Sarah Belle's Blog, page 5
February 5, 2014
ARRA Nominees – Sarah Belle
Mother of the Year is out of the question…
Originally posted on The Escapades:
Why Hindsight should win the ARRA for the Favourite Sci-Fi, Fantasy or Futuristic Romance Novel of 2013 ?
I’ve been a stay at home mum ever since I had my fourth son, almost five years ago. But next year he will be joining his three older brothers at school, so the time has come for me to think about my career options, post-stay at home kids.
I’ve put together a photo-resume of some of the jobs I’ve been doing around the house, in conjunction with usual mum stuff like cooking food that no one wants to eat because it has a vegetable in it, picking clothes up off the floor, and constantly wiping urine splatter off the toilet seat (because apparently it’s sooooo hard to remember to lift it when they pee!).
ARRA Nominees - Sarah Belle
Why Hindsight should win the ARRA for the Favourite Sci-Fi, Fantasy or Futuristic Romance Novel of 2013...
I’ve been a stay at home mum ever since I had my fourth son, almost five years ago. But next year he will be joining his three older brothers at school, so the time has come for me to think about my career options, post-stay at home kids.
Mother of the Year is out of the question...
February 4, 2014
Inspiration behind the story – Sarah Belle’s Hindsight
Courtesy of Escape Publishing’s blog…
Originally posted on The Escapades:
The stories my mum told me about the 1950’s and 60’s fascinated me as a little girl. It was a time when young couples took to the dance floor of the Savoy Plaza, and danced the night away to big band music. A time when the neighbourhood was more than just a grouping of houses. A time when the majority of houses didn’t have a telephone and the twin tub washing machine was the latest technological invention. A time that was?simple.
The era itself was the inspiration behind Hindsight because even as a kid of the 70s, the 50 & 60s seemed like a totally different time zone. My mum and dad finished secondary school when they both reached year nine. My mother’s parents told her that there was no use educating her further, because she ‘would just get married and have children anyway’. It was just the way things were.
My mum was married and had three sons by the time she was twenty-one. They lived on the wage of a tradesman who worked six days a week, ten hours a day to make ends meet. When my parents renovated their house, they laid linoleum on the floor because a broom was cheaper than a vacuum cleaner. They also couldn’t afford a phone or a car. They grew their own fruit and vegetables because it cut down on the grocery bill.
Inspiration behind the story - Sarah Belle's Hindsight
The stories my mum told me about the 1950’s and 60’s fascinated me as a little girl. It was a time when young couples took to the dance floor of the Savoy Plaza, and danced the night away to big band music. A time when the neighbourhood was more than just a grouping of houses. A time when the majority of houses didn’t have a telephone and the twin tub washing machine was the latest technological invention.
Courtesy of Escape Publishing's blog...
January 24, 2014
The Book’d Out Australia Day Blog hop and giveaway- and the sport of ‘clacker dropping’…
To celebrate Australia Day as part of the Book’d Out Blog Hop, I thought we’d revisit the uniquely Australian sport of Clacker Dropping…
Twelve years ago I was introduced to the Australian sport of Clacker Dropping. Sounds interesting, doesn’t it? Depending on which part of the world you come from, the word ‘Clacker’ will have a different meaning. For some, a Clacker is similar to a Castanet, or maybe a type of fishing lure or even a child’s toy that has two balls on opposite ends of a string that hit each other when swung correctly making a cracking sound. In Australia, a clacker is another name for a bum. A bum hole to be exact.
So, you can imagine my horror when friends of my husband (then my fiancé) suggested a game of Clacker Dropping at their backyard New Years Eve party. Mental images of me having to remove my pants in front of these people had me wanting to run out their front door and never return. What kind of people were they ? They’d come across as so conservative and polite – they didn’t even swear or blaspheme – so what the hell was going on?
Scared for my privacy, I sat down (protecting my clacker), as they detailed the game, which was as follows:
The objective of the game is to hold a twenty cent coin in between your butt cheeks, by clenching them as hard as possible, and navigate a small obstacle course as guided by your partner. The obstacle course includes stepping and jumping over various raised objects – broom handles, toys, plants, whatever is lying around. It can be played anywhere, but backyards are best, mainly because you don’t want to play this in public.
If you drop your coin at any stage prior to reaching the end of the course you have failed and it is the other team’s turn. If you make it to the end of the course, there is a bowl with a cup inside it. Hover over the bowl and release your cramping, clenched cheeks so that the coin drops. If it drops into the bowl then you will get one point. If it drops into the cup (a higher degree of difficulty) then you receive two points. The couple with the most points at the end of the game wins.
I had two problems with this game. Firstly, I wasn’t about to whip my pants, or especially my undies, off in front of anyone. Added to this was the fact that I had no desire to see anyone else’s bum either. There’s not enough alcohol in the world to induce me to do something like that. Secondly, for those who did want to play, surely it’s unhygienic to use the same twenty cent coin?
I whispered to Jason, “I’m not playing a game where I have to take my pants off. Can we leave now?”
He laughed and said out loud, “Sarah is concerned. She thinks we all have to take our pants off to play.”
Everyone laughed – hysterically. It wasn’t embarrassing at all.
I sat there, waiting for the laughter to die down, and turned a deep shade of puce. It wasn’t an unreasonable assumption to make, was it? After all, a clacker is a bum hole – not just a bum. How can anyone wedge a coin in between their cheeks if they are wearing jeans? And at no time did anyone clarify that this was a game to be played with all of your clothes on.
Ten minutes later we were playing the game, fully clothed -I went and got my own twenty cent coin from my purse because I was still concerned about the hygiene thing- and was surprised to find that it was actually heaps of fun. After a couple of drinks it’s hilarious to watch people try to make it through the obstacle course and then drop the coin into the cup.
Depending on the level of your butt strength and ability to focus intently - i.e. those of us who do Yoga or Pilates will have an advantage – these are the kinds of faces you can expect to see during a game.
So, this Australia Day, give the sport of Clacker Dropping a go. You’ve nothing to lose – except your inhibitions – and will spend the arvo clenching one set of cheeks holding a coin, while cramping the other cheeks with laughter.
Happy Australia Day!
As part of the blog hop I am giving away one e-copy of my novel, Hindsight, which is set in the Melbourne suburb of Clifton Hill. It’s a chick lit/romantic comedy story with plenty of Australianisms in it! All you have to do to be the running is answer the following question in the comments section:
What is your favourite Australian sport and why?
The format will be in either ITunes or Amazon Kindle only. This competition is open world wide and will be drawn on January 28th, 2014.
To check out the other blogs on the Book’d Out Australia Day Hop, click here.
January 20, 2014
Guest Post and Giveaway: Juliet Madison – Writer’s Craft Corner- 5 Ways to Choose Character Names…
Today my guest is the very talented Juliet Madison, author of Romagic Comedy, Women’s Fiction and YA Fiction. She’s not yet celebrated 12 months as a published author, but in that time has managed to release 2 Novellas and 3 Novels! Busy lady.
Today also heralds the beginning of a new type of post for my blog – Writer’s Craft Corner, where we will discuss the craft of writing and hopefully pass along a few tips.
However, in celebration of Juliet’s newest release, The January Wish, which will be followed up next month with another newbie, February or Forever, here’s Juliet with some craft tips for us…
5 Ways to Choose Character Names
I love this part of writing, coming up with new characters. It’s like having kids but without the pain and sleep deprivation. Here are some ways to help choose character names:
1. Random, first name that comes to mind: Many of my characters are chosen this way. I simply choose the name that pops into my head if it suits the character and story. Not all are that easy though, some take a bit more work and consideration.
2. Ask on social media for ideas: Online friends are a great source of ideas, so ask away! Many are happy to help as it can be fun to come up with character names. You can brainstorm as many names as possible and then create a shortlist for first name and surname, or even get readers to vote on their favourite.
3. Hold a competition: Similar to the above, invite people to submit their choice for a name, and put all contributions into a draw for a prize. If you choose one of the suggestions, that person wins, or if more than one person has suggested the chosen name, you can put them into a random draw to pick a winner. Perhaps the winner can receive a copy of the book when it’s released, or a previous book.
4. Look up ideas: Use baby name books, name websites, the phone book, movie credits..etc, anywhere there is a list of names. Highlight those that catch your attention, then choose the most appropriate, or again, get feedback or votes from others to make the final decision. Remember to choose names that suit the character’s age… you can work out what year they may have been born and look up popular names for that year, so that your choice is suitable to the era in which they were born.
5. Find one with a deeper meaning for your story: This is an interesting way to find a suitable character name. Think of the traits your character possesses, or something meaningful about their heritage or the themes of the storyline, then look up names that mean those things. This can be a fun way of adding an extra element to your book. For example, if your character has warrior traits, he could be called Alex which means warrior or defender.
In my new novel, THE JANUARY WISH, I used tip number 1: the names popped into my head. Dr Sylvia Greene, Mark Bastian, and Grace Forrester. But now that I’ve written more books I’m finding I need to think a bit more carefully about names!
Writers, how do you choose your character’s names? Readers, have you ever read a book where you really disliked the character’s name?,
Thanks Juliet – great advice. I struggle at times with names, and change them often! I use the online registry for Births, Deaths and Marriages to determine which names were popular in a certain year or decade for authenticity.
THE JANUARY WISH
When Dr Sylvia Greene makes an impromptu wish at the Tarrin’s Bay Wishing Festival, it’s the most out of character action she can think of. Hers is not a life of wishes. Hers is a controlled life of order, plans and preparation…of science and research and diagnosis and treatment. But her past has been weighing on her mind, and decisions made long ago have far-reaching consequences.
A week later, the daughter she secretly gave up for adoption at sixteen arrives in Sylvia’s small coastal town with secrets that can’t be shared. Between feelings of guilt, gossip, and a growing attraction to an emotionally unavailable colleague, Sylvia’s well-ordered life is soon thrown into chaos. She is no longer alone, and for the first time she feels as if her world is open to possibilities.
They say be careful what you wish for, but, for Sylvia, the unexpected consequences may be just what the doctor ordered.
Buy THE JANUARY WISH from all good ebook retailers:
Amazon - Amazon UK - Amazon Aus - iTunes/iBookstore - Kobo - B&N/Nook - GooglePlay - BigW ebooks - Booktopia - JB HiFi - ebooks.com - All Romance ebooks
Visit Juliet online at her website, blog, facebook, Goodreads, and twitter.
>> WIN! Enter via Rafflecopter below to win a $25 Amazon gift voucher and a coastal photographic print of the setting of The January Wish. Competition is open worldwide and the winner will be drawn at the beginning of February.
January 9, 2014
World’s weirdest sports on Lily Malone’s Bunker-play blog hop and giveaway!
Today, as part of the Lily Pad Blog Hop, to celebrate the release of Lily Malone’s ‘Fairway To Heaven’, I thought we’d explore some sporting activities that are bound to end in years of intense physiotherapy and, perhaps, a life long aversion to cheese…
5. Extreme Ironing…
The Extreme Ironing Bureau (yes, they have their own bureau!) defines Extreme Ironing as: ’the latest danger sport that combines the thrills of an extreme outdoor activity with the satisfaction of a well pressed shirt.’
Competitors from around the world press their shirts in a variety of extreme locations – underwater, on mountain or cliff tops, climbing walls, during cross country runs…you get the idea.
However, this is a sport with an enormous heart as they raise funds for various charities through their activities – good one guys. Great to see a sense of humour and charity work combined with creases so sharp they could be used to shave with.
4. Bog Snorkelling…
If you’ve ever felt the desire to kit up in a snorkel and mask, don a wetsuit and swim through a 55 metre peat bog trench, then this is the sport for you. The world championships, which commenced in 1985, are held annually every August Bank Holiday in Wales.
No conventional swimming strokes are allowed, competitors must make it to the end of the course using fins/flippers alone. Another wacky sport that donates the funds raised from their annual World Championships to a different charity each year.
Loving your work guys – but please excuse me if I don’t want to give it a go myself. In Australia ‘bog’ is another word for poo, so I can’t see it taking off here!
3. Outhouse Racing…
Okay, this one is actually sponsored by Pepsi and takes place in Mackinaw, USA each January. Teams build an outhouse on skis and then race through the snow against other teams. Here are the rules as stated on their website:
Outhouse must be approx. 4′ x 4′ x 6′ on skis
Must have 5 person team, one inside with 4 outside to push or pull
Must have toilet seat
Must have material to wipe with, (Yep, toilet paper!)
Their slogan is: “The best case of the runs you’ll ever have!”
Love it!
2. Unicycle Polo…
Originating in Portland, USA, the Unicycle Bastard’s motto is: ‘We are Portland’s premiere all-inclusive unicycling club. Do you like riding a unicycle, hitting people with a stick, and sweating/swearing?”
Their rule book states that each game must contain: frequent and colourful swearing,’ the consumption of ‘one alcoholic beverage prior to every match’ and ‘urination in approved restroom facilities.’
If that isn’t a call to kindred spirits then I don’t know what is.
1. Cheese Rolling…
This is one of the most bizarre and violent sports I’ve ever seen. A wheel of cheese is rolled down a hill, followed by competitors who literally throw themselves down the hill in pursuit of the cheese in an attempt to beat it to the bottom. One year the cheese went off course and actually injured a spectator.
What more can I say, other than “Orthopaedic Surgeons and Physiotherapists line up and collect your new clients at the bottom of the hill”…
To celebrate the release of ‘Fairway to Heaven’, I will be giving away one e-copy of my debut novel, Hindsight, as part of the blog hop cache. Just leave a comment to be in the running! Format will be either Amazon or ITunes only. This giveaway is open internationally and will be drawn on January 15, 2014.
Fairway To Heaven – the blurb…
When Jennifer Gates drives to Sea Breeze Golf Club to kick off date-night with her boyfriend, the last thing she expects is to find Golf-Pro Jack giving one of his lady students a private—and very personal—lesson in bunker-play. Lucky for Jenn, her best friend gives her the keys to the Culhane family’s beach shack on the shore of Western Australia’s Geographe Bay. Jenn hopes a weekend on the coast with her young son will give her the space she needs to rebuild her confidence after Jack’s betrayal. But she’s not the only person seeking sanctuary by the sea. Brayden Culhane is there too, and Jenn can’t look at Brayden without remembering the tequila-flavoured kiss they shared on the shack steps years ago. As long-buried feelings are rekindled, and a friendship is renewed, Jenn knows it is more than lazy summer days bringing her mojo back. Romantic sunsets, ice-cold beers and the odd round of golf can only go so far, because this time, trusting Brayden with her heart won’t be enough. Jenn has to learn to trust her body, too.
Buy links for Fairway to Heaven: (I’m reading this now and am loving it. I’ve even stayed up waaaaay past my bedtime to keep reading – which is not something I normally do as sleep is very important to me!)
If you’d like to connect with the lovely and very talented Lily Malone, here are her social media links:
Don’t forget to check out all the other blogs and the great prizes on offer here.
January 6, 2014
Author Limelight: Lily Malone, Contemporary Romance author…
Hello Lily Malone and welcome to Author’s Limelight! A huge congratulations to you on the release of ‘Fairway to Heaven’. I love that cover – very clever!
Thank you for having me Sarah. You have very interesting (and tricky to answer) questions!
What was the first story you ever wrote?
Oh please don’t remind me. I called it Fringe Benefits and it has been the bane of my life for three years. It was my first attempt at writing romance and I think I threw every possible trope into it except Secret Baby. For example, it was a reunion romance, between a boss and employee, that involved a marriage of convenience. Midway through this year I dubbed it: “The Book That Shall Never Be Written” and abandoned it. Then I started Fairway To Heaven, which is now finished. (I had SO much more fun writing that).
Of all the individuals you have created, do you have a particular favourite? What appeals to you the most about this character?
Hmm. Having just answered the question about the First Story I ever wrote (and the book that shall never be written), would you believe that the character who I think is my favourite, is Seth Lasrey from That Book? Seth was the epitomy of a stereotypical romance writer’s hero, Arrogant, Tall, Dark, Rich. In my mind he looks like Timothy Olyphant (Deadwood, & Justified). This guy hits all my buttons. His character in Deadwood was even called Seth…
Has being published changed you at all? If so, how?
It hasn’t changed me, except I have more confidence about my writing prowess having gone through the credibility check of having a Publisher say: “We Want Your Book”. Thank you Kate Cuthbert & Escape Publishing for accepting my debut novel, His Brand Of Beautiful (published March 2013).
What would we find on your bookshelf / e-reader?
Right now we are living in a rental house and I don’t have a bookshelf. We really culled our bookshelf when we moved interstate at the beginning of this year. The print books I return to again and again are: anything by John Sandford, particularly the ‘Prey’ novels. The Twilight Saga. The Earth’s Children books (Jean M Auel). And the books that have been with me longest are The Silver Brumby books by Elynne Mitchell.
On my Kindle right now are: Gather The Bones by Alison Stuart, and Fast Forward by Juliet Madison, and I recently finished your book Sarah, Hindsight, which (along with The Yearning by Kate Belle & House For All Seasons by Jenn J McLeod) is one of my favourite books of the year.
Awww, thanks so much Lily!
What’s the most unappealing thing you’ve ever eaten?
Unappealing?? Gosh. I love my food. I can’t really imagine I’ve ever eaten something that didn’t appeal. I enjoy cooking, but I’ve never been one of those women who can magically decorate a cake (for example) or garnish a meal so that it looks gorgeous. When it comes to food, presentation definitely comes second to me after taste. So I guess you could say that a fair degree of my cooking might ‘look’ unappealing, but usually it’s reasonably tasty. There. How’s that for a very long answer to what should have been a single word question!
If you could be any of the following characters for one day, who would you be and why? How would you re-write the ending?
a) Scarlett O’Hara from Gone with the Wind.
b) Thelma or Louise from Thelma and Louise.
c) Princess Leia from Starwars.
d) Holly Golightly from Breakfast at Tiffanys.
Consider me your slave for life. Please. Please. Please, can I be Princess Leia. I have been a Star Wars nut all my life. I think Star Wars was my first obsession. Or it may have been Harrison Ford who was my first obsession. But that didn’t matter, the two went hand in hand.
As for changing the ending. Lordy, pick me up off the floor. Why would I want to change an ending where I (as Princess Leia) get to live and love with Han Solo (Harrison Ford when he was young and extremely do-able… err… gorgeous) for the rest of my life??
The ending change? I would not. (Yoda-speak)
Of all the books in history, which do you wish you wrote and why?
Kate Belle’s The Yearning. Such a gutsy, gritty book in my opinion. I have a lousy memory so even if you offer me all of history, I’ll tend to return to the most recent incredible thing I read.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?
Oh! I don’t know… just one superpower? I think I’d like to be able to use The Force… and a light saber.
My boys have light sabre night lights on their walls, Lily. Sooo cool! My husband even has one in his office, (big kid).
If you could go back in time, where would you go and when? What is one thing you would want to take with you?
I’ve always had a bit of a fascination with the William Wallace period of Scottish/English history. Possibly I’d go back to that kind of era. Or maybe Robin Hood. What would I take with me? A toothbrush.
Can you tell us about your works in progress?
As I mentioned way back when you started asking me these incredibly brilliant questions, I said I’d just ditched The Book That Shall Never Be Written. What I then started doing was writing a new story, Fairway To Heaven, based on my entry for the 2013 Little Gems (Sapphire). It’s a golf romance about love on the greens and lust in the bunkers. It’s a very personal story about one woman’s struggle to regain her sexuality and her independence after the birth of her son, and it’s set in the beautiful coastal playgrounds of Busselton and Margaret River in South West WA.
Now that Fairway is finished, maybe, just maybe, I’ll turn my head back to writing The Book That Might One Day Be Written.
Finally, can you give us a sneaky excerpt from Fairway To Heaven, please?
Excerpt:
Then Geographe Bay unfurls before us, curving sweet as a wine glass, mile on mile of sand the colour of white pepper, strewn with dry strands of brown seaweed as if the mermaids cut their hair.
Busselton Jetty straddles the water far to the right. Where the famous landmark meets the coast, pines jut from the foreshore.
“There’s a train that runs out the jetty now,” Brayden says. “You’ll have to take him out there.”
“Maybe. We’ll see.” I don’t like forking out cash on tourist things Seb won’t remember. “This is a good spot.”
Brayden spreads the towels to mark our territory and I rummage in my bag for sunscreen to squirt over Seb’s arms and legs.
My city brain struggles to comprehend all this space. We’re in prime school holiday time, yet it isn’t packed. Near the jetty—with its fun parks and cafes—there’ll be crowds, but here, there’s nobody in our pocket. I like that.
“Here.” I hand Seb’s cap to Brayden. “You see if you have the knack to get him to keep it on.”
Brayden bends low to pick the bulldozer out of my bag and carries it to where last night’s high tide has left its signature.
He gives the dozer to Seb, and Seb squats on the sand. As he starts ploughing, Brayden stoops to my son’s level, and fits the cap over his curls.
I wait for those little hands to send that hat cartwheeling toward the sea, and of course, he leaves it perfectly in place.
My sun-smart little angel.
I lay back on the towel, resting on my elbows. The sand is incredibly fine. I bury, and then lift my feet, making sand pour between my toes.
A hundred metres to our left a group of kids plays cricket, every thirty seconds or so I hear the whack of bat on ball and shouts of “catch it” and “run”.
Beyond them, at least three different sets of people are walking—two in pairs, one solitary—all with dogs. A jogger cuts through them, heading in our direction.
The bay is millpond quiet. Shallow waters stroke the shore. A boat noses along an imaginary line where the aqua waters merge with the darker depths. I think the guy in the front is pulling crab pots, but I can’t tell if he’s having any luck.
Links;
January 1, 2014
Author Limelight: Cate Ellink, author of ‘The Virginity Mission’…
Hello Cate Ellink and welcome to Author’s Limelight! What’s new?
Thanks, Sarah, for hosting my visit today. It’s lovely to be here. My ebook, The Virginity Mission, was released in June.
What was the first story you ever wrote?
Ebi The Wishing Dog, was the first story I ever wrote. I was six or seven and it was in homage to Enid Blyton and my dog, Ebi, who I adored.
Of all the individuals you have created, do you have a particular favourite? What appeals to you the most about this character?
I don’t have a favourite. That would be like picking a favourite book or child. Each character has a tiny part of me in them, along with lots of other traits. Each person comes to me and tells me their story, in whispers and part scenes, usually in the dead of night. I love them for being part of my life while I tell their story. I could never choose a favourite.
Has being published changed you at all? If so, how?
I don’t know that I’m the best person to answer this question! I think being published has made me more driven. I’ve never wanted just one book published, I’ve always wanted the multi-book career. So I see each milestone (like being published) as another signpost along a really long, but enjoyable, journey. Plus, prior to being published I said I’d never read reviews – and I have.
What would we find on your bookshelf / e-reader?
Lots and lots of books! My husband thinks I have too many books on the bookshelves. We often discuss this issue. E-Readers have been a godsend because he has no idea how many are on there!
I read fiction and non-fiction. Many of my non-fiction books I’ve carted around with me for over twenty years and they aren’t ever being left behind. Some fiction falls into this category too. Books have always been my best friends! I am non-discriminatory about what I read. If it’s words on a page I’ll give it a shot.
What’s the most unappealing thing you’ve ever eaten?
Mannish water in Jamaica. It’s a soup made out of all the left over bits of the goat after they’ve butchered it and taken away all the useable bits. It was thick with floaties, smelled like many-days-old road kill, and brought me undone. Until then, the Jamaicans thought I was an invincible Aussie (because we can drink their beer and Americans struggle with the strength, and we understand cricket!).
Oh Cate! You are a trooper! I struggle with a Bratwurst sausage, but Mannish water?
If you could be any of the following characters for one day, who would you be and why? How would you re-write the ending?
a) Scarlett O’Hara from Gone with the Wind.
b) Thelma or Louise from Thelma and Louise.
c) Princess Leia from Starwars.
d) Holly Golightly from Breakfast at Tiffanys.
Gosh, this is a difficult question, Sarah, such a range of choice.
Princess Leia for a day. I’d like to live in space, have wild adventures and meet Hans Solo and Luke Skywalker. I’m not sure I like the bunches-above-the-ears look, so I’d rewrite that…plus I’d go with Hans Solo, Luke would never have been a choice!
Of all the books in history, which do you wish you wrote and why?
Wow, these tricky questions keep on coming! Philosophy in the Bedroom (La Philosophie dans le boudoir) by the Marquis deSade. This book, for me, was my awakening to the power of erotic writing and the power of sex as an instrument for personal growth. It’s also a book with many underlying themes, and one no one can decide on its meaning. I’d like to be that clever and have people discussing my work centuries later.
If you could have a superpower, what would it be and why?
Purely for my own pleasure, I’d like to be Aquaman so I could live underwater. I love scuba diving and to be able to do it without all the gear would be the best fun. I’d feel a little guilty that I didn’t choose a superpower for the good of mankind…but maybe Aquaman could be useful and fun!
That’s perfectly alright. The superpower is just for you!
If you could go back in time, where would you go and when? What is one thing you would want to take with you?
I know this is dull, but I’d go back to 2008 and take my ebook with me. I’d go back to prove to myself that I can get a book published. I’d tell myself to enjoy the journey and not fret so much, especially those days when I was really down.
Can you tell us about your works in progress?
I have 3 erotic stories at various stages. I like to get ideas down when they come and then rework/edit for the next century (or so it seems!).
The story furthest along is set on Lord Howe Island with a footy player hero and a triathlete heroine. It’s a fun story full of scuba diving, snorkelling, running, competition and sex.
Finally, can you give us a sneaky excerpt from the as-yet-nameless Lord Howe Island story, please?
My wolf whistle cuts through the morning stillness, loud, shrill and penetrating. The stranger doesn’t turn. His stride shortens for one step but that’s the only indication he’s heard me. A smile sneaks across my mouth, twisting as I try to stop it blooming into a full laugh. I’ve got no class.
I’m perving. Hidden behind sunglasses, squinting in the sunshine, I’m availing myself of the unexpected addition to the already stunning view. I usually go for long, lean athletes. This guy is more squat or stocky but he’s definitely an athlete. Muscles upon muscles, layered and sculptured to perfection. His gait is long and easy. He’s a little shorter than me and built, as my pop would have said, like a brick outhouse. A very attractive one if the rear is anything to go by. He has huge calves, thick flexing thighs, and tight butt cheeks rounding out his shorts decadently. I wonder how my hand would go curving around those gluteus maximuses or is it maximi in pairs? Butt cheeks will do. I’d need both hands for sure. They twitch, palms sweating, fingers wriggling, eager to close in on their target.
He’s alone and heading toward the dive shack, like me. I hope he’s solo. I wouldn’t mind him for a dive buddy. I’d have some delicious moments of viewing pleasure.
Wow! I like the sound of this book, Cate!
Thanks for having me to visit, Sarah. I hope Hindsight does well for you.
Thanks Cate. Same to you and Virginity Mission.
Links;
December 22, 2013
What can Frosty the Snowman teach us?
There is one song that is guaranteed to make me well up with tears and choke back a lump in my throat. It’s a tough one, because it is only ever played in open spaces like shopping centres and parties, never on the radio in the privacy of my house or car. What is it?
Celine Dion? Bette Midler? No.
It’s Frosty the Snowman.
Yep. Even though I live in Australia and have only ever known sweltering heat on Christmas day, and am yet to experience a white Christmas, Frosty makes me teary. Thank the Lawd for sunglasses.
Frosty, written by Walter “Jack” Rollins and Steve Nelson, has a great message in it:
He comes to life because of the children’s innocence and their belief in the magic of Christmas. I remember as a kid truly believing that my soft toys would one day talk to me (and that the posters on my wall could see me – which is another post all together. One of a much more creepy nature.)
When he does come to life he spends his time playing and roaming around the town with the children, playing chasey – which must have been a considerable effort considering that Frosty does not have legs.
Frosty knows that he’s only going to be around for a little while, because the sun is hot, so he sets about having as much fun, and bringing as much joy to others as possible before he has to leave. Isn’t that cool? (no pun intended).
When the time comes for him to go, he asks the children not to cry because fun shouldn’t end in tears (although it always does with my kids!). The focus should be on the memories of all the fun and laughter they shared, rather than on the sadness of having to say goodbye.
Now, is it just me or is that a great metaphor for life?
This is what I take away from Frosty the Snowman:
Magic is all around us if you believe in it and allow it to happen.
Make the effort to bring out your inner kid often – do you remember what it’s like to play chasey or tiggy, laugh at silly things until your tummy cramps and not take life so seriously? We don’t have to be ‘grown ups’ 24 hours a day.
Spend time with those you love – bring joy and happiness into each other’s life.
The ones we love won’t be with us forever, so make the most of your own time, and the time you are lucky enough to share with them.
Thanks so much for your support in 2013. Next year I will be changing the format of the blog again – it will encompass more creative short stories (getting back to my roots!), tips for writers, book and movie reviews and fewer Author Limelights.
Wishing everyone a peace filled Christmas and a magical New Year- may the light of happiness shine upon you and your loved ones! xxxxxx
![[image error]](http://sarahbell4.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/cheese-rolling.jpg){kind=link}