Rūta - available on smashwords

Very pleased to be able to offer Rūta on Smashwords, in many different eBook formats... and you can set the price!

https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/351595

Enjoy and leave a review!

Peilis Review - Tricia Lomax

"Peilis - A modern day version of 'Lord of the Flies', where kids rule.
The school trapped inside a cage becomes a fortress, a battleground, a playground for chasing boundaries which are never set.
The teachers appear detached and powerless bystanders, limp and insignificant, without purpose skirting the perimeter fence.
This is a story about growing up and moving on, leaving seeds of destruction and enlightenment planted everywhere, which can with time perennially sprout or lay dormant beneath the soil. A lesson in life and living, this shows how it is for all of us to be human."

Couldn't be more pleased with that, thanks Tricia!

Peilis

Finished writing Peilis today.
Working on the cover and blurb tomorrow.

Will be looking for advance readers now, so any interest let me know!

K

Getting towards the end of the third draft of "Peilis."
I am shaving a lot of the fat off.
Feels good.

I will soon be needing ARC reviewers, if you are interested in first galley then leave a comment, or get in touch in any way and let me know!

K

Rūta – Kit Masters

Free on kindle 03/31/2013 – 04/01/2013

You should read Rūta because it is like nothing you have read before.

Grab your copy here!

Jackson, I’m Sorry

I told myself at the time that our school just wasn’t right for you.

But neither was where you went.

I told myself at the time that I wasn’t the right person to deal with your problems.

But there was no one else for you.

I told myself at the time that you really didn’t want my help.

But you did, you just couldn’t say it right.

As your science teacher it was fine, but I couldn’t do that and be your tutor.

It was fine because in the class we had the boundaries, and you towed that line.

It was fine because I was strict with everyone, and not personal, you managed with that.

It was fine because science was practical, and you could do that type of thing.

It was fine because your enthusiasm helped you with the reading and writing too.

It was fine because we didn’t have a large class, and you could sit on your own, at the back.

But then they realised I was the only teacher at the school you had a positive relationship with.

And that you couldn’t manage with your tutor, you were getting out of hand.

So they moved you.

It didn’t work because the tutor’s relationship is a personal one.

It didn’t work because the activities were about discussion.

It didn’t work because you couldn’t empathise like other kids.

It didn’t work because you would show unwanted behaviours when you weren’t given attention.

It fell apart when you said no to me.

And I felt like I couldn’t have that in my classroom.

And I removed everyone from the classroom because you wouldn’t move.

And I couldn’t give an inch because everyone, including you, would take a mile.

And I could see that anger that other teachers had told me all about.

The anger that I know eats you, under your skin.

And then we moved you science class because, well, I could only do one of the roles.

And then the exclusions started.

And then the special treatment started.

And then the skiving started.

And then we lowered our expectations.

And I felt sick at the thought of dealing with you.

And then the anger started and you shouted at me, “I don’t want you near me.”

And then you avoided me every time you saw me.

And then I went to the head of year.

And I said “if we can’t handle him now, at eleven, how are we going to handle him at fifteen.”

And then we found you another place at another school.

And I was relieved.

I’m sorry because of my part in this.

I’m sorry because I really didn’t have the skills to help you.

I’m sorry because at the time you were too much.

I’m sorry because moving the problem on was the easy way out.

I’m sorry because I put my reputation for discipline before you.

I’m sorry because I didn’t find the time to help you.

I’m sorry because I was afraid to.

School

I write a lot about school on bad days.
Here it is on a good day.