The Kingdom of Mercia gets a 'new look'

Covers are a hot topic for indie authors. Some of us don't worry enough about them, while others obsess about getting them right.

I suppose I fall into the second category! The longer I self-publish, the more I realize just how important cover design is.

Coming up with ideas for my covers, mocking up the design on www.canva.com and sending them on to my designer is easily one of my favorite parts of the self publishing process. However, I have discovered that my choice in cover design has been determined by what I like, and not necessarily what the audience who reads my books is looking for.

My historical romance novels are a case in point.

Although they are more historically-based than traditional historical romances, they are still romances. It's the love story that drives the plot forward. My current (soon to be old!) covers are much more 'historical' rather than romance. I'm not sitting here wringing my hands over it—as lovers of historical fiction have also enjoyed my books—but I sense a lot of historical romance readers are glossing over my covers on the virtual bookshelves of Amazon and Goodreads because they don't scream romance.

That said, here are my new covers for THE KINGDOM OF MERCIA series:

Here are my old covers. I like them—they're soft and romantic in their own way—but there's not a lot of sensuality in them.

Are you a historical romance fan—but like your romance with a good dose of realism and historical fact?

Find out more about the KINGDOM OF MERCIA series!

Researching monastic life on Lindisfarne

I'm now 35% in to my latest novel—THE WHISPERING WIND, Book #1 of the Kingdom of Northumbria—and loving this story.

Of course, I love them all but what's great is how each novel I write takes on its own unique tone—and this one is no exception.

This one is a tale of forbidden love. A monk, a maid and their struggle to put their pasts behind them. The first half of the novel is set in Bebbanburg (the castle we now know as Bamburgh) and the island of Lindisfarena (known now as Lindisfarne).

I've really enjoyed researching into Lindisfarne—which also goes by the name of 'Holy Island'. Accessible to the mainland via a tidal causeway, the island is one of the Farne islands, an archipelago off the north-east coast of Northumbria. There's something mystical and special about Lindisfarne—for years I've wanted to use it as a setting for a novel and now I have the chance!

Lindisfarne is one of the United Kingdom's most iconic spots of religious pilgrimage—and the place the Vikings first came ashore.

Lindisfarne priory was founded in 635 AD by King Oswald (who met a grisly end at the Battle of Maserfield in 641 AD—an event I highlighted my novel, THE BREAKING DAWN). My current story takes place in 670 AD, so around 35 years after the priory was built. The monastery became the religious heart of the Kingdom of Northumbria until the Vikings sacked it in 793 AD. After that, the surviving monks fled and the monastery wasn't rebuilt until 300-400 years later.

My research led me to a fascinating website, Digventures, which had some little known facts about Lindisfarne priory and how it would have looked in Anglo-Saxon times. My hero spends time  as a monk on the island, and I wanted to ensure the setting was authentic.

Digventures are currently doing an archaeological dig on Lindisfarne and unearthing remains from the pre-medieval priory, so it's an excellent time to be researching this time and place!

Monasteries in Anglo-Saxon England bore little resemblance to Medieval ones. 

The Digventures blog post I discovered pointed out that monasteries in the 7th Century wouldn't have had cloisters; were built closer to nature, taking advantage of the natural features of the land (such as cliffs, hillsides and coastlines); were more sprawling than later complexes; and were made largely of wood.

Interestingly, there were no actual religious orders at that time (the Benedictines and friars didn't appear in England until the 13th Century). Also, there would have been less segregation between men and women in those times—there are records of monks and nuns living at the same site during the Anglo-Saxon period.

What Anglo-Saxon monasteries did have in common though with later ones though was the use of stained-glass windows, the wearing of habits, and the 'monastic' lifestyle, which focused on hospitality, prayer and farming.

Read more about this at Digventures.

The Kindle Scout Journey - Part #2

I thought it was time for another Kindle Scout update. My novel, DAWN OF WOLVES, was selected for publication by Kindle Press back in June, and then released on August 23, 2016.

In my first post about my Kindle Scout experience, I outlined how my campaign went and the editing and pre-publication process. It's now been just over a month since publication—so how have things been going.

During the first days of publication—during which Amazon places the book on the 'new release' lists—I sold 36 books (23-31 August). Most of these were in the US, with a handful in the UK and Australia. I just got my royalty statement for August (which is why I have the exact numbers) so don't know how many books I've sold in September yet.

Most days, the book sits at around 50,000 on the Amazon rankings—which is okay, not stratospheric but it's ticking along at a couple of copies a day. I've heard the real promotion starts 90 days after publication, so watch this space!

The power of the back-list

The biggest advantage of having DAWN OF OF WOLVES published by Kindle Press, is the effect it's had on my back-list. The book is #3 in The Kingdom of Mercia series. Although the novels follow on historically, each one can be read as a stand alone story. Winning Kindle Scout has given the whole series a boost. Readers are discovering THE BREAKING DAWN and DARKEST BEFORE DAWN, which I'm delighted about.

Reaching my audience

So far, I've found the whole Kindle Press experience a positive one. It's been given me a confidence boost and helped my historical romances find their audience—not easy in a crowded market-place.

As my novels are set in 7th Century Anglo-Saxon England, I write in quite a niche—few writers set romances in this era. As such, my books can be too gritty to appeal to some mainstream romance readers and too 'love-story' focused for those who like 'straight' historicals. That said, I've discovered there are many readers out there who are looking for historical adventure stories, set in the Dark Ages, with a strong romance element.

I'm grateful that Kindle Scout is allowing me to reach them!

Goodreads giveaway for DAWN OF WOLVES

Enter for a chance to win one of two paperback copies of DAWN OF WOLVES (Book #3: The Kingdom of Mercia).

Set in 7th Century Anglo-Saxon England, DAWN OF WOLVES is about a forced marriage and its devastating consequences. The novel was a Kindle Scout winner back in June and has now been published by Kindle Press. The contest is running from 1-9 September 2016 - click on the widget below to enter!

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Dawn of Wolves

by Jayne Castel

Giveaway ends September 09, 2016.
See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter Giveaway

Here's an excerpt from the book - one of my favorite scenes - for you to enjoy!

***

Ermenilda squared her shoulders and marched through the crowd of milling men and horses. She strode purposefully toward the front of the column. Aware of the men's stares as she walked among them, Ermenilda kept her gaze fixed upon her destination: the King of Mercia.

Wulfhere had just dismounted from his stallion and was saying something to Werbode. The dark-haired warrior spied Ermenilda first. He watched her for a moment, his gaze traveling the length of her in a way that made her boiling temper rise even further. Then, he lazily turned to Wulfhere.

"Milord, it appears your betrothed wants a word."

Wulfhere turned, his limpid gaze settling upon Ermenilda. The impact of their gazes meeting nearly caused her step to falter. Resisting the sudden impulse to turn and flee, she pressed on.

"Lady Ermenilda," he greeted her. "How can I be of service?"

"I would speak to you for a moment," she replied, stopping a few feet away from him. "Alone."

Wulfhere raised an eyebrow, while around them a few men sniggered.

Werbode gave a low whistle."She's forward, this Kentish princess . . ."

Ermenilda threw him the coldest, most imperious look she could muster, but Werbode merely returned her gaze with a boldness that made her skin crawl. Suddenly, she felt like a lamb in a den of wolves. The anger that had propelled her off her palfrey and up to the head of the column was beginning to subside. She was starting to feel vulnerable.

"Come, milady." Wulfhere cast Werbode a censorious look before he gently took hold of Ermenilda's arm and steered her away from his men. They reached the crest of the hill, a few yards away from the others, and halted. Behind them, to the north, Ermenilda could see the gentle folds of grassy downs stretching away to a cloudy horizon like a rumpled blanket.

Wulfhere turned and faced her. The look of thinly veiled amusement on his face made Ermenilda's ire rise once more.

"What is it?" he asked.

"I demand an apology," she replied, folding her arms across her chest as she faced him.

His amusement faded. "An apology . . . for what?"

"For your behavior."

Wulfhere stared at her, stunned. When he replied, his voice held a warning. "I had every right to be angry, Ermenilda. I had just learned of your mother's treachery, and I believed you to be part of it. I am still yet to be convinced that you are entirely innocent."

"My word should be enough," she countered angrily. "Yet, that is not what I seek an apology for. You took advantage of a moment alone with me. You humiliated me."

His eyes widened. "A kiss is not humiliation. You are my betrothed--I have a right to kiss you. Even if I had taken you last night in your tent, it would have been my right."

Anger exploded within Ermenilda. She unfolded her arms and balled her fists at her sides.
Wulfhere observed her temper and raised an eyebrow.

"Definitely not the ice maiden I took you for. Do you wish to strike me?"

***

Enter the Goodreads Giveway contest.

Buy a Kindle copy of DAWN OF WOLVES from Amazon.

Kindle Countdown promotion for THE BREAKING DAWN

Book #1 of The Kingdom of Mercia - THE BREAKING DAWN - is now 99 cents for 6 days only from Aug 18-23, 2016.

This novel tells the unfolding love story between Merwenna and Cynddylan: a Mercian Village girl and a Welsh prince. Set against a backdrop of war, treachery and ambition, this epic romance is about two people from different worlds, the power of destiny, and an unforgettable love.

Get your copy from Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk before the promotion ends!

Please note: this promotion is only available only to Amazon customers in the US or UK - no idea why!

The Kingdom of Mercia - three kings, three love stories

During the 7th Century, three kingdoms vied for dominance in Britannia: East Anglia, Mercia and Northumbria.

The Kingdom of the East Angles was dominant at the beginning of the century, followed by the Kingdom of Mercia. After that, the Kingdom of Northumbria rose into power, bringing this fascinating century to a close.

The KINGDOM OF MERCIA series follows the reigns of three Mercian kings: Penda and his two sons, Paeda and Wulfhere. It's a three book series (which can be read as stand-alone novels), spanning 17 years (641-658 AD).

Penda of Mercia - my favorite villain

The Kingdom of Mercia became a dominant power due to the efforts of one man: King Penda of Mercia.

He ruled from around 626 until his death in 656 AD. No one had heard of Mercia until Penda took the throne but that was soon to change. Not content to live within his borders, he began campaigns against his neighbours shortly after becoming king.  Northumbria, East Anglia, Wessex and Gwynedd - none of them escaped him. He was also Britain's last resolutely pagan king.

Penda appears in four of my novels (Nightfall till Daybreak, The Deepening Night, The Breaking Dawn, and Darkest before Dawn). A ruthless, cold man who will do anything for power - he never fails to steal any scene he appears in. His only saving grace is the love he bears his wife, Cyneswide. No one except her sees his softer side - not his sister, his daughters, nor sons.

Penda made a complex, fascinating villain and I was sad to finally see him go in Darkest before Dawn (Book #2 of The Kingdom of Mercia).

The series in a nutshell

The Breaking Dawn is Book #1 in the series. This is the story of Merwenna, a Mercian village-girl, and Prince Cynddylan of Wales. It follows the burgeoning love between a man and woman from different worlds, set against the backdrop of the Battle of Maes Cogwy in 641 AD - which saw Powys (Wales) and Mercia unite against Northumbria.

Darkest before Dawn is Book #2 in the series. It starts in 655 AD, a year before the Battle of Winwaed, in which Northumbria defeated Mercia. It's the tale of Alchflaed, a Northumbrian princess, and Maric, a Mercian warrior. Duty and deception separates them. Alchflaed's father has given her a terrible choice: if she wants to choose her own path, she must marry the son of his bitterest enemy - and then murder him.

Dawn of Wolves is Book #3 in the series (and a Kindle Scout Winner). This is the story of Ermenilda and Wulfhere. She's a Kentish princess determined to take the veil. He's an exiled Mercian prince. She wants to live out her days as a nun, in peace and solitude. But he wants her for his wife - at any price.

Special promotion: get Book #1 in THE KINGDOM OF MERCIA series for just 99c!

To celebrate the completion of the series - and the upcoming release of Dawn of Wolves (Aug, 23 2016) - the novel that starts the series, The Breaking Dawn, will be discounted to 99c (from $2.99) for 6 days only - from 18-23 August 2016.

Not only do you get a full-length novel but the prequel novella to the series, Night Shadows, is also included in the Kindle Edition - a really good deal!

Get your 99c Kindle copy of The Breaking Dawn from Amazon! (Note: Kindle Countdown deals are only available to Amazon US and UK customers)

The Wolf and the Lamb

I was a guest on the English Historical Fiction Authors blog a couple of days ago (I've been away at the amazing RWNZ conference, so only just catching up now!)

My blog post is about Wulfhere and Ermenilda - the real historical couple my new novel (Dawn of Wolves - released date Aug, 23) is about.

In the post I delve into the historical background to 'the wolf and the lamb' - although my version is quite different and (being a romance) is far less grim!

Read the story at English Historical Fiction Authors.