REVIEW BY MARION - MY OLDEST FAN

I love this review! Thank you Marion for this!

Hello, I am 77 years of age and have just read "Dragonstone, the Legend of the Half Prophecy which was bought for me. I got really engrossed in the book and thoroughly enjoyed reading it. Charlie is my hero. My 12 year old Grandson also read it when he stayed with me for the week and wanted to read the next book.  He was so disappointed when I told him I hadn't got it yet, but promised to buy  it for him when it is published. Also, I MUST have one myself. A very well written and excellent book by a new local great author. Can't wait for the next one.

Regards, Marion, a youngish 77 year old pensioner from Nottingham.

REVIEW BY ANN EASOM, NOTTINGHAM. LOVES READING AND WORDS.

Thanks Ann for this lovely review! So pleased that you enjoyed it as it is not
your usual read.

I have just finished reading "Dragonstone, the Legend of the Half
Prophecy" (after months of putting it off as this is not my usual reading
material) I have been so surprised at how much I enjoyed it.  I love Charlie,
his friends and their adventures.

I was soon transported into their Magickal world with them, visualizing all
the characters and their surroundings, feeling their every emotions. A
very exciting and well written book which held my attention. Looking
forward to the next book.

Ann Easom, Nottingham.

• I have just finished reading "Dragonstone, the Legend of the Half Prophecy"(after months of putting it off as this is not my usual reading material) I have been so surprised at how much I enjoyed it. I love Charlie, his friends and their adventures.
  I was soon transported into their Magickal world with them, visualizing all the characters and their surroundings, feeling their every emotions. A very exciting and well written book which held my attention. Looking forward to the next book.
  
  Ann Easom, Nottingham.

DRAGONSTONE UPDATE!

Good morning from the UK! I hope all of you are well!

For those who don't know, Dragonstone is currently having a tweak to its text in preparation for some special first edition hardbacks versions that will be released. There will be a Kindle version, too. 

The release date for these are unknown, though I am hoping for this to be done in time for Christmas. They will make excellent Christmas presents and the hardback copy will have that extra magick feel about it.

I can't wait for both of these to come about and I hope that you enjoy them.

Just remember, whilst Kindle is terrific and convenient to have, Kindle version cannot be autographed.

More information will follow, once these [books] are in circulation, so watch this space!!

Enjoy your day!

Warm Regards,

James

POST EVENT, ARTICLE INTEREST!

The Robin Hood Festival has passed, though I have included this media link, due to other interested parties wanting to view: http://www.nottinghampost.com/Dragonstone-author-Robin-Hood-Festival/story-19601370-detail/story.html

Kind Regards,
James

DRAGONSTONE EVENT: INTERNATIONAL PRESS RELEASE!

For the latest press release information, please go to the following link.

Kind Regards,
James

https://www.facebook.com/dragonstonebook/posts/551486358245642

ROBIN HOOD FESTIVAL - MORE NEWS!

Dear all, hope that you are all having a splendid weekend!

Some have expressed interest in getting the books signed and now you can. As I have mentioned previously in a blog, I will be attending the Robin Hood Festival, in August. Details are as follows:

The opening ceremony will be on the Monday, starting at 11am were there will be several entertainers making their way in a procession from the visitor centre to the jousting arena.

On Monday, 5th of August, I will be in the Visitor Centre from 11am onwards. On Saturday, 10th of August, I will be at the Jousting arena, officially taking part (not in the jousting ha-ha) from 2.30pm onwards, but will be there before.

The full programme of events isn't out yet, though I am told that there will be Falconry displays at 12 and 2pm.

As a very late entrant to the festival, I did not quite make the the souvenir programme. However, Dragonstone will be promoted in a variety of ways, which is fabulous news and cannot wait to get these going! (These have yet to be discussed.)

For those making their way to the centre, I have been told that those travelling from the Nottingham/Mansfield area, they close the Swinecote Road off at 9.30am near to Edwinstowe for safety reasons, so there will be a four mile detour.  For those travelling from the Worksop direction, there will be no problems here.

For those who follow me on Facebook, I have a small decision to make about the day that I will require some assistance/advice with :o). (Will follow-up on FB soon).

I am super excited and there is a lot to do to prepare. I really hope to see you all there!

Finally, I would like to say a huge thank you to Simon Redfern, Gary Joynt, Izi Banton and Clare Morrell, for their help and, for inviting me to represent Nottinghamshire.  In addition, I would like to thank them for providing me with the opportunity to promote my book at this regional, national and international event.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Warmest Regards,

James

DRAGONSTONE IN JUNE!

Hello everyone!

Well this month has surely been very busy for Dragonstone! As you all know, I have had two school invites to St Mary's Catholic Primary and Dunkirk Primary Schools in Nottingham. Suffice it to say that the events' were hugely successful. Both sets of school children were fantastic, asking some superb questions about myself and the book. Copies were sold and enthusiastic children started to read.

A previous group of School children from Middleton Primary School, who I met during a library event, invited me back to the school as all were enjoying the story. It was interesting and good to hear that they liked different characters and aspects of the story, though some had not finished it, but were enjoying the journey.  In addition, I have also re-visited both St Mary's and Dunkirk schools as more copies were requested - great stuff!

I have recently been in communication with the central library in Nottingham and there is plan for me to visit during the autumn/fall. I will release the details of this as soon as I know.

Below is some teaser marketing promo material for future venues, with more on the way.

If you click on the following link, you will see some photographs from St Mary's. Excuse the photo quality! (Can I say that since then I have received a dramatic haircut since then and you will probably not even recognise me :) ) https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.527468320647446.1073741826.139139799480302&type=3

I would like to give a huge thank you to all the library managers, teachers, admin and children from all schools, for being so helpful, welcoming and encouraging.

The future is bright for Dragonstone...

COMMENT FROM DALIA, AGED 10, DUNKIRK PRIMARY SCHOOL

Thank you Dalia for your comments :)

YOUNGEST REVIEWER'S POEM OF DRAGONSTONE

Thank you very much to Grace, aged 7, for writing this! It very much made my day :)

GREAT NEWS - SCHOOL VISIT

I am delighted to confirm that I will be going to Middleton School on the 10th of June.

The visit is at the request of the school and involves re-visiting the pupils' who were at the Wollaton library event.

I am really pleased to hear that they are all enjoying my novel and I look forward to their feeback. I am also really looking forward to listening to what the pupils' stories and the projects they have in mind

All the best for the day.

James

NEXT EVENTS FOR DRAGONSTONE

Onwards with Dragonstone!

Monday 20th May, I will be making a guest appearance at the following venues: 10.30 - 12.00am at Dunkirk Primary, followed by, Hyson Green St Mary's, between 1.30 - 3.00pm.

I am really looking forward to meeting with the teaching staff and pupils.

Have a fantastic weekend!

Warm Regards
James

FURTHER WOLLATON LIBRARY EVENT FEEDBACK! FANTASTIC!

Received this today:

Dear James,

I understand that Summah in my class was unable to to buy a book at the Wollaton library event recently.  Please let me know when you have new stock. You are welcome to into school any time to deliver them. The children would love to see you again and would very much like to share their own writing if you ever have time.

I was sorry not to be there - I had to stay at School with the rest of the year 5 children.  The class are happily and enjoying their Dragonstone books, so many thanks for your time.  It was a wonderful experience for them.

Many thanks,
Lucy

(Not return email response) Thanks Lucy for this - this is fantastic   I look forward to visiting the school. It is great to hear that so many children are enjoying Dragonstone.

REVIEW BY GRACE AGED 7

This is really sweet and has made my day. Thank you Grace! 

Hi James

My name is grace and mummy said to let you know about me reading your book.

Anyway I really loved the book. Amanda was my favourite - I am thinking I would like to be like her. What do you think? Charlie is brave. Right from the start fighting the bullies that was amazing . I don't like bullies but we'd don't get any really at my school., I love school. I think my school is a bit like dragon stone . My school is bilton grange z . Have a look at the pictures and tell me if you think it's like dragon stone. I liked the book a lot. I do like adventures stories and I read quite a lot of them. There were some hard words. It didn't matter though . Will you do another book ? At school we did a poem about our favourite book and I picked this. But Mrs turner can't find it at the moment but she will have it somewhere

Love grace xxxxx

WOLLATON LIBRARY -THE REPORT

First, I would like to thank Judith Fox for organising the book event for me on Monday, 29th of May.

The outcome to an event can never be successfully or accurately be predicted, so it is with great pleasure to report that the local library event went beyond the library's and my, expectations. This was made possible by the large attendance of the Middleton Primary School, based in Wollaton.

The event was attended by enthusiastic, intelligent and quick witted 9/10 year olds, all of who made valuable contributions to the morning. One pupil opened the questioning with: 'Where do you see yourself in ten years time?' a brilliant, yet unexpected question that got ME thinking! I politely retorted with, 'I can see myself writing novels' as well as dearly enjoying the Dragonstone books being converted into films/movies.' (I felt a confident answer was the best approach here). A series of superbly formed and probing questions ensued, which carried the morning in a different direction to that which I had planned. These questions enriched the session, rather than diminished it.

After exploring the book's concepts and artistry, a surprising and orderly queue/line formed to purchase Dragonstone. All were sold, much to the disappointment of a [very] tearful  young lady, but was reassured that a copy would be made available to her, her peers that had missed out, as well as the winner of the raffle, which took place in the absence of the sold-out copies. 

I hope to receive some photos of the event that were taken by the school staff to show you all, though  permissions need to be provided first.

A sincere thanks to the staff and pupils' of Middleton Primary, for helping to make for memorable and enjoyable morning.  I was pleased to have further inspired some of the youngsters to continue on their quest to become authors. 

I greatly look forward to the next event.

Kind Regards

James

GREAT NEWS: FINAL EVENT CONFIRMATION

Hi all,

I know it is a while to go yet, though I have received final, final confirmation of Dragonstone being accepted to represent Nottingham authors at the Robin Hood Festival. This is amazing news as there will a lot of coverage at the event and hopefully some international media coverage, too.

If you would like to meet me in person, purchase a book or get your book signed, you can catch me there on:

Monday, 5th of August, (opening ceremony) and again on, Saturday 10th of August, (when all the pageantry happens).

I have yet to receive times and exact location, though I will update you all as soon as I hear.

Kind Regards,

James

GREAT NEWS FOR WOLLATON LIBRARY VISIT

The following event is practically booked up, with the majority visiting from a local school: Middleton Primary. There might some space left for anyone that happens to come along.

This is terrific news!

Have a fabulous and prosperous day - James

DRAGONSTONE: A LOCAL GOVERNMENT REVIEW

Here is a fantastic and full review from the World Book Day Event and of Dragonstone - The Legend of the Half Prophecy.

Kind Regards
James

FANTASTIC: THIRD PRESS ARTICLE FOR DRAGONSTONE

Well here it is, the second article and what a good article it is. The article hasn't appeared on the online  version (yet) so, through the marvels of modern technology, I have photographed it via my ancient phone :) Please excuse any fuzziness in the photos.

Regards
James

BREAKING NEWS: MORE MEDIA COVERAGE!

On Saturday the 6th of April, will see further coverage of Dragonstone in the Nottingham Post.

It will be a smaller article than the last, though it is amazing that Dragonstone has generated such interest for it to receive further coverage and I will photograph and post the article on my website.

I would like to give a massive thank you to Feature Reporter, Lynette Pinchess, for producing this article.

Kind Regards
James

BREAKING NEWS: NEW DRAGONSTONE EVENT!

I am pleased to announce that there is another event for Dragonstone at the Wollaton Library in Nottingham. On Monday the 29th April, 2013.

Please feel free to come along to find out more about the book as well as my inspirations to writing.

In addition, you have a great opportunity to win a copy!

The Dragonstone adventure continues...

Warm Regards

James

BREAKING NEWS: GREAT MAGAZINE COVERAGE!

I am delighted that Dragonstone is receiving more press coverage.  The article is being covered in the following magazine if you are interested in purchasing. Excellent gloss look! Thank you Chris Breese!

You can check a clearer image on https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=497243500336595&set=a.154028667991415.32581.139139799480302&type=1&theater&notif_t=like In fact, why not join my FB page and be apart of a great new journey...

FANTASTIC NEWS - MAJOR EVENT FOR DRAGONSTONE!!

Dragonstone has officially been invited to represent Nottingham and take part at the regional,  national and international event: The Robin Hood Festival located at Sherwood Forest, Nottingham.

No official details or promotional details have been released, though I'll be there on opening ceremony on Monday 5th of August and again on the Saturday 10th of August, when all the jousting  occurs - a perfect setting!

Please come along to the festival, it is going to be fantastic!

There will be a wide range of media there, so some excellent opportunities for myself and the book.

For those who haven't read Dragonstone, Sherwood Forest is one of the locations mentioned, which also has some jousting happening here. Read the chapter: Fear, Forest and the Unexpected: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dragonstone-Legend-Prophecy-James-Stuart/dp/0956250556/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1352662378&sr=1-1

A massive thank you to Nottingham County Council's: Gary Joynt, Izy Banton, Simon Redfern and Clare Morrell for their help, promotion, assistance and importantly, including me in their plans.

I will keep you all updated, but I am not expected to hear any more news until next month. If I do, you'll be all the first to know :)

Warm Regards
James

NEXT EVENT(S) BOOKING UPDATE!

Hello everyone, I am pleased to announce that I have been  invited to discuss and promote Dragonstone at the following venues on Monday, 20th of May, 2013:

10.30 - 12.00 Dunkirk Primary, years 5 and 6 (Appox 60 Children)

1.20 - 3.00pm Hyson Green St Mary's, years 5 and 6 (Appox 60 Children).

I am really looking forward to the events and I impart my thanks and gratitude to Sarah Coulson, local government, library services area manager, for organising this event.

Warm Regards
James

PS Just in case you were apart of the older school system. Below's list highlights the school years in relation to age within the United Kingdom. Dragonstone School uses the older school format, so year 7 under the the older system, would have been referred to as the 1st Years (meaning 1st year of the senior or secondary school).

Upper Sixth Form: 17-18
Lower Sixth Form: 16-17
Year 11: 15-16
Year 10: 14-15
Year 9: 13-14
Year 8: 12-13
Year 7: 11-12
Year 6: 10-11
Year 5: 9-10
Year 4: 8-9
Year 3: 7-8
Year 2: 6-7
Year 1: 5-6
Reception: 4-5

FANTASTIC: AMAZON ISSUE IS SORTED

The issue of Dragonstone and there being two versions of it are now resolved.; they'd obviously read my previous blog on the issue :)

The bogus version has finally been removed and the correct copy can now be accessed via the main search engine on Amazon - thank goodness for that!!

Currently, Amazon are showing one copy in stock at the moment, but their stocks are quickly replaced once out. Furthermore, if it shows there are 13 days to deliver ( shows only if stocks are out) , they are 'normally' quicker with their dispatching, so please do not be put off from purchasing it.

Warm Regards
James

BREAKING NEWS: DRAGONSTONE SCHOOL EVENT

Dear all,

Dragonstone has been pencilled in for a school event on May, 2Oth, 2013.

Details will be released as soon as I receive them.

Warm Regards
James

PS other events might come prior to this one, but it is the first one to come through.

WORLD BOOK DAY GALLERY

Here are some photos from the World Book Day event.Most of the photo's are of me in action. It was unfortunate that photo's couldn't be taken of the masses as minors were in the audience and there are various photographic regulations that have to be abided by as a consequence.

Hope you enjoy them, nevertheless. http://dragonstonebook.com/gallery.php (The main link can also be found on the main page.

MORE BREAKING PRESS NEWS

I am pleased to announce that the Nottingham Post will run another feature on Dragonstone. The due  release date is April 13!

This is fantastic news for Dragonstone!!!

I'll keep you informed on...

Enjoy your Friday!!!

POST BBC RADIO INTERVIEW THOUGHTS!

I thoroughly enjoyed today's interview with Gareth Evans; it was a great experience. I have listened back to the interview and I don't think I've said 'er' 'erm' as a pause, so many times haha as many as Boris Johnson :) What can I say, it was my first time and will develop that media clarity.  I was pleased with the responses though and if you listened to it, I hope that you enjoyed it...erm...er...

The support that I have received is tremendous and I thank the BBC for having my on the show.  The staff were terrific and I thank Michaela Atkins (studio producer) for arranging the interview and Gareth Evans for his warmth and genuine approach before, during and after the interview.

NOTTINGHAM PRESS - THE FULL REPORT

The link is the text to the article photo below. A lovely report, hope you enjoy it.

http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/magic-words-author-inspired-world-JK-Rowling/story-18313954-detail/story.html?fb_action_ids=10151277564266857&fb_action_types=og.likes&fb_source=aggregation&fb_aggregation_id=288381481237582#axzz2Mi5PWkzr

DRAGONSTONE APPEARS ON BBC RADIO

If you can, please tune in to me talking about Dragonstone this Thursday (7th of March, 2013), 3.20-3.45pm on the BBC Radio.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p014wgg5

Warm Regards
James

NOTTINGHAM PRESS ON DRAGONSTONE

I am so pleased with this. Nice to get onto page 6 and take up the whole page :)

Thank you Chris Breese, reporter, for covering this for me and for helping to promote Dragonstone.

WORLD BOOK DAY - THE REPORT

First, I would like to thank Sarah Coulson for organising the event at the Hyson Green library to help celebrate World Book Day. I was humbled at the request and I look forward to working more with her and the local authority in the foreseeable future.

To the library staff that have read Dragonstone, I was excited to hear that you enjoyed the adventure. I know you are keen to find out what happens next and I promise that second novel is on the way...

Prior to the event starting, I had a visit from the Nottingham Evening Post, who took a series of pictures of myself to feature in one of the editions.  I’ve been informed that it will be on Monday, though this could change; I will update as soon as I hear.

I was exceptionally pleased on how the event went and, it was lovely to see that all the seats were filled with people, of all ages, from the local area. There was a tantalising vibe as the audience listened intensely and respectfully. In addition, there was some keen and excellent input from the audience, asking a range of questions about the story as well as several queries about my inspirations and myself. Furthermore, reading an extract from the novel, prompted additional questions about the story. 

After the formalities of the event had concluded, photographs were taken; however, not all will be published to the website, as various elements of privacy have to be  adhered and respected.

The arts and crafts session was fabulous. It was a joy to see the younger children getting busy, creating a variety of magickal items; the wizard hats were excellent!!

I was more than happy to sign several copies of Dragonstone and, I sincerely hope that you enjoy this new magickal and fantastical adventure.

I was delighted with the feedback from the staff. I was unaware the questions about my ‘performance’ were requested from the general public and I was thrilled at the response. I look forward to the official, Nottingham City Council, Library Services, response that will be made available to the general public via my website and Dragonstone social media networks.

This was the start of a brand new book tour for Dragonstone, the details of which I will be releasing over the coming weeks.

I look forward to sharing more of the Dragonstone journey with you all.

Next stop: BBC Radio Nottingham.

Warmest Regards,

James

MORE BREAKING DRAGONSTONE PUBLICITY NEWS:

Having just spoken with a reporter from the, Nottingham Evening Post; they have decided to run a story on Dragonstone and will be there at the World Book Day event. A picture will be taken, prior to the event starting and a story should run in Monday's edition. I will update as I receive more information. 

Enjoy your Friday evening.

Regards
James

BREAKING DRAGONSTONE PUBLICITY NEWS:

Following a local and national Press Release of Dragonstone, Radio Nottingham, wants to run a feature on Dragonstone as well as me. Details coming soon... :)

More news to come.

Regards
James

A REVIEW BY JAGS - A SENIOR HM GOVERMENT EMPLOYEE AND FAMILY MAN

Thanks Jags for this wonderful review:

Just finished reading Dragonstone. I took it on holiday with me to Egypt and as someone who isn't a big reader, (being forced to read at school as homework) I was a bit sceptical as to whether I would finish the book during the week. I must say, to my pleasant surprise I got in to the story line really quick as the characters seemed to come to life.

The best part of this story is that its centred around the importance of family. I loved the fact that it was Charlie and his whole family who were invited to move to Magik school and not just wave Charlie away. Charlie's adventure and success was built around the welfare and care for his family too, and united they provided Charlie with the foundations for his adventure.

Needless to say I had no problems finishing the book, whilst soaking in the sun at poolside. May be it was the sunny Egyptian climate added with the mystique and age old history of the country that helped to sow a Magikal image of what Charlie's world was like. I thought James C Stuart's visionary scene setting, quirky characters and wonderful sense of humour was of the highest calibre. It just made reading fun again!

I for one can't wait for the second instalment of Dragonstone.

EVENT POSTER - MARVELLOUS! WORLD BOOK DAY EVENT!

Please feel free to to come along to this special event, which [Dragonstone] will be used to celebrate; World Book Day! W.B.D actually falls on the Sunday, though the event will be held on the Saturday.

All support is very much welcomed and if you have any thoughts relating to either Dragonstone or writing in general, please feel free to ask.

The will some limited copies and discounted books for on sale and I have already have had a request to hold 3 of them to sign.  The books will priced at £6.99, instead of the retail price of £7.99, so grab this opportunity whilst you can to purchase.

Warmest Regards,

James

Purchase your copy via this link: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Dragonstone-Legend-Prophecy-James-Stuart/dp/0956250556/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1352662378&sr=1-1

LIBRARY VISIT UPDATE 2

Dear all,

Hope that you have all had a fabulous weekend.

There will be a change to the date of the library visit.  It was due on the 18th of February,  though it will now move to a Saturday; the date has yet to be arranged. The reason for the change is that the library will be receiving a refurbishment the week prior to my visit and, there is a small chance that it will not be completed in time.

A Saturday visit could prove to be beneficial as there will be the potential for higher attendance/turnout for the event.

A poster will be released shortly, to advertise the visit.

Wishing you all a fabulous week!

Regards

James.

PS - you can order Dragonstone via the website: www.dragonstonebook.com or, if you are conducting an external search, please copy and paste this ISBN: 978-095625055. Also, feel free to visit and join the facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/dragonstonebook or click on the link via the website.

LIBRARY VISIT UPDATE

Hello everyone,

I can conform that the Hyson Green Library Visit will be on Monday, Feburary 18th, between 2 - 4pm.

Similar to the Fernwood visit, there will be a question an answers session, a discussion on writing, hints and tips, etcetera.

In addition, I will also read a chapter of Dragonstone and there will also be an interactive, creative element for the participants.   The format of this will be disclosed closer to the time.

Finally, there will be raffle, whereby one or two participants will win a free copy of Dragonstone :)

A big thank you to Judith Fox (Wollaton) and Sarah Coulson (Hyson Green) for making this possible.

GREAT NEWS! ANOTHER BOOKING FOR DRAGONSTONE

Hello all,

Well, some good news for Dragonstone: on the 18th February, I have been asked to lead a workshop discussing Dragonstone as well as creative writing in general. This session will be held at the Hyson Green, City Library.

I am told that there will be some keen and budding young readers and authors there, but the session will be open to a larger audience as it will be half term that week.

There will be copies available for sale there as well as book signing.

I am very, very much looking forward to this and give thanks to City Library Services for recommending me as well as organising the session.

Details of times will be made available as soon as they are made available to me.

Warm Regards

James

Remember, you can purchase Dragonstone via the main website - follow the Amazon link http://dragonstonebook.com/

AN IRISH ENDORSEMENT OF DRAGOSNSTONE

Thank you Patrick for this comment left on my Facebook wall:

I have finally now read Dragonstone, I can seriously say I am addicted , and James C Stuart needs to pull his finger out and get his 2nd book out now!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Remember you can order your copy via the Amazon link on this website.  

Remember, you can order your book via Amazon, through the link on this website.