M.J. Webb's Blog

Hi,

It's comments like this that make all the hard work and sacrifice worthwhile;

'I wanted to reach out after tearing through The Ajax File. From the opening chaos on the commuter train to the final unraveling of the conspiracy, the pacing had that perfect “just one more chapter pull. What impressed me most was how you combined breakneck tension with two characters who felt genuinely grounded.
Miles, especially, was a standout for me. Making an unassuming IT specialist the most wanted man in England and making it believable was such a smart angle. You gave him this reluctant hero vulnerability that made the stakes hit harder. And Sam Lennox’s arc was equally satisfying, her determination to prove herself while navigating a system stacked against her added depth that elevated the whole thriller beyond the surface action.
I really admired how you wove the dual manhunts together so cleanly while still keeping the emotional threads intact. It’s rare to find a thriller that moves this quickly yet still makes you care deeply about the people caught in the gears.
Thanks for a gripping, fast-paced read. I’m looking forward to exploring the rest of your work.'

Thank you 😊

I've been writing for many years around a full-time job and family. I've penned six novels in that time, appeared on radio, in newspapers, given college talks and book signings etc.....

I've never found myself so demoralised as right now, however.

I'm seriously thinking of quitting.

I know people say you should write just for the fun of it. A large part of me agrees, but... I also create because I enjoy hearing what others think? Receiving no feedback kinda brings me down.

I'm not bothered about money or fame but without an audience of any kind, I find am really struggling with motivation.

To that end, I've marketed on social media, sent out FREE audiobook codes and pdf files, offered books, attempted to post on Goodreads, Tiktok, Instagram, ran competitions.... All to no avail. I have received next to no interest despite my efforts and from the hundreds of freebies I have sent, I have very, very little feedback.

The anomaly is that those reviews I do have are almost exclusively good. Or I'd have accepted my lot many moons ago.

To be clear, this was a hobby for me so I am not/have not thrown money at it. Not much anyway. As stated. I have small ambitions/goals and do not expect much, just some kind of readership beyond family and friends.

How does a small-time writer reach a receptive and open audience these days? I'd be grateful for any advice on my last throw of the dice?

Thank you.

I'm currently offering a FREE paperback copy of the following (UK only) in exchange for a review posted wherever you are able. I'm happy to provide electronic copies for US or elsewhere on request.

The Ajax File - Thriller 16+ - x 1 book.

A Child of Szabo - Thriller 18+ - x 1 book.

Realm of Ruin - Fantasy 18+ - x 2 books.

To enter all you have to do is state which novel you'd like in the comments.

Winners will be drawn at random 29/09/25 (my birthday) and contacted by pms.

***AUGUST AWARENESS GIVEAWAY***

I've been writing for 15 years or so but it's a saturated market and I guess I'm still pretty much unknown outside of my immediate sphere of influence.
To rectify that (hopefully) I've made my entire catalogue (only six novels) totally FREE to download on Kindle from 2nd to 5th August.

I also have limited FREE Audiobook codes for US and UK versions of The Ajax File and Realm of Ruin. Might have a few for A Child of Szabo which have not been redeemed too.

So, if you like YA fantasy epics, Adult Fantasy or fast-paced thrillers...

PMS me for an audiobook code or comment below

or

download a Kindle copy using the links below.

Thanks so much and have a great day!

UK
https://www.amazon.co.uk/.../M-J-Webb......

US
https://www.amazon.com/stores/M-J-Web......

Hi,

My standalone adult fantasy novel, 'Realm of Ruin' was released today on Audiobook.
I have 20-25 FREE codes available on a first come, first served basis.
Obviously, in return for an honest review.
Please comment below with preferred UK or US code.
:-)

'In a land plagued by seemingly endless conflict, a new and even greater threat has emerged. The balance of power has shifted, fresh weapons and untold horrors unleashed. The only hope of salvation hinges on the return of a hero. A legend. A warrior without equal.

Braydion Chell is a world-weary, nihilist sell-sword haunted by his past. Loved by the opposite sex and feared by his own. He can count the things he cares about on one hand. Three of those are in mortal danger. He must conquer his demons and somehow achieve the impossible, risking all to save not only his country, but also his closest friends.

Some fight to live. Others live to fight.'

Triggers; Mild violence, mild spice.

Hello!

FYI - The Ajax File is FREE on Kindle right now! The offer lasts 9th and 10th June only.

Thanks,

M J Webb



UK link;

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ajax-File-M-...

US link;

https://www.amazon.com/Ajax-File-M-J-...

I have around twenty audiobook codes left for my thriller (18+) 'A Child of Szabo' if any members are interested?
Drop me a pms if so.
First come, first served.
'A teenage rebel with a tragic past finds herself on the edge of the abyss. Offered one final chance of redemption by an enigmatic stranger, she is recruited into a secret society of assassins formed by Winston Churchill after the Second World War. It has been operating clandestinely for years. Protecting. Hunting. Killing.
But for who?
With only a career civil servant as back-up, she unleashes hell and discovers the enemy is inside the wire. The stakes are larger than she could ever imagine but now she must battle for survival against known and unseen enemies in a do or die existence to become the best. For only then can she take out those who killed her family.
Those who are now determined to kill her.'
All I ask is a review in return.
Triggers - Violence, Mild Sex.

I'm an author of six novels but have found it increasingly difficult to attract readers. So, please pm me if you'd like a free electronic file.

Have a great day.

M J Webb

The Keeper of the Stones
Warriors of the Heynai
The Estian Alliance

Realm of Ruin: A Braydion Chell Novel

A Child of Szabo

The Ajax File

At long last, the new novel has appeared.

The Ajax File

'An horrific shooting on a crowded London commuter train in broad daylight sparks a determined manhunt. A desperate search for a killer. As well as the seemingly ordinary traveller who attempted to intervene.
Who was he? And why on earth did he run?
Answers are needed and fast. Because the police are not the only ones looking.

Miles Dalton is more at home in front of his computer than out in the real world. Now, the self-confessed nerd finds himself the centre of his very own life or death adventure game, hunted relentlessly by skilled teams of killers who have no intention at all of taking him in alive.

His only hope for survival is D.S. Sam Lennox. However, she is battling demons of her own.
New, untested, surrounded by resentment and plagued by her past, Lennox faces an impossible choice.
To save herself and her fledgling career.
Or risk everything for a complete stranger and do what she knows to be right.'

Triggers; PTSD, Violence (16+)

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ajax-File-M-...

It's my birthday.

I have two new Conn Iggulden's to add to my reading pile and I'm felling blessed.

I'd just like to wish all you readers out there a glorious day, year and life.

Sincere best wishes,

That is all,

Martin