S.C. Cunningham's Blog: AUTHOR S C Cunningham's BLOG, page 6
July 9, 2018
Guest post for Audio Killed The Book Mark by British psychological thriller author S C Cunningham, her thoughts on working in crime, her writing routine and favourite book
Three questions that people regularly ask are; what’s it like working in crime, what’s my writing routine and what’s my favourite book? Well, here you go.
Crime Work
When not writing thrillers I’m a Police Crime Investigator. Over the years I’ve worked within the Wanted & Absconder Unit, Major Crime Team, Intel Analyst, and Investigations Hub.
The work is a mix of thought provoking, exhausting, soul lifting and heart breaking emotions. Some images never leave you. The wave of crime that Officers protect us all from 24/7 is frightening, but when a victim is given justice it’s heart-warming, worth every second.
Those brave, hardworking men and women (fathers, mothers, sons, daughters) who walk daily into unknown dangerous situations deserve a medal.
I sometimes wish the public knew more of the struggle behind the scenes that they face. But, I’ve signed the Official Secrets Act so am (quite rightly) unable to talk about cases I’ve worked on, so I’ll shut up now. ���
Strangely I’ve found that the two jobs, writing and investigating, help each other. They have a synchronicity, a similar thought process but with a reverse order of events.
Writing crime – creates the characters, builds the storyline, ends with a crime scene and police sirens.
Investigating crime – starts with sirens, assesses a crime scene, unravels the storyline and detects the characters.
My crime work teaches me to be open to hearing both sides of a situation, not everyone arrested is guilty, it’s my job to find and prove the truth. Having an open exploring mind is a good trait when writing.
Writing Routine.
Writing is probably not good for my health. I eat rubbish quick-fix food, get back-ache from sitting too much and become mushroom-like reclusive.
I tend to back out of the world and everything that’s going on around me for days before, emptying my over-zealous mind, to fill it again with another world – that of my current storyline.
On a writing day, I take the dogs for a beach walk, strolling via the back roads to avoid conversations that take me out of the zone. Am sponge-like and easily drawn into chatting with folk; local villagers and dog walkers are a lovely friendly bunch and I can’t resist saying ‘hello’.
On the beach I start the process of thinking about scenes for the day’s writing. My work tends to have complicated spaghetti storylines which I need to be on top of – tough on an old dumb-blonde bird like me. ���
I get home, try to do a few minutes on a rowing machine, then set the scene of my writing room; smelly candles/incense, calming music, good lighting, cosy warmth, nibbley easy-to-pick-at computer food and plenty of drinks.
The dogs, exhausted from their walk, sleep at my feet. It’s nice to have another heart beat in the room, writing can be lonely.
I sit at the computer for between 5 to 8 hours, depending how well it’s going, and then log off with a celebratory glass of vino or a cheeky gin and tonic.
Favourite Book.
That’s easy. Lee Child’s Jack Reacher Series. I adore Reacher, such a wonderful character.
If I was a bloke I’d love to live his simple lifestyle. No baggage, traveling with just a toothbrush and credit card, great intelligence, people skills and the strength of an ox – awesome!
I can’t quite forgive Child for selling out to Tom Cruise – Mr Cruise is lovely am sure, but he’s no Jack Reacher.
I also love the works of Agatha Christie, Martina Cole, Michael Connelly, James Patterson, Patricia Cornwell, Colin Dexter, Harlan Coben, John Grisham, Nora Roberts, Karin Slaughter, David Baldacci.
Thank you for joining us.
Siobhan x
S C Cunningham
The David Trilogy – The Penance List, Unfinished Business, For My Sins (in progress).
The Fallen Angel Series – The Deal, Karma (in progress).
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Amazon Author Page UK
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Amazon Author Page USA
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Purchase Link UK
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Unfinished-B...
Purchase Link USA
https://www.amazon.com/Unfinished-Business-David-Trilogy-Book-ebook/dp/B00B623ABC/
Book Blogger Review of psychological thriller The Penance List by S C Cunningham from Jess Bookish Life
The Penance List
by S C Cunningham
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"This is the first book I read of S. C. Cunningham and it’s the first in her David Trilogy. I must say that when I started reading the book I didn’t know what to expect, I just knew it would be different from anything I had ever read. And I was right.
S. C. Cunningham wrote the book in such a peculiar matter that I couldn’t help myself but loving how dark and mysterious the story was starting to be, and how ‘no-limits’ it was. And I was starting to expect anything to happen.
With intense sensual scenes, suspense and gruesome moments, and the thriller that started to run through my body as I was reading… I can almost guarantee that you will go on an unexpected journey through this psychological thriller.
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Brilliantly crafted, visual and devious, “The Penance List” will get you to experience the story as if you were a part of it. Each characters’ interactions leads to actions that makes the reader anxious for every page, an in the end the grand finale makes you want to grab the next book as fast as you keep.
Book Blogger Review of psychological thriller Unfinished Business by S C Cunningham from Jess Bookish Life
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The Penance List” I immediately grabbed “Unfinished Business“, because I couldn’t wait much longer without knowing what happened next. In this review I won’t get into any details because I want to you guys to go read the first book (if you haven’t read it already) and the second book.
David is now behind bars, and if you read the first book you know why. And while I was reading the book I was always expecting something to happen. Maybe because S. C. Cunningham’s writing style is so engaging and you feel like you are in the book, living all those scenes with the characters. And that’s just means the writing style, storyline and characters create a connection with us.
I think it’s very important is character development. And you can see that in this book. You get to see the effects that the events in book one had in Tara. Plus you get deeper into David’s mind.
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You really do get stuck in this vortex of events and darkness and instead of coming out, you just dive in more and want to know what’s going to happen next. We get to know even more about his past and the thing is, I can’t help but feel sorry for him even though I know what he did in the present.
Still his twisted mind as a way of captivating me while I read about him and his thoughts. Captivate because I’m trying really hard to figure him out. To figure out what is true and what he really wants in the bottom of heart. So the story is engaging in a weird way for me.
S. C. Cunningham is capable of giving us enough light and fun moments for us to be able to just keep reading and balancing the strong subjects. And I’m talking about dark subjects, because she could go really dark with some subjects, I’m talking about sad, strong, infuriating subjects, like child abuse for example. When I read about books with subjects like that it always breaks my heart. The fact that the author could balance the amount of information dark and light is fantastic and just perfect.
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I think I needed this genre and the way it is presented to just cleanse my mind and just get out of my comfort zone.
July 8, 2018
5 Star book review for psychological thriller The Penance List by British Author S C Cunningham by Book Blogger, Sinfully Wicked Book Reviews
If you have not read the first book, you may want to stop now as I will be referencing some details from the first book.
Ok ready? Here goes.
David is safely behind bars where he belongs after kidnapping Tara Warr and holding her captive in his lair. Unfortunately for Tara, her time in captivity really took a toll on her. She could not stop thinking about David and what he had done to her. She still craves him even after a year has gone by. She can’t seem to stop the feelings she has for him and wants to get on with her life, so Tara decides to visit him in prison hoping it will bring her the closure she needs. She wants to take back control of her life and be normal for a change. Only, closure never comes and she finds herself still attracted and wanting David as much as she hates to admit it.
David has plans of his own though and Tara is included in them. He fancies himself in love with Tara even though he wants to kill her. So, he devises his own plan of escaping the prison he finds himself in and finally finishing off what he started.
Will Tara ever be free of David?
Unfinished Business takes everything that I loved from the first book in the trilogy and steps it up a notch. Cunningham surely delivers weaving a blend of darkness and light into her stories. She takes some heavy subject matter such as child sexual abuse and while she could keep the story dark, she inserts lighter moments between Tara and her friends. We learn more about David and his past abuse and we can’t help but feel sorry for him for all that he endured as a young boy. His experiences created the monster that he is today. Although David is a monster, I could still see that in his own sick and twisted way he really does care and love Tara minus the “wanting to kill her part.”
Unfinished Business really breaks through sexual barriers with boy on boy action, girl on girl and straight hetero sexual encounters. It is like a sexual no holds barred awakening with intense scenes and dirty talk that will make even the most open minded person blush and squirm. I freakin loved it!
If you love a good psychological suspense, witty banter, and shockingly honest sexual encounters that put most erotica to shame then you will LOVE Unfinished Business just as much as I did. This is a series that should not be missed. S.C. Cunningham is a skilled writer that gets all up in your face with the shock factor and does it with a style and flare that not many can accomplish.
May 25, 2018
Author S C Cunningham hosts an AuthorsAMA AskMeAnything session
"We got out of Daddy's car and looked out over an ocean of uncontrollable flesh."
The English teacher creased up with laughter. I wasn't sure why, but I learned that day that words could make someone smile ����
The Penance List has been adapted to film screenplay, it's currently on a desk in LA somewhere and has been given this very kind review ; '
'The Penance List S I Z Z L E S! An erotic, neurotic, sensual vision that’s rather stunning. Congratulations.'
It's been suggested that the Fallen Angel Series books would create good three-parter TV series. Am open to both. But with the way TV series are film quality shoots these days and the speed with which they are created, with less chefs involved, I'm erring on the side of TV series.
Having an understanding daughter, and fun-loving, exercise-needing, cuddlesome dogs
Age - 18 to 88 yrs
Sex - 55% Male / 45% Female
Geographic - 60% USA / 35% UK / 5% Rest of World
Genre - Thriller / Romance / Murder Mystry / Paranormal / Suspense
When writing I'm targeting my own entertainment and that of my friends. I imagine them lying on a beach, on a sofa or travelling, Ensconced in the book, gasping out loud or giggling to themselves. Then turning to the final page wanting more.
Having worked in the music to film industry, I also write with film in mind. The scenes have to be visually tempting to target film directors/producers/cast/financiers.
The David Trilogy is here.
The real life experience that sowed the seed for The Fallen Angel Series is here.
I create storylines, thats my thing. Sadly gramma and spelling are not my strong point. I always say... 'but thats what editors are for, I'm not gonna do them out of a job'. :-)
Editors are an important part or your Author Family, if you can afford it go for it. I talk more about my Author Family here.
So in a nutshell, no, my bad grammar has not stopped me, it's what an editor is for.
Go forth and shine, create great storylines, thats what writing is about, not darn typo's. :-)
).
Suggestions are - The Protagonist or Antagonists name, or job title. The setting. A hook/question. Quote from a poem, song title, the bible, nursery rhymes, the classics, famous speeches - always check copyright.
If needed change it up a bit by adding a verb or adjective.
Once you've thought of a name/names, research the net to see if any other books/films/connotations are out there.
You only get a few seconds to demand a potential readers interest. Names and Covers are their first point of contact, make them outstanding.
hmmm, what would Jack and Amy do in a situation like this?'
Am old, luckily my work history helps give fodder to keep things authentic. Anything that I'm itching to write about I chuck at Jack and Amy and see how they handle it. Giving me a fist-punching 'Yes, back atchya!,' to the baddies.
The Penance List and here for The Deal, but the most important was one of the first written by an Author I didnt know, it gave me courage early on to keep going, am SO grateful;
'A hard-hitting, forceful narrative that is about as powerful as anything I've seen, writing doesn't get much better than this. This book is hard to ignore and damn near impossible to stop reading.'
Having worked in the music to film industry, I write with film in mind. The Penance List has been adapted to film screenplay. At this stage only a few have read it. The first of which quoted;
'The Penance List S I Z Z L E S! An erotic, neurotic, sensual vision that’s rather stunning. Congratulations.'
Thank you, thank you, thank you. x
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Book Review by Nom de Plume Books, 'The Deal', 5 Stars
"If I died and went to Hell, the Devil would sit me down and read me every typo I’ve ever made. Gag! Talk about a living nightmare!
Let’s just pray I’m lucky enough to go to heaven and be a BALLER like Amy Fox as she gets sweet succulent revenge on all the people who abused her.
At the start of The Deal, we are immediately thrust into the action. We are inside a prison where a conniving criminal wants to exchange cells. YaaaaNO. Pretty soon he’ll start asking for t-bone steaks and use the bones to go HAM on other prisoners like Gerald Butler in Law Abiding Citizen.
Why did it feel as if someone was watching her?
Someone is always watching, sweetheart.
Eight years later we are introduced to Amy Fox. She is an adult and very much alive when we first meet her, but not for long. There are many ways to die but my top three worst ways to go to heaven are as follows: being burnt alive, inhaling ammonia (which burns your lungs and your body instinctively sends water there—like a blister—and essentially drowns you), and lastly, getting hit by a train.
One of these happens to Amy. Hey, she’s gotta get to heaven somehow!
Let me just warn you all now: The Deal is incredibly raw and explores dark themes of human trafficking and abuse. I don’t know how SC Cunningham did it, but Amy Fox brings balance to the plot with her humor and lightheartedness.
Except she’s not very lighthearted when it comes to getting revenge on the man who raped her when she was four. Yes, four.
Is getting revenge at the expense of others worth it, though? To Amy, it kind of is….
You’re probably asking yourself right about now, “Where is the romance NDP?”
Entering: Jack.
Le sigh. Let’s talk about Jack for a minute before we analyze the plot. HELLO HOTTIE! Jack is Amy’s “new” partner. I say “new” because he may be a stranger to her, but she is no stranger to him.
You became my obsession… all the time. Think more, a bodyguard that you didn’t have to pay.
Umm. Can I be your obsession?
Now our protective Jack is concerned Amy is going to be consumed by revenge (too late) but now they’ve got their feelings intermingled into this mess of avenging and justice. Something has got to give, and I’m afraid that Amy is going to choose revenge over love.
Why wouldn’t she?
SC Cunningham sent me on a vivid acrobatic journey replaying Amy’s past at the right intervals. The text is detailed, flawless, and wonderful. The puzzle pieces all started to line up as I followed Amy through her transformation and inevitably towards her happily ever after. The Deal is so descriptive I felt as if I was reading line for line an investigative report. There is quite a bit of dialogue which I don’t typically enjoy, but it all had a purpose, propelling the characters and developing them through actions.
The Deal is blissfully raw and absolutely perfect. for days.
(And let’s not forget to mention that this book is absolutely typo-free. Devil ain’t got nothin’ on this book.)"
BOOK REVIEW with Nom de Plume Books
Purchase The Deal
May 14, 2018
May 13, 2018
FILM SHORT - British Crime Author S C Cunningham talks about why she created her paranormal crime thriller 'The Fallen Angel Series.'
The Deal is blissfully raw and absolutely perfect. ��������������� for days.”
“The Deal is completely different from anything I have ever read; it is an outstanding book that covers many issues in an ethereal but definitely punchy way. Step out of your comfort zone and try it - you won't be disappointed.”
“What a surprising book; I enjoyed it a lot more than I expected to which gives it a big thumbs up from me. I knew it was going to be something a bit different when I started it and it certainly is, but it also managed to hold my interest throughout as I really got to know the amazing characters.”
“It got me! It's been a very long time since I have read a book that I, A. Couldn't put down and B. I didn't want it to end! Can't wait for the next in the series"
“A new take on guardian angels combined with a thriller. A fun read. I enjoyed all the characters too. Looking forward to reading more in the series.”
“It has a delicious dark undertone, but it’s very contemporary and fresh. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever read before!”
"The plots in this book intertwine and twist and turn on many levels simultaneously, it's addictive.”
“S.C. Cunningham has taken some popular beliefs and created an outstanding story.”
“I loved the fact that even in the afterlife, Amy and Jack have their insecurities. They are clearly made for each other but each is frightened to make the first move, then Jack's wife arrives - cue the Eastenders dramatic theme tune. I'm not going to say anymore about the story as there are twists and turns that left me wide-eyed with surprise.”
"Fab read. Very enjoyable and original story. Author also links in the main character from her other books. Lovely idea and the doors have been left open for a sequel which I can't wait for."
"Hard to put down - a must read that keeps you guessing."
“Could not put this down - enjoy reading all her work. Am now desperately waiting for the next one in the series.”
“S C Cunningham sent me on a vivid acrobatic journey replaying Amy's past at the right intervals. The text is detailed, flawless, and wonderful. The puzzle pieces all started to line up as I followed Amy through her transformation and inevitably towards her happily ever after. The Deal is so descriptive I felt as if I was reading line for line an investigative report. The Deal is blissfully raw and absolutely perfect. ��������������� for days.”
“A riveting unusual story-line 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.”
“Very enjoyable and original story. Author also links in the main character from her other books. Lovely idea and the doors have been left open for a sequel which I can't wait for.”
"Brilliantly written I loved this book. Such insight and passion!!!"
"Interesting concept. This started off interesting with Guardian Angels in heaven making up an organization to help right the evils in the world. Like a very complex, sophisticated MI5. It definitely put a different spin on the afterlife.”
"Different take on things."
"This is an engaging story exploring the serious and timely issue of human trafficking with enough light-hearted relief and balance to keep the reader engaged in a "heavenly" world where angels work tirelessly, ridding and thwarting the earth of evil people. With all the twists and unpredictable surprises, this book will keep the reader turning the pages until the end, and beyond...to see what trouble Amy Fox can stir up in Unit 9's next crime fighting endeavours. This is a quick read and will have the reader wishing true Fallen Angels busily work in the background. The characters are ethereally real and delightful."
“The premise itself is wonderful: fallen angels exacting instant karma on unsuspecting criminals – yes please! Sign me up for this deal, right now!”
“The writing is excellent, some graphic scenes, amazing characters and the story is brilliant. Leads nicely on to a sequel.”
“Avenging angels aren’t a new story, but SC Cunningham’s The Deal delivers a fresh spin with a grittier, edgy feel.”
“What a surprising book, a big thumbs up from me. I knew it was going to be something a bit different when I started it and it certainly is, amazing characters.”
“The Deal is completely different from anything I have ever read; it is an outstanding book that covers many issues in an ethereal but definitely punchy way. Step out of your comfort zone and try it - you won't be disappointed.”
“S C Cunningham has taken some popular beliefs and created an outstanding story. There are so many people who believe that finding a white feather means that they have been visited by a loved one or angel.”
“The pace was really good with the momentum being kept throughout giving the reader a very dark and twisty tale!”
“The Deal is not for the faint of heart. It shows the worst of some of the worst, but excellent writing keeps the violence in its proper perspective and keeps the reader swiping pages. The ending made me smile… and exhale, but also made me aware this wild ride is just getting started. It’s a ride I wholeheartedly recommend!”
“I loved the theme of the story and although this super team are there to bring justice for the victims, they really are no Angels the way they go about it. They dish quite a bit of revenge out themselves in the form of violence rather than forgiveness. It really is an all action story with re-caps into the former lives of The Unit, as to what deal they each made that brought them all together. “
“Oh my... Part paranormal romance, part mystery thriller The Deal is sure to be a hit with fans of both dramas. With enough action and suspense to keep it interesting, sprinkled with steamy scenes, and topped off with a final reveal, the book was a fast read.”
“This is the first time I have read this genre before and wow, this was a lot darker book than I was expecting! Amy and her team deal with the worst of the worst, murderers, paedophiles and rapists to name a few. I really liked Amy. She’s headstrong, rebellious and a little damaged after her childhood trauma and the chemistry between her and Jack was fantastic. Another one of my favourite characters was Pyke, a computer hacker, and a bit of a sweetheart who’s mission in his afterlife was to punish drug dealing scum. There was also some tremendous villains that I guarantee will turn your stomach.”
“A good start a series and I’m looking forward to see what happens next.”
“This is a pretty cool story with extremely serious under tones. It deals with a whole bundle of moral issues where humans seem to delight in vile practices. There is a budding love story going on too with Jack (also in the Unit) and Amy. This is going to make a very fascinating series to follow.”
“The premise really caught my attention, wouldn't it be great if there were people righting the wrongs and pursuing anyone who had committed terrible crimes. There were a few twists that I didn't see coming and these made for a really interesting story.”
“I enjoyed the way the Unit went about their work especially Amy who's character has been through so much but came out the other side determined to deal with the people who commit evil acts. Then add in Jack to the mix which creates a fiery and unpredictable combination along with a hint of romance.”
“The writing is excellent, some graphic scenes, amazing characters and the story is brilliant. Leads nicely on to a sequel.”
“S C Cunningham has taken some popular beliefs and created an outstanding story. There are so many people who believe that finding a white feather means that they have been visited by a loved one or angel.”
“The pace was really good with the momentum being kept throughout giving the reader a very dark and twisty tale!”
“I enjoyed the way the Unit went about their work especially Amy who's character has been through so much but came out the other side determined to deal with the people who commit evil acts. Then add in Jack to the mix which creates a fiery and unpredictable combination along with a hint of romance.”
“There are a lot of dark, dark things in this book. You'd expect to be told about gruesome crimes these unique angels fight. What I did not expect was the vivid detail. The story is unique and there is justice dispensed throughout.”
“Amy Fox is a great protagonist. She is far from perfect, but I love the fact she’s unapologetic… there’s a reason for her ‘flaw’ and she needs to be ‘fixed’. Whatever. Amy is still learning the craft of keeping mortals safe, but she won’t apologize for being a bit heavy-handed.”
“With so many twists and turns I did enjoy this book, I can’t wait to see what the next instalment brings, as this definitely kept me on the edge of my seat. I definitely recommend it.”
“This is a dark story with very realistic descriptions. I love The Unit and everything they stand for. Amy quickly fits in and becomes a killer woman fighting to protect the innocent. I also enjoyed the romance aspect between Jack and Amy. This is a great story and one that I recommend checking out. I’m excited to see what SC Cunningham comes up with for book 2.”
“Amy and Jack are pretty impressive characters, and the story itself flowed quickly.”
“I found the whole concept of the story immensely interesting. I would love to think that there was some supernatural police force out there dishing out karma to bullies and bad guys and watching over the most vulnerable in our society.”
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