William E. Simpson's Blog: Dark Stallions - Legend of the Centaurians

5.0 out of 5 stars5 stars!
By Ciara Graham on April 17, 2016
Format: Paperback

Great book, the whole family enjoyed this read! As a family we like to have reading time at night before bed. I read this to my two boys ages 12 and 9, both didn't want me to stop reading it! They ended up staying up way past bedtime as I also wasn't wanting to put it down. We finished it up in 3 nights and they're already anxiously awaiting the 2nd book in the series to come out! As a parent I was very appreciative that it didn't have anything bad in it, as many YA novels can be very dark. Would highly recommend this read to everyone both young and old. Also love that a portion of the proceeds go to help horses!!

Greetings fellow authors and readers:

In an effort to gather some perspectives on 'Dark Stallions - Legend of the Centaurians', like many other authors I have provided copies of the fantasy to random individuals.
Here is a recent review from a businessman in Yreka, CA..

To: William E. Simpson II
 
Dear Bill,
I just finished your book, Dark Stallions-Legend of the Centaurians and this is the best book I have read in a very long time. The story line and characters make this a real page-turner that will appeal to a wide range of readers. I am looking forward to the release of your second book in this Trilogy. Please put me on your mailing list for the next release.
Thank you and keep writing!
Sincerely,
 
Vern Drane
President / County Manager
Mt. Shasta Title & Escrow Company
Yreka, CA 96097

As a newly minted Indie author I am learning a lot about what it takes to undertake the duties of a publisher as well as author. And I have something to compare to, given that my last book was released by the publisher Ulysses Press, who handled all of the back office details and important little things like editing and book reviews...

Lately, now that I am paying attention to all things 'Indie', I have noticed that a few authors (not as successful as they had hoped with their own books) have turned to a new business model... selling products and services to the growing Indie author marketplace, which is bustling with hopeful authors. These authors turned marketeers, sell their so-called 'advice' on writing, editorial services and even marketing, which I find interesting since some of these marketeers have no marketing resumes to speak of... Even their own books are languishing with Amazon rankings in the millions as they trumpet their own successes and prowess to add value to newbie authors.
Some of these self crowned 'experts' offer book critiques, which I have found to simply be one person's perspective based upon their own 'experience', a word that deserves emphasis because few of these so-called mentors have the necessary experience with success. Ryan Holiday wrote a great article that I highly recommend to all budding authors, and book editors. The article is easily found on Google by searching the term: 'So You Want To Be A Writer? That’s Mistake #1'

After reading what Ryan aptly states, then re-consider your writing project...

Cheers! Will

The winners of the 'DARK STALLIONS - Legend of the Centaurians' book giveaway will be receiving their signed copies in about a week! They all went out in today's mail.

Since the book (trilogy) was actually inspired by the wild horses that live on and around our ranch, the proceeds from the book sales are going to save wild horses (there are only 25,000 American wild horses left on public lands!) and also for the rescue and sanctuary of wild and domestic horses. So when I do a giveaway, the horses are the real sponsors, not me. I am merely a 'conduit' at some level. So please, if you were one of the lucky winners, post a review and also spread the word about the wild horses and the first book of the trilogy.
If you want see photos of some of these special beings, please check out our Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/Dark-Stallio...

Cheers! Bill
Wildhorse Ranch

Hello fellow authors and readers!

I am probably not the only writer who wonders how readers will receive their novel... in this case, there is much more at risk than just ego... the fates of many wild and domestic horses ride in the balance of the success of the novels... So when this first review came to me via mail, I was thrilled... and I can only wish that other readers will also find enjoyment in the books... Cheers! William

Review

"I have recently read 'Dark Stallions Legend of the Centaurians' by William E Simpson. There are books that make me sad to turn the last page and have the story end. This was one such and I am pleased that it is only the first of a trilogy. The author created a very real connection between the book's characters and me as a reader in this delightful fantasy. He demonstrated deep understanding of animal and human psychology and behavior. I recommend this book and those to follow without reservation."

Sharon Litizzette - owner / breeding manager at Windamere Arabians