Category Archives: giveaway

Erin, aged 6, #reviews all three Once Upon a NOW #books @ajcraftybox #kidlit #giveaway

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ajbookreviewclub, kid's review, book review, book blog


My children’s book tour and giveaway is now up to stop number seven: the  ajbookreviewclub. 

I’ve been delighted to be included on many blogs where real children have been invited to read and share their thoughts about the series with adult reviewers in the feature. Here on AJ’s blog we meet the delightful and wise Erin (who is six). She had all three books read to her and tells us about which bits she liked (and didn’t!) and which of the stories is her favourite. 

One common comment on all the reviews of ‘Alf The Workshop Dog’ is that readers love ‘the song‘. They are referring to  the fictional National Anthem of Zanubia, which you can hear and watch being sung from within the book.  

Zanubia, King of Zanubia, Zanubia National Anthem, song, Once Upon a Now song, Oscar Sparrow, narrator

It’s performed by my daughter on the piano (she’s very clever and wrote the music) and Oscar Sparrow who is the wonderful narrator on the audio book editions of all my children’s stories. 

He was very worried about being too fierce and frightening the kids – so we made him a paper crown to go with his plastic sword.  This then gave us a lot of trouble as he couldn’t keep a straight face and we had to record many takes.  In the end I set the camera rolling and left the room and that solved it.

Want to see the video and hear the song? Well I’m afraid it’s exclusive to the book… it’s one of the ‘bonus features’ included via scannable QR code and secret URL links.  

(A hint for my special readers – ALF will be FREE on Amazon Kindle 8,  9, 10 Feb:  grab your copy and hear the song! http://www.smarturl.it/Alf )

All books in the series are ‘chapter books’.  These are aimed at younger readers maybe not yet ready to read a whole book in one go.  The stories are divided into manageable chunks with the bonus materials as a ‘reward’ for the end of a section. The videos, photos and colouring pictures are accessed via QR codes and URLs in the book. QR codes let people with the paperback version still get the benefit of these interactive materials. I guess they are a bit of a gimmick but I think they make for a richer experience and help make story time more fun. They certainly added a new element to the job of creating the books! 

A big thank you to AJ and her daughter for sharing their thoughts on my stories – I’m so pleased you enjoyed them!

Touring with the #Kid’s books – includes #giveaway & #Free dates on #Kindle pic.twitter.com/UV4tRZddAP

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Today is the first day of my tour of literary blogs for Children’s Fiction.  Arranged via the wonderful efficient staff at CandleLit Author Services, it will feature my ‘ONCE UPON A NOW SERIES’ of modern fairy stories for kids.

The tour includes guest posts by me about the inspiration behind each book and reviews by readers old and young.  There is also a giveaway where you can win a complete set of the series in audio book, paperback or digital Kindle formats.


Stop One – 26th January 2015
BestChickLit – Review 

Stop Two – 27th January 2015
Tales of Yesterday – Review  

Stop Three – 29th January 2015
Chapter 5 – Review

Stop Four – 31st January 2015
Grab This Book – Review 

Stop Five – 1st February 2015 
It’s Not All Gravy – Review 

Stop Six – 4th February 2015 
It’s Not All Gravy – Guest Post  

Stop Seven – 5th February 2015 
AJ’s Book Club – Review  

Stop Eight – 7th February 2015
Lynsey Farmer – Review 

Stop Nine – 9th February 2015
Guest Post 

​Stop Ten – 10th February 2015 
​On My Bookshelf – Review 

ONCE UPON A NOW – fairy tales for #children – launch #Giveaway #Kindle pic.twitter.com/7jhRxZ4PlH

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Well, today’s the day. I’ve had children, I was a child myself ( do writers ever grow up?) and I still like them. As a kid I loved to listen to stories and today I’m launching my own series of children’s books.

The Fairy tale retains its potency because it still speaks truth, hopes and dreams. I’ve approached some modern day situations exploring contemporary dilemmas and issues that confront young folk.

These chapter-book stories are aimed at young readers, in the 7-10 year age group.  The books are all illustrated in a modern anime-style by talented artist Miko Abellera from the Philippines. This young guy has a real Wow style. He gets right in there in a special way. He’s got a great career ahead of him.

Each book features unique links and scannable QR codes to take readers of both paperback and e-books to bonus material such as audio and video clips, downloadable photos and colouring pictures to enrich the reading experience.

All the books are also available in audio book format – delightful recordings by the poet Oscar Sparrow, who brings the stories to life in his own inimitable style. He also composed the words for the National Anthem of Zanubia which he sings in Alf The Workshop Dog. Well – singing may not be quite the word. I’d love to hear your opinions. 


Ideal as stocking fillers or pocket money purchases!

How could a scruffy dog in a bus depot and the call of crows, link back to another world of power and love?

The ancient Kingdom of Zanubia and a stray dog looking for scraps in an inner-city repair garage, hold the secret. 

A wicked king, a beautiful girl, a young prince and the struggle between right and wrong maintain the fable tradition.


There’s something strange in the woodshed…

A poor little girl in a faraway land dreams of riding a pink bicycle. When she meets a strange animal, her dreams come true. Her happiness turns to sadness when a tragedy occurs in the town and her father doesn’t come home.


Maybe her new magic friend can find him?

Charlie finds it tough when his parents divorce – but Auntie Kate helps him overcome his greatest fear.

When Charlie has to move from the country into the city, he needs new friends. With his small size and red hair, some people aren’t kind to him. 

He wonders if he can face another day at school.

A trip to the circus gives him the strength to see himself and others in a new way.

To set the launch off with a bang I’m hosting a giveaway on Rafflecopter – something to really get your reading tastebuds fired up – first prize is a brand new 6″ KINDLE TOUCHSCREEN! 

Nothing complicated required for entry and plenty of options to qualify for for extra goes.  If you don’t want the latest Kindle, you can opt for a CASH alternative too. Oh – and I’ll be giving away some books as prizes too, as you’d expect.   The draw is on the 17th December 2014 – so don’t hang around to enter.



Find all the full details on my new ONCE UPON A NOW CLUB website or enter the Rafflecopter draw below:


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Amazon GC 30$/£20/€25 and book giveaway – Celebrate SHANNON’S LAW pre-launch blog tour

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To celebrate the pre-launch blog tour of Shannon’s Law I have set up a fabulous Rafflecopter Giveaway with a first prize of $30 £20 €25 Amazon Giftcard and of course, paperback and digital copies of Shannon’s Law.  All entries are free – you can gain extra entries by commenting daily on blogs hosting the tour, following on Facebook or Pinterest etc.

To make the party go with a swing, all entrants get a FREE digital copy of “Cop’s Kitchen.” This is the companion cookbook to the romance – so you too can cook the meals and recipes that Shannon enjoys in the story.


The Rafflecopter giveaway runs from 1st of February 2014 and finishes in early March.

Enter here:



a Rafflecopter giveaway


Follow the tour for extra entries:

31 st Jan
3rd Feb
3rd Feb
3rd Feb
5th Feb
6 Feb
7 Feb
7 Feb
8th Feb
9 Feb
10 Feb
10 Feb
11 Feb
11 Feb
13 Feb
13 Feb
14 Feb
17 Feb
18 Feb
19 Feb
19 Feb
20 Feb
20 Feb
21 Feb
21 Feb
23 Feb
25 Feb
27 Feb
27 Feb
…and the launch day online virtual tea party:              28 Feb
https://www.facebook.com/ShannonsLaw   

Roll up. Roll up. It’s all the fun of the fayre.


Emma Thinx: You’re in the soup when the cops throw the cook book at you. 












Poetry at the Blogger Book Fair from @AriaGlazki #BBF

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My guest for the Blogger Book Fair today brings some poetry to the party – welcome Aria Glazki.


Life Under Examination is the recently released poetry collection, by A.T. Glazki, which explores the full range of interpersonal relationships, with a blend of lighthearted satire and earnest, emotional expression. 

It is now available through Amazon, Smashwords, or 
the author’s site. 





The preview poem below celebrates the power of creativity, in theme with the Blogger Book Fair! 

Otherworldly Remedy

Gargoyles, and witches, and pixies, and elves –
All are examples of our inventive selves.
The fey, the centaurs, the magic, the real –
It all shows who we are, how we feel.
From mountains to valleys, villages, and towns,
In every crevice enchantment abounds.
Amazing, are they not? The realms we can travel,
Without ever leaving our castle or hovel.
The rich, the poor, the hungry, or sated –
We all can share the worlds they’ve created.
Those brilliant people – you know who I mean:
The authors, the poets, the painters you’ve seen.
All of those worlds that pour out of their souls,
Aching to fill all the heartbreak, the holes
That others’ deeds or others’ thoughts
Had created – those blemished spots.
Let yourself travel, let yourself feel,
And let yourself question: what defines real?
The pixies, the elves, the gargoyles, the fey –
All do exist, in their own special way.
For what are our lives if they’re not filled with magic?
They’re pointless, and dull, and so very tragic.

Travel those worlds; let yourself live.
In worlds full of magic, you’ll forget and forgive.

by A.T. Glazki.


Author Bio: 


A.T. Glazki’s writing story starts with one of those cliché beginnings when an English teacher encouraged her to submit a class assignment for publication. That piece was printed, and let’s just say, she was hooked!  

Since then, A.T. has run a literary magazine, completed her Creative Writing degree, been published a few more times, and of course spent countless hours writing. 

After a brief hiatus, she was a 2012 NaNoWriMo winner, which re-inspired her to pursue writing as a career. 

 Learn more about A.T. Glazki and her writing through her blog or follow her on Twitter (@AriaGlazki)!

Aria has a giveaway for the Blogger Book Fair:

 http://ariaglazki.blogspot.com/2013/07/blogger-book-fair






Aria was visiting from the Blogger Book Fair – I will be posting at her blog today and at other blogging locations between the 22nd-26th July (see links below)





22nd July    Caitlyn Nicholas http://www.caitlynnicholas.blogspot.com
                   Jamie Campbell http://jamiecampbell.com.au/blog/
23rd July     Emily Tippets http://www.emtippetts.com/search/label/Blog
                   Penelope Reece http://penelopereece.blogspot.co.uk/
24th July     Leslie R. Wright http://thebasementlevelfive.blogspot.co.uk/
25th July     Aria Glazki http://ariaglazki.blogspot.co.uk/ 
                   Barbara Billig http://www.thenuclearcatastrophe.blogspot.com/
26th July     Don Wooldridge http://www.donwooldridge.com

A World Without #Angels – prequel #giveaway Before The Fall for Blogger Book Fair @Miss_Little_Jay #BBF

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Thank you for the opportunity to speak on your blog, Emma, I appreciate it.

I was so excited to be part of the Book Blogger Fair, mainly because I get to discover so many good books as well as spread the word about my own. I have always been obsessed with books and stories that I feel so lucky to be able to make my own.



My latest release is called The Aron Angels series. It starts with A World Without Angels and continues on with Angel’s Uprising.



In the series, we follow guardian angel Jerome as he inadvertently falls to Earth in an attempt to save the angels against the demons waging war on them.

While on Earth, he falls in love with the human Leila and together they must solve the ancient prophecy and save the angels and humans alike.

Finding love in a forbidden place, Jerome and Leila find themselves fighting to be permitted to stay together as they take on the angel council.

A World Without Angels and Angel’s Uprising are available now for your kindle. The prequel Before The Fall is currently free now for you to download and get a feel for the series.

Thank you for having me, Emma. Readers of this blog can also find Emma’s post on my website at http://www.jamiecampbell.com.au



Author Links

Jamie Campbell Website:http://www.jamiecampbell.com.au

Hot Chick Gives It Away

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Now, that got you interested did it not. OK fellow scribes, I’m trying something new. Once upon time in the land of Amazon KDP Select one could paper the house with free tickets and spread the word. And the word was Sales. My own experience was initially positive but with the change of algorithms and a new Amazon recipe containing 3D humble stumble potion, red sales headed for the sunset.

Now has come the idea of gifting your book to people who really want it. Using The Reader’s Guide To E Publishing (RG2E), it is possible to feature your book for the day. This site offers free books. The down side is that the author pays for them! However, much of this money will come back to you via your Amazon sales and the cost is far less than conventional advertising which will only sell you a few books if you are lucky. Of course, you are free to adjust your price in advance of your offer. In the UK such costs are fully tax deductible. 

Another advantage is that you are asking people to choose books they like. With KDP I found that there was a download frenzy like anorexic mackerel swallowing silver paper. A few would then submit reviews within an hour beginning “I hate this kind of book and could only read three pages”.  

Today, RG2E are featuring “The Chosen”, my short tale of roguish aspiration. The idea is to get a bump up the charts. Let us see what happens. You will be among the first to know and I won’t charge a cent.

Emma thinx: Rarely is freedom given. 








Love a Happy Knockout

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A quick Hi to anyone coming to my blog from Love a Happy Ending. com who are featuring “Knockout” today. 


If you are trying to answer the question to have a go at winning a copy of “Knockout” here are a couple of clues. Recently I had to go to a hospital with my sick knee. By chance I saw an anagram of the answer on one of those notice boards that convince you that you have about ten diseases. It read “No More TB”.


Alternately you can look up my Kreativ Blogger Award post and learn a few other secrets as well. 


Answers by e-mail please to emmacalin @ hotmail . com


The draw will be on 5th August. Good luck.


Emma thinx: Luck is a cat. Love is a dog. Both can bite.



I’m Fifty not Thrifty – Still Giving it all Away

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First of all it was Woolworths. This wonderful shop from which I had purchased my first 45 rpm record (T Rex singing “Ride a white Swan“) closed a few years ago. Oooh – I was only 8years old but Marc Bolan was the prettiest bloke I had ever seen. I had been given a record token (who remembers them?) for my birthday. It was a few months later that I heard him singing and my love affair with men wearing tight pink clothing began. Ever since I’ve been addicted to the Giro d’Italia cycle race.


And now, 42 years later, as the Giro rolls across Italy, I am approaching the big Five Oh No. To coincide with this event “Clintons Cards” announces the closure of about half its outlets. Seemingly they are a victim of the e-card, rather in the way that dead tree books are becoming a victim of the e-book. I am not sure how I feel about any of this. In order to celebrate my birthday I’m giving away digital copies of “Knockout” on Amazon Worldwide ( USA UK FRANCE GERMANY ITALY & SPAIN) during Thursday 17th and Friday 18th May in the hope of reaching the big 50 in the charts as well as in my bones, teeth and soft components. As a special salute to “Clintons Cards” and the dead tree book industry, I am also giving away signed copies of my paperback on Goodreads – all entries to be in by Sunday 20th May.

Now, another year slips by and all that. I do just wanna say that I’ve had more fun and frolics since I turned forty than I had ever had before. Wow – let’s ratchet it up for the next decade. Maybe a little extra chilli and garlic, maybe a slightly deeper red wine over a longer lunch. Slower breaths and longer kisses have been the wisdom of my ageing.  Really truly, this is a deeply serious comment. The English summer is cold and wet so far. The Euro creaks. The money beast bellows. From Greece come stories of mounting suicides and new born babies being held as security in hospitals when mothers cannot pay. Let us not forget love, comradeship and pleasure. It is allowed.

Emma thinx: Comrade humans – if not us, then what is humanity?