A Book and a Chat with “Ken Weene”

A New Englander by upbringing and inclination, Ken Weene’s career – primarily in New York – included teaching, pastoral care, and psychology. Throughout his career Ken has also been devoted to writing. His poetry has appeared in a number of publications – both print and web. He authored a number of professional publications. His short stories and essays have also been published. One of his short plays was recently workshopped. An anthology of Ken’s work, Songs For My Father, was published 2002. His novel, Widow’s Walk, has been published in 2009.

Ken tells us about his life and his new book “WIDOWS WALK” which demonstrates his ability to weave in a good dose of emotion and regret will make the reader look inward and apply the feelings unfairness and personal difficulty to themselves, which makes for a page turner.

Check out:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Across-the-Pond/2009/09/29/A-Book-and-a-Chat-Ken-Weene

or on my blog at

http://acrossthepond-storyheart.blogspot.com

So why not stop for thirty minutes and listen to this fascinating writer as he chats on today’s “A BOOK AND A CHAT”

Barry

Author of Young Adult Romance/Fiction book
“Across the Pond”

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More “Food” for thought

Yesterday on my Sunday UK Blog I wrote about some of the strange foods, including the new “Craz-E Burger” being sold at this years Big E. A bacon cheeseburger with grilled glazed doughnuts-for-buns.

I have been asked to write about some more foods from England so here goes.

When people think English food they thing “Fish and Chips”

Fish and chips is the classic English take-away food and is the traditional national food of England. It became popular in the 1860’s when railways began to bring fresh fish straight from the east coast to the our cities over night. The fish (cod, haddock,plaice and huss…the later is perhaps better known as rock salmon) is deep fried in flour batter and is eaten with chips. Traditionally, the fish and chips are covered with salt and malt vinegar and, using your fingers, eaten straight out of the newspaper which they were wrapped in. Now-a-days small wooden forks are provided and the fish and chips are wrapped in more hygienic paper. Up in the North of England fish and chips is often served with “mushy peas” (mashed processed peas). The title of number one take-away is now though the property of the “Curry”

Items like “Bangers and Mash” (Sausages and mash potato), “Sunday Roast” , and the “Full English Breakfast” all play their part in English eating habits.

Along with such items as “Kippers” (a whole herring, that has been split from tail to head, gutted, salted or pickled, and cold smoked.) and Pickles which includes chutney as well as Branston or “brown” pickle, piccalilli, pickled onions and gherkins.

There are many foods which tie there names to certain locations, Lancashire Hot Pot, Bath Buns, Eccles Cakes, Welsh rarebit, Cornish Pasty, the list goes on and on.

Let’s face it even the humble Sandwich England gave to the world. Named after John Montagu, 4th Earl of Sandwich, an 18th-century English aristocrat, although he was neither the inventor nor sustainer of the food. It is said that he ordered his valet to bring him meat tucked between two pieces of bread, and because Montague also happened to be the Fourth Earl of Sandwich, others began to order “the same as Sandwich!” It is said that Lord Sandwich was fond of this form of food because it allowed him to continue playing cards, particularly cribbage, while eating without getting his cards greasy from eating meat with his bare hands.

There are many more items one of English food I could talk about, and perhaps I will in a future blog. The wonderful Tripe Beef tripe is usually made from only the first three chambers of a cow’s stomach) and Onions.

Of course not forgetting the wonderful Spotted dick… A steamed suet pudding containing dried fruit (usually currants) commonly served with custard, and a standard part of English cuisine.

Author of Young Adult Romance/Fiction book
Across the Pond
http://acrossthepond-storyheart.blogspot.com/
http://across-t-pond.com

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STORYHEART SUNDAY UK BLOG – “FOOD” FOR THOUGHT

I’ve been away for a few days signing copies of my book at “The Big E” a massive four week fair for the North East states of America. One of the major items one finds at such events is the wide range of snacks available

Every country and location has it’s own special and in many cases weird foods. Scotland for instance has it’s Haggis as immortalized by Robbie Burns (who also wrote Old Land Zine) For those who do not know it is actually a dish containing sheep’s ‘pluck’ (heart, liver and lungs), minced with onion, oatmeal, suet, spices, and salt, mixed with stock, and traditionally boiled in the animal’s stomach for approximately three hours.

In London there is Pie, Mash and Liquor and of course Jellied Eels Pie and Mash is traditionally a mutton and cold water pastry pie and mashed potato. It is common for the mashed potato to be spread around one side of the plate and for a type of parsley sauce called liquor (although it is non-alcoholic) to be added. Liquor traditionally has a green color which is not from food coloring but the parsley. It is also traditionally made using the water kept from the preparation of the stewed eels.

Over the years strange foods have developed, for instance in Glasgow (sometimes known as the heart attack capitol of Europe) they have something totally different. A deep-fried Mars Bar. A mars Bar is very like the American Milky Way bar, which is confusing, as in England we also have a Milky Way bar but that is like an American Three Musketeers (are you following me so far?) The “delicacy” is an ordinary Mars Bar normally fried in a type of batter commonly used for deep frying fish, sausages, and other battered products, although a coconut batter is also used. The Mars Bar is typically chilled before use to prevent it from melting into the frying fat, though a cold Mars Bar can fracture when heated.

With all this it did not surprise me this week when appearing (signing copies of my book “Across the Pond” in the Connecticut Building) at the Big E. I heard about this years special “food”. The Craz-E Burger, a bacon cheeseburger with grilled glazed doughnuts-for-buns.

Yes you read it right a cheese burger inside a glazed doughnut.

I did not manage to get to the location and try this heart stopper, but as I am back signing again this Wednesday on Thursday (do stop by if your attending the event) I’ll make a point of trying it out.

Barry

Author of Young Adult Romance/Fiction book
Across the Pond
http://acrossthepond-storyheart.blogspot.com/
http://across-t-pond.com

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A BOOK AND TWO CHATS BLOG TALK RADIO SHOW

Tonight’s one hour special was all we’d been expecting myself and co host Kim Smith along with a couple of other guests and quite a few folk in the chat room, spent an enjoyable, entertaining and educational hour with Dorothy Thompson and Cheryl C. Malandrinos of Pump Up Your Book Promotion.

From their own writings to how they first started. From tips for book promotion to how you can make the best of a virtual tour. From sleeping with ghosts and having no patience to be “The Soul Mate Queen”. The show not only proved to be enjoyable, but as one of the guest in the chat room stated. “I will have to listen again with a pad and paper to make notes of all the very useful incites and anecdotes for an author”.

So if your a blogger, author, reader or just somebody who wants to enjoy sixty minutes of entertainment.

Why not stop by and listen to this wonderful and much requested show.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Across-the-Pond/2009/09/22/A-BOOK-AND-TWO-CHATS

“A Book and Two Chats with Dorothy Thompson and Cheryl C. Malandrinos hosted by myself and Kim Smith

Barry

Author of Young Adult Romance/Fiction book
“Across the Pond”

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A BOOK AND TWO CHATS

Anybody who has heard my radio programs or read my blogs, including my 5 days “Book Promotion on a Budget” will have heard my great beleive in online book promotion. One of the really great ways for getting your book out there and meeting other people along the way is a “Virtual Book Tour”

There are many companies and groups that run virtual tours. Tours where you visit locations, blogs, radio programs to share with readers and hosts about your book. This enables a writer to visits all parts of the world without leaving their desk. In the case of my virtual tour without leaving my sick bed.

Of all the companies I have known the best and one of the most reasonable virtual tours is with “Pump Up Your Book Promotion“. A great group of ladies who go that extra mile to help an author promote their book.

http://virtualbooktours.wordpress.com

Now after months of negotiations, badgering and down right blackmail I managed to get two of the founders of “Pump Up Your Book Promotion” or “PUYB” as it is easier to type, one my radio show tomorrow.

So many authors, have not only passed through the tours of PUYB many like myself staying friends with the group even after the tour is over, that the show has had to be extended to one hour. Also it looks like being to much for one person, so my fellow radio show host, writer and friend “Kim Smith” is co-hosting with me.

Join me tomorrow on “A BOOK AND TWO CHATS” as we talk to these ladies about their lives, writing, PUYB, and the special “Twelve days of Christmas tour.”

“A BOOK AND TWO CHATS” – Tuesday 7pm EST http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Across-the-Pond

It will be fun!

Author of Young Adult Romance/Fiction book
“Across the Pond”

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STORYHEARTS SUNDAY UK BLOG – A HOLIDAY ROMANCE

One of the things that has been mentioned by some regarding my book “Across the Pond” is how can anybody fall for, or care for somebody is just a few days as do Fred and Brit?

My answer is… Do you not have holiday romances in the US?

Thinking about this it is different in the UK where holidays are often taken to a different country and environment, an rules go out the window. Going from England to places such as Spain or Greece there are always the three “S” words (Sun, Sea and Sex). Getting up mid afternoon so you can party until the next breakfast time is not unusual. (Anybody ever been on an Club 18-30 holiday?)

A holiday romance can sweep you off your feet and also leave you feeling deserted and heartbroken. Follow these tips to ensure your summer fling goes with a swing

You’re more likely to have a romance on holiday than at home. It’s a fact. You feel physically relaxed and emotionally renewed, you’re away from your daily routine and the stresses and strains of home and work – basically, you’re ready to fall in love. And why not?

1: A holiday fling can make you feel like a queen/king and boost your confidence sky-high. However, on the down side, if the other party is keener than you, you could be left feeling under pressure, pestered and even stalked.

2: Emotions run high on holiday and, if you’re embroiled in a romance, you may quickly feel very close to your partner. Passion can over-heat and intense intimacy may suddenly turn to conflict.

3: Holiday sex can be brilliant. The excitement of being on holiday, combined with sun, bare flesh and a few drinks can put even the most demure person in the mood for sex.

The problem is that holiday sex can get out of control. People often report getting carried away with the moment and having sex with a stranger. Once the sun comes up, all they’re left with is guilt and regrets.

4: The holiday environment can be the perfect place to meet a potential new partner. However, you can get involved far too quickly and pin your hopes on the impossible. If he’s not as keen, you may quickly end up with a broken heart.

5: Many flourishing and happy relationships, particularly in the thirty-plus age groups, start on holiday. If you think you’ve met your perfect partner, your holiday romance could well be the start of a lifelong commitment.

6: If you pair off with a local, you can get to see the country you’re visiting from an insider’s point of view – and often have the holiday of a lifetime.

But be warned – dating a local comes with hazards. Firstly, you may be just one of a series of summer flings for him. And, on the other hand, if you are both serious, be prepared for potential clashes of culture. You and your holiday beau might have deep-rooted attitudes that you don’t share.

WILL IT LAST?

Many single people—from students to baby boomers—consider holiday romance an enticing, if not essential, part of a perfect summer holiday. No wonder so many people on holiday feel that love is in the air as soon as their car leaves the garage or their plane leaves the tarmac.

But for most summer lovers the joy is short-lived, because the majority of holiday romances last less than a week, according to a survey of 2,000 people in Great Britain.

Nearly nine in 10 holiday romances end within one week, with the average duration being just three days, according to a resent survey.

Does it matter? Even if your holiday romance follows the usual trend and ends after just a few days, you will still end up with some great memories.

Author of Young Adult Romance/Fiction book
Across the Pond
http://acrossthepond-storyheart.blogspot.com/
http://across-t-pond.com

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A Book and a Chat with “Michele Cameron”

Todays “Book and a Chat” is with romance writer “Michele Cameron”.

Everyday University High School English teacher Michele Cameron heads off to teach her 11th and 12th grade classes all the classics by well-known authors like Shakespeare, Steinbeck and Harper Lee to name just a few. However she longed to see her name on the shelves of bookstores as well, so she took a chance sent her first manuscript, “Never Say Never“.

This has been followed by further hits with “Moments of Clarity” and now her her latest novel “When Lightening Strikes“

Share this very enjoyable chat about Michele and her books, the details, the comments, even what the children in her school think of having a famous author as a teacher. Also information about her new book which will be coming out in February “In Clear and Present Danger” (I’ll try and get her back then to discuss that new book.)

Check out:

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Across-the-Pond/2009/09/19/A-Book-and-a-Chat-Michele-Cameron

or on my blog at

http://acrossthepond-storyheart.blogspot.com

So why not stop for thirty minutes and listen to this fascinating lady as she chats on today’s “A BOOK AND A CHAT”

Barry

Author of Young Adult Romance/Fiction book
“Across the Pond”

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Fun Friday – Books I wished I’d written and the dangers of voting

After last weeks books I have a few more for you that I’d wished I’d written or at least come up with the title
I received an email from AbeBooks.com providing a link to their “Weird Book Room“.

http://www.abebooks.com/books/weird/index.shtml?cm_mmc=nl-_-nl-_-g00-weirdbX-_-image01#cats

In their zeal for reform, early Protestant leaders tended to throw out Saint Benedict with the holy water. That is a mistake, writes Dennis Okholm, in Monk Habits for Everyday People. While on retreat in a Benedictine abbey, the author, a professor who was raised as a Pentecosta

The Stray Shopping Carts of Eastern North America author Julian Montague has created an elaborate classification system of abandoned shopping carts, accompanied by photographic More…
documentation of actual stray cart sightings. These sightings include bucolically littered locations such as the Niagara River Gorge (where many a cart has been pushed to its untimely death) and mundane settings that look suspiciously like a suburb near you.

Like most Americans, Steve Ettlinger eats processed foods. And, like most consumers, he often reads the ingredients label—without a clue as to what most of it means. So when his young daughter asked, Daddy, what’s polysorbate 60? he was at a loss—and determined to find out.

A few months ago I wrote on my Sunday UK Blog about the Eurovision Song contest. Something that has been around for many years and is a sort of “highlight” of the Europe TV/Music scene… that’s a very big SORT OF..

http://acrossthepond-storyheart.blogspot.com/2009/05/storyhearts-sunday-uk-blog-europs-got.html

Well more news this week…

Eurovision Song Contest organisers say they may ban countries from the competition if broadcasters disclose information about voters’ identities.

It comes after a number of people in Azerbaijan were questioned by police after voting for a song by neighbouring Armenia in this year’s contest.

Phone companies had been responsible for protecting voters’ details, but now broadcasters will shoulder the burden.

Sanctions against offending countries could be a ban of up to three years.

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) said the rule change was to ensure the protection of voters’ privacy.

Last month, an Azerbaijani man told the BBC he had been accused of being unpatriotic and a “potential security threat”, after he sent a text backing Armenia’s song, Jan Jan.

Read how dangerous just voting can be…

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/8263437.stm

Author of Young Adult Romance/Fiction book
Across the Pond
http://acrossthepond-storyheart.blogspot.com/
http://across-t-pond.com

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A Book and a Chat with “Cindy’s Love of Books”

Tonight my show was “A Book and a Chat with Cindy of Cindy’s Love of Books”

As anybody who has read me reviews interviews or heard my comments on either my own radio program or where I have been a guest, you will know I am a great believer in what I call the “Small Blogger”. These are the people who read, write and live books are “The ‘Sham Wow’ of Teen/YA literature”, soaking up everything they can read. Today’s guest is fairly new to blogging, and this interview I hope will encourage her and show others how much bloggers are appreciated by authors such as myself.

Listen as Cindy tells us about her favorite books of this year and of all time, what she enjoys about blogging, how she got into blogging. About her children’s book blog… http://www.booksuponaweeonesshelf.com (A BBAW award nominee. We also go through some of the items on her blog http://cindysloveofbooks.blogspot.com

It was as expected a fun chat with question from other blogger both online and via the chat room.

Stop and rest for thirty minutes and listen to this fun chat either at

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Across-the-Pond/2009/09/17/A-Book-and-a-Chat-with-Cindys-Love-of-Books

or on my blog at

http://acrossthepond-storyheart.blogspot.com

Barry Eva
Author of Young Adult Romance/Fiction book
“Across the Pond”

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Tales of breaks, bad luck and a hedgehog

Some times you have one of those days, one of those weeks, one of those months or even one of those years. With everything that has happened this last couple of weeks, I’m sure some sort of incident must have happened be it black cats crossing my path or walking under a ladder.

It started on the Thursday when my son fell off his bike, and hurt his knee. So Hospital, X-ray, but no break just a bad sprain.

Friday, I went down with Bronchitis, of course I was in vacation at the time, planning to write some more book, but that went with coughing etc.

Saturday, my daughter fell of her scooter, hurt her arm. So Hospital, X-ray, but this time a broken arm.

Sunday taking daughter to get her arm sorted, my wife’s mini-van broke go down, Car Hospital. A week later back into hospital to have her arm reset

So what else…

A while ago I shared with you about purchasing our pet hedgehog. The breeder we purchased her from is moving from the East to the West coast so is selling off some of the hedgehogs at a reduced price. of course it was decided (by the kids) that our Ella (on the left), needed a friend. So yesterday after my daughter finally had her arm put into plaster (bright pink) they set of to pick up hedgehog number 2 Tina(on the right).

Driving up I95 something came off a truck in front of them and smash.. guess who needed a new windshield.

Mean while I’m hunting four leaf clovers, a rabbits foot and anything else that can help me though this month.

Barry

Author of Young Adult Romance/Fiction book
“Across the Pond”

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