Category Archives: Stories

#TellaFairyTaleDay

Today is…

#TellAFairyTaleDay!

Never heard of it before? Well, you can read more about it here. The stories can cover everything from Grimm to urban legends.

Scottish legends, myths, and mystery are found in A Shadow in the Past, so what better time to celebrate it?

Even the cover exudes fairytale mystery. Once upon a time…

#TellAFairyTaleDay
cover by Aidana WillowRaven

Nineteen-year-old Sarah Shand finds herself thrust back into the past. There she struggles to keep her real identity from a society that finds her comments and ideas strange and her speech and actions forward, unlike Victorian women. When Sarah verbally confronts confining social practices, including arranged marriages, powerful enemies commit her to a lunatic asylum. After falling in love with the handsome Laird of Weetshill, Robert Robertson, she must decide whether to find her way back to her own time or to remain in the past with him.

Available from the publisher 4RV Publishing or amazon

And then there’s the sequel … Shadows From Her Past

A cruel twist of fate returns Sarah Shand to her life in the year 2010 where she discovers she is a patient in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and has been for months. Struggling to come to terms with the situation, she insists she belongs in the year 1886 at Weetshill mansion with her husband the Laird, Robert Robertson, and adopted daughter, Jenny. Her family and consultant physician try to convince her she was dreaming or hallucinating but Sarah refuses to believe them.

Robert, who has experienced strange things at the stone circle at Gordonsfield Farm, somehow breaks through the time-space continuum and visits Sarah in his future. He pleads with her to return to the past but his cryptic messages only confuse her.

Medical student, David Robb, himself a descendant of the Robertsons of Weetshill, befriends Sarah. Fascinated with her stories of the past, after her release from the hospital, he takes Sarah to meet his parents, the current owners of the mansion and surrounding land.

This year, the winter solstice and lunar eclipse occur on the same day. Will a trip to the stone circle during this combination of events create the magic Sarah needs to return to 1886 and her family there? Or will she remain in the present and make a life with David?

Available to buy from amazon.

Do you have a favourite fairy tale? I’d love to know what is is. Tell me in the comments.

Once Upon a Time… It’s Tell a Fairy Tale Day

Once upon a time

there was a day specifically dedicated to telling fairy tales. Today is that day…

Tell A Fairy Tale Day!

Never heard of it before? Well, you can read more about it here. The stories can cover everything from Grimm to urban legends.

Scottish legends, myths, and mystery are found in A Shadow in the Past, so what better time to celebrate it?

time

Even the cover exudes fairytale mystery. Once upon a time…

Nineteen-year-old Sarah Shand finds herself thrust back into the past. There she struggles to keep her real identity from a society that finds her comments and ideas strange and her speech and actions forward, unlike Victorian women. When Sarah verbally confronts confining social practices, including arranged marriages, powerful enemies commit her to a lunatic asylum. After falling in love with the handsome Laird of Weetshill, Robert Robertson, she must decide whether to find her way back to her own time or to remain in the past with him.

 

If you have a favourite fairy tale, leave a comment telling which one it is.

 

 

 

 

Brady’s Lost Blanket by Stephanie Burkhart

BradysLostBlanketCover.inddBLURB:

Brady is a sensitive young boy who takes his blankie wherever he goes. After traveling with his parents to visit his new cousin, Brady accidently leaves his blanket behind. Can Brady learn to get by without his blankie?

~~~~~~~~~~

Welcome to Celtic Connexions, Stephanie. I’m always happy to host a fellow 4RV author here. I’m sure everyone wants to know the story behind the book and more…

What inspired you to write the story?

One of my husband’s relatives mentioned their grandchild had a blankie and was having a hard time without it. I drew on my own childhood memories of having a blankie. I think letting go of the blankie is the first step in growing up.

How long did it take?

It took about a week to write the story. I have to thank 4RV Publishing for publishing Brady’s Lost Blanket. It took about 2 weeks back and forth with the editing.

Did you pick the illustrator?

No, I did not. 4RV Publishing selected the illustrator. I think Bridget McKenna did a great job with the illustrations. They have a very whimsical feel and compliment the story well.

What makes this book special?

Brady’s Lost Blanket has a message for all young children who become attached to “something” (be it a blanket or something else) because they want to feel secure. It’s okay to let go of our “security” nets and move forward. It maybe a little scary at first, but once you go without it, you learn you can live without it.

How long have you been writing children’s books?

About 5 years now. My first children’s book, “The Giving Meadow” was published with 4RV Publishing in 2010. It has a great message about sharing and caring for young children as well as telling about Caterpillar’s transformation into a butterfly. It’s perfect for Easter as it helps young children understand Jesus’ story.

~~~~~~~~~~

My review:

Brady’s Lost Blanket is a delightful children’s story about growing up and moving on from the security of a ‘blankie’ to not needing it anymore.

It’s a well-written book and thoughtfully told story.

~~~~~~~~~~

Inspiration comes in small packages

By: Stephanie Burkhart

One of my husband’s relatives told me a story about her grandchild who was attached to his blankie. He left it behind when he was visiting relatives and was having a hard time without it. That brought back memories of the time when I was a young girl and had a blankie. My blankie was soft blue with silk blue trim. I loved to rub it against my face. It was very soothing. My blankie was my security net. It was always there for me. I could count on it to relax my ruffled feelings or frustration – until it mysteriously disappeared. One day, when I was five, my blankie turned up missing. I had no idea what happened to it. I felt “out of sorts,” “uncomfortable,” and “anxious.” (My mother hid it on me. She decided it was time for me to learn how to get along without it.)

Those first couple of days without blankie was rough, but I soon learned other age appropriate coping stragedies. I played with Barbie and her Beach van. I picked up a book. I began coloring. I loved playing with Matchbox cars. Soon my imagination grew and I didn’t need blankie anymore.

Giving up blankie was my first step to growing up.

Brady’s Lost Blanket is about taking that first step. It’s a great message for children. Growing up isn’t easy. There are all kinds of challenges, but learning how to get along without a blankie is usually the first one a child faces. In the story, Brady has a lot of support from his parents who offer him other ways to deal with the anxiety of losing his blanket. I hope that when other children read the story they realize that while it may be upsetting at first, letting go of blankie and embracing new things can be fun and they’ll be all right.

ABOUT STEPHANIE:

steph7Stephanie Burkhart was born and raised in Manchester, New Hampshire, but now calls California her home. She currently works for LAPD as a 911 Dispatcher. Stephanie has been writing since she was five, when she crafted homemade comic books on the kitchen table. Her previous books with 4RV Publishing include: The Giving Meadow, and First Flag of New Hampshire.  Stephanie enjoys coffee, adores chocolate and is currently the Den Leader for her son’s Cub Scout Den.

BRADY’S LOST BLANKET is available in print from 4RV Publishing.

BUY LINKS:

4RV PUBLISHING BOOKSTORE

AMAZON

BARNES & NOBLE

FIND STEPHANIE ON THE WEB AT:

WEBSITE

TWITTER

FACEBOOK

GOOD READS

YOU TUBE CHANNEL

PINTEREST

Did you have a blankie growing up? Did you know someone who had a blankie?

The Wedgewood Author Series

The Wedgewood Author Series

Yup, they’re having me back. Go figure, eh? This time, I’m there launching the print version of my short story anthology – The Consequences Collection.

consequences coverIsn’t this a fantastic cover? I have to thank Madliz Coles for allowing me to use her photograph for my anthology. I don’t think I could have found a more perfect image.

Blurb: 

The Consequences Collection is an eclectic compilation of twelve stories ranging from non-fiction through creative non-fiction to pure fiction, in prose and poetry.

The story of a Scottish Home Child is based on fact and told from the child’s point of view; The Mystery Woman of Kinettles is a non-fiction article on the appearance and subsequent disappearance of a woman’s body near the Wellington County House of Industry (Poor House) in 1879 Southwestern Ontario.

Sound intriguing? Well, come out to the Wedgewood Retirement Resort (that is if you live ‘local’ to Brockville), 15 Market Street East, at 2:00 p.m. today. I’ll be talking about the story behind the anthology and the stories contained within the covers as well as reading from one. Afterwards, you’ll have the opportunity to purchase a signed copy.


View Larger Map

I hope to see you there!

And remember… “If you could see the consequences – would you?”

 

It’s Tell a Fairy Tale Day

Today is…

Tell A Fairy Tale Day!

Never heard of it before? Well, you can read more about it here. The stories can cover everything from Grimm to urban legends.

Scottish legends, myths, and mystery are found in A Shadow in the Past, so what better time to celebrate it?

A-Shadow-in-the-Past-by-Melanie-Robertson-King
My novel’s cover created by Aidana WillowRaven

Even the cover exudes fairytale mystery. Once upon a time…

Nineteen-year-old Sarah Shand finds herself thrust back into the past. There she struggles to keep her real identity from a society that finds her comments and ideas strange and her speech and actions forward, unlike Victorian women. When Sarah verbally confronts confining social practices, including arranged marriages, powerful enemies commit her to a lunatic asylum. After falling in love with the handsome Laird of Weetshill, Robert Robertson, she must decide whether to find her way back to her own time or to remain in the past with him.

Suggested tweets:

Tell a Fairy Tale Day! @RobertsoKing’s novel is full of Scottish myths, mystery & romance http://wp.me/p2NmRa-1ln #tellafairytaleday #lahe

Tell a Fairy Tale Day! @RobertsoKing’s novel is full of Scottish myths, mystery & romance http://wp.me/p2NmRa-1ln #tellafairytaleday #FFP

Scottish myths, mysteries & romance @RobertsoKing’s novel has it all! http://wp.me/p2NmRa-1ln #tellafairytaleday #shadowpast #lahe #readers

Scottish myths, mysteries & romance @RobertsoKing’s novel has it all! http://wp.me/p2NmRa-1ln #tellafairytaleday #shadowpast #FFP #readers

If you have a favourite fairy tale, leave a comment telling which one it is.

 

 

 

 

The Spellbindingly Fun Blog Party

 

 

My spellbindingly fun spell is to make my novel a best-seller using the following ingredients – sprig of Scottish heather, haggis scented oil, silver spoon, moon stone, parchment paper and the Northern Lights.

 

Here goes:

I call upon you, Northern Lights
Take this parchment paper bright
Wrap my novel in it tight
Tie with a sprig of Scottish heather
Anoint it with haggis scented oil
Which represents the extent of my toil
Lay upon it a silver spoon
Powers of which make me swoon
Glowing moon stone, oh so stellar
Make my novel a best-seller.

A Shadow in the Past International Blog Tour Day 12 – I’m visiting the lovely Mandy Baggot!

Day 12 on my International Blog tour takes me back to England and to the home of the lovely, multi-talented Mandy Baggot, who among the ranks of loveahappyending.com we lovingly refer to as Lady Baggot!

In addition to being an excellent writer, self-promoter, and singer she’s an excellent hostess.  I just hope I don’t spill anything or otherwise embarrass myself whilst being her guest.

Psst… it’s a secret, don’t tell Mandy but I’m trying glean as many of her promotion ideas as I can.

The Star Child Blog Tour

Today’s guest on Celtic Connexions is Kellen St. James from The Star Child. Welcome Kellen.

Hi Melanie, thanks so much for having me on your blog today.

Well I’m sure everyone is anxious to find out more about you so let’s get started. Your bio says you grew up being unwanted, ordinary and slightly geeky. I know it’s painful to talk about but can you tell us why you always felt that way?

Well, who hasn’t, you know what I mean? In my case, I always had my head stuck in a book, I’ve always been a reader and pretty much lived in the library. They called me a prodigy too. I’ve always done well in school. Graduate Yale at eighteen and guess they call you geek, now. I don’t know. I’m just a normal guy, you know?

The unwanted part? That’s easy. Stephen, my messed up father, kept shipping me off to different places like boarding school in England and college at Yale when I hadn’t reached college age. What else am I supposed to think? Then that turd for a brother of mine, Roger, verbally abused me. Didn’t really give me that sort of warm fuzzy feeling… It wasn’t exactly Family Ties if you know what I mean. I wouldn’t say it’s painful, it just is what it is.

Can you tell us anything the dreams you’ve had for these last eleven years?

Freaky. That’s what they are. It’s the same dream, over and over again. I met this girl on the beach when I was six and she just kept… appearing in my dreams every night. It used to worry me. I thought I was losing it.

After a while, I realized that those dreams were far better than my reality and I started looking forward to them, you know? At least in my dreams I wasn’t being treated like crap.

Who is this girl who comes to you in your dreams?

The same girl that I met all those years ago on the beach. This girl named Calienta. I can’t explain it but we have this weird connection going on. From the first moment we met, I knew that we would be best friends. She made me feel… important. Like I mattered.

What was your reaction when she turned up with her tales of a prophecy that involved you?

That she was out of her mind! Seriously, what would you have thought yourself, Melanie? I felt like I’d been played. She just shows up and tells me all sorts of things about this prophecy and expected me to take them at face value.

Where was her proof? I assumed she was hiding dead bodies underground and I was next. Of course, I ended up trusting her, but, let’s just say I wasn’t going to believe her that easily.

Is there anything else you would like to/can share with the readers of The Star Child?

All I can tell you is that there’s this messed up Celtic god out there with a twisted sense of honor, psychotic focus on his father, whose running with Arawn, the Lord of Faerie. His sick dream is to bring the Earth to darkness, I mean total darkness. For whatever reason, I’m supposed to be able to stop this.

How? I couldn’t tell you. It’s not like I have any “powers” or anything. I’m just sort of brainy and have a photographic memory. Who knows? Oh and I used to like dogs, I’m just gonna to leave it at that.

Thanks for dropping by today, Kellen, and sharing with us. I’m sure you’ve tweaked a lot of interest in the readers and they’ll now want to read Stephanie’s book.

Starship Goodwords from Carrick Publishing

I’m thrilled to announce that my short story, Cole’s Notes has been included in Carrick Publishing’s first cross-genre anthology!

Details are available at Carrick Publishing’s website, including the list of authors and genres.

Starship Goodwords is available for the Kindle at Amazon.com and at Amazon.co.uk

If you enjoy short stories, you’ll enjoy the variety on offer here.

Thousand Islands Writers Festival Second Annual Storefront Writing Contest

The second annual Storefront Writing Contest sponsored by the Thousand Islands Writers Festival takes place on

Saturday, August 25, 2012

from 10:00 a.m to 4:00 p.m.

in

Downtown Brockville

So how does it work you ask? Well, it goes like this…

Rules of the Game:

  • Each designated storefront will host two or three contestants, each writing at a separate table.
  • Contestants will use a number in place of their name on their work to avoid judging bias.
  • Each contestant is given the same writing prompt supplied by TIWF at registration.
  • Contestants must produce a short story of no more than 2000 words, in a genre of their choice.
  • Contestants may use a laptop computer, typewriter or even write by hand in ink or pencil. If using a laptop computer, contestants must use a flash drive to avoid hardware conflicts during printing.

Mechanics

  • Entry Fee: $5
  • Entries must be submitted, along with the entry fee, by Monday, August 20. Download and print a copy of the entry form (use the button at the left).
  • Registration is held at the Brockville Public Library at 9:30 a.m. Saturday morning, where contestants will draw a location and be given the writing prompt.
  • Contestants will go to their designated writing location, where a chair and table will be set up. Electrical power will be available, if necessary.
  • Contestants will begin writing at 10:30 a.m. at the latest
  • Contestants must write a short story of no more than 2000 words, finishing no later than 4 p.m.
  • TIWF volunteers will be available from time to time to provide any help necessary to contestants.
  • Contestants must provide their own lunch and beverages during the contest.
  • When finished writing, contestants will turn in their writing at the Mill’s Grindstone Tapa Lounge on Water Street and join us for a post-contest social hour with refreshments.
  • Five judges will be given the entries on Monday, August 27 and be given three weeks to make their decision.

 

Registration on the day of the event takes place at the Brockville Public Library, 23 Buell St., Brockville at 9:30 a.m.

Entry Fee: $5
Entries must be submitted by Monday, August 20. Register early as space is limited.

Entry form can be downloaded from the Thousand Islands Writers Festival website at this link.