Wilkie Martin - Some Background to Books and Writing

Sunday, 16 February 2020

Blog Moving

We're run an audit on my blog posts, have removed a lot of old posts and kept those related to my books, writing and interviews. We have also reviewed and slightly updated some before transferring them to my main website. As a result this blog is now closing.

You can see the updated posts and any new ones at https://www.wilkiemartin.com
.

Thank you for reading,

Wilkie

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Sunday, 24 February 2019

Talking About Razor


Corinium Radio, the community station for Cirencester, invited me to an interview with Dr Rona Laycock on The Writer's Room for one of its February 2019 programmes. We talked about the Inspector Hobbes series and my forthcoming book, Razor, from which I read a couple of extracts.

Razor is set in and around Sorenchester, the same fictional town as the Inspector Hobbes books, and introduces new locations and new characters. It is due for release in 2019.

 Listen here https://www.mixcloud.com/coriniumradio/the-writers-room-11-feb-2019/


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Monday, 12 February 2018

Talking About Hobbes

A couple of months after Inspector Hobbes and the Bones was published, I spoke to Rona Laycock in The Writers Room on Corinium Radio (our local radio station). I give a couple of short readings from the book (which I don't read as well as the excellent narrator of my audiobooks, Tim Campbell), along with a few comments on Hobbes's origins. This interview took place before the Hobbes audiobooks were commissioned.

 The interview lasts about 15 minutes.

Sorry your browser does not support the audio for this file.

Summary of the interview:
  • The Hobbes character and series were inspired by seeing a TV presenter walking around London dressed as a Neanderthal.
  • Andy is sort of based upon the worst aspects of my character and was also inspired by Nigel Bruce's bumbling interpretation of Dr Watson from the 1930-40's films of Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes stories,
  • Mrs Goodfellow's name came from a sprite in Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream, and she came into the story as an equivalent to Mrs Hudson in Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes stories.
  • Sorenchester is loosely based upon a version of Cirencester, with changes to street names and venues, and using places from history that no longer exist, such as The Shambles.
  • The Bones is now the 4th story in what was going to be a trilogy.
  • Andy, like Dregs the dog, is adopted by Hobbes as a pet, only Dregs is more useful, which Andy doesn't realize until much later.
More on Inspector Hobbes and the Bones

The cosy mystery, comedy, paranormal fantasy Inspector Hobbes and the Bones is available in paperback, hardback, ebook and digital audio download.

‘I was grateful for having been born human’
There’s going to be trouble. Andy Caplet’s wife goes away, someone is out to get him, and he loses nearly everything in a storm. Amazing both himself and his unhuman friend Inspector Hobbes, he heroically rescues flood victims and uncovers something shocking.
Is Andy being set up for blackmail by the apparently charming young woman who attempts to seduce him, or is something even more sinister afoot? Hobbes certainly believes so, and he’s getting worried.

Listen to a sample:
This is narrated by the award winning and brilliant Tim Campbell.

Inspector Hobbes and the Bones audiobook


Read a sample
Get your copy now

Buy on Amazon button Buy on Kobo button Buy on Nook button Buy on Apply button Buy on GooglePlay button Buy on Audible button Buy on nook audio button
Amazon.co.uk Amazon.ca Amazon.com.au
Audible.co.uk Audible.ca Audible.com.au

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Wednesday, 31 January 2018

The Unhuman Story Continues Read by Tim Campbell

Books 3 and 4 of my Unhuman series of comedy cozy mystery fantasies are now available in audiobook: Inspector Hobbes and the Gold Diggers (Unhuman III), and Inspector Hobbes and the Bones (Unhuman IV). They are available on Amazon, Audible, iTunes, audiobooks, downpour etc or from library audiobooks. 

'“Creepy, Kooky, Mysterious and Quirky!!!  Hobbes and Andy are at it again!”' AudioBookReviewer.com
https://audiobookreviewer.com/reviews/inspector-hobbes-gold-diggers-wilkie-martin/



Inspector Hobbes and the Gold Diggers
Receiving unwanted attention after foiling an armed robbery, the unhuman Inspector Hobbes takes a long-overdue camping holiday with Andy, his accident-prone friend, and Dregs, the delinquent dog. In the bleak and dangerous Blacker Mountains, Andy stumbles across something shocking, before falling for an attractive widow.
'I love this series of audiobooks; they just keep getting better!' AudioBookReviewer.com




Inspector Hobbes and the Bones 
Certain trouble lies ahead for Andy Caplet. Is the apparently charming young woman who attempts to seduce him merely setting him up for blackmail, or is something even more sinister afoot? Inspector Hobbes certainly believes so, and, though he's not the sort to worry, he is getting worried.

As with the first two audiobooks, these are narrated by the fantastic Tim Campbell (timcampbell.me). 

Listen to Tim reading a sample:

Inspector Hobbes and the Gold Diggers Audiobook Sample


Inspector Hobbes and the Bones Audiobook Sample


Audiobook Available From


Inspector Hobbes and the Gold Diggers Audiobook







Inspector Hobbes and the Bones Audiobook

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0789SLVZ1

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0789RGFH8
https://www.audible.com/pd/Fiction/Inspector-Hobbes-and-the-Bones-Audiobook/B0789TCPZ6

 https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Crime-Thrillers/Inspector-Hobbes-and-the-Bones-Audiobook/B078FG6JYD

 https://itunes.apple.com/us/audiobook/inspector-hobbes-and-the-bones-unhuman-book-4-unabridged/id1326923424

https://itunes.apple.com/gb/audiobook/inspector-hobbes-and-the-bones-unhuman-book-4-unabridged/id1326923424



Audiobook Giveaway


The AudioBookReviewer is running a giveaway competition for download codes for Inspector Hobbes and the Bones on audible.com. 
There is a time limit on entries. Details are on the review.

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Thursday, 4 January 2018

Inspiration for the Unhuman Inspector Hobbes

A short while ago I met with my friend, fellow writer and musician, Nicholas John, to record an interview based around my Unhuman series of novels.

The recording is now available on Nick's website Wordsong.org.uk

"Excerpts from a conversation with Wilkie Martin, author of the four books in the “Unhuman” trilogy, (yes, you read that right). Wilkie talks about the inspiration for his titular character, Inspector Hobbes, writing groups and the fruition of all that hard work…"

Listen to the interview here:


https://wordsong.org.uk/shop/books/


More about my books




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Wednesday, 15 November 2017

New Release In AudioBooks Of Comedy Cozy Mystery Fantasy Books: Inspector Hobbes and the Blood, And Inspector Hobbes and the Curse

I'm very excited to report that audiobooks have been recorded for all the Unhuman Series, and that the first two, Inspector Hobbes and the Blood (Unhuman I), and Inspector Hobbes and the Curse (Unhuman II) are now available on Amazon, Audible, iTunes, etc or from library audiobooks.




They are narrated by Tim Campbell (timcampbell.me) an award winning audiobook narrator, actor and opera singer. It is easy to see why he has won awards as he has a fantastic voice and I feel very lucky he agreed to read them. He has really brought the characters to life. So hopefully he will now be the voice of Hobbes that you hear when you read the books.

Tim Campbell (copyright Tim Campbell)

Listen to Tim reading a sample now:

Inspector Hobbes and the Blood Audiobook Sample



Inspector Hobbes and the Curse Audiobook Sample



Here are some links to the books on Amazon, audible and iTunes.(Pricing on Amazon and audible is set by Amazon according to the length of the recording).

Audiobook Available From

Inspector Hobbes and the Blood Audiobook

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B076ZTMG7R
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076ZS93L3

https://www.audible.com/pd/Fiction/Inspector-Hobbes-and-the-Blood-Audiobook/B076ZVHKCR
https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Fiction/Inspector-Hobbes-and-the-Blood-Audiobook/B076ZX6HXG

https://itunes.apple.com/gb/audiobook/inspector-hobbes-and-the-blood-unhuman-book-1-unabridged/id1304661514
https://itunes.apple.com/us/audiobook/inspector-hobbes-and-the-blood-unhuman-book-1-unabridged/id1304661514

Inspector Hobbes and the Curse Audiobook


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0776Z2V58
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07771CW4 

https://www.audible.com/pd/Comedy/Inspector-Hobbes-and-the-Curse-Audiobook/B0776YYP1Z
https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/Comedy/Inspector-Hobbes-and-the-Curse-Audiobook/B07772QG1T

https://itunes.apple.com/gb/audiobook/inspector-hobbes-and-the-curse-unhuman-book-2-unabridged/id1310021414

https://itunes.apple.com/us/audiobook/inspector-hobbes-and-the-curse-unhuman-book-2-unabridged/id1310021414

Coming Soon


The next two books: Inspector Hobbes and the Gold Diggers (Unhuman III), and Inspector Hobbes and the Bones (Unhuman IV) will be available in early December 2017.

Listen to Tim reading a sample now:

Inspector Hobbes and the Gold Diggers Audiobook Sample



Inspector Hobbes and the Bones Audiobook Sample



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Thursday, 27 July 2017

How to Write a Book Review

5 large gold stars

Like many people, I tend to read a selection of reviews before deciding whether to buy a product or a book. Also, like many people, I actually write reviews infrequently, and I write fewer now than I used to. Partly this is because my partner once told me off when I was thinking of posting a less than glowing review of a book by a well-known author even though I 'd given up on it at about half way! Perhaps another reason I don't write so many reviews is that I now know what it's like to be on the receiving end! Either way I do know they are very helpful for an author and for the purchaser.

Here are the topics included below:
Do reviews matter? And what does it mean to the author?
What can I say in a review?
How long does a review have to be?
What shouldn't you say?
Where do you write reviews?
How do I add a review?
Find where to add the review
Add the review
Can I change my review?
What is 'Verified Purchase'?
How will my name be shown on my review?
What does 'Amazon Customer' or 'Kindle Customer' mean?
What does 'VINE VOICE', 'TOP 50 REVIEWER', 'TOP 100 REVIEWER' 'TOP 500 REVIEWER', 'TOP 1000 REVIEWER' mean?


Do reviews matter? And what does it mean to the author?

As I read and depend upon the published reviews of others when I make my decisions to buy, I think they matter. Having them makes it more likely that people will take a chance on an author when they come across their books for the first time. Once a few reviews are available, a book gains (or not!) some of the social proof that is important in today's online world. An online review is the equivalent of a personal recommendation from a friend.

Reviews are also often a prerequisite when setting up book promotions since many of the best promotion websites and newsletters require a minimum number and a minimum average value on a book before accepting them for a promotion. The promotion sites also use reviews as they only want to recommend readable books to their subscribers.

What can I say in a review? 

Say something about the book? Was it good quality? Did it meet your expectations? Did you like it? Would you read something by this author again? Would you recommend it to a friend?  What made you get it in the first place? Was it a gift? And did you enjoy it? Was there a character in the book you particularly liked?

Suggestions for reviews:

'I really enjoyed this book'
'The perfect book for a summer evening'
'An enjoyable holiday read'
'Just the light funny read I was looking for'
'I have no hesitation recommending this book - 5 stars'
'I'm rereading it now I enjoyed it so much'
'I've brought all the author's other books after reading this'
'I can't wait for the next book'

Have a look at what the other reviews say - if you agree with them then you can write the same or something similar. Or if you disagree with a particular review say the opposite.

How long does a review have to be?

They don't have to say much at all. Anything from 4-5 words to 100's of words if you feel so inclined.

What shouldn't you say? 

Unless buying direct from the publisher, it isn't helpful to others to say that a book was delivered quickly or not as this doesn't say anything about the book itself.

Try not to make the review just a plug for a book by another author as this affects the reputation of the author you mention and doesn't help them. This type of review even has a name - 'sock-puppetry'.

Remember that the description or price of the book, or the details in other reviews, can change, so if you refer to them include the parts you agree or disagree with.

And remember that authors have human feelings!

Where do you write reviews?

Most online retailers allow you to add reviews to listed books. And online library services such as Goodreads also have review options. Write a review in the same place as you buy or list the book.

Find the book you want to review and then click on the option to write one.

How do I add a review?

This is for adding a review on Amazon, although other places will be very similar. First logon on to Amazon.

Find where to add the review

1. Find the book you want to review.

2. Scroll down to the bottom of any current reviews .

3. Click on the button 'Write a customer review'.

Amazon's Write a customer review button

Or

4. Find the book you want to review.

5. Click on the '## customer reviews' next to the star rating to the right of the book.

6. Click on the button 'Write a customer review'.

Add the review

1. Tick the star rating you want to give a book.

5 blank stars

1 star - I hate it
2 stars -  I don't like it
3 stars - It's okay
4 stars - I like it
5 stars - I love it

A star rating of 3-5 is a positive review, and a rating of 1 or 2 stars is a negative review.


2. When you've ticked one a box will appear under them. This is where you enter your review.

Amazon's write a customer review box


3. When you start entering some text in the first box, a second box will appear. This is for the 'heading' and is the text that appears in bold at the top of the review. Select a few of the best descriptive words from your review and copy them into the heading. Or you can just say give your number of stars in text ' 5 stars', '3 stars', '1 star' etc.

Amazon's write a customer review box with heading box

4. Select 'Submit'. You've now added your review.

Can I change my review?

Yes you can edit your reviews. They are linked to your Amazon account and available under 'Your Account'.

1. To get to them go to the top option 'Your Account' on the right the drop-down list under your 'account & lists' (under 'Hello').

Amazon's menu options under accounts and lists

2. Click on 'Your Account'. Then in the account options select 'Profile' from 'Ordering and shopping preferences'. Your existing reviews are listed when you option your profile.

Amazon's options under your account


Or

4. Get there direct by clicking on these link (if you are logged into Amazon)
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/cdp/member-reviews/
https://www.amazon.com/gp/cdp/member-reviews/

5. Scroll though to find the review you want to change.

6. Then just under the review you find the option to 'Edit review' or 'Delete review'. Either Edit then Submit your review (as above) or Delete it.

Amazon's buttons to edit or delete a review


What is 'Verified Purchase'?


Amazon's verified purchase text


Sometimes a review has 'Verified Purchase' next to it and sometimes it doesn't. 'Verified purchase' means that the reviewer brought this book using the same account as the review is written with. If the 'Verified Purchase' is not next to the review then they either brought it with a different account, had it as a gift or received a free review copy. If it is a free review copy then the review will often say so. 'Verified Purchase' will be added automatically if you brought the book using the same account.

How will my name be shown on my review? 

Amazon review title example

You can choose the name you want used as the 'By' information next to all your reviews by setting up the name in your profile.

1. To get to your profile go to top option 'Your Account' on the right the drop-down list under your 'Account & Lists' (under 'Hello').

Amazon's options under accounts and lists

2. Click on 'Your Account'. Then in the account options select 'Profile' from 'Ordering and shopping preferences'.

Amazon's options under your account


Or

4. Get there direct by clicking on this link (if you are logged into Amazon)
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/profile
https://www.amazon.com/gp/profile

5. When on 'Your Account' 'Profile', select 'Edit your profile'.

Amazon's edit your profile button

6. Edit 'Your public name', this is what is shown as 'By' next to your review. Set this to anything you like - use a pseudonym if you wish.

Amazon's your public name field

7. You can also enter biographical and other information which will be shown to anyone who clicks on your name next to your review. If you want people to contact you to ask you to review their books or other products, then enter your contact details and give some information about the sort of things you would be interested in reviewing in the 'Bio'.

Amazon's edit your profile screen


8. To change how much information about you is made public, click on the 'Edit privacy settings'. Tick 'Reviews' under 'Public Activity' to make your reviews public. and tick or untick the other options to make your other activity public if you want to. Click on the 'View your profile as a visitor' text at the top to see how your information appears to other people. Click on the 'Save' button'

Amazon's profile privacy settings


What does 'Amazon Customer' or 'Kindle Customer' mean?

Amazon customer text

Kindle customer text

 This means the reviewer doesn't want to show their name or has not setup their profile information.

What does 'VINE VOICE', 'TOP 50 REVIEWER', 'TOP 100 REVIEWER' 'TOP 500 REVIEWER', 'TOP 1000 REVIEWER' mean?

Amazon badges for top reviewer and vine voice


 When you write a review on Amazon you will receive an Amazon reviewer ranking. When you write more and more reviews or when your reviews get a 'like' then you move up the rankings. If you write a lot of reviews and get into the top 1000 or above then you are awarded a reviewer badge automatically. Provided you haven't un-ticked the option to show 'Top Reviewer Badges' then the badge will appear automatically next to your name.

A 'Vine Voice' is someone in Amazon's Vine programme, where they receive free products and as a part of this programme have to write a review for those they receive.


I hope the above is helpful and encourages you to write your first review.

 Thank you if you are a reviewer, or if you are now going to write your first review. Reviews really do make a difference.


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Thursday, 30 March 2017

#BookTrailers For #CozyMystery Inspector Hobbes and the Bones by Wilkie Martin

Certain trouble lies ahead for Andy Caplet. Is the apparently charming young woman who attempts to seduce him merely setting him up for blackmail, or is something even more sinister afoot? Inspector Hobbes certainly believes so, and, though he's not the sort to worry, he is getting worried.

 Inspector Hobbes and the Bones, the fourth in my comedy cozy mystery crime fantasy series unhuman, was published in December 2016. I have recorded 5 short extracts from early on in the book as booktrailers and all have now been released. I hope you enjoy them.

 I've also recorded short extracts from the previous books in the series, which you can find on my youtube channel @wilkiewrites (or on my website / facebook), And if you have a daft sense of humour you may also enjoy my silly poems - also on my youtube channel,

 Inspector Hobbes and the Bones, and all my books are available on Amazon, Apple, Kobo, Nook etc in ebook, They are also available as paperbacks and hardbacks.

 Ebook Shop Links:



#Booktrailers #cozymystery Inspector Hobbes and the Bones by Wilkie Martin

1.       Andy and Hobbes meet a distraught Skeleton Bob and learn of Crackling Rosie’s sad fate



2.       Andy battles a tree



3.       Hobbes sends Andy to retrieve a boat


4.       Andy rescues a boy from the flood


5.       Bob and Fenella have a bust-up at home


Click to read a sample and see other shopping options




Related Posts

Talking Names from Inspector Hobbes and the Bones and Others 

 First #BookTrailer for #CozyMystery Inspector Hobbes and the Bones

 Excited To Have New Covers For My Unhuman Series

 Read Free Book Samples Of Humorous Unhuman Mysteries

 What's in the Blood?

 #Blog Alan Titchmarsh was my inspiration for writing Inspector Hobbes and the Blood

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