Counting down to Christmas is so much fun Opening up a door, one by one When I was a little girl, it was a picture scene With a holy manger or a snowy Christmas tree
Then came the chocolate ones with treats A festive shape in each, lovely to eat A delicious taste to start your day A fun game for adults and kids to play
My gran made a bevy of stockings that hang Each one numbered, she had a clear plan Fill them with little toys, chocolate or sweets Explore one each day, it’ll be every so neat
New this year for us are ones with toys Different ones for grown-ups, girls and boys Every day opening another new door With lots of cool things to explore
It’s the countdown to Christmas that we really love Trying not to open them all at once is tough Counting and sharing together is the reason It adds so much to the magic of the season
Claire Buss is a multi-genre author and poet, completely addicted to cake. Find out more about her books on her website clairebuss.co.uk. Join the discussion in her Facebook group Buss's Book Stop. Never miss out on future posts by following me.
November’s Writer Of The Month is Claire Buss, who worked in a variety of marketing and administrative roles for over a decade, before being inspired to enter the 2015 Book Challenge after attending a writers’ workshop run by crime writer and Pen to Print mentor Ian Ayris.
Claire’s Book Challenge novel, The Gaia Effect, was placed second and went on to win the Uncaged Book Reviews Raven Award for Favourite Sci-Fi/Fantasy novel in 2017. Since then, Claire has had 21 books published, as well as short story collections and stories published in various anthologies. She also runs regular Book Surgeries, offering marketing help and advice to new and established authors, and was part of the original team involved in creating and establishing Write On! Magazine. She continues to support, work and promote the magazine in her role as Deputy Editor.
Claire went on to write two more books in the Gaia Collection, The Gaia Project and The Gaia Solution and has since also published several books in the ongoing Roshaven series: a humorous fantasy series, set in an alternative world where magic exists – as do fae, trolls, dwarves, vampire mermaids and regular humans, all living together and getting along (mostly). The Roshaven books are influenced by Claire’s love of the Discworld books by Sir Terry Pratchett, as well as the humour of Douglas Adams and Piers Anthony. The main characters in this series, Ned Spinks and Jenni the sprite, have definitely taken on a life of their own, Claire says, and writing down their adventures is a lot of fun.
In the first Roshaven book, The Rose Thief (which won the Uncaged Book Reviews Raven Award for Favourite Sci-Fi/Fantasy novel in 2019), someone is stealing the Emperor’s magical roses, and all of love will be lost if Ned Spinks, Chief Thief-Catcher, can’t catch them. He must go on a quest defeating vampire mermaids, illusionists, estranged family members and an evil sorcerer – what could possibly go wrong?
The second Roshaven book, The Silk Thief, which came out in April 2021, picks up where The Rose Thief left off, but now the Roshaven empire hangs in the balance as the scheming villain plots to steal trade, crown and empress. It sees Ned go up against… well, I don’t want to spoil it for you, but Claire has kindly shared an extract.
Extract from The Silk Thief
It was Griff’s funeral. Ned Spinks, Roshaven’s Chief Thief-Catcher, watched from his elevated vantage point on the upper part of the shore as the crowd congregated by the water. He scanned the throng for any suspicious behaviour. A cool sea breeze carried some freshness his way, combating the aroma caused when you get lots of individuals gathering in one place. It gave him small comfort to see such a large turnout, his own grief was too raw.
‘Yor not on the clock now, Boss,’ Jenni the sprite remarked as she nodded a greeting at the Gingerbread folk. Wary of the water, they stood as far from the damaging liquid as they could without removing themselves from the ceremony.
‘Yeah, well, you know, people,’ muttered Ned.
‘Fourteen’s over there.’
Jenni pointed and they both stared at the elegant Imperial gazebo erected upon the Dead Pier. This was the other reason such a great crowd had assembled, and why the air hummed with animated chatter and gossip. The Emperor of Roshaven had recently revealed she was a woman, and this was her first formal event since that announcement. Unfortunate that it was a state funeral.
‘Mhm.’ Ned’s reply was as nonchalant as he could make it. He hadn’t seen Fourteen since they returned from their quest to save love and defeat the Rose Thief. After their triumphant return to the city, Fourteen had been immediately swept up by her administrators, the High Left and High Right. Every time Ned tried to get in to see her, the Highs cited important imperial duties that couldn’t be disturbed. After several tries, Ned had resolved to leave it for a while. He wasn’t certain if it were the Highs or Fourteen that were keeping him away.
‘Sparkly dress,’ commented Jenni.
Ned knew she was trying to get a response from him and his gaze flicked over again to where Fourteen stood, slightly apart from her retinue. Her short black hair framed her face and her silver gown was shining in the sun.
It relieved him when the opportunity came to change the subject as Momma K, Queen of the Fae, glided past bestowing regal smiles upon individual members of the crowd. Ned noticed he didn’t receive one and Jenni had ignored hers.
‘Things not going smoothly at home?’ Ned inquired. Jenni was the eldest of Momma K’s children, but she stayed with him in the city more often than not.
‘S’complicated.’ She was looking over at people on the pier again. ‘Who’s that talking to Norris?’
(c) Claire Buss, 2021
*****
In Claire’s latest book, The Bone Thief (released this month), Roshaven is being threatened by the Spice Ghosts as they demand the return of their mystical bones. When Ned and Jenni follow the skeletal trail into the dark and dangerous waters of the dread Sea Witch, they must fight to avoid becoming the catch of the day.
For this book, Claire decided it needed a little something extra, so she wrote a Sea Shanty and recorded herself singing it – a fun preview to the book! You can listen to Claire’s shanty here:
On the subject of audio, Claire has also started to record audiobooks of her Roshaven series, beginning with The Interspecies Poker Tournament, a novella in which Ned and Jenni go up against a moustached killer of fae – so naturally, they have to play a tense game of poker in order to catch the murderer. As a big fan of audiobooks – especially on cold dark winter evenings – I can’t wait to have a listen!
Claire also writes poetry and has a series of eight poetry books called the Little Book Series.
Claire has shared two poems with us. The first, The Dwindling Light, wonderfully evokes autumn and winter, from the perspective of a small child:
The Dwindling Light
It’s getting dark now Mummy The sun has gone to bed early The birds aren’t singing anymore And the clouds are grim and scary
It’s getting cold now Mummy I don’t want to wear shorts anymore I need a new rain jacket and wellies Else there will be puddles on the floor
It’s very windy out there Mummy It’s whipping all the leaves and trees It doesn’t seem to have a problem Blowing through me with ease
It’s so very rainy now Mummy Drizzly and damp all day long Then comes the regular deluge Like it was summoned by a song
The trees look so very bare now Mummy They lost all their leaves Do you think they need a hat or scarf I don’t want them to freeze
It’s getting dark now Mummy In the morning and before the night I want an extra cuddle please I want to hug you extra tight
(c) Claire Buss, 2020
*****
Claire’s second poem, Granny’s Jumper, has a very moving, wistful effect:
Granny’s Jumper
One thing you could count on Sitting under the tree Would be a squishy parcel Wrapped up all for me It always had a ribbon It always had a bow I always looked for it Because then I would know I had another jumper A granny special The sleeves would be enormous And the wool all itchy High necks and weird patterns Colours that didn’t match In short a jumper you Wouldn’t be seen dead in And always, always I’d have to try it on And always, always It would be too long Growing room, mum would say Smiling fondly until I found a way To take it off The sadness that year When there was no squishy parcel Waiting for me Under the tree
(c) Claire Buss, 2019
*****
Finally, Claire has also had some success with short stories. Her short story, The Last Pirate, was published in the Tales From The Pirate’s Cove anthology, and she has some short story and flash fiction collections of her own, including Tales From Suburbia and Tales From The Seaside, which are both also available as audiobooks narrated by Helena Little. Finally, one of Claire’s short story collections, The Blue Serpent & Other Tales, is free to read and available here. Here’s an extract:
The Blue Serpent
The blue serpent wound its way around her leg, across a buttock, slithered across her spine and tightened its grip on her shoulder and upper arm. It looked absolutely fantastic. Just like the one she’d seen in her dream. Her skin rippled with goosebumps as she turned this way and that, admiring the body paint. This was the bravest thing she’d ever done and it felt fantastic. Her modesty was covered with nude underwear and an undercoat of paint. The body artist said it helped to blend her clothing and smooth the tones of her skin.
‘You ready love?’ The other girl who’d been painted stuck her head around the curtain that separated them.
‘I think so.’ She checked out the other artwork. A koi carp splashed across the girl’s torso with Japanese lotus flowers and stylised waves spreading across her limbs. ‘You look amazing by the way.’
‘Thanks, you too. You ready for this?’
The girl nodded. Her heart was beating so fast she thought it might fall out of her chest but she felt exhilarated. She took one last look at the blue serpent that slinked over her skin in the mirror then stepped away, ready to face the crowds.
The two girls began to circulate the convention. It was amazing. No one leered at them or made rude comments, in fact, practically everyone just wanted to take photos or selfies with them. After a couple of hours, her skin began to feel tight and a little itchy but she just tried to ignore the sensation and focus on how great she was feeling.
The evening entertainment began, the two painted girls continued to circulate through the thick crowd, enjoying the camaraderie and the sense of belonging. The lights were dim, the music loud and the atmosphere infectious. Finally at two am the DJ spun his last disc and the remaining revellers hooted happily before staggering back to their rooms.
Koi Carp gasped as the lights came on. ‘What happened?’
‘What do you mean?’
‘Your paint, it’s gone!’
The girl looked down. All that was left on her skin were a few shiny blue scales. The serpent had gone. ‘Oh my god! Did it just… wear away?’ She looked over at the other girl. Her fish was still front and centre, splashing proudly with all its lotus flowers and waves intact. ‘Something wrong with the paint maybe?’
‘I don’t know. I’ve never seen an entire artwork disappear before. Smudges yeah but…’ Koi girl walked around the other. ‘It’s like the snake slithered away.’
The girl laughed nervously and the two of them returned to their dressing room. One to remove her paint, the other to get dressed and fall into bed. The adrenaline rush that had powered the girl through the night was fading fast.
(c) Claire Buss, 2018
*****
Thanks so much, Claire, for sharing such a wonderful mix of prose and poetry, and for everything you do at Pen to Print!
This week I am delighted to have a slice of cake with author Ksenija Nikolova.
Ksenija is a fiction author from Macedonia. She is the author of six books. All Men Love Leah is her first book published in the English language. She writes about life, love, relationships, family, pain and fears. Her books bring joy, tears and finally - relief.
What kind of books do you write?
I write books that change people’s hearts and open their minds. I write books that push boundaries and question stereotypes. I write books that make the readers wonder about life, about their decisions and about their judgements. In my books, there are many situations that are described differently, seen from a different angle, as I believe the truth is different for each one of us.
Can you describe your writing why?
I’ve written since I was very young, writing has always been a part of me. I write because I simply need to. Writing is my medicine and I feel so blessed to be able to express myself. It’s like a volcano inside of me, I can’t control it but I learned to use it. It’s a beautiful gift, to be able to share stories with the world.
Share with us your favourite passage from the book you enjoyed writing the most
Oh, that’s a hard one. There are so many, but I will choose this one from my novel All Men Love Leah:
The sound carries me, leading me somewhere, and I feel happy. My body moves with it. There is a smile on my face that can’t be wiped off. I don’t stop and I don’t want to stop. I feel joyful and I dance to the music like I never thought I could, in all my life. At the moment it is clear to me that I should have tried to do all the things I thought I couldn’t do, because I know how to dance very well. It’s only a pity that I never dared to try it before.
Tell us about your latest project
I am the author of six books but recently I was signed with an international publisher (Kingsley Publishers) so one of my books was translated into English and was published on September 24th. All Men Love Leah is a novel that I wrote during my most difficult times and I am so happy I got to share it with the readers. It’s a fiction novel with elements of psychology and romance in it, it’s a story set in Italy, quite complex and unique. Young Enzo is an outsider dealing with so many things. He does nothing with his life until he meets the beautiful Leah who changes his life, and so much more.
This is a story for all the wallflowers out there, for all the people who feel like they’ve lost their way.
I am not going to spoil it for the readers, but I will just say that if your first impression would be that the novel is another typical romance story, you are wrong.
Join me next week when I will be having a slice of cake with Shelley Wilson.
If you would like to take part in A Slice of Cake With... please fill in the form found here. I'd be delighted to have you.
You can also support my writing endeavours and buy me tea & cake - it's what makes the world go round!
Claire Buss is a multi-genre author and poet, completely addicted to cake. Find out more about her books on her website clairebuss.co.uk. Join the discussion in her Facebook group Buss's Book Stop. Never miss out on future posts by following me.
Mince pies are nice Mince pies are yum Mince pies sit nicely in your tum
Have them warm Have them cold Have them when you're young or old
Good with custard Good with cream Good with anything, you know what I mean
Make your own Make a trip to the shop Make sure you've got some ready to drop
There's one for you There's one for me There's one for Santa with his cup of tea
Some have icing Some have stars Some sit prettily in festive jars
Christmas treats for you Christmas treats for me Christmas treats for everyone, underneath the tree
Claire Buss is a multi-genre author and poet, completely addicted to cake. Find out more about her books on her website clairebuss.co.uk. Join the discussion in her Facebook group Buss's Book Stop. Never miss out on future posts by following me.
Eye of the World is probably my favourite book. For those who don't know, it's the first book in Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series.
Now Wheel of Time is probably ringing a bell with you because it is Amazon Prime's newest fantasy TV show. So obviously, I had to watch it and rope my hubby into watching it as well.
The problem with watching a TV show with your other half when you know alllllll the backstory is trying to stop yourself from explaining everything.
Nynaeve comes on screen - she's the Wisdom Rand, Mat and Perrin come together - they're best friends Moiraine says ta'veren - I explain it means the pattern weaves around them, then I have to explain what the pattern is all about An eyeless - that's a fade The Aiel - that becomes important later The wolves - that becomes important later Thom Merrilin - he's important and so on...
And then, of course, there are the 'well that doesn't happen in the book' comments although to be fair it's been a while since I last read Wheel of Time so I'm not too worried. I understand why they did what they did to Perrin - it makes sense for his storyline.
My fan thoughts on the TV show - I like. I think they've cast well on the whole although Mat isn't quite the cheeky chappie I was expecting and the Trollocs are rather more humanoid than I imagined. Strains of LOTR echo throughout. I liked the One Power depiction, the Whitecloaks are suitably worrying.
I saw on the webbyness complaints that it looked too TV. Erm... it's a TV programme? Also that it's too clean... not sure what that really means to be honest. My other half guessed who the Dragon Reborn is straight away and complained about the fact that the main cast are soon split. He'll be disappointed if he ever reads the books haha.
My main complaint is that Amazon didn't release all episodes at once. It is going to be hard to wait a week for the next instalment lol. I have all the books on my bookshelf and I'm struggling to not pick up book one.
Claire Buss is a multi-genre author and poet, completely addicted to cake. Find out more about her books on her website clairebuss.co.uk. Join the discussion in her Facebook group Buss's Book Stop. Never miss out on future posts by following me.
Louise switched off. Nan and Mum were off talking about the good old days when everything was cheaper and bigger, places were cleaner and food tasted better. If she kept quiet, she wouldn't get pulled into the conversation and be forced to defend her peers.
They could be chatting for ages, it depended on what tangent they went off on. It could be clothes or food, music or TV programmes. In a way, it was a good thing they were visiting Nan at the old person's complex where she was surrounded by all her things. She was less likely to get too overworked.
Louise could feel her phone digging into her thigh but she daren't take it out of her pocket because then she would get distracted by the notifications, get pulled into scrolling and get it in the neck from both her Mum and her Nan.
'Shall I make a cuppa?' she asked, winning herself grateful smiles from both her elders as she headed into the kitchen to put the kettle on.
*****
'Back in my day...'
The words jogged Louise back into the present. She was sitting next to a hospital bed where her Mum was having a good day, sitting up and able to recognise her visitors.
There was a young girl in the bed opposite who was drawing all of her Mum's attention. Half her head had been shaved and the rest of her hair dyed blue. She had a tattoo on her neck as well as more piercings than Louise could count.
Her mum was whispering loudly about how nobody in her day would be seen dead styling themselves like that. Fortunately, the young girl appeared to be asleep.
Louise was half in awe at the courage of the girl in being so true to her personality but found at the same time she was nodding along with her mother. It was true that people of her generation weren't, on the whole, that brave. Their children definitely, but not her peers.
*****
'Back in my day...'
Louise faltered as she said the words. She sounded like her Mum and her Nan which filled her with sadness. She missed them so much. And now here she was, the granny in the armchair telling her grandchildren how great things were in her past.
Claire Buss is a multi-genre author and poet, completely addicted to cake. Find out more about her books on her website clairebuss.co.uk. Join the discussion in her Facebook group Buss's Book Stop. Never miss out on future posts by following me.
Today I am delighted to have a slice of cake with author Phil Price.
Phil was born in Sutton Coldfield in 1974. He lived in various places in the UK until his family settled in Rednal, a suburb on the outskirts of Birmingham in 1979. Growing up with an older brother and sister, he always flirted with reading, his home always littered with books. Then in 1997, Phil embarked on a travel expedition that took him from Greece to Thailand, via East and Southern Africa. Sitting in dusty bus stations in Kenya, Tanzania and Malawi with Wilbur Smith and James Herbert accompanying him, his imagination was sparked into life. Since those far-off days, he has never been without a book to read.
Phil started toying with the idea of writing a book in 2009. After writing a few short stories, he caught a whiff of an idea in his head. It started to evolve in 2010 until he had enough to begin his writing journey. Marriage and two children came along, with the story being moved to the back burner for periods of time. However, during those periods of writing inactivity, the story continued to manifest until it just needed one thing. To be written down.
The story was littered with places that had influenced Phil's life. From the Lickey Hills in Birmingham to the Amatola Mountains in South Africa, with other many other locations, in-between and far beyond. The book was finished sometime in 2014, left on his computer until a chance conversation with an author friend made Phil take the bold step to publish his story, Unknown.
From there, Phil’s love for the first book spurred him on, creating The Forsaken Series. A vampire/paranormal/horror trilogy, set in our world, and others too. His love of horror and all things supernatural, inspired by authors such as King, Herbert and others, helped create the epic series. After writing a science fiction novel, titled Zoo, Phil released his first psychological thriller, Ashes of Innocence, a story that he'd kept bubbling away for many years.
Aside from his writing, Phil lives on the edge of a small town in Worcestershire, UK. A wife and two sons keep Phil happily occupied as he steers his way through life, playing the husband, dad and world creator in equal measure.
What kind of books do you write?
Well, I used to write about vampires from other realms, who kidnap unsuspecting humans. Now prefer to drag my characters to the depths of hell, throwing all kinds of nasty stuff at them.
Can you describe your writing why?
I do love a ‘why’ question. Ultimately, for enjoyment and the enjoyment a reader might get from reading one of my books. The ‘what’ and the ‘how’ are just slices of the cake. If we don’t know why we do something, there’s no point starting the journey.
Share with us your favourite passage from the book you enjoyed writing the most
He wiped the blade on the man’s T-shirt and walked back around the cab to finish off the younger half-brother. There was no one there, just a trail of blood, sporadically coating the single-track road.
“He went that way,” a male voice said from behind Sean.
He spun around to see an older man standing at the side of the road. “Who the fuck are you?” Sean challenged, a sense of unease washing over him.
“You finished Jerome off. Now, you just need to chase down Deano to complete your mission, Sean.”
The bigger man baulked at hearing his name. Not only his name, but the names of his targets, too. “You a copper?”
“No. I’m not a copper,” the older man replied, taking a step forward.
“Then who the fuck are ya?”
“Funny thing about revenge,” the man started. “You think it will give you closure, but it doesn’t, because you’re already dead inside. The thought of it has eroded your soul, leaving very little of the person you once were. But then again, you were a murderer before your mum was killed. Isn’t that right, Sean?”
“Look, mate,” the younger man replied, feeling a tsunami of panic building inside him. “I’m here for them. I don’t have any quarrel with you.”
“But you did with my wife,” John stated flatly, “when you murdered her in cold blood.”
Tell us about your latest project
I’ve just started a family thriller saga, set in Cornwall. The story revolves around a family, divided by past secrets and betrayal. The older sibling hosts private parties for influential men, until someone winds up dead. It’s down to the man’s wife and younger brother to uncover the truth. The Retreat will be out in 2022. Watch this space…
What is your favourite cake?
Carrot cake. All day long. With a nice cup of tea. I’m easily pleased 😊
Join me next week when I will be having a slice of cake with Ksenija Nikolova.
If you would like to take part in A Slice of Cake With... please fill in the form found here. I'd be delighted to have you.
You can also support my writing endeavours and buy me tea & cake - it's what makes the world go round!
Claire Buss is a multi-genre author and poet, completely addicted to cake. Find out more about her books on her website clairebuss.co.uk. Join the discussion in her Facebook group Buss's Book Stop. Never miss out on future posts by following me.
I'm wrapping up from the cold Did you notice? That chilly trickle around your ankles It's coming
I'm wrapping up the birthday presents Not long to go before my Little Miss turns four It's coming
I'm wrapping up at bedtime Because hubby likes the window open all night long It's coming
I'm wrapping up for Christmas I might not make it to the family gathering It's coming
I'm wrapping up my book series thus far Both published this year, can't quite believe it It's coming
I'm wrapping up for dark, dark mornings Despite wanting to stay in bed It's coming
I'm wrapping up with jumpers A different one every day in various shades of dark It's coming
I'm wrapping up for winter Hot chocolate on tap with whip and marshmallows It's here
Claire Buss is a multi-genre author and poet, completely addicted to cake. Find out more about her books on her website clairebuss.co.uk. Join the discussion in her Facebook group Buss's Book Stop. Never miss out on future posts by following me.
Wow, would you look at the time? It's practically Christmas which means January is just around the corner and I'm supposed to be thinking of all the resolutions I'll be making for a brand new year. However, right now I seem to be in a holding pattern. And I'm not entirely sure what I'm waiting for...
As a writer, the one thing I'm fairly sure I shouldn't admit to is the fact that I'm not currently writing anything.
With the publication of The Bone Thief, I am taking a rather large deep breath. It's time to take stock of my writers' life so far and figure out what I'm going to do next.
Now... there are a couple of book projects I could work on. The first being putting all my poetry books together into one omnibus and the second being a special hardback edition of all the Roshaven thief books together. Both of those projects require serious cover thought and creation of which I shall probably tackle in 2022. Along with the refreshment of front and back matter in all my books - a task I try to do yearly.
The second thing I am very eager to get to grips with is a multifold project. I have a huge shopping bag full of writing magazines that I've been meaning to write and haven't quite gotten around to. I have multiple bookmark folders full of articles and resources on writing that I've been meaning to read and go through and haven't quite gotten around to. I have several training courses on this business of writing that I've been meaning to work through but haven't quite gotten around to. I think it's about time I get around!
The thing stopping me from getting on with these projects is that if I pour my time and energy into them, I won't be writing because I have finite time available and I have a feeling this will take a lot of that time. And if I'm not writing, am I even a writer?
And if I'm not writing, will I lose the readers I've worked so hard to gather if I don't release a new book soon?
Also... should I dive into one of the new project ideas I have because you know, shiny, or should I double down and get more Roshaven written - specifically the Case Files. Or... do I go build on WorldAnvil.
I wish I had the time or possibly more realistically, the scheduling ability to do it all on top of my Deputy Editor role at Write On! magazine, being a mother to monsters (not dragons) and trying to be a moderately successful housewife.
I still have no idea what exactly is going to be next and so the blank page looms but maybe that's alright. I do know that there will be more stories, it's just a matter of deciding which one comes first.
Claire Buss is a multi-genre author and poet, completely addicted to cake. Find out more about her books on her website clairebuss.co.uk. Join the discussion in her Facebook group Buss's Book Stop. Never miss out on future posts by following me.
Today I am delighted to have a slice of cake with author Teresa E Sargeant.
Teresa is an author, poet, freelance editor and writer, and journalist who lives in Orlando, Fla., with her family. She has received three awards from state press associations for her work at New Jersey and Central Florida newspapers.
Among her contributions to print and new media, Teresa’s short stories have been published in the horror-humour anthologies Demonic Wildlife and Demonic Household and the online literary magazines Short Fiction Break and 121 Words.
She is the author of the poetry book How Fate’s Confusion Connects, as well as several short story ebooks available on Amazon Kindle. Her favorite writers are Emily Bronte, Edgar Allan Poe, and Rod Serling.
When she is not writing, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, working out, shopping, travelling, photography, volunteering, and daydreaming.
What kind of books do you write?
Using surrealism and imagery, my writings encapsulate the human spirit, the human heart, the human mind, and the universal experience within brief moments that depict both the characters’ inner and outer conflicts.
Can you describe your writing why?
To tell stories that, though they may have been told before and have universal themes, are told from my perspective. Also, I write to leave a legacy for my children and grandchildren.
Share with us your favourite passage from the book you enjoyed writing the most
Here’s an excerpt from The Lucky Devlins, available as part of my short story collection Inner Demons:
News that a brain aneurysm caused the death of my father, Chester Devlin, shocked me and my family. However, there was a hollowness in my heart from an emotional disconnect to my father. I couldn't shed a tear yet with some effort, I had to think of some sad memory to get me crying at both the wake and the funeral. So that memory was what had me bawling at both the wake and the funeral, all the while for my father I was an emotional desert while wearing the mask of a bereaved daughter consoling her mother and sister.
You don't have to be physically absent to be considered an absentee parent. My relationship with Dad had been dead long before he died, and he was buried (metaphorically speaking) in the home library of his lakefront house.
Tell us about your latest project
My short story, Healing was published in summer 2021 on the online literary magazine Short Fiction Break! I entered it as part of a contest. The story is about a young woman who goes back home to visit her parents for their 30th wedding anniversary celebration, all the while grappling with her relationship with her mother.
Join me next week when I will be having a slice of cake with Phil Price.
If you would like to take part in A Slice of Cake With... please fill in the form found here. I'd be delighted to have you.
You can also support my writing endeavours and buy me tea & cake - it's what makes the world go round!
Claire Buss is a multi-genre author and poet, completely addicted to cake. Find out more about her books on her website clairebuss.co.uk. Join the discussion in her Facebook group Buss's Book Stop. Never miss out on future posts by following me.
Oh, it’s dark Winter has come and has settled in Alarm goes off but Snuggle down in duvet It’s dark Too dark for mornings Too dark for getting up Too dark for doing The sun fights the gloom Grey is the new black It’s everywhere ‘cos it’s dark Too dark for smiling Too dark for talking Too dark for school runs It’s a dark, dark morning
Claire Buss is a multi-genre author and poet, completely addicted to cake. Find out more about her books on her website clairebuss.co.uk. Join the discussion in her Facebook group Buss's Book Stop. Never miss out on future posts by following me.
Just five days before The Bone Thief is released and I find myself unable to write anything else until I know that a) it's successfully out there and b) readers like it.
I want to launch myself into a new project with gay abandon and I do have some ideas but, I keep telling myself that I don't have time at the moment and I need to just concentrate on the launch which of course is just a load of flannel.
It being NaNoWriMo, otherwise known as November to all non-writers, I feel monumentally guilty for not committing to 1667 words per day for the entire month. I said I would concentrate on world-building instead, which I really do want to but I still haven't found the time to settle on that either.
It's nice to have plans - a sense of direction that you want to go a certain way with your work or that you want to learn a particular skill or branch out in a particular social media direction and I do have plans to make plans for all those things... just haven't quite got there yet.
The original, original plan was that when both my kids went to full-time school, I would get so much work done. I'd be writing a book a month easily (haha). I would complete the training courses I signed up for. I would improve my social media marketing and the big one - sell more books.
The actuality has been a few months of recovery from all that lockdown brought us plus the utter writer burnout I experienced beforehand and then limping back into some kind of work ethic. Taking a break is good for you but for me, having a structure in place works better.
A timetable, a plan, a deadline. Those are the things I need to work well.
So we run back around to having only a week to go before the launch of The Bone Thief. My author rollercoaster is in full flow going up and down the twin tracks of imposter syndrome and hey, I wrote this brilliant book, waiting to see what will happen.
I shall write again!
Claire Buss is a multi-genre author and poet, completely addicted to cake. Find out more about her books on her website clairebuss.co.uk. Join the discussion in her Facebook group Buss's Book Stop. Never miss out on future posts by following me.
This week I am delighted to have a slice of cake with Kayelle Allen.
Kayelle writes stories with immortal gamers and warriors who purr. She is the author of multiple books, novellas, and short stories. She's also a US Navy veteran and has been married so long she's tenured.
What kind of books do you write?
I write sci-fi and fantasy with immortal gamers (GameLit), misbehaving robots, high-functioning synesthete androids, and warriors who purr. Some books are enemies to lovers, some have huge plot twists, and others are humorous takes on the world. My writing allows me to share my views about the world without being preachy. I present situations in my stories and let readers draw their own conclusions. For example, imagine a world where one gender has few rights, is kept in seclusion, protected and sheltered, yet forbidden an education. Now imagine that gender is male.
Can you describe your writing why?
There are times when it feels like my characters are channelling through me from another universe and I'm only the medium allowing them to be heard. It's up to me to reveal their truths. Other times, I write because I love the feedback from readers. Getting an email with a question about a story or a character makes my day. I've been writing for so long now that it's an ingrained habit, but one I have no desire to change or to "retire" from. I love what I do and can't wait to get out of bed in the morning and go do it. I am retired now and write full time. I love it.
Share with us your favourite passage from the book you enjoyed writing the most
This is one of my favorite passages from A Stolen Heart in the Antonello Brothers series. It's the opening of the book and introduces not only the protagonist, but also the antagonist and gives you an immediate feel for their I-love-to-hate-you relationship.
"Will you meet with me? I hope you won't leave the planet before I get there." His king's calm tenor voice offered no overt danger. It sounded like a friendly message, but since when did Pietas say he hoped you wouldn't do something? He flat out told you.
The hair raised on the back of Luc Saint-Cyr's neck.
He paused the holographic video and rubbed the tight spot between his eyes. Was he jumping to conclusions? The message might mean what it said.
It might, if Pietas didn't enshroud every word in multiple layers of secrets.
No. This was far too casual. The message must imply something. A warning, or a code Luc lacked the key for.
"Focus. What am I missing?" Luc circled the holograph.
Pietas had been in the midst of tossing back his long platinum hair. Since he only cut it during wartime, its length implied peace. His flirty, you-know-you-love-me smile was in full view, but his king smiled when commanding his panther to devour an enemy too.
All this friendliness stank of some game he was playing. All right. If it was a game, Luc would play it.
It wasn't as if he had a choice.
He activated the holovid again.
The man reached down, off camera. From the motion, he had to be petting that monstrous cat of his. "Can't wait to see you, Cyken." The scene went black.
A tap skipped the holovid back to its final image. Luc zoomed in on his king's face. No wrinkles around the eyes, no lines around the noble mouth. Pietas had been reborn and the age difference showed. Makeup and poorly lit images hid plenty, but only an immortal with a planet-sized ego would think he could shave off that many years and the mortal public wouldn't notice.
Why would Pietas risk exposing their biggest secret?
Every time mortals had discovered that immortals existed, it led to the revelation that their blood resurrected mortal dead. And it cost Ultras their freedom.
Luc paced the length of his ship's observation deck, his mind leaping from one disturbing thought to another. Allowing mortals to glimpse sudden unexplainable youth jeopardized the mission: protect humanity from its own folly. Restore what Ultras had destroyed when they'd been mankind's enemy.
Even if it meant crippling the progress of Ultras by keeping mankind from advanced forms of space travel.
The view of his world with its black seas matched Luc's mood. From here, Miraj City glowed like millions of lampyris birds trapped in a net, subject to the whim of their masters. Once he boarded his king's flagship, Luc would be no freer than those glowing birds, with his net the grace of his king.
"Sir?" the voice of James intruded. His android security chief also managed Luc's transportation. "You wanted to know when we entered the ship's cloaking field. We're in."
Outside it, the flagship was invisible to the planet's security forces. They'd never believe an alien vessel bigger than an imperial planet-killer wasn't hostile.
"Already?" Luc swept a hand through his hair. "You're certain? There's no mistake?"
The android didn't respond at first. "Yes, sir. The hull is visible. We're inside the cloak."
"All right." Luc covered his mouth, fighting a roiling stomach. No chest pain for months, but one minute near Pietas and it was back. Full strength. "I'm on my way."
A Stolen Heart
When a glorified space pirate turned entrepreneur rescues a vulnerable orphan, a chain of events sets chaos in motion. At war with his compassion for the toddler, loyalty to the king, duty to the Guild, and the bright lure of freedom he's coveted for centuries, Luc seeks the right path. A hard choice for any man. For an immortal whose inner monster can destroy on sight? Impossible. A pirate with a monstrous past can never be trusted with an innocent child. Luc must ensure the child is protected, safe, nowhere near danger. Nowhere near him. Even if this little boy has already stolen his heart...
This book is free on all retailers. Read the gateway book to the entire Antonello Brothers and Antonello Brothers: Immortal series. Universal Buy Link https://books2read.com/ab-stolen-heart
Tell us about your latest project
I'm currently plotting the fifth and final book in the Antonello Brothers series, Crystal Clear Truth. Khyff and Senth didn't know each other growing up, and didn't meet until they were young adults. Crystal Clear Truth is set a few years in the future from the last book, and introduces an older brother that no one suspected even existed. Tying this story to the others is both a challenge and a lot of fun. It also gives me the opportunity to deepen the already almost fathomless story universe I've developed. The good thing for readers is that A Stolen Heart is free, and it introduces them to the entire empire of books and characters. It's a fun read.
What is your favourite cake?
Rich, dark devil's food with creamy white frosting. The best
way to eat it is with a scoop of equally rich vanilla ice cream. Yum! Someone I
know said this is the cake that should be called "angel's food" - not
that fluffy white stuff. Truth be known, I love them both, but devil's food is the
bomb. Red velvet cake wants to be chocolate, and German chocolate cake wishes
it were. Devil's food is the real thing.
Sign up for her newsletter and get free Sci-Fi stories, book recommendations, and become a Tarthian Empire citizen (and an immortal), among other reader exclusives here https://kayelleallen.com/immortality
Join me next week when I will be having a slice of cake with Teresa E Sargeant.
If you would like to take part in A Slice of Cake With... please fill in the form found here. I'd be delighted to have you.
You can also support my writing endeavours and buy me tea & cake - it's what makes the world go round!
Claire Buss is a multi-genre author and poet, completely addicted to cake. Find out more about her books on her website clairebuss.co.uk. Join the discussion in her Facebook group Buss's Book Stop. Never miss out on future posts by following me.
