A walk on the dark side... 'No Good Samaritan'

This has been written specifcally for a 'Faith' poetry contest  where they are looking for poems that in some way pertain to this theme. It doesn't matter if it's spiritual, political, intellectual or emotional as long as faith is clearly represented. (Content may not be suitable for minors)

Still FREE until midnight tonight

Just a quick reminder that you can still download the Kindle edition of Encounters for free until midnight tonight.

 'It's poetry Jim, but not as we know it!'

Amazon UK link
Amazon US link

Pre-Christmas Freebie...

Good Morning Folks!

In the spirit of the forthcoming festivities, I have made the Kindle edition of my poetry book Encounters free to download for two days. That's right folks, for two whole days, staring today 14th December until midnight tomorrow 15th December, you can have this lovely collection of poetry for absolutely nothing, nada; totally  Free and Gratis.

No catch and no need to leave a review (unless you feel compelled to do so, of course! ;) )

UK readers can download it fromHERE

US readers can download it fromHERE

If you don't have a Kindle, amazon provide software that is free and easy to download, so that you can access  Kindle content from your PC, MAC, iPhone and android. Click HERE to find one for you...

PS... Here's the Promo Video

Look what Jack Frost left me...

Okay, okay! I'm the first to admit that I'm no David Bailey.

These were taken on my HTC about 20 minutes ago, when the sun was shining and the sky was an amazing colour of blue. In the time it's taken me to upload the images, and start preparing this post, the temperature has dropped to  minus 4 degrees and a heavy fog has decended!

It's hard to see from these pictures, due to the restrictions of the focus on the HTC phone, but even the branches and twigs on the larger trees are sporting frozen needles, just like those on the rose hips and spider's web.








Some of these crystalised spikes are between 2-3 cm in length!

They looked gorgeous in the sunlight.











And by contrast, these images were taken just 10 minutes later... how quickly the weather changed!

First review for the Kindle Edition is in...

Good morning folks,

Is it cold enough for you? I'm not sure how everyone else fared, but we woke up to a hard frost this morning. The way it covered the bare branches of the trees and bushes would have made a lovely photograph, but with the prolonged bouts and frequency of my coughing fits, I couldn't have done it justice.

As cold as it is, I've just found a lovely five star review of Encounters, the first for the Kindle edition. Makes me feel all warm and fuzzy, or is that down to the electric blanket?

If you'd like to read the review, please click here.

From paperback to Kindle - A Novice's Experience.

Earlier this year, March to be precise, I lurched into the world of self-publishing with the release of my poetry book Encounters. Initially available in paperback, my intention was to follow up shortly after with an edition for the Kindle platform.  This is when 'Sod's Law' made it's presence felt for the remainder of the year.

Vine Leaves Literary Journal - A publishing success story

A little over a year ago, I had absolutely no knowledge of what a Vignette was... and then along came two very talented ladies, determined to breathe life into an unknown literary form.

Their dream flourished, and today they celebrate a successful year with the release of their first anthology, 'The Best of Vine Leaves Literary Journal' . Here is how they did it...

Book Review - The Inbetween by Sue Kendrick

What struck me first about 'The Inbetween' was the voice in which it is written. It has an 'Olde Worlde' quality that helps to set the scene and mood perfectly for the story that unfolds.

The story itself, whilst short, manages to combine all the elements of a good fireside tale. There is conflict between old and new religions, drawing on the magic of folklore with just enough resolution to leave me satified yet still fire my imagination into wanting more.

A magical little morsel that begs to be read by an open log fire on a winter cold winter's eve.

Book Review - The Earl's Inconvenient Wife by Ruth Ann Nordin

As regency romances go, this was easy to read and extolled the genteel virtues of the period.

Although the depth of characters and plot could have done with a little more substance (for me), there is still sufficient of both to provide an enjoyable read. The Earl's Inconvenient Wife is perfect for a touch of escapism, on the bus or train during the rush hour commute, or a night duty coffee break.

Book Review - String Bridge by Jessica Bell

I'm not a big reader of popular women's fiction, but there was something about the Author's desire to steer the central character away from the 'streotypically glorified women portrayed today', that appealed to me.

Jessica Bell promised a real woman, real situations and relationships, all of which, she delivers in abundance.

You know that you have read something special when the story, imagery and emotion can be easily re-called many, many months after you have turned the final page.

String Bridge is one such book.

Book Review - A Knight to Desire by Gerri Russell

If you enjoy historical romance with a strong-willed, independent heroine, then I think you will welcome the chance to read this book.

In 'A Knight to Desire', Gerri Russell draws inspiration from the history and legends of the Templar Knights and weaves a wonderfully intriguing tale of war, betrayal and romance.

Not only that, but by placing the heroine firmly within the male orientated world of the Templar Knights, the author has taken the role of the 'strong' historical heroine to a completely new level, giving the reader a feminine role model who is not only equal to, but surpasses the abilities of her leading man.