Guest blogger: D.G. Kaye

Today I have the special honour of welcoming a dear friend and an excellent writer and blogger: D.G. Kaye is the author of Conflicted Hearts, Meno-What? A Memoir, Words We Carry, and Have Bags, Will Travel. She is a nonfiction writer of memoirs about life experiences, matters of the heart and women’s issues.

Thank you, Christoph, for inviting me here to your blog today. For those who don’t know me, I’m author and blogger D.G. Kaye.

I’m a nonfiction/memoir writer. I write stories to share my sometimes funny, sometimes serious encounters I’ve had in different aspects of my life. With all my writing, my goal is to empower others with my stories whether the topic is growing up with a narcissistic mother, (Conflicted Hearts) building up a low self-esteem, (Words We Carry) getting through menopause with a touch of humor, (Menowhat? A Memoir) or sharing some crafty travel trips from some of my more memorable vacations, (Have Bags, Will Travel). I am also currently in re-writes with my latest book, a sequel to Conflicted Hearts, titled, P.S. I Forgive You.

What is your blog about?

My blog, www.dgkayewriter.com is a place I like to share my thoughts on, share some real life incidents that are current in my life, and handy things I find useful for some of life’s dilemmas. I also enjoy sharing reviews of books I’ve read and enjoyed, and like to post articles about writing that I find interesting and helpful for other writers. I don’t blog on one particular subject, it really depends on what strikes me as interesting, and what I think my readers would appreciate reading about.

When did you first have the idea for a blog, and when did you start blogging?

I began blogging in spring of 2013. I was in the process of learning the self-publishing business and well into second draft on my first book. I wanted to begin building a platform and thought blogging would be fun. I, like many bloggers, wasn’t sure about where I wanted to go with my blog, but in time, I found myself wanting to help newer writers with helpful information on the self publishing journey. I had learned so much from fellow writers and friends I made along the way, and I wanted to give back in a small way to others.

How did you come up with the title for your blog?

When I first began blogging, I wasn’t yet published, so I wasn’t thinking ahead for the title. I used to write the odd post on “myspace”, (ancient I know, lol) and I wrote there as ‘Cubby’s Corner’. The name is a nickname given to me by my husband. So, with not much thought, I joined WordPress with the same name. A few months later, I wanted to own my own site for more control, and migrated over to WordPress.org. I took the opportunity to change the name to my author name, www.dgkayewriter.com. It just made sense.

How did you attract the audience?

I noticed that my following was growing after I began to establish myself more on social media platforms. I also started following several blogs which interested me, and through visiting those blogs, I came across other blogs by introduction of guest posts, etc. I also interact on those blogs, not just by ‘liking’ posts, but also by sharing them on various social platforms and leaving comments. I noticed that my comments had led to forming many wonderful friendships with fellow bloggers. Before I knew it, I was gaining many new followers from blogs I was reading, and from the articles I post on other social media platforms. Now I’ve made some wonderful friends, and each week, I’m still meeting new ones. It’s a wonderful snowball effect. When my posts resonated with others, they became regular readers, and many have read my books because they enjoy reading my posts.

Which social media do you use to support your blog?

I use several social platforms. Some are my standard go to because of the participation I have in them, and some I don’t visit enough. But I share all my posts and other blogger’s posts to Twitter, Facebook, Google, Linkedin, and Pinterest. I’m also on Stumbledupon and Instagram.  I’d have to say that I’m very active on Twitter and Facebook, and I’d like to try to visit Linkedin more than I usually do. Naturally these are a lot of sites to manage and keep up with, and I find that each blogger and/or writer tends to favor some social sites more than others, so I choose to spend more time where I have the most interaction.

Could you see yourself on a TV chat show, doing what you’re doing on your blog?

I could definitely see me doing a chat show. Chat is what I do best, lol. I like to talk about inspiring things, helpful and handy tips on situations on life, and love to inspire and empower others. Certainly, there would be much to talk about.

How much time do you spend blogging each day?

That’s a loaded question. If you mean drafting blogs – that could take about an hour to two hours, depending if I’m writing from scratch, then drafting the blog post, and downloading photos, creating tags and hyper-links, etc. I don’t write posts every day. When a topic comes to mind, I jot it down in a notepad and write notes about what to include in the post when I’m ready to write it. I also love using ‘press this’ to for reblogging posts into draft in my dashboard. I try to save a few put together posts in draft to have ready for posting.

If you’re asking about spending time reading blogs, the answer would be a lot, as in, a few hours nightly. This is something I haven’t been able to spend less time on. I follow so many blogs, and my inbox is full of posts on a daily basis. I try to read them for an hour or two nightly to keep up. Reading and commenting on blogs is a part time job, and one I don’t see how I can cut back on when I’m always interested in what’s going on in blogtown.

Did you attend, and were you nominated in the Annual Blogger’s Bash?

Yes, I was nominated for Best Dressed Blog. I was elated to be in such good company, and consequently, I came in third place. Because I live on the opposite side of the pond, here in Toronto, and due to some health issues my husband encountered these past few months, I wasn’t able to attend. But I was there in spirit, and watched videos, and got first hand stories from friends who did attend. And I’m hoping that if all is well, I will most definitely be attending next year.

Who are your favorite blogs?

Now that is a tough question. I have so many favorite blogs I read that it almost wouldn’t be fair to single out anyone in particular. But if I must name just a few, I’ll start with yours Christoph, because I enjoy reading your book reviews, particularly those on genres of historical fiction. A few other blogs I never miss are www.smorgasbordinvitation.wordpress.com with Sally Cronin, who is not only a dear friend of mine, but her blog posts offer a wealth of information with her personal writing on health and medicine, her promoting of other writers, and her serials of her own books, just to mention a few topics. I also enjoy keeping up with Sacha Black’s writerspiration posts at www.sachablack.co.uk and Hugh Robert’s mysterious fiction stories and blog challenges at www.hughsviewsandnews.com

 

Please feel free to visit and follow me at:

My website:   www.dgkayewriter.com

My Amazon author page: www.amazon.com/author/dgkaye7

My Goodreads page:  www.goodreads.com/dgkaye

Twitter:  www.twitter.com/pokercubster

Google:  www.google.com/+DebbyDGKayeGies

Linkedin:  www.linkedin.com/in/dgkaye7

Pinterest:  www.pinterest.com/dgkaye7

Instagram:  www.instagram.com/dgkaye

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/dgkaye

Check out my books and read first chapters:

Conflicted Hearts:                          www.smarturl.it/bookconflictedhearts

Words We Carry:                            www.smarturl.it/bookwordswecarry

MenoWhat? A Memoir:                 www.smarturl.it/bookMenowhatAMemoir

Have Bags, Will Travel                    www.smarturl.it/bookHaveBags

 

 

 

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WELSH WEDNESDAYS: Dragons, Castles, Wales, and Works In Progress by Lisa Shambrook

Source: Dragons, Castles, Wales, and Works In Progress… | The Last Krystallos

Now that Human 76 is out there in the wild
and you’re all getting your post-apocalyptic fix,
I need to get back into my tales and my WIP (Work In Progress).

Exciting plans involve a short story collection embracing a dragon theme and then a new series. The short stories will include a story that ties to The Hope Within Books and a new tale that will link directly to my new chronicles.

Caitlin and Lisa at Dryslwyn Castle with Paxton’s Tower © Bekah Shambrook

So, as a teaser this post is a visit to Dryslwyn Castle in Carmarthen which will play a part in my WIP. These books are set far, far into the future:

‘Centuries beyond post-apocalyptic, the landscape of Wales has turned into a whole new country…and the rumble of dragons have returned…’

I’ve spent the last year travelling across Wales, researching, and having fun! You may recall my blog post Road Trip through the raw beauty of Wales, not only did we have fun, but we mapped out the landscape that I’m going to need.

The Black Mountain in the far distance from Dryslwyn Castle © Lisa Shambrook

Dryslwyn is a ruined medieval castle, the very strategically placed home for 13^th century Rhys ap Maredudd, high above the Tywi Valley. It was a front line defence but deliberately decommissioned in the early 15^th century. It was walled up, blockaded and ruined, and burnt to the ground at a later date.

Dryslwyn Castle foundations… © Lisa Shambrook

However, it still holds strong foundations upon the hilltop peering across at Paxton’s Tower, the neo-gothic folly erected in memory of Lord Nelson in the 18^th century.

Paxton’s Tower across the Tywi Valley… © Lisa Shambrook

In my future the current Twyi Valley will be a flooded land populated by islands, including Dryslwyn castle which may be a stronghold for its owners – and I know exactly who will live there – having rebuilt a small fort of her own within the safety of the islands…

Dryslwyn Castle and Caitlin… © Lisa Shambrook

We had a lovely visit planning and plotting and imagining post-apocalyptic futures…

It’s been quite a week for contemplating the future
and dystopia and post-apocalyptic seem appropriate!
*spoken with tongue firmly in cheek*

What are your plans for the future? 

Welsh Wednesdays: Today With Sharon Tregenza / re-blog from Judith Barrow

Source: Today With Sharon Tregenza | Judith Barrow

Today I’m nattering with one of my oldest and dearest friends, award winning children’s’ author,Sharon Tregenza.

 

 

Hi Sharon, come into my parlour, said the spider … and all that!!

Hmm. I think it’s good to be here. (She is laughing, folks. Honest)

 Yes, sorry about that. Just getting into the mood for chatting about children’s books. So, first question. (as if I haven’t already let the cat out of the bag), What kind of writing do you do?

I write for children – mostly mysteries with a touch of magic. I’m working on a Picture Book at the moment, though

Why did you choose to write in your particular genre.

I didn’t, really. It chose me. I was living in the Middle East and got to know a group of writers. Through them I met the editor of a children’s magazine and she asked me to submit some of my work. That grew into a regular stream of stories, articles and verse, all for children. I wrote several hundred pieces over the next twelve years. Great fun

What were you like at school? (Bet I can guess!!)

Small and giggly (Yep!!), oh and speedy. I held the school 100 yards record for years.

Were you good at English?

Yes. I won the English prize three years running.  (Now, why doesn’t that surprise me! She is an award winning author after all) Hmm, this is starting to read like an ego fest.  (Rubbish!!)Ask me  a different type of question.

Okay. Who are some of your favourite authors?

5. Louis Sacher
6. Norton Juster
7. Toni Morrison
8. Daphne De Maurier
9. John Steinbeck
10. Terry Pratchett
11. Margaret Attwood
12. Thomas Hardy
13. Oliver Jeffers
14. Maurice Sendak — how long have you got? J (Sniff!! You seem to have missed someone out!)

 So, where do you write and what is a typical writing day for you?

There isn’t a typical writing day. I wish there was. It depends on meals, muse and mood. I have frequently tried to follow a set routine, but it never lasts. Late, very late, at night is my favourite time to write though.

Where I write? I live in a lovely converted chapel and although I have a smart study – I mostly write on the dining room table beneath a huge arched window. (I can vouch for this lovely place – had many a great writing weekend there)  Eh! Is this my interview or yours(She’s  laughing again, so I’m okay)

 Sorry. So, tell us, what process did you go through to get your book published?

 My first book, ‘Tarantula Tide’ won the Kelpies prize and was immediately published by Floris Books as a result. Entering a competition is an exhilarating way to get published. It all happened very quickly. Exciting.  

 

My next book ‘The Shiver Stone’ was published by Firefly Press.

 Serious stuff now! What are you working on at the moment?

I’m working on three books simultaneously. The picture book I mentioned and two Middle Grade mysteries. There are fires and secrets and magical peacocks and missing songbirds all mingled together in my head. Sometimes it works. Sometimes it’s just a big mess.  J

What’s next on the horizon for you?

Hopefully I’ll have another book out later this year. I want to finish the three books I’m working on too and have plenty of fun with the process. I’m meeting someone from the Arts Centre this week to talk about giving a course on writing for children. I’ll also be involved with the ‘Summer Reading Challenge’ for children in association with local libraries. That’ll be interesting. So I’ve got lots to look forward to.

 And, from the sound of it, so have many children!

Look out for Sharon here.

Website: www.sharontregenza.com

Email: sharontregenza@gmail.com

Facebook: facebook.com/sharontregenzabooks

Twitter: twitter.comsharontregenza

Buying links: 

 Shiver Stone:

  Amazon.co.uk : http://amzn.to/1UagTH5

 Amazon.com: http://amzn.to/2935KYm

 Firefly Press: http://bit.ly/2935JE2

Tarantula Tide:

 Amazon.co.uk: http://amzn.to/292nLCB

 Amazon.com:http://amzn.to/292EchQ

 

Welsh Wednesdays: Interview with Carole Ann Smith

Welcome to Welsh Wednesdays and thank you for participating. First up, please tell us about your connection to Wales. (Do you live here? Are you Welsh? Did you live in Wales or did we meet in Wales?)

I have lived in Wales for thirty years, in Loughor on the border of Swansea and Carmarthenshire. I was born in Weymouth, Dorset and at the age of twelve my parents emigrated to Rhodesia (Zimbabwe) where my father, an electronic design engineer, had been offered a job in Bulawayo. We sailed on the Union Castle liner Pretoria Castle which took fourteen days to reach Cape Town in South Africa. From there we travelled another three days by steam train – quite an adventure in those days, and one that I recorded in a diary.

Tell us a little about yourself as writer and as person. (Tell us about your writing history. When was the first time you decided to write and when was the first time you did? Your hobbies, family, pets..?)

My writing really began in 1989 when I enrolled on a WEA (Workers’ Educational Association) Creative Writing course in Llanelli. The tutor, Phil Carradice, was an inspiration. I went on to do several more of these courses taken by Robert Nisbet, the late Nigel Jenkins, Peter Thabit Jones, to name a few.

I lost my husband in 2009 from cancer. He was very supportive and my mentor in his quiet way – if I asked him to read a short story I only had to watch his face to know if it worked or not. He also wrote poetry and plays. I have a daughter and son and three grandchildren. My devoted companion is a tortoiseshell and white cat called Clover. She is the only cat I’ve had who doesn’t kill things. She’s so gentle and quite content to sit back and watch the birds feeding in the garden. My hobbies include photography, Welsh & local history, gardening, reading.

Which Welsh person would you like to invite for dinner and what would you serve?

I would invite Tom Jones for dinner and I’d serve my vegetarian Shepherd’s Pie. It has received compliments from meat-eating family & friends. For dessert an apple pie or crumble served with custard.  I was brought up on simple British cooking.

What is the best thing about Wales?

The people, the rugby, Joe’s ice-cream, and the beautiful place I live by the Loughor estuary on the edge of the Gower Peninsula.

What are you working on now? 

More poetry – I hope for a collection one day. An article on local history.

What are the best and the worst aspects of writing?

The sense of achievement putting the words down and creating a story, a poem, and the great feeling when an editor says yes and it’s accepted for publication.

The worst aspects are the loneliness and the inability to concentrate when thoughts stray. I’m prone to procrastination. I can’t work in complete silence and have the radio, or music, on in the background.

What is your advice to new writers?

Write for the sheer enjoyment of doing so and if you get published then that is a bonus.

What is your favourite book?

I don’t have a favourite but I like books with historical/psychological/supernatural elements.

What book are you currently reading and in what format (e-book/paperback/hardcover)?

I recently read Sally Spedding’s ‘Cut to the Bone’. It kept me up to the early hours – I couldn’t put it down. I am currently reading ‘Private Peaceful’ by Michael Morpurgo (borrowed from my grandson) – another author whose work I enjoy.

How do you handle criticism of your work?

I welcome feedback from our writers’ group – Llanelli Writers’ Circle. You can often become too close to a piece and others see/hear what you can’t.

Short bio: 

Carole Ann Smith writes short stories, poetry, and articles on local history. She has won short story competitions and has had work published in a number of periodicals and magazines. She set up the Llanelli Writers’ Circle in 1990. As an amateur photographer she also enjoys combining words and pictures. She was appointed editor of the annual periodical Amrywiaeth Llanelli Miscellany in 2011.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carole-ann-smith-33132331

My gallery on the Llanelli Photographic Society website: http://www.llanelliphoto.co.uk/galleries/carole-ann-smith

BLOG HOP: “MIRROR OF OUR LIVES: Voices of Four Igbo Women” | Marcha’s Two-Cents Worth

Source: BLOG HOP: “MIRROR OF OUR LIVES: Voices of Four Igbo Women” | Marcha’s Two-Cents Worth

BLOG HOP: “MIRROR OF OUR LIVES: Voices of Four Igbo Women”

Posted on June 19, 2016

In Mirror of Our Lives, four Nigerian women share the compelling tales of their troubled lives and failed marriages, revealing how each managed to not only survive, but triumph under difficult and repressive circumstances.

Njide, Nneka, Miss Nelly, and Oby relive their stories of passion, deceit, heartaches, and strength as they push through life—each on a unique journey to attain happiness, self-respect, and inner peace. But none of the women’s journeys is without misjudgments and missteps.

Njide falls in love at first sight, marries Tunji too quickly, and is dismayed when Tunji shows his true colors. Nneka once thought that she and Oji were the perfect couple—until Oji traveled to the United States. Miss Nelly is a kind and good natured woman who allows everyone to take advantage of her—even her husband, whom she married only for his name. But everyone wonders why Oby and Mat even married at all, for their marriage was a battle from the very beginning.

The tales in Mirror of Our Lives: Voices of Four Igbo Women will inspire women around the world to never give up, to discover a sense of worth, and most of all, to learn to love themselves above everything else.

Background To The Story:

It is important to give a brief background information on the history of this book. In my culture, it is a great luxury for a woman to be educated. This situation is still prevalent in certain parts of Nigeria, especially in the North, where the people are Muslims. In the South, women education has made a very deep inroad. It was a battle that the women themselves fought and won. Today, in our Universities, the population of the women is more than those of men. But there was a time, when, even in the South, the choice to educate the kids in a family, fell on the male children. The male child was always chosen over the female child, and the female child was bundled off into an early marriage. Mirror of Our Lives: Voices of Four Igbo Women, is the story of the victory that education has given to four Igbo women. It is also the story of what education can do for women, especially , women in the Muslim areas of Nigeria where education is still tabu for the women to attain happiness, self-respect and inner peace. But none of the women’s journeys is without misjudgments and missteps. You can also read the reviews on the book on Amazon.om and on Barnes & Noble.

An Interview with Adebowale On Mirror of Our Lives

(1) Your debut novel, Mirror of Our Lives, focuses on four Nigerian women who went through hardship but triumphed under such difficult and repressive circumstances. Is it right, therefore, to say that you are a female rights campaigner, or a feminist?

JLB: Thank you Adewale for your interest in my book, Mirror of Our Lives. Right now, I am writing you from California, where I am performing the “Omugwo” for my daughter who recently had a baby. When I sent you a complimentary copy of my book last April, 2012, I sent copies also to as many Nigerian newspapers and magazines, as I could find. Since then you are the second newspaper to show interest. Thank you very much for this. To answer your question, I do not like to be hedged into any type of category. I am for justice for all, for each person to be treated humanely, and for the disadvantaged to be given the opportunity to excel.

(2) One of the characters in the book is Njide. How much of your real self is reflected in Njide’s life?

JLB: One thing I learnt in my writing class is that no writer writes from a vacuum. You write from what you know, from personal experience, and then go from there to create a world, or in this case a situation that does not only reflect your personal experience, but all other experiences similar to yours. I am not totally Njide, but Njide lived a lot of my personal experiences, as well as the experiences of other women I have come to know.

(3) If Njide’s life is part of your story, then the other three characters — Nneka, Miss Nelly and Oby — must also have a link with you; can you share this with us?

JLB: Just as I said in my answer to your second question, after writing about Njide, I found it easy to fictionalize the experiences of other women I know. The names I used are not the names of the women whose stories I told, and the stories I told did not reflect the experiences of any particular woman. I wanted any woman who read the story to relate to it, and many women whom I know who read the story have called to tell me that the story of one of the women or the other is the story of their lives. This is what I wanted, to tell a universal story.

(4) In your opinion, do you think the average woman is getting her credit in her contribution to societal good?

JLB: In my opinion, women are doing better today than they did in the past, but that is not to say that they are getting the credit they deserve. I would like to see very hard working women given recognition based on their work. We see a lot of women today, especially in our society getting on based on who they know, and not on their contribution in their areas of specialization. God fatherism in whatever shade or colour, to whom ever uses it, male or female, should not be condoned in public service. We see a lot of this happening in our country.

(5) Mirror of Our Lives is an interesting read. When next is the public reading another story from you?

JLB: I am working on it.

(6) The book is actually published by a foreign publisher; was there a reason why you didn’t approach our local publishers?

JLB: There were two main reasons why the book was not published by a local publisher; first, I wrote the book while I was still living and working in the United States, so I was more familiar with the publishing scene of the US. Secondly, if you notice, the book is a self-published book. I did not want to suffer any rejection on this book as I did in my other attempts to publish. I believed so much in this book that I wanted it out by all means, and iUniverse provided me the opportunity  to self-publish.

Joy Nwosu Lo-Bamijoko

Joy’s Bio

Joy Nwosu was born in Enugu, Anambra State of south-eastern Nigeria. Her parents were Charles Belonwu and Deborah Nwosu. She is the fifth in rank of the seven children of her parents. Joy was born into a music family.

Joy, now retired, was a music teacher, trained in Santa Cecilia, Rome, and obtained her Ph.D. in Music Education from the University of Michigan, USA.

She has written and published extensively on national and international scholarly journals, magazines, and newspapers.

Her short story I Come from Utopia was published in African Voices, Spring/Summer, 2007, pg. 18, and her first English novel; Mirror of Our Lives: Voices of Four Igbo Womenwas published in 2011, and was shortlisted for the Commonwealth Book Contest in 2012. She has also two books published in the Italian language.

Joy is a trained musician, and taught music for 35 years.  She writes, performs, and record folk songs.

Her new book: The Legend of the Walking Dead: Igbo Mythologies, which has just been released, is a journey into the mysteries of life and death of the Igbos of Nigeria.  She loves reading romances and mystery stories.

Websites:      http://sbpra.com/joylobamijoko/  Mirror of Our Lives …..

                         http://sbprabooks.com/JoyNwosuLoBamijoko/ Legend of the Walking…

Buy Mirror of Our Lives…Amazon Link:

http://www.amazon.com/Mirror-Our-Lives-Women/dp/1450278965

Barnes & Noble Link

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/mirror-of-our-lives-joy-nwosu-lo-bamijoko/1102630079?ean=9781450278966

Link to my Blog:       jinlobify.Com

Face BookLink: https://www.facebook.com/joy.lobamijoko

Link to my LinkedIn Book Add

http://goo.gl/fT1P2O

Trailer: Mirror of Our Lives: Voices of Four Igbo Women

https://youtu.be/UhSyMaUz0Uk

Twitter Handle:         @Jinlobify

Review: “Making friends with the Crocodile” by Mick Canning

I am delighted to present you my review of Mick Canning’s novel “Making Friends with the Crocodile”. Having followed Mick’s blog posts about India for some time, I was eagerly awaiting it.
The book focuses on women in rural India. “If you live near the river, you better make friends with the Crocodile” is an Indian proverb.
In the novel we get to see simple lives, where people struggle to make a living, earn a reputation and survive in a world full of crocodiles. Those crocodiles come in all shapes and forms: friends, family, strangers, laws, conventions…
Surviving isn’t easy, especially if you are a woman.

The story of Siddiqui and her family revolves largely around an unfortunate evening incident that involves her daughter in law and the friend of her husband. How people and the community respond to said incident shows the difficulties women face.
At first I didn’t understand its significance but gradually the penny drops.

Full of interesting cultural insights, fascinating characters and blessed with a superb title this is a true delight, even though it isn’t always a comfortable or easy read. There is sadness and worry but I finished the book in almost one sitting. It is that good.

The paperback is available from the Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.eu sites only – this is a quirk of Amazon – but can also be ordered from the estore at CreateSpace, at the following link:

https://www.createspace.com/6301808

And now, I wait to see what people think of the book, with a considerable amount of nervousness.

If you do buy a copy, please consider leaving a review either at Amazon, or on Goodreads, if you are a member (better still, at both!). Reviews are genuinely the lifeblood of a writer, and do help to sell books.

Finally, the blurb again…

‘Siddiqa was only just into her teens when she was forced to leave her home to live with her new husband and his family in another village. The years have passed, and now Siddiqa has three children of her own. Her grown up son has brought his new wife, Naira, to live with them, so Siddiqa is no longer the lowliest in the household, for she has a daughter-in-law.

Life in rural India is particularly harsh for women. This novel explores themes of female oppression and tradition and asks whether the next generation will find life any easier.’

Follow Mick’s blog : https://mickcanning.co/

 

Bye Bye Bash 2016 HELLO to the 3rd Annual Bloggers Bash 2017

This gallery contains 11 photos.

Originally posted on Sacha Black:
*Wipes brow* PHEWWWWW, it’s all over. Can’t fricking believe it. The bash consumed me for the…

Discussing life with hamsters and Mike Steeden

Two of my favourite bloggers have a meeting of minds. Check out sheannemoore’s chat with mikesteeden – and their respective blogs. They’re worth it!

shehanne moore

 

 MIKE……

Not until just now! That said, when I started blogging I did write the tale of ‘Joan of Arc & Her Beloved Hamster’ regarding Joan’s heartfelt desire to get her house in order pre the burning at the stake the very next day, hence a new home for her pet hamster was required!  With hardly any ‘followers’ at the time it was largely ignored – probably for the best in hindsight!

https://mikesteeden.wordpress.com/2014/03/23/joan-of-arc-her-beloved-hamster/

 

THE SAD DEMISE OF ERIC THE HAMSTER

 In Hamsterland I have heard say

That the energy supply is ideal

For hamsters’ spin around all day

Generating electricity via their treadmill wheel

However, they ran into a problem once

Generating their power thus

For one such wheel did detach itself

Span off, hamster inside, under a number 37 bus

Eric, that was the wretched hamsters name

To the A&E was rushed

Yet there was nought…

View original post 1,732 more words

Mystery Mondays Review: Rogues and Rascals in Goose Pimple Junction

This book shot up my tbr pile quickly. I love Amy’s use of alliterations. In fact, the book is full of such brilliant details, character names and locations that in themselves provide entertainment, even before the snappy dialogue and the individual personalities assigned to the characters do their magic. This is simply hilarious.
Witty, with great scene setting and wonderful aouthern flair this has long been one of my favourite cosy mysteries series.
It starts with an ominous murder scene, then flashes over to Goose Pimple where recently divorced Caledonia is getting grief from a bitchy clerk in a clothing shop. The play between the characters is very entertaining, as is the plot.
Some quotes:
“If I’s shot you when I wanted, I’d be out by now”

“he traded in his 40 year old wife for two twenties”

This is a labour of love, well written, planned, fleshed out with excellent details and imaginative and funny ideas.

Highly recommended.

 

About the book:

Like any good Southern belle, Caledonia Culpepper was raised by her mama to be gracious, charming, witty, and above all, a devoted mother and loving wife, so she’s baffled when her marriage falls apart.

Wynona Baxter is a master of disguise but is often a ditzy airhead. A hit woman wannabe, when she’s hired for her first job in Goose Pimple Junction and things don’t go as planned, she’s forced to resort to Plan B. She’ll also need Plan C and D.

Crooked lawyers, restless husbands, a teenaged hoodlum – it seems there are rogues and rascals everywhere you look in Goose Pimple Junction.

When Caledonia and Wynona’s paths cross, they prove there isn’t a rogue or a rascal who can keep a good woman down. Mama always said there would be days like this . . .

About the author:

Amy Metz is the author of the Goose Pimple Junction mystery series. She is a former first grade teacher and the mother of two sons. When not actively engaged in writing, enjoying her family, or surfing Facebook or Pinterest, Amy can usually be found with a mixing spoon, camera, or book in one hand and a glass of sweet tea in the other. Amy lives in Louisville, Kentucky.

Links:

Website: http://authoramymetz.com

Blog: http://abluemillionbooks.blogspot.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/AuthorAmyMetz

Twitter: https://twitter.com/authoramymetz

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/AmyMetz

Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Amy-Metz/e/B008NA07X4/

Link to my previous feature with Amy