Books · Christmas · Self-publishing · Uncategorized

Roses & Dreams online Christmas Party

Roses&Dreams.jpg

Rose English (Aka Su Echo Falls S’ari) and Maria Gibbs (me) are hosting an online book party on Sunday 18th December from 15:00 to 22:00 from the comfort of your own home.

Su will be showcasing her three beautiful books ‘The Magic of Grandfather Time’, ‘Rainbows & Roses’ and ‘Love Lost’ and I have it on good authority that there might be a surprise in store for everyone.

I will be showcasing my three novelettes also ‘As Dreams are Made on’ , ‘A Lifetime or a Season’ and ‘The Storm Creature’ but my main focus will be on my novel ‘A Boy from the Streets’ which will be released early next year. Towards the end of the night I will be revealing the exciting cover which was designed by JC Clarke from The Graphics Shed.

There will be games, a Grand Prize draw with fourteen different books by a multitude of authors, Guest appearances, virtual food and drink and hours of fun.

So come and join us, make this party viral, gate crashers welcome. Invite your friends.

**WARNING** Will contain books and not just a trace. So only come if you like books and fun.

**CHRISTMAS** Anyone who still doesn’t know what to get a loved one for Christmas will  find lots of options here with over Fifteen authors involved in this event

https://www.facebook.com/events/674185616093236/ 

Books · Life · Uncategorized

Christmas Advent Teasers – Day 7 – The Storm Creature

 

Day 7 had a minor glitch so I have reposted.

Christmas Advent Teasers – Day 7

24 days of Xmas.7.jpg

Tune in tomorrow for the next instalment or if you can’t wait then you can pick it up on Amazon.

myBook.to/StormCreature

2.png

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:

5.0 out of 5 stars Small story…Big impact, 20 Aug. 2016
By
This review is from: The Storm Creature (Paperback)
This is the second book I have read from Maria Gibbs, and what a great story it is.
I have to be honest that it was nothing like I expected it to be…but saying that I loved it nonetheless.
The Storm Creature tells the tale of Lucy – an author who’s life turns upside down in the blink of an eye.
What this book does is make you think.
Maria Gibbs has certainly packed a large punch with a short story, and I will certainly be recommending this book to everybody.
5.0 out of 5 stars Atmospheric and suspenseful, March 17, 2016
By
Verified Purchase(What’s this?)
This review is from: The Storm Creature (Kindle Edition)
This story had a great opening and hooked me in immediately. It was well written, easy to read, and the evocative descriptions created a creepy and intriguing atmosphere. I enjoyed reading the story as it unfolded, telling the tale of Lucy’s tragic past and how it has affected her years later. I especially loved the huge unexpected twist at the end. This story goes to show how one tiny mistake can drastically alter so many people’s lives. This was a fantastic paranormal short story and I found it to be an engrossing read. I really enjoyed it!
Lesson of the story – never try to use your mobile phone while driving ……
5.0 out of 5 stars A Fantastic and Compelling Short Story, July 5, 2016
By
Verified Purchase(What’s this?)
This review is from: The Storm Creature (Kindle Edition)
The Storm Creature is just a short story, but what a thought-provoking and fascinating short story it was. I haven;t read anything from this author before, but I guarantee I will be checking out more of her work in the near future.
The Storm Creature focuses on the mental suffering and delusions of a young woman who is riddled with guilt over being the survivor in a car accident, she felt she was the cause of.
The writing is superb and the tension is well created by the Author. I won’t give any of the plot away, but this was a stunning, little tale. I know it was a short story, but still, I couldn’t put it down for a second until I knew just how it played out. Well done to the author!
5.0 out of 5 stars You many well shiver as you experience this stormy short., 15 Mar. 2016
Verified Purchase(What is this?)
This review is from: The Storm Creature (Kindle Edition)

At 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.

5.0 out of 5 stars Quite thought Provoking, 1 July 2016
By
This review is from: The Storm Creature (Kindle Edition)

The 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.

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing Story, 10 April 2016
Verified Purchase(What is this?)
This review is from: The Storm Creature (Kindle Edition)
OMG this short story was amazing. Once I started reading this book i couldn’t put it down. Thank you to the
author, looking forward to reading your next book.

Very Highly Recommended.

 

5.0 out of 5 starsFive Stars, 29 Mar. 2016
Verified Purchase(What is this?)
This review is from: The Storm Creature (Kindle Edition)
Loved reading this book, the words flowed beautifully with a gripping storyline.
4.0 out of 5 starsDeath has more than one victim, April 15, 2016
By
Verified Purchase(What’s this?)
This review is from: The Storm Creature (Kindle Edition)
A nice little story that’s almost a character study.
A moment’s thoughtlessness, an accidental death and so many lives are changed forever. Lucy’s life is shattered in a single moment, but it’s the slow disintegration of her being that keeps the story moving.
It seems the person least affected by Adele’s death is Adele.
5.0 out of 5 starsreminiscent of James Herbert at his best. More please, 24 May 2016
Verified Purchase(What is this?)
This review is from: The Storm Creature (Kindle Edition)
Another impressive vignette from Ms Gibbs. A creepy tale masterfully told, reminiscent of James Herbert at his best. More please.

5.0 out of 5 stars 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.
5.0 out of 5 stars Could not put it down, May 30 2016
Verified Purchase(What’s this?)
This review is from: The Storm Creature (Kindle Edition)
Excellent! The story grabs you right at the beginning and keeps you guessing right up to the end.
4.0 out of 5 stars Open the letter Lucy…, 25 July 2016
Verified Purchase(What is this?)
This review is from: The Storm Creature (Kindle Edition)
Lyrical prose which suits the character of Lucy who loves writing and for whom writing becomes her only escape from the terrible event that can never be atoned for. An emotional rollercoaster that propels you towards a shock ending. But I did expect to hear Adele’s story; perhaps her tale will turn up as another story by the author. This is a poignant story, because such tragedies do occur and we have all wondered how we would cope and empathise with Lucy, yet at the same time we are willing her to reach out to others, to open the letter….
4.0 out of 5 starsBeautiful!, April 1, 2016
Verified Purchase(What’s this?)
This review is from: The Storm Creature (Kindle Edition)

Having 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

Books · Self-publishing

777 Challenge

 

I was tagged today by DM Miller for the 777 Challenge. I am certainly up for a challenge and this one is far easier than the ice bucket and half marathon challenges.

DM is the author of The Religion of the Heart 

51R26BZ7prL._AA160_

Catherine and Abdul come from two opposing worlds. She is raised in the Judeo-Christian West, while he comes from a Muslim family in Egypt. Their first meeting is little more than a fleeting moment, but it sparks over a decade-long desperation and agonizing battle to be together. Incompatible religions, distinct cultures and hot-tempered families vowing to keep them apart are the overwhelming hurdles they face, and reality hits once mysteries are solved and the fairytale beginning fades away. They are left with difficult decisions as they determine how important their respective religions are and whether or not the Muslim culture can mesh with the West. Can an enduring yet taboo love conquer all when conflicting religions are duking it out, or will threatening roadblocks stand in the way?

Click to buy: http://amzn.to/1PO6IS6

The Challenge

download (1)

So the idea is that I take seven sentences from the seventh line of the seventh page from my newest book or work in progress (WIP)

I will be using my WIP – My novel Is This Love?

Theo & Gemma meet on a night out, after an instant attraction and the evening spent getting to know each other they face the moment when the night draws to a close:

A catfight broke out between two girls who’d had too much to drink. Two policemen separated them as clumps of peroxide hair came away in the taller girl’s hands. Skirts the size of belts hung askew and beer-stained tops rode high up flabby midriffs. Hair coiffed to within an inch of perfection at the beginning of the night was now lank, while makeup ran down their faces, and they screamed abuse at each other.

“Come back with me?” Theo whispered.

Every inch of my body screamed to go. I’ve come here to spend the weekend with Chris.

Hope you enjoyed it. Gemma and Theo will be coming to an Amazon Kindle near you soon. 🙂

I now need to tag 7 authors in this to take part:

Rose English is the author of One Breath

51pW2Y-cHhL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-v3-big,TopRight,0,-55_SX324_SY324_PIkin4,BottomRight,1,22_AA346_SH20_OU02_

The rainbow had vanished, swept away behind a great sweeping of grey clouds. The air was still fresh and fragrant from the afternoon April shower, when for a time the sun had peeked through cotton candy clouds. Dorothea magically produced a tiny retractable umbrella, from her coat pocket, just as the first drop of rain fell. Albert always marvelled at her ability to be prepared for any event, she was his beautiful and intelligent petite little Dotty. The rain started gently, in spits and spats but the heavy laden clouds were being whipped up into a frenzy. As little Dotty opened the brolly a sudden gust of wind shot through, and flipped it inside out.

The couple began to laugh as they struggled together to right the umbrella, whilst standing in the middle of a sodden, damp country lane. The rain was now pouring; it fell heavily, quickly soaking them through to the bone. They didn’t hear the car approaching, what with the wind, whipping round them and both wrangling with the now useless item, still clenched between them.

Then it was too late.

Click to buy: http://amzn.to/1j19HMS

2. Tanya Jones-Thibodeau is the author of Dreams of Beautiful Whisper

51NadursFKL._AA160_

When Amanda learns that the gorgeous beauty-boy of her disturbingly life-like dreams is in fact an elven warrior from her past, things get complicated. But shortly after being urgently moved back to the village where she was born, well things just got weird.

WHO IS SHE?
AMANDA, A HIGH-SCHOOL GIRL WITH A BOYFRIEND SHE INTENDS TO EVENTUALLY MARRY? or
AMANAE, A POWERFUL ELF WITH A SOUL-MATE FOR ETERNITY?

As the haze of her blocked past lifts, the truth of who she is, what she must endure and how it will change her peaceful human life forever, threaten to be more than she can handle. Even with her practical approach to challenges, the reassurance of her boyfriend Jordan and the encouraging support of an entire elven kingdom, will Amanda have the strength and skill to fulfill her destiny?

Click to buy: http://amzn.to/1QLrkuj

3. CJ Rutherford is the author of Souls of the Never (and more)

51yrJuecCHL._AA160_

Katheryne thinks she’s just a normal 20-year-old, until her dreams descend into terror and pain.
At the edge of the universe, an ancient evil awakens. It wants into our world; and it’s coming through her.
As the dreams become reality, Katheryne is pitched into a battle that has raged for thousands of years. The fate of all reality rests in her hands.

Click to buy: http://amzn.to/1WyOrvS

4. Colette Kebell is the author of The Retail Therapist (and more)

51lB4iaJNeL._AA160_

Window shopping! Don’t you just hate the term?
It is like going into a sweet shop and not being able to buy anything, or not knowing what to buy first. That is exactly my line of business, helping people make the right choice.
I’m one of those fashion consultants that are so popular nowadays amongst the upper crust, although I started ages ago. Choosing the right clothes for the right occasion is not an easy task: the dress has to match your personality and, if it can, enhance it.
This story is about how I abandoned the rat race, spending days in a legal office, and followed my dream of becoming a fashion consultant. I believe I’m something more though, I’m a Retail Therapist and I’m sure you are itching to know the story about how I started and how I helped my clients look fabulous! So, what are you waiting for? Hurry up, click that “buy” button up there and be prepared to enter the mysterious world of a Berkshire Retail Therapist girl.

Click to buy: http://amzn.to/1P5VSbO

5. M.B Feeney is the author of Right Click, Love (and more)

41uhJibsvWL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-v3-big,TopRight,0,-55_SX324_SY324_PIkin4,BottomRight,1,22_AA346_SH20_OU02_

Disheartened about not being able to find “Mr. Right” on the London dating scene, best friends Jodie Lynch and Louise Hewson create a blog to not only document their disastrous dates with the numerous “Mr. Wrongs” and “Mr. Okay-for-nows” but also to help those going through the same experiences and to see where they’re going wrong. How will they deal with everything the dating scene has to throw at them — planned or otherwise?

Click to buy: http://amzn.to/1POcYJu

6. J.C Clarke is the author of Fragile (and more)

41RNiCTSl+L._AA160_

Deep down I enjoyed this life, it was fun seeing the different towns. Seven months on the road, five months back at the yard. Day in, day out. Nothing changed except the weather and the accents of the fair-goers.

Until tonight. That’s when I see you standing there, looking back at me when my eyes find you. Even in the dimming light of the day and the harsh flashing bulbs, I see you blush before you look down, looking anywhere except back at me. A smirk creeps onto my face with my thoughts: you look beautiful in your baggy jeans and vest top.

The light captures your black hair shielding your face. I know I need to grab a shower before I head into the pay box, but I can’t seem to tear myself away from watching you.

Click to buy: http://amzn.to/1hbpxCz

7. Kathleen McGurl is the author of The Pearl Locket (and more)

519gObXNOTL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-v3-big,TopRight,0,-55_SX324_SY324_PIkin4,BottomRight,1,22_AA346_SH20_OU02_

When Ali inherits her great-aunt’s house she immediately moves her whole family in, despite the warnings that there is something strange about the place.

Unfazed Ali begins redecorating, going through the rooms, making each one her own with the help of her daughter, Kelly. But when under the wallpaper in Kelly’s new room they discover a scrawled message from 1944 Ali begins to question the history of the house as she knows it.

Her family has always seemed so picture perfect, not a blemish or a secret to be found. Yet, this discovery throws her into confusion and Ali begins to question exactly what she knows about her family and the mysteries they have kept hidden…

Click to buy: http://amzn.to/1FILWTt