For the record: a new book

For the record: Early in the new year I had an idea for a new book. I thought about it for a while but didn't start as I was also very busy with the launch of The Fine Art of Kindness. Eventually I started it on -- of all dates, the first of April -- but it was a tentative beginning as I was not at all sure where it was going to lead. Now, towards the end of June, I'm still writing and I'm feeling good. It has no title yet but it feels as though it (whatever it is finally called) is my most ambitious opus yet. I'll see how I goes but at the moment it feels like I have at least a year's work ahead. Watch this space.

Readers love 'The Fine Art of Kindness'

I continue to get good reader feedback for The Fine Art of Kindness. 

For example this came in yesterday: 

'...I started reading and couldn’t put it down.  Nice gentle story that will touch many hearts, I’m sure.  Do hope it is well received. I bought a copy for a friend’s birthday and I’m sure she’ll enjoy it.'

And this:  
'Thank you for your beautiful new book. … You write so beautifully and simply, it was a joy to read. I love the way the stories are about ordinary people leading ordinary lives. I have a friend from NZ  and I lent her 'To The White Gate' and she is anxious to read 'The Fine Art of Kindness'. I also must mention the cover, so beautiful and gentle, just like the book! Thank you so much for your fine act of kindness, best wishes.'  

Free PDF previews for downloading

PDF previews of seven of my books are now available for download from my website . 
I haven't provided previews of my short stories --what would be he point? -- but I'll do For Viktor next. 

Go HERE for a downloadable PDF preview of The Fine Art of Kindness 
Go HERE for a downloadable PDF preview of Underneath the Arclight 
Go HERE for a downloadable PDF preview of To the White Gate
Go HERE for a downloadable PDF preview of Six Murders? 
Go HERE for a downloadable PDF preview of My Marian Year
Go HERE for a downloadable PDF preview of The Tapu Garden of Eden 

Go HERE for a downloadable PDF preview of The Boltons of The Little Boltons

Another two PDF previews now available for downloading

Yes. I'm gradually preparing and uploading PDF previews of my book so readers can 'try before they buy'. Today I have made two more previews available: The Fine Art of Kindness and Underneath The Arclight as well as To the White Gate and Six Murders?.

• Go HERE for a downloadable preview of The Fine Art of Kindness 
• Go HERE for a downloadable PDF preview of Underneath the Arclight 
• Go HERE for a downloadable PDF preview of To the White Gate
• Go HERE for a downloadable PDF preview of Six Murders? 

NEW. Free PDF downloads of two books.

I've now made available PDF previews of two of my books and more to come.

• Go HERE for a downloadable PDF preview of To the White Gate
• Go HERE for a downloadable PDF preview of Six Murders? 

The 2018 Ngaio Marsh New Zealand Crime Fiction Awards

A week from today (Tuesday 15 May) we should know the ten books (from more than sixty) that have made the long list for the 2018 Ngaio Marsh New Zealand Crime Fiction Awards. Will Six Murders? be there? I have no idea but I've never been especially confident simply because it's not a 'serious' crime or mystery story. But whatever happens it's been fun being accepted as an entry.

How to order my books

I get lots of questions about how to buy my books. Being an independent self-published author means having to set up independent sales channels as book shops are not interested in anything that’s not from a publisher and most New Zealand publishers are interested only in books about sports, celebrities, cooking and gardening.

In New Zealand I sell my books through my website. The biggest issue is payment. I’ve tried everything and found the simplest thing is to provide a way for readers to place their order(s) by email and pay online from their New Zealand bank account to mine; I provide the bank account number in the email which is generated when a buyer clicks on the website ‘Order Here’ button. It’s so safe and simple.

Seven of my books are also available from Amazon which is the best way to sell books internationally as postage from New Zealand is prohibitive.

Book shops will happily order any book on request (although you’ll probably pay extra for the privilege). The key is to quote the book’s ISBN although a book title and author name will also suffice. All my book ISBNs can be found here.

Auckland and Wellington libraries stock multiple copies of most of my books and most libraries will happily buy in a book on request.

If you have any questions don’t hesitate to email me at robert@bolton.co.nz