Adventures in the Writing of Unplanned Sequels

Often, when I'm writing a story, if I have a feeling that I might want to write a sequel, and that readers might want one, too, I leave the ending somewhat open.  That is to say, I try to write an ending that resolves the main story conflict and ties up the loose ends, but at the same time leaves room for more adventures to take place with the same hero and perhaps some of the same characters.

When I wrote Lust, Money & Murder, however, I had no plans for a sequel, nor did I think that readers would want one.  Boy, was I ever wrong about that!  I was flabbergasted when the book first came out and I began to receive a steady stream of emails and tweets and Facebook posts from readers saying, "We want more Elaine and Nick!  When will more Lust, Money & Murder books be out?"

I think most of you already know that I highly  value the wants and needs of readers.  I did leave the ending of Lust, Money & Murder "slightly" open--if you've read the trilogy, you remember the Epilogue:  it says that even though Elaine Brogan did away with Giorgio Cattoretti, his body has never been found.  But the main reason I did that was to show how strong and resilient he was as a villain.  To use his own words, "The Cat always lands on his feet."

The problem is, the Epilogue also states that Elaine and Nick marry and have two kids together.  Which means that  in any sequel, Elaine Brogan, Special Agent in the Secret Service, is a wife and a mother.  This is a big change for a secret agent-type character.  Think about it.  What would happen to the famous Ian Fleming stories if our beloved "Bond, James Bond" were suddenly married?  And had a couple of kids and became a Daddy to boot?

I daresay that this new Agent 007 would be a drastically different character than the one we have grown accustomed to.

Despite this, dear reader, never fear:  I do believe I've found an effective solution to this problem, a solution that not only preserves the Elaine Brogan we know and love, but makes her even more interesting and three-dimensional.  I wouldn't think of spoiling a potential new book for you, but here's a hint: just because Elaine and Nick got married doesn't necessarily mean they're happily married, does it?  You know as well as I do that a heady new love affair is one thing, but when "the bloom is off the rose," it can be quite another.

Stay tuned!

My Free Books Are Now Available on the Fastr Speed Reading App for iPad & iPhone

I'm pleased to announce today that all my free books are now available on the Fastr speed reading app for iPads and iPhones.  Fastr is an ebook reader with tools to improve your reading performance and make you a more efficient reader. Fastr Pro is the most downloaded educational app in Spain, France, Italy, UK and 12 other countries and reached TOP10 apps in Education category in 57 countries in July, 2013.  Click here to see the app on the iTunes store.

How to Download & Read Free Ebooks on Your Smartphone, Tablet, PC or Mac

You don't need a dedicated ereading device like a Kindle or a Nook to read ebooks.  You can read them on smartphones and tablets, as well as desktop PCs or Macs.  All the companies that sell ebooks make this very easy and convenient as follows:

If you have an iPhone (also applies to iPads and iPods):

If you have an iPhone or iPad or iPod, the simpliest way to read ebooks is to download them to your device directly from the Apple iBookstore (via iTunes).  You can search for books and download them onto your phone with one click.  One of my thrillers, Lust, Money & Murder, Book 1, is currently a free iBook (if you are reading this on your Apple device right now you can just click on the links in the previous sentence).  Once you have the book you can read it with iBooks (also free).  

You can also read ebooks on Apple devices using a number of free ereading apps.  There are good apps from Amazon (Kindle books), B&N (Nook books), Kobo, and other ebook retailers.  However, doing it this way requires having another account in addition to your iTunes account.

If you have an Android Phone or Windows Phone (also applies to iPhones and iPads): 

On your smartphone, go to the store where you download apps and get a free ebook reader app, such as free Kindle for Android app. You do this the same way you would download any other app.  Once you have the app on your device, all you need to do is go to the Amazon store (it's usually easier with a computer) and then "buy" the book. Of course you must have an account at the store from where you downloaded the free ereader app to do this.  Non USA/UK readers tell me that Kobo is a good place to get ebooks for non-Apple devices, as in addition to credit cards, they accept PayPal.

If the book you want is currently free on Amazon (or Kobo), like my thriller (Lust, Money & Murder, Book 1) the price will be listed as 0.00.  When you "purchase" the book, it will automatically be downloaded to your smartphone, tablet or whatever device you select at that moment. 

For tablets and smartphones, it's that simple.  I have an iPhone, and I often prefer reading ebooks on it over my dedicated Kindle reading device.  I always have my phone with me, and sometimes in tight places (for example on the London Tube at rush hour!) there is very little elbow room, even for a Kindle. The iPhone is handy and quick to pull out of my pocket and start reading.

For Your Desktop PC or Mac:

Many people are suprised to find that they enjoy reading ebooks on desktop PCs or Macs...after they have installed a good ereading app.  This is because such apps provide an attractive, comfortable reading space on your screen, and many also include many useful features, such being able to click on a word to immediately see its definition.  Most of the major companies that sell dedicated ereading devices (Amazon, B&N, Kobo, etc.) also provide free ereading apps for PCs & Macs.  Simply search the web for "free ereading app for (your preferred store)" and you'll find the links.

Also, Smashwords, an ebook reseller and distributor, has a good onscreen reader that allows you to read any book you buy right on your screen.  They also accept PayPal, which is convenient for non-USA/UK customers.

Once you're set up to read ebooks on whatever device you have, there are thousands of free ebooks you can download to your device, including many of the classics.

Enjoy!