Category Archives: About my Romance Books

Why I write… free ebooks versus paid for…

Posted on 8th February 2008 by Felicity Heaton

I’ve just been talking to a fellow author and the lovely lady I run Alinar Publishing with. We were discussing editing etc and then I was talking about my plans for the year in terms of stories. We always have this debate about ebooks and giving them away free versus selling them. I’m at a crossroads at the moment. I love writing stories but don’t feel compelled to sell them. I’m trying to decide what to do with the stories I’m writing now and in the future.

I woke up this morning and stared at the ceiling, and in the quiet of my mind, I realised that I could write a story and never show it to anyone, and I’d be just as happy. Of course, I’m unlikely to do that, but it helped put some things into perspective for me, as did a chat with my husband the other night.

I like writing. No, I love writing. Writing for me is like breathing. It’s a necessity, a thing that keeps me alive and going.

I don’t do it for the money. I know that. I never have done. When your background is in fanfiction, you quickly realise that you write because you need to, you’re compelled to. You don’t do it for the cash, because that’s not what it’s about. It’s about the story and the readers, and that’s all. I write stories that I love and that aren’t shaped to meet certain criteria of the market. I just write what comes to me with no thought to that genres specifics or peoples views on how a story in that genre should work, or even what’s popular.

The trouble is the money can blind you… but it’s not just that. It’s that if you’re selling it and it’s got an ISBN slapped on it and it’s available at Fictionwise then it must mean it’s something of value… because hey, someone has to buy it to read it. It’s psychological. Review sites only want books with an ISBN, readers think ebooks should be free, it all conspires to drive you mad. But honestly, a price tag doesn’t really alter the value of the book. It’s time people realised that.

A story that is worth something is one that touches the reader, that gives them an escape from this world into another, a place where they can be a part of a great battle, or fall in love, or cry for a lost hero. The value of a story isn’t determined by whether its free or not, and if it is free, that doesn’t undermine the value of it. If an author can make a connection with a reader through their words, if they can touch them and bring them happiness for just a few fleeting moments, that’s priceless. It transcends money. When people of old told stories around a fire, they didn’t ask for money at the start. They did it for the connection, the exchange. That’s why I write.

A free story isn’t necessarily bad because the author isn’t charging for it. I write stories that I give away for free out of the kindness of my heart. It isn’t because I hate them and think they’re trash. I love all my stories. I write all of them to the best of my ability. Readers do have a tendency to start to expect free stories, which is bad. Just because it’s online, doesn’t mean it should be free. If something is free, it’s free because of human kindness and a desire to share an experience with someone else. It’s not done because they HAD to do it. It’s not done because the story is worthless.

Everyone knows that I’m posting Of Blood & Snow as a free serial right now. A chapter a week goes up. This is a story that I love and whenever I read it back to write a little more, I get lost in the world and the characters. It’s one of my best stories in my eyes. I value it. I post a chapter for the connection with the reader through reviews and to see that others get something from it too, they feel the love.

I guess what I’m trying to say is that the value of a story can’t be determined by a price. There are many terrible ebooks out there that will cost you $5.99 for the pleasure of reading them and wondering where the editor was, or why the author is writing at all. There are many free stories out there that will provoke the same reaction, but they were free. There are many great ebooks out there that will cost you money, and many great stories you can read for free. Free or for a price. It doesn’t matter in the end. The value of a good story is determined by one thing–it connected with you.

That connection was formed by the characters, the plot, the author, and the writing. It was created by the story. It wasn’t any different because you paid for it, and it shouldn’t be any less valued because you got it for free.

I write to form that connection with my story. I form it and I write the story. I breathe life into the characters. I share their pain, their weakness, their moments of sheer joy, their love. I feel everything they feel. I take part in that journey.

I do this all because I love to, and I share stories with readers so they can feel what I have and know it too.

I’d get more happiness from 1000 people commenting on my story after reading it for free as I would had 1000 people paid for it, because those people are unlikely to ever contact me, and the human connection is why I send these stories out into the world.

If a story is free and you enjoyed it, then value it and what that author has given to you out of the kindness of their heart.

This post wasn’t meant to turn into a “respect freely given stories” speech… but to be a reflection of the feelings behind what compels me to write and share stories with others. If everyone who reads this can understand the sentiment behind it, and what makes me tick, that I’ve achieved what I set out to. If they realise that free stories deserve the same respect, if not more, than paid for stories, then that’s just a bonus.

🙂

Posted in free stories, Of Blood and Snow | Comments Off

forthcoming stories, current postings and plans for the future

Posted on 24th December 2007 by Felicity Heaton

It’s been so long since I’ve properly updated this blog. I’m talking a normal post like this one, not a promo. The reason is that I’ve been quite busy with website stuff, work and things at home. I have a few minutes now and I fully intend to be more chatty on my blogs over the coming year!

I can’t believe that a year has passed already. It’s gone by so quickly, the blink of an eye, and I’ve not done half the stuff I intended to do, but I did get a lot done.

This year has been wonderful for me since it’s given me so much to sing about. I’ve had two number 1 bestsellers, have been high up the bestselling authors list on fictionwise and have had numberous top 10s. It’s been more than I could’ve asked for and it’s really made me see what a supportive readership I have. I really hope that this support reflects your enjoyment of my writing and that you do love my stories as much as I love them myself.

What have I been up to recently? Well, I’ve got a new story out in January. It’s a free novella in my Vampires Realm series and it’s called Reunion. I’ve also been working on writing a story called Of Blood and Snow, another vampire romance but not set in the VR world. It’s available free on my website ( http://www.felicityheaton.com ) and is posted serially. I’m still writing it and it’s surpassing my guestimate of 60’000 words tops as it’s now 73’000 words and still going. I think it will be 100’000 by the time I’m done with it. I’ll have to begin posting double chapters each week!

My plans for the future aren’t private. It’s my hope next year to try and get trade published by one of the big houses or get myself an agent. My first target is to get published by one of the many houses that accepts manuscripts from authors without agents. I’m writing a Vampires Realm novel in an attempt to do this and I’ve been collating notes for it. I’m very excited about this novel and I know that readers will love it whether it comes out with one of the big boys, or with someone else. I think it’s the ideal candidate for attempting to break into publishing with or getting myself an agent.

I’m also going to try to re-edit Prophecy and get that published, but it’s more difficult as it’s a trilogy and it’s harder to get publishers to take a punt on unknown authors if the books follow on from one another.

I have more Vampires Realm novels to write next year too, and would like to find time to write some non-VR stories also.

All in all, it’s going to be a busy year for me, but it’s going to be a fun one too… and also one full of fear, hopes, dreams and hard work. I hope you’ll all stick with me!

F x

Posted in Of Blood and Snow, paranormal romance, Prophecy Trilogy, vampire romance, vampires, Vampires Realm | Comments Off

Out Now! Prophecy: Dark Moon Rising

Posted on 29th May 2007 by Felicity Heaton

Book three of my Prophecy Trilogy is now available at Fictionwise.com and the publisher site, Alinarpublishing.com!!

I’m so thrilled that this final book in the trilogy is out, but now I’ve got to live up to the amazing reviews and feedback the trilogy got and write the next book in my Vampires Realm series.

Prophecy: Dark Moon Rising
An enemy with unimaginable power and bloodlines with centuries of hatred bred into them, two things that threaten to tear Prophecy and Valentine apart as they fight for their lives and their future together. Their vain attempt to join their houses into one army drains the last of their strength, leaving them more vulnerable than they’ve ever been. The tension escalates between the bloodlines, and, more dangerously, between Valentine, Prophecy and Venturi. As everything crumbles around them, defeat seems inevitable.

In one decisive move, their enemy turns the tables against them, taking what is most important to Prophecy and leaving her to fear that the terrifying visions she’s been having are coming true. An enemy becomes a friend, guiding her in her time of need, and a friend becomes an enemy. Death, destruction and danger surround her, but the help of an old ally brings her the army she needs and the dark moon brings her the power to fight the legions of Hell.

When the time comes, will Prophecy be able to do what’s necessary or will the sacrifice she must make be too painful to go through with? Does she have the strength to stop Hell from being unleashed into the world and save the ones she loves at the same time?

The dramatic conclusion to the Prophecy story, Prophecy: Dark Moon Rising is a gripping tale of love and war that will take hold of you, set your heart racing and not let you go until the very last page.

$4.99
Buy at Alinar Publishing
Buy at Fictionwise.com (currently $3.74!)

Posted in new release, paranormal romance, Prophecy Trilogy, urban fantasy, vampire romance, vampires, Vampires Realm | Comments Off

I’m a Rising Star! and a Staff Pick!!!

Posted on 28th May 2007 by Felicity Heaton

I’m a little late in blogging about this, but I’ve been given the honour of being the Love Romances & More Rising Star of Publishing for May. There’s a lovely page all about me on the website.

Not only do I have that to squee about, but two of my books have also been chosen as Dawn’s Staff Pick for Spring 2007!!!

The two books in question are Prophecy: Child of Light and Prophecy: Caelestis & Aurorea.

Add to this that the third book in the Prophecy Trilogy, Prophecy: Dark Moon Rising, has just come out and I’m having a bloody good time of it recently!!

Posted in awards, paranormal romance, Prophecy Trilogy, urban fantasy, vampire romance, vampires, Vampires Realm | Comments Off

More reviews for urban fantasy / paranormal ebook series

Posted on 12th May 2007 by Felicity Heaton

I’ve had more reviews for Prophecy: Caelestis & Aurorea [book 2] and I’m thrilled that so far this story has only received FIVE STAR reviews!!!! and a new FIVE STAR review for Prophecy: Child of Light [book 1]

Prophecy: Child of Light [book 1]
“PROPHECY: CHILD OF LIGHT is the first of an epic Vampire series that will surely stun, delight and engross the reader with each sweep of its pages. Ms. Heaton delivers a timeless classic within her pages and captures the essence of the characters perfectly. With each page, this reviewer was drawn into the world of Vampires that this fabulous author created…Ms. Heaton captivates the reader from the beginning and this reviewer is highly recommending this new and mesmerizing series for a readerâ€™s bookshelf.” — Dawn, Love Romances and More — 5 Hearts (read the whole review)

Prophecy: Caelestis & Aurorea [book 2]
“Once again F. E. Heaton draws you into the fascinating world of the Vampires Realm… I really enjoyed watching her (Prophecy) grow as both a magic user and a woman. Continuing their quest puts both vampires in danger but also reveals the true depth of their feelings for each other. I especially liked the fact that Prophecy is so true to herself and her feelings. She doesnâ€™t understand the feelings she has for Venturi, but does know that her heart lies with Valentine. As they search, their battles are filled with twists and turns as well as jam packed with fighting. So sit back and enjoy as Ms. Heaton skillfully introduces additional information about these two families, making you just want more! Prophecy: Caelestis & Aurorea, is the second in this amazing series. As for me, Iâ€™m off to read the next one–and so should you!” — Trang, Ecataromance — 5 Stars (read the whole review)

“Author FE Heaton captivates the reader with her tantalizing story, mesmerizing characters that will grab the readersâ€™ heart from the first page and never let go! Within the pages are twists and turns that will leave the reader breathless and feeling like they were on a roller coaster of a ride! This reviewer found PROPHECY: CAELESTIS & AUROREA full of vibrant characters, a captivating story that leaves you gasping for more at the last page and sensual writing from an author that weaves a spell around you within each page! … FE Heaton is a bright new addition on the world of paranormal… Run to grab this as well as the first in this series, Prophecy: Child of Light now and be transported to the Vampire Realm! This is truly a masterpiece that will captivate the reader from the get go!” — Dawn, Love Romances and More — 5 Hearts (read the whole review)

With so many great reviews, what are you waiting for? Buy the books today:

Prophecy: Child of Light [Book 1]
$4.99
Available from: Alinar Publishing and Fictionwise.com

Prophecy: Caelestis & Aurorea [Book 2]
$4.99
Available from: Alinar Publishing and Fictionwise.com

Posted in paranormal romance, Prophecy Trilogy, reviews, urban fantasy, vampire romance, vampires, Vampires Realm | Comments Off

New Reviews for Vampire Romance Series

Posted on 3rd May 2007 by Felicity Heaton

I’ve had more reviews for the Prophecy Trilogy in my Vampires Realm series…

Prophecy: Child of Light [book 1]
“Prophecy: Child Of Light is not the authorâ€™s debut novel…her experience shows in Prophecy â€“ making it a well thought out and well plotted novel with a huge amount of creative detail going into just this first instalment. If you are looking for a whole new world of urban fantasy and dark romance this is definitely a novel that you should check out. Recommended read! “ — LoveVampires.com — 4.5 Stars, Recommended Read (read the whole review)

Prophecy: Caelestis & Aurorea [book 2]
“I highly commended Ms Heaton for this wonderful story…Prophecy does not, as most heroines tend to, sit idly by waiting for the hero to save her, solve her problems, or drive the blood-thirsty action forward. The author has written the heroine as a character more than capable of kicking her share of the butts in any battle, without diminishing the heroâ€™s role as a strong man complete with all the alpha qualities we expect. The words within the pages of this book are so well crafted it is more like watching a movie than reading a book. I cannot recommend this book highly enough. Reads like this do not come along often, so do not pass up the opportunity to be thoroughly entertained by a gripping yarn and awed by the talent of this author!” — Caro, Coffee Time Romance — 5 Cups (read the whole review)

Prophecy: Dark Moon Rising [book 3] – available 26th may
“Okay I knew it was coming to an end but I didn’t want it to end so quickly. My only hope is maybe just maybe F.E. Heaton can create an epilogue kind of story like a happily ever after. This book was like a final light into this series answering all the questions I had in the beginning and then making me wonder what will happen after the war, just a hint. Valentine and Prophecy have seen many things and it’s up to Prophecy herself to see that the war is over without losing more of the houses army. The magic has grown more in Prophecy and I loved that we got to know more about the woman behind the story and her feelings towards the man who has sworn to be her protector. This is truly a romance, and I loved the whole vampire, demons and hunters in this book so much that I have to honestly say move over Christine Feehan. F.E. Heaton has it all from the romance, magic, vampires and, oh yes, the sex is there that will make you cheer for Prophecy and Valentine to know love even though itâ€™s forbidden between them. This is a series that I have fallen in love with and greatly applaud F.E. Heaton for introducing readers to a new world of paranormal. Great job.” — Lena C, Fallen Angel Reviews — 5 Angels, Recommended Read (read the whole review)

“Dark Moon Rising is the final book in the exciting Prophecy trilogy by F.E. Heaton…This fast paced emotionally stirring story is filled with the nervous tension of the battle that is about to take place involving vampires, werewolves and zombies. This somewhat violent action filled story will enthrall the readers early as characters come together in love to face a terrible evil and save the world. Spellbinding this commanding story emotionally involves the readers in a battle between good and evil…Readers will enjoy the romantic triangle Prophecy has found herself in with Valentine and Venturi. The chemistry between Venturi and Prophecy is electric but her whole heart belongs to Valentine…Readers will find themselves totally absorbed in the thrilling action and emotionally stirring plot of this highly imaginative story, Prophecy: Dark Moon Rising by F. E. Heaton. It is a wonderful story for those that enjoy the world of vampires.” — Anita, The Romance Studio — 4.5 Hearts (read the whole review)

Squee!!! So many reviews recently that it’s hard to remember to post about them all…

Posted in paranormal romance, Prophecy Trilogy, reviews, urban fantasy, vampire romance, vampires, Vampires Realm | Comments Off

Epic Vampire Romance Ebooks available now at fictionwise!!

Posted on 30th April 2007 by Felicity Heaton

The second book of the epic vampire romance ebooks Prophecy Trilogy, Prophecy: Caelestis & Aurorea, is now available at Fictionwise.com

Summary:
The final battle draws closer. Prophecy’s world becomes darker and more dangerous, pushing her to the limit and testing her strength and her heart, almost breaking her. Old friends turn their backs, leaving her to fight with the help of an unlikely ally and forcing her to call on the devastatingly seductive and powerful Lord Hyperion for assistance.

Struggling to rescue Valentine from the malicious hands of her blood brother, Arkalus and the lord of Aurorea, Kalinor, Prophecy discovers just how powerful she is and how far people will go to stop her from fulfilling her destiny. Lives are lost, battles are won, and the scroll foretelling the prophecy is finally completed, but nothing can prepare them for what lies ahead.

When her visions show her the path that must be taken, will Prophecy be able to do what is necessary? Are Prophecy and Valentine ready to command the power they’d never thought would be theirs? And are they strong enough to fight the evil of their true enemy?

Following on from Prophecy: Child of Light, the tension rises and love grows in Prophecy: Caelestis & Aurorea, a thrilling second part to this story that draws you into a dark, dangerous world of vampires, magic and the war to end all wars.

To read an excerpt and buy, follow the links below!

Available now for $4.99 at:
Alinar Publishing
and this week for $4.24 at:
Fictionwise

yay! I’m so excited about this release. I keep looking at the book on the website and willing people to buy it 🙂

Posted in new release, paranormal romance, Prophecy Trilogy, urban fantasy, vampire romance, vampires, Vampires Realm | Comments Off

Urban Fantasy Romance Ebooks

Posted on 10th April 2007 by Felicity Heaton

Maria was reading about Urban Fantasy the other day and mentioned it to me as a book genre. I’ve read about Urban Fantasy before and thought about writing it, but what she said made me think again. She mentioned that Prophecy: Child of Light could be considered an Urban Fantasy Ebook in a way as, although it’s strictly a Paranormal Romance Ebook / Dark Fantasy, it does have magic and an urban location.

What does Urban Fantasy mean? Well, Urban Fantasy Ebooks differ from Traditional Fantasy on one core plotline – its magic in an city/urban environment, generally contemporary. Traditional Fantasy Ebooks are magic in a non-Earth environment – usually a world created by the author, or even an alternate dimension.

Examples of Urban Fantasy are stories like Jim Butcher’s ‘Dresden Files’ series, which is set in Chicago.

In a way, the Prophecy Trilogy are Urban Fantasy Ebooks, well, more like Dark Urban Fantasy / Paranormal Romance Ebooks. They have the locale, the magic, but also the darkness required by Dark Fantasy, and the vampire/werewolf element required by Paranormal. Heavens, this is all getting confusing! lol.

I’d always wanted to write an Urban Fantasy, and I guess I just have. Score one for me 🙂

I have other more Traditional Fantasy stories that I want to write, books about a different world to ours, one where magic is very open and accepted, and being a witch or wizard is being raised up in society to the level of royalty.

If anyone has read Prophecy: Child of Light, and wants to comment about whether they think it matches Urban Fantasy, do let me know by commenting!

Posted in paranormal romance, Prophecy Trilogy, urban fantasy, vampire romance, vampires, Vampires Realm | Comments Off

Happy Birthday to me!

Posted on 7th April 2007 by Felicity Heaton

I’m enjoying my 4 day weekend… and have so far managed to maintain my challenge of no book related work on Saturday and Sunday. It’s my birthday today, so I deserve a break… that and I’ve got a BBQ this afternoon/evening that I need to get a lot of stuff done for.

I didn’t get as much done yesterday as I was hoping. Managed to get some Proofs made for people and did some work on my websites, but barely half the list I had to do.

Today I’ve spent burning CDs and opening presents. The DH fell for my “do you want a cuppa tea?” this morning and I wound up making them and then mentioned it was my birthday! Why am I making the tea? lol.

I bought myself some new music yesteday. Originally it was just going to be a new band to listen to – 30 Seconds To Mars – and then I saw there was a new Vertical Horizon album so I had to have that. There’s also a new Switchfoot album, and one I really want by Default, but those two have gone onto the “when I’m good” list. Lol. iTunes is a terrible thing. All that music purchasable at the click of a button. The temptation!

I’m still desperately awaiting more reviews for Prophecy: Caelestis & Aurorea… I know reviews really are just for the author, and most readers don’t pay attention to them. Authors do need them though. We get such little feedback from readers. Or at least I do! lol. I know the books are liked because of the ratings in Fictionwise.com, but every now and then it would be nice to receive a mail from someone who had read it.

Maria is working her way through the third book in the Prophecy Trilogy, Prophecy: Dark Moon Rising, and she’s working so fast I can’t thank her enough… of course I’ve discovered her terribly secret that she keeps searching for Venturi scenes to see if there’s any upcoming Proturi (that’s what we’ve labelled Prophecy & Venturi) and she’s still obsessed with the prospect of a Proventine (Prophecy, Venturi and Valentine) story. It’ll come… quite literally.

I’ll be off now. Got to bake a cake and tidy the house so people can mess it up again later. Ah well. It’ll be good. Always is, even though I spend my whole time running about like a headless chicken trying to make sure everyone has got everything they need. Lol. It’s times like this my husband calls me Monica (after the Friends character). I turn into Crazy Hostess Lady.

Posted in Prophecy Trilogy, urban fantasy, vampire romance, vampires, Vampires Realm | Comments Off