Good morning!
It's another lovely sunny morning, with bright blue skies and that wonderful autumnal 'nip' in the air - that I so enjoy!
I do love this time of the year - the change in the seasons, the colours of autumn coming in... the energies changing as Samhain approaches :)
Starting to plan my Halloween costume...
With my thoughts turning to 'spooky' stuff, it's a good time to introduce you to a dear friend of mine - who is a very talented writer in the horror genre.
I know it won't be everyone's 'cup of tea', but if you like to read scary, gruesome tales and supernatural fiction - now would be an ideal time to take a peek (from behind a cushion!) at the spine-chilling works of
Lily Childs
To give readers a taster, Lily is offering these two short novellas, detailed below, on Kindle, FREE to download - until this Saturday. (I've already had them on my iphone for some time.)
"A natural shaman by birth, Magenta Sweeney travels through trance-induced realms to deliver souls from demonic threat.
But Magenta also has an earthly life in modern-day Brighton, a strange and cosmopolitan city caught between the rolling hills of England and the Sussex coast where she lives with husband Tom.
Every journey Magenta takes is unique. Her intricate knowledge of herbs and poisons guides her when to heal - and when to kill. Yet before she faces each challenge she must meet with ancient and terrifying entities that will unlock her passage into other dimensions, but not without question - or sacrifice.
This first episode in the Magenta Shaman short story series finds Magenta’s relationship with Tom at breaking point as she takes greater risks to help those waiting for her. Under pressure from The Protegians, a mysterious group of earth-bound guardians, the shaman is sent on increasingly dangerous missions by their intermediary - a suave, arrogant man known only as The Judge.
Will Magenta survive the fight to expel a deadly demon from a foetid, volcanic pit? And will Tom stand idly by when he finds his wife's body, broken and lifeless on their bed?"
* * * * * * *
If you enjoy Magenta's first adventure, as much as I did, you will want to download the second novella too!
"Natural born shaman, Magenta Sweeney is torn from the comfort of England's green coast and sent on a terrifying trance journey by the very guides and guardians that claim to protect her. This time she must do as she is told. This time – she has no choice.
In Magenta Shaman Stones The Crow Maggie finds herself eight hundred miles from home, wandering the Bohemian forests of the Czech Republic in a final, desperate attempt to rescue the father she'd long believed dead.
As the bleak stone walls of ancient Houska Castle loom through the trees the shaman must prepare herself as never before.
And when the Gates of Hell open to invite Magenta in, she is forced to make a decision – one that could be her last."
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Cabaret of Dread: a Horror Compendium
"A terrifying collection of short horror stories by dark fiction author Lily Childs. These forty-three offerings comprise eleven long tales, including the previously unpublished:
- SMILING CYRUS - dancing dolls of death in your attic
- IN ADORATION - demonic rebirth, revenge and new skin
- STARING AT THE PINK - when the dead don't let go
Studded and stitched together by shorter pieces and tiny 100-word drabbles this first volume of Cabaret of Dread ends with:
- THE INFANTA TRIPTYCH - living, dying art - breathing, pulsing... ancient.
"Extreme vampire horror."
Words spill from the babbling mouths of demons and murderers throughout Cabaret of Dread, combining fear and even humour as the reader encounters serial killers and ghosts, historical entities and psychopaths, not to mention a scuttling vampire or two.
Cabaret of Dread is extreme horror FOR ADULTS ONLY. Ethereal and spiritual elements battle with the visceral and the insane; lustful adoration dallies with laboured, lingering death. The Cabaret will shock, it may well offend. But it is beautiful – at least in the author’s mind - and that’s where the darkness lies."
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Praise for Cabaret of Dread
"Having read almost every story written by Lily Childs, I can confidently say that Britain has a new Queen of Dark Fiction. The prose crawl off the pages, down your spine, then drag you into the darkness." - Col Bury, Crime Editor at Thrillers Killers 'n' Chillers ezine
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
'Lily' and I grew up in the same town, went to the same school, but didn't actually meet one another until 1993 when we were both living in France!
We had great fun, fascinating adventures and spent many wonderful and interesting times together, finding that we had lots in common and very similar interests.
We used to use the Medicine cards - among many other decks and divination tools - doing readings for ourselves and each other... So many fond memories :)
We went our separate ways, when Lily and her husband moved back to the UK, although I moved back here too, a few years later. We see each other from time to time, though not as often as we should - but we are both busy people and the weeks, months (and years) just seem to fly by!
I am SO pleased to see her writing talents are being widely acknowledged, in writers' circles, and deservedly so!
I am very proud to be able to shine a little spotlight on her and promote her kindle books.
If you enjoy reading horror stories, especially by authors like Clive Barker - you will LOVE the works of Lily Childs!
You can find out more about Lily by visiting her blog - Lily Childs Feardom - or her Facebook page.
I am convinced that it wont be long before you'll be seeing her books in print, in high street bookshops everywhere - and film adaptations up on the big screen!
Personally I can't wait!
Whatever your star sign - have a magical day :)
Brightest Blessings,
Kaz
www.blessingz.co.uk
www.cheekywitch.co.uk
by Jamie Sams and David Carson
deck by Jamie Sams and David Carson.I have tried finding a link to The 'Just for Today' cards and can't find any, other than some listed on amazon for an incredibly expensive price! (I don't understand how they can be so expensive, as my set was very reasonable, although I have had them for quite a few years...)
My personal card for today:
Honor the synchronicity. Spiral into your potential.
(Second time I have got this card this week - and it's only Wednesday!)
These are your messages from the animal guides for today! Try to sit quietly for a few moments, meditate on your card and think about how you can learn from and/or act upon its message...
Aries:
Horse - Honor your Medicine. (2 days in a row!)
Stand tall. Use your talents. Own who you are becoming.
Taurus:
Bat - Be flexible.
Prepare for rebirth. The time is NOW. The power is YOU.
Gemini:
Elk - Persistence brings rewards.
Support you health and stamina. Honor your ability to endure.
Opossum - Have a plan.
Use common sense. Honor the strategy that works best for you.
Leo:
Dog - Be loyal to yourself.
Be true to others. Bolster your integrity.
Virgo:
Lizard - Rekindle lost goals or desires.
Expand your vision. Honor messages in your dreams.
Raven - Open yourself to miracles.
Use new eyes. Believe in magic. Embrace life's wonders.
Scorpio:
Hawk - Honor all life forms and all humans as messengers.
Trust life's messages and signals.
Sagittarius:
Swan - Accept the gift of grace.
Surrender to the flow. Don’t give up - give over.
Butterfly - You are changing.
Emerge into your new state of being. Honor your transformation.
Aquarius:
Bear - Go within.
Personal strength comes from inner knowing.
Pisces:
Dragonfly - Confront denials.
Break through illusions. Honor inner truths.
Posts
2 comments:
Oh wise Kaz,
Indeed visionary thoughts did emanate on letting the world as we know it know just the more of this lively, lurking creature called LILY CHILDS in our universe.
Her books tantalize and teach, rouse and reach.
This Gemini is glad she meandered here this day. I leave the more fortified, best way to be, eh?
~ Absolutely*Kate,
Believing in believers and the shadows of Noir
~ AT THE BIJOU and beyond
-the-bijou.blogspot.com
Many thanks Kate - so happy to have made your acquaintance today too ;)
Brightest Blessings to you,
Kaz x
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