Sunday 31 August 2014

Riding a sea serpent...

...well, sort of. 

I'm actually talking about the Great Orme in Llandudno, North Wales; a huge headland, or bluff if you prefer. The word 'orme' is thought to be derived from the ancient Norse word for 'worm' or 'sea serpent, and it certainly resembles one!
(view of the Great Orme from Llandudno pier.)

Being burdened with hefty rucksacks of vital provisions-and since we couldn't hire Sherpas for love nor money-my SIL and I decided that, rather than walk, we'd take the kids to the top of the hill on the Great Orme tramway. (Why is it that the little folk require so much food, drink, and spare clothing, I wonder?)

(The view from the top.)

As you can see, it's an incredibly beautiful place, overflowing with wildlife, stunning views and natural wonders. There's also an Iron age hill fort; Neolithic burial chambers; a Bronze age mine, and evidence of round house settlements. Oh, and there are fossils a-plenty to keep all the kids-big and small-happy. 

If you're ever down Llandudno way, the Great Orme is well worth a visit. 

Saturday 30 August 2014

Rock of ages...

Crikey. That was a bloomin' quick week! It doesn't seem a minute ago that I was bidding you all a fond farewell! Anyway, how's your week been, my lovelies? I do hope it was as much fun as mine!

Well, we've just had the most fabulous week in North Wales. Although I'm now dead on my feet, my fun levels are registering 'full.' The kids had a total blast with their cousins, and it was great to spend some proper QT with my lovely SIL. During the past seven days, we've sampled the very best that Llandudno, Conwy, and Towyn had to offer, and we weren't disappointed.

The weather was as varied as our activities: driving rain followed by blazing sun then gale force winds! But a little thing like the weather couldn't stop us. Mais non, mes amies! We've done markets; visited funfairs--where some of us(!) have almost puked. We've ridden trams, visited ancient places; hunted for fossils; visited a nature reserve; paddled in the sea; eaten much more than was good for us (namely candy floss, fish 'n' chips, lots of hot, buttery bara brith, and do-nuts. Yum! Oh, and wine. Lots of wine...and whisky.)

And then, of course, there was the castle...Conwy castle. *sighs dreamily* It really is the most gob-smackingly gorgeous, toweringly awesome gray ruin.


Oh, c'mon. Just because book two's head is currently engaged doesn't mean that I've slaked my lust for all things castle-y!


You know how electric cars can 'plug in' at gas stations? Well that's what castles do for me. They recharge my writerly batteries and fill my head with ghostly fragments of pictures and conversations until my fingers are tingling to capture them on paper.




Who knows, maybe our Martha might get a book three after all! We'll see.


Wednesday 20 August 2014

Psst! PSST!

*glances left and right*

You know the cover blurb I've been whining about for the last couple of days? Don't tell anyone, but you can have a sneak peek at it over on my Facebook page. Have a look and tell me what you think.

This message will self-destruct in five seconds...

Tuesday 19 August 2014

Blurb talk...

I finally sent 'Wolfsbane' for formatting. Now I can devote myself to finishing off the cover blurb.

Fyi, back cover descriptions are HARD. If you've never written one, have a go at condensing the plot of your favorite book into a mere 200 or 300 words in a way that'll make people want to read it, but without revealing anything vital. Go on. I challenge you to do it.

Yep. HARD. *skulks back to blurb dungeon*

Saturday 16 August 2014

I'm baaaaaack...

Hello, lovelies. Sorry for going awol, but this is where I've been all week.

Here's hubby and the kiddiwinks playing on the shore of Derwentwater, Keswick. Big hills = ZERO internet access, and extremely limited telephone reception. To tell you the truth, I needed to be disconnected from reality for a while.

The weather was mainly kind, although we did get wet a few times, but-hey-that's the Lake District for you! (Readers of 'Traveler' may recall that Martha and her Aunt Lulu came from around here. It's easy to see why I find the place so inspiring. ) One of the highlights of our stay was seeing a family of Ospreys. Brilliant!

Where have you been on your summer holidays? If you fancy de-cloaking, I'd really love to know.

Wednesday 6 August 2014

Writing fuel...

Hello, lovelies! How's Wednesday treating you? Good, I hope. :)

 Anywho, earlier this week, I was talking about some of my writing influences--Tolkien, Bronte, Austen, to name a few. But my actual inspiration to write--that desperate urge to put pen to paper--can be found in many different places.

For example, the battle scenes in Kingdom of Heaven are, imo, gloriously graphic and distinctly un-Hollywood. They have a 'realism', that many other films depicting this era sadly lack. War is a sweaty, bloody, god-awful business, and I think the director did a fabulous job getting this across on the big screen.

I listened a lot to the 'Kingdom of Heaven' soundtrack while writing 'certain scenes' in 'Wolfsbane'. (I know you'll tell me if it shows!) It really helped get me 'in the mood'. Incidentally, PMS has a very similar effect!

Okay, that's all for now. More editing awaits me. If you're interested, I'll share more inspirational stuff with you another time. Oh, and leave me a message in the comments if there's something particular you want to know about either of my books.

Have a great day/evening.

Monday 4 August 2014

'Hemlock' status update...

Hello, my lovelies! Just to let you know that 'Traveler' book one has finished its Amazon Select period. That means it's now available on 'Scribed' and 'Kobo' with 'B&N' and 'Apple' to follow. I'm not sure if I'll be going back to Select or not, so get 'Hemlock' in its different formats while you can. *slinks back to editing dungeon*

Saturday 2 August 2014

Quick update...

Sorry for going awol on you, folks, but I'm currently neck deep in 'Wolfsbane' edits (Thanks Red Adept for all your great suggestions.)

With a prevailing wind, I MIGHT get this baby to you before the end of the month. Okay, I'd better get back to it. Have yourselves a great weekend. Enjoy the sun, if you can find any.

*slinks back to writers' dungeon*

Happy 4th of July!

Hope you all have a safe, happy, and wonderful day!