Archive for August, 2019

Insecto-Cide

Mike Jalland

Five highly innovative and entertaining short stories that will grip and surprise the reader. Big Game hunters thought that the perfect environment had been created for them but were they really committing
INSECTO-CIDE
The World teeters on the brink of disaster, what is the incredible surprising solution?
THE ULTIMATE QUESTION IS ANSWERED
An extraordinary untold tale only recently rediscovered from archives concerning the infamous death camp
ONE CERTAIN NIGHT IN AUSCHWITZ
Was the most famous ancient relic really there? Was the world ready for it’s discovery?
GOD’S PROPERTY
A dark violent story of a parent’s unlikely revenge on an evil murderer in a seemingly safe place, how can the messenger of death possibly reach him?
TRUE JUSTICE
Introductory story to a place within our world where usually successful Hunters become prey – No return ticket required ! This story will hold extra appeal to everyone who dislikes hunting

An Extract from Insecto-Cide

Professor Bernard Rickman hummed a nameless little tune to himself, pleased with the amazing progress that he and his long time friend and colleague since their twin double firsts at Oxbridge days, Professor Alec Blake, had achieved. Alec was a leading, probably the leading molecular biologist (including also palebiology), he himself was one of the very top physicists in the world. In their early forties, they both had extremely well paid posts with huge multinational conglomerates but it was their combined secret private research funded out of their own pockets that was the cause of his, yes he had to admit it, excitement, an emotion rarely felt by his scientific, analytic mind.

Their combined brilliance had steadily made progress from the first discussed extraordinary innovative concept, and step by step their ideas had been proved viable and minitests had indicated eventual success as being viable and indeed realistic. Last night’s endeavours had been successful and now the big test was looming in the immediate future.

Bernard’s cleanshaven face with dark hair brushed back and thoughtful grey eyes mirrored exactly what he was, a distinguished, studious man who didn’t really ever expect to be wrong about anything. He stopped to ponder over matters momentarily, if it worked and it ought to work, the result and ramifications were (he frowned at the term that automatically sprang up) mind-blowing. The knock-on effects would be staggering, the financial possibilities limitless, literally “Write your own figure.” However financial gain was neither man’s priority, far from it although both enjoyed and expected a fine lifestyle in line with their IQs and contributions to science but they were men who had both high moral and ethical standards.

Bernard and Alec had always got on well together, their wives were also good friends and all enjoyed their regular dinner parties as only people who genuinely like each other can do. The two men shared the same views on politics and the realistic conservation of the world’s resources and nonexploitation. Both detested corporate greed and in particular the subject that had decided them on a suitable route for the final test, they hated any cavalier attitude to endangered species along with an abhorrence of hunting in general. They were astounded at how any sane person could get enjoyment from killing an animal and also despised any inference that any skill was required to be perhaps hundreds of yards away from any possible danger, squeezing the trigger of a powerful rifle with some poor animal in the crosshairs of the telescopic sights.

Over several generous brandies after a pleasant restaurant meal with just the two of them one night that very topic, the enormous stacking of the odds in favour of the hunter that, in all likelihood the quarry didn’t even know was stalking it, prompted Bernard to pose the question that had kickstarted the whole endeavour.

“What if the hunted creature was far, far more dangerous? What if it was stronger, better protected, had a far more lethal armoury of weapons, better senses, incredibly aggressive nature, a natural killer? I wonder what those pathetic hunting types would do then, would they even dare to risk going after such a creature?” mused Bernard.

“An interesting hypothesis,” responded Alec, “But what sort of creatures did you have in mind, some sort of mutants?”

Alec’s slightly thinning sandy hair, sometimes a little tousled, implied an academic whose appearance might well come second to inventive thought. The spectacles that he had a habit of often removing and needlessly polishing confirmed that this was a man who likely stood outside of general life, looking in, objectively.

“No not mutants,” replied Bernard, “What I have in mind are naturally already more than dangerous enough, they don’t need any improving.”

“Go on Bernard, I’m intrigued,” replied his friend.

Albert Einstein was arguably the most intelligent person of the twentieth century. It has been stated that when he was discussing science at the very highest level there were only about six people on the planet who could understand what he was talking about. Einstein also once said, “There is nothing more certain than the existence of God.” This was also a belief that the two scientists subscribed to.

Bernard continued, “I wonder if many people have ever considered just how fortunate it was for human beings that most large powerful creatures such as elephants, hippos, rhinos, cows, horses and buffalo to quote just a few, are herbivorous. They are harmless and leave mankind alone unless provoked.

Can you possibly imagine what would have happened to early man if insects were large? Most are extremely aggressive, have terrifying weapons, and are amazingly strong, I understand that the goliath beetle for instance, one of the strongest insects, has the equivalent strength proportionate to a human being able to lift ten elephants, incredible! Some have excellent armour, many can walk up walls, across ceilings, are poisonous and some fly,” waiting a moment for his point to be made he then concluded with his trump card, “and the crunch is that many are carnivorous. They would have slaughtered early man, it would have been no contest, we would have been wiped out.”

There was a moment’s silence as Alex refilled his glass. “I believe you are certainly correct however fortunately for us all they aren’t big so what exactly are you getting at?”
Bernard also refilled his glass and settled himself comfortably in the chair before gazing steadily at his old friend and with only the slightest hint of a smile said: “Well Alec, what if we MADE them big?”

Publisher: Clink Street Publishing
Publication Date: August 2019
Format: Paperback
Pages: 146
Genre: Short Stories
Age: Adult
Reviewer: Faye
Source: Review Copy
Posted on: by Faye

The Influence of Piano

Liana Ainge

Why do lawyers want to learn to play the piano? At first sight jurisprudence, with its exhaustive logic, rules and standard tasks, is poles apart from the sensual world of music, but in reality it just seems so. Although this book will be of particular interest to lawyers it also will have a much wider appeal to anyone who is dedicated to learning the piano from beginners to professionals. By reading this book, you will learn how and why training in music develops logical, abstract and creative thinking, and contributes to success in every sphere of human life.

An Extract from The Influence of Piano

I teach lawyers to play the piano. Not only lawyers, but the majority of my adult students are lawyers. Whoever hears about that for the first time is surprised. What a weird thing! Why do lawyers want to learn to play the piano? At first sight jurisprudence, with its exhaustive logic, rules and standard tasks, is poles apart from the sensual world of music, but in reality it just seems so.

Professional musicians possess well developed analytical skills and spatial, abstract and creative thinking. Music is not only feelings. Music is feelings and logic, creativity and planning, unpredictability and all about meeting expectations. When adults who have a stable personality and a wide range of knowledge and habits begin studying music they re-discover themselves, find new aspects of their personality and begin to think and behave in a more effective manner.

While listening to music, the limbic system, which controls emotions and feelings, is activated. When you learn to play a musical instrument, your logic, responsible for information planning, analysis and synthesis, starts operating. When creating music, logic, abstract and creative thinking are activated and emotions and feelings are set in motion. Music develops emotional intellect and protects you from emotional exhaustion. Continually evoking new images and emotions, it forms new neuronal connections and improves the interaction between the cerebral hemispheres.

We use the same movements in everyday life and while working. Our motions are of a repetitive kind on a daily basis. Some muscles work more, others work less and some are out of use. The same activity makes us both act and think in the same way. We get used to thinking in non-random patterns. After all everything that is repeated several times becomes either a thinking pattern or a behavioural one.

Neurobiological studies show that the fabric of the brain of a musician is different from that of a nonmusician. Each of us looks at the world through the eyes of the profession that takes up most of our time. If you look at the world through the eyes of a lawyer, an engineer, a teacher, a biologist, a phsycologist or other profession, you can widen your horizons by trying to see the world through the eyes of a musician. Just start studying music!

We are used to using existing patterns but in order to develop thinking we need to search for new activities and learn them. Learning to play the piano is learning new movements with two hands working at the same time. Non-typical movements form new connections between the brain cells, and that is the reason why we start to move in an atypical way and also why we start to think that way. Music influences us physically, it changes our perception and thinking, and that is the reason that learning to play the piano at an adult age expands the brain, decreases pain and delays the aging process.

Music is my life, my love and my profession. Not everybody can think in this way. After all we are all very different, but I know that music is like sport, it can be for everybody.
Each can engage in music in a different way and with a different purpose, and it is available for everybody. My youngest student to date was four and the oldest was 85. Studying music at any age with any experience develops musical thinking, the primary characteristic of which is flexibility.

Music is an artistic reflection of life, a way of communication, a way of cultural study and selfdevelopment. In this book I will explain how and why children and adults learn music and how it effects health, intellect, studying, work, business and daily routine. I will describe my method of teaching the piano, which takes into consideration students’ fundamental thinking skills. Not everything is about music, and not everything is understood through personal experience, so I explore scientific research and use the data gleaned therefrom while teaching students to play the piano. I would like to share the most important elements of that data with you.

Publisher: Clink Street Publishing
Publication Date: August 2019
Format: Paperback
Pages: 146
Genre: Non-Fiction
Age: Adult
Reviewer: Faye
Source: Review Copy
Posted on: by Faye

The Spirit of Life

Niaby Codd

To read this book is to take the first step towards a life of consciousness. To read this book is to take the first step towards a life filled with love and abundance. To read this book is to take the first step towards knowing who you truly are.
For millennia, man has searched for purpose and meaning in his life but that journey has often led him to search in all the wrong places. It has been said many times that to connect with self is to connect with God and to connect with God is to connect with love, but our definition and understanding of what God is has become so misunderstood that many of us can’t even say the word, let alone connect with it.
By reading this book, you will start to realign yourself with the true definition of God, in all of its glory and all of its wisdom. By reading this book, you will start to realign yourself with the true meaning of self, in all of its beauty and all of its uniqueness. By reading this book you will start to realign yourself with the true meaning of love, in all of its expansiveness and all of its entirety. By reading this book you will take the first step towards the revolution of consciousness, the revolution of our hearts and minds, the revolution that will help us to find peace in ourselves and peace on our planet. The revolution that has been forever prophesied but never seen. The revolution that IS coming to our planet…

An Interview with Niaby Codd

Where did you write this book?
I wrote this book all over. I wrote on aeroplanes and at airports. I wrote whilst travelling around the Mid West of the U.S before going to Burning Man, whilst chilling by myself on the Perenthian islands in Malaysia and on trains whilst coming back from various trips. But whether it be as simple as writing in the living room or my bedroom or as exotic as sitting in a beach hut in Malaysia, I remember exactly where I was for every insert that I wrote – which is saying a lot with my memory!

There is, however, one very special memory that I have whilst writing this book. I was due to trek to Everest base camp on the 31st October 2015 but due to my suitcase arriving a day late, my trek had to be postponed by one day which meant that I started the trek on my dad’s first birthday since passing from cancer.

After a day of trekking I sat in a cabin on a breathtaking mountain and started to write another insert for my book. As I sat there writing I soon started to realise that the words that were coming were, in fact, concluding my book and so, I wrote the final pages of my book on my late dad’s birthday having taken my first steps into a journey of the unknown.

Much like that mountain, my journey into being ready to get this book published has had its ups and downs, highs and lows and bends and forks in the road. I have cried, I have laughed and at times I have simply wanted to give up.

Much work was needed to be done on self before I could consider myself to be ready to handle all that will come with the launching of this book. ‘The spirit of life’ holds great power and secrets within and with great power comes great responsibility. It was therefore necessary for me to journey very deeply into self, expelling self doubt, limiting beliefs, negativity and fear for how can I ask others to do so, if I haven’t at least started that journey myself…?

Now it seems that I am ready to start that journey, although self doubt still knocks at my door. But at least now I am ready to hold the hands of all those that are ready to start their journey too, for what is the point in holding such wisdom, if you are too afraid of what others might say to share it with them?

And so, my journey into the public eye begins, and with each brave step forward that I take, I hope that the writing of this book will also help to encourage others into taking their own brave steps into becoming exactly who they were born to be.

What gave you the inspiration to write this book?
I was inspired by spirit to write this book. As a developing medium, I was required to do an impromptu trance mediumship class during one of my courses and during this session, much to my surprise, I connected with an incredibly enlightened wizard!

Through connecting with him on two occasions throughout two different classes, I made the decision to sit with him at home and write as I recognised the language being used by him as being very similar to that which comes through in my writing.

I knew that spirt was helping me with my writing but I had no idea that it was this one particular spirit guide. By reading this book, you will bear witness to those conversations from start to finish – no editing, no changing, just as it came!

The spirit of life is a book of inspiration and meaning so it is of no great surprise that I first had to be inspired by spirit myself to be able to bring such words of wisdom into the public eye.

It is my hope that the words that come through in this book will help to inspire many people to make the changes that our world so desperately needs to see. By helping each individual to recognise that they all come to this Earth with a gift – a gift that will help to heal the rift, is to empower each individual to take action for themselves. Not by staging marches, protests and sit ins, but rather by using their passions as a guide to help them walk their own path, and in so doing, finding their way to make their own impact to affect that positive and loving change that we all so need to see.

How long did it take you to write this book?
It only took me six months to write this book, sitting with spirit for roughly one hour a day as the words flowed through me. However, I often sat for hours afterwards, reading and rereading the powerful words that had become manifest through me, blown away daily by the infinite wisdom that was being presented through this connection with spirit.

I am still blown away now, 3.5 years after writing it, as each and every time that I read it, more words of wisdom jump out of the page at me.

What do you do when you’re not writing?
I love life! I do anything that makes my soul sing. I travel, I dance, I’m learning to sing. I’m facing my fears and learning to dance with my demons. I’m opening up to new things and new journeys and experiences. I’m learning to listen to the call of my soul. I’m learning to trust myself. I’m learning that you can party sober and still have fun. I’m learning how to balance my fun side with my spirituality. I’m learning that it’s ok to be exactly who I am. I’m learning to live with a full and open heart. I’m learning to love and to forgive. I’m learning to be me…

What is your favourite book?
I would have to say the Conversations with God books. They are of a very similar ilk to my book and I am always blown away by the similarities that come through in both Neale Donald Walsch’s books and in my own. But then I have to remind myself that, in fact, it should not be at all surprising seeing as all of the information is coming from a higher source. Truth is truth – you can argue with it all you want but it doesn’t stop it from being truth.

Through this series of books, Neale Donald Walsch has been very inspirational to me in terms of dealing with any criticism that may come as a result of putting this book into the public eye. His books, due to the nature of the source, have come under some harsh criticism from some, as may mine, but when I see what he has accomplished through the reach and scope of his books and recognise the many lives that have been positively impacted due to him facing his fears and putting his work out there, I realise that I too must face my fears and allow for the powerful words of spirit to be heard.

What is your favourite thing about being an author.
Well, as a first time author, I guess I’m about to find out but I would say knowing that people have the chance to be inspired by your work. That your words have the ability to provoke deep change in the lives of those who are drawn to read it. That your words may, indeed, provoke deep debate but that such deep debate is needed if we are to start to see the change that our world so desperately needs to see.

Publisher: Clink Street Publishing
Publication Date: August 2019
Format: Paperback
Pages: 198
Genre: Non-Fiction
Age: Adult
Reviewer: Faye
Source: Review Copy
Posted on: by Faye

Beginning to End

Paul Hughes

The real story of ‘swinging’ London in the wild and crazy 1960’s as seen through the eyes of two New Scotland Yard detectives – D I Andy Spearing and D S Kevin Devlin. (Book 1 in the series) – Drugs and booze flow like rivers resulting in depravity and corruption from the highest levels in the UK establishment down to the common working man. For some the 1960’s were their halcyon days, but for so many others it was the start of a fall into depravity and those were the lucky ones who survived!

An Interview with Paul Hughes

What is your favourite thing about writing books?
It is mostly being able to create characters and mould their lives.

Who is your favourite character in your book and why?
It started out with Detective Devlin as I had an affinity with him coming from the Glasgow area in Scotland. As I developed the Detective Spearing character I began to like him more as does Detective Devlin in the storyline. Then I began to develop the character of ‘The Fox’ – the assassin and now waver between all three.

What is your favourite drink to consume while writing?
To be honest it started with a glass of wine with lunch as I continued writing into the afternoon, but the glass turned to a few glasses, so nowadays it is usually tea!

Do you have any bad habits while you’re writing?
Lots, but the main one is lack of concentration on the immediate story line – usually my mind wanders into how I develop the story and I continually have to pull myself back to the immediate story line.

How do you research your books?
The first three books in the series I used personal experiences in the music business with groups in the 60’s and 70’s, plus friends who worked with New Scotland Yard. I also used my work experience in the defence industry. I also used Google a lot to help with dates and happenings.

Are you a plotter or a pantser?
To be honest a bit of both – I usually have a basic plot, but as the plot develops I do play a lot by the seat of my pants!

If you could live in any fictional world, which would you choose and why?
A world without religion or hate. I don’t think I have to say why?

If you could befriend any fictional character, who would you choose and why?
Detective Bosh from Michael Connelly books – A real character with all the human failings – not a super hero.

Publisher: Self-Published
Publication Date: May 2019
Format: Paperback
Pages: 391
Genre: Thriller
Age: Adult
Reviewer: Faye
Source: Review Copy
Posted on: by Faye

The Adventures of Billy Bog Brush: The Lost Boy

Ian Campbell and Tim Constable

While Billy is out for a walk, he comes across a lady who is looking rather worried. Offering to help, he discovers that her son hasn’t come home for his tea when he should have. Billy, who knows all the places where the local children go to play, suggests that he could look for him, which leads to an adventure involving various people and places in his home town, Flushington! In this intriguing story Billy once again demonstrates his willingness to help others and work out a way to do something which at first seems beyond him.

A Fascinating Morale Boosting Story

Having read and enjoyed the first book in this series, I was excited to find out that there was going to be a second book published. The Lost Boy goes a little bit deeper than the first book and I think I liked it just a little bit more for that very reason. It was a very interesting read as we follow Billy Bog Brush helping out a mother who has lost her son. On his adventures this time, Billy helps and is helped by a multitude of characters which really boosts how good it is to help others. This book definitely has an uplifting message and I think that a lot of children would be able to take a lot away from this book – it is certainly one that would allow you to talk to your child about helping others.

Overall, a wonderful read and one that I would definitely recommend.

Publisher: Clink Street Publishing
Publication Date: August 2019
Format: Paperback
Pages: 40
Genre: Picture Book
Age: Children
Reviewer: Faye
Source: Review Copy
Posted on: by Faye

There’s A Giraffe In My Bath

Louise Andrews

When four toy animals come to life, they become unlikely friends. The toys try to help each other out in a fun bath time adventure. But they might just need some extra help..! There’s A Giraffe In My Bath! is the first story for children between the ages of 3 and 6 by Louise Andrews. Illustrations are by Nick Roberts.

A Fun Rhyming Read

I cannot lie to you. I absolutely adored this book. It read really well with a wonderful rhyme that rolls of the tongue and was full of bright and beautiful illustrations that bring the whole story to life. This book tells the story of a Giraffe falling into the bath and the rest of the toys on the bath’s edge, trying to save the poor Giraffe. It is full of imagination and I am positive that it will be a true delight to hundreds of children as they try and make their own bath times just as fun and creative.

I highly recommend this book so go and make sure you get a copy now!

Publisher: Clink Street Publishing
Publication Date: July 2019
Format: Paperback
Pages: 20
Genre: Picture Book
Age: Children
Reviewer: Faye
Source: Review Copy
Posted on: by Faye

Big Boys Cry

Charlotte Moncrieff and Helena Maxwell

It’s Billy’s seventh birthday and no one is more excited than he is to finally be a big boy! At the park later that day, Billy finds himself in tears after getting hurt in a small accident. When a passing stranger scolds him, telling him that ‘Big Boys don’t cry – only silly ones do’, Billy questions what it means to be a big boy. Thankfully, Mum and Dad and some new friends help Billy understand that crying is normal and that everyone does it, including some of Billy’s favourite and most admired members of his family.
For many boys today, there is a fear that expressing emotion is seen as a sign of weakness. This only becomes more evident as they move from boyhood into adolescence.
This book helps parents frame emotions in a positive light, normalising the idea that all boys cry, whether they are seven years old, in the armed forces, a fireman or a father – all big boys cry, it does not make them silly!

A Powerful Important Read

It’s so important to ensure that boys and men are aware that it is okay to be sad and to cry when they need to and I definitely think that this book is a good stepping stone towards having open and honest conversations about it. It is set out in a way that makes it easy to talk to the child while you’re reading it. It shows children, both boys and girls, that is is okay to cry no matter your age or gender. Everyone cries and it’s okay to do so.

As well as an important discussion, the book is also colourful and fun and I think that it will go down really well with children. I definitely recommend this book as one to read with your kids as well, as it is something that should definitely be spoken about carefully and frankly. It is time that we change how society views mental health – especially when it comes to males and this book is definitely a stepping stone in the right direction.

Publisher: Clink Street Publishing
Publication Date: July 2019
Format: Paperback
Pages: 26
Genre: Picture Book
Age: Children
Reviewer: Faye
Source: Review Copy
Posted on: by Faye

Scotland and Aye

Sophia Wasiak Butler

What could possibly go wrong when a London girl, (or penniless student armed with a hefty collection of literary gems), falls in love with a much older and dashing Scotsman, and tries her hand at goat-keeping, vegetable growing and life in a tiny Scottish hamlet?!
Sophia Wasiak Butler grew up as an inner-city London teen who always fostered a dream of country life. After graduating from Newcastle-Upon-Tyne University with her English Literature degree in her pocket, deaf to the unappealing and empty promises of the rat-race, she invites us to accompany her as she takes the daring jump into a world where the universal melds seamlessly with the personal. The path is bursting with literary sages, Eastern wisdom, the gritty reality of dirt-stained nails, self-reflection and a good dose of common sense on this adventure, always interwoven through the multicultural tapestry which defines the author.

An Interview with Sophia Wasiak Butler

Why did you write this book?
My book started it’s life as a series of articles in a newspaper. The editors thought that the subject of a newly graduated London-girl moving to remote hamlet in the Scottish countryside had it’s merit in times of economic hardship and recession. And so, my monthly column began. Writing on demand with serious deadlines and a stern editor, are wonderful things for somebody without discipline and a solid routine! Little did I know, that writing was my life-saving companion, along with cheap wine and cigarettes! I found myself seriously balancing on the tightrope of love and life. It was unknown territory and I was insecure on all fronts. And then, a magical thing happened. Readers started to respond to my story, to the point that I got advice on small-holding, life-long penpals and invitations to other let’s say ‘pastures’! Writing became my life, and my life made sense because of it.
This transition into ‘real life’, (however that looks for each of us), felt so personal at the time, but I have come to realise, it is a fundamental moment, which marks a before and an after for all of us. That’s why I wanted to share it.

What was your favourite part of writing this book?
My answer now is different to when I was writing the book. At that time, writing became my outlet, the way in which I processed life. Re-discovering writing as a primal need for me was incredibly special, after churning out essays and dissertations on command at university.

At this moment, I am supremely grateful to have been able to leave a tangible chronicle of my first steps into being a grown woman. As much of a cliché as it may sound, it is when we affront what we are carrying in our ‘backpack’, whilst juggling ideas of what life is ‘meant’ to be. At which point we step on a rake and come face to face with what is really there.

What is your favourite drink to consume while writing?
No hesitation on this one! Definitely red wine.
After leaving my ‘Lambrini’ student tastes behind, I was determined to join the realm of writerly sophistication, after being impacted by the words of Galileo: “Wine is sunlight, held together by water”, and those of Hemingway, “Wine…offers a greater range for enjoyment and appreciation than, possibly, any other purely sensory thing.” I began a journey!
Countless bottles were put to the test, (even the odd unforgivable carton), to hone a decent palate. I arrived to the conclusion that I favour a chilled glass of pinot noir on a summer’s evening, or a heavier rioja on a winter’s night. However, now that I live in Galicia, I enjoy Mencia (red wine) when it’s nippy outdoors and a chilled glass of crisp cava when it’s hot. It’s worth mentioning that both are best when accompanied by Galician octopus and Padron peppers!

Do you have any bad habits while you’re writing?
Yes, when I’m writing mode, I’m uncharacteristically unsociable. The first sign is glasses, not contacts and the most crucial is the donning of the bright-orange beret. This ensures that I will not leave the house!

For me, the creative process is intrinsically hermitic. It is lonely. Often we forget what stirs within, whether it be a creative idea, or our own feelings. All reflection requires silence. Thankfully, my stoic companion who lays by my feet, is fluent in hermit, mantras, Polish, English, Spanish and non-verbal communication! He also comes with an inbuilt timer for playtime!
I live in awe of writers with such self-discipline as Isabel Allende who writes for an allotted time each day and produces a novel per year on average.

How would you entice people to read your book?
I hope that my book encourages people to take a chance in life and to help them not to go where the world is going, out of inertia, but where they want to go. Live your dreams, don’t just dream them, test them out! If you find that they are a huge disappointment, that they are no longer relevant, or that they evaporated the second they manifested: make new dreams. And if people ask: how many times can you start over? Be sure to tell them, ‘As many times as it takes’. When you don’t like the world around you, or you are stagnant, it’s time to change it. If you find yourself fighting for something which you believe in, and all around oppose you, be more stubborn than a mountain full of donkeys and find nourishment from others of the same mind.

The dreaded ‘unlived’ life must surely be the biggest regret. Don’t let it be yours.

Do you think you’ll write any other books?
It’s like pulling on a loose thread in a tapestry…you can’t stop!
Life certainly doesn’t cease to surprise me and I find myself cured of searching for that intangible feeling of home, in a 135 year-old traditional stone house in Galicia, Northern Spain. This is where I want to be and I wish to share the wonders of the Spanish “Fiesta Siesta and Manana” with my readers, so watch this space…

If you could live in any fictional world, which would you choose and why?
Definitely one where animals could talk and good prevails! I would happily live with the hobbits or the elves in Tolkien’s ‘Lord of the Rings’, just as I would go to Narnia, my dog is actually called Aslan in homage! I think that we crave a connection with the natural world which peoples before us have always had.

If you could befriend any fictional character, who would you choose and why?
It would definitely be Mary Shelley’s creature in ‘Frankenstein’. He is the embodiment of the innate innocence and vulnerability of all children and his journey is the one we all go through. I would talk to him for encouragement, and then to his creator Viktor Frankenstein, because his rejection of responsibility and subsequent victimisation of himself is a story which has not ceased to repeat itself. So many people live with the childhood wounds which Viktor inflicted on his ‘child’ and these things mark us so strongly that we continue to perpetrate the cycle ad infinitum.

Publisher: Clink Street Publishing
Publication Date: July 2019
Format: Paperback
Pages: 140
Genre: Non-Fiction
Age: Adult
Reviewer: Faye
Source: Review Copy
Posted on: by Faye

Counterplay

Dennis Norman

Karl has been stealing money from Tesanee. When he realises that she has uncovered his deceit, he flees.
Tesanee’s son Ashley, furious about the betrayal, approaches a close friend of his late father, Alain, and asks him to find Karl and retrieve Tes’s money.
Alain has nothing much to do and is happy to honour his dead friend’s memory by helping his wife.
Alain and his brother set off together to track down Karl and confront him. Each time they close in, Karl manages to outsmart them, and disappears.
A game of cat and mouse is set in play. Alain has no idea what he’s let himself in for.

Favourite Things About my Protagonists

by Dennis Norman

The main protagonists in this story are Alain and Toby Dansen.

My favourite things about Alain are he is quiet and unassuming with a soft heart but he is also brave, with a tough exterior and a sense of humour. If he could he would help everyone but knows he can’t. I like his never say die attitude, striving to complete any task through the toughest opponents or the biggest obstacles. He also has a quick mind, unlike mine. He’s a problem solver with an opinion on everything from right to wrong. He is noble and thinks he ‘Does the Right Thing’. If he can solve something by himself, he will, if he can’t solve it, he will persuade someone to help him. He is good with people.

The thing is he’s not cut out to be Superman. He is a thinker, not a body builder or a fighter. He is a scene setter, working in the movie industry where nothing is real. He is an ordinary guy, husband, father. However, when his friends need him, he will go out of his way to help.

He loves gadgets and uses them extensively, not big flashy gadgets like the Bond movies but the small subtle ones that hide in plain sight. He has no interested in expensive cars or clothes or guns.

He’s not Mr perfect though by any means. He needs to support his family, so he has a price. If he thinks the task is a worthy one, he will work out a way to benefit from his solution.

He likes to spend time by himself, but his biggest fear is loneliness, he wants everyone to like him in some way. This is all in his mind as his character won’t allow him to be. He is a very likeable person, somebody somewhere will always like or even love him.
I like to think there is a bit of every hero in Alain. I suppose I wish I was him.

Then there is Toby. He is the opposite of Alain, he’s tall, strong and likes a fight. He literally would do anything for Alain. He’s supposed to be Alain’s bodyguard/minder but he’s not making a very good job of it. He likes a joke and keeps cracking them right through the story. He is honourable and cares for his brother dearly. So much so he gets upset when he feels he’s let him down. He also loves his wife and gets embarrassed when Alain askes him to dinner with another woman to make a foursome.

Publisher: Clink Street Publishing
Publication Date: July 2019
Format: Paperback
Pages: 180
Genre: Thriller
Age: Adult
Reviewer: Faye
Source: Review Copy
Posted on: by Faye