HappyLDNPress Author Stories
Author interviews, Reading Short Stories & Behind the scenes of making fiction.
Tue, May 31, 2022
A Diwali Tale by Barbara Pearman
Short Story called A Diwali Tale by Barbara Pearman Diwali is a five day festival of lights and one of the major festivals celebrated by Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs. Barbara was one of our winners in Hi2020 new writer's opportunity to shine. Here are a few words from Barbara Is it really that long! A lot has happened since then. You may remember I sent you a chapter of a novel I was writing. Well lockdown provided me with the perfect opportunity to really get stuck in in a big way and in February this year my novel Once Upon A Time In Kazimierz was published by Troubador Publishing. It was an enormous amount of work (well not work actually as I loved every minute of it!) and the book is now on sale with Troubador and online at WHSmith, Foyles, Waterstones, Amazon and many others too numerous to mention. I was recently interviewed on Wycombe Sound Radio and I’m hoping to promote the book in Poland. It was inspired by a visit to Krakow a few years ago but the idea had lain fermenting on my bookshelf since then. Some of the short pieces I wrote with my writing class were the catalyst for the story in the end and gradually the characters and a theme were born out of not very much. In fact it was a copy of a restaurant menu that started it all.I must say that winning the short story competition’s romance section was a real boost to my confidence and no doubt I wouldn’t have attempted to write longer if it hadn’t been for that. Barbara began her story-telling adventure four years ago when she joined a creative writing class. She is a practising artist with a degree in Fine Art Practice, but having become somewhat 'hooked' on the writing bug, swapped her brush for a pen and began to paint with words. After becoming a winner with Happy London Press she was enthused to write bigger and in February this year her first novel, Once Upon a Time in Kazimierz was published. Painting has taken a bit of a back seat but her artwork can be viewed on her colourful website at www.barbarapearmanart.co.uk Come and read our blog https://happylondonpress.blogspot.com/
Mon, April 11, 2022
The Hit - Short story read by the author JOHN LUGO-TREBBLE
The Hit - Short story read by the author JOHN LUGO-TREBBLE John writes the most exquisite romantic stories - each has a bit of an unnerving twist. Here we are priveldge to podcast one of john's beuatiful stories called The Hit Let us know in the comments your thoughts and if you would like to hear more or John's stories. Here's a little about John My mother used to say that from the moment I learned to walk, I was walking the other way. This statement did not just end up applying to my life, but also my writing. I am a Puerto Rican Bronx native (Nuyorican, if you will) who has lived in New York, Eugene, London, Berlin and Prague. My husband and I currently live in West Cornwall in a barn with our three adventurous cats and surrounded by lots of stars (when it’s not raining or overcast). I am influenced by urban landscapes and the interconnected lives of people in an increasingly globalised world. I love to explore the small moments that bring humanity to impersonal surroundings. In addition to fiction, I enjoy writing articles about the writer experience, how we engage with memory, films and music. http://www.johnlugotrebble.com https://www.facebook.com/JohnLugoTrebble https://www.instagram.com/jlugotrebblewriter https://www.amazon.co.uk/John-Lugo-Trebble/e/B07DT2ZKB9/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_ebooks_1 https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/18133346.John_Lugo_Trebble
S1 E1 · Fri, April 08, 2022
London Book Fair 2022 Talks : Getting your Illustrations Published
London Book Fair 2022 Talks to three illustrators about "Getting your Illustrations Published" Donna Payne, Katie Knutton, and Juliette Rechatin will join the AOI’s Rachel Hill to talk about getting illustration published. The panellists will discuss how they find great new talent as well as nurturing relationships with artists. The session will look at working processes, and touch on contracts and negotiation as well as trends in the industry. Practical examples and honest straight talking will make this an invaluable session for illustrators at every stage of their career. Rachel Hill, CEO, The Association of Illustrators Rachel Hill is the CEO at The Association of Illustrators, a not-for-profit organisation whose goal is to champion and celebrate the illustration industry. Through the AOI, Rachel support illustrators through events, awards, business resources and industry wide campaigning. With a previous background as a practising illustrator and illustration. Donna Payne, Creative Director, Faber Donna Payne is Creative Director at Faber & Faber, the UK's leading independent publisher. She heads up a small but brilliantly formed team that thrives on delivering consistently excellent work across a diverse range of genres, often taking inspiration from Faber's extensive design archive. Donna has art directed many leading illustrators and photographers, and regularly gives talks on Book Design at schools, universities and literary events. She is a passionate advocate for design mentoring, and a more inclusive design industry, discovering and nurturing new talent from all sectors of the creative community. Katie Knutton, Design Manager Children's Non-fiction, Bloomsbury Publishing Ltd Katie Knutton is the Design Manager of Bloomsbury's award-winning Children's Non-fiction list. She works with acclaimed illustrators including Jenni Desmond, Catherine Rayner, and Joe Todd-Stanton as well as on Kate Pankhurst's bestselling Fantastically Great Women Series. She has 15 years' experience working in children's books for publishers including DK and Bonnier, joining the Bloomsbury Children's team in 2019. #LondonBookFair2022 @LondonBookFair @Bllomsbury
S1 E2 · Fri, April 08, 2022
London Book Fair 2022 Talks to 3 independent women about publishing
London Book Fair 2022 Talks to 3 independent women : The Tale of Three Start-ups three independent small presses, all run by award-winning women, and all recent additions to the Children's publishing world. Having had different experiences and with different motivations and approaches to setting up by themselves, the panel will look at what it means and what it takes to set up a company in the current Children's environment, and what they've learned from this experience. Rachel Williams, Publisher and Joint MD, Magic Cat Publishing Rachel Williams studied literature before becoming an editor and publisher of children's books. She is also the creator of best-selling natural history and adventure books, including The Atlas of Adventure series and Illuminature, and more recently, Slow Down. Jennifer Broom, Co-Managing Director, Magic Cat Publishing. Jenny studied at the Slade before moving into children’s publishing. Early in her career she met Rachel Williams at Templar Publishing, helping her to launch Big Picture Press in 2013. Abiola Bello, Author and Publisher, Hashtag Press Abiola Bello is a Nigerian-British, prize-winning children’s/YA author from London. She's an advocate for diversity in books for young people and is the author of the award-winning fantasy series EMILY KNIGHT (EMILY KNIGHT I AM, EMILY KNIGHT I AM…AWAKENED and EMILY KNIGHT I AM BECOMING). EMILY KNIGHT I AM…AWAKENED was nominated for the CILIP’s Carnegie Award, won London’s BIG Read 2019, and was a finalist for the People’s Book Prize Best Children’s Book. #Londonbookfaor2022 @LondonBookFair #entrepreneurs
S1 E4 · Fri, April 08, 2022
London Book Fair 2022 ; Talk How to make a living from writing
London Book Fair 2022 ; Talk with 3 authors about How to make a living from writing The Society of Authors presents three authors about their experiences in writing and tell us about their journeys to getting published. Writing is hard – and making it pay is even harder. An expert team from the Society of Authors will guide you on how to earn pennies and make them add up to pounds. What opportunities are great, and what are best avoided? How can you negotiate a better deal? From pursuing a portfolio career, the lowdown on competitions to tips on publishing deals, and where to get grants and funding. This is the talk for you if you don’t want to starve in a garret. Juliet E McKenna is a British fantasy author living in the Cotswolds, UK. Loving history, myth and other worlds since she first learned to read, her debut epic fantasy novel, The Thief's Gamble, began The Tales of Einarinn in 1999, followed by The Aldabreshin Compass sequence, The Chronicles of the Lescari Revolution, and The Hadrumal Crisis trilogy. Abie Longstaff is the author of nearly 50 books for children (picture book to middle grade) including The Fairytale Hairdresser, The Magic Potions Shop, The Trapdoor Mysteries and How to Catch a Witch and a wide range of educational titles. Abie Longstaff is the author of nearly 50 books for children (picture book to middle grade) including The Fairytale Hairdresser, The Magic Potions Shop, The Trapdoor Mysteries and How to Catch a Witch and a wide range of educational titles. Abie regularly appears at literary festivals and in schools. Katrina Naomi is the winner of the 2021 Keats-Shelley Prize. Her latest project, Same But Different, a poetic collaboration. Katrina’s most recent collection, Wild Persistence, received an Authors’ Foundation award from the Society of Authors. Thank you to Society of authors for bringing these interesting authors to the fair. #Londonbookfair2022 #societyofauthors
S1 E5 · Fri, April 08, 2022
London Book Fair 2022 : Talk with Dutch poet Arnold Jansen op de Haar
London Book Fair 2022 : Talk with Dutch poet Arnold Jansen op de Haar We are delighted to bring you a little tast from the famous London Book Fair 2022. After 2 years pawing the ground in the hope that covide restrictions would come to an end. We had the priveldge of covering some of the many events. I’m the Refrain of Other People’s Lives. Join Arnold Jansen op de Haar for an eclectic reading from his translated poems about his life and society. He will also take you on a tour of highlights in a thousand years of Dutch poetry based on poets featured in 100 Dutch-Language Poems – From the Medieval Period to the Present Day, winner of the Oxford-Weidenfeld Translation Prize. A whirlwind performance (1000 years in 30 Minutes) of Dutch poetry in translation. "Arnold was born in 1962 in Nijmegen, the Netherlands. In 2021, his much anticipated, new novel Schurft will be published in Dutch. His poetry collection, Het refrein van andermans leven , was published in Dutch in 2016, and the English translation in 2017. Arnold’s poems have been widely published in literary magazines including De Gids , Het Liegend Konijn , Extaze , Maarstaf , Zoetermeer , Passionate and de Poëziekrant . His poems have been featured in anthologies such as De 100 beste gedichten van 2002 , published by De Arbeiderspers and edited by Gilles Dorleijn and in landmark Dutch anthology De Nederlandse poëzie van de 19de en 20ste eeuw in 1000 en enige gedichten , edited by Gerrit Komrij, published by Bert Bakker; and in 10 voor 10, Ten Extaze poets for the 2010s , 2019, Extaze Martin Ros gave Jansen op de Haar his first break by publishing one of his poems in literary magazine Maatstaf . His debut novel De koning van Tuzla , a fictional account of his experiences during the Bosnian conflict, was published in 1999 by De Arbeiderspers." Holland Park Press. #LondonBookFair2022 @londonbookfair
S1 E6 · Fri, April 08, 2022
London Book Fair 2022 - Talks : Cover Design
London Book Fair 2022: Talks about Cover Design -the highs and lows of working with authors Jack Smyth and Nico Taylor will be curating a new book cover themed event at the London Book Fair. Using real-life case studies across a variety of publishers they’ll look at various aspects of the cover design process: from briefing forms to the cover meeting, the pressures of designing a bestseller to what makes something ‘good’, and much more. The event will be inclusive and is aimed at all who are interested in the cover design process; from editor’s looking to brief their latest acquisitions, authors hoping to gain behind-the-scenes insight or generally, anybody who wants an insight into how book covers are created. There might be a small element of interaction involved too. #LondonBookFair2022 The London Book Fair (@LondonBookFair)
Tue, March 22, 2022
Doppleganger ; a short story by Amatullah Padghawala
Amatullah Padghawala is an Indian literary junkie with a head in the clouds imagination. She enjoys penning supernatural stories but doesn't hesitate to try her hands on contemporary fiction. She has composed mystery fiction stories as well, since the genre deeply interests her. Overall, she is fascinated by the world of fiction and can't wait to explore the remaining types- science fiction and historical fiction. Currently, she is penning her very own book with a unique concept called- The Incarnated Angel wherein an angel incarnates as a human to impart divine wisdom. Sounds incredibly imaginative, doesn't it? In short, she is a passionate writer, soon to be an author, who loves to think out of the box without adhering to the conventional style of writing. Let us hope that the uniqueness of her content strikes an emotional chord with us! ...................... We have just released a Killer... story Checkout: I'm a Contract Killer by Andrew Segal
Sat, March 19, 2022
Tide turner short story by Sarah Em
Sarah Em is a twenty-nine year old teacher and writer. By day she juggles 9-10 year olds and classroom management and by night (or evening at least, she's not much of a night owl) she writes crime-fiction or non-fic think pieces on mental health and current affairs and is an advocate for tackling difficult topics and breaking down outdated taboos. When she's not writing, Sarah is a keen runner, reader and researcher (predominately of pirates, she once wrote 12,000 words all about them - ask her if you have a free four hours). You can find her over at https://www.instagram.com/sarahemwrites/ appearing on online sites such as Cordelia magazine and Unnamed magazine or on her own blog: https://sarahemwrites.blogspot.com/ STOP PRESS If you enjoy chilling thriller short stories For just 3 weeks only, we are offering our latest collection of outrageous crime chilling stories by Andrew Segal for 99p. https://www.amazon.co.uk/Contract-Killer-Murderous-Explosive-Aberration-ebook/dp/B09TWXKSQS
S2 E1 · Fri, March 04, 2022
Cross Fire: Story 2 from I’m a Contract Killer by Andrew Segal
The First from a disturbing set of short stories in this second book in the Aberration series by author, Andrew Segal. Combining the macabre with the mysterious, the outrageous with the unbelievable, these dark tales will force readers to reassess their views of human nature whilst demonstrating wholly unpredictable patterns of individual behaviour. The glint of steel defined the blade held in the man’s right hand. The shank was at least eight inches long. Its owner, in his twenties, over six feet tall, in tight blue jeans, with muscles bursting from his shabby white tee shirt, frowned like one intent on a task in hand. His three colleagues, of similar height and build, seemed equally absorbed. They were fanned out across the pavement like a herd of approaching buffalo, in the otherwise deserted street, on what was a cold grey October afternoon. These tasters are what’s in store, to succeed the first collection, 'I’m a Gigolo,' which continues with the Gigolo meeting his opposite number in, 'I am a Courtesan.' Both masters of their chosen profession competing in a battle for supremacy, whose outcome, in a lighter moment, will surprise the reader. Ebook Will be made available mid March on Amazon Single short story https://www.happystorystore.com/product-page/crossfire-by-andrew-sagal Book one I’m a Gigolo https://www.amazon.co.uk/Im-Gigolo-Andrew-Segal-ebook/dp/B089DND755 About the Author, Andrew Segal brilliantly brings his own unique vision of what motivates people to seek self-justification for committing the most outlandish of crimes. A must read for those seeking the unusual in the horror, crime or noir genre.
Thu, July 01, 2021
Meet a Thriller Writer - Discover the scary adventures that make the thrillers so real
Happy London Press interview Andrew Segal to talk about his adventures that influenced his new series of rime Thriller novels. Andrew is our best-selling author, whose chilling novels have an exciting and different crime-thriller voice. He has introduced a relevant, choice for his central character – Tammy Pierre from The Caribbean. Many of our readers have commented that they really enjoy Andrew’s believable worlds and complex plots that have them guessing until the end. Previously, Andrew has written a large collection of short stories each with a subtle twist. We have published the first of four collections of these stories – “I’m a Gigolo” – and later this year we will be releasing the second in the series, “I’m a Contract Killer”. However, our author’s main love is for the full length novel and we have now published three of his crime thrillers, with more to come. Andrew became inspired to create his hero, as an avant garde Private Investigator, Tammy Pierre, for his new series of crime novels. In 2020, Happy London Press first introduced her in The Lyme Regis Murders featuring Tammy uncovering the dark and traumatic murder of three children in a British seaside town. But as Andrew develops his central character, so do the plots. In his latest book, The Black Candle Killings, we encounter dark magic from Trinidad, within which Tammy gets herself entangled. Let us now hear from Andrew, to tell us more about it.... WIN A COPY OF THE BLACK CANDLE KILLINGS All you have to do is share this Podcast link and the most proven shares by the end of 31st August Midnight 2021 will win a personally signed hard back copy of The Black Candle Killings AND The Lyme Regis Murders. Email HappyLDNPress@gmail.com with you proof - it could be screen-grabs or confirmation. Limited time only - Free Delivery by Amazon THE BLACK CANDLE KILLINGS - HARDBACK HURRY only a few in stock
Fri, March 05, 2021
The Relaxing Guitar Bros talk about making music
The Relaxing Guitar Bros talk about making music Two brothers from Hampshire and the Isle Of Wight who have spent all the winter lockdown writing and recording together to bring you our original relaxing guitar music, played to soothe the soul and ease your mind. Being musicians from a young age we both were eager to give something back and help in whichever way we could during this difficult time, we hope our music can be used to ease people's minds and make them feel calm and chilled. Our music can be used for meditation, study, prayer, and relaxation. Sit back, relax, unwind, and enjoy the music. Why not subscribe to our YouTube channel, we deliver the best original relaxing guitar music to your ears every week and are regularly writing and composing. Have a great day and be blessed! The Relaxing Guitar Bros. x https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCavfFWOtGs_n2lybYAJhQ3w Happy London Press - Sharing insights with a community of creative people If you have something special you would like to share with us - do get in touch https://happylondonpress.blogspot.com/ https://www.instagram.com/happylondonpress/ https://twitter.com/HappyLDNpress https://www.happylondonpress.com/
Trailer · Wed, February 17, 2021
Author Conversation : John Lugo-Trebble Short Story writer
Author Conversation : John Lugo-Trebble Short story writer Talking about writing his latest story Sing! - Now available on the www.HappyStoryStore.com https://www.happystorystore.com/product-page/sing-by-john-lugo-trebble Summary about Sing Music is the universal language. It not only connects people but memories, places and can travel through time. “Sing!” follows the journey of Benny Goodman’s Sing (with a Swing) record from the early 80’s in The Bronx to London in the 90’s and Cornwall in the 10’s. Starting with the death of a neighbour, the record helps connect two grieving characters who share the loss of a man they knew two sides of. Moving onto London, the record provides the soundtrack of heartbreak and confusion as a woman tries to come to terms with an unknown future. In Cornwall, it comes full circle with a couple who are giving their love a second chance and are looking to the future under the shadow of the past. https://happylondonpress.blogspot.com/ https://www.instagram.com/happylondonpress/ https://twitter.com/HappyLDNpress https://www.happylondonpress.com/
Mon, January 18, 2021
Calls of Nature; four exquisite poems by Alan Rayner
Calls of Nature; four exquisite poems by Alan Rayner The new era we are travelling into with the covid lockdowns is a time to reflect on the wondrous life around us that can spiritually heal us. Here Alan reads 4 of his beautiful poems that highlights nature's calm. About Alan I am an evolutionary ecologist, writer and artist. I was born in Nairobi, Kenya in 1950 and gained BA and PhD degrees at King’s College, Cambridge in 1972 and 1975. I was a Reader in Biology at the University of Bath from 1985 to 2011 and have published numerous papers and books, the latter including, most recently, 'The Origin of Life Patterns in the Natural Inclusion of Space in Flux’. I was President of the British Mycological Society in 1998 and of Bath Natural History Society from 2012 - 2018. Since 2000, I have been pioneering understanding of 'natural inclusion', the receptive-responsive evolutionary relationship between space and energy in all material form. Happy London Press : Sharing the experience of talented authors https://happylondonpress.blogspot.com/ https://www.instagram.com/happylondonpress/ https://twitter.com/HappyLDNpress https://www.happylondonpress.com/ https://www.pinterest.co.uk/happyldnpress/
Tue, January 12, 2021
Welcome to 2021 -Awakening poems by Sara Chwialkowska
Welcome to 2021 - inspiring poems by Sara Chwialkowska. Sara is a young poet - whose work takes an insightful look into mindfulness. My name is Sara and I am an English university student, I love writing poetry and short stories to express myself. My end goal is to become a published author, but in the meantime I'm working as well as studying, and I hope my Instagram page and blog for HerInkStains continue to grow :) Enjoy ("!") Happy London Press : Sharing the experience of talented authors https://happylondonpress.blogspot.com/ https://www.instagram.com/happylondonpress/ https://twitter.com/HappyLDNpress https://www.happylondonpress.com/ https://www.pinterest.co.uk/happyldnpress/
Tue, October 27, 2020
Hi2020 Top Tier Judges discussing their choices
Hi2020 Top Tier Judges discussing their choices for the overall winning story Hi2020 Short Story Competition launch on 20th February 2020, with great radio fare on Wycombe Sound 106.6FM. Thousands of entries by new writer from all over Britain and the Home Countries embraced the challenge. 34 pre-judges generously gave up time to read and score each story - infact every story was read by four judges to get a wide breath of tastes, before the quarter finalists were selected for the Top Tier Judges. We held our breath as each Top judge read through before making their discussion. Listen to their thoughts.
Tue, October 27, 2020
Hi2020 WINNER; The Eagle Café by Kayleigh Maddocks
The absolute show stopper winner of the Hi2020 Short Story Competition. Thousands of stories entered from all over the United Kingdom from which 35 pre-judges and 5 Top Their Judges read, debated and chose this fabulous short story by new writer Kayleigh Maddocks. This Show stopper winning storey along with 19 excellent short stories are published in a gorgeous coffee table art book with 25 artworks by award winning artists Clare newton FRSA. Limited Edition Artbook and stories To purchase this beautiful gift book - hop on over to https://www.happystorystore.com/product-pag e Pre-order now before there's no more for Christmas presents
Wed, October 14, 2020
Chapter One Atonement Camp by Evan J. Corbin
Atonement Camp for Unrepentant Homophobes by Evan J. Corbin Atonement Camp for Unrepentant Homophobes follows the journey of Rick Harris, a closeted, self-hating, homophobic preacher who's sent to a camp run by drag queens for the incurably homophobic. Along his journey, Rick meets new friends who help him find his way out of the closet, but they soon discover the camp may hold its own secrets. A plot to discredit a newly-discovered, ancient Biblical text affirming God's love for all mankind, gay people included, begins to take form. Can Rick confront his dogged hypocrisies and take up the struggle to thwart the conspiracy before it's too late? Evan resides in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Atonement Camp for Unrepentant Homophobes is his first novel. Evan practises law by profession and enjoys the company of his friends when he isn't writing. He endlessly enjoys having thoughtful discussions that arise from his work with readers who reach out. Available on Amazon USA - Please leave comments and share on Good Reads too Happy London Press : Sharing the experience of talented authors https://happylondonpress.blogspot.com/ https://www.instagram.com/happylondonpress/ https://twitter.com/HappyLDNpress https://www.happylondonpress.com/ https://www.pinterest.co.uk/happyldnpress/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6-N_Ac7zQk&feature=youtu.be
Wed, October 07, 2020
The Soul Talk by Akshitha
The Soul Talk by Akshitha shot sensual poem On a rainy evening I was enjoying the weather to the hilt with the petrichore and thunderstorms. I was feeling a deep connection with nature. I started appreciating every bit of god's creation the moon, sunset and I wanted to share this infinite beauty of nature in different incarnations. So I started to pen down the stream of thoughts flowing in my mind. Close your eyes and imagine the nature's scenes while I start the podcast and do share your experience. I am Akshitha, I always believe in following my passion, writing is something which awakens my soul and keeps my spirit high.I have created a instagram page to upload my writings. I am a certified CBT practitioner, I will be very happy to help you for any anxiety and depression issues.You can always reach out to me on instagram. @imurmotivator.
Mon, August 03, 2020
Lock Down Diaries; Masks
Lock Down Diaries; Masks by Kristina Pakhomenko My name is Kristina. I’ve spent more than twenty years in professional sport before I understood that I had passion for completely different things. Very interested in conspiracy theories, yoga, esoterics and spiritual practices. Coincidences are not coincidences and within ourselves we project what we further see in reality. All my intentions are revolved around understanding more of how the thoughts work. All my thoughts are about where they come from and what was the cause. Amazing things happen when we change our conditioned perception of the world and who we are. We just need to wake up. With love, K. kpakho9@gmail.com > HappyLondonPress.com Do you want to become a published writer - well we have so many different opportunities happening - Take a look here https://www.hi2020.co.uk https://www.happylondonpress.com/welcome-how-to-write-a-short-story-1
Wed, July 15, 2020
Dear Publisher "Shark Attack!" by Peter la Trobe
Dear Publisher "Shark Attack!" by Peter la Trobe Welcome to our first in the new series of blog posts, written by a wonderful mix of published authors, renown writers and worldly bloggers. What’s in a name? Every writer, and every wannabe writer, has been here, or hereabouts: you’ve spent hours drafting and redrafting your story. Your Mum has heard the various versions so many times that she gets a strange look in her eye when you say – listen to this, what do you think of it now? Follow our NEW weekly blogs written by brilliant published Authors This week is a humorous take on the first letter to a publisher - What madness besets a writer. Bringing you words of wisdom from amazing authors and incredible content creators from across the globe. Learn from the best and get inspired as we share their writing tips and unique reading insights HAPPY LONDON PRESS ENTERTAINING READERS AND INFORMING WRITERS https://www.instagram.com/happylondonpress/ https://twitter.com/HappyLDNpress https://www.happylondonpress.com/
Tue, July 14, 2020
Lockdown diaries Episode 5 Meaning of Choice by Kristina Pakhomenko
Lockdown diaries Episode 5 Meaning of Choice by Kristina Pakhomenko My name is Kristina. I’ve spent more than twenty years in professional sport before I understood that I had passion for completely different things. Very interested in conspiracy theories, yoga, esoterics and spiritual practices. Coincidences are not coincidences and within ourselves we project what we further see in reality. All my intentions are revolved around understanding more of how the thoughts work. All my thoughts are about where they come from and what was the cause. Amazing things happen when we change our conditioned perception of the world and who we are. We just need to wake up. With love, K. kpakho9@gmail.com > HappyLondonPress.com Do you want to become a published writer - well we have so many different opportunities happening - Take a look here https://www.hi2020.co.uk https://www.happylondonpress.com/welcome-how-to-write-a-short-story-1
Mon, July 06, 2020
Lockdown diaries series 2 by Akshitha
Lockdown diaries series 2 by Akshitha I am Akshitha an app developer and very passionate about writing and love travelling and get lost in the beauty of nature. I love spending time with friends and hanging out.My 3 am friends are my greatest strength and we always stand for each other. I write what i feel and what i learn from the situations. I want to spread more awarness about mental health among people. So i have started a page on instagram to connect with people. https://www.instagram.com/imurmotivator/ HAPPY LONDON PRESS Do you want to become a published writer - well we have so many different opportunities happening - Happy London Press encouraging new talents to take up writing short stories - and enter the Hi2020 short story competition - for a chance to get published. HURRY-3 more WEEKS - https://www.hi2020.co.uk Or for New magazine How to Write Short Stories - with a detailed account especially writing for new writers. https://www.happylondonpress.com/welcome-how-to-write-a-short-story-1
Mon, June 29, 2020
Maid Maleen by Brandi Gang Short story
Maid Maleen by Brandi Gang Hello, my name is Brandi Gann, I have always loved telling a good tale. My goal as a storyteller is comparable to those storytellers of old. You know, the ones in front of a campfire spinning tales and magic alike. Each part of importance emphasized by a burst of flame or powerful silence. I want to tell stories like that. Stories of hope, of love, and of the magic the two of those can create. As you can probably tell, I tend to write fantasy and romance. This piece is the first chapter of my work in progress "The Sun, The Moon, and a Thousand Furs" a fairytale retelling of "The Coat of a Thousand Furs " by the Brother's Grim. Though my story starts in a similar way, the infusion of magic and fate spins this tale on its head. I have always loved this story as a child, even though it's themes start a bit dark. Our heroine Alys, learns to fight against her childhood traumas and learns to love again. "Maid Malene" is also a retelling that is of the same vein. It's theme being that Love Conquers All. I hope you enjoy it! instagram@brandigann.telleroftales HAPPY LONDON PRESS Do you want to become a published writer - well we have so many different opportunities happening - Happy London Press encouraging new talents to take up writing short stories - and enter the Hi2020 short story competition - for a chance to get published. Take a look here https://www.hi2020.co.uk Or for New magazine How to Write Short Stories - with a detailed account especially writing for new writers. https://www.happylondonpress.com/welcome-how-to-write-a-short-story-1
Mon, June 22, 2020
The Sun the Moon and a Thousand furs by Brandi Gann
The Sun the Moon and a Thousand furs by Brandi Gann My name is Brandi Gann and I have always loved telling a good tale. My goal as a storyteller is comparable to those storytellers of old. You know, the ones in front of a campfire spinning tales and magic alike. Each part of importance emphasized by a burst of flame or powerful silence. I want to tell stories like that. Stories of hope, of love, and of the magic the two of those can create. As you can probably tell, I tend to write fantasy and romance. This piece is the first chapter of my work in progress "The Sun, The Moon, and a Thousand Furs" a fairytale retelling of "The Coat of a Thousand Furs " by the Brother's Grim. Though my story starts in a similar way, the infusion of magic and fate spins this tale on its head. I have always loved this story as a child, even though it's themes start a bit dark. Our heroine Alys, learns to fight against her childhood traumas and learns to love again. Something I feel like many of us can relate too. I hope you enjoy it! Instagram@brandigann.telleroftales HAPPY LONDON PRESS Do you want to become a published writer - well we have so many different opportunities happening - Happy London Press encouraging new talents to take up writing short stories - and enter the Hi2020 short story competition - for a chance to get published. Take a look here https://www.hi2020.co.uk Or for New magazine How to Write Short Stories - with a detailed account especially writing for new writers. https://www.happylondonpress.com/welcome-how-to-write-a-short-story-1
Mon, June 15, 2020
Lockdown diaries episode 3 by Chameleon in High Heels
Lockdown diaries episode 3 by Chameleon in High Heels ; Change is coming Carola (AKA Chameleon in Heels) is a teacher, mother of two humans and a puppy, lover of high heels and clothes by day and a passionate and fierce writer any other time of her waking life. She is curious about humans, their emotions, what motivates them and makes them tick. She loves learning and investigating, digging into sensitive and emotional topics, always keen to understand every side of a story. Five years ago, after becoming a mother for the first time, she re-discovered her love for writing and penned her first book – which is still waiting to be edited. After the birth of her second child, she felt that writing a regular blog would fit in better with her busy and ever-changing life, and so Chameleon in High Heels was born. In this blog, she explores everyday struggles, funny anecdotes and issues arising in society and the world. The start of Lockdown therefore led to the natural decision to start The Lockdown Diaries as part of her blog, documenting the ups and downs, trials and tribulations, joys and anxieties of this unexpected and unprecedented event in the history of the 21st century. Carola talks candidly about silver linings and the excitement of spending more time with her loved ones, but also acknowledges that her fears and worries in life are magnified by isolation. By opening up to others, she sparked conversations about challenges other people face and has incorporated these into her work. The collaboration with Happy London Press was a natural decision, sharing snippets from the diaries with our lovely listeners. instagram@chameleoninhighheels HAPPY LONDON PRESS Do you want to become a published writer - well we have so many different opportunities happening - Happy London Press encouraging new talents to take up writing short stories - and enter the Hi2020 short story competition - for a chance to get published. Take a look here https://www.hi2020.co.uk Or for New magazine How to Write Short Stories - with a detailed account especially writing for new writers. https://www.happylondonpress.com/welcome-how-to-write-a-short-story-1
Mon, June 08, 2020
Lockdown diaries episode 2 by Chameleon in High Heels
Lockdown diaries episode 2 by Chameleon in High Heels : Fear of going out Carola (AKA Chameleon in Heels) is a teacher, mother of two humans and a puppy, lover of high heels and clothes by day and a passionate and fierce writer any other time of her waking life. She is curious about humans, their emotions, what motivates them and makes them tick. She loves learning and investigating, digging into sensitive and emotional topics, always keen to understand every side of a story. Five years ago, after becoming a mother for the first time, she re-discovered her love for writing and penned her first book – which is still waiting to be edited. After the birth of her second child, she felt that writing a regular blog would fit in better with her busy and ever-changing life, and so Chameleon in High Heels was born. In this blog, she explores everyday struggles, funny anecdotes and issues arising in society and the world. The start of Lockdown therefore led to the natural decision to start The Lockdown Diaries as part of her blog, documenting the ups and downs, trials and tribulations, joys and anxieties of this unexpected and unprecedented event in the history of the 21st century. Carola talks candidly about silver linings and the excitement of spending more time with her loved ones, but also acknowledges that her fears and worries in life are magnified by isolation. By opening up to others, she sparked conversations about challenges other people face and has incorporated these into her work. The collaboration with Happy London Press was a natural decision, sharing snippets from the diaries with our lovely listeners. instagram@chameleoninhighheels HAPPY LONDON PRESS Do you want to become a published writer - well we have so many different opportunities happening - Happy London Press encouraging new talents to take up writing short stories - and enter the Hi2020 short story competition - for a chance to get published. Take a look here https://www.hi2020.co.uk Or for New magazine How to Write Short Stories - with a detailed account especially writing for new writers. https://www.happylondonpress.com/welcome-how-to-write-a-short-story-1
Mon, June 01, 2020
Lockdown diaries episode 1 by Chameleon in High Heels
Lockdown diaries episode 1 by Chameleon in High Heels : The front door closes Carola (AKA Chameleon in Heels) is a teacher, mother of two humans and a puppy, lover of high heels and clothes by day and a passionate and fierce writer any other time of her waking life. She is curious about humans, their emotions, what motivates them and makes them tick. She loves learning and investigating, digging into sensitive and emotional topics, always keen to understand every side of a story. Five years ago, after becoming a mother for the first time, she re-discovered her love for writing and penned her first book – which is still waiting to be edited. After the birth of her second child, she felt that writing a regular blog would fit in better with her busy and ever-changing life, and so Chameleon in High Heels was born. In this blog, she explores everyday struggles, funny anecdotes and issues arising in society and the world. The start of Lockdown therefore led to the natural decision to start The Lockdown Diaries as part of her blog, documenting the ups and downs, trials and tribulations, joys and anxieties of this unexpected and unprecedented event in the history of the 21st century. Carola talks candidly about silver linings and the excitement of spending more time with her loved ones, but also acknowledges that her fears and worries in life are magnified by isolation. By opening up to others, she sparked conversations about challenges other people face and has incorporated these into her work. The collaboration with Happy London Press was a natural decision, sharing snippets from the diaries with our lovely listeners. instagram@chameleoninhighheels HAPPY LONDON PRESS Do you want to become a published writer - well we have so many different opportunities happening - Happy London Press encouraging new talents to take up writing short stories - and enter the Hi2020 short story competition - for a chance to get published. Take a look here https://www.hi2020.co.uk Or for New magazine How to Write Short Stories - with a detailed account especially writing for new writers. https://www.happylondonpress.com/welcome-how-to-write-a-short-story-1
Sat, May 09, 2020
Wellness Week : Nurture Mind, Nourish body by Kate Bishop
Happy London Press Podcast 6: Wellness Week : Nurture Mind, Nourish body by Kate Bishop The last in the series: The state of mind, during this Coronavirus lock down ,can cause immense stress at home. The secret to overcoming problems is by moving your body, eating well and drinking plenty of water. Kate's last podcast is on how to keep healthy, happy and sane whilst working from home especially amidst a pandemic. Our Coach in residence this week is Kate Bishop, who has made six amazing podcasts to help you through the ups and downs of Corvid lockdown. Tune in tomorrow for Podcast 2- Winding down and switching off at the end of the day. Keep well and "May the Fourth be with you" HAPPY LONDON PRESS Do you want to become a published writer - well we have so many different opportunities happening - Happy London Press encouraging new talents to take up writing short stories - and enter the Hi2020 short story competition - for a chance to get published. Take a look here https://www.hi2020.co.uk Or for New magazine How to Write Short Stories - with a detailed account especially writing for new writers. https://www.happylondonpress.com/welcome-how-to-write-a-short-story-1 Kate Bishop - Performance Coach Career, Confidence & Well Being : W: www.kate-bishop.co.uk E: coach@kate-bishop.co.uk
Fri, May 08, 2020
Wellness Week : Virtual Friends beats loneliness by Kate Bishop
Happy London Press Podcast 5: Wellness Week : Virtual Friends beats loneliness by Kate Bishop We all feel lonely from time to time. Feelings of loneliness are personal, so everyone's experience of loneliness will be different. And living and working alone can feel especially isolating, Kate gives us some tips on how to remain connected during lockdown; even though we are physically distancing we can still be social. Our Coach in residence this week is Kate Bishop, who has made six amazing podcasts to help you through the ups and downs of Corvid lockdown. Today's topic is about making a routine for yourself and something that you can stick to. Tune in tomorrow for Podcast 2- Winding down and switching off at the end of the day. Keep well and "May the Fourth be with you" HAPPY LONDON PRESS Do you want to become a published writer - well we have so many different opportunities happening - Happy London Press encouraging new talents to take up writing short stories - and enter the Hi2020 short story competition - for a chance to get published. Take a look here https://www.hi2020.co.uk Or for New magazine How to Write Short Stories - with a detailed account especially writing for new writers. https://www.happylondonpress.com/welcome-how-to-write-a-short-story-1 Kate Bishop - Performance Coach Career, Confidence & Well Being : W: www.kate-bishop.co.uk E: coach@kate-bishop.co.uk
Thu, May 07, 2020
Wellness Week : Motivation not Procrastination by Kate bishop
Happy London Press Podcast 3: Wellness Week : Motivation not Procrastination by Kate Bishop Without an office full of staff and managers - it can be hard to self motivate. Wanting to do something and motivating yourself to actually do it are two different things. So, what's the difference between those who never reach their goals, Kate explains about her techniques and tools to aid you to keep focused, work productively and get stuff done! Our Coach in residence this week is Kate Bishop, who has made six amazing podcasts to help you through the ups and downs of Corvid lockdown. Today's topic is about making a routine for yourself and something that you can stick to. Tune in tomorrow for Podcast 2- Winding down and switching off at the end of the day. Keep well and "May the Fourth be with you" HAPPY LONDON PRESS Do you want to become a published writer - well we have so many different opportunities happening - Happy London Press encouraging new talents to take up writing short stories - and enter the Hi2020 short story competition - for a chance to get published. Take a look here https://www.hi2020.co.uk Or for New magazine How to Write Short Stories - with a detailed account especially writing for new writers. https://www.happylondonpress.com/welcome-how-to-write-a-short-story-1 Kate Bishop - Performance Coach Career, Confidence & Well Being : W: www.kate-bishop.co.uk E: coach@kate-bishop.co.uk
Wed, May 06, 2020
Wellness Week: Your Space, Your office by Kate Bishop
Happy London Press Podcast 3: Wellness Week : Your Space, your Office by Kate Bishop Working from home can be highly productive, but it can also go badly wrong. Without a proper office space, a prioritised schedule, and on-the-spot supervision, it's all too easy to be distracted, and to get very little done Kate explains the importance of creating your ideal working environment whether that be in your home office or on your kitchen table. Our Coach in residence this week is Kate Bishop, who has made six amazing podcasts to help you through the ups and downs of Corvid lockdown. Today's topic is about making a routine for yourself and something that you can stick to. Tune in tomorrow for Podcast 2- Winding down and switching off at the end of the day. Keep well and "May the Fourth be with you" HAPPY LONDON PRESS Do you want to become a published writer - well we have so many different opportunities happening - Happy London Press encouraging new talents to take up writing short stories - and enter the Hi2020 short story competition - for a chance to get published. Take a look here https://www.hi2020.co.uk Or for New magazine How to Write Short Stories - with a detailed account especially writing for new writers. https://www.happylondonpress.com/welcome-how-to-write-a-short-story-1 Kate Bishop - Performance Coach Career, Confidence & Well Being : W: www.kate-bishop.co.uk E: coach@kate-bishop.co.uk
Tue, May 05, 2020
Wellness Week : Winding down, Switch off by Kate Bishop
Happy London Press Podcast 2: Wellness Week : Winding down, Switch off by Kate Bishop Struggling to switch off from work? Follow this advice to help you relax, reset and rest. The days are long - there seems to be no beginning or ending. So when it's time for bed, one's mind can still be buzzing. ..Things not done... too many things still to do. Thoughts turn into worries and a circle that can stop one from sleeping. A the lack of sleep will prevent one from being productive the next day. Our Coach in residence this week is Kate Bishop, who has made six amazing podcasts to help you through the ups and downs of Corvid lockdown. Today's topic is about making a routine for yourself and something that you can stick to. Tune in tomorrow for Podcast 2- Winding down and switching off at the end of the day. Keep well and "May the Fourth be with you" HAPPY LONDON PRESS Do you want to become a published writer - well we have so many different opportunities happening - Happy London Press encouraging new talents to take up writing short stories - and enter the Hi2020 short story competition - for a chance to get published. Take a look here https://www.hi2020.co.uk Or for New magazine How to Write Short Stories - with a detailed account especially writing for new writers. https://www.happylondonpress.com/welcome-how-to-write-a-short-story-1 Kate Bishop - Performance Coach Career, Confidence & Well Being : W: www.kate-bishop.co.uk E: coach@kate-bishop.co.uk
Mon, May 04, 2020
Wellness Week : Encourage Routine, Nurture Yourself by Kate Bishop
Happy London Press Podcast 1: Wellness Week : Encourage Routine, Nurture Yourself by Kate Bishop Techniques to help you create your ideal working from home routine and how to stick to it. Routine is an important part of our mental survival. it helps to get tasks completed, it provides focus for our wellbeing – and supports those we live with. Our Coach in residence this week is Kate Bishop, who has made six amazing podcasts to help you through the ups and downs of Corvid lockdown. Today's topic is about making a routine for yourself and something that you can stick to. Tune in tomorrow for Podcast 2- Winding down and switching off at the end of the day. Keep well and "May the Fourth be with you" HAPPY LONDON PRESS Do you want to become a published writer - well we have so many different opportunities happening - Happy London Press encouraging new talents to take up writing short stories - and enter the Hi2020 short story competition - for a chance to get published. Take a look here https://www.hi2020.co.uk Or for New magazine How to Write Short Stories - with a detailed account especially writing for new writers. https://www.happylondonpress.com/welcome-how-to-write-a-short-story-1 Kate Bishop - Performance Coach Career, Confidence & Well Being : W: www.kate-bishop.co.uk E: coach@kate-bishop.co.uk
Thu, April 30, 2020
Hi2020: Radio Show 2: Starting out writing short stories
Hi2020 Radio Show 2 - Helping you write a great story to enter Hi2020 Peter la Trobe A writers workshop on writing short stories Peter la Trobe, Harlow Writers Workshop "For a reader, the magic of a short story is – its shortness. They are read settling down to sleep, on the journey to work or as a distraction in the dentist’s waiting room – because they’re short. A good story is the one that you put down thinking ‘What a shame that’s over!’ It’s plunged you into a vivid world from the start and held your interest until the final full stop." Check out our luscious magazine - How to Write Short stories for more. https://www.happylondonpress.com/how-to-write Wycombe Sound 106.6fm and happy London Press are running a weekly radio show - every Wednesday 2pm -3pm. To help you write a great short story - so that you can enter the Hi2020 short story competition - Just check out how https://www.hi2020.co.uk - HURRY - you only have 6 weeks to write
Mon, April 20, 2020
Hi2020 Radio Show 1 - Helping you write a great story
Hi2020 Radio Show 1 - Helping you write a great story to enter Hi2020 Wycombe Sound 106.6fm and happy London Press are running a weekly radio show - every Wednesday 2pm -3pm. To help you write a great short story - so that you can enter the Hi2020 short story competition - Just check out how https://www.hi2020.co.uk
Thu, April 16, 2020
Hi2020 Mini Course 3: What makes for an attractive style?
Hi2020 Mini Course 3: What makes for an attractive style? Written and narrated by France Ellul. Writer's coach and English Teacher Podcast Two in the Mini course series: Next Week we will be launching a Digital BOOKAZINE all about how to write short stories - its packed full of helpful tips - From how to discover characters, planning for a Climax, what makes good writing sense and sooo much more . Hello everyone. My name is France Ellul. I teach a creative writing course consisting of a series of hands-on workshops. These have been focused initially on short-story writing and I’ve been asked to put together three podcasts summarising some of the material I’ve used. This Podcast Three, is the final of a series, designed to help aspiring writers understand some of the skills involved in writing fiction, in this case, short stories. It includes the final four of ten “Tips on Creative Writing”. In addition, it considers the question: “What makes for an attractive style?” This includes: figurative language; imagery; dead metaphors; techniques; as well as a light-hearted look at nominative determinism. In the third and final podcast of this series, I’ll share the remaining four “Tips on Creative Writing” as well as contemplating further aspects of the art of story writing. Visual imagery - relating to the sense of sight Auditory imagery - relating to the sense of hearing Olfactory imagery - relating to the sense of smell Gustatory imagery - relating to the sense of taste Tactile imagery - relating to the sense of touch Hurry : Get writing your short story Now !!! - and register for your Discount 60% discount https://www.happylondonpress.com/hi-2020-short-story-competition This podcast is called: Hi2020 Writing Tip 4 : Mini Course 2 Why write a story? We will be running lots more and if you watch this space - we are planning a weekly Radio Wednesday Afternoon from 2-3pm on 106.6 fm, with Wycombe Sound. It is produced under the auspices of HappyLDNPress and is in support of Hi2020.co.uk which is sponsoring a short story competition. France is a full time teacher and runs writer groups in High Wycombe Creative Arts Centre. at CONTACT FRANCE ELLUL: We will be looking to provide some virtual workshops online - do get in touch and ask France CONTACT FRANCE ELLUL: We will be looking to provide some virtual workshops on line - do get in touch and ask France abo
S2 E1 · Mon, April 06, 2020
A touch of purple By Ida Williams, a dreamy story
Short Story: A touch of purple narrated and read by Ida Williams Late one night a little girl awakes to find her mother mending a special garment. Coloured an exclusive and expensive shade. One meant only for the most important person in the land. Historical roots: Purple has historically been an exclusive colour, often expensive and associated with royalty. During the reign of Elizabeth 1st it was decreed that no one other than the royal family could wear the shade. This story explores those elements from the point of view of a little girl. About the author: Ida Williams is a freelance writer. She works mostly in the misty realm of historical fiction, sometimes wandering around Victorian London or listening to jazz in a 1950s New York Cafe. Website: https://www.meadowafternoon.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/meadowafternoon/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKBZ5B4Irx6wSPnqw9RGnIA Happy London Press : Sharing the experience of talented authors https://happylondonpress.blogspot.com/ https://www.instagram.com/happylondonpress/ https://twitter.com/HappyLDNpress https://www.happylondonpress.com/ https://www.pinterest.co.uk/happyldnpress/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6-N_Ac7zQk&feature=youtu.be
Tue, March 31, 2020
Hi2020 Mini Course 2: Why write a story?
Hi2020 Mini Course 2: Why write a story? Written and narrated by France Ellul. Writer's coach and English Teacher Podcast Two in the Mini course series: . Hello everyone. My name is France Ellul. I teach a creative writing course consisting of a series of hands-on workshops. These have been focused initially on short-story writing and I’ve been asked to put together three podcasts summarising some of the material I’ve used. This is the second of three podcasts in which I share hints and tips for writing short stories. You will hear two other voices besides mine: one belongs to Clare Newton, the other to Annie Parker. Both are also writers and artists. In the first podcast, I dealt with the question: what is a story? In this podcast, I shall ask the question: why write a story? In Podcast: 2, I share the next three of my ten “Tips on Creative Writing”. These are: 4. Pivotal point 5. Significant dialogue 6. Context, text, subtext In the third and final podcast of this series, I’ll share the remaining four “Tips on Creative Writing” as well as contemplating further aspects of the art of story writing. Visual imagery - relating to the sense of sight Auditory imagery - relating to the sense of hearing Olfactory imagery - relating to the sense of smell Gustatory imagery - relating to the sense of taste Tactile imagery - relating to the sense of touch Hurry : Get writing your short story Now !!! - and register for your Discount 60% discount https://www.happylondonpress.com/hi-2020-short-story-competition This podcast is called: Hi2020 Writing Tip 4 : Mini Course 2 Why write a story? We will be running lots more and if you watch this space - we are planning a weekly Radio Wednesday Afternoon from 2-3pm on 106.6 fm, with Wycombe Sound. It is produced under the auspices of HappyLDNPress and is in support of Hi2020.co.uk which is sponsoring a short story competition. France is a full time teacher and runs writer groups in High Wycombe Creative Arts Centre. at CONTACT FRANCE ELLUL: We will be looking to provide some virtual workshops online - do get in touch and ask France CONTACT FRANCE ELLUL: We will be looking to provide some virtual workshops on line - do get in touch and ask France about them Mobile: 07894 313760 Email: france.ellul@gmail.com Website: www.france-ellul.com France.ellul@gmail.com https:
Sun, March 22, 2020
Hi2020 Writing Tip 2 : Write a Catchy First Paragraph
Hi2020 Tip 2 : Write a Catchy First Paragraph Read to you by Kate Bishop. We have some excellent advice from Jerz Setonhill and Henneke In today’s fast-moving world, the first sentence of your narrative should catch your reader’s attention with the unusual, the unexpected, an action, or a conflict Begin with tension and immediacy. Remember that short stories need to start close to their end. Mystify your reader. Make the first sentence intriguing or somewhat open-ended Don't use deception to "lure" your reader. ... Its Like false advertising, leads to disappointment Be bold. Get to the point quickly Be creative. Surprise the reader You can Use humour if you are comfortable with it. ENTER NOW HI2020.CO.UK SHORT STORY COMETITION FOR NEW WRITERS If you are a budding writer who would love the chance to get their story published in a beautiful hardback book. The Competition is open to unpublished writers who live in one of the three districts - LONDON - Buckinghamshire, - Hertfordshire, If you have a hidden story within you but haven't yet had the inspiration to do anything about - here is your chance Choose from one of the topics to inspire your creativity • Adventure/travel • Thriller/Dark • Romance • Science/Fantasy Keep the word count between 1000 up to 1500 words and written in English. Prize is for 20 Winners to get published Hey if you sign up now you get a great early bird discount SUBSCRIBE - AS WE WILL BE POSTING HELPFUL TIPS TO WRITING A BETTER STORY EACH WEEK GOOD LUCK - YOU HAVE UNITL ... 19th June 5pm. TO .Get your story in by. WWW.HI2020.CO.UK Kate Bishop - Performance Coach https://www.kate-bishop.co.uk/blog Career, Confidence & Well Being W: www.kate-bishop.co.uk
S2 E1 · Tue, March 17, 2020
Hi2020 Mini Course 1: Helping writers with penning a short story
Hi2020 Mini Course 1: How to make a short story special? Written and narrated by France Ellul. Writer's coach and English Teacher Podcast One. This podcast - the first of a series of three - is to help aspiring writers understand some of the skills involved in writing fiction, in this case, short stories. It includes the first three of ten “Tips on Creative Writing” as well as: Authorial Voice; Omniscient Narrator; First, Second and third Person narration; and SOC, Stream of Consciousness. France uses examples from two of his stories: ‘Seer’ and ‘Day’ to illustrate these guidelines. This podcast is called: Hi2020 Mini Course 1. How to make a short story special? We will be running lots more and if you watch this space - we are planning a weekly Radio evening from 7-8pm on 106.6 fm, with Wycombe Sound. It is produced under the auspices of HappyLDNPress and is in support of Hi2020.co.uk which is sponsoring a short story competition. France is a full time teacher and runs writer groups in High Wycombe Creative Arts Centre. at CONTACT FRANCE ELLUL: We will be looking to provide some virtual workshops online - do get in touch and ask France CONTACT FRANCE ELLUL: We will be looking to provide some virtual workshops on line - do get in touch and ask France about them Mobile: 07894 313760 Email: france.ellul@gmail.com Website: www.france-ellul.com France.ellul@gmail.com https://twitter.com/FranceEllul
Mon, March 16, 2020
The Lyme Regis Murders - Chapter 2 read by the author Andrew Segal
The Lyme Regis Murders - Chapter 2 read by the author Andrew Segal THE LYME REGIS MURDERS Andrew Segal Happy London Press 342 pp Easy Read / Who-Done-It Can innocence ever be an incentive to murder? A quiet seaside town is thrown into turmoil. Tammy Pierre, London based private investigator, accompanied by her sometime lover, Israeli art dealer and martial-arts coach, Dov Jordan, has just been brought close to tears by police photographs shown to her by an hysterical Eleanor Goldcrest, at the home of three innocent toddlers whose brutally murdered bodies have been found on the beach at Lyme Regis. Wealthy financier, Eric Goldcrest, alarmed that his partner of three years, together with the local police has him nailed as guilty of murdering the children, now retains Tammy to prove his innocence and find the real culprit. But has his involvement in all this been misinterpreted? In this investigation, with no apparant motive or forensic evidence, Tammy’s skills will be tested to the limit. In a twist that muddies the waters, Eric Goldcrest, laments that he’s simply never made it clear to Tammy about his position in the family and his relationship with the children, all of which have been assumed by the investigation. ORDER YOUR COPY Amazon: https://amzn.to/39jm4OV B&N: http://bit.ly/BNLymeRegisMurders Jaynie's Book Reviews 4.0 out of 5 stars Stand out characters Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 21 January 2020 Format: Kindle Edition We start the book on an idylic deserted beach where tragically we witness the murder of three litle girls. The investigation is soon under way and there can only be one prime suspect. The stepfather. damppebbles 4.0 out of 5 stars The Lyme Regis Murders by Andrew Segal Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 31 January 2020 Format: Kindle Edition I am not sure anyone reads crime books unless they want to play at being a secret sleuth. You may not announce to the rest of the bus that you think it was Eric Goldcrest, or tell the office that you think the recently released prisoner is the chief suspect. But
Fri, March 13, 2020
Episode 2; The Mermaid Bride read by the author Alexander Ely
Episode 2; The Mermaid Bride read by the author Alexander Ely Believing their misadventures with mermaids is behind them, Neave looks forward to arriving in Plymouth and returning to normal life with her husband, Aiden. Only, Aiden's life is not as it seems, and her fight for him has just begun. Alexandra Ely (pronounced e-lee) is a young adult novelist. Growing up in rural California she has been pursuing creative writing from a young age. She credits much of her imagination to the childhood costumes and wide-open space she grew up with. In collage, Alexandra emphasized creative writing in her BA degree and is currently writing her debut novel. Alexandra has a heart for young adults and hopes her stories will inspire her readers to live out their own grand adventures. Writing adventure fiction, much of her work has a historical twist even her fantasy pieces. She especially enjoys historical dress and fashion having sewn historical costumes for a re-enactment site and as a hobby. You’ll find details of period clothing in all her writing. Happily married for seven years, Alexandra and her husband are enjoying their baby’s first year. She looks forward to the new year juggling home life with the epic adventures her characters endure in the pages of her stories. https://www.instagram.com/ely_landing/ https://www.instagram.com/happylondonpress/ https://twitter.com/HappyLDNpress https://www.happylondonpress.com/
S1 E2 · Wed, March 11, 2020
Hi2020 Writing Tip 1: What does your Protagonist want?
Hi2020 Short Story Competition - Writing Tip 1: What does your Protagonist want? Here are some Hints and tips on how to write a better short story - make sure you stay tuned for the next instalment Read to you by Nigel Troup Writing short stories means beginning as close to the climax as possible as everything else is a distraction or waffle – remember you only have 1500 words to play with. In A short story everything is condensed down to the absolute hub of the story – it conserves characters and scenes, by focusing on just one conflict which drives the story towards a sudden, unexpected revelation. Reduce the back story to maybe one paragraph — your reader doesn’t need to know everything that you know about your characters. Think about What your protagonist wants? But in this example the plot is not strong enough - The athlete wants her team to win the big game or there’s a car crash victim who wants to survive Look for something special. The story could open with a morally significant action which your protagonist takes towards that goal Follow our podcasts or chat to us via Instagram - and Don't forget to Make sure you register for your entry - Hi2020.co.uk ENTER NOW Hi2020.co.uk Short Story Competition for New Writers: If you are a budding writer who would love the chance to get their story published in a beautiful hardback book. The Competition is open to unpublished writers who live in one of the three districts - LONDON - Buckinghamshire, - Hertfordshire, If you have a hidden story within you but haven't yet had the inspiration to do anything about - here is your chance Choose from one of the topics to inspire your creativity • Adventure/travel • Thriller/Dark • Romance • Science/Fantasy Keep the word count between 1000 up to 1500 words and written in English. Prize is for 20 Winners to get published Hey if you sign up now you get a great early bird discount SUBSCRIBE - AS WE WILL BE POSTING HELPFUL TIPS TO WRITING A BETTER STORY EACH WEEK GOOD LUCK - YOU HAVE UNITL ... 19th June 5pm. TO .Get your story in by. WWW.HI2020.CO.UK Read by Nigel Troup http://www.great-2nd-income.co.uk http://www.linkedin.com/pub/nigel-troup/10/162/1a7
Sun, March 08, 2020
Sign Up to Hi2020 Short Story Comp for New Writers
Sign Up to Hi2020.co.uk. Short Story Comp for New Writers Hello to All ...budding authors who would love the chance to get their story published in a beautiful hardback book. The Competition is open to unpublished writers who live in one of the three districts - LONDON - Buckinghamshire, - Hertfordshire, If you have a hidden story within you but haven't yet had the inspiration to do anything about - here is your chance Choose from one of the topics to inspire your creativity • Adventure/travel • Thriller/Dark • Romance • Science/Fantasy Keep the word count between 1000 up to 1500 words and written in English. Prize is for 20 Winners to get published Hey if you sign up now you get a great early bird discount SUBSCRIBE - AS WE WILL BE POSTING HELPFUL TIPS TO WRITING A BETTER STORY EACH WEEK GOOD LUCK - YOU HAVE UNITL ... 19th June 5pm. TO .Get your story in by. WWW.HI2020.CO.UK
Fri, March 06, 2020
Excert from Wide illumination read by Tom Rubens
Wide Illumination Chapter 8 read by the author Tom Rubens This work is a Contemporary Literature about a young student finding his first love affair Set in the mid-1960s, this second novel in the 'Illumination' trilogy shows its central character, Richard Lane, studying at university, and fostering intellectual friendships with some of his fellow male students. Also, during his first long summer vacation, he visits Germany and meets a young German woman, Helga, with whom he comes to share a deep and intimate understanding, as well as sexual pleasure. This sharing is presented as especially interesting because, happening only two decades after the end of World War Two, it shows the ability of young people, with their eager openness to experience, to bridge different national and cultural backgrounds. Finally, the text moves beyond Richard's university days to the world of work, and his first encounters in yet another Continental country, Portugal, where a good deal of the final book in the trilogy will be set in. About the Author Tom Rubens While a great deal of my energy has gone into teaching English Language and Literature in further and higher education, I have remained continually interested in those areas of private life which, for myself and of course for every other working person, lie outside the pursuit of a professional career when that itself is not one of authorship. The private terrain is, I have found, the most complex, so the most difficult to illuminate: and is therefore the prime subject for personal writing, in whatever form that writing takes. For me, the forms have been literature (fiction, poetry) and philosophy. The trilogy of novel I have produced, of which Wide Illumination is the second text, indicate what I see as the close linkage between literature and philosophy—with each focus, as it seeks to plumb the depths, being supported by the other. This linkage becomes increasingly evident as Wide Illumination proceeds on its way. https://www.amazon.com/Wide-Illumination-university-Students-encounters/dp/1912951339 Available in Kindle and Softback
Tue, February 25, 2020
Show me Heaven by Donna Taylor
A True Story - Show me Heaven written and narrated by Donna Taylor Headlines that rocked a county " MOTHER AND CHILDREN IN SEARCH FOR HOME" a mother of four was given temporary reprieve by reading Council last night after fears that she was to be made homeless.." This is the tragic true story of Donna Taylor - This Newspaper cutting came after Donna's mother had to sleep in her little blue Austin 11 because the council had previously thrown her out of her mother's one-person flat. Here the first chapter of Donna's pre-production book and do let us know your thoughts or if you could give Donna a review it really makes a difference. https://www.instagram.com/happylondonpress/ https://twitter.com/HappyLDNpress https://www.happylondonpress.com/
Thu, January 30, 2020
Chapter one; The Snowdonia Killings by Simon McCleave
Chapter one; The Snowdonia Killings written and narrated bySimon McCleave A Snowdonia Murder Mystery Book 1 The Snowdonia Killings - Detective Inspector Ruth Hunter lives with the pain of her partner’s unsolved disappearance. Now pushing fifty, the veteran police officer trades in the crime-ridden streets of London for a more peaceful post in rural North Wales. But Ruth has barely settled in when the body of a woman is discovered… with strange symbols carved into her skin. Teaming up with an obstinate deputy, Ruth struggles to eliminate anyone from a long line of suspects. But she’s forced to tear up her shortlist when they discover another slain victim with the same cryptic markings…Can she solve the case before another savage murder? I have loved crime and mystery stories since I was a kid. I worked my way through Enid Blyton's Secret Seven and Famous Five books, before graduating to Ian Fleming and Alistair Maclean. Even when I was writing television scripts I was drawn to write for crime series such as Silent Witness and The Bill. Writing my first crime novel just felt like a natural progression. Having moved from South London to North Wales, I wanted to write about a central character who was an outsider in such a beautiful and mystical part of the country. It's been very exciting having my first novel published and the sales, reviews and general reaction to the book in the last ten days has been amazing. Simon McCleave was born in South London. When leaving University, Simon worked in television and film development. He was a Script Editor at the BBC, a producer at Channel 4 before working as a Story Analyst in Los Angeles. He worked on films such as ‘The Full Monty’ and television series such as ‘Our Friends In The North’. Simon then became a script writer for television and film. He wrote on series such as Silent Witness, Murder In Suburbia, Teachers, Attachments, The Bill, Eastenders and many more. His film, ‘Out of the Game’ for Channel 4 was critically acclaimed – ‘An unflinching portrayal of male friendship.’ (Time Out) ‘The Snowdonia Killings’ is his first novel. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08268L6L8 https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08268L6L8 HappyLondonPress - bringing great stories from around the world https://www.instagram.com/ely_landing/ https://www.instagram.com/happylondonpress/ https://twitter.com/HappyLDNpress <a href="http
S1 E1 · Mon, December 30, 2019
The Mermaid Bride : Fantasy Short story narrated by Alexandra Ely
The Mermaid Bride : Beautiful romantic story written and narrated by Alexandra Ely An adventure fantasy short story about Neive, (pronounces nee-iv) a young woman who fights all odds in an epic search to save her husband from the slimy grips of a greedy mermaid. Her love will have to overcome more than fear, it will have to be the courage to do the impossible. Alexandra Ely (pronounced e-lee) is a young adult novelist. Growing up in rural California she has been pursuing creative writing from a young age. She credits much of her imagination to the childhood costumes and wide-open space she grew up with. In collage, Alexandra emphasized creative writing in her BA degree and is currently writing her debut novel. Alexandra has a heart for young adults and hopes her stories will inspire her readers to live out their own grand adventures. Writing adventure fiction, much of her work has a historical twist even her fantasy pieces. She especially enjoys historical dress and fashion having sewn historical costumes for a re-enactment site and as a hobby. You’ll find details of period clothing in all her writing. Happily married for seven years, Alexandra and her husband are enjoying their baby’s first year. She looks forward to the new year juggling home life with the epic adventures her characters endure in the pages of her stories. https://www.instagram.com/ely_landing/ https://www.instagram.com/happylondonpress/ https://twitter.com/HappyLDNpress https://www.happylondonpress.com/
Sun, December 08, 2019
Return : a delicate poem by Priya Dolma
Return : Poem written and narrated by Dr Priya Dolma Return : a delicate and sensitive poem about heartbreak, when a long-term relationship stops working, but ignites so many emotions from within. The perfect ode to imperfect ends, few miscalculations, some grief and a lot of nostalgia. This is just one of many poems from a new book, called Ivory Gleam . Priya's poetry has found home, among other places, in International Times , Urban Magazine , Artvilla , Headline Poetry , with work forthcoming in Tales of Reverie by Paragon Press. Dr Priya Dolma Tamang is a medical graduate from the north-east Indian state of Sikkim. With her tribal Nepali roots and deeply seated Buddhist beliefs, culture and mindfulness have both been active themes in her writing. Her debut book, Ivory Gleam , was published by Leadstart Publishers, Mumbai, in 2018. Dr Priya Dolma instagram.com/poetryandprosebyk twitter.com/kulvadana facebook.com/poetryandprosebyk Happy London Press : Sharing the experience of talented authors https://happylondonpress.blogspot.com/ https://www.instagram.com/happylondonpress/ https://twitter.com/HappyLDNpress https://www.happylondonpress.com/ https://www.pinterest.co.uk/happyldnpress/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6-N_Ac7zQk&feature=youtu.be
Wed, November 27, 2019
What will Heaven be Like? : Short Poem by Ian Sutherland Canada
What will Heaven be Like? : Short Poem by Ian Sutherland Canada There are those of us who believe in God and those of us that don’t. I am one of those that does. And with that belief comes a belief in something called “Heaven”. There is some disagreement about what and where Heaven is. From my readings I have concluded that Heaven is here on Earth, following a moment of change, when all that is bad ceases to be and when all is forever after good. This is my short poem about what this world, Heaven, will be like following the moment of change. We hope you enjoy and be inspired by this little poem by Mr. Sutherland Ian is a lawyer in Toronto, Canada. He and his wife, Carol, have five wonderful children and four beautiful grandchildren. https://happylondonpress.blogspot.com/ https://www.instagram.com/happylondonpress/ https://twitter.com/HappyLDNpress https://www.happylondonpress.com/ https://www.pinterest.co.uk/happyldnpress/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6-N_Ac7zQk&feature=youtu.be https://www.reddit.com/user/HappyLondonPress/draft/74033c78-e693-11e9-ab2b-baf524289879
Fri, November 22, 2019
Good Advice ; Thriller Short story by Ian J. Sutherland UK
Good Advice ; Action thriller Short story written and narrated by Ian J. Sutherland UK The story is woven from many aspects of personal experience knowledge, but the result is pure fiction. I trained as a scientist and then made a career delivering complex change in the City. Once I reached 50 I decided to challenge myself in new directions which have included standup comedy, photography and blacksmithing. I also started to blog professionally, before being tempted to try my hand at fiction. Check our happy stories weekly gossip on our blog or other goodies https://happylondonpress.blogspot.com/ https://www.instagram.com/happylondonpress/ https://twitter.com/HappyLDNpress https://www.happylondonpress.com/ https://www.pinterest.co.uk/happyldnpress/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6-N_Ac7zQk&feature=youtu.be https://www.reddit.com/user/HappyLondonPress/draft/74033c78-e693-11e9-ab2b-baf524289879
S1 E1 · Sun, November 17, 2019
Little London Adventures and Cockney Curiosities by Clare Newton
Little London Adventures and Cockney Curiosities by Clare Newton and Narrated by Kate Bishop. Artist and photographer Clare Newton rediscovers and records the faint remnants of old London, only made visible when lit by a fleeting low winter's sun. These images are the conduits through time, analysing the sometimes uncomfortable balance between a struggling heritage to exist and the insatiable appetite of modern regeneration. But deep inside East London also lies a Victorian era. The mother of inventions, which not only stimulated change across the world then but even now their lingering artefacts and sayings effect us even in today's hi-tech social world. Strange but true stories that explain how and where artefacts have come from. Including the roots of 'Sarcasm' or the colour purple, both invented in the east end. Or how Shoreditch got its name. Luis de Góngora, in a portrait by Diego Velázquez. The man with a face stuck to his nose Spanish Translation by Maria Carrera 11 July 1561 – 24 May 1627) a Spanish Baroque lyric poet . Kate Bishop is a performance coach specialising in confidence, career and wellbeing. Her training and background in acting and performing have shaped the way she works with clients to ensure they create and maintain their confidence and achieve their goals through interactive, fun and exhilarating coaching sessions, workshops and seminars. Thanks! Kate Bishop Career, Confidence & Well Being W: www.kate-bishop.co.uk Order Little London Adventures and Cockney Curiosities Now for Xmas https://www.waterstones.com/book/little-london-adventures-and-cockney-curiosities/cl-newton/9781912951017 https://www.amazon.com/Little-London-Adventures-Cockney-Curiosities/dp/1912951010 https://www.instagram.com/happylondonpress/ https://twitter.com/HappyLDNpress https://www.happylondonpress.com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6-N_Ac7zQk&feature=youtu.be https://www.reddit.com/user/HappyLondonPress/draft/74033c78-e693-11e9-ab2b-baf524289879
S2 E1 · Sun, November 17, 2019
A Major operation : Short Story by Andrew Segal
A Major operation : Short Story written and narrated by Andrew Segal. Hello, I thought I would share with you my pleasure in writing about romantic short stories. Here's something about the background to major operation. I find the woman taking the lead, being the stronger of the two in a relationship. Perhaps that is a reflection of the women I’ve lived with, worked with and loved, myself. But occasionally my male lead takes over and proves he can shoulder responsibility too, be a shoulder to cry on, a prop just when his lover needs him most. As they say in France, “Vive la Difference,” and so it should be. We live in an enlightened age where the sexes are regarded and indeed treated equally. But that doesn’t mean we behave in the same way. Some people still show symptoms of the old established modes of character and behaviour. The “he” and “she” that make life so endlessly varied and interesting. Extract from I am a Gigolo by Andrew Segal - collection of short stories to be launched spring 2020 https://happylondonpress.blogspot.com/ https://www.instagram.com/happylondonpress/ https://twitter.com/HappyLDNpress https://www.happylondonpress.com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6-N_Ac7zQk&feature=youtu.be https://www.reddit.com/user/HappyLondonPress/draft/74033c78-e693-11e9-ab2b-baf524289879
Wed, November 13, 2019
Lyme Regis Murders: Extract reading by Andrew Segal
Inspiration for writing: The Lyme Regis Murders Crime thrillers look to present one with surprises. Could it be the murderer? the victim? the setting? or the circumstances of the crime that pique the interest and keep the fans glued? Readers want to be puzzled, shocked, swept along and then reassured that from where they are sitting or reading, their hero or heroine, has things under their control, that in the end all will be well. After all, it’s how we want life to be, isn’t it? So, I decided I would use a safe and popular resort, that of Lyme Regis, where I have holidayed on a number of occasions. In my writing the rocks on the Jurassic beach proved a useful foil for any contemplated murder. Thus we have a sleepy town with the counterbalance of a series of horrific murders. This book is my first foray into the world of crime fiction, and I’ve discovered that drawing out and developing characters with both human strengths and frailties has proved to be challenging, but in the end rewarding too. Worth noting, it is not simply the question of whom the guilty party or parties is/are, it’s also a question of attributing reasons. If murder were purely random it would hardly be a subject with motives to ponder and debate. The Lyme Regis works on the mistaken prejudices of people, leading the readers astray, before finally offering up the guilty with motives. Available on Amazon https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lyme-Regis-Murders-Children-Conspiracy-ebook/dp/B07VKD6GDF BOOK TRAILER https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5RxvUisVmQ Interview with Author Andrew Segal and Dr Shahnaz Ahmed USA https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V1CxqzX66hI
S1 E5 · Mon, November 11, 2019
Eight Feet High : Short Story for Adults by Ian J. Sutherland UK
Eight Feet High : Short Story for Adults written and narrated by Ian J. Sutherland UK I trained as a scientist and then made a career delivering complex change in the City. Once I reached 50 I decided to challenge myself in new directions which have included standup comedy, photography and blacksmithing. I also started to blog professionally, before being tempted to try my hand at fiction. Eight Feet High was one of my first attempts at competitive short story writing - no more than 2,500 words in 7 days. This was a personal challenge for me being someone who has always been happier with numbers and pictures than with words. The format is entrants are given a genre, in this case romance, a location (an ER room) and an object (a mop) that have to be woven into the story. I rather dreaded romance, but as usual I tried to pull some anchors from personal experience and create my story around them. The first was those silver nitrous oxide bottles that the kids sniff. I had found a few outside out house and it had set me thinking. I had also seen a girl with one of those sternum piercings on the train - needless to say it caught my eye. Lastly the location of the club was set broadly in a retail park not far from us. As they say, the rest is history, or rather fiction. I did receive some encouraging feedback from the judges, but was not considered good enough to progress past the first round in this instance.
Sat, November 09, 2019
Grumps & Sweeties; Children's Short Story by Ian Sutherland
Grumps & Sweeties; Children's Story Suitable for 3 year + Written and Narrated by Ian Sutherland from Canada Ian is a lawyer in Toronto, Canada. He and his wife, Carol, have five wonderful children and four beautiful grandchildren. About Grumps & Sweeties What type of person do we want our child to grow up to be? This is a story about the most basic of choices that can make all the difference to a person’s happiness and personal development: the choice to be kind, even to those who are not kind to us. Inspiration behind the story: I was doing some philosophical writing one day and stopped when I was finished and thought to myself: “What an important idea that is. But almost no one is ever going to read this and be inspired by it. What can I do to give it some concrete effect?” Then it occurred to me I could take my ideas and express them through a children’s story. So, I immediately sat down and wrote “Grumps & Sweeties”, a story that gets across the incredible importance of kindness both to the individual and to those whose lives they touch. http://www.lulu.com/shop/ian-sutherland/grumps-sweeties/paperback/product-20277968.html http://www.grumpsandsweeties.com/home.html https://happylondonpress.blogspot.com/ https://www.instagram.com/happylondonpress/ https://twitter.com/HappyLDNpress https://www.happylondonpress.com/ https://www.pinterest.co.uk/happyldnpress/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6-N_Ac7zQk&feature=youtu.be https://www.reddit.com/user/HappyLondonPress/draft/74033c78-e693-11e9-ab2b-baf524289879
S1 E1 · Tue, October 29, 2019
Heaven Is... A short poem by Ian Sutherland
Heaven Is . A short inspiring poem written and narrated by Ian Sutherland from Canada. Ian is a lawyer in Toronto, Canada. He and his wife, Carol, have five wonderful children and four beautiful grandchildren. The poem was written during a reflective time, when Ian was trying to understand the big picture in life. Ian Sutherland, is a full time lawyer who writes in his rare quiet moments to share his thoughts on the importance of kindness, love, hope and respect for others. He and his wife, Carol, have five wonderful children and four beautiful granddaughters. We hope you enjoy and be inspired by this little poem by Mr. Sutherland https://happylondonpress.blogspot.com/ https://www.instagram.com/happylondonpress/ https://twitter.com/HappyLDNpress https://www.happylondonpress.com/ https://www.pinterest.co.uk/happyldnpress/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6-N_Ac7zQk&feature=youtu.be https://www.reddit.com/user/HappyLondonPress/draft/74033c78-e693-11e9-ab2b-baf524289879
S1 E4 · Thu, October 17, 2019
Stephen the Statute : Children's short story by Andrew Segal
Stephen the Statue : Written and narrated by Andrew Segal Children's short story; suitable for 3- 6yr old It’s not always that easy to say where the inspiration for a story comes from. In the children’s story, Roberto the Robot, I looked at the fantasy of a machine with a mind and with feelings. The robot connects with a little girl, and she with him. An innocent friendship where the frail one is mentally the stronger. But where the physically stronger, is also too gentle to hit back when he’s attacked by ‘bully boys.’ I developed the idea further with Stephen the Statue, this time the inanimate object, the statue, being the principal character. Here the threat to be faced by Stephen, a hero from the past, is of oblivion, something I’ve suggested the statue is aware of. In facing the problem, where the statue can of course do nothing, he is rescued by a wheelchair bound child who reminds the village of the heroism of Stephen, insisting it mustn’t be forgotten. A child who is facing a disability has something in common with the statue, although the child, whilst seeing itself in the same situation as the statue, is able to do something about it. https://happylondonpress.blogspot.com/ https://www.instagram.com/happylondonpress/ https://twitter.com/HappyLDNpress https://www.happylondonpress.com/ https://www.pinterest.co.uk/happyldnpress/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6-N_Ac7zQk&feature=youtu.be https://www.reddit.com/user/HappyLondonPress/draft/74033c78-e693-11e9-ab2b-baf524289879
Sun, October 13, 2019
Clarissa the Clown ; Children's story by Andrew Segal
Clarissa the Clown ; Children's story written and narrated by Andrew Segal As a kid I remember the first time I was taken to a circus. It was Bertram Mills. Well known as one of the pre-eminent of circuses of its day, and not without justification. There was the excitement and anticipation before we arrived, the bustle, the expectant crowds of children and adults. Then there were the animals, not as prevalent today as once. But we had horses, dogs, seals, elephants and most exciting of all, the lions and tigers. How could anyone be brave enough to get into a cage with those big cats? Their roars were terrifying, but exciting at the same time. The whole event was almost overwhelming. Even today we see circuses with rings and tents bigger than anything we might have envisaged when I was a youngster. Indeed the visiting, Moscow State Circus with its vast trio of bright red tents should be enough to impress the most dour of critics. But then, the thing we all waited for, was the clowns. The somersaults, the slapstick, buckets of paint, faces splashed with cream pies. They say, every comedian harbours a sadness in their life, a sadness that encourages then to make others laugh. Clarissa dreams of flying on the trapeze, but lacks the confidence, insists her knees are too weak. But it’s just an excuse, and despite her nerves, when she overcomes her fear, and gives it a go she finds she can fly on the trapeze with the best of them. If we don’t give it a go, we’ll never know what we’re capable of. Extract from Village People collection of short stories by Andrew Segal - to be launch later next year https://happylondonpress.blogspot.com/ https://www.instagram.com/happylondonpress/ https://twitter.com/HappyLDNpress https://www.happylondonpress.com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6-N_Ac7zQk&feature=youtu.be https://www.reddit.com/user/HappyLondonPress/draft/74033c78-e693-11e9-ab2b-baf524289879
Sat, October 12, 2019
Cuthbert the Colonel : Children's Story by Andrew Segal
Cuthbert the Colonel : Children's Story written and narrated by Andrew Segal British soldiers, renowned for their courage and bravery, train under conditions of strict and uncompromising discipline. I recall an ex- soldier telling me that his NCO had screamed at the men till he was hoarse. But he got results. What was intriguing was that when the men were off duty, as it were, the same NCO chatted to them amicably about his wife and family. Once on duty again, he reverted to the alter ego. He was respected, admired and acknowledged as able to do anything he expected of his men. Cuthbert is a recognisable British type. Furthermore, he sees it as necessary in an emergency situation to take the credit for the solution to the problem, even when he wasn’t actually responsible for that solution himself. Well, we can’t let discipline slip, can we? Extract from Village People collection of short stories by Andrew Segal - to be launch later next year https://happylondonpress.blogspot.com/ https://www.instagram.com/happylondonpress/ https://twitter.com/HappyLDNpress https://www.happylondonpress.com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6-N_Ac7zQk&feature=youtu.be https://www.reddit.com/user/HappyLondonPress/draft/74033c78-e693-11e9-ab2b-baf524289879
S2 E1 · Sat, October 12, 2019
Roberta Robot : Children's story by Andrew Segal
Roberta Robot : Children's story written and narrated by Andrew Segal We live in an age of increasing, some would say encroaching, Artificial Intelligence. How would it be, if say, a robot with intelligence was actually given the chance to express itself? What would it want to say? Whom would it wish to say it to? When would the opportunity arise? Roberto the Robot expresses the thoughts that a robot with artificial intelligence, bordering on real intelligence, might think in given circumstances. He works hard and expects no reward. His maker, Bob, only sees him as a machine. Roberto reminds us that, ‘even cars and trains have secret brains, but cannot speak or tell.’ A fantasy. A what if, situation. But when he’s bullied, a little girl comes to his aid, encourages him, reassures him and ultimately helps him to, ‘find his voice.’ They become friends and even when she moves away to a different school, the confidence she’s given him remains. This is one of my favourite stories in rhyme as it shows the power of friendship and love in what is quite frankly, the most unexpected of situations. Extract from Village People collection of short stories by Andrew Segal - to be launch later next year https://happylondonpress.blogspot.com/ https://www.instagram.com/happylondonpress/ https://twitter.com/HappyLDNpress https://www.happylondonpress.com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6-N_Ac7zQk&feature=youtu.be https://www.reddit.com/user/HappyLondonPress/draft/74033c78-e693-11e9-ab2b-baf524289879
S1 E3 · Tue, October 08, 2019
Lavender Roses : Short Story by Andrew Segal
Lavender Roses : Short Story written and narrated by Andrew Segal was published in The Lady Magazine in April 2019. I was just eight years old the first time I visited Paris, but even at that age something about the city was entrancing. Too early in life to see the romance of the place, but not too early to fail to appreciate the sounds and sights. The delicious food, and the way Parisians relished their meals. Vichy water, as in those days tap water wasn’t fit to drink. Hence the custom of drinking wine with every meal, at least for adults that is. Steaks, the like of which I’d never tasted in the UK. Crisp, golden colour chips. And, modest by today’s standards, the famous Folies Bergere. Today Paris still enchants, the Eiffel Tower standing proud and tall in the centre. My story encapsulates the feelings that the city engenders in a young loving couple, and the way in which aspects of their stay remain with them into old age. Extract from I am a Contract Killer collection of short stories by Andrew Segal - to be launch letter this year https://happylondonpress.blogspot.com/ https://www.instagram.com/happylondonpress/ https://twitter.com/HappyLDNpress https://www.happylondonpress.com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6-N_Ac7zQk&feature=youtu.be https://www.reddit.com/user/HappyLondonPress/draft/74033c78-e693-11e9-ab2b-baf524289879
Tue, October 08, 2019
Catherine Wheels : Short Story by Andrew Segal
Catherine Wheels : Short Story written and narrated by Andrew Segal Another story about love. So often in my short stories I find the woman taking the lead, being the stronger of the two in a relationship. Perhaps that is a reflection of the women I’ve lived with, worked with and loved, myself. But occasionally my male lead takes over and proves he can shoulder responsibility too, be a shoulder to cry on, a prop just when his lover needs him most. As they say in France, “Vive la Difference,” and so it should be. We live in an enlightened age where the sexes are regarded and indeed treated equally. But that doesn’t mean we behave in the same way. Some people still show symptoms of the old established modes of character and behaviour. The “he” and “she” that make life so endlessly varied and interesting. In my novel, “The Lyme Regis Murders,” my principal character, is a multi-racial, bi-sexual, cigar smoking, cocaine taking, vodka drinking, martial arts exponent, six feet tall, woman. But powerful as she is, when it suits her and she behaves unpredictably she reminds her boyfriend, it’s “because I am a woman.” In this short story it is the male who, able to show emotion nonetheless, is the strength his woman relies upon. Extract from I am a Gigolo by Andrew Segal - collection of short stories to be launched spring 2020 https://happylondonpress.blogspot.com/ https://www.instagram.com/happylondonpress/ https://twitter.com/HappyLDNpress https://www.happylondonpress.com/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o6-N_Ac7zQk&feature=youtu.be https://www.reddit.com/user/HappyLondonPress/draft/74033c78-e693-11e9-ab2b-baf524289879
Thu, October 03, 2019
Fondest Love : Short Story by Andrew Segal
Fondest Love : Short Story written and narrated by Andrew Segal Love stories take all sorts of formats, and thankfully in today’s world intolerance of the past is very much, just that; a thing of the past. And so we read with pleasure of love among those who are straight, or gay, perhaps bisexual and or now too, transsexual, without the bigotry and persecution that blighted so many relationships in years gone by. Sometimes an event presaging a time of sadness and loss can be an inspiration for a love story. Again, our preconceptions of who is the strongest character in an affair can be misleading. In this story, the relationship is straight, and he feels he should be the leader. He’s an old fashioned macho man who hides his feelings. But is he really the stronger of the two, whatever he feels, or would like to believe his role is supposed to be in the arena of ‘Goodbye?’ Or is it she who is the one he unconsciously leans on? But then we can introduce another element, another character, perhaps related in one way or another to the other two. A character who puts the whole of the first relationship into clear perspective. Extract from I am a Gigolo by Andrew Segal - collection of short stories to be launched spring 2020 ANDREW CAN BE FOUND ON AMAZON https://www.amazon.co.uk/Andrew-Segal/e/B0034OLPQM Check our happy stories https://www.instagram.com/happylondonpress/ https://twitter.com/HappyLDNpress https://happylondonpress.blogspot.com/ READER REVIEWS
Thu, October 03, 2019
Sleight of Hand : Short story by Andrew Segal
Sleight of hand written and narrated by Andrew Segal was published in The Lady Magazine in September 2019. I love magic, and once dreamed of being a magician myself, and joining The Magic Circle. But to be a magician requires a special temperament, together with the ability to stay absolutely cool, particularly if things start to go wrong, which in the world of illusion, they all too frequently do. A number of Houdini copyists lost their lives when trying to emulate his escapes from a sealed mail bag, in a chained wooden crate, thrown into the freezing Hudson river. They weren't as practiced or prepared, as he was. So they drowned, or else froze to death before they could be warmed after a rescue. Having watched Cirque de Soleil on a number of occasions, I had also come to appreciate the skills of acrobats, taking on board the years, the practice and the strength required to engage in their kind of performances. And so it was that I decided to write a love story combining all the above, particularly the possibility of a love interested connected to a disaster, a trick gone drastically wrong. An incident involving a friend provided the starting point, and with my ideas in mind, I took it from there. The story encapsulates exactly what can happen when one engages, unwisely, in Sleight of Hand. Extract from I am a Courtesan by Andrew Segal - collection of short stories to be launched spring 2020 ANDREW CAN BE FOUND ON AMAZON https://www.amazon.co.uk/Andrew-Segal/e/B0034OLPQM Check our happy stories https://www.instagram.com/happylondonpress/ https://twitter.com/HappyLDNpress https://happylondonpress.blogspot.com/ READER REVIEWS @karenbennettphotography Can’t wait to read this one 🐶 💕💕💕 @graceodonnellburke ❤️ · Great story @vintagehipchick 💕🌸💕🌸💕🌸
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