Wednesday, 23 November 2016

Meet the participants of the X-Mas Llandeilo Book Dair: Angela Fish



Angela Fish is a writer who specialises in intergenerational communication, women’s writing and Welsh Writing in English. She gained her MPhil in Literature at the University of Glamorgan (now the University of South Wales) in 1995, and became a principal lecturer there until 2009.  She also established and directed the Wales Centre for Intergenerational Practice, based at the university, in partnership with the Welsh Assembly Government and the Beth Johnson Foundation.  Her publications include non-fiction, fiction, short stories and poetry, often with Welsh and feminist themes, and she has worked with local schools and communities to improve communication between the generations. She has been in demand, nationally and internationally, as a conference presenter and an invited speaker in her field. Her first book for children,Ben and the Spider Gate was published in 2015 and the second, Ben and the Spider Prince was released in May 2016. The third in the series, Ben and the Spider Lake, will be out in September 2016. She is a member of the London Book Fair Authors’ Club and lives in south Wales.


Angela Fish
BA(Hons), MPhil, PGCEd, FHEA
www.angela-fish.com
www.facebook.com/AngelaFishAuthor
Posted by at No comments:

Meet the participants of the Llandeilo Book Fair Dec 10: Hayley "Haloquin" Addis

On December 10th the Llandeilo Book Fair opens at 10:00 am: with Hayley Addis performing “The Goblin Circus” , a reworking fairy-tales for children and adults.

Hayley "Haloquin" Addis is an Enchantress, weaving magic through words in storytelling and teaching about real Faery magic. She is the author of "Your Faery Magic" (non-fiction) and the creator of storytelling show The Goblin Circus(fantastical), with an illustrated storybook in the works! When not writing or making magic Hayley dances, studies for her Philosophy Doctorate and dabbles in arts and crafts. Despite running a circus she still can't juggle. 


Find her at www.aworldenchanted.com /www.thegoblincircus.com 


Posted by at No comments:

Meet the participants of the Llandeilo X-Mas Book Fair: Nina Milton

Nina Milton is most well known for her crime fiction series The Shaman Mysteries Series, published by Midnight Ink Books (Llewellyn Worldwide); In the Moors (2013) Unraveled Visions (2014) and Beneath the Tor (2015). There are all available from Amazon, Waterstones online and selected stores via the Welsh Book Council.
Since 1995 she’s been publishing books for children and her  prize-winning short stories have appeared in many literary journals and anthologies. She has an MA in Creative Writing from Bath Spa University. She works for the Open College of the Arts and is Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
She was born, educated and raised her two children in the City of Bristol but now lives in west Wales with husband James, where she grows veg and keeps chickens. 

Join her on her vibrant blog site,  http://www.kitchentablewriters.blogspot.com or her Facebook Pages; The Shaman Mysteries and Kitchen Table Writers

Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , , ,

Meet Hugh W. Roberts, participant at the Llandeilo Book Fair on Dec 10th #Llandeilo #LlandeiloBookFiar

Here is the re-blog of an interview with Hugh W. Roberts: KAI Presents… Hugh W. Roberts!

Posted by Kev on November 22, 2016 in Author Interviews

Hugh will be launching his short story collection "Glimpses" at the X-Mas Book Fair in Llandeilo on Dec 10th and read for us from his work. Here is an interview with the man himself:

Kev’s Author Interviews Presents: 

img_4261

Hugh W. Roberts!

Tell us a bit about yourself, Hugh.
Hi Kev, thank you so much for inviting me over to your blog today.
My Name is Hugh W. Roberts. I live in Swansea, in South Wales in the United Kingdom. I’m Welsh, but only moved back to live in Wales last year.
I am dyslexic and for many years allowed it to stop me writing. However, when I discovered blogging, back in February 2014, new doors opened for me and my writing.
Kev: What’s your latest book called and how did you come up with the title?
The book is called Glimpses. I came up with the title one night. In fact, it woke me up! As the book contains 28 short stories, I thought it a great title because that is what the reader will get – a glimpse into the lives of characters who have no idea what is awaiting them.
Kev: Which Genre do you have it listed under and does it cross any other genres?
It’s listed under short stories and anthologies. However, the stories cover many genres including, Science Fiction, Horror, Comedy, Fantasy, Drama, LGBT and Supernatural.
Kev: Tell us a little bit more about it.
Glimpses contains 28 short stories about characters who have no idea that life is about to take them on un-expectant twists and turns. Many of the characters will come face to face with the dark side of my writing, whilst some will encounter happiness, saddens and other emotions in an unexpected way.
Here’s the synopsis for the book.
glimpses-kdp-cover
After publishing some of his short stories on his blog, Hugh W. Roberts, who suffers from dyslexia, received numerous requests to publish his short stories in a book.
Here, at last, are 28 short stories that will take your mind on a rollercoaster of a ride into worlds that conceal unexpected twists and turns.
‘Glimpses’ allows the reader a peek into the lives of everyday people who are about to have life lead them on an unpredicted path. From a mysterious deadly iPad app, to a hole in the fence that is not all it seems, to a strange lipstick that appears to have a life of its own, you will encounter terror, laughter, sadness, shock and many other emotions on journeys which promise a thrilling and gripping climax.
If you are a lover of shows such as ‘The Twilight Zone’ and ‘Tales Of The Unexpected’, then you’re in for a real treat with this first collection of short stories from Hugh.
Dare you take a glimpse into the lives of these unsuspecting characters?
Kev: Introduce us to one of your main characters.
As it’s a book of short stories, I’ve chosen to introduce you to Amy Lushwick, who is the only character in my short story ‘Lipstick.’
img_6169Amy is a very attractive young woman in her early twenties, who has a passion for shopping, epically when she can get herself a great bargain. She loves her clothes and shoes, and has a pair of stiletto heels for every occasion. She has shoulder length bleach blond hair, big brown eyes (and flutters her long eyelashes a lot), is beautiful looking, works out at the gym every day, and is very careful with what she eats to keep her figure trim. She knows she is good looking and uses this to her full advantage when it comes to getting what she wants. She’s fun to go out with and has more male friends than female friends, but she’ll have no hesitation in stabbing her family or friends in the back when things don’t go her way. She loves to look at herself in the mirror and spends hours getting ready for a night out. Amy lives alone in a rather nice apartment, but is never short on visitors. That’s all I better say about her without spoiling her story.
Kev: Provide a teaser/short passage from your book.
As Amy Lushwick squashed the umpteenth little creature with the front end of her eight-inch stiletto heeled shoe, she smiled again. She hated the little blighters and had no idea why there had been so many of them or where they were coming from.
img_5989She’d almost finished painting her lips with the brightest of red lipstick when she thought to herself how gorgeous she looked. No man would turn her down tonight; she would have the pick of the bunch.
The lipstick had been a bargain. She had been hesitant to buy it from the online auction site at first because the seller had no selling feedback. However, even though it had lain in the drawer of her dressing table for a few months, she was now convinced that just by wearing it she would become the sexiest woman alive and it would bring her all the attention she desired. She smiled to herself as she knew she would be the envy of some of her ‘not so’ close friends.
Just as she was about to apply the last bit of lipstick, something caught her eye. It looked like a very small piece of cotton sticking out the side of the lipstick. With the tips of her brightly painted finger and thumbnail she went to pull at it and watched in disbelief as it disappeared into the lipstick. Had she been seeing things or had it really just disappeared?
***
Kev: When you wrote this work, did you write off-the-cuff or use some kind of formula like an outline?
Most of the stories in the book were created because I enjoy participating in writing challenges. Sometimes, I will see a challenge, or a photo, and the story will come straight to me. I write off-the-cuff but many of the stories have been rewritten for the book because all but one were first published on my blog. I do also have a novel in progress but even that has been written off-the-cuff.
Kev: Did you research for the backdrop of your story or any other part of it?
I did do some research for some of the stories, but I didn’t spend days on end researching. I’d rather write than research and will only delve into researching if I really have to.
Kev: What challenges did this particular work pose for you?
By far, the most difficult challenge was writing the synopsis. I had no difficultly writing a synopsis for each of the stories, but when it came to writing one for the whole book, I found myself completely out of my comfort zone. I asked for help from the blogging community and was amazed with the response. In fact, if it wasn’t for the blogging community, then this book would not have seen the light of day. They have been very supportive and have encourage me all the way.
Kev: What methods are using to promote this work?
I’ve been invited to do lots of interviews and guest posts throughout the blogging world. I’ll be running a competition when the book is launched, which will run for three months. I’m also doing my very first book fair as a published author, in Llandeilo, on December 10th.  I’m looking forward to this very much as it will give me the chance to meet those readers and maybe get to sign a few of my books. I’ve also been in touch with some local book shops who support local authors and am hoping I’ll be asked to do some talks at some author workshops.
Kev: Do you have any advice for new authors?
  • Give as much of your time as possible to getting your first book finished and published.
  • Take a break from blogging if you need to and, whatever you do, don’t get stressed out about any of the process.
  • If you find it’s becoming too much, then walk away from it and take a break. Relax, spend some time doing something else.
  • Don’t neglect your family or friends during the process.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask questions or for advice. You’ll be surprised by just how many published authors and writers are willing to help.
  • Don’t let anyone tell you that you cannot publish a book. Being dyslexic, I lost count by how many times I was told that it would not be possible for me to publish a book.
  • Ensure you get your book edited and ask for some volunteers to beta read it for you.
  • Network with other writers and authors both at events such as book fairs and author workshops as well as on your blog and the blogs of other writers.
  • Always, always ensure you go out of your way to respond to comments left on your blog. Never ignore comments. Treat anyone visiting your blog, author page or webpage as a customer.
  • Most of all, enjoy writing. Have fun with it and never be afraid to show off your work.

Glimpses Pre-order (Clicky the picy)

glimpses-kdp-cover

Connect with Hugh:

Let’s Hear it for Hugh, Everyone!

Posted by at No comments:
Labels: , , , , , , , , ,

Monday, 21 November 2016

Meet the Participants of the Llandeilo X-Mas Book Fair: Wendy Steele

In 1972, Wendy Steele came home from the Tutankhamun exhibition and wrote about her experience, beginning a writing journey which she still travels. Since working in the City BC (Before Children), she has trained in alternative therapies, belly dance and writing. Wendy combines these three disciplines to give balance to her life.

Her first novel 'Destiny of Angels' was published in 2012, closely followed by two short story anthologies and a non-fiction book 'Wendy Woo's Year – A Pocketful of Smiles', an inspirational guide, offering ideas, meditations and recipes to make every precious day, a happy one.

Moving to Wales, the fulfilment of a 15 year dream, inspired her to write the Standing Stone book series, set in Wales in the countryside she loves.

Writing workshops in Wales widened her writing perspective and the resulting short stories have been published online and in anthologies.

An enforced break in the summer led to a new novel ‘The Naked Witch’, soon to be published, embracing the new genre of WitchLit. 



Wendy writes fiction, with a dollop of magic, exploring the 'what if...?' the starting point for all her stories. She lives with her partner and cats, restoring her farmhouse and immersing herself in the natural world on her doorstep.

Here is an interview with Wendy:
Today I have the pleasure of introducing you to Wendy Steele, who moved to Wales around the same time as I did and who is confirmed participant of The Llandeilo Book Fair on sat April 30th.  Welcome Wendy! First up, please tell us about your connection to Wales.
I fell in love with Wales 15 years ago on our first family holiday to the area and my partner and I followed our dream to live here, arriving in August 2013. We lived in a tent for a couple of months while our purchase went through and finally moved into two rooms of our dilapidated farmhouse in November 2013. Upstairs is still not liveable but at least we have a roof, rather than a piece of flimsy tin!
Tell us a little about yourself as writer and as person.
In 1972, I came home from the Tutankhamun exhibition in London and wrote a poem. I haven't stopped writing about my experiences ever since. My first piece of paid writing was in The Dancing Times after attending my first belly dance workshops, an article about a beginner taking her first steps on her dance journey.
I trained in alternative therapies, belly dance and writing and published my first novel 'Destiny of Angels – First book in the Lilith Trilogy' in 2012, closely followed by two short story anthologies and a non-fiction book 'Wendy Woo's Year – A Pocketful of Smiles', an inspirational guide, offering ideas, meditations and recipes to make every precious day, a happy one. The Welsh countryside inspired me to begin The Standing Stone book series about the lives of three women, linked across time and space by the standing stone.
I've joined a writing group, The Cwrtnewydd Scribblers, and writing workshops in Wales have widened my writing perspective. The resulting short stories have been published online and in anthologies.Wrath of Angels Cover PROOF V1
Why did you decide to write in your chosen genre(s)?
Having been brought up in a Christian household but finding no connection with the church in my adult life, I read widely on spirituality, gathering together an eclectic mix of beliefs and understanding. The magic of the amazing world we live in was always dear to me as I talked to the moon as a child so writing fantasy, especially magical realism was a way to share, opening up a different world to readers.
Tell us about the concept behind your book(s).
The concept behind all my stories is 'What if...?' In the Lilith Trilogy, what if a traumatic childhood experience sent a woman on a different life path? Gifted, beautiful and wealthy and with a rapport with Lilith, the Dark Goddess, Angel and her friends confront the perpetrators of her misery, offering them the opportunity of redemption. While the Standing Stone series was inspired by, what if the power of ancient stone was not only linked in the present but across time and space, how would three different women's lives be aided by their interaction with the Goddesses of the Land?
What is your life like outside of writing?
Aside from writing, I've been teaching belly dance for 8 years, beginning with traditional Egyptian dance before I found my true calling to American Tribal Style® Belly Dance. I danced with Tribal Unity in Essex for four years before moving to Wales and I've been teaching classes here since March 2014. As a chubby child, labelled 'fairy elephant', I came to dance late in life but relish every day I have the opportunity to teach or perform.
Renovating our Grade II listed farmhouse and byre requires physical perseverance as we remove concrete slapped on walls and restore the stone with traditional lime mortar. Dealing with the planning department at the council, as well as CADW, the listed building organisation in Wales, has proved time consuming and frustrating but we take small steps forward each month towards our dream home.
What are you working on now?  Standing Stone Home For Christmas Cover drop shadow
As 2016 begins, I'm spinning an alarming number of plates! The third Standing Stone book, 'The Gathering' is in the process of final edits and I hope to have it available for the Llandeilo Book Fair in April. My target to produce a new short story each week is being met and having had a number published online and in anthologies, I'm working on one of my own, highlighting the strength, resilience and power of women. The first four sections of the third book in the Lilith Trilogy, Angels and Demons, are undergoing rewrites and my plan is to finish the trilogy by the end of the year.
What are the best and the worst aspects of writing?
The best part of writing is sitting in my dressing gown with my fountain pen and a pad of paper and letting my stories develop on the page. As a 'non-techy' the worst part is organising promotion, as I wander blindly through the intricacies and ever changing landscape of social media.
What is your favourite book?
Choosing one favourite book is impossible! I reach for different genres, depending on my mood. Dion Fortune's books take me on magical journeys while the late Sir Terry Pratchett, is comfort reading, especially books about Granny Weathwax and Nanny Ogg. For historical journeys, I've enjoyed your books, Christoph and love anything about the early history of Britain, from the Stone age, through Roman and Viking invasions, to William the Conqueror and beyond.all the books
What book are you currently reading and in what format (e-book/paperback/hardcover)?
I'm reading 'Your Faery Magic' by Halo Quin on my kindle at the moment, alongside 'Moon Magic' in paperback while also dipping into 'The Hedgerow Handbook' by Adele Nozedar, with a view to foraging herbs and fruit for syrups, cordials and baking.
How do you handle criticism of your work?
Book reviews are so important to a writer. It's sad about Amazon's heavy handed approach to removing reviews they deem illegitimate as this puts readers off from reviewing. I take all criticism,  think about it and then analyse its relevance. Not every reader is going to enjoy my writing. The reviews I received for 'Destiny of Angels' were invaluable. Some highlighted 'point of view' issues that I was able to rectify while writing 'Wrath of Angels', the second book.
Thanks for stopping by Wendy. Here is a list of Wendy's books:
Destiny of Angels (First book in the Lilith Trilogy)Wrath of Angels Cover PROOF V1
Traumatic events in her childhood, send Angel Parsons upon a different life path.
Fifteen years later, with the help of her new 'family' and the resurrected relationship with Jenny Parkes, her only friend from school, Angel confronts the perpetrators of her misery. Rather than seeking revenge and to free herself from her past, Angel uses the skills she has acquired to offer her persecutors the chance of redemption.
Will Angel fulfil her destiny and put her past behind her or will the demons she unleashes consume herself and her 'family' and leave her empty and alone once more?
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007OX5J8O/?tag=kttus-20
Wrath of Angels (Second book in the Lilith Trilogy)
Angel Parsons – wife, lover, entrepreneur and witch – is back and though she strives to put her past behind her, Lilith the Dark Goddess has other ideas.
Angel has the power at her finger tips. The choice is hers. Will she evoke her wrath to take her revenge on Lilith or will she summon nature's forces and the strongest emotion on earth to put right the wrongs of the Dark Goddess?
The Standing Stone – Home for Christmas
Rachel arrives in Wales to begin a new life but will Marcus jeopardise their future together before it's begun?
Candy knows the punishment for leaving Station 23 unguarded. Will she succeed in convincing Paul to obey the Lesson?
Fern loves her life in the village but when the Tall Folk arrive with metal working skills, will her peace be shattered forever?
Though distanced by time and space, three women find the Standing Stone and the teachings of the Great Mother, Binah.
Wendy Woo's Year – A Pocketful of Smiles 101 ideas for a happy year and a happy you

all the books
Once upon a time, two eleven year old girls made a pact of friendship. One left school at sixteen while the other stayed on to study. The friendship remained. One went abroad while the other stayed at home. Years passed, marriage and children followed and the friendship continued to flourish via letters and video messages.
After twenty nine years the girls were reunited and the friendship sparked with renewed love and affection. Three months later, one friend was diagnosed with cancer. Nine months later, she died.
I was the girl who lived and I made a promise to live my life for two and make sure that every day included a smile in memory of my beautiful friend.
It isn't easy and I don't claim to hold the key to a life of everlasting happiness but the ideas in 'A Pocketful of Smiles' are used or have been used by me and have brought smiles and happiness to my life.
'A Pocketful of Smiles' is about being happy, irrespective of the challenges life brings.
'A Pocketful of Smiles' is often practical, sometimes spiritual but never religious, occasionally witty and full of ideas to bring a smile to your day.

Posted by at No comments:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)