Well, it's out there.

Well, it's out there and to a mixed response.

In Britain it seems to be doing well, selling steadily and collecting reviews, (18 as of today). Two 4 star reviews and the rest 5 star, which is satisfying to say the least, (I hope I don't sound smug there?). I'm really happy that some people from my home town have read it and made comments about the references to the country side. I think I'll definitely do another story set in North Wales again, it just felt right.

HOWEVER, on the other side of the pond all is not well. Sales are subterranean and the reviews faltering, two 5 star write ups and one 3 star; in which the reader complained about the ending being too abrupt. Well, I shouldn't complain, at least he/she made an effort to put down some feedback, right?

I wonder how I can push it out more Stateside? "Division" picked up nicely there and though Britain outstrips it in sales, the difference isn't as big as with "House". Whatever, it's early days yet.

As for what I'm doing now, well it's complicated.

I started on the sequel to "Division". I have the plot down, some great biblical/Sumerian background mythology and, (I think) some interesting characters to add to the original crew. However... again, that word, I can't seem to find the inspiration to set about it. It'll come, but when exactly I don't know.

I toyed with the idea about writing a story about Cthulhu, the fictional cosmic entity who first appeared in H. P. Lovecraft's short story "The Call of Cthulhu". I had a great idea about the captain of a Whaler in the 19th Century being caught up in the cult of Cthulhu and bringing his crew into danger. My main protagonist was going to be a young lad, and I wanted him to be the only survivor. The thing is though, if I wanted to use the character of Cthulhu, I'd have to ask permission from Lovecraft's estate, who would naturally want money for it. So the idea gasped its first breath and promptly passed away, to be flushed into the sewer of inspirations past.

Never the less, I liked the idea of a 19th Century Whaler in the south Pacific seas, sailing the loneliest oceans of the world, making landfall on remote, exotic islands habituated by natives who follow strange, menacing dogmas. I won't go into what I have, but I'm thinking whale cults, far-flung islands, insane Whaler captains, an impressionable young crew member as a hero and lots of horror. Moby Dick meets Rapa Nui meets Pocahontas, (I bet that last one threw you).

I've also thought a lot more about my dinosaurs meets War and Peace story. Inspired as I am by The Game of Thrones, I've decided the story needs to be broadened; it has to have more background and characters. I have a few ideas floating around, nothing on paper though. I'll definitely get back to it sometime, the idea is far too good to let rot.

Right, so that's it. I have no idea when my anthology with Paul Rudd is coming out, there's been a cloak of silence about it. However, I've done a bit of research on the matter, and it seems anthologies don't sell all that well, so perhaps the publishers are hoping the idea will go to sleep somewhere and not wake up, lol.

OK, I'm off to Berlin all weekend, all the best people, have a nice weekend and thanks for any support you've given me these last couple of weeks.

I do appreciate it.

Reg :-)

The first reviews...

So, they're in, and we're off to a good start!

5.0 out of 5 stars A fast-paced and creepy story 5 April 2013

The house in wales was a cracking story. There was a genuine creepiness to it (especially as Danny was so alone) and some nice gory parts. I read this in a couple of days as I couldn't wait to see what was going to happen to Danny.
The story itself was great, involving Satanic rituals and sacrifice. The writing was fluid and made for a very quick read. There were a few small typos but nothing that detracted from the story. I will definitely read more by this author.

and

5.0 out of 5 stars Cover to cover, well screen to screen actually!! 5 April 2013

Well this is the second book from RR Jones that I've read and it could not have been a more differing plot. Although still as captivating, read on an iPhone in two days to show my commitment to it!!! Great read I look forward to the next book!!!!

I remember the first ones I had for "Division". At that time I didn't care, other people's opinions, (outside of my family and friends) haven't really meant anything to me for a while now. However, nowadays, for some obscure reason, I scan Amazon about four times a day for any new ones.

Why?

I don't know, I really don't. Yes praise is always nice, but reviews are opinions and EVERYONE has their own opinion. The One Star review I was awarded was from someone I never knew, nor will I ever know, and I honestly cannot fathom why it took so much of my attention?

Whatever, the first two are down for The House in Wales and they're good. I just thought I'd let you know in case you're interested.

Have a good week.

Reg.

Sex feedback..

It's hard for me to explain how important feedback is for someone who has just released a book. So I'll paint a picture for you using the vehicle of sex.

Imagine the situation.

You've fancied someone for a long time. Finally he asks you out/she says yes to a date. 

The courting, (love that word, so old fashioned) moves along smoothly with no horrible surprises, (He's a "violent, bigoted drunk", she has a "psycho crush on a boy band" sort of thing) and all seems set for the last hurdle, (or first with some girls... if you're lucky...) into an unknown future together.

So the hour of intimacy is upon you and the act is consummated. Contented and spent, you lie back and ponder on what just happened. For you it was great, every thing you thought it would be and more, but how does your partner feel?

"How was it for you darling?" (I never use the word Darling, unless quoting Blackadder, of course).

Wordlessly he/she stands up and leaves the room.

... and that's how it is when you release a book. Months of slow build up while you write, (courting), thinking what would please the reader, (buying gifts), fine tuning and editing, (making yourself presentable) and then finally release... literally!

But after the release, after you've burst messily all over the public platform, what then? Is it good, will it sell or is the magic simply not there?

That's where I am right now.

The book is out there but the bathroom is silent. 

OK, admittedly it's only been out since Good Friday and Amazon did have me down as Ricahrd Rhys Jones so my fans had no way of finding it... ahem, (coughs) but it's out there.

However, apart from the feedback from my great beta readers, Bob and Dixie, who gave me the standard, "Yeah, s'alright", and George who corrected my laughable grammar and bounced ideas at me, I have nothing to go on.

She's still in the bathroom either weeping her disappointment or whooping at the mirror in exhausted, sweaty glee!

Well, OK, that's not strictly true actually.

Yesterday I received two very encouraging messages on Facebook, (the only contact I have with the outside world while I'm working. I lead such a troglodyte existence). I'll not name names but the two gentlemen informed me that they have the book and not only that, but they're enjoying it too!

It's not quite a whoop from the bathroom yet, but it is the shuffle of feet doing a happy dance.

The real test is what she tells her girlfriends...

Take it easy. (Wish I could).

Reg :-)

"THE" Email.

Found this in my inbox today:

"Reggie,

We have just submitted 'The House in Wales' to Kindle so that it will be up in time for your launch party on Friday.

It is fully edited to CH21 and has been quickly edited to the end (leaving some punctuation changes to do mostly). We will submit an update tomorrow, but it might be best to advise friends to wait until Monday for a fully-edited version."

So, that's it, it's up tomorrow peeps :-)

I will of course be sharing the link and I hope you in turn, as my friends and family, will do so as well :-)

It'd be a good idea to wait for the cleaned up version, and I think Tim only put it up because I blabbed and told everyone it'll be up this week, (I so wish I could be a tad more discreet), but there you go, that's how I roll.

This release went a lot faster than "Division" did and I can't lie, I'm really happy with it, Tim's edits as well.

Anyway, it's up tomorrow if you want it. 

As you were.

Reggie :-D

Book trailer for The House in Wales

Just thought I'd put the trailer up for, "House".
I hope you like it.
The House in Wales

As you were.
Reggie.