ANNALISA CRAWFORD, AUTHOR
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  • Home
  • About the author
    • Awards
    • Interviews
  • Books
    • That Sadie Thing
    • You. I. Us.
    • Grace & Serenity
    • Small Forgotten Moments
    • The Clock in My Mother's House
    • Cat & The Dreamer
    • The Boatman
    • One Tuesday, Early
  • Short Stories
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Time for a refresh!

22/8/2024

 
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Waiting... waiting, then... Yay!
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While I sat on the floor of my newly-decorated study awaiting the furniture to arrive, I decided it was the perfect time to redesign book covers... 

After finding somewhere to plug in my computer, I fell into a well of amazing inspiring images, and this is what we came up with.

The stories in this collection have appeared in Fictive Dream, Reflex Fiction, and Fairlight Shorts; and received short- and longlisted recognition in prestigious competitions like the Commonwealth Short Story Prize, the Bath Short Story Award, and the Colm Tobin Short Story Award.

The  collection itself was shortlisted for the Rubery Book Award 2023.


You can grab your copy right now, from all major online retailers.
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Saltash Library Book Club

23/6/2024

 
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If you're local, pop along to the Saltash Library Book Club on Saturday 29th June to listen to me chat about One Tuesday, Early.

And if you've read their book of the month, The Salt Path, even better because you'll be able to join in with that part too!

​Buy your copy of One Tuesday, Early below.
Paperback edition, Vine Leaves Press
Paperback and ebook from everywhere else

A week of book signings and a lot of walking!

23/5/2024

 
The launch week for ONE TUESDAY, EARLY was hectic and fun and involved a lot of walking, only some of which was in the pouring rain. Here's what I got up to! 
Picture shows the shop sign for the Bookshelf. The sign says The Bookshelf. Books, coffee, tea, food
Picture shows a display of copies of One Tuesday, Early and the author is grinning in the left hand corner.
Picture shows copies of the novel displayed in a different venue.
Picture shows yet another display of books.
Picture shows the interior of Bandits, a cafe in Saltash, with old pictures of wild west bandits on the walls.
Picture shows a sign for Poolside Cafe, the cafe within Saltash Leisure Centre.
Photo shows a large display of books at Saltash Library, alongside two blue bucket chairs where the author and library manager sat for a question and answer session with guests.
Picture shows the doorway of the Beauty Collective beauty salon with a display of green, gold, and white balloons.
Picture shows a small two-storey building beneath the Royal Albert Bridge in Saltash, which houses the Ashtorre Rock community centre and tearoom.
Picture shows the view from Ashtorre Rock, looking down the River Tamar. There is an outside terrace, a jetty, and lots of sailing boats moored across the river.
Picture shows the front of Bandits, the cafe sign and a its door and windows, with some artistic and unplanned reflections from the street, including cars and a tree.
Picture shows the book display in another venue. This display is set up on a funky multi-coloured, polka-dotted table.
Picture shows the logo for The Core, a youth and community centre in Saltash.
Picture shows a sign from inside The Core which I loved. It is a drawing of a zebra looking outwards and the caption reads: I'm not weird, I'm limited edition.
Picture shows three copies of the novel on a table with a half-drunk pint of cider.
Picture shows the shop sign of The Tanning and Beauty Lounge, a beauty salon In Saltash.
Picture shows a tree against a blue sky with wispy and fluffy clouds.
Picture shows a cup of coffee with a saucer, and a half-eaten plain scone. The shadow of the photo-taker falls across the table.
Picture shows the books displayed outside Saltash Bakery, a micro-bakery in Saltash, with a yellow apron draped across a railing to show of the bakery's logo.

Ten events: one Q&A session, one very short reading, a great discussion, several cups of coffee, one bag of Maltesers and a scone (different days), rain, wind, sun, tights, summer dresses, trousers and jumpers, lovely people who stopped and chatted, and being in bed at nine o'clock at least twice.

Thank you to everyone who came specially to see me, or happened across me and stopped to say hello.


Interview News!

11/5/2024

 
​On a very cold and rainy day in April, I met with Claire Manning from ITVX to talk about ONE TUESDAY, EARLY. To watch, and see some of the areas featured in the novel, click the image below.
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​​And on a much warmer May day, yesterday, I travelled to Truro to meet Julie Skentelbery. You can listen to the interview by clicking the image.
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And then, (without having to leave my house at all), my very good author friend Melissa Ann Goodwin invited me onto her blog for a chat about all of my books and my writing in general. Click below to be whisked off to Melissa's blog.
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And, finally,  if you've popped in to check the times and dates for my book signing - week beginning 13 May - then here's all the info you need. 
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The Saltash Book Tour

5/5/2024

 
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As you probably know by now, my latest novel ONE TUESDAY, EARLY is set in my hometown, Saltash, and to celebrate both the release and the place that inspired it, I'm going on a little tour of the local businesses.

So, here's where I'm going to be, with links to these wonderful businesses and community groups.

Monday 13 May
10 am     The Bookshelf
2 pm      Bandits

Tuesday 14 May
10 am     Poolside Cafe @ Saltash Leisure Centre
2 pm       Saltash Library - in conversation with the library manager.

Wednesday 15 May
10.30 am  The Beauty Collective
2 pm         Ashtorre Rock

Thursday 16 May
10 am      The Core
7 pm      Ploughboy Book Club (private event, but if you're interested in joining I'm sure they'd love to hear from you)

Friday 17 May
10.30 am   The Tanning & Beauty Lounge
3.30 pm    Saltash Bakery


Important note: The event at the library is a seated event where I'll be discussing all things related to my latest release and my author career in general.

The other events are drop-in book signings, although I'll be happy to chat. The novel will be on sale at every event, but apart from the Bookshelf, I can only accept cash. I aim to be at each of those venues for around an hour or two - depending on how quickly my copies are sold! If you've pre-ordered, or have other books of mine you'd like signed, please bring them with you.

A five star review for One Tuesday, Early

29/4/2024

 
It's been a busy few weeks while I prepare for the launch of ONE TUESDAY, EARLY.

I've been out and about around Saltash, organising a signing tour in some of the amazing business we have here. The book is set in the town, so what better way to celebrate than to visit local venues. Everyone has been so welcoming. The tour begins on Monday 13th May, and you can check out the Facebook event page for more details.
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And then this morning, I received a wonderful review from the team at The Wishing Shelf .

It's not often I get pulled instantly into a novel. But that was the case in this intriguingly entitled novel, One Tuesday, Early. It's the story of Lexi and her partner, Finn. It’s Tuesday morning and Lexi finds herself in an empty town – and when I say ‘empty’, there’s nobody there; nobody! Finn, however, is oddly not affected by this phenomenon, waking up and simply finding Lexi’s not there! It’s all very confusing – deliciously so. What follows is a character-led drama as we follow Lexi exploring the empty streets and Finn who thinks Lexi must have left him.

There were a number of aspects of this novel I particularly enjoyed. Firstly, I love the way the author developed the way Lexi feels. As she so aptly puts it - It’s a ball and a fist and a whimper and a yell. All swallowed down and shackled within you. The author is adept at putting over her protagonist’s feelings, developing the suspense along the way.
 
Secondly, I enjoyed the pacing; it’s oddly slow – which is normally a bad thing – but not here, the author in no rush to ‘reveal all’; and that is the novel’s biggest strength. Thirdly, the writing style is wonderful – atmospheric, richly descriptive with strong, thought-provoking dialogue.

So, who’s this book for? Well, I suspect readers who enjoy a good mystery will find this story a blast. They’ll also enjoy getting to know Lexi and Finn and rooting for them to find a way of reuniting. I remember enjoying another book by this author, Small Forgotten Moments, which was excellent too (and also a bit creepy). But I think this latest book is even better.
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‘A smartly plotted psychological drama packed full of mystery – and suspense. Highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf
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Buying books from Vine Leaves just got easier!

4/4/2024

 
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My publisher Vine Leaves Press have been working hard to allow people to buy books from their website. New titles are being added, and today it's my turn.

The paperback of ONE TUESDAY, EARLY is now available to pre-order directly from the Vine Leaves Press shop.

All other retail options are still available for paperback and ebook editions.
Pre-Order Via Vine Leaves
All Other Retailers
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You’re on your own and you shouldn’t be. Your partner is missing. The streets are empty. Even the birds have disappeared. What do you do?

★★★★★ “A world both familiar and nightmarish. Eerie, atmospheric and immediately gripping.” Charlie Carroll, author of The Lip

One Tuesday, Early - pre-order update

27/2/2024

 
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​You can now pre-order copies of One Tuesday, Early from a wider range of retailers.

More are being added as I find them.

Click below for all your options.
Pre-Order Today from all good retailers
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"A spooky and impossible situation that steals up on you until you're questioning your own life choices." - Roz Morris, author of Ever Rest

Pre-orders and a discount

13/2/2024

 

One Tuesday, Early

One Tuesday, Early is now available for pre-order on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. Other sites might have it too, so pop along to your preferred retailer and search for me!
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Pre-order on Barnes & Noble
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Small Forgotten Moments

Amazon are currently having fun discounting the hardcover editions of Small Forgotten Moments.

In the UK, copies are available for roughly half price and in the US, they are the same price as the Kindle version.

If, like me, you love the feel of a hardcover book in your hands, grab your copy today!
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Introducing... One Tuesday, Early

16/1/2024

 
I am so excited that my third novel - and eighth book in total - is almost here!

It started as a short story, based (very loosely) on actual events - but that's a tale for another day. The heatwaves and lockdowns of 2020 gave me a fresh perception of how quiet and oppressive an empty street could be - something I'm not sure I'd have been able to replicate without experiencing it first hand.
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One Tuesday, Early is due out 14 May 2024 from Vine Leaves Press.
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​You’re on your own and you shouldn’t be. Your partner is missing. The streets are empty. Even the birds have disappeared. What do you do?

It’s 6:05am one Tuesday morning, and Lexi Peters is alone. Her partner, her friends, her neighbours have all vanished without a trace. The entire town is deserted. Gathering every ounce of courage, she sets out to explore the streets, seeking any sign of life. Her only companions are a coy black cat and a lurking fog that seems to follow her every step.

On the same morning, her partner Finn awakens to an empty house. Recalling the blazing argument they had the night before, he assumes Lexi has snuck off somewhere to cool down. But she doesn’t return.

Time passes. Or not. Lexi is stranded on that Tuesday morning, while Finn hurtles through the years at increasing speed.

Can Lexi and Finn be reunited, or is it already too late?

Supporting small, independent publishers

12/1/2024

 
My New Year's Resolution for 2024 is to spotlight the small and independent publishers who bring such diversity to readers, but on a tight, sometimes minimal budget. These are the publishers who relish original ideas, strong voices, and take risks on the type of books they accept.

But the industry is harsh. The Big 5 publishers have the money to push their books front and centre in your local chain bookshop - the books in the windows and on the tables when you walk in, often with discounts that would devastate a small press.

Smaller publishers rely more on their loyal band of supporters and readers to spread the word and tell people how great they are. And they really are, genuinely and absolutely, great.

Over the course of the next few months, I'll be spotlighting independent publishers on my Facebook page. Please check in, and follow the links. You never know what hidden gem you might discover. 

Here are some ways you can help small publishers and discover brilliant new authors...

  • follow some of the publishers I feature
  • share their posts yourself
  • sign up to their newsletter
  • if you want to buy a book, go straight to the publisher's website and see if they sell direct - they'll earn the most profit that way, good for them and the author
  • review the books you read. Just one or two lines is all that's needed.
  • tell your friends about it (and encourage them to buy their own copy rather than lend it to them!)
  • I love paperbacks, but higher royalties are actually earned on ebooks because there are no printing and shipping costs, so despite what some people say, e-readers are awesome
Don't forget to follow my Facebook page to check out my spotlights!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year...

21/12/2023

 
specially to everyone who has supported me, bought my books, reviewed them, and commented on my social media posts.

It's been an accidental whirlwind of a year. I started off with the planned publication of The Clock in My Mother's House, and then the rewriting and republishing of Cat and The Dreamer and The Boatman. The latter two were supposed to be a quick cover swap, blurb polish, and off again... But once I started reading them, I couldn't help bring out the red editing pen. In fact, I swear it appeared by magic.
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2024 sees the release of my next novel, One Tuesday, Early, which I'm so excited about and can't wait to tell you more.

You’re on your own and you shouldn’t be. Your partner is missing. The streets are empty. Even the birds have disappeared. What do you do?

More on that next year!

Merry Christmas to everyone who celebrates, and a wonderful New Year to you all x

New review for Grace & Serenity

16/11/2023

 
It's always wonderful when one of your older books gets a bit of love on a drizzly November morning.

Thank you Lorraine for Readers' Favorite for this new ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review!
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​"The story is heartbreaking. The tension is palpable. The conclusion both shocks and thrills. Crawford puts you in the story, compelling you to walk in Grace’s shoes. You will acutely feel Grace’s pain and frustration, weep for her, and root for her ultimate redemption. Crawford’s descriptions are vivid and her characterizations are superb. The story is captivating and entirely believable. This is a book readers will struggle to put down, and a story that will stay with you long after you turn the last page. It is just superb writing."

Grab your copy today!

Pre-Orders are live!

18/10/2023

 

I didn't expect to be announcing this quite so soon because my initial release date was some time in November. However...

The Boatman is available for pre-order on Kindle, and will be published 28 October 2023.

What changed?

Well, at the moment, everything I do is subject to a quick and sudden turnabout. In this instance, I never intended a big launch because it's a re-release of an older book. Originally, I was just going to slide it into my catalogue and subtly point it out to people.

Then I got this lovely new cover, and the work on it was more extensive, and I decided I wanted to show it off. And November is such a long way off!
Kindle Pre-Order
For More Info
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Our Beautiful Child has become... The Boatman

13/10/2023

 
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In 2014, I published my second book - Our Beautiful Child - and at the beginning of this year, the rights reverted to me.

After a little bit of procrastination, this trilogy of ghostly novellas, has a new title, a new cover, and one or two surprises inside as well - at least, surprises if you read the previous incarnation.

You can't give me a Word document and expect me not to tinker with it. As part of a competition in my newsletter, one of the characters has a new name. Another has a new name because he had a larger role and I needed something less unassuming. Even the pub has a new name. Once I got started, I just couldn't stop.

The release date is yet to be confirmed, but I'll shout about it when the time comes. In the meantime, here's the new cover, in all it's spooky glory!
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Annalisa Crawford, Author

Dark contemporary fiction with a hint of paranormal
​"Besides Annalisa's clever writing style, I enjoy the unpredictable plots and the characters that are so very normal, yet tragically broken in some way or another."
 © 2012-2026 Annalisa Crawford
Photo from Mark AC Photos