IN THE MIST is Live and Broadcasting on the Internet!

It was really a terrific honor to have Saffia Widdershins of Prim Perfect Publications and Designing Worlds choose my 2013 story "In The Mist" to produce as their 2016 Halloween Special.  I had a terrific time working with DW Team.  Elrik Merlin (Richard Elen) did an outstanding job editing and mixing all the elements together.  What a magician!

Experience anew Daimhin's frantic, frustrated run away from the roguish James, and her near encounter with the dangerous Gray Man of the Mists with text updated specifically fort his production.  The episode features narration by myself, Corwyn Allen, Saffia Widdershins, and Elrik Merlin who does a fantastic job voicing the ethereal Far Liath. 

The gifted Wildstar Beaumont provides still shots interspersed with narration footage shot at some dazzling and atmospheric settings in Second Life ©,  

"In The Mist" is part of A Trio of Irish Tales, Volume I. The characters of Daimhin and Patrick Flynn are continued in A Trio of Irish Tales II. Both are available in Kindle and Paperback through Amazon.  They make great gifts - I'm just sayin'!

In The Mist - An Irish Tale from Richard Elen on Vimeo.

IT'S NEVER TOO LATE FOR IRISH TALES

If there is one thing I have learned in the past year, it's that there is no "season" for Irish stories. True, they may seem more topical this month, but the genre is one of those that is popular all year round.  So it is that I am pleased to be back at Mason United Methodist Church in Tacoma this week, to share more of my stories from A TRIO OF IRISH TALES, and the upcoming A TRIO OF IRISH TALES II.

These gatherings are free (with a goodwill donation accepted) and Denny's cooking is out of this world!  come on by for excellent company, great food, and a story or two

High Noon!  
Wednesday, March 19th

Mason United Methodist Church
2710 North Madison Street
In Tacoma Proctor District

Click Here for a Google Map

PESKY POOKA NIGHT!

"Two great tastes that taste great together" applies to more than Reese's Peanut Butter Cups!

Tonight I'll combine two great tastes: The essay "Russborough and Rathbally" from Cailtilin Walsh & Alfred Hellstern's A YEAR IN TULFARRIS with my own "The Shadow by the Gate" from  A TRIO OF IRISH TALES.  Both relate to County Wicklow, Ireland around the Poulaphouca Reservoire.

"Poulaphouca" translates as "The Pookas's Hole."

I'll be sharing these, and possibly others, live in Second Life (c) at the Seanchai Library at 7pm Pacific Time http://slurl.com/secondlife/Imagination%20Island/46/211/28 

And also live in streaming on the web . . . CLICK HERE to be connected to the Shoutcast stream, which will go live 10 minutes before start time.

IMPORTANT NOTE . . . In order to be able to listen on your computer or device, you may need to use one of the following applications. Don't wait till show time!:

• iTunes - here's some help with how
• Quick Time Player - here's some help with how
• Windows Media Player - here's some help with Media Player 11 for Windows XP (NOT all versions do this, so check yours out, don't assume!)

TRIO TALES UPDATE ~ Everyone has an opinion. What's yours? Take Our Poll!

Okay, let's face it ...I am not J.K. Rowling.  Who the heck is?  But I have come to believe that the audience for short stories, short subjects, microfiction in general is growing.  You can read it on a commute, while waiting, when you just need a break.

Short Stories help me learn as a writer, and refine my craft as I work towards longer compositions.  I am in love with the form, and I cannot imagine not writing short stories. Some of the stories already published could yet emerge as longer works. Maybe even "proper books."  Which are your favorites?  Take the WHICH ARE YOUR FAVORITES? poll in the right margin, and share your thoughts!

There were some great responses after last weekends TRIO TALES Promotion ... here's the most recent:

"Each one of these three stories contains a learning lesson. Two of them were military in nature so I felt more at home with both of those. 

"... I was trying to pick my favorite but am unable as all of them resonated with me.

"Highly recommended."      ~ Amazon Reader Review, FIVE Stars

"A TRIO OF CAT TALES could actually have been written by a cat!
 
"Judy has such a way of telling these sweet stories from the feline point of view that the reader could almost believe that "S" had taken the keyboard and written them herself. "S" tells her tale as she goes through different life situations with her owner "She". As the reigning Cat of the House "S" sizes up each of the scenarios she is dealt and handles them with kitty-cat grace and aplomb. Well...except for in "Travels with S", which is tale #2. Here we do witness a good bit of yowling and more than a few tears, but don't worry. Everything ends okay. As a cat-owned human who has moved several times with felines in tow I got a big kick out of "Travels with S"!
 
"Those humans who have a cat reigning in their household will especially enjoy this book."      ~ Amazon Reader Review, FIVE Stars

"... Judy’s characters are strong and very real. The dialog rings true, and fellow Irish-Americans will enjoy (and perhaps recognize) the familial banter in the second tale, The Shadow by the Gate. Liam, its young protagonist, reminds me a little of me as a teen.

"A TRIO OF IRISH TALES is not a thriller, but it does keep you turning pages. Judy does with pooka, the man of the mists, and dancing fairies what others do with bullets and mayhem. The book’s charming mysticism grabs with plenty of character and just a pinch of suspense. The writing is conversational, and Judy’s voice is as friendly and open in her book as it is at her readings. The pace, flow, and tone precisely complements the stories.

Although they are fresh from Judy’s mind and two of three stories take place in today’s world, all read like traditional tales. In the first tale, entitled “In the Mist” a girl’s dream of romance is shattered, and her passion draws her from safety into the hidden dangers of the mist. In the Shadow by the Gate, Liam, a jaded teenaged technophile is thrust into a startlingly real world of traditional mysticism. The book finishes with The Oak, a story of one woman’s life as the river of time flows past her, her home, and her family.
 
A TRIO OF IRISH TALES is a great read. It’s both pleasant and engaging and should appeal to all readers, not just those of us of Irish descent. I recommend it. 
~ Amazon Reader Review, FIVE Stars

FREE KINDLE PROMOTIONS ~ Friday and Saturday!

Coming This Weekend -  Free Promotions of TRIO TALES:

Saturday, September 7th ~
A Trio of My Father's Tales will continue to be available free on Amazon for Kindle. CLICK HERE
A Trio of Irish Tales will be available for ONE DAY ONLY free on Amazon for Kindle. With refreshed text! CLICK HERE

To read about A Trio of My Father's Tales and listen to audio selections - CLICK HERE
To read about A Trio of Irish Tales and listen to audio selections - CLICK HERE

NEW TO ME AND MY WORK?  Learn more about in this great interview by fellow author Stephanie Mesler on her site A POET'S PROGRESS (Click here)


Coming Later this Month ...

The Island cultures of the Pacific are deeply rooted in spirituality.  It does not matter whether it is christian or indigenous beliefs. Living in tropical splendor their lives are infused with faith, and a belief in the real power of miracles.

Miracles: A Trio of Island Tales whisks the reader to the Island Kingdom of Tonga in the late 19th Century.  It is a time when European and American colonialism are at their height, and many Island Nations find they must choose sides.  Through three miracles: one each of earth, water, and fire, we get a glimpse into the rich and unique Tongan culture, and begin to see how they have remained strongly independent and a sovereign nation.

IT'S MAY! IT'S MAY! ~ Time for New Things and to Hug Your Mom!

It's May!  The bees are buzzing, the birds are chirping, and life is returning in abundance.  It is a great time to be alive, and an even greater time to celebrate family: those on two and four feet!

With May comes lots of great things: Sunshine, Mother's Day! Our plan is to contribute to the joys of spring triumphant, and hopefully we can help you do so as well!

NOW LIVE AT AMAZON.COM:

A Trio of Cat Tales in Kindle from Amazon
And also in Paperback from Amazon 
(Costs a few pennies more but if you are a Prime member, you save a bundle on shipping)

Also available in Paperback through Createspace 

Meet "S" - a cat in the prime of her lives.  From her superior feline perch, S shares adventures in traveling, her favorite cat games, as well as lessons in art and respect.  

A Trio of Cat Tales is a “feliniously” philosophical journey with plenty of insights and exploits for cat lovers and the “cat owned.”

 CLICK to listen to a selection from Chapter 1: The Story of S
 CLICK to listen to a selection from Chapter 3: S and the Cable Guy 

 DON'T FORGET MOTHER'S DAY! 

UPDATE BULLETIN:  There will be a special audio short story posted for Mother's Day - FREE (tips accepted) . . . so be sure and come back on Sunday for "Walking to the Music." 
Short Stories are a great way to say "I Love You", especially if Mom loves Celtic Tales, or appreciates the middle of life.  A Trio of Irish Tales and Reflections from The Golden Wheel are incrediblt portable and make great gifts.  Both are available in Kindle and Paperback ~ See the tabs at the top of the page! You can also check out my Author Page at Amazon's Author Central


 CLICK to listen to a selection from Chapter 10: Reflections from The Golden Wheel

 CLICK to listen to a selection from Chapter 1: A Trio of Irish Tales - "In the Mist"

Both of these titles coming soon as Audiobooks! 

LATER THIS MONTH:

The release of A Trio of My Father's Tales in Kindle and Paperback.     

"A great storyteller" was not the first thought people had about my father.  But he was an Irishman, so it was in his blood.  There were stories he used to tell that we, as children, asked him to repeat over and over again at family meals.  

Here is a tribute to my father with three of those stories: "The Little Lord Fauntleroy Suit", "Flying Down to Cour D'Alene", and "The Skunk War."

VIRAL SUNDAY!

If you'd mentioned a viral Sunday to me six months ago I would have thought you were talking about a weekend socked in with a bad cold.  But it was a very different kind of viral yesterday, and an exciting one!

I am sure for a more seasoned author it was not that big a deal, but it was huge for me and an amazing experience.  Reflections from The Golden Wheel did respectably well for a first time author on a three day promotion, bringing in just under 200 downloads and reaching the #66 in the Humor Rankings before it finished. Thanks to everyone who downloaded and who shared encouragement!

A Trio of Irish Tales started its three day promotion yesterday and WENT VIRAL in the afternoon.  At one point, and for several hours, it was being downloaded every 90 seconds!  Over 600 downloads on the first day and it has two more to go!  I'm not going to be smart or cool about it, whatever else happens THAT was cool! Literally, I was on a brief phone call with my sister and ten books uploaded while we were talking.

This morning A Trio of Irish Tales ranks #6 in Fiction-Mythology and #9 in Fiction-Historical at #345 overall in the Free Kindle Store.  LET THE PIGEONS LOOSE!

In celebration of our Viral Sunday here are audio samples from A Trio of Irish Tales

Click for a sample from In the Mists
Click for a sample from Shadow by the Gate 

If you LIKE it, RATE & REVIEW IT!  If you LOVE it, SHARE THE LOVE ~ TELL OTHERS!

THIS WEEK!

"JUDY'S STORIES" CHANGE OF SCHEDULE!

Some adjustments in this weekend's scheduled public readings ... check out the Takin' It To The Seats" Tab for the new schedule.

The session at King's Books as part of the Tacoma Swans Day Celebration is still a GO! Click Here to learn more!

SPECIAL PROMOTION OF REFLECTIONS FROM THE GOLDEN WHEEL STARTS FRIDAY!
In recognition of Sunday's Swans Day event and its efforts internationally to celebrate the creative spirit of Women and raise consciousness (and funds) to combat violence against Women, Reflections from The Golden Wheel will go on a special promotion.  For three days only, beginning Friday, the Kindle edition will be available to download for FREE!  Tell you friends and family -- share this special deal with any one and everyone you think might enjoy it!

HERE'S WHAT READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT A TRIO OF IRISH TALES...

"Judith Cullen's skills as a story teller and voice actress are obvious in these Irish tales. There is nothing as an engaging as a good story shared by a great story teller. If you have never had the opportunity to hear Cullen perform her work, I'm sorry. I imagine she will one day record these stories for you to hear in her own voice. In the meantime, I recommend reading them aloud to yourself and your friends. Seriously, these tales demand to be heard! Even read silently to oneself, these tales are engaging as well as touching. I love them!"  ~ Stephanie


"I imagined these tales being spoken aloud as I read them and how delightful it would be to hear the author's voice in the telling. I was pleasantly surprised at the mix of modern and ancient in the tales' settings and enjoyed how well the phrasing suited both eras. I am looking forward to future tales told by this author (and hoping for an audio book of the collections!)" ~ KFD

And from enthusiastic readers in the UK ...

"Three short stories, all based in an Ireland. that exists half in reality, half in myth: The clash between a sulky teenager, umbilically connected to his laptop, and an older kind of game-player; the beautiful sense of continuity in a family's connection with its place on the land, and a walk in the mist that nearly takes someone through the veil between realities that is still so present in Ireland, all evoke an Ireland that all with Celtic blood recognize and long for."  ~ CASB

"A wonderful trio of atmospheric tales from a writer who really is a great storyteller. It is a pleasure to read someone who truly understands the short story." ~ John

COMING IN MAY ...
~ A Trio of Cat Tales
~ A Trio of Tales Told by My Father

THANK YOU ONE & ALL!

... for helping make the first JUDY'S STORIES session a success!  I was so touched and excited that you all were there!  The Mason UMC Parlor is a great room to read in, and you all were so terrific to share that hour with me.  Many thanks!

I am considering for some future sessions mixing my work with other works on the same subject... as an example, at the April 27th session I hope to have the drafts of A Trio of Cat Tales ready and was considering presenting some other cat literature as well as my own.  Thoughts? Opinions?  Leave them in the comments - I'd love to hear them!

More Stories to Come!
Sunday, April 7th at 4pm (for 20 minutes only)
The WomenArt Swans Day Celebration - Tacoma
King's Books
218 St Helens Ave - Stadium District

Sunday, April 7th at 7pm (60-90 minutes)
Lakewood Playhouse
5729 Lakewood Towne Center Blvd - Lakewood Towne Center

Saturday, April 27th at 2pm (60-90 minutes)
Mason United Methodist Church
2710 North Madison Street in the Proctor District

A TRIO OF IRISH TALES is available for Kindle and in Print
(If you don't have a Kindle you can still read it as an ebook ... see previous posts for the link to getting a free Kindle Reader for your computer)

To Be Released This Week in Kindle and Print-On-Demand!

 One Woman's View from Mid-Life ...

"This is a collection of stories that all begged to be written.  I am told those are the best ones to share, but I leave that for you to decide.  It is a mix of fictional fancies and non-fiction essays.  Sometimes “reality” and “fancy” are woven together into the same piece, while others define themselves clearly as one or the other.  Again, I happily yield to the reader to enjoy them and make their own judgments. I am not telling!"

JUDY'S STORIES Tomorrow at 2pm!

 Tomorrow is the very first public reading for JUDY'S STORIES

Saturday, March 23rd at 2:00pm
Mason United Methodist Church - Parlors
2710 North Madison Street in Tacoma
(Note: Enter through the far right pair of front doors.  The entire bank of them will not be unlocked)

I will be reading from the recently released A Trio of Irish Tales, as well as from the about-to-be-released Reflections from The Golden Wheel. If you'd like a refreshing beverage to enhance your listening pleasure, please feel free to bring it along. No complications, video screens, bells, whistles, fly girls, marching bands.  Just good company and good tales: simply sitting back in your chair, letting your eyes shut if you wish, and letting the story carry you along.  This event is free to the public.

Great Article!  by Steve Dunkelberger in the TACOMA WEEKLY!

More events to come:  April 7th at 4pm at King's Books as part of the WomenArt Swan Day Celebration; April 7th at 7pm at Lakewood Playhouse; and April 27 at 2pm at Mason Church again.

And Good News!  A Trio of Irish Tales is now available on Amazon in paperback!  (Shipping might be cheaper through there than through CreatSpace, especially if you are an Amazon Prime Member!)

JUDY'S STORIES: First Public Session Announced!

Who says adults are too old to enjoy listening to a good story well read?  No complications, video screens, bells, whistles, fly girls, marching bands.  Just good company and good tales: simply sitting back in your chair, letting your eyes shut if you wish, and letting the story carry you along.  Afterward talking and sharing with others, including the author and storyteller. That's what Judy's Stories are all about.  Yes, you could do that with an audio book, but it is so much better live.

JUDY'S STORIES
Saturday, March 23rd at 2:00pm
Mason United Methodist Church - Parlors
2710 North Madison Street in Tacoma

I will be reading from the recently released A Trio of Irish Tales, as well as from the about-to-be-released Reflections from The Golden Wheel. Very simple and very sparse, so if you'd like a refreshing beverage to enhance your listening pleasure, please feel free to bring it along. This event is free to the public.

This is a new step for me, so feel free to leave feedback and advice in the comments of this post.

~ Slainte'

ALSO "Trio...Irish Tales" released in Print-on-Demand Paperback! Click Here to go to the CreateSpace Sales page!

MORE SAMPLES! from A TRIO OF IRISH TALES

Terrific Reader Reviews for A Trio of Irish Tales, including one suggesting that it be released in audio form.  That is part of the plan.  No question but to answer that desire with two more audio snippets for you to enjoy... Thank you everyone for the kind words!

"The Shadow by the Gate" from A Trio of Irish Tales by Judith Cullen (Sample)

"The Oak" from A Trio of Irish Tales by Judith Cullen (Sample)

Production (c) 2013 by Judith Cullen

And if you are in the Puget Sound area, you can hear the author read live from this book, and from her up-coming Reflections from The Golden Wheel.

Saturday, March 23rd at 2pm (60-90 minutes)
Mason United Methodist Church
2710 North Madison Street in the Proctor District

The event is free to the public, and you are always welcome to leave a tip here on the blog via the widget in the right hand margin. Check back on Saint Patrick's Day for a free audio download of Irish Poems by some great Irish poets to celebrate the day.

UPDATE on A TRIO OF IRISH TALES!

Thank you to those who bought the first copies!  You got the special versions with some pesky, sneaky text errors.  As of today the "as good as it's going to be" version has gone live on Amazon and is available for purchase in the Kindle Store: A Trio of Irish Tales

No Kindle? No Problem!  Two options:
~ Visit Amazon's Free Kindle Reading Apps page and download a version appropriate for your computer
~ Hang on a bit ... a paperback monograph version is in final proofs for Print-On-Demand through CreateSpace and will be available for sale on Amazon. (Stay Tuned here for details.)

In Other Great News!
We are taking it to the streets!  Well, actually to the seats with Public Readings from A Trio of Irish Tales and Reflections from The Golden Wheel.  Come, bring a beverage, sit back and enjoy some lovely shared time together, and let me read you a story!

Saturday, March 23rd at 2pm (60-90 minutes)
Mason United Methodist Church
2710 North Madison Street in the Proctor District

Sunday, April 7th at 4pm (for 20 minutes only)
The WomenArt Swans Day Celebration - Tacoma
King's Books
218 St Helens Ave - Stadium District

Sunday, April 7th at 7pm (60-90 minutes)
Lakewood Playhouse
5729 Lakewood Towne Center Blvd - Lakewood Towne Center

And if THAT weren't enough ... here's a little something to tease you with.  A selection from "In The Mists", the first Chapter in A Trio of Irish Tales.

Click here to Listen!

TRIO OF IRISH TALES Finally Released!

As of this morning, A Trio of Irish Tales is on sale, and I couldn't be more thrilled.

Meet Ireland's legendary "Man of the Mists", experience the life of one woman through a sacred oak tree, or delight in the old-world vs new-world clash between an annoyed pooka and a digitally savvy teenager. In this first volume of the "Trio Tales" series, author Judith Cullen celebrates her heritage inspired by family and friends, and she even invites the fairies out to dance. 

Don't have a Kindle?  No problem!   Amazon has Free Kindle Reading Apps available to download to you computer or other device of "personal digital satisfaction". (thank you David Fischer!)

You can also "borrow" it ... see Amazon for more details.  These are digital days, and the more "hits" the higher it gets on the radar of the book buying world.  Of course, one hopes people will actually buy it as well.  That's the big dream - love the stories, buy the book!

Wonderful cover photo was done by friend Micki McIntyre in Second Life.  Coming shortly ... Reflections on The Golden Wheel, with more short stories, both fictional and non-fiction, and another lovely bit of virtual photography by Micki.