The Neptune Girl

Jan5

Please welcome Nick Lloyd-Davies to my blog. Hello Nick, Shall we have a chat today?

1. Please introduce yourself to those reading this blog post.

Hi everybody. I’m Nick Lloyd-Davies and I’m a self-published author of several children’s books. I live in the West Sussex countryside in England with my wife and son  – my daughter away at University (which I still can’t cope with!).

2. Has writing always been part of your life and when did you “know” that it was time to start writing your first book?

I remember being at primary school, aged 7, wanting to write in my lunch hour, somewhat in competition with a friend of mine. We also competed with reading too! I think it was more about ‘who wrote the most pages’ rather than anything else, but clearly it was something we both enjoyed.

I didn’t pick up writing fiction again until I was doing jury service in my early 40s, sitting around waiting for a case. I had by then become a dad and was telling made-up stories most nights to my kids – they loved them, often more so than the other books that had been read a million times. It was being a dad that got my imagination flowing again and, when jury service came along I started to put these stories to paper.

3. How difficult was it writing your first book?

I didn’t find it particularly difficult to write (it just flowed out), but then I had little in the way of training as an author and it was full of many flaws, which I only came to see later on. Nevertheless, it was a sweet kids’ book about bullying and being my first – and only five thousand words – I am still proud of it.

4. Have you ever wanted to give up and what stopped you?

Never. If anything, I have only ever wanted to write full time but my day job and the reality of paying the bills means that that remains a dream. On many occasions, like most authors (unless on a trad contract with deadlines!), I go through drought periods. As a self-published author (with little in the way of financial gain through sales), you need that internal fire – plus free time and good health – to come together in tandem and this has been a rarity for me recently.

5. Who is the most supportive of you and your dream to be a writer?

Firstly, I would say myself, but secondly (and more significantly) my Twitter/X writing community. It’s wonderful how authors will support authors (especially in the world of self-publishing) and how social media can, in this instance, be a very positive resource.  

6. Anything specific you want to tell your readers?

I would firstly say thank you, from the depths of my heart, for giving my books a go. If you are pondering, I would really urge you to give them a go, as I do believe they are a great read, full of silliness, adventure, imaginary worlds and important messages for children (eg around climate change, ocean pollution). Our readers are everything, especially if they can provide a glowing review!

7. What is the best advice given to you (book or otherwise), and by whom?

The best advice I have had has been from a tremendous children’s author, Bryony Pearce (@bryonypearce on X/Twitter). She taught me so much about ‘show not tell’, passive voice and world-building. With this crucial knowledge, I’ve been able to write with much more confidence and self-criticism.

The other source of advice I would say is simply through reading – some very influential authors, for their descriptive skill are Daphne du Maurier, Hardy, Margaret Atwood and Catherine McCarthy (@serialsemantic on X/Twitter).  Each of these authors manage to bring every scene to life, immersing you in their world. And as for children’s books, I especially love Ali Sparkes, Lewis Carroll and the great Roald Dahl.

8. What is your target audience and what aspect of your writing do you feel targets that audience?

I have a series of books aimed at 6-9 year olds (the Glowstone Adventures, a series of five) which have animals as the lead characters, but led by a determined twelve-year-old girl, wanting to make a positive difference to the world and its innocent creatures. These books tend to have a subtle message, about the environment, or behaviours (eg. vanity, bullying, bad manners!).

My other books are middle grade/teen novels and are unapologetic adventures filled with imaginary worlds, dastardly villains, Sci-Fi, dystopian backdrop and lashings of hope! Always (well, maybe not always!) with a happy ending or a hint of a sequel.

9. Did the cover evolve the same way, or did you work with someone to make it come together for you?

I tend to have an early idea of what I want for my cover, but to date I have worked with illustrators, and one particular part-time illustrator, Nay Wilson (@0ysterchild on X/Twitter) , to produce these. My earlier books were vanity-published and that’s another story…!

10. What are you working on now? Can we get a peek, an excerpt?

I am working on a new teen/YA novel, set on Mars in the year 2046. A new Mars colony is under threat of destruction – and only eleven-year-old Kasper has cottoned on to this and the conspirator involved. Will anyone believe him before it is too late? Is the conspirator right to try and focus human effort to saving Earth, rather than reaching for new homes? Is there life on Mars – and will it make an appearance? Here is an excerpt – I hope you like it!

 FOUR-THREE-TWO-ONE-LAUNCH PML-EIGHTEEN!

As my whole body was thrust back into the seat, I forgot everything we were taught about controlled breathing and just held my breath. For how long I had no idea, but it was unbelievable force. Before I knew it, I felt the module heating up as we began punching through the Martian atmosphere. I started to breathe again and found myself just transfixed at the yellow glow splaying out from the heat shield. The module was shaking vigorously now, non-stop, my teeth chatting involuntarily.

Don’t bite your tongue. Just don’t bite your tongue. Deep breaths. I talked to myself in my head trying to manage the million sensations going through me. Fascination. Fear. A compulsion to laugh out of sheer terror. Excitement that the journey was nearly ending and no holes found yet!

The burning glow outside was fading.

Parachute deploy T-minus ten seconds.

As it opened we were all thrust forward, straining our harnesses to their limit. Now I felt sick and beads of sweat cooling on my forehead. The module was shuddering and another jolt came as the parachutes opened fully.

Heat-shield jettison! T-minus twenty seconds.

Surface lock-on confirmed.

Dad looked to me and winked. Mum was just staring in abject terror.

TRN confirmed.

Descent rocket start-up. T-minus ten seconds.

I held my breath now. I could see the landing point really clearly now and a defined landing pad marked PM18. Martian dust was now swirling everywhere, starting to blur any view in all directions. I couldn’t see the ground anymore. I had to trust that this thing would land safely.

And then it happened. Touchdown. I could feel that reassuring jolt as the module landed. We were no longer floating in space – we were on land, actual land. Martian land. I released my breath as the dust began to settle outside and I could see shapes and movement through the windows.

‘Welcome to Phoenix Four, Mars,’ announced Control.

‘Woo-hooooo!’ screamed Dad. ‘We’ve done it! We’re on Mars!’

‘Thank God for that!’ replied Mum, a huge smile of relief on her face.

11. Any last words before we wrap things up?

Just to ask all agents and readers, on behalf of all self-published authors – give us a go, give us a chance! You will find something special! And thank you to wonderful supportive people like you, Mary, thank you, thank you!

BIO

Nick has self-published 7 children’s books to date:

– Katie Helps a Giraffe Scared of Heights

– Katie Helps a Lizard in a Blizzard

– Katie Helps a Bear with Bad Hair

– The Boy Who Saved Time

– Katie Helps a Turtle with Tummy Ache (including a foreword from TV Presenter Julia Bradbury)

– Katie Helps at Seal Sports Day (including a forewords from an IPCC Lead Author, Greta Pecl);

and more recently

-The Neptune Girl

Now he is developing his writing, with new titles aimed at the mid-grade and Teen genres. Titles including Tommy’s Escape from Amelion and his current work in progress – Kasper and the Mars Conspiracy! These are fast-paced adventures with kids leading the way.

Nick is passionate about giving children alternatives to the world of WiFi, passionate also about protecting our precious planet, climate change issues featuring frequently in his books, including The Neptune Girl and Katie Helps at Seal Sports Day!

Nick’s idea of excitement is more likely to come from buying fresh tomatoes in a paper bag or doing some DIY, but otherwise writing from his home in the countryside of West Sussex.

Oh, and he would quite like to travel to Mars if he gets the chance. If this isn’t possible, then writing about it must surely be the next best thing!

Check out more at – www.nicklloyddavies.com

Memories from another Lifetime LOVE

Jan5

Book Link

From Amazon:

Can poetry be memories from a previous life?

Love is the second book in the series Memories from another Lifetime.

Memories from another Lifetime is a collection of very personal and hauntingly beautiful poems about love, desire, heartbreak, betrayal, hurt and denial. They go to the core of raw and visceral emotions, perhaps from another lifetime. A powerful and moving experience.

My Review:

I’ve read quite a bit of poetry lately, but this book is the cream of poetry due to the young age of the writer, age 13, and the verbiage of the written words found within. At 13, writing love poetry with the brain and experience of one who is older compelled me to think how this could be so. I think it was easier to lay bare emotions and feelings due to early teenage hormones but also reading her own mother’s poetry over the years. Poetry begets poetry. Like mother, like daughter. The poetry within is very deep, sensual, and full of all kinds of emotions

The Golden Wizard Book Prize

Jan4

As CEO of The Golden Wizard Book Prize, it is my privilege to welcome you to The Golden Wizard family!

I am thrilled to announce that TOMMY TURTLE has been chosen as a winner of The Golden Wizard Book Prize.

Tommy Turtle is a shy land turtle who likes to hide inside his shell. Tommy represents children who are shy around other children and adults, and he is nervous to play or speak. Most children are shy from time to time and it’s important for children to understand shyness and how to act around others who are or aren’t shy. Children need to know that shyness is normal, and they need positive encouragement from peers, family, and teachers/adults in their lives. This concept teaching can start in preschool. Children need to develop and practice social skills which will increase their quality of life in school through drama class, music, gym class, show and tell time, play time and more, rather than staying on the sidelines and simply watching others and having less friends and social isolation. If confidence is learned, self-esteem increases, and children succeed. Less confidence promotes increased shyness. It is essential to praise children for their successes and not shame them at all when they fail. All social and emotional learning helps children to express feelings and be tuned in to the needs of others. This teaching contributes to the development of all children. Social acceptance and inclusion are important in social learning from an early age. The opportunity to interact with your child/children in a positive environment, such as the park in this story, illustrates the importance of a positive environment in aiding children with learning social skills with other children and adults. Tommy Turtle helps parents and teachers reinforce positive behaviors in an imaginative setting of a park and mud puddles as they learn about land turtles and shyness. Learning and sharing are essential for social development in all children. 

Book Link

Pinnacle Book Achievement Award

Jan3

Congratulations!

Your book has been chosen as one of the NABE Pinnacle Book Achievement Award Winners for Fall 2023.

Each year, for the past 40 years, NABE, now known as the National Association of Book Entrepreneurs, awards fine books of quality.

Her Alibi by Mary L. Schmidt has won Best Book in the Category of True Crime.

 

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badges-heralibifrontcoverfinallarge3

Thanks to NABE. 

 

Visions of her Cherokee grandmother, Cordie, flashed through Mary’s mind as her mother, Marguerite, informed her that her stepfather shot himself and was in the hospital. Oh no! Did she use me last night? She’d never use her scapegoat! No, she couldn’t! Even Marguerite wouldn’t sink that low! Or would she? Marguerite had always been abusive and vile to most people, and especially to her children and husbands, but would she shoot Harold? Chills raked Mary and triggered her shuddering. Was she more shocked that her mother shot her stepfather with murderous intent, or that she left Mary as her alibi?

03 Sept 2022

On Amazon and all stores world wide! Book Link

Her Alibi – .99 cents only. On her third marriage to this man who didn’t deserve the traumas my mother dealt him. “Chills raked Mary and triggered her shuddering. Was she more shocked that her mother shot her stepfather, or that she left Mary as her alibi?”  #TrueStory #TrueCrime #HerAlibi #murder in real life. Living with a murderer! Finally, the truth comes out about the psyche of a woman known as the “Black Widow”! I, @MaryLSchmidt , had the bollocks to write this story from the perspective being her daughter. The psyche of Marguerite is one for the books… just like the psyche of #BTK and others, I never knew the REAL danger living with this woman. No slander or libel to family as the only one who could sue me has been dead for 10 years! #RealLife #LivingWithAKiller #memoir

I just want to say that the book “Her Alibi” had to come out. Harold mattered! Everyone matters! But Harold mattered, especially to his three children, Alan, Scott, and Darrel. I don’t know your faith or what you believe, but I know what I experienced yesterday morning. I had a Heavenly visit while in my recliner. Without words, no physical anything seen, my right foot was touched with pressure for several seconds. It was Harold letting me know he felt validated, finally. He appreciated my hard work (bad memories) and effort to get this book out. I’m NOT doing this for money. I have money and I donate to many things, causes, and to people in need. But this story needed to be told. Harold mattered. If family are offended, well, not the first time, nor the last time. HAROLD MATTERED! And I hated being used as her da#m alibi. The TRUTH had to come out!

Reviewed by Astrid Iustulin for Readers’ Favorite
Stories of abuse and domestic violence always shock you when you read them. This happens to anyone who reads Mary L. Schmidt’s book, Her Alibi. Here, the author tells the story of her family, focusing in particular on the abuses of her mother, Marguerite, who had always treated her as a scapegoat. After divorcing her husband, Marguerite marries Harold (she will marry him three times, to be exact) and is most likely responsible for his death. Is it possible she used her daughter as an alibi? And how will relations between Marguerite and her children develop? Her Alibi tells a disturbing story of an abusive mother and the consequences her mental condition and behavior have on her family and children, especially the daughter she treats as a scapegoat. Mary L. Schmidt tells us this story in a way that clearly depicts the world of abuse that characterized her childhood and gives the reader a precise understanding of what she and her siblings went through. Marguerite is represented in such a way that her personality deeply impresses the reader, especially considering what she may have done to Harold and her daughter, the alibi. I appreciated that Schmidt included many photos of her family because this makes you know the people she describes and makes you even more sympathetic to what they have experienced. Her Alibi is not a book for the faint of heart, and I recommend it to readers who have the courage to read it, to match the courage the author had in writing it.

Amazon Number One Bestseller – 2022

Literary Titan – Gold – 2022

SoCal Book Awards – Honorable Mention – 2022

Reader’s Choice Book Awards – Finalist 2023

London Book Awards – Honorable Mention 2023

Los Angeles Book Awards – Honorable Mention 2023

NABE – Gold – Best Book in the Category of True Crime Fall 2023

Author Shout Reader Ready Award Winner – Recommended Reads 2024

Clara’s Last Christmas

Dec31

Book Link

From Amazon:

“Even the strongest blizzards start with a single snowflake.”

Just a few months ago, life seemed pretty rosy indeed…

With Lianna back in London for good, Clara had been enjoying every second with her best friend.

From blinged-up baby shopping with Eve to wedding planning with a delirious Dawn, Clara and her friends were happier than ever.

Unfortunately, they are brought back to reality when just weeks before Christmas, Oliver and Marc discover that their jobs are in jeopardy.

With Clara helping Eve to prepare for two new arrivals, news that Suave is going into administration rocks her to the core. It may be December, but the prospect of being jobless at Christmas means that not everyone is feeling festive.

Should they give up on Suave and move on, or can the gang work as one to rescue the company that brought them all together?

With so much at stake, can Clara and her friends save Suave in time for Christmas?

Jump into Clara’s world for a heart-warming and hilarious festive ride in Clara’s Last Christmas!

My Review:

This is the first book I’ve read from this author, Lacey London. This is also a book that is part of a series. I bought it because of the Christmas theme. There is enough back story that made for this book making sense to me. Anything and everything, /yet nothing can or does happen. I rooted for Sadie until the last page. The nuances of life not knowing your father, love ending, people changing, it’s real life yet also contains enough hilarity to equal out the emotions in this book. Not all writers can make that happen.

Redemption

Dec31

Book Link

From Amazon:

REDEMPTION A QUEST: FROM VENGEANCE TO REDEMPTION

A Young Adult Contemporary Fantasy

Book III Of The Breach Chronicles

Amelia

She took on the mighty Peradorian dictator and lost. She loved Noah, but she might never see him again. Now she and Adrian are on the run. To make things worse, her shapeshifting ability has deserted her. What lies ahead for her?

Noah

He accepted that he was a monster to save the girl he loved, even if it meant losing her. The Heichi queen is determined to kill him and protect her throne at all costs. Now a sorceress has predicted great darkness in Amelia’s future. Will he be able to save her?

Adrian

He chose Amelia over his freedom and family. He protected her at all costs. Why does her heart still belong to another?

It’s all coming together in the exciting finale of The Breach Chronicles—Redemption. New enemies will rise, and old friends will rush to the rescue. Secrets will be revealed. Promises will be made. Promises will be broken. The lines will blur between friend and foe. Everyone is in a race against time, fighting for their life. But will they find Redemption?

My Review:

I found this book to be a great fantasy read and brilliant in how the characters were interwoven. Redemption? Is that possible? This is the third book in this series, and it’s woven tightly with complex characters who have tons of feelings and emotions that spill forth. Humans are humans, the supernatural war with each other, and there are hybrids and more realm wise. One sorceress finds out her fate when things go awry. Coexistence. Is that possible? Shifting strong pumas and other creatures with humans and more supernatuals fight for love and power. Love mingles with hate. Strong love is strong hate. Death is part of life, yet certain people come back from death. Magic is just that. Deep love mixes with deep pain. Redemption. That can be attained, but what characters will receive Redemption and those who won’t is for the next reader to find out.

Christmas in Evergreen: Heart of Evergreen

Dec30

Christmas in Evergreen! New release on New Years Eve!!! Ebook out NYE! Softcover on preorder.

“My husband, Steve, and I have always had a great relationship, married, for the last five years. He’s a private investigator, and I have my artwork. Much of his work involved using a special laptop, one that was rugged and lockable, in his home office and I had my art studio where I could lose myself in painting and creativity. Life was wonderful, until the day I read a completely chilling and startling “Hit List” on his computer screen. Confusion ran supreme in my brain and then it hit me. My name was at the top of that list! Wait! What? No! Never! Yet I read “Kim Daily” plain as day. What would you do if you found out you were the next target on your husband’s hit list? Steve intentionally left his laptop open for me to read. He simply can’t be an assassin! I would know. Or would I? No! That’s impossible! Steve has been the kindest husband for five years and he was a crack ass private investigator; not an assassin. Yet why was my name at the top of his hit list? Why did he even have a hit list? My mind reeling in shock, I had to do something to stay alive! Think, Kim, think! Get your best game on right now as time is running out!”

“Wow thought Kim. Is Dr. Paul Smith tall, dark, and handsome or what? Where did that thought come from? It’s too soon for any romance in my life.”

“Kim is one extra fine woman…where did that idea come from? Love at first sight? Never…yet…maybe…”

“Dr. Paul had a perfect butt, nice and snug, in his scrubs as Kim watched him leave the room. Why does he fill out his scrubs so well? Look at those unbelievable biceps!”

$1.99 ebook. Softcover also on sale!

Christmas Bizarre 

Dec29

Book Link

From Amazon:

It’s the weekend before Christmas and the storyteller tradition at interior designer extraordinaire, Rikkhe St. Claire’s home on the cliffs of Malibu is in full swing. Kick back and gather with Rikkhe and her family and friends for an elegant night under the stars as they share five, holiday tales of mystery and ghostly intrigue from around the world. Which tale will capture your heart…or make your mistletoe twirl?

The cozy magic of Christmas is in the air!

Noel A Versailles
Millicent is a young lady with a mind of her own in 1920s Paris. When she decides to build a replica of Marie Antoinette’s regal playhouse, the Petit Trianon, many think she’s lost the plot. A mysterious Advent calendar brings glamorous gifts of the season, until one fateful night…

Lady H
The ruins of an antebellum home with a heartbreaking past are in need of a major renovation. Will the ghostly inhabitants help or hinder the latest heir of Plum Hill and his architect?

The Ornament
Two cousins are off to celebrate a recent graduation on a European river cruise. As they tour the city ports, they join the quest to find an ornament from an elderly woman’s childhood. The search seems hopeless, until the magic of Christmas lends a helping hand.

The Rocking Horse
A nanny takes her first assignment with an expat family living in an historic home in Stockholm. As Christmas approaches, strange happenings are going bump in the night. Will the ghosts of Christmas past finally get their peace?

Moving Pictures
A holiday gala gets a major boost when a beloved screen star agrees to participate. As she makes her guest appearance, a mysterious man comes to her side. Will heartbreak turn into Christmas joy?

My Review:

I found this short novel quaint and filled with vignettes of times past and Christmas. I don’t have a favorite as they are all nice works, thus, I can’t choose a favorite among favoritism of each story.

Angel Messages Two: songs of the heart

Dec29

Book Link

From Amazon:

The songs of the hearts of Angels guide us, lift us and fill our lives with hope and love. They harmonize with our heartbeats, ask us to trust and remind us that we are precious. They call to us tenderly, helping us find comfort. Encouragement is but a request away. How is this (and more) all possible? Because the songs of the heart are pure love. When our hearts are singing the songs of love, we connect with Angels. Open your heart to connection with Angels, with Angel Messages Two – songs of the heart. Unlike a book that takes a story and divides it into chapters, Angel Messages Two – songs of the heart, is a book of messages (songs) that can be read one right after another or one at a time. From day to day, a different message may speak to you. Open this book to find what is perfect for you (or someone else) at that moment. The pictures in this book, remind you that Angels appear in a variety of forms while the Tanka brings to life, the deeper message each of the photographs. Angel Messages Two – songs of the heart, is perfect for anyone who has ever wanted to connect with Angels as much as it is perfect for anyone who already has a relationship with Angels. The messages are presented in poetry that we call Tanka. Tanka is a form of traditional Japanese lyric poetry that uses 31 syllables spread out over 5 lines, to convey its message. The word “tanka” translates to “short song.” The short songs of this book help us to be aware of our deep, abiding connection to energies we might not be able to see but can feel in our hearts. To be in the presence of Angels is soothing, warm; reminiscent of being around the most supportive energy you can imagine. It can also be energizing, electric and indescribably emotional. When an Angel makes its presence known, it will be when you most need the confirmation that you are not alone. You always have a home in an Angel’s heart and they are excited to be at home in your heart.

My Review:

This is a truly angelic read. If you’ve never seen an angel, don’t worry. One will show up in one way or another. The poems ring true and fit the angel images within. The TANKA form is used in this poetry book. The messages are lifting. Thank you, Annette, for the pleasure of your poetry.