Shasta & Erasmus - A Trilogy of Fantasy

Night at the Movies: 20 second movie pitch - Erasmus, Shasta and Merlin...

2012-01-24T11:34:00.001Z

Night at the Movies: 20 second movie pitch - Erasmus, Shasta and Merlin...: When the mercurial Erasmus sees Shasta in a vision across time, he knows he has to have her. He will still have to work out how to reach her,but once he does he is not going to let her go, not even if he has tochange the past, the present and the future to achieve his goal.

Based on the 'Erasmus, Shasta and Merlin' trilogy by Teresa Geering.

The 'In' Thing

2012-01-23T10:06:00.000Z

Many of us put videos on you tube these days and I'm no exception so I thought I would air these:
This one is me opening the proof copy of my first published book
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OT9NI96clAM

Reading from The Eye of Erasmus in three parts
Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JyOxpPhUSWs&feature=BFa&list=ULs5ppmXEhrVI&lf=mfu_in_order

Part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YtTe-R11J2M&feature=BFa&list=ULJyOxpPhUSWs&lf=mfu_in_order

Part 3
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oI7NOvj0YOw&feature=related

If you enjoyed the excerpts from Eye of Erasmus (now with it's new dramatic cover) you can buy them here:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_9?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=eye+of+erasmus&sprefix=eye+of+er%2Cstripbooks%2C204

Shasta Summer which continues the series can be found here:
http://www.amazon.com/Shasta-Summer-Teresa-Geering/dp/1463574185/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1327312902&sr=1-1

They are both at bargain prices at the moment so well worth snapping up.

My Lossie

2012-01-18T09:57:00.000Z

Twenty years ago I took on a rescue cat that was ten months old and badly mistreated. Within a couple of months I discovered I was allergic to cats but I had taken him for the length of his life come whatever. He had had a rough trot at the beginning and needed some security.
Over the years he would sit in front of me and we would have many conversations about his daily adventures (he being a Siamese cross black domestic that never stop talking.)
Over the last few months he started to get some 'qwerky habits' and I realised he had feline senior dementia. Eventually I bit the bullet and phoned the vet for an appointment for euthanasia explaining my concerns. I was given an evening appointment for last Monday. It was the longest day I can remember and I was a total wreck by four o'clock. My son and his 'missus' took me, and on the way he wee'd in his basket and as he was on my lap it soaked me through to the car seat. My son laughingly said "He is sending you a last defiant gesture mum" which made me smile. The first one all day. I walked into the vet looking like I had been in the saddle for a week. Fortunately the vets had no pets or owners in there at the time.
We were taken through to the vet straight away. Taking one experienced look at Lossie she said "Oh poppet you're in you're own little world aren't you" whilst assuring me he was in no pain. I cuddled him tightly to me as his little spirit was finally laid to rest.
He is going to be buried in my back garden along with my son's cat (five years old that passed on just before Christmas 2011), a robin, a squirrel, and a young fox. No wonder I have so many crows in my garden.
Rest in peace dear Lossie.

Here's one I made earlier

2012-01-16T09:31:00.000Z

Lily Byrne has a reader of the month feature and January was my month.
I decided to read Mrs. Jones by the fabulous Bab's Morton.
Here are my thoughts and my review.
Oh! .... Lily also found a more updated photo of me :-)

Tee's latest thoughts:

I have finally finished Mrs. Jones by B. A. Morton and I thoroughly enjoyed every page.
Here is my review:

Detective Connell was the officer assigned to probably what would turn out to be just another hit and run case. However he knew the minute the door was answered he was wrong on all counts. The girl was a looker for a start and on questioning her his gut instinct told him she was hiding something, and he was right.
Mrs Jones is more than fast paced. It leaves you breathless with all the many twists and turns in the storyline. I thought I had it all worked out only to be wrong footed yet again by the superb writing of Babs Morton.
Highly Recommended.

A GENUINE CRY FOR HELP

2012-01-13T09:16:00.000Z

I don't usually get involved in this sort of thing but this is a genuine plea from me.
Please go to this site and read the story of Jess. It is so genuine and from the heart.
Will you help her out folks around the world.

It only takes two clicks of the mouse and you're done.
Here is the site

http://www.wyzant.com/scholarships/v2/essay33698-Millerton-PA.aspx

Many thanks and many virtual hugs if you do.

2012-01-12T13:05:00.004Z

OLD VERSUS NEW

My publisher http://nightpublishing.com decided that Erasmus needed a bit of a makeover. The dramatic new book cover of The Eye of Erasmus is on the right. I dare you to try and ignore those black eyes as they follow you.

It's far more dynamic and suits Erasmus perfectly. I understand that avid readers of my books have re-bought The Eye of Erasmus just to have the new cover. Testament indeed to the power of a makeover.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Regular viewers to my blog will also have noticed that it's had a makeover. Many thanks to KC Hilton who worked her magic on it. That's Magic as in The Magic of Finkleton. Thanks Katrina and massive virtual hugs go to you from me.

Here is Katrina's web site.

http://www.kc-hilton.com/about-2/

Do pop over and take a look, it's simply gorgeous.

The Eye of Erasmus Book Trailer

2012-01-11T01:47:00.002Z

I wanted to officially post the Book Trailer for The Eye of Erasmus. I hope you enjoy it! Please feel free to leave a comment. Hugs to you all!

Shasta's Image is Shared

2012-01-09T21:51:00.002Z

This is actually some exciting news! The image on the cover of Shasta Summer is also the same image being used for Author Richie Tankersley Cusick new re-release of The Unseen. Both books contain four novels and when placed together they form the complete image of my Shasta :) Currently these books are exclusive to Wal-Mart in store only, in the United States. But I'm sure they'll be popping up online in the near future.

Why do we have the same image? Apparently it's not uncommon. The cover image for Shasta Summer was purchased for commercial use but not exclusively. So, they've purchased the same image, however the cover design is completely different.

I think it's exciting to know that a famous author is using the same image as my book!

Have a wonderful day! Hugs to you all!

COUNT TO TEN

2012-01-08T09:30:00.002Z

Count To Ten by Sheila Mary Taylor is her family's personal cross they had to carry when their eighteen year old athletic son was diagnosed with cancer. Not only could he probably lose his leg but he could also die!
Just reading the reviews found me welling up.
Count To Ten stands at No. 23 on Amazon. I haven't had the chance to read it yet but that will be rectified.
Lets get this powerful book to the No. 1 slot. It deserves to be there.
Here is a link to the reviews
http://www.amazon.com/Count-To-Ten-ebook/product-reviews/B006GQXR4I/ref=sr_1_1_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

Sooo what are you waiting for?
Get over and take a look
For $0.99 you can download it.

The title COUNT TO TEN? It was a note left by his dad after surgery stating he had counted his toes and there were ten. Any parent (including me) can empathise with this.

Will do better

2012-01-07T10:19:00.000Z

I cant believe I've been so lax with my blog. I've been a bit busy reviewing books and writing.
Here is the the link to a review of Ragnar The Murderer by Lily Byrne

http://www.amazon.com/Ragnar-the-Murderer-ebook/product-reviews/B005BENNW2/ref=cm_cr_pr_btm_link_2?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=0&pageNumber=2

It's fast paced, sexy, and lustful and concerns love affairs between Ancient Britain's.
I'll be back again shortly.

2011-12-18T09:02:00.000Z

I had the opportunity to showcase a few copies of Shasta Summer in a bookshop in Washington. Whilst browsing around a shopper actually decided to buy a copy. How exciting is that? I do hope they enjoy it as I'm also hoping to place The Eye of Erasmus there also.

I'm now closing the blog until the New Year so may I wish all my fellow bloggers who view my blog a very Happy Christmas !! and Prosperous New Year.

2011-12-07T09:24:00.000Z

I went out for a Chinese meal last night with a crowd of friends, and sold a copy of Shasta Summer AND The Eye of Erasmus. Their comment "It would be rude to read one without the other" and who am I to argue with them...... YAY !!

2011-12-01T21:24:00.002Z

Today I was given the opportunity to speak to a writing group at my local library. What they lacked in numbers they made up for in enthusiasm. I found it incredibly difficult to talk about the fact that I'm an international, best selling author but I definitely enjoyed talking to them. Not only did I get a wonderful bouquet of flowers from the librarian, I was also asked by the group to speak to other members in the future. A rare privilege indeed.

On another note visitors to this blog last month - 579 awesome stuff.

2011-11-17T14:33:00.002Z

Every so often a book comes along that is a good deal different from the norm and THE INTERPRETER is such a book.

Shabir Khan leaves Moscow, after the fall of the Taliban, to

go and live in Kabul.

Whilst searching for work he ends up in Helmand, working as

an interpreter.

In his leisure time he studies and enjoys sports, but

during a fight with a Taliban in his Karate club he

injures him badly and is consequently thrown into jail.

Whilst in Helmand, Shabir hears the voice of a Taliban

commander over the ICOM, but is it the same one who

jailed him?

Living away from his family is soul destroying but

living with threats of decapitation to himself and

fellow interpreters leaves him on a knife edge....

Take a journey with Shabir The Interpreter, on daily

patrols with the American officers as they connect

to the local village people and Afghan officials.

Only he can translate for the Maliks and Mullahs.
Join me in the deserts of Helmand and watch Shabir’s

battle with the Taliban for one day, then imagine

what he goes through every day.

                      *******************

 Shah Wali Fazli was born in Kabul, and studied

medicine at the University of Kabul. He left there

after the Taliban took over the city. In the year

2000 he came to England, where he studied English 
and computer technology.

His first book was called 'Running from Life',

published in the Dari language. It's also available

in English.

When NATO went to Afghanistan, Shah's first job in

England was with the British army, advising them

on the Afghanistan issues. He was also instrumental

in helping them with cultural training. It was through

this he got the idea of writing 'The Interpreter'.

Shah worked for years for the British army before moving

to Germany, where he started working with the American

army, doing the same job.

He still works with them today and loves the job.

 RUNNING FROM LIFE by Shah Wali Fazli

Take a look at Shah's web page here and learn a

lot more about him and his life.

http://shahsight.com/home.html

Wish me luck

2011-11-15T13:19:00.000Z

I'm giving a talk to a writers group on 1st December about the publishing world and how nice it is to be published. I bet they think I'm coining it in. Little do they know......
It's split - a bit for my publisher and a bit for me. Now considering a Kindle download can be bought for under a pound (English) under a Dollar (American) I'll leave you to work out the logistics. :)

Anyway wish me luck peeps.

ERASMUS AT HIS BEST

2011-11-12T10:13:00.003Z

Here is the new cover for the Eye of Erasmus. It's even worth re buying the book again.....

And here is the woman he has pursued through centuries.

I loved the original cover which was aimed at the YA market. It was an original painting by John Piggott who has my eternal thanks.

BLACK SHADOWS DOES IT AGAIN

2011-11-09T22:23:00.002Z

Black Shadows by Simon Swift has got the ultimate accolade and here it is ...........

--Simon Wood, author of THE FALL GUY said,

"........People ask when will someone write a hard boiled crime novel from the golden age, well
Simon Swift has with Black Shadows......."

It should be noticed that as far as detective fiction goes Simon Wood is massive in the US.

Below is my review.............

Black Shadows is not a book I would normally choose to read, but I'm so glad the opportunity was given to me.

We are introduced to the main character Errol Christopher Black, a rookie private detective as he tucks into a large bloody porterhouse steak. Detectives Terry Shadow and Dyke Spanner of the Shadow Man Detective Agency are helping him work his way through a now half empty bottle of claret.

The story unfolds in Newark New Jersey in 1935 where mobs rule, and we are witness to a typical shoot out of the time. As the table is upended to afford some form of protection from the flying bullets, they realise that they are not the intended targets but Terry Shadow meets his untimely end with two clean bullets to the head.

Ten years down the line we find Errol Christopher Black with a new partner, Hermeez Wentz and now based in Manhattan at the Black and Wentz Detective Agency along with his very obliging secretary Ava Jameson.

Errol seems happy to take on run of the mill cases and his new client Claudia seems to fit into that category. She tells of a straying fiancé George, along with the discovery of a lipstick and pair of lacy panties which don't belong to her.

As he takes on what he considers to be a routine surveillance case, Errol is unexpectedly drawn back once more to the mobsters and gangs of that time.

His one time partner Dyke Spanner is shot to death and Errol finds himself on the trail of a blue diamond coveted by hoodlums and beautiful women alike.

The story unfolds with many twists and turns, whilst the reader is witness to the beautiful women that Errol chooses to bed, in his quest for the diamond and the elusive George. Murder is not a rare occurrence either. To state more would give away too much of the plot.
The strength of the writing led me to imagine that I was entering into a 1940's movie with Humphrey Bogart in the wings.

I also firmly believe that with the right exposure, there is potential here for a film.
Many times during reading BLACK SHADOWS I was convinced that I had all the answers, only to be completely wrong footed by the superb, imaginative writing of Simon Swift.

2011-11-08T14:14:00.001Z

An Eye Opener

Yesterday I completed reading and reviewing The Interpreter by Shah Wali Fazli.

I would urge you to read this powerful book because although it is a work of fiction, the author has in fact first hand experience and knowledge.

It tells the life of an interpreter in Afghanistan (Helmand Province) and the heartache of actually doing the job.

THE INTERPRETER

Shah Wali Fazli

English is not the first language of Shah Wali Fazli and yet he writes clearly and distinctly. I could feel the trials and tribulations of the heat of the desert through the simplistic power of his words along with the knowledge that anyone in a war zone may never see the light of a new day.

Shabir Khan is an interpreter and yet he feels all the intensity of the war raging around him without the benefit of the fight. His constant fear is the safety of his family spread around the world. His parents in Moscow, his siblings in Zurich. His main priority is to do his job and keep his head down, whilst constantly wondering if he will ever lead a normal life again.

Through the story is a back thread of his other fear. His previous jailer and torturer is looking for him and Shabir finds himself with a near death experience courtesy of a suicide bomber.

I was unsure of the storyline at first, but I'm so glad I've had the opportunity to read The Interpreter. Although this is a work of fiction I understand the author was an interpreter.

I feel sure this book will be an instant success with the right exposure in light of the current world affairs. It's the sort of book that would appeal to the military I feel and has just the hint of a suggestion for a good movie.

******

A TASTER .......

The Interpreter

Come to the mountains of Afghanistan and watch my battle with the Taliban, for one day, then imagine what I go through, every day.

The Interpreter is back in town, injured and bleeding. Please shelter him in your homes, if you can, because he is in danger of losing his life and his battle in putting an end to the Taliban era, in Helmand.

Please join the Interpreter and be part of history. It is about someone fighting to rescue his war-torn land and people against their worst enemy, the Taliban.

I am the Interpreter and I don’t lack love and passion towards you, people. Please heal my injuries and stop my bleeding, I am there for you, people. I won’t let you down. I am the saviour. I am the Interpreter.

*****

The Power of Twittering

2011-11-06T14:28:00.000Z

Whilst twittering away as we all seem to do these days. I came across Jordan Rivers.
Here is part of any extract from her web site and I urge you to visit.....

........................When not writing, I'm shooting an ultra low-budget movie. I've shot 4 so far. I'm also an award-winning script writer. I was a writer in Hollywood for over twenty-five years and wrote for Warner Bros., Universal, and more t.v. shows then I can remember. I'm the writer who always re-wrote others for a pay check instead of credit ..............
To read the rest of this amazing article pop over to the link below

http://jordan-rivers.com/index.html

KC HILTON DOES IT AGAIN

2011-10-26T09:14:00.000+01:00

My little American friend from the Kentucky area has done it again with her book 90 Miles To Freedom.
Check this out........

On Amazon.com

90 Miles to Freedom is on two best seller lists

Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,916 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

#80 in Kindle Store > Kindle eBooks > Fiction > Action & Adventure
#93 in Books > Literature & Fiction > Genre Fiction > Action & Adventure

How awesome is that??

Well known for her novel The Magic of Finkleton - Best Seller and Literary Award Winner - Katrina is now working on book two and book 3 in the series.

Wahoo and this author can't wait for them to be finished.

Hitting the High Life

2011-10-20T10:03:00.000+01:00

Not only am I still reeling from being #8 on Amazon and #1 on Goodreads I've been asked to give a talk to a writers group at my local main library where I live. Hopefully some book sales then along with lots of give away freebies to promote Shasta Summer.
I now have the ending for the last book in the trilogy. Just need the time to actually sit and begin writing it.

Check out Danger Danger the latest book by Gerry Mc Cullough here

http://www.amazon.com/Danger-ebook/dp/B005W7TUQQ
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Danger-ebook/dp/B005W7TUQQ

Overall Shasta Summer in all her glory

2011-09-26T09:45:00.001+01:00

This is how Shasta Summer now stands on Goodreads listings and it seems to be moving up constantly.

#73 Best Time Travel Fiction
http://www.goodreads.com/list/show/211.Best_Time_Travel_Fiction

#48 The Very Best Time Travel Romance
http://www.goodreads.com/list/show/421.The_Very_Best_Time_Travel_Ro...

#9 Best Time Travel Romance
http://www.goodreads.com/list/show/4706.Best_Time_Travel_Romances_

#1 THE Best Time Travel Romance
http://www.goodreads.com/list/show/10637.The_Best_Time_Travel_Romance

I'm not sure what the difference between Best time travel romance and THE Best Time Travel Romance is but to me it's 11 places which still makes me #1 Wahooo

Now if any of you lovely people feel inclined to go along and add a vote for me I might eventually sweep the board. AND I'd be ever so 'umble and grateful my lovelies.

I'M EXCITED !!!!!!

2011-09-23T17:42:00.000+01:00

Shasta Summer is now number 1 on Goodreads Listopia
Check it out here ...............

- goodreads voice

All lists | Create a list | My lists

The Best Time-Travel Romance

1	Shasta Summer byTeresa Geering (Goodreads Author) 4.43 avg rating — 14 ratings added to your list (1st) remove score: 700, and 7 people voted	My rating: edit my review shelf: read
2	The Laird of Loch Fyne byBrandy Grandberg (Goodreads Author) 3.56 avg rating — 16 ratings vote for this book score: 500, and 5 people voted	My rating:
3	Destined byAllison Kraft (Goodreads Author) 4.78 avg rating — 9 ratings vote for this book score: 400, and 4 people voted	My rating:
4	Cascade (River of Time, #2) byLisa Tawn Bergren (Goodreads Author) 4.44 avg rating — 383 ratings vote for this book score: 397, and 4 people voted	My rating:
4	Waterfall (River of Time, #1) byLisa Tawn Bergren (Goodreads Author) 4.29 avg rating — 797 ratings vote for this book score: 397, and 4 people voted	My rating:
6	A Knight in Shining Armor (Montgomery #16) byJude Deveraux (Goodreads Author) 4.14 avg rating — 5,296 ratings vote for this book score: 298, and 3 people voted	My rating:
7	Outlander (Outlander, #1) byDiana Gabaldon 3.90 avg rating — 96,172 ratings vote for this book score: 200, and 2 people voted	My rating:
8	Remembrance byJude Deveraux (Goodreads Author) 3.87 avg rating — 1,724 ratings vote for this book score: 199, and 2 people voted	My rating:
9	Into the Dreaming (Highlander, #8) byKaren Marie Moning 3.97 avg rating — 1,842 ratings vote for this book score: 182, and 2 people voted	My rating:
10	Spell of the Highlander (Highlander, #7) byKaren Marie Moning 4.23 avg rating — 4,822 ratings vote for this book score: 177, and 2 people voted	My rating:
10	To Tame a Highland Warrior (Highlander, #2) byKaren Marie Moning 4.08 avg rating — 5,392 ratings vote for this book score: 177, and 2 people

Shasta Summer Review

2011-09-19T09:05:00.000+01:00

Shasta Summer received a fantastic review from published author Suzanna Burke
here is the link .........

http://sooozsaysstuff.blogspot.com/

Tiffany Harkleroad said this

2011-09-14T17:08:00.000+01:00

Check out all of Tiffany's review links on Amazon here::::
http://www.amazon.com/Shasta-Summer-Teresa-Geering/product-reviews/1463574185/ref=cm_rdp_hist_hdr_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

5.0 out of 5 stars Hypnotic, September 14, 2011

Tiffany A. Harkleroad "Tiffanys Bookshelf" (Kittanning PA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE) (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Shasta Summer (Paperback)

Summer seems to be a normal little girl by all accounts. That is, until her parents take her to visit her Aunt May in the village of Shasta. It quickly becomes apparent that Summer is actually the second coming of Shasta herself, the village's namesake. She is returning to be reunited with her long lost love, Merlin, who has been placed under a spell. In order to try to obtain eternal happiness, the lovers travel back in time to Shasta's original arrival at the village, and try to rewrite history. But it seems the nefarious Erasmus has other plans for the two.

Once again, Geering writes a book that feels like mythology of long ago. There is a sort of timeless beauty to the book, with no real references to modernity or pop culture, that will make it endearing for years to come. The writing in the book is soft and dreamy, floating from past to present. At times, the two stories, both past and present, seem so similar, the reader may get the feeling of deja vu. This helps lift the filmy veil between the two time periods.

I really enjoyed the character of Shasta, and watching Summer become Shasta. The inclusion of faeries and various magical elements make this seem like a fairytale for adults. The story has a hypnotic quality that urges the reader to continue at any cost (including sleep). The reader certainly feels transported to another time and place.

In order to fully appreciate the book, readers must have the ability to suspend disbelief. This is a romantic fantasy, dealing with elements of time travel, reincarnation, and magic. Readers need to be aware of this and fully comfortable with these subjects in order to fully appreciate the book.

This is the second book of a trilogy, the first being the Eye of Erasmus, but this is actually a prequel. It makes me want to go back and re-read the first book, and makes me long for the third book, to see the full picture of this tale. And rarely do I comment on book covers, because they often change, but the cover for this book is simply gorgeous. That alone is enough to hook the reader, the gorgeous story is an added bonus.

SO CHUFFED :-)

Check This Out

2011-09-14T09:18:00.001+01:00

Amazon Bestsellers Rank: #4,761 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)
- #8 in Books > Fiction > Romance > Time Travel

Shasta Summer has now gone from 151,000 + a couple of weeks ago
to 4,000 + last night. AND it's now number 8 in Romance Time Travel.
See the link above.
Next stop the best sellers list YAY !!!

AND.... THERE IS A MAJOR TRAFFIC INCREASE VIEWING MY BLOG

I'm so excited !!!!!!

2011-09-14T09:12:00.000+01:00

I just got this fantastic review on Amazon from Sheila M Belshaw

*Teresa Geering was clearly born to write this trilogy. The writing itself has a magical quality that lures you from page to page to keep tasting the special charm she gives to every aspect of this delightful story.

I just loved the characters. The eccentric Aunt May. The purring cat who speaks and is not who he appears to be. Summer, who discovers a previous life and re-lives it ... the amazing Erasmus . . . I don't know who I loved most.

The author captures the thrill of magic as though it is an everyday occurrence. Her descriptions of the house, the garden, the town are cinematic, and I could see this series clearly on a big screen.

This book would appeal to all ages and is highly recommended.*

Here's the link

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Shasta-Summer-ebook/product-reviews/B0054RWUKW/ref=sr_1_1_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

Shasta Summer

2011-09-04T09:21:00.000+01:00

This is the cover of my new book Shasta Summer.

Actually it's two books in one. It can be downloaded onto a kindle or if you prefer a book in your hands it can be purchased on Amazon here....

http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_13?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=shasta+summer&sprefix=shasta+summer

or here ....

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_2_4?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=shasta+summer&sprefix=shas

or just put the title in the drop down menu and it pre-empts it for you.

It's published by Night Publishing and is a romantic fantasy time travelling novel.

Summer visits her aunt in the magical village of Shasta and discovers she has an unusual heritage .
There are many twists and turns in both books including a murder.
In the second book Summer now named Shasta (which will become clear as you read) decides to regress to her past life to change fate and save her lover Merlin.
The answer is in the book of course.

There are many positive reviews on Amazon which may help you decide if this is your kind of reading genre.
If it is then I hope you enjoy the read.

SO FUNNY I READ IT TWICE

2011-09-02T09:14:00.000+01:00

This is a major hoot for the funny Patrick Barrett and his Shakespeare's Cuthbert.

It was so funny the first time round I promptly started reading it again AND still laughed until the tears came.
If you haven't read it then I urge you too.

I've left a review on Amazon UK but it will take some time to register I guess.

I came back from my 'hols' with a major cold but this cheered me up endlessly - thank you Patrick.

My review is here.....
http://www.amazon.co.uk/product-reviews/B005C2060A/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

2011-08-25T15:00:00.000+01:00

Frequently I've featured Gerry McCullough's book Belfast Girls on my blog and now it's her husband Raymond's' turn.
So take a look at this and see if it's your sort of thing.

The Whore and her Mother:

9/11, Babylon and the Return of the King

Now available on Amazon Kindle, Kindle, UK & Kindle, Germany.

Did the Hebrew prophets foretell the events of 9/11?

Are they relevant to our world today?

'Mega-Babylon' - where is it?

The Hebrew prophets – from Isaiah and Jeremiah, to the apostle John, spoke of a city and nation they referred to by the codename, 'Mega-Babylon'. Have these prophecies been fulfilled already? What about Daniel's 'writing on the wall?'

Is Mega-Babylon the Roman Catholic Church?

A world super-church?

Rebuilt ancient Babylon?

Brussels, Jerusalem, or somewhere entirely different?

Should this city/nation have a large Jewish population?

Why all the talk about merchants, cargoes, commodities, trade?

Can we rely on the words of these ancient prophets?

If so, what else did they foretell that is still to be fulfilled?

Do they refer to other major nations – USA, Russia, China, Europe?

What about militant Islam?

My background is in lecturing, publishing and radio/TV, but previously I ran a construction business. I still love to know how things are put together – buildings, origins of words, phrases – so I have used a similar approach in exploring, what I believe to be, an extremely important and relevant topic.

Review from Authonomy.com:

"... AMAZED when I read this book ... in awe of your extensive knowledge on so many levels: Christian, Jewish, and Muslim culture; the Jewish diaspora ... Greek & Hebrew; and your panoramic view of history through a biblical world view ... thought-provoking and troublesome ... many will be offended, but you consistently build your case instead of being sensationalistic."

James Revoir, author of Priceless Stones

Buy the book here:

http://www.amazon.com

http://www.amazon.co.uk

http://www.amazon.de

Precious Oil Publications

Kingdom Come Trust

A wonderful accolade from India

2011-08-07T08:43:00.001+01:00

My friend Sudama from Jharsuguda Orissa in India has just written a beautiful review about Shasta Summer on his blog spot. Here it is ...........

http://sudampanigrahi.blogspot.com/2011/06/shasta-summer-as-i-read.html?showComment=1312702441118#c6151952757361285538

Shasta Summer to one side, do take a look at his blog it's great.

Night Publishing and Speak Without Interruption Link Up

2011-08-01T08:42:00.000+01:00

Here are the links - check them out if you want a cheap read for 99cents or less.
I'm on there (coming soon)
http://relaxatnight.weebly.com/buy-today.html
http://www.speakwithoutinterruption.com/site/

KC HILTON DOES IT AGAIN

2011-06-26T09:35:00.000+01:00

My magical friend KC Hilton of The Magic of Finkleton is in the limelight again.
Take a look here .............

http://booksbywomen.org/k-c-hilton-publishing-journey-the-magic-of-finkleton/

A Proud Nana

2011-06-18T14:09:00.004+01:00

My grandaughter Madison Teresa has just had her fourth birthday this week. Her mum and myself decided to go to Canterbury yesterday, shopping and took her with us. Being just four she is very much into prince/princess and fairy castles. Seeing the Cathedral in the distance she assumed it was a castle and wanted to go in. Digging deep I coughed up the £18 entrance fee much to the indignation of Madison who couldn't understand why we needed to pay to go inside a castle and with a "Hurry up Nana I want to go in......." we did just that.
Mum explained to her that in fact it wasn't a castle but 'this is what happens here' At this point she was more concerned about splashing herself and playing in the entrance font! (It's water and she's four!)
There was still some water left when we moved on though.
Bearing in mind .....The Cathedral's history goes back to 597AD when St Augustine, was sent by Pope Gregory the Great as a missionary, established his seat (or 'Cathedra') in Canterbury. Then in 1170 Archbishop Thomas Becket was murdered in the Cathedral and ever since, the Cathedral has attracted thousands of pilgrims, as told famously in Geoffrey Chaucer's Canterbury Tales....... I admit to being a bit overawed myself.
Madison was more concerned that there were people made of stone sleeping all over the place. She lit a candle and made a wish and then tried to climb up to the choirs loft. - There are many roped off areas for obvious reasons. Fortunately we caught her in time. Having satisfied her with many explanations suitable for her age group we started to make our way out having had our moneys worth.
Suddenly one of the female clergy started to pray from the pulpit which resounded around the whole Cathedral.Quite awesome, as the accoustics are amazing. Madison in full flight stopped suddenly and walked back up to the front seats to listen. When the prayer for all was finished she stated if anyone wanted to talk to her she was available.
Madison wanted to talk to her so the approach was made. We discovered that her name was The Very Reverened Sarah who was more than happy to chat. Madison then knew exactly where she wanted to go and took Sarah (as she wished to be known) by the hand up the centre aisle towards the pulpit much to the amusement of me and her mum. I was about to explain that it was a roped off area and only the Archbishop of Canterbury and his clergy were allowed up there, when Sarah bless her took down the ropes to let Maddy in and then put the ropes back.
Below is the result .........................

When you consider the age of the Cathedral and its history it makes you wonder whose footprints she stood in up there.
Sitting on the steps of the pulpit afterwards Madison then discussed her 'currant boyfriend' with Sarah.

Sarah broke all the rules I felt taking her up there but what a lovely gesture.
Here is the link if you want to learn a bit more about canterbury Cathedral or if you want to take a virtual tour. It truly is a magnificent piece of architecture.

http://canterbury-cathedral.org/history.html

And Here's Another

2011-06-18T12:52:00.000+01:00

I just loved this review, more so because I have no idea at all who Tosha is. So a really massive thank you from me ............

http://www.goodreads.com/review/show/176451800

Shasta Summer Review

2011-06-17T10:03:00.000+01:00

I got a lovely review from my publisher Night Publishing and here it is..
http://www.amazon.com/Shasta-Summer-Teresa-Geering/product-reviews/1463574185/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

So you want to be a tv presenter?

2011-06-16T14:46:00.000+01:00

Lorraine from Authors on Show does, and here is a blog telling you all about it ...............

http://wanttoworkintelevision.wordpress.com/2011/06/14/im-an-expert-get-me-on-tv-part-2-a-case-study/#comment-134

The comments section is exceptionally interesting.

AND HERE'S ONE LORRAINE MADE EARLIER

2011-06-16T12:56:00.003+01:00

Lorraine from Authors on Show http://authorsonshow.com/ kindly did some promoting for me.
Thanks Lorraine ....................

This week I’d like to Promote

TEE GEERING

About Tee – in my words
I don’t do interviews I’m afraid, – I leave that up to Tee as no one could match up to her incredible standards and unique way of doing them. What I can do is tell you a tiny bit of what I think about her. Tee is someone I got the pleasure of knowing on Authonomy when I first joined nearly 2 years ago. She is not only a very talented writer, but also pretty good at a slightly spookier side - yes, she does things I do and tells people things that come to her from goodness knows where. In fact, when sending me all of the details for this page, she told me some pretty exciting and interesting things she believes are about to happen for me. I do hope she’s right.
She works terribly hard at promoting other writers, has a brilliant blog, writes books herself and helps out here and at night Publishing. In fact, the woman never stops. As if all of that wan’t enough,she is also very busy flying all over the world in order to bring us her incredible interviews. Oh, and did I tell you that she is also a very, very nice human being as well who hates WordPress with a passion?
I am exhausted just writing about her. Without further ado, let me introduce you to this woman extraordinaire, Tee Geering:

Tee Geering

About Tee – in her words

My name is Teresa Geering and I grew up in Hastings and was tutored by nuns in a convent.
I spent many days walking barefoot for miles – through choice. (Think hippy and you wont be far wrong.)
I then went to Orpington near London in my teens. This is where I met my first husband but the outskirts of London was in my blood and we moved to the South East of England – farming country with wellies provided! I then married a second time, had a son and became a stay-at-home mum.
I then worked and continue to work as a volunteer for Kent Police.

It was in my quieter moments as I sat in my garden sipping wine one balmy summer evening that I started to write and completed a trilogy of books for young adults set in a fantasy time travelling world.
All three books were completed within the year. The Eye of Erasmus being published first by popular demand.

They are called:

THE EYE OF ERASMUS

SHASTA THE ENCHANTED GARDEN

SHASTA THE VILLAGE

The Enchanted Garden and The Village have now been published as a compendium under the title SHASTA SUMMER by Night Publishing in June 2011.

Below is a sample chapter from one of her books but first, take a look at this:

Local Author Donates books to Ashford LRC

Ashford LRC was lucky enough to receive a visit from local author Teresa Geering who donated two copies of her new novel The Eye of Erasmus.
Author note ..... This has now become four copies - One for each college, Folkestone, Ashford, Dover and Tonbridge.

Teresa was born and raised in Hastings, moving to Ashford in 1970. She was somewhat of a storyteller when she was younger as “I used to write little stories for my brother, Beatrix Potter type I suppose.” As Teresa grew up and her life became busier she did not continue writing, but “I always had stories in me waiting to come out.”
Luckily these threads of untold tales were about to be spun as she sat in her garden. Teresa explains that “The trigger was this spider spinning its web amongst my Shasta daisies” and as the ideas for her trilogy flowed she had to use a Dictaphone, as she could not write them down quickly enough! In fact “I wrote the whole lot in about a year.”

Her garden, the local landscape and nature prove to be the main inspirations for Teresa “To watch nature can be awe inspiring. We live in a lovely part of Kent.” A sentiment echoed in the fact that all of the covers for Teresa’s books are painted by the Hothfield based artist John Piggott.

The importance and enthusiasm that Teresa feesl in sharing her book with K College students is evident as she notes “Writing can be a gift, but it is up to you to do something with it.” After contributing to an online author’s community she was contacted by Night Publishing, who promotes and publishes a wide range in ‘Indy’ authors. Teresa uses her blog and YouTube to share her stories, inspiration and ideas with readers from all over the world.

The importance of both new and local readers however, was reiterated by her visit to Ashford LRC. This positive outlook was reflected in her parting words, delivered with a smile as magical as her stories, as she noted “Libraries need to be kept going as it’s the most wonderful thing to be able to open a book and read the words.”

The Eye of Erasmus is available to borrow from Ashford LRC.
For more information on the author please visit Teresa’s website:

http://tgeering.blogspot.com/

The wonderful trailer for The Eye of Erasmus Trailer is available from here:

http://youtu.be/s5ppmXEhrVI

If you can’t wait to read the story, take a sneak peak at Teresa reading an excerpt from The Eye of Erasmus:
http://youtu.be/oI7NOvj0YOw

For more information on Teresa’s supportive publisher check out:
http://www.nightpublishing.com/

SHASTA SUMMER SYNOPSIS
Shasta Summer’ is an entrancing addition to Teresa Geering’s romance / fantasy series ‘Erasmus, Shasta & Merlin’. The cunning and resourceful Erasmus continues his devilish attempts to secure the beautiful and enchanting Shasta as his own, while she and Merlin renew their enduring love for each other, impeded by the unfortunate fact that a spell from a previous century has transformed Merlin into a cat.

Written in seductive and mesmerising prose which gives it the feel of an authentic time-honoured fable, ‘Shasta Summer’ continues the tradition of the much-acclaimed ‘The Eye of Erasmus’ which records another such attempt by Erasmus when he espies Shasta across the centuries in a vision.

The books in the series can be read and enjoyed in any order and by readers of any age

Excerpt from Shasta Summer ..............

BOOK 1

Shasta The Enchanted Garden

Chapter 1

How many of us are given the chance to relive our past lives?
Indeed, would we want to?
Summer Backer was given just that opportunity.
Born to Iris and George Backer eight years previously, an only
child with bright red hair, she typically burned in the sun without
factor fifty. There was a strong bond between Summer and her
parents. This will hold good through her current life, and when she
is required to visit her past life.
The Backers owned a large rambling, five bedroomed property. A
long stony drive led up to the front of the house, with beds of roses
growing to the side. The back garden went on indefinitely, with neat
orderly flowerbeds and a few popular trees planted here and there.
Giles, the gardener, did all the heavy work, while Iris pottered
around with her wooden trug picking flowers for the house.
George owned two garden centres, one locally and the other in
Holland. Each spring and autumn he took a trip over to Holland to
see his manager, Henney, who ran the Dutch centre. All other
business was dealt with by phone.
The family’s lifestyle was completely idyllic and this summer was
going to be no different except ….

* * *
It was the beginning of the summer holidays, and Summer was
lying in the garden under the willow tree watching her mother pick
flowers for the entrance hall of the house. A bee was buzzing close
by collecting pollen and making her feel very sleepy. She rolled over
onto her back and looked up at the sun through the branches of the
tree. Mentally she started planning her sleepover that night with
Holly, her closest school friend. In the distance she could hear the
telephone ringing. Moments later her father came into the garden
and was deep in conversation with her mother.
“But, George, what will we do with Summer?” asked her mother
in a raised voice, completely out of character.
“Couldn’t she stay with your sister, May, in Shasta?” asked her
father.
“I suppose so, but May is so eccentric” her mother replied
distractedly.
Summer’s curiosity got the better of her and, as she started to
get up, her mother called out to her.
“Summer, will you come here, please?”
“Coming. What’s happened?”
“Your father has had a phone call from Henney. There is a
problem with some of this year’s plants and we have to go over”.
Summer knew if her mother was going, it meant BIG trouble.
“I‘ll give my sister, May, a ring. Perhaps you can stay with her at
the cottage in Shasta. It might be a bit boring for you but I don’t see
what else we can do. Holland will be even more boring for you”.
“Do I have to go? Couldn’t I stay with Holly instead? I’m going to
miss my sleepover and I don’t know Aunt May very well”.
“I’m sorry, Summer, not this time. We don’t know how long we’ll
be away yet. We can’t expect your friends’ parents to look after you
at such short notice,” her mother said.
With that, her mother went into the house and phoned her aunt.
Summer had no choice – she was going. Aunt May would be
delighted to have the company, apparently. The last time she had
seen Summer was when she was still very small. At that time she
had given her a doll that she had made herself. It was stuffed with
cotton wool and had long blonde plaits made out of pale yellow
wool and dungarees. When she got home she sat her on her bed
and decided to call her Primrose. She usually took her with her
when she stayed overnight with friends.
Her mother didn’t visit her sister very often because she lived
some distance away, but they spoke on the telephone on a regular
basis. As Summer didn’t remember her, she had no idea what to
expect, and what did ‘eccentric’ mean, she wondered.
Holly’s parents were informed of the change in plans and a
promise of a double sleepover was made once she returned, to
make up for it. The rest of the day was spent packing suitcases. Time
was of the essence and her mother was not only supervising her
case but ensuring that her father had enough of everything. Her
parents intended to drop her off at aunt May’s cottage, then get the
ferry from Dover to Calais and drive on to Holland from there. With
delicate care, Summer lifted Primrose off the bed and decided to
carry her instead of packing her in the suitcase. She was getting a bit
ragged now as Summer used to suck on her foot when she was
small, but she still loved her dearly.
The following morning it started to rain just as they were leaving.
There wasn’t much traffic, so they reached the outskirts of the
village by 11 o’clock. As they drove into Shasta, the rain suddenly
stopped and Summer saw a rainbow in the distance which appeared
to end in the garden of a cottage.
“How strange” said her mother, “the rainbow seems to stop in May’s garden”.
Summer began to feel unexpected excitement all of a sudden.

LINKS/BLOG etc.
http://tgeering.blogspot.com/ - Blog
http://nightpublishing.com/teresa-geering.html - Night Publishing web site
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/65025 – Buy Book Here + review
http://authorsonshow.com/tee/ - Authors On Show
http://www.amazon.com/
http://www.amazon.co.uk/

BLOWING MY OWN

2011-06-13T10:39:00.000+01:00

The lovely Hannah Warren has done an interview of me.

Here is a snippet...........

Interview with NP author Teresa Geering

This is the part I most like to play. How I love it to be able to announce the birth of yet another book by one of my friends. This time the talented prose writer and poet Teresa Geering (lovingly called Tee) is the lucky gal. On Tuesday 7 June her second book Shasta Summer came out and Teresa will tell you all about it herself. Tee writes mainly fantasy and her style is lyrical and precise with the feel of a warm, pleasant summer evening to it. Exactly the time to pick up one of her books and immerse yourself in it in your hammock.

A bit about Tee’s personal life: ........................

To see the rest of this lovely interview you need to go here

http://www.hannahwarrenauthor.com/?page_id=769

From The Magic of Fingleton Blog

2011-06-05T09:21:00.001+01:00

I nicked this from KC Hiltons' blog with her approval. It's a list of books from the Night Publishing stables.
Scroll through and see if one takes your fancy.

Great Reads at LOW Prices - Ebooks 99 Cents

I'm listing some totally awesome reads in different genres. In fact I know there's something for everyone. And they're all priced really low. I'll include the links to each one of them to make them easier for you to find.

By the time I post this, some of the pricing may have changed... (Sometimes books are priced low for promotional deals) I bought one of George RR Martin's ebooks for $1.99 and let me tell you, I was totally stoked about it. Grab them while you can :)

I'd also like to mention that reviews are like GOLD to an author. Yes I said GOLD. And you know the best part about leaving a review? Your review will be read by tons of people. If you've enjoyed a book you've read, please take a moment and leave a review... We love the GOLD :)

Q: What's better than a cup of coffee?
A: A great book that's cheaper than a cup of coffee (lol).

'The Magic of Finkleton' by K.C. Hilton
Amazon.com Amazon UK Barnes and Noble

'You've Gone Too Far This Time, Sir!' by Danny Bent
Amazon.com Amazon UK Barnes and Noble

'The Eye of Erasmus' by Teresa Geering
Amazon.com Amazon UK Barnes and Noble

'Spoilt' by Joanne Ellis
Amazon.com Amazon UK Barnes and Noble

'Beyond Nostalgia' by Tom Winton
Amazon.com Amazon UK Barnes and Noble

'Get Some' by Danny Birch
Amazon.com Amazon UK Barnes and Noble

'Simon's Choice' by Charlotte Castle
Amazon.com Amazon UK Barnes and Noble

'Clawback' by Gemma Rice (Also: 'Strike' and 'Blindsided')
Amazon.com Amazon UK Barnes and Noble

'The Bringer' by Samantha Towle
Amazon.com Amazon UK Barnes and Noble

'Perhaps .... Perhaps' by LA Dale
Amazon.com Amazon UK Barnes and Noble

'How To Meet A Guy At The Supermarket' by Jess Degarmo
Amazon.com Amazon UK Barnes and Noble

'Hooking Up' by Jess Degarmo
Amazon.com Amazon UK Barnes and Noble

'Belfast Girls' by Gerry McCullough
Amazon.com Amazon UK Barnes and Noble

'Empty Chairs' by Stacey Danson
Amazon.com Amazon UK Barnes and Noble

'Pinpoint' by Sheila Mary Taylor
Amazon.com Amazon UK Barnes and Noble

Black Shadows by Simon Swift
Amazon.com Amazon UK

'The Abandoned Edge of Avalon' by Eden Tyler
Amazon.com Amazon UK Barnes and Noble

'Saving Nathaniel' by Jilian Brookes-Ward
Amazon.com Amazon UK Barnes and Noble

'BiteMarks' by Drew Cross
Amazon.com Amazon UK Barnes and Noble

'The Bookie's Runner' by Brendan Gisby
Amazon.com Amazon UK Barnes and Noble

'The Poison of a Smile' by Steven Jensen
Amazon.com Amazon UK Barnes and Noble

'Hush Money' (Talent Chronicles) by Susan Bischoff
Amazon.com Amazon UK Barnes and Noble

A CRACKING REVIEW FOR EYE OF ERASMUS

2011-05-29T16:46:00.000+01:00

Gerry McCullough author of Belfast Girls has just been kind enough to review my book Eye of Erasmus. Here is her review:

Friday, 27 May 2011
The Eye of Erasmus - Time Travel and Romance in one!

This blog is about my favourite books, both those I read long ago, and those I've read recently.

This is my first attempt to write about a recent book, one which I read for the first time earlier this year. Most of the books I read are ones which I've owned for years, and am re-reading. But yes, I do acknowledge that it's good to read new books occasionally, and so I intend to intersperse new books and old in this blog. Last time I wrote about Georgette Heyer, this time it's a living writer, Teresa Geering.

Last year I was on Authonomy.com, trying in vain to get my book Belfast Girls (now published by Night Publishing) accepted by Harper Collins (who have published, I think, 2/3 books from this site in the 2 years it's been up. Don't get me started about the way the top six publishers work - they only accept books which are by well established writers or by celebrities. To get published by them, you should be a famous footballer/ model/ comic/ prime minister with a huge bust and with a brilliant ghost writer - I only qualify in one of those categories. I got a nice review and the advice to put my book in either the romance box or the thriller box - it's since been compared to Andre Malroux's The Human Condition, and is, I think, like that, a book about life. Not just a romance or a thriller. Okay, rant over.)

At that time I read a gazillion books, some of which swiftly passed out of my memory and some of which remained. One of those which remained was Teresa Geering's fantasy, The Eye of Erasmus. I found myself enjoying it greatly.

Erasmus is a hermit type, who has visions and falls in love across time with Shasta, a woman whom he first sees in a vision after walking on the beach in a thunderstorm.

I've been interested in time travel since I read The House of Arden by E. Nesbit - still one of the books I like best and re-read constantly - at the age of 10/11, from the children's library. As soon as I could, I went out and bought it.

The copy I read had a picture at the start of Elfrida and Edred jumping from a great height, Elfrida's skirt billowing round her, out of a castle window, and it fascinated me immediately. (Note for Mark Williams - Elfrida is a strong female child character, now I think of it! ) It's a picture which still recurs in my dreams - there's so much of romance in it. (Okay, psychologists, comment, if you must!)

Geering's descriptions bring the action of her fantasy vividly to life. The storm on the beach before Erasmus has his first vision of Shasta: 'The roaring waves...splashed him with the salt spray...the wind roared and whipped up the sea to a frenzy...'

And later, the description of Shasta in the market brings the smells and sounds of an eastern market immediately before us, 'a busy market on a warm day,' where she meets the cat Merlin and the boy Hesper.

The twists and turns of the plot are entrancing, and I don't plan to write too much about this in case I include any spoilers. But the love story between Erasmus - a rather spoilt, vain young man whom we still can't help liking - and Shasta, are at the heart of the story. The descriptions of Shasta in her garden: 'The heady perfume of the white roses...It was wonderful to smell the sea air, mixed with the night perfume of all that grew in the garden...' take us straight into the beauty and romance of Shasta's life, while the descriptions of Erasmus's cave: 'It was set above water level and perfectly dry...near the entrance was a large pile of kindling wood gathered after a recent storm...neat piles on oilcloth were his beloved charts...' create the hermit's cave for us, and the isolated life of Erasmus before his meeting in the ruined house with Shasta.

The visual imagery constantly draws us in.

I was able to buy this book on Kindle for just over £2.00, which still seems amazing to me. We're living in an age when books have suddenly returned to the equivalent prices of the old time 'Shilling Shockers.' (I still see secondhand books around with prices like this on the cover.) And we can take advantage of this, if we're wise, before the eBook becomes established and the average price shoots up, as usually happens.

You can buy The Eye of Erasmus here:

http://www.amazon.com/The-Eye-of-Erasmus-ebook/dp/B003VS0DR8

http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Eye-of-Erasmus-ebook/dp/B003VS0DR8/

And Tee's blog is at:

http://tgeering.blogspot.com/?zx=169f4b70694a25df

Give yourself a treat!

AND a quick justifed plug ............
And if no one minds me mentioning it, Belfast Girls, my own book, has been heading up the Sinclair Books Book of the Month contest for the past few weeks. It's recently dropped to 2nd place - you can still vote for it if you haven't done yet, at http://www.sinclairbooks.blogspot.com/
and you can buy it on Kindle for £1.39/$1.99 at:
http://www.amazon.com/Belfast-Girls-Gerry-McCullough/dp/1456387103
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Belfast-Girls-Gerry-McCullough/dp/1456387103
http://search.barnesandnoble.com/Belfast-Girls/Gerry-McCullough/e/9781456387105

UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT - Kristen Stone

2011-05-22T13:20:00.001+01:00

Under my spotlight today is Kristen Stone, who hails from Stoke Golding.

I arrived just ahead of the rain, and the door was opened by Kris accompanied by her Staffy Bull Terrier Mutley who apparently is not only scared of the postman but would probably lick me to death. Even so I still felt inclined to hug the wall as I passed her by.

I settled myself on the sofa whilst Kris snuggled her legs up underneath her. The reason being that her feet don’t quite touch the floor when she’s sitting on a sofa. Mutley sensing that I was unsure of him settled beside me much to the amusement of Kris.

When I’m not slurping the red stuff I do love a nice cuppa ( not to strong mind) so Kris and I settled for that.

So Kris tell me a little bit about Stoke Golding.

Well Tee Stoke Golding, is the place where Henry VII was crowned after the Battle of Bosworth Fields. Or so the locals say. Not being a true Stoker myself I don’t really have a vested interest in the claim. The other thing of note around here is that if you travel in that direction (points to some distant hills) you are in the highest place in Europe. If it was possible to see that far, looking East, the next natural feature you would see are the Ural Mountains.

How interesting I really didn’t know that. I’m from the south in Kent and don’t know much about this area at all.

The spelling of your name is rather unusual Kris, tell me about that please and maybe about your family.

Yes Kristen Stone. Friends call me Kris. Well, actually friends don’t call me that at all because it’s a pen name.

Why did you want a pen name?

I chose it when I was about 14. At that time I didn’t like my real name, it’s boring and old fashioned. I thought Kristen had a much better ring to it way back then. Still has. And Stone is part of my maiden name.

So you are married then Kris?

Yes, to a wonderful man who thinks the world of me. A real old-fashioned hard working fella who believes it’s his job to provide for his family and has looked after me and our daughter and lets me do whatever I want. He has let me take time out to write even though I haven’t made a success of things – yet.

Sounds like a perfect set up.

It is. I’m very lucky and grateful.

And you have a daughter?

Yes. Grown up and married with three kids of her own, which makes me (grimaces) a Grandmother.

Smiles … I’m also a grandmother but I’m called nana faeries. She is Madison Teresa nicknamed Mad Tee by her dad after me. A real chip off my block.

Moving the dog off my foot where he is now lying asleep and snoring I ask …

So Kris when did you start writing?

When I was about 13 or 14. I used to buy exercise books from Woolworths and stick them together. I was a late developer as far as reading was concerned, but once I discovered adventure books I was well away and thought, ‘I can do that’. Unfortunately when I had my career interview I was told ‘You can’t just be a writer’. At that age I believed everything adults told me and went to work as a typist.

What do you do when you are not writing?

After writing and reading my next favourite thing is playing the piano. Sorry, trying to play the piano. I’m glad to say I am much better at writing than playing. The trouble is I don’t, and never have, practised enough.

What sort of music do you like to play honey?

Classical stuff mostly. I struggle through a bit of Mozart and Beethoven. The composer I have spinning in his grave the most is Chopin. I like Chopin because you can get away with putting your own slant on the music, it is not in strict tempo or form. Mind you, I have a wonderful piano teacher at the moment who encourages me to play anything and doesn’t worry if it’s not at the right speed.

Any other hobbies?

I’ve spent 20 odd years working with children in Brownies and Guides. That was fun but I’ve now handed over to someone who was once a guide and has never left. Well done, kid. I suddenly realized she had been an adult leader for nearly 10 years and it was about time she took over before she got fed-up and left. It was just at the time I had decided to concentrate on writing and didn’t want any distractions like – got to stop thinking because the girls are making beaded gekkos and I have to get all the stuff together -. I also do a bit of knitting and cross-stitch if I really need to chill. I’m definitely not into doing anything more physical than walking the dog around the village twice a day. Never have been sporty. I was the kid who was always picked last for a team at school. Luckily I have always been reasonably skinny even though I like chocolate.

Me too with the skinny bit – well not size 10 but just a little bit bigger these days…. Sighs remembering when I was a size 8-10 and then I gave up smoking ……………Anyway enough of that.

So tell me about your book and what‘s it called?

It’s all about a tribe of undiscovered people in the Amazon who are being wiped out by pollution from a mine. Their leader is called Kianda Mala which means Monkey Man in the language of the tribe.

Why do they call him that?

Because he has a tail.

OK … (Look of amusement on face) Fine. How come?

You’ll have to read the book to find out how Tee. Why I created a character with a tail is a different matter. It came from a song I learnt when I was working as a Snowy Owl with Brownies. The song asked : ‘If everybody had a tail and chose it’s shape and size, would you prefer a tufted one to swat at passing flies.’ It goes on ‘and if it were prehensile, what tremendous fun ‘twould be, the envy of your neighbours as you swing from tree to tree.’

Kris is conducting an unseen choir while singing the last line. Won’t comment on the singing.

Well, my mind being what it is I started to create such a character and ended up with Kianda Mala.

How long did it take you to write it Kris and what is the title?

Forever and a couple of years. I started the original story probably 20 years ago, then put it away when I couldn’t get it published. Then a couple of years ago I decided it was time to really fulfil my dream and become a writer. I got the book out and was really glad it was not published before. I have now re-written it and am very pleased with the finished book. It’s much better now, even if I say so myself.

The title is ‘Edge of Extinction.’

What was your aim in writing this?

First and foremost it is a story, but I wanted to create a place and make it feel real. Kianda and his people don’t exist but I wanted the reader to feel that they do, to feel their plight and to think that if perchance they happened to wander into the middle of the Amazon, unlikely as that might be, they would come across the village and the people. I don’t know if I have succeed in this. Time and sales will tell!

I’m getting dry Tee, fancy another cuppa?

Ew now you’re talking Kris thanks. I’ll just sit here and get some life back into my foot.

Strokes Mutley in the hope that she will get off. It’s not gonna happen so I give up.

Having finished our tea I ask Kris … Have you anything else planned?

Oh, yes. I have almost finished work on my second book which is completely different to the first. I could probably get away with putting this firmly in the Romance section as it involved the developing relationships between the main characters. That’s all I’ll say for now. Oh, and after that I have a thriller, but that is in need of lots of work yet. For one thing it’s too short.

You’re a bit of a dark horse then Kris. So do you have anywhere special to work?

No. I’m usually sitting in the corner of the sofa with my laptop on my lap. It is a lovely laptop, almost unique as it has the keypad at the front instead of the back of the machine, so I can sit with my hands resting on my lap and type away like the furies if I want. I’m really not looking forward to the day when it refuses to work any more.

Do you have a preferred time to work?

Evenings, mostly. I’m definitely not a morning person. By the time I’m up, soaked in the bath (compulsory to get me moving) sorted a couple of things out for my hubby, taken the dog round the rec – it’s getting on for lunchtime. I spend most of the afternoon checking emails and doing other things and then after the evening news I start writing. Once I start I could go on for hours, finishing well after midnight. I don’t set myself targets. I just do what I want to do until I have finished that idea or my eyes won’t stay open any longer. One of the reasons I wanted to write, apart from sharing my ideas and stories, was that I can decide when to work. I hated having to get up at a set time and be somewhere for so many hours. Luckily we can afford for me not to work and my husband loves working. There’s no accounting for taste. My ideal would be to spend the winter somewhere warm to write every year and only come back to England when the winter is over.

Personally I love the mornings – well in the summer anyway. Each morning almost feels like unadulterated purity. The morning dew on the grass, birds and squirrels coming to feed, and safe in the knowledge that nothing has been touched. Everyone else is still sleeping. Anyway I digress…..

So why have you gone to Night Publishing Kris instead of one of the big publishers?

Firstly because the big publishers wouldn’t touch this book with a barge pole. It’s not instantly viable. I’ve been told the writing is good. Everyone who has looked at it so far has loved the style. But it doesn’t fit into any particular genre easily so the big names can’t see a profit and won’t take the risk. To be honest, I don’t blame them. But I also strongly support the idea of Print on Demand and ebooks. I love ebooks. I have over 100 on my Sony, new and old, and loads for Kindle on my laptop. The Sony fits into my handbag and goes everywhere with me.(Pulls it out and waves it around). And it doesn’t collect any dust! As for Print on Demand, I think that is great for people who like to feel a book in their hands when they read without the waste of unsold volumes.
In this world of dwindling resources it must be the way things are going. I’m not a lover of wandering around bookshops. If anything they depresses me because I think to myself ‘with all these available why would anyone want to read mine?’ Not an inspiring thought for a would be writer. I am very grateful to Tim and Night Publishing. I’m really glad he had the idea and hope it lasts for ever – or at least as long as I am around writing.

Well, thanks, Kris. It’s been great getting to know you (both burst into song).

Is there anything else you would like to tell me in the way of promo? Your web site for instance.

Oh yes please Tee, it’s www.kristen-stone-the-writer.com

Now before you go can I get you another cup of tea, Tee. (Laughs at her own joke)

I wouldn’t mind Kris and then I must go providing I can get this dog off my foot

Who Me?

I’m finally able to move but with dog still attached to foot.

Kristen is in hysterics as he is taking no notice whatsoever of her commands.

Phew what is it with me and dogs I wonder?

A Really Funny Book

2011-05-21T09:25:00.000+01:00

Kate Rigby of the Night Publishing Stables has written a really funny book called A Little Guide To The Unhip.
Here is my review which I did last year after my original read.

LITTLE GUIDE TO UNHIP – K.J. RIGBY

I have been trying to read this for some time now and when Tim Roux asked for us Brits to review it, then it was an ideal opportunity for me to sit down and get on with it.

I didn’t want to be persuaded by other reviewers so I plunged straight in.

First let me say definitely don’t read this when in the company of others because you would be constantly explaining your mirth.

And laugh I did – out loud most of time, because I unfortunately fitted most of the categories.

From the umbrellas (Hands up to that, I’m lethal!) to packing a potty to pee in to avoid soaked pumps and a stung botty by nettles. (Done that too)

I’m from the wussy south, but again, I do resort to the odd f**k s**t and b*****ks as opposed to golly, gosh etc.

This I feel would make a very interesting TV programme or weekly slot on TV ... aptly named.... A Little Guide to Unhip read by KJ Rigby.

Many of us remember waiting with breathless anticipation for Pam Ayres to read her latest “One of Me Poems” in that wonderful accent also from KJ Rigby’s’ neck of the woods.

I only intended to read excerpts as chores needed to be done. However, I read word for word as it was so much fun.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED 5 Stars

TKG 20/08/10

SIX WEEKS by JESSICA DEGARMO

2011-05-16T16:27:00.000+01:00

I highly recommend this book and I bet if you read it, like me, you will be shouting No! No! No! when you get to the last line. A real cliff hanger.

SIX WEEKS - JESSICA DEGARMO

Abortion of a child must be one of the most horrendous decisions a woman will ever have to make.

Such was the situation with nineteen year old Imogene. Already tending to her arthritic, alcoholic, abusive mother and eight year old step sister Sarah whilst holding down two part time jobs and a college eduction.

She is befriended by a nun who suggests she takes her situation one week at a time until she can come to her final decision.

Her father is prepared to help in any way possible, whilst Matthias the father of the child is prepared to bite the bullet and marry her.

Jessica Degarmo had me riveted to the storyline as it twisted and turned. Would Imogene keep the baby, have it adopted, or abort. I was left guessing right up to the final sentence where we are left with a very clever cliffhanger.

I was left screaming NO! NO! NO! …. at my laptop screen as I still had no idea of the final decision.

A marvellously written piece of work which I read in one sitting and one which I would also highly recommend.

ã Teresa Geering 16/05/2011

2011-05-15T17:48:00.000+01:00

My writer friend Poppet aka Gemma Rice has got a new website.
I've reviewed several of her books on here so why not take a look at her web site.
Here's the link http://www.gemmariceandauthorpoppet.com/

THE BRINGER Took my breath away

2011-05-12T12:57:00.000+01:00

And here is my review

REVIEW OF THE BRINGER

SAMANTHA TOWLE

Everything stopped in my household as I began to read The Bringer. Completely mesmerised by this stunning book I eventually began to take on tasks one handed as my Kindle was in the other. Samantha had me completely hooked. At times I was convinced I had the storyline all worked out but I was out smarted again and agin by the brilliance of the writing technique.

*************

A Bringer is a being completely devoid of emotion and feeling. Their function is to escort souls to Heavens door and leave them there for the next stage of their journey.

Max though who suffered a recent demise, is determined not to go on his journey with Lucyna (The Bringer) until he extracts a promise from her to keep an eye on his grieving thirty something son James. Against all the rules and expectations of ‘The Elders’ she reluctantly agrees. After all she only has to look in on him once - or twice doesn’t she? but what she didn’t expect was her overwhelming feelings she suddenly started to experience. Something completely unknown to her. Yes and you guessed it those feeling were love which bowled her off her feet, bearing in mind of course that she can travel at the speed of light at will.

There are many twists and turns in this mesmeric book including other celestial beings that turn up unexpectedly with their own tales to tell.

Many times I felt a tear coming on, but this is certainly no slushy Mills and Boon romance. This is a solid, rock you to the core, epical storyline and I urge you to read it.

Highly Recommended.

5 Stars is the maximum, but I would definitely give The Bringer 105 stars

The Bringer has burnt itself into the depths of my soul.

ã Teresa Geering 12/05/2011

The Magic of Finkleton

2011-05-08T16:14:00.000+01:00

Here is a book for the child in all of us. I loved it and have given it 5 star reviews on Amazon.com Goodreads and Barnes and Noble.

THE MAGIC OF FINKLETON BY KC HILTON

I have yet to read a book from the Night Publishing stables that has not left me in awe of the brilliant writing ability of it’s authors.
The Magic of Finkleton by KC Hilton is no exception.

William Finkles’ uncle dies unexpectedly leaving his store and home to his nephew. Ironically Williams’ family home is burnt to the ground at exactly the same time. So the family due to this qwerk of fate relocate to the village of Finkleton.

Sceptics would say ‘coincidence naturally’ but the dwellers in Finkleton would state even more clearly ‘that’s the magic of Finkleton.’

William, his wife Emma and their three children Jack, Elizabeth and Robert settle into their new home and start to become established in the welcoming village. The old fashioned store holds many secrets that the children discover one by one. Elizabeth (Lizzie) the bookworm through her obsessive factual reading of her great uncles’ books. Jack through his obsession with tidyness, and Robert through his obsession with machinery.

The dusty old shop slowly allows each of the children to discover their Great uncles’ secrets. Each child at first is determined to keep their discoveries well hidden from their siblings until the opportunity arises for them to disccuss their finds in full.

Through trial and error the children correct the crop rotation by learning to control the weather. To state more would give this wonderous storyline away.

As it states in the prologue …….. Some folks say Finkleton holds the luckiest lands in England. Others shrug instead and say that it’s a magical place.

This is a striking book for all ages and which of us can ignore the magic that fate has to offer. I would urge you to buy this book and enjoy it’s magic.

Highy Recommended 5 stars.
ã Teresa Geering 08/05/2011

Authors On Show

2011-05-08T16:09:00.000+01:00

Today I interviewed the Queen of Authors on Show.
A medium with several books under her belt and now branching out into the world of fiction.
Here is the link to the interview:

http://authorsonshow.com/tee-2/

A ZANY ROMP INTO THE TWILIGHT ZONE

2011-05-07T15:19:00.000+01:00

I have just come back from a parallel universe starring the laugh out loud Colin Rapper a k a 'Crapper' as he is known by his students.
Here's why ................

DAYREALING BY MIKE CHURCH

Colin Rapper commonly known as ‘Crapper’ works as an English teacher in the zany world of Looniversal Learning. If you have a sense of humour and can ‘back chat’ you fit in nicely there.

It’s inhabited by students of at least the forty plus age group, who’s main objective in life is to make Colins’ life as disruptive as possible. Among the many varied subjects nestles ‘Cooking the books for crooks’.

Colin is very fond of making lists which he either can’t find when needed, or they turn up instead of reports he should be presenting to Miss Snapper commonly known as ‘Miss Slapper’.

The beign of Colins’ life appear to be the dithering, treacherous, tone deaf - when it suits her - Miss Tedley and Jack. Their main aim in life to wind him up on a regular basis. Miss Tedley and her friends also cause mayhem when they attend the gereatrics arobics class. ‘determined to get down and with it’

Scott is the brains of the bunch. When he takes to the school roof to hurtle himself into oblivion no one worries too much as he has paid his course fees up front. As he hurtles through the roof onto the unsuspecting Colin totally flooring him, Colin is heard to remark
“Look Scott if it’s about that hyphen usage …….”

A typical quote from the book ….

“Why did you send Samantha home?”
“Because your Samantha set fire to the library”
“Nobody ever uses that bloody library. Why is it such a big deal?
“Because Miss Tedley was in there having forty winks at the time”

I never did work out what the mad cap Miss Tedley was doing in any class apart from causing major disruption.

From the first page to the last I never stopped giggling and at time even laughing out loud.
Quite often I felt I had slipped into a parallel universe or the twilight zone.

So if your planning to take a long walk off of a short pier (so to speak) I recommend you take along the zany humour of Mike Churchs’ Dayrealing. I can guarantee, you will be clutching at thin air trying to get a firm hold, thus enabling you to finish this mad romp in Looniversal University.

Thoroughly recommended with 5 stars for 'best effort.'

ã Teresa Geering 07/05/2011

THE BOY FROM THE BAY STRIKES YET AGAIN

2011-05-02T13:48:00.001+01:00

He's done it !!!!!!!!!!!

Reggie Jones the Boy From The Bay has won the monthly Night Reading poll.

His book DIVISION OF THE DAMNED will now be published by http://nightpublishing.com/.

Here is the cover of the book.

and the lovely fella himself is

here is the link to his blog http://divisionofthedamned.blogspot.com/

Wahoo !!!

2011-05-01T16:32:00.001+01:00

        ARSENAL 1 - MAN UNITED A BIG FAT ZERO - YET AGAIN ..............

                           BACK OF THE NET. GET IN.

         LIVERPOOL SMASHED NEWCASTLE AS WELL - RE - SULT !!!

THE BOY FROM THE BAY STRIKES AGAIN

2011-04-21T12:23:00.000+01:00

Under my spotlight this week is the Ex Squaddie Boy from the Bay Reg Jones ...............

Here is the link to take you there http://authorsonshow.com/tee

I promise you it's very funny.

Lobster and Starfish - You Would Say That Wouldn't You !!!

2011-04-18T15:41:00.000+01:00

Gerry McCullough author of the blockbusting Belfast Girls has written a rather interesting blog on comparisons.

I enjoyed it immensely - here it is

http://pdbrazill.blogspot.com/2011/04/guest-blog-lobsters-and-starfish-by.html?spref=fb

Simons Swift Cracks it Again

2011-04-18T08:19:00.000+01:00

Simons Swift author of Black Shadows has cracked it again with a superb interview/review.

If you're into crime and a real good blockbusting thriller check this out.

           http://criminal-e.blogspot.com/2011/04/simon-swift-interview-black-...

If you look at the reviews on Simons' blogspot you will see mine, where I state quite clearly that this will be a blockbuster.

       http://errolblack.weebly.com/events--blog.html


Move over Raymond Chandler you have a 21st century rival overtaking you.

WHAT A COUP

2011-04-06T10:10:00.002+01:00

Tim Roux my publisher http://nightreading.ning.com has landed a bit of a coup ............. here it is. Nice one Tim and 'Simons Choice' author Charlotte Castle .............. Fingers and digits crossed then.

The Radisson Edwardian Bloomsbury Street Hotel has set up a book club whereby it gives each of its 14,000 guests a month a courtesy book of the month.

They are considering offering a Night book as a book of the month and may even run a monthly vote à la Night.

Obviously I am dead keen to build a relationship with the Radisson Edwardian Book Club not just for Night Publishing, but also for the wider Night Reading network, especially as they have an additional 12 hotels should this experiment become a proven draw for bookings.
The literary editor for the club is the literary editor for Time Out. Would love to meet him too.

Here is the link: http://relaxatnight.blogspot.com/2011/04/because-night.html

UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT

2011-04-06T09:24:00.001+01:00

Under my spotlight this week is Paul A. Rudd (not that one, Night Publishings' one) of ARC fame.

Under my spotlight is my very first ‘victim’ Paul A Rudd. I got him before the sharks did!!

Hello Paul and welcome to one of my many homes around the world. Make yourself comfortable and as you’re not driving help yourself to a drink from the well stocked bar. I’m just going to switch on the spotlights and set the stage for you. While I do that you can begin to tell me a bit about yourself.

Well Tee I am blessed with the same name as a legendary Hollywood actor. And yet my only claim to fame is being selected to be a zombie in an up and coming British horror/comedy, which unfortunately I had to turn down due to my lack of visionary skills without my glasses……

Wait! You’re telling me you’re not the real Paul A Rudd? What sort of a let down is that? And I thought..... Mind you that zombie bit did make me laugh. So tell me about this Paul Rudd and what his interests are.

I always wondered what it would feel like to join the realms of fiction. For me writing began as a release from the daily grinds of stress. I started writing the ARC purely for fun. Then when I started to build the characters and the Aquatic Research City itself I thought “what if…” So I went for it.

So you’ve got me hooked Paul what happened next?

No wait let’s refresh our drinks first.

Right then (tucks feet under legs on sofa) so what DID happen next? It sounds exciting.

Well..... I reached the pinnacle of releasing my first book through self publication and then hit a low just as quickly after realizing it was full of errors, even after a thorough edit. At the time I felt aggrieved that I released it in such a way. Since then I have bounced back with a fresh edit and no longer dwell on the past…I’ve bulked up the manuscript with another 50,000 words and have made in depth changes to the original. Fingers crossed it will have the desired effect… …if not I might be swimming with the fishes!

Talking of the fishes can we put a picture of your book cover in here?

What are your views on Self Publication Paul?

It’s a great way to get away from the starting blocks, although it can cost a fair whack. I’ve spent probably more than I would have liked, but I believe in myself and my writing ability. I can also say I’ve released a shark novel and there are not many who can say that.

Due to a busy schedule, and a young family, I needed help and assistance, which came along in the guise of a fantastic editor called Tee Geering who worked wonders. Since then I have signed a contract with Night Publishing.

So Paul I got quite engrossed there. Have you got anything else coming up?

Yes Tee I’m looking forward to seeing the second edition of The ARC reaching bookshelves across the globe… …Or at least credit for a good page turner.

To end on a high note here is me finishing off with a little snippet from one of my favourite movies….

Oh go on then just this once, but if the other Paul Rudd knocks on the door you’re outta here PBQ!!

“Ash and Captain Dallas are dead. Cargo and ship destroyed. I should reach the frontier in about six weeks. With a little luck, the network will pick me up. This is Ripley, last survivor of the Nostromo, signing off……”

Good grief is that the time? Thanks for dropping in Paul, I enjoyed the chat. Could you just turn off that spotlight for me on the way out? Thanks!

Oh hang on you didn’t tell me your web site!

My website including impending manuscripts is http://www.theauthorpaulrudd.co.uk

Humour by the bucketload

2011-03-27T09:38:00.000+01:00

Tim Roux of Night Publishing (my publisher)has introduced me to the fun side of his character. So when I read and reviewed the book I responded in kind.

Here it is:

(Just Like) El Cid’s Bloomers - Tim Roux

So there I was sitting in this down and out pub in ‘ull sipping on a glass of Merlot when this guy comes and joins me with his pint of Old Perculiar.

Without being asked he starts to tell me about his friend Jake. An estate agent by day and singer songwriter by night. Apparently Jake was married to Cathy and through a complete misunderstanding his wife throws him out - suitcases and all.

Not to be out done he shacks up with a nineteen year old groupie that wants nothing more than the ring on the third finger left hand and all the trappings - or should that be trimmings. The sight of her naked is apparently enough for Jake to need the resuss trolley standing by . Oh and evidently he’s considerably older than her. Finally he does the decent thing and gets her pregnant, but it would seem that paternity is a bit of an issue.

Well to cut a long story short his ex, through wiley ways, tries to win him back.

I was left pondering on whether she would succeed while the stranger went up to get fresh drinks.

I await with bated breath for the outcome from him when he returns.

………… I’ll give it 5/5 stars. I laughed the whole way through and read it in one sitting it was that good.

ã Teresa Geering 25/03/2011

THE ABANDONED EDGE OF AVALON

2011-03-23T14:03:00.000Z

The Abandoned Edge of Avalon by Eden Tyler left me wanting far more and I felt a bit like Oliver Twist .....
I hope this review does it justice.

THE ABANDONED EDGE OF AVALON

EDEN TYLER

Underworld. Evil. Vampires. Magik. Spells of Olde. Time Portals. Orbs. Love ……

There is something for everyone in this dynamic, scintillating story of changelings and the human world.

Alexis Hodge is your average 24 year old living at home with mum and Dad until she discovers she is not only adopted but is also a changeling. From that moment on her life takes on a completely different track as she enters a time portal.

She discovers love within this strange kingdom but is he a vampire? werewolf? Or just a plain old fashioned good guy?

Taking on the ‘Leader of the depraved’ Alexis begins to realise exactly what powers she does indeed possess as a changeling . Her new resolve possibly comes from her fae mother or the blood of her lover which she drinks for strength.

Will there be a satisfactory ending …?

I became so involved in this beautiful storyline I found myself almost living it, and I was gutted when I got to the end - I felt like Oliver Twist wanting more.

Thoroughly recommended with 5 stars.

ã Teresa Geering 23/03/2011

Another one to watch for

2011-03-20T08:41:00.000Z

Kathryn Brown has recently come to my notice and is one to watch out for.

Her book Discovery at Rosehill took three years to research and write. Here is a taster for the palate.

........Finding your dream home is difficult enough, but what if you found it and then discovered it was haunted? Medium Camilla Armstrong is led to the beautiful Rosehill country estate after communication with her deceased grandmother. On first inspection she senses tranquillity within the house; the gentle atmosphere of a Georgian manor that is crying out for new life. But when she moves in, Camilla discovers the house contains a dark secret, one which is to change her life forever.

When The Reverend Marcus Calloway introduces himself to her, a friendship develops and Camilla realises she could at last have found her true love. But all is not what it seems when further spirit contact confirms that Marcus harbours a guilty secret.
Spirit communication, manifestations and an eerie atmosphere all add to Camilla’s new surroundings as she tries hard to decipher mixed messages and a life she never knew existed. An open mind is all she asks for as her relationship with Marcus grows ................

Kathryns' blogs are at the end of these links:

Crystal Jigsaw – http://crystaljigsaw.blogspot.com/

Marvellous Mable – http://marvellousmable.blogspot.com/

If you love spooks and ghostly happenings I recommend a visit.

One for bedtime

2011-03-13T09:47:00.000Z

I was just given the opportunity to read a childrens book called Kaya Stormchild.

Published by NightPublishing - http://nightpublishing.com/

Review of Kaya Storm child - Lael Whitehead

By Teresa Geering

There are many fairy tale books on the market which we love to settle our little loved ones down with. The stories of old, handed down through the ages and still loved and remembered by adults.

Kaya Stormchild will fit firmly into this category I believe.

A gentle tale of an orphan child (Kaya) rescued in a storm and befriended by an eagle who becomes her Surrogate grandmother.

Kaya has been granted a unique gift. She is able to communicate with the animal kingdom and it is this gift which carries this wonderous magical story along.

The Omrith has gone missing and the seasons will never turn unless it is recovered. It has to be found before the Summer Solstice.

With the help of her new friend Josh, the lady from the thrift shop and an otter, Kaya tasks herself with the recovery of the Omrith conch shell…..

Kaya Stormchild is a wonderful magical journey with a storyline that the child in me got totally absorbed in.
I just know that I shall read it again and again.

*************

Lael Whitehead is a musician and writer who lives with her family on a small sheep farm in the Gulf Islands of British Columbia. Her three daughters have grown up, like Kaya, without going to school.

Lael has published many articles on alternative education.
Kaya Stormchild is her first novel for children.
Lael Whitehead is also part of an established musical group called Jaiya. I have a permanent link attached to all of my emails because the group Jaiya allowed me to use their music for a youtube video link.
Here is the link to their music
http://www.jaiya.ca/firedance/cds/invocation.htm

As a firm believer of all their thoughts and beliefs I purchased one of their CD's and it is totally inspirational, haunting, and mesmeric.
I would also add that I have converted many friends to their music.
ã Teresa Geering 12/03/2011

2011-03-07T17:10:00.000Z

I entered the Paragraphs of Power competition and came in the top ten . There were many brilliant contenders so I was extremely pleased to have been that successful.
Pat on the back for me as the paragraphs I entered were from my new book I'm writing.

BELFAST GIRLS HITS THE HEADLINES AGAIN

2011-03-07T08:16:00.000Z

Recently I read and reviewed Belfast Girls by Gerry Mc Cullough.
In my opinion this book is a serious contender for the Booker Prize.

Belfast Girls is a modern day look at Northern Ireland with a hint of the past troubled times.
It includes a sprinkling of romance and incorporates a serious look into the drug problem now rife in Ireland.
Friends from different religious backgrounds who join forces in their day to day living.

........Gerry has now got more to shout about and if you go to the link below and scroll down to Page 26 you will see what I mean.

http://verbalon.com/magazine/images/pdf-edition/1_verbal_35_low_res.pdf

Paragraphs of Power

2011-02-09T09:35:00.000Z

So you've finished that wonderful book at long last and it's still in the draw unpublished.
OR maybe you've only done a couple of paragraphs. Why not pop over to Suzannah Burkes' blog called Paragraphs of Power and enter the February competition on there - I have - you only need a maximum of 300 words including the title (minimum 100).

Suzannah picks what she considers to be the 'top ten' and then it's thrown open in a voting system.
Don't listen to my ramblings about it. Hot foot over there and see for yourself.

Here's the link ........

http://paragraphsofpower.blogspot.com/

BECOMING JOHNNY NOVA

2011-02-07T13:54:00.000Z

A trip down memory lane ................

BECOMING JOHNNY NOVA - DAVID KUPISIEWICZ

REVIEW BY TERESA GEERING

Becoming Johnny Nova is set in Southern California and is the story of Dave.
A wanna be alpha male and Rock star.

As a typical delinquent teenager he’s into drugs, and rock and roll while his main priority lies within his Levi jeans. This he satisfied when fifteen years old at the “Orange Delight” with Michelle. Riding home on his skateboard with the condom still in place as he had no idea where to put it.

His favourite pastimes is using weed, jamming and driving cars and bikes.
It’s nothing unusual to have a run in with the local cops and they are now on first name terms with Dave.

As the story unfolds he goes to correctional school whilst obeying his parents rule of also holding down a job. His graduation class photo is typical of the attending pupils. Twelve students, six school staff and one of the girls holding her new baby.

Jobs come and go as do girlfriends and wanna be bands. The one female constant in his life being Dianne a good friend.

Dave will do anything for a beer, weed, or a good jamming session and often does. Usually preceeded by the phrase …….. “Whatsgoingondude”

Becoming Johnny Nova is both humorous and in places quite poignant when a close friend dies tragically.

Getting to know Johnny Nova has been great fun and I’m sure a trip down memory lane for some of us.

Does he ‘get the girl’ and finally end up in a rock band?

I’m not telling you but you will be in for some surprises if you buy the book.

Recommended - Definitely.

ã Teresa Geering 06/02/2011

REVIEW OF THE BOOKIES RUNNER

2011-02-07T13:45:00.000Z

Once in a while you read a story which is a bit extra special. This is so of The Bookies Runner.
A true story about .....

Well read for yourself.

THE BOOKIES RUNNER - BRENDAN GISBY

REVIEW BY TERESA GEERING

”He’s dressed like Frank Sinatra

like a member of the Rat Pack.

He’s the Bookies Runner with the

lopsided grin, but he’s destined to lose!”

So begins the epitaph for Derry McKay. A loving family man who fathered seven children. Respected and loved by all who knew him. Just an ordinary working class man. A gentle soul who toiled every day and night for the love of his family.

The story opens with a young boy on a bus journey to a new school (St Mary’s Academy) and the first day in his fourth year. As he sits in the back of the bus he reminisces about his departed father and the life he led. As the memories flow so do the held back tears.
We learn that Derry McKay was raised by his grandparents because he was unwanted by his family. He was forever cheerful and happy go lucky. As he grew older he joined the Royal Navy as an Ordinary Seaman and was based on HMS Victorious. Many tales are told of his eventful voyages abroad.

He married an Irish lassie from Eire reputed to be ‘another fresh young Irish girl straight from the farm’. There were difficulties during the marriage with Derry toiling to keep food on the table and clothes on their back while his wife got deeper in debt to the tallyman.

At this point the boy lays the death of his father firmly at the door of his mother. He considers that she always tried to live above her means. His fathers’ opinion being ‘there is no shame in being poor’.

Eventually Derry becomes a bookies runner but ill health catches him out and the job (although illegal) goes to his son.

The boy watches on in despair as his father finally gives up his fight for life.

He cries for the man who had never won. The man who was destined to lose.

....The Bookies Runner is a wonderful tribute from a loving son to a very loved father.

I thoroughly recommend this book which I read in one hit, but have a few paper tissues close by. You’ll need them.

Brilliant Brendan I loved it.

ã Teresa Geering 06/02/2011

THE BOOKIES RUNNER

2011-01-29T09:05:00.000Z

First the taster, then the paperback

Tim Roux has invited you to the event 'The Bookie's Runner - Brendan Gisby -
In the shops NOW on Night Reading!!

Brendan Gisby's 'The Bookie's Runner' is a perfect 100 pages - perfect and exactly 100 pages (you don't see that too often). So, it is a novella, and a eulogy, maybe even an apology for Brendan's not being able to do more to help his father in troubled times, although he clearly did what he could. There is nothing extraordinary about the story of this book - millions, even billions, have suffered lives like these, which makes it a universal tale. What is extraordinary is the writing. Like the best of French auteur cinema, it is novella of characters who interact vividly (you can see each one clearly as if on celluloid) in a mildly tragic way. The tone is lyrical, fluorescent, and its trajectory is literally the dying fall. We know from the beginning that it is about a man who will be dead by the end of the book. The question is why. There is also something extraordinary about the plotting and the rhythm of the piece, something that mesmerises. The whole book takes place in the space of a short bus journey the author took as a teenager after the funeral of his father on his way to his first day back at school. It has been compared with 'Angela's Ashes' but it is not as grandstanding as that. It is more like Francoise Sagan's 'Bonjour Tristesse' or Elizabeth Smart's 'I Sat Down in Grand Central Station and Wept'. It is too late to read this before Brendan's dad died and to put things right, and that would somewhat undermine the point of the book, but there is time yet to read it before you do. Yes, it is one of those books for sure.

http://nightreading.ning.com/events/event/show?id=4983832%3AEvent%3A17728&xgi=0YSsJ2lvqDMYLy&xg_source=msg_invite_event

About Night Reading

A site of first chapters of novels, non-fiction, whatever - the most popular of which each month will be published in paperback

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A Story to Shock

2011-01-24T08:57:00.002Z

    This is a raw graphic review with harsh language included for which I make no excuses.

Empty chairs is the true story of the life of Stacey Danson. Not only did she live it, Stacey had the courage to write about it. A truly brave, gutsy lady who fought back and will always have my undying respect....

                                               REVIEW - EMPTY CHAIRS

                                                       STACEY DANSON

Animals and humans alike will defend their young until they have no more breath left in their body. Then there are the depraved, wicked, and sometime faceless beings who think nothing of using their precious gifts as no more than sexual money making machines. Such is the case of Gwen Danson…..

Her precious gift of a beautiful innocent child (commonly refered to by her, as the worthless piece of shit that she tried to abort with knitting needles) is offered up to the highest bidder for their sexual gratification.

In middle class Sydney Australia, pillars of the community including the family doctor and police officers queued up to abuse the three year old child.

Compliancy was ensured by constant brutal beatings and alchol induced submission. If the child did as she was told she received food and drink. If not she was beaten again and locked in an airless dark cupboard until again submissive.

This worthless excuse for a mother held the childs arms above her head to ensure there was no resistance and the man was pleasured.

As the child grew she came to realise that beatings with a strap were preferable to pleasuring men who had by now ruined her body. She was scarred both mentally and physically. Unable to provide oral sex as her mouth had been split. The more sadistic requests were paid highly for and Gwen Danson loved money to the extent that allowances were made for Staceys nipple to be bitten off and her vagina burnt by ciggies.

As Stacey grew her only friend and connection to the outside world was a television. When she asked to go to school she was again beaten senseless.

Eventually as she got to the age of about nine years she was allowed to go to school. Her normal use of the words ‘fuck’ and ‘cunt’ were commonplace to her and Stacey couldn’t understand why detention kept rearing it’s ugly head, when she used the words or fought back against bullying.

Schooling also meant that she was unavailable to pleasure the peadophiles, so they stayed over in her bed during the week. The stark warning to keep her mouth firmly shut was followed up by knowledge that her punishment would be …. ‘permanently locked in the cupboard and eaten by the rats’.

Teachers dealt with her battered body by not making eye contact.

As time moved on Gwen took her out of school and a new client arrived, brutal and sadistic. With a gun at Staceys head the instructions were given “….to make him cum before a certain amount of clicks of the trigger.” Happily she would have turned that gun on him as time passed.

Nick a wealthy but violent alcoholic and her mothers new boyfriend moves in. Gwen is finally able to have anything her empty heart desires.

Eric, Nick’s son becomes Staceys salvation as he teaches her to defend herself. Gwen assumes she has let on about her life style and beats Stacey senseless and throws her body down the back staircase. Found by Nicks’ minder she wakes in hospital. Amazingly no questions are asked and she returns.

Nick is not prepared to believe Gwens story and they split allowing the pedophiles back. At Gwens request to shave off public hair Stacey refuses and thanks to Eric is finally able to defend herself. Years of hatred built up inside her are released and she beats Gwen within an inch of her life.

Throwing a few things in a bag and robbing Gwens’ purse, her life on the street begins.

Life wise she may be, but streetwise she’s not and a learning curve begins.

Befriended by Animal a market trader who has a younger sister, and Paulie the café owner, she begins to learn the real meaning of survival. Approached by a pimp who tries to have her beaten into submission but fails, she moves on. Finally she finds work in a bakery and receives food in exchange. Whilst here, she meets up with Jamie the leader of a street gang who offer her shelter. The rules - share food and no fucking or you’re out. Eventually Stacey decides to give it a go and meets baby Jenny, a little one who cries herself to sleep each night but refuses to be touched or comforted.

Having experienced the sunshine wind and rain on her face for the first time she now had a surrogate family who would also befriend her provided she obeyed the rules……..So began another chapter of Staceys’ young life.

This is a book that shocked me to the core.
If you only ever buy one work of non fiction make it Empty Chairs the true story of Stacey Danson.

Thoroughly recommended 5/5

ã Teresa Geering 23/01/2011 (Eye of Erasmus)

SEITHE

2011-01-12T13:28:00.000Z

Here is my review of Seithe.
A very dark explosive story by author Poppet.
Exactly the type of story my esteemed writing colleague Reg writes about. In fact I think I will post my copy over to him........

SEITHE -by POPPET

Review by Teresa Geering

Once again I have been blown away by the unique writing ability of author Poppet.

SEITHE is a journey of the senses and sensations with more than a hint of darkness about it.

The explosive opening begins with the main character Phoebe disillusioned by her current live in boyfriend. In an effort to calm down she takes a walk and comes across a different kind of nightclub.

Pravus Nightclub is not for the feint hearted as she soon discovers. On entry you are not only surrounded by freaked out ‘Goths’ but offered the house drink, a purple liquid called Gluhivien served up in a goblet. Phoebe accepts the drink and then begins to see the world in a different light. For a start she is inappropriately dressed, when she first meets Seithe.

Phoebe decides if you cant beat them, join them and goes back for a second return match. On this occasion she is dressed like for like - in full black with silver contact lenses, covered by dark shades. Her waist length obsidian black hair hangs loose.

Her second meeting with Seithe, (a professional computer hacker by trade) goes well and as the story moves on, he shows her the true meaning of the use of the senses and sensations through bareable torture and pleasure. Taking her body to delights she could only dream of in a twilight chamber of lascivious pleasure.

When he demands of her “become my child Phoebe, I’m trying to show you the Kingdom of Heaven” she bends to his will and accepts everything he has to offer. She is in love with his complete control of her, and decides she would rather die this alive than not have met him.

Back in the real world she takes time off from work. Firstly to get over her breakup with boyfriend Brian but also to spend more time with Seithe and all he has to teach her.

Further into the story you begin to ask yourself the question, is Seithe a fallen angel of God? a vampire? Diablo himself, or a good old supernatural being?

No I’m not going to tell you but his eyes change colour at will along with his hair!

Included in the story are Ellindt, Seithe’s female twin who has more than a passing interest in Phoebe for her own gains. Their brother Jowendrhan who makes a play for Phoebe and almost causes another clash of the Titans.

Finally Phoebe is offered what some would call the most precious gift of all, in an effort to win her affections.

Will she take it? Would she want it?

To enjoy Poppets’ Seithe you need to have a complete open mind, but I can assure you it is very addictive.

I defy anyone to copy the unique brilliance of author Poppets writing ability.

Thoroughly recommended with 5/5 stars

Ó Teresa Geering 12/01/2011

2011-01-05T15:28:00.001Z

Happy New Year folks and this is my first review of the year AND I can thoroughly recommend it.....

LILYWHITE - ANTONIA MARLOWE

REVIEW BY TERESA GEERING

Lilywhite in my opinion, is a modern day Cinderella story with a twist. This wonderful, romantic, love at first sight love story, comes alive under the very talented Antonia Marlowe.

Every once in a while I pick up a book and know that I will be hooked and unable to put it down until the finish. Lilywhite is such a book.

It gave me a fleeting impression of the never to be forgotten Jane Austen novel, Pride and Prejudice. Who can ever forget Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy?

The story opens as the main character Chloe is reliving a major car accident through the prologue. Then moving on to a year later in Australia she is now an editor and historical researcher for famous authors. Whilst editing the latest book she chances to meet the strikingly handsome Tom.

Over a cup of coffee in the local café whilst waiting for the rain to subside they get to know one another, but Tom senses Chloe is holding back.

Calling in a few favours through his connections and wealth, he is able to make discreet enquiries about the woman he has fallen for.

Little by little Chloe realises that she has also fallen for this wonderful dynamic man but is still reluctant to enlighten him of her past.

As the story moves on, John Stratton known to Chloe for all the wrong reasons, comes to Australia taking the storyline into a completely different direction.

Tom’s past love interest is added for a bit of extra flavour. The story then takes on a dramatic James Bond style effect as Tom fights to keep Chloe safe.

Will he succeed we wonder and at what cost?

……… This wonderful love story, at times action packed with Ex SAS operatives will thrill you during the adventure scenes and melt the heart of any frozen ice maiden during the love scenes.

Thoroughly recommended with 5 stars

Ó Teresa Geering 05/01/2011

2010-12-14T08:32:00.000Z

DAMNATION !!

Man United 1 - Arsenal a big fat zero

Doh :-{

COLIN THEAKSTON aka COLT

2010-12-12T20:30:00.001Z

I have just heard the terrible news that my friend and writing colleague Colin Theakston has passed away.

He was a light and inspiration to all of the writers on Struggling Authors and Night Publishing. If we needed help or advice Colin was always on hand to help where he could.
As a writer of senior years I'm still amazed at his wonderful writing skills.

His wife Di has made a momentous decision to continue writing his unfinished novel BILLY. I'm sure he will be more than pleased with the end result.

In Colin's immortal words ................
It's never too late to be what you might have been.
Rest in Peace Colin .....

With all our love

Tee x

Booker Prize Contender

2010-12-01T09:12:00.000Z

I have just finished reviewing Belfast Girls and I sincerely believe it has the potential to be shortlisted for the 2011 Booker Prize.
I do hope I've done it justice in this review.....

BELFAST GIRLS by

GERRY Mc CULLOUGH

Belfast Girls is primarily about the lives of several friends, totally unaffected by different religious beliefs which is considered against all the rules.

As we move through the years, the writing expertise of Gerry McCullough, cleverly shows us how lives can be so deeply affected by religious and political issues of the Irish nation. Yet strength of friendship can still maintain and provide solidarity.

The story begins within the fashion world, and we learn that Sheila Doherty has survived the gangly carrot top teenage years and matured into a beautiful, green eyed, red haired super model walking the famous cat walk.

Nicknamed the Ice Maiden through indifferences in her personal life she contentedly lives up to the image.

Her friends pass through her life at various stages, including her original love interest John Branagh a reporter with BBC TV. Will they ever get together I kept asking myself?

We watch with bated breath, as drug gangs intent on holding their territory to the extent of murder are introduced into the story. Close friends from childhood, each following their own political viewpoint.

As we move on to the closing chapters, we observe Shelia Doherty now an international star walking the famous cat walk for Delmara Fashions. Suddenly hooded gunmen break in and in the mayhem Shelia is kidnapped due to mistaken identity …………..

BELFAST GIRLS for me has been an absolute pleasure to review. This is a story that held my interest from beginning to the unexpected ending.

Like many other readers of BELFAST GIRLS, I would certainly recommend it as a 5 star read.

A serious contender for the 2011 BOOKER PRIZE

TKGeering 30/11/2010

The New Kitchen

2010-11-22T14:46:00.000Z

My kitchen is being gutted and refurbished, plus all the electrics in the house are being replaced. The kitchen contents are now spread over the dining room living room and workroom. If it takes so many rooms to contain it all how on earth do I get it all in the kitchen I pondered. I have at least three weeks of this plus the tiling and decorating to do, new coving etc.
I had nine tradesmen in on Friday morning, i'm sure they have a built in sensor that detects the kettle boiling.
Consequently I haven't had much internet because the electric keeps going off.
Normal service will be back I guess in about 3 weeks................

DRAMA QUEENS WITH LOVE SCENES

2010-11-22T14:33:00.000Z

I was very unsure about reviewing this book as I am not a fan of the theatre at all.
However it was not what I expected and I was pleasantly surprised.

REVIEW OF DRAMA QUEENS WITH LOVE SCENES

Drama Queens with love scenes is a rather different type of story with a major twist.

It took me a while to get hooked into the story but the beginning was a good base for what was to come.
Allan and Warwick (friends and lovers) die unexpectedly before their time. Consequently they are given another chance in the afterlife to relive what should have been in their mortal life.

With the help of a gay angel called Guy and Samantha a throwback from the 1950’s they tread the boards in heavenly theatre land.

This is where most of the story is set, and as it moves on Allan still feels the same about Warwick, but he has moved on to a new love interest called Pedro.

The story takes many twists and turns until finally Allan has the chance to move on; but to where?

I was pleasantly surprised at the ending and if you loved the land of theatre and it’s trappings you will love Drama Queens with love scenes.

ã Teresa Geering 18/11/2010

THE ISLAND OF WHISPERS

2010-11-08T20:29:00.001Z

I courageously confronted my phobia of rodents and picked up The Island of Whispers and below is my review. Just shows you can't judge a book by the cover !!

REVIEW
THE ISLAND OF WHISPERS - BRENDAN GISBY

"With great trepidation, I began to read The Island of Whispers.
I hate rats with a passion, but under the influential, cunning writing of Brendan Gisby, I found myself reading this in one long sitting.....

Out of sight of prying eyes deep underground, live a colony of rats with imaginative names, such as Twisted Foot, his mate Grey Eyes and their offspring Soft Mover.
Their world is regimented and overseen by a King Rat, who ensures that only the strongest survive by having the weakest culled. These bodies are then in turn used for the feeding cycle.

As the Cold Cycle begins above ground so the breeding season begins below. All in their world is exactly as it should be....
Then the story takes a different turn. A group of the rats led by Twisted Foot and his mate Grey Eyes, who had been subjected to rape, decide to make a bid for freedom to the greener lands above, along with their offspring.
With unexpected help from the lower rat quarters, a bloody battle ensues and they are finally free but at what cost?
Keeping well hidden from four legs, (a nifty Jack Russell called Nipper) and the two legged variety of rat catcher, they set out to cross the sea to safety. Could they swim? They had no idea but were prepared to take that chance.
I found myself willing these little rats to overcome all of the obstacles put in their way (and there were many) to obtain safety on the other side.
Twisted Foot and his followers are pursued by the remaining rats in the colony that have orders to bring them back at the cost of their own lives.
I breathed a sigh of relief, as these intrepid adventurers finally make it to safety but again at what cost?
Do they set up a new colony and live happily ever after....
At times, the song ‘Bright Eyes’ from Watership Down popped into my head. Was I getting to like these disgusting little furry creatures?

Would I highly recommend it?

The answer is a resounding yes for all age groups, because The Island of Whispers is extremely well written and thought out, albeit highly gory in places."

You can buy the book at this link:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Island-Whispers-Brendan-Gisby/dp/1907407103

Also take a look at Brendans blog:
http://thefrustratedwriter.org.uk/cgi-bin/ebb/blog2/index.php

HOOKING UP

2010-11-07T11:13:00.002Z

So your fresh out of a relationship because you were dumped.

What next? Well you could go for a 'hook up' (one night stand) as did the character in this book.
Just look at the consequences though .....

HOOKING UP - JESSICA L DEGARMO
**********

Caitlin Page Edison a paediatric physical therapist was raised by her grandmother from a young age when her parents died in a plane crash.

Moving on but never achieving closure of their death, she eventually gets into a ten year relationship with her childhood sweetheart Michael.

Unexpectedly and very abruptly Michael calls a halt to the relationship making comparisons to ‘an old sweatshirt’. It fitted, it’s comfortable but it’s now full of holes and stains.

Her grandmother who is completely besotted by Michael blames Caitlin for the break up.

Thoroughly dejected Caitlin takes solace in her two closest girl friends, one a virgin and the other a topless dancer whose routine includes a rubber chicken. An unlikely prop but one which I had to admit made me smile.

The answer to her problems she is assured is to go for a ‘hook up’ (one night stand), recommended by the latest magazine. Caitlin however forgoes the advice and leaves it to fate to sort out.

While she is out drowning her sorrows with her friends Michael removes most of the furniture and leaves her with just an arm chair a single end table, and a bed.

Caitlin in these dire surroundings tries to reassess her life. Manoeuvring the furniture is not an option as there is virtually nothing to move. So with a complete change of bed linen and new throw to remark her territory she gets on with her life.

After a month or so of being on her own and Valentines Day had come and gone with no results. She makes the momentous decision to go for the ‘hook up’. After all what was there to lose. She had her karate training as a back up.

In a black thong and push up bra, worn under a black tank dress, she slips her feet into a pair of stiletto heels, and with her dark hair worn loose, she’s dressed to kill.

Getting into her car she begins to cruise the town.

Coming across a sophisticated bar called ‘The Wave’ she is tempted inside. Seated with a good view of the other occupants she checks out the action and hones in on a good looking fella who fits the bill perfectly. After the usual introductions and some seductive words she invites him back to her place.

After a night of unbridled passion she awakes the next morning with misgivings and regrets and tosses him out.

However this man is not going to be put off and so the unexpected presents etc are left on the door step. Finally she agrees to go on another date with him and inevitably they end up back at her place again.

Eventually she notices he’s left a calling card. Reading it Caitlin then realises that she has been bedded twice by none other than Officer Ryan Ashford of Pittston Police Dept.....

As we move through the story we discover that Officer Ryan Ashford is recently divorced with a young son Benji the light of his life.

As the relationship between Caitlin and Ryan gets on a more steady footing, his ex wife comes on the scene and the custody battle for Benji ensues with many blows being struck sometimes literally.

Whilst this battle is being fought in the courts Michael then makes a reappearance encouraged by an unexpected source and Caitlin finds herself in a compromising situation....

To tell any more would give away the secrets of this exciting, page turner.

I was truly gutted when I realised I had read the last page as I wanted more.

The Acknowledgement at the end was an unexpected surprise and I found myself on the verge of a tear.

Very Highly Recommended

T.K.Geering

04/11/10

YAY !!!

2010-11-05T07:20:00.000Z

                            LIVERPOOL 3 - NAPOLI 1

                  bet yer footy boots Reg is celebrating somewhere :-)

                  http://divisionofthedamned.com/ short stories to freeze yer socks to yer feet. Take a butchers.

FORGET JAWS - LOOK AT THIS

2010-11-02T08:14:00.001Z

Here is a review of THE ARC by Paul A Rudd. This book convinces the reader that this could so easily happen.......

REVIEW

THE ARC
by PAUL A. RUDD

The Aquatic Research City (ARC) built by marine experts and subsidised by a billionaire, is home to a forty five foot shark which weighs in at over twenty tons. Due to a lack in security safety the Carcharadon Megaldon escapes into the open sea.

The build up in the first couple of chapters, sets a good background for the reader; however the story really takes off from the moment of the escape.

Reports suddenly begin coming in of unexplained occurrences at sea. Half of a female body is discovered. Strong ocean going boats are turned into matchwood. A helicopter pilot watches in amazement as a complete lifeboat and survivors are engorged by what......? Have her eyes deceived her?

Realisation that the Pacific Ocean is now the home of the King of the Sea, steps up the action.

The hero of the hour is a young palaeontologist Morgan Read, who saves the day. No I’m not going to tell you how.........

Paul Rudd in this debut novel takes us on a journey of carnage. Firstly through the eyes of the shark along with his insatiable appetite for anything that moves. Then in turn through his victims eyes as they get first view of this predator.

ARC is in my opinion extremely well researched. I could very easily compare it to the book/film ‘JAWS’ but I feel it holds its own superiority over JAWS and is worthy of standing in its own limelight.

It will be many a day before I dip my toes in the ocean again. There is no telling how fast the King of the Sea can travel or to where.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
T.K. Geering 31/10/10

MORE NICKABLES FROM POPPET

2010-10-29T11:50:00.000+01:00

Holy Prostitutes

A man is driving down a deserted stretch of highway when he notices a sign out of the corner of his eye....It reads:

SISTERS OF ST. FRANCIS

HOUSE OF PROSTITUTION

10 MILES

He thinks this is a figment of his imagination and drives on without a second thought....

Soon he sees another sign which reads:

SISTERS OF ST. FRANCIS

HOUSE OF PROSTITUTION

5 MILES

Suddenly he begins to realize that these signs are for real and drives past a third sign saying:

SISTERS OF ST. FRANCIS

HOUSE OF PROSTITUTION

NEXT RIGHT

His curiosity gets the best of him and he pulls into the drive. On the far side of the parking lot is a stone building with a small sign next to the door reading:

SISTERS OF ST. FRANCIS

He climbs the steps and rings the bell. The door is answered by a nun in a long black habit who asks, 'What may we do for you ! my son? '

He answers, 'I saw your signs along the highway and was interested in possibly doing business....'

'Very well my son. Please follow me.' He is led through many winding passages and is soon quite disoriented. The nun stops at a closed door and tells the man, 'Please knock on this door.'

He does so and another nun in a long habit, holding a tin cup answers the door... This nun instructs, 'Please place $100 in the cup then go through the large wooden door at the end of the hallway.'

He puts $100 in the cup, eagerly trots down the hall and slips through the door pulling it shut behind him.

The door locks, and he finds himself back in the parking lot facing another sign:

GO IN PEACE. YOU HAVE JUST BEEN SCREWED BY THE SISTERS OF ST. FRANCIS.

Well what were you expecting eh???

Do you know that when a woman wears a leather dress,
a man's heart beats faster,
his throat gets dry,
he goes weak in the knees,
and he begins to think irrationally?
Ever wonder why ..?
It's because she .................
SMELLS LIKE A NEW CAR!

I'm off to review a book about RATS - The furry kind!!!
Tat aa .....

SHRIEK - AND OTHER HALLOWEEN SOUNDS

2010-10-26T14:45:00.000+01:00

               Well it will be if you check out these short story compilations by my good friend Reg Jones:

               Vampires and Spooky with a little bit of "I wasn't expecting that!"

                                 Here is the link:

                               http://divisionofthedamned.blogspot.com/p/short-stories.html

From one of my colleagues - VERY nickable :-)

2010-10-26T08:48:00.000+01:00

>

> BRITISH NEWSPAPERS

>

> Commenting on a complaint from a Mr. Arthur Purdey about a large gas

> bill, a spokesman for North West Gas said, 'We agree it was rather

> high for the time of year. It's possible Mr. Purdey has been charged

> for the gas used up during the explosion that destroyed his house.'

> (The Daily Telegraph)

>

> Police reveal that a woman arrested for shoplifting had a whole

> salami in her underwear. When asked why, she said it was because she

> was missing her Italian boyfriend.

> (The Manchester Evening News)

>

> Irish police are being handicapped in a search for a stolen van,

> because they cannot issue a description. It's a Special Branch vehicle

> and they don't want the public to know what it looks like.

> (The Guardian)

>

> A young girl who was blown out to sea on a set of inflatable teeth

> was rescued by a man on an inflatable lobster. A coast guard

> spokesman commented, 'This sort of thing is all too common'.

> (The Times)

>

> At the height of the gale, the harbourmaster radioed a coast guard

> and asked him to estimate the wind speed. He replied he was sorry,

> but he didn't have a gauge. However, if it was any help, the wind had

> just blown his Land Rover off the cliff.

> ( Aberdeen Evening Express)

>

> Mrs. Irene Graham of Thorpe Avenue , Boscombe, delighted the audience

> with her reminiscence of the German prisoner of war who was sent each

> week to do her garden. He was repatriated at the end of 1945, she

> recalled -

> 'He'd always seemed a nice friendly chap, but when the crocuses came

> up in the middle of our lawn in February 1946, they spelt out 'Heil

> Hitler.''

> ( Bournemouth Evening Echo)

>

> HEARD ON THE LONDON UNDERGROUND (TUBE)

> A list of actual announcements that London Tube train drivers have

> made to their passengers...

>

> 1) 'Ladies and Gentlemen, I do apologize for the delay to your

> service. I know you're all dying to get home, unless, of course, you

> happen to be married to my ex-wife, in which case you'll want to cross

> over to the Westbound and go in the opposite direction.'

>

> 2) 'Your delay this evening is caused by the line controller

> suffering from E & B syndrome: not knowing his elbow from his

> backside. I'll let you know any further information as soon as I'm

> given any.'

>

> 3) 'Do you want the good news first or the bad news? The good news is

> that last Friday was my birthday and I hit the town and had a great

> time. The bad news is that there is a points failure somewhere

> between Stratford and East Ham, which means we probably won't reach

> our destination.'

>

> 4) 'Ladies and gentlemen, we apologize for the delay, but there is a

> security alert at Victoria station and we are therefore stuck here

> for the foreseeable future, so let's take our minds off it and pass

> some time together. All together now.... 'Ten green bottles, hanging

> on a wall.....'.'

>

> 5) 'We are now travelling through Baker Street ... As you can see,

> Baker Street is closed. It would have been nice if they had actually

> told me,

> so I could tell you earlier, but no, they don't think about things

> like that'.

>

> 6) 'Beggars are operating on this train. Please do NOT encourage

> these professional beggars. If you have any spare change, please give

> it to a registered charity. Failing that, give it to me.'

>

> 7) During an extremely hot rush hour on the Central Line, the driver

> announced in a West Indian drawl: 'Step right this way for the sauna,

> ladies and gentleman... unfortunately, towels are not provided.'

>

> 8) 'Let the passengers off the train FIRST!' (Pause ) 'Oh go on then,

> stuff yourselves in like sardines, see if I care - I'm going home....'

>

> 9) 'Please allow the doors to close. Try not to confuse this with

> 'Please hold the doors open.' The two are distinct and separate

> instructions.'

>

> 10) 'Please note that the beeping noise coming from the doors means

> that the doors are about to close. It does not mean throw yourself or

> your bags into the doors.'

>

> 11) 'We can't move off because some idiot has their hand stuck in the

> door.'

>

> 12) 'To the gentleman wearing the long grey coat trying to get on the

> second carriage -- what part of 'stand clear of the doors' don't you

> understand?'

>

> 13) 'Please move all baggage away from the doors.' (Pause..) 'Please

> move ALL belongings away from the doors.' (Pause...) 'This is a

> personal message to the man in the brown suit wearing glasses at the

> rear of the train: Put the pie down, Four-eyes, and move your bloody

> golf clubs away from the door before I come down there and shove them

> up your arse sideways!'

>

> 14) 'May I remind all passengers that there is strictly no smoking

> allowed on any part of the Underground. However, if you are smoking a

> joint, it's only fair that you pass it round the rest of the

> carriage.'

New Editor on the Block - Genevieve Sawchyn

2010-10-23T12:48:00.003+01:00

So your book is finally finished and those magic words 'The End' have now been written.
Now comes the hardest part going back over it endless times to edit the story to perfection.
Why go all through that trauma when there is a superb editor awaiting your pleasure.
Genevieve Satchwyn is an editor whose reputation goes before her.
Here are the links to her sites.

http://WritingWildly.com/

http://genevieve-thewritemove.blogspot.com/

http://twitter.com/writingwildly

Well ..... What are you waiting for?

UNDER A HARVEST MOON

2010-10-17T09:05:00.000+01:00

One of my favourite authors and friends has just had a book published called UNDER A HARVEST MOON. It will be available in time for Halloween - the time of Shamhain when the veil between the two worlds of the living and the dead are at their thinnest !!
I haven't got the expertise to bring the cover of the book to this blog (I really tried!!) Poppet had a hand in designing it. However if you go to her blog http://authorpoppet/ you can see it. I defy you not to like it. It has just the right touch for Halloween and all we celebrate at this time.

So then this is it, savour and enjoy.
Said Poppet ...........

                                                         Under a Harvest Moon

                                                   A Pandora's Imagination Anthology

I am so happy to be a part of this Anthology. It is out in time for Samhain / Halloween 2010. The contributors include two of my friends, Andy Chester and Kerry A Morgan. I submitted two stories for the anthology, Ruthless and Spellbound.

Spellbound is an erotic Pagan short story of being spellbound under the Hunter's Moon. Ruthless is a ghost story about a man who cheats on his wife, and a ghost comes out of her grave to set things right.

I am so honoured to have designed this cover for Pandora's Imagination. A huge thank you to Kerry for being such a pleasure to work with.

Under A Harvest Moon

An Anthology

Pandora's Imagination (.com)

Open the pages, step inside, be sure you are safe, and not truly flesh bait. Rest assured you'll be entertained, by hunger's thirst, and demons play. Some are afflicted, with ruthless abandon, though presently, we search for gemstone magicks. Keep your eyes wide and free, glance not peripherally for we'll keep you spellbound, under the influences of erotics found. We'll be ever-grateful, for those who've survived, and read till the end of our harvest, this time.

AUTHORS!

Kerry A. Morgan • Poppet • Drew Cross •Andy Chester • A.J. Brown • E.F. Shraeder • Tala Bar • Dennis Thompson • Liz R. Newman •

Publication Date: Oct 16 2010

ISBN/EAN13: 1453884513 / 9781453884515

Page Count: 416

Binding Type: US Trade Paper

Trim Size: 6" x 9"

Language: English

Related Categories: Fiction / Horror

                              GO AND BUY IT IN TIME FOR HALLOWEEN/SHAMHAIN 2010

BLACK SHADOWS

2010-10-10T15:08:00.001+01:00

I have just finished reading this thrilling book by Simon Swift, and below is my review.

BLACK SHADOWS REVIEW SIMON SWIFT

Black Shadows is not a book I would normally choose to read, but I’m so glad the opportunity was given to me.

We are introduced to the main character Errol Christopher Black, a rookie private detective as he tucks into a large bloody porterhouse steak. Detectives Terry Shadow and Dyke Spanner of the Shadow Man Detective Agency are helping him work his way through a now half empty bottle of claret.

The story unfolds in Newark New Jersey in 1935 where mobs rule, and we are witness to a typical shoot out of the time. As the table is upended to afford some form of protection from the flying bullets, they realise that they are not the intended targets but Terry Shadow meets his untimely end with two clean bullets to the head.

Ten years down the line we find Errol Christopher Black with a new partner, Hermeez Wentz and now based in Manhattan at the Black and Wentz Detective Agency along with his very obliging secretary Ava Jameson.

Errol seems happy to take on run of the mill cases and his new client Claudia seems to fit into that category. She tells of a straying fiancé George, along with the discovery of a lipstick and pair of lacy panties which don’t belong to her.

As he takes on what he considers to be a routine surveillance case, Errol is unexpectedly drawn back once more to the mobsters and gangs of that time.

His one time partner Dyke Spanner is shot to death and Errol finds himself on the trail of a blue diamond coveted by hoodlums and beautiful women alike.

The story unfolds with many twists and turns, whilst the reader is witness to the beautiful women that Errol chooses to bed, in his quest for the diamond and the elusive George. Murder is not a rare occurrence either. To state more would give away too much of the plot.

The strength of the writing led me to imagine that I was entering into a 1940’s movie with Humphrey Bogart in the wings.

I also firmly believe that with the right exposure, there is potential here for a film.

Many times during reading BLACK SHADOWS I was convinced that I had all the answers, only to be completely wrong footed by the superb, imaginative writing of Simon Swift.

T K Geering 10/10/2010

Here is a taster of the first chapter ....

Prologue

23 October 1935

Newark, New Jersey

When the shooting started, I was tucking into a nice, bloody porterhouse steak. A generous portion of mashed potatoes, string beans and turnip accompanied it, swimming in the tasty juices from the meat. A half empty bottle of claret stood in the middle of the table and a basket full of bread rolls sat at the edge. Three other men were eating; Terry Shadow was on my right, a small, wiry Irishman faced me, and Dyke Spanner was next to him.

The first few shots took us by surprise, but as they were not meant for us it did not really matter. A small man dressed in a brown suit was firing a pistol, but it was his partner, a larger, angrier, uglier man that was doing the damage, pumping the room full of shotgun blasts. Three of their intended targets were sitting in the far corner, and were all badly hurt in the opening exchange.

Dyke Spanner turned the table on its end, sending the plates of food crashing to the floor, before firing a volley of shots in the general direction of the mayhem. The wine survived, snatched by Terry Shadow seconds before, who was now drinking it straight from the bottle. We all cowered behind the table as it started to splinter before us, firing the odd shot back in the direction from where they came.

"Stop firing that fuckin' gun," shouted Terry in between gulps. "They're not here for us."

He was right. The intended hit was taking a piss in the bathroom. He was shot eight times; suffering mortal wounds to the abdomen, but amazingly didn't die for another 23 hours. The others all joined him in the death roll, as did Terry Shadow only moments after he scolded Dyke Spanner and myself. He died with a third of a bottle of claret in his hand and two clean gunshots to his head.

The moment Terry died I knew that it would change everything. There was no guarantee I would walk out of here alive. In fact, the chances were looking slimmer by the second, as all four of the killers’ targets were now approaching their end. But if I were to survive, my whole life as operative for The Shadow Man Detective Agency would be different.

Terry Shadow was the founder, owner and overall supremo of The Shadow Man Detective Agency. We averaged thirty cases a week, from debt collecting to missing persons. By far the most popular, however, was mob work. We did everything for the wise guys except pull the trigger. It didn’t matter if it was surveillance; tailing future hits, recovery; finding frisky treasurers that tended to go walkabout, or troubleshooting; which just about covered most things. If it paid, we did it. But most often it was security.

New York was full of would-be gangsters. There were regional mobs everywhere, all with their own tribal territories controlling protection rackets, narcotics, gambling and women. Everybody wanted a piece. It was these guys that we dealt with most. Transporting a name safely was a quick and well-rewarded job, even if the risks were supposedly high. Luckily the mobs tended to leave outsiders alone, which made my life a lot easier. We only lost one man in three years and didn't discriminate, working for anybody who paid well. New York wasn't short of those.

The bank balance swelled, but all our reputations suffered. Some weeks we pulled in twenty grand clear and all went home happy. It couldn't go on forever. Don't get me wrong, I didn’t particularly like what we were doing, but it wasn't my conscience that got the better of me. After all, I was only following orders. It had to end sometime. I would never spend all the money anyway, and although I had a reputation as a mob hanger-on I was hardly one of the boys. With Terry dead, the end was in sight. I decided right there and then, as bullets fizzed around my ears and blood splashed all over the carpet, that enough was enough.

It was the silence that broke my thoughts. A faint patter of footsteps, the slamming of a door, and then nothing. I checked myself over and to my surprise I was not hurt. The table was nothing more than firewood, there was broken glass and pints of blood splattered all over the floor, but I was in one piece. I looked over at Dyke Spanner and his smile told me that he too was unhurt. Our third dining acquaintance was gone.

The peace was broken by a stocky, heavy-set man, bleeding desperately from the middle, stumbling out of the bathroom. He had a smoking cigar between his teeth and a rather disheveled fedora in one hand. In the other shaking hand he held a gun, which he raised and pointed at every man in the room before lowering it and swearing resignedly to himself.

Of the other three targeted men, one was unconscious, one was absent and the other groaned aloud in a pool of his own blood. Dyke tapped me on the shoulder and said, "Errol, we should go. We don't want to be caught up in any of this. Let's get the boss to a hospital and scram."

I nodded watching in amazement as the man embraced his unconscious friend before leaping to his feet and pointing at me. "Kid come here."

I looked at Dyke and he shrugged.
"I said come here," repeated the dying man, more in hope than authority.

I holstered my weapon and walked through the debris to the man. The only other survivor had staggered his way through to the main tavern and could now be heard ringing for medical assistance. We all knew it would be too late. Dyke stayed nearby.

Up close he looked exactly the same as in all the news pictures. Although he was physically a small man, he still exuded an aura that a dying man should not be able to hold. His deep-set eyes were wild and darted around, even though he was talking to me and I was close enough to smell his breath. He was sucking a peppermint but he still smelled distinctly of death. His nose was crooked and had been broken many times, his chin square, his ears large but unobtrusive and his lips thin and colourless. He looked like a man I had seen many times and yet he was a man I had only just set my eyes upon.

"Come on Rolly," urged Dyke Spanner.

The last words of Arthur Flegenheimer have since been the subject of much myth and speculation. There are many pages of transcript from an official stenographer, which formed the basis of Bill Burroughs’s 1969 story. To me, most of it was the nonsense of a dying man, a proud, powerful and incredibly vicious, but nevertheless a dying man. The last words he uttered to me may or may not have been similar nonsense. When he finished talking about gloves, Hitler and the trouble with Jews he looked at me square in the eyes and said, "Think big, son, think big. And whatever you do steer clear of the wise guys, they’ll kill you!" and he patted me several times on the back.

Before I could reply, Dyke Spanner grabbed me by the shoulder and hauled me out of there. "The cops are here we gotta go," is all he said.

So I cleaned my hands of the mob, refused all offers, however handsome, and kept to the private stuff. With Terry gone it was now Errol Christopher Black who was the boss. It wasn't fear of dying, most mobsters died on the job that was a fact, but I had lost fear years ago. I simply decided that it wasn't for me anymore and took my low-life standards elsewhere.

Dyke Spanner refused to follow.................

2010-10-10T09:35:00.001+01:00

I've nicked some more from Poppet.
Normal service will be resumed as soon as i've finished reading and reviewing a couple of books. The first book Dark Shadows, I have just finished and i'm about to write up a review. I feel it will do extremely well.

*************
A man and his ever-nagging wife went on vacation in Jerusalem. While they were there, the wife passed away. The undertaker told the husband, "You can have her buried here in the Holy Land for $150 or we can have her shipped back home for $5000.

The husband thought about it and told the undertaker he would have her shipped back home. The undertaker asked him, "why would you spend $5000 to have her shipped home when you could have a beautiful burial here, and it would only cost $150???
The husband replied, "Long ago, a man named Jesus died here, was buried here, and three days later, rose from the dead.
I Just can't take that chance!"

Questions that haunt

• How important does a person have to be before they are considered assassinated instead of just murdered?

• Why do people pay to go up tall buildings and then put money in binoculars to look at things on the ground?

• Why do toasters always have a setting that burns the toast to a horrible crisp, which no decent human being would eat?

Brit humour
I was walking down the road when I saw an Afghan bloke standing on a fifth floor balcony shaking a carpet. I shouted up to him, "What's up Abdul, won't it start?"

The word UP
This two-letter word in English has more meanings than any other two-letter word, and that word is 'UP.' It is listed in the dictionary as an [adv], [prep], [adj], [n] or [v].

It's easy to understand UP, meaning toward the sky or at the top of the list, but when we awaken in the morning, why do we wake UP?

At a meeting, why does a topic come UP? Why do we speak UP, and why are the officers UP for election and why is it UP to the secretary to write UP a report? We call UP our friends, brighten UP a room, polish UP the silver, warm UP the leftovers and clean UP the kitchen. We lock UP the house and fix UP the old car.
At other times this little word has real special meaning. People stir UP trouble, line UP for tickets, work UP an appetite, and think UP excuses.

To be dressed is one thing but to be dressed UP is special. And this UP is confusing: A drain must be opened UP because it is stopped UP.

We open UP a store in the morning but we close it UP at night. We seem to be pretty mixed UP about UP !

To be knowledgeable about the proper uses of UP, look UP the word UP in the dictionary.. In a desk-sized dictionary, it takes UP almost 1/4 of the page and can add UP to about thirty definitions

If you are UP to it, you might try building UP a list of the many ways UP is used. It will take UP a lot of your time, but if you don't give UP, you may wind UP with a hundred or more.

When it threatens to rain, we say it is clouding UP . When the sun comes out we say it is clearing UP. When it rains, it soaks UP the earth. When it does not rain for awhile, things dry UP. One could go on & on, but I'll wrap it UP, for now ........my time is UP ! Oh....one more thing: What is the first thing you do in the morning & the last thing you do at night?

U

P !

Did that one crack you UP? Now - I'll shut UP

Grandma's don't know everything….
Little Tony was 9 years old and was staying with his Grandma for a few days. He'd been playing outside with the other kids for a while when he came into the house and asked her, “Grandma, what's that thing called when two people sleep in the same room and one is on top of the other?”

She was a little taken back, but she decided to tell him the truth. “It's called sexual intercourse, darling”

Little Tony said, “Oh, OK”, and went back outside to play with the other kids.

A few minutes later he came back in and said angrily, “Grandma, it isn't called sexual intercourse. It's called Bunk Beds, and Jimmy's mom wants to talk to you.”

Getting Even

One December day we found an old straggly cat at our door. She was a sorry sight. Starving, dirty, smelled terrible, skinny, and hair all matted down. We felt sorry for her so we put her in a carrier and took her to the vet.

We didn't know what to call her so we named her 'Pussycat.'

The vet decided to keep her for a day or so. He said he would let us know when we could come and get her.

My husband (the complainer) said, 'OK, but don't forget to wash her, she stinks.' He reminded the vet that it was his WIFE (me) that wanted the dirty cat, not him.

My husband and my Vet don't see eye to eye. The vet calls my husband 'El-Cheap-O', and my husband calls the vet 'El-Charge-O'. They love to hate each other and constantly 'snipe' at one another, with my husband getting in the last word on this particular occasion.

The next day my husband had an appointment with his doctor, who is located in the same building, next door to the vet.

The MD's waiting room and office was full of people waiting to see the doctor. A side door opened and the vet leaned in - he had obviously seen my husband arrive.

He looked straight at my husband and in a loud voice said, 'Your wife's pussy doesn't stink any more. We washed and shaved it, and now she smells like a rose. Oh, and, by the way, I think she's pregnant. God only knows who the father is!' Then he closed the door.

Now THAT, my friends, is getting even!

Keep this in mind the next time you are about to repeat a rumour or spread gossip.

In ancient Greece (469 - 399 BC), Socrates was widely lauded for his wisdom.
One day an acquaintance ran up to him excitedly and said, "Socrates, do you know what I just heard about Diogenes?"
"Wait a moment," Socrates replied, "Before you tell me I'd like you to pass a little test. It's called the Triple Filter Test."
'Triple filter?" asked the acquaintance.
"That's right," Socrates continued, "Before you talk to me about Diogenes let's take a moment to filter what you're going to say. The first filter is Truth. Have you made absolutely sure that what you are about to tell me is true?"
"No," the man said, "Actually I just heard about it."
"All right," said Socrates, "So you don't really know if it's true or not. Now let's try the second filter, the filter of Goodness. Is what you are about to tell me about Diogenes something good?"
"No, on the contrary..."
"So," Socrates continued, "You want to tell me something about Diogenes that may be bad, even though you're not certain it's true?"
The man shrugged, a little embarrassed. Socrates continued, "You may still pass the test though, because there is a third filter, the filter of Usefulness. Is what you want to tell me about Diogenes going to be useful to me?"
"No, not really."
"Well," concluded Socrates, "If what you want to tell me is neither True nor Good nor even useful, why tell it to me or anyone at all?"

The man was bewildered and ashamed. This is an example of why Socrates was a great philosopher and held in such high esteem.

It also explains why Socrates never found out that Diogenes was shagging his wife.

Sunday Smile from Poppet

2010-09-19T09:03:00.002+01:00

I sooo had to nick these....
Reg you're gonna love the 'directory enquiries' for Cardiff. I actually went to this place in Wales oh so many hundreds of years ago. I'm surprised it hasn't been converted to an Irish Paddy joke!!

Customer: 'I've been ringing 0800 2100 for two days and can't get through to enquiries, can you help?'.

Operator: 'Where did you get that number from, sir?'.

Customer: 'It was on the door to the Travel Centre'.

Operator: 'Sir, they are our opening hours'.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Samsung Electronics

Caller: 'Can you give me the telephone number for Jack?'

Operator: 'I'm sorry, sir, I don't understand who you are talking about'.

Caller: 'On page 1, section 5, of the user guide it clearly states that I need to unplug the fax machine from the AC wall socket and telephone Jack before cleaning. Now, can you give me the number for Jack?'

Operator: 'I think you mean the telephone point on the wall'.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

RAC Motoring Services

Caller: 'Does your European Breakdown Policy cover me when I am travelling in Australia ?'

Operator: ' Doesn't the product name give you a clue?'

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Caller (enquiring about legal requirements while travelling in France ):

'If I register my car in France , do I have to change the steering wheel to the other side of the car?'

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Directory Enquiries

Caller: 'I'd like the number of the Argoed Fish Bar in Cardiff please'.

Operator: 'I'm sorry, there's no listing. Is the spelling correct?'

Caller: 'Well, it used to be called the Bargoed Fish Bar but the 'B' fell off'.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Then there was the caller who asked for a knitwear company in Woven.

Operator: 'Woven? Are you sure?'

Caller: 'Yes. That's what it says on the label; Woven in Scotland '.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

On another occasion, a man making heavy breathing sounds from a phone box told a worried operator:

'I haven't got a pen, so I'm steaming up the window to write the number on'.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Tech Support: 'I need you to right-click on the Open Desktop'.

Customer: 'OK'.

Tech Support: 'Did you get a pop-up menu?'.

Customer: 'No'.

Tech Support: 'OK. Right-Click again. Do you see a pop-up menu?'

Customer: 'No'.

Tech Support: 'OK, sir. Can you tell me what you have done up until this point?'.

Customer: 'Sure. You told me to write 'click' and I wrote 'click''.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Tech Support: 'OK. In the bottom left hand side of the screen, can you see the 'OK' button displayed?'

Customer: 'Wow. How can you see my screen from there?'

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Caller: 'I deleted a file from my PC last week and I have just realised that I need it. If I turn my system clock back two weeks will I have my file back again?'.

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Operator: 'Ridge Hall, computer assistance; may I help you?'

Caller: 'Yes, well, I'm having trouble with WordPerfect.'

Operator: 'What sort of trouble??'

Caller: 'Well, I was just typing along, and all of a sudden the words went away.'

Operator: 'Went away?'

Caller: 'They disappeared.'

Operator: 'Hmm So what does your screen look like now?'

Caller: 'Nothing.'

Operator: 'Nothing??'

Caller: 'It's blank; it won't accept anything when I type.'

Operator: 'Are you still in WordPerfect, or did you get out??'

Caller: 'How do I tell?'

Operator: 'Can you see the C: prompt on the screen??'

Caller: 'What's a sea-prompt?'

Operator: 'Never mind, can you move your cursor around the screen?'

Caller: 'There isn't any cursor: I told you, it won't accept anything I type.'

Operator: 'Does your monitor have a power indicator??'

Caller: 'What's a monitor?'

Operator: 'It's the thing with the screen on it that looks like a TV. Does it have a little light that tells you when it's on??'

Caller: 'I don't know.'

Operator: 'Well, then look on the back of the monitor and find where the power cord goes into it. Can you see that??'

Caller: 'Yes, I think so.'

Operator: 'Great. Follow the cord to the plug, and tell me if it's plugged into the wall.

Caller: 'Yes, it is.'

Operator: 'When you were behind the monitor, did you notice that there were two cables plugged into the back of it, not just one??'

Caller: 'No.'

Operator: 'Well, there are. I need you to look back there again and find the other cable.'

Caller: 'Okay, here it is.'

Operator: 'Follow it for me, and tell me if it's plugged securely into the back of your computer.'

Caller: 'I can't reach.'

Operator: 'Uh huh. Well, can you see if it is??'

Caller: 'No.'

Operator: 'Even if you maybe put your knee on something and lean way over??'

Caller: 'Oh, it's not because I don't have the right angle - it's because it's dark.'

Operator: 'Dark??'

Caller: 'Yes - the office light is off, and the only light I have is coming in from the window.

' Operator: 'Well, turn on the office light then.'

Caller: 'I can't.'

Operator: 'No? Why not??'

Caller: 'Because there's a power failure.'

Operator: 'A power......... A power failure? Aha, Okay, we've got it licked now.

Do you still have the boxes and manuals and packing stuff your computer came in??'

Caller: 'Well, yes, I keep them in the closet.'

Operator: 'Good. Go get them, and unplug your system and pack it up just like it was when you got it. Then take it back to the store you bought it from.'

Caller: 'Really? Is it that bad?'

Operator: 'Yes, I'm afraid it is.'

Caller: 'Well, all right then, I suppose. What do I tell them??'
Operator: 'Tell them you're too f---ing stupid to own a computer!!!!!'
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

On to the super scary!

A 3 year old was examining his testicles while taking a bath. "Mom", he asked, "are these my brains?"

"Not yet", she repied.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

What a great way to start a Sunday off. Hope you enjoyed them. Bring them on Poppet.
This one is from me it makes me smile every time I read it ............

YOUR DUCK IS DEAD

A woman brought a very limp duck into a veterinary

surgeon. As she laid her pet on the table, the vet

pulled out his stethoscope and listened to the bird's

chest.

After a moment or two, the vet shook his head and

sadly said, "I'm sorry, your duck, Cuddles, has

passed away."

The distressed woman wailed, "Are you sure?"

"Yes, I am sure. Your duck is dead," replied the

vet..
"How can you be so sure?" she protested. "I mean

you haven't done any testing on him or anything.

He might just be in a coma or something."

The vet rolled his eyes, turned around and left the

room. He returned a few minutes later with a black

Labrador Retriever. As the duck's owner looked on

in amazement, the dog stood on his hind legs, put his

front paws on the examination table and sniffed the

duck from top to bottom. He then looked up at the

vet with sad eyes and shook his head.

The vet patted the dog on the head and took it out

of the room. A few minutes later he returned with

a cat. The cat jumped on the table and also delicately

sniffed the bird from head to foot. The cat sat back

on its haunches, shook its head, meowed softly and

strolled out of the room.

The vet looked at the woman and said, "I'm sorry,

but as I said, this is most definitely, 100% certifiably, a dead duck."

The vet turned to his computer terminal, hit a few keys and produced a bill, which he handed to the woman..

The duck's owner, still in shock, took the bill. "£150!"

she cried, "£150 just to tell me my duck is dead!" The

vet shrugged, "I'm sorry. If you had just taken my

word for it, the bill would have been £20, but with the Lab Report and the Cat Scan, it's now £150."

------------------------------------------------------

You know the drill ... if you're smiling, you must pass it

on, give someone else a smile too! Share the laughter

COLT - A Time For Living

2010-09-16T15:48:00.000+01:00

COLT aka Colin Theakston came to my notice through the Struggling Authors web site. Recently a review of his book A Time For Living was undertaken by this now well known reviewing site http://all-review.co.uk/
They are also affiliated to http://pushbooks.co.uk/ As the name suggests they review and push !!!

Below is what Neil Kirby at all-review said about Colin's book................

A Time For Living
By

Colt (Colin Theakston).

Genre. Thriller.

Colin Theakston aka Colt has merged many qualities into this gem of a read. Thrilling, mysterious, romantic and factual are some of the traits that could be used to describe it.

The novel is centred around British Writer, Laurence Hardy who lives in a small English town in Oxfordshire. He is a quiet albeit well respected member of his community and seemingly nice chap with what would normally be described as a fairly regular life. To his few friends and neighbours he is a normal man with a normal life, he is fortunate to travel the world in order to carry out research for his writing, but to everyone who knows him, Hardy is just a man who has found success in his work, a bit of a loner but well liked by the few who know him. In truth, Hardy was not all that he seemed; he has an alter ego known within worldwide intelligence factions as Geoffrey Summers.

As Summers, he is an independent agent who we first meet out-doing the American FBI when finding a young kidnap victim; returning her safely to her US Senator father and mother. Very little is known about Summers within the intelligence agencies. He is a wanted man but it has not been decided whether he is on the side of wrong or right, what they do know is that he has helped international governments on more than one occasion.

Summers is made aware of an impending terror strike by Al Qaeda and their intention to utilise his skills in the major terrorist threat. Summers is forced to take the assignment to avoid having his true identity revealed by the one high ranking official who knows it.
After very tense and interesting meetings with an Al Qaeda leader in Paris, who Colt portrays as a vicious
and dangerous man, Summers enters an agreement with the terrorists to deliver weapons intended for a terrorist strike within the United Kingdom, for a substantial amount of money.

At this point, the story takes a turn and Colt introduces Josh Wilson. Josh is a man of leisure living in the UK on his recently acquired canal-barge. He travels around the picturesque countryside along the canals of England sometimes making cargo deliveries between depots at different towns alongside the canals. Josh, through a very good friend and business partner Alec, meets Samantha, who as well as being seriously ill has other secrets that could damage her newly found friendship with Josh.

On their waterways trip together, Josh and Sam become very close and Sam, who up until this point had been diagnosed as terminally ill, feels that her time on the water with Josh had changed her life in a much better way. She knew it was not to last, Josh was to drop her off with her sister where she intended living out her final days. But since their meeting, everything had changed; she felt healthier, happier and was falling for her new companion. The only regret she felt was a past indiscretion that haunted her and would almost definitely end her affiliation with Josh.

Summers has made sure that Josh and Sam are involved in the terrorists plot. Unknowingly, Josh has taken cargo onto his barge to deliver further along his journey. It is the same cargo that Summers had agreed to take for a substantial amount of money.

Colt has painted a contrasting picture of Summers; he is a clever man who appears to be on the right side of the law, but as the story progresses, you ask yourself what his intentions are. He appears to be a renegade driven by greed. Will he redeem himself?

A Time For Living is numerous stories in one. A lot of time is spent becoming acquainted with Hardy and his other self, Geoffrey Summers. Then you are introduced to Josh Wilson and his new companion Samantha, who met through friends living in a public house near to the canal network. In time, the stories merge making for exciting and enthralling reading, With the well researched content including the factual towns, villages and public houses mentioned during Josh and Sam`s trip along their canal route.

You are kept on the edge of anticipation waiting for the next turn of events. The passages describing how Josh and Sam become closer are really well written and delicately done. As the reader you will find yourself hoping that everything works out well for them but doubting the possibility of it. As for Summers you are not so sure. Colt has created a very clever and elusive character who you commend at the start of the book for single-handedly saving the life of a young child. But your suspicions are alerted when he takes on a contract with the terrorist group; something that he would never normally do. But financial gain, in the region of millions seemingly plays a big part in his decision to work with the organisation.

This book is an excellent and well written story, with thrilling action, cleverly thought out plots and endearing tale. A must read which; I hope leads on to the next.

And the next - A Time For Crying - will be available by Christmas 2010 I understand. fingers crossed.

I've snitched this from Poppet's blog

2010-09-12T16:49:00.000+01:00

Hope she doesn't mind.
I'm tring to write the fourth book in the Shasta series and these are so funny.

BLESSED ARE THE CRACKED, FOR THEY LET IN THE LIGHT!

My husband and I divorced over religious differences. He thought he was God and I didn't.

I don't suffer from insanity; I enjoy every minute of it.

Some people are alive only because it's illegal to kill them.

I used to have a handle on life, but it broke.

Don't take life too seriously; No one gets out alive.

You're just jealous because the voices only talk to me

Beauty is in the eye of the beer holder.

Earth is the insane asylum for the universe.

I'm not a complete idiot -- Some parts are just missing.

Out of my mind. Back in five minutes.

NyQuil, the stuffy, sneezy, why-the-heck-is-the-room-spinning medicine.

God must love stupid people; He made so many.

The gene pool could use a little chlorine.

Consciousness: That annoying time between naps.

Ever stop to think, and forget to start again?

Being 'over the hill' is much better than being under it!

Wrinkled Was Not One of the Things I Wanted to Be When I Grew up.

Procrastinate Now!

I Have a Degree in Liberal Arts; Do You Want Fries With That?

A hangover is the wrath of grapes.

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a cash advance.

Stupidity is not a handicap. Park elsewhere!

They call it PMS because Mad Cow Disease was already taken.

He who dies with the most toys is nonetheless DEAD.

A picture is worth a thousand words, but it uses up three thousand times the memory.

The trouble with life is there's no background music.

The original point and click interface was a Smith & Wesson.

I smile because I don't know what the hell is going on.

The Paranormal - Goosebumps or Not

2010-09-02T14:59:00.000+01:00

I was over sneaky beaking a look at another website "Authors on Show".
I don't get the chance to get over there much, but I noticed that at the moment, Lorraine Holloway-White who is a medium and also administrator of the site is looking for any kinds of stories regarding the paranormal.
Here is a passage from Lorraine's blog............

...................Recently, I asked if anyone would like to share their paranormal experiences with me for my latest book. This is to be a book with a difference. Instead of just your stories, I shall add explanation using my mediumistic skills.
The idea came about as so many people all over the world, have sent queries to me, which they wanted me to explain. It occurred to me that this could make an interesting book.
As with books of this kind, there is to be no payment made to individuals who wish to see their experiences in print. Those selected will, however, receive a free explanation by return of e-mail about their experience, and what it may have meant, in advance of it being used.

They have been flooding in, but I need many more from all over the world. If you have an experience you would like to share, please contact me at:

paranormal@authorsonshow.com

You can read more about spiritual matters, or read some of my books at http://askamedium.wordpress.com/ ................

So there you have it folks. If you have any unexplained paranormal stories tucked away in those dark recesses, get to it and email Lorraine with the details at the address above. It may well be featured in her next book AND she may be able to help you out with an explanation.

At the moment I'm trying to collate details of books to promote on here ... Watch this space because once I start there will be some magnificent reading to be had. I only pick what in my opinion is the best of the crop and it isn't easy when they is so many good books to choose from.

2010-08-22T11:03:00.000+01:00

Just for a change I thought I would write about me and what I've been up to. Well apart from the new haircut, botox, boob job, liposuction and general body shrink with the gastric band, nuffin much. Or I could be lying about all of the above of course.
Who in a sane mind would go through all of the above just to preserve the "I'm in denial of my age look".
Get over it - we are what we are and if others don't like it - tough.
My haircut came about because I had a hissy fit whilst drying my long flowing tresses.
I'm thinking about adding a bit of pink/purple/green/copper just for fun though.

Gerry McCullough author of Belfast Girls

2010-08-21T18:06:00.000+01:00

Gerry McCullough and I have been following each other for a while now around the writing circuits.
Gerry hails from Ireland my most favourite place in the world after my beloved Cornwall.
It's so great to hear that her book Belfast Girls is to be published in October by my publisher http://nightpublishing.com/.
In the interim Don Booker of The Writing Life and Other Absurdities caught up with her and grabbed the opportunity to talk to her about her book.
Below is the interview.....

Friday, August 20, 2010 Author In The Zone ~ Gerry McCullough.

Gerry McCullough, born and brought up in North Belfast, has been writing since childhood. Belfast Girls, which will be brought out by Night Publishing in September or October, will be her first full length novel to be actually published. Gerry has had over forty short stories published to date, both in magazines and in anthologies, as well as two broadcast on Radio Ulster, including several prize winners. Gerry is married to singer/songwriter and Media Producer Raymond McCullough, and has four children, so when she’s not writing she loves spending time with her family and friends.

Hi Gerry. Is Belfast Girl your first book?

Belfast Girls is not the first book I’ve written, but it’s the first to be accepted by a publisher, and I’m really thrilled about it.

How long did you spend writing it?

How long is a piece of string? The book was written over a period of about six months, but then it was edited, revised, and, after a break, completely rewritten. I’ve continued to edit it until quite recently. So the answer is six months, or several years, depending on how you look at it.

Can you tell us a little about the book?

Belfast Girls is the story of the lives and loves of three girls from different religious backgrounds, who become friends as children, and remain so. They experience the last years of the troubles as children, and then, as adults, the new, emerging Belfast of money, drugs, and gang warfare. The plot contains a kidnapping, a drug overdose, a prison sentence, a shooting, the life of one of the girls as a fashion model, and much more. It’s not just a romance, by any means.

Tell us about your route to publication?

About nine months ago I put my book up on the Harper Collins site, Authonomy.com. I wasn’t offered a publishing deal by Harper Collins, but several other publishers saw the book on site, liked it, and offered to publish it. I thought Night Publishing was the best of these, and am very happy to have signed a contract with them.

Have you an agent or tried to secure the services of one?

I have had an agent for several years, Bill Jeffrey of the Wordsmith’s Forge. It was on Bill’s advice that I put Belfast Girls on Authonomy.com, so I owe my present success to him, and I’m very grateful for that. Bill is an enthusiastic and supportive agent, and has encouraged me consistently.

Who else, if anyone, has helped you along the way?

I owe a lot to my husband, Raymond. Raymond set up and maintains my website, put me on Facebook and set up a group page for me there, reads and edits almost everything I write, and has been a constant support and help; all this, while living his own very busy life, producing, among other things, Celtic Roots Radio. I don’t know where I’d be without him!

How will you market your book?

My book will be marketed by my publishers, although I’ll do everything I can to help. Night Publishing is one of the new ‘indie’ - independent - publishing houses, and they sell online, and market online. As I’m sure you know, more books have been sold through the Internet than over the counter in conventional bookshops, during the last decade, so this is certainly the way of the future. Just as iTunes gave an enormous boost to ‘indie’ musicians, so online sales are creating a great move forward for 'indie' publishers, allowing them to operate outside the major publishing houses. Night Publishing will be producing an actual paperback book, not just an ebook, but it will be sold on Amazon.com, etc.

Do you write everyday?

I aim to write every day, when it’s feasible. When my daughter got married last week, I certainly didn’t write on that particular day! My strategy is to reread and edit the work done on the previous day. This is an easy way in and works against ‘writer’s block.’ Then I move on from where I left off, feeling close to the book again by now, and write about another thousand words.

What's the last book you read?

I’m currently rereading Agatha Christie, one of my favourite authors. I read a lot of detective stories, although not the blood and guts type usually. I also love Barbara Pym, P.G. Wodehouse, Jane Austin, C.S. Lewis, Tolkien - the list is endless, but perhaps that gives you some idea.

When is the book released?

The book will be released and available for purchase by sometime in October. I don’t have an actual date yet. I’d be happy to let you know at the time! As I said above, it’ll be on Amazon.com, and probably on other outlets.

Where do you see your writing career in ten years?

I hope in ten years to have published lots more books, but who knows? And to be known worldwide would be nice. Selling through the Internet means that I can reach people in America as easily as here. I know from the comments left on my book by American readers on Authonomy.com that Belfast Girls, and indeed anything about Ireland, is likely to be popular in America.

What advice have you for new writers?

My advice to new writers is, ‘Keep writing! And don’t let people put you down. Every writer gets hundreds of rejections to one acceptance. It’s important not to give up. You’ll get there in the end.

Thanks Gerry. That was very insightful, especially the little twist of fate that got you found on Authonomy. It must have been a great feeling. Hopefully you'll speak with us again in the future and let us know how Belfast Girls is going.

Thanks, and all the best.

Posted by Don Booker

2010-08-17T13:20:00.002+01:00

So on a different note i've been on the radio.
My local radio station KMFM on Sundays do a 'tell us about yourself ' programme. This is a brand new 'slot' and by coincidence I happened to be the very first to ring in. (I also got to know the DJ quite well).

They were very interested in the Eye of Erasmus and have been reading passages out on air from a copy of the book I left in the studio. They are also promoting my publishers at every opportunity.
I have also now been featured on the infamous Adam Dowling KMFM blog.

This link is Emma the producer reading an excerpt. (The death of Agastines' sister Drendell the witch.) Unfortunately Adam the DJ - a notorious giggler - played Fleetwood Macs' Albatross as a background to it. He completely lost it and cracked up when Emma hesitated before continuing with the fatal words, but she bravely carried on.
I have listened to it twice now and I must admit I also cracked up.

When you click on the link it will take you to Adams' blog. Scroll down to the 'previous/next' button and click on previous. This will take you to 1st August blog. Where you see "Emma on the box" click the left button and it will play for you.

http://www.kmfm.co.uk/goto.php?sess=+A5B5346555957+F1D421317445C511D1D58+E+C57+9+95C55415F4B571B1254511D1758&id=229&blogcount=26&blogno=10#blogs

I gave them a signed copy each. No money for me but publicity all over Kent makes up for it. AND of course NP.

Strike two .... Kathleen McKenna gave me a wonderful review on Amazon stating she read the book in one sitting and compared me to Jean Auel the American author !!

I have also seen another pr-e-tt-y fair review which is coming up soon, along with an interview, from a new online reviewing site. As I understand it they also have a PR company that has joined forces with them. Once they are off the ground and they post it I will put the links in place.

OK so you twisted my arm. This is the sneak preview of the review then.
The review is by http://www.all-review.co.uk/ on my book The Eye of Erasmus
I will post the interview they did with me later.

.............. Eye of Erasmus by Teresa Geering. Genre - Fantasy.

The author cleverly tells the story of Erasmus and follows his enchanted life. His birth had been foretold and his fate had been predetermined. Erasmus would develop through this tale into a handsome, clever, powerful, man, who could choose any woman he desired. In turn he was arrogant and saw others as beneath him. From a young age Erasmus had been gifted. He studied the stars forming his own charts, becoming an expert in his field and from early on his mother Agastine knew that he was a special child. He was her long awaited son after six daughters and she knew that he was destined to meet a woman of similar abilities.
His destiny was set and although he possessed magical powers, there were things he could not control. When Shasta came to him in a vision, he realises his future and using his powers, leaves his own time to be with her. In his new time Erasmus ` life completely changes. He finds love, something he has never felt before. His fate was being realised and life could not be better for him.
Shasta was the woman that Erasmus was predestined to meet. A kind hearted young, beautiful woman, who prior to meeting Erasmus, had taken in Hesperus, a young orphan boy who was crippled in an accident which had led to the demise of his parents. The child seems troubled but had made an instant rapport with Merlin, Shasta`s recently adopted kitten.
Now Erasmus has found love, he becomes loyal to Shasta and even treats Hesperus as his own son. But the relationship with him, does not seem so harmonious and Hesperus never seems to take to the new man in Shasta`s life.

The story, set in a time long ago; unfolds with imaginative turns. It quickly moves onto the next topic and does not dwell on the current subject keeping the reader enthralled.
The Eye of Erasmus is the first of a quartet and after reading this instalment, the reader will immediately want to follow on with the second.
In summary, Teresa Geering has written an enthralling story with incentive to continue reading the series. The Eye of Erasmus will appeal to all ages alike. It is a book that you will read on more than one occasion and I would recommend this book to all readers.

~~~~~~~*********************~~~~~~~~

2010-08-17T12:47:00.001+01:00

Recently I attended the Goddess Festival in Canterbury. Very close by is the well known Canterbury Cathedral. It started off with a parade of dressed up look alike Gods and Goddess's. You name it and they were there. A friend and I ran a stall just for the day of fun, with bits and pieces that we make in our spare time. (When i'm not writing of course). I also took along a couple of my books - The Eye of Erasmus - and made a killing. I have been astounded by the fantastic feedback i'm receiving and several of the reviews are on Amazon with promises of others to come. So many likeminded people attended the parade and the stalls. It was great to see the spiritual side of people and bon hommie that we can generate if we just give ourselves the chance.

These are just a couple of pics of the products we had on our stall.

The candles are all scented with oils of different kinds and the armoa was perfect.

White Rabbits ...... Just Look At The Time !!!!!

2010-08-07T14:05:00.000+01:00

So then I've been a bit remiss of late. I've had nearly three weeks off and it has just flown by.
So a couple of bits for you to look at and think about.

Staurt Aken has interviewed Kathleen McKenna about her book 'The Wedding Gift' I haven't got round to reading it yet but I understand it's well worth a lookee. So what are you waiting for? If you nip along to http://stuartaken.blogspot.com/ you can read all about it.

Catherine Chisnalls' novel Descending is also getting rave reviews. You can take a look at her blog http://www.catherinechisnall.co.uk/ which is well worth a visit or you can see her review at http://crazy-bookworm.blogspot.com/.

At the same blogspot you can also read a review of my book The Eye of Erasmus (Pretty damn good it is to if I do say so.) I also did a guest blog there for Mandy, under my name of course.

So Richard Grayling of Struggling Authors is now able to offer a service to anyone without a blog, who would like one. He has built many over a period of time for our writing community. The only thing he charges for is his time. At the moment, until the end of August he is charging a mere paultry £20 (roughly about $39 I think but don't quote me).
Mine is a typical example of his work along with my website http://www.teresageering.co.uk/
However a completely different style can be viewed at Reg Jones Blog go to http://divisionofthedamned.blogspot.com/ and see what you think.

..............Up and Coming ...............
I will be telling you about a brand spanking new state of the art website for writers shortly. Watch this space.

INSOMNIA? TAKE A LOOK

2010-07-31T07:56:00.001+01:00

Whether you suffer from insomnia, or not! take a look at Night Publishings' new blog. I rave about many blogs, but this one is the business. Go to http://www.nightpublishing.blogspot.com/

Night publishings' Gen Sawchyn is in charge and there is imput from a larger than life well known publisher. Authors published or otherwise also get to voice their opinions..

Night Publishing are Struggling Authors partners of course. Their web site is:. http://www.strugglingauthors.co.uk/

Many times we have found prospective 'star' authors and directed them to Night Publishing, and most of them have had their books taken on for publication.

Just remember .... the next one published could be you !!!

There is also a competition running on Struggling Authors at the moment to win a signed copy of my book the Eye of Erasmus. He's a time travelling lover with attitude, but the love of his life lives in a different time span..... Will they meet up?
If you wish to purchase a copy at a bargain price go to the tab at the top of my blog showing 'buy the book'
and fill your boots.

2010-07-29T14:23:00.001+01:00

Well look at me in the newspaper

Fame at last !!!

2010-07-27T08:14:00.000+01:00

WAHOO !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Reg's story 'THE HOT GATES' now in print and has a link to it.

Go to http://filthycreations.yolasite.com/fc6.php

If you like anything to do with scary creatures of the night Go and fill your boots! I did and it's scary.

Another blog to follow shortly ... this time about my visit to the Goddess Festival in the Cathedral City of Canterbury. Fascinating place steeped in history.

AN EXCEPTIONAL REVIEW FROM AMERICA

2010-07-22T10:44:00.000+01:00

Recently I received a no punches pulled, straight from the heart, review from America. I'm still getting my head round it.
So first the email accompanying it,addressed to both myself and my publisher, and then the review.

Tim and Teresa,

I posted my review of Eye of Erasmus both on my blog and on Amazon. Here is the link:
http://tiffanysbookshelf.blogspot.com/2010/07/eye-of-erasmus-by-teresa-geering.html

Once again, I am blown away by the fantastic quality of writing in which that Night Publishing is involved. You and your authors truly set yourselves apart with high quality books that are obviously written with passion.

Teresa, I cannot wait to read more!

As always, feel free to use the credited review in link, excerpt, or full form any and everywhere you like. Every web page, blog, social networking outlet, and publicity outlet you choose. I, in turn, will continue singing the praises of the book and Night Publishing to any and everyone who will listen.

Please believe me when I tell you my reviews are all honest and genuine. As a matter of integrity and professionalism, I am as polite as possible when I do not enjoy a book, but I never sugar coat them. So trust me, the reviews in which I rave about a book are heartfelt.
Thank you again for the honor of reviewing for you.

Best regards,
Tiffany

THE REVIEW

Tiffany's Bookshelf

Tiffany Harkleroad
Kittanning, Pennsylvania, United States

Erasmus is a powerful man. Born during a storm, as he grows up he realizes he has extraordinary powers. He determines he can travel through time, and goes into the future to meet the love of his life, Shasta. Erasmus and Shasta were born on the same date, at the same time, many years apart. They fall deeply in love, and marry. But all the while, Hesper, the begger boy Shasta takes into her home, shows disdain for Erasmus. Who is Hesper, really, and who is he to challenge Erasmus the Omnipotent?

Reading this book was an unusual experience for me. The book is written unlike most modern fiction, where the goal is to create a personal bond between reader and character. Instead, The Eye of Erasmus reads like an ancient myth, slightly removed from the reader because it is sacred, scriptural almost. I loved that aspect of the book, it gave me a feeling of enlightenment and awe.

The book uses language that allows the reader to determine the place and time setting, which I think is fantastic. This allows every reader to paint their own version of Erasmus and Shasta, which in turn does allow the reader to have a personal investment in the story. This story has a quiet, solemn power about it, and I felt myself pushing through drowsiness to read on late into the evening. There was no way I was going to sleep without knowing what was to happen.

The book is written in such a way that I think it will appeal to a large variety of readers. There are some fantasy and supernatural elements to the story, so those fans will enjoy. There is romance, so those readers will love it as well. As because of the mythos involved in the story, I believe it will greatly appeal to classical literature fans, historical fans, mythology fans, and readers who enjoy classic storytelling elements in writing.

To me, this feels like the kind of story that can be passed on for many generations.
The fact that there are 2 future installments planned for Erasmus' story leaves me breathless with anticipation.

A review copy of this book was provided courtesy of the author and publisher.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And no I still can't get my head around all the fantastic reviews. I guess I probably never will.

Hooting Loud and Proud

2010-07-19T06:17:00.001+01:00

Since being published by http://nightpublishing.com/ I am aware of many magnificent books going through their hands. NP are not concerned about which niche they fit into - only that good books should and must be published.
So can I bring your attention to the following? All published by NP of late.

Carolyn Allen ~ Knifing the Famous
K.J.Rigby ~ Little Guide to the Unhip (Funnee and a good read!!)
Catherine Chisnall - Descending
This is only a couple of many

Genevieve Sawchyn recently received a fantastic review of her book from - youwriteon
Also when you get the chance take a peek at her blog/web page Writing Wildly.
Others you should look at are Louise Wise of Wise Words.

New Blog first chapters up and coming on NP:
The Bringer
Cry From a Deep Place
Bump Up the Gamma
ASDA

Recently I came across an American guy Jon Renaud. His web site is http://www.jonrenaud.com/ and his novel is called Dereliction of Duty.

Jon Renaud is a retired Army Chief Warrant Officer and former CID Special Agent who earned two Bronze Stars for tours in Iraq in 2003 and 2005. During his tenure as a CID Agent, Jon led Counter Narcotics Teams, worked on high profile Homicide Cases, served as the Special Agent in Charge of a Detainee Abuse Task Force and had assignments on the protection details of the Secretary of Defense, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, and the Commander of Forces in Iraq. After serving 20 years in the U.S. Army, Jon now lives in Colorado Springs, Colorado

Go check it out - fascinating stuff. I bet my blogging mate Reg takes a look. He is also ex services.

I got Jons' name wrong - it should read Jon Renaud . There is no 'L'
Apologies all round Jon.

HE'S IN PRINT AT LAST !!

2010-07-16T09:28:00.000+01:00

My ole mucker Reg who hails from Colwyn Bay in Wales but now resides in Germany is at last going into print. Below is an extract from his new look blog. (Check it out).

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Mittwoch, 7. Juli 2010
The Hot Gates.
The 300 vampire story, “The Hot Gates” is in print!

This is the splurge I used for the covering letter.
The film, "300" recently broke the Box Office with its tale of Leonidas and his brave Spartans, who stood against the might of Xerxes and the whole Persian Empire. The name Leonidas is now synonymous with self sacrifice and bravery; whereas Xerxes tends to be seen as a cruel, debauched and somewhat vain tyrant. I thought it would be a novel twist to the tale if the roles of these two leaders were reversed in some way.
In my short story, "The Hot Gates", Xerxes is a hero who has gathered an army to take on the Vampires of Sparta. Using the original characters and taking only a breath of artistic liberty, I drew on the legendary battle as my blueprint to tell the tale of the destruction of Leonidas and his bloodsucking 300.

Well, there you have it, my first go at marketing a story, lol. 10,500 words of Hellenic horror and Persian pluck!
Whatever, when I have the address I’ll put it up here and if you’re interested you can purchase one.
Still heard nothing from the publishers about my manuscript, but we’ve been there before and know that it means nothing…

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

His epic story called Division of the Damned is still awaiting publication and an excerpt can be read here on my blog.

So other things: Loiuse Wise of Wise Words has blogged me. If you go over to Wise Words you will see the wonderful words she has spoken about Eye of Erasmus.
Tiffany Harkleroad has contacted me from America. She would like to do a review of the Eye of Erasmus. I intend to send her a complimentary book so that she can read it in comfort. There is nothing like the feel of a new book in your hands.

I am now on Kindle and Smashwords. If you can't find me just Google my name I seem to be taking over the web of late with 5 or 6 pages or more.
Richard Grayling of http://strugglingauthors.co.uk/ has just updated my web site .... It looks fantastic and I owe him a barrel of his favourite drink.
Thats about it at the moment

Shasta & Erasmus - A Trilogy of Fantasy

Night at the Movies: 20 second movie pitch - Erasmus, Shasta and Merlin...

The 'In' Thing

My Lossie

Here's one I made earlier

Reader Reviews

A GENUINE CRY FOR HELP

The Eye of Erasmus Book Trailer

Shasta's Image is Shared

COUNT TO TEN

Will do better

Wish me luck

ERASMUS AT HIS BEST

BLACK SHADOWS DOES IT AGAIN

The Interpreter

The Power of Twittering

KC HILTON DOES IT AGAIN

Hitting the High Life

Overall Shasta Summer in all her glory

I'M EXCITED !!!!!!

Shasta Summer Review

Tiffany Harkleroad said this

Check This Out

I'm so excited !!!!!!

Shasta Summer

SO FUNNY I READ IT TWICE

The Whore and her Mother:

9/11, Babylon and the Return of the King

Now available on Amazon Kindle, Kindle, UK & Kindle, Germany.

Did the Hebrew prophets foretell the events of 9/11?

Are they relevant to our world today?

A wonderful accolade from India

Night Publishing and Speak Without Interruption Link Up

KC HILTON DOES IT AGAIN

A Proud Nana

And Here's Another

Shasta Summer Review

So you want to be a tv presenter?

AND HERE'S ONE LORRAINE MADE EARLIER

BLOWING MY OWN

From The Magic of Fingleton Blog

A CRACKING REVIEW FOR EYE OF ERASMUS

UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT - Kristen Stone

A Really Funny Book

SIX WEEKS by JESSICA DEGARMO

THE BRINGER Took my breath away

The Magic of Finkleton

Authors On Show

A ZANY ROMP INTO THE TWILIGHT ZONE

THE BOY FROM THE BAY STRIKES YET AGAIN

THE BOY FROM THE BAY STRIKES AGAIN

Lobster and Starfish - You Would Say That Wouldn't You !!!

Simons Swift Cracks it Again

WHAT A COUP

UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT

Humour by the bucketload

THE ABANDONED EDGE OF AVALON

Another one to watch for

One for bedtime

BELFAST GIRLS HITS THE HEADLINES AGAIN

Paragraphs of Power

BECOMING JOHNNY NOVA

REVIEW OF THE BOOKIES RUNNER

THE BOOKIES RUNNER

A Story to Shock

SEITHE

COLIN THEAKSTON aka COLT

Booker Prize Contender

The New Kitchen

DRAMA QUEENS WITH LOVE SCENES

THE ISLAND OF WHISPERS

HOOKING UP

YAY !!!

FORGET JAWS - LOOK AT THIS

MORE NICKABLES FROM POPPET

SHRIEK - AND OTHER HALLOWEEN SOUNDS

From one of my colleagues - VERY nickable :-)

New Editor on the Block - Genevieve Sawchyn

UNDER A HARVEST MOON

BLACK SHADOWS