Tuesday, 28 May 2013

Guest Blog story and Review of The Velvet Hotel, Manchester plus book review

Well I have a fun packed line up for you all this week my friends

Firstly I have a guest Blog story by my good friend Jay McIntyre co-author of
 Lowther and Deardon: Tainted Gold  a book co -written with  Dan Jordan.

 After the story you will find a review for the gorgeous hotel The Velvet and a book review for The Army of the Night by Paul Collis so stay reading  (if you can!) after the short story.

I am honoured that this was written for myself Scarlett, and in my honour.
Thank you so much Jay.


SCARLETT


He sat on the couch, mystified.

What had he ever done to deserve such an amazing woman?

He had met her last week.  Driving home from work, she had appeared in the road, in the pouring ran.  A dark rain hood covered her head, but he could see her staring at him.

Those eyes...

He had swerved not to hit her, and slewed to the sidewalk.  He had got out of the car, a mixture of anger and concern, and apologized.  

“It’s all right,” she had told him then.  “But if you really want to apologize, you can take me...to dinner.”

Almost dazed, his initial spike of anger fading, he gladly agreed.  She had gotten into his ratty little import without seeming to notice or mind it’s poor condition.

He had already been stunned by her eyes; that was the first thing he had noticed about her on the road.  They had seemed a bright blue.  But there seemed to be a golden glow behind that blue, as though there was fire in her soul.  Once she got in the car, that impression remained and she smiled at him.  

Then she had taken off her sleek, slick black hood that protected her from the rain...and her curly red hair came spilling out.

For a moment--just a fleeting second--he thought of the mythical medusa.  Then he was lost in awe at that luxurious, radiant red hair.  For a moment he hadn’t been thinking of her shapely body or of the near miss; for a moment all he wanted to do was touch that amazing hair.  He had even reached out a hand, then drawn it back.

She had seen and understood his gesture, and laughed.  “Oh, it’s harder to keep in this condition than it looks.”  Her accent was British, arch but not unkind, like a schoolteacher you would be happy to stay in detention with.  He’d never been into “teacher’s pet” fantasies, but that was the first thought that came into his mind hearing that voice, and he liked it.

“You can touch,” she went on, “But gently.”

Amazed at the liberty, he had reached out and touched that amazing scarlet hair.  It was just as silky and luxurious as he’d thought it would be.  Perhaps even more.

“Where, uh, where do you want to go for dinner?”

She cocked her head, smiling as though she could read his mind.  “There’s that lovely French-Vietnamese place.  I’m sure you’ve heard of it?”

Indeed he had; he loved their pho.  He had taken her there, and she had enjoyed it; she had eaten with class, but also with a voracious enthusiasm that impressed him.

He had driven her home--a dark, brooding skyscraper  on the edge of town, strange he’d never noticed it before--and she had kissed him goodnight on the cheek; her lips had been hot, and that heat had somehow transferred through his skin, down his neck and chest, and settled right in his loins and stayed there, like a promise.  Nor was this a metaphor; he truly felt that heat there, and it stayed there.

“See you soon,” she whispered, like it was a promise.  He had swallowed, and almost broken into a cold sweat.

She had given him both her number and her email, but advised him that email would be better.  She was often busy, and couldn’t always stop to answer the phone.  She didn't give specifics, but it was clear to him that she was a smart and savvy businesswoman in some sort of high stakes commodity market.  He didn’t ask; he got the impression it was better not to know.  

He had taken her out to dinner twice more; once to Afghani place in the big city, and tonight to a place he’d never heard of before, that she had directed him to.  Tucked beneath a shoe repair shop, only accessible by a stone staircase.  There had been no signs or anything., just the stone steps down and an iron gate of a door.  Inside it had been smoky and dim.  The hulking, squinty eyed maĆ®tre d had known her, and ushered them to a booth against the black stone wall.  She had ordered for both of them; first a pale broth soup that had tasted nothing like chicken, or anything else he’d ever had; then red meat still on the bone; rare.  It had tasted surprisingly good, but also somewhat strange.  He hadn’t thought much about it as he sucked the meat off the bone; but he could tell she approved of his enthusiasm.

“I was right about you,” she said.  “I usually read people very well.”

“Thanks,” he said.  “Right about what, though?”

She laughed, a rippling musical sound.  “That you know enough to take advantage of what is offered to you.”

“Um....thanks, I think.”

She laughed again, and he could swear her eyes were brighter for a moment.

It wasn’t until their second date that he had asked her name.  “Scarlett,” she had told him.  “Not my birth name, but I had it legally changed, long ago.”

He wondered if that meant she had a troubled past, but decided not to press the issue.  She had given him a knowing look, almost as if she was reading his thoughts, and chuckled again.  She didn’t talk much; but she had no problem making it clear what she wanted or was interested in.

After dinner she had led him to that imposing dark skyscraper.  He was stunned.  She was really inviting him in, and clearly not just for a nightcap.  They had taken the elevator up to the sixteenth floor.

She had let him into her...lair.  Yes, that was the word for it, lair.  All black leather furnishings and mirrored walls and floors.  The maintenance must be killer.

So here he was, now, sitting on that couch, staring out into the night, wondering how he’d got so lucky.  She was a bad girl, that was clear; but why him?  Clearly she was rich, successful, probably even influential, and for damn sure charismatic as hell.  So...why him, of all people?

“Ahh, you’re still there, good.”  She came back, a crystal goblet in each hand, filled with blood red wine.  So a nightcap was part of the plan, after all.  “The couch is more suitable, isn’t it?  I think so too....beds are for sleeping, more than fun.”  She smirked.   “My sleep patterns are pretty weird, anyway.”

He took the goblet she offered him and swallowed a mouthful; it went down his throat like liquid fire.  He gasped, then said somewhat hoarsely, “Weird how?”

She smiled, and for a moment he could swear he saw a golden light behind her eyes again.  “I can go for days without sleep....then sometimes I’ll be out like a light for the whole weekend.”

“Your employers must be very understanding,” he said, somewhat shakily.

“Oh, my boss knows what a hard worker I am,” she assured him in what was almost a purr.  “Work hard, play hard, that’s me.”

“Scarlett....I’m very glad to be here, believe me.  But....why?  Why me?  Why did I win the sexual lottery?”

She threw back her head and laughed.  “Oh, you poor boy.  You are more worthy than you know.”  She drained her glass and set it aside, then sat right in his lap, looking into his eyes.  He could feel the heat of her body; she was literally hotter than any woman he’d ever been close to before.  “I told you before, I can read people.  You’re frustrated, your desire is so strong it’s become a need, like breathing or eating.  Any man can lust after me.  Not any man can need to have me like they need air.  I choose my boy-toys most carefully.”

Not lovers, he noticed.  Not partners.  Boy-toys.  Not that he was offended.  To be her boy-toy was a greater honor than he’d ever dreamed.  “But....I’m just a creepy nerd.”

She chuckled.  “Oh, you’re not that creepy.  I’ve slept with men far worse.”  Her jovial attitude never faded, but she looked into his eyes now, and was utterly serious.  “I don’t choose men based on looks or money, hon.  I choose them based on their lust.  And in that department you score very high.”

“Thank you,” he breathed, and leaned up to kiss her.  

She kissed back, and no doubt about it, she had a very high body temperature, almost scalding.  He was a little afraid of what might happen to his manhood once he was inside her.  Not that he had any intention of refusing her.  He wasn’t sure he could if he tried.  

She raked her nails down his back, almost hard enough to draw blood even through his clothes.  Then, almost impatiently, she started tearing them off him.

Literally tearing.  Her long red nails ripped at his clothes, and they began to fall in shreds.  She slithered out of her own little black dress in one sinuous movement.  Her black lace underwear followed, and then she tore his boxer briefs open with one eager slash.  He flinched; but she knew just how to do it without hurting him.  His manhood stood free throbbing.  For her.

“Yes,” she whispered.  “Give it to me.”  Grasping it, she guided it into herself and sank down upon his lap.  “Thaaaaat’s it,” she hissed like a snake.  Her fingernails sunk into his shoulders like talons, and this time they did draw blood.  She began to bounce on his cock, locking eyes with him.

She was as hot inside as he’d suspected, but instead of scalding him, her inner heat was absorbed by his manhood, and slowly spreading into his loins.  “Ahhhhh,” he gasped, and held her close.

She chuckled, and pushed his face into her breasts.  They too, were filled with heat.  Almost without thinking, he suckled on the left one.  After a moment, some hot fluid spurted into his mouth.  

Spluttering, he swallowed it, then looked up into her eyes.

They were entirely yellow.  Lit with fire.

Now he knew.

Now he understood.

For a moment he felt the chill of fear in his heart, but it passed, and was replaced by a sort of wonder.  Not worship, but a kind of deep amazement and lustful joy.

She saw it, and understood it.  Her own face softened into a gentle smile.  “Yes,” she breathed.  “You do understand.”

He nodded wordlessly and slid his hands down to her ass, digging his own nails into her sweet buttocks.

She laughed, and let her true form show.  wings sprouted from her back, her teeth became fangs, her tongue became longer, tapered to a point.  Around them the apartment dissolved into a raging inferno.

“Beautiful,” he said, and meant it.

She bounced on him harder and faster, and her wings wrapped around him in an almost motherly embrace.

Slut.  Whore.  Temptress.  Vixen.  Femme fatale.  Tart.....

Succubus.

Not Lilith herself, he knew that instinctively.  But undoubtedly one of her descendants.

“Yes,” she breathed, and bounced faster.  

He kissed her again, that obscenely long tongue slipped into his mouth.  She bounced harder and faster on his manhood.  Her vagina was, of course, perfect; fitting him like a glove, tighter than he could’ve dreamed, and transferring more of her infernal heat into him.

Maintaining the kiss, he massaged her ass, expressing his lust for her perfect body.  She chucked her approval into his mouth, then finally broke the kiss.  And locked eyes with him once more.  Almost tenderly, she cupped his cheek.  He, in turn, trailed a finger around the inside of her left wing, as both of them were still wrapped around him.

She slowed their act of lust, and let him run his hands through her silken hair.

“Perfection,” he said breathlessly, and meant it.

She smiled and her eyes brightened, and he could tell she appreciated his sincerity.  He couldn’t read her mind, but she could project her thoughts into his, especially during the act of passion.  Many, she let him understand, had admired her over the years; but for the wrong reasons.  Cultists worshipped her out of fear and for the hope of the power she could give them; and of course many wanted to have sex with her, but he was the first in hundreds of years to admire her for what she was; the embodiment of the dark female principle.

She accelerated her bouncing and he began to lose control; soon, he knew, he would have to come inside her.

“Yes,” she breathed in his ear, “give me your seed.  It’s one of the reasons I chose you.”

“Hnnnng!” he shot his seed inside her, gripping her thighs with desperate urgency.

“Yessssssssssss,” she hissed, her eyes glowing, and she pressed herself down on him, and kept herself there firmly, maintaining pressure.

None of the fluid leaked back out.  As she was able to grant her heat to him, so she was able to absorb his seed without effort.  Not vaporize it with her body heat, he felt certain; but to take it into herself and use it.

“I guess your.....” he gasped, and began again, “I guess your pregnancy cycle runs differently, too.”

“More efficient,” she agreed.  Now she slowly rode him, back and forth, retracting her wings, letting him properly witness the inferno.  The flames were horrifying, true; but she was shielding him from them.  He didn’t understand why, but he was grateful.  He didn’t see any damned souls in torment; but he did see other fell creatures.  Again, he knew that she was shielding him from the true horror, which would otherwise have run him mad.

“Mostly aspects of pride and envy,” she murmured.

And that made sense, being what they were, they were looking at her, and at the mere mortal lucky enough to couple with her.

He stopped looking at them, and at the flames.  He returned his attention to her evil beauty; not only was she much more pleasant to look at, but he understood that she could only protect him from the horrors of the depths so far.

The flames gradually died, and he found himself back in her black and mirrored apartment.

“You are not the first mortal whose seed I have taken,” she explained softly.  “The child will not be a full succubus, but she will definitely be...a much more sensible woman.”

He smiled at her, and now there was a hint of greed in his eyes.  “I’m glad to be worthy to be her father.  But I want more.”

She laughed.  “Of course you do.  I know what you want.”

She clambered onto  the arm of the chair and bent over it.  Her long succubus tail twitched aside, revealing the dark, tight orifice of her anus.

Grinning like a predator, he mounted her and slowly pushed in.  While incredibly tight, her anus allowed him in smoothly.  Groaning in pleasure, he grabbed her shoulders and pushed.

“Ahhhhhh,” she purred.  “Sodomy is one of my favorite sins.”

Once he was all the way in, she suddenly tightened further.  It should’ve hurt, but instead it was incredibly pleasurable.  He groaned and collapsed atop her, face buried in her scarlet hair, making a “Mmmfff” of ecstasy.

She moaned too, and he understood she had finally reached her own climax.  But as soon as he thought it, he also understood through her link with his mind that she could have such pleasure at will; such was her nature.  To her, debauchery and orgasm were an art.

He lifted his head from her hair.  She maintained this unnatural (supernatural) tightness on his manhood.  Then it began to pulse, tighter and then slightly looser.

“Stay all the way in,” she breathed.  “My body will take care of the rest.”

“Your perfect body,” he breathed.

“Yes.”

Without warning, she lifted from the couch and began to fly.  He gripped her shoulders tighter, but understood there was no need.  Her anus was grip enough.  Even so, her tail affectionately wound itself around his waist.

Her powerful wings beat, and they flew into and through the dark glass of the skyscraper as though it weren’t even there.  

They flew over the surrounding lands.  The night sky was exhilarating; there were a few scattered clouds; but plenty of stars and a gibbous moon.  An old song lyric danced through his mind; “...there’s a warm wind blowing the stars around...”

But at wondrous as the night sky was, she sensed that her gazed was directed downwards.  She projected into his mind highlighted images from below; lined in red, acts of lust.  Couplings that had nothing to do with love, and everything with lust.  Some were ordinary mortals, some were of succubi and incubi; some were descended from succubus blood, as their own child would be.

And it was glorious.

Twice more he came inside her sweet, evil backside.  She came once more, once again of her own will.  Long before it was over he buried his face in her hair and stayed there, half asleep.

He was dimly aware of their return to her flat in the dark skyscraper; into a bed of black silk sheets and Gothic iron frame.  Eventually he drifted off, but knew that she remained awake.

--

It was some hours before he awoke.  The sun had risen, though it was still early.  Scarlet was there, back to him, true nature disguised once more, applying makeup in the mirror.

“You don’t have Saturday off?” he asked, then felt stupid for saying it.

She turned and smiled at him.  “Work is pleasure to me, hon.  But today I’m maintaining my civilian identity; a bad business deal needs to be finalized.”

He hadn’t realized that her life as ‘Scarlett’ had any kind of reality.  It didn’t seem necessary; but then he supposed that doing so she could advance the cause of evil in other ways.  Reading the thought, she nodded in approval.

“Will I ever see you again?” he asked.

“Oh, now and then perhaps,” she smiled.  “Business takes precedence, you know.”  Her expression hardened for the first time.  “Don’t fall in love with me,” she warned.

“Of course not,” he shook his head.  “I just know I’ll never have as good as you again.”

She smiled, good humor restored.  “Don’t expect to see our child, either.  That’s something I’ll do privately, in my own time.  But every now and then....” she kissed him on the cheek.  “You have my email.”

He nodded, touched her hand, and left.

It was after the ride down in the elevator and he got into his own car in the lot, he finally understood something else; the heat from her body was still with him.  In his own way, he was part of her cause now; she had granted him some of her darkness.  He could use it to seduce women and encourage them to be more lascivious, more seductive, more wanton.  He smiled, cheered by the thought and drove away.

--

In her flat above, she watched him go, smiling in satisfaction.  Then she turned her attention to her own agenda; the tasks of the wicked were never done, as she had known for centuries.  

She walked across the floor, flames growing around her as she went, until they grew taller than her; then she vanished in a puff of smoke that, had anyone been there to smell it, would have reeked of opium and absinthe.
 
 
 
 
 
Well I'm not sure about you folks but that certainly caught my attention and left me sitting in a damp patch too!! Certainly another erotic writer to look out for! Find him on Twitter
 
 

The Velvet Hotel

 
I recently stayed at The Velvet Hotel on Canal Street in Manchester and this place is amazing! The staff are always especially lovely and obliging. The room I stayed in was one of their Velvet King Rooms, which was fantastic. We had our breakfast served in bed the following morning, for just an extra charge. Well worth it and the breakfast was brilliant.
 
 
 
 
 
 
The Velvet Hotel's thirteen King Rooms are by no means standard. They are decadent individually designed rooms. Incorporating en-suite bathrooms and king or over- sized king beds with exceptional quality bed and bathroom linens.
 
As well as the Hotel, there is a Bar and restaurant on the same site at Canal Street. We dined in the restaurant in the evening, once again receiving excellent service. Alongside of fantastic food ( I can personally recommend the sweet potato fries there was a convivial atmosphere.
 
 


 
 
 
We loved the fish tank set in to the stairs (but I found it a little scary to step on to!) The restaurant was an intimate venue and we spend the last part of our evening in the bar upstairs.
 
 
 
 


All in all, a fantastic stay at a gorgeous hotel. When we return to visit The Velvet in July (we loved it so much we plan to return) we have upgraded to one of the Penthouse Suites.

The jewels in the Velvet Hotel crown are the three Penthouse Suites, all of which offer over 300sq ft of ultimate luxury and contemporary design on split level. 

The suites house a living/dining/meeting room area with 42" LCD TV & Sony midi stereo with i-pod dock, roll top free standing bath, separate shower & double sink units, plus a mezzanine bed deck with 26" LCD & en s

Needless to say I can't wait 'till July and my stay in one of their "Jewel in the Crown" Suites.


You can follow The Velvet Hotel at Twitter.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Book Review: The Army of the Night

 
 
 My final offering for this Blog post is a book review of a short story The Army of the Night and this short story is available to download for FREE.  So a major bonus for you all there.
   
 
 
 
 
 This is the short description from Smashwords.
 
It’s 1813. Napoleon’s army has to retreat from Spain to France, but the main pass across the Pyrenees is within reach of the British forces. In his search for an alternative route, Alaine Bellanger discovers more than just an ancient mountain trail. High in a cleft between two peaks, he finds something very strange — and someone even stranger. But who can he tell? And who would believe him?
 
The short story is written by Paul Collis and I downloaded this book from Smashwords myself.
 
I hadn't read any spoilers (I as you may know I never give spoilers myself - because they SPOIL it) so, all that I knew was that it was in the genre Paranormal fiction.
 
A lot of historical, action and adventure story with a large helping of paranormal to boot. A great deal of research and detail has been put into this piece of work, resulting in a very gripping tale indeed. This kept my interest throughout. My only disappointment was that the book wasn't longer.

I have given this short story an extremely well deserved 5 stars, and I will certainly be seeking out other works by this author.
 
The story is mentioned in his story The Scottish Movie available also on Smashwords or in print from Amazon


 
 
My next short story will be a return visit by Sarah and her friends so keep watching this blog.

I have an interview fresh out this week with the lovely Jonathon Fletcher at his Blog on Goodreads. I would love for you to check it out;
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7035890.Jonathon_Fletcher/blog


Jon is also on Twitter at https://twitter.com/JonGardener



 


 
 

Monday, 13 May 2013

Beautiful Blogger & HUG Blog also review of Dry Live at Manchester & Puppet Rebellion

I was recently tagged for a blog named the Beautiful Blogger & HUG Blog nomination by Vanessa Wester - thank you Vee  ;)


Now then those that I nominate are under no obligation to take up these awards




The Rules:


1 >> Copy and place the Beautiful Blogger Award in your post.

2>>Thank the person that nominated you and link back to their blog

3>>Tell 7 things about yourself.

4>>Nominate 7 fellow Bloggers, tell them by posting a comment on their Blog.


NOW to reveal 7 fascinating things about ME:

1>>I love the colour scarlet! (surprise, surprise!lol)

2>> I really DO have long auburn hair and blue eyes. That is not a myth!

3>>I enjoy live music (if you have listened to me playing DJ on Twitter you may already have guessed that one.)

4>>I love to eat out, especially with my girlfriends.

5>>I absolutely love Bon Jovi ( I am going to watch them in concert on the 8th June in Manchester.)

6>>My favourite television programme is currently Game of Thrones. I also hope one day my novels will be made into a series for telly! Hope you are listening HBO lol.

7>>One of my new goals in life is to be able learn how to make my novels and stories into a working script. (Scriptwriters beware I have ambitions!!)


Now my victims erm oopsy what I meant to say is my nominees:
















The HUG Award© was initiated by Connie Wayne at A Hope for Today, which promotes hope, love, peace, equality, and unity for all people.

The HUG Award© is for people with an expectant desire for the world, for which they: Hope for Love; Hope for Freedom; Hope for Peace; Hope for Equality; Hope for Unity; Hope for Joy and Happiness; Hope for Compassion and Mercy; Hope for Faith; Hope for Wholeness and Wellness; Hope for Prosperity; Hope for Ecological Preservation; Hope for Oneness

This award also:
- recognises and honours those who help keep hope alive in our current world, which is plagued by war, natural disasters, and economic recession. They nurture hope, in any of the above areas (in italics), by the work they do, or in their personal lives with things such as blogging, public speaking, charity work, etc.
- is for people who, without giving up or compromising their own religious, spiritual, or political beliefs, are able to nurture hope and respect the dignity of all people.
- is for those who, without bias or prejudice, use their resources and gifts to make the world a better place for everyone.
- is for people who have a hope or an expectant desire that the work or talents they use in things such as blogging, public speaking, charity work, etc., will make a positive impact on the world.






Band Review for PUPPET REBELLION and The Dry Live
Myself and a couple of girlfriends recently attended a gig  that we were invited along to by the band Puppet Rebellion at the Dry Bar, Manchester.
Four bands actually played on this night and they were:
Puppet Rebellion were playing their first live gig on this night the 6th April 2013. This was at the Dry Bar on Oldham Street, Manchester. The Dry Bar is a very popular venue in Manchester and well worth a visit.
I met the band initially on Twitter, as I like to follow, and promote new bands and singers when I can. Especially, I might add, bands from Manchester (where I live.) Needless to say I wasn't too sure about the band as I had only heard a demo track they had sent me on Twitter.
The track is The greatest Lie Ever Told:

 







Well, on the night all the bands were fantastic and made the gig memorable. We even had photos taken with members of  the different bands and given demo discs. The outstanding band of the night for us, was definitely Puppet Rebellion.

As this was to be their first live gig I didn't expect the polished performance we experienced first hand. The band played together as if they had been playing for years as such. They were certainly the Jewel in  the Crown for us. So much so, that we have placed an order for 3 tickets to the next gig we are able to attend in August, and look forward to doing so.


 There was a fantastic atmosphere
in the Dry Live Venue. More people need to come along and experience live music in this fashion.

I urge you to look out for local (and not so local) Indie bands and bands in general and offer your support.






The Ruckus are a band from Halifax. Slydigs are a four piece Rock & Roll from Warrington and the other two bands were both Manchester bands.



Puppet Rebellion has other live gigs coming up they are;

Tues 4th June at Sound Control, Manchester

Fri 14 June at Friars Court in Warrington

Sat 6th July Dry Bar, Manchester

Fri 16th August at The Castle Hotel in Manchester


Don't be shy because I have provided links to all the bands web pages and there you will find more information and contact details for all the bands on Twitter and Facebook too


I recently undertook a Guest Blog For Skelat outlining my novel and also with an exclusive excerpt from the upcoming first book The Prophecy Unfolds (Dragon Queen) I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I did writing it.

















Thursday, 4 April 2013

Now for something complete different!! A restaurant review and other stuff too

Yes I am SO sorry I am late with my Blog this week. I hope all my friends will accept my apologies for the lateness. But I hope this assortment will also please you too.

This week I am including a book review, a restaurant review with a story to follow. SO stay here and join me for these.


These questions came from myself, Scarlett adapted from the WIP questions, about a published book by the authors Jay McIntyre and Dan Jordan.


Q 1) What is the title of your book?

Lowther and Deardon: Tainted Gold


Q 2) What genre(s) does your book fall under (or land near really!)  

Swords and sorcery, with a bit of hard boiled street crime thrown in, and near the end some Mission: Impossible style trickery.


Q 3) What actors would you choose to play the characters in the film version of your book (should you ever, ever get that honour really)  

Hmmm.  Tough one.  I'm not that big on Hollywood.  Maybe Clancy Brown for Lowther?  Deardon could be some moderately funny comic actor.  Tasha could be played by the person who gave me these questions, haha!  Xarius....again, tough one.  That redhead guy from CSI Miami, maybe, if he grew his hair out.  Kusari....maybe Yee Jee Tso.  No idea on the various baddies.


Q 4) What is the main outline for your book? (Alexandria calls it a pitch as a synopsis includes spoilers and I hate spoilers!)  

From the book's own sale page (buy it!) [link]  : The city of Lanteius is divided between three rival nations. A grim mercenary and a cynical bard are thrust into an investigation to uncover a conspiracy that threatens the balance of power. Swords and sorcery, magic and crime, intrigue and betrayal.


Q 5) Will your book be Indie published, self published or represented by an agency and sold to a traditional publisher?  

It's being sold by online publisher lulu.com



Q 6) How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?

The first draft?  Four to five months between me and my co-writer Dan Jordan.  Rewrites took longer; reformatting it for Lulu was a real hurdle.  Were it not for that last, it might have been out months earlier.  But I also wouldn't have tweaked it as much.  So it's a trade off.


Q 7) What other books in this genre would you compare yours to?

The collected short stories of Hawke and Fisher come close, with a dash of Conan the Barbarian.


Q 8) Who or what inspired you to write this book?

We heard about the kid who wrote Eragon, and how it got turned into a movie.  Basically, we said "Why not us?"


Q 9) What else about the book might pique the readers attention?

The cynical cleverness, the references, the Mission: Impossible style trickery near the end of the book, the epilogues that help flesh out the world and hint at the next book!





Restaurant Review
 

This week I am including a review of an absolutely fabulous restaurant I visited very recently called Grenache. This restaurant is situated in Walkden, Manchester.






 

This is a fine dining restaurant that uses fresh local produce as they say "without the toys"
Their lead chef is Mike Jennings and he is a Michelin trained chef. Having worked for Shaun Rankin, Gary Rhodes and Nigel Howarth.
 
 The owner is Hussein Abbas, and a very convivial host he is too. In fact attention to detail and the friendliness of the staff was extraordinary, and made our visit a truly enjoyable one.

I can say unequivocally their food was full of gorgeousness (is that even a word? well it is now)  I even took some photos of my food (it was THAT good)


 


 
Grenache was awarded entry to appear in the website Britain's Finest in 2011. This website lists the finest hotels, and restaurants across the country:



 
 

 
 
 
 Grenache was voted the North West Regional winner for the annual awards for The Good Food Guide in 2013
 





 
 
 
There is an extensive range of wines available, with something to suit a variety of palates, and pockets. In fact over 60 varieties to chose from. In fact Grenache's accolade's are so many that you really need to visit their website and learn more.
 
 
Grenache can also cater for functions of up to 80 people. Whether it be for a christening, weddings, engagement parties, special birthday or business meeting.
 
 
 




Sunday, 24 March 2013

Tag! You're an Author and You're "IT"

You may know this game, but not played in quite this manner before. So, Tag you're the author who is now "IT". To play this game you have to share your Work in Progress (WIP) or it's a smacked bottom and straight to bed with no supper! Alexandria Szeman tagged me, and these are the rules



  • Give credit (including URL/link) to the person or Blog that caught you and who made you "IT" I was caught fair and square whilst running away.

  • Play by the rules - no pinching, kicking, spitting, Chinese burns, crying and definitely no tantrums! Which also means you must post the rules

  • You must answer 10 questions about your current WIP, no matter the genre, because possibly we may like to get to know each other a little better (to be honest it's only 9 because  as the 10th question is really only the next step)

  • List 5 other authors or Bloggers with their hiding places (URL/Links) so that they can be chased down and made "IT" so we can all go home now we've finished playing. Go in, eat supper, and check out THEIR books.


Q 1) What is the title (or working title) of you book
 
The Prophecy Unfolds (Dragon Queen)
 
Q 2) What genre(s) does your book fall under (or land near really!)  

Paranormal Romance, Erotica, Steampunk with werewolves, dragons and their riders

Q 3) What actors would you choose to play the characters in the film version of your book (should you ever, ever get that honour really)   

 OMG this was such a difficult one to answer really. So many gorgeous actors out there to play my werewolves and dragon riders too!! The heroine would be a good role for Rachelle Lefevre who played Victoria (the baddie vampire ) in Twilight. She looked good with mad red hair. The dragon rider would be a good role for Ian Somerhalder out of Vampire Diaries. The werewolves would be good roles for Alexander Skarsgard and Joe Manganiello from True Blood and finally Stephen Amell out of Arrow could play the main werewolf. OMG my mouth is watering at the mere thought of them all doing the sex scenes lol. Drooling really badly now. For the extras I think I would call upon lots of Steampunk enthusiasts (cheaper that way as they would already have the wardrobe!)

Q 4) What is the main outline for your book? (Alexandria calls it a pitch as a synopsis includes spoilers and I hate spoilers!) 

Alex is the heroine who is kidnapped from Earth by three werewolves. The werewolves are called Aston, Leon and Vanda. She then gets abducted by a Dragon Rider called Patros, and his Dragon Talos. The whole story revolves around a 200 year old prophecy.

Q 5) Will your book be Indie published, self published or represented by an agency and sold to a traditional publisher?  

Well I am still debating this as I have been approached by a Traditional Publisher who has promised no cost to myself and will promote the book and handle all the advertising for me too. But after hearing so may horror stories I may try to self publish. The jury is still out for that question. Hopefully it will be published this year sometime about June/July time.

Q 6) How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript? 

A little over 6 months I would say. Although it has already changed a little following beta reading and feedback from fellow authors.

Q 7) What other books in this genre would you compare yours to?

That is a difficult one to answer as I haven't really read anything similar although there may be out there somewhere but I haven't come across them yet.

Q 8) Who or what inspired you to write this book?

Strangely enough, dreams mostly! I have dreamt vast portions of this book. on awakening I wrote down details that I could remember as best I could. Keeping a notebook at the side of the bed. They were awesome dreams btw.

Q 9) What else about the book might pique the readers attention?

The book is told in the first person, from the heroine's point of view.


Q 10) Thank goodness!! Phew I've ran as fast as I can and these are the author's I've caught (and any who don't have a Blog of their own are welcome to have a sleepover at mine and post their answers here)




   
Now for my five victims... erm  five other authors who will tell you about their WIP 



 
 
 
 
 
 
http://www.vanessawesterwriter.blogspot.co.uk/  


http://clivemullis.blogspot.co.uk/



Yeah All my victims are now lined up like little ducks
go ducks go
 

Sunday, 3 March 2013

My Liebster Blog Award Blog!!

I have been nominated for the Liebster Award! Thanks to fellow author Mike Lambson for the nomination

 

As required by the Liebster nominee , I've posted the Liebster Award on my blog post and will provide a link back to the nominator's Blog (done!!) Next, I need to list 11 random facts about me, then answer the 11 questions asked by the person who nominated me.

Once that is done, I proceed to nominate 11 bloggers to follow after me, and come up with 11 new questions for them. I post everything on my blog with the hope of bringing new readers to it. (Gawd I hope so!)


 
 
 
Enough of that and now to 11 random facts about me. <<<roll of drums>>>
Well here we go..........


1) I love to write by hand, and always do this first, because my writing seems to flow better that way.

2) I have a Degree (Honours) and a Pg Dip too (Post Graduate Diploma at Masters Level)

3)I have two cats. Their names are Patches and Lucky.

4) I love horses, and used to own one, and have ridden since before I was five years old.
.
5) I go to the gym at least three times a week.

6)I can sing!! - and frequently get asked to do so!

7) I love the Greek Islands especially Corfu and Rhodes.

8) I understand more French than I speak.

9) I used to be en pointe in Ballet.

10) I can Tap Dance too (talented individual that I am)

and finally ta da..............

11) I LOVE to dance and as an added extra, I LOVE music too.




NOW to answer Mike's questions......


1) Who is the most important person in your life?

At the moment my mum, because she has ALWAYS been there for me. Also because she has recently been diagnosed with skin cancer, and is therefore constantly in my thoughts.

2) If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?

Well, until recently Canada would have been my response (because I have family there) but, now my answer would be Mexico (for personal reasons)

3) Are you a little crazy?

Oh, a LOT not a little I never do anything by half measures.

4) What is the worst thing you have ever done?

Well, this one is a little embarrassing to admit to really. When I was younger (teenager!) I forgot to wear knickers on a first date with a boy!!! OMG and had to go upstairs on a double decker bus. Thank goodness he didn't look up my dress or I may have got more than a peck on the cheek at the end of the date lol.

5) What is the best?

I am extremely proud of my Degree and Pg Dip.

6) Classical, rock, pop, country or Rap?

All of them really, as I have (as anyone who listens when I play at being DJ on Twitter) an eclectic taste, although Rap is at the bottom of the list.

7) What are your thoughts on Ghost Writing?

Actually, until you asked I hadn't thought about this subject. Now you have brought it up, I don't particularly agree with them in principle. Although I haven't lost any sleep about the subject either.

8) How do you eat a lollipop?

Slowly and sensually- I'd love to say but I don't like lollipops. BUT I love sucking other things :-)

9) Do you like little children?

Yes I do, but I couldn't manage a whole one thank you.

10) Where would you hide treasure?

I think that love is the greatest treasure, so I would hide it in my heart.
 
11) What is the most important object in your life?

That would be a pendant from my late father, and my mother. It is made of jade and gold and I think it is very beautiful. Possibly because it was a gift from my parents and due to sentiment instead of the actual object. My father had it made especially for my mother, yet they gave it to me.

Now my list of nominees (I will be adding to this list as time goes on btw)........








One last nominee is a writer but does not have his own Blog so his replies will be posted to mine
He is Nate Smith Director, Producer and Editor of the Boutique Production Company Robotic Rabbits in Australia.




 
 
 
Now then MY questions for MY victims that I have tagged for The Liebster Award........


1) Have you an ambition you haven't achieved yet?

2) Have you a thinking spot?

3) If so, where is it?

4) Town or Country, which do you prefer?

5) What is your favourite drink?

6) Have you a special person in your life?

7)How do you write? By hand, or straight to the computer?

8) What makes you happiest? i.e Hobby or activity?

9) Is there something about yourself that you can share, that nobody else knows?

10) What would be a special night out for you?

11) Who would be your ideal guest to share that night with?


Please check out my victims Blogs in due course




















Tuesday, 26 February 2013

My Very British Blog

I was recently nominated for The Very British Blog by Vanessa Wester Author

           Your page should also have links back to your sponsor, in my case Vanessa Wester.

The VERY BRITISH BLOG TOUR was founded by Author Paul Anthony (@paulanthonyspen ) who mooted the idea to Clive Eaton ( @cliveeaton ) 
 

The idea is to use the same introduction and then answer the same questions on your blog/website as the author who nominated you, many of which have a specific British slant.  Then you invite 10 other authors to do the same.



Once you have filled ten spots, you feed further interested parties to those ten people, and so on. The more people involved the more exposure the tour will get, and so it then builds. Use the hash-tag #VBBT2013 as a means of identifying tweets, to then retweet.

 

Anything you can do to make the page look 'more British' the better... By the way, we British have certain conventions, traditions and procedures that are expected. There is a dress code in the reading of this British blog and you are expected to comply with it.


For example…


Gentlemen will wear suits, white shirts and dark ties. (Military ties are expected wherever possible). Think James Bond at his most debonair. Ladies will wear dresses (one inch above the knee, no higher, no lower) and floral summer hats. A break for tea and cucumber sandwiches (I am unable to partake of this particular pleasure as I am intolerant of cucumber - How unBritish is that) is expected at some stage, and is permissible. The list at the bottom the page is not a queue. We British hate queues, and will accept them no longer. It is an invitation, and you are expected to accept that invitation and support the home-grown product. Now then, let us proceed in an orderly fashion. As you know, we are all very boring and staid in Britain, aren’t we?






Well, there’s a myth about the British and your starter for ten is - stuffy, class conscious, boring, staid! But is this still relevant in today’s world? Let’s find out from our wonderful writers what they feel about it...




On with the show...

 

 

Q  Where were you born and where do you live at the moment

 
A  Well I was born in Salford, which technically speaking a city in itself, and is now part of Greater Manchester. It was, (at my birth) classed as Lancashire so, I still maintain that I am a Lancashire Lass to that effect.
 
Q  Have you always lived and worked in Britain? Or are you based elsewhere at the moment?
 
A  No, I have only ever lived and worked in Britain, and find it hard to imagine living anywhere else really. That is except when I read some of the other bloggers lives, and then I wonder about what tomorrow may bring.

Q  What is your favourite part of Britain

A  Goodness that is a truly difficult one for me to answer. Can I have two places perhaps.
Firstly I love the Welsh mountains and the magnificent countryside around Wales especially in Snowdonia. A number of my ancestors hailed from this area,  perchance this is why I have such an affinity for this area.
The second place has to be the Isle of Man, as my parents lived there a number of years. I used to enjoy watching the TT as the riders shot around the island on their magnificent machines. The island is kind of beautiful and magical, and well worth a visit.

Q  Have you "highlighted" or "showcased" any particular part of Britain in your books? For example, a town or city; a monument or some well-known place or event?

A  Yes, funnily enough after the previous question. The opening chapter of my first book takes place in the  Snowdonia National Park. This is where the heroine Alex is travelling through to get to her new job in Bangor, North Wales.

Q  There is an illusion- or myth if you wish-about British people that I would like to discuss. Many see "Brits" as "stiff upper lip". Is that correct?

A  Well as you've probably observed from my bio and Blog my written genre includes erotica
So I think that that blows that little myth a little out of the water, don't you think so?
Ask anyone who knows me, and a "little crazy" is what they may describe me as, yet, I still consider myself a true Brit.
But, it doesn't stop me loathing queue jumpers- so shoot me!

Q  Do  any of the characters in your books carry the "stiff upper lip"? Or are they all "British Bulldog" and unique in their own way?

A  The heroine Alex is a "Brit" and a little "British Bulldog". She starts out a little "stiff upper lip" but in true erotic romance form she becomes (what dare I say?) less stiff, as the story unfolds. I am also considering introducing a few new characters in the second book, that ipitomise the "British Bulldog" characteristics nicely.



I have combined the next two questions naughtily

Q  Tell me about your recent books? & What are you currently working on?

A  My first book is as yet unpublished, although, I have recently been approached by a publisher and requested to submit a manuscript for their perusal once completed.
It is the first in a series of books based on a paranormal erotic romance set in a Steampunk world - what a mouthful!
It tells of a prophecy, that is over 200 years old. These adventures take place initially on eart and then we are transported to the Steampunk world of Syros. This world is populated by Dragons, Dragon Riders, werewolves, and  magicians (amongst other characters)
 
 
Q  How do you spend your leisure time?
A  I love music, so go to watch live bands when I can. I love watching movies, and love an eclectic mix including Romance, Paranormal, Thrillers, Fantasy and musicals (to name but a few)
I myself love to sing and used to belong to a number of amateur theatre groups. I frequently get asked to sing when out and about.
And some people find it strange that I LOVE going to the gym - weight training and Pilates too.

Q  Do you write for a local or a global audience?

A  I believe initially I wrote for my own pleasure really as I love to write and rewrite my stories and poetry. Yet, I am happy that I that my novels appear to have some appeal for a global audience.

Q  Can you provide links to your work?

Not to my work per se but I have included my Blog link here



I have also given you links to the following Blogs who hopefully will be doing their own Very British Blogs for your pleasure and perusal also. I will be attaching their posts to mine as soon as they are completed ENJOY


 







 
 
 

more to follow



 


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