I'm taking a short break from writing and publishing anything new.

The recent publication of 'New Worlds', Camping Gear', Crossed Wires' and 'Do It Yourself' will hopefully give you some enjoyable reading for the next couple of weeks.

During the next couple of weeks I am planning to publish the second editions of 'My Time With The Shoal' and 'The Sculptor & His Muse'. Both will have been re-edited and 'Sculptor' will be given a brand new cover.

I'll also be planning the revamp of the website and starting the work on 'Dust Jacket' in earnest.

Hope you are all well.

Love

Alp
x

My esteemed colleague Elizabeth Summers has just published a new story, 'beneath Angel's Wings'; available in the Kindle Store now
Amazon.com
I thoroughly recommend the story to you; it's beautifully crafted. Here is Elizabeth's own synopsis:

"... This is a coming of age book about a gay teen. It’s not a story about supernatural beings or a Christian text. Also, while love is part in the plot, the book is not classified as a romance.

Bullied and friendless, with little love or support from his parents, seventeen year-old Adam has reached his breaking point. Just as he’s about to take the irrevocable last step, he meets Angel, who helps him see another path.

Angel’s life has been a series of tragedies and barriers. He has no time to take on other people’s problems, but when he recognizes Adam’s desperation, he can’t turn away. On the spur of the moment, he becomes the younger boy’s protector and introduces him to a new group of friends who help Adam develop the strength and self-confidence to confront and overcome his fears.

The two boys from different backgrounds have little in common, yet their newfound friendship propels them both toward achieving their dreams. Angel embarks on a road to independence while Adam, for the first time, finds love. But just when things can’t get much better, Adam is faced with his worst nightmare and has to make a life-altering choice.

This book contains themes that may trigger negative responses in readers, such as attempted suicide, discussion of background character's death, physical and verbal bullying, discussions of sexual practices, including safe sex, and potentially offensive language. Some themes in this book may not be appropriate for readers under fifteen years of age ..."

‘Do It Yourself’ is the latest story published from the ‘A gay brief encounter’ series:

Amazon.com

Amazon.co.uk

This story follows, ‘Left Luggage’, ‘Juxtaposition’ and ‘Crossed Wires’.

“Do It Yourself’ was previously published as part of the collection, ‘Liberty Short Collection Vol.2’.

These brief encounter stories centre on a brief unexpected meeting that brings about a significant change in the life of one or both of the men involved.

In ‘Do It Yourself’, Toby meets Brian in the DIY superstore. The friendly offer to help plumb in the washing machine leads to a date. Initially, Toby is smitten by Brian who appears to be everything he is looking for in a man. Something doesn’t ring true however and Toby bails early from the date. His DIY disaster zone that he calls home is just about to save his life …

'Crossed Wires' is the latest story to be published from the 'A gay brief encounter series'.

‘Crossed Wires’ follows ‘Left Luggage’ and ‘Juxtaposition’ in the series. All stories published as part of the ‘A gay brief encounter’ series are made available for Kindle and sold exclusively on Amazon.

Here are the links:

Amazon.com

Amazon.co.uk

In this brief encounter, Jupiter returns from a spiritual retreat and is reconnecting with ‘civilisation’, friends and family. Through the process of making a mobile phone purchase, Jupiter meets Lenny, with whom he makes a strong connection. However, a mistake over mobile phone numbers leads Jupiter to unwittingly place himself in danger. When he is seriously assaulted and left in a coma, Lenny is suspected of the crime.

Only Monica, Lenny’s colleague, has the means to save him from being accused and imprisoned; thing is, she doesn’t know what she knows.

Please note, the assault is not described on page, just referred to.

This little story has a slightly surreal quality; that’s just the way it came out. In my mind’s eye, the scenes were like the beads of the mala, falling through my fingers one by one. That may account for the style and the feeling I was left with.

As always, feedback is appreciated.

Alp