Poetry in the north by candlelight

The Dark Farms by candlelight

I'm gathering myself to travel up through sodden Britain for the Dumfries launch of 'The Dark Farms', which will take place by candlelight on Wednesday 28 November, at 7.30pm in the Gracefield Arts Centre Cafe, all organised by the wonderful Roncadora Press.

I've never read by candlelight before.  Might need to remember the reading glasses.

The Crow House is FREE this Saturday

Front cover of The Crow House

Do help yourself to a FREE copy of The Crow House this Saturday 24 November.  You can download it for nothing to your Kindle/mobile devices/humble PC by clicking here.

Reviews appeal!  Earn my undying gratitude by posting a review on Amazon!  I gather that's what's needed to help The Crow House er, fly. 

"No decent people in this town would have you", he reminds her.  His voice grates on her ears.  "As you bear the Mark, so is your nature fixed." He sighed.  "Yet in Christian charity I took you in, and so must bear this cross with patience.  Stand by the door."  He bends again over his work.  

Time passes.  She stands by the door.  She is biting her lip, gnawing at it, her hands tight clasped behind her back, fingers interlaced.  What he says is true.  She bears the Mark.  She is evil.

How I published the 'The Crow House' for Halloween

'The Crow House' by Jean Atkin

As it's a mystery/horror novel for 9 to 12 year olds Halloween seemed a good moment to unleash it on the world.

Time travel was never this inconvenient - or terrifying.  Holly and Callum have to cope with a dangerous old book, a witch (perhaps) and worst of all, the cold-eyed Hermetic Doctor of Wigtown: Jared Sliddery, inhabitant of The Crow House.

The website is live too, and the Facebook Page, which has been picking up lots of Likes from kind people.  And you can download it to your Kindle, your mobile devices or your PC by clicking here.

Reviews very much appreciated!  I really would love to hear from readers.

... and do you know, this e-book was published by a person without any broadband in her house?  Is this a record? Thank God for public libraries.   (It's been two months +.  We've abandoned BT for the Phone Coop, who are friendly and remember to update you, but even they still have to deal with Open Reach, known to our weary household now as 'Totally Out of Reach')...