a little confused over what to do next.

Finally, my family, who've walked this path with me for many years. I thank you for giving me the time and space I've needed this year, as well as supporting all the crazy endeavours which have gone with these books.

Thank you to all of you! Thank you for continuing to read this blog and for being there every step of the way. Know that all you do is very much appreciated. I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a fabulous New Year!

Drumroll Please...

Mars on the Rise scoops 3rd place in the Rainbow Awards Best Debut Novel AND Best Sci-Fi-/Fantasy categories!!!!

http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/1820854.html 

 http://elisa-rolle.livejournal.com/1819891.html

Thank you to everyone for all their love and support!!

Torquere Books

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