Book and Kindle News
I have released a daily online newspaper today called ‘Book and Kindle News’. Here you will find all the latest about Books, Kindles, Fantasy, Children’s books and much more! Please see Associated Links at the right of this page for your hyperlink access to it. Check it out and let me know what you think!
CAPRICORN
As the tenth sign of the zodiac, Capricorn represents the tenth stage in the evolution of man and his place in the universe. Having gained power and control through emotions and knowledge in Scorpio and Sagittarius, Capricorn seeks control by virtue of authority. All authority is given its control by rules and regulations which civilized society accepts and with which they must comply in order to progress. For all their concern with legality or the propriety of things, Capricorns can be guilty of making or enforcing rules they themselves do not follow. Blinded by their own ambition, and obsessed with their goals, they adopt the philosophy that the end justifies the means.
Capricorns are doers. They set out to accomplish things and are determined to succeed one way or another. By nature they are executives and managers. Ambitious, pragmatic, and goal-oriented, they learn how to get things done. The mountain goat is an appropriate astrological symbol for this sign since a sure-footed, methodical climb to the top is the main goal of Capricorn individuals. They aspire to positions of power and authority, and they admire others who attain such positions. Initiative and willingness to accept responsibilities are keys to their success. Needing to be admired and respected, they do not want to appear weak or ineffective. This false pride makes it hard for them to admit when they are wrong or to ask others for help. Though they aggressively compete for what they want with apparent sureness, they harbour inner lack of confidence which makes them defensive. Viewing insecurity and fear as weaknesses, they attempt to hide such feelings, making it hard for others to get close to them. As children they have unusual maturity. They are in a hurry to participate in the adult world and often get along better with older children and adults than with their peers.
Capricorns react to what they experience by assessing its possible worth. Before they take physical action, before they sort out their emotional involvement, and before they reason it out intellectually, they must ascertain what tangible advantages are to be gained from the experience. They gladly work long and hard if it means getting what or who they want. They can be very lazy if they see no sense in working, or if they can achieve the same goals in a less strenuous manner. They have a good sense of humour but will not tolerate being ridiculed or teased on a personal level. Those who set out to so abuse a Capricorn will soon learn the error of their ways.
Saturn, planet of structure and reality, is the ruler of Capricorn, which means that Capricorns need to know and understand limits in all areas of life. Early in life they should be taught traditional values, rules and regulations, and proper thought and behaviour. Even if they reject these things later, it allows them to develop and focus on specific goals. Without the structure of rules, restrictions, and values to guide them up the mountain toward their goals, they lose their way. Ambition and enthusiasm fade. Knowing the rules and regulations and the way that society is structured makes them feel they understand the reality of life. And for Capricorn, once the reality of something is understood, it is much easier to handle and manipulate. This approach makes them good builders, engineers, politicians, lawyers, and business executives. Capricorns often look older or more mature when they are young. However, when they reach middle age the reverse occurs. They seem to defy the aging process, and retain a remarkably youthful appearance well into old age.
Capricorns usually do not have a predisposition to be fat. Good dietary habits in their youth tend to stay with them as adults. Their innate spirit of competition makes them enthusiastic sportsmen. They can be so aggressively determined to win; it is difficult for them to be gracious when they lose. They make good team players as well as good team managers. Jogging, running (especially cross-country), golf, skating, hunting, wrestling, boxing, martial arts, and body-building are favourite activities. They also favour gun collecting, perhaps because guns are undeniable symbols of authority.
Capricorn colours are chocolate brown, royal and navy blue, dark green, charcoal grey, and red. Vulnerable parts of the body are the bones and joints (especially the knees), teeth, and skin. Though sensitive skin, allergies, and broken bones are their most likely complaints, worrying too much can also result in physical problems. The garnet is Capricorn’s birthstone. This gemstone is believed to keep its wearers from accidents and falls. In some ancient societies garnets were worn only by royalty. Capricorn flowers include the camellia, orange blossom, carnation (red), baby’s breath, and magnolia.
Amazon
I’m really pleased to see that Amazon UK has added the ‘Look Inside’ function to my books. People can now read some of each before they buy. Great idea, Amazon! This has been available on Amazon USA for a few weeks. Glad we in the UK have caught up at last!
SAGITTARIUS
As the ninth sign of the zodiac, Sagittarius represents the ninth stage in the evolution of man and his place in the universe. As Scorpio seeks to understand and control with emotional power, Sagittarius seeks to understand and control with knowledge. Most Sagittarians have an intellectual curiosity that covers a wide range of subjects. Never try to present Sagittarians with facts because they already have an unlimited supply which they gladly recite in rapid succession. They become bored and restless when surrounded by people or circumstances in which they have no interest. At such times, they find ways to disappear physically or mentally. They would rather learn things on their own through travel and experience than endure structured classroom environments and routine work assignments. However, given opportunities to broaden their knowledge and gain experience in the world on their own, they become excellent teachers and administrators in the very type of educational system they once found so restricting.
Sagittarians readily adapt to change. This trait is a strength because it is a survival mechanism and a weakness because it makes them vulnerable to the demands and influence of other people. One of their greatest facilities for adapting to change is making home wherever they happen to be. The astrological symbols for Sagittarius are the hunter (archer) and the centaur, the mythical half man and half horse. They represent the Sagittarian search for collecting and disseminating truth and knowledge as well as their constant search for new ideas and new adventures. They are usually quite talkative and, as a rule, do not hesitate to give their honest opinions, a gesture which seems tactless at times though it is rarely their intention to be cruel. They have a ready wit and appreciate the humour even in grim situations.
Sagittarians react physically to everything they experience in life. Before they assess the practicality or worth of what they are doing, before they sort out their true emotions, and before they take time to reason things out intellectually, they have a tendency to shoot first and ask questions later. Communication-oriented Sagittarians are forever running around with energy and enthusiasm. They are independent and hard to pin down for long, and indeed, this is the sign of singles. In one way or another even married Sagittarians seek to maintain some aspect of personal independence.
Jupiter, planet of bountiful fortunes and good luck, rules Sagittarians. As a rule, most of them have generous natures and friendly, optimistic personalities. Natural politicians, they are interested in knowing everyone and in going everywhere. For the true Sagittarian personality, life is something to be enjoyed every day. Addicted to all the good things in life, they know how to get maximum enjoyment from them. Unfortunately too much of a good thing can be ruinous, and prudence is a difficult trait for most Sagittarians to acquire. The philosophy that “more is better” describes their tendency for overdoing, a tendency that can result in some negative situations. Being overly spiritual or too philosophical, for example, they get too far out of touch with the real world. Making overblown efforts to be prudent in one area, they can still manage to bankrupt themselves by overindulging in other areas. Their attempt to be prudent can get so far out of line that they turn into a miser.
Sagittarians are enthusiastic sportspeople. They enjoy physically challenging endeavours of all kinds. Archery, jogging, hang gliding, sailing, and fishing (especially for big sport fish) are favourite activities. One of the biggest challenges to overcome may be the battle of the bulge when their fondness for great quantities of food and drink finally catches up with them. They are natural gamblers and risk-takers, and usually have the good fortune to come out on the winning side of wagers, especially when they try their luck at horse or dog racing. They love music, art, dance, and drama and many of them have considerable talent in these areas.
Sagittarian colours are maroon, tan, navy, orange, and cobalt blue. Vulnerable parts of the body are the thighs, hips, and, to some extent, the feet. Their physical complaints are apt to be the result of unrestricted diets or an overly indulgent pursuit of other pleasures. The ancients associated the ruby with Sagittarius, while modern astrologers give this sign the turquoise. The Sagittarian’s highly adaptable, somewhat dual-natured personality can easily associate itself with both gems. Because Sagittarius is associated with bigness in general, flowers for this sign include the large blooms such as huge mums, hydrangeas, dahlias, and peonies.
Author Interviews
I am amassing quite a collection of author interviews. I have just added another link. Please check them out and comment if you wish. The links can be found over to the right of this page.
SCORPIO
As the eighth sign of the zodiac, Scorpio represents the eighth stage in the evolution of man and his place in the universe. This stage is concerned with an emotional development that goes beyond Cancerian concern with home and family. Scorpio’s emotional involvement is not based on love or pleasure, but on the control and understanding of human emotions and the role they play in the mysterious process of life and death. Though all Scorpios do not spend their lives pondering the mysteries of life and death, most of them are inquisitive, probing individuals. They are fascinated with how things work, especially people. Their mental and physical powers of recuperation are remarkable, and truly evolved Scorpios can learn to use their power to help and inspire others.
Scorpios are stubborn and impervious to changes not of their own making. However they accomplish many things in life because of their tenacity in sticking with projects when others lose patience and stamina. On the surface they may seem easy-going, congenial, and gregarious but they are also extremely tenacious with a tendency to manipulate and control. Keys to their success are a strong will and the ability to get to the bottom of things. They want answers and doggedly persist until they get them. Astrological symbols for Scorpio are the scorpion and the eagle. They represent the potency and range of the formidable power and control that Scorpios can develop.
Scorpios react emotionally to everything they experience in life. Before they take physical action, before they sort out the practicality of what they are doing, and before they reason things out intellectually, they express their feelings. Though their emotions are the strongest motivational factor in their behaviour, unlike the emotionally oriented Cancerians and Pisceans, Scorpios are not apt to wear their hearts on their sleeves. They consciously or subconsciously want to dominate relationships and rarely exhibit emotions openly. Even when they seem to be open, they always hold back something of themselves. They may not intentionally want to be mysterious but many of them manage to appear enigmatic anyway. They do not like being crossed or manipulated, and react to such treatment with sarcasm and vengefulness.
Modern astrologers assign Pluto, planet of intensity and depth, as the ruler of Scorpio. Ancient astrologers (unaware of Pluto’s existence) assigned Mars, planet of fire and energy, as the ruler. Both of these planets can be seen to influence the nature of those born in Scorpio. The focus and concentration of their expressions and personality makes them appear magnetic and powerful. The fiery energy of Mars exhibited when they are enthusiastic attracts and inspire others. Their intensity can be overwhelming but also subtle. Their considerable energy is not aroused or employed just to have something to do, as is often the case with Aries the other Mars-ruled personality. Unlike Aries, Scorpio is not openly combative unless it becomes necessary. Their privacy is tightly protected, and others get to know them only up to a certain point. They may not show any sign of inner struggle but when they are after something or someone their determination is fierce. Should they not be favoured in the outcome, they are not willing or gracious losers. They are not arrogant and, in fact, are quite interested in others and what others have to say. However they often exhibit a self-sufficiency that implies there isn’t much they don’t already know.
Scorpios have a strong, competitive nature. With little effort they become exceptional athletes. They want real challenges and will not easily suffer would-be competitors who do not possess skills that are equal to their own. They enjoy sports that require strength, swiftness, and cunning. Body-building, football, hockey, hunting, swimming and scuba diving are favourite activities. Scorpio is associated with the mythical phoenix rising from the ashes. This symbol not only represents their own recuperative powers, it also represents their resourceful ability to create something new out of something old or useless. Recycling, and renovating homes and other buildings are typical projects for which they are well suited. Creative potentials include those who are outstanding cooks, writers, designers, and composers. Their shrewdness in assessing value makes them excellent real estate agents and developers, bankers, stockbrokers, and financial planners.
Scorpio colours are red, black, midnight blue, and emerald green. Vulnerable parts of the body are the reproductive organs and excretory system. Headaches, infections, and fevers are Scorpio complaints. Topaz is Scorpio’s birthstone. The Roman naturalist, Pliny the Elder, traced the name to the Island of Topazos which, in Greek means “to guess.” This meaning is a fair description of the inquisitive, mystery-loving nature of Scorpio. Topaz, one of the hardest minerals, cannot be cut with a knife. It is yet another representation of the impenetrable Scorpio nature. Scorpio flowers include the anemone, heather, and gardenia.
Perfect Halloween Gift
What better time to buy a humorous fantasy about witches?
Gertie Gets it Right (eventually) available from Amazon worldwide both in paperback and on Kindle.
Gertie Grimthorpe comes from a long line of witches. Unfortunately, she hasn’t really got the hang of it. Being blonde haired, blue eyed and free of warts isn’t much of an advantage.
Try as she might, Gertie’s spells fall flat. She manages to give her bat-headed umbrella the ability to talk, but then wishes she hadn’t when all he does is complain and insult people. Even finding an owl to be her Familiar doesn’t help. Then again, he is extremely shortsighted…
Gertie is sent to The Academy to improve her spell casting skills. She soon has a best friend in the form of Bertha Bobbit, a big girl, with a matching appetite.
Add to that a Moat Monster with a flatulence problem, the weirdest array of witch’s Familiars possible, and a warlock determined to ruin Gertie’s chances of success, and the story unfolds.
Not to mention the demon…
LIBRA
As the seventh sign of the zodiac, Libra represents the seventh stage in the evolution of man and his place in the universe. The first six signs represent man’s attention turned inward to understand and develop his individuality and position in the cosmos. The rest of the signs represent his attention turned outward to humanity as a whole. Libra is not merely the sign of partnership, it is the sign of other people in general. Libra is the balance between the individual and society. To attain the understanding man seeks in Libra, there must be a compromise between the passion and the intellect. The physical world must come to terms with the non-physical world. The objectivity of judgment needed for these tasks is characteristic of the Libran temperament. Un-evolved Librans can be cold and unemotional or unable to make decisions. But this is not true of mature Librans in whom such traits merely represent attempts to reach true objectivity.
Librans are doers. In spite of their need to be liked, and reluctance to face confrontations, they are surprisingly strong-willed. They set out to accomplish their goals and will find ways to succeed one way or another, usually by using their wit and charm. The “iron fist in a velvet glove” approach is one key to their success. When such ploys are ineffective however, they can become uncharacteristically aggressive and determined to solve the matter there and then. Their change of attitude in such situations is usually effective enough to catch others off guard and allow the Librans to gain control. If they become convinced nothing more is to be gained no matter what they do, they won’t hesitate to walk away from a situation with no further explanation or thought of returning. The Scales are Libra’s astrological symbol and Librans require balance in their lives. In relationships, they invariably give back in kind what they have been given.
Librans react to everything they experience in life with an intellectual orientation. Before they take physical action, before they assess the practical worth of something, and before they sort out their true emotions, they try to visualize it objectively as a kind of mental exercise. It would be a mistake to believe they lack passion. They can be outrageous flirts and true romantics. Their passion is not apt to be sustained however, if their interest in someone does not include intellectual rapport as well as physical attraction.
Venus, planet of beauty and social grace, rules Libra. They get emotional, physical, and psychological pleasure from beauty in all forms. Books, music, flowers, and perfume are typical delights. If their environment is not aesthetically pleasing, they can become unhappy without even realizing that their surroundings may be at least partly responsible for their depression. For Librans, social grace begins with good manners, extends to high level diplomacy, and ends with abhorrence of disagreeable confrontations. When forced to endure a fractious environment, they lose the ability to think or function efficiently. They promote peace and harmony, and will invariably opt to bypass hostile confrontations whenever some equally effective method can be employed. Though they need partnership and association with other people, they do not like crowds and attempt to avoid them whenever possible.
Librans can exert impressive physical energy but the stamina they need to do it tends to run in cycles. They work hard, play hard, and then collapse into inertia until nature restores the balance and their energy returns. Addicted to the luxuries and creature comforts of life, Librans have a lazy streak, especially when it comes to physical exercise. Few of them will walk if they can ride. Fondness for rich food (sugar is their biggest weakness) makes it necessary to get proper physical exercise. However, if they have not been thoroughly indoctrinated to the virtues of physical fitness from childhood, and in the meanwhile nothing or no one has come along to inspire them to stay in shape, they simply turn into marshmallows. Tennis, hiking, horseback riding, skating, and aerobics are a few activities with special appeal for active Librans.
Libran colours are ivory, pink (or rose), turquoise, and blue. Vulnerable parts of the body are the kidneys, lumbar region of the back, and ovaries. Lower back pain, and the problems caused by too much sugar or rich food are common complaints. Libra’s birthstone is the opal. This unique gem consists mostly of ordinary sand and water. Just as hidden water in opals cause the fire in the gem, there is more emotional content than is apparent behind the brilliant flashes of the Libran intellect. Libra rules flowers in general but particularly appropriate blooms for Libra include roses (white or pink), daisies, violets, asters, and orchids.
VIRGO
As the sixth sign of the zodiac, Virgo represents the sixth stage in the evolution of man and his place in the universe. In Leo the need is to discover and develop man’s individuality and creative potential. In Virgo the need is to find ways to put man’s individual talents to the best possible use. This is why Virgo is known as the sign of service. For many Virgos, the need to make things better is satisfied by pursuing careers in health-related fields or in other areas such as teaching, labour relations, environmental protection, social work, or religious counselling. Though most Virgos do have altruistic motives in helping others, it must also be said that Virgos have a tendency to act the martyr when their service or counselling is ignored, and it is not unheard of for them to use guilt as a weapon when they want to elicit the attention and cooperation of others. As a Virgo you are here to learn that helping others to improve is one thing, but pushing them toward goals of perfection they cannot hope to accomplish is destructive as well as impossible.
Virgos adapt to change. This trait is a strength because it is a survival mechanism, and a weakness because it makes them vulnerable to the demands and influence of other people. Instinctively responsive to the needs of others, they usually adapt to different people and changing circumstances by finding ways to make themselves useful. The Virgin is the astrological symbol of Virgo and, like the true virgin, most Virgos are shy. Like a virgin waiting to give herself to the perfect lover, Virgos are also idealistic. Unfortunately when they allow idealism to get out of hand, nothing is accomplished. The Virgo becomes bitter and talents die on the vine. Though intensely personal situations are inhibiting, there are other situations when Virgos can be very dynamic. When the spotlight is not directly on them but on a product or a service they offer, they are excellent salespersons.
Virgos react to what they experience by assessing its practical worth. Before they take physical action, before they sort out their emotional involvement, and before they reason it out intellectually, they must ascertain what tangible advantages are to be gained from the experience. If the advantages they find are not necessarily useful to them, they are willing to give them to those who can benefit. Virgos are effective negotiators. They patiently endure endless details and responsibilities if convinced it accomplishes an end they think justifies their efforts.
Mercury, planet of the intellect, rules Virgo, giving Virgos an analytical approach to life. That communication is important to Virgos is aptly demonstrated by the fact that so many of them are very talkative. They love books, magazines, and writing. With a critical eye for organisation and detail and their constant search for perfection, Virgos have an irresistible urge to improve everything and everyone, whether they need it or not.
Some Virgos however who are unable to achieve the perfection they crave, use it as an excuse for their own idleness and unproductiveness. Out of character with their true nature, these Virgos are sloppy, disorganized, and irresponsible. What is worse, their own bad habits do not in the least inhibit them from criticizing others for the same behaviour.
In general, Virgos analytical ability makes them excellent critics of the talent and performance of those more skilled than themselves. Virgos need to think that what they do is of a practical and helpful nature. The worthiness of their self-sacrificing efforts is spoiled at times however, when they exact tangible proof of gratitude from those who benefited from their actions.
Likely to be health conscious, many Virgos make an effort to stay physically fit. If they are convinced that results can be achieved, they don’t mind tedious exercise routines. They enjoy tennis, swimming, sailing, fishing, and biking. As athletes, Virgos are not overly competitive. Most of them do however, attempt to perfect whatever skills they have in a particular sport. They are likely to be talented craftsmen, seamstresses, or designers, and may have particular interest in such things as cartography, travel, and philately.
Virgo colours are blue, yellow, grey, tan, navy, and lilac. Vulnerable parts of the body are the sinuses, respiratory system, and bowels. Colds, flu, allergies, and constipation are common Virgo complaints. The sapphire, which is a variety of the mineral corundum, is Virgo’s birthstone. This gem was considered by ancient societies as a love charm. Though they come in a variety of colours and can even be transparent, the most valuable sapphires are blue. Blue is also the principal colour associated with Virgo. Flowers and plants for Virgo include the aster, chrysanthemum, ivy, and fern
Excerpt from 'Zac's Destiny' available in paperback and on Kindle
The Castle under attack:
Approaching from the west, the boy and his two companions looked down over the scene from the hills above. Many of the castle’s walls were at least half reduced to rubble, and the outer courtyard was littered with bodies of the dead and dying. Demons as well as men. Signs of battle were still strong, but the fighting men of the castle had deserted the walls. They had retreated to protect the castle itself by firing arrows through the narrow window slits in the inner walls. From their raised vantage point, Zac could see the invaders were trying to enter the castle itself by means of the stone steps in the turrets. The wooden doors were no more, hanging limply on creaking, broken hinges or already smashed to the ground. Still, the demons were having trouble entering.
“The castle is well built against attack,” Aldric explained. “The women and children will be below ground for safety, and the narrow steps leading up from ground level allow no more than two men to stand side by side. With the looks of it, only one of Vorac’s creatures can fit through at once. At least there, the men can defeat them in single file.”
Still, the time gained seemed almost futile as, where one beast fell, a group was waiting to force through. So many of the demons remained it looked as if not one of them had been killed, despite the littered bodies. Zac voiced his suspicions to Aldric who explained.
“This is Vorac’s work. He must be nearby. For every creature that falls, he will summon more. I’m afraid the castle is fighting a losing battle.”
“But, what can we do?” Zac asked, desperate and afraid.
“We must find Vorac and defeat him. With his death, the hordes will be sent back.
It is the only way, my boy,” Aldric added, staring hard at Zac.
“How can we know where he is?” Beth asked.
By means of the crystal,” the wizard replied with a sigh. “And by its use, Vorac will also know where we are. I’m afraid it is the only way though, and a risk we have to take.”
Taking out the crystal, Zac handed it to Aldric without a word.
Looking deep into the glassy depths, the wizard took a sharp intake of breath.
“What is it?” asked Zac quickly.
“Immediately, he senses my presence,” replied Aldric in a hushed voice, as if to prevent Vorac from hearing him. “I see where he is. He is in the northern turret room on the upper floor. I recognise the room by its pennants. But he also recognises my power so knows I am free. His magic has grown stronger than I suspected. We must prepare to defend ourselves.”
“Defend ourselves?” Zac asked
Aldric pointed. Already, some of the hordes outside the castle were turning their attention to the hill where Zac’s small company stood, and were beginning to head their way.
“By all the Fates, what about Beth?” Zac asked in alarm.
“It is too late to do anything but fight. We will protect her as well as we can, but we must get to that turret. Come,” Aldric called bravely. “We will not sit here waiting to be slaughtered like scared rabbits.”
Without another word, the wizard kicked at the unicorn’s flanks and pounded down the hill towards the castle and the gathering hordes with his staff held high.
Zac stared at Beth.
“You’re not leaving me here! I’m safer with you than alone,” was all the girl said.
Knowing they had no choice, Zac hung on to Beth firmly with his left arm. Drawing Solstice with his right hand, he set his unicorn galloping after the retreating wizard.