Paula R.C. Readman's Blog, page 16

Another Step Forward.

Earlier in the year, while travelling back from Scotland, we stopped off in Pickering, a small market town in North Yorkshire. It’s a place I love to visit as I always feel as though I’m stepping back in time. It’s reminds of Chelmsford in Essex, where I grew up. Chelmsford was once a busy market town, with a main street lined with all kinds of different shops.

The main reason for stopping off at Pickering was I wanted to visit a recently opened independent bookshop. The shop has an interesting history in itself as it started life as a cottage in the heart of Pickering in the 1700s. Russell and I visited the building when it was a mixed shop that had a little of everything, from wool and craft materials to an antique and collectors shop.

As I had my books with me, I decided to see if the Pickering Book Tree would be interested in stocking my books. The owner chatted with me for quite a while about my writing journey and books. He then explained that the books had to be read by a reading panel to see whether they were suitable for his shop.

Yesterday, I received an email telling me that they had accepted Stone Angels a gothic crime novel, and my collection of short dark tales, Days Pass Like a Shadow. I’m delighted to finally get closer to having my books in a shop. Now, we just have to wait to see if the books sell.

More Winter Reads

Do you have an avid reader in the family? Someone who like to escape from the festive season. then check out these to links.

No time for a novel? Why not check out a collection of short stories instead? Here are two you might like.

Just click on the link: https://mybook.to/ec9ic5j

Then click on the cover of the book you want more information on. Then you’re given the choice, if you chose to buy, from Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

Are you on the hunt for a gift for the avid reader in your family?

Maybe they like to read a dark novel. Something to keep them turning the pages into the wee hours of the morning over the festive season.

For more info follow the link https://mybook.to/ycd7 then click on the cover of your choice:

Thank you for your wonderful support. I hope you all have a wonderful festive holiday.

Winter Reads

Are you looking for a book? A short, sharp read. Something chilling on these long, dark evenings. Please, check out the books by clicking on this link

Thank you for your support

#novella #shortstories #bookshelf #BooksWorthReading

The meaning of Christmas to me

Christmas has lost its sparkle . Too many see it as the time to go crazy and spend too much money.
It is sad to see so many overspending rather than seeing this time of year as a moment of reflection. The passing of the old year brings us the hope for the new year.

December the twelve month in the year gets its name from the Latin word decem, meaning ten. In the Roman year December was the tenth month. In Saxon times December was called winter monath ( winter month). As the Saxons became Christians they renamed December to the Holy Month because it was the month the birth of Jesus was celebrated.

Before Christianity took over December there had been a festival which worshipped the sun. The Romans celebrated holiday festival called the Saturnalia in honour of the god Saturn. During the festival all Roman social norms were overturned and a carnival atmosphere took its place. The festival started with a sacrifice at the Temple of Saturn, in the Roman Forum, followed by a public banquet. There were private gift-giving, continual partying, gambling was permitted, and masters provided table service for their slaves as it was seen as a time of liberty for both slaves and freedmen.

During the festival, the sun was welcomed back after the shortest day, the winter solstice. In the Scandinavian countries, Yule Logs were burnt in honour of their greatest gods, Odin and Thor. Yule or Jul was the ancient name of the Thor festival, and is still the Swedish name for Christmas.

In Yorkshire you are suppose to see out the old year by saying Black rabbit, black rabbit, black rabbit in the closing seconds, and then say White rabbit, white rabbit, white rabbit as your first words in the new year for good luck.

For me, Christmas is about spending time with those who are important to you. Sitting down at a table and sharing a meal. In our busy lives we don’t have time to reflect on the passing year, and to think about our hopes for the new year ahead.

Time is passing so quickly the older you become and it doesn’t seem five minutes ago when we were all going through lockdown and spending time apart from our loved ones.

However you spend your Christmas, may I wish you a peaceful one.

A Trip to London.

On Saturday, Russell and I travelled to London for the first time, since the panic of Covid-19 and its lockdowns finished. While on the train, I found I was still nervous about being in an enclosed space with so many people. London, or any other big city, with lots of crowds, isn’t my idea of fun, but occasionally I will risk it.

The first part of our journey was disrupted by the railway strikes, so we had to travel part of the way by coach from Witham station to Ingatestone station. Russell and I were the first on the coach, followed by a bubbly, young woman. Kirsty introduced herself to us as she sat down on the seat in front of us, the one behind the driver’s seat. She turned to us and started chatting, saying she was off to London to meet up with friends. Kirsty told us, she was a teacher of students with learning difficulties.

I said I felt like we were catching a stagecoach into London. She laughed and asked me what was the reason for our trip, or did we live in London? I explained it was for a book launch and a Christmas meal with writers. I handed her my card. At first, she misunderstood me, thinking that the name on the card was the author we would be seeing.

Russell nudged me and whispered, ‘Show her your books.’

I had brought a few copies along as the publisher provided a table at the launch, where we could display them for others to buy. I passed Kirsty one of my novellas and said I also had a crime novel, Stone Angels , too. While Kirsty studied the books she explained that she preferred paperbacks and often shared them with her mum. As she passed the books back to me, she asked whether they were available on kindle while she studied her phone.

‘Yes,’ I said, ‘they are on Kindle Unlimited.’

‘I still much prefer holding a book,’ Kirsty said as we chatted about eBooks, audiobooks and physical books all having their place. Then to my surprise, Kirsty said. ‘Right, I’ve just ordered your book.’

What a lovely surprise! I thanked her.

Russell said, ‘Please leave an honest review when you finish reading it.’

‘Oh, I will. I shall say its from the lady on the bus.’ It was lovely to chat with someone about writing, and books while racing towards London.

When writing it's a good idea to ask yourself what if:
What if there hadn't been a railway strike, what if we hadn't taken the coach ride, or not arrived at the station when we did. Stories are like life, there are many opportunities to go off into all sorts of different directions.

In London, we got a little confused on the underground as we made our way to Theodore Bullfrog Pub. Once again, we were the first to arrive. Gill James, the publisher, was there sorting out the tables and seating. It was wonderful to meet up with Allison, Debz, Hannah, and her mum, Rachel.

Debz, Allison, and me

Ten writers had put their names forward to read at the event, including myself. I always feel on edge, before my name is called out, but once I’ve taken a deep breath and start reading, I focus on the words and forget about my nerves. I chose to read the opening to a story I had published on CafeLit, called Dancing in the Dark. We all had five minutes each to read our stories.

I have on my computer a collection of stories I need to enlarge to go into my next anthology. Dancing in the Dark is one of those stories.

I was able to make the audience laugh so that helped me to relax and I had a few positive comments afterwards that helped my confidence, too. Gill told us what the theme was for the 2024 Bridge House Anthology. So that’s another story, I will need to get busy writing. I enjoy the challenge of getting something into print.

It was a wonderful day, listening and chatting with established and new writers. We hope to return next year. Russell and I were able to find our way back to Liverpool Street station without too much trouble. I’m always relieved to get out of London and back into the quiet, dark countryside.

Have a great week, everyone.

My Book Talk

Last Tuesday evening, I gave a talk about my writing journey to a WI group in my village. It went well, but I always look for ways to improve it. I need to make it more inclusive and engaging with the audience.

My son and daughter-in-law were able to come along to hear me speak. It was the first time, so it made it extra special. My son pointed out that I didn’t look up and engage with the audience enough. I tried to ensure I looked up, but it’s hard when you’re reading from a card.

In September next year, I am going to a paranormal festival to read aloud my ghost stories. To make it more interesting for the audience, I want to think of ways to make it more engaging so I’m going to wear one of my goth outfits, and create a painted backcloth. I have plenty of time to come up with other ideas.

Here I am talking about the writing of The Funeral Bird. My friend Joan was in the audience.
Joan and her husband, Dave were the inspiration for the main characters in the book.

I’m off now to sort out a short story for the last writing group of the year. Where has 2023 gone? It just raced past once again. One moment, I was planning what I wanted to achieve within the year, and now I am planning what I want to achieve in 2024. I don’t feel like I’ve moved any further forward. In fact, I feel as though I’ve come to a standstill.

Have a great week everyone.

Chat again soon.

Deep Breath and Start

Tomorrow at 7.30 in the evening, I’m doing a book talk. This morning, I’m off to the hairdresser’s for a restyle. I don’t want to think about tomorrow evening because I need to control the panic I’m feeling inside. Too often, I’ve had no control over my life, which has stopped me from believing in myself and growing.

A few days ago, I allowed my thoughts to wander into my past, to things best forgotten. These were things that were beyond my control. I was a small child, with no understanding of what was happening to another person and me. What I did understand was trust. The two people in control of the situation were people I was supposed to trust and feel safe with, but the game they were playing didn’t feel right.

The trouble with growing older is things begin to make sense. It’s kind of like editing a story or a novel. You need space and distance between it and you, for everything to become much clearer. Suddenly, you get a better understanding of why you view the world the way you do. I’m not a religious person. For me, there isn’t a god or a devil, only humans. There are good people and wicked people. There are seekers of the truth, people trying to be the best they can be. Then some hide behind their masks pretending to be good, but are only thinking of themselves and what brings them pleasure.

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I’ve never been a confident person. Doubting myself constantly, and as for trusting others around me. That’s non existent.

Why?

Because the people in my life who had titles that meant to mean something special to me, couldn’t be trusted to deliver.

Like in life, one expects certain people, with titles to be flawless. A man of God or a nun should be perfect and holy. A police, politician, and lawyer should be lawful and trustworthy. A judge too, must be trustworthy. A doctor must do everything within his power to save life, and a nurse must be caring, but in life, too often those we should be able to trust, fall short of what we expect of them.

After all, they are only human

But, isn’t that just making excuses. Yes, we are all open to weakness, temptation and a moment of error. We all have the right to make a mistake once in our short lives and ask for forgiveness. This can only happen, if we learn from our mistakes, and never do it again. Too often some become arrogant. If they have got away with it once, then they can do it again. Use it to their advantage.

The problem I have been left with is that I’m not compassionate. It isn’t that I don’t care about others, it is that I always feel others are using terrible situations to get what they want., rather than trying to solve a negative problem for themselves.

When I was young, I was constantly being told I had to learn to stand on my own two feet. That I couldn’t expect others to be there for me. If you don’t like the situation you’re in, then change it.

Our time on earth is limited. There is no guarantee that tomorrow will come, and we cannot change the past. We cannot go back in time to correct our mistakes or erase our regrets. Therefore, it’s crucial for our mental well-being to accept our past for what it is and learn to live with it. Rather than dwelling on the past and wishing things were different, we must embrace the present and strive to make the most of the time we have left.

With this in mind, I will stand in front of an audience and take a deep breath and start my talk. All the negative thoughts from my past will no longer have control over my life. I am flawless. All the anger, hatred, disappointment, and mistrust has gone. I’m at peace with myself.

My writing and art are my saviours. With these, I have learnt to deal with negative emotions, and through my characters I can resolve many of the unpleasant things that have happened to me and bring about positive endings.

Be at peace with yourself, and strive to be happy.

Chat again soon.

Busy painting today. One of two paintings I need to finish before Christmas

Busy painting today. One of two paintings I need to finish before Christmas

Time to think Outside the Box.

Time to Write something new and Different.

My mind is on the hunt. I’m looking for a new idea, and I want to create a new character. Okay, so why don’t I just get on and write?

Uniqueness. I’m on the hunt for something different. Something new and exciting.

“But it has all been done before,” I hear you shouting.

According to the book The Seven Basic Plots by Christopher Booker, there are only seven basic plotlines… the thrill of escaping death, rags to riches, the quest, comedy, tragedy, rebirth, and not forgetting, good overcoming evil. Every book or story contains one of these seven themes. Take Cinderella (a fairy tale) or Jane Eyre (by Charlotte Bronte), both have within them the basic plotline of rags-to-riches. The main character has come from a poor background and by the end of the story is in a much better place. You could add Harry Potter into this category, but I think his tale is more quest. Harry is on the search for answers.

So how can a writer create something new, if all plotlines have been rewritten many times.

You need to think outside of the box here. Maybe, start by creating an original character. Who do you want to tell your story?

The specific relevant content for this request, if necessary, delimited with characters: The first two main characters you need to think about are the antagonist and the protagonist. The protagonist is the lead character in the story. The plotline is about what they want to achieve or a problem they want to overcome. The antagonist, on the other hand, is a character who opposes or fights against the protagonist, trying to stop them from achieving their goal. Often, the antagonist is seen as the villain. Then there are the supporting characters to think about. These can be an array of different people needed to bring the story alive. They are normally the main character’s love interest or sidekicks. Remember, Sherlock Holmes’ sidekick was Mr. Watson and Dracula’s sidekick was his manservant, the insane Renfield.

Remember, beware of stereotypes and archetypes. It’s too easy to fall back on typical characters like the drunken cop, the black widow murderess, the superhero, the anti-hero, or the femme fatale. The tall, dark handsome man aka James Bond or the nosy, old spinster, Jane Marple.

Whether you are writing a horror tale, a good old romance, or a mystery, think carefully about making your characters unique, rather than falling back on the typical traits which have already been used endlessly before. Sherlock Holmes with his logic can be found in Mr Spock in Star Trek and numerous other detectives, too. From Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot, Erle Stanley Gardner’s Perry Mason, Dorothy L. Sayers’s Lord Peter Wimsey, Reginald Hill’s Dalziel and Pascoe, Ellis Peters’s medieval herbalist Brother Cadfael, to name a few.

At the moment, witches seem to be a popular character to write about, which is putting me off. It could be argued that if I think outside of the box, I might be able to come up with a new spin. Not every witch will be the same as Martha Wenlock, in the same way not every vampire is like Dracula. You would be right. It’s all about the storyline that makes the book stand out from the crowd.

Whether you are writing fantasy with mythological creatures or fairy tale characters, or you’re writing about historical figures or even futuristic characters, you need to try to come up with something new and original. Take the famous supernatural film from 1999 Sixth Sense. “I see dead people” was the famous line spoken by the nine-year-old main character. The film keeps everyone guessing as it takes ghost stories to a new level.

This is a fantastic film for understanding how to write an original storyline and create unique characters.

By being well-read, I know that creating something completely original will be challenging. However, by taking inspiration from existing ideas and adding my unique twist, I hope to still create some compelling and fresh story ideas. I’m going to think hard while plotting my next book to avoid the old clichés and try to create something new.

Let me know what you think. Is it an impossible task?

A Day to Remember

Why a Poppy Day?

The Commonwealth members have had a day to honour armed forces members who have died in the line of duty since the end of the First World War in 1919. Remembrance Day was observed on the 11th November as hostilities formally ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. World War One officially ended with the signing of the Treaty of Versailles on 28 June 1919.

A remembrance poppy, an artificial flower worn in some countries, is produced by veterans’ associations. These flowers are exchanged for charitable donations, which give financial, social, and emotional support to members and veterans of the armed forces.

The link between war and poppies in Flanders can be found as early as the 19th century, in the book “The Scottish Soldiers of Fortune” by James Grant: There’s a description that says… In the Scots in Holland and Flanders at Neerwinden, in 1693, the brigade suffered heavy losses, and William was compelled again to give way before the white-coated infantry of France with the loss of 10,000 men.

“During many months after,” wrote the Earl of Perth to his sister, “The ground was strewn with skulls, bones of horses and men, and with fragments of hats, shoes, saddles, and holsters. The next summer the soil, fertilised by 20,000 corpses, broke forth into millions of scarlet poppies.”

The World War 1 poem written by Lt Col John McCrae, a Canadian army doctor, opening lines states: In Flanders’ Fields the poppies blow between the crosses, row on row. He wrote the poem after the funeral and burial of a friend killed in the Second Battle of Ypres. It was first published in Punch on 8th December 1915 and quickly became one of the most-read poems of the war.

Many years ago, I wrote an article, which was published in a Family history magazine, about Corporal Harry Andrews after buying a box of photograph albums at a car boot sale in 1999. Click on the photographs below to read the article.

G-AAXD Horatius of the Heracles Class. One of Harry’s brothersHarry’s Grave in Cologne Southern Cemetery