Joshua P. Simon - The Accidental Author

Now that I have two published series set in two unrelated worlds, and since the images of the maps may be hard to enlarge on a smartphone or reading device, I thought it be nice to have a home on my blog for all the maps for both series.

Click on the "Maps" tab on the menu above or click here to see all the maps that my wife has created for the Blood and Tears series and The Epic of Andrasta and Rondel.

Enjoy!

Trial and Glory: Book Three of the Blood and Tears Trilogy is now available as an audiobook through the following outlets!!
You should be able to listen to a small sample at each location.

With this release, the Blood and Tears Trilogy is now available in all formats (electronic, print, and audio). Admittedly, it feels pretty good to say that.

As I’ve mentioned before with my previous releases, please leave a review at the place of purchase and spread the word to others. The best form of advertising for authors is through word of mouth and reviews act in this same way.

Thanks!

I’ve been blogging for around two years now, and I don’t really recall ever talking about my book sales. There are two reasons for this. One, my sales have never been what one would call great, rather they slowly and steadily creep upward with the occasional dip here and there. And two, I don’t want it to sound like I’m bragging or whining about my sales (or lack thereof).

However, I’m making an exception today because a strange thing happened a little over a month and a half ago on Amazon UK. I started selling really well.

Previously, I managed a few sales a week, and then I started slowly getting a few sales a day. The consistent sales allowed me to enter Amazon UK’s top 100 popularity lists. The higher I climbed, the better I sold due to this increased visibility which of course, helped me climb higher.

Anyway, for about a month and a half Rise and Fall has been in the Top 20 of the Historical Fantasy list, often in the Top 10. A few times, Steel and Sorrow and Trial and Glory have also managed to climb into the Top 20.

This past Monday, I hit a couple of pretty cool milestones. All three books in the Blood and Tears Trilogy were temporarily in the Top 20, and Rise and Fall claimed the number 1 spot for a few hours.

And yes, my wife took a screen shot below for proof. :)



So, really the point of this post is to say thanks to all those in the UK who’ve decided to try my books out and have been responsible for this nice spike in sales. I know it can end at any time so I’m simply enjoying it while it lasts.

I would like to quickly add that for those in the UK (or anywhere else for that matter) who have enjoyed any of books, please consider taking a minute or two and leave a short review at your place of purchase.

Also, if you found the Blood and Tears series enjoyable and satisfying, then please consider signing up for my mailing list. I plan to have several new releases in 2014 and the mailing list will be a good way to be made aware of them.

Thanks again!

Steel and Sorrow: Book Two of the Blood and Tears Trilogy is now available as an audiobook through the following outlets!!
You should be able to listen to a small sample at each location.

If all goes according to plan, Trial and Glory: Book Three of the Blood and Tears Trilogy should be released later this year.

As I’ve mentioned before with my previous releases, please leave a review at the place of purchase and spread the word to others. The best form of advertising for authors is through word of mouth and reviews act in this same way.

Thanks!

I'm hosting my first giveaway!

Earlier this week I received an email from Audible.com that they are allowing me to give away five free copies of both Warleader - A Blood and Tears Short Story and Rise and Fall: Book One of the Blood and Tears Trilogy.

If you are interested in receiving a free audio copy of both “Warleader - A Blood and Tears Short Story" and "Rise and Fall: Book One of the Blood and Tears Trilogy" just email me at joshuapsimon.author@gmail.com that you want your name included in the drawing. (Don't worry, I will never sell your email address or spam it!)

That’s it. Email and you're in the drawing.

I’ll let the giveaway run for two weeks (ending on July 11th). Then I’ll pick five people at random and email them the codes for each audiobook. You will need to be an Audible.com member in order to redeem the coupon codes.

Good Luck! And share this giveaway with your friends!

So, this is the end of my efforts at casting the Blood and Tears series for the hypothetical movie taking place. Same rules apply here that applied on the previous two blog posts.

Jonrell – Clive Standen

Jonrell was probably the hardest one to cast out of The Hell Patrol because he is such a major character in the series. I decided to go with Clive because I think he has the look of a leader and also has experience in similar roles. Most recently, he stars on the History Channel series “Vikings.”

Cassus – David Wenham

David was in 300 and is most famous for playing Faramir.

Kroke – Milo Ventimiglia

This was also a pretty hard role to cast. I switched choices several times before finally settling on Milo (Thanks to some brainstorming with Leah). He’s short, wiry (but in good shape), and I think he could pull off the killer look.

Krytien – Conleth Hill

Not super familiar with his work except that he plays Varys on Game of Thrones.

Raker – John Rys-Davies

This might seem like an odd choice as he is most known for his roles in Indiana Jones and especially as Gimli in Lord of the Rings. However, I think he could pull off a hard-nosed veteran with a slight soft side.

Drake – Josh Wood

I’m not married to this selection but I think he has a good look for the role.

Crusher – Conan Stevens

Absolutely perfect. He’s a 7 foot tall former bodybuilder and wrestler, turned actor.

Yanasi – Rose Leslie

Made for the role. Exactly what I imagine Yanasi to look like.

Rygar – Chris Pine

Yeah, I know Captain Kirk would probably scoff at taking a small role. But, I think it could work.

Hag – Meryl Streep

When I wrote this character, a part of me always heard Estelle Getty’s voice in my head. Well, unfortunately she’s dead. I thought it would be fun to have someone like Meryl Streep play the role. She’s versatile enough to pull it off.

Wiqua – Lou Diamond Philips

This was all Leah’s suggestion. I had someone else in the role and was pretty happy with it, but then she pulled up this picture and I was sold on her choice. It’s an interesting choice but one I think would be fun to see.