Category: Books

Books · Self-publishing · Uncategorized

Community

gibbsdream6 Comments

I often hear people say that there is no sense of community any more and that social media sites are killing interaction and are the source of all evil. Or something like that. It is very easy to be swept along into thinking that as we each live our lives with our own families and group of friends and see all the negativity in the press.

I think that we are breeding generations who are addicted to the internet and struggle to interact in ‘real life’ and I think this is a problem that needs to be addressed but then are those people the ones who would have stayed at home anyway and been more reclusive in nature. Maybe social media is providing them with a form of interaction that they previously wouldn’t have had.

I have a lovely example of people in the internet pulling together in support and that support was for me. I entered my new book in a competition ‘Author’s Cover Wars’ and right out of the starting post I was in the lead. The competition lasts for a week and you can vote every 24 hours. As the week wore on I slipped into second place and by Saturday morning I was 39 votes behind the leader, 41 – 80. My first reaction was I can’t do this, I’ve lost but then my fighting spirit jumped up and listening to advice to someone close to me I decided to try to win. I tagged everyone I was comfortable to tag, family, friends, fellow authors who I have had a fair level of interaction and asked them for help. It was a long shot but I’m used to the odds being stacked against me. I posted in groups on Facebook cheekily hoping I wasn’t breaking any of their rules (not the ones who are rigid on no promotion). I kept this up through the day and night and when I work up this morning the other author was still in front but by 6 votes only, 90 – 96.

Again my initial response was I’ve given it my best shot and that’s all I can do now. Err no, cue determined bitch. I tagged more people and posted in more groups and by the end of the competition 8am EST/1pm GMT I had won by an outstanding 15 votes 117 -102. That is to me a prime example of community spirit happening over social media.

I would like to thank everyone who helped me this week and all the amazing authors and bloggers who rally round to support each other. This is community, just a little bit different from the chatting over the garden fence, curtain twitching kind.

 

Books · Life · Uncategorized

Insecurities & Misconstruction

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STOPTHINKIT MAY NOT BEAS YOU THINK

Most of us have insecurities, whether it be about the way we look or in our abilities as parents, partners, as authors, our abilities in the workplace or a whole host of other reasons. From those insecurities we can create a situation or a belief that something that is said or done is aimed at us as we already have a sensitivity in that area. We hear what we think has been said and often that couldn’t be further from the truth. This miscommunication can often be highlighted by the male/female perspective and what we hear is not what is meant.

For example: You feel that maybe you aren’t achieving as well as you should at work, maybe you are but your expectations are too high. So when you hear a colleague being praised for good work it becomes a personal attack on you as what you are really hearing is that you yourself are not so good. I know I have a tendency to want to be perfect and hate making mistakes at work, even minor ones. As a result if I do make a mistake I feel as though the boss, colleague or person I’m dealing with will see me as incompetent.

Maybe you have an issue with your weight and when you hear someone pay a compliment to someone else it feels like a barb to you.

What we see and the reality is sometimes very different. I’m not saying that we hear everything wrong but stop and think before you take a comment to heart. Is this something that you are particularly sensitive about? If so, take a look at the compliment that someone else has been paid. Is it true? Did they do a good job? Are they looking nice? If the answer is yes then maybe you need to take it at face value, acknowledge it and not make it about you. (When I say you, I mean me too!)

We seem to be, and have bred generations of people whose faith in themselves is built on sinking sand and who find the tiniest of excuses to put themselves down. I tackled this very slightly in my latest book.

In A Boy from the Streets, Jose at the age of twelve finds out that he is adopted and has a twin brother whom his adoptive parents want to find. His relationship with his father is such that he believes that he wants to swap him due to his dissatisfaction of him as a son. Nothing can be further from the truth but this insecurity he has and the misconstruction that Jose places on the conversation he overhears leads him into a dangerous and potentially life threatening situation.

So if we can learn anything maybe it should be, none of us are perfect but perhaps you are more perfect than you think. And the chances are that the person you hold up as a shining example of perfection has a whole host of their own insecurities. Cut yourself some slack and if you can’t manage to love yourself, see if you can start by liking you.

Books · Life · Self-publishing · Uncategorized

My Review of Carousel by Chris Turnbull

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Carousel.jpg

http://amzn.to/2nZozAJ 

This is an innocently pleasurable book which draws you in. Jonathon’s life changes dramatically after being jilted at the altar on his wedding. A gentle story which guides you along and makes you want to keep reading. Nice characterisation. As always a fantastic read from a talented writer.

Books · Christmas · Life · Self-publishing

New Release – A Boy from the Streets

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A BOY FROM THE STREETS

by Maria Gibbs

 



Genre: Urban Drama

Two babies abandoned at birth—one grows up in a life of privilege, the other in poverty.

On the 12th of September, 1981, twin boys are born in a Brasilian hospital and left to their fate as orphans. Jose is adopted by a couple who takes him to England, but the other isn’t so lucky. Pedro ends up on the streets of Rio, left to fend for himself in a harsh and unforgiving world.
Love and betrayal.
Twelve years later Jose’s family returns to Brasil, where he learns the truth about his adoption and his twin. Thinking his adoptive parents no longer want him, he runs away to find his brother. What follows will shake Jose to the core and shape the rest of his life—if he can survive.
Murder.
Jose isn’t the only one whose life will change. Pedro is offered an opportunity beyond any of his wildest dreams, but to keep it will mean the betrayal of someone he loves. This proves to be a far greater challenge than he anticipated when the orphan finds himself suddenly surrounded by family who, unfortunately, don’t all have good intentions.
Hopes and dreams.
A Boy from the Streets will tug at your heart-strings and have you rooting for the little guy as you follow the twists and turns this multi-continental tale takes.

“Fernando, we must take them both, we cannot separate twins.”
“Christina, you’re too soft, we can’t bring up two children. You’re not strong enough to cope with the needs of twins. Your constitution is weak. It would be unfair to all of us.”
“I know my health is delicate, Fernando, and I will always regret that I can’t carry your baby to term inside me, but I know I can love and care for these twins. We can afford to hire help…” She trailed off when she saw the determined jut of his chin, the expression that brooked no further argument. Christina decided to try one last tug at his conscience anyway. “If we leave one behind, he might end up on the streets, an urchin living in squalor and fighting to survive… if he even makes it past babyhood.”
“Christina, your abundance of love does you credit, but I have no doubts the other boy will be adopted also. The only thing left to do now is to choose which one you would like?”
Christina’s heart sank as she looked at the two bundles in front of her. He was asking her to choose one, like picking out a pair of shoes from the rows on display in a shop. One stirred and let out a howl, disturbing his twin. It was almost as though he were alert to the inherent danger in this situation and was warning his brother.
Christina reached out a hand to each of them, touching their delicate tiny fingers and marvelling at how small, how fragile they were. Both lay quietly now, staring up at her with eyes as yet unable to focus. The boy who had been woken by his brother curled his tiny digits around her finger. In that moment she knew. He was asking her for help. The other twin would have the strength and tenacity to face whatever life threw at him. Christina couldn’t think about that, now that the decision was made. There was no hope of changing Fernando’s mind.
Without a further glance to the brother, she scooped up her new baby, cradling his floppy head and bringing him close to her chest so that he could feel her heart beat and know he was safe. She started to walk away with Fernando’s supportive hand between her shoulder blades. The baby in her arms let out a whimpering cry, and his twin, who still lay in the cot, responded with a heart-breaking howl which tore at her heartstrings and caused Christina to pause her flight. Fernando’s hand applied gentle pressure while she lifted one leaden foot in front of the other. A silent tear fell from her face onto the baby in her arms. She muttered a quick prayer for his twin.
“All that’s left now is to fill in the paperwork and the boy is ours.” Fernando’s handsome face broke into a smile. He reached out and touched the silent baby in his wife’s arms.
“You are to be our son,” he crooned. “We must think of a fitting name to honour your new status in the Sanchez family.”
“Jose, after your father.” Christina dimpled as Fernando rewarded her with a winning smile then pulled her and their new baby into his arms before placing a gentle kiss on her lips.

I’m a self-published author who released her first novelette in January 2015 ‘As Dreams are Made on’ which was closely followed by my second one in February of the same year ‘A Lifetime or a Season.’
In 2016 I released ‘The Storm Creature’ after writing it for an anthology.
2017 will see the release of a novel which I am excited about ‘A boy from the Streets.’ During that time, I have also been working on a number of other WIP’s which are in the pipeline. I don’t fit into any neat genres where my writing is concerned, I am a ‘pantser’ and write anything that comes into my head. So my books range from thrillers, to romance, from paranormal, time slip to contemporary women’s fiction.
I started reading as soon as I was able to and followed on by writing soon after. My biggest influence as a child was Enid Blyton who taught me that books were an escape to new and exciting worlds. I love reading books from a wide spectrum of genres, if the cover attracts me and the blurb stacks up then I want to read the book. When I’m not reading or writing, or doing my full-time job I enjoy travelling, crafting, horse-riding and riding my motorbike.
Facebook ✯ Website ✯ Twitter ✯ Goodreads ✯ Amazon 

Books · Life · Self-publishing · Uncategorized

My review of: Crimson Moon: Book One of The Dark Woods by Sherri A Wingler

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crimson

 

http://amzn.to/2mpudLM

OMG! OMG! OMG! I am speechless and for anyone who knows me that is a rarity. This book sucked me from the first lines and held me all the way through. The pacing is perfect all the way through the book, it is steady and builds the relationship between reader and the main characters. The last 20% of the book picks up the pace while your heart pounds inside your chest and you are unable to put the book down until the conclusion. And wow what an ending. There were twists and turns which I didn’t anticipate, just as I thought I was getting where it was going it swung a loop and blew my mind away.
Ok so maybe I’m not so speechless after all. This book deserves all the accolades that can be thrown at it.

The characters are strong and believable (in an unworldly way), they’re consistent and likeable. I love the dialogue between them and more than that I can’t say without giving anything away.

This author is now one of my favourite authors. Everything I read by her is of this quality and getting stronger.

Can I respectfully ask that the author gives up her social life in order to get the next two books out quickly. I need to read them. Finishing this book has left a gaping hole.
If I could give this more than 5 stars I would.

If you have any sense whatsoever you will pick this book up and devour it.
Oh and last but not least – wow on the cover.

 

Books · Self-publishing · Uncategorized
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Title: Crimson Moon
Series: The Dark Woods
Author: Sherri A. Wingler
Genre: Paranormal
In the old days,
people whispered about the wolf, said he came only at night, and only by the
light of the full moon. They locked their doors and huddled close to their
fires, safe in the knowledge they could prepare for his coming. The truth is, no
one is safe, because the wolf walks in the skin of the man. Always.
Harlow Hayes is a runaway, thief, and failed Southern belle. Forced to grow up
fast after what her mama delicately referred to as, ‘the incident,’ she learns
the hard way not all strangers are kind, real monsters hide in plain sight, and
family can be found in the most unexpected places. Harlow Hayes is about to meet the Wolf.

Amazon

 

Sherri Wingler is the author of The Immortal Sorrows and The Dark Woods series. She lives and works (way more than full-time) in Indiana.
Sherri shares her home with her husband, Steve, too many rescued kitty cats, and one co-dependent Shih Tzu named Spanky. When she isn’t writing, or working in the real world, her spare time is spent raising money and awareness for animal charities, in the hopes of saving at least a few little critters.
Sherri is currently hard at work on her next book.
For more information visit www.sherriwingler.com

 

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Books · Life · Self-publishing · Uncategorized

The inspiration behind ‘A Boy from the Streets’

gibbsdream1 Comment

png-kindle-cover

A boy from the streets will be the first novel that I have published but not the first book I have written. It was while I was researching for one of my other books which hasn’t been published yet that I came up with the inspiration and the basic outline for the story.

While reading ‘Small Wars Permitting: Despatches from Foreign Lands’ by Foreign Correspondent Christina Lamb I came across something I hadn’t heard about before and it shocked me. This is taken from Christina’s book:

“There was one aspect of life in Rio I knew I would never get used to. Every morning when I arrived at my office downtown, there would be bundles in the doorways. After a while I discovered they had names and faces. These were children, some of the thousands – some say millions – of street kids who roam Brazil’s cities. Sometimes they would be sniffing glue from shoemakers’ tins or out of coke bottles for a high to dampen their hunger. Most Cariocas just step over them as if they were insects. Some areas like Ipanema had even erected iron railings round the parks to stop the children going in.
The first year I lived in Rio, Amnesty International ran a series of advertisements: ‘Brazil has found a new way of taking its children off the streets – killing them.'”

The book goes on to talk about 500 killings in one month alone, many of whom were children.

“Death squads pick up and kill the street kids who so upset the tourists and the businesses dependent on tourism. Many of the squads are run by policemen who have no shame about their methods of cleaning up the streets.”

After the initial revulsion and the coldness that pervaded my body at the thought of what these poor children endured and disgust at humankind, the beginnings of a story formed. I picked up my pen and the words flowed. This has now been polished by me and my editor and a new beginning was added later on as the story changed shape in my head. A Boy from the Streets was born. I am now coming to the end of the journey with this book as I aim to publish it early April.

Check it out:

Two babies abandoned at birth—one grows up in a life of privilege, the other in poverty.

On the 12th of September, 1981, twin boys are born in a Brasilian hospital and left to their fate as orphans. Jose is adopted by a couple who takes him to England, but the other isn’t so lucky. Pedro ends up on the streets of Rio, left to fend for himself in a harsh and unforgiving world.

Love and betrayal.

Twelve years later Jose’s family returns to Brasil, where he learns the truth about his adoption and his twin. Thinking his adoptive parents no longer want him, he runs away to find his brother. What follows will shake Jose to the core and shape the rest of his life—if he can survive.

Murder.

Jose isn’t the only one whose life will change. Pedro is offered an opportunity beyond any of his wildest dreams, but to keep it will mean the betrayal of someone he loves. This proves to be a far greater challenge than he anticipated when the orphan finds himself suddenly surrounded by family who, unfortunately, don’t all have good intentions.

Hopes and dreams.

A Boy from the Streets will tug at your heart-strings and have you rooting for the little guy as you follow the twists and turns this multi-continental tale takes.

A small snippet from the beginning of A Boy from the Streets:

“Fernando, we must take them both, we cannot separate twins.”

“Christina, you’re too soft, we can’t bring up two children. You’re not strong enough to cope with the needs of twins. Your constitution is weak. It would be unfair to all of us.”

“I know my health is delicate, Fernando, and I will always regret that I can’t carry your baby to term inside me, but I know I can love and care for these twins. We can afford to hire help…” She trailed off when she saw the determined jut of his chin, the expression that brooked no further argument. Christina decided to try one last tug at his conscience anyway. “If we leave one behind, he might end up on the streets, an urchin living in squalor and fighting to survive… if he even makes it past babyhood.”

“Christina, your abundance of love does you credit, but I have no doubts the other boy will be adopted also. The only thing left to do now is to choose which one you would like?”

Christina’s heart sank as she looked at the two bundles in front of her. He was asking her to choose one, like picking out a pair of shoes from the rows on display in a shop. One stirred and let out a howl, disturbing his twin. It was almost as though he were alert to the inherent danger in this situation and was warning his brother.

Print & Kindle Copies available NOW

 

Books · Life · Self-publishing

My Review of: The Curse of Arundel Hall: A Yellow Cottage Mystery by J. New

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arundel
This is the second book I have read by J. New and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The first book held no surprises but this one did. I felt myself tense up and hold my breath as I waited for the outcome of the mystery. Yes it is slightly cliched in places but charmingly so. This vintage murder mystery is well written with good pacing and characters. The main character Ella stayed consistent throughout both books and I look forward to seeing where her adventures take her next time.
Books · Life · Self-publishing · Uncategorized

My Review of ‘An Accidental Murder: A Yellow Cottage Murder, Book One by J. New

gibbsdream2 Comments

yellow

http://amzn.to/2lC2a9c 

This is the first book I have read by this author and found her writing although not my usual type of read to be very much to my taste. The flow of the book was evenly paced and the characters were well written and clearly defined. I have to say the book didn’t hold many surprises in the outcome but strangely that didn’t deter from my enjoyment in the slightest.
The cover is perfect for the story.
I look forward to reading the next book in Ella’s journey which luckily for me is already on my kindle.
West Midlands Attending Author: Scarlett Flame
Books · Life · Self-publishing · Uncategorized

West Midlands Attending Author: Scarlett Flame

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SR.jpg

1. Can we start with your name and where you’re from?
  I am the author Scarlett Flame and I am from Manchester, in the UK.

2. Most authors love reading, is this true for you and if so who was/is your inspiration?         I love to read, especially Sci-Fi, paranormal romance, steampunk (of course!), thrillers. To be honest I love an eclectic selection of genre. Two of my favourites are Dean Koontz and Anne Rice.

3. What genre do you write in or do you cross over into many?
 I write in a variety of genre. I mainly write erotica though. With main themes being BDSM, bondage, Dom/sub. I also have a Steampunk book that has elements of ménage, werewolves, dragons, magicians and any number of magical creatures featuring. I have two WIP’s at the moment and one has a Dominant, that is also a vampire featured and the other is once again a D/s but with MMF erotic scenes in it. These two new books are due to be published in Spring 2017.

4. If you could take any character from someone else’s book and make him/her your own creation who would it be and why?
I think it would have to be the Vampire Lestat. Loved these books by Anne Rice and would love them to be my creation.

5.When did you first start writing?
I began writing in 2012, secretly.

6. Do you plan every inch of your books or do you just let the words flow?
I do a combination of the two really but, I always write the first draft longhand. The words just seem to flow better. I write words I want to use in the margins and go back through and edit before typing the draft up. I do use a timeline and storyboards too. In order to make sure that the work has a proper timeline.

7. Who is your favourite character and why? (your own character)
My favourite character in my own books is one I am currently writing and it is Ellie, she is the main female in my upcoming book “A Gothic Romance: Vampires of Whitby Book 1”

8. Was there an event in your life that triggered a book, or even a scene in a book? If so what was the book and what was the event?
Hmmm now then a LOT of the scenes in my book relate to people, events and situations I have been in myself. But I would be telling tales out of school if I told you which ones.

9. Are you working on anything at the moment? If so can you share any tasty morsels?      I am currently about ¾ of the way through two very different books. One has no title and the other is the book about the Whitby vampires.

10. What one piece of advice would you give to someone starting out?
Get your media presence in place early, and establish yourself. Do your homework too and double check your work and get a good editor.

11. What do you do when you’re not writing?
I have six children, all boys, and five grandkids. I am also a committee member at the local mining museum, which is where my own book signing events take place in Manchester. I am also involved in several local projects, so never a spare moment just now

12.What is the hardest part of the whole writing, editing, marketing process for you?
Finding the time to both write, edit, format, and then advertise your books. I am currently looking for a PA to help me out on that score to be perfectly honest.

13. We all have those friends or family members who make sweeping statements about our writing or the process, which is your particular bug bear?
That people refer to erotic writing as porn. It is quite different. The use of words for example. You can write erotica and still be a wordsmith. People also assume you are sat in stockings and suspenders when you write. Which makes me laugh as quite often it is pj’s, dressing gown and slipper and of course the ubiquitous glass of red wine.

14.What is your idea of happiness?
To be loved, and to love. To be able to curl up, and read in peace with a nice cup of tea, to being with family and friends for a meal and a good natter. Or, maybe curled up with the one you love. All of the above, really.

15. For this one I want you to showcase your creativity by painting me a picture, with words, of your ideal setting to write in.
My ideal setting is sat on the settee, quietly, with no disturbance. Phone off, cuppa tea and some gingernuts to munch on.

16. What makes you laugh/cry?
Watching my children and grandchildren perform in school plays and the like. Kindness also makes me cry. I have cried when I shouldn’t really. I was a children’s nurse and I remember crying assisting to lay out a young man who has died when a student nurse. I got told by the nurse I was working alongside, that if that doesn’t move you to cry, leave the profession. Empathy is a huge part of nursing

17. You’re stranded on a desert island and you can take three men/women who would they be and why? This can be practical or purely sexual in nature.
Oh, put me on the spot then as I have 6 kids and love them all to the stars and back!  But, if it was purely sexual hmmm. A handsome Dom would have to among them. Or maybe three gorgeous Doms that all wanted to take care of me.

18.What is your most annoying habit?
I procrastinate – a LOT!

19.Please tell me about your books? For each one please send a pic (kindle cover would be perfect)
This is some blurb about A Valentine’s Bind: Manchester Dominants and submissives Book

Winner in the #erotica category of Top 50 self-published

books of 2016 and 5th overall

Nominee in the erotica category Summer Indie Books 2016

 

Go on treat yourself it is a BARGAIN

 

and #FREE to read on KU too

 

★*´¨)¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨) ¸.•*¨)

(¸.• ** #FREE to read with #KindleUnlimited

99c US 99p UK

Available in paperback

 

When University student Nicky Johnson decides to make an impromptu visit to a #BDSM club with friends she get more than she bargained for.

The alcohol fuelled evening finds her asleep on her sofa the next day, suffering from memory loss.

But who brought her home?

#Dominant Dariel Pearson shows her that #spanking and submission can be empowering.

Will this be a life changing experience for Nicky?

This New Adult contemporary romance is a steamy, sexy tale of love, dominance and #submission.    This is The Prophecy Unfolds: Dragon Queen book 1    ★*´¨)¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.• *#‎FREE‬ to read with Kindle Unlimited

#Steampunk #Werewolves #Dragons #Magicians

#ParanormalRomance #Erotica

#Shifter #Ménage

 

Life is not measured by the breaths you take, but by the moments that take your breath away – Anon.

 

For Alex, this was supposed to be a fresh start.

New job, new part of the country.

But she got much more than she bargained for.

As she travelled through the Snowdonian National park, with its remote villages and Wales’ highest mountains, she stops to eat a bite to eat.

There she is kidnapped by three strangers, and transported to the Dystopian, Steampunk world of Syros.

A world of dragons, magic and werewolves.

Where science fiction meets science fact.

This is only the beginning of an epic urban fantasy, and the fulfilment of a prophecy over 200 years old.

Will she survive on a planet where three factions battle for dominance?

 

Book One of the series Dragon Queen   Finally Bound for Passion: Erotic Love Stories. My debut book       

★*´¨)¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨) ¸.•*¨)

(¸.• ** #FREE to read with #KindleUnlimited

Amazon Bestseller in #Paranormal Erotica

Available in paperback

#Ménage #ParanormalRomance #Erotica #BDSM

 

Newly updated and edited

 

When Vivienne sits inconsolable in the hospital chapel, the last encounter she expects is a fervent entanglement with an otherworldly being, as passions increase she learns for the first time in her life the true meaning of out of this world. In the second, Sarah meets a new lover after telling him all her intimate fantasies in an internet chat room. And, the final story concerns the journey a young woman takes, as a Dominant offers to show her the ropes, in exchange for her submission via BDSM. Individually these stories are hot, but together they are sizzling

 

 Remember to Turn up the AC!, June 4, 2016

By 

1DreamReader

Verified Purchase(What’s this?)

This review is from: Bound for Passion: Erotic Love Stories (Kindle Edition)

I have not read a lot of Erotica but enough to say that this Novella was enough to turn the heat up.
The first short story was a full-on excitement as a young women anticipates meeting her cyber lover in the flesh to live out her fantasy. Just the prelude to the meeting was a poetic foreplay of words. Let me tell you, I felt the heated anticipation with her every step of the way, as the author does not skimp on the juicy details. All three of the stories were well written and had good character descriptions. If you are looking to spice up your love life, then this book is a must for you!
Remember to turn up the AC!

Lightning round
Tea or Coffee?                Tea (I am intolerant of coffee)
Cash or credit?                Cash
Cats or Dogs?                   Dogs
Beach or Mountain?           Mountains
Summer or Winter             Winter
Sweet or Savoury                    Savoury
Early riser or late riser?            Early riser
Morning or Night?             Night
Christmas Tree – real or fake?       real
Sex – Lights on or off?      Lights on

Thank you very much for taking the time to answer these questions.
Please leave Facebook, Twitter, Website links so we can check you out further.