Romy Gemmell's Blog, page 37

A Cottage with a View

 I was lucky enough to visit the aptly named Cliff Cottage up in Aberdeenshire one day last week. It’s owned by a very kind writer who loves to share with other writers the inspirational quality of the cottage and its situation overlooking the North Sea.After an early start for the fairly long journey by train in the delightful company of two of my friends, we arrived in time for the fun crime writing talk and exercise given by one of our ‘up north’ friends.  And fun it was, with each of the small groups trying to construct a crime story from the given characters and setting. Amidst the laughter, we all managed to come up with some kind of scenario and plot. It was such a lovely day, we were able to sit on the patio nibbling on fresh fruit while we exercised the little grey cells.

 But the day was mainly about catching up with writer friends normally spread around different areas of Scotland, enjoying the lovely buffet lunch, and admiring the stunning views and cottage. Unfortunately, we had to travel back late in the day rather than stay over in one of the pretty bedrooms but the cottage worked its magic on us just the same. And I’m sure I don’t need to tell the female readers of this blog how much talking we did on the homeward journey! An excellent day out all round.Meanwhile, for anyone interested in children’s fiction, my delightful Featured Author on the Flights of Imagination blog is Antje Hergt who is visiting from Germany and talking about the inspiration behind her debut novel, Darinel Dragon Hunter .

Now to apply some of that inspiration from the other day to my writing in progress!
Rosemary

Links for Twitter Tips

Since Twitter has now been around for a long time and doesn't seem to be going away, many more writers are discovering its use for social networking. I have to confess that, although I've been on Twitter for ages and have a reasonably large following on it, I don't use it nearly as much as some writers.

Like all social networking and Internet distractions, keeping up with Twitter eats into work time yet is an often valuable tool. I only access it from my computer (no Internet access on phone) and it can seem overwhelming at times. But I've met some lovely people there and it's a great place to hear what's happening in the writing world, if you can ignore the amount of self-promotion some writers do.

If anyone wants to dive in and have a go, you might like to follow some of the links on the Bookbaby Blog and tips on Indie Author News first.

The best idea is to sign up and see what it's all about. You'll never keep up with everyone but lots of interesting information, competitions and publishing news wings its way around Twitter. Something every blogger could do right away (without being on the sites yourself) is to add the social networking button to your blog (includes Facebook, twitter etc in a row). This allows others to tweet and FB your blog post straight from the page.

Good luck! My Twitter handle is @rosemarygemmell if you want to find me there.

Rosemary

Free or Bargain Reads

The following are a few books being offered free at the moment, plus a couple of bargain buys. Maybe something to tempt you over the weekend?A free eBook anthology,  Virago is 40 , available to download Amazon. For forty years, Virago has been the outstanding international publisher of books by women. From 1 July through to the end of December, the publisher is celebrating Virago's fortieth birthday and have asked forty of their authors to write something inspired by the number forty.A collection of Short Stories from well-published author Patsy Collins, Not a Drop to Drink , is free on Amazon and Smashwords. Bill Kirton’s unusual book, Alternative Dimension , set in a virtual reality role-playing game, is free on Amazon. Bargain BuyAn opportunity to get Frances Garrood’s wonderful novel, The Birds, Bees and Other Secrets , at a reduced price of £2.09 on Amazon.My own short romantic novella, The Aphrodite Touch , featuring Aphrodite and Adonis, is only £1.28 from Amazon.If anyone knows of other free books or bargains this weekend, please let me know and I’ll add them to the blog.Enjoy your weekend,Rosemary

The Holiday is Over...

I’ve had a lovely break from all social media while away, apart from checking emails now and then, but how quickly it draws me in again once I’m home! If anyone is still guessing where we went to on holiday from the photo of the castle and beach, I’ll now satisfy your curiosity.We stayed at a lovely little coastal place in North Wales called Criccieth. We’ve been a few times before over the past thirty years and it’s like stepping back in time. Everything is just the same, from the castle and beach to the quaint little teashop, and a favourite restaurant on the high street. It’s somehow reassuring to know our way around and find everything as it should be. Favourite Tea Shop
We returned to the very friendly guest house we had last stayed at five years ago. Julie at Glyn y Coed couldn’t be more welcoming and the guest house sits on the main road to Porthmadog, in easy walking distance from our favourite restaurant and a short walk down to the sea front. Criccieth also has the best fish and chip shop we’ve come across – fortunately we had a lovely sunny evening to sit on a bench overlooking that wide shingle shore and sea. It also has one of the famous Cadwaladers ice cream shops – what more we could we want on a summer’s evening!
As always, we took a ride on the steam train from Porthmadog. We’ve been on the famous Ffestiniog Railway so many times that we opted for the new section of the Welsh Highland Line up to one of the prettiest villages, Beddgelert in Snowdonia. Another day, we visited the Welsh Language Centre in a beautifully renovated forgotten Victorian quarry village in the middle of the hills, and on another we walked through the hilly streets at Harlech. Beddgelert
Our final few days were spent at Bangor and surrounding area where we stayed with Simon’s sister and her husband. On a windy day, we walked along the wide promenade at Llandudno, on another we climbed up and down the old town walls at Conwy, interspersed with coffee and Bara Brith. That’s where we saw the smallest house in Britain – a tiny one up and down. It’s hard to believe the last owner was a fisherman over 6 feet tall! Smallest House in Britain
Unfortunately, I've returned with a bad cold which I’m still trying to shake – no doubt partly due to fluctuating weather conditions, and I have some final dental treatment to face on Monday. But the restful holiday was well worth the driving distance and I have so many photos it’ll take me ages to sort them all.One lovely piece of writing news is that my children’s story, Princess Poppy and the Little Dragon, is now published in the great collection of read-aloud Princess and Dragon stories for children, Spread your Wings , from US publisher Knowonder. Although the official release day is Monday 1st July, it’s now available on Kindle UK and US. Comprising 31 stories (one for each day of the month) by authors from various parts of the world, there’s a delightful illustration at the beginning of each story and some questions at the end of each. It works well on kindle if being read aloud, but the print book will be even better, as there’s a space for children to draw their own picture after the questions. The print version is available from the publisher, through Ingrams, and Createspace.Now to catch up on everyone’s blog posts! It’s lovely to see some new followers on here while I was away – hello and a warm welcome to Reading and Writing.Rosemary

Summer Break and Submissions

Well, that's me getting all set to head off for a summer break - just the final washing, ironing and packing to do! Fortunately, we're remaining in Britain this year so don't have to catch flights or worry about excess baggage, and that makes a difference to stress levels.


The photo is one of the places where we hope to be in a couple of days time - some of you might recognise it or know where we're going, the others can guess until I return! I also enjoy having a complete break from the Internet at this time of year and won't be seeking access, except to perhaps check emails very occasionally, if possible. One of the advantages of not having a phone with Internet access is that I have an enforced rest from it. No doubt it will help my thinking time and I'll be raring to get back to everything soon enough.

Here are a few links to explore until the next post.

Novels/novellas Submissions: Prism Book Group (arious genres); Entangled (Holiday Magic); Aurora Metro (Fiction Prize); Escape Publishing; Samhain (horror)

Fiction Comps: Ifanca Helene James (story); Aesthetica (story - pricy fee); Morgen Bailey (flash fiction); Irish Writers and Carousel Writers Centre (various); Greenhouse Agency (children's/YA funny prize)

See you soon,
Rosemary

Liebster Award

It’s a while since I’ve accepted a blog award, so thank you to Debs Carr for nominating me for the Liebster Award. I’ve adapted it to miss out the eleven questions from the nominator part and gone straight to the eleven random facts, as I think that's enough to read! The rules of the Liebster Award are:Thank your Liebster Blog Award nominator on your blog and link back to the blogger who presented this award to you -Answer the eleven questions from the nominator (if provided) -List eleven random facts about yourself -Present the Liebster Blog Award to up to eleven other blogs that you feel deserve to be noticed and leave a comment on their blog letting them know they have been chosen -Pass on the eleven questions to your nominees, or create new ones -Copy and paste the blog award on your blog.So here are some random facts about my life so far:I was stung on the lip by a bee when eating a banana at an outdoor swimming pool.At high school, I joined the Women’s Junior Air Corps, wore a cute uniform and got to try rifle shooting with the boys from the Air Training Corps.My favourite Bond was Timothy Dalton – who I first loved as Mr Rochester.The first scary film I ever saw was Pinocchio when about five.At school camp, I fell over backwards and knocked myself out for a few seconds.Unknown to my mother, I had a quick ride round the block on the pillion of my friend’s older brother’s motorbike when about eleven.A friend and I won the talent contest between the houses at high school singing an Everly Brothers’ song, ‘All I Have to do is Dream.’When ten, I was junior bridesmaid at my sister’s wedding and wore a frilly lemon knee-length dress and floral circlet on my hair. I loved to dive from the sea wall into the outdoor swimming pool during the summer holidays in my teens.My only midnight swim was at the Isle of Man when I was sixteen – cold, fun and exhilarating.Tried to think of anything remotely interesting! Now I'm passing the award on to the following bloggers who deserve more followers:Jean; Vikki; Wendy - there are many more but I'll keep them for another time. Rosemary

Two go to London

Had a lovely weekend with daughter Vikki in London - even though it was tiring travelling down one day and back the next, with lots of walking in between! Can't believe how long it's taking me to catch up today - and it shows that I spend far too much time online. It was good to have two Internet-free days.

The launch of the Words with Jam anthology was excellent at Foyle's and I even met some ladies I knew from the RNA. Definitely a proud mother moment to know my daughter's story was in such good company, after meeting and hearing some of the other winners and runners-up. They put on a very good spread too! The anthology, An Earthless Melting Pot, is now available from Amazon in kindle and print.

The rest of the time, we enjoyed meandering through Covent Garden yesterday morning to the wonderful sound of classical music from the lively young group of musicians in the courtyard. I love that area and can imagine the history behind it.

Apart from the markets, one of the shops that intrigued us the most was an old-fashioned toy shop with the most wonderful Victorian stage kits, children's books and marionettes, all of which inspired my imagination and made me want to rewrite one of my short stories.

The interesting toy-maker-looking man behind the counter, in the tiny space upstairs, told us this is one of the oldest, original shops in the area.

Before getting the train home, we spent a little time in the British Museum where we headed to the ancient Egypt and ancient Greece areas - both of which I was eager to explore for inspirational photos. It's such a vast place, of course, that we couldn't cover much more in the time. It was lovely to see it lit up at night too.

Fortunately, the sun shone for most of the day and we happily relaxed in our first class train seats on the way home - it was worth the little extra for space, peace and table service!

For the dog lovers among you (although it will appeal to anyone), I'm featuring Australian tween author Charmaine Clancy on the Flights of Imagination blog today with her mystery novel, Dognnapped?, which is set in the dog show world.

Rosemary

Writing Updates

Now that the fun and excitement of The Aphrodite Touch launch party is abating, I thought it was time to update where my writing is going at the moment, before my main annual stock-taking during the holidays.
I’m absolutely delighted with the following:Short story, 'Whirlwind Catch’, accepted by Ireland’s Own and being published soon.Children’s short story, ‘Princess Poppy and Little Dragon’ accepted by Knowonder and being published in their Princess and Dragon anthology in July (print and ebook)Regency-era full length novel, Midwinter Masquerade, just been accepted by Tirgearr Publishing.This is so encouraging, as I’ve just given up writing articles for Demand Studios (eHow UK) since their goalposts have moved and they now want more per week than I’m prepared to write! I had no sooner decided to give more time to fiction and the occasional print article when a couple of acceptances came in – confirms I’m doing the right thing!
But this weekend, the spotlight is going to be on my lovely, talented daughter, Vikki. The two of us are off to London for an overnight tomorrow, as she has a story published in the print anthology from Words with Jam being launched at Foyle’s on Saturday evening and I’m her supporting audience. Should be fun as it’s years since I’ve been to London. I’ll tell you more when I get back!
And in recognition of other writers’ kindness, I must mention that The Jigsaw Puzzle is featured in the June YA showcase on the Twilight of Magic blog, and The Aphrodite Touch is being featured on Lindsay’s Romantics tomorrow, 1st June.
Now for the winner of The Aphrodite Touch e-copy from my blog party... Linda la Roque! Thanks again for all the wonderful comments.
Have a lovely weekend, everyone.Rosemary

The Aphrodite Touch Launch Party!

A very warm welcome to this fun Greek Cypriot themed launch party for my short novella, The Aphrodite Touch , which is the first book in my new series featuring Aphrodite and Adonis, published by lovely Irish independent Tirgearr Publishing.

If you would like a chance of winning a free e-copy of The Aphrodite Touch , please leave a comment. Where in the world is your favourite romantic destination? One name will be chosen to receive the free copy, so please leave your email address if you want to be considered!

I’ve always been hugely interested in Greek mythology and fascinated with the deities and their lives. Aphrodite is the goddess of love and Adonis one of her many lovers, so who better to interfere in the lives of couples who visit Cyprus hoping to progress their relationships in one way or another. And so Carla and Jamie are the first to receive their unique guidance!
Please help yourself to some healthy Mediterranean food and a little shot of ouzo. Or a drink of juice if you prefer, and I’ll tell you a bit about the beautiful island of Cyprus, where the series is set. Take a seat in the shade under the gorgeous flowers and enjoy a day beside the sea.

CYPRUS

An island in the Mediterranean Sea, Cyprus lies near to Greece and Turkey. The island itself is now divided into roughly two parts: Turkish in the north and Greek in the south. Paphos, the main setting for the story, is one of the most popular tourist resorts in the Greek side of the island. It’s some years since we visited but from the moment I arrived until I left, its history, legends and scenery took hold and have remained with me. We’re hoping to return later this year so I can update my photos and locations!
Cyprus is sometimes called Aphrodite’s Island, or Island of Love, because it is in Paphos that the goddess is said to have been born from the foam of the sea, and mythology does tell us that Aphrodite was sent here. Adonis is the beautiful youth with whom she had an intense love affair. I won’t give away too much of their story here as it will gradually be revealed in the series. But this first novella is Carla and Jamie’s story.

Here’s a little introduction to The Aphrodite Touch:

Carla hopes that ten days on the romantic island of Cyprus will finally progress her relationship with reserved Scottish boyfriend, Jamie, to a full physical commitment. Or prove that they have no future together. But they had reckoned without the intervention of the goddess Aphrodite and her lover, Adonis. Will Aphrodite awaken Jamie’s hidden depths and allow him to return the passion that Adonis senses in Carla?
First short excerpt
“Good day, we hope you are enjoying the first day of your holiday on our island.”
Carla stared at the man for a moment before gathering enough wits to reply. Impossibly, he grew more beautiful every time she saw him. Beautiful. No other word would do. His short, curling, fair hair moulded to a well-shaped head, and the chiselled cheeks highlighted the penetrating blue of his eyes. Tall, slim yet with a muscular tanned body, she drank him in as he smiled.
“Yes… thank you.” She looked to Jamie for help and saw his attention was wholly captured by the breathtaking woman. No wonder he couldn’t take his eyes from her finely sculpted face, long golden hair that flowed over one shoulder, and a statuesque figure that belonged on the cover of Vogue Magazine.
“You’re the couple who welcomed us so warmly to the hotel yesterday. Didn’t we see you earlier today?” Carla addressed the woman, trying to rouse Jamie from whatever spell she had cast on him. “At the harbour?”
The woman turned sparkling green eyes on Carla and smiled. “Did you? Perhaps.”
Aware the woman had neither denied nor exactly agreed with the suggestion, Carla held Jamie’s hand. Something about this couple caused strange sensations within her and she couldn’t decide if it was a good thing or bad.
Here’s the trailer I made - I love making these and choosing the music, so I do hope you enjoy it!



Have another drink or some cake, if you’ve had enough healthy food!

Here’s a little bit about ouzo. It has a distinct aniseed flavour and is traditionally mixed with a little water, which gives it a cloudy appearance. Evidently, it was first made by monks and in fact we did try some when we visited a monastery cut into the cliffs on the Greek island of Amorgos one year. We can pretend this little shot glass contains ouzo!





Second short excerpt

“Shall we go and find Aphrodite’s birthplace, today?” Jamie said. “Looks like another hot one, so we could have a swim. Here it is in the guide book, Petra tou Romiou, like that woman said. Seems it’s supposed to be where the goddess of love rose from the sea in a shell.”
Carla leaned across to read the passage before speaking. “Remember that magnificent painting by Botticelli? Aphrodite in her shell with the sea behind her? She was supposed to be born from the foam of the sea. Roman mythology calls her Venus.”
“Yeah, I know the one. Naked as the day she was born.” He grinned his appreciation.
“I might have known you’d remember that.” But she was relieved too; at least he enjoyed the female figure as much as any other man.
She stretched in the morning sunshine. She loved the turquoise shades of the Mediterranean Sea and its endless pathway finally blending with a topaz sky. The heady scent of lemons, and herbs, and pine permeated the air and reminded her of an article she had recently read.
“Did you know archaeologists discovered a perfume lab dating from about 4,000 years ago? Here on Cyprus. They say one of the perfumes was used by Aphrodite herself. Imagine finding something so old and precious!”
For a moment, she thought Jamie hadn’t been listening. Then he looked up. “But how could it have been used by Aphrodite? I thought she was a myth, like Zeus and Mount Olympus.”
Carla laughed at his earnest question. “How do we know what myths and legends are based on fact, and which are imaginary? I’d like to think it was true.” 

Here’s a tiny ampulla of Greek perfume I actually bought home from our travels ages ago.

And if you want to know which Greek goddess you most resemble, then take the following quiz! Sorry men, you’ll just have to imagine you are an Adonis!

I was quite happy to discover I’m Athena – another of my favourites as she is the goddess of wisdom and is usually seen accompanied by an owl.

Thank you all so much for joining in the fun today – it makes it more of a celebration. If it’s made you want to read The Aphrodite Touch , then thank you even more! It’s now available in all e-formats from my publisher, Tirgearr, and on kindle from Amazon UK and US. 

Invitation to a Launch Party!

You are cordially invited to join in the fun blog party to celebrate the launch of the first short novella, The Aphrodite Touch , in my new series featuring Aphrodite and Adonis!
Tuesday 28th May
Virtual food and drinkTrailerExcerptsGreek Goddess QuizGiveawayFun!

Meanwhile, over on my Flights of Imagination blog today, American author Kai Strand shares the inspiration behind her exciting tween novel, Beware the White !