MaryAnn Bernal's Blog, page 345
December 2, 2013
BEARDED SCRUTINY: EPISODE 52 - THE VENGEANCE TRILOGY
BEARDED SCRUTINY: EPISODE 52 - THE VENGEANCE TRILOGY: SHOW SYNOPSIS: This week the team dives into Park Chan-wook's Vengeance Trilogy, featuring Sympathy for Mr. Vengeance, Oldboy, and ...
Author Spotlight: Mark Barry - The Book Rack
Author Spotlight: Mark Barry - The Book Rack
Author Spotlight: Mark Barry
I would like to take a moment to thank Mary Ann Bernal, author, blogger, and all around world's bestest buddy for this wonderful guest post. I've been really busy lately and it was super nice of her to take time form her insanely busy schedule to interview Mark Barry and share it with us.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m a writer, first and foremost, and live in the Midlands of the UK, in the middle of Sherwood Forest. I love horse racing, Notts County FC, heavy metal and my family. I have a sixteen-year old-son, Matt. I’ve written six books. When I grow up, I want to be a pub singer called Mike Champagne.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
Definitely not when I was a kid! I was a reader then and didn’t even write a diary. Too busy playing. I wrote my first novel when I was twenty, to see whether I could do it - only for it to be totally panned by a friend of mine, so with the exception of several porn stories I sold to “Knave” magazine in 1986, I didn’t write again for another twenty three years.
What made you choose to write in the thriller genre and where did the ideas come from for The Ritual?
Massive horror novel fan when I was young. Wheatley, King, Straub, Herbert (RIP), Sharman, Campbell Tryon all those great writers monopolised my reading time. Then, I stopped, roughly about the time of Clive Barker’s “Books of Blood”. I read one of those and thought, nah, this is bollocks (I’m not a Barker fan at all), and stopped reading the genre.
I wrote The Ritual in a fit of nostalgia during the writing binge, which fuelled Green Wizard Publishing. I guess I was laying the ghosts of that first critically panned novel to rest, if we’re getting Jungian about things! I even included one of the characters from that first novel in The Ritual.
With regards to The Ritual, did you work with an outline, or just write?
Unless you count my 24-hour internal plot meetings (I become obsessed with a book), I’m the ultimate pantser. Never written a plot outline in my life. I also write things out of order, which some writers don’t understand. The Ritual, whose ending has pissed off many people, is based on a famous old horror film and that came first: I knew the ending before I knew the beginning.
Your company, Green Wizard Publishing, has recently published an anthology. What can you tell us about Reality Bites?
Reality Bites is twelve authors strutting their stuff on the subject of Hope from Despair. The writing is top notch and there are twelve top short stories. Death, recovery from domestic abuse, rape, grieving, child abuse and horrific food addiction are just some of the topics.
If you had to sum Reality Bites up in 30 or less words, what would you say?
Reality writing – fiction, “faction” and life representation – of the highest order written by some of the most talented independently published authors operating today.
Where can fans of Mark Barry find out more?
Author Database: http://www.authorsdb.com/authors-directory/1438-mark-barry
Green Wizard Publishing (Facebook)
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Green-Wizard-Publishing/351826461533731?ref=hl
Twitter Handle: @greenwizard62
Green Wizard Blog
http://greenwizardcarla.blogspot.co.uk/
Amazon Links:
US
http://www.amazon.com/Mark-Barry/e/B008479RWI/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1
UK
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mark-Barry/e/B008479RWI/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1
Author Spotlight: Mark Barry
I would like to take a moment to thank Mary Ann Bernal, author, blogger, and all around world's bestest buddy for this wonderful guest post. I've been really busy lately and it was super nice of her to take time form her insanely busy schedule to interview Mark Barry and share it with us.Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m a writer, first and foremost, and live in the Midlands of the UK, in the middle of Sherwood Forest. I love horse racing, Notts County FC, heavy metal and my family. I have a sixteen-year old-son, Matt. I’ve written six books. When I grow up, I want to be a pub singer called Mike Champagne.
When did you first realize you wanted to be a writer?
Definitely not when I was a kid! I was a reader then and didn’t even write a diary. Too busy playing. I wrote my first novel when I was twenty, to see whether I could do it - only for it to be totally panned by a friend of mine, so with the exception of several porn stories I sold to “Knave” magazine in 1986, I didn’t write again for another twenty three years.
What made you choose to write in the thriller genre and where did the ideas come from for The Ritual?
Massive horror novel fan when I was young. Wheatley, King, Straub, Herbert (RIP), Sharman, Campbell Tryon all those great writers monopolised my reading time. Then, I stopped, roughly about the time of Clive Barker’s “Books of Blood”. I read one of those and thought, nah, this is bollocks (I’m not a Barker fan at all), and stopped reading the genre.
I wrote The Ritual in a fit of nostalgia during the writing binge, which fuelled Green Wizard Publishing. I guess I was laying the ghosts of that first critically panned novel to rest, if we’re getting Jungian about things! I even included one of the characters from that first novel in The Ritual.
With regards to The Ritual, did you work with an outline, or just write?
Unless you count my 24-hour internal plot meetings (I become obsessed with a book), I’m the ultimate pantser. Never written a plot outline in my life. I also write things out of order, which some writers don’t understand. The Ritual, whose ending has pissed off many people, is based on a famous old horror film and that came first: I knew the ending before I knew the beginning.
Your company, Green Wizard Publishing, has recently published an anthology. What can you tell us about Reality Bites?
Reality Bites is twelve authors strutting their stuff on the subject of Hope from Despair. The writing is top notch and there are twelve top short stories. Death, recovery from domestic abuse, rape, grieving, child abuse and horrific food addiction are just some of the topics.
If you had to sum Reality Bites up in 30 or less words, what would you say?
Reality writing – fiction, “faction” and life representation – of the highest order written by some of the most talented independently published authors operating today.
Where can fans of Mark Barry find out more?
Author Database: http://www.authorsdb.com/authors-directory/1438-mark-barry
Green Wizard Publishing (Facebook)
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Green-Wizard-Publishing/351826461533731?ref=hl
Twitter Handle: @greenwizard62
Green Wizard Blog
http://greenwizardcarla.blogspot.co.uk/
Amazon Links:
US
http://www.amazon.com/Mark-Barry/e/B008479RWI/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1
UK
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mark-Barry/e/B008479RWI/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1
Snippet from Journey to Freedom by K Meador
Snippet Sunday December 1st 2013
Snippet from Journey to Freedom
It was dawn as the Cherokee tribe prepared to leave their home. A place the white men called Georgia, and they were being moved to a new place called Oklahoma. His father, the Chief, was married to a black woman. The battle waged inside him as the two heritages collided. All his life he had learned of the Indian ways as well as the white men’s ways. He was ten years old and for the first time he was about to disobey his father’s command. He was not going to Oklahoma with them. He was not going to leave the only place he had known. He spit on the ground and stared angrily at the creek as it flowed by oblivious to the tormented kid.
http://inthemidst-km.blogspot.com/2013/12/snippet-sunday-december-1st-2013.html
Snippet from Journey to Freedom
It was dawn as the Cherokee tribe prepared to leave their home. A place the white men called Georgia, and they were being moved to a new place called Oklahoma. His father, the Chief, was married to a black woman. The battle waged inside him as the two heritages collided. All his life he had learned of the Indian ways as well as the white men’s ways. He was ten years old and for the first time he was about to disobey his father’s command. He was not going to Oklahoma with them. He was not going to leave the only place he had known. He spit on the ground and stared angrily at the creek as it flowed by oblivious to the tormented kid.
http://inthemidst-km.blogspot.com/2013/12/snippet-sunday-december-1st-2013.html
The Phil Naessens Show 12-2-2013 Fantasy Basketball Surprises and Disappointments
http://phillipnaessens.wordpress.com/2013/12/02/the-phil-naessens-show-12-2-2013-fantasy-basketball-surprises-and-disappointments/
On today’s Phil Naessens Show Tom Lewis, J.R. Wilco and Joe Mullinax join me for a fun NBA and Fantasy Basketball show! Segment 1: Indy Cornrows Managing Editor Tom Lewis joins Phil to discuss Sunday’s 105-100 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers and preview Monday’s game with Portland plus much more Segment 2: Pounding the Rock Managing Editor J.R. Wilco joins Phil to discuss the San Antonio Spurs bench and helps us understand the rotations the Spurs use. Segment 3: Grizzly Bear Blues contributor Joe Mullinax and Phil discuss their Fantasy Basketball surprises and disappointments after the first five weeks of the season plus much more
On today’s Phil Naessens Show Tom Lewis, J.R. Wilco and Joe Mullinax join me for a fun NBA and Fantasy Basketball show! Segment 1: Indy Cornrows Managing Editor Tom Lewis joins Phil to discuss Sunday’s 105-100 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers and preview Monday’s game with Portland plus much more Segment 2: Pounding the Rock Managing Editor J.R. Wilco joins Phil to discuss the San Antonio Spurs bench and helps us understand the rotations the Spurs use. Segment 3: Grizzly Bear Blues contributor Joe Mullinax and Phil discuss their Fantasy Basketball surprises and disappointments after the first five weeks of the season plus much more
History Trivia - St. Paul's Cathedral opens in London
December 2
537 Pope Saint Silverius died. When Silverius refused to restore Anthimus as Patriarch of Constantinople, Empress Theodora ordered him deposed. He was banished and died on the island of Palmaria, allegedly murdered or starved to death.
1409 The University of Leipzig was founded by Frederick I, Elector of Saxony and his brother William II, Margrave of Meissen, and originally comprised four faculties. Since its inception the university has enjoyed over 600 years of uninterrupted teaching and research.
1697 St Paul's Cathedral opened in London.
537 Pope Saint Silverius died. When Silverius refused to restore Anthimus as Patriarch of Constantinople, Empress Theodora ordered him deposed. He was banished and died on the island of Palmaria, allegedly murdered or starved to death.
1409 The University of Leipzig was founded by Frederick I, Elector of Saxony and his brother William II, Margrave of Meissen, and originally comprised four faculties. Since its inception the university has enjoyed over 600 years of uninterrupted teaching and research.
1697 St Paul's Cathedral opened in London.
December 1, 2013
Margaret Arvanitis books are now available at Canyon Way Restaurant and Book Store
The bookstore is open from 10 a.m. to 5 pm Monday through Thursday, til 8 p.m.on Friday, and 11.30 a.m. til 3 p.m. on Saturday. We are closed on Sunday.
Canyon Way Bookstore & Restaurant
1216 SW Canyon Way
Newport, OR 97365
Canyon Way Restaurant and Book Store - http://canyonway.com/
The Wizard of Notts recommends: The Bournemouth Pavilion Festive Gift Fair Saturday 30 November – Sunday 1 December 2013
Elisabeth Marrion is representing The Writers Room at the event - stop by and say hello.
Attracting more than 2,500 visitors each year and bringing plenty of Christmas cheer, The Bournemouth Pavilion Festive Gift Fair is returning to the Pavilion Ballroom this festive season showcasing crafts, entertainment and of course Mr and Mrs Christmas!Unusual and unique festive gifts will be exhibited and available for purchase over the two day show, on Saturday 30 November and Sunday 1 December 2013.Sarah Stainer, Conference and Exhibitions Manager said, “The Bournemouth Pavilion Festive Gift Fair is an increasingly popular event that attracts visitors and local residents of all ages. The fair provides a superb opportunity for local and regional small businesses and craft lovers to showcase their products to Bournemouth buyers in the run up to Christmas.”Alongside the exciting array of exhibitors, Mr and Mrs Christmas will also be in attendance, plus a face painter, balloon twister and a colouring corner to keep the children entertained. Tickets are on sale now. Call the BH Live Tickets on 0844 576 3000*, book online at www.bic.co.uk or visit the BIC or Bournemouth Pavilion Ticket Office in person. Groups 10+ 01202 451865.Event: The Bournemouth Pavilion Festive Gift Fair
Venue: Bournemouth Pavilion Ballroom
Date(s): Saturday 30 November – Sunday 1 December 2013
Time(s): Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 11am-4pm
Tickets: £2, 2-FOR-1 tickets available, U14s FREE http://www.bournemouthchamber.org.uk/events/events/eventdetail/927/-/the-bournemouth-pavilion-festive-gift-fair
Attracting more than 2,500 visitors each year and bringing plenty of Christmas cheer, The Bournemouth Pavilion Festive Gift Fair is returning to the Pavilion Ballroom this festive season showcasing crafts, entertainment and of course Mr and Mrs Christmas!Unusual and unique festive gifts will be exhibited and available for purchase over the two day show, on Saturday 30 November and Sunday 1 December 2013.Sarah Stainer, Conference and Exhibitions Manager said, “The Bournemouth Pavilion Festive Gift Fair is an increasingly popular event that attracts visitors and local residents of all ages. The fair provides a superb opportunity for local and regional small businesses and craft lovers to showcase their products to Bournemouth buyers in the run up to Christmas.”Alongside the exciting array of exhibitors, Mr and Mrs Christmas will also be in attendance, plus a face painter, balloon twister and a colouring corner to keep the children entertained. Tickets are on sale now. Call the BH Live Tickets on 0844 576 3000*, book online at www.bic.co.uk or visit the BIC or Bournemouth Pavilion Ticket Office in person. Groups 10+ 01202 451865.Event: The Bournemouth Pavilion Festive Gift Fair
Venue: Bournemouth Pavilion Ballroom
Date(s): Saturday 30 November – Sunday 1 December 2013
Time(s): Saturday 10am-5pm, Sunday 11am-4pm
Tickets: £2, 2-FOR-1 tickets available, U14s FREE http://www.bournemouthchamber.org.uk/events/events/eventdetail/927/-/the-bournemouth-pavilion-festive-gift-fair
History Trivia - Stephen of Blois takes the crown of England
December 1
The Festival of Juno occurred on this day.
193 Pertinax became emperor.
1135 Henry I of England died and the crown was passed to his nephew Stephen of Blois instead of his daughter Matilda , which resulted in civil war (the Anarchy). The dispute was settled when Stephen named Matilda's son Henry Plantagenet as his heir.
1170 Becket returned to Canterbury. After establishing an uneasy reconciliation with Henry II, the Archbishop returned to his See, ending a six-year-long self-imposed exile.
1420 Henry V of England entered Paris.
1653 An athlete from Croydon is reported to have run 20 miles from St Albans to London in less than 90 minutes.
The Festival of Juno occurred on this day.
193 Pertinax became emperor.
1135 Henry I of England died and the crown was passed to his nephew Stephen of Blois instead of his daughter Matilda , which resulted in civil war (the Anarchy). The dispute was settled when Stephen named Matilda's son Henry Plantagenet as his heir.
1170 Becket returned to Canterbury. After establishing an uneasy reconciliation with Henry II, the Archbishop returned to his See, ending a six-year-long self-imposed exile.
1420 Henry V of England entered Paris.
1653 An athlete from Croydon is reported to have run 20 miles from St Albans to London in less than 90 minutes.
November 30, 2013
Battle for Richard III reburial site on hold as high court case is adjourned
http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2013/nov/26/richard-iii-reburial-site-court-leicester-bones
Battle for Richard III reburial site on hold as high court case is adjournedJudicial review hearing delay as Leicester council becomes party to case involving Plantagenet Alliance on resting place for bones James Meikle theguardian.com, Tuesday 26 November 2013 10.11 EST Richard III, who was killed at Bosworth in 1485. The dispute between Leicester and York means his new burial site may not be decided by next August. Photograph: Leicester cathedral/EPARichard III's remains may be in search of a home for a while longer after a high court case was adjourned amid anger and disappointment in London.
Leicester city council's claim that it has a key role in deciding where the last Plantagenet king of England should be interred or buried could mean that the hopes of Leicester University and the city's cathedral for placing his skeleton in a new tomb by next August will be dashed.
The council was an interested party in the proceedings, and on Tuesday lawyers for the local authority said it was prepared to launch its own consultation.
Lawyers for the Plantagenet Alliance, members of which claim to be descendants of the king, successfully argued that the authority should be a third defendant in the case they are conducting against the Ministry of Justice and the city's university over the way they have handled the legal process that facilitated the dig for Richard's body and then the decision on its reburial.
No new hearing will be possible before the new year. The alliance argues that the ministry, which granted an exhumation licence, and Leicester University, did not consult widely on the issue of where the king should be laid to rest; York and other places could be options, they say.
The failure to take into account relatives' wishes or the king's "own preferences" had breached their human rights, the alliance claimed.
The university and cathedral authorities said after the judicial review hearing had broken up that they were disappointed at the delays.
The authorities, which said they had followed due legal process, would not be drawn on whether they would still consider leaving the decision on Richard's remains to an independent panel of experts .
The university may yet face a decision on whether it will have to apply for an extension of the exhumation licence. Any consideration of changes to the cathedral to accommodate the body of the king are already on hold because of the case.
Matthew Howarth, of the Yorkshire law firm Gordons, which is representing the alliance, said the council's actions meant there would inevitably be delays. "We are not going to finish by August next year."
Battle for Richard III reburial site on hold as high court case is adjournedJudicial review hearing delay as Leicester council becomes party to case involving Plantagenet Alliance on resting place for bones James Meikle theguardian.com, Tuesday 26 November 2013 10.11 EST Richard III, who was killed at Bosworth in 1485. The dispute between Leicester and York means his new burial site may not be decided by next August. Photograph: Leicester cathedral/EPARichard III's remains may be in search of a home for a while longer after a high court case was adjourned amid anger and disappointment in London.Leicester city council's claim that it has a key role in deciding where the last Plantagenet king of England should be interred or buried could mean that the hopes of Leicester University and the city's cathedral for placing his skeleton in a new tomb by next August will be dashed.
The council was an interested party in the proceedings, and on Tuesday lawyers for the local authority said it was prepared to launch its own consultation.
Lawyers for the Plantagenet Alliance, members of which claim to be descendants of the king, successfully argued that the authority should be a third defendant in the case they are conducting against the Ministry of Justice and the city's university over the way they have handled the legal process that facilitated the dig for Richard's body and then the decision on its reburial.
No new hearing will be possible before the new year. The alliance argues that the ministry, which granted an exhumation licence, and Leicester University, did not consult widely on the issue of where the king should be laid to rest; York and other places could be options, they say.
The failure to take into account relatives' wishes or the king's "own preferences" had breached their human rights, the alliance claimed.
The university and cathedral authorities said after the judicial review hearing had broken up that they were disappointed at the delays.
The authorities, which said they had followed due legal process, would not be drawn on whether they would still consider leaving the decision on Richard's remains to an independent panel of experts .
The university may yet face a decision on whether it will have to apply for an extension of the exhumation licence. Any consideration of changes to the cathedral to accommodate the body of the king are already on hold because of the case.
Matthew Howarth, of the Yorkshire law firm Gordons, which is representing the alliance, said the council's actions meant there would inevitably be delays. "We are not going to finish by August next year."
