JUNKANOO THEN AND NOW!

The aftermath of a past Junkanoo 

in downtown Nassau, Bahamas

Sadly, our popular Junkanoo festival here in The Bahamas has been cancelled again this year. The New Year's Day holiday, which will be observed on Monday, January 3rd, won't ring with the excitement of New Year's Day 1966 and successive New Year's Days because of Covid-19. 

Fifty-six years' ago, I rode side saddle on the back of Erskine's scooter "Over The Hill" after a party that he and his band "The Invaders" had played at on West Bay Street. Discarded Junkanoo floats and costumes were strewn all over the streets. We went from night club to night club until the wee hours. I wore a long white evening gown, but by the time the sun rose my dress was no longer white!

In my novel "Dangerous Devotion" (described by Juanita Coulson, "The Lady" Books Editor, as "A moving tale of family dynamics and relationships in later life"), Gordon and Violet experience the Christmas season in Nassau, but because Gordon is Scottish, they fly back to Scotland for Hogmanay.

Excerpt from "Dangerous Devotion":

"Bell ringers stood at strategic points on downtown Bay Street, collecting money for charity in Salvation Army kettles. The street was decked out with festive decorations. A heavily laden Christmas tree towered next to the colonial buildings in historic Rawson Square. Bleachers for the upcoming Boxing Day and New Year’s Junkanoo parades were already in place."

"Dangerous Devotion" is available on Amazon as an e-book at $2.99 and in paperback $13.99. Click the link below to go the book's Amazon page:-

DANGEROUS DEVOTION

Wishing everyone a Happy and Healthy 2022!

 

 

DEVELOPING AN ARTICLE INTO A MEMOIR!

My lovely Scottish Granny in the Scottish snow!
(one of the photos that appears in The Scottish Connection)

Writing Tip: Consider developing what started out as a feature article into a full length book! After I returned to Scotland with my mother and young sons to revisit our Scottish roots, I wrote an article about our trip. I submitted the article to various publications over the years, but at 4,000+ words it appeared it was too long. Eventually a prestigious Canadian magazine editor said he loved it and wanted to use it. Unfortunately, a year later the publisher decided against it. I think they just couldn't find where to fit it in, as it was so long!

Then a light went off in my brain. Why not develop the article into a book? I dug out copies of my ancestors' marriage, birth and death certificates which had been in my late mother's possession, so I could add that information. And I scanned old photos plus some from the Scottish trip. 

I put it all together and "The Scottish Connection: A Journey Back - Mini-memoir", with Scottish ancestry, historical facts, genealogy, comparable prices, geographical descriptions, personal anecdotes, nostalgia and precious old photos, was released on Amazon as an e-book and in paperback!

Take a look at it, if you like. There's a sample "Look Inside" on Amazon - CLICK HERE

NOSTALGIC SCOTTISH MEMORIES

 

Do you have Scottish roots or do you just love the blockbuster movie "Braveheart"?! 

In this nostalgic, illustrated mini-memoir I share memories of my journey back to Scotland with my mother and young sons, to revisit our Scottish roots. 

“THE SCOTTISH CONNECTION” contains a wealth of information - Scottish ancestry, historical facts, genealogy, comparable prices, geographical descriptions, personal anecdotes, nostalgia and precious old photos.

EXCERPT: “We pressed on towards the border. Our AA book informed us we would cross the line of the old Roman ‘Hadrian's Wall’ before the boundary between England and Scotland. Just after the Border Forest, a carload of excited, waving people passed us going in the opposite direction. We knew we had reached Scotland at last! The boys cheered. My mother and I were home again, in that land of soaring mountains, rushing burns and ancient glens.”

CLICK HERE FOR THE SCOTTISH CONNECTION

ANOTHER FIVE STAR REVIEW!

SOME PAGES FROM "DANGEROUS DEVOTION"

Another fabulous Five Star Review of my novel "Dangerous Devotion" by "Dom G"! ....."The book is a good read with a lot of plot twists that keep to the end. You can tell the author's familiarity with the different places and the knowledge of them. This kept me engaged straight to the end and is definitely worthy to be made into a short film. Although I thought there would be more sad endings for the different characters, this is truly a happy ending type of novel. I'd recommend this especially for those living in The Bahamas."

I am so grateful to the lovely readers who take the time to leave their comments on Amazon about my books!

"Dangerous Devotion" is set in The Bahamas (Nassau and Long Island) and Scotland, with scenes in Fort Lauderdale, New York, London and Devon.

Read a few pages of "Dangerous Devotion" in the book's Amazon "Look Inside" HERE  

LAST DAY!

LAST DAY FOR FREE NOVEL! LOVE AT SUNSET: A ROMANTIC SUSPENSE - The Buchanan Mystery Romance Series Book One (a stand alone novel) is available for FREE download on Amazon  HERE 

Set in The Bahamas and Scotland, with scenes in Fort Lauderdale, New York, London and Devon.

Note (February 13, 2021): "Love at Sunset" is now called "Dangerous Devotion"

TWO DAYS LEFT!

TWO DAYS LEFT FOR FREE NOVEL! LOVE AT SUNSET: A ROMANTIC SUSPENSE - The Buchanan Mystery Romance Series Book One (a stand alone novel) is available for FREE download on Amazon HERE   

Set in The Bahamas and Scotland, with scenes in Fort Lauderdale, New York, London and Devon.

OFFER RUNS THROUGH NOVEMBER 11^TH

AND Join my Mailing List to be notified when the Buchanan Mystery Romance Series Book Two “Oleanders End” (also a stand alone read) has been released: -    

FAY'S NEWSLETTER

With Oleanders End, as usual there will be lots of romance but also some mysterious deaths!

WHAT TO DO WITH OLD MANUSCRIPTS!

MANUSCRIPT FOR ROMANTIC SUSPENSE NOVEL
"LOVE AT SUNSET" BY FAY KNOWLES

INSIDE MANUSCRIPT FOR "LOVE AT SUNSET"

What do YOU do with your old manuscripts after your work has been published?! I’ve been doing a lot of purging and was going to throw away my manuscript for my romantic suspense novel “Love at Sunset”, because after all, it’s published and I have hard copies of the actual book! However, son Gavin said: “Oh no, you should keep it, as you never know, a movie producer might contact you about the book and want you to send them the original manuscript!” Here it is above, all 325 double-spaced typed pages of it, showing a bit of the content! This converted to 360 pages in the regular print published book.

And here’s a short description: “Facing imminent danger and fierce opposition to love a second time around, Violet and Gordon seek a new life in Scotland, thousands of miles away from where they live in Nassau, Bahamas, but trouble soon catches up with them. The couple finds themselves in and out of one adventure after another! In the meantime, an unscrupulous attorney appears on the scene back home, along with a crooked realtor. What they do and the extent they would go to leads to a shocking ending. Greed, jealousy, family secrets and bitter grudges worm their way throughout this story!”

“Love at Sunset: A Romantic Suspense” set in The Bahamas and Scotland, with scenes in Fort Lauderdale, New York, London and Devon, is available on Amazon as an e-book and in paperback (regular and large print):

CLICK HERE TO BUY LOVE AT SUNSET ON AMAZON.COM

CLICK HERE TO BUY LOVE AT SUNSET ON AMAZON.CO.UK

BAHAMAS WRITER'S PUBLISHING PORTFOLIO!

My published books! Available on Amazon as e-books and in paperback:-

“SUNBEAMS FROM THE HEART - A COLLECTION OF TWELVE ROMANTIC SHORT STORIES” -
SUNBEAMS ON AMAZON

“LOVE AT SUNSET”, a Romantic Suspense novel set in Scotland and The Bahamas, with scenes in London, Devon, Fort Lauderdale and New York -
LOVE AT SUNSET ON AMAZON

“THE SCOTTISH CONNECTION: A JOURNEY BACK - MINI-MEMOIR”-
THE SCOTTISH CONNECTION ON AMAZON

“HOW TO BE THE BEST WRITER EVER!” – An Informal Guide and Source of Inspiration for New and Not So New Writers Worldwide
BEST WRITER ON AMAZON

Coming soon – another book of short stories!

"LOVE AT SUNSET" - THANKSGIVING SPECIAL!

“LOVE AT SUNSET” – THANKSGIVING SPECIAL!

In gratitude for all of the blessings that have recently been sent my way, I thought now would be a good time to offer a THANKSGIVING SPECIAL on my Romantic Suspense Novel “LOVE AT SUNSET”! Just $0.99 cents for the e-book! The Special starts NOW on Amazon and runs through American Thanksgiving Thursday, November 22nd!

Here’s a taste of my novel, described as “Gripping, alluring and so wonderfully romantic on many different levels!” -

LOVE AT SUNSET: A ROMANTIC SUSPENSE

Facing imminent danger and fierce opposition to love a second time around, Violet and Gordon seek a new life in Scotland, thousands of miles away from The Bahamas, but trouble soon catches up with them. The couple finds themselves in and out of one adventure after another!

In the meantime, an unscrupulous attorney appears on the scene, along with a crooked realtor. What they do and the extent they would go to leads to a shocking ending. Greed, jealousy, family secrets and bitter grudges worm their way throughout this story!

$0.99cents

BUY ON AMAZON US

BUY ON AMAZON UK

BUY ON AMAZON AU

BUY ON AMAZON CA

SECOND CHANCES ABOUND IN LOVE AT SUNSET!

A Long Island Bahamas beach. It was a beach similar

 to this that the wily Zachary Tate in “Love at Sunset”

 tried to get to when he had an unexpected confrontation! 

Second chances abound in “Love at Sunset”! Violet and Gordon rekindle their decades-old attraction for each other, a career criminal has the opportunity to change his life, and a hard-working, single mother takes a chance that could improve her struggling existence. All of this against the backdrop of life in The Bahamas and Scotland where the main characters, Violet and Gordon, have a foothold in each.

A major hurricane attacks the Bahama Islands, threatening life and property, while in Scotland sinister strangers try to prevent dreams coming to fruition. The stunning beaches and quaint settlements of Long Island in The Bahamas contrast with the inner city of Nassau; the disparity between poverty and wealth is revealed; and the lengths that some would go to steal and defraud for financial gain is unexpected and shocking.

Love and romance also feature predominantly throughout the novel, with the passion of the young and some not so young! “Gripping, alluring and so wonderfully romantic on many different levels.” – Amazon Customer.

Paperback copies of “Love at Sunset” are available at Logos Bookstore, Harbour Bay, Nassau – or CLICK HERE to purchase the novel on Amazon (e-book and paperback versions).

NEW WRITER'S GUIDE FEATURES IN THE STIRLING OBSERVER!

"THE STIRLING OBSERVER", SCOTLAND,
AUGUST 22, 2018, PAGE 13

“The Stirling Observer”, Scotland, ran a nice piece about my new writer’s guide “How to Be the Best Writer Ever!” in their August 22, 2018, edition, page 13.

CLICK HERE to buy the ebook or paperback of “How to Be the Best Writer Ever!” on Amazon

LOVE AT SUNSET NOW IN LOGOS BOOKSTORE!

Copies of my Romantic Suspense novel “Love at Sunset” are now available in Logos Bookstore, Harbour Bay, Nassau! - “Facing imminent danger and fierce opposition to love a second time around, Violet and Gordon seek a new life in Scotland, thousands of miles away from The Bahamas, but trouble soon catches up with them. The couple finds themselves in and out of one adventure after another!”

Logos Bookstore has a wide variety of books, gifts and greetings cards, as well as a lovely little café. Their website is HERE! Email them  at info@logosbahamas.com.

NEW COVER REVEAL FOR ROMANTIC SUSPENSE NOVEL LOVE AT SUNSET!

I am delighted to reveal the exciting new cover for my romantic suspense novel “Love at Sunset”. Many thanks to my good friend, bestselling author Tanya R. Taylor for the cover design. Tanya also designed the original cover, which was lovely, but we decided we needed to portray the main protagonists Violet and Gordon more as the go-getters and jet-setters that they are!

Facing imminent danger and fierce opposition to love a second time around, Violet and Gordon seek a new life in Scotland, thousands of miles away from The Bahamas, but trouble soon catches up with them. The couple finds themselves in and out of one adventure after another!

CLICK HERE FOR LOVE AT SUNSET
AVAILABLE AS AN E-BOOK AND IN PAPERBACK (REGULAR AND LARGE PRINT)

Tanya R. Taylor is the author of several #1 bestsellers on Amazon. She is also a seasoned ghostwriter. For ghostwriting information visit Ghostwriting or email Tanya at tanya@tanyaRtaylor.com. And view her thrilling and heart-stirring books at Tanya's Author Page

While writing, I thought I would give you a heads up about my upcoming writer’s guide! It should be published in the next month or two. I will post here when it’s available.

This writer’s guide is especially geared towards those who have always wanted to be a successful writer, but seasoned writers might find it of help too. I’m hoping that it will give those of you who love to write not only a little bit more knowledge, but also some inspiration!

LONG ISLAND FEATURES IN ROMANTIC SUSPENSE NOVEL LOVE AT SUNSET!

Here’s one of the Long Island scenes from my Romantic Suspense novel “Love at Sunset”, which is set in The Bahamas and Scotland! …..

“Halfway there, he stopped the car abruptly, cursing. A small herd of goats stood in front of him. He was about to manoeuvre his way around them, but hesitated when the leader of the herd bolted out of the bushes, onto the track, and blocked his way. The large ram stood, flexing his strong shoulders and shaking his sharp horns. He stared directly at Tate for a moment and then lunged towards the car, scattering his harem. Tate pressed the gas pedal and swerving back and forwards to avoid a collision with the huge creature, managed to speed past it.

“He looked back as he drove away from the herd. They stood watching him, not moving.”

About Love at Sunset:

“Facing imminent danger and fierce opposition to love a second time around, Violet and Gordon seek a new life thousands of miles away, but trouble soon catches up with them. The couple finds themselves in and out of one adventure after another!

”In the meantime, an unscrupulous attorney appears on the scene, along with a crooked realtor. What they do and the extent they would go to leads to a shocking ending. Greed, jealousy, family secrets and bitter grudges worm their way throughout this story!”

AVAILABLE HERE!

- Or order through your local bookstore.

$0.99 CENTS E-BOOKS SPECIAL!

Each of my three e-books is priced at just .99 cents right now!

              

Love at Sunset – Romantic Suspense Novel set in The Bahamas and Scotland

CLICK HERE!

The Scottish Connection: A Journey Back – Mini-memoir

CLICK HERE!

Sunbeams from the Heart – A Collection of Twelve Romantic Short Stories

CLICK HERE!

SONS AND DAUGHTERS OF THE ROCK!

Stirling Castle (courtesy Pixabay)

“Sons and Daughters of The Rock” - this statement refers to my birthplace, Stirling. On one of my visits there, I was delighted to be informed by the waitress in a little café that I am “a Daughter of The Rock!”, having been born in Stirling. Apparently, at one time anyone born in Stirling was a son or daughter of “The Rock”, the rock being the steep and rugged crag that Stirling Castle was built on.

However, from 2011 on Stirling women in labour have had to deliver their babies at the Forth Valley Royal hospital in Larbert, near Falkirk, and apart from home births there have sadly been no more “Sons and Daughters of The Rock”.

Gordon, the lead male protagonist in my novel "Dangerous Devotion" (formerly “Love at Sunset”), is a “Son of The Rock”! Much of Gordon and Violet’s Scottish adventures take place in the Stirling area. “Dangerous Devotion” is also set in The Bahamas. I had fun bouncing my characters back and forwards across “the pond”!

CLICK HERE FOR LOVE AT SUNSET ON AMAZON

HURRICANE IRMA ARTICLE NOW ONLINE

I now have the link to my Hurricane Irma article that appeared in The Stirling Observer print edition on Friday, September 22nd, 2017.  As The Stirling Observer no longer has a dedicated website, their content is posted on The Daily Record's website. According to Wikipaedia, the Daily Record is the leading news brand in Scotland with a total audience of 3.1 million (rising to 3.4 million including the Sunday Mail).

I’m hoping that my article will help a little with Hurricane Irma’s relief efforts. I was born in Stirling, Scotland, so that’s why they have referred to me as a “Stirling Journalist and Author”! 

CLICK HERE FOR HURRICANE IRMA ARTICLE

FOR THE LOVE OF BOOKS AND WRITING

Some of my books on writing!

The spark for my love of books and writing dates back to my early childhood at Boquhan, Scotland. At the time, my family and I lived with my grandparents in a cottage on the large estate where my grandfather worked.

I remember being allowed into the library in the “big hoose” as we called it. As a tiny girl, I was in awe of the shelves of books, which reached high up to the ceiling. I could hardly even reach the lower shelves, so my grandmother would hand some of the books to me. It was almost impossible for me to understand the small writing and long words, but I thrilled at the touch of the books and the window on the world that they opened up. 

I write about Boquhan Estate in “The Scottish Connection”. And Gordon, one of the protagonists in “Love at Sunset”, has similar experiences with a library in an old house!

SCOTTISH MEMORIES

Me with my Scottish granny, the late Marian MacDonald,
when she visited Nassau, Bahamas, in the late sixties.

I am thinking of my dear Scottish granny, the late Marion John Crooks MacDonald (nee McMurtrie) at this time of the year, as she was like a second mother to me. 

Granny was born in West Kilbride, Ayshire. Along with my Papa, Robert Ross MacDonald from Dumbarton, she was an anchor in my life as I grew up in Scotland and later in England, where we moved because of my father’s job.

I still remember happy days as a child living on the Boquhan Estate near Balfron, where Papa worked. Granny sometimes helped in the “big hoose” as we called it!

I write about those impressionable years in my mini-memoir "THE SCOTTISH CONNECTION", along with ancestral facts and genealogy. Also featured in the book are personal anecdotes, nostalgia and precious old photos.

And I drew from my Scottish background, as well as from my knowledge of The Bahamas, when I wrote my Romantic Suspense novel "LOVE AT SUNSET".

AERIAL DRONE VIEWS OVER SCOTLAND

From "The Scottish Connection" - Starting out
from Devon on our 1978 road journey to Scotland:
My mother and two sons packing up the car.

This video might give you a taste for my mini-memoir “The Scottish Connection: A Journey Back”! Vitali Films have provided these gorgeous aerial drone views of Scotland on the AirVūz website:

DRONE OVER SCOTLAND

AirVūz states: “AirVūz has become the premiere online video site for the emerging Drone Age.”

About “The Scottish Connection”:

Driving long distances in a short space of time throughout the United Kingdom is the norm nowadays. However, in the seventies it was often an adventure to cover the length or breadth of Britain. In this illustrated mini-memoir I share memories of my 1978 journey back to Scotland with my mother and young sons, to revisit our Scottish roots.

Fascinating Scottish Memorabilia - The Scottish Connection contains a wealth of information - Scottish ancestry, historical facts, genealogy, comparable 1978 prices, geographical descriptions, personal anecdotes, nostalgia and precious old photos. 

Click here for “The Scottish Connection”, which is available on Amazon in paperback and as an e-book:

THE SCOTTISH CONNECTION AMAZON.CO.UK

THE SCOTTISH CONNECTION AMAZON.COM