The Riddler’s Gift
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David Armstrong
July 1, 2010 at 2:55 pm
Just to say how much I enjoy your writing, films and flying. You show many elements of an old soul.
Dr. David Armstrong
Stratford upon Avon, Warwickshire, UK
desiree reilly
July 20, 2010 at 10:34 pm
i have not read the book yet bout i have enterd the contest at good read and id o read a lot of book and would like to read yours
Sharanya
October 1, 2010 at 10:38 am
I am so happy right now! I just got an email from Goodreads saying that I won the Second Sight Giveaway! I can’t wait to read it! Moreover, I can’t believe I won! I’m definately going ot review your book after i’m done reading! This is amazing! Thank you so much for listing it as a giveaway!
Priyank Shah
December 2, 2010 at 7:53 pm
‘The Riddler’s Gift’ is a book which I did find slightly tedious when I started reading it.
However, after getting into the book, I began to view the book as one which consisted of an incredible plot, bursting with fresh, new ideas- each page filled with magic both metaphorically and literally!
I thoroughly enjoyed the book, and cannot wait to delve into the sequel. Thank you.
greghamerton
December 3, 2010 at 11:53 am
Thanks Priyank
The beginning of a fantasy novel is tricky to write, because people come to the first page with wildly different frames of mind depending on what they’re used to, or what they’ve just finished reading. Once you’ve been in the world of The Riddler’s Gift for a while, you begin to understand the relevance of the opening details, but as a newcomer it can seem overwhelming – a new world full of new ideas. My strategy was to drop readers into Eyri and let them explore for themselves – part of what I love about fantasy is that sense of discovery. I’m glad you warmed to the story!
Regards
Greg
Cristy
May 19, 2011 at 9:15 am
Hi Greg,
What a wonder to find a South African who is writing this genre and being published! Congratulations!
I haven’t yet read your book but I would LOVE to do an interview with you for my website (www.cristyzinn.com) so that you can give some insights into the journey you’ve had to take into the world of publishing.
all my contact details are on the website if you’re interested. If not, don’t stress…
All the best with future products – keep writing!
Savera
October 10, 2011 at 12:30 pm
Hi Greg
I’ve just completed an urban fantasy novel and am thinking of sending it to Penguin SA and Random House Struik.
I’m not happy with publishing under my own name, and was wondering what you think about pseudonyms. I’m an Indian female, and don’t tend to read books by Indian authors myself, so I thought the chances of someone else picking up a book with my name on it might be slim.
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Regards
Savera Ramphal
greghamerton
October 10, 2011 at 2:15 pm
Hey Savera, firstly, well done on completing your novel! I haven’t used a pseudonym, but would recommend it. Why?
1. It offers you freedom of expression (you know, you can write that sex scene without worrying about your mum reading it and thinking it was you)
2. It prevents overlap with your personal online presence/user accounts
3. It helps when you’re trying to promote ‘this great new book by …’ When that’s your own name, it always seems vain. But as ‘Savera Ramphal, Publicist for …’ there may be a few more opportunities available.
I wouldn’t bother using a male name, because the first radio/live interview will give the game away. I don’t see being male as an advantage/disadvantage in this genre any more. If you want to disguise your sex use an androgenous Chris or Sandy or Robin, stay away from ‘fantasist’ surnames like Wolfbane or Moondancer or such new-age nonsense, but whatever you choose it’s got to be memorable. As a fantasy reader, I can’t say I have any racial prejudice regarding author surnames: I think I’m just as likely to pick up a book by ‘Ratekoshi’, ‘Minkin’ or ‘Smith’ – I’m looking for a new experience, after all. As you and your pseudonym will be equally unknown, I don’t believe you need to agonise over the choice, because your book will sell by the cover art, title and basic premise of the book.
Good luck finding a publisher
Pete Lehmann
November 10, 2011 at 11:12 pm
Hi Greg,
I am considering going to Namibia with the intention of attempting long hang glider flights. To that end I am trying to track down a copy of your Fresh Air Sites Guide. How might I find one? And I do read German, if that’s the only edition available.
Regards,
Pete
ps please reply to my email
greghamerton
November 11, 2011 at 9:21 am
Hey Pete, all my paragliding and hanggliding stuff is on http://www.eternitypress.com
Abi
November 26, 2011 at 3:23 am
How many Lifesong books will there be? If there’s more will it be another three years for the next book?
greghamerton
November 27, 2011 at 12:33 pm
Hi Abi, the plan is for three books in the Tale of the Lifesong. There’s been a sudden interest for Riddler’s Gift on Amazon Kindle this month, so there’s hope for sufficient demand. I have many ideas for other stories/series set in Oldenworld, but I won’t write pulp fiction at mass-produced speed. It takes me at least one year to write the first draft of each novel and usually another year to edit and refine it. I like to ‘tend and grow’ the story to completion, instead of outline>plot>filling in the blanks. This style takes a long time to develop but I believe I can create a richer and deeper story that way. So if I write The Third Tale of the Lifesong, it’s likely to be released late in 2013. (I would love to, but it’s a massive investment in time so I haven’t committed to it at present). I hope you can be patient with me … I’d rather create books of lasting impact than rush a story out.
Mike
January 11, 2012 at 2:43 am
Hi Greg! Stumbled upon this site and I’m excited to try out some of these fantasy books, I’ve read a few but almost all sound good. I just wanted to recommend Stephen Erikson’s Malazan book of the fallen series to you. Based on the books I’ve seen here it sounds like you would really enjoy it. Dark, extremely complex world, a bit of mystery and humor. Its long but every book is amazing.
Dave Wagner
January 12, 2012 at 11:17 pm
Another new fan here. According to my Kindle, I’m 45% into Riddler’s Gift as I type this, and am quite thoroughly hooked. I love finding a book where I manipulate my time during the day so I can get a few minutes more in with the story.
I don’t even recall where I heard about the book at… ever since getting into digital reading, I’ve been downloading free samples and inexpensive books like a madman… I bought yours and filed it away in my huge TBR pile, and picked it at random on Jan 1 to begin the new year. Glad I did. Very well done. I predict a stellar review of it will be appearing on my blog in the very near future. Gotta share the wealth, you know…
Better go read some more. Adios.
Dave Wagner
San Diego
greghamerton
January 13, 2012 at 9:47 am
Thanks Mike, I tried the Malazan series but couldn’t get into it. Too disconnected, complex and unlikely to sustain my interest. It’s hard to put my finger on why it didn’t work, the story just didn’t excite me.
greghamerton
January 13, 2012 at 10:02 am
Thanks Dave, it’s hard to know if these free days and promotional pricing gambits actually increase readership or just become kindle-stuffing. Good to hear someone is reading The Riddler’s Gift! After 2000 downloads and sales in December, you’re the first voice from the wilderness. As an author it’s hard to get used to mass marketing thinking – it still feels like an individual thing, you know, I wrote the book for YOU to read, I think of my readers one at a time, not in thousands.
Dave Wagner
January 18, 2012 at 3:22 am
Just finished Riddler’s Gift minutes ago, and wanted to hop back on here and applaud your book. Magnificent. I don’t claim to be the most well-read person in my circle, though I did read about 2 dozen fantasy books in the past year… other than Abercrombie’s “The Heroes”, I can’t think of a book I’ve enjoyed reading more – that includes my re-read of GRRM’s and Rothfuss’ latest, as well as other names/books that jostle for my attention.
Very good book. I am now a cheerleader. I’ll do what I can to get folks within my sway to read it as well.
Moving on to Second Sight. Keep up the good work. Excellent.
greghamerton
January 18, 2012 at 9:12 am
Wow, thanks Dave, that’s high praise indeed! Riddler’s was written to seduce people into the fantasy genre; Second Sight is definitely deeper and more expansive, so enjoy the journey.
I’m still one of the ‘little guys’ so any cheerleading you can do is greatly appreciated. Reviews on amazon.com and goodreads always help. You can like the books on Facebook too.
Good luck with your own writing!
Kind regards
Greg
Syndell Layton
January 26, 2012 at 5:55 am
Greg,
Just got a kindle and Riddler’s Gift was one of the books I randomly picked to try. I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I am and am barely halfway through. Wanted to know if there may be a date for book 3 yet, thanks.
greghamerton
January 27, 2012 at 6:24 pm
Thanks Syndell, book 3 is in early stages of development and I have no idea when it will be released. Hope you can be patient; this kind of story can’t be bashed out in a month! Book 2 leaves things fairly complete and I may write some shorter novels before returning to The Tale of the Lifesong.