Tuesday 31 December 2013

My Interview With Georgina Ramsey - Why Not Check It Out?

I thought this went rather well.

You heard the lady: what are you waiting for?


What are you waiting for? Check out my interview with the amazing C.W. Lovatt on my blog: http://t.co/h7dPCSoKpL

http://georginaramsey.blogspot.co.uk/

Monday 30 December 2013

Thank You, George!

Check out this great review for Charlie Smithers!

Thank you, George!


5.0 out of 5 stars An adventure well worth taking!, December 25, 2013
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: The Adventures of Charlie Smithers (Kindle Edition)
The Adventures of Charlie Smithers is an often witty and historically accurate tale of an Englishmen in the mid 1800's embarking on a journey to Africa. Charlie is clearly no stranger to getting himself in and out of tough situations, often with some well placed humor along the way.

The story itself is fast paced and very well written. The action sequences are vivid and easy to follow. The book was a real page turner as I finished it in less than a week. It truly has it all, action, adventure, humor, sadness and love. It is so easy to find yourself rooting for Charlie, who is such an endearing and charming character.

Kudos to Mr. Lovatt on a job well done. The adventures of Charlie Smithers is highly recommended!!


 http://www.amazon.com/The-Adventures-Charlie-Smithers-Lovatt-ebook/product-reviews/B00A4A407U/ref=cm_cr_dp_synop?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=0&sortBy=bySubmissionDateDescending#RIWRK2FG6YJKM

Wednesday 25 December 2013

Just Too Sexy For My Skin!!

Damn, I look good, don't I?? Thank you, Santa!

From my house to yours: Merry Christmas and the very Happiest of New Years.


Wednesday 11 December 2013

A Not So Subtle Hint

I received my copy of Canadian Stories in the mail today, and I see that Ed, the managing editor, left a not so subtle hint on the front of the envelope. I'm thinking he put that there because I almost missed it last year, and ended up with the winning entry in Creative Non-Fiction.

I'll have to see what I can do to accommodate him.


Charlie's Sequel - The (Very) Rough Draft is Complete

There's lots of work to do yet: loads of wrinkles to iron out (and a few lumps that might require a hammer) but that all important first milestone has been reached: the rough draft to Charlie Smithers' sequel, "Charlie Smithers - Adventures in India"(title subject to change without any notice whatsoever) is now complete.

Hopefully I can have it ready for submission by Spring, and then we'll see.


December Links




First of all, do NOT forget this one, it's VERY important: 524230_10201017551306723_255111181_n.jpg

FB Author's Page:  https://www.facebook.com/tacscwl

Twitter: @tacscwl on Twitter

 

GoodReads: The Adventures of Charlie Smithers

Barnes and Noble: The Adventures of Charlie Smithers:  http://img2.imagesbn.com/p/9781907954337_p0_v1_s114x166.JPG
And for Amazon:

Sunday 8 December 2013

An Unexpected 'Thank You' From Brandon University

You might remember my post about giving a reading to the Creative Writing class at Brandon University a while back? Well I just received this card from the students, signed by all, thanking me for the evening.

I wasn't expecting anything like this, and it certainly doesn't come along every day...but then I already told you that they were a great bunch, didn't I?

BTW, I feel it should be me thanking them; it was a fantastic experience. Maybe we can do it again sometime.


Monday 2 December 2013

Charlie Smithers - A Look At Two Drastically Different Reviews

Check out this great review of Charlie Smithers!

Thank you James, very much appreciated!

http://www.amazon.com/The-Adventures-Charlie-Smithers-Lovatt-ebook/product-reviews/B00A4A407U/ref=cm_cr_dp_synop?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=0&sortBy=bySubmissionDateDescending#R2LJP30S3QJDND

Just below it you'll find a review that is quite a bit different. That in itself isn't surprising - no book can please everyone. I knew that with my work available to the public and all, it would have to happen one day, and it finally did. What I wasn't sure of is how I was going to handle it.

It's not so bad. I mean, his opinion is one thing, but he so obviously meant to be hurtful that it was more a statement about himself than about my work. Still, he did buy the book, and that entitles him to say whatever he likes about it. It just makes me all the more grateful for the rest of you.

Thank you all.

 http://www.amazon.com/The-Adventures-Charlie-Smithers-Lovatt-ebook/product-reviews/B00A4A407U/ref=cm_cr_dp_synop?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=0&sortBy=bySubmissionDateDescending#RTMSPHV9UZ714

Wednesday 27 November 2013

The Word According to Alec James Hawkes

I just want to point out that Alec and I became friends after he had read Charlie Smithers, not before. In fact, it was because of my book that we met in the first place: he, having read it, introduced himself, and ever since has been unflagging in his efforts to promote what we both think is a damn fine read.

Thanks Alec, chums like you just don't come along every day.

Btw, Alec's no slouch as a writer himself. His books on political satire are second to none.

"Still the best book I have ever read! Check it out if you like brilliantly written historical fiction with a beautiful love story and swashbuckling adventure!"

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Adventures-Charlie-Smithers-ebook/dp/B00A4A407U/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1360166984&sr=1-1
Unlike · · · 11 hours ago ·


Tuesday 26 November 2013

Reading at B.U. - Most Excellent!

Here are a few pictures from yesterday's visit to Brandon University. I had a most excellent time! A big shout out to Dale Lakevold for inviting me into his class, Amber Clark from the university book store (Campus Books) for bringing along copies of "Voices" and "The Adventures of Charlie Smithers", and finally to the students themselves. They're an absolutely great bunch of people.
The reading safely over (a full half hour, reading "And Then It Rained" and "Freedom's Wings"), here's me going on about something, with Dale waiting patiently in the background. We were about to take a break...which never quite materialized! I was having that good a time!

Here Dale holds the floor while I sign his brand new copy of "The Adventures of Charlie Smithers".

Finally here's me with Dale and the entire class. Thank you all once again!

Monday 18 November 2013

University Bound!

I've been sitting on this for quite a while now, just waiting for it to be confirmed. Well, my friends, you need wait no longer. On the 25th of this month, I've been invited to give a reading at our local university! That's quite a thrill and an honour for me; I've never set foot in a university before in my life!

Just me, and a class filled with corruptible young minds. What could possibly be more perfect!!

Stay tuned, pictures to follow.

My Interview With Fiona Mcvie

This is something new. Check out my interview with Fiona Mcvie:

http://wp.me/p3uv2y-HE
 http://wp.me/p3uv2y-HE
 

Saturday 9 November 2013

Charlie Smithers' Anniversary - Thank You, Wild Wolf!!

Today (+ 1) marks the anniversary when the publishing house, Wild Wolf, decided to take a chance on this C W Lovatt fellow, and published his novel, "The Adventures of Charlie Smithers". Since then Charlie's gone on to appear on Amazon's best sellers list in three countries.

I just want to say a warm 'thank you' to Rod, Ed and all of the other wonderful folks at Wild Wolf for taking that chance, and for inviting me into the Wild Wolf family, not to mention an entire new world.

 Cheers guys, it's been a blast!

Sunday 3 November 2013

My Links for November



First of all, do NOT forget this one, it's VERY important: 524230_10201017551306723_255111181_n.jpg

FB Author's Page:  https://www.facebook.com/tacscwl

Twitter: @tacscwl on Twitter

 

GoodReads: The Adventures of Charlie Smithers

Barnes and Noble: The Adventures of Charlie Smithers:  http://img2.imagesbn.com/p/9781907954337_p0_v1_s114x166.JPG
And for Amazon:

Monday 21 October 2013

Charlie Smithers - "Think Treasure Island or Huck Finn"

A really lovely review for Charlie Smithers. Thank you, Edward.


1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars An adventure story like we used to have!, October 21, 2013
By 
Edward Garbowski Jr (Upstate NY United States) - See all my reviews
Amazon Verified Purchase(What's this?)
This review is from: The Adventures of Charlie Smithers (Kindle Edition)
Remember the days as a kid, reading a nice adventure and being swept away into some far off place and living the life of imagination? Think Treasure Island or Huck Finn! Well, it's back with The Adventures of Charlie Smithers.

We are allowed to follow the tale of Charlie Smithers as he is carried off into the "Darkest of Africa". He goes on quite a journey where he finds love and remembers duty; and the best part: he brings us along.

Just start reading the beginning and you'll see. Smithers is forced to run for his life from a giant rhino, but it's done in such a funny way. This is just one technique that Lovatt uses to keep you interested in the on going story.

Lovatt debuts with a bang and a boom. He hits it out of the park and makes you not want to put this book down...which you won't do! I know we will see more from him in the future, and I relish the idea. I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a great story.

Bravo!
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Saturday 19 October 2013

Charlie's Back in the Thick of It

Well that was fast! After only a day or two of being bumped from the US best sellers list, Charlie Smithers has fought his way back on it, and, given his history, it's beginning to look like he's going to stay on, but for the odd couple of days here and there.

I suppose that this means that this has stopped being news - something I would never have dreamed of saying a year ago prior to his being published. So I'll only mention it from hereon in if he surpasses any previous accomplishments.

Boy, a consistent best seller...my, my!

Friday 11 October 2013

Charlie Smithers - Charge!!!

Phenomenal action on Amazon today. Charlie seems to be assaulting the ramparts of the top ten! Wish him luck!!

#9,208 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

Charlie Smithers - In the Top 10

Charlie's made it into the top 10.






10.
The Adventures of Charlie Smithers
Kindle Edition
$2.99




  • Thursday 10 October 2013

    'Best Selling Author' - It Has A Ring To It, Don't You Think?

    There's been some discussion on what constitutes a best seller. As you may know, this is the ninth consecutive day that Charlie Smithers has made it into the top 100 in the US for historical fiction based in Africa. So I clicked on the link and found this at the bottom of the page:

    About Best Sellers in Historical African Fiction

    These lists, updated hourly, contain bestselling items. Here you can discover the best Historical African Fiction in Amazon Best Sellers, and find the top 100 most popular Amazon Historical African Fiction. For non-U.S. customers, Kindle content availability and pricing will vary.

    So I suppose that answers THAT question.

    Current ranking:

    Wednesday 9 October 2013

    I Found This To Be Deeply Gratifying

    This is from the blog of someone who has grown from 'friend' to a dear friend over the past few weeks, who is, I might add, no slouch as a writer himself. I'll post the link, but I seem to be having trouble getting links to go live here lately. So I'm afraid you'll have to cut and paste in in your search window, or read what I've copied and pasted below. I'm deeply gratified, Alec. Sorry about your sandwich.

    http://alechawkes.blogspot.com/p/my-favourite-books.html


    My favourite books.

    Since I have been dabbling with the world of writing, trying to create humorous books with an underlying serious message, I have come across a great many independent authors who write with great aplomb and in their own individual style. On this page I would like to feature some of my own personal favourites.

    A book I read quite recently had me so totally gripped that having made my breakfast - a sausage sandwich - I was so engrossed in the story that when I finally got around to eating the sandwich the sausage had set firm and cold, and the bread was beginning to turn up at the edges.


    http://www.amazon.co.uk/Adventures-Charlie-Smithers-ebook/dp/B00A4A407U/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1381227485&sr=1-1&keywords=the+adventures+of+charlie+smithers

    Product Details

    The Adventures of Charlie Smithers, written by Chuck Lovatt.

    This is, without any shadow of a doubt, the most engaging book I have ever had the pleasure to read. It is historical fiction, but could so easily be true. The author takes us all the way back to 1854, a time of Empire and adventure., of discovery and courage. The British Empire has been repackaged by our modern world as The Commonwealth, but I personally think we should never ignore the fact that - although many brutal acts were carried out in the name of Empire - much good was also done by globe trotting explorers with an appetite for adventure and a desire for discovery and enlightenment.

    Mr. Lovatt has done his research very well indeed, and right from the early passages in this story I was hooked. The action - of which there is much - is very well mixed with many tender and quieter moments, for this is a magnificent story of adventure and also a deeply moving love story. I was actually moved to tears as the story nears it's end, such was the connection I felt for the characters. Chuck draws in the readers with his brilliant writing, and then carries them along through many ups and downs. A truly magnificent read that I would heartily recommend to all.


    an ordinary kid with a snotty nose and grubby knees grew up to be an ordinary bloke- without the other bits!

    Tuesday 8 October 2013

    Charlie Smithers Now Available at Barnes and Noble

    I've just noticed this morning that Charlie Smithers is now available at Barnes & Noble.

    http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-adventures-of-charlie-smithers-c-w-lovatt/1115801059?ean=9781907954337

    Monday 7 October 2013

    Charlie Smithers - Day Six Is Even Better

    He keeps inching up there. After six consecutive days in the top 100 in the US (historical fiction - Africa) Charlie Smithers is currently #26.

    #44,112 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

    http://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Charlie-Smithers-ebook/dp/B00A4A407U/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1360166789&sr=1-1&keywords=charlie+smithers

    Sunday 6 October 2013

    Day Four and Charlie Smithers Still Doing Well

    For the fourth day in a row Charlie Smithers is still in the top 100 in the US for African historical fiction. Not only that, but he seems to be inching ahead a little each day. I don't dare even contemplate where this will end. I could blink and it would be gone as fast as it came, or it might just continue getting better and better. Whatever the case, they can't take this moment away. Not ever.

    Friday 4 October 2013

    Charlie Smithers - USA ROCKS!!!!

    Charlie Smithers has been hanging around in the top 100 in the US pretty much all week, and now seems to be making another surge!

    A great big thank you to all you lovely people!

    Thursday 3 October 2013

    Some Stuff on My Wall

    Okay, I know this is nothing more than gratuitous boasting, but what the heck, it took a lot of hard work to get these 1st place certificates and I'm pretty darned proud of them. So humour me, okay? Besides, my photography does plenty to keep me humble, I'm sure you'll agree.

    From top to bottom my winning stories are: "The Thing About Pantyhose" (Canadian Stories - 2013); "And Then It Rained" (Lake Winnipeg Writers' Group - 2013); and "Roll of Honour" (Canadian Stories - 2012)

    Top left of the photo is my "Why Be Normal When You Can Be Yourself!" plaque, which I'm also pretty darned proud of.

    Below that, you might have trouble reading it, but it's another much-prized possession - my quote from Cyril Connolly: "Better to write for yourself and have no public, than write for the public and have no self."

    Words to live by, believe me.


    Twisted Tails - Free For a Limited Time Only!!

    Just to let you know that "Wild Wolf's Twisted Tails" is free for a limited time only. Be sure not to miss out! And don't forget about those reviews either!

    BTW, in case you forgot, two of my own stories are in here: "Cooking Without Onions" and "Freedom's Wings". You're welcome!


    Ed Wolf
    Wild Wolf's anthology of 23 twisted tales is free for a short time on Kindle. If you haven't read this dark and macabre collection now is your chance.
    UK link - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Wild-Wolfs-Twisted-Tails-ebook/dp/B00CX77VC8/re...See More

    Charlie Smithers & Twisted Tails - Links for October

    Hard to believe it's October already. Another summer tip-toed off behind my back.

    First of all, do NOT forget this one, it's very important: 524230_10201017551306723_255111181_n.jpg
    GoodReads: The Adventures of Charlie Smithers and Wild Wolf's Twisted Tails
    Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-adventures-of-charlie-smithers-c-w-lovatt/1115801059?ean=9781907954337
    And for Amazon:


    While I'm at it, I'll include my FB author's page. Don't be afraid to visit and leave a 'Like' on the wall. And hey, leave a comment as well! I like hearing from you. www.facebook.com/tacscwl
    Don't forget, you can follow me on Twitter, too, you lucky devils! @tacscwl on Twitter