A Poem a Day (57): She steps in time

Ahhh, I got a shock today when I realised it has been a month almost since I last wrote something. I've been working full-time this year, and coming home from work and flopping in front of the TV, feeling like an extra from Dawn of the Dead. Ah, this must end, and I must start switching off the TV and writing. So, sending you all inspirational bits and bobs, and bobbettes, and thoughts of creativity... switch off the TV and switch on to your hobby and passion in life, whatever that may be. Here's a poem I just wrote.

She steps in time

She steps out in time

To a summer rhyme

Spilling silken sounds

Forever kept at bay

Little secret smiles

Spiky dances of a child

Like a spinning top

These things beguile

Walking brisk in time

To the Showman’s whip

Obedient, we never slip

Or cause the slightest rift

Hear the sinking swim

The glowing neon drips

Bending curves of light

Glittering in my sight

In wrapt delight, I bathe

Beneath this August sun ­-

I’m wishing on the wings

Of an arching blackbird

Copyright Vickie Johnstone, June 22, 2014

#WW Wow Wednesday: Sherrill Willis

Hi guys and girls! Yep, it's that day of the week again. Welcome to WOW Wednesday. 

My guest today is Sherrill Willis, author of Ruby Lake. 

Read on to find out more about Sherrill and her writing...

All about Sherrill

I am the author of Ruby Lake, A Wedding in Ruby Lake and Stay a While in Ruby Lake. I started reading when I was three and my parents encouraged me to start writing soon after. I wrote my first poem at age five (about a tree, I believe) and this has been my passion for my entire life. Writing is what keeps me sane and, hopefully, connects me to others. I’ve always felt we are all connected, whether through experiences, blood or community. With my writing, my ultimate hope is to transcend barriers and reach out to those I might otherwise never meet (being able to afford all the cheese I want is on my list of wants as well).

I’m always writing in my head. There are days I don’t get a word done on the manuscript and other days it just flows like a winding river, picking up its own pace as I keep writing. No matter what your passion is do it. Don't listen to the critics and naysayers – believe in , despite what others say you cannot do. Truly, the best revenge isn’t just living well; sometimes it’s also being able to smile triumphantly at those who tried to hold you back.

All about Ruby Lake

Sydney Myers has been through several failed relationships in the past year, in addition to several other traumas, and is now giving up on finding her knight in dented armour. When her boss sends her to Ruby Lake - a small, rural town in northern Wisconsin - the last thing she is looking for is love at first sight, not to mention a place in the world where she finally fits in. Add her city-savvy best friend, a jealous ex-girlfriend, a famous father and a coffee shop of off-the wall characters, and it becomes more challenging for Sydney to manage than a spinning-plate competition.

When disaster strikes close to home, Sydney is left with the unbearable choice of her family or the life she has always dreamed of. Come with Sydney on her journey, and laugh, cry and rediscover why some choices are not really choices at all - they are simply fate.

Excerpt:

“Really? What were you doing about twenty minutes ago? And don’t tell me you were thinking; I know what your ‘thinking’ face is. Besides, we’re leaving Saturday, and we are staying at the hotel until then, so it’s not like I am going to get a chance at him anyway. I was just commenting on how cute he is.” Illana folded her arms over her chest and stuck her chin out at Sydney. “At least I’m honest about it, unlike some people.”

“What do you want me to say?” Sydney threw her arms up in frustration. “Yes, I think Zeke is hot, like burn-me-at-the-stake kind of hot. The man brought me a perfect cup of coffee while I was sleeping. Who does that? I almost spilled my coffee this afternoon when Betty told me he called her to find out how I like my coffee. So, yeah, I want him. How could I not? I mean, the only thing that would make him sexier is a gold-hoop earring! My heart does jumping jacks whenever he walks into the room.” At Illana’s wide-eyed look, Sydney said, “And he’s standing right behind me, isn’t he?”

“Yeah, but don’t stop now, especially if you’re going to do jumping jacks,” Zeke said, leaning against the door jam and wearing a very satisfied grin.

Links

Ruby Lake 

A Wedding in RubyLake 

Stay a While inRuby Lake  

 Sherrill's dream cast

Sydney Myers (Greyson)

Jennifer Lawrence. She’s adorable and so is Syd – she would pull off the klutzy, but loveable character to a T!

Zeke Greyson

Chris Hemsworth, because I’m a dreamer and want to hear him say, “I’m so glad I get to keep her.”

Illana Garet (Greyson)

Oh man, Selma Hayek – a younger version with less of an accent. I’d love to hear her say, “I never date men prettier than I am.”

Alex Greyson 

Bradley Cooper, but he’d have to dye his hair brown – oh, but those eyes are ALL Alex!

Thanks for reading!

Look out for next week's guest!

Finalist in the Indie Excellence Awards 2014! Yay!!

I'm so excited today and super chuffed. My horror novel, I Dream of Zombies was a finalist today in the National Indie Excellence Book Awards. Last year, my children's book, Kiwi and the Serpent of the Isle, made it. I went to work today on cloud nine. It's so great when someone turns around and tells you your book isn't rubbish!

A big thank you to my beta readers, Penny, Stewart and Ally for their constructive advice on this book. Beta readers are invaluable, as I discovered when I got to my 13th book. If only I'd realised earlier!! :))

Happy Tuesday folks! Hope all is well and dandy in your neck of the woods. Apologies as I've written absolutely nothing for weeks. I have a full-time job and have been socialising more!! Yep, that's my excuse! I'm also working on book 2 to I Dream of Zombies and hope to publish it this weekend. Some time. Fingers crossed! xx

Win one of my books in the Fairy Tale Fortnight Hop

Hi!!! Happy Tuesday to you and boo to the Tube strike, although I sympathise with the cause...

Big thanks to The Book Rat for hosting me today as part of the Fairy Tale Fortnight Hop (April 20 - May 3).

There were some fun questions for me to answer and I wrote a new ending for a story that made me bawl as a kid - which story made you cry buckets? You'll have to hop to the blog below to find out mine.


There's a competition too where you can win a paperback copy of The Sea Inside fantasy (2 runners-up will win ebooks). Awesome 3 Bears furry thanks to Misty for organising this :)

This is my post - http://www.thebookrat.com/2014/04/interview-giveaway-with-vickie.html

Check out her blog for the rest of the hop. Tour schedule: http://www.thebookrat.com/2014/04/fairy-tale-fortnight-welcome-schedule.html

Hope you enjoy and find some cool new authors. :)

Cheers! Happy reading and writing :) 

A Poem a Day (56): The house

This one is for Leland Hermit, who writes books starring dogs. 

His novels are great and include Angelo's Journey, which I reviewed (see the review page). 

Anyway, I asked him for a pic or a word prompt and this is what he came up with. 

Here is his photo (of his doggie, of course) and here is the poem I wrote for it.

Happy Sunday to you :)

The house

In the distance it endures,

still as the aching breeze

shaded by the magnificence 

of the towering mountainside.

He takes but one hesitant step,

then stops to sniff this chill air

as the dawn sun strokes his fur,

filling his eyes with gold specks.

As he pants, his mood lightens

for there lies the end of the road,

the haven forever calling him

to follow safely its distant echo.

A wooden house in hues of blue,

twisting smoke from a single chimney,

where the man will always reside,

ever awaiting his dear friend’s return.

Copyright Vickie Johnstone

A Poem a Day (55): Dreamscape

This one's for Leland Hermit, who just told me to "pick up that PENtameter and write" when I said I wasn't feeling lyrical. So, here's the first thing that sprung to mind - some 10-minute free verse. What's it about? It's up to you :) Happy Saturday! May it be treating you well. Happy bunnies and all that.

Dreamscape

It twists

Where morning rises

Watching, barefoot

In the mind’s eye glaring

Between close spaces

A twitch

A sigh

A burrowing down deep

Where the raven cries

A sharp shrill

Breaking silence

So sad it ceases to sigh

Fulfilled anew it dances

In the shallow light of eyes

Twisting

Unable to break

Beneath the moon’s rinse -

A pure silvery light

Unshaded by the night sky

So soon to distil itself

Into a dreamscape

Snaking round sleeping souls

They drift

In drifting they wake the world

To rebegin again

In the echo of their dreams

Such a muse despairs

No longer

Twisting, it aches

It breaks to breathe anew

Where past patterns fixed

The raven takes flight

His heavy wings pumping air

Like a swimmer’s limbs

The somnambulant express

He tips, soaring

Way above the sleeping heads

And floating dreams, soundless

Snaking

It twists,

Forever twisting.

copyright Vickie Johnstone

#WW Wow Wednesday: Stephanie Myers

Hi guys and girls! Yep, it's that day of the week again. Welcome to WOW Wednesday. 

My guest today is Stephanie Myers, author of the paranormal YA novel Dark Revelation. 

Read on to find out more about Stephanie and her writing...

All about Stephanie

I am an author. It’s what I do. It’s what I want to do. It’s not the only thing I do, but it’s what I want to be when I grow up!

Stephanie was born in San Antonio, Texas, and spent most of her youth in Germany. She then joined the military and travelled the world... somewhat. She lived in Japan, spent time in India and currently resides in Sacramento, California. She is surrounded by her close friends, family and animals. She lives with her oldest daughter (Illeana), youngest daughter (Kathryn), Punky and Snoopy (their Chorkies) and a cat (Miss Kitty). She misses her son, Gavin, terribly. He currently lives in Georgia.

Stephanie has written for many years. She started writing songs at the age of ten. Her writing progressed into short stories, poetry, screenplays and, more recently, her novel Dark Revelation. While Dark Revelation is of the YA genre, her other WIPs (works in progress) are more adult in nature – but no, not that kind of adult.

Stick around, read her blog, follow her on twitter and, most of all, read her books!

She is currently working on the second book in the Dark Revelation series.

Reviews

Currently, 45 on Amazon.com, ranking 4.1 out of 5 stars

Spellbinding 

“This book had me hooked in the first chapter, wondering just what was so special about Ryleigh. As it turned out there was no way on earth I could have guessed how complicated things were for her. As her story unfolds, surprising twists and turns take the reader through a maze of exciting discoveries about the secret world of Ryleigh’s family. Both the good side and the bad side. The details of Ryleigh’s powers and how she learns to control them were vividly described. Plenty of suspense and some very original characters make this a fun book to read. I was especially taken with the author’s take on the Fae, family histories and magical energies of these characters. It’s vastly different and I think more compelling than many of the paranormal thrillers I have read before. I look forward to the next book in this series. I was thoroughly entertained by this one. The story is fast paced, original and suspenseful. I don’t often read this genre, but after reading this I may sample more.”

AE Drury, ‘Ed Drury’

 “I loved this book. I love how it was written and the entire story. I could hardly put it down.”

Ashley

“This is really good. I love it! It is such a good book, I am looking forward to reading the rest of the series.”

Struwberry13

Links

Dark Revelation

Facebook

Twitter

Blog

Thanks for reading!

Look out for next week's guest!

New release: Far Away In Time by Maria Savva

Hi guys! Today I'm pleased to welcome Maria Savva and announce the release of her new collection of short stories, Far Away In Time. Read on to find out more about Maria and her book, and you can check out the trailer too, which, I have to say, got me hooked! :) 

Eight unforgettable tales reaching out to a place Far Away In Time...

Our lives are a series of stories, and we are the characters with the starring roles. The memories, regrets, secrets and struggles that fill these pages are at once unique and relatable. These stories belong to us all.

Universal book link: getBook.at/FarAwayInTime

About Maria Savva

Maria Savva lives and works in London. She studied law at Middlesex University and The College of Law. She is a lawyer, although not currently practising. She writes novels and short stories in various genres, including drama, psychological thriller and family saga. 

Many of her books and stories are inspired by her years spent working as a lawyer, although she has not written a courtroom drama to date. She has published five novels, the most recent of which is Haunted, a crime fiction/psychological thriller. Far Away In Time is her sixth collection of short stories. 

You can find out more about her work at her official website: www.mariasavva.com

Reviews

A Great collection of short stories, something for everyone! 

By Sheri A. Wilkinson (5 stars)

“Far Away In Time is a collection of eight short stories fantastically told by Maria Savva. These stories are different genres, from fantasy, to mystery and paranormal. All stories have their own qualities that I loved, written with detail that grabs your attention and won’t let go. I enjoyed all of them, but I would have to say my three favourites were The Ghost of Christmas Past, Echos of Her Dreams & Tragedy of Love. I feel there is something for everyone in this awesome collection of stories.”

A Diverse Collection 

By BookAddict (5 stars)

“Maria Savva has a knack for writing powerful short stories. As with much of her writing, we aren’t confined to any specific genre. Some of these stories made me smile while others made me shudder. They’re all different, yet blend beautifully. While I enjoyed them all, the title story stands out as my favourite. This is a blend of mystery, fantasy and paranormal, and I just love the character of Mr. Silverfrost. I hope he’ll make more appearances in future stories.”

Thanks for reading. Have a good day!

Flash Fiction 2: Missed Connection

Hi, I entered a flash fiction contest on the Indies Unlimited website. It's time to vote today and you can read all of the entries here - 
http://www.indiesunlimited.com/2014/04/02/flash-fiction-vote-7/
The contest takes place every week. :) Good luck if you enter next week.

Flash Fiction Challenge: Missed Connection

I saw the pomegranate on the windowsill, but the shutters were closed. The contact was not there. Something had gone wrong.

It happens more often that you’d think, and way more often than I like. A missed connection doesn’t necessarily mean the mission has been blown, but it is never a good sign.

The only thing to do in situations like this is to stay calm and remain vigilant. I took the pomegranate and proceeded down the alleyway to the secondary rendezvous point. That’s when I noticed I was being followed…

In 250 words or less, tell us a story incorporating the elements in the picture. 

My entry: 

Crouching still, I swung my head to the left and right, pricking my keen ears in a bid to detect the movement I could only sense. I cursed my lack of supersonic anything; if only. The gloom revealed not a soul behind me, so perhaps I only imagined it. I crept on, taking one careful step at a time…

A crunch! I turned swiftly, in time to spy a fleeting picture of him. Feeling the pomegranate give a little under the pressure I inflicted, I willed myself to remain calm.

Not far to go, I urged myself too late for he would never give up; as restless in death as in life. If only his appetite had been satisfied, but I could not help him now. I knew I would forever be doomed to echo this same farce night in, night out, hunted.

Listless, I padded away, listening to the beat of my feet on the gravel-strewn concrete. The alleyway eeled and I turned with it, only to come face to face with him: my foe, my opponent in every existence. My alter ego, Crow.

He would always crave my delicious pomegranate. With a meow, I let it fall to the ground in front of him. A squawk escaped his beak before the man with the spade clobbered him over the head, in the same way he always did, night in, night out. Then I, too, vanished into the night, flying on the back of the wind.

Until tomorrow.

#WW WOW Wednesday: Kymber Lee

Hi guys and girls! Yep, it's that day of the week again. Welcome to WOW Wednesday. My guest today is Kymber Lee, author of regency romance and mystery/conspiracy novels. Read on to find out more about Kymber and her writing...

Lord Tristan's True Love

Did you know that the society of Regency England forced members of the ton to marry if they were seen in public together? The unescorted young lady’s reputation would be quite ruined otherwise. 

This book is one such story and tells of Miss Caroline Denise Whittingham’s misadventures in trying to get her betrothed to ‘cry off’. Unfortunately, one of her schemes has her thrown out of the realm of society and her betrothed, Lord Tristan Darlington, refuses to end the engagement until she finds her way back into their good graces. Of certainty, the odds of regaining favour with the peerage is slim in 1820 London, but Lord Darlington is a great friend of the Countess Lieven and enlists her aid. 

Caroline finds him to be a pompous, stuffy lord who is puffed up with himself and his reputation; not caring a whit for her. In her efforts to expel Lord Darlington, she is deliberately rude to him in public and pretends to be afraid he will hurt her. These escapades force him to show his nastier side to the peerage he so desperately wants to impress. 

On the day their engagement is announced in the London Times, there is a grand ball. Caroline presents herself in a most inappropriate gown and causes everyone in the room to turn their backs on her. Lord Darlington comes to her side and forces her to dance the waltz with him, acting for all the world as if nothing is amiss. Once the dance is over, he leads her into the gardens to show her how women who behave so outrageously are treated. 

The tearful pleadings to her strict parents all prove to be in vain. Miss Whittingham cannot seem to win in this matter of the heart, for her father is certain she should wed to save the family from disgrace. Her temper tantrums and quick wit keep the story moving swiftly, carrying the reader from page to page like rapids in a river. 

The sparring between Miss Whittingham and Lord Darlington cause many a raised eyebrow in society, which makes the book amusing and charming to read. It is my sincere desire that you will find this book energetic, as well as entertaining, for it has been a pleasure to write.

Reviews

"Lord Tristan's True Love was artfully written in typical true romance style, with the main character, Caroline, being your headstrong, naive, inexperienced love interest of the callous Lord Tristan who was typically arrogant, aloof, separate... yet deeply in love from first sight with the wilful Miss Whittingham. The book was a joy to read, yet it left me wanting more! More descriptive details of the surroundings, the clothing, the carriages... everything! Being such a period piece, I truly wanted to be drawn in by the details of the era, which were a little sparse. Having said that, I would definitely recommend Lord Tristan's True Love for a quick weekend read and will be keeping an eye out for more from this author. Well done Miz Kymber Lee!"

Cindy Smith

"If you're a lover of historical romance stories, this is a must read." 

Jennifer Loiske

“Very entertaining story with a good mix of characters and a dab of humor."

RJPP

Book links

Lord Tristan's True Love

Treasured Love

Holiday Keepsakes

Fateful Night

Darkest Day

All about Kymber Lee

 Kymber Lee is a Christian historical romance novelist. Her first published novel, Treasured Love, is available in audio or paperback. Lord Tristan's True Love is now available on Kindle and will be offered in paperback in 2014. Both of these novels are set in Regency England (1811-1819).

Lee has written mystery/conspiracy novels - the What She Knew trilogy by KR Hughes 'and TL Burns. In these books, Marilyn Monroe is saved and it's a race against time to see if 'What She Knew' can save JFK from that fateful bullet. The first two books are available on Kindle: Fateful Night and Darkest Day.

Lee also has a story in the Holiday Keepsakes Collection from Master Koda Publishing.

Kymber Lee is a native Texan. She enjoys mentoring beginners to editing advanced writing. She has an English degree with a minor in journalism from West Texas University.

Lee currently lives in Atlanta, GA, and owns a production company with her co-author, TL Burns. They are currently working on book three in the What She Knew trilogy, due out in late summer 2014.

How to contact Kymber Lee

Facebook

Twitter

Website

Goodreads

Pinterest

Blog

Thanks for reading!

Look out for next week's guest!