Sarah J Maxwell

If anyone enjoys spy/espionage thrillers, I can thoroughly recommend this book. The author Francis Malley is a damn fine fellow who was once the sports editor for the Daily Express. He possesses a wealth of experience and knowledge and has an impressive catalogue of books to his name. Check him out!

The 13th Assassin (Emily Stearn Thriller Series Book 1) The 13th Assassin (Emily Stearn Thriller Series Book 1) eBook : Malley, Frank: Amazon.com.au: Books

This book is going to be epic. Plus the author is a wonderful friend. If you love historical fiction, or just enjoy getting lost in beautiful storytelling, I guarantee you'll not be disappointed!

Candid post from me. I am interested...after the relative success of 'Billy Lemonade', 'What the Knocker-Upper Woke Up' failed to deliver. Book sales are hugely disappointing and reviews have stopped coming in. I may be in my 50's, but I'm a newcomer to the world of publishing and there's so much more I know now than I did two years ago, when I started the final phase of editing for my second book. I can see why readers might not have engaged as much, but I'd really like some candid thoughts from you if you did read it. Was there a particular something that you didn't like. Was the story itself not gripping enough? How about the characters? If you feel brave enough to speak, I've developed a very thick skin over the querying years of writing. As an aside, if you have read it and didn't hate it, a review would be so very welcome. It doesn't have to be 5 stars so don't let that stop you. But a book WITHOUT reviews is invisible. And it would be very remiss of me not to add a link to the book in case buying it has been on your 'to do' list and you haven't got round to it! 😜
https://www.amazon.co.uk/What-Knocker-Upper-Woke-Sarah-Maxwell/dp/1739594320/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2UPAOORPD3KP3&keywords=what+the+knocker+upper+woke+up&qid=1692855270&sprefix=%2Caps%2C628&sr=8-1

Candid post from me. I am interested...after the relative success of 'Billy Lemonade', 'What the Knocker-Upper Woke Up' failed to deliver. Book sales are hugely disappointing and reviews have stopped coming in. I may be in my 50's, but I'm a newcomer to the world of publishing and there's so much more I know now than I did two years ago, when I started the final phase of editing for my second book. I can see why readers might not have engaged as much, but I'd really like some candid thoughts from you if you did read it. Was there a particular something that you didn't like. Was the story itself not gripping enough? How about the characters? If you feel brave enough to speak, I've developed a very thick skin over the querying years of writing. As an aside, if you have read it and didn't hate it, a review would be so very welcome. It doesn't have to be 5 stars so don't let that stop you. But a book WITHOUT reviews is invisible. And it would be very remiss of me not to add a link to the book in case buying it has been on your 'to do' list and you haven't got round to it! 😜

What the Knocker-Upper Woke Up What the Knocker-Upper Woke Up

When every moment spent working on my WIP feels exciting. When the characters tell me how they're feeling. When the confidence soars and belief kicks in. I don't have a publisher (yet) for book 3, but this is my best work. I feel like a proper young adult fantasy author. I have hope. Hoping I can send out to my beta readers by end June (when imposter syndrome kicks in!).

A wise decision. 🐾❄️

(Source: PaulLaugh45 via Twitter)

Latest 5⭐️review for 'What the Knocker-Upper Woke Up'. You know who you are. Thank you!

What the Knocker-Upper Woke Up What the Knocker-Upper Woke Up

What a fabulous review!

🌌BOOK REVIEW🌌
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
What the Knocker-Upper Woke Up

Coraline meets Alice in Wonderland, this novel offers a world of nightmares, chaos and mystery; all within the bustling streets of London. A story of courage and horror, Tess embarks on the twisted fate that has fallen on London: Sideways. To save her brother, Teddy, from the same horrors as those who have entered, the haunting Sideways leaves the reader in chills. Along with Smelly Mary, Alice, Helga, Dot and Grandad, you cannot help but root for them all; hoping that whatever danger follows them, they will survive. Adventure does not give justice to Tess's journey, as she attempts to navigate the grey wasteland with one true purpose: Tess’s journey is survival.

“In the scrawled sketch of tumultuous grey, two round circles. Darker grey — almost black — where the pencil had pressed hard. “She’s hiding there, somewhere. Watching. These are her eyes.” Teddy continued his monotonous scribbling. Round and round, a sound that got inside Tess’s head, reminding her of the moaning wind of Sideways, or the whooshing cloak of the Sideways Lady. Eerie. Like static. Filling all the gaps. Everywhere.”

Bethany Frost, ARC reader 📖✨

Sarah J Maxwell ✍️👏
Whisper Publishing 📚🎉

'What the Knocker-Upper Woke Up' is a young adult fantasy. It's a spooky read with a very unpleasant antagonist. It's also available to buy! Head over to Amazon why don't you?

Happy Release Day! 'What the Knocker-Upper Woke Up' can be bought via Amazon or on 29th, at Lionsheart Bookshop in Woking! So excited/nervous. I know I'm not alone suffering with nerves on the day my words might be read by people I don't know. Discerning readers who might not like the book. Who might HATE it. Do I care? Yes of course! Will it change how I feel about it? Absolutely not. I've done my bit. My fantastic publisher, Whisper, has done their bit too. And my fabulous Agent, Anna. Now it's up to the reader. I hope you love it as much as I do. If you do... feel free to tell the world. 😁

Release date, 10th October! I am so excited to share this with you. Book number two. A stand alone young adult fantasy, historical fiction. Find out who the Sideways Lady is!

Oooo 😃

Launching on 10 October 🥳🎉📚📖✨🖤🤍
What the Knocker-Upper Woke Up
Sarah J Maxwell ✍️
Whisper Publishing 📖

The past two weeks of my life have been beset with illness and the death of the Queen hit hard. Today I found my smile again (despite the sniffles). I struggle to accept help from people, or reveal (even to those closest to me), just how sad I've felt. Not the best way of carrying on. I'm very aware I am a glass half empty kind of gal, which can be tiring. But I have a beautiful family... and will be in the UK in just over 1 week where I get to launch my book in an actual bookstore! I am trying hard to reset. Get back to my writing. Get back to promoting my book. Get back to feeling grateful for everything I have and all I have achieved. I'm determined to make the most of this period of time where my writing flows and I have a wonderful Agent guiding me. Where my books transform at the hands of my incredible editor. Where good health is my luxury. Happy Sunday and sorry for the 'moan'.

Two weeks ago today, I woke to discover our wonderful Monarch, Queen Elizabeth II, had died. Thousands of miles away from my hometown of London, I've felt adrift in my grief. I wish I could have queued to see her lying in state or been able to line the streets to watch the splendour of her funeral pass by.

I was six when we celebrated the Queen's 25th Jubilee. Mum made a crown from cardboard and tinfoil, and a cloak from crepe paper. The picture suggests an excited little girl. Aged forty (thereabouts), I stood with my daughter as the Queen visited Bromley. At the corner, as her car turned, she waved at us. I might have been that little girl again. I'd seen her, our glorious Queen. One whose presence was very much part of my upbringing and whose passing has left me with a sense of loss.

In mourning her, I've shed tears for my dearly departed Mum and my Grandmother who died long before I was born. Both would have seen a young woman, a princess, before duty called on her to become Queen, who said, "grief is the price we pay for love." How beautifully true is that?

She dedicated her life to us. Not always getting it right, but then she never professed to be flawless. To me, she was a beacon in a grey world.

Rest in peace, Your Majesty. Most excellent Monarch.

God Save the King.

My first review from an ARC reader!

InterSaga on Twitter “🌠Review🌠 What the Knocker-Upper Woke Up 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟”

With the release of 'What the Knocker-Upper Woke Up' imminent. Here's a little something from the knocker-upper, herself. A little girl called Alice.

👑❤️

What a thrill to be in the same stable as these fabulous writers!

Some of the different genres over at Intersaga Literary Agency 🙌😊📚🎉✨
Lelita Baldock - Historical Fiction
susanleekerr.com - Haiku Collection
Author Sarah Surgey - Children's Books
Sarah J Maxwell - Young Adult Fantasy

Having to pinch myself. A book launch! Me? Bonkers.

'Billy Lemonade' isn't just about about Billy and Jane. Zoe comes across as mean and spiteful, but unrequited love can make us crazy!

Feeling good about my writing and wanted to share the latest stage of my journey. As the release date of 'What the Knocker-Upper Woke Up' nears, I'm not nearly finished with 'Billy Lemonade'! I work now, almost full-time, my kids are growing up, and and keeps me sane. Privileged to be part of the and team. Check out my latest post.

On the final stage of edits for 'What the Knocker-Upper Woke Up'. Feeling GOOD! 😁

Oh my gosh! The cover for my new book!

𝐒𝐀𝐑𝐀𝐇 𝐉 𝐌𝐀𝐗𝐖𝐄𝐋𝐋, 𝐖𝐇𝐀𝐓 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐊𝐍𝐎𝐂𝐊𝐄𝐑-𝐔𝐏𝐏𝐄𝐑 𝐖𝐎𝐊𝐄 𝐔𝐏—𝐂𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑 𝐑𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐀𝐋

‘𝗠𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗻 𝗧𝘂𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗿 𝘄𝗮𝘀𝗻’𝘁 𝗮 𝗯𝗼𝘆 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝘀𝗼 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗵𝗲 𝘄𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗺𝗶𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴, 𝗻𝗼 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝗱.’

All dressed up in its new jacket and third edit started. 𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘒𝘯𝘰𝘤𝘬𝘦𝘳-𝘜𝘱𝘱𝘦𝘳 𝘞𝘰𝘬𝘦 𝘜𝘱. Coming soon!

Design




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How many of you distrust yourself in all you do? Moments of clarity are precious but short-lived. That can be a huge setback in writing, especially if you have deadlines. I am trying, age 51, to finally celebrate who I am and what I achieve. That involves liking myself more and letting go of harmful thoughts and feelings.

Enjoyed a day out, lunch with a friend and lots of laughs. Smiling and laughter can transform a day. Can make you feel good about yourself, more positive. I even belive in my skills today! 🖋 As an emotional person, I can be a little self-absorbed. Not a nice quality, especially when there is so much heartbreak in the world. 💛💙 So here's me, smiling and grateful for incredible friendships and inspirational people. Not least of all

Am so proud of my little A labour of love between myself and my I would love for you to go and buy a copy, but any UK out there, if you sign up to my (link in bio), you might well receive one of the three FREE copies I'm giving away! Besides anything else, my newsletters are joyful and contain 😆