VAT shocker for Ereader Users in EU.

Read ebooks? Just got one for Christmas, perhaps? Well, you may not know it, but your local MP and
that friendly crowd of MEPs in Europe have got their heads together and imposed new regulations regarding VAT on digital items. The legislation was intended to stop mammoths like Ebay and Amazon taking advantage of low VAT rates in places like Luxemburg, but with the usual attention to detail shown by our political representatives (sic) they neglected to make allowances for small businesses.
For you, as a reader, this means that any digital book you purchase from 1st January 2015 will be more expensive. In some cases, depending on your country of residence, the price could rise by 25%. In UK, the VAT will go up from 3% to 20%, if you buy via Amazon.
So, it might be worth looking for and buying those new books for your Ereader before 1st January checks in.

And, if I might be a bit cheeky, perhaps you'll understand if I alert you to the fact that my own adult epic fantasy trilogy, A Seared Sky, is available at a special price at present, which means you'll make double savings if you buy before 1st January.  Click here to reach that deal
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Ruled by Intellect or Emotion? Tips on Word Choice #13

English: Foreign secretary William Hague and Chancellor George Osborne look on as U.S. President Barack Obama addresses Parliament on 25 May 2011. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Some words/phrases can induce fairly specific responses in readers. As writers, we all know this, but do we use the power of emotion in our work?

For these few weeks, I’m looking at something subjective: how to choose between emotional and intellectual words for effect. You won’t always agree with me, of course; you’re writers. But, hopefully, my suggestions will get the thought processes going.

In this series I’m looking at the difference between words that seem intellectual as opposed to those that evoke a more emotional response. How you use them is obviously up to you. The point is that the alternatives have the same, or very similar, meanings, but their effect upon the reader can be markedly different. I’ve made some suggestions here, but I’m sure you can think of others.

Intellectual: Completed

Emotional: Finished

The project was completed within three weeks, to the complete satisfaction of the client.

‘I tell you, John; I’m finished with you: completely finished!’

Intellectual: Facilitate

Emotional: Ease

‘As independent marketers, we facilitate the promotion and sales of your products, but only for a huge share of your profits.’

‘I can ease you into the right position,’ he said, lowering her to the bed.

Intellectual: Humorous, Amusing

Emotional: Funny

‘Your report on the economy was highly amusing, George. But the only responses you’ll receive will be either stark disbelief or downright condemnation.’

‘That, George, was bloody funny. Had me laughing, all the way to the bank.’

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Fusion: Digital SciFi Morphs into Print.

Fusion: this excellent collection of speculative fiction, first published in digital form, is now available in paperback with accompanying illustrations.

A collection of 25 stories of fantasy and science fiction from around the globe, each illustrated by digital artist Alice Taylor. This collection has been compiled from the winners of the Fantastic Books Publishing International Charity Short Story Competition 2012 and features 2 stories from our professional contributors Danuta Reah and Stuart Aken. 10% of the proceeds of this book will be donated to the WCRF (World Cancer Research Fund - Registered Charity Number - 1000739) who do sterling work in the field of global cancer prevention.

The cover has changed for the paperback edition, but the stories remain as fresh and individual as on the day I reviewed the book when it first came out. Click here for the review.

To purchase click the link below:

From Fantastic Books Publishing

From Amazon UK

From Amazon.com

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Writing and Running for ME/CFS #7

Writing (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The running continues to go well. This week, I started a new programme. So, a 10 minute run on Tuesday and another on Friday. Nothing for today, but tomorrow I start on 3 runs per week. I seem to be managing the training okay for the moment and I'm certainly getting fitter as the weeks go by.

The writing is also progressing. I've asked my wife and my daughter to produce some of their own words to describe how they felt during the course of my ME/CFS. I want to try to make the book as helpful to as many people as possible, and a view from a carer and a child of a sufferer should help with those perspectives.
I've started curating the diary entries, a fairly major task in itself. There are long periods without entries, of course, but i think the periods where there are entries will help form a more complete picture of the condition and its effects on me and my family.

So, progress continues. Life is a little hectic at present, with the house sold and the process of moving starting. Also, made a visit to Manchester on Friday/Saturday, so Kate to attend a job interview there.

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Ruled by Intellect or Emotion? Tips on Word Choice #8

The Houses of Parliament are situated within the Palace of Westminster, in London. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

There are words/phrases that can induce fairly specific responses in readers. As writers, we all know this, but do we use the power of emotion in our work?

For the next few weeks, I’ll be looking at something subjective: how to choose between emotional and intellectual words for effect. You won’t always agree with my interpretation, of course; you’re writers. But, hopefully, my suggestions will get the thought processes going.

In this series I’m looking at the difference between words that seem intellectual as opposed to those that invoke a more emotional response. How you use them is obviously up to you. The point is that the alternatives have the same, or very similar, meanings, but their effect upon the reader can be markedly different. I’ve made some suggestions here, but I’m sure you can think of others.

Intellectual: Anticipate

Emotional: Expect

The major political parties all anticipate a landslide in the General Election, as the majority of people never actually give much thought to their choice of candidate but vote on an emotional rather than an intellectual basis.

I expect most voters will do their usual thing and either fail to make their mark or do so on the ignorant say so of some friend or partner.

Intellectual: Concerned

Emotional: Worried

Many parents are concerned about the nature of the world in which their children will have to live.

I’m worried my daughter will inherit a very uncomfortable world because of the selfish attitudes of my own generation.

Intellectual: Futile

Emotional: Hopeless

To oppose the status quo is a futile exercise bound to result in disappointment for the protesters.

No matter how hopeless our cause appears, we must fight for it for as long as we’re able.

Epitaphs, by Anthological Poets, Reviewed.

As just one of the seventy-two poets featured in this remarkable volume, I clearly have to declare my interest. Amongst those bards you’ll find university professors, a prince, engineers, social workers, technicians, scientists, teachers and a good number of professional writers and poets. Many of the contributors have won awards for their writing and a most have published in many different forms. They hail from lands as diverse as India, Africa, USA, Canada and the UK. So, this international collection is far from being unrepresentative. I’m honoured to have been invited to contribute.

There are epitaphs here to make you smile, laugh, sigh and cry. The different styles range from the thoughtful to the exotic, the simple to the complex and profound. Suffice it to say that there is something here for everyone.

The fact of death is inescapable, of course. But here we have words to celebrate, express gratitude, proclaim greatness, explain lives unknown and sorrow for those who have left us behind. You may find solace, fellow-feeling, humour and respect amongst the different expressions of grief, loss and love.

Lovers of poetry will find much here to admire and enjoy. For those who are strangers to poetry, this is a gentle introduction to many different poets expressing human feelings in distinct ways. I recommend it unreservedly.

You can by the paperback by clicking this link.

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