It Takes Two – The Idea Behind KISHBOO by Sharon Boothroyd

Posted on April 15, 2015 by Margaret Graham

It was my husband Keith who had the idea of producing an e-magazine in the summer of 2014. He has pro web design experience and I had written all the text for his corporate client websites, so we were used to combining our skills and working together as a team.

We called our publishing brand Ryecorn Digital Publishing, after Ryecorn, the fictional Yorkshire town in my kindle chick- lit novella.
Keith designed all the unique graphics for the chapter headings and he also designed the book cover for me, too. I was really pleased with his design. The free android app version looked great too.

To keep costs down, we set up a free website to help promote it: www.ryecorn.orgfree.com

We had already enjoyed minor success with another online project of ours called ‘A quick read.’ This entailed uploading stories onto our website and onto the accompanying free android app.

We didn’t charge writers a fee for publication, and the website cost around £60 a year. Even though we were overwhelmed with work, as time passed, we couldn’t see how the project could develop, so sadly in 2014, after two years, we decided to close it down.

So – we had published online,on kindle and on the android app format. We both really warmed to the idea of publishing an e-mag on 3 digital platforms.

What could we call our magazine though? We thought of hundreds of names, but the domain names were all taken, so we hit upon the idea of blending our names to create something truly different. We really hoped that the name ‘KISHBOO‘ would stick in people’s memory.

It would be non- profit making project. We’d fund the competition prizes through the competition entry fees, and we now realised that we could use online advertising to help cover the cost of our website.

In August 2014, we were ready to launch the project! However, the actual magazine wasn’t published until October, as we needed stories and articles to fill it.

I began to send press releases out and my network of writer friends helped spread the word for us via social media. Keith worked hard on search engine optimisation, and I began to tweet for the first time in my life.

I was worried that we would receive no articles at all because at the moment, we are unable to pay writers. However, we can offer them free promotion of their kindle books and blogs within their articles. I wasn’t even sure we would get anyone entering our competition. I needn’t have worried – the comp entries and articles began flooding in!

Back issues are easily available – here’s what the first KISHBOO looked like:

Here’s the cover of the second issue, which was published in January 2015:

We are now very working hard on our third issue, which will be published in April 2015. It’ll be packed with even more features.

Please visit: www.kishboo.co.uk
Find us on facebook: www.facebook.com/kishboo.mag
Follow us on Twitter: @KishbooMag

Easter by Gem Blaney | Poetry Corner

Posted on April 5, 2015 by Margaret Graham

Easter, by Gem Blaney: Gem is a talented young poet from the West Country. Frost asked her to write about Easter especially for us. Here it is:

A man rises;
not from slumber,
but from days of death
behind two stones.

His human body was no longer
still, on a bed of concrete
skin tinted blue,
lips with no breath to pass through.

See modern world
dressed up as a hare
hiding shells of chocolate
for children to find.

Voices squealing, bellies aching,
church bells ringing
forcing the past
back onto the present.

Unintentionally, but successfully
with each generation,
the fascination with egg shaped sweets
overcomes the past.

Bank holiday Monday,
adults sighing and bank accounts stretching
hot cross buns, chocolate and animal shaped snacks
because it’s easter easter easter.

A Christian holiday
for those who believe
in the dead man who rose
and shifted two stones

For children today it’s another
‘off school’ to celebrate.
It is not their fault,
they don’t understand it’s about a profound mystery.

Not a day as grandiose as Christmas
(a man’s birth)
this is a man dead and reborn–
Surely more earth moving than chocolate eggs

Don’t you think?

At the Foot of the Cross by Angela Taplin

Posted on April 1, 2015 by Margaret Graham

An evening of music, prayer and meditations for Good Friday from Radio 2

Radio 2 recently recorded an evening of music, prayer and readings for Good Friday. Tickets were free through a ballot so on a damp evening in February a friend and I went along to Methodist Central Hall, hard by the Houses of Parliament. Arriving about 5.30, we found most people heading home so we had a chance to walk round the outside of this famous landmark without benefit of surging tourists and selfie sticks. It’s such a fine building and in the twilight gap between showers it looked beautiful.

We made our way through ancient courtyards to Methodist Central Hall, another impressive and imposing building. It was the first time I’d been to a radio recording for many years (the last time was a pop quiz in the 70s, I think). The music was provided by the BBC Concert Orchestra with a chorus drawn from a number of London choirs, with three soloists – Jermaine Jackman, winner of The Voice 2014, Louise Marshall and 12 year old Helena Paish, one of the BBC Radio 2 Young Choristers of the Year.

Readings were given by Patrick Robinson, star of Casualty and Strictly whilst prayer was led by The Revd Michaela Youngson. The evening was presented by Diane Louise Jordan, well known for her appearances in Songs of Praise. We assembled in the auditorium which was dominated by the beautiful cupola and where the acoustics were perfect.

The music programme was varied: traditional English, gospel, well-known hymns, with an underlying thread of connections to the Great War. Butterworth’s The Banks of Green Willow, a pastoral piece inspired by English folk songs, was rendered particularly poignant by the knowledge that he died in 1915 during the first battle of the Somme. The second half consisted of Sir John Rutter’s Requiem in which the pure tones of Helena Paish shone clear in the Pie Jesu. It was a thoughtful and moving evening.

At the end of it all, my friend and I felt happy to have been part of it and will look forward to hearing it all again when it is broadcast at 8pm on April 3^rd, Good Friday, on Radio 2.

Independent Bookshop Opens Doors to Independent Authors

Posted on March 30, 2015 by Margaret Graham

by Catriona Troth.

Foyles on London’s Charing Cross Road, is playing host to The Indie Author Fair (IAF) on Friday 17th April 2015.

When we wrapped up the Indie Author Fair 2014, most of us assumed that would be it for another year. That was before the Alliance of Independent Authors (ALLi) approached us to run their Member Showcase at the London Book Fair Indie Author Fringe Festival, run by The ALLi /Indie ReCon.

IndieReCon is a free online writers’ conference, which has been running since 2013. This year, they are working with ALLi to run a live event at Foyles, London’s largest indie bookstore, with the support of London Book Fair’s Book and Screen Week.

To follow this, Triskele Books are organising a second Indie Author Fair – a pop-up bookshop at which more than fifty of ALLi’s members will be represented. The Fair is being sponsored by XPO North, who are bringing with them an exciting group of emerging writers from the Highlands and Islands.

“Bringing writers and readers closer together is a core part of ALLi’s mission,” said Orna Ross, Director of ALLi (Alliance of Independent Authors). “We are delighted that the Indie Author Fair will showcase the talent and enterprise of so many ALLi members and look forward to fostering new author-reader bonds at the fair.”

Indie Author Fair 2015 will take place from 16.30–19.30 and is FREE to the public with drinks reception, goodie bags and personalised signed copies available.

You can read about the full collection of books and authors on show at the Fair here.

Organiser Catriona Troth said, “The Indie Author Fair is an unmissable event for readers, writers, publishers and observers of the publishing scene, providing an opportunity to meet the best indie authors in the business, talk to experts and discover great new books.”

The Flower Poem by Krystal Volney

Posted on March 20, 2015 by Margaret Graham

Flower so bright,
Flower so new.
Why does the humming bother you?
Spending your time, wishing you knew.
Speak with honour.
Stand with dignity.

Suppose the humming stopped humming,
what say you?
Trees look down on you and say nothing.
Let your nectar stay sweet and let the sun delight in your fashion.
The wind blows alone but it feels your presence.
Its spirit feels the fluster of your petals.
Trying to grasp onto one. Just one.
Till it realizes that you stand firm.

Your leaves whisper sweet nothings,
proclaiming your fun and varying colour.
Pretty with no inside jollifies the leaves when falling down.
Don’t let whispers tell your time for they too want to see you fall.
The branches watch everything with intentions of mocking you.
They too want to see everything falling, leaves and all.
They see it fit to stand out in front of everything.
When the rain falls, they laugh to see you drained.
They dry faster more than anything.
But don’t wilt flower.
Flowers are meant to stay beautiful.

Talking about the poem: (The explanation & extended thought)
It refers metaphorically to individuals (both women and men) that are seen as the flower (with radiant petals and nectar).

The green leaves are filled with chlorophyll(that illustrate envy) and are split typically into two halves on the leaf & as well as the back and front of the leaf meaning two-faced people with lines on them relating to compliments (envious persons).™ Green in this scenario demonstrates envy although the colour green in other cases symbolizes learning, growth and harmony.

“Pretty with no inside” can be elucidated through comprehending that each society has a different view of what is “pretty” poetically such as the Padaung Hill Tribe (women) or fitness (men) because there are multifarious species of flower on the earth. Without an inside representing nectar after the hummingbird has taken away the nectar or tried to sabotage the flower, the leaves become jollified as the seasons change.

The green leaves are jollified when the flower has no inside which displays the change from green to red & yellow colour in autumn at the time of leaf fall, emblematic for happiness, power and enlightenment.™ The branches deal with those who are rough in mentality & ruthless who are not blown away by beauty, (often attracting & entertaining friends such as snakes that coil and wrap around them). The trees express older and more ‘mature’ individuals who have been existent for centuries( stressing on the maturity and experience) or in decades (human life expectancy with experience at hand). The ‘humming’ refers to the sounds of the humming bird which is metaphorical IN POETRY & in this particular situation for people who are ‘haters’ connoting that the flower has both outward beauty & sweet nectar (sweet interior representative in the world for flair, talent, great personality or just in general something good about them based on perception); there will be envy expected, fuss and gossip as well in society because of its reputation. The drama!!! The humming bird goes by most flowers as most have nectar. The wind deals with the cold-hearted and lonely people in the world that desire to feel the energy of the petals. The flower is often mocked by the branches because flowers are present everywhere around the planet. The leaves are always whispering and hoping that the flower will fall as well.

However, in the end it ought not fall apart. The sun is the star of the solar system delighting in the fashion of the flower and its poise in Spring.

(This was the first poem written in the year 2010).

Why Writers Return To Carcassonne By Jane Carling

Posted on March 17, 2015 by Margaret Graham

I am always on the look out to find ways of improving my writing and I also know that not only is a good tutor essential, but one needs time to think and concentrate. So hey, why not combine it with a holiday? I struck lucky when, two years ago, I discovered French House Party. It is a country retreat that provides an all-inclusive oasis of calm for both experienced writers and novices who seek inspiration away from daily distractions of life.

Located in the hamlet of Pexioria, the converted stone barn is about twenty minutes from Carcassonne in SW France. Each of the pretty eight bedrooms are en-suite, individually styled and in June the scent of lavender fills the air, whilst just across the track are fields of sunflowers. If only I could paint. On arrival at Toulouse, I was whisked away in an air conditioned limo to this haven and was greeted by my host, Moira Martingale with a glass of champagne as she introduced the group to one another. There were only six of us last year, although they can cater for up to twelve. The only important decision required was Red, Rosé or White as delicious meals, prepared by the innovative Regine, was placed before you.

Sarah Hymas runs the creative writing courses. She is an accomplished mentor, coach, editor, and a recognised poet who also writes short stories and performs plays. Effortlessly, she really made us think outside the box, encouraged our inner creativity, dispelled any inhibitions to overcome writing blocks and has a wicked sense of humour.

The course began at ten each morning until lunch, then we were free to write, walk, cycle
(the Canal du Midi is close) play tennis or table tennis, swim, or just sit in the sunshine with fellow scribes.

Included in the price, are two suppers in excellent restaurants, one of which is highly acclaimed and set within the Medieval City walls of Carcassonne. There is also a free day for relaxation, to write, to shop or visit local attractions and one evening was dedicated to discussing our work over a leisurely Dinner.

This year they have introduced a retreat week, “Pen and Think” for those wishing to focus on personal projects and Sarah will provide individual support and critique.

Since discovering French House Party, I have made some great new friends including a Tasmanian hermit who is now travelling the world, an enigmatic octogenarian who was writing her risqué memoirs and a fun character whose interpretation of French House Party was not quite what he expected. In between the laughter and fun, there is much discussion and sharing of writing and publishing tips.

Although this is not a cheap week, it is worth every penny for anyone of any age who is writing a novel, short stories or just starting out as a writer. Stepping out of one’s comfort zone is daunting, but last year the disparate bunch of people blended so well that my laugh lines had doubled on my return. So, armed with excess baggage of eye cream, in June I shall be returning for the “Pen & Think” week to indulge in the delights of words, warmth, and a little wine whilst hoping to get some work done.

As a romantic Indie novelist, I like to write fast paced romantic stories set in sunny locations and to date I have published two books, Pandora’s Box is set in Greece and my latest, Ruby’s New Coat, is a wartime romance, set between London and Crete.

Details are on my website: www.janecarling.co.uk and both can be purchased on Amazon.co.uk and Kobo.com.

For more information about French House Party visit www.frenchouseparty.co.uk

The Changing Seasons at Kew by Kelly Snow

Posted on March 16, 2015 by Margaret Graham

During late winter I take myself off to the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew.

‘What?’ I hear the protests. ‘Stomping through 300 acres of bare trees, empty flowerbeds and mud with temperatures dipping the wrong side of double digits?’

Ah, but think of the sprinkling of purple crocuses amongst trampled grass and, further on, the daffodils.

These flowers herald that a new season is on its way, one that means colour and warmth and the hope that things are changing for the better. A few days ago I went along to see the garden’s annual orchid display. The display promised ‘a floral feast to seduce the senses.’ In many ways, it delivered.

The orchids were nothing short of stunning with their vibrant colours and intricately engineered petals. Even their scent was alluring: nothing too heady, just a gentle waft to keep tourists (and pollinators) interested.

Kew made the display intriguing, even sexy, by using spotlight ultraviolet lighting to reveal the orchids’ patterns and markings, used to attract insects and hence propagate themselves.

I wondered, however, if it wasn’t enough just to walk through the display and be awed by the variety and sophistication of the flowers? Having said that, I was fascinated to learn in a video presentation that there is an orchid that traps insects inside its flower, curling its petals around its prey, like a cage, until the plant is pollinated.

I looked for this orchid, touching the tip of my finger to the centre of each purple plant as illustrated in the video, without success. So, perhaps better signage wouldn’t have gone amiss?

The official orchid display runs from February to March every year, but if you’re quick you might still spot them in bloom at the Princess of Wales Conservatory. And there is plenty more to see during the transitional months: the desert and savannah plants, arboretum, the world’s oldest potted plant – a rather wonky palm – and the tree top trail 18 metres up (empty branches, but a great view).

The Alpine house is certainly a highlight with its crags and waterfalls; the mountain plants exhibit more determination than parents queuing for coffee in the café. And speaking of cafés, I was thrilled to find gluten- and dairy-free soup and cakes on offer, making Kew not only a feast for the eyes but my stomach as well.

Upcoming events at Kew include the International Garden Photographer of the Year Exhibition (now until 5 April) and ‘Shaun the Sheep’ will be visiting for the children during the Easter Holidays.

For more information, visit www.kew.org

Mother’s Day Poem | Close Encounter by Angela Taplin

Posted on March 12, 2015 by Margaret Graham

Angela Taplin, scribbler of fiction, poetry and (sometime) Deep Meaningful Reflections on Life. She’s a member of Chesham Writers and Scribblers and prefers lad docle vita to Ryvita any day. She is a mother and a new, doting, grandmother.

Close Encounter by Angela Taplin

‘Hi,’ she whispers soft

Her face alight with smile.

‘How are you doing?’

‘Look at you – aren’t you just perfect?’

Her eyes drink in every detail of him

From top to toe.

She leans in for a kiss,

Just brushing her lips across his skin.

He lets her,

His eyes fixed on her.

Accepting.

Calm.

Greedy, she gathers him to herself,

Breathing in the heady scent of him.

She’s waited so long for this moment.

The anticipation has been – almost –

Overwhelming.

‘I can’t believe you’re here.’

Kiss

‘I can’t believe you’re mine.’

Kiss

‘I’ll never let you go.’

Kiss

‘I love you.’

Kiss. Kiss.

‘Welcome to the world, my precious one.’

Angela Taplin March 2015

Frost Magazine

Books and Lifestyle

Author Archives: Margaret Graham

Easter by Gem Blaney | Poetry Corner

At the Foot of the Cross by Angela Taplin

Independent Bookshop Opens Doors to Independent Authors

The Flower Poem by Krystal Volney

Why Writers Return To Carcassonne By Jane Carling

The Changing Seasons at Kew by Kelly Snow

Mother’s Day Poem | Close Encounter by Angela Taplin