Only You

You felt my first kick

You brought me into this world

You fed me when I was hungry

You taught me right from wrong

You gave me unconditional love

You hugged me when I cried

You lifted my spirits when I was down

You showed me the way when I was lost

You nursed me when I was sick

You were my number one supporter in all that I did

You got a kick out of me being happy

You are the best

You are my mother

Nadja Losbohm's, Interview series 22, Featuring Me

        I was recently interviewed by the wonderful, German author, Nadja Losbohm. The interview was posted on Facebook and not all would get to read it. So, Nadja kindly said I could share her post  here. Thanking Nadja for this opportunity to be part of her Interview series 22. For Nadja's books pop over to Amazon  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Nadja-Losbohm/e/B009SIDWIW

Interview series 22 by Nadja Losbohm

"An achievement in itself"

    Another Monday, another interview. Wootwoot. Today, I'd like to introduce to you British author Christina Rowell, who I got to know via Twitter, where we follow each other since a couple of years now. Christina started to write at a very young age and made handwritten copies to give to family members. In her stories you can meet angels and demons and lots of other fantastical creatures, but there's also a touch of humour to her tales. Hm, sounds like her books and my dear Huntress series would get along with each other very well. Anyway, it's time for Christina to tell us more about her wonderful writing and herself.

Christina‘s website: devilslayingamongstotherthings.blogspot.com

1. Please introduce yourself in 3-5 sentences.

I'm Christina Rowell, author of fantasy for young adults and poetry for all ages.

2. What is the title of your current book? In which genre does it play and what is the story about?

I have three books published to date. Two in the Salvation series, fantasy for young adults and a small collection of poetry.

Salvation No Kissing Required was first published in 2013 and Salvation Hyperlink to Lost Souls in 2015 by indie publisher Featherweight Press. As my contract has now expired with the publisher, the rights of the books have now reverted to myself I am in the process of self-publishing both books. However, Salvation No Kissing Required is available in paperback at present via Amazon. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Salvation-Kissing-Required-Christina-Rowell/dp/1608208567/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1553516501&sr=8-1&keywords=salvation+no+kissing+required

The series follows seventeen year-old Dan Pierce, a spirit fighting for his place in Heaven, into a fantastical world where evil forces are causing chaos and heartache amongst the human race.

Evil tries to seduce him in many ways and Dan finds himself fighting with human emotions as well as demons in all shapes and forms.

3. How did you get into writing?

Since an early age I loved to write stories. Making multiple handwritten copies of them to share amongst my aunts and uncles to read.

4. What can you learn about writing and what can you not learn?

You can't learn what to write about, but the craft of writing is an ongoing learning experience.

5. What is your favourite task in the writing process and what do you not like about it (like writing blurbs for example)?

My favourite task is developing the characters.

6. Is there something that drives you crazy regarding the writing/ publishing process?

Editing isn't something I particularly don't like doing, but it is a necessity in the whole process.

7. Where do you get the ideas for your books?

Every day life. There isn't any mythical creatures roaming our world, however there is bullying, grooming and Internet dangers facing our youth and my books do feature this.

8. Which of your written books is your own favourite?

I don't have a favourite because each publication is special to me. It would be like asking a mother to say she has a favourite child.

9. Who reads your manuscripts first?

My partner.

10. How long do you revise your manuscript before you say, "Now I can share it with others?"

Months. Probably too long, because my confidence can waiver slightly.

11. In which genre would you like to write but haven't dared yet? And in which genre would you never write?

I would like to write erotica but haven't as yet. But, never say never. I would never write nonfiction.

12. Are there writers you admire?

Carlos Ruiz Zafon is my favourite author. His words take me straight into his world.

13. What is a successful author in your opinion?

How do you measure success? But, all authors should think of being a success because writing something for others to read is a great achievement in itself.

14. Regarding your books: Would you do it all over again in the same way? What would you change, if you could?

I wouldn't change anything. I love the books I've written, even the unpublished ones.

15. What do you say about the competition among authors, especially about the fact that some authors deliberately give bad ratings to others to spite them? Have you ever experienced something like this yourself?

I haven't had any bad experiences. I've met lots of lovely people in my writing journey. In my opinion negatively is a waste of energy.

16. What was the worst, most annoying, least beautiful thing that has happened to you as an author and what was the most beautiful thing?

The worst thing that has happened to me is my computer crashing just as I was doing final edits. The most beautiful thing was being published for the first time.

17. How do you motivate yourself when things don't go the way you want them to?

I have a real stubborn streak and that motivates me to achieve my goals.

18. Why do you think some authors make it in the book industry and others don't? Do you have any advice?

If I knew I would bottle the secret and sell it. However, I don't have the recipe for this potion and my only advice is do your best. Never give up.

19. Many authors are reserved and shy, especially when it comes to readings and book fair appearances. You got any advice for them?

Remember we're all human and each and every one of us has fears and anxieties.

20. Which authors and books do you think deserve more attention?

All authors deserve equal attention, writing anything takes time and lots of love.

21. Which books do you like to read yourself? Which ones would you never read?

Fantasy and murder mystery. I cannot say there was a book in any genre that I just wouldn't even try to read.

22. What are you dreaming of as a writer? Is there a wish you would share with us?

I don't have any particular dream. The only dream I ever had was to be published and I've achieved that.

 https://www.amazon.co.uk/Deep-Christina-Rowell-ebook/dp/B01MA4YTUS

Uniqueness

 

    Over the last couple of months, I've read lots of short stories of various genres and watched a mega load of movies. When I'm not at my best I find that my mind is all over the place and sitting down for hours to write is not possible. Even if I have an organized workplace and the correct tools to hand, I can only concentrate and focus for an hour at a time, tops. Therefore, to occupy my mind, I have taken the opportunity to emerge myself in other peoples work.

    I didn't realise since I'm not a regular movie goer, or TV viewer, that there were so many movies alike. Duh. Yes, I can hear you ask where have you been? But, it's not until I've watched so many, one after the other, that it has become obvious as to how similar all stories actually are.

     "So, if it's already written, been dramatised, why should we read another fiction piece, go to the movies and theatre or watch TV?" I asked myself. The thing is, each of these creations has a uniqueness. That special twist, or turn that makes the piece stand out from the crowd.

   Just like this ironing-board standing in the middle of nowhere! Definitely standing out from the crowd. Unique!

  

 

 



 

 

Strutting Like a Peacock

    The last week I've been trying to get my life back into some resemblance of normal. Yes, I wake up in the morning and have a plan for the day. However, the simplest of tasks seem to take forever and my imagination makes mountains out of molehills.

    Take Friday past for example, it was the first time I had ventured outside since my accident, other than going to the hospital for check-ups. Now, I was very excited about this outing, because I was going to the hairdressers. Something that I normally do every four weeks, but it had been eleven weeks since I had visited and I had taken on the trait of a vampire in this time. No, I wasn't biting necks, drinking blood, or light was passing through my body, but I was avoiding mirrors.

    My appointment was made for ten o'clock and for a week in my mind I had been planning my outing. Firstly, going out in public with my now very grey hair was a concern. Wearing a paper-bag with holes cut into it for my eyes was an option. A stupid option sure, but it was an option.

    Seriously though, I was rather anxious about the two stairs that I needed to negotiate to enter the main area of the salon. In my mind the stairs were fairly steep and I couldn't remember as to whether there was a handrail, or not.

    After a short walk from where the car was parked, which was another new experience, I entered the salon. Did I have a mountain to climb to get my long awaited cut and dye. No, it was all in my imagination, I now feel a new woman and I'm strutting like a peacock.

Roses

    Today is, International Women's Day, and there are so many women who are an inspiration to us all. One such woman who impacted women's history is George Eliot. Don't let the name mislead you, because the name was used by the English writer, Mary Anne Evans. 

    A novelist, poet, journalist and editor, Mary Anne wrote seven novels under her pen name. She was a writer who wanted to be taken seriously and in Victorian times that was hard for a woman, therefore the pseudonym.

    So, here is a poem by this leading writer, who did it for the girls.

Roses

You love the roses, so do I. I wish

The sky would rain down roses, as they rain

From off the shaken bush. Why will it not?

Then all the valley would be pink and white

And soft to tread on. They would fall as light

 As feathers, smelling sweet, and it would be

 Like sleeping and like waking all at once!

 

George Eliot 1819-80

Reading is Power

    It's 'World Book Day' in the UK, Thursday 7 March. A day for readers, authors, illustrators, editors, publishers and all things in the writing world to celebrate stories.

    www.worldbookday.com is a charity whose mission is to give every child and young person a book of their own and their website has fantastic ideas as to how to get kids involved in this celebration. From readathons, designing a National Book Token, to being a guest of the BBC for a WBD live lesson and all  school children will be also given a book token.

    One other activity is for children to dress-up as a favourite character from a book, which I am all for. However, there is one thing that is getting on my nerves and please forgive me while I explain myself.

    The fact is that lots of supermarkets and various online retailers are now selling an abundance of costumes for adults and children alike to wear on this day. What do I have against this? Well, the problem I have with this is that there are so many children living in poverty all over the world, many of whom will never be told stories, or own a book. The retail price of some of these outfits are from £15.00 upwards. Hell, that could go a long way to providing reading, and writing materials for children in many classrooms. As well as filling little empty bellies in a time when we have seen a rise in food banks in the western world.

    Making costumes is fun, seriously, recycle old clothing, get out the bin bags and duct tape. Forget lining the coffers of the retailers, remember some of these outfits on sale will be made in conditions we could never imagine. #FairTrade

    This day isn't about making profit, it is a yearly event organised by UNESCO to promote reading, publishing and copyright. We're now in danger of forgetting what the whole day is about, as is happening with Easter and Christmas, commercialisation is taking over.

     World Book Day is all about demonstrating that #Readingispower.

A World So Fair

 

I will soon walk among the trees

Listen to the songful birds and the buzz of the busy bees

Stroll along the meandering path, edged with a variety of flowers, orange and white in hue

Where I might end up I haven't got a clue

I'll appreciate nature's beauty with every step I take

Dazzled by the Spring sunshine, sparkling like diamonds on the surface of the lake

I'll fulfil a longing to take a deep breath and fill my lungs with fresh air

And be thankful that I live in this world so fair 

     Christina Rowell

The Power of Storytelling

 

    Friday past, it was time for me to visit hospital once again. Seven weeks have passed since I fractured my ankle and I had no idea what was in store, meaning I was rather anxious.

    Initially, on my arrival I was sent for a couple of x-rays. They would give the consultant all the information she needed to hopefully set me free of my cast.

    The orthopaedic clinic, waiting-room was jam-packed with  people of all ages, from schoolboys to great-grandparents. Their injuries varied from fractured ankles, legs, wrists, spines and ruptured knees.

   Long waiting times at these out-patient clinics are to be expected and the strangers you find yourself sitting beside, or opposite can easily become short-term acquaintances.

    Friday was no different and a chap fitted with a back brace was the first to break the uncomfortable silence. For the next two hours stories were exchanged of how injuries occurred. Some of the stories were on the tall side and laughs were raised. Others, were possibly too graphic and gasps of astonishment reverberated around the room.

    The thing that was clearly obvious was that the power of storytelling brings people together, whatever misfortune they are faced with.


P.S.

Cast off and this boot is made for walking! Yippee!

Snow Moon

    Tomorrow, February 19, many of our skies will be lit up by a full moon (snow). I'm featuring a poem today by New Englander poet, James Russell Lowell, because his words conjure up instantly a picture in my head of me sitting alone, looking up into a starry sky, dominated by a full moon.

Moonlight

The moon shines white and silent

On the mist, which, like a tide

Of some enchanted ocean

Over the wide marsh doth glide

Spreading its ghost-like billows

Silently far and wide

A vague and starry magic

Make all things mysteries

And lures the earth's dumb spirit

Up to the longing skies

I seem to hear dim whispers

And tremulous replies

The fireflies over the meadow

In pulses come and go

The elm-tree's heavy shadow

Weighs on the grass below

And faintly from the distance

The dreaming cock doth crow

All things look strange and mystic

The very bushes swell

And take wild shapes and motions

As if beneath a spell

They seem not the same lilacs

From childhood known so well

The snow of deepest silence

Over everything doth fall

So beautiful and quiet

And yet  so like a pall

As if all life were ended

And rest were come to all

O wild and wondrous midnight

There is a might in thee

To make the charmed body

Almost like spirit be

And give it some faint glimpses

Of immortality

James Russell Lowell 1819-1891

 

The Diminishing Bug

     

 
    Insects, love them, or hate them, are important to the world we live in. An analysis found that 40% of the insect world are decreasing and many are now endangered.

  
    Butterfly numbers for example have shrunk by 58% in England and the buzzing bumblebee has literally buzzed off, their population halving in areas of the US in the last 64 years. Changing how we farm, grow our food and even keep our gardens impacts these necessary creatures.

  
    In the last week, after a short illness a former neighbour and friend of mine sadly passed away and I could not help but think of her when I read about this global tragedy.

    Her garden was a haven for the insect world. She thought through every year before planting her flowers and shrubs. Not only thinking about the design, but the effect of replacing, and replanting would have on the bug population and soil condition of her beloved garden.

  
    We all need to take responsibility for the world we live in because it's not someone else's problem it's a problem shared by each and everyone of us.


https://devilslayingamongstotherthings.blogspot.com/2015/03/mariposa.html

Stirring Thoughts

    I watched a movie yesterday. In fact it was one of several. Okay, movies are my guilty pleasure since becoming a bed potato.  The title of the film is totally irrelevant and to be honest it's not a movie I'm liable to recommend, write a rave review about, or even remember about next week.

    However, what I did like about it was the underlying message, that I took from it. The message being that sometimes after  being with someone for a long number of years we actually forget why we got together in the first place.

    So as St Valentines day is approaching fast, here is one of my poems that reminds me of why I'm with my significant other.

      Weekend hugs to you all. xx

Today and Forever

I feel your touch and my skin burns

Filling me with excitement and delight

Your lips upon mine send tingling through my body

Like nothing I have ever felt before

The love you and I express, I know is real

A love that we can share today and forever




Christina Rowell

Gong Hei Fat Choy!

    The year that has already begun on January 1st, I've decided as it didn't start too well for me it was just a preliminary for the year that is beginning tomorrow. That means the bit of bad luck that I encountered four weeks ago is last years news.

    It is both the start of a new lunar year and more importantly for 20% of the World's population, Tuesday, February the 5th is the start of a brand new year.

    Each year of the Chinese calendar is symbolised by an animal and this year it is the year of the pig an animal which has a fabulous personality and is blessed with good fortune in its life. Coincidentally, or not  I was desperately needing something to attract my partners attention when I'm in need of help and the little guy pictured above is what hubby brought home from the supermarket the other day.

    I just squeeze his little pink squidgy body and he lets out a great big honk. (The pig I mean and not my husband.) Confined to sitting on my butt all day means I need lots of help and of course sustenance. Although I think I will give the dumplings which is traditional for the Chinese to consume in abundance at this time of year. Otherwise, I'll be rolling around rather than hopping.

    Have a fabulous week guys and a Happy New Year, Gong hei fat choy!

Before and After!

        Normally, before writing any blog post I search through my stock of photos to check if I have a picture, or pictures I can use. If there is nothing that I feel is right, on many occasions I get the camera out and start clicking. Today was no different, other than being confined to bed.

    The question I put to myself  was, did I dare to bare and show myself in my true light, or should I fix up my selfie using my Photoshop app?

    No, there was no need, I would show you a before and after. Yes, that's it the. Before, being the plaster cast applied to my ankle following my recent op and the After,  following my check-up on Wednesday. Stitches removed, new colourful cast. Looking good to go.

    Have a terrific weekend guys. Hugs xx

   

   

Chapter Two : Not as I had Expected

    The last time I told you about the next chapter in my own life I was about to embark on. Well, the page didn't start as how I had hoped, planned, or expected.

    By now I should have been 3000 miles away. Yes, I expected to be typing this post at my desk, sitting on my comfy chair. As well as airing and pressing my tartan dress in readiness for the Burn's suppers I speak at.

    Well I'm not, fate had something else planned for me and I'm still in Scotland, after breaking my ankle in five places. Ouch, that was me remembering. Nothing comfy about sitting, or standing at present.

    My outline for the new chapter in my book of life has just been torn into small pieces and thrown into the sea. Will I catch some of the pieces soon to place them all back together? Who knows? Have a great weekend amigos. Send some positivity my way.

 No suppers for me this year. Hey, who wanted haggis anyway?