Constructive Distraction Therapy, Publication and a Competition

Welcome, dear Reader, to April’s half-time update. I have been applying distraction techniques after the devastating occurrences over the last week. Camp NaNoWriMo has provided well-timed writing therapy – albeit mostly revisions, editing and formatting.  It is day 10. I have managed the equivalent of 5500 words in revision, just above the scheduled word count. Phew.

So far I have concentrated on finishing up my Three Short Stories . A big thank you to Lynne, Susan, Carole and my writing group for all of their help with beta reading, proof reading and editing suggestions.

A few weeks ago I revealed my book cover and book trailer here. I have since tweaked the cover to make it crisper and easier to read.

This week I concentrated on formatting my Three Short Stories for both Amazon Kindle and Smashwords.  Finally… After months of blogging about it. I have done it.

Drum roll, please!

You can get your ebook copy of The Adventures of Viola Stewart series:
Now available at Smashwords and Amazon

Yesterday, I received my very first review. The full review is on Smashwords:
“Madam Carlisle, I want more! … the adventures of Viola Stewart was amazingly good steampunk! … Karen is a fine writer from Down Under, who writes just enough to get the mind salivating. Please let there be more of Miss Stewart in the near future, for I do enjoy a great Victorian heroine.”  – 5 stars.

and today, my first Amazon review. The full review is at Amazon.
“It is refreshing to see a writer who has done the historical research and who has enough scientific background to put together a credible and amazingly written series of short tales. The Main character is witty, strong minded, resourceful and intelligent.” 5 stars.

Thank you to both readers for taking the time to leave a review. You have made my week most glorious!

Now for a bonus Gratuitous Plug post and my first ever competition:  

I have three vouchers for a free copy of The Adventures of Viola Stewart:Three Short Stories from Smashwords (you can choose your preferred format). All you have to do is sign up to my monthly newsletter Tea & Tidings, before midday Saturday 18th April – Australian CST (newsletter goes out on the 20th of each month). Please also leave a comment below. I will randomly pick three lucky subscribers to get their free copy. I will post the winners on my blog on Sunday 19th April and email you the voucher.

You can read more about each short story on my Books page.

Next week I recommence work on revisions, rewriting and editing to finalise Doctor Jack.