FanFic

Hey guys.

A little off topic today but I have been having a go at writing my own Drarry (Draco X Harry) Fanfic recently and I would be honoured if some of my readers would give it a go? 

Thanks in advance! 

Let me know if you like it, any ideas you have or what I can improve on. Any feedback is welcome.

Thanks!

-TRR

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Ten Characters Who Are Fellow Book Nerds

This is a weekly Meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish Where Fellow Book Bloggers Share Their Top Ten of The Given Subject.

Ten Characters Who Are Fellow Book Nerds

1. Hermione Granger Harry Potter
When isn't Hermione reading a book? 


2. Annabeth Chase Percy Jackson
The smart, clever one and as a daughter of Athena; books are default.
 

3. Claire Danvers Morganville Vampires
Claire is a genius for her age who goes to college at 16, books are defiantly required in her life. 
 

4. Elizabeth Bennet Pride and Prejudice
You can always find Elizabeth reading, especially when she is trying to avoid or bait Darcy.


5. Diana Bishop All Souls Trilogy
She pretty much has the coolest job on the planet working in the bodleian library.



6. Jane Hayes Austenland
She is the ultimate Jane Austen fan that most of us long to be. She dreams of living the life of her favourite character Elizabeth Bennet and actually gets to do so (lucky thing!)


7. Tyrion Lannister A Song of Ice and Fire
He wouldn't be the smart and witty man we all love without his love and determination to read books.


8. Cather Avery Fangirl
A book lover who probably reminds most fangirls of themselves.


9. Harper Lynn Fisher Watersong
She works in a library and uncovers the mystery and attempts to save her sister all thanks to getting her knowledge of the sirens from some avid book reading. 


10. Devyn Need
If they need some facts to help save the day, bookish Devyn was always on hand to relay the information he had read from various books to the pixie fighting team.
 

Ten Books That Celebrate Diversity/Diverse Characters

This is a weekly Meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish Where Fellow Book Bloggers Share Their Top Ten of The Given Subject.

As someone with Hypermobility Syndrome and therfore limited mobility. I don't really tend to read many books about people living with disabilities. Instead I like to read about people running and being active and saving the world, because I can't. 
It was also a difficult list to write as there is a severe lack of diverse characters in YA novels so I am taking the last half of the list for sugestions on furture reads that actually are about diversity.

Ten Books That Celebrate Diversity/Diverse Characters 

1. The Mortal Instruments / Bane Chronicles Cassandra Clare
This series contains a beautiful romance between closeted, quiet Alec and flamboyant magician Magnus Bane. I completly ship them!

2. House of Night P. C Cast & Kristin Cast
This series contains 'the twins' made up of Erin Bates and Shaunee Cole. Shaunee is african american where Erin is fair skinned. It is lovely to see such a close relationship in a popular YA book that has diversity showing that the colour of your skin doesn't matter. 
3. Need Carrie Jones
This book contains a character called Devyn who is wheelchair bound (in the early books anyway) because of paralysis. However he is one of the best characters in the books, the most brainy and he doesn't let his disability stop him fighting pixies.
4. Jaqueline Wilson
One of the most diverse writers of all time. She writes about all types of families, frienships and people to help children understand and experience a more diverse world.
5. Carry On Rainbow Rowell
This book may have just originated from a book where a girl totally ships two characters in a book as gay (book-ception there) but It will still be a diverse book when it is released in october and one I am definatly going to read.
6. Heroes of Olympus Rick Riordan
Spoilers if you havn't read the last couple of books. But the last few books takes into account (one of the best characters in my opinion) Nico coming to terms with his sexuality where he has been so closeted before no one actually realised he wasn't straight until we were given hints by cupid. His struggle with his feelings for Percy and his relisation for his feelings for fellow homosexual character Will are toucing and heartbreaking to read. This series also contains a range of ethnically diverse characters such as Frank, Hazel, Piper and Grover who share a range of nationalities and ethnic backgrounds.

4 Recomendations of Diverse Books from the Blog Diversity In YA

7. Huntress Malinda Lo Diversity: Lesbian Relationship

Nature is out of balance in the human world. The sun hasn't shone in years, and crops are failing. Worse yet, strange and hostile creatures have begun to appear. The people's survival hangs in the balance.

To solve the crisis, the oracle stones are cast, and Kaede and Taisin, two seventeen-year-old girls, are picked to go on a dangerous and unheard-of journey to Tanlili, the city of the Fairy Queen. Taisin is a sage, thrumming with magic, and Kaede is of the earth, without a speck of the otherworldly. And yet the two girls' destinies are drawn together during the mission. As members of their party succumb to unearthly attacks and fairy tricks, the two come to rely on each other and even begin to fall in love. But the Kingdom needs only one huntress to save it, and what it takes could tear Kaede and Taisin apart forever.

The exciting adventure prequel to Malinda Lo's highly acclaimed novel Ash is overflowing with lush Chinese influences and details inspired by the I Ching, and is filled with action and romance.

8. One Man Guy Michael Barakiva Diversity: Gay Relationship & Ethnicity

Alek Khederian should have guessed something was wrong when his parents took him to a restaurant. Everyone knows that Armenians never eat out. Between bouts of interrogating the waitress and criticizing the menu, Alek’s parents announce that he’ll be attending summer school in order to bring up his grades. Alek is sure this experience will be the perfect hellish end to his hellish freshman year of high school. He never could’ve predicted that he’d meet someone like Ethan.

Ethan is everything Alek wishes he were: confident, free-spirited, and irreverent. He can’t believe a guy this cool wants to be his friend. And before long, it seems like Ethan wants to be more than friends. Alek has never thought about having a boyfriend—he’s barely ever had a girlfriend—but maybe it’s time to think again.

9. Boyfriends With Girlfriends Alex Sanchez Diversity: Homosexuality

Lance has always known he was gay, but he's never had a real boyfriend. Sergio is bisexual, but his only real relationship was with a girl. When the two of them meet, they have an instant connection--but will it be enough to overcome their differences? 

Allie's been in a relationship with a guy for the last two years--but when she meets Kimiko, she can't get her out of her mind. Does this mean she's gay? Does it mean she's bi? Kimiko, falling hard for Allie, and finding it impossible to believe that a gorgeous girl like Allie would be into her, is willing to stick around and help Allie figure it out.  

Boyfriends with Girlfriends is Alex Sanchez at his best, writing with a sensitive hand to portray four very real teens striving to find their places in the world--and with each other. 

10. Shark Girl Kelly Bingham Diversity: Disability

On a sunny day in June, at the beach with her mom and brother, fifteen-year-old Jane Arrowood went for a swim. And then everything — absolutely everything — changed. Now she’s counting down the days until she returns to school with her fake arm, where she knows kids will whisper, "That’s her — that’s Shark Girl," as she passes. In the meantime there are only questions: Why did this happen? Why her? What about her art? What about her life? In this striking first novel, Kelly Bingham uses poems, letters, telephone conversations, and newspaper clippings to look unflinchingly at what it’s like to lose part of yourself - and to summon the courage it takes to find yourself again.

Now For Something Different: Game of Thrones Season Five

 

Media Review

-Because sometimes it's good to have variety

Television - Game of Thrones

Title: Game Of Thrones (Season Five)

First Air Date: 14th June 2015

What Channel: Sky Atlantic
Genres: Adventure, Drama, Fantasy

Pre-Order the Boxset On Amazon Here
Amazon Box Set Price: £24.99 (as of when posted)

Poster:

IMDB Description:

Several noble families fight for control of the mythical land of Westeros.

Starring:

Peter Dinklage - Tyrion Lannister
Emilia Clarke - Daenerys Targaryen
Kit Harington - Jon Snow

Writer:
David Benioff
D.B Weiss
George R. R. Martin
+ More

Director:
Alan Taylor
David Nutter
Alex Graves
+ More

Review:

MAJOR SPOILER ALERT IN THIS REVIEW

I know the series has been finished a while now but I have only now gotten round to writing up this review so I apologise for that!

For me the first few episodes of the series were a little slow going, mostly because they were just setting the scene for the major changed that were happening later on. I loved how this series saw some characters who were in completely different plot lines actually meet. My favourite of which was the meeting between Tyrion and Daenerys. They make a good team in my opinion with Daenerys doing the strong and dangerous job of ruling and Tyrion giving her wise advice which she needs so often. My favourite characters still remained my favourites in this series as they have throughout the show: Daenerys, Tyrion, Arya and Brienne. 

However this series began to get quite dark and more fantastical than the last few with the plot emphasis on The Red Lady, the Dragons, the White Walkers and on the creepy and disturbing Ramsay Bolton. 

The action was great also with more wars and fighting than ever before but this season held greater meaning in the violence. Instead of it just being mindless like it has been occasionally before, the violence in this season all had underlying motifs which were fun to try and guess.

I have to talk about the last few episodes now. This will contain spoilers, lots of spoilers so don't scroll further if you are yet to watch the show.

First of all the white walkers attack! How creepy were they? The fight was epic, like in an old Greek or roman battle film and I was devastated over the deaths of characters that we had only met a few minutes earlier. That shows you how concise the writing of the show creators is. The death that was the saddest for me was that of the wildling woman who shipped of her kids to safety with the promise to join them soon, but that never happened. Also the children who had turned into white walkers is the creepiest thing I have ever seen!

Now for the last episode - what an episode that was and so full of death!
First of all I am going to discuss the death of Myrcella Baratheon. And although her time was short on the show her death did pack a punch or two. Mostly because for all his faults I have began to actually like Jaime Lannister and although it is absolutely disgusting that Myrcella is his child with his sister (Blergh) It was heartbreaking to see Myrcella understand this and accept Jaime as her father which is all he has ever really wanted. But then she goes and dies in his arms before she gets the chance to really know him or before she gets to marry her true love and return home to her family - heartbreaking.
The next death I really did not mind at all! Stannis Baratheon has been a hated character of mine from the minute he killed his brother but it got worse throughout the series until it came to a head this series when he killed his own daughter! I was so glad that Brienne killed him as I love her I literally cheered at my TV when it happened.
Jon's death was the most shocking though. There are many theories that say that he isn't staying dead and I believe them. They wouldn't just kill off a main character in the middle of their important plot line would they? Killing off Jon leaves so much unanswered and so many plots unfinished that it wouldn't be a good idea. I think the idea that the Red Lady will bring him back is a good one but personally i thought he would come back as a white walker as they didn't burn his body, how much of an epic and complicated plot line would that make?
On the other side there was Cersei's walk of shame. I hate the character but even I felt sorry for her walking through the streets like that. 
Personally I found Arya's story in the last episode a little confusing, good for her for killing that disgusting man but what was the thing about all the faces and stuff all about? I got a bit lost at that point.
And the question on everyone's minds. Who was that giant gold knight at the end?



Rating:

 

Have You Seen This Show?

How Did You Find It?

Why Don't You Leave Me A Comment, Or a Link To Your Own Blog?

I Would Love To Hear Your Views!

-The Reading Rose

Last Ten Books That Came Into My Possession

This is a weekly Meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish Where Fellow Book Bloggers Share Their Top Ten of The Given Subject.

I am not going to count the actual last ten books that came into my possession as they are all novels for the new year at university and that would make for a boring list. So this is my List of:

Last Ten (Leisure) Books That Came Into My Possession 

1. Sherlock: The Sign Of Four (Sherlock Holmes #2)
Arthur Conan Doyle & Martin Freeman
Chelmsford Market as a Paperback
The series Sherlock offers a fresh, contemporary take on the original Sir Arthur Conan Doyle stories and has helped introduce a whole new generation of fans to the legendary detective—these tie-in editions feature introductions from the show's creators and actors. Sherlock and Dr Watson receive a visit from Mary Morsten, who offers up a particularly cryptic puzzle for them to solve. Her father went missing six years ago, and since then, she has received a pearl for every year he has not reappeared. Now, the treasure's sender has requested a meeting, and Mary would like Sherlock and Watson to accompany her. Finding the mystery benefactor is only the start of this adventure that puts Sherlock and Watson hot on the trail of cold-blooded killers and thieves—and a lost Indian fortune.

2. Evil Star (Gatekeepers #2)
Anthony Horowitz
Chelmsford Market as a Paperback
After his experiences at Raven's Gate, fourteen-year-old Matt Freeman thinks his days of battling evil are over. But he is pulled into another horrifying adventure when he discovers a second gate exists. Matt and his friend Richard travel to Peru and, assisted by a secret organization known as the Nexus, follow a series of clues to the gate's whereabouts. But there is a traitor in the Nexus...Richard is kidnapped. Matt manages to escape with the help of Pablo, a local boy. The pair travel to the Nazca desert and Matt realizes the horrifying truth: the Nazca lines are the second gate - it is about to open. But, this time, will he have the strength to prevent it?

3. City of Heavenly Fire (The Mortal Instruments #6)
Cassandra Clare
Chelmsford Market as a Paperback
In this dazzling and long-awaited conclusion to the acclaimed Mortal Instruments series, Clary and her friends fight the greatest evil they have ever faced: Clary's own brother. Sebastian Morgenstern is on the move, systematically turning Shadowhunter against Shadowhunter. Bearing the Infernal Cup, he transforms Shadowhunters into creatures out of nightmare, tearing apart families and lovers as the ranks of his Endarkened army swell. The embattled Shadowhunters withdraw to Idris - but not even the famed demon towers of Alicante can keep Sebastian at bay. And with the Nephilim trapped in Idris, who will guard the world against demons? When one of the greatest betrayals the Nephilim have ever known is revealed, Clary, Jace, Isabelle, Simon, and Alec must flee - even if their journey takes them deep into the demon realms, where no Shadowhunter has set foot before, and from which no human being has ever returned... Love will be sacrificed and lives lost in the terrible battle for the fate of the word in the thrilling final installment of the classic urban fantasy series The Mortal Instruments!

4. The Atlantis Gene (The Origin Mystery #1)
A.G Riddle
Chelmsford's The Works as a Paperback
THE GREATEST MYSTERY OF ALL TIME…
THE HISTORY OF HUMAN ORIGINS…
WILL BE REVEALED.
70,000 years ago, the human race almost went extinct.
We survived, but no one knows how.
Until now.
The countdown to the next stage of human evolution is about to begin, and humanity may not survive this time. The Immari are good at keeping secrets. For 2,000 years, they have hidden the truth about human evolution. And they’ve searched for an ancient enemy — a threat that could wipe out the human race. Now the search is over. Off the coast of Antarctica, a research vessel has discovered a mysterious structure buried deep in an iceberg. It’s been there for thousands of years, and it isn’t man made. The Immari think they know what it is, but they aren’t taking any chances. The time has come to execute their master plan: humanity must evolve or perish. In a lab in Indonesia, a brilliant geneticist may have just discovered the key to their plan. Four years ago, Dr. Kate Warner left California for Jakarta, Indonesia to escape her past. She hasn’t recovered from what happened to her, but she has made an incredible discovery: a cure for autism. Or so she thinks. What she’s found is actually far more dangerous. Her research could rewrite human history and unleash the next stage of human evolution. In the hands of the Immari, it would mean the end of humanity as we know it. One man has seen pieces of the Immari conspiracy: Agent David Vale. But he’s out of time to stop it. His informant is dead. His organization has been infiltrated. His enemy is hunting him. But when he receives a cryptic code from an anonymous source, he risks everything to save the only person that can solve it: Dr. Kate Warner. Now Kate and David must race to unravel a global conspiracy and learn the truth about the Atlantis Gene… and human origins. Their journey takes them to the far corners of the globe and into the secrets of their pasts. The Immari are close on their heels and will stop at nothing to find the Atlantis Gene and force the next stage of human evolution — even if it means killing 99.9% of the world’s population. David and Kate can stop them… if they can trust each other. And stay alive. THE ATLANTIS GENE is a thought-provoking techno-thriller about global genetic experiments, ancient conspiracies, and the mysteries of human evolution. Its complex characters and historical and scientific details will stay with you long after you finish. This sci-fi adventure is the first book in A.G. Riddle’s Origin Mystery Series.

5. Talon
Julie Kagawa 
Chelmsford's The Works as a Paperback
'There are a dozen soldiers hiding in that maze All hunting you. All looking to kill you.’
To the outside world Ember Hill is an ordinary girl, but Ember has a deadly secret. A dragon hiding in human form, she is destined to fight the shadowy Order of St.George, a powerful society of dragonslayers. St. George soldier Garret is determined to kill Ember and her kind. Until her bravery makes him question all he’s been taught about dragons.
Now a war is coming and Garret and Ember must choose their sides – fight to save their bond or fulfil their fate and destroy one another.

6. Day 21 (The Hundred Series #2)
Kass Morgan 
Chelmsford's The Works as a Paperback
It's been 21 days since The 100 landed on Earth. They're the only humans to set foot on the planet in centuries... or so they thought. Facing an unknown enemy, Wells attempts to keep the group together. Clarke strikes out for Mount Weather, in search of other Colonists, while Bellamy is determined to rescue his sister, no matter the cost. And back on the ship, Glass faces an unthinkable choice between the love of her life and life itself.


7. Love, Rosie
Cecelia Ahren

Amazon Kindle store as an Ebook
What happens when two people who are meant to be together can't seem to get it right? Rosie and Alex are destined for each other, and everyone seems to know it but them. Best friends since childhood, they are separated as teenagers when Alex and his family relocate from Dublin to Boston. Like two ships always passing in the night, Rosie and Alex stay friends, and though years pass, the two remain firmly attached via emails and letters. Heartbroken, they learn to live without each other. But destiny is a funny thing, and in this novel o f several missed opportunities, Rosie and Alex learn that fate isn't quite done with them yet.

8. The Secret Diary of Lizzie Bennet
Bernie Su & Kate Rorick

Amazon Kindle store as an Ebook
Based on the Emmy Awardwinning YouTube series The Lizzie Bennet Diaries. Twenty-four-year-old grad student Lizzie Bennet is saddled by student loan debt and still living at home along her two sisters - beautiful Jane and reckless Lydia. When she starts recording her reflections on life for her thesis project and posts them on YouTube, she has no idea The Lizzie Bennet Diaries will soon take on a life of their own, becoming an online sensation and turning the Bennet sisters into internet celebrities, seemingly overnight. When rich, handsome Bing Lee comes to town, along with his stuck-up friend William Darcy, things really start to get interesting for the Bennets — and for Lizzie's viewers. But not everything happens on-screen. Lucky for us, Lizzie has a secret diary. The Secret Diary of Lizzie Bennet takes readers deep inside Lizzie's world and well beyond the confines of her camera — from the wedding where she first meets William Darcy to the local hangout of Carter's bar, and much more. Providing revealing details about the Bennet household, including Lizzie's growing suspicions about her parents' unstable financial situation and her sister's budding relationship with Bing Lee; her anxieties about life after grad school, the perils of her unexpected fame; and her uncertainty over her future… and whom she wants to share it with. Featuring plenty of fresh twists to delight fans and new readers alike, The Secret Diary of Lizzie Bennet expands on the web series phenomenon that captivated a generation and reimagines the Pride and Prejudice story like never before.

9. The Colour Of Magic & The Light Fantastic (Discworld #1 & #2) 
Terry Pratchett

Leant to me from a friend
Together in one volume, here are the first two Discworld novels, featuring Rincewind the wizard and his Luggage, Twoflower and innocent tourist and Cohen the Barbarian, the world's oldest and greatest hero. And not to mention Death, who's not so bad once you get to know him





10. Darkness Becomes Her (Gods and Monsters #1)
Kelly Keaton

Amazon Kindle store as an Ebook
Ari can't help feeling lost and alone. With teal eyes and freakish silver hair that can't be changed or destroyed, Ari has always stood out. And after growing up in foster care, she longs for some understanding of where she came from and who she is.
Her search for answers uncovers just one message from her long dead mother: Run. Ari can sense that someone, or something, is getting closer than they should. But it's impossible to protect herself when she doesn't know what she's running from or why she is being pursued.
She knows only one thing: she must return to her birthplace of New 2, the lush rebuilt city of New Orleans. Upon arriving, she discovers that New 2 is very...different. Here, Ari is seemingly normal. But every creature she encounters, no matter how deadly or horrifying, is afraid of her.
Ari won't stop until she knows why. But some truths are too haunting, too terrifying, to ever be revealed

(P.S I Bought books 1-6 all on the same day...)

Ravenswood Tour: A Cynical American's Guide to British Myth

 

A Cynical American's Guide to British Myth

Anne Kenney

 

When Lydia, a teacher of English folklore and myth, contacts a cynical American writer on line, their relationship seems doomed because despite their shared love of the paranormal and supernatural their beliefs are poles apart. To Lydia's astonishment, Jensen accepts her invitation to visit England and to explore its myths and legends. A road trip across Britain in a tiny KA is not quite what Jensen was expecting but as he travels the country with Lydia as his guide, his cynicism is tested, not only by Lydia herself, but also by the colourful array of characters that they meet along the way.

His efforts to debunk legends such as Black Annis and the Cottingley Fairies are thwarted by both Lydia and those who truly believe. As time goes on Jensen begins to question what he sees and feels as his love of the British countryside and Lydia become entwined. Jensen hears tales of the White Worm, experiences first-hand a Phantom hitchhiker battles nature itself when he confronts the legendary Green Man. The final tale of shape shifting Selkies makes Jensen realise that his cynicism is being replaced by humanity and humility and as his love grows deeper, he begins to believe in the myths and legends he once wanted to disprove.

 Information

• Title: A Cynical American's Guide to British Myth
• Author: Ann Kenney
• Genre: Paranormal/Supernatural Romance
• Length: 380 pages
• Release Date: August 5, 2015
• ISBN-13: 978-1512002980
• Imprint: Craigh Na Dun

Available Here

  Author: Anne Kenney

 

Born in Leicester in 1960, I’ve been writing for more than thirty years! I have a real thirst for knowledge and tend to use information I’ve gleaned while writing my books or short stories. Married with three children I use my family as a sounding board for every single thing I write! I work full-time as a Student Support Administrator but spend most of my spare time writing. I am a huge football fan and have written lots of articles about Leicester City Football Club and have had them printed in the Fox football fanzine! Over the last ten years I have been an avid viewer of the TV series Supernatural and write episode reviews for Support Supernatural – an American website. I also write fan fiction because it helps me keep my hand in so to speak. I’ve been lucky enough to work in some interesting jobs and have been editor for a community newsletter. When I’m not working or writing I look after my two dogs, read, go swimming and go to the cinema (I am a huge film buff/bore). Years ago I used to be a Magician’s Assistant, I’ve run Murder Mystery evening with my husband, looked after a children’s theatre group for four years and helped out my kids! I have a degree in English and Media studies and I would really like to study for my Masters!

Currently Available at:

A CYNICAL AMERICAN'S GUIDE TO BRITISH MYTH

AMAZON US

AMAZON UK

CREATESPACE

BARNES & NOBLE

KOBO

SMASHWORDS

GOOGLE PLAY

iBOOKS

PAPERBACK

A Note From Anne about her Writing Proccess

 

My Writing Process (or, as I call it, organised chaos)

How did I come to write A Cynical American’s Guide to British Myth?  It’s a good question and I’m not sure I have a good answer so I’ll start at the beginning and, hopefully, like any good story I’ll get to a satisfactory end!

I’ve been writing for years and have written several novels in that time.  Two of them were written so long ago that word processors and computers were things I could only dream of!  I wrote by hand which made altering the novels a real pain and – as for sending them off to publishers – well that was a nightmare which involved a very expensive posting process and a hell of a lot of photocopying.  Despite this I was still determined to actually write something that people would enjoy and, after obtaining my degree, I really wanted to get back to writing again.

In 2007 I went to Devon for a holiday and spent a morning at Hartland Point.  It was a wild and beautiful place and it inspired me to start writing.  The book was to be about Selkies, mythical, shapeshifting fairies that could turn themselves into seals and, during the full moon, came on land to become human.  I was halfway through the book when I got bored with it and started to write another one about the Leicester legend of Black Annis.  Again I got dissatisfied with what I was writing and put it to one side.  It was during my third attempt at writing a book (this time about an evil white worm that lived in the mines of Derbyshire) that my husband suggested I take all three stories and try to link them into one book!  And so A Cynical American was born.

The first attempt at doing this was not particularly successful.  The two main characters were only used in small vignettes in between the main three stories.  The book was also too short (34,000 words) and needed filling out.  I spent hours talking to my nearest and dearest trying to get inspired and then hubby came to the rescue again!  Apparently he had met a novelist’s wife while on the park walking the dogs.  This particular writer was a very successful one and his wife said that he would be more than happy to have a look at what I’d written.  At the same time I started watching Supernatural on TV about two brothers who travelled across America investigating urban myths.  I’d always been a fan of this sort of thing and had a great interest in the supernatural and the mythical (I was a huge X Files fan too) and I thought it would be a great idea to make Jensen a main character and to make him a sort of Scully type, someone who could only see a rational explanation in things.  At the same time the novelist who’d read my draft came back with much the same idea, build up the characters of Lydia and Jensen and make them integral to the story.

After that linking the stories together became much easier.  I decided to add a couple more using the Cottingley Fairies and the Green Man as inspiration.  I made sure that Jensen and Lydia were always part of the story and introduced their friends and family (plus an ex-boyfriend).  Soon the novel grew from 34,000 words to 94,000 words and it suddenly, what had been a random set of unfinished books, became a complete novel.

After a few members of the family had read it and given honest opinions I fine-tuned it and decided it was good enough for publication.  It was certainly different and definitely unusual and I’d never read anything like it!   I amused myself by imagining it as a film and spent hours on the internet seeking names and addresses of agents and publishers hoping for success!  After a year of saving rejection slips Ravenswood came along and the rest – as they say – is history.

I will never stop writing; I honestly do it for pleasure and have never really done it for profit.  I love people to read my stuff and it is nice to have positive feedback.  I write everything from fan fiction to TV reviews to articles about my favourite football team.  I guess my ambition would be to be a full-time writer as I could spend the day doing something I love.

I’m inspired by lots of things; my love of the supernatural and the extraordinary, my interest in history, actors that I admire, films I’ve seen and other books I’ve read.  I try to put myself in the stories that I write, try to imagine myself in the heroine’s situation or even in the heroes.  I’d like to think my books can be read by both men and women and always bear that in mind when I’m writing.

So that’s me and my writing journey.  I’ve grown pretty fond of Jensen, Lydia and all of the other characters surrounding them.  All I hope is that potential readers feel the same way.

Ann Kenney

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