Tales told in thread and ink
2016 has been on the whole a great year for me, there have been ups and downs but I can honestly say that it has been more positive than negative.
I started the year in one job where I wasn’t happy and in November got a new job which is in walking distance (three minutes door to door). Although I am still learning the ropes in this new field my stress levels are so much lower. I’m sleeping at night instead of waking up at ridiculous o’clock worrying what the next day will bring. My health had started to be affected by my job and now I feel as though I am getting back to where I was before. We spend so much time at work that its important that we enjoy it, when you realise that you are dreading it you know the time is ripe to move on.
I look forward to getting to know more about my new job in 2017 and feeling like I know what I’m doing. My previous role was in the motorcycle industry and I am moving into investment and acquisitions predominantly dealing with property and construction. I think this will keep me interested for a while to come.
In 2016 I was lucky enough to get some motorbike training on a 600cc motorbike from one of the instructors, Tony, who has also moved on to another company. In 2017 I hope to do some more training and hopefully take my full licence.
I was lucky enough to go on two fabulous holidays this year, in May I went to Portugal and in November the Dominican Republic. For anyone who knows me they will know that holidays are my main priority, foregoing many other things in order to get my fix of holidays. Each holiday gives me the chance to relax and unwind. I love to explore new areas and spend time reading and writing in the most beautiful of settings. I was very fortunate with the Dominican Republic holiday being upgraded from a 3* to 5* hotel with premium service. The room was bigger than my ground floor at home. I had a hot tub on the balcony which looked out over the sea which was lucky as they had unusual weather with 5 out of 10 days being solid rain. Needless to say I spend a lot time writing. During my time there I went on an adventure excursion which included a zip wire, this was quite a challenge for me as I hate heights but loved it so much that they allowed me a second turn.
I published another novelette this year, which I wrote for an anthology for the first UK Indie Lit Festival but decided to publish when I received such positive feedback on it. The festival was a blast and was a chance to meet up with the fantastic authors that I have been talking to online. We have now forged strong bonds and the support network is phenomenal in particular my friendship with Su Echo Falls S’ari (aka Rose English). We have formed a partnership for book signings and online parties, Roses & Dreams which goes from strength to strength.
In 2017 I have signed up for The West Midlands Book signing which is being held on 4th February and the UK Indie Lit Festival later on in the year, date to be confirmed.
My new book (novel) A Boy from the Streets is with my editor now and will be published as soon as is humanely possible. I am very excited about this book and can’t wait to share it with everyone.
A few little teasers:
I have two more novels lining up for 2017 as well as about thirty other ideas in various different stages.
‘Is this Love?’ and the sequel ‘Illicit Love.’
Last but not least I have spent quality time with my family who are as always amazing, the biggest blessing in my life. I am proud of each and every one of them and look forward to spending time with them next year.
I look forward to seeing where 2017 will take me in all areas of my life.
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy and prosperous 2017.
Okay so let me start by saying I don’t normally read collections of short stories by the same author as I find there is a common thread which is the author’s voice in the stories and while I do read books by the same authors it is rare for me to read them consecutively. Having said that I enjoyed reading this collection. Both authors managed to create an instant atmosphere which gripped me and kept me turning the pages. There were a few stories in this collection that I didn’t understand the ending but maybe that’s just me. I will certainly be reading more by these authors.
The cover for my new book was revealed on the 18th December and I am now waiting for my fabulous editor to wave her magic wand over my words so that I can get it ready for publication. Ideally I would like this to be on the first week of February when I have a book signing in the West Midlands. The schedule will be tight and I have no doubt that I will be burning the candle into the night to achieve this.
I have already received some fantastic feedback from my good friend and beta reader Su (Aka Rose English).
This is my most exciting project to date. I can also reveal that there will be another book, not really a sequel but more of a spin-off using one of the characters Carlos which already has a cover.
Short teaser:
“Carlos what’s wrong?” His body was rigid now. Our joyfulness of earlier had fled with the speed of a greyhound let out of the traps.
I heard the sobs before I saw his tears but now they splattered unheeding down his cheeks and over his ragged shirt.
“Tell me what’s wrong Carlos? Did Martinez say something––do something?” I probed as he shook his head.
“Was it the other political?”
I knew from the wild, dilated eyes that I was right.
“Did he do something to you?”
He bowed his head.
“Did he hurt you? Beat you?”
Keep tuning in for more details.
Rainbow and Roses is a collection of beautiful stories, poetry and facts that the author has gathered together through painstaking research. She explores folklore from other cultures about the symbolism of the rose. There is a charming glimpse into her life with pictures and poetry written throughout the authors life. Amongst all of those riches is the story ‘One Breath’ which I have read before and enjoyed reading again. This is a beautiful collection which exudes an old world simplicity and charm.
This is the LAST advent teaser from my novelette ‘The Storm Creature’.
Have a lovely Christmas.
If you want to find out what happens next to Lucy you can pick it up for 0.99 for you Kindle by clicking on the link below. Thank you for tuning in.
Print copy: £3.50/$5.00
Kindle: 0.99
At eighteen, Lucy had everything going for her: a supportive family, a rapt audience, and her dream of becoming a published author about to be realised.
A single moment in time on a dark, rainy road changes things forever.
That was then, but this is now. Lucy has suffered through eight years of haunting visions and thoughts with every raging storm thanks to a tempestuous storm creature who torments her. What does the baleful creature want with Lucy? Will the troubled woman ever be able to let go of the past and forgive herself?
Or will she sacrifice everything she holds dear?
Reviews so far:
Small story…Big impact, 20 Aug. 2016
Atmospheric and suspenseful, March 17, 2016
You many well shiver as you experience this stormy short., 15 Mar. 2016At eighteen years of age Lucy is following her dreams. Her first book is published ‘As Dreams are Made on’ which has been warmly received. Her family are supportive, she is happy, with a wonderful life ahead of her.
Then one dark and stormy night, as Lucy makes her way home, along the quiet wet, winding country lanes, one tiny decision she makes, sees her dreams washed away in the lashing rain.
Eight years on and Lucy has turned into a recluse, her family once close, barely know how to deal with her. She now lives alone in a small cottage in the woods; barely ever does she venture out, and she hardly ever sees anyone.
This troubled young woman is tormented by the events of that stormy evening and is constantly taunted by the presence of the ‘Storm Creature.’ Lucy is petrified by thunder and lightning but this crazed creature revels in it. She dances in the lashing rain, as the author says ‘… laughing and spinning, her arms waving like an Indian goddess… possessed of multiple limbs.’
Maria Gibbs has a wonderful way with words, almost lyrical at times. Check out the opening lines:-
‘The rain danced against the pane of glass, wild and wicked until the tempo changed, curling and writhing into a beautiful sensual rhythm.’
The atmosphere is set so you become embroiled within the story, you may well shiver as you are drawn in, experiencing the stormy nights with the rolling thunder. I sat tense on the edge of my seat wandering what was to come next upon the turn of the page. I was not disappointed.
For a short story this psychological thriller sure packs a lot in, with unexpected twists as you near the end. I don’t wish to share anymore because it is a story you need to experience for yourself, and in my view the author certainly does make you experience every event.
Quite thought Provoking, 1 July 2016The Storm Creature wasn’t quite what I was expecting, but it’s a poignant story that made me think more about life. It also reminded me that it is never too late to change your mind.
Maria’s words show us that the way we see things is not always as they are in reality. Sometimes it’s good to take stock before it is too late. It’s not a happy story, but it teaches us to be happy and to dance in the rain.
Amazing Story, 10 April 2016Very Highly Recommended.
Five Stars, 29 Mar. 2016
Death has more than one victim, April 15, 2016reminiscent of James Herbert at his best. More please, 24 May 2016|
Meaningful, 19 July 2016 Verified Purchase(What is this?)
This review is from: The Storm Creature (Paperback)
Fantastic short story, creative, easy to read, well written and meaningful. Thoroughly enjoyed reading this and the unexpected twist at the end look forward to more by Maria Gibbs.
|
Could not put it down, May 30 2016
Open the letter Lucy…, 25 July 2016Beautiful!, April 1, 2016Having read “As Dreams Are Made On,” I was really looking forward to another beautifully written novelette by Maria Gibbs, and that is exactly what I got! This author has a wonderful talent at both storytelling and writing in her own unique way.
The only thing I found a bit uncomfortable was that the protagonist of the story is supposed to be the author of another novelette by Gibbs, which makes it awkward when she writes about her own work.
With that said, “The Storm Creature” has a creative plot, executed well through the use of poetically written prose, and really has something to say, which is important when a great deal of fiction nowadays is devoid of meaning. I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to reading “A Lifetime or a Season” next
amzn.to/2hyAZcPamzn.to/2hyAZcP
This is the penultimate advent teaser from my novelette ‘The Storm Creature’.
Tune in tomorrow for the next instalment or if you can’t wait then you can pick it up on Amazon.
Print copy: £3.50/$5.00
Kindle: 0.99
At eighteen, Lucy had everything going for her: a supportive family, a rapt audience, and her dream of becoming a published author about to be realised.
A single moment in time on a dark, rainy road changes things forever.
That was then, but this is now. Lucy has suffered through eight years of haunting visions and thoughts with every raging storm thanks to a tempestuous storm creature who torments her. What does the baleful creature want with Lucy? Will the troubled woman ever be able to let go of the past and forgive herself?
Or will she sacrifice everything she holds dear?
Reviews so far:
Small story…Big impact, 20 Aug. 2016 Atmospheric and suspenseful, March 17, 2016 You many well shiver as you experience this stormy short., 15 Mar. 2016At eighteen years of age Lucy is following her dreams. Her first book is published ‘As Dreams are Made on’ which has been warmly received. Her family are supportive, she is happy, with a wonderful life ahead of her.
Then one dark and stormy night, as Lucy makes her way home, along the quiet wet, winding country lanes, one tiny decision she makes, sees her dreams washed away in the lashing rain.
Eight years on and Lucy has turned into a recluse, her family once close, barely know how to deal with her. She now lives alone in a small cottage in the woods; barely ever does she venture out, and she hardly ever sees anyone.
This troubled young woman is tormented by the events of that stormy evening and is constantly taunted by the presence of the ‘Storm Creature.’ Lucy is petrified by thunder and lightning but this crazed creature revels in it. She dances in the lashing rain, as the author says ‘… laughing and spinning, her arms waving like an Indian goddess… possessed of multiple limbs.’
Maria Gibbs has a wonderful way with words, almost lyrical at times. Check out the opening lines:-
‘The rain danced against the pane of glass, wild and wicked until the tempo changed, curling and writhing into a beautiful sensual rhythm.’
The atmosphere is set so you become embroiled within the story, you may well shiver as you are drawn in, experiencing the stormy nights with the rolling thunder. I sat tense on the edge of my seat wandering what was to come next upon the turn of the page. I was not disappointed.
For a short story this psychological thriller sure packs a lot in, with unexpected twists as you near the end. I don’t wish to share anymore because it is a story you need to experience for yourself, and in my view the author certainly does make you experience every event.
Quite thought Provoking, 1 July 2016The Storm Creature wasn’t quite what I was expecting, but it’s a poignant story that made me think more about life. It also reminded me that it is never too late to change your mind.
Maria’s words show us that the way we see things is not always as they are in reality. Sometimes it’s good to take stock before it is too late. It’s not a happy story, but it teaches us to be happy and to dance in the rain.
Amazing Story, 10 April 2016Very Highly Recommended.
Five Stars, 29 Mar. 2016Death has more than one victim, April 15, 2016reminiscent of James Herbert at his best. More please, 24 May 2016|
Meaningful, 19 July 2016 Verified Purchase(What is this?)
This review is from: The Storm Creature (Paperback)
Fantastic short story, creative, easy to read, well written and meaningful. Thoroughly enjoyed reading this and the unexpected twist at the end look forward to more by Maria Gibbs.
|
Could not put it down, May 30 2016 Open the letter Lucy…, 25 July 2016Beautiful!, April 1, 2016Having read “As Dreams Are Made On,” I was really looking forward to another beautifully written novelette by Maria Gibbs, and that is exactly what I got! This author has a wonderful talent at both storytelling and writing in her own unique way.
The only thing I found a bit uncomfortable was that the protagonist of the story is supposed to be the author of another novelette by Gibbs, which makes it awkward when she writes about her own work.
With that said, “The Storm Creature” has a creative plot, executed well through the use of poetically written prose, and really has something to say, which is important when a great deal of fiction nowadays is devoid of meaning. I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to reading “A Lifetime or a Season” next
A Fantastic and Compelling Short Story, July 5, 2016
Mia's Novel Creations 