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Introducing The Sock Goblins

10/31/2014

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The Sock Goblins have arrived! Meet Whizzo, Zee, Glump and Thunda (Left to Right). They are the sneaky little stars of our most recent publication...Sock Goblins! 

Sock Goblins is a fantastic kids book written by Craig Trevett and illustrated by David Skinner and introduces us to the world of the sock goblins who hunt down our old worn out socks. It's written in rhyme and is a great bedtime read - it is certainly not one to miss. 

We spoke with the author and illustrator, so we could find a bit more about the inspiration behind Sock Goblins and here's what they said...

Author: Craig Trevett
Home Town: London
About the Author: I have always enjoyed writing and being creative; from a young age I would write stories and perform for my family (nobody had Sky TV when I was a kid). As well as writing children’s stories I am also a stand-up comedian on the open mic circuit which is something I really enjoy. Charlie Chaplin once said that “A day without laughter is a day wasted” and this is a rule I live by every day. I am aslo a father to two sons Freddy and Alfie who are my inspiration and make my immature tendencies both acceptable and cool. You would find me in my spare time either writing, making a room full of strangers laugh or running around a park after my children under the alias ‘Shark Man’ who is both feared and revered in the Trevett household.

Illustrator: David Skinner
Home Town: London
About the Illustrator: 
I have always loved drawing and creating images. Ever since I was a child, I can remember, I used to be fascinated with children's fantasy, from TV, films and books from the library. It became a hobby and a bit of an obsession for me, illustrating a scene from my favourite films, I can remember I was once fascinated with drawing the little monsters from the movie 'The Gremlins', etc. My talent for drawing gave me some exciting opportunities too. The drama teacher would get me to paint the scenery for the school plays and as a teenager, a group of friends and I became spray can artists. We were fortunate to be commissioned to paint murals for youth centres. I took a foundation course in illustration and drawing, as an option to develop a bit of a career from what I enjoy doing and this is how I met Craig.

What is the book about?
C: ‘Sock Goblins’ is the story of one boy's frustration at continuously having to search for socks and rarely finding a matching pair. Having now been told by his mum that he will have to use his own pocket money to buy socks, he decides to find out who is stealing them. The answer to this question and the discovery as to why, will amaze and change his life forever. 

What inspired you to write it?
C: The inspiration for this story came in two parts, firstly from my own childhood: I remember always looking for that illusive other sock in the mayhem of the morning school rush, that was when the idea of a ‘Sock Goblin’ first formulated in my mind. As a parent myself, many years later I found myself hunting down pairs of socks and the idea popped up again and I found a pen and wrote the first line of the story.   

How did the project come together?
C: I Initially wrote ‘Sock Goblins’ among many other stories as a bed time story to read to my children. David, the illustrator, and I where first introduced after a chance conversation with David’s sister about the book and she suggested that her brother was an illustrator and might be interested. Within thirty seconds of meeting, I knew it would be a great partnership as we share similar creative views. On our first meeting David bought along some ideas that he had drawn as to what a ‘Sock Goblin’ would look like and all I could do was smile and throw up a high five because it was exactly how I had envisaged.  

D: I was introduced to Craig through my sister Tanya. Craig contacted me with a layout of the story 'Sock Goblins'. So I drew up some sketches of different variations of goblins. I showed him what I could do and he really liked them, so we met and discussed a layout. I spent some time creating profiles of each character and their traits. I have two cats at home, their names are Sly and Robbie and I would study their behaviour and personalities, which were very Imp-like and had a great influence on me for creating two of the characters, Glump and Whizzo. I then put together a story board, illustrating a scene from the writing and placed in sequence. Then I was ready to create the front cover presentation of the 'Sock Goblins'. I would then work on each artwork for the scenes.

Tell us a bit more about the Sock Goblins and their world...
C: The 'Sock Goblins' hail from the Land of Nod. It is said that the mere sound of the Great King Guffaw’s  laughter could induce tears of joy to one-thousand children. Once a beautiful and tranquil place, where laughter and luxury flourished in abundance; all of this came to a sudden halt when Lord Snore overthrew the King, with the help of his Nightmare Men. The Nightmare Men are made of chocolate and cheese and all other things parents say to avoid before bed time. All happiness floundered in the Land of Nod, with the King now locked away in a newly built gloomy dungeon. Many of the King's subjects escaped and are said to be scattered all over the universe, wanting to bring happiness to others. This is where Zee, the Leader of the ‘Sock Goblins’ came up with the idea of the Dream Machine...a machine so powerful and complex that it can create good dreams, as the sadness that has fell over the Land of Nod is now creating darkness and misery to many others. 

Why should I read it?
D: We love to hear stories, especially of folk tales. Goblins and Faeries continue to intrigue children and even adults to this day. Craigs tale 'Sock Goblins' is reviving. He narrates the tale, set out in rhyme. Its skippy, jumpy flow of words, are like sprites . Together with colourful illustrations, is fun and exciting to read. I hope 'Sock Golins' is a tale that can continue to mystify and entertain the future generations of children.

C: Once you have read ‘Sock Goblins’ you will never look at that solemn odd sock in the same way ever again.

So check out Sock Goblins now! You can download it from the following links:
Amazon/Kindle                         iTunes                               Kobo

And also listen out on Fun Kids Radio for an exclusive interview coming soon at www.funkidslive.com
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91 Year Old Author Still Sharing His Story

6/17/2014

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At 91, Les Joy is still keen to share his incredible experience as a WWII Lancaster Bomber Pilot. His story is available both as an ebook and an audiobook and is described by readers as 'truly inspiring'. Les took some time out to tell us a little bit more about himself and about what inspired the book.

About the Author, by the Author
Les Joy
Home Town: Bradford, Yorkshire

Now 91 years old, I live in Sutton in Craven, near the "Yorkshire Dales". I'm a Member of the Local Parish Council, plus two other Community Committees and the local art club. 

What inspired you to write?
I was invited to visit RAF Coningsby, Lincolnshire and sit again in the cockpit of one of the two remaining Lancaster Bombers in the world still capable of flying (the other one is in Canada). This brought back vivid memories of many wartime experiences which had lain dormant for many years.

What is the book about?
Some of my experiences during World War II.

Why should I read/listen to it?
There are very few of us left who experienced this first hand involvement in the trauma of total war. 

You can buy the ebook of The Diary of a RAF Lancaster Bomber here:

Amazon         iTunes        Kobo


Or if you fancy listening to Les' amazing story, visit: 

Audible


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Strictly For Grandpas

5/20/2014

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'Humorous', 'thoughtful', 'clever', 'imaginative', 'sometimes speaking from the heart', 'witty',  'a little naughty here and there', 'entertaining' and 'definitely a good read' are all ways in which Tony Greeves' Strictly for Grandpas has been described. Tony took a little time out from his schedule to tell us a bit more about himself and his book...

About the Author, by the Author
Tony Greeves
Home Town: Belfast
   
I am an eighty-six year old Grandpa with one wife, three kids and eight grandchildren. As a civil engineer I worked on dams, tunnels, roads, bridges, water supply and sewage disposal.  I was also a professional arbitrator and formal conciliator both nationally and internationally.  Much of my spare time was spent as a part-time soldier in the Territorial Army and I played most games with more enthusiasm than success.  I have been down the Cresta Run, skied, sailed, driven in Circuit of Ireland rallies and still play golf (although "hack around" would be rather more accurate!)

What inspired you to write?
All my life I have written verses to amuse myself and a few friends.  These occasionally won minor prizes, and some years ago this encouraged me  to combine a few of them in a short book to raise money for charity.  Both the charity and the book were of particular interest to engineers, so  I  sent it to all my professional colleagues asking if they would make donations. To my utter astonishment it raised nearly £4,000.  This, in turn, inspired me to publish Strictly for Grandpas with a target of £15,000 for Parkinson's,  Marie Curie, and Chest, Heart and Stroke. 

What is the book about?
Strictly for Grandpas is a series of short commentaries on the vagaries of life sharpened up by (mostly) light-hearted verse and is a reflection of some of my thoughts and experiences. Love, sex, politicians, philosophy, box-ticking, egoism, political correctness and stupidity are treated with respect, appreciation, cynicism, humour, or scathing scorn as appropriate. 

Why should I read it?  
Grandpas (and hopefully many others) will find that it strikes chords, stirs memories and bring quiet smiles and often appreciative chuckles.  Also the charities are getting 100% of my proceeds.

You can buy Strictly for Grandpas here:

Amazon         iTunes        Kobo

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In the Dolphin's Wake

5/14/2014

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The audiobook, In the Dolphin's Wake is an amusing and erudite account of Harry Bucknall's 183-day journey through the Greek islands from Venice, in the West, to Istanbul, in the East.

In the summer of 2006, Harry Bucknall journeyed across the Aegean of more than 5,500 miles that included the glories of Mount Athos, 36 islands, and every island chain in the Greek Archipelago. It also involved 57 sea passages on 35 ferries, 4 landing craft, 3 hydrofoils, a fishing caique, a sea plane, 11 buses, 2 trains, an open-top Land Rover, and a duck-egg-blue 1961 Morris Oxford.

Recounted in the audio book with humour, pathos, and at times drama, this is not only a journey through the Greek islands but also a journey through Greek history, mythology, custom, and folklore - a Greek island companion loaded with adventure, mishap, and laughter offering a contemporary image of Aegean life today.

Below, we hear from the author himself about what inspired him to record his story and find out a little bit more about him, in the following Author Profile. 

About the Author, by the Author
Harry Bucknall
Home Town: Blandford Forum, Dorset

Prior to my Greek odyssey, I served as an Army officer for 12 years with tours in Northern Ireland and Bosnia. My subsequent business career included work in the oil and mine industries, and as a consultant in the Middle East. I have also produced theatre on the London Fringe, sat on the Olivier Awards Panel, and been a theatre reviewer for Arts Council. I have written for The Sunday Telegraph, The Spectator, Sunday Times Travel Magazine, Irish Independent, Country Life and various other travel and theatre publications. I live in London (and Dorset when I can with an errant Jack Russell, Sam.

What inspired you to write and record the book?
An avid lover of the Greek Islands, I suggested the idea over an extended  lunch on Mykonos to my journalist cousin.  Then I got to thinking! And then it happened…

What's the book about?
A journey from Venice to Istanbul through the Greek Islands.

Why should I listen to it?
If you like Greece, the islands, sea and their history In the Dolphin's Wake encapsulates the lot. It’s an easy read in short chapters with few long words, I wrote it.

You can join Harry on his incredible journey by downloading his audiobook here at:

Audible

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A Taste of the World

4/10/2014

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Brendan Murphy's A Taste of the World is the perfect mix of recipes, culture and travel. It is a unique book written by Chef-Explorer who has travelled from places like Devon to Gibraltar and France to Nevada. It is an incredible read and in this blog, Brendan tells us a bit more about his experience...

About the Author, by the Author
Brendan Murphy aka The Chef Explorer
Home Town: Manchester, UK/ Now living in: Perth, Australia

What ‘exactly is the ‘Chef-Explorer’?
Ever since self publishing my first book, ‘A TASTE OF THE WORLD’, in 2010, I have continued to cater as a Chef, demonstrated the fine arts of cookery as a Chef-Lecturer and participated in lots of local cookery related events. I have also presented promotional talks and readings from my book at several venues around the city. At these events many people have asked, 

“What ‘exactly’ is ‘The Chef-Explorer”? 

Good question!

Really it is a combination of what I am, firstly as a Traveller and then as a Chef. I explored the world of culture as well as cuisine and being a prolific diary writer kept 30 years of Diaries and travel journals along the way!

I created the concept that is ‘The Chef-Explorer’ about 10 years ago as a business name in which I catered as a chef, taught as a lecturer or wrote cookery columns. Prior to that I had been teaching as a Chef-Lecturer in a variety of TAFE colleges in Western Australia and England and qualified as a TAFE (College) Lecturer at Curtin University in 1996. 

After re-settling in Western Australia with my family, my writing developed further when I studied part time for the ‘Diploma of Travel Photojournalism’. Meanwhile, my regular local newspaper cookery columns developed into true short stories published by ‘The Swan Magazine’ and it was with them that ‘The Chef-Explorer’ seemed to take on a more definitive role. 

From there I have since moved into Freelance Travel articles commencing with a Chef-Explorer inspired family holiday adventure based in Tropical North Queensland, which was  published in Australia’s ‘Way2Go’ magazine in 2010.

During 2011 and into 2012, I continued to teach with a college in Perth, whilst writing a new series of short stories for ‘The Swan Magazine. I have also further developed my radio show “The Chef & Music Explorer Show” with my local community ‘Radio Ellenbrook 88FM’, including a new segment “Chef-explorer does Every Country in the World!” This is an A-Z of the world exploring each country and a recipe which I post on Facebook and onto my website.

During 2013 and continuing at present, I teamed up with the popular, dynamic and excellent Sophie Budd (who trained with the likes of Rick Stein and Jamie Oliver) and her ‘Taste Budds Cooking Studio’, delivering my ‘Taste of the World’ cooking courses for Adults and Children, all of which are regularly sold out! Taste Budds also recently was awarded NO 1 for Kids Cooking Classes by ‘Scoop Magazine’!

I have also joined forces for the next 12 months with ‘Mirrabooka Square’ shopping centre to present ‘A Taste of the World’ Cooking and Travel series. During 2013 we presented 3 months of ‘A Taste of Africa’ then’ ‘A Taste of Europe’. I present a series of Blogs, recipes and cookery demonstrations on their World Stage. At present during 2014 I am in the middle of ‘A Taste of Asia’!

In 2013 I also attended FACET (Forum Advocating Cultural and Eco-Tourism) conference in Manjimup and became a member  of a Culinary/Tourism Network that should help me develop  ‘Chef-Explorer Tours’, a concept originally dreamed up with my local ‘Travel Manager’ Business in which I would act as a guide on a ‘Foodie’ adventure in a chosen holiday destination. The overall aim will be to educate the need to use local quality foods, reduce ‘Food Miles’, support local farmers and the environment as well as re-connect with the land! In a much broader International level, that will mean protecting local culture and indigenous food.

I am also continuing to present various Master Class presentations with the local schools, with an emphasis again on re-engaging youth and record a regular cookery segment on ‘The Couch’ TV series, broadcast on Aurora TV.

As a young lad growing up in the North of England I was fascinated by the world outside of where I lived, so as soon as I was old enough, I put on a back pack, joined forces with a couple of school mates and explored that nearest of continents; Europe. I did it on a shoestring but had a ball! The sense of adventure, the music, the scenery, and oh yes, the cuisine! What a huge variety of delicious foods! But what really enthralled me were the people and the way they lived their lives! Soon, I was back in England at Catering College training to be a Chef, but still working my way around my own country to again discover much great food and culture. I qualified as a Chef in 1985 and went off again on my travels, first back to Europe to work, then further a field to Asia and Australia.

All around the world people think, act, eat, dance, laugh, talk, dress….well, just live differently to me and you, and  I just love it!

And 30 years later after scribbling my observations in my travel diaries, I still do! 

One time, back in the ‘80’s, high up in the Alps of Switzerland a wise old guy said to me and my traveling mates:

“You're not tourists, you're travellers!”

That statement sums up what my Chef Explorer books are all about, including true stories of life as a Chef and the crazy Hospitality Industry characters world wide, cultural observations and adventure,  food and recipes. 

Above all, both my writings and my Chef-Explorer Events have an overall aim of promoting REAL food as opposed to fast or processed food, especially for children, so as to get families back around the table, not just eating healthier food but enjoying life as it should be, and maybe planning to travel to their favourite cuisines origins or even go for a walk around their own local environment. 

Of course, food is the greatest cultural and language barrier breaker of all. When I talk food at a local market in Bali, or at a Taverna in Greece or to one of my International students from India or Africa, where I discuss a dish I know from their home town, a smile appears as if by magic, and any awkward communication barrier is broken! Suddenly we are friends forever, well, at least for that day anyway!

It’s a pity the World as a whole cannot learn to use these tactics to break down those cultural barriers. Maybe 21st Century Diplomats should all take a Chef-Explorer Cultural course before taking a seat at the UN?! 


What inspired you to write?
My observations of people and the world as I see it. When I have traveled and worked as a Chef, I just had to record what I observed! I was also nicknamed BB (Bookworm Bren) as a child because I was always a big reader, and started keeping my diaries in 1971 at Age 10!

I have since kept diaries for the last 40 years!

What are your books about?
True stories based on my travel diaries as a traveler and as a Chef. I used my Chef-ing ability to travel the world. It’s like a combination of James Herriot, Bill Bryson and Anthony Bourdain.

Why should I read it?
If you love to read true stories which are entertaining like Bill Bryson, and you also love to travel and are fascinated by different cultures then this is the book for you! Throw in real foodie knowledge, authentic recipes and Chefy observations and you have all the ‘ingredients’ for a light hearted travel companion/book. A ‘Recipe’ for success!


Book Synposis
“Someone should write a book about this crazy Industry!” 

I have heard that exclamation many times over the last 30 years in which I have been employed as a Chef in the Hospitality Industry. And yes, a few books have been written, but not quite like this one! This is not a cookbook from a Celebrity Chef, but more of an exploration of what it’s really like to work in the Hospitality Industry, and especially as a Chef. Combine this with traveling and working all over the world as a Chef, Lecturer and Writer and somehow keeping nearly 30 years of diaries to research from! 

The Hotel and Catering Industry worldwide is full of the same crazy characters that even the best imagination would be hard pressed to dream up! My Diaries are full of them, as well as true drama, humour and travelling that enthralled me over the years. From my College roots in Manchester, England, to the City of London, from the ski slopes of Switzerland and Germany to the Outback of Australia and from the Greek islands to the Thai island of Phuket. I have especially spent over a decade as a Chef in Australia from Sydney to The Great Barrier Reef in Queensland and in Perth, Western Australia where I arrived in 1990, and finally settled in 2002. 

Food and cookery is also about life and culture, and as a chef working around the World I have learnt more about different peoples and their culture than I ever could have at school and college! And the best is still yet to be because as a cook you NEVER stop learning. 

Many years ago as an older teenager living in a grim city struggling with massive unemployment rates, I was on the dole and uninspired. I decided to hitch-hike around Europe. Suddenly I got a ‘Taste of the World’, just a taste, but enough to inspire me so much, that I felt unstoppable in my quest to become a fully qualified Chef and travel the world. Thirty years later, I may have slowed down a bit, but I’m still travelling and still tasting! 

This first book in a series is as it is titled, just a ‘Taste’ of the World and probably more of a Travel Book than a cookery lesson. However, the stories are all true and include authentic recipes and a brief cultural profile of each country that I either worked or travelled in. My aim is to mix the essential ingredients of a true Chef-y and Traveller story or cultural experience thrown in the pot with a dash of humour, to hopefully make it a richer experience for you, the reader, who is about to embark on a bit of Chef-Exploring of your own! 

You can buy the ebook in the foll
owing places:

Amazon          Kobo

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Greek myths of the zodiac

3/20/2014

3 Comments

 
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If you were born today like Fernando Torres, Hal Linden, Vera Lynn or Freema Agyeman then you are a Pisces! But, have you ever been curious about what that actually means? 

Vicky Parsons has published a whole series of eBooks which can give you a great insight into your starsign and what it means for your life, as well as giving you a dazzle of information about the birth of astrology and some of the Greek myths surrounding your Zodiac sign...and the great news is, it's available both in audio and ebook formats!

She tells us a bit more about the book in herself and the series in her author profile...





About the Author, by the Author
Title of Series: Greek Myths of the Zodiac
Home Town: Farnborough 

I'm a budding writer and soon to be fully trained up teacher. My passion is sharing stories: The world, they say, is made of stories; each one holds a nugget of knowledge. If we're lucky to receive that nugget, it might just help us muddle through...

What inspired you to write?
Storyteller, teacher, I have a passion for creative writing and just love to explore the ancient tales. The Myths of the Zodiac came about because of an interest I have in the stars and the stories behind them. It fascinates me that there tales linked in to archetypal personalities that we see all around us. These tales offered me great insight into the zodiac, I wanted to share that.

What are your books about?
The ancient Greeks told stories about everything, especially the stars, which they saw as Gods having an effect on our lives. They believed strongly in astrology and so each zodiac sign (that are still so popular and enlightening today) also had a tale to go with it. These books examine each sign through those stories, as well as looking at the usual personality traits, jobs, relationships... celebrities.

Why should I read it?
If you want to know more about your zodiac sign, or you just love a good story, then this is the book for you.

eBook/Audiobook Description
Have you ever wondered about astrology? What is it? Where does it come from? What does it mean for you? What's your star sign? How can it help you live your life?

Storyteller Vicky Parsons shares the tales behind the mythology, offering us insight into the world of astrology. Whether you believe in the science of astrology or not, the essential truths about human nature in these stories help us get to know and relate to our star signs in the way the Greeks would have done.


Buying Options...
You can buy your starsign book in the Greek Myths of the Zodiac series by following the links for each book below on your preferred platform or check out the audiobook via the Audible links too!
Pisces: Amazon      iTunes     Kobo     Audible
Capricorn: Amazon      iTunes     Kobo     Audible
Aquarius: Amazon      iTunes     Kobo     Audible
Aries: Amazon      iTunes     Kobo     Audible
Cancer: Amazon      iTunes     Kobo     Audible
Gemini: Amazon      iTunes     Kobo     Audible
Leo: Amazon      iTunes     Kobo     Audible
Libra: Amazon      iTunes     Kobo     Audible
Sagittarius:  Amazon      iTunes     Kobo     Audible
Scorpio: Amazon      iTunes     Kobo     Audible
Taurus: Amazon      iTunes     Kobo     Audible
Virgo: Amazon      iTunes     Kobo     Audible



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3 Comments

THROUGH THE EYES OF...

2/28/2014

2 Comments

 
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One of our fantastic authors, Tracie Cooper-Probyn has told us a bit more about her two ebooks 'Through The Eyes of Innocence' and 'Through The Eyes of Time', check it out below:  

About the Author, by the Author
Tracie Cooper-Probyn
Home Town: Mynydd Isa in North Wales.

The comment below is heart warming and makes life so special. Thank you xx
 
A comment on LinkedIn:- 
 
"Tracie is one of those people you will meet during you life who even if you met her only once she would have a positive impact on you.
 
I know that she won't mind me saying that she did not have it easy in her early life but her determination, courage and deep sense of love for her own family and her friends has allowed her to come the role model she truly is...
 
I can honestly say that without her I would be a worse person than I am and that I believe is true of many people that she knows."

 
What inspired you to write? 
"I wanted so much to give other victims an insight into my life and to see that even after all the suffering, it is still possible to survive it all and find inner peace and happiness. Life is precious and we deserve to enjoy it, I hope that my writing helps to show people that it can be done."

What are your books about?
"It is a young girls true account of a childhood of abuse and a real insight into her thoughts and motivation to survive through it all. It recalls in some detail the abuse but more importantly it demonstrate the desire to survive and the need to be a good person."

Why should I read it?
"It will give you a knowledge and understanding of the constant demons that an abuse victim has to face on a daily basis but maybe this message received from a reader says more than anything I need to say:"

"I'm half way through the 2nd book now. I think it will be a huge inspiration to any child who has been or is in your situation. But it also provoked many feelings and ideas for me, if I'm lucky enough to get through panel and become a foster carer. Its ok reading a case study and knowing what has happened to a child, but your words confirmed to me that how the child feels is THE important things, and what the child expects of you and wants you to do in order to help them build up a trust in a world that has never shown them care, love, compassion, happiness, all of the things every person deserves."

Through the Eyes of Innocence
A true story of a girl's determination to survive the day to day physical and emotional abuse suffered at the hands of her own mother. From being banned from cleaning her teeth to being forced to watch live frogs dipped in acid, torment after torment occurred. Beatings were almost daily with a thousand triggers for them. The dreams of the future are her only hope.


You can buy Through The Eyes of Innocence here:
Amazon                    iTunes                    Kobo

Through the Eyes of Time
A young girls story of trying to adapt and cope with her life after escaping an abusive household. This book shows a young woman trying to forge new relationships and rebuild old ones, while growing into a strong woman looking for her place in the world. Through the Eyes of Time is the sequel to the moving novel, Through the Eyes of Innocence.

And you can buy Through The Eyes of Time here: 
Amazon                    iTunes                    Kobo

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2 Comments

Florence: Why Bother?...with a slice of Pisa

2/6/2014

1 Comment

 
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Fantastic news for the start of the new year…Robert Shepherd and Geoff Motley's new book in the Why Bother? series is now available to download on all platforms! This time, their italian travels have taken them to Florence and this ebook contains their guidance, musings and thoughts on the best places to visit in Florence. You even get two for the price of one in this book with some very handy tips for places and things to do in Pisa. 

Once again, Geoff has provided some great illustrations and the book is full of the pair's humorous banter. After reading this, you will truly understand why you should bother with Florence, and sample a slice of Pisa too. 

About the Book
"At last, a refreshing guide to Florence, with a slice of Pisa, brought to you by the chalk and cheese of travel writing, Robert Shepherd and Geoff Motley. 

Written from the heart and fuelled by local food, wine and a mischievous sense of humour, this book is by two guys who are generations apart and come at Florence from different directions. It does not lead you by the hand, but it certainly whets your appetite, encouraging you to be adventurous and find your own way with a hint or two from the guys. 

Absorb what they know, through their banter, style and wit. This is a travel guide with different views, humour, cartoons and useful facts all about Florence and Pisa: that is why you should bother."

About the Authors
Robert Shepherd is a writer and journalist and Geoff Motley is a writer, broadcaster and cartoonist. This is their third in the series of Why Bother? Guides. In an excerpt from the book, they both tell us why we should bother with them: 

Rob Shepherd
"Here I am again, the guy with a journalist’s keenness for finding out facts others miss. Every time I ‘go Italian’ I ask Geoff why he hasn’t snapped up a cool pad somewhere given his Italian family history. Italians know how to enjoy life and I love being part of it. 

I have to say that out of the books we have written in the Why Bother? series, this was probably the most challenging. I say that because I had visited the other cities on numerous occasions but had only just skirted around the Tuscan gem that is Florence. I also had my wife with me this time, so I had to be on my best behaviour. 

It did also pain me to have to follow Geoff's advice when I arrived and so it pleased me no end when I told the old campaigner about some things I noticed myself. Nevertheless, I made the trip with very fresh eyes and saw a lot of things for the first time. A bit like you." 

Geoff Motley 
"Yes, an English name but a colourful Italian family history. They tell me there was once an aristocrat in the family many, many years ago. Wouldn’t that be useful for getting a decent table in a restaurant? I speak Italian because it was a matter of having to as a lad in north eastern Italy. 

I have broadcast for the BBC from Italy back to the UK about Italian lifestyle, even the Papacy. The dynasties of Florence that established banking, plus the ancient family rivalries over centuries have been a constant fascination to me. 

The countryside around Florence is great to explore. My Tuscan friends sure know how to have a good time, but always with style and always with a warm welcome. Their apartments are often in very old, historic looking edifices. 

History is always in the air. From a 21st century modern kitchen you can look down on a square or narrow lane where medieval bankers and traders argued and swordplay happened at the drop of a silk hankie. 

Robert, it is time for my second glass and for your information, the cool pad in Italy tempted me, but the place I liked most had no lift and the trek to the apartment’s door was 129 steps!"

Where can I buy the book?
You can buy Florence: Why Bother?…with a slice of Pisa in the following places:
Amazon          iBooks          Kobo

The Why Bother? Guides


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Racing Start - Lynne Hackles

1/28/2014

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A great new children's fiction book called 'Racing Start' by one of our new authors, Lynne Hackles. It's a fantastic book about a thirteen-year-old who is a great cyclist, but his Dad wants him to play football. It's a brilliant book for 10-13 year olds and it's available now to buy. 

About the Book
Joe Astley is thirteen, undersized and useless at football. His father, an ex-professional footballer, would like Joe to follow in his footsteps but Joe wants to become a racing cyclist. He needs to prove to his dad that he is good at cycling and, at the same time, defeat the school bully.Joes life turns around when he meets Sid, coach to the local cycling club. With a little help and a lot of determination Joe sets out to achieve his dreams but its not easy with the school bully as his biggest rival.This novel is as fast-paced as the racing, and packed with insights into starting out in the cycling world. 


About the Author
Lynne Hackles comes from a cycling family. Her husband is a commissaire for British Cycling.Lynne has written for many markets including short stories for womens magazines, articles, stories for children and childrens comic stories. She is also the author of three books on how-to write and works as a creative writing tutor.

Where can I buy the book?
You can buy Racing Start in the following places:
Amazon               iBooks                Kobo

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The Magic Stone, The Magic Glasses and The Return of the Magician

10/23/2013

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The Return of the Magicians by C Green is soon to be available from Amazon, iBooks and Kobo! Get yourself prepared by reading her previous books The Magic Glasses and The Magic Stone now!
The Magic Glasses 
Without Thomas’s glasses would the legend still be in darkness? Or have people been blinded by ignorance and can’t see the obvious? Thomas has moved to a small village to live with his grandparents, and also to start a new school. Thomas’s teacher, Mr Crackelbone notices that Thomas’s reading skills don’t match his previous school record! After getting glasses it becomes apparent that Thomas can ‘see’ things others cannot, and so the adventure begins - from school friends eager to learn his secret, to the adults who wish they could ‘see’ what he sees.


Amazon     iBooks     Kobo
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The Return of the Magicians 
When Dad was first trapped by the dresser the room he found himself in was being lit by a bright light, as the dresser slammed shut, the light disappeared leaving him in total darkness. There was no-one around and no sound he knew there was no way back. Mum and the children struggled to join him and after so many tries one by one they eventually found their way in, again it was dark and no sign of Dad or come to that of each other!
The adventure begins; they learn how to find their way in the darkness, finding the oddest places and meet the most odd creatures and people. Eventually they are welcomed to the magic world by the Master of the Masters.

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The Magic Stone

After finding a magic stone in a well, Cris takes it back to the family home. From that day on the house has turned into odd shapes and sizes. Find out how the house and their lives have been transformed by the magic of the stone.

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