Roland Clarke's Blog, page 22
February 19, 2020
In The Spotlight: Louise MacBeath Barbour
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Another of my fellow Anthology author’s is In the Spotlight today. Meet Louise MacBeath Barbour and learn about the forbidden room at the IWSG Anthology blog.
https://iwsganthologies.blogspot.com/2020/02/in-spotlight-louise-macbeath-barbour.html
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#WEP/IWSG February Challenge – Cafe Terrace
At the end of last year, I was in a dilemma over the themes for the 2020 WEP/IWSG Challenges and what I should do. I even ran a poll with 3 options, but it left me wavering between Skaði and Sparkle as the Facebook votes balanced the ones here.
I envisaged some Skaði tales in my Viking Age Alternative History timeline. I sketched a story with Skaði and a successful Vincent Willem van Gogh. But would such a devout Christian have allowed himself to be saved by a Norse goddess? Antique Vase in the desert and Agatha Christie?
Crime never sleeps.
Anyway, it’s now the Year of the Jackdaw, so Sparkle Anwyl returns in a six-part story called ‘Custody Chain’.
Enjoy this opening, and if you wish, please comment or suggest what happens next. Many thanks for reading.
Plus, ensure you visit all the other writers in this challenge via: https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com/
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CAFÉ TERRACE
2014
Sunday, March 16th
Waves sigh up the beach as I gaze into the starry night over Cardigan Bay.
But I’m distracted.
Where is Kama? She’s late and I feel exposed in the black dress she insisted I wear for my 20th birthday meal.
Some customers at Surf’s Up have attempted pick-up lines. But saying I’m waiting for the woman of my dreams scares them off.
The bar is packed, so escaping onto the balcony was my only option. I’ve kicked off my ankle boots and when I need my glass refilled, the owner Heilyn Trevor appears.
Followed by Kama in an emerald and black Kandangi Saree.
“Sorry cariad, Ffion assigned me a new case. I pulled the files as your insight is devious. But after our meal.”
I silence her with a long kiss. “For you, I might wait.” Her excuse triggers questions. “Tempt me with a taster. Then we eat.”
We laugh.
“In brief. A collectible forgery of a Van Gogh painting was stolen last night from a connoisseur’s Llanystumdwy home. And he was savagely assaulted. The files are at home so can wait. First, our tryst at Agnelli Trattoria.”
[image error] https://www.northwalesholidaycottages.co.uk/useful-information/blog/enjoying-north-wales/the-best-celestial-events-of-2020-from-snowdonias-dark-sky-reserve/
*
I’m sated by the celebratory Italian meal – and our after-dinner exertions. But I want more. My mind switches from caresses to clues.
So far, the burglary details are minimal.
“Professionals if they breached the victim’s high-tech security.” Crime scene photos present another angle. “Vicious pros. The assault looks–”
“—excessive.” Kama paces. “The collector, Urien Cadwallader is unconscious in hospital. CCTV tapes wiped. No prints. No witnesses as the house is hidden in a wood.”
C for Collector. E for Expert. R for Replica. T for Tapes. A for Art.
TRACE
“Did the crime scene assessment produce anything to show the art’s origin?”
I lean over Kama as she opens her laptop and accesses the case on the internal North Wales Police site.
“This contract suggests our connoisseur wanted to ensure the provenance – even for a forgery.”
“A replica by a ‘reputable artist’ with the pseudonym Turbulent Sky. My tingling tattoos imply it’s relevant.”
Kama strokes my face.
“Then it is. The painting was acquired from Orme Replica Masterpieces Emporium in Llandudno six months ago.”
I groan. A dealer on West Conwy Coastal’s patch. My involvement slips away. I’m a PC with no standing outside South Gwynedd.
Kama reads my dejection. “But I’m a Detective Sergeant, so as our DCI, Ffion can authorise I interview the dealer – with my PC assistant.”
True, even if we risk questions about our relationship.
*
[image error]View over Llandudno Bay
http://brynholcombe.co.uk/2012/06/18/last-minute-holiday-cottage-in-llandudno-north-wales/
Monday, March 17th
Behind his glasses, Desmond Deckard’s eyes study us as we show our warrant cards.
Neatly dressed, even if the plaid flannel suit fails to hide his anxiety. Guilt or habit?
“Always happy to oblige the Heddlu,” he says in posh English. “Especially when they send such exquisite coppers. Another inspection? You’ll find everything in order.”
He grandly gestures around his gallery at familiar masterpieces and obscure art pieces. Forgeries?
“Every replica is genuine and documented as required. All legal, ladies.”
Kama leads. “By genuine you mean by artists working openly making copies.”
“Paying tribute to the Masters and making accurate replicas for art connoisseurs. Each one carries a subtle statement that it is not a forgery but an object of devotion.”
Glossy words to hide the reality? Or genuine talent? Manipulated for profit?
Kama will get to the truth. “So, all traceable. Tell us, Mr Deckard, about these artists, especially Turbulent Sky, please.”
My fingers tap studs. T for Turbulent Talent.
“Every artist is a modern master with temperament burning from the canvas, clay, or chosen medium.”
“And Turbulent Sky. What can you tell us about them?”
Deckard shakes his head. “I’m afraid details on my artists and clients are confidential. I’m their confessor.” He grins.
“Unwise when a reproduction of Van Gogh’s Café Terrace at Night has been stolen, and its collector’s in hospital.” Kama hands him a copy of his contract. “We appreciate your assistance.”
S for Shamefaced Suspect.
“Turbulent Sky is a unique talent I’ve nurtured. Well, I encourage them all – even if some galleries are outraged by my support. Antagonism forces artists to adopt alter-egos. If I supply Turbulent Sky’s details, treat her gently, she’s had it rough.”
We promise, so he scrawls on a compliment slip.
“Anything else, ladies?”
“What’s the value of the reproduction?” asks Kama.
“Turbulent Sky’s crow sigil commands exceptional prices, as does an original Van Gogh. He died penniless – a fate never to be shared. She tries to emulate all elements, so Cadwallader paid five thousand in this instance. If this was an attempt at forgery, the work would have earned her millions.”
A for Affluent. R for Rarity. S for Sigil.
STARS.
Van Gogh’s star-filled sky reproduced by Tesni Szarka.
In Llanystumdwy.
[image error]Llanystumdwy, with its pretty bridge across the Afon Dwyfor.
http://people.virginia.edu/~hnw/Lleyn/Lleyn3.htm
*
Tesni’s home is a barn in the same woodland as the crime scene.
“A witness we missed?” Kama points through the trees to a walled retreat. “Uniform overlooked this barn.”
“I suspect my colleagues never realised it was converted.”
I press a button beside the yellow door. An oscillating buzz echoes inside.
Cautious footsteps.
The door camera lights up, so we show our identity.
A young woman, my age, opens the door. Dark, high cheekbones, sculpted face. Riveting eyes. 5 foot 6 inches in jeans and sunflower T-shirt – Vincent’s work.
She says nothing but touches her ears and mouth.
Then, she signs. “If you understand BSL, come in. What can I do?”
I sign back, “We both know British Sign Language – my sister taught us. We’re investigating the theft of a Turbulent Sky painting. We have questions.”
She smiles, then leads us into her studio home.
The smell of paint, varnish and coffee percolate the air. Her workspace is a chemistry lab to age her art decades in days.
On the wall are Van Gogh masterpieces. All with the crow sigil.
On an easel is Café Terrace at Night.
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***
Word Count 991: FCA
Comments are welcome as usual, and the following applies:
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February 14, 2020
Year of the Jackdaw
Snowdon Strategies
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Welcome to 2020, the Year of the Jackdaw – in my world of North Wales crime.
That’s the plan and I’m serious – if I can stick to one, health willing.
Anyway, the Jackdaw is Negesydd, the trickster-messenger who adopts Sparkle Anwyl and her lover Kama in my Snowdon Shadows series. He first appears in Book 1, ‘Fevered Fuel’. Yes, my aim/dream is to get at least that novel ready to be published this year.
However, there are numerous hurdles ahead and I’m hesitating over what order I must tackle them.
What comes first? Beta readers, diversity readers, or assessment? It must be some willing soul.
Then do I turn to a development editor or a line editor? Without checking, I think development comes first.
When I think about all the steps, I stress – not helped by having barking dogs and screaming step-great-grandkids invading my head. At least, the kids have gone for the weekend leaving the dogs to bark at cars, squirrels, cats, other dogs, and probably ghosts.
Okay back to the scheduled strategy and some helpful links:
For suggestions on editing and self-publishing, I’m following an invaluable series on Bookbaby:
I’ve also approached a couple of the editors who have done work for me in the past. One suggested it might be worth approaching the Literary Consultancy people. This proved helpful and added to my knowledge:
https://literaryconsultancy.co.uk/editorial/manuscript-assessment/
But maybe, I need to revise the manuscript again – not the MS as that means my health MonSter, Multiple Sclerosis. That alone derails my progress much of the time. So, when anyone says MS, I react confused.
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Anyhow, one stage in my editing/revision process has been using Fictionary – an invaluable tool which might save an editor from unnecessary work. Here’s a glimpse of what Fictionary can do to help:
So, where does that leave me? How can my supporters help? Where first?
I’d love to hear from anyone feeling brave enough to be a beta reader. Bear in mind ‘Fevered Fuel’ is a police procedural set in North Wales, and features a MC facing prejudice issues – some of you have even read shorts about her on this blog. Hopefully, it’s clear why I need diversity readers to correct potential errors. Do you fit The Bill?
As for my next step, one editor has asked to see the opening scenes and a synopsis, so she knows how much work is entailed if I want her to edit the document. I’m budgeting on any editor clearing out my writing budget. First, then that synopsis.
But at least, after a professional editor tackles the novel, I’ll be a step nearer the finish line of another marathon – once I’ve absorbed the suggestions.
February 12, 2020
In The Spotlight: Sherry Ellis
Another of my fellow Anthology author’s is In the Spotlight today. Meet Sherry Ellis and learn about travelling to Pompeii at the IWSG Anthology blog.
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February 5, 2020
#IWSG – Inspiring Artwork
Today brings us closer to the release of the new IWSG anthology, Voyagers: The Third Ghost on May 5, 2020. I can’t wait to see what other contributors have penned.
Review copies have been ordered and the eBooks uploaded. These are the purchase links:
Amazon – Print https://www.amazon.com/dp/193984472X/ Kindle https://www.amazon.com/Voyagers-Third-Ghost-Yvonne-Ventresca-ebook/dp/B083C4WPR5/
Barnes & Noble – https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/voyagers-yvonne-ventresca/1135912991?ean=2940163430857
ITunes – https://books.apple.com/ca/book/voyagers-the-third-ghost/id1493413956
Kobo – https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/voyagers-the-third-ghost
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Today also sees ‘Flying Fur’, my post about the emergence of my tale. Read the post on the IWSG Anthology blog at https://iwsganthologies.blogspot.com/2020/02/in-spotlight-roland-clarke-author-of.html?showComment=1580912370761#c7777400888558189756
Posts from the other authors will appear in forthcomings weeks and months – as will other news on Voyagers: The Third Ghost.
I’m grateful the Ninja Captain himself, Alex J. Cavanaugh who created the Insecure Writer’s Support Group as they do such amazing things for writers, from the annual Anthology to the IWSG monthly blog post. Many thanks, Captain Alex.
And that IWSG day is here again – and so am I, less insecure after jumping that first Anthology hurdle.
Anyway, on to the monthly question which creates so many fascinating posts – apologies in advance for the slow visits on my part – I’m wading through January’s email backlog still.
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February 5 question – Has a single photo or work of art ever inspired a story? What was it and did you finish it?
Although, inspiration comes from various directions including dreams, I’ll have to admit that photos and works of art do trigger my mind to create.
First off, I was a photographer so trained my eye to frame a picture and learnt to appreciate other photographers’ work.
[image error]Borde Hill Horse Trials publicity shot – Photo: Roland Clarke
While editing my debut novel, ‘Spiral of Hooves’, I thought about the sequel, provisionally called ‘Tortuous Terrain’, and again about crime in the horse world. But not the sport of eventing where I worked as a journalist and photographer.
I had considered Endurance but never photographed it, although there is a short scene in ‘Spiral of Hooves‘ foreshadowing the sequel’s sport. But it was this photo from the 100-mile Tevis Cup that inspired the main plot-line. However, another equestrian sport, Barrel Racing is also featured – and I have taken some photos of my step nieces competing in that.
[image error]http://revitavet.blogspot.com/2012/08/in-morning-hours-before-light-begins-to.html
My wife’s photo of Snowdon on this website’s header and above my desk is one of the inspirations behind my series Snowdon Shadows, police procedural stories featuring Sparkle Anwyl.
Which brings us to art and a decades-long appreciation for Dutch masterpieces. Although my initial appreciation was for 17th century works as my family owned a few, it was Van Gogh that capped the passion. So, Café Terrace at Night (1888) is special and will be the inspiration for the WEP/IWSG Challenge flash creation in two weeks. But I need to work on the new case for Sparkle and Kama, ‘Custody Chain’, even if Skadi wanted to meet Vincent at a Stadacona café in 1892.
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**
The awesome co-hosts for the The awesome co-hosts for the February 5 posting of the IWSG are Lee Lowery, Ronel Janse van Vuuren, Jennifer Hawes, Cathrina Constantine, and Tyrean Martinson!
(Once again, you must agree these guys are the best. They all have commitments too – but they volunteer. Ticker-tape applause for all of them – plus toasts too.)
Purpose of IWSG: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.
Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer – aim for a dozen new people each time – and return comments. This group is all about connecting!
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!
Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.
Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.
January 29, 2020
Voyagers: Meet Katherina Gerlach
Over the coming weeks, prior to the May 5th release of Voyager: The Third Ghost, the IWSG Anthology blog will feature posts from each of my fellow authors.
In the Spotlight today is Katharina Gerlach so visit the IWSG Anthology blog at:
https://iwsganthologies.blogspot.com/2020/01/in-spotlight-katharina-gerlach-author.html
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January 15, 2020
Meet the Voyagers
The latest Insecure Writers Support Group anthology Voyagers: The Third Ghost is coming soon – on May 5th 2020.
I will post links to the anthology’s blog every week. Today, you can meet the ten authors showcasing their talents at: https://iwsganthologies.blogspot.com/2020/01/meet-authors-of-voyagers-third-ghost_15.html
January 8, 2020
#IWSG – In The Beginning
The countdown has begun for the new IWSG anthology, Voyagers: The Third Ghost, coming May 5, 2020. I can’t wait to see what other contributors have penned. Whether my story works with the readers remains to be seen; selection was the first hurdle.
Review copies have been ordered, and the eBooks uploaded. These are the purchase links:
Amazon – Print https://www.amazon.com/dp/193984472X/ Kindle https://www.amazon.com/Voyagers-Third-Ghost-Yvonne-Ventresca-ebook/dp/B083C4WPR5/
Barnes & Noble – https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/voyagers-yvonne-ventresca/1135912991?ean=2940163430857
ITunes – https://books.apple.com/ca/book/voyagers-the-third-ghost/id1493413956
Kobo – https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/voyagers-the-third-ghost
Coming May 5, 2020 – Voyagers: The Third Ghost, an @TheIWSG anthology! Amazon- https://t.co/x24pOZUr8z iTunes- https://t.co/hQhhPCT0qX B&N- https://t.co/b1PtRp1Wgw #MG #history #action #Magic pic.twitter.com/oMEPlB2Ta0
— Dancing Lemur Press (@DancingLemurPre) January 6, 2020
I will be posting more in forthcomings weeks and months—with links to other contributors’ blog posts as well.
I’m grateful the Ninja Captain himself, Alex J. Cavanaugh created the Insecure Writer’s Support Group as they do such amazing things for writers, from the annual Anthology to the IWSG monthly blog post. Many thanks, Captain Alex.
And that IWSG day is here again – and so am I, less insecure after jumping that first Anthology hurdle.
Anyway, on to the monthly question which creates so many fascinating posts – apologies in advance for the slow visits on my part.
January 8 question – What started you on your writing journey? Was it a particular book, movie, story, or series? Was it a teacher/coach/spouse/friend/parent? Did you just “know” suddenly you wanted to write?
Do childish scribblings count? School projects? Storytelling with toys?
There were early cases, but my memory is foggy. There was a scribbled tale about a fox – stolen from an old book my father owned as a child.
[image error] Westland WS-61 Sea King HAR3 – Photographer: Anthony Noble. GNU Free Documentation License
However, I have a letter dated 6 August 1965 – when I was eleven – confirming I won a first prize in the Frog Navy Competition, which offered three days with the Royal Navy. To win, I wrote an essay on ‘A Day in the Life of a Helicopter Pilot’. That sounds factual, but with no family knowledge, it must have been a tad fictional. I believe my imagined pilot flew a rescue chopper.
Did I explore RN/RAF rabbit holes? Probably. But, like many boys of my age, I was fascinated by war stories so read about them in comics and books. I watched some old B&W films at school. I made model planes and boats. The latter included models from Airfix, and that was how I learnt about the competition.
My reading went beyond war, fortunately. History was not just fighting. Fantasy played a major role in the choice of books – and in what I wrote. My first draft novel – a lost manuscript – was fantasy. But it was my first proper job, as a sub-editor on The Field magazine, which triggered my debut equestrian mystery – even if it didn’t emerge until I retired four decades later.
Strange, it’s taken me 55 years to win again, and the latest story merges history and fantasy.
Coming May 5, 2020 – Voyagers: The Third Ghost, an @TheIWSG anthology! Amazon- https://t.co/5q6Y1ds2WW iTunes- https://t.co/39HovYuqaE B&N- https://t.co/C5XsgGOmrb #MG #history #action #magic pic.twitter.com/P986ximDZh
— Roland Clarke (@rrclarke53) January 7, 2020
*
The awesome co-hosts for the awesome co-hosts for the January 8 posting of the IWSG are T. Powell Coltrin, Victoria Marie Lees, Stephen Tremp, Renee Scattergood, and J.H. Moncrieff!
(You must agree these guys all have commitments too – but they volunteer. These are the best. Ticker-tape applause for all of them – plus toasts too.)
Purpose of IWSG: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.
Posting: The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Post your thoughts on your own blog. Talk about your doubts and the fears you you have conquered. Discuss your struggles and triumphs. Offer a word of encouragement for others who are struggling. Visit others in the group and connect with your fellow writer – aim for a dozen new people each time – and return comments. This group is all about connecting!
Let’s rock the neurotic writing world!
Our Twitter handle is @TheIWSG and hashtag is #IWSG.
Every month, we announce a question that members can answer in their IWSG post. These questions may prompt you to share advice, insight, a personal experience or story. Include your answer to the question in your IWSG post or let it inspire your post if you are struggling with something to say.
January 5, 2020
Between 65 And Death
My wife posted a link to this excellent list. I may not tick everything – hard to walk in a wheelchair – but I can live and love life. CLICK BELOW:
Between 65 And Death
January 2, 2020
Reading Review Wreckage
Throughout the Winter break, my Inbox has been flooded with emails wishing me seasonal greetings, reflecting on the year/decade ending, or plotting the future.
Feeling inundated and overwhelmed, do I dare add to the navel gazing – oops, discussion?
I need to scratch one large itch, so apologies.
My year in books was frustrating, after I started 2019 with great determination. I committed to reading 35 books for the Goodreads Challenge – not as many as some years – and 16-25 mystery/suspense/thriller/crime for the Cloak & Dagger Challenge.
But I failed both Challenges.
For the 2019 Goodreads Challenge, I only read 28 out of my intended 35 books. Only 14 of these were ‘crime’- three more than 2018, but not enough to make me more than an ‘Amateur Sleuth’.
I had a mid-year reading/review crisis. I was unable to keep up with my reviews, so stopped reading. That didn’t resolve the review problem and instead created a reading backlog/logjam. At least seven books are screaming for reviews, not counting ones from previous years.
I have other excuses/alibis.
My Kindle Fire frustrates me. When I switch the power on, it takes ages to load – often re-organising its files – dissuading me from reading. Paperbacks win on that score – and others. Yes, I can store so many more with the Kindle. But that means more books unread. I wanted to delete some books – samples etc – but that’s near impossible on my model.
Audible: simpler as I don’t need to turn pages or struggle with my failing eyes, and I get swept into other worlds by great narrators. Is that why two of my five star reads were five stars – The Alice Network and The Pearl Thief? However, the downside is my tendency to fall asleep, not because of the book, but because of my fatigue.
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MS fatigue is one of the side-effects of my chronic illness. I fear MS and old age are more than excuses.
Let’s put excuses aside and be positive. I’m setting my sights lower in 2020.
For the Goodreads Challenge, I’ve decided that 30 books in 2020 is a realistic target. I already seem to be ‘currently reading’ eight books: three with Audible, one on Kindle, three paperbacks and one hardback. Doesn’t that look like a good start for the year?
Deceptive fog, I fear. Two of those are research books that I dip in and out of. One is a factual grind which will never get finished. The Kindle read is proving disappointing so slow. And one of the Audible books is proving a hard listen.
Does another reading-review wreckage loom? Not if I persevere.
I’m veering back to old-fashioned paper books – there are plenty on my desk to read. I will persist with Audible as my eyes will welcome that – if I can evade the fatigue.
As for the Cloak & Dagger Challenge, I have eleven of my 2019 ‘crime’ reads remaining – plus, my TBR list has a few more from the genre. Another Amateur Sleuth?
My book of 2019? A five-star read that was magical. A story that resonated with me – wolves, Russia, revolution, adventure, and the wolves. Plus, prose that was masterful. An encounter with middle-grade reading with unexpected but amazing results.
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