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Fiona’s Year In Books

Fiona’s 2022 Year in Books

Take a look at Fiona’s Year in Books. The long, the short—it’s all here.

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Fiona Ingram

Goodreads Author

Born

Durban, South Africa

Website

http://www.fionaingram.com

Genre

Children's Books, Literature & Fiction, History

Influences

My interest in ancient history, children's classics, and authors such ...more

Member Since

September 2009

URL

https://www.goodreads.com/fiona_ingram

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I can’t remember NOT having a book in my hand. My schoolmates called me a bookworm, and nothing’s changed since then. I was brought up on the children’s classics because my parents are also avid readers. My earliest story-telling talents came to the fore when, from the age of ten, I entertained my three younger brothers and their friends with serialized tales of children undertaking dangerous and exciting exploits, which they survived through courage and ingenuity (of course!). Ghosts, vampires, werewolves, and skeletons leaping out of coffins were hot favourites in the cast of characters that populated “Gruesome Gables” where all these adventures were played out. We also acted out the stories for my long-suffering parents, whom I see now w I can’t remember NOT having a book in my hand. My schoolmates called me a bookworm, and nothing’s changed since then. I was brought up on the children’s classics because my parents are also avid readers. My earliest story-telling talents came to the fore when, from the age of ten, I entertained my three younger brothers and their friends with serialized tales of children undertaking dangerous and exciting exploits, which they survived through courage and ingenuity (of course!). Ghosts, vampires, werewolves, and skeletons leaping out of coffins were hot favourites in the cast of characters that populated “Gruesome Gables” where all these adventures were played out. We also acted out the stories for my long-suffering parents, whom I see now were remarkably tolerant of my budding thespian and script-writing talents!
I graduated from the University of Natal, Durban, South Africa, with a double first in my B.A. (French & Drama). After completing my Honors in Drama at Natal, I then went to the University of the Witwatersrand to do my Masters degree in French-African literature. I also studied drama at The Drama Studio in London and mime at L’Ecole Jacques le Coq in Paris. Upon my return to South Africa, I immersed myself in teaching drama at community centres, and became involved in producing community and grassroots theatre with local playwrights and performers in Natal for several years.
A move to Johannesburg took me in a new direction—that of journalism. I have written freelance for the last fifteen years on everything from serial killers to relationship advice (making me a popular dinner guest to revive any flagging conversations). Writing a children’s book—The Secret of the Sacred Scarab—was an unexpected step, inspired by a recent trip to Egypt. The tale of the sacred scarab began life as a little anecdotal tale for my 2 nephews (then 10 and 12), who had accompanied me on the Egyptian trip. We had a marvellous time and it truly was the catalyst in changing my career. This short story grew into a children’s book, the first in the adventure series, Chronicles of the Stone. After the usual spate of rejections from snobby (British) agents, which I believe it every writer’s baptism of fire, I discovered America and made the decision to be published there. The book has done well there, even though the young heroes are South African, and has already garnered two impressive fiction nominations.
I’m already immersed in the next book in the series—The Search for the Stone of Excalibur—a huge treat for young King Arthur fans (and older ones as well). Although I do not have children of my own, I have an adopted teenage foster child, from an underprivileged background who is just discovering the joys of reading for pleasure. My interests include literature, art, theatre, collecting antiques, animals, music, movies, and wondering when I am going to be the next J.K. Rowling.
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Combine Editions
Fiona Ingram’s books

Average rating: 4.62 · 180 ratings · 114 reviews · 13 distinct works

	The Secret of the Sacred Scarab 4.63 avg rating — 91 ratings — published 2008 — 10 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	The Search for the Stone of Excalibur (The Chronicles of the Stone #2) 4.56 avg rating — 36 ratings — published 2014 — 6 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	The Temple of the Crystal Timekeeper (The Chronicles of the Stone, #3) 4.85 avg rating — 20 ratings — 2 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Champ: My Story of Survival it was amazing 5.00 avg rating — 8 ratings — published 2013 — 2 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	The Poppy Project: How Fiji's Most Famous Dog Got Saved! 4.43 avg rating — 7 ratings — published 2014 — 2 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	The Young Explorer’s Companion to The Secret of the Sacred Scarab it was amazing 5.00 avg rating — 2 ratings — published 2013 — 2 editions	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	to space and back again diary 0.00 avg rating — 0 ratings	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	the book review journal 0.00 avg rating — 0 ratings	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	Diary 0.00 avg rating — 0 ratings	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
	The book review journal by me! 0.00 avg rating — 0 ratings	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

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Fiona Ingram's Blog

Is There a Place for Older Authors? by Michael R. French

Approaching 30, Adrian, a talented software engineer, takes stock of his wealth and accolades - and how unhappy he is. He doesn't make friends easily, dislikes social media, and was bloodied in a divorce. He finds no common purpose in a country defined by political vitriol, distrust, and inequality. Taking a leave of absence from his company, he travels to Japan with a samurai sword that his g Read more of this blog post »

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Published on March 19, 2023 08:40

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Series by Fiona Ingram

The Chronicles of the Stone (3 books)
by

Fiona Ingram (Goodreads Author)

4.64 avg rating — 149 ratings

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Fiona’s Recent Updates

Fiona Ingram wrote a new blog post Is There a Place for Older Authors? by Michael R. French Approaching 30, Adrian, a talented software engineer, takes stock of his wealth and accolades - and how unhappy he is. He doesn't make friends easily Read more of this blog post »
Mar 20, 2023 12:10AM · like
Fiona Ingram rated a book really liked it From Promising to Published: A Multi-Genre, Insider’s Guide to the Publication Process by Melanie Faith (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
From Promising to Published by Melanie Faith is a good starter guide for the author who has yet to dip a toe in the publishing pool filled with crocodiles, piranhas, and all manner of nasty creatures with big sharp teeth. For the novice author, still ...more
Jan 06, 2023 01:52AM · like · see review
Fiona Ingram rated a book it was amazing The Body in Bounty Bay: A Katie Porter Mystery, #13 by K.T. McGivens (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
If you like suspenseful mysteries with a feisty female sleuth, a historical setting of yesteryear, and lots of intrigue along with a murder, pick up a copy of The Body in Bounty Bay: A Katie Porter Mystery by K.T. McGivens. This is the thirteenth boo ...more
Nov 13, 2022 10:04PM · 1 like · like · see review · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of The Body in Bounty Bay by K.T. McGivens. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — The Body in Bounty Bay by K.T. McGivens <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
Fiona Ingram rated a book it was amazing Feathers of the Phoenix: The Atlantean Horse, Book 1 by Cheryl Carpinello (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
I’m a huge fan of anything to do with Atlantis. Just say the word and I’m there. Having read the start of Rosa’s adventures in Sons of the Sphinx, I was also keen to see where her gift had taken her. I was not disappointed. Author Cheryl Carpinello s ...more
Oct 20, 2022 12:56AM · like · see review · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of Feathers of the Phoenix by Cheryl Carpinello. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — Feathers of the Phoenix by Cheryl Carpinello <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
Fiona Ingram made a comment on Book Spotlight: Grady Whill and the Templeton Codex by Carole P. Roman " I also want to read it since MG is my writing genre. Thanks for the comment. "
Sep 24, 2022 07:49AM · see blog post
Fiona Ingram rated a book it was amazing For the Soul (The Soul Series) by Barbara Daniels Dena (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
For the Soul by Barbara Daniels Dena truly is a compilation of stories, musings, memories, anecdotes, and snippets for the soul. It is meant to be dipped into as and when a reader has time or just needs a break from the hurly-burly of daily life or n ...more
Aug 31, 2022 06:21AM · like · see review · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of For the Soul by Barbara Daniels Dena. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — For the Soul by Barbara Daniels Dena <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
Fiona Ingram answered Timothy Fay's question: What are your thoughts on the "London Stone," and, do you think there's any remote chance it's related to the Stone of Excalibur? (crazy question, I think, but that's what makes books fun.) :) .... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jATZBZ7WtrU&t=2s Thank you for sending me this fascinating video! Yes, I wonder if it has anything to do with King Arthur's Excalibur. Both this sword and the London Stone are so shrouded in mystery it could be possible they have been associated in history. The stone See Full Answer
Dec 14, 2021 06:57AM · 1 like · like View 1 comment
Fiona Ingram rated a book it was amazing Ronin Cleans His Room Like a Ninja by Chris Roy (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
When Ronin’s parents go on what is possibly a well-deserved cruise, Uncle Max comes to stay to take care of Ronin, their son. Uncle Max is a pretty cool guy who gets ideas across without nagging or sounding boring. Ronin doesn’t like cleaning his roo ...more
Sep 27, 2021 05:08AM · 1 like · like · see review · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of Ronin Cleans His Room Like a Ninja by Chris Roy. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — Ronin Cleans His Room Like a Ninja by Chris Roy <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
Fiona Ingram rated a book it was amazing Lord Blackwood's Valentine Ball: An Authentic Regency Romance by Arabella Sheraton (Goodreads Author)	Error rating book. Refresh and try again. Rate this book Clear rating 1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars
Sep 27, 2021 05:05AM · like · preview book See a Problem? We’d love your help. Let us know what’s wrong with this preview of Lord Blackwood's Valentine Ball by Arabella Sheraton. Problem: Details (if other): Thanks for telling us about the problem. Not the book you’re looking for? Preview — Lord Blackwood's Valentine Ball by Arabella Sheraton <iframe sandbox id="wrongBookKindlePreviewScreen">
Fiona Ingram liked Mamta Madhavan's review of The Secret of the Sacred Scarab: "Adam was excited, he was finally going to Egypt to spend a week there with Gran and Aunt Isabel. All along Adam was dreaming of the desert, camels, pyramids, and the tombs of the Pharaohs. Since Adam was missing a few days of school, his teacher Miss" Read more of this review »
May 28, 2021 10:58PM · see review

More of Fiona's books…

Topics Mentioning This Author

topics	posts	views	last activity
SA Book & Challen...: The Secret of the Sacred Scarab	1	9	Nov 21, 2009 05:27AM
Great Middle Grad...: #MGBookElves Giveaway by the 12 Authors of Christmas - COMPLETE	9	23	Dec 10, 2013 05:46PM
Great Middle Grad...: Goodreads Giveaway for the BookElves Anthology volume 1 - ends 31st Oct	1	8	Oct 01, 2016 01:38PM
What's the Name o...: YA/teen novel, pre-2005 - A group of travelers in Egypt are involved in a search for a jewel - a Ruby - and/or a Raven	8	604	Dec 04, 2020 08:35PM
Nothing But Readi...: Love Quote Mad Libs	48	442	Dec 16, 2020 05:50PM
Nothing But Readi...: Earth Day Challenge	59	532	Apr 08, 2021 02:08PM
The Lost Challenges: May 2021 Stand Alone	62	57	Jun 02, 2021 12:08PM
The Lost Challenges: May 2021 Clean It Out	67	62	Jun 02, 2021 04:07PM

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Fiona’s Quotes

“The end of man is knowledge, but there is one thing he can't know. He can't know whether knowledge will save him or kill him. He will be killed, all right, but he can't know whether he is killed because of the knowledge which he has got or because of the knowledge which he hasn't got and which if he had it, would save him.”
― Robert Penn Warren, All the King's Men

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