S.C. Cunningham's Blog: AUTHOR S C Cunningham's BLOG, page 4

Excited to be recording the AUDIO BOOK for THE DEAL

Am loving working in the 'Midi Madness Recording Studio' creating the Audio Book for my paranormal thriller THE DEAL.
It reminds me of my good old studio days with an ex husband, Raf Ravenscroft, where we had a recording studio in Oxford Circus, London and produced music scores for Film, TV and Radio. The airless, windowless, sound-numbing atmousphere creates another realm to get lost in, as the outside world disappears, time flies and the creative juices flow. Studios are heady places.
I did listen to a casting of other voiceover artists for the book, but as amazing as they were, they just didnt feel right. So I made the decision to read the book myself. I also read my thriller THE PENANCE LIST and children's book GINORMOUS JOE myself, so I'm not new to the tough work involved in creating an Audio Book.
It's not easy, and I am not perfect, but its me and my story, warts and all. I take my hat off to those who read audio books full time, day in day out, your guys rock!
It's grueling. I can only manage four hours at a time before my throat starts to ache, my tongue dries up and trips over itself way too much for the poor engineer to put up with. My aim is to get through a whole chapter without a slip up, but alas, just when I get into a flow and all is going well the smallest word trips me up and we have to stop, rewind and record the line again. It's ball-breaking, if I had any.
The patient engineer knows when I've messed up, I tend to shout out a short sharp swear word (his poor ears!), generally its "F**k" or "sh*t", and slap my thigh in anger. The red marks and bruising are evident when I get home from a studio session. I often think how one of my more obsessive-jealous ex's would never have believed me as to where the marks on my thigh came from.
"Honestly darling, its nothing, I was recording an audiobook... promise."
Although I'm not a professional, and I guess my voice is an acquired taste (I have trouble saying my R's) I'm happy in being able to give just the right amount of fear, timing, sexual chemistry and sarcasm nuance that I envisaged when writing a scene. An innocent line can be read one way and mean one thing, but then read another way, with say, slow paced breathiness, menace, anger or laughter, can mean something very different.
I'll keep you udated for when it comes out and I'll try to keep the price as low as possible. Audio Books are fun for those on the move, who like to multitask, whether it be listening to a story whilst cleaning house, gardening, working out, commuting to work, or nodding off to sleep. So I aim to keep making them.
I hope you like it. Fingers crossed.
Siobhan x
 




 

Reviews THE PENANCE LIST

FREE 5 Star Sizzling Hot Thriller Read by British Crime Author S C Cunningham

. I'll let the reviews speak for themselves. And I would love, if you think it worthy, for you to add a quick review of your own.

 

The Penance List by S C Cunningham
"Hard-hitting and powerful, this psychological thriller has it all; sex, murder, power, glamour, secrets, lies, revenge, and wicked moments of laugh out loud. Set in the colourful underbelly of glitterati London and the stunning Amalfi Coast. Stalkers, prostitutes, ex SAS, footballers, WAGs and the British press pay the price of childhood secrets, an abused cherubic choirboy pays the price of beauty and ladies who lunch pay the price of greed, deceit and lust - as evil steps centre stage. It's no wonder this one's going to Hollywood."
“5 Stars - Well I have to say wow after reading this book!!  It was so much more than I expected and I thoroughly enjoyed it – it had sex, murder, secrets and lies and it was a brilliant thriller. I was hooked straight away and enjoyed every page – very well written and very well put together with a brilliant writing style!! Definitely a 5 star read for me – sooo good!!”
“Holy cow! This book is intense. It is everything that the synopsis promises and more. It's a psychological thriller with a dose of romance and a pinch of suspense.  SC Cunningham expertly weaves a tale that kept me on the edge of my seat and up at night!”
“The plot was wonderful. It was meticulously crafted to tie all the different story lines together to have one major climax. I would recommend reading them in the quiet of a bedroom. Not in a busy coffee shop! Oh la la! The Penance List. It was everything promised and more!!!”
“The inner turmoil in the characters is intense and keeps the reader engaged and rushing to read the next chapter.  This is a riveting psychological thriller that lures you in slowly and stuns you at the end.  Book 2 here I come.”
“5 Stars - This is a killer story that has a great plot with well-developed characters and enough sex to keep everyone happy. I was very surprised and will definitely be keeping my eyes open for the next book in this series.”
What an unsettling, disturbing and downright sexy ride this book is. Blimey, I need a cold shower and a cocktail after that! The writing flows incredibly well and I quickly devoured the book, leaving me gasping for more.”
“This book had me looking over my shoulder one minute and gasping out loud the next. I didn’t know which way up my head was on occasions as I lost myself into this book. I’d advise to not read this book on public transport!”
“It’s sadistic, it’s passionate and it’s funny on occasion – it’s a mix that I wasn’t sure how it would work but my gosh it definitely does work! It’s not just about the gore and it’s not just about the sex, this book is so much more. It has depth, beautifully written words and it will leave you wanting more. I cannot wait to read the next two books in the trilogy.”
“Like, what did I stumble into? Brilliantly crafted dark and devious mind bender of a story. A delicious and often times horrifying story where each character intertwines leading up to an explosive grand finale. Written exceptionally well. This is a no holds barred story. The sex is plentiful – guy/guy, girl/girl….cheating…you name it it’s probably here. This book makes erotica look tame. I loved every minute of it and can’t wait to start the second book in the series.”
“Wow! What a read! All I can say is what a fantastic find! I was gripped from the very first chapter! It was dark, sexy, provocative, thrilling and oh so exciting! This story made ’50 Shades’ look like a tame children’s book. It was so raunchy and I loved every word of it and lapped it up enthusiastically. The pages turned quick and fast as I hurried to see how the story would end. I was not disappointed when i did finally get to the last page; instead I wanted more!”
“There is a big part of me that understands why David is the way he is and I feel sorry for the person that is lost and who could have been, but damn he is an evil-dark-sexy-man. To say that he is ‘hot’ is an understatement. Yes he is troubled, yes he is angry and at times very scary, but there is something about the character that draws me in. The whole story got me hot under the collar more than once.”
“S C Cunningham has a really good talent for writing and knows exactly how to engage her readers. If you like a book with a bit of spunk, a story that leaves you gagging for more and a ‘villain’ who is drop-dead-evil-sex-on-legs then read this! A fantastic dramatic, thrilling story hidden in the pages. This book is an amazing read with a host of likeable characters.”
“This was a very enjoyable read. I had completed the story within a few days and was very pleased with the fact that there is another couple of books in the series. And I look forward to seeing how the rest of the series pans out. Please, if you haven’t already, check out the author, S C Cunningham and her work!”
“5 Stars - Oh my goodness! The Penance List is so fast-paced, I fell off the bed reading it! Great style, lots of action and intrigue. I am glad I took a chance on it. A great read. Dare I say, I want more?!!!”
“The Penance List starts out with a scene to make your toes curl.  I really enjoyed this book.  It was a decent length and the character building is phenomenal.  I look forward to reading the next in the series!”
“It always worries me when I fall deeper and deeper into a creepy and sinister plot while vastly enjoying the experience.  I fear there may be something wrong with me to become so enthralled and transfixed on such a twisted and disturbing story.  But in my defense, this superbly penned stunner quickly mesmerized me and held me in thrall with razor-sharp and well-crafted writing.”
“The storylines were ingenious and compelling, cleverly insightful, and often witty and amusing. I had a hard time putting my Kindle down any longer than necessary for those pesky chores such as sleeping and seeking sustenance.  The characters were fascinating, original, complex, and enticing, yet deeply flawed - some more than others.”
“The taut narrative was skilfully written, with frequent dashes of clever humor, intense sensual scenes, and a mesmerizing and suspense-filled build-up to the gruesomely plotted climax.  It was highly evocative and often elicited a powerful response.”
“5��� A Raunchy Thriller I Couldn't Put Down! Murder, sex, violence, prostitution, secrets, lies, stalking and friendship. I absolutely loved reading this Taut psychological Thriller. It was a tantalising, dark deliciously twisty thriller that built up suspense along the way. Never quiet knowing when the stalker was about to strike. If you enjoy Taut Chilling psychological Thrillers, that sizzle with sexual tension, then you will really enjoy The Penance List.”
 

Shabby Chic my Guilty Pleasure

Shabby Chic is my Guilty Pleasure

(lightbulb moment)
What if procrastination has a healthy place in a writers life?
It may be the case that whilst delaying putting pen to paper, time-out  can actually help the process. Performing a creative or phsyical act uses a part of the brain that allows storylines to settle, ideas to come to the fore and detritus to fall away.
So, I'm gonna flick that nagging voice off my shoulder and no longer feel bad about this delicious guilty pleasure of mine. I'll even give it a and   page, so there!
I'll get to subconsciously sift through ideas, whilst helping the planet (recycling), give preloved finds a new lease of life and lounge in a lovely soothing blue and white home.

The blue and white feel sends me for some reason... maybe its something to do with the heavens and quite possibly has a role in my creation of (kickass crimefighting Angels dishing out karma in the skies).  I dont know, whatever it is I'm not gonna ask... let the magic keep coming.
Now, where's my paint brush?
 




 

Looking for an excitng new read?

Check these books out. Whether its Thriller, Crime, Romance, Murder Mystery or Action your after, there may be something just right. And to take the risk out of it for you some ebooks and audiobooks are FREE. Enjoy x

THE DAVID TRILOGY Steamy Psychological Thrillers

The Penance List (free ebook & audiobook), Unfinished Business, For My Sins (in progress)

"Hard-hitting and powerful, this psychological thriller has it all; sex, murder, power, glamour, secrets, lies, revenge, and wicked moments of laugh out loud. Set in the colourful underbelly of glitterati London and the stunning Amalfi Coast. Stalkers, prostitutes, ex SAS, footballers, WAGs and the British press pay the price of childhood secrets, an abused cherubic choirboy pays the price of beauty and ladies who lunch pay the price of greed, deceit and lust - as evil steps centre stage. It's no wonder this one's going to Hollywood."

Joe is a big white huggable dog owned by a man called Nasty Nik. Joe tries to be good, but sadly Nasty Nik doesn't know how to treat animals. He mistreats Joe, kicking him when he barks. Eventually Joe loses his confidence and his bark.
One day Nik abandons poor Joe on the streets. The kind Tuttle family rescue him and with plenty of love, hugs and humour, bring him back to health.
 Joe shares with us his funny look on life;
"Why does Mrs Tuttle pick up my poos in little bags, it's SO embarrassing... what does she do with all that poo?"
"Why do the Tuttles changes their clothes every day, I have one white fur coat and it suits me just fine"
His best friend young Mary Tuttle helps him through the embarrassment of being the size of a lion, but having no bark, the other dogs laugh at him.
He is fed up and feels useless. Mary gives him love, hugs and courage.
When a burglar visits the Tuttle's house.... can love mend Ginormous Joe's Broken Bark?
Written & Read by S C Cunningham
Artwork by Scarlett Raven
    



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Don't Miss Out!! FREE EBOOK of 5* Steamy Thriller THE PENANCE LIST, American Psycho meets Basic Instinct meets Sex In The City meets 50 Shades

t put it down. I really like the way you write.”
“Your writing is bold and delivers the narrative quickly and simply, a compelling read, well-constructed.”
“Vivid descriptions, characterization is perfect, very intuitively observed.”
“An amazing setting and an intriguing plot to go with it.”
“Smooth writing flow, wittiness, effective dialogue and descriptions, an excellent job, a compelling read.”

Don't Miss Out!! FREE EBOOK & AUDIOBOOK of 5* Steamy Thriller THE PENANCE LIST, American Psycho meets Basic Instinct meets Sex In The City meets 50 Shades

“5 Stars - Well I have to say wow after reading this book!!  It was so much more than I expected and I thoroughly enjoyed it – it had sex, murder, secrets and lies and it was a brilliant thriller. I was hooked straight away and enjoyed every page – very well written and very well put together with a brilliant writing style!! Definitely a 5 star read for me – sooo good!!”
“You are a talented writer and I WANT MORE!”
“Holy cow! This book is intense. It is everything that the synopsis promises and more. It's a psychological thriller with a dose of romance and a pinch of suspense.  SC Cunningham expertly weaves a tale that kept me on the edge of my seat and up at night!”
“It has a delicious dark undertone, but it’s very contemporary and fresh. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever read before!”
“The plot was wonderful. It was meticulously crafted to tie all the different story lines together to have one major climax. I would recommend reading them in the quiet of a bedroom. Not in a busy coffee shop! Oh la la! The Penance List. It was everything promised and more!!!”
“The inner turmoil in the characters is intense and keeps the reader engaged and rushing to read the next chapter.  This is a riveting psychological thriller that lures you in slowly and stuns you at the end.  Book 2 here I come.”
“5 Stars - This is a killer story that has a great plot with well-developed characters and enough sex to keep everyone happy. I was very surprised and will definitely be keeping my eyes open for the next book in this series.”
"What an unsettling, disturbing and downright sexy ride this book is. Blimey, I need a cold shower and a cocktail after that! The writing flows incredibly well and I quickly devoured the book, leaving me gasping for more.”
“This book had me looking over my shoulder one minute and gasping out loud the next. I didn’t know which way up my head was on occasions as I lost myself into this book. I’d advise to not read this book on public transport!”
“It’s sadistic, it’s passionate and it’s funny on occasion – it’s a mix that I wasn’t sure how it would work but my gosh it definitely does work! It’s not just about the gore and it’s not just about the sex, this book is so much more. It has depth, beautifully written words and it will leave you wanting more. I cannot wait to read the next two books in the trilogy.”
“Like, what did I stumble into? Brilliantly crafted dark and devious mind bender of a story. A delicious and often times horrifying story where each character intertwines leading up to an explosive grand finale. Written exceptionally well. This is a no holds barred story. The sex is plentiful – guy/guy, girl/girl….cheating…you name it it’s probably here. This book makes erotica look tame. I loved every minute of it and can’t wait to start the second book in the series.”
“Wow! What a read! All I can say is what a fantastic find! I was gripped from the very first chapter! It was dark, sexy, provocative, thrilling and oh so exciting! This story made ’50 Shades’ look like a tame children’s book. It was so raunchy and I loved every word of it and lapped it up enthusiastically. The pages turned quick and fast as I hurried to see how the story would end. I was not disappointed when i did finally get to the last page; instead I wanted more!”
“There is a big part of me that understands why David is the way he is and I feel sorry for the person that is lost and who could have been, but damn he is an evil-dark-sexy-man. To say that he is ‘hot’ is an understatement. Yes he is troubled, yes he is angry and at times very scary, but there is something about the character that draws me in. The whole story got me hot under the collar more than once.”
“I bought this book yesterday and have just finished it this morning. Couldn’t put it down.”
“S C Cunningham has a really good talent for writing and knows exactly how to engage her readers. If you like a book with a bit of spunk, a story that leaves you gagging for more and a ‘villain’ who is drop-dead-evil-sex-on-legs then read this! A fantastic dramatic, thrilling story hidden in the pages. This book is an amazing read with a host of likeable characters.”
“This was a very enjoyable read. I had completed the story within a few days and was very pleased with the fact that there is another couple of books in the series. And I look forward to seeing how the rest of the series pans out. Please, if you haven’t already, check out the author, S C Cunningham and her work!”
“5 Stars - Oh my goodness! The Penance List is so fast-paced, I fell off the bed reading it! Great style, lots of action and intrigue. I am glad I took a chance on it. A great read. Dare I say, I want more?!!!”
“The Penance List starts out with a scene to make your toes curl.  I really enjoyed this book.  It was a decent length and the character building is phenomenal.  I look forward to reading the next in the series!”
“A thrilling dark mystery with twists and turns galore, you will be on the edge of your seat.”
“It always worries me when I fall deeper and deeper into a creepy and sinister plot while vastly enjoying the experience.  I fear there may be something wrong with me to become so enthralled and transfixed on such a twisted and disturbing story.  But in my defense, this superbly penned stunner quickly mesmerized me and held me in thrall with razor-sharp and well-crafted writing.”
“You know how to elicit exactly the reaction you want readers to feel. That's an awesome gift.”
“The storylines were ingenious and compelling, cleverly insightful, and often witty and amusing. I had a hard time putting my Kindle down any longer than necessary for those pesky chores such as sleeping and seeking sustenance.  The characters were fascinating, original, complex, and enticing, yet deeply flawed - some more than others.”
“The taut narrative was skilfully written, with frequent dashes of clever humor, intense sensual scenes, and a mesmerizing and suspense-filled build-up to the gruesomely plotted climax.  It was highly evocative and often elicited a powerful response.”
“5��� A Raunchy Thriller I Couldn't Put Down! Murder, sex, violence, prostitution, secrets, lies, stalking and friendship. I absolutely loved reading this Taut psychological Thriller. It was a tantalising, dark deliciously twisty thriller that built up suspense along the way. Never quiet knowing when the stalker was about to strike. If you enjoy Taut Chilling psychological Thrillers, that sizzle with sexual tension, then you will really enjoy The Penance List.”
‘Cunningham has crafted an epic in proportion novel here. Her characters are sultry and as real as they can get.”
“I found myself snatching it up every chance I could, wanting to see what David would do next.”
“Could not put this down - enjoy reading all her work. Am now desperately waiting for the next one in the series.”
“A riveting unusual storyline that keeps you guessing till the end. Did not want to put this entertaining book down - a must read. I'm impatient for the next one.”
“The book is dark, naughty...sometimes downright nasty. Cunningham will hold your attention to the very end.”
“Be on the lookout for more from this immensely talented rising literary star.”
“It was BRILLIANT, fantastic stuff and can't wait for book two.”
“A really good read preferably in daylight!”
“One minute horrified the next laughing out loud, I finished the book covered in goose bumps.”
“'Have to say the book is fabulous ... genuinely brilliant!” 
“Couldn't put it down - a real page turner.”
“It's in a category all of its own and would make a great film. I look forward to the sequels.”
“Nicely crafted and highly unusual format with all the threads coming together right at the end.”
“Bravo! Cunningham artfully weaves a compelling tapestry of murder, mayhem, and Martinis in her latest work.”
“Delicious and salacious, this novel offers a new twist on the modern romance and the classic psychological thriller.”
“A riveting tale filled with colourful characters, suspenseful sequences, and titillating twists.”
“This reminds me a little of American Psycho only so very much better!”
“I just love it, can't put it down. I really like the way you write.”
“Your writing is bold and delivers the narrative quickly and simply, a compelling read, well-constructed.”
“Vivid descriptions, characterization is perfect, very intuitively observed.”
“An amazing setting and an intriguing plot to go with it.”
“Smooth writing flow, wittiness, effective dialogue and descriptions, an excellent job, a compelling read.”

About THE DAVID TRILOGY

Birth of DAVID character

The Penance List, Unfinished Business, For My Sins (in progress)
Three o’clock one rainy London afternoon, Author S C Cunningham came face to face with a brutal attacker. His modus operandi of targeting women living in basement flats across England put fear into the hearts of a nation. He stalked, raped and terrorised his victims, evading capture for years.
Trapped in a doorway, Cunningham looked into his cold, calm, calculating eyes, his controlled half-smile and saw his pleasure in her fear. She had naively walked into Hell. She escaped unscathed, but the haunting experience raised the question, why? 
What turned a handsome young man into a psychopath? Where did such venom come from? Whilst growing up, did no one notice a killer in the making? Could ‘he’ have been prevented?
The fictional character of DAVID was born… making his debut in Cunningham’s controversial DAVID Trilogy; a thrilling, stylish, sexy and contemporary psychological drama - complex like its protagonist, working its mix of tragedy and comedy on many levels. DAVID follows a young man’s passage from angelic altar boy to disturbed psychotic killer.
Set in glitterati London, the leafy home countries and spectacular Amalfi Coast, you will laugh, cry and search your soul… understand the boy but fear the man.
Cunningham has worked within the celebrity driven worlds of; music, fashion, media and sport, mixed with rock stars, royalty, models, footballers and maverick moguls. She works as a Crime Investigator, and safely crossed the path of a brutal stalker, affording her novels a level of authority and sincerity rare in fiction… listen to your children and trust your gut, evil is but a ‘wrong’ step away.

‘Teacher, leave those kids alone.’ The Wall, Pink Floyd