Welcome to my stop on Stephen J Willis’ Forest of Riddles blog tour!

Many thanks to Kelly @ Love Books Group Tours for arranging the following interview with Stephen J Willis…..

For those who don’t know already, could you tell us about yourself and your book(s) please?

My interest in the arts started in the acting world, wherein I had a few TV spots, like playing a pilot in the TV series Mile High on Sky One, and was even in an award-winning short film called Casting Call. I have written books in different genres. I have two novellas, based on true stories, a thriller and a very short ghost story. This current teen series is: The Christopher Daring Adventures, book1: Spirits of the Dead, book2: The Forest of Riddles, book3: The Steampunk Spiders.

Where did/do you get your ideas from?

They come from various aspects of life and have built up from over the years. I read a cross-section of books and am interested in all sorts of films and documentaries. I constantly make notes for things to use in the future.

Are any of your characters based (however loosely) on anyone you know?

Yes, a mixture normally. But I’d never say incase the people found out…

How do you pick your characters’ names?

Some names just seem to site nicely, whereas others I need to use deeper meanings for. I may use names with deeper meanings depending on the persons ethnic background too.

Can you share your writing process with us, in a nutshell?

1) I work out an overall story

2) I list key moments/scenes/scenario/characters/plots/interests/worries/etc

3) I bullet-point each chapter, then add sub-subjects

4) I then begin to write each chapter. Although not necessarily in order

5) I then review if further layers or sub-plots are needed

Who are your top 5 favourite authors?

1) James Herbert

2) J.K. Rowling

3) Dan Brown

4) Christopher Fowler

5) M.C. Beaton

If you could meet any author, who would it be and what would you ask them?

James Herbert (back in the day) and ask where he got all his intel. Some of the stuff he wrote about was so secret I wonder how he found out.

Were you a big reader as a child?

Not really. Just the odd Roald Dahl or Enid Blyton. But in my mid-late teens I became more interested in positive business mind-set, and so would read and listen to constructive books and tapes all the time. Only in my twenties did I start back in to literary books.

When did you start to write?

I wrote my first basic story when I was 14 years old. It was called Liberation, but it was never finished. I wrote various bits and bobs over the next twenty years, but never took what I was doing seriously.

If you could re-write the ending to any book what would it be and what would you change?

Only one of my own shorter ones: The Figure in the Mist. I’d add a final twist, that I always wished I’d added.

Is there a book you wish you had written?

The Harry Potter Series I suppose.

If you wrote an autobiography, what would your title be?

Lies aside, let me tell you the truth

If you could invite any fictional character for coffee who would it be and where would you take them?

Robert Langdon, (Dan Brown novels) and I’d take him to Brighton for a walk around the Lanes and sea front, before sitting down for a coffee at one of the wonderful coffee bars on the actual lower promenade.

What are you working on right now?

I am working on book 3 of the Christopher Daring Adventures, the current title is: The Steampunk Spiders. I am continuing Christopher’s journey to find his missing brother and father. This book is sort of the catalyst for the main overall theme of the series. Here we start to pick up pace the science fiction and fantasy genres, with more mysteries, riddles and unusual creatures.

Tell us about your last release?

In September 2018, I released two books together from the Christopher Daring Adventures, book1: Spirits of the Dead, and book2: The Forest of Riddles. Throughout the series, Christopher and his friends must overcome various despicable foes as they battle with riddles, codes, creatures of the night, deathly spectres and secret orders, as they go in search of Christopher’s missing brother and father. I had two brilliant book signings, one in October and one in December of 2018.

Do you have a new release due?

It is too early for that yet, and so has not been planned. I am only on chapter 11 of the new book.

What do you generally do to celebrate on publication day?

I’ve celebrated to be honest. I am normally too tired or distracted with the next project to give it much attention. But now that you have pointed it out, I think I need to stop and acknowledge what has been achieved!

How can readers keep in touch with you?

They can subscribe to my Newsletter on my website and get a free audio book in the process. As well as all the latest news, they will get the short audio ghost story: The Figure in the Mist sent to them. http://www.stephenjwillis.com

Is there anything else you would like us to know?

1. Some of the fascinating facts within my stories are true, and some, equally, are not — I shall leave it up to you, the reader, to decide which is which…

2. My short ghost story: The Figure in the Mist will be played in its entirety on MeridianFM radio in February 2019.

3. The next book to be launched will actually be a psychological drama about a spiritual shaman. It is a stand-alone book and is a tough, yet eye-opening look, into the realms of the mind, the spirit and the body.

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions, Stephen! 🙂

Blurb

Throughout the series, Christopher and his friends must overcome various despicable foes as they battle with riddles, codes, creatures of the night, deathly spectres and secret orders, as they go in search of Christopher’s missing brother and father.

Within a tall whispering forest, night-time eyes blink in mesmerized wonder at a magical blue spectacle that dances all about them in the silence. So enchanting is this mysterious woodland, that it bewitches all that dare to cross its path.

But as darkness falls and the creatures stir, something else awakens deep within. For under the watchful eye of an unknown foe, a creeping menace ponders the fate of these dancing lights.

Invited to stay with his grandfather, Charlie, over the spring holidays, Christopher, along with his best mate Jason and new friend Poppy, venture up by train to the beautiful landscapes of Scotland. Here, they must unravel the many secrets weaved amongst sacred symbols and enchanting nocturnal lights that are hidden within this magical forest. For they alone hold the key to solving an ancient entrapment of a lost civilization.

With an unusual mix of science, technology, cosmology, fantasy fiction and a dash of the spiritual self, the Christopher Daring Adventures is a  thrilling ride into the impossible.

Buy Link

https://amzn.to/2Nh5pkA

Tour Schedule

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happy reading 🙂

Welcome to my stop on Jo Baldwin’s The Good Friend blog tour! I am DELIGHTED to be sharing my review of this awesome book with you all. 

Many thanks to Anna, at RedDoor, for the opportunity to take part.

I have literally just finished this book (25^th February, 23:15) and I feel like my heart is going to beat out of my chest!

I can’t even begin to tell you how tense this story has been, from the very first page.

The story is told by Jenny who is reunited with her best friend, Kath, after several years apart, living very different lives. Jenny is an Olympic swimmer, her career (and Dad) moving her to Australia to train and compete. Kath now lives in rural France with her husband, Tom and daughter, Rosa. However, Tom is Jenny’s ex-boyfriend and, we soon realise, the love of her life, so visiting them for the summer was never going to be easy for Jenny. It all sounds like quite a simple story of lost love and regret when I put it like that, but OH MY, there is SO much more to it!

This book is so full of suspense and tension. I still feel like I haven’t breathed properly again yet. The ending has left me feeling emotionally exhausted.

This is an absolutely compelling, character driven story. Full of secrets, manipulation, jealousy and misplaced trust. It’s set in the most beautiful of places, which a sharp contrast to the ugliness festering throughout the story. Jo Baldwin has created a very cleverly written psychological thriller here which deserves to be a bestseller (I’m sure it will be!). I can’t believe it’s a debut novel. I was totally captivated and can’t wait to read whatever Jo Baldwin writes next.

Many thanks to Anna at RedDoor for my review copy.

If only she knew what sort of friend I really am . . .

Once upon a time, Jenny and Kath were best friends. Or were they?

Their reunion after eight years apart – when Jenny pays a visit from Australia where she’s settled – begins as idyllic. But all too soon, things begin to unravel and once the past is uncovered, there’s no going back.

This beautifully written, gripping and unforgettable psychological drama about love, lies and obsession will keep you reading long in to the night.

Keep your friends close, but your best friends closer

One click, you know you want to…..

happy reading 🙂

I so wish I’d had time to read this sooner, but it was totally worth the wait! I love this series. Rachel Amphlett never disappoints, I just love her writing style and her characters are extremely likeable. It’s like catching up with old friends with each new book. Well, kind of like when you catch up with old friends at a funeral…… It’s not under the happiest of circumstances, but you’re glad to see them again all the same (if that makes sense!).

Kay Hunter is back and, along with her team, is faced with a mummified body which has fallen through the ceiling of a relatively new office building. As always, nothing is quite as it seems and all sorts of secrets are uncovered as the investigation progresses. Dodgy business practices amongst other things, which I’m sure goes on in the real world too! I had absolutely no idea which way the story would go and was totally shocked by the end and also a bit sad. Absolutely brilliant writing, as always.

Kay Hunter is definitely a favourite of mine. She has a good team, all of whom I warmed to quickly. They are dedicated professionals, but we do see a personal side to them which I like. Kay’s relationship with Adam is heart-warming, especially considering the grief they share. I love that each book features some animal or other which Adam brings home from work (as a vet)!

Kay’s difficult relationship with her mother is very believable and quite sad.

In my opinion this book has it all and is exactly what I look for in a police procedural/crime thriller. Each and every one of the books in this series has been thoroughly enjoyable. I highly recommend!

Via AmazonUK…..

When a mummified body is found in a renovated building, the gruesome discovery leads Detective Kay Hunter and her team into a complex murder investigation.

The subsequent police inquiry exposes corruption, lies and organised crime within the tight-knit community – and Kay’s determination to seek justice for the young murder victim could ruin the reputations of men who will do anything to protect their business interests.

But as Kay closes in on the killer, tragedy strikes closer to home in an event that will send a shockwave through her personal life and make her question everything she values.

Can Kay keep her private and professional life under control while she tries to unravel one of the strangest murder cases of her career?

Praise for Bridge to Burn:

“With this seventh book, this series is as fresh as ever!” – Goodreads

“A gripping storyline with twists and turns all the way through” – Goodreads

“Another gripping, intense ride that captivated me from start to finish” – Goodreads

Have you discovered the Kay Hunter British detective murder mysteries yet?

1. SCARED TO DEATH
2. WILL TO LIVE
3. ONE TO WATCH
4. HELL TO PAY
5. CALL TO ARMS
6. GONE TO GROUND
7. BRIDGE TO BURN

The Detective Kay Hunter crime thriller series by USA Today bestselling author Rachel Amphlett: page-turning British police procedurals for readers who love Peter James, Ann Cleeves, and Peter Robinson.

What readers are saying about the Detective Kay Hunter series:

“Reminded me at times of Chris Chibnall’s Broadchurch series” – Crime Review

“Hunter is a force to be reckoned with” – Goodreads

“A series that goes from strength to strength” – Goodreads

USA Today bestseller Rachel Amphlett writes crime fiction and spy novels, including the Kay Hunter British detective series, the Dan Taylor espionage novels, the English Spy Mysteries featuring Eva Delacourt, and a number of standalone crime thrillers.

Rachel is a member of International Thriller Writers and the Crime Writers Association, with the Italian foreign rights for her debut novel, White Gold, being sold to Fanucci Editore’s TIMECrime imprint, and the first four books in the Dan Taylor espionage series contracted to Germany’s Luzifer Verlag.

Her novels are available in eBook, paperback and audiobook formats from worldwide retailers as well as her own stores at http://www.rachelamphlett.com.

You can stay in touch with Rachel via her Reader’s Group by joining at http://www.rachelamphlett.com.

happy reading 🙂

Gravy Train has been a highly entertaining crime thriller, full of dodgy characters who don’t care who gets hurt as long as they get what they want.

Sandra is an instantly likeable character. A forty something hard-working pub landlady who dreams of a better life, in a posher pub, in a nicer area. I can’t say I blame her given the number of customers who refer to her as Grandma! I’m forty something and would not be impressed in the slightest.

One rowdy night in the pub, Sandra overhears customers discussing details of a betting scam and she suddenly sees that better life she dreams of becoming more of a reality. Having talked her initially reluctant husband, Mike, into placing a bet they collect their £80,000 winnings only to be mugged as they leave the betting shop. I mean, how gutted would you be! They might have gained the money in a less than honest way, but even so I would be crying, so I could totally feel Sandra’s pain.

From this point on the money generates a lot of interest amongst many people, who seem to think they have the right to help themselves to other people’s property, but none of them seem to be able to hold on to it.

Greed dominates this story. There’s absolutely no loyalty. It is quite violent in parts, but also quite amusing in others. I love how Mr Ball is ‘affectionately’ known as BollockFace!! LOL!

Most of the characters throughout this book are extremely unlikeable, but fascinating in their own ways. I did feel sorry for Sandra. Her desperation poured off the pages, bless her. I’d rather be poor than do what she does in the hope of seeing her money again though.

A brilliantly written, compelling read which I will happily recommend to all.

Via AmazonUK…..

Crime pays. So barmaid Sandra thinks when she overhears details of a betting scam and wins herself and fat husband Mike eighty thousand pounds. But they’ve reckoned without mugger Lenny, lying in wait outside the betting shop door. And he’s reckoned without a top-notch car thief, his own devious boss, a fellow gang-member with a grudge, and Sandra’s unpleasant almost-Uncle George.

Chaos ensues as a whole bunch of disparate—and desperate—characters chase the bag of money around Birmingham’s back streets. Plenty of them help themselves to the cash, but none of them are good at hanging onto it. As they hurtle towards a frantic showdown on the banks of the local canal, will any of them see their ill-gotten gains again? Or will their precious gravy train come shuddering to a halt?

Praise for GRAVY TRAIN:

“Tess Makovesky’s Gravy Train is a terrifically entertaining, raucous and rough ’n’ tumble Brit Grit crime caper that will leave you breathless.” —Paul D. Brazill, author of Last Year’s Man, A Case of Noir, and Guns of Brixton

“Gravy Train is my kind of crime fiction. Real people, real stakes, real fun.” —Jay Stringer, author of Ways to Die in Glasgow and How to Kill Friends and Implicate People

“…a dash of Snatch, a pinch of The Italian Job, a little The Long Good Friday—but all Tess Makovesky.” —Jason Beech, author of Moorlands and City of Forts

“When lives collide, sometimes it’s kismet—and sometimes it’s crime. Makovesky weaves the threads of these lives to a tight slam-bang conclusion you won’t forget.” —Graham Wynd, author of Satan’s Sorority and Extricate

“Gravy Train is a witty and gritty crime caper with a clever plot and lowlife characters you will love to hate. Highly entertaining.” —Deborah Swift, author of The Lady’s Slipper and Past Encounters

“If you love a rollicking, gritty, humorous crime caper, with a cast of disparate but entertaining characters, then Tess Makovesky’s Gravy Train is a gem of Brit Grit crime fiction you won’t want to miss.” —Matt Hilton, author of Dead Men’s Dust and Marked For Death

“Makovesky writes with a distinct voice and has a verve for language.” —Graham Smith, author of Watching the Bodies and The Darling Dead

Liverpool lass Tess is now settled in the far north of England where she roams the fells with a brolly, dreaming up new stories and startling the occasional sheep.

Tess writes a distinctive brand of British comédie noir and her short stories have darkened the pages of various anthologies and magazines, including Shotgun Honey, Pulp Metal Magazine, Out of the Gutter Online, Betty Fedora, ‘Exiles: An Outsider Anthology’ (Blackwitch Press), ‘Drag Noir’ (Fox Spirit), ‘Rogue’ (Near to the Knuckle), and ‘Locked and Loaded’ (One Eye Press). Her debut novella, a psychological noir called ‘Raise the Blade’ is available now from Caffeine Nights Publishing.

You can follow her ramblings (both literary and literal) at her blog: http://tessmakovesky.wordpress.com/

happy reading 🙂

Welcome to my stop on Eva Jordan’s Time Will Tell blog tour!

Many thanks to Kelly @ Love Books Group Tours for arranging the following interview with Eva Jordan…..

For those who don’t know already, could you tell us about yourself and your book(s) please?

Hi, my name is Eva Jordan. I was born in Kent but have lived most of my life in a small Cambridgeshire town in the UK. I would describe myself as a lover of words, books, travel, and chocolate. I’m also partial to the odd glass or two of wine now and again. I am both a mum and stepmum to four adult children, all of which have provided me with some of the inspiration behind my three novels, 183 Times A Year, All The Colours In Between, and Time Will Tell––which take a humorous, but sometimes tragic and poignant look at contemporary family life. I also write a monthly column and book review for my local lifestyle magazine The Fens.

Where did/do you get your ideas from?

183 Times A Year is an exploration of domestic love, hate, strength and friendship set amongst the thorny realities of today’s divided and extended families, and in particular focuses on the mother/teenage daughter relationship. Initially it was the women in my life, including my mother, daughters, and good friends who inspired me to write my debut novel, and they continued to inspire my second novel, as did the idea of modern family life in general, whether it’s the one you start out with, or the one you gain along the way. All The Colours In Between is a tale of love and loss, of friendships and betrayals, and coming of age, with a liberal sprinkling of humour. Like the first two novels, family life is still very much at the heart of my third novel, Time Will Tell, however, unlike the previous books, this story takes a step back in time to 1960s London when, although only fifty or so years ago, life was very different.

Are any of your characters based (however loosely) on anyone you know?

My Dad was definitely the inspiration behind the character of Salocin, and Cassie is loosely based on my daughter, especially with her malaprops and spoonerisms, but they are separate to them, very much characters (albeit fictional) in their own right.

How do you pick your characters’ names?

Sometimes a name will come to me, or I might choose a name in homage to someone special, or to another fictional character, for instance, Lizzie, which is short for Elizabeth, is named after my paternal grandmother and Jane Austen’s fictional character Elizabeth Bennet in Pride and Prejudice. At other times, if I’m struggling, I’ll search the internet and see what names were popular around the time my character would have been born.

Can you share your writing process with us, in a nutshell?

My other half runs his own business consultancy, and while he spends most of the week travelling, I’m at home doing the paperwork for the company, fitting in some writing in between. I learned how to type when I left school (many moons ago!), so I prefer working on a computer or laptop, although I do have many notebooks filled with ideas and research. I like peace and quiet when I write so I generally try and aim for a couple of hours each morning, but if that isn’t possible I’ll fit it in when I can. I love a cup of coffee first thing, too, and can’t start the day, or my writing, without one. I used to have a writing goal of at least 2000 words a day, but last year proved to be a particularly difficult one for me in terms of health problems, including family members and myself, and more often than not I wasn’t hitting my target, which made me feel a bit low, the focus tending to be more on what I wasn’t achieving rather than what I was. So I decided I needed to look at things differently, have a better positive mental attitude, and now I’m just happy if I manage to write every day, whether it’s 500 words or 5000! As for ideas, they come to me everywhere and anywhere, in the shower, out walking the dog, having coffee with friends. I’m a great people watcher too, and am always asking myself “what if…”

Who are your top 5 favourite authors?

Honestly, I don’t have 5 favourite authors. I have lots and lots of favourite authors. Plus my reading is quite broad, so I’ll name the first 5 that immediately spring to mind, but that doesn’t mean I prefer them above the many other authors I love.

Stephen King

Charles Dickens

Margaret Attwood

Philip K Dick

Anna McPartlin

If you could meet any author, who would it be and what would you ask them?

Alive – J. K. Rowling. Dead, Sue Townsend. Why? Because, as well as being hugely talented, they both come across as strong, independent women with a good dose of humour and integrity to boot. I would ply them cake, coffee and a glass or two of fizz, and then ask them everything and anything about writing.

Were you a big reader as a child?

Yes, I loved to escape into books. The three books that stand out from my childhood are Enid Blyton’s The Magic Faraway Tree, Anna Sewell’s Black Beauty, and The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis.

When did you start to write?

It’s a cliché but I wrote as a child, had some moderate success with poetry and short stories in my twenties, but didn’t start seriously writing until my forties.

If you could re-write the ending to any book what would it be and what would you change?

Knowing how much effort goes into the writing process I would never want to re-write the ending of a book, no matter how disappointing, confusing, strange, happy or sad. The story, first and foremost, belongs to the writer – they have written that ending for a reason. Besides, sometimes when a book doesn’t end how you image it will, like Jonathon Coe’s Number 11 for instance, it stays with you. Every now and again I find myself reflecting back on that particular book, wondering what on earth the ending was about.

Is there a book you wish you had written?

I love the Harry Potter books (and the films); they are pure escapism for me. I also love the Adrian Mole Diary novels by Sue Townsend. Her style of writing definitely influenced my debut novel, 183 Times A Year.

If you wrote an autobiography, what would your title be?

It’s not a life… It’s an adventure!

If you could invite any fictional character for coffee who would it be and where would you take them?

My Dad is always telling me, when life gets tough, laughter is the best medicine, which it is. Which is also why I love to thread a bit of humour among the more serious, darker moments throughout my novels. So, with that in mind, I think I’d invite Helen Fielding’s wonderful Bridget Jones out for a drink. We wouldn’t go for a coffee, though. I’d probably take her to Tonight Josephine, a relatively new cocktail bar in London’s Waterloo that I’m hoping to try at some point this year and whose motto (in bright pink, blinkity blink neon) is, “Well behaved women don’t make history”. Then, over a couple of cocktails and a lot of laughter, I’d like to think Bridget and I would talk crap and put the world to rights for a few hours.

What are you working on right now?

My fourth novel, no title as yet. It’s a bit of a love story, but with a twist.

Tell us about your last release?

My current release is Time Will Tell, the third and final story concerning Lizzie Lemalf and her madcap family. There are, like the previous two novels, some humorous moments, however, there are some very dark ones too. After the death of a much-loved family member, Lizzie is struggling with life. She is also doing her level best to keep her family together, especially as the recent death of a well-known celebrity has them all in a spin? The police suspect foul play; Lizzie and other family members suspect one another, which sets Lizzie on a journey to look for answers, only to find herself being dragged back to the past – to 1960’s London to be exact, and the former life of her father that, up until now, she has never been privy to. Every family has its secrets. However, they also say the past comes back to haunt you. Surely the truth will out? Maybe, but only time will tell…

Do you have a new release due?

I’m busy working on the fourth novel and hope to have it finished by the end of the year but I don’t have a specific release date at the moment.

What do you generally do to celebrate on publication day?

During the day I’ll meet with any friends and family that are about, probably over coffee and cake, and during the evening I‘ll have a glass (or two!) of prosecco.

How can readers keep in touch with you?

Website: EvaJordanWriter.com

Twitter: @evajordanwriter

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

Instagram: evajordanwriter

Is there anything else you would like us to know?

Yes, I love hearing from readers that have enjoyed my books, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have a question, either about my stories or the writing process in general. Also, big thanks to you, Kerry, for having me on your blog today and for your brilliant questions.

Thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions, Eva 🙂

Blurb

Eva Jordan’s much-anticipated follow up to the bestselling `All The Colours In-Between’.

Writer, Lizzie Lemalf, and her loving but somewhat dysfunctional family are still grieving over the loss of a much-loved family member. Lizzie is doing her best to keep her family together but why does the recent death of a well-known celebrity have them all in a spin? The police suspect foul play; Lizzie and other family members suspect one another.

Lizzie begins searching for answers only to find herself being dragged back to the past, to 1960’s London to be exact, and to the former life of her father, that up until now she has never been privy to. Every family has its secrets but how can the past hold the key to a present day celebrity death? They say the past comes back to haunt you. Surely the truth will out? Maybe, but only time will tell…

Buy Link

https://amzn.to/2RRTv5r

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happy reading 🙂

Interview with Janet Stock…..

Q For those who don’t know already, could you tell us about yourself and your book(s) please?

A I’m a 51 year old mum of a teenage son, who after dithering about for years decided last year, to take my writing seriously and self-publish at least one book. I ended up self-publishing 3 books last year, Dark & Fluffy, Dark & Fluffy Vol II and 500 Words. The Dark & Fluffy 1 & 2 are an assortment of short fiction works, and 500 Words consists of 5 flash fiction pieces that I wrote for my website. I am currently promoting Dark & Fluffy II.

Q Where did/do you get your ideas from?

A My ideas are always floating around in my head, and I don’t always know where they come from, they just pop in, or alternatively I deliberately take a topical subject such as the Windrush scandal and the suffragette commemorations and write stories around those themes.

Q Are any of your characters based (however loosely) on anyone you know?

A I think most of my characters are based on people I know, either consciously or sub-consciously. I have a couple of teenage characters in my short stories that have reacted the same way my own teenage son would. The main character in the novel that I am currently working on reacts to some situations in the same way I think I would have done at a younger age.

Q How do you pick your characters names?

A Some names are ones that I think fit the character or the time period, some are influenced by family, and some are just there, the right name for the character, like Benedict the main character in my novel. There’s no reason for that name other than he is Benedict.

Q Can you share your writing process with us, in a nutshell?

A When I sit down in front of my computer, I always write something, it doesn’t matter what I write, it doesn’t need to be perfect first time. Getting words on paper is the important thing. If I’m writing a short story, I just get it all down, normally in one sitting, then edit it afterwards. For a novel, I plan the story then spilt that into chapters. I then get to know my main characters inside out. Then I use my plan to write the book. If it’s a historical work, I get the story down first then overlay the historical details on top.

Q Who are your top 5 favourite authors?

A Stephen King; Bernard Cornwell; J K Rowling; Edward Rutherford; William Shakespeare.

Q If you could meet any author, who would it be and what would you ask them?

A Stephen King. I’d ask him if I could collaborate on a novella with him, or the same with David Walliams, I think he’s the modern day Roald Dahl, I should imagine it would be great fun to write a book with him. I’m in awe of J K Rowling, if I met her, I’d ask her how it feels to be a celebrity author, and if the pressure of being so successful is a strain on her. It must be nice having the money etc but there must be enormous pressure as well. How do you top something as successful as Harry Potter?

Q Were you a big reader as a child?

A Yes, I was always reading. I read Enid Blyton, Tove Jansson and Ursula le Guin.

Q When did you start to write?

A I started writing as a young child. I took it up again about 10 years ago, and then last year I decided to try and make this my career.

Q If you could re-write the ending to any book what would it be and what would you change?

A I wouldn’t so much re-write, but maybe add to the end of Pride & Prejudice. It would be nice to have a final scene say a year or so after Elizabeth and Mr Darcy are married and see how life is for them. Is Elizabeth happy with the life she has chosen, is it all she thought it would be?

Q Is there a book you wish you had written?

A Harry Potter.

Q If you wrote an autobiography, what would your title be?

A She Got There Eventually!

Q If you could invite any fictional character for coffee who would it be and where would you take them?

A See the answer above reference Pride & Prejudice – probably Elizabeth Bennett, later in her life. I’d take her to a cocktail bar and get her to really open up about her married life as Mrs Darcy.

Q What are you working on right now?

A Right now I am working on the first of 3 medieval historical fiction novels. It’s the story of a young boy’s ambition to become one of the most famous and powerful minstrels ever known.

Q Do you have a new release due?

A My focus this year is to complete book 1 of my 12^th century trilogy mentioned above, I intend finishing it this year. I have been writing this book on and off for 10 years, and self-publishing Dark & Fluffy II has given me the confidence to pursue bigger things. I hope to publish my novel the traditional way, i.e. with an agent and a publishing house. This is my ultimate dream.

I will also be self-publishing Alternative Histories later this year, a book that takes pivotal moments in history and looks at what-if scenarios. I have already showcased this idea in Dark & Fluffy II, in the story Queens of England. This is a story based around the idea of what could have happened if Queen Elizabeth I had not executed Mary Queen of Scots.

Looking further into the future, I will be self-publishing a novella called The Rue Stone. I have already self-published this as a short story, in the first Dark & Fluffy, and I have had lots of feedback all with a common thread; people felt a bit short changed after finishing the story and they would like to read more. I’ve taken on this feedback, which I agree with, and will now work on this to extend the story into a longer format.

After that, then it will be back to books 2 and 3 of my historical trilogy.

Interwoven with completing these books is an idea I have for a novella called A Tale of Two. This will be a story of two people, a man and a woman, who have an affair. The story will be told in two distinct parts, one from his point of view and one from hers.

Q What do you generally do to celebrate on publication day?

A Smile, get a fluttering in my stomach that I did it, and then put it all over social media.

Q How can readers keep in touch with you?

A fb Janetstockwriter  www.janetstockwriter.wordpress.com

Twitter @janetstock12

Q Is there anything else you would like us to know?

A Now I’ve started writing I don’t intend to stop, I have a very large ideas folder so will be writing for many years to come. Look out for me!

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions, Janet 🙂

Dark & Fluffy: Volume II

Following on from Dark & Fluffy, this collection is a further nine short fiction pieces. The title Dark & Fluffy II, reflects the general styles of the stories/prose in the book. Some are a bit darker, and may be a bit uncomfortable to read, Death by Testing and The Broken Arrangement fall into this category. Others are happier, feel good pieces like The Disney Club. Whatever your preference, I’m sure you’ll find something that will grab your attention.

Purchase Links

UK – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dark-Fluffy-II-Janet-Stock-ebook/dp/B07LDRKL5D

US – https://www.amazon.com/Dark-Fluffy-II-Janet-Stock-ebook/dp/B07LDRKL5D

Author Bio

I am married with one teenage son and have always been a keen reader and writer since being young. I was born in Lancashire but have lived in Lincoln for over 30 years.

Several years ago I decided to take my writing seriously. I completed an OU course in creative writing and a Writers Bureau course. Initially I concentrated on short story writing, and when I turned fifty this year, I self-published my first book, Dark and Fluffy.

I love writing short stories, but my main goal is to have a novel published. Ten years ago, I started the first book of a trilogy of novels called The Little Servant (The Wait’s Son). I am still working on this, but now I have a serious intent to get this finished this year.

My favourite genre is medieval fiction, Bernard Cornwell is my favourite author. I also like to read Edward Rutherford, Stephen King, and Dean Coontz.

Check out the rest of the blog blitz for reviews, and more, with these awesome book bloggers…..

With thanks as always to Rachel.

happy reading 🙂

We had such a lovely time at today’s meet up at the North Stafford hotel, Stoke-on-Trent. A MASSIVE thank you to all who came along and made it such a fab event. To those who couldn’t make this one, you were missed and we hope you can join us next time 😊

It has been great catching up with ‘old’ friends and meeting new ones. A big thank you to my partner in crime, Steph. I wouldn’t want to do this without you. Thanks, as always, for sorting everyone out with name tags. You’re a star!

Take a look at Rachel Sargeant (@RachelSargeant3): https://twitter.com/RachelSargeant3?s=09

Take a look at Steph (@StefLoz): https://twitter.com/StefLoz?s=09

Take a look at Susan Boulton (@BoultonSusan): https://twitter.com/BoultonSusan?s=09

Take a look at Kiltie Jackson (@KiltieJackson): https://twitter.com/KiltieJackson?s=09

Take a look at Caroline Venables (@thedivinewrite1): https://twitter.com/thedivinewrite1?s=09

https://www.facebook.com/scribblersue/

Take a look at Noelle | CrimeBookJunkie 🕵️‍♀️ (@nholten40): https://twitter.com/nholten40?s=09

Take a look at Abigail Osborne (@Abigail_Author): https://twitter.com/Abigail_Author?s=09

Take a look at Rachel Emms (@emms_rachel): https://twitter.com/emms_rachel?s=09

Take a look at Sarah Hardy (@sarahhardy681): https://twitter.com/sarahhardy681?s=09

Take a look at Anne Cater (@annecater): https://twitter.com/annecater?s=09

Take a look at Rachel Gilbey (@gilbster1000): https://twitter.com/gilbster1000?s=09

Take a look at Caroline England (@CazEngland): https://twitter.com/CazEngland?s=09

Take a look at Heide Goody (@HeideGoody): https://twitter.com/HeideGoody?s=09

Take a look at 📚🐛Kim Nash📚🐛 (@KimTheBookworm): https://twitter.com/KimTheBookworm?s=09

Take a look at Jo Robertson (@jocatrobertson): https://twitter.com/jocatrobertson?s=09

Take a look at John Pye (@CathedralOfLies): https://twitter.com/CathedralOfLies?s=09

Take a look at David Beckler (@DavidBeckler1): https://twitter.com/DavidBeckler1?s=09

Take a look at Tess riding the Gravy Train Makovesky (@tessmakovesky): https://twitter.com/tessmakovesky?s=09

Sue Eaton’s Facebook page – https://www.facebook.com/havepencanwrite/

Take a look at Graeme Cumming (@GraemeCumming63): https://twitter.com/GraemeCumming63?s=09

Take a look at Jill (@JillsBookCafe): https://twitter.com/JillsBookCafe?s=09

https://www.facebook.com/mickwilliamsauthor/

Take a look at Rachel McCollin/McLean (@rachelmcwrites): https://twitter.com/rachelmcwrites?s=09

Take a look at Misha Herwin (@MishaHerwin): https://twitter.com/MishaHerwin?s=09

Take a look at J.F.Burgess (@burgess1012): https://twitter.com/burgess1012?s=09

Take a look at NicHaleWriter (@nic_writer): https://twitter.com/nic_writer?s=09

Take a look at Jan Edwards (@Jancoledwards): https://twitter.com/Jancoledwards?s=09

Take a look at Jen Lucas ✍📖📚 (@JenMedBkReviews): https://twitter.com/JenMedBkReviews?s=09

Looking forward to the next one already!

Hope you can join us –

https://www.facebook.com/events/542108392961360/?ti=cl

Photos from September’s meet up…..

ICYMI – Our first ever Stoke-on-Trent meet up…..

https://chataboutbooks.wordpress.com/2018/05/14/our-first-stoke-on-trent-bookblogger-author-meetup-12th-may-2018-%f0%9f%98%8a/

Thanks again!

Kerry x

Welcome to my stop on the blog tour for this amazing book, Leo and the Lightning Dragons 🙂

With thanks, as always, to Kelly @ Love Books Group Tours

My review…..

Leo and the Lightning Dragons is an absolutely magical little rhyming story book which is so beautifully illustrated, with an extremely eye-catching cover.

Leo is fighting dragons, but not the kind you might be thinking of. Leo’s dragons are “disguised as lightning crackling inside his head”. Many people try to help Leo to beat the dragons, but ultimately he defeats them himself out of sheer determination and by never giving up!

A very inspirational story with a lesson for us all. I have no doubt it will be enjoyed by all, young or old!

Leo will stay in my thoughts for a very long time to come.

Blurb

Everybody in the kingdom is supporting the brave knight Leo in his battle against his fearsome dragons. They try lots of different things to help him defeat them but eventually Leo realises that the most important thing to do is to believe in himself. This beautifully illustrated book with a poignant and uplifting rhyming story encourages children to persevere and find strength in the face of adversity, even when it seems that nothing is working. Written by Gill White for her son Leo who suffers from Ohtahara Syndrome, an extremely rare form of epilepsy, and beautifully illustrated by Fife artist Gilli B, this story has been positively received by parents of children with complex needs, by care workers and medical staff and by parents of healthy young children who love the book simply as an adventure story. All royalties from the sale of this book will go to CHAS (Children’s Hospices across Scotland).  

I bought my own paperback copy and you can too…..

Buy Link

https://amzn.to/2AWPWRw

Tour Schedule

Follow, like and share the book love with these awesome book bloggers…..

happy reading 🙂

Welcome to my stop on Rachel Pudsey’s The Faelti blog tour!

Many thanks to Kelly @ Love Books Group Tours for arranging the following interview with Rachel Pudsey…..

For those who don’t know already, could you tell us about yourself and your book(s) please?

Hi, my name is Rachel Pudsey. I was born in Scotland but have a ridiculously English surname (*ahem* Pudsey Bear *ahem*). I studied Psychology in university before heading into the big bad world and getting a job absolutely unrelated to my degree. Imagine that. I currently live in South Korea, have been here for over seven years now, and pay the bills by teaching business English to adults in Seoul. I am the author of the Aronia Series, a YA fantasy romance series set in a fictional land called Aronia. So far there are two titles available: The Watcher of the Night Sky and The Faelti. They follow the lead character, Abigail, as she tries to undo a terrible mistake that resulted in her being cursed: wishing on the stars.

Where did/do you get your ideas from?

All over the place! Sometimes they just pop up in my head. Sometimes a song title or lyric does it. Mostly, my ideas have been sparked by the environment around me. Nature has a big part to play, as does tourist or cultural sites. I think that hearing real folk stories or cultural oddities is really fascinating and they help to get the creative juices flowing.

Are any of your characters based (however loosely) on anyone you know?

Yes. I can tell you with absolute sincerity that one of the male leads in the Aronia Series is based on an ex-boyfriend. It sounds so corny to say, but when I dated him I felt like I had met my Edward. He was my perfect man. A Korean Taekwondo trainer/ex-bodybuilder who just wanted us to be happy. Obviously, we are broken up now so there were some unfortunate issues that couldn’t be resolved. But at the time of writing The Watcher of the Night Sky, I based the character, and some of his appearance, on him. It was the best way for me to understand the attachment my main character, Abigail, would have for someone she loved.

How do you pick your characters’ names?

I mostly research names and use them based upon their meaning. That is with the exception of some of the dwarf and fae names. Most of them were picked using a Finnish name generator (I used Finnish for anything connected to the Kelluva Isles) and because I liked the sound of them.

Can you share your writing process with us, in a nutshell?

I write whatever comes to mind and worry about the structure later. I don’t map out an entire story from beginning to end. I suppose I use the Stephen King approach. Most of the time I don’t know how my story will end. Too many things happen in life that can affect my story, so I just let it all out and then worry about structure and planning later. Editing is when I knuckle down, fix the plot holes, and make dramatic changes.

Who are your top 5 favourite authors?

Hard question! Last time I answered I said J. K. Rowling, S. E. Hinton, Brandon Sanderson, William Goldman, and Brent Weeks. Because I like to read them. But I want to add Terry Pratchett, Jane Austin, Ernest Hemingway, and Charles Dickens simply because I highlight sentences in their books for being so epic. The trouble is that my answer will always change depending on what authors I discover. I am currently reading Holly Black and starting to really love her work. Same goes for Lisa Maxwell and Helene Wecker. I discovered them last year and was impressed by Wecker’s extraordinary talent with the English language, and Maxwell for her ability to create intrigue and keep readers hooked. I suppose my current list will have to be: Goldman, Rowling, Black, Maxwell and Wecker.

If you could meet any author, who would it be and what would you ask them?

Honestly, I mulled over this question for a long time. I am finding it hard to come up with someone. I’m not the kind of person who aspires to be like others. Or holds another up as a role model. I obviously have people I admire, but not enough to care if I meet them or not. Does that make sense? So, maybe Jane Austin. I’d like to know more about the era she lived in.

Were you a big reader as a child?

Absolutely. I grew up reading Goosebumps and Point Horror books in primary school.

When did you start to write?

I wrote my first novel (if I can even call it that) in primary school. Maybe primary six or seven, but I can’t quite remember. It was a Point Horror style book with students from my class as the victims. Seems a bit morbid now I look back on it!

If you could re-write the ending to any book what would it be and what would you change?

Probably Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows. I really wanted both of the Weasley twins to have survived the battle at Hogwarts. You can’t have one without the other! I am still raging about that. I wish it was Percy instead. And I hope Fred returned as a ghost and helped George run their store.

Is there a book you wish you had written?

Maybe The Princess Bride by William Goldman. That book is genius.

If you wrote an autobiography, what would your title be?   

I’m as discombobulated as you are.

If you could invite any fictional character for coffee who would it be and where would you take them?

Coffee with Albus Dumbledore would be an interesting day. Since this is entirely fictitious, I would take him to Diagon Alley in Universal Studios, Japan. They have a Three Broomsticks there. I’m sure he’d be fascinated by it.

What are you working on right now?

I am writing the third and final book of the Aronia Series. The title is named Aaravale.

Tell us about your last release?

My last release was The Faelti, book two of the Aronia Series. It continues the tale of Abigail as she tries her best to rid herself of a curse she accidentally placed on her life after wishing on the stars. I don’t want to give away too much to those who haven’t read the first one!

Do you have a new release due?

Yes, but unfortunately I can’t give a release date for Aaravale yet. All I can say is it will be released by summer this year. It is the third and final installment of the Aronia Series.

What do you generally do to celebrate on publication day?

Nothing much. Maybe just some drinks and dinner with close friends.

How can readers keep in touch with you?

They can contact me through my website: http://www.rachelpudsey.com
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/2LScrcZ
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/authorrachelpudsey
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/rachelpudsey
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/rachelpudsey

Is there anything else you would like us to know?

I am a Gryffindor.  I love The Outsiders. And wish you all to Stay Gold ^^

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions, Rachel 🙂

Blurb

NEVER WISH UPON A STAR

Sixteen-year-old Abigail Crumble’s learning this the hard way.

During a moment of weakness, Abigail wished on the stars only to discover she’s cursed as a result. And she’s been on a journey to rectify her mistake ever since. Trouble is, the quest to rid herself of the curse has proven to be much more arduous than she could have ever imagined. And far from over.

Separated from her friends and believing them dead, trapped in the faelti camp and being held hostage by the evil Kai Sisu, Abigail is no closer to reaching Levana’s Dwelling and breaking the curse than she was the day she left her hometown.

Author Bio

Rachel was born and raised in Scotland but has a ridiculously English surname. A graduate of psychology, she now resides in South Korea. She has dabbled in teaching children, but after a few blessed years has succumbed to teaching business English to adults in Seoul.

Rachel has been writing stories for as long as she can remember. An obsession with Point Horror books led to her first novel being written at the age of ten. Truth be told, it wasn’t very good. The following years were spent reading, amateur acting in a youth group, occasionally playing guitar, and dabbling in songwriting, all the while continuing to write stories unworthy for print and developing her own style.

A mixture of inspiring authors had a huge influence upon her mind: S. E. Hinton, Mario Puzo, R. L. Stine, William Goldman, C.S Lewis, J. R. R. Tolkien, Neil Gaiman, J. K. Rowling … the list goes on. For years, Rachel has cited The Outsiders by S.E. Hinton as her favourite book. These days, she considers The Princess Bride by William Goldman to be at the top of the list. But the list always changes. How can one simply pick a favourite from all the wonderful books out there? It’s like trying to pick one favourite food. Inconceivable!

Buy Link

https://amzn.to/2RK7hru

Follow, like and share the book love…..

happy reading 🙂

The Wife’s Secret (previously published as Beneath The Skin, which is the title of the paperback version I read) is very much a character driven story. There are several complex characters, all with their own secrets, all intertwined in one way or another. A very complicated, but enthralling, mess of emotion!

It will be difficult to review without giving too much away, but I’ll try.

The story is predominantly focused on Antonia who is a quiet and seemingly broken character, but one who appears to the world as a woman with everything. She is beautiful, has a loving husband and a beautiful home, but has she ever really loved David? It’s not a spoiler to say that she has a dark secret and a past she tries to forget. Wondering what that was kept me intrigued throughout. I can’t say I found her a particularly likeable character, but I didn’t dislike her either. I guess I didn’t understand some of things she did, but then I didn’t live her life.

Her friendship with Sophie is a complicated one too, as Sophie knows things no-one else knows and she seems to feel somewhat beholden to her.

I didn’t warm to Sophie at all, or her husband, Sami, although both are quite fascinating. Both have pasts that they’d rather forget and their marriage is extremely fragile due to the secrets they both keep from each other. They don’t seem very well suited, even though they love each other in their own ways.

Mike’s and Olivia’s marriage is less than perfect also and this becomes all the more apparent as the story unfolds, with devastating consequences.

This was an absolutely compelling read full of lies and deceit. The suspense starts from the very first page and doesn’t let up until the very end. I was totally hooked and I highly recommend.

Buy your copy…..

happy reading 🙂