Getting To Know - FJ Curlew

Today on Life Of A Nerdish Mum I am very lucky to welcome F.J. Curlew, author of To Retribution, to Getting To Know...

Your debut novel, To Retribution, is a thriller with political aspects to it, what drew you to this particular genre?

Honestly, I'm not sure! I'm a soft and fluffy, peace and love kind of a person but my writing always takes me towards a thrilleresque genre. There must be something dark lurking deep within me and this is its exit! The political aspect, however, is very much me. I have always been very politically minded and have a strong leaning towards rights of all kinds; animal loving vegetarian, Amnesty International supporter, Greenpeace etc. I abhor abuse in any of its guises, hence their inclusion in 'To Retribution'.
I have also witnessed a good deal of injustice and intimidation in my travels which definitely influences my writing.

There are three main characters in To Retribution, Jake, Ranulf and Suze, are any of them based on people in real life or have they taken on any of your personality?

An interesting question. The only one who was based on someone I knew was Jake. He is a conglomeration of some friends from Estonia and I had a clear concept of him from the beginning. The others are purely fictitious, although there are snippets of people I have met or seen intermingled through most of my characters; a phrase, a feeling, a look. They grew with me as the story progressed.

I would love to have met someone like Ranulf. He is so complex, off the wall and intriguing. I may have to bring him back  at a later date. I wondered when I was writing him if he was too 'out there', perhaps unbelievable, but he is the one character people comment on most in a positive 'I loved him' way.

You have also written short stories (one of which was the inspiration for To Retribution), do you find it easier to write a short story or a novel?

I don't think there is an 'easier'. Well, not for me anyway. They are very different. I relish being able to expand on characters and story-lines in novel writing, to wander off with everything, get lost in it. But being succinct, to grab hold of something and put it into a short story is also a fascinating challenge. I love them both.

Did you always know that you'd like to write your own novel one day?

No. Not at all. I've always loved language, thoroughly enjoyed bringing that creativity out in the children I taught but I never imagined it was something I would do myself. It was when I was forced to give up teaching due to ill health that I stumbled upon writing. Life slapped me in the face and made me completely change direction. I wasn't capable of much but wanted to study so I chose creative writing at the Open University and I am so grateful for that opportunity. It gave me a new direction, a positive one. I discovered I could write fiction and that I loved it. It has completely taken over my life in a very fine way!

You have travelled a lot while teaching across Europe, do you have a favourite place that you have lived or visited?

Yes. Estonia. I fell completely in love with the tiny country before I'd even set foot in the place. I was studying for my teaching degree when I happened upon the Estonian under sixteen football team (I kid you not!) There was something about them. Their country. A connection. I really couldn't explain it but the pull was incredibly strong. I devoured everything I could about the place, which was minimal at the time. Just post Soviet and hardly known. I remember the thrill of the local newspaper I had ordered popping through my letterbox after winging its way from Tallinn. The following year I went across for a holiday and two years later had moved there complete with daughter, dogs and cat, much to the chagrin of my family. 'You're going where?!' Were it not for health issues I would go back in a heartbeat.

When you're not writing what would we find you doing?

I think one of the best things about writing is that, like teaching, it is all consuming. It becomes your life, which is just what I need. There are very few times when I completely switch off. I go for huge dog walks every day, which I love. It's beautiful and life enhancing, and where I do my best thinking...about my writing.

Absolute down time would be watching football and going to concerts. Oh, and reading, of course!

Do you have a favourite place to sit and write or a particular ritual that you follow?

Yes. I write on a pile of cushions in the corner of my room for space on which I have to negotiate (hmmm) with my dogs and cat. My comfort comes a poor second to theirs!

Mornings are for walks and admin, afternoons for writing. I always start by reading something which is in an appropriate style or genre for what I am writing, setting the mood with some music.

8. Do you have a favourite author?

No. I keep discovering new ones, which is brilliant. The authors of whom I have read most would be Carl Hiaasen (for a really good laugh), Ian Rankin (because he's a master of his genre) and Paulo Coelho (because...). I could go, 'Oh and...' for ages. There are so many great writers, aren't there?

9. If you could give your younger self any advice about your writing journey, what would it be?

I don't think I would. I started late in life and I think that was how it was meant to be.

10. What can we look forward to you following To Retribution?

I'm working on my second novel but have learned not to say what it's about, as it is very liable to change...drastically. I don't plan, just go with the characters, the story as it shows itself to me, which means until I have that last chapter down and the final edit done, nothing is set in stone. So far it is thrilleresque and political (ish)! I think... But I'm also working on something completely different!

Thank you so much for such wonderful answers and taking the time to appear on my blog!

To Retribution

The military is in control. Tight control. Media is censored, movement restricted. There are re-education camps for trouble makers, repatriation camps for non-nationals. Jake, Brian and Suze, three idealistic young journalists, are used to hiding as they try to keep their online news channel open. They publish the truth about the repatriations, the corruption and the deceit. 
New Dawn, the feared security force, is closing in yet again. The trio run, yet again. This time, however, they are pursued with a relentlessness, a brutality which seems far too extreme for their 'crimes.' 
A trail of death is left in their wake as they try to escape New Dawn and find out what is really behind this hunt. They are drawn into a web of human trafficking, child abuse and murder. Only it's closer than they think. Much closer. 
Who would you trust?

To Connect with F.J. Curlew

Website - http://www.fjcurlew.com/

Twitter - @FJCurlew

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/FJCurlew/?fref=ts

Zak And Jen's Astronomical Adventures: Tinsel Town - Review, Guest Post and GIVEAWAY!

Today is my stop on the blog tour for Zak and Jen's Astronomical Adventures: Tinsel Town by Natalie Page and Chris Rivers Nuttall and I have lots of fun things to share! I have my review as well as my nerdlings review. a lovely guest post from Natalie Page AND a giveaway to win a copy of the book! It's a very exciting day. 

Blurb

Zak flew to Jen's planet and giggled with glee, he was so excited for what they might see... Best friends Zak and Jen are off on a Christmas adventure with their special umbrellas. This time, the pair fly to a new planet, but where is everybody? Enjoy the magic as Zak and Jen make some new festive friends and discover how important it is to make the most of every day.

My Review

I fell in love with this book immediately! The art work is just absolutely stunning and even before I read the story I had to flick through the pages several times just so I could appreciate just how beautiful the pictures are. 

When I then did read the story, it was just perfect. The rhtyhm and rhyming are really well done for a parent to read to a child and it is also easy for a child to read it to themselves. I knew I was going to enjoy reading this to my littlest nerdling no matter how many times he asked for it. 

The story itself is very well thought out and I really enjoyed the subtle message to make sure you live everyday to the fullest in the ways that make you happy. 

Overall an excellent book and I will be looking forward to collecting more of these books as they come out. 

7 Year Old Nerdling's Review

I liked the pictures, they were nice. The book was fun and it made me excited for Christmas!

3 Year Old Nerdling's Review

Yay my Halloween Book! 

Christmas Reading Wish list

by Natalie Page

Today, on Life of a Nerdish Mum, I am excited to be able to share my Christmas Reading Wish list with you – I have done two, one for me and one for my little girl (who is almost 3).

Who knows, if we are good, maybe Father Christmas will see fit to put a few of these in our stockings this year!

You will notice some of the books are Christmas themed (why not given the time of year?) whilst others are ones that I have been desperately wanting to get around to reading, I just haven’t had the time!

So, let’s start with my reading wish list:

• Bed Time Stories for Grown Ups – By Ben Holden
• Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs
• The Christmas Promise – by Sue Moorcroft
• All I want for Christmas – by Jenny Hale
• Avalon – by Mindee Arnett

As you will see, this is a rather interesting mix. The reason for that is because I don’t just read in one genre. Outside of writing picture books, I also write Young Adult fiction so it is important for me to try and read what else is out there so I can see what is popular and also where the gaps are. As a children’s author I am also a huge kid at heart, I love Disney and anything to do with magic, fantasy and adventure. When I saw that Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children had been made into a film, (directed by my favourite director Tim Burton) I realised that I would have to make time to actually read the book before seeing it, and that is what I intend to do!

As for the other books on the list, I a love reading book reviews on book blogs and these are some recent titles that have really caught my attention. To be honest, I also feel that the best time to read Christmas books is at this time of year, I find it hard to get on board with Christmas themes if I am reading it in July!

So on to my list for my daughter:

Aside from my own Christmas book, here is what I would like for her (and some of these may have already found their way to our Christmas cupboard ready for the big day).

• The Very Hungry Caterpillar - An absolute classic and one that she doesn’t yet own.
• The celebrated, Giraffe’s Can’t Dance – by Giles Andreae. This book has become an international bestseller and I am keen to find out why, so on our wish list it goes!
• The Day the Crayon’s Quit – by Drew Daywait. Again, this is a book that has received some rave reviews and had lots of people talking. I love the concept of the crayon’s being alive and having something to say! My only concern is that it might be a bit old for her, but we will give it a try!
• Dogger – By Shirley Hughes. I remember reading this when I was young and I would love my little girl to have and be able to keep a copy of her own.
• The Christmas Bear – written by Ian Whybrow and illustrated by Axel Scheffler. Obviously, we need to have at least one Christmas themed book, and this is a lift flap book which is a style my daughter adores. The book has received some great reviews so I am keen to get a copy for my little one to try out!

To pick up your own copy of Zak and Jen's Astronomical Adventures: Tinsel Town (If you're not lucky enough to win below) you can head over to Etsy and buy it HERE.

And finally the GIVEAWAY! There's plenty of ways to enter and I'm leaving the competition open for five days so plenty of time to get in :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Don't forget to check out the rest of the blog tour, there will be more chances to win you're own copy!

Getting To Know...Emma Welton

Today on Getting To Know... I welcome fellow book blogger Emma Welton of DampPebbles. Emma is one of the first book bloggers I got to know better when I started getting more involved in the book community.

Your blog, DampPebbles covers everything bookish, what inspired you to set it up?

I was looking for a new hobby, something creative.  I’d tried decoupage, knitting, crochet…nothing held my attention.  My husband had suggested I start a book blog a few years ago.  I’d given it a half-hearted go but thrown in the towel quite early on.  At the start of the year I suddenly felt confident enough and motivated to try blogging again.  I’d been following a blog for a while and that person, along with my husband’s encouragement, inspired me to give it a go.  I haven’t looked back since.  It was the right thing at just the right time for me.

With your reading, you seem to have a preference for crime novels, is there anything in particular that draws you to this genre?

I love the escapism of crime fiction.  I lead a pretty normal life as a stay at home mum with my two children.  Crime novels are as close as I plan on getting to the seedier side of life and being arrested!

Do you have a favourite author?

Chris Carter’s novels are superb and a favourite of many other crime readers.  I also love Robert Bryndza, Angela Marsons, Robert Galbraith and Mark Billingham.  Then S E Lynes and Louise Jensen who are both debut authors with stunning novels; can’t wait to see what they have in store for us next.

When you're not reading, do you have any other hobbies?

Other hobbies….?  *shrugs* I do love a trip to the theatre and to travel but neither seem to happen very often these days.  Most of my free time is spent reading!

You have worked as a librarian (every readers dream job), can you tell me more about what it actually entails?

I was only a lowly volunteer I’m afraid so my days were mainly spent reshelving (stroking!) the (pretty) books.  The one thing I did learn about myself whilst working in the library was that I am pretty rubbish at the alphabet!

Are your bookshelves beautifully organised or are they an intricate game of tetris?

I wish I had bookshelves!  We’re in the process of moving house so my books are packed away ready for transport.  My TBR however is within reach and that I would call a game of tetris!  Or maybe Jenga!

On average how many books do you read in a year? Do you set yourself an annual goal?

I read around 50 books last year.  This year, since starting my blog, I’ve read 71 so far with a goal of 92 by the end of the year.  I don’t think I could ever manage more than 100 books a year and I’m deeply envious of those that can achieve that.

Do you have one book that you always recommend to people, one book that you think everyone should read?

At the moment I’m recommending Valentina by SE Lynes.  It’s stunning, go and get yourself a copy!

Bookmark, random piece of paper/receipt etc or dog ear?

I never ever turn the corner of a page (if you do that and we’re friends, we’re not anymore!) Breaking the spine of a book upsets me too!  Otherwise, anything else will do.  At the moment I’m using a cotton wool makeup pad!

Will we ever see a novel written by you?

I would love to write a novel.  I just need an idea and the time to write it.  Maybe when the kids are older…

Thank you so much to Emma for taking the time to answer my questions, is always good getting to know other readers and bloggers! 

To check out Emma's blog and other social media:

www.damppebbles.com

www.twitter.com/damppebbles

www.facebook.com/damppebbles

www.goodreads.com/damppebbles

www.instagram.com/damppebbles

Night by Casey Christie - Review

Blurb

A trio of incorruptible cops--A veteran Sergeant, a former army commando, and his two cohorts, a Zulu giant and an expat Russian Spetsnaz operator--wage a ruthless war against the modern criminal gangs who ravage the city of Johannesburg with bank robberies, ritual murders, rape, torture and cash in transit hijackings. Reader discretion is advised.

This tough police action thriller lifts the lid on South African life as three hard cops launch flat-out war against a Satanic crime-czar. 

Night of the Black Bastards is a vivid crime thriller set in the dangerous streets of Johannesburg and the vastness of the Karoo Desert. This novel is based upon real-life events..

The book provides unique insights into police procedure and the savage reality of the high energy lifestyle of the grindingly poor and the obscenely wealthy inhabitants of the multiracial metropolis of Johannesburg.

The trio's principal adversary is a Zimbabwean colonel who has established a criminal empire based in the black township of Alexandra, where he is fearfully known as uSathane--the Zulu expression for The Devil. uSathane uses black magic and cannibalism--he drinks the blood of raped women--to keep him alive although he is riddled with Aids.

Review

Well I'll start by saying the books I normally read are definitely not as brutal as this book, but it is nice to have a change every now and again. The synopsis really intrigued me and I have read a few books set in South Africa recently so this was another one to add to my list. 

The characters are all extremely well written, in particular Sergeant Michael Night. He's incredibly complex as on the one hand, he is cold and can shut off his feelings to even the death of people close to him, but on the other hand he rescues dogs when he can an he loves his girlfriend Lisa and his two fellow "Black Bastards" a Zulu and a Russian. (The full title of the book did throw me a little, but it is explained that the reason the three men are called "Black Bastards" is due to the combat gear that they wear). He is a really great character and was easy to get behind and route for in the story. I also adore Wamba his pet rescued mountain of a dog, he's written so well that you can actually picture his face and his abounding energy. 

The story itself is fast paced and well written, my only slight comment would be that there were moments that felt very much like information dumps, particularly at the beginning of the book, but this is a personal thing and it may not seem that way to everyone. 

The world building is quite intense and sets an extremely vivid picture of the streets in South Africa and what the police in this book at least have to face, I could quite easily envisage the gated communities and the people just trying to get on with their own life with as little disruption as possible from the warring factions. 

uSathane is extremely terrifying as the "big bad" as since starting reading books based in South Africa I have learnt a lot more about witch doctors (he isn't one but he uses one) and their practices and the fact that they are still being used today. The power that they can hold over people is just terrible, uSathane uses a witch doctor and their remedies in a belief that he will be kept alive even though he is basically dying. Someone who believes that they are practically immortal and have the respect or fear of a following of people is incredibly hard to defeat as they think they have nothing to lose whereas you do. 

Overall a thoroughly good book and I will hopefully be reading more by Casey Christie in the future. 

I gave this book 4 stars

Getting To Know... Lindsay Stanberry-Flynn

Today on Getting To Know... I am delighted to have the wonderful Lindsay Stanberry-Flynn, author of The Broken Road.

Your novels are contemporary fiction, is there anything that draws you to this particular genre?

I’m interested in present-day psychological dilemmas and modern relationships. I like to put characters into difficult situations and see how they react. Some of the questions posed by my books are: what happens when your ex-husband gets in touch and you find you still love him? How do you react when the death of a parent reveals a thirty-five year old secret? How should you deal with the conflict between personal ambition and family demands? These tend to be the dilemmas of the contemporary world, which is what draws me to this genre.

Your most recent novel, The Broken Road, is set in London, Plymouth and Venice, was there any reason you chose these particulars places?

I like to set my books in places I know and love. Apart from anything else, it gives me a good excuse to go back and do research!

I was born and brought up in London, and the city has featured as one of the settings in all my novels so far. In ‘The Broken Road’, the flat where the main character, Ollie, lives with his wife and daughter is actually on the site of my old school, which I know has been turned into apartments. My daughter lives in Plymouth and I visit there a lot. I love the area around the Hoe, looking out to Plymouth Sound. It’s the most glorious view, and I wanted to set the hotel, which features in the novel, looking out onto the Hoe. And I’ve wanted to use Venice as a setting for a while. I love the city and have visited every year for a number of years now. Last September, I spent four weeks there, which was wonderful, and allowed me to immerse myself in the atmosphere, while I made last-minute revisions to the manuscript.

You wanted to become a ballerina when you were younger but it wasn't to be, do you still dance for enjoyment now?

Well, my ballet days are long gone! In retrospect, I’m glad I didn’t get that place at the Royal Ballet School. My life would have been very different and not necessarily better. But I still enjoy dancing – not in any formal way, but if there’s some lively music at a social occasion and others are dancing, I feel my feet tapping. And I enjoy watching ballet. I try to see Birmingham Royal Ballet at the Hippodrome several times a year.

You write both novels and short stories, do you have a preference over which you write?

I probably lean towards novels as I enjoy getting stuck into plotting and creating complex characters. I like the layers you can add into a novel. But tackling a novel is a huge challenge, and sometimes the short story form is more appropriate. It’s not necessarily easier – every word must pull its weight in a short story – but writing a short story doesn’t take over your life in the same way a novel does.

When you're not writing what would we find you doing?

Not surprisingly, I enjoy reading, and have done since I was a child. I think that’s what fuelled my desire to write. I like going to the theatre, especially Shakespeare. And I enjoy walking. I love the sea and the mountains, and despite growing up in London, I enjoy spending time near the sea and/or the hills.

Do you have a set routine when you're writing or anywhere that you have to be?

I’m lucky in that I have a converted loft at the top of the house where I write. It’s tucked away and peaceful which suits me, as I like to have quiet when I’m writing. I find it difficult to write if there are other people in the house. I certainly wouldn’t be able to concentrate in a cafe, as some writers do. I treat my writing as a job and turn up to the computer even on days when I don’t feel like it.

Do you have a favourite author?

That’s a question I’m frequently asked, and it’s hard to single out one author. When I was younger I read all the classics and loved people such as Thomas Hardy, George Eliot, the Brontes, and I enjoyed writers such as Virginia Woolf, Rosamund Lehmann and Graham Greene. Now, I read mainly modern novels. I like Helen Dunmore, Rose Tremain, Anne Tyler, Anne Enright, William Trevor, Sebastian Barry and Jon McGregor. I could go on, but that’s probably enough for the moment!

Do you have a favourite character that you have written so far?

That’s a difficult question. It’s a bit like being asked which is your favourite child! I like them all for different reasons. I like Vanessa in my first novel ‘Unravelling’, partly because she’s vulnerable and flawed. Ollie in ‘The Broken Road’ is also flawed, and I feel very protective towards my flawed characters. Some readers didn’t like Gerald in ‘Unravelling’ or Rick in ‘The Piano Player’s Son’ because they are difficult characters, but I feel I understand why they are the way they are and have a lot of empathy with them. I create them like that, but then I worry about them!

If you could give younger you any advice about your writing journey, what would it be?

Write, write, write as much as you can.

What can we look forward to from you next?

I’ve got a character in my head, Marsha, who has been waiting for her novel for several years now. She’s a young Ethiopian woman who was ‘rescued’ from Ethiopia by a white middle-class English journalist when she was eight, and brought up as a member of his family in rural England. The novel will deal with issues of identity, belonging and alienation. I haven’t written very much this year, but I don’t think Marsha will wait for much longer. I’m hoping to start on her novel in the autumn.

Thank you so much to Lindsay for answering my questions, such a pleasure to have her on my blog today.

To contact Lindsay Stanberry-Flynn

Website - www.lindsaystanberryflynn.co.uk

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/LindsayStanberryFlynn.Author/?fref=ts

The Broken Road 

What do you do when the past returns to haunt you? 
When no one around you tells the truth? 

Ollie’s life is in crisis. Estranged from his father when he refuses to take over the family hotel, his artistic career is floundering, and his marriage is under strain. His wife, Jess, blames him, but is she as innocent as she appears? 
Louise, Ollie’s sister, takes on the hotel in his absence, testing her emotional fragility to the limit. She knows her father considers her to be second best, and her husband is hostile to her new role. 
As the action moves between London, Plymouth and Venice, the family implodes under the weight of past betrayals, leading to a nail-biting, fast-paced climax. 
In another emotionally compelling novel from the award-winning Lindsay Stanberry-Flynn, the complex ties that both bind us to family and drive us apart are laid bare. Can Ollie heal the fault-lines before it’s too late? Above all, can he salvage his relationship with his young daughter, Flo, before tragedy strikes? 

Getting To Know... Kaisha Holloway

On Getting To Know... today, I have the very lovely and extremely busy, blogger Kaisha Holloway of The Writing Garnet.

You have a lovely blog called The Writing Garnet, what inspired you to set this up and is there any meaning behind the name?

Aw thank you! Well I have always enjoyed reading, even when I was a little girl. As I became more ill, books became more of a fixture in my life as an escape. I felt it was time to put that to good use and try a blog. I've always wanted to be a writer so why not start here? As for the meaning behind the name, you're the first one to ask me that! I chose the term 'writing' as I didn't want to state that my blog was just for books as I wanted the scope to write different things. Garnet is actually my birthstone. So I put the two together and ta-da, The Writing Garnet was born!

Do you have a favourite author?

That is like asking me if I have a favourite pair of shoes (I love shoes) haha! Toughie, I love so many authors. People like Sue Watson, Rebecca Raisin, Sam Carrington, Clare MacIntosh, Andi Michael, to name a few. Far too many to name, truly.

When you are not reading, what would we find you doing?

Looking after my little girl! I'm a single mum to a newly turned three year old. She is a complete mini version of me, including the bookworm bit. Oh, and housework I guess, but that's boring...my new hoover isn't though, that's fun haha.

Will you ever put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard and write your own novel?

Again, been a dream of mine for over ten years! So yes, watch this space, I intend to put fingers to keyboard in the not too distant future :).

Do you have a favourite reading nook or place to sit and read?

Anywhere it's comfortable! I can't read in moving transport though which is rather annoying!

Always a divisive question - e-books, paperbacks or hardbacks?

If you had asked me that question before March, I would have said paper/hardbacks and totally strike through reading on a Kindle. However, I love my Kindle, so I will say all three. As long as you're reading, it doesn't matter what format it comes in!

How do you organise your bookshelves?

COUGH in boxes COUGH. My only bookcase is full with my daughters books. My books live in my wardrobe and in clear plastic boxes by my desk!

Have you ever had the opportunity to meet any authors?

NO! I want to sooooo badly!

Other than reading do you have any other hobbies?

Writing! I also enjoy photography.

Which book do you think is extremely under rated or that no one seems to have heard about?

That's a tough one to answer. If you ask a thriller reader about a chic lit book, they probably may not have heard about it. Tough one to judge!

To check out just how busy Kaisha is - 

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/thewritinggarnet/?fref=ts

Twitter - @kaishajayneh

Website - https://thewritinggarnet.wordpress.com/