Handyman Wanted Part 3

Wanted – Handyman.Handyman wanted to carry out various repairs and renovations on remote country property.Young single man preferred with option to live-in until project has been completed.Must be experienced in all aspects of plumbing, electrical and carpentry.Excellent rates of pay plus possibility of generous bonus if work is satisfactory.Apply in the first instance with full …

Handyman Wanted Part 2

Continuing the story from last Sunday. I had a vague idea where it was going but now it seems to have taken on a life of its own. What do you think it will turn out to be – a ghost story? romance? murder? I’ll let you know next week when the characters have told …

Spirit of Technology background

The original idea of this page was to provide information and background relating to my published books, and there is quite an interesting story behind this one. During an amicable conversation with my first publisher, I confirmed I hadn’t received an email which she was sure her assistant had sent me, and her comment ‘It …

Val’s Tales – Not fade away

Our overseas competition winner, GB Miller has selected ‘Story of a County Boy’ and a copy is winging its way across the pond. With all the excitement of the prize draw I forgot to mention the storycast for Not Fade away. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tz-ZkHRJIrs&t=146s Before you follow the link to listen, you might need to have the …

Val’s Tales and Murder

Sometime last Spring, I was chatting to my niece discussing the logistics of producing shows and outdoor events. She worked in theatre and described some of the additional restraints caused by the newly announced virus, as well as the traditional problems with egos and impossible demands from others with no understanding of logistics. As regular …

Character Interview -The Old Lady ‘At the bottom of the Garden.’ Weird and Peculiar Tales.

I was surprised when I discovered the main character in one of my books didn’t have a name but then I realised Paula Harmon, my co-author for Weird and Peculiar Tales, sometimes didn’t name hers either. https://mybook.to/WeirdandPeculiarTales This collection of short stories is perfect for Halloween, with a variety of tales from the amusing to …

Writer’s block – The blank page

As a writer I’m often asked how to overcome writer’s block. You sit down full of enthusiasm and a blank screen stares back at you, daring your fingers to touch the keyboard, or your pen to destroy the pristine surface of a blank sheet of paper. Fortunately, this is something I’ve never found a problem; …

Social Media – Facebook

Wearing my Writing Guru hat, I thought it might be fun to look at the use of various forms of Social Media in the life of an author. Facebook, blog, web-site, Twitter, Instagram, author page, newsletters, give-aways, paid advertising – the list is endless, and no sooner have you conquered one than they change the …

Aspects – Claire Baldry, ‘Listen to Love’ and ‘The Wrong Sort to Die.’

Lots happening this week with my own new paperback release, 'Listen to Love' which you can find here: Listen to Love.  A new release 'The wrong sort to die' by Paula Harmon who was featured on this blog a few weeks ago, The wrong sort to die  And last but by no means least, I'm delighted to …

Change of Blog Format and Autumn Chickens -Not Fade Away.’

I'm considering changing the format of my blog and rather than post short stories, to concentrate on providing more variety relating to my work as an author. Since I started the site, approximately 4 1/2 years ago (how time flies!) there have been approximately 1,000 individual visitors who either follow or like my posts, but …