A section from Through a Glass Darkly.

This is another small section from my book 'Through a Glass Darkly.' Due to be published later this year.

Stagman turned and made his way towards the trees. A loud rustling stopped him in his tracks. His sharp eyes searched the surrounding forest, but he saw nothing untoward. Nevertheless, he couldn’t shake a sense of unease. The hair rose along his back as he sniffed the air…in a second his nostrils detected the pungent smell of goblin.

For a moment fear overwhelmed him. With an angry snort he shook his head, displaying the power of his antlers…as much to awaken his own courage as to defy his enemy. Breaking into a trot he made for the nearest trees…as he reached them a goblin crept out and blocked his path.

Rising on gnarled legs, the goblin snarled and raked the air with jagged claws. Spittle dripped from its mouth as a long black tongue caressed sharp pointed teeth.

Stagman lowered his head; his eyes blazed. “Get out of my way—or die.” His massive sharp pointed antlers were enough to intimidate and frightened any attacker.

However, the goblin made no attempt to move. The creature stood its ground… face twisted in an evil leer.

Stagman’s eyes widened in panic, this was not normal. Goblins were not known for their bravery. Stagman threatened the goblin with angry snorts and foot stomping…still the creature stood its ground. Why won’t it move? Stagman’s eyes blazed with frustration.  I’ll make it! As he lowered his head to charge; the reason for the creatures bravery became terrifyingly apparent.

Witch like laughter heralded the approach of more goblins. They crawled out of the forest, too many to number. In their midst crazed ersatz jabbered manically…snapping and snarling as they surrounded him.

The first goblin sidled closer to him, its red eyes blazed with hatred. “You’re the one about to die,” it snarled. “There’ll be no escape this time.”

Stagman’s heart pounded. His nostrils flared…his breath came in short painful gasps. Terrified, he swung first one way, then the other, in a futile attempt to face his enemy; but he was outnumbered. This time they had the advantage…fighting would be futile. Flight was his only option, he could easily out run them.

However, if he tried to escape in the forest, he knew the trees would work against him. It would be too easy for his antlers to get caught in the branches—if that happened he was doomed. To outrun them he needed open ground. But as far as he could see, the forest formed an impenetrable barrier—he was trapped.

Author Name

https://www.smashwords.com/book/view/145431

Gosh, I hadn't realized it's best to use ones full name rather than abbreviate it. Having read this I shall now have to correct the name on my book covers. Oh well, we never stop learning!

The Secrets to Ebook Publishing Success

How to Reach More Readers with Your Words

Copyright 2012 Mark Coker

Published by Mark Coker at Smashwords

Author name

– Your author name is your brand, so choose carefully. For most

authors, it’s their real name, but for others it’s a pseudonym (pen name). A good

author name is simple to remember, and simple to spell. Your fans should be able

to go to Google, or go to an ebook retailer, and spell your name without error.

Avoid cutesy spelling, because this can make it difficult for readers to find you.

Don’t mix numerals in your name. For example,

N8 4cyth is a cutesy way to spell

“Nate Forsyth,”

but your readers will have difficulty remembering how to spell

it or search for it. Anything that makes discovery difficult for consumers makes

your book less visible. Avoid initials, too. If your pen name is A.C. Smith, for

example, and someone goes to a retailer and tries to search for AC Smith (no

periods or spaces between initials), or A C Smith (no period, but a space) or A. C.

Smith (periods with space), their search result may come up empty. It’s safe to

expect that all search engines make terrible mind readers and are therefore easy to

trip up.

A Must Read

A Great Book

http://www.amazon.com/RUNNING-FROM-BEIGE-Series-ebook/dp/B007FENJ2K/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1335220461&sr=1-1

Powerful

Running From Beige by Terri Marie

I wasn’t sure what to expect when I started to read this book.

However, before I begin I must say I love the title 'Running From Beige.'

I will never look at the colour beige in quite the same way again!

Terri Marie’s book is a work of fiction, but within its pages there is profound truth. I can honestly say there are not many books that bring me to tears…this book did, many times! It is so powerful. To me it felt as though the author was pouring herself into the pages of the book.

Terri Marie writes so well, you can’t help but get under the skin of the characters…feeling their pain, their anger and fear.

The story follows the lives of three women, as they bravely take that first terrifying step away from their abusers and join together in a beautiful bond of love, support and friendship.

This book makes you realize that as women we are all sisters. Perhaps that’s why, when I hear of cruelty inflicted on woman, I become so enraged!

There are parts of the book that are not particularly comfortable to read, because it is so truthful. Nevertheless, it is riveting and will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Running From Beige is a book all women should read. I highly recommend it and eagerly await the next book by this talented author

The Shadowed Valley. Review

A Review for my book The Shadowed Valley.

Sadie Forsythe's review

Apr 19, 12

Read from April 18 to 19, 2012

The Shadowed Valley is a Christian novel. It is definitely an allegory of God's continued dominion over Satan and a reaffirmation of the power of faith. It does this very well. While I wasn't initially aware of it's religious bent, I also wasn't particularly bothered by it. But it does mean that I am not the intended audience. I, for example, found the continued assertion that someone else will always save you if are just willing to place yourself wholly under their protection cloying; even if that someone is the personification of the Lord. This isn't a criticism of the novel itself, rather an artifact of its appeal to a particular audience. There are those who will find such reminders of heavenly accompaniment familiar and enjoy the book more for it. The story is straightforward and easily followed. Someone looking for an enjoyable novel situated within the Biblical arena would likely enjoy this book.

An interesting review.

I've had an interesting review for my book 'A Rat and A Ransom.' I'm beginning to get the idea that my chosen ending to the story, is not liked by all. lol
But it's my book, so my decision!
It's a good review though, I like it. It comes under the heading. 'Loved the rat, hated the ending.'


http://www.amazon.com/A-Rat-Ransom-Y-Lee/product-reviews/1468145983/ref=sr_1_1_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

Panic over!

Okay...breaths a sigh of relief! At least my blog page itself is untouched, I guess I can get used to the new format for posting. Still don't like it much though. But I suppose I'll have to get used to it!

HorrIble Changes!!

I don't like this it's horrid. Cold and impersonal. I do wish people would just leave things alone. If it aint broke, don't fix it. :(

Small section from A Puzzling Reflection.

I thought I would share a little more with you from 'A Puzzling Reflection.' The book I'm in the process of editing. Obviously with each editing process things get deleted or added, as the case maybe.
So this could all change or even disappear.
For some reason I find it quite helpful separating a section from the main manuscript. It helps me to see the errors.
I'm enjoying the editing process, as I love spending time with these particular characters, especially Stagman. :) Mind you whether I'll still feel the same a few months down the road, is a mute point. Especially as the time to publish gets closer. :)

                                                 A small section from the book

Stagman finished eating and tidied away the leftovers. Taking the empty bottles provided by Martha, he strode to the water’s edge.

     Irene followed him. She gazed up at the night sky. “This place is awesome; just look at all those stars. I could stay here forever,” she said wistfully.

Stagman looked at her sympathetically. “I’m sorry Irene; once we know where the box is and how to retrieve it, we must move on.” He took her hand and gently squeezed it.

Irene sighed. For a while, she didn’t want to think about the stolen box or their mission. She just wanted to enjoy the beauty and peace of Mercy Falls. “I know you’re right,” she said. Tears pricked at the back of her eyes.

Stagman could hear the sadness in her voice. He put his arm round her shoulders and drew her close. For a while they stood together gazing at the lake. The still waters darkened by the night sky, mirrored the flames of their camp fire.

As they stood there a huge shadow skimmed overhead.

“It looks like Zenith has returned,” said Stagman. He took Irene’s hand and led her back to the fire.

Ezekiel and Psalm greeted them with excitement.

“Zenith has news,” said Ezekiel.

 Zenith stood tall. “Indeed I have…news which is good and bad.”

Stagman studied Zenith’s face; noting the concerned expression and subtle darkness in the eagles golden eyes.

Zenith frowned and lowered his head. He knows I don’t need to tell him.

Stagman shuddered imperceptibly. A chill went through his body as the hairs on the back of his neck rose. With clenched fists and every muscle taught, he faced Zenith. “Tell me,” he demanded. “Tell me everything—everything!”

A Good Review.

Most Helpful First | Newest First

5.0 out of 5 stars My review of A Rat and A Ransom, 17 April 2012 By Ruth Rhodes - See all my reviews Amazon Verified Purchase(What is this?) This review is from: A Rat and a Ransom (Kindle Edition) I read a Rat and a Ransom in 2 days as I found it hard to put down. Although it was written primarily for children I found it really captured my imagination. Rats are not my favourite animal but Mask certainly endeared himself to me. Tom and his parents were a family you wanted good things to happen to. The story grips you from the first page and Tom's adventure is most exciting. When I had finished the story I immediately ordered 2 more books to give to my grandchildren. I thouroughly reccomend this book and look forward to more from this author.

A Five Star Review.

Thrilled with this new review for my book A Rat and A Ransom. :)

http://www.amazon.co.uk/A-Rat-Ransom-ebook/product-reviews/B0077E3P0Y/ref=sr_1_1_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

Four Star Review for 'The Serpent in the Glass.' A Good Read.

Young Thomas Farrell is orphaned and living with the Westhrops… a very strange family indeed. The poor boy seems to be more of a slave. His bedroom is in the loft and he’s forced to sleep in a dog basket. The only member of the family to show him any kindness is the Westhrop’s young daughter Jessica. She is around the same age as Thomas and is like a sister to him.

On Thomas’s eleventh birthday a strange man arrives at the Westhrop’s home with a letter—a letter that will change Thomas’s life. He is to go to Darkledun Manor, a school for gifted children.

I have to say I found ‘The Serpent in the Glass’ a bit slow, although well written and it was this fact that kept me reading. The writing was descriptive and on the whole the story flowed.  I’m glad I persevered, as towards the end it hotted up nicely! 

I liked young Thomas very much and really felt for him having to live with the likes of Mr and Mrs Westhrop. However, I particularly adored Penders, a boy Thomas meets and befriends at Darkledun Manor. Penders character and constant desire for food brought humour to the story. In fact the author’s portrayal of all the children and the other characters in the book was excellent.  

The story just dragged a bit for me; nevertheless a great book for children and those of us who are still young at heart.

Signed Book Swap!

http://www.amazon.com/The-Weeping-Empress-Sadie-Forsythe/dp/1257814419/ref=sr_1_cc_1?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1334158618&sr=1-1-catcorr

The author of the above book, suggested swapping signed copies with other authors. I thought it was a brill idea and sent her a copy of mine in exchange. Her book The Weeping Empress looks good and  I'm keen to start reading it.

Never a Truer word.

This was written by Bob and Debby Gass with Ruth Gass Haliday.
It really spoke to me, so I decided to share it. Especially as I make a similar statement about prejudice in the front of my book 'A Rat and A Ransom.'

Prejudice is the product of a lazy mind. It's contempt prior to investigation. Your first impression of someone is incomplete and inaccurate.
Don't assume your intuition is always right. Don't make lasting decisions based on limited insights. Your success in life will be adversely affected by prejudice, fear and any form of discrimination you allow to colour your thinking.
Jesus never determined a person's worth based on their race, gender, financial status or appearance. He was comfortable in the presence of fishermen and tax collectors. He was at ease with the rich and the poor. He knew that every person He met had potential and He never looked down on them because of their past.Born to a mother who conceived Him as a virgin, He knew what it meant to have a questionable background and be subject to the rumour mill. But He rose above it. And broke with tradition.
The Samaritans were considered such a lower class of people that Jews wouldn't talk to them. But Jesus did. In fact He went out of His way to meet a five-times divorced Samaritan woman, discussing the mysteries of worship with her and changing her life.
When Peter who struggled with prejudice, was called to introduce the gospel to the first group of Gentiles, he had to acknowledge, 'I perceive that God is no respecter of persons.'
That day God dealt with some of Peter's deep-seated biases. And He will deal with yours too!
If God so loved the world' but you don't, how can you claim to be 'godly'?

A Brill Surprise!!

I'm so thrilled. I received a surprise in the post today. It was a signed copy of  'Windows of the Soul.' Written by my friend and brilliant author Tommie Lyn. I can't wait to start reading it. :)

http://www.amazon.com/Windows-Soul-Tommie-Lyn/dp/1470021412/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1333472865&sr=8-1