The Big Break with Keris Stainton

The Big Break is extremely happy to welcome the rather witty Keris Stainton who is about to take the YA world by storm again with her second novel 'Jessica Hearts NY' which comes out in July . So I am over the moon, that she is able to take time out from her busy schedule to come and speak to me today.

Firstly, can I thank you for joining me today on my blog.

Thank you for asking me!

How long had you been dreaming of being published before you got that life changing phone call?

I think it was about 10 years since I'd first had the idea of writing a book, but it took me a long (long) time to finish one I was happy with, so, realistically, probably 4 years.

What was your first reaction when you found out that your first book ‘Della Says OMG’ was to be published? How did it make you feel?

I couldn't believe it, honestly. I'd been down to Orchard Books to meet my editor and the Editorial Director for what I thought was basically an interview. It wasn't. I mainly sat there, grinning, while they told me how much they loved the book. On the train on the way home, I couldn't stop giggling.

What were you doing when you found out?

Well when they actually phoned and offered me a deal, I was sitting in my office, at my computer, as usual… :)

Who did you tell first?

I phoned my husband, David. And then I remember my friend Fionnuala (who at that time was an online friend I hadn't yet met) phoned me, cheering, but I can't even remember how she knew!

How long did it take for your first book to be published after you had been told?

Ah. A while. I got the deal in early 2008 and it was for a book called FORGET ME NOT. But then my editor asked me to write something else and so I wrote DELLA SAYS: OMG! which came out in June 2010. So two years!

What was happening to your manuscript during this time?

The FORGET ME NOT manuscript was alone, unloved, crying. You know, probably. ;) For DELLA, I had edits, line edits and copy edits.

How did you cope whilst waiting for publication day?

It was strange, I couldn't quite believe it was really ever going to come out. From 100 days before release, I did a competition on my blog - giving away books every 10 days - and once I started that, it seemed to fly by. Scarily fast, actually.

How did it feel to see your name in print?

It was amazing. I still can't quite believe it. Every now and then I pick the book up and go "Squeeee!"

Where was the first place that your saw your book on sale and did you do anything crazy when you saw it?

I can't remember. How mad is that? I just looked on my blog to see if I'd written about it, but I didn't. That's TERRIBLE! I'm really disappointed in myself. But I bet wherever it was, I bought a copy.

Your second book ‘Jessie Hearts NYC’ comes out in July. How do you plan to celebrate?

I'm hoping to have a launch party - New York themed :)

What advice would you give unpublished authors?

Read everything you can. Write what you want to read, not what you think agents/publishers/readers want to read. And don't expect to get rich quick. You may not get rich at all and even if you do (and I hope you do), it won't be quick.


On behalf of all my bloggers I want to thank Keris for coming over today and taking time to speak to us.

If  you would like to know more about Keris and her books then pop over to her lovely website here. She has a fantastic giveaway at the moment which runs until the 11th of March, which gives you the opportunity to win a proof copy of her new book Jessica Hearts NYC. So what are you waiting for, click here to go and enter.


If you don't get the chance to win, you can always purchase her first book Della Say: OMG! from The Book Depository.

Winner of the Persephone Book Giveaway

I counted 24 entries in the Persephone Book Giveaway and using the randomizer I put in 24 entries. The winner was comment no 12 which was:

Christina from Reading Thru The Night.

Well done Christina on winning The Victorian Chaise-Longue byMarghanita Laski. I will send you an email to get your address.

Thank you everyone for entering.  I hope to have another giveaway next week to coincide with World Book Night. I also have another competition coming up to coincide with the West of the Moon book tour. So do pop back soon.

Don't forget that Claire and Verity still have more giveaways going on over at there blogs, so be sure to visit.

Coveting Persephones

I had hoped to finish reading Miss Pettigrew Lives For A Day by Winnifred Watson but alas, it was not to be.  I will carry on reading it and might just be able to review it before the dwindling hours of Persephone Weekend disappear.  In the meantime, I wanted to share with you the Persphone books I am presently coveting. 

Last year I ordered a Persephone catalogue and spent a lovely couple of hours ticking off the books I most wanted to read. Here are the five most coveted ones I hope to own soon.

1) The Making of a Marchioness by Frances Hodgson Burnett

My need for this book does have a lot to do with my love of her children's book The Secret Garden, which I adored as a child. This book is described as a very entertaining novel written in 1901 following the melodrama after a governess marries a Marquis.  The Persephone website states that this book is in two parts. The first part has a similarity to the story of Cinderella,whilst the second part shows the reality of a Victorian marriage.

2) Mrs Buncle's Books by DE Stevenson

This book has appealed to me since I first heard about it. I wonder if it is because of my aspirations to be a future published author that makes it so appealing. Mrs Buncle is eager to supplement her meagre income and begins to write novels based on the lives of her neighbours. Every thing becomes a little complicated when the books begin to sell and the village are desperate to find out who wrote the books. A lighthearted easy read that appeals to my humorous nature.

3) The Fortnight in September by RC Sherriff

This book first came to my attention when I received the catalogue and a book mark detailing the book. The first paragraph was printed upon it and it instantly had me reminiscing holidays of my childhood. It also reminded me of The Enchanted April by Elzabeth Von Armin, which is such a beautiful book to be read whilst on holiday.  This book is about a a family's holiday in Bognor Regis, which is an area I know very well.  It gives a day to day account of their holiday from the night before when they pack, to the last moments of their holiday.

4) Making Conversation by Christine Longford

This book has supposedly been created in a similar vein to Cold Comfort Farm by Stella Gibbons, who is an author I have grown to love over the last year, thanks to Ana.   This follows the trials and tribulations of a young girl called Martha during her years at school and then her journey through Oxford University.

5) Minnie's Room: The Peacetime Stories of Mollie Panter-Downes - 1947 to 1965.

This is the second volume of short stories by this author reprinted by Persephone. They were all published in The New Yorker during the author's lifetime, but were unknown to the UK. I read  Good Evening Mrs Craven, the first volume of short stories by this author in September last year and thoroughly enjoyed them. They were all set during World War 2 and gave you a real insight as to how war affected every day life in England. You can read my review here.

So there are the five Persephone books I am coveting the most. Have you read any of these?  Which ones would you love to own from the Persephone list?

Persephone Weekend Giveaway

In honour of Persephone Reading Weekend and the fact that I seemed to have acquired two copies of one book,  I am hosting a Persephone Giveaway today.

I have a gently used copy of The Victorian Chaise-Longue by Marghanita Laski to give away. I read this book last year and really enjoyed and want to share it with all you lovely bloggers.Here is my review from last year.

If you would like to enter all you have to do is leave a comment below.   I will pick a winner using Randomizer at 12 noon (UK time) on Sunday ( tomorrow). 
The competition is open internationally.
Good luck everyone and be sure to visit Verity and Claire over the weekend as they have loads of giveaways too.

Saplings by Noel Streatfeild - Persephone Weekend

Persephone Weekend is kindly organised by Verity from Cardigangirlverity and Claire from Paperback Reader and is running all of this weekend. Please visit their blogs in order to find out what other books are being read for the events and to look out for the wonderful giveaways occurring.

First published by Collins in 1945, republished as a Persephone Classic in 2009

As the outgoing tide uncovered the little stretch of sand amongst the pebbles, the children took possession of it marking it as their own with their spades, pails, shrimping nets and their mother's camp stool.
It was early and the beach was almost deserted. There were a few bathers of the sort that swim for exercise, but the majority of the bathing machines and tents were empty. The sea was grey-blue, spangled with gold dancing specks. Far out the raft bobbed.

Like many of us, I grew up secretly wishing I could be a member of the Fossil family from Noel Streatfeild's children's book 'Ballet Shoes'. This book was cherished throughout my childhood and is still loved today.  Over the years I began to collect her other children's book, but I was quite surprised to discover last year that Noel Streatfeild had also written books for adults.  So it was an easy decision for me to pick Saplings as my Persephone choice.

Saplings is a much darker tale then any of the children's books written by Streatfeild, but ultimately it deals with children. The story revolves around a happy, middle class family who are shown in the opening pages to be enjoying a family holiday at the seaside. The children are carefree and enjoying the holiday in the hope that it will last forever.  The war is still just a rumour and they have no need to fear the future.  However their father Alex, who is very much a family man, is more aware than others that their lives will change, so he goes to great lengths to make their holiday together one to remember. 

As the story progresses, World War 2 commences and you are given a clear insight into how the war alters the family. Each and every person, from the young to the old are ravaged by the effects of war and you cannot help but want to comfort them all. 

The main theme of this book is the effects of the war on the children. The last line of the book could not be more ironic, as the house help Mrs Oliver announces 'We got a lot to be thankful for in this country. Our kids 'aven't suffered 'o-ever else 'as' This could not be further from the truth, as you witness the downward spiral of devastation on  each child within the book as war rips apart the close knit family.

I felt such grief for the children in the story.  Each turning in a different direction, which took them further away from their mother. Those maternal ties, stretching and snapping the further they grew apart.  Laurel, once a loving thoughtful child, now disagreeable and bringing shame on the family by being expelled from school.  Tony, an inquisitive child, who turns into a 'surly, unco-operative boy.' Tuesday, such a delicate child to begin with, left in a world of imaginary friends, unable to communicate with the real people in her life. Kim was the only one I found to not have really changed. He had always been self centred, the war just increased this behaviour. 

Their mother Lena, was not a loving mother to begin with; after the death of her husband, she lost her ability to cope and the children were separated and sent to live with different relatives.  I couldn't feel angry by her behaviour, her abandoning the children, as I could not imagine how her devastating circumstances would affect me if I had experienced the same. You imagine that you would be strong for children, but you really could not determine your actions. 

You witness all the adults within the family trying to help. Uncles and aunts and close household staff, trying to do what is best, but all failing the children dismally, unable to grasp the effects the separations and change of routines would have on them. They are too wrapped up with their own lives dramatically changing to see how the children are coping.

I felt that this book should be included in secondary school curriculums. The children of today would realise how lucky they are, if they could see the devastation that World War 2 caused to children just like themselves. Children being sent to live with complete strangers, never knowing whether they would see their parents again. Waiting for a telegram to tell them that their parents have died.

This book is so beautifully written; you believe so highly in the children, your motherly instincts kick in and you want to take them home and wrap them in cotton wool to preserve them from any more damage.
I adored this book. I adored the children in it, (even though they broke my  heart) and I know it has only increased my love for Noel Streatfeild's books. This woman not only wrote for children, but she understood them.

No Life As We Know It Post This Week

Due to the kids being off this week for half term, there will not be a Life As We Know Post this week. Sorry guys, but I just don't have time to write it, as I am really busy with the kids.  Life As We Know It will be back next Thursday!

The Body Finder by Kimberly Derting

Published in 2010 by Headline Publishing Group.

I read this book as part of the UK Book Tours organised by the lovely Lynsey.

Violet Ambrose wandered away from the safety of her father as she listened to the harmony of sounds weaving delicately around her. The rustling of the leaves mingled gently with the restless call of birds and the far-off rushing waters of the icy river that layed beyond the trees.
And then there was another sound. Something she couldn't quite identify. Yet.

The more Young Adult books I devour, the more my thirst for them intensifies! This book was quite an original concept to me.  The main character Violet is able to hear the echoes left by the dead.  Every time an animal or a person is murdered, they leave an echo which stays with the victim as well as the killer. Violet can always pick up on these and now has a garden full of reburied animals that only begin to lose their echo after they are laid to rest in peace.

Violet can live with her ability until a murderer enters her world killing young girls in the area. As more girls disappear, each one closer to home than the last, Violet realises that she can help to solve these murders and try and stop the killer committing any more. 

I don't normally enjoy books filled with suspicious murders, they tend to make me a little nervous as they are just to realistic for my liking,  but I read thoroughly enjoyed this one.  I am always in awe of the abilities the Young Adult characters tend to have, but this is one I am not yearning for.  I couldn't think of anything worse than being able to hear the echoes of the murdered, so I am little in awe of Violet being able to cope so miraculously well with this gift.

The book is written from two view points. You see the world through Violet's eyes as well as the killer's. It was interesting to see how his mind worked and you thought you could work out his next move, but I found I didn't always get it right. There are a few twists within the novel that I can honestly say I didn't see coming.


Not only does the book deal with Violet's dangerous quest to discover the killer, but it also deals with the change in her friendship with the local hottie Jay. They had grown up as friends and half way through the book they become a couple and it is utterly gorgeous. Jay is everything you want in a leading male; handsome, strong, patient and very protective.  His instincts to keep Violet safe are the most intense I have ever seen in a Young Adult novel.  I found myself sucked into the romance so easily. The passion is a little hot and heavy, especially where parents kind of leave them to it, but I know I am speaking with my parent head on there, rather than my lustful hormonal teenage head that got stuck back in the 8o's.  It is when I read books like this one, I regret being born before the birth of the modern Young Adult book. When I was a teenager,  Mills and Boons just didn't do it for me!

The story has a great build and by the last hundred pages I was frantic to find out how it would end. Always a good sign to me of a good book, when I am struggling to resist the temptation to read the last page!


There is a second book in the series called Desires of the Dead which comes out in March and I shall definitely be elbowing the teenagers out of the way to get my hands on a copy.

The Big Break with Cathleen Holst

I am really pleased to have Cathleen Holst on my blog today. Cathleen's  book 'Everleigh in NYC' is her debut novel and is out now to buy.   Cathleen kindly agreed to join me today to discuss how she felt when she got her publishing deal.

Firstly, can I thank you for joining me today on my blog.

Thank you so much for having me, Viv. I’m honored to share the same blog space as one of my favourite people, Beth Hoffman. I’m really excited to be here.

How long had you been dreaming of being published before you got that life changing phone call?

I’d secretly been dreaming of it for many, many years. But for fear of being laughed at I didn’t share my love of writing with anyone until 2007. I wish I hadn't waited so long.

What was your first reaction when you found out that your book ‘Everleigh in NYC’ was to be published? How did it make you feel?

My honest-to-goodness reaction was speechlessness. It all felt so surreal. It still does in a lot of ways.

What were you doing when you found out?

At that time I didn’t have a laptop so I felt chained to the desktop in our office downstairs in the basement. I had just logged in to check my emails that morning and there it was—a message from the publishing house with a one-book deal. I think I almost spilled my coffee, and just remember staring at the email, thinking I must be reading it wrong.

Who did you tell first?

 My husband. I can’t remember exactly what he was doing, but I think he was repairing the kitchen sink or the dishwasher because I only remember talking excitedly to his knees.

How long did it take for your first book to be published after you had been told?

11 months. Everleigh’s story was picked up by a small publishing house, so it all went relatively fast.

What was happening to your manuscript during this time?

Oh my goodness. I could write a book about that. Everleigh went through a major rewrite. So major that I worried the editor would no longer want it. I drafted a new synopsis and sent it off to her, apologizing profusely for changing so much, but told her I felt confident that the story was much stronger for it. Thank heavens she agreed. It took seven months, an unnatural amount of coffee, and countless sleepless nights for Everleigh’s story to become what it is now.

How did you cope whilst waiting for publication day?

I never thought the day would arrive. There were a few kinks along the way, which caused the release to be pushed back a couple of times, but in the end, Everleigh finally made her debut, and seems to be doing fairly well, which makes me really happy.

How did it feel to see your name in print?

I have to agree with Beth on this one. As much as it gave me a sense of pride or accomplishment at seeing my name printed on the cover, I was just over the moon with delight that others could now read and (hopefully) enjoy Everleigh’s story as much as I did. She was a lot of fun to write.

Where was the first place that your saw your book on sale and did you do anything crazy when you saw it?

Since I signed with a small publishing house, unfortunately my book isn’t sold in any bookstores. It’s online only. One day I hope to experience what it feels like to see my work on the shelf of a bookstore. Who knows, maybe it’ll be displayed next to Miss Beth’s (Hoffman, Holst). It could happen.

I noticed that you are presently writing another book called ‘A Christmas in Fir Creek’, how is the writing going?

Oh, I’m so glad you asked about this story. The writing is coming along unbelievably well. I hope I didn’t just jinx myself. But I adore this story. It’s a drastic departure from Everleigh, but one I hope folks are able to enjoy just as much. I know I sure am.

What advice would you give unpublished authors?

My advice would be this: Don’t rush through polishing your manuscript. Do all you can to make sure your baby shines. Believe me, there’s always room for improvement. And if you can afford to hire a professional editor...do it, do it, do it. Also, do your homework. Research the industry, and when you find an agent who you feel could be a good match for your work (the agents are usually pretty clear on the type of work they’re interested in) draft your submission and send it off to them exactly the way they request it. And if you get a rejection letter don’t let it get you down. Move on to the next. If you feel the need to say something to the agent who sent you a rejection letter, resist the urge. You will be doing yourself no favors by doing this. I liken it to the contestants on American Idol who remain onstage, arguing, after the judges tell them they’re not going to make it. Remain gracious. And above all, remain professional. The last thing you want is giving yourself a bad reputation before you even have the chance to make it. And above all, enjoy it. (End Sermon Here, haha.)

Thank you again Cathleen for joining us today, we all wish you well with your debut novel 'Everleigh in NYC' and your second manuscript.

Everleigh in NYC is available on Amazon for purchase right now. Just so you can get a taste of 'Everleigh in NYC, here is the the blurb from Cathleen Holst's website.

Cheating boyfriend aside, Everleigh CarlisleEverleigh and her BFF Christina visit a voodoo priestess while celebrating Mardi Gras in the Big Easy, where an unspoken wish is granted, unknowingly altering the course of Everleigh's life. Two years later, her dreams are set to come true when she lands her dream job as a columnist for New York's premiere fashion magazine, Trés Magnifique. Everleigh's life quickly becomes complicated when her ex re-declares his love for her, and she meets Robert Cates, only to discover three things: 1)She is extremely attracted to him. 2) She has the bizarre ability to hear his thoughts. 3) He is her new boss. Everleigh takes a long awaited bite from the Big Apple, but are her eyes bigger than her appetite?

If you would like to find out more about Cathleen Holst and her upcoming coming books then please click here.

Cover Lust 5

I have two gorgeous covers for you to lust over today.

1)Nightspell by Leah Cypess

This is the standalone novel to accompany a book called Mistwood. This is the American cover and the UK cover has not been released yet as the book will not be released over here until June 2011. The book has a rather Disney appeal to me, reminding me of Cinderella's castle shown in the opening credits of all Disney films.

Here is the blurb from Harper Teens.

Here be ghosts, the maps said, and that was all.

In this haunted kingdom, ghosts linger—not just in the deepest forests or the darkest caverns, but alongside the living, as part of a twisted palace court that revels all night and sleeps through the daylight hours.
Darri's sister was trapped in this place of fear and shadows as a child. And now Darri has a chance to save her sister . . . if she agrees to a betrothal with the prince of the dead. But nothing is simple in this eerie kingdom—not her sister, who has changed beyond recognition; not her plan, which will be thrown off track almost at once; and not the undead prince, who seems more alive than anyone else.
In a court seething with the desire for vengeance, Darri holds the key to the balance between life and death. Can her warrior heart withstand the most wrenching choice of all?

2) Tiger's Curse by Colleen Houck

Don't you just want to take the tiger home and keep him as a pet. This cover reminds me of Aslan in the Chronicles of Narnia; it is just a beautiful cover.  This book will be rereleased by Hodder in May, with the sequels following in June and October. I can't wait!

Here is the blurb from Amazon.

The last thing teenager Kelsey Hayes thought she'd be doing over the summer was meeting Ren, a mysterious white tiger and cursed Indian prince! When she learns she alone can break the Tiger's curse, Kelsey's life is turned upside-down. The unlikely duo journeys halfway around the world to piece together an Indian prophecy, find a way to free the man trapped by a centuries-old spell, and discover the path to their true destiny.

Are you tempted to add either of these books to your list?

Weekend Cooking - The Weight Watchers Way!

Weekend Cooking is a chance to share the food love with everyone and is organised by Beth Fish Reads. On Saturday mornings, write a post about food, perhaps a cookbook review or maybe just some favorite food-related quotes.

I am constantly on a diet!
Is it just me or is there an army of us?
Weight Watchers and I have been friends for quite a few years now, although we did have a bit of a falling out over Christmas and I am trying to make amends.
I thought I would share one of my culinary disasters creations with you that is supposed to stop me snacking on rubbish and keep me full until dinnertime. Unfortunately, no food has managed to stop me, but I still feel I should share.

The following recipe was featured in February edition of the Weight Watchers magazine, which I buy religiously every month!

Oat and Fruit Slices

Under the new ProPoints system this equals 4 points per slice, after being cut into 8 slices.

Ingredients

75g (2 1/2 oz) low fat spread

50g (1 3/4oz) soft light brown sugar

1tbsp golden syrup

150g (5 1/2oz) oats

25g (1oz) dried cranberries, chopped

25g (1oz) dried apricots, chopped

15g (1/2oz) pumpkin seeds

Method

1) In a saucepan, heat the low fat spread, sugar and syrup together. Remove from the heat and fold through the oats, dried fruit and pumpkin seeds.

2) Preheat the oven to gas mark 4/180C. Line a round 20cm (8inch) tin with greaseproof paper and then tip in the oat mixture, pushing it down tightly in the tin.

3) Bake for 15 minutes in the oven. Once cooked, remove from the tin,and leave to cool completely before cutting into 8 wedges. Store in an airtight tin for up to 3 days.

Unfortunately, I decided to cut mine before it  had cooled, so it ended up breaking into chunks, but it was still tasty!

If you want to know more about Weightwatchers, then please visit their website here

Friday's Tale of Mystery

Not only does my wonderful book of mystery contain forgotten authors but it also contains some legendary figures such as Wilkie Collins.
Wilkie Collins was one of Charles Dickens's closest friends and was the first Englishman to write a full length detective novel. His more well known works included 'The Moonstone' and 'The Woman In White' which are both now regarded as classics in English Literature.

The Traveller's Story Of A Terribly Strange Bed by Wilkie Collins

This story is told as a tale to an avid listener. A young man is desperate to enjoy a little gaming amongst the poor during his visit to Paris.  Whilst on a drunken winning streak, an old soldier congratulates him on his good fortune. However the soldier is worried that the young man may be taken advantage of in his drunken state and brings him coffee to help him sober up. The coffee has the complete opposite effect on the man, resulting in the soldier calling upon the staff at the gaming house to provide the young man with a bed for the night.  The young man feeling the worse for wear, jumps at the chance of a bed.  Only to realise that the bed may provide him with his last sleep.

I have yet to read a book by Wilkie Collins and I have to say that this short story has whetted my appetite. I have always been a little in fear of his books, imagining them to leave me dazed in whirl of unintelligence.  However, I found this story easy to read and very absorbing.  In such a short story, my empathy towards the young man occurred quickly. He seemed a genuinely nice character, who wanted to play purely for enjoyment and not monetary gain. I could see that he was about to be the centre of a rather cruel hustle and felt fearful for him in advance.

I was a little dazed by the gaming references, but that is purely because gaming of any sorts hold no interest to me what so ever, so I did find myself skimming  those paragraphs.

This story breathes out a sinister atmosphere and creates a dark Victorian scene.  The ending was a little too clean cut for my liking, but I did enjoy the comical tones of the last paragraph emitting the sort of humour that appeals to my hidden comedian.

If you would like to read this story for yourself, you will find it here.

Life As We Know It! Why Can't I Have A New Car????

My husband has put his foot down. He refuses to buy me a new car! Even though he has to jump start my car as part of his morning routine.

Why? I hear you cry in horror. You know that I must be a careful and considerate driver!

From some strange reason, my husband disagrees.

OK, so it took me a year to work out that my car had five gears. I thought that would be a reasonable mistake to make by someone who only learnt to drive with four gears. No one mentioned a fifth? I just thought the manufacturer suffered with a form of numerical dyslexia.

I can understand what he means by not using the car door as a hurdle, but if the cyclist has been watching he would have noticed me opening the door before he catapulted over the top of it and landed dazed on the bonnet. I bought him lunch to compensate the mishap and remarked on possible new career opportunities as his athletic abilities were surely worthy of the 2012 Olympics.

And doesn’t everyone look at houses whilst driving. I thought it was compulsory to look whilst driving and I am sure it was part of my driving test. I do occasionally look at the road in front, but how will I ever find my dream home, if I don’t peruse the for sale signs as I pass. I have never actually hit the car in front whilst house hunting behind the wheel. (Well OK, only that one time. But who carries out an emergency stop in the middle of the road!)

I sympathise with my husband’s comparison of my car with a land fill site. But, the kids like to be creative with their crisp packets and view their floor covering designs as Modern Art. If Tracy Emin can call an unmade bed art, then my kids could make millions. I also like to view it as doing my little bit for recycling, the chocolate bar wrappers not only keep the floor mud free but also give the children something to read on long journeys. OK some crisp packets may date back to 2006, but one day they may be worth something, collector’s items even.

And maybe it wasn’t a good idea to take the roof down during a snow storm, but what mother doesn’t aim to please their child’s every whim.

So I really don’t think these are valid reasons to stop me having a new car.

You see I really don’t think I am a bad driver. I admit my driving instructor went white with shock when I waved the test pass in front of his eyes. He was convinced I wouldn’t pass first time, but I think he was a little relieved that I would no longer be available for unsheduled off roading sessions during lesson time, allowing the forest to return to its natural peacefulness. And maybe a few of my passengers now have their own personalised neck braces which they put on BEFORE I start driving.

I like to think that I am confident on the road and I am pleased to have quickly adapted my personality to compete with the other road users. I can swear in numerous languages to cater for all foreign drivers and my hand gestures would rival any professional sign language interpreter.

I have tried so hard to reason with my husband, but he won’t budge on the matter. So off I shuffle sadly to give my car its annual bath that always seems to coincide with its MOT. Obviously that is just a coincidence.

The Thirteen Treasures by Michelle Harrison

Published by Simon @Schuster in 2009
Pages - 326

Opening sentences.
She was aware of their presence in the room before she even awoke.
An ominous twitching had begun in Tanya's eyelids, a sure sign that trouble was on its way. It was the incessant twitching which woke her. Her eyes opened groggily. As usual, she had reverted to her childhood habit of sleeping with her head under the covers. She was uncomfortable, yet reluctant to shift position. If she did, it would alert them to the fact that she was awake.

I am disappointed in each and everyone of you who has read this book and didn't alert me to how good it was!  OH MY GOD! This book is awesome and even better than that, there are two more to follow. ( Having just finished the second one, I can honestly say, that this series manages to improve on perfection.)

Tanya has been sent to stay with her grandmother at Elvesdon Manor, after her mother had reached a point where she could no longer cope with the unexplained nightly disturbances.  Tanya is distraught at the thought of going to stay with her cold hearted grandmother in a decrepit ancient manor, where she knows the fairies will still taunt her.  However when she discovers the unsolved mystery of a young girl who disappeared in the woods by the house and how the disappearance affected the residents of Elvesdon manor, she is desperate to find out what really happened. With the help of Fabian, the caretaker's son, she sets out to find out the truth about the girl's disappearance, only to find herself caught up in the mystery and in danger of becoming a central part of it.

This is a rather dark tale of mystery and suspense that has you gripped from page one.  I did find a few comical aspects within the pages, which really appealed to my sniggering inner child (Fairy splattered on windscreen like a fly!).  The fairies in this book are not sweet and loving like dear old Tinkerbell, they have  a sinister side to their nature, be prepared to be scared by their antics.  The story flows beautifully reaching high and low points in tension like a winding river.

The characters are extremely well written and believable. I fell in love with Red on her first appearance in the book. I adored her courageous and spunky attitude and I knew straightaway that she and I would be great friends. She doesn't let anyone stand in her way. Tanya makes a wonderful lead character. She is honest and respectable and takes on any challenge to solve the mystery. Elvesdon Manor is one of the biggest characters in the book and one where I could happily live amongst the secret fairy residents.

It is not often that I buy the rest of a series, after reading just half a book, but I knew I was onto a winner with this one. I could imagine this book being picked up by Disney and made into a film. It is just so good.

I can't leave a review of this book, without mentioning the cover. It is awesome, isn't it? The Thirteen Treasures are created so beautifully on the front cover, I wanted to reach in and pull the bracelet out to wear.

Michelle Harrison won the Waterstones Children's Book Award in 2009 with this, her debut novel and I can see why it won.  It contains everything a good children's book should have and will be loved by young and old.  Michelle Harrison's book had me reminiscing the delightful adventures of the Famous Five and Secret Seven in the Enid Blyton books that brightened my childhood. I felt that the author had recaptured Enid Blyton's long lost writing style and giving it a thorough makeover, suitable for the modern children of the 21st Century.

Don't take my word for it. Go and read it for yourself!

Angel Time by Anne Rice

Pages 266

Published by Arrow Books in 2010

First few lines

There were omens from the beginning.
First off, I didn't want to do a job at the Mission Inn. Anywhere in the country, I would have been willing, but not the Mission Inn. And in the bridal suite, that very room, my room. Bad luck and beyond. I thought to myself.
Of course my boss, The Right Man, had no way of knowing when he gave me this assignment that the Mission was where I went when I didn't want to be Lucky the Fox, when I didn't want to be his assassin.

Many of you will be aware that I do have a fondness for angel books and that had a lot to do with my decision to buy this book. I have never read any other Anne Rice books, so I don't have anything to compare this book with.  All I can say is, that this book didn't impress me at all and I had hoped for so much more from it.

The book is centred around a character called Lucky the Fox, who is a contract killer, but one with a conscience.  The first two chapters are there to basically to show you this character's soul exists.  Personally, I had worked that out in the first couple of pages and didn't need the in depth religious chapters to repeat it to me over and over again.

As Lucky carries out his final contract killing, his guardian angel Malchiah reveals himself.  Malchiah wants Lucky to work for him now and help him solve situations rather than killing people.  Lucky agrees and then suddenly the book veers off into the 13th Century and Lucky becomes a monk on a mission! I bet you didn't see that one coming. Mmm, neither did I!

This book felt like it was two different books sewn together in the middle. It was like watching an episode of Quantam Leap, where the lead character jumps into different time periods. I had to keep turning back to make sure I had not been sold a dud book that had been rebuilt from spare parts. 

To be honest, I actually enjoyed the part of the book set in the 13th century more than I did the modern day part, which worries me a little, as the 13th Century has never appealed to me before.  However the story seemed to flow so much better and appeared to be more believable than the first part of the book.  In the second half of the book I began to relate to the characters and feel their pain and almost got lost in the story.

This book is full to the brim with religion, which I found quite hard to digest. If you have a thorough knowledge of religious studies, then this book will suit you. Personally, it all went a little over my head.  I can understand that Anne Rice is thorough in her research, yet it felt a bit like she had tried to absorb every bit of  information she had discovered into this book.

I couldn't conjure up any feelings towards the main character in the book, which made it even more difficult to enjoy it. The main character had committed so many gruesome acts, I struggled to feel the sorrow he felt over the crimes he had committed.

I have always wanted to read an Anne Rice book, but I think I will listen to other book bloggers recommendations in future, as I obviously don't know which ones are the best to read.  I really do want to love her books!

I am led to believe that this is the first book in a series, unfortunately, it won't be a series that I will continue with.

The Big Break with Beth Hoffman.

I am really excited today to have New York Times best selling author Beth Hoffman on my blog. Beth's book 'Saving CeeCee Honeycutt' is one of the most beautiful books I have ever read and was my best book for 2010.  Beth kindly agreed to join me today to discuss how she felt when she got her publishing deal in 2008.

Firstly, Beth,, can I thank you for joining me today on my blog.

Hi Viv, thanks so much for inviting me to your blog. Time is going by in a blur, isn’t it? I still remember “meeting” you via a blog post back in 2009 and how delighted I was that you wanted to read my book. Since I adore the UK, it was an extra special treat that you were the very first person from your country to read CeeCee’s story. I’ve enjoyed reading your blog and getting to know you ever since!

What was your first reaction when you found out that your book was to be published? How did it make you feel?

It happened so quickly that I was gobsmacked. My literary agent had sent out submissions on a Monday, and Tuesday afternoon several publishers were interested and the phone began ringing off the hook. Within a few hours Pamela Dorman of Viking/Penguin had made a pre-emptive offer. It was a wonderful and surreal experience.

What were you doing when you found out?

When my agent first called, I was in my little writing library sorting through bookshelves and trying to get things organized. But when all the excitement commenced, I was too nervous to do anything but pace, eat chocolate, and stare out the window!

Who did you tell first?

I told my husband first. And what’s so ironic is that he happened to come home early that day, so he was right there with me in the middle of all the phone calls and excitement. After I calmed down a bit, I called my best friend on her cell. We laughed and squealed like five-year-olds! She had stood by my side and believed in me—from the day I had decided to write a novel, through my melt-down of wanting to give up when I was half-way done, to the day I wept when I typed THE END because I didn’t want to let my characters go.

How long did it take for your book to be published after you had been told?

My book was purchased in October of 2008 and Pamela Dorman had chosen it to be the lead novel for her new imprint, Pamela Dorman Books with a scheduled release of January 2010.

What was happening to your manuscript during this time?

I had done extensive editing before I ever submitted my manuscript, so there wasn’t all that much to do editing-wise. But Pam and I made two solid passes of edits, and then my manuscript was put into the capable hands of a copy editor. That was a very detailed and precise process. And it took several passes before we were all on the same page so to speak. Though it was quite intense, I actually enjoyed it a great deal.

How did it feel to see your name in print?

This might sound strange, but as thrilled as I was when I first held my book in my hands, it wasn’t so much seeing my name on the cover that brought me the greatest joy; it was the realization that my two favorite characters (CeeCee and Oletta) would finally be introduced to the reading world. They had become entirely real to me, and it was such a heartfelt moment to realize that they were going to share their story.

Where was the first place that your saw your book on sale and did you do anything crazy when you saw it?

I began my book tour the very day my novel was released in hardcover, so the first time I saw it on sale was when I walked into the bookstore where my event was being held. And to see that table stacked with pillars of my novel, well, it just amazed me.

What are you working on now?

I’m still officially on tour, but come spring I’ll be working on my next novel full time. The title is LOOKING FOR ME. I just started writing it at the end of the year, but already I’m delighted with the story and characters.

What advice would you give unpublished authors?

Edit and refine your manuscript until it’s polished to perfection. When you honestly believe it’s ready to go, take the time to read your manuscript out loud. By hearing your story, you will immediately pick up any bumps in the road. In my opinion, nothing can help you more with a final polishing. I would also give this advice to aspiring novelists: don’t share your manuscript with too many people, to do so is to run the risk of too many critiques and editing by committee, which could potentially destroy the purity of your prose.

Thank you so much Beth for coming onto the blog today.  It has been an absolute pleasure to have you visit. If you would like to know more about Beth Hoffman, then please visit her on her website here. If you would like to know more about her best selling debut novel  'Saving CeeCee Honeycutt', then please read my review here .

Friday's Tale of Mystery - The Occupant Of The Room by Algernon Blackwood

I really love this book of mystery as has brought so many new authors to my attention, who were quite legendary during the early 1900's.  This week's story is written by Algernon Blackwood, who had a variety of jobs, before he found his true vocation as an author.  He always had a preoccupation with the spiritual side of life, which must have made him really stand out during the 1800's. In fact, from what I have read he was one of the most prolific ghost writers of his time.  He is the author of 12 adult novels and 2 children's novels.

The Occupant Of The Room

This is definitely one of my favourite tales so far.  The narrator in the story arrives very late at a hotel in the Alpines. He is distraught to find that there are no rooms available at the hotel, after forgetting to book a room before leaving. 

As he sets off to find somewhere to sleep for the night, the porter of the hotel  feels sorry for him and knowing there are no more hotels in the area, comes up with a solution. He offers a room to the gentleman that is already in use, but it's occupant went up the mountains a couple of days ago and has yet to return. Desperate to sleep anywhere, the narrator takes the offer of the bed. 

Once settled in the room, he becomes a little uncomfortable as the previous occupant has let her things in the room. He feels that he has to cover the wardrobe, knowing that her clothes are hanging in there still. Sleep eludes him and as the evening wears on he notices a severe change in his mood. Normally having a rather happy outlook on life, he begins to feel suicidal and becomes convinced that something has happened to the previous occupant of the room. He cannot settle until he finds out whether she is alive or not.

I am not going to tell you anymore because I don't want to spoil the story for you, but you must definitely read it.

The narrator has no name in the story, which I felt emphasised that he was not the main character in this piece.  There is a far bigger character within the few short pages.  I felt instantly involved and intrigued in the story from the first paragraph.  I wanted to know more and raced through the story, desperate for a conclusion. 

The story is rather creepy, leaving me with an expectation of mist slowly surrounding me as I read.  Blackwood has a way of leaving you in suspense until the very end.

If you would like to find out what happens in the story yourself, then please read it here.

Algernon Blackwood wrote quite a lot  of short stories during his writing career. Have you read any of them? Which ones would you recommend?

Life As We Know it! Guest Blogging Over At Fluttering Butterflies!

If you came here to read my post for Life As We Know It! you will notice that it is missing....

Today my funny post is appearing over at Clover's blog Fluttering  Butterflies as part of her month long celebration of Love.
You must go and read it, just to find out what a disastrous day my wedding turned out to be.  So please click here to read it.

If you popped over to read one of my other funny posts, then you will find them here.

 There are no comments available on my blog post today, as I would love it if you would leave your comments over at Clover's site.

Are you still here?  Go,Go, Go!

Wintercraft by Jenna Burtenshaw

Published in 2010 by Headline Publishing Group

Opening Paragraph

At the southern edge of a moonlit city, a woman stood over an open grave. The blue edge of a tower's long shadow sliced across the ground beside her feet and the grave yawned like an open throat, its headstone cracked in two, leaving only a broken piece of stone t mark the place where the dead still lay.

From the first paragraph, you are aware that you are about to embark on a dark and dangerous journey into a Gothic world where the dead and the living are only separated by a thin 'veil'.  Kate Winters has the ability to bring life and death together and everyone wants to use her ability, stopping at nothing to get to her. Kate is thrust into a terrifying ordeal from the first few pages of the book and there is no time for her to catch a breath as she sets out to save her uncle Artemis, who has been kidnapped. She plays a constant cat and mouse game with her evil pursuers.

Jenna Burtenshaw has beautifully crafted her characters to make them not only believable but very real.  Kate is a feisty lead character, who takes on her newly acquired powers with ease, as though she had unknowingly been waiting all her life to take that role.  She is caring and thoughtful, yet brave and forthright.  I absolutely loved Kate for her braveness, she stood up to some rather frightening characters that would have found me trembling with fear.

Daru is one of  those frightening characters. Imagine a cross between Cruella De Vil from 101 Dalmations and Mrs Marisa Coulter from Northern Lights,only scarier and you would have a perfect description of  Daru. She will stop at nothing to get what she wants. She has the aroma of pure evil.

Silas is a fascinating character, who I loathed on page one and loved by the last page.  He is dark, brooding and dangerous and I look forward to making his acquaintance again in future books within the trilogy. He is neither alive nor dead and fulfills such a complicated role beautifully.

The world created for this book is original in style. Even though it is a dark fantasy there are none of the usual characters found in that genre. You won't find a fairy or a vampire lurking amongst the scenes. 

Jenna Burtenshaw has created a dark and creepy setting which is brought to life by her excellent use of imagery. In the following scene, I actually felt like I could see everything that Kate viewed before her. She attacked  my senses with gusto. I could feel the pain and the fear seeping off the pages.

The Night Train stretched back endlessly down the track, no longer the grand funerary train of Albion's last age, created to carry the dead to their place of rest, but a twisted ruin of what it had once been: a symbol of terror instead of hope. Its carriage doors opened one by one, filling the air with the shriek of sliding metal, then the first cages were rolled forward and the throbbing sound of machinery echoed inside, sending many of the prisoners into a panic.

The station was in uproar. No one wanted to be put on that train and their shouts were deafening. People fought at their locks, tried to squeeze through the bars, and two cages crashed on to their sides as their occupants tried desperately to escape. The wardens ignored them and stood in silence along the platform, their daggers glinting in the lantern light . They did not care if people shouted or fought or begged or screamed. To them, Morvane was just another town and they had already won.

Jenna Burtenshaw has made a promising start to what I believe will be a wonderful trilogy. I can't wait until April 14th, when the second book is published.

Really Random Tuesday

Really Random Tuesday is a meme created by Suko at Suko's Notebook which is a way to post odds and ends--announcements, musings, quotes, photos--any blogging and book-related things you can think of.

On the 1st of March there will be a Welsh Appreciation Day hosted by Asamum over at her blog Asamum Booktopia. In order to participate in the day, all you have to do is either read a book by a Welsh author or write a post relating to Wales.  I am definitely going to be taking part by reading Incarceron by Catherine Fisher. Anyone can join in, so if you would like to take part write a post on the 1st March and post a link on Asamum's blog.

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OK, why didn't anyone tell me about the Patrick Ness Prequel to The Chaos Walking Trilogy?  You know how I loved this series ( although not so much the last book!), so I was over the moon, to find that the prequel is free online here. Thanks to Nymeth from Things Mean A Lot for pointing me in the right direction.
I hope to read it soon!

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I thought I would do a little roundup of the books that I read in January,as the days seemed to have passed by without me knowing and we  are already looking at the 8th of January!

I read a total of nine books in January and I had actually thought that I had read more. My mind is obviously playing tricks on me.

 

1) Matched by Ally Condie

2) White Crow by Marcus Sedgwick

3) Diary of a Provincial Lady by E.M. Delafield

4)The Good Psychologist by Noam Shpancer

5) The Drowning by Valerie Mendes

6) Ella Minnow Pea by Mark Dunn

7) Claire De Lune by Christine Johnson

8) Entangled by Cat Clarke

9) Angel Time by Anne Rice

 

It is really hard for me to pick a favourite, so I am going to have a three way tie for first place. Entangled, White Crow and Ella Minnow Pea all get a first place sticker from me.

 

That's my total randomness today. What random things are going on in your world.

Welcome debut author Rebecca Rasmussen to The Big Break.

I have a lovely surprise for everyone this morning, as the beautiful and talented Rebecca Rasmussen has kindly agreed to be the first author to take part in a my new feature called 'The Big Break'. This post will feature authors talking about how it actually felt  to get the elusive publishing deal, something I know many of us aspiring writers would love to know about.

Firstly, can I thank you Rebecca,  for joining me today on my blog.

Hi everyone! I am so pleased and thankful to Vivienne for having me here today. I can’t think of a place I’d rather be. I have my coffee, my computer, and a few free hours before I pick up my daughter from preschool, so this is bliss! Well, aside from the freezing rain we’re having in St. Louis, Missouri. So you see I am very much looking forward to spring, and not just because my novel is going to be making its appearance in the world. Flowers and sunshine, please.

What was your first reaction when you found out that your book was to be published? How did it make you feel?

I was in my tiny office off the kitchen and my husband, brother, and daughter were all talking about what to make for supper. Pizza! Stir Fry! Something cold! I had been waiting a long time to hear about the status of The Bird Sisters with New York publishers, so long that I had given up all the obsessive behaviors of the first few weeks of waiting: constantly checking my email, my phone messages, and my heart rate.

By July, I was sweating in St. Louis, but only because it was terribly hot outside. I remember going into my office to check my email because I was teaching a group of high school kids in the morning and had asked them to email me their essays for me to review that evening. When I saw the email from my agent and the subject line “Great News!!!” my heart rate skyrocketed once again. I read the email, which said that a large New York publisher had made an offer on The Bird Sisters. My agent said there were many details to be worked out, other publishers alerted to the fact of the offer, etc, but she said one thing that gave me a once in a lifetime kind of joy: “No matter what, though, your book will be published, Rebecca!”

At that moment, the money didn’t matter, the terms of the deal didn’t matter, and the long wait ahead of me didn’t matter—all that mattered was that my book was going to be a book! I went to my favorite bookshelf in my bedroom and touched all of the books with the little symbol of that particular publisher on their spines. Then I took a deep breath and walked into the kitchen.
“I have some good news,” I said to everyone, and much hugging and cheering ensued.

Later, I took a walk around the neighborhood with my husband and we shared a cigar. I don’t smoke cigars, but I did that night.

How long has it taken for your book to be published after the initial offer?

1 year and 8 months. Good lord, could it be that long? Yes and yes. It has been a long, long, long wait. That’s why when April rolls around, I am going to literally jump for joy. Plus, my friends have been hearing me talk about the book for all that time—book eternity!—so I bet they’ll be excited that they can finally buy the thing and shut me up! My agent defined this part of the process particularly well, I think. She calls it “the hurry up and wait period.”

What was happening to your manuscript during this time?

It took a few months to get the manuscript edits finished and approved by Crown, and then the book was designed, typeset, first pass pages were created, then second pass pages, and then the galleys. The galleys were the most exciting part for me because they are basically a paperback version of the hardcover and are sent out for early reviews and promotional purposes, which means when I could literally hold my book in my hand for the first time.

Now that was a grand day!

Where was the first place that your saw your book on sale and did you do anything crazy when you saw it?

This is a bit tricky since the book isn’t technically out until April 12th, but I will tell you that the first time I saw the book up on Amazon, it was quite a thrill. I admit I clicked the pre-order button just because, after so many years of working and working and working, I finally could.

What are you working on now?

I just finished my second novel, which is set in the wild and remote landscape of northern Minnesota in a fictional place called Partway. It begins in the 1930s and ends in the 1970s. This book was a pleasure to write and I am quite sad to be finished with it actually. But I’m pressing forward with the third, which is about a small town doctor, his wife, his family, and a girl named Lizzie Ogden.

What advice would you give unpublished authors?

Have faith in yourself and your work. If you don’t have it, no one else will. Also, be kind to yourself. When you face rejection, treat yourself to something small that you love. Send yourself flowers or chocolates. Pick yourself up. Keep writing.

Thank you Rebecca for taking the time to come and talk to us today, I am positive it has inspired us to reach for our own stars.

As Rebecca mentioned above The Bird Sisters will be released in the U.S on the 12th April by Crown. There has not been a decision concerning a UK release date as of  yet, but you will be able to buy it via The Book Depository.

Here is a beautiful description of Rebecca's book, which I have borrowed from her website.

When a bird flies into a window in Spring Green, Wisconsin, sisters Milly and Twiss get a visit. Twiss listens to the birds’ heartbeats, assessing what she can fix and what she can’t, while Milly listens to the heartaches of the people who’ve brought them. The two sisters have spent their lives nursing people and birds back to health.

But back in the summer of 1947, they knew nothing about trying to mend what had been accidentally broken. Milly was known as a great beauty with emerald eyes and Twiss was a brazen wild child who never wore a dress or did what she was told. That was the summer their golf pro father got into an accident that cost him both his swing and his charm, and their mother, the daughter of a wealthy jeweler, finally admitted their hardscrabble lives wouldn’t change. It was the summer their priest, Father Rice, announced that God didn’t exist and ran off to Mexico, and a boy named Asa finally caught Milly’s eye. And, most unforgettably, it was the summer their cousin Bett came down from a town called Deadwater and changed the course of their lives forever.

Doesn't that just sound like a wonderful read?

If you would like to know more about Rebecca Rasmussen and her debut book, then please visit her on her website here.

Personally, I can't wait to get my hands on this book. I think Rebecca Rasmussen is a name we are going to need to watch in the publishing world.