News from the 'Chestnut Barn' - May 2013

It is now May and the last few weeks seem to have passed so quickly, my apologies for not writing sooner, however my time and efforts have been taken up with trying to promote my e-book 'A Chestnut Barn in Tuscany' which was published in March.

 

The e-book is now available for download in various formats from my publishers at 'Autharium.com' or alternatively from the following retailers:

Amazon.com
Amazon.co.uk
Kobo
WHSmiths
Waterstones
Tesco Ebooks
iBooks

The e-book sales are doing very well and over the last week or so 'A Chestnut Barn in Tuscany' has been ranked within the top 10 best sellers on Amazon.com on books based about Tuscany (It's highest rank being No4) as you can imagine I am thrilled but could do with some more reviews. I have 10 on the Amazon.co.UK site but only 1 on the other.

 

There is also a feature soon to be published on the 'Italy Magazine' website together with a short story I have written called 'Stress, What stress? which is also based in Italy, this time in Orvieto in Umbria. I do hope you enjoy it if you get the chance to give it a read. Finally on the book front I am hoping to hear back from an American/Italian Publisher by the end of next week, hopefully they might agree to publish my ebook in print form, so if you are one of the few people that are yet to own an e-reader, or like me you still prefer the feel of a good old fashioned paperback book then watch this space.......

The view of the orchard/meadow at the 'Chestnut Barn'

On a lighter note Spring has definitely arrived at the 'Chestnut Barn' now and when not promoting my book or writing the next, I am busy working in the garden where there is much to be done. The shades of green on the trees and in the meadow grass at this time of year are amazing, it is wonderful to be immersed in such beauty and I think myself very privileged to be able to be part of it. The peace and tranquillity is only interrupted by the barks of a passing deer, which echoes through the wood together with the call of the cuckoo; a far cry from the hustle and bustle of our previous lives.

The weather is still a trifle unsettled, with short sharp and sometimes unpredictable showers of rain followed by prolonged and intense sunshine, the perfect growing weather! Unfortunately this years Mille Miglia car race was a bit of a wash out but that didn't stop us enjoying a fabulous lunch and gazing at all the vintage cars as well as the Ferrari's which came through our nearest town of Sansepolcro.

Well I best get back to work....next time I hope to have more news on life at the 'Chestnut Barn'.

 

 

 

   Sunshine and a day to remember........

  

 

 

 

Today I have three pieces of great news....Not only does it appear that Spring has finally arrived, after what seems to have been a very long drawn out, wet and snowy Winter at the 'Chestnut Barn'; but last night at 7.07pm European time it was announced after just 5 ballots that we have a new Pope, Pope Francis. Even more exciting for me is the fact that my ebook 'A Chestnut Barn in Tuscany' is now available on Amazon.com priced at £3.99.

 

I am also hoping that an article I have written for the Italy Magazine, an online Magazine for lovers of all things Italian will be posted, which tells the story of the book and my publishing journey. 

'A Chestnut Barn in Tuscany' will be also be available over the next few weeks on Kobo and at various other online retailers.

 

Please do check it out, Chapter 1 is available for free. Any reviews would be much appreciated.

 

You can see my profile at www.Autharium.com

 

Happy reading!!!

Catherine Carabine - Catherine Carabine profile at Autharium

Catherine Carabine - Catherine Carabine profile at Autharium

Fantastic News!!!! 

My book 'A Chestnut Barn in Tuscany' has been approved and published as an ebook on www.Autharium.com . The ebook will also be available on Amazon.com, Kobo, and iBooks over the next couple of weeks as well as some other leading retailers. The easy part over I now begin the mammoth task of marketing and spreading the word....

It is a true story which begins with an unexpected love affair of all things Italian.

An innocent evening stroll whilst on holiday, through the narrow ancient stone paved

streets of a medieval Italian hill town, leads to a proposal and a heart rending revelation being uncovered once back in England. The discovery subsequently steers a course to a very different way of life.

A Tuscan wedding follows together with a glimpse into the everyday life of the local Italians encountered along the way. An unfortunate accident causes a life threatening illness but the warmth, generosity and kindness shown by the Italian people comes to the fore.

All this is combined with an insight into some of the highs and lows of purchasing renovating and living in an old ruin nestled deep in the forest of the Northern Tuscan hills.

Not just a must read for lovers of all things Italian but a look at the trials and tribulations that go hand in hand with a complete lifestyle change.  

Any reviews would be most welcome. Read and Enjoy!!

The view from the Chestnut Barn...

The view from the chestnut barn.....

Saturday morning has arrived which means yet  more editing, formatting and reading of my manuscript.....'A Chestnut Barn in Tuscany'.  On Monday I hope to release it to 'Autharium' for their approval. Fingers crossed this time next week my dream may have finally come true and my book may be available in digital format for all the world to read......



 

 

 

Outside in the almost magical winter wonderland, the snow finally begins to thaw as the temperatures rise, bringing with it the hope that Spring is not too far away,  the fresh buds on the branches of the surrounding chestnut trees hold the only clue. Winter has been long and cruel this year, the snows appearing early,  more frequently and with more intensity than the last few years, the only thing missing was the freezing temperatures experienced last year when they dropped as low as minus thirteen Celsius.

 

 

 

Catherine Carabine - Catherine Carabine profile at Autharium

Catherine Carabine - Catherine Carabine profile at Autharium

"A Chestnut Barn in Tuscany"

 

The story of the book so far, after six months and what feels like a lifetime of waiting for responses from two publishers, I came across a website called 'Autharium' a new and innovative way to publish whilst still retaining a high percentage of royalties from the sales of your book.

 After much research on my part into the world of ebooks, which I must admit I found to be a minefield! I am happy to say that my book has now been released in a draft form for the world to see......at www.autharium.com

 

Any feedback/comments would be much appreciated as there is still time for amendments.

 

Whilst on the topic of Autharium, I would like to say a big thank you to my new friend Margaret Callow who reviewed my book within a matter of days of its release. Her comments thrilled me beyond words and brought tears to my eyes. Words cannot describe what it means to have a 4 Star review from an accomplished author. Margaret has written 'A Rebellious Oak' and 'A Pardon Too Few' and is currently in the process of releasing her third book to which I wish her all the very best.