Posted in fiction, Giveaway, Guest Post, Literary on March 29, 2023

 

 

 

 

Synopsis

 

Benny Basilworth makes connections. A rare intellect, he sees things that others don’t see and draws conclusions that others completely fail to grasp. He has the kind of mind that can make a person a national sensation on the television gameshow “The Connection Game”– and the kind of mind that can be the target of predators.

Despite his brilliance, Benny and his family find themselves destitute, living in a basement apartment with one tiny window that affords them only the view of the feet of passersby on the street above. It is from this vantagepoint that Benny once again starts making connections. Mad, inconceivable connections. Connections that can change lives . . . and turn the entire world upside down.

​Humorous, surprising, wise, and remarkably perceptive, The Connection Game is a novel unlike any other and one that you are unlikely to forget.

 

 

 

The Story Plant * AmazonB&NIndigo

 

KoboIndieBoundBook Depository

 

 

Guest Post

 

4 thoughts running through an author’s mind during book launch

 

 

As my second novel The Connection Game launches, there are thoughts running through my mind, thoughts some authors may be able to relate to, maybe some readers too…

Of course, there’s the big one: will anyone read my book? After investing a year and a half of my life in The Connection Game, the story is close to my heart. Like most artists, all those hundreds of hours were invested for the love of writing the story rather than to make money. However, as the commercial world looms large for my precious creation, I now need to think like a business person rather than an artist. It’s a fascinating transition authors must navigate if they’re to succeed commercially. So hello book world, I’m an authorpreneur ready to sell copies of my suspenseful novel, The Connection Game.

Another thought which sometimes pops up is: did we catch all the spelling and grammar mistakes in the book? You wouldn’t believe how many edits happen before a book is launched. I edited The Connection Game around thirty times, then it went through five rounds of developmental editing, and another couple of rounds of line editing. So you’d think I could rest easy about the novel’s grammar and spelling. However, the more I edit my own work, the more I learn there’s no such thing as a perfect text. In an 80,000-word manuscript, there’s always going to be something which slips through the net, regardless of how many edits were done. Sorry in advance to any readers out there who find an editing mistake in the book.

The next thought seems to be universal for all writers: what will readers think of my book? I’d be lying if I said this question doesn’t run through my mind on occasion. The Connection Game recently received its first critic’s review from the Chrysalis Brew Project. The review was so positive it brought tears to my eyes. That positive reaction provided proof that I care as much as the next author about what critics and readers make of my writing. So please be kind, reviewers and readers of the world.

The final thought running through my mind as launch day approaches may surprise non-writers: will anyone ever speak to me again once they’ve read my novel? Neil Gaiman once famously said that you know when you’re writing well when you feel like you’re walking down the street naked. It’s such an apt description of being a writer. So as The Connection Game becomes a published novel, I feel like I’m preparing myself for a naked run along a street lined with strangers from all around the world. I just hope these particular strangers don’t have tomatoes ready to throw at me.

As you can tell, being a published author is a challenging and humbling experience. I’ve been counting down to the launch of The Connection Game with joyful trepidation and look forward to its journey in the market.

 

 

About the Author

 

S.S. Turner has been an avid reader, writer, and explorer of the natural world throughout his life, which has been spent in England, Scotland, and Australia. He worked in the global fund management sector for many years but realized it didn’t align with his values. In recent years, he’s been focused on inspiring positive change through his writing as well as trying not to laugh in unfortunate situations. He now lives in Australia with his wife, daughter, two dogs, two cats, and ten chickens. He is the author of one previous novel, Secrets of a River Swimmer.

 

Website ~ Twitter ~ Facebook ~ InstagramGoodreads

 

 

Giveaway

 

Win ebook copy of THE CONNECTION GAME (one winner) (ends April 18)

 

THE CONNECTION GAME Book Tour Giveaway