Sam Wilding's podcast is full of tips for authors and songwriters. A published children's author, he also performs keynote speeches, writes and performs songs and has other author careers under the pseudonyms, Damian Peck and Paul Murdoch.
Sam/Paul reads chapter 2 of Talisman. The first book in a new 7 book fantasy series... A story of determination, courage and family James Peck stands alone on a hillside, staring at a massive, three-toed footprint… and the crushed animal within it. He can’t help wondering if there is a link between the print and the recent unexplained disappearance of his father. Within hours James meets Mendel, a wizard from another world – Denthan – who is trapped in a body that is not his own. Soon they do a deal: James will help Mendel back to Denthan before disaster befalls it; in return, Mendel will help James search for his father. But Denthan is a dangerous place, full of hideous beasts and monsters. And it is about to be consumed by a battle for supremacy… and survival. If James is to stand any chance of saving Denthan – and his family - he must locate a powerful talisman. Except that no-one knows what it looks like. Certainly not James, and not even Mendel. So fast-paced that your heart will pound long after you turn the final page.
Sam/Paul reads chapter one of Talisman. After years of work, book 1 in the 7 book Peck Chronicles is on sale. Paul reads Chapter 1 A story of determination, courage and family James Peck stands alone on a hillside, staring at a massive, three-toed footprint… and the crushed animal within it. He can’t help wondering if there is a link between the print and the recent unexplained disappearance of his father. Within hours James meets Mendel, a wizard from another world – Denthan – who is trapped in a body that is not his own. Soon they do a deal: James will help Mendel back to Denthan before disaster befalls it; in return, Mendel will help James search for his father. But Denthan is a dangerous place, full of hideous beasts and monsters. And it is about to be consumed by a battle for supremacy… and survival. If James is to stand any chance of saving Denthan – and his family - he must locate a powerful talisman. Except that no-one knows what it looks like. Certainly not James, and not even Mendel. So fast-paced that your heart will pound long after you turn the final page.
Things are moving along with the new music CD. Gigs and new book developments are coming along thick and fast, and Sam looks at the reason he writes... This Podcast also features a sneak preview of one of the new songs - JUST ONE MORE
How to format an inner for a book and then which printing method is best for you? POD or Traditional? Whether you are a children's author or not, picking the correct commercial package is key to making any money as writer. There is also a reading from the children's eco-thriller - WINDSCAPE
Sam looks back at Burns and public speaking...
Sam gives a very brief biography of his musical history and influences.
Sam talks about the cover design for his new book TALISMAN, and weighs up the pros and cons of self publishing via waiting to get published. How important is marketing the final product and how can you do it?
A Christmas Short Story - Les Angels Based on a true story...
A Poem : A Christmas Day, by Paul Murdoch (Sam Wilding) Their hearts race on as darkness still entwines the Christmas dawn, The bed clothes fall and tiny yelps of joy announce the morn. No time to yawn, or stretch or groan; no time to check the clock, As stocking yarn is stretched and teased, we hear a plaintive knock. ‘Oh look what Santa left last night! ’ They cant believe their eyes, As we, still trying to focus, shrink back from wondrous cries. They bounce upon the covers and make it hard to see, The tawny, flashing digits, that say it’s ‘half past three? ’. ‘Get back to bed! For pity’s sake, we’ve only shut our eyes! ” But threats and accusations can’t stifle their surprise, So bleary-eyed we try to smile, ungracious in defeat, Our wooden hearts soon splinter neath tiny running feet. A small stampede upon the stairs, a rush to reach the tree, Where magic lights and small delights are laid for you and me. The tinsel trails and plastic rails adorn the festive sight, Of shredded paper mountains, this yuletide-spangled night. And soon it’s time to breakfast on chocolate covered signs, Of baby child, and mother mild, so far from hearts and minds. True meanings of the morning star, the crib, and manger too, Are lost beneath the glitter-dusted dreams of me and you. We smile at one another, unable to contain, The happiness revealed, unwrapped, exposed in Christ’s own name. The camera’s flash, a sudden dash, when one more trinket’s found, Amongst the piles of debris that stifle winter’s sound. The light is teased from rain clouds, that gave up all their snow, Now dreary-grey they falter, in dreams of long ago, When snowflakes danced upon the cheeks of every lowly child, When ‘shepherds watched their flocks by night’ still drifted down the aisle. Words crackle on the airwaves, we’re drawn from God’s own day, To fantasise and visualise; our senses led astray. The robin’s song, perennial dawn is smothered by our plight, Escaping hordes switch on and dowse the rays of God’s own light. Soon clicking of the keyboard keys is all that we can hear, As we prepare the tinfoil-tested tribute to the year. A token jaunt to chapel; a gesture in itself, A moment to reflect upon our decadence and wealth. Then soon it’s time for brandies and greeting long lost friends, Our family ties now realised, ‘Will this day never end? ’ ‘Mongst Xmas songs and regal throngs, we stuff ourselves with glee, Then in some karaoke-trance, we crumple to our knees. As Christmas night nostalgia still dances in our head, As Eric draws the curtains and Ernie makes the bed. We smile at one another and laze beside the fire, And thank the Lord for Christmas cheer, that resurrects desire. Appreciating all we have and all we’ll ever be, The message soon becomes so clear beneath the scented tree. We have each other, here and now, so let us always wish… That we may have another day, as blessed and sweet as this.
Sam never truly winds down but as publishers put things in place for 2015 he digs out an old Christmas poem he wrote when his children were young.
How a split identity can sometimes work for you. How different brands can help you diversify.
There's a few author updates here but mainly there is a look at how Sam writes a song from scratch. Taking the rough idea to an almost finished article. Hear the making of 'SAVING THE BEST FOR LAST'.
In this episode Sam talks about a few major events in his writing life and looks at his involvement with Fitstars.
Sam looks behind the scenes at his preparations for a children's book festival. Attention to detail is key. He also looks at the press coverage of his book EDEN SEED, written under his pen name Damian Peck.
Sam talks about his impending trip to Bali and explores his children's eco-thriller - WINDSCAPE. There is also a cinematic composition inspired by the adventure and the west coast islands of Scotland.
Sam has more questions to answer on his writing after his previous podcast and looks at poetry.
Sam looks at his own writing process and talks about his recent Waterstone's signings.
Sam talks about his projects and reviews his book launch.
Sam talks about working in schools and spreading his musical reach to Holland
Sam continues his story around getting published and moves on to the factors that drove his success. There is also an update on his current musical and marketing exploits.
Sam's journey 'to get published' takes him down the self-publishing route for a while. He also talks about his early performances in the 60's with The Black and White Minstrels. Plus more updates on Eden Seed and the current Sam Wilding ventures.
Sam continues his own tale around getting published and talks about a new venture with the charity Asthma UK and Fitstars. Plus another song...
Sam talks about getting his first publishing deal and continues his story as a budding writer of songs and books. Things are moving on with his thriller - Eden Seed
A personal look at writing books and songs. From the creative process to the end user. Follow my journey in real time.
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