A.R. Merrydew's Blog, page 2
June 14, 2025
'The State of the AI Nation'
Good Afternoon,
Fellow Readers and Authors,
I hope all of you had a great week, and you are already enjoying your weekend, wherever you are in this world.
It occurred to me this morning, that there has been little news on the progress of Presidents Trumps AI plans for America of late. The news on the media at the moment seems to have focused on the pandemonium in California.
Whilst Donald Trump remains firm in his commitments regarding immigration, his other intentions involving the reshaping of your great nation appear to have been over shadowed.
Trawling through the Internet as I do on occasions like this, I was pleasantly surprised at the progress that has been going on behind the scenes. In this article I am sharing that update, to keep those interested abreast of the situation.
The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Plan for America
President Donald Trump's Artificial Intelligence (AI) plan for America, was initiated in January 2025, and it aims to establish the U.S. as a global leader in AI technology.
The cornerstone of this initiative is the $500 billion ‘Stargate’ project, a joint venture involving OpenAI, SoftBank, Oracle, and investment firm MGX. Announced on January 21, 2025, the project plans to invest up to $500 billion in AI infrastructure across the United States by 2029, with an initial $100 billion commitment.
The venture's objectives include building advanced data centres, developing custom AI hardware, and supporting research and workforce development to enhance national AI competitiveness.
In parallel to this commitment, President Trump signed the ‘Removing Barriers to American Leadership in Artificial Intelligence’ executive order on January 23, 2025. This order revokes existing AI policies that are seen as barriers to U.S. AI innovation, and mandates the creation of an AI Action Plan within 180 days, to sustain and enhance America's global AI dominance.
The administration has also focused on integrating AI into education. In April 2025, President Trump signed the "Advancing Artificial Intelligence Education for American Youth" executive order, which aims to incorporate AI education into schools and provide training for educators. The directive's primary goals are to teach students and train teachers to use AI to improve educational outcomes.
Progress on these initiatives has been notable. The Department of Energy issued a Request for Information (RFI) on AI infrastructure, announcing 16 potential sites for rapid AI data centre construction, with the goal of initiating construction by the end of 2025 and commencing operations by the end of 2027 through public-private partnerships.
Additionally, the administration has received over 10,000 public comments on its AI Action Plan, reflecting broad public engagement in shaping the nation's AI strategy.
However, the plan has faced criticism and challenges. Some experts argue that the proposed federal pre-emption of state AI regulations could undermine existing protections related to data privacy and facial recognition. Proponents of a federal standard contend that it would prevent a confusing patchwork of state laws and help U.S. companies compete globally, especially against China.
In summary, President Trump's AI plan for America encompasses significant investments in infrastructure, education, and policy reform aimed at positioning the U.S. as a leader in AI technology. While progress has been made, ongoing debates about regulation and oversight continue to shape the trajectory of these initiatives.
Well there you have it, the current ‘State of the AI Nation’ update.
If you are like me with regards to the media, perhaps from time to time you find them frustrating regarding the reporting modus operandi.
There hardly ever appears to be any updates on important topics once they have been delivered, and the press just move on the next topic to feast on. Surely keeping the people of America updated and informed on progress would be a priority. The subject matter is after all going to affect them more than anyone else on the planet.
‘Well that’s all I have to say about it,’ as Forest Gump once said.
Back to my own affairs, and the pending trip to Scotland. I have been committed to remaining in Sussex until next Monday, as my son has arrange a ‘father’s day’ out with him and my grandson on Sunday. I will keep you posted as promised in my next article.
In the meantime, I would like to thank you as always for your support with all of my novels, it is sincerely appreciated.
Stay safe, and keep reading and writing, and most of all, follow your dreams whatever they may be. 😊
Best Wishes
AR
Fellow Readers and Authors,
I hope all of you had a great week, and you are already enjoying your weekend, wherever you are in this world.
It occurred to me this morning, that there has been little news on the progress of Presidents Trumps AI plans for America of late. The news on the media at the moment seems to have focused on the pandemonium in California.
Whilst Donald Trump remains firm in his commitments regarding immigration, his other intentions involving the reshaping of your great nation appear to have been over shadowed.
Trawling through the Internet as I do on occasions like this, I was pleasantly surprised at the progress that has been going on behind the scenes. In this article I am sharing that update, to keep those interested abreast of the situation.
The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Plan for America
President Donald Trump's Artificial Intelligence (AI) plan for America, was initiated in January 2025, and it aims to establish the U.S. as a global leader in AI technology.
The cornerstone of this initiative is the $500 billion ‘Stargate’ project, a joint venture involving OpenAI, SoftBank, Oracle, and investment firm MGX. Announced on January 21, 2025, the project plans to invest up to $500 billion in AI infrastructure across the United States by 2029, with an initial $100 billion commitment.
The venture's objectives include building advanced data centres, developing custom AI hardware, and supporting research and workforce development to enhance national AI competitiveness.
In parallel to this commitment, President Trump signed the ‘Removing Barriers to American Leadership in Artificial Intelligence’ executive order on January 23, 2025. This order revokes existing AI policies that are seen as barriers to U.S. AI innovation, and mandates the creation of an AI Action Plan within 180 days, to sustain and enhance America's global AI dominance.
The administration has also focused on integrating AI into education. In April 2025, President Trump signed the "Advancing Artificial Intelligence Education for American Youth" executive order, which aims to incorporate AI education into schools and provide training for educators. The directive's primary goals are to teach students and train teachers to use AI to improve educational outcomes.
Progress on these initiatives has been notable. The Department of Energy issued a Request for Information (RFI) on AI infrastructure, announcing 16 potential sites for rapid AI data centre construction, with the goal of initiating construction by the end of 2025 and commencing operations by the end of 2027 through public-private partnerships.
Additionally, the administration has received over 10,000 public comments on its AI Action Plan, reflecting broad public engagement in shaping the nation's AI strategy.
However, the plan has faced criticism and challenges. Some experts argue that the proposed federal pre-emption of state AI regulations could undermine existing protections related to data privacy and facial recognition. Proponents of a federal standard contend that it would prevent a confusing patchwork of state laws and help U.S. companies compete globally, especially against China.
In summary, President Trump's AI plan for America encompasses significant investments in infrastructure, education, and policy reform aimed at positioning the U.S. as a leader in AI technology. While progress has been made, ongoing debates about regulation and oversight continue to shape the trajectory of these initiatives.
Well there you have it, the current ‘State of the AI Nation’ update.
If you are like me with regards to the media, perhaps from time to time you find them frustrating regarding the reporting modus operandi.
There hardly ever appears to be any updates on important topics once they have been delivered, and the press just move on the next topic to feast on. Surely keeping the people of America updated and informed on progress would be a priority. The subject matter is after all going to affect them more than anyone else on the planet.
‘Well that’s all I have to say about it,’ as Forest Gump once said.
Back to my own affairs, and the pending trip to Scotland. I have been committed to remaining in Sussex until next Monday, as my son has arrange a ‘father’s day’ out with him and my grandson on Sunday. I will keep you posted as promised in my next article.
In the meantime, I would like to thank you as always for your support with all of my novels, it is sincerely appreciated.
Stay safe, and keep reading and writing, and most of all, follow your dreams whatever they may be. 😊
Best Wishes
AR
June 6, 2025
'The Rise of Facebook Scammers'
Good Afternoon,
Fellow Readers and Authors,
I hope all of you had a great week, and you are ready for the weekend, wherever you are in this world.
This weeks topic has been fuelled by an unprecedented number of approaches from our friends on social media, and the deception they bring with them. I am referring to the ‘book promoters’, who I am sure you have all had dealings with at some point.
In the past few months, I have fallen prey to a worrying trend emerging on Facebook that is targeting independent authors. Fortunately, I am street wise enough not to have fallen for these insidious measures, and no money changed hands.
I have had the ethos for some time, that reputable promoters, do not need to message you, when you put up a post on Face Book. The ones that do, tend to work from a script, which is generally always the same. It leads me to believe they are probably all in the same office. Perhaps these flowery prose, over exaggerating your novel, emanates from one person in one office!
Well it should be easier for Interpol to find them at least.
Alleged book promoters, many appearing to operate from Nigeria, are now creating fake profiles by duplicating the identities of real, often well-known authors.
These impersonators then use these profiles to approach Indie authors like you and me. They first engage you in polite conversation, complementing you on your book. The conversation soon leads to a request for an Amazon link.
The irony for me is that every post I put up on Facebook already has these links on them. Either the requestor has impaired vision, or maybe, that’s it, they need an excuse to forward their link to you.
The link you receive for their book will of course match the senders name (the alleged author) and amazingly their book has more reviews than a MacDonalds quarter pounder.
The conversation then leads into, ‘my book promoter was pivotal in getting my book noticed.’ Really? The promoters details soon arrive on messenger, followed by a message from none other than the promoter themselves.
The first time this happened to me, the promoter shot their bolt, and actually message me before the alleged author had finished giving me their details. How fabulously ironic, they must have been psychic. Poor timing I would say, and unbelievable as they were probably sitting next to one another in the same office in Downtown Lagos.
What’s particularly alarming though, is the apparent inaction from Facebook. Despite multiple reports, takedown requests, and public warnings in writing communities, the fake profiles often remain active for weeks or even months.
Facebook’s automated moderation tools do not seem equipped, or even motivated, to address this specific type of impersonation. Especially when the affected accounts are not celebrities or mainstream public figures.
This problem is exacerbated by the fact that many indie authors are heavily reliant on Facebook groups, and these pages where they can market their books and network with other writers. These spaces have traditionally been valuable resources for community and exposure, but the infiltration of scammers has started to corrode trust and create confusion.
Writers are now forced to second-guess even the most benign messages from people who appear, on the surface, to be fellow authors.
Several members of the indie author community have taken it upon themselves to warn others by posting screenshots, naming fake profiles, and sharing their experiences in public threads. But without systemic intervention by Facebook itself, these grassroots efforts are limited in their reach and effectiveness.
It’s important for indie authors to remain vigilant. Here are a few ways to stay protected.
• Verify profiles by checking for consistent posting history, mutual friends, and profile longevity.
• Be sceptical of unsolicited offers for book promotion, especially those that demand upfront payment with little verifiable proof of past success.
• Use secure and vetted services for book marketing. There are legitimate agencies and tools available that can offer real value.
• Report impersonators promptly and document your reports to create a paper trail.
Until Facebook invests more resources into combating this specific form of identity-based scamming, indie authors will need to rely on their communities, and their own due diligence to avoid being victimized.
Link - https://tinyurl.com/msh8stw7
Back to less irritating items on the list of jobs to do, a quick update on the tour of Scotland.
All being equal, Vera2 and I are setting off on Monday.
The weather turned foul again over the past two days, and as keen as I am to set off, motorways and pouring rain are not an enjoyable combination.
Lets hope the weather man has next week advertised correctly!
In the meantime, thank you again for your support with all of my novels, it is much appreciated as always.
Stay safe, and keep reading and writing, and most of all, follow your dreams whatever they may be.
Best Wishes
AR
Fellow Readers and Authors,
I hope all of you had a great week, and you are ready for the weekend, wherever you are in this world.
This weeks topic has been fuelled by an unprecedented number of approaches from our friends on social media, and the deception they bring with them. I am referring to the ‘book promoters’, who I am sure you have all had dealings with at some point.
In the past few months, I have fallen prey to a worrying trend emerging on Facebook that is targeting independent authors. Fortunately, I am street wise enough not to have fallen for these insidious measures, and no money changed hands.
I have had the ethos for some time, that reputable promoters, do not need to message you, when you put up a post on Face Book. The ones that do, tend to work from a script, which is generally always the same. It leads me to believe they are probably all in the same office. Perhaps these flowery prose, over exaggerating your novel, emanates from one person in one office!
Well it should be easier for Interpol to find them at least.
Alleged book promoters, many appearing to operate from Nigeria, are now creating fake profiles by duplicating the identities of real, often well-known authors.
These impersonators then use these profiles to approach Indie authors like you and me. They first engage you in polite conversation, complementing you on your book. The conversation soon leads to a request for an Amazon link.
The irony for me is that every post I put up on Facebook already has these links on them. Either the requestor has impaired vision, or maybe, that’s it, they need an excuse to forward their link to you.
The link you receive for their book will of course match the senders name (the alleged author) and amazingly their book has more reviews than a MacDonalds quarter pounder.
The conversation then leads into, ‘my book promoter was pivotal in getting my book noticed.’ Really? The promoters details soon arrive on messenger, followed by a message from none other than the promoter themselves.
The first time this happened to me, the promoter shot their bolt, and actually message me before the alleged author had finished giving me their details. How fabulously ironic, they must have been psychic. Poor timing I would say, and unbelievable as they were probably sitting next to one another in the same office in Downtown Lagos.
What’s particularly alarming though, is the apparent inaction from Facebook. Despite multiple reports, takedown requests, and public warnings in writing communities, the fake profiles often remain active for weeks or even months.
Facebook’s automated moderation tools do not seem equipped, or even motivated, to address this specific type of impersonation. Especially when the affected accounts are not celebrities or mainstream public figures.
This problem is exacerbated by the fact that many indie authors are heavily reliant on Facebook groups, and these pages where they can market their books and network with other writers. These spaces have traditionally been valuable resources for community and exposure, but the infiltration of scammers has started to corrode trust and create confusion.
Writers are now forced to second-guess even the most benign messages from people who appear, on the surface, to be fellow authors.
Several members of the indie author community have taken it upon themselves to warn others by posting screenshots, naming fake profiles, and sharing their experiences in public threads. But without systemic intervention by Facebook itself, these grassroots efforts are limited in their reach and effectiveness.
It’s important for indie authors to remain vigilant. Here are a few ways to stay protected.
• Verify profiles by checking for consistent posting history, mutual friends, and profile longevity.
• Be sceptical of unsolicited offers for book promotion, especially those that demand upfront payment with little verifiable proof of past success.
• Use secure and vetted services for book marketing. There are legitimate agencies and tools available that can offer real value.
• Report impersonators promptly and document your reports to create a paper trail.
Until Facebook invests more resources into combating this specific form of identity-based scamming, indie authors will need to rely on their communities, and their own due diligence to avoid being victimized.
Link - https://tinyurl.com/msh8stw7
Back to less irritating items on the list of jobs to do, a quick update on the tour of Scotland.
All being equal, Vera2 and I are setting off on Monday.
The weather turned foul again over the past two days, and as keen as I am to set off, motorways and pouring rain are not an enjoyable combination.
Lets hope the weather man has next week advertised correctly!
In the meantime, thank you again for your support with all of my novels, it is much appreciated as always.
Stay safe, and keep reading and writing, and most of all, follow your dreams whatever they may be.
Best Wishes
AR
June 2, 2025
'Our Scottish Road Trip'
Good Afternoon,
Fellow Readers and Authors,
I hope all of you are having a great start to the week, wherever you are in this world.
With yet another weekend behind us, it is time to press on with my plans for the month of June, before that disappears on us as well. Frankly, I have never known a year quite like this one for rolling the months past so rapidly. The clocks have been sped up, or perhaps I am just getting busier.
Either way, I will not be deterred from my desire to revisit one of my favourite places in this world, and that is Scotland.
Some of you may remember in 2023 I spent a good deal of time there, in Argyle to be precise, on a friends farm, next to the Isle of Bute. The love affair with Scotland remains, and this trip will see Vera2 and I on the opposite seaboard.
I intend to visit Elgin to start with, then Lossiemouth, where I worked on the RAF station in 2016, on a project for Boeing. Moving on to Kinloss, and a visit to see the old home of the Maritime fleet, we will then head to Inverness, for the beginning of the legendary North Coast 500.
Friends who I visited last week, undertook the NC500 three years ago, and the photo’s they showed me of their trip, were an immense lure I can tell you. The scenery is quite simply stunning. But let’s be honest, most of Scotland is the same.
From the Scottish Highlands to the craggy coastline, the hidden villages off the beaten path, the desire it creates to return again is absolute.
Follow the link below for a taste of future photo’s.
Link - https://tinyurl.com/3s2tk5x5
As soon as I have this week’s activities sown up, we are heading north, all six hundred and thirty miles or so. I would leave sooner, however there is a batch of handbooks that need delivering to a host of local libraries. There are also several to send abroad, which warrants a trip to the local Post Office.
Allowing for travel time, and the day to day chores, I will do my best to report in on our progress weekly, hopefully. All photography will of course be posted on the Our Blue Orange Facebook page, and Linkedin. Links on future posts will be shared with all of those reading my blogs here on Goodreads.
On a final note, the Twin Flame Relationships Handbook on Goodreads, has now managed 3190 books on the members shelves to read. You wonderful members of Goodreads have excelled yourselves. Thank you.
In the meantime, thank you again for your support with all of my other novels, it is much appreciated as always.
Stay safe, and keep reading and writing, and most of all, follow your dreams whatever they may be. 😊
Best Wishes
AR
Fellow Readers and Authors,
I hope all of you are having a great start to the week, wherever you are in this world.
With yet another weekend behind us, it is time to press on with my plans for the month of June, before that disappears on us as well. Frankly, I have never known a year quite like this one for rolling the months past so rapidly. The clocks have been sped up, or perhaps I am just getting busier.
Either way, I will not be deterred from my desire to revisit one of my favourite places in this world, and that is Scotland.
Some of you may remember in 2023 I spent a good deal of time there, in Argyle to be precise, on a friends farm, next to the Isle of Bute. The love affair with Scotland remains, and this trip will see Vera2 and I on the opposite seaboard.
I intend to visit Elgin to start with, then Lossiemouth, where I worked on the RAF station in 2016, on a project for Boeing. Moving on to Kinloss, and a visit to see the old home of the Maritime fleet, we will then head to Inverness, for the beginning of the legendary North Coast 500.
Friends who I visited last week, undertook the NC500 three years ago, and the photo’s they showed me of their trip, were an immense lure I can tell you. The scenery is quite simply stunning. But let’s be honest, most of Scotland is the same.
From the Scottish Highlands to the craggy coastline, the hidden villages off the beaten path, the desire it creates to return again is absolute.
Follow the link below for a taste of future photo’s.
Link - https://tinyurl.com/3s2tk5x5
As soon as I have this week’s activities sown up, we are heading north, all six hundred and thirty miles or so. I would leave sooner, however there is a batch of handbooks that need delivering to a host of local libraries. There are also several to send abroad, which warrants a trip to the local Post Office.
Allowing for travel time, and the day to day chores, I will do my best to report in on our progress weekly, hopefully. All photography will of course be posted on the Our Blue Orange Facebook page, and Linkedin. Links on future posts will be shared with all of those reading my blogs here on Goodreads.
On a final note, the Twin Flame Relationships Handbook on Goodreads, has now managed 3190 books on the members shelves to read. You wonderful members of Goodreads have excelled yourselves. Thank you.
In the meantime, thank you again for your support with all of my other novels, it is much appreciated as always.
Stay safe, and keep reading and writing, and most of all, follow your dreams whatever they may be. 😊
Best Wishes
AR
May 20, 2025
'Twin Flame Relationships'
Good Morning, Fellow Readers and Authors,
I hope all of you are having a great week, wherever you are in this world.
My last weekend came and went with amazing rapidity, and now suddenly it’s Tuesday morning once again. I am hardly surprised if I am honest, each day tends to blend into another without a calendar hanging from the kitchen wall.
We are in Somerset again, visiting friends and enjoying the sun while it lasts. It was one of our conversations around the campfire last night, that has prompted this article.
‘How is your Twin Flame Relationships Handbook performing on Goodreads?' I was asked.
The conversation prompted a quick look this morning at my authors page, in order to answer the question.
Well, I can honestly say I was elated to see the results. There are 1722 Goodreads members lodged to read my handbook, and this is since the 2nd of April when the book went live.
I would like to express my sincere thanks to all of you for placing my book on your ‘to read shelf’.
For those of you who are curious as to the content, I have placed the forward of my handbook below for you to read. There is also a link to the Amazon page.
Amazon Link - https://amzn.eu/d/e57vR1y
In the meantime, thank you again for your support, it is much appreciated as always.
Stay safe, and keep reading and writing, and most of all, follow your dreams whatever they may be. 😊
Best Wishes
AR
The Dumb Dumb’s Handbook
To Twin Flame Relationships
Surviving the Other Half of Your Soul
A R Merrydew
For the Bear I lost in the Wood’s
Acknowledgements
I would like to offer my sincere thanks to all of those who listened to my story, smiled politely, and gave me their good advice. They may have listened, but if the truth be told, few if any, really understood my plight. How could they have? My gratitude to them however, remains, and will do so forever. They are my true friends.
Unless you have experienced this journey yourself, you are not qualified to understand it, believe in its authenticity, and or offer any guidance. The Twin Flame story appears to some, to be one of make believe, and fantasy. Tales of pacts made by souls in the spirit world before they return to the earth plain.
Perhaps one day, if it happens to you, your perception will change. That day will mark the end of normality. The routines that held your life, and your world together will erode, and crumble. You will descend into another life of turmoil, pain, futility, and utter desperation.
No one survives this journey intact. Parts of your character will be cut away forever, as the lessons you receive on your path, remould you. You will emerge a different person in every aspect. Nothing will be the same again, I promise you.
This is not a journey of a lifetime. It is a journey agreed in a previous lifetime. You are about to enter an arena, brimming with the darkest moments you will ever experience. By contrast, it also overflows with the most joyous ones, you could ever imagine.
This Handbook has been put together to help those who have started, are going through, or have completed their journey.
(Authors Note: This journey actually has no ending by the way.)
My hope is that it will offer some comfort to those who doubt their sanity, and ease the pain until the dust finally settles.
Forward
Twin flame relationships are often described as the most intense, exhilarating, and life-altering connections one can experience. They are not merely romantic bonds but profound spiritual journeys that challenge, transform, and awaken both partners.
Unlike traditional relationships, Twin Flames mirror each other’s deepest desires, wounds, and shadows, leading to a push-pull dynamic of love, conflict, separation, and reunion.
This book delves deep into the twists, and turns of the Twin Flame journey, offering guidance, insight, and clarity on:
The purpose of Twin Flames, and why they exist and how they differ from Soulmates.
Recognizing Your Twin Flame – The unmistakable signs and magnetic pull.
The Runner/Chaser Dynamic – Why one person pulls away while the other pursues
.
Synchronicities and Divine Timing – How the universe conspires to bring Twin Flames together.
The Dark Night of the Soul – The painful yet necessary period of transformation.
The Surrender Stage – Letting go of any control, and trusting in divine timing.
How to Reach Harmonious Union – Balancing spiritual growth and unconditional love.
Whether you are currently in a Twin Flame relationship, wondering if you've met yours, or struggling through the painful separation stage, this book will serve as a guide to understanding, and navigating this profound connection.
I hope all of you are having a great week, wherever you are in this world.
My last weekend came and went with amazing rapidity, and now suddenly it’s Tuesday morning once again. I am hardly surprised if I am honest, each day tends to blend into another without a calendar hanging from the kitchen wall.
We are in Somerset again, visiting friends and enjoying the sun while it lasts. It was one of our conversations around the campfire last night, that has prompted this article.
‘How is your Twin Flame Relationships Handbook performing on Goodreads?' I was asked.
The conversation prompted a quick look this morning at my authors page, in order to answer the question.
Well, I can honestly say I was elated to see the results. There are 1722 Goodreads members lodged to read my handbook, and this is since the 2nd of April when the book went live.
I would like to express my sincere thanks to all of you for placing my book on your ‘to read shelf’.
For those of you who are curious as to the content, I have placed the forward of my handbook below for you to read. There is also a link to the Amazon page.
Amazon Link - https://amzn.eu/d/e57vR1y
In the meantime, thank you again for your support, it is much appreciated as always.
Stay safe, and keep reading and writing, and most of all, follow your dreams whatever they may be. 😊
Best Wishes
AR
The Dumb Dumb’s Handbook
To Twin Flame Relationships
Surviving the Other Half of Your Soul
A R Merrydew
For the Bear I lost in the Wood’s
Acknowledgements
I would like to offer my sincere thanks to all of those who listened to my story, smiled politely, and gave me their good advice. They may have listened, but if the truth be told, few if any, really understood my plight. How could they have? My gratitude to them however, remains, and will do so forever. They are my true friends.
Unless you have experienced this journey yourself, you are not qualified to understand it, believe in its authenticity, and or offer any guidance. The Twin Flame story appears to some, to be one of make believe, and fantasy. Tales of pacts made by souls in the spirit world before they return to the earth plain.
Perhaps one day, if it happens to you, your perception will change. That day will mark the end of normality. The routines that held your life, and your world together will erode, and crumble. You will descend into another life of turmoil, pain, futility, and utter desperation.
No one survives this journey intact. Parts of your character will be cut away forever, as the lessons you receive on your path, remould you. You will emerge a different person in every aspect. Nothing will be the same again, I promise you.
This is not a journey of a lifetime. It is a journey agreed in a previous lifetime. You are about to enter an arena, brimming with the darkest moments you will ever experience. By contrast, it also overflows with the most joyous ones, you could ever imagine.
This Handbook has been put together to help those who have started, are going through, or have completed their journey.
(Authors Note: This journey actually has no ending by the way.)
My hope is that it will offer some comfort to those who doubt their sanity, and ease the pain until the dust finally settles.
Forward
Twin flame relationships are often described as the most intense, exhilarating, and life-altering connections one can experience. They are not merely romantic bonds but profound spiritual journeys that challenge, transform, and awaken both partners.
Unlike traditional relationships, Twin Flames mirror each other’s deepest desires, wounds, and shadows, leading to a push-pull dynamic of love, conflict, separation, and reunion.
This book delves deep into the twists, and turns of the Twin Flame journey, offering guidance, insight, and clarity on:
The purpose of Twin Flames, and why they exist and how they differ from Soulmates.
Recognizing Your Twin Flame – The unmistakable signs and magnetic pull.
The Runner/Chaser Dynamic – Why one person pulls away while the other pursues
.
Synchronicities and Divine Timing – How the universe conspires to bring Twin Flames together.
The Dark Night of the Soul – The painful yet necessary period of transformation.
The Surrender Stage – Letting go of any control, and trusting in divine timing.
How to Reach Harmonious Union – Balancing spiritual growth and unconditional love.
Whether you are currently in a Twin Flame relationship, wondering if you've met yours, or struggling through the painful separation stage, this book will serve as a guide to understanding, and navigating this profound connection.
May 12, 2025
'Links to Chapters'
Good Morning, Fellow Readers and Authors,
Following up on my last post, I had a thought afterwards, regarding your access to reading any given chapter from my books.
To rectify this, I have created the link below. Please follow the link and this will give you access to chapter one of ‘Our Blue Orange.’
Link - https://tinyurl.com/my79nub7
If you wish to read chapter one of ‘The Girl with the Porcelain Lips’, then follow this next link.
Link - https://tinyurl.com/4v584abt
Thank you for your support, it is much appreciated as always.
Stay safe, and keep reading and writing, and most of all, follow your dreams whatever they may be. 😊
Best Wishes
AR
Following up on my last post, I had a thought afterwards, regarding your access to reading any given chapter from my books.
To rectify this, I have created the link below. Please follow the link and this will give you access to chapter one of ‘Our Blue Orange.’
Link - https://tinyurl.com/my79nub7
If you wish to read chapter one of ‘The Girl with the Porcelain Lips’, then follow this next link.
Link - https://tinyurl.com/4v584abt
Thank you for your support, it is much appreciated as always.
Stay safe, and keep reading and writing, and most of all, follow your dreams whatever they may be. 😊
Best Wishes
AR
May 10, 2025
'Book Promotion Strategy'
Good Evening, Fellow Readers and Authors,
I hope you are as blessed this weekend with the same weather we are enjoying here, in Southern England. The sun has been beaming down all day, and complaints from those I met on my morning walk, were non-existent.
I have as usual been occupied again this week. Nothing changes I can assure you. The core of my activities has been search engine optimisation, or SEO as it is often referred to. This is a key element in getting those valuable page hits on your authors website, or even that Amazon advert for your book.
The Internet has become a myriad of options for people like myself, and my fellow authors, who are seeking to get their work in front of an audience. We have all seen the Facebook adverts that promise the earth, and normally deliver a handful of dirt. So, after trawling through this mire of falsehoods, and misrepresentations, what is the answer you ask?
Well I am afraid you will almost certainly not like the answer, as it will involve you in more of your spare time, if you have any left at the end of the week. You need to revert to DIY. Yes, do it yourself. Why not? You’ve laboured long and hard to write your masterpiece, you’ve edited it, formatted it, made a cover, written the rear cover blurb, and finally got it over the line with KDP.
And now what?
The sales on this offering to the world are not going to happen, today, tomorrow, or frankly anytime soon unless you put together a strategy to make your work known, and those all-important sales.
Below is my offering to those of you who are at these crossroads with your books. But before you read on, please take this fact onboard.
Recently I published The Dumb Dumb’s Handbook To Twin Flame Relationships. I believe I mentioned this in a previous post, as a work I myself could write from experience. Well using this handbook as a test to my strategy, I uploaded it to KDP on the 3rd of April, and entered the seven key headings for the book as required.
I had already searched Amazon.co.uk, for other Twin Flame books for sale, to see which ones repeatedly came within the first ten places. With this information I cobbled together my own headings, loaded them, and waited.
Today that waiting paid dividends, as my book finally became number one on Amazon.co.uk with the search ‘Twin Flame Relationships.’ I had been monitoring it over the weeks, and it had steadily crept up the ranks.
Amazon Search
Link - https://tinyurl.com/2z4d4v7j
Remember though, each Amazon webpage is different, and the same results may not be achieved. But hey, armed with the above information you know what needs to be done.
‘Twin Flame Relationships’ - Link - https://amzn.eu/d/j4bjZNy
Here is my strategy, please give it a try, and see if it helps you to get your work to pole position. It is tailored for Book Advertising, focusing on visibility, reader engagement, and conversions. The relevant Amazon detail is in section 2.
1. Leverage Goodreads Audience
• Engage with Readers: Start a Goodreads Author Q&A or host a discussion group around your book. Invite readers to share their thoughts.
• Giveaways: Run a Goodreads Giveaway to spike visibility.
• Ask for Reviews: Send a friendly request via update or newsletter to shelves encouraging reviews as many might have forgotten they shelved your work.
2. Boost Amazon Presence
• Optimize Your Book Page:
o Use emotional, hook-driven copy in your book description.
o Add editorial reviews, author bio updates, and make sure A+ Content if you're using KDP is active.
• Use Amazon Ads for data. Target similar titles or authors for your particular genre, like dark fantasy, historical romance, or speculative fiction, target bestsellers there.
3. Targeted Social Media Campaigns
• Instagram & TikTok (BookTok): Post 15–30 sec reels showing themes from your book, quotes, emotional beats, aesthetic mood boards. Use trending audio and hashtags like #BookTok, #AmReading, or niche-specific tags. THESE CHANGE ALL THE TIME. Just type in a Google search before posting your ad.
• Collab with Book Influencers: Reach out to mid-tier bookstagrammers or TikTokers who focus on your genre. Offer free ARCs or giveaways in exchange for promotion.
4. Email Marketing & Lead Generation
• Build or Reignite Your List: Offer a free prequel short story or exclusive epilogue from your book to capture emails.
• Drip Campaign: Set up a 3–5 email sequence that introduces your world, includes glowing reader quotes, and leads to a strong call to buy.
5. Strategic Discounts and Promotions
• Price Pulse: Temporarily drop the price and pair it with a BookBub Featured Deal if you can secure one or run promos via sites like -
o Freebooksy
o Ereader News Today
o Book Cave
6. Author Branding and Long-Term Play
• Create a compelling “Author Universe” around your book with bonus content, lore, character backstories, and more on your website or Patrion.
• Consider a sequel, spin-off, or companion novella to reignite interest and cross-promote.
In the meantime, may I offer our sincere thanks once again, to those of you adding one of the ‘Our Blue Orange’ series to your Goodreads bookshelves during the course of the week.
By the way, I have left in the link for ‘Inara’, for those of you who would like to read the first chapter.
‘Inara’ Link - https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog...
Thank you for your support, it is much appreciated as always.
Stay safe, and keep reading and writing, and most of all, follow your dreams whatever they may be. 😊
Best Wishes
AR
I hope you are as blessed this weekend with the same weather we are enjoying here, in Southern England. The sun has been beaming down all day, and complaints from those I met on my morning walk, were non-existent.
I have as usual been occupied again this week. Nothing changes I can assure you. The core of my activities has been search engine optimisation, or SEO as it is often referred to. This is a key element in getting those valuable page hits on your authors website, or even that Amazon advert for your book.
The Internet has become a myriad of options for people like myself, and my fellow authors, who are seeking to get their work in front of an audience. We have all seen the Facebook adverts that promise the earth, and normally deliver a handful of dirt. So, after trawling through this mire of falsehoods, and misrepresentations, what is the answer you ask?
Well I am afraid you will almost certainly not like the answer, as it will involve you in more of your spare time, if you have any left at the end of the week. You need to revert to DIY. Yes, do it yourself. Why not? You’ve laboured long and hard to write your masterpiece, you’ve edited it, formatted it, made a cover, written the rear cover blurb, and finally got it over the line with KDP.
And now what?
The sales on this offering to the world are not going to happen, today, tomorrow, or frankly anytime soon unless you put together a strategy to make your work known, and those all-important sales.
Below is my offering to those of you who are at these crossroads with your books. But before you read on, please take this fact onboard.
Recently I published The Dumb Dumb’s Handbook To Twin Flame Relationships. I believe I mentioned this in a previous post, as a work I myself could write from experience. Well using this handbook as a test to my strategy, I uploaded it to KDP on the 3rd of April, and entered the seven key headings for the book as required.
I had already searched Amazon.co.uk, for other Twin Flame books for sale, to see which ones repeatedly came within the first ten places. With this information I cobbled together my own headings, loaded them, and waited.
Today that waiting paid dividends, as my book finally became number one on Amazon.co.uk with the search ‘Twin Flame Relationships.’ I had been monitoring it over the weeks, and it had steadily crept up the ranks.
Amazon Search
Link - https://tinyurl.com/2z4d4v7j
Remember though, each Amazon webpage is different, and the same results may not be achieved. But hey, armed with the above information you know what needs to be done.
‘Twin Flame Relationships’ - Link - https://amzn.eu/d/j4bjZNy
Here is my strategy, please give it a try, and see if it helps you to get your work to pole position. It is tailored for Book Advertising, focusing on visibility, reader engagement, and conversions. The relevant Amazon detail is in section 2.
1. Leverage Goodreads Audience
• Engage with Readers: Start a Goodreads Author Q&A or host a discussion group around your book. Invite readers to share their thoughts.
• Giveaways: Run a Goodreads Giveaway to spike visibility.
• Ask for Reviews: Send a friendly request via update or newsletter to shelves encouraging reviews as many might have forgotten they shelved your work.
2. Boost Amazon Presence
• Optimize Your Book Page:
o Use emotional, hook-driven copy in your book description.
o Add editorial reviews, author bio updates, and make sure A+ Content if you're using KDP is active.
• Use Amazon Ads for data. Target similar titles or authors for your particular genre, like dark fantasy, historical romance, or speculative fiction, target bestsellers there.
3. Targeted Social Media Campaigns
• Instagram & TikTok (BookTok): Post 15–30 sec reels showing themes from your book, quotes, emotional beats, aesthetic mood boards. Use trending audio and hashtags like #BookTok, #AmReading, or niche-specific tags. THESE CHANGE ALL THE TIME. Just type in a Google search before posting your ad.
• Collab with Book Influencers: Reach out to mid-tier bookstagrammers or TikTokers who focus on your genre. Offer free ARCs or giveaways in exchange for promotion.
4. Email Marketing & Lead Generation
• Build or Reignite Your List: Offer a free prequel short story or exclusive epilogue from your book to capture emails.
• Drip Campaign: Set up a 3–5 email sequence that introduces your world, includes glowing reader quotes, and leads to a strong call to buy.
5. Strategic Discounts and Promotions
• Price Pulse: Temporarily drop the price and pair it with a BookBub Featured Deal if you can secure one or run promos via sites like -
o Freebooksy
o Ereader News Today
o Book Cave
6. Author Branding and Long-Term Play
• Create a compelling “Author Universe” around your book with bonus content, lore, character backstories, and more on your website or Patrion.
• Consider a sequel, spin-off, or companion novella to reignite interest and cross-promote.
In the meantime, may I offer our sincere thanks once again, to those of you adding one of the ‘Our Blue Orange’ series to your Goodreads bookshelves during the course of the week.
By the way, I have left in the link for ‘Inara’, for those of you who would like to read the first chapter.
‘Inara’ Link - https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog...
Thank you for your support, it is much appreciated as always.
Stay safe, and keep reading and writing, and most of all, follow your dreams whatever they may be. 😊
Best Wishes
AR
May 3, 2025
'Chapter One'
Good Afternoon, Fellow Readers and Authors,
I hope you are enjoying the weekend, wherever you were in this world. As chance would have it, we are enjoying another of those wonderful Bank Holiday weekends, as we were in my last article.
I can report that so far, so good on the weather front, and we as yet haven’t seen a drop of rain. However, anyone who is familiar with the British climate, especially on Bank Holidays, knows only too well that can change in the blink of an eye.
With this short break in which to enjoy family and friends, I am going to try an experiment with one of my novels. It will deliver two things.
Firstly, the popularity of my book in real time, and secondly, I can close down this laptop, and head for the beach. I hear you laughing, but at least I am being honest.
Seriously now. Last June I published ‘Inara’ the third novel in my Science Fiction series. To date, my novel has 24,750 people having placed it on their shelves to read. Below, I have pasted the first chapter, which I hope you will enjoy.
My curiosity has been irritating me, as to how so many books can these shelves take before they break? Perhaps we will find out in the course of the next week or two.
Link - https://tinyurl.com/vs496tbn
Link - https://tinyurl.com/ydvsmh26
Link - https://tinyurl.com/yc3xewcf
Link - https://tinyurl.com/yz5nuwv8
In the meantime, may I offer our sincere thanks once again, to those of you adding one of the ‘Our Blue Orange’ series to your Goodreads bookshelves during the course of the week.
You now have an opportunity to read the first chapter from one of them.
Thank you for your support, it is much appreciated as always.
Stay safe, and keep reading and writing, and most of all, follow your dreams whatever they may be. 😊
Best Wishes
AR
Chapter - 1
It was a Wednesday morning, on his way to a meeting with the President on the one hundredth floor of the Ministry. It was a day that was branded in his memory, and a moment in time Jack Marsden would never forget until the day he died.
Traversing the polished marble floor of the corridor leading to the presidential suite, he caught sight of her leaving the President’s office. Clad in her black leather jacket, brass buckled belts stretched across each of her shoulder’s. They stretched down to her hips, both clipped to the belt on her leather jeans. The defining hallmarks of her profession were missing though. Safely stowed in a locker in the main reception, out of harm’s way, and with the safety catches on.
She approached him, and Jack’s pace noticeably slowed as he stared at her, gliding towards him on his left side. He was mesmerised by her beauty. Her blond hair decorating those perfect features of her angelic face and lips. She was simply perfection.
And then came her eyes, crystal blue, the likes of nothing he had ever seen before. They were focused on him, her stare cutting right through him, and the wall beside him like a knife through butter. They were lifeless and void of emotion, as you would expect in any assassin.
As they passed by each other, Jack stopped and looked back at her, and to his surprise, Miranda Short did exactly the same. For a moment that seemed to last forever, they stood motionless. Staring through the time and space between them. The usual traffic in the corridor filtering past like vague unimportant memories. Then Jack broke the spell. He smiled at her.
Miranda offered up no gesture. No smile in return, nor any acknowledgement, that the man she had locked eyes with, had just fallen for her. She instead slipped into an open lift without looking back, and was gone.
As Jack returned to reality he snapped into action, and approached a security guard adjacent to the lift lobby.
He quietly issued an order. ‘Call the control room. I want that elevator stopped for three minutes. Then deliver it to the basement parking,’ he said.
Within moments, he was in an neighbouring elevator hurtling down to the basement himself.
As the lift door’s opened, Miranda Short sauntered out beneath the coffered ceiling of the tower above them. The air held a chill from the sprawling mass of concrete, and it matched her disposition. There was no surprised look, nor an indication of annoyance, that her destination had been detoured. Instead, her eyes were focused on Jack, just as they had been in the corridor far above their heads.
‘Rumour has it, your name carries weight around here in the colony Jack Marsden,’ she said. ‘Enough to stop an elevator, and have it delivered here as well I guess.’
‘Rumour has it,’ Jack said agreeing, beaming a smile as his eye’s glowed for her.
‘I know who you are Jack Marsden,’ Miranda almost whispered.
‘And I you, Miranda Short,’ he replied.
Their conversation drew to a conclusion, as the doors of another elevator opened. Two black suited security guards exited, and approached the leather clad female assassin.
‘We were asked to return these to you mam,’ said one of the guards, handing Miranda her weapons.
Turning and entering their elevator silently, they were gone.
As Miranda holstered her identical laser pistols, and strapped down the buckles that secured them, she glanced up again at Jack. ‘Now, if there’s nothing else you want from me Jack Marsden, I’ll be on my way.’
‘We need to talk Miranda, simple as. There’s a cold wind blowing in on this colony,’ Jack said motioning his head at the floor pan above them. ‘Having someone to watch one another’s backs would be a good idea I think.’
‘I watch my own back. I always have,’ she told him flatly.
Jack approached her and smiled at her again. ‘I know who you are Miranda. I know where you live on the rim of the desert, in that deserted mining town. The couple that raised you and taught you how to survive. The less than savoury task’s you perform for the President, removing obstacles in his way.’
Miranda drew a shallow breath. Her eye’s had stayed focused on him as if he were her quarry. ‘So, you can read file’s. You probably remember the names of those I’ve dispatched, and the time and place as well.’
‘We are both the same people Miranda,’ he said in a low voice, his smile fading away. ‘There are things I have done, serving this colony. Thing’s I deeply regret.’
‘I know Jack. I can read file’s too,’ Miranda said. ‘Area 21 comes to mind.’
Several yards away, stood a gloss black hover cycle. It was a state of the art vehicle only the very wealthy in the Colony could afford. Miranda strode across to it and took up the helmet on the saddle, patiently awaiting her return. She slipped it over her blond bob and fastened the strap. ‘There was only one shuttle you regret sending into the desert Jack Marsden. Why would I join forces with you? I could end up suffering the same fate,’ she questioned.
‘Rachael was a long time ago Miranda. I had no choice at the time,’ he offered back.
‘Well, I have a choice now,’ she shouted above the whirring of the turbine blades as she started the motors on her ride.
Jack approached her and flicked the ignition switch to off. The turbines slowly returned the silence that the carpark had offered them before. ‘If you could turn back the clock Miranda? What would you do differently?’
‘No one can turn back the clock Jack. Not even you,’ she hissed.
Jack had a smile about him. The sort of smile that could win the hearts of the masses in an election, or make the female office staff fall at his feet without hesitation. At this moment in time however, his present company was far from doing either. ‘You are wrong,’ he said, slipping back the sleeve of his suit jacket. ‘You are so very wrong.’
It was the first time Miranda had cast her eye’s upon the XXL. As the event’s in the colony began to unfold for both of them, it was not to be the last.
I hope you are enjoying the weekend, wherever you were in this world. As chance would have it, we are enjoying another of those wonderful Bank Holiday weekends, as we were in my last article.
I can report that so far, so good on the weather front, and we as yet haven’t seen a drop of rain. However, anyone who is familiar with the British climate, especially on Bank Holidays, knows only too well that can change in the blink of an eye.
With this short break in which to enjoy family and friends, I am going to try an experiment with one of my novels. It will deliver two things.
Firstly, the popularity of my book in real time, and secondly, I can close down this laptop, and head for the beach. I hear you laughing, but at least I am being honest.
Seriously now. Last June I published ‘Inara’ the third novel in my Science Fiction series. To date, my novel has 24,750 people having placed it on their shelves to read. Below, I have pasted the first chapter, which I hope you will enjoy.
My curiosity has been irritating me, as to how so many books can these shelves take before they break? Perhaps we will find out in the course of the next week or two.
Link - https://tinyurl.com/vs496tbn
Link - https://tinyurl.com/ydvsmh26
Link - https://tinyurl.com/yc3xewcf
Link - https://tinyurl.com/yz5nuwv8
In the meantime, may I offer our sincere thanks once again, to those of you adding one of the ‘Our Blue Orange’ series to your Goodreads bookshelves during the course of the week.
You now have an opportunity to read the first chapter from one of them.
Thank you for your support, it is much appreciated as always.
Stay safe, and keep reading and writing, and most of all, follow your dreams whatever they may be. 😊
Best Wishes
AR
Chapter - 1
It was a Wednesday morning, on his way to a meeting with the President on the one hundredth floor of the Ministry. It was a day that was branded in his memory, and a moment in time Jack Marsden would never forget until the day he died.
Traversing the polished marble floor of the corridor leading to the presidential suite, he caught sight of her leaving the President’s office. Clad in her black leather jacket, brass buckled belts stretched across each of her shoulder’s. They stretched down to her hips, both clipped to the belt on her leather jeans. The defining hallmarks of her profession were missing though. Safely stowed in a locker in the main reception, out of harm’s way, and with the safety catches on.
She approached him, and Jack’s pace noticeably slowed as he stared at her, gliding towards him on his left side. He was mesmerised by her beauty. Her blond hair decorating those perfect features of her angelic face and lips. She was simply perfection.
And then came her eyes, crystal blue, the likes of nothing he had ever seen before. They were focused on him, her stare cutting right through him, and the wall beside him like a knife through butter. They were lifeless and void of emotion, as you would expect in any assassin.
As they passed by each other, Jack stopped and looked back at her, and to his surprise, Miranda Short did exactly the same. For a moment that seemed to last forever, they stood motionless. Staring through the time and space between them. The usual traffic in the corridor filtering past like vague unimportant memories. Then Jack broke the spell. He smiled at her.
Miranda offered up no gesture. No smile in return, nor any acknowledgement, that the man she had locked eyes with, had just fallen for her. She instead slipped into an open lift without looking back, and was gone.
As Jack returned to reality he snapped into action, and approached a security guard adjacent to the lift lobby.
He quietly issued an order. ‘Call the control room. I want that elevator stopped for three minutes. Then deliver it to the basement parking,’ he said.
Within moments, he was in an neighbouring elevator hurtling down to the basement himself.
As the lift door’s opened, Miranda Short sauntered out beneath the coffered ceiling of the tower above them. The air held a chill from the sprawling mass of concrete, and it matched her disposition. There was no surprised look, nor an indication of annoyance, that her destination had been detoured. Instead, her eyes were focused on Jack, just as they had been in the corridor far above their heads.
‘Rumour has it, your name carries weight around here in the colony Jack Marsden,’ she said. ‘Enough to stop an elevator, and have it delivered here as well I guess.’
‘Rumour has it,’ Jack said agreeing, beaming a smile as his eye’s glowed for her.
‘I know who you are Jack Marsden,’ Miranda almost whispered.
‘And I you, Miranda Short,’ he replied.
Their conversation drew to a conclusion, as the doors of another elevator opened. Two black suited security guards exited, and approached the leather clad female assassin.
‘We were asked to return these to you mam,’ said one of the guards, handing Miranda her weapons.
Turning and entering their elevator silently, they were gone.
As Miranda holstered her identical laser pistols, and strapped down the buckles that secured them, she glanced up again at Jack. ‘Now, if there’s nothing else you want from me Jack Marsden, I’ll be on my way.’
‘We need to talk Miranda, simple as. There’s a cold wind blowing in on this colony,’ Jack said motioning his head at the floor pan above them. ‘Having someone to watch one another’s backs would be a good idea I think.’
‘I watch my own back. I always have,’ she told him flatly.
Jack approached her and smiled at her again. ‘I know who you are Miranda. I know where you live on the rim of the desert, in that deserted mining town. The couple that raised you and taught you how to survive. The less than savoury task’s you perform for the President, removing obstacles in his way.’
Miranda drew a shallow breath. Her eye’s had stayed focused on him as if he were her quarry. ‘So, you can read file’s. You probably remember the names of those I’ve dispatched, and the time and place as well.’
‘We are both the same people Miranda,’ he said in a low voice, his smile fading away. ‘There are things I have done, serving this colony. Thing’s I deeply regret.’
‘I know Jack. I can read file’s too,’ Miranda said. ‘Area 21 comes to mind.’
Several yards away, stood a gloss black hover cycle. It was a state of the art vehicle only the very wealthy in the Colony could afford. Miranda strode across to it and took up the helmet on the saddle, patiently awaiting her return. She slipped it over her blond bob and fastened the strap. ‘There was only one shuttle you regret sending into the desert Jack Marsden. Why would I join forces with you? I could end up suffering the same fate,’ she questioned.
‘Rachael was a long time ago Miranda. I had no choice at the time,’ he offered back.
‘Well, I have a choice now,’ she shouted above the whirring of the turbine blades as she started the motors on her ride.
Jack approached her and flicked the ignition switch to off. The turbines slowly returned the silence that the carpark had offered them before. ‘If you could turn back the clock Miranda? What would you do differently?’
‘No one can turn back the clock Jack. Not even you,’ she hissed.
Jack had a smile about him. The sort of smile that could win the hearts of the masses in an election, or make the female office staff fall at his feet without hesitation. At this moment in time however, his present company was far from doing either. ‘You are wrong,’ he said, slipping back the sleeve of his suit jacket. ‘You are so very wrong.’
It was the first time Miranda had cast her eye’s upon the XXL. As the event’s in the colony began to unfold for both of them, it was not to be the last.
April 25, 2025
'Book Promoters'
Good Morning, Fellow Readers and Authors,
I hope all of you had a great Easter weekend, wherever you were in this world.
As I had promised to help my friends at Camping New Forest for the weekend, I set off late Thursday afternoon, followed by my son, and grandson in their camper. It was getting dark by the time we set up camp, and John put together a quick meal for the three of us. Sorry, I meant four of us, as ‘Ike’ our French Bull Dog was with us of course.
The weather was awful overnight, and most of Friday. Another typical Bank Holiday weekend in Britain, though as neither of our vehicles leak, it was hardly a problem. For my part, I assumed my duties as weekend warden, and welcomed in those who had come to join us on that wet bank holiday weekend.
It was, if I were honest, a joy not to have the Internet. It didn’t however thwart my attempts at editing another book in the Dumb Dumb’s Handbook series. This, the third one in the collection, is regarding my favourite subject, ‘Artificial Intelligence.’
With the weekend over I returned to Sussex, as I had various errands to run. One being the collection a consignment of books from the post office. Finally, having completed my list of jobs to do, I fired up the laptop, and dived into the Internet once again.
It was then I had my first ‘close encounter’ of the week. No, not an alien space craft, or the film starring Richard Dreyfuss. It was yet another book promoter on Facebook. How many of them are there I ask? Their ploys are becoming more and more sophisticated, at trying to lure money out of Indie authors like myself.
This person, who initially made contact via messenger, was an established lady author by all accounts. Her Facebook profile was really convincing, thought her narrative somewhat wooden I thought. It echoed of others I had received in the past.
After a raft of questions about my books, which mirrored those from other ‘book promoters’, we got down to the baseline. ‘Here is a link to my book,’ she said. Impressive to say the least I thought. Thirty plus thousand reviews, and a best seller in for the bargain. ‘I would never have achieved this without my promoter,’ wrote the alleged author.
‘Let me have their name,’ I asked, and in a flash, over it came.
The part that made me grin, was how the ‘promoter’ had already visited my Facebook page, and messaged me while I was asking the alleged author for their name. Messages were exchanged. Strategies were sent across. Money became the next topic. Three hundred and fifty dollars would apparently put my book in the same league, as the ‘alleged lady author’ who had contacted me in the first instance.
You can imagine my excitement. Out of the blue, a notable lady author contacts me, offering her help my writing career. Before the cyber ink has dried on my last message, her book promoter had price conditioned me, and wanted my commitment.
If you find yourself in this position, then I offer this simple piece of advice. Ask them to set up a Zoom or a Teams Meeting.
To this day, I am still awaiting an invitation. Of course it will never arrive, as the person on the other end of this illusion probably stole the photographs along with countless others, whilst modelling this deception on Facebook.
The point I would like to make in my article today, is simple. The above is a taste of what we can expect, now that AI programs are capable of creating near perfect illusions of our world, and those within it. Stay vigilant, and keep your hand on your wallet.
Link - https://tinyurl.com/4e2fun4y
In the meantime, may I offer our sincere thanks once again, to those of you adding one of the ‘Our Blue Orange’ series to your Goodreads bookshelves during the course of the week.
Thank you for your support, it is much appreciated as always.
Stay safe, and keep reading and writing, and most of all, follow your dreams whatever they may be. 😊
Best Wishes
AR
I hope all of you had a great Easter weekend, wherever you were in this world.
As I had promised to help my friends at Camping New Forest for the weekend, I set off late Thursday afternoon, followed by my son, and grandson in their camper. It was getting dark by the time we set up camp, and John put together a quick meal for the three of us. Sorry, I meant four of us, as ‘Ike’ our French Bull Dog was with us of course.
The weather was awful overnight, and most of Friday. Another typical Bank Holiday weekend in Britain, though as neither of our vehicles leak, it was hardly a problem. For my part, I assumed my duties as weekend warden, and welcomed in those who had come to join us on that wet bank holiday weekend.
It was, if I were honest, a joy not to have the Internet. It didn’t however thwart my attempts at editing another book in the Dumb Dumb’s Handbook series. This, the third one in the collection, is regarding my favourite subject, ‘Artificial Intelligence.’
With the weekend over I returned to Sussex, as I had various errands to run. One being the collection a consignment of books from the post office. Finally, having completed my list of jobs to do, I fired up the laptop, and dived into the Internet once again.
It was then I had my first ‘close encounter’ of the week. No, not an alien space craft, or the film starring Richard Dreyfuss. It was yet another book promoter on Facebook. How many of them are there I ask? Their ploys are becoming more and more sophisticated, at trying to lure money out of Indie authors like myself.
This person, who initially made contact via messenger, was an established lady author by all accounts. Her Facebook profile was really convincing, thought her narrative somewhat wooden I thought. It echoed of others I had received in the past.
After a raft of questions about my books, which mirrored those from other ‘book promoters’, we got down to the baseline. ‘Here is a link to my book,’ she said. Impressive to say the least I thought. Thirty plus thousand reviews, and a best seller in for the bargain. ‘I would never have achieved this without my promoter,’ wrote the alleged author.
‘Let me have their name,’ I asked, and in a flash, over it came.
The part that made me grin, was how the ‘promoter’ had already visited my Facebook page, and messaged me while I was asking the alleged author for their name. Messages were exchanged. Strategies were sent across. Money became the next topic. Three hundred and fifty dollars would apparently put my book in the same league, as the ‘alleged lady author’ who had contacted me in the first instance.
You can imagine my excitement. Out of the blue, a notable lady author contacts me, offering her help my writing career. Before the cyber ink has dried on my last message, her book promoter had price conditioned me, and wanted my commitment.
If you find yourself in this position, then I offer this simple piece of advice. Ask them to set up a Zoom or a Teams Meeting.
To this day, I am still awaiting an invitation. Of course it will never arrive, as the person on the other end of this illusion probably stole the photographs along with countless others, whilst modelling this deception on Facebook.
The point I would like to make in my article today, is simple. The above is a taste of what we can expect, now that AI programs are capable of creating near perfect illusions of our world, and those within it. Stay vigilant, and keep your hand on your wallet.
Link - https://tinyurl.com/4e2fun4y
In the meantime, may I offer our sincere thanks once again, to those of you adding one of the ‘Our Blue Orange’ series to your Goodreads bookshelves during the course of the week.
Thank you for your support, it is much appreciated as always.
Stay safe, and keep reading and writing, and most of all, follow your dreams whatever they may be. 😊
Best Wishes
AR
April 14, 2025
'Work with Us'
Good Morning, Fellow Readers and Authors,
I hope all of you had a great weekend, wherever you are in this world.
It has been another hectic week, travelling to see friends, and publishing another book in The Dumb Dumb’s Handbook series on Amazon.
The latest offering, The Dumb Dumb’s Handbook To Recruitment Ghosting Strategies, was co-authored by myself, and Emma May, who had a career in recruitment for a decade and a half. The Dumb Dumb’s Handbook is an overview of the Recruitment Industry, from both sides of the fence, and the art of professional Ghosting by those who work within it.
The recruitment industry’s dirty little secret is, that no one will admit to it, and yet it’s par for the course. It is both informative, humorous, and looks at the recruitment industry in today’s modern high tech world. An ideal handbook for Recruiters, and Candidates alike.
The Dumb Dumb’s Handbook concept offers those with an idea for a useful handbook, the opportunity to work with us on developing, and publishing their content. So, if you have been brooding over an idea for such a book, then contact us, and lets discuss the outline, and its feasibility.
Editing, formatting and the cover design, are all in house, so please feel free to drop us a line.
Exciting times! Watch out for these blogs, for further developments.
The Dumb Dumb’s Handbook Link - https://a.co/d/1Mz70cr
In the meantime, may I offer our sincere thanks once again, to those of you adding one of the ‘Our Blue Orange’ series to your Goodreads bookshelves during the course of the week.
Thank you for your support, it is much appreciated as always.
Stay safe, and keep reading and writing, and most of all, follow your dreams whatever they may be. 😊
Best Wishes
AR
I hope all of you had a great weekend, wherever you are in this world.
It has been another hectic week, travelling to see friends, and publishing another book in The Dumb Dumb’s Handbook series on Amazon.
The latest offering, The Dumb Dumb’s Handbook To Recruitment Ghosting Strategies, was co-authored by myself, and Emma May, who had a career in recruitment for a decade and a half. The Dumb Dumb’s Handbook is an overview of the Recruitment Industry, from both sides of the fence, and the art of professional Ghosting by those who work within it.
The recruitment industry’s dirty little secret is, that no one will admit to it, and yet it’s par for the course. It is both informative, humorous, and looks at the recruitment industry in today’s modern high tech world. An ideal handbook for Recruiters, and Candidates alike.
The Dumb Dumb’s Handbook concept offers those with an idea for a useful handbook, the opportunity to work with us on developing, and publishing their content. So, if you have been brooding over an idea for such a book, then contact us, and lets discuss the outline, and its feasibility.
Editing, formatting and the cover design, are all in house, so please feel free to drop us a line.
Exciting times! Watch out for these blogs, for further developments.
The Dumb Dumb’s Handbook Link - https://a.co/d/1Mz70cr
In the meantime, may I offer our sincere thanks once again, to those of you adding one of the ‘Our Blue Orange’ series to your Goodreads bookshelves during the course of the week.
Thank you for your support, it is much appreciated as always.
Stay safe, and keep reading and writing, and most of all, follow your dreams whatever they may be. 😊
Best Wishes
AR
April 5, 2025
'We're on the Shelves'
Good Afternoon, Fellow Readers and Authors,
I hope you are all well, and you are enjoying your weekend, wherever you are in this world.
It has been some time since I have managed to find a free moment to pen another article. If fact is has been seventeen days to be precise.
My apologies, however life has been busy here to say the least. Following on from my last article, I am proud to say that the Dumb Dumb’s Handbook To Twin Flame Relationships has finally been published.
The book is now available in three versions on Amazon, and the link is below.
Amazon Link - https://a.co/d/5rz2X0E
One of the reasons I have had so little time these past two weeks or so, is I have been helping a friend put her book together as well.
There have been many times in the past, when I have sat on a terrace somewhere in the world. An evening in the company of friends, and strangers alike, having long and enjoyable conversations. It is times like these, when those wonderful gems appear, those seeds of an idea or two for future material. It was a recent encounter that produced one of those moments. An now that idea is being developed further.
The Dummies Guide to, whatever the given subject books, have been a popular source of both help, and entertainment over the years.
When it was suggested to me, that my planned title for this current book, held the potential for many more books, on a myriad of other subjects, that penny dropped.
And so The Dumb Dumb’s Handbook range looks as if it going to grow almost before it were planted so to speak. Exciting times! Watch out for these blogs, for further developments.
In the meantime, may I offer our sincere thanks once again, to those of you adding one of the ‘Our Blue Orange’ series to your Goodreads bookshelves during the course of the week.
Thank you for your support, it is much appreciated as always.
Stay safe, and keep reading and writing, and most of all, follow your dreams whatever they may be. 😊
Best Wishes
AR
I hope you are all well, and you are enjoying your weekend, wherever you are in this world.
It has been some time since I have managed to find a free moment to pen another article. If fact is has been seventeen days to be precise.
My apologies, however life has been busy here to say the least. Following on from my last article, I am proud to say that the Dumb Dumb’s Handbook To Twin Flame Relationships has finally been published.
The book is now available in three versions on Amazon, and the link is below.
Amazon Link - https://a.co/d/5rz2X0E
One of the reasons I have had so little time these past two weeks or so, is I have been helping a friend put her book together as well.
There have been many times in the past, when I have sat on a terrace somewhere in the world. An evening in the company of friends, and strangers alike, having long and enjoyable conversations. It is times like these, when those wonderful gems appear, those seeds of an idea or two for future material. It was a recent encounter that produced one of those moments. An now that idea is being developed further.
The Dummies Guide to, whatever the given subject books, have been a popular source of both help, and entertainment over the years.
When it was suggested to me, that my planned title for this current book, held the potential for many more books, on a myriad of other subjects, that penny dropped.
And so The Dumb Dumb’s Handbook range looks as if it going to grow almost before it were planted so to speak. Exciting times! Watch out for these blogs, for further developments.
In the meantime, may I offer our sincere thanks once again, to those of you adding one of the ‘Our Blue Orange’ series to your Goodreads bookshelves during the course of the week.
Thank you for your support, it is much appreciated as always.
Stay safe, and keep reading and writing, and most of all, follow your dreams whatever they may be. 😊
Best Wishes
AR
