Hello Readers,

In celebration of Greek Orthodox Easter this weekend, I am posting up a short story with Xen, Carissa, yiayia and aunt Paula. Yiayia and aunt Paula get a fair bit of space in Book 2 and this is just a little teaser of what you might expect from these two women in PHANTASIA, for release later this year. 

MIDNIGHT MASS

“Get a look at Stella and her fur coat.” Paula said to yiayia. “Who wears a winter coat to midnight mass?”

“Obviously, Stella does.” Yiayia’s dry tone told Paula that she didn’t give two hoots.

Paula didn’t like the woman. She gossiped about everyone. “Doesn’t she watch T.V. Animal rights and all that?”

“It could be fake.”

“Ha, that would be so up Stella’s alley, everything is fake. Especially her words.” They were once good friends but when Stella married a second time it was for money and that’s when her true colours came out. Paula crossed her arms over her chest, a wave of terrible thoughts cascaded through her mind. Stella chose money over friendship.

Paula’s scalp tingled, something wasn’t right tonight. They were standing outside the church for the Greek Orthodox midnight mass. The Parish couldn’t accommodate the volume of people inside. Everyone stood wherever a spot was available. “Well, we best not get too close to her, I don’t think I could do the fake kissing thing. What is that anyway. Kisses in the air, since when do Greeks do that?”

Yiayia looked over at her and raised a finger. “You’re letting her get to you again.”

“Well, I can’t help it. Do you remember that year that her hair went up in smoke and wasn’t it only last year her fury bag caught fire. Honestly, I reckon that woman wants attention.”

“Paula, if you look at statistics someone’s hair or something catches fire every year. Now where is Carissa? She said she’d be here.” Yiayia looked vexed but Paula knew she changed the topic to get her mind off the hoity-toity Stella. 

No sooner had yiayia uttered the words when Xen’s deep greeting danced in Paula’s ears, “Kalispera.”

“Good evening yiayia and thitsa.” Carissa kissed yiayia and then Paula. 

“What took you so long?” Yiayia asked.

“We had a few loose ends to tie up.” Carissa answered as she straightened from greeting them.  

Paula raised an eyebrow. “What loose ends?”

Xen’s lips turned up. “The type that require swords.”

A wave of nausea rose in her throat. She knew exactly what they were implying. “They…they wouldn’t come here would they?” She had a close shave with demons, the episode remained fresh in her mind.

“I have a Taser gun.” Yiayia rummaged through her bag. Xen leaned over and stayed her actions. “No need yiayia, the Phi are stationed at every church. Watching and protecting.”

Xen’s tone comforted Paula but the thought still sent shivers down her spine. Paula relaxed her shoulders. Then it hit. “Wait a minute, are you telling me that we’re their all they can eat buffet?”

Carissa nodded her head. “A smorgasbord, so to speak.”

This Paula didn’t really need to hear. She was nobodies sandwich, especially not some crazy looking demon’s. 

“Paula look it’s time.” Yiayia’s tight fingers on her arm and voice bought her back to the present moment.

In a few seconds all the lights in the church would go out and the bell would ring. Then the holy light would be passed around and the words Chistos anesti and alithos anesti would be uttered from the giver of the light and receiver, signifying the death and resurrection of Christ. This was safe. This she understood. This made sense. She opened her mouth to question how Xen and Carissa fitted into that ideology.

“Now is not the time for the discussion on religion.” Xen’s voice was low. 

“He tells me the same thing thitsa, Every. Single. Time.” Carissa threw in. 

“Xen’s right. Look, here is our light.” Yiayia said as she lit her candle from the fellow who had accepted it before her.

Paula looked at Carissa and they both rolled their eyes.  Looked like yiayia had sided with the vampire.

“But…”

“No buts.” Yiayia said. 

Paula lit her candle but as she took a step to the right and back she hit something furry. Her foot twisted and her arms flailed. The candle in her hand became air born. In seconds her bottom crashed to the concrete. The horrible smell of something burning hit Paula’s nostrils. Flames licked up Stella’s coat. Everything happened so fast. Within seconds Xen had removed the blazing coat and thrown it to the ground. Carissa helped Paula to her feet while yiayia hit the coat with her walking stick. Others soon joined in in, stamping out the flames.

“Stella…” Paula’s words died on her lips.

“Paula. How could you be such an imbecile.”

“Well if you weren’t parked right up my ass I wouldn’t have fallen over.”

Stella’s fake lips thinned into a line. She reminded Paula of one of those circus clowns. Her eyebrows were too arched and pencilled in, her hair a ball of red with curls and the make-up heavily overdone.

Carissa stepped between them. In a low voice a litany of words passed from her lips. “It was an accident. You will light your candle and leave. Forget you had a coat. It went missing.” Like a robot Stella did as Carissa had bid.

“Oh my.” Paula said.

“That’s my girl.” Yiayia raised a fist in triumph.

“What was that?” Paula asked.

“That is the power of anagke – compulsion.” Xen beamed.

“She can do that?”

Xen’s face lit up with pride. “And whole lot more.”

“Light your candle thitsa.” Carissa handed her aunt the now extinguished candle that caused the commotion.

“Who are you and what have you done with my niece?”

Carissa winked. “I’m the daughter of a god.”

2018 (copyright) Efthalia

Hello and welcome Imogene Nix

Thanks for coming over to talk about your brand new sparkling book, Inheritance of the Blood, which releases on Sunday 1st of October. 

Why did you choose to write this book/story, what inspired you?

This book was written around the time of my husband’s accident. I guess it’s kind of a mixture of where I was at that time, the darker focus I’m now seeing in my work.

The inspiration is what could happen if fate tore apart two lovers apart. Then through strength of will they manage to find their way back together, albeit with a supernatural foe determined to keep them separated.

That was a tough time and totally unexpected but I am glad to hear that all is well now with your husband. 

Inheritance of the Blood

Blurb

In the darkness evil waits…

Hello and welcome Susanne Bellamy! 

Today is indeed and exciting day because we are all “Wild about Harry,” your new release!

Tell us about what spurred the idea for your story.   

I worked in Cloncurry years ago and spent weekends getting to know the area. We visited places such as Mary Kathleen (sadly the mine had closed by that time) the field of crosses, Quamby, a dam where I attempted to learn to waterski, and much more. I learned to play netball (badly), took part in a fashion show, learned to drive a monster pick up truck, and was a member of CATS, the Cloncurry Amateur Theatrical Society. We put on several theatre restaurant/reviews and a play. On one memorable occasion, we took our show ‘on the road’ down to Kynuna … in the back of a cattle truck! It had been power-cleaned, and sported a canvas ‘roof’, with an armchair, beanbag, eskies, and lots of enthusiastic ‘players’. We stayed at the Blue Heeler pub, quintessential Outback accommodation.

The thing about living so far west was that there were so many opportunities to do different, fun things. We made our own fun, and enjoyed life. Harry, the protagonist of my next book, has forgotten how to enjoy life, but Bri turns his life upside down. In doing so, she also learns a lot about herself, and discovers what a wonderful place outback towns are, and comes to know the warmth and welcoming nature of people in the west.

Wild About Harry is book 5 in my series, Hearts of the Outback. Set in and around Mt Isa, the books are linked by location, and characters from each book pop up in other books, although each story is complete in itself. I love meeting familiar characters again, especially when I’ve previously enjoyed their company, and this group of characters have ties that bind, family and friends. I hope you enjoy them too.

Wild About Harry

Blurb:

Trying to be both father and mother to his young daughter, Harry Douglas has no interest in a new relationship. If he had known that helping Briony Middleton on a lonely Outback road would put his closely guarded secret at risk, he wouldn’t have played the white knight.

Bri has no time for relationships; her focus is on avenging her grandfather’s ill-treatment at the hands of a big mining company by gathering photographic evidence of wrongdoing and stopping a proposed super mine.

But as fate and Harry’s daughter keep throwing them together, what will Bri do when she discovers Harry’s secrets?

BUY LINK:  AMAZON

If you want to find out more about Susanne and her awesome books you can find her here 

http://www.susannebellamy.com

HELLO AND WELCOME RACHAEL JOHNS! 

Thank you for coming over to chat about your writing life in this two part special of 7 Minutes with an Author. 

1. How do you balance your writing day?

2. What time do you get to bed when writing a new story? 

3. If you knew then what you know now, about writing, what advice would you have given yourself? 

4. What types of stories do you like to read?

5. What are you reading now?

6. What T.V. shows do you like to watch or binge on?

7. If you could be one superhero who would you be?

If you want to know more about Rachael you can find her here at: 

WWW.RACHAELJOHNS.COM

TALK OF THE TOWN

Lawson Cooper-Jones has two priorities in life – his son, Ned, and the survival of the dairy farm that has been in his family for generations. Despite the best efforts of the town matchmakers and the determined pursuit of local girl Adeline Walsh, Lawson’s heart belongs still, and only, to his late wife.



But when a flat tyre strands Lawson and Ned in nearby Rose Hill, he’s surprised to find a woman living alone in the old general store of the deserted town. Ned immediately forms a bond with the beautiful stranger called Meg, and Lawson is surprised to find himself captivated by her too.

Although shy at first, Meg starts to open up to him about the haunting secrets of her new home and, with Lawson unable to get her out of his head, they agree to investigate the history of the old building together. Soon they find their friendship has bloomed into something more.

But when meddling Adeline makes it her mission to uncover the truth about the newcomer and her real identity is revealed, Lawson and Meg’s budding romance comes crashing down. Can they both learn to forgive in order to claim a future for their damaged hearts?

A moving story of secrets, love and new beginnings from bestselling author Rachael Johns. 

Buy links: 

Hello and welcome Rachael Johns! 

Thank you for coming over to chat about your writing life in this two part special of 7 Minutes with an Author. 

1. What is the theme of the book you are working on?

I’ve just finished editing my November book, called THE GREATEST GIFT. I’m very excited about this book – the main theme I guess is family and how it comes in all different shapes and sizes. The book deals with egg donation and what it means to be a parent or want to be a parent. There’s also a fun hot air balloon theme, which I had a hoot researching! (I have a feeling that this one is going to pull at our heart strings, Rachael.) 

2. What was/is one of the hardest things about writing one of your books/current manuscript? 

To be honest, at some time during the writing of EVERY book I write, I want to throw it into the fire. I keep hoping writing will get easier, but the more books I write and the more I learn, I think the tougher I get on myself. I question every thing I write these days and so the hardest challenge I find is overcoming the self-doubt, trusting my gut and not letting negative thoughts stop me from finishing. (What you say rings true for so many authors at every stage of their journey.) 

3. Because everyone always wants to know. Are you a panster or plotter?

I’m a plantser – it’s a term I recently heard that basically means I sit on the fence. I am in the middle. I like to know a few key things about my characters and plot before I start – like the premise and the black moment and what the conflicts are – but I don’t really make many notes about these things, or outline the book before I start. If you’re holding a gun to my head and I have to choose one or the other, I’d have to group myself in with the pantsers!! (Ha ha ha ha, I think I might come pretty close to what you say here.) 

4. How important are reviews to you? Do you get upset when they aren’t favourable? (Like stalk the reviewer and wish they get infested with a thousand fleas.)  

Well, this depends on my mood at the time of reading reviews. But yes, I do read reviews and I know not all authors do. I try to remain objective when reading them and I really appreciate the readers and reviewers who take the time out to explicitly explain what worked and what didn’t. I’ve learnt a lot about my writing from reading my reviews, however I’ve also learnt to take everything with a grain of salt. In the end, reviews are only one person’s opinion. Some can be quite harsh, but unless I’m in an overly emotional mood, these are more likely to make me laugh than cry!

The only reviews that really make me cranky are those that are actually nothing about the story – like one star reviews given because someone couldn’t get the ebook to download properly OR the book had too much God stuff and it was an inspirational! Come on people! Be fair! (Very true.)

5. How do you market your books? (Stand at the top of a building and shout buy my book?) 

Whenever I have a new release, I send out a newsletter to my reader list, I run a #shelfie contest on my FB page and I try to do in-store signings and library events. In the beginning I did a fair bit of blogging, but these days, I prefer to spend my time actually writing the next book. I’m lucky that I’m also with a big publisher who promotes my books heavily through their own social media outlets and through magazines and other avenues as well. I’m not huge on self-promo – could have never been a salesman – so I try to link any blatant promo to a contest so that the reader has an opportunity to win something! That makes me feel better :)   

6. Social Media – Love it or hate it?  Where do you hang out the most?  Any tips to share? 

I love hanging out on Facebook where I have an active page and a reader group (Readers of Rachael Johns). It doesn’t feel like a chore to me – I share bits and pieces from my everyday life, my reading tastes, fun links I find, and also book related stuff like cover reveals and new releases. The best thing about this though is meeting Facebook readers at events; whenever I do an event there’s usually at least one or two people who I have “met” via Facebook and meeting them in person is such a buzz. I’m also on Twitter, Instagram and Goodreads but don’t spent as much time on these mediums. My one tip with social media is have fun with it – choose the platform that you enjoy the most and don’t stress too much about it. I know social media is important these days, but in the end the most important thing is still writing a good book and then another and another. You just have to look at some of the bestselling authors out there who aren’t active at all on Twitter or  Facebook to see this is true!

7. What is your favourite motivational phrase or positive saying?  

Don’t regret the things you do, regret the things you don’t do! (Great saying!)

If you want to know more about Rachael you can find her here at: 

www.rachaeljohns.com

TALK OF THE TOWN

Lawson Cooper-Jones has two priorities in life – his son, Ned, and the survival of the dairy farm that has been in his family for generations. Despite the best efforts of the town matchmakers and the determined pursuit of local girl Adeline Walsh, Lawson’s heart belongs still, and only, to his late wife.



But when a flat tyre strands Lawson and Ned in nearby Rose Hill, he’s surprised to find a woman living alone in the old general store of the deserted town. Ned immediately forms a bond with the beautiful stranger called Meg, and Lawson is surprised to find himself captivated by her too.

Although shy at first, Meg starts to open up to him about the haunting secrets of her new home and, with Lawson unable to get her out of his head, they agree to investigate the history of the old building together. Soon they find their friendship has bloomed into something more.

But when meddling Adeline makes it her mission to uncover the truth about the newcomer and her real identity is revealed, Lawson and Meg’s budding romance comes crashing down. Can they both learn to forgive in order to claim a future for their damaged hearts?

A moving story of secrets, love and new beginnings from bestselling author Rachael Johns. 

Buy links: 

WELCOME Lee Piper!

So glad you could pop in and share a little about yourself and your writing.

1. What is the theme of the book you are working on?

Rock My Body, Book #2 in the Mondez series, is due for release through Evernight Publishing on June 3. I’m really passionate about eradicating the stigma surrounding mental illness, so decided to write a novel from the viewpoint of a heroine who has been medically diagnosed with Anxiety. It’s a great way to not only highlight the (many) challenges of this illness but to also celebrate the strength of someone who lives with it through a combination of humour, music and love. (What a wonderful thing to do. Anxiety can be crippling to a person.)  

2. What was/is one of the hardest things about writing one of your books/current manuscript? (Did you or do you want to throw it into the fire like frodo?)

The hardest thing about writing Rock My Body was the fact I was pregnant with severe morning sickness (19 weeks, people. 19 looooong weeks) while also trying to work full time and raise a three year old. It was so unbelievably hard. Strangely, I was really happy with the manuscript itself, it was just the extenuating circumstances surrounding its creation which really knocked me around!  (Oh Lee, that is quite a load to be juggling and morning sickness…yuk.)

3. Because everyone always wants to know. Are you a panster or plotter?

I’m a combination of the two. At the start of every book, I plot out a basic storyline, the characters, their motivations, and their relationships with one another. Then, (pregnancy aside) I go for a jog along the beach while listening to heavy rock music. This is when I think up each chapter of my WIP. Most often, I will let the ideas sit with me for a while—overnight works best—and then get up at 5am the next day to put pen to paper until 7am which is when I get ready for work. In the evening, I then go over what was written that morning; I type it up and spend the next day or so tidying it up until I am happy with it.

4. How important are reviews to you? Do you get upset when they aren’t favourable? (Like stalk the reviewer and wish they get infested with a thousand fleas.)  

I do read the reviews on my books and, like many authors, sometimes wish I hadn’t. I figure if they’ve taken the time to write about my work, regardless of it it’s positive or negative feedback, the least I can do is read it. I’m curious by nature, so it’s really hard for me not to! If nothing else, the negative reviews teach me resilience and the positive ones make me feel awesome. However, I have decided that unless the reviewer is brave enough to become an author themselves, I’m not going to pay too much heed to their opinions either way. Reading is so subjective and trying to please everyone is beyond impossible. (We all need thick skin.)

5. How do you market your books? (Stand at the top of a building and shout buy my book?) 

I’m very active on social media. Facebook is my go to marketing tool and to be honest, I find most new reads by my favourite authors on Facebook too. I love reviewing and blogging on Goodreads, updating my website/blog, creating YouTube book trailers, taking part in Facebook parties, running giveaways, writing a monthly newsletter, contacting fellow authors for blogging/interview opportunities etc etc. It’s non-stop but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

6. Social Media – Love it or hate it?  Where do you hang out the most?  Any tips to share? 

Love, love, love. I’m trying to find the happy medium between marketing my books and building rapport with my friends/followers. I hate the thought of continuously flogging my latest novel to the point of turning people off, however know it is a very powerful tool if done correctly. So, I carefully take note of what the big names are doing and, if I agree with their methods, follow their lead as much as possible.

7. What is your favourite motivational phrase or positive saying?  

‘If you want to be a writer, you must do two things about all others: read a lot and write a lot.’ – Stephen King.  

This sounds like the perfect life to me. (It sure does.)

Lee loves connecting with readers and fellow authors, here are her links:  

Website: http://www.leepiperauthor.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/leepiperauthor/

Blog: http://www.leepiperauthor.com/blog

Amazon Author Page:  https://www.amazon.com/Lee-Piper/e/B01NAS0IBO/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_ebooks_1

Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/16304661.Lee_Piper

YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCNhPr2s7QOf5B-1NiaHq5Dw

My latest Newsletter: http://mailchi.mp/20ded2dd0312/lee-pipers-april-newsletter

One of the biggest distractions for any writer, is the triple headed beast, social media. It is evil incarnate, sucking authors into a dark abyss, a stench filled place that takes every ounce of determination to fight and climb back to the surface and towards the proverbial ‘light’.

Well, maybe it is not that bad, but let us face the truth and the facts, none of us are immune to social media. Why? Because the un-necessry stuff we learn about other people is interesting and gives us something to giggle about and write about. 

There is so much more, but you really do get the gist of it, and why it can swallow a chunk of your precious writing time.

Steven Pressfield, in War of Art says,

A child has no trouble believing the unbelievable nor does the genius or the madman. It’s only you and I with our big brains and our tiny hearts who doubt and overthinking and hesitate.”

Pressfield believes that it is hesitation in the form of ‘resistance’ that causes the writer to stop from moving forward. This resistance is a villain made up of “fear, self-doubt, self-sabotage,” and can manifest itself like an ever changing chameleon in a multitude of wicked forms. The sole purpose of this chameleon, is to stop you form achieving your goal – writing. Thrown right in there with this ‘resistance’ is none other than, overthinking.

Did you know that around 20% of people avoid tasks which they believe are difficult, thus taking monumental steps to do anything but the one thing that needs completion. Why? Because they overthink, and by doing so they move deeper into procrastination. 

So how does one move out of the procrastination faze?

With two things that counter balance motivation. 

COMMITMENT and DISCIPLINE.

Yes we have all seen a bazillion blogs and books about motivation, but motivation is only part of the process. To fulfil the idea we need commitment and discipline.

• MOTIVATION is something that gives us the impetus to act.

• COMMITMENT is the promise of engaging oneself in the act.

• DISCIPLINE is the rule that sets controlled behaviour in order to develop, improve and finish the act that was inspired by the motivation in conjunction with the promise made to oneself.

Discipline is embedded in commitment. Commitment is the time allotted to one’s work on a daily basis. Discipline is the act of completing what one has committed to.

In my crazy brain all of this makes sense. I do hope it has hit a cord with some of you. Honestly, we could all do with less social media (a.k.a procrastination) and do better with more time committing and being disciplined in writing our stories. 

Note: All images paid for and downloaded from Shutterstock. 

WELCOME Georgia Carter mathers!

So glad you could pop in and share a little about yourself and your writing.  

1. What is the theme of the book you are working on? 

At the moment, I’m working on The Miana Prophecy. The themes will follow on from Trelloran Seduction, but some of the themes will be accepting our own weaknesses and deficiencies, even if this means accepting that we’re struggling against something we can’t control—things like mental illness. Of course, the other overarching theme will be deepening intimacy and trust between Kaitlau and Pietah. I’ll also be talking about poverty, wealth and war. Those are deep themes Georgia.  

2. What was/is one of the hardest things about writing one of your books/current manuscript?  (Did you or do you want to throw it into the fire like Frodo?) 

The hardest thing about writing is struggling against the chaos of life, long enough to put words down on paper. I often find myself in the position where I am off in a story world, experiencing what the characters are experiencing, but in reality, I’m sitting at green lights with the cars behind me beeping. A teacher said the following when I was surprised to learn that she reads fantasy, “Reality sucks.” What you’re saying here Georgia is so true, our stories are a wonderful way of escaping the harsh pressures or every day life. 

3. Because everyone wants to know, are you a panster or a plotter? 

Lol, I am both. I use a combination of inspiration (dreaming, mental images, videos, news events and current affairs) and consciously plotted material to create my stories.

4. How important are reviews to you?  Do you get upset when they aren’t favourable? (Like stalk the reviewer and wish they get infested with a thousand fleas.)

Reviews are important to me. I haven’t had a bad one yet, but that’s only because people are polite, I think. Everyone has their own way of viewing something. Obviously, I get upset when people treat my work as though it were crap. That has happened to me, just not in a review. As an intensely sensitive writer, the thought of a bad review makes me feel ill. As a publisher, a bad review is a chance to see where I went wrong. I can do better next time. Not everyone is going to like what we write so we do have to come to terms with the good and the bad. 

5. How do you market your books?  (Stand at the top of a building and shout buy my book?) Any events you want the reader to know about e.g. Coming appearances or singing? (If you haven’t got any that is fine.) 

I market my books in a variety of ways. The key is to create word-of-mouth buzz about it. Of course, that is easier said than done. You can see my website for updated events, but I will be available for book sales and signings at the Arts and Design Kirribilli Markets on 8 January, 12 February, 12 March. I am attending the ARRA conference in Melbourne (24-27 February), and I’ll be signing books there as well. If you haven’t got your ticket yet, get in now. You don’t want to miss out. I bought an extra ticket for my husband—he wanted to come to the Awards Dinner—that was a surprise. I will be signing books at the Writers Unleashed Festival on 19 August 2017. More dates will be added to the calendar as I go, but 2017 is filling up fast.

The Facebook party for Trelloran Seduction is also happening on December 16, 12-1 pm! Be there; I’ll be giving away prizes. 

6. Social Media – Love it or hate it? Where do you hang out the most? Any tips to share?

Hmmm. Social media. I have a love/hate relationship with it. I like it because interacting with other writers and readers gives me support, but often, I don’t use it as effectively as I should. Facebook is the easiest for me, so quite often I go there if I need a break from something. My social media tip is that the algorithm owns you now—if nothing is happening, blame the algorithm. It works for me. Hahahaha. True. 

7. What is your favourite motivational phrase or positive saying? 

I am different, so what! It’s okay that I’m different.

If you want to know more about Georgia you can find her here at: 

 http://www.darklovestories.com

Trelloran Seduction

It begins on the 300th day of 2195 on Volen …

There is no such thing as an individual. All the humans think of themselves as units with predetermined roles, and they do not grow old with their lovers. The females are sacrificed when they turn thirty, leaving their male counterparts behind.

Princess Kaitlau is a nymph who can take any form. She is also a refugee. She came to Volen through the charmed window after escaping her prison on Trellora.

King Ganim, the vampire who is thought to have created Kaitlau, must be punished. She had thought he loved her as a father, but that could not be. Although he was never present in the chamber, the king had ordered the priests to repeatedly rape her. Merely punishing her father is not enough. She wants him dead. It will be done.

Kaitlau has been observing a particular rebel killing priests on Volen. He is just the one to help her. But feelings for the rebel start to emerge when he agrees to carry out her assassination plans, and gradually as they work together, love begins to matter more than revenge.

Buy link: https://darklovestories.com/books/trelloran-seduction/

Hello lovely people, 

Christmas is the season of love, family and sharing. It’s also a time of giving so the perfect way to celebrate is by giving one of you lucky folks out there, a chance to win wonderful Gold themed desk accessories and stationary. Use this gift to freshen up or re-vamp your workspace. The giveaway opens up at midnight on the 11th of December, 2016 and runs till midnight Christmas Eve.  

What is in the pack;

• Gold leaf pin board
• Gold striped coffee mug/cup
• Gold trinket dish
• Gold Candle holder
• Gold Stapler
• Gold in-tray basket
• Gold sequence pencil case
• Gold striped pencils
• Gold Pencil/Cup
• Gold Photo Frame
• Gold magnetic pegs
• Gold pack with post-it notes and paperclips, pins and bulldog clips
• Black and gold mousepad
• Gold Notebook 
• Glitter tape
• Gold gel pen
• Copy of Don’t Let Anything Dull Your Sparkle by Doreen Virtue 
• Copy of PHANTASMA
• Highlighter pack
• Sticky note tabs  

There might also be an extra two or three items thrown in. Now all you have to do is follow the link bellow and 

• Follow me on Twitter
• Retweet on Twitter
• Visit my Facebook page
• Follow me on Facebook
• Sign up for my Newsletter 

Goodluck and hope this makes a special Christmas wish come true.  

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE – http://gvwy.io/udj8mgm

Christmas smiles,

Efthalia

A while ago, whilst watching Rick Stein travel around Europe for his ‘Venice to Istanbul’ series,
he visited a winery in Monemvasia and for some reason, other than the fact, that my husband and I both love Greece, we remembered it and decided it would be an absolute inclusion of our Peloponessian sight-seeing. 

Monemvasia Wines are known for their decadent sweet white wines, that are fermented from sun-dried grapes. This process gives the wines their distinct notes. Everything and I kid you not, everything I tasted was of stellar quality. Even the wineries ‘most lower grade of wine’, as Nikos said, had an authentic and original appeal to me and my palette. I am by no means a wine connoisseur but, I certainly enjoy a good drop and can appreciate wine in all its grades. What you will find in the Monemvasia Winery’s selection, is that there something for everyone. 

History of the monemvasia region

The history of the Monemvasia region goes back to the Neolithic period, about 8,000 years ago. The region was active in the Bronze Age and right through to the construction of it’s impregnable fortress, the castle of Monemvasia, in the Byzantine era. Malvasia wine, as it is know in the Monemvasia region, has a long history. From the 12th century onwards it influenced the Western and Eastern marketplace.

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

To understand its popularity one only needs to look at the wine’s name – Monemvasia. The Italians call it Malvasia, the French call it Malvoise and a brilliantly executed line comes to us from Shakespeare’s “King Richard III,” where he calls it Malmsey. 

I had the pleasure of meeting Elli and Nikos and whilst there they met and chatted with my husband and children. They are knowledgeable people and know their industry like many wine professionals around the globe. They were also very accomodating and excellent hosts. I totally recommend that if you are travelling around Monemvasia, you pop in and grab a couple of bottles to enjoy. 

We drove away with some amazing bottles of wine that will be shared with relatives. After all, that is what good wine is for.