Monthly Archives: March 2016

The 10 Worst Story Openings

An interesting article on “The 10 Worst Story Openings”, (http://lauralee1.blogspot.co.uk/2013/09/10-ways-not-to-open-story.html). While I agree with some of the points made in this piece, getting hung up on how one should (or should not) begin a story can lead to a loss of spontaneity, with the writer worrying about the perfect (if such a thing exists) beginning rather than simply writing the best story they are capable of. Again what one reader perceives as being clichéd may well be regarded by others as constituting a great opening paragraph.

Kevin

A 5 star review of my collection of short stories, “The Suspect and Other Tales”

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I was delighted to receive the below 5 star review for my collection of short stories, “The Suspect and Other Tales”:

“This is a well-written collection of tales, some of which have surprising endings, and all of which make for great reads.
I enjoyed “the Condemned Man” a lot. But “Something Wicked” and “The 8.32” were my favourites”.
For the review please visit HERE
Many thanks to the reviewer for taking the time to read and review “The Suspect and Other Tales”.

Kevin

Rhubarb the Red-Nosed Rabbit – book release by author Victoria (Tori) Zigler

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Title: Rhubarb The Red-Nosed Rabbit
Author: Victoria Zigler
Genres: Children’s books – Animals – Rabbits & Children’s books – Holidays
Published: March 26, 2016

Synopsis:
“I’m sure you’ve heard all about the red-nosed reindeer that saved Christmas. But, have you ever heard the story of the red-nosed rabbit that saved Easter?

Everybunny has always teased Rhubarb because of his bright red nose, even though it’s not his fault he was born different. But when a misty night threatens to stop the Easter Bunny from making his yearly delivery of Easter eggs to the children of the world, Rhubarb’s red nose may be the only thing that can save Easter.”

Buy it from Smashwords

Buy it on iBooks

Buy it from Barnes & Noble

Buy it on Kobo

Paperback version coming soon!

In an efort to help fellow authors, J K Rowling shares her rejection letters

In an efort to help fellow authors, J K Rowling shares her rejection letters, (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3509237/We-publish-book-commercial-success-Harry-Potter-author-JK-Rowling-shares-rejection-letters-publishers-writing-pen-Robert-Galbraith.html).

How Thin

Oh how thin
Is the divide betwixt virtue and sin.
A rake’s grin
Or a smile
That beguiles
Girls who flirt
In skirts
Short.

Ought?
Ought not?
Passion hot.
Cool reflection
May lead to dejection.
There is no rejection
When the coin does spin
And what some call sin
Enters in.

Of poets and virgins

Yesterday evening (Tuesday 22 March) saw me with fellow poet, Toby Wheeler at Poetry Unplugged (http://poetrysociety.org.uk/event/poetry-unplugged-2/2016-03-29/). Poetry Unplugged is a weekly event, hosted by the Poetry Café, affording poets the opportunity to read their work. Yesterday evening was my first time reading at Poetry Unplugged, however I was not alone in this as a number of other “virgins” (the label applied by the host to we first timers)! Also read their work.
Those wishing to read had to register between 6-7 pm, with the open mic session starting at 7:30. There where 34 readers and given the significant interest in participating each poet was allowed a slot of 4 minutes duration. I think this was entirely fair as it afforded all those wishing to participate an opportunity to do so.
I read the following poems from my recently released collection of poetry, “Lost in the Labyrinth of My Mind”:
“Lost”
“Leaves Blown at Night”
And “Raining”.
In addition I read my poem “Midnight”, which appears in my collection of poetry and prose, “Dalliance”.

The atmosphere in the Poetry Café was warm and friendly with everyone wishing to read being given a fair crack of the whip. It was great to be introduced to the voices of so many unfamiliar poets and hear my friend and fellow poet, Toby Wheeler read his work.
If you are interested in attending Poetry Unplugged, either as a reader or a member of the audience please see the above link for details (you don’t need to book. Those wishing to read should sign-up between 6-7 pm, prior to reading commencing at 7:30 pm).

For details of my collection of poetry, “Lost in the Labyrinth of My Mind” please visit http://moyhill.com/lost/. For details of “Dalliance” please go to http://amzn.com/B00QQVJC7E.

I am reading at the Poetry Cafe tomorrow (Tuesday 22 March)

As announced on 9 March, I will be reading at the Poetry Café, 22 Betterton Street, Covent Garden, London, on Tuesday 22 March.

Poems will be taken from my recently released collection of poetry, “Lost in the Labyrinth of My Mind”, which is available in print and electronic formats (http://moyhill.com/lost/).

If you are in the vicinity of Covent Garden, it would be wonderful to see you at the Poetry Café. Kevin

World Poetry Day 2016

Annette Rochelle Aben's avatarAnnette Rochelle Aben

WPD

Today, March 21, 2016, is World Poetry Day. In 1999, The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) created this day to “recognize the unique ability of poetry to capture the creative spirit of the human mind.”    There is some documentation showing this day, dating as far back as 1950 and in some places around the world, the celebration continues through October.

We have this beautiful statement from the Director-General of UNESCO, Irina Bokova, on the importance of World Poetry Day.

“By paying tribute to the men and women whose only instrument is free speech, who imagine and act. UNESCO recognizes in poetry its value as a symbol of the human spirit’s creativity. By giving form and words that which has none – such as the unfathomable beauty that surrounds us, the immense suffering and misery of the world – poetry contributes to…

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