News and Events
|
The Seren Stone Book Release
5th Spril 2022 Today sees the release of The Seren Stone and I can't wait for you to read it! 'This was never meant to be an epic adventure... all Loren did was try on a family heirloom pendant and then she and her younger brother and sister were vaulted into a future they couldn't recognise - with dragons!' Available now to buy as eBook, paperback, and hardback at all the usual online book retailers*. *note - Amazon has weirdly inflated the prices of all my paper and hardbacks, so if you're in the UK check out Waterstones website for the correct prices, and use Amazon for the eBook. All buy links are here: BHCPress and my Website. If you buy it and love it - please, please, leave a review on the site you bought it on, I'll be forever grateful. 'This was one wild ride. There was constant suspense and I just couldn't put this book down.' - Goodreads Reviewer. 'I love the family relationships between the siblings... an enjoyable plot and a book I will be recommending.' - Teacher and Netgalley Reviewer |
|
The Seren Stone Paperback and Hardback Copies
11th March 2022 Paperback and Hardback copies have arrived and I couldn't be happier! These look amazing and will be available to buy at slightly discounted prices from my Etsy Store Amaranth Alchemy (after release date) and at local Book Fairs. I plan to attend the Narberth Book Fair on Saturday 24th September 2022. You won't get the peridot gems with your copy, sorry... but you will get a beautiful fantasy adventure with dragons, peril, and courage! Available now for pre-order and from 5th April 2022 to buy. |
|
The Seren Stone Available on Pre-order
1st March 2022 The Seren Stone the first book in The Seren Stone Chronicles is now available for pre-order at all the usual online bookstores (see my Books Page for details and links to buy and pre-order). It is available as eBook, paperback, and hardback. 'When Loren places a peridot pendant about her neck, she is thrown into an unrecognisable future where the landscape of Wales has turned into a whole new country, and the rumble of dragons has returned...' |
|
Announcing The Seren Stone Chronicles
and The Seren Stone Release Date 8th December 2021 These last few years have been difficult with a pandemic raging across the world... but with chaos reigning, there have been developments behind the scenes. I have been working on edits and writing, and I have a release date for The Seren Stone, the first book in The Seren Stone Chronicles trilogy. The book will be released on Tuesday 5th April 2022, and I'm really excited to bring it to you through BHCPress. I have updated my author photos to fit this news and the new me. I have been through a rollercoaster of counselling and personal work, and I am so much better for it. I was also recently diagnosed as Autistic, and it's been both validating and a relief to finally understand myself. At fifty years old it feels like Ive reached a real milestone and I truly know myself. I hope The Seren Stone will enchant you, it's a move into the world of fantasy for me and it's where my heart belongs. |
|
BHC Press Online Book Store Launch
27th March 2020 My publisher launches their online book store today accessible at their website BHC Press and at their Storefont to help support Independant Bookstores. 'BHC Press is pleased to announce they have launched their new online storefront in conjunction with Bookshop.org to help support the independent bookstore community ... and make their books more accessible to readers. “We’re always looking for ways to help support the book community, independent bookstores, and libraries,” stated Joni Firestone, co-founder and co-publisher at BHC Press. “That’s why we’re so excited about Bookshop.org and the benefits and support they are providing to independent bookstores. There’s nothing more magical than a book, and we’re thrilled to lend our support and help to the book community.” Over 200 titles are available for purchase at the BHC Press storefront, including many award-winning books for both adults and young adults. Books are available to purchase in both hardcover and trade softcover. Every purchase through their storefront benefits and supports independent booksellers.' Read more at the BHC Press Blog... You can find my books in the bookstore too - Beneath the Rainbow, Beneath the Old Oak, and Beneath the Distant Star, and A Symphony of Dragons, plus anthologies that I have contributed to, and a copy of Dickens' A Christmas Carol for which I wrote the forward and an original short story. |
|
Carmarthen Book Fair 2019
16th December 2019 I recently attended the Narberth Book Fair and enjoyed meeting readers and writers alike. Sadly, it was the last Narberth fair as the organisers, Judith Barrow and Thorne Moore, need to take a break and spend more time writing, however, we authors are exceedingly grateful to them for the years they've given us. On December 7th I attened the Carmarthen Library Book and Craft Fair at Carmarthen Library, but it was a quiet affair. Last weekend I was at the Carmarthen Book Fair 2019 organised by Thompson Authors, Sarada and John. It's always lovely to talk to readers and to spend time with my fellow authors. I had a lovely day selling my books and some of my Amaranth Alchemy gifts, and I met some wonderful people. I'm always grateful for the organisers of our fairs. The amount of work put in is beyond our comprehension and not easy, made harder as ordinary life is not always ordinary and giving time to us is a sacrfice. I offer a lot of thanks to Sarada and John Thomspon and their family. Christmas is not the easiest time of the year to offer yourself when so much is happening in personal and professional lives, not to mention a General Election this year too! I have, though, thoroughly enjoyed all the Book Fairs I've been at this year. You can currently find all my book buy links on my Books Page or on my Author Page on my publishers website BHC Press. You can also find signed copies at Amaranth Alchemy on Etsy. |
|
Narberth Book Fair 2019
23rd September 2019 This weekend sees the annual Book Fair at Narberth, West Wales. It’s also the same weekend as the Narberth Food Fair, so if you’re looking for something to do… kill two birds with one stone and find food for your belly and food for your mind. I will be attending Narberth Book Fair on Saturday 28th and sharing a table with fellow author Thérésa Hedges-Webb. You’ll find us with plenty to offer you. Between us you’ll find YA, contemporary, short stories, dragons, vampires, sci-fi, and more. Here’s an interview with Thérésa. Check out the Narberth Book Fair website and find out about our authors, here’s my page. And you can read an interview with me here. Narberth Book Fair has its own blog with interviews and posts about our authors and books. Have a look at the Book Fair’s Facebook page to find out about all the attending authors. There’ll be someone to suit you and your reading tastes. My Special Offers are Buy the complete Surviving Hope trilogy - Beneath The Rainbow, Beneath the Old Oak , and Beneath the Distant Star for only £15.90 - Buy 2 Get the 3rd FREE. And buy A Symphony of Dragons for only £6 (saving £2.49). |
|
Painting The Seren Stone Chronicles
May 2019 I spent April and May painting dragons for the forthcoming The Seren Stone Chronicles. Three books set in a celtic fantasy world - 'Centuries beyond post-apocalyptic, the landscape of Wales has turned into a whole new country - and the rumble of dragons has returned…' I'm reaching final edits on the first book The Seren Stone and looking forward to being able to pass on more news regarding publishing in the future. Read more about the chronicles and rough blurbs here... I can't wait to share this series with you! |
|
Book Links and Info on Blog
May 2019 I've been updating my blog pages with information and buy links to all my books. All the stories of my books are on my blog The Last Krystallos, just hover over or click on My Books and click on each book to find out more about them and how these books came into being. Each book has its own origin story and reasons for being written - find out and read them! The Surviving Hope series contains Beneath the Rainbow, Beneath the Old Oak, and Beneath the Distant Star. A Symphony of Dragons is full of dragon-themed short stories in an eclectic collection, and Human 76 is a post-apocalyptic collection of tales from some great writers with a truly orginal idea. You'll have to read its origins story to believe it! |
|
Book Fairs - Narberth and Parlour Press
18th September 2018 I will be at two Book Fairs with some amazing authors and great books from all genres. Saturday 22nd September sees me at Narberth Book Fair at Queen's Hall, Narberth, SA66 7AS. Narberth is rich in history and has a lovely array of shops to find those perfect gifts, so make a day of it. Saturday 29th September will be the Parlour Press Book Fayre at The Porth Hotel in Church Street, Llandysul, SA44 4QS. A new book fayre in a beautiful location overlooking the Teifi River. Both are FREE entry, open from 10am to 4pm, and you'll be able to meet the authors and find your new book! I will have an amazing Special Offer on my original paperback versions of The Surviving Hope series then called The Hope Within Novels. You will be able to buy all three novels for just £10 that’s a discount of £9.97 on the RRP. These original covers are no longer available since the books are being released with my new publisher, so it’s an ideal time to buy the whole set as originals, or simply buy the ones you’re missing to make a whole series. |
|
Amazon Sale - A Symphony of Dragons
12th July 2018 Amazon puts your book on sale and doesn't even tell you! Currently the Paperback and eBook of A Symphony of Dragons is only £1.22 on the British site and $1.64 on US. (RRP: Print: £8.49 and eBook: about £3.99) eBook: Amazon UK, Amazon US * Update - paperback sold out, but grab the eBook before the price goes back up! |
|
Surviving Hope - A New Chapter
10th July 2018 Surviving Hope is the new title for the Hope Within Novels and new release dates are here. Beneath the Rainbow will soon be available on preorder and for sale on 14th August 2018 Beneath the Old Oak will also be offered on preorder and on sale from 16th October 2018 Beneath the Distant Star will be available by preorder and on sale on 11th December 2018 The Surviving Hope Novels: Three girls, three lives, three stories composed with the melody of hope. Freya’s death sends ripples through many lives as Meg loses her best friend, and Jasmine, her sister. Lost dreams need to be found, hidden family secrets need to unearthed, and grief must be embraced before ghosts can be laid to rest. These beautifully composed tales of coming of age, mental health, and the struggles of finding yourself, begin with grief and culminate with hope. As grief is faced, hope becomes the only force to cling to and build upon. Freya, Meg and Jasmine need to survive with hope. Check out my blog post for details. |
|
The Hope Within Novels currently unavailable
1st June 2018 The Hope Within Novels: Beneath the Rainbow, Beneath the Old Oak, and Beneath the Distant Star, are currently unavailable via the usual book selling channels. The books are undergoing changes and an announcement will be made soon. The original copies in paperback are still available at local Book Fairs and from my Etsy shop, Amaranth Alchemy, but won't be on sale anywhere else until the end of summer. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, or via my Blog, The Last Krystallos, to learn more. |
|
Llandeilo Literary Festival
28th April 2018 Another lovely day at Llandeilo Lit Fest, spending time with authors and readers, and sharing books and fun. My next Book Fair will be Narberth on Saturday 22nd September 2018. Come and find us and your new read at Queen's Hall, Narberth. |
|
World Book Day
1st March 2018 It's a snowy St David's Day in Wales, no daffodils peeping through just yet, so embrace the snow and cuddle up with a book! Leave the winter weather at your door, put your feet up, make a coffee, get yourself comfortable, and grab a great book… World Book Day 2018 Check out A Symphony of Dragons on my World Book Day blog post - short stories to enthrall you! What are you reading? Don't forget to come and see me at Llandeilo Lit Fest on Saturday 28th April 2018... |
|
Carmarthen and Llandeilo Book Fairs
11th November and 9th December 2017 Lovely days, at the winter book fairs in Carmarthen and Llandeilo. Selling copies of The Hope Within novels, A Symphony of Dragons and Human 76, and also products from Amaranth Alchemy. You can find gorgeous Christmas Stocking Fillers for the bookworm in your life! |
|
Books are the perfect gift for Christmas
23rd November 2017 Books are the perfect gift for Christmas! Short stories are the perfect way to find new authors, to discover new favourite stories, and to see who you want to read next… No matter which genre you love one of these three books will hit the spot, either for you or for the bookworm in your life. Three collections of short stories guaranteed to delight you. Find out more... The Last Krystallos Blog A Symphony of Dragons A Winter's Romance Human 76 |
|
Tales By The Tree - Re-release from BHC Press
21st November 2017 BHC Press has acquired the rights and re-released Tales By The Tree an anthology of Holiday Flash Fiction. Myself (Lisa Shambrook), D. M. Kilgore and the publisher compiled this anthology with a host of the original stories plus a variety of new pieces to enhance the collection. I am very pleased that several of my own stories made the cut (I stood away from that decision!) and it is a lovely collection of Christmas and Winter Holiday themed stories for the time of year when it's great to curl up with a good book in front of the fire! |
|
Narberth Book Fair and Carmarthen Library Book Fair
21st October 2017 Two book events, different results, but always good to meet up with other authors and readers. Narberth - 23rd September - was well attended, the Narberth Food Festival was on at the same time, and it was good to sign and sell books and items from my Amaranth Alchemy business too. I bring book page and book spine bookmarks made from recycled damaged books that would have gone to landfill - always good to prolong the life of a book! An assortment of other book page gifts accompany them. You can see more at Amaranth Alchemy, my Etsy shop. Both days were wet for the fairs, but Narberth had a constant flow of visitors who enjoyed the events and a plethora of books! It was even wetter on 21st October, as we were hit by an autumn storm and gales, so footfall at Carmarthen Library Book Fair was much less, but I enjoyed chatting with some lovely visitors. There's something really magical about setting up your stall amid shelves of books, so a library is a lovely place to be. Much less sales, but Carmarthen library staff were helpful, friendly, and interesting. Looking forward to Carmarthen Book Fair on Saturday 11th November and Llandeilo Book Fair on Saturday 9th December. |
|
Book Fairs - October - November - December 2017
14th October 2017 Book Fairs coming up in the Carmarthenshire area: I will be selling and signing books at Carmarthen Library Book Fair on Saturday 21st October 2017 - 11am - 1pm Then I'll be in St Peter's Civic Hall at Carmarthen Book Fair on Saturday 11th November 2017 - 10am - 4pm Lastly for the year will be Llandeilo Christmas Book Fair on Saturday 9th December -10am - 4pm. Looking forward to seeing you! |
|
Narberth Book Fair
23rd September 2017 Tenby Book Fair has relocated to Narberth having outgrown its previous venue. I am very much looking forward to taking part and meeting readers and authors. Come and join us at The Queen's Hall, Narberth on Saturday 23rd September 2017 Free Entry and over 40 Authors attending with events, talks and books! Check out the Narberth Book Fair website and appreciate the hard work put in by organisers Judith Barrow and Thorne Moore. |
|
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! |
|
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. |
|
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! |
|
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! |
|
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. |
|
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! |
|
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... |
|
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! |
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
'Beneath the Distant Star' - Release
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 . |
|
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. |
|
'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. |
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
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 |
|
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. |
|
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. |
|
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’ |
|
'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 |
|
'Beneath the Old Oak' Release
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. |
|
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. |
|
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'. |
|
'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... |
|
'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 |
|
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. |
|
'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! |
|
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! |
|
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’ |
|
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' |
|
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. |
|
'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. |
|
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 |
|
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. |
|
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'. |
|
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 |
|
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... |