Smorgasbord Free Book Promotions 2023- Share an Excerpt from one of your published books -#Poetry #Short Stories – Variety is the Spice of Life: A Blend of Poetry and Prose by Sally Cronin

In this series you are invited to share an excerpt of 500 words from any of your published books, I have extended the series up to Christmas

This feature is for any author who has been promoted on Smorgasbord previously.

Please read full details of how to participate at the end of the post.

The aim of the series

1. 1. To showcase your book and sell some more copies.
   2. Gain more reviews for the book.
   3. Promote a selection of your other books that are available

I thought I would take advantage of this series to boost my own poetry and short story collection Variety is the Spice of Life: A Blend of Poetry and Prose – the book is available in Ebook and print.

About the collection

Variety is the Spice of Life is a collection of poetry and short stories about relationships with others, including pets and animals inhabiting the world around us. The connection with others brings love and friendship, excitement and sometimes surprises, danger, mystery and sometimes the unexpected.

The poetry explores human nature, the fears, desires, expectations and achievements. Nature offers a wonderful opportunity to observe animals both domesticated and wild. Even in a back garden you can observe a wide variety of creatures and the daily challenges to survive a harsh environment.

The short stories introduces you to a healer whose gift comes with danger, a neighbour determined to protect a friend, a woman on the run, an old couple whose love has endured, an elderly retired teacher who faces a life changing accident, a secret that has been carried for over 70 years and a village who must unite as they face devastating news.

An excerpt from one of the short stories –  The Green Hill

The Green Hill as it was known by the locals, especially the dog walkers in this coastal city, was windswept and chilly on this November morning.

The sun hovered above dark angry clouds promising to ice the landscape with snowflakes within hours. The sea was whipped up into a frenzy, a mixture of slate grey and white foam, tinged with dark green near the shoreline as seaweed was herded onto the pebbles.

There were benches in a neat row along the top of the hill. They overlooked the old moat that had been part of the defences for this naval port, along with the forts in the middle of the Solent built to repel invaders. In the distance the Isle of Wight guarded this busy shipping lane, scarred and hardened by centuries of battles with earlier opportunists.

On one of the benches, an elderly couple sat bundled up against the weather, a shaggy and grey muzzled dog sat between them on the ground. He was on alert as he knew seagulls, riding the wind above them, might be a threat to his beloved owners, and nothing was going to happen on his watch.

‘Well love, we certainly chose a wild day for it.’

His wife turned to him and reached out a gloved hand to pat his arm.

‘Reminds me of the winter nights we would come up here after the pub Bert and have a cuddle on the grass.’ She laughed and squeezed his hand resting on his lap.

Bert opened the battered holdall at his feet and removed a thermos flask, two china mugs and a packet of biscuits, the sight of which diverted the dog from his vigil.

‘Time for a cuppa I think love, and Jack is ready for a treat I have no doubt.’

With a slightly unsteady hand Bert managed to pour two cups of tea, already laced with milk, sugar and a tot of whisky. He opened the pack of biscuits and held one out to Jack who was now resting his front paws on his knees in avid expectation.

‘There you go lad, and you can have another one in a bit when we’ve drunk our tea.’

Contentedly Bert and Ivy clasped the cups and enjoyed the hot drink, despite the wind becoming more blustery by the minute.

‘Did you think sixty years ago Bert, when we came up her to canoodle it would lead to five children, ten grandchildren and four great grandchildren?’

He laughed, nearly choking on the crumbs from a biscuit.

‘To be honest love I had other things on my mind.’

You can read the rest of the story…. in the collection…

©Sally Cronin Variety is the Spice of Life

One of the reviews for the collection

Patricia Furstenberg  Five Stars  July 13, 2023

Sally Cronin’s “Variety is the Spice of Life” is a delightful collection that showcases the author’s generosity of spirit and ability to connect with readers.

The poetry section is a standout, with nuanced descriptions of nature that offer a fresh perspective on familiar creatures. Each poem is a piece of art, skillfully crafted with clever lines that leave a lasting impact.

The short stories captivate with their surprises, twists, and a range of emotions from humor to poignancy. Cronin’s writing is honest, well-written, and heartfelt, as seen in stories like

“The Neighbourhood Watch” with its brilliant twist and “The Secret” that explores judgemental times and the power of love.

This collection is a perfect escape from the daily grind, offering a powerful and enjoyable reading experience. 

Head over to read the reviews and buy the collection : Amazon UK – And: Amazon US

My books available in Ebook

Read the reviews and buy the books: Amazon US –  Amazon UK – More reviews : Goodreads – Podcast – Sally Cronin on Soundcloud – Twitter: @sgc58

About Sally Cronin

Sally Cronin is the author of sixteen books including her memoir Size Matters: Especially when you weigh 330lb first published in 2001. This has been followed by another fifteen books both fiction and non-fiction including multi-genre collections of short stories and poetry.

As an author she understands how important it is to have support in marketing books and offers a number of FREE promotional opportunities on her blog and across her social media. The Smorgasbord Bookshelf

Her podcast shares book reviews, poetry and short stories Sally Cronin Soundcloud

After leading a nomadic existence exploring the world, she now lives with her husband on the coast of Southern Ireland enjoying the seasonal fluctuations in the temperature of the rain.

 

What will be in the post and how to get in touch

• • • • I will top and tail the post in the usual way with your other books and links, bio, photo and social media.
      • I will also select a review from Amazon or Goodreads that I feel has the best selling pitch for the book.
      • Please share a book that has reviews to select from.
        
      • This series is open to all authors who have previously been featured in the promotions on Smorgasbord.
      • I do have a younger readership for the book posts so please consider that when selecting your excerpt.
      • I suggest an excerpt of 500 words that you feel would encourage a reader to buy the book, or a poem that you feel best reflects the theme of your collection.
      • No need to send the cover as I will have that or will access from Amazon.
      • Please send your excerpt to sally.cronin@moyhill.com
      • I only ask that authors share the link to their social media and respond to each comment individually as a matter of courtesy.

 

Thank you for dropping in today and I hope you will be leaving with some books.. Sally.