What a great holiday I have had. Two weeks off in June. Cold but not wet or not too wet anyway. It has been a wonderful time spent with my beautiful wife and my three gorgeous kids. There have been more school and kindy runs than I am used to doing and I have an even greater respect for Heidi (I don't know how you do it all darling girl...)
I loved celebrating our 11th wedding anniversary, escaping from the children for a night to enjoy some together time (many thanks to our wonderful friends Larissa and Ben and Maria for making this possible). Dinner and a movie and so much bubbles... what an amazing night.
I finally got out to the front and back yard... weeding... mowing... all the fun jobs. With help from Heidi's mum and dad I was able to cram so many odd jobs that were well overdue into my second week. I must say the house is looking pretty good.
Finally I even managed to get a short story written and submitted... It is a 1,000 word thriller based on James Pattersons' character Alex Cross (Kiss the Girls, Along Came a Spider, etc.) When I know how the voting works I will send out a link and give you a chance to have a read.
Back at work now (hit the ground running) but looking forward to September... But first my main bread and butter the school holiday activities.
Stay tuned...
Sunday, 22 June 2014
Saturday, 21 June 2014
From the diary of Stephan, Knowledge Keeper of the city of Andrapaal
From the diary of Stephan, Knowledge Keeper of the city of Andrapaal
Year 496, Season Spring, Edward Bear-Heart is Chief Sage, Fredrick the Red is King
I Stephan from the Northern Road to Nowhere, Knowledge Keeper of our famed capital, the city of Andrapaal do so record these words as truth. The year is 496 since the sylvi released us from the vorsurk dogs. I am honoured to be one who has benefited from their gift of the holy knowledge of literacy.
Today it rained, a fine sun shower that wet my blue robes as they hung drenched from washing, seeking the sun's rays. The pit pat of the light droplets upon my slate roof humoured me. The tune brought to my mind a bard's performance I had attended as a student sage.
This was my sole moment of pleasure this day. As the sun shower passed I left my home and strode towards the palace. I was waylaid by a foreign merchant from the south, could not the man see I had no time to view his patterned clay pots? Three visitors to the city I reminded to visit the hall and record their business. Surely in a kingdom where tradition and communication are equally key the word should have passed from citizen to citizen that each and every visitor needs to record their business?
Then my lessons began. Half a day of young giggling boys in yellow robes, not interested in fact, in fact only interested in themselves and where the power that comes with being a sage can take them in this kingdom. Being a Knowledge Keeper is a great responsibility, we record every moment of our people's lives. Life influences kingdom which in turn improves life.
One yellow robed boy concerns me most though. A young one named Morthos seems to be focused upon our laws, how they are made and how they can be changed. Some of what I have overheard this youngster discuss with his peers can almost be considered manipulation! I have every mind to discuss this boy with Bear-Heart, though I fear the man who is our senior will see no err in what the child says. Troubling, for it is not what the children say, but perhaps how they say it.
Thus ends this entry.
Year 496, Season Spring, Edward Bear-Heart is Chief Sage, Fredrick the Red is King
I Stephan from the Northern Road to Nowhere, Knowledge Keeper of our famed capital, the city of Andrapaal do so record these words as truth. The year is 496 since the sylvi released us from the vorsurk dogs. I am honoured to be one who has benefited from their gift of the holy knowledge of literacy.
Today it rained, a fine sun shower that wet my blue robes as they hung drenched from washing, seeking the sun's rays. The pit pat of the light droplets upon my slate roof humoured me. The tune brought to my mind a bard's performance I had attended as a student sage.
This was my sole moment of pleasure this day. As the sun shower passed I left my home and strode towards the palace. I was waylaid by a foreign merchant from the south, could not the man see I had no time to view his patterned clay pots? Three visitors to the city I reminded to visit the hall and record their business. Surely in a kingdom where tradition and communication are equally key the word should have passed from citizen to citizen that each and every visitor needs to record their business?
Then my lessons began. Half a day of young giggling boys in yellow robes, not interested in fact, in fact only interested in themselves and where the power that comes with being a sage can take them in this kingdom. Being a Knowledge Keeper is a great responsibility, we record every moment of our people's lives. Life influences kingdom which in turn improves life.
One yellow robed boy concerns me most though. A young one named Morthos seems to be focused upon our laws, how they are made and how they can be changed. Some of what I have overheard this youngster discuss with his peers can almost be considered manipulation! I have every mind to discuss this boy with Bear-Heart, though I fear the man who is our senior will see no err in what the child says. Troubling, for it is not what the children say, but perhaps how they say it.
Thus ends this entry.
Monday, 2 June 2014
Welcome to Thaerun
To all... This is my first attempt at writing a blog post (diary entry) from the point of view of one of the characters from my novel The Eleventh Tome. It has definitely been a challenge but hopefully I have done a good job. Please tell me what you think.
From the diary of Sebastian, Knowledge Keeper of the city of Merchant's Castle:
Year 495, Season Summer, Edward Bear-Heart is Chief Sage, Fredrick the Red is King
I Sebastian Greyhawke, Knowledge Keeper of the city Merchant's Castle do so record these words as truth. The year is 495 since we have been released as a people by the sylvi and given the written word to record our lives. The season is summer and the day was warm. The perfect weather for such a special day.
The highlight of this day has been the arrival of an envoy from Andrapaal. I was lucky enough to meet them at the gates to our fine city. Our great Chief Sage Bear-Heart has come to speak with me on matters associated with the sylvi border. It is not often that the chief of sages will leave the heart of the kingdom, the fine and fair city of Andrapaal and take the Path of Truth beyond the Vale of History. To traverse to the very western border, an eleven day journey is quite a feat for a man of Edward's age. He is a rare one though, strong in stature from his time as a holy warrior, a celebrated Truth Keeper, but then a wise and studious one who undertook a challenging task to become a student sage. Still we are all amazed at how Bear-Heart now wears the blue robes of Knowledge Keeper, the head of our kind.The Chief Sage had naught but kind words to say about our relationship with the strange forest dwelling sylvi. I look forward to escorting the old man beyond our kingdom to meet with our allies and the people who are our peaceful neighbours.
Thus ends this entry.
From the diary of Sebastian, Knowledge Keeper of the city of Merchant's Castle:
Year 495, Season Summer, Edward Bear-Heart is Chief Sage, Fredrick the Red is King
I Sebastian Greyhawke, Knowledge Keeper of the city Merchant's Castle do so record these words as truth. The year is 495 since we have been released as a people by the sylvi and given the written word to record our lives. The season is summer and the day was warm. The perfect weather for such a special day.
The highlight of this day has been the arrival of an envoy from Andrapaal. I was lucky enough to meet them at the gates to our fine city. Our great Chief Sage Bear-Heart has come to speak with me on matters associated with the sylvi border. It is not often that the chief of sages will leave the heart of the kingdom, the fine and fair city of Andrapaal and take the Path of Truth beyond the Vale of History. To traverse to the very western border, an eleven day journey is quite a feat for a man of Edward's age. He is a rare one though, strong in stature from his time as a holy warrior, a celebrated Truth Keeper, but then a wise and studious one who undertook a challenging task to become a student sage. Still we are all amazed at how Bear-Heart now wears the blue robes of Knowledge Keeper, the head of our kind.The Chief Sage had naught but kind words to say about our relationship with the strange forest dwelling sylvi. I look forward to escorting the old man beyond our kingdom to meet with our allies and the people who are our peaceful neighbours.
Thus ends this entry.
Sunday, 18 May 2014
The Eleventh Tome
I wrote a novel!! Yay me... Just taking a moment to share...
I am now on the hunt for a publisher and then the yay and the me will be so much bigger.
I thought that over the next few posts I would write some short stories that introduced the world that my story is set in and some of the characters.
Sorry to those of you who are not fans of fantasy...
For those of you who are I hope you enjoy.
Even if you think that fantasy is not your choice of cuppa please have a look and share your thoughts.
Stay tuned...
I am now on the hunt for a publisher and then the yay and the me will be so much bigger.
I thought that over the next few posts I would write some short stories that introduced the world that my story is set in and some of the characters.
Sorry to those of you who are not fans of fantasy...
For those of you who are I hope you enjoy.
Even if you think that fantasy is not your choice of cuppa please have a look and share your thoughts.
Stay tuned...
I see the sea
A wonderful Saturday spent with friends and family. The river was alive with the sound of fun as so many local families came down to the farmer's market. AC Care Communities for Children did a great job with extra large toys, a face painter, petting zoo... So many things to do for kids and for the mums and dads to do with them. Delicious breads, cheeses, fresh fruit and veg... The farmer's market is a great place to spend a Saturday morning.
Sunday has been a busy one for us this weekend too... Victor Harbor was overcast and the sea was a stirring green and grey. My wife's mum and dad were so welcoming as always and it was so relaxing to catch up with them for lunch.
There is a little park in Victor where hardly anyone goes. Pa and I took the kidlets down there this afternoon and I enjoyed seeing my son fly on the swings while I pushed miss 4 as high as she could possibly go. It was a fun filled competition between siblings and dad. While all this went on Pa and our other little one kicked the footy around.
On the subject of football it was great to meet Tom Lynch on Saturday. He was down at our local Toyota store where they held an open day. Tom was so great interacting with the kids and the guys from our local radio station. Tom was happy to pose for photos and signed a ball for pretty much every kid there on the day. He was very patient and came across as a very easy going guy.
A jam packed weekend, wonderfully family focused... Happy National Families Week!!
Thursday, 24 April 2014
Floorboy
This is an idea for a story that children's author Michael Wagner (checkout the Undys family if you have boys 7 to 9 years) has inspired me to write after I met with him at the Campbelltown library. I am considering entering it into the 2016 Wakefield Press unpublished manuscripts competition. Please tell me what you think...
Floor Boy
Tony nursed his half drunk glass of beer, listening to the unending tune of the poker machines. It was getting cool in the front bar of the Leigh's hotel, a bit after seven-thirty in the early weeks of June. An open fire roared in the dining room, more beer and a schnitzel tea beckoning the young man to return warmth to his bones. The beer was consumed in one gulp and Tony handed the empty glass back.
"Another?" asked the guy behind the bar, to which Tony shook his head and patted his stomach.
The barman nodded and turned his attention to the next drinker, Tony was already forgotten.
The dining area was half full, the tables nearest to the fire place taken up by families. Tony ordered another glass of pale ale and a schnitzel, beef with parmigiana sauce, taking his glass over to a table for two. The constant sound of poker machines could still be heard over the hubbub of the diners and the crying of toddlers hungry for their tea. Quietly Tony sipped, enjoying his drink while he waited for his own meal. From where he sat the young man could see the salad bar.
'Not tonight,' he thought to himself, 'Crispy hot chips and a shnitty will do me nicely.'
The food soon arrived, a flattened and crumbed piece of veal that spilled over both edges of the plate. That was one of the many things that Tony loved about Leigh's, the meals were large but not too costly.
With five beers under his belt, a great meal devoured and a final scotch Tony stumbled out onto Railway terrace. His usual choice then was to head up Sixth street and onto Bridge street to try his luck at the Bridgeport. A few of the girls behind the bar therEwingew him and sometimes he could sweet talk cheaper drinks from them, not very often though and not that night. Instead the young man headed down the dim dark street ironically named Railway towards the train station. Just before he got there he took a left up Second street. His dad's place was the third house along and the key was under the mat. As the Town Hall clock chimed that it was eleven o'clock Tony flopped onto the couch in the lounge and pulled a blanket over him.
"That you, Tony!" called out the voice of his mum.
"Yeah mum!" Tony called back.
"Night then," said mum and soon there came the sound of soft snores.
'No more drinks for me tonight,' thought Tony.
The young man had an early morning planned.
Tomorrow he started a new job at T and R, the local meat works.
Tomorrow was Tony's first day as floor boy.
Floor Boy
Tony nursed his half drunk glass of beer, listening to the unending tune of the poker machines. It was getting cool in the front bar of the Leigh's hotel, a bit after seven-thirty in the early weeks of June. An open fire roared in the dining room, more beer and a schnitzel tea beckoning the young man to return warmth to his bones. The beer was consumed in one gulp and Tony handed the empty glass back.
"Another?" asked the guy behind the bar, to which Tony shook his head and patted his stomach.
The barman nodded and turned his attention to the next drinker, Tony was already forgotten.
The dining area was half full, the tables nearest to the fire place taken up by families. Tony ordered another glass of pale ale and a schnitzel, beef with parmigiana sauce, taking his glass over to a table for two. The constant sound of poker machines could still be heard over the hubbub of the diners and the crying of toddlers hungry for their tea. Quietly Tony sipped, enjoying his drink while he waited for his own meal. From where he sat the young man could see the salad bar.
'Not tonight,' he thought to himself, 'Crispy hot chips and a shnitty will do me nicely.'
The food soon arrived, a flattened and crumbed piece of veal that spilled over both edges of the plate. That was one of the many things that Tony loved about Leigh's, the meals were large but not too costly.
With five beers under his belt, a great meal devoured and a final scotch Tony stumbled out onto Railway terrace. His usual choice then was to head up Sixth street and onto Bridge street to try his luck at the Bridgeport. A few of the girls behind the bar therEwingew him and sometimes he could sweet talk cheaper drinks from them, not very often though and not that night. Instead the young man headed down the dim dark street ironically named Railway towards the train station. Just before he got there he took a left up Second street. His dad's place was the third house along and the key was under the mat. As the Town Hall clock chimed that it was eleven o'clock Tony flopped onto the couch in the lounge and pulled a blanket over him.
"That you, Tony!" called out the voice of his mum.
"Yeah mum!" Tony called back.
"Night then," said mum and soon there came the sound of soft snores.
'No more drinks for me tonight,' thought Tony.
The young man had an early morning planned.
Tomorrow he started a new job at T and R, the local meat works.
Tomorrow was Tony's first day as floor boy.
Saturday, 19 April 2014
Easter... A time of happiness and a time of sorrow
Easter... Whether it is a time of great religious relevance, a brilliant four day week end or the best pay packet of the year there is no denying that there is something about Easter that is worth celebrating.
For me Easter this year has been an interesting time, highest highs and lowest lows. I am happy to have a beautiful new niece to share the wonderment of the season (fun... family... chocolate). Throw in the three youngsters that are my own little ones, nieces and nephews of various ages... This all equates to some very happy faces with chocolate smudges on lips and cheeks as eggs, rabbits and the occasional bilby are consumed and enjoyed.
On the flip side my heart goes out to a mate who has just lost someone special in his life. I know what it is like to have lost a parent, and how their absence is so acutely felt at special times of year. Cherish your loved ones, young and old and have the best Easter ever...
For me Easter this year has been an interesting time, highest highs and lowest lows. I am happy to have a beautiful new niece to share the wonderment of the season (fun... family... chocolate). Throw in the three youngsters that are my own little ones, nieces and nephews of various ages... This all equates to some very happy faces with chocolate smudges on lips and cheeks as eggs, rabbits and the occasional bilby are consumed and enjoyed.
On the flip side my heart goes out to a mate who has just lost someone special in his life. I know what it is like to have lost a parent, and how their absence is so acutely felt at special times of year. Cherish your loved ones, young and old and have the best Easter ever...
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