Mountains of the Moon: An epic epic!

As an author, I'm constantly delving into the lives and minds of the people I create.  I walk in their footsteps and their hearts beat in time with my own - though, in many cases, not for long.

My own work is based *usually) in my home town of Grimsby and the surrounding area.  I'm writing 'what I know', which is often said to be the best thing to do.  That's not why I do it, however - I write about my home town because it's 'ordinary' and I want it to appear 'extraordinary'.  Plus, I know it very well.

I have to admire, therefore, those authors who create brand new realms.  They fashion such vast vistas with intimately crafted heroes and villains, I often wonder how they keep track of such detail.  One such person, a magician in a magical world of her own creation, is Connie J. Jasperson.

Connie is gifted in such magic.  With the flourish with which most illusionists can only conjure white doves, she brings to life stunning landscapes and almost living inhabitants.

Connie's latest offering, Mountains of the Moon, is the beginning of a new series, set in her land of Neveyah, where we first found ourselves in her wonderful Tower of Bones.

Charged by the goddess Aeos, Wynn and his companions bicker and bumble their way through the Mountains of the Moon. Danger, mystery, and dark prophecies chase them through a gauntlet of jagged peaks and deadly traps.

Can they survive the dark secret hidden in Tauron’s crumbling castle before his minotaurs overrun Neveyah?

The Gods are at war, and Neveyah is the battlefield.

Here's a little about Connie and her work.

Connie J. Jasperson lives in Olympia, Washington.  A vegan, she and her husband share five children, a love of good food and great music. She is active in local writing groups, an editor for Myrddin Publishing Group, and is a writing coach. She is an active member of the both the Northwest Independent Writers Association and Pacific Northwest Writers Association, and is a founding member of Myrddin Publishing Group.  Music and food dominate her waking moments. When not writing or blogging she can be found with her Kindle, reading avidly. You can find her blogging on her writing life at: http://conniejjasperson.wordpress.com

Connie J. Jasperson’s  body of work includes:

WORLD OF NEVEYAH series by Connie J. Jasperson

Mountains of the Moon - Danger, mystery, and dark prophecies, lie deep in a gauntlet of jagged peaks and deadly traps. Can Wynn survive the dark secret hidden in Tauron’s stolen castle before the Bull God’s minotaurs overrun Neveyah?

TOWER OF BONES, series based in the World of Neveyah

The gods are at war, and Neveyah is the battlefield.

This epic fantasy series opens with Tower of Bones, and follows Edwin Farmer as he journeys deep into the lands claimed by the dreaded Bull God, in an attempt to rescue a girl he has only met in his dreams.

Forbidden Road takes up Edwin’s story six years later. When four mages are sent into the shadowed lands claimed by the mad priest of the Bull God, who will return unscathed? Sorrow, peril, and magic await in the Valley of Mal Evol.

OTHER BOOKS BY CONNIE J. JASPERSON

Huw, the Bard, a novel that takes you to the world of Waldeyn, and a medieval alternate reality. Fleeing a burning city, everything he ever loved in ashes behind him, penniless and hunted, Huw the Bard must somehow survive. Available as an ebook and in paper.

Tales From the Dreamtime – a novella consisting of three modern fairy tales told in a traditional style. Available as an ebook, in paper, and as an Audiobook, narrated by the wonderful voice actor, Craig Allen.

She has kindly given us an excerpt from her latest novel:

The two prisoners heard heavy footsteps approaching, sounds that seemed to echo down a long passageway and stopped outside the door. A tired sounding voice said, “Well, your lordship. Did you feed them and give them water?”

“Of course I did,” replied the baron, in a quavering tenor. “I live, Jenner, but only because I serve. I understand that well.”

“They’re awake then. Those two soldiers of Tauron roughed them up pretty bad. Should I call Grakken to heal them now?”

The old man’s tones were sardonic. “Yes, you should. Your tame minotaurs were far gentler on them than they’ve been on some of the others, which isn’t saying much. At least these two big fellows have enough slack in their chains to be able to feed themselves and piss in a bucket.” His tones were scathing.

 “They’d better not have hurt them too badly. These two must be in good health for the ceremony tonight,” muttered the earth-mage. “Grakken is expecting a visit from High Priest Kandek today. The high priest will be pleased to have a real sacrifice to offer up on his new altar tonight instead of the usual miserable rabble.”

“I’m sure ‘the miserable rabble’ would have been glad to hear that if they’d survived your boss’s little frenzy the other day,” replied the old man. “Speaking of which, if we’re done here, I have to go and check on the one that does remain. I’m sure despite the ruckus of the other day, Grakken still has plans for her and wants to keep her alive even though he has these two fine specimens for tonight’s festivities, so….”

“Well, go about your duties then. I’m going to sit here just to keep those freaks from Serende from getting any ideas about using these two for sport. As soon as he’s awake, I’ll let Grakken know they’re here, through our link. He’ll be worried about their safety.”

“He should be worried about those soldiers, Jenner. They’re bored, and there’s nothing worse than a bored minotaur. Just so you’re aware, the woman likely won’t live through the day after their gentle courtship of her. You only have your minotaurs to blame for that. But it’s not my job to worry about the health of his sacrifices, especially since Grakken himself seems to be so careless with them.”

Here's where you can find Connie on the interest:

Twitter: @cjjasp

WattPad: http://www.wattpad.com/user/ConnieJJasperson

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/pub/connie-j-jasperson/33/94/b38/

Facebook  - https://www.facebook.com/cjjasperson

Life in the Realm of Fantasy (Connie J Jasperson’s Author Blog)  http://conniejjasperson.wordpress.com

The Best in Fantasy Book Reviews – http://bestinfantasy.blogspot.com

Revealing the Heart Betrayed

Recently I had the immense pleasure of helping reveal Carlie Cullen’s Heart Search: Betrayal cover.  Today, she’s allowed me to show an excerpt of the book and, reading this, I’m even more eager to read it!

Heart Search: Betrayal

Six days before the trial, I received another call from the Chief Constable and my heart sank. Each call was another reminder I just didn’t need. After the usual pleasantries had been exchanged, he became abruptly ill at ease.

“Is there something wrong?” I asked.

“Er, well it depends on your point of view I suppose. Are you sitting down?”

“Yes. What is it?”

“I received a call about an hour ago from the Governor at Holloway Prison where Bernice Dalton was in custody. Apparently she wrote a note of confession and then committed suicide. She’s dead, Remy,” he said gently.

A rush of relief blew through me like a stiff breeze through a lace curtain. I was off the hook. I wouldn’t have to go to court! I had to reign in my jubilation to answer him. “Er, I’m not really sure what to say.”

“I can understand that. I haven’t yet seen the note she left, but from what little I’ve been told, she admitted to breaking into your home and terrorising you and the children. There was some reference to her belief that if she nailed you for the disappearances of your fiancé and friend, it would advance her career. But she showed no remorse, saying she wasn’t sorry and would do the same thing again.”

“Oh. . . well, I’m glad she confessed. That’s something positive at least.”

“Yes, and it does you a favour, apart from not having to face her in court. You’ll be entitled to some form of compensation.”

“That’s not why I pressed charges, I didn’t know compensation was even a possibility,” I replied, surprised by what he said.

“It would only apply if a guilty verdict or confession was entered into the court records,” he explained. “You won’t need to attend court or anything now. Because of your statement and the doctor detailing how the trauma affected you and the children, I would be surprised if the compensation was less than five figures and possibly closer to six.”

“Wow! I honestly don’t know what to say.”

“I’ll let you know as soon as I hear anything. But just before I let you go, I want you to know how brave I think you’ve been throughout this whole ordeal. It took a great deal of courage to press charges against a police officer. Now you can really start to put it behind you and move on.”

“Okay, and thank you for everything.”

“My pleasure. Take care and I’ll speak to you soon. Goodbye Remy.”

“You too. Bye.” I ended the call and felt the smile stretch across my face. This was the best possible news and so unexpected. It was one less thing to worry about. Now I could direct all my energies to the battle which was less than three weeks away.

I was about to go downstairs and join the others when I found a slip of paper had been pushed under my door. It was folded in half and had my name on it in a fancy script. I opened it, filled with curiosity. Inside it said simply,

You owe me!

   Samir

Carlie M A Cullen was born in London. She grew up in Hertfordshire where she first discovered her love of books and writing.

She has always written in some form or another, but started to write novels in 2011. Her first book was published by Myrddin Publishing in 2012. She writes in the Fantasy/Paranormal Romance genres for New Adult and Adult.

Carlie is also a principal editor for Eagle Eye Editors.

Carlie also holds the reins of a writing group called Writebulb. They have published four anthologies so far, two for adults and two for children, all of which raise money for a local hospice.

Carlie currently lives in Essex, UK with her daughter.

You can find Carlie at lots of different places (I was wondering why that phrase was said in a weird accent in my head – then I realised it was Connor McLeod of the clan McLeod):

Website: http://carliemacullen.com

Twitter: @carlie2011c

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CarlieMACullen

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/profile/view?id=240655941&trk=nav_responsive_tab_profile

Amazon: http://www.amazon.co.uk/-/e/B009MWVL5A

About.me: http://about.me/CarlieCullen

Wattpad: http://www.wattpad.com/user/CarlieCullen

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6550466.Carlie_M_A_Cullen

BOOKS:

Heart Search, book one: Lost:http://smarturl.it/HeartSearch-Lost

Heart Search, book two: Found:http://smarturl.it/HeartSearch-Found

Carlie and the Search for Betrayed Hearts...

Yo, yo, YO!  I bet you thought I’d been carted off to the funny farm, didn’t you?  Well, strangely enough… no.  Let’s not go there.  Let’s not spoil a wonderful February day when I’ve got the delightful Carlie Cullen sneaking into the asylum to spend some time with me.  And, knowing Carlie, she may be here some time…

Anywho, let’s get on with the interview!  Hey, I’m a poet!  Who knew!?

What’s your name?

Carlie M A Cullen

I won’t ask if you’re related to Edward – you might bite my neck…  Where are you from?

I was born in the East End of London, grew up in Herfordshire, and recently moved from Essex to Suffolk.

I’m feeling suddenly dizzy!  Do you like living there?  If not, where would your favourite place to live be?  If yes, where would you least like to live?

I love the house I’m in now and the area is lovely. I’m really happy here. I’d hate to live in a block of flats on an estate where I’d be scared to go out because of gangs and drugs.

But think of the writing material!  But, yes.  I see your point.  Here, in the asylum, we have gangs of orderlies with their needles.  Not good…  As you’re a writer, is this your ‘day job’?

Yes, it is now. I’ve had to give up work due to a disability so now I spend my days writing and editing – and I love it!!

So a silver lining to a dark cloud?  Tell me about your latest project.

Heart Search: Betrayal is the final book in the trilogy. The series is a Paranormal Romance for New Adult and Adult audiences. It basically revolves around Remy and Joshua, my two main characters and is written in first and third person points of view. This final book is mainly about a traitor who is feeding information to another vampire who hates the occupants of Clavemont Hall (or the manor as the vamps call it), and harbours extreme desires for revenge against them. One of the coven is kidnapped. Jakki, a vampire who is also a psychic white witch, makes various predictions which are scarily accurate. Some of them find out they have powers/gifts. When the hater and his men attack, the coven find themselves overwhelmed, and it’s very much a case of who will survive and will the traitor be unmasked.

Wow.  Exciting stuff!  And?  And??  Oh.  I mean, how do you feel about bacon?  A crazy person once said it was the food of the gods.  OK, I admit that person was myself...

I totally agree with you, Sin. I adore bacon!

What is your favourite film?

Now that’s a really tough question to answer. There are so many films I love, that to pick just one is horrendously difficult.
Okay, I’ve narrowed it down until it came to a coin toss, so after a ‘flip and catch’, it’s come down to Interview With A Vampire.

Ooohhh, good choice.  Watch it with those coins, though.  You never know where they may lead!  Have you always wanted to be a writer, or is it something you found yourself doing one day?

I’ve written since I was a child and it’s something I’ve enjoyed all my life. I’d always hoped to write a book and get it published, but it wasn’t until I’d finished writing my first novel that I realised it was more than a dream. It was suddenly within my grasp and the rest, as they say, is history.

Not all dreams are simply manifestations of our subconscious minds.  Some dreams are solid, corporeal, meaty, juicy…  Oh, I’m back on the bacon again…  Do you have so many ideas they dribble out of your nose if you don’t get them down, or do you have to hunt around the floor and the back of your sofa to find where your Muse is hiding?

So far I’ve been lucky and not had to crawl around dark spaces to find my Muse. She’s been particularly verbose in the last few years.

That’s good to hear.  I know someone who often has to play hide and seek with their muse until it can be caught unawares.  If you were in an asylum, what would your particular delusion or psychosis be?

I think it would either be schizophrenia or multiple personality disorder. Apparently it’s quite common for people in my profession.

Very true.  Not always a bad thing, though.  What genre(s) do you write?

Fantasy and Paranormal Romance

Good choices!  What genres(s) do you read?

Predominantly Fantasy and Paranormal Romance

If these are the same, what attracts you to them?  If they’re different, why do you think that is?

I love the escapism. They take me to other worlds, fantastic places, and with wonderful characters and creatures. I’ve loved fantasy since I was a child and apart from the odd foray into different genres, I’ve always come back to the one I know and love.

I can soooo relate to that.  I’m a big fan, myself.  Bacon – just cooked or crispy?

Just cooked.

Hmmm…  I guess I’ll allow that.  I prefer it a bit more well done – though you do, I understand, make a mean bacon butty.  Now you’re in the asylum with me, how do you aim to get out?  Do you have an escape plan?

Well, if I don’t then I’m sure one of my multiple personalities will have. Hang on, I’ll ask them… between us we intend to overpower one of the nurses, pinch the keys, and let ourselves out. If you want to come along with us, it’ll cost you!

Oh, ‘cos I have my wallet right here in my strait jacket.  Yeah, thanks…

Hey!  Where’d she go?  Looks like one of her other hers managed to grab some keys while I was searching for my wallet.  Well, if you want to find Carlie, look no further than:

Website/blog: http://carliemacullen.com

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CarlieMACullen
Buy links: http://hyperurl.co/HeartSearch-Betrayal
Twitter: @carlie2011c
Wattpad: http://www.wattpad.com/user/CarlieCullen
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6550466.Carlie_M_A_Cullen

You can find her books here:

Heart Search, book one: Lost: http://smarturl.it/HeartSearch-Lost
Heart Search, book two: Found: http://smarturl.it/HeartSearch-Found
Heart Search, book three: Betrayal: http://hyperurl.co/HeartSearch-Betrayal

Here’s a short bio:

Carlie M A Cullen was born in London. She grew up in Hertfordshire where she first discovered her love of books and writing.

She has always written in some form or another, but started to write novels in 2011. Her first book was published by Myrddin Publishing in 2012. She writes in the Fantasy/Paranormal Romance genres for New Adult and Adult.

Carlie is also a principal editor for Eagle Eye Editors.

Carlie also holds the reins of a writing group called Writebulb. They have published four anthologies so far, two for adults and two for children, all of which raise money for a local hospice.

Carlie currently lives in Essex, UK with her daughter.

And here’s the ‘blurb’ for Heart Search: Betrayal.  Sounds delicious!

One bite started it all . . .

Joshua, Remy, and the twins are settled in their new life. However, life doesn’t always run smoothly. An argument between Becky and her twin causes unforeseen circumstances, an admission by Samir almost costs him his life, and the traitor provides critical information to Liam. But who is it?

As Jakki’s visions begin to focus on the turncoat’s activities, a member of the coven disappears, and others find themselves endangered.

And when Liam’s coven attacks, who will endure?

Fate continues to toy with mortals and immortals alike, and as more hearts descend into darkness, can they overcome the dangers they face and survive?

 

Carlie is having a fantastic launch event, and here's a link to an amazing giveaway!

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/3dde78acl and, not only that, Heart Search: Lost is FREE on Kindle on the 7th and 8th of February!

Remembering the Unremembered with Rachel Tsoumbakos

I'm joined today by the wonderful Rachel Tsoumbakos, introducing her new book to us.  It's definitely one to watch out for!

Unremembered Things by Rachel Tsoumbakos

Unremembered Things (Wood Nymph Chronicles #1) by Rachel Tsoumbakos Age category: New Adult Release Date: February 10, 2015 Genre: Paranormal Romance

Blurb

One woman, two worlds and nothing but UNREMEMBERED THINGS separating them. Indiana Shamira has a dark secret that could shatter her version of reality and get her killed in the process. Now if only she could remember what it is… When Indiana wakes with no memory of her past life and a vampire called Sam hanging from the rafters in her cellar, she knows things are about to get nasty. Not only does Sam know all about her previous life, but he seems intent on seducing her as well. Of course her boyfriend, Kurt, has different ideas – like making her open the portal to hell! And then there is the nagging suspicion that Indiana is not entirely human, now she can see ghostly images from the Otherworld. Or could it be from the life she can no longer remember? They include the flickering effigy of Kurt and a redwood forest that conjures up deeply repressed magic. Not only will Indiana have to risk everything to keep the door to another dimension closed, she will have to decide whether she is ready to lose her heart to someone who has more secrets than herself. Set in the lush Australian bush, UNREMEMBERED THINGS is a fusion of fantasy, paranormal and forbidden romance.

Add to GoodReads

Purchase (Pre-order)

AMAZON

Excerpt

“It is time.” Her voice purred like a kitten, but Indiana suspected she was really a feral animal on the inside. “For what?” Her voice was raspy, hesitant and unsure if she really wanted to know the answer. Somewhere, deep inside, she suspected she already knew. “Just remember I’m doing this for us,” Sam whispered into her ear. “So we can be together forever.” Before Indiana could question him further, she felt a flurry of hands over her body. Indiana tried to open her eyes, but a warm hand reached up and carefully covered them. Indiana was bitten – hard, and she groaned in pleasure. Shocked by her unexpected display, she clutched her hands outwards. Feeling the writhe of skin on skin, she tried to pull herself free. The tickle of fingers across her neck and down her spine calmed her with their warm familiarity. “It’s okay, Indiana.” The feathery words danced across her skin, warm like a summer breeze. She stilled and let Sam’s fingers intertwine with her own, relieved by his simple touch. Time seemed to move forward and Indiana was presented with brief snippets of fleeting images; Camilla biting Sam, biting her. Indiana enjoying the pain of Camilla’s sharp teeth as they gnashed at her neck, her thighs and her wrist. The flurry of skin and hands and teeth as they writhed together in the height of passion. Pale hands slithered over her own luminescent skin, then Sam’s darker skin brushed against her own, warming her and protecting her but against what she was unsure. Then Camilla poised over Sam, a knife in her hand. A flash of blood as it splayed out from a gaping neck wound. Indiana’s involuntary gasp and then choking sob at the sight of the cavernous hole. Hungry sucking as Camilla drank her fill. A warm hand, its fingers still laced through hers, slowing turning ice cold.

Giveaway

PRIZE (international):

• 1 x eCopy of Unremembered Things
• 1 x eCopy of Metanoia
• 1 x eCopy of The Ring of Lost Souls
• 1 x $10 Amazon gift card

About the Author

Rachel Tsoumbakos is a stay home mother of two. Her main passions are writing, reading and organic gardening. Rachel lives with her husband, two kids, three cats and eight chickens in the hills surrounding Melbourne, Australia. While she has had several articles published through mainstream magazines, she has also written extensively for True Blood Net and the now defunct Suite 101. When she is not tending to her organic veggie garden, she is working on her cardio as she trains for the zombie apocalypse.

Author Links

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS | GOOGLE + | PINTEREST

              

Hunting Hearts...

Image courtesy of Wikipedia Commons.

I met a friend online who gave me a prompt for Hunted Heart. Her idea was to have a strong heroine as the Hunter from Snow White who is given the job of killing the prince. Heartbreak, magic mirrors, and poisoned apples all wound themselves into the plot, and fifty thousand words later I had an adult take on the fairytale.

My publishing group, Myrddin Publishing, does a charity publication each year in December. This year my Myrddin effort is Hunted Heart and all royalties will be donated. It’s available for pre-order on Amazon, and you can add it to your reading lists on Goodreads.

When Tali is hired to cut out the heart of Prince Kas, the huntress can’t refuse. Tali realizes there is no escape from the dark magic of the queen’s mirror, even though her own feelings for the prince are far too complex to understand.

As they try to run from their shared destiny, Tali and Kas have to rely on their wits and each other as hunter becomes prey and hearts are won and lost.

A genderbent Snow White for adults (18+ only.) All royalties go to Save the Children.

My illustrator did a lovely job with the book. Here is Lisa Daly’s cover for Hunted Heart:

About the author: Alison DeLuca is the author of several fantasy and steampunk novels. Currently she lives in New Jersey with her husband and daughter, where she wrestles words and laundry.

You can find her on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and Goodreads.

Tearing Through the Tears...

Well, it’s been a long while since I’ve posted anything on here, and you have my sincerest apologies for that.  Life is very hectic (for a change) and I’m doing my best to complete Darker Places, the follow up to Dark Places, in time for Halloween.

 
Anywho-be-do, what better way to return than with the help of a friend of mine, someone who’s had a book bubbling inside of them for quite some time and has just recently stepped out of the shadows of Authordom.  Say “Hi” to Wayne.
 
Hi there! My name is Wayne Sharpe, aka: Bloomdell, to those on Twitter. I am the author of 'Humboldt's Tears' which can be found on Wattpad or by searching Barkermouth & Bloomdell. (Self promotion ahoy).
 
I am privileged to have been asked by Shaun Allan to scribble a few of my erratic thoughts across this here page on his blog. I'm flattered to think that anyone would be interested in my mental leakage. I would both, like to thank and apologize to Mr Allan up front for what follows.
 
Here goes.
 
It has been said that everyone has a book somewhere inside of them, I don't know who put it there, but there it is. The problem is, not everyone realises this to be the case and not everyone knows how to reach it. Like the proverbial block of marble, somewhere beneath its milky veined surface is hidden their very own David or their Venus de Milo, just waiting to be freed. Rather than a mallet and chisel they cry out for you to put pen to paper and tell their story. But so few ever do.
 
Well, like many before me, I decided to rise to that call and place pen to paper or more to the fact, fingers to keyboard and write my book.
 

For three years I mostly kept the knowledge of my book to myself and a few close friends as I wrote it. Not that I was embarrassed or ashamed of my creation, far from it, I’m proud as punch. But I found that it became quite an integral part of my personal life. I woke up with it, ate with it, worked with it and slept with it, all the time with it floating around my head. I brought the characters into being, and I felt a true sense of guilt as I ended the lives of characters. I found that as I worked on the book, it seemed only right to keep it close and keep it secret. Having finally finished it, it didn't seem right to leave it languishing in Microsoft hell.
 
But there it sat, on my computer, unread but by a few. My David (not quite a Michelangelo) had been freed from its marble bonds, only to be imprisoned by Windows (8.1, argh. Bring back 95).
 
Turning to my friend, Shaun Allan, author and creator of the marvellous Sin, I ask for advice and guidance, which he happily and freely gave. He pointed the way to Wattpad, our favourite online self publishing website. My book was released at last to roam free through the fibres of the web, to be read by anyone willing to give it its day. And now, like a proud parent, I watch on as people from around the globe journey through my creation. I found the book inside, I moulded and shaped it, and freed it. Job done?

All that said, I still feel like a pretender, someone who has written something, rather than an author who has published something. Yet I'm happy with this arrangement. I will allow others to make their minds up as to what title I should take.  
I feel like a busker, a one man band, harmonica between lips, cymbals between knees and bass drum strapped to my back, playing noisily on the street corner. A busker who dreams of one day being a musician, a writer who dreams of one day being an author.
 
So, if you have taken the time to read these spilt thoughts of mine, please, look inside yourself, find your book, mould it, shape it and free it. Above all else, be happy and busk away!!!!!!
 
P.S. The distinction between biscuits and cake, is that, when stale, the cake goes hard, yet biscuit goes soft. So, when you curl up quietly to read your favourite book tonight, a hot coffee by your side, which do you reach for, the stale cake or biscuit.
 
I ask, is it hard or soft?
 
P.P.S. Innuendo should always be crass, otherwise what's the point. In your endo, oh yeah!!!!

 

So, there you have it.  The musings of a good friend of mine.  I'm currently reading, and enjoying 'Humboldt's Tears' - and that's not because I'm biased as Wayne is my friend.  He wanted honesty and I'm honestly enjoying it.

Finale Eve...

 

About a month ago, as you’ll see from my previous post (sorry about the wait for a follow-up), I was asked to write a story.

 

This story was written in conjunction with NBC Universal and Wattpad to help promote their new film The Purge: Anarchy.  To say I was honoured to be asked is an understatement.  I was blown away and was worried I’d do them justice.

 

It appears my fears were unjustified.  It appears my story wasn’t too bad at all.  The comments I’ve had for Mr. Composurehave been so amazing, I’m staggered by the amount of love given to this story.  So many people have said how much they’ve enjoyed my writing, with many begging for the update.

 

Unfortunately, of course, the updates are governed by the executives at NBC Universal and Wattpad.  They have said the updates will be weekly, leading up to the release of the film.

 

There’s been three updates so far.  The first part went live on the 24^th June.  Part two followed on the 3^rd July.  Part three was uploaded last Tuesday, the 8^th July.

 

Part four, the grand finale, goes live tomorrow.

 

I mentioned in my last post that writing this story was out of my comfort zone.  I normally write either paranormal thrillers or children’s stories.  I’ve dabbled in science fiction and erotica too, but, normally, it’s the paranormal thrillers than win out.  So, to have such a huge positive response to Mr. Composure, is quite humbling really.  At the time of writing, I’m coming up to 80,000 reads, which is phenomenal, really.

 

And tomorrow, the last part is uploaded.  I have to admit to being a little anxious.  I’ve deliberately been somewhat vague about the main character but I knew exactly who he’d be when I started.  I had the final two sentences written pretty much as soon as I’d written the opening!  I think people are going to be surprised – and shocked – by two things in particular.

 

In fact, I hope they are.  That was my intention.

 

The story will be, I’m told, used to help promote the film over the next year.  I have no idea what form that promotion will take, but I’m looking forward to finding out.

 

Whatever happens, I do hope, if you’ve read Mr. Composure, you’ve enjoyed it (and voted!).

 

Either way, I sincerely thank everyone who has dropped by the story or my page for their support.  It honestly does mean SO much.

 

And, this comment by a reader made me feel I must be doing something correct with my writing.  This is what really makes my day.

 

“I just found a new role model in writing. YOU! Thank you for sharing your works!!! I just stumbled across your account and read one of your excerpts. Fantastic. Amazing. No words to describe my emotional disbelief that an individual can write so well. Keep it up, and never, ever, stop improving because my goodness, I don't even know if you CAN improve. I don't mean this in a bad way. I mean this in the way that you are literally the best, and your works are the best that I have ever come across. So well written!”