Simon Rose

Biography

Simon Rose is the author of The Alchemist’s Portrait, The Sorcerer’s Letterbox, The Clone Conspiracy, The Emerald Curse, The Heretic’s Tomb, The Doomsday Mask, The Time Camera, The Sphere of Septimus, Future Imperfect, the Flashback series, the Shadowzone series, and The Stone of the Seer series. Simon is also the author of The Children’s Writer's Guide, The Time Traveler’s Guide, The Working Writer’s Guide, a contributing author to The Complete Guide to Writing Science Fiction Volume One, and has written many non-fiction books.

Simon offers a number of services for writers, including editing, manuscript evaluation, coaching, mentoring, and writing workshops. He has provided substantive and copy editing services for many other writers over the years. This has been for novels, short stories, fiction, non-fiction, biographies, inspirational books, and many other genres. He also offers copywriting services for business, including website and social media content. He served as the Writer-in-Residence for the Canadian Authors Association, is the founder of Children’s Authors and Illustrators on Facebook, and served as the Assistant Regional Advisor for SCBWI Western Canada.

Simon works as a creative writing instructor throughout the year, is an instructor for adults with the University of Calgary, and offers a variety of online workshops for both children and adults. Simon also offers a wide variety of presentations, workshops, and author in residence programs for schools and libraries, including virtual author visits.

Simon is a regular presenter at conferences and festivals, and served as a juror for the Governor General’s Literary Awards for Children’s Literature, the Saskatchewan Book Awards, the Parsec Awards, and the Sunburst Award for Canadian Literature of the Fantastic.

Full details can be found at his website www.simon-rose.com. You may also connect on Facebook or follow him on Twitter or Instagram.

Smashwords Interview

When did you first start writing novels and other books?
My first novel, The Alchemist's Portrait, was published in 2003 and I began writing on a serious basis a few years before that. The Shadowzone series was the first one that I self-published. The series involves the discovery of a grim dystopian version of Earth that’s ruled by a totalitarian dictatorship, the threat of a deadly virus, and a race against time to save the lives of millions. The three books in the series are Shadowzone, Into The Web, and Black Dawn and you learn more about them on my website at simon-rose.com.
What's the story behind your latest book series?
The Stone of the Seer is an exciting historical fantasy series of adventure novels for young adults, primarily set in the turbulent period of the English Civil War.

The Stone of the Seer, book one in the series, features the Vikings, Leonardo da Vinci, and the political turmoil of the 1640s. At Habingdon House, Lady Elizabeth Usborne, Kate, and Tom encounter a magical black stone, mysterious ancient manuscripts, and the incredible time viewing device known as the tempus inpectoris, all while under constant threat from the murderous witchfinder, Daniel Tombes.

In Royal Blood, book two in the series, Lady Elizabeth, Kate, and Tom are in the heart of London in early 1649, as King Charles prepares to face his accusers at his trial in Westminster Hall, while Elizabeth, Kate, and Tom desperately attempt to evade capture by the witchfinder.

The third novel in the series is entitled Revenge of the Witchfinder, which will be published later this year.
Read more of this interview.

Where to buy in print

Books

Revenge of the Witchfinder
Price: $1.99 USD. Words: 48,880. Language: English. Published: September 27, 2022 . Categories: Fiction » Young adult or teen » Science Fiction
The Stone of the Seer is a historical fantasy series for young adults, set in the turbulent era of the English Civil War. Revenge of the Witchfinder, book three in the series, features weird dreams, disturbing visions, and parallel lives, as Thomas and Katie discover that not even the passage of centuries can prevent a bloodthirsty witchfinder from the 1640s from seeking his deadly revenge.
Royal Blood
Price: $1.99 USD. Words: 43,630. Language: English. Published: June 21, 2022 . Categories: Fiction » Young adult or teen » Science Fiction
The Stone of the Seer is a historical fantasy series for young adults, set in the turbulent period of the English Civil War. Lady Elizabeth Usborne, Kate, Tom, the tempus inspectoris and the mysterious black Viking stone, are in London in early 1649. King Charles faces his accusers at his trial, while Elizabeth, Kate, and Tom desperately attempt to evade capture by Daniel Tombes, the witchfinder.
The Stone of the Seer
Price: $1.99 USD. Words: 37,350. Language: English. Published: January 23, 2022 . Categories: Fiction » Young adult or teen » Science Fiction
The Stone of the Seer is a historical fantasy series for young adults, set in the turbulent period of the English Civil War. At Habingdon House, Lady Elizabeth Usborne, Kate, and Tom encounter a magical black stone, mysterious ancient manuscripts, and the incredible time viewing device known as the tempus inpectoris, all while under constant threat from the murderous witchfinder, Daniel Tombes.
The Writer's Guides Box Set
Price: $4.99 USD. Words: 78,970. Language: English. Published: September 24, 2018 . Categories: Nonfiction » Publishing » Self-publishing, Nonfiction » Reference » Writing skills
These four writer's guides from Simon Rose offer invaluable tips and advice for authors in all genres. The two Children's Writer's Guides examine working as an author for children and young adults. The Time Traveler's Guide is an excellent resource for writing time travel or historical fiction stories and The Working Writer's Guide examines pursuing writing as a professional career.
The Shadowzone Series Box Set
Price: $5.99 USD. Words: 116,240. Language: English. Published: September 14, 2018 . Categories: Fiction » Young adult or teen » Science Fiction
The Shadowzone Series of science fiction and fantasy novels, including Shadowzone, Into The Web, and Black Daw, involves the discovery of a grim dystopian version of Earth ruled by a totalitarian dictatorship, the threat of a deadly virus, and a race against time to save the lives of millions. "Shadowzone is the first book in a series and I guarantee you will be racing towards the second."
The Children's Writer's Guide 2
Price: $1.99 USD. Words: 20,110. Language: English. Published: January 22, 2018 . Categories: Nonfiction » Children's Books » Writing, Nonfiction » Reference » Writing skills
The Children’s Writer’s Guide 2 explores the writing process, examining topics such as developing memorable characters, creating effective dialogue, the importance of book covers, the value of blogging, age levels and appropriate content for books for children and young adults, networking, and the process of submitting your work to publishing houses.
Black Dawn
Price: $1.99 USD. Words: 45,340. Language: English. Published: July 27, 2017 . Categories: Fiction » Young adult or teen » Science Fiction
In a dark parallel world, attacks by its most determined opponents have forced the Ministry to change its plans. Yet the ruthless Director-General is prepared to sacrifice anyone to achieve an entirely new beginning, no matter what the cost. In a deadly race against time, as events spiral out of control, Ben and Charlie must risk their lives to save two worlds from destruction.
Into The Web
Price: $1.99 USD. Words: 36,800. Language: English. Published: July 27, 2017 . Categories: Fiction » Young adult or teen » Science Fiction
On a doomed version of Earth, the sinister schemes of the Ministry are moving closer to completion, with dire consequences for the inhabitants of two worlds. For Ben and Charlie, an unlikely alliance, unexpected reunions, and the mysterious prophecy of the Chosen One offer a glimmer of hope, with the ever-present prospect of betrayal, as they embark on an unpredictable journey into the unknown.
Shadowzone
Price: $1.99 USD. Words: 38,110. Language: English. Published: July 27, 2017 . Categories: Fiction » Young adult or teen » Science Fiction
While watching intense flashes of lightning during a violent storm, Ben experiences mysterious and disturbing visions of another world, one very different from his own. In the chain of events that follow, Ben encounters Charlie, a girl from a dark version of Earth, a planet doomed by the effects of environmental catastrophe, where the leaders will stop at nothing to complete their deadly mission.
The Time Traveler's Guide
Price: $1.99 USD. Words: 18,160. Language: English. Published: October 28, 2016 . Categories: Nonfiction » Reference » Publishing & books
The Time Traveler’s Guide examines the writing of time travel stories and historical fiction, including the creation of time machines, historical research, creating characters, plot issues, time travel to the future, alternate history, and parallel universes. The Time Traveler’s Guide is an excellent resource for those writing time travel or historical fiction stories for both children and adults.
Future Imperfect
Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 37,890. Language: English. Published: July 22, 2016 by Tyche Books Ltd.. Categories: Fiction » Young adult or teen » Science Fiction
Alex and Stephanie embark on a terrifying journey in a desperate bid to save the future from the sinister Veronica Castlewood.
Where Do Ideas Come From?
Price: $1.99 USD. Words: 7,120. Language: English. Published: June 1, 2016 . Categories: Nonfiction » Reference » Study guides, Nonfiction » Reference » Writing skills
Where Do Ideas Come From? examines how novels can be used to create workshops and creative writing exercises. The book provides suggestions and recommendations for teachers developing classroom projects based on the books but might also serve as inspiration for aspiring writers of all ages.
Exploring the Fantasy Realm: Magic in Stories for Children and Young Adults
Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 5,610. Language: English. Published: January 7, 2016 . Categories: Nonfiction » Children's Books » Writing, Nonfiction » Publishing » Self-publishing
This book explores the many elements of the fantasy realm and examines the use of magic in stories for children and young adults. Topics include fairy tales, magical objects, secret languages, mysterious books, time travel, mythological creatures, and the roots of magic.
School & Library Visits for Authors & Illustrators
Price: $0.99 USD. Words: 3,890. Language: English. Published: January 7, 2016 . Categories: Nonfiction » Children's Books » Writing, Nonfiction » Education & Study Guides » Teaching
This book examines school and library visits for children’s authors and illustrators, including organizing school tours, maximizing book sales, and creating presentations, workshops, and residency programs.
The Social Media Writer’s Guide
Price: $1.99 USD. Words: 8,840. Language: English. Published: January 7, 2016 . Categories: Nonfiction » Business & Economics » Business writing, Nonfiction » Publishing » Self-publishing
The Social Media Writer’s Guide examines the importance of engaging a professional writer to handle an organization’s website, social media, and business communications.
The Working Writer’s Guide
Price: $1.99 USD. Words: 16,270. Language: English. Published: January 7, 2016 . Categories: Nonfiction » Reference » Publishing & books, Nonfiction » Business & Economics » Business writing
The Working Writer’s Guide examines the professional life of those who have chosen to pursue writing as a career. Most full-time writers have multiple sources of income. These include book sales, royalties, teaching, workshops, coaching, editing, public speaking, events, websites, social media, and business and technical writing.
The Children’s Writer’s Guide
Price: $1.99 USD. Words: 27,220. Language: English. Published: January 7, 2016 . Categories: Nonfiction » Children's Books » Writing, Nonfiction » Reference » Writing skills
The Children’s Writer’s Guide examines working as an author for children and young adults. Topics include getting started as a writer, dealing with writer’s block, where ideas come from, choosing names for characters, the importance of revision, writing science fiction and fantasy, the use of magic in stories for children, author visits to schools and libraries, and marketing and promotion.
Flashback
Price: $2.99 USD. Words: 37,990. Language: English. Published: March 23, 2015 by Tyche Books Ltd.. Categories: Fiction » Young adult or teen » Science Fiction
Max investigates the unsolved murder of a teenaged boy, with the help of the boy’s ghost.