Nav Logan's Blog, page 23
January 2, 2015
Broken Promises
I look into your eyes, and I can see all of my broken promises reflected back at me. No matter how hard I try, I always fail, and you are my guilty conscience, reminding me of my failures.
I sigh and light up a cigarette, acknowledging another failure – another broken promise. It was made with all the best intentions in the world, and yet, as always I failed to live up to your high standards.
Turning on the shower, I let the mirror steam up so I can’t see your accusing eyes: My eyes. I hate making new year’s resolutions.
I sigh and light up a cigarette, acknowledging another failure – another broken promise. It was made with all the best intentions in the world, and yet, as always I failed to live up to your high standards.
Turning on the shower, I let the mirror steam up so I can’t see your accusing eyes: My eyes. I hate making new year’s resolutions.
December 31, 2014
A look back at 2014
Looking back over the last twelve months, I guess you could say it’s been a memorable period. I certainly haven’t been sitting back on my laurels and watching the grass grow; although the lawns could do with a trim.
This time last year I opted for redundancy from a job that I loathed, and was finally granted release. It was a great weight off my shoulders to walk out of that building for the last time. I kid you not. I decided to focus my energies on my writing.
By then, I had just released my second novel: The Gathering of the Clans.
My first task was to polish up, and rewrite the first two books, to make them even better. With the help of my editor: David Wailing, (an exceptional author in his own rights) we worked hard on making these books as good as they could be, and then I released them on paperback for the first time.
There is little as awarding for a writer as seeing his works in hard copy format.
At the same time, and to my utter surprise, I won the Fantasy section of the SPASPA awards. Although far from the Booker Prize, it was a great honour that my first novel should win an award.
Running a little behind schedule, I started to write Book Three of the Storm-Bringer Saga: The Black Knights of Crom Cruach. Inspired by the awesome cover created by Clarissa Yeo, my vision of what the book needed to be bore fruit, but I found that there was still so much more to tell. Rather than delaying the release of Book Three, I opted to stop at a suitable point and then begin work on Book Four after the book was released.
By then, I also had a mass of unpublished works hoarded away. These were a mixture of drabbles, poems, and short stories. When I gathered all of these together, I realised just how much there actually was. Far more, in fact, than would fit into one collection.
Setting aside the short stories, I decided to release a collection of poems and drabbles which I called: Little Words … Full of Big Worlds, after the title of one of my poems. I thought it a fitting title as it reflected the many worlds that are going on in my head.
I am currently due to release the second collection shortly: a mixture of short stories both fictional and autobiographical, with a peppering of drabbles to garnish the book. This one will be called Bananas In My Shorts.
Added to this, I worked on a number of lesser projects with fellow authors: A K Michaels, Bryan Thomas, C. S. Bailey, and Rick Haynes, affectionately known as the Banana-men. These small projects started as drabble compilations and culminated in the short story: Happy Halloween, which was released to raise funds for the authors forum http://www.kuforum.co.uk/kindleusersf...
I have also been busy with other things this year, playing Gaelic Football, Tag Rugby, and coaching youth rugby to name but a few of the many things that has kept me busy.
Currently, I am waiting for feedback from beta readers for the short story collection, and I have a number of writing projects simmering along.
I am eight chapters through the final instalment of the Storm-Bringer Saga, as well as a few chapters into a new and totally unrelated novel, (the starting chapter of which is in my short story collection).
My first priority though is to finish the fantasy saga as I know many will not commit to a series of books until the final chapter is completed.
To those who have committed already to the series, and hunger for the next episode, I promise you will not be disappointed. I have many tricks up my sleeve to keep you entertained.
I would like to give a special thanks to all those people who have supported my writings, and thank you for the warm reviews and comments I have received. A writer is like a flower; we wilt without the warmth and light of our readers. Also a warm thanks to my family and friends for their help and support.
Go raibh mile maith agaibh.
This time last year I opted for redundancy from a job that I loathed, and was finally granted release. It was a great weight off my shoulders to walk out of that building for the last time. I kid you not. I decided to focus my energies on my writing.
By then, I had just released my second novel: The Gathering of the Clans.
My first task was to polish up, and rewrite the first two books, to make them even better. With the help of my editor: David Wailing, (an exceptional author in his own rights) we worked hard on making these books as good as they could be, and then I released them on paperback for the first time.
There is little as awarding for a writer as seeing his works in hard copy format.
At the same time, and to my utter surprise, I won the Fantasy section of the SPASPA awards. Although far from the Booker Prize, it was a great honour that my first novel should win an award.
Running a little behind schedule, I started to write Book Three of the Storm-Bringer Saga: The Black Knights of Crom Cruach. Inspired by the awesome cover created by Clarissa Yeo, my vision of what the book needed to be bore fruit, but I found that there was still so much more to tell. Rather than delaying the release of Book Three, I opted to stop at a suitable point and then begin work on Book Four after the book was released.
By then, I also had a mass of unpublished works hoarded away. These were a mixture of drabbles, poems, and short stories. When I gathered all of these together, I realised just how much there actually was. Far more, in fact, than would fit into one collection.
Setting aside the short stories, I decided to release a collection of poems and drabbles which I called: Little Words … Full of Big Worlds, after the title of one of my poems. I thought it a fitting title as it reflected the many worlds that are going on in my head.
I am currently due to release the second collection shortly: a mixture of short stories both fictional and autobiographical, with a peppering of drabbles to garnish the book. This one will be called Bananas In My Shorts.
Added to this, I worked on a number of lesser projects with fellow authors: A K Michaels, Bryan Thomas, C. S. Bailey, and Rick Haynes, affectionately known as the Banana-men. These small projects started as drabble compilations and culminated in the short story: Happy Halloween, which was released to raise funds for the authors forum http://www.kuforum.co.uk/kindleusersf...
I have also been busy with other things this year, playing Gaelic Football, Tag Rugby, and coaching youth rugby to name but a few of the many things that has kept me busy.
Currently, I am waiting for feedback from beta readers for the short story collection, and I have a number of writing projects simmering along.
I am eight chapters through the final instalment of the Storm-Bringer Saga, as well as a few chapters into a new and totally unrelated novel, (the starting chapter of which is in my short story collection).
My first priority though is to finish the fantasy saga as I know many will not commit to a series of books until the final chapter is completed.
To those who have committed already to the series, and hunger for the next episode, I promise you will not be disappointed. I have many tricks up my sleeve to keep you entertained.
I would like to give a special thanks to all those people who have supported my writings, and thank you for the warm reviews and comments I have received. A writer is like a flower; we wilt without the warmth and light of our readers. Also a warm thanks to my family and friends for their help and support.
Go raibh mile maith agaibh.
The Scrum Half
Number nine totters over to the mass of flesh, a bundle securely tucked under his arm. The bodies are tightly wedged together, with barely an inch of space between them. The eighth figure is hanging out like a tail, head snuggled between two teammates, and arms reaching around to grapple their hairy buttocks.
The two biggest prop up the rest, wrapped tightly against the one who is playing the hooker. Johnny taps his bundle against the nearest shoulder.
He hates it when Mummy and Daddy have their special sleepovers.
“Daddy! Teddy wet my bed again. Can we sleep in here?”
The two biggest prop up the rest, wrapped tightly against the one who is playing the hooker. Johnny taps his bundle against the nearest shoulder.
He hates it when Mummy and Daddy have their special sleepovers.
“Daddy! Teddy wet my bed again. Can we sleep in here?”
November 1, 2014
Now on General release
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Little-Words-...
A book of poems and Drabbles
A book of poems and Drabbles
October 30, 2014
Happy Halloween
Happy Halloween Everyone.
Wow, hasn't this been a busy month, well it has for me. I've been chasing my tale all month but it's been a fruitful month also. I have the third book in the Storm-Bringer Saga : Th Black Knights of Crom Cruach was released, which has been brilliant. (I just need to write book four now!)
I've also released a fun little story collaboration with my author friends Rick Haynes, Chris C.s. Bailey and the Lady Ava K Michaels: Happy Halloween. The proceeds of this particular story are going to KUF forum which is a great wee place to support Indie Authors, so a worthy cause.
Finally, but not least, my collection of Drabbles and Poems has gone on sale: Little Words... Full of Big Worlds. I am currently working on a follow up collection of short stories which will be out shortly.
So anyway, have a great Hallow's Eve, don;t eat until your sick and take a moment to gaze in wonder at the half moon up there and remember that there are others all over the world who can see the same moon.
Wow, hasn't this been a busy month, well it has for me. I've been chasing my tale all month but it's been a fruitful month also. I have the third book in the Storm-Bringer Saga : Th Black Knights of Crom Cruach was released, which has been brilliant. (I just need to write book four now!)
I've also released a fun little story collaboration with my author friends Rick Haynes, Chris C.s. Bailey and the Lady Ava K Michaels: Happy Halloween. The proceeds of this particular story are going to KUF forum which is a great wee place to support Indie Authors, so a worthy cause.
Finally, but not least, my collection of Drabbles and Poems has gone on sale: Little Words... Full of Big Worlds. I am currently working on a follow up collection of short stories which will be out shortly.
So anyway, have a great Hallow's Eve, don;t eat until your sick and take a moment to gaze in wonder at the half moon up there and remember that there are others all over the world who can see the same moon.
Ancient Oak
I have submitted my collection of drabbles and poems to Amazon today in preparation fo the kindle release, which will probably happen tomorrow from the look of it. The paperback version will be slightly behind as I've yet to see the printed copy to give it the final ok.
Here is one of the poems from the book for you, to whet your appetite...
Ancient Oak
As the leaf falls on the autumnal wind,
It measures the passage of a moment.
And yet within the same gesture,
The mourning of the year is acclaimed.
With each deep breath within the wood,
The tree measures another day.
And with each season’s passing,
Its girth widens with the rings of ages.
Each year, another line,
Another circle, in the memory of the majestic Oak.
It’s cambium wrinkling with each year,
As it watches the passing of time.
And seasons come and go in a blink,
And the boy grows to man and ages on.
An old man stoops caressing the bark,
Remembering his boyhood play.
Generations fall at the feet of the great beast,
Feeding its roots as the sun feeds its leaves.
So the young sapling stretches to the sky,
Claiming dominance in the garden.
Standing here, I embrace you,
Clutching your weathered skin.
Gaining strength from your quiet confidence,
And solace from the turmoil of a man’s life.
For you seem as oblivious to my strife,
As I would be to the hurried comings and goings of the blue tit,
And yet your awareness is so much greater than mine,
And you bring me back to earth.
Here is one of the poems from the book for you, to whet your appetite...
Ancient Oak
As the leaf falls on the autumnal wind,
It measures the passage of a moment.
And yet within the same gesture,
The mourning of the year is acclaimed.
With each deep breath within the wood,
The tree measures another day.
And with each season’s passing,
Its girth widens with the rings of ages.
Each year, another line,
Another circle, in the memory of the majestic Oak.
It’s cambium wrinkling with each year,
As it watches the passing of time.
And seasons come and go in a blink,
And the boy grows to man and ages on.
An old man stoops caressing the bark,
Remembering his boyhood play.
Generations fall at the feet of the great beast,
Feeding its roots as the sun feeds its leaves.
So the young sapling stretches to the sky,
Claiming dominance in the garden.
Standing here, I embrace you,
Clutching your weathered skin.
Gaining strength from your quiet confidence,
And solace from the turmoil of a man’s life.
For you seem as oblivious to my strife,
As I would be to the hurried comings and goings of the blue tit,
And yet your awareness is so much greater than mine,
And you bring me back to earth.
October 25, 2014
Pending Book Release
I submitted the compilation of Drabbles and Poems today to the publisher. I hope to have the Author's draft for the final checks in the next week or so,
Here is the blurb off the back cover
Flash Fiction tells us a story in a limited number of words. Poetry and drabbles are both forms of flash fiction. They tell us a story. They convey an idea, or an image, and bring it to life. Each has its own criteria. A poem might have rhyme or rhythm, whereas a drabble has limitations in size, but they are essentially the same thing. In fact, a poem might also be a drabble.
Every day, my world is filled with ideas, images, concepts, and whacky thoughts. It might be a picture I see on social media that triggers it, or a walk in the country. It might be an advert on TV, or a play on words. My poems and drabbles are these little words, and the ideas inside my head that are screaming to get out are my Big Worlds.
Here is a micro-drabble (50 words) to whet your appetite:
Writers Block
After some discussion with my agent, we came across a solution to help me overcome my writers block. I was to try and write using a different format. I put the laptop away and sharpened some pencils, opting to go Olde-Worlde. I soon got bored. Now I’m using alphabet spaghetti.
Here is the blurb off the back cover
Flash Fiction tells us a story in a limited number of words. Poetry and drabbles are both forms of flash fiction. They tell us a story. They convey an idea, or an image, and bring it to life. Each has its own criteria. A poem might have rhyme or rhythm, whereas a drabble has limitations in size, but they are essentially the same thing. In fact, a poem might also be a drabble.
Every day, my world is filled with ideas, images, concepts, and whacky thoughts. It might be a picture I see on social media that triggers it, or a walk in the country. It might be an advert on TV, or a play on words. My poems and drabbles are these little words, and the ideas inside my head that are screaming to get out are my Big Worlds.
Here is a micro-drabble (50 words) to whet your appetite:
Writers Block
After some discussion with my agent, we came across a solution to help me overcome my writers block. I was to try and write using a different format. I put the laptop away and sharpened some pencils, opting to go Olde-Worlde. I soon got bored. Now I’m using alphabet spaghetti.
October 24, 2014
Being a Man
A poem for friday, from my soon to be published collection
Being a Man
I scratch at my stubble as I stand here at swap places for even a day.
Being a Man
I scratch at my stubble as I stand here at swap places for even a day.
Amazon.com Reduced price
To celebrate the release of Book Three of the Storm-Bringer Saga: The Black Knights of Crom Cruach, I am running a KDP Promotion on Amazon for the kindle version of my first two books. Sadly, because of the way that Amazon sets its pricing, the offer is only on Amazon.com. I’ve had to adjust the pricing on Amazon.co.uk (again!) so readers in the UK will have to wait a while to benefit from this promotion.
The SPASPA 2013 Award winning :Maerlin’s Storm will be reduced to only. $0.99 from 26/10/2014 until 31/10/2014 http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B80XULM/?...
This will be followed by a reduction to the same price of The Gathering of the Clans from 01/11/2014 until 07/11/2014 http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GTXNB5I/?...
Hope you enjoy and my apologies to my UK readers. Keep your eyes peeled and I will release the offer in Amazon.co.uk as soon as possible.
P.S don’t forget that the Halloween collaboration short story: Happy Halloween is released today. All proceeds from the sale of this book go to a worthy cause. Check it out http://www.amazon.com/Happy-Halloween...
Regards
Nav
The SPASPA 2013 Award winning :Maerlin’s Storm will be reduced to only. $0.99 from 26/10/2014 until 31/10/2014 http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B80XULM/?...
This will be followed by a reduction to the same price of The Gathering of the Clans from 01/11/2014 until 07/11/2014 http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GTXNB5I/?...
Hope you enjoy and my apologies to my UK readers. Keep your eyes peeled and I will release the offer in Amazon.co.uk as soon as possible.
P.S don’t forget that the Halloween collaboration short story: Happy Halloween is released today. All proceeds from the sale of this book go to a worthy cause. Check it out http://www.amazon.com/Happy-Halloween...
Regards
Nav
October 23, 2014
An Meaig (The Magpie )
An meaig
Her chest glittered with assorted jewels,
Aok.
Her chest glittered with assorted jewels,
Aok.
