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Books, Interview, Reviews

American Still Life Book Tour

I’m so pleased to be on author Jim Naremore’s “American Still Life” book tour. I absolutely loved this book – it was raw, edgy, sad, with happy moments too. It was definitely an emotional whirlwind and I really did enjoy the ride. I’m so pleased that Jim agreed to be interviewed … I had so many questions bubbling in my mind 😃 But first, here’s a book summary:

BOOK SUMMARY

We are all drowning, and we are all saviours .

Wresting with addiction, guilt, and self-loathing, gifted photojournalist Skade Felsdottir finds herself trapped in a web of her own creation when she is forced by circumstances to return to her hometown—the place that holds her crippling secrets. After screwing up her “big break”, a photo essay book about descansos—roadside memorials to people who have died tragically, Skade tries to salvage the project against a tight deadline. While simultaneously working and keeping her darkest demons at bay, Skade reconnects with an old boyfriend and befriends a unique but broken young woman named Kit. Their burgeoning friendship begins a process of healing for them both, until a devastating sequence of events plunges Skade into darkness, leaving her to decide between redemption and running away; between life and death. Set against a backdrop of the back roads of a forgotten America, American Still Life explores the crossroads of grief and artistic expression, of loneliness and atonement. A journey familiar.

Publisher: Regal House Publishing (Deceember 17, 2024)

ISBN: 1646035054

ISBN: 978-1646035052

AISN:  B0CNTWJH98

Print length:  296 pages

MY INTERVIEW

Hello Jim and welcome to the blog 👋. I really enjoyed reading your book, “American Still Life ”and I particularly enjoyed the characters of Skade ,and her new found friend, Kit (Kitten). I loved the rawness & edginess of Skade ; and how her friendship with the weird Kit  develops.  What character did you particularly enjoy writing about? What character was the hardest to portray?

Honestly, the most fun character for me to write was Jerome. A character like him shows up in almost all my work. Kind of the wise fool. Sort of a stock character for me. Of the main characters, I’d say both Skade and Kit were equally enjoyable but equally difficult. There’s a lot of me in Skade, so I had that going for me, and she was pretty good about showing up and “talking” to me as work progressed (I know that sounds weird. Writing is really great and easy when the characters begin to take on their own lives and tell you things as you are working on the story) even though she was often stubborn and short-tempered about things. For example, early in the project I had just finished a scene and needed Skade to get from one place to another so I could start the next scene. The scene I had finished (not sure which one) was pretty emotionally heavy, or traumatic for her. I was about to shift to the next scene when she popped up and said, “I’m going swimming.” Out of the blue like that. That literally just came out on the page as I was typing. From that odd little statement came all of the swimming stuff in the book. She told me about her being a competitive swimmer and using the water as a safe place. So that was great. Kit told me she was afraid of thunderstorms, so that’s where that chapter came from.

The difficulty, of course, was that both of them are women, and I am not. I really had to stretch and work and lean on my female friends and writer’s group members because I was terrified of writing “guys in skirts” which can happen when a man tries to write a deeper female character. I think Kit was especially hard for me because it’s easier for me to access the parts of me that are in Skade. The parts of me in Kit are tougher to find.

I loved how the “friendship” between Skade & Kit develops; I could almost feel the pain that Skade felt in returning to her home town and her memories that she tried to blot out with alcohol; Skade’s need for friendship that matched Kit’s….and oh, the ex boyfriends too. So, hypothetically speaking, if American Still Life was made into a film, who would you envisage to play the main characters? 

My writer’s group did this game with each other’s stories once, but I get super picky about this kind of casting. I’m not sure there are perfect actors for these parts, at least that I’ve seen. Emma Stone might be able to pull off Skade? Physically I think Skade looks a little more like a younger Jennifer Connelly (like in “House of Sand and Fog”), but even they are not exactly right. I’d be SUPER curious to hear what you and your readers think of that! Kit is an interesting case, since no one in Hollywood is like her physically (that I know of). I will tell you I had two people in mind when I wrote Kit, but neither are actors, they are both WNBA players, who are obviously both far more physically comfortable and coordinated than Kit, but I wrote with Elena Della Donna in mind, and later, Cameron Brink. I kind of see James Franco as Lane? Not sure… Like I said, I’d love to hear other thoughts… My ideas are not “correct” by any means!

The characters and places depicted in your novel – did you base your characters on people you have come across or aspects of the novel based loosely around your own experiences? 

Yes. So much of this book (all my writing really) is based on things in my experience. The locations are all sort of smashed together places I’ve lived in or been to. Carleton is based on several smaller rustbelt cities I’ve lived in. Even the Mosier Crosses in the book are actually “real”… I fictionalized a real story and location that’s just north of Martinsville, Indiana on Highway 62. Fairfax Road is real, it runs from Lake Monroe to Bloomington, Indiana where I grew up.

All my characters are amalgams of people I know or have met. And the primary characters all have a lot of me in them. Skade especially might be the most “Jim” character I’ve ever dared put on paper. I’ve been sober for over a decade, but I remember what that felt like. Jerome’s idea of putting a boat into a creek and floating all the way to New Orleans was something me and my friends endlessly speculated about when we were teenagers… start in Salt Creek and see how far you can get.

If you could visit any place in the world to inspire your next novel, where would you go and why? 

I went to Morocco while I was writing American Still Life and instantly wanted to do another book with Skade in it taking place there (I have all the notes for it… She’s photographing the work of a mysterious graffiti artist and following a trail of graffiti work around the world). Morocco is amazing. A place I have not been but want to go to is Australia. I think touring Australia would be incredible. I’d also like to dive into Japan. I was in Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam a few years ago, and that was incredible too. I’m drawn as much to cities as I am wilderness, I guess.

Are you a bookworm yourself? If so, what genres (or authors) do you usually like to read? And are you a kindle or “proper book” fan?

Old school proper books only for me. Too trad. Its funny but I don’t read a lot of fiction when I’m writing (which is most of the time) since I’m paranoid I’m going to start to imitate another writer’s voice. I’m pretty eclectic with my fiction. The only things I don’t usually read are spy novels or traditional thrillers. I read a lot of mysteries (I grew up reading Raymond Chandler and Dashiel Hammet). I like Tania French’s voice a lot. I used to read a lot of Sci Fi and Fantasy and will still come back to Tolkien for comfort. Literary writers like Marquez and Sebald blow me away. I’m reading Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia right now and enjoying it thoroughly. I loved There There by Tommy Orange recently and hope to pick up Wandering Stars soon.

Personal now – what outfits and shoes would you normally be found wearing?

God, Linda, I’m such a clothes horse… It’s one of my faults. My personal style tends toward California. Ralph Lauren is great, and I usually can’t go wrong with his stuff. But at times I’ll toss in French vintage or even Japanese stuff like Kendo jackets. I’m usually super casual, denim, natural fibers, leather. I do a fair amount of vintage military, too.

What’s next on your clothes/shoe wish list?

Clothes horse… see above… Next on the list is probably getting rid of a lot of stuff! Closet is too full! There is a current men’s wear trend I don’t have and would like to get: a houndstooth wool overcoat, full length.

Boots Or Shoes?

Seasonal… I wear boots in the fall and winter (Blundstones or Redwings) and shoes in the summer. I started wearing Sabahs last summer and love them to death. I also love vintage leather men’s dress shoes. I have too many. And cowboy and campus style boots. I have too many! Want some?

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

With roots in the American deep south and the Midwest grounding his sense of place, Jim Naremore has published an array of short fiction and the award-winning novel The Arts of Legerdemain as Taught by Ghosts (Belle Lutte, 2016). He holds an MFA from the Solstice program at Lasell University in Boston and currently lives with his partner and cat in New York’s Hudson River Valley.

You can follow the author at:

Instagram: @jim_naremore
https://www.instagram.com/jim_naremore/

Website: https://www.jim-naremore.com/

BOOK TOUR DATES

All photographs have been published with the kind permission of Jim Naremore.
Many thanks to Jim Naremore for the review copy of American Still Life and for inviting me onto his book tour.

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Books, Life Issues/ Motivational Posts, Reviews

Book Review: The Making Of Brio McPride

This week I’m reviewing “The Making Of Brio McPride” by R.A.Ruegg . This book is the inspiration for a film due to be released this year – Spiked! This book was promoted to me as being a cross between “The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night Time” and “Life Of Pi”. Another plus is that 30% of royalties are being given to mental health charities. As I have read both of those books, I was looking forward to a thought provoking read – and I wasn’t disappointed!

For Pinning later

BOOK SUMMARY

Sometimes to mend a broken heart, they have to blow your mind.

No matter how many shrinks they throw at him, Brio’s going to prove to his beloved Lizzy that it’s not him who’s mentally ill, it’s the rest of the world.

Logie’s a different kind of psychotherapist, though, and a despairing Brio thinks that maybe this weird ‘narrative hypnotherapy’ actually could help him find the father he never knew. It might even stop him grieving for his mum and worrying he’s gay.

But behind Logie lurks a big-data giant that’ll stop at nothing to win approval for its Al- driven mental health platform. And all Brio really knows as he disappears into the hypnotic haze of his ‘deepmind parable’ is that it’s going to be a life-or-death mission like no story he’s ever written.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

R.A RUEGG is a professional ghost writer and advertising copy writer who grew up in Britain, read law at King’s College, London, then spent several years in the US and East Asia before emigrating to Australia.

MY VIEWPOINT

Wow … this book is intense – emotional, baffling, interesting and definitely thought provoking. Exploring themes such as parenting, mental illness, gender alignment, teenage angst, grief, young love …. this book isn’t straight forward. I must admit I was a bit baffled by the “narrative hypnotherapy “ storyline at first, then all of a sudden its role in the overall tale clicked into my brain and I was then immersed and taken along on this fascinating life journey of 15 year old Brio. So, what did I love about the book? The character of Brio. I was rooting for him, all the way. I wanted him to truly find himself and love who he was. But he’s 15. He’s grieving. He’s looking for his father. He’s wanting approval and acceptance. This is a contemporary tale that isn’t lightweight, but it isn’t all doom and gloom either…there is a sprinkling of hope and love. Definitely food for thought and a truly satisfying read. 8/10

FURTHER INFORMATION

This book is available from Amazon and available to order in all good bookshops.

Check out the Brio McPride website: https://briomcpride.com

My thanks to Cameron Publicity & Marketing for a review copy of The Making Of Brio McPride. All views expressed are 100% my own

All photographs are by Linda Hobden

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Author Interview: Josje Weusten

Over the past year we have witnessed a rise of Fake News and rumours in the news and media. Sometimes we just don’t realise how fake news can shape our thinking; and those who create fake news don’t always realise the consequences of their actions. My book choice this week is the debut novel “Fake Fish” by Josje Weusten. It’s a dystopian novel about the rise of fake news and deep fakes…. and the subsequent consequences. A thoroughly enjoyable read but it is a read that gives you food for thought. Here’s a quick summary to whet your appetite:

BOOK SUMMARY

A varied group of characters in an increasingly dystopian world have to deal with ‘deep fakes’ distorting their very sense of reality. 
In a world drowning in a deluge of falsehoods, “Fake Fish” confronts the insidious rise of false news, and unmasks the far-reaching consequences that extend beyond mere headlines. With an unflinching gaze, this novel exposes the alarming impact of deceit on a global scale, as personal and national reputations crumble, and the very fabric of truth is torn apart.
As the story unfolds, the characters navigate the treacherous landscape of a society where nothing can be trusted. “Fake Fish” is a timely exploration of the fragility of reality in an age where truth is being swallowed by technology.

THE INTERVIEW

Please welcome author Josje Weusten onto the blog. Hi Josje 👋

Hello there, my name is Josje Weusten. I am an international author living in Belgium, writing in English. I know my Dutch name is impossible for many English-speaking people to pronounce. My students, who come from all over the world, usually call me Joss or Josy. Feel free to do the same 😊

As I have already mentioned my students, you may have guessed that I am into teaching. Indeed, next to a writer of fiction, poet, and essayist, I am a senior lecturer in literary studies and creative writing at Maastricht University—the European University of the Netherlands. As in life, I love crossing borders in writing, by mixing different genres, or by blending fiction with truth. My goal is to create ambiguous stories that invite readers to consider multiple perspectives.

Who or what inspired you to write “Fake Fish”? 

I find it hard to pinpoint when the idea for “Fake Fish” precisely took hold. Despite everything I’ve read and know about creative writing, there is something about writing fiction that still eludes me. Something that is too fleeting, too divine almost, to be captured in words. When I write, it often feels as if not I but somebody else is doing it, that it is a character rather than me who leads the way. 

But looking back at the entire process, I recall at least two key moments, which have shaped the central idea of the book. The first concerns a conversation with a student who barged into the classroom saying she did not want to read the work of a specific author, as she had seen something online about him having made misogynist statements. I heard her out, and together we looked at the information she found, which turned out to be false. This resulted in an interesting conversation about how to assess whether information is factually correct. In addition, we talked about what we should have done if it had been true. Would that indeed need to result in banning a work of fiction (of which I am very wary), or would there be other, better ways in which we could handle that situation?

The second moment, was when I lost touch with a friend during the Covid pandemic, as she became increasingly convinced of the idea that the disease, the vaccines, all of it, were part of a large conspiracy. We found ourselves at opposing ends and at the time, the distance between us seemed impossible to bridge. I still regret I didn’t try to find a common ground.

“Fake Fish” is a dystopian novel about the rise of fake news and deep fakes. The characters are very believable  – I especially loved the characters of feisty Eveline and her opposite, Martin.  Did you base a lot of your characters on you and people you’ve met in life? Which character did you enjoy writing about the most?  Which character was the hardest?

I’m so glad you find the characters credible. Since I love character-driven stories, that means the world to me. I believe it was the British-Japanese novelist Kazuo Ishiguro who once said characters are the backbone of a good story and I fully agree with him. 

A large part of my creative process consists of getting to know my characters and figuring out how to write about them in a lifelike way. One of the main challenges I encountered actually had nothing to do with the characters themselves but stemmed from the fact that “Fake Fish” has several interwoven storylines instead of one central plot. The main event connecting these storylines is the release of a video by Martin—who is a film studies student—picturing one of his professors making misogynist remarks about women in the film industry. As the video goes viral, it is not immediately clear whether the video is real or a deep fake. Is the professor who people thought he was? Are the outraged responses justified? What is the truth? Although there are no clear answers, all characters are forced to take a stance. 

To make the complexity of the situation tangible, the story continuously switches between different points of view. Yet switching between different points of view during the writing process proved to be detrimental to creating believable and complex characters with a voice of their own. I thus decided to focus on only one storyline at a time while writing and to interweave them afterwards. That way I could truly empathise with every character. 

To some extent, I indeed draw on my own experiences and emotions for this, but the characters are not directly based on me or on people I have met. Although I understand people might think this might be the case, as the book is largely set at a university and I am after all a professor in literature and creative writing.

“Fake Fish” is your debut novel – were there any aspects of writing the novel that surprised you, pleasantly or otherwise? 

Can I let you in on a secret? In a way, the whole novel was a surprise! What’s now “Fake Fish” in fact started as what I thought was going to be a poem. I love to play with the sound and rhythm of language, and the original lines I wrote that day are still in “Fake Fish”. They are even etched in my mind: 

“She has tried to return to that split-second of forgetting, looking for it between the sheets in different beds and in the hands of other men. Hands with various smells, skin, and age, leathery, soft, with or without cigarette stains, scars, moles, freckles, cracks, sharp nails, bitten ones. She makes them stain her and the bedding, but they all feel the same: different.”

Once I penned down those words, I started to wonder who was behind them, as they were most definitely not reflective of me. Who was the person or persona that had such thoughts? As I explored this further, the text started to grow into what’s now the second chapter of the book, which is told from Eveline’s perspective. When I finished that chapter, I knew I was dealing with something different here, something special: a novel. 

If you could visit any country/place in the world, to base your next novel in, where would you go and why? 

I am already working on my next novel, which is again a dystopian story. I don’t want to give away too much but it revolves around a society in which one’s age is not based on actual years, but on how healthy one is. Staying young has become a moral duty and anyone who cannot live up to this standard is expected to minimize the “burden” they put on society.

The story is set in the area where I grew up, which happens to be the area in the Netherlands with the oldest population. It’s a border area too, just like in “Fake Fish”. 

I find border regions highly interesting as they are places where cultures meet and mix.Moreover, border regions unsettle the idea that we can easily separate one culture or one group of people from another. In Europe at least, these regions are culturally fluid and messy(and I mean messy in a good way), and as such they can unsettle preconceived ideas we may have of ourselves and others.

Are you a bookworm? What is your favourite genre and/or authors? Kindle or actual book? 

Yes, I am. Ever since I was a little girl I have been reading and writing. I think that every writer should be an avid reader too. You learn so much about the craft from reading the work of others. I read broadly and in various languages (English, Dutch, and German). Some of my favourite international authors are Kazuo Ishiguro, Margaret Atwood, and J.M. Coetzee. My favourite Dutch novelist is Renate Dorrestein. I’m not a big fan of hard-core non-fiction publications and you’d rarely catch me reading a biography. But when it comes to fiction, I have no boundaries. From speculative to historical and contemporary novels and yes, even autofiction; I’ll devour them all.

Is “Fake Fish” available to purchase worldwide?

Yes, it is, through Amazon amongst others, but you can also order the book via your local book shop.

Growing up had you always wanted to be an author or did you have other career aspirations?

When I was about four or five years old, I wanted to be a writer or a pastry chef. Those might seem to be entirely different professions. Still, to me, writing and baking are both creative outlets, and baking still is one of my main hobbies. But I guess writing is indeed a better fit. I can be quite chaotic and love experimenting to see what might happen, perhaps a bit too much to have been a good pastry chef.

Josje, you are a Dutch fiction writer, writing in English, living in Belgium.  When you think of ideas for your stories, do your ideas flow in English or do you translate from your mother tongue into English? Why do you prefer to write in English ? 

It wasn’t a very conscious choice to write in English. For over 20 years, I have been teaching literature and creative writing in English. As a result, my writerly mind has been linguistically rewired and ideas flow in English. 

I also express myself differently in English than in Dutch. A language is so much more than just a medium, it also shapes your writing style, and how you relate to specific topics. Writing in English allows me to look at my writing more critically, weighing every word perhaps more carefully than I probably would when writing in Dutch. 

Admittedly, once I finished that first chapter of “Fake Fish”, I translated it into Dutch to see if it would be better, but it just didn’t feel right, at least not for this book, which I also wanted to be very fast-paced. English works better then. But perhaps, who knows, I will write in Dutch for a future project. 

Personal now – what outfits and shoes would you normally be found wearing?

Haha, that’s indeed very personal. I like to wear short A-line skirts and dresses. My favourite colours are sage green, deep camel, navy blue, and white. I like simple outfits; no prints, except for the occasional plaid skirt. I am a sucker for heels and lace-up ankle boots.

Do you have any favourite shops or online sites?

I love second hand stores. I try to refrain from buying new clothes. Many of my clothes, shoes and bags are preloved items. It’s one of the ways I try to make a difference, although I do sometimes fall for a new item as well. My most recent purchase is set of handmade art deco style earrings with a matching a necklace. I love their timeless quality. I stumbled upon them on a market while strolling through Glasgow, which I was visiting to promote “Fake Fish”. The young woman who makes them also has a web shop(https://www.popupjewelleryltd.com). I already have my eyes on another pair.   

What’s next on your clothes/shoe wish list?

A pair of whiskey-coloured vintage cowboy boots. I have been searching for those for quite some time now, but haven’t struck gold yet. 

Boots or Shoes?

Listen to Nancy Sinatra and you’ll know why the answer to this question always has to be boots 😊

Links you would like to share e.g. website/facebook etc

https://josjeweusten.co.uk

https://www.instagram.com/josjeweusten

Fabulous to chat to you Josje. I adored your book (thanks for the review copy) & I love the fact that you’re a fellow boot kindred spirit! 😊

Linda x

All photographs have been published with the kind permission of Josje Weusten.

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July And Everything After Book Tour

I’m so pleased to be part of Allie Nava’s “July And Everything After” book tour. “July And Everything After” is a debut fiction novel inspired by true events that occurred during the civil war in Sri Lanka in the 1980s.

BOOK SUMMARY

Maya’s journey from America to her birth country was meant to be a nostalgic visit. Instead, it became a fight for survival.

On the eve of Maya’s 22nd birthday, civil war breaks out in Sri Lanka. During what will become known as “Black July,” Maya is targeted and attacked in the organized massacres and pogroms against Tamil minorities, and she barely escapes the genocidal chaos.

Haunted by the horrors she witnessed, Maya returns to the US and tries to rally a diverse group of allies to help expose the atrocities in her birth country, among them her Norwegian-American best friend, a magnanimous Catholic nun, and a gifted young man from her past.

Bent on justice, Maya isn’t prepared for the unexpected twists and turns and confrontations with a nemesis that will test her resolve. As the war and humanitarian crisis in Sri Lanka intensify, so does Maya’s disillusionment, but contact with a mysterious mentor whose wisdom she once ignored holds the key to her future.

Publisher: DartFrog Books (September 16, 2024)
ISBN: 1965253059

ISBN: 978-1965253052

AISN:  B0DHFWGP1P
Print length:  238 pages

THE INTERVIEW

Hello Allie 👋 and welcome to the blog …

Who or what inspired you to write “July And Everything After”?

July and Everything After is a tale of an American woman’s resilience against extraordinary odds. It’s inspired by the transformative journeys that individuals experience as a result of a tragedy. This book focuses on the journey of an American woman in particular who gets caught up in atrocities in a foreign country which then surface other personal challenges for her when back in America, including grappling with her own sense of self-worth.

I really enjoyed reading your book, “July And Everything After ” and I particularly enjoyed the character of Maya. I was cheered by her fighting spirit and yet scared too for her!  I experienced a range of emotions whilst reading about Maya and her story. Which character did you particularly enjoy writing about? Which character was the hardest to portray?

I enjoyed exploring each character, and they each contributed a different perspective to the novel. Sister Lucy was both enjoyable to write and explore, but also challenging, because I wanted to do justice to this incredibly generous group of women in the world, but at the same time make the character very human and relatable.

Growing up, did you envisage yourself as a writer or did you have other career aspirations?

I love that fiction gives us the chance to explore what is possible or what may have been. It’s a chance to engage with storytelling that can help us learn, empathize, and maybe even guide us to better versions of ourselves. Stories are an integral part of the human experience, and they are what have held us together for centuries, and what have enabled us to work toward the common good in the world. I feel blessed and privileged every day that I get a chance to be a part of that powerful poignant storytelling world, be it through non-fiction or fiction.

Is “July And Everything After ” available to purchase worldwide?

Yes it is. The book is available for order worldwide on every major online store website and www.allienava.com and also select bookstores. For the U.S., in addition, any physical bookstore can order the book for readers.

If you could visit any place in the world to inspire your next novel, where would you go and why?

My next few books that I’m working on center on characters and experiences in the U.S. The U.S. is such a fascinating and diverse place, both geographically and culturally. I’ve visited many states across each major region here, and I’ve learned so much from the different geographic and cultural perspectives.

Myself, I’ve lived across a diversity of regions in the U.S., including urban, university-centered, suburban, rural. I feel fortunate to have met kind and generous people everywhere. I’ve enjoyed getting to know small town culture as much I’ve enjoyed big city culture, countryside as much as oceanside.

Are you a bookworm yourself? If so, what genres (or authors) do you usually like to read? And are you a kindle or “proper book” fan?

I absolutely have loved books my whole life, because I enjoy being transported to different worlds and experiences, as well as learning new things. I read as much non-fiction as I read fiction. There are too many favorite books and authors to name, but for example, some of the many adult authors I’ve enjoyed include:  Min Jin Lee, Amy Tan, Rohinton Mistry, Yuval Noah Harari, and much more.

Just for fun I’m re-reading a childhood favorite, Charlotte’s Web, by E.B. White.

When you are not writing, what do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

When I’m not writing for my next book, I dedicate myself to work that moves opportunity forward for women in various ways. Through my prior career, my current projects, and my volunteer endeavors, I focus on working with organizations that advance economic, leadership, and creative arts opportunities for women. Outside of that, I enjoy discovering new restaurants, new walking trails, and new travel destinations, though there are many places I also enjoy returning.

Personal now – what outfits and shoes would you normally be found wearing?

I’ve come to a point in my life where I really enjoy sneakers and jeans. But I appreciate good fashion as much as the next person, so at times I find myself enjoying a good window shopping day or looking forward to the next special occasion where I can wear a dress.

Boots or Shoes?

What a fun question! Shoes – sneakers. Lately I’m enjoying my “street shoe” style sneakers and have even been known to try to sneak them into night spots that have more upscale dress code.

Links you would like to share e.g. website/facebook etc

Yes, please find me at www.allienava.com

or on Substack at https://alliestories8.Substack.com

or on Instagram at www.instagram.com/alliestories8

or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/alliestories8 

BOOK TOUR DATES

Great to chat to you Allie! Thank you for my preview copy of “July And Everything After” .

Linda x

All photographs have been published with the kind permission of Allie Nava.

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Author Interview: Laurence Read

If you enjoy reading historical novels, then “Danube Legion” by Laurence Read might just hit the spot. This historically accurate Roman army war novel is set in 2nd century Hungary/Danube region. Although it is a “war” novel, the novel mostly concentrates on the legion “behind the scenes”. Here’s a quick summary before I chat to author, Laurence Read.

BOOK SUMMARY

The Roman war machine is on the move

But behind the Centurions and Legionaries, a vast support network grinds into motion, mobilising a new legion towards a hostile river border, its human cogs turning across Roman society: from downtrodden bath slaves, to legionary blacksmiths trying to get through the day, from unscrupulous traders who supply food and materials to corrupt politicians with their own cynical motives.

Danube legion is the darkly amusing story of what happens behind the scenes – the chaotic, the venal, the incompetent and the corrupt. In amongst it all, and driving most of it, is Lady Lassalia, a ruthless merchant out to ensure her place in Roman society.

THE INTERVIEW

Hi Laurence 👋 Thanks for joining us! Tell us a bit about yourself 😊

Hi, I’m Laurence. Well, having graduated from Hull University Drama Department my career took some odd turns and, via TV journalism and PR, I ended up in the natural resources sector. Over 25 years or so I travelled the world meeting exciting people and smoked a lot of Marlboro Lights sitting on plastic chairs waiting for the rain/sun/riot to go away. I now live in Hampshire, vaping and waiting, with little hope, for the rain to stop. My family is also Anglo Hungarian so we spend a lot of time in Hungary, where the book is laregely set in.

Who or what inspired you to write “Danube Legion”? 

I’ve always been fascinated by the classical period (a wide timeline admittedly). When you look at Trojan’s column a question comes to mind of ‘how did they get all that stuff there?’, having watched ‘stuff’ and people being moved about into areas far far away of which we know little I thought it might make a good book. At times I also wondered if writing a book about the Roman army that isn’t interested in battles was a fundamentally stupid idea, but I think there’s enough mayhem within Danube Legion to keep more bloodthirsty readers interested.

“Danube Legion ” is a Roman army war novel set in Hungary – with a twist.  This novel although historically accurate, isn’t really about the battles – it’s more what’s behind the scenes in setting up a legion in the Roman Army.  There’s a lot of humour in the writing  and I adored the characters – especially Lady Lassalia ! 😊 Did you base a lot of your characters on you and people you’ve met in life? Which character did you enjoy writing about the most?  Which character was the hardest?

Why thank you. Well..possibly characteristics of some who I’ve known made it in there, Lady Lassalia was very easy to write as was the Imperial Nephew. I did struggle with Scaurianus but after I delved into his back story a little, his time torturing circus hooligans who smashed statues up post match, it all seemed to come together a bit more. On the historical accuracy bit I did make up the ‘River Goats’, but that did come from a fascination with Roman hydraulics- what the hell was the Water Organ, anyway? I’ve also had an entertaining exchange on water born artillery pieces but I’m sticking to my ‘Skorpions’ on that one.

Hypothetically speaking, if Danube Legion was made into a film who would you pick to play the main characters, especially the feisty Lady Lassalia?

Easy for Lady Lassalia- Shoreh Aghdashloo. For the others..David Gyasi as Galba the armourer, Hugh Skinner as the Nephew, Rufus Sewell as ‘the Scipio’ scion, Damian Lews as the Emperor Trajan, Stephen Graham as ‘2’, the nearest to Peter O Toole (Michael Fassbender? although that would mean this is essentially Band of Brothers- Rome with the casting) currently possible for the Skipper and Sam Troughton as the Governor of Pannonia Inferior.

This novel is set in Hungary, where you spend a lot of your time when not in the UK. However,  if you could visit any country/place in the world, to base your next novel in, where would you go and why? 

I’m messing about with a fantasy novel set in 1850’s Germany. Central Europe fascinates me and ideas about Thirties Years war also abound.

Are you a bookworm? What is your favourite genre and/or authors? Kindle or actual book? 

Once I was, now less so but still read, mostly on the kindle. I really enjoyed the Blue Flower by Penelope Fitzgerald while on holiday in the Rhine Gorge this year. One of many books my partner recommended to me and I usually willfully ignore (so she claims).

 Is “Danube Legion” available to purchase worldwide?

I believe it is, certainy on Amazon.

Growing up had you always wanted to be an author or did you have other career aspirations?

I always loved writing, it just took me a very long time to get to a novel.

As I have already mentioned, you spend a lot of time in Hungary. It is a place I haven’t visited, so what are the top 3 things that you love about Hungary?

Hmmm… Its certainly not a ‘have a nice day’ culture which I really enjoy. Hungary is one of the most beautiful places on earth whether sipping coffee in Budapest or out hiking in the countryside (plus when you get to know it your family can all scream at the television ‘Thats Hungary’ whether it be a period piece, fantasy or Marvel epic). A lot of culture- go see the Budapest Opera, even if you dont like the singing; decor and enormous salted pretzls make it all very worth while.

Personal now – what outfits and shoes would you normally be found wearing?

This is my Ron Swanson moment- I own two pairs of shoes: one is an ancient black pair of RM Williams boots, one is an old pair of brown RM Williams boots. Depending on location I shall be in one or t’other. Carhart trousers, shirt and (as its winter),a fisherman’s jumper my partner believes I sew myself into during October like some sort of medieval peasant. I also have a continually rewaxed, much mented jacket that looks and smells as if a fox has lived a full and active life within it before expiring. 

Do you have any favourite shops or online sites ?

Rooster Sailing

What’s next on your clothes/shoe wish list?

Er…Im resisting family presssure to buy a new coat.

Boots or Shoes?

I have long narrow feet, at the risk of sounding like a cheerleader for Andrew Forrest: RM Williams boots are the only footwear that has ever made sense. Just to be clear I have no commercial relationship with any Australian shoemakers but am very very open to the idea if this gets picked up on their Meltwater (you have to try).

Links you would like to share e.g. website/facebook etc

Laurenceread@danubelegion on ‘X’, sometimes posted but was told I was a bot a few months ago so have been less engaged.

Fabulous chatting to you, Laurence! Thank you for the review copy of Danube Legion – I was pleasantly impressed by your novel, and I adored Lady Lassalia! 😊

Linda x

All photographs have been published with the kind permission of Laurence Read. photo credits go to Damien Lewis.
Thanks also to Ben Cameron of Cameron Publicity & Marketing

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Fashion, Menswear, Reviews, Vintage

Review: White Horse Vintage

This week I’m reviewing some vintage clothing ….well, my son Jack was the lucky recipient … supplied by White Horse Vintage, a new small business based in rural Cumbria. Cumbria isn’t exactly awash with clothing outlets – vintage or otherwise – so business partners Scott and Aaron decided to ignite their passion for 80s and 90s fashion and set up White Horse Vintage. Scott told me that he wanted to encourage more people to dress in a more environmentally friendly way by using pre loved garments as opposed to new. And who am I to argue?

Who are White Horse Vintage?

https://www.whitehorsevintage.co.uk

White Horse Vintage sell a range of vintage clothing – specialising in workwear, leather & denim jackets and jeans – brands like Levi’s, Wrangler & my particular favourite jeans brand, Diesel. Other items such as bags, denim skirts, windcheaters, t shirts are also available – catering to an unisex market, although erring towards menswear. This makes a delightful change actually – there are not a lot of outlets/websites that cater for the teenage/young male market. The website itself is very clean, easy to follow and the ordering process is simple. All items are described in detail, so you know exactly what you’re getting. There is free shipping on orders over £40 too.

White Horse Vintage is like a denim paradise – the jeans are certainly covetable and still look good. They have been lovingly worn and cared for. In fact, White Horse Vintage makes sure that all jeans that reach them are in good wearable order; and any they receive that are not in a sellable condition get sent to a local seamstress to turn them into trendy upcycled accessories such as bucket hats, bags etc . I was very impressed by that initiative and the tote bags do look pretty smart – so if you’re a lover of bags, check them out!

THE ITEMS

My son Jack agreed to review (and model) some items from White Horse Vintage. Being a second year university student , he was more than interested in finding clothes that he feels comfortable in, that are practical (zipped pockets!) , that are durable, environmentally friendly, and financially viable. He certainly was impressed with White Horse Vintage. So what did he receive?

He got a fabulous black leather biker jacket. Jack initially felt that the jacket was a lot heavier than his faux leather jacket he was used to wearing. Now it is a favourite! He loves the versatile zipped pockets, I love the style and my motorbike mad husband wished it was a size bigger for him to wear instead! Vintage pieces are definitely made to last and this gem of a jacket is a grand example.

He received some bleached blue denim Diesel jeans which were in a straight legged style – Jack prefers the baggier look in the leg rather than the recent skinny jean fashions and he was more than pleased with these. They reminded me of a similar Diesel pair I owned in the 80s, and they were my favourites at the time. Jack said the jeans are really comfortable to wear. Another gem.

He also got a grey Nike t shirt which set off his ensemble to a T. Although the tee is a basic style, it is still well made and looked brand new. In fact, all items supplied were in excellent condition. All the items were packaged with care and attention in a box, with a chocolate sweet inside (thanks Scott 😊) and shipping was quick after ordering.

For Pinning Later

CONCLUSION

What a refreshing change to see a company providing a range of practical, wearable clothing for young men at reasonable prices. Yes, White Horse Vintage does cater for all; but the range of vintage menswear provided is second to none and definitely welcomed. I am especially impressed with the range of jeans on offer. I’m keeping an eye out for Diesel jeans in my size ….My score 10/10

My thanks to White Horse Vintage for the clothing; Jack Hobden for modelling the said clothes; Ivan Drazhev for the photographs of Jack – his work can be found on Instagram : @drazhevphotography; clothing photos by Linda Hobden .

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Books, Interview, Reviews

A Hush At Midnight Book Tour

I’m so pleased to be part of Marlene M Bell’s “A Hush At Midnight” book tour. Based in Texas, author Marlene M Bell raises sheep when she’s not writing – and I couldn’t wait to chat to Marlene about her fabulous novel, and her love of sheep. But first, here’s a quick summary of “A Hush At Midnight” …

BOOK SUMMARY

Celebrity chef Laura Harris dwells on the horror of finding her mentor’s body in the groundskeeper’s disheveled bed—pillow and bedding half covering her open eyes—purple bruising around her mouth. A grisly snapshot in time revealing the Texas woman’s last moments during her attack. The elderly matriarch from the small town of Stenburg has left the physical world, and Laura is shattered.

She is catapulted headlong into the pursuit of a casual executioner, one bold enough to comeand go from the crime scene with ease, dropping bizarre crumb trails designed to mock thedeceased. But Laura herself doesn’t go unnoticed. As she digs deeper, she is followed and bombarded by warnings to leave the state.

When the victim’s attorney informs Laura that she’s to inherit the entire Stenburg fortune, the last act of kindness has made Laura the main person of interest in the investigation.

Message by message, Laura is methodically taunted by someone so deranged and driven they’ll do whatever it takes to dislodge Laura from Texas – permanently.

Publisher: Ewephoric Publishing (October 1, 2024)

Print length:  350 pages

MY INTERVIEW

Hi Marlene and welcome to the blog 👋

Hello 😊 My name is Marlene Bell but I use a middle initial to differentiate myself from the artist Marlene Bell who lives in the Northeast. I write as MARLENE M. BELL. I’m also an artist, photographer, and raise sheep when I’m not writing novels and marketing sheep-related gifts from my catalog and website. The sheep aspect of life began when I married my husband in 1982. We live in rural East Texas and escaped the San Joaquin Valley of California in 2012.

Who or what inspired you to write A Hush at Midnight?

My series installments were moving right along at a steady pace but I’d noticed the reviews pointed out an issue I’d developed in my writing. Because I knew my main character as well as I knew myself, I’d allowed her and others to falter. Backstory had taken a front seat more than it should have. A Hush at Midnight is the first standalone mystery I’ve written. The characters are different and the location moved to Texas to give myself a fresh feel for a new adventure. I felt this book was necessary to bring me back to the basics of characterization more as a refresher of the little things that made a main character stand out as a force to readers.

I really enjoyed reading your book, A Hush at Midnight and I particularly enjoyed the characters of Laura, her dad Zane (and his lady friend!) & Brent. What character did you particularly enjoy writing about? What character was the hardest to portray?

Writing quirky characters has to be my favorite thing to do when crafting an interesting story. Not so quirky that the reader feels the person is too far-fetched, but more believable. We’ve all met characters that stopped us in our tracks long enough to ask ourselves if they were for real. I have a few of these in A Hush at Midnight.

I think Jordan the groundskeeper was the most difficult because of his age. I tend to write like I speak in daily life. Writing a twenty-something young man (when I’m female) is the most challenging. Choosing the correct slang or lingo for a generation a few decades behind me will always be the most challenging for my work. My developmental editor calls me on this in every manuscript. “She sounds too old for her age…” or “You’ve added a few years to her by using that term.” Things like this keep me focused on terminology as much as the actual story. At age fifteen, I was going on thirty, so It’s not a surprise for me to write characters who sound older than their years.

I enjoyed the combination of thriller mixed in with a bit of romance; and the “relationship” between Laura & Hattie.  So, hypothetically speaking, if A Hush at Midnight was made into a film, who would you envisage to play the main characters?

I’d love to see wholesome actors and actresses for this book because I’m not a fan of what I see coming out of old Hollywood. Hallmark and the Hallmark Channel has the right idea when choosing their personalities to represent them. As an example, I could see Nikki DeLoach as Laura Harris and Kristopher Polaha as the attorney who represents the victim, Hattie. I love, love Kris Polaha’s smooth acting style and how well he settles in with just about any female actress he works with. My favorite Hallmark movies include him as the lead male. Nikki is also one from their culinary cozies that would fit my book-to-movie nicely.

The novel is based in Texas and briefly features England too. What made you pick that location for the novel?  

Having moved to Texas after being raised in California, I was surprised how beautiful East Texas is and how living in the area makes me feel good no matter how crazy the world gets on the outside. I had to write about this woodsy place and give my readers a sense of what it’s like to be here. It was a matter of time before a book of mine landed in Texas. The English aspect is also one of my favorite places since I’m a collector of sheep porcelain and love Staffordshire. The UK is known for Staffordshire and loads of sheep grazing the hillsides of England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. James Herriot, the veterinarian from books and television, has his share of sheep in his practice. It’s a habit of mine to put a little bit of me in my stories. Sheep seem to find their way into most everything!

Growing up, did you envisage yourself as a writer or did you have other career aspirations?

Writing never entered my mind, but I was always a creative or sorts. I have the natural ability to draw and paint, so becoming an artist was my goal as a younger person. Either painting beautiful pictures or taking them with a camera. It wasn’t until our 4H club asked me to write a how-to book on raising sheep, that I went the way of an author.

Is A Hush at Midnight available to purchase worldwide?

Yes. All of my novels are available through Amazon including some on Ingram Spark and Barnes and Noble. Occasionally, the ebook can be found on other online outlets. My children’s book in hardbound is available only through me. Amazon does carry the eBook and paperback version of Mia and Nattie, however.

If you could visit any place in the world to inspire your next novel, where would you go and why? 

I’m currently researching an area to send one of my main characters to in the next Annalisse series book. Having a sea port is the only criteria. If your readers have suggestions, I’d love to hear them! The destination must be someplace exotic with an interesting culture. Part of the fun of writing is the research. Perhaps I’ll take out a world map, close my eyes and let my fingers find the next destination!

Are you a bookworm yourself? If so, what genres (or authors) do you usually like to read? And are you a kindle or “proper book” fan?

I am now, but wasn’t always a reader. It wasn’t until my attempt at writing suffered, that I understood the importance of reading other authors. A lot. The more I read, the easier the words flow. I used to be a staunch romance person, but switched to mystery and crime fiction once I found my comfort zone there in my own writing. I have a Kindle but never used it. I prefer the old-fashioned feel of a paperback in my hands.

Personal now – what outfits and shoes would you normally be found wearing?

That’s easy. On a ranch we wear jeans, boots, and a comfortable shirt. The less cumbersome the better. We can be hot and humid here in Texas.

Do you have any favourite shops or online sites?

I’m a bit of an online nut when it comes to ordering merchandise. Just like our sheep; I never met an online company I didn’t like. This began when mail order catalogs were all the rage in the 1970s and 80s. It’s the reason why I also have my own mail order catalog and offer sheep-related gifts on ewephoric.com. Placing orders in catalogs and waiting for the merchandise to arrive was my favorite pastime in my twenties while I worked in an office for someone else. I still order…but instead use credit and no longer send bank checks. From clothing shopping to food items, and of course books, there is nothing that escapes my curiosity online. My book giveaways usually include unique items I’ve found that relate to each new novel. Our sheep products are also purchased from vendors online.

What’s next on your clothes/shoe wish list?

While indoors, I move around in flats and comfortable shoes. I do like the ankle high boots also, though. Winter is coming so it’s more boots for me! With three closets and a cedar chest full of clothing, this might be the first time I won’t be ordering anything more for drawers full of jeans.

Boots or Shoes?

Ranch duties on a sheep facility require boots, especially for the occasional snake that happens to cross in front of me! On our pond or dry land. Exposure of skin at the ankles can be hazardous to your health in the woods or a pile of leaves in the fall.

Links you would like to share:

SOCIAL MEDIA and websites

Facebook Author Page:  fb.me/marlenembell  

(Personal Page) https://www.facebook.com/marlene.bell.3194

X (Formerly Twitter)  https://www.x.com/ewephoric     @ewephoric

BookBub:   https://www.bookbub.com/profile/marlene-m-bell

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17642396.Marlene_M_Bell

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marlenemysteries/

Ewephoric sheep and gifts website: https://www.ewephoric.com

BOOK TOUR DATES

Great to catch up with “ewe”, Marlene ,on your book tour! Thank you for the review copy of A Hush At Midnight. All photographs have been published with the kind permission of Marlene Bell.
Photography credits: Dalton Photography ; blog header pic – Linda Hobden

Linda x

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Books, Interview, Reviews

My Year Of Casual Acquaintances Book Tour

I’m so pleased to be part of the book tour for author Ruth F Stevens’ latest book, My Year Of Casual Acquaintances. And, my oh my, what a fun read it was – it was a delicious mix of laugh out loud moments, sad moments and great “people watching” type moments. Just the type of book to read when it’s cold outside but also great to pack for your holidays too. Before I introduce Ruth onto the blog, here’s a quick book summary to whet your appetite…

BOOK SUMMARY

When Mar Meyer’s husband divorces her for another woman, she reacts by abandoning everything in her past: her home, her friends, even her name. Though it’s not easy to start over, Mar is young-looking, fit, and ready for new adventures – as long as she can keep things casual.

With each passing month, Mar goes from one acquaintance to the next. Among them: a fellow gym member down on her luck, a flirty hip-hop instructor, a bossy but comical consultant, a kindly older gentleman . . . and Charlie, a handsome best-selling novelist who wants more from Mar than she’s able to give. She learns something new from each encounter. But can she change enough to open herself up to happiness and true connection? Surrounded by an ensemble of quirky, endearing characters, Mar follows a tortuous and unpredictable path as she navigates the first year of her reinvented life. My Year of Casual Acquaintances is packed with laugh-out-loud moments mingled with scenes of loneliness and self-doubt that will put a lump in your throat.

MY INTERVIEW

Hello Ruth and welcome to the blog. Please tell us a bit about yourself 😊

Hello, 😊 I like to create stories that will make readers laugh and cry. A former public relations executive in New York and Los Angeles, I’m a produced playwright and author of a previous novel, Stage Seven, which was a featured selection of national online book club and Alzheimer’s awareness organizations. I volunteer as acquisitions editor in charge of fiction for AlzAuthors, a nonprofit online organization that offers books, podcasts, and other resources to dementia patients and caregivers. I’m also a proud member of the Women’s Fiction Writers Association and the Dramatists Guild of America and proud grandmother to two wonderful boys. My husband and I live in the coastal South Bay area of Los Angeles, where my two upcoming novels are set.

Who or what inspired you to write “My Year Of Casual Acquaintances”? 

I’ve worked from a home office for many years, starting way before it became common practice. Every day I’d go to a nearby health club, mostly to fitness classes. Before long, I realized I was doing it as much for the social interaction as I was for the exercise. I became fascinated by the way people interact at the gym and the relationships that are formed. I thought this would be a terrific premise for a work of fiction.

“My Year Of Casual Acquaintances ” is a “funny -sad” of a 50 year old divorcee (Mar Meyer), embracing growth post divorce and her casual acquaintances she meets each month.  I absolutely loved Mar – and her determination to get a life for herself away from her ex husband and new partner.   I laughed until I cried at some of Mar’s antics and yet, there were sad moments too, with the occasional comeuppance moments thrown in too.  The characters are very believable  – did you base a lot of your characters on you and people you’ve met in life? Which character did you enjoy writing about the most?  Which character was the hardest?

Well, Mar definitely inherited my snark and my love of hip-hop classes and wine. But her life is not my life. In general, the characters come from my imagination, but some of the dialog and certain events in the story are based on real-life. For example, in the Prologue, Mar crashes her Prius, and the description of that collision is based closely on an accident I had several years ago.

Which characters were the most fun to write? Mar, for sure; and I also enjoyed writing about Charlie, the main romantic interest. Confession: I always fall in love with my leading men. (Don’t tell my husband, please.)  I also enjoy writing sarcastic characters like Judith, the potty-mouthed organizational consultant. Writing about Mrs. Ostrowski, the elderly neighbor with memory issues, was a bit painful because it brought back memories of my mother, who also had Alzheimer’s.

Hypothetically speaking, if “My Year Of Casual Acquaintances” was made into a film who would you cast as the main characters, especially Mar, Charlie, Henry & his new partner? oh, and the other acquaintances too?

Mar (narrator): Sutton Foster would be perfect.

Henry (ex-husband): Thibault de Montalembert, a French actor who was in a very funny television series titled Call My Agent. When I saw him for the first time, I pointed at the TV and said, “He’s Henry!” That’s never happened to me before.

Alice (Henry’s new partner): Maybe Kathy Bates when she was around 50.

Charlie (love interest): Still undecided on that one. I can picture his long, lithe physique, but the face is still blurry. If you have a casting suggestion, I’d love to hear it!

For Pinning Later

If you could visit any country/place in the world, to base your next novel in, where would you go and why? 

Every time I read a book set in Italy, I’m enchanted by the setting, the food, the characters.  So that would be my top pick. Full disclosure: I’ve only traveled to Italy once, and I need a good excuse to go back and spend more time there. A lot more time. 

 Are you a bookworm? What is your favourite genre and/or authors? Kindle or actual book? 

I lead a book club and am a member of three others, so I guess that qualifies me as a bookworm. I used to confine my reading to literary and women’s fiction. But after signing with my current publisher, Black Rose Writing, I discovered that the authors frequently read one another’s books and exchange reviews. This activity has opened me up to many genres I used to ignore: YA, memoirs, mysteries, crime fiction . . . you name it. I’m enjoying them all.  

There’s still nothing quite like holding a “real” book in my hands. But I travel so much, I’ve come to enjoy the convenience of e-books. A couple of years ago, I also started listening to audiobooks while walking, driving, or fixing dinner. I try to have an audiobook and a regular book going at all times. It’s probably doubled my reading output.

Is “My Year Of Casual Acquaintances ” available to purchase worldwide?

Yes! It’s available from all major online retailers, including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Bookshop.org. 

Growing up had you always wanted to be an author or did you have other career aspirations?

I always wanted to be a writer of some sort. From the time I was a little girl, I would sit at the typewriter and write poems, stories, even newsletters. I guess it was good training for my PR and advertising career. 

When you are not writing, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?

I enjoy travel, hiking, hip-hop and fitness classes, yoga, Broadway musicals, wine tasting, book clubs, and visiting my grandsons in NYC

An Italian cup of coffee © Linda Hobden

Personal now – what outfits and shoes would you normally be found wearing?

Since I work from home and exercise daily, I’m pretty casual—fitness attire or shorts and t-shirts, long pants and hoodies in cooler weather. For footwear: sneakers or sandals. For hip hop classes, I wear jazz shoes, even though they are no longer considered fashionable.

Do you have any favourite shops or online sites?

Lately,  I’ve been shopping at the Soft Surroundings website—I find their clothes to be comfortable but stylish. Lululemon and Athleta for fitness, REI for hiking, Uniqlo for value sweaters and packable down.

What’s next on your clothes/shoe wish list?

Smart-looking jackets! 

Boots or Shoes?

Definitely shoes—for two reasons: (1) In Los Angeles, boots are not really necessary from a weather standpoint; and (2) I inherited my father’s bulging calf muscles, and it’s always been difficult for me to find boots that fit well.

Links you would like to share e.g. website/facebook etc

Website: https://ruthfstevens.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ruthfstevensauthor/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rfsauthor

Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/ruth-f-stevens

BOOK TOUR DATES

Lovely to chat with you Ruth! I’m still thinking who could play Charlie …..

My thanks to Ruth for the preview copy of “My Year Of Casual Acquaintances “. All photographs have been published with the kind permission of Ruth F Stevens; (other photos are by Linda Hobden where marked).

Linda x

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Books, Interview, Life Issues/ Motivational Posts, Reviews

Author Interview: David Griffiths

Every now and then you come across a novel intended for the YA market but actually the storyline is so riveting and the writing is so eloquent that it appeals to older adults too. “How To Hear Ghosts” by David Griffiths is one such book. I was hooked from page one! The storyline delves into such topics such as whether there is an afterlife, the reality of mental illness and the lure of psychic shows. The characters are totally believable, and the subtle twists and turns in the storyline certainly kept me entertained. How could I not interview the author, David Griffiths?! 😀 Before I introduce David to the blog, here’s a quick summary of his fabulous book:

BOOK SUMMARY

In the wake of his mother’s death, 16-year-old Ollie is thrust into the world of his uncle, Dominic Quinn, a renowned stage medium. Communing with the dead runs in Ollie’s family – or so he believes. But as he starts to hear voices in his head, he must confront the possibility that they are no more than a spiral into hereditary madness.

Haunted by the mysterious letter that plagued his mum’s final days, Ollie embarks on a quest for answers. With the help of one of his uncle’s mysterious books and the support of his classmate, Hannah, Ollie delves into the secrets surrounding his mother’s past.

But as he navigates the blurred line between reality and the paranormal, he must face a daunting question: will it make him famous like his uncle, or dead like his mother? In this gripping young adult novel, Ollie discovers that sometimes, the most terrifying ghosts are the ones we carry inside.

THE INTERVIEW

Hello. I’m David. I’m an ex-English teacher based in Liverpool who’s had a life-long obsession with all things Gothic – that’s something often frowned upon by other English teachers. I recently started teaching at Manchester Met University where things are more liberal, and since then I’ve gone from writing about ghosts to actually becoming one – I’m currently working as a professional ghostwriter, which is a fascinating experience … except I’m not allowed to tell anyone what I’m writing about! 

Who or what inspired you to write “How To Hear Ghosts”? 

My inspiration for writing about the uncanny dates back to childhood. My parents, bless them, had the idea that we’d save money if we booked a holiday abroad out of season. This turned out to be true. Unfortunately, when we arrived at the hotel the place was completely and utterly deserted. (N.B. Never underestimate the importance of other human beings when it comes to enjoying your overseas holidays.) I was bored and increasingly spooked by the enormity and silence of the empty hotel. I turned to literature for solace. Unfortunately, the only book I’d brought with me was Stephen King’s “The Shining”. Let’s say it intensified the experience. I still find myself glancing over my shoulder whenever I’m walking a hotel corridor and happen to pass by room 217.

How To Hear Ghosts ” is a YA story that delves into the reality of mental illness, theory of afterlife and the role of mediums.  The characters are a fabulous mix  – from the main character Ollie, his Uncle Dominic – a phoney medium, Ollie’s school friend Hannah , to Marsha – Dominic’s hard nosed agent. Did you base a lot of your characters on you and people you’ve met in life? Which character did you enjoy writing about the most?  Which character was the hardest?

It’s hard to write a novel in first person and not include some element of your personality in your main character. At first, Ollie was a wittier, more entertaining (and more troubled) version of my teenage self. But it’s important to give your protagonists their own distinct identity, which emerged eventually, as all strong characters do. As for basing characters  on real people, Dominic Quinn is certainly a product of the strange climate we’ve all lived through during the last six or seven years, which have seen a bewildering rise in the number of populist politicians and chancers who have emerged to charm and seduce voters with comforting notions that a “black and white”, simple solution can solve their complex problems. Dominic is a similar type of snake-oil salesman.

It’s a huge cliche to say that the characters in a novel “talk” to the author and start writing the story themselves. It sounds phoney and pretentious but it’s true. Marsha virtually barged into the room and took charge of my pen, telling me I’d better buck up and organise things more efficiently. She’s awful and ultimately sinister, perhaps, but I absolutely adored her. She made things so easy because she’s so assertive.

With “How to Hear Ghosts” I tried to subvert the Young Adult Gothic tradition which, since Twilight, focusses on female protagonists. I wanted a young male hero but I wanted the book to appeal to male and female readers. I also wanted to avoid the usual cliches of helpless female and strong, silent, brooding male (who’s usually a vampire). I probably over-thought it initially. But that ended when Hannah came into the story. She’s stronger than Ollie and certainly no one’s idea of a side-kick or plot device. When she appeared it was natural and right.

What do you enjoy most about writing novels for young adults? 

Writing for young adults is something I’m drawn to because those teenage years are so dramatic. Everything you experience is so intense: if you fall in love, it’s HUGE. If you feel hurt or angry at someone, it’s an even bigger deal than when it happens later in life. All our feelings and experiences are so amplified, whether it’s by hormones or the newness of the situation. It’s not always pleasant, of course, and I’m particularly keen to avoid romanticising it. It’s the period where you find yourself wising up to life, hopefully.

If you could visit any country/place in the world, to base a future novel in, where would you go and why? 

It may seem boring or obvious, and I’ve already visited the United States. But I’m wondering whether the USA I visited and loved eight years ago will be the same USA I’d be visiting a year from now. The Ancient Chinese had a curious saying: “May you live in interesting times.” It was intended as a curse of sorts. America is going to be an awfully interesting place soon, (and always is, however often you’re used to seeing it on TV,) and who knows how current events might influence any story you might choose to set there?

Are you a bookworm? What is your favourite genre and/or authors? Kindle or actual book? 

I’m proud to be a bookworm. Most of the great ideas I’ve encountered in life have come from being a bookworm, whether it’s fact or fiction – which is honestly a bit of a false distinction. My all-time literary idol is Emily Bronte. (Still find it spooky how she shares her birthday with Kate Bush, by the way.) I also have to buy everything David Nicholls writes the day it comes out. Can’t recommend him highly enough. I used to regard Kindle as Satan’s plaything but started reading them recently. It’s OK. Just gimme an actual book please.

 Is “How To Hear Ghosts” available to purchase worldwide?

Yes! Proud to announce it’s available everywhere.

Photo by Linda Hobden

Growing up had you always wanted to be an author or did you have other career aspirations?

As a teenager, my literary ambitions were placed on hold for a few years while I mastered the guitar and played in local rock and indie bands. With the passing of time, it can be seen that Kurt Cobain’s status and reputation were never seriously threatened.

I must admit I have never been to see a medium or attend a show but I do appreciate that many people do feel comforted by getting a chance to have some sort of contact with their loved ones; and I am respectful of the role such mediums do play in certain circumstances. When researching for your book, did you discover anything unexpected? 

My research included visiting mediums for private readings and seances, as well as watching them perform on stage. I’m loathe to call myself a “believer” because there are so many obvious charlatans out there. I wouldn’t want to recommend them to anyone. But the second person I went to see was really quite unsettling. I still have a sound recording of the encounter I had with him, and it’s extraordinary to listen to it now and hear how accurate he was. In fact, it’s even more bizarre listening to it now because you can hear him basically predict things that did come to happen subsequently, which no one at the time could have foreseen, and which I didn’t take a great deal of notice of until later. I’d prefer not to go too deeply into it: suffice to say, I’d forgotten about some of the details on the recording and didn’t listen to it again until two years afterwards. But I think it ended up influencing the book’s rather ambiguous approach towards the paranormal.  

Personal now – what outfits and shoes would you normally be found wearing?

It’s hard finding anything that will make you look cool once you’ve lost your hair (though some have managed it). Personally, I’m resigned to being unadventurous – shirt, black trousers, black shoes etc, unless I’m at home, them I’m all trainers and (urk) jeans.

Do you have any favourite shops or online sites ?

For clothes, it’s Next and M&S (- no real innovations to report).

What’s next on your clothes/shoe wish list?

We’re off for a week in the sun in two days, so a mad scramble for a decent pair of flip-flops is very much in order.

Boots or Shoes?

A new pair of shoes always instills confidence. Not sure why. I’m sure Freud would have something to say about that. The only time boots give me confidence is if I’m hiking in the Lakes.

Links you would like to share e.g. website/facebook etc

Great to chat to you David! Thank you so much for a review copy of “How To Hear Ghosts” – I really rate it!

Linda x

All photographs have been published with the kind permission of David Griffiths .

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Books, Childrenswear/Child & Family Related Posts, Interview, Reviews

Author Interview: Maria De Fatima Santos

In the UK schools are out for Summer and if you are looking for a new children’s book for their summer reading programme then look no further than “Serendipity” by Maria De Fatima Santos. Published on Monday 22nd July 2024, this beautifully illustrated fantasy tale is inspired by nature, Celtic mythology and picturesque Scottish locations.

BOOK SUMMARY

When the Guardian Angel of Nature’s Secrets appears disguised as an elderly musician, a magical adventure unfolds for a little girl called Gaia. Every long journey begins with one small step …
This exciting novel for children takes the form of a tale told by a grandmother to her granddaughter. Set in the Traveller Community and against the backdrop of spectacular and mystical locations in Scotland, the book explores the age-old art of storytelling, Celtic mythology, the cultural value of traditional languages, the power of nature and the bond between generations.

THE INTERVIEW

Hi Maria and welcome to the blog!

Hello. I am Maria de Fátima, Portuguese and original born in Angola, a country in southern Africa.

Although Portuguese is my first language, and without devaluing this rich and ancient language, I also fell in love with the English language. When I moved to Scotland for the first time in July 2007, I had the possibility to study Academic English in Stevenson College in Edinburgh for which I am very grateful for the excellent teachers I had that contributed to a huge improvement in my spoken and written English. Just as a side note, I would like to take this opportunity to acknowledge the teachers, Ruth and George – if my memory still recalls their names right.

I felt adopted by the English language that offered me a wonderful medium to find and express my creative voice without social and internal censorships.

Once in Scotland, I naturally felt drawn to the Celtic culture and the natural landscape of the country.  I felt “adopted” by Scotland and by the English language… And like Nat King Cole’s song says: “When I fall in love, I will love forever.”

To tell you who I am, I would also like to share what I’ve done. I received training and developed experience in the UK as a carer providing care to different groups of people. It’s appropriate to acknowledge the human richness and valuable professional experience providing care to people with learning disabilities in London. And the second valuable professional experience was providing living in care which allowed me to travel to different locations in England and meet a diversity of realities and lives’ stories. I can transfer all these experiences of care work to my writing too.

Who or what inspired you to write “Serendipity”?

Scotland in the first place. Three real places in Scotland are the scenes of this story, namely: Helge’s Hole in Forres, the Hermitage Forest in Dunkeld and Glen Lyon in Perth. I visited and photographed these places and the illustrations in the book are inspired by the photos.

Love was also a source of inspiration. It is a story of a grandmother’s greater love for a granddaughter, a mother for a daughter and the boundless bounty of the natural realm for each one of us.

In “Serendipity” the grandmother, Julia, telling a story to her granddaughter was inspired by the memory of my own grandmother, – it’s a tribute to her as she was also named Julia.

I was also inspired by a book I read many years ago about the way of life of the Scottish Traveller Community. I still recall the title: “Red Rowans and Wild Honey” by Betsy Whyte. It’s an account of her life as a child born into a traveller family. In this book, I learned also about the Cant vocabulary, the language of the Scottish Travellers that it’s also integrated into the dialogues in my story. What fascinated me, was the strong tradition of oral storytelling, their connection with the natural world and their courage and freedom.

In addition, I was also inspired to write about a little girl of pure heart with a love for nature, like our little traveller girl in the story, that has the gift to save the land of the People of Peace, having in my mind the large picture of the increasing challenges that the natural world is facing everywhere, like for example, the loss of biodiversity and the more extreme patterns of climate change. In this perspective, I do hold a strong faith on the children of this generation to influence their parents to love the natural world and make changes, as they can, to safeguard life in all its forms.

“Serendipity” is a beautifully illustrated fantasy tale inspired by nature, Celtic mythology & 3 picturesque Scottish locations. “Serendipity” reminded me of the fantasy fairytale books I read as a child and read as a mother to my own children. I liked how Gaiaʼs adventures introduce children also to some traditional celtic language spoken by the Scottish Traveller Community. Which character, mythological or otherwise was your favourite to write about? Which was the hardest?

My favourite character to create was the heroine of this tale: the little traveller girl. To build her psychological profile, I was inspired by the universal characteristics of curiosity, wonder, ingenuous and the gifts that children have of believing and trusting that we associate to what is to be a child. 

Looking back to my writing process, I feel that the way I conceived the antagonist characters of this story that are the Giants of the Underworld was not hard for me, because I played with the power of the elements to create the needed obstacles to our heroine to overcome them with the help of the elderly musician that is the Guardian Angel of the Secrets of Nature.

In this story, the Giants of the Underworld turned against the People of Peace that are ruled by Queen Titania in the Land of the Young. They displaced the Truth, Beauty and Goodness, the children of the Sun God Lugh and the Cailleach, the Goddess of Creation. 

What do you enjoy most about writing stories for children?

Writing stories for children is a privilege and responsibility because allows us to re-create ourselves and the reality of others that read the story. In a children’s book, we have space to create a parallel world with invented personages that can teach us so many things about real life and even become our friends. A children’s story is a gateway that offers us the possibility to be teleported to another realm, escape, sometimes, from our own harsh reality – and coming back to it, inspired and encouraged by what we read.  I believe that we can find in real life all the characters we may have in a fairy tale. It comes to my mind a quote of Hans Christian Andersen that I absolutely love: “Life itself is the most wonderful fairy tale.”

So to sum up, I would say that to write stories for children also allows adults reunite and, sometimes, rescue their inner child. Like the music of Abba, “I have a dream” that goes like this: “To help me cope with anything. If you see the wonder of a fairy tale. You can take the future, even if you fail.”

As you were born in Angola & brought up in Portugal – although living now in Scotland – what are the things you love about Scotland? What are the things you miss from Angola and Portugal? 

Well, to reply to this question I am going to start by the beginning. I was born in Luanda, the capital city of Angola. I returned to Portugal when I was 6 months old with my mother, when a political and military upheaval of the Independence Movement took place in the ex-Portuguese colonies in Africa. For this reason, I do not have memories of my life in Angola. However, I did discover Angola when I was growing up in Portugal by reading books, seeing photographs of Angola, listening to life stories and meeting African people in Portugal.  I do admire the resilience of the African people and I can relate to the force of nature in Africa – I would love to see in loco the sunrise and sunset in the natural reserves in Angola. I recall a conversation I had in Portugal many years ago with a storyteller that was also born in Angola but he came from there as a teenager boy. I remember I asked him a similar question about how it was to leave Angola and to adapt to a life in a country like Portugal. He replied that what he most missed was there were no walls in Angola separating the back gardens of the houses and also his African friends.  Although I did not have that experience because I was a baby when I left Angola, I could understand what he meant about the absence of walls and the freedom of space that the landscape of Africa gives us. In Portugal there are many walls!

Scotland gave me the sacred space of nature to discover and dwell on it. I fell in love with the glens, the mountains and the lochs. This love brought back the wonder of my inner child and that sense of sacredness that my words may not be enough to describe. The nature of Scotland nourishes my well being and my imagination – and I am aware that there is a major call to bring back biodiversity and conservation to the forests, glens and the rivers in Scotland. 

Surprisingly enough, I have adapted very well to the rain. I’ve found it very interesting to have rain and sun in the same day with rainbows in the middle – maybe because I came from a country like Portugal where the lack of rain and dangerous very warm summers cause serious consequences to both forests and human beings.

The other interesting affinity I discovered is the fascination for the Celtic culture and the druids that were philosophers and theologians in the Celtic world. I absolutely love how they elevated places in nature as sanctuaries. I did some research about Celts. I learned that they also lived in Portugal and Spain, called Iberia in that time. In Portuguese history books, they are called the People of the Iron Age. The name, Celts, I found only in the books in the UK. Actually, it is still possible to identify traces of the Celtic Culture in North Portugal and in Galicia, a province in Spain that has a border with Portugal in the North. I learned that the Celts went from Iberia to parts of the British Isles and Ireland and not the other way around. I am fascinated by History.

Are you a bookworm? What is your favourite genre and/or authors? Kindle or actual book?

I am a long time lover of books and I do prefer to hold the physical book in my hands. I like to underline and sometimes to write quotes and ideas in the margins. I feel we can develop an affectional bond easier with an actual book. However, having said that, I don’t discard the Kindle, because in many situations, it’s also very good to read a book in a Kindle format. I am open to reading books that came to my way. When I visit charity shops in the UK looking for affordable books, I used to say that the books were the ones that chose me and not me to them. I am open to reading any book that motivates my interest and curiosity. I clearly like children’s books, the mid grade ones, and youth literature as well. There are so many authors that I admire, but in a nutshell I can mention two: C.S. Lewis and Kiran Millwood Hargrave.

There is a book that intrigued me and I absolutely loved the story and the original lifestory of the author: “The House Without Windows” by Barbara Newhall Follen. It’s a classic of nature writing written by a twelve-year-old child.

I also love poetry very much. Mary Oliver comes in first place, because it was her book “Wild Geese” that introduced me to her poetry focusing on the natural world. I also love very much David Whyte that I discovered with this poem  “True Love” and his book “The Bell and the Blackbird”.

I like historical fiction. In this field, we also have brilliant writers in the Portuguese language, for example José Saramago with the book “Convent Memorial” and João Aguiar, “The Voices of the Gods”, a historical novel about the Lusitanian War.

I like to read real life stories as well, for example “Miracles of the Heart” by Karen Henson Jones. And I like cooking books and garden photography too.

Is “Serendipity” available to purchase worldwide?

Yes, it is. Serendipity is available on the webpage of Palavro Publishing (an imprint of the Arkbound Foundation) on www.palavro.org, available through bookshops and internet booksellers and on Amazon on Kindle format and paperpback.

Growing up had you always wanted to be an author or did you have other career aspirations? 

In school I was a very good student in History and Literature. This natural interest to learn about History and the written word is still present within me. To be an author was not a professional goal for me while I was growing up in Portugal. Firstly I was drawn to writing about the history of facts, but along the way I realised that there are stories. The magic of telling a story wrapped by the imagination, that can take us further and touch the hearts and minds of people. I became an author because I had this story to be told.

As a child, what stories filled your imagination? When did you first encounter Celtic mythology? 

As a child I was very impressed with Hans Christian Andersen’s fairy tales. There is one in particularly that still speaks to me very profoundly – “The Little Mermaid” . I also read “The Famous Five Collection” by Enid Blyton.

Regarding Celtic mythology, the first book I read was offered by my mother when I was already an adult, maybe I was in my twenties, and she bought me a small book about “The Druids”. She was right with her intuition to offer me this book. Of course, in Scotland, I learned much more about the Celtic mythology.

Personal now – what outfits and shoes would you normally be found wearing?

I prefer to wear comfortable and flat shoes. I have the same principle for clothes. I like to wear clothes that are comfortable and made of natural materials and from sustainable sources, for example, linen for the summer.I like linen trousers, long skirts and tunics for the summer.


Do you have any favourite shops or online sites ?

When I moved to the UK, I discovered the wonders of second hand clothes in charity shops. It’s great and sustainable. Regarding a favourite online shop, I have one that I like very much: nomadsclothing.com. Their motto is “slow fashion that doesn’t cost the earth”. I absolutely love the colours, the design and the material of their clothes with the plus that it’s fairtrade made by women in India. And they do great sales online too.

What’s next on your clothes/shoe wish list? 

Next on my list is to get a pair of Saguaro’s trainers barefoot shoes for walking a pilgrimage.

Boots or Shoes?

Shoes, because they are much more comfy and light.

Links you would like to share e.g. website/facebook etc 

https://www.serendipityfantasynovel.co.uk

Oh Maria, I used to read the Famous Five Adventures by Enid Blyton as a child ! Pure escapism indeed. Thank you also for my preview copy of Serendipity.

Linda x

All photographs have been published with the kind permission of Maria de Fatima Santos, apart from the header tree picture which was taken by me in deepest, darkest Suffolk! 😊

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