So, if you get my regular newsletter, you’ll know all about why I’m wearing a blow up crown in this picture. I was at my neighbour’s house to watch the the king’s coronation on telly. It was a fab day. We drank wine, ate a barbeque and had a fab time. Thanks guys!
That same week was a busy one. On the Monday, I went to see The Mousetrap at the King’s Theatre in Glasgow. It was the 70th anniversary of the famous play (by Agatha Christie) and it was a fab night. I didn’t expect it to be funny, but it was in parts, although I’d guessed whodunnit by the time the interval came.
Then I went round to our local pub for a quiz night. Our team won. Again. We’re pretty good, even if I say so myself.
Then it was the king’s coronation.
So, by Sunday, I was shattered.
But the fun didn’t stop there.
On Saturday just passed, I returned the neighbour’s hospitality and had them round to watch The Eurovision Song Contest. It was a fab show, some of the acts were bizarre, but that’s what makes it fun. My fave were Finland, but Sweden won. We had a great night.
So, what else has been happening at Nelson Towers? Well, apart from being a bit tired from all the socialising (damn you wine!), I’ve been busy promoting Loch Ness. BTW apologies to my non UK readers… I had no idea the link for the promo was only for the UK. Sorry about that. If you’re still wanting to buy the book, here’s a new link that will take you to the Amazon for your country: https://geni.us/lochnessdanelson
What I’ve been watching… I’ve just finished watching all the Sherlock shows. I don’t know why they finished this series because it’s superb and it was superb again. Andrew Scott is phenomenal as Moriarty. I’m also rewatching Agent Carter, which I just LOVE. Again, why they stopped making, I don’t know.
What I’ve been reading… finished Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire. Am now reading this: Payback Phoenix Style by Susan Horsnell, which is part of a series I’m writing a book for. In fact, it’s the next one I’m writing. I’m also reading Story Geniusby Lisa Cron.
Right, that’s me for now. I’m involved in a few promos for new books. If you click on the image or the the links next to the image below, it should take you through to the promos. There are some amazing books available in fantasy, paranormal and sci-fi available.
When farm girl Esther Abercrombie is offered a job as an assistant to the famous cryptozoologist, Dr Thaddeus Dwell, little does she know the dangers that are to come.
Dr Dwell is on the hunt for the legendary Loch Ness Monster and he doesn’t care whether he gets it alive or dead. With his dwarf assistant, Cassius Ironblood, and a big game hunter, Charles Warrington, he wants to capture it and slice it up…all in the name of science, notoriety and greed.
But Esther can’t let this happen. Joining forces with the mysterious Duncan, they work together to thwart Dwell’s evil plans and save the monster from extinction. Along the way, she uncovers Duncan’s startling secret and finds herself falling madly in love.
Set in late 1800s Scotland, this fantasy novel takes our heroine on a wild adventure from her humble beginnings in rural Ayrshire through the wilds of Loch Ness and on to the high society of Victorian Edinburgh.
Steam level = sweet
Action level = packed full of danger, adventure and thrills
So, last weekend, myself and the boy went through to Edinburgh to see the Dr Who exhibition at the National Museum of Scotland. It started poorly when I slept in and we missed our 8am train. We got the 8.30am train into Glasgow. Now, we can stay on that train and it goes straight to Edinburgh. However, if we get off at Queen Street Station in Glasgow and go to the upper level to catch the Edinburgh train, it takes less time to get there….at least 15-20 minutes. Also, it has a tea trolley. So, we got off at Queen Street, go up to the upper level only to find that there was a huge queue for the Edinburgh train. The Scotland ruby team were playing at Murrayfield Rugby Ground in Edinburgh and this was people going through…very early. It was 9.30am and the kick-off wasn’t until 12.30pm (it only takes around an hour to get to Edinburgh from Glasgow by train). So, rather than waiting in the massive queue, the boy and I turned tail, bought some pastries and drinks at a little kiosk and then went back down to the lower level to catch the next train to Edinburgh.
I had booked us in to the exhibition for 10.30am and the next train got us into Edinburgh Waverley for around 10.35am, so we were late. We looked for a taxi, couldn’t find one so had to hike it up the hill into the Old Town. It’s not a long walk, but it’s up a steep hill/stairs. We finally arrived at nearly 11am. We still got in and it was a good exhibition. Me and the boy are Dr Who fans, so it was great to see all the props and costumes.
Anyway, we both enjoyed the exhibition and it was worth going to see. It only took us around half an hour to walk around (we’re not lurkers!) and then we had a look at the other exhibits in the museum. It’s been years since I was there and they had a great exhibition about clothing. Of course, I forgot to take pics!
So anyway, how are you? Hope you’re all good. Are you wondering what the ‘disappointment’ bit of the headline? Well, it’s all to do with Carnival Row. I loved the first series, but the second series wasn’t as good and the ending….all I can say was it was very disappointing. Sigh.
Currently watching: there’s actually not much on tv right now that I’m excited about. I did enjoy Prime’s Daisy Jones and the Six. Of course, it ended on a cliff-hanger. So, now I’m wondering what the hell happened. No doubt, there will be a second series. It’s the story of a 70s rock band and, boy, does it have you glued to it. The story is superb (of course it is, it is based on a bookof the same name by Taylor Jenkins Reid (who also wrote The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo). The cast are great, but I have to note that Sam Claflin is fab in it and very sexy. Yes, I do have a bit of a thing for him! The music is also great and there’s a soundtrack which you can get on vinyl! yay!!
In case you missed my last post, Loch Ness is now up for pre-order. Here’s the blurb:
When farm girl Esther Abercrombie is offered a job as an assistant to the famous cryptozoologist, Dr Thaddeus Dwell, little does she know the dangers that are to come.
Dr Dwell is on the hunt for the legendary Loch Ness Monster and he doesn’t care whether he gets it alive or dead. With his dwarf assistant, Cassius Ironblood, and a big game hunter, Charles Warrington, he wants to capture it and slice it up…all in the name of science, notoriety and greed.
But Esther can’t let this happen. Joining forces with the mysterious Duncan, they work together to thwart Dwell’s evil plans and save the monster from extinction. Along the way, she uncovers Duncan’s startling secret and finds herself falling madly in love.
Set in late 1800s Scotland, this fantasy novel takes our heroine on a wild adventure from her humble beginnings in rural Ayrshire through the wilds of Loch Ness and on to the high society of Victorian Edinburgh.
Steam level = sweet
Action level = packed full of danger, adventure and thrills
Hi, how’s everyone? Hope you’re all well!! So exciting news! Envy comes out in three days’ time” THREE DAYS!! Woohoo. It’s another of the Sisters of Sin series, it’s romantic suspense (available as a paperback and romantic suspense Kindle book) and what I would describe as action adventure. The heroine is Izzy Starr, an assassin, who is given a job by her ex to see is an international chocolate company is indeed using child slavery on its African plantations.
Heres the blurb:
Envy loves her life as an assassin working for the Sisters of Sin…until her ex, Adam, shows up begging her for help.
Someone’s forcing children into slavery on African cocoa plantations.
Pretending to be a couple, Envy and Adam fly out to the Ivory Coast to investigate.
What they find sickens even her…and now she’s armed and very, very angry.
Enemies to lovers. Action and adventure. Fake relationship. Steamy Sex. Envy has it all.
Okay, so what else has been happening a Nelson Towers? Me and the kids were at a Halloween party on Saturday night at our next-door neighbours’ house. It was a fab party. I was originally going to go as Cruella de Vil. I’d bought the costume last year, but it came too late, so I brought it out Saturday afternoon only to find the damn thing doens’t fit me. Despite ordering a size up from my normal curvy self, this was waaaaaay too skinny fit for me. Sigh. Way to go costume makers! You’ve made a plump woman feel even fatter! Anyway, I dug out last year’s costume (a black stretchy dress) and wore that instead. I back-combed my hair (big mistake, took me ages to brush it on Sunday morning!) and donned black shoes. It was a fab night. Unfortunately, I forgot to get a picture of myself taken.
Our beloved Bonya, gone but not forgotten.
BONYA
The night had a tinge of sadness over it however. We had to have our beloved pug, Bonya, put down a few weeks ago. She was old and had various health issues, so it was the best thing to do for her. We were all devastated, and I couldn’t sleep properly for about a week afterwards. Apart from her farting, she was a terrible snorer, and my bedroom was just too quiet. Anyway, Bonya always came with us to any party our neighbours were having (and they have loads) and became known as Party Pug. This was our first party without the wee soul. She was missed. She will, however, never be forgotten…mainly for her lovely personality, her cuddly-ness and her farts that could clear a room. She was an amazing animal, and we were so lucky to have had her in our lives.
BOOKS
Right, on to happier things. So, my mum gave me a book, The Seven Sisters by Lucinda Riley, and I desperately want to like it. But it’s boring me to tears. It’s dragging on and on and I just don’t want to finish it. My mum really enjoyed this book and its sequels, but I’m going to have to give it back. I feel like I’m wasting my time on it. Sorry Lucinda Riley.
I am reading Robin Sharma’s The 5am Club, which, while the storyline is a bit cheesy in places, does have some good solid advice to give to people who want to improve their productivity and their lives in general. While I won’t be getting up at 5am, I am trying to get up earlier. I am very productive anyway, but I’m looking to add more hours to my day. I can’t do it after dinner (6pm-ish) as I’m just too tired by then, but maybe getting up at 6am instead of 7am is doable. I’ll let you know how I get on.
TELLY
Right, so there are some amazing programmes on tv right now and I’ll briefly take you through what I’ve been watching.
Firstly, I re-watched Carnival Row on Prime because it’s just so amazing. If you like fantasy and history, this is the series for you. It stars Cara Delevigne and Orlando Bloom, and is just amazing. I cannot wait for the second series!
Secondly, everyone’s been talking about The Empress on Netflix. It’s about the life of Empress Elizabeth of Austria and is excellent. It’s stunningly shot as well.
Thirdly, Walter Presents Agatha Christie’s HJerson (I watched in on More Four) is a superb Swedish crime drama based around a tv producer and an ex cop. Hjerson is the main character of Ariadne Oliver, the writer in the Poiro books. Anyway, this is a modern look at that character and what he might get up to. It’s clever, it’s funny and I just loved it.
Fourthly, again Walter Presents, Astrid: Murder in Paris is about a woman with autism who helps Parisian police investigate murders. It’s quirky and clever, and very very enjoyable.
Fifthly, (and I haven’t just been watching telly all day, promise), I watched The House of the Dragon. It was a bit of a drag at first. I stuck with it, though, as I’m such a huge Game of Thrones fan, and thank God it did heat up towards the end.
And finally, my current obsession thanks to a recommendation by my sister, Vicky, and that is The Tudors. Oh my God, this series is so GOOOOOOOOD. Okay, not 100% accurate (the history lover in me has winced a few times at story lines that weren’t correct), but very addictive. I’m on season two right now.
A BIG RASPBERRY
Things I would not recommend are: The Beach Bum starring Mathew Macconaughey. It’s dire. I watched half of it hoping it would get better. It did not. I didn’t like the characters and the storyline dragged. A big raspberry from me!
WRITING LIFE
I’ve signed up to do another anthology, which is due out in February next year. I’ll let you know more nearer the time.
I’m also about to embark on writing a new fantasy book for adults. It’s set in Victorian Scotland. More on that later.
Right, I need to say adieu just now. I am away to the dentist to get a filling replaced. It fell out two-and-a-half years ago in the midst of the pandemic and this is me just getting it replaced now. My dentist has only just reopened to non-urgent patients.
She’s coming! I’ve just finished writing Envy (out Nov 5) and it’s now with my editor. This one was a hard slog. I don’t know why because I really love my main characters, Izzy and Adam, but I found it a difficult one to write in the sense of finding the time and energy to do it. Part of it was because I have been experiencing tonnes of problems with my laptop … I’ve had it fixed now and (fingers crossed) it seems to be working properly … and I’ve been desperate for a break. I’ve not had a day off writing or doing social media since probably last Christmas. So, this week and next I’m stepping back a bit and I’m putting my feet up. I have plans to do some sewing and knitting and basically whatever I like. Woohoo. Can’t wait.
What else has been happening? Well, the fabulous Lust was launched this month.
Here’s a sneak peek at the blurb:
Killing isn’t always a choice.
Even for an assassin.
Or is it?
Zoe McKnight found a way to fight for the right side of wrong until Devon Kincaid pushed his way into her life.S he wanted to kill him, but that wasn’t a sanctioned hit. Not even close.
He was sent to protect her from a lethal Drug Cartel out for revenge.
What the actual F was up with that?
She was a trained assassin for an elite international organization. She didn’t need protection. Except, perhaps from Kincaid.
Is Zoe’s lust for vengeance strong enough to take on the infuriating Kincaid?
Or would she fall victim to her own lustful desires for a man she hated?
So excited by the five star reviews that are coming in for Greed. Thanks to everyone who took the time to leave a review. I really appreciate it. If you have a minute, and have read the book, would you also mind leaving a review on Amazon? Every single one matters and it’ll help get my book further up the charts. Thanks.
Right, now that’s done, on to the blog. How are you today? Hope you’re all hail and hearty. Me? Well, I’ve been busy cranking up my social media for my writing and for Greed. It’s tiring, I can tell you, but I’m already seeing more people beginning to follow me and I got some more book sales, so that’s great. I haven’t gone viral on Tik Tok (yet, fingers crossed) but you never know. If there’s anything you’d like to see me put up on social media (for instance, answering authorly questions), then comment on this post or email me on dawn@danelsonauthor.com or DM me on my author page on Facebook, which is D A Nelson Author.
So, we’ve been basking in sunshine lately in Scotland and it’s been nice, but too hot. I’ve had to have a fan running all night in my room because it’s so hot in the room and my poor elderly pug, Bonya, gets too hot and pants… loudly. The fan seems to work though and we can all get a rest. The last couple of days, however, the weather has become pretty overcast and wet. Torrential rain yesterday, but it was good as the plants needed a good watering.
What’s been happening? I’ve gotten around 30,000 words written of my next book, Envy, which is due out in November. I’ve also got a short story due for an anthology in October and I’ve signed up for a different series next year. I also want to write my historical fantasy steampunk series. I have started it, I have notes, but I really need to finish my other projects and get on to it. I’m very excited about it. There are another two books I have finished, but not polished, in my computer and I’d love to get those out too. Busy, busy, busy.
What I’ve been watching… I’ve become addicted to Help! We Bought a Village which is a series about people who’ve bought rundown villages in rural France and Portugal and are redeveloping them. I love programmes like this.
I’m also feeling bereft having binge watched The Sandman series, which I loved. What a series. I was hooked. However, the prequel to Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon, starts next Monday at 2am. I CANNOT WAIT!! You all know I’m a huge fan of Game of Thrones and this new series will hopefully be as great.
I’ve also been watching (again) my guilty tv watching secrets, which are Father Brown and Murdoch Mysteries. I love a good mystery, especially if it’s set in the past, and these two are just fab. They give me a lovely hour of gentle murder! 😉
Right, I’m going to love you and leave you. Til next time,
I’m just popping in to let you know today our fantastic Sisters of Sin femme fatale series launches today with the launch of the fabulous Vanity by the equally fabulous T Wells Brown. I was lucky enough to get a sneak copy and it is a real page turner. I started it intending only to read a few pages and ended up reading about a third of it in one sitting. I know that’s not a lot for some of you, but it was bedtime and I was tired, but I could not put that book down!
If you want to get a copy for yourself (and I really recommend you do if you love romantic suspense) you can get it here:Â http://mybook.to/Vanitysistersofsin
Finally, I just want to say a big congratulations to Terry (the T of T Wells Brown) for without her this series would never have been written. She has been our group leader for the last two years and has been superb. Have a great launch day Terry. xxxx
I decided that in this post we all need a bit of cheering up, so I’m filling it with sunlight and flowers. Well, the images will be that. How are you all? Hope you’re all fine.
So, first things first, let’s talk about Ukraine. I’ve felt so horrified about what’s been happening and have been giving to charities helping people on the ground as much as I can. A friend of mine basically spent her entire life savings helping four families escape. They are the families of people she has been working with and they are currently in the Netherlands. They’re hoping to get them to the UK at some point. When I say life savings, I’m talking five figures, nearly six. My friend is amazing. I don’t have that kind of money, but I have been involved in a fundraising anthology to raise funds for Ukranian children in need.
Here’s the details (they were in the last post, but here you are again):
Across the globe authors have come together to provide stories filled with hope, heart and understanding, inspired by the events of February 2022.
STAND FOR UKRAINE is a collection of romance, women’s fiction and poetry. Proceeds go to Save the Children’s efforts to provide Ukrainian children with food, warmth, shelter and psychological support.
I’ve already submitted my short story and I’m looking forward to seeing this fly off the shelves (metaphorically speaking). Well done to the ladies of the Romance Cafe who organised this, including my friend Sofia Aves (who is a superb author).
Right, moving on. What else has been happening? I managed to actually go out last weekend. I met up with three friends who were up from London. We had dinner at Babs (really nice Mediterranean food) in Glasgow and then drinks at The Anchor Line. I had a fab night. I’ve known the three of them for more than 20 years and being with them again was like no time had passed. Yes, we’ve all gotten older, but our sense of humour stays the same. Thanks for a great night guys.
Over the weekend, I also caught up with my parents and visited my niece and her wee boy who is around five months old and totally gorgeous. So, busy weekend.
What I’ve been watching: I am totally loving the new series of The Marvellous Mrs Maisel. It’s superb. So funny, so stylish, so beautifully written. I’ve also been watching the newer version of Das Boot (I remember the original series) and it’s also really, really good. Gripping storyline, brilliant characters and just all round excellent series. It’s mostly in German with some French and English. Talking of German programmes, I cannot wait until the new series of Babylon Berlin comes out. I believe they are working on it now. Cannot wait! Also cannot wait for the new series of Outlander and I’m hoping there will be a second series of Carnival Row, which is in my top three all time amazing tv series along with Babylon Berlin.
Films – I watched the majority of Marley & Me the other night, but had to switch it off when Marley got old. If you know the film, you know the outcome and I couldn’t bear watching it again, especially as we have an elderly pug, Bonya, whose legs are starting to go and who has issues with incontinence. She’s an old girl, we love her and it’s unbearable to think she might not be around soon. I’m hoping we’ve got another year with her. Keep everything crossed for us!
Yes it’s another image of tulips, but they are my favourite flowers – equal billing with peonies. Ooh can’t wait til peony season!
Right, so that’s us up-to-date so far. Please preorder the anthology and, if you’d like more information about Sisters of Sin, other authors and freebies, please sign up to my newsletter. Til next time,
Hello, how are you? Hope you’re all well. I’m not normally political on this blog, but I just want to say I totally support the Ukrainian people against the oppressor Putin. I can’t believe in this day and age someone like him can think he can get away with entering someone else’s country and try and take it by force. It’s horrific. I really hope the international community can do more to stop this. People are dying. I should also mention the people of Finland, Estonia, Georgia, Lithuania, Latvia etc who must be wondering if they are going to be next. These are scary times.
Right, on to more pleasant things. This week has been really busy as per usual. I’m continuing to work on my Sisters of Sin novels (whoop whoop!) and the first one of the series, by my lovely friend Terry Wells-Brown, is due out on June 5 this year. My novel, Greed, follows on July 5 and I have a second one a few months later. Basically, myself and the SOS group of core writers will be launching one a month right into next year. So, watch this space for details.
In other book news, I’m in the process of planning my new steampunk/historical thriller series and I hope to launch that next year. I sat yesterday and planned out the next few months of work. It’s going to be hard work, but worth it. I’m not going to say any more, but sign up to my newsletter and you’ll get more news on this series, on Sisters of Sin and my friend’s new releases, as well as any freebies that are going!
TV and film wise – I’ve finally finished the last episode of Castle. I re-watched all the series and loved it all over again. It’s inspired me to watch again Nathan Fillion’s other big series, Firefly, which I love. I’ve also started watching Das Boot. I watched the original series in the 80s and this new version is superb. Really recommend it. I haven’t watched a lot of films lately, but yesterday I was hankering back to the 90s and watched Grosse Point Blank which must be the best movie to come out of that decade. It stars John Cusack, Minnie Driver, Joan Cusack and Dan Aykroyd and is a superb comedy thriller. It’s one of those films you could watch again and again. John plays Martin, an assassin for hire, who returns to his home town for a job and for the high school reunion. He meets up with Minnie Driver as Debi Newberry, his ex girlfriend and the one who got away. I’m not going to say anything more about it other than: download it, buy it, watch it, it’s superb.
Before I finish up for today, I just want to wish one of my besties, Tracy, a very happy birthday on Monday. Have a great weekend and enjoy your day. 😘😘😘
Right, I’m going to go. Stuff to do, people to see and all that. Til next time.
Hey, how’s it going? Hope you’ve had a good week. This week has been a bit mental for me. I’ve been super busy juggling work, home and various events. I’m writing this on Thursday night (with Extreme Couponing on the telly, I’m addicted to that programme, we can’t coupon like the Americans can here in the UK, but it’s fascinating to watch people get hundreds of dollars worth of goods for hardly anything)…anyway, where was I? Oh yes. I’m writing this tonight as it’s the first tiny bit of time I’ve had this week. To date, I have: worked every morning, come home, had lunch, worked every afternoon (on my uni assignment, social media business and script writing), took my son and picked him up from his club, met a couple of friends on Tuesday night for a drink (cola, I was working the next day), worked until after 10pm last night to finish the assignment, took my kids out for my daughter’s birthday (she’s 17 today, happy birthday E) and this weekend (weather permitting, it’s been bad this week – a storm yesterday and one due tomorrow) am hopefully seeing other friends. I’m exhausted. Roll on Saturday morning and a lie in. Well, as long a lie in as the dogs will let me.
Ooh, before I forget, I need to say happy birthday to my dear friend Raymond. Happy birthday handsome!
Moving on. Have you signed up to my newsletter yet? That’s the place where you’ll get news about new books PLUS a whole load of freebies. The current newsletter has two free books available. Can you afford to miss out?? I think not!
Right, hard sell over, what else has been happening? Well, the aforementioned uni assignment was done comparing Ali Smith’s Hotel World and Girl Meets Boy. Can I just say that both books are amazing reads and I heartily recommend them, but I don’t want to look at either of them for a while to come. I’m shattered after writing the assignment and a tad tired of them at the moment. 😉 Of the two, Girl Meets Boy is my favourite. It’s superb.
For tv, I really recommend Only Murders in the Building starring Steve Martin, Martin Short and Selena Gomez. It’s available on Disney+ and I started watching it because I’ve always enjoyed Steve Martin’s films, so I thought I’d give it a go. I watched the first episode and was hooked. It’s really good. It follows three residents of a New York apartment building who get together because they are hooked on true crime podcasts. Then someone is murdered in their building and they decide to investigate. It’s exciting, it’s clever, it’s funny. I loved it.
Right, I’m going to finish up now and go to bed. My dogs are starting to give me “go to bed” evil looks. They are creatures of habit and like to be in bed at the right time. 🤣🤣🤣 Til next time.
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