"HOW TO PROMOTE YOUR BOOK ON A BUDGET" - PART ONE

BOOK PROMOTION ON A BUDGET: PART 1

Things I wish I’d known before I started out on the published authors trail.

As all writers know there are many places on the web the offer you various services to help you become the “next best selling author”, and while many are there to help you, some other are just there to make as much money as possible from any unsuspecting author.

Plenty of places are out there, plenty of emails, and contacts come your way however before you jump on the sometime costly bandwagon, just see what is there for perhaps less money or with a better service.

See what the best “BANG FOR YOU BUCK” might be.

BEFORE YOU START:

Before you go anywhere remember these words….

Marketing and Pr doesn’t sell books - it gets you exposure!

As one of my fellow bloggers and radio hosts put it today…

Publicity=exposure
Exposure=name recognition
Name recognition MAY equal book sales

Don’t think that just because you have your book being published you will be the next J.K Rowling. There are not that many authors out there who actually make a living from their books. So in other words:

“Dream of the day… but don’t lose touch with reality”

SO YOUR BOOK IS BEING PUBLISHED:

Before the ink is out of the bottle, let alone dry on the pages of your book you should have some items to aid your book promotion already set up.

You should look to set up the following:

Facebook Page
My Space Page
Blog
Book Email
Twitter Account
Web Site

There are plenty of places out there which will offer services for such things sometimes charging over $1000. So let’s break these items down and see what there is on offer.

SOCIAL NETWORKING:

Facebook, My Space and Twitter etc are what come under “Social Networking”.

I recently read and that a major publisher is now proud to offer a “Social Media Setup Service” that will help an author into “the world of social media”

You Got:
A blog on the popular and easy to use WordPress platform
A Facebook profile for your identity as an author
A Facebook page for your book
A MySpace page for your book

This was available at a “Special Introductory Price of $999”

I also received information from a “Marketing and Promotion” company, which offers many such items, their charge for setting you up with these services was $149



Setting up these Social Networking options and locations costs “$0.00… Nothing… Zero”. Any person who has access to a computer can go on the internet, create exactly what these companies offer for nothing, and achieve the same results in under an hour.

One of the other things I noticed with some interest is that the blog offered was on WordPress, which though very good quite often might require you to have some knowledge of HTML coding to change certain formats and styles. For a person who perhaps does not have such skills I would recommend a person uses “BLOGGER” (www.blogger.com) is a far easier platform, similar to writing something in “Word”
It is equally as good for getting your information out on the web, and like WordPress “IT’S FREE”

Twitter while the flavor of the moment, only gives you 140 characters to pass on your news, links or whatever.

There are many other “free” ways of passing on news VOX, XANGA, LIVE JOURNAL, MSN, AOL to name a few. You can even use the likes of http://ping.fm (again FREE) where from one location you can post your news to many locations.

Many writers/readers groups such a SCBWI have their own blog sections.

One other thing that is very important is to be author must be aware of how much time you can dedicate to social media. If you sign up for 50 sites, but never update them, then they’re useless.

While ping.fm helps you update multiple sites at a time, it is still limited in what it can work with, so authors really need to decide how much time they have and only sign up for the sites you can commit to.

Don’t forget, the more you’re out there… the more exposure, name recognition and “possibly” sales.

PART TWO "WEB PAGE" TOMORROW



Author of Young Adult Romance/Fiction book
Across the Pond
http://acrossthepond-storyheart.blogspot.com/
http://across-t-pond.com

Storyhearts Sunday UK Blog - Big Ben... or is it?

Big Ben: London's Clock Tower

The 320 foot high Clock Tower of the Houses of Parliament is one of London's most popular monuments for any tourist or visitor. The nickname "BIG BEN" is often used to refer to the clock and the clock tower clock itself.

The name though actually relates to the main bell, officially known as the Great Bell, is the largest bell in the tower is better known by the nickname "Big Ben". The bell weighs over 13 tons, and was cast in 1858 at the Whitechapel Bell Foundry in East London. To this day one of the largest bells they have ever cast. Big Ben was the largest bell in the British Isles until "Great Paul", a 17 tonne bell currently hung in St. Paul's Cathedral, was cast in 1881.

The original clock tower was built at Westminster in 1288. The present tower was raised as a part of Charles Barry's design for a new palace, after the old Palace of Westminster was destroyed by fire on the night of 22 October 1834. Just two months later, Big Ben cracked. A lighter hammer was fitted and the bell rotated to present an undamaged section to the hammer.

The clock tower looks spectacular at night when the four clock faces are illuminated.
• Each dial is 23 feet square (2.13 square metres)
• Big Ben's minute hands are 14 feet long (4.26 metres)
• The figures on the face of Big Ben are two feet high (0.6 metres)

A special light above the clock faces is also illuminated, letting the public know when parliament is in session.

During the Second World War, the Palace of Westminster was hit by German bombing, on 10 May 1941, a bombing raid damaged two of the clockfaces and sections of the tower's stepped roof and destroyed the House of Commons chamber. Despite the heavy bombing the clock ran accurately and chimed throughout the Blitz.

The idiom of putting a penny on, with the meaning of slowing down, sprang from the method of fine-tuning the clock's pendulum.[11] On top of the pendulum is a small stack of old penny coins; these are to adjust the time of the clock. Adding or subtracting coins has the effect of minutely altering the position of the pendulum's center of mass, the effective length of the pendulum rod and hence the rate at which the pendulum swings. Adding or removing a penny will change the clock's speed by 0.4 second per day.

The chimes of Big Ben are known throughout the world, were first broadcast by the BBC on 31 December 1923, a tradition that continues to this day.





Author of Young Adult Romance/Fiction book
Across the Pond
http://acrossthepond-storyheart.blogspot.com/
http://across-t-pond.com


OTHER SUNDAY UK BLOGSABOUT

THE GRAND NATIONAL
WHY UK DRIVES ON THE LEFT
MOTHERS DAY ACROSS THE POND
ABOUT THE UNION JACK
ENGLISHMANS VIEW ON BASEBALL
WHAT IS BOXING DAY
BRITISH TV TRANSPLANTS
WHO WAS SAINT GEORGE?
BOBS YOUR UNCLE
SWEET FANNY ADAMS
EUROPE'S GOT TALENT - WELL PERHAPS
GOBSMACKED, BOBBIES AND AN ARM AND A LEG

Book Promotion on a Budget and "no shows"

Today on my book radio show "A BOOK AND A CHAT" my guest did not show. While I'm sure there must be a good reason, I was not as prepared as perhaps I should have been as I did receive confirmation from my guests agent.

So what do you do?

After a brief outline of the guest and her book, hoping that she would dial in eventually, I went through the guests and events over the last two weeks, as well as some sporting items that have been going on today and mentioning my UK Sunday blog which tomorrow will be about "BIG BEN". To tourists this is the clock tower which is part of the "House of Parliament" as well as being one of the best known landmarks of London. However.. you are wrong... that is not Big Ben. Read tomorrows Sunday blog to find out all the details.

Okay so that was ten minutes of the show, so what did I talk about for the other twenty?

The answer is what I intend to blog all next week.

"BOOK PROMOTION ON A BUDGET"

Each day next week I will be talking about various ways you can save while helping your book promotion. I wrote this document earlier in the week working on all the various items I have found since my book has come out. It was suggested I make it into an E Book, perhaps to make some money, but to me that went against the whole idea of why I was writing the document.

So starting Next Monday each day through the week I will be trying to offer help for any author, writer or reader as to ways of promoting your book without spending a fortune.

needless to say I got quite into it on the radio show and you can here some of what will be shared on today's "BOOK AND A CHAT with Storyheart"

PLEASE... if you are a writer, reader, author, story teller etc PASS THE WORD about next weeks blog, it is all to help people by items I have learned and I will tell it as it is. No flowery words, in a language that people can understand.

So FOLLOW NEXT WEEKS BLOG - BOOK PROMOTION ON A BUDGET

SUNDAYS UK BLOG - BIG BEN





Author of Young Adult Romance/Fiction book
"Across the Pond"

Book Site:http://across-t-pond.com
Follow my daily blog at: http://acrossthepond-storyheart.blogspot.com
Follow my Blog Talk Radio Show at :http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Across-the-Pond
Amazon Reviews: http://tinyurl.com/o7sokpGuardian

How a "Stunt Book" saved the day

Today I am going to spotlight book video's well one book video. A good book video can really help a books promotion and recently I came across a wonderful idea for a book video for a book called "The Family Plots" (Link at the end of this blog)

This made me think about what I had produced so far for my own book "Across the Pond". Like many a book video it is a PowerPoint sideshow, with music etc. Seeing the video for The Family Plot it got me thinking.

So with a little help from my two little terrors, and my normal English sense of humor, this last weekend a new book video was produced.

Don't worry about the sound, it is an old fashioned silent movie, which as you can see the kids really loved making, as it gave them a chance do all kinds of things to their Dad. Also when watching it note my legs are really not that white, it was just the sunlight affect with the camera... honest.

After I made the video and shared it with a few people I received several shocked comments about possibly damaging the book during the water scene. This however I had thought of, and the filming was stopped just prior to that scene and a "Stunt Book" replaced the original book.

So as you watch this book video please note...

No actual book was harmed during it's making. And a "stunt book" was used during the water scenes.

Any way here's today's spotlight book video

"IT MUST BE A GOOD BOOK"




If you want to check out The Family Plots video you can check out all about it at


http://bookmarketingbuzz.com/2009/05/05/cant-find-a-traditional-publisher-interested-have-a-funeral/



Author of Young Adult Romance/Fiction book
"Across the Pond"

Book Site:http://across-t-pond.com
Follow my daily blog at: http://acrossthepond-storyheart.blogspot.com
Follow my Blog Talk Radio Show at :http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Across-the-Pond
Amazon Reviews: http://tinyurl.com/o7sokpGuardian

KARAOKE SINGING AND SONG PARODIES

As John Cleese would say...

"And now for something completely different"

I am not sure if I have shared this with you before, but I really enjoy singing karaoke and even run a show of my own on a Saturday night. Being a host one has to be able to sing whatever people want to hear from heavy and rock, to country and ballads, and be available for help with most duets...Even MEAT LOAF (all 8 minutes).

Some of the stuff I really love singing are silly songs, parades.

I have written about five parodies, two of which I do regularly at various shows, normally straight after somebody has song the correct version.

My version of Kerri Underwoods "HE CHEATS" called "NEXT TIME SHE EATS" and Garth Brooks "FRIENDS IN LOW PLACES" called "I'VE GOT A RASH IN LOW PLACES" seem to go down well.

(Check the songs at http://4tenderheart.com/karasong.html)

Any way... on the way into work today, I got a flash of inspiration which churned into an idea and tonight became reality.

My blog tonight shares my brand new parodies of "HERO" by Enrique Igliasais... "PLEASE GIVE ME A HERO"

PLEASE GIVE ME A HERO

YOU CAN COOK, WHAT YOU WANT TO COOK
YOU CAN FRY, WHAT YOU WANT TO FRY
I DON’T CARE, WHAT YOU COOK TONIGHT
A SUB WILL DO JUST FINE

I DON’T WANT, NO GREASY BURGER N’ BUN
I DON’T WANT, NO CHICKEN TO.
ALL I WANT, IS THE THING I LOVE
A LARGE HERO HERE TONIGHT

I JUST WANT A HERO BABY
FILLED WITH HAM ‘N TURKEY TO
LETTUCE, TOMATO MAKES IT BETTER
BUT PLEASE JUST HOLD THE MAYONNAISE

NICE WHITE BREAD, NOT TO OLD AND STALE
WITH MEAT AND A SLICE OF CHEESE
AM I ASKING TO MUCH, IF YOU DON’T MIND
I WANT HERO HERE TONIGHT

I JUST WANT A HERO BABY
FILLED WITH HAM ‘N TURKEY TO
LETTUCE TOMATO MAKES IT BETTER
PLEASE JUST HOLD THE MAYONNAISE

OH I’M FEELING SO HUNGRY
I’M FEELING SO VERY HUNGRY
OH YES
AM I ASKING TO MUCH, IF YOU DON’T MIND
I WANT HERO HERE TONIGHT

I JUST WANT A HERO BABY
FILLED WITH HAM ‘N TURKEY TO
LETTUCE TOMATO MAKES IT BETTER
BUT PLEASE JUST HOLD THE MAYONNAISE

I JUST WANT A HERO BABY
HEAPED WITH HAM ‘N TURKEY TO
LETTUCE TOMATO MAKES IT BETTER
PLEASE JUST HOLD THE MAYONNAISE
I DON’T WANT NO MAYONNAISE

I JUST WANT A HERO


Well I hope you enjoyed the parodies, I'll be singing it at my show this Saturday

Barry Eva (Storyheart)
Author of "Across the Pond"
Book Site:http://across-t-pond.com

Daily blog at: http://acrossthepond-storyheart.blogspot.com
Blog Talk Radio Show at :http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Across-the-Pond
Amazon Reviews: http://tinyurl.com/o7sokp

Views, Reviews and Weird News

With having to change my radio show from Wednesday to a Tuesday, my Views, Reviews and Weird News blog has moved to a Wednesday. A blog about radio show guests, some of the interviews, book reviews and some weird news from Across the Pond.

VIEWS:

Last Wednesday I had one of the most enjoyable "Book and a Chat" radio shows with X Soap star and Emmy award winner, now author Louise Shaffer. I always enjoy doing these shows but Louise and I had so much fun, even after the show ended we were still chatting on the phone.

Thursday I appeared as a guest on WXCI radio at Central CT University, as always it was fun, and the 30 minutes show which is aired over much of Southern Connecticut went great.

Saturday at the last minute my friend, writer and fellow radio show host Kim Smith stepped in at the last minute and as normal, the Kim and Barry show was a period of news views and laughter.

Monday my special blog guest was Liv from LIV READ BOOKS, again a great interview.

As mentioned I've had to move my Wednesday blog radio show to a Tuesday (softball games are now on a Wednesday) and yesterday I my guest was young writer Esteven Vega, a young man whose first book was published when he was only 15, and whom I'm sure has a fantastic future. Another enjoyable chat.


I have also just signed an option that will now allow my POD books to be sold with "bye back" which means they can now be available in "normal book stores" not just online.

REVIEWS:

Last week as I typed the blog the number of interviews rose to the big 70, hence the picture, in the last seven days this number has climbed to 75.

Here are the last five reviews...

A teen romance that finds more than one reward..., May 26, 2009

"Across the Pond" starts out by a Mom and Dad in England who aren't able to take their son "Fred" with them on their vacation and decide to send him to the USA to stay with old friends. As a trade off he is given a project to work on "word differences" to earn a game and finds while he is there that his prize may be more than a game...he sees and finds may first things including "Brit" his first love. This was an easy read and a story that keeps you interested, until the end.

A delightful read full of emotions and humour., May 23, 2009

"Across the Pond" begins with a British teenage boy going to America. Although his stay was short, it was filled with comedy, emotion, romance, suspense, and action. I couldn't put the book down as I kept wanting to know what is going to happen the characters. If yo0u have teenagers, give them this book. If you a an adult, it is time for you to remember the passion you used to have. "Across the Pond" is a rare treasure you shouldn't pass on.

Well written story that can be appreciated by all ages, May 21, 2009

Brief overview of the story: Fred from England travels to visit family friends in America, where he encounters their daughter Brit, and they start a budding romance.
I greatly enjoyed reading this book. It was an easy read, with the target audience clearly for middle/high school, yet, it still remained entertaining and had enough substance for older readers as well. I was a little skeptical at first, assuming the story would follow a cliché romance, but was pleasantly surprised at how tastefully the story was handled. Especially since it broke away from the stereotypical boy meets girl, and incorporated both different cultures and sports into the core of its plot. I would definitely recommend this book to friends and family!

What A Great Read!!!, May 21, 2009

What a wonderful book! I surprisingly read the book in one sitting as I was immediately taken by this book. It transported me back to my teenage years. This book is for both the young and the young at heart. I can not wait for the (hopefully soon to come) sequel. I would highly recommend this book!

Suprisingly Entertaining!, May 19, 2009

When I first picked up this book, I thought it was going to be another teeny-bopper book that only middle/high school females would like. Boy was I wrong! I thoroughly enjoyed the tale of a Brit, Fred, traveling to the US visiting a family friend while his parents were off in Australia. Another character in the book, Brittany, the daughter of the family friend, and Fred hit it off, first as friends, and then into a young romance.

My favo(u)rite part of the book was the differences in English (British and American.) I liked learning about the differences that I didn't know about.

Anyone and everyone should pick up this book and enjoy a great story that is humo(u)rous as well.

WEIRD NEWS:

Britain's longest living married couple have celebrated their 81st wedding anniversary.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/devon/8067752.stm

Three Year old Purchases earhdigger online
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8063769.stm

Today Wednesday May 27th ninety years ago, the Pop-up toaster was invented.


That's it for this week, more weird news next Wednesday



Author of Young Adult Romance/Fiction book
"Across the Pond"

A BOOK AND A CHAT with Estevan Vega

On tonight's "Book and a Chat" my very special guest Estevan Vega

http://www.estevanvega.com

As a young boy, Estevan Vega never really felt interested in the written word. Far more fascinating things like comic book superheroes and sketching fantastical beings caught his eye. But in the fifth grade, writing short essays for a standoffish teacher ignited a fire that is still burning. Using his imaginative father as a springboard for ideas, Vega set out to write a full manuscript. His dream to become a published author came forth when he was just 15 years old, releasing his first literary creation, Servant of the Realm,to the world, a story about a teenager who sees the future deaths of those he loves and tries to change it.

The Sacred Sin, his second book, was published when he was 18, and shows a darker edge and deeper intensity than his first effort. The Sacred Sin bleeds with honesty and emotion, and tells the story of Jude Foster, a cynical self-loathing detective,assigned to bring down a serial killer capable of stealing victim's souls without ever touching them.

Listen and enjoy thirty minutes of enjoyable chat as Storyheart and Estevan talk about his writing, books anything else that could be fun.

You can listen to the show at.

http://acrossthepond-storyheart.blogspot.com

The Radio Show at

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Across-the-Pond

or you can listen, link or download the mp3 file at

http://romance2read.com/show-evega.mp3




Author of Young Adult Romance/Fiction book
"Across the Pond"

An Interview with LIV from LIV'S BOOK REVIEWS

As anybody who has read me reviews interviews or heard my comments on either my own radio program or where I have been a guest, you will know I am a great believer in what I call the "Small Blogger". These are the people who read, write and live books are "The 'sham wow' of Teen/YA literature".

Today my special guest is Liv from Liv's Book Reviews

Hi Liz, welcome to my Across the Pond tell me about yourself.

Name I write under - Liv

Blog spot name - Liv's Book Reviews

Blog address - http://livsbookreviews.blogspot.com

How long have you been blogging?

Let's see here...I think it's been since February 2008 which seems like SO long ago. When I started, I never imagined that I'd keep it going this long. In that time, I've done over 300 posts and written over 100 reviews. What's funny is that at first I exclusively posted reviews. No memes, no random posts, no features, no nothing. Now, I don't post as many reviews as I should. I post waaay too many posts about nothing. Haha. I guess that's the way it goes.

What books do you read?

I mainly read young adult fiction and within that, contemporary and urban fiction. It's the stuff I relate to most. But lately, I've been adding more and more "adult" books to my pile. I've requested a bunch of Jodi Picoult's books from Bookmooch as well as James Frey's A Million Little Pieces and Seabiscuit. I've been branching out more.

What is your favorite book and author of 2009?

If I had to pick just one, I'd say Cracked Up To Be by Courtney Summers. That book was just so real and emotional and precise. As it was her debut novel, I'm excited to see what she has coming out next. This year I also read Prep by Curtis Sittenfeld which was released a while back but it has definitely become a favorite of mine. Those two books outshine every other book I've read so far this year, I think.

What is your favorite author/book of all time?

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins. Hands down. I give the same answer every time. That book is phenomenal. It's just got so much to offer to everyone. It can't be classified as a "girl book" or a "boy book" or even a young adult book. I had my dad read it and he loved it. And that's saying something because my dad normally sticks to his murder mystery books. I'm really excited to see what Catching Fire has in store for Peeta and Katniss.

How many books do you have in your library?

Maybe 120? I don't buy a ton of books because they're super expensive but I do make good use of Bookmooch. It's kind of funny though because I'm super particular about how my books are shelved and organized. I have them all in alphabetical order by the author's last name and I only shelve the books I've read and liked. If I haven't read them they go under the bed in a pile. If I don't like them, they go to Bookmooch.

How many books do you read a week?

About two, which is not enough in my opinion. I used to be able to read a lot more but now that I'm in high school, my education and my studies are my priorities, which doesn't leave a whole lot of time for reading. I do try to sit down and read for a little bit each night though. It's a nice little ritual. And it helps me to slowly and steadily get through my books.

Not counting yours, what is your favorite blog to follow?

Oh gosh. I don't think I can pick just one but I'll name a few...I love Reviewer X because Steph's amazingly blunt and tells it like it is. Plus she gets tons of great ARCs so it's nice to get an early opinion. I also really like Pop Culture Junkie because she posts about all sorts of book-related stuff, not only reviews. As for non-book-related blogs, I like Color Me Katie and Little Brown Pen.

When is your favorite time/location to read?

Late,late,late at night, laying on my bed. It makes me feel rebellious. Haha.

If you could be a character in any book who would that be and why?

Maybe Diana Holland from the Luxe series. Which might sound strange because so far Diana's been pretty unfortunate. I like her because she's sassy and spunky. Plus, it would be fun to be a part of that whole drama-filled world. So either her or Katniss. Because Katniss is just bad-a**. And she gets Peeta.

Have you ever thought about or actually written a book yourself?

Actually, no. I don't think I'm that great of a writer. I've tried to write some short fiction pieces for school before and it was a disaster. All of my ideas are just ridiculous. I'm better at opinion writing. And I like that more too because it's personal and direct. I have thought about going into the publishing industry in some other form though. Like as an editor or publicist or...something else. Writing's just not for me.

If you had a chance to advertise your blog in any way you could, what would you chose and why?

Oh dear. I have a horror story about this. So last year, my cousin mentioned that I had a blog to the school librarian. Bad. Because the librarian told all of the teachers. So a bunch of the teachers that had had me as a student over the years were now aware of the fact that I was publishing my thoughts/opinions on the internet and that I was actually getting a little bit of attention for it. A few comments here and there. And then the principal caught wind of it and he thought it would be a great idea to give me some sort of honor in front of the whole school. I swear, I bawled for an hour. And, I know, I know, the internet is a public thing and it's out there for everyone to read, but the odds are that none of those teachers would have ever known what I was doing. Which is the way I wanted it. For me, my blog's a private thing that I've only told a few people about. It's like an escape. So. If I was able to advertise my blog I don't know if I would. I kind of like it the way it is. Although it would be quite cool to have an excerpt of a review of mine published in a book or two or something like that. I have a little blurb in John Green's Paper Towns which makes me sooo happy.

If you had a chance to interview any one author who would that be and why?

John Green. But not just interview over the internet. I'd want to go sit at a coffee shop and video tape it all. Because while John Green is an awesome author, he's also an awesome person, and to be able to sit and talk with him would be beyond cool.

What is one thing about you that readers might not know?

Ummm. I have no idea! Maybe my age? People are always surprised to learn that I'm just in my early teens. I'm no college student.

If people are interested in being a guest on your blog or sending a book to you and your blog what is the best way to contact you?

email. livsbookreviews@gmail.com I try to respond to all of the emails that I get.

Have you ever seen a tree kangaroo? (that is just for me, one of my fave weird animals)

No! But I'm going to google them right now. :)

Thank you so much for being my guest Liv, good luck with your blog and keep up the great work



Author of Young Adult Romance/Fiction book
"Across the Pond"

Storyhearts Sunday UK Blog - Gomsmacked, Bobbies or an Arm and a Leg

For this Sunday I'm going into not one but three saying that are used in every day English.

GOBSMACKED

What is the meaning of the word "Gobsmacked"?

Unlike many of these sayings this caught on in the 1980's it tends to have it's origins in the Liverpool area, where "gob" was a term for mouth. "Shut your gob" was a term telling people to keep their mouth shut.

One of the main people that brought "gobsmack' to the general public, was Liverpool singer and TV hosts Cilla Black. Who in her TV show "Surprise, Surprise" used the word frequently to describe a person who was lost for words. A little like a "a smack in the gob" (punch in the mouth) would leave a person struggling for words. The word is now a general part of the English language meaning "completely lost for words".

BOBBIES

Why are English policeman called "Bobbies"?

It is derived from Robert Peel (Bobby being the usual nickname for Robert) the founder of the Metropolitan Police and to the pay a police officer got in Peel's day; 'one bob a week'. (term for an old English shilling)

This is not now widely used in Britain, though it can occur with a mixture of affection and slight irony in the phrase "village bobby", nowadays referring to the local community police officer. The term "Bobby on the beat" is often used in politics in reference to return to more community based policing including foot patrols by one local officer (bobby) of a his own small area (beat). In Britain, volunteer Auxiliary Constables are sometimes referred to as Hobby Bobbies.

COSTING AND ARM AND A LEG

Where does the term "to cost and arm and a leg" come from?"

To Cost and Arm and a Leg means that something is expensive - very expensive, not just expensive though, but excessively so.

There are several possible origins for this saying however the most common belief is from the 1800's. When people commissioned portraits it would have been a lot cheaper to have a painting done of just your head and shoulders. To get your whole body painted would have been many times more expensive. Thus to cost an arm and a leg.
It is said this is why nearly every picture of George Washington for instance either has him standing behind a desk (no legs) or with one arm behind his back.

So there we are another few terms for you which I hope you enjoyed.




Author of Young Adult Romance/Fiction book
Across the Pond
http://acrossthepond-storyheart.blogspot.com/
http://across-t-pond.com


OTHER SUNDAY UK BLOGSABOUT

THE GRAND NATIONAL
WHY UK DRIVES ON THE LEFT
MOTHERS DAY ACROSS THE POND
ABOUT THE UNION JACK
ENGLISHMANS VIEW ON BASEBALL
WHAT IS BOXING DAY
BRITISH TV TRANSPLANTS
WHO WAS SAINT GEORGE?
BOBS YOUR UNCLE
SWEET FANNY ADAMS
EUROPE'S GOT TALENT - WELL PERHAPS

A BOOK AND A CHAT with "KIM SMITH"

Writing, Readers, Guests, Blog Radio, even problems in New Zealand all on "A Book and a Chat with Kim Smith today.

This morning at the last moment (owing to a guest no show) I was lucky enough to have writer, radio host and friend KIM SMITH as my guest on "A BOOK AND A CHAT"

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Across-the-Pond

Listen to my chat with Kim as we discuss, books, blog radio, guests, even troubles in New Zealand and a three year old who purchased a digger online.

As normal it is a fun listen with much fun, laughter as well as usefull information.

Listen to the show, join in the fun... You can find out all about Kim at....

Kim Smith
Avenging Angel, a Shannon Wallace Mystery (2008)
A Will to Love-coming June 11, 2009
Http://www.mkimsmith.com




Author of Young Adult Romance/Fiction book
"Across the Pond"

Paper Back Writer - a laugh, a joke and an English accent

It has been another long week with so much going on that a recap of everything might even help me get to grips with all that has gone on.

The week started with a really enjoyable radio interview with Sarah, better known at "GREENBEANTEENQUEEN"

A fun Saturday nights Karaokee followed (do you think the word fun is a main stay of my bloggs lol)

Sunday night at 11:30pm I am a guest on "Before bedtime" it was the hosts first show and I was able to help him along and sort out a few technical hitches as well as... you've guest it... having fun.

Monday I heard from my publisher that owing to the success of "Across the pond" they were going to set up a sale or return for the book. This is not common with a POD book, and is one of the reasons that POD's are not common in bookstores. This set up will not only mean that I can now push the book in all the stores and supermarkets, but I will get royalties for orders placed, not items sold. That should really help.
So spread the word, the new launch or is it re-launch date is June 1st.

I also had Zoe from "Zoe Reads Books" as my blog guest.

Wednesday I had yet another really enjoyable "Book and Chat" this time with writer and former soap star and Emmy award winning actress "Louise Shaffer". You can catch up all of these interviews and join in the fun (there it goes again) at my radio or blog spot.


http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Across-the-Pond

Thursday I made the trip to Central Connecticut University, where I was a guest. Again an entertaining thirty minutes which the recording engineer stated as one of the best shows they have recorded.

Friday and working on a possible way to help authors set up web sites, with emails and blogs for not a lot of money... More to come on that later.

Also through the week I have been lucky enough to receive another FIVE reviews at Amazon, taking my total up to 73 just at Amazon and to over a hundred in all since the book came out last October.

Amazon Reviews

So all in all it's been a great week regarding my book, writing, guests, radio shows, interviews and all things regarding writing and of course it was a huge amount of fun.





Author of Young Adult Romance/Fiction book
"Across the Pond"

Book Site:http://across-t-pond.com
Follow my daily blog at: http://acrossthepond-storyheart.blogspot.com
Follow my Blog Talk Radio Show at :http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Across-the-Pond
Amazon Reviews: http://tinyurl.com/o7sokp

Both sides of the radio coin for writers

Today I was a guest at WXCI 91.7 radio station at Western Connecticut State University broadcasting to a large part of Connecticut. Yesterday I was on my show "A Book and a Chat" I chatted to a Louise Shaffer winner of an Emmy award and now publishers of several books including her latest novel "Serenipity"

One show I was the guest, the other the host, both shows I enjoyed equally.

These days the sitting in book shops all day for handful of people to stop to see what your doing or in many cases giving away have been overtaken by the internet. You can reach all around the world with one blog, one pod cast, one interview. And in doing that reach the people who really are interested in your book, your writing.

The other thing is... Blogs, Pod Radio, Web interviews, all these can be for FREE!!!

When I started my blog radio show "A BOOK AND A CHAT" I did not know how popular it would become. Within a few weeks I was booked for 3 months ahead, so much so, that I started a second program on a Wednesday and that is already becoming full for several months ahead.

Unlike some chat radio shows, I try not to make it sound like a librarian lecture, more as I tell me guests, like "sitting down chatting over a cup of tea of coffee".

From the response and feed back I have received it seems like I am doing a fairly good job.

Check it out for yourself at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Across-the-Pond

It does not matter if your a guest or a host, you can enjoy yourself, be part of the show, don't expect things to be done for you, be ready to go that extra mile to keep the show flowing. If your a whose Google your a host find out a little about them that others don't know. If your a guest be ready to share general chat and information not just repeat about your book over and over again. Here are a couple of hints for running a blog radio show.



BLOG TALK RADIO HELPFUL HINTS>

To check your setting dial in number etc… Go to your radio page and click on

MY ACCOUNT

One of the options you will see on the left hand side is

SWITCHBOARD

Click and that and you will see your details the ones you need to use is

Host Number: (646) 200-4444
Host Pin: 7518763221

You dial in using the host number, your then ask for your pin which you put in.

Once you are logged on you will see on the right hand side the switchboard and you’ll see something like 111-1111 as host on the top that is you.

Underneath you’ll see any guests you have, normally their phone number.

When you are ready to talk to the guest remember to unblock that person microphone under “on the air” if not you’ll not hear (like happened the other night to me as a guest, until I messaged the host). “Call Muted should be set to “unmuted”.

When you are nearing the end of your interview, there will be a two minutes to go count down. What I normally do is a couple of minutes before the end hand over to your guest to let everybody know about their site, book etc.

Couple of Tips.

Make a note of your guests’ phone number. When the show has finished disconnect your phone then call the person back after. If you don’t the recording keeps going and your after show chat is there for all to hear lol as I found out.

Ask your guest to sign in a few minutes before hand so you can chat about the format of the show.

Be prepared with some backup chat just in case the guest drops off or turns up late.

Make sure you do your home work, check blogs, web pages etc to find out about your guest and if possible some weird/funny questions about them.

Tip from Kim Smith friend and radio host:

After saying goodbye to my guest, I mute their line, and close the show. They usually hang up before show ends anyway, so I am okay. It helps me to let them off about one minute before show ends

Don't forget... it's all advertising, and in nearly all cases it's free!

Barry Eva (Storyheart)
Author of "Across the Pond"
Book Site:http://across-t-pond.com

Daily blog at: http://acrossthepond-storyheart.blogspot.com
Blog Talk Radio Show at :http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Across-the-Pond
Amazon Reviews: http://tinyurl.com/o7sokp

A Book and a Chat with Louise Shaffer

On tonight's "Book and a Chat" my very special guest is Louise Shaffer
(http://www.louiseshaffer.com/index.html)



Former Emmy award winning TV star, this multi-talented writer and author and actress, will be my guest on tonight's "A Book and Chat".

Talking about amongst other things her new book "Serendipity"




Listen to tonights radio podcast at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Across-the-Pond





Author of Young Adult Romance/Fiction book
"Across the Pond"

News Views and Weird News

Tuesdays blog is normally the time I get to update people about up and coming radio show guests, some of the latest interviews and reviews and some weird news from Across the Pond.

NEWS:

I have started the last few weeks to make my Monday blog an interview with one of the young bloggers or as I now call them the "Sham Wow" of Teen/Ya fiction. After a wonderful, radio interview with "Greenbeanteenqueen" last Saturday Mondays blog guest was Zoe from "Zoe's Book Reviews". I already have several more bloggers signed up either for radio of blog interviews.

Tomorrow (Wednesday) on "A BOOK AND CHAT" I have Soap star turned author Luise Shaffer as my guest 6:30pm EST at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Across-the-Pond

I have also just signed an option that will now allow my POD books to be sold with "bye back" which means they can now be available in "normal book stores" not just online.

REVIEWS:

A fresh review on Amazon taking my total there to 69.. even as I check to post the interview I find another fresh arrival taking my total up to 70!!!!!

"Across the Pond by the author Storyheart was an enjoyable book and I found it a pleasure to read. It was fun and entertaining to read. Fred had lots to learn about the different words and expressions in the American English language which was kind of funny to read. This is a perfect novel for the young adult and teen genres who will enjoy the book as much as I have as an adult reading the book. I look forward to reading more of Storyheart's books."

"This was a very pleasant book to read, I enjoyed the budding romance between the two characters and tip my hat to the author for keeping their romance sweet and touching and resisting the urge to make it too grownup.

Obviously the book is aimed at a junior high to high school audience, but I found my 30 year old self laughing and sighing at the two main characters as their feelings for each other developed.

The author does a great job of building a romance while maintaining a lighthearted vibe with plenty of laughs at the differences between us Americans and our cousins "across the pond."

I would happily recommed this book to family and friends and encourage my local school's library to add it to their shelves! "

WEIRD NEWS:

This week there are two peices of news from China, both related and showing you just how quickly news can change.

Sunday last is was announced.

China is building what is billed as its first sex theme park, aimed at improving both the sex education and the sex life of its visitors.

Due to open in Chongqing in October, Love Land will include displays of giant genitalia, naked bodies and an exhibition on the history of sex...
Among the attractions is a giant rotating statue of the lower part of a nearly naked woman.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8053596.stm

Then on Monday, the very next day new headlines...

China Sex Theme Park Demolished

China's first sex theme park, aimed at improving both the sex education and the sex life of its visitors, has been torn down before it even opened.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/8054893.stm

Talk about ever changing news

That's it for this week, more weird news next Tuesday



Author of Young Adult Romance/Fiction book
"Across the Pond"

An Interview with Zoe from Zoe's Book Reviews

As anybody who has read me reviews interviews or heard my comments on either my own radio program or where I have been a guest, you will know I am a great believer in what I call the "Small Blogger". These are the people who read, write and live books are as one blogger brilliantly put it the other day... "The 'sham wow' of Teen/YA literature".

Today my special guest is Zoe from Zoe's Book Reviews



Hi Zoe, welcome to my Across the Pond tell me about yourself.

My name is Zoe and my blog is Zoe's Book Reviews, which you can find at
http://booksaregolden.blogspot.com

How long have you been blogging?

I started blogging on October 6, 2008.

What books do you read?

I read mostly Young Adult books. Sometimes I read poetry and a bit of classic books.

What is your favorite book and author of 2009 and favorite book?

The book I read in 2009 that I liked the most was probably FADE by Lisa McMann. I can't really choose my favorite author 2009, because there are so many!

What is your favorite author/book of all time?

My all time favorite book is Paper Towns by John Green.

How many books do you have in your library?

Wow... I know I have a lot. I think I have around 500 or something.

How many books do you read a week?

I read about 7. Sometimes more and sometimes less.

Not counting yours, what is your favorite blog to follow?

Really? Umm, I don't know. There are so many blogs. Every blogger is lovely, and so are there blogs. I think all the blogs I follow are tied for my favorite.

When is your favorite time/location to read?

I like to read late at night. As for location, I either read in bed or on a couch in my house that is under a window.

If you could be a character in any book who would that be and why?

If I were to be any character in a book, once again, I don't know who I would be. I have read a lot of books, and there were wonderful characters in those books. Which makes it impossible to choose.

Have you ever thought about or actually written a book yourself?

I am actually in the middle of writing my second novel.

If you had a chance to advertise your blog in any way you could what would you chose and why?

I wouldn't choose to advertise my blog. I believe that people should find my blog by either word of mouth or them searching something and finding it on their own.

What is one thing about you that readers might not know?

Some readers might not know, that, when I was younger, I didn't really enjoy reading.

If people are interested in being a guest or sending a book to you and your blog what is the best way to contact you?

They can e-mail me at zaser_jam AT yahoo DOT com

Well good luck with your writing and I hope that you manage to fins space for that ever increasing library of books. Thank you so much Zoe for being my guest on "Across the Pond"

Thank you so much for being my guest Zoe, good luck with your blog and finding that publisher for your book.

Other News:

Last night I was a guest on "Before Bedtime" a fun interview, you can find out more by listening to

http://romance2read.com/bookbed.mp3

On Wednesday my guest on "A Book and a Chat" is former soap star and now writer Louise Shaffer (more about that in tomorrows blog)



Author of Young Adult Romance/Fiction book
"Across the Pond"

Storyhearts Sunday UK Blog - Europe's Got Talent... Well Perhaps

EUROVISION SONG CONTEST

There are several events on television that growing up, as a family we always had to watch. Sporting events like the Boat Race, The Grand Nantional, FA Cup final and of course any thing where Great Britain took part in like Olympics. But there were also certain other TV shows that we had to see each year.

The Royal Tournament where we'd cheer on the teams in the filed gun race... Something you really should see because to describe it would take a long time. Believe me it is well worth watching.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSVrXQqHL44

Then there were the years where the whole house rocked with laughter to the humor of "It's a Knock Out" or it's European equivalent "Jeux sans Frontieres" I'd love to share the fun with my children (BBC Please bring out a best of DVD!)

Check these and see what I mean

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_X8EhnwM9g&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVLuGb2NCtU&feature=related

However one event we all followed was "THE EUROVISION SONG CONTEST"

The Eurovision Song Contest is an annual competition held among active member countries of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).

It started in 1956 and has been broadcast every year since then. Each member country submits a song to be performed on live television and then casts votes for the other countries' songs to determine the most popular song in the competition. The Each member country submits a song to be performed on live television and then casts votes for the other countries' songs to determine the most popular song in the competition.

Over the years the size and number of entries has grown so now they actually have to have heats with countries who finish bottom actually being relegated. One of the really interesting things, if you could call it that over the years has been seeing the "political voting" that has gone one, i.e Greece votes for Cyprus, Cyprus for Greece etc.. Many different formats have been attempted to try and make the voting more neutral from panels of judges in each country to dial in votes, but of course it never quite fixes the politics of it all.

The host of the show, is normally the country who has won the event the previous year, though there has been a few refusals due to the cost of putting the event on. That is why this years event (which took place yesterday (Saturday May 16th) was held in Russia after Dima Bilan won in 2008

Since Lys Assia, became first Eurovision winner (1956) there have been some notable entries and winners, many notable because of how terrible they were many along the way receiving the dreaded "null point" (no points). There have however been some notable songs/acts along the way.

It was in 1974 that ABBA launched their career when they won the Eurovision Song contest with "Waterloo". Céline Dion, who won the Contest for Switzerland in 1988 with the song "Ne Partez. Yes people can sing for other countries not just their own.

Other artists who have achieved varying degrees of success after winning the Contest include France Gall ("Poupée de cire, poupée de son", Luxembourg 1965), Dana ("All Kinds of Everything", Ireland 1970), Vicky Leandros ("Après toi", Luxembourg 1972), Brotherhood of Man ("Save Your Kisses for Me", United Kingdom 1976), Marie Myriam ("L'oiseau et l'enfant", France 1977), Johnny Logan (who won twice for Ireland; with "What's Another Year?" in 1980, and "Hold Me Now" in 1987), Bucks Fizz ("Making Your Mind Up", United Kingdom 1981), Nicole ("Ein Bißchen Frieden", Germany 1982) and Herreys ("Diggi-Loo Diggi-Ley", Sweden 1984). Many other winners include well-known artists who won the Contest mid-career, after they had already established themselves as successful.

Ireland holds the record for the most number of wins, having won the Contest seven times—including three times in a row in 1992, 1993 and 1994. In second place with five wins each are the United Kingdom, Luxembourg and France. Spain was the first country to win on two consecutive occasions (in 1968 and 1969), followed by Luxembourg (in 1972 and 1973) and Israel (in 1978 and 1979). Ireland and the United Kingdom both have an average of 72 points per year which is higher than any other country.

So what happened this year?

Norway has emerged as the winner of the Eurovision Song Contest, held in the Russian capital, Moscow.

Singer and violinist Alexander Rybak, 23, smashed the record for the most points awarded during the competition.

Iceland came second in the vote, followed by Azerbaijan which took the third place.

The UK's Jade Ewen, singing an Andrew Lloyd Webber song, ended in fifth position - a marked improvement on last year's finish at the foot of the table.

For the first time, voting in the final was split between televoting and panels of musical experts, which was supposed to reduce the incidence of predictable and neighbourly votes.


http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/8052636.stm

So while It's a Knock Out and the Royal Tournament are much loved memories at least the Eurovison Song Contest still goes on.



Author of Young Adult Romance/Fiction book
Across the Pond
http://acrossthepond-storyheart.blogspot.com/
http://across-t-pond.com


OTHER SUNDAY UK BLOGSABOUT

THE GRAND NATIONAL
WHY UK DRIVES ON THE LEFT
MOTHERS DAY ACROSS THE POND
ABOUT THE UNION JACK
ENGLISHMANS VIEW ON BASEBALL
WHAT IS BOXING DAY
BRITISH TV TRANSPLANTS
WHO WAS SAINT GEORGE?
BOBS YOUR UNCLE
SWEET FANNY ADAMS

A BOOK AND A CHAT with "KIM SMITH"

Writing, Readers, Guests, Blog Radio, even problems in New Zealand all on "A Book and a Chat with Kim Smith today.

This morning at the last moment (owing to a guest no show) I was lucky enough to have writer, radio host and friend KIM SMITH as my guest on "A BOOK AND A CHAT"

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Across-the-Pond

Listen to my chat with Kim as we discuss, books, blog radio, guests, even troubles in New Zealand and a three year old who purchased a digger online.

As normal it is a fun listen with much fun, laughter as well as usefull information.

Listen to the show, join in the fun... You can find out all about Kim at....

Kim Smith
Avenging Angel, a Shannon Wallace Mystery (2008)
A Will to Love-coming June 11, 2009
Http://www.mkimsmith.com




Author of Young Adult Romance/Fiction book
"Across the Pond"

Eight Days A Week

It seems to have been another long week, yet still the same five days of work, funny how sometimes those five days turn into eight or so it feels.

So what is there heading my way this weekend?

Saturday is looking like a fun day.

At 11:00am (EST) at "A BOOK AND A CHAT" my very special guest is Sarah, better known at "GREENBEANTEENQUEEN" nominated for YA blog of the year, avid reader, tween and teen librarian and recently married. Should be a fun 30 minutes with more to cover than I have time for, but we'll cram in what we can.

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Across-the-Pond

Saturday Evening I have my karaoke show, with all the madness that brings. Always a fun evening.

My Sunday UK blog this week will be about the Eurovision Song Contest which most people outside Europe might not know about, but it's been a must for 56 years and brought you ABBA amongst others.

Sunday night at 11;30pm I am a guest on "Before bedtime" not sure about before it's well after my bedtime, but should be fun.

Finally today's weird news...

Polish priest publishes sex guide
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8049853.stm







Author of Young Adult Romance/Fiction book
"Across the Pond"

WE WILL REMEMBER THEM

WE WILL REMEMBER THEM

It is amazing to think that November 11 2008 represents the 90th anniversary of the end of ‘the war to end all wars’. Britain lost almost a million men during this war. A million sons. Think about that for a second when you are having a bad day because the fax machine is jammed.
Sixty-four years after the end of the Second World War, still secrets and incidents are making headlines and news.

A few years ago, a man in Australia, weighed down by some harrowing psychological and emotional baggage finally divulged fragments of his life that he kept hidden for decades.

Revealing to friends and family, how he, at the age of five, he had been adopted by the SS and became a Nazi mascot.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/6945847.stm

In April this year another secret was discovered, when builders found a bottle had been left in the cement of a bunker near the Auschwitz camp. The message, written in pencil and dated 9 September 1944, bears names, camp numbers and home towns of seven young inmates from Poland and France. When it investigated it was found that not only did three of the names on the paper live through the holocaust, one is still alive today and living in the south of France.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8022860.stm

On April the 21st a wail of sirens brought Israel to a standstill on Tuesday morning for a two-minute silence to remember the victims of the Holocaust. Six million Jews were murdered in the Nazi Holocaust during WWII. Yet there are an estimated 250,000 Holocaust survivors still alive and living in Israel, many however below the poverty line.

Now this month, Pope Benedict XVI has condemned those that deny the holocaust actually happened. He said the suffering of Holocaust victims must never be denied as he visited the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial in Jerusalem.

I well remember back in 1973 when the British television (ITV) aired what was to be the first of 26 episodes of “THE WORLD AT WAR”. And how my parents wanted us to see the programs that did not glorify the war but showed it all as it happened, including the terrible scenes as the troops first entered the concentration camps and what they found.

World at War is actually rated in the top twenty British television programs of all time.

So I for one am glad that from time to time, news filters through from the past to keep us remembering about all that went on all those years ago.

As Laurence Binyon wrote in his poem “For the Fallen”

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

Equality: The Quest for the Happy Marriage"

Tonight's Book and a Chat with Tim Kellis
(http://www.happyrelationships.com)

Do you find yourself in love yet unhappy in your relationship? Have you contemplated or even sought out help with therapy? Have you read the many therapy books written by the experts but found them simply describing your unhappy relationship without any real guidance for how to overcome your unhappiness?

People have read the book "Men Are From Mars Women Are From Venus" have heard of the philosophy of "Dr Phil" Now hear something better than all of these when Tim kellis explains about his views and his book "Equality: The Quest for the Happy Marriage"

Listen to his radio podcast at http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Across-the-Pond or check out http://acrossthepond-storyheart.blogspot.com



Author of Young Adult Romance/Fiction book
"Across the Pond"

Interviews, Reviews and Tuesdays Weird News

Tuesdays blog is normally the time I get to update people about up and coming radio show guests, some of the latest interviews and reviews and some weird news from Across the Pond.

INTERVIEWS:

Wednesday May 13th 6:30pm EST
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/Across-the-Pond
I have TIM KELLIS who takes on what could be considered society’s biggest problem today, divorce, in his book "Equality - The Quest for a Happy Marriage"

Saturday May 16th 11:00am EST
Greenbeanteenqueen Teen and Tween Librarian, recently married and blogger extra-ordinare is my guest for what should be a fun show.

Wednesday May 20th 6:30pm EST
Louise Shaffer actress (best known for playing Rae Woodard in Ryans Hope), script writer, and author of several books including the Three Miss Margarets will be my guest to talk about her new book Serendipity.

I myself am a guest on Before Bedtime on Sunday at 11:30pm

REVIEWS:

I have received a couple of interviews this week both of which were kindly given a 5 star rating at Amazon, and are the type of feedback that keep authors going.

"This was a great book! It's a fast, entertaining read that is great for both kids and adults alike! I especially liked all the comparisons between England and America and seeing all of the language differences. This had a bit of everything-humor, romance, excitement and brings you back to your teenage years. Looking forward to the next one!"

First, I purchased this book because I know the author through a mutual aquaintance. Second, I became interested in the story upon reading the reviews. So, I purchased the book last week and received it today. I have already finished it. From the first page, I could not put it down. It is meant for tweens/teens/young adults, but I'm in my mid-20's and I thoroughly enjoyed the story. It reminded me of my early teen years when I had an obsesssion with everything UK (LOL), but also of my own experiences as a teen. I would/will recommend this love story to everyone I know, young and old, as it either makes you swoon over the deep budding love or takes you back to your years as a teen. I very highly recommend this book to anyone, no matter the age. (Note to the author: Thank you Storyheart for a wonderful read. I can not wait for the story of Fred and Brit to continue. Please, please, please continue their story, and soon.)

WEIRD NEWS:

Afghanistan's only known pig is quarantined
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/south_asia/8038368.stm

American tourist returns chip from Colosseum in Rome 25 years ago later.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8037921.stm

Belgium city to go vegetarian one day a week.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/8046970.stm



Author of Young Adult Romance/Fiction book
"Across the Pond"

STORYHEARTS SUNDAY UK BLOG – SWEET FANNY ADAMS

SWEET FANNY ADAMS


The expression "Sweet Fanny Adams" refers to her and has come, through British naval slang "nothing at all". Though the expression started to be used around 1867, it was not until 1919 in a book of WW1 soldier clang that we come across the first recorded the link between F.A. (meaning 'f*** all') and Fanny Adams.

So where did the term originate in the first place?

The term actually comes from a quite horrific murder of 8 year old Fanny Adams on 24th August 1867.

THE CRIME:

On 24 August 1867 at about 1.30 pm, Fanny's mother, Harriet Adams, let Fanny and her friend Millie Warner (both 8 years old) and Fanny's sister Lizzie (aged 7) go up Tanhouse Lane towards Flood Meadow. In the lane they met Frederick Baker, a 24-year-old solicitor's clerk. Baker offered Millie and Lizzie three halfpence to go and spend and offered Fanny a halfpenny to accompany him towards Shalden, a couple of miles north of Alton. She took the coin but refused to go. He carried her into a hop field, out of sight of the other girls.

At about 5 pm, Millie and Lizzie returned home. Neighbor, Mrs Gardiner asked them where Fanny was, and they told her what had happened. Mrs Gardiner told Mrs Adams, and they went up the lane, where they came upon Baker coming back. They questioned him and he said he had given the girls money for sweets, but that was all. His respectability meant the women let him go on his way.

At about 7 pm Fanny was still missing, and neighbors went searching. They found Fanny's body in the hop field, horribly butchered. Her head and legs had been severed and her eyes put out. Her torso had been emptied and her organs scattered. Her remains were taken to a nearby doctor's surgery, where over several days the body was put back together. (The surgery is now a pub called the "Ye Olde Leathern Bottle" and is believed to be haunted by the little girl.)

Mrs Adams ran to tell her husband, what had happened. He went and got his shotgun from home and set off to find the perpetrator, but neighbors stopped him.
That Baker was arrested at his place of work (a solicitors). He was led through an angry mob to the police station. There was blood on his shirt and trousers, which he could not explain, but he protested his innocence. He was searched and found to have two small blood-stained knives on him.

Witnesses put Baker in the area, returning to his office at about 3 pm, then going out again. Baker's workmate, fellow clerk Maurice Biddle, reported that, when drinking in the Swan that evening, Baker had said he might leave town. When Biddle replied that he might have trouble getting another job, Baker said, chillingly with hindsight, "I could go as a butcher".

On 26 August, the police found Baker's diary in his office. It contained a damning entry:

24th August, Saturday — killed a young girl. It was fine and hot.

At his trial on 5 December, the defense contested Millie Warner's identification of Baker and claimed the knives found were too small for the crime anyway. They also argued insanity: Baker's father had been violent, a cousin had been in asylums, his sister had died of a brain fever and he himself had attempted suicide after a love affair.

The judge invited the jury to consider a verdict of not responsible by reason of insanity, but they returned a guilty verdict after just fifteen minutes.

On Christmas Eve, Baker was hanged outside Winchester Jail. The crime had become notorious and a crowd of 5,000 attended the execution.

THE PHRASE:

So how does this link to the current usage of the term?

In 1869 new rations of tinned mutton were introduced for British seamen. They were unimpressed by it, and decided it must be the butchered remains of Fanny Adams. The way her body had been strewn over a wide area presumably encouraged speculation that parts of her had been found at the Navy victualling yard in Deptford.

With typical grisly humor, they sailors came to use the expression “Sweet Fanny Adams” to refer to these unpleasant meat rations, meaning worthless, which changed to mean “nothing at all”



Author of Young Adult Romance/Fiction book
Across the Pond
http://acrossthepond-storyheart.blogspot.com/
http://across-t-pond.com



OTHER BLOGS ABOUT GREAT BRITAIN:


THE GRAND NATIONAL

WHY UK DRIVES ON THE LEFT

MOTHERS DAY ACROSS THE POND

ABOUT THE UNION JACK

ENGLISHMANS VIEW ON BASEBALL

WHAT IS BOXING DAY

BRITISH TV TRANSPLANTS

WHO WAS SAINT GEORGE?

BOBS YOUR UNCLE