Georgia Tingley

Hi Everyone,

I try to write my blog every month between the 15-20th of each month, so today I’m just scraping in hehe.  I’ve been a bit lethargic the last couple of weeks and can’t seem to get myself back on track. Has that happened to you?

There’s a million things I need to do with my writing career, in the garden, in the house, even catching up with friends, but I keep putting them on the back burner. All I really want to do is be self-indulgent and read Christmas romances and watch Christmas movies on Netflix.

So, I’ve decided to be easy on myself and write a little, work in the yard a little, work in the house a little, and indulge a little as well.

A few weeks ago, I was so lucky to be asked by my writing friend Dianna Evans otherwise known as DL Nix to be a guest on her podcast on ‘Finding Elara’. Click here to have a listen.

Finding Elara is a Young Adult Fantasy about the land of Elara and how the people that live there have been gifted with a Pearl that grows in their belly button which holds magic.

Join Adonia and her companions as she comes into her abilities and learns her limitations. Will Adonia grow into her family heritage and face each challenge head on? Wait until the book comes out to find out.

I really enjoyed participating in her podcast, and admire what a great job she has done not only with her book, but also her website and podcast. Dianna has some really interesting guests on, so please do yourself a favour and check it out.

At the start of the month I also had the privilege of attending the West Coast Fiction Festival where I met lots of great authors, who I have to say, were all so incredibly kind, interesting, helpful and genuine. I purchased waaay too many books (I couldn’t resist). I was a kid in the proverbial candy shop. Big thanks to Dannielle Line who was my partner in crime.

The highlight of the festival for me was that I met Lili Saint Germain. For those of you who don’t know her, let me introduce her to you.

It was Christmas 2014 or 2015, I can’t remember which one, and while my husband worked over the holiday period I scrolled through Google Books and found her first book ‘Seven Sons’. It was a dark romance about a girl hell-bent on seeking revenge on the leader of a motorcycle gang who had killed her father, and stole her innocence in the most brutal way. The Series shows how she seeks revenge and in the process finds love. The books are so well written; gut-wrenching, compelling, and emotional (if you don’t shed hot tears I’d be surprised). It’s definitely not for the fainthearted. I wish I could write as well as she does. Maybe one day!

I could not put it down. My eyes blurred as I read the first book within a couple of hours. Not only was I hooked, but I was addicted like a crack whore. Only my drug of choice were the rest of the books in her series. Over the next four days I read every book. When I finished, I was gutted, inspired, enthralled, every adjective I could think of to describe ‘fuck yeah’!  Her books cause a book hangover – the feeling you get after reading a good book that you can’t seem to stop thinking about.

After looking her up on the internet I discovered she was a self-published author living in Perth. “Oh. My. God. I am so going to write a book and self-publish.” Lili St Germain was my inspiration! And now I have.

When I met her, I told her as much. She was the most genuine and sincere author I met and was actually interested in me as well. She signed her book for me (which I will treasure), and in turn I whipped out my book ‘Justice’ and signed it for her. Again, she has managed to inspire me… and I don’t say this lightly, because I have met heaps of authors over the years, and I’m slightly jaded in that respect, but I was impressed by what a gorgeous soul she is.

Here is the opening lines from her book Seven Sons –

Confucius said, “Before embarking upon a journey of revenge, dig two graves.” 

I planned to dig seven.

Sometimes I don’t think about it for hours at a time. Sometimes, a whole day will pass, and it’ll be there, under the surface, burning my insides with the brutality of its truth. My truth.

I don’t know about you, but I needed to find out what her truth was.

I came home from the WCFF fired up to write, with a box full of signed books and having made some great new writing friends. So glad I went.

So, what am I doing about it? Well, as I said, I’ve fallen into a bit of a rut, but I am slowly dragging myself out by my fingernails. My wonderful cover designer and myself have been busy creating a fantastic cover for the follow up book to Justice called ‘An Unholy Gift’.

I’m also working hard to make the necessary changes and edits to my manuscript. Most of my beta-readers loved it and gave me awesome feedback. There was one ‘negative nelly’ but growing a thick skin comes with the job description, and taking that feedback and making the story better is what it’s all about.

My romance novel ‘Having Faith’ is still with Escape Publishing. Fingers crossed they love it and offer to publish in the new year.

I just want to end my blog with this fabulous review I saw just today on Amazon. It was posted up by I’m presuming a random reader, Katie Silvi who I’d sincerely like to thank.

Katie Silvi

Wow, I’m so captivated by this book. The suspense, the mystery, the paranormal make this a fantastic journey away from every day life. I am so in love with it. I seriously could not put it down…..page after page, word after word….I needed to know what was happening. I was plotting as I read of how it would play out. And, when it did I was so taken aback by certain aspect. But it made the story so much better.

This made my day.

Hi Everyone,

I’m sorry I missed my blog-post for August. As mentioned previously, I was travelling, and even though I took a laptop and was writing at every opportunity, I am a slacker.

My husband and I went on a great adventure with friends for five weeks. We drove from Perth across the Nullarbor Highway to South Australia, then up the Stuart Highway to the Northern Territory. Then home to Perth, down the West Coast. Along the way we did the usual touristy things –

Saw Whales swimming off the Southern coast at the Great Australian Bight.

Went to Coober Pedy and visited underground dwellings.

We came, we saw, we conquered – Ayers Rock at Uluru.

Dipped our bodies into Hot Springs at Mataranka and Kathrine.

Danced like idiots at Daly Waters pub.

Visited  the crocodile infested rivers of Kakadu.

Delighted at the many rockpools and waterfalls of Litchfield National Park.

Enjoyed Darwin’s fabulous sunsets and all it’s many sights.

Took up the challenge of my first ever helicopter flight over the Bungle Bungles. (Let’s not talk about the road into the Bungles. I’m still recovering from the corrogations.)

Experienced Broome in the height of tourist season. Had another first, going on a camel ride along the famous Cable Beach, and placing a few bets (and winning) at the Broome Cup.

Saw busy mining towns – Karratha and Dampier.

Camped in the outback among the rocky outcrops and spiniphex grass.

Witnessed flocks of wild white cockatoo’s in their hundreds (ok, maybe that’s a slight exaggeration) flying home to roost for the night on the Ashburton River.

Gloried in the fields of wildflowers growing in copious amounts along the highways, and the many sunshiny-yellow canola crops in lush paddocks.

Now that we’re back home it’s back to business as usual.

I’ve been busy playing catch up – I tidied up my first draft of the follow-up book to ‘Justice,’ titled ‘An Unholy Gift’, and sent it off to my beta-readers for their feedback.

Working frantically on my romance in my new series, “Mature Love”, titled ‘Having Faith.’ I’ve received it back from my editor, and I’ve been flat-out making all the corrections she suggested. She did a brilliant job and it’s looking really polished now. I’ve also been working with my cover designer to create an enticing cover. I’m hoping to self-publish in late October.

This weekend I will be attending the Rockingham Writers Conference. I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to ‘pitch’ my story, “Having Faith” to Kate Cuthbert, who is the managing editor of Escape Publishing. Fingers crossed something comes of it. If not, I’ll stick with the original plan. I’m looking forward to the conference, last year it was excellent, even though I couldn’t enjoy it as much as I should have, since I was sick.

Well that’s all for this month, take care.

Quote of the month – Books wash away from the soul, the dust of everyday life.

Hi Everyone,

We started June with a long weekend here in the West – Western Australia Day, and we went away for a four day break down to the Southwest of the state.  It was the land of the Karri Forest and we had a wonderful time, but it was sooo cold. We took a tram ride through the forest, over rivers and creeks, past pastures and awesome vistas. We also all took our bikes and rode around ‘Big Brook Dam’ – it was so peaceful, with the fantastic reflections on the glass-like surface of the lake, the majestic tall trees and native fauna, as well as the birds trilling and calling all around us. I wish we had someplace like that in Perth.  I love camping and sitting around the fires in the evening and in this case it was a matter of survival; seriously – it was that cold! We were lucky it wasn’t windy nor did it rain the entire weekend.

In the beginning of June I also finished my second draft of my new contemporary romance ‘Having Faith,’ which is part of my  ‘Mature Love’ Series. They are stand-alone romances featuring women over the age of 35 years-old. Currently it’s at 51,000 words so far.  I sent it out to my Beta-Readers (test readers) to gauge their reaction, and for them to provide me with feedback. Four writers and Four readers dissected it, and nearly all came back with not only great feedback, but great praise, which thrilled me. I’m looking over all their input, and in the first week of July will start to address some of their suggestions and comments in the next revision of my book. I’m wanting to have it published in the Spring.

While my Beta-Readers have been busy with not just reading my manuscript but also filling out my over-the-top questionnaire (thank you ladies – you know who you are), I was busy writing my first draft to the follow up Book 2 in the ‘Angel Calling’ Series, which is as yet untitled. The story features Justice once again, but in a slightly different role; as this time he has an investigative partner.

I really felt like I wouldn’t be able to get into the story as much this time around, especially since my mind had been focused on my contemporary romance. But thankfully once I started to write it, I was hooked and in love with Justice once more, and my fingers are flying over the keyboard. I’m hoping to be finished the first draft by the end of June, and fingers crossed have this book published at the end of the year or early in the new year.

I try to spend two full days a week writing (also whenever I can squeeze in a few minutes here and there), and then I spend one full day on promotional work for ‘Justice’. I asked some book bloggers to read and review my book hoping for some good feedback. But instead WOW – HOLY CRAP! I have received awesome feedback – below are a few examples. These reviewers weren’t paid and don’t know me at all, so it was genuine reviews. I also feel so very honoured, as I know that they read hundreds of books per year so they truly are the experts in their field.

Bobbie Stanley – 4^th June, 2018 – A Page to Turn Book Reviews –

https://www.apagetoturn.net/single-post/2018/06/04/Review-Justice-by-Georgia-Tingley

The world of supernatural fiction has been around so long now that it can be difficult to find a story that’s totally different from the ones that are already out there.  In this case, though, I think the author has done an excellent job.  I’ve read mysteries.  I’ve read stories about angels and demons.  I’ve never read anything quite like this!  The story was fresh and different and I loved every second of it!  I especially loved how Tingley was able to weave elements of all sorts of genres into this book.  There was plenty of mystery, romance, and supernatural to keep all sorts of readers happy without any of them completely taking over the book.  I cannot claim to have been surprised by the ending of this story.  I’d figured it out a while before it was revealed.  Still, I loved the way that details unfolded slowly and things came together. This book was spectacular and kept my interest so thoroughly that I was pretty much addicted to it from the start and I kind of wish I hadn’t finished reading it just because I don’t want to be done with it!  I’m so glad that this one is part of a series.  I give it five stars and I can’t wait to read the next instalment!

Cranky – The Book Curmudgeon – 4^th June, 2018 –

https://www.goodreads.com/review/list/39383783-cranky—the-book-curmudgeon

This book gutted me yet restored my faith at the same time. There are many things in this world that I will classify as true evil and two belong to this book. Justice Smith is an angel warrior sent to earth to solve a cold case. The disappearance of a young girl, Christine Conroy, 40 years ago. Without question and honoured to be chosen, Justice sets out to right the wrongs and punish the guilty. This is not my usual type of read but I did enjoy it. A book full of Angel’s and demons and most of all love. Not just any kind of love but true unbreakable and undying love.

 1/2

 Emerald Book Review – 8^th June, 2018 – https://www.facebook.com/EmeraldBookReviews/posts/2011115245820833

This was such an interesting concept for a book-the blurb having engaged my attention right before I even got a look at that beautiful cover- made all the more entertaining, thrilling and exciting by the style and clearly well thought out plot that author Georgia Tingley executed with aplomb, intelligence and imagination. Straddling various genres of book, from paranormal to thriller to murder mystery to romance, Justice is a fast-paced, well written piece of fiction with an array of truly engaging and multi-faceted characters, brought to life by Georgia’s unique story-telling abilities and use of dialogue to bring about not only her character’s emotions but also those of the reader.

‘”Hey…. excuse me, sir. At least give me your name.” She smiled, more confident now. “You know, so I can tell him who to expect,” she qualified.

“Justice.” I couldn’t help myself, I reached out and smoothed her mussed hair.

“Justice?” She looked flustered at my intimate touch, “What…?”

“Justice Smith,” I answered. And this time turned and left while I still wanted to.

“That’s a name?” She called out. I felt her eyes on my back as I pulled open the glass door, but not before I heard her soft murmur. “A f***** sexy name.”‘

With a mysterious angelic hero and a sassy smart heroine, Justice is a book that encompasses all that I love in literature. It has heart, soul, imagination and protagonists that you can’t help but champion. The bad guys are just as complex and layered as the heroes, so you get a thoroughly enjoyable and action packed thriller that makes you anticipatory for the next chapter, as each clue unfurls the next until you’re racing right alongside the good guys to solve the crime. With that little extra element of sexual chemistry and flirty fun between Justice and Andrea balancing out the dark side of life with the tangled and complicated lives of the town’s people and their wicked little secrets, author Georgia Tingley has produced a fantastic supernatural thriller that will keep you entranced from the start until the very end.

Stormi – Boundless Book Reviews – 12^th June, 2018  –   http://www.boundlessbookreviews.com/single-post/2018/06/12/Stormis-Review-Justice-Angel-Calling-1-by-Georgia-Tingley

Christine Conroy goes missing from her backyard. For years her case is considered cold, and nothing is found of her is found, no body, no evidence, nothing. Now, 40 years later, Justice comes into town, and he is just the man for the job. He’s a private investigator and ANGEL. It’s his job, his mission, to bring justice for those that need it.

Justice was a fantastic story. It was profoundly engaging and full of mystery. Justice is an Angel, literally sent from above, to bring justice for Christine. He knows who did the crime, it’s just up to him to prove it. He also has another mission, to be there for someone who genuinely needs it. This story was awesomely written. I stay away from books with the angel/demon type stuff, because they have just never been my thing. Every one that I have ever read just wasn’t to my liking, but I am so glad I got this book. It was action-packed. It had mystery. It was sad and funny. It also had a touch of romance, which was a surprise to me, but it made me love the story even more. I loved the characters. Justice was just excellent; he was kind and gentle while still being tough. Andi had such a sad story and it was hard not to fall in love with her as a character. The storyline was very heart-wrenching and maddening.

Honestly, this book was a 10, but I can only give it a 5. The story is written well. It had great characters. It had a great storyline. It was just GREAT! I cannot wait until the next book in this series!!!!

Nearly finished – The other thing I did this month was emailed some bookstores in my local area and asked if they would stock my book on their shelves. One book shop did – Big shout out to Collins Booksellers – in Willetton for supporting me and setting up a display in their front window. I’ll post up a picture at a later date. If you would like a copy please call in to the shop – Collins Booksellers Shop 44-45 Southlands Shopping centre, Burrendah Boulevard Willetton  or Phone them to keep a copy aside for you on 08 9313 5164 email: collinsbooks@westnet.com.au or check out their Facebook 

Well that’s all for this month. Until next time, remember “Book lovers never go to bed alone.”

Hi Everyone,

It’s been an awesome month filled with so many new things, it’s got my head spinning. I’ve been kept busy with preparing the paperback versions of my book through Kindle and Ingram Spark. It was a little bit difficult as I had to learn as I went along, but I got there in the end, and learnt some valuable shortcuts along the way.

The hardest part was that it was so time-consuming. After I had completed it and read it online, I then purchased a proof copy to check, which took a couple of weeks to arrive.  I read it while highlighting errors (there were a few – hopefully I caught them all), before uploading revised version and rechecking online again.

As most of you know I have organised a book launch for family, friends and some fellow writers to help me celebrate finally finishing and fulfilling my life-long dream. So I spent a week nutting out all the details for that as per below:

Please join me May 6th, 2018 at the Rockingham Bowling Club, Cnr. Wanliss and Kent Streets, Rockingham at 1pm. There will be light snacks and refreshments, tea and coffee. There is full bar facilities if you want to purchase alcohol. Get a copy of my signed book for $12.99 plus a bookmark. Come down for a chat or even a quick game of lawn bowls. I hope to see you there.

Now comes the hard part – promotion! I’ve called and arranged for an article in the local newspaper. That should be coming out soon. I’ve also approached many book bloggers to give me reviews for my book and promote it on their website and social media pages. Good responses with that. I’ve still to hear back from a radio station where I was promised some air-time to help promote my book. It’s all happening folks!!

I’ve also been busy with my normal family life, social engagements, babysitting duties, monthly writing group that I oversee, critique partner, convalescing husband after an operation, and a new casual job helping out a friend with the bookkeeping for his new business. Whew… I barely have time for writing.

But I managed to finish the first draft of my new romance book in my Mature Love  line of books. I plan to write two full days a week and work on promotion one day a week, so fingers crossed I can finish it and have it published this winter.

Here is the blurb – I hope you like it.

HAVING FAITH

“You think I should what?”

“You heard me, Faith. I think you should take a sexy, young, stud muffin and introduce him to Jacob as your lover.”

When my ex-husband announced he was marrying again after only a year since our divorce, I was shocked. I had always thought that one day we would get back together again. It was one of my most consistent fantasies – that he would come crawling back, begging for forgiveness, exclaiming that he ‘couldn’t live without me’.

Now it was just that – a stupid fantasy.  Jacob’s text had certainly brought me back into the land of the living. The jerk!

And that wasn’t the worse part. Not only was he marrying again, but it was to a much younger, beautiful and intelligent woman. Oh, come on!

Nudging the big Four-O, I was feeling battered; my dreams of a reunion crushed, and my ego bruised. So okay, I allowed myself to be enticed by my best friend’s suggestion. Unfortunately, the only gorgeous young men I knew were married. Both of them.

Suddenly a vision of the bluest eyes and dark, barely black hair popped into my mind. I shook it away, but the familiar crooked smile lingered.

“So, who did you have in mind, Rachel?” As if I didn’t know. I thought to myself with an inevitable sinking feeling.

“Adam.”

She voiced the one name that had been hovering between us since the words, ‘sexy’, ‘gorgeous’, and ‘young’ had been mentioned in the same sentence.

Adam, was my best friend, Rachel’s much younger half-brother. He was like a little brother to me too, and we had spent a good portion of our teen years babysitting him. Although there was a ten-year age gap between us, we had both been extremely fond of each other and the friendship had continued, even after I had married.

Then something embarrassing happened on his eighteenth birthday. A night when everything had changed forever between us, and he went away.

But now he was back, and looking so good, it should be illegal. The soul-incinerating chemistry still bound us, and I was damned if I would play the older sister anymore.

P.S.

On another note – I promised I would share this book on my blog.  I’ve met this lovely lady who has written a YA Fantasy novel. I haven’t read it as yet, but the blurb sounds enticing. Check out her website to read her blog or buy her book – Musings of a 20-something Author.

‘The Crown of Amiriel’ – by Shade Rachea

Warrior princess Raynin is the most powerful person in the Guardian Realm, despite having unstable powers. She’s also the most loyal. Her best friend, Prince Riley, is second.

After Raynin is named heir to the coveted Crown of Amiriel, the most powerful object in all the realms, the two of them are forced to flee the kingdom and seek refuge in another realm to avoid death. Soon, that realm is thrust into an unexpected war against a merciless king, for harboring the teens, forcing Raynin and Riley to make new alliances and learn to trust and rely on others.

With the help of their friends, Raynin and Riley must fight to stay alive while trying to get a grasp on their powers and find the Crown before anyone else. Only problem is, the king has sent more than one assassin after them and the Crown, making staying alive that much harder.