Author Archives: Roland Clarke

One Book to Fuel them all…

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Another reading theme for Post 6 in the Indie Block Party: What are the top 5 books you absolutely love?

This is harder, perhaps, than listing my Top 5 Movies, games/MMORPGS, and even music. Immediately reminds me of BBC Radio Four’s Desert Island Discs where celebrity ‘castaways’ name their top eight record choices, plus a book and a luxury, as well as The Complete Works of William Shakespeare and The Bible (or similar text). Except here it is just books, I’m no celebrity – yet – but I can pretend to be a castaway.

So what five absolutely loved books would I take to this desert island… where my Kindle won’t be charged for more than a few chapters. Need to be paperbacks or hardbacks then.

1.   J R R Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings: this has always headed my list of favourite books and it is nowadays classed as a classic. Other options of that ilk, Classics, would include Great Expectations, Heart of Darkness, 1984 and others, but this is the one I re-read every few years. It has always inspired me whether I need to escape into another world or in my writing. Is that the same thing? And I have been able to see my vision of Middle Earth on screen plus been there in a gaming world. That is also echoed now in the Professor’s words. (As is the Blog title). I also have the hardback set that I read in my late teens back in the late 1970’s.

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2.   Charles de Lint’s Greenmantle: staying on the fantasy theme although de Lint is the master of blending genres, in this case fantasy and crime. Of course John Buchan had already used the title and I remember following Richard Hannay through thrilling adventures, when I was in my teens. But de Lint’s Greenmantle is both magical and gritty. Urban fantasy at its very best. And I re-read it a few months ago.

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3.    Linwood Barclay’s No Time for Goodbye: to me this is a crime-thriller novel that I can re-read, even if I vaguely remember the circuitous complexities of the plot, which is so well woven. Barclay is a master of the art of leading you astray and yet it all fits logically, when you reach the end. My crime novel of choice would have been Agatha Christie’s Murder of Roger Ackroyd, but I’ve read it too many times to get lost in its cleverness. So now I choose Barclay. Would a series count as one book?

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4.   Anne McCaffrey’s The White Dragon: once I discovered McCaffrey’s Pern series about dragons, Thread and so much more, I was hooked. Of all her Pern books this is the one with the best characters, best plot, and best surprises – especially if you’ve read all the books before this one. Sadly lost my copies of the Pern books so must go online and order at least this one before I leave for the island.

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5.   Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist:  such a small book and yet vast in its depth. The Alchemist is gold dust… magical fairy dust from a true artist, poet, and alchemist. If you haven’t read it – why not? If you have, then re-read, or try his other masterpieces. It opened my mind in the same way that Antoine de St Exupery’s The Little Prince http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Little_Prince did.

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Well that’s it, folks… or is it:

6.   Douglas Adam’s The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy: I know this is more than five but I’m using the Infinite Improbability Drive. Plus there has to be humor and for me this was a laugh that I could re-live over and over again without the joke getting stale. And bonus this is the beginning of “a trilogy in five parts”. (Another review at: http://www.intothebook.net/2011/10/hitchhikers-guide-to-galaxy-douglas.html)

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Okay I’ll stick by the Catch 22 rules, forget I had a cat called Oliver, and head for Casterbridge, all to avoid another War and Peace.

Feel another Blog creeping up on me – Lord of the Lists. What Lists should I have? Movies, MMORPGs, music, maybe even poems.

What do you suggest?

Please visit the Blogs of other Indie Block Party participants via: http://felwetzig.com/indie-block-party/

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And for my reading pleasure…

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This is Post 5 in the Indie Block Party and today the topic is: What are you currently reading?

So this is my current situation, when I haven’t even updated my Goodreads page to reflect the last five centuries or so of reading.

Oracle OFFICIAL Cover

1.   Anyway I’ve just finished an excellent thriller, ‘Oracle’ by J C Martin, which I recommend to all who enjoy a good crime, mystery or thriller. ‘Oracle’ has a great plot, well-rounded characters with human frailties, and the novel is realistically set in a London that I was familiar with… and in the underbelly that few of us have ever seen. I’m keen to read J C’s next books as soon as they are available.

Further details: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/15905037-oracle OR http://jc-martin.com/fighterwriter/ 

BLURB:         

“As the countdown begins, the body count rises.
With London gearing up to host the Olympics, the city doesn’t need a serial killer stalking the streets. They’ve got one anyway.
Leaving a trail of brutal and bizarre murders, the police are no closer to finding their latest murderer than Detective Inspector Kurt Lancer is in finding a solution for his daughter’s disability.
Thrust into the pressure cooker of a high profile case, the struggling single parent is wound tight as he tries to balance care of his own family with the safety of a growing population of potential next victims.
One of whom could be his own daughter.
Fingers point in every direction as the public relations nightmare grows, and Lancer’s only answer comes in the form of a single oak leaf left at each crime scene.”

Cover of "The Chronicles of Amber: "...

2.   I’ve been re-reading Roger Zelazny’s “The Chronicles of Amber”, as a chunky paperback. Finished the first book ‘Nine Princes in Amber’ and well into No 2 ‘The Guns of Avalon’. Eight more in the series so lots of reading left. I read the Amber series in my teens and I wanted to revisit the world as the series were among my all-time Fantasy favourites. Zelazny’s masterpieces were published in the early 1970’s but are still available.

Further details: http://www.amazon.com OR http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/316876.The_Chronicles_of_Amber

BLURB:

“Amber is the one real world, casting infinite reflections of itself – shadow worlds, which can be manipulated by those of royal Amberite blood. But the royal family is torn apart by jealousies and suspicion; the disappearance of the patriarch Oberon has intensified the internal conflict by leaving the throne apparently up for grabs; and amnesia has robbed Corwin, Crown Prince of Amber his memory – even the fact that he is the rightful heir to the throne.”

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3.   On Kindle, I’m reading Ailsa Abraham’s “Shaman’s Drum”, to which there is a prequel due out in the future. Ailsa comes from a ‘long line of Scottish witches’ and knows first-hand about shamanism, which shows in the novel. I am still learning how to use my Kindle so I am reading this one very slowly, but I keep wanting to know more. It might be a fantasy setting or rather future England, but at its core is a tale of love.

Further details: http://ailsaabraham.com/ AND http://www.crookedcatbooks.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=84

BLURB:

“England in the near future. 
Mainstream religions have been outlawed, and the old gods rule again.
Iamo has been a priest of the Great Mother and is sworn to celibacy, but his love for Riga, a Black Shaman, a magical assassin, caused him to break his vows. After being imprisoned apart from each other for three years, Iamo accepts an offer to earn them both a pardon and the possibility of marriage. If they survive.
Iamo and Riga must discover why demons are breaking through from the other side. Which of the cults are renegades who allow the demons through? Who can they trust? 
Combining their powers, they face the ordeal with the help of a band of eclectic pagans, spirit creatures, Riga’s Black Shaman brothers, an undercover Christian granny, and three unusually energetic Goths. 
It’s a tough assignment, but the hope of a life together keeps them fighting.”

 

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Copyright: J M Clarke

Sadly I have a growing list of books that I want to read in paperback or tree-form as some call it, and also on Kindle, which some claim is more green. Still love the feel of turning pages of a paper book, and seeing them around.

I also need to read more in the way of research – e.g: Don Bamford & Paul Carroll’s ‘Four Years on the Great Lakes, 1813-1816’ , as above under my Kindle, and vital for my proposed ‘Seeking A Knife’ novel, which is merely a vague outline. Plus there are dozens I want to buy and those are on my growing Wish List. But I just don’t read very fast, especially on the Kindle.

What should I do? Paper or Kindle? Read more and write less? Abandon sleep?

More on my Reading habits here on Writing Wings tomorrow.

but until then

Please visit the Blogs of other Indie Block Party participants via: http://felwetzig.com/indie-block-party/

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How to commit the perfect murder to paper: Advice from David Thomas, aka Tom Cain

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As a wannabe crime writer I had to reblog this one as excellent advice

Tyson Adams's avatarTyson Adams

I’m not a fan of The Daily Fail. They really do seem to swim in the shallow end of the wading pool of intelligence. That said, today they featured an article from a very good novelist, someone with whom I’ve had some interesting conversations: David Thomas / Tom Cain. So like any good blogger, I’ve stolen the article and reposted it here. Enjoy!

All over the world, on countless flights, heading to an infinite number of sun-loungers people are burying their heads in stories about secret agents, serial killers, ace detectives, evil villains and sexy heroines.

Thrillers are a huge business. They make up about a third of all books sold, and 60 per cent of them are bought by women.

For the very top writers, the rewards are astonishing. In 2009, James Patterson signed a four-year, 17-book deal worth almost £100 million. At the peak of Da Vinci Code mania, Dan…

View original post 1,565 more words

Millie Burns: Dragon Writer

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For my 4th Post in the Indy Block Party, it is my pleasure to interview Millie Burns, author of ‘Return of the Crown’ and currently working on its sequel, ‘Zelera’s Revenge’. She has to be a Dragon Writer as she would surely find a place among the riders & harpers in Anna McCaffrey’s Pern series.  Enough of my musings, on to the interview.

1.   When did your love of Dragons begin?

I’ve been a lover of fantasy type stories for as long as I can remember.  A couple of my favorite dragons come from both movies and novels.  I fell in love with Scarlet the dragon in the Sword of Truth series by Terry Goodkind.  I loved Draco from the movie Dragonheart, voiced by Sean Connery.  Both those dragons are noble but also have a great sense of humor.  I also have a special place in my heart for the Luck Dragon in the Neverending Story.  I think I’m a little like Hagrid, if I met someone down at the pub, who had an egg…well, let’s just say I’d need to fireproof my house!

2.  Dragons have had bad press ever since St George claimed to be the hero. Some of us suspect that the truth was perverted. Your dragons are a noble breed. What is their version of the truth?

Ena teases that she’d like to eat some of my human characters, but really she loves sheep!  She’ll settle for a cow or a couple goats, but roasted leg of lamb is snout licking delish to her!  She tries very hard not to take too much from any single farmer, and occasionally feels a little guilt at stealing from them.  Her anger with humankind stems from people killing dragons for their skins, their blood, and their hearts.  All the parts of the dragon have very magical properties.  I can’t blame her for being suspicious of humans, and Zelera did steal one of her eggs.

3.   Do you plot your books or are they quests as they unfold?                        

I start with a rough outline.  A beginning, a few things I want to happen in the middle, and an end.  But here’s the deal.  While my story will look similar to the outline when I’m finished, it tends to be a half-step off to the side in places.  Which is delightful.  Most times when I divert from course, it’s a huge improvement from where I started.  I still have about 20,000 words left in my WIP (at least that’s what I think I have left) and I’d like to say I know where I’m going with it, but those darn characters often rebel, and, well, I guess I’m a pushover as an author, ’cause I let them take the wheel at times. 

 

4.   How do you find your inspiration?

I think all my writing is just an extension of the world around me.  (Shh, don’t tell anyone, but I do actually have a dragon).  Just joshing.  I have always had an overactive imagination, or maybe for me, it is just the right amount of energy with a sense of wonder.  “What if” is a favorite question of mine.    

 

5.   World creation is an essential part of fantasy. What is your approach to making your world believable as well as fantastical?

I want people to be able to see the world, so they can partake in the adventure.  So I make much of my world filled with scenery that is common to ours.  I use creatures common in our mythology (and when I say ours, I mean it, the whole world’s.  I’m not picky!)  I may take liberties with said characters and their abilities, but I try to base them on available folklore : )  Then I try to paint out my magical elements in a way that they can be seen, felt, smelt and tasted (very sensory driven). 

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6.   What’s the BEST writing advice you have ever received?           

Write every single day.  Some days I wonder though, doesn’t signing your name on a credit card slip or the bottom of a check count?  Sigh, no?  Life can get in the way once in a while, but I just keep chugging along!

7.   What are your aim and ambition in writing?

I think knowing my story really entertained someone, that’s the greatest feeling in the world.  I have a neighbor girl, who showed up on my doorstep one afternoon.  She held my book out towards me in trembling hands, she couldn’t even find her voice to ask for an autograph.  It made my heart melt! 

I also sponsored a writing contest at my daughter’s elementary school last year, and chose a winner from each grade level.  Every child’s story was published in an anthology I put together.  This year, a mom came up to me, just thanking me profusely for inspiring her daughter.  Her daughter wrote an article for the little neighborhood newspaper, and has begun an outline for a book series (she’s in fourth grade this year).  So, outside of pleasing the characters in my head that have stories they want to share, I hope that I can continue helping foster a love of creative writing in the next generation!

So, my aim and ambition are to keep getting better, and keep having fun writing, so I can share my joy of fantasy and adventure with others. 

I’d like to give a big thank you to Roland, for stepping up to interview me, as my next door neighbor seems to be AWOL. 

 

It has been my pleasure Millie to learn about your writing world. Many thanks for taking time out to talk with everyone.

Further Author information at: http://burnsmillie.blogspot.co.uk/

 

Further Book information at: http://returnofthecrown.com/

 

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For other Indie Block Party participants visit: http://scotzig.com/2013/07/08/indie-block-party/

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Carly Tanner ~ Leading Lady & Athlete

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Indie Block Party Post 3: Interview with Carly Tanner from ‘Spiral of Hooves’

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For my third post in the Indie Block Party I feel very privileged to be interviewing Carly Tanner the leading lady-athlete in ‘Spiral of Hooves’, who I have lived with now for over thirteen years.

1. What was your life like growing up?

In some ways simple and relaxed, well as much as growing up on a farm could be. But I suppose that was when I first learnt that there were chores to do and that animals had to die. I’m not sure whether that was why my dad, Peter went back to college and got his architect qualifications; but it was when my mother decided to focus on the horses rather than milking cows. I just wish she hadn’t put horses before her own health and her family. Or was that because dad buried himself in his work? Even now his building designs seem to come before horses. But he does support me, now that… mum’s dead.

2. Did your mum’s death change your dreams? What are your hopes for the future?

My mum is still central to my life. Finding her face down in the mud almost drove me to abandon everything. But I was unable to give up horses. There are moments when I wonder if I should resort to a nine-to-five office job, and become a weekend rider, but that isn’t me. I need to get back into the heart of my sport so I can show the potential of the horse my mother bred – Sylvan Torc. But it would not be sensible to accept the first job that seems to answer my dreams. My friends joke about finding the rich guy that can buy me anything – a way out of a life juggling to keep the income trickling in. They wonder why I mix horses with nights of pub work and waitressing. But despite the long, often dirty and wet hours, horses rule and I’m not ready to be bought.

sign on a truck, transporting horses

3. How would you describe your looks?

Nothing special, plain and fit enough to ride. Maybe that is meant to be muscle, as I have to exercise to help cope with my diabetes. Oh, and some guys tease me about being ginger, but not for long.

4. What do you think is going to happen next?

If I’m being honest there are too many unknowns, as well as my shortcomings, like my diabetes and my mixed success with horses. If this was some romantic fiction then that rich guy would make my dreams come true – once we’d gone through unimaginable problems getting together. But I’ve been having bad dreams lately – real weird ones. So I suspect that I’ll get involved in some crime. As long as I’m not the victim it will be a challenge, of sorts. Just please don’t harm the horses, they’re too precious, even the ones who are struggling to jump.

5. What prank or crime would you most likely pull/commit?

Does this question imply that I’m not going to be the victim? Thank god… or is that just my need to put bad luck behind me? If I get to commit something it would be a prank – like putting a horse inside someone’s house. Mind you I’m not sure how the horse would react. Rose fertiliser?

6. Who do you hate, and why?

Not sure that hate is right for Mick Roper, my ex-boyfriend. He proved to be more of an idiot and I should have chucked him out sooner. Waiting until I discovered about the affair was not soon enough. I hope by hate you don’t mean there is someone that I end up killing. I’m not the killer type. Am I? Or do they want to kill me? Doesn’t sound like Mick, maybe the bitch he went off with.

English: English singer Adele performing at th...

7. If you could only listen to one album for the rest of your life what would it be?

Adele’s 21 although some might say that this dates me. But when it came out in 2011 it meant so much with the album’s themes of anger, revenge, heartbreak, self-examination, and forgiveness. I was still torn up by my mother’s death the previous year and had to clutch at things that could help me through the tough times. Maybe it echoes the betrayal by Mick as well. Hopefully in time it will just be soulful music that evokes pleasant memories instead. Can I amend my choice in a few years? If I live that long.

8. What are your 3 most prized possessions?

My home-bred mare Sylvan Torc, my flat coated retriever Guinness – a 21st birthday present – and my mother’s family bible in French. Sadly I have no living ties with my French relations even though I speak the language. Not much call for French though in Sussex, or anywhere in England.

Flatcoat retriever teef.

Flatcoat retriever teef. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

You can view the blogs of other participants in the Indie Block Party at:

http://scotzig.com/indie-block-party/

CURRENT WIP

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For my second post in the Indie Block Party I present a snapshot of my current WIP, although I have others hovering in the background.

My current WIP is ‘Spiral Of Hooves’, my first novel. A mystery set against the equestrian world of eventing, it is the first Book in the ‘Chasseur’ series.  In the final furlong, or stages, it is due to be published as an e-book in a few months, by Spectacle Publishing Media Group http://www.spectaclepmg.com/ .

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The idea originated from my experiences as an equestrian journalist, and from thoughts I had when I was living in Canada during the 1970’s.

BLURB: French researcher Armand Sabatier witnesses the murder of a rider in Canada, but a snowstorm obliterates the evidence and traumatic images from his past smother his memories.  When his friend Gilles Boissard employs another young woman, Carly Tanner, as the replacement head groom in England, events resurrect the memories and the nightmares. Armand is forced to unravel a plot to pervert the breeding of competition horses, before it claims other victims

FIRST PARA:

The chair spun across the floor as Lina Jardero stood, fists punching the air.

“Caramba, the coward’s emailed more ridiculous demands,” she said, then paused as if expecting answers. “Why does everyone interfere in my work? Doesn’t anyone realise that I’m the scientist? There has to be an end to this.”

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This WIP was mainly written pantser style, which meant I got lost over the years. Since then I have always tended to be a plotter. I’ve Just finished writing outline for sequel ‘Tortuous Terrain’, which I intend to write for NaNoWriMo in November. Other novels hiding in drawers at various draft stages – all bar one plotted.

Visit the Blogs of other Indie Block Party participants at: http://felwetzig.com/indie-block-party/

MANY THANKS TO ALL THE KIND VISITORS ESPECIALLY THOSE WHO ARE LEAVING COMMENTS & WISHES

Apologies if unable to post replies all the time but MS & time don’t fare well at the moment.

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