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Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Durban Author Cristy Zinn Has A New Book Out 'The Dreamer's Tears'


There is a Chinese proverb that goes, ‘He who asks a question is a fool for five minutes; he who does not ask a question is a fool forever.’ This was foremost in her mind as Cristy Zinn wrote The Dreamer’s Tears, the story about a girl whose curiosity upends her life and becomes her greatest strength when she has to protect her town.



Cristy’s curiosity which led her to study a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in English and Drama, at UKZN in the mid-90’s. Soon after earning her degree Cristy and her husband moved to Cape Town where Cristy took the train into town for her teaching job. It was on those train rides that Cristy devoured fantasy and science-fiction novels and wondered if she could write some herself.

Author - Cristy Zinn

When her husband was transferred back to Durban, Cristy was working from home, with two kids in tow, she decided she wanted to try and write a novel. Eight years, a few ‘practice’ novels and one published short story later, Cristy landed her first publishing deal with Fox & Raven Publishers in Cape Town.

The Dreamer’s Tears is aimed at 10 – 14 year olds but will appeal to anyone who enjoys children’s fantasy. On her website (www.cristyzinn.com) Cristy quotes Madeline L’Engle (A Wrinkle in Time) who says, “You have to write whatever book it is that wants to be written. And then, if it is too difficult for adults, you write it for children.” This is very much her perspective as she writes for children. Her book has been compared to the likes of Philip Pullman’s Northern Lights and is sure to be an engaging, fantastical read.

Cristy heads up an initiative called Write Start, running creative writing workshops in local schools. She is passionate about encouraging and engaging with a new generation of South African writers and hopes this book will be yet another avenue that will allow her to speak into the lives of young writers.

If you would like to find out more about Cristy, her book or Write Start, you can find her at these online places. 
Twitter: @CristyZinn
Facebook: Cristy Zinn - Author
Instagram: CristyZinnAuthor

You can buy an eBook version of The Dreamer's Tears on Amazon. And a paperback copy from the Fox & Raven Emporium: 

You can also ask for the book at your local bookstore!


Monday, April 27, 2015

Film Review: Avengers Age of Ultron


Film: Avengers: Age of Ultron



Cast: Robert Downey Jr. Chris Evans, Scarlett Johansson, Mark Ruffalo, Jeremy Renner, Chris Hemsworth, Don Cheadle, James Spader, Samuel L. Jackson.

Director: Joss Whedon

If you are looking for a big action packed movie this year, this would be it.  One just has to look at the cast list to see the talent that graces this screen.  This is the second Avengers movie that brings together Iron Man, Captain America, Black Widow, Hawkeye, The Hulk and Thor. 

This time around The Avengers almost seem to be on top of the world.  They are doing so well in fact that Tony Stark and Bruce Banner join forces to create an artificial intelligence that could help humanity for the better.  With that Ultron is born.  However Ultron is not what they expected it to be.  Ultron features the voice of gifted actor James Spader.  A wonderful performance indeed.

The Avengers have to come together again to fight this Ultron.
Look out for plenty of surprises, curve balls and fantastic action sequences.   You would have to see this movie twice to appreciate the size of some of the action scenes.

Director Joss Whedon certainly gives us an expertly directed film.

Parts of this movie were shot in South Africa so look out for that one.

When the credits roll don’t just rush out of the cinema or you might miss a great surprise.

Rating: 10/10

Review by Fred Felton

Twitter @fredfelton 

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

Calling all writers - Entries Open for The Mondays At St Clements Short Story Competition 2015


Are you a wordsmith?

This might interest you.


The Mondays At St Clements Short Story Competition is now accepting entries for this year.

100 words.  No more, no less.

Here are all the rules and details:


  • Length: 100 words (excluding title).  Stories longer or shorter than 100 words will not be accepted.
  • Entries by email to falconscove@gmail.com 
  • State author's name and wordcount
  • Use large font: eg Times New Roman, 14pt
  • Author of winning story will receive a presentation box of wine
  • Stories will be adjudicated by Retired Judge Christopher Nicholson
  • Author's names will be deleted for adjudication
  • A maximum of 5 stories per person is permitted
  • Stories for previous competitions will not be considered
  • Closing date: Monday 1 June 2015
  • The top ten stories will be published in an ebook comprising a selection of 50 stories
  • All stories will be read at St Clements on two consecutive Mondays following the presentation

Facebook:  Mondays At St Clements
Twitter: @mondaystclement

#MondaysAtSix 


For more info please email Fred on falconscove@gmail.com 

Monday, April 13, 2015

The Coffee and Chocolate Expo is coming


Good news for Durban.  The Coffee and Chocolate Expo is on the way.


If you love coffee and chocolate this will be the place for you.



What you can expect:


  • KZN Regional Barista Championships - Watch as the best from Kwazulu Natal battle it out for the title of Barista Champion of KZN.  The top 6 finalists qualify for the National Finals, held at the end of 2015 and from that event, a SA champion is chosen to compete at the WBC, in Dublin, Ireland in 2016.  Look out for the Latte Art competition.
  • Coffee Theatre - This is a must for coffee connoisseurs and coffee snobs.  They will be taking you on a journey from bean to cup!
  • Chocolate Workshop - Watch Chefs from 1000 Hills Chef School cook up a storm.  I heard rumours that you can expect delicious truffles. 
  • Cocoa Mokka Music Lounge - Visit their lounge area and sit back with your favourite cup of Coffee, Wine or Craft Chocolate Beer and be entertained by some awesome indie bands from KZN.  The featured act is 'The Motherland'. They are the hottest new sound on the block. 


Event Details

Dates: 1 - 3 May 2015
Venue: The Sunzone at Suncoast
Buy your tickets at www.coffeechoc.co.za 


The good folks at the Coffee and Chocolate Expo have given us some tickets for you.
We have 5 double tickets for some lucky people. This is for the 3rd May only. 
To win them just answer this easy question: On what dates will the expo be held?
Email your name, email address, cell number and the answer to:
falconscove@gmail.com 

Please put Coffee and Chocolate Expo in the subject line. 

Good Luck! 

Competition is now closed.  Winners will be notified.  


Friday, April 10, 2015

Your Weekend Event Guide Durban


Lots to do and see this weekend in and around Durban

Friday



Saturday





All Weekend



Sunday




Monday

Mondays at Six presents readings from 'Borrowed Fragments'.
There will also be music during the evening.
Venue: St Clements, 191 Musgrave Road, Durban
Time: 5h30pm for 6pm
Bookings: 031-202-2511

The new Mondays at Six T-Shirts will be on sale at the event as well


Coming Soon




This edition by Fred Felton
Twitter @fredfelton



Friday, April 3, 2015

Your Weekend Event Guide Durban


Lots to do and see around Durban this Easter Weekend




KFC Family Fun Days With East Coast Radio

Ballito - Thompson's Bay 3 and 4th April
Durban - uShaka Beach 5th and 6th April




This edition by Fred Felton
Twitter @fredfelton

Images -Provided