I’m delighted to announce that there is a new review for Mr. Sagittarius from fellow author S C Skillman. Many thanks Sheila!
And I have had a request from the following prestigious libraries for copies of Mr. Sagittarius and Lockdown Innit Poems About Absurdity!
A legal deposit record for these books are to be held at the British Library, National Library of Scotland, The Bodleian Library Oxford University, National Library of Wales, Cambridge University Library, and the Library of Trinity College Dublin.
This is an exquisite collection of poetry, prose and photos reflecting upon the joy, comfort and peace that is to be found in the natural world and in a beautiful garden. This author’s playful, lyrical style conveys an atmosphere and message which is at once magical, poignant and compassionate. Her central theme is that of ‘transformation’. I loved the Old Man of the Snow; the Bubble Monster; and the Rainbow Shell. As with her novels, I find that this author handles fanciful ideas with elegance and grace. Highly recommended.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Here’s hoping for a brighter, covid free year. And what a year it has been for so many. Personally, I have had many worries about my elderly parents and my MIL who I haven’t seen for months…
My daughter Natasha and I had an interesting philosophical discussion this morning about whether 2020 is a wasted year? And whether we should all refuse to age this year. Her birthday is on Christmas day and she is turning 25 and would much rather remain 24. Of course, that idea does have its appeal! I’m all for staying young but in many ways, 2020 is not a wasted year as it has taught us many invaluable lessons.
A tragic lesson, sadly. One that has made us all reevaluate our lives and to consider what really matters… Family, friends, loved ones, walks in nature, the simple moments that make us smile, these are the aspects of life that we must treasure.
It has been a year in which the world has suffered.
But the human race is resilient. We do what we can to cheer our spirits up…
During this time, I have relied heavily on my writing community to keep me occupied, and distracted. So, with that in mind, I created my first anthology/compilation entitled This Is Lockdown.
It originally came out in a kindle version with my personal diaries – 20th July 2020.
I’ve just finished creating the paperback of This Is Lockdown... which is available to buy and review on Amazon. So, if you can, please do consider reading and leaving a review of the paperback which includes contributions from 28 wonderful international authors, and creatives.
PLEASE NOTE – The paperback does not include my personal COVID diaries originally published on the kindle. These are currently only available to read on the kindle version of This Is Lockdown.
Blurb:
An anthology and compilation of short stories, flash fiction, contributions from the ‘isolation writers,’ plus poetry written during the time of lockdown in the UK.
“A Piece of Living History!”
This anthology and compilation is for everyone, wherever you live in the world. We are all experiencing the impact of COVID19 and lockdown. As writers, bloggers and creatives we express our thoughts and opinions in writing: in heartfelt poetry, pieces on isolation and the impact of COVID19 and the ‘new normal.’ There are twenty eight talented contributors, including the creative NHS Mask Making Fundraising Team of Jane Horwood and Melissa Santiago Val. The contributors come from as far afield as Australia, Canada, USA and Zimbabwe, or closer to my current home in England – in Ireland, Scotland and Italy.
It is as Willow Willers, a contributor said, ‘A piece of living history.’
This extraordinary and unexpected time period will be shared with future generations one day. Compiling and editing this anthology has given me a purpose over the period of Lockdown and for that I am grateful. The book showcases several authors and their thoughts on what it is like to experience ‘isolation’ as a writer.
In the final part of the book I include my latest short story idea: a YA romance and various short pieces of poetry, and flash fiction inspired by the pandemic.
The list of contributors, bloggers and authors are:
Before I go, in case you might have missed these recent book reviews.
I received this lovely review for my poetry, prose and photography book Mr. Sagittarius from fellow fantasy author Diana Peach:
I didn’t know what to expect when I opened this book, and must have been in just the right mood, because it was charming and poignant and very sweet. The book offers a glimpse of three elderly siblings -William, Harold, and Annette – one already passed on at the books opening. The intermittent visits with these characters, a paragraph or two here and there, form the thread that holds the book’s narrative together. The memories and grief are touching, and it isn’t long before Annette is on her own.
Between the story’s visits with the siblings are loosely related sections of prose and syllabic poetry. Some pieces touch on the seasons. Others are fantastical tales about bubble monsters and snow snakes. Most of them are about nature and flowers which are tied to the garden bench where the siblings enjoyed their days. I especially enjoyed a chain cinquain titled That Twinkle in her Eye is Magic. This book is less than an hour’s read, and I recommend it to readers who enjoy a fanciful and touching foray into poetry and short prose selections.
Here are four of the recent reviews I’ve written for books that I’ve read under my new review moniker – MJ Reviews… for Natalie Ducey, Ruchira Khanna, Didi Oviatt and Jacquie Biggar. All of which are recommended reading and in a range of genres.
I’ve finally taken the plunge after six years… yes it has taken me this long to add a subscribers email pop up. You can also subscribe by clicking on the image above, (that will take you to a landing page to subscribe.)
I had a feeling it would be tricky to do and I was right.
In fact, it is probably the worst blogging job I’ve ever had to do… EEK…
But, the good old happiness engineers helped me. So, I hope it works…
I’d love it if you would test the subscribe to my blog via the pop up! Yes,there is a pop up on my blog which you can add your email address to. I promise not to spam you with lots of unnecessary emails. Just the odd hello, some freebies and news from time-to-time.
Thank you in hopeful anticipation.
I’ve created these three social media thingy me jigys via Canva…
What’s been happening? Much of the same, sadly. But, we have now apparently passed the peak and deaths should now be on the decline.
Let’s hope so.
In the last few days Natasha and I have kept up with our keep fit routine with a Salsa Type dance workout in the garden and a yoga one too. Both were such fun! I’d love to do them again.
Good news yesterday – mum got her mince! She was missing some from her recent food box. This time she was able to make beefburgers.
And cheery news! A new review for Mr Sagittarius from Author Adele Marie Park:
5.0 out of 5 stars A poetic journey through life Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 28 April 2020 Verified Purchase Shaped with poems and beautiful pictures this book is a must-read and keep. This novel is the kind you will go back to again and again to dip into and read your favourites. A fantastic book, the author has delivered with engaging characters and beautiful prose. Well done.
It inspired me – which is just what I need right now as my eldest daughter has finished beta editing the second book in my Curse of Time series. Even so, I am struggling with motivation. Fortunately, some of Heena’s ideas really spoke to me. Particularly, the one about trying new fonts , using a notebook, or other inspiring ways to motivate yourself. This is particularly true if like me you have a huge, daunting project ahead of you. The second in a series is so hard to write.
I thought that perhaps I should find a writing quote to inspire me before I start editing. I opened my little book which is called Inspiration For Writers and opened it at a random page.
This is what greeted me:;
I am only really alive when I am writing – Tennessee Williams.
Wow, that quote couldn’t be more appropriate!
Who did I feature next in my Isolation for Writers Series?
In her words Fiona is: ‘an author, playwright and copywriter living in North Wales, just over the border from Chester. For years I worked in an office environment until motherhood and my husband’s career moves tugged me into self-employment, dumped me onto a new creative path, and turned my dream career into a reality. My debut fantasy novel, Haven Wakes, was published by Burning Chair in 2019 and I’m currently working on the follow-up, as yet untitled novel due to be published in 2020.’
2nd May
Today, would have been Deepings Literary Festival Read Dating event. Sadly, it was cancelled due to Coronavirus. Linda Hill kindly shared a blog post about all the authors who would have attended this event, including yours truly.
I wrote two Shadorma inspired by our experience during COVID19. They reflect my growing sense of sadness and unease at the magnitude of deaths throughout the world. It’s so sad and frightening. In the UK alone over 26,000 people have died to date. And all the while here in Cambridge the sun has shone practically every single day of Lockdown. A couple days ago, we had some rain and even a short burst of thunder and lightning. And yet, immediately the sun returned.
How strange. Life goes on, sunshine, showers and thunderstorms but such tragedy remains.
Every now and then Gina pops downstairs to ask me to take her photo for her Instagram page. Today, we did a photo shoot with her new ponytail hair piece! It turned out great, will share that soon.
We went for a walk with hubby and Tasha down by the river in the evening. A car speeded past then turned tail and went past us again. Bit strange, we were glad to have a 6 foot bloke with us – hubby! Two trains sped past too. We talked about how we should walk in nature more often. There were such beautiful views. But I didn’t bring my camera, or phone. Sometimes, it is nice just to experience life without any interruptions.
On the way back, bats were following us down the pathway. Tasha and I were screeching, hubby didn’t blink an eyelid. He didn’t mind them. In fact, I swear he likes them!
A very happy Christmas and a joyful New Year to all my dear friends. I will be busy over the next few days, eating, drinking and spending time with family and I expect you will be too. Enjoy!
I’ll be back with some scheduled posts after Christmas on the Sisters of the Fey blog about:
The magic of trees – the dawn redwood.
Crystal Magic: I also plan to share my prologue – The Curse of Time Book Two – The Golden Healer with you and a very unusual crystal I have discovered called Chiastolite.
Harry Potter Sorting Houses – Which house am I?
On my author blog I will be continuing with book reviews and the like and hopefully some poetry, short stories/flash fiction – time permitting.
EXCITING NEWS!!! I am making progress – The Curse of Time – Book two – Golden Healer – my YA fantasy series, is now standing at around 70,000 words.
In case you missed it I shared a fun, jokey Christmas cake recipe over on Solveig’s blog for her 4th Advent calendar.
Some of my more regular blog visitors might have noticed that I haven’t been posting, commentating, engaging in social media, etc, as much recently. This pains me a lot. Sigh. But, sadly this will continue indefinitely while I am writing/editing the second book in the series The Curse of Time. I can’t write, blog, and work in a demanding full-time job – it is just not possible.
I know that I profess to have magical powers but I am feeling the pinch. My superpowers aren’t holding up well. I am in desperate need of a magic wand to give me energy. Quite by chance I found this in the Botanic Gardens in Cambridge. It’s a bit small but I like the snake-like look to it. The top pic shows its eye well and the bottom one its mouth!
Abracadabara!!!
So bear with me. Don’t desert me!
I am very excited about the progress of the second book in the series. All I can divulge for now is: expect a cruel rollercoaster ride, a crazy grasshopper who natters incessantly and some seriously odd shadow demons.
Ha ha… my mind works in some crazy ways…
There will be the same cast of characters from book one: Amelina, Ryder, Esme, The Mirror Girl, The Creature Eruterac, Kyle, Amelina’s friends: Jade, Ilaria and Joselyn plus Shadow the cat, Toby the dog, The Spirit, and of course Amelina’s mum and dad and her dear aunt Karissa…
Yes quite a cast!
Recently I was tagged by Vashti Vega on twitter @VashtiQV who I’d cast as the leads in my book… I chose Tyler Posey, Dakota Fanning, Amanda Seyfried, and Colton Haynes.
5 Star Review News
I now have several reviews for The Curse of Time Book One Bloodstone on Goodreads and Amazon. My last two reviews were both five stars which made me do a double happy dance. This has really encouraged me to press on with this series.
Thank you so much to Linda and Richard for featuring me. Really appreciate it. 🙂 x
What are my other plans?
I will be focussing on writing my reviews on books I am reading – which I love to do! It makes me very happy to read and to share my thoughts with other readers/reviewers. I have several review requests which I have to catch up on and I will be reblogging book-related posts and anything which might be of interest to my readers.
Oh and recently I’ve been on a bit of a winning streak.
Don’t forget to visit our amazing Authors/Bloggers Rainbow Support Club on Facebook. This FB club is growing and becoming a thriving community of writers, authors, creatives and book reviewers. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1829166787333493/
Do come and join us. I’ve been sharing our hashtag: #ABRSC on twitter so if you see it doing its rounds I would be thrilled if you could retweet and spread the word.
So happy weekend dearest readers. Time to get back to summoning my inner powers…
And the lovely Ritu at But I SmileAnyway who was so kind to share my poem:
‘What Inspires You.’
Ritu at But I Smile Anyway,
Asked me ‘What inspires you?’
I scratched my head and replied…..
‘Everything!”
‘Everything?’ She repeated.
‘Yes.’
‘What’s everything?’ She asked.
So I said,
‘The sun, the moon and the stars,
Sunsets, Crystals, Cats, Shadows,
Art, Puzzles, Mysteries,
Books, Music, Film, Sculptures,
People, Photography and chit chat.’
‘What kind of chit chat,’ she enquired?
‘The kind that keeps me listening!”
‘Are your ears big?’ she said.
I laughed, grinned and nodded.
She stared at me wide eyed,
So I confessed, ‘My ears eavesdrop.’
‘Blame your lugs,’ she replied.
‘Yes, my lugs are criminals,’ I agreed.
‘Where do your rapscallion ears eavesdrop?’
‘On the bus, on the train, anywhere.’
‘Even at the bloggers bash?’ she cried, in shock.
‘No! Never there! Bloggers code,’ I replied.
Ha ha, she giggled. ‘Mum’s the word!’
Lol, I tweeted.
‘So that’s it? Inspiration’s end?’ she asked, unsure.
‘No, never!’ I cried, aghast.
‘This is only a beginning and a middle.
Inspiration never stops,
It just grows and bloody grows!’
Retweet, hashtag, Retweet, hashtag.
‘Inspiration bloody grows!’
I will let you know who the finalists are once I’ve heard any news!
Birthday News, Reviews and Paper Back Release Plans!
Unfortunately, I have been very busy of late and I am struggling for time! So apologies for being a very poor blogger. The curse of time has truly struck! With a full-time job my hours are no longer my own, but I’m thrilled to announce that on my birthday – the 17th of November – I will be featured on Don Massenzio’s Blog, so keep an eye out for that.
I’ve been busy getting my paperback ready and hope that I will have a release date for you soon! So if you’d like a guest on your blog do get in touch, I’ll be looking for guest blog posts middle to end of November, beginning of December.
In the meantime, don’t forget about me! I am still alive and kicking! Happy to say that there have been some very positive reviews for The Curse of Time Book 1 – Bloodstone.
I am having a bit of a break through in terms of my publishing plans:
First I’ve changed the name of my manuscript from The Krystallos Cottage to The Curse of Time. This has had quite an impact on the general direction of the novel, with more emphasis on the dark side of the story. But the theme of light/darkness, and good/evil, still prevails. I have done some extra research into self harm, anxiety, and schizophrenia as one of my characters self harms.
There are still lots of light-hearted aspects in the crystals, storyline, dialogue, etc. So I do hope that this will have something for everyone.
I have had two beta readers working hard to make my manuscript the best it can be. Graeme Cumming author of Ravens Gathering read through the first draft and my bookworm daughter/budding writer Natasha Mallon, has been reading through the final draft, both have done an amazing job and I can’t thank them enough. So the final beta read is now done and I am in the final stages of editing.
At last, it’s nearly there. There will be lots of work to do…. edits of chapters, removal of one chapter, some extra work on dialogue, a few paragraphs here and there that are unnecessary, and I have been working on three short but hopefully powerful chapters to develop the dark aspect of the story.
At the moment it looks as if it is likely that the finished novel will be aimed at the YA market.
In the meantime I’m busy writing my author bio and my blurb…
As well as this I’ve won an month’s advertising in Jenny At Neverland’s blog in November and I’ve decided that would be the ideal time to get everything ready for publishing. Fingers crossed! So, perhaps I may get this book out in time for Christmas….
More news, I’ve contacted the inventor of the Corpus Chronopage, Dr John Taylor OBE, to ask for permission to use an image of this celebrated local clock and tourist attraction on my book cover. My manuscript has been approved by his publicist Tina Fotherby at Famous Publicity. This is great news – now I know that my book cover is going to be pretty striking.
So now I’m getting some ideas together regarding cover photography and Wendy Anne Darling is going to knock it all together for me: https://wendyannedarling.wordpress.com/bookxeedo-book-covers
How exciting!
I am considering the possibility of a domain name for this blog too. I’m fond of Kyrosmagica but wonder whether my author name should appear in my domain. If anyone has any advice do let me know.
Here are some more photos of The Corpus Chronograph courtesy of John C Taylor OBE.
The first is of Dr John C Taylor and his magnificent invention.
This one is the Grasshopper with his shadow… pretty cool! Especially as one of the themes in my book is shadows…
The Corpus Chronophage at dusk
The scary grasshopper in all his close-up glory! EEK!
Copyright Dr John C Taylor OBE
Do let me know what you think of the Corpus Chronopage images. I am absolutely thrilled with them… So one of these with the right dpi (not all pass the level of dpi required for a book cover,) will be gracing my front and back cover. Decisions, decisions!
![Dr%20Taylor%20and%20the%20Corpus%20clock%20(1)[1]](https://i0.wp.com/mjmallon.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/dr20taylor20and20the20corpus20clock2011.jpg?resize=736%2C491&ssl=1)
