One Million Project Magazine by One Million Project

Autumn/Winter 2017 - 2018

Contributors Sue Hart Sue Baron Sharon Rhoads Michele Potter Sally Barr John Nedwill Jenni Clark Michael Walsh Michele Burgante Susan O'Reilly Sheena Macleod Lora Tabakova Kate McGinn Seb Jenkins

Who we are .... OMP or ONE MILLION PROJECT (standing for an aspirational idea of raising £1,000,000 for charity) has three main areas grounded in creativity and charity. We are currently putting together three themed anthologies featuring 120 different stories (40 apiece) by our talented writers who are generously donating their time, skill and work to contribute, alongside editors, cover designers, musicians, artists and other creatives. OMP is totally non-profit and all sales of our anthologies (less Amazon charges/costs) go to our two main charity areas - Cancer Research and helping the homeless. Last but not least, OMP is a creative network dedicated to providing support, promotion, and encouragement to our members. As a collective we work together on various initiatives in the creative and charitable worlds with the goal of doing good and creating an opportunity for our writers, artists, musicians and other creative members, to achieve their dreams, whether those are publications, bigger audiences, film, art, music projects etc. Though there are a lot more than four of us. Our motto is very much “One for all and all for one”. Jason Greenfield

Review of Author Seb Jenkins’ Life After Death By Kate McGinn When I was asked to review Seb Jenkins’ book about a zombie apocalypse, my first impulse was to agree to the assignment. I’m a die-hard “The Walking Dead” fan having read the graphic series as well as tuning in to watch the hit-TV show. One of my sons loaned me his copy of the novel, World War Z, much to my delight; even though, my husband was appalled at my “fascination with zombies and vampires.” I won’t apologize to loving good paranormal fiction. The emphasis should be on the word--good. I’ve read some books in the past which were pitiful attempts at writing in this popular genre. What if I had to write a review of a bad knock-off of TWD?

I didn’t need to worry about Life After Death. Jenkins does an admirable job with his tale of the undead or clickers--which is how the characters describe the sound of the zombies’ teeth gnashing with their constant biting motion. He has woven a story about human frailty in the face of unbelievable odds, and at its center is the protagonist, Max Dalton. Max is a 37-year-old man whose life has had some major personal disappointments. In the first chapter, we discover the man has poured all of his energies into a job he doesn’t particularly like because it is all he has left or so he feels.

He lost the woman he loved over a decade before and distanced himself from friends and family in the aftermath, but the hard work he’s invested in his job in the hopes of receiving a promotion goes unrewarded. Not only does his boss state Max will not be making his presentation but his employer informs him he has been let go due to budget constraints. The story picks up three weeks later, and as Max contemplates ending his own life with the lone bullet in an old revolver-the world becomes a war between the “clickers” and those who have immunity from the virus. Over the course of the story, Max battles his feelings of negative self-worth and his compulsion to end his own meaningless life and staying alive in a world that makes his former life seem like paradise.

He discovers hidden strengths and triumphs amidst the backdrop of a world where failure means the ultimate end to those people you care about or to yourself. Life After Death offers the reader plenty of wellwritten action scenes with a lot of zombies for those who love those undead battles as well as an exploration of what makes us human.

In this life after death, Max struggles with his fears and weakness of spirit as he searches for answers to the question “Why am I still alive, and others of more worth are dead?” Copyright © 2017 by OMP Magazine Publishing

Seb Jenkins is a 21 year old student from Bedfordshire, England. His recent works are described as dark, gritty, and atmospheric which he attributes to a lifetime of immersing himself in endless horror books and gore-fuelled tv shows/films. When he isn't writing, you can find him banging his head slowly against a brick wall, or desperately trying to think of that best selling idea he came up with at 3am last night. As of 2015, Seb is currently attending the University of Kent to study journalism and hopes to carve a career out of his passion for writing. Find him on Facebook, and his new website: www.sebjenkins.co.uk

Q & A

Seb Jenkins 1. What made you want to become a writer? I was always really into reading when I was growing up, as thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s so much more intricate detail that you can fit into 350 pages than you can in two hours of screen time. Through my early teenage years I read stuff like Cherub, Darren Shan and Maze Runner. I really loved that kind of young adult fiction, combining the somewhat childish humour of teen books with the suspense and twists of an adult thriller. Around three or four years ago I just decided that it might be cool to start writing, as a kind of throwback to these YA books I loved so much, hence I began planning my first book, Life After Death.

2. Have you written any other books that are not published? Life After Death is my only published works at the moment, after I selfpublished through Amazon. However, I do have a sequel and a variety of unpublished short stories on my Wattpad account, available to read for free. I also have countless new short stories and a couple of brand new novel ideas coming up for late 2017/18.

Q & A 3. What is your writing style? Pen, type writer, computer, etc? I’m definitely a laptop kind of writer, can’t be dealing with the mistakes in pen and type writer format.

7. If you could spend time with one character from your story, who would it be, and what would you do with them? I’m really not sure I’d particularly like to hang out with any of them.

4. Do you write alone or in public? With or without music? I usually write alone in a relatively quiet room, but I often take breaks to go somewhere with a bit more noise and chatter to think up ideas and stuff.

8. What character in your story are you least likely to get along with? Definitely Thompson with that raging temper.

5. Does your story have a lesson or a moral? The Lighthouse doesn’t have a moral as such, it’s more of a suspenseful thriller. 6. What is your favourite part of the story? My favourite part has got to be the prologue in which I briefly recount the Smalls Lighthouse disaster. I find it more fun and entertaining to use true stories or at least some true elements in my short stories. It combines the real world with the darker make-believe twists.

9. What do you read for pleasure? I’d say I actually read less published work now that I write. Most the time I’ll be reading horrors and thrillers on Wattpad from other aspiring writers, but I do still like to read some classic dark fiction, like Stephen King. At the moment, I’m about half-way through Frankenstein.

Q & A 10. Who are authors/artists who inspire your work? As I said before, I’d say my main influences came from books I read in my younger years, along with some dark, gorefilled TV. Darren Shan, James Dashner and Robert Muchamore were all big influences. 11. What is your favourite book and why? That’s an impossible choice really, but I really enjoyed Brighton Rock by Graham Greene. 12. Why did you choose to participate in the One Million Project? I love writing quick, short, exciting stories, and OMP gave me the chance to do this while also helping charity, so it was an easy decision. I also got to chat to a lot of like-minded authors which was really interesting.

14. What are your favourite things to do when you’re not writing? Being a student, as little as possible. Watching TV, hanging out with mates and watching football are my main pass times. 15. Do you have any plans to continue writing in the future? I have a lot of ideas to keep me busy in the next 12 months or so. They can all be found on my website, with regular updates.

13. What do you do for a living? I’m currently in my final year at university in the UK. I study Journalism at the University of Kent.

Family Ties or Otherwise blog by Michele Potter

Having recently attended two family reunions, I have been thinking about the power of blood ties. I was lucky enough to grow up close to extended family in the Midwest. Picnics in the summer, holiday gatherings, and sleepovers at cousins were all part of my childhood. At the time, I thought everyone had the same kind of experience and completely took my family for granted. Once out in the world, it came as a bit of a shock that many people, because of distance, dysfunction, separation, or loss, had little or no family. The people I met shared stories that hurt my heart. One girl told me how she had found her father, dead from a self-inflicted gunshot; she said she felt nothing but disgust. Another said her parents’ bitter divorce and long custody battle had effectively made her feel like an orphan.

My family had their differences and disputes, but we always knew deep down that we were there for each other. I remember my teenage years as a perpetual war of wills with my mother, but in the end, we called it a draw. Through the years, we have lost members, a sad time for gathering together and sharing. At my age, I have attended too many wakes and funerals for people close to me. Where once I considered such rites maudlin and unnecessary, my views have changed. Being the person in the receiving line accepting condolences changes one’s perspective. I think of all this because a dear family member is dying. Cancer is making its final assault, and his days are numbered. Throughout the long process, he has made every effort to see and talk to everyone, attend reunions, and keep a positive attitude. “There’s always someone worse off,” he often says. I think of the many times I’ve wallowed in the “pity pot” and feel ashamed.

He has stayed with us longer than the doctors predicted, which I believe is due to the support and love from all sides. I cannot imagine coming to the end of oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life and not having family ties. Recently, he asked me to gather some funny family stories to tell at his funeral. He wants people to laugh. I hope we can all laugh through the tears.

Editor Note: Michele Potter is a writer and OMP Network member â&#x20AC;&#x201C; one of a group of networkers who will be blogging on a regular basis on various causes and issues. Michele is an incredibly diverse and talented writer who I hope will collect her short stories and make them available on Amazon someday soon. In the meantime her story PERCEPTIONS is available in the guest author section of the flash fiction antholgy BITE SIZE STORIES VOLUME ONE.

On the Nature of Being blog by John Nedwill Alright, it’s a bit of a pretentious title for a blog, but stay with me for the next few hundred words. Take a look at the biographical details at the bottom of this article. You’ll notice that it is very sparse – almost no personal details beyond my name and a WattPad account. Compare it to some of the others who write blogs for the One Million Project. Lots of details in those. Now, given the current emphasis on social media and accessibility to readers, why would an aspiring author not want to be contacted? Why would they not want their readers to connect with them? The answer in my case is simple. Privacy. You see, I lead a double life. One of them is the ordinary life that everybody else leads – the life of work, responsibility and paying the bills. The other life I have is one of imagination, creation and wonder. In one of them, I am virtually unknown beyond the walls that are placed around me. In the other … Well, I’m still pretty much unknown, but there is more freedom to do things.

I try to keep my two lives separate. But there is still one inevitable point of contact between them: me. Although I have different names for my different lives, I am still at heart the same person. Parts of my normal life will creep over into my existence as John Nedwill, and vice-versa. I could reinvent myself totally, or I could create an entirely separate persona from whole cloth and put that out as ‘me’. Neither of those options particularly appeals to me. The first one would mean giving up too much of the things I like about me that already exist. The second would involve lying on a massive scale, and that would challenge my integrity just as much as the first option would. So,

I have decided to remain a cipher. It may not be the best choice, but it is the one I am most comfortable with. Instead, I prefer readers to engage with my works rather than some personality that is itself a work of fiction.

As writers, we have to decide how much we reveal about ourselves to our readers. Some of us are more comfortable sharing than others; others prefer to keep something back. It doesn’t mean that we don’t want to engage, it’s just that we want to choose our grounds to do so.

Editor Note: John Nedwill is a writer and OMP Network member, who will be blogging on a regular basis on various issues and causes. His work can be found on Wattpad.com and in the OMP short story anthologies which will be published by Dark Ink Press this fall.

Q & A

Jenni Clark 1.What made you want to become a writer? I have always told stories, as a child and as a teacher and a mother. Now I am writing them. 2. Have you written any other books that are not published? I have several first drafts and a couple of second drafts and one book which needs one last edit before going out to agents. 3. What is your writing style? Pen, type writer, or computer, etc.? A huge amount of my writing occurs in my head. I write research and notes in a notebook, but create the story on the computer. 4. Do you write alone or in public? With or without music? Alone, first draft writing is usually accompanied by music.

6. What is your favourite part of the story? When she recognises the truth. 7. If you could spend time with one character from your story, who would it be, and what would you do with them? I would sit in a park with Patricia and listen. 8. What character in your story are you least likely to get along with? Simon. 9. What do you read for pleasure? Fantasy, sci-fi, gentle stories, YA. 10. Who are the authors/artists who inspire your work? I adore Robin Hobb, Tolkien, Branden Sanderson. Patrick Ruthoss, Anne Mac Cafferyâ&#x20AC;Śand many more.

5.Does your story have a lesson? a moral? No. It is about the frailty of humans.

Q & A 11. What is your favourite book? Why? I’m not sure I have one, but if I had to choose – The Hobbit. Although I also love The Emperor’s Soul by Brandon Sanderson, it is such a clever idea for magic. 12. Why did you decide to participate in the One Million Project? It's a good cause. I'm proud to be part of it.

13. What do you do for living? My husband and I sell Lego on the internet and at exhibitions. It’s a colourful, fun, creative toy, we enjoy creating with it as well as earning for a living. 14. What are your favourite things to do when you aren’t writing? Reading, drawing, cycling, painting, gardening, lake swimming (summer only) daydreaming. 15. Do you have any plans to continue writing in future? Yes, I have many projects on the go, and several waiting in my head. I cannot imagine a life without writing.

Michael Walsh

Website: https://www.zonderzorg.org/ Blog: https://www.zonderzorg.org/blog Twitter: https://twitter.com/YachtSequitur Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Micha elWalsh.Author/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/micha el.walsh.9404362

Michael Walsh was born during World War Two on the east coast of Canada. He joined the Air Force after school and trained as a pilot, moved to the west coast, discovered mountains, and made a name for himself as an exploratory mountaineer. Then, restless, he transferred to the Navy to captain ships. A dozen years later, still restless, he resigned his commission to expand his wine importing business and to pursue his passions, becoming a wine and food writer and educator and Canada’s chief coin geek. Restless again, he sailed off and rounded Cape Horn. Twice. The past few years he’s lived aboard Zonder Zorg, a restored 1908 Friesian skûtsje, as he explores the European canals trying to sort out what to do when he grows up. Meanwhile, he’s gone back to writing, and after four nonfiction books on boating, he’s turned to fiction.

Q & A 1.What made you want to become a writer? Learning to read. 2. Have you written any other books that are not published? I have two sequels to Posted As Missing, which are in their final polishing stages, and I’m working on the draft of a fourth volume to the series. 3. What is your writing style? Pen, type writer, or computer, etc.? My MacBook is now indispensable to my writing. 4. Do you write alone or in public? With or without music? Alone and, because I’m nearly deaf, without music. 5.Does your story have a lesson? a moral? All my stories do. 6. What is your favourite part of the story? The adventure which inspired it. 7. If you could spend time with one character from your story, who would it be, and what would you do with them? It would be me, and I would continue to live life to the fullest.

8. What character in your story are you least likely to get along with? None. 9. What do you read for pleasure? I’m omnivorous. 10. Who are the authors/artists who inspire your work? W. Somerset Maugham, Herman Hesse and Stieg Larsson, among many others. 11. What is your favourite book? Why? Of Human Bondage. After more than a century, it’s still a valid examination of the human condition and of man’s search for meaning. 12. Why did you decide to participate in the One Million Project? It's a good cause. I'm proud to be part of it. 13. What do you do for living? Retired and still wandering.

Q & A 14. What are your favourite things to do when you aren’t writing? Rewriting, fine-tuning and polishing. And when I’m not being creative with words, I enjoy exploring the world around me and relaxing, cozying up with a good book. 15. Do you have any plans to continue writing in future? Stupid question. I’ve been writing for two-thirds of a century, so why would I stop now?

Website: https://www.zonderzorg.org/ Blog: https://www.zonderzorg.org/blog Twitter: https://twitter.com/YachtSequitur Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MichaelWals h.Author/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michael.wals h.9404362

Books: http://viewbook.at/CapeHorn http://viewbook.at/CarefreeCanals http://viewbook.at/CarefreeLocks http://viewbook.at/CanalGuide http://viewbook.at/SpiltWine http://viewbook.at/UnknownDiners http://viewbook.at/PostedAsMissing

Amazon: https://www.amazon.com//e/B00CJ3MVHG

Q & A

Michele Burgante 1. What made you want to become a writer? When I was in fourth grade, my father gave me my very first pocketbook. It was one of the books from the Nancy Drew series. Although getting that particular present disappointed me at first— because surely we did enough reading at school—I quickly grew addicted to the joy of reading. I consumed books from dusk ‘til dawn, until my parents complained that I no longer had a life. From reading, I discovered the beauty of words and their ability to move hearts. I wanted to have that ability to create so I started writing my own poetry on the unused pages of my notebooks from the previous school year. Poetry became essays, then blogs, and now, I’m attempting to write novels.

2. Have you written any other books that are not published? My story on Wattpad, A Room for My Pretend Love, is my first book. I finished writing it last July. Writing this book was such a great learning experience for me. It may not necessarily be my best work, but this story will always remain close to my heart. I’m also happy to announce that it has been selected as a Wattpad Featured Story. 3. What is your writing style? Pen, type writer, or computer, etc.? I mainly type on my computer because 1) I don’t own a typewriter and 2) my handwriting is illegible. When I’m on the go, I type ideas on my phone.

Q & A 4. Do you write alone or in public? With or without music? It doesn’t matter whether I’m alone or in public, but it has to be quiet. I cannot write with music on, especially when the music has lyrics. That’s because when I write, the words appear in my mind, and when there’s music on, that drowns out the voice in my head.

7.If you could spend time with one character from your story, who would it be, and what would you do with them? Well, there are only two characters in my story, so I don’t have much choice. If had to choose between Jaejoon and Aine, I’d choose Jaejoon because I’ve always wanted to meet a Korean superstar.

5. Does your story have a lesson? a moral? I believe that almost all stories have a moral. Perhaps it’s not always obvious, but a good story usually has some truth or message that the writer wishes to convey. This holds true for my story. I don’t want to write about something that leaves the readers with nothing. When people read what I write, I hope that it helps them realize some things about life.

8. What character in your story are you least likely to get along with? I guess Jaejoon, as well, particularly during that point in his life when he let the fame get to his head. I cannot stand people who think they live a step above others.

6. What is your favourite part of the story? My favourite part is, perhaps, the end, when Jaejoon rediscovers his music and through it, his self. I am a naturally optimistic person, and that part echoes my own perspective in life.

9. What do you read for pleasure? These days, I mostly read novels on Wattpad, fan fiction that involves my favourite Korean celebrities, and manhwa (Korean comics).

Q & A 10. Who are the authors/artists who inspire your work? Perhaps the author who has inspired my work the most is Paulo Coelho. His words have a lyrical quality to them that I find so beautiful. Plus, he always pushes forward a unique perspective towards life that opens my eyes to certain truths and realities. Other works that inspire me are Pablo Neruda and Margaret Atwood’s poetry. 11. What is your favourite book? Why? Well, it’s hard to choose but probably Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen and 11 Minutes by Paulo Coelho. Both books have greatly affected my views on love and relationships and have helped me get through some tough times. 12. Why did you decide to participate in the One Million Project? It’s a privilege for me to be part of this community of writers who work towards making a positive contribution to the world. If something that I do out of love can help other people, then it’s all the more meaningful.

13. What do you do for living? My official title is “global marketing operations manager,” but essentially I do marketing for a technology company in China. 14. What are your favourite things to do when you aren’t writing? When I’m not writing, I’m watching Korean dramas, exploring the world, and sampling different cuisines. 15. Do you have any plans to continue writing in future? Yes, yes, and yes!

Sue Hart I was born and bred in the West Texas Permian basin: the home of cactus, oil wells, long horn steers, and ranchers. My small town had town barbeques with grills the size of trailers; street dances where the roads were blocked off and bands played; parades for all kinds of occasions, and then there were the rodeos, hayrides, and a lake to stay cool in during those hundred degree days. Those, my friends, were the good ole’ days. I want to share something else about me. My grandmother crossed the Red River in a covered wagon when she was a child. Just think about that. History wasn’t that long ago. She grew up and lived in an oil town, made up of tents, with my granddaddy who was an oil-well rigger during the oil boom days. My mother was born in one of those tents. When she grew up, she became a tap dancer. My granddaddy didn’t exactly like the idea of her going away from home, but she tried out for Billy Rose and was hired for the Ziegfeld Follies. But she quickly learned that kind of work wasn’t for her and went back home to Texas.

That’s when she met my daddy, who worked beside his daddy at a meat packing plant. They married and had two boys when World War II began. Well, my mama bought a house trailer to pull behind a car and followed my daddy to California with their sons. She lived in San Diego since Daddy was in the Navy. They had food ration stamps for the war because during that war food was controlled. Mama found farms and bought fresh food from them to feed her boys. After the war ended, my parents went back to Texas and had me. You may wonder why I told you this. It’s because of the history I was raised hearing about from those who lived it. In my life, there was the close experience I had of Vietnam and the men who fought and were wounded. They told me their stories too. I have traveled extensively, and while I did, I heard more from others. This opportunity I was given wasn’t wasted. I became a writer. The characters I choose to use I’ve often met and interviewed. From cowboys, rodeo stars, oilmen, ranchers, military, and the working man. I use what I’ve learned from people to create each story. This gives life to it and sometimes, you are not ready for it to end.

Q & A 1. What made you want to become a writer? Some children come into this world as a chatterbox with why as their favorite word. That was me. I wanted to know about everything and would follow my daddy around, driving him nuts. From there, I researched what I wanted to know. In high school, English class taught me to enjoy literature. For the next twenty years, I read a variety of topics. Later, I discovered poetry and, from this, I found beauty in the presentation of words. These things were the building blocks of my decision to write. It wasn’t an education behind sacred walls. Books taught me this. My vivid imagination did the rest. I research for every book I write, and most of the facts I use are documented. My characters are real to me. They come to life quickly, and they are the ones who tell the story, just like they have in my little story, “Ugly Rumors.” 2. Have you written any other books that are not published? I have five novels completed and two in the final stages of editing—a process that takes much longer than writing a book. Once that’s complete, I will publish. I am in the process now of writing a new novel, and I have four drafts waiting for their turn to be edited

3. What is your writing style? Pen, type writer, or computer, etc.? I begin in my head. A story starts to form, scenes at first, and then characters I actually envision. The plot of their lives takes shape. Then I begin taking notes on anything that’s handy. But then I write on a laptop. I have actually gone through three. 4. Do you write alone or in public? With or without music? Alone. Silence is golden. I need to throw myself into the moment I’m writing about. Music can change your mood, and that wouldn’t be good to have that happen. People can be distracting and also pull me away from my out of body experience, since diving into a book is taking me away from the here and now. 5. Does your story have a lesson? a moral? “Ugly Rumors” is pretty much like the title. A heavy lesson of how lying rumors affect not only the one being targeted, but the lives around them. The idea came because of how out-of-control things are today. I used simple ranchers, who live a quiet life, because they look at life a bit differently than city dwellers. They also handle things their way. The moral is pretty clear, and I give all my stories lessons.

Q & A My motto: Things are seldom what they seem to be. This creates a plot in any story. 6. What is your favorite part of the story? I love comedy. To me, life has as much humor as drama. In this case, in dealing with a liar, it is always fun to best them. Teach a hard lesson if that’s what it takes. My husband says you need to be brilliant to be a liar. It’s necessary to remember every word you said. Eventually the lie will haunt you and blow up in your face. Leave a person to their own misbehavior, and it will grow worse until something stops them. Hopefully, it will be a lesson they can learn from—instead of a trip behind iron bars. 7. If you could spend time with one character from your story, who would it be, and what would you do with them? Liz is a young woman who was raised by her grandfather, a rancher, after her parents were killed. Life has taught her wisdom. When a liar crosses her path, she has a specific philosophy she learned from her deceased mother that has her seeing the situation differently. Age tends to disappear when a person uses reason instead of impetuous behavior. Plus, the fact she’s a cowgirl. Nature and animals teach you more than you may think.

8. What character in your story are you least likely to get along with? Mary Beth Leitchfield is the antagonist in “Ugly Rumors.” She lies, enjoys tearing others down, and is without a moral compass. That should tell you something right there. As the writer, I had fun laying a trap for her. You’ve got to know I’m laughing, right? 9. What do you read for pleasure? I love reading all genres except horror about serial killers and the like. I won’t read them. Not at all. 10. Who are the authors/artists who inspire your work? I am an eclectic reader. Life inspires my work more than an author ever did, unless you want to add God here. He’s inspired me plenty. I’m being honest. What you see is what you get with me. My writing here, answering questions, is just me. I write the same way. I use my travels, research, and way of life as my guide. I know it would be flattering to choose one person, but that wouldn’t be possible with me. My average reading week is three to four books.

Q & A I also read other things, excluding gossipy articles that try to act like that’s news. I love reading the research from others. Facts and discoveries found in our world. These are the building blocks to knowledge that separates truth from lies. 11. What is your favorite book? Why? The Bible. I’ve read it more times than all other books in my entire life put together. I kid you not. Granted, it’s by many authors, sort of like an anthology, but it doesn’t grow old. It’s the best teaching device I know of. Today, authors write fantasy about heroes, warriors, adventures, and special effects, and that’s the Bible through and through—but you see, I believe it happened for real, and that makes it the best book I ever read. Bar none.

12. Why did you decide to participate in the One Million Project? It's a good cause. I'm proud to be part of it. I like the idea of using my ability to help a good cause. It bothers me to know people are sleeping in a cardboard box, wondering where the next meal will come from, much less have money to buy a painkiller for the headache they’ve had for days. All because of the job market or an investment that shoved them down, or, in this country, hospital care that can take every dime you have. We created this economical world. I think we should do all we can to help those walking a harder road than we are. That includes finding an axe to kill that murdering, no good enemy called cancer. It would be great if they found answers for it. I’ve watched many die from it and the heartache left behind.

Q & A

Susan O'Reilly 1.What made you want to become a writer? It just happened I wrote a poem on the run up to my wedding and won the photographer for the day and haven’t stopped writing since. 2. Have you written any other books that are not published? I have 2 poetry collections and a teen fiction on the go. 3. What is your writing style? Pen, type writer, or computer, etc.? Pen and computer 4. Do you write alone or in public? With or without music? Alone usually without music. 5.Does your story have a lesson? a moral? Behaviour can beget behaviour

6. What is your favourite book? Why? Little Women 7. Why did you decide to participate in the One Million Project? It's a good cause. I'm proud to be part of it and anything that helps inspire writing is a good thing. 8. What do you do for living? Clerical Officer – Public Service 9. What are your favourite things to do when you aren’t writing? Reading, socialising, watch TV. 10. Do you have any plans to continue writing in future? Hope that I keep doing it for fun.

Susan O'Reilly

A thin line between love and obsession. Rosalind's father crossed that line. A big house, full of passion and secrets. The silence of shadows deafening. Over-protection is detrimental. Rosalind is loved greatly by her father and Nanny. Rosalind always tries to please and placate him. Who is the lady that appears only to Rosa? Can a father love too much? Would you keep a secret that might ruin your life to protect another? Nanny does for Rosa. Now available: https://www.amazon.com/Obsessi on-passion-secrets-silencedeafening/dp/1517010977/ref=sr _1_1_twi_pap_1?ie=UTF8&qid=150 9893519&sr=81&keywords=obsession%20by%20su san%20o%27reilly

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Subzero Temps Bring A Harsh Reality to Homeless Plight at Sleep in the Park Event blog Sheena Macleod interviewed Emma Short

Emma Short and Emma Park joined 9,000 other participants on December 9th for Sleep in the Park, the world’s largest ever sleepout event.Organized by Edinburgh Homelessness Charity, Social Bite, they slept in the sub-zero temperatures under the stars in Edinburgh’s city centre with the aim of raising £4m to eradicate homelessness in Scotland. Emma Short and Emma Park were excited to take part by sleeping out in the cold overnight along with the other participants to gain some insight into what type of conditions homeless people experience every day. They planned on taking two sleeping bags and two camping chairs. Emma Short thought she and Emma Park would drink hundreds of cups of tea between them in the effort to keep warm.

Sheena Macleod, an author and One Million Project Administrator, interviewed Emma Short about the event and their experiences. Emma’s story about the night follows:

“The event was incredible.We started off in a very excited queue that went the entire length and around Princess Street in Edinburgh. Once in we got our yellow corporate bands which gave us access to some pretty cool sites, we found our patch of grass where we left our chairs and sleeping bags. It was already minus 2 at 7pm so we knew we were gonna be freezing through the night. – It turned out to be the coldest night of the year, minus 7 at points.

The

entertainment was brilliant. Deacon Blue slept in the park with us, and Amy McDonald and Liam Gallacher sang some of their own music. We were read a bedtime story by John Cleese. The queue for hot water was two hours long just to be told the water was all gone, so we wandered to our sleeping bags and got into our bright orange survival bags to try and warm down for the night.

It really did affect both of us, we were quite emotional in the car. I’m not sure I could do it again, but I’m going to try next year if they hold the same event. At last count, we were told almost 3 million pounds had been raised.”

We managed about two hours sleep. At one point I woke up thinking I was having a heart attack. I wasn’t, but it was the coldest I have ever felt. The atmosphere was pretty grim. You could hear everyone chatting about how cold they were, some couldn’t feel their toes, and some were so cold they went home. I’m not sure what we were meant to be thinking when we drove home at 6am, but I’m sure the idea was that we thought about how we were going home to hot baths and showers, while homeless people have no escape from the cold. Copyright © 2017 by OMP Magazine Publishing

As part of their attendance at Sleep In the Park, Emma Short and Emma Park are running a fundraiser. You can support them on â&#x20AC;&#x201C; https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/fundrais erdisplay/showROFundraiserPage?userUrl=acbalfield-road&pageUrl=2

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