Authorpreneur Dashboard – Audrey Davis
The Haunting of Hattie Hastings Part Three
Humor & Entertainment
Nothing lasts forever … Gary's time on earth may be coming to an end. But he still has a mission to accomplish, involving Hattie and her ability to pass on a heart-rending message. Hattie's best friend Cat's ex-husband is determined to prove that he deserves another chance, but do leopards really change their spots? Times are tough for Hattie's mother Rachel, but where there's life, there's hope … Get your tissues at the ready – both for laughter and tears – with the final instalment of a trilogy that's been hailed as 'brilliant', 'hilarious' and 'a great feel-good read.'
Book Bubbles from The Haunting of Hattie Hastings Part Three
Never too late for love …
Only ten days until Part Three is published! 'Loved them, they made me laugh out loud, cry, clap.' Just one of the early reviews encompassing the entire trilogy. In this excerpt we learn how seventy-something Rachel has the love and support of Ralph as she faces a daunting battle against cancer. I feel that 'older' people are often under represented in books, particularly in a 'romantic' sense. Widowed at a young age, Rachel draws a great deal of strength from her new relationship.
Torn between two 'lovers'
FANTASTIC ENDING TO A VERY SPECIAL SERIES!!!! AN UPLIFTING AND EMOTIVE READ. ONE OF MY FAVOURITE SERIES – EVER! Striking the balance between humour and sadness isn't easy, but it's something I tried to achieve in the Hattie Hastings trilogy. And reviews – thankfully – suggest I managed it! Here's a brief excerpt from the final part. Cat is seeing her ex-husband, Stewart, but ghostly Gary pops up to give her a hard time …
The Haunting of Hattie Hastings: Part Two
Humor & Entertainment
The story continues … Hattie is used to deceased husband Gary dropping in and out of her life. Best friend Cat is lapping up her new relationship with teacher Jamie, but ex-husband Stewart isn't prepared to fade into the background. Hattie's mum Rachel faces a daunting battle, and Gary still can't figure out what his mission on earth is. Will an encounter with another provide clues, or put Hattie in an impossible situation? Prepare for more laughs and tears in part two of a trilogy that takes a darkly comic look at life … and the afterlife.
Book Bubbles from The Haunting of Hattie Hastings: Part Two
Ghostly Gary struggles with his spirit guide, Clar
The 'fun' thing about writing a book with a supernatural twist is that there are no rules. No one can say categorically that this couldn't happen, or that would be impossible. My only limit writing this trilogy was my own – rather warped – imagination …
Laughter and tears
This is from Part Two of my novella trilogy. Hattie has received some shocking news regarding her mother. Ghostly Gary appears – as usual – without warning and puts his foot in it. Writing these books has been challenging, in terms of striking a balance between comedy and pathos. But isn't that what real life is all about? A mixture of highs and lows, laughter and tears.
The Haunting of Hattie Hastings: Part One
Humor & Entertainment
Book Bubbles from The Haunting of Hattie Hastings: Part One
What a difference a year makes …
When I published my debut novel back in June 2017, I hadn't a clue about publicity, marketing etc. You just hit 'publish' and your book baby is there for all to see (and buy). Right? In less than a year I've learned so much, a lot with the help of dedicated FB groups and Twitter. Ten months ago I had 4 followers, now I have over 1.7K. I've garnered over 150 reviews across Amazon, hooked up with amazing book bloggers and will soon publish my fifth book. This excerpt is from the first part of my novella trilogy and I can honestly say that writing is my passion. Follow your dreams and never give up.
Chapter 4
Hattie's best friend since schooldays – Cat – encounters a regular client at her beauty salon … I really enjoyed writing about their relationship and how the death of Gary affected them both. Also, how it becomes strained when Hattie cannot persuade Cat to believe in what is – quite frankly – unbelievable!
Now you see him …
This excerpt highlights Hattie's ongoing frustration that no one can see Gary except her. The device of a tinkling bell to signal his arrival was influenced by the movie 'It's A Wonderful Life'. Sadly, Hattie's hopes are dashed again … The Haunting of Hattie Hastings Parts One and Two are available on Amazon now.
A spooky excerpt for Hallowe'en
After a tragic accident, Hattie is struggling to get on with life. Even bathing is a chore. But is there something ghostly afoot…?
The Haunting of Hattie Hastings Part One
Humor & Entertainment
A tragic accident leaves Hattie Hastings grieving for her husband. But Gary has no intention of taking death lying down …
Rough-Cut Book Bubbles from The Haunting of Hattie Hastings Part One
The Haunting of Hattie Hastings
For my new book, part one of a trilogy with a comic ghostly twist, I relied entirely on imagination as I've yet to encounter an actual ghost! The title came out of nowhere and the words just flowed after that. This short excerpt introduces Hattie, husband Gary and son, Johnny. The book is in the final editing stages and should be released in the next few weeks. Hope you enjoy the intro!
A Clean Break
Romance
A Clean Break is a short prequel to A Clean Sweep. It examines the disintegrating marriage of Emily and Jim, with infidelity, uncertainty and dark humour at its core.
Book Bubbles from A Clean Break
After the holiday
A Clean Break is available for free on Amazon all this weekend! This is a snippet from after the getaway that failed to ignite Jim and Emily's failing marriage. I hope it makes you smile – and wince – and that you'll pick up a copy. And, if you enjoy it, check out the follow-up novel A Clean Sweep.
Emily
A holiday for a couple whose marriage is hanging by a thread. This excerpt shows Emily's loneliness and sense of isolation from her husband Jim. A Clean Break is a short prequel to my romantic comedy A Clean Sweep, and was written after the main novel. I felt that readers would be interested in Emily's life in the run-up to my novel. I think it answers some questions and explains more about Emily and her situation. I hope you enjoy it!
A Clean Sweep
Romance
A Clean Sweep is a laugh-out-loud tale of love, lies and second chances. Love comes around when you least expect. Fifty-something widow Emily isn't waiting for romance, nor is she expecting a hunky young chimney sweep on her door. Daughter Tabitha feels something is lacking in her relationship, while her boss – Abba-mad Meryl – thinks she's found the real deal. Are they both right, or hooked up with Mr Wrong? Emily's sister Celeste has the perfect marriage … or does she? Can a fitness tracker lead her down the path to happiness or heartbreak? Susan is single, overweight and resigned to a life of loneliness. There was the one who got away but you don't get another try, do you? Prepare for a rollercoaster ride of emotions in a book that will grab your heart, make you smile and wish you had a chimney to sweep.
Book Bubbles from A Clean Sweep
Stepping out …
I'm now on my second fitness band, and definitely have a love/hate relationship with them. Yes, they do help to motivate me to reach 10K steps each day, but also serve to remind me that my sleep patterns are erratic and that my stress levels are often through the roof. In this excerpt, Celeste contemplates getting one to keep up with husband Michael.
First date nerves
Widowed Emily is preparing for her date with the young and very attractive Joe. Understandably, she is more than a little jittery. How does the date go? Let's just say that it doesn't exactly go to plan …
Relaxation … and toenail clippings
Here we meet Tabitha again, and witness her irritation at boyfriend Tom's annoying habits. Toilet seats left up and toilet rolls not being replaced are personal bugbears of mine. And which way is the right way to pose a toilet roll? Paper feeding from the top or underneath? I say top, but feel free to disagree!
A heartbreaking excerpt from A Clean Sweep
In Chapter Four, we learn more about Susan, who previously appeared nothing more than a know-it-all gossip. But – as the saying goes – never judge a book by its cover. Originally intended as bit player in A Clean Sweep, early feedback suggested a keen interest in this complex character. I decided to add more detail and reviews have confirmed that Susan moved them deeply. One wrote: 'I actually cried real tears reading about her; it was utterly believable and very close to the bone. Well written indeed.'
A hard day at the office
This was inspired by a fabulous safari I enjoyed with my husband and two sons. Welegevonden is where we went – I didn't make it up – and it was the perfect place for a first-time safari. Not sure where the strange couple came from, they just popped up on the page as I was writing. Happy reading!
Locked in the lavatory
As my husband will attest, I always need to visit the loo at tricky moments. Usually mid-way through a long car journey where there isn't a rest room in sight, or once in Indonesia where – like Tabitha – I refused to use the rudimentary facilities and squeezed my husband's hand so tightly he had finger impressions on his skin. That was a very uncomfortable experience for both of us! I love writers like Jill Mansell and Carole Matthews, and making readers laugh – or sometimes cry – is what drew me to the chick lit genre. I actually prefer the term 'romantic comedy' as chick lit makes it sound lightweight and easy to write. It isn't!
