New book

I have a new book out today, it's called Tube Life:


London, the city with an underground network teaming with life. Living and working in London, Angel has to use the underground, and risk encountering the weird, wonderful, and threatening characters that make the underground their home.

Dealing with a messy personal life, and a challenging working life, Angel discovers that London has an underclass that matches the low-life men in her world.

Engaging and interesting, Tube LIfe is a look at modern life, love and work.

You can find it on the Kindle:


UK https://www.amazon.co.uk/Tube-Life-ebook/dp/B005IDUB26
US http://www.amazon.com/Tube-Life-ebook/dp/B005IDUB26
DE https://www.amazon.de/Tube-Life-ebook/dp/B005IDUB26

Happy reading!


Now available at Amazon:
*Loser's Club
*Hangman
*Writer
*Tube Life

dragoncity publishing

Second chances at romance

I was in an abusive relationship.

Not in the traditional sense of him hitting me, more in the sense of someone who just didn't care.

I've always been a loner, never had a date in school, so my confidence dropped a lot. After I left, nothing. Not a hint of someone liking me. I gained a lot of weight, then lost it, still nothing. I felt nothing, had no crushes on people, just didn't care.

Then I met him. For the first time in my life, I was in love. And he seemed to love me back.
Only one slight problem, he was coming out of a long-term relationship. No problem, by Easter he'd have sold his house, and be free to be with me. So I fell in love, we met up on the side, and so on.

Then the excuses started. The meetings became less often. I clung on, despite my misgivings, because I felt I had no choice, that he was the only one I had ever loved, so he would be the only one I ever love. I would never find someone like him again.

And it went on. Excuse after excuse. Months of not hearing from him. And this went on for...well, longer than I care to admit. Far too long. Years. It gave me the chance to get out of debt and move into my own home...but I still loved him, and still waited for that email or phone call or text that would change my life.

After I had been in my new home for six months, I joined match.com (this isn't an ad by the way, although if they want to throw me some money I'm happy to add a link to the blog!). I instantly started to get perspective on my life and my 'relationship.' Although I didn't expect to find anyone, I thought it was the perfect way to get some confidence back. By this time it had been a year since I'd heard from him, so I moved on.

And then I found someone to love, and I haven't looked back.

I realize now just what being in that abusive relationship was costing me, and how much my confidence had dropped. I wished I had tried to move on sooner, when things hadn't worked out the first time. It would have been painful, but possibly less so in the long run.

So all of you out there stuck with 'the one' who isn't treating you right? Don't wait for him to come around. Life is too short to wait. Get out there, and find someone new.

Even if you don't think you'll find someone, look, and try. you have nothing to lose.


Now available at Amazon:
*Loser's Club
*Hangman
*Writer
*Tube Life

dragoncity publishing

Let us pay

And verily the Lord doth declare, let there be Jimmy Cho Shoes!
And the people doth declare, Ooo! Shiny!
But they mourned, as they could no afford such items of beauty.
And the Lord doth declared Let there be credit!
And the people did rejoice except the women who had to wear the shoes as they hurt like the punishment of Job, but they looked good.
And the people went out, and not only did they buy shoes, but anything else shiny they wanted.
And Thoth did everyone end up owing too much.
And God was mad, for he looked down and saw the people no longer worshiped him, they worshiped the baubles of shininess.
So he doth smite the economy with a bad patch, and brought the people to their knees.
The people doth repent, and beg for forgiveness, declaring that their days of shiny things was gone.
And then Steve Jobs declared 'Let there be iPad' and the people forgot the promise, and bought.
And God doth giveth up, because clearly shiny things were better than being able to afford to eat.

Now available at Amazon:
*Loser's Club
*Hangman
*Writer

dragoncity publishing

Path to work

Career are funny things. I had no plan of what I wanted to do with my life, so I did an art degree. As this wasn't the most viable career path in the world, I came out and went on the dole. But I hated that, so I ended up at B&Q working behind the till. I hated that too, and the job hated me, because after a year I was on a final warning. So I quit.

My dad suggested I work in the library. I hated the idea because I could see myself becoming a cliché, the spinster librarian living with her parents, fat (as I was fat then) and seriously unhappy. But I did it as I realised I couldn't stay on the dole. I ended up volunteering so I could train as a librarian, but I hated it, too much contact with the public by far!  I actually ended up getting a little job with a community database within the libraries that proved to be my inspiration.

I had a boss who asked if I read 'Dilbert'. So I started to read it, just as I started to create documentation for the database. Now I had never heard of a technical writer, had no idea writing documentation could be a real job, yet there was Tina the Tech Writer. As I enjoyed the documentation writing, I started to look into it. This was just at the start of the Internet becoming the tool it is today, so although there were job sites, it was nothing as good as it is now.

I still did my library MSc, and hated it. I scraped a pass, but went on to become a Technical Author, and all because of my boss at the time. But if I hadn't of tried the library job, I wouldn't have ever found a career.

So the moral of this tale? Try stuff until you find something that fits. It can work!

Now available at Amazon:
*Loser's Club
*Hangman
*Writer

dragoncity publishing

Best boyfriend ever

I just reached a landmark with my book sales, and to celebrate, my gorgeous boyfriend sent me a wonderful bunch of flowers!

Thanks, my wonderful boyfriend!

Now available at Amazon:
*Loser's Club
*Hangman
*Writer

dragoncity publishing

Being on the dole

I hate being unemployed, it seriously is the worst thing for me, because I have to go on the dole (unemployment). I would be tempted not to go on it except that as I'm entitled it seems daft not to.

I don't know what it is about the experience I hate so much, perhaps it's the begging aspect, that I am asking for something I haven't earned, that I'm worried they will tell me off, or refuse the claim, or that they will try to push me into a job at McDonalds?

Or the scum you get hanging around there. The hardened few who have learnt to screw the system as much as they can, who have no interest in getting a job, just want to get the money. They remind me of school bullies, hard, stupid, and ignorant. I always feel as though I'm going into a ghetto when I go into a Job Centre.

I was forced into doing this twice just recently when I was made redundant twice in quick succession, and never was I so glad to get another job.

At least it was better than when I was on the dole after getting out of university, I wanted to start a career as a technical author, but without experience was struggling.

They put pressure on me to go for secretarial etc. roles, despite me having zero experience. I was lucky, I got the career I wanted. I honestly don't know what could be done to make the whole thing easier, except to separate the professionals/genuine job seekers from the scum!

Now available at Amazon:
*Loser's Club
*Hangman
*Writer

dragoncity publishing

Driving

Driving in the UK is getting worse. What is it with these impatient drivers? I live near a very steep, narrow, car and children filled lane. I usually take it slowly because it twists, but a lot of people don't. Yet kids weave in and out of the cars like cats, oblivious to Mr. Small Dick coming up the road in his penis extension.

My boyfriend and I went out for a take-away coffee a few nights ago, and as he was holding a black Americano, and the road is not smooth, I was taking it easy.

Only Mr. Picasso behind me took objection to my speed, and laid down on the horn. What a... I ignored him, and carried on at my admittedly low speed. It perhaps took ten seconds more for me to get to the end of the road, where Picasso was going my way, unfortunately.

Now the turn into my road is dangerous, it's hidden by an overgrown hedge, and the road turns, so you have to stop, look, and make sure there are no speeding vehicles coming around the corner. Of course Mr. Picasso took great offense at my attempt to not get wiped out by a speeding car (it would be an illegally speeding car as well, it's not a major road) and laid on the horn again.

I laughed, and took my time to make the turn safely (no longer than I would usually take). But I had to do it. If I had turned into a car, I would be to blame. Unless the speeding car could be proven... but why should I hurry?

I'm sure he had a very good reason for needing to hurry. Perhaps his favourite TV show was about to start?

Now available at Amazon:
*Loser's Club
*Hangman
*Writer

dragoncity publishing

Gentlemans Pistols, Black Spiders and Karma to Burn at the Leeds Cockpit 06/08/11

Went to see a rare gig, one with three bands on that I actually wanted to see!

Gentlemans Pistols
The first was Gentlemans Pistols (http://www.myspace.com/gentlemanspistols), who didn't have the image I was expecting, I thought they would be slick and sophisticated  Instead they appeared in vests (ok, it was warm) and lots of beards. But that was more than ok, as they were amazing. James Atkinson's voice is stunning, and the music was lively and fun. The sound was crystal clear as well. Magic, and tons of passion and love for their music.

As the band are from Leeds, it's probably no wonder they got such huge cheers, but the music was just brilliant. I have listened to their albums and enjoyed them, but I have to say their live act takes them to another level.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9wTnUXuUXw


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJ1Vz1ycbgg


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YnVbMIGoEZU


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_aeqz7j-KE8

Black Spiders
The next band up was Black Spiders (http://www.theblackspiders.com/). Again, I expected teenagers, perhaps because their music is so exuberant and young sounding.

Pete 'Spider' Spiby has a great voice, and very interchangeable to suit the song. The set didn't start with great sound quality, which was corrected quickly, and they had to work really hard to get the crowd to respond (I did my bit, I love Black Spiders!), but eventually the crowd warmed up, and there was a good ending to the set. Excellent! Lots of energy and passion.

They are another local band, Doncaster, so probably went home for a nice cup of tea...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbASAE2zDpo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kX2a3fSATo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g5QQCdDpoVs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhdQz-Am-O4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opI_Ekn5cJg




http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPkgahyTXVU

Karma to Burn

Finally, Karma to Burn (http://www.k2burn.com/). They are a curious group who are almost all instrumental, and number their tracks rather than name them. They are a bit of a slow burner for me, each time I listen I get addicted to another track.

However, they do rock, and this time was no exception. What I love about this band is despite being around for a while, they still love to play, that's evident with every note done, which makes them a joy to watch. The crowd loved them too, although the place was fairly empty when K2B started their set, when people realized they were playing they flooded in from the bar!

An eventful gig, Rob Oswald lost a drumstick (it flew quite a way!) and Rich Mullins broke a string... you can see him repairing it on one of the clips below.

Oh, and I talked to William Mecum. Because it was a tiny venue, the band had to walk through us fans to get to and from the dressing area. We met in the middle of a crowded bar. Our eyes met. He said. 'Excuse me.'
I smiled, stepped aside, and said, 'No problem.'

Rock and roll, huh?

After the gig they shook hands and talked to people from the stage. What can I say? Small venue, no bouncers!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2b9R2COuKFY


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZeUwii4cU9g


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6vq4sHWkTs


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v36Kz6TJHiI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kVDsUac3Y2g

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spOU9-4Jr3Q

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3NPMPwXJtc

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=28fgEOgS8D4

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TU1stB6CWYI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8F0w_yM19A

Now available at Amazon:
*Loser's Club
*Hangman
*Writer

dragoncity publishing

Being attractive

I'm reasonably attractive, yet I've been alone most of my life. I've known people who aren't particularly attractive (though are always thin) who are people magnets.

I was very big in my twenties, and thought that if I lost weight that I would suddenly become a man magnet, and might actually find someone to love. It didn't happen, in the end I had to go online to meet someone who is also attractive, but not exactly bursting with friends.

Now I can understand that both my partner and I are not very sociable, although I suspect that's a situation caused by being unpopular, you lose confidence and start to cut yourself off. But we are both really nice people. And this is what gets me, most of the popular people I have know have been complete and utter bitches. I mean teeth-grindingly awful, the type who would destroy you just to get what they want from life.

The type who threaten to burn your hair off just because they are bored in class.  And yet they are 'popular'. Some of these people were attractive, some weren't.

So what makes someone attractive? Is it simply power? These people have the strength to get people to like them, the force of character, or is it just the Microsoft/Google Syndrome, either you're with them, or you're out in the cold. And that isn't somewhere you want to be, because once you're there, you become prey. Nice guys really do come last, it seems.

Now available at Amazon:
*Loser's Club
*Hangman
*Writer

dragoncity publishing

New ad!

There is now a new ad for Loser's Club. You have to excuse the rhymes, for want of a poet, a writer was used. They are all mine...

DragonCity Publishing are also working on a new ad campaign for Loser's...but it's all hush, hush. Can't wait!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1v09FIIVnC0


Now available at Amazon:
*Loser's Club
*Hangman
*Writer

dragoncity publishing