Guest Post: Lucinda E Clarke

Thank you Christoph for hosting me on your blog today where I talk about my new boss from hell.

writerchristophfischer

Today I have the pleasure and honour to host the very talented Lucinda E Clarke on my blog. I’m a big fan of her work and look forward to reading this new psychological thriller series of her. Books 1 & 2 are on sale @ $/£0.99 for a week beginning 12th September.
Now over to Lucinda and her experience as freelance writer

When you earn a living as a freelance writer you meet all kinds of people. You also get to visit all kinds of interesting places. I’ve been inside a power station, numerous factories, radio and TV studios, in helicopters, tunnels under the sea, behind the scenes at Ocean World, honestly the list is endless.

Each time you’re commissioned you have a subject specialist who may or may not be the main client. Either way, it’s a new boss.

I worked with some wonderful people and I also encountered…

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Housekeeping tips

This is sooo me. great advice. (Do check out Bob’s relatives while you’re here).

bluebird of bitterness

❧ Layers of dirt on windows and screens provide a helpful filter against harmful rays from the sun. Consider it an SPF and leave it alone.

❧ Cobwebs draped over lampshades reduce glare from the bulb, thereby creating a romantic atmosphere. If your husband suggests that the light fixtures need dusting, say, “What? And spoil the mood?”

❧ Explain the mounds of pet hair by saying you are collecting it to use for stuffing hand-sewn toys for underprivileged children.

❧ If company is coming, shove everything unsightly into one room and close the door. As you show your guests through your house, say, “I’d show you the den, but Fluffy hates to be disturbed, and the shots are so expensive.”

❧ If dust is really out of control, place a fancy urn on the coffee table and say, “This is where Grandma wanted us to scatter her ashes.”

❧ Mix…

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Meet Guest Author, Lucinda E Clarke…

Chris the Story Reading Ape gave me a guest post so I could rant about my new boss.

Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog

“Write what you know,” they scream at all new authors as they stare at a blank screen or page.

Well I tried. I really did. But I had a huge problem. I know a lot, or, that should be I knew a lot. To be honest I’ve forgotten most of it.

For almost three decades I wrote for clients of all shapes and sizes (and temperaments) for radio, TV, the print media, conference presentations, educational, mayoral speeches and all points in between.

I became an instant expert on such diverse subjects as Shakespeare, car manufacture, crop growing, splitting the atom, climbing ladders, building roads, banking, ocean pollution, geometry – the list is endless. I was one of those nightmare guests at cocktail parties who could rabbit on about anything while making little sense of anything and any in-depth knowledge.

The moment…

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FLASH NEWS

As I sit here in Spain, the rain is pouring down, which is kind of amazing. Poor DH is out there trying to play petanque (Spanish version of the French boules), so I’m expecting a drowned rat home any minute.

I think I’m working with the block editor so not really sure what I’m doing here. I can’t see anywhere to insert the book cover. And have I lost my nice header? You know the one with me floating over the Big Hole in Kimberley, South Africa? It was once a small mountain but man dug that all away in his frenetic lust for diamonds and then went on down, down and down until he created this massive crater. I’ve been meaning to move me over to one side, but looks as if it’s too late.

This is just a really quick blog to announce that I have put Amie: Savage Safari on a Kindle Countdown for the very first time. No idea why I’ve never done it before.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07NCDKF8P

The story. Amie the reluctant spy is persuaded to return to the African country of Togodo to oversee a safari camp where international representatives are invited to bid for the rights to mine Togodo’s precious minerals. There is infighting, intrigue and a group out to prevent the auction from taking place.

Amie, pregnant with her first child has no choice but to go and keep an eye open and report back to her British spymasters. To make matters worse, her partner and soul mate Simon has gone missing and she fears for his life.

Lots of fast-paced, page turning action and recent winner of a silver medal in the eLit Awards.

You can grab it for only $/£0.99 on all market places.

PS: Look out for the launch of the 3rd book in my psychological thriller series “A Day on the Life of…” the continuing saga of the Brand family set on the south coast of France by the Mediterranean Sea.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08GZNCVWL

Well, I’ve got this far. Rather proud of myself! Take care and stay safe.

GUEST POST MELANIE P SMITH

This week I’d like to welcome another author who is well known to me for two reasons – I’ve read some of her … Paige books, which I have – and on more then one occasion, Melanie has been a whizz helping me out with graphics. So, I’m thrilled to introduce her to you.

MELANIE BANNER

I am a motorcycle riding, animal loving, author and photographer who has always enjoyed a good adventure. When I’m not writing, I can be found riding my Harley, exploring the wilderness, or capturing that next great photo.  Long before I delved into the world of fantasy and suspense, I served nearly three decades in the Special Operations Division for our local Sheriff’s Office working with SWAT, Search & Rescue, K9, the Motor Unit, Investigations and the Child Abduction Response Team.  I now use that training and knowledge to create stories that are action-packed, gripping, and realistic.

Tell us your latest news

MELANIE BOX SET

I’m well into the 5th season of my police procedural — Paige Carter.  Paige and Dax are married now and trying to balance a career with their personal lives.  Dax and his team are focused on the new business while Paige is faced with some intriguing and difficult cases.  Don’t’ worry, the duo still has time for their morning chats and Dax will try to worm his way in as Paige gathers evidence and chases bad guys.  The current season can only be found on my website, but previous seasons are available at all your favorite stores. https://melaniepsmith.com/crime-blog-landing/

MELANIE LAST PIC

I also recently released a short story and the first novel in a new series.  The short story was originally intended for an anthology, but the project just didn’t turn out the way we all hoped so I ended up releasing Love Can Wait independently.  Here’s a brief synopsis….

Sometimes sacrifice is the only solution.  A mother desperate to keep her child.  A father trying to protect his son.  A storm, a tragedy, and a destiny nobody saw coming.

https://books2read.com/LoveCanWait

MELANIE DIVERGENCE

I’m also excited to announce the release of a new Romantic Fantasy — Divergence.  It is the first book in my new Immortals Series. Here’s a brief intro…

Part Mortal, Part Divinity, Fully Devoted.

Meet the immortals -The wiccan, the shifter, the Master of Water, the siren, the healer, the Reader of Minds. Their destiny awaits — if they accept their fate and unite to confront a dangerous enemy in the battle of a lifetime.

The gathering has begun. Six demigods embark on an epic journey of danger, mystical creatures, dark magic, and intrigue. When an ancient prophesy is triggered, the tale of six powerful immortals begins. Legend has it, the chosen six will triumph over evil and restore peace. But first, they must gather together and converge on the land where their parents were defeated. Time is running out, the Titans want revenge, and the future of the entire world is at stake.

Check out my Book Trailer…
https://youtu.be/2ZMon5-BBxY

The two main characters in Divergence are Beckett Prescott and Cassandra Ashton.  Don’t tell anyone, but these two just might fall in love before this tale concludes — it is a romance after all.  Beckett is a wealthy businessman who was orphaned as a child.  His best friend, Zander is also his second in command.  Beckett has no idea he is immortal, but one stormy night he discovers nothing in his world is what it seems.

Cassandra (Cassie) is a Wiccan.  She learned magic at a young age from her parents and her eccentric aunts.  Instead of embracing her gift, she rejects it.  Her single-minded focus is on bringing joy and happiness to others through her novelty shop where she sells lotion, soap, and scented candles.  Nobody needs to know her products include a little something extra of the magical variety, do they?

Want to learn more?  You’re in luck.  Cassie and Beckett sat down to answer a few personal questions about their lives, their family, and their future.

Cassie, where did you grow up and what was your childhood like?

I grew up with my parents in Braxton Creek until I was fourteen.  They were killed in a freak accident and I went to live with my two aunts’ in Florida.  My childhood was enchanting — that’s the only world I can think of to describe it.  My mom was a powerful Wiccan and my dad was a formidable sorcerer.  Dad was a gentle soul and the kindest man I’ve ever known.  He taught me how to use my gift to obtain inner peace.  Mom taught me the practicalities of magic as well as strength, fortitude, and grace.  I wish I had inherited just a fraction of my mother’s elegance and style.  Once I went to live with my aunts, they tried to teach me how to have fun and enjoy life.  I’m still working on that, but I think I’m getting better at it.

Beckett, if you could go anywhere with one person, who would you take and where would you go?

I would love to have one more day with my mother.  Where doesn’t matter as long as we have time to relax and just enjoy each other’s company.  Maybe the Amalfi coast in Italy.  I think she’d enjoy the relaxed, carefree atmosphere with the quaint little shops, sun-filled piazzas, and the small, secluded beaches. She always loved spending an afternoon on the lake when I was a child. I think she’d enjoy the beauty of Italy as much as I did.

Cassie, what is the weirdest thing about you and are you proud of it or embarrassed?

That one is easy.  It has to be my magic.  I always knew I could cast spells and create simple potions.  I didn’t know I had seriously powerful magic like my parents.  To be honest, I didn’t realize they were powerful until the prophesy was triggered, and we all converged on this lakehouse.  My magical abilities used to embarrass me.  Now, I think I’m finally learning to be proud of who and what I am.  Beckett’s support and easy acceptance has helped. I still have a long way to go, but I think I’m finally ready to just be me — warts and all.

Beckett, who would you like to be stuck in an elevator with?

Cassie, of course.  (Smiling, he reached out and took her hand in his.)

Of course.  A final question for both of you.  Will be we seeing more of you in the future, or has your story already been told?

“You will definitely be seeing more of us,” Beckett answered.

“Our story is only beginning,” Cassie added.

“Our group has now gathered but we have a lot of work ahead of us.  We’re not ready to face what’s coming,” Beckett sobered.

“And,” Cassie added.  “The prophesy talks about three phases.  We might have the first leg behind us — but now it’s time to train and prepare.  Our entire groups needs more training.  None of us really knows the extent of our gifts.  I think Luna knows more than she’s sharing but a nuclear explosion wouldn’t force that woman to spill her secrets.”

Beckett laughed and agreed.

If you enjoyed learning about Beckett and Cassie, you can purchase their story at all major eBook stores.

https://books2read.com/Divergence

What are your current projects?

MELANIE ARTIFICE

I am currently writing the second book in my Immortals series titled Artifice.  It picks up where Divergence leaves off and continues with the story of six immortals trying to unite to defeat the Titans and save earth.  Each of them comes from a family with extraordinary talent.  But, with power comes responsibility.  Can they join together in this season of training, or will outside influences tear them apart?

You can learn more here:-

Visit my website at https://melaniepsmith.com/ to learn more.

Check out my brochures for book details, links and trailers
https://geni.us/FantasyBrochure
https://geni.us/SuspenseBrochure
https://geni.us/FictionBrochure

Connect with me—

https://amazon.com/author/melaniepsmith
https://geni.us/MPSBookBub
https://geni.us/MPSFacebook
https://geni.us/MPSTwitter
https://geni.us/MPSmithYouTube
https://geni.us/MPSPinterest

Thank you so much Melanie for being my guest this week.

If you would like a guest spot, then leave a comment below or contact me on FaceBook – Lucinda E Clarke