Introduction by J K Mullins
New, Australian, indie author Logan Firth suggested that we do a mutual post on social media. I have adapted the posts as a blog for the site. As I am in the UK and Logan in Australia, this was done entirely on-line representing a good aspect of the internet.
I have been overwhelmed by the generous comments I have received from many of the authors that are featured on The Book Hook Online site. Logan is one of it’s most consistent supporters.
Logan & Sydney’s Convicts
Ms Logan Firth is an Australian self publishing author who specialises in historical fiction. With the release of her debut first book, Sydney’s Convicts, she continues to expand her knowledge of history while writing more books of historical fiction.
Inspired by an enriched ancestry of Scottish, English, Greek, and Australian blood, with many defence force and several convict ancestors; Firth is unafraid to go into the unfamiliarity of history; as well as the complexity of human violence, mental health, relationships, resilience, and self identity. Through poetry and novellas, she rewrites history like no other, so the voices of the past are heard and the future voices inspired.
Logan’s Awards & More
But it isn’t just in writing where she shines. Living with ongoing complex mental and medical conditions, Firth passionately advocates for neurodivergent people, disadvantaged people, disabled people, and troubled youth.
The selflessness of putting herself before others have earned her several recognitions including two UN awards and a Young Exceptional Children’s Week Award. Now, she begins to partner with Beyond Blue to raise awareness around mental health and suicide preventions, inspired by her own open struggles with mental and physical health.
Outside of her advocacy and authorship, she loves to ride horses, socialise with family and friends, take care of her two beautiful dogs, travels Australia and around the world, hike, camp, sail, kayak, canoe, bike ride, read, and learn something new every day.
How we connected
Logan was one of the first authors to respond to The Book Hook Online and also one of the most engaging, regularly responding to Jason’s posts on social media. As time went by Jason had more ideas for the site. Logan agreed to be his first interviewee which can be found here.
The ever evolving Book Hook Online
Amazon recently closed Jason’s KDP account as he inadvertently overlooked a copyright term. Realising it was futile arguing with big business, he decided to take an alternative approach. He opened up a corresponding online shop on Etsy and created on-demand merchandise for authors who were listed on the site. As ever, Logan was enthusiastic about the development. Merchandise was soon established including, notebooks, colour morphing mugs, tee-shirts and hoodies. Designs featured the book covers of books by the listed authors including Logan’s Sydney’s Convicts.
Indie author pitfalls
Jason has Logan’s book and promises to get round to post a review on Amazon for free.
Jason has experienced the site attracting “professional” influencers who offer to write book reviews to post on sites like Amazon at a cost. This is in theory a good idea. However, if these influencers do not purchase the book Amazon will not publish the review. This is reasonable since book readers should not be mislead into believing that a review is by a genuine reader.
Jason finds this annoying. There are two reasons for this. Such influencers are effectively scamming the indie author. Also, he feels that this is thwarting the attempts of indie author to get noticed, after all they are not yet Jeffrey Archer or J K Rowling. These issues motivate him all the more to support indie authors on the site for free.
Jason concludes
The joint social media posts and blog have developed from a mutual respect for each other. Both Logan and I are interested to see just how well Sydney’s Convicts sells and if the merchandising idea takes off. If both do well, who knows what opportunities might be unlocked.
It has been a very interesting journey so far. Jason has noted the diversity amongst the participating authors and aspires to help all who wish to participate.
Logan Firth (Author) / J K Mullins (The Book Hook Online)
