News and Events
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LLandeilo Literary Festiival #LLandeiloLitFest and Book Fair
24th April 2017 Llandeilo has a brand new Literary Festival which runs from Thursday 27th - Sunday 30th April. Many events are taking place across the beautiful market town over the four days - see what takes your fancy at the website. So many local authors and business are attending and you can go to workshops, book readings and talks and much, much more. I will be at the Book Fair on Saturday 29th from 11am - 4pm at the Civic Hall, Crescent Road (SA19 6HN if you need SatNav directions). I’ll be offering some great deals too. While stocks last, I will be giving everyone who buys ‘A Symphony of Dragons’ paperback a free copy of ‘Beneath the Rainbow’ too…and who doesn’t want a free paperback? Read my author interview to find out more about my books. Come and meet the authors and find your new read! |
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A Symphony of Dragons - Released on the First Day of Spring...
20th March 2017 I am currently writing about dragons in post-apocalyptic Wales and this collection of short stories is the perfect preview while you wait for my trilogy to emerge! Lose yourself in the enchanting worlds of fantasy, contemporary, steampunk, and post-apocalyptic, and let your imagination soar on a chorus of dragon wings. This lyrical collection of tales embracing change and desire, love and belonging, passion, sacrifice and triumph are composed with gossamer threads of dragon fire. Seven bewitching stories, including a Hope Within finale and a prelude to the forthcoming Seren Stone Chronicles. Let the song of dragons lead you… Check out all the purchase links to your favourite store or at BHC Press Available in print and eBook Please remember to Review and add A Symphony of Dragons to your Goodreads Want To Read list. |
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Llandeilo Christmas Book Fair
10th December 2016 It was great fun to be back at Llandeilo for the Christmas Book fair on Saturday 10th December with many other local authors. There's a lovely sense of camaraderie and some amazing books to discover, and despite a very wet day we kept warm and had fun. I sold signed copies of The Hope Within Novels and items from my Etsy shop Amaranth Alchemy. Great stocking fillers! |
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Tenby and Carmarthen Book Fairs
24th September and 1st October 2016 It was a privilege to be invited to the Tenby Book Fair on Saturday 24th September, a part of the week of Tenby Arts Festival. It was a very windy day, but we enjoyed setting up and sharing our books and stories with those visiting the beautiful town of Tenby. The book fair was successfully organised by Judith Barrow and Thorne Moore. The following week, on Saturday 1st October, Thompson Authors organised and sponsored Carmarthen's first ever Book Fair and this was a real delight as I live in the market town myself! It was opened by the Carmarthen Mayor Councillor Wynn Thomas and a welcoming address from reknowned Welsh poet Professor Menna Elfyn. You can read more about the Carmarthen Book Fair on the Thompson Author's blog. I enjoyed attending and promoting my Hope Within novels, and selling items from my Amaranth Alchemy Book Page gifts Etsy shop. It was fun to sign my books for customers! I sold paperback copies of The Hope Within Novels 'Beneath the Rainbow', 'Beneath the Old Oak', and 'Beneath the Distant Star'. I am very much looking forward to being at the Llandeilo Christmas Book Fair on Saturday 10th December 2016. See you there! |
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Tenby and Carmarthen Book Fairs
10th September 2016 I will be attending two Book Fairs in the coming weeks. The first is Saturday 24th September in Tenby as part of the Tenby Arts Festival, held in St Mary's Church House from 11am - 3pm. The second will be the Carmarthen Book Fair, in St Peter's Civic Hall from 9.30am - 4.30pm. There are writing competitions and prize draws, and plenty of great books from local authors to buy! Find out more about Tenby Book Fair and Carmarthen Book Fair on Facebook. |
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Human 76 – An unprecedented set of stories set in the fragments of a fractured world
17th June 2016 Human 76 is here and you can download the eBook for free for two weeks until 1st July at Lulu! A breakthrough collection envisioned by Lisa and Bekah Shambrook, and edited by Michael Wombat and Miranda Kate. Fourteen authors take you on an unprecendented post-apocalyptic journey. An epic journey of short stories that interlink and cross paths and give you a novel length book. The paperback can be bought at Lulu and Amazon The eBook also at Lulu and Amazon and other distributers soon... Join a new Fandom and Like our Human 76 Facebook Page to keep up to date with blogposts, links, fun stuff, and information you won’t find anywhere else! And please add us to your Goodreads Want to Read list! Read an interview by Amazing Books and Authors with Lisa Shambrook, Michael Wombat, K J Collard and Miranda Kate about how we put Human 76 together! |
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Human 76 – Ghabrie is on her way…
15th June 2016 Last year, after a family dystopian photoshoot my daughter's photo caused a stir when she put it up on Facebook. My writing community loved our pictures and wanted to use Bekah's character to write about. So Bekah and I set about creating a world within a post-apocalyptic landscape and challenged our authors to write! The only necessity was that their characters in this world had to cross paths with Ghabrie (Bekah's character) at some point within their stories. Now, fourteen talented writers (Michael Wombat, myself, Alex Brightsmith, Denise Callaway, KJ Collard, Alison DeLuca, Michelle Fox, Rebecca Fyfe, Jeff Hollar, Nick Johns, MS Manz, Julia Rios, KR Smith, Steven Paul Watson), have created a book chronicling Ghabrie’s search for her lost sister called Human 76. This book turned into a project of passion for myself and all its authors, and you’re getting a full length book of tales that will delight you, shock you, and disturb you (just a little). You’ll need to read Ghabrie’s story, and Glint’s story, and Planck’s story, and Ash and Hum’s story, and – there are so many more! And maybe you’ll find out what happened to Nahria… All proceeds from this book will go to Water is Life, a global charity that provides clean drinking water, sanitation and hygiene education programs to schools and villages in desperate need worldwide. Our book is about those displaced and struggling to survive in a dangerous world and this charity fits perfectly with our stories. So when you buy the book you will be helping those in need. Also, for a period of two weeks the eBook will be FREE – be ready! We are on the cusp of release... Read more... |
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Llandeilo Book Fair
30th April 2016 Today I took part in the Llandeilo Book Fair held in Llandeilo Civic Hall in West Wales. This was my first book fair and there was no need for my nerves! I met some amazing authors, some of whom I knew from social media, others I didn't yet know and I made lots of lovely friends. In the top photograph you can see me signing copies of my books for customers and then photographs of me with (clockwise from top middle) Shane K P O'Neill visiting from Norway and a fellow BHC author, with organiser Christoph Fischer, with Carol Lovekin and friend Jane, with Rebecca Bryn, and with a new friend and customer Lizzy. My daughter, Bekah, also accompanied me and we sold bookmarks from our craft business Amaranth Alchemy. I sold paperback copies of The Hope Within Novels 'Beneath the Rainbow', 'Beneath the Old Oak', and 'Beneath the Distant Star'. A lovely and successful day, and I look forward to my next book fair! |
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Llandeilo Book Fair
31st March 2016 I am really looking forward to attending my first book fair as an author. 30th April 2016 at Llandeilo Civic Hall, Crescent Road. 10.30 - 4.30 and Free Entry. I have been invited to be one of the authors at the Llandeilo Book Fair organised by Christoph Fischer. A lovely mix of authors will include: Lisa Shambrook (myself), Judith Barrow, Dr Alan Goodwin, Christoph Fischer, Kate Glanville, Judith Arnopp, Graham Watkins, Carol Lovekin, John Thompson, Thorne Moore, Sally Spedding, Sarah Jane Butfield, Rebecca Bryn, Alys Einion, Wendy Steele, Colin R Parsons, Will Macmillan Jones, Julie McGowan, Matt Johnson, Sharon Tregenza, Rachel McGrath, Olga Nunez Miret, Steve Lockley, Dr Jen Llewelyn, Hugh Roberts. Refreshments by Caffi Iechyd Da from Carmarthen. I will be selling and signing copies of 'Beneath the Rainbow', 'Beneath the Old Oak', and 'Beneath the Distant Star' and I look forward to seeing readers there to choose their new book! Find out more: Welsh Wednesdays: Llandeilo Book Fair 2016: Programme and Participants and: Come and Visit Llandeilo Book Fair. |
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The Hope Within Bookmarks
10th March 2016 Very happy with my new Hope Within bookmarks made by Stress Free Print, and it really was ;) They emulate my business cards and will be available free at Book Readings, Book Talks, and Book Fairs. |
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A Winter's Romance - A chilling and heartwarming Anthology of Love
4th December 2015 I was very happy to be invited to write for this anthology and have my submission accepted with a plethora of great authors. A Winter's Romance features 19 short stories that take place during the winter. Stories range from contemporary romance to deadly deceptions. A Winter's Romance was released December 4th in softcover and eBook, published by BHC Press a new publishing imprint from Blue Harvest Creative. A $1.00 donation from the sale of each book will be donated to Forgotten Harvest, a charity based in Michigan dedicated to relieving hunger in Metro Detroit and preventing nutritious food waste. You can buy from your local Amazon in eBook and Paperback. |
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The Hope Within Business Cards
13th November 2015 Beautiful business cards designed by Bekah Shambrook and myself, and made by MOO have arrived. Great quality. Something to hand out and offer with sales at Amaranth Alchemy. |
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'Beneath the Distant Star' - Released
16th October 2015 “Discover what you already have.” Jasmine feels like the ghost of the sister she can no longer remember. Her existence reminds her mother she has something her sister never will—life—and their fragile relationship shatters. Jasmine craves love and acceptance but refuses to be her sister, Freya, and fights to become her own person. Life becomes a battleground as she disregards the rules and resolves to live her life to the fullest. Jasmine’s reckless abandon threatens to destroy the very thing she needs most. My new tale entwining the desire for love and acceptance with despair is available now on Amazon UK | US and all Amazon sites in eBook for £2.50 and paperback for £6.99 . |
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Stigma Fighters - My Life Living with Mental Health Issues
15th October 2015 It was a privilege to be invited to share my story about living with mental health issues with Stigma Fighters. It’s a fairly raw process with deep reflection, but also very cathartic… It’s important to me to help fight the stigma of mental and emotional illness. Which is why I regularly blog and write on sensitive subjects that have affected my life, and I am committed to bringing awareness to people to avoid and curtail stereotypes and misinformation. Read my article here and find Stigma Fighters on Facebook and Twitter. |
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'Beneath the Distant Star' - Coming Soon
2nd October 2015 My third book and the final A Hope Within novel will be available in both paper back and eBook from Friday 16th October 2015. Have you ever wondered if there was more to Freya's story? Well, Jasmine doesn't. She's done with Freya and wishes everyone else was too. Check out my cover reveal here. |
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You're Not Alone - A collection of stories in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support
11th July 2015 My story is just 1 of 27 from authors all around the world coming together to write short sories on the theme of relationships, to raise awareness and money for Macmillan Nurses. I was priviliged to take part and was interviewed by fellow author Christoph Fischer to help promote the book and its authors. He has interviewed many of the anthology writers and their stories are as interesting reading as the shorts inside the book. Take a look at my interview here. You're Not Alone is available at your local Amazon in both paperback and eBook and all net proceeds from this book will go to Macmillan Cancer Support via The Pamela Winton Tribute Fund. Available now on Amazon Read my Blog Post here. |
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Writer's Meet Up - Nottingham
6th - 7th June 2015 I met up with a group of authors and artists in Nottingham for a writerly get together. We met in The Cross Keys in an aptly decorated room for writers! I thoroughly enjoyed engaging with (left to right in picture): Nick Johns, Angelica Fyfe, Bekah Shambrook, herself, Becky Fyfe, Miranda Boers, Sorcha O'Dowd, Michael Wombat, Jessica Maybury and Alex Brightsmith. These writers and authors travelled from across the UK, Holland and Belgium. Lots of enthusiasm, shared writing, reading and fun was had by all! #DFQMinionCon Read more, including a Flash Fiction piece 'Genesis', on my Blog here. |
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You're Not Alone An Anthology for Macmillan Cancer Support
30th May 2015 I was afforded the opportunity to contribute a short story to an anthology in support of Macmillan Nurses, and am delighted to be involved. In this collection you’ll find short stories to thrill you, they’ll scare you and leave you looking over your shoulder as you head back from your lunch break. There are stories of hope, stories of courage and stories of sheer determination, much like the very story that created this work to begin with. Please join their Facebook Page: You’re Not Alone: An Indie Anthology and help to spread the news! If you or anyone you know has been touched by cancer, help us to do something to give back to those who give all to help… Available for Preorder at Amazon and Released on 11th July 2015 |
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Film and Comic Con Cardiff
21st March 2015 I attended the Film and Comic Con Cardiff with my family and after much deliberation cosplayed as Lara Croft. My daughter Bekah Shambrook won the Saturday Open Masquerade in a Maleficent cosplay. The rest of the family cosplayed as Indiana Jones, Ghost and Daenerys. It was huge fun and something we will definitely do again! Check out my photo taken by Antti Karpinnen in the Gallery, and on my cosplay blog post. |
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Guest Author Interview with The Story Reading Ape
14th March 2015 I was really happy to be featured on Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog. Chris is an amazing advocate for authors and works hard to help promote the best work he can. Take a look at his feature here. |
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Two Mother's Day Book Sales
1st March 2015 & 26th April 2015 Mother’s Day is a time to think of families and flowers…so give the gift of an enchanting book this Mother’s Day. ‘Beneath the Rainbow’ is on sale from 1st to 15th March on Amazon, to celebrate UK Mothering Sunday on 15th March. This sale will be repeated 26th April to 10th May to incorporate Mother's Day across the world. Kindle UK £0.99 and US $1.50. 'Beneath the Old Oak' will also be on sale for the same period Kindle UK £1.99 and US $3.00. Both books are available in paperback and are on sale at 20% off at Lisa's Etsy shop Amaranth Alchemy. Use code MOTHERSDAYUK15 for the discount. Your mother’s heart will be captured as these uplifting tales charm her. “This unforgettable novel combines the imagery of poetry with the simplicity of a fairy tale to create a story that steals your heart from the first sentence and refuses to let go.” – Lara Hays, author of the ‘Oceanswept Chronicles’ |
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'Of Mist and Magic' - Really Slow Motion and Samantha Redstreake Geary
9th December 2014 If you adore the epic in life and the magic of mist and mystic…then this book of reimagined fairy tales is for you. Under the influence of Really Slow Motion‘s beautiful music, ‘Of Mist and Magic‘, fairy tales are reinvented and brought to you inside an enchanting anthology of short stories, in an exclusive Amazon companion book ‘Of Mist and Magic‘. All proceeds go to the youth organisation Elevate Life and Art Studios. My story 'By the Light of Stars' is a contemporary retelling of 'The Little Match Girl' by Hans Christian Anderson and the accompanying piece of music is Flames of Glory by Ivan Torrent. Check out a sample of my story in the Gallery... Links to buy: Of Mist and Magic eBook: Amazon UK, Amazon US Of Mist and Magic – Really Slow Motion Album: Amazon UK, Amazon US, iTunes, Bandcamp |
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'Beneath the Old Oak' released
4th November 2014 “Turn those dreams of escape into hope…” 'Meg thinks her mother is broken. Is she broken too? Meg’s life spirals out of control, and when she mirrors her Mum’s erratic behaviour, she’s terrified she’ll inherit her mother’s sins. Seeking refuge and escape, she finds solace beneath a huge, old oak. A storm descends, can Meg survive devastating losses?' My heartfelt tale of courage and growth is now available on Amazon UK | US and all Amazon sites at £2.50 on Kindle and £6.99 in paperback. |
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Pre-order 'Beneath the Old Oak'
20th October 2014 'A lightning bolt of a story...' Announcing the release date of 4th November 2014 for 'Beneath the Old Oak', but you can pre-order your eBook copy for a reduced price today through to the release date... £1.75 at Amazon UK and $2.99 at Amazon US. EBook on pre-order from 20th October - 4th November 2014. |
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Relief Society Book Talk
8th October 2014 I was invited to Merthyr Tydfil to speak to the lovely ladies of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints about my book 'Beneath the Rainbow'. I gave a confident talk encompassing the themes of grief, dreams and hope to a delightful group who joined in and shared many of their own experiences. I really enjoyed giving my presentation using pictures, questions and a well received excerpt from the book. I also introduced my new book 'Beneath the Old Oak' due for release 4th Nov 2014, and spoke about its theme of hope and overcoming depression. A lovely evening was made even better by the Relief Society coming together to create rainbow themed refreshments, including a beautiful rainbow cake by Ellice Miles! I offered free bookmarks, and I signed paperback copies of 'Beneath the Rainbow'. |
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'In Creeps The Night'
30th September 2014 The nights are truly creeping in...so it's time to go dark! 50 talented authors, 50 spine tingling tales, 50 reasons to leave the lights on tonight. A new horror anthology with all proceeds going to 'Mothers Without Borders'. My tale is 'The Raven's Bid' and the book is available from Amazon: UK | US Just in time for Halloween... |
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'Tree of Life: Audiomachine' Ebook
27th September 2014 This anthology is dedicated in memory of Tina Downey, storyteller and firm believer that life is good. A cross industry collaborative writing project. 26 authors contributed a chapter each inspired by the music of Audiomachine resulting in the ultimate collaborative journey of words and music. Find out more about this book and the reasons for its release here. Available on Amazon: UK | US |
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Amaranth Alchemy
4th September 2014 Breathing new life into old pages... When you grow up losing yourself in books you can't help but have an affinity to the written word that will last a lifetime. I recently embarked on a new adventure with my daughter, Bekah Shambrook, and created Amaranth Alchemy. We decided to rescue lost, damaged, and abandoned books and create works of art. Bekah and I have an eye for all things of natural beauty and a talent for putting creative arts together. Our brand of creativity can be found at: www.etsy.com/uk/shop/amaranthalchemy Find out more here. |
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'Cutthroats and Curses:
An Anthology of Pirates' 23rd June 2014 Eleven swashbuckling and adventurous pirate tales from eleven amazing authors make up this exciting anthology from The Anthology Club. Released today and including my own tale: 'Paroxysm' A Steampunk tale of Captain Jericha Blacklocke’s bid to survive both catch twenty-two and a vengeful dragon to save her crew aboard The Paroxysm. A story thick with emotion and tension, corsets and longing, goggles and jewels, and a desire to survive and atone… See my blog post for full details and available now as an eBook on Amazon UK and Amazon US and any other Amazon near you! |
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Celebrity Cuisine: Chicken, Bacon and Leek Pie
18th June 2014 I was pleased to be invited to contribute a chicken recipe to 'Backyard Poultry Magazine' and decided to share my rustic Chicken, Bacon, Leek and Potato Pie, a real family favourite! Take a look and enjoy! |
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Two Mother's Day Book Sales
23rd March 2014 & 3rd May 2014 Mother’s Day is a time to think of families and flowers…so give the gift of an enchanting book this Mother’s Day. ‘Beneath the Rainbow’ is on sale from 23rd to 30th March on Amazon, to celebrate UK Mothering Sunday on 30th March. This sale will be repeated 4th to 11th May to incorporate Mother's Day across the world. Kindle UK £1.35 and US $2.25. Also available in paperback. Your mother’s heart will be captured as this uplifting tale charms her. “This unforgettable novel combines the imagery of poetry with the simplicity of a fairy tale to create a story that steals your heart from the first sentence and refuses to let go.” – Lara Hays, author of the ‘Oceanswept Chronicles’ |
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World Book Day
6th March 2014 'When stories make us laugh or cry, it shows they've taken us somewhere we might not otherwise have gone... A story is a journey to somewhere new.' Lisa Shambrook author of 'Beneath the Rainbow' |
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Women's Institute Book Talk
4th March 2014 My very first book talk was with the lovely women of the St Cynnwr, Carmarthen WI. I bit back my nerves and delivered a confident talk to a positive and supportive group of ladies. I introduced myself and talked of my love of reading, writing and all things creative. I then talked about the central themes of 'Beneath the Rainbow'. I mingled questions to the audience and used photographs and pictures to illustrate her words. I finished by reading a well-received excerpt from her book. I then opened the floor to questions from the audience which I really enjoyed answering. I offered free bookmarks, and I signed paperback copies of 'Beneath the Rainbow' Read more of my visit on my blog. |
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'Beyond the Binding' Composers for Relief
5th February 2014 The eBook to accompany the Composers for Relief album is finally here. My story 'Fighting Back' is just one of 30 tales by talented authors inside this beautiful book, all written to gorgeous pieces of music specially composed for this album. All proceeds go to charity to help victims of last year's Philippines tornado. The stunning cover was designed by Jennifer Redstreake Geary and the eBook put together by Samantha Redstreake Geary. Find it for sale: AmazonUK, Amazon and Smashwords. |
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Bookmarks and Promo Cards
30th January 2014 Bookmarks and promo cards arrived today, both designed by myself and Bekah Shambrook, to complement 'Beneath the Rainbow'. Bookmarks will be available at appearances, talks and can be won in events and giveaways. Bookmarks printed by Book Printing UK Promo Cards printed by Just Print Digital |
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Composers for Relief: Supporting the Philippines
28th December 2013 I am privileged to participate in writing a short story for an eBook accompanying the Composers for Relief: Supporting the Philippines CD, put together to raise funds for the victims of the recent Philippines tornado. All proceeds for both the CD and the book go to Gawad Kalinga. You can find the CD on iTunes and Amazon. The eBook will follow: release date to be announced. My story is written to the track: Fighting Back by Dreammaker and you can read it here. You can read about the project here. |
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Christmas Tales
12th December 2013 Christmas Holiday Tales, from over 40 authors, to suit everyone from child to adult! Tales by the Tree is available now from Amazon UK, Amazon US ...perfect for Christmas, and all proceeds go to a school library. My tales are: 'Winter Hope', 'The Little Mouse' and 'The Star Shone Brightly'. |
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Trailer Release
2nd December 2013 Today sees the launch of the trailer for 'Beneath the Rainbow'. Please take a look and enjoy: Youtube Trailer designed and created by myself and Bekah Shambrook, music from Kevin MacLeod at incompetech.com |
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Christmas Sale
1st December 2013 Sale on 'Beneath the Rainbow' at Amazon. Paperback and eBook's now reduced. Give the gift of an enchanting story this Christmas... |
