Books · Life · Self-publishing · Uncategorized

West Midlands Attending Author Interview: Audrina Lane

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  1. Can we start with your name and where you’re from?

My name is Audrina Lane and I’m from Ross-on-Wye in Herefordshire.

2. Most authors love reading, is this true for you and if so who was/is your inspiration?

Absolutely, I’ve been a voracious reader since as early age, devouring classics like Little Women and Gone with the Wind. I guess my main inspiration is Stephen King, because he writes such brilliant characters. I also enjoy Jilly Cooper and Anita Shreve.

3. What genre do you write in or do you cross over into many?

I write contemporary love stories but with an erotic twist. However I have plans for branching into the paranormal genre in the future and have been enjoying writing short stories with a horror/supernatural edge to them. Still love though!!

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?

It would have to be Scarlett O’Hara from Gone with the Wind, because she is such a complex and feisty female throughout the novel. In many ways I want to shout at her and give her a good shake and in other ways I completely admire her ambition.

5. When did you first start writing?

I started writing short stories for my sisters when I was a teenager. I then wrote my first full length novel in 1992, aged 19. However it languished in a loft until 2013 when I re-worked the idea into my first book.

6. Do you plan every inch of your books or do you just let the words flow?

I’m afraid I just let the words flow although I generally have a rough outline of the story in my head. However this often changes as my characters evolve and shape the story.

7. Who is your favourite character and why? (your own character)

It has to be Stephanie from my Heart Trilogy series and my first character. She is kind of based on me and many of my hopes and fears so she’s kind of like my twin sister.

8. Was there an event in your life that triggered a particular book, or even a scene in a book? If so what was the book and what was the event?

The first book in The Heart Trilogy is very much based on my first love affair and trying to make sense of why something so perfect, ended! My favourite scene in the book is Stephanie’s first kiss with James and this was taken from the memory of my first kiss, strangely enough in the same location, with a lifeguard called James!!

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9. Are you working on anything at the moment? If so can you share any tasty morsels?

I’m currently working on the 2nd part of my two part series called Bloodstained Heart. Part 2 – Revenge. This is the story of Felicity, the evil bitch who causes havoc and destruction in the Heart Trilogy series. 

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I’m also working on collaboration with another author called Rita Ames called 24 Hours to Love. It’s a love story written by the two main characters. I write as Jackson, the alpha male racing car driver and Rita is writing as Lola the pit board model that he falls in love with during the Le Mans 24 Hour motor race. (See teaser attached)

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10. What one piece of advice would you give to someone starting out?

Just do it, don’t worry about it or put it off. I wish I’d started writing years ago as I feel I have so many stories to tell and not enough time to tell them in!!

11. What do you do when you’re not writing?

I work full-time for Herefordshire Library Service, delivering the service to schools, nursing homes and the elderly within Herefordshire. It can be frustrating being surrounded by books when all I really want to be doing is writing. My writing happens in every other available space and time during evenings, weekends, and lunch hours! I also enjoy walking my dogs, listening to music and dancing.

12. What is the hardest part of the whole writing, editing, marketing process for you?

I think it’s the editing and trying to be more concise and precise with my writing. Luckily I have a great editor and a friend who is really good at spotting spelling and grammar mistakes for me.

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?

My other half when I’m sat on the sofa with my iPad open and he asks “Are you busy?” Apparently this does not look busy to him so always have to make sure that all the relevant chores are complete before I do sit down.

14. What is your idea of happiness?

Having the time to write more!!

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.

I can feel the soft, warm breeze drifting up from the ocean that is directly in front of me. My sun lounger is positioned to shade me as I sip on my cold gin and tonic and let my characters frolic in their story.

16. What makes you laugh/cry?

My dogs playing together or fighting over a chew or toy makes me laugh. As for crying I’ve done a fair bit recently and generally because certain songs come on the radio and remind me of the past.

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.

Mmh, good question! I would take George Michael for his singing and song writing. I’m sure we would be able to shoot the breeze and have a great friendship. Scott Eastwood, because he is so hot and can swim so we’d have some fun together in the waves! Finally my best friend Miriam, because a girl always needs a gossip!

18. What is your most annoying habit?

Biting the skin around my fingers, it’s a nervous habit that I do when I’m stressed or upset.

19. Please tell me about your books? For each one please send a pic (kindle cover would be perfect)

The Heart Trilogy

Where did your Heart go? – The first book in the series. It’s a story about Stephanie and her daughter Charlotte set in my home town of Ross-on-Wye. When Charlotte’s first relationship comes to an end her Mum gives her the diary from 1988 which is the story of her own first love affair. A great look at first love in the 80’s juxtaposed against first love today, and the possibility of second chances.

Unbreak my Heart – The Second book in the series. It sees Stephanie reunited with her first love James, whilst Charlotte is happy in her relationship with Mitchell. But the evil ex-wife Felicity is on the scene and causing chaos and dancing ambitions may pull Charlotte and Mitchell apart.

Closer to the Heart – The final book in the series finds both couples struggling with their relationships with family deaths and Felicity’s destructive nature. But will it all end happily – I’m afraid I can’t say as it would spoil things!

All the trilogy books are filled with references to fantastic music from the 80’s through to now.

Bloodstained Heart. Part 1 – Passion

The first in a two part series (I’m currently writing the 2nd) this is a dark, erotic romance that tells the life of Felicity (from the Heart Trilogy). The first part starts as she approaches 18 years old in 1978 and then continues and gives a different perspective on the events from all of the Heart Trilogy series. It also gives a more in depth look at some of the other characters from the series.


20. Lightning round

Tea or Coffee? Coffee
Cash or credit? Cash
Cats or Dogs? Dogs
Beach or Mountain? Beach
Summer or Winter Summer
Sweet or Savoury Savoury
Early riser or late riser? Early
Morning or Night? Morning
Christmas Tree – real or fake? Fake
Sex – Lights on or off? Dimmed

 

Stalker links:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/audrina.lane or https://www.facebook.com/AudrinasPlace/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/AudrinaLane

Website: http://www.audrinalane.co.uk/

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.

Books · Christmas · Self-publishing · Uncategorized

West Midlands Valentine Book Signing Attending Author: Chris Turnbull

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  1. Can we start with your name and where you’re from?

Chris Turnbull, and I live near York.

  1. Most authors love reading, is this true for you and if so who was/is your inspiration?

I love reading, being swept up into a new world by an author can be so incredible. I like to feel drawn into the book, I want to feel for the characters and go on the journey they are. As a youngster I was addicted to the Goosebump books by RL Stine, then later got hooked onto the Harry Potter series which was the main reason I wanted to write a book of my own.

  1. What genre do you write in or do you cross over into many?

Although my books are seen by many as being very different, often described as (historical fiction, gothic, time-travel and of course I now have a children’s book) I do not see them all as being so different. I am a huge nerd when it comes to history, I love learning new things about the past and all my books are set somewhere in history that I find to be of interest. Whether it be 1889 Paris, the year the Eiffel tower opened, or just Victorian England. My books allow me to explore life in these times, learn and explore new things. My books also connect together with Love, whether that be the love of a partner, a family member or a friend. 

  1. 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 without a doubt I would have loved to have created Albus Dumbledore. He is exactly the kind of character that I love. He is the father figure to Harry, a respected man, a humble man, and not to mention he can kick ass when needs be.

  1. When did you first start writing?

I started writing when I was a teenager; I had an English teacher at the time that really inspired me to be creative. She did not tell you things were wrong and allowed you to express your creative side. Sadly she left the school after only one year and I was devastated, as her replacement was all about sticking to textbook work. Thankfully though I continued to write for fun in my spare time, and it was in 2013 that I started work on ‘The Vintage Coat’ which ended up being my first published work. 

  1. Do you plan every inch of your books or do you just let the words flow?

I give myself bullet points of things I would like to see happen. I also create character profiles so I know a little bit more about the people I am writing about. Then I just go with the flow and see where the story takes me. I find this way of writing keeps me excited, as I want to find out what happens next. My theory is if the story excites me, then hopefully it should the reader.

  1. Who is your favourite character and why? (your own character)

Ooo that’s difficult to pick only one. I think I would choose Charlie from ‘The Vintage Coat’. He is a fun guy, loyal friend and I think I could be friends with him.

My second choice would be Tom from ‘Whitby’s Darkest Secret’ because I think he is adorable and a strong willed young man.

  1. Was there an event in your life that triggered a particular book, or even a scene in a book? If so what was the book and what was the event?

‘The Vintage Coat’ is based purely on a military coat I purchased in an antique shop in Alston. It immediately sparked my imagination and out came a time-travel story about the coat, and also set in Alston.

Also my children’s book ‘A Home For Emy’ is based on true events as this is the story of my own dog.

  1. Are you working on anything at the moment? If so can you share any tasty morsels?

I am currently working on a number of projects, the first being a sequel to ‘Whiby’s Darkest Secret’. I am having so much fun writing this book, and fans of the first book will be very surprised with the turn of events this new book takes.

Also I have been working on a Christmas themed book which I hope to release at the end of 2017. This is a collection of short stories and poems that I have enjoyed writing over the course of a number of years.

Finally (or at least what I will tell you for now) I have begun work on a second children’s book, it again will feature Emy and I hope to release it in early 2018.

  1. What one piece of advice would you give to someone starting out?

Don’t give up. Don’t follow the crowd.

I was always told that I needed to read and write every day, but for me (as well as most authors) I work full time. Sometimes I just need an evening off from writing and rest. I work better when I am not tired, so I would always say work at your own pace and do what is best for you. 

  1. What do you do when you’re not writing?

I love to travel, whether that is a day out to the coast or a holiday somewhere exciting. Me and my partner have a dog which we love to spend time with.

  1. What is the hardest part of the whole writing, editing, marketing process for you?

Personally I don’t think there is an easy part. The whole process is very demanding if you wish to succeed. Being a writer is a full time job in itself and you have to go through it all, the good and bad bits. I love being in my office and writing, knowing there is no pressure and being able to just write what comes to me. Editing is never fun, and you go over the manuscript so many times you start to fall out of love with your work. However all the hard work is worth it when you finally have a copy in your hand…and even better is when somebody else tells you they like it.

  1. We all have those friends or family members who make sweeping statements about our writing or the process, which is your particular bug bear?

After the release of my first book I had quite a few people ask me if they were going to get a free copy…erm No! There is no such thing as a free copy…even I don’t get a free copy and it’s my book.

Then you get those who say ‘I don’t know how you find the time to write a book’. These are usually the people who spend their evenings watching every single soap on TV, as well as other mindless television programs. Please note I have nothing against watching things you enjoy…I do it myself, but don’t spend every day of your life sat in front of the television and then question how I find time to write.

  1. What is your idea of happiness?

Spending time with the ones I love. You don’t need a lot of money, or ‘things’ to be happy. Some of my best moments have been the simple one. Walking on the beach with my dog, sitting in the garden with my family, playing a silly game with my best friend and her family. These are the things that I remember more than anything.

  1. For this one I want you to showcase your creativity by painting me a picture, with words, of your ideal setting to write in.

When I finished writing ‘Whiby’s Darkest Secret’ I decided that I wanted a spend a couple of nights away from home so I could focus on finishing the book…

I stayed in a two bed house in Whitby, the large oak wood dining table where I sat writing overlooked the harbour. I could hear seagulls and the sun was shining. In the morning I went for a walk, I soaked in the town atmosphere and even visited the ruined Abbey for the first time in my life. After a bit to eat I returned to the dining table, where my mind was freshly filled with the sounds and smells of the town I was writing about, and I even went back to change certain parts of the book. I sat there for hours until it got dark, the harbour lit up with a row of lights that lined the pathway. I finished the final few chapters that night. 

  1. What makes you laugh/cry?

Laugh: I have a very rude sense of humour…enough said.

Cry: Most things as I am an emotional wreck. The worse times though is when I am reading/watching something about a dog that is sick, hurt or dying. I read ‘A Dog’s Purpose’ on the aeroplane back from New York and I started to cry uncontrollably…and I mean really going for it, I couldn’t speak I was in such a state. The man next to me must of wondered what the hell was going on.

  1. 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.
  2. David Attenborough…My hero in life and somebody I would love to meet. Plus he would probably know how to survive the island.
  3. Joel Dommett – He was hilarious in ‘Celeb get me out of here’ so I think he would keep up entertained…plus he survived the jungle so I think he would help us survive an island.
  4. My other half, because I would miss him (and he could try and smuggle the dog with him).
  5. What is your most annoying habit?

Annoying…me?

I have a bad habit of zoning out if I am bored. Which is terrible when your other half tells you something important and you didn’t hear.

  1. Please tell me about your books? For each one please send a pic (kindle cover would be perfect)
  2. The Vintage Coat: A time-travel story set between modern day Alston and WWII.
  3. D: Whitby’s Darkest Secret: A dark murderous story set in the backdrop of Victorian Whitby.
  4. Carousel: Time-Travel tale. Jonathan is sent back to 1889 Paris, but unfortunately gets stuck there.
  5. A Home For Emy: Children’s book based on true events. Illustrated beautifully by Rebecca Sharp of Dasilvaline.

  6. Lightning round
    Tea or Coffee? Tea
    Cash or credit? I am really bad and almost never have cash on me
    Cats or Dogs? Dogs
    Beach or Mountain? Mountain
    Summer or Winter – Tough!…I love Winter fashion, but I prefer the warmth of summer
    Sweet or Savoury Sweet
    Early riser or late riser? Late
    Morning or Night? Night
    Christmas Tree – real or fake? Real
    Sex – Lights on or off? Who cares…

    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.

www.chris-turnbullauthor.com

www.facebook.com/christurnbullauthor

www.twitter.com/christurnbull20

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Chris-Turnbull/e/B00UFW8RB2/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1

Books · Life · Self-publishing · Uncategorized

West Midlands Valentines Book Signing Attending Author Interview: C A Bell

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I will be doing a regular interview slot in the lead up to the book signing which is being held on Saturday 4th February in Telford. The first author is rather aptly the event organiser C A Bell who gives us a wonderful insight into her life and writing.

 

  1. Can we start with your name and where you’re from?
    A.Bell, originally from a lovely little town just outside of London, but now residing in the much more rural county of Shropshire.
  2. Most authors love reading, is this true for you and if so who was/is your inspiration?
    To be honest I’m not a BIG reader. I don’t get a lot of time to myself, so when I eventually do, I want to write instead of read. I have been inspired by lots of authors, though – Sylvia Day, Stephen King, Portia Da Costa, Saskia Walker. There’s lots more.
  3. What genre do you write in or do you cross over into many?
    I write erotica and all the wonderful sub-genres that come with it. I first started writing erotic romance, then went down the f/f road before trying my hand at paranormal. I’d like to cover it all one day.
  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?
    Ooo, tough one. I’d probably take Gideon Cross from Sylvia Day’s crossfire series. Purely because I have a huge crush on him.
  5. When did you first start writing?
    I first started writing seven years ago. And that was The Architect. Which coincidently was my first ever publication J
  6. Do you plan every inch of your books or do you just let the words flow?
    I plan at the start but it never ends how I planned. Ever! The characters evolve as I write and end up taking me down routes I never saw coming.
  7. Who is your favourite character and why? (your own character)
    Another tough one… I’m probably going to have to go with Ruth Watson (my first female lead from The Architect) just because she was the first character I connected with and had fun writing. She’s classy, naughty, childish, and fun.
  8. Was there an event in your life that triggered a particular book, or even a scene in a book? If so what was the book and what was the event?
    Yes, a break up inspired me to write The Architect. I found the love of my life but unfortunately we had to go our separate ways. Then I found myself wanting to live my life out with him in some way, and that’s when I first started writing. Little fact – That love of my life is now my husband J
  9. Are you working on anything at the moment? If so can you share any tasty morsels?
    I am always working on something. I can’t give anything away, but what I will say is it’s nasty, gritty, sexy, and is sure to pack one hell of a punch.
  10. What one piece of advice would you give to someone starting out?
    Never give up. Don’t let bad reviews or rejections put you off. Keep at it.
  11. What do you do when you’re not writing?
    Run around after a two-and-a-half-year-old, a twelve-year-old, and a fifteen-year-old. Not to mention the husband 😉
  12. What is the hardest part of the whole writing, editing, marketing process for you? Marketing, definitely. I love the writing part and the editing is even better, but the marketing is so hard. With tons of other authors out there in the same genre, it’s hard to been seen in the crowd or get help without paying through the nose.
  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 I write, ‘mummy-porn.’ That REALLY bugs me! I’d like to go into a rant here, but I won’t.
  14. What is your idea of happiness?
    Just having the people I love around me and happy.
  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.
    The room is quiet with only the soft sounds of a saxophone from my stereo across the room filling the air. The lights are low, and the candles either side of my computer flicker softly. The room is warm from the gentle fire crackling in the corner, and my tea is steaming, just waiting for me to dunk a digestive in it, lol. I was doing so well until the biscuit wasn’t I?
  16. What makes you laugh/cry?
    My children.
  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.
    My husband, Ryan Reynolds, and Nigella Lawson. My hubby because I couldn’t live without him. Ryan for the eye candy and manual labour (sorry hubby), and Nigella for the cooking.
  18. What is your most annoying habit?
    My crazy OCD of having to switch all lights on and off before going to bed. It drives me crazy, but if I don’t do it, I feel uneven, lol. Weird, I know.
  19. Please tell me about your books?
    My books are always of the erotic nature, so if you ever see my name, you know what you are getting. My books aren’t just pure filth. They always have a story behind them, they are always real, and they are always sexy.
  1. Lightning round
    Tea or Coffee? Tea
    Cash or credit? Cash
    Cats or Dogs? Cats
    Beach or Mountain? Beach
    Summer or Winter? Both
    Sweet or Savoury? Savoury
    Early riser or late riser? Early
    Morning or Night? Night
    Christmas Tree – real or fake? Real
    Sex – Lights on or off? Candles

    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.

 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorC.A.BELL/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/cbellAtrix09

Website: http://cbellatrix.wixsite.com/cabell

Books · Life · Uncategorized

West Midlands Valentine’s Book Signing

I can’t wait to take part in this event. Tickets on #sale 50% discounted for a short time only. Check it out.

#Books #Books #Books

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HAPPY NEW YEAR!

IT’S OUR LAST TICKET SALE!

50% OFF ALL TICKETS!

CODE: 50_OFF

Ticket Link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/west-midlands-valentines-boo…

February the 4th 2017 is set to be a day filled with books, romance, laughter, and live 1940’s style music all thanks to The West Midlands Valentines Book Signing & 1940’s Ball. With over 25 confirmed authors covering genres such as romance, chick-lit, erotica, young adult, horror, and children’s fiction, there is sure to be something here for you or your loved one just in time for Valentine’s Day. Or at least something to occupy the kids with.

When the door close to the signing at 16:30 we will be reopening them at 19:30 for our 1940’s swing ball where The Vintage Vocalist will take to the stage and take us back in time with classics from The Andrew Sisters, Vera Lynn, and Anne Shelton. (1940’s dress is very much encouraged).

So, why not come and mingle with the authors and get those books signed before joining us for a swing around the dancefloor?

ALL PROCEEDS MADE ARE BEING DONATED TO HELP FOR HEROES

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Books · Life · Self-publishing · Uncategorized

Goodbye 2016 – Hello 2017

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.

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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.

 

Books · Christmas · Self-publishing · Uncategorized

Roses & Dreams online Christmas Party

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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/