Three Little Words #Our|AuthorGang

Three Little Words

by

Rick Haynes

Sitting down is easy. Writing is the difficult bit, and making a living nearly impossible, yet we plough on with our passion and enjoy what we do.

From a readers perspective they have an endless choice of books to choose. From hardbacks to paperbacks and discounted eBooks they can take their time before making a decision. And let’s not forget the dreaded words that crop up again and again. I was told that most successful adverts had one of the following – sex, chocolate or freeeeeeeeeeee. I hate free. Many authors love it, and all readers adore the word, but it’s not for me.

I once thought about writing a book with the title - Free Sex and Chocolate. I had no idea whatsoever about the content, or how I would promote it. But when a couple of my closest writing lady friends suggested that it might not be such a good idea, as readers may ask where they can obtain the free sex, I binned it. Close your eyes and imagine the dreaded emails, the comments on your blog and the furore on FB. It’s not worth the hassle.

Yuk! I’d hate all that baggage, as all I want to do is write.

So this leaves me with chocolate.

I’d kiss the person who invented chocolate on both cheeks. In fact, I’d kiss anyone on both cheeks who gives me chocolate. Me? Addicted? Of course not, but then I am keeping both hands behind my back with my fingers crossed. I love chocolate, both milk and dark, but strangely not the white stuff. I remember Easter time as a kid, and all those lovely eggs covered in layers of the sweet stuff that I adored, and my sister that took one of mine by mistake. I think it took me ten years to forgive her.
You now know that the ad-men promise you much success if you use the words, free, sex, and chocolate, so here’s how it panned out for me.

Free? It didn’t work, as with so many downloads I received about 1% reviews, and even then I doubted that some of the 1% had actually read my book.

Sex? I write fantasy and short stories in different genres where sex can play a part but it’s miniscule in the overall context of my work.

Chocolate? I wrote Chocolate Chunks From Crazy Crete for a number of reasons.

1. My Cretan friends asked me to tell their tales.

2. They are zany, crazy and completely bonkers at times, and I wanted readers to know what they were capable of. Did I say funny as well?

3. If you’re reading a collection of tales, you have your favourite drink to keep you going, and often reach for something to nibble on. It has to be chocolate, well for me anyway, and that’s why the lovely girl on the cover of Chocolate Chunks is surrounded by oodles of the stuff.

If one of the three words has worked for you, then I’m pleased, but I’ll write what I love, and naturally, have fun along the way.

I hope that you enjoyed my tongue-in-cheek ramblings, folks, and thanks for reading.
I’m famished now.

Anyone got a bar of chocolate handy?

https://www.amazon.com/CHOCOLATE-CHUNKS-CRAZY-CRETE-Haynes-ebook/dp/B01M7WRPSF/

True Twin or Fickle Friend #OurAuthorGang

True Twin or Fickle Friend

by Rick Haynes

http://www.rickhaynesauthor.com/

Part 1 – The Waiters

The flight was long, boring, and you’re tired, but you smile, for yesterday was gone and today is a fresh start. It is time to shed the coat of servitude, and to be the master, allowing others to adhere to your every whim whilst you dance to the tune of sunshine and relaxation for the next two weeks.

Your holiday has begun.

You sit on the beach, the waters caressing your feet like velvet slippers. With both eyes closed, you carefully map out the next fourteen days inside your head. A huge sigh escapes you, involuntary, but your plan is now complete.

“What can I get you, beautiful lady?”

His voice drips like a tap you can’t turn off.

 “A large glass of fresh orange juice please.”

“You wanna help me squeeze the oranges?” 

He oozes insincerity from every pore, but you dismiss his attitude. You have too, as nothing, or no one, is going to ruin the first day of your vacation.

You look the waiter straight in the eye and give him the rhino look just before it charges. That would stop any normal man, but not this one, for his skin is as thick as your rhinoceros and his heart as black as the night. 

Leaving is easy, for you get up, and walk away, telling yourself that you will never return.

Another walk along the beach, another seat, and another waiter materializes. He is polite, efficient and knows his place. Soft liquid soon falls down your eager throat as you slowly sip the orange nectar.

“May I get you anything else?” His voice is deep like the ocean, yet can be gentle like the surf brushing your toes. You chat. He is subservient, easily pandering to your every wish. The setting sun is showering the sea with rays of gold and ochre, and you daydream of a knight in shining armour.  

Yet inside, doubts bubble up to surface inside your brain, for is he simply another womanizer in a different guise?

Part 2 – The Reality 

As you can see I’ve painted two very different pictures here, yet I’ve witnessed both scenarios many times during my frequent travels to the Mediterranean region of Europe.

Some waiters prey on women like a lion hunting down an impala, but only sex with their victim is on the menu. 

Waiters also prey on men, but persuading them to part with as much cash as possible is their priority now. They know how easy it is to give out a couple of free drinks, naturally highly potent, and wallets are quickly emptied. 

Young girls, and young boys, are gullible, and on holiday inhibitions disappear faster than soap suds down a sink. They want a good time and party hard, but tomorrow’s headache is often a massive wake up call to reality.

I can hear the groans, and the screaming, but don’t kill the storyteller, as I’m telling you the way that it is, but read on, for you may be surprised.

Lest we forget, waiters are human beings, and clearly not all are the predators that I have portrayed. 

Seeing a youngster or oldster in distress is never pleasant, but locals rushing to assist are commonplace. Waiters are often the first to help, especially with calling for medical assistance and first aid. Cracking jokes, translating documents, even arranging taxis, I’ve seen their patience and their smiles through adversary.

Waiters are a much-maligned profession, and sometimes that reputation is justified, but alternatively, I’ve seen the other side of their nature.

So take care, don’t be fooled by some smarmy chat, but enjoy a laugh and a joke with someone who genuinely wants to help you choose your perfect meal and wine.

What Makes You Open a Book? #OurAuthorGang

WHAT MAKES YOU OPEN A BOOK?  

There are so many books written in so many genres that the choice for readers is bewildering. I’m an author, and a reader, and like you, I make choices about what books I want to read.

Thus I asked myself a question. What grabs my attention to make my hand reach out and take a particular paperback from the shelf in the bookstore?

The author? Possibly. I have my favourites but I’m not averse to trying out an unknown face.
The cover? Yes, that helps if it stands out.

The Genre? Mostly yes. I love epic fantasy but I’ve read thrillers, sci-fi and biographies and a few books from other genres as well.

It all sounds so easy to choose, but in reality the task can be a little tricky, so I decided to look at the problem from a wider perspective. I visited my local library, randomly chose a large collection of hardbacks from the shelves, sat down, and read several pages from each one before making notes.
Each author has their own voice, and it didn’t take me long to decide which ones jumped out of the page and grabbed me by the throat, and those, let’s say, that I put on the discard pile.

We are all unique and your favourites would surely be different to mine, but here are my findings. Naturally I’m not naming any of the books.

1. The quality of writing was generally good, but every book had errors. All were professionally published, yet all had spelling mistakes – some that made me wince.

2. One book, a fast paced best-selling thriller, had pages of dialogue, which made me want to turn each page. Alas, the writer annoyed me. Using, ‘he said,’ ‘she said,’ after every comment was lazy writing indeed and I gave up.

3. Girly books aren’t for me and the one I’d picked up didn’t have a brilliant cover. However the dialogue was excellent and I warmed to the main protagonist as she suffered one misfortune after another.

4. The blurb on the back covers was generally good. Yet, even with the might of the publishing company behind them, some authors must be losing sleep, for the blurb on the back cover of their books wouldn’t grab the attention of a gnat. Bland was definitely the colour here.

5. I found errors - page numbers missing - poor formatting - the odd blank page in the wrong place - and a few grammatical errors. The number of problems was surprising in such a small sample of books.

6. A fantasy book with a brilliant cover caught my eye and before I knew it I had devoured the first three chapters. I checked the stats on Amazon, and whilst the sales were adequate I had seen many inferior books much higher in the charts.

7. If there is one thing that I hate, it’s pages and pages of long descriptive passages. I know some readers love this style, but even they would surely yawn with two of the books that I picked up. In both, there was no dialogue until the 3rd and 4th chapters respectively. I had no idea of the plot and only a little understanding of the characters. Describing the same, or almost the same, scene, in a variety of ways is boring. I hasten to say that the books were written by the same author. I had to read the second book as I couldn’t believe that the author would write the same opening chapters as before. I was wrong, she did, but in reality, who is the winner, for she has sold thousands of books.

8. I’ve heard many times that a cover can make or break a book as obviously it’s the first part of a paperback/hardback book that a reader sees. I looked at dozens of books in the library - different genres - and more often than not the cover seemed no more than adequate. Maybe my survey wasn’t big enough but it seemed to me that the publisher hadn’t taken the time to pick the perfect cover. Was that down to cost cutting?

As always, we pay the money and we take our choice, but think - caveat emptor - buyer beware.
With publishers under pressure to produce more profit, I think Indie authors can take heart from my findings. Check, double check, and triple check your work. Employ an editor that loves your gene, that’s if you can afford one. Ensure your cover is superb. Write your amazing blurb, and most importantly sell your wonderful books, as you may not need a publisher to succeed.

I wish you all much success.
Cheers. Rick.

My Music Part 2 #OurAuthorGang

My Music Part 2 by

Rick Haynes

http://www.rickhaynesauthor.com/

‘Children’ by Robert Miles woke me up. I felt it was the 60’s all over again. I was excited, for my teenage years had returned.

The album was brilliant, the follow up, nearly as good, but of course he wasn’t the only one spending hours and hours behind a mixing desk. Over the next few years I discovered a blossoming new world of dance music, and did I enjoy myself. The music of Tiesto, Roland Klinkenberg, and others burst out from my speakers.

My sons were amazed that, not only did I know the names of their favourite producers/artists, I had their CDs as well. I was once more on the collection trail, but this time I found it more difficult to find exactly what I wanted. There was a huge difference between those producing their tunes, and those working away on a computer in their bedroom. Yet many of those bedroom fanatics went on to make some great music. 

Just before the year 2000 arrived, a song was released that I just had to have. As soon as I heard, ‘Century,’ I imagined myself at a party with one minute to go before the clock strikes midnight. Sung by Calvin Harris and produced by Tiesto - he also wrote the simple lyrics - this is a New Years Eve classic, as it makes you want to get up, sing, and dance.

Hello

Hello

Can you hear me?

Now put your hands in the air

For a century

My son’s girlfriend, later to become his wife, couldn’t believe I was playing, Paul Oakenfold. His Global Underground CD, ‘Live in New York,’ was, and still is, the greatest one hour mix that I’ve ever heard. With my other son now a part time DJ, I received regular updates about my type of trance music. I was so proud when he produced his first collection of trance and house music. By the time he had released his fifth album, I had compiled a selection of my favourites which are played regularly when I’m driving.

Now you may think that my music tastes had completely changed. They hadn’t, but from the turn of the century it had become increasingly difficult to find new melodic rock bands. Youngsters found it difficult to play outside of their village hall, or bedrooms, as no matter how good they were, gigs were rare, and airplay impossible. From decades of young people buying guitars, keyboards, and drums, we now had an era of synthesised music. I liked it, but being greedy, I wanted new rock bands to emerge and enthral me.

I went to see a master blues guitarist, Robin Bibi. I loved his show, and afterwards we had a good chat. I mentioned AOR, and he laughed, explaining that it was his term for, any old rubbish. He looked me in the eyes, smiled, and told me that it really meant album-orientated rock. The name had originated in the USA, and was focused on album tracks from rock artists.

Bingo! It was no wonder I couldn’t find any new bands. Searching under the melodic rock tag only brought up old favourites. It didn’t take long to find the new bands, yet, as expected, only one came from England.

Houston, AOR - the band of that name, 101 South, Giant, China Blue, the list went on and on. The one English band – FM – had been around awhile but were still touring. So many, previously closed doors were now wide open. I walked in and starting collecting once more.

101 South, is fantastic. One of their tracks is called, ‘When You’re In Love,’ and one line, ‘The best things in life I’ve already found,’ is so apt for me. 

FM, are also great and I’ve managed to see them perform twice. When they supported Europe, and Foreigner, everyone said that FM stole the show. Maybe they did at that, but there is one thing I’m certain of. After so many years, meeting so many bands, FM is the best at interacting with their fans.

I’ll carry on collecting, and will enjoying finding new music until the day I pass. I hope that you have as much fun as me, for no matter what, music really is the sustenance to sustain us though the good, and the bad times.

Keep on rocking.

Rick

My Music - Part 1 #OurAuthorGang

MY MUSIC – PART 1

By Rick Haynes

http://www.rickhaynesauthor.com/

“If music be the food of love, play on.”

So said William Shakespeare, and if you think about his words, the truism is still alive today.

Why would that be? 

Well, don’t we all have a favourite song, a song with meaning, perhaps evoking strong personal feelings? Or perhaps our favourite, is one that binds us to another, bringing either happy thoughts or sad memories?  

Music is everywhere. People all over the world listen to tunes on vinyl, cd, radio, television, and in digitised format, not forgetting live music from concerts, festivals and street artists. We are bombarded with the sound of music on a daily basis, and we feed off the fare on offer, sometimes unknowingly. 

Each one of us has our preferences, and our dislikes. And that’s another pointer as to why humans are similar, yet individually are so different to one another. 

Shakespeare introduced many words into the English language, for if one didn’t exist for his purpose, he invented it. And his sayings are used in our everyday lives. ‘Love is blind,’ and ‘Heart of Gold,’ come to mind. Songs with the same titles were sang by, Alicia Keys and Neil Young.

Here’s my story.

In the 60’s we had Rhythm & Blues and Tamla Motown, followed quickly by rock. The first band I followed, The Muleskinners had a great sound with a cracking guitarist - they had one hit with - Back Door Man. Supporting them was a band so poor that I had to stand outside the hall until they finished. 18 months later that band had a number one hit in the UK with, Go Now, and The Moody Blues story took off like a rocket.

My mate and I visited our local record shop once a week to check out the latest soul imports from America. It was great being the only ones to have them, as so few arrived in our local store, or anywhere else. I built up a collection, but one record would forever be my favourite. The parody of James Bond by Rex Garvin and the Mighty Cravers, entitled, ‘Sock it to em JB’, is even now played at my parties.

Next up was a trip to the famous Marquee Club in Wardour Street, London. I lied about my age to get in to see The Yardbirds. Standing transfixed in front of the stage as Eric Clapton played a solo, I looked a right plonker, but I didn’t care, even though I got chucked out soon afterwards. My love with the electric guitar would soon turn into the best habit of my life, but unfortunately my playing would be akin to a cat wailing in agony.

Later in the sixties I saw The Who. I didn’t have to guess where their energy came from, but the amazing sound from just 3 performers was mind blowing. Roger Daltrey sang, and Pete Townsend and John Entwistle played their guitars as if there were five guitarists on stage. Keith – Moon the Loon – was just that, but he’s the best drummer I’ve ever had the privilege to watch.

I saw Cream, live, not long before they split in 1968, and soon after the original line up of, Wishbone Ash - one of the most fan friendly bands ever.

Come the 70’s I danced in the clubs to the sound of the disco beat, yet collected music from an array of fantastic rock bands. Barclay James Harvest and ELO were firm favourites. I managed to see The Electric Light Orchestra at Wembley and I’ll never forget their spaceship emerging from beneath the stage covered in mist.

The music in the 80’s started the decline into mediocrity. Sugar pop was not for me, so I ignored the charts and looked elsewhere. Dire Straits, Asia, Wishbone Ash, The Eagles, I collected them all.

A night with Genesis was the best concert I’ve ever seen. Everyone thought the gig had ended but Genesis returned to play a second encore. 20 minutes of Tamla Motown brought the house down.

‘Run to You,’ by Bryan Adams has a special meaning, as does, ‘Django,’ by Joe Bonamassa. The former is personal, the latter mind-blowing. When Joe played the first notes of that instrumental, all the hairs on my arm stood up, and spellbound, I was. It’s the finest opening track I’ve ever witnessed. And if you haven’t heard it, then rectify that double quick. Buy the track, sit in a quiet room, turn the volume up, and close your eyes.

In the 90’s, I lost interest in the charts, yet continued to seek out new melodic rock bands from all over the globe. And by the most unusual of circumstances, I found a new sound, a sound that brought back memories of my youth, and dancing in the discos.

Sitting around a pool on the Greek island of Kefalonia, I heard a new track over the speaker system. It was soft, catchy and my interest was piqued. I listened as the same four notes repeated, then followed by a rising six - da da da da - da da da da - da da da da da da - which appeared to be from someone playing a piano, but it was different. I asked Aris, the barman, the name of the artist and the title of the track. As the beat intensified my love affair with the music of Robert Miles, and especially this track, Children, took off. Aris, even brought me in a copy before I left for home. Thanks matey.

My love affair with trance music had just begun, but you’ll have to wait for part 2 to read what happened next.

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Far Away Fruits #OurAuthorGang

FAR AWAY FRUITS

by

Rick Haynes

Have you ever felt the need to write something completely alien to your normal, modus operandi? Something way out of your comfort zone?
Frustrated with the speed at which my novel was proceeding, I needed a break from all writing activities. I took a holiday. On returning, I needed a quick tune-up, to get the literary juices flowing once more, paddling in the shallows rather than diving into the deep end.
I saw a picture of fruit and nuts in a bowl, and Far Away Fruits was born.
Here is an extract. I would be grateful to receive your comments, as well as telling me – be gentle, even though I’m a fruit and nut-case – what I should do with my zany tale.

FAR AWAY FRUITS 
The news had finally come through on the grapevine, causing a tremendous ripple over a multitude of excited skins.
Planning and constant arguments had taken up the best part of fifty years, but at last the act had been enshrined in the law of the land, and with the decree issued, the voyage of discovery could begin.
The Fruity-Etonians and their friends, the Notorious Nuts, would finally be allowed to undertake the most difficult and dangerous journey that their races had ever attempted.
They would invade Planet London.
To a fanfare from the Royal Gala ensemble of Apples, the selection of luscious fruits and hard nuts entered their Space Tractor of the void. Taking their assigned places in the heart of the mighty vessel, they settled down for the long voyage that lay ahead.
Asleep in their refrigerated containers the dreams of the Fruity-Etonians wandered like seeds in the wind. Sunshine and rain, the dry and the wet, the seasons swept through their minds as they slumbered in contented bliss.
Eventually the temperature rose inside the cabin and the occupants stirred. After so much time in space destiny awaited them, and, eager to embrace it, they rushed to the port holes to watch the mightiest space ship of their race descend on a sparkling beam of gold and red. Many sought the comfort of others, some stood in silence, yet all felt the sap rising inside them. Whilst their Space Tractor left the dark sky afire with its wake, the Fruity-Etonians looked downwards in trepidation. Speculating about their arrival, some huddled close together, asking questions, the noise growing into one incoherent din. Elsewhere the Nuts cracked a few jokes, wondering what all the fuss was about.
Landing in Trafalgar Square proved easier than anticipated, as only the few remaining pigeons greeted them. Flying in disgust over the gleaming Space Tractor, now covered in poo, the birds soared upwards to the top of Nelson’s Column and looked down on the unwelcome visitors with disinterest.
As the first light of a new dawn appeared over the horizon, the doors opened, the gangway shot down and the proud banner of the Fruity-Etonians was unfurled. Out they came, slipping and sliding behind their flag of a hundred colours, as proud as the day they first budded on a tree.
Juicy Tangerine, tightly enclosed in her amber coloured onesie led the way, soon followed by her close friend Monsieur Orange. Back home every fruit wanted to be like them. Many of the unripe had even dyed their skins fluorescent orange, whilst others had spent hours under their idols colourful tree house awaiting autographs. With sales of their merchandise climbing ever higher, the succulent pair had made plans for even more public appearances on their return.

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https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rick-Haynes/e/B00CK8IXFO/
http://www.rickhaynesauthor.com/

Meet the Gang #OurAuthorGang

We are a small group of authors who write various genre books.

What brought us together on this blog:

First and foremost, our shared love for writing.

We like to "hang out" together, helping each another other

by promoting each other's books, blogs, events,

and doing whatever we can to support one another.

We take turns posting about our books,

the rewards as well as the difficulties of publishing and book promotion,

and about things we enjoy in everyday life.

We need your support, please visit our blog often,

comment on our posts and share our posts.

Thank you!

Every hug is greatly appreciated, thank you for your support!

The Authors in this group

Joe Bonadonna

Heroic fantasy and children's fantasy

Read about Joe's books on his PAGE

Hello out there in cyberspace! I write Heroic Fantasy, Space Opera, Sword & Planet Sci-Fi, Sword and Sorcery Fantasy, Children's Books, and I also dabble a bit in Horror stories.

Why do I write?

My Dad gave me not only a love for old movies, but also my love of reading by bringing home children's books and teaching me to read before I was in kindergarten. I've been writing off and on over the years since 5th grade. In my 30s and 40s I settled down and got serious about writing. I retired in 2010, and have not stopped writing since. I can't. Storytelling for me is an addiction.

Erika M Szabo

Fantasy novels, children's books and health related books

Read about Erika's books on her PAGE

I became an avid reader at a very early age, thanks to my dad who introduced me to many great books. I write alternate history, romantic fantasy, magical realism novels as well as fun, educational, and bilingual books for children ages 4-12 about acceptance, friendship, family, and moral values such as accepting people with disabilities, dealing with bullies, and not judging others before getting to know them. I also like to encourage children to use their imagination and daydream about fantasy worlds.

Why do I write?

Writing is my passion and my hobby because I'm not a big talker but because I have a lot to say, I write. I do have as much anxiety about my writing as any author:

Are they going to like what I write?

Am I going to get a lot of criticism?

Will my books become popular?

When I'm in doubt, I always recall the day when we had to do a book report on one of the assigned books back in school. It was the War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy. Half of our class absolutely loved the book, and half the kids hated it. One girl asked the teacher why he assigned such a boring, stupid book, the other one hushed her saying, “You’re stupid and boring. This book is brilliantly written.”

The teacher smiled and replied, “Now kids, today you’ve learned a valuable lesson. Every reader's likes and preferences are different, but every writer who has the courage to put their thoughts and feelings on paper has something to say. And, eventually, every book finds its reader. If you have something to say, say it. Even if only a few friends and family members will read it, you will leave a mark with your book, 'I was here'.”

Mary Anne Yarde

Historical fiction

Read about Mary Anne's books on her PAGE

Mary Anne Yarde is an award-winning author of the International Best  Selling Series — The Du Lac Chronicles. Set a generation after the fall of King Arthur, The Du Lac Chronicles takes you on a journey through Dark Age Briton and Brittany, where you will meet new friends and terrifying foes. Based on legends and historical fact, the Du Lac Chronicles is a series not to be missed.

Born in Bath, England, Mary Anne Yarde grew up in the southwest of England, surrounded and influenced by centuries of history and mythology. Glastonbury--the fabled Isle of Avalon--was a mere fifteen-minute drive from her home, and tales of King Arthur and his knights were part of her childhood.

Why do I write?

I think, for me, writing is like breathing. It is something that I have to do. It is an addiction that I have no intention of trying to quit.

Mackenzie Flohr

Young Adult fantasy

Read about Mackenzie's books on her PAGE

Mackenzie Flohr grew up in the heartland of America, chasing leprechauns and rainbows and dreaming of angels. Her parents nurtured a love of fantasy and make-believe by introducing her at a very young age to the artistic and cultural opportunities that the city of Cleveland had to offer.

From the time she could hold a pencil, Mackenzie was already creating pictorial interpretations of classic stories, and by the age of nine, she and a childhood friend were authors and reviewers of their own picture books.

While following her love of adventure, Mackenzie found a second home, the Beck Center for the Arts Children's and Teen Theater School. It was there that a world of wonder was only a script and a performance away.

Yet it wasn't until she was on a trip to Indiana, viewing a Lord of the Rings exhibit, that the innermost desire of her heart became clear to her. She wanted to write a fantasy of her own, one that could inspire imagination in others and lead them into a magical world of their own making. She hopes The Rite Of Wands will do just that.

Wherever we live and wherever we come from is our individual heartland. Anything is possible and everything can happen. Pure imagination is in all of us—we only need to discover it, and sometimes story telling helps.

Rick Haynes

Heroic fantasy

Read about Rick's books on his PAGE

I am an author of heroic fantasy and an award-winning Drabblist.

This is my world.

Ever upwards, never stopping, the staircase to the heavens awaits all those wishing to dream. 

And all you have to do is place one foot on the first step. 

Consider the endless possibilities, as you climb higher and higher.

Boredom is unknown in my time and space, for can you not see the stars sparkling bright, ready to enlighten you? 

Is your mind ready to absorb the endless possibilities of a million words? 

And are you ready to join me on a magical journey? 

I will embrace you with open arms.

And welcome you into the realm of my imagination.

N.N. Light

Romance, poetry, YA, and non-fiction

Read about the author duo's books on their PAGE

N. N. Light is the bestselling husband-wife writing team, commonly known as Mr. N and Mrs. N. Mrs. N. has been creating stories ever since she was little. Her grandfather remembers when she was two years old, she would stand at the top of the stairs and tell him a story filled with emotion (and in a language foreign to him) with her hands on her hips. Let’s just say she was a born storyteller.

They’re blissfully happy and love all things chocolate, books, music, movies, art, sports, trains, history, cooking and baking. Their mantra is to spread the Light.

Most of the time you can find them on Twitter or getting new ideas on how to spread the Light on Pinterest. They’re a proud member of ASMSG and Independent Author Network.

Subscribe to their author newsletter and you'll be eligible to win $5 Amazon gift card monthly:  http://ow.ly/jWec308TabL

In addition to being authors, they’re also book promoters/reviewers, social media marketers/influencers and the owners of N. N. Light Author Promotions. They both love books, have ever since they were young. Matching up books and readers is something that gives them great pleasure.

Grace Augustine

Contemporary romance

Read about Grace's books on her PAGE

My fascination with the written and spoken word began as a 6th grader. I was like a sponge. I couldn’t get enough spelling, sentence diagraming, and literature. This passion followed me through junior high and high school and into adulthood.

I’m a Jill of most trades: co-owned a weekly newspaper, administrative office work, kitchen design, custom jewelry creation, wedding planning, floral design, preaching sermons, public relations and marketing, designing social media promotions, copy and manuscript editing, and now add the title author to this mix.

I write mainly romance in several genres. The Acorn Hills series is a seven-book series based in the Pacific Northwest and deals with life issues and romance for the over 50 yr. old group. I have written a paranormal romance trilogy, a 40+ yr. collection of poetry/prose, a contemporary romance, and a self-help book. I am currently working on book 1 in a Christian romance suspense series.

Rich Feitelberg

Fantasy and poetry

Read about rich"s book on his PAGE

Rich Feitelberg is a poet and novelist, author of the fantasy series, the Aglaril Cycle. He also has four short story collections and a collection of poetry available at fine booksellers everywhere. 

Rich is an avid map collector, and student of popular culture. Going up on a steady diet of comic books, science fiction, and fairy tales of all kinds, Rich soon began weaving his own tales at a young age. These activities continue to this day, as Rich is working on the next installment of the Aglaril Cycle, and writing more poems and short stories for your enjoyment.

Ruth de Jauregui

Non-fiction

Read about Ruth"s book on her PAGE

I originally studied fine and commercial art, way back when dinosaurs walked the earth and eBooks weren't even a gleam in Amazon's eye. I started my career as a graphic artist as the sign maker at the old Nut Tree in Vacaville, California. After a stint at a print shop (ouch), I began working as a book designer for Bill Yenne at American Graphic Systems. While working for Bill, I wrote my first two books, "Ghost Towns" and "100 Medical Milestones That Shaped World History."

After the book market tanked in the mid-90s, I went on to a government job where I wrote, designed and produced newsletters for in-house and clients, annual reports, and materials for special projects, including the North Bay Stand Down for homeless and at-risk Veterans.

Through the years, I've written numerous how-to, informational and news brief-type articles for websites such as SFGate, AZ Central, DailyPuppy, LiveStrong, PawNation, eHow and more.

Greg Jolley

Suspense and mystery

Read abou Greg's books on his PAGE

Why do I write?

Because of the dance. 

Good and evil out on the floor, under the soft lights, the music varying.

Who will lead? Who will follow? Or will they embrace?

The Danser novels are about individuals and their choices, as well as their instincts, passions, goals and compulsions. 

But always there is the dance, the suspense: Good or Evil?

Background:

I’ve published five of the sixteen Danser novels, each dealing with the tension, the suspense, of right and wrong, good vs. bad. I have a Master of Arts in Writing from the University of San Francisco and live in the very small town of Whitmore Lake, Michigan. 

The Red Haired Girl #OurAuthorGang

The Red Haired Girl

by

Rick Haynes

http://www.rickhaynesauthor.com/

As part of the Portsmouth festivities for 2017, a collaboration between writers, film makers, and the Portsmouth Community, would take place.
Firstly, film makers and members of the Portsmouth community were invited to make films about Portsmouth across three themes.
Portsmouth Past - Portsmouth People - Portsmouth Places
Eventually, these would be available for viewing on the Portsmouth Plugged In, YouTube channel.
Writers were then invited to choose a film as their inspiration for writing a six-minute monologue. The monologues would be recorded on podcasts and put on the website.
I chose, The Red Hair Girl, but changed the title on my own YouTube channel to The Red Haired Girl. Many hours later, I had written my fifth and final draft. It was one of the hardest things that I’ve ever managed, writing wise, as both the picture and the words had to flow together.
The original film was in colour, but after a planning meeting with my son, Ryan, we both thought that perhaps a black and white film would work better. It did.
I sat on a chair in his studio and spoke into a microphone. Within a minute, my mind was completely immersed in the monologue. Three goes later, and Ryan was satisfied. Little did I know that his work had only just begun, as it took many hours to achieve the sound balance, and for the words to sail along with the images of the girl. It seemed strange to hear my own voice on playback, as my first reaction was negative; it wasn’t me speaking. My son soon put me right.
Ryan did a brilliant job and I’m very proud of him.

Website:
http://www.rickhaynesauthor.com/

Find the authors' books on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/Rick-Haynes/e/B00CK8IXFO/
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Rick-Haynes/e/B00CK8IXFO/