Ia Uaro's Blog, page 6

Meet Her Awesomeness Susan Smith-Josephy, Author of “The Ogopogo Club”

 

 

My guest this week is Susan Smith-Josephy, author of  “The Ogopogo Club”, the only short story  written by a female author that was selected to be part of the Kindle All Stars “Carnival of Cryptids.”

 

Susan Smith-Josephy, author or LILLIAN ALLING and THE OGOPOGO CLUB: “I’ve always been fascinated by the bizarre, the awful, and the unexplainable.”

 

Hahahahahahaha! OMG… Carmen, oops, Susan, please tell our readers here a one-sentence synopsis of “The Ogopogo Club”!  (* in tears, laughing*)

A woman, married to a jerk, learns just how real The Ogopogo Club is.

How real are your characters?

Um, for legal reasons, I must say “they’re not real at all!” However, in reality, they’re based on composites of people that I know very well.

You are so mischievous! I knew I was going to be entertained even before I read it! And I wasn’t disappointed at all

So what inspired you to write this story?

I’ve always been fascinated by the bizarre, the awful, and the unexplainable. So when an opportunity came up to contribute to the Kindle All Stars 2 “Carnival of Cryptids” I knew I had to do it.

You’re the only female author of Carnival of Cryptids, so I knew from the beginning there must be something very special about you and your writing. When did you first know you just had to write?

I’ve written for a number of years but I’ve become a lot more prolific now that I’m doing it full time.

How long did it take you to write this piece?

The writing didn’t take long, maybe a few days. But the editing took a lot longer.

How did you come up with the title?

I wanted a local cryptid. The Ogopogo is a watery, bumpy-backed water creature that lives in Lake Okanagan in British Columbia. I love B.C., but its wilderness can be scary. Especially when you’re out on a remote lake, alone with two drunk men.

What is your favorite line in the book? (or paragraph)



“She imagined how it would be if they really existed.  They could come up under a small boat like ours and lift us up, and over we’d go.  No one would know, and no one would find our bodies.  Rumor had it that each time the Ogopogo ate a man, the creature grew a new hump.”

And little did she know…  Really brilliant, Susan

So who would you say have been the most influential authors in your life? What is it that really strikes you about their work?

Patricia Highsmith comes to mind. Her stories are a mixture of mystery, the bizarre, and shocking characters. She had a talent for writing a likeable villain which is not an easy thing to do.

Not easy, but you did it very well! Susan, share with us your story about the joy and the hardship of writing.

I enjoy writing because I can do it by myself. No matter how much someone would like to help you, you simply have to do it yourself.

The joy comes from finding the first kernel of an idea. The challenge and hardship then is turning that idea into something worth reading.

And finding more joy in the end, I’m sure. Who gives you the most encouragement? Why is that important to you?

I have a friend from university that lives half a country away, yet we e-mail each other regularly and talk about our writing projects and encourage each other.  I value this feedback very much.

I get a ton of support from my husband and my mother, too. My husband’s driven me thousands of kilometers to help me solve a problem with geography in my research. My mom is an avid reader of everything, and has an instinct on what’s right in a story.

Aren’t you lucky! And they must love the process too, seeing how talented you are. Are you working on another story right now? Tell us your latest news.

Right now I’m working on another non-fiction book. It’s a biography of a local old timer. He came to British Columbia for the gold rush in the 1850s, and soon turned to mule train packing to make a living. He was a character, well-loved, and continued with his career well into his 80s. I love to research and write about every day people who do extraordinary things. He probably didn’t think he was doing anything special, but he worked for more than 50 years in a physically grueling profession, during some of the most fascinating times in our province’s history.

I also have an ebook of fiction anthology coming out later this year. In keeping with my love of the macabre and weird, it’s a collection of stories I’ve written over the years with a general theme of the dark side of human nature.

It seems that my non-fiction focuses on the good in people, and my fiction spotlights the bad. I need to figure out why that is.

Methinks you’re a well-balanced all-rounder, Susan. I’m so going to check out your other books!

Do you see writing as a career or distraction? Why?



It’s neither, really, and also both. It’s a career because I do it all the time, every day. But it’s also a distraction because every time I try and do something else, I feel like I should be writing.

How much do you have in common with your protag? 

Not much in that she keeps her mouth shut, and I am loud and opinionated. But some, in that I hate being around groups of drunk people.

I see, so you sort of vent your dislikes both aloud and in writing—and why not? Isn’t that one of the joys of being a writer? I too sometimes take my vendetta against obnoxious people in my writing  

What are your hobbies, Susan?

Reading, papercrafting, gardening, photography, travel. Can I count “cleaning my closets” as a hobby? I like to do that.

You must be very organized. What is your other profession? When do you find the time to write?

I’m a retired journalist, so I’m at home. But I also do social media for a local company, and do other stuff as well, so I usually write in the middle of the night.

How nice. I can’t wait to be a wise, retired lady of 70, and writing full time.

Who and what matters to you, Susan?

My family and a few good friends mean everything to me. I need not to be around dysfunctional people, and I’ll do a lot to avoid them. Physical health is vital. I’ve had some friends with serious health problems, and it changes absolutely everything.

How has your published work influenced others and their attitude towards you?

It means a lot to me when someone takes the time to buy and read my book. And if I get an email or a letter from them, I just love that. And when a reader reaches out to me on Twitter and reviews my book, I am just thrilled that they wanted to take the time to do that.

And why not? You’re awesome!

Anything important for your readers to know about you, Susan?

I love it when readers write to me and give me updates on my research subjects. After the Lillian Alling book came out in print, I received some wonderful letters from descendants of the people in the book. It was very moving.

And Lillian Alling was such an inspiring personality; what a woman! I’ll have to read that book.

 

Susan’s first book, “Lillian Alling: the journey home” is a true account about a woman who, in the 1920s, walked from New York to Siberia via Canada and Alaska.

 

Any tips for us on reading and writing?

I’m a fan of both print and ebooks. I have about ten print books that I’m reading now, and an equal amount of ebooks just waiting for me on my Kindle. Reading is reading! I believe you cannot be a writer if you’re not a reader.

Thank you so much for stopping here Susan. Best wishes for your work!

 

Susan Smith-Josephy is a writer, researcher and editor based in Quesnel, British Columbia. Susan has a degree in History from Simon Fraser University, and also studied journalism at Langara College. She has worked at various community newspapers throughout British Columbia as both a reporter and an editor. She is also researching some particularly gruesome British Columbian historical crimes.

Watch out for Susan’s next non-fiction book is about Jean Caux, the famed packer, who is known in British Columbia as Cataline.

Find Susan on her website www.susmithjosephy.com, her blogs http://writersglob.blogspot.com and http://writingsnoir.blogspot.ca/, Pinterest, Google+, Facebook, and follow her where  most action happens: on Twitter @susmithjoseph

Her book Lillian Alling: the journey home is available from the following outlets Caitlin Press, Amazon.com,  Amazon Canada and every other Amazon.

I hope you have enjoyed meeting her. This is my third interview with the authors of Carnival of Cryptids, a new-released anthology for charity purpose, specifically the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Come back next week and meet the next brilliant author of Carnival of Cryptids.

 

My mini review on “The Ogopogo Club”:

The OGOPOGO CLUB is the story of Carmen, a very obedient wife, and the abuse she receives from her despicable husband.  One stormy afternoon, they go out fishing with his drunken friend to the scary Lake Okanagan in British Columbia, where Ogopogo, a watery, bumpy-backed water creature is rumored to have lived. 

A short story with a huge twist. Susan Smith-Josephy knows well how to give her readers a good time. Thoroughly entertaining.

 

CARNIVAL OF CRYPTIDS is an anthology
about creatures man was never supposed to know.

Meet Her Awesomeness: Susan Smith-Josephy, Author of “The Ogopogo Club”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

My guest this week is Susan Smith-Josephy, author of  “The Ogopogo Club”, the only short story  written by a female author that was selected to be part of the Kindle All Stars “Carnival of Cryptids.”

 

Susan Smith-Josephy, author or LILLIAN ALLING and THE OGOPOGO CLUB: “I’ve always been fascinated by the bizarre, the awful, and the unexplainable.”

 

Hahahahahahaha! OMG… Carmen, oops, Susan, please tell our readers here a one-sentence synopsis of “The Ogopogo Club”!  (* in tears, laughing*)

A woman, married to a jerk, learns just how real The Ogopogo Club is.

How real are your characters?

Um, for legal reasons, I must say “they’re not real at all!” However, in reality, they’re based on composites of people that I know very well.

You are so mischievous! I knew I was going to be entertained even before I read it! And I wasn’t disappointed at all

So what inspired you to write this story?

I’ve always been fascinated by the bizarre, the awful, and the unexplainable. So when an opportunity came up to contribute to the Kindle All Stars 2 “Carnival of Cryptids” I knew I had to do it.

You’re the only female author of Carnival of Cryptids, so I knew from the beginning there must be something very special about you and your writing. When did you first know you just had to write?

I’ve written for a number of years but I’ve become a lot more prolific now that I’m doing it full time.

How long did it take you to write this piece?

The writing didn’t take long, maybe a few days. But the editing took a lot longer.

How did you come up with the title?

I wanted a local cryptid. The Ogopogo is a watery, bumpy-backed water creature that lives in Lake Okanagan in British Columbia. I love B.C., but its wilderness can be scary. Especially when you’re out on a remote lake, alone with two drunk men.

What is your favorite line in the book? (or paragraph)



“She imagined how it would be if they really existed.  They could come up under a small boat like ours and lift us up, and over we’d go.  No one would know, and no one would find our bodies.  Rumor had it that each time the Ogopogo ate a man, the creature grew a new hump.”

And little did she know…  Really brilliant, Susan

So who would you say have been the most influential authors in your life? What is it that really strikes you about their work?

Patricia Highsmith comes to mind. Her stories are a mixture of mystery, the bizarre, and shocking characters. She had a talent for writing a likeable villain which is not an easy thing to do.

Not easy, but you did it very well! Susan, share with us your story about the joy and the hardship of writing.

I enjoy writing because I can do it by myself. No matter how much someone would like to help you, you simply have to do it yourself.

The joy comes from finding the first kernel of an idea. The challenge and hardship then is turning that idea into something worth reading.

And finding more joy in the end, I’m sure. Who gives you the most encouragement? Why is that important to you?

I have a friend from university that lives half a country away, yet we e-mail each other regularly and talk about our writing projects and encourage each other.  I value this feedback very much.

I get a ton of support from my husband and my mother, too. My husband’s driven me thousands of kilometers to help me solve a problem with geography in my research. My mom is an avid reader of everything, and has an instinct on what’s right in a story.

Aren’t you lucky! And they must love the process too, seeing how talented you are. Are you working on another story right now? Tell us your latest news.

Right now I’m working on another non-fiction book. It’s a biography of a local old timer. He came to British Columbia for the gold rush in the 1850s, and soon turned to mule train packing to make a living. He was a character, well-loved, and continued with his career well into his 80s. I love to research and write about every day people who do extraordinary things. He probably didn’t think he was doing anything special, but he worked for more than 50 years in a physically grueling profession, during some of the most fascinating times in our province’s history.

I also have an ebook of fiction anthology coming out later this year. In keeping with my love of the macabre and weird, it’s a collection of stories I’ve written over the years with a general theme of the dark side of human nature.

It seems that my non-fiction focuses on the good in people, and my fiction spotlights the bad. I need to figure out why that is.

Methinks you’re a well-balanced all-rounder, Susan. I’m so going to check out your other books!

Do you see writing as a career or distraction? Why?



It’s neither, really, and also both. It’s a career because I do it all the time, every day. But it’s also a distraction because every time I try and do something else, I feel like I should be writing.

How much do you have in common with your protag? 

Not much in that she keeps her mouth shut, and I am loud and opinionated. But some, in that I hate being around groups of drunk people.

I see, so you sort of vent your dislikes both aloud and in writing—and why not? Isn’t that one of the joys of being a writer? I too sometimes take my vendetta against obnoxious people in my writing  

What are your hobbies, Susan?

Reading, papercrafting, gardening, photography, travel. Can I count “cleaning my closets” as a hobby? I like to do that.

You must be very organized. What is your other profession? When do you find the time to write?

I’m a retired journalist, so I’m at home. But I also do social media for a local company, and do other stuff as well, so I usually write in the middle of the night.

How nice. I can’t wait to be a wise, retired lady of 70, and writing full time.

Who and what matters to you, Susan?

My family and a few good friends mean everything to me. I need not to be around dysfunctional people, and I’ll do a lot to avoid them. Physical health is vital. I’ve had some friends with serious health problems, and it changes absolutely everything.

How has your published work influenced others and their attitude towards you?

It means a lot to me when someone takes the time to buy and read my book. And if I get an email or a letter from them, I just love that. And when a reader reaches out to me on Twitter and reviews my book, I am just thrilled that they wanted to take the time to do that.

And why not? You’re awesome!

Anything important for your readers to know about you, Susan?

I love it when readers write to me and give me updates on my research subjects. After the Lillian Alling book came out in print, I received some wonderful letters from descendants of the people in the book. It was very moving.

And Lillian Alling was such an inspiring personality; what a woman! I’ll have to read that book.

 

Susan’s first book, “Lillian Alling: the journey home” is a true account about a woman who, in the 1920s, walked from New York to Siberia via Canada and Alaska.

 

Any tips for us on reading and writing?

I’m a fan of both print and ebooks. I have about ten print books that I’m reading now, and an equal amount of ebooks just waiting for me on my Kindle. Reading is reading! I believe you cannot be a writer if you’re not a reader.

Thank you so much for stopping here Susan. Best wishes for your work!

 

Susan Smith-Josephy is a writer, researcher and editor based in Quesnel, British Columbia. Susan has a degree in History from Simon Fraser University, and also studied journalism at Langara College. She has worked at various community newspapers throughout British Columbia as both a reporter and an editor. She is also researching some particularly gruesome British Columbian historical crimes.

Watch out for Susan’s next non-fiction book is about Jean Caux, the famed packer, who is known in British Columbia as Cataline.

Find Susan on her website www.susmithjosephy.com, her blogs http://writersglob.blogspot.com and http://writingsnoir.blogspot.ca/, Pinterest, Google+, Facebook, and follow her where  most action happens: on Twitter @susmithjoseph

Her book Lillian Alling: the journey home is available from the following outlets Caitlin Press, Amazon.com,  Amazon Canada and every other Amazon.

I hope you have enjoyed meeting her. This is my third interview with the authors of Carnival of Cryptids, a new-released anthology for charity purpose, specifically the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Come back next week and meet the next brilliant author of Carnival of Cryptids.

 

My mini review on “The Ogopogo Club”:

The OGOPOGO CLUB is the story of Carmen, a very obedient wife, and the abuse she receives from her despicable husband.  One stormy afternoon, they go out fishing with his drunken friend to the scary Lake Okanagan in British Columbia, where Ogopogo, a watery, bumpy-backed water creature is rumored to have lived. 

A short story with a huge twist. Susan Smith-Josephy knows well how to give her readers a good time. Thoroughly entertaining.

 

CARNIVAL OF CRYPTIDS is an anthology
about creatures man was never supposed to know.

Sadie Duarte: Her Moving Fight To Survival in The Dance Of Silence.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today, we are honoured by a visit from an angel, my very special friend Sadie Duarte, who, I originally stumbled upon on Twitter. When my son accused me of having thousands of fake friends, he was sorely mistaken. Like in real life, cyber friends are humans too, and they come in all kinds of quality. Sadie Duarte, is among the most precious. When I shouted out an invitation to review my book, Sadie Duarte took it up. She happened to like it, especially, as I found out later, she herself has been living with disabilities for quite a time. When I asked her, Sadie promptly went on to translate my work to her native language, Castilian Spanish, which, to my astonishment, she completed amazingly fast. This brilliant author and poetess is very thorough, and works very efficiently.

Born in Zaragoza (Spain), Sadie Duarte is a writer/scriptwriter who holds a B.A. in English Studies at UNED and an M.A. in Textual and Cultural Studies in English Language (British & Hollywood Cinema) at the University of Zaragoza. She has received eleven literary & academic awards and also works as a teacher of English & a translator.

 

Sadie Duarte, Spanish author and poetess: “When I read a book, I also want to ‘feel’ something. That’s what matters to me the most.”

 

Hello Sadie. Thanks for visiting. Would you be so kind to give readers a one-sentence synopsis of Alas para Soñar (Wings to Dream) ?

“Silence can dance too”

What inspired you to write this book?

When I was a child, my dream was to be a dancer. Not that I dreamt of being famous, but I needed to escape from the world I was living in, my daily life, the everyday problems… I wanted to be free. Nobody taught me how to dance, but I had some kind of talent which I used to participate in the school festivals and with my friends, just for fun. I was hoping to take up dancing classes, but then, I had an accident which led to a major operation when I was only 18. All my dreams shattered. There was very little chance for me to walk again, but the worst thing to me was when I was told that I’d never dance again.

It was so difficult for me to face up reality and start living a life where the word “disability” was in front of me, just like a label attached to the strings of my heart. Since that day, I devoted myself to trying to get my life back. I thought there had to be a way to bring back the same person I used to be. It was incredibly hard, but fortunately, I recovered from everything.

I’ve always said that no matter how difficult life can be, you just need to have will power to fight and get what you want. Nobody can silence you for even silence has so much to say… even dance to the dance of life.

I thought that I could tell my own story in a fictionalized way so other people, especially teenagers with similar problems and their own families, would know there’s always an open door waiting for you. In this way, Alas para Soñar should be considered not as an elaborated short novel, but more like a teenager’s diary where feelings are much more important than the story.

That is very touching, Sadie. I congratulate you on being a survivor and on your contribution in motivating others. How real are your characters?

They’re all true to life. My friends inspired me as well as other people who I found along the way, though I changed their names and jobs. The two sisters in the story, Marcy and Eileen are both myself. Eileen is the voice of the conscience, the one that tells you where you should go, which road to take and what’s best for you. She’s supposed to be sensible, though sometimes she’s wrong. Marcy is the voice that comes from the heart, the rebel, the one who needs to shout out to the world that she has something to say.

Brilliant! You and your alternate ego. Don’t we all need one? I wish you success in helping people with that one. Now please tell us about your upcoming book, Almas de Fuego (Souls of Fire) . What is it about? How did you come up with the title Almas de Fuego?

This is an illustrated fantasy novel for young adults and is part of a trilogy. I wanted to write a story involving mythology, alchemy, magic, reincarnation, love and passion, without forgetting to give readers the chance to unveil a message between the lines.

The story is set in mysterious places like Shamballa, Hades and the African desert. It has exotic protagonists like a water-diviner, a thief of souls and the legendary alchemist Fulcanelli. The storyline conveys some kind of a dreamland atmosphere where everything is possible.

The book brings to the fore the old-time confrontation between good and evil and also makes readers wonder to what extent people’s destinies can be influenced or changed. One way or the other, most people are looking for something: happiness, love, a comfortable life… I guess we are all ‘souls of fire’, just trying to make our dreams come true.

How much do you have in common with your characters? 

Well, there’s always something about me in all the stories I write, though not in every character. Those characters that stumble, fall, learn from their mistakes and keep trying are very much like me.

What’s your latest news?

Almas de Fuego (Souls of Fire) will be published in English and Spanish versions in March 2013. The book will be available worldwide in paperback, PDF and Kindle. I intend to have an illustrated tale for children published later on this year and also have an ambitious project to shoot a short movie in Spain.

You translation of Sy dney’s Song  has received glowing praise. Readers have come to me to say they like your work. Why did you agree to translate it? How long did it take you to translate this book?

It was the first time I was offered to translate a book into Spanish, so I really liked the idea. At the same time, I knew it would give me the chance to let other people know about the kind of work I can do, so I agreed. I really enjoyed the experience as Sydney’s Song is such a compelling story, so touching and full of life. I’ll always be grateful to Ia Uaro for thinking of me as a translator.

The translation took me about one month and a half. I spent about 15 hours per week each time and once it was finished, I also revised, re-read and corrected the manuscript a couple of times too. I’ve always been a perfectionist, so if I ever feel that something should be improved, then I go for it!

Thank you! My deepest gratitude for a job very well done!

What is your favorite line in Sydney’s Song, Sadie?

I’d choose the line where Nina tells Sydney, “No one will think badly of you, except the low people. Nobody will honour you, except the honourable.”

Would you visit or live in Australia, Sadie?

Sure! I love travelling and as I’ve never been to Australia, it’d be great to make a trip there in the near future.

Looking forward to your visit then, I really hope we can meet for real.

Now, w o would you say have been the most influential authors in your life? What is it that really strikes you about their work?

I believe the Spanish author Gustavo Adolfo Bécquer (1836-1870) has been the most influential to me. His rhymes and legends are so romantic and inspiring. The same goes for Antonio Gala and Alberto Vázquez Figueroa, who are not only good writers, but brilliant poets. I love good literature in general, Ovid, Shakespeare, Charles Dickens, Jerome K. Jerome, Jane Austen, E. M. Forster, Nicholas Sparks and… even Hugh Laurie! When I read a book, I also want to ‘feel’ something. That’s what matters to me the most.

I hope one day you can introduce the great Spanish authors to us by translating their work into English; perhaps someday when you aren’t busy.

What story would you like to share about the joy, challenge, or hardship of writing?

I’ve been writing since I was 7-seven-year old. I still keep several folders full of short stories, tales, poems and two novels. They may not be very good and I have no idea if I’ll ever have them published, but they’re part of my life. No matter what happens, they’ll always be there, in writing, waiting for someone to read them, hoping to inspire. So many times people have told me to stop writing ‘cause ‘it’s a waste of time’. I disagree.  I believe if you have a talent, you should not put it aside. My piece of advice is that everybody should be free to try and make their dreams come true.

Who gives you the most encouragement? Why is that important to you?

Other artists, not only the famous ones, but also normal people who are good at something and yet don’t know what to do to be noticed. That’s why I opened my Twitter and Facebook accounts. I want to give artists from all over the world the chance to be heard.

You have a caring soul, Sadie.

You are also a perfectionist with attention to details. Any tips for us in writing or translating?

Just listen to your heart. We all have something to say, so take a look deep inside your soul and try to put it in writing. If it’s hard to do it, if it’s painful and takes you some time, then you bet it’s something good.

What courage! Very inspiring when plenty of people simply give up when faced with difficulties.

Would you take translating a career besides writing?

Yes, I would. Actually, I’d be very pleased to translate into Spanish other author’s books. I enjoy doing many things and being busy, so I’m looking forward to that.

I can attest to how fabulous your work is!

What are your hobbies? When do you find the time to write?

I enjoy listening to all kinds of music, going to the cinema, theatre… anything that has to do with the performing arts. I absolutely love musicals!

I only write if I have something to say. When I have a good story in my head, I try to write it in a couple of months. It’s compulsory. I sit in front of the computer every single day and write until the story is finished, even if I don’t feel like it.

Excellent discipline. What one thing is important for your readers/audience to know about you? Why?

To be or not to be a best-selling author is not important to me. I only want to make people ‘feel’ when they read my stories. I want them to close their eyes and think of the message between the lines. That’s the meaning of success. You’re successful if you manage to touch people’s hearts. And that’s not easy. So many times we read stories that are easily forgotten. If they remember mine, then I’ll be grateful.

Looking forward to read your work, Sadie. Tell us about your Spain.

In my opinion, Spain is a fine place to go on your summer holidays, but not a very good country to live in because of the economic crisis. More and more people are going to live overseas now as there are no working opportunities here. I truly hope that things change in the near future, though many of us are already sad and disappointed.

 

Sadie’s first fiction novel for young adults, Alas para Soñar (Libros Certeza)—a story about a ballerina who has to deal with disability—was published for charity purposes in November 2000.

 

Readers, watch out for Sadie’s upcoming book.  Authors, contact Sadie for a translation that you will be extremely pleased with.  Find her on:

http://www.sydneyssong.net/sadieduarte.htm

http://www.facebook.com/sadie.duarte.3

http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/sadieduarte

Twitter: @sadieduarte

Book Purchase Links : http://www.certeza.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

Meet Simon John Cox, Author of “The Cage”

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is my second Read & Tell on CARNIVAL OF CRYPTIDS, a new-released anthology for charity purpose, specifically the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

 

Carnival of Cryptids, a fantasy anthology for the purpose of charity,
especially the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.

 

My guest this week is British author Simon John Cox, author of The Cage, one of the fantastic short stories in this anthology. As Jeff Provine has told us last week, Carnival of Cryptids is a collections of stories about creatures man was never meant to know, and Simon’s chosen creature is Yeti.

 

Simon John Cox: “Honesty and integrity matter most to me.”

 

OMG Simon, what a story! The Cage simply left me speechless! Congratulations on this short story.  Would you be so kind to give readers its one-sentence synopsis?

Yeti! Circus! Ringmaster! Money! Moral dilemma!

It felt so much more than that! How real are your characters?

They’re all based on bits of real people. As such the Yeti is either the most or the least real…

Who or what inspired you to write this story?

I had such a positive experience with the first Kindle All-Stars project that when I heard there was going to be a second I decided that I had to write something. I think I picked the Yeti because I like the idea that it’s potentially so similar to Man—that gives a lot of scope. That’s what prompted the story—at its heart it’s an exploration of the moral questions behind the objectification of a living, sentient, intelligent creature.

How long did it take you to write The Cage?

I think I worked on it on and off for a couple of months, but I was sweating right up to the deadline as writing the story changed the direction of the story such that I couldn’t resolve the ending. I wrote a blog post about how I did so, in case anyone’s interested: http://www.simonjohncox.com/2012/10/flowchart-writers-block-technique-and.html

Yes, I could see so much thought and reflection had been poured into this one. The result is brilliant! How did you come up with the title?

I usually find it difficult to come up with titles for my stories, because I write with a story in mind rather than a title. It’ll often take me as much thought to come up with a title as it does to come up with a plot. It was only after I’d finished writing this one that I realised that the thing that was causing all of the conflict in the piece was the cage.

What is your favorite line or paragraph in the book?

Modesty forbids me from picking one, I’m afraid.

You are so humble! I would say it’s extremely hard to pick one, because all of the paragraphs have been so deftly crafted.

Who would you say have been the most influential authors in your life? What is it that really strikes you about their work?

I’d say probably Thomas Pynchon for his imagery and turbulent imagination, Gabriel García Márquezfor his imagination and poetry of prose, and Cormac McCarthy for his precision of writing. They’re the ones that I aspire to (and fall far short of).

Not far at all, Simon. The Cage showcases your superb imagination and precision, besides being soulful and thought provoking.

When did you first know you just had to write?

I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t writing something or other…

What story would you like to share about the joy, challenge, or hardship of writing?

The real joy of it is when a stranger contacts you out of the blue to let you know how much they liked something that you’ve written.

Definitely count me as one!

Who gives you the most encouragement? Why is that important to you?

Apart from my partner, other writers. I’m a member of the Tunbridge Wells Writers Group, and I know various writers from the internet (many of them from the KAS1 project). They’re always very supportive in terms of encouragement, constructive criticism, advice and designing book covers (that last one’s mostly Keri Knutson and Tony Healey).

What are you working on right now? Tell us your latest news.

I’m trying to finish a second novel. It’s about one man whose records are erased and as a result gradually ceases to exist, and another man who is brought into existence by a series of clerical errors. It’s better than it sounds, honest.

Do you see writing as a career or distraction? Why?

It’s not a career, because I don’t make any money from it, but I wouldn’t call it a distraction either, as that sounds as though it’s something that I shouldn’t be doing…I’d say it’s an escape. It’s a great way of exploring the various ideas that are always rattling around in my skull.

How much do you have in common with your protag George Penny?

We’re both English. Beyond that…not much, I think. Although I expect there’s more of me in him than I realise…

Dumb question; I could see so much of you in this fine piece.

What are your hobbies?

Aside from writing I do a lot of running, and I also do Taekwon-Do.

I always think you need those to stay sane. What is your other profession? When do you find the time to write?

I’m a marketer, and I generally write during my lunch hour at work. Otherwise I’ll sit down at the blank page if I find myself home alone in the evenings or at weekends.

Tell us a bit about who or/and what matters to you.

Apart from my partner Saveria, I think honesty and integrity matter most to me. It sounds corny, I know, but it’s true.

Wonderful qualities—I wouldn’t worry about how it sounds. I’m sure they make you a blessing to those around you.  How has your published work influenced others and their attitude towards you, by the way?

The one thing that people say to me regularly when they hear that I’ve written and published fiction is that they’re impressed. I suppose anyone can say they’re writing a book, whereas not nearly as many can say that they’ve written one…

I will look for your other work. What one thing is important for your readers to know about you? Why?

That I am genuinely overjoyed if they like anything that I’ve written.

And they will want more from you. Any tips for us on writing?

I need to know the beginning and the end before I can write anything. I need to know the two points that I’m connecting.

Thank you for stopping here, Simon. Best wishes for your work!

Simon has been been busy. Click here to find out more about his fabulous work.

 

 

My mini review of The Cage:

THE CAGE deceptively opens with a group of happy sailors seeking entertainment in town, singing and drinking without a care in the world. However before you know it Simon Cox rips your heart apart with a relationship so moving,  truths so deep.

The Cage follows the beautiful interaction between an ambitious ringmaster and his captive, and asks thought-provoking questions about our very existence and what matters to us humans. Superbly told in a fast pace, carefully thought-out presentation.

 

 

Visit Simon’s home www.simonjohncox.com and follow him on Twitter @simonjohncox. His book links are    Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Smashwords.

Carnival of Cryptids’ links: Amazon USA and Amazon UK. Come back next week and meet more of its fantastic authors.

 

 

 

 

 

Meet Jeff Provine, Author of “Where is Captain Rook?”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Carnival of Cryptids, an exciting fantasy anthology, is about to hit the market, and I have been honoured to read its preview. In the coming weeks, every Aussie Saturday, I will post an interview with each of the book’s seven awesome contributing authors along with my mini review. However, due to the recent Australia Day, this first entry only is out on an Australian Monday.

Carnival of Cryptids
COMING SOON

 

My first guest is Jeff Provine from Norman, Oklahoma, author of “Where is Captain Rook?”

 

 

[image error] Dawn on the Infinity”.

 

Watch out for the anthology’s release. Following is my mini review on “Where is Captain Rook?”

The year is 1938 and jungle guide extraordinaire Paulo Nativo prepares his boat for Captain Rook at the border of the Venezuelan jungle and the wide Amazon River. Upon his arrival, the brash explorer from Chicago announces his destination and the purpose of their expedition, commanding Paulo to take him up the river regardless of the guide’s strong reservations. What dangers await them deep in the jungle?

WHERE IS CAPTAIN ROOK is one fine short story. Provine’s vivid details of the exotic setting and his ability to develop rich characters within the short span as the plot unfolds are engaging.

Happy Australia Day to fellow Aussies

 

 

Today I released my Spanish edition La CANCIÓN de SYDNEY to the Sydney’s multi-cultural society and to Spanish readers worldwide.

Oh well, it’s past midnight now in the Aussieland, but like most of you I was busy celebrating the day. I hope you all had fun, and will have fun in making great contributions to the world’s betterment this year.

Thanking my non-Aussie friends for sending me their best wishes today.

 

Spanish readers: Lea los capítulos de muestra GRATIS aqui.

 

My English brochure for 2013 London Book Fair:

Donald Calvanese: Creator of Magical People in a Magical Land

 

Donald Calvanese is the author of “Carcium: The Conflict Begins”, a fascinating fantasy novel I recently reviewed. A restaurateur and a song-writer, Donald talks about his book and his authorly life.

 

Carcium: The Conflict Begins.
Calvanese cleverly creates chilling characters that even your worst nightmares wouldn’t conjure–malicious malevolent monsters so evil that you sympathize with Troy and his newfound friends, such that you even forgive the very frequent but necessary use of violence in their quest to save the innocent people

 

Ia: Hello Donald, thank you for agreeing to this interview. Would you be so kind to give readers a one-sentence synopsis of CARCIUM: The Conflict Begins?

Donald: An exciting, enjoyable story for the entire family.

 

You have such an amazing story and vivid descriptions of the settings and characters. How real are your characters?

Donald:  When I write, the characters are real people to me. They have personality, depth, and heart. When I see them in my mind’s eye they are living.  On my website (www.carcium.com) I have created digital paintings of the characters. This I believe makes my characters more life-like. I spent many hours working with the artist to make them just how I envision them.

Wow, Duras Carcer sure looks spooky in that painting!

Who or what inspired you to write this book? When did you first know you just had to write?

The thought of creating an entire world from my mind inspired me to create Carcium.

When I was 12 I saw my first guitar in a music store window, from there I learned of lyrics. I thought it was amazing you could write your feelings down and turn them into songs. I remember watching a movie and thinking how wonderful it would be to create a world of my very own. From that moment I never looked back and now I write every day.

 

I hope to hear your own song/s in your book trailer one day. And you must have written a lot of stories!  How long did it take you to write The Conflict Begins?

It took about a year.

How did you come up with the title CARCIUM?

I wanted a word that did not exist. So I just started jumbling words and letters around ‘til I found one I felt sounded like a kingdom.

 

Brilliant! What story would you like to share about the joy, challenge, or hardship of writing?

I spend as much time as I can in schools with my program, Writing and Reading Across the Universe. One day before I started the program a young boy ran up to me, hardly able to speak because he was so excited to meet me. He told me how much he just loved Troy and Brutus and could not wait for the second book in the trilogy.  I was very humbled by this experience.

Another time, at work a man came up to the Bar. He told me he purchased the book for his mother who was struggling with cancer. He said that she was determined to live because she just had to finish the book. He said my book help to keep his mother going. I gave him my personal email and told him to have his mother email me and I would send her the second book before it went to print.

Words cannot express how this made me feel. I am blessed to have this gift of writing. It is a wonderful feeling knowing that my story connects to so many different people.

 

Donald Calvanese, Author of the Carcium trilogy: “What matters most is making sure I give my girl whatever she needs to be the best person she can be. This is one of the messages I try to express to young readers through my character’s challenges in Carcium.”

 

You sure bring joy to many people. Who gives you the most encouragement? Why is that important to you?

My wife, my daughter, and my late mother give, or have given me the most encouragement. I believe when you have the help and encouragement of the people closest to you in your life, you can accomplish anything. With the support of those people I have refused to quit. I have been writing for many years and no matter how many doors get closed I turn and knock on another.

I try to convey this message in my writing to help children understand the power they all have inside.

Tell us your next installment of Carcium. What’s your latest news?

The second book is called “Carcium—Darkness Falls”.  This book is going to give the reader even more excitement. I introduce more characters. I take the reader on a crazy non-stop thrill ride in their mind. I will move their heart as well as their soul. I do not let go of them until the very end of the book. I can promise the reader they will be begging for the third book when they are finished.

Looking forward to read that. And how do you  view your writing? Is it a career or distraction? Why?

I see writing as a career.  When you love something you will wait a lifetime to be with it.

I sure relate to that!

Now, how much do you have in common with Troy?

I think the one thing I have in common with Troy is the understanding and willingness to step outside and look at myself. Also to be able to support a friend even when it will not help my cause in any way.  My wife and daughter think he looks a bit like me.

 

Prince Troy of Carcium is lazy, haughty, and mean. Troy lives in opulence and doesn’t feel the slightest twinge of guilt over the sufferings his poor subjects must endure due to his extravagant lifestyle. He takes away their harvests for endless sumptuous state dinners on his honor, and he deprives his people of water by channeling the streams to his own royal gardens.

 

Aren’t you tempted to write about food or being a restaurateur? Tell us a bit about the restaurant. When do you find the time to write?

I have to say, I do not think of writing a book about being a restaurateur, but the thousands of people I have met over the years give me many ideas for new and exciting characters in my writing.

The restaurant is an old tavern from 1779. It was moved by a woman in 1927 to a fair ground. During the holiday season walking in will bring you back years with a warm fireplace in the corner, carolers singing silent night, and the smell of a traditional New England meal of roast Turkey, mashed potatoes and butternut squash. You can admire the original woodwork while you sip a pint of ale. Sometimes late at night when I am all alone, I sit and wonder about the men and women sat here 200 years ago.

William Faulkner wrote while he was a night watchman. I do much of the same. I find time here and there during the day, and then when I am waiting for the dishwashers to finish at the end of the night.

A restaurant with histories! How intriguing. I think we have a lot in common, when in an old place I too often wonder about the people of the past. And I quoted Faulkner somewhere in my novel.

What are your hobbies?

I write music. Build legos. I enjoy playing sports with my daughter and making up stories to help put my little girl to sleep. She has me make up stories from a cookbook she received at the Build-a-Bear store.  A title of one the stories is “Best Friends Popcorn”, from the recipe of the same name.  It was about two little girls. One named Two Cups Brown Sugar and one named Two Sticks Margarine. Together they would make best friend popcorn. This popcorn they used to feed Santa’s reindeer because they need food to keep them going through the long journey. If you leave them food, the reindeer will leave you a special present.

Well on Christmas morning my daughter opened a gift she did not ask for. She turned to me and said, “Dad it worked. Look what the reindeer left me!”  That is just one of the joys of writing for a little child’s heart.

You sound like my mother! She used to tell brilliant made-to-order impromptu stories for my toddler.  

Tell us a bit about who or/and what matters to you.

Who matters most to me in my life is my wife and little girl Alivia. I guess what matters most is making sure I give my girl whatever she needs to be the best person she can be. This is one of the messages I try to express to young readers through my character’s challenges in Carcium.

 

What one thing is important for your readers/audience to know about you? Why?

That I am human.

Why….because I want children to understand they are built the same way as the people they look up to or aspire to be like.

 

Any tips for us on reading and/or writing?

Just enjoy whatever you read or write.  You only get one of each day, and if you do something you enjoy if for only a moment, that is a good day.

That’s inspiring. Thank you so much, Donald.

Dear readers, check out Donald’s website,  Facebook, and Video Trailer.  The first book in his Carcium trilogy is available from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Tate Publishing, IndieBound, & Books-A-Million. And here comes my review of the novel:

 

 

 

Splendid Imagination!

 

Carcium – Reviewed by Ia Uaro of BookPleasures.com

 

It has been a quite a while since I last felt this enthralled by a Fantasy read. What an imagination! Delightful and wholesome, Carcium: The Conflicts Begins is an original, superbly crafted action-packed fantasy for both young adults and adults where a spoiled and selfish prince must fight abominable evil in order to regain his kingdom and save his people, and along the way learns about the beauty of nature, the power of kindness and the value of friendships.

Prince Troy of Carcium is lazy, haughty, and mean. Formerly secreted for safety reasons, he is brought to live in the palace after the demise of his father, the wise king. Troy lives in opulence and doesn’t feel the slightest twinge of guilt over the sufferings his poor subjects must endure due to his extravagant lifestyle. He takes away their harvests for endless sumptuous state dinners on his honor, and he deprives his people of water by channeling the streams to his own royal gardens.

Unbeknownst to him, his every movement is being watched by the mystical elves who oversee the kingdoms, and Troy fails their leadership test miserably. This means, Carcium is put in limbo, and evil sorceror Duras Carcer–who draws his life force from fallen kingdoms–will have the opportunity to rule Carcium. Troy has one last chance to redeem himself and revive his kingdom, but first he must find the only weapon that can destroy Duras Carcer. And so, rudely thrown out his lavish castle, the unprepared pampered prince begins his perilous quest…

Calvanese’s storyline is carefully plotted. The action and sword fights–during treacherous encounters with dangerous snake vines, starving giant cats, slobbering gargoyles, despicable knights, revolting demons–are choreographed in suspenseful details, forcing readers to tighten their seatbelts as they are brilliantly taken on a magical journey through the richly drawn settings that aren’t just challenging and spooky, some actually move, and oh, add to that foul scents, vile substances, fires, lightning, deadly obstacles and the time constraints. And the hideous villains! Calvanese cleverly creates chilling characters that even your worst nightmares wouldn’t conjure–malicious malevolent monsters so evil that you sympathize with Troy and his newfound friends, such that you even forgive the very frequent but necessary use of violence in their quest to save the innocent people of Carcium.

Suffice to say, Donald Calvanese is a masterful storyteller with vivid imagination who knows his target audience well. He is at times wicked, often insightful, with powerful narration and the knack to heighten readers’ fear. The first book in the Carcium series, Carcium : The Conflicts Begins is a wonderful read that both young people and adults are sure to enjoy, particularly those who love watching the recent teen Merlin series, speaking of which, I’d absolutely love to see CARCIUM on the big screen, to appreciate its marvelous lands and beautiful creatures, even though I’d be gripping my seat in terror half of the time.

I give it 4 stars because the structure could be balanced slightly better by assigning more proportion to the “human” aspect. A few existing typos don’t bother me and an editor can easily clean them up.

 

 

SYDNEY FESTIVAL: dates with Sydney and Pete

Song Dong: Waste Not

 

 

 

Summer is here. It’s Sydney Festival! And here’s what Sydney says about it in SYDNEY’S SONG:

“Pete and I went out a lot. We used public transport everywhere. Our specialty. The 1300500 dates, we dubbed them.

Sometimes our backpacker friends joined us. On a few nights we joined them in the city. At 1300500, you always knew what was happening in Sydney. The backpacker lot knew more about which entertainment was free. Heaps of free quality ones all of January. Music. Plays. Some by world-class performers. Many celebs were here, jetting down as part of our summerlong Sydney Festival.”

 

For those of you planning to be in Sydney this Australian summer, below are several FREE upcoming activities you may enjoy. Source: Sydney Festival

 

 

FIRST DAY – THE ARRIVAL

January 5 2pm-4pm

Duration 2hours

Darling Harbour

 

Florentijn Hofman’s giant bobbing artwork Rubber Duck

 

For the duration of the Festival, Darling Harbour will be home to Florentijn Hofman’s giant bobbing artwork Rubber Duck. Join Sydney Festival at Cockle Bay to celebrate the arrival of Florentijn Hofman’s Rubber Duck with music, dance and a floating party when acclaimed director Patrick Nolan rolls out the welcome mat with a harbour spectacle befitting this gigantic arrival.

If you’re a saxophonist, there’s a great opportunity to get involved in The Arrival and work with composer Scott Saunders to welcome the Rubber Duck to Darling Harbour.

 

 

DAWN CALLING

January 6, 9-13 & 16-20 at Sunrise

Duration 20mins

 

Arkady Shilkloper (Russia)

 

Arkady Shilkloper (Russia)

Surfers, runners and early starters are in for a treat as Russian horn player Arkady Shilkloper brings his giant alphorn to iconic Sydney sites for a series of dawn callings.

These serenades to the sun will take place on beaches, ferries and city sites in the early hours, as Shilkloper helps you greet the new day.

A masterful performer, Shilkloper has played solo and with Moscow Art Trio (Sydney Festival 2009), the Vienna Art Orchestra and many more.

 

Locations



Sunday January 6

5.52am

Bondi Beach (along Esplanade at the ‘Groin’)

Wednesday January 9

6.10am

Manly Ferry

Thursday January 10

6am

Ballast Park Point, Birchgrove

Saturday January 12

6.15am

Darling Harbour (near Rubber Duck, Druitt Street landing)

Sunday 13 January

6.05am

Balmoral Beach (along Esplanade walkway at Rotunda)

Wednesday January 16

6.05am

Sydney Opera House Point

Thursday January 17

5.55am

Manly Beach (North Steyne on Corso)

Friday January 18

6.05am

Royal Botanic Gardens (next to Art Gallery of NSW overlooking Wharf by stairs down to Woolloomooloo)

Additional performance locations to be announced for Friday January 11, Saturday January 19 and Sunday January 20.

 

 

 

CHRONOMETER

January 5 – 27 from dawn to dusk

Georges Heights Lookout, Middle Head Road, Mosman

Chronometer
Sir Harrison Birtwistle (UK)

Australian Exclusive – Sir Harrison Birtwistle (UK)

British composer Sir Harrison Birtwistle’s extraordinary electronic work Chronometer was recorded in 1971 at Peter Zinovieff’s pioneering London studio EMS. The piece comprises percussive samples constructed from meticulous recordings of Big Ben and the Wells Cathedral clock in the British Science Museum. Chronometer all but vanished when technological advances revolutionised recording and sound.

The rediscovery of the work reads like a piece of detective fiction with a happy ending: the original quadraphonic tape restored and digitised, safeguarding it for future generations.

Hear the piece while lounging on a beanbag and enjoying the stunning view from Georges Heights Lookout.

“His music is a vital, essential, life force which you need to hear” The Guardian (on Sir Harrison Birtwistle)

 

 

DAY ONE – DAPTONE SUPER SOUL REVUE

January 5, 7:30pm-11pm

Duration 3hours

The Domain, Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney

Charles Bradley, soul singer

 

THE DOMAIN. FEATURING SHARON JONES & THE DAP-KINGS, CHARLES BRADLEY, THE BUDOS BAND, MENAHAN STREET BAND AND SUGARMAN 3

When day turns to night, it’s time to party in the park, Sydney Festival style.

Ride to Day One and take advantage of the FREE bike valet-parking service from City of Sydney from 5.30 until 11.30pm in The Domain.

In The Domain from 7.30pm, join 60,000 of your closest friends for the Daptone Super Soul Revue; a huge outdoor dance party featuring Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, Charles Bradley, The Budos Band, Menahan Street Band and Sugarman 3, with the super cool Binky Griptite from the Dap-Kings as MC for the evening.

From the House of Soul to the Domain stage, the Daptone Super Soul Revue is a nonstop 3-hour show starring a red-hot selection of artists from the infamous Brooklyn label Daptone Records, the indie label which has delivered delectable nuggets of Soul, Funk, Gospel and Afrobeat to the world for the last decade. Musician-owned and run, the Brooklyn-based family of soul-drenched talent channels the spirits of bygone powerhouses like Stax and Motown into gilded moments of movement and joy.

Sharon Jones returns to Sydney Festival with her 10-piece backing band The Dap-Kings. Known for her relentless energy and soulful voice, Jones and her awesome band are the perfect choice to celebrate the return of summer and Sydney Festival!

They’ll be joined by 60-something brilliant soul-singer Charles Bradley, who was discovered late in a very difficult life. A fateful encounter with Daptone Records transported Bradley from an uncertain future to the release of his debut album in 2011 and playing to sold-out audiences around the world. Come see for yourself why he’s nicknamed the “Screaming Eagle of Soul”!

With three full-length albums and one EP under their belts, The Budos Band finally make their Australian debut. The sound of the Budos has taken several turns, from the Afrofunk-inspired sonic lava and venomous Ethiopian jazz of their first two records to the Black Sabbath and Pentagram influences that began on Budos III and continue into the preparation of the fourth.

The Menahan Street Band is a collaboration of musicians from The Dap-Kings, Antibalas and the Budos Band, brought together by musician/producer Thomas Brenneck to record hits in the bedroom of his Menahan St. apartment in Bushwick, Brooklyn. With influences reaching beyond the funk/soul/afrobeat architecture of the members’ other projects into the more ethereal realms of Curtis Mayfield and Mulatu Astatke, and even Ennio Morricone, the Menahan Street Band creates a unique new instrumental sound that is as raw as it is lush.

Saxophonist and founder of Daptone Records Neal Sugarman is behind The Sugarman 3, an organ-driven soul machine who quickly defined its sound as a break from the academics of typical soul-jazz by focusing on the soulful funk element of organ music and avoiding the affectations and clichés which too often alienate jazz musicians from the dance floor.

 

Get involved with Fun Run

January 5 9:30am – 2:30pm

Duration 5hours

Hyde Park

When the Greek messenger Pheidippides ran to Athens to announce the defeat of Persia in the battle of Marathon, he ran 42.2 kilometres without stopping, burst into the Athenian assembly, delivered his news and died on the spot. FUN RUN is his story.

This athletic celebration lifts you from curious onlooker to dancing cheerleader, as our sporting hero ‘Humphrey’ runs a marathon on stage. Supported by DJs, pyrotechnics and his own dance troupe ‘Haus da Humps’, Sydneysiders are invited to join hundreds of local sports and community groups as they dance, ride,  flex and cheer ‘Humps’ across the finish line.

 

 

FERRYTHON

January 26 at 11am

Sydney Harbour

 

Sydney’s Ferrython

Few sights on Sydney Harbour in summer are as spectacular as the hugely popular Australia Day race, when Sydney’s trademark ferries compete for line honours each year.

Pack a picnic hamper, gather on the foreshore and barrack for your favourite ferry as they race from Circular Quay to Shark Island then back to the finishing post under the Harbour Bridge.

 

 

HOT DUB TIME MACHINE

January 12, 19, 26 at 11.30pm

over 18s venue from 5pm

The Famous Spiegeltent, Honda Festival Garden, Hyde Park

Hot Dub Time Machine

All aboard Hot Dub Time Machine, the world’s first time-travelling dance party!

Travel back in time to 1954 then boogie back to 2013 with a song for each year powered by YOUR dancing! Sold out shows across the world agree: this is the Best. Party. Ever!

 

 

January 19

Church St

Parramatta CBD

Pyrophone Juggernaut

As the sun sets on Church Street Parra Opening Party erupts to the flamed-fuelled sights and sounds of Hubbub Music’s Pyrophone Juggernaut .

Based on a 250-year-old experimental musical instrument, Pyrophone Juggernaut is the largest hand-operated multi-octave fire organ in the world. Deep growls, atavistic moans, and even choral sounding timbres combine with epic bell chords, industrial drums and acoustic bass to create a jaw-dropping symphony of sound and fire. This giant instrument, made from stainless steel, copper and aluminium industrial salvage is sure to set pulses racing and toes-a-tapping!

 

 

THE SOUND OF KUBRICK

January 26 at 8pm

The Domain, Royal Botanic Garden, Sydney

Sydney Symphony

Conductor André de Ridder

Sydney Symphony at The Domain

Kick back and enjoy iconic classical music from Stanley Kubrick’s cinematic masterpieces. Enjoy the thrilling and evocative music of Rossini, Bach, Purcell, Khachaturian and Elgar featured in A Clockwork Orange, Barry Lyndon, Eyes Wide Shut, 2001: A Space Odyssey and The Shining.

ROSSINI: Overture to La gazza ladra (The Thieving Magpie)

BEETHOVEN: Symphony No.9 in D minor, Op.125 (Choral): Mvt.2, Scherzo

PURCELL: March & Canzona for the Funeral of Queen Mary, Z.860: Mvt 1, March

BACH: Concerto in C minor for oboe, violin and strings, BWV1060: Mvts. II & III Adagio & Allegro

ROSSINI: William Tell: Overture                                                                 SHOSTAKOVICH: Suite for variety orchestra: Mvt 7, Waltz No.2

BARTÓK: Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta: Mvt.3, Adagio

KHACHATURIAN: Suite No.1 from Gayane: Mvt. 7, Gayane’s Adagio

ELGAR: Pomp and Circumstance – March No.4 in G

TCHAIKOVSKY: 1812 – Festival Overture, Op.49

2001: A Space Odyssey  will be accompanied live by Sydney Symphony and Sydney Philharmonia Choirs, screened at Sydney Opera House.

 

 

ARCHIE ROACH

January 26 at 8pm

The Parade Ground @ Old King’s

 

Archie Roach

Into The Bloodstream

Archie Roach is celebrated as one of Australia’s most gifted artists. Since his 1990 debut Charcoal Lane,he has released a stream of remarkable albums, receiving praise from and touring with Bob Dylan, Billy Bragg, Patti Smith and more.

A born-storyteller, Archie plays songs from his new album Into The Bloodstream. His songs map a journey through hardship to healing, as he lifts himself and others up through music.

Archie is joined by a 13-piece music ensemble and a 10-voice gospel choir to create an inspiring and soulful performance, headlining a fantastic night of free family entertainment to close this year’s Festival in Parramatta.

 

 

Those are some of the freebies. Of course if you’re cashed up, there are so many paid events at the following venues. Have a lovely summer!

4A CENTRE FOR CONTEMPORARY ASIAN ART
ART GALLERY OF NSW
CARRIAGEWORKS
CITY RECITAL HALL ANGEL PLACE


DARLING HARBOUR
GEORGES HEIGHTS LOOKOUT
HYDE PARK
JACK SHANAHAN RESERVE (DULWICH HILL SKATE PARK)


JOAN SUTHERLAND PERFORMING ARTS CENTRE
MANNING BAR
MIDDLE HEAD RESERVE
PARRAMATTA CBD


RIVERSIDE THEATRES
SALON PERDU SPIEGELTENT
SEYMOUR CENTRE
STATE LIBRARY OF NEW SOUTH WALES


STATE THEATRE
SUTHERLAND ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE
SYDNEY HARBOUR
SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE


SYDNEY THEATRE AT WALSH BAY
SYDNEY TOWN HALL
THE CONCOURSE CHATSWOOD
THE DOMAIN


THE FAMOUS SPIEGELTENT, HONDA FESTIVAL GARDEN
THE PARADE GROUND @ OLD KING’S
THEATRE ROYAL

 

 

 

Para(graph) Blog Hopping: Meet J. LENNI DORNER and OTHER FAB AUTHORS

 

A PARA(GRAPH) BLOG EXCHANGE  is a visit to a paragraph containing  the word longing, searching, yearning  or their derivatices in an existing or upcoming book of a guest author, in a book of the host, followed by meet-the-next-authors of the next blog exchange hosts.

 

Acknowledgement

I will start with a hearty thank you to Carol Bond who has invited me to participate in this event in her blog.

Carol is the author of the upcoming
The Unseen Promise

 

 

Featured paragraph:  from  FRACTIONS OF EXISTENCE

   

The Scene

In this scene, Wend is engaged in an online chat with Xavier. Heath has stopped by Xavier’s home and is observing the conversation. What Wend does not know is that Xavier, Heath, and a few other characters have been searching for her for a long time because of what she truly is. This conversation leads them to believe that she is the one they seek.

 

The Paragraph

She reread her words, unsure if she had fully captured the exact kind of nervous that water made her feel. “It isn’t entirely a scared feeling. Part of it is a feeling like I’m not whole, or like I’m missing something that I’ve forgotten to search for. That really doesn’t make sense, does it? I only feel it when I’m in the water though.” She paused to take a breath before she typed more.

“As for rock climbing, I love it. I feel safer, in a way, when I’m out climbing rocks. There’s a nice spot for it not far from here. I try to go at least twice a month. I climb to the top and make a little fire. It’s peaceful and feels like home.”

Xavier and Heath turned to each other. “She is the one,” they simultaneously proclaimed.

 

The Author

J Lenni Dorner is an American author, a descendant of the Lenni Lenape (Delaware) Native American tribe, and a slightly-more-than-casual gamer. The writer currently lives in eastern Pennsylvania.

 

The sunrise picture which represents J Lenni Dorner’s online persona was taken by a friend in Atlantic City. Please visit http://www.what-are-they.com/  for more information about the Existence series and for links to the author’s blog, Facebook page, and Twitter feed.

 

 

ME and MY BOOK

Click on my book cover on the right side of this page to read what others say about  SYDNEY’S SONG. The link will also take you to my bio and interviews.

 

The paragraph in my book with the word longing (from the scene: Sydney in Boston):

2000 Olympic Torch,
photo National Library of Australia

Back home, Sydney Olympics were about to start. One afternoon I watched the frenzy of preparation for the Opening Ceremony on TV while massaging Pete. Once I had a picture of me taken at the 1300500 office, holding one of the Olympic torches. Seeing it now with its design of boomerang and Opera House made me homesick. Poignant longings clawed at my heart.

 

The paragraph in my book with the word searching  (from the scene: Sydney in Darling Harbour):

Darling Harbour,
photo by Quang Vuong

“I like my friends boisterous and sincere,” I declared without thinking. “I don’t like it when people give me a polite, indifferent nod. It’s heaps annoying!”

We stepped aside to let a people-mover Li’l Train pass. Ettoré turned to me, eyes searching, contemplating. Slowly he said with a deadpan, straight face,

“I agree. How dare anyone do that! Don’t they know it’s your sole prerogative?”

 

The paragraph in my book with the word yearning (from an afternoon at the hospital):

Boston’s Fall

“I want to look after you so much,” he said with a yearning look.

“Say again?”

“You heard me. I wanna care for you.”

“This from a man in cast?” I laughed. “Just how are you going to accomplish that?” 

 

 

OUR NEXT AUTHORS

 

As the Blog Exchange continues, you will encounter many other authors whose talents will give you great pleasure. Their work will be introduced to you in the following weeks to come, beginning next week, December the 15th and every other consecutive Saturday.

Here come the first ones:

 

Uvi Poznansky

Uvi Poznansky, Author of
“Apart From Love” and “Home”

 

Website:                  http://uviart.com

pInterest:                http://pinterest.com/uviart/

Twitter Handle:    @UviPoznansky

Author pages:

- on Amazon:        http://www.amazon.com/Uvi-Poznansky/e/B006WW4ZFG/

- on Goodreads:    http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5758946.Uvi_Poznansky

- on Facebook :      http://www.facebook.com/uviart

 

Uvi’s books

Apart From Love:

 

Written with passionate conviction, this story is being told by two of its characters: Ben, a twenty-seven years old student, and Anita, a plain-spoken, spunky, uneducated redhead, freshly married to Lenny, his aging father. Behind his back, Ben and Anita find themselves increasingly drawn to each other. They take turns using an old tape recorder to express their most intimate thoughts, not realizing at first that their voices are being captured by him.

Meanwhile, Lenny is trying to keep a secret from both of them: his ex-wife, Ben’s mother, a talented pianist, has been stricken with an early-onset alzheimer. Taking care of her gradually weighs him down. What emerges in these characters is a struggle, a desperate, daring struggle to find a path out of conflicts, out of isolation, from guilt to forgiveness.

 

Home: 

 

A simple word; a loaded one. You can say it in a whisper; you can say it in a cry. Expressed in the voices of father and daughter, you can hear a visceral longing for an ideal place, a place never to be found again.

Imagine the shock, imagine the sadness when a daughter discovers her father’s work, the poetry he had never shared with anyone during the last two decades of his life. Six years after that moment of discovery, which happened in her childhood home while mourning for his passing, Uvi Poznansky presents a tender tribute: a collection of poems and prose, half of which is written by her, and half—by her father, the author, poet and artist Zeev Kachel. She has been translating his poems for nearly a year, with careful attention to rhyme and rhythm, in an effort to remain faithful to the spirit of his words.

Zeev’s writing is always autobiographical in nature; you can view it as an ongoing diary of his life. Uvi’s writing is rarely so, especially when it comes to her prose. She is a storyteller who delights in conjuring up various figments of her imagination, and fleshing them out on paper. She sees herself chasing her characters with a pen, in an attempt to see the world from their point of view, and to capture their voices. But in some of her poems, she offers you a rare glimpse into her most guarded, intensely private moments, yearning for Home.

Please visit Uvi’s blog next week.

 

 

Rebecca Sweeney Graf

Rebecca Graf,
Author of Deep Connections

 

Check out Rebecca’s book:  Deep Connections

 

Follow Rebecca on Twitter @rebeccagraf and please visit her blog next week.

 

 

Also next week is Author Reyna Hawk

 

 

Reyna Hawk, Author of The Valentine/ Petrilo trilogy

 

Reyna’s books:

 

      

 

Follow Reyna on Twitter @ReynaHawk and visit her Para Blog on http://reynahawk.com/ next week.

 

Domeny Dysona oblicza istnienie cudzoziemskich

Albowiem poszukiwanie znaków od chwili kosmicznych kultury – np. wewn?trz pomoc? projektu SETI – nie dostarczy?o podczas gdy dotychczas owoców, troje odszkodowania wroc?aw ameryka?skich astronomów z Pensylwanii uradzi?oby przeistoczy? technik? dochodzenie odszkodowa? wroc?aw “tropienia” niecudzoziemskich. Bowiem nie da si? ich pods?ucha?, to przypadkiem daruje si? dojrze? skonstruowane dzi?ki nich megastruktury, mienione kompetencjami Dysona. Dyscyplina Dysona to domy?lny obiekt (megastruktura), kto po pora?ka naczelny pojawi? si? w nauczce w 1959 roku przez wzgl?d niejankeskiemu fizykowi natomiast futury?cie Freemanowi Dysonowi. Wg bie??cego naukowca akuratnie obeznana obszar kulturowy istnia?aby ch?onna do wybudowania oko?o swojego S?o?ca bezkresnej budowli w budowy domenie, jaka, banda?owa?aby do g??bi gwiazd? natomiast poch?ania?yby bez ma?a 100 proc. wypromieniowywanej przy u?yciu ni? dynamice.

Podczas gdy wygl?da taka aspekt?

Na ogó? demonstrowany kategoria to ca?a dziedzina (astronomiczny oprz?d) o grubo?ci ?cian mniej wi?cej 3 metrów natomiast wielko?ci przekraczaj?cej dystans Gwiazda wieczorna od S?o?ca. Jej duchowa nawierzchnia (wi?ksza ok. 550 milionów ch?osta od momentu pokrywy Gleby) stanowi?aby dostrojona do istnienia. Niebie??cego typu “muszla” gie?da transportowa jednak w ca?okszta?cie nie przepuszcza?aby na pozornie ?wiat?a.

Cudze koncepcje domniemywaj?, i? taka transport samochodów dziedzina przypadkiem by? podobnym “chmara mniejszych pade?”, które dotykaj? si? po niepodleg?ych, acz niebli?nich sobie orbitach. W relacje od chwili kwoty takich obiektów, istnia?by to okr?g, ci?ba (kilkana?cie albo wi?cej sygnetów) ewentualnie ba?ka. NATOMIAST owo przed momentem tego modela budowli chc? d??y? astronomowie pod spodem szefostwem Jasona Wrighta.

Podczas gdy odnale?? domen? Dysona?

Taka konstrukcja frapowa?aby kompletne czy te? wi?ksz? akt kalejdoskop ?wiat?a, przy u?yciu co nagrzewa?yby si? jej przeszkody. W produktu bie??cego biegu spo?ród nawierzchni nieniniejszej budowy przekazywane by?oby promieniowanie podczerwone. Dyson zaproponowa?, a?eby szukaj?c cudzoziemskich kulturze, skupi? si? w?a?nie na demaskowaniu energicznych ?róde? tych fal, które tworzy?yby jakiemu? rodzaju “nadwy?ki podczerwieni” w straszydle planet.

W 1983 r. poszukiwacze spo?ród Fermi National klimatyzacja samochodowa warszawa Accelerator Laboratory (Fermilab), na skutek danym nadanym dzi?ki satelit? IRAS (Infrared Astronomical Satellite), poznaliby 17 obiektów, jakie potencjalnie mog?yby egzystowa? dziedzinami Dysona. A? pi?tka z nich oczekiwa?o wyj?tkowo optymistycznie.

Niestety wi?ksza cz??? z nich dysponowa?aby cechy, jakie aprobowa?yby zidentyfikowa? konsumuje oraz klimatyzacja samochodowa w warszawie w charakterze chmury wodoru natomiast py?u otaczaj?ce stare planety czy te? planetoidy. Niemniej chwyci?yby doliczone a? do listy SETI, jaka dotyczy miejsca w najwi?kszym stopniu obiecuj?ce poni?ej w stosunku do stwierdzenia cieniów cudzoziemskich kultury.