Billy and the North Oakian Alliance

The adventures of Billy of Boldre Wood continue in the exciting second book, 'Billy and the North Oakian Alliance', now available on Amazon for Kindle:

The Carintheans have stepped up their interests in Boldre Wood, making increasing forays to the shore. But at a time when the people of Boldre Wood should be working together to defend their homeland, the North Oakian Council remains stubborn, refusing to form an alliance with their old foe Angloak under any circumstances.Billy, struggling to settle once more to normal life on Floor 14, uncovers a conspiracy during a homework assignment that could help the two tree nations overcome their difficulties. 

However, before he can expose the scandal he must evade a powerful family determined to stop him by whatever means. As he sets out across the Great Lake bound for North Oak, he is followed by an enemy that has no intention of giving up without a fight, even if it means sacrificing the whole of Boldre Wood. 

Can Billy make it to the North Oakian Council chambers to present his evidence, and if he does, will they or anyone else listen?

Here's the link to Billy's second Kindle page: Billy and the North Oakian Alliance
Go Billy!

Paralympic Opening Ceremony

We watched the Paralympic Opening Ceremony last night. I had planned on seeing the British team come into the stadium then sloping off to bed, but I stayed til the end. Goosebump inducing music, colours, flying athletes, lights, umbrellas, dancing - how could I resist. I'm pretty tired now though, so I feel for the athletes competing today who attended the ceremony last night.
The only bugbear for me was the constant ad breaks. If only the event had been covered by the BBC, even with their annoying presenters burbling away all the time, we wouldn't have missed anything. Channel 4 really let the side down by cutting away for commercials. It seemed so disrespectful.
So, a big raspberry to Channel 4 for not understanding the importance of the event, but at least the Telegraph has a fairly comprehensive Paralympic Opening Ceremony Gallery for anyone who missed it, or simply wants to admire the spectacle again.
Very good luck to all the Paralympians.

Another New Story

There's a new story in the Quirky Tales library today. It's called 'Convergence' and is the result of another writing challenge from Café ThreeZero. The challenge was 'Time', which inspired quite a few ideas in my imagination. The end result is somewhat different to my usual style. It's the story of four different people, from four different towns, converging at the same destination at the same time. If you fancy a look, here's the link: Convergence
Hope you enjoy it. Feedback is always very welcome.

The Man's in the Post

I love getting surprise parcels - it doesn't happen often, not that I'm hinting or anything so crass! I've often come across stories of people sending surprise gifts to their loved ones, but none have made me chuckle quite like the story on the Mail website today.

A man, in a fit of romantic enthusiasm, decided to post himself to his girlfriend. He clambered into a large cardboard box, had a friend tape it up and then arranged for the box to be delivered to his girlfriend's office. So far, so sweet, if a little strange. The plan only fell apart when the courier company lost the address and delivery was delayed by three hours. Consequently, when he was finally delivered, far from leaping out of the box for a happy reunion, he was unconscious and had to be revived.

Mail Story of Man in a Box

Good job he didn't try that over here. He could still be in a distribution depot off the M1!

Antipodean Superhero

Sometimes the world needs a superhero to fly in and right the many wrongs and injustices, to plug the exploding volcano, to stop the tidal wave, to rescue stricken ships and falling aeroplanes, and, of course, to beat back those dastardly wheelclampers!
Yes, Australia has a superhero: Wheel Clamp Man, complete with his own super costume - well, green lycra, black speedos, a red Zorro mask, fake moustache and a green hard hat, not to mention his trusty angle grinder. His enemy is the wheel clamp. His nemesis, the Western Australian police, who are less than appreciative of his heroics, regarding them instead as criminal damage. They have called upon the public to turn him in so he can be dealt with - spoil sports!
Telegraph Wheel Clamp Man Story

A Lion Called Teddy Bear

The news that there was a lion on the loose in Essex over the weekend caused a good deal of excitement and speculation. Perhaps disappointingly, the police have announced they are no longer in pursuit, presumably because they took another look at the photograph and realised it looked nothing like a lion. In fact, it has been suggested that the real culprit was a Maine Coon cat named Teddy Bear, or possibly a ginger cat called Tom. I have an abiding image of Teddy Bear and Tom's owners, upon hearing that a lion was on the loose, fearfully keeping their beloved pets indoors for their own safety. In fact, it would seem the owners realised the truth straight away, and no doubt Teddy Bear and Tom were free to continue their rampage through Essex, even while the police helicopter was circling overhead.

Second Book of the Trilogy

I've finished the read-through and have to make a few changes before the story is ready for release. There's nothing major, just a little polishing here and there, so it should only be a few more days to launch!
I'll announce the release date here, once it's confirmed.