Wednesday 12 December 2012

Divert To The Periphery, Short Story Collection
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
A Compelling Collection of Short Stories

Render Unto Caesar - 2nd Prize Winner, Writer's Village Award

Gerry a journalist sent on assignment to the deep south is forced to question his own beliefs and values. Pastor Josef Hoff puts on his tie, the same tie he has worn on fifty six other occasions. Twenty to thirty five seconds to strap a man down, they'd got it down to a fine art.

Nocturne Number Eight, Opus Twenty Seven

James Fletcher is re-building his shattered life after the trauma of the Western Front. He meets the enigmatic Celia Hammond and begins to think that life might take on some form of normality. But how did Celia's brother die? What really happened the night he first heard the strains of Chopin, Nocturne Number Eight, Opus Twenty Seven?

The Bodhisattva of Carraigmore


Three people are converging on the Irish village of Carraigmore. Eddie Doyle has reached a crossroads in his life and time is running out.Why is Henry J. O' Farrell a successful but ruthless American businessman coming back to Carraigmore ? And who is Tara?

Nothing Left to Chance - Short listed for The Multi Story Award 2012

The war has ended and the process of rebuilding begins. George Jenkins attends an interview at the renowned accountants and actuaries Mackenzie, Smyth and Dennis.
Unfortunately the interview comes to a catastrophic end. You see for some considerable time George has been leading a very secret life. And now it seems his skeletons are about to come bursting out of the closet.

Impeccable Credentials

Johnny Rockett has lived too close to the edge for far too long. They're out to get him but Johnny has a plan. Things fall nicely in to place with his new job at Ministery House. Once again Johnny has fallen on his feet but is his past about to catch up with him?

Thursday 22 November 2012

Impeccable Credentials





U.S. Download

http://www.amazon.com/Impeccable-Credentials-ebook/dp/B00A94DBVC


U.K. Download

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Impeccable-Credentials-ebook/dp/B00A94DBVC

Johnny Rockett has lived too close to the edge for far too long. They're out to get him but Johnny has a plan.

Things fall in to place nicely with his new job at Ministery House, taking care of the ailing Mr Akenaton, the last in line of an ancient family from the old Mediterranean world.

Once again Johnny has fallen on his feet and inadvertently found redemption but is it too late?
Is Johnny's dubious past about to catch up with him?





Editorial Reviews

From the Author

The cycle of life death and rebirth can be found everywhere and is the theme that runs through this short story. I think there is an endearing yet slightly unsettling aspect of country music which looks forward to, almost can't wait for 'that glorious day when we will meet way up yonder,' hence Johnny's love of Hank Williams.
 
Influences came from the Berkely University podcast on the Ancient Mediterranean World. Homicide A Year On The Killing Streets by David Simon described a city fighting to survive. And of course Hank Williams.
 
I compared an ancient civilisation with the decay and regeneration of a decaying, colonial city located on America's 'rust belt' to continue the theme.

.

Tuesday 9 October 2012

Flurries of Words: 99 CENT BOOK FIND: Nothing Left To Chance by Paul ...

Flurries of Words: 99 CENT BOOK FIND: Nothing Left To Chance by Paul ...: Available for JUST 99 CENTS is   Nothing Left To Chance    by Paul A. Barron    (Click here for UK purchase)   .  Why not download this  ...

Tuesday 2 October 2012

New Release - Nothing Left To Chance

Nothing Left To Chance
 
U.K. Download
 
 
 
Short Listed for The Multi Story Award 2012 - Short Story 2600 Words.

'A well structured story delivered with aplomb and subtle humour. The reader senses a twist in the tail is coming but it’s not at all what one is expecting.'

The war has ended and the process of rebuilding begins.

George Jenkins, a mild mannered man attends an interview at the renowned accountants and actuaries Mackenzie, Smyth and Dennis.

Unfortunately for George things don't go as well as planned and the interview comes to a catastrophic end.

You see for some time George has been leading a very secret life.

And now it seems his skeletons are about to come bursting out of the closet.

Thursday 13 September 2012




Starfish [Kindle Edition]
Jennie Orbell


Starfish

 
 
 
 
 
Book Description
 
 
When Livvy’s husband announces he is having an affair, the after effect is life-changing for all involved.

Persuaded by her brother, James, to spend Christmas with him at Brandon Hall, his friend Rory’s family home, she soon finds herself the centre of attention. Livvy would prefer to find a quiet place to hide away and think about what the future holds for her, but the other members of Rory’s family have very different ideas.

Whilst Rory’s mother, Molly, thinks of Livvy as the daughter she never had, Rory’s elder brother, Max, appears to consider it his duty to offer Livvy unsolicited advice on her sex life even though they’ve only just met. To Livvy’s horror, Max had the audacity to say that if she had just lain on her back like a dead starfish and thought of England then it was probably her husband’s fault and not Livvy’s.

Max’s, spiteful, but beautiful girlfriend, Reba, is determined that nothing and no one will stop her from one day becoming mistress of Brandon Hall. And, William, Livvy’s husband, hasn’t finished with her yet!

Livvy must learn to let go of the past before she has any chance of a happy future.

Thursday 19 July 2012

The Palaver Tree (Berriwood Series)

The Palaver Tree (Berriwood Series) [Kindle Edition]

Wendy Unsworth


http://www.amazon.com/Palaver-Tree-Berriwood-Series-ebook/dp/B00719ODS8


http://www.amazon.co.uk/Palaver-Tree-Berriwood-Series-ebook/dp/B00719ODS8




Africa, beautiful, serene ...... and dangerous.
Lives and fortunes change in the blink of an eye.
Now that she is alone, volunteering at a school in the Central African Republic of Ducana seems like everything schoolteacher Ellie Hathaway needs. Here is the opportunity to get away from the sleepy Cornish village where recent tragedy still haunts her and to help the children's charity her friend has worked so tirelessly to promote.
But dark forces and ambitions are in play long before Ellie's arrival in the dusty town of Limba. Even as she begins to believe she can at last find true happiness, she realises that something at the school is very wrong.
Is this really the place of loving and giving she had first thought it to be, and is headmaster, Gabriel Cole, really their guardian angel?
With so many questions left unanswered Ellie struggles to decide what she must do, but then political chaos descends and suddenly Ellie finds herself more alone than she had ever imagined she could be....

Reviews


1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully written April 8, 2012
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
This is a wonderful book. Ellie, the main character, seems at first to be a bit of a pushover, but like many unassuming women, she has great inner strength that her friends and family rely upon. Finding herself alone after a terrible tragedy, she decides to teach in Africa for a year, and finds that there is much more going on than she originally believed. Ellie's wonderful character is challenged in every way possible. A beautiful story.

By P. A. Barron
This was an excellent read for so many different reasons as the author has a great eye for detail and gets this across to the reader most effectively.


The contrast between a sleepy affluent Cornish village and the stifling heat of a poverty stricken African village was really well done.

All the characters were all well drawn but the strength of the story was the way in which the many different characters,sub plots and locations were weaved together.

The story cranked up the tension and conflict, had elements of mystery and finished off with an action packed ending.

I look forward to reading the next one.

Paul A.

Wednesday 6 June 2012



The Bodhisattva of Carraigmore

An enchanting short story of 5,400 words.

Three people are converging on the rural Irish village of Carraigmore, an ancient village steeped in the traditions of Celtic folklore and mysticism.

Eddie Doyle has reached that time of life, going nowhere in his job, mounting debts an indolent wife and for Eddie time is running out.

Henry J. O' Farrell a successful but ruthless American businessman is coming to Carraigmore to finally settle a long standing family injustice.

And then there is Tara.




Customer Reviews

3 Reviews
5 star:
(1)
4 star:
(2)
3 star: (0)
2 star: (0)
1 star: (0)
Average Customer Review
4.3 out of 5 stars (3 customer reviews)
Share your thoughts with other customers:
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars **** Great short story, I loved it ****, 30 Mar 2012
This review is from: The Bodhisattva of Carraigmore (Kindle Edition)
POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT

I have to be completely honest and admit I do not usually read a lot of short stories. So it is worth remembering when reading this review that I do not have a lot to compare to this story. What I can say is I enjoyed this story.
This book was a lovely read. I read it from start to finish in one go because it piqued my interest. The story was easy going and fun in parts.
I liked the fact that even though it was such a short story there was room for three different characters, you learned about their backgrounds and they all came together at the end of the book. The reason I think I liked it so much was because it made me think afterwards about how one person had so much responsibility and one foolish mistake could have ruined an entire community. I liked the characters and would like to learn more about their future so hopefully this book is just an introduction the lovely village of Carraigmore and the author will write a book where we learn about the future of the village and the characters. I am particularly interested in finding out what happens in Eddie's future.

I also liked Peggy O'Connor and would like to hear more about her as she added humour to the book and she was a character everyone would have met someone like her in their lifetime.

I enjoyed the stories that went back to the Grandfathers of the men and how they linked in to the present day story.
There was a nice twist at the end. A short story with lots packed in to it.I would recommend this book if you would like a nice light read.
I have been pondering whether to rate this 3 or 4 stars, I decided to go with 4 stars because it is a good read not just an ok read
So 4 stars from me and I hope I get to meet the people of Carraigmore again soon.

Becky Sherriff (The Kindle Book Review)
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Delightful short story, 19 Mar 2012
Amazon Verified Purchase(What is this?)
This review is from: The Bodhisattva of Carraigmore (Kindle Edition)
Set in Ireland, an American seeks revenge for a perceived injustice to an ancestor who left the village under a cloud.

Well written with a magical twist. I loved this short story and would like to read more about the people of Carraigmore.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable read, 18 Mar 2012
By
Amazon Verified Purchase(What is this?)
This review is from: The Bodhisattva of Carraigmore (Kindle Edition)
I do not usually read short stories but the cover and title caught my attention. Glad I did download this as a freebie, I really enjoyed it.
For me, it is a reminder and illustration of how our actions can effect others. In this story, Eddie's need of security for a loan could have changed the lives of a whole community on the other side of the world.
Henry's long held grudge could have had the same effect.
Tara's involvement - decide for yourself.

Tuesday 5 June 2012


Render Unto Caesar

The weary poet watches Him as.

The pendulum swings.

Inside He sings the sirens song.

Unknowing. It calls for Him.

The preacher robes and reads.

And waits as candles burn.

The poet hears an angry voice.  

Another couldn’t care.

Inside He dreams of Mercury. As

Oblivious He eats His Last Supper.

Outside His audience waits.

And cries 'Render unto Caesar'.

With silver buckles and leather binds.

He lies. Attendants at his side.

Through pierced skin three streams flow.

Thiopental. Bromide. Potassium Chloride

The Poet writes. The Preacher prays. The

Crowd cheer. The Woman weeps. As.

The pendulum stops. 

Monday 4 June 2012

Free Promotion Thurs 7th June  - Friday 8th June


The Bodhisattva of Carraigmore


An enchanting short story of 5,400 words.

Three people are converging on the rural Irish village of Carraigmore, an ancient village steeped in the traditions of Celtic folklore and mysticism.

Eddie Doyle has reached that time of life, going nowhere in his job, mounting debts an indolent wife and for Eddie time is running out.

Henry J. O' Farrell a successful but ruthless American businessman is coming to Carraigmore to finally settle a long standing family injustice.

And then there is Tara.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/reader/B007KB0CAA/ref=sib_dp_kd#reader-link

http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Bodhisattva-of-Carraigmore-ebook/dp/B007KB0CAA



Some Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars **** Great short story, I loved it ****, 30 Mar 2012
This review is from: The Bodhisattva of Carraigmore (Kindle Edition)
POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT

I have to be completely honest and admit I do not usually read a lot of short stories. So it is worth remembering when reading this review that I do not have a lot to compare to this story. What I can say is I enjoyed this story.
This book was a lovely read. I read it from start to finish in one go because it piqued my interest. The story was easy going and fun in parts.
I liked the fact that even though it was such a short story there was room for three different characters, you learned about their backgrounds and they all came together at the end of the book. The reason I think I liked it so much was because it made me think afterwards about how one person had so much responsibility and one foolish mistake could have ruined an entire community. I liked the characters and would like to learn more about their future so hopefully this book is just an introduction the lovely village of Carraigmore and the author will write a book where we learn about the future of the village and the characters. I am particularly interested in finding out what happens in Eddie's future.

I also liked Peggy O'Connor and would like to hear more about her as she added humour to the book and she was a character everyone would have met someone like her in their lifetime.

I enjoyed the stories that went back to the Grandfathers of the men and how they linked in to the present day story.
There was a nice twist at the end. A short story with lots packed in to it.I would recommend this book if you would like a nice light read.
I have been pondering whether to rate this 3 or 4 stars, I decided to go with 4 stars because it is a good read not just an ok read
So 4 stars from me and I hope I get to meet the people of Carraigmore again soon.

Becky Sherriff (The Kindle Book Review)
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No


2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Delightful short story, 19 Mar 2012
Amazon Verified Purchase(What is this?)
This review is from: The Bodhisattva of Carraigmore (Kindle Edition)
Set in Ireland, an American seeks revenge for a perceived injustice to an ancestor who left the village under a cloud.

Well written with a magical twist. I loved this short story and would like to read more about the people of Carraigmore.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes No


2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable read, 18 Mar 2012
By
Amazon Verified Purchase(What is this?)
This review is from: The Bodhisattva of Carraigmore (Kindle Edition)
I do not usually read short stories but the cover and title caught my attention. Glad I did download this as a freebie, I really enjoyed it.
For me, it is a reminder and illustration of how our actions can effect others. In this story, Eddie's need of security for a loan could have changed the lives of a whole community on the other side of the world.
Henry's long held grudge could have had the same effect.
Tara's involvement - decide for yourself.

Friday 20 April 2012

Kindle Short Stories


Render Unto Caesar - Award Winning Short Story


A poignant observation of all those involved in carrying out the ultimate penalty.
               
A short story 1500 words, 2nd Prize Winner in the Writers Village Award 2011.

Gerry a journalist sent on assignment to the deep south is world weary, he's seen it all before but is forced to question his own beliefs and values.

Pastor Josef Hoff puts on his tie, the same tie he has worn on fifty six other occasions.

Twenty to thirty five seconds to strap a man down, they'd got it down to a fine art.







The Bodhisattva of Carraigmore - Modernising the Myth



Three people are converging on the rural Irish village of Carraigmore, an ancient village steeped in the traditions of Celtic folklore and mysticism.

Eddie Doyle has reached that time of life, going nowhere in his job, mounting debts an indolent wife and for Eddie time is running out.

Henry J. O' Farrell a successful but ruthless American businessman is coming to Carraigmore to finally settle a long standing family injustice.

And then there is Tara.






Nocturne Number Eight Opus, Twenty Seven - A Haunting, Psychological Tale



Captain James Fletcher is gradually re-building his shattered life.

The trauma of his experience on the Western Front is still very raw and his mental afflictions far worse than any physical injuries.

He meets the enigmatic Celia Hammond under tragic circumstances, and begins to think that life might take on some form of normality.

But how did Celia's brother die? What really happened the night he first heard the strains of Chopin, Nocturne Number Eight, Opus Twenty Seven?









Saturday 14 April 2012

Free This Week End

Nocturne Number Eight, Opus Twenty Seven.

 

Free This Week End
Click on Link


Back from the Western Front James is slowly trying to re-build his shattered life.

The trauma of his experience is still very raw and his mental afflictions far worse than any physical injuries.

He meets Celia Hammond under tragic circumstances, and begins to think that life might take on some form of normality.

But how did Celia's brother die? What really happened the night he first heard the strains of Chopin, Nocturne Number Eight, Opus Twenty Seven?
Nocturne Number Eight, Opus Twenty Seven

Saturday 31 March 2012

Thanks for some Great Reviews

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The Bodhisattva of Carraigmore


4.0 out of 5 stars A nice lunchtime read, I liked it., 30 Mar 2012

This review is from: The Bodhisattva of Carraigmore (Kindle Edition)

POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT

I have to be completely honest and admit I do not usually read a lot of short stories. So it is worth remembering when reading this review that I do not have a lot to compare to this story. What I can say is I enjoyed this story.
This book was a lovely read. I read it from start to finish in one go because it piqued my interest. The story was easy going and fun in parts.
I liked the fact that even though it was such a short story there was room for three different characters, you learned about their backgrounds and they all came together at the end of the book. The reason I think I liked it so much was because it made me think afterwards about how one person had so much responsibility and one foolish mistake could have ruined an entire community. I liked the characters and would like to learn more about their future so hopefully this book is just an introduction the lovely village of Carraigmore and the author will write a book where we learn about the future of the village and the characters. I am particularly interested in finding out what happens in Eddie's future. I also liked Peggy O'Connor and would like to hear more about her as she added humour to the book and she was a character everyone would have met someone like her in their lifetime.

I enjoyed the stories that went back to the Grandfathers of the men and how they linked in to the present day story.

There was a nice twist at the end. A short story with lots packed in to it.

I would recommend this book if you would like a nice light read.

I have been pondering whether to rate this 3 or 4 stars, I decided to go with 4 stars because it is a good read not just an ok read.
So 4 stars from me and I hope I get the meet the people of Carraigmore again soon.

Becky Sherriff (The Kindle Book Review)


Other Amazon Reviews

Set in Ireland, an American seeks revenge for a perceived injustice to an ancestor who left the village under a cloud.

Well written with a magical twist. I loved this short story and would like to read more about the people of Carraigmore.

Genren.


I do not usually read short stories but the cover and title caught my attention. Glad I did download this as a freebie, I really enjoyed it.
For me, it is a reminder and illustration of how our actions can effect others. In this story, Eddie's need of security for a loan could have changed the lives of a whole community on the other side of the world.
Henry's long held grudge could have had the same effect.

Tara's involvement - decide for yourself
.

Bluejay44.

Friday 23 March 2012

Nocturne Number Eight, Opus Twenty Seven.

After returning from the Western Front James is slowly trying to re-build his shattered life.

The trauma of his experience is still very raw and his mental afflictions far worse than any physical injuries.

He meets Celia Hammond under tragic circumstances, and begins to think that life might take on some form of normality.

But how did Celia's brother die? What really happened the night he first heard the strains of Chopin, Nocturne Number Eight, Opus Twenty Seven?
Nocturne Number Eight, Opus Twenty Seven

Thursday 22 March 2012

Render Unto Caesar


2nd Prize Winner in the Writers Village Award 2011

A short story 1500 words, a poignant observation of all those involved in carrying out the ultimate penalty.

Gerry a journalist sent on assignment to the deep south is world weary he's seen it all before but is forced to question his own beliefs and values.

Pastor Josef Hoff puts on his tie,the same tie he has worn on fifty six other occasions.

Twenty to thirty five seconds to strap a man down,they'd got it down to a fine art.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Render-Unto-Caesar-ebook/dp/B006TZ0H30
Render Unto Caesar
Amazon Review
A remarkable story, well worth reading, both powerful and poignant. It is cleverly patterned with some very deft craft work and a surprise denouement. Barron can write!

From the Author

Books and films about death row are usually centred around the character who faces execution. I wanted to look at the peripheral characters, the chaplain, the people who physically carry out the task and the people that report it.

On another level I wanted to reflect society's polarised opinion, to illustrate the grotesque carnival atmosphere somewhat akin to the public executions of the middle ages and contrast this with the beliefs of those opposed to capital punishment.

And finally the character who faces the ultimate punishment, I wanted to juxtapose his mortality with the indifference and banality of society, the culture of bubblegum pop.






Help other customers find the most helpful




Wednesday 21 March 2012

The Bodhisattva of Carraigmore

Three people are converging on the rural Irish village of Carraigmore, an ancient village steeped in the traditions of Celtic folklore and mysticism.

Eddie Doyle has reached that time of life, going nowhere in his job, mounting debts an indolent wife and for him time is running out.

Henry J. O’ Farrell a successful but ruthless American businessman is coming to Carraigmore to finally settle a long standing family injustice.

And then there is Tara.


The Bodhisattva of Carraigmore



Amazon Reviews

Set in Ireland, an American seeks revenge for a perceived injustice to an ancestor who left the village under a cloud.

Well written with a magical twist. I loved this short story and would like to read more about the people of Carraigmore.


I do not usually read short stories but the cover and title caught my attention. Glad I did download this as a freebie, I really enjoyed it.
For me, it is a reminder and illustration of how our actions can effect others. In this story, Eddie's need of security for a loan could have changed the lives of a whole community on the other side of the world.
Henry's long held grudge could have had the same effect.

Tara's involvement - decide for yourself
.




Sunday 18 March 2012

Carraigmore St Patricks Day Float of the Parade

Well done to Micky Delaney and the Carraigmore Transgender Society who won float of the parade.

'How's it hanging there Micky ... or should that be Mary.'     LOLolly

And just a reminder the C.T.S. are holding their annual spring fete in two weeks time, all are welcome, we're looking forward to a great fun day out for all the family.

Ugly Scenes at Carraigmore St Patricks Day Parade


Unfortunately our worst fears were realised at the Carraigmore St Patrick's day Parade. Members of the Occupy Carraigmore protest group rioted in the financial district and the crack Carraigmore Special Patrol Squad had to be called in.

Chief Inspector Fitzy Mcgonagle said 'As much as we tried we were completely unprepared for this.
We've been to Iraq and Afghanistan and studied policing methods but you just can't legislate for this type of anarchy.'

It appears the biggest problem was a splinter group of the Occupy protests The Greencastle Red Hand Brigade.
Fitzy said. 'We drew on our experience of the riots in England and managed to kettle them in for a few hours until we could bring in the water cannon and tear gas. '
Danescastle subversive elements kettled in by the crack Bannow Special Patrol Squad
Unfortunately and worringly The Greencastle Red Hand Brigade are a new and completely subversive element.
'They're a feckin law unto themselves,' said Fitzy 'Sometimes they're on the streets until well past seven o' clock.'

Saturday 17 March 2012

Oh! wow! My head is still spinning from last night's music. As usual the Grass Hops put on a fantastic set and were joined on stage by Evanead Muid.
We were privileged to hear their latest creation and first public performance a medley of songs.

The Old Folks in the Home

Hot on the heels of that came that perennial favourite.

It doesn't matter how badly we play they can't hear us anyway.

So today we're off to Carraig on Bannow for the parade let's hope the Occupy protestors in the financial district  respect the day.

And finally I'd  like to give a great big Bualadh bos to Galstanberry Girl for doing some excellent promotion work for my short story..

Here's a link to her web site and excellent book for all you young adults out there..


The Bodhisattva of Carraigmore


Friday 16 March 2012

May your glass be ever full.
May the roof over your head be always strong.
And may you be in heaven half an hour before the devil knows you're dead.