Suzy Davies's Blog: Book News, page 2
December 4, 2023
Author Spotlight: An Audience with Francis H. Powell.
Today, we are going to hear about Francis. H. Powell's work, and his new children's book.
How did you decide to become a children's author? Did any person influence your decision?
I have a son who is now 10. I mostly wanted to write stories for him.
Who is your favorite children's book character and why?
Roald Dahl, I love his quirky stories.
If you could meet any children's author alive today, who would it be?
Somebody who could give me tips on how to approve my stories.
Describe your writing style. What writers, if any, have influenced the way you write.
I like to come up with unusual characters, a few wicked characters, putting them in an adventure, with strange happenings along the way.
Do you like marketing your book on social media? Why/Why not?
It's not that I like it, but it is a necessity.
Do you think modern-day children's authors are as good as those of yesteryear?
This is a tough question. It was a different situation in the past, maybe children had a different mentality. Some yesteryear author's work still resonates today. My son still likes films and books I knew in my childhood. A lot of the yesteryears stories are far better then Peppa Pig!
Name your top five children's books that you have read. What stands out about them?
My childhood is a long time ago, but recently I have read Percy Jackson to my son, which I thought was good. I read him the Hobbit, which I thought was great, but Lord of the Rings, a bit to much detail. I have read all the Roald Dahl books to him which were great.
How do you get material/do research for your books?
As a writer I do research on the internet, for example recently I have been looking up Victorian Christmases and traditions.
Would you say you plan your stories or do you just let them flow?
A bit of both. My stories involve twists and turns. It is a bit like putting a jigsaw together.
When you finish writing a book do you feel happy or sad? Why?
A bit apprehensive, will people like it?
Are you addicted to writing?
I do other things, like painting and music.
What books are on your reading list now? Do you read outside your genre?
I am part of a book club, so we chose a different book every month. The books are outside my genre often.
Do you have a writing mentor, or someone you turn to for advice if you have questions about writing?
No, but I am part of a creative writing group.
What plans, if any, do you have for your next book?
I hope it gets accepted, to be published.
In the long term, what ambitions do you have as a writer?
To have a book read by many people and acknowledged would be great.
What advice would you give to someone just beginning to write?
It can be a hard road, but keep going.
How do you get inspired to write your books?
Different ways, a drawing by my son inspired The Fish King and the Two Wise Ghosts.
What if anything, is your biggest challenge?
Reaching lots of people.
If you could visit any country in the world, which one would you choose?
I quite fancy Japan.
What kinds of settings are in your children's books? Do you imagine them or do they come from your own experiences in the real world?
The Fish King is set under the sea, in a castle, but in the second part the prince visits lots of different places.
Where can we find you and your books?
On Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
It's really refreshing to hear from another fellow author who wants to reach more people. My best wishes, and let's hope this author interview helps you get under the spotlight!
How did you decide to become a children's author? Did any person influence your decision?
I have a son who is now 10. I mostly wanted to write stories for him.
Who is your favorite children's book character and why?
Roald Dahl, I love his quirky stories.
If you could meet any children's author alive today, who would it be?
Somebody who could give me tips on how to approve my stories.
Describe your writing style. What writers, if any, have influenced the way you write.
I like to come up with unusual characters, a few wicked characters, putting them in an adventure, with strange happenings along the way.
Do you like marketing your book on social media? Why/Why not?
It's not that I like it, but it is a necessity.
Do you think modern-day children's authors are as good as those of yesteryear?
This is a tough question. It was a different situation in the past, maybe children had a different mentality. Some yesteryear author's work still resonates today. My son still likes films and books I knew in my childhood. A lot of the yesteryears stories are far better then Peppa Pig!
Name your top five children's books that you have read. What stands out about them?
My childhood is a long time ago, but recently I have read Percy Jackson to my son, which I thought was good. I read him the Hobbit, which I thought was great, but Lord of the Rings, a bit to much detail. I have read all the Roald Dahl books to him which were great.
How do you get material/do research for your books?
As a writer I do research on the internet, for example recently I have been looking up Victorian Christmases and traditions.
Would you say you plan your stories or do you just let them flow?
A bit of both. My stories involve twists and turns. It is a bit like putting a jigsaw together.
When you finish writing a book do you feel happy or sad? Why?
A bit apprehensive, will people like it?
Are you addicted to writing?
I do other things, like painting and music.
What books are on your reading list now? Do you read outside your genre?
I am part of a book club, so we chose a different book every month. The books are outside my genre often.
Do you have a writing mentor, or someone you turn to for advice if you have questions about writing?
No, but I am part of a creative writing group.
What plans, if any, do you have for your next book?
I hope it gets accepted, to be published.
In the long term, what ambitions do you have as a writer?
To have a book read by many people and acknowledged would be great.
What advice would you give to someone just beginning to write?
It can be a hard road, but keep going.
How do you get inspired to write your books?
Different ways, a drawing by my son inspired The Fish King and the Two Wise Ghosts.
What if anything, is your biggest challenge?
Reaching lots of people.
If you could visit any country in the world, which one would you choose?
I quite fancy Japan.
What kinds of settings are in your children's books? Do you imagine them or do they come from your own experiences in the real world?
The Fish King is set under the sea, in a castle, but in the second part the prince visits lots of different places.
Where can we find you and your books?
On Amazon and Barnes and Noble.
It's really refreshing to hear from another fellow author who wants to reach more people. My best wishes, and let's hope this author interview helps you get under the spotlight!
November 29, 2023
The River of Life - A River of Dreams: Housie Mousie and The BIG Cheese by Suzy Davies
Picture this: a child of about seven or eight years strolling along a riverbank with her dad
watching the flow of the river; the dance of midges and dragonflies; the swirling whirlpools and eddies casting rainbows in soft sunlight to the water’s edge. The dark shadows, in places, of trees that lean over the riverbank; shadows of fish lurking below the surface; birds on high winging their way across the water beneath vast skies.
The soothing “lap, lap” as the river’s current moves against rocks and stones, and the ever changing scenery along the banks. The sound of the breeze as it blows through rushes; along comes a boat and the oars move in and out of the water, the river seeming to sigh with the movement and rhythm they make.
Now it is raining, and so the man and child take cover under a tree. The river shines; it seems to sing and laugh and dance, and the man starts to tell his daughter a story of the river, but in all reality, it’s a story all about life.
In my ninth year or so, my dad gave me a gift of “The Wind in The Willows,” and this is how our story; the river and the characters in “Housie Mousie and The Big Cheese,” were inspired by Kenneth Grahame’s great work.
In our book the river is a character, and much like real life, it is always changing. Sometimes, it is dark, “a black ribbon,” the ink-black bootlace of the little rodents' boot home. Other times, the river sparkles with light, as if to suggest a moment of enlightenment or clarity; it is a “thread of diamonds” - the stuff of happy memory-making together and of laughter.
The river is neither a threat nor benign; it is what we make it; there are challenges and obstacles. Our feisty, funny little mouse, and serious rat become friends forever because they support each other, seeing opportunities and overcoming challenges on the BIG journey that is life. It is through challenges and adaptation, through learning from friends that they meet along the way who help them - a mischievous spaniel and a family of beavers - The Beaver Team - by working together and having fun, Housie and Ratty grow in stature.
Housie and Ratty’s river begins as a microcosm; it is their small, familiar world, where they are safe and secure. Traveling on their brave adventurous journey, “opens up” their small world - expanding their experiential reference points and giving them new insights into the big world out there.
One of the most important messages in Housie Mousie and The Big Cheese is that friendship is something to treasure. Teamwork, loyalty, collaboration and “pulling together” - much like rowing and turn-taking on the river - means that we can live happily enjoying all that this river - this great BIG journey that is life - has to offer.
In fact, nothing that we ever wish, imagine or dare to dream is ever too big, with a shared vision, innovation, and action to achieve our dreams together.
watching the flow of the river; the dance of midges and dragonflies; the swirling whirlpools and eddies casting rainbows in soft sunlight to the water’s edge. The dark shadows, in places, of trees that lean over the riverbank; shadows of fish lurking below the surface; birds on high winging their way across the water beneath vast skies.
The soothing “lap, lap” as the river’s current moves against rocks and stones, and the ever changing scenery along the banks. The sound of the breeze as it blows through rushes; along comes a boat and the oars move in and out of the water, the river seeming to sigh with the movement and rhythm they make.
Now it is raining, and so the man and child take cover under a tree. The river shines; it seems to sing and laugh and dance, and the man starts to tell his daughter a story of the river, but in all reality, it’s a story all about life.
In my ninth year or so, my dad gave me a gift of “The Wind in The Willows,” and this is how our story; the river and the characters in “Housie Mousie and The Big Cheese,” were inspired by Kenneth Grahame’s great work.
In our book the river is a character, and much like real life, it is always changing. Sometimes, it is dark, “a black ribbon,” the ink-black bootlace of the little rodents' boot home. Other times, the river sparkles with light, as if to suggest a moment of enlightenment or clarity; it is a “thread of diamonds” - the stuff of happy memory-making together and of laughter.
The river is neither a threat nor benign; it is what we make it; there are challenges and obstacles. Our feisty, funny little mouse, and serious rat become friends forever because they support each other, seeing opportunities and overcoming challenges on the BIG journey that is life. It is through challenges and adaptation, through learning from friends that they meet along the way who help them - a mischievous spaniel and a family of beavers - The Beaver Team - by working together and having fun, Housie and Ratty grow in stature.
Housie and Ratty’s river begins as a microcosm; it is their small, familiar world, where they are safe and secure. Traveling on their brave adventurous journey, “opens up” their small world - expanding their experiential reference points and giving them new insights into the big world out there.
One of the most important messages in Housie Mousie and The Big Cheese is that friendship is something to treasure. Teamwork, loyalty, collaboration and “pulling together” - much like rowing and turn-taking on the river - means that we can live happily enjoying all that this river - this great BIG journey that is life - has to offer.
In fact, nothing that we ever wish, imagine or dare to dream is ever too big, with a shared vision, innovation, and action to achieve our dreams together.
November 8, 2023
Author Spotlight: An Audience with Paul Stanton
My guest author today is Paul Stanton.
1. What made you decide to become a writer, and when did you begin writing children's books?
At the age of 15 I submitted an essay to my English teacher of which I was most proud. Upon its return she had written across it in large red pen “Imagination without the power to express it.” Those chilling words prompted me to prove her wrong. I then read every word in Websters Universal Dictionary, making notes as I went. I then wrote and wrote, honing my craft and skills as I went. At first, I wrote children’s books, plays, anything that sparked my imagination.
2. What other genres do you write in, if any?
I write mainly in Urban fantasy now, but have written in Sword; Sorcerer, children fantasy, humour, and of course the Smileymoo books.
3. How long did it take you to write your most recent book, and are you a plotter or a pantser?
I will often commence a book, leave it and return to it when the mood comes over me. It is difficult to assess how long each one takes. I rewrote A Festive Juxtaposition a total of fifteen times before I was happy with it. A plotter or a punster? A bit of both I would say.
4. How do you choose the titles of your books?
Very often a title will come to me and I will write a book around it. This happened in the Sorcerer’s Dogsbody series. Once a title has been determined ideas come thick and fast.
5. Who is your favorite character in your most recent book, and why?
Undoubtedly the Devil. He’s a particularly complex character with unfathomably hidden depths.
6. What kind of books do you enjoy reading?
I enjoy a wide range: sword; sorcery, murder mysteries, cosmic horror, classics, non-fiction.
7. How do you get inspiration for a new book?
I will invariably sit and go into a sort of revery. Inspiration then seems to well up from within the untold depths of my subconscious.
8. Who are your favorite writers, and why?
I love classic authors, Conan-Doyle, Dickens, PG Wodehouse, HP Lovecraft, Colin Wilson, Clark Ashton Smith, Kenneth Graham. Peter Ackroyd. I love these writers because they are all phenomenal wordsmiths in their own right. Peter Ackroyd is, in my opinion, head and shoulders above most modern-day writers.
9. What do you enjoy most about writing?
Enjoyment comes from the knowledge that you have committed your thoughts, drawn from imagination and laid them before your readers like a tapestry composed of words that paint vivid pictures.
10. What, if anything, do you find difficult about writing?
I don’t find writing difficult. It’s all the preparation. Very similar to decorating. If the preparation is done correctly the book will flow. It’s inevitable.
11. What are your hobbies when you are not behind a book?
I am a qualified carpenter and do a lot of DIY, fixing things. I love to read, watch movies, plays, walking.
12. What advice would you give to a new writer?
It is difficult to give advice, for what applies to one cannot necessarily apply to another. Writing as far as I am concerned falls mainly into two categories: 1) Those that have to write and cannot not write and 2) Those who think it might be a fun thing to do. Everyone seems to have a book in them.
13. What is your favorite book of all time, and why?
My favourite book/s are Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol and Kenneth Grahams A Wind in the Willows. Both classics and the products a writing so pure and so refined they are virtually unsurpassable in their literary quality.
14. What plans do you have for a new book, if any?
I am still currently working on revising Festive 3,4,5,6 and need to edit The Hapax Legomenon – a 350 page epic fantasy – vol 1.
15. Where can readers find you and your books?
My books are to be found on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Waterstones, Austin Macauley.
Thank you Paul for a most interesting interview.
1. What made you decide to become a writer, and when did you begin writing children's books?
At the age of 15 I submitted an essay to my English teacher of which I was most proud. Upon its return she had written across it in large red pen “Imagination without the power to express it.” Those chilling words prompted me to prove her wrong. I then read every word in Websters Universal Dictionary, making notes as I went. I then wrote and wrote, honing my craft and skills as I went. At first, I wrote children’s books, plays, anything that sparked my imagination.
2. What other genres do you write in, if any?
I write mainly in Urban fantasy now, but have written in Sword; Sorcerer, children fantasy, humour, and of course the Smileymoo books.
3. How long did it take you to write your most recent book, and are you a plotter or a pantser?
I will often commence a book, leave it and return to it when the mood comes over me. It is difficult to assess how long each one takes. I rewrote A Festive Juxtaposition a total of fifteen times before I was happy with it. A plotter or a punster? A bit of both I would say.
4. How do you choose the titles of your books?
Very often a title will come to me and I will write a book around it. This happened in the Sorcerer’s Dogsbody series. Once a title has been determined ideas come thick and fast.
5. Who is your favorite character in your most recent book, and why?
Undoubtedly the Devil. He’s a particularly complex character with unfathomably hidden depths.
6. What kind of books do you enjoy reading?
I enjoy a wide range: sword; sorcery, murder mysteries, cosmic horror, classics, non-fiction.
7. How do you get inspiration for a new book?
I will invariably sit and go into a sort of revery. Inspiration then seems to well up from within the untold depths of my subconscious.
8. Who are your favorite writers, and why?
I love classic authors, Conan-Doyle, Dickens, PG Wodehouse, HP Lovecraft, Colin Wilson, Clark Ashton Smith, Kenneth Graham. Peter Ackroyd. I love these writers because they are all phenomenal wordsmiths in their own right. Peter Ackroyd is, in my opinion, head and shoulders above most modern-day writers.
9. What do you enjoy most about writing?
Enjoyment comes from the knowledge that you have committed your thoughts, drawn from imagination and laid them before your readers like a tapestry composed of words that paint vivid pictures.
10. What, if anything, do you find difficult about writing?
I don’t find writing difficult. It’s all the preparation. Very similar to decorating. If the preparation is done correctly the book will flow. It’s inevitable.
11. What are your hobbies when you are not behind a book?
I am a qualified carpenter and do a lot of DIY, fixing things. I love to read, watch movies, plays, walking.
12. What advice would you give to a new writer?
It is difficult to give advice, for what applies to one cannot necessarily apply to another. Writing as far as I am concerned falls mainly into two categories: 1) Those that have to write and cannot not write and 2) Those who think it might be a fun thing to do. Everyone seems to have a book in them.
13. What is your favorite book of all time, and why?
My favourite book/s are Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol and Kenneth Grahams A Wind in the Willows. Both classics and the products a writing so pure and so refined they are virtually unsurpassable in their literary quality.
14. What plans do you have for a new book, if any?
I am still currently working on revising Festive 3,4,5,6 and need to edit The Hapax Legomenon – a 350 page epic fantasy – vol 1.
15. Where can readers find you and your books?
My books are to be found on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Waterstones, Austin Macauley.
Thank you Paul for a most interesting interview.
October 24, 2023
My Take on Writing Scenes and Settings
I think the secret to good scene-making is visualization. I believe it helps to have experienced the setting, and perhaps the kinds of characters you are writing, either first hand or from reliable secondary material. You literally have to put yourself in the scene in your imagination so that you feel as if you are physically there, taking in all the stimuli - sights, sounds and sensations of your characters. For me, it’s like alternating between being the camera (narrator) in a movie, and being the actor(s) or character(s) in the scene.
When you yourself believe you are there in the scene, your readers will also believe it.
Attention to small details is important, but at the same time, do not tell everything - show the main things that create a certain kind of ambiance, and carry the message that you want to deliver.
When creating scenes, be aware that the function of a scene is to show off your characters in the best, ( or worst - if they are villains,) possible light. The scene and the setting should work together. A very dramatic way of bringing out the evil of a character in a thriller for example, might be to have a victim playing a sweet song on a musical instrument in a beautiful, serene room, and then moments later, the axe murderer breaks in.
Using parallel and opposition in your work makes it interesting. You could have a hero visiting a friend, and then the villain/antagonist visits the same person. You could show how the host receives each of them in a very different manner - he knows what they are like. His reactions communicate how he feels about your hero versus your antagonist and persuade the reader by showing him/her.
There should always be a balance of description and dialogue in your work. Description tends to have the effect of slowing or delaying things. Switching scenes just when things have got to a climax in the earlier scene can be a good delaying tactic to draw the reader in and build tension.
Fast-paced action scenes such as battles call for short snappy sentences to communicate tension, and minimum dialogue if any at all.
Remember, you should set out to make things believable for the reader. This means that even if you are writing a fantasy, it may be best to include some carefully chosen “facts” that you have researched - of course you will embellish them in a work of fiction - but this will add credibility to your story.
The way you paint a scene will create a certain kind of atmosphere. I find it useful to draw on movies to explain this point. The way you as the narrator interpret a scene (and setting) is part of your unique signature as a writer. If you ask a number of people about a movie no two will describe things exactly the same. But there is likely to be a lot of overlap in what they see, feel and hear, which creates the atmosphere of the movie. A producer is highly selective in what and who he puts into each scene. There is always a reason - even for “props.” You have the same task as a writer. Everything you write in your scene creates the emotional response in the reader. But it is also true that what you leave out will also carry a message.
When you yourself believe you are there in the scene, your readers will also believe it.
Attention to small details is important, but at the same time, do not tell everything - show the main things that create a certain kind of ambiance, and carry the message that you want to deliver.
When creating scenes, be aware that the function of a scene is to show off your characters in the best, ( or worst - if they are villains,) possible light. The scene and the setting should work together. A very dramatic way of bringing out the evil of a character in a thriller for example, might be to have a victim playing a sweet song on a musical instrument in a beautiful, serene room, and then moments later, the axe murderer breaks in.
Using parallel and opposition in your work makes it interesting. You could have a hero visiting a friend, and then the villain/antagonist visits the same person. You could show how the host receives each of them in a very different manner - he knows what they are like. His reactions communicate how he feels about your hero versus your antagonist and persuade the reader by showing him/her.
There should always be a balance of description and dialogue in your work. Description tends to have the effect of slowing or delaying things. Switching scenes just when things have got to a climax in the earlier scene can be a good delaying tactic to draw the reader in and build tension.
Fast-paced action scenes such as battles call for short snappy sentences to communicate tension, and minimum dialogue if any at all.
Remember, you should set out to make things believable for the reader. This means that even if you are writing a fantasy, it may be best to include some carefully chosen “facts” that you have researched - of course you will embellish them in a work of fiction - but this will add credibility to your story.
The way you paint a scene will create a certain kind of atmosphere. I find it useful to draw on movies to explain this point. The way you as the narrator interpret a scene (and setting) is part of your unique signature as a writer. If you ask a number of people about a movie no two will describe things exactly the same. But there is likely to be a lot of overlap in what they see, feel and hear, which creates the atmosphere of the movie. A producer is highly selective in what and who he puts into each scene. There is always a reason - even for “props.” You have the same task as a writer. Everything you write in your scene creates the emotional response in the reader. But it is also true that what you leave out will also carry a message.
October 3, 2023
Interview with Dvalin The Dwarf by Suzy Davies
“Pleased to meet you, Dvalin, lovely place you have here! Why did you decide to live in leafy Kensington?”
“My goat, Hoover. Needs a garden, and I need her to cut the grass. It’s not easy being short!”
“You seem to manage very well. Careful on those stilts!”
“I’m used to them. Yes, I’m an orphan, born of a long line of Danish trolls. We are a tough.”
“Mm. I heard you used to be an stunt man.”
“Yes, you know, it was fun. Ha Ha! Came in useful when I helped Adam in the tunnel, and we swung on Aragog’s web… hanging by a thread. Close call, that was. And when I climbed up The Ladder to The Stars and abseiled down the side of The Ice Palace.”
“I heard all about it. Geez! You have a head for heights. Glad you escaped! So, how did you know The Evil Queen?”
“Met her in The Snowlands. It was a tough winter. We, I mean, The Trolls, live underground. But, I was out. Looking for some berries to make red paint. All my paints are natural colors. Anyway, she drew up on her sled with her deer. Poor things! They were freezing cold. Said something about The Palace Ah. Yep! She wanted a team of trolls to work for her, making Ice Sculptures. I explained I had to come back here - to England. It was Panto season, and a troll friend of mine got me a part as an extra. Not far from here. We’re in the middle of Theatreland, you know!”
Yes, it’s close to all the theatres here… But I’ve heard now you’re an artist and do portraits, Dvalin?”
“That’s right. Would you like me to paint you? Can squeeze you in a week next Saturday, if you like.”
“So you are very busy! But I hope you won’t play any tricks on me?”
“Tricks? What do you mean?”
“I heard about The Snow Queen’s portrait.”
“Oh, I see. News travels fast! So gossipy around here. Nosy neighbours! But I only use dark magic against enemies. Trolls are like that. So, nothing for you to worry about, my friend.”
“OK, I’d like you to paint me as long as you promise, no tricks!”
“You have the troll’s promise. Want to see the one I did of Bryony, first? Just a mo. Do you like my gismo? It’s a dumb waiter, so it doesn’t argue! Here you go!”
“Wow, Dvalin. It is fast!”
“Not like me, you mean?”
“Exactly.”
“Well?”
“You got the eyes! Like grapes. Dark as grapes.”
“Thank you, Ma’am. I hope she’ll like it! Now, for your portrait, I’d make a feature of the hands.”
“Really, why?”
“Hands tell stories.”
“Say that again!”
“That’s what we have in common. I paint and you write. Are you going to write a story about me?”
“Yes, I was thinking about it.”
“Well, don’t forget, everything begins and ends with magic!
“My goat, Hoover. Needs a garden, and I need her to cut the grass. It’s not easy being short!”
“You seem to manage very well. Careful on those stilts!”
“I’m used to them. Yes, I’m an orphan, born of a long line of Danish trolls. We are a tough.”
“Mm. I heard you used to be an stunt man.”
“Yes, you know, it was fun. Ha Ha! Came in useful when I helped Adam in the tunnel, and we swung on Aragog’s web… hanging by a thread. Close call, that was. And when I climbed up The Ladder to The Stars and abseiled down the side of The Ice Palace.”
“I heard all about it. Geez! You have a head for heights. Glad you escaped! So, how did you know The Evil Queen?”
“Met her in The Snowlands. It was a tough winter. We, I mean, The Trolls, live underground. But, I was out. Looking for some berries to make red paint. All my paints are natural colors. Anyway, she drew up on her sled with her deer. Poor things! They were freezing cold. Said something about The Palace Ah. Yep! She wanted a team of trolls to work for her, making Ice Sculptures. I explained I had to come back here - to England. It was Panto season, and a troll friend of mine got me a part as an extra. Not far from here. We’re in the middle of Theatreland, you know!”
Yes, it’s close to all the theatres here… But I’ve heard now you’re an artist and do portraits, Dvalin?”
“That’s right. Would you like me to paint you? Can squeeze you in a week next Saturday, if you like.”
“So you are very busy! But I hope you won’t play any tricks on me?”
“Tricks? What do you mean?”
“I heard about The Snow Queen’s portrait.”
“Oh, I see. News travels fast! So gossipy around here. Nosy neighbours! But I only use dark magic against enemies. Trolls are like that. So, nothing for you to worry about, my friend.”
“OK, I’d like you to paint me as long as you promise, no tricks!”
“You have the troll’s promise. Want to see the one I did of Bryony, first? Just a mo. Do you like my gismo? It’s a dumb waiter, so it doesn’t argue! Here you go!”
“Wow, Dvalin. It is fast!”
“Not like me, you mean?”
“Exactly.”
“Well?”
“You got the eyes! Like grapes. Dark as grapes.”
“Thank you, Ma’am. I hope she’ll like it! Now, for your portrait, I’d make a feature of the hands.”
“Really, why?”
“Hands tell stories.”
“Say that again!”
“That’s what we have in common. I paint and you write. Are you going to write a story about me?”
“Yes, I was thinking about it.”
“Well, don’t forget, everything begins and ends with magic!
September 21, 2023
Celebrating the warmth of friendship, the river of life, the magic of adventure and scrumptiousness of Cheese, especially delightful when it is shared!
So, I have just launched my middle grade adventure book, “Housie Mousie and The BIG Cheese.” What gave me the idea for this new escapade?
I was inspired of course by the literary great, Kenneth Grahame, and the gorgeous hardback, with a dust cover, of “The Wind in The Willows,” that my dad gave me when I was young. I spent hours as a child pouring over the pages. Of course, the river and the animals seemed very real to me because dad and I loved to spend afternoons fishing and messing about in boats. It was all so enchanting whatever the season, with the music of the water, and sometimes, cool sunlight casting rainbows that rippled to the water’s edge. Nature offered its bounty to me.
The children’s TV programme, “Tales of The Riverbank,” also inspired my book. Especially the music that introduced the programme - I can still hear it now - so enchanting, and comforting.
More recently, I read E. B White’s tale - “Stuart Little.” So, I decided to make the lead characters in my book a mouse and a rat, and, of course, adopted the sailing theme that echoes White’s original story.
There are echoes of that fabulous cheese series - “Wallace and Gromit,” especially the humor of the characters and the way that they get in and out of a few scrapes on their fabulous journey to Half- Moon End and beyond to The Big Cheese Hill.
Housie, of course, has an obsession for cheese - just like Wallace:
Wallace: “No cheese Gromit - not a bit in the house!”
Housie: “I can’t stop thinking about cheese!”
However, Housie learns from the wise and serious Ratty in my tale, that the moon is probably NOT made of cheese after all, whereas, of course, for Wallace and Gromit, the moon was most definitely made of their Yorkshire favorite - Wensleydale - which, incidentally, is mentioned in “Housie Mousie and The Big Cheese” as one of the most FAMOUS cheeses in the whole wide world.
My own life most probably answers the question - why this story - set in one of the prettiest areas in my native Great Britain.
About The Author
Suzy Davies was born in Reading, England. Brought up in a dual-language family, she was fascinated by language and wrote from an early age.
Her early childhood was spent in Aber in rural Wales, where she went fishing with her dad along the river, and went walking along country lanes with her grandmother. When the family relocated, they often went on holiday to Aberystwyth, Wales or to Longlevens, Gloucestershire, where Suzy’s paternal grandad lived. Suzy visited Stroud, Cheltenham and the surrounding area.
Suzy lived in Cheltenham for a year or so in her adulthood, and she revisited the picture postcard beauty of The Cotswolds - animals and nature - which she celebrates in this book.
Suzy is a former certified teacher, and she specializes in teaching literacy. She is also a certified life coach, with counseling skills. She understands the importance of engaging characters to inspire kids and she likes to make her stories emotionally satisfying - warm, positive and encouraging, with a happy ending.
Book Blurb
Housie Mousie and Ratty Rat, two adventurous rodents, living in a barn boot, embark on a thrilling journey to participate in THE BIG CHEESE RACE, a prestigious event in The Cotswolds. Along the way, they befriend a cast of animal characters, including beavers and a mischievous dog, while uncovering a plot to steal the coveted BIG CHEESE. With courage and teamwork, they thwart the thieves and share their winnings with new found friends, ensuring a happy ending filled with friendship and cheese.
I was inspired of course by the literary great, Kenneth Grahame, and the gorgeous hardback, with a dust cover, of “The Wind in The Willows,” that my dad gave me when I was young. I spent hours as a child pouring over the pages. Of course, the river and the animals seemed very real to me because dad and I loved to spend afternoons fishing and messing about in boats. It was all so enchanting whatever the season, with the music of the water, and sometimes, cool sunlight casting rainbows that rippled to the water’s edge. Nature offered its bounty to me.
The children’s TV programme, “Tales of The Riverbank,” also inspired my book. Especially the music that introduced the programme - I can still hear it now - so enchanting, and comforting.
More recently, I read E. B White’s tale - “Stuart Little.” So, I decided to make the lead characters in my book a mouse and a rat, and, of course, adopted the sailing theme that echoes White’s original story.
There are echoes of that fabulous cheese series - “Wallace and Gromit,” especially the humor of the characters and the way that they get in and out of a few scrapes on their fabulous journey to Half- Moon End and beyond to The Big Cheese Hill.
Housie, of course, has an obsession for cheese - just like Wallace:
Wallace: “No cheese Gromit - not a bit in the house!”
Housie: “I can’t stop thinking about cheese!”
However, Housie learns from the wise and serious Ratty in my tale, that the moon is probably NOT made of cheese after all, whereas, of course, for Wallace and Gromit, the moon was most definitely made of their Yorkshire favorite - Wensleydale - which, incidentally, is mentioned in “Housie Mousie and The Big Cheese” as one of the most FAMOUS cheeses in the whole wide world.
My own life most probably answers the question - why this story - set in one of the prettiest areas in my native Great Britain.
About The Author
Suzy Davies was born in Reading, England. Brought up in a dual-language family, she was fascinated by language and wrote from an early age.
Her early childhood was spent in Aber in rural Wales, where she went fishing with her dad along the river, and went walking along country lanes with her grandmother. When the family relocated, they often went on holiday to Aberystwyth, Wales or to Longlevens, Gloucestershire, where Suzy’s paternal grandad lived. Suzy visited Stroud, Cheltenham and the surrounding area.
Suzy lived in Cheltenham for a year or so in her adulthood, and she revisited the picture postcard beauty of The Cotswolds - animals and nature - which she celebrates in this book.
Suzy is a former certified teacher, and she specializes in teaching literacy. She is also a certified life coach, with counseling skills. She understands the importance of engaging characters to inspire kids and she likes to make her stories emotionally satisfying - warm, positive and encouraging, with a happy ending.
Book Blurb
Housie Mousie and Ratty Rat, two adventurous rodents, living in a barn boot, embark on a thrilling journey to participate in THE BIG CHEESE RACE, a prestigious event in The Cotswolds. Along the way, they befriend a cast of animal characters, including beavers and a mischievous dog, while uncovering a plot to steal the coveted BIG CHEESE. With courage and teamwork, they thwart the thieves and share their winnings with new found friends, ensuring a happy ending filled with friendship and cheese.
September 16, 2023
Big Fun!
I had a lot of BIG fun writing "Housie Mousie and The BIG Cheese" I hope you will enjoy reading the book as much as I enjoyed writing it. The e-book is NOW available, and the print version launches on 13th November.
September 3, 2023
Book Launch!
Delighted to announce the paperback edition of "The Snow Queen," with a NEW Black and White paper cut design cover by the world-acclaimed Bit Vejle, and original paper cut art by the great master himself - Hans Christian Andersen - is NOW available on Amazon Worldwide. The special introductory offer is time limited!
August 22, 2023
Book Launch Countdown
i am pleased to announce that the paperback version of my book, "The Snow Queen" is launching very soon. It has a new cover, designed by Bit Vejle, Danish-Norwegian paper cut artist of international acclaim. Our book will feature original paper cuts by the grand master himself - Hans Christian Andersen.
August 1, 2023
Oh Dear!
The reviews for my book "The Snow Queen" have been put on the wrong page - the wrong Suzy Davies. Never mind, I have written to Goodreads. My book currently has 3 reviews - two 5-stars and one 4-stars.
Book News
"The Flamingos Who Painted The Sky," our new picture book is NOW fully available to bring in #Christmas #sunshine, #flamingo #sunsets, and #happiness #worldwide Illustrated by the talented Shirin Mass ...more
- Suzy Davies's profile
- 647 followers
