A Slow Return to Work #amwriting

I am, very slowly, returning to work after having my baby. The summer holiday is drawing to a close, which means schools will resume and my elder daughter will return to pre-school. Hopefully that will enable me to do some proper work for a few hours during the week, as long as my newborn allows it. I will, however, make allowances for attending parent and child social groups, health appointments etc. For now, I am trying desperately to find time to resume my writing projects, but so far no joy. I still have an unfinished manuscript to work on, and it will require a lot of work since I stalled with writer's block a few months ago. My Muse seems to be waking up very slowly, but I am not quite back in the zone yet. I did have a rather interesting vision just last week.

I was sitting on a bench in a children's playground, nursing my newborn daughter, while my eldest played on the apparatus with her grandparents. As I gazed vacantly across the grass towards the border of trees and shrubs in one corner, I became aware of a tall, dark haired man standing there smiling at me. He was not a solid person, more what I would call a 'spirit' entity, but he definitely was not a ghost. He was one of my vampire characters from my current work in progress, and I felt a rush of relief flood through me as I realized that it was my Muse making her presence known. It will only be a matter of time before I am once again ensconced at the computer, tapping at the keys and completing yet another literary masterpiece...

Oh, and I finally drew a winner for the Hot Paranormal Nights blog hop. Sorry for the delay folks! The lucky recipient of a paperback copy of Love Hurts (A Redcliffe Novel) is Michelle Willms. Congratulations!

*Image courtesy of Flickr

Book Review: Media Magnetism by Christina Hamlett #Bizitalk

Here is my book review of Media Magnetism: How to Attract the Favorable Publicity You Want and Deserve by Christina Hamlett:

A useful guide for small business owners seeking media publicity

This book is very informative for people seeking advice about how to market themselves as a brand and a small business. The media world is a confusing place, and it helps if you know where to begin in terms of approaching radio, TV and print media outlets to receive coverage and advertising for your business. As an Indie author I found this book quite helpful with guidance on getting the best use from my social media connections, and also some insight into the industry for future reference. I recommend it to anyone in a similar situation, who wants to expand their customer/client/reader numbers but has little or no experience with the media industry as a tool for wider publicity.

#ReadMe - Love Hurts (A Redcliffe Novel) by Catherine Green - #HDH

Hello and welcome to the Hump Day Hook. Today’s excerpt is from my first novel Love Hurts (A Redcliffe Novel), and you can read the whole story for free over on Wattpad now!

I was barefoot, and almost slipped down the stairs in my haste.  I stood on tiptoes, looked through the peephole and saw the top of Jack’s head.  He must be looking down for some reason.  I flung open the door, and then gasped in horror.  He was leaning against the doorframe, his face covered in blood from what looked liked a large gash above his right eye, and several scratches and cuts on his cheeks and chin.  His clothes were dirty, torn, and bloody, and he fell through the door into my arms.  Instinctively I tried to catch him, and fell to the floor with a cry, trying to support his weight.  
“Jack!,” I cried, “Jack can you hear me?  Speak to me!”  

If you enjoyed this one, why not pop over to our dedicated Hump Day Hook blog and peruse some new and exciting authors. We write about romance, love, science fiction, fantasy, erotica and everything in-between, so you are sure to find something that delights the senses. You can also find us on Facebook. Happy Humping!

Book Review: The Weirdstone of Brisingamen by Alan Garner

Here is my book review of The Weirdstone of Brisingamen by Alan Garner:

A story inspired by a local legend in East Cheshire, England

I was quite excited to read this book, since it was set in my home county and an area with which I have become familiar during recent years. Unfortunately, I really struggled with this book. Perhaps the reason is that I am more interested in adult themes and paranormal tales at the moment. This novel is a fantasy story incorporating myth, magic and folklore, and it will be a treat for the right reader. It just wasn’t for me at this time, and I found it confusing in places.

White Heaven Women by Jessie B. Tyson #ReadMe #JT4a

Today I welcome author Jessie B. Tyson to my blog, to tell us about her debut novel which is on sale from 15th - 31st August as a special summer offer. 

☆‿↗⁀↘‿ WHITE HEAVEN WOMEN ‿↗⁀↘☆

A gripping tale set in Whitehaven North England 

WHITE HEAVEN WOMEN been in the top 100 paperbacks sold on Amazon Canada summer 2013!

It has also been #1 Suspense and Occult, twice!



Many people believe that we have all been here on earth before, with a different name, different life. Some live their current lives believing they’ll be reincarnated after death. This past life theme is prevalent in movies, television ad novels, including the new supernatural suspense White Heaven Women by British author Jessie B. Tyson.

White Heaven Women is a gripping tale set in Whitehaven, Cumbria, UK. Flashing between 1899/ early 1900s to 2000, readers are introduced to two sisters, Beth and Sarah, and the fate that awaits them.

In the year 1899, in Whitehaven, Cumbria, UK, Lady Constance Witherspoon, only 14 years of age, gives birth to twin girls during a tumultuous storm. Lady Elisa (Beth) is born with a diagnosis of demonic possession, while her twin, Lady Sarah, is crushed and killed when the ceiling collapses in the storm.

In the year 2000, Sally Witherspane returns home to Whitehaven and is haunted by relentless nightmares about demons and a baby crushed at birth. To discover the meaning of these dreams, she seeks the help of the local psychic, who instructs Sally to attend a past life meeting. It is there that Sally meets Beth Witherspoon.

Persuaded by a ghostly blue apparition, Sally documents a family history filled with deception, abuse and an ancient evil, and she must summon strength and faith to become the woman she is destined to be, one of the last descendants of the White Heaven Women.

This three minute You Tube video tells a true story why my ghosts are blue and not white like other authors spooks:-

 

Bio: Jessie B Tyson was born at Scalegill Place near Moor Row - a tiny village between the coast and the mountains in N.W. Cumbria England but lives in British Columbia, Canada. In what year? She's a senior and will not divulge that - ladies prerogative but she will be collecting a pension in a few years (grin.) She was educated in her natal area and moved to Canada in the year 2000. Jessie wrote children's and fantasy stories as a teenager. When she matured she moved on to writing adult stories. She has a great imagination and enjoys turning her vision-like dreams into enjoyable tales. Jessie considers herself as a Spiritual Christian who believes in the Power of God - but that doesn't stop her writing paranormal fiction with ghosts and demons! Jessie has a wonderful sense of humour, and loves to laugh and tease her friends. She has a generous spirit and will help anyone in need. She has an affinity with animals, especially dogs, cats, horses and dolphins. Jessie abhors all forms of cruelty to any living breathing creature. White Heaven Women is her debut novel.

You can find Jessie in the following places:

Facebook
Twitter
Jessie's Blog

#ReadMe Young Adult Werewolf Tension in My New Master #HDH

Hello and welcome to the Hump Day Hook. Here is an excerpt from my published short story telling the tale of how Redcliffe wolf lieutenant Simon Bunce became the beast he is today…This is taken from My New Master.

            “You might be gay Simon Bunce but you will not disobey me.  I am offering you a great gift.  If you join my family here I will offer you protection and excitement.  Isn’t that what you want?” 

            Now I was confused.  What was she talking about?  I suddenly wondered if she was completely sane.  My mother had been psychologically damaged and I recognized the signs in Marie’s behavior.  I swallowed nervously then stepped back away from the door and spoke in a calm voice.  

            “Ok Marie I am sorry but I’m not quite sure what you mean.  Yes I would love to be bar manager but I will not give you any sort of intimate relationship.  You are a beautiful and attractive woman but I am only attracted to men, do you understand that?”

             She smiled and then laughed, throwing back her head.  When she spoke her voice had changed, it was deeper, almost a growl, and I was suddenly frightened as my instinct kicked in. 

            “Oh Simon it is such a shame.  Are you sure though?  Perhaps you haven’t found the right woman yet?  Perhaps you need a woman rather than a girl?”

            I tried to move towards the door again. 

            “Marie thanks again but maybe I should go home.  We can talk in the morning, ok?” 

            I opened the door and jumped as I almost walked right into another man.  He was gorgeous!  He was tall, about my height, with dark hair and amazing blue eyes.  He smiled. 

            “I am sorry did I startle you?  I was looking for Marie, is she here?” 

            I smiled and nodded, stepping to the side so he could walk past me.  Before I could walk away Marie spoke again. 

            “Simon don’t go.  Please come back into the office, I want you to meet my friend!” 

If you enjoyed this one, why not pop over to our dedicated Hump Day Hook blog and peruse some new and exciting authors. We write about romance, love, science fiction, fantasy, erotica and everything in-between, so you are sure to find something that delights the senses. You can also find us on Facebook. Happy Humping! 

 

Young Adult #Vampire Fun in The Teen Game #HDH

Hello and welcome to the Hump Day Hook. I am offering something a little different today, so here is an excerpt from my first published short story, The Teen Game. Here is an excerpt where our protagonist, the 200 year old vampire Elizabeth Warrington, has decided to return to modern day college and proceeds to feed her way through the excited young boys who are enamoured by her model-perfect looks and her eternally 17 year-old body...

 His mouth was a little sloppy I have to admit but it was certainly exciting to be embraced by such a young boy after so many years!  I gradually showed him how to kiss me properly using my tongue, lips and teeth and then I felt his hands slide instinctively down my body, although he carefully avoided my breasts to begin with.  He was so innocent and clearly a virgin.  As much as I liked to torment myself with my little games, I was thirsty; I hadn't fed all day and was beginning to feel weak.  His pulse was beating against my skin, and I kissed in a seductive line down his jaw until my mouth hovered over that delicate place, and I inhaled his warm, sweet scent.  Then I struck, quick, fast, biting a neat little hole and drinking deeply of his youthful blood.  He cried out but it was muffled against my hair and I projected calming thoughts into his mind, persuading him that we were simply kissing and caressing each other, nothing more.  He became still against me and when I had finished and pushed him gently away, he swayed a little and struggled to focus on my face.  When he spoke his voice was hoarse.  “Whoa that was intense!  So, um, I should get you home Liz!”

If you enjoyed this one, why not pop over to our dedicated Hump Day Hook blog and peruse some new and exciting authors. We write about romance, love, science fiction, fantasy, erotica and everything in-between, so you are sure to find something that delights the senses. You can also find us on Facebook. Happy Humping!