A dear shepherd, played by Hugh Jackman, is murdered and his beloved sheep decide to investigate his murder, mainly because the humans in the village of Dembrook are terribily inept.
There are many suspects with motived. The story is cute. And the sheep are adorable. If you are looking for a bit Of family entertainment, this is it.
Ben Andrews
Scotland
United Kingdom
Good morning, Ben, and welcome to Vision and Verse, the sites for Art and Authors. Can you tell us about what you’ve written?
My first novel is called To My Grave. I started writing a year ago after losing my job due to the pandemic. After moving to Scotland, away from family and friends, I found myself in a bad way with my mental health. The age old question appeared in my mind one night of “Everyone has a book in them” and I wanted to put that to the test. Before I knew it I had unknowingly created a character with the same mental health issues I had found myself with and allowing myself to put the thoughts and feelings into a fictional character helped me understand my own issues with anxiety.
The book is a mystery drama that explores the damage that can be caused by a family who refuses to face up to their problems. I find that this issue is embedded into British families and issues that could be seen as embarrassing or bad for the family are brushed under the carpet and not spoken about.
The second novel is the sequel called Walk Over My Grave.
What is your favourite genre to write?
I love planning out a good mystery surrounded by characters who feel like real people. I enjoy writing for working-class characters wrapped up in raw kitchen-sink drama.
Being 90% vegan as my partner does most of the cooking means I follow his diet. Although you can’t go wrong with a roast dinner and piles of veg and gravy.
Tea or coffee?
Being from England I know what I’m about to say is sacrilegious but I’ve never had a cup of tea. I now drink decaf coffee but it has to have a flavoured syrup.
Pizza or ice cream?
Leftover pizza for breakfast is a regular occurrence for me so that’s an easy one!
Wine or beer or soda or what?
I gave up drinking alcohol over five years ago so I’ll always welcome a Pepsi Max and a glass of water (I promise I’m not a total bore at a party).
Where would you like to visit?
Before Covid stopped all travel I had plans to go to Japan to attend the Olympics, so that is still on top of my bucket list. The total change of culture is something that has interested me for years.
Favorite musical artist.
Can’t go wrong with country music and the queen of country is Dolly Parton!
Do you listen to music when you write? What?
A youtube channel called chilled cow is my go to. It is a 24 hour stream of relaxing music created to help you study and focus the mind. That is usually playing in the background softly as I rattle my brain.
What makes you laugh?
I love the old British sitcoms from the 80’s and 90’s. Vicar of Dibley, One Foot in the Grave and Keeping up Appearances. You can’t beat those classic jokes.
Favorite work of art or sculpture.
I find the work of Caravaggio fascinating. Not only because his work brought a new wave of modern art at the time but the stories behind the artist add another depth to the paintings.
How old were you when you started writing?
For years I stupidly boasted how I didn’t read books. I spent my childhood playing point and click video games that now looking back were just interactive books all along. In my late twenties I finally picked up a book and haven't looked back since. The depth of characterisation and story you can get from a book cannot be beaten.
Do you plan out your book with outlines and notecards? Or just write?
I always plan out my books before starting, the fear of having a huge plot hole in one of my mysteries sends shivers down my spine. I start with an initial idea or theme I want to explore and from there I create in-depth character profiles. I then plan out each chapter and point of view with bullet points for what parts of the mystery will get revealed to what character and how I can interweave the characters' own story beats into the overarching story. As I finish my first draft I usually find out things about the character I didn’t know at first and that usually allows me to add an extra twist into the story.
Describe your perfect evening.
I think a perfect ending is one that leaves you asking questions. Not everything has to be spelled out and sometimes your own imagination can create a better conclusion and allow for more discussion with others.
Where do you get your inspiration?
I worked as a hairdresser from my late teens to mid twenties. Working in a busy salon allowed me to come across a wide range of people. Being an introvert I would always be listening to others and most of my ideas and characters come from people I have met in real life.
What do you do when you get a writer's block?
I go swimming at my local gym. While swimming there is nothing to distract me and some of my greatest plot twists have appeared when I’m swimming lengths.
Who is your favorite author?
Terry Pratchett is my favourite author. The world he created in Discworld is unmatched in my mind. Even after all these years they still feel so fresh and new. His takes on society and politics are even more relevant today.
Best book you ever read.
Such a difficult question to answer. I would say A Game of Thrones stands out to me as a masterclass of changing the norms of the fantasy genre and George’s talent for making his characters feel so real is something special.
Last book you read.
The last book I read was the third book in The First Law trilogy called The Wisdom of Crowds by Joe Abercrombie.
What would you do for a living if you weren’t a writer?
Before the first lockdown me and my partner ran our own dog walking and boarding business. We moved to Scotland looking for a calmer life. I run a youtube channel and a podcast so I’d be doing that more full time I imagine.
Who is the one person who has influenced your personal life the most and why?
My partner has had the biggest influence on my life. Coming from a small seaside town in the south of England it was extremely tough coming out in my hometown. We have now been together for over ten years and without him who would I get to read my drafts?
If you could sit down and have a conversation with ONE person, living or dead, real or fictional, who would it be and why?
I’d love to sit down for dinner with Joan Rivers. I had always wanted to see her live and then one year she announced a tour. I booked tickets straight away and a few weeks before the tour she passed away. She was the best female comedian of her time and even now her material from the 1970’s still has me laughing out loud.
What advice would you give someone who aspired to be a writer?
I have the biggest case of imposter syndrome. I started my first book with no experience or training in how to write. I’d give the same advice another author gave me. Just write, get it down on paper and you have done the hardest part.
Do you have some links for us to follow you?
Twitter - https://twitter.com/Benand_rews
My Amazon page - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ben-Andrews/e/B09P8Z3F6T/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_ebooks_1
It has been a pleasure to have you here with us this morning, Ben. We at Vision and Verse wish you continued success in all your endeavors.
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VISION AND VERSE DISCLAIMER
Note:
Vision and Verse does not store any personal information, such as email addresses or home addresses. We do not give any information to third parties. And cookies? We eat cookies.
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VISION AND VERSE DISCLAIMER
Note:
Vision and Verse does not store any personal information, such as email addresses or home addresses. We do not give any information to third parties. And cookies? We eat cookies.
VISION AND VERSE DISCLAIMER
Note:
Vision and Verse does not store any personal information, such as email addresses or home addresses. We do not give any information to third parties. And cookies? We eat cookies.
This story unfolds on Belterra, an Earth-like planet set in a time reminiscent of the old American Wild West, around 1880. Long ago, the ancients brought humans to this planet. There were only four tribes: the warriors of magic, the spiritual soul keepers, the brilliant but unscrupulous scientists, and the strong, brutal, but efficient soldiers. However, with decades of intermingling, numbers have dwindled, and only the strongest, most forceful of each tribe have survived. Is it natural selection? Or is it fixed? This story follows the first two books, Belterra and Dark Return. You can blame my father for this sci-fi/romance/fantasy/western mash-up. We used to watch cowboys on TV together.
Saddle up for something different, Cowboy!
The Invitation
“Miss Katherine must understand,” bellowed George Powers, Bellwood's large, imposing sheriff. He was a descendant of the old Soldier Guard of Eastwood, the once respected peacekeepers of the territory. Once an elected position, the sheriff’s position is now inherited, passed from father to eldest son.
“The economy is extremely tight at this time,” the sheriff continued. “Most households simply cannot afford to take in another person. And everybody knows Miss Katy Westwind has quite a reputation. Very outspoken. Overly educated for a woman of her station in life. And extremely headstrong.”
Powers held his head with both hands for dramatic effect. “Who in his right mind would purposely want to assume that kind of headache, responsibility, and aggravation without at least a decent dowry?”
“But because of the failing health of our esteemed citizen and noted healer Barton Westwind, who is loved by all, and in acknowledgement of his decades of service to our community in the healing arts, and the fact there are no other living Westwind relatives left in the area, or maybe anywhere in the world, I am willing to take Miss Katherine into my household as requested by her father.
“Of course, I do have a few stipulations. I would insist that Miss Katherine resign from all endeavors outside her assigned household duties at Powers House. I would expect her to refrain from her numerous public speaking engagements that do nothing more than rile up our womenfolk and make them irritable, dissatisfied, and hard to handle. And I would also have to insist upon the deed to the Westwind family home. Maybe renting it out would help me offset the cost of having another person to clothe, feed, and house in these lean and bitter times.”
“And where is my very ill, highly esteemed father supposed to live out his days while you are renting out our family home, Sheriff Powers? Under the bridge, perhaps, with the rats and the trolls?” answered the small-framed, fiery blonde Katy Westwind.
“Miss Katherine, is your father not here to speak for you?” blinked George Powers
“Mr. Powers, I think my father may have already spoken too much for me, sir, if he asked you to take me into your household without first discussing it with me.”
“Do you see what I mean?” Sheriff Powers chuckled as he looked around the Council chamber at the other members. “May I remind you, Miss Katherine, you are not getting any younger. Female beauty fades very quickly after fifteen or sixteen. And I do not see any other Council representative here willing to take you in.”
There was laughter and a low murmur throughout the Council chamber as George Powers puffed out his chest and grinned.
“I’ll take her,” came a voice from the last row. Everyone turned around to see where the voice came from. A tall, slim, impeccably dressed gentleman stood.
“Harper Ross of Ross House, of the Northford Family House of Science. I have known Miss Katherine since primary school. We are the same age, so I don’t feel she’s too old for anything. We were classmates. Katy is indeed very bright and well-educated for any station in life. I do not fear wise women. In fact, I like them.
“Ross House is large with plenty of room. If you, Miss Katherine, would like to come live with me, you are most welcome. You can invite your father to come and live out his remaining days with you, with us, if you wish. Renting out the Westwind House does seem to be a prudent and profitable idea in these challenging economic times. But I would assume no controlling interest over Westwind House. I would leave it in your very capable hands and act only as your advisor when requested.
“I would not ask you to change your habits, schedule, or prominent position in this community as a voice of reason and equality.
“Miss Katherine, would you consider moving into Ross House, not as a servant, but as my…companion?” Harper asked.
“Thank you, Mr. Ross, for your kind and timely offer. It is very much appreciated. I would like to know what exactly you require of me as ‘your companion’ before I can make a rational decision.”
“May we discuss this in private, Miss Katherine?” A blushing Harper asked as he looked down at the floor before him.
“Of course, Mr. Ross. You may call upon me at Westwind House at your convenience.”
Note from the author:
This story began its life on Vella, Amazon’s short-lived but innovative and exciting episodic reading platform, where episodes were released gradually, instead of the whole book at once. Authors could add little notes to their audience as they went along. I kept the author’s notes in this particular story because I realize most of you have not read Belterra and Dark Return. I am hoping these little nuggets of insight will help you enjoy Harper Ross.
Personally, I enjoyed the Vella platform. It works well in other countries. But sadly, it didn’t work out well here. So, I turned my eight Vella stories into eBooks, paperbacks, and audiobooks.
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Virginia plays his next door neighbor, a divorced mother with three daughters. One of her daughter’s forms a special bond with the author, who promises to teach her about imagination.
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What is your favorite genre to write?
I like to write in Sci Fi, but I also write from my dreams.
Pizza or ice cream?
Ice Cream.
Wine or beer or soda or what?
Tea and soda.
Where would you like to visit?
I can't make up my mind.
There are so many places
I'd love to see.
Do you listen to music when you write?
What?
Depends on what I'm writing. I have a fight playlist, a
flight playlist and if it's an epic battle, then
I'll listen to 1812 Overture
What makes you laugh?
A lot of different things. Cats, dogs, myself.
Favorite work of art or sculpture.
Van Gogh's in there along with The Thinker by Rodin
How old were you when you started writing?
Wow! I think I was about 10
Do you plan out your book with outlines and
notecards? Or just write?
I do a bit of both, however, I've just done the first
draft of 35,000 words all just writing as it came
with no planning or anything.
Describe your perfect
evening.
Writing
Where do you get your
inspiration?
All sorts of places.
Mainly my
dreams
What do you do when
you get a writer's block?
I watch my favourite shows.
Who is your favorite author?
Again, so many. Andre Norton, Anne McCaffrey,
Kelly Blanchard-Dale, Julian May.
Best book you ever read.
Actually, it's a series - Julian May's Saga of the Exiles
and the Millenium Trilogy
Last book you read.
Again, a series - Tails of the Dragon by Craig
Halloran
What would you do for a living if you weren’t a writer?
Probably be sitting in a call centre.
Who is the one person who has influenced your
personal life the most and why?
My mother. She had an open mind on virtually every
subject.
Michael De Notre Dame -
just to find out what order
supposed to be in!
Do you have some links for us to follow you?
Author page - facebook
https://www.facebook.com/jaduxbury1
Facebook group: J A Duxbury's Weird Words
https://www.facebook.com/groups/3357069671029525
Twitter
@JADuxbury1
LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-duxbury-0462153b/
Website
https://jaduxbury.com/
My books:
dark dimensions
https://www.amazon.com.au/Dark-Dimensions-Clans-
Conflict-Book-ebook/dp/B08P6N5C22
https://www.amazon.com/Dark-Dimensions-Clans-
Conflict-Book-ebook/dp/B08P6N5C22
heart of deception
https://www.amazon.com.au/Heart-Deception-
Consequences-Book-1-ebook/dp/B098PMXY76
https://www.amazon.com/Heart-Deception-
Consequences-Book-1-ebook/dp/B098PMXY76
legacy of risks
https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B09PKM87ZZ
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09PKM87ZZ
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Vision and Verse does not store any personal information like email addresses, home addresses, etc. We do not give any information to third parties. And cookies? We eat cookies.
