Red Lorry's Journey

Book Review - Confessions of a Kinky Wife by Justine Elyot

2013-05-23T17:16:00.001+01:00

“Confessions of a Kinky Wife” is a light hearted and titillating story about a couple’s exploration of sexual dominance and submission in their relationship. Pip has always fantasised about being dominated, but never felt like husband Dan took it seriously.

Presenting him with a beautiful leather belt on their third—leather—wedding anniversary, which has nothing to do with keeping his trousers up and everything to do with taking hers down, they finally find the courage to explore the world of corporal punishment in the bedroom.

The story is safe because the experimentation is firmly based within the foundations of a loving marriage, where both partners are equally inexperienced and learning their way together.

The story is also identifiable because it’s just a regular couple with regular jobs going about their regular lives. There’s no millionaires, no sexual repression and no baggage to turn it into an unbelievable fairytale. Pip and Dan could be your neighbours… Heck, they could even be you and your significant other. The added bonus of this story for me was that it’s set in Britain, so little touches like wet Bank Holidays and M&S cotton knickers made it all the more relatable.

I definitely enjoyed this book enough to keep an eye out for other works by Justine Elyot, maybe not straight away as my ‘to read’ list is quite extensive, but certainly in the not-to-distant future.

To NaNoWriMo... or not to NaNoWriMo?

2013-05-17T06:30:00.000+01:00

Image: 236/365 by Fuschia Foot

After I completed National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) in 2011, I swore, never again. Yes, I enjoyed the challenge; yes, I enjoyed the writing and yes, I had a fully written novel of 50,000 words at the end of it—not withstanding the obligatory editing process, but at the end of it I was also a complete wreck!

On burnout, I was so mentally exhausted after NaNoWriMo, that it took me around nine months to find the motivation and enthusiasm to be able to write anything more imaginative than a shopping list. Despite a real hankering to create, I just couldn’t make my ideas work or see any project through to fruition. So I said to myself and the world in general--through an article in the Writer’s Beat Quarterly: NaNoWriMo was a great experience, but it wasn’t something I would be repeating.

Except… here I am nearly two years later, a completed novel due to be published in December and the second in the series—in fact the novel I wrote for NaNoWriMo 2011—going through a stringent review and edit for publishing next year, and I find myself wondering if NaNoWriMo 2013 is perhaps just the vehicle I need to get a third in the series all lined up.

The series in question is, of course, my beloved Soul Takers; a collection of characters that have been with me for years and growing in numbers with each new plot I create. They are the imaginary friends I spend most of my time with, who I’ve got to know incredibly well and would be lost without.

And like any paranormal romance series worth its salt, each tale is founded on an underlying blueprint, which provides the framework for me to create the story. All I need to do is choose which characters I want to write about and give them the where and why to come together.

Currently there are two couples who are strong contenders; and I’m equally eager to realise both of their stories: I have an unsuspecting, fiery and passionate duo who will blaze a trail and be a blast to write, or I have a gentle, but no less passionate couple, who are deserving of some happiness and who will make me feel guilty if I don’t bring them together soon.

And although sitting down to write in my house is an almost daily occurrence, with my paid job and my unpaid housewife and mother role, writing is often disturbed or cut short due to other things going on around me. For those who don’t know, I currently have no designated writing space and create my workstation on the dinning room table, when it’s not in use for other things, like dining.

Taking part in NaNoWriMo 2013 would guarantee I would always find the time to write. The competitive animal within, once committed, would be unable to walk away from the challenge. So I would sit and write everyday, watching my word count grow on the personal tracker. I want my Soul Taker series to develop; to see it out there along side my idols, like J.R. Ward and Kresley Cole would be a dream come true. And as much of a slog as it would be, you don’t achieve anything in this world without a lot of hard work.

Guest Feature - Lena Winfrey Seder

2013-05-10T06:30:00.000+01:00

Hi everyone, yet another talented author drops by to take part in my Guest Feature. I'm delighted to introduce the very talented, multi-genre writing, Lena Winfrey Seder:

Please tell the viewers at home who you are and what you do?

I used to teach English, and I have taught all levels from KG through university. I taught both in the US and overseas, so I have experience teaching English as a second language.

Currently, I am a freelance writer. I also do a lot of volunteer work at my kids’ school, and I am involved in a local movie group; I have been script supervisor on the last three projects as well as learning to storyboard. I am building my skills, and I always enjoy learning new things.

What’s the name of your latest work, can you tell us a bit about it?

I actually have multiple projects going on at the same time. My published novel is an autobiography called The Metamorphosis of a Muslim, which was published in Spring 2011. It follows my spiritual quest as well as my world travels. I have lived and travelled to parts of Africa, Asia, the Middle East and Europe.

However, currently I am working on a paranormal that I plan to make into a trilogy. It is set in my hometown, and it will have a lot of unusual elements including werewolves, vampires, witches, shape shifters and later in the series I will introduce demons into the town. I have been researching native American legends and beliefs in relation to this area. Also, I want to place some of the ‘mountain culture’ into the book.

I write all genres. I used to be a newspaper reporter for a short period of time. I write poetry, short stories and screenplays, too. I am planning to publish a humorous science-fiction short story soon as an ebook, which is titled “Evolution or Revolution?”.

How did this particular work take shape?

Going back to my current paranormal novel, it started out as a novella that I was planning to put in an anthology with some other writers. I was pushing for the deadline, and the story was not finished, so I changed my mind and decided to turn it into a novel. Then, I got the idea to make it a trilogy, as I have now created a basic outline for all three so that I have some idea where the story is going.

This series is called The Clara Walker series. The first novel, which is close to finish, is called Between Bite and Might.

How long did it take to create the first draft?

I wrote the initial draft in one month. That was quick, but I left it for a few months while doing extra research. Now, I am going back to add to it and to re-edit. I have decided to add two new characters into the mix as well as to change the pov. So, it still needs quite a bit of work. Naturally I want to work on quality before it comes out.

How long was this book in the creating?

I started it a year ago in May 2012. I am also considering to leave it a bit as I might begin another novel that has come to mind. This requires less research, and I’m basing it on a flash fiction piece I have written; a friend of mine suggested I expand the story into a novel, and I have already begun to formulate a back story and more characters. It is flowing at the moment, so I might just continue with it and then come back to Between Bite and Might.

How long do you spend on revising your work prior to submitting/publishing?

This depends upon the work itself and the genre. Shorter pieces naturally are quicker to revise. My first published novel The Metamorphosis of a Muslim, after the initial writing, took one year to edit, rewrite, and add to. I published it through an overseas publisher (IIPH) who left me to do most of the editing while they made suggestions, and I went back and forth with them. Then, they sent me the final copy to review before publication.

Where can we get our hands on your works (include links)?

The Metamorphosis of a Muslim

Two of my poems were published in an anthology in March 2013 for a charity; it is called Hope Springs a Turtle (available in US, UK and other places):

Hope Spring a Turtle - Amazon Kindle
Hope Springs a Turtle - Amazon paperback

Do you have any favourite characters in the book, can you tell us why?

This is a hard question. I love all of my characters in some way in Between Bite and Might. If I had to choose it is between three main ones:

· David, who is the hero with a secret; he has a kind heart but his secret has caused him to sacrifice a lot in his life.

· Clara, the main character who has gone through some very difficult situations in her life and is brought back to her hometown where she is reunited with David.

· Old Widow Clark, who is a spunky good witch; she is spry for her age, stubborn, motherly and speaks with a strong mountain accent. She also knows David’s secret and years before had been close friends with his deceased mother.

How long have you been writing?

I started writing poetry in high school, and I used to write a series of very short stories with my best friend. As years passed, I realized that writing was not just a hobby but was a career.

Are there any writers/artists you particularly admire, and why?

I have a long list of writers that I enjoy reading for. It is hard to choose my favorites; however, I have always loved Ernest Hemingway; I have read most of his works.

I also like Janet Evanovich; she is really humorous! I like Dean Koontz, especially The Face.

And as far as some really talented Indy writers I enjoy reading for Norma Beishir, Mike Saxton, Shelly Arkon, Karla Telega, Cyn Bagley, Eve Gaal, and Lin Robinson. There are a lot of great books coming out these days in the Indy world. Some of them would translate well into movies. Also, I have recently discovered some great writings by Lorelei Bell and Lucy Pireel.

And I must mention Lorraine’s short story Big Red, which I reviewed. I really enjoy it tremendously. It was very different, unique and very entertaining.

Two other authors who have captured my attention this year with unusually powerful stories have been:

· Brooklyn Hudson with Wishbone (which is being made into a movie)

· Richard Long with The Book of Paul (which was very chilling, yet original and well-crafted; a hard book to put down and not for those under 18 or for those weak of heart).

Can you tell us a little about your typical day?

My day changes day by day according to my kids’ schedule (I have two sons and a daughter ages 13, 12 and 6). Most of the time I run the kids to school, and then I return to run on the treadmill. Then I have a small breakfast and start on some work. I usually check my emails quickly at first to see if there is anything pressing I should answer. Then, I try to blog, write or even network. Depending on whether the kids’ have after school activities that day, my day could extend longer. I also put cooking into the plans, as we eat at home more than eating out. It is healthier to cook from scratch. After picking up the kids, we have lunch/dinner and then some homework. I do a bit of cleaning, arranging and spending time with the kids. Sometimes I chill out with them. After they go to sleep, especially my daughter (and I must read her a bed time story every night), I will get back on the computer to work. I have a bad habit though to be a night owl; if it didn’t get enough done in the day, then I will do it at night, even if I’m up late. I really enjoy the quiet of the night.

How do you prepare to write, do you have an inspirational routine or location?

It depends on what I’m writing. If it is a blog, then I jump on the computer, which is either in my office or if I’m in the mood I move to the dining table near the sunny window. I like brightness and space. In my office, I also feel cozy and enjoy looking at my shelf that has some of my dragon figurines on it. I love dragons! And my book shelf with my reference books are beside my desk, which makes it easier to reach whatever I might need (though these days most research is coming from the internet). I still have a habit with bigger works to write in a notebook and then type it into the computer, but definitely all the editing is done on the computer. I just like the flow of the pen on paper to get the story to flow out of me.

Occasionally, I get inspired more when I have some music playing. It will vary from 1980’s music to other styles. I like Evanescence, and actually I listened to them as I finished the last few chapters of Between Bite and Might.

A good cup of coffee or even tea can help push me on and brighten my mood, and adding a piece of dark chocolate really gets me going! Yum!

Do you get distracted from your writing by other things? What are they and how do you find balance?

Only when my kids are home; I have learned to write my less serious things and correspondence while the kids are here. But my serious writing needs either quiet or a bit of music. Occasionally I can actually write while watching a movie or a series; I enjoy Supernatural, and I have actually been able to write while watching an episode. It depends on my mood and ability to concentrate that day. It fluctuates and depends also on my physical health and whether I slept well or not. Keeping hydrated with water helps a lot, too.

What do you enjoy about writing?

Writing seems to free me and is my outlet of expression. I feel alive when I’m writing. I’m sometimes driven to write and on occasion when an idea ‘hits’ it is almost like receiving revelation or something. I just get inspired and know it has to be written down. I write for myself and also want to share my vision with others.

Is there any part of writing that you find tedious or frustrating?

Marketing and editing. Mostly marketing. I’d much rather curl up somewhere and write in a notebook or on my laptop than to market. But since it is necessary, I try to do it well as I can through networking and other means. Writing is the main goal and my main pleasure. Reading is second to that; I always enjoy a good book, and really to write well one must read a lot. Editing is OK with me; sometimes I actually enjoy it, but once you have read something that seems like a million times, you get a bit tired. Even the best editor still needs another editor to go over the text; it is tedious work, especially when done well, and though one might be a great editor, still something could get missed and it takes another set of eyes to catch it.

With the short story I am planning to put up, I shared it with five other people to take advice and opinions and I re-edited and still will edit again. Probably a short story gets edited by me at least 8 to 10 times. Of course, there is the other fear; one never wants to over-edit, but I don’t really believe that happens too often.

You’ve won the lottery! Where would your ideal location be and why?

I think I’d like to own my own island and have a nice house there and some employees to help run it. I would want privacy and beautiful weather all the time. I would enjoy relaxing. Of course, who wouldn’t?

What do you feel makes a successful writer?

I don’t think success can be measured by money or even fame. A successful writer is one who gets the job done and is able to get their material out to the fans. And I think that if fans love the writer’s book, then he or she is successful. They have told a great story and done their job.

Do you have any advice for people who want to start writing?

Don’t ever give up. Success doesn’t happen overnight. If you are not able to succeed, stand back and look objectively at what you are doing. What is the problem? Is it marketing or the product (the book)? If there is any weakness in your writing or your marketing approach, then you need to find it and work on correcting it. Never feel that you know everything. No one does. It takes time to build yourself and to get your writing out there. If you need information or knowledge, then seek it. And if you need help, then go get it. Just keep pushing forward, even if daily you are writing one line at a time. If you don’t stop, eventually you will reach your goal.

In writing, do you think grammar and spelling are important, or is it more important to be able to imagine the story and create engaging characters?

Grammar and spelling are important, but not as important as engaging characters, having a great plot and using snappy dialogue. Grammar and spelling can be corrected and edited, and it should be. Even the biggest traditional publishers are not free from errors. If the mistakes are very minor and not many, then it should be no problem. However, if the mistakes distract from the story and impede understanding, then there is a problem. Before a manuscript is sent out, it really needs to be gone over and edited quite a bit to minimize this risk. It does irritate some readers. Quality is still important.

Do you think creativity is a gift or can it be taught?

Creativity is a gift. Certain elements of writing can be taught; raw talent cannot achieve success alone, and even the most gifted benefits from advice and instruction. However, a true writer/artist must have some innate ability that already exists and can be enhanced from training/mentoring.

As a reader, do you prefer e-books or tree books, why?

I love my kindle, but in the end I love tree books the best. I love the feel and touch of holding the actual book. I enjoy looking at the book in my shelf. I love the smell of crisp, new pages. I get more pleasure out of a tree book.

As a writer do you think e-books increase your opportunities and in what ways?

Yes, I believe it does, especially with the new generation who are computer and techy savvy. Ebooks are also cheaper, in general, and encourage more people to buy them. Also, there is the quick aspect of getting the book delivered to your reading device within a minute or two. So, customers get to read the book while they are still in the mood to read it. However, I still believe there is a market for print books; some people will always love them.

Is your work published through a mainstream publisher, independently or both?

The Metamorphosis of a Muslim was published by IIPH, located in Saudi Arabia. They took care of most of the marketing and other aspects of the book. And they have distributed my book practically all over the world. I get emails from many different countries from fans who have loved my book, including from Russia, UK, Egypt, India, Jordan, Malaysia, Nigeria and even in the US. That feels good. However, I have mostly had to market myself in the US. Of course, these days most publishers expect authors to be able to market themselves.

Do you think there’s value in beta readers, proof readers and editors, or could a

person do it all themselves?

I think a person could do it all themselves, but I don’t recommend this. I think you should have some beta readers to gauge whether you book is working or not. You need proof readers besides yourself to catch mistakes you might not see. When you write something yourself, you know the story so well that you have it reading in your head as you write and re-read it; so you might unconsciously ‘hear’ it though it might not really be correct. Definitely another few sets of eyes could help. And if you are not good at editing, you definitely need a good editor. Just be careful with editors; you might need to get references and review them by word of mouth. Not everyone who says they are an editor is actually good at it or qualified. I won’t say I’m the best, but I’m pretty good at it. I have a MA degree in English Literature and a lot of experience editing; however, even with my qualifications and experience, I can still miss something. No one is perfect, so that is why you should have more than one person in the system like a beta reader, a proof reader and then an editor. And the editor should go over the text more than once, too.

What do you think the pitfalls of independent publishing are?

There are two main points. Sometimes Indies cannot afford to pay an editor and may try to do it on their own. If they are good at the work and take their time, they could pump out something with quality; never rush a good thing. However, this is not always the case.

The other point is that some people still look down on Indies as if their work is not as good as authors from traditional publishing houses. The word needs to get out that there are some really great Indie writers out there who do publish quality work. Some spend the time and the money to actually get editing done. There are a lot of great stories out there. And what the average person doesn’t always realize is that not all authors of the most famous books out there from traditional publishers came with ‘perfect’ books. Some of these authors works were very weak until the traditional publisher took care of the editing. Whether traditional or Indie, writers work hard to bring us stories; on both sides the writing process is filled with ‘sweat, blood, and tears.’ Both deserve respect. They are both writers.

What did you find was the hardest part of the independent publishing process?

I am just beginning this route with the short story and my upcoming novel. The hardest part is the marketing and the distribution. That is what Indies miss most of the time, so they have to work really hard to cover this part.

Do you think independent publishing will someday overtake mainstream publishing?

Actually, it is already happening and the mainstream publishers are worried about it so much that they are racing to compete. More and more readers these days are willing to take a chance on an Indie book. And independent publishing gives more opportunities to more writers to actually get their work out there rather than having a ‘jewel’ lost in the big, complicated world of publishing.

Do you think mainstream publishers need to make it easier for writers to show up on their radar in order for them to compete with independent publishing?

I do. And I think if the mainstream publishers would realize that it is really not a competition thing. There is room in the world for both mainstream and independent publishing. It is giving the reader choices, and I think they should find some way to work together for the benefit of each other. Things are changing, and I hope for the better.

What’s next for you?

I want to get more writing done and in different genres. I want to concentrate on screenwriting, and I want to learn more about filmmaking. I am having a blast with my local movie group, and I hope one day to get into making my own movies. I am passionate about filmmaking and have tons of ideas. Though I am mainly a writer, I still want to learn more about the technical aspect of filmmaking. I was fortunate enough to have taken a course at Full Sail University a couple of years ago. I really learned a lot. Now, I’m learning day by day on my own and from opportunities to work on local film projects.

Do you have a blog or website where we can find out more about you and your works?

Here is a link to my blog Pearldrops on the Page

Here is my Author Page on Facebook

Lorry: Thank you, Lena, for a brilliant Guest Feature, not to mention the mention of Big Red.

Guest Feature - Glen Solosky

2013-05-02T06:30:00.000+01:00

Please tell the viewers at home who you are and what you do?

Hello, my name is Glen Solosky, and I’m an illustrator and writer. I live in a small town in Pennsylvania. I’ve always loved science-fiction and fantasy.

What’s the name of your latest work, can you tell us a bit about it?

My first novel, The Abominable Sruvius, is a middle grade science-fiction/fantasy. I could probably try to tell you what it’s about, but I think the blurb from the back cover describes it best:

As legend has it, Ravma Sruvius built a secret weapon high in the loft of his mysterious laboratory, and used it to sink half the royal navy. He was captured soon after, but even dungeon walls couldn’t stop the rat-like villain from vanishing without a trace.

Now, twenty years later, after young Bergey Fenwick and his friends overhear a plot of invasion against their kingdom, they uncover a trail of clues leading to the only person who can save them—Ravma Sruvius himself. More powerful than ever, he now controls forces that make his last weapon look like a popgun by comparison.

But can Sruvius—callous, twisted, possessed of an overriding hatred for the king—be coerced into using his incredible scientific genius to save their kingdom, or is he bent on destroying it?

Or is it possible that he has an entirely different agenda—something that no one could ever have guessed?

Your novel's cover is very original and pretty fantastic. Who created it?

I did it myself. I thought a classical oil painting look would work well to capture the feeling of the book.

Do you have any favourite characters in the book, can you tell us why?

Sruvius is definitely my favourite. He’s a reclusive genius--one of an entire family of geniuses--who’s dedicated his entire life to science and mathematics. I like him because he’s a mysterious outcast, hated and feared--a fun character to write.

By the way, the idea for the Sruvius family came from the Bernoullis (best known for the famous Bernoulli principle). They were an entire family of geniuses, over a hundred of them and not a normal IQ in the lot.

A close second would be Mackey Brogan. He’s the kind of mentor every kid wishes he had. Someone who’s likeable, helpful, worldly and knowledgeable. The kind of person who’s always got your back, but knows when to step back and give you some room.

How long have you been writing and creating art?

I’ve been drawing ever since I was little. I’m an avid reader, and have always been able to think of stories, but I never considered writing until I began to read with a critical eye. It was then I began to understand how writers wrote, why they constructed sentences and scenes the way they did, and the tricks to telling a good story.

What do you enjoy about writing/drawing?

I love the sort of mind set you fall into when you are totally immersed in your work. It’s the same with art as with writing (at least for me)--the rest of the world seems to go away, and there’s only me and my work.

Is there any part of writing that you find tedious or frustrating?

I love to write action scenes. But of course you can’t have nothing but action. That would get a bit tedious after a while. You’ve got to build tension, give the reader a roller coaster ride. I find those transitional scenes a bit tedious to write.

Do you find marketing and promoting your work difficult or frustrating?

Extremely. I’d rather just create and leave the promotion to someone else. But I’m sure most artists and writers feel that way.

In writing, do you think grammar and spelling are important, or is it more important to be able to imagine the story and create engaging characters?

I suppose that would depend on your readers. I can’t read a book with bad grammar and spelling. It becomes such an annoying distraction that I find myself unable to follow the story. That is if I know the mistakes aren’t intentional. Sometimes writers will ignore grammar deliberately for effect, as in Flowers for Algernon.

Do you think creativity is a gift or can it be taught?

It’s definitely a gift. But don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying that writers and artists are the only creative people. Creativity takes so many forms, everyone is creative in some way or another. You don’t have to be a writer or artist, or even right-brained for that matter. Mathematicians are creative, as are logicians, scientists, accountants, you name it.

As a reader, do you prefer e-books or tree books, why?

I was a bit resistant to the idea of e-books at first, but now I love it. I’ve downloaded a number of short stories that are less than twenty pages long. Not anthologies, but single short stories. You can’t do that with a tree book.

As a writer do you think e-books increase your opportunities and in what ways?

It used to be that if you wanted your work viewed by the public, it had to be accepted by a publisher first. That hurdle no longer exists. Indie publishers can reach the public directly.

Do you think there are any pitfalls of e-publishing, why?

The obvious downside is the flood of work by indie authors who may not be quite ready for publication. A traditional publisher acts as a filter. Also, the e-book market is limited to people who own e-readers.

Why did you make the choice to publish independently?

I had signed on with a small publisher, but they went out of business before the book came out. That’s when I decided to go indie.

Do you think there’s value in beta readers, proof readers and editors, or could a person do it all themselves?

I’m sure there are a lot of writers who could edit their own work. I’d prefer to have an editor do it. They see it with fresh eyes. I’ve been fortunate to have some really great editors.

What do you think the pitfalls of independent publishing are?

You’ve got to do everything yourself: finding an editor, doing the promotion. It’s a lot of work. Unless you really keep on top of the project from beginning to end, it could come across as amateurish.

Do you think mainstream publishers need to make it easier for writers to show up on their radar in order for them to compete with independent publishing?

No, but I think it will make them change the way they acquire talent. There are so many good indie authors out there. A lot of them go indie instead of wasting years trying to find a publisher. Readers have always trusted the publishing industry to weed out the good authors from the bad, but sites like Goodreads.com will probably take over that role. I’m sure the big publishing houses will start watching those sites more closely, ready to sign on anyone who catches their eye.

Looking ahead, what’s next for you?

A sequel to The Abominable Sruvius is in the works. After that, I have a few science-fiction book ideas.

Do you have a blog or website where we can find out more about you and your works?

Yes, my website for The Abominable Sruvius is at www.sruvius.com. I’ve got an excerpt from the book, chapter one of the sequel, The Sruvian Templex, and some other interesting stuff. There are also links to where you can get it in e-book and trade paperback.

Riddle in Stone - My Review

2013-04-25T20:45:00.000+01:00

As I promised when Robert Evert took part in the Guest Feature, which you can reacquaint yourself with here, I said I would read his book and come back here to share my review with all of you. I'm delighted to say the book is simply brilliant. So here's my review, which you can also find on Amazon, Goodreads and Shelfari.

Riddle in Stone is the debut novel by Robert Evert. And what a way to make a debut! This is one of the best fantasy adventures I have ever read, and if the word fantasy puts you off, don't let it. Fantasy is not my genre of choice. But then we're not talking whimsical faeries and chipper little elves here.

Edmund is our anti-hero, overweight, balding, with a nervous stammer, and a love of books, he's never going to be anyone's first choice as an adventurer. The only adventure Edmund has ever been on has been through the pages of his beloved story books. However, striking a win for academics and readers the world over, when Edmund learns about a quest in the name of the king, he realises all those tomes he's read though the years have furnished him with the knowledge he needs to fulfil the quest. And in doing so Edmund hopes that the king's reward will help him win the heart and hand of Molly, the unrequited love of his life.

Setting out on his journey, Edmund has little thought for what he's leaving behind and even less awareness of what he's about to get himself into. Making some of the most memorable friends along the way, including Thorax, the bravest dog ever to have lived, and Pond Scum a prisoner with the sunniest outlook on life that you could ever hope to have, there are plenty of characters to root for. But don't settle back into the comfort of your armchair just yet! Edmund's adventure also brings you face to face with a monstrous troll, some rather devious and wicked goblins, and plenty of terrifying scenarios that will have you on the edge of your seat.

This totally absorbing and fast paced adventure is right up there with the likes of Tolkien's `The Hobbit`. It will make you happy, make you sad, make you laugh, make you cry and once or twice it might make you wince.

By the time you reach the end of the story everything has changed, especially Edmund, and while it's not a `happy ever after' scenario it certainly leaves you in a good place and utterly satisfied with what you've read. And' if like me, finishing a good books feels like losing a limb, don't be downhearted... In the Kindle version of this story there's a sneaky peak at the sequel: Betrayal in the Highlands.

Read and enjoy! Buy Riddle in Stone now on Amazon.co.uk

Book recommendation: The Way of the Weekend Warrior by Linton Robinson

2013-04-16T07:30:00.000+01:00

In the cut-throat world of news and media a little hapless luck can take you a long way. So when self proclaimed Weekend Warrior, Wiley, and his colourful, ‘say it as I see it’ gift of the gab fall in the sh*t and end up on local TV news and he really comes out smelling of roses, it's bound to piss off one or two people.

Linton Robinson’s insider knowledge and personal experience working in public media is used to great effect in this novel about the politics of the press. No matter the motivation, whether it’s scheming, sleeping or slurring your way there, its proof there are many routes to reach the top of the tree and numerous reasons for taking part in the climb.

With more than a few vivid characters, all with a personal interest in making it to the end game, as a reader you'll never be short of someone to route for.

With a climactic ending that’s sure to put a smile on anyone’s face, even if you read this book for no other reason than to enjoy Wiley’s vividly insightful editorials on just about any topic under the sun, you won’t be disappointed.

Playing with Pictures

2013-04-12T07:30:00.000+01:00

As the final clean-up on my novel draws to a close and I start work with my editor to polish it up, ready for publication, my mind has turned to the cover art. The cover of a book is so important; as much as the hook on the first page. If your cover catches the eye and the imagination of potential readers, you're halfway there: you've got someone interested.

I've never made a secret of the fact that I love paranormal romance novels, and Soul Reunion falls within that genre. I've take stock of the book covers on my own shelves, with books by the greats within that genre; authors like like J.R. Ward, Christine Feehan, Kresley Cole and Geena Showalter. And as each of their series have progressed, I've noticed the same thing happen to all their covers... semi-naked men.

Obviously this works for these series, which I know all have dedicated and enamoured followings. It's also forced me to move my collections to another bookshelf where my tweenage daughter can't get her hands on them and be tempted to read some of the wonderfully colourful stories within.

But what about me, where do I start. Obviously, unlike my writing idols, I don't (yet) have a publishing house to fund and resource my cover also, I don't know any men willing to show off a bronzed sixpack for the sake of my story. And I'm a novice when it comes to artistic design and creative software. I know what I like and have ideas about the artistic representation of my story, but that's about it.

Well, with information and advice shared between the writing community, in particular Linton Robinson and David Gilmore, I've had a go at my first design that's stretched beyond the limited reach of Microsoft Word and Clipart. Using PAINT.net--which is available as a free download (thank you Lin) and sourcing imagery from Morgue File--where if you alter the image it's accreditation free (thank you David), I've come up with my very first design.

Obviously it's a long way from the finished product, but it's a learning curve for indie writers, such as myself. And something we've got to be sufficient in if we're going to carve out our own niche in the market, without the support of a publisher.

I'm still exploring PAINT.net, but have so far found it very easy to use. The limitations with it (unless I've missed something, which is very likely) is that I can't emboss or shadow the text to give it any sense of depth. And apparently, according to my trusted peers on Writer's Beat, I've made a rookie mistake in allowing the title to be too close to the edge. But that hasn't stopped me from grinning like a goon, because... I made this!

If you'd like to leave me your thoughts on this initial cover please do. I'm all for garnering constructive criticism and moving forward toward a final design.

Guest Feature - Robert Evert

2013-04-06T23:26:00.000+01:00

Somehow I managed to stumble across yet another awsome writer, whose book, Riddle in Stone, is the next to read on my Kindle. Ladies and Gentlemen, it is my great pleasure to introduce to you, Robert Evert.

Please tell the viewers at home who you are and what you do?

Hello, viewers at home! My name is Rob Evert. I’m a university professor and I teach special education. For those of you who aren’t in the States, special education involves working with children with disabilities—autism, intellectual disabilities, that sort of thing. However, I’m also a struggling novelist, which is why I’m here!

What’s the name of your latest work, can you tell us a bit about it?

My first novel, Riddle in Stone, has just been released by Diversion Books as an e-book (save trees! Read an e-book!) It’s listed as an “epic fantasy.” But, although there’s magic and goblins and battles with swords, the story really isn’t about all that.

It’s about this guy who feels like a loser. He’s fat, stutters, and in love with a beautiful woman who doesn’t really see him as anything but “a friend.” One day, he drinks too much and realizes that he’s bored and lonely. So, to give his meaning to his life, he sets off on an adventure to become a famous hero. But he soon realizes that being a hero isn’t all that it’s cracked up to be.

Some people call it a “dark fantasy” because it has some very grim parts to it. But it also has elements of a romance and a “bro-mance” as well. There’s also some humorous parts, if you have a dry sense of humor.

How did this particular work take shape?

Boy! This is a long story! But I’ll keep it as short as I can.

You see, I’ve always wanted to be a writer. Ever since I was a little kid, I’ve been trying to get a novel published. I tried and tried and tried, but I never could manage it.

About five years ago, I decided to take writing more seriously. So I started practicing writing dialogue. Every day I wrote a brief scene involving this strange character who popped into my head named “Edmund.”

I had no story or plot. Actually, I had not even thought of turning it into a book. I just wanted to write for the sake of writing.

Bit by bit, a story emerged. I showed it to a friend who is a writer. She showed it to a friend of hers who is an agent. The agent loved it. And here I am…begging for people to buy it!

Where can we get our hands on your works (include links)?

Riddle in Stone is available online at www.Amazon.com, www.barnesandnoble.com, and wherever mediocre e-books are sold. If you are interested, you can read the first chapter of Riddle in Stone at my website (www.robertevert.com) or at my blog (http://robertevert.blogspot.com/).

Do you have any favourite characters in the book, can you tell us why?

I have a few favorite characters. Two are “bad guys” (goblins) named Kravel and Gurding. They have a job to do and enjoy doing it. They also have a very odd sense of humor, which I can appreciate.

Another character is Pond Scum, a human who is being held captive by the goblins. He is forced to work in their mines and is beaten regularly, yet he still keeps a positive attitude.

Also, Pond Scum reminds me of a woman I dated while I was at University. We broke up and she didn’t take it particularly well. For months, she’d call me in the middle of the night and scream, “Pond scum!” into the phone and then hang up. Ah! Good times. Good times.

What’s the inspiration behind your writing and when did it hit you?

I’ve been writing stories since second or third grade. I mean this literally when I say it’s a compulsion. I simply HAVE to write. I have to. If I don’t, my insides get itchy and I am all out of sorts. That’s just how I am.

I suppose I was a very lonely child and writing gave me a way of “creating” friends and visiting worlds where I wasn’t teased or made fun of. That, or I’m just crazy. Who can say?

But for this story, I was writing for my son, Alex. Alex had a horrible stutter. It was really frustrating for him to try to speak and, to be honest, sometimes I wasn’t the type of father that I wanted to be. Anyway, to kind of make up for all the times when I got angry at him, I started writing about this character (“Edmund”) who also had a stutter. I wanted Alex to be able to read a story someday about a hero who spoke like him. I hope he likes it when he gets older!

Are there any writers you particularly admire, and why?

I admire anybody who can make the words dance. I’m trying, but I’m not there yet.

I started loving fantasy because of Tolkien. God only knows how many times I’ve read the Lord of the Rings. Hundreds, I’m sure.

I felt like a different person when I read his books. I would dream about Bree and Rivendell and the Shire. They were real to me. It almost makes me believe in magic.

How do you prepare to write, do you have an inspirational routine or location?

I have to have things a certain way before I can write. I have to have my office completely dark, except for a lone desk lamp (full-spectrum light bulb to help with depression) shining on the keyboard. I also have to have green tea in a special cup to the upper right-hand side of the keyboard. And yes, it has to be a certain cup or else the spell is broken. (I’m just a tad neurotic.)

Is there any part of writing that you find tedious or frustrating?

Not really. Writing is the only time I ever feel at peace with myself—throwing words on a page, seeing what sticks. I love the entire process. It’s like stepping out of your house and seeing where the road will take you. You start with a single word and then something happens. People are born. Places are created. You’re swept off you feet and you drift to god only knows where. It’s heaven.

Do you find marketing and promoting your work difficult or frustrating?

Oh, absolutely! I hate promoting my book. Hate it! Ugh! I feel really sleazy asking people to buy or review it.

But that’s what writers have to do nowadays. It isn’t as if publishers have huge “marketing campaigns” for new novelists like myself. And we don’t get to publish second books if the first one doesn’t sell well. So we have to pester people and beg them to write nice things about our work. (Hint! Hint!)

How do you measure your own success?

Well, this is the heart of my “problem.” I can’t seem to let myself feel success. I set off to finish a novel-length manuscript. Which I did. Then I wanted to get an agent. Which I did. Then I wanted to get the book published. Which I did. Then I wanted people to read it and write nice things about it. Which they have. But I can’t just sit back and feel good about all the wonderful things I’ve accomplished. I always feel like I have to do more and more. It’s like I say to myself, if TWENTY people write good reviews, THEN I’ll be happy! But I’m not. I always thinking, “Well, I could do better.” Like I said, I’m neurotic!

You should be charging me per hour for this! It’s like therapy! Can we talk about my mother now? She doesn’t think I’m a REAL doctor. I just have a Ph.D. I’m not a REAL doctor like my brother Jim! He’s a neurologist! I’m feeling better all ready. Next question.

You’ve won the lottery! Where would your ideal location be and why?

Wherever my wife and kids were.

I’ve recently visited Norway. It’s beautiful. And it immediately felt like home to me. But I would have to win several lotteries in order to live there. It’s very expensive!!!

Do you have any advice for people who want to start writing?

Oh, I have tons of advice. TONS! That’s actually what I blog about—advice for other neurotic writers such as myself.

I suppose the most important thing that I can say is that people have to actually study the craft of writing. And it is a craft, just like carpentry or ballad. I might be able to swing a hammer. I could even build a birdhouse, but that doesn’t make me a professional carpenter.

Study the craft of writing! Read books, such as Stephen King’s On Writing. Also, study the novels you like and don’t like. Figure out what works and what doesn’t.

What’s the single biggest mistake made by new writers?

Thinking that they can’t improve.

Many of my writer friends get rejections from publishers or agents and they give up. They spend all of this time working on a manuscripts, maybe several years, and they figure, “Oh well, I must suck as a writer! I quit!”

And they probably do suck. We all do when we first start out. But, we can get better. It takes lots of work, but we can do it! I got published. Anybody can!!

Looking ahead, what’s next for you?

Well, I’m working on a sequel to Riddle in Stone called Betrayal in the Highlands. It should be released by Diversion Books in August or so. Fingers crossed!

Do you have a blog or website where we can find out more about you and your works?

Absolutely. I have a website (www.robertevert.com) where people can find out more about my book and so forth. But I also have a blog (http://robertevert.blogspot.com/) where I talk about the writing process. Stop by if you’re interested!

Thank you so much for letting me stop by and talk about my book! If any of you read Riddle in Stone, please let me know. I would love to hear what you think of it. I can only get better if I hear from my readers.

Thanks again and please support indie authors and small presses!

Lorry: Keep an eye out for my future review of Riddle in Stone!

Lorry's Free Fiction - Dirty Laundry

2013-04-02T07:31:00.000+01:00

This is a short story I wrote a couple of years ago. It's a little bit cheeky, but a lot of fun. I submitted it to a few places, but no one seemed to want to take the risk of publishing something that's perhaps considered a little... taboo. However, it remains one of my favorites and even though my style has changed a lot since then, I think it's time I shared it with the world.

Dirty Laundry

by

Lorraine Sears

Creeping up the stairs, avoiding the squeaky step, my heart thuds so loud in my chest I know it’s going to wake the house. Just the laundry bin, Neil, nothing unusual about going there. Except… I’ve stayed up really late just to make sure no one sees.

Dad’s freight train snore vibrates through the house. Hells bells, how’s mum slept next to that for so many years? I stifle a gasp as something thuds on the floor of their room; freezing statue-still against the cold wall, my fingers curl around the banister. Don’t let them wake, don’t let them wake. I’m just three steps from the landing. Jasper! Damn cat, he stalks past me, down the stairs with his nose and tail stuck up in the air. Bloody animal.

Passing my sister’s room, the door’s half open; I see the silhouette of her ballet bag hanging over the back of the chair. Hmmm, this stealthy little trip could be folly; crossing my fingers and hoping it’s not, I tiptoe to the bathroom. Crap! My shoulder hits the light pull and it swings back and forth banging on the door frame. Why is it, the less noise I try to make the louder I am?

Finally, reaching the laundry hamper my excitement starts to throb. Opening the lid reveals a jumble of soiled clothes. Dirty, used aromas assault my nose; mum’s cloying perfume, dad’s sweat and the smell of grease from his garage. I rummage deeply, my searching fingers burrowing through the textiles. My hope begins to fade as they continue their fruitless furrowing… Wait!

One finger brushes something fine and soft, another finger joins the discovery. A sigh of relief as my hand closes round the treasure.

God, I shudder. That heavenly, silky, slinky texture; that can change to coarse and abrasive with just a twist. How I love to feel it on my skin. My free hand trembles, as I hold it in the slice of moonlight shining through the window. Deep in the basket my other hand lovingly clutches the loot.

Slowly, slowly so as not to tear them I pull them out. Ahhhh, my breath comes out in a rush; finally my eyes behold what’s been on my mind all day. Crouched, on the bathroom floor, I shove my face greedily into the fine material and revel in that light musky scent mixed with sprung maple wood and floor polish. Subconsciously my body rocks back and forth on my heels as I comfort myself with my prize.

Back to your room, Neil. Quickly. Balling my treasure carefully and stashing it in my pants, against my skin, taking measured steps so I can enjoy the friction, I stride back to my room. Closing the door and hitting the light I retrieve my contraband.

It’s after midnight, just like every ‘ballet’ night. But I don’t care. Shaking off my jeans and briefs to get ready for bed; my beloved faded Iron Maiden t-shirt first and then, slowly and carefully I slip my feet into the soft nylon and smooth it up my legs. My wiry hairs poke through the fine mesh; bliss. At last, the feeling of contentment I’ve been dreaming of washes through me and I snuggle down to sleep, comfortable and secure in my sister’s pink ballet tights.

The End

Image: 'laundry hamper of gold' by Sweetapathy (http://www.flickr.com/photos/sweetapathy/231249687/)

Guest Feature - Hunter S. Jones

2013-03-29T07:30:00.000Z

On today's Guest Feature I'd like the welcome Hunter S. Jones

Please tell the viewers at home who you are and what you do?

The art form I create when writing is much more interesting than anything you will ever know or learn about me. However, since you ask, I have lived in Tennessee and Georgia my entire life, except for one “lost summer” spent in Los Angeles. I was always a complex kid. My first published stories were for a local underground rock publication in Nashville. I have published articles on music, fashion, art, travel and history. Currently, I have a music blog and published my debut novella, Fables of the Reconstruction, in 2012. I have a fascination with Edgar Allan Poe and Anne Rice, although like any Southern girl, I will always idolize Margaret Mitchell for writing Gone With The Wind. I live in Atlanta, Georgia with my partner, my books and a million dollar view.

What’s the name of your latest work, can you tell us a bit about it?

The story is called Magic in Memphis. It’s a contemporary romantic love story about a Southern businesswoman who is a Wiccan solitary practitioner. She falls in love with a London businessman the first night they meet. It’s their story.

How did this particular work take shape?

Great question. This started as most things do anymore, as a click on Facebook. Next thing you know, you’ve ‘met’ a group of like-minded creatives who want to collaborate and create as a group. That’s what Moon Rose Publishing did with the anthology A Celtic Tapestry.

How long did it take to create the first draft?

It took almost 3 months to write the first draft for Magic in Memphis. I found that writing about normal people with strong feelings and emotions is the most difficult thing to do, for me at least. Personally, I cannot envision a happily-ever-after, so writing this story took a lot of soul searching. One part I did enjoy was getting to work with a Third Elevation Wiccan Priest, who assisted me in the religious aspects of the story.

How long was this book in the creating?

This story was edited three times, mainly for punctuation. I do not appear to be a great user of commas. J

How long do you spend on revising your work prior to submitting/publishing?

As long as it takes!

Where can we get our hands on your works?

My debut novella, Fables of the Reconstruction, is available only on Amazon.com.

A Celtic Tapestry, the anthology of the eight Celtic Festivals, is now available for pre-order through Moon Rose Publishing.

Do you have any favourite characters in the book, can you tell us why?

In A Celtic Tapestry you will find eight stories filled with vibrant, beautiful characters and imagery. In my story, Magic in Memphis, I really wanted Victoria Bryant and James Wellington to fall in love. She is just a normal person and he is a beautiful charmer. I wanted James to fall in love and understand how to love without any ulterior motives; just to fall in love with another person and have a heart connection.

How do you prepare to write, do you have an inspirational routine or location?

Music. It always involves music. For the title to Magic in Memphis I kept thinking about Panic in Detroit, which is a classic Bowie song. Then, I realized it was the pentameter of the title, not the song itself. That was the inspiration. Once I have a title, the writing begins to evolve.

Is there any part of writing that you find tedious or frustrating?

Yes, getting feelings into words and onto the page is never a delightful experience. It drains you physically and emotionally.

How do you measure your own success?

My own success has been the writing experience, in and of itself. For me, if even one person feels something, whether it’s good or bad, I have created art.

The real, tangible success would be having a story I’ve written made into a movie or TV series. Then, I could tell my family what I’ve done. Lol!

Have you got a following?

...

.........Yes.

Do you have any of those endearing, but slightly eccentric fans who share with you more than you might expect?

Oh yes, and I love them!

What do you feel makes a successful writer?

I don’t know the answer to that yet. May I get back to you? Or, maybe we should ask someone who does know the answer. J

Do you have any advice for people who want to start writing?

Don’t quit your day job.

Given the choice would you have preferred to publish through a mainstream publisher?

The first time? No. I wanted to learn how to do it on my own before approaching a publisher.

What did you find was the hardest part of the independent publishing process?

Like anything new, the hardest part was learning who all the players were, how to develop my ‘brand’ and image, and how to set up my team. I have a team in place now that understands my vision – I guess that’s what you would call it.

Do you think independent publishing will someday overtake mainstream publishing?

I have no idea.

Do you think mainstream publishers need to make it easier for writers to show up on their radar in order for them to compete with independent publishing?

It’s a competitive marketplace, so there’s probably room for everyone.

Looking ahead, what’s next for you?

A Celtic Tapestry is available on March 21^st. After that, look for a few surprises in the upcoming months.

Do you have a blog or website where we can find out more about you and your works?

Visit my page on Authorsdb.com. You can find all my social media information, blog and contact information there.

Hunter S. Jones on Authorsdb.com

Thank you for allowing me to guest on your site!

Guest Feature - Peter & Christine Wakefied

2013-03-25T07:30:00.000Z

Please tell the viewers at home who you are and what you do?

I’m Peter Wakefield, and I’m a retired priest. I’ve been writing short stories for the last three years. Last May, my wife Christine, who is a retired Education Social Worker, and I co –wrote our first book ‘Bon Courage Les Anglais’

Can you tell us a bit about your book?

This is a collection of ten short stories about the five wonderful years we lived in the Creuse, a rural region of Central France. It was published as an e book and hard copy on Amazon in November 2012. We are thrilled, (not to say very surprised) that in just four months it has become a number one best seller.

How did this particular piece of work take shape?

During the first month we compiled a list of all the significant events that had happened to us during our time there. We then selected the ones which had real warmth and humour and gave a different insight into daily life. In particular we wanted to bring out the very close relationships we had made with our French neighbours.

How long did it take to create the first draft?

With a target of 25,000 words, this took us just over three months. This period proved to be a real challenge as we had to develop new skills to co-write. There were times of total agreement about a particular story, and then again there were times when we inevitably disagreed. We managed to learn the art of successful negotiation (eventually!).

How long was the book in creating?

In its completed form it took nearly four and a half months. By the middle of August we had finished the entire text, and had ten illustrations from our illustrator Fifi Sharplin, one for each story. Very importantly we had also selected the illustration that would go on the cover, which was chosen for it vividness and impact, hoping it would draw potential readers to the book.

How many times did you revise your work?

Through the weeks of writing, each story was going through revision after revision. It is hard to put into words but in each case we came to feel the moment when we could say together ‘That’s it’. This would be celebrated with a glass of wine.

Once the whole book was completed, we then took a break for ten days and then went back to it. By this time we knew we were going to replace the final chapter with one describing some of the hard lessons we had learned. In the feedback that we have received to date, this decision has struck a chord with the readers. They have appreciated our openness and honesty in that final story.

After submitting the manuscript to our proof reader it was recommended that we link each story, from the end of one chapter to the beginning of the next. This involved a final revision before we sent it to our publisher.

Where can we get our hands on your work?

The e. book is available on Amazon Kindle and the hard copy on Amazon and also at Lulu.com. It is not yet in bookshops.

How long have you been writing?(From this point on Peter alone will answer the questions.)

In many different ways I have been creating resources for learning over the last forty five years. These were used in churches; in youth work; in adult training and other voluntary sector agencies. I also wrote one major thesis for a post graduate course.

I have been actively writing short stories for the last two years, and began submitting them to competitions in February 2012. One of these won a national writing competition run by Writing Magazine and Skyros Holidays. The prize was a writing holiday in Greece, which I went on in September. An unforgettable experience!

How do you prepare to write, do you have an inspirational routine or location?

As a newly fledged writer this is a discipline I am still learning. I have a wealth of new creative ideas that come from so many different sources and find that I begin new stories and perhaps get half way and then stop.

Over the past five months I have been ill with several bouts of flu and also the norovirus. Coming one after another these sapped all my energy, and for weeks I hardly wrote anything.

I tend to work at a writing desk in a quiet room of the house, overlooking the garden, where I am able to concentrate and be private. I sit in a comfy chair by the desk, writing pad in hand, and I find that this is where I discover inspiration to write.

I will then work on the computer to expand the ideas and possible options for a new story or a story that is already underway. Completing them is still my challenge.

What do you enjoy about writing?

I love every minute of it because there are limitless possibilities for new stories. I can be out on the bus and overhear a conversation. In my mind I see a new character in a new plot. I can be sitting in a café and watch the customers. Very often a situation arises, which, on the surface, may be mundane or superficial. I have a tiny notebook with me and jot down a few observations. Later, in my writing I develop this into an entirely new storyline. It’s great to find a new “seed” idea and then watch it grow into a story.

Writing gives me the freedom to be creative, to express things I feel important to me, communicated through characters I invent.

How do you promote your work to the world?

This first book is very important to me as I hope it will at least begin to establish me as a writer. I have been very fortunate that my e publisher (PublishNation) has taken on the marketing of the book. The links they made across France have allowed it to begin to sell well. I chose to use Amazon as it reaches such a massive audience. This was a targeted piece of marketing as we felt the book would be well received by the expat community.

In the March edition of ‘The Riviera Reporter’ which covers the French Riviera the editor has given the book a very positive review. As a result of this we are already seeing an increase in sales in France.

I have now got written consent to use the review in other marketing, the only proviso being that I acknowledge the source.

In the coming months I will be concentrating on promoting the book here in England. I hope that the success of the marketing in France will help to launch the book in this country.

Do you find the marketing and promoting of your work difficult or frustrating?

If I am honest it does at times frustrate me, as it is very time- consuming to keep seeking to build on what has been achieved and then work out the next step. I am new to this area and think I have a lot more to learn about effective promotion. I try to find ‘writers days’ that will help with the challenge this brings, as I hope to learn from the experience of more established authors.

I accept that in placing the book on Amazon it is only one of over 240,000 e-books on the site every day, and that only a very effective on-going marketing campaign will succeed in getting it known.

Do you have any advice for people who want to start writing?

If they have never written anything before I would recommend that they take a writing course focussed on the area in which they are hoping to work. I think it is also important to be reading all the time across many different genres and in doing this to try to think through how the authors are creating their material. I have benefited from belonging to writing groups, where I have been able to receive critiques of my writing in a supportive atmosphere.

In writing, do you think grammar and spelling are important or is it more important to be able to imagine the story and create engaging characters?

I have found an excellent proof reader who is able to point out and correct the mistakes I make as I seek to create stories. One example is that I often don’t notice just how many times I change tense from the past to the present. I’ve always struggled with some components of grammar, and in many briefs for competitions stress is placed on submissions being well punctuated. I think it is important whilst creating our stories to use our imaginations to the fullest and to develop engaging characters. When the particular piece has been finished, this is the time to develop the discipline of checking our grammar and spelling. As most people now use a computer/laptop, there is at the very least the Spellcheck that can help.

Do you think creativity is a gift or can it be taught?

A hard question as there are so many gifted creative writers who, I think, have an innate sense of the way to develop stories. However I think from personal experience that one can develop one’s creative writing by accessing a wide variety of resources and trying to learn new skills each time one writes. Each year centres advertise writing holidays/week-ends, and many courses focus on writing creatively. Writing magazines and internet sites can also aid our learning and change the way that we approach our writing.

As a writer do you think e-books increase your opportunities and in what ways?

I can only say that for me personally it has been a very positive development in publishing. It allows new authors to get their work known. It is a very low cost way of producing your book and therefore does not require the investment of significant funds at the outset.

There is a vast market that can be reached through the book being on the internet and being so easy to download.

Over the past four months since ‘Bon Courage’ has been on the internet we have been contacted by newspaper editors and electronic newsletter editors about the book. This is a very interactive process and it helps me to develop new marketing skills.

Do you think there are pitfalls of e-publishing, why?

One pitfall we discovered very quickly was the feedback that readers can leave for an e-book. Once e-published there is the open invitation to review the book. If someone chooses to discredit what you have written you have no comeback, and their comments remain for every prospective buyer to see.

The other pitfall has to come from the challenge to get the book known to readers. If you have a traditional publisher they will have a marketing strategy. Unless you use an e-publisher who will for a fee undertake marketing, you have a monumental hill to climb to find readers beyond friends and family.

Do you have a blog or website where we can find out more about you and your works?

I have a newly created website- www.peterwakefieldwriter.com which contains some personal details and further examples of my work. In terms of, ‘What’s next ?’ alongside working on a second book, I also want to put new stories on the web-site. It is also my hope to develop an interactive section on the site to encourage writers to develop question- based materials.

Guest Feature - Lorelei Bell

2013-03-21T07:30:00.000Z

Another author of the paranormal to introduce you to today; Lorelei Bell.

Please tell the viewers at home who you are and what you do?

I am Sabrina Strong's alter ego. Actually Sabrina is my alter ego. All seriousness aside, my name is Lorelei Bell, writer/author, artist and transit bus driver. Bus driver because I can work on scenes between runs—haha.

I live on a restored prairie/wetland preserve with my husband of 25 years (park manager), and 3 feral cats—Bashful, Tango and Half-pint. We live in a 1906 farm house that was the second house built on the original land. And yes, it's haunted.

What’s the name of your latest work, can you tell us a bit about it?

Vampire Nocturne, which was just published in February 2013. It is the third book in the Sabrina Strong series. The series follows Sabrina Strong, who is a touch clairvoyant, through her dealings with vampires, werewolves, one leprechaun, and demons that tend to pop up and try to kill her or someone she loves.

In Vampire Nocturne, Sabrina starts out trying to find her cousin, Lindee, only to be sucked onto another world where they are stuck in the Victorian age. Here, vampires rule and outnumber humans ten to one, are the source of food and sexual enjoyment. Sabrina has first come in contact with Jett, a robust young aristocrat—the son of the king—who has an attraction to her. She then meets the king and his father father -- Drakulya. Yep. “The Impaler” who has found a way to turn himself into a vampire, and wound up on this planet called “Beyond the Black Veil”. She finds a way of dealing with Drakulya, but then has to solve the problem of the Dreadfuls—creatures who haunt a person's room until they slowly die. When it's learned that she can kill these Dreadfuls, it begins to look like she may be there a while—because the Dreadfuls only kill humans. However, she's become suspicious about who might be behind sending these Dreadfuls out, and meanwhile she's learned that other humans have been sucked into this world from hers as well.

How did this particular work take shape?

At the time I began ideas on this book, in 2010, there was an actual missing person—and sadly she was murdered. It took place in the very area where I drive a bus that picks up college students. It allowed me to see what branches of personnel they bring in to investigate, and how they went about it. It was also chronicled in the college paper with a lot of details. It helped me bring a reality to Sabrina's cousin's case that I might not have been able to, otherwise.

How long did it take to create the first draft?

About a year to write and then another year to work on drafts, I think.

Where can we get our hands on your works?

AMAZON: Vampire Nocturne

How long have you been writing?

I began writing in my senior year in high school, and aside from a few years that I took off from writing, I've been writing for 40+ years, now.

What do you enjoy about writing?

The satisfaction of coming up with a story that people enjoy. But first of all, just the act of writing I can't find in anything else that gives me such pleasure.

Is there any part of writing that you find tedious or frustrating?

Promotions are tedious and sometimes frustrating. Is anyone interested? I have no idea how to get the attention of the reading public. We writers tend to be hawking our books to one another. If you have a following (especially local), you have a good starting base. Get them involved, if you can, to talk about your book to other people, and try and get some sort of public signing.

Do you find marketing and promoting your work difficult or frustrating?

Yes. I think writing/books is the most difficult art to promote. I mean a painting you see it. A movie—again, pictures. Music, you hear it. Books. A person has to open it up and read a little of it to see if they think they'd like it. They could still be disappointed in the end. I know I have with authors of books I've picked up in bookstores.

Have you got a following?

Yes. Got one or two lurkers, a couple of stalkers and then my real fans out there. Some where introduced to my work when I self published Spell of the Black Unicorn, and have followed me into my next series, asking for more of Sabrina Strong.

In writing, do you think grammar and spelling are important, or is it more important to be able to imagine the story and create engaging characters?

There are some people who are bothered by the grammar and spelling. I happen to be dyslexic. It's difficult to learn something no one bothered to work with you on, but instead you fell through the cracks. So, for me, I think the story has to have some impact on me, the characters strong and engaging, and usually I like a mystery to solve, something that has to be done in order for the whole thing to come together and a satisfying ending—not necessarily tying all the ends up. I like to know there might be more to happen, that life goes on with these characters that I've grown fond of, once I shut the book. That's how I felt about the Harry Potter series and it's what I hold a stick to with any book I read.

How can writers rate their own success?

I would say that if you are making money enough to quit the day job you must be doing pretty good. I'm not there yet.

Do you think creativity is a gift or can it be taught?

Creativity is creativity. You either have it or you don't. I started out as an artist. I didn't begin writing until high school. At a later time, I worked in crafts, and my own small business, but even as much as I loved to do crafts and made money at it, I missed writing and went back to it (before the craft boom went flat). So, no. You have to come up with ideas on your own. You can't steal them. You've either got what it takes or you don't.

How do you feel about the arrival of the e-book?

I'm convoluted about it, really. Sure, people love to be able to just buy a book on-line. I'm a lover of the physical book—I could have possibly hundreds of books in my house. I've had to get rid of many older ones, but not those special ones. But it looks like they out-sell the physical books now 10-1 or more.

As a reader, do you prefer e-books or tree books, why?

Books. I would rather hold a book in my hands on the couch. I would never own an e-reader—I can't write my name on it. A book I like to put the date I bought it, so that if I want to read it again, I know how long it was I last read it. Also, I may hi-light a line that I particularly like. It's how I taught myself how to write like a pro.

As a writer do you think e-books increase your opportunities and in what ways?

They out-sell the paperbacks, because they're cheaper to buy. Although if you sell paperbacks through bookstores your royalties sky-rocket. However if you need to kick-start something that's been out there as a paperback, ebook might be the way to reintroduce the book and get sales going again.

Is your work published through a mainstream publisher, independently or both?

I have a micro-publisher, plus I'm Indie.

Do you think there’s value in beta readers, proof readers and editors, or could a person do it all themselves?

I think beta readers are jewels if you find good ones who aren't afraid of showing you where you've bombed a big one. I forget my weakness when I write and just write. I have lists of things I do so that when I go through the mss. I try to get rid of them, but sometimes I miss the weak writing. They also catch typo's that you've missed, or maybe something you've repeated. It's hard to remember what you said over on page 8 and it's been repeated on page 45. You don't want to beat your reader over the head.

What do you think the pitfalls of independent publishing are?

The exhaustive work one needs to do with self-promotion, and a lot of doubt when you aren't making sales.

Given the choice would you have preferred to publish through a mainstream publisher?

Tried many times in the 80's. 90's, & beyond . Failed. Screw it.

Do you think independent publishing will someday overtake mainstream publishing?

Better ask Sabrina on that, she's the psychic.

Do you think mainstream publishers need to make it easier for writers to show up on their radar in order for them to compete with independent publishing?

Mainstream publishers are clueless as to what people want to read. When they turned JK Rowling down because they said “no child would sit and read a book this long”. Clueless.

Looking ahead, what’s next for you?

The next book, Vampire Caprice, picks up where the third one leaves off.

Do you have a blog or website where we can find out more about you and your works?

http://loreleismuse-lorelei.blogspot.com

Guest Feature - Shelly Arkon

2013-03-17T07:30:00.000Z

Please tell the viewers at home who you are and what you do?

Ummmmm…..ummmmm…Apologies. I drew a blank. Not writer’s block though. It seems since THE CHANGE, I can’t recall certain things, like my name. But I do remember what happened yesterday, and I do believe I mentioned to someone that my name was or is Shelly Arkon.

When I introduced myself, I believe I was standing behind a salon chair with a pair of sliver blades in hand. Memory says, I was lopping a gentleman’s hair…perhaps several gentlemen at that…twenty-four of them. Not all at once though. ~~God, I hope I’m not a serial killer.~~ Flashes of scissors, clippers, and razors race in and out of my head. ~~Am I the missing Sweeney Todd?~~ It seems I am a hair lopper, and do this when I’m not at a keyboard writing stories. I find it strange how I seem to remember writing stories though. Short ones and tall ones. Sometimes scary ones, but mostly funny paranormal diddys splashed with family drama. ~~If they only knew how much of a chicken shit I was when I write horror.~~

So I guess you could say, I’m a hair lopper stuck in a flexible corporate schedule. ~~Flexible for whose ass? Not mine.~~ And I get to write around the job that pays my bills.

What’s the name of your latest work, can you tell us a bit about it?

Secondhand Shoes is the published title. It’s about a young psychic-medium, in the eighties, who on the morning of her wedding day is visited by her ghostly Gram, telling her not to marry the groom. But the girl doesn’t listen and spends her honeymoon running from her psychotic groom and his creepy friends. ~~This sounds familiar.~~

How did this particular work take shape?

Years ago, after two divorces and five daughters, I got to thinking. ~~How else do stories come about, Sherlock?~~ Thinking how my mother hooked me up with the two men I divorced. I always listened to my mother-not always a good idea. Most girls in the eighties still listened to their mothers’ advice-~~guess that’s why most women have a midlife crisis.~~ But then I thought what if this girl was special and her mom thought she was crazy…you see where I’m going, right?

Anyway, I pansted my way through. Plotting kills me, and my story. Its too much like following the rules. I always end up breaking them some how. ***shrugs***

How long did it take to write the first draft?

In 1998, after I found myself a suddenly single mother of five daughters, I wrote the first chapter. But life got in the way. I worked a full and part time job and went to college. So I put it away in my closet and over a ten year period I made notes.

Finally, in 2008, when I was down to two girls in the house and working one job, I sat in my chair and wrote. I wrote this novel three times over and joined a critique group. In reality, I wrote several of the chapters over like a ga-zillion times after the rewrites. ~~I have a tendency to over exaggerate.~~

Do you have any favourite characters in the book, can you tell us why?

Gram, Lila’s paternal grandmother rocks! She is always there for her, guiding and directing her from the other world. She helps Lila understand that she has a voice and that being able to see the dead is special and has purpose. Everyone needs someone to cheer them on, especially if their self-esteem has been chipped away by abuse, emotional or physical.

What’s the single biggest mistake made by new writers?

Thinking your ~~shit doesn’t stink~~ first draft is beautiful and sending it out into the world too soon. Every writer, new and seasoned, need critique partners, beta-readers, and an excellent editor. We all need some one to pull the reigns in on us before we unleash crap de’jour into the public. It would be fatal to the writer if she/he did so. A self-inflicted act of terrorism. I’ve had the ultimate displeasure of reading some real bombers out there or critiquing some one’s work who had their head stuck high up their bum holes. Literally. Guess what they did? Yup. Terrorized the public.

In writing, do you think grammar and spelling are important, or is it more important to be able to imagine the story and create engaging characters?

Grammar and spelling are important. One of the worst things for me is to be reading a long in something and have to hear my brain say WTF or WTH. Poor sentence structure and bad spelling are distractive, especially if its all the way through a novel. However, I’ve read some stories that have bored me to tears with perfect spelling and grammar. One needs to make the story interesting enough for me to turn the page.

Do you think creativity is a gift or can it be taught?

Creativity is a gift. Either you’ve got it or your don’t. It’s a passion. If that doesn’t exist neither will the creativity. Its pretty much like being good in math. Either you’re wired to do calculus or you’re not.

Is your work published through a mainstream publisher, independently or both?

I published independently. Anyone can find Secondhand Shoes on Amazon. The paperback is $13.50. The ebook is $4.99.

Anyone can copy and paste the following link: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Secondhand+Shoes%2C+Shelly+arkon

What’s next for you?

Currently, I’m working on my next installment to Secondhand Shoes. People who have read it are bugging me to write the next book. I’ll be keeping the shoe theme. Yellow Prada’s is the title. Lila’s mom, Babs hasn’t been behaving her usual self or dressing in her yard sale finds since Lila’s recovery in the hospital. Her best friend Cynthia, caught her mom flirting with a group of work men. Cynthia thinks her mother has been possessed. And Lila has come down with pneumonia and her condition seems to worsen when her mother comes around. Gram sees a green glow about her granddaughter, too, and doesn’t know why. But she does understand that her ex daughter-in-law is different and may have lost her marbles or something worse?

I’m also working on a modern day series about two grandmothers, one a New Age Hippie chick, and the other a Southern Baptist, their grandbaby, their two adult children who are pill heads, their extended dysfunctional family, and a dangerous drug dealer. The series title is, White Trash and Pill Heads. The fist book’s title, A Family Shin Dig. This is where the two grandmothers meet and experience some trouble at a baby shower.

I’m shooting to have both published this year. I believe I will. My goal is to follow in Lisa Olsen’s footsteps. She’s a great writer. Focused and organized. Love her stuff.

Do you have a blog or website where we can find out more about you and your works?

Definitely. I have two.

The Life of a Novice Writer: http://www.shellysnovicewritings.blogspot.com/

And

Secondhand Shoes, A Novel: http://secondhandshoesnovel.blogspot.com/

Before I go, I wanted to say thank you for having me on your blog today. Hugs and chocolate to you, too.

Shelly’s Bio

When Shelly isn’t doing the laundry, cleaning, cooking, chasing grandkids, listening to daughter drama (five of them), or lopping heads of hair at the salon, she’s writing beside her two fur-peeps, Sir Poops and Hair Ball, popping an occasional chocolate while her hubby is flipping through TV channels.

She lives in New Port Richey with her husband and two dogs. She’s also a member of Florida Writer’s Association and Writer’s of Mass Distraction.

Guest Feature - Mari Collier

2013-03-13T07:47:00.000Z

For my next Guest Feature, I'm delighted to introduce author, Mari Collier.

First of all, thank you very much for having me. There isn’t much excitement in Twentynine Palms, but I love that quirky place full of Marines, artists, and authors. It’s great to leave and visit someone new.

What’s the name of your latest work, can you tell us a bit about it?

Earthbound is the latest of my series about the aliens stranded on Earth and their eventual return to their own planets. While they are stranded, they must survive. This is the tale of a Thalian-Justine mutant and the family, House as he calls it, he establishes on Earth. It recounts his friendship with Rolfe and his love for Anna. Earthbound is the prequel to Gather The Children.

Where can we get our hands on your works?

Earthbound is both a Kindle book and a paperback. Here are your Links:

Earthbound on Amazon Kindle

Earthbound paperback

Gather The Children is the continuation of Earthbound and is at two places:

Gather The Children at Amazon

Gather The Children at Barnes and Noble

Before We Leave is the third of the series at both Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and at iTunes iBookstore:

Before We Leave at Amazon

Before We Leave ay Barnes and Noble

Before We Leave at Apple iTunes

How did this particular work take shape?

LOL, that’s difficult to pin down. The genesis of the story started when I was eleven and just grew from there. Eventually, MacDonald and Anna took over. This is their story and they wanted it told.

How long was this book in the creating?

This is the book I swore I wouldn’t/couldn’t write, but Anna gave me no rest. She was there in my mind showing me everything she went through and why she had to have her children back. Then MacDonald kept filling in all the rest.

How long do you spend on revising your work prior to submitting/publishing?

I would say a good ten months before I bit the bullet and sent it to a proof editor. She helped immensely. I’ll be forever grateful to Jan Mario. Then Janie Monares, the chief editor of dMon Publishing, LLC made me work even harder at reviewing/editing.

Do you have any favourite characters in the book, can you tell us why?

I like most of my characters, but MacDonald and Anna have to be my favourites. MacDonald earns the title because there is no one anywhere like him. Anna is the representative of the pioneer women of the eighteen hundreds. She is also endowed with a personality like my mother’s: proud, stubborn, passionate, explosive anger which evaporated as quickly as it arose, and an amazing capacity for love and work. She does not physically resemble my mother, but the personality is hers.

How long have you been writing?

The first time I was asked that question, I replied I started at eleven, but that is not true. The question did jar memories and the reality is that I was making up plays (based on stories read to me) when I was between three and four years old. I would make my youngest brother take parts in the “play” and tell him who he was and what to say. Yes, I totally confused him and he would wonder who he was and who I was.

What’s the inspiration behind your writing and when did it hit you?

My mother and my middle brother would read to me. Papa would tell us stories at bedtime. Some were classic Aesop fables and some he made up. I remember the wonderful cadence my brother used when reading me the tales from the Hundred Acre Wood and the poems from A Child’s Garden of Verses. The bug bit deep when my classmates loved a story I had written for English and asked for more. Of course, I obliged.

How do you prepare to write, do you have an inspirational routine or location?

There is a location. It is my library/office where my desktop is located. The keyboard on my laptop is too small. The only routine would be my starting at 2:30 p.m. and writing until 4:00 p.m.

Is there any part of writing that you find tedious or frustrating?

Yes, the editing, publicizing, and marketing. It takes away from my writing. It took over a year to convince myself it is all part of the writing process. That doesn’t mean I have to enjoy every minute of it.

How do you promote your work to the world?

Like this and mostly the internet. I have no other way. I live in a small town. The one radio station for the area is fifteen miles away. The largest city near us would be the Palm Springs area. Of course, I know no one there.

Do you find marketing and promoting your work difficult or frustrating?

They are both difficult and frustrating. There are no bookstores in this community. I have found a couple places to stock my books, but they take only one or two at a time. I have held readings and considering our population, they have been successful.

Do you have any advice for people who want to start writing?

Do it! Take a writing class or art class if you are unsure of your genre, but do practice it every day just like you would a piano or guitar.

In writing, do you think grammar and spelling are important, or is it more important to be able to imagine the story and create engaging characters?

The answer to that question is written in a song. “You can’t have one without the other.” If your grammar and spelling are bad, your reader will lose interest. If your characters are dull and flat so is the reader’s interest.

What’s the single biggest mistake made by new writers?

They quit what they are doing. I did stop drawing and playing the piano, but my fingers are double jointed and will lock up on me. It is difficult to keep the tempo when playing a piano and that happens. My drawings were credible, but they lacked life. My writings at school and later my stories kept getting attention. That meant something was going right.

Do you think creativity is a gift or can it be taught?

Terrific question. It depends on how you define creativity. I believe most people are creative, but don’t realize it. Sometimes it is called a “knack,” as in she has a knack for relating to young children. The idea of being in a room full of three and four-year-olds is terrifying. Yet, others do it and the children love them. Creating a scrapbook, taking photographs, cooking, baking, anything you want to mention there are people that excel. That is being creative.

How do you feel about the arrival of the e-book?

There are mixed feelings on that one, but with the electronic age it was inevitable. If people who weren’t reading books are now reading an e-book, it’s wonderful. At least they are reading.

So, as a reader, do you prefer e-books or tree books, why?

I prefer the heft and weight of a real book in my hands. I love to look at the cover, turn the pages, and draw in that whiff of ink that comes from a new book.

As a writer do you think e-books increase your opportunities and in what ways?

E-books increase one’s opportunity to publish if the mainline publisher ignores you and distribution can be world-wide. Smashwords.com is an example for those just starting. It gives one the courage to move on to the next level.

Do you think there are any pitfalls of e-publishing, why?

There can be if the writer believes being published is going to result in instant fame. The normal span is years and years of writing and publishing before you might become and overnight success.

Is your work published through a mainstream publisher, independently or both?

Earthbound is going the mainline route as it did go through a small publishing company. The other two were done through the independent route.

Why did you make the choice to publish independently?

No one seemed to be interested in publishing the sequel to Gather The Children and I went to a vanity press my brother recommended. I put two stories on Smashwords.com to see what would happen. The free one has had over two hundred downloads, plus three reviews. The other not so many, but both qualified for their Premium Catalogue and are available overseas. The sequel Before We Leave I went through Bookbaby. That is also available overseas.

Do you think independent publishing will someday overtake mainstream publishing?

It is already happening.

What’s next for you?

I’m working on Return Of The Maca. MacDonald returns to his home planet with part of his Earth House and wrests control from the Justines who have been ruling Thalia. It seems not everyone welcomes returning to the old ways.

Do you have a blog or website where we can find out more about you and your works?

My website has information on me and also a free read. You can connect directly to all three novels. You’ll find me at: www.maricollier.com

My Blog is filled with memories from my time in Iowa. Mari's blog at Goodreads

Duotrope... is it the end?

2013-03-11T07:30:00.000Z

When Duotrope announced they would be introducing a subscription fee for writer membership from the 1st January 2013, it didn't really come as much of a surprise.
This excellent, international organisation has proven invaluable to thousands of writers in signposting them to potential markets to gain publishing credits, as well as providing editors with a constant stream of submissions from which to fill their various magazines and anthologies.

Prior to the fee, longstanding Duotrope members will recall logging on to be confronted by the monthly/annual financial target status, which was normally below the required level, so we’d be invited to make a donation. As a writer, having benefited many times over from Duotrope's listings, I made a donation.

When I joined Keely Christensen in starting up the e-zine, The Red Asylum ,we became dependant on Duotrope to drive submissions to us. With our call out for dark and twisted submissions of prose, poetry and images--via Duotrope--we could expect to receive around twenty submissions a month, give or take.

On January 1st, 2013, Duotrope introduced the monthly fee of $5 (<£3). As a writer, I was more than happy to pay this; for my personal level of success from Duotrope is seems entirely reasonable. However, although magazines don't pay to be included on listings, as an editor, since the fee was introduced we've seen our submissions more or less dry up, with less than five individual pieces sent to us in the two months since it started.

It's just speculation on my part... but it does seem to fit that not many writers are willing to make just a small investment to access what's currently advertised as over 4,500 active writing markets.

What’s more alarming, and has only crossed my mind as I've been searching out links to my previously published work, is that a number of really great publications seem to have closed down, some only recently. Is this because they were'nt getting the submissions via Duotrope anymore? Or had they just reached a natural end? Again, it's all speculation.

I've often come across unresponsive publishers on Duotrope. These are a frustrating drain on time and energy, and only serve to make the submissions process even more soul destroying than it already can be. Who else out there has spent hours carefully reformatting their work to meet each publishers precise requirements, only to receive notification of a closed domain, mail not sent, or just to see it sit in your submissions tracker for months on end (not even acknowledged), until forced to declare it as 'Lost' or 'Never responded'? I had hoped that by paying a fee, Duotrope would have more resources to address this issue. But, in addition to several 'Never responded' pieces I've already given up on, I still have three recent pieces 'in the red', which are long overdue a response.

While Duotrope can't be held accountable for the behaviour of individual publications, it does highlight an awkward situation, that we're now paying a fee for this service, and should be able to expect more.

I don't have any answers. As an a editor of a non-money making zine, I know it's not feasible to asking the publishers to pay to be listed. But now writers are being charged to access the listings... many of them seen put off, which has a knock on effect to the publishers, and those of us who are paying, are often submitting to editors that no longer seem to exist.

Guest Feature - Cheryl Dale

2013-03-07T07:32:00.000Z

Introducing Cheryl B. Dale, the second author to take part in my Guest Feature

Please tell the viewers at home who you are and what you do?

I’m…I’m… Sorry. Had a panic attack there.

Now I remember. I’m Cheryl B. Dale. I’ve published romantic mysteries, paranormal/gothic, and a light mystery. I’m working on a vintage mystery with romantic elements right now, another romantic mystery, and a historical set during the American Revolution.

What’s the name of your latest work, can you tell us a bit about it?

THE WARWICKS OF SLUMBER MOUNTAIN is the last book published by MuseItUp. It’s a gothic with paranormal elements. The heroine is a clairaudient (someone who can hear voices other people can’t) and the hero belongs to a family rumored to be witches. He’s drowning and, hearing his thoughts, she rescues him. Then she must take him home to the Warwicks’ spooky mansion on top of Slumber Mountain where a cup of tea puts her to sleep and makes her dream…strange things.

How did this particular work take shape?

I lived on a lake at the time I wrote it, in a place where a mountain overlooked the town. There was a round house built on its top. In the story, the town overlooks the town as well as the lake (though in real life the lake was some distance away) and the round house changes to a pentagonal mansion.

How long did it take to create the first draft?

I’m slow. Not only mentally but typing-wise, too! So the first draft took about a year.

How long was this book in the creating?

I work on several projects at a time, so I can’t really say. I guess about five years after I started, I felt it was ready to make the rounds. Like I said, I’m slow!

How many times did you revise your work?

I revise every time I read my work. Can’t seem to help it. Seriously, when I lay a draft aside and read it again later, there’s always something that needs changing.

How long do you spend on revising your work prior to submitting/publishing?

I revise up to the time I query and keep right on till it sells. The final revision is after the last editor gets through with it.

Where can we get our hands on your works?

MuseItUp has three ebooks including the latest one WARWICKS OF SLUMBER MOUNTAIN: http://museituppublishing.com/

The iTunes store and Smashwords also offer these as well as one of my self-published works. Amazon offers all these as well as my self-pubbed books and my hardback light mystery: http://www.amazon.com/ So does Barnes and Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/ And my website has links to all of them: http://www.cherylbdale.com

Do you have any favourite characters in the book, can you tell us why?

The white cat, Jacinth. He has personality!

How long have you been writing?

Forever. I wrote my first book—really a novella—when I was thirteen. It was pretty bad. In a fit of dramatic angst, I burned that sucker. Nothing but ashes left of it. At least I won’t be embarrassed by having it come to light someday!

Is there any part of writing that you find tedious or frustrating?

I get quite frustrated when I come up with a good story and can’t make my writing match. I think good writing makes the dullest tale imaginable engrossing. Sadly, I don’t always succeed.

You’ve won the lottery! Where would your ideal location be and why?

Right where we are! On the beautiful coast of Georgia where people are friendly and oh, so laidback!

Do you have any advice for people who want to start writing?

Practice the craft. Most beginners think they can write one book and sell it, but it usually doesn’t happen that way. Few new writers come up to the standard readers require. So take classes and read articles that help you improve while you continue to write that second, third and even fourth book. Then when you sell one, you’ll have more ready to go.

What’s the single biggest mistake made by new writers?

Too much padding; i.e., unnecessary words/phrases, especially adjectives and adverbs.

How do you feel about the arrival of the e-book?

I love it. It’s so much easier carrying an e-reader on trips than ten or eleven books!

As a reader, do you prefer e-books or tree books, why?

I’m not particular. I read both. But in the evening when I have nothing to read, it’s really convenient to go online and buy a book that comes to the e-reader right then.

Is your work published through a mainstream publisher, independently or both?

Both.

How did you find your mainstream publisher?

An agent who couldn’t sell my light mystery to one of the big NY publishers suggested I try Five Star. Luckily, they liked TAXED TO THE MAX. The others I queried.

Why did you make the choice to publish independently?

Other people were having success in self-publishing. When I recovered rights to a Silhouette/Harlequin romantic suspense published years ago, I revised/updated it. TREACHEROUS BEAUTIES has done better than I expected so I recently put out a new romantic mystery, too.

Do you think there’s value in beta readers, proof readers and editors, or could a person do it all themselves?

No one can do it all themselves, no matter how talented s/he is. I go over my work several times but when it gets to the final editor, mistakes still show up. I think so many people failing to use professional editors to make their product the best it can be, is one reason self-publishing got a bad name.

Do you think independent publishing will someday overtake mainstream publishing?

I don’t think mainstream publishing will ever completely go away, but I do think independent publishing will continue to grow.

What’s next for you?

I’m working on a vintage mystery with romantic elements. In 1962, an attorney discovers an heir to the estate he’s entrusted with was murdered. He hires an actor to impersonate the heir and trap the killer, but the heir’s childhood friend shows up. And if she discovers the truth, she’ll turn to the one person she shouldn’t: the murderer.

Finally, do you have a blog or website where we can find out more about you and your works?

My website is http://www.cherylbdale.com and my blog is http://cherylbdale.blogspot.com

Book Review - Bailin' by Linton Robinson

2013-03-05T06:50:00.000Z

Set in what I’ve come to recognise as the classic Linton Robinson territory of the U.S.-Mexican Border, Bailin’ is another fast-paced, action-packed novel that takes the reader on an awesome journey with some of the most likeable, vivid characters you can imagine.

Obviously, the cover of this novel gives it away that there’s more then a little romance amid the covers, which would be between our smooching, sassy anti-hero lovebirds, Cole Haskins and Beatrice ‘Bunny’ Beaumont; a couple of fun loving’ young felons, trying to find their slice of the good life.

Cole and Bunny are living day to day, robbing banks and staying out of the way of the law, when they happen to stumble across Alvin Hunstetter, a bureaucratic little nobody who’s rapidly become a somebody after trying to embezzle six-million dollars from the city funds. Tracked by a vicious mercenary and a straight talking bounty hunter, Hunstetter has become the prize everybody wants to claim, not to mention a serial gunshot wound victim.

Cole and Bunny could well be Hunstetter’s last hope of getting out of this one alive… but not without a little help from two seemingly clueless bikers, Bogie and Flattop, who are married to their beloved choppers and have an amusing hate-love-hate relationship with each other.

With a simple, yet effective plot providing a sturdy foundation for this caper it won’t take many pages before you too are rooting for the good guys, who, under any other circumstances would most definitely be the bad guys. With car chases, gun fights and for the romantics out there, a good old fashioned love story, Linton Robinson has most definitely done it again.

Guest Feature - Lisa Olsen

2013-02-28T18:48:00.000Z

As promised here is my new Guest Feature, with my very first guest, author Lisa Olsen.

Please tell the viewers at home who you are and what you do?

I’m Lisa Olsen, and I’m a writer of paranormal mystery/romance (I feel like I should be standing up in front of a Writers Anonymous group). I’ve experimented with all sorts of supernatural creatures, vampires, werewolves, ghosts, witches, angels & demons; you name it.

What’s the name of your latest work, can you tell us a bit about it?

I just released my 11^th book last week, the third in my Forged Bloodlines vampire series, Find Me When the Sun Goes Down. The series is about a girl who was turned by an original vampire (or Ellri – Viking for elder), which gives her much stronger abilities than a typical newbie vamp. The trouble is, vampire breeding is strictly controlled and her Sire is MIA, leaving her without the necessary paperwork. Bishop works for the Order who polices the vampires and ends up breaking all his own laws to help her survive.

This third book has Anja following Bishop to England after he’s transferred there by the Order. Amid all the society intrigue she finds her footing among the vampire peerage and ends up breaking a whole new set of laws. Toss in a vampire hunter who is stirring up trouble in London and she’s got plenty of drama on her plate.

How long did it take to create the first draft?

22 days. 4000 words per day is my goal when I’m writing a book these days. That way it’s easier not to lose steam and doubt my direction too much.

How long do you spend on revising your work prior to submitting/publishing?

I do a first draft without looking back, it’s the only way to keep me moving forward. I put place markers that say *insert color of vehicle here* or whatever if I can’t remember something as I go. It saves time and effort. After I’m done with the first draft, I go and fill in all those missing blanks. Then I do a first read through/edit. The most boring part is searching for words I overuse like “just” and “little”, removing wherever I can. Then it goes off to my beta reader who usually only takes a few days to get back to me with input. Then it starts making its way through my editing team (3 in all) and I make changes as needed. Once those changes are all complete I do another final read through, which usually ends up catching few more mistakes and things I want to re-word. The process takes between 2 to 3 weeks. After I’ve published it in e-book format, I format the print version and have another different person proofread that copy.

Where can we get our hands on your works?

There are eleven books available on Amazon, and a mixture of books available at Barnes & Noble and Smashwords. You can find info on all of my books at Amazon on my author page or on my website: www.lisaolsen.net

Do you have any favourite characters in the book, can you tell us why?

I love writing for my MC Anja. She’s such a fun blend of innocence and geeky charm thrust into this cutthroat vampire world that takes itself so seriously. Of all the characters, she’s the only one who has retained their sense of humanity, and is continually appalled by the way vampires run roughshod over people to maintain their anonymity.

But my favourite has to be Bishop, the sexy vampire cop who gives Anja a crash course in Vampire 101. Brooding and intense, he has a hidden artistic side and a tie to Anja’s Sire that ends up intertwining their lives. It’s his voice at my ear that has me coming back to this series time and again, and I have a less than healthy obsession with the guy. Then again, what author isn’t a little in love with their own creations?

Can you tell us a little about your typical day?

On a writing day, I set my alarm for 7:30am (same as when I had my day job), shower, dress, check Facebook, eat, all that good stuff until 9am. Then I write for 2000 words. Usually this takes me until 11 or 11:30 or so, and I break for lunch (and more Facebook!) until 1pm. Then it’s back to writing for another 2000 words. By then it’s between 3 and 3:30 and I can take another break. Do some house cleaning and watch the Brady Bunch, maybe get some reading in. Then it’s off to pick up my husband from work and enjoy my evening.

In between writing projects it’s roughly the same, but I get to do more fun things like reading in the morning, and I do my plotting/outlining in the afternoons.

Do you get distracted from your writing by other things? What are they and how do you find balance?

Boy howdy do I get distracted! In order to try and minimize those distractions, I write in my office with the door shut. I have a separate computer that I use, and I don’t open email or Facebook on it. I don’t go as far as to disconnect the internet, because I use it both for streaming music and impromptu research while writing. The kids still knock every now and again, but they’re learning that door closed = writing time = only bug me if you are bleeding out your eyes. I feel like I should point out that my kids are older and I’m not letting toddlers run amok during writing time.

What do you enjoy about writing?

I think it’s important to write about things you enjoy reading yourself. If you push yourself to write something that’s trendy but not up your alley the writing suffers. For me, that’s the paranormal. I grew up reading Anne Rice, Stephen King and Dean Koontz. These were my early models and what I find myself drawn to writing the most. I enjoy bringing all of these supernatural beings into the “real world”, in a way that’s believable and not too melodramaculous (love that silly word!). I enjoy the control that I have over my own universe in a way you never get to experience as the reader or watcher of someone else’s works, unless you take up fan fiction.

How do you promote your work to the world?

I really don’t do all that much promoting, to be honest. I truly believe that the best marketing you can do is to write more books. I do the free promos on Amazon available through their select program for some of the books, and I tweet about those and post on Facebook, but that’s about it. I post on my website when I have something new coming out, and I’m compiling a mailing list which is growing slowly. I think most people are turned off when you constantly tweet and FB about your work.

What do you feel makes a successful writer?

Perseverance and discipline. Okay, a bit of talent for storytelling couldn’t hurt either, but without devotion to the process, you won’t go anywhere with it. It’s hard not to get discouraged when you get rejections to query letters and sales are lagging when you first start out. You have to be in it for the long haul and keep writing. If you’re writing to make a quick buck, this is the wrong business for you. I write because I love it. I have to, or the voices in my head will drive me insane. I have to get the stories out, and this is the best way to do it. The fact that other readers out there want to come along on that journey with me and I can make a living at it is just icing on the cake.

What’s the single biggest mistake made by new writers?

Putting all your eggs in one basket. Publishing a book and thinking that’s it, I’m done, I have arrived. You need to keep writing to keep interest and find readers. Leave social media where it belongs – for social contact, not marketing. More books are the best marketing you can do.

In writing, do you think grammar and spelling are important, or is it more important to be able to imagine the story and create engaging characters?

I really do think they’re important. There have been examples of big success with crappy writing, but why not make your book the best it can be? Too many mistakes take the reader out of the moment. You might have the most amazing characters or plot ever, but if it gets buried in mistakes, the experience is diminished.

How can writers rate their own success?

Lord, I hope I never let anyone else tell me whether or not I’m a success. That depends on your own individual goals. As far as I’m concerned, I keep meeting new levels of success. The first was completing a novel. The next was landing an agent. Then it was publishing my first book. And then it was selling them. My latest is being able to support myself with my books, but it’s ever evolving. My point is, don’t let anyone tell you how to rate your own success, that’s highly personal. You have to be the one to decide what success means for you.

As a reader, do you prefer e-books or tree books, why?

I love the convenience of e-books. They tend to be cheaper, and I can access it from my pc, Kindle or phone. So handy when I’m waiting at a dr’s appt and forgot to bring a book with.

Why did you make the choice to publish independently?

I tried the traditional publishing route at first, but I’m just too damned impatient! I spent 6 months querying agents before I found one. Then another 6 months waiting for her to sell my book (making changes I wasn’t too keen on per her suggestions). By that time I’d written two more books, so I decided to pull the trigger and self-publish one of them in June 2011. After all, what’s the worst that could happen, right?

Since then I’ve slowly but steadily gained readers, and less than two years later I’ve been able to quit the dreaded day job and be a full time writer. Of course, it helps that I’ve been fairly prolific in that time and have published 11 books in that time, otherwise, I’d probably still be handling insurance claims.

I’ve been so happy with the process, I wouldn’t have it any other way. From all the horror stories I’ve heard from trad published authors, I much prefer the greater control I get with self-publishing. Most trad pubbed authors are doing all their own marketing anyway, and up front advances are shrinking. This way, I get to decide what to write, what to name it, the cover art, when it comes out, and best of all, I get to keep 70% of the sales.

Do you think there’s value in beta readers, proof readers and editors, or could a person do it all themselves?

Absolutely there is value in an extra pair or six of eyes when it comes to proofreading and editing. You can be the most technically perfect editor in the ‘verse, but you are guaranteed to miss mistakes in your own writing. Your brain already knows how it’s supposed to read and fills in the blanks. I like to have a beta reader or two as well to sound out story ideas and see if I’m making any choices that won’t sit well with people when I torture my characters. I’m very lucky to have the team that I do among my friends and family, but if I had to pay for it, I would.

What did you find was the hardest part of the independent publishing process?

It can be a solitary profession. I spend the majority of my days alone. Luckily, I like me, so it’s good company. It’s important to network with other writers for that sense of community. Online works for me, but there are local writing groups in most cities if that floats your boat.

Looking ahead, what’s next for you?

My next project is about a demon hunter and his too-curious-for-her-own-good neighbor. It's got sexy demonds, magic, missing girls, a brooding hero with a dark secret, intrigue, body switching, mythology, tattoos, cheese whiz -- you name it. I hope to start the actual writing in a week or two.

Do you have a blog or website where we can find out more about you and your works?

www.lisaolsen.net

New Guest Feature

2013-02-26T10:40:00.003Z

Step right up folks, I've got an exciting announcement to make.

We all know the benefits of networking. And, as my forth coming novel Soul Reunion makes it's cautious journey toward indie publication, I'm looking to expand my network and yours too.

I'm inviting any fellow artists, writers, photographers, singers, artists... well, just about any creative person you can think of, to come and join me on my journey and have a guest feature spot on the blog to talk about what they do and promote their work.

You can either write a post for yourself from scratch, or I've prepared an interview questionnaire template with over forty questions ideas for you to chose from that let you tell people about what you do, what you've done and what you think. It couldn't be easier.

I'm really excited to see what this can do for us. If it sounds like something you'd like to take part in drop me a line. My e-mail address can by found under 'Contact Details'

What are you waiting for?

Image: www.psychologicalscience.org copyrights remain

The time has come...

2013-02-13T21:31:00.003Z

Phew! Every two weeks I promised to update my blog and I very nearly missed it!!

After what must be considered not my best two weeks, I sought refuge in an old friend--my first Soul Taker novel, Soul Reunion. On opening the most recent version I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of my work... the writing was tighter than I recalled and the story was in very good shape.

I've spent time reading through and editing for the past few days and have made what can only be termed as a late New Years Resolution. I've decided that by the end of this year I will have done something successful with the manuscript. Be that the appointment of a representing agent, or... dare I say it, I'll have ventured into the world of indie publishing and there will be an e-book out there with my name on it (obviously, so as not to set one's self up for a fall, there will be flexibility in this plan... but this is the ultimate goal I'll be working toward).

I call myself a writer, but for so long I've dithered between upping my game with my short stories, or moving on with a novel, be it one of my own, or the co-written Ripper novel, which seems to have been shelved indefinitely while my writing partner and I find our feet with schedules and struggle for mutually convenient writing time. So all this time, I've actually not been doing anything of any value for myself.

So... here goes everything. I've spoken with a potential editor and I look forward to lighting the blue touch paper soon. Stand back everyone. Exciting times ahead.

The Hobbit, an Unexpected Journey - another smash for Peter Jackson!

2013-01-30T22:34:00.001Z

Admittedly its a few weeks later than the rest of the planet, and I have no excuse other than real life as to why I haven’t seen it sooner. But I’ve just come home from watching The Hobbit and I am still reeling from the sheer enormous size and scale of this fantastic piece of cinema magic, which ironically is all about small people.

Six weeks after its release date the film is still showing three times a day at my local Cineworld, where I’m an ‘Unlimited’ member, and it’s still filling all the seats in the house.

I forget the reason why I didn’t see any of The Lord of The Rings films at the cinema, but I didn’t. All I can recall is when I finally watched The Return of the King on DVD and first saw the lighting of the beacons scene I was so disappointed that I would never experience it on a cinematic screen for myself.

So, watching the Hobbit was like being reunited with a long lost, much beloved, family member, who was even more lovely and enrapturing than I remembered. It was so reminiscent of the LoTR trilogy that I was captivated from the very first moment. And what a testament to Peter Jackson that he pulled together so many of the original LoTR cast members relevant to story. Most notably the extremely talented and endearing Sir Ian McKellen as Gandalf the Grey

With perhaps more of an eye on action this time, the casting of this film was spot on. Friends of mine will know I have been a long-time fan of Richard Armitage, from his time in The Vicar of Dibley and the BBC’s Robin Hood series of recent years. So I had a good laugh at myself when I spent the majority of the film swooning at the Mighty Thorin Oakenshield, thinking to myself ‘I know that face’, only to experience one of those unmistakeable light-bulb moments when his name popped up on the credits. Strong words of praise should also be offered to the brilliant Martin Freeman, who so skilfully shared the part of Bilbo Baggins, playing our hero’s younger self.

New Zealand

, as ever, provided the magnificent, beautiful backdrop to this classical tale with its panoramic vistas and majestic mountains that are unparalleled around the globe. Jackson has forever, inextricably linked this beautiful country with the stories of Middle Earth, which are said to be Tolkien’s attempt at creating Great Britain’s own mythical past.

The next instalment of The Hobbit trilogy, expected to be titled ‘The Desolation of Smaug’ is set for cinema release on December 13^th, 2013, almost a year-to-the-day after the release of An Unexpected Journey. And I can’t wait to meet that dragon! Then it’s just another seven months to wait, as the final film, expected to be titled ‘There and Back Again’, is rumoured to be hitting the big screen in July 2014.

Rest assured I will be looking forward to the cinema release of these films with as much, if not more excitement than I reserve for my own birthday, and hope that each time the next film is released, we’re invited to the cinema for a Hobbit ‘love-in’ to remind ourselves of the previous film(s). But even more so I long for the day when I will own the extended edition of all three films, as I do with LoTR, as part of my own movie collection. And I’ll be taking a day out of life to spend it watching one of my favourite books come so vibrantly to life in my very own living room.

Images from The Hobbit Blog, the official blog of the Hobbit movies - no copyright infringement or offence intended.

Book Review - The Woman Who Went to Bed for a Year by Sue Townsend

2013-01-28T22:27:00.004Z

The day Eva Beaver’s twins leave home for university is the she’s been waiting for seventeen long years. A day when she can stop running round after them, stop washing for them, stop cooking for them, stop cleaning for them. A day when she can just stop!

Fully dressed, including shoes, Eva climbs into bed and stays there… for a year.

It’s amazing what can happen in a person’s life when they don’t get out of bed. With a huge cast of supporting characters that range from Eva’s boring but brilliant-minded husband Brian, to her mathematical genius twin’s compulsive-liar of a flat mate, Poppy, Eva’s mother, her mother-law, her husband’s disappointed mistress, her overweight number one fan and the very lovely, very dependable white-van-man, Alexander, Eva is never short of people around her.

There are some delicious laugh-out-loud moments in this book, such as when Eva asks Brian if he’ll s collect her pee and poo in bottles and bags so she can stay in bed and avoid getting out for the loo, or Brian’s misconception that he is some sort of sex idol to a teenage girl who sees nothing handsome about him other than his wallet.

The book takes you on an unexpected emotional journey too. You start by supporting Eva’s self-imposed ‘time out’ and getting angry on her behalf at Brian’s double standards and her children’s selfish behaviour. However as the story progresses and a simple misunderstanding propels Eva into an international spotlight, there’s an unmistakeable change in her that threatens to colour the reader’s whole perception of this woman on the edge.

But who will stand by Eva until the very end, her husband, her children, her mother…?

For such a fun concept that delivers page after page of entertainment, there is surprisingly very little plot in this book, just lots of individual journeys orbiting around and bought together through the central character of Eva Beaver.

There are many poignant, touching moments in this book, situations that make you stop and think. It’s not something you bargain for when you first open the front cover, but all together, it makes for one very satisfying and unusual read.

Book Review: The Public Confessions of a Middle-aged Woman, by Sue Townsend

2013-01-15T21:52:00.000Z

After being chatted up over a splendid meal by British culinary queen, Delia Smith who, at the time was the official spokescook of supermarket giant Sainsbury’s, Sue Townsends agreed to write a regular column of about 800 words in their new magazine: 'The Magazine'.

If like me, you weren’t shopping in Sainsbury’s ten to fifteen years ago, you can still catch all Sue’s witty, frank and often poignant musings right here in this book. ‘The Public Confessions of a Middle-aged Woman’ is a bulging collection of those Sainsbury’s columns all wrapped up in one neat package that you can dip in and out of with ease.

It doesn't matter that the events mentioned in the book happened over a decade ago, because the writing remains sharp and humorous throughout. It's the human touch that Sue gives each article, which makes them so easy to relate to.

Whether it's her poor relationship with the domestic appliances in her house, or the fact she seems to be the most burglarised person I have ever heard of, every time I put this book down I couldn't wait to pick it up again. It's stuffed full of slices of life as experienced first hand by Sue herself and is totally worth every penny paid to download it to Kindle or put it on your bookshelf.

I was a huge fan of Sue's Adrian Mole books when I was a teenager but hadn’t read anything of hers since. However, on the strength of this book alone I've added all her recent stuff to my wishlist, the first of which - 'The Woman who Went to Bed for a Year' I’m already reading.

That’s not a dinosaur, that’s my daughter!

2013-01-11T22:42:00.002Z

So many parents I know struggle with the eating habits of their children. Why is that?

My children first tried solid foods—as solid as puree can be—around four months old, which at the time was an acceptable age to offer solids, and they ate everything. I was the most dedicated of new mothers. I made my own purees of organic fruit, vegetables and meat mush. Once a week, I had a cooking day where I would create and freeze ice cub sized meals that would be defrosted and reheated at meal times. If I could mash it, they could eat it. My daughter’s favourite was blueberry and apple; my son love buttered cod and mashed potato. There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing your child enjoy and thrive on the food you’ve lovingly prepared for them.

When they progressed to grazing, my daughter moved onto grapes and my son couldn’t get enough bananas. Even better, my little sweethearts turned their noses up at chips and my buggy-bound daughter would shake her curly-haired head at even the smallest lick of ice cream.

But somewhere along the way my children grew out of love with food and turned into the most heinous faddy eaters. It’s devastating, especially because I was raised to enjoy every bite on my plate and love to enthusiastically explore new tastes and flavours—ensuring my life-long gym membership at the same time!

Looking back, I blame my husband. Although before I do, I have to say he is a wonderful, loving, family man who only ever has good intentions for his children and stops at nothing to give them everything. He does his share around the house, including tidying up after our little monsters (and me, on occasion) and is more than happy to push the vacuum cleaner around the place, spritz the bathroom or pick up a can of Pledge and the duster. But when it comes to cooking, until we met, without his mother on hand he’d only ever catered for himself. And afterward, when providing dinner for the two of us, there was normally a numbered menu involved and a delivery driver. So after we had children and I went back to work part-time, it was somewhat of a culture shock for him to be suddenly in charge of the evening meal.

Initially, our little monkeys were still young enough to be satisfied by my home made frozen cubes of goodness. By it didn’t take long for them to move on to more interesting tastes and textures. I tried preparing meals in the morning, leaving written instructions about reheating protocol, but when an attempt at spaghetti Bolognese turned into a disaster and the poor darlings were served hot pasta and cold sauce it all came to an equally sudden end. The stress of failure, whinging children and a nagging wife was too much for hubby and I was asked not to bother being so efficient again.

Easy to serve meals soon became the staple of Monday-to-Friday dinners; spaghetti hoops, pasta ‘n’ sauce and super noodles, were the food of choice for both chef and child, and as the children grew these developed into hotdogs, fish fingers and pizza.

Okay, so I can’t entirely blame my husband, he’s cooked family meals as often I’ve changed bin bags... and I don't do bins. He was never shown how to assemble a dinner with more than two components, of which one was always oven chips, which the children never really liked anyway. It’s intrinsic to his generation. And for his part, hubby believes all women are born with internal oven timers, giving us a culinary advantage in the coordination of multiple pots, pans and trays in order to deliver a complete, fully cooked, not burned, nutritious family meal.

Which is what I tried to do. Every Saturday and Sunday I would sweat over the creation of the family meals, so we could enjoy together, something delicious that incorporated as many fruits and vegetables that were missed during the week as possible; homemade pizza, casseroles, soups, stews, risottos… you name it, I cooked it. I cleaned out the child-friendly cookery books from Amazon and tried every suggestion well-meaning friends gave me, including carrot sticks in an ice cream cone and a smiley clown salad. Nothing worked.

The children were hooked on processed, one-food meals and everything else was refused with a determined, turned-up nose, reducing me to a sobbing wreck or turning the dinner table into a war zone. One memory that will always stand out is my son looking at his plate of roast chicken, mashed potato, sweetcorn and carrots and telling me that he only liked one dinner. What he meant was only one food per meal. And nothing I could say or do would persuade him from the belief that I was somehow trying to overfeed him.

Despite the damage already being done, hubby and I valiantly tried everything to get them eating well again. I pureed veggies to hide them in spaghetti sauce, hid fruit under custard and served fresh juice with every meal. But it was nowhere near enough to hit the 5-a-day target. We tried reward charts, offering pennies, comics and even toys for accumulated points and when that failed we went in the other direction and took away telly time and play things. Even then they were wise to us, getting down from the table to fetch whatever it was we were confiscating in favour of eating the cauliflower or peas that sat redundant on their plate.

I spoke to the doctor and the health visitor and both said the same: ‘never give up trying, but don’t beat yourself up either. Both children are fit, healthy and happy. They don’t have weight issues, are rarely ill but are constantly energetic and active.’ In short, they were thriving. So, feeling more reassured, we eased the pressure on them and ourselves and dinnertime became more enjoyable. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still stressful on the days when we can’t agree on what to eat, as I have to cook three or four different meals. But at least we’ve stopped tearing our hair out all over the table.

As the years have progressed we’ve watched the children’s changing eating habits with interest. We’ve explained the benefits of a healthy diet and now they’re old enough to understand, we can reason with them about the content of their meal making sure significant portions of fruit and veg are served and consumed over the course of a week.

Occasionally there’s been a real breakthrough, like when our daughter discovered tomato soup, which contains one of her 5-a-day. If I fill the bowl with tinned hotdogs as well, she’ll eat the lot. And when our son, trying to get one up on his sister said he would eat broccoli; it’s a lie I’ve never let him admit and I fill his plate with the stuff at every opportunity I get.

We’ve gone through nothing-but-pizza phases and nothing-but-noodle phases. And my son is currently a bit of a bread fiend and can polish off a garlic bread baguette in seconds, whereas my daughter, just nine years old, is hooked on meat. Her favourite shop on our High Street is the Butchers.

When asked last month if she wanted to join me for the early morning trek to get the Christmas turkey and ham her face lit up like I’d just announced a holiday to Disneyland. She is a meat-aholic! Pig seems to be her animal of choice; she loves sausages, bacon, gammon and ham. But just recently we’ve discovered a meat dish that puts everything else in the shade and has restaurant staff almost queuing for her autograph. I’m talking Ribs. Oh yeah.

Every few weeks my father-in-law comes to stay with us, and when he does we’re all treated to a meal out. TGI Friday’s happened to be the restaurant of choice this particular weekend. On their children’s menu is a modest rack of BBQ ribs. My daughter decided they looked good enough to eat and duly ordered them. Six little ribs and a side of chips were delivered to the table. Not six minutes later, six polished bones sat next to the ignored chips. With my extremely happy daughter picking them up and literally sucking the marrow out of them as she ensured every last succulent morsel had been devoured. ‘Next time I’m getting the adult portion,’ she announced.

And sure enough, Christmas Eve in The Harvester she did exactly that. ‘It’s a big portion,’ the waitress commented, ‘we do a children’s one.’ My daughter looked crestfallen. We assured her it was fine and confirmed to the waitress that the adult order for the slender child sat expectantly in the corner was okay. While my son put away several salad bar rolls, the rack was delivered hanging off both ends of the plate. The stake knife that came with them looked like Excalibur as my daughter began hacking them apart. We’ve never had so much attention from waiting staff as they came to behold the child devouring the ribs from what must have been the biggest pig in the world.

Lip-smacking, sticky-fingered delight is the only way I can accurately describe my daughter’s enjoyment of that meal, as bone after shining bone piled up on her plate. I’ve never investigated my family tree, and I’m not sure I could trace it back as far as the Jurassic period. But if I could, I’m sure we’d find a direct link between my little girl and the mighty Tyrannosaurus Rex. But that’s not a dinosaur, that’s my daughter!

Picture: rib bones by RiNux

Writing is writing is writing... right?

2013-01-07T20:46:00.002Z

Hanging my head in shame I’m posting today with an admission that I have been a terrible, callous blog owner. Not only did I start off Red Lorry’s Journey to record the trials and tribulations of my foray into the world of serious writing, but I also started a second blog called It Looks Like Life where I wanted to share my rants and observations on just about any subject under the sun in a series of written articles.

But evaluating my recent efforts in the frigid light of reality I now see that all I’ve managed to do so far is to take too big a-bite of the cherry and create two potentially fantastic blogs, which I’ve done embarrassingly little with. In fact Red Lorry’s Journey had become nothing more than an irregular place for me to apologise for doing nothing more than apologise for having nothing to say. …zzzzzz

I’m sorry; what was I saying?

Oh yes. And so, taking a leaf from the pages of my friends and fellow Writer’s Beat staff and members, the time has come to make some positive changes and bring my blog back to life. Yes, you read that correctly, I said blog, not blogs.

Despite the fact that my writing is not as prolific as it once was, with changes in daily routines impacting on my time, I do still write and I do still have aspirations and goals that I want to achieve, including the continued publication of my short stories and novel(s). However, I’ve come to the realisation that as well as fiction, I also enjoy writing articles and observational pieces.

And let’s face it, when you’re staring at a naked page, striving for the perfect word with which to make your first mark, any writing is good writing… right? Right!

So, getting over the unwelcome feeling that I’ve just abandoned my child (I haven’t, it’s just a metaphor), I’m giving It Looks Like Life up to cyberspace and concentrating solely on my first-born blog Red Lorry’s Journey. Going forward my blog entries will now include not just the highs and lows of my writing journey, but more book reviews, articles, the odd interview and written observations about anything and everything that happens to capture my imagination. Much of what I see on a day-to-day basis gives me the inspiration to go on and create my stories anyway, so what better place or time to bring it all together than right here, right now.

Therefore, this is my promise that I’ll see you back here at least once a fortnight with something new and (hopefully) interesting for you to read. Happy New Year to all!

Red Lorry's Journey

Book Review - Confessions of a Kinky Wife by Justine Elyot

To NaNoWriMo... or not to NaNoWriMo?

Guest Feature - Lena Winfrey Seder

Guest Feature - Glen Solosky

Please tell the viewers at home who you are and what you do?

What’s the name of your latest work, can you tell us a bit about it?

Your novel's cover is very original and pretty fantastic. Who created it?

Do you have any favourite characters in the book, can you tell us why?

How long have you been writing and creating art?

What do you enjoy about writing/drawing?

Is there any part of writing that you find tedious or frustrating?

Do you find marketing and promoting your work difficult or frustrating?

In writing, do you think grammar and spelling are important, or is it more important to be able to imagine the story and create engaging characters?

Do you think creativity is a gift or can it be taught?

As a reader, do you prefer e-books or tree books, why?

As a writer do you think e-books increase your opportunities and in what ways?

Do you think there are any pitfalls of e-publishing, why?

Why did you make the choice to publish independently?

Do you think there’s value in beta readers, proof readers and editors, or could a person do it all themselves?

What do you think the pitfalls of independent publishing are?

Do you think mainstream publishers need to make it easier for writers to show up on their radar in order for them to compete with independent publishing?

Looking ahead, what’s next for you?

Do you have a blog or website where we can find out more about you and your works?

Riddle in Stone - My Review

Book recommendation: The Way of the Weekend Warrior by Linton Robinson

Playing with Pictures

Guest Feature - Robert Evert

Lorry's Free Fiction - Dirty Laundry

Dirty Laundry

by

Lorraine Sears

﻿

Guest Feature - Hunter S. Jones

Guest Feature - Peter & Christine Wakefied

Guest Feature - Lorelei Bell

Please tell the viewers at home who you are and what you do?

What’s the name of your latest work, can you tell us a bit about it?

How did this particular work take shape?

How long did it take to create the first draft?

Where can we get our hands on your works?

How long have you been writing?

What do you enjoy about writing?

Is there any part of writing that you find tedious or frustrating?

Do you find marketing and promoting your work difficult or frustrating?

Have you got a following?

In writing, do you think grammar and spelling are important, or is it more important to be able to imagine the story and create engaging characters?

How can writers rate their own success?

Do you think creativity is a gift or can it be taught?

How do you feel about the arrival of the e-book?

As a reader, do you prefer e-books or tree books, why?

As a writer do you think e-books increase your opportunities and in what ways?

Is your work published through a mainstream publisher, independently or both?

Do you think there’s value in beta readers, proof readers and editors, or could a person do it all themselves?

What do you think the pitfalls of independent publishing are?

Given the choice would you have preferred to publish through a mainstream publisher?

Do you think independent publishing will someday overtake mainstream publishing?

Do you think mainstream publishers need to make it easier for writers to show up on their radar in order for them to compete with independent publishing?

Looking ahead, what’s next for you?

Do you have a blog or website where we can find out more about you and your works?

Guest Feature - Shelly Arkon

Guest Feature - Mari Collier

What’s the name of your latest work, can you tell us a bit about it?

Where can we get our hands on your works?

How did this particular work take shape?

How long was this book in the creating?

How long do you spend on revising your work prior to submitting/publishing?

Do you have any favourite characters in the book, can you tell us why?

How long have you been writing?

What’s the inspiration behind your writing and when did it hit you?

How do you prepare to write, do you have an inspirational routine or location?

Is there any part of writing that you find tedious or frustrating?

How do you promote your work to the world?

Do you find marketing and promoting your work difficult or frustrating?

Do you have any advice for people who want to start writing?

In writing, do you think grammar and spelling are important, or is it more important to be able to imagine the story and create engaging characters?

What’s the single biggest mistake made by new writers?

Do you think creativity is a gift or can it be taught?

How do you feel about the arrival of the e-book?

So, as a reader, do you prefer e-books or tree books, why?