Saturday 25 May 2013

*** Render Unto Caesar ***



2nd Prize Winner in the Writers Village Award 2011

A short story 1500 words, a poignant observation of all those involved in carrying out the ultimate penalty.

Gerry a journalist sent on assignment to the deep south is world weary he's seen it all before but is forced to question his own beliefs and values.

Pastor Josef Hoff puts on his tie,the same tie he has worn on fifty six other occasions.

Twenty to thirty five seconds to strap a man down,they'd got it down to a fine art.


http://www.amazon.co.uk/Render-Unto-Caesar-ebook/dp/B006TZ0H30
Render Unto Caesar
Amazon Review

A remarkable story, well worth reading, both powerful and poignant. It is cleverly patterned with some very deft craft work and a surprise denouement. Barron can write!

From the Author



Books and films about death row are usually centred around the character who faces execution. I wanted to look at the peripheral characters, the chaplain, the people who physically carry out the task and the people that report it.

On another level I wanted to reflect society's polarised opinion, to illustrate the grotesque carnival atmosphere somewhat akin to the public executions of the middle ages and contrast this with the beliefs of those opposed to capital punishment.

And finally the character who faces the ultimate punishment, I wanted to juxtapose his mortality with the indifference and banality of society, the culture of bubblegum pop

Thursday 2 May 2013




Impeccable Credentials





U.S. Download

http://www.amazon.com/Impeccable-Credentials-ebook/dp/B00A94DBVC


U.K. Download

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Impeccable-Credentials-ebook/dp/B00A94DBVC

Johnny Rockett has lived too close to the edge for far too long. They're out to get him but Johnny has a plan. 

Things fall nicely in to place with his new job at Ministery House. A cushy number, taking care of the ailing Mr Akenaton, the last in line of an ancient family from the old Mediterranean world.

Once again Johnny has fallen on his feet and inadvertently found redemption but is it too late?

Is Johnny's dubious past about to catch up with him? 





Editorial Reviews

From the Author

The cycle of life death and rebirth can be found everywhere and is the theme that runs through this short story. I think there is an endearing yet slightly unsettling aspect of country music which looks forward to, almost can't wait for 'that glorious day when we will meet way up yonder,' hence Johnny's love of Hank Williams.
Influences came from the Berkely University podcast on the Ancient Mediterranean World. Homicide A Year On The Killing Streets by David Simon described a city fighting to survive. And of course Hank Williams.
To continue the theme I compared an ancient civilisation with the decay and regeneration of a decaying, colonial city located on America's 'rust belt'.

.

Friday 15 March 2013


               An Enchanting Tale of Erin's Isle


The Bodhisattva of Carraigmore





Three people are converging on the rural Irish village of Carraigmore, an ancient village steeped in the traditions of Celtic folklore and mysticism.

Eddie Doyle has reached that time of life, going nowhere in his job, mounting debts an indolent wife and for Eddie time is running out.

Henry J. O' Farrell a successful but ruthless American businessman is coming to Carraigmore to finally settle a long standing family injustice.

And then there is Tara.




Customer Reviews

3 Reviews
5 star:
(1)
4 star:
(2)
3 star:(0)
2 star:(0)
1 star:(0)
Average Customer Review
4.3 out of 5 stars (3 customer reviews)
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars **** Great short story, I loved it ****,30 Mar 2012
This review is from: The Bodhisattva of Carraigmore (Kindle Edition)
POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT

I have to be completely honest and admit I do not usually read a lot of short stories. So it is worth remembering when reading this review that I do not have a lot to compare to this story. What I can say is I enjoyed this story.
This book was a lovely read. I read it from start to finish in one go because it piqued my interest. The story was easy going and fun in parts.
I liked the fact that even though it was such a short story there was room for three different characters, you learned about their backgrounds and they all came together at the end of the book. The reason I think I liked it so much was because it made me think afterwards about how one person had so much responsibility and one foolish mistake could have ruined an entire community. I liked the characters and would like to learn more about their future so hopefully this book is just an introduction the lovely village of Carraigmore and the author will write a book where we learn about the future of the village and the characters. I am particularly interested in finding out what happens in Eddie's future.

I also liked Peggy O'Connor and would like to hear more about her as she added humour to the book and she was a character everyone would have met someone like her in their lifetime.

I enjoyed the stories that went back to the Grandfathers of the men and how they linked in to the present day story.
There was a nice twist at the end. A short story with lots packed in to it.I would recommend this book if you would like a nice light read.
I have been pondering whether to rate this 3 or 4 stars, I decided to go with 4 stars because it is a good read not just an ok read
So 4 stars from me and I hope I get to meet the people of Carraigmore again soon.

Becky Sherriff (The Kindle Book Review)
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
5.0 out of 5 stars Delightful short story19 Mar 2012
Amazon Verified Purchase(What is this?)
This review is from: The Bodhisattva of Carraigmore (Kindle Edition)
Set in Ireland, an American seeks revenge for a perceived injustice to an ancestor who left the village under a cloud.

Well written with a magical twist. I loved this short story and would like to read more about the people of Carraigmore.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars Enjoyable read18 Mar 2012
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Amazon Verified Purchase(What is this?)
This review is from: The Bodhisattva of Carraigmore (Kindle Edition)
I do not usually read short stories but the cover and title caught my attention. Glad I did download this as a freebie, I really enjoyed it.
For me, it is a reminder and illustration of how our actions can effect others. In this story, Eddie's need of security for a loan could have changed the lives of a whole community on the other side of the world.
Henry's long held grudge could have had the same effect.
Tara's involvement - decide for yourself.

Thursday 7 March 2013


Nothing Left To Chance



Nothing Left To Chance
U.S. Download

http://www.amazon.com/Nothing-Left-To-Chance-ebook/dp/B009FJHMY4

U.K. Download

Short Listed for The Multi Story Award 2012 - Short Story 2600 Words.

'A well structured story delivered with aplomb and subtle humour. The reader senses a twist in the tail is coming but it’s not at all what one is expecting.'

The war has ended and the process of rebuilding begins.

George Jenkins, a mild mannered man attends an interview at the renowned accountants and actuaries Mackenzie, Smyth and Dennis.  

Unfortunately for George things don't go as well as planned and the interview comes to a catastrophic end.

You see for some time George has been leading a very secret life.

And now it seems his skeletons are about to come bursting out of the closet.

Saturday 23 February 2013


Render Unto Caesar


2nd Prize Winner in the Writers Village Award 2011

A short story 1500 words, a poignant observation of all those involved in carrying out the ultimate penalty.

Gerry a journalist sent on assignment to the deep south is world weary he's seen it all before but is forced to question his own beliefs and values.

Pastor Josef Hoff puts on his tie,the same tie he has worn on fifty six other occasions.

Twenty to thirty five seconds to strap a man down,they'd got it down to a fine art.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Render-Unto-Caesar-ebook/dp/B006TZ0H30
Render Unto Caesar
Amazon Review
A remarkable story, well worth reading, both powerful and poignant. It is cleverly patterned with some very deft craft work and a surprise denouement. Barron can write!

From the Author

Books and films about death row are usually centred around the character who faces execution. I wanted to look at the peripheral characters, the chaplain, the people who physically carry out the task and the people that report it.

On another level I wanted to reflect society's polarised opinion, to illustrate the grotesque carnival atmosphere somewhat akin to the public executions of the middle ages and contrast this with the beliefs of those opposed to capital punishment.

And finally the character who faces the ultimate punishment, I wanted to juxtapose his mortality with the indifference and banality of society, the culture of bubblegum pop.