Sans Feline

I am devastated, RIP my lady Petal cat (2006?-2021).

Only the week before, I reported that Petal had sniffed out a mouse at the back of our house (she did nothing about it once I had opened the back door).

Last week I was at the vets three times with Petal, her presenting complaint was me asking if she could possibly have had a crisis of confidence after the mouse incident because she didn’t seem herself (she hadn’t). A few days later I was crying on Manchester Road (you’re not allowed inside the vets at the moment). Poor Petal went downhill in the space of a week. She had not been eating as much for a while but had been completely normal in all other ways.

Last Sunday, however Petal stopped eating altogether. Long painful story later the vet tried a few different things and Petal was booked in on Friday to have further tests, but Thursday evening was the real start of the end for her.

I’m only blogging about Petal because I would always post about my animal friends.

We adopted Petal with her mother Flower in 2008, Petal we think was 14 or 15 years old when she died.

I can’t believe I have no cats (sad face).

^ One from years ago when we had three,

Hug your pets

Samantha xx

Do Fictional Characters Listen to Music? (in the parallel universe they exist in).

I remember hearing something on the radio (BBC Radio 6) that stuck in my mind. I am always returning to the past, recalling snippets of random stuff. I then waste almost a full day thinking, doing internet searches and finally, wondering what made me remember this nugget of useless information.

I was on my way home from work (that’s how long ago it was), when I heard a presenter talking about an Irvine Welsh interview.

Apparently, Irvine Welsh compiles a playlist for his characters when writing a novel.

This was on the radio, and as I was driving so I couldn’t write this down… this idea stuck in my head.

(I can’t find the interview on the internet but if you Google Irvin Welsh loads come up for him).

Despite this concept sticking in my head, I don’t remember reading a book since where a playlist was obvious. (Please let me know if you have).

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I must have had music in mind when I wrote some of my books.

In 1962 (An Uplifting Tale of 1960s Lancashire), my character Rose Bradshaw sings (no lyrics were used) Edith Piaf songs to her Uncle Billy.

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The Curmudgeon Avenue series references plenty of music (without using the lyrics).

In book 2, Harold and Edith get asked a question about Nirvana, at their pub quiz (on accidental proposal night). Later on in the book, they listen to Afternoon Delight by the Starland Vocal Band. Wantha and Ricky turn up the ‘CHOONS’ when club classic Shine On by Degrees of Motion is played on the radio.

Book 3 brings the new character Gil Von Black. Patchouli met him at a speed dating event in Radcliffe. Gil Von Black is ‘famous person royalty’ in my fictional version of Whitefield. He is a retired session musician who has played with Black Sabbath and even (ha!) Def Leppard.

Plenty more heavy metal references are dropped in book 4, but it isn’t until book 6 that we get to find out the characters’ guilty pleasures.

Suzanne ‘Toonan’ Rose’s guilty pleasure is Vanilla Ice (remember Ice, Ice Baby?) Edith Ricketts’ guilty pleasure is the theme tune to Murder She Wrote. Wantha Rose doesn’t have any guilty pleasures, Wantha Rose apologises to nobody. Patchouli, however…. well her guilty pleasure is Lionel Richie, the reason for this is a corker. (Sorry, I can’t tell you it would be a massive spoiler).

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All of the advice on the internet is you cannot use song lyrics in your book because of copyright. (Some sites give details of how to ask permission but I presume this will cost). I choose not include lyrics but referring to artists is fine.

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During the second half of this year, I plan to start writing my next standalone novel. The characters have rattled around in my mind for a long time. I think it is time I figure out their tastes in music.

I hope it’s awesome…

Happy reading and writing, Samantha

Book Spotlight for “A Curmudgeonly Christmas” by Samantha Henthorn

Thank you Sudesna Ghosh for blogging about my new book (and for all the sweet books you write!)

Sue's Book Blog

Blurb

THE ONE WHERE IT’S THE CURMUDGEONLY FINAL

Curmudgeon Avenue has been going on for quite some time, some would say for longer than reasonably necessary. In this Curmudgeonly edition, the nincompoops of Curmudgeon Avenue would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Gordon Bennett is obsessed with the pothole growth on the street as we get proper emosh at Wantha and Ricky’s wedding. Christmas is coming, and Francesca is getting fat meanwhile Zandra may have overdone it with the scented candles. And the ghosts are immune to any lockdown restrictions.

Put down the sausage rolls and the leftover wine, A Curmudgeonly Christmas is a perfect end to the Curmudgeon Avenue series and the year!  

Written with British English Grammar and turn-of-phrase.

Excerpt

‘Toonan! This is going to be a disaster!’ Francesca rushed to the counter atGenevieve’sin her dressing gown, having noticed Toonan…

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Meet the Author: Samantha Henthorn

Made my day! Wonderful Sue’s Book Blog invited me to talk about my new book The World Does Not Revolve Around Curmudgeon Avenue. What an 🎖 honour 😊

Sue's Book Blog

I am excited to have Samantha Henthorn with me here today. She is a kind soul who has written an entertaining series of books and more. Let’s learn about her.

Sue: Have you always been a writer?

Samantha: No, I haven’t always been a writer. I was a nurse for twenty years, but in 2014 I accepted early retirement due to having MS. I joined a creative writing course which was at my local library and not too taxing and I’ve been writing ever since. After some of my short stories and poems were published in magazines I decided to have a go at self-publishing and my first book Piccalilly: A Remembrance Day Story was released in 2016. I have written short stories, one standalone novella and now my 5 (soon to be 6) part series Curmudgeon Avenue. 

Sue: Tell us about your wonderful series and…

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Curmudgeon Avenue by Samantha Henthorn – The Terraced House Diaries Book One — Northern Reader

A comedy drama written from the point of view of a house are rare, so this is the second one I have read and reviewed from the clever author Samantha Henthorn. Dealing in huge events and small details is a skill within a unified narrative, let alone creating and sustaining fascinating characters, and this […]

Curmudgeon Avenue by Samantha Henthorn – The Terraced House Diaries Book One — Northern Reader

RE-BLOGGED FROM NORTHERN READER (I AM BLUSHING!)

The Terraced House Diaries Samantha Henthorn 5*#Review @SamanthaHfinds #Narrator Lindsay McKinnon @LindzMcKinnon @RandomTTours #Audiobook #Review #BlogTour #CurmudgeonAvenueSeries #satire #TheTerracedHouseDiaries #humour #Romance #Family#Drama

Appreciating this praise-ful review by Jane Hunt writer @LindzMcKinnon narrator has done a grand job!

Jane Hunt Writer

When Curmudgeon Avenue introduces sisters Edna and Edith Payne, their presence is not welcomed by the proud, yet grouchy Victorian terrace.

Widowed Edith is looking for love and dates one of Edna’s ex-boyfriends, Maurice.

This does not end well, especially for the cat.

Edna is heartbroken after her long term partner moved to France and is now unhappily cohabiting with her idiot sister.

Edith’s son Ricky Ricketts permanently hangs around Curmudgeon Avenue with his on/off girlfriend Wantha, her sister Toonan and all the tomfoolery they bring.

The sisters decide to advertise for a lodger, and the notable Harold Goatshed moves in.

He is yet another of Edna’s exes.

Still vulnerable from the Maurice incident, Edith falls for his charms.

This delightful social satire tells of the quarrels, romances and dramas of the intertwined lives of Curmudgeon Avenue’s residents.

Amazon UK

I received a copy of this audiobook from the author…

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Three Bits of Gossip From Curmudgeon Avenue

Hi Everyone!

I’ve got a few bits to tell you about Curmudgeon Avenue.

First off, Book Two, The Harold and Edith Adventures has been turned into an audiobook by the multitalented actor Lindsay McKinnon of Theatre of the Mind Productions. https://www.theatreofthemindproductions.co.uk/

I’ve had a listen and it’s awesome Lindsay has done a grand job with all the accents and her comic timing is hilarious. The audiobook will be winging it’s way to your ears via Amazon, Audible and iTunes soon or within the 30 days promised by ACX. Can’t wait!

 

Second, I have finished Book 5! The World Does Not Revolve Around Curmudgeon Avenue is available to preorder for 77p! Release date 30th of September.

Click here for Amazon.com

THE ONE WHERE THE B*TCH RETURNS

Reformed rent burglar Georgina Foote moves back to Whitefield and into number 13 Curmudgeon Avenue. She is desperately seeking Kevin but all she finds is nonsense. Collecting enemies at work and at home, Georgina Foote does not belong here.

Meanwhile, a mass exodus occurs when Wantha Rose, Ricky Ricketts and newbie Krystina moved to Greenmount. They think that the world does not revolve around Curmudgeon Avenue, will they find out that it does?

A denouement of sorts resolves the ghost’s stories when Harold takes up residence in the House of Commons, and Edith reunites with her first husband.

Zandra Bennett’s career takes on a new direction when she unwittingly starts channelling the ghost of Edith in the under-the-stairs space.

We finally get to find out Mrs Ali’s first name, her story and her source of all knowledge.

Wantha and Ricky nearly get married, and we learn why the Rose sisters have such daft names. Their mother, Patchouli is still living the life of luxury, and occasional abseiling with Gil Von Black

Not intended as a cosy read, the characters in this social satire provide an utterly British escape.

Will the nincompoops of Curmudgeon Avenue survive without the street?

I have sent some advanced review copies out to cure me of fear of failure, particularly helpful with Curmudgeon Avenue has been Deborah at Againsttheflowpress.blogspot.com and my friend Maggie.

Third bit of goss, Book One, The Terraced House Diaries is going on a blog tour! Arranged by @RandomTTours. Such an honour! Proper bloggers will be blogging about Curmudgeon Avenue from the 31st of August!

Curmudgeon Avenue #1:The Terraced House Diaries is also part of a fantastic book promotion called FUNNY BOOKS https://books.bookfunnel.com/funnybooks/nsd84wkqdl or CLICK HERE I will be reviewing another book from this promo next week.

Happy reading everyone, and don’t be a curmudgeon!

Samantha xx

PS, don’t forget to subscribe to my mailing list https://landing.mailerlite.com/webforms/landing/d0q2h7 which will hopefully send you a free copy of book two.

 

Pre order The World Does Not Revolve Around Curmudgeon Avenue #5 #IARTG

Hi Everyone!

Thrilled to be releasing another book.

Fifth of the Curmudgeon Avenue Series The World Does Not Revolve Around Curmudgeon Avenue

https://books2read.com/u/4jWOx2

Publication day 30th of September but you can pre order it today for 99c/77p

THE ONE WHERE THE B*TCH RETURNS

Reformed rent burglar Georgina Foote moves back to Whitefield and into number 13 Curmudgeon Avenue. She is desperately seeking Kevin but all she finds is nonsense. Collecting enemies at work and at home, Georgina Foote does not belong here.

Meanwhile, a mass exodus occurs when Wantha Rose, Ricky Ricketts and newbie Krystina moved to Greenmount. They think that the world does not revolve around Curmudgeon Avenue, will they find out that it does?

A denouement of sorts resolves the ghost’s stories when Harold takes up residence in the House of Commons, and Edith reunites with her first husband.

Zandra Bennett’s career takes on a new direction when she unwittingly starts channelling the ghost of Edith in the under-the-stairs space.

We finally get to find out Mrs Ali’s first name, her story and her source of all knowledge.

Wantha and Ricky nearly get married, and we learn why the Rose sisters have such daft names. Their mother, Patchouli is still living the life of luxury, and occasional abseiling with Gil Von Black

Not intended as a cosy read, the characters in this social satire provide an utterly British escape.

Will the nincompoops of Curmudgeon Avenue survive without the street?
The ending is a shocker!

Don’t forget, book one is available as an audiobook https://books2read.com/u/b68g0J/

Happy reading! Samantha xx

Poems From the Vault.

Enough time has passed since the end of my creative writing module so that I can publish some of my degree poems – even though I’m not a poet.

No Through Road

British summertime, always fine in the mid-1980s.

We dragged our feet for miles in the sweltering heat-

a family day out for a Guardian reader.

Not much fun for us, at seven, eight and fifteen.

We halted at a shut gate, obscured by a house.

A dead-end, no through road, my Mum was vexed.

Dad’s rambling book past its sell-by date.

 

A girl sits behind glass like a Pink and Pretty Barbie.

A privileged reflection, same blue eyes, same blond hair,

different opportunities – but at least I was outside.

I smiled and waved at her but she just stared at me,

looking down her nose at my catalogue clothes.

That scene has disappeared now, of

British village life, beauty and dead ends.

A glimpse of the ideal; the grass that’s always greener.

Pink and Pretty Barbie, how did your life turn out?

Photo by Athena on Pexels.com

 

Drama in Pyjamas

 

Remember those insomnia filled nights?

Always something on my mind.

You held me close in cotton, naked

thighs would conspire without you.

My night time leg protectors,

now too old to be any use.

 

Your waistband is frayed and too tight anyway.

Holes in the ankles from when the dog was small.

A bleach-splash stain that sort of blended in.

I hear leopard print is in fashion again.

A favourite since the first time round,

with your never changing spots.

 

Sleeping in pyjamas

became housework in pyjamas,

graduated to gardening in pyjamas.

I almost went shopping

(that’s why I need a new pair).

 

We had some good times,

but now I don’t fit you

and you do not fit me;

tricky to choose something new.

Questioning attachments and familiarity.

Intimate to an unwelcome degree.

Drama in pyjamas please let go of me.

Photo by cottonbro on Pexels.com

As you may know, I am studying for a BA in Creative Writing. This is taking ages because I am doing it part-time (got to pace myself!)

Here is a photo of me pacing myself (not).

Photo by Rebeca Gonu00e7alves on Pexels.com

More poetry next week (if I haven’t deleted them)

Happy Wednesday, Samantha xx

I wrote these books! https://t.co/aqJFqYlGWl?amp=1

 

RIP TC

I wasn’t sure whether to write this post or not.

Just over two weeks ago, my youngest darling cat, TC died. It is so sad.

I have chosen this photograph to share from a few years ago. I think we had come home from a camping trip. TC’s favourite thing to do would be to find a new box or blanket to sit on.

She had been fine, eating, drinking, playing with the dog everything normal. One day, she started breathing in a weird way. We booked an appointment with the vets and because of everything that is going on, the only time they could see us was on the Wednesday. This Wednesday happened to be my birthday.

She had a tumour and we found out too late to do anything about it.

I love my pets and even make reference to them in my author bio on Amazon, Goodreads and various other places. I wanted to say RIP to TC before I change the ‘two cats’ to ‘one cat’.

We are still missing her loads. The dog doesn’t know what to do with herself and the other cat meows loudly at night.

This is a photo of the Curmudgeon Avenue gold light-up model that Lindsay McKinnon (narrator of Curmudgeon Avenue) bought me for my birthday (it cheered me up no end).

This is the card that made me laugh after we came home from the vets. From my friend Carla that I’ve known since training to be a nurse in the mid-90s.

RIP TC

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