#FridayFlashPoetry.

Never.

'I never came back.' She sighed.
He looked into her eyes.
'You never left!'
'Oh, but I did. I was never here at all.'

Against the majesty of darkness,
The stars pulsed.

She closed her eyes. Returned home.
Amongst the wild flowers of the meadow,
Her hand in his.
The perfume of moonlight on her skin.

'Kiss me,' he whispered.
'You can't kiss the dead; hold the shadows.'
She smiled at him in sorrow.
'But you are alive. You are here.'

Tears fell like shooting stars.
Time slipped.

'No,' she said, 'I was never here at all.'

Want a tiny sneaky Peek?

A tiny sneaky peek: extract from chpt 6 of Immortal Beloved.
Currently working on final edit prior to Beta readings.

"I considered if Delta was aware of these dark-shadow thoughts haunting the corners of my day; they seemed so strong and visible to me, I couldn’t quite believe they didn’t somehow surface on my skin like tattoos. But then grief and longing are not like that; they are feelings that nestle into the very core of you, like some parasite making its home, the true extent of the internal devastation is mostly invisible to onlookers."

I'm suffering #2 Petrification.

Firstly, let me assure you that I LOVE my trilogy, and I love book two even more than book one; it has been written in #2draft for the last *coughs with embarassment* year and a half. So why then am I finding yet another day slip by without having made a move to getting it to final edit?

The answer is, I don't know. It is ready to be finished. Book One has gone down a storm - surely I should be flying high on a cloud of euphoric productivity; bashing these keys, cutting, rewriting etc but .... I'm not.

However, I have written some awesome short stories, some of which are even going to be published, won writing contests, met some AMAZING writing buddies on Twitter, developed a fab website, decorated my home, got promoted at work .... BUT .... Hmm, not a lot of pushing towards finishing Book Two but clear evidence of displacement activities!

Maybe it's because, subconsciously, I'm bricking it! What if #2 disappoints? #feels rushed? (yes I know it's been written and banked for 18 mths, had two edits etc) Blah blah blah.

I've read about this - #2 petrificationitis. I think maybe I have it.

I've found and created a great countdown device; fooling myself that it was a cute marketing tool but in truth, I've put it on my blog to try and startle me into action. It's having an effect ... I'm bricking it EVEN more ... but still in the ten days it's been up, I still haven't opened my file.

And now look - I'm writing blog posts about wasting my time. Well at least the irony makes me smile.

So over to you; time to give me your advice. Share your experiences with me and reassure me that everything is going to be just fine!

Read my #Flash Fiction entry: You are a button. (Include the words, red, mango, goat and worm)

Thanks to my brilliant writer friend Lisa M Stull for hosting a fun #Saturday Flash Fiction challenge; you can check out her fabulous, witty and entertaining blog at http://lmstull.com/.

Here is one that I wrote for her challenge, 'You are a button'. I wanted it to be really experimental and loved the idea of writing in a dialect / vernacular to try and get a real sense of character and place. (The challenge was less than 500 words and had to include the words; red, goat, mango and worm.)

One of the things I love both about reading and writing, is that it allows you to see through somebody elses eyes in the most personal of ways; the idea of an imagined experience becoming part of your own internal history.

My idea was that the button would be witness to a woman's life over time and would form a sort of metaphor for her own state at each stage of her womanhood.

Shiny Red Button o'mine.

Hmmm, Hmmm! Me loves it when da sun is SHINING! Iyes gets to go out and have a look at all the lovely tings. Life is a little dull sometimes, sittin in dat wardrobe, waiting for da winter to pass on by; taking ‘is time and then – Bam - sunshine 'ere we come, and liddle old shiny, red me, gets to walk about on mi lady’s sundress - Da one wit the Mango fruit on, reminding me of home.
There was a time, Iyes would’ve danced my liddle cotton thread off, jiggling my liddle plastic roundness off, flashing my shininess off at a passing toggle – but times de change and Iyes be tired now - faded like them Mangos.

More and more Iyes clinging on to that button hole, and it’s such a strain these days as mi lady’s bosom expands with age and love; she was just a missy when Iyes first knows her and now look at her, a grandmamma; all soft and rounded like miself.

But, Oh mi lawdy, dose grandchildren of hers, theys don’t half put out energy. Only the other day, Iyes be sitting calm, watching the goat in the yard takin a piece of ol’ Jasper’s cottons off da line, and one comes leaping up on their grandmamma’s knee, holding out the biggest worm you ever did see. Oh mi lawdy, it didn’t half send me button threads a shiverin. Iyes getting too old for all dat silliness.

It’s hard, bein da only button on da dress, ‘oldin it all together on yers own, stopping mi lady from exposing herself, keepin’ the dignity goin through old age. But I swears if Iyes have to put up wid those grandchildren pulling me about, Iyes might just give in and let miself fall.

It might be quite nice to spend da rest of mi dayz down da back da sofa, in da quiet and da calm.

Ahhh, but for now, Iyes gonna have a liddle snooze in the sun, let it all hang loose.

Review of Jeff Bennington's 'Reunion' & Author Interview.

WELCOME:

Today I get the great pleasure of hosting an interview with the talented writer, Jeff Bennington. This is my first author interview and I am so pleased it is with Jeff. I came to know Jeff’s work through reading his brilliant short story ‘The Rumblin’ (reviewed on this blog in Feb). I was blown away by his writing style, reminiscent of King and Koontz; the books that I devoured as a teenager and am rediscovering. ‘Reunion’ is a cleverly written, sensitive, balanced horror that taps into many of our modern fears. After I read it, I was desperate to post glowing reviews all over the place but I have been uncharacteristically self controlled and approached Jeff to see if he would kindly tell us more. So here at last is the review of ‘Reunion’ and the interview with Jeff.



SYNOPSIS:

Paranormal Horror / Psychological Thriller. Twenty years after a terrible and tragic High School shooting, a group of survivors finally take the risk of facing up to their past. As survivor, Maria pulls together a group of her old classmates for an atypical reunion, each one finds that they have to face the demon within.

FAVOURITE QUOTE:

"David Ray stood in front of his mirror, dressed to kill."

REVIEW:

Totally compelling, ‘Reunion’ is a brilliant reworking of the American Gothic with a clear nod to the horror heritage of American Literature. Set in a High School, Bennington ingeniously weaves our modern fears of a high school shooting with our more primitive and latent fears of the supernatural.

The narrative comprises of multiple POV through quite a large cast of characters, all subtly worked and completely believable. Although a little confusing at the beginning, the multiple POV experiences allow for a very ‘real’ experience between reader and novel; the general effect is one that is almost cinematic and, at many points during the book, I found myself watching events rather than reading them. This for me is a big plus in a novel. With such skillful narration and description, it was one of those books which took you along for the ride in very much the way that King and Koontz do.

What I loved most about this novel was the way in which it challenged you to feel sympathy and gain understanding for ‘the monster’. It really explored the horror of the way in which Bennington juxtaposes the real with the fantasy leads us primarily one conclusion – that being, that for many kids, the real world holds far more horror than any fantasy.

This is one of the best books that I have read this year and I eagerly anticipate more of Bennington’s work.

5 stars/5 stars (Special Merit)

GET YOUR COPY AT:

http://www.amazon.com/Reunion-ebook/dp/B004S7AR0E Also available in NOOK, Apple iBook, print and at most book retailers.

What drove you to write Reunion?

What drove me to write Reunion is a nagging wondering…a wondering about what happens to the survivors of school shootings? I wondered what caused a teen killer to do what they do. But the problem with my curiosities is that there is only so much information out there that could answer the depth of my questions. And since I’m a writer, I decided to take my conundrum to my pen and figure it out for myself.

What research did you do in preparation for the writing of Reunion? What were the most challenging aspects in writing this novel?

I did all of my research online. I studied the stories of some of the survivors of school shootings, the killers and the effects of trauma on young people. I really needed to know how those who suffer from PTSD live and deal with their pain. The rest was plotting and character sketching. The most challenging aspect of writing ‘Reunion’ was the not knowing; not knowing if this book would be understood or flat out rejected, or thought of as offensive. That was the challenge…to overcome that fear. I’m glad I did.

The character of Noah acts as an interesting authorial device; is he just the clever reworking of an established trope or a mouthpiece for your own spiritual beliefs?

Noah is a typical character in the sense that where there is an unknown, there has to be someone to reveal a secret or a hidden truth in order for the protagonist to find his/her way. Noah is part of the reveal, as is Nick and Sheriff Richards, but Noah also provides truth from a spiritual perspective. Like the other characters, Noah completely changed after the school shooting. Although he grows up in another country, the direction of his life is dramatically altered, but his is centered on a spiritual quest.

There are so many things about Noah that make him necessary. He brings an understanding, he helps Tanner see the truth in himself, he knows how to deal with the entity and so on. But I like him, and I suppose you do to, because he is a mystery, and his appearance is another one of the “Oh my God!” moments that make this book so powerful and engaging.

As far as your question regarding my personal beliefs, I think there is a little bit of me in every character. Where Noah is concerned, I believe that there is definitely a living and active spiritual world all around us. His experience is real to him just as mine is to me. However, I’ve never been to an exorcism, but I did work for a church for a couple years.

How long did it take for you to write Reunion from idea to publication?

The first seed that planted in my mind grew from a paper I wrote in college about bullying in the work place back in 2007. It got me thinking about many of the themes in Reunion, but I the idea of writing a book about it didn’t come until 2009. While I finished writing Killing the Giants, the idea started to take shape and I started on it immediately after KTG was published. It took two years from start to finish. I wrote another book during a short break from Reunion and then we did the final edits this winter.

How long have you been writing?

I’ve only been writing fiction since 2007, although I’ve written a lot of poetry, songs and other stuff that never screamed “Jeff you’re a writer, you should take this seriously!” because I was too busy looking for myself in the wrong places.

Who are your favourite authors? Most influential books?

I like Koontz. I like Scott Nicholson. And I like the classics, like Jane Eyre, which has influenced my desire to get into the soul of my characters.

Do you have a writing ritual? What is your writing space like?

Right now my writing ritual has been completely destroyed because Reunion is my first real platform building title. So I’ve been overly busy with the blog tour, marketing, publishing, yada yada yada. However, under normal circumstances, I write about 6-8 hours for two days and then take two days off, and then repeat, because that aligns with my work schedule.

Tell us a secret that you've not revealed to anyone before.

Are you serious? As in one that no one knows, not even my wife? I don’t think I’ll go there, but I will tell you that I’m actually a very fearful person. I’m nervous and edgy. My wife will barely touch my leg while we’re driving and I’ll jump…every time! Weird I know, but I actually think that helps me write scary things.

"I think therefore I am!"

I've cheekily borrowed this quote from Lacan and so I offer apologies to his genius as I go about using it in a slightly different context. I want you to think about this quote in relation to your own creative status.


Until last year I was somebody who aspired one day to be 'a writer'. I was to be fair doing something about it - as in I was actually writing a book - but I can't in truth say that I felt like I was a writer. It's funny how we manage to convince ourselves that we are something else, anything than what we actually want to be.


I have an artist friend, he would, no doubtedly drop the 'artist' bit of that statement. I've known this man for over six years; an art teacher - a man with a frustrated talent (teaching doesn't allow much physical time or emotional energy for pursuit of 'private' talents). I had seen a couple of his sketches, perhaps three in six years; all of which suggested he was pretty good.


Recently he made a life altering decision - he stopped thinking of himself as a teacher with a modicum of talent and has made the brave but tentative journey to fulfilling his identity as an artist. He's started a blog, created a profile and has taken the massively brave step of actually showing the world his work (even if still with an overly apologetic and humble way). For the first time today, I saw the amazing talent that this man has been hiding - or more correctly - denying. Today for the first time, I didn't just see my friend, I saw my friend the artist.


I've read several blogs about writers' movements into realising their 'role', their 'title' and it seems that they all echo the same sentiment - 'We are afraid' because we fear the world is full of people ready and willing to judge and put down; we're afraid of being seen as a fraud, or a wannabe BUT what I want to say to any of you still harbouring the demon of self doubt, of fear that someone will prove you wrong; "Reality is just the actuation of fantasy"


And be reassured that during my journey towards writer (because that is how I have blushingly decided to term myself) I have been overwhelmed by the huge amount of people, fellow creatives who are so supportive, kind, caring, helpful and want to prove you right; the world is far less judgemental about us than we are about ourselves.


So back to Lacan - "I think I am a writer therefore I am a writer" - The same goes to you.

A rough Guide to Indie Publishing.

Don't be scared by the length of this post. I have attached my whole indie printing / publishing strategy at the bottom of this post. (The actual manufacturing not the marketing)


INTRO: Now I am still new to all of this; been in the publishing world for less than a year - and I am still somewhat befuddled by the strident attitudes surrounding the whole indie / self published debate. What I have gleaned so far is that some people think that indie is a gimmicky phrase for self published. But then others seem to define self published as those writers who have gone to a self publishing company - either way there is too much negativity and ignorance woven through what are otherwise inspiring discussions about writer's getting their work out there.


SO WHAT AM I? I am truly indie - independent. I didn't do any kind of deal or buy a package to get my work out there. I wrote a manuscript, then edited it, then had a 'friend edit it', then a kindly book reviewer picked out last minute spelling type errors. I designed the book cover and with the help of my wonderfully ICT genius of a brother - in - law, we photoshoped it, having been in touch with the printers Biddles, (a printer of 'proper' books in the industry)I got all the measurements I needed to ensure the cover would wrap around the printed text.


After several attempts at getting the correct copies to them - and very patient ladies at Biddles, I sent it off. They printed it and then two weeks later, they arrived - all 150 of them.


MY INTENT. I wanted my book to be a convincing product that would stand up agianst the traditionally published. Twelve months ago I had no other experience of indie publishing other than the vanity press stigma. I knew that my book needed to break that mould. I wanted my paperback to be a convincing simularcum of a 'proper' book and so I was painstaking (and highly annoying) in asking printers questions like;

Do you print cream?

Do you print 80g Do you do Matt covers?

Do you print 18cm x 29cm -standard paperback book size?

Will my book have one of those telltale seam signs on the front cover?


I spent hours over the look of the 'thing' because I was determined to beat the prejudice. I also refused to buy into the companies that promised you the earth for a £1,000 package and then delivered a cheaply produced 'product' that screams 'vanity press'.


MY STRATEGY. (You may find this useful if you want to go truly indie)


1. Found an industry printer who was willing to do small print runs - No on demand but that was a trade off. Cost approx £450 for 150 copies all in.


2. Established own small press publishing company called Little Bird Publishing House and contacted Neilsen to purchase ISBN numbers. You have to buy in blocks of 10 for £100 but I intended on writing more books :) THIS AUTOMATICALLY ENSURES THAT YOU GET PICKED UP BY AMAZON and WATERSTONES and you go onto an international catalogue database for all independent bookshops. (DON'T let Self Publishing companies suggest to you that this is a special privilege of signing up with them - it's standard!)


3. Registered book details with Neilsen and had ISBN allocated for BOTH paperback and e-copy. (you need different ones for each form)


4. **MASSIVE TIP*** Altered my paper size on microsoft word document to the actual size of the printing paper 18x29approx and began type-setting - looked at loads of books for different styles.


5. Spent 3 days working out how to do the page numbering (More complicated than I thought)


6. Brought licensed images from a photostock company (beware when people are involved there are far more restrictions about the times you can use the image - as a result, my print copy front cover is different from my e-book) Rang printers and asked for spine size based on page numbers and 80g cream so that we could construct the cover. BE WARNED YOU MUST USE IMAGES 300DPI or more ( I went for 600DPI) - don't be tempted to buy smaller images that cost less.


7. Rang printers and asked about barcodes. They generated barcodes to match ISBN numbers for a flat fee of £25.


8. Paid £45 to have a laser printed proof copy of the front cover. So pleased I did this as I did request alteration and it looks so much better for it. DON'T be tempted cut this cost - it could be more costly in the long run.


9. Set my family the challenge of writing a blurb _ this was harder than writing the book. After a group writing session we settled on it. (It helps having non-writers involved in this as the majority of your market are not other writers)


10. Spent a whole evening with husband and brother-in-law stroking sample front-cover lamination options and different paper grades. Printers sent a booklet which was made up of all the different samples. Agreed Cream weave 80g was the closest to the industry standard.


11. Converted Word document into Adobe PDF file and zipped the photoshop image to send to printer. I downloaded a free programme called 'Primo' and you just drag your word document into the icon on your desk top and magically it converts it into PDF.


12. Made website using a drag and drop system Weebly (I have very limited HTML) and then made linked (branded) images using a basic photoshop program.


13. Started social networking; made facebook page, myspace (Didn't work for me), Twitter (Love it!!!), joined goodreads (brilliant) and made this personal writing blog for contacts with my lovely writer friends and book bloggers.


14. Copied the word document onto standard A4 page document (recall I had altered to print size). Took out all fancy layout / typesetting and numbering. Used Page break function to divide the chapters. (YOU NEED TO UNDERSTAND THAT A PAGE ON WORD DOES NOT CONVERT TO AN E-BOOK PAGE. Think of it as one continous page like a roll of toilet paper)


15. Brought a BRILLIANT programme called wordcleaner £60 which converts your word documents into HTML for you. Dropped the word doc. into the icon on my desktop and then magic - job done.


16. Used Amazon.dtp and uploaded my HTML edition of my document.


Total cost around £700 but that includes a HTML programme that will allow me to convert documents for upload all the time.


But the biggest advantage is that it has given me complete autonomy and whether it is right or wrong, I know that the 'properness' of my book gives me a first impression advantage. Readers are open to it before they have already judged it, rather than waiting to have their vanity press stigma proven wrong by the contents.

Amazing Praise for 'The Forest of Adventures.'

Review by Jennifer Gwendoline
On Saturday 2nd April 2011, @stargirlrainbow said:

@KnightTrilogy 'The Forest Of Adventures' by Katie M. John book review.


I love paranormal romance. I can't get enough of it. I am addicted to it. Nevertheless, it was so refreshing to read a paranormal romance that didn't involve vampires, werewolves, faeries or Angels!

I am of course talking about Katie M. John's book, 'The Forest Of Adventures'. It was so wonderfully refreshing and a real pleasure to read. Katie John has written this book beautifully and she has clearly done a lot of research into Arthurian legends and mythology and it really shines through in the story. How very cleverly she weaves these legends with the modern day 21st century and she totally pulls it off brilliantly.

The plot sparkles and it is totally enchanting and magical, sexy and dark and really original.
The story is one of true and forbidden love.
The main charcter, Mina Singer, who narrates the story, finds herself torn between the guy she has been dating for two years called Sam and the new guy called Blake whom she feels instantly attraction to, however Blake isn't all he seems. Mina soon finds that the fairytales she grew up with really do exist and they are more dangerous than you could imagine.

The characters are simply wonderful. They have depth and I found that I came to care about them as if they were real and as if they were my friends.
I found I could totally relate to Mina and I could see myself in her. Even the other characters I found I could relate to having known people like them, such as Sam and even the English teacher, Mr Dwell.
Then there is Morgan, a deliciously evil character who I actually enjoyed reading!

I loved the fact that this isn't an American book. It made such a wonderful change since most of the young adult paranormal romances around today are American. So with this book being British I found I was able to really relate to the life of the high school. The common room in the book could have easily been my common room at school for example.
I couldn't help grinning my way through this book because I could relate to so much. I felt like I was actually there inside the book because of how well I could connect to it.

It is not only the book that has impressed me though it is also the author herself! She is happy to communicate with people who contact her which is really lovely. I found out about this book from Katie John herself and as a result I bought it straight away and began reading it.

Katie John has done a magnificent job with this book and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I can't wait to read the following books in this Knight Trilogy.