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."

FIVE STARS for "Reflections from The Golden Wheel"!

 FIVE STARS! a reader also sent me a personal message that was so lovely and heartfelt that it brought tears to my eyes.  Pass the link for Reflections from The Golden Wheel along to someone you know.  It is one woman's view of life from its median ... and it is shared in the hopes that others will find comfort, understanding, and perhaps even joy!

UPDATE:  In recognition of WomenArt's Swans Day Celebrations, you can download the Kindle version of this title FREE from Amazon today through Sunday!  Women are loving these stories, and finding the sentiments both moving and joy-inspiring.  If you like it?  RATE & REVIEW IT!  If you LOVE it?  SHARE THE LOVE - RECOMMEND IT TO YOUR FRIENDS! 

Click to hear Audio Samples ...
**Draft of Chapter 9
**Selections - Chapter 10

Here's the review...
"A collection of essays that offers a glimpse into the thoughts and emotions of a woman who is going through self evaluation and reflection. I could identify with several of the points she made. I am of her generation, and while I have had some of the same emotions, I hadn't quite worked through them to the point of seeing them with any clarity. The author offers some quite poignant insights that surprisingly brought me comfort. I look eagerly look forward to more writing from Ms. Cullen. "

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

THE TIMES THEY ARE A CHANGING!

"All that great love and energy for her heritage and others is being channeled into tales that make ones eyes go wide, hearts pound, minds recall, spirits stir, grins created with twinkles too. Love it!"   ~ Jim Swain, Enthusiastic Reader 

Thanks to all of you for the great response and encouragement on the release of Reflections from The Golden Wheel!  What a great outpouring of joy!  I appreciate it so much!

Click Here for another free audio sample ~ Chapter 9!  This is an early draft of what became that chapter of the collection.  It is based on a true event that really did happen one summer afternoon in my home.  It is a perfect thing to share in this fresh spring weekend, and a great thought for Easter as well.

Evolution and Revolution:  in an effort to make my posts more interesting and not filled with as much "product" information, I am adding tabs across the top of the homepage. Some are links directly to the sales pages for those titles, some are informational pages about Free Offers, Reading Events, etc. You should be able to connect with all the info you need from those tabs.  If you aren't, leave me a comment!  Hopefully, this will free up the homepage for a greater variety of interesting stuff!

Coming Soon!

      ~ TWO Public Readings on Sunday, April 7th (See "Takin' it to the Seats" Tab)

      ~ Late next week - free downloads available from Amazon of some of my titles.  (See "Free Stuff" Tab)

Note:

All the audio downloads on this blog are offered freely. I am an artist and fledgling author.  I only ask if you enjoy the files and decide to keep them, you consider leaving something in the tip jar on the right hand margin.  Every little bit helps keep the stories coming!  Mille Gracie!

"REFLECTIONS..." Goes live!

It is live!  Reflections from The Golden Wheel is finally available on Kindle through Amazon. It is a collection of short stories and essays - One woman's view from the median of life! It is also now available on CreateSpace  in paperback as well as on Amazon.

No Kindle?  No Problem!  You can download a free Kindle Reader App appropriate for your computer ~ Click Here

"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!"     

Listen to a free audio sample from the title chapter: Chapter 10 
Warning: I do use the word "breasts" in the this clip, and in reference to my own.  The good news is I do not get more descriptive than that, so you are probably safe.  The Peeps photo to the right will become significant if you listen to the sample.

If you read it, and you enjoy it, don't forget to go back to Amazon and review it - giving it a star rating.  Share it with your friends who might also enjoy it! Give it as a gift!

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!

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!

COMING SOON in Ebook form for Kindle and Kindle Readers!

Coming in December just in time for Holiday Gift Giving: two ebooks of my own collected short stories.  Audio versions to follow in 2013.

Three Irish Tales ~ A trio of short stories inspired by Irish folklore and the author's own Irish family heritage. Includes the legends of the Bile Rath, the Far Liath, and a pesky pouka.

Reflections from The Golden Wheel ~ "I'm not the first person to turn fifty. I am not likely to be the last either, but who knew that so much change would be part and parcel of clocking a half century?"  ...The Golden Wheel is a mix of fiction and non-fiction musings mirroring one woman's journey through the "wheel of the year" surrounding her fiftieth birthday.

I'm finally doing it!  I am finally publishing my own work.  Will post when these collections go on sale.  Might be that you know someone who might enjoy these.  It's a chance to support your local "maybe-not-so-starving-but-trying-to-pay-the-damn-utilities" artist.

Fabulous Illustrations by Micki McIntyre.