Julia Hughes's Blog, page 18
February 24, 2013
Charlie wants a word!
I'm absolutely thrilled to interview Charlie Plunkett on my site, as part of Charlie's Mega Book Blog Tour! Charlie dropped by to chat last year, and I'm delighted to be able to catch up with this multi-talented lady once more.
Hello Charlie and welcome back! I know since we last spoke, your beautiful little boy has started full time school – the first major milestone! Your house must seem very quiet during term times!
Hi Julia it is an absolute pleasure to be back, thank you so much for having me.
Yes since Cole started school full-time the house has become more of an office than the fun playground it was and I particularly miss him at lunchtime as that was always our special time. Since he started school full-time I’ve found that I get so stuck into my writing I lose track of time and sometimes lunch is very late, a very bad habit I must nip in the bud!
You’ll have to set an alarm clock for lunch!
Your "True Diaries" are packed with great advice for brides to be, mums to be, and new mums – do you have any advice to give to parents up and down the country on coping with their child's first day of full time education?
Oh my goodness that is such a difficult one, I thought I was going to be OK with Cole going to school and my biggest worry was that he may not like it. His happiness is so important to me and I knew if he cried I couldn’t just leave him. Fortunately his school is attached to his nursery so he already had his best friend with him and when the tambourine was shaken he ran to sit down with hardly a backward glance for his mummy and daddy. I clearly remember coming home and trying to do some housework but the house felt so empty. I tweeted the news that my little boy had started school and had so many lovely tweets of support I was soon a blubbering wreck! My mum telephoned and the best bit of advice she gave me was that instead of looking at it as the end of an era, to celebrate the fact that he was progressing and starting on new adventures.
Good advice indeed, and proof, if any were needed that mum still knows best, and grand-mums know best of all!
I know that since we last chatted, you've done a marvellous job in gathering together one hundred little words from child care givers (parents, grandparents, etc) and compiling them all into one fantastic book called appropriately enough "100 Little Words on Parenthood". It's a fantastic concept, how did the idea occur?
I have good old twitter to thank for the idea as I had just started using it and was struggling to condense my words to the 140 characters. I was also working on another parenting book and pondered on whether it would be possible to write about all aspects of parenthood in just 100 words and there my idea was born.
Twitter has a lot to answer for! Would you have done anything differently?
I really don’t think so, no. I am a very organic, go with the flow type of person and this is reflected in my writing. I didn’t actively seek particular people to help me I just put it out there (ahem twitter again!) and was overwhelmed by the amazing and extremely talented people who offered to help me. As well as being the greatest group of parents many of them are well known bloggers, authors and experts. I got very lucky and am still pinching myself at their generous and supportive spirits.
"100 Little Words on Parenthood" has received some amazing reviews, can you share one of your favourites?
I have been overwhelmed by the lovely reviews so it is hard to choose, but this one encapsulates what many have said and makes me feel that I succeeded in compiling a book that truly does make parents feel good about this amazing journey we are all on.
‘When I was pregnant I read everything I could about pregnancy and parenting. Most books went into great detail. But 100 Little Words on Parenthood gives you all the best bits cut down into 100 word snippets. It makes you laugh, it makes you cry, but most of all as a parent it makes you realise you’re not alone!’
Wonderful praise and very well deserved! Your radio show on Coastway Hospital Radio has become a "must listen to" in our house – how did you break into show biz?
Unintentionally I promise you although I do come from a theatrical background. I trained as a ballerina, danced in a Mexican circus and worked in the film and TV industry for many years. But the radio show was a fortuitous circumstance I have my lovely hubby Dave to thank for. I made him a little late for his job one day as I was being interviewed for BBC Radio. It turned out that the chap he was working for had connections to Coastway Hospital Radio and suggested I pop in for a chat. I’ve now been hosting my own show “Charlie’s World” every Saturday night for the last couple of years and love it.
You certainly have a natural talent for communication with people – and working in a Mexican circus sounds intriguing – perhaps you can tell us more next time you drop by!
Finally, what's next in the pipeline? Can you share any upcoming projects with us?
Well, I do need to finish “The Toddler Files”, the book I put aside to complete “100 Little Words on Parenthood”. I have a partially written theatrical memoir that I would love to complete as it is a part of my life I haven’t shared yet with my readers, it’s all been weddings and babies and there is a whole different side to me ‘jazz hands’ and all, that I would like to share. Answering this question it’s occurred to me that I have a lot of unfinished books! I have another work in progress a non-fiction book about smell and finally this year may be the year I try out writing some fiction for the first time. I have two ideas that won’t go away so I’m guessing there are going to be a lot of late nights ahead.
Exciting times ahead for Charlie and her fans! Be certain to keep up with Charlie, full details of her Mega Blog Book Hop, are available on Charlie’s own site now!
About Charlie in her own words:
I am happy-go-lucky, sensitive and passionate about the special people in my life – namely my husband, little boy, family and friends.
My love of writing started as soon as I was old enough to wield a biro and for much of my life I have kept a diary. I am extremely sentimental and when considering what my first book should be about it was a natural decision for me to choose the special milestone moments in my life. Getting married – The True Diary of a Bride-to-be. My pregnancy journey - The True Diary of a Mum-to-be and becoming a mum at last – The True Diary of Baby’s First Year. My latest book is "100 Little Words on Parenthood". Becoming a mum has been my greatest and most fulfilling achievement and one that continues to bring me joy each day.
Hello Charlie and welcome back! I know since we last spoke, your beautiful little boy has started full time school – the first major milestone! Your house must seem very quiet during term times!
Hi Julia it is an absolute pleasure to be back, thank you so much for having me.
Yes since Cole started school full-time the house has become more of an office than the fun playground it was and I particularly miss him at lunchtime as that was always our special time. Since he started school full-time I’ve found that I get so stuck into my writing I lose track of time and sometimes lunch is very late, a very bad habit I must nip in the bud!
You’ll have to set an alarm clock for lunch!
Your "True Diaries" are packed with great advice for brides to be, mums to be, and new mums – do you have any advice to give to parents up and down the country on coping with their child's first day of full time education?
Oh my goodness that is such a difficult one, I thought I was going to be OK with Cole going to school and my biggest worry was that he may not like it. His happiness is so important to me and I knew if he cried I couldn’t just leave him. Fortunately his school is attached to his nursery so he already had his best friend with him and when the tambourine was shaken he ran to sit down with hardly a backward glance for his mummy and daddy. I clearly remember coming home and trying to do some housework but the house felt so empty. I tweeted the news that my little boy had started school and had so many lovely tweets of support I was soon a blubbering wreck! My mum telephoned and the best bit of advice she gave me was that instead of looking at it as the end of an era, to celebrate the fact that he was progressing and starting on new adventures.
Good advice indeed, and proof, if any were needed that mum still knows best, and grand-mums know best of all!
I know that since we last chatted, you've done a marvellous job in gathering together one hundred little words from child care givers (parents, grandparents, etc) and compiling them all into one fantastic book called appropriately enough "100 Little Words on Parenthood". It's a fantastic concept, how did the idea occur?
I have good old twitter to thank for the idea as I had just started using it and was struggling to condense my words to the 140 characters. I was also working on another parenting book and pondered on whether it would be possible to write about all aspects of parenthood in just 100 words and there my idea was born.
Twitter has a lot to answer for! Would you have done anything differently?
I really don’t think so, no. I am a very organic, go with the flow type of person and this is reflected in my writing. I didn’t actively seek particular people to help me I just put it out there (ahem twitter again!) and was overwhelmed by the amazing and extremely talented people who offered to help me. As well as being the greatest group of parents many of them are well known bloggers, authors and experts. I got very lucky and am still pinching myself at their generous and supportive spirits.
"100 Little Words on Parenthood" has received some amazing reviews, can you share one of your favourites?
I have been overwhelmed by the lovely reviews so it is hard to choose, but this one encapsulates what many have said and makes me feel that I succeeded in compiling a book that truly does make parents feel good about this amazing journey we are all on.
‘When I was pregnant I read everything I could about pregnancy and parenting. Most books went into great detail. But 100 Little Words on Parenthood gives you all the best bits cut down into 100 word snippets. It makes you laugh, it makes you cry, but most of all as a parent it makes you realise you’re not alone!’
Wonderful praise and very well deserved! Your radio show on Coastway Hospital Radio has become a "must listen to" in our house – how did you break into show biz?
Unintentionally I promise you although I do come from a theatrical background. I trained as a ballerina, danced in a Mexican circus and worked in the film and TV industry for many years. But the radio show was a fortuitous circumstance I have my lovely hubby Dave to thank for. I made him a little late for his job one day as I was being interviewed for BBC Radio. It turned out that the chap he was working for had connections to Coastway Hospital Radio and suggested I pop in for a chat. I’ve now been hosting my own show “Charlie’s World” every Saturday night for the last couple of years and love it.
You certainly have a natural talent for communication with people – and working in a Mexican circus sounds intriguing – perhaps you can tell us more next time you drop by!
Finally, what's next in the pipeline? Can you share any upcoming projects with us?
Well, I do need to finish “The Toddler Files”, the book I put aside to complete “100 Little Words on Parenthood”. I have a partially written theatrical memoir that I would love to complete as it is a part of my life I haven’t shared yet with my readers, it’s all been weddings and babies and there is a whole different side to me ‘jazz hands’ and all, that I would like to share. Answering this question it’s occurred to me that I have a lot of unfinished books! I have another work in progress a non-fiction book about smell and finally this year may be the year I try out writing some fiction for the first time. I have two ideas that won’t go away so I’m guessing there are going to be a lot of late nights ahead.
Exciting times ahead for Charlie and her fans! Be certain to keep up with Charlie, full details of her Mega Blog Book Hop, are available on Charlie’s own site now!
About Charlie in her own words:
I am happy-go-lucky, sensitive and passionate about the special people in my life – namely my husband, little boy, family and friends.
My love of writing started as soon as I was old enough to wield a biro and for much of my life I have kept a diary. I am extremely sentimental and when considering what my first book should be about it was a natural decision for me to choose the special milestone moments in my life. Getting married – The True Diary of a Bride-to-be. My pregnancy journey - The True Diary of a Mum-to-be and becoming a mum at last – The True Diary of Baby’s First Year. My latest book is "100 Little Words on Parenthood". Becoming a mum has been my greatest and most fulfilling achievement and one that continues to bring me joy each day.
February 16, 2013
Six Questions with Laura Howard ... Finding Bliss!
The Great Griffin Giveaway breaks into a canter – today we're the guests of Laura Howard, at her wonderful site "Finding Bliss", come along and join us – we're missing you! Please join in the fun – and try your luck at the free to enter competition for your chance to win a signed paperback copy of "The Griffin Cryer" when it's released some time in March. If you can't wait till then, the ebook format is only 99 cents, around 77p.
"The Griffin Cryer" is also receiving some heart warming reviews, which are extremely welcome – 23 reviews giving an average of 4.7 stars on the US site, with a wonderful 6 reviews on the UK site, all 5 starers! You can read reviews and download a free sample with this one click link:
"The Griffin Cryer" on Amazon's virtual shelves for only 99cents/77p!
"The Griffin Cryer" not to be confused with Randall Peterson's scandalous rip-off "
The Giraffe Cryer"
"The Griffin Cryer" is also receiving some heart warming reviews, which are extremely welcome – 23 reviews giving an average of 4.7 stars on the US site, with a wonderful 6 reviews on the UK site, all 5 starers! You can read reviews and download a free sample with this one click link:
"The Griffin Cryer" on Amazon's virtual shelves for only 99cents/77p!
"The Griffin Cryer" not to be confused with Randall Peterson's scandalous rip-off "The Giraffe Cryer"
February 13, 2013
Great Griffin Giveaway
After a last round of editing and proofing, "The Griffin Cryer" is formatted, and ready to hit the paperback stands! Release is due some time in March (how's that for a firm date!) and to celebrate, we're giving away two signed copies in this free easy to enter competition. Help yourself to as few or many entries as you wish - nothing is mandatory, pick the option that best suits you. I'm really hoping a few of you will join in the fun though and share with me your favourite griffin name - not least because the second book in the "Ella-Earth" series is already underway. I'm beginning to dream about griffins - and that's no bad thing!
As always I'm entirely grateful to my band of indie friends and some fantastic book bloggers and reviewers for inviting me over to their site - this mini-blog hop kicks off tomorrow with an interview with the amazing Laurie:
Laurie's Thoughts and Reviews
I very much hope you can join me there, as Laurie has some great features and is a constant source of support for indies. When I discovered that "A Wrinkle in Time" was a favourite of hers, I knew Laurie was a lady after my own heart, so please join us tomorrow (14th February) at Laurie's site, you'll find a very warm welcome there! Next stop is Laura Howard, at Finding Bliss, which if you haven't yet visited, you are in for a real treat! a Rafflecopter giveaway
As always I'm entirely grateful to my band of indie friends and some fantastic book bloggers and reviewers for inviting me over to their site - this mini-blog hop kicks off tomorrow with an interview with the amazing Laurie:
Laurie's Thoughts and Reviews
I very much hope you can join me there, as Laurie has some great features and is a constant source of support for indies. When I discovered that "A Wrinkle in Time" was a favourite of hers, I knew Laurie was a lady after my own heart, so please join us tomorrow (14th February) at Laurie's site, you'll find a very warm welcome there! Next stop is Laura Howard, at Finding Bliss, which if you haven't yet visited, you are in for a real treat! a Rafflecopter giveaway
February 1, 2013
A little help here!
Happy February everyone! As Shelley said, "If winter comes, can spring be far behind?" Much as I love warm cozy nights in with plenty of nothing but reading to do, I can't wait for spring, and longer daylight hours. St David's Day on the first of March is always special in our house, this year even more so, as we plan to release "The Griffin Cryer" in print. Browsing through the reviews already left for the ebook version, some readers have been kind enough to express their hope for a sequel; a few have even emailed to say how much they enjoyed the read, and they too have asked if there'll be more adventures featuring Frankie and her new found friends. The answer is "yes" – there is so much more to explore! I may need a little help though, as the next in series will feature even more griffins – and they all deserve appropriate griffin-ish names. So if you've a favourite griffin name, please don't be shy – I'd love to hear your suggestions!
There is of course a reward: Your choice of either an advance reader copy of the new work in progress or a signed copy of the paperback version of "The Griffin Cryer". Either leave a comment, or use the form below, and if your name is chosen by a griffin, you'll receive notification via email.
Griffin Names! Name * First Last Email * My Griffin would be called: * Your suggestion for a great griffin-ish name! Submit
There is of course a reward: Your choice of either an advance reader copy of the new work in progress or a signed copy of the paperback version of "The Griffin Cryer". Either leave a comment, or use the form below, and if your name is chosen by a griffin, you'll receive notification via email.
Griffin Names! Name * First Last Email * My Griffin would be called: * Your suggestion for a great griffin-ish name! Submit
January 27, 2013
Basking in the sunlight!
"The Griffin Cryer" is my first real foray into young adult fiction, and blowing my own trumpet (as indie authors are wont to do) this little adventure has been lucky enough to receive some fab reviews. Many have made me smile with delight, but the latest five star review filled me with pride. It may be my name up there as an author, but I truly couldn't have managed to convey Frankie's story so well without the help of some very special beta readers, most of whom are indie authors themselves, and generously devoted hours of their own precious time. So thank you again, and the pride I feel is shared in equal measure with thankfulness at being blessed with kind and talented friends, and I hope I'm forgiven for wanting to share the excitement and wonder that each new favourable review brings.
You can read "The Griffin Cryer's" reviews here, and of course there'll be another free promotion very soon - although if you hurry, there's still time to enter "Sher A Hart's" free competion, to win signed copies and eBook copies of "A Raucous Time".
You can read "The Griffin Cryer's" reviews here, and of course there'll be another free promotion very soon - although if you hurry, there's still time to enter "Sher A Hart's" free competion, to win signed copies and eBook copies of "A Raucous Time".
January 23, 2013
Great free contest, great blog hop!
"Sher a Hart" is taking part in a "Back to the Future" blog hop; and Paul Hewlett, author of the "Lionel Snodgrass" adventure books for younger readers kindly invited me to take part.
But no surprise there really! Paul's a tireless supporter of indie authors and artists, and I first met him here on the wild wild web when Paul contacted me to ask if he could feature Laura Wright LaRoche's cover art of "A Raucous Time". Of course, the answer was YES! – and never one to miss an opportunity, I also asked if Paul would like a copy of "A Raucous Time" for review purposes. Paul graciously accepted, but warned that he wouldn't be able to review the story for some time, due to pressure of work, something all indie authors understand. If I remember correctly, that was some months ago, and hearing nothing from Paul, I assumed that either he was completely snowed under, or perhaps the story wasn't his "cup of tea".
It came as a very pleasant surprise then when Paul gave a shout out a couple of weeks ago to say that he really enjoyed the read, although some of the British phrases used gave him pause for thought, and invited "A Raucous Time" to take part in "Back to the Future" blog hop.
"A Raucous Time" is the first in the Celtic Cousins' Adventures, in which the boys go after the lost treasure of King John, which was last seen back in 1216. I still find it incredible that not so much as a gold coin of this fabulous treasure hoard has been discovered, and in my mind, the reason it hasn't been found is because it was never lost, merely hidden.
If anyone reading this has a metal detector or a spade and a yearning to go treasure hunting, give me a shout! Alternatively, you could enter "Sher a Hart's" great free contest, and be in with a chance of winning a copy of "A Raucous Time" and go treasure hunting with the Celtic Cousins!
Two autographed paperback copies, and two ebook copies of "A Raucous Time" are up for grabs, there's five days left to run, so be sure to get your entry in now (it's free!): "Sher a Hart"
But no surprise there really! Paul's a tireless supporter of indie authors and artists, and I first met him here on the wild wild web when Paul contacted me to ask if he could feature Laura Wright LaRoche's cover art of "A Raucous Time". Of course, the answer was YES! – and never one to miss an opportunity, I also asked if Paul would like a copy of "A Raucous Time" for review purposes. Paul graciously accepted, but warned that he wouldn't be able to review the story for some time, due to pressure of work, something all indie authors understand. If I remember correctly, that was some months ago, and hearing nothing from Paul, I assumed that either he was completely snowed under, or perhaps the story wasn't his "cup of tea".
It came as a very pleasant surprise then when Paul gave a shout out a couple of weeks ago to say that he really enjoyed the read, although some of the British phrases used gave him pause for thought, and invited "A Raucous Time" to take part in "Back to the Future" blog hop.
"A Raucous Time" is the first in the Celtic Cousins' Adventures, in which the boys go after the lost treasure of King John, which was last seen back in 1216. I still find it incredible that not so much as a gold coin of this fabulous treasure hoard has been discovered, and in my mind, the reason it hasn't been found is because it was never lost, merely hidden.
If anyone reading this has a metal detector or a spade and a yearning to go treasure hunting, give me a shout! Alternatively, you could enter "Sher a Hart's" great free contest, and be in with a chance of winning a copy of "A Raucous Time" and go treasure hunting with the Celtic Cousins!
Two autographed paperback copies, and two ebook copies of "A Raucous Time" are up for grabs, there's five days left to run, so be sure to get your entry in now (it's free!): "Sher a Hart"
January 22, 2013
"A little weird in parts"
Guilty as charged! I've received some stonking* reviews on the books I've pushed out since first discovering self publishing, but I think the remark above left recently by a reader sums them all up perfectly.
Oh yes please! Let's be a little weird in parts, go off the beaten track and explore the hidden places and wonder at the mysteries of life. We'll be safe in the knowledge that it's only fantasy, and we can retreat back to the real world anytime we choose.
– a reader reading completes the story's circle, and their interpretation is unique to them. For that reason, I've never commented on a review, apart from to say "Thank you kindly". (I hope my quoted reader doesn't mind being the exception to this rule.) Once the story's out there, my work is done, but a reader's work is never finished. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm way behind on my own reviewing, and I've read so many stonking good books lately!
*stonking: ace; awesome; brilliant; marvellous.
Oh yes please! Let's be a little weird in parts, go off the beaten track and explore the hidden places and wonder at the mysteries of life. We'll be safe in the knowledge that it's only fantasy, and we can retreat back to the real world anytime we choose.
– a reader reading completes the story's circle, and their interpretation is unique to them. For that reason, I've never commented on a review, apart from to say "Thank you kindly". (I hope my quoted reader doesn't mind being the exception to this rule.) Once the story's out there, my work is done, but a reader's work is never finished. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm way behind on my own reviewing, and I've read so many stonking good books lately!
*stonking: ace; awesome; brilliant; marvellous.
January 20, 2013
The Party's over! But the beat goes on ...
If you know me personally, you'll know I'm the shy retiring type. On Twitter it's a different kettle of fish, these past couple of days especially I've been a bit shouty, but in my defence, I offer "Exhibit A" and "Exhibit B": Otherwise known as "It's Always Darkest", a thriller by Stephen Spencer, and "Adventures in Mother-sitting" a touching memoir by Doreen "Dody" Cox. Both these ebooks have been running a free promotion, and while they couldn't be more different, they're both five star reads. I know both Dody and Stephen are happy to have reached so many readers, and would love to hear your comments. If you enjoy, perhaps when you have a spare moment, you'll be kind enough to take the time to post a few lines as a "Customer review" - by doing so you're helping other readers find good books. And there's more good news, "It's Always Darkest" may no longer be free, but for a rock bottom price of only 77p, (around a dollar) you can join in the adventures of Paul Mallory - try before you buy! Click here to download your free sample: "It's Always Darkest" and of course, there's a great free sample of Dody's memoir to be had by clicking here: "Adventures in Mother-Sitting"!
January 19, 2013
Last Day to download two fantastic eBooks FREE!
Last day to enjoy two great kindle ebooks: for free: "Adventures in Mother-sitting" by Doreen "Dody" Cox and "It's Always Darkest" by Stephen Spencer
" Adventures in Mother-sitting "
"Adventures in Mother-sitting" by Doreen "Dody" Cox
For a daughter, at age 61, being called “mommy” by her own mother was a heart-wrenching experience. This happened to the author during the course of a three-year adventure as the at-home caregiver to her mother, much loved yet caught up in a downward spiral of physical, mental and developmentally regressed disabilities.
"It's Always Darkest" by Stephen Spencer
Small-town sportswriter Paul Mallory doesn't need much to keep him happy: Red Stripe beer, H. Upmann cigars, and enough money to put down a few bets at the track every so often will do the trick nicely. He likes his quiet, undemanding life in upstate New York, and he really likes his quiet and undemanding girlfriend Pam. Maybe he even loves her.
Adventures in Mother-Sitting is not just a chronicle about the dementia-induced antics of an independent, spirited mother as she approaches the time of her death. The book is also about a daughter’s journey through an emotional roller coaster-passage of grief intermixed with surprising sweet instances of joyful connections with not only her child-like mother but, also, the core of her Self. Throughout the book, the author portrays the ways in which the physical and mental needs of an old-age mother and the emotional, spiritual needs of a caregiver daughter lovingly served each other and how the dementia served them both.
Each day is an adventure because when dementia is present, the typical actions involved with daily care habits become unpredictable. The experience is also termed an adventure because of the surprising twists and turns of emotion that arose in the author, compelling her to recognize and face deep-seated fears and unwanted emotional reactions whenever her performance was not in accord with the spiritual vision that she had of herself. Moments of comic relief would save the author from the depths of grief’s despair during not only pill-taking and messy hygienic episodes but, also, during her mother’s recurring stumbles and falls and during those night-time personality changes that occur due to sun downing events that are a common aspect of dementia.
Adventures in Mother-Sitting is a story that reveals a mother’s final gifts of spirit to a daughter who had yearned for and sought after ever-deepening experiences of faith, trust, humility, and the peace that passes all of her understanding. The mantra that kept her going, reverberating in the back of the author’s mind, was an echo of her mother’s life-long response to any calamitous event. Her mother had always told her girls, “You do what you have to do. God gives you the strength. That’s how I was able to raise you four little girls after your daddy died.”
Regressed in her mind to comprehending the world through a child’s point of view, the mother’s last few years of life were full of happy, joyful moments despite the downward spiral of her physical body’s health. This mother’s expressions of spontaneous joy became the balm that soothed the author’s own tired, sad, and despairing spirit. “How can I stay sad in the presence of my mother’s joy?” the author wrote in her journal one night. Adventures in Mother-Sitting depicts not only the role changes that occur in the relationship between a caregiver daughter and her beloved mother but also, the more compassionate relationship that the daughter gains with herself as she learns to walk more honestly and gently with her fears, worries, and shortcomings.
" It's Always Darkest " by Stephen Spencer.
Small-town sportswriter Paul Mallory doesn't need much to keep him happy: Red Stripe beer, H. Upmann cigars, and enough money to put down a few bets at the track every so often will do the trick nicely. He likes his quiet, undemanding life in upstate New York, and he really likes his quiet and undemanding girlfriend Pam. Maybe he even loves her.
What Paul doesn't like is travel, complications, and most of all, responsibility for the welfare of others. But when his insatiable curiosity—along with a propensity for showing off—gets the better of him one fine June day, he has to leave his old life (and Pam) behind to take on a lucrative new job; a job he never really wanted in the first place.
Then, on his very first assignment with the mysterious Cramer Press Syndicate, Mallory immediately finds himself in the spotlight at a Russian handball tournament and must decide whether to become personally involved in the biggest story he's ever covered—putting both his career and his life on the line in the process.
Whatever he does, he'll never be the same again.
A great introduction to the world of Paul Mallory's adventures – highly recommended for those who enjoy intelligent thrillers.
" Adventures in Mother-sitting "
"Adventures in Mother-sitting" by Doreen "Dody" Cox
For a daughter, at age 61, being called “mommy” by her own mother was a heart-wrenching experience. This happened to the author during the course of a three-year adventure as the at-home caregiver to her mother, much loved yet caught up in a downward spiral of physical, mental and developmentally regressed disabilities.
"It's Always Darkest" by Stephen Spencer
Small-town sportswriter Paul Mallory doesn't need much to keep him happy: Red Stripe beer, H. Upmann cigars, and enough money to put down a few bets at the track every so often will do the trick nicely. He likes his quiet, undemanding life in upstate New York, and he really likes his quiet and undemanding girlfriend Pam. Maybe he even loves her.
Adventures in Mother-Sitting is not just a chronicle about the dementia-induced antics of an independent, spirited mother as she approaches the time of her death. The book is also about a daughter’s journey through an emotional roller coaster-passage of grief intermixed with surprising sweet instances of joyful connections with not only her child-like mother but, also, the core of her Self. Throughout the book, the author portrays the ways in which the physical and mental needs of an old-age mother and the emotional, spiritual needs of a caregiver daughter lovingly served each other and how the dementia served them both.
Each day is an adventure because when dementia is present, the typical actions involved with daily care habits become unpredictable. The experience is also termed an adventure because of the surprising twists and turns of emotion that arose in the author, compelling her to recognize and face deep-seated fears and unwanted emotional reactions whenever her performance was not in accord with the spiritual vision that she had of herself. Moments of comic relief would save the author from the depths of grief’s despair during not only pill-taking and messy hygienic episodes but, also, during her mother’s recurring stumbles and falls and during those night-time personality changes that occur due to sun downing events that are a common aspect of dementia.
Adventures in Mother-Sitting is a story that reveals a mother’s final gifts of spirit to a daughter who had yearned for and sought after ever-deepening experiences of faith, trust, humility, and the peace that passes all of her understanding. The mantra that kept her going, reverberating in the back of the author’s mind, was an echo of her mother’s life-long response to any calamitous event. Her mother had always told her girls, “You do what you have to do. God gives you the strength. That’s how I was able to raise you four little girls after your daddy died.”
Regressed in her mind to comprehending the world through a child’s point of view, the mother’s last few years of life were full of happy, joyful moments despite the downward spiral of her physical body’s health. This mother’s expressions of spontaneous joy became the balm that soothed the author’s own tired, sad, and despairing spirit. “How can I stay sad in the presence of my mother’s joy?” the author wrote in her journal one night. Adventures in Mother-Sitting depicts not only the role changes that occur in the relationship between a caregiver daughter and her beloved mother but also, the more compassionate relationship that the daughter gains with herself as she learns to walk more honestly and gently with her fears, worries, and shortcomings.
" It's Always Darkest " by Stephen Spencer.
Small-town sportswriter Paul Mallory doesn't need much to keep him happy: Red Stripe beer, H. Upmann cigars, and enough money to put down a few bets at the track every so often will do the trick nicely. He likes his quiet, undemanding life in upstate New York, and he really likes his quiet and undemanding girlfriend Pam. Maybe he even loves her.
What Paul doesn't like is travel, complications, and most of all, responsibility for the welfare of others. But when his insatiable curiosity—along with a propensity for showing off—gets the better of him one fine June day, he has to leave his old life (and Pam) behind to take on a lucrative new job; a job he never really wanted in the first place.
Then, on his very first assignment with the mysterious Cramer Press Syndicate, Mallory immediately finds himself in the spotlight at a Russian handball tournament and must decide whether to become personally involved in the biggest story he's ever covered—putting both his career and his life on the line in the process.
Whatever he does, he'll never be the same again.
A great introduction to the world of Paul Mallory's adventures – highly recommended for those who enjoy intelligent thrillers.
January 17, 2013
New day, new tunes:
The free promotion on "The Griffin Cryer" is over; and it's been a wicked ride! Thank you so much to everyone who downloaded, liked and shared this flight of fantasy, and helped Frankie and the Rider make it to number one in free Action and Adventure: they stayed in the top ten for four consecutive days! No mean feat, and we couldn't have done it without your help!
It's delightful to think that "The Griffin Cryer" is now on thousands of kindles world wide, and even more delightful, I'm already having feedback via twitter and customers reviews from readers who are kind enough to say they're really enjoying the story – again thank you!
"The Bridle Path" remains free on Smashwords and has just received another lovely five star review – this romantic fairy tale for grown-ups has been likened by one customer to a "Mills and Boon romance, but with an edge!" Which is exactly what I was aiming for – I can't do anything about the price on Amazon unfortunately, but it is available there too, at a rock bottom price of 77p – here are the links if you'd like to try a sample: Amazon.com Amazon.co.uk Amazon.de – but my advice is grab your copy from Smashwords where it's free! "The Bridle Path" Free at Smashwords.
Also running free today, until Saturday, is Dody's touching memoir of caring for her dementia challenged mom, "Adventures in Mothersitting". Courageously honest, this is an inspiring account of coming to terms with change, and learning to see the world through more innocent eyes, as Dody's mom reverts to childhood. The bewilderment and grief of seeing a person you love so dearly, and respect so highly are finally swept away by love, understanding and acceptance. Please help yourself to a copy of this heart-warming true story, from Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.de. Visit Dody's "Treasured Encounters" blog, where there's some enchanting short stories, poems and spectactural photographs of the wild life in Dody's back yard, you can also discover more about Dody here, when she dropped by for a chat earlier last year.
Amazon.com Amazon.co.uk Amazon.de
Amazon.com Amazon.co.uk Amazon.de "The Bridle Path" Free at Smashwords.
Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk Amazon.de.
It's delightful to think that "The Griffin Cryer" is now on thousands of kindles world wide, and even more delightful, I'm already having feedback via twitter and customers reviews from readers who are kind enough to say they're really enjoying the story – again thank you!
"The Bridle Path" remains free on Smashwords and has just received another lovely five star review – this romantic fairy tale for grown-ups has been likened by one customer to a "Mills and Boon romance, but with an edge!" Which is exactly what I was aiming for – I can't do anything about the price on Amazon unfortunately, but it is available there too, at a rock bottom price of 77p – here are the links if you'd like to try a sample: Amazon.com Amazon.co.uk Amazon.de – but my advice is grab your copy from Smashwords where it's free! "The Bridle Path" Free at Smashwords.
Also running free today, until Saturday, is Dody's touching memoir of caring for her dementia challenged mom, "Adventures in Mothersitting". Courageously honest, this is an inspiring account of coming to terms with change, and learning to see the world through more innocent eyes, as Dody's mom reverts to childhood. The bewilderment and grief of seeing a person you love so dearly, and respect so highly are finally swept away by love, understanding and acceptance. Please help yourself to a copy of this heart-warming true story, from Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.de. Visit Dody's "Treasured Encounters" blog, where there's some enchanting short stories, poems and spectactural photographs of the wild life in Dody's back yard, you can also discover more about Dody here, when she dropped by for a chat earlier last year.
Amazon.com Amazon.co.uk Amazon.de
Amazon.com Amazon.co.uk Amazon.de "The Bridle Path" Free at Smashwords.
Amazon.com, Amazon.co.uk Amazon.de.
