Comings and Goings and stuff with Eva

Hello my little chickadees

I'm back again. How are you? No really I mean it. How are you? Ok that's enough; I can only take so much especially with all that screaming from the cave. Scheesh!!

Up this week is Eva Bielby. Here she is so take it away Eva.

So then Eva, tell us about Eva Bielby. Who is she and what makes her tick. Is that your real name by the way

Eva Bielby? Where to start… I think I would have to say that I’m a bit of an oddball. Unique…a few people rolled into one. On one side I’m full of fun (at a very juvenile level), I can be quite serious on another side but only if I REALLY have to be.  Then there’s the side where I’m totally weird (I guess that makes me three-dimensional? Or a triangle…I’m a sexy but strange triangle!)

I do have a real name but I try and keep them separate as that adds to the mystery and a lady has to have some secrets doesn’t she?

As for ticking…I do tick a little but seldom explode, but if I do you’d better run. My life involves numerous things…reading, writing (which includes poetry), watching films with my bezzie mate, alcohol, the paranormal (I am a psychic medium, so that is where that comes from! As I enjoy it, does that make me a happy medium?), sex (with or without alcohol), music, good food (with alcohol), playing chess and badminton (but not at the same time you understand?)

Tee: Don’t try to be funnier than me young lady  

I didn’t try to be funnier than you Tee. Honest! It just sorta comes natural! But whips? Now you’re talking.  I have already seen the chains so can we take it in turns?

Tee: Filth utter filth… J

Are you a lady of leisure or do you have a day job? 

Leisure? I’m not familiar with that one. What does it mean? I had to look it up and apparently it means free time, meaning ‘not working for a living’. Sadly, I do have a day job, whilst I wait to make my millions, but I am optimistic. I’m a qualified accountant and worked as a company accountant for many years. Just after I started writing my first book I took a step back from responsibility (I was never good at being responsible!). I couldn’t really cope very well with trying to write alongside bringing work home each night. (Oh…the headaches!) But I still have a job to allow me to do the things that make me tick and allow me to enjoy all the things I like, with or without alcohol.

Favourite time of year and what you do for entertainment

If I didn’t need to drive anywhere in the snow and ice, my favourite season would be winter (my car is rear-wheel drive)! But as I always need to drive in the winter, I would say the summer is my favourite season. I love the long, light and hot nights, the sun, thunder and lightning storms….shit, I forgot about all the flying insects!! Okay, I’ll settle for spring…the trees in bud, everywhere looking lush and green, getting home from work in daylight, mating season, April showers…damn rain! So…it’s autumn definitely!!  

Maybe I should have added to Q1 that I think I am indecisive, but I’m not totally sure... 

For entertainment I occasionally like seeing live gigs and going to karaoke evenings on girlie nights out with my friends. I adore singing a wide range of songs which for some reason other people just never attempt. Some say that I have a fairly good voice and on occasions, my versions are better than the originals. Maybe I should take up singing as well. Erotic songs could become a thing of the future, maybe? Hmmm…I may make an attempt at writing some erotic lyrics!!

The acoustics in your cave are wonderful Tee, so do you fancy a duet?

Tee: Go on then I’ll start…. Screeches random words out of tune, at top of voice

You still sound better than Justin Beiber, Tee! (Joins in with Tee, belting out lyrics that sound like ‘Bat out of Hell’.)

Tell us about your books. How many have you written/WIP/ genre. Are you self published/published by mainstream

At the moment I have written and published the first two books in my erotic trilogy, The “Goings On” series, and I’m currently working on the final part. I self-published them originally, but then I was offered the publishing contract by LDB Press. The first book was republished by them on 8^thMay and the second part on 5^thJune 2018. Other works in progress include my life story, “Trying to Understand” (which will stay on the back burner for now) and a suspense thriller called “For My Wife”. Another future project will be about my journey since discovering that I am a psychic medium and my ongoing development in that field.

What drew you to writing erotica

Well, as a child my mum used to tell me to get as much experience as I possibly could. She said it would stand me in good stead later in life. I’m now questioning if the experience I gained was what she truly meant. Up to now it’s come in pretty useful for my books though! 

Favourite food/drinks

Food? Oh my God, do I love food! If eating out, I would say that Chinese comes out on top and if it is a take-away I can recommend the 69, with fried rice. Then Italian and French come close behind that. When it comes down to eating at home I prefer good, plain English cooking, roast dinners, cottage pie, sausage casserole and not forgetting good old egg and chips. Favorite food items: mushrooms, tomatoes, onions, cheese, potatoes (cooked in any form), cakes, biscuits and desserts…yummy desserts, with whipped cream!!

And now drinks! Oh yes, addicted to coffee! Whereas with alcohol, I’m a gin and tonic girl! Cocktails too! I love a long hard screw against the wall and nothing beats sex on the beach. I like wine but oh hell no. I leave it alone, it doesn’t like me!! I could tell you tales about bad experiences with the stuff.

Tee: Cocktails indeed… Pure filth. Turns thumb screws to last notch; yanks head back and washes mouth out with soap. 

Soap? Darling please, gin is more hygienic – and fun.

Tee: This is a torture chamber not a cocktail bar. Open wider!

 A place in the world you would love to visit again and why

I don’t usually visit any country twice. That’s not the way to see the world! But since you need me to answer the question...IF I wanted to visit anywhere again, I would have to say Singapore. Nothing specific but I just loved everything about it! Oh, yes! A Singapore sling at Raffles Hotel! Costs an arm and a leg but I just had to do it! 

But I do have a long bucket list of places that I’d like to visit. I was fascinated by Bangkok until I found out it was actually a place not a game. Phuket! Yes, I think that is a place and not an exclamation so I’d like to go there too!

Your favourite animal to keep as a pet and why

I’ve always had cats since being a young girl. Sometimes I’ve had two but since my little lady had to be put to sleep two years ago I only have one at this time. He’s an adorable black and white chap called Harry. I love dogs too but the reason I’ve never owned a dog is because I would only be a fair weather doggie walker. One hint of rain, snow, ice, fog or wind and I’d not turn out!

Harry

When and where do you do your writing

I usually write in the evenings and at weekends too. When the words have been flowing I’ve been known to write all the way through the night, then shower at 7am and off to the day job! Before I parted company with my ex we had a four-bedroomed home and I had one of the bedrooms as my office. These days I have a larger living room so that is where my desk is situated. 

Where do you live in the world 

I live in North Yorkshire, United Kingdom in a fourth floor apartment. It’s a converted water mill and the views from the balcony are terrific. 

Who designed your book covers and how much input did you have

My publisher, LDB Press, came back to me with the book covers and I just loved the pictures so was more than happy to stick with them. Where the titles, and all the text were concerned, I didn’t care much for the original fonts which the publisher had chosen so I had to have some changes there. I’m more than happy with the finished results.

Who are your favourite characters from your book/books and why. Did you fall in love with any of them

My favourite characters from my books have got to be David, James (Jim) and Harry. (Yes, all guys!) Oh yes I fell in love with David. Who wouldn’t? He’s handsome, fit, hot, and such a lovely guy too. (He’s also a multi-millionaire, so lots of ticks in the right boxes). I haven’t fallen in love with Jim, but I’m certainly attracted to him. He’s a very bad boy and every girl likes a bad boy at times. I love Harry (not romantically) but as a person. He’s a typical rough diamond. (And we like diamonds, don’t we ladies?)

How do you like the décor of my interview cave. Does the dried blood bother you at all J

I am stunned with the natural fluorescence of the walls Tee. It really is beautiful! I can’t say that I’m keen on seeing all the….the contraptions though. But the chains and whips could be fun. But that…that thing over there in the corner, isn’t it used for…urggh, I dread to think??  The dried blood I can just about cope with…but, this bit here (a patch less than a metre away)…that doesn’t look as if it’s fully dried up. I hope it’s not from Chuck Lovatt! He was here recently, wasn’t he? Tell me it isn’t his blood! What the HELL did you DO to him?? I…I wanna go home now, pleeeeaase???

Tee: Oh for gods sake. Stop being so squeamish; of course it’s Chuck’s blood and yours will be joining it later. Oh no she’s fainted on me. Throws water and brings her round. 

First soap and now water! What are you trying to do? Stop me from being a dirty girl?

Tee: Yep indeede J

You have two minutes to promote your book. Why should we buy it. Go for it!

You should all buy my books because, they have more sex than all the Harry Potter novels put together (although I have heard that JK is planning to write a stand-alone book called “Hermione, Ginny and their Magical Wands”!), more positions than Donald Trump’s cabinet and is hotter than a Hawaiian volcano.

 If you want an erotic story to immerse yourself into then this has all that but it isn’t all squelchy sex it has plenty of intense emotions, sadness, heartache, love, bitterness, suspense and even the gentle caressing touch of humour in the right places.

*****

See the cave wasn’t so bad was it? Of course that could all change if I run out of food or victims! LOL

No. It wasn’t too bad, Tee. I just hope that I’m not going to suffer any delayed reaction or long-term mental trauma as a result!! But thank you for little holiday!!

Oh hush now, I was in a fairly good mood today. Right off you go then. I have my next victim to prepare for.

Laters Potaters

Links:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Going-Up-Down-Goings/dp/1981056084/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1528040822&sr=8-1&keywords=eva+bielby&dpID=51WEIgiuIML&preST=_SY291_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch

https://twitter.com/AuthorEva69

 https://www.facebook.com/eva.bielby

 https://www.evabielby.co.uk/

https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8043902.Eva_Bielby  

https://www.linkedin.com/in/eva-bielby-aab8bb8b/

https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/EvaBielby

https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/going-up-going-down-eva-bielby/1128631549?ean=2940155247838

https://www.amazon.com/dp/1983085928/ref=sr_1_2…

Chuck Lovatt enjoying his medieval torture (all in a good cause)

Hello my little chickadees

Well there has been several requests for me to resurrect my infamous 'Victim Cave' Blog, so I've caved in (see what I did there) Ok I won't give up the day job.

Originally I worked on the promotion of authors (myself included) struggling to get noticed. This time I decided to mix it up a bit 'cos I'm a mucky pup allegedly. There will still be author interviews both new and established but interspersed with other professions. For instance I have a psychic medium lined up along with a gardener who hopefully will share a few gardening tips with us. Personally I would like some produce from her allotment but that's another story. I also have a guy that is obsessed with producing photos of his beloved dogs but also does endless community work. Maybe he will share some of that with us and no the community work wasn't enforced by the judiciary system for misdemeanors, he does it voluntarily.

So then first up in my victim cave is Chuck Lovatt.

Chuck has been here for just over a week. He would have been let out sooner but he constantly complained about the inhumane living standards and blatantly refused to answer my questions fully. He agreed eventually when I gave him some sips of water proving that I must be going soft I reckon.

Introduce yourself please Chuck. Prods his belly with stick to bring him round

Chuck Lovatt with adoring feline fan

The sun! Will I ever see the sun again – feel its warmth on my face? 

Oh, hello! My name is Chuck Lovatt (aka Charlie, aka C.W. aka Charles [if you must]) but really, I’ll answer to anything. JUST GET ME OUTTA HERE!!

Q. I know you live in Canada but can you tell us where and what it's like to live there

Well there’s no slime on the walls, if that’s what you mean, not like a certain place I could mention! Oh, all right. I live in the province of Manitoba, out on the prairies, where it’s so flat you can spend a week watching your dog run away from home. Actually I’ve never known a dog to run away from home, but if one ever did, and you had a week with nothing especially pressing on your agenda, you’ve got it covered.

Also, I had better deal with this question as I get asked it quite a lot: Yes, it can get quite cold here in the winter – some days it’s colder here than at the North Pole, seriously. We Manitobans are of the opinion that anyone choosing to live at the North Pole is a pussy.

Distances here are probably not what you’re used to, Tee. The closest town (what you would call a village) is fifteen miles away, and that’s considered close. The nearest town that actually aspires to being called a city (which you would also call a village) is half an hour in the other direction. Also, public transportation is non-existent out here in the boonies, so you had better know how to drive.

However, this is Big Sky country, with something really impressive to look at every day – be it gigantic cloud formations, clear blue skies, or a sunset so crimson it will hurt your eyes. Also, with very little light pollution, the stars at night will knock your socks off (not to be taken literally.)

Winter

Big sky of Manitoba

Summer

Q. I’m just wondering if you like doing housework living in the back of beyond in isolation? Do you wear a pinafore and mobcap? Use a feather duster? Fluffy slippers? Drink in hand?

Oh sure, taunt me when I’m trussed up and helpless! Noooo don’t hit me, I’ll be good! Okay then, I loathe housework, and avoid it like the plague. I found it far easier to accept that dust is a fact of life, and that dealing with it is a lost cause. As to the latter part of your question: only on special occasions, no, don’t think so, and pretty much always.

Q. Favourite time of year and what do you do for entertainment

Autumn, best weekend of the year! For entertainment, I like to take long walks on the beach…ha ha, sorry, no, that’s for another site. I like to read something – anything - with or without a centrefold.

"Wrong answer smart arse." Cracks whips and turns thumb screws tighter

Q. Favourite food/drink, preferences for hot/cold

OUCHIE!! Well now, let’s see: um, a good steak, passed quickly over the barbecue, with a nice merlot to wash it down. Say Tee, d’you think you could loosen the thumbscrews a smidgeon? It’s giving me a hangnail.

"Nope! In fact I might tighten them a smidgeon and do stop that screaming for god’s sake. Anyone would think I was hurting you."

Q. The books you most enjoy reading

Tee sucks on some dried brains found on the floor of cave whilst awaiting answer. Chuck notices that Tee’s head is spinning round with smoke coming out of ears and mouth.

Um…what? Oh anything, as long as it’s well written. Doesn’t all the head spinning hurt your neck?

 Tee is now sitting quietly on the floor looking into the small pools of blood surrounding her. Nope it stretches my neck.

Q. I know you’re a renowned author of several books including fiction/children’s. Tell us about them all please and when you first started writing.

Gosh, is that all my blood? Oh well, never mind. Feeling weak, so I’d best push on. Okay now, this is where I tend to get a bit longwinded, so don’t poke me with anything pointy or hot if you get bored, okay Tee? Tee? Oh for gosh sake, stop licking the blood off the floor and pay attention! Um…let’s see, where was I? I began writing back in the early eighties, just for fun, but started to take it more seriously about ten or twelve years ago. My early career was in short stories, and I didn’t do too bad, picking up the odd award, here and there, before moving on to novels. 

In 2009 I wrote The Adventures of Charlie Smithers – a story heavily laced with romance and humour, about a gentleman’s gentleman who, through the offices of an angry rhinoceros, and his master’s deplorable aim, is launched on an adventure into deepest darkest Africa. It took me four years to find someone to publish it. That’s when I was introduced to Wild Wolf Publishing, and I’ve never looked back. 

(Oh lord, so much blood, and she’s getting it all over her face! Ewwwww!!) Um…(gasp) I should mention that the book went on to be a number one best seller in its category. Since then, Tee, I’ve written two more Charlie Smithers books – “Adventures in India,” and “Adventures Downunder.” 

Then there are the “Josiah Stubb” books, too – “The Siege of Louisbourg,” and “Interim” - which are more serious works of historical fiction, taking place in Canada during The Seven Years War. With any luck, the third book of the trilogy, “The Plains of Abraham,” should be ready by…(Oh god, are those brains she’s chewing? It looks like an old shoe!)…by Christmas. 

Added to that is “And Then It Rained,” an eclectic mix of novellas and short stories, many of them award-winning; and finally, as you so graciously pointed out, Tee, a children’s story, entitled “The Little Mouse,” was just released. This is a tale for children of all ages, and has already made it to #1 in Britain and Canada. *attempts a nonchalant pose…fails miserably, and collapses in his chains*

Prods him with a hot poker. Ah you’re back with me Chuck. About time. Next question…

Q. How hard do you find book promotion? Any tips or hints you’ve found that were successful for you in promotion?

Not as hard as this interview! I need a doctor!

 Oh lord, book promotion. I mean you have to love writing to put yourself through that. All I know is to keep doing what I’m doing – interviews…like this one (only not quite like this one - it’ll be a miracle if I ever walk again!) podcasts, and advertising on social media, and hope for the best.

In the meantime, keep writing. Perseverance is your best friend. Sooner or later someone is bound to notice.

Hm! Well that never happened for me. Clamps pliers around his little finger in a hissy fit and snaps it off.

Q. What’s your favourite genres to read and write?

Geeeeeeeeezuz that hurts! Fiction, both historical and contemporary.

Q. You’ve set up your own publishing house using FB writer friends to help run it. What would you name it? Who would you choose to run the different departments? As the owner, how would you ensure the FB staff achieved success for you?

I don’t know, I think I’d call it something avante guard – something that no one has ever thought of before – like Random House, or Penguin, or maybe even Wild Wolf. Anyway, our pal, C Reg Jones, would share Humour with Alec Hawkes, along with History and Travel. Poppet would be a slam-dunk in Religion (wouldn’t you love to see her get her hands on the pope’s memoirs?) ably assisted by Monique Lomino, whose gentle nature can soothe even the most bruised ego. Erotica would go to Eva Bielby (I’d give her an office with Netflix and heavy drapes over the windows.) Home and Garden would go to Diana Milne (who, being Diana, would also get Netflix, and heavy drapes over her office windows…now that I think on it, all the offices will have to be so equipped) Mystery will be left a question mark (question mark, get it?) and Helen Patricia would be my personal assistant (ahem) with her office adjoining mine (knock before you enter.) As owner I would be in charge of entertaining clients – Booze and Party Division – and I’d like to arrange a deal with Rod Glenn to make a cameo appearance at some posh restaurant while I’m wining and dining the next Zadie Smith. We’ll exchange a casual greeting, and they would be like all agog, demanding, “Wow, you know Rod Glenn?!” And I would be like, “Oh sure. We go way back, before he hit the big time.”

Obviously, I would ensure that they all worked like slaves by hiring you, dear Tee, as my Editor in Chief. Putting their noses to the grindstone will take on a whole new meaning!

Q. You can pick any animal from time immemorial for a permanent companion. What would you choose and why

A cat. We could have hours of fun exchanging supercilious stares, before pretending to ignore one another for the rest of the day.

Hm! I’ve got the remains of a cat somewhere in the back of the cave. Maybe I could offload that on him.

Q. You’re given the opportunity to take a holiday anywhere in the world with someone else picking up the tab. Where would you choose and why.

Out of this dungeon! I don’t mean to complain, Tee, honestly, but the smell is overwhelming, and these maggots are really starting to itch! HEEEEEEELP!!

"Oh do stop complaining"…. Loosens manacles and leg irons and boots him out, "And don't expect me to pay for your therapy this time"… well what a pain in the butt he was. I’m glad to be rid of him. Now then who’s next in line? …. Ah yes…

Laters Potaters

 Links:

Facebook page: 

https://www.facebook.com/chuck.lovatt

Amazon Author's pages: US:

http://author.to/CWLovattamazon

Amazon Author’s pages: UK: 

 http://www.amazon.co.uk/C.W.Lovatt/e/B00AV9ROR2/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

Story River blog: 

http://chuck-storyriver.blogspot.ca/

           

                                                                                                                                                                    

Where were we...

Hello my little chickadees

Well it's been a while. In fact it was just before Christmas when I did my last blog. Christmas is long gone now and we're starting February.

Did you all have a good time? I bet you can't even remember. If you were anything like me you'd have been stuffed with food and booze. Now don't start trying to kid me, of course you were! Well perhaps not the teetotallers amongst us. I only have drunkards in my pub but I'll make an exception for that kinda cute guy at the back there with the lemonade.

Anyway I digress. My loyal readers of my blog have still been visiting daily according to my stats and I've ignored you because I've been busy doing other things. My sincere apologies.

Actually I started reading Fire and Fury (inside the White House) That's another story so I'll leave it there.

So what have I been up to you may ask? Oh come on, you know you want to know, dontcha. Oh yes you do.
Well I was writing the next Erasmus and Shasta story entitled Merlin (working title) which I've set in medieval times. Soulfate should have been the 'final chapter' but my readers wanted more so who am I to argue. This one is full of buxom wenches, spells, the stocks, feasting and debauchery, serving wenches,,, oh I could go on. Anyway I opened up all of my WIP of which there are three now and by mistake opened up the Ghosts of Timeless Cottage. I found myself immersed in it and finally finished it. My good friend and beta reader Jo Sexton (an author in her own right who many of you know) read it through for me and with a lot of nervousness I approached my publisher with it and he loved it. It's now on pre order with release on 14th February (next week yikes!)

After I did the cover reveal I was astonished by the positive reaction I got worldwide. Having said that, when I checked it's pre order listing on Amazon it had shot up through the ranking from 1 million+ to #141 within 24 hours! Wahoo and happy dance.

So if you missed it, here is the cover and synopsis with the links.

 Synopsis:

Carolina has everything a beautiful young woman could want. A penthouse flat in London overlooking the Thames; Wined and dined in the best restaurants and a peach of a job with a very healthy salary in the Houses of Parliament.

In her spare time, her alter ego J D Wells is a successful author selling books by the millions unbeknown to her work colleague the charismatic Right Honorable Jonathon Taylor MP who she PA’s for.

Her refuge from the misdemeanors of Jonathon Taylor and his mistress is her aunt’s cottage by the sea in Hastings. When her aunt dies unexpectedly she inherits the cottage and a nest egg amounting to £250,000 along with several unexpected sea fairing ghosts.

Carolina, with persuasion from Cornelius the resident ghost, finds herself compelled to write his biography in which she discovers that they have a past history.

When disgraced minister the Rt. Honorable Jonathon Taylor turns up looking for sanctuary and an affair with Carolina, the ghosts take their revenge.

***

UK link:
https://t.co/kpwPYbdXlp 

US link:
https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_1_14?url=search-alias%3Ddigital-text&field-keywords=ghosts+of+timeless+cottage&sprefix=Ghosts+of+Time%2Cundefined%2C238&crid=3GEQ3OG5E4IXJ

For the last two years or so, the local community radio have wanted to interview me during a live broadcast. (Hugging myself with terror)

"I will get you in one of these days" said the DJ

I've finally bitten the bullet and agreed to go in after it's release. Wish me luck.


Thank you for dropping by.

Laters Potaters

Tee and her alter ego in the Enchanted Forest

Hello my little chickadees

How are you? Honest I'm really interested ... and if you believe that ... ! Well you can tell me if you want but I'll be long gone before you start dontcha know. Are you all ready for Christmas? Really/No me neither. (Just covering all bases there)

Well then that's enough about you, what about me. I know you didn't ask but I'm going to tell you anyway. As it's Christmas time I popped on my faery wings and flew down to faery cove to see my alter ego Tee in the enchanted forest. She's absolutely gorgeous if I say so myself.

I arrived just as the sun was beginning to set and as I wandered through the enchanted forest I could see the occupied toadstools in the distance lit up. Faery lights hung from the pine trees and there was a fine sprinkling of snow on the ground, however it wasn't the least bit cold. The major clue there is enchanted forest.

Tee's toadstool was slightly bigger than the rest to accommodate her size.

Tee's toadstool

As I approached I could hear a deep voice and much giggling. Obviously she had company and it sounded like Shinny Upatree who was Santa's oldest friend and the co-founder of the enchanted forest. As I stood outside I heard a different voice which I didn't recognise. I coughed loudly outside the door and hoped for the best. Instantly the door was opened by Shinny Upatree so I had been right. Sitting beside Tee was a very pretty fairy with a slightly red face. Tee was lounging on her cushions with a tumbler full of what looked like mulled wine. Instantly she recognised me, well why wouldn't she as she is my alter ego.

"Tee what a lovely surprise, come in and sit down. You know Shinny Upatree but I don't think you know Sugarplum Mary Mrs. Claus's magic helper."

"No we haven't met before but can I say how pretty you are?"

She blushed profusely as she lowered her eyes shielded by the soft long black lashes.

After the niceties I sat in one of the low chairs at the back of the spacious toadstool, which was bathed in a warm glow from the worms hanging from the roof. I adored visiting Tee. She was always welcoming and put on a good spread as the saying goes and her quick wit was renowned.

"So what do I owe this pleasure Tee? not that you aren't always welcome in the forest."

"Oh I thought as it was Christmas and we haven't caught up for a while I'd fly over, and it gives me a chance to flex my wings."

"Can i get you something to eat while you're here?"

Tee snapped her fingers and a spread of food replenished what had been eaten earlier. Cheese and biscuits of all kinds and I noticed another bottle of mulled wine nestling in the middle. Whilst I tucked in and replenished my glass we made small talk and giggled a lot. Finally Shinny Uptree and Sugarplum Mary made their excuses to return to their own toadstool.

Shinny and Sugarplum's toadstool 

Yes it seemed that Shinny and Sugarplum appeared to be an item. Now I was aware that Shinny Upatree was a bit of a naughty elf and Sugarplum looked a bit on the rotund side so perhaps there was a little Shinnyplum on the way.

Fully satiated with the food and drink I began to quiz Tee on what she had been up to since I last saw her.

"Oh you know, just the usual Tee. Keeping the enchanted forest and faeries in order. It's such a pleasure for me and I guess you noticed that Sugarplum Mary is looking a bit on the rosy, rotund size. A sweet sugarplum will be making an appearance soon I shouldn't wonder but as for me, well I have three work in progress on the go at the moment. Carolina's Seafaring Ghost, Merlin, and The Mirror of Darkness. I'm enjoying writing all of them but a friend designed a lovely cover for Carolina's Seafaring Ghost so i have been concentrating on that one. The trouble is once I start writing everything else gets neglected and I only have one pair of wings to use."

"Tell me about this work in progress Tee. What's it about?"

" Well I haven't written a synopsis yet but it's the story of a young woman who works in the Houses of Parliament as a PA to a Right Honourable MP called Jonathan Taylor who is a bit of a ladies man. She enjoys breaks at her aunt's cottage in Sussex where she can relax, unwind and carry on with her writing as a very successful author writing under a pseudonym . Eventually her aunt leaves her the cottage and she spends weekends there but there is a lodger in the form of a seafaring ghost who takes a shine to her."

"So does she eventually move in with this ghost and leave her PA job then Tee? It sounds exciting."

"Ah well it's nearly finished. When I do finish it, I promise you will be the first to read it."

"Ohhhh lovely. Well it's been lovely chatting Tee but I really need to be getting back before it gets really dark. I forget how deceiving it is in the forest because of all the twinkling stars and faery lights. Once I leave the perimeter it's pitch black and I'm a bit out of practice with my wings so I guess I'd better get going. Give me a hug and then I'll be on my way."

Tee stood up to hug me as I shook out my warm cloak. My wings did a little flutter ready for the off. One final hug and I was on my way. Soaring into the air I noticed Peter Pan first of all with the children and then the elves doing a test run of Santa's sleigh ready for Christmas Eve. I sighed deeply. All was well with the world at the moment. I flew out towards the North Star and made my way home, looking down only once. Maybe one day my alter ego and myself could get together and I could live there permanently but for the moment I was happy to go home to prepare for Christmas Eve.

Laters Potaters

New kid on the block author Ann Thomas

Hello my little chickadees

Well I see I haven't done a blog since January this year when I interviewed the actor/film director Louis Herthum. He's a lovely fella and we both enjoyed the chat.

So how have you all been? Oh wait I'll just put my ear defenders on... Doh de dah de dum... Ok that's done, so who wants to start? While you're chatting away among yourself I'm going to interview Ann Thomas a debut author on the block.

Here's her photo but I'll let her tell you all about herself....

Who is Ann Thomas?

Good question. I often ask myself the same thing. I am a retired Reception teacher. To me it was the most fantastic job and suited me down to the ground. Now though, I spend my time writing, working in my local museum, or going on holiday. I’ve recently come back from Italy where I visited Pompeii, Herculaneum and a few other historical sights. Amazing. When I’m not doing any of these, I enjoy being mum and cooking for my son and his girlfriend when they come to visit.

           

Where do you live in the world?

I was born in London, near to Hampstead Heath, never dreaming I’d ever leave. Then when I got married we bought a house in Kent close enough to the coast to go whenever the urge takes me, which is usually at least once a week.

Hobbies – apart from writing

I love to walk. Having said that, I do not walk for miles and miles with a rucksack on my back and staff in my hand. I am not a rambler and don’t belong to any clubs. I simply walk or stroll for the love of it. Books are my next passion. I am not a TV addict, so most evenings you can find me curled up with a good book. I am also keen on gardening, but only when the weather suits me, definitely I am a fair weather gardener.

Pets?

I don’t have any pets. We used to have a gorgeous black and white labrador/collie called Duke, named, by my son, after the Duke of Wellington because he had four white paws that looked like wellies.

He lived to the age of thirteen and it broke my heart when he left us.

What do you do to chill out Ann?

          

I think I’m pretty well chilled to start with. I quite enjoy a G&T or glass of vino, but apart from that…

Do you work at all voluntary or otherwise?

I am a voluntary steward in the museum and get to meet some incredibly interesting people. Most folk have a tale to tell and can relate to some of the artifacts we have on display. Apart from the museum, I am one of a group of volunteers who read the local newspaper for the blind. We meet every month and record the news which is then sent out to about a hundred or so homes in this part of Kent. http://ashfordmuseum.org.uk/index.html

Tell me about your book and what led up to it?

When did you first started writing. 

Work in progress?

My book Janus came to life a few years ago. I was staying in a lovely old cottage in the Brecon Beacons in Wales, thick stone walls and a great beech tree growing in the garden. From my window I would often see the military helicopters fly over and I remembered a conversation I’d had with a girl I worked with. Her boyfriend was a soldier and had been to Afghanistan twice. When he returned the second time he was suffering from PTSD. Suddenly the setting, the military and the story of a survivor all clicked into place and Janus was born.

Although Janus is my first e-book, I have been writing and telling stories for as far back as I can remember, I won a prize in the London Essay Competition when I was ten. It was a story about a lion but I can honestly say I don’t remember anything else about it.

At the moment I am working on a sequel to Janus and am also in the middle of researching for a mid Victorian story.

About five years ago I wrote and recorded twenty-four audio short stories for children. Each one is based around a different letter of the alphabet and lasts between five and seven minutes. The reason they are just in audio form is to help children develop listening and imaginative skills, skills that many children lack these days.

If you could have any animal from time immemorial as a pet for long freezing days and nights, what would you choose and why?

I gave this question a great deal of thought. Initially I came up with the idea of having a woolly mammoth. Think about it. No having to get out of bed to reach things or get snacks, Mammy the mammoth would simply stretch out her trunk and bring me whatever, without me having to move an inch. As well as acting as my furry duvet, she could also transport me to the shops etc. while I stayed snug and warm. But then I thought of all the difficulties involved in re-enforcing my home. My house was not made for a heavy duty pet and none of the insurance companies would cover me. In the end I opted for a panda. They always look like they’re having fun and ready for a cuddle. So Pam the Panda it is.

Do you prefer heat OR cold?

I hate being cold. I don’t function well when my fingers are frozen and my nose is about to drop off. Having said that, if I followed my dream to live  on a gorgeous, hot Caribbean island, surrounded by sparkling warm seas and swishing palm trees, I would desperately miss autumn mornings with jewel spangled webs glittering in the sun, or crunching around on frosty days. And what about snowmen? I’m sorry, I just can’t choose.

Fantasy holiday… Where would you choose to go if someone else was picking up the tab?

I have never been to Oceania, so if someone was kind enough to treat me, all expenses paid, here is where I’d like to go : First class flight to Sydney with a night at the opera and sight seeing, followed by whistle stop stays in the other big cities. Next board my host’s super ocean going yacht and cruise to the Pacific to visit Fiji, Tonga, Samoa Islands and all the others in between. Sail back to New Zealand to visit both islands followed by a flight(first class of course) to Honolulu and the Hawaiian Islands.  There donning a grass skirt and with a beautiful lei around my neck, I would learn to move my hips and hula with the best of them.  Sadly it would then be time to depart and return home by top of the range Lear jet.

Favourite meal (hot and cold)?

A tricky question for me to answer. I like most things, but after a great deal of thought I have come up with: Roast leg of lamb, roast potatoes, white onion sauce, mint sauce, gravy and a selection of any vegetables except swede, turnip or kale. For dessert it would have to be my mum’s apple pie and custard. For cold I have selected a tuna nicoise, my favourite of all salads.

Favourite drink (hot and cold)?

Real hot chocolate-no marshmallows, no cream, just thick, delicious chocolate like the Swiss serve. My cold drink would have to be G&T with ice and lemon.

How hard do you find book promotion?

Very !!!

            

Any tips or hints you’ve found that were successful for you in promotion?

Find a friend who knows what they are doing and is willing to help.

Favourite genres to read and write?

I have eclectic reading tastes. I’m not keen on too much ‘chic lit’ there has to be action to keep me interested. I enjoy reading so many authors including Lee Child, Clive Cussler, Stephen Leather, Jeffrey Archer, Dean Koontz. For history I love Robert Harris and for my girlie moments I like Mary Stewart, Daphne Du Maurier, Victoria Hislop and Agatha Christie. I have recently come across TKGeering, she’s rather good too.

 Links to books

Author page

https://www.amazon.com/-/e/B0774RFM2R

Amazon
Janus
Purchase Janus here


https://www.amazon.co.uk/Janus-Ann-Thomas-ebook/dp/B075TFZYG5/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1508665012&sr=1-1&keywords=janus

iTunes

https://itunes.apple.com/bn/album/the-enchanted-empire-and-other-stories/id442109573

The Enchanted Empire

https://itunes.apple.com/bn/album/the-enchanted-empire-and-other-stories/id442109573

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Janus-Ann-Thomas-ebook/dp/B075TFZYG5/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1509647691&sr=8-1&keywords=ann+thomas+janus

I'm about three quarters through Janus and enjoying it immensely.


Laters Potaters