Raven Leithe Harlow
Author of Romance , FANTASY and Supernatural Novels
28
Jan
2025
busy bee...
I have been busy since my last blog entry!
Working full time and being a mom can be stressful on its own, let alone throwing in being a self-published author!
But...
So far I have managed to get a hefty 47,000 words/ Twenty-Six chapters written for the first draft of Jax's Vengeance. It is estimated that the publish date for Part 2 of The Silverthorne Princes will be mid/late April!
If you haven't already, check out Part 1 - Cassidy's War! This is still available for only 77p/ $0.99 until 31-JAN-2025!
Since my last entry, I have been involved with a lot more marketing and networking. I was interviewed by bestseller Beth Hildenbrand in my first-ever LIVE author interview and became a FEATURED AUTHOR on the popular Writers Connection website!
I have also been pushing the author event I will be attending in STRANRAER, SCOTLAND on 22nd & 23rd August!
Tickets are now on sale HERE!
My first MONTHLY Newsletter is almost finalized and will be sent out on 31-JAN, where you will see the FINAL COVER REVEAL for Jax's Vengeance and Diabolus! There will also be other exclusive snippets/chances to win etc. included in the newsletter so please do sign up!
Don't forget to follow me on my socials (at the bottom of this page) for real-time updates, random memes and much more!
Watch the interview on my facebook page!
17
jan
2025
Jax's Vengeance so far...
I have been busy these past couple of weeks, trying to get some normality and routine after Christmas and trying to get the first draft of Jax's Vengeance complete. Writing during the early hours of the morning as well as sat in the passenger seat of my car frantically typing away on my lunch breaks!
I am hoping that Jax's Vengeance will be published this March!
I have also received so many lovely 5⭐ reviews recently for Initium and Sandcastles in Rhodes, as well as some fantastic comments on my social media accounts!
Getting comments like these really make me feel like I have done the right thing, putting my writing out there for the world to see after so many years of writing in the shadows and doing nothing with them.
I am always happy to chat with my readers on any platform!
05
Jan
2025
A Chance to win a FREE paperback (of your choice) or ALL 3 EBOOKS!
I have decided to do a free giveaway for all those who sign up to my monthly newsletter.
This is open to everyone in the UK, US and other eligible countries*
All you have to do is sign up before 27th Jan 2025! NOW CLOSED
UK Participants:
Choose your prize from:
1 signed paperback of your choice (Initium / Cassidy's War / Sandcastles in Rhodes)
OR
All 3 in EBOOK format
US Participants (or participants other eligible countries**)
Choose your prize from:
1 paperback* of your choice (Initium / Cassidy's War / Sandcastles in Rhodes)
OR
All 3 in EBOOK format
* due to shipping/customs fees paperbacks will be sent directly from amazon so these will not be signed.
**Eligible countries are where my books can be purchased on Amazon - EU countries, Australia, Canada & South Africa.
SHARE MY POST ON SOCIAL MEDIA FOR AN ADDITIONAL ENTRY!
Terms & Conditions
- All sign-ups must be submitted before 27th Jan 2025
- Winner will be chosen at random (wheel generator) and will be announced on social media pages & contacted via email.
- If you have already signed up you have automatically been entered.
- EXTRA ENTRY only available through social media shares ! To ensure this is counted please tag me in the post or in the comments.
01
Jan
2025
Happy New Year!
Let's reflect on 2024...
This year has been very interesting - stressful and overwhelming but also uplifting and progressive.
There has been some times during this year where I have felt like I have not accomplished anything, where I have wanted to give up! And I would have had I not had the amazing support from friends and family and followers on social media! Not forgetting the book sales and reviews I have had from my readers!
I decided to make a list of everything that I have accomplished in 2024...
I have:
- stepped out of the shadows and my comfort zone more times than I can count.
- allowed my stories to be read by ANYONE.
- gone against my introverted nature to keep posting and engaging on here.
- discovered some amazing and supportive friends and fellow authors
- published my debut novel (that I never thought would see the light of day)
- written and published two stories other stories I have written, self-edited and professionally edited all within the year.
- have 7 WIPs in progress
- sold copies of my books to people who are NOT friends or family.
- sold my ebooks/paperbacks ACROSS SEAS ! (Australia, South Africa & The US!)
- got my books on shelves in an independent bookstore (thank you Paper Tales!)
- secured shelf space in an one in Idaho, US for 2025! (Thank you Midnight Readings Bookstore!)
- booked my first in person event for 2025 in SCOTLAND
Did my books reach ‘best seller’ ? No.
Did I make a lot of sales? No.
Does that stop me from writing? No.
Will I give up? No.
NB: a special thank you to: William J. Burkhardt - Author, Editor and Sevannah Storm-Author who have had a huge impact on my writing journey!
I wish you all a very fabulous Christmas...but just remember this holiday period is not always happy for some, 5%-11% of people in the UK will face this Christmas alone AND it is predicted that around 30 people will sadly commit suicide - so please check in on friends/family, and spare a thought for those who may be struggling this festive period.
25
Dec
2024
Merry Christmas!
A little quiet time while the family are playing video games (I would join in but I am shockingly terrible!)
We have a few traditions we usually carry out, board games, a nap after Christmas Dinner, hidey presents, and obviously at least one Christmas film. So needless to say that has been intense but enjoyable and this downtime is definitely needed!
Over the past few days I have found myself inspired to write some Christmas-themed Poetry which I have also shared on my social media platforms,. I don't often write poetry, so these are far from perfect so I am not creating a separate space for them.
Since my last blog update I have been a busy-bee... dropping a few paperback copies of my latest release 'Sandcastles in Rhodes' into Paper Tales - SPARKS Bristol store, focusing on trying to finish the first draft of Jax's Vengeance as well as plugging away on social media platforms to engage with readers, spotlight opportunities, events for 2025
ALSO... I have signed a contract for all three of my books to be available on the shelves in a bookstore in Twin Falls, Idaho, US! It is a massive accomplishment for physical copies of my book to make it across the ocean and into an independent bookstore: Midnight Readings Bookstore.
In the spirit of Christmas, I have a HUGE SALE on all my ebooks ONLY ON AMAZON...
- Initium (Book 1 - The Divine Saga)
- Cassidy's War (Part 1: The Silverthorne Era)
- Sandcastles in Rhodes
now only £0.77 (GBP) / $0.99 (USD) and all of these titles in paperback format are now at their LOWEST POSSIBLE PRICE! So, make sure you grab these before: 31-jan-2025!
16
Dec
2024
Family Holiday - CRUISE 9th Dec - 14th Dec
I had an amazing time on our family cruise - visiting Spain, Gibraltar, Morocco, Tenerife and Gran Canaria. As I was still in the habit of waking up stupidly early (2am/3am) I made the cruise's library 'The Attic' my temporary morning haunt where I would read and write every day! I even left a copy of Initium and Cassidy's War for other holidaymakers to read and enjoy - as well as some free bookmarks for them to take home! I managed to write six chapters on this holiday while still enjoying some much needed rest and relaxation and of course fun day trips with the family! We saw the monkeys in Gibraltar up-close, rode the amazing slides at Siam Park and had a mooch around the Moroccan market!
I also managed to get some amazing shots of the gorgeous moonlight dancing on the still ocean to the vibrant morning sunrise! I guess being up so early has its perks!
Here are just a few snaps!
14
Dec
2024
I did it! All 3 books are now out!
So proud of myself for getting all three books written, professionally edited and published this year! While 2024 has had its ups and downs, and publishing three books back-to-back has incurred its own challenges, I am so happy to announce that all of my books are available as ebooks AND paperbacks just in time for Christmas!!
12
Dec
2024
Sandcastles In Rhodes - RELEASE DAY!
This story feels like it has been a long time in the making, however in truth the first draft only took me two weeks to write - while on a family vacation! But since August and now, I have tore it to pieces, re-written scenes, tweaked and changed until I felt it was editor ready.
There were times when I nearly never issued this to my editor, times where I questioned and doubted whether stepping out of my comfort zone was a good idea.
It's true, Sandcastles in Rhodes is not your typical 'fluffy romance' - there are sensitive subjects incorporated into this whirlwind holiday romance - such as grief and loss, betrayal and infertility. Plus there is a subtle supernatural element to the story too.
Those who have read it in full, or even short snippets, have all enjoyed it - found the ultra spicy and engaging storyline gripping and wanting to read more... Do give my first non-fantasy story a read!
01
Dec
2024
Jax's Vengeance First Draft
Allowing the creative voice inside my head to run wild with the writing of the first draft of Jax's Vengeance - the follow-up novel from Cassidy's War. Almost like a part-two.
It will be hard to follow up from a five-star review novel, so I am hoping my readers will enjoy this darker and more twisted story following the aftermath of 'Cassidy's War'.
Aiming to get the first draft completed by the end of 2024!
30
NOV
2024
Raven's RECENT Reads
For 2025 I have set myself a challenge to read and discover more indie authors. Reading at least one book each month I shall be posting my reviews not only on Amazon/Goodreads, but also on a dedicated spot on my website. I shall include purchase links in case any take your fancy!
My reviews will always be updated, but none will be removed, so you can see the wide and varied genres of stories I enjoy reading when I am not writing myself!
I hope to support as many indie authors as I possibly can, and to help readers discover hidden gems that are otherwise overlooked by the hyped mainstream trending books!
28
Nov
2024
Author Copy of Sandcastles in Rhodes has arrived!
Eek.. preparing myself for a steamy date... with my author copy of Sandcastles in Rhodes! Clock is counting down on this one, need to get all minor issues - typos/formatting amendments etc. done ASAP on this one as it's release date is when we are away on our family cruise... I did not plan that well at all!
Networking & Promotions!
As I have been waiting for the final tweaks to be approved by my editor for Sandcastles in Rhodes I have been focusing on networking - getting my name and my books out there!
I have started a ebook promotion where you can purchase Initium or Cassidy's War for only £1! (Less than $2 in US!) now here in the UK - there isn't much you can get at this price... even a bottle of fizzy drink is above that!
Starting small by putting some free-to-take bookmarks in my local Costa Coffee branch, contacting other coffee shops and independent bookstores to do the same. Looking at some book events for 2025, which lead to something AMAZING... Initium and Cassidy's War will now be stocked in a small independent bookstore inside SPARKS Bristol!
There are a few more I will be visiting over the weekend as well as potentially getting them both into the central library (largest and busiest one in Bristol) as most local libraries are closing before my 9-5 or have closed permanently.
Hopefully there will be more exciting updates to offer after this weekend!
One last thing... ARC sign-ups for Sandcastles in Rhodes is now officially open! Please use the link below to register your interest. All details will be finalized over the weekend and ARC readers will be issued more information after this!
21
Nov
2024
12
Nov
2024
NEW for 2025 - Monthly Newsletter !
I am starting to collate recepients for my NEW monthly newsletter starting in 2025. Designed to be fun and engaging for readers including latest updates, behind the scenes as well as some exclusive bonus content!
Newsletters will be issued on the last day of each month.
11
Nov
2024
Busy & Exciting Times!
Over the past few days I have been written an addition six chapters for my WIP - His Doll. It has been crazy trying to find the time to make some real progress on this WIP as Sandcastles in Rhodes is still under the scrutiny of my editor! So I am well pleased with my most recent progress.
I have been busy on socials these past few days as well - Please feel free to check these out... as I now have a threads account and I am also now on GoodReads too !
Also received my first review - and first official review ever - for Cassidy's War from a volunteer ARC reader. Reading it this morning was a surreal experience, to know that someone has enjoyed my book and can't wait for the next installment... which brings me onto my next topic...
Jax's Vengeance (follow-on from Cassidy's War) I have been chipping away at my plot/planning chapters for this - I am hoping to finish the first draft and self-edits by early next year so I do not have to keep anyone waiting too long! I'm sure if you loved this - you will love what is to come!
You can see the full review for Cassidy's War below.
6
Nov
2024
Sandcastles in Rhodes is now with my editor!
This standalone romance novel strays away from the usual fantasy/supernatural genre and the first draft was actually written while I was on holiday earlier this year. Something about the sun, sea and sand inspired me to step out of my comfort zone and expand my genre slightly.
So far the editing process has been relatively straight-forward with minimal tweaks and adjustments, though still in the early chapters! Fingers crossed it remains that way for the rest of the book!
I am hoping that this new wider audience will enjoy reading this whirlwind holiday romance novel as much as I enjoyed writing it!
Watch this space for more updates/release date as soon as it has gone through the final editing stage!
5
Nov
2024
Signed my first book for a reader!
The moment I was asked to sign a reader's copy of Initium filled me with absolute joy! They also using one of my bookmarks!
It was an honour to be asked to sign their copy, frantically practising my signature before committing it to their book forever!
I have also had some enquiries regarding signed-copies to purchase through myself, so this is something I am looking into, so watch this space!
3
Nov
2024
My Author Proof Copy of Cassidy's War has arrived!
I couldn't wait to receive this proof copy - and it arrived so quickly!
I absolutely love how the cover I designed has turned out as well as the inside layout! I have also included a map of the fantasy world of Xeyeira!
It was a very proud moment to see yet another one of my stories in book form - so tangible and real!
I devoured this book within 4 hours, checking for any miscellaneous tweaks prior to submitting the final manuscript for publishing! 156 pages of fantasy romance that encompasses love triangle, struggles within their society and of course an epic battle!
It is now available to pre-order on Amazon, Kobo, Apple books, Smashwords etc.
1
Nov
2024
Behind The Scenes... WIPs
It may be release day for Initium, however behind the scenes, I have several stories I am currently writing. Perhaps some of these may be published next year
I am excited to give you a slight insight to one of my new WIPs (Works in Progress) - HIS DOLL.
As with all of my stories, I get an idea at the most inconvenient time - while driving, in a meeting/ out and about... and this one was no different.
So far I have written a couple of chapters and have been outlining the blurb...
Thirteen is just another nameless doll, though she had not always been that way. Born as Polly, she held high hopes and ambitions for her life- to find love and have a family. Yet after escaping yet another abusive relationship Polly never expected to be selected by Adammir, a Celtic god, to become one of his dolls.
Adammir is no stranger to pleasure. Being the god of sex and stamina, there is plenty of him to go around his many dolls and it is a human’s greatest honour to be chosen by him. Thirteen finds herself soon becoming one of his favorites. Lavishing her with gifts she could only have ever dreamed of - a lakeside mansion, the expensive car the designer labels and almost all of Adammir’s attention. He can give her everything her heart desires, except for love.
Thirteen believes that life as Adammir’s doll is perfect until a twist of fate in the form of a faceless biker makes her question her life choices. Can she really live a happy life without love?
31
Oct
2024
Initium - OUT NOW!
The wait is finally over! Initium - Book 1 of The Divine Saga is now available on most online retailers for instant purchase!
Available as ebook so that you can read it anywhere and on any device!
For those who like me prefer to get stuck into a physical printed book, you can now get your hands on Initium in this format too!
30
Oct
2024
Cassidy's War - Now Available for PRE-ORDER
Cassidy's War was initially written as a standalone novel, a fantasy romance set in the world of Xeyeria.
However, I have decided that there definitely has to be at least one more story delving into this soulmate-love-triangle situation that unfolds within Cassidy's War!
Also the world of Xeyeria has so much potential to offer for new characters/stories I have decided to make a 'collection' - Tales from Xeyeria!
Pre-Order Cassidy's War today on most online retailers! Links available through the 'book' page!
AVAILABLE:
22 November 2024
28
Oct
2024
First Look at the new cover for Cassidy's War!
A brand new, entiguing and capitivating cover for Cassidy's War has been revealed!
Currently undergoing the formatting stage ready for publishing... so will hopefully be released in November 2024!
Watch this space for latest updates!
17
OCT
2024
Author Copy of Initium Has Arrived!
There is nothing more exciting than that feeling of holding the physical copy of a story that has only ever lived for so long as a digital file on my laptop.
So much time and effort has gone into writing this, so it is surreal to hold it, to see it, to feel it!
A real dream has come true upon the publishing of my debut novel and the journey to get to where I am now has not been easy, but it has definitely worth it.
4
Oct
2024
Website is now LIVE
Putting together a website is more difficult than writing a story! I have watched so how-to videos and read so many articles that I should be an expert by now!
Finally decided on a logo... next stop is publishing my debut novel - Initium (Book 1 - The Divine Saga)
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