Hi all:
As you know on Fridays I try to bring you new books. And today I have a very recent book that I thought deserved an introduction.
I’m sure that a lot of you in the blogosphere know The Story Reading Ape and his blog Author Promotions Enterprise. Chris Graham (a.k.a The Story Reading Ape, or perhaps, The Story Reading Ape, a.k.a Chris Graham, I’m never 100% sure) is deservedly known as he works ceaselessly to help and promote writers.
Let me tell you a bit what he does (in case you haven’t crossed paths with him yet… Where have you been hiding?).
He has a Hall of Fame where he shares features of authors whose work he finds interesting and also of supporters of his blog. Here is the link where you can check both features. If you’re an author but have never been featured in the Hall of Fame or didn’t know about it, you can check here how to go about submitting an article. (Yes, I am featured but I’m not going to pester you with it. If you want to find me, please do…)
If you’re interested in finding writing resources, Chris regularly writes his own, has guests and also generously shares and reblogs content he finds interesting. Go and explore his author resources!
If you’re looking for a great design service, he also provides covers, 3-D covers and videos at bargain prices (and I’d advise you to keep an eye open for special offers). Check here to see what he can do!
He also recommends other people’s services and has great content like the Monday Funnies, so I just advise to explore in general.
OK, I’m sure by now you’re wondering what any of this has to do with the new book. Chris has always said that as much as he enjoys reading and loves the ins and outs of the world of writing, he doesn’t think it’s his thing. But, he decided to do something wonderful. Enter
Agnes Mae Graham is Chris’s mother. She’s no longer with us but she wrote poems. In her day and age, it was difficult (well, almost impossible) to publish and there were no easy options available to everyone as we have now. Chris’s sister Lorna had kept her poems. Chris re-read the poems, talked to another great supporter of authors and great author herself, Jo Robinson, and here is the result:
We all have dreams, loves, and hopes; but what if you are a girl growing up in 20th century Northern Ireland before, during and after the ‘Troubles’?
From the poetic thoughts of our Mother, we get a sense of what it was like, ranging from humor, sadness, wistful thinking and sometimes just downright nonsensical, these are the words of one such girl.
Available from AMAZON:
If you want to read in Chris’s own words how the book came to be, you can check this great post, here.
My father was a great storyteller but he didn’t write. My mother is more of a listener, but I’m planning on prying a few stories out of her while she’s still with us. I love Chris and Lorna’s idea and I had to bring it to you.
Thanks to Chris, Lorna and Agnes Mae Graham for the book, thanks to Chris for all his help to writers, and thanks to you for reading, please, like, share, comment and don’t forget to CLICK and explore not only the book but also the Story Reading Ape’s site.
MANY Thanks for this great post Olga XXX
Thanks to you, Chris. I hope many more authors discover your site and tonnes of readers find your Mom’s book. 🙂
XXX
♥♥♥
Good morning Olga…looks like another good read….although I am way behind with my reading…haven’t even begun ‘Wear and Tear’ – although it is next in line on my list…..
Have been thinking about and so hope all is going well with your Mother. Sending hummingbird magic in your direction….Janet. x
Thanks, Janet. I’m back in Spain, although no emergencies this time (fingers crossed!). I don’t even dare to check my reading list any longer. It’s beyond scary. Thanks for the hummingbirds and take care!
Here, here. The Story Reading Ape is one of the blogging world’s best, Olga.
I couldn’t agree more, Hugh. It takes one to know one! Have a great weekend!
Thanks for this great post. As you say, Chris does wonderful work in selflessly promoting authors. I look forward to reading “My Vibrating Vertebrae”. Regards. Kevin
Thanks, Kevin. It was overdue. 🙂
What a fabulous tribute to our Awesome Ape friend, Olga! Thank you, as this gives us the opportunity to share everywhere – which I did, of course 🙂 Hugs …
Thanks so much, Tina! He does deserve a shout out every so often, and I hope his mother’s book gets plenty of readers.
I have had ‘likes’ from the SRA before. The book of his Mother’s life sounds interesting. I hope that you manage to pry some equally good stories from your Mum too!
Best wishes, Pete.
Thanks, Pete. He’s great at finding great blogs and sharing them with everybody. So far I’ve been inundated with work but we’ll get there. Have a great weekend!
Chris’ book is right up my street! Thanks for the shout-out, Olga.
Thanks, Sarah. It was long overdue!
If the title isn’t enough to get you, then I don’t know what would. 😀 I have this one, Olga. I blush to admit, but I’m usually not much of a poetry fan — however, I really enjoyed this one. I think a large part of that due to the work Chris and Lorna did in putting it together. They did a marvelous job. Mega hugs all around.
I’ll blush with you. I don’t read near enough poetry either. I’m pleased you enjoyed it. It’s a great homage. Take care and have a great weekend.
Chris sounds like a good person to know! Thanks for the excellent introduction! 🙂
Thanks, Lorna. He’s a champ for sure. I’m sure you’ll love him. You should be in his Hall of Fame!