Monday, 28 October 2013

Hallowe'en Book Give-away Blog Hop

 If you've popped over from Denise' Blog Hop don't run away: I'm sharing my post!. Denise' linky is bottom of page.
 
 
My contribution is a double-up jobby
 
 
 
I first published this in 2011 - It's a time-slip flash fiction piece. 
 
 
I give you: Haunting!
 
 
 

 

“Don’t be silly, it can’t possibly have disappeared,” said Amy, kneading dough. “Who in their right mind would stop by to pinch an axe?” She paused, looked her husband in the eye, a glare of accusation. “I bet if I go out there, I’ll find it lying in the long grass somewhere.” 

     Jake threw his hands in the air, frustration evident. “I tell you I left it in the wood shed.”

     Mattie glanced up from her homework. “Dad’s right, mum. I saw him plunge it in the chopping block as I came back from feeding Jupiter.”

     Once again dough received a good pummel. “Then the chopping block is where it’s at.”

     “Was at,” snarled Jake. “O.K., fess up. Who moved it?”

      Amy's hand thumped the dough with zest. “You think I have time to waste playing shuffle the axe?”

      Jake watched as Amy panned her eyes around the kitchen, air of desperation about her. A grin spread across his face. “Lost something?”

      “I swear I left a damp tea towel, on the end of the table.” She glanced at her husband, hands behind his back. “Give it here.”

      He bared his hands. “Not guilty.” Laughter then rumbled from the depths. “Don’t look at me like that, I swear I haven’t got it.”

      Mattie laughed. “He hasn’t moved, mum, not an inch.”

      There was a loud thump and sound of splintered wood and the door swung open. There, in the door frame an embedded axe and blood seeming to drip from the blade.

      Jake stepped forward to shield his wife and child from a potential intruder, but none came forth. With bated breath, he wrenched the axe free and glanced back at Amy cradling Mattie to her breast. “Stay here.”

      It took but a moment to check outside, and Jake’s first thought was that of Jupiter in the paddock. Much to his relief the pony momentarily looked his way and carried on grazing. He checked all around the house, and then it struck him. Smoke. He could smell smoke. He dashed back to the farmyard, an unbelievable scene before him. It could not be, could not be happening.      

      He shut his eyes, prayed it was some strange vision. But no, there were numerous horsemen circling the yard, animal furs about their shoulders. They were warriors from another time, another place. He yelled at them. Threw stones, anything to distract them. He had to lure them away from the house, away from the burning hay barn, away from his wife and child. Not one of the horsemen noticed him, each stone falling short of its target.

      Oh no, Mattie appeared with a tea towel in her hand. What was Mattie doing?

      “Go back, Go back inside.”

      He ran forward protesting, shouting her name, but a warrior scooped her up, cradled her to chest and before he could reach Mattie the horseman turned about and rode off at the trot the other horsemen surrounding the lead horse.

      There was nothing for it but to get the shotgun. He lunged himself through the doorway, and there stood Amy kneading dough, Mattie at the table absorbed in homework.

      What the hell had just happened?

      He glanced back at the hay barn. No smoke. No fire.

      “What day is it?”

       “All saints eve,” replied Amy.

       He kissed Mattie’s head in passing, moved to stand behind Amy and wrapped his arms about her waist. “Have I told you lately that I love you?”

      “Yesterday, I think.” She turned in his arms, floured hands about his neck and leaned into him. Their lips met in a familiar and lingering caress, until, “I love you, too,” followed by a smile, and whispered, “They come every tenth year.”

      “They?”

      “The horsemen.”

      “You saw them too?”

      “It’s my second time of seeing them.”

      “And you never thought to tell me when we moved here?”

      “The last time I saw them I was ten years old.”

      He glanced at Mattie. “She’s ten.”

      Mattie suddenly said, “It’s all right, dad. I belong, here.”         

 

That's all folks. Hope this caused a spine tingling sensation.
 
Now, if you'd like a Kindle copy of this 17th century swashbuckling novel answer this question: who was King of England in the era depicted?  The clue lies within the book cover blurb.  All those who demand a "treat" will have their names entered into a hat: so please leave your email address!

 
 

 
A 17th century romance involving forbidden passion, lust, betrayal, abduction and all set within Restoration England and the royal court of Charles II.

It's 1669, and Justine Thornton's heart is lost to that of Richard Viscount Axebury. Although wise and malicious counsel from family and friends warn of his reputation as a courtly rake, a chance encounter with James Scott Duke of Monmouth causes her heart to waver and suddenly her life seems infinitely charmed. But family indiscretion at the court of Charles II turns Justine's life from one of carefree bliss to that of surviving rogue intrigues and political ambitions.

As old and new feuds take precedence at court Justine becomes party to information that cannot be allowed to reach the King's ears, for not only does she pose a threat to one of the King's mistresses, the King’s brother too will be called to account for his actions. Upon Justine’s sudden abduction the heroic camaraderie of Viscount Axebury and the Duke of Monmouth pose an even greater threat to her kidnapper, and her father the Earl of Loxton is soon face to face with an old adversary. But who will prove to be Justine’s champion, the viscount or the duke, and can the king’s mistress be toppled from her elevated position?
 
Please try to make every effort to visit and comment on the listed blogs.  
 
Everyone: sign up below 


Hallowe'en Blog Hop

1. Marie Laval  8. Grace Elliot  15. Stephen Tremp  
2. N. R. Williams  9. Gilli Allan  16. Hywela Lyn  
3. Alison Morton  10. Alison Stuart  17. Iyana Jenna  
4. Karen Aminadra  11. Mary Pax  18. Vala Kaye  
5. Lori Crane  12. Natalie-Nicole Bates  19. Yolanda Renee  
6. Derek Birks  13. Douglas Boren  20. Jenno Bryce  
7. Denise Covey  14. Susan Hanniford Crowley  21. Francine Howarth  

(Cannot add links: Registration/trial expired)






 
The Second Blog Hop is Hosted by Denise (Le Aussie)

My book give-away counts here too if you'd like to acquire said book.   
 



FLASH FICTION-NON-FICTION-POETRY-PLAYS-PHOTOGRAPHS

IT'S SCARY TIME! ! It's Halloween month! It's an exciting time! Share the excitement!

Write...Edit...Publish invites you to sign up for HAUNTING OCTOBER! You can scare us, make us laugh, make us cry...your choice. PLEASE JOIN US!

WHAT DO YOU DO?

  • SIGN UP BELOW -- this is your intention to post on October 30 (a little later is okay)
  • WRITE a story, fiction or non-fiction, a poem, find some scary photos -- (you could write your story in pics!) OR any form you like -- your choice!
  • SPREAD THE WORD -- the more the scarier!
  • POST on October 30th -- a little before or after is okay. MAKE sure you add your Word Count, your copyright and whether you want no/full critique.
  • LEAVE A COMMENT IN THE LINKY POST OR IN THE CBOX IN THE RIGHT SIDEBAR. TELL US YOU'VE POSTED!
  • READ as many entries as you can. This is a SUPPORTIVE bloghop. POST to Google+, Twitter, FB or any other social media if you like the entry you read. Don't forget to follow each other!!
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT! There will be a PRIZE of a $10 Amazon Gift Card for the entry of Denise's choice. She will be looking for the most creative, most riveting, most eye-popping entry to receive this award. Or simply the entry that impresses her most.
 
Open to all genres - Fiction works can be - Adult, YA, MG. All entries maximum 1,000 words.
Can't wait to read your entries!

1. Lisa Buie-Collard  13. Francine Howarth  25. Traveling Cats  
2. Denise Covey  14. Michelle @ Writer~In~Transit  26. ChrisWhiteWrites  
3. Kelly Steel  15. Laura Clipson  27. Claudia H. Blanton  
4. Scouring Monk  16. The Armchair Squid  28. Roland Yeomans - direct link  
5. Jen Chandler  17. J.L. Campbell  29. Edge of Your Seat Stories  
6. Stephen Tremp  18. Shannon Lawrence  30. Beverly Fox  
7. Donna Hole  19. Linda Katmarian  31. Vesper  
8. Suze  20. Gina Conkle  32. Yolanda Renee  
9. Anna Nordeman of Adornments for Dreams  21. Chrys Fey  33. Nilanjana Bose  
10. N. R. Williams  22. Trisha @ WORD+STUFF  34. Michael@ In Time ...  
11. Li @ Flash Fiction  23. Charmaine Clancy  35. Pk Hrezo - direct link  
12. Jenny Brigalow  24. Morgan @ Writer's Block  36. Sally  

(Cannot add links: Registration/trial expired)

Friday, 4 October 2013

Hallowe'en Blog Hop - Trick or Treat (giveaway)

 
 
 
 
 
Remember to post your promo book post on your own blog. 
 
Simple Rules and Regs for this blog hop:
 
Authors: 
1) pop all the names of people who ask for a "TREAT" into a hat and choose a winner!
2)  Award a Kindle copy of the book/s featured to the winner
 
Visitors:

1) State in your comment whether you want your name popped into the author's hat.
2) Use your imagine for demanding your Treat! 
 
Everyone: sign up below 


Hallowe'en Blog Hop

1. Marie Laval  8. Grace Elliot  15. Stephen Tremp  
2. N. R. Williams  9. Gilli Allan  16. Hywela Lyn  
3. Alison Morton  10. Alison Stuart  17. Iyana Jenna  
4. Karen Aminadra  11. Mary Pax  18. Vala Kaye  
5. Lori Crane  12. Natalie-Nicole Bates  19. Yolanda Renee  
6. Derek Birks  13. Douglas Boren  20. Jenno Bryce  
7. Denise Covey  14. Susan Hanniford Crowley  21. Francine Howarth  

(Cannot add links: Registration/trial expired)






 
 

Wednesday, 14 August 2013

Regular Blog-hop venue!

 
For those who haven't spotted Denise Covey's new fun-time activity blog, and for those who love blog-hops (blogfests) pop along and get writing!
 


Saturday, 23 March 2013

On-line Book Fair - Contemporary Novelists'



Here is your chance to showcase your latest novel within this 4 day on-line book fair April 19 - 22. 

This is a Book Fair for authors and readers who love contemporary romances, chick-lit, romantic suspense novels, family sagas or lovely tales of village/town life with a touch of romance. Even if you've penned a short story and had it published within a collection/anthology, feel free to promote your own/shared work.  

 Think market stall and make your blog "page display" eye-catching. You want people to visit your blog so make the effort and visit other listed blogs. 

Join in the fun, and remember, you have four days to browse the fair and one second to make someone else stop and read your blog. 

Post latest book Cover.
Post a Back Cover blurb
Post an excerpt: 600 -700 words approx: more if it needs to make sense.

To advertise this event Please copy/paste badge to your blog: see side-panel and link back to this page: thanks

But first, sign up below:  don't forget to list your url in the linky column.

Contemporary Novelists'

1. Francine Howarth  9. Robynne Rand  17. J.L. Campbell  
2. Marian Griffin  10. Nancy Jardine  18. Louise Wise  
3. Ella M. Kaye  11. Debbie Christiana  19. Joanna Lambert  
4. Kiru Taye  12. Michelle Betham  20. Liv Rancourt  
5. Raynetta Manees  13. Pauline Barclay  21. Sue Millard  
6. Janna Gray  14. Greg Gumkowski  22. Paula Martin  
7. Gilli Allan  15. Mary Middleton  23. Tracey Smith  
8. Melanie Robertson-King  16. Serena Fairfax  

(Cannot add links: Registration/trial expired)
Home

On-line Spring Book Fair -Historical Novelists Only


Welcome to the Book Fair.

This is a Book Fair for those who love stepping back in time.  

Whether you love historical novels with a literary bent, frivolously romantic or you're inclined toward swashbuckling epic series, then you've stopped off at the right place.

It was suggested Authors should think market stall and make their blog an eye-catching "page display".  So please, join in the fun, and remember, you have four days to browse the fair 

If you would like to join before the linky tool shuts shop: please do.

To advertise this event please copy/paste badge to your blog: see side-panel and link back to this page: thanks

But first, sign up below:  don't forget to list your url in the linky column. 





Historical Book Fair

1. Evan Ostryzniuk  20. Suzi Love  39. Margaret Skea  
2. Francine Howarth  21. Jeanne Treat  40. Wendy J. Dunn  
3. Paula Lofting  22. Chris Longmuir  41. Bryn Hammond  
4. Helen Hollick  23. Kiru Taye  42. Sarah Waldock  
5. Martin Lake  24. Betty Cloer Wallace  43. Hilda Reilly  
6. Jane Godman  25. Christina Phillips  44. Roy E Stolworthy  
7. J.G. Harlond  26. Suzy Witten  45. Patricia O'Sullivan  
8. Melanie Robertson-King  27. Kevin John Grote  46. Glen Craney  
9. Nicole Hurley-Moore  28. Ginger Myrick  47. Suzan Tisdale  
10. Anne Gallagher  29. Linda Root  48. Jo Ann Butler  
11. Deborah Swift  30. Pauline Montagna  49. Charles Degelman  
12. Derek Birks  31. Sophie Schiller  50. Gates of Eden  
13. Katherine Pym  32. Judith Arnopp  51. Elizabeth Keysian  
14. Michael Wills  33. Anna Belfrage  52. Marie Macpherson  
15. Sandra Ramos O'Briant  34. Jean Fullerton  53. Tim Vicary  
16. Elizabeth Caulfield Felt  35. Elizabeth Hopkinson  54. Venetia Green  
17. J L Oakley  36. Michael Wills  55. Yangsze Choo  
18. Alison Stuart  37. DM Denton  
19. Maggi  38. Richard Abbott  

(Cannot add links: Registration/trial expired)
Home