“Hey, Pal. Yer kinda late. It’s gittin’ dark out, the stars is already showin’.”
“I sure would like ta be out unnerneath ‘em, Kid, but we’re ‘xpectin’ a big star at the saloon this week, ain’t we?”
“Sure are, Pal. Robbie’s comin’ in.”
“Robbie? Robbie who?”
“Robbie Cheadle.
“A writer fella?”
“Nope, a writer gal. Seems her mom was expecting a boy an’ planned to name him Robert, but when she turned out to be a girl, she changed it to Roberta, which gits endlessly mispernounced, either Roberto or Robairta. She didn’t like either so goes by Robbie. Writes books fer children under Robbie Cheadle and books fer young adults and adults under Roberta Eaton Cheadle.”
“Soun’s like could git confusin’, but also soun’s as if this Robbie kin take charge an’ take care a hersef.”
“I’m hopin’ she takes charge a that ghost been bumpin’ ‘roun here. That poor character what ain’t been brought ta life an’ put in a story. Gives me the shivers thinkin’ on that. But I reckon Robbie Cheadle knows a thing or two ‘bout ghosts an’ sech. Her fav’rite genres are supernatural and paranormal, often set historically.”
“Thet so?”
“Yep. She’s writ a number of short stories in them genres. Three paranormal historical stories are included in Death Among Us, an anthology of murder mystery stories edited by Stephen Bentley. She’s got three paranormal historical short stories in Nightmareland, an anthology of short stories edited by Dan Alatorre and one in the previous anthology in the Box Under the Bed series, called Dark Visions.”
“Jeez, thet’s a lot!”
“Oh there’s more, Pal. She’ll have a second story in Dark Visions called The Willow Tree, which is a horror story and she’s currently working with Dan Alatorre on a new Box Under the Bed horror story anthology called Spellbound. Two a her short stories, one a paranormal historical story and one a horror fantasy story, have been accepted for this new collection. And she’s also currently working with Kaye Lynne Booth on a second WordCrafter Press paranormal anthology. She had two paranormal short stories in last year’s WordCrafter Press anthology called Whispers of the Past and aims to include two in the new anthology. Both of these stories will be based in South Africa during the time of the Great Trek by the Afrikaner people into the interior in 1836.”
“Wow, Kid. An’ did I hear tell there’s a new book comin’ out?”
“Yep, Robbie’s new book, A Ghost and His Gold, is also in the paranormal historical genre. But she’s materialized right behind ya Pal, whyn’t ya ask her yersef.”
“Eeek! I mean, Howdy. Welcome ta the Saddle Up Saloon, Robbie Cheadle.”
“Hello Pal. Sorry to have frightened you. Yes, I really enjoyed doing the research for A Ghost and His Gold and moving between a modern timeline in Pretoria, South Africa, and a historical time line during the Second Anglo Boer war in South Africa. I am currently finalising that supernatural historical novel. It was due out in October 2020 but, sadly, my huge Covid-19 workload caused me some delays and I didn’t get it to my editor in time for an October launch. I am now aiming for late January 2021.”
“Well, Mizz Cheadle, delay ain’t denial. You’ll git it done. Hey, how ‘bout wettin’ the whistle? Kin we git ya a drink?
“Pal, I’ve never been in a saloon in my whole life before this. I don’t drink much and if I do, it’s usually as part of a meal. I have been in an English pub, if that counts. They are great places to enjoy a meal in the UK, very atmospheric. I have never visited America, East or West, and I don’t know anything about ranching other than what I have read in books. I have read a few Westerns recently and they all include cowboys and ranches to some extent. I do know a lot about the South African Boers (farmers) though. Their story is not that different to that of the frontiersmen in the USA.”
“Well, yer a familiar hand roun’ Carrot Ranch, fer sure. It’s real nice a ya ta come by the saloon an’ tell us ‘bout yer work.”
“It sure is. We was talkin’ on how ya like supernatural and paranormal stories, with a historical settin’. But you ain’t no one-trick pony. Ya’ve co-writ books too, with yer son an’ with yer ma.”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
“Soun’s like it could be tricky territory. Whut’s thet like, writin’ with kinfolk?”
“The Sir Chocolate book series is written with my son, Michael. Michael contributes ideas to our books. He has the cutest ideas that translate into really fun figurines and story lines. He is very creative. Michael isn’t a fan of writing so I always hold the pen on the books, but he does give interesting input. When he was six years old we used to bake a lot together. He had this lovely idea about a man made entirely of chocolate who lived in Chocolate Land where you can eat everything. Sir Chocolate goes around helping the people of Chocolate Land solve problems, which are often created by selfishness, greediness or a natural disaster. Each story has a subtle message with regards to friendship, teamwork and other similar things. My main aim with these books is for children to read a story that stimulates their creativity and imaginations. I want the children to try and make the people and creatures. They don’t have to use fondant and cake, they can use play dough or plasticine. I even had one child from a poor background make figurines out of clay he got from a ditch. I was also aiming for a first cookbook that children could read with mom or dad or another caregiver and then try out the recipes. These books are intended to encourage bonding between children and caregivers and give them some fun activities to do together.”
“Thet soun’s like a real fine experience writin’ with Michael, an’ a real fine active read fer families.”
“It was fun writing that series with my son. While the Bombs Fell is a book I wrote with my mother and is a fictionalised account of my mother’s life as a small child growing up in Suffolk, England during World War II. Writing with my mother was more difficult because she had the knowledge. It is more difficult probing someone else’s brain to get information than it is to do straight research on the internet. I need to capture her emotions and thoughts to make the story live and that wasn’t an easy thing to do. Most people will tell you a story but won’t add much personalised information to it. They give you the facts and you have to probe for the underlying details. She also had strict ideas on the book and storyline so I had to stay within her boundaries. I didn’t mind, after all it’s her story, but it did make the writing a bit more complex. Charli Mills helped me developmentally edit this book and I learned a huge amount from her. I am grateful for her guidance and advice, which I have incorporated into all my books and short stories going forward.”
“Charlie Mulls? Editin’ fella?”
“Shush, Kid! Robbie, ya’ve got another book called Through the Nethergate. I know ya call it supernatchral fantasy, but seems like they’s all kinds a stuff goin’ on in thet book. Them ghosts ain’t the most scary aspect a thet story.”
“Through the Nethergate also includes a lot of paranormal historical aspects and I also enjoyed the research for that one which went as far back as the White Ship disaster when a ship carrying the heir to the English crown sank off the coast of Normandy on 25 November 1120 to Suffolk, England, and other cities in four European countries in 2019. This book also had a strong political message about the rise of nationalism in our modern world.”
“Nationalism? Soun’s as if readers could get quite a spookin’ from thet Nethergate book.”
“I am a firm believer that people should have a broad knowledge of history to prevent the catastrophes and horrors of the past from repeating themselves. This is the reason I was drawn to writing historical fiction. Through the Nethergate aims to show how easily our current modern circumstances and attitudes could be manipulated and result in a repeat of past fascism and extreme nationalism. A lofty aim.”
“Dang, I’ll say. Soun’s like yer givin’ readers somethin’ ta chew on. Reckon ya might a gotten somethin’ out of writin’ it, too.”
“Hmm. I certainly enjoyed the historical research and making the history come alive by incorporating it into this story. I also enjoyed having an opportunity to express some of my views in a low-key way in the book. I tried not to be preachy or extreme in the views expressed but rather to draw readers subtly to a reasonable conclusion of their own. I think the history and spiritualism appealed to me the most. I have always loved history and took it to a senior qualification level at school. I was raised a Catholic and I attended a convent for my junior school years. I had lovely nun teachers and one, Sister Agatha, really took time to develop my reading abilities. I didn’t really realise how lucky I was then, but now, as an adult, I realise how good she was to me and how she encouraged my personal growth as a reader and a thinker. I am not a big fan of politics but I do follow international and local politics because it affects us all. What happens in other countries, in this regard, affects developing economies hugely.”
“Thinkin’ this ain’t yer average supernatchral story!”
“I do have views on how easily technology can be manipulated for negative purposes and how people with a common agenda can use the internet to push their views and gather the interest and devotion of like minded individuals. I also have views on capitalism, socialism and communism as well as nationalism. I melded these together into this unusual story. Most people who have read it have reacted positively which is encouraging. There has been the odd person who has misinterpreted my intentions, but you can’t win them all.”
“Ya most certainly cain’t, Robbie. I hope folks here be sure an’ check out yer books an’ blogs.”
“Yes. I have two blogs now. I love blogging and it is my favourite social media. Robbie’s Inspiration was created in October 2016 after I launched Sir Chocolate and the strawberry cream berries into my social media vacuum. I didn’t even have a Facebook account at the time. My brother-in-law recommended a blog and so Robbie’s Inspiration was born. I blog recipes, fondant art, poetry, children’s book reviews and other related posts on this site. My other blog is more recent. I created it in October 2018 when I was writing Through the Nethergate. I had already decided, by that stage, to write my supernatural/paranormal/horror stories under a different version of my name so that there was no confusion with readers. I didn’t want a Sir Chocolate fan to buy Through the Nethergate by mistake and get a horrible shock. I love blogging because of the social interaction with other bloggers. It is a marvelous community and I love my blogging friends. I just have some time constraints especially recently as I need more time to write than before. A Ghost and His Gold is 115 000 words and that is a big undertaking which required a lot of effort. I am still finalising my edits. Writing the short stories also takes time and I now belong to two reading clubs and an on-line writing group. I love these other writing and reading related things too but they do eat into my free time. But writing is something I have always enjoyed and I love receiving developmental edits and growing my stories as a result. The developmental edit advice is becoming much less now so I know I am improving and implementing what I have learned. That is gratifying for me. Of course, I like good reviews and appreciate it when lovely people take the time to write one. It is marvelous when a reader connects with your story and enjoys it.”
“We sure are grateful to ya fer takin’ time outta yer busy life ta chat with us here at the Saddle Up.”
“Yep, thanks, Robbie, an’ good luck with all yer doin’s.”
“Thank you Pal and Kid, and good luck to you as well.”
“Folks, be sure an’ see the blurb fer Robbie’s latest book, A Ghost and His Gold below. We didn’t wanna trouble Robbie further with our own ghost story, but as ya mighta heard, a ghost’s been hauntin’ Carrot Ranch an’ the Saddle Up Saloon. Seems it’s a character whut ain’t been realized, cain’t find a story ta call it’s own so it jist wanders aroun’ the prompts, unseen an’ unwritten. Hep us hep it out by writin’ it inta the Saloon down there in the comment boxes. An’ folks, we got some openin’s if ya wanna git yersef featured at the saloon.”
###
After Tom and Michelle Cleveland move into their recently built, modern townhouse, their housewarming party is disrupted when a drunken game with an Ouija board goes wrong and a sinister poltergeist, Estelle, who died in 1904, is summoned.
Estelle makes her presence known in a series of terrifying events, culminating in her attacking Tom in his sleep with a knife. But, Estelle isn’t alone. Who are the shadows lurking in the background? – one in an old-fashioned slouch hat and the other, a soldier, carrying a rifle.
Discovering their house has been built on the site of one of the original farms in Irene, Michelle becomes convinced that the answer to her horrifying visions lies in the past. She must unravel the stories of the three phantoms’ lives, and the circumstances surrounding their untimely deaths during the Second Anglo Boer War, in order to understand how they are tied together and why they are trapped in the world of ghosts between life and death. As the reasons behind Estelle’s malevolent behaviour towards Tom unfold, Michelle’s marriage comes under severe pressure and both their lives are threatened.
Read the reviews and buy the book: Amazon US
And: Amazon UK
Read more reviews and follow Robbie on Goodreads: Goodreads
Connect to Robbie
Website/Blog Roberta Writes: Roberta Writes
Blog: Robbie’s Inspiration
Website: Robbie Cheadle:
Facebook: Sir Chocolate Books
Twitter: @bakeandwrite
Thank you Pal and Kid for having me over to Carrot Ranch today. I really enjoyed chatting with you.
Likewise, Mizz Cheadle. So glad ya dropped by!
So great to see you here, chatting with Pal and Kid, Robbie. Wow! I’m impressed by the number of short stories you’ve had published. I knew there were some, but not so many. I guess I’d be more cognizant if I was into that genre. Sorry. But I do love the Sir Chocolate series and your lovely fondant figures. They’re more my style, as you know.
And as for that ghost that’s hanging around the saloon. He doesn’t stand a chance. Everytime he tries to add a bit of substance to his stories, everyone sees straight through him.
Aussie! Thet’s funny, thet there. We oughtta git you up on the Saloon stage fer comedy night.
Hehehe. I’m pleased it was funny. I thought it just might be corny. 🙂
Haha, Norah, I can see you’ve got that ghost all worked out. I do rather enjoy writing short stories, they are quicker and easier to write than a whole book. I know that horror and paranormal is not your style and that is fine. I am glad you like my creative side and enjoy my baking, fondant art and children’s books. I am lucky to enjoy both and that is why I have two blogs so that people can chose which one interests them. Some people follow both and that’s also fine.
I follow both. I just don’t always read everything on the second one. 🙂 It’s mainly a time thing though. I enjoy seeing what you’re up to.
Thanks Norah.
Lovely overview of Robbie’s writing – I’m amazed – haunted by? – how much she packs in.
It’s scary, ain’t it?
Hi Anne, thanks for visiting me here. Writing is relaxing for me so I make time for it. I think all writers do that.
I have been following Robbie on various social medias for a few years. Pal and Kid, thank you for inviting her to visit the Saloon so we all can get to know her better.
Reckon Robbie Cheadle’s quite a force aroun’ the www, an’ we’re mighty pleased she made time to take part in our farce.
HI Ann, I’m delighted that you enjoyed our visit with Pal and Kid. Such a fun pair to banter with.
[…] Saddle Up Saloon CR Ghost Post & MLMM Wordle 204 High, Freudian Slip, Crouch, Eggs, Peach, Tonight, Shock, Slip, Know, Twist, Body, Metrophobia- Irrational fear of poetry & What do you see? Ian Dooley- Unsplash ( For the visually challenged reader, the image shows a sky full of hot air balloons in various colors. The nearest one shows a couple in the basket with an operator) […]
Okey dokey. Good to see Robbie here…
Here’s a multi prompted ghost story in 99 words (Title is the link to post which will make sense when you see the image with named roses):
Tiffany or Juliet?
Just a slip of a wisp, a twisty light peach in color, looking high and low. Crouching in the corner while eggs fry in a pan or perhaps tonight she’ll shock some sleeping body?
Though she always knows just when to take flight… ballooning into the ceiling. Away from the man who just snores and who is Metrophobic and the woman who in her Freudian Slip of dreams is prancing with another lover…Time to visit the Poet Tree behind the Saddle Up Saloon!
poltergeist or ghost
what’s a name; a rose; a rose?
had she been called Rose?
©JP/dh
You rocked it Jules! Love ‘slip of a wisp’ and ‘Freudian Slip of dreams’.
Well done, Jules, this is great flash and I like the little poem too.
The whole she-bang is a haibun and the little poem is an American Style (5/7/5 syllable) haiku 😀
This line grabbed me: “Who are the shadows lurking in the background?”
Hi Claire, that is a great line of Deanna’s. I think I might borrow it. Thanks for visiting.
That’s not my line! It’s from the book blurb for A Ghost and His Gold.
Reblogged this on Robbie's inspiration and commented:
I am over at Carrot Ranch chatting to Pal and Kit about my writing. Thanks you D Avery and Charli Mills for hosting me.
I have said this before but somethings are worth repeating. R C is capable of anything she turns her hand too. Versatility does not cover it Talented probably does. Great quirky post.
Thank you, Ellen, you are very kind. Ms D’s post is terrific and I enjoyed chatting to Pal and Kid.
Robbie is the one that introduced me to Carrot Ranch for which I am very thankful. I have wondered for a while now if she takes time to sleep.
Her Mom’s story is one of my favorites as I lived in Suffolk county England in the mid-1970s, so the book gave me a history of the locale during WWII.
I must make time to read more of her work. Thanks for visiting with us at the Ranch, Robbie
Hi Susan, I am so glad I could introduce you to Carrot Ranch and all the lovely people here. I was so fortunate to find Charli and have her help with editing While the Bombs Fell. She helped me so much. I am delighted you enjoyed this book and I will tell my mom.
womderful interview with one of my favorite bloggers!
Thank you, Jim. Hugs.
you are quite welcome!
You certainly picked a gifted writer to interview! I am always smiling when I see Robie has tackled yet another genre!
Yep. Thet one’s fearless when it comes ta genre. We’ve injoyed her fer years aroun’ the ranch an’ are plum tickled she slipped on over ta the saloon fer a chat.
Hi Annette, thank you for visiting me here. Supernatural historical has been a great genre to write. The genre seems to find me rather than the other way around.
You are one busy woman, Robbie! Love the blurb for the upcoming release – you know I’m a fan of the supernatural/paranormal.
Thank you, Teri. I am looking forward to getting my editing finished. Only 90 pages to go. I do know you are a fan of this genre, as am I.
Congrats to Robbie, for another great book. A ghost story is fantastic, will get closer to this too. Thank you for the great posting. Michael
Hello Michael, so lovely to see you hear. I am glad you enjoyed this post and the information about my new book. Have a lovely evening.
Thank you Robbie, and excuse the delay. Some weeks are horrible. Oh yes, you are my best source for great information, and amazing books too.
Very clever approach to an author’s interview! I enjoyed learning more about how Robbie approaches her writing.
Kid and Pal is a great approach, Liz. Ms D has been writing about them for a long, long time and its very entertaining.
Oh, I didn’t know that!
Fun overview of your writing, Robbie. I see a Western in your future.
I’m glad you enjoyed this, Jacqui. South African history is also partially pioneers and frontiers, the same as yours.
Great interview, Robbie, Kid, Pal and (maybe) D. Avery (if rumors are true that Kid and Pal might just be like ghosts of her mind).
I love Robbie’s interest in history, and her paranormal stories remind me of John Saul’s early books about ghosts with historical connections. It’s rewarding to watch another author’s career grow, especially when they find the genre that suits their ideas and voice.
Interesting, too, the idea of frontiers around the world. It makes me think that South African “westerns” might be fun stories to write, too.
Hi Charli, I am very glad I have found the paranormal historical genre which is perfect from me. Some of it is a bit horrifying but I don’t write anything that focuses purely on blood and gore. My writing is more about demonstrating the point of the horrors of the past and ensuring we avoid revisiting of such awful things. I am a big believer in knowing history to learn from the mistakes of the past.
Robbie’s got so much good stuff out!
Also, weird side note: I have a soft spot for the name Agatha because of the Elite Four member in Pokemon named Agatha. She had ghost Pokemon and was just the coolest of the bunch.
Thank you, H. I appreciate your comment and your support. I like the name Laura. Probably because I adored Little House on the Prairie as a child. I persuaded my mom to name my youngest sister, Laura.
Hahaha – that’s a lot of influence you had/have on your mom!
This was a delightful approach to Robbie and her book! Very clever. Robbie is a terrific writer and one of my favorite bloggers.
It sure was good seein’ Robbie here. The Saloon has an open invitation ta all. If ya got somethin’ ta share, jist let D. Avery know.
That’s so nice! Thank you. 🙂
Hi Jennie, thank you so much for your lovely comment. I really appreciate your support.
You are welcome, Robbie. My pleasure.
Fun and clever post Robbie. Congrats on your feature here today 🙂 x
Thank you, Debby. Deanna did most of the hard work and she came up with this fabulously fun interview style. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
It takes two Robbie. <3
Wonderful interview D., Kid, Pal and a thorough overview of all your works, Robbie. As always, fun to read, and a little scary! I’m looking out for what might be hiding under my bed. 🙂
Hi Marsha, thank you for visiting me here. I thought this was a lovely and fun interview and think Deanna is very clever for thinking of it. I spent years of my childhood jumping from the door and into bed to avoid the witch that lived under it grabbing my feet.
Deanna is so clever, and how wonderful for Charli to have her on board. Did she (the witch under your bed) ever succeed in getting your feet?
No, but I succeeded in breaking my bed [wink!]
A fantastic interview and a great guest. I’ve followed Robbie’s blog for a while and know about her writing, but I’ve learned things I didn’t know. Thanks so much and good luck to Robbie with her many projects.
Thinkin’ thet one’s unstoppable.
Howdie, ya’ll! I enjoy reading about other authors’ writing processes. Robbie’s a talented and prolific writer. This was a fun post! 😀
The Saloon is the happening place! Thanks for coming by.