David M. Brown's Blog, page 89

Indulgent Blog Hop: What’s Your Indulgence?

Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dave have stripped back on indulgences dramatically since we became Mum and Dad to six rescue cats. It isn’t so much about the money but frankly, once you’ve had one pair of shoes pooed on, a nice piece of furniture scratched and marked, a few ornaments knocked off and broken… well, you begin to reassess.

One thing we still indulge in is our love of books. For Dave, it’s a love of history books. Though he tries to stop buying them, I keep sneaking some home or onto the Kindle because I know he’d miss them too much if he went cold turkey. For me, it’s audiobooks! I’ve found some great listens in the last couple of years that have had me giggling, crying or gasping with indignation. Here are my five indulgent listens.

Five Indulgent Listens
Where Rainbows End – Cecilia Ahern

A bittersweet tale of childhood friends Rosie and Alex whose relationship must survive many trials and tribulations, not least the discovery of their true feelings for one another. From naughty children to rebellious teenagers, Rosie and Alex have stuck by each other through thick and thin. But just as they’re discovering the joys of teenage nights on the town and dating disasters, they’re separated. Alex’s family moves from Dublin to America — and Alex goes with them. For good. Rosie’s lost without her best friend. But on the eve of her departure to join Alex in Boston, Rosie gets news that will change her life forever — and keep her at home in Ireland. Their magical connection sees them through the ups and downs of each other’s lives but neither of them knows whether their friendship can really survive the years and miles — as well as new relationships. And at the back of Rosie’s mind is whether they were meant to be more than just good friends all along. Misunderstandings, circumstances and sheer bad luck have kept them out of each others’ arms, but when presented with the ultimate opportunity, will they gamble everything — including their friendship — for true love? Destiny, Alex and Rosie discover, is a funny thing and fate isn’t quite done with them yet…

My verdict: I gushed, I blushed, I completely turned to mush!

This Charming Man – Marian Keyes

Paddy de Courcy is Ireland’s debonair politician, the “John F. Kennedy Jr. of Dublin.” His charm and charisma have taken hold of the country and the tabloids, not to mention our four heroines: Lola, Grace, Marnie, and Alicia. But though Paddy’s winning smile is fooling Irish minds, the broken hearts he’s left in his past offer a far more truthful look into his character.

Narrated in turn by each woman, This Charming Man explores how their love for this one man has shaped their lives. But in true Marian Keyes fashion, this is more than a story of four love affairs. It’s a testament to the strength women find in themselves through work, friendship, and family, no matter what demons may be haunting their lives. Depression, self-doubt, domestic abuse—each of these women has seen tough times in life, and it’s through Keyes’s wonderful storytelling ability that these subjects are approached with the appropriate tone and candor. Her deft touch provides a gripping story and, ultimately, a redemptive ending.

My verdict: I had a lump in my throat so often from sadness or shock but a perpetual pain in my belly from all the laughter!

Skippy Dies – Paul Murray

Why does Skippy, a fourteen-year-old boy at Dublin’s venerable Seabrook College, end up dead on the floor of the local doughnut shop? 

Could it have something to do with his friend Ruprecht Van Doren, an overweight genius who is determined to open a portal into a parallel universe using ten-dimensional string theory? 

Could it involve Carl, the teenage drug dealer and borderline psychotic who is Skippy’s rival in love? 

Or could “the Automator”–the ruthless, smooth-talking headmaster intent on modernizing the school–have something to hide? 

Why Skippy dies and what happens next is the subject of this dazzling and uproarious novel, unraveling a mystery that links the boys of Seabrook College to their parents and teachers in ways nobody could have imagined. With a cast of characters that ranges from hip-hop-loving fourteen-year-old Eoin “MC Sexecutioner” Flynn to basketballplaying midget Philip Kilfether, packed with questions and answers on everything from Ritalin, to M-theory, to bungee jumping, to the hidden meaning of the poetry of Robert Frost, “Skippy Dies “is a heartfelt, hilarious portrait of the pain, joy, and occasional beauty of adolescence, and a tragic depiction of a world always happy to sacrifice its weakest members. As the twenty-first century enters its teenage years, this is a breathtaking novel from a young writer who will come to define his generation.

My verdict: I don’t know how something so sad can be so funny. Incredibly moving, poignant, hilarious, tragic.

The Other Hand – Chris Cleave [US title: Little Bee]

We don t want to tell you too much about this book. It is a truly special story and we don t want to spoil it. Nevertheless, you need to know something, so we will just say this: It is extremely funny, but the African beach scene is horrific. The story starts there, but the book doesn’t. And it’s what happens afterwards that is most important. Once you have read it, you ll want to tell everyone about it. When you do, please don t tell them what happens either. The magic is in how it unfolds.

My verdict: This is an incredibly well written, haunting and stunning story. The narration only enhances that and is performed beautifully.

11/22/63: A Novel – Stephen King

On November 22, 1963, three shots rang out in Dallas, President Kennedy died, and the world changed forever.

If you had the chance to change the course of history, would you?

Would the consequences be worth it?

Jake Epping is a thirty-five-year-old high school English teacher in Lisbon Falls, Maine, who makes extra money teaching adults in the GED program. He receives an essay from one of the students—a gruesome, harrowing first person story about the night 50 years ago when Harry Dunning’s father came home and killed his mother, his sister, and his brother with a hammer. Harry escaped with a smashed leg, as evidenced by his crooked walk.

Not much later, Jake’s friend Al, who runs the local diner, divulges a secret: his storeroom is a portal to 1958. He enlists Jake on an insane—and insanely possible—mission to try to prevent the Kennedy assassination. So begins Jake’s new life as George Amberson and his new world of Elvis and JFK, of big American cars and sock hops, of a troubled loner named Lee Harvey Oswald and a beautiful high school librarian named Sadie Dunhill, who becomes the love of Jake’s life—a life that transgresses all the normal rules of time.

Explore the Possibilities…

My verdict: I loved this book so much I think I ended up with a crush on the main character. Amazing narration and an great story made this a perfect audiobook pick.

Giveaway: $20 Amazon gift card (Run by Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dave)
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Giveaway: $100 Amazon gift card (Run by the Ndulgent Bloggers)
Please note this giveaway is not being run by Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dave. The Ndulgent Bloggers are hosting a GRAND PRIZE of $100 GF from WINNER’S CHOICE of Barnes & Noble or Amazon. a Rafflecopter giveaway

The rest of the hoppers…

Indulgent Blog Hop: What’s Your Indulgence? | Thank you for reading Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dave

#FlashFiveFriday – Giving

This month Mr B and I are taking part in #FlashFiveFriday run by The Indie Exchange.

#FlashFiveFriday is a weekly flash fiction / flash blogging prompt.

The rules are very simple if you’d like to take part:

1) Write for no longer than five minutes

2) No upper or lower word limits

3) You must write something new

4) You can prepare your post ahead of time but the 5 minute limit still applies

5) If you add your blog post to the weekly linky you must visit five other blogs that week too to show your support

This week’s #FlashFiveFriday post

 

#FlashFiveFriday – Giving

Dave

There are so many individuals that prove to be selfless and altruistic, their own welfare being bottom of their list of priorities. I sometimes think that the world today is seriously flawed and that acts of kindness and generosity are dying concepts. Then I remember that there are those that still cling ever so strongly to those ideals and it is when these individuals have a chance to shine that the worst traits of so many people are washed away into insignificance.

I’ve always had a lot of respect for soldiers, the brave men and women that willingly risk their lives for their country. The wars they are sent to fight in I often don’t agree with – I’m not a pacifist but war should only be fought for a good reason and when no other options remain – but the soldiers always have my admiration and respect. They willingly give their lives for their country, their families, their friends and for their principles and beliefs.

It’s not just soldiers though. Ordinary people going about their busy lives are just as capable of giving so much for the benefit of others. Book bloggers have been highlighted this week in the Celebrating Bloggers event run by Terri Giuliano Long. Again, these are selfless individuals that give so much and ask for nothing in return. How is it possible that in a world where so many look out for themselves that we can still find generosity of this nature?

We’ve become a suspicious world and sometimes with good reason. If someone gives you something, or makes a sacrifice or kind gesture some of us are inclined to ask why. Those that give shouldn’t need to explain themselves, offer a reason. We should just be grateful that they are still around.

 

 

Donna

The word ‘giving’ often evokes thoughts of presents and gifts but there are some wonderful ways of giving that don’t have to involve money or possessions.

We give our time. Helping a friend move house. Helping a colleague prepare for a big presentation out of hours. Helping a neighbour with a broken fence. Helping a family member fix a broken computer. Our time is valuable but we know it is not as valuable as our friendships and relationships.

We give our love. To our friends, family and loved ones we give it freely, without conditions or restrictions. There are no limits or caps.

We give our thoughts. When someone you know is sick or having a tough time, when we see sad stories on the news, when we hear of our neighbours’ troubles – at those times we give our thoughts freely.

And sometimes, we give our money too. When you see a homeless man and know he needs £5 more than you want a latte and cake. Or a neighbour tells you they are running 10k or shaving their head to raise money for a good cause. Or even just because you know you can brighten someone’s day with a chocolate bar, a magazine or a book.

With so many ways of giving, there really is no reason not to be giving something every day of the week.

 

Related articles (external)

#FlashFiveFriday: #5 – Broken
FlashFiveFriday: Broken
The Indie Exchange #FlashFiveFriday: Broken
Friday Fun: Myths #FlashFiveFriday
The Indie Exchange #FlashFiveFriday: Myths

#FlashFiveFriday – Giving | Thank you for reading Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dave

Celebrating Bloggers: The Blogging Perspective

As part of Terri Giuliano Long’s ‘Celebrating Bloggers’ event, I talked about book blogging and bloggers from an authors’ perspective on Monday – or rather my trusty friend the Writing Pilgrim did. Today, I’m talking about it from other side of the fence!

Celebrating Bloggers

I’ve always loved books. In my early teens I began with just horror novels but over the years have broadened my scope to take in many genres. Books were one of the catalysts for my becoming a writer so I suppose it was inevitable that I would want to blog about them as well. Books, films and games are some of my main forms of entertainment and I began reviewing games for a website my wife previously ran.

When I started my own blog I extended my game reviews to take in both films and books. Blogging in general became a saviour of sorts for me. Sometimes when I’m writing novels or short stories I often find it hard to get into a decent rhythm but with blogging I never seem to have that problem. With reviews I have no difficulty conveying my experience of a book, film or game, but even with other blogs whether it’s a cat anecdote or a guest post, I tend to find the words so easily.

Since I published my first novel, I have always recommended that authors start up a blog. You can write about anything at all, there are no rules, and each one of us has an interest or two, something we’re passionate about that we could share through a blog. I don’t profess to do anything groundbreaking when it comes to blogging. I simply write about things that interest me. It’s strange these days watching a film, reading a book or playing through a game and wondering what I’m going to say about it in a review but I like to share my thoughts.

In many ways blogs are archives for the mind. I’ve reviewed so many films, games or books that over time I may come to forget many things about them. If I read through an old review though it would take me back to that moment, to that feeling I had and the experience I went through – sometimes good, sometimes bad, sometimes very bad but always worth it.

Blogging for myself or reading through the blogs of others is never an experience I tire of. Whether you choose to review, to have guest posts and interviews, or write about that squirrel you saw at the local park, blogging is a rich and versatile world I am delighted to be immersed in.

 

Visit The Art and Craft of Writing Creatively to find out more about Celebrating Bloggers and find posts from other authors and bloggers.

Celebrating Bloggers: The Blogging Perspective | Thank you for reading Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dave

Book Review: 3 Heads & A Tail – Vickie Johnstone

About 3 Heads & A Tail (2012)
When nature lover Josie moves into a house share with two pals, dreamer Ben and model man David, she sees it as a short stop and doesn’t bank on an attraction developing with one of them. Meanwhile, Ben’s dog, Glen, has the hots for Miss Posh, the beautiful golden Lab in the park. When dog meets dog it’s puppy love, but a complication leads to Glen taking matters into his own paws. In this comedy of errors, romance and walkies, it’s anyone’s guess who is going to get the girl/dog and live happily ever after.

Amazon USAmazon UK

Review: 3 Heads & A Tail

I’ve read Vickie’s work before and loved it and having had a very heavy week I really wanted something I knew was going to be a fun read. Vickie described it as silly but I didn’t find it silly at all. I found it funny, oh so funny, entertaining and a great read.

Josie moves into a house with nice guy Ben, pretty poser David, plus the star of the book – and by far the funniest character of all – the dog, Glen. It’s a testament to Vickie’s great writing that despite having a husband called David (who I love to pieces), I never thought of him when I came across the name ‘David’ in this book. I only thought of the character she presented so skilfully.

Anyway, as you can probably imagine there’s a little to-ing and fro-ing about who is the right guy for Josie and that’s great – I love a good rom com. However, the hilarity of the book lies in the additional stories, including poor Glen being pimped out but meeting his own doggy love.

I like funny books. I like books that make me go ‘Aaaahhhhh!’ and ‘Squeeeeeee!’  Mr B likes them less. I’m sure it must be very hard to be a serious fantasy writer when your wife keeps reading one liners and laughing like a hyena. What can I say? The book is laugh out loud funny and deserves to be celebrated.

Thank you to Vickie Johnstone for providing a perfect read. A wonderful tonic to a difficult week, a must add for anyone who loves dogs, fun, romance or… um… naked cowboys. This is a book with something for everyone!

Verdict: 5/5

(Book source: reviewer received a copy in exchange for a fair and honest review)

Related articles (external)

Sample Sunday: excerpt from 3 Heads & A Tail
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#FlashFiveFriday: #4 – Myths

Book Review: 3 Heads & A Tail – Vickie Johnstone | Thank you for reading Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dave

Celebrating Bloggers: The Writing Pilgrim Way

As part of Terri Giuliano Long’s ‘Celebrating Bloggers’ event, Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dave will be sharing their thoughts on Monday and Thursday. Today, David M. Brown talks about bloggers from an authors’ perspective – or rather his trusty friend the Writing Pilgrim does…

Celebrating Bloggers

The Writing Pilgrim clutched a copy of his self-published novel and wandered alone through an uncompromising desert. He had spent the last of his money publishing his work and was now travelling the world in search of reviews.

Later that day he thought he saw a mirage in the form of a series of stalls watched over by merchants. The Writing Pilgrim approached the first one where a rotund merchant with a Machiavellian stare was watching him closely.

‘I want someone to review my book, can you help?’ the Writing Pilgrim asked.

‘For you, sir, I can guarantee you glowing reviews but at a price,’ the merchant replied, scratching his chin. ‘Only positive reviews of your book will help you to be noticed, nothing else.’

‘I’m afraid I have no money.’

‘No money? Then why waste my time? Move along!’

‘Please, is there no one that can help?’

‘I suppose you could try the book bloggers at the far end. They might be able to help you but not as much as I could.’

The Writing Pilgrim tried the next stall which was piled high with dusty books. The merchant behind it was dressed in starry robes and a pointy hat.

‘Here’s my book for you to review,’ the Writing Pilgrim said, placing it on top of the neat pile of books without even glancing at their titles.

The merchant frowned and looked at the book’s cover and then the synopsis on the back.

‘This is a crime/thriller,’ the merchant said. ‘I only read sci-fi/fantasy. Did you not read the review policy on the notice board?’

‘No. I just assumed you’d review and sell my book for me.’

‘That’s not what book bloggers do. You have much to learn. First, your approach is wrong. You didn’t read the notice boards. Had you done so you would have realised my name is Kervin and that I review sci-fi/fantasy. Research a book blogger before you approach them and if you treat them with respect you never know what might happen. Just remember, they spread the word about you. It’s not their job to sell your book.’

‘Okay, thanks.’

The Writing Pilgrim approached various book blogger stalls and read the notice boards only to find they were not interested in crime/thrillers. He began to despair when he suddenly noticed a merchant dressed in a tuxedo, ducking and diving behind his stall and wielding a pistol which he continually aimed at an unseen assailant.

After reading the notice boards, the Writing Pilgrim found the blogger accepted his genre of book and that his name was Hemlock Homes.

‘Are you Hemlock Homes?’ the Writing Pilgrim asked.

‘Yes,’ Hemlock replied, peering nervously above the table. ‘How can I help?’

‘I’ve published a crime novel and was wondering if you would be interested in reviewing it? I checked your notice boards and they said that you enjoy crime/thrillers.’

‘I do. Let’s have look.’ Hemlock put his gun down and glanced through the Writing Pilgrim’s book. ‘This looks interesting. I’d be happy to review it. Would you like a book feature and guest blog as well? I share all my posts across the social networks and even put my reviews on Goodreads and Amazon if you like. I understand reviews on Amazon are highly sought by writers. You can expect an honest opinion from me about your book as well.’

‘How much would all that cost?’

‘Just a copy of your book. Nothing more.’

‘I don’t have to pay anything?’

‘No.’

‘That sounds like a lot of work though. Why would you do all that for my benefit and not ask for anything in return?’

‘Because I’m a book blogger and that’s what we do. I love books and I love to help authors with their work.’

The Writing Pilgrim smiled. ‘Now I understand the need to treat book bloggers well,’ he said. ‘You’re the friends that writers need.’

‘There’s no better way of letting the world know about you and your books than through book blogs,’ Hemlock replied. ‘Give me a week to read your book and you’ll be better known than ever before.’

‘I can’t wait.’

The Writing Pilgrim turned from the stall and smiled for the first time since publishing his book.

 

Visit The Art and Craft of Writing Creatively to find out more about Celebrating Bloggers and find posts from other authors and bloggers.

Celebrating Bloggers: The Writing Pilgrim Way | Thank you for reading Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dave

Guest Post: Man of Steel – Will we finally get the Superman movie we have all been waiting for?

The Tweedlers present a great guest post today, asking whether a re-imagined Superman will really give audiences what they’re wanting?

Man of Steel – Will we finally get the Superman movie we have all been waiting for?

Next year will see the arrival of the re-imagined Superman. Although recent films of the popular superhero have stayed true to the all-American, Boy Scout caricature of Superman, this translated into film is yet to be well received by recent audiences.

Comic book fans remain sceptical over the new release of yet another Superman film after so many have gone before. However, the exciting collaboration between Christopher Nolan and Zack Snyder has created new hope that a broody and raw Superman will be created. With the success of Nolan’s Batman trilogy and Snyder’s well received The Watchman (although critics did not respond well to it), Superman fans are intrigued to see what the production team have created with one of the hardest superheroes to portray in film.

In the pantheon of superheroes, Superman is one of the most recognised and celebrated superheroes in comic book history and with his pure motives and incredible speed and powers, it can be said that these are the reasons behind why he is a particularly hard character to portray. To sell a character in film and to a critical audience, flaws must be shown – this enables viewers to connect and relate to the character, but with Superman being an alien that looks remarkably like a human it’s hard to find something that people can respond to.

Talking to Total Film, Zach Snyder said: “We decided to act as if no ‘Superman’ film had been made – even though we love the films that have been made … We had to say this is a ‘Superman’ movie for the first time and you can’t then go ‘Oh, now let’s steal a little music.’ So, yes it’s awesome music but Hans Zimmer is going to do something awesome.”

Hans Zimmer, the composer behind Nolan’s Batman trilogy is returning with yet another superhero film. It is a brave move to scrap the well known score, but as the production crew and studio are throwing out most of the characteristics of Superman, why not the score to boot?

We don’t need to go too deeply into the plot, we are all aware of the adventures Superman embarks on. Instead we will concentrate on the expectations of Superman fans. Since the release of the teaser trailer there have been mixed reviews, but most of them have been positive with many stating their confidence in the Zack Snyder and Christopher Nolan team. Script writing by David S. Goyer has also come under fire and we agree, before The Dark Knight he hasn’t produced anything that felt transcendental and penning his exciting and thought provoking ideas has not been a strong point (Ghost Rider is one example), but with Nolan by his side this could make for a very interesting re-envisioned plot.

We are going to remain positive, having faith in the talents of Nolan and Snyder and hope that the official trailer gives us a more in-depth insight into what the film will give us.

About the Author

Man of Steel – Will we finally get the Superman movie we have all been waiting for? has been written by costume retailer All Fancy Dress. From stocking a range of superhero costumes to outfits that are perfect for Halloween, customers always have a vast selection to choose from.


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Guest Post: Man of Steel – Will we finally get the Superman movie we have all been waiting for? | Thank you for reading Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dave

#FlashFiveFriday – Broken

This month Mr B and I are taking part in #FlashFiveFriday run by The Indie Exchange.

#FlashFiveFriday is a weekly flash fiction / flash blogging prompt.

The rules are very simple if you’d like to take part:

1) Write for no longer than five minutes

2) No upper or lower word limits

3) You must write something new

4) You can prepare your post ahead of time but the 5 minute limit still applies

5) If you add your blog post to the weekly linky you must visit five other blogs that week too to show your support

This week’s #FlashFiveFriday post

 

#FlashFiveFriday – Broken

Dave

Green Day’s “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” is notable for being one of their best songs but it often makes me think of the dreams of all of us, especially artists. As a writer I have many dreams, some within reach, others maybe out of reach, depending on what the future holds.

I’m not a greedy person. I’m guilty of once dreaming big and being the next JK Rowling, the male equivalent anyway, and having millions of sales to my name but those things no longer seem important to me now.

Thanks to my wife, Donna, I have lived the dream of publishing not one novel, but two, and a short story collection as well. Finally realising this dream was a key moment in my life and in many ways took a lot of pressure off me but it wasn’t achieved alone.

What dreams remain though? Well, to be a full-time writer, earn a modest income, enough to pay the bills which would be amazing but again that is a dream that is far away and maybe beyond reach. Sadly many of our dreams are destined to lie broken, a cluster of irreparable pieces behind us.

I know that not all of my dreams will come true, that many times I will walk the same path as Green Day on that lonely Boulevard of Broken Dreams..

 

 

Donna

My head is broken this week. It gets this way sometimes and nothing will fix it, not sleep, not painkillers, not caffeine, not lack of caffeine. Not even chocolate!

It happened once when I was in my early twenties. Five days in hospital and more tests than you can imagine and then suddenly I was fine. They were baffled before concluding ‘It was your body’s way of saying something needed to give…’

When my head is broken, I know it’s my warning sign. I need to pull back from things a little, enjoy a little family time, stop pushing so hard to get everything done. Some things will always remain ‘undone’, life just doesn’t work any other way.

At times like this I walk away from my laptop and enjoy lunch with my husband. Or a few hours reading. Or a visit with family. I forget the to-do list and the emails and the messages. I know the world won’t end if they remain unanswered.

When my head does not feel broken anymore I will return to the norm and be more than content. Perhaps it’s a warning sign, you say. Nobody’s head should ‘break’ so often. You could be right. But I’m a do-er and I’ll always be a do-er and if my head isn’t broken and there are hours in the day, then things will be done!

Just not this week…

 

Related articles (external)

#FlashFiveFriday: #5 – Broken
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#FlashFiveFriday: #4 – Myths

#FlashFiveFriday – Broken | Thank you for reading Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dave

Game News: The Sims 3 – Supernatural Launch Trailer and Screenshots

The Sims 3 – Supernatural launched today so we’re sharing the official launch trailer and some new screenshots

Trailer: The Sims 3 – Supernatural (PC)

About The Sims 3 – Supernatural










Embrace a supernatural life in a new world full of magic, mystery and mischief with The Sims 3 Supernatural!

Enter the mysterious town of Moonlight Falls where strange things happen by the light of the moon. Create supernatural beings, from menacing werewolves and cackling witches to mischievous fairies and more intriguing vampires. Then stalk the night, use your wand to cast spells, just stay home and claw the furniture and more.

You can mix dozens of elixirs with a variety of effects, including turning Sims into zombies or transforming them into gold. Share your enchanted brews with any friends who have The Sims 3.

Spooky surprises are in store for you in the world of The Sims 3 Supernatural!

Format: PC

Amazon USAmazon UK


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Game News: The Sims 3 – Supernatural Launch Trailer and Screenshots | Thank you for reading Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dave

Guest Post: Greetings From Sarajevo – James Lyon

The Tweedlers are delighted to share a post from James Lyon. James is the author of Kiss of the Butterfly and is sharing a great post about writing, history and Balkan folklore.

Greetings From Sarajevo – James Lyon

I’m a diplomat by day and an historian/novelist by night. So why would I want to leave my day job to write? I’ve often examined my reasons for wanting to write. These include boredom, a quest for self-discovery, the need to heal emotional wounds, an attempt to exorcize personal demons, the need to tell a ripping good tale, and the desire to wear a funky hat while sitting in a Balkan sidewalk café with an Apple computer.

Writing about the Balkans can sometimes be just a wee bit unsettling, especially when you live there. First of all, there is the cast of characters you bump into. During the 18 years I’ve lived in this war torn region (Bosnia, Croatia, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia), I’ve been shot at, held hostage, interrogated, chased, threatened, and visited mass grave sites. I’ve met refugees who had lost their homes, families and jobs. I’ve met victims of genocide, concentration camp survivors, rape camp survivors, tycoons, politicians, warlords, human rights activists and aid workers. I’ve met war criminals, guerrilla leaders, smugglers, soldiers, spies and diplomats.

As if that weren’t enough, I’ve chosen to focus my fiction on historical vampires as described in Balkan folklore. This means I get to spend lots of hours in archives, sneezing as I turn dust-covered pages. It means lots of boring research. But it also means some real cool trips to visit sites where vampires are reported to have been seen. I once visited a town where all the deceased are buried under the fireplace hearths and front doorsteps to ward off evil, and tombstones are embedded in the walls of the homes. Imagine what that did to property values! I have traipsed through 9 miles of sealed-off, uncharted tunnels inside the belly of an 18th century fortress with strange inscriptions and bas-reliefs on the walls, where bats hang from the ceiling, my only light a miners lamp.

Yet in all my experiences, by far the scariest things I’ve encountered are real human beings and the evil they have done. This evil and the good people who stand up to it are themes that I have felt compelled to explore. And what better way to depict the ambiguity and contradictions of mankind than through vampires? They encompass the struggle between good and evil, our struggle with our passions and desires, and our pain when we notice the contradictions between the ideal and the real. And given that vampires appear as part of the action, it turns what could be a dry, slow discussion into a fast-paced thriller with suspense and mystery.

Working in the city where the First World War started — a city that endured a three and a half year siege from 1992-95 – I am constantly surrounded by reminders of the horrors man has wrought on his fellow man. Yet, through it all there were many good people who decided to stand up to the darkness and prevent it from spreading. I am inspired to try and capture the dilemmas they faced in the context of their human foibles and weaknesses, all while telling a ripping good tale.

About Kiss of the Butterfly (2012)










In the year of his death, 1476, the Prince of Wallachia — Vlad III (Dracula) — committed atrocities under the cloak of medieval Bosnia’s forested mountains, culminating in a bloody massacre in the mining town of Srebrenica.

A little over 500 years later, in July 1995, history repeated itself when General Ratko Mladic’s troops entered Srebrenica and slaughtered nearly 8,000 people, making it the worst massacre Europe had seen since the Second World War. For most people, the two events seemed unconnected…

Amidst the violent breakup of Yugoslavia, a college student embarks on a journey into its war-torn lands. The narrative transports the reader from medieval Bosnia to enlightenment-era Vienna, from the bright beaches of modern-day Southern California to the exotically dark cityscapes of Budapest, Belgrade and Novi Sad, and ethnic cleansing in Bosnia. 

Naively trusting the advice of his enigmatic academic mentor, the student unwittingly descends into a crucible of decay, destruction, passion, death, romance, lust, immorality, genocide, and forbidden knowledge promising immortality. As the journey grows ever more perilous, the protagonist realizes that he is being drawn into something sinister from which there is no turning back. He will be forced to confront an ancient evil that has been once again loosed upon the earth.

Meticulously researched and written, “Kiss of the Butterfly” is set against the backdrop of Yugoslavia’s breakup. It weaves together intricate threads from the 15th, 18th and 20th centuries to create a rich phantasmagorical tapestry of allegory and reality about divided loyalties, friendship and betrayal, virtue and innocence lost, obsession and devotion, desire and denial, lust and rejection. It is about the thirst for life and the hunger for death, rebirth and salvation. And vampires.

Vampires have formed an integral part of Balkan folklore for over a thousand years. “Kiss” represents a radical departure from popular vampire legend, based as it is on genuine Balkan folklore from as far back as the 14th century, not on fantasy. “Kiss of the Butterfly” offers up the real, horrible creatures that existed long before Dracula and places them within a modern spectrum.

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About James Lyon










James Lyon is an accidental Balkanologist, having spent the better part of 32 years studying and working with the lands of the former Yugoslavia. He has a Ph.D. in Modern Balkan History from UCLA and a B.A. in Russian from BYU. He has lived in Germany, Russia, England, Massachusetts, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, Utah, and California, and spent the better part of 18 years living in the lands of the former Yugoslavia, including Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Montenegro, and Serbia, and has worked in Macedonia and Kosovo. He has traveled widely, from Africa to Latin America to the Middle East, and all over Europe. He currently works in Sarajevo and bounces back and forth to Belgrade. In his spare time he likes sailing through the Dalmatian islands and eating Sachertorte in Vienna at the old Habsburg Imperial Court’s Confectionary Bakery, Demel. He lost his cat in the forests of Bosnia and can’t find it. If you see a black and white cat that ignores you when you call the name “Cile II”, a reward is being offered…provided the cat hasn’t turned into a vampire.

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Guest Post: Greetings From Sarajevo – James Lyon | Thank you for reading Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dave

Giveaway: Happy Birthday to The Indie Exchange – September Social Splash

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Incredibly, The Indie Exchange – or Adopt an Indie as it was originally known – is now a year old. The planning for the first event started in September 2011. In January 2012 the decision was taken to make it an all round service to readers, bloggers and authors. From an event supporting dozens of authors, the Indie Exchange has grown into a 900 member strong – and growing – group. To celebrate, we’re inviting you to our best ever giveaway: The September Social Splash.

Main prize: $100 Amazon voucher
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There are so many ways to win – just check out the Rafflecopter below. You can complete as many actions as you like to enter the draw and be in with a chance of winning the $100 prize.

Thank you to all our members and visitors for making The Indie Exchange such a success so far!

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Happy Birthday The Indie Exchange

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Giveaway: Happy Birthday to The Indie Exchange – September Social Splash | Thank you for reading Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dave