If you love cats and crystals like I do you will love this post from Samantha Murdoch. Her lovely black cat Lily is doing some modelling for me as I needed a black cat to play the feline in my book The Curse of Time which I hope to release this summer. Lily is a natural and judging by Samantha’s other cats they all pass the supermodel test too ! Lol.
Category: Uncategorized
The Bash Rebranded, #MondayBlogs
The following is Sacha Black’s post and my attempt at a reblog:
THE BASH, REBRANDED! #MONDAYBLOGS
I can’t quite believe it, but the bash is nearly three years old. *Weeps with pride*
Each year it continues to grow in size which means what we do needs to grow in size too.
Sure, it’s a big blog social, but that doesn’t mean we don’t take it seriously. What started out as one nosy blogger more desperate to meet the friends she’d made online than stay safe and introverted behind the screen, is slowly turning a beast.
One day, I hope, the BASH will be a huge blogging festival. I can dream, right? Besides, I brainwashed the minions into obedience before they knew what they were signing up to and I have plans to recruit more. SHHH, they’ll never know.
So this year, we decided to overhaul the Bash, logos and all. The lovely George Grey, used by both Geoff and Hugh for their cover designs, has upped the BASH anti and given us a much slicker look.
Ladies and gents, the new bash logo…
If you haven’t bought your ticket for the biggest blog social of the year, WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH YOUR LIFE? Go, buy it, now… (from here).
We’re running a blog competition too if you want to win a tonne of prizes, like a critique, beta read and book trailer, then check it out here, the competition closes on the 1st of March.
Stay tuned, because we will be releasing the new BASH awards for 2017 next month, we will then be open for nominations in April and then folks… voting will open in May. CAN YOU FREAKING BELIEVE IT? We’re only two and a half months from voting! *gulp*
Great news from Sacha Black about the Bash… can’t wait to join in the fun.
To pop over to Sacha’s blog and see the original post follow this link:
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My Kyrosmagica Review of The Bone Collection by Kathy Reichs
Goodreads Synopsis:
A collection of pulse-pounding tales featuring forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan—including the untold story of her first case!
The #1 New York Times bestselling author behind the hit Fox series Bones, Kathy Reichs is renowned for chilling suspense and fascinating forensic detail. The Bone Collection presents her trademark artistry in this collection of thrilling short fiction.
In First Bones, a prequel to Reichs’s first novel, Déjà Dead, she at last reveals the tale of how Tempe became a forensic anthropologist. In this never-before-published story, Tempe recalls the case that lured her from a promising career in academia into the grim but addictive world of criminal investigation. (It all began with a visit from a pair of detectives—and a John Doe recovered from an arson scene in a trailer.) The collection is rounded out with three more stories that take Tempe from the low country of the Florida Everglades, where she makes a grisly discovery in the stomach of an eighteen-foot Burmese python, to the heights of Mount Everest, where a frozen corpse is unearthed. No matter where she goes, Tempe’s cases make for the most gripping reading.
I won a copy of The Sunday Times No. 1 Bestseller Kathy Reich’s The Bone Collection via Linda Hill who blogs at: Linda’s Book Bag
So a big thank you for my winning copy! Of course, my opinions are my own and are not influenced in anyway by me receiving a free copy.
My review:
This isn’t my usual kind of read and at first, I was a little bit skeptical whether or not it would appeal to me. I couldn’t have been more wrong. The excellence of Kathy Reich’s writing and her detailed and knowledgeable observations about forensic anthropology kept me entertained throughout all four of these novellas, based on her successful Temperance Brennan series. This is a special treat for Kathy Reich enthusiasts as all four pieces: Bones In her Pocket, Swamp Bones, Bones on Ice, and First Bones are presented in a single collection in this novel. Bones both animal, and human do figure a lot in this novel, it’s to be expected! So be prepared for some gruesome moments. If I were, to sum up this novel I’d say: punchy, gripping, wincing, chilling, compelling, detailed, gut turning sleuthing mysteries to be solved, sliced with unexpected twists and turns, and served with a fulsome dollop of humour.
Highly recommended. My rating 4.5 stars.
Have you read Kathy Reich? Do comment and let me know.
Bye for now, happy reading!
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FORMATTING A PRINT BOOK #amwriting #bookformatting #KDP — G.L. Cromarty
Great tips for formatting a print book on KDP via G. L. Cromarty – Arrowhead Freelance And Publishing blog.
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Blogger/Author Spotlight: Sue Vincent and Stuart France
Today it is my pleasure to introduce you to not one but two guests!
A hearty welcome to Sue Vincent and Stuart France. I originally contacted Sue regarding a Spotlight on my blog, a while ago. She pondered a while, as I would in her place – this lady writes haikus, has guest author spots on her wonderfully entertaining blog, and has not one, not two, but several novels under her belt. Which of these novels to focus on? Sue elected for Lands of Exile – But ‘N Ben which she’d co-written with Stuart France. In her words Lands of Exile – But ‘N Ben is: ‘the first in the Lands of Exile series that combines the tales of ‘our’ travels through the ancient landscape as ‘Don and Wen’ with a rather odd police chase. And a fair bit of humour.’
Sounds promising – I love humour, have a brother called Donald, and an aunt Wendy, (God Bless Her Soul,) perhaps this is meant to be? I do believe in fate…
How to reflect the general quirkiness of this novel? A dog came to mind as Sue is a dog lover, and perhaps Stuart is too? Too obvious. Next, I considered a country scene and ended up seeing green and red in everything, blending beautifully with Sue’s red hair. Then, I came across the above photo of six birds. Bingo! This was the perfect social media banner! Quirky but simple, and astonishingly the divergent bird and his less adventurous feathered friends are free, gratis thanks to Terri: Second Wind Leisure – Free Photos For Your Blog! who I featured recently: Author/Blogger Spotlight Terri Webster Schrand
Success, it’s always nice to shout out about freebies!
Right, I better get to it, enough of this waffle or my chosen birds might fall off their perch, or fly away.
So… chirp, chirp… It’s time to find out more about my guests Stuart France and Sue Vincent.
Bios
The writing partnership of France and Vincent has a peculiar alchemy of humour, scholarship and vision that has given birth to several books, including the six volumes of The Triad of Albion and the Doomsday series.
Stuart France – writer and mystic; author of ‘The Living One’ and ‘Crucible of the Sun’. Stuart has a deep and practical knowledge of the Western Mystery Tradition, having followed a Path that has taken him hopping through the branches of the Trees of Knowledge and Delight. His astonishing work with symbolism and the interpretation of myth comes from a profound understanding and love of life and humanity. After gaining his BA in Philosophy and Literature, and his MA in Writing, this Child of Light studied with OBOD, AMORC, and the Servants of the Light and is a Director of The Silent Eye School of Consciousness. He declines all responsibility for this introduction. “I blame Wen…..”
Sue Vincent is a Yorkshire born writer and Director of The Silent Eye. She has been immersed in the Mysteries all her life. Sue maintains a popular blog and is co-author of ‘The Mystical Hexagram’ with Dr G. Michael Vasey and a number of other books. Sue lives in Buckinghamshire, having been stranded there some years ago due to an accident with a blindfold, a pin and a map. She has a lasting love-affair with the landscape of Albion, the hidden country of the heart. She is currently owned by a small dog who also blogs.
But ‘n’ Ben
The first volume in the Lands of Exile series
For once, Don was right… it was all Wen’s fault. If only Ben had not insisted in going back for the gun… Don and Wen should hand themselves in and share the fate of their co-conspirator. It would be the noble thing to do.
Does this course of action appeal to our errant duo? Not on your Nelly!
As Ben languishes in the dank cells of Bakewell Gaol, Don and Wen hit the road. Their headlong dash for freedom takes them north, where they are beset by a host of ‘Orphan Stones’ clamouring to be led back home. But they are not alone… and the sinister Black Shade is not the only thing dogging their heels as they blaze their customary trail through the signs, seals and sacred sites of old Albion.
The unofficial re-siting of an ancient stone is viewed in a rather negative manner by the authorities. Ben has been arrested and the other two birds have flown. Heading north, Don and Wen follow the whisperings of ancient stones carved with enigmatic symbols, unaware that they are being followed. Their journey takes them through Cumbria and into Scotland, visiting ancient and historical sites, whilst piecing together fragments of the secret and magical history of Albion. Illustrated in colour.
Extract from Lands of Exile: But ‘n’ Ben
Stuart France and Sue Vincent
Gauche…
Gangly…
Currently scrofulous…
Bark Jaw-Dark contemplated the pork pie he had recently fished from the depths of the jacket pocket of his un-pressed suit and placed it whole in his mouth.
“Hey, Jordache!”
“Jaw-Dark,” spluttered Bark through the pork and pastry.
“Is this a joke?” snarled Bark’s mentor, Tom Patrick, picking up the newly positioned desk tag and scrutinising it distastefully.
Bark swallowed and gulped, “Real name’s Mark… first day at school… had a cold… never been able to shake it.”
“The cold or the name?” smiled Patrick, briefly impressed with his own wit, and then continued more seriously, “You don’t get these unless you’re important… and you’re not.”
The desk tag flew through the air and plummeted into the depths of the tall blue recycling bin with a dull thud.
“No sir!”
“And you can drop the sir. It’s Tom. In this day and age we treat you like shit but informally. It’s called progress…Got it?”
“Yes…Tom.”
“Good lad,” growled Patrick turning to leave.
“Did you want me?”
“Ah yes…” said Patrick turning back, “the stone hugger!”
…Bark looked blank.
“Wealthy business man… moved a stone… went back for the gun… mad as a frog…”
“…In a box full of other frogs?”
“…In the clink.”
“I’d gathered that, but what about him…?”
“He wasn’t alone. Prime suspects… fellow directors of his school of conscience, or some such, have disappeared. Supposed to be on holiday but no one’s sure quite where. They’ve done a runner if you ask me. That’s where you come in.”
“Ah!” said Bark Jaw-Dark rising to his feet and pulling down his suit. “They are wanted in order to help the police in their enquiries.”
“Attaboy,” said Patrick. “You’ve got the weekend.”
A business card landed on Bark’s desk bearing the Egyptian Eye of Horus and a moniker, ‘The Silent Eye, a school of consciousness.’
“I don’t work week…” But Patrick had gone.
Bark Jaw-Dark fished his name tag out of the recycle bin and placed it back on his desk. He pulled down his suit again, sat down, picked up the business card and turned on his computer…
*
She is looking at me, the stranger child.
Watching…
Eyes green as summer…
She looks at me as if she knows me.
Better than I know myself.
They say the Old Ones have green eyes.
She watches as I haul in the fish trap…
Watching…
Buy Links
Blogs: Stuart France Sue Vincent’s Daily Echo The Silent Eye
Website: France and Vincent
Twitter@SCVincent
Have you read Lands of Exile – But ‘N Ben? If you have please do comment below.
Until the next time, keep smiling.
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Revive Old Posts Bloggers Link Up
Today I’d like to step back in time and look at my very first post on this blog:
Writer’s Journey How Did It All Happen?
What magical ingredients made me become a blogger/writer? I think if I was doing a sum it would be a strange black cat, plus a book: (Dorian Gray,) add some thoughts about art and lots and lots of reading. No minus equations allowed, creativity always involves a stack of pluses and no negativity!
Recently my eldest daughter asked me for some old photos of her when she was little for a project she is currently doing for University. So I opened my large oriental camphor wood chest and we had a lovely time searching through many photos. I came across a really cute photo of my cat Chester when he was a tiny, adorable kitten, and I was a mere slip of a girl. I realised that my very first post on this blog is missing a very important ingredient. What could that be? An easy answer – some delightful old photos of my much-loved cat Chester. He was such a magnificent fellow, and I loved him very much, so let me share them with you….
Me with Chester, looking all energetic!!!
Here he is exploring interesting little hiding places:
And he had an inquisitive nature:
This is how magnificent he was when he grew up! This photo doesn’t quite do him justice, he really was a handsome fellow, with striking markings and a character to match.
If you’d like to join in with my bloggers monthly link up, please draw attention to your old posts by writing a short blog post as I have done and then add your links to the comment field of this post. If you wish you may use the photo at the top of this post as your blog post header. All link up posts will go up on the second Thursday of the month, and join in whenever you want. No pressure!
Also if you wish you can link your posts to a popular hastag #Throwback Thursday #THT or if you’re posting on a Friday #FBF #FlashbackFriday. These are great link ups for old photos, or memorabilia…
More about that here: Lifewire – Throwback Thursday
Shake out your old posts and give them a new lease of life.
Bye for now from less energetic grown up me!!!
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Tanka Tuesday: Angel and Devil
This week for Colleen’s Tanka Tuesday we have two very tempting prompt words – angel and devil. This is so me!!! I love to explore the light and dark side of life.
The following Tanka is inspired by my current WIP – The Curse of Time – Book 1 – The Bloodstone.
#Tanka Tuesday, #micropoetry, #poetry, #5lines
Do join in the Tanka fun – here’s the link to find out more: Colleen Chesebro Tanka Tuesday
Bye for now,
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Do you know how to add sound to your book?
Do you know how to add sound to your book? Find out how via author Jean M. Cogdell – Jeans Writing.
Again! I learned something new today!
I had no idea a soundtrack could be added to an ebook. Who knew? Probably all of y’all, I’m usually the last to hear about all of this new-fangled techie stuff. But this is so way cool.
Will I use it? Not sure.
Why? Because when I pick up a book I like to shut out the world around me. I don’t enjoy listening to music or multi-tasking when I read. I prefer a quiet room or my porch on a warm sunny day.
Now my grandkids are different. The teenagers in our family enjoy reading with music blaring through headphones attached to their ears. To me, that’s a distraction.
However, I can remember a time when I did homework listening to the radio so maybe it’s not so different. Music comforts us, romance and relaxation.
And music is important to storytelling. Without music, movies…
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Blogger Spotlight – Author Janice Wald
Today I’d like to introduce you to Janice Wald.
A blogger who likes to:
Skyrocket your Blog Traffic! Hence, the Canva Social Media layout I’ve chosen. Let’s take that colourful air balloon to the blogging stars with our expert Janice…. believe me the fire in her belly will get us there.
Who is Janice Wald? In order to find the answer to that mysterious question what better place to investigate than Janice’s About Me Page…..
Janice’s impressive biography:
I’m Janice Wald, the author of AN INSIDER’S GUIDE TO BUILDING A SUCCESSFUL BLOG, available on Amazon.com. I can also be found on Goodreads.
I write about blogging in order to help bloggers by giving step-by-step directions for content creation.
By following the advice in these posts, you will be able to increase your content’s visibility. Let me help you increase your traffic as I have done for so many others.
For example, my posts How to Make 1,406 People Look At Your Site in 1 Day and How to Quickly Get 3,000 New Blog Followers are typical posts you will find on my blog.
My blog is included in
- 60 Experts Share Their Best Content Creation and Marketing Tips
- 82 Expert Tips on How to Start a Successful Blog
- 57 Experts Share Tips on How to Create the Best Content Possible
- 100 Blogs That Will Help You Become a Better Blogger
- Top 100 Blogs for First Time Bloggers to read
- 101 Tips from Top Experts on How to Start a Successful Blog
- 15 Powerful Bloggers You Should Learn From to Grow Your Online Business,
- and 18 Content Marketing Blogs You Need to Follow Right Now.
Whether you are a business blogger, a lifestyle blogger, a parent blogger, or a reader looking for advice, there are tips that will help you at this site.
At Mostly Blogging I use my skills as a teacher to help you succeed.
I do a great deal of reading about blogging, and I take blogging classes. Additionally, I attend webinars and conferences. I will pass on the advice that I learn to my readers.
By following my blog, you will save time as well as receive information since I will pass on the knowledge I acquire to you. These tips are proven by research and easy-to-implement.
Exciting news – Janice has just released An Insiders Guide To Building A Successful Blog.
Here’s the link to Janice’s ebook on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M4QOD41
The link to her blog’s landing page:
http://www.mostlyblogging.com/enjoy-my-guest-post-heres-what-to-do-next/
Plus a link to Janice’s About page:
http://www.mostlyblogging.com/about/
As well as this there’s much to discover about her journey to becoming an ebook author:
And lots and lots of blogging Tips:
Janice can be found in a heck load of social media hang outs:
Blog URL: http://mostlyblogging.com/
- Google+:https://plus.google.com/u/0/+JaniceWald/about
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/MrsPaznanski
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janice.rappoportwald
- Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/mycurrentnewsblog
- Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/janicewald/
- Stumble Upon: http://www.stumbleupon.com/stumbler/janicewald
Also she can be found on: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16067827.Janice_Wald
I will be interviewing Janice soon about her recently released book An Insiders Guide To Building A Successful Blog, so do keep a look out for that.
Bye for now,
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Blogger Spotlight: Samantha Murdoch
I discovered blogger Samantha Murdoch in a particularly unconventional way.
I was looking for a cat to do a bit of modelling for my black cat character in The Curse of Time, and I put out a call for help on Facebook. I received a few replies, not that many, but then I suppose it did seem a bit of an odd request. LOL !!! Then a ever so helpful blogging friend of mine, Gary Jefferies who blogs at Fiction is Food put me in touch with Samantha: https://samanthamurdochblog.wordpress.com
Not only did Samantha have a black cat but she has two! Plus several other cats too, so if you are a cat lover, (like I am,) she’s definitely a blogger to follow. Then, to my delight I discovered that she wrote about crystals. How perfect is that? I love crystals too! My manuscript, (which I intend to publish this year) : The Curse of Time – Book 1 – The Bloodstone has several themes: light, represented by crystals, darkness, suggested by shadows, and a nasty old curse.. etc.
Getting back to the black cat discussion …. The only slight problem with our stunning cat models Lily and Tooty is their gender. They are both females! Whereas, the cat character in my book is male… This I can’t change… Never mind… that isn’t a big problem!
Of the two cats, Lily looks just like what I imagine my character Shadow looks like – very panther like! Let me introduce you to Lily…. isn’t she a beautiful cat?
This is Lily with a very artistic shadow! She’s a natural model, look how she stays so still for the camera.
And Lily with her eyes closed, looking very chilled! Love how the light falls on her fur giving it a white glow.
This is my favourite of Lily looking very regal! Look at those eyes, and that glossy fur!
This is Tooty – Don’t they look similar?
Here’s Tooty on the move, her shadow is following…
One way and then another…
Finally, Tooty staying still… looking quite thoughtful. What an interesting background.. Great photo! Mesmerising…
Photographs courtesy of Alex Marlowe (Samantha’s son.)
Thank you so much to Samantha and Alex for allowing me to use these images of Lily and Tooty on my social media. I really do appreciate it, and a big thank you to Gary for introducing me to Samantha.
Please do pop over to Samantha’s blog to appreciate all her lovely cats, and crystals. And visit Gary’s blog too – Gary is such a helpful and friendly blogger, who likes to write, and also blogs about kindness: Fiction Is Food Kindness Challenge Sign Up
You do get a sense of Samantha’s love for cats, and crystals in the following links:
Samantha Murdoch: Danburite and Darling Cats
And her feelings about spiders….
Samantha Murdoch: Moonstone and Meanderings, Spiders Part 4
And some wonderful poetry too!
Hope you enjoyed my Blogger Spotlight. I shall be continuing to do Author and Blogger Spotlights fairly regularly.
I will be sharing the wonderful photos of Lily and Tooty on twitter, Facebook, and my Instagram account later in the week. So keep a look out for them.
Before I go let me just say – I do find black cats very fascinating…
Black cats rule!
Many thanks to Samantha, Alex, and Gary for all being so kind, and to Lily and Tooty for being so fabulous.
Bye for now,
M J Mallon YA Author and Poet 