UK Amazon Kindle Forum discussion

Originally I was a physicist. It was the perfect subject for me as I've always had a fascination with what underlies the world. Quantum mechanics was my thing. It spread to metaphysics, the Greek classics and Buddhism. (I was raised a Roman Catholic, spending my entire education until university in church schools.)

Unfortunately, physics didn't pay but computers, that I did my physics on, did. So I was a 90s tech head, culminating in the madness of the dot com boom.

Christmas parties in Scottish castles, dinner beneath dinosaurs in the natural history museum, Thruxton race days, community sites, user engagement, market grab and nutcase valuations. What happened is history now. I came out the other side exhausted and with a bad taste in my mouth, but with enough to change what I did.

I traveled to think and kept coming back to writing. I wrote short stories. I used those to get on a Masters course in Creative Writing and moved onto novels. Two novels on, with one that I consider good enough to see the light of day, here I am.

With the release of The Dark Lord's Handbook I feel like I've started on the next chapter in my writing career. The book is out in the wild. I was not quite prepared for the nerves when I realised some people actually read it, some even liking it. I thought I was tossing petals on the ocean. If I am, then I know I'm not alone and I see other offerings go past. I dip occasionally to take them and find so much.

(You can guess from the pic, I love to ride as well. It's the Lycra ...)

And here is the amazon link to your book.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Dark-Lord...

I'll have to bump it up my list methinks...

Ok read the write up and thought it sounded like something I would like so downloaded it.
Welcome by the way

I cycle to work it's more a way of avoiding having to drive than a hobby for me and I wear very flattering lycra leggings in a size too big.

I tried the shaved legs but that proved a step too far. I don't envy you ladies at all.

Try waxing next time it's much more efficient

Jud (Disney Diva) wrote: "Try waxing next time it's much more painful"

I think that's what you're trying to say?

snigger, snigger

Well hello! (Best Lesley Phillips voice!) I think I really must have a read of this. It sounds right up my dark alley! Welcome to the house of fun!

Ignite! We really don't want to know about your dark alley, darling. ;)

she has no shame....

It's shocking, isn't it?

not like us....

I do have some shame. I just like to keep it to myself!

Oh okay. You're shameful then. ;)

Hey, is shameful and shameless the same thing? No, I guess not quite...

Hello Paul. I'm 14% into The Dark Lord's Handbook and really enjoying it.

Inevitably, a few typos and errors of the deeply embarrassing kind are present in most Indie books, and mine was no exception, despite best efforts. Fortunately, I have readers with a sharp eye and a generous nature who were willing to point out these errors and they have been corrected.

If you have already bought the book then please email Kindle customer support with: The Dark Lord's Handbook, ASIN B00756ZO4Y, Paul Dale and ask for the latest version.

Special thanks to Ignite and Jaq for their help and support.

The update came through in a couple of hours Paul. Good luck with the book - it's a cracker!

The book has a new cover. As I learn the ins and outs of this business, I'm continuing to try to improve the overall package. I'll admit, cover design is not a strong area for me, but I think this is a small step in the right direction.

GIMP has a steep learning curve, even for one as technically minded as me.

Ah yes. It's basically the same design eh? The colours and contrast show better though. Very nice.

Just a quick heads up. If you want a chance at a free paperback version to go with the Kindle copy then I've just started a giveaway. Should look good on a shelf.

http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/sho...

Best of luck.

I hope people take this offer up - it's a great story! (I've got one already; thanks Paul!)

Apologies if I have been quiet these past few months but with the weather being good for cycling (at last!), and the Tour de France, I've been somewhat distracted. Not too distracted that I haven't been writing and I'm happy to say the sequel is coming along nicely.

I have found, however, that I've cut down the time I spend here, and other author forums (Kindleboards Writers' Cafe), to almost nothing as I found they consumed an incredible amount of time. So although I may remain quiet here, it's with a purpose and that is to concentrate on Morden in his continuing quest to become a Dark Lord, with a little help from a Handbook.

I read your book, and thoroughly enjoyed it. So most happy to hear that you are working on the next one.

Sitting here and looking back to my first post, it seems hard to believe it was five years ago today!

It reminds me of a joke a friend used to love and which always makes me laugh.

Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.

Anyway. Just to say Morden's path has wound its way and concludes in the just released The Dark Lord's Handbook: Empire.

I know for certain I wouldn't have made it this far without the support of many on these forums, and a few in particular (they know who they are). So my heartfelt thanks.

Bought it and really looking forward to it. I have one or two books I've promised to read first but then I'll be in there!

Just started Book Three. I'm at 4% and loving it already.

Kath wrote: "Just started Book Three. I'm at 4% and loving it already."

Thank you. I'll be interested to see what you make of the ending,

Finished it! Had to break off half way for a couple of beta-reads I'd promised but it's a fabulous ending. I loved the epilogues. Really well thought-out.

Emailed you but I'll review asap - probably tomorrow. Out this aft.

Stonking! Have a review -

http://ignitebooks.blogspot.co.uk/201...

Kath's persuaded me to get your book. It'd better live up to her reputation :)

Joo wrote: "Kath's persuaded me to get your book. It'd better live up to her reputation :)"

I find Kath has impeccable taste ;)

Artificial Intelligence Awakening

It's been a long time since I last walked these boards, and I feel like a much removed relative who drifted away years ago, only to be seen in times of joy and tragedy. The fact I am still writing at all is owed to this group in particular. This is where, as a new writer, I was shown generosity of time and spirit. Thank you.

The Dark Lord's Handbook series was a work of passion and it took time to find something I was equally driven by. It took even longer to write. The subject matter is more dense but for those who may be familiar with my Dark Lord's Handbook series, this is not devoid of a dryish sense of humour.