Introducing my Writing Friends - Week 3

This week - Tammy Farrell.

 

I came across Tammy on twitter several months ago. A few random tweets, a few squeals of laughter and several photographs later regarding what we thought characters from her book looked like, and we both knew we'd found a like minded soul. She is a constant source of encouragement for me and other writers, and I know we will stay friends for a very long time.

 

You can find Tammy at the following places:

 

Twitter: @TamzWrite

Website: Tammy Farrell Website

 

Tammy has a written an amazing book, 'The Darkness of Light', the first of the Dia Chronicles, and is due to release the second book, 'The Embers of Light', later this year.

 

 

 

THE DARKNESS OF LIGHT

 

At the dawn of the sixth century, in the aftermath of her mother’s brutal execution, Mara Black is forced to flee the only life she has ever known.

 

Mara can tell she’s different, but isn’t sure why. After she encounters two mysterious strangers, she discovers her secret is but a drop in an ocean of many. She is a Dia, a descendant of ancient gods, and her mother sacrificed herself to protect Mara from their past.

 

Summoned by an uncle she didn’t know existed, Mara thinks she’s found the family she’s always wanted, and Corbin, a love she never thought possible. But not everything is as it seems. Her uncle has other motives for protecting her, and her mentor, Malcolm, becomes so jealous, he’ll do anything to get what he wants. When tragedy strikes, and the true darkness among them comes to light, Mara discovers that sometimes love can give you everything, and obsession can take it all away. With her powers gone, and destiny calling, she has to look deep within to find the courage to save herself. Mara, along with Corbin and her newfound family, must fight to get back what was taken, or die trying.

 

My review:

 

The world Tammy has created is both fascinating and believable.

Her characters are strong, well developed individuals, and I found myself drawn into their actions and behaviour. I liked Mara, connecting with her very early on in the story, but I also like Corbin... and the late arrival of Drake.

I can't say too much without giving the plot away - but as a reader I was always willing to give Malcolm a chance - until it was too late.

Anyone debating whether to read this book should not hesitate any longer. Grab it, but make sure you have a day or two free to read it. I ignored my hubs and boys, as well as my own writing, so I could keep reading this. Couldn't put it down.

Well done Mrs Farrell - waiting for the next in the series!

 

~oOoOo~

 

The Darkness of Light is available in various formats at the following places:

 

Add to Goodreads

Available on Amazon.com

Available on Amazon.co.uk

Barnes and Noble eBook

Barnes and Noble Paperback

Kobo



 

Go on - treat yourself!

 

Melody xx



Introduction to my writing friends - Week 2

This week, I would like to introduce T.A. Brock.

Tawnya is another friend from my ProjectREUTSway group. Not only did Tawnya have a story selected for publication in the anthology, but she also has a book out now!

So, without further delay, please let me introduce Tawnya's Runner up story featured on the Reuts Blog; Silver Hands, Silver Tongue.

And, if you like what you read on the blog, you must buy a copy of Tawnya's book, Fatal. I've never been a fan of zombies, but this book converted me! I devoured the words in a day, not able to put the book down until I'd finished it. Seriously, if you love zombies, you'll adore this book, and if--like me--you're not so keen, I bet Fatal will convert you.

So, go on, treat yourself to Fatal, on sale on Amazon! I promise you'll not regret it.

T.A. Brock lives in Oklahoma, where Zombies do not thrive. When not immersed in the world of fantasy writing, she enjoys spending time with her big girl, baby boy, and hubs. Some of her favourite things are coffee (specifically with cream, sugar, and chocolate), music (especially something with a good beat), books (especially paranormal), and Tennis. She despises raw meat and therefore is exceedingly glad she’s human.

T.A Brock's website: click here.

Introduction to my writing friends - Week 1

So, this week, I would like to introduce you to Summer Wier.

Summer is one of my critique group and an endless enthusiastic supporter of my writing. She has read Sachael Dreams, and developed a crazy obsession with Orontes, and I love her for it! (Mind you, I think it has a lot to do with when I told her I picture Chris Hemsworth as Orontes.)

Summer is also a writer, and a very good one. She entered the ProjectREUTSway challenge last November, and formed part of the little critique group I was part of. Three of Summer's stories were chosen for the final book (That proves how good she is) and the other one was a runner up. Her story 'One' was featured on the Reuts Blog last week and I wanted to share the link with you here. Summer Wier - ONE

Just to finish - here is bit about her:

Summer Wier is an MBA toting accountant, undercover YA writer, and all around jack-of-all-trades.  When she’s not digging through spreadsheets or playing mom, you can find her reading/writing, cooking, or dreaming of the mountains of Montana.  Three of her short stories have been selected for publication in a Grimm’s Fairy Tale Anthology through REUTS Publications.  Her debut YA SF/F novel THE SHADOW OF LIGHT is available for representation.

 You can check out Summer's website here.

What? An update?

Hi

Yes, I know it's been a week, two, three...okay, even more. I made a promise to post every week, and I've broken it--several times over.

I have no excuse other than one week led to another and then another etc etc. So, I'm not promising that I'll post every week, but I will try to bring you something of interest. This could be something about me, what books I've read, new releases in the book world that I'm excited about, and news regarding my friends in the writing world. I'll try and mix things up and give you something different each week.

So... for this post, I thought I'd share one of my short stories I entered into the ProjectREUTSway challenge. It's called Ugly Beautiful and was my twist on The Ugly Duckling. The subject matter is quite gory seeing as the prompt for the challenge was 'Bloody Ever After'. Be warned - it's not pretty! It has its own page and will be kept on my blog for the foreseeable future.

This Easter week I've stayed with relatives who live in Bridlington. It's along the coast from Ravenscar, and my husband surprised me by planning a trip to 'Estelle's' homeland for a day. As soon as I started walking the trails through the woods and along the cliff top I submerged myself in Estelle's world. It's a world of calm quietness, one that I can only appreciate when I'm there. I'd love to sit on one of the benches and just write for hours on end, but with two excitable children it's impossible. I'll be back with my two friends later this year, so maybe then I'll get the amazing peace and quiet that I'm desperate to experience while writing in such an inspiring place.

Because everyone tells me they also love the visuals of Ravenscar, I've attached a few photographs of our trip. Hope to see you all next week.

Melody xx

 

 

 

Twisted Stories

The results of the ProjectREUTSway competition were announced today, and I'm pleased and proud to announce that one of my stories was selected for publication in the Reuts Publication Twisted Fairy Tales Anthology.

The story selected for publication was SHIFTING SEAS, a twisted take on the Brothers Grimm story THE FISHERMAN AND HIS WIFE.

Two of my other short stories were included in the runners-up list,  and will be featured on the Reuts blog over the coming weeks.

BREATH OF DEATH - based on THE 12 DANCING PRINCESSES
THE DEVILS MATCH - based on THE LITTLE MATCH GIRL

Keep checking back for information on when my stories feature and follow the Reuts blog for posts of all the other runner-up stories that were selected. I'm sure they'll be wonderful. There are many talented writers out there and it's a privilege to be included among them.

ProjectREUTSway

I have some exciting news for you this month, and wanted to share it with you as soon as I found out.

I got through to the final round of the ProjectREUTSway challenge!

The final decision is due to be announced on 31st January. I will find out whether I am a runner up, have one or even two stories due to be published! It's all very exciting, and I am so happy to have been selected as a finalist!

Whatever the result - I will make the stories available on my website - the page is already set up. (If a story is selected for the publication then, unfortunately for now, I will not be able to publish it on my website - but I will publish the others!)

So, just to tempt you a little bit more - I have posted some very simple covers that I designed for the stories. You can see them here on my website.

As a reminder - here are the weekly challenges:

Week 1 – Bloody Ever After
Theme: Vampires, Revenants, Chupacabras, Cannibals and/or Bloodsuckers of some kind.



Week 2 – The Ugly Dead
Theme: Zombies, Mummies, Ghosts, etc.



Week 3 – Fairy Tales from Hell
Theme: Demons, Fallen Angels, Succubae, etc.



Week 4 – Shifty Stories to Read in the Dark
Theme: Werewolves and other Were-Animals–Therianthropy of all kinds, really–Skin-Walkers, Shape Shifters, Selkies, etc.


Take care.

Melody xxx

ProjectREUTSway challenge #4

This week saw the final challenge from Reuts Publications.

One of my guesses for this weeks challenge was correct! Shapeshifters.

It could have featured Werewolves and other Were-Animals, Skin-Walkers, Shape Shifters, Selkies.

The title for this week was Shifty Stories to Read in the Dark. My entry was called SHIFTING SEAS and was based around the story of 'The Fisherman and his Wife' by the Brother's Grimm.

The challenges are now over. Four short stories, in four weeks. I need a lie down!

The Reuts team are busy selecting the stories they will feature in the Anthology. I should know if any of mine made it into the final book by the end of December, so keep your fingers crossed.

As always, here are a few visuals that assisted my story this week.

Melody xxx