The Filidh Publishing Newsletter!
http://filidhbooks.com Phone: 250-589-2385 E-mail: info@filidhbooks.com
Volume 1, Issue 8
January 2025
Welcome to the Eighth Issue of Our Newsletter
We hope to keep you posted on local events, inspire you to read emerging authors, review your next great read and share tips and opportunities to help you keep your finger on the pulse of the Canadian literary community.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Friendly Authors Networking Socials (FANS)
Flash Workshops
News - Updates
Author Bio of the Month
Excerpt of the Month
Revies are Essential
Points to Ponder
Filidh Publishing Corp
Friendly Authors Networking Socials (F.A.N.S.)
In response to requests, we are hosting gatherings for authors who are published and interested in networking with other authors. To learn and share insights on sales, networking, branding and other things that may facilitate income and possibly collaboration on future writing projects and events. It is not a writers' group but more a writers' 2.0 group. What is next, and how do I get these boxes of books into the hands of readers? Let's chat, share tips and learn from and with each other.
The next F.A.N.S. Gathering:
Saturday February 15, 2025, from 10:30 AM until 12:00 PM
Quality Foods- Upstairs Café,
Eagle Creek Village Shopping Centre, View Royal
Bring your elevator speech and copies of the books you’d like reviewed.
NEW – FLASH Workshops – Author Marketing Tips
Saturday February 15, 2025, from 12:30 PM until 2:30 PM
Quality Foods- Upstairs Café,
Eagle Creek Village Shopping Centre, View Royal
Zoe Duff facilitating. Topic: Press kits and Getting Your Book in Bookstores.
Anyone interested is welcome to attend. $10.00 per person fee.
NEWS – Updates
December Newsletter Skipped: Due to personal issues, December’s issue did not get produced in time. Our apologies.
Writers Voice Anxiety About Using AI: A recent survey by Microsoft revealed that professional writers are anxious about the use of AI writing tools, while readers seem less concerned
Building the Author Brand: social media is becoming increasingly important for authors. Today's literary success stories are being written as much on social media feeds as they are on manuscript pages
AI Dupes of Books on Amazon: Canadian authors have warned readers about AI- generated duplicates of their books appearing on Amazon. This issue has raised concerns about the authenticity and quality of books available online
Author Bio This Month: P.N. Holland
P.N. Holland, also known as Neil, is a Canadian author whose life and work are deeply rooted in Victoria, British Columbia. Writing in memory of his late wife, Kris, Neil's literary journey is both a tribute to her and a testament to his enduring passion for storytelling. He is a proud father of two children and a grandfather to five, and he shares his home with two beloved dogs
Neil's professional background is in education, having dedicated over 30 years to teaching in British Columbia's public schools. He holds a Master of Education degree from the University of Victoria, with a specialization in English. This extensive experience in education has significantly influenced his writing, particularly in the way he crafts his stories to engage and educate young readers
Neil's writing style is characterized by its fast pace and engaging narratives, making his books real page-turners. He is best known for his Vancouver Island Mysteries series, which includes titles such as "The Saxe Point Park Mystery," "The Lost Boys of Lampson," and "The E&N Escape." These books are set in familiar locales around Vancouver Island, adding a touch of local charm and authenticity to his mysteries. The series is noted for its magical elements and intriguing plots, which captivate readers of all ages
In addition to his novels, Neil has written a Teacher’s Study Guide to accompany his books. This guide is used in schools to help students improve their reading and writing skills, reflecting Neil's commitment to education and his desire to inspire a love of literature in young people. He frequently visits schools to share his insights on reading and writing, engaging with students and teachers alike to foster a deeper appreciation for storytelling
Neil's literary contributions extend beyond his Vancouver Island Mysteries series. He is currently working on a new trilogy called Vahldohr, with the first book titled "Mellissadorha." This new series promises to be as captivating as his previous works, with richly imagined worlds and compelling characters. Additionally, Neil is working on a collection of short stories, further showcasing his versatility as a writer. His short story “The Wishbinder” was published in the anthology, The Platinum Collection (2023)
Neil's dedication to his craft and his community is evident in his active involvement in literary events and his willingness to share his knowledge and experience with others. He is a regular participant in local book fairs and writer conferences, where he connects with fellow authors, readers, and aspiring writers. His approachable and friendly demeanor makes him a beloved figure in the literary community
Throughout his career, Neil has received praise for his ability to create engaging and educational stories that resonate with readers. His books are available in both softcover and ebook formats, making them accessible to a wide audience. (Amazon.com , filidhbooks.com) He continues to write and publish new works, always striving to create stories that entertain, educate, and inspire.
Neil’s writing often explores several recurring themes that resonate deeply with his readers:
- Mystery and Intrigue: Central to his Vancouver Island Mysteries series, Holland weaves intricate plots filled with suspense and unexpected twists. His stories keep readers on the edge of their seats, eager to uncover the next clue.
- Local Charm and Setting: Holland's books are set in familiar locales around Vancouver Island, which adds a layer of authenticity and charm. The detailed descriptions of these settings help ground the fantastical elements of his stories in a real-world context.
- Magical Realism: Many of Holland's works incorporate elements of magic and the supernatural. This blend of reality and fantasy creates a unique narrative style that captivates readers and adds depth to his storytelling.
- Education and Learning: Given his extensive background in education, Holland's writing often includes themes related to learning and personal growth. His Teacher’s Study Guide is a testament to his commitment to using literature as a tool for education.
- Family and Relationships: Holland's personal experiences as a father and grandfather influence his portrayal of family dynamics and relationships. His characters often navigate complex familial ties, adding emotional depth to his narratives.
- Resilience and Perseverance: Characters in Holland's stories frequently face significant challenges and obstacles. Their journeys of overcoming adversity and demonstrating resilience are central to his themes, offering readers both inspiration and hope.
These themes combine to create engaging, thought-provoking stories that appeal to a wide audience. Holland's ability to blend mystery, magic, and real-world issues makes his work both entertaining and meaningful.
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Excerpt of the Month:
(from The Tantra of Chimera by Zoe Duff)
A WINTER EVE
Tap upon my window
And swiftly enter in;
I await your coming
With the warmth of love and wine.
I will put aside your cloak,
And brush away the snow-
And kiss the chill
And thunder
From the memories
Of your soul.
The softness of my skin;
So gentle is your touch.
Take me in your arms
And love me till the dawn.
I tremble as I ponder;
So eagerly I wait.
So, tap upon my window
And swiftly enter in.
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Reviews are Essential
Reviews are an essential form of feedback that help authors connect with their readers and market their work. Specifically reviews are wanted for the books on https://filidhbooks.com : We have given review copies of our books out at various events in the past year including FANS meetings. If you have a reviewers copy book, please read it and reply to reviews@filidhbooks.com with the following:
1. Name of the book and author.
2. What made you choose this book to review?
3. What did you like about the book?
4. What did you not like about the book?
5. Which was your favourite character and why?
6. Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?
7. Anything else you’d like to note about the book?
8. Have you posted a review for this book anywhere else? Where?
Thank you very much for your assistance and if you are interested in reviewing our books, please contact us at the above email address.
Points to Ponder
Vancouver Writers Fest - https://writersfest.bc.ca
Surrey International Writers Conference - https://www.siwc.ca
Victoria Festival of Authors - https://victoriafestivalofauthors.ca
Federation of BC Writers - https://www.bcwriters.ca
Canadian Authors Association - https://canadianauthors.org
Victoria Writers’ Society – http://victoriawriters.ca
FILIDH PUBLISHING CORP
A Victoria, BC based small independent press that has been producing quality literature of adult and children’s genres from poetry to fiction to non-fiction for over 20 years. See us on Facebook, X, Instagram and at filidhbooks.com
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