In my hands! Perhaps soon in yours?! 😀
I am overjoyed to announce the publication of the paperback of The Storyteller Speaks which is now available on Amazon UK or Amazon US.
The past months have been intense and following the release of the ebook version of my book I’ve been overwhelmed by the enthusiastic and positive reception to my collection. Since the beginning of December, I have received ten 5-star and 4-star reviews on Amazon US and five 5-star ones on Amazon UK. This is absolutely amazing and I cannot thank everyone enough for taking the time to read and leave a review…time is a rare gift and I am touched that so many chose to make space for this in their lives.
Over the next few months, I will occasionally be publishing a review and reblogging posts where I have appeared. I will start with one of the latest reviews by Balroop Singh who blogs at Emotional Shadows. I hope her five-star review will tempt those who haven’t read my book to buy the paperback or Kindlle of The Storyteller Speaks.
Each story in this book is riveting!
5 out of 5 stars
‘The Story Teller Speaks’ by Annika Perry brilliantly illustrates how short stories can capture your heart, transport you to the scene of action and submerge you in the emotional journey of the characters. Her stories are a little above your expectations…a lot has to be discerned, which she leaves unsaid and therein lies their magic. Only few can create it.
The symbolism of Chillies in my Handbag is chilling, the agony that the words hide slowly spills out as Perry writes in the style of dual timeline, lending a touch of realism to the story, keeping a firm grip on the reader’s attention, actually hinting at profound matters of domestic strife. Carl’s loss too unravels itself gently as you keep wondering where is he heading in snow and who is constantly whispering “keep safe” in his ear. It is the style and the exquisite language that raises this book above an average storybook.
My heart missed a beat when Jake and Ellie got lost in the shroud of mist and snow and it sank with each shout for them. Such is the effect of Annika’s style of writing! It is difficult to pick up a favorite one from this collection of stories because all of them strike some chord somewhere as they are based on varied themes, each one connects us with the complexities of life, giving a subtle message that we are mere puppets or mute spectators in many situations that we wish to control.
(review by Balroop Singh)
About the Book
It only takes one event to change a life. What is that action, decision, occurrence? Whose life is affected? Changed forever?
In this eclectic mix of 21 short stories, flash fiction and poetry the pendulum swings between first love and murder, from soul-destroying grief to reconciliation. The tales veer from the sweet satisfaction of revenge to new beginnings, from heart-breaking miscarriages of justice to heart-warming Christmas misadventure.
One common thread binds them all; the belief that there is no such thing as an ordinary life; they’re all extraordinary.
Open your hearts and minds as The Storyteller Speaks.
Annika Perry 
YAAAY!!! I’ll be ordering/reading at some point.
Yeah!!! 😀😀 That’s great, Kathy! Thank you and enjoy! 😀🌺
Congratulations Annika! I am so happy for you and wish your book great success. It is in my “reading queue”, but I have already peaked on one story. Loved it!
I’m smiling at you taking a peak at one of the stories and so happy you loved it – yippee!! Enjoy the rest of the book when it reaches the front of the queue! 😀 I sort of organise the books I’m intending to read in a system but it often falls apart as a book tends to jump ahead! Thank you so much for your lovely wishes! ❤️
Well-deserved recognition of your gifts as a writer who can bring readers into the lives of others, Annika. Congratulations for having the courage and tenacity to breathe your dreams into being. ❤
Wow! Carol, heartfelt thanks for your wonderful comment … I am deeply movedand honoured by your words. The magic of reading books is to enter the world created by the writer, whatever that may be, and if my readers can experience that when reading this book than I have achieved what I set out to do! Hugs xxx ❤️ Btw, I adore your poetic phrase of ‘to breathe your dreams into being’! Pure delight and uplifting to read…I’ll keep doing just that!
❤
Balroop’s review is right on. I’m 3/4s through your book (on my Kindle) and amazed and delighted with each story, which I’m savoring like a gourmet meal. Each story is so different, and relays different emotions from joy, sadness, fear, love, etc. What a writer you are! (But of course, we already knew that from your blog posts.) I’m impressed with your promotional abilities also, Annika. I tend to be way too shy and fearful of this part. I am learning through you and thank you for being so warm and loving and joyful through the process. You are a TREAT. xo
🤗🤗 Pam, this is all too much!! ❤️❤️ Thank you isn’t enough…but thank you so much!! I am overjoyed that you are enjoying the stories and the writing. Gourmet meal eh!! Praise indeed!! Savour away…Pam, as for the promotional aspect of it, I must admit I have been astonished and touched by so many kindly approaching me and asking if I wanted to appear, guest post and I’ve been happily surprised to have book reviewed etc. I think it’s all a matter of being true to yourself – you could do this! Seriously! Thank you again for your wonderful comment…I’m flying even higher which I didn’t think was possible! Have a great weekend, my friend! 🌺💐 xxx
Can’t wait to get into my copy!
Jennifer, that is wonderful! 😀 It has been pointed out to me that for some reason the paperback is not available on Amazon Canada – I will get in contact with them and see why not and try to rectify asap! hugs xxxx
Congratulations, I’m so happy for you. It’s such a fabulous feeling to hold your first book in your hands.. Such a sense of achievement, you must be very proud. Good luck with it and I’ll look forward to hearing about your next one!!! Much Love and Best Wishes !! xxx
Gill, thank you so much…it is an absolutely unbelievable feeling and the reality is just beginning to sink in! Well, it does help I have a small pile of my books on the dining room table ready to take to writing group, cafes etc! 😀😀 Considering this has been my dream since childhood I have a great sense of achievement and my friends since school and uni are so happy and in a state of disbelief almost! Oh, I am so keen Restart the edits on the novel … but it will definitely be a while before you hear more about that!! Have a lovely weekend! 🌺😀
Huge congrats Annika! A most beautiful review from Balroop. I look forward to getting to your book. ❤
That you so much, Debby and enjoy the book when you have a chance. Wishing you a calm and peaceful weekend. Hugs xxx ❤️
Thanks Annika ❤ Happy weekend to you too! 🙂
So happy for you, Annika. It sounds like you have a well deserved resounding success on your hands. 🙂 🙂
Thank you so much, Jo! 😀❤️ It definitely feels like a huge success following such an overwhelming positive response…I never dreamt of anything like this and feel so honoured and lucky! Hugs xxx
I remember how thrilling it was to hold my first book in my hands! Few moments in a lifetime are as satisfying as that. Congratulations, Annika, I’m so excited for you! ❤
Ahh…many thanks, Jennifer! 😀❤️ It is thrilling and a once in a lifetime experience – I’m finding it nearly impossible to come down to earth…
Such wonderful news, Annika! I’m so happy for you – Balroop’s review is so lovely! And I can only imagine how thrilled you must feel to hold your first book in print in your hands now! Make lots of photos for memories! 😊❤ xxx
Sarah, you read my mind! 😀 I’ve already taken lots of photos of the actual paperback books but intending to do a ‘photo shoot’ this weekend for local newspapers of me holding the book etc…best get make-up on! The review was overwhelming and I was so overjoyed…on top of a few amazing weeks this last one left me floating on air…I’m just starting to come down. ❤️🌺
Hmm… There’s nothing I disagree with, Balroop. You are spot on!
Absolutely!!😀 I’ve been blessed with so many wonderful comments which are all ‘spot on’ and really reach inside the stories and decipher them.
I am ordering copies today. Yes, plural. I want to give them to family and friends. Such a thrilling time for you and a wonderful review. Sending you a message on FB too. Bask in the joy now! Kudos!
Bless you, Mary Ann! 😀 Thank you so much, that is wonderful! news! I hope your friends and family all enjoy the book. It is a most amazing time and I can’t quite believe I’ve done it! Thank you so much for sharing on FB too – I really appreciate it. xxx
My pleasure and thank you, Annika, for writing and having conversations with me. I send a Tweet just now with mailing info and a question for you. Kudos, my dear friend, and lovely lady.
Well done. Such an accomplishment. Im so happy for you.
Many thanks, Kavita! 😀😀 It has taken some time to get here but it feels amazing to hold my first book.
Chillies in My Handbag was my favourite. Which is best? Seeing your e-book published or having the hard copy? I can imagine the thrill of placing your own book on your own bookshelf!
How did you know?! Placing a copy on my bookshelf was one of my first actions when I received them! 😃 It was brilliant to press publish for the ebook in December but the solid reality of the paperback is just a pure joy – the two together make a fantastic unbeatable combination! 😀 Yeah!! I loved hearing about your favourite one and that’s one I love especially too. I wasn’t sure of the ending until the last moment I was writing it – just perfect I felt!
Congratulations Annika. 😀 The cover looks great. 🙂
Thank you so much, Norma! 😀 So glad you like the cover and it continues on the back with her hair in white and the blurb written within it….beautiful!
Congratulations Annika, you must be very proud. I hope that sales soar!
Denzil, thank you so much and I am definitely proud and very happy. 😀 Sales on the first day have been good and I’m wonderfully surprised.
Congratulations, Annika, on the publication of your book and on the excellent review. I’m looking forward to reading it.
Nicki, that is wonderful and enjoy the book when you get a chance to read. I have been overjoyed and overwhelmed with all my reviews – Balroops’s captured the essence of the whole collection whilst giving a hint of some of the stories and the emotions raised by them – I couldn’t be happier! 😀😀
Congratulations, Annika! That was a fabulous review! How exciting for you! I look forward to reading it too! Wishing you much success with it! Hugs xx
Thank you so much, Janice! 😀 This and all the reviews are amazing and I’m stunned by them all…it feels fantastic that people can see into and beyond the stories. What a feeling! 😀 Enjoy the stories when you get a chance to read it. Wishing you lots of success too! hugs xx
Thank you, Annika. Yes, that is a good feeling when people actually understand what the hidden meaning was behind your words. Reviews are like Christmas presents all year round! Hugs xx
😀😃
Congratulations Annika, you’ve done it! I will be sure to buy a copy at Amazon, I look forward to reading it…. jc
That’s terrific, JC and it’s incredible to have a book out in print. I’m so glad you’ve bought it – thank you so much. Enjoy! 😀
I am so pleased your book is out in paperback – congratulations, Annika. I loved Balroop’s review – I am really looking forward to reading your stories!
Clare, thank you so much and I’m so happy you’re looking forward to reading the book – enjoy them all! 😀 I couldn’t believe everything that Balroop packed into the review and I was deeply touched by it…and tempted to buy the book if I hadn’t written it! 😀
So funny!! 😀
It just keeps getting better, eh! Congratulations my friend. –Curt
Things are definitely a-rolling at the moment…I’m thrilled. 😀😀 My local writing group and our anthology is featured in the paper this week and also going to be in a county magazine…very exciting!
Huge congratulations Annika. You must be very pleased to see your book in print at last. I am now going to order a copy.
Mike
Mike, I’m so happy you’ve ordered a copy of the paperback – thank you!😀 I am overjoyed with it and still have to tell myself that this is all real!
Awesome. Congratulations. That review really captured me. 🙂
Lori, that is great – Balroop is a wonderful poet and it comes across in all her writing…I actually cried with joy when I read her review. 😀
I’ve had those tears of joy before. So happy for you.
It’s always wonderful to hold a paperback copy of our book in our hands. Congrats!
Carrie, I wasn’t sure what to expect but I felt I was opening a box of priceless treasure – treating it with extra care and awe! 😀 A truly magical moment! I hope it’s like this with every book?!
So far it has been for me. 😊
Congratulations Annika and in the update on Friday with Balroop’s review.. you must be very excited… Sallyxx
Excited times a million, as children would say!!! 😀 Still flying high on joy, Sally – I look forward to tomorrow’s post. Thank you so much. xxx
Pleasure Annika, so pleased going well for you.. xxx
You must be elated to have such a great reception to your book. Isn’t it wonderful to hold it in your hands! Congratulations!!
Thank you, Darlene, it is wonderful to hold in my hands and I’m still getting used to the reality of it! 😀 The reception of the book has been overwhelming and I never expected anything like this – it is wonderful how the writing community here on WordPress support each other!
Congratulations, Annika! ❤ xo
Thank you so much, Bette! ❤️ xxxx
There is nothing to compare to holding that book and turning its pages…so excited for you! ❤ xo
Congratulations Annika! I have it on my Kindle and I’m looking forward to reading!
That’s wonderful, Barbara, I’m so happy you’ve got it. Enjoy and thank you! 😀❤️
Congratulations, Annika! A book you can hold in your hands and we in ours (I love the smell of new books) and excellent reviews as well. Enjoy – writing done well is hard work, and you’ve earned the privilege.
Thank you so much, Margaret – I am thoroughly enjoying the experience and am overjoyed with the fantastic reception to my book. 😀 The reviews are stunning and I am floored by the care, thought of them all, how perceptive they are to the stories and as to the comments about my writing…wow! Oh yes, I’m with you about the smell of new books…a new pristine treasure to be savoured.
Many hearty congratulations Annika! Would love to get my hands on this book:-)
Sending much love and luck your way:)
Thank you very much, Divya! 😀 I assumed this book was for sale in Canada (where I think you live) but it seems not! I’m not sure why and will see if this can be sorted – there are so many niggles to sort! I’m glad you mentioned this – hopefully you can soon have my book in your hands! 😀
In my hands…
My own dream, my days
Defined by my reflections
Moments when I flew
On the wings of imagination
Perching on dew
With caution…a little apprehensive
Oh you can’t even have
An iota of inkling
Of the rivulets of rapture
That flow within me!
© Balroop Singh 17 Jan. 2018
I share your ecstasy dear Annika and could feel it as I am reminded of my own moment of first release, a real book of poetry (my first) to hold that I got printed for family and friends. Love and hugs dear friend. Wishing you great success!
Balroop…wow! You wrote this today for here?! This is wonderful, lyrical, full of insight…I fear you’re gazing into my soul! Thank you so much for this beautiful poem comment…I feel blessed and am so touched. ❤️❤️ Let us keep flying ‘on the wings of imagination’. Xxxx ps. Wishing you lots of success too, my friend.
Congrats on the strong start and your paperback edition, Annika. Balroop’s review is lovely and I couldn’t agree more. Enjoy the whirlwind of new-book activities and bask in the glowing reviews. 🙂
Diana, I’m basking away and I’m overjoyed with the reviews although I have to remind myself that people are actually writing about my book!!😀 I am thoroughly enjoying the experience of being a published author! It’s amazing (and slightly mad!) 😀 How true about the whirlwind of book activities…I think I’m just about keeping on top of everything but also want to start working locally with newspapers, book cafes etc.
Good for you. So much energy! I’m jealous. 😀
YAY! I’ll be ordering my copy soon. How can I resist with such a sterling review. 🙂
Congrats again on the release of your paperback.
Btw, have you ever heard of Book Depository; an online bookstore that offer free delivery worldwide? It’s enticing for me as a reader, when I think of shipping costs. Anyway, you can check it out yourself to see if it’s worth making your book available there as well. Just a thought!
Khaya, I’m so happy you want to read my book -thank you so much! Balroop’s review was truly beautiful and all-encompassing and written with such feeling and thought – I hoped it would prove tempting! 😀
I haven’t heard of Book Depository but thank you so much for mentioning it – this is definitely worth checking out!! I think with Amazon orders over £ 10 are free (not sure for the States) but obviously this book is less. I will see how they work and if I can use them. Thanks again for the tip.
What a wonderful review, Annika. I’m so happy for you, and now I look forward to having the actual book in my hand, too. Wishing you much success! Love and hugs xoxo
Thank you, Lauren…I am so happy too! 😀 I know you’ve been waiting for the paperback and so glad it’s here now for you to hold in your hand! Enjoy and thank you so much for your lovely wishes. Hugs, my friend. xxx
Wonderful to read this, Annika! Sharing the joy with you, congrats. 😃
Iris, thank you so much – I am feeling sheer floaty joy!! Lovely to have you sharing it with me. xx
Hugs! Cheers 🥂
That’s wonderful news, Annika. So happy for you! Savor the moment.
Staci, I really am enjoying every single moment and even allow myself a couple of hours break just to feel the reality of it all! Thank you so much! 😃
Don’t forget to take a picture holding the book!
Good idea!! 😀 I might even send one in to the local paper with some details about the book! No harm trying.
Exactly!
This is a wonderful review, Annika! Congrats! Oh, for more time to read. My TBR list is bulging.
Jan, thank you so much…I actually cried when I read this review and was floored by its insight and poetic description of my writing and some of the stories. Oh, I totally understand – bulging TBR lists seems to be a common problem and I am just as bad. If you ever get a chance to read my book I hope you enjoy it very much. xx
Woohoo! Congratulations, Annika! These moments are huge and deserve much celebration. Amazing reviews coming in. You’re rocking it. Go you! 🙂
Natalie, thank you so much for your bubbly comment!!😀😃 I can’t believe the reviews – they’re amazing and it’s as if they’re writing about someone else; I have to remind myself it’s about my book, my writing! Thank you so much…I’m enthused and more eager than ever to write and publish! 😀
Just ordered, it will be in my hands in 3 days 🙂 Looking forward to reading it.
That’s wonderful, Davy – thank you so much and enjoy! 😀
🙂
Congratulations on all those wonderful reviews and on your new paperback. There is nothing like the feel of holding your own work in book form, and the first one is always extra special. Good things are definitely happening. Enjoy!
Mae, I was wondering if the first book isn’t extra special and you’ve so kindly answered my unasked question! It is quite something to hold the actual book and to know others can now buy it too in this format…I’ve been flying high on happiness for weeks now and not sure I want to land yet! 😀 The reviews are beyond comprehension and I feel honoured by each and every one.
I still have memories of my very first print book. They’re all special but the first is just…well, over the moon, LOL! Keep flying high and enjoy the ride. You deserve it!!
So exciting Annika!!! The cover is gorgeous. Congratulations on the reviews and on having this amazing book in your hands!
Lynz, thank you so much and I’m still astounded by the reviews and find myself going back to make sure they’re still there -I feel very lucky and honoured by them all.😀 Oh yes, it is amazing to hold the actual book, know others can order it in this format and also something for me to take along to places, for example, many in my writing group want to buy it but prefer not to use the internet so this helps us all out! Thank you for your comment about the cover – it is wonderful and even better than I could have imagined in paperback with the woman’s head continued on the back cover and in the white of her hair is printed the blurb, with the other motifs floating around as on the front.
Very coool! Congrats!
Oh, Annika!!!! This is so exciting, and the reviews don’t surprise me one bit, you are a masterful storyteller, and your imagination is pure magic! HUGE CONGRATULATIONS!! I just can’t imagine what it must feel like to see your book published and out there being gobbled up by readers around the world. One day I hope I too also know!! You are brilliant and so deserving of all of this success!!! Revel in it, beautiful!! xo
Tanya, your comment is so full of life and energy it has me laughing, smiling!! 😃❤️ Thank you soooo much! I am revelling in it all whilst also being rather overwhelmed – I can’t believe the reviews and at first had to remind myself that these were for my book! Silly, eh?! I love the idea of my books being ‘gobbled up’. Thank you also for your fantastic comments about my writing and imagination – the latter used to haunt me! Tanya, you must get a book into print too … it is an amazing feeling. How is your book coming along? What is it about? Have you had a chance to work on it at all last year? hugs, my friend. xxx
This year Annika, all of my energy is going into my book. I did work on it this past year, but with all that happened to me physically, it was difficult to give it the attention it required. Everything is going to be different this year. It is a collection of stories, true ones because believe it or not; there are even crazier ones I have yet to tell. My life has been challenging, but through it all, I have maintained my sense of humour and found a way to put it all into perspective – hopefully, my story will inspire others. At least, that is my hope. You have inspired me to believe it is possible, and that I will succeed! Thank you for that! xo
Congratulations on reaching this well-deserved point in your writing career! I wish you all the best luck with this undertaking and hope you have millions of sales.
Ronnie, thank you so much for your lovely comment and it certainly feels as if I’ve reached a milestone in my writing life – I fear there is no stopping me now and I’m more keen and eager than ever to write and publish!😀 Many thanks for your lovely wishes and I had to smile at your mention of million of sales!! haha! 😃
Congratulations on a fantastic review, Annika! Very well deserved indeed! ❤
Thank you so much, Jill…I have been overjoyed with the positive response! 😀❤️
Congratulations Annika. That is brilliant boost. Wishing you many more sales and reviews.
Brigid, it definitely iis a huge boost and totally unexpected!! I feel lucky and honoured and it’s amazing to have the paperback out on sale! Thank you so much for your comment and warm wishes! 😀❤️
Wonderful Annika, so exciting for you to have that tangible book within your hands, And such a wonderful Review by Balroop whose own beautiful poems grace us with such insights..
Just so thrilled for you Annika.. 😀 ❤
Sue, you are always so perceptive and how true, it is the tangible of the actual book that is so amazing and thrilling … if I was excited before, I’m doubly so now! 😀😀 I feel blessed with the wonderful reviews and Balroop added her intuitive insight and wisdom to her thoughts about my book and the stories …. I felt as if she was looking into their very soul.
How very exciting for you Annika. Enjoy this very special time and the accolades as you richly deserve them. 💖 xo
Ahh..thank you so much, Miriam! 😀 I am still flying high and shout out with joy at every review and comment…an unbelievable feeling! ❤️
And rightly so Annika. Enjoy ❤️
Wow Annika, you are there! How wonderful that must feel. Congratulations and I am sure the smile is wide today. 😊
I am right over to buy a copy of the paperback as I want to feel it and have it on my special shelf. 🤗💕
miriam
Ahh…Miriam, I feel blessed that my book can take its place on your special shelf – thank you so much, it’s an honour! ❤️ I feel flooded with joy and happiness and yep, my smile almost hurts it’s so constant. 🤗
Well done, Annika, and well deserved. You worked hard to produce this book, and its success is proving the quality of what you have done. Enjoy. Now, the novel?
Thank you so much, Peter and I’m definitely enjoying this special time … it’s just sinking in! I am amazed by the sales and reviews and honestly hadn’t expected anything like this – it is overwhelming and I am filled with joy. Oh yes, I can’t wait to concentrate on the novel now this is released.
Wishing you all the very best. May your book be a best seller!
Thank you so much!! Oh, at the moment I’m overjoyed with the sales … of course, a best seller would be something else! 😀😀
What an exciting feeling to have your book in your hands! I love the cover design. It works really well as both a digital and paperback. Many congratulations on your release!
Helena, it is jus an amazing feeling and I keep having to remind myself that this is real. 😀 I’m so glad you like the cover and yes, it works so well in both formats. The paperback was even better than anything I’d imagined, gorgeous glossy feel and the image of the face continues with the back of her hair and head and the blurb written within the white of this, whilst the other motifs are carried through as well. Thank you so much for lovely comment. Xx