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August 29th, 2016

8/29/2016

Many years ago, two newlyweds wanted to get each other a gift for Christmas. But what? They were very poor and only had each other’s love. In spite of this the both secretly wished to give a gift and never said a word to each other about it.

What would they do? Could they make each other something? Could they save up all year to buy a gift? Neither of these ideas would work. They hardly had enough money for rent, bills, and food much less craft supplies.
it’s only August but it’s never to early to get that head start on your Christmas shopping.

In his poignant short story, O. Henry tells us one of the reasons for Christmas. It’s a big reason that many people seem to have forgotten.

I highly recommend “The Gift of the Magi” for your home library. This audio book, narrated by W.B. Ward, would make the perfect stocking stuffer for anyone in your family. I do realize that it’s only August but it’s never to early to get that head start on your Christmas shopping.

If you’d like to order this audio book for someone in your family, please visit Audible.com.

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AN INTERVIEW WITH WENDY HOBBS

8/16/2016

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“Hi! Today author Wendy Hobbs has agreed to sit down and chat with us about the first book in her Claudia Quash series, The Spell of Pencliff. Hello, Wendy, welcome to KidLit and More! We’re so excited to have you here and want to ask you about your book?”

Will you tell us about your book?
I wrote a mystery because I am enthralled by magical adventures and I wanted to create a young heroine that traveled back in time to solve a crime.
'The Spell of Pencliff' is based on the magical town of Tenby, a beautiful coastal place in West Wales where I spend a lot of my time. The story features Tenby's award-winning castles, beaches, the Tudor Merchant's House, St Catherine's Island and the Ghost Walk.

Why did you write this as a mystery instead of a girl’s first crush or love?
There isn't any romance in my book,but Claudia Quash meets Hugo Hamilton-Barnes in Pencliff and they become soul mates. It might be fun to write a romance when they are grown up!

I love the time-travel aspect to this book. What made you think of using a doll house?
I used a doll's house because I had a life-sized model built for my daughter, Claudia, for Christmas and it gave me the inspiration for the story. I was mesmerised by the grand house and I began to write stories about the kind of people that I imagined would live in such a wonderful place

Is there any budding romance in your book?
There isn't any romance in my book,but Claudia Quash meets Hugo Hamilton-Barnes in Pencliff and they become soul mates. It might be fun to write a romance when they are grown up!

Did you do any research for The Spell of Pencliff?
I undertook extensive research for my book and I enjoyed making notes that helped me to develop the story.

Do you outline before you write or are you a panster?
My publisher encouraged me to map out the story before I start to write which I find saves a lot of time.

I know that some authors make storyboards up when they’re world building. Do you?
I stretch pictures of Pencliff and the characters that I have created which helps to develop my writing.

Do you have a specific area you use to write?
The majority of my writing is carried out in my bedroom. It has a large terrace over-looking the garden which is a very beautiful and peaceful place.

Do you have a special time when you like to write?
I like to get up early, take my dog for a run around the park and then I start writing when I return.

Do you have a message for kids in this book or is it sheer entertainment?
Claudia Quash is a very courageous girl who never gives up in her quest to save a family member from the gallows. Therefore, my message to children is to follow your dreams and you may be surprised at what you can achieve.
Never ever give up!

Is there anything else you would like to say about your book?
I gave up my legal career as a property lawyer to follow my dream of becoming a children's fantasy author. My debut novel, 'The Spell of Pencliff' has received some amazing 5 star reviews on amazon. I drew inspiration for the story from my daughter (also called Claudia) and Tenby, my favorite holiday destination in West Wales.

Brief Summary:
On her thirteenth birthday, Claudia receives a mysterious letter. It unlocks an unsolved crime, and Claudia has to clear her family name. Little does she know that she'll be transported back in time into a magical world, where she also discovers special powers of her own. On her journey she'll be chasing criminals, making new friends, and facing a dark terror that hovers over the land.

Do you have any links to where our readers can find out more about you or purchase your book?

Social Sites
For more information about Claudia Quash: The Spell of Pencliff please visit my website. You can join Claudia Quash on Facebook/Claudia Quash
I'm also on Twitter: @WendyFHobbs

Book Links
The book is available on Amazon as a paperback, Kindle and as an audiobook on iTunes, New and Noteworthy List, Uk Audible, USA Audible, Uk Amazon, USA Amazon.
Amazon (paperback)
Amazon (Kindle)
The book is featured on a booksite where a book review and an Audioclip are available.

Thanks for taking time out of your busy schedule to talk with us, Wendy.”
www.wendyhobbs.com

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