A.L. Butcher's Blog, page 15

Love Fantasy? Find my books on Google Play

Like reading? Love #fantasy? Check out my books on Google Play.

Fantasy, short stories, dark fantasy, short horror – grab some sensual sorcery or tales of blood and vengeance.

https://play.google.com/store/books/author?id=A.+L.+Butcher&hl=en

What is the Secret of Blossom Rise?

When a young nurse takes a job at an old military hospital she finds the answers to an old family question – what is the secret of Blossom Rise Hospital? Who is the long-dead man who walks the grounds?
#Ebook #Audiobook  #Paranormal #Ghoststory

https://books2read.com/SecretBlossomRise

 

Character Interview – Naomi #ScienceFiction

CHARACTER NAME Naomi

Tell us a little about yourself.

Generally I am a private person and not too keen to talk about myself. I am from Boston in the UK and for reasons I only disclose to those close to me, I was brought up by my grandfather.

How did you end up in the situation you’re currently in?

You only have to look around to see why it’s vital that we protest against the current state of the world. That’s why I’m an activist.

Is your life now as you envisioned it? If not – then why?

I always had an inclination I’d do some form of activism, probably because of my parents, but didn’t really plan for my life to be so consumed by it.

Do you believe in monsters?

Only the human ones.

Have you committed a crime? What was it? If not, what circumstances would cause you to commit a crime?

Yes, but then haven’t we all, either because the laws aren’t fair or because we’ve knowingly contributed to the climate catastrophe.

Do you have a moral code? If so what might it be

I don’t know. I do what I think is right.

Would you kill for those you love?

Probably, but I’ve never been put to the test.

Would you die for those you love?

I hope so.

How do you think others see you?

I don’t really think about it, but as you’ve asked… probably that I’m physically and mentally strong, but a bit aloof and serious.

How do you define ‘heroism?’

It’s not a term I like, so I don’t.

What is your greatest skill/asset?

My determination. Oh, and not getting distracted by friendships or lovers.

What is your greatest weakness (we won’t tell)?

My inability to pass by an injustice, although I see it as a strength.

For the author

Books in which this character appears: We Are Not Anonymous

Links, short author bio…

STEPHEN ORAM writes social science fiction novels and short stories set in the near-future, exploring the intersection of messy humans and imperfect technology. He is also a leading proponent of applied science fiction, working with scientists and technologists to explore possible outcomes of their research through short stories. Stephen is based in the heart of central London and attributes much of the urban grittiness and the optimism about humanity in his writing to the noise, the bustle, and the diverse community of where he lives.

https://linktr.ee/WeAreNotAnonymous

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/228567029-we-are-not-anonymous

Description

A fast-paced near-future science fiction with a warning that our future is up for grabs 

In a near-future England, fractured into three nations and ravaged by climate floods, Naomi, a fiercely determined activist, and Beth, her courageous partner, fight for a better world. Their love deepens as they take on Kai, the ruthless leader of the tech-elite Narcissists, whose experiments on children and government-controlling technology threaten to reshape humanity itself.

 As part of the activist group Resist and Regain, Beth and Naomi battle to subvert Kai’s ambitions and create a more equal and transparent world. But as the stakes rise, Beth must face a harrowing choice: should she try to dismantle Kai’s regime at the cost of her family’s safety—and their future?

‘We Are Not Anonymous is an accessible sci-fi thriller rooted in today’s concerns about AI, billionaire tech barons, climate change, politics and government, personal rights, data ownership and police militarization. But it’s also an inspiring story about the power of activism, community and the resourcefulness of humanity.’ – Housmans Bookshop

About the Author 

STEPHEN ORAM writes near-future science fiction, exploring the intersection of messy humans and imperfect technology. Previously, he has two published novels, three collections of sci-fi shorts and is published in many anthologies, including the award-winning Best of British Science Fiction 2022 (Newcon Press).

Stephen also works with scientists and technologists to explore possible outcomes of their research with the public through short stories and has co-edited four anthologies along these lines. Previously, he was the head of policy for post-16 skills strategic development and innovation at the Department for Education. 

Stephen is based in the heart of central London and, alongside his experience of living inside and outside of the establishment, he attributes much of the urban grittiness and the optimism about humanity in his writing to the noise, the bustle, and the diverse community of where he lives.  

Book Spotlight – We Are Not Anonymous #ScienceFiction

Book Title: We Are Not Anonymous

Author (s): Stephen Oram

Genre: near future science fiction

Tell us about your characters:

There are three main characters. A twenty-something Beth, who has left her home and friends for the city to become a professional caster / influencer. Kai, the narcissist CEO of tech giant OmegaSimera, is determined to pursue his desires to control the government and accelerate evolution using experiments on children. Naomi is the same age as Beth and an activist for Resist and Regain, a group dedicated to standing up against Kai and the tech oligarchs.

Synopsis:

Tell us about the world in which the book is set.

It is set in the near-future when the role of running government is pretty much unpalatable to politicians who the public has totally lost trust in. Climate change is flooding England, which is now split into the three countries of England, Wessex and East Albion.

Why should readers buy this?

We Are Not Anonymous is an accessible sci-fi thriller rooted in today’s concerns about AI, billionaire tech barons, climate change, politics and government, personal rights, data ownership and police militarization. But it’s also an inspiring story about the power of activism, community and the resourcefulness of humanity.

Brief Excerpt 250 words:

Beth manoeuvred through the crowds, which were pressing in on every side. The close contact of so many noisy people all squeezed into one place was wonderful. She wiped the sweat from the tip of her nose, pleased that she was getting the first-hand footage she needed to increase her credibility and gain the influence she’d been chasing for two years. She was more nervous than excited, but with a brave face she was going to make sure her first live cast was a good one. Otherwise, what was the point of leaving the security of her home town, the familiarity of its streets and its people, her friends?

Chatting into her sleeve camera, she cast her commentary without giving herself time to overthink. “Here I am, Beth Haliford your trusted caster, talking to you from Pancras Square, London. This private piece of land is home to the headquarters of OS, OmegaSimera, who are accused of child exploitation.”

She filmed the crowd.

“As you can see,” she said, checking herself to make sure she was smiling professionally despite the oppressive heatwave. “As you can see, among the multitude of protest groups, we have those directly against child exploitation and also groups focused on the continuing extraction of fossil fuels, anti-capitalists, anarchists, and representatives of the anti-neoliberal movement. Look. They’ve all come together to protect their children’s future.”

Links etc.

Book page: https://stephenoram.net/we-are-not-anonymous/

Purchase links: https://linktr.ee/wearenotanonymous

What is the Secret of Blossom Rise?

When a young nurse takes a job at an old military hospital she finds the answers to an old family question – what is the secret of Blossom Rise Hospital? Who is the long-dead man who walks the grounds?
#Ebook #Audiobook  #Paranormal #Ghoststory

https://books2read.com/SecretBlossomRise

 

The Shining Citadel #Fantasy

Who rules in this game of intrigue where magic is forbidden, and elves enslaved? Journey where beliefs shatter like glass, truth is unwelcome, and monsters from ancient times abound
Adult rated  #DarkFantasy #ShiningCitadel #ebook #audiobook
https://www.books2read.com/ShiningCitadel

Check out the Light Beyond the Storm Chronicles for a sizzling sorcery adventure

Looking for an audiobook or awesome read? Check out The Light Beyond the Storm Chronicles – Book I

In a dark world where magic is illegal, and elves are enslaved a young elven sorceress runs for her life from the house of her evil Keeper. Pursued by his men and the corrupt Order of Witch-Hunters she must find sanctuary. As the slavers roll across the lands stealing elves from what remains of their ancestral home the Witch-Hunters turn a blind eye to the tragedy and a story of power, love and a terrible revenge unfolds.

18 rated (for adult content).

Available Amazon, Audible, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, Smashwords, Google Play, Scribd, Angus and Robertson, and more on the link below – hardback, paperback, ebook and large print editions.

#Fantasy or #FantasyRomance #Darkfantasy #Sexnsorcery Universal Link
https://www.books2read.com/Lightbeyondstorm1

Shadowed Skies – Blog Tour and Giveaway #YA #Fantasy #Romance

 

His mountainsolitude shattered. 

Her lab prison escaped. 

Together they’ll find refuge or dietrying.

Shadowed Skies

by Haley Cavanagh

Genre: YA CleanDystopian SciFi Fantasy Romance

Hunted fortheir blood. Fighting for their future.

 

River

He’s the last of his kind, a winged warriorhidden in the mountains. River Shaw has lost everything: his sanctuary, theonly shield from a world that fears and hunts him. When Delene, another of hiskind, crash-lands into his life, wounded and on the run, his solitude isshattered.

Delene

She’s a fugitivewith a secret, escaping the clutches of dark forces that took everything fromher. Delene Fairborne’s flight to freedom leads her to River and the spark of abond neither can deny.

In a landscapescarred by betrayal and danger, River and Delene must navigate their growingfeelings and the sinister scientist who will stop at nothing to harness theirpower. Shadowed Skies is where love takes wing, hope soars, and destinyentwines. Dive into a world where every heartbeat is a rebellion, every glancea promise, and every flight a taste of freedom.

 

Amazon * B&N * Betterworld Books * BAM * CollectiveInk * Thriftbooks * WalMart *  Goodreads

Haley Cavanagh isa military veteran, wife, and mother. She was awarded the League of UtahWriters 2020 Silver Quill Award for Retaliation, the second novel in herOceanstone Initiative series. Haley is an alumna of Columbia College, a musicaltheater nut, and she loves to dive into any book that crosses her path. Haleyresides with her family in the United States and enjoys spending time with herhusband and children when she’s not writing. She loves to hear from her readersand encourages you to contact her via her website and social media.

 

Website * Facebook * X * Instagram * Bookbub * Amazon * Goodreads

Follow the tour HERE for special content and a $20 Amazon giveaway!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

What is the Secret of Blossom Rise?

When a young nurse takes a job at an old military hospital she finds the answers to an old family question – what is the secret of Blossom Rise Hospital? Who is the long-dead man who walks the grounds?
#Ebook #Audiobook  #Paranormal #Ghoststory

https://books2read.com/SecretBlossomRise

 

English WTF – part 1 (OUGH)

I admire anyone who can speak more than one language. And I admire anyone who learns English as second (or third) language, because, frankly English is a mess.

We have elements of Danish, Norman French, Celtic, Germanic, Latin, and a whole host of other influences. Not to mention the Great Vowel Shift (see article)…and the wonky spelling scribes gave to things….

Many people struggle with spelling, and let’s face it English makes no sense. We like to take a set of letters, then make them sound, well, however we damn well like…

Ah yes, spelling….you have to chuckle because… English takes spelling vs pronunciation and beats it until it gives up and hides in the corner.

Let’s start with a fun combination of letters OUGH.

THOUGHT – an idea or opinion produced by thinking, or occurring suddenly in the mind:

sounds like – taut, (or taught- and that’s a whole load of confusion in itself), court, or caught… Simplistically ORT.

Example: I thought it was going to rain.

The thought went through my head

OUGHT  – used to indicate correctness or action

Sounds like taut, taught, court, caught etc

Example: I ought to take my umbrella.

She ought to have known better

THROUGH – movement from one side to the other, or following an action to completion.

Sounds like threw (obviously – English, some of the letters are the same…), you, chew, grey, hew, Hugh, drew.

Example: Hugh followed through the plan to its completion

DOUGH – a mixture of flour and water used to make bread or cake.

Sounds like sow (as in to sow crops, not sow a female pig – because English). Or crow, or doe, or throw…

Example: I used the dough to make a cake.

ROUGH   –  having an uneven surface, incomplete,  or an uncouth, unrefined person

Sounds like ruff, huff, gruff

Example: The draft proposal was very rough.

The woollen jumper was rough.

BOUGH – The branch of a tree

Sounds like bow (as in the archery weapon or ‘bow tie’, not bow as in taking a bow, or the front of a ship… because English…

Example: The bough of the tree would make a great longbow.

COUGH – the expelling of sudden air from the lungs (often due to illness)

Sounds like Coff, off, trough (as in a drinking trough), froth.

Example: I had a nasty cough and was awake all through the night.

BOROUGH – a town which is an administrative unit.

Sounds like burra, not burrow

Example: The London Borough of Hammersmith

DROUGHT – the long-term absence of rain in an area

Sounds like out, tout, rout

Example: The long summer brought a drought to many areas. There has been a drought in the desert for many years.

TOUGH –  a strong substance or person, able to withstand outside influences.

Sounds like tuff, cuff.

Example: The last few years have been tough.

NOUGHT – nothing, zero.

Rhymes with court, caught, sort, sought (sigh…English)

Example: Nought but ashes remained.

SOUGHT– past participle of seek – to want, search etc

sounds like sort, taught, taut.

Example: The new fashion was much sought after.

FURLOUGH – temporary suspension of workers due to economic or social conditions.

sounds like fur -low.

Example: During the pandemic, many workers were placed on furlough.

BOUGHT – past participle of buy. To have acquired an item for money.

sounds like Bort, court, caught etc.

Example: I bought doughnuts at the bakery.

PLOUGH (UK spelling of plow) – a large farming implement used to till the earth.

A constellation.

Sounds like with cow, ow, plow, now

Example: The farmer ploughed her field.

The council sent out the snowplough.

ALTHOUGH – in spite of the fact, even though.

sounds like ‘all tho’

Example: Although the sun was shining the weather was cold.

DOUGHTY – Brave and persistent.

Sounds like ‘dowty’ (not doe-ty or duffty).

Example: The doughty old woman persevered despite her disability.

The doughty soldiers held the line.

ENOUGH – as much as is required

sounds like E-Nuff – tough, rough, huff

Example: Enough is enough. There was not enough money to go around.

SLOUGH – the shedding of dead skin, such as that on a snake, or the falling of earth into a hole.

Sounds like sluff, rough, tough…

Example: The snake sloughed its skin.

Incidentally there’s a town in England called Slough – pronounced /slaʊ/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Slough

Because English WTF!

How many words English words have OUGH in them?

Words with OUGH in them…

https://www.thefreedictionary.com/words-containing-ough