Frances Clarke

Biography

I'm busy preparing another collection of stories plus working on my second novel which is set in Southampton and opens as the 2nd world war begins. Come and say hello on my Facebook page or Visit my blog. I try to keep a page going on that which documents how hard I am finding it as I go along! The web address is www.francesbookpage.blogspot.com

Smashwords Interview

What motivated you to become an indie author?
Sheer frustration! I experienced a lot of encouragement from two different agents, both of whom worked with me and to both of whom I owe a great deal. 'The Glassblower's Daughter' would never have been written if the first agent hadn't insisted I do it. He and I parted company eventually when he felt that he was hindering my progress. The second agent added even more wisdom and I produced a final draft working with her but she wasn't able to place the book in the end. After so much hard work I just wanted to leave it behind and get on with another book but I felt I couldn't because what was the point of having written it (which took AGES) if no one was ever going to read it? My level of frustration prompted me to go down the indie route and it had the desired effect - I was able to let the book float free and start writing another one.
How has Smashwords contributed to your success?
Smashwords offers a sane and utterly helpful platform with clear instructions on how to proceed. You end up doing this really difficult thing but because it is broken down into steps for you - you somehow achieve it. Once you have gone from one step to the next, and once you see the download figures start to increase it gives you back all your sense of belief in yourself as a writer. You feel in control. I think that is very important.
Read more of this interview.

Books

Unusual Salami and Other Stories
Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 32,800. Language: English. Published: January 1, 2011 . Categories: Fiction » Literature » Literary, Fiction » Women's fiction » General
(5.00 from 6 reviews)
With humour ('Imaginary Col')or strange lyrical horror (the title story) the characters in this collection struggle to make sense of life with sometimes dreadful consequences. Greg is weirdly empowered by reading a book, Anna escapes an enchantment (or does she?) God creates the world and Arkle is... well, Arkle. Although what IS that raggy brown stuff under the tree in 'Pneumonia'?
The Glassblower's Daughter
Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 95,390. Language: English. Published: November 16, 2010 . Categories: Fiction » Literature » Literary, Fiction » Women's fiction » General
(5.00 from 8 reviews)
Greta's life is carefree until the abrupt disappearance of her elder sister, and all her courage can't save her from the sinister shadows that engulf her. Even when she finds a way out betrayal and treachery threaten her.

Frances Clarke's tag cloud

abuse    childhood    children    creation    daughter    death    edinburgh    fairy tales    frankfurt    glassblower    hans andersen    love    magician    murder    mystery    nottingham    pelican    photography    playwright    riverside    romance    searching    sex    singleparent    sister    strawberry    struwelpeter    theatre    tragedy    women   

Smashwords book reviews by Frances Clarke

  • The Defector on Oct. 12, 2010

    Tense and gripping, full of unexpected twists and then a stunning sequence involving a yacht chase - and a believeably human male lead as well. Great book.
  • The Wrecking Crew on Oct. 27, 2010

    I was so pleased to find that 'The Defector' by Mark Chisnell, had a SEQUEL! This book is fabulous! If you like excitement and can bear to be kept on the edge of your seat then this is the book to read!
  • Mimi's Little Mixtures on July 10, 2012

    Just read Mimi's Little Mixtures and it's really cool. The viewpoint is one that is very rare in writing - it's a genuine young person's viewpoint and it is great. All the pain and embarrassment and uncertainty and the intensity comes across. I really enjoyed all the stories.
  • Faith Train - A Riveting Saga of Love and Intrigue on July 10, 2012

    It's a blockbuster this book - great pace and drama. The characters are believable and their predicaments are very well described. A terrific read.
  • Grave Misgivings on May 04, 2015

    These are robust, vivid stories crafted from startling ideas; in Growing Things buried animals are reborn as if they are plants. In Foothold, a woman has hands for feet. Wings – I don’t get the title, but the story is a well-written feast of gothic sumptuousness and in Shaggy Dog Story a son sends his mother telepathic pictures of what he wants.... the whole collection bristles with surprises and sometimes it's dark and sometimes it's funny - definitely a writer to watch. Highly recommended