Tuesday, 15 October 2013

New Book Release: I Dream of Zombies



Hi, I've just released a new book. This time is something completely different and it's about zombies! At the moment it's only in ebook format on Amazon, but that should change next week. This is the first horror book I have written. It is dedicated to my dad and all those zombie lovers out there. Thanks to my dad’s addiction to things that go bump in the night, I was watching Hammer House of Horror and scary films from the age of 12, and devoured whatever was out by Stephen King as a teenager. But of all the monsters and scary things out there, the things that made me tremble most were the zombies... even the ones that couldn’t motor very fast. And between you and me, I still can’t play a certain zombie game without flinching, jumping and making the odd squeak.

Book description

A zombie novel set in London over six weeks in 2013, with a strong female lead character. It starts with a dream and then the nightmare takes over. 

It all begins on a summer’s day with the media reporting with some hilarity that people are dreaming of the dead coming to life, but those who have dreamt them are convinced they are a warning of things to come. Marla takes it all with a pinch of salt until she experiences the nightmares herself. Cue paranoia and disbelief until reality shows its new face. 

All over London there are incidences of people becoming sick and aggressive. As the attacks mount, the media is forced to take the matter seriously, but what is causing it? Is it a virus, and is it natural or man-made, and is the government responsible? 

Marla, her sister, Ellen, and friend Tommy find themselves fighting for their survival as their sense of reality is smashed. Will the army and police maintain control or will the country find itself in lockdown, isolated from the outside world? 

Book excerpt... the dream... 



"A sickening sense of dread ravages him as fear drifts over the surface of his skin like fingers, icy cold and unrelenting. He turns again and sprints towards the exit, his pace becoming increasingly slower as if something is pushing him back. Yet still he finds himself in the exact same position, his feet rooted to the spot, his arms sweeping, useless. His hair blows in the breath that the creature now turns on him, sickening in its putrid scent of death and putrefaction. There is not a word he can think of to describe this thing in front of him. Fear creeps, regardless. Twisting, crawling, the maggots swarm across its bloodied face as it opens its mouth wider. Something rips. The yawn seems to swallow him whole into this darkness of despair as a jagged, ripping pain overwhelms him; the sharp teeth chafing, gnawing at his neck, seeking to pierce the jugular vein within. From far off in the distance comes the ripple of laughter." 


Reviews: 

5.0 out of 5 stars Five Stars For This Great Read October 14, 2013
By Stewart
Format:Kindle Edition
"I Dream Of Zombies" is an ideal read for lovers of this particular genre.

While the plot has been seen in many guises in both film and book over the years - i.e. zombies over-running an area and threatening the very survival of a country or even the world - this book's strength lies in two areas:

First: character development. I was rooting for one particular character, Ellen, right from the start because of the way the author defines her vulnerability and reliance on those around her. Ellen's vulnerability is the real backbone of the story.

And then, while I felt her protectors, Tommy and Marla, could look after themselves, their characters grew and blossomed as an increasing number of other vulnerables, including two young children and two elderly people, join the band of travellers seeking sanctuary from the zombies.

Second: the graphic descriptions of zombie attacks and their effects. Having fled London before the zombie horde really took hold, our heroes later have to make a journey back into Tottenham, and we are treated to descriptions of the carnage there, which adds intensity to what could happen to the rest of the UK if the zombie virus is left unchecked.

This talented author intersperses the horror and action with a little humour (okay, fans of a certain Premier soccer team won't find the destruction of their ground funny, but rival fans will!) and moments of tenderness - I'm thinking here of a conversation between the two sisters on a narrow boat.

While the book moves nicely to a largely satisfying conclusion as far as our band of refugees are concerned, two questions remain. However, it is extremely likely that those answers will be forthcoming as this fascinating story continues in the next book in the series.

As a lover of this genre I give "I Dream Of Zombies" five stars, and eagerly await its sequel.

5.0 out of 5 stars My Favourite zombie novel of the year. 14 Oct 2013
Format:Kindle Edition
Okay I admit I like horror. I have been reading horror for years. So for me it was a surprise to read this novel. I have read a lot of zombies novel and watched hundreds of zombie novels over the years. Most of which forget the cardinal rule of horror. It has to be scary and the characters have to be put in peril. Dreaming of Zombies is the sign that the apocalypse long feared has arrived. So I am pleased to say Vickie has written the novel I have been waiting for.

It starts with a dream of the forth coming evil. Perhaps this is man's most basic prime evil sense warning him/her that he must be prepared for the up coming fight. Next the characters are great. Are you bored with shrinking violets who want to powder their noses in the middle of a zombie fight? Well this book is a breath of fresh air with gritty characters who know how to use weapons and do not bring a hammer to a zombie fight.

It becomes a road movie for a bit of the book but constantly Vickie surprises with Twists and turns. I read a zombie book recently where the main character ex SAS soldier had renounced violence and let his lovely girl friend get eaten. No such problem here! Vickie through out the book remembers that you have to like your characters for the book to ultimately be a success.

I do not want to give the game away too much but will say there are no cop outs in this book which makes a change. Recommended.

Monday, 14 October 2013

Today's stops on the Inspiring Teens Blog Hop (14-19 Oct)


Today is day 1 the week-long Inspiring Teens Blog Hop, organised by Greta Burroughs and me. 
We're bringing you 6 days of books and giveaways!

Main page for the hop - www.tinyurl.com/kq4f3lv

It coincides with Teen Read Week 2013, which aims to get our teenagers reading! We hope to bring you a fun week in which you can meet writers and win their books, and enter a competition to win a $10 Amazon gift card.There are 35 authors of middle-grade and YA books and 27 bloggers taking part, so that's 35 fantastic giveaways! Most of the bloggers are also writers. There is a writing contest on Wendy's blog on the Tuesday with a prize to win. You can win a $10 Amazon gift card - there will be two winners - on the main hop site: www.tinyurl.com/kq4f3lv

Here is what's happening today!! Check out the authors and the prizes they're offering! Good luck!


Schedule - all posts will be up all week, of course, so don't worry about missing anything.

Monday, October 14

Blogger – Kate Bainbridge - 
http://read2review.com/2013/10/14/inspiring-teens-blog-hop-interview-with-vickie-johnstone/
Author - Vickie Johnstone

Blogger - Sharon Ledwith - http://sharonledwith.blogspot.com/
Author - Jennifer Loiske

Blogger - Armen Pogharian - https://armenpogharian.wordpress.com/
Author - Ey Wade

Blogger – Candice Conway Simpson - http://booksforboysreviewsandfun.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/inspiring-teens-blog-hop-sharon-rose.html
Author - Sharon Rose Mayes


Blogger - Cedar Sanderson - http://cedarwrites.com/
Author - Kim Mutch Emerson

Blogger – Maria Savva – https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog_posts/5020446-inspiring-teens-blog-hop-interview-giveaway-with-author-ed-drury/
Author – Ed Drury

Thanks for reading and we hope to see you on the hop. Tomorrow's events will be posted then :)

4th Spooktacular Giveaway Hop - October 15-31



Spook! Hi guys and girls! Welcome to my stop on the 4th Spooktacular Giveaway Hop
 and a big thank you to I am a Reader, Not a Writer for organising this. 
It's HUGE with 379 blogs participating - now that's a lot of books to win! :) 
Good luck!


The prizes I am offering are as follows:


1 winner - paperback copies of The Sea Inside, Kiwi in Cat City & Day of the Living Pizza.


2 runners-up will win ebook copies of the same 3 books. 


To win just enter using the Rafflecopter below. Good luck and don't forget to check out all the other blogs in this hop for some terrific giveaways.




The Sea Inside (fantasy adventure/YA)

Book 1 in the Cerulean Songs series – 'Time is all we have; it flows – it cannot stop'
Jayne wakes up in hospital following a terrible accident to find herself paralysed below the waist. While struggling to recover, she is offered a gift that opens a portal to another world. To the girl’s astonishment, she finds herself on a journey, on both the physical and mental plane. It brings her to the mystical realm of Entyre, where life is very different and power lies with the creatures of the deep. Her adventures bring her face to face with a terrifying witch, a cheeky insect and the most beautiful of mystical creatures - a unicorn. While the threads of time keep flowing, Jayne must decide what is real, who to trust, and regain her inner strength in order to find herself and her true destiny. Thanks to Maja Dražić for the beautiful cover photograph.

Kiwi in Cat City (fantasy)

Book 1 in the Kiwi Series
Adventures of a magical cat and friends (written for readers aged 10 up). Have you ever wished your cat could talk or wondered where he/she goes when you are not around? Kiwi seems like a typical moggie, content to nap in the sun, but she has a secret – she is a magical cat from a place called Cat City. With her two humans, James and Amy, Kiwi finds mysteries and adventures, dealing with catnappings, jewel thieves, giant mice, time travel, haunted houses, Father Christmas, pyramids and more. The fun stories contain positive messages about loyalty, friendship, honesty, bullying and the power of standing together. Illustrations inside by Nikki McBroom.

Day of the Living Pizza (comedy fantasy horror/YA)

Book 1 in the Smarts & Dewdrop Mystery series
Detective Smarts of Crazy Name Town has a problem. Doctor Boring and his receptionist have been bumped off, and the only clues at the scene are some olives, tomatoes and a sprinkle of oregano. With the townsfolk dropping like flies and strange figures stumbling down the streets mumbling “Pizza”, Officer Dewdrop has an unusual idea.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday, 13 October 2013

Inspiring Teens Blog Hop - Mon 14 - Sat 19 October



Tomorrow sees the start of the week-long Inspiring Teens Blog Hop, organised by Greta Burroughs and me. We're bringing you 6 days of books and giveaways!

Main page for the hop - www.tinyurl.com/kq4f3lv

It coincides with Teen Read Week 2013, which aims to get our teenagers reading! We hope to bring you a fun week in which you can meet writers and win their books, and enter a competition to win a $10 Amazon gift card.

- Check the schedule below for dates and author appearances plus giveaways.

- There are 35 authors of middle-grade and YA books and 27 bloggers taking part, so that's 35 fantastic giveaways! Most of the bloggers are also writers. 

- There is a writing contest on Wendy's blog on the Tuesday with a prize to win.

- You can win a $10 Amazon gift card - there will be two winners - on the main hop site: www.tinyurl.com/kq4f3lv


Good luck with winning prizes and we hope you have fun!


Schedule

Monday, October 14

Blogger – Kate Bainbridge - http://read2review.com/
Author - Vickie Johnstone

 Blogger - Sharon Ledwith - http://sharonledwith.blogspot.com/
Author - Jennifer Loiske

 Blogger - Armen Pogharian - https://armenpogharian.wordpress.com/
Author - Ey Wade

 Blogger – Candice Conway Simpson - http://booksforboysreviewsandfun.blogspot.co.uk/
Author - Sharon Rose Mayes

Blogger - Cedar Sanderson - http://cedarwrites.com/
Author - Kim Mutch Emerson

Blogger – Maria Savva – 
https://www.goodreads.com/author_blog_posts/5020446-inspiring-teens-blog-hop-interview-giveaway-with-author-ed-drury/
Author – Ed Drury


Tuesday, October 15 


Blogger - Kate Bainbridge - http://read2review.com/
Author - Greta Burroughs

Blogger - Jennifer Loiske - http://jenniferloiske.wordpress.com/
Author - Cedar Sanderson

Blogger – Lisa Cresswell - www.lisatcresswell.blogspot.com
Author - Tim Flanagan

Blogger - Debra J Jameson Smith - 
https://www.facebook.com/Creationsbydjamesonsmith
Author - Sharon Ledwith

Blogger - David Lowbridge - http://indieebookreview.blogspot.co.uk)
Author - Amanda Haulk Taylor

Writing Contest at 
7.45-8.45pm CST / 12.30am GMT

Blogger - Wendy Strain - http://www.writeonwendy.com/
Starring author Greta Burroughs
This is a five-minute fiction contest open to everyone. Please join in. The task is to write a short story using a prompt provided by Greta. A prize will be awarded to the winner. It's a lot of fun and an exciting way to show off your skills at writing.
 

Wednesday, October 16 


Blogger - Kate Bainbridge - http://read2review.com/
Author - Debbie Manber Kupfer

Blogger – Maria Savva - http://quietfurybooks.com/bestsellerboundrecommends/
Author - Linda Deane

Blogger – Debbie Manber Kupfer - http://debbiemanberkupfer.wordpress.com/
Author - Lisa Cresswell

Blogger - Ey Wade - http://dna-bloodtiesandlies.blogspot.com/
Author - Armen Pogharian

Blogger – David Lowbridge - http://indieebookreview.blogspot.co.uk
Author - Dianne Gardner

Blogger - Robert DeBurgh - http://robertdeburgh.weebly.com/blog-blogging-through-the-mire.html
Author - Christine Hughes


Thursday, October 17 


Blogger - Kate Bainbridge - http://read2review.com/
Author - Hugo Jackson

Blogger - Vickie Johnstone - http://vickiejohnstone.blogspot.co.uk/
Author  - Paul Plunkett

Blogger - Kim Mutch Emerson - http://masterkoda.com/category/master-koda-blog-tour
Author - Donna Dillon

Blogger - Karen Pokraz Toz - http://kptoz.blogspot.co.uk
Author - JR Simmons

Blogger - David Lowbridge - http://indieebookreview.blogspot.co.uk/
Author - Saoirse O'Mara

Blogger - Brenda Perlin - http://homewreckertheblog.com/
Author - Charlotte Blackwell


Friday, October 18

Blogger - Kate Bainbridge - http://read2review.com/
Author - Tianna Scott

Blogger – Tim Flanagan - http://timflanaganauthor.wordpress.com
Author - Catherine Stovall

Blogger – Sharon Rose Mayes – http://www.notyourmomblog.com/
Author - Wendy Siefken

Blogger – Cassie McCown - http://gatheringleavesreviews.blogspot.com/
Author - Alan Tucker

Blogger – David Lowbridge - http://indieebookreview.blogspot.co.uk/
Author - Michael Chulsky

 Blogger – Wendy Siefken - http://siefkenpublications.blogspot.co.uk/
Author - Juli Caldwell


Saturday, October 19 


Blogger – Robbie Cox - www.themessthatisme.com
Author - Debra J. Smith

Blogger – Jonathan Gould - http://daglit.blogspot.co.uk
Author – Sibel Hodge

Blogger - Greta Burroughs - http://booksbygretaburroughs.weebly.com/-a-new-day-has-begun.html
Author - Chris Baker

Blogger – Cassy Wood & 
Alex Harrington http://reviewmetwice.blogspot.com
Author - Vicki Kinnaird 

Thanks to all authors and bloggers, and all of you for reading... :) 
We hope to see you on the hop!




Thursday, 10 October 2013

Only #99c / 75p today - 3 Heads & a Tail

3 Heads & a Tail is a quirky comedy about two guys, a
girl and a streetwise Labrador who swears a little too much. 
When nature lover Josie moves into a house share with two pals, dreamer Ben and model man David, she sees it as a short stop and doesn't bank on an attraction developing with one of them. Meanwhile, Ben’s dog, Glen, has the hots for Miss Posh, the beautiful golden Labrador in the park. When dog meets dog it’s puppy love, but a complication leads to Glen taking matters into his own paws, leading to a situation that puts him in danger. In this comedy of errors, romance and walkies, it's anyone's guess who is going to win the girl/dog and live happily ever after.
Links: 
Rating on Amazon: 4.6 out of 5 stars for 17 reviews
"A humorous love story of a different kind, mostly seen through the eyes of Glen, the tail owner, and written with unusual wittiness and ability." (Annarita Guarnieri)

"Oh my gosh this is a funny book. I hate to harp on the topic of how the dog made the story, but I think he did." (Ey Wade)

"Laugh out loud funny." (Donna Brown)

"Glen has now replaced Buck as my favorite doggie character in a novel. Ms. Johnstone's characters are all wonderfully developed and she does an amazing job giving doggie voice to Glen and Mimi." (PDX Author)

As advertised on www.fkbooksandtips.com - a great place to go to find discounted and free books http://wp.me/p2b82w-53K



Wednesday, 9 October 2013

#WW WOW Wednesday: Nadia Kilrick

Hi guys and girls! Welcome to WOW Wednesday. My 8th guest is Nadia Kilrickauthor of 
Ziggy Returns: A Short TaleThis spooky and entertaining ghost story is on sale right now for 99c/75p. What's it all about, I hear you ask? Well, read on to find out more 
about the novel and this talented writer...


A hysterical laugh followed by a snort filled the air. "You don't recognize your own husband's voice, Minna? How soon you forget."
Remorse and forgiveness sometimes come too late. Ziggy has to have the last word, even if it means going home after death. Will Minna ever free herself from her husband's ghost?

About Ziggy Returns

Minna Fuller finds herself in an odd predicament when her moonshine-guzzling husband carelessly causes an accident that changes both their lives. Though relieved to have her life back, she would never have wished death on him. Being a man who always had to have the last word, Ziggy returns to their home to instruct Minna on how she should live the remainder of her life by offering a suggestion she finds far-reaching, even for him. Will Minna be able to rid her home of her husband’s ghost and finally get on with her life? Will she accept his blessing and set on the path he envisions her taking, or will she ignore him and the advice of her friends?

Book links


Review snippets (all 5 stars on Amazon)

“This short story has it all... a scoundrel of a husband... moonshine... a mistress... an innocent love triangle... 
a remorseful ghost... and lots of funeral casseroles... what more could a southern girl need? I was immediately drawn in by Nadia Kilrick's comfortable writing style. The characters were both engaging and believable, 
making Ziggy Returns an enjoyable way to spend a rainy Saturday afternoon.”
Jane Cowart

“Nadia Kilrick kept me glued to the pages as her story unfolded. I could picture each scene as if I was right 
there with Minna Fuller. The characters were so real I truly sympathized with her plight in life.
Very entertaining reading, from the first page to the last!”
Pat Bennett

“It was spooky, funny, a tad bit sad and very entertaining the whole way through. I will definitely 
be looking for more stories from Nadia Kirick in the future. Her writing flows and in the middle of 
turmoil she can make you snicker.”
Theresa L Myrick

All about Nadia

Nadia Kilrick is a Florida native who finds tranquillity in the simple life of the Deep South. She believes there is no better place to contemplate life’s journey than sitting beside a slow moving creek shaded by mighty moss-draped oaks. It is there that dreams burst free from within the chasms of the human heart.

Nadia has written fiction since childhood. Her busy life and raising a family slowed the progress of her writing for two decades. When her children moved away, she began writing articles for the web. Nadia’s passion for fiction writing quietly stirred while creating articles related to gardening, family, self-sufficiency and do-it-yourself projects. Now she writes fiction full-time. When writing, thriller, suspense/mystery and paranormal are her favourite genres. When reading, she reaches for psychological thrillers, true crime, mystery/suspense, horror, paranormal, western and historical fiction.

Nadia is pleased to announce her debut short story, Ziggy Returns: A Short Tale, has been published by Master Koda Select Publishing and is now available on Amazon.com. Rough Hewn: People of Kilmservy Village, the first in her psychological thriller trilogy, will be released with MKSP in September 2013.

Where to connect with Nadia


Thanks for reading - look out for another WOW writer next Wednesday!
Happy reading & writing! :) 

Wednesday, 2 October 2013

#WW WOW Wednesday: Linda Bolton

Hi guys and girls! Welcome to WOW Wednesday. My 7th guest is Linda Bolton, author of Take 2
The thrilling romance is on sale right now for 99c/75p. What's it all about, I hear you ask? 
Well, read on to find out more about the novel and its talented writer...



What does a Scottish accent, a great body and a cute smile have in common? 
Find out in TAKE 2!


Book blurb

Alexandra Daniels is forty-something and hard working, both in and out of home. Her life has been plodding along at a snail's pace and she’s longing for excitement. Alexandra wins a trip to see her favourite talk show in New York, the 'Veronica Becker Show', and it just so happens the actor of her dreams is a guest - Derek Dunbar! Is Alex’s life about to change?

Derek Dunbar is Scottish, an actor and a hunk! Every woman in America drools over him. He has his pick of women, but stinks at relationships. At forty, is he longing for a more meaningful relationship? Does he even know how to have one? Is he willing to make the effort or will it just be too complicated?


Excerpt from Take 2:

“Go”, “Two minutes”, was hollered out. Alex felt nervous even though most of the men at the speed-dating meeting didn’t appear her type. The fact that they wouldn’t find her their type bothered her most. 
            “Hi, my name is Rick. I work at a comic book store” was all Alex heard. He had shoulder length hair, a beard and his shirt was wrinkled.  “Your turn”.
            “Hi, I’m Alex. A widow. Customer service rep. My daughter just got married.”  She was on auto-pilot. She repeated the same thing with every guy. “Tell me more about yourself,” was her next line so she wouldn’t have to really participate. And they did.
            Why did she agree to do this? Kathleen was crazy. She actually looked like she was having fun.
            “Go! Two minutes.”
And it repeated, this time with a manager of Burger King. Ugh! These men were so boring. It’s no wonder they couldn’t find dates. “I love reading and watching science fiction. I have the complete set of Star Wars collectables.”
            This was pure torture. Kathleen owed her. Having her eyebrows waxed was better than this.
            “Go! Two minutes”.
            This one had a real job. “I work at a bank.”
            “Oh, what do you do?” Alex was a bit intrigued. 
            “Oh, I meant to say I worked a bank. Until I went to jail for embezzling. I have served my time and am looking for work right now. I’m on probation for five years,” Mitchell said with a smile. 
            “Isn’t that a felony?” Alex couldn’t believe she was having this conversation. 
            “Yeah, I’ll get a job soon. I’m staying with my mom right now. She has plenty of room and doesn’t mind if I bring the ladies by,” he managed with a wink. 
            “Go! Two minutes”.
            Thank God it was almost over! Alex was never going to repeat this experience. As her last speed-date babbled on about his inability to wear corrective shoes, Alex watched Kathleen laugh and chat away with hers. Kathleen looked like she really enjoyed doing this. Alex was in awe--and misery.
            When it was finally over Alex and Kathleen headed to the bar for a drink to compare notes.
            “This was too much fun! These guys are a riot! I think I may meet the ex-con for drinks later!” Kathleen giggled at the thought of her possible date.
            “Are you insane?” Alex couldn’t believe her ears. 
            “Did you not have fun Alex?” Kathleen looked genuinely surprised.
            “Kathleen, I realize your fun and my fun are two totally different things. You know I would do anything for you but NEVER ask me to do this again! It was pure torture!” Alex didn’t mean to come across so agitated but she just couldn’t help it.
            Kathleen looked a bit hurt but after her first margarita she was understanding and agreed to take her sister next time. Alex couldn’t wait to get home, take a long shower and crawl into bed. Suddenly, being alone sounded wonderful.

Book Links




About Linda

Take 2 is Linda Bolton’s first novel and it is available on Amazon. She is currently working on her second, 
to be released soon. When she isn't writing, Linda is a GiGi, playing with her new granddaughter, Z, 
and working full time. 

Where you can connect with Linda


Some reviews of Take 2

“Which one of us doesn’t fantasise about our favourite actor falling madly and deeply in love with them? 
In Take 2 the main character, Alexandra Daniels, gets to fulfil every girl's fantasy when she catches the eye of sexy Scottish actor Derek Dunbar! The sex scenes, while expressive, are far from offensive or smutty. 
I enjoyed this story so much I had a hard time putting it down!!!”
MAugusto – 5 stars

 “An older woman that a gorgeous and sexy, and famous movie star falls in love with?! 
Who wouldn't love to live out such a fantasy?”
Alex Economides – 4 stars

“Take 2 felt like a guilty pleasure. It was easy to get involved in the story and the likable characters. 
It was an enjoyable escape that took me away from it all. The writing was clear and easy to follow. 
Never knew what to expect which made it fun.”
Brenda Perlin – 5 stars


 Thanks for reading - look out for another WOW writer next Wednesday!
Happy reading & writing! :) 


Please note: book excerpts are never edited.



Monday, 30 September 2013

A Poem a Day (44): Where she sleeps

Morning! It's 9.58am here and I just wrote this poem. The character in this poem is a guy, and I was thinking him waking up at the crack of dawn... perhaps because I got up at 8am, which is pretty early for me, being a wee bit lazy... plus I went to bed at 2! Have a groovy day. Happy reading & writing to you! :)


Where she sleeps

Departing night’s shade
I find myself stirring
beneath the split fine nets
floating like a spider’s web
falling gracefully between;

I stare up at the waking sky
where the sun is breaking;
yet another new day begins,
seamlessly striding in after
the parting of the other

A yawn of yesterday’s bliss
escapes me as I slide upward;
curved, lying still, she breathes;
memories so delicate linger
on the easy breeze drifting in,

Surprising me with the scent
of rich, heady hyacinth
caressing the song of the robin
perched way up on high
unseen by me in his creativity

I lean back, completed,
listening to this rising tide,
nestled in this timeless place
where she sleeps
in echoes of the night

Silently, I sit and gaze
upon her morning eyes
turning their warmth upon me
with a smile of knowing
who I am

copyright Vickie Johnstone



Friday, 27 September 2013

A Poem a Day (43): It's funny how

Today's poem is a little one; one of those flash poems that you write in a couple of minutes. A little rush. Have a gorgeous Friday :) 
Be well, be happy, be free. 


It's funny how...

It’s funny how we
sink and slide
only to rise again
in waves of never-ending
something stirring
when I see black
where the myriad colours rolled
swept aside
by the aching roar of the sea
i know
in waiting for tomorrow
that the sun will blaze
like egg yolk
or the rain will trickle
endlessly dripping down
so being reminded
of a new day dawning
in the ripe echo
of the old
departing on the breeze


copyright Vickie Johnstone

Wednesday, 25 September 2013

WOW Wednesday: Wendy & Charles Siefken

Hi guys and girls! Welcome to WOW Wednesday. My sixth guests are the writing duo Wendy Siefken and her son, Charlie, whose pens have created Kai's Journey, a tale of zombies, werewolves, dragons and a young hero. Kai's Journey is now on sale for 99c/75pWhat's it all about, I hear you ask? Well, read on to find out more...



An awful mistake… an unlikely companion… 
Kai’s journey to save the human race!

Book blurb

After his father accidentally releases a killer virus into the world, Kai is left alone to battle the creatures it created. While fighting for his existence in the barren post-apocalyptic world, Kai runs into an unlikely ally in the form of a young woman named Clover. 

Fuelled by a flicker of hope, the two teenagers join forces with a rag-tag band of survivors in a heroic journey. Can the human race endure?



How Kai’s Journey came about

This is our first publication, with many more to follow. It started as a school project for my youngest son and now business partner, Charles Siefken, which grew into a desire to be published. Our publisher is Master Koda Select Publishing.

The book is a journey into the fantasy realm of what ifs. What if zombies took over the world? What if werewolves were real? What if dragons were really not from earth, but from another planet? I hope you enjoy this YA book. This book is ideal for a young reader who you might not want reading a book full of blood and gore. This novel doesn’t have that. It has a story without all the graphics of a battle. I hope you take a look and enjoy!


About the authors

Charles Siefken (1992-present) is a recent graduate of high school. This is his first book of many to be published. He currently resides in rural central Iowa, where he enjoys reading sci-fi books and playing video games, among other things. Christopher Paolini was his inspiration to become a writer.

Wendy Siefken (1966-present) is currently working from home full-time, writing stories and acting as a virtual assistant to those in need of an extra pair of hands online. She lives on a farm with her family, and enjoys reading, gardening and other activities with relatives and friends.

Wendy’s proudest moment

That moment when someone noticed us for the unique persons we are is etched in both of our minds. It was when the principal and teachers were getting together to have an Individual Education Plan for Charlie’s school year, and they realized he had written a book and published it as well. He had set up websites and actually sold books too. That was the day when one of the teachers, Mr. Kozak, was really impressed that we had come up with a cover, published it, and done the marketing and everything that went along with it.

Mr. Kozak had brought his laptop, so he went to the Amazon web page and looked at the book. He looked at the websites, as well as our Facebook pages. He asked Charlie what we had done, and I was so proud to listen to him tell the man all about our marketing and what worked best for us. Mr. Kozak and the other teachers were very impressed.

I did remind Mr. Kozak that since Charlie was still a minor at the time, for most of the process I had spearheaded the queries for agents and publishing houses. Together, we discussed the options available to us with each company that happened to contact us back and made our decisions. Finances played a very large part in what we could and couldn’t do. That is how we managed to stay out of quite a few of the vanity presses and other places that wanted money up front.

When the teachers and Mr. Kozak glanced at us with that look on their faces of ‘they really did it’, that was our moment – one of our greatest compliments.

Snippets from Amazon reviews

“The story is one of survival, but also zest for life – still finding happiness through the most difficult of times. 
It reminds me to appreciate what I have and to be grateful. This book is full of twists and turns, 
and just knows that you will enjoy it as much as I have. If I could give it 10 stars I would, 
but Amazon only allows for 5 stars… so Star, Star, Star, Star, Star!!!”
Bruce Goldwell

“This was an amazing story of zombies, werewolves and alien dragons, wrapped up with a love-story and a mystery ending that made me grumble! I’d love to understand more about the werewolves 
and what Kai was doing before he met Clover!”
Dominique Goodall

“Not only did I enjoy this book, my teenage daughter fell in love with it and Kai. 
I highly recommend it. If you enjoy zombies, surviving all odds, living with guilt and falling in love, 
you will enjoy this book. I can’t wait for more.”
Dawn

Where to connect with Wendy and Charles


Book links



 Thanks for reading - look out for another WOW writer next Wednesday!
Happy reading & writing! :)