At last RAT RUN has a cover.

I'm delighted with the cover for my latest children's book, RAT RUN.
I'm hoping to publish in a month or two.

Rat Run, a snippet.

This is a short snippet from my latest children's book, RAT RUN. With one of the black and white illustrations I've drawn for it.
I'm hoping to publish in the summer.

It was too dark to see much, but his ears twitched to a strange sound coming from his right. Straining to see, Timere blinked. He could just make out a large rock, with a strange pattern on it. Creeping closer, he cringed, the hair rose on the back of his neck. Huffing with fear, his eye widened in disbelief…sticking out of the rock, were thick scaly legs with long claws.

To make matters worse, the rock moved. Using its strange legs, it turned towards him; a large scaly head with small beady eyes emerged from inside the rock and stared at him.

 

With a frightened squeak, Timere flattened his body to the ground. Narrowing his eyes, his long tail twitched, as he bravely prepared to defend himself. Holding his breath, he hoped the strange creature couldn’t see him. However, his hope was dashed, as the stone spoke.

An Excellent Review for GATHER STORM.

a solid fantasy novel, April 4, 2015

By 

Rebecca Fyfe

This review is from: Gathering Storm (Through a Glass) (Volume 2) (Paperback)

I really enjoyed reading the second book in the Through a Glass series by Y.I. Lee. It is in a genre I normally enjoy and this book did not disappoint. The story had some nice new touches and felt much stronger overall than the first book. The first book was good, but this one was even better. If there is a third book in this story-line, I'm sure it will improve yet again as this author seems to be gaining in her ability to weave a compelling story with each story she writes.

The book's appearance:
I think the cover is perfectly suited to the story-line. And the interior formatting is well-done.

The editing/proofreading:
There were some grammatical mistakes, which, as an editor, I couldn't help but notice, however, there weren't enough of them to pull me, as a reader, out of the story, and thus not enough to affect my rating of the book. Most readers probably won't even notice them.

The story:
I had trouble really sinking into the story in the beginning. As with the first story in the series, I did not find myself as pulled into the scenes of Irene in the "real" world before she enters into Stagman's world and felt that it was taking too long. Not being as emotionally invested in Irene's ex or her agent/friend's lives, I didn't feel the need to read as much about them. (And her agent annoyed me with how much she kept pushing the love-interest.)

I love the interactions between Irene and Stagman, although I thought he was often a bit too overbearing and controlling. I was relieved to see that, although Irene stayed true to her character in that she was rather meek in personality, there were times where she came out of her submissiveness a bit in this story and asserted herself more. It was like watching her grow as a person between one book and the next. I like that the action started to come much more quickly as the story went along.

There were moments when emotions were pulled from me as I read the story and, by the time I finished the novel, I was sorry to come to the end.

http://www.amazon.com/Gathering-Storm-Through-Glass-Book-ebook/dp/B00Q1RUV8W/ref=pd_rhf_se_p_img_2

 

My review of Replica by Lexi Revellian.

On the whole this was a good concept. Although the idea of a soulless clone is rather freaky! Because of that, I felt very little sympathy for Beth two, who is the clone of Beth one.
The original Beth has no idea her doppelganger is running around London, trying to keep one step ahead of MI5.
She runs rings around a totally inept agent called Nick, who's so busy getting cosy with the real Beth, he fails to catch the clone and deliver her to be studied and finally dispatched...allowing the real Beth to get on with her life.
Beth two constantly manages to elude him. In one way, that's what kept me riveted to the story, while at the same time I wanted to scream with frustration at him!
One thing I really liked...Beth Two was written in 1st person, while the rest of the book was in 3rd person. This worked really well, as I could distinguish between the two Beth's.
For me, the characters lacked depth, and I struggled to feel sympathy for any of them.
Also, the way the story ends, came as a bit of a shock...annoyingly so. Hence the 3 stars
Nevertheless, this is well written and has enough tension to keep one reading.

http://www.amazon.com/Replica-Lexi-Revellian-ebook/dp/B004VS6XFI/ref=pd_rhf_se_p_img_1

It’s not easy for an author to go into schools, these days. However, for any author wishing to do so, here are a few suggestions, that I hope may help.

I’ve been fortunate to have the privilege of going into local schools with my children’s book, A Rat and A Ransom.

 It’s so encouraging when the future generation enjoys reading. They are a delight to be with.

In most instances, I would meet the children in their class room; but at the last school I visited, a week ago, we were in the school hall. There were children from three class rooms, averaging around sixty pupils. They filed into the hall and sat in front of me, on the floor.

I always love their excitement and enthusiasm. It can be a little daunting at first, to have so many expectant faces focused on you; but I’m used to it now, and enjoy the experience.

The children had written down the questions they wanted to ask me; and considering the average age was nine, the questions were intelligent and sometimes challenging. They wanted to know about the publishing process, even editing, which came as a surprise…until the teacher explained that the children were doing their own writing and learning to edit. 

It thrills me when I hear children love to write, as well as read…some budding authors for the future I think!

The question and answer session was great fun, but reading to them is my personal favourite. The fact that I’m reading from my own book makes it particularly special.

The children are so attentive, overawed I guess by the fact that an author is in their school and reading to them.
It’s a real privilege, to be trusted with such an amazing responsibility.

 

It’s not easy for an author to go into schools, these days. However, for any author wishing to do so, here are a few suggestions.

The easiest option, and the one I was able to take advantage of, is to approach a teacher’s assistant. I was fortunate to be close friends with two, both work in different schools, in my area. They each took a copy of the book and showed it to the head teacher.

The one school invited me in right away, and I spent one afternoon a week, for a month, reading to the children and answering any questions they might have. This was a particularly nice experience, as over the month I built a relationship with the children and their teacher.
At the end of my time there, I presented the school with a couple of free books for their library.

 

The school I visited recently, were given a copy of my book, and for quite some time, I heard nothing, until my friend reminded the teacher.
We have to remember, teachers are extremely busy! She had no spare time to read the book, so gave it to one of her pupils to read.

He really enjoyed it, and to everyone’s surprise, he wrote a review, and a few days later I was invited to attend an afternoon session with the children.

I was so impressed with the pupils review; I presented him with a mug, bearing the image of the book cover.
A photographer from the local paper came and took photos.
 
A child, who excels in reading and writing, is definitely news worthy.

 It’s a good thing if local authors can go into schools. It encourages the children. They love to meet and talk to a real author, and I know from what the teachers have said…children are inspired to read more and try their hand at writing. So it’s a win, win situation.

 I would encourage all authors to go into schools if they can.

Find someone who has contact with the school.
Give the school a copy of the book to look through. They will want to check it is suitable for their children to read.
Don’t harass them, but if you don’t hear anything for a while. Get in touch through your contact working at the school, or if you don’t have one, pop in. Schools are busy places and they may well have forgotten.
Most times a personal approach works well.

 Also, if you have a friend, whose children attend the school, you would like to visit. Give them a copy of the book. The parent’s recommendation can open the door for you.

 Then there are the school governors. If you know such a person, give them a copy and ask if they would read it, and if they think it is suitable…recommend it to the school.

 And always offer some free copies of your book for the school library.

 I hope what I’ve suggested is helpful. Getting authors into schools can only be a positive thing!


A nine year old pupils review of A Rat and A Ransom.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/review/RTXDTUDH3JMWD/ref=cm_cr_dp_title?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B0077E3P0Y&channel=detail-glance&nodeID=266239&store=books

An Okay Read. I gave it 3 stars.

This is an okay read. However, I do get a little tired of angels depicted as wishy-washy and even weak! Whereas I believe from the Bible they are awesome, powerful, and definitely not to be messed with, characters.
The whole premise of the story was a bit weird at times, but on the whole, once I got into it, I did enjoy it enough to keep reading.
I liked, and on the whole could relate to the heroin, Jordan. Her character came across as feisty and strong; maybe at times too strong. There were instances when I would have liked to see her more vulnerable, feminine side.
Nevertheless, a good story, and well told.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Black-Parade-Kyoko-M-ebook/dp/B00E3HLHIK/ref=pd_rhf_pe_p_img_1

My review, of Back To Bienville by Melinda Matthews.

http://www.amazon.com/review/R2AR4QDCUG9IJA

 

  

This review is from: Back To Bienville, A Journey Into Wellness (Kindle Edition)

I met the author of this book, Ms Matthews on twitter, and found her to be a lovely, positive and encouraging person.

Her book, Back To Bienville, chronicles her traumatic journey through severe illness, into health and wholeness.
Some of her spiritual experiences are quite amazing, and certainly inspiring.
The books pages are packed with helpful tips, uplifting, and sometimes challenging scripture. Her bravery shines out of each page.

Having been recently told that I have a terminal illness, I was keen to read her book, and I’m glad I did, as in many ways,I found it most beneficial. For example, I learned that it’s best to drink filtered or bottled spring water, preferably not sparkling; which I am now doing.

There were however, a couple of points I questioned.
I may have read this wrong, or quoted it incorrectly; it’s hard to check something in an eBook. However, I’m sure the author said that all sickness and disease is spiritual.
Due to my own circumstances, this statement concerned me, so I spoke to my pastor. He reassured me that it is not true. If it were, the millions of people who are sick, especially Christians like me, would be living under condemnation.
We live in a fallen world, and there will always be sickness. Not only that, everyone has to die at some point.
As my Pastor said, sometimes Christians act as though going home to heaven is a punishment, whereas it’s the most awesome thing that can happen!
I have known some wonderful Christians, one I especially remember; he was such an inspiring preacher; yet at a very young age he died of throat cancer, leaving behind a wife and children.
Yes, I do agree with the author, we have a God who heals. However, Jesus didn’t heal everyone! It’s a sad fact, some of us who are sick, at some point will die. What’s most important is, where are we going? Where will we spend eternity?

The author mentions a book, the true story of a man who goes to heaven after a dreadful accident. He’s prayed for at the scene, and returns to a body which is broken and battered. Now he lives in constant pain.
Like Ms Matthews, one would ask, why did he come back? What’s the point of his suffering?
My humble answer would be. The book he has lived to write. The blessing and encouragement it is to the millions who read it. The testimony he shares on a daily basis.
Like the apostle Paul, he can say I have a thorn in my flesh. But when I am weak, through God I am strong!

Forgive me for going off like this, but in a way it’s a complement to Ms Matthews…the profound affect her book had on me, making me think and question so many things.

I liked the spiritual symbolism she explained from a film I love, the Wizard of Oz…fascinating!

Back To Bienville, is a brilliant book, written by a brave and courageous young woman. Her personal journey through suffering and pain is truly inspirational.
I recommend it to those who are well, but especially to those who like me, find themselves on a journey with only one outcome, unless the great healer Yeshua HaMashiach intervenes