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.
Authors/Bloggers Rainbow Support Club
Welcome, it is my pleasure to introduce you to the latest members of my Author/Bloggers Rainbow Support Club.
The Rainbow Support Club endeavours to provide a friendly and welcoming community of like-minded bloggers, book reviewers and authors who support each other in every which way we can to promote and nurture our love of books, and writing.
First up to Team Awesome is Colleen Chesebro. Colleen is a totally supportive angel, and I’d like to nominate her as person extraordinaire of the club! I can vouch for Colleen’s worthiness, and angelic qualities as she is currently helping me with my manuscript – The Curse of Time – and doing an amazing job. 🙂 Author, Colleen Chesebro has recently released her first book: The Heart Stone Chronicles: The Swamp Fairy, which I had the delight of reading and reviewing recently: My 5 * Review of The Heartstone Chronicles: The Swamp Fairy by Colleen Chesebro. She has an awesome blog which I strongly advise you to follow: https://colleenchesebro.com/. Colleen and I have become great friends and have discovered that we have a wealth of shared interests. I enjoy joining in with her weekly Tanka Challenge so much: https://colleenchesebro.com/category/tanka-tuesday/.
Colleen is happy to help other authors by sharing their writing, editing, etc, and also will support them with posts about new book releases. In other words, if these lovely peeps write about writing, she will gladly take guest posts from them. Colleen strongly believes that writing about your own experiences helps other authors learn.
Colleen is an experienced book reviewer, but due to her huge TBR pile she is unable to take on any further reviews at present but her reviews to date are accessible via this link: Colleen Chesebro Reviews. Colleen shares lots of interesting and informative material under the heading: Authors Supporting Authors, and also has a second blog: A Mindful Journey which is full of tips about weight loss, and balance in life so do investigate to find out more.
Karen Oberlaender is my next member, Karen is a dedicated reader and book blogger who blogs at: My Train of Thoughts On. Karen writes about her favourite quotes, the word of the day, ten statements from authors and has a section where you can add your book review blog to her website: Add Your Blog – Book Reviewers
Her personal motto is:
Smile! Don’t look back in anger.
Great motto!
Her first book – ‘In a Small Compass, Vol. 1’ comprises 15 contemporary short fiction stories with paranormal streaks which take you on a journey to Boston, Dublin, Dundrum, Galway, Heidelberg, London, Munich, Nuremberg, Skerries, and other places.
In a Small Compass, Vol. 1 is currently available on Smashwords:
In a Small Compass – Vol. 1, an Ebook by Karen Oberlaender https://inasmallcompass.wordpress.com/
Yecheilyah Ysrayl is the author of Young Adult, African-American Literature and Poetry. The author of nine books, most notably The Stella Trilogy, Yecheilyah is also a Blogger and Book Reviewer and offers free Author Services through her blog: The PBS Blog Author Services. Yecheilyah is currently working on her next book series, “The Nora White Story. Yecheilyah Ysrayl blogs at PBS – Pearls Before Swine: The PBS Blog: To Support An Author. She reviews books on her blog, and adds these books to the Indie Author Page of her blog, and promotes author’s books through her email list. All for free. The PBS Blog: Free Author Services.
Author Allan Hudson supports many of his author friends on his blog by hosting guest author opportunities at his blog South Branch Scribbler. Allan has written: Dark Side of A Promise, Shorts: Volume 1 – four tantalising stories, and Shorts: Volume 2 – five tantalising tales, and Shorts: Volume 3 – Five tantalising tales. He believes as I do that ‘We are all in this together,’ and he ‘enjoys helping other writers find a new audience.’ Allan blogs at: www.southbranchscribbler.ca.
Vashti Q blogs at The Writer Next Door. Vashti is very friendly and oh so chatty and I always get the feeling that she really is the girl next door! Vashti takes part in many of my favourite link ups and shares my love of haiku. She enjoys doing author interviews, book/author spotlights, cover reveals and feature book releases. Her novel The Basement (Suspense/Thriller,) is aimed at the pre-teen/teen audience. To discover more about her writing follow the link: About The Basement.
Norah Colvin believes passionately about education and I do too! She does a once-a-month picture book author or illustrator spotlight on her readilearn blog http://www.readilearn.com.au/blog/ which is then reblogged on to her blog: http://www.NorahColvin.com 🙂
Read more about her wonderful resources via this link:http://readilearn.com.au
Mathematics is all around us. We use it every day for a wide range of purposes; from deciding on the sequence…
Annika Perry and I have been supporting each other for a good long while and have become blogging friends. She has a lovely, friendly blog which I urge you to follow. Her ‘interests include books,’ and ‘she is an avid reader with a book or two constantly on the go.’ In her words: ‘Life without books would seem unbearable.’ I couldn’t agree more!!
Annika’s love of books is evident in the depth of thought that goes into her excellent book reviews, so do pop over to her blog to find out more:
Annika Perry – All About Books
Author Elise E. Rawls Author of Bleeding Heart – A collection of faith-based short stories/poems/riddles by the author about life’s journey, wonder and trial. Every writing is a little story taking you somewhere. Elise is also in the final proofreading stage with regards to her Science Fiction & Fantasy / Speculative Fiction entitled Strayborn, Book #1 (V. Chronicles.) and has written an amusing personal account: Revising A Manuscript is Like Cleaning A Castle. Elise has been known to promote authors by doing author interviews on her blog. She offers this opportunity to (fantasy and sci-fi genres, and books that are clean reads). Follow the link to find out more: Author Interviews. Also, she hosts guest posts about fantasy, sci-fi, and writing topics, Guest Posts, Book Reveals, and Musing Reviews.
Phew… quite a few folks have now signed up for the club!!! In fact, I had to make sure that I didn’t forget anyone… I hope I didn’t – if I did I apologise profusely. It’s because my old brain cells don’t work as well as they used to, so if I have missed anyone out please don’t hesitate to give me a good old nudge!
In total, we now have 21 awesome members, including me! LOL !!
The first group comprises these lovelies: Shelley Wilson, Debby Gies, Sally Cronin, Jennifer Marston, Seumas Gallacher, Carol Hedges, Tina Frisco, Anita Dawes, and Jaye Marie, Heena Rathore Pardeshi, Loretta Milan, and Eloise De Sousa who you can meet here: Group 1: Rainbow Support Club Team Members.
We are now on Facebook for members and non members:Authors/Bloggers Rainbow Support Club
The group page for members only : Authors/Bloggers Rainbow Support Club Members Group Page
Kyrosmagica blog continues to support authors in whatever way I can by writing reviews, author/blogger spotlights and interviews, so please don’t be shy, do get in touch if you’d like to be featured on Kyrosmagica.
If you’d like to join the group and feature on my next listing please do get in touch by leaving a message here or emailing me at marjma2014@gmail.com.
Thanks.
Bye for now,
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Colleen’s Weekly #Tanka #Poetry Challenge # 23 – HELP & SMILE
When I read Colleen’s prompt words this week I knew the perfect Tanka would be about an experience I had some time ago. I’d been out in my local supermarket buying the groceries when I saw this elderly lady sitting in the cafe. She wore a birthday badge, and was out celebrating, having a treat. I couldn’t help but admire her wacky, vibrant hair. We shared a smile, and that lovely moment, and her brilliant smile stayed with me.
#Tanka Tuesday, #micropoetry, #poetry, #5lines
Hope you liked this week’s Tanka.
To join in the fun visit Colleen’s blog: Colleen Chesebro’s Tanka Challenge
Bye for now,
I hope you agree life’s for celebrating. Enjoy…
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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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Authors/Bloggers Rainbow Support Club
Welcome to my new book love group for authors and dedicated book bloggers who wish to support authors by writing reviews, or featuring authors on their blogs. Initially, I intended to write one long list and then I thought better of it. Small and personal works better – featuring a few bloggers/writers and then following it up with further lists on a fairly regular basis.
If you’d like to join in the next list please get in touch via my email: marjma2014@gmail.com, or leaving a comment at the end of the post. Thanks.
Of course Kyrosmagica blog continues to support authors in whatever way I can by writing reviews, author/blogger spotlights and interviews, so please don’t be shy, do get in touch if you’d like to be featured on Kyrosmagica.
Here’s my first list:
Shelley Wilson: First up Shelley went all hunger games on me, dashing to the front of the queue to feature on my post! So, many thanks to Shelley for kicking this off with a flourish! Author/Reviewer Blog is http://www.shelleywilsonauthor.com. She is pretty clear in her interests: ‘I write, I read, I review,’ she prefers YA fantasy, but also reads some historical fiction, non-fiction, horror, dystopian, sci-fi, and will take a look at book blurbs for most genres to see if she’d be interested but she doesn’t do romantic fiction.
Elouise De Sousa: ‘Books, Poems, Stories…and a cup of coffee, or two!’ She has a Book Tuesday feature reviewing books from fellow authors and books she’s read. She covers most genres, depending on what has been sent to her. Her site is http://eloisedesousa.wordpress.com
Debby Gies: A Canadian author who I have had the pleasure of following for some time. She is a very friendly and supportive lady who runs a series on authors with new books https://dgkayewriter.com/guest-authors-at-d-g-kayes-blog/ and also does her Sunday reviews on books she’s read and reviewed. Because of time constraints, she is unable to have an open invitation, rather she promotes authors she knows and invites them as her schedule permits.
Loretta Milan: Literary Lightbox supports authors from all backgrounds and most genres. ‘Literary Lightbox, founded by Loretta Milan, publishes inspiring articles featuring New York Times and Sunday Times bestselling authors as well as emerging and indie authors.’
It’s our special space of the Internet where we writers can inspire each other, lend support and encouragement.
: http://www.literarylightbox.com/submissions/
Sally G. Cronin: ‘Blog with a view – on books, music, humour and health.’ Sally is a massive supporter of authors hosting so many on her blog that at times it makes me dizzy just seeing what she is up to. At the moment Sally is on a well deserved holiday! Sally also writes excellent and informative articles about nutrition and health, has published several books and has an on-line bookstore: Sallys Cafe and Bookstore and offers free author and blogger promotion: Sally’s Author and Blogger Promotion 2017
Jenny Marston: Blogs at www.jennyinneverland.com and enjoys reading Thriller, Mystery, Crime, YA, and Fiction. She is a busy lady with diverse interests: blogging about anxiety, books, blogging tips and advice, days out, lifestyle, travel, Disney, etc, and has a monthly meet my sponsor slot, which I had the pleasure of being part of. As well as this she manages a ‘privately run online book touring service for authors.’ In which she covers, ‘Thriller, Mystery, Horror, Romance, Chick-Lit, Young Adult and many sub-genres of those and offer a range of different length tours and services for you to choose from to get the best possible publicity for your book.’ Neverland Blog Tours
Heena Rathore Pardeshi: Has a book review blog but has stopped reviewing for another 6-7 months. No doubt as she’s snowed under with her debut mystery and thriller novel, Deceived which she will be releasing soon – www.thereadingbud.com. But do keep an eye out for Heena and support her book release. She reviews all fiction genre except erotica. She doesn’t do non-fiction.
Anita Dawes & Jaye Marie: Like to review books and invite guest posts on their website. But be prepared sister writing team Anita & Jay are: ‘two determined authors, bulletproof and dangerous…’ Eek, that sounds scary… dare if you will! Anita Dawes and Jaye Marie
Contributors Who Prefer to Host Guest Blogs:
Seumas Gallacher: Fellow Scot doesn’t actively do ‘cold’ reviews other than books he’s downloaded on his Kindle, but he does have an open blog policy on Guest Blogs from anyone, but particularly from fellow writers who can include anything they wish, except gratuitously offensive material… book buying links, bio, cover pages, any wee back story or element to their writing… the page for promo is theirs… all at their choice… cheeeeeeers ..https://seumasgallacher.com/ 🙂
Carol Hedges: Is more than happy to showcase other writers and let them loose on her Pink Sofa. ‘I write, I sleep, I try to resist cake.’ Yes, her pink sofa is very edible, pink and sugary! https://carolhedges.blogspot.co.uk/…/ten-ways-im-just… Recently I came across a very interesting article on her blog: Carol Hedges Blogspot – The Importance of Publicity
Tina Frisco: Happy to feature authors/artists/photographers/ musicians/etc. as time permits. 
❤ https://tinafrisco.com/ ‘Nature is my go-to tonic. Aside from music and animals, I love dancing and getting lost in working crossword puzzles.’ She blogs under the categories: inspiration, spiritual, guests, quotes, books, chronic illness and self-acceptance.
Thanks for dropping by. Don’t forget if you would like join my next list do get in touch by leaving a comment below or contacting me via my email: marjma2014@gmail.com
Bye for now,
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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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Colleen’s Weekly #Tanka #Poetry Challenge # 22 – “Door & Friend”
My Tanka this week is inspired by a quick pick book I found in my local library – The Lemon Grove by Helen Walsh. It’s a real page turner! I can’t wait to find out what happens in the end….
Here’s the Goodreads Synopsis:
Set on the rugged, mountainous west coast of Mallorca, this taut, sultry, brilliantly paced novel is an urgent meditation on female desire, the vicissitudes of marriage and the allure of youth.
Taking place over the course of one week, The Lemon Grove lands in the heat of Deia, a village on an island off the southeast coast of Spain. Jenn and Greg are on their annual holiday to enjoy languorous, close afternoons by the pool, and relaxed dinners overlooking the rocks. But the equilibrium is upset by the arrival of their teenage daughter, Emma, and her boyfriend, Nathan. Jenn, in her early forties, loves her (older) husband and her (step)daughter and is content with her life, she thinks. But when this beautiful, reckless young man comes into her world, she is caught by a sexual compulsion that she’s seldom felt before. As the lines hotly blur between attraction, desire and obsession, Jenn’s world is thrown into tumult–by Nathan’s side, she could be young and carefree once again, and at this stage in her life, the promise of youth is every bit as seductive as the promise of passion. Jenn struggles between the conflicting pulls of resistance and release, and the events of the next few days have the potential to put lives in jeopardy as the players carry out their roles in this unstoppably sexy and unputdownable novel from a brilliant observer of the human condition.
I cheated a bit this week instead of friend, I opted for lover!!! The door became a gateway…
My Tanka:
My second tanka:
To join in the Tanka fun: Colleen Chesebro’s Tanka Tuesday
Bye for now,
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The Bloggers Bash Competition: C-o-n-n-e-c-t-i-o-n-s
I believe it all began when I moved to Cambridge from Scotland.
Shortly after our marriage, my husband and I made the rash decision to live out in ‘the sticks,’ in a sleepy Cambridgeshire village called Chatteris. What an enormous culture shock for an Edinburgh city girl like me – I felt isolated and pretty miserable.
Perhaps I would never have started writing if it wasn’t for this and later sadness’s in my life. In time we moved to the suburbs of Cambridge, within easy reach of the city centre. I made new friends but missed the loving support of my extended family. My husband worked long hours, but I knew that he longed to Do What He Loved – ski on a mountain or be in a rock band! Financial responsibilities meant that his personal dreams languished. Inadvertently, this sacrifice triggered my idea for The Curse of Time – The Bloodstone, my WIP – which is currently being edited by my lovely friend – Colleen Chesebro – Author of The Heart Stone Chronicles – The Swamp Fairy/
As my daughters grew older I developed an interest in alternative therapies and worked as an Aromatherapist/Reflexologist. During this time I discovered an interest in crystals. This beautiful Malachite captured my attention, demanding to be my first crystal purchase.
The Malachite definitely sparked my creativity, and helped alleviate my shyness! My urge to write developed in a whirlwind of reading, and imagination. I woke up with ideas and jotted them in a notebook. This manic phase coincided with the arrival of a strange black cat who demanded my attention. He became my muse. Was he a stray? Or perhaps a witch’s cat? Sadly, he disappeared without a trace. I had an odd idea (to find a black cat model,) and my blogging friend Gary Jefferies: Fiction Is Food introduced me to Samantha Murdoch – the proud owner of Lily.
Astonishingly Lily bears a remarkable resemblance to the black cat in my book, Shadow.
Guess what? Samantha loves crystals too! Bloodstone, (photographed below by her son,) plays a central part in my book – another extraordinary coincidence!
Photo credit for above three photos: Alex Marlowe, Samantha Murdoch’s son.
All these incredible connections have fuelled my desire to write. I am so lucky to have many inspiring writers, bloggers, and creative individuals who I call friends. Astounded by their support and encouragement my confidence has soared. I’ve participated in short stories prompts, poetry, photography challenges, and weekend coffee shares… In August 2015 I did the unthinkable – I shrugged off my shy persona and attended My First Bloggers Bash.
In part, this is thanks to the power of my Malachite crystal! I can’t wait to attend the next bash in June, and see some of my blogging friends, (unfortunately not all can attend,) and new ‘faces,’ too.
Life is devoid of meaning without ‘real’ positive relationships, connections that matter. I believe that if you give of your best, you will receive the best back. I have a passion for the arts, and I will continue to promote bloggers, writers, and creative individuals who I count as my dear friends. I love supporting authors by writing book reviews: My Wise Old Owl A – Z Book Reviews, and offer Blogger/Author Spotlights. One recent example is: Sue Vincent and Stuart France
MY MOTTO:
Always Do What You Love,
Stay True To Your Hearts Desires,
Remain Young At Heart,
And Inspire Others To Do So Too,
Even If It Appears The Odds,
Are Stacked Against You,
Like Black-Hearted Shadows.
A Writing Award To Give Yourself: Do What You Love.
Hence the name of my blog: Kyrosmagica – Crystal Magic.
The Bloggers Bash Competition – Sacha Black
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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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RonovanWrites #Weekly #Haiku #Poetry Prompt #Challenge #136 Eye&Fade
I’m in the mood for poetry today! Started off writing two Tanka poems for Colleen’s Tanka Tuesday and then realised I hadn’t done anything for Valentine’s. To remedy this faux pas I decided to take a gander at Ronovan’s prompt words this week hoping they were a little valentine related and sure enough Eye and Fade were perfect, so I wrote this haiku…
To join in with Ronovan’s Haiku Challenge follow the link: Ronovan Writes Haiku Challenge
Happy Valentines!!!
Much love,
M J Mallon YA Author and Poet 