Hello!

Welcome to my new website/blog.  First off , I wish to say a huge thank you to the creative and gifted Colleen Sheehan for her work on this site and for giving it its professional gloss.  Anyone who would like support in starting up a new website, or have their Facebook or Twitter pages redesigned, their ebooks formatted or any one of a number of excellent services, click on this link.  You will not regret it.  write.DREAM.repeat Book Design

Wednesday 9 September 2015

RRBC Book and Blog Block Party


A big welcome to my friends from RRBC and anyone else who might happen by.  


Hi and “WELCOME” to Rave Reviews Book Club’s BACK-TO-SCHOOL BOOK & BLOG BLOCK PARTY at the Official Site of:


 Brian O’Hare and the 
DCI Sheehan Mysteries

Location:  Northern Ireland


Here’s What I’m Giving Away Today:



*$10.00 Amazon Gift Card
*$5.00 ITunes Gift Card
*One copy of the award winning, non-fiction paperback: The Miracle Ship 
*One  e-book copy of the award winning first book in the Inspector Sheehan Series:  
The Doom Murders
*One ebook copy of the award winning contemporary fiction novel: Fallen Men 


# of Winners for this stop:  5


Note (re the paperback): I can arrange for this to be posted to an American winner by my publisher.  Anywhere else, I will post it myself.



Competition Rules: 

Read the blog and leave a comment at the end. That’s it. Your comment can be humorous, serious, bland, or it can be astute, erudite or astringent. The choice is yours.



FIRST OFF

Let me say, this is a new site, so there’s not a lot here to hold your interest. And right away we’ve got a problem because one of the RRBC’s key instructions was that we should make your blog stop fun, exciting and interesting. Jeez. ‘Interesting’ on demand? Being an infant, in blogging terms, I don’t even have a clue what I’m supposed to be doing.

Okay! Let’s see. What have we got on this site? There are a couple of short essays on Page One about what prompted me to write Fallen Men and The Doom Murders. The one about Fallen Men is vaguely interesting, I think. Dunno about the other one. Then there’s a page that tells readers about the whole four of my books. Yawn! And then there’s a page about me. Wow! Don’t know if any one could be interested in that but hey, if you are, knock yourself out. It’s the second page.

NEWS


My writing has followed a strangely circuitous path. From writing articles for academic journals, I progressed to writing book length academic reports. From there,  after a serious illness, I wrote to two religious books, one an autobiographic memoir, the other, The Miracle Ship, a strange and incredible biography of a most extraordinary man, a miracle worker. Retired by now, and fancying a move to writing fiction, I was prompted by the widely-reported shenanigans of corrupt clergy in Ireland to write a contemporary fiction novel, Fallen Men.

And then, because my favourite genre for the past several years has been crime thrillers, I thought I’d have a go at writing one of my own, et voila, there appeared The Doom Murders.

And now, there’s something happening in my writing life that might interest visiting writers. I found a publisher…yeah! You guys know how hard that is… who is willing to publish all my stuff. Crimson Cloak Publishers is owned by a lovely lady called Carly McCracken. Carly liked The Doom Murders with it’s introspective but perspicacious (Like that? That’s the way we writers talk!), anyway, the perspicacious Detective Chief Inspector Sheehan. She suggested a series. A series? Yeah, a series, and my immediate reaction was, ‘No way that’s possible. I’ve only written one detective book in my life. Where would I start?’

But guess what? I have only just this week completed Book Two of the Inspector Sheehan series: The 11:05 Murders. I thought initially I might have enough of a plot for about 50000 words but the final tally was 104500 words. Go figure! I am not sure when Carly will be able to get it out but I am hoping it won’t be much longer than about six or seven months from now. Not a soul has read it, not my wife, not any family members, not even the beta readers who were reading and commenting upon The Doom Murders during the process of my writing it. This time I wanted to hug the new story to myself. Don’t ask me why. Was it because The Doom Murders won a couple of awards and garnered 37 very positive reviews on Amazon.com and I’m afraid to let anyone see the sequel in case it doesn’t measure up? Maybe. Or as it because the plot this time is much more complex and I just wanted to be able to drift back and forward making multiple changes without having to reference them to anyone? That would probably be true. Or did I just want the thing to be whole and complete before anyone came to it? Whatever the reason, I am now totally without feedback. Writers among you will recognise that that’s a scary place. Do I want feedback? Of course I do…but I’ll deal simply with Veronica Castle, Crimson’s Cloak’s indefatigable editor, and go by what she says. Fingers dutifully crossed…but that doesn’t mean that I’m not crappin’ myself.

Five Great Indie Writers

Many of my colleagues in RRBC have been supporting me with tweets and other comments.  I would like to point towards a few great writers, members of the RRBC, who have supported me and whose books gave me that special frisson of enjoyment as I read them:

Rebecca Reilly

Rebecca is a pastor who has been in ministry for several years. She enjoys writing mysteries (Into Dark Waters and Haunting Megan), but has also written humour (Diary of a Christian Woman: How I Used 50 Shades of Grey to Spice Up My Marriage), a children s chapter book (The Geek Club), and two picture books (Heart of a Kitty and Jammers and His Flying Bed Adventure). Right now, Rebecca is working on follow-up novels in all four genres. Read Haunting Megan, a heart-stopping story from the pen of a gifted writer.

Robin Chambers

Robin is a very erudite, retired school principal, well versed in Philosophy and Literature. Despite this, he has chosen to write children’s fantasies. One of the great books from the Myrddin’s Heir series is Gifts from the Gods, a hugely appealing children’s fantasy that many adults, too, will derive a sneaky enjoyment from.

J.M. Shorney 

J.M. Shorney has graduated from writing about vampires to thrillers.  Her flawed hero, Aidan McRaney, will soon become a by-word for thriller readers.  Meet him for the first time in her gripping, suspense-filled thriller, Progeny of a Killer.

Ronesa Avila 

This is actually the pen name for a collaboration between Rebecca Carter (very supportive member of the RRBC) and Anelia Samovila. Their book, Mystical Emona is a story to touch the hardest heart. A mystical and wonderful world leaps from these pages. Absorbing reading.

Harmony Kent  

From a peaceful and lyrical opening to a horror story in the mould of Stephen King, The Glade will keep you riveted. A delicious spine-chiller, skilfully written.

If anyone has got this far, thanks for sticking with my blog, and thanks for coming.

And remember, genius is one per cent inspiration and ninety-nine per cent perspiration.

And finally, If somebody says to you that they shall lose no time in reading your book, don’t take it as a compliment!!

Wee Note

If anyone would like to make the acquaintance of Chief Inspector Sheehan and his
team, The Doom Murders will be available for the next month or so at a reasonable $2.08 (£1.32).


Fringe Festival, Edinburgh


My wife an  I visited the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in the middle of August. The Royal Mile was filled with characters weird and wonderful, but none so strange as this guy.



And Finally

Below is a photograph of Marcie who treated us like royalty in Guiliano’s Italian restaurant when we were in Edinburgh a couple of weeks ago. My wife asked her if she would like to take me home but, alas, she already has two dogs and a cat and has no room for any more pets.


MARCIE AND ME



89 comments:

  1. Great blog! Interesting about the poor lady's experience that led to the writing of "Fallen Men". "The Doom Murders" is the best detective novel I've read for a long while. In the best tradition of whodunnits and with plenty of police procedural, its backdrop of the Troubles' aftermath is masterly. When the perpetrator's profile is that of a Broken man, and everyone around you has been Broken in some way by all-too-recent reality, where do you look? As a non-Catholic, the hero's insight and, yes, reluctant empathy, as regards the murderer's motives, was fascinating and rivetting. Can't wait to see it back in print!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Wow! Veronica. You've just about knocked my socks off. Good job my skin's old and wrinkly. It's needed to hide my blushes.

      Delete
  2. Great post, Brian. I liked the info about your books, & liked reading about the authors who caught your attention. 😃

    ReplyDelete
  3. Great post, Brian. I liked the info about your books, & liked reading about the authors who caught your attention. 😃

    ReplyDelete
  4. Good site, Brian. Good to read about your Five Great Indie Writers and 'The Doom Murders' sounds intriguing - I'll have a look.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Gordon. If you get around to the book, I hope it lives up to what these good people are saying about it.

      Delete
  5. Fantastic way to start today's party Brian! It's interesting to hear how you feel about your new books. I have just published my second novel and after some wonderful reviews for my first book, I am also feeling nervous about what my readers will think of my new work. Book three is almost completed, so the whole process starts again! I have shared your blog on Facebook and Twitter. Have a great day!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Well done with the blog, Brian - very impressive 😊

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you. Was very worried about it last night.

      Delete
  7. Your blog is off to a great start!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Nice blog and a shout out to fellow members, awesome.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Larry. They've been doing a lot of shouting about me this past while. They deserve this little acknowledgement.

      Delete
  9. Nice post, Brian. I love that you've profiled some indie authors here. Congrats on finding a publisher and completing Book Two of the Inspector Sheehan series. I wish you much success.

    ReplyDelete
  10. And you claimed not to have an interesting blog! ha! :-P Welcome to the world of blog! Enjoy it! :-)

    I truly enjoyed reading your blog. Congrats on finding a publisher who realizes your worth and is willing to publish all of your works! I'm excited for the journey that you have ahead of you.

    I can appreciate you hoarding your newest book. It's so hard to put it out there for others to critique sometimes. I still have two unpublished novels that only my nearest and dearest have seen.

    I LOVE that you gave a shout out to other RRBC authors who have supported you. That was very kind of you, and I agree with your choices. They are awesome people!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You're too kind, Yvette. I see I've met a kindred soul.

      Delete
  11. Great party going on already here. Nice. I like to know that I am not too late. Hi everyone, and you too Brian. Your new site has a darkness about it, I wonder... Are you trying to tell us something? I have more of your books on my Kindle, and I am reading as fast as I can. I hope to get to them soon. Have a wonderful day.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Joy. The darkness comes from the head of the lady who helped me design the site. No sinister undertones...I think....I hope!! Whooo!

      Delete
  12. Hi Brian, The Doom Murders sounds interesting! Which awards did it win?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Stevie. TDMs won an IBD Award in 2013, and in 2015 it won The New Apple Award for Literary Excellence in Independent Publishing.

      Delete
  13. I can tell you're an awesome writer just by reading your blog posts, Brian. Congrats on snagging a publisher, especially one who takes a personal interest in your work. She sounds great! It was incredibly generous of you to mention the RRBC members who've supported you along the way - and mention THEIR works, awesome spirit! I am now going to follow your blog :)

    ReplyDelete
  14. Er...you have me worried, Traci. I thought this was my blog. Do you mean I have to write more???

    ReplyDelete
  15. Nice looking blog. I like the idea that you gave a shout out to a few club members.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Coldhand. Always glad to give a coldhand...uh..a hand up to fellow members.

      Delete
  16. Pretty impressive for a blogging infant! I'd say you're doing just fine and it's all uphill from here.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah! So Traci has just implied. I'm like the kid who enjoyed his first day at school but was a bit miffed to discover that he was going to have to go back again. Where do I go from here?

      Delete
  17. The site looks great! Kudos to you for acknowledging fellow writers, it was fun to read how they impacted you. I loved Miracle Ship and wish you the best with your newest projects!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Packed with information. Congratulations on the publisher. Also I though the shout out to the fine line up of authors was a nice touch. Yes I read to the end.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, John. Good to hear that you read the blog. Always afraid that people will just look at the pictures.

      Delete
  19. There is a lot of engaging content on this site, Brian! Your work, other authors, and the Edinburgh a Fringe coda of photos and memories was delightful! Enjoy the blog party today.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Lisa. I'm pleased you enjoyed the blog.

      Delete
  20. Wow! Congratulations on getting a publishing deal and I have to say your new website looks very nice. I hope you have a wonderful day!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Renae. I'm enjoying the comments from all my RRBC friends.

      Delete
  21. Very engaging blog, Brian - I was mightily entertained throughout! Congratulations on your publishing deal, I'm sure that venture will be highly successful for you! Do you know why this blog was fun to read? Because you clearly had a lot of fun writing it! Kudos! Thanks for the shout out for several of our member authors who are very supporting folks! Have a great day and may you enjoy great success with your books!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Thanks for the kind and supportive words, John. You're right, I did enjoy writing the blog. Initially, however, I couldn't get it right, i.e., right for me. I was trying to sound too posh or literary. Then I thought, 'Fddlesticks! (Well. maybe not fiddlesticks!) Whatever comes out, that's what stays.'

    ReplyDelete
  23. Fantastic post, Brian! And I love that you took the time and care to acknowledge those amazing, supportive members. I have no doubt that you would be on a similar list for many, many others!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Lovely blog, Brian, with not a single yawn, and generous to other indies, to boot. I was interested all the way through. Best wishes for a wonderfully successful Block Party.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, JB. Great to see that people are staying awake long enough to complete their comments. I feared a plethora of half finished sentences followed by... Zzzz!

      Delete
  25. Brian - You are off to a wonderful start. Can't wait to see how you develop as a blogger. Welcome aboard the blog train newbie!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yeah, well, hat's the thing, Richie. I'm on the train. But which is my carriage? Where do I sit? Will have to research the phenomenon.

      Delete
  26. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Brian - just how long were you snogging that Blarney Stone! ;-) Colleen's done a great job of capturing your style, where the 'darkness' is shot through with a peaty, whiskey fire (see what I did to make that an Irish whiskey! :-D) that matches your warm words and humour. Looking forward to knowing Insp. Sheehan more, and I'm very glad you're enjoying your blog party today :-)

    By the way - Sian's my fantasy alter ego & I'm really Jan Hawke! ;-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Sian/Jan, omnipresent commentator on all things RRBC. I hope you comment lightens the darkness for Joy. Blarney stone? Me? You kiddin'? I nearly broke my back trying to get near it but failed miserably.

      Delete
    2. Lol! I wouldn't get anywhere near that stone myself... :-D
      Hmmm - I'm liking being called omnipresent, but suspect I really ought to work on getting up earlier! ;-)

      Delete
  28. Brian, I am jumping up and down with joy for you. You got a publisher! You got a publisher! Yay! Congrats you! Way to go. Okay, I'll calm down now, LOL. But, no, seriously, WELL DONE!!!
    Best wishes for your future, and thanks so much for your lovely words about me and my writing. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I only said those things, Harmony, because they were true. Thanks for the support nad keep writing. You deserve to find a publisher, too.

      Delete
  29. Brian, I loved your post-I felt as if you were in my living room sharing your thoughts with me. When I got down to your recommendation of others, and found my name, I teared up! What a generous heart you have! Marcie was crazy to pass up an opportunity to take you home--come to America! We've got room for you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Rebecca. If only I could afford the air-fare.

      Delete
  30. Very well rounded post, Brian. Great job

    ReplyDelete
  31. Loved your blog, Brian, learning about your books and how you came to write them. I especially love the photos. I have Fallen Men and look forward to reading it soon. It's on the list. Btw, I hope to visit Ireland one day when I win the lottery. Have a fun day!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We'll be glad to see you here, Kim. Don't forget your wellies, raincoat and umbrella.

      Delete
  32. Just stopping in to support you. I've been running around all morning trying to get ready for an upcoming trip. Have fun and I will be taking a look at your content.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Shirley. And I know that you will do as you say. You are a constant support to many of my RRBC colleagues.

      Delete
  33. It has all been said, Brian, and I agree with every compliment and congratulations heaped on you by the RRBC members. I can only thank you for generously sharing the name of the woman, Colleen Sheehan, who crafted this gorgeous site. Oh yes, thanks for driving me to pick up a dictionary this morning. Going forward, I will be sure to craft stories that appeal to my 'perspicacious' readers!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOL, Linda. I am sure your dictionary remains pristine through lack of use.

      Delete
  34. The new site looks great - best of luck with it

    ReplyDelete
  35. Full of self-deprecating humour, Brian. Why do I suspect you're more savvy than you make out?

    ReplyDelete
  36. I enjoyed visiting and can sympathize with the anxiousness of getting the blogging thing going. It'll will come together. Loved the humor with the entertaining on demand reference. That's probably the biggest hurdle getting up and running. Don't worry...I at least was entertained =)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Janelle. After today, I will have to figure out a way to keep the blog going...unless it withers away through lack of interest.

      Delete
  37. A most interesting blog, Brian. Fantastic post. Best wishes to you on this Book & Blog Block Party stop!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Beem. Bit of a panic trying to respond to everyone's commens, but I am enjoying the party.

      Delete
  38. Very interesting! Congratulations on landing a publisher! Hope to read tyhe new book(s) soon!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Bruce. We'll probably end up reading each other's books about the same time.

      Delete
  39. Enjoyed visiting your blog, Brian. Lots of great info on you and your books and enjoyed the pix and humor. Congrats on getting your series underway and on landing a publisher. Very impressive. Happy reading, writing and all of the other exciting things you do. Wishing you much success my #RRBC author friend! :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, 4WaR.com. I appreciate the comments.

      Delete
  40. You know, when this venture came to my mind, I never could have imagined the impact that it would have. The comments from our members, and non-members, have not only been engaging, but they have been genuine...which means, they are taking the time to actually read the blog posts along the way. Thanks to all you supportive RRBC members who are so generously giving your time and support to this project. I hope it has been as enjoyable to you as it most certainly has been for me.

    Brian...great job!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Nonnie. Thanks, too, for this opportunity to meet new friends. I have enjoyed my day...although, while it's almost midnight here, I presume there are still a few hours left to go on your side of the pond Who knows who will drop in next.

      Delete
    2. Wow! Just noticed the time of your post...quite early in the afternoon. That's an eight hour time difference. if I were to jump on a plane now, I could probably arrive there about the same time as I left here. Amazing!

      Delete
  41. Great post, and blog is looking good!

    ReplyDelete
  42. Hi Brian,
    It's an absolute joy reading your introduction and learning about the inspiration behind your work. I love your sense of humour! Huge congratulations on your accomplishments thus far and I wish you continued success. Cheers!

    ReplyDelete
  43. Thanks you for your kind words, Natalle.

    ReplyDelete
  44. Nice post. Congratulations on your new book. I like that you gave other writers recognition. You're blog is off to a great start. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks, Tammi. And thanks for all your tweets and retweets during the year.

      Delete
  45. Hi Brian! Sorry I missed the RRBC Bolg Block Party yesterday - looks like you all had fun!

    Like the minimalist design of your site - very cool!

    Good luck with your books and your blog - Best regards - ML

    ReplyDelete
  46. Thanks, Michael. It was a good day/

    ReplyDelete
  47. Woo hoo! Thanks so much for the Amazon card! I just went shopping. 😃

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I hope you didn't try to spend it all in the one shop!

      Delete
  48. In a similar store what you see is a substantial ad of a few, let say a Dry Milk Pack. You move further, see it all over, you cause an end on the Milk To leave, and see the equivalent 'Brand' out there. logo design service

    ReplyDelete
  49. Now and again Epson printer user may experience the issue Epson Printer Not Printing during a print work. This is the most well-known printing error looked by user. The mistake may upset the user's work, in such a condition, the client gets helpless. Epson printer not printing issue

    ReplyDelete