Tales from Foss End

Grand Western Canal

It has been a long year of chaos, which has played havoc with my writing schedule, but the stress, tiredness and disruption has all been worth it.

I’ll explain.

Last summer we decided to put the house on the market and leave London. Moving house is a daunting task for anyone who decides to do it, but when you have two cats, and you work freelance/from home, and make the decision to move half way across the country it can prove particularly challenging.

But after many trials and tribulations (that I won’t bore you with), we finally moved in to our new house, in the middle of the Devon countryside last week.

Flowers

Despite still having many belongings in boxes and not knowing where a lot of our stuff is, we are settling in. The pace of life is slower, which is lovely, and the only noise we now hear is the quacking of ducks from the canal or the twittering of birds in the trees. it’s wonderful.

Swans and Cygnets on the canal

I’m looking forward to getting back to writing very soon so that I can release more books for my patient readers. There are so many different places I can sit and work here, and I know that the amazing countryside and scenery around us is going to be so inspiring.

For now though, I am going to spend another few days recovering from lifting and shifting of boxes, and see if I can find some of the things I've misplaced and set up my desk! For those of you who are still patiently waiting, don’t worry, the next book is on its way very soon!

The negative reporting of Greece

In recent weeks the press seems to have increased the number of negative reports about Greece, whether it be in relation to Grexit and its possible implications, the influx of mediterranean migrants 'making holidaymakers lives a misery' on various islands or just generally doing the country down.

I'm all for freedom of speech and freedom of press, the press do highlight some important stories to the world, but news stories should never be written to the detriment of a nation and her people. I feel so strongly about this that I had to write this post. Many of the recent articles have been overly sensationalist, and have upset a lot of people who love Greece and her people.

I have many friends living in Greece as well as some family, and many will agree that recently things for Greece haven't been easy, and that in some respects things should, and could, have been handled much better by previous Governments. But I'm not here to talk politics. I'm here to talk about people.

Greece is full of wonderful people, the culture is truly fantastic, the food is to die for, and wherever you go you will always be welcomed with open arms and given the best possible hospitality. So why have the press been reporting recently that Greece should be avoided, that ATM's have, or are, running dry and that tourists could be at risk, that basic medical is unavailable, that islands should be avoided as they are like detention centres due to the number of mediterranean migrants on their shores? 

Yes, the Greek people, along with the rest of Europe, are waiting with bated breath to see what happens in the next few months. It is true that Greek people have been struggling terribly in the last few years and many have lost their jobs and had to scrabble around for wages and some medicines, but nothing has changed in regards to the beauty of Greece or the expectation of visitors. 

Greece as a nation is still very much open for business. The shops, hotels, and restaurants are still operating as normal and from what I hear tourists are still flocking there in droves and having a wonderful time, many stating that they will definitely go back to Greece again. The ATM's have not run dry, there is basic medical care if required, and yes, some islands have taken in some mediterranean migrants escaping war torn nations, but it's not affecting visiting tourists or their holidays.

So please next time anyone mentions Greece to you, tell them it's wonderful country where tourists are very welcome and where they will have a fantastic holiday. Tell them that Greece is a magical country rich with history and culture that will leave them wanting for more. Tell them that the beaches and scenery is some of the best they will see in the world. Most importantly tell them that the worst that will happen if they go to Greece is that she will creep in to their hearts, never let them go making them fall in love with a country that will make them want to return again and again. 

Go to the following links to learn more about visiting Greece:

Visit Greece

Rough Guides

Lonely Planet

Time out - Greek Islands

COVER REVEAL

Strikers Apprentice by Andrea Buginsky

As a young hunter seeks a trainer, The Chosen prepare for an unforgettable adventure.

With Nature and Phantasma back in order, Halli and Silvor have settled into their new life in Drumple. During a visit from Striker, Kaidyla and Lumina, a request from an old friend of Halli’s family sparks a new challenge when she asks Striker if he’ll train their young son, Dylan. Working with Dylan gives Striker a chance to be a mentor once again, as he had been in his past.

This brings The Chosen to an area of Phantasma Halli has never seen before. What new dangers might be lurking in the forest? Will Halli have a reason to use her powers?

But Halli and Silvor are facing a new journey of their own, one that will change their lives forever. What is in store for The Chosen’s future? Will this latest escapade prepare them for what is yet to come? 

Coming soon to an eBook store near you!

About the Author:

Andrea Buginsky is a freelance writer with a BA in mass Communication-Journalism from the University of South Florida. She has always wanted to be a published writer, and decided to try and write children's fantasy books. The Chosen is her first book, and was released on December 14, 2010, to her delight.

Andrea has written five more books since:

My Open Heart, an autobiography of growing up with heart disease

The Chosen: The Chosen series, Book 1

Nature's Unbalance: The Chosen, Book 2

Destiny: New Avalon, book 1, a YA fantasy

Fate: New Avalon, book 2, a YA fantasy

She is currently writing the fourth book in the Chosen series. 

Andrea lives in Kansas with her family, which includes her two precious puppies.

You can visit Andrea on her website.

SINS IN THE SUN BY CLAUDE BOUCHARD

Book Description:

For most, "Caribbean vacation" invokes visions of sun, sand and fun, which is precisely what millionaire and government operative Chris Barry has in mind when he and his wife, Sandy, arrive in Puerto Plata... until they learn their good friend and resort manager, Ollie Lomas, has been severely beaten, the victim of intimidation by mobster, Pedro Gomez.

Assisted by his 'Discreet Activities' colleagues, the Policía Nacional's Deputy Director and the head of the Navy, Chris embarks on an elaborate scheme, sparing no expense to teach Gomez that messing with the wrong crowd can and will result in dire consequences.

Buy Links:

Amazon.com Kindle: http://amzn.to/1GNMVAB

Amazon.com Print: http://amzn.to/1ByV8m4

Amazon.co.uk Kindle: http://amzn.to/1AFDbHp

Amazon.co.uk Print: http://amzn.to/1FMq1rb

About Claude Bouchard:

Claude was born in Montreal, Canada, at a very young age, where he still resides with his spouse, Joanne, under the watchful eye of Krystalle and Midnight, two black females of the feline persuasion. In a former life, he completed his studies at McGill University and worked in various management capacities for a handful of firms over countless years. From there, considering his extensive background in human resources and finance, it was a logical leap in his career path to stay home and write crime thrillers.

His first stab at writing fiction was actually in 1995, the result being his first novel, Vigilante. Two others of the same series followed by 1997 but all three remained dormant until publication in 2009. Since, besides writing ASYLUM, a stand-alone, the VIGILANTE series has grown to eleven thrilling installments including his latest release, Sins in the Sun. Two of his novels were included in the pair of blockbuster Killer Thriller anthologies, the second of which made the USA Today Bestsellers list in March 2014. Claude has also penned Something's Cooking, a faux-erotica parody and cookbook under the pseudonyms Réal E. Hotte and Dasha Sugah.

Other interests, besides writing and subtly persuading people to buy his books, include reading, making noise with his six guitars, painting in oil and watercolour, creating gastronomical delights in the kitchen and on the grill, traveling and planning to exercise. He has also recently developed an increased interest in remote control quad-copter flying and sleeping though never simultaneously.

Author Links:

Website: http://www.claudebouchardbooks.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ceebee308

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ClaudeVigilanteBouchard

Interesting and hidden London - Part Two

Travelling by Cable Car and boat

Photo Courtesy of Tim Parker (TPP)

In the second part of this series, I thought I'd take you on an interesting journey through London.  A day trip out with my husband recently saw us exploring a few different areas of London. We took the underground/DLR to Royal Victoria Dock, where we had a stroll around Excel Marina before getting on to the Emirates Air Line. Built a few years ago, the Emirates Air Line runs from Royal Victoria Dock to North Greenwich. It's a cable car system that spans the Thames giving passengers breathtaking views across a wide area of London. Sights include the O2, Canary Wharf and the Thames Barrier. The trip on the Emirates Air Line was excellent, and something I definitely recommend doing, it gives you a completely different perspective of London and you can literally see for miles!

Emirates Air Line

Excel Marina

View of the O2 from the Emirates Air Line

Upon arrival at North Greenwich we strolled over to the O2 and watched as a few hardy souls walked over the top of it. This event is called Up at the O2 and participants get the opportunity to walk up and over the top of the arena, stopping to take in the view and grab photos on a special viewing platform at the top. It's great fun and something I did a few years ago. You can book online or just turn up and pay. It's something else I really recommend doing. 

Walking the O2

View from the top of the O2

After some food, we jumped onto a Thames Clipper boat at North Greenwich and made our way along the Thames to Embankment. There are so many interesting things to see from the water, and you get a completely different view of London, from the gleaming glass towers of Canary Wharf, and the City of London, to the ancient historical buildings of the Old Royal Naval College at Greenwich, the Tower of London and the Globe Theatre. My favourites were the imposing grey hulk of HMS Belfast, the quiet splendour of the replica of the Golden Hinde, and the majesty of the Cutty Sark. Everywhere you look old sits alongside new and it really is a fantastic way of city the city in all its glory.

Canary Wharf

The Tower of London

The 'Walkie Talkie' and other buildings of the City

Tower Bridge and HMS Belfast

The Globe Theatre

Needle of Thutmose III

Wherever you go in London there is aways something to do or see, and this trip reminded us just how easy it is to get around, how exciting London can be, and how much history and heritage there is in the city.   

That's all for now. Part three coming soon!

Self Publish your book.

A Quick & Easy step-by-step Guide.

Are you ready to self-publish your book, but dreading the massive learning curve? Well, there’s no need to dread it anymore!

 

This 6th installment of the bestselling Writing in a Nutshell Series, will not overwhelm you with all information available—it will tell you exactly what you need to know, without the faff, by following a foolproof, cost-efficient, time-efficient, extremely easy-to-follow, step-by-step self-publishing method.

 

Want to go from manuscript to a professionally published book within one week? Then this is the book for you.

 

You’ll learn how to: prepare your manuscript in Microsoft Word, design your paperback and eBook cover, prepare your front/back matter and blurb, format your paperback interior & eBook, proofread your designed pages, register with desired retailers/distributors, export your eBook to a retail-ready file and upload your paperback and eBook to retailers/distributors.

 

Not only will this book save you time and money, but it will also save you from inevitable stress. What are you waiting for? Grab a copy of Self-publish Your Book today!

About the Author

If Jessica Bell could choose only one creative mentor, she'd give the role to Euterpe, the Greek muse of music and lyrics. This is not only because she currently resides in Athens, Greece, but because of her life as a 30-something Australian-native contemporary fiction author, award winning poet and singer/songwriter/guitarist, whose literary inspiration often stems from songs she's written.

Being the daughter of a semi-famous rock 'n' roll duo from Melbourne, she grew up surrounded by song. For a while it seemed logical to travel the musician's path, especially when her first band, spAnk, hit it off in the Melbourne indie music scene back in the late 90's. Although she spent her years writing and recording dozens of songs she decided she also had a love for the written word, and began to pursue a career as a writer.

She started as a poet, drawing from her musical background and etching her thoughts and feelings into verse. Those stanzas soon turned into sentences and paragraphs, and eventually into published books. Her literary voice is said to overflow with "lyrical descriptions, unique metaphors, tight dialogue, and and abundance of sensory detail." She has also been told she has the ability to take a seemingly ordinary three-chord type story and turn it into a main stage event. In addition to her four novels, two poetry collections (including Fabric, which was nominated for the Goodreads Choice Awards in 2012), and her bestselling pocket writing guides (Writing in a Nutshell Series), she has published a variety of works in online and print journals and anthologies, including Australia's Cordite review, Writer's Digest, and  the anthologies 100 Stories For Queensland and From Stage Door Shadows, both released through Brisbane, Australia's emergent Publishing.

One of Jessica's proudest moments was when, in November 2013, her poem, Sugar (which was published in a poetry anthology called Women's Work, edited by Libby Hathorn) was broadcast on ABC National Radio Poetica program.

Jessica Bell is the Publishing Editor of Vine Leaves Literary Journal, the coordinator of the Writing Day Workshops which takes place throughout the United States, and she makes a living as an editor/writer for English Language Teaching publishers worldwide, such as Pearson Education, HarperCollins, Macmillan Education, Education First and Cengage Learning 

To learn more about Jessica go to her website, or follow her on Facebook or Twitter.

Interesting and hidden London. Museums - Part One

London is an interesting place. At times it can be chaotic, crowded and overbearing, but it also has a great history and is full of exciting things to do. I have decided to do a series on all my favourite things about London, including its history, the museums and monuments.

There are some incredible Museums in London. The city is filled with them. From the bigger more popular Museums like the V&A to smaller lesser known ones like the Bank of England Museum. At these museum's you can learn so much about world and UK history, popular culture and palaeontology. It's hard to choose favourites, but over the next few weeks I will highlight a few popular ones as well as some lesser known ones.

The British Museum 

I have to admit, that the British Museum is one of my all time favourite Museums, I spend a lot of time there and just love the place. Holding some of the world's most renowned ancient treasures such as the Rosetta stone, the Parthenon marbles, and the Sutton hoo collection, the British Museum is a great place to learn all about ancient and world history. 

Courtyard and Atrium

Ancient pottery

Statue of Ramesses II

Parthenon wall frieze

Huastec Goddess, Mexico

Gebelein Man, Egypt, Predynastic period, around 3500 BC

Hoa Hakananai’a Easter Island statue

As well as being guardians of wonderful exhibits from around the world, the British Museum also holds special exhibitions in the 'Reading room'. These exhibits explore Ancient life and Art, and highlight touring exhibits and special pieces loaned from other museums.

The British Museum also has some wonderful gift shops, and what I think, is the best book shop in London for buying historical and archaeological themed books. The book shop is one of my favourite things about the Museum. If you love reading about history, it will likely have the book you are looking for. They also have a brilliant book sculpture in the bookshop window too, that I just adore!

British Museum bookshop

British Museum bookshop

That's all for now, but if this post has inspired you to visit the Museum, you can find everything you need to know about the exhibits, opening times and how to get there on their website. 

Next time. The Petrie Museum at UCL.