Book Launch Guest Post ~ Unclog Your Happiness: A Practical Guide to Living Blissfully

New on Amazon US and Amazon UK

A practical guide to happiness. For those who have read Eckhart Tolle’s The Power of Now, but don’t know how to get there, this book is for you. Through self-inquiry and meditation, as similarly taught by Ramana Maharshi, Gary Weber, and more, you can eliminate anxiety, depression, anger, and enter in the present, happy and content.

How do I actually experience writing? I sit down in front of my computer and stare down at the keyboard or the screen. My mind is blank — exactly how it should be. I am present for the writing of the book, but there are no distracting thoughts that exist. When I write, I either just see the words start to appear on the screen, or I experience some auditory version in advance, and a feeling that accepts it or rejects it. This is how simple writing can be. In a sense, the books that I have written are writing themselves. I have gotten out of the way and permitted the process to flow.

But this wasn’t always the case. I do recall, when I first started writing, having this nagging internal dialogue go on. It could be about anything. Reminders that I had to do laundry. Thoughts about where to eat lunch. Doubts and fears about my writing. There were times when I would just sit at my desk, and, instead of being productive, my mind would be going on some endless loop of self-doubts or considerations of possible scenarios about someone not liking what I have written. I completely clogged the path for my creativity to emerge. If anything came out, it was sabotaged and skewed by my unnecessary thoughts.

Most thoughts that we have are not necessary. That don’t benefit us. They block our creativity and they stress us out. So, stop thinking! As crazy as that sounds, it is both possible and simple to do. As detailed in my book, Unclog Your Happiness: A Practical Guide to Living Blissfully, this can be done by self-inquiry, a process where we look back at where our thoughts are coming from. For example, if I thought, “I shouldn’t link my book here. That is too spammy,” then I would reply with the thought, “Who is commenting?” This continual process of looking back at the source of our thoughts — and finding out that there is no real source — shuts down these pejorative thoughts. Creativity, productivity, and peacefulness are enhanced.

There are also other things that I do to help facilitate the process of writing. I generally find myself writing more after I have had a (sugarless) cup of coffee or tea. Sitting down in an area that minimizes distractions. This often means taking my netbook — which has been stripped down of all functionality beyond what is necessary to write — and going to a quite coffee shop. I generally will begin by writing a few sentences (a condensed version) about what I will be writing about. If nothing comes out, I will jot down any objectives I have on a notebook. When creativity falters, I don’t get upset. I just enjoy my coffee.

For this article there were no notes. No prewriting. I had the vague sense of what the article would be about, but there was no elaborate outline of what to write about. Line by line, I experienced the words flow out. In this way, writing is simple, stress free, and enjoyable. 

David Ring III

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About the Author

Author David Ring III was born in MA, in 1983. After an atypical upbringing that left him with a negative mindset, he began to seek freedom from his pessimistic thoughts. From 2007-2010, he settled in central New Hampshire. After buying a large, beautiful Victorian house in Franklin, NH, the economy went into recession. He began his first business venture, turning this home into a family business, a bed and breakfast. Upon coming to Thailand in 2010, he begin writing his first novel, Bound Before the Morrow, hoping to portray his own personal journey out of negativity and to inspire others to do the same. During the five years it took to write, his views changed slightly, and spirituality entered the mix. The book still maintained the original message, but a new way of life had opened for David. David still bases himself in Thailand. He avoids the heat by escaping into air conditioned coffee shops and plunging himself into writing. In this way he gently and articulately shares his philosophical beliefs. Find out more at David's website and find him on Facebook.

Book Launch: Owen - Book One of The Tudor Trilogy #Tudors #Histfic

New on Amazon UK and Amazon US

and all formats on Smashwords

England 1422: Owen Tudor, a Welsh servant, waits in Windsor Castle to meet his new mistress, the beautiful and lonely Queen Catherine of Valois, widow of the warrior king, Henry V. Her infant son is crowned King of England and France, and while the country simmers on the brink of civil war, Owen becomes her protector.

They fall in love, risking Owen’s life and Queen Catherine’s reputation—but how do they found the dynasty which changes British history – the Tudors?

This is the first historical novel to fully explore the amazing life of Owen Tudor, grandfather of King Henry VII and the great-grandfather of King Henry VIII. Set against a background of the conflict between the Houses of Lancaster and York, which develops into what have become known as the Wars of the Roses, Owen’s story deserves to be told.

HFVBT Guest Post ~ Doctor Margaret in Delhi: The Azadi Series Book 2, by Waheed Rabbani

Available on Amazon US and Amazon UK

In Book 2 of The Azadi Series , this historical fiction novel continues with Margaret's journey from the time she and her Canadian husband participated in the 1854 Crimean War. Events leading up to the Indian Mutiny/Rebellion that breaks out in 1857 profoundly affect not only Margaret's life, but also of those who love her and others’ who wish her harm. The Azadi Series covers the turmoil that enflamed India from 1857 to 1947, and led to her independence. Those incidences engulf the characters of this story at that time, and then later their descendant's lives, again in the 1960s.

Today I have the pleasure of interviewing the author, Waheed Rabbani:

What inspired your interest in the Indian Mutiny?

Having studied mostly science and engineering subjects through my High School and University days, my knowledge (hate to admit it!) of Indian History was rather poor. Hence, during my retirement years, I started reading up on it. And, the more I read those dry history texts, the more interested I got, particularly how the Indian independence movement initiated with the “Mutiny.” By the way, most Indian historians prefer to call it “The First War of Independence.” Since I found the history texts rather tedious, I took up the challenge and began retelling the independence story in a fictional novel, which has evolved into “The Azadi Series.” (for those of you, who don’t speak Hindi, “azadi” means, freedom.)

You were born near Delhi – but how did you research life there in the mid nineteenth century?

While many of that period’s primary sources (diaries, historical accounts, and novels written at that time) are available in reputable university libraries’ archives, but these being out of copyright are now accessible on the internet! They provided valuable information about the life in India and Delhi during that era. Also, the largest depository of Indian historical archives is at the British Library in London. Again, the Internet has helped me out here as well, for the BL has put some of the material on-line, and for the payment of a modest fee they will send you photo copies, or download, some of the requested items. Hence, apart from visiting the local libraries, I did not have to travel to the BL in London, as some of the authors of earlier novels set in India, had to pour over the thick old volumes in the stacks there! Of course my visits to Delhi helped as well, if at least to visit the ruins of the old historic sites. 

Where and how do you like to write?

All through my engineering career, I worked the ‘early hours,’ from about 8 am to 4 pm. Which meant I had to get up early, and I’m happy that, now during retirement, this habit hasn’t fallen by the wayside! Initially I did sink into the ‘trap’ of doing my emailing, and social networking in the mornings. But soon realized that, being too tired by the afternoon/evening, I wasn’t getting any writing done. So listening to sage advice of other writers, I now devote the mornings strictly to novel-writing. I did purchase the most recommended software to assist writers, Scrivener, but don’t use it much. I am most comfortable writing using Word, and (still know how to) develop character information charts, time and plot lines, and other administrative spreadsheets, using Excel. Although, I mostly write using the ‘pantser’ and a basic outline approach, for I find it more creative, I am starting to outline (and timeline!) in some detail. Yes, these techniques have helped to speed up my writing and achieve my daily writing (ever changing) goal. 

Which historical fiction authors have influenced you most?

There are many. But to name a few: I was ‘blown away’ by M. M. Kaye’s novels (The Far Pavilions, The Shadow of the Moon), and loved Valerie Fitzgerald’s “Zemindar.” I’ve read and watched Paul Scott’s “Jewel in the Crown” several times. And of course, although not a novelist, the non-fiction writings of William Dalrymple (The Last Mughal). I reread most of the classical novelists, Dickens, Brontes, Austen, Tolstoy, Pasternak and others, regularly. And I’ll be amiss if I fail to mention some of our fine HNS authors. Being on the HNR Book Reviews Team, I get to read and review ‘a lot.’ 

What does the future hold for the Azadi Series?

So far I’ve covered, in Book 1, Doctor Margaret’s early life in the US and Canada and, following her graduation and marriage, travel to and service in the Crimean War of 1854. In Book 2 her story starts from her arrival in India, and after a brief period of stay with her parents at the American Mission at Futtehgurh, she serves at the Civil and Military Hospital in Delhi. Book 2 takes the readers up to the eve of the Indian Mutiny. Book 3 will cover the 1857 Mutiny, and Margaret getting caught up in it, in greater depth. Following books in the series will cover the Great Game (the Russian-British conflict in Afghanistan) and India’s Independence in 1947.

Thank you for this opportunity for an author interview.

Waheed Rabbani

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About the Author

Waheed Rabbani was born in India, close to Delhi, and was introduced to Victorian and other English novels, at a very young age, in his father's library. Most of the large number of volumes, in the library, had been purchased by his father at 'garage sales' held, by departing British civil service officers, in the last days of the Raj. Waheed attended St. Partick's High School in Karachi, Pakistan. He graduated from Loughborough University, Leicestershire, England, and received a Master's degree from Concordia University, Montreal, Canada. While an engineer by profession, Waheed's other love is reading and writing English literature. He also obtained a Certificate in Creative Writing from the McMaster University. Waheed and his wife, Alexandra, are now settled on the shores of Lake Ontario in the historic town of Grimsby. More information is available on his website and you can find him on Twitter @WaheedR2009 and Facebook.

Goodreads Giveaway ~ The Secret Diary of Eleanor Cobham

To celebrate the success the success of my best selling historical fiction novel, two paperback copies are free on Goodreads

until the end of July.

Enter here  

England 1441:  Lady Eleanor Cobham, Duchess of Gloucester, hopes to become Queen of England before her interest in astrology and her husband’s ambition leads their enemies to accuse her of a plot against the king. Eleanor is found guilty of sorcery and witchcraft. Rather than have her executed, King Henry VI orders Eleanor to be imprisoned for life.

More than a century after her death, carpenters restoring one of the towers of Beaumaris Castle discover a sealed box hidden under the wooden boards. Thinking they have found treasure, they break the ancient box open, disappointed to find it only contains a book, with hand-sewn pages of yellowed parchment. Written in a code no one could understand, the mysterious book changed hands many times for more than five centuries, between antiquarian book collectors, until it came to me. After years of frustrating failure to break the code, I discover it is based on a long forgotten medieval dialect and am at last able to decipher the secret diary of Eleanor Cobham.

Historical Fiction Spotlight ~ Wars of the Roses: Trinity, by Conn Iggulden

Available on Amazon UK and Amazon US

The retelling of the Wars of the Roses continues with Trinity, the second gripping novel in the new series from Conn Iggulden.

1454: King Henry VI has remained all but exiled in Windsor Castle, struck down by his illness for over a year, his eyes vacant, his mind a blank. His fiercely loyal wife and Queen, Margaret of Anjou, safeguards her husband's interests, hoping that her son Edward will one day know the love of his father. Richard Duke of York, Protector of the Realm, extends his influence throughout the kingdom with each month that Henry slumbers. 

The Earls of Salisbury and Warwick make up a formidable trinity with Richard, and together they seek to break the support of those who would raise their colours in the name of Henry and his Queen. But when the King unexpectedly recovers his senses and returns to London to reclaim his throne, the balance of power is once again thrown into turmoil. The clash of the Houses of Lancaster and York will surely mean a war to tear England apart . . . 

Following on from Stormbird, Trinity is the second epic instalment in master storyteller Conn Iggulden's new Wars of the Roses series. Fans of Game of Thrones and The Tudors will be gripped from the word go.

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About the Author

Born in London, Conn Iggulden read English at London University and worked as a teacher for seven years before becoming a full-time writer. Married with three children, he lives in Hertfordshire. Since publication of The Gates of Rome, Conn has written a further thirteen books including the wildly successful The Dangerous Book for Boys. Find out more at his website and follow Conn on Twitter @Conn_Iggulden.

Guest Post ~ Fia Essen’s Journey to Becoming an Author

New on Amazon

Radical life changes and too much champagne at high altitude can take a girl to the most interesting places. Anna’s journey is just getting started when she takes a chance on a new friendship of the handsome male variety and winds up in a tiny village in Crete. It turns out she’s not the only one who has that idea...

My name is Fia Essen and I’m an author… That sounds like a confession, doesn’t it? Some people know that they’re meant to be writers from an early age. I didn’t. When I was a little girl, I had no idea what I wanted to be when I grew up. My parents put me in ballet classes so I would say I wanted to be a ballerina. I knew my parents liked hearing that answer. But I also knew that I didn’t really want to be a ballerina.

I spent most of my twenties doing a little of this, a bit of that, and some of the other. None of it was useful. I drifted aimlessly through life, without a passion or a goal. I was lost. In 2009, at the age of twenty-six, I started writing. I had recently left the hustle and bustle of Singapore and relocated to a tiny village on a Greek island. Why? Well, it seemed like a good idea at the time. But it wasn’t. It didn’t suit me anyway.

This Greek village had a population of about 250 people. It had very little to offer in terms of entertainment. So I started writing because there literally wasn’t anything else to do, not because I had a particularly burning desire to become an author. I’d been a bookworm my entire life. Why not try to write a book?

I finished my first novel and sent it out to more than 100 literary agents. All of them rejected my manuscript. Eventually, a small ePublishing company offered me a three-year contract and published my book. All in all, only fifty copies of that book were sold over the three-year period. When the publishing contract ended, I was equal parts disappointed and relieved. Disappointed because my book hadn’t become a bestseller and relieved because, now that the book was off the market, I could bury the disappointment and move on.

I continued my aimless drifting for some time, growing increasingly dissatisfied with my life and disappointed in myself. I would see posts from people I used to know on social media, notifying their online friends about engagements, upcoming weddings, brilliant new jobs, and the arrival of their first child. Me? I was twenty-nine years old and I still didn’t know what I wanted to be when I grew up.

Then I turned thirty and something happened. I consciously acknowledged that I was stuck in a rut and that I was miserable. I hadn’t admitted it to myself before. Of course, part of me knew I was stuck and wasting my life. These thoughts would enter my head in the dead of night when there were no other distractions to focus on. But I hadn’t said “I’m stuck” out loud in broad daylight.

Once I made the confession and said the words out loud, things began to change. I began to change. I began to take charge of my own life.

Finally, I knew what I wanted to do. And what was that? I discovered that I did have a burning desire to be an author after all. It was quite the surprise.

Every writer has heard the phrase “write what you know” at some point. So that’s exactly what I did. I wrote what I knew. I knew what it was like to be stuck in a rut so I wrote a book about a woman who was stuck, lost, and wasting her life. That book is called Ariel and it was published on the 1st of April 2015.

My second novel, Anna, takes place on a Greek island. The story was originally a diary. Anna is a fictionalized account of a phase in my own life. Events beyond Anna’s control force her to take a good look at her life. She discovers there’s more to herself and those around her than she had ever imagined. And, of course, there’s romance in the story too.

These days I’m writing because I’m 100% sure that it’s what I want to do. It’s no longer a case of “Why not write a book?” because I don’t have anything else going on. “Why not” is never a good enough reason to do something.

I want to write. No one else pushed me into making the choice to write. I made the choice. I’m all grown up now and I’m an author. 

Fia Essen  

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About the Author

Fia Essen has been an expat since childhood. She grew up in the stables of the Middle East and Southeast Asia, surrounded by horses, philandering polo players, and bored expat housewives. Currently, she lives in Athens, Greece with her Yorkshire Terrier. You can connect with her at http://www.fiaessen.com or follow her on Twitter @FiaEssen. And you can find Anna on Amazon in Kindle format and paperback: http://mybook.to/anna

The Migrant Report (Book One, Crimes in Arabia Series) by Mohanalakshmi Rajakumar

Available on Amazon US and Amazon UK

Against the glittering high-rises of the capital, Manu, a recent arrival from Nepal, drips his days away on a construction site, cut off from the world outside the labor camp. His sister despairs of finding him among the thousands of migrant workers flooding into the Arabian Gulf to build the country’s infrastructure. Manu and Sanjana must keep their younger siblings out of poverty, even if at their own expense. 

Police captain Ali's hopes of joining the elite government forces are dashed when his childhood deformity is discovered. His demotion brings him face to face with a rising pile of unexplained dead bodies and also an aspiring journalist who is unlike any local girl Ali knows. In danger of flunking out of university, Maryam is searching for an original story that will appease her professor and keep her family’s machinations for marriage in check. 

Can the unlikely trio fit the pieces of the puzzle together before agency thugs get to Manu? 

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About the Author

Mohanalakshmi Rajakumar is a South Asian American who has lived in Qatar since 2005. Moving to the Arabian Desert was fortuitous in many ways since this is where she met her husband, had two sons, and became a writer. Her coming of age novel, An Unlikely Goddess, won the SheWrites New Novelist competition in 2011. Her recent books have focused on various aspects of life in Qatar.  Learn more about her work on her website at www.mohadoha.com or follow her latest on Twitter: @moha_doha.