5 unanswerable questions

There are some questions that require thinking about. 

Does God Exist?
Why are we here?
Are we alone in the universe?

Such questions are difficult to answer, but the ones below are some that I would like to know the answers to. To me, they are as difficult to answer as the above.

Why do young people think it's cool to walk around in torn jeans? It makes them look scruffy and as though they don't care about their appearance.

Why do people find the use of the apostrophe so hard? Is it because they've been taught poorly? It didn't used to be the case that we found apostrophes lurking before every 's'.

Why do some people think it's acceptable to drop litter? Don't they have any pride in their town/village/country? Do they drop their litter in the living-room at home?

Why can't people choose to use inclusive language? There is no need to use the word 'man.' (Its capital letter to denote it was being used as the collective has disappeared.) There are plenty alternatives that do not invoke gender. For 'man-made', 'artificial' or 'synthetic' can be used. For the generic, 'Man' we can use 'human', 'humanity' or 'people.'

When people pick up their doggy poo and put it in a bag, why do some of them then hang the bag on the nearest bush? Do they think it looks pretty?

Why do people wear dark colours at night? If they wanted to hide in the dark, that's what they'd wear, so don't they realize drivers of cars can't see them? Even with street lights there are shadows that makes it hard to see them.

On the subject of dark clothes, why are clothes always dark in the winter? Surely this is the time we need cheering up with bright colours?

A Halloween Poem

First, may I apologise for not posting earlier, but I only came back from hoiday at 10pm on Sunday night. I thought I'd have time to write it on Monday morning before going to look after my grandchildren, but I failed to allow for the fact that I would have a lot to do after the holiday. So I'm afraid it's a little late, albeit only a few hours.

I've just entered the following poem into a Halloween Poetry Competition and thought you might like to have a look at it.

Hallowe'en

The moon has hidden her face tonight
Turned away from the Earth.
The clouds are scurrying away in fright
From what the night may give birth,
For tonight the veil is thin.

The wind is blowing the leaves around.
They hide in crannies and nooks.
Cowering, shivering, hope not to be found
By phantoms, ghosts and spooks,
For tonight the veil may tear.

Build a bonfire, create some light.
The spirits are afraid.
They like the shadows, shun what's bright
And lurk within the shade
For tonight they cross the veil.

Ghouls and spectres, wraiths and shades
Return to Earth tonight.
We're filled with dread as daylight fades.
The smallest sound will give us fright
For tonight the veil has gone.

 I hope you enjoyed this poem. I have trouble reading comments on this site, but feel free to make them. I'll get back to you if I can.

Aspholessaria Part 2

Asphodel spent the next few days in confusion. Her mother reprimanded her several times for forgetting little things.

'Really, Aspholessaria,' she said, 'Anyone would think you were in love. What's wrong with you?'

Her father laughed.

'Perhaps she is in love,' he joked. 'She's at that age.'

Her mother turned to her husband.

'She's of House Royal. She can't be allowed to fall in love.'

Asphodel thought, 'Am I in love?'

She wandered out into the city. She had an errand to do for her mother anyway, but she found her steps taking her towards where Linn lived. As she passed his house, the two young men came out.

'Asphodel,' called Vass. 'I'm so glad we've seen you. Are you and Sissi going to Allimissoro's tonight? Liss and I are, and I'd very much like it if you were there too.'

'I don't know,' replied the girl. 'I've not seen Sissi for a couple of days. I'll go and ask her later, when I've done the jobs mother wants me to do.'

Later, Sissi agreed to go to Allimissoro's that evening to meet the two young men. Asphodel was still in confusion. Vass had said he would like it if they were there, but did he mean her, Sissi or both of them?

Later that evening, it became apparent that Vass's interest was in Asphodel. He danced with her all evening and hardly took his eyes from her when he was not dancing. That evening he walked her home without the accompaniment of Sissi and Liss, who walked home separately.

Half-way to Asphodel's home, their hands touched. Asphodel's stomach turned over again as Vass took her hand in his. They walked along in silence, each happy in the other's company. The world around them had vanished. There was only Vass in the world as far as Asphodel was concerned.

All too soon the walk ended and they stood outside Asphodel's home. Vass put a fnger under Asphodel's chin and lifted her face, then he bent his head to kiss her. When his lips met hers she thought she would faint with pleasure.

The kiss seemed to go on for ever, but finished all too soon as far as Asphodel was concerned. She leaned against Vass's chest and he held her close.

'You're the most beautiful girl I've ever met,' he told her. 'I wish we could stay like this for always.'
Asphodel sighed and her practical side came to the fore.

'So do I, Vass,' she told him, 'but my mother will be wondering where I am soon. I'm afraid I must go in.'

Vass bent his head once more and delivered a passionate kiss on Asphodel's mouth, then stood and watched as she walked up the ramp leading to her home in the trees.

Asphodel and Sissi's visits to Allimissoro's became more frequent over the next few months. She did not deliberately keep her relationship with Vass secret from her parents, but she just never bothered to tell them. It didn't seem important they should know.

She was engrossed in her growing relationship with Vass. That was all that seemed important to the girl. He was kind and attentive and always complemented her on how she looked. Soon the pair took to meeting other than at Allimissoro's and took frequent walks in the land outside the city. If her mother thought anything, she assumed her daughter was out with Sissi somewhere.

One day, after Asphodel and Varr had been seeing one another for almost a year, Asphodel's father called her into his study.

'I have something to tell you,' he said. 'You remember Frishillondor? He came here not long ago, to eat with us as I had business with him and wanted to help it along. Well, it seems he was quite taken with you and he's asked me for your hand in marriage.'

Asphodel gasped.

'Yes, it's quite a surprise, isn't it? And quite an honour too. Your mother is thrilled. He's nearer in blood to the Elflord than even we are. His sister is the Elflord's mother. Fancy that! So of course I agreed immediately.'

'No,' Asphodel cried. 'I can't marry him. He's old. I won't marry him.'

'Now, now, child,' her father replied gently. 'He's not so old. He's younger than me. Anyway, I insist on this marriage. It'll be a big boost to our family. All our businesses will benefit greatly with him as a sponsor.'

Asphodel stamped her foot.

'I said I won't marry him, and I meant it,' she said as she ran out of the room, slamming the door behind her.


Will Asphodel have to marry Frishillondor? What will happen to her love for Vass? Look out for the next part on the first Tuesday of November.

The Wolf Pack news

Well, the latest news is that my publisher has now sorted out the landing page on the site. Here's the address.

www.creativia.org/the-wolf-pack

Take a look to find out more.

Shadow Stalker Book 3 Renee Scattergood

Shadow Stalker – Part 3
Episodes 13 – 18

By

Renee Scattergood

Coming November 23rd
Pre-Order Your Copy Today!

About Shadow Stalker – Part 3

Things go from bad to worse when the Galvadi Empire develops a new technology to use against the shadow stalkers. Now Kado and Makari are more determined than ever to keep Auren away from their enemies, but Auren decides enough is enough and takes matters into her own hands. She turns herself over to the Galvadi to get close to Drevin and Makari has no choice but to play along. He is forced to either torture Auren to prove his loyalty or die knowing she will be tortured and enslaved anyway. Somehow they have to get close enough to Drevin to bring him down and put an end to the Galvadi’s tyranny once and for all.

Shadow Stalker Part 3 (Episodes 13 – 18) is now available for Pre-Order! It’s 50% off for a limited time, so hurry and reserve your copy!
http://reneescattergood.com/books/shadow-stalker-part-3-episodes-13-18/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Shadow-Stalker-Part-Episodes-13-ebook/dp/B01LAUV5E8/

Get The Whole Series

Renee Scattergood lives in Australia with her husband, Nathan, and daughter, Taiya. She has always been a fan of fantasy and was inspired to become a story-teller by George Lucas, but didn't start considering writing down her stories until she reached her late twenties. Now she enjoys writing dark fantasy, and she’d dabbling with paranormal thrillers under a pen name.

She is currently publishing her monthly Shadow Stalker serial, and she has published a prequel novella to the series called, Demon Hunt. She is also working on a new series of novels, A God's Deception.

Aside from writing, she loves reading (fantasy, of course), watching movies with her family, and doing crafts and science experiments with her homeschooled daughter. Visit her site for more information and a free copy of Shadow Stalker Part 1 (Episodes 1 – 6): http://reneescattergood.com
Website/Blog: http://reneescattergood.com/

Renee's Author Spotlight: http://reneesauthorspotlight.blogspot.com.au/
 - A blog where I feature indie and small press authors.

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00NTJY1W2

Smashwords Author Page: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/rscatts
 
AuthorsDen: http://www.authorsden.com/reneescattergood

Wattpad: https://www.wattpad.com/user/RScatts

BookBub Author Page: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/renee-scattergood

Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8507658.Renee_Scattergood

Renee's Shadow Stalkers: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/16rTPYCAwDq5cpyxHfphx0-x6ka9C7DWoJsdgYa2CyAw/viewform

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/reneescatts

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ReneeScatts

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Hosted By:
Secret Realm Reviews & Services

Aother visit from Renee Scattergood. Today she's telling us abouth Shadow Stalker book 2.

Thank you for coming again, Renee. Tell us a bit about Shadow Stalker book 2.

About Shadow Stalker – Part 2 (Episodes 7 – 12)

Episode 7: Bound by Fate

Auren's best friend was captured during the Galvadi invasion, and her rescue attempt goes awry. Now Auren finds herself in the hands of an enemy who knows her true identity…one who has the power to be either her destroyer or her salvation.

Episode 8: Broken

Auren doesn't succumb to Makari's torture, so he decides his father was right about her being the delohi-saqu. Now he resorts to more sadistic methods to extract information, which could doom the Coalition if Auren fails to resist.

Episode 9: Turning Tides

Now that Makari knows the truth about Auren, he has sworn to protect her and help her escape. But when the other guides become suspicious, Makari's loyalty is tested, and he is forced to do something he swore he'd never do again.

Episode 10: Separate Paths

Auren finally meets Shai, Kado's daughter, but she is too weak from her months of torture to escape the reconciliation center. Makari takes over Shai's cleansing sessions, but that means Auren will face daily torture again. To make things worse, Makari disappears and Auren is given a task that means taking the life of someone she loves.

Episode 11: Escape Part 1

Auren and Shai begin their escape, but it doesn't go as planned, and they are forced to adjust their plans. They are pushed to their limits, and Auren has to put her untried abilities to use or risk being recaptured.

Episode 12: Escape Part 2

Makari has decided to stay with the Galvadi for Auren's protection. Auren and Shai are on their own, and nature seems to be against them. After being seriously injured, Auren falls ill and it starts to look like they will never reach their meeting spot with Kado on the southern shore.

Buy Links:

Want to get Shadow Stalker Part 2 (Episodes 7 – 12) free too? http://reneescattergood.com/subscribe-today/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Shadow-Stalker-Part-Episodes-Bundles-ebook/dp/B010H5Y9R2/

My Review

Book 2 lives up to all the promises of Book 1. Auren has to escape from the Galvadi, which she does with the help of the Emperor's son, Makari. The two of them fell in love when he went to torture her.

She discovers another young shadow stalker imprisoned and the two of them, with the help of Makari, plan their escape. It does not go according to plan, however and the dangers are still around her. Makari, too, has to face dangers of his own.

As with Book 1, the story keeps the reader on the edge of his/her seat. It moves quickly and poses questions you want answered.

Auren is a well-drawn heroine. She is realistic and has her faults as well as her good points. She feels fear and anxiety, just as anyone would in those circumstances. Ms Scattergood's characterisation of all her characters is good. Both books are well worth a read and I can't wait for the day book 3 is released.

Renee Scattergood lives in Australia with her husband, Nathan, and daughter, Taiya. She has always been a fan of fantasy and was inspired to become a story-teller by George Lucas, but didn't start considering writing down her stories until she reached her late twenties. Now she enjoys writing dark fantasy, and she’d dabbling with paranormal thrillers under a pen name.

She is currently publishing her monthly Shadow Stalker serial, and she has published a prequel novella to the series called, Demon Hunt. She is also working on a new series of novels, A God's Deception.

Aside from writing, she loves reading (fantasy, of course), watching movies with her family, and doing crafts and science experiments with her homeschooled daughter. Visit her site for more information and a free copy of Shadow Stalker Part 1 (Episodes 1 – 6): http://reneescattergood.com

Website/Blog: http://reneescattergood.com/

Renee's Author Spotlight: http://reneesauthorspotlight.blogspot.com.au/
 - A blog where I feature indie and small press authors.

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00NTJY1W2

Smashwords Author Page: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/rscatts
 
AuthorsDen: http://www.authorsden.com/reneescattergood

Wattpad: https://www.wattpad.com/user/RScatts

BookBub Author Page: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/renee-scattergood

Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8507658.Renee_Scattergood

Renee's Shadow Stalkers: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/16rTPYCAwDq5cpyxHfphx0-x6ka9C7DWoJsdgYa2CyAw/viewform

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/reneescatts

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ReneeScatts

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/100671337443224225702/posts

LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/pub/renee-scattergood/56/963/3

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/rscatts/

Hosted By:
Secret Realm Reviews & Services

Thank you Renee. I look forward with impatience for Book 3.


There will be another visit by Renee on Tuesday 27th September when I'll be reviewing Book 3 of the Shadow Stalker books. I won't therefore be posting on that Tuesday as usual. I have work to do on the edited copy of The Wolf Pack my publisher has sent me. Look for my next post the following Tuesday, October 4th, when, as it's the first Tuesday of October. I'll be posting the next episode in Asphodel's story.

A visit from Renee Scattergood, Author of The Shadow Stalker books.

 Welcome, Renee, to my blog. I hope you will enjoy your visit. First let me tell my readers a little about you.

Renee Scattergood lives in Australia with her husband, Nathan, and daughter, Taiya. She has always been a fan of fantasy and was inspired to become a story-teller by George Lucas, but didn't start considering writing down her stories until she reached her late twenties. Now she enjoys writing dark fantasy, and she’d dabbling with paranormal thrillers under a pen name.

She is currently publishing her monthly Shadow Stalker serial, and she has published a prequel novella to the series called, Demon Hunt. She is also working on a new series of novels, A God's Deception.

Aside from writing, she loves reading (fantasy, of course), watching movies with her family, and doing crafts and science experiments with her homeschooled daughter. Visit her site for more information and a free copy of Shadow Stalker Part 1 (Episodes 1 – 6): http://reneescattergood.com

 Get The Whole Series

About Shadow Stalker Part 1 (Episodes 1 – 3):

The Hidden Truth (Episode 1)

A young shadow stalker is destined to enslave the people of the Serpent Isles, and the Galvadi Empire want this child of prophecy dead. Auren Trasks perfectly normal life is disrupted when the Galvadi invade, and she learns a startling secret about her past. A secret that will change her life forever.

The Delohi-Saqu's Fate (Episode 2)

Auren is being targeted by the Council of Elders, and the only one who could put an end to their corruption is her father. But leaving the Dark Isle would turn Kado against her.

Shadows' Betrayal (Episode 3)

After seeing the monster she will become, Auren swears not to leave the Dark Isle. Despite that, the elders are conspiring against her. To escape their scheming, she and Kado decide to explore the Dark Isle. But worse things await them in the forests.

Forbidden Love (Episode 4)

Kado and Auren survive a deadly storm, but when Auren is forbidden from pursuing love with another young shadow stalker, will it be enough to drive a wedge between her and her foster father?

Destiny Reconciled Part 1 (Episode 5)

Auren and Kado accept that they may not be able to avoid her leaving the Dark Isle. Now they have to prepare for that eventuality. Will the training be more than Auren can handle?

Destiny Reconciled Part 2 (Episode 6)

Cathnor has been arrested and is facing a death sentence. The Dark Isle is out of control, and Kado is the only one who can help his people. So he prepares Auren for the possibility that she may have to leave the Dark Isle without him and face her destiny alone, but can she leave him and do what must be done?

My Review of Shadow Stalker Book 1.

A well-written and Original Story

Auren wants to go on a camping trip to celebrate her graduation, but her foster father expressly forbids it, saying the island she and her friends planned to visit was too close to the Galvani Empire. Auren, however, defies Kato and goes anyway.

Kato has been giving the girl some training, and when the Galvani Empire attacks the island where she and her friends are camping, she manages to hide them until her foster father comes to rescue her.

Auren learns that she has a destiny to perform. One which the  Galvani Emperor does not want her to fulfil. she learns of the mysterious creatures called the Shadow Stalkers that she has always believed did not exist. There are many questions that Auren has, and gradually, throughout the book, she learns the answers to these questions.

The story is original in its concept, and Renee Scattergood keeps the mystery going so the reader wants to keep on reading. We want to know what is going to happen to this young girl in the furture.

The writing is very good, too. It moves the story on, and has no spelling or grammatical errors. Ms Scattergood has an excellent command of the language as well and uses it to grab our interest. All in all, an excellent read.

Buy Links:

Get it Free: http://reneescattergood.com/books/shadow-stalker-part-1-episodes-1-6/

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Shadow-Stalker-Part-Episodes-Bundles-ebook/dp/B00VI2ZCY8/

Website/Blog: http://reneescattergood.com/

Renee's Author Spotlight: http://reneesauthorspotlight.blogspot.com.au/
 - A blog where I feature indie and small press authors.

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B00NTJY1W2

Smashwords Author Page: https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/rscatts
 
AuthorsDen: http://www.authorsden.com/reneescattergood

Wattpad: https://www.wattpad.com/user/RScatts

BookBub Author Page: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/renee-scattergood

Goodreads Author Page: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/8507658.Renee_Scattergood

Renee's Shadow Stalkers: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/16rTPYCAwDq5cpyxHfphx0-x6ka9C7DWoJsdgYa2CyAw/viewform

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/reneescatts

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ReneeScatts

Google+: https://plus.google.com/u/0/100671337443224225702/posts

LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/pub/renee-scattergood/56/963/3

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