Category Archives: Novels

Authors, Interviews, Novels, Publishing

Shaz’s Stars interviews author Janice Horton

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Shaz’s Stars interviews Janice Horton

Shaz’s Stars – Welcome to the regular feature on ‘The Buzz’ of Shaz’s Stars!

Using sun sign astrology I will be interviewing loveahappyending.com Authors to see how the traits of their sun sign affect their craft.

Authors will share with us how they’ve used positive characteristics as well as advice on how they’ve overcome negative ones.

I hope you enjoy getting to know our new Authors as much as I’ve enjoyed interviewing them.

Shaz

Twitter @shazjera: http://bit.ly/m4lPE2

Website: http://shazjera.blogspot.com/

In the hot seat today I would like to welcome: JANICE HORTON

Hello Janice, thank you for letting us have a peek behind the scenes.  Your sun sign is PISCES.

Q. The 9 -5 life does not suit a Pisces due to a dislike of discipline and confinement so your chosen career suits you well. When did you decide to become a writer and did you have anyone to support you?

I didn’t actually decide to be a writer – I was born with a vivid imagination and so it sort of chose me. I’m very aware of my Piscean trait to swim about freely and I’d dearly love to be able to write all day every day in a place of my choosing. Unfortunately, my reward from writing hasn’t yet made me sufficiently financially independent, so like lots of other writers today with responsibilities, I’ve had to struggle with the discipline of turning up to my ‘day jobs’ which I like to think of in terms of being valuable research for my next book.

 Q. Pisceans are said to like music. Do you have any playing in the background while you write? What inspires you?

I love music and have eclectic tastes depending on my mood, although, I don’t like any sound around me when I’m writing. If I need to ‘switch off’ and clear my head I lie down, close my eyes, and listen to relaxing music on my iPod. A quick look at my playlist and I can tell you lately it’s been Jack Johnson, Sade, and even Pavarotti. When I feel like I need to loosen up, I put Santana on my sound system really loud and I dance. My favourite track to dance to is Santana’s ‘Smooth’. I can really lose myself in that one!

Q. Apart from Pisces being a water sign linked to creativity, Pisceans are also well known for being impractical and dreamy. How does this translate for you into having to be organised to meet a deadline?

I am certainly dreamy but I can keep a deadline. Problems arise when I have too many deadlines. I must have a practical streak in me somewhere because I constantly have to prioritise tasks to keep on top of things.

(Ed’s note: Janice probably has an Earth Ascendant or Moon sign, keep watching for further interviews using Ascendant/Moon signs)

Q. Personal experiences make great reads when written into a story. Pisceans do not like to reveal their private lives. Does it make you feel uncomfortable expressing anything that has affected you personally in your novels?

I express personal feelings in my writing all of the time by tapping into my own life experiences. Doing so gives me empathy with my characters and can influence how they might behave in certain circumstances – but I have never written about personal experiences. My storylines are fictional and for me that’s the fun of writing – I can make it all up!

Q. Pisceans are kind and compassionate and respond with sensitivity. Do any of your characters display these traits?

I like to think I am kind and sensitive but you know, when I need to be, I can also be quite tough. I believe the two fish symbol for Pisces also represents a two sided nature. In my novel, Bagpipes & Bullshot, the two main characters, Orley and Innes, both possess sensitivity and strength. It’s important to show vulnerability in a character as well as gusto, as it not only brings them to life on the page, it also makes for a satisfying story.

Q. Pisces is a spiritual sign – does it feel as if ideas sometimes come from no-where, as if they’ve dropped out of the ether?

I love it when that happens. It happens to most writers I know regardless of their astrological sign – some call it their ‘muse’ – I call it my ‘mojo’. Some days it is nowhere to be seen and the writing is a struggle. Then it will turn up unannounced and the story seems to write itself. It’s like magic!

Q. A negative trait for a Piscean is a strong dislike of being criticised. How do you feel about constructive criticism?

A personal criticism would hurt me deeply. I would ‘dwell’ on being upset and then I would feel angry and dismissive – as a way of protecting myself. However, constructive criticism is entirely different. I actively welcome it and feel lucky to receive it, especially if it comes from someone I trust and admire. I am fortunate to have a highly respected author as a writing mentor. She is always there to support me if I need her and offers valuable constructive advice when I feel unsure or negative about my writing.

Q. When Pisces find the right situations, they are completely engaged in what they are doing to the exclusion of all else. This translates into a workaholic! How do you deal with this trait? Do you set yourself a schedule for your writing?

I have three children, a husband, a home, lots of lovely friends, several part time jobs, and I like to get involved with lots of different writing projects – and there is no schedule – only priorities. It goes without saying that my writing is usually relegated to the bottom of the list but every now and again I make sure to give it priority. Luckily, my loved ones understand how important it is to me and that writing makes me happy.

Q. Pisces love style, luxury and pleasure. Do you include these in your settings?

Oh yes, I love to live well – and I like my characters to live well too – but I usually make them earn it! I suppose it comes from the belief that luxury and pleasure is all the sweeter if it is well deserved.

Q. When Pisces feel rejected they really do become low. In the publishing world, rejection is a well-known part of that life. How do you cope with rejection? Do you have any strategies to share with other authors?

Well, I’m a slippery fish when it comes to rejection, as somehow I’ve managed to avoid it. My first novel was published in paperback by the first publisher I sent it to from the Writer’s Handbook. Unusual, I know. Unfortunately, I’d just finished writing my second book when the publisher went out of business. So, having become eligible to join the Romantic Novelist’s Association, I sent the second manuscript to an Agent I met at a conference, who immediately asked for the full novel. The Agent read it and got back to me to say she was ‘tempted to take things further’ except that she didn’t normally handle the sort of dark humour I had written (Bagpipes & Bullshot) and so wouldn’t really know where to place it. As I both trusted and respected this Agent, I accepted that it might be a difficult novel to place and decided to have a go at publishing it myself, and that is how I have somehow managed to get to this stage of my writing career without ever having had a rejection. Unusual, I know!

 Bagpipes & BullshotAbout the Author: Janice Horton lives in Scotland and writes entertaining and humorous contemporary women’s fiction novels which are, for the most part, inspired by the romantic beauty of the heather-filled glens around her country cottage. When she’s not writing novels she writes lifestyle articles and has had work published in national magazines and regional newspapers. She’s also been involved in BBC Scotland’s ‘Write Here Write Now’ project.

Find out more about Janice at:-

Author Page: http://loveahappyending.com/janice-horton/

Author’s Blog: http://bit.ly/iLdONW
Author’s Website: http://www.janicehorton.co.uk
RNA http://bit.ly/impZvd

Twitter Account @JaniceHorton: http://bit.ly/iS4x9w

Articles, Authors, Interviews, Novels, Publishing, Reviews, Stories

Shaz’s Stars Feature on loveahappyending.com

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Today I’m being interviewed by Sharon Goodwin, lovehappyending.com’s resident astrologer. Hope you enjoy it…

Shaz’s Stars Interviews Melanie Robertson-King


Shaz’s Stars – Welcome to the regular feature on ‘The Buzz’ of Shaz’s Stars!

Using sun sign astrology I will be interviewing loveahappyending.com Associate Readers to see how the traits of their sun sign affect their reading habits.

I hope you enjoy getting to know our Associate Readers as much as I’ve enjoyed interviewing them.

Shaz

Twitter @shazjera: http://bit.ly/m4lPE2

Website: http://shazjera.blogspot.com/

In the hot seat today I would like to welcome: MELANIE ROBERTSON-KING

Hello Melanie, thank you for letting us have a peek behind the scenes.  Your sun sign is  SCORPIO.

Q.  Scorpions are said to have an excellent memory.  Are you able to stop reading at any point …………..  and then when you pick the book up again remember exactly what has happened, who the characters are and where you are in the story?

When I’m reading, I prefer to stop at the end of a chapter but we all know that isn’t always an option. Quite often, I read during my lunch hours and when it’s time to go back to work, it’s mark the page if I’m reading a physical book or shut down the reader device. I have a Sony and the Kindle app on the iPad.

I don’t have to go back normally to refresh my memory of what’s happening. Usually, once I pick up the story and begin to read again, I fall into the familiarity of the people and places that I’m reading about.

Sometimes, my memory about books is a little too good. I read a book by an author a year ago. I read the second one by the same author this year. When I got to the ending of this second book, I felt a déjà-vu moment. I had read this before. I checked the first book, because after all, an author wouldn’t end two books the same way but in this case that’s what happened.

Q.  Associate Readers are avid readers.  Scorpions are very conservative about spending their money.  Does a novel have a set criteria for you to purchase it?  What attracts you to the books you choose to buy?  Do you use your library?

I haven’t used my local library much of late, I’m ashamed to say. I’ve used it for researching my articles of a historic nature that are set in the area. I have borrowed books and as a young girl, I practically lived there—taking books out and returning them on a regular basis.

When it comes to books if I want it, I go ahead and buy it. I’ve built up quite a collection of physical and e-books. I do like the fact that most e-books are a fraction of the price of physical books although I’m not so sure that’s my inner Scorpio or my Scottish roots and their thriftiness.

As far as a criteria for novels to purchase goes, if the cover is interesting enough to make me want to pick it up off the shelf (again we’re talking our local independent or chain bookstore), then I read the blurb on the back. If it sounds like something I’d be interested in, then I buy it. I’m particularly interested in novels set in England, Scotland or Wales.

The e-books I’ve purchased have been recommended by friends or authors I know.

Q.  A typical Scorpion never gives up, they are determined to reach their goal.  Does this affect your reading?  Do you read to the end of a book even if you’re not enjoying it?  Does this affect your choice of book?

I’m on a reader panel for a well-known publisher and some of the books they’ve sent me are a struggle to get through but I persevere. I’ve almost put a book down because of bad copy editing. The storyline was good so I kept reading and I’m very glad I did.

There’s only one book that I couldn’t read. Not that it was badly written but when you move a castle from within the heart of rural Aberdeenshire and plunk it on the North Sea coast south of Aberdeen… I draw the line. I’ve travelled to that area of Scotland many times and know the two castles… the real one and the mis-located one. I couldn’t get past that flagrant error.

Q.  Scorpions are known for being interested in the paranormal, the occult, conspiracy theories and mysteries.  Does this interest extend to your choice of genre?

Since I was young, I loved the idea of ghosts. My grandmother’s house was close to a cemetery so I played there a lot with my cousins. The stories we conjured up there, well we were kids, but at the time were fantastic. I spent many a happy hour having séances or with the Ouija board. Vampires and werewolves were favourite subjects. Some of the earliest books I read (borrowed from my local library) were Alfred Hitchcock mysteries.

I love a variety of genres—crime, romance, paranormal, mystery, occult. I have a couple of books from my younger years… Tales to Tremble By and Ghosts around the

House by Suzy Smith that I refuse to give up. Not to mention earlier works by Stephen King. The scarier books are the better I like them. I hope I haven’t deviated from your question too much.

(Ed.  No deviation from your question – we want to get to know you ?)

Q.  Scorpions always seem to accomplish their goals.  This is because they set tangible short-term goals that they know they can achieve.  Do you use this trait in scheduling your book reviews?  Do you plan which book you will read next?  How do you choose which book you will read next?

If I’m reading a number of books by one author then I tend to read them in order of publication. As far as book reviews go, I tend to write them after I’ve read the book while it’s still fresh in mind. Some folks say they keep notes while they read when they know they’re reviewing a work, not me.

When it comes to what book I’ll read next, I would have to say what mood I’m in at the time. If I’m feeling dark, then I’ll pick up a crime or mystery. Otherwise I’ll grab something at random off my overloaded bookcases.

Unfortunately, when it comes to my writing (revisions especially), I’m not so good at achieving my goals. I usually manage to write something every day but it might not be on my WIP. My goal for 2011 was to write every day. That fell by the wayside some time ago.

Q.  On the ‘outside’ a Scorpion sun person will present a cool, detached and unemotional air.  However, on an inner level, they are intensely passionate.  When you write your reviews, are you cool, detached and unemotional or does that passion come through?

I’ve not written many reviews so this is a hard question to answer. I would have to say so far I keep my reviews on the cool side and stick to the plot and characters. I suppose the more reviews I write, the more passion I’ll inflect into them. I do agree with the statement that Scorpios present a cool, detached and unemotional air but underneath lies a totally opposite person. I think that is a self-preservation measure that Scorpios have constructed to keep our passionate inner selves safe, lest we crumble.

(Ed.  Thank you for your honesty)

I consider myself a romance writer but write in other genres, too. Currently, ten of my non-fiction articles have been published, with one being a feature cover article.

I have two novel-length manuscripts completed. One is languishing with a publisher waiting for a yay or nay, the other (my first) is undergoing a major revision. When I need a break from it, I pick up a book and read or I write short stories.

My father was a Home Child who came to Canada through the auspices of The Orphan Homes of Scotland in 1930. My article Always a Home Boy is his and his siblings story. I also speak to local historical and genealogical societies on the subject of Home Children.

My father encouraged me to study Highland Dancing and take part in local competitions. I last competed in the summer 1969, a few short months after his death, at the 1000 Islands Highland Games and won the Silver Medal in the Sword Dance. In addition to Highland dancing, I took piping lessons and own a set of bagpipes which haven’t seen the light of day in a number of years – probably much to the relief of my neighbours.

I love to read but now that I’m writing, I have to be careful what I choose. I don’t want things from other people’s writings finding their way into my own work. So, to that end, I try to read from totally different genres. I don’t think I could write it effectively, but I love to read crime fiction – Ian Rankin, Stuart MacBride, Val McDermid, PD James, and of course, my good friend Chris Longmuir.

My other interests include genealogy, especially the study of Home Children, photography and travel – particularly Scotland because of my kinship with my father’s homeland. It was on a trip to Scotland, that I had the honour of meeting The Princess Royal.

To find out more about Melanie, please visit:-

Twitter Account @RobertsoKing: http://bit.ly/iiFKlE

Website: http://www.melanierobertson-king.com/

Melanie’s Celtic Connexions Blog: http://www.melanierobertson-king.com/wp02/

 

Authors, Novels, Publishing

Win a copy of The Bridge Club by Patricia Sands

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THE BRIDGE CLUB (.. it was never just about the cards..)

ENTER TO WIN….

There is one copy of Patricia Sand’s wonderful novel, The Bridge Club, waiting to be won. Simply post your details as a comment here by 13 August 2011 to be entered into the random draw.   (Please note: comments can take up to 24 hours to appear.)

Eight women. Four decades of friendship. One unimaginable request. How far would you go to  help a good friend? Is there a point where you might draw the line?

Partying together as hip twenty-somethings in the psychedelic 1960’s, eight young women begin a connection that will last longer than any ever imagined.

What starts as a monthly card game, turns into forty years that span a woman’s journey from youthful optimism to the challenges and opportunities presented in life’s later years. The complexities of women’s friendships are played out through a maze of life’s inevitable scenarios. Laughter and tears lead to a crisis that challenges principles and proves the power of friendship.

The Bridge Club is a story for anyone who cares about friendship. Not simply the “Hi, how are you?” type but the kind that weathers all storms, unselfishly celebrates triumphs, and hums along year after year with never an unkind word. It does exist. If you already share a friendship like this, you will relate to the women of The Bridge Club. If you don’t, perhaps the story will inspire you to find it.

Here are some excerpts from this inspiring novel by Patricia, that give a glimpse of what The Bridge Club is all about:-

The tires crunched up the gravel drive leading to Pam’s rustic log house, where the rest of the Bridge Club was already relaxing. Relieved to be there, Dee laughed in spite of herself as the Rolling Stones’ “Satisfaction” blared from around the back of the house with the familiar sound of the Bridge Club backup singers in full voice. Mick and the boys, Sir Elton, Sir Paul, Stevie Nicks, and the Bridge Club—still rockin’ as they headed for sixty.

One of the pluses of living in the country, she thought. You never have to worry about the volume.

The spacious cedar deck at Pam’s had witnessed many great parties over the years, and Dee knew precisely what the scene would be as she took the stone steps two at a time and rounded the corner of the house.

“I can’t get no, I can’t get no. Hey, hey, hey-y.”

The singing stopped mid-chorus as they welcomed the latecomer.

“Yay! Look who’s finally arrived!”

“Our first lady of the links!”

“How did the match go?”

Scarcely noticing a glass of white wine slipped into her hand, she made the rounds to get everyone’s latest news. Although she appeared subdued to several of the women, nothing was said. It was simply assumed she was tired from her day of golf. Of all the group, Dee was the most low key and conservative. She saved her moments of exuberance for very select occasions.

Cocktails at seven, dinner at eight was the tradition, and sometimes they actually made it happen. Tonight was one of those nights, so Dee had only about twenty minutes of chitchat outside before they sat down at the 150-year-old pine dining table for a late summer feast of BBQ ribs, free-range chicken from the farm down the road, accompanied by fresh corn, new potatoes, and field tomatoes all picked that afternoon. It was a traditional meal at this time of year, but Dee, known for the huge portions she could consume without gaining an ounce, wasn’t eating much on this particular evening.

“I’ve got a lump in my breast,” she blurted partway through dinner.

 *****

Bo signaled a time-out with her hands, obviously wanting to get back to Marti‘s earlier comment.

“Okay, enough of the sad story. It‘s done and we‘ve moved on, right? Not to be insensitive, but we did deal with this when it happened.”

“Absolutely right, enough is enough,” Marti agreed, happy to change the subject.

“So what‘s the powwow about?” Bonnie pressed on.

Leaping to her feet, Marti turned her back to them briefly and then twirled around with her hands pressed to the side of her face.

“Get it?” she asked.

Everyone looked at her quizzically.

Some laughed.

Others just shook their heads.

“Mar, to be honest you never have been very good at charades! What the hell are you getting at?” Dee asked, looking completely confused.

Plopping herself back down in her chair and making a face, Marti groaned, ”God I wish I still smoked! I would love to light up right now! Oh, but then I might not be able to do what I‘m thinking of doing. So…”

“So … what?” Jane asked.

Cass crumpled up a paper cocktail napkin and threw it at Marti, ”Will you tell us what this is all about?”

“You‘re making us crazy!” shrieked Danielle.

“I‘m making me crazy too! I cannot believe I feel so self-conscious telling you about this! Honestly, I feel like I‘m being so self-absorbed. So narcissistic. So … so … anti-feminist! All right, here it is. I‘m seriously thinking about having a facelift.”

With an air of exaggerated disappointment, Cass asked, “That‘s what all the drama was about?”

“No biggie there, Marti,” said Pam, palms outstretched and relieved this was all that had been on Marti‘s mind.

“Go for it—after careful consideration as to who does the work, of course,” was Dee‘s typically cautious response.

Marti sat up straighter, nodding as she did.

“So you don‘t think I‘m a nut bar or completely into myself? I‘ve really been reluctant to say the words out loud.”

“Oh God, Mar, just promise me you won‘t end up looking like Goldie Hawn in that movie. Remember those lips?” Cass reminded her.

Laughing and nodding, Marti gestured with her hands as she shook her head.

“No overblown lips. I promise.”

“Vanity, thy name is woman,”intoned Bonnie. “Even though it was probably some beauty editor and definitely not Shakespeare who said this, it seems to fit.”

“Guilty as charged,” laughed Marti, “just slap a big V on my forehead!”

*****

Back in Toronto after the vacation, Danielle rolled up her sleeves one morning after first cranking up Beatles music on her iPod. For over thirty years that was her music of choice to clean by. Today she was going to give the place a good once over. She moved all the furniture, cleaned every nook and cranny, and decided to tackle the storage closet. Bryce was off on his annual four-day fishing weekend at an isolated island lodge in Georgian Bay with the guys, so it was the perfect opportunity to turn things upside down.

Standing tiptoe on the top rung of the small stepladder, she momentarily lost her balance and knocked one of Bryce’s old briefcases to the floor. Working from home now and with files all stored on a laptop, he really didn’t use them anymore. This particular case had always been her favorite, with a soft, rich leather the color of roasted chestnuts and classic brass fittings. It had such a fine quality look to it that suited Bryce. As silly as it sounded, she had loved to see him carrying it.

The briefcase hit the floor with a sharp thud, and the locks popped open. Her heart stopped as her brain tried to make sense of what her eyes were seeing.

To find out more about Patricia and where to buy The Bridge Club, here are some links:-

Author Page: http://loveahappyending.com/patricia-sands/

Author Website:  http://www.patriciasandsauthor.com
Author Blog:  http://www.patriciasands.wordpress.com
Twitter A/c @Patricia_Sands:  http://bit.ly/rbk8i1
Facebook page Patricia Sands:  http://on.fb.me/lvigrm and
Facebook page The Bridge Club: http://on.fb.me/m3NfQY

 

Authors, Novels, Publishing

Richard Holmes launches his Angelic Wisdom Trilogy today

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Launch Day for Angelic Wisdom Trilogy by Richard Holmes

As loveahappyending.com featured Author Richard Holmes releases Angelic Wisdom Trilogy it is a day that marks another step in his career as an author.  This new book combines three of Richard’s earlier volumes and has been updated.

ENTER TO WIN….

There are  2 copies of the original Angelic Wisdom Vol 2, waiting to be won.  It will give you a feel for this exciting triology.  Simply Email us at lovehappyending.com@gmail.com by 25 July 2011 asking to be entered into the random draw and sending Richard your good wishes.

This wonderful trilogy of angelic insights started life back in 2002, and was originally three separate volumes.  It is a delightful piece of work that allows the reader to take a peek into the very souls of these truly amazing celestial beings that we like to refer to as angels.  

The first part of the book goes into great detail as to how the angels function and what they actually do for the Earth and mankind in general. 

Part two gives a deep insight into spiritual (natural) law and answers the kind of questions that tend to keep the average mere mortal frustrated and in the dark.  For example, have you ever wondered why you continuously seem to attract the same kinds of people into your life that always causes you hurt and pain?  This question and many more are dealt with within the pages of part two.  There are also question and answer sessions in parts one and two, between the author and his celestial guardian, that are both thought provoking and interesting to say the least.  

Finally, part three consists entirely of such a session and deals with matters that the author felt remained unanswered from the previous two volumes.  This book will change your life;  you can’t afford NOT to read it.

Here are some extracts from this amazing book :-

Miracles are everyday occurrences and are living proof of God’s love and grace.  A miracle can happen anytime, anywhere and such events demonstrate the extent that God will go to, in order to express his love for mankind.  So what is a miracle?  It is an event that occurs in seemingly impossible circumstances; a happening that defies all logic.  Humans experience miracles on a daily basis, but are oblivious to the majority of such Divine occurrences.

Miracles happen because mankind constantly requires proof and confirmation that God really does exist.  How then can we in the angelic realms describe a miracle to you?  How can we convince you that miracles really happen?  You are probably thinking that this is not possible, for many of you will not be aware of experiencing miracles first hand, and you are probably waiting for us to give examples.

The best example that we can give you, dear reader, is the example of how you came to be reading this book.  Each and every one of you has a story to tell, each and every one of you has walked a pathway of many lumps, bumps, twists and turns.  Indeed many of you will think it is an absolute wonder, a miracle, that you now read literature such as this.  As you cast your mind back over the years and think on the journey that has brought you to this book, I’m sure you will agree that it is nothing short of miraculous.

Look around you at nature, the different life forms, the trees, the vegetation, the wonderful colours and smells, is this not all miraculous?  Indeed life itself is a miracle, the very air you breathe, the sunshine, the seasons, all are miraculous.  Once you grasp an appreciation of all these things, then your whole life will be one miraculous experience for you.

Miracles are not impossible events.  They are everyday occurrences and demonstrations of love in action, love in motion.  When you understand the miracle that is your life, and when you are truly grateful for all that life gives you, then, and only then, can you say that you are on the right pathway to self-realisation.  The Law of Miracles decrees that when you truly walk a pathway of light, you understand that everything in your life is a gift from God, a miracle.  Armed with this wisdom your life becomes bliss – which is the ultimate miracle.  God bless you.

Zadkiel – Angel of wisdom and truth

Intention is probably the most important thing in any thought, feeling or deed that you conceive, in that it is the intention behind the thought, feeling or deed that determines the outcome.  The outcome in this case meaning the level of cause and effect.  There have been many deeds carried out with good intentions that have not yielded desirable results.  However, this does not necessarily mean that the perpetrators have acquired a degree of negative karma by their actions.  It is what is in your heart that counts.

Your intentions count for everything, and this is a very important truth to grasp for all those who seek a pathway of light.  Once you conceive a thought there is a simultaneous interaction between the mind and the heart.  In this minute moment in time, your intentions behind the thought are determined.  Remember, we have spoken previously about today’s thoughts being tomorrow’s reality.  As soon as the thought is conceived it goes out into the ether and will manifest itself at some stage or other.  This means that if you have a thought based on good intentions, but for various reasons forget to carry out the actions behind the thought, there is every chance that the manifestation of the good actions will take place anyway.  For example, if you know of someone who is under the weather and needs healing, it may be your intention, via your thoughts, to send this person absent healing (please see the section on healing for an explanation of this).  If you then forget it won’t matter because the thought has already gone out into the ether.  Your angels in the higher spiritual realms will pick up on this and act in accordance with your thoughts.

Everything is created by the thoughts of man.  Humans create all situations for themselves by the power of their thoughts.  Life on the Earth plane is most definitely an illusion, but the actions of humans are the product of previous thoughts, which in turn became feelings and then actions.  Today’s thoughts create tomorrow’s life; we have stated this on many previous occasions.  Humans are slaves to their own thoughts.  The human mind will “steal” your happiness and create for you unhappiness based on illusion.  By the same token humans can also experience joy whilst on Earth.  The thing to remember is that matter is constantly in motion and is driven by the thoughts of humankind.  It’s like a child having a piece of plasticine and constantly creating different objects from the same piece.  The plasticine itself will always remain the same but the object created will always be in accordance with the child’s imagination.  This is the illusion.  Everything on the Earth plane is comprised of matter, which is concentrated energy.  The energy will always be constant, but the scenarios of people’s lives will always be a product of their thoughts.  Thoughts are very confusing and changeable; therefore the illusion will change too.  This is why some people appear to go from disaster to disaster throughout their lives.

To buy now:-
Amazon (buy): http://amzn.to/npQQ8P

To find our more about Richard and his books:-
Author Page:  http://loveahappyending.com/richard-f-holmes/
Author’s website: http://www.richardfholmes.co.uk/
Author’s Blog: http://richardfholmes.wordpress.com/
Twitter A/c @atmicsplendour: http://bit.ly/kuyNKf

Authors, Novels, Publishing, Reviews

Book Review – When Tomorrow Comes by Audrey Hawkins writing as Joanna Lambert

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First off I have to admit I’m a 60s junkie. I love the British TV programs Heartbeat and The Royal so the fact that Joanna Lambert’s book takes me back there was a bonus.

When Tomorrow Comes follows Ella Kendrick on her rollercoaster journey from being a young girl to a young woman.

Joanna paints her scenery vividly. The farm where Ella lives with her grandparents in the west of England is brought to life from the old farmhouse to the other buildings on the property. I could see the rural village of Meridan Cross and the nearby town of Abbotsbridge as clearly as if I was standing in the middle of them.

The characters are complex, each with their own problems to deal with. Ella’s grandmother, a loving woman but one who has never come to terms with the fact her daughter walked out. Ella’s mother is a materialist social climber who likes to control everything, including Ella’s career path and who she will marry.

The 60s era was one of change. Fashions went from longer skirts to micro-minis that barely covered your bum. Colours were bright and hair was long, especially on the guys. When titles of songs by the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and other bands from back then were mentioned, I remembered them and started humming along. Joanna captured that time wonderfully.

Overall, it was a wonderful read and I’m looking forward to the next two installments of the Behind Blue Eyes trilogy.

When Tomorrow Comes is available at amazon.co.uk in paperback for £9.99 for for the kindle for £4.54.

For North American customers, you can get When Tomorrow Comes from amazon.com in paperback for $14.95 USD and for the kindle for $5.95 USD

This new author is featured on the loveahappyending.com site. You can visit her author page here.

Authors, General, Interviews, Novels, Publishing, Reviews

Comments on my loveahappyending.com Review Chair of 1923: A Memoir

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For those of you who aren’t on Facebook or Twitter or a member of the Love a Happy Ending group, I thought I would share the comments my review of 1923: A Memoir generated…

Harry Leslie Smith:  What an insightful ‘Review Chair’ of my memoir 1923 by Melanie Robertson-King. She did a marvellous job! I could not ask for a better associate reader.

Melanie Robertson-King:  Thank you for your kind words, Harry. It’s been a pleasure.

Janice Horton:  Your Memoirs sound like a must read, Harry, and Melanie’s enthusiasm for your writing shines through in this review.

Melanie Robertson-King: Happy to help.

Linn Halton:  A big round of applause to Melanie, Harry and Janice – what a brilliant example of team working to produce something to capture the readers’ interest! Well done.

Chris Longmuir: Yes it was a good one. Hope it leads to lots of sales.

Kathryn Brown: This book fascinates me. My late father-in-law lived here for all his 83 years and passed away 4 years ago. He would have had a lot to talk about with Harry, I’m sure.

Harry Leslie Smith: Cheers to all of you. If you were near, I would offer you all a gin and tonic or what ever your poison might be…

Melanie Robertson-King: If my dad was still alive, he’d have lots to talk to you about, Harry.

Melanie Robertson-King: Thanks Linn for your round of applause for us… you’re making me blush.

Articles, Notes, Novels, Publishing

The Revision Process

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We all have different methods and preferences when it comes to how we handle the revision process. Depending on the size of the document and how much revising I’m doing, I’ll do it on the screen. This usually only happens when I’m writing short stories or only looking at a single chapter of a manuscript.

One of the pages from my WIP.

However, when I’m into a huge revision, I prefer to print the document and haul out the red pens. Before you get up in arms about my killing trees needlessly, after I’m done and my revisions are entered in my document, I shred the paper and it goes for recycling.

This is probably one of the more severely marked up pages in my manuscript.

I’d hit the dreaded sagging middle. I didn’t like the way things were coming together. I had a pile of “crap” that did nothing to further the plot. All it did was take up space.

I’m currently working on page 314 of 355 and I’m thinking there will be a few more pages hit “the cutting room floor” (actually a separate document in case I need snippets from them later on) before I’m done.

I think my biggest challenge is going to be reading my handwriting when it comes time to actually enter my revisions in my manuscript.

But I’ll cross that bridge when I get there. For now, carry on with the red pen and when I hit the last page, I’ll let it sit for a bit so I can digest what I’ve changed and maybe go off and read a couple of books before sitting down with my chicken-scratched pages and the computer.

 

 

Authors, Interviews, Novels, Publishing, Reviews

Coming soon to the loveahappyending.com website

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Coming soon ……..the ideas don’t stop!

Category: Coming soon

Join us on 1 August 2011 to celebrate the launch of  featured new Author Sue Johnson’s novel Fable’s Fortune, published by Indigo Dreams.

Coming up on 8 September 2011 another celebration –  Sue Watson’s tale entitled  Fat Girls & Fairy Cakes goes on sale, courtesy of Rickshaw Publishing.

We will be showing extracts from both these novels that can’t be read anywhere else!  So do come back and help us celebrate loveahappyending.com style!  We would also like to know what you would like our future book ‘launches’ to include.  Do you find small extracts tempting, or would you prefer to see a few pages lifted from the story?  You can post a comment or click on our Feedback contact link on the righthand side of the website.

So who else will we be talking to on our ‘magazine style’ blog?

We will be talking to publishers – Indigo Dreams and Rickshaw Publishing will be featuring on our blog in the coming weeks to talk to you, our readers, about what is happening in publishing today and giving an inside view of what it’s like on the other side of the fence!  We will be asking them what they think of our innovative and new interactive website – asking them about what does make a difference in today’s changing world.

We also have our very own Resident Astrologer – Shaz Goodwin, who is on hand to talk to our new Authors and Associate Readers about how their star signs affect them –  Shaz’s Stars. But does Shaz have anything else in store to surprise us?  I’ve been sworn to secrecy, so you will just have to keep coming back to see what’s going to be on offer!

We will also be launching a new graphic to head up Shaz’s articles, which has been designed by one of our own new Authors – Lun Kikogne! So thank you Lun – who (by the way) also designed his own book cover … so check out Lun’s author page on the righthand side of our website ——->

 

And we have new Author Janice Horton wearing her Editor’s hat, as she interviews our wonderful Featured and Associate Readers when they sit down in the Review Chair to talk about some of our authors’ books.  But we want to know all about those readers too, because it’s readers who buy books and feedback is invaluable to our new Authors.

Of course, Editor Missy P Wadkins will be keeping you up to date with all the fun and gossip that comes with being a part of this innovative interactive website, and The Fizz will be full of snippets on our magazine style blog.

If you see one of our new Authors or meet up with them online – please contact us as Missy would be delighted to hear about your interaction!  Photographs would be fun……

Also coming soon is new Author Mandy Baggot doing just a little ‘mingling’ to report back on how important music is to aid inspiration whilst writers sit glued to the keyboard….

If you buy one of our authors’ books because of our website, then tell us so we can shout about it.  If you don’t want to be interviewed that’s fine, we understand, but we would like to acknowledge ALL levels of support.  We are grateful if you choose one of our authors books to help an unknown, one book at a time….  a simple Email via our ‘Feedback’ Contact Us page and why your hand selected that book…….. sharing is caring!

So whether you are someone who wants to join our team and take an active part, or you are just visiting the website to read what’s going on – we love having you and we appreciate your support.  Hope to see you again soon!

Ceri

Authors, Interviews, Novels, Publishing, Reviews

Patricia Sands joins loveahappyending.com

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Welcome to Patricia Sands …

Everyone at lovehappyending.com is delighted to welcome new Author Patricia Sands, as her author’s page goes live here today!  Patricia lives in Toronto, Canada and has a very busy family life with seven adult children and, at last count, six grandchildren!  She devotes quite a bit of time to her love of photography as well as  promoting her debut novel, The Bridge Club, published through iUniverse.  Read more about Patricia’s intriguing story of life time friendships, check out her new author page on the righthand side of our website ——>

Currently at work on her second novel, Patricia admits the writing muse has possessed her. She is particularly drawn to the rewarding friendships of women and the challenges many embrace once their families are grown. “It’s never too late to begin something new,” she enthuses. “As the saying goes, just do it!”

So a very warm welcome Patricia, we hope you will enjoy taking part and interacting with our Associate Readers.

*** The Bridge Club is included in Barnes & Noble’s “Catch A Rising Star” feature for the month of July with special discounts****

A few words from Patricia about ‘The Bridge Club’:-

“Although this novel is a work of fiction, many of the issues are based on the experiences of my real-life Bridge Club of over forty years. The friendship is certainly true of us. I chose to write about the controversial topic in the final chapter after watching a friend deteriorate intellectually and physically in a locked Alzheimer’s ward at the age of fifty-three. It was shattering to observe.

Throughout the story each of the characters faces challenges and change in her life. The Bridge Club emphasizes how strong friendship helped to enable these changes and demonstrates how these women empowered each other and indeed how much they learned from each other in the process. Change is inevitable and personal growth should always be the outcome. This novel encourages women to feel positive about facing the challenges, large and small, that may arise at any stage of our life and to recognize how building a strong foundation of friendship is a priceless asset in so many ways. Knowing you are offering true friendship to someone is as rewarding as receiving it.”