My Interview With Susan Gaye on her Faery Tale Mountain Blog

 Go To Susan Gay's Faery Tale Mountain's Blog: HERE

Patricia, what inspired your book,

Velvet Ball & The Broken Fairy

I was inspired to write Velvet Ball and The Broken Fairy after I bought a strange-looking fairy doll in a quaint Opportunity Shop near where I live. I tried to think of a wish that a child would make and then I thought of how hard it would be for a little girl at school if she was bald, either from alopecia or from cancer. So when I began writing this story, Velvet and Roseberry just evolved. I’m sure they took over this story because they continuously fought over who would be the MC. When Velvet won, Roseberry decided she would get even by stealing the scenes and refusing to do any magic. Instead, she chose to let Velvet suffer. So the story took many twists and turns along the way, and even I had no idea how it would end. LOL I was shocked as much as the readers.

I have written the second story in this series, but it needs a few edits before I publish it. It’s called: Velvet Ball (Book Two) Velvet & Roseberry Battle Mean Goblins

Blurb:

Velvet Ball can’t believe that the children at her new school call her a pixie just because she’s bald. She hates home time and having to stand outside the school to wait for the bus, but when Rory O’Leary rips her hat off and calls her baldy in front of the whole class, she cringes with embarrassment. When all the other students join in and tease her, she stamps on Rory’s foot, then takes off running into the forest.

While picking wildflowers, Velvet stumbles upon a fairy caught in the bow of a tree. The fairy promises to grant her a wish if she saves her and proclaims to be Roseberry — Fairy of Crabtree Forest. Although Velvet doesn’t believe in magic, she rescues the weird little sprite. But just like she expected, her wish of getting her hair back doesn’t work. Unable to explain why she has no magic, Roseberry attempts to fly away, but instead, she crashes to the ground with a thump. Feeling sorry for the helpless little sprite, Velvet takes her home and hides her in her bedroom, but Roseberry isn’t at all endearing. She’s rude, demanding, bad-mannered, and spoilt. And she acts like a princess, expecting to be waited on day and night.

Velvet figures Roseberry doesn’t know how to use her powers because she didn’t pay attention in Magic School, but when she tries to help her, the bratty little sprite isn’t interested in learning anything. All Roseberry wants to do is dance around the bedroom and dress in Barbie clothes, but when she begins throwing food around the bedroom, Velvet’s had enough. She threatens to take Roseberry back into the woods and leave her there. Before she has a chance, Roseberry is kidnapped by Rory’s and his gang of bullies. Now velvet has to find a way to save her before the boys discover Roseberry is real, and not just a talking fairy doll.

Patricia Puddle Facebook FanPage for Velvet: https://www.facebook.com/VelvetBallAndTheBrokenFairy

Five Star Reviews and only $1.00 for the eBook and $8.00 for the paperback

Links to buy on Amazon:  HERE

Smashwords: HERE

iTunes: HERE

Barnes & Noble: HERE

Kobo: HERE

Covers and Banners made by Patti Roberts at Paradox Book Covers and Formatting: HERE 

Double Trouble (Rascals Polly and Gertie) #Free all The Weekend!

#Free Download for Children's eReader.all ready for #Christmas!

Double Trouble will be Free on Amazon all this weekend, starting this Friday. (Eleventh of November 2013) If your children like a good belly-laugh they should enjoy the antics of rascals, Polly, Gertie, Toby Jug, and Mange. Oh, and they'll love hating Great Aunt Mable and her horrible cooking as well as nasty teacher, Miss Badger. 

This book has two stories and is full of colurful illustrations that will make even adults laugh. How do I know? Because I have as many adult fans as I do children, especially pensioners.

Double Trouble is also available as a paperback on Amazon.

And if you do enjoy it, a review would be wonderful. Reviews always help authors to continue with more work.

Just click on the book cover to download your free copy. Three days only, or click this link: Here 

Here are some of my illustrations form the book

 

 

 

 

Hey, I'm Pollyweena Grubble. I'd love you to follow me on twitter:Here

Here is the link to Double Trouble on Amazon: Here 

Velvet Ball & The Broken Fairy have a new Book Cover

So sorry I haven't posted in a while, but that's been due to my ill health.

Today, I want to share my new book cover for Velvet Ball and The Broken Fairy. 

The new cover was designed by Patti Roberts at Paradox Book Cover Designs and Formatting.
Though I liked the older cover, I always wanted a picture of Velvet and Roseberry on the front, then readers could see straight off what the story is about.

Nine-year-old Velvet has alopecia due to a long illness, and though she doesn't mind being bald, she minds getting bullied by Rodney O'Leary and his gang. When her classmates call her a pixie and steal her headband, she runs off into the forest to escape their taunts.  Enjoying the peace in the woods and picking pink wildflowers, she comes across a tiny fairy stuck in the bow of a tree. The fairy promises to grant her a wish if she saves her, but when Velvet rescues her, she finds out that the fairy can't even fly, and she has no magic powers at all.

Roseberry's not capable of granting one little wish because she didn't listen in Magic School. All she wants to do is hide away in Velvet's bedroom, dance around in Barbie clothes, and eat nice food. When the fairy becomes too rude and demanding, Velvet threatens to dump her back in the forest. But before she has a chance, Roseberry is kidnapped by Rodney O'Leary and his gang. Fearing for her tiny friend's life, Velvet knows she has to rescue her. And she'd better get there fast before the bullies kick her around like a football. After all, they think Roseberry is just a doll and they'll do anything to upset Velvet.

 The new version eBook is available on Amazon Here And on Smashwords: Here

        

The paperback version will be available on Amazon in a week or two, but if anyone wants to buy it now, it's available now with CreateSpace: Here 

 You can find Velvet and Roseberry on FaceBook: Here 

 Soon there will be a chance to win free eBooks and  paperbacks. Watch this blog for updates. I promise not to be away so long next time.

Patti Roberts - Author's book reviews & interviews: Author Interview – (Patricia Puddle - Ominous Love...

Patti Roberts - Author's book reviews & interviews: Author Interview – (Patricia Puddle - Ominous Love...:     Where were you born and where do you call home?   I was born in England and came to Australia with my family when I was tw...

Ominous Love Book Cover

Ominous Love is available on Amazon for $0.99 this week, so pop in a grab a copy before the price goes back up Go to this link: Here

The book cover, poster, and banner were all created by Patti Roberts. She did a wonderful job of putting the right scene together for me. First I had seen the angel on her website and knew that I had to have him for my character. Then Patti asked me what scene I wanted and offered suggestions. We worked together picking out the right pictures for my characters, then she added the thunderstorm just like the scene I was looking for. Though I probably gave her a hard time until I chose the right picture for my main character, Eloise. I had to get her right.

You can see the banner at the top of my blog and the poster below. Patti has also made the cover for my paperback that will be out shortly.

The first person to make a comment on this post will receive a free eBook copy of Ominous Love.

Pop over to Patti Robert's website and check out the wonderful covers she has for sale. Go to this link: Here

Competition to Win, Ominous Love, eBook

Finally Published!

Ominous Love (Book One) is available on Amazon Kindle: Here 

(Paperback will be available soon, also Smashwords edition.)

If you'd like to win a copy of this eBook, just guess the correct age of the couple in the photo below. The first three people to guess correctly will win an ebook version of Ominous Love from Amazon.

There is a way to find the answer, but you'll have to research. LOL.

Here is a clue. FB. 

You can read the the first two chapters for free on Amazon, but here is an excerpt from a much later chapter:

Punishment? I cover my face with my hands and try to clear my head. But there's no place to go, and even if I managed to escape, how would I get home? I'd need a plane to get me off this godforsaken mountain. Staring at myself in the mirror, I realize I have to resign myself to a life with a handsome monster, or die a horrible death. I pout. I must have done something really bad to deserve this misery, but I can't think of what. Was falling for a good-looking boy that bad? Closing my eyes, I wonder if I should just fight this brute to the death, after all, dying would be better than living with him. But how can I stand up to this evil monster? I'm just a girl and he's a huge and powerful young man.

A knock at the door drags me from my thoughts. “Yes?”

“Are you ready?”

“Nearly,” I lie. I'll never be ready for him, not ever.

Good Luck!

Ominous Love is Ready to Publish

I've finally finished editing my Y/A book, Ominous Love (Book One) It will be available on Amazon, Smashwords, iTunes and more in the next few days. If you'd like to win a copy of this book, go to the photo of the couple on Bondi Beach below and guess their ages. Details are below.

Good luck!

Oh, and don't forget to watch One Direction tonight on X Factor's final tonight on Channel Seven at Seven-thirty. I love all their albums. They're very talented. I listen to their music while writing.

https://itunes.apple.com/au/album/take-me-home-yearbook-edition/id574406654

Contest to Win a Kindle for Christmas

If you'd like to win a Kindle for Christmas, check out Patti Robert's Book Blog on the link below. Good Luck everyone!

http://paradox-theangelsarehere.blogspot.com.au/2012/09/win-kindle-for-christmas-supporting.html?showComment=1346928708850#c7834803992908474396

New Release, Coming Soon

Ominous Love

My very first Young Adult Book is due out soon. The cover, banner and poster were all created for me by Patti Roberts, a wonderful author and entrepreneur at  Paradox Book Covers & Trailers Custom Made. Thank you so much Patti, I couldn't be more thrilled.

In my MG Children's Books, I draw my own illustrations for the covers, or use the photos of my nieces and create them with the help of my sister, but with this Young Adult book, I was looking for a great image of an Angel for my cover. I couldn't find the right picture anywhere, but then I went to Patti Robert's website and wham! There he was, the perfect Angel for my character. I just had to have him.  I asked Patti if she could add a young couple that looked like my characters. She did and also asked me about the story. She's fabulous, she not only added the beach, but also added the lightning and put the Angel right where his enters the story. Thanks Patti Roberts, you're a doll.

The Book Cover

Promotion Poster

Competition

I have a Competition and the prize will be a free copy of Ominous Love when it's released.

The competition is for you to guess the ages of the couple in the picture below. Just leave a comment and the first person to guess the correct ages will win a paperback copy. The second and third guesser will win an eBook copy.

Here is the picture that inspired my story

For updates on the release, watch this blog, or follow me on Facebook

I was thrilled with the service of Paradox Book Trailer Productions. Patti Roberts not only gave me personnel attention, but she really cared about my book like it was a child and wanted the best for it. I highly recommend her service, you will not be disappointed. I know I'll be using her service again. 

Here is the link:  Paradox Book Covers & Trailers Custom Made 

And here's the link to purchase Patti Robert's Books: Here

My Face Book Fan Page; Here

Molly Gumnut Rescues a Bandicoot, Special Promotion

Molly Gumnut Rescues a Bandicoot paperback version is now on special for $10.99, and the eBook version is Free today but there's only a few hours left.

Come and meet Furble the baby bandicooot Molly rescues. You'll get a good laugh as well as learn about saving bandicoots.

Here is a YouTube Video of Furble:

Book Trailer:

The link to Molly Gumnut on Amazon Books and Kindle: Here  

Reader Reviews on Amazon for Molly Gumnut: Here

My You Tube Chanel: Here

Competition to win a copy of: Rascals Sing at The Opera House

The memory of being in the choir at Primary School inspired my children's book:

Rascals Sing at The Opera House.

I remember being in the choir at primary school and looking forward to our school competing in the singing festival. I happily went to choir practice every Saturday morning for months, but then one day we were all asked to sing the scales individually. Our class teacher and the music teacher said someone was singing out of tune.  I was so nervous when it came to my turn to sing that I did sing out of tune. I was immediately banned from the choir, but after seeing my pouty face, the kind music teacher must have felt sorry for me. He decided to let me stay in the choir, but only if I promised to mime during the festival and all through choir practice. I still went to practice every Saturday, but I didn't always mime. I loved singing and would sometimes get carried away and sing out loud, to the frustration of the two teachers. My voice was checked again and I was allowed once more to sing, but a few weeks later I was told to mime again. The music teacher couldn't understand why sometimes I sang okay and other times I sang dreadful. I was still allowed to go to the singing festival as long as I promised to mime when we were on the stage.

Of course, I did mime, but was later scolded by my female class teacher for wobbling my head about too much and opening my mouth too wide. LOL. I told her that I was going to be an actress when I grew up. Not impressed, she pressed her lips together and rolled her eyes at me.

After that concert, I was never able to sing a note in tune, ever. My confidence was gone. But I still love to sing and do all the time. Needless to say I often get things thrown at me or people walk away with their fingers in their ears. Maybe the reason my voice went bad was because before this photo was taken, I had had an operation to remove my tonsils, but was later to find they were growing back and I had to have another operation. Or maybe my confidence to sing just disappeared into thin air. Who knows, but something good happened because of it all. I'm a positive thinker and this experience and memory inspired me to write the children's book:

Rascals Sing at The Opera House.

Now, for a competition. The first person who guesses which child in the photo above is me, will win e a free copy of Rascals Sing at The Opera House, either a paperback, or an eBook if they prefer.

Good luck and thanks for reading.

Me and Her, A Memoir of Madness by Karen Tyrrell

My 5*****Star Review of:  Me & Her: A Memoir of Madness by Australian author, Karen Tyrrell

 

Once I started reading Karen Tyrrell's story I couldn't put it down. What a brave woman to write a memoir of her mental illness and forced hospitalisation. That takes courage. From what I gather, people experiencing mania are enjoying it and don't think they need help. This memoir gives an insight into the mind of the author, while she's experiencing mania and how she felt about her husband's intervention. Not only will this book help people with bipolar, it will also help their family, friends and colleagues. Though Karen was ill in most of the story, her husband and kids suffered too. Maybe even as much as she did as it went on for a few years. My heart went out to her husband, who was battling a long-term illness of his own as well as caring for his family. What a wonderful man. I hope this book will help to stop discrimination against people with a mental illness. This story story shows they can be productive and determined people as well as being artistic.

Though the story was sad, I laughed a lot while reading it. Karen Tyrrell is a funny lady. I don't know if she was trying to be funny, but some of her thoughts had me in stiches, not to mention her antics and sneaky ways of finding out things. She'd make a great detective. Though she wrote her notes while ill, she knew she wanted to be a writer. The real Karen was in there for the ride too and she wasn't letting anyone stop her from writing. After reading this book, anyone with a loved one suffering from mania would better understand that not all of the things that the patient is doing is part of the illness. The healthy person is still there with goals that are attainable. I love the way she worked out why this happened to her and her determination to publish her memoir. She wrote about her mania, or hyper-mania, but she didn't mention having a deep depression or suicidal thoughts like I've heard can happen with bipolar, though she did suffer from insomnia, anxiety and stress, and did have Post Natal depression years before. Maybe her husband got her the medical help she needed before a deep depression set in.

There's so much information in this book for anyone suffering bipolar disorder. And their families will have a guide of what to do, which is great because it would be hard getting someone suffering from mania to willingly go to a mental health hospital. Karen Tyrell is a genius and I'm sure her story will save many lives. I'd give this book ten stars if I could, but I'm only allowed five. Keep writing, Karen Tyrrell!

To purchase this amazing book on Amazon go: Here

To go to Karen Tyrrell's website go: Here

Interview With Author Jo Barker

Introducing Jo Barker, one of the funniest authors I've ever met.

Hi, Jo, tell us something about yourself.

Well, I’m a twentysomething chocoholic, bookaholic and water baby. I grew up by the sea so I love being in, on or around water. Of course, chocolate and books always go hand in hand as well.

How true, Jo, I love chocolate too, but try not to eat it. I also love water and have mostly lived near it. I believe we get energy from the sea. Now, when did you decide to become an author?

I didn’t really decide to become an author. My other half suggested, nay, insisted that I published. I hid away my writing from people, but he stumbled upon it and encouraged me to write. I still consider myself an apprentice to becoming an author.

What a great partner to do that. Mine is the same. We're very lucky to have their support as I know many authors don't, and that can cause problems.

What inspired to you to be a writer, Jo?

I just love to write. I used to have some crazy dreams that seemed quite entertaining to write down. I also love the lyricism that can come with language and writing, words are something I enjoy playing with. The lyricism aspect might have something to do with the fact that I love listening to music, almost any music. Writing to a rhythm can be quite helpful, although a tad strange when you’re not actually listening to any music.

I understand that, Jo. I really enjoy music and love writing songs for the characters in my children's books. They have to rhyme to a rhythm in my head, though I've never learned music. I think some folks like you and me are born with that.

Where do you sit when writing?

I write on a laptop so anywhere fairly quiet where I can shut out the world for a mo. Unfortunately the world always has a way of intruding.

It sure does and can be frustrating, especially when in a creative mood.

How many hours per week would you spend on writing?

If I could, I would probably spend all my time writing. As it stands, I write mainly in the evenings or an hour or two during the day if I can grab a chance.

What genre do you write and why?

Well I’m actually genre greedy. My first book is a children’s book. However I am working on a fantasy novel as well as another children’s story. I also have quite a few ideas that spread over a range of genres. Perhaps one day I'll settle down with a genre and be happy with it, until then I shall continue to explore.

That's fantastic that you can write in different genres, Jo. I prefer children's books and fantasy, but would love to do adult and Y/A too.

How do you come up with characters and stories?

The characters and stories tend to come together. I have no idea how I think up what I do, the brain is a mystery to me. Generally I literally dream them up, my brain has apparently got a very strange way of working things out when I’m sleeping.

Sometimes a phrase or something from my surroundings can set me on a creative spree. I suspect if I knew the answer to how people generated ideas the scientific community would be knocking down my door.

When you're sleeping? That's fantastic, Jo. I think up ideas while I'm bush walking. 

Do you have any favourite authors, and have any inspired your work?

When I was growing up it was Roald Dahl and Robin Jarvis. Later came Terry Pratchett. I love the quirky and grotesque and the utterly bizarre things in life. If you enjoy reading, it certainly helps when it comes to writing. My early reads have definitely rubbed off on me.

How funny. We have a lot in common, Jo. Roald Dahl is my favourite author too. He inspired me to be myself when writing. My Rascals series is gross, full of mischievous children and horrid adults. Oh, plus it's true memories of me as a child. LOL. Has anything dramatic in your life given you an idea for a story?

I would say yes, things in life do affect you and your outlook on life and would therefore affect your writing. Although off the top of my head I can’t think of an example to share.

Now that you’re published, how do you market your work?

Largely word of mouth and social media. I have been strapped for time recently so I haven’t been able to put as much effort as I should into it.

Who is your favourite character?

My favourite all-time character in literature has to be Matilda, she was my role model when growing up. My favourite character creation to date has to be a feisty warrioress, whos name I shall keep under wraps pro tem. I haven’t finished her story yet, it’s something I have worked on off an on for a few years and I've grown quite attached to her. In the Adventures of the Frog Prince the spider is my favourite for his pure cheek.

How funny. Matilda is my favourite too because I related to  her. Though I was no genius like her, quite the opposite, but I did have a teacher like Mrs Trunchbull. I really did.

How did you come up with the setting for your stories?

With the Frog Prince it felt right that it should be set in castle. It’s based on a fairy tale after all, and what’s a fairy tale without a castle of some nature?

What a great cover, Jo! And your artwork is fabulous. I'm about to read this book, can't wait.

Is being a published author harder or easier than you imagined?

Not sure quite what I imagined, so I can’t say either way really. I didn’t think I would get quite so into blogging though.

Any regrets?

I wish I wish I wish I was better at art.

I'm sure you're better than you think, Jo. I love doing my own illustrations. The more I draw, the better it becomes. Though time can be a problem. I find drawing relaxing and now I've learned to draw on the computer, which I love.

What are you working on at the moment?

A children’s book and a fantasy novel, I should be able to reveal details about the children’s book in the not to distant, but for now I’m still keeping it under wraps.

What are your plans for the future?

Oh you know, the usual, find a nice sandy beach somewhere with plenty of surf, no sharks or jellyfish and stay there. I shall surround myself with books, pens, and paper. Someone has promised to have a mai tai waiting for me. Not sure what’s in a mai tai, but I’m looking forward to trying one.

Now, I know you have a YouTube Channel because I found you on there too. I thought your fairy film was hilarious.

Where is your You Tube channel?

Yes, Trish, I do. It's called: The Ian and Jo Show. It’s made up of the strange things my other half and I dream up in our spare time.

Yes, and they are well worth a look. They're quite entertaining and very funny. Here is a link to Jo's book: The Adventures of The Frog Prince

Jo's Website: Here

Free eBook: Molly Gumnut Rescues a Bandicoot

Come and meet Molly Gumnut and the baby bandicoot she named Furble.

Find out how Molly rescues Furbe, what mischief she gets up to and why she's always in trouble with her parents, the headmistress, the neighbour, even Grandma Lilly.

Meet her best friend Lara:

See how tiny Furble really is:

This story is meant to pull at your heartstrings as well as make you laugh. Read it for free and download in on Amazon: Here.