Paula R.C. Readman's Blog, page 71

Graveyard Smash: Ladies of Horror

I’m was so excited and pleased when my Gothic tale of Betrayal and Revenge Chimes at Midnight made it into the Graveyard Smash, Women of Horror Collection Volume Two, published by Kandisha Press.

[image error]

Jill Giraradi has now entered Graveyard Smash into The Bram Stoker Award for the Horror Anthologies Category. It would be wonderful if Graveyard Smash was accepted.

[image error]A list of names for the Bram Stroker award.

Yesterday on YouTube a book reviewer called Well Read Beard post a review of the collection. Check it out

Now I’m busy working a story for the next collection. Fingers-crossed I make it in to the next anthology with all the other amazing writers.

Clubhouse Chat Guest: Magz Wiseman

Welcome to Clubhouse Chat page. For those of you who are not a member won’t be aware that the location of the Clubhouse is shrouded in mystery. The only way to visit the clubhouse is via membership or invite to the clubhouse tearoom. Every few days, I’ll be sharing a conversation I’ve had with a guest over tea and cakes, or maybe a glass of something stronger, about their work in progress, or latest book release. I’ll be talking to all sort of writers and authors at different levels of their writing careers.

[image error]

Welcome to the clubhouse tearoom, Magz. I’m pleased you could join us today. I hope I’ve manage to get the right drink for you.

Thank you so much for asking me to take part! Oh, thank you for ordering me some Japanese Ramune.

Let’s me start by asking you what writing elements do you think is your strongest points, and what would you like to do better?

I try to write in as visual a way as possible and hopefully that comes across to the reader.  I’d like to be better at plots, as in actually having some.

Tell us a little about latest writing project. Is it a new idea, or one you have been mulling over for some time?

I’m currently working on the 3rd volume in the Veto Lark series where our ‘heroes’ find themselves on a bit of a journey after an unexpected bird watching related incident. I can give you an exclusive and reveal that the cover will be… Yellow! I would give you the title, but I’m trying to decide on one.

[image error]The Wonderful Magz Wiseman

How many unfinished projects do you have on your computer?

I have lots of unfinished projects lurking around. One book has been lingering for a long time. There’s no excuse for me not to just get on with it as It already exists in script format and does actually have a title. That’s going to be the next one after I finish Veto 3. I have several existing short stories that I keep meaning into put into a small collection too.  There are a good few others that I’m just too lazy to start.
I also have several (hundred) notebooks either partly scribbled in or waiting for their first words. (Nothing to do with my stationery obsession.) I’ve taken to writing longhand for the first draft, then moving it to the PC  for all the other drafts. There’s something really nice about writing in a physical book with a bright yellow fountain pen. This method also doesn’t rely on battery power, although I do frequently run out of ink just when I finally get into the flow. Quite ironic really. 

[image error]

Do you write a synopsis first or write the first chapter, or let the characters lead you?

It’s as much a surprise to me as it is to the reader as to what happens!  It’s definitely a case of letting the characters lead. That works out pretty well, because I can just blame them for everything.

Were any of your characters inspired by real people?

Thankfully, no. Although now that I think of it, some of the minor characters have arisen from random passing encounters, usually from snippets of conversation wafting past on the odd occasions I leave the house.

What did you learn when writing your book (story, play or poem)? In writing it, how much research did you do?

I learned that having a spell checker is of vital importance. One of the good things about writing fantasy/SF (especially the non-science based stuff that I do), is that I can get away with being as inaccurate from reality as I want. I can just make stuff up and not have to worry about clever people pointing out how wrong I am.  Surprisingly though, I have done a little research during the Veto books. For example I discovered there are actually folks who think the world is flat and some people really do eat fennel soup.

[image error]

What is your work schedule like when you’re writing?

I don’t have a work schedule as such. It depends when I remember I’m actually in the middle of writing something and when I can find quiet time in the house. This is virtually impossible, especially at the moment during lockdown. I’ve done lots of some writing in the very early mornings during camping holidays where there aren’t the usual distractions like, well, anything and everything. I get distracted very easily… Oh look! It’s raining! I also find I write a lot more when there’s something important that I’m trying to avoid doing.

[image error]

Do you set yourself a daily word count?

I don’t set a daily word count because I would constantly disappoint myself. I consider any words a good daily bonus.

How do you select the names of your characters? Do you know everything about them before you start writing their story?

I love coming up with names for characters. Some pop into my head out of nowhere and are usually very silly. A character can just come into being purely because of a random name I’ve thought of and I’ll have to find a reason for them to be in the story. The characters tend to come out all on their own which can be a bit of a nuisance when I have to go back and rewrite things to fit in. You’d think these pesky characters would be a bit more considerate!

How long on average does it take you to write a book?

Probably anything between 5 – 10 years. Only partially joking there! I have written some short stories that have taken a lot less time. I find it really difficult to finish a book or story because I keep having the need to improve it, although probably everyone creatively inclined feels this way.

Thank you so much for joining me, Magz.

If you would like to find out more about Magz’s books please check Amazon.

It you want to find out more about Clubhouse Member’s Books don’t forget to check out the Clubhouse Bookshops too.

Clubhouse Chat Guest: Karen Botha

Welcome to Clubhouse Chat page. For those of you who are not a member won’t be aware that the location of the Clubhouse is shrouded in mystery. The only way to visit the clubhouse is via membership or invite to the clubhouse tearoom. Every few days, I’ll be sharing a conversation I’ve had with a guest over tea and cakes, or maybe a glass of something stronger, about their work in progress, or latest book release. I’ll be talking to all sort of writers and authors at different levels of their writing careers.

[image error]

Welcome to the clubhouse tearoom, Karen. It’s lovely to see you again after so long.

Thank you for inviting me over. Yes, it has been a few years.

Now we have our drinks let’s start by asking you when you first begun your writing journey what drew you to your chosen genre?

When I first started writing I didn’t have a clue about genre. I was writing the story that I had in my heart and it was as simple as that. It’s not the best way to go about writing, because if you’re not able to easily slot into one genre, then Amazon and other bookstores can’t categorise you. That’s not great for being listed top of the rankings and without that, readers won’t find you.
That aside though, cross genre writing makes for fresh and interesting stories that readers love. I know that much from my reviews. I just need to get more readers!

[image error]Karen Botha

What writing elements do you think is your strongest points, and what would you like to do better?

I love twists and it makes me proud when I read a review that says readers didn’t know how the story was going to end, or that it kept them on the edge of their seat. For me that’s providing great value. I’m also told that when I write my readers feel the emotions of my characters.

Tell us a little about latest writing project. Is it a new idea, or one you have been mulling over for some time?

Sadly I have been concentrating on launching a new website for the massage and reflexology business that I run with my husband in Gidea Park. I have been writing lots, but it’s more content for this website and so my fiction has had to take a back seat. I do have an idea in mind though, so watch this space.

[image error]

How many unfinished projects do you have on your computer?

Only about two which my writer friends tell me is great. These were failed attempts to get back into writing novels when my head wasn’t in the game due to being distracted by the non-fiction website stuff.

When reading your work through do you ever find that your daily mood swings are reflected in your writing?

When I write, I become the character in my head. I was talking to a film producer friend of mine recently who struggles with dialogue and it was only then that I realised how I identify with my characters. This means there is a lot of moodiness, but they dictate my mood, rather than the other way around!

[image error]

Were any of your characters inspired by real people?

All of them. Whether I, or they, know it or not is another matter. Only the other day I was speaking to one of my clients and he was saying he’d found himself in my first book, Naked Truths. I had no idea, until he said!

What did you learn when writing your book? In writing it, how much research did you do?

I have a great life in that I meet a lot of people who speak intimately to me during the course of my work as a reflexologist at Essential Feeling. This means that the amount of research I need to do during writing is limited as most of my stories are inspired by what my clients have told me. This is such a privileged position to be in as I know that research can take an age for some writers who lose themselves in it, but I write from the research I hear upfront.

[image error]

Is there anything about you your readers might be surprised to find out?

Oh plenty, for sure! I guess one thing that I’d be happy to disclose is that I love motor racing. Most people are surprised that a girl is nutty about fast cars. That’s how my Commitment series was inspired.

Did you uncover things about yourself while writing your books. Whether that be a long forgotten memory, a positive experience etc.

This happens all the time, or you’re writing and you suddenly realise that your mindset is way broader than you gave yourself credit for. For example, in Naked Truths, there’s a piece about trust within a marriage. It was only whilst writing this that I unearthed a broader concept of what may or may not be acceptable, depending on which side of the fence you’re coming at a situation from. Cathartic.

What is your work schedule like when you’re writing?

It varies. I write when I want to, but often that is a lot. It’s not unusual for me to write a novel within 8 days plus editing.

Do you set yourself a daily word count?

If my deadlines dictate it then I do, but not always. Sometimes it’s nice to be fluid.

Did you ever consider writing under a pseudonym?

I write under my name, Karen Botha. These are edgy books, with a certain degree of violence, suspense or sexual tension. Sometimes all three. And then I’ve written some cute animal cozy mysteries. Clearly the cross over here could be an issue, and so these are under the pen name, Chloe Grace. Chloe after my husky who died a few years ago and Grace, just because she was a beautiful creature with all the grace of a queen.

[image error]

How do you select the names of your characters? Do you know everything about them before you start writing their story?

I know very little about my characters until they come to life on the page. For instance, when I was writing the Chloe Grace books, Bella popped up as a required character as I was writing the free teaser. I had an idea she would be quirky and artsy and then Bella just popped in to my head. So that’s who she became. And she’s adorable.

How long on average does it take you to write a book?

My first book took me two years, but since then, 8 days is my lead time from start to finish. The story unfolds as I write so I don’t spend time planning. On the first day I write the first chapter and fall in love with my characters. The second day, I grammar check what I wrote and then continue with writing. It goes on like this for the total 8 days. Then I give it another grammatical once over, send the manuscript to my editor who has it a week. When it comes back I go through his notes and then it’s off to the proofreader for a final check and boom. 

Thank you Karen for joining me today. If you want to find out more about Karen’s work click here:

It you want to find out more about Clubhouse Member’s Books don’t forget to check out the Clubhouse Bookshops too.

A Hard Lesson Learnt

A word of warning This site is a scam. Don’t Get Caught Out!
IBookson(dot) com is a site where authors can promote their book. Someone on one of the promotion Facebook groups suggested I should use IBookson to promote my books. I looked at it, read all their marketing chatter, and thought ‘hey this looks promising’. I did email them a question before signing up with them which was answered quickly. I did my normal checks but couldn’t find anything negative. I paid with PayPal the sum asked by the site and received a receipt back with a membership no: etc.
My book covers quickly appeared on the site once I filled in my details.

It wasn’t until I went through their list of authors signed up to the site that I came across Mr King’s page. The site is promoting the fact Stephen King is using the site to promote his books. Then bells start ringing. Why would someone like Stephen King want to promote his book on a site like this one, his name alone sells millions of books. I checked the site further. On their Twitter link a link there flashed up red warning on my Norton virus checker. The Tweets were just sharing the authors’ tweets. Things weren’t right, and I had a sinking feeling as reality set in. There were other things too that now didn’t look right about the site like their Facebook page.

I’ve been in contact with the Stephen King official site about the fact they were using his image and books to lure writers in. This morning one of Stephen’s employees has been back in contact with me to say they are looking into it.

I have been in contact with the site and asked for my money back. I told them I felt it was wrong of them to use Stephen King’s image and book covers to imply Stephen King used their site to market his books. I told them I have been in contact with Stephen King’s official site about it. I asked them to remove my book covers too. I took all my information off the site, but I can’t remove my book covers

Clubhouse Chat Guest: Fran Tracey

Welcome to Clubhouse Chat page. For those of you who are not a member won’t be aware that the location of the Clubhouse is shrouded in mystery. The only way to visit the clubhouse is via membership or invite to the clubhouse tearoom. Every few days, I’ll be sharing a conversation I’ve had with a guest over tea and cakes, or maybe a glass of something stronger, about their work in progress, or latest book release. I’ll be talking to all sort of writers and authors at different levels of their writing careers.

[image error]Photo by Lina Kivaka on Pexels.com[image error]

Today I’ve invited Fran Tracey to join us. Welcome to the Clubhouse.

Thank you for the invite, Paula. This Clubhouse is something special. And the cakes are out of this world.

Yes, they always have a great selection. My first question to you is what would you like to drink?

Oh my favourite beverage Kir royale, if not sparkling water, please, Paula.

Right, now we have our orders let’s start with, what writing elements do you think is your strongest points, and what would you like to do better?

I love writing with a distinct and strong voice, whether it’s that of a child or an older person, a lover or someone with nefarious intent. I like it to be consistent (if unreliable). I look out for voice when I read too, and enjoy characterisation and dialogue. I could most certainly improve my plotting – which is why I stick to short stories with the odd foray into serials and novellas.

Tell us a little about latest writing project. Is it a new idea, or one you have been mulling over for some time?

I’m in the midst of a serial for My Weekly which will be published in the middle of 2021. It’s set in the wonderful country of Oman and focusses on ecological issues, and in particular turtles. I love travel and like to set a story in every country I’ve visited. We visited Oman a few years ago with our kids and loved the quiet reserve of the place, and it’s beauty too, of course. I was invited to send a serial idea to My Weekly, and I came up with this.

[image error]Fran Tracey

How many unfinished projects do you have on your computer?

I have dozens of unfinished stories on my laptop. Some I go back to, some I don’t. Because they are shorts I’m not very precious about them. If a story doesn’t work, it doesn’t. I am happy to let it go, in the words of the Disney princess [image error]

Clubhouse Chat Guest: Kerri Jesmer

Welcome to Clubhouse Chat page. For those of you who are not a member won’t be aware that the location of the Clubhouse is shrouded in mystery. The only way to visit the clubhouse is via membership or invite to the clubhouse tearoom. Every few days, I’ll be sharing a conversation I’ve had with a guest over tea and cakes, or maybe a glass of something stronger, about their work in progress, or latest book release. I’ll be talking to all sort of writers and authors at different levels of their writing careers.

[image error]

Welcome to the clubhouse tearoom, Kerri. What drink shall I order for you.
Thank you so much for inviting me to chat with you. I’d love a cup of English breakfast tea while we talk. No sugar or milk.

Now our drinks have arrived we can start our chat, so I shall start by asking you when you first begun your writing journey what drew you to your chosen genre?
I think most who know me are aware of how I got started with my writing as a child and the genre for short stories I most often write is speculative fiction. I like to give my stories a bit of a twist. 

[image error]Kerri Jesmer

How many unfinished projects do you have on your computer?
The number of unfinished stories must be fifty or more! If I counted, I’d probably be shocked at how many there actually are. Mostly they are story starts so I don’t forget what has popped into my head. I’m a bit of a “panster”, so I might be in the shower or washing dishes, maybe out walking our dogs when the beginning of a story pops into my head. Often the first couple of lines or even a short bit of dialog. Then I retreat to my office as soon as possible and type up what’s running through my head. Sometimes a whole story emerges and sometimes those few lines are the end of what’s there for the time being. I think that’s partially to do with a short memory, unfortunately.

Choosing only five of your favourite authors. Can you list them in order 1 begin the top of your list and say how have they influenced your writing?
My favorite authors would be an incredibly long list. But here is the best I can think of at the moment:  1)  C.S. Lewis – I love everything ever written by him.  2)  Ray Bradbury – My first ever science fiction author. Now there is a talented writer.  3) Jan Karon – She’s written a lovely series, The Mitford Series, about a small town and the priest who looks after them all. I fell in love with the characters reading the very first book and I’ve been in love with them all since.  4) Orson Scott Card – Another talented science fiction author who has also written several books about the women of the Bible. I’ve loved his writing since I read “The Seventh Son” in the 1980s.  5)  Steve Carr – He is my mentor and I think I’ve loved every short story I’ve ever read of his thus far. I know I haven’t read them all as I believe he stands at over 430 published stories these days, but I will get around to it!

When reading your work through do you ever find that your daily mood swings are reflected in your writing?
I don’t find that my daily mood swings are reflected in my stories, but I do find bits and pieces of life that I’ve experienced – especially the more difficult parts. I think the fact I have experienced them gives those parts more emotion and honesty.

Were any of your characters inspired by real people?
Don’t all authors put a bit of themselves and those they know into their writing? It seems the best way to make it realistic is to share something you can feel deep inside yourself, whether that’s heartbreak, strength, joy, fear, sadness, loss, discovery. I think that is part of writing. I believe that’s why an author will say a story or novel is filled with their blood, sweat, soul, and heart.  

[image error]

What did you learn when writing your book? In writing it, how much research did you do?
I’ve been working on a novel for….what feels like almost a lifetime. But perhaps it’s only been ten years. It’s a fantasy novel with some historical basis and so I researched a great deal of history in the United States, where I’ve lived my whole life (except being born in Germany). And I wanted it to be based on truth, not history taught in schools and marred by those who wish to change it. So the research was time-consuming and actually took me several years. I sought out actual documents from the timeframe and read many accounts written by those involved and historians you might not consider to be among the academically elite. Again, I only believe what I could back up by finding the documents from that time in history to confirm its truth. In addition, I studied numerology. Also, plants and herbs, their uses and believed use by herbologists and believers in witchcraft. I wanted what I wrote to be believable for almost all who read it. That is if I ever finish it. I have around 57,000 words and a long way to go to give it an ending. But it will be the one thing I’ve written that I’ve spent so much time learning about before I put words to paper.

Is there anything about you your readers might be surprised to find out?

I think I have a few things that would surprise some people. One is that I was a single foster mother when I was twenty-three. I had my foster daughter for over a year. When she was able to return home, I knew my heart couldn’t take loving a child so much only to not have them in my life later. I never took another foster child. I waited for thirty-five years to have our child. It seemed a long time for someone who wanted more than anything to be a mother. Motherhood has great rewards and great heartbreak.
I also was a bit of a wild child growing up. I lived in a small town in the country and I have fond memories of times with my best friend of over forty years and our antics. I can’t think of a time we’ve chatted on the phone and not laughed and laughed about growing up. And also feel amazed we lived through it! And, no, I don’t miss those days in the least!

What is your work schedule like when you’re writing?
My work schedule when I’m writing is…let’s call it non-existent. I was an ambitious working woman all of my career until after I became a mother. I just wanted to climb the ladder and did so in my jobs very quickly. But when I write, I leave that behind. Because writing does take your heart and soul, the sweat of your brow, your deepest and most private feelings and thoughts to come to the forefront and create a story. Not every story, of course. Some flow out and you marvel from ‘whence they came’, so to speak. Others take a little piece of you as you lay the words out for others to see. At my age, fifty-nine years of which I am proud I’ve survived this long, it’s nice to not force myself to do anything I’m not up to. So I write when I want. It’s partially why I’m not good at popping out a story for a specific type of anthology. I have to just hope something comes out that fits the call.

[image error]

Did you ever consider writing under a pseudonym?
The use of a pseudonym was something I thought about a lot. But in the end, I want to be known for my stories and for my thoughts that went into them. However, if I were to write a novel that was different from the one I’m working on, I might then decide to use a pseudonym so there were no expectations set. Of course, if you never become well known, it doesn’t even matter. I don’t write anything I’d be embarrassed about or that would cause me to pause in typing my name on it – so far, anyway. What we feel comfortable writing and publishing is different for everyone. I have no idea why others use pseudonyms, but I think whatever works for you is what you should do. 

How do you select the names of your characters? Do you know everything about them before you start writing their story?
This is my favorite question, so I’m glad it’s last! How to I come up with my character names depends on the story. In my novel, I made them all up. I sat down at my computer and started typing out strange names – all of them odd, unusual, and completely made up in my head. I think it’s unlikely you’ll find any of the names from my novel anywhere in the world. But for my short stories, I just think of common names usually. If I can’t, I have three baby name books I refer to and pick them out that way. I’ve also looked up names on a name generator site when I want something unusual. However, when I first started my novel, I don’t think those sites existed. And making them up is so much fun!
Do I know everything about my characters when I begin to write? No. They speak to me, tell me their stories, or withhold the information for a time. One of the characters in my novel has been quite secretive. He’s handsome, dapper, well-dressed, and seems to be a bit of a ladies man. But he won’t tell me a thing about himself! He’s made it quite difficult to write anything aside about him – even to write about where he lives. At some point, he’s going to give it all up. I just don’t know when. He has held out for 57,000 words worth of the story. But I like him so much, I can’t be angry at him. 

Thank you, Kerri for joining me.
Paula, I have so enjoyed this time with you. The tearoom is lovely and so are you! Thank you so much for this opportunity and I look forward to reading other interviews from fellow writers.

You can find out more about Kerri on Amazon:  or on her author’s page on Goodreads:   

It you want to find out more about Clubhouse Member’s Books don’t forget to check out the Clubhouse Bookshops too.

Just a short dark tale

Here’s a short dark tale for you to enjoy.

No more than a hundred words for your delight.

Flames of Betrayal

Please enjoy.

[image error]

Clubhouse Chat Guest: Peter Jones

Welcome to Clubhouse Chat page. For those of you who are not a member won’t be aware that the location of the Clubhouse is shrouded in mystery. The only way to visit the clubhouse is via membership or invite to the clubhouse tearoom. Every few days, I’ll be sharing a conversation I’ve had with a guest over tea and cakes, or maybe a glass of something stronger, about their work in progress, or latest book release. I’ll be talking to all sort of writers and authors at different levels of their writing careers.

[image error][image error]

Today I’m talking to Peter Jones about his writing. Hello Peter. It’s a lot time since we’ve chatted.

I’m delighted to be here, Paula. The Clubhouse tea is lovely. Real Builder’s tea here.

Now we have our drinks let me start by asking you when you first begun your writing journey what drew you to your chosen genre? 

“Chosen genre”? If I have a chosen genre, it’s called “things Peter wants to write about.” Hence the eclectic mix of self-help books (on the subjects of happiness, dating and weight loss), and three vaguely-romantic comedies. Choosing a genre might have been a better approach, but it feels so limiting.

Tell us a little about latest writing project. Is it a new idea, or one you have been mulling over for some time?

I’m about half way into the sequel of a novel that I finished earlier in the year. Both books are vaguely spy related, and loosely based on a couple of true stories or events. They’re also less funny. I mean, less funny that my other novels. There’s still humour there, but they’re “less laugh out loud” and more “wry smile”. This tea’s really lovely by the way? PG tips or Yorkshire?

[image error]Peter Jones

Only the best of everything in the Clubhouse Tearoom so it has to be Yorkshire Tea How many unfinished projects do you have on your computer?

Ooo.. let’s see. There’s the original sequel to The Good Guy’s Guide To Getting The Girl. Then there’s the first three chapters to my second attempt of the same book. There’s a few outlines for rom coms that Bookouture asked me for, and subsequently turned down (for the most bizarre reasons). There’s a short book on Tinder Dating that I’d lost interest in by the time I’d finished writing it – rather like Tinder Dating itself. And then there’s the first few chapters of a novel that I really hope to get back to one day. 

Do you write a synopsis first or write the first chapter? 

Neither. First comes “draft zero”. I sit down and write the most boring version of my book ever, telling ‘you the reader’ what happens in a blow by blow account. It’s a little like when you ask someone what the latest Harry Potter movie is like, and they proceed to tell you EVERYTHING, but in such a way that you really wish you’d never asked. When I’m done I take draft zero and turn it into a bullet pointed to do list. Then I start with chapter one. The synopsis is the very last thing you should ever write.

[image error]

When reading your work through do you ever find that your daily mood swings are reflected in your writing?

Are you saying I’m a moody bugger? I mean, I am, but even so – rude! But yes, since you ask, my ‘mood swings’ do affect my writing. But then everything does. I can be having a conversation with someone about tea, tea bags, quarter tea spoons of sugar… and blow me down, it somehow makes it into the very next chapter!

Days Pass Like A Shadow

My single collection of Gothic tales is made up of stories written over the time I’ve been writing to be published. When the publisher Gill James of Bridge House told us, their writers at a book launch in December 2016, that they were planning on publishing single collections of their writers, I took up their kind offer.

We were told that we could include stories they had already published in the annual anthologies. I decided to also put together my favourite stories in my collection. I added one or two I had published with other publishers which I still held the copy rights on. While chatting to my dear friend Nicola Slade she advice me to write a story link to the original picture I chose for my cover which was the shadow clock on St Mary church in Whitby, North Yorkshire. I still told the words on the clock for my title. My Shadow Clock story is about a time traveler. In the end I selected stories which were linked by a common theme of loss and death but this doesn’t mean they are just sad stories.

[image error]GEDSC DIGITAL CAMERA[image error]The title of my book comes from the shadow clock on the wall of St Mary Church, Whitby North Yorkshire.

The thirteen dark tales take the reader on a journey from the plains of Africa to the Streets of Kabul in Afghanistan. Each story introduced to reader to a rich and diverse set of characters. From a gardener, a serial killer, a time traveler, a sleepwalker and many more.

Please check out this review of my book too and the ones found on Amazon UK

Black Hare Press

Black Hare Press is a Australian publishing company which I enjoy writing for because they always have such an interesting collection of gothic horror submission call out each month.

[image error]

Their books are beautiful with stunning covers and are available as an eBook, paperback and hardback too. The wonderful thing is that they put all the author’s names that has been successful in submitting to their call outs on the cover of the hardback books. They also create posters for each writers to share when the books are available too.

Black Hare Press have selected a few of my short stories and drabbles for their books. This week they released a new collection of short stories after asked for horror stories set around the theme of returning to school after the holidays.

The book link: School’s In

[image error]

Author: Various Authors Series: BHP Writers’ Group Special Edition, Book 5 Genre: Dark Speculative Fiction Publisher: Black Hare Press Publication Year: 2020 ASIN: B08HVVPXPR
Paperback ISBN: 978-1-925809-82-4 List Price: 15.99 USD eBook Price: 4.99 USD

School’s in, school’s out,
Why do the kids all jump and shout?
Is it the monsters beneath their desks
or evil teachers in their nests?
Maybe those kids wreak with fright from shadows flitting through the night…
Ideas forming in their minds, transforming into special finds
To put their thoughts down on a page, pencils racing in their rage.
Chairs are clacking, exams are done,
Students free to have some fun.
Back they come but something’s changed;
Energy gone and eyes are glazed.

Teachers uneasy with their prey
What happened to the kids they will not say…

Locker 429 by Alistair Crowe The Honoured One by Amber M. Simpson My Baby Shot Me Down by Archit Joshi Monster by Catherine Kenwell I’ll Bring You More by Chris Bannor
Making the Grade by David Green School Daze by Dawn DeBraal Corridor by Denver Grenell
The Cutest Couple by Gregg Cunningham Zombie Boarding School by Henry Herz
A Brand New Me by J.W. Garrett The Girls’ Bathroom by Johann van der Walt Master of the Hunt by John Clewarth The Secrets of Locker 4D by K.B. Elijah Miss Lily by Kimberly Rei
A Game at the Nurse’s Office by Luis Manuel Torres The Principal is Missing by Lynne Phillips
Bite of the Bug by Matthew Wilson Goldilocks is a Mass Murderer by Neen Cohen
Bad Seeds by Patrick Winters Darkness of the Soul by Paula R.C. Readman
Lovecraft Club by S.O. Green Cyberoach by Sabetha Danes
I Was Asleep by Sarah Jane Justice Welcome to Rosewood High by Stacey Jaine McIntosh
Joshua’s Lament by Stephen Herczeg Substitute Creature by T.M. Brown
The Girl Who Hated Shakespeare by Tim Mendees School Girl Crush by Trisha McKee
Brynhildr by Umair Mirxa A Dance with Death by Wondra Vanian
Scarlett by Ximena Escobar Payback by Zoey Xolton