Cynthia A. Morgan's Blog, page 108
July 28, 2018
In The Lime Light – #AuthorInterview – Debbie Pierce/Caleigh O’Shea
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Today I have the honour of sharing with you fellow blogger Debbie Pierce from Musings by an ND Domer’s Mom blog and author of her first book Unplayable Lie.
Hi Debbie!! Thanks for Sharing your story with BnV today. Please tell us all about yourself!
About my blog
My blog, Musings by an ND Domer’s Mom, started for two reasons: to capture my son’s college experience and to follow recommendations I’d received at a writer’s conference to build a platform for my writing.
To say it’s evolved would be an understatement!
I post once a week (more often when I can). Once a month, I share information gleaned from research into healing gemstones. That’s an extension of one of my hobbies, jewelry making. A few years ago, I challenged myself to step out of my comfort zone and try writing poetry. The result is an eclectic mix of haiku, limericks, free verse, ballads, and more catalogued on my Poet’s Page. The bulk of my posts are “slices of life” revolving around seasonal nature photos, travels, parenting, or humorous incidents (some narrated by my Sheltie). And lately, I’ve been including updates from my writer’s journey.
I strive for a conversational tone, like I’m writing a newsy letter to a dear friend. The thing that surprised me most about blogging was how supportive and encouraging this community is. I was a shy child and still tend toward introversion; it required a BIG leap of faith to put my poetry online for others to read. Imagine my delight when they said they enjoyed it!
I’ve written since I could hold a pencil. When I was a kid, I’d check out immense stacks of library books, then tuck myself away visiting new worlds until I was called to chores. I remember starting (but never finishing) novels over most summers. To me, inspiration is all around! Whether it’s a news story in the paper or an overheard conversation or a snippet of research into something interesting, I find ideas plentiful.
On my blog, I avoid contentious discussions about politics, and I keep things family-friendly. I’ve found it next to impossible to write sex scenes in my novels, too. There’s enough of that sort of thing out there without me. Being true to oneself, I’ve found, is the best policy.
My book
My book, Unplayable Lie, is a fiction/thriller about a journalist who faces danger when he allows himself to become emotionally drawn into a story he’s following.
Here’s the premise:
Texas journalist Josh Griffin lives for scoops, but he’s never faced real danger to get one. Nor has he ever been emotionally drawn into his stories. Then he gets an anonymous tip that teenaged golf superstar Lexi Carlisle has been kidnapped, and Josh embarks on an investigation destined to change his life forever.
Lexi Carlisle is the daughter of Josh’s college sweetheart; watching Amanda agonize over her missing daughter while refuting police insinuations that she had something to do with the crime is more than Josh can handle. And when he unravels the web of lies spun by Lexi’s crazed kidnapper — who has killed once and isn’t afraid to do so again — Josh realizes the story takes second place to the girl’s rescue.
The book is being published by Waldorf Publishing and is scheduled for release on Oct. 15, 2017. For now, it’s available for pre-order online at Amazon and Target. (Shameless marketing plug!!)
https://www.target.com/p/unplayable-life-paperback-caleigh-o-shea/-/A-52028159#lnk=sametab
The spark for my story came one day as I was golfing with my son. One of the holes lay parallel to a tangled overgrown area, and the idea of a kidnapping took root, refusing to let go.
I gravitate toward third person Point of View. Like Mary Higgins Clark or Mary Jane Clark, I prefer to pick out a set number of characters to tell the story, and I rotate POV among them based on what they’re seeing and experiencing. I tend to write short chapters that end on a cliffhanger, and I love throwing in a variety of twists and turns.
I’ve tried to outline, but I don’t like to because I’m not good at it. I think that’s because as a kid, we had to outline everything. So even though I don’t do a formal outline, I’d be lost without making notes about plot points, scenes, characters, and so forth. I’ve never done NANOWRIMO (the write-a-book-in-30-days challenge) because I’m not a writer who tosses together a rough draft, then edits to tidy things up. Nope, I tend to edit as I go along, making for a slow go initially (but when I get to the end, it pretty much is!)
A secret about my book – I changed the hero’s name three times before I was happy with it! The first name I selected was actually the name of a living athlete, and I knew that wasn’t going to work. It took a while for me to get comfortable with the final choice, but I think this one fits him.
Have I written characters I don’t particularly like? Sure, but I hope I’ve concealed that and treated them kindly!
Best advice for other writers? Butt in chair, hands on keys, and start putting your ideas down. Writing a novel is lots harder than some would have you believe, especially for those of us trained in journalism. Sure, you’re telling a story, but the author is a puppet-master while the journalist is quoting facts, documents, and other sources. While I was writing Unplayable Lie, I often felt like I was living in two worlds, my reality and the novel’s fiction. It got to where someone in real life would ask me a question and I’d mentally weigh my response based on which character I was thinking about at the time!
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About me
I write under a pen name, something my mom is still having a hard time with!
For years I was a working journalist, so I got used to seeing my real name in print. And it worked for factual stories. However, this novel is fiction, so it just made sense to write under a “fictitious” name. I gave my pseudonym a great deal of thought and I’m pleased with the decision. It honors my Irish heritage and solves the quandary of being christened with a common name.
I guess I’ve always been a creative person. My hobbies and interests have evolved, just like my writing. As a child, I played piano, picked up clarinet and a bit of sax in school, and now am learning the flute. I love most sports, though golf and tennis hold a special place in my heart. I’ve done needlepoint, embroidery, and crochet. I taught myself to bead one-of-a-kind jewelry pieces, including Rosaries. I zone out with mindless coloring of mandalas and such while talking on the phone, I’m an avid reader, and I write.
Because I’m the sole caregiver for my aging mom, I constantly struggle with time (or, rather, a lack of it!). I’ve found that having interests all over the board keeps me sane and helps me cope with the stress. While hobbies add to my enjoyment of life, sometimes pursuing them makes it hard to find the time I need to write. Having a deadline (one that’s self-imposed or from my publisher) helps immensely.
My day job is designing Web pages. It fulfils a need to express my creativity through color and design, as well as to work for myself. I also make time to take long walks or enjoy a bit of retail therapy. I don’t need crowds of people around me; rather, I gravitate to solitary activities. Because I can always find something to do, I’m rarely bored.
While I’ve been from the Atlantic to the Pacific, from the Canadian border to the Gulf of Mexico, I don’t really consider myself well-traveled. My favorite place for a getaway is close to water. I find the rhythm of waves very soothing, and there’s something about a salty climate that makes me sleep better. My ideal destination is Ireland, a place I briefly visited a few years back.
People who don’t know me don’t know how independent I am. I need plenty of time alone to regroup, daydream, and create. I don’t like lots of drama (except on the page or stage), and I avoid people who can’t accept boundaries. I have lots of acquaintances but few in my inner circle. There’s a BIG difference between being lonely and being alone. The former can happen in a crowd; the latter is a necessity for creatives (writing isn’t a spectator sport!)
Please do stop by and visit Debbie through one of her social Links:
Blog (https://domermom.com/)
Twitter (https://twitter.com/CaleighOShea)
Author website (https://www.caleighoshea.com/)
LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/debbie-pierce-36943b49/)
I’m also on Goodreads, Pinterest, Google+, and have an author’s page on Amazon.
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Thank You so Much Debbie for sharing so many insights and giving us a peak into your first book.
~Morgan~
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July 27, 2018
#FridayFantasy – Into Eternity #5Star #BookReview
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“So this is what Eternity looks like.” I felt the jaded disappointment in those words. I understood the sensation of wonder and the longing that could never be fulfilled. Although these words are spoken by a supporting character that only comes into the story in the second book of the series, they carry the sentiment of the entire trilogy.
Into Eternity took me on the final leg of a journey I never expected and could not have anticipated. It swept me off into lands unknown that were hauntingly familiar. As the dystopian landscape unfolded before me with horrifying clarity, the poignancy of this Vampire-Introspective-SciFi-Mindbender became all too clear and, like the masterfully developed characters that drew me into their tale, I experienced their terror, bitterness, and skeptical hope right along with them through page after page of plot twists that kept me guessing, literally, right up to the closing chapter.
Richard M. Ankers has woven a unique and unforgettable saga through the voices and lives of those we typically fear or despise; altering our own perceptions right along with the characters of this brilliantly penned epic.
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Queen Serena and her allies have fled the Nordic massacre, taking Princess Linka with them. For Jean, it’s heartbreak; for Merryweather and the abandoned Aurora, far worse. Not even the return of a broken Prince Grella and a dramatic escape from an obliterated Hvit softens the blow of their loss. Tempers flare and the pursuit resumes.
Leaving the Arctic ice behind, Jean and the others must reconcile with both current and past deaths, as they close in on the Baltic home of the hated Duke Gorgon. Here, their enemies gather and confrontation is inevitable.
Under Merryweather’s frustrating tutelage, Jean marches from one infuriating revelation to another, but as the lies unravel and the truth unfurls, he discovers the Britannian is not the fool he’s taken him for. The enigmatic Merryweather appears the key to the greatest mystery of all. But will he ever show his true colors?
In the stunning climax to The Eternals Series, a brooding Jean must do what he’s never done before: place his trust in others. For only at the end of all things, as the sun dies and Shangri-La falls, will Jean know what it means to step Into Eternity.
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Discover the Extraordinary Trilogy here
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~Morgan~
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Confessions of an English Psychopath By Jack D. McLean
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After unscrupulous young Lawrence is recruited to work as an assassin for the British Secret Service, everything goes well – until he gains access to a locked room at his workplace, and uncovers a terrible secret.
Lawrence’s newfound knowledge forces him to choose between going on the run, or engaging in a life and death conflict with his employers.
James Bond meets Dexter Morgan in this savagely funny, twisted novel from Jack D. McLean.
Amazon 5-Star review by Braz:
Lawrence Odd is a psychopath with a long history of committing violent crimes and he is more than happy to be recruited as an assassin by the Cleansing Department – a particularly shady branch of the British Secret Service. All goes swimmingly until Lawrence discovers the Cleansing Department’s darkest secret.
Jack D. McLean‘s witty, quirky thriller Confessions Of An English Psychopath is fast moving, funny, violent and a hell of a lot of fun.
Imagine a lethal cocktail of The Ipcress File, The Prisoner, Monty Python, and A Confederacy Of Dunces, and you’re halfway there.
Universal Amazon Link to purchase book: http://mybook.to/ConfessionsE
Author bio:
The mysterious Jack D McLean hails from the town of Huddersfield, in West Yorkshire, England. He’s a man with a checkered past, having worked in a morgue, been a labourer, and a salesman. He’s dug holes… professionally (to what end, he refuses to say – sales? corpses? possibly both?), even more terrifying – he’s a former Lawyer.
He enjoys parties and keeps himself fit (the kind of fit that makes you think he may engage in fisticuffs with Vinnie Jones on a semi-regular basis, or possibly drink stout with both hands while also throwing a perfect game of darts.)
He is allegedly married with two adult daughters. They have yet to be located for comment.
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July 26, 2018
The Singing Stones of Rendor by Neils Knudsen
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Endowed with a magical ability not seen since the ancient Rendor Empire, life for K’Las just turned dangerous—and he’s not even born yet.
His parents hide him in plain sight for several years until they learn of a plot to seize an heirloom and enslave the powerful magical voices that blend with the family treasure. The family manages to escape the clutches of cold-blooded zealots from the Grand Peer that chases them to one of Rendor’s mysterious great henges.
A wild and shrewd wizard who hides within the henge, learns of the family’s secret treasure and vanquishes one of the zealots, but not out of altruism. He too is covetous of the powerful treasure the family holds dear.
Trapped between a ruthless killer and a crazed wizard, K’Las must quickly learn to control his nascent skills to help his parents best their foes. If he can’t, it won’t matter which of their foes wins—his family will surely die. Even if he does succeed, the hostile and unstable world order will not permit such unrestrained magic.
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Excerpt describing realms/landscape:
A’wyn viewed the great henge with awe. Except for the mountains and forest, it was exactly like the Great Heart Henge near Kanarrah. She put her mission aside for the moment just to enjoy the mythical grandeur of the place.
She didn’t have to measure or explore the ruins. The historians had measured and explored all the great henges time and time again, though she would be hard pressed to call this one ruined. Each of the towering black stones was smooth, elegant and covered with delicate, elaborate, cryptic designs. On knolls at each compass point, north, east, west and south, stood twelve enigmatic megaliths. The great henge spanned a full mile with another circle of twelve megaliths at the center. Within the center henge lay a large, smooth stone like an upside down stone platter.
She liked the serenity of the place. The high mountains, cool forest and the sway of tall grasses in the cool morning breeze eased her mind. However, the place also seemed at odds with itself. The stones stood quiet and peaceful yet, brooding, mysterious and patient, waiting for something to happen.
Author Bio:
Neils Knudsen enjoys the quiet life with his wife among the scenic beauty of the Rocky Mountains. He and his wife, who doubles as his muse, are retired and maintain a relatively low profile. The only pets he lives with are his peeves, which his wife enjoys abusing. It is a mutual love affair. They laugh a lot.
Where to purchase “The Singing Stones of Rendor:”
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/default/e/B07B5H8GZS?redirectedFromKindleDbs=true
Smashwords:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/502978
Social Media Websites:
https://www.facebook.com/N.W.Knudsen/
The Crown of Amiriel by Shade Rachea – #Books Worth #Reading
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Despite her unstable powers, Warrior Princess Raynin is the most powerful fighter in the Guardian Realm. She’s also the most loyal.
After Raynin is named heir to the coveted Crown of Amiriel, the most powerful object in all the realms, she and her best friend Riley are forced to flee the kingdom and seek refuge in another realm to avoid death.
Soon, that realm is thrust into an unexpected war against a merciless king, forcing Raynin and Riley to make new alliances and learn to trust and rely on others. With the help of their friends, Raynin and Riley must fight to stay alive while trying to get a grasp on their powers and find the Crown before anyone else gets to it.
But the king has sent more than one assassin after them and the Crown, making staying alive that much harder.
Amazon 5 star review by Joshua Griffith who called it “An Action Packed Story”
“I love this one, it’s like Merlin meets Firefly! From the first few pages, the story snares you and never lets go. There’s plenty of action, drama, royal backstabbing, sword fighting and magic that will have you greedily turning the pages just to see what happens next and just in the first two chapters! The story seems like a typical fantasy in the beginning, royalty, peasants, medieval times, but then *dum dum dum* there’s actually technology like airships, cars, guns and computer training simulators. It a great story revolving around two teenage royalty that embark on a quest to find the seven missing pieces of the crown of Amiriel, which sets war into motion to prevent this from happening. I don’t want spoil it with details but I do suggest reading this one, you won’t be disappointed. I highly recommend it!”
Purchase Links:
Kindle: http://mybook.to/Amiriel
Paperback: https://www.amazon.com/Crown-Amiriel-Shade-Rachea/dp/1980240280/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=
Social Media Links:
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/shaderachea
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shaderacheabooks
Website: https://www.shaderacheabooks.com
Author Bio:
Shade Rachea is an American Young Adult Fantasy author and Creative Writing instructor. Her debut novel, The Crown of Amiriel, was released earlier this year and is the first of the series. Currently, she lives in California with her family and dog, Auro, and enjoys reading romance and fantasy books as well as shopping for books and shoes. When not writing, she can be found traveling and attending concerts and music festivals with friends.
July 25, 2018
Prophecy: Book One of the Kingdoms of Chartile: Book 1 by Cassandra Morgan
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In a land torn asunder by forbidden magic, four friends hold the key to saving the realm… or destroying it.
Jayson, Jack, and Leo never imagined wandering through the woodlands of Ohio could cause them to be whisked away to a fantasy world – but that’s exactly what happened. Trapped within the world of Chartile, a land on the brink of ruin, they have no clue how to wield their newfound and outlawed magic, let alone save a kingdom. With their new friend, Piper, they discover an ancient prophecy which may be the realm’s last hope. And if the prophecy is to be believed, Jayson, Jack and Leo are the reincarnated souls of Chartile’s ancient kings, their return long ago foretold to right the wrongs of the land. With an Elven Princess bent on taking every last bit of Chartile as her own, and a Dwarvik society on the brink of civil war, these friends must come together to save the realm, or risk losing everything. It’s safe to say, getting home is the least of their problems.
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The elven palace was at the heart of the Belirian Forest, hidden, as it were, in plain sight. If a traveler were unfortunate enough to lose their way, they might find themselves in the middle of the palace gardens, and then quite suddenly set upon by the palace guards. The palace was made from the very forest itself. The branches were expertly woven together through the centuries, creating a lattice that formed a highly domed ceiling. The largest tree in the palace was also the oldest. It sat in the center of the throne room and made up the throne of the Elven King.
https://www.amazon.com/Prophecy-Book-One-Kingdoms-Chartile/dp/0692407324
Cassandra Morgan is the author of the young adult fantasy series, The Kingdoms of Chartile, the first book in the series being Prophecy. She is a frequent guest at conventions and writing conferences where she lectures on writing and publishing topics.
The idea for Chartile began when Cassandra was in middle school, stemming from the games she would play with her friends after school in the woods behind her house.
Find Cassandra on Social Media:
www.facebook.com/author.cassandra.morgan
www.twitter.com/authorcasmorgan
Arboretum Book One of Emissary of the Oppressed Trilogy by Ian Miller
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Timothy Martin is a respected lecturer in Astronomy who has spent most of his life trying to put behind him the trauma of a childhood dominated by ‘visions’. But the visions have returned, more real than ever. Not only does see other places, but he is now able to step into them. When he becomes fixated on the star Delta Crucis in the Southern Cross constellation, he sees a vision of a world orbiting it and impulsively takes a step ̶ two hundred and forty-five light years into space. He did not expect to survive. Nor did he expect to land in the midst of an alien city. And he certainly did not expect to threaten the well-being of another world, one that he finds disturbingly ̶ at peace. At stake is not only his own destiny, but that of an entire world.
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A Brief excerpt from the book
Timothy made his way with confident ease, despite the precarious drop. Behind him came Star Mist and behind her, Beauty Wonder. The rest were in front. Sun Keep, the Knower had taken the lead that afternoon, followed by his Sage friend, Morning Laughter. The two were inseparable. Perhaps they were brothers; they looked enough alike, Timothy thought. Destiny Unsought followed next, with Joy Spring and Night Light just in front of Timothy. The path was too dangerous to consider anything but walking single file.
‘Aes manal pan,’ shouted Night Light, as a section of the narrow path under him plummeted into the depths below.
Timothy instinctively reached out and grabbed onto the Discerner’s arm, striving to keep him upright in this dangerous section of the climb. In reaching out so carelessly, he lost his own balance and slid off the crumbling path behind Night Light.
Now it was the Discerner’s turn to save his would-be rescuer. Timothy dangled precariously over the ledge. Loose rocks and stones continued to dislodge under his weight. Scrambling frantically, not wanting to look down into the cavernous ravine, he managed to gain a firmer footing and edged his way back up to the path. Night Light’s firm grip on Timothy’s forearm brought him to his feet as the two men stood face to face, both breathing hard.
Review of Aboretum by Morton Benning, author of Playing God – February 13, 2018: Arboretum is a highly engaging read which challenges us to consider the possibility that the science we currently know could look very different from the perspective of one who understands it more fully. As Arthur C. Clarke says, “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.” What we now perceive as magic may just be science beyond what we currently understand.
Purchase Arboretum
http://stonetablebooks.com/product/arboretum-emissary-of-the-oppressed/
https://www.angusrobertson.com.au/books/arboretum-ian-miller/p/9780648232339
The Author’s Bio
Ian Miller grew up north of Brisbane on Australia’s east coast. He has a broad university background in such divergent fields as Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Theology and Education. With a wide range of career experiences, having worked as an Industrial Chemist, Senior High School Physics & Chemistry teacher, and leader of a large, contemporary church, Ian brings a rare combination of worldviews together in his writings. He currently lives in Sydney with his wife, Christine.
Find him on Social media
https://www.facebook.com/Ian-Miller-Author-282693322255573/?ref=aymt_homepage_panel
July 22, 2018
In The Lime Light – #CharacterSpotlight by #Fantasy #Author Tabitha Darling
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Today’s character Interview is by Fantasy author Tabitha Darling. Tabitha is the author of multiple works of fiction and nonfiction. (To be released ongoing) She is wife to a robot builder and mom to a toddler. By day, she is a barefoot farrier, horse trainer, and riding instructor. She lives in Texas, with her husband, toddler, three horses, three hens, three geese, and three doves.
In the book Trust (Children of Chiron Series Vol 1) Ieang (Eeng) is a main character caught up in a war between humans and his people the centaur. He struggles to save an infant centaur and in the process needs a human, Brenda to help with the baby. They begin to understand and respect each other over time.
History teaches that centaurs are aggressive, how do you feel about this? It bothers me. We are taught to respect the power the Gods give only to women. I have seen humans be good and mean.
What do you look like? I am a centaur. My body is horse, man and unicorn. My hair is brown, my skin is brown, my eyes are brown.
What do you like to wear? We do not need clothes like humans.
How do you keep your hooves worn down? We walk. If we can not, we use a hard stone to do it.
What is the horn on your head? It is what separates the people from the Gods and the animals. It reminds us of our origin, the unicorn.
What is telepathy like? I learned from my human wife that humans think in sounds. We do not, but we can. What you feel, see, touch, feelings, all is given, in telepathy. Not just sounds, all. It joins the people, into one. It is the gift from unicorn.
What do centaurs eat? We eat as you do, plant, meat. Why?
What do you think of humans? Your people are gifted by the Gods with great power and knowledge.
If someone wanted to learn the language and culture, your beliefs, would that be ok? Yes, I will help teach.
How do you feel about videos and photographs? I will not talk about this.
What do you think of horses? They are more intelligent than humans know. They should be respected.
If a human child wanted a ride, would that bug you? No, I would be happy to play with them.
How do you like to socialize? I enjoy watching my children, to sing with them after a meal. Or spending time with the men on a hunt.
What was your role in your family growing up? My role was to obey the elders, and my father, to respect the Gods and spirits. To listen and learn.
What were you most proud of as a kid? I was glad to become a man. It meant the Gods and spirits thought I was worthy. I try to be.
What did you find terribly embarrassing as a kid? I was humiliated for my dishonor once when I did not give an offering on a hunt. I learned to after the punishment. I had angered the spirits, I was wrong.
What was your first best friend like? We do not have one friend. All the men hunt and work together. That is our way.
What ‘group’ were you in during your high school years? We do not learn in one house, we learn with our fathers who raise us. The shaman may teach us, but usually it is our father. If one father and one child is a group, then that was my group.
What did you want to be when you grew up–and what did you end up becoming? I only hoped to be accepted by the God of life to the temple, to do well by our ancestors, the ones who came before. To not disgrace any of them. I passed my run, I am a man, adult. That is all I am.
What are your hobbies? I enjoy speaking with the God of tools, to ask the spirits to give their power to what I make so that a hunt goes well. If I honor them, the power is there, and the animals are happy to give us meat.
What music do you listen to? Brady, brother to my human wife says that humans enjoy music all the time, that the human Gods allow it. We do not, it speaks to the ancestors, the spirits and Gods. It is sacred.
What annoys you? I am angered if the people begin to disrespect the elders, the shaman, the spirits, ancestors or the Gods.
What makes you laugh? To watch my children.
Are you a dog or a cat person? I do not like to eat dog but I have, it seems to be a friendly spirit to humans. I do not know what cat is.
What season do you enjoy most? I look forward to the dry season when the hunting is good.
What makes you embarrassed as an adult? I have answered this before.
Do you drink alcohol? What is this drink? We have many drinks and some are sacred. We usually drink water.
What do you feel most passionately about? I hope that my people will live, have many children, if the Gods allow. And to continue living in the marriage house with my wife.
What trait do you find most admirable in others? To be an elder, a shaman, to speak with the Gods, ancestors and spirits. It is the best any can become until we join them in their home when we die.
Do you want a job that helps people or a job that makes money? Money, is how humans hunt, to bring food yes? If we live on Earth, I would like to learn in human school to get a job, yes. I always like to help! The people rely on each other to bring meat, to build a house. We do not live alone like humans.
Are you a leader or a follower? I am only a man, a hunter. I was not called to be a leader.
What scares you? To see the last of my people, no more children. That we so angered the Gods.
What are your long term goals? I have answered this before! To see my people live.
What are your short term goals? To hunt well.
What are your bad habits? Bad habits make the spirits angry.
What do you think happens after we die? If we please the Gods we live in their home by their fire and eat with them when the hunt is good.
If you were to come into money what would you do with it? Money is how humans get food, they do not hunt? If we have more than we need, I would give it to others who need more so that they have food.
Who was the love of your life? I love my human wife Brenda, she taught me love.
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Please be sure to discover more about Tabitha and her writing through her social links:
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/tabitha.darling.3576
Twitter https://twitter.com/Tabithasbooks
And my website! https://www.tabithasbooks.com/
Amazon author link https://www.amazon.com/Tabitha-Darling/e/B074JKX8T2/
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~Morgan~
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July 21, 2018
In The Lime Light – #AuthorInterview with Jan Gordon
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Today I am delighted to introduce you to fellow author Jan Gordon, who writes under the name Melanie Mole. Melanie grew up in a tiny village in the wonderful countryside in England. Long walks with her dogs in beautiful scenery and winding country lanes gave her time to think and dream. Most of the time dreaming of a future where her life would be as calm as both the countryside in which she walked, or how she felt when she read her treasured books. Dreaming was something which came easily to Melanie. Very often her school report would mention that she spent more time day dreaming than doing her school work, except in English lessons which she loved.
Her love of words was always there, but sometimes stifled by the opinions of others. But as she grew older Melanie would not let these hold her back her any longer. Over the years Melanie grew in confidence and it was then that she finally felt able to follow her writing dreams. Being part of quite a large family, but always feeling different to everyone else, Melanie found solace in both writing and books. This, coupled with her new found confidence in herself, mainly because of the freedom of middle age, was where her writing really found momentum.
Taking 25 years to complete her first book, around family life and a pressured work environment in palliative care, Melanie began to realise that simplifying her life was the way to go. Living more simply and finding ways in which to enjoy having less became her chosen path. This was where her book Simply Does It was born. Her experiences to find a more simple life in which to have to time write and do more of the things that she loves, are shared in this unusual non-fiction book. Her other book, Man + Woman + Trouble, is a comical look at the mistakes Melanie made during her relationships. It is full of tips on what not to do if you want a great relationship. It is aimed at both men and women.
Please Introduce us to your Blog. What is it all about? What sorts of posts do you lean towards?
Hello Cynthia, and thank you for giving me the opportunity to answer your questions.
My blog is about anything to do with books, writing, author interviews, the amazing opportunities that simple living has afforded me, and anything else that peaks my interest.
A lot of my posts are about writing as that is my true love. I try to look at how other writers have written, and how their lifestyle affected that.
I am always looking at ways of showing support to other writers. So many of us flounder at first, so it is nice for us all to support each other. Writer love is what it is all about!
I also did an article about a man who calls himself Captain Beany. He is totally obsessed with baked beans, and even has a museum in his home dedicated to them. I was impressed with the work that he does for charity, and so wanted to feature him on my blog. It got a good reaction which I was pleased about.
You can find my blog here.
What Inspires and stirs your creativity?
The first would be my grandchildren. I have four now and the eldest is 11 this month. I look at the photos of them that I keep near my computer, and I just about burst with happiness. I want to do my best writing for them. It would be nice one day if they read my books and thought that they were a good read. That would be great!
Secondly it would be the simple things in life. I have never been a materialistic sort of person, so the little things have always inspired me. That can be as simple as raindrops on a leaf, an animal, spending time with someone special etc. I feel lucky to be inspired by little things as I tend to notice them more. So I am blessed.
Conversely, what do you find difficult to write about?
I definitely find writing fiction more difficult. I generally write non-fiction, but I got brave this year and wrote my first short story called ‘Blossom Shines at Buttercup Bay‘. It is contained in a Creativia Anthology titled ‘Once Upon a Broken Dream’. I was really pleased that my first attempt at writing fiction was published in this book. My aim is to write a whole series of Buttercup Bay Books. I have the outlines already written, so just need to start writing them now!
What Message, if any, do you hope to Share through your blog/posts?
I want to share so many things through my posts. But the main one is that we are not alone when we find it difficult to write. There are so many writing groups, forums, websites etc. that there is always a place to go where we can learn, get support, or both. The writing community is massive. All we have to do is to find the right fit for us, and then we can interact as much or as little as we want to. The world really is our writing oyster!
How has your blog helped you as a writer/Indie Author? What things have you learned along the way that you never anticipated?
I only started my blog quite recently, so I am learning all the time from it. At first I would plan what posts I would write, but now I do them as the inspiration hits me. The only posts which I do tend to plan are author interviews because readers seem to like those a lot. I like them too because I learn so much from them. Also I write posts about my next book, or when one is due to be released.
One of the things that I never expected to learn from my blog is that not all authors find inspiration in their surroundings. I wrongly assumed that where they write always inspires them. But, I have now found through interacting on my blog, that this is not always true.
I am lucky that I have leaned many writing tips along the way too. I am blessed when other writers share their tips or tell us about their writing day because we can all learn from that.
Tell us about your book(s):
My first book, ‘Simply Does It‘, has just been published. My life has been changed for the better in so many ways by living more simply. This book chronicles the start of my journey towards raising my writing capacity by over 800% in just a year! I wanted to keep the quality of my writing, so I edited again and again. I can honestly say that I have found the magic formula for being able to write much more, even though I was also a full time, live in carer for a relative at the same time. The demands of this mean that I never knew, day or night, when I would be called to help them. Plus I had surgery of my own during this time too. So, if you want to know how I started that journey then ‘Simply Does It‘ could really be the book for you.
My second book, ‘Man + Woman = Trouble‘, came about because I had so many stories to tell about the mountain of relationship mistakes I had made. I also wanted to give tips on how not to behave if you want a great relationship. So this book encompasses these, and more. I tried to keep it lighthearted so that it would be both interesting, and also make readers laugh. It is aimed at both men and women no matter what type of relationship they are in. So I hope that my readers will enjoy it.
What Inspired you to write your book?
I was inspired to write ‘Man + Woman = Trouble’ because of my own experiences. I thought that if I have those sorts of problems, then other must do to. I wanted to look at them in a comical way, whilst also trying to show how not to make the same mistakes that I did.
My inspiration for writing ‘Simply Does It’ was the amazing experiences that I have had by living a more simple life. I can’t stress enough how different my life is now that I live more simply. It has soothed my soul like nothing else, and reduced my stress levels beyond compare with the life that I once led. It has truly been a breathtaking experience.
From what Point of View do you prefer to write? Is there a reason?
Until now I have always written non-fiction books. I have tended to write from my own perspective so far as the subjects that I have written about are either ones which I have experienced first hand, or are very close to my heart. But, even though they are from my own point of view, I try to offer a balanced argument too.
How would you describe your “Voice” or Style of writing?
My style of writing is really just hearing what thoughts come into my head, and then documenting them. I wish that I could say that it was more technically done, or in the style of some great writer, but it isn’t. My writing is generally like someone is having a gentle conversation with the reader. I am writing my thoughts, and they are reading them. I don’t know how else to do it. I think that we all have our own writing styles, and that we shouldn’t fight them. Going with the flow is much better than having a daily battle with your writer self. Life is much calmer that way, and I like that.
What genre do you prefer to write or are you truly eclectic?
Until now I have always written non-fiction. I know that my books will often be about writing, as I think about it so often. But they will also be about the benefits of simple living. The world seems to be running at such a frantic pace now that something has to give. Either we find a better way to live which is less stressful, or we could quite literally spontaneously combust. The choice is our own to make. I just hope that more of us make it sooner than later.
Do you painstakingly plot out your story; are you a discovery writer or a bit of both? Why?
My only piece of fiction is my short story ‘Blossom Sines at Buttercup Bay‘. So I’m not really sure yet. I did have some sort of outline before I started to write it. But it tended to be very fluid during the writing process. So I would probably say that I do both.
Do you have a favourite or least favourite character? And Why?
It would have to be Monty because he is so kind and sincere. But that may change to someone else over time. I guess that I won’t really know until I have written the rest of the books. It is something that I am looking forward to.
Share an insight or secret about your book(s).
Well, I have written most of my books without getting a good night’s sleep. Because of a shoulder injury I have, I still need to have further shoulder surgery. The pain from it means that either I take regular pain killers that don’t work, or I take strong ones which knock me out during the day a lot too. I haven’t been able to sleep in a bed for 18 months now. So I sleep sitting up in a chair every night. To be honest it is exhausting. Most of us can cope with a few night of poor sleep, but at the moment that is my reality every night. I hope that the further surgery that is scheduled for me will work, and I will be sleeping soundly again soon.
What do you feel is your best advice to share with other aspiring authors?
Never, ever, give up! Use whatever keeps you going to do just that. Also, read about J.K Rowling’s story for inspiration. I don’t just mean about how many publishers turned her down. I mean about what she went through in her personal life before she even got to that point. Keep fighting for what you want, always.
Would you like to share an excerpt from the book or a poem or two to give readers an idea what you offer?
Yes, that would be good. The first excerpt is from my book ‘Man + Woman = Trouble‘ –
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That Old Chestnut Nagger
The characteristics of a That Old Chestnut Nagger are persistence and having a really good memory, and boy do women have good memories. Especially where we think the subject in hand really matters. Make sure that you remember this because it is a distinct advantage if you do. Of course no logical thought process would have ever gone into this decision. We tend to store up our points to remind us how bad you have been in a sort of brain sack. It’s hidden away in a very dark and dingy place. The sort of place you wouldn’t want to go to after dark. Where monsters loom, and even they have to fight for survival. A place where you should expect the unexpected to happen, and where you should be very afraid, because it is very unpredictable depending on mood and hormone levels.
Men just need to remember that we can store all this information we often refer to as important stuff for a very long time. This is the sort of stuff which we are sure to bring up the next time you either look at us in a funny way, or perhaps when you do something like breathe. Yes I did say breathe. You can sometimes only do one of these before we blow again. We are like a volcano just waiting to erupt. Not all of us of course. But there are enough women like this for anyone to be weary.
Another thing to remember is that we never lose sight of our original point for discussion. It is always there lurking in the background. Don’t forget that it is also a woman’s prerogative to add more points at any time. In fact the list can just grow and grow. Like one of those seemingly tiny pieces of paper that is folded neatly, but which can unravel and grow to an incredible length at any time. So, gentlemen, it may be advisable that you have your own list to argue points from. That’s something that the lady in your life won’t be expecting. Shock tactics are usually a good way of causing a detour around the subject in hand. Especially if you want to buy some extra time or if you are dying to get to the pub/bar or to do something else that’s equally as important. But of course you need to be aware that any dodged points will only come back to bite you later, so sometimes it’s best to just suffer at the time and get it over with. It really depends on when you want more hassle. Is it best to have trouble now, or later? Only you can make that decision. Because one thing you can be sure of is that it will surely come at some point in time.
What you need to do is literally wait until the nagger is taking a breath and dive in with the first point you want to make. Then just keep going strongly, or keep very quiet. How she reacts will guide you towards which of these you need to do. Remember that just because one tactic worked last time doesn’t automatically mean that it will work this time. You may also pay later if you choose the wrong course of action this time. A bit like gambling with terrible odds. She is the banker, and we all know that the banker nearly always wins.
The second excerpt is about when I went to live with nuns, from my book ‘Simply Does It‘ –
When I had first arrived at the convent Sarah had encouraged me to explore both the main building and the grounds at my leisure. I was interested in all of it. I wanted to immerse myself in the whole process during my stay so that I could understand how the simplicity factor of their lives really worked for them. I needed to learn from the nuns so that I could accomplish more when I returned to the outside world. I knew that to do this I needed to visit all of the communal rooms in turn, and to spend time taking in the sights and sounds of each one to make sure that I fully immersed myself in the atmosphere of each area so that I got the full value from my time at the convent.
There were several bedrooms and bathrooms on the first floor. Each floor was around a central quadrant which was framed by very ornate stonework cloisters and lovely arched windows. Walking through these cloisters was like walking back in time. It felt quite surreal. Like I had been momentarily transported into someone else’s life, feeling what they felt, thinking their thoughts, and walking their walk. I liked that the cloisters could be used in all sorts of weather as they were deep enough to shield you from the rain no matter what direction it came from. They were a very simple but clever design.
Now, lets talk About YOU:
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If you had to describe yourself to someone who has never met you, what might you say?
Gosh, that’s a difficult one. I would have to say that I am an honest and supportive person, with a passion for writing and books. That I care about people and the environment, and genuinely want to make things better whenever I can. That I am a good listener who tries not to judge too. Physically – rounded, with rosy cheeks, and a good heart!
If you could meet one person from the past, who might it be and why?
What an interesting question! The person that I would most like to meet from the past is actually still alive. But I am hoping that you will indulge me with this one. He was born several generations before me so is still technically from the past I guess. His name is Leslie Phillips and he is a British actor. When I was a child my mother always watched films that he was in. I always wanted to be the same age as him in the films that he made in the 50’s. He played parts where he was always suave and sophisticated, with a very posh accent. I thought that he was a dreamboat. So, really I wanted to meet him because of the parts that he played. I would like to ask him what makes him tick.
When you are NOT writing, what is your favourite pastime?
It has to be reading. I am a book-a-holic. There will never be enough time for me to read all of the books that I want to in one lifetime. Not in ten lifetimes in fact.
Describe Your Dream Getaway Destination. Have you ever been there? What makes this place Irresistible to you?
Any of the Scottish islands would be the place for me. I love peace and open spaces. I also love ragged coastlines and weather which isn’t too hot, so they are the ideal sort of place for me. Since visiting Scotland many times a as child, and reading a book called ‘Island on the Edge: A Life on Soay‘ I have been even more obsessed about wanting to go there. So, watch this space!
Do you have a Mantra?
I certainly do – ‘I can and I will’. I repeat that to myself all the time, sometimes out loud in public places too 
July 20, 2018
#WhatToRead for #Bibliophiles of #AllAges
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Yes, its that time of year again. What time, you ask? Holiday time, or vacation time, depending on which continent you are sitting. I know, I know, I’ve only just managed to make it back full time, as it were, and now Im planning to be off again. But in my defense, this holiday has been planned for some while and, well, Colorado Beckons, so…off I go again. Be assured, however, I have made plans to take good care of you while I am away. (well, at least, I hope so!)
While I am off hiking the Colorado Rockies, Segwaying around the Garden of the Gods, and Ziplining across canyons (YIKES!), I have arranged to share a variety of books and authors, characters and far-away realms for your reading pleasure. Oh, come now, we all need a break, now and again, from poetry; even we poets! So for the next week or two (thats all, I promise!) BooknVolume shall share just that, Volumes of Books!
I hope you will enjoy the diversion.
