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Random musings from an English writer slogging through the trenches of traditional and self-publishing. Following my attempts to eke a living through creative writing, graphic design, whilst writing the kind of novels I like to read.
Wednesday, April 13, 2016
Sunday, February 21, 2016
Arteriors Builders La Nucia Costa Blanca
653 029 746
costablancapainters@gmail.com
Building works on the Costa Blanca Painting and Roof works.
Gotelé cover up, Damp proofing and mould eradication.
www.arteriors.es
www.costablancapainters.com
Sunday, January 24, 2016
Arteriors - Painting Contractors on the Costa Blanca
http://arteriors.yolasite.com/
Traditional painting, decorating, specialist in Faux finishes, wall Murals on the Costa Blanca Spain.
Faux painting is a term used to describe a wide range of decorative painting techniques, replicating materials such as marble, silk, wood and a particular architectural detail with paint, encompassing many other decorative finishes for walls ceilings and furniture.
Faux painting takes the mood of a room one step further, creating
a unique decorative Illusion and durable lasting finish.
Transforming any interior surface into a work of art.
Attention to details and uncompromising
quality makes Arteriors unique. We offer a wide variety of finishes and styles perfect for any décor or theme.Arteriors offer free consultation/estimate visits.
Thursday, January 7, 2016
Wednesday, January 6, 2016
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Streaking for Mother New Cover
I've changed the cover from the original because I felt it maybe gave people the impression it is all about Rugby or there is a lot of sex in it.
I was inspired after watching the Fisher King with Jeff Bridges, Robin Williams. A story about a DJ that motivated a crazy caller to spray bullets into an upscale restaurant killing yuppies. The DJ loses it, fraught with gilt at his reckless comment. He eventually meets one of the victims who survived the shooting, but has become unhinged and living on the street after his wife was shot and killed. He tries to help him and in doing so learns to overcome his own demons.
Streaking for Mother is about a famous sportsman that courses a streaker to be hospitalised reinforcing his bad boy tag and calls for him to sort out his anger issues. He agrees to help the streaker recover with physiotherapy and duck out of the way of the press that are constantly hounding him. He goes to live above a pawn brokers - the streaker and three others own - two sexy females and a strange black fella.
These people are carrying some serious issues and make a living from the pawn shop and guerrilla marketeering, coming up with some crazy stunts to advertise products. There is an agenda and he soon learns there are no coincidences and finds out his recently deceased mother is behind everything that has been happening to him - he also learns why? She needs him to help them in the house because they are not strong enough to take the news she has died.
That's as far as I can go without spoiling the rest of which has a surprise ending.
I was inspired after watching the Fisher King with Jeff Bridges, Robin Williams. A story about a DJ that motivated a crazy caller to spray bullets into an upscale restaurant killing yuppies. The DJ loses it, fraught with gilt at his reckless comment. He eventually meets one of the victims who survived the shooting, but has become unhinged and living on the street after his wife was shot and killed. He tries to help him and in doing so learns to overcome his own demons.
Streaking for Mother is about a famous sportsman that courses a streaker to be hospitalised reinforcing his bad boy tag and calls for him to sort out his anger issues. He agrees to help the streaker recover with physiotherapy and duck out of the way of the press that are constantly hounding him. He goes to live above a pawn brokers - the streaker and three others own - two sexy females and a strange black fella.
These people are carrying some serious issues and make a living from the pawn shop and guerrilla marketeering, coming up with some crazy stunts to advertise products. There is an agenda and he soon learns there are no coincidences and finds out his recently deceased mother is behind everything that has been happening to him - he also learns why? She needs him to help them in the house because they are not strong enough to take the news she has died.
That's as far as I can go without spoiling the rest of which has a surprise ending.
Thursday, December 3, 2015
Female Focus Magazine
Female Focus Magazine
http://www.female-focus.com/
Read online - not just for females...
http://www.female-focus.com/
Read online - not just for females...
Saturday, November 14, 2015
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
Expats Spain
My new book Expats Spain
This is the go-to book if you are
thinking about moving to Spain covering those questions which will
crop up and often, yet suspiciously, remain unanswered.
Some people buy a villa or apartment
and retire on the coast whilst others live on the outskirts of some
quint pueblo and fill their memoirs with funny stories of quirky
locals and strange animals they have raised. And then there is the
other side...
Mark Shearman moved to Spain in 2002
with his partner and four year old daughter. His observations are
from a successful building contractor, owner of an estate agency and
journalist.
He has included some amusing anecdotes
and articles, which all promise one thing - the truth.
http://shermdonor.blogspot.com.es
Reading Flip Flop Flamenco Mark's novel about a shaming debt
collector will also give you a flavour of what it is like to live as
an expat on the Costa Blanca.
Friday, November 6, 2015
Spanish Cultural Test
Spanish cultural test was released in October 2015 for those foreigners wishing to become Spanish nationals and hold a Spanish passport.
Over a hundred thousand foreigners from around the world annually go through the arduous processes of applying for Spanish citizenship. The deadline in October for the last day's free service caused a rush-on.Applicants must prove good citizenship and a sufficient degree of integration into Spanish society, for example, being able to speak Spanish and taking part in social activities, which I presume they refer to fiestas and public demonstrations. Also what must be included are two positive endorsements from Spanish citizens, and a good conduct statement from the police - a small part of the paperwork and process.
Most foreigners should have held a residence permit for ten uninterrupted years before they can apply for Spanish nationality. There are exceptions...
The cultural test is part of the integration qualification process, it seems being able to speak the language and knock up a kick-ass Paella on a Sunday is not enough.
In the past controversy has risen after complaints that these tests were not being conducted fairly and there was no set standard. Judges where compiling their own questions some of them had a high level of difficulty and some were trick questions, like knowing the name of the national anthem and its lyrics. The anthem 'The Marcha Real' - the Royal March has no official lyrics.
The Cervantes Institute has released a new exam, which aims to test applicant's knowledge across the board about Spain and the Spanish way of life putting an end to these non-standardized tests. The cost is €85.
Some of the questions range from politics, famous actors, and sports questions. Is garlic the best ingredient with albondigas (meatballs)? Just kidding - here are some real questions:
What
river connects Barcelona and Madrid?
El Tajo - El Ebro - Ninguno - El Ave
In
what year began the second republic?
1492 – 1977 - 1936 - 1931
-
Which of these is the
name of the famous fiesta in Cádiz and the Canary Islands?
-
El Carnaval - La Semana Santa - Los Sanfermines
Some other questions that should be in the test:
What is the best time to move your
dining table and chairs using the push method?
- 10:30pm
- 11:30pm
- Any time after 12:00 midnight
When should you use your indicators?
- When manoeuvring into a different position.
- When double parking outside the lottery shop.
- What's an indicator?
What type of situation is best to
shoulder shrug?
- When not having fun
- Sounds serious and not fun
- Shoulder shrug with bewilderment at the question
How many Spanish people were drunk
in the first half of 2015
- None
- Some were poco baracho
- A few were pocito baracho
Who are the best lovers in the world
- The Italians
- The French
- Yourself and other Spanish passport holders
If you would like to test yourself just for fun there are several
practise websites: http://www.testdenacionalidad.es/
www.testnacionalidad.es.
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