Author: lazaruscarpenterauthor

Yesterday as folk know, I posted a narration of John Thompson’s work, ‘The Rocking Chair’. I mentioned it had stimulated me to record some of my own children’s stories. So here is a mini audio book of ‘PABLO REMEMBERS’. I wrote this a few years ago and it was an intuitive tale. In order to give credence to my comment, it happened like this. I was asked by a friends children to tell them a bed time story. Tullulah, one of the children was severely disabled and as she and her brother and sister sat in wait, out came the never told before tale spontaneously. Her sister suggested I write it down and as they had liked it so much, I did.

Since then, I have told it many times in a variety of settings and one such, can be found on the page dedicated to this story here on my site. There you will see a video where in the guise of one of my creations, Professor Knowitallicus, I perform the story at Kidwelly Castle during a medieval festival at storytelling time.

Enjoyo the audio book!

Please feel free to comment, your feedback is important to me.

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I now have two published works with another on the way.  Creating audio books of my work is an exciting project. Whilst I have made a good start with Crach Ffinnant The Prophecy, there is still much to do and I am enjoying every minute of narrating my stories. mind you remembering character voices can be a pain, but I am getting there. At the  Storytelling & Book Fayre Weekend, (National Botanical Gardens of Wales 21/22/6) I met some incredible authors with so much experience. One writer of children’s stories impressed me greatly.

A well-respected author of considerable standing in the literary community of Wales, John Thompson shared this short story with me. The Rocking Chair tells of a boy visiting his Granny, sharing his worries due to non attentiveness during a history lesson about Owain Glyndwr. Granny has an unusual solution to the problem. Will it be solved?

I was enchanted by this short story, so I narrated it and sent it off to John as a prezzie, for his help and friendship at the weekend. Well as these things do, one thing  led to another. So when time allows I am going to dig out some of my children’s stories and make an audio book of them. Lovely spin-off. So lots of recording in the diary. So unbeknownst to John, his words have created a mission for me. Have a listen to the ‘Rocking Chair’

I would be grateful if folk have comment on the narration, please feel free. All feedback is helpful, Thank you.

https://thompson-authors.com

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Life is grand. The site for the Book Fayre was changed today, after many of us cooking to a turn yesterday in the Glasshouse. A nice site near to all the storytelling events, enabled the authors to enjoy a steady footfall of visitors throughout the day. I have experienced two days of what may only be described as full of Crach’o’Magic. My expectations for the weekend were very simple, this was my first Book Fayre and I was here to learn. Advice and guidance came my way spontaneously and everything was worth hearing, from reasonable sales expectations to setting up and publicity. I am so grateful for the friendship and kindness I received from other experienced exhibitors. Today due to ‘space’ we collectively set our banners up as a ‘entrance avenue of authors’ to the Book Fayre.

Once attracted inside, authors pitched their work to passing folk. This was Crach Ffinnant’s magical space today. (Sorry about the blurred image)

My fellow authors back for day two.

John Thompson http://www.thompson-authors.com

Colin R. Parsons http://www.colinparsons.com

Simon Hicks, Sales and Marketing Manager. http://www.serenbooks.com

Graham Watkins http://www.grahamwatkins.info

http://www.thunderpoint.co.uk

My apologies to Angela Fish for no snap. http://www.angela-fish.com

In addition to the Book Fayre, I have to remember this weekend was also a storytelling event and attracted a nice crowd in a beautiful setting. Have a quick glance!

A little more per chance!

And finally!

A number of high points on this magical day, and one worthy of note was a ‘chance encounter’ with an old friend Owen Staton. http://www.owenstaton.com Owen is a storyteller and writer, and some years ago we collaborated twixt music and stories. I last saw him in 2012, so much to natter about however, without boring readers, we will be collaborating again, so watch this space. Such a lovely talented man with incredible stories from our ancient Welsh valley’s, a mesmerizing performer.

So, the all important question hovering in the ether, did I sell any books? Yes indeed, of course I lost my virginity yesterday with the sale of one copy of Crach Ffinnant – The Prophecy. Today, five copies of Crach and three,  Ballad Of Penygraig, plus a Crach’o’Magic mug. I signed all books with a quill and black ink, so the ambience is set. A first Book Fayre for me and a good experience all round. I would like to thank the following folk for making this weekend so special for me and Debbie Eve on this incredible magical journey. 

https://www.facebook.com/Debbie-Eve-Illustrator-1518165208289080/

Management & Staff – National Botanical Gardens of Wales / John & Sarada Thompson / Cheryl Beer / Mary Powles / Simon Hicks / Will Macmillan Jones / Thorne Moore / Judith Barrow / Wendy Steele / Graham Watkins / Angela Fish / Colin Parsons

So onwards and upwards with Carmarthen Book Fair 11 August.

NAMASTE – ‘ALL IS BLISS’

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So today is the first Book Fayre featuring, ‘Crach Ffinnant- The Prophecy’ and ‘Ballad of Penygraig’. It is also the first time in addition to representing ourselves, likewise, our publisher and agent, Tammy Koelling of Words Matter Publishing. All set up and raring to go, this morning started early with a Tai Chi workout, light breakfast and a 30 minute drive in the sunshine to the exotic and rather splendid, National Botanical Gardens of Wales. A stunning setting for a weekend of storytelling. Arriving in good time was a good idea as once there, finding my way around the huge estate to the unloading point, seemed to take for ever. Having unloaded our wares and set up, I had coffee and a sandwich, waiting with baited breath for the day to unfurl at my appointed table. There was a large fan above the table which was a little noisy, but I did not mind. However, my fellow authors did, and swiftly without argument, assuring me this was a good idea, they banded together and shifted me, display and all, in two swift moves. A very nice experience for me of friendship and comradeship from other authors.

The Book Fayre was sited in the big Glasshouse, which on reflection, was perhaps not a good idea, given the heat inside under glass. Again, it did not bother me too much as it was my first time out at a Book Fayre. Passing trade fluctuated as most of the events were in another part of the gardens and this together with the incredible heat, frustrated the more experienced authors. A quick tally of who felt what and off disappeared two of the authors, returning later with news that tomorrow, we will all be moved to the main event area. Sighs of relief all round. Mind you.. it was unbearably hot, so much so that a few of the authors were on the verge of heat stroke.

Meeting experienced authors, observing different approaches, chatting and exchanging ideas and being made to feel part of everything, made my day and taught me much. So Tomorrow …. we go again. Oh, and I sold my first copy of ‘Crach Ffinnant – The Prophecy’, so ‘book fayre virginity’, lost!

https://www.facebook.com/lazaruscarpenterrauthor/

https://www.facebook.com/Debbie-Eve-Illustrator-1518165208289080/

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_QK9xT3_2c&t=65s

Why did you write this book?

I wrote this book for me as part of my Journey with Crach Ffinnant and Owain Glyndwr. Having written songs about Glyndwr, written and performed ‘A Fiery Knights Tale’ (Children’s Play) where I narrated as Crach. It seemed the right time after I finished my last novel and was pondering my path, Crach would come back to life! Now it’s finished and time to share with the world.

What’s the Central Theme?

The year is 1375 and Wales is under the sword of the English. A sacred prophecy is beginning to unfurl and the sacred scrolls, must be carried by Crach Ffinnant and delivered to London. The prophecy reveals a rising Prince and Crach may or may not succeed.

What are the ‘words’ that matter most?

Integrity, honesty, morals, purpose, vision, spiritual understanding, justice, magic and prophecy.

Who is the character in the book you most identify with and why?

Crach Ffinnant, because I have become him to write the story.

How does this book add value to the life of the reader who chooses to spend their precious time reading it?

Although for the most part fantasy, my novel is loosely based around fact, so I am introducing others to a hitherto unknown hero from Welsh History. Bringing Crach into your heart opens feelings and thoughts we can all relate to. The adventures cover a ten-year period and are full of magical and spiritual happenings. I believe once a reader meets Crach they will adore his personality and all he believes in, so will you!

How should this book be read and why? Is this a book that requires my full undivided attention and undiluted focus or can I read it with screaming kids around?

I believe you could read this book anywhere and in any situation because when reading, you are in the plot. One can pick it up or put it down but you will always pick it up again. It is a tale of moderate length but makes ideal reading during holiday times. It is written in such a way as to be suitable for all ages , whether told as a story or read.

If readers were to really comprehend and embrace the message of your book, could it inspire them to greatness? If the point of the book is for entertainment,  could it give them a much-needed rest or teach them how to relax?

It will allow the reader to enter another world, a believable world even though there are Dragons! It is ‘relaxation’ by ‘story’. Crach Ffinnant will fill you with joy, move you with his spirit and make you think as well as smile.

Who is the main character and give a brief description of them or their role in the story? (if more than one, feel free to mention other character(s).

I have mentioned the main character but there are others, equally fascinating. Llwyd ap Crachan Llwyd is Crach’s tutor, Fwynedd the Shepherd, a guide on the first part of the journey, The Travelling Circus and performers, Master Healan the Apocothery, Arch villain Edmund, Owain Glyndwr and many more.

What is the main conflict?

An ancient Prophecy predicts the rise of Owain Glyndwr to become Prince of Wales. His lineage stemming from three families of Welsh royalty. Crach meets Glyndwr whilst he is studying law at Lincolns Inn in 1376. They become firm friends and begin many adventures together. Crach Ffinnant himself is in some conflict with the task and quest, as he is unsure of his part in the Prophecy.  His command of the English language sets him to personal conflicts, between  dumbness and using spoken word. Physical strength, a grand sense of humour and a willingness to learn through conflict by accepting that ‘change is ever constant’, a belief in living practical magic and being a dwarf are his greatest strengths.

What is the central question that the book seeks to answer?

Who is this Prince that will lead the Welsh people to eventual victory and freedom from the English? What is this prophecy? What is Crach Ffinnant’s role in the Prophecy?

How did you come up with the characters for this book?

Crach Ffinnant & Owain & Tudur Glyndwr really did exist. The rest is my invention.

What was the hardest part of writing this book?

There wasn’t one!

Do you plan to write more? (what are you currently working on or plan to write in the future?)

The second volume ‘Crach Ffinnant – Rise of the Dragon’ is finished and the third volume, Crach Ffinnant – Ravens & Dragons’ is in note form. I am currently working on the audio books for the first two novels.

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