Author Archives: <a class='url fn n' href='https://coralmccallum.co.uk/author/coralmccallum/' rel='me'>coralmccallum

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Tagged #amreading, #BondedSouls, #books, #bookstagram, #fbf, #FlashbackFridayFiction, #ImpossibleDepths, #IndieAuthor, #Kindle, #Kindleunlimited, #LongShadows, #ShatteredHearts, #SilverLakeseries, #StrongerWithin, #tellyourfriends

Flashback Friday Fiction – Stronger Within

Posted on February 12, 2021 | Leave a comment

As she brushed her hair back into a loose ponytail, she felt butterflies of excitement building.

“This is pathetic,” she said to her mirror reflection. “I’m worse than a kid. It’s only a trip into town.”

She had just put the finishing touches to her makeup when she heard a truck crunch over the gravel in front of the house. By the time she had made her way down the hallway to the front door, Jake was already on the porch. His long hair was still damp – signs of a recent shower- and he too seemed to have taken care with his wardrobe. Behind him in the driveway she could see a black Dodge Ram pickup truck parked under the tree.

“Your chariot awaits,” he declared theatrically.

“Hi, Jake,” she smiled, stepping out onto the porch, pausing to pull the door closed behind her.

“Hi,” he replied. “Are you still ok with this?”

“Of course! I’ve been looking forward to it,” she said. “And to seeing you,” she added silently to herself.

“Ok. Let’s go then. The local metropolis awaits you.”

Getting into the passenger seat of the truck proved to be a challenge, but Jake swept in and lifted her up into the seat. He slid her crutches in behind then handed her the strap of the seatbelt.

“I hope you’re impressed. I even cleaned out the truck for you,” he said proudly. “It’s not usually so tidy.”

“I’m honoured. Thank you.”

As Jake turned on the ignition, the stereo burst into life and the cab was suddenly filled with very loud hard rock music. He reached to switch it off, but Lori stopped him.

“No worries. It’s fine with me,” she assured. “Is this the kind of stuff your band plays?”

“Yeah,” said Jake reversing out into the narrow road

If you want to read more then check out the Silver Lake series today

Amazon.com links –

Stronger Within – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VXDSC1M

Impossible Depths – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C0GS30K

Bonded Souls – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XSQHG71

Shattered Hearts – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZY8ZSDM

Long Shadows – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08RR1FGLG

Amazon.co.uk links –

Stronger Within – https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00VXDSC1M

Impossible Depths – https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01C0GS30K

Bonded Souls – https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B06XSQHG71

Shattered Hearts – https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07ZY8ZSDM

Long Shadows – https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B08RR1FGLG

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Tagged #amreading, #BondedSouls, #books, #bookstragram, #fbf, #FlashbackFridayFiction, #ImpossibleDepths, #IndieAuthor, #Kindle, #Kindleunlimited, #LongShadows, #ShatteredHearts, #SilverLakeseries, #StrongerWithin, #tellyourfriends

Five Sleeps To Go…..

Posted on February 9, 2021 | Leave a comment

Five sleeps to go…..

Five sleeps to go until Long Shadows officially launches on Amazon.

Ok, the paperback version snuck out a few days early, but the kindle version lands on 14 February and, in this modern world, that’s the format that readers prefer. Sad in a way as there’s nothing like holding a real book in your hands. I may be ever so slightly biased here.

Yes, I know launching a romance novel on Valentine’s Day is a bit cheesy and it’s also a bit odd to launch one on a Sunday but the date ties in SO nicely with the storyline.

Already the “what ifs” are creeping in…..what if folk don’t like it? What if no one looks at the launch day activity on my author page on FB? What if no one, other than those wonderful souls who have pre-ordered, buys it?…. and so my mind races on and on.

I still find it really hard to believe that I’ve written a five book series. I find it surreal that I’ve written and published any books, if I’m being totally honest! I’ve said it before, but it really is a dream come true.

When I sat down on my doorstep on 8 May 2013 to begin to write the story that grew to become Stronger Within, I had no idea that it would run to five books. In my naïve innocence, I was just writing a story, which at that point I was scared to let anyone read.

That’s a fear that’s never really gone away. I guess it’s a bit like a performer getting stage fright right before they step out in front of an audience. I’d love to say that with each additional book the fear shrinks but it doesn’t really. My hands were trembling as I hit “approve” on the paperback proof recently and I know I’ll be a nervous wreck come launch day.

So, why do I put myself through it?

I guess part of it is that you can’t let your fears rule you.

The main reason though is that I love writing. It’s my escape from this crazy, cruel, fecked up world that we’re living in. In the fantasy world that I write about, there’s no virus threats, there’s no need for masks, folk can still hug each other and they can go to gigs and enjoy hanging out with their music family.

Writing this final part of the Silver Lake series was an emotional journey from start to finish. When I began the story, the world was normal, and we were all going about our daily lives quite happily…then 2020 happened… and the world went to shit. There were times in the latter half of last year that I almost put my pen down and stopped. My mantra is “Dreams get you started Discipline keeps you going” and it has taken every last ounce of self-discipline to bring this one to life.

I didn’t take the decision to end this series lightly. As an indie author, it’s getting harder and harder to win over new readers and to keep book bloggers engaged to review the books etc with each passing book in the series. Five books in any one series is more than enough in my humble opinion. Yes, there are several successful series that have run to more than five volumes but for me five was the magic number.

Without giving away any spoilers, Silver Lake will be back further down the line. Whether that’s in stand alone tales or another series remains to be seen. All I can promise you is that you’ve not heard the last of them…not yet.

For now though, all that’s left for me to do is to check over my launch day plans for the hundredth time and pray that you all love Long Shadows as much as I do when it lands on 14 February.

Long Shadows is now available to pre-order on Kindle worldwide

Here’s the pre-order links:

And if you’ve missed the start of the series, it’s not too late to catch up.

Amazon.com links –

Stronger Within – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VXDSC1M

Impossible Depths – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C0GS30K

Bonded Souls – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XSQHG71

Shattered Hearts – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZY8ZSDM

Amazon.co.uk links –

Stronger Within – https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00VXDSC1M

Impossible Depths – https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01C0GS30K

Bonded Souls – https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B06XSQHG71

Shattered Hearts – https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07ZY8ZSDM

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZY8ZSDM

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Tagged #amreading, #BondedSouls, #booklaunch, #bookpromo, #books, #CoralMcCallum, #ImpossibleDepths, #IndieAuthor, #Kindle, #Kindleunlimited, #LongShadows, #nerves, #ShatteredHearts, #SilverLakeseries, #StrongerWithin

It’s a day for a good book…

Posted on February 7, 2021 | Leave a comment

Why not spend Sunday curled up with a cup of coffee, a warm blanket, your kindle and a hot rock star?

To help you, Shattered Hearts is FREE to download to Kindle today.

Here’s the links

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07ZY8ZSDM

** One week to go until Long Shadows, the series finale, is released. **

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Tagged #amreading, #freeebook, #IndieAuthor, #Kindle, #Kindleunlimited, #ShatteredHearts, #SilverLakeseries

Sh….it’s a secret……

Posted on February 5, 2021 | Leave a comment

Sh…don’t tell your Kindle…but the paperback format of Long Shadows has crept out early and is available to purchase worldwide now on Amazon. 😉

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Tagged #Amazon, #amreading, #availablenow, #book, #IndieAuthor, #KDP, #LongShadows, #paperbackbook, #realbook

Silver Lake series finale – Long Shadows

Posted on February 3, 2021 | Leave a comment

Jake and Lori return to Rehoboth Beach to pick up the threads of family life.

As they look forward to Jake’s first solo tour with Garrett, the album launch and the arrival of the new baby, life is looking good but then a cruel twist fate casts Long Shadows over the Silver Lake family.

Will life ever be the same?

Long Shadows is now available to pre-order on Kindle worldwide

Here’s the pre-order links:

**Long Shadows will be released on 14 February 2021 **

And if you’ve missed the start of the series, don’t panic. Here’s the links to help you catch up

Amazon.com links –

Stronger Within – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VXDSC1M

Impossible Depths – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C0GS30K

Bonded Souls – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XSQHG71

Shattered Hearts – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZY8ZSDM

Amazon.co.uk links –

Stronger Within – https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00VXDSC1M

Impossible Depths – https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01C0GS30K

Bonded Souls – https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B06XSQHG71

Shattered Hearts – https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07ZY8ZSDM

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Tagged #Amazon, #BondedSouls, #bookpromo, #books, #CoralMcCallum, #ImpossibleDepths, #IndieAuthor, #KDP, #Kindle, #LongShadows, #preorder, #ShatteredHearts, #SilverLakeseries, #StrongerWithin

A Friendly Smile Is Always A Welcome Sight.

Posted on February 1, 2021 | Leave a comment

At some point last summer, this little fella appeared on one of the memorial benches at the beach near my home.

Initially, I thought perhaps a child had dropped him and that he would be re-united with his owner. (I don’t think he’s been placed deliberately on the bench in lieu of flowers or anything but I could be wrong.)

Time passed….

Patiently, he waited there all through the autumn and all through winter. He’s survived torrential rain, gale force winds plus sleet and snow and still he sits there and smiles at everyone who passes by.

I’ve smiled back at him many times. In fact, on one occasion I sat him back up after he’d fallen or been blown over. Wee soul was sodden! Every time I walk by, I’m reminded of Jane Hissey’s Old Bear stories. The author in me wonders what story he has to tell. I’ve even considered writing a children’s tale featuring him but that’s not my genre of choice…but never say never!

For now though, he’s a familiar, smiling face when I walk by and, in this isolated, locked down Covid world we’re living in, that’s enough.

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Tagged #feelgoodfactor, #lockdown2021, #lostbear, #smile, #teddybear

Have you pre-ordered yours yet?

Posted on January 27, 2021 | Leave a comment

Jake and Lori return to Rehoboth Beach to pick up the threads of family life.

Will life ever be the same?

Long Shadows is now available to pre-order on Kindle worldwide

Here’s the pre-order links:

**Long Shadows will be released on 14 February 2021 **

And if you’ve missed the start of the series, don’t panic. Here’s the links to help you catch up

Amazon.com links –

Stronger Within – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VXDSC1M

Impossible Depths – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C0GS30K

Bonded Souls – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XSQHG71

Shattered Hearts – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZY8ZSDM

Amazon.co.uk links –

Stronger Within – https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00VXDSC1M

Impossible Depths – https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01C0GS30K

Bonded Souls – https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B06XSQHG71

Shattered Hearts – https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07ZY8ZSDM

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Tagged #Amazon, #books, #comingsoon, #ebooks, #IndieAuthor, #KDP, #Kindle, #Kindleunlimited, #LongShadows, #newfiction, #pre-order, #SilverLakeseries, #tellyourfriends

The Inner Sanctuary of a Hood

Posted on January 25, 2021 | 1 comment

Like many parts of the UK, the weather around here has been icily cold since the start of the year.

It’s no great secret that I hate the cold. I love summer and warm sunshine. However, having said that, I do enjoy a walk on a crisp cold sunny winter’s day (as long as it’s not icy!)

One thing that makes cold winter days bearable is the hood of my winter jacket. The rest of the jacket is a necessity, but I do love that fur-lined hood. (Manmade fur I hasten to add!)

As I walked along the coast road the other night, taking great care not to fall on my ass on the large patches of black ice, I was very grateful for that hood. It sheltered me perfectly from the biting wind, but it got me thinking.

I’ve always loved hoods on my jackets and coats. This is a lifelong love affair.

The earliest hood I can clearly remember was the white fur-edged hood of my red snowsuit jacket. The snowsuit had been brought over from America and, while I had little use for the padded waterproof trousers, I loved the jacket. I wore it until I had long since outgrown it and the sleeves were halfway up my arms!

Then there were school coats with velvet lined hoods. I loved those.

In high school, it was my donkey jacket with its warm hood that kept out the winter chills. I felt a bit like Paddington Bear in that one.

I remember another jacket from my late teens/early twenties that was lilac in colour. It was made from the softest microfibre. I wore that one until it was in tatters.

When I started work, I needed a decent smart raincoat. I’ve always been useless with umbrellas so a hood was a must. I took myself off to M&S and opted for an ankle length cream coat with a large soft draping navy blue velvet-lined hood. It may have been a nightmare to keep clean, but I loved that coat!

Time took its toll on it (and my high heels – I spiked holes in its hem many times! Yes, there was a time when I wore stiletto heels to work.) I replaced with a very similar model in black. Think Scottish Widows advert. I still have it more than twenty years down the line.

There have been numerous winter jackets over the years but all of them have had hoods too. Even my recently purchased leather jacket has a hood.

So, why this lifelong fascination?

Apart from the desire to stay warm and dry, you can get “lost” in a good hood.

It’s your own special personal space in the world. No one can enter it. No one can share it.

These days, as the weight of this crazy world weighs heavy on me, my fur-lined hood has become my winter sanctuary. No one can touch me when I’m in there. No one can disturb me. I’m safe. Secure. Protected.

So, I’d better pause here and offer up an apology to any local friends I may have inadvertently blanked recently!

If I’m out and about on my own with my hood up, I’m not being rude. I’m channelling my lone she-wolf and I’m lost in my own wee world.

(image sourced via Google – credits to the owner Fotocelia)

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Tagged #hoodedcoat, #hoodedjacket, #personalspace, #sanctuary, #solitude

Have you pre-ordered your copy yet?

Posted on January 23, 2021 | Leave a comment

25 pre-orders placed.
Let’s see if I can reach 30 pre-orders by launch day…….

Here’s the pre-order links – just in case you feel the urge

**Long Shadows will be released on 14 February 2021 **

And if you’ve missed the start of the series, don’t panic. Here’s the links to help you catch up

Amazon.com links –
Stronger Within – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VXDSC1M
Impossible Depths – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01C0GS30K
Bonded Souls – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XSQHG71
Shattered Hearts – https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZY8ZSDM

Amazon.co.uk links –
Stronger Within – https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00VXDSC1M
Impossible Depths – https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01C0GS30K
Bonded Souls – https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B06XSQHG71
Shattered Hearts – https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07ZY8ZSDM

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