Rediscovering art, writing and raising grandchildren

  Congratulations on deciding to write your first novel, and thanks for reaching out. Many find writing a novel a daunting prospect, yet are compelled by some unknown force to do so. For others, it is an act of pure joy.  Whatever your starting point, I wish you well developing your project, and pray I will see your work on the best sellers list shortly. As we have not discussed your starting point, I will offer advice on my style, developed over several years. Most important to me are two tasks — writing and editing. I suggest you find that time to write that works for you.  Later, make more time to reflect to edit with a critical eye. What works for me, is rising early. I brew a pot of coffee while the family sleep, and study what I last wrote. The first task, edit dialogue into engaging, meaningful words relevant to my plot. I will hit other editing high points when I write next. At this early point in your writing, a constant reappraisal of your work ...

  Interview with Greythorn   Who are you?   Greythorn is my name. I was a former Ruins dweller and inhabitant of the Brizarian forest. Now Neckar-Master Spy and Chief Assassin to Rhyka Hawk-Wing, lord and master of Protectorate Marutchi. Who am I, the truth is more complicated than you could imagine?  My enemies would say a coldblooded killer, dedicated to protecting the interests of my Protectorate. Others might call me their saviour, but I'm guessing that is a matter of perspective, whether you're looking down the blade I hold or up at it.  You may read of my infamous rise to serve my current master throughout Book I, The Rise of Rhyka Hawk-Wing, Scavenger Lord and later, in Book II, Artefact War, The Rise of Rhyka Hawk-Wing. As best I can recollect, I've seen some sixty summer's come'n go since I was born in the ruins east of the city of Brizaria. Fifty years of warfare have battered and burnt me into what I am today. I wasn't such a pleasant fellah in Book I...

     Why write about Werewolves, and predominantly, Vampires? Simple really, the opportunity to flesh out a story within a dystopian world was an opportunity not to be missed.       As I wrote, I considered contemporary fictional history, inserting my own view of an alternative history of Vampire and Werewolf culture. The big question for me was, if these exotic creatures exist in real-time, how do they fly under the radar in a modern world? Hence, my version The Lore Giver - The Vampire Book of Lore.     The novel commences with a conversion from human to vampire, along with the death of an aged vampire, the introduction of a tense relationship with Werewolves, and the creation of a new personality for the converted. The novel slips easily through time, offering a reader, my glimpse into ancient times of Vampire and Werewolf folk lore.     I trust it is an enjoyable read. When I have the time, I work on Book II - Avenger. Happy to hear ...

I am pleased to advise, Book III of my Zombie apocalypse trilogy is out. Happy to recieve comments. Blurb  No one could have predicted the way in which the deadly plague spread or indeed, with such rapidity. Across the globe, inoculations ceased with nineteen-year-olds. As Kitch, Jamil, Marie, and Casey work to hold the castle, they train daily for the fight they know is coming. When it’s obvious a looming defeat, capture, and torture are approaching, Kitch implements his hidden contingency plan. Haberfield and his brutal lieutenant, Juan, escape in the confusion. Juan decides at that moment, he will take the castle for himself. First, he must deal with Kitch, then Haberfield. Meanwhile, Kitch has some life and death situations to deal with. To save Fatima and the children, Kitch must enter a castle filled with the infected, retrieve two horses, armour, and food. If he fails to do this within a given time, hostages will be killed. Surviving clusters of humanity ruthlessly battle no...

Okay, so you’re considering travelling oversea’s with the grandchildren but, you’re a little unsure how you might keep up with the kids or, what steps to take. Hopefully, I can provide some opportunities to explore, making that decision easier. My experiences are out of Australia. However, if you are reading this from another country, the principles remain the same.  We have travelled to Phuket twice with our grandchildren now aged 5 and 8 with no bad experiences a year apart. Our criteria - safe, affordable, kid-friendly, edible food, health services, clean and services we’re used to.          Grandchildren, first trip The basic’s Research online according to your budget for the best travel experience you require. We have used Travelonline ( https://www.travelonline.com ) twice with great results. By this I mean, the packages offered looked great for Phuket - suited our budget. But, we wanted something tailored to our needs. A telephone call ...