Writer Friends

Where would we be without them?

Writing is a lonely business - how often have we heard that? Perhaps not as lonely as sailing solo around the world or sitting in solitary confinement on death row. It's the nature of the job. Few writers can have gained inspiration amid the confines of  a crowded, rush-hour train or surrounded by raucous fans at a football match.

But just like normal people :) the writing fraternity needs social interaction. Under that brooding, glowering gaze is a mind that relishes freedom breaks. Hemingway would forget about his WIP after knocking off for the day, believing his subconscious was still beavering away, readying him for tomorrow's fight. Yeah, he saw it as a fight. That's why he wrote standing up. Today we enjoy the luxury of connecting with people around the world at the click of a mouse. From the comfort of our homes we are able to chat and interact without the need to shave or dress respectably or even to have met the other person.

Where would we be without comments on our work? The feedback, both good and bad; and when the going is tough the encouragement from others who themselves have faced and slain the demons. How can we adequately express our thanks to those who, blessed with a quicker understanding of how the 'social media' and new technology can help the writer, give of their time and knowledge to assist others?

Today I acknowledge the assistance of cyberspace friends. May their years of toil, mental anguish, sore backs, broken fingernails bear fruit in spectacular fashion. May their early drafts be transformed as if by magic into scenes that excite and transfix the reader.

Nancy in Florida. A lovely lady full of humour and ambition, currently crafting a series of  YA sci-fi and romance novels featuring a feisty science-wizard teen who becomes the target of a shadowy group intent on using her brilliant new ideas.
http://authonomy.com/books/39542/backward-glances/

Lisa in France, and her Mom - a dynamic duo - creators of New Adult fantasy tales set in magical kingdoms with a host of intriguing characters.
http://www.lisa-corner.com/

Sandra-Jane, a writer of historical novels set in 1830s England. Her knowledge of the countryside shines through in her work. Hers has been a guiding hand helping me along the self-publishing path. https://sites.google.com/site/sandrajanegoddard/home

Ruko Dango has written a fascinating, colourful and often amusing account of her time working with the UN in the Congo. Ruko is now seeking an agent.
http://authonomy.com/books/44676/no-ice-cream-in-the-land-of-the-cannibals-/

Zambezi Seduction

Zambezi Seduction by Tamara Cape 

Little does English air stewardess Kerry Stephens know what she is letting herself in for when she agrees to accompany world renowned South African wildlife artist Chad Lindsay on a field-trip to Zimbabwe.

A charging elephant, hungry lion and car breakdown aren't all that Kerry has to deal with. Chad is a confirmed bachelor - an independent, at times arrogant womanizer who loses no time in trying to bed her. Alone with him in the wilds of Africa, will she be forced to defend her honour each night?

Their relationship reaches a turning point as she recovers from illness. She sees a caring, softer side to her companion. And on the banks of the beautiful Zambezi River, Kerry finds her feelings for Chad changing.

For those who like romance played out in exotic locations, complete with appealing heroine and lusty hero, this story is definitely for you.



Tamara Cape is a pen name - obviously. The link to the story on Kindle:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00BPVR6BO

#romance

#Africa

#lovestory

A Writer's Thoughts

Greetings everyone!

Up and running at last. Phew!

A brief intro: In the past I took some heavy punches from agents and publishers (haven't we all?) - but never thought of quitting. After a quiet 2012, during which I did some rewrites and gave and received critiques on Authonomy, I'm expecting things to happen this year.

• My short story A Night at the River was longlisted at the Chapter One International Short Story Competition, 2011. Tranquillity Publishing took it for their anthology titled Tales of Tremendous Tragicide which came out this month in both print and Amazon Kindle. Can't wait to receive my copy! The story has been accepted by a new magazine in London. It's owner/editor called it Compelling and beautifully written ... (No, I'm not making this up! :) More on this later.

• Klipspringer Hill A small snake undertakes a perilous journey through the Kalahari in search of his missing dad. It's aimed at the 7+ age group. After a valuable critique from a literary consultant, changes were made and it's ready to go out to agents.

• The Pink Pigeon - about a 9 year-old Asian girl's holiday adventures in Mauritius. 

         Hemingway Quest - a mainstream adult novel largely set in Cuba.

         Perfect Killing is a crime novel with an IRA theme.

         Zambezi Seduction is a romance novel - no prize for guessing where the action happens!

 If all goes according to plan, this group will be self-published on Amazon Kindle this year.