Original Sin by Samantha Towle is OUT NOW!

28.5.12

So far I've only read one book by Samantha Towle but I have to say, it was absolutely bloody brilliant! So imagine how excited I am to hear that she has another one out!! Woo Hoo!!

Algarve journalist tells the full story of Fátima

28.5.12

My former boss and all round nice guy Len Port has written another book...
An impartial insight into the history and controversies surrounding one of Christendom’s most fascinating sagas.
At a time when large numbers of visitors from many countries are heading for the Catholic shrine of ‘Our Lady of Faima’ in Portugal, Algarve journalist Len Port has just published an ebook entitled The Fátima Phenomenon - Divine Grace, Delusion or Pious Fraud?
The author notes that according to official statistics between four and five million visitors come to Fátima each year. Religious tourism shows no signs of slowing. While a high proportion of visitors are from Portugal, pilgrims and sightseers stream in from more than 70 countries, mainly Spain, Italy, Poland and the United States. Many also come from the United Kingdom and Ireland.
This year marks the 95th anniversary of a series of apparitions of the Virgin Mary who is said to have communicated with three Portuguese children. It is claimed that ‘Our Lady of Fátima’ first appeared on 13th May 1917 and again during the following five months. On 13th July she warned of the need to consecrate Russia and of terrible punishments facing humanity. On 13th October a huge crowd of spectators reportedly witnessed ‘the Miracle of the Sun’, which has been likened to the biblical parting of the Red Sea.
To the anger of many Catholics, the so-called ‘third secret’ entrusted by the Virgin Mary to Lúcia, the eldest of the Fátima visionaries, was long concealed by the Vatican and only divulged in the year 2000. The Vatican’s eventual explanation of the secret has been widely denounced as a whitewash and a cover-up.
Of the many books published on the subject, nearly all have been written from a purely religious standpoint. This new book is the result of a comprehensive and wide-ranging study from religious, political, historical, philosophical and psychological perspectives.
In presenting astounding facts, claims, counterclaims and opinions from a broad spectrum of relevant people, the author invites readers to make up their own minds where the truth lies.
Who were the visionaries, what exactly did they report and in what circumstances? Did the Church authorities manipulate the situation in the face of political repression? What role did Freemasons play in the saga? Why is the ‘third secret’ still hugely contentious? These and many other questions are examined in The Fátima Phenomenon – Divine Grace, Delusion or Pious Fraud?
Says the author: “The aim of the book is to add light rather than generate more heat. It is meant to be factually informative and thought provoking without being deliberately offensive. It is really a book for those who are inquisitive and open-minded, who like questioning and evaluating.”
To get your copy of the book, visit Amazon

YA Indie Carnival: Story settings

25.5.12



For me, setting is hugely important in my books. In fact, it was the setting of Powell River (see below) that inspired me to write The Raven Saga in the first place. Mysterious, eerie and beautiful, my imagination went into overdrive and I just knew that it would be the perfect setting for a YA urban fantasy book (that would eventually become a trilogy!).
The Powell River beach that inspired The Raven Saga
I adore books that have fascinating settings: enchanting forests, magical castles, ghostly graveyards, rural idylls.... I could go on! I can easily say that it is the setting that inspires my stories above anything else. I need to come up with a perfect setting before my characters can come alive.
I love nothing more than visiting cathedrals, castles and quaint little villages in England because they make the cogs of my brain go completely wild. In fact, my next series will most certainly be set in the English countryside and I can't wait to get started on it!
For more setting stories, check out these awesome carnis...
2. Bryna Butler, author Midnight Guardian series
3. Heather Self
22. Courtney Cole Writes

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YA Indie Carnival: Last day of school

19.5.12


I know I'm a little late but better late than never... and it sure is great to be back :)
In this week's Carnival we're talking about graduation / last day of school scenes. The only scene in The Raven Saga which comes close to this subject is where Lilly is leaving England and she has to say goodbye to her elderly neighbours Dorothy and June as well as her best friend, December. Check it out...

...... I waited until they could no longer see me and then the tears that I had managed to keep at bay for so long, began to stream down my face. I don't know how I'd managed to keep from crying for so many weeks, but I felt as though the tears had been building up as I sobbed and sobbed in the back of that car, as I drove away from the only life I'd ever known.
I cried not only for my missing parents and for leaving my home behind, but because I would desperately miss those two ladies who had become like family to me. I would miss them, and I would miss December.
I didn't know how I would live without her, but she had promised to keep in touch. “Lilly Taylor, you're my best friend in the whole world. I can't imagine life without you but we'll manage... for now. It won't be too long until we're together again. We'll see each other soon,” she'd said the day before as we'd hugged goodbye. It had sounded so rehearsed but I figured it needed to be, otherwise we would have just been in floods of tears. She was the brightest star in my life and I couldn't imagine being without her.....
For more graduation stories, check out these awesome carnis...
2. Bryna Butler, author Midnight Guardian series
3. Heather Self
22. Courtney Cole Writes

Click here for more Indie News:

I'm back after six weeks of filming The Right Juice!

16.5.12


It's been 6 weeks of over 12 hour days working behind the scenes of a movie but I have admit it: I had a whale of a time. It was awesome, just awesome. I met some amazing people, people I hope to stay in touch with for the rest of my life. It's true what they say: working on a movie is just like working with a little family. Since filming wrapped last Friday, I have found myself missing them all tremendously.
Being the film's Script Supervisor has enabled me to learn so much about how a movie is made. Actually, when I watch a TV show or movie now, I find myself looking at it with a different eye. I'm spotting things that I wouldn't have before, like how a certain scene was filmed, where the camera is located and how it is being moved, how shots are put together and so on. There is a heck of a lot more to making a movie than I could ever have imagined. 
I should also add that making a movie is so not glamorous! Contrary to popular belief, the hours are long and exhausting (even after filming wrapped each day, as Script Supervisor my job wasn't over because I had to write up all my notes and email them to the Editor), and we often found ourselves stuck in the middle of a muddy field in the cold rain or out in the middle of the night where temperatures dropped dramatically (I know, surprising for the Algarve!). It's hard to believe now that just a few weeks ago I was huddled up in my thermals, coat and hat, crazy considering the heat wave we're experiencing at the moment!
But I am thankful to the people behind The Right Juice for giving me the opportunity to be involved in something so awesome. I firmly believe that this movie is going to be a success and the lead actor, Mark Killeen, is destined for huge things. Early on in filming, there was one scene where he looks out onto the fields beyond and it was at that moment when it hit me: I'm working with someone who is going to make it big. He's a lovely, lovely guy and I wish him the world of success. He deserves it.
I've now got some awesome memories and I will never, ever forget this amazing experience.
Check out a few photos from behind the scenes...(for more, come on over to my facebook page where I have over 500! Suzy's Facebook photos of The Right Juice )
Lucia Moniz, you may recognise her from Love Actually

Image courtesy of Eduardo Pinto, Algarve Film Commission
Image courtesy of Eduardo Pinto, Algarve Film Commisssion
 
The two main actors, Mark Killeen and Miguel Damiao, with me
 
 



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