21st century stories are more visual than ever, with cinematic images floating from pages like notes from a piano. And with cyberspace all around us like a spider’s web, we can reach out to all corners of the world. Writers and readers can connect with each other as never before. It’s a privilege to be part of that.
Words can make grown men cry, or paint a smile on the face of a child. Words become sentences to carry ideas along the roads of knowledge.
Words hold memories. The present and the future are precious, but the past anchors us; we should not forget it. I had no choice: Sliding on the Snow Stone was a story I had to write; it’s now available from several outlets world-wide, in paperback or ebook formats:
The Book Depository (paperback – free world-wide delivery)
Amazon US Kindle Edition (ebook)
Amazon UK Kindle Edition (ebook)
Mosaic is an anthology of short stories produced by Bridge House Publishing in 2010, and includes my modern-day tale of attempted redemption: We All Scream. It’s recently been made available on Amazon Kindle:
I have many more short stories and poems; some complete, some half-finished, one or two need surgery. You’ll discover many of them here, as well as a range of articles and features.
I’m currently working on Fate and Circumstance. Based on a true story, it’s about a family of Ukrainian Lemkos in the Carpathian Mountains, whose lives are torn apart by World War Two, and by a brutal forced resettlement in the post war years.
See my Titles section for examples of some of my work to date.
If you’d like to contact me, use the Contact page, I’d love to hear from you!
Hi Andy – read chapter 1 of your Holodmor story on youwriteon and WOW! I can’t wait to get the whole book. I am also working on a historical fiction piece set in Soviet Russia so I particularly liked your opening chapter. Very close to my own research interests and also very inspirational. Can you tell me when it gets out?
Hello Aanchal,
Thanks for the positive feedback. I’m hoping ‘Sliding on the Snow Stone’ will get published this year, but don’t want to say too much until I have some definite news.
What is your historical fiction piece?
Looking forward to the book, Andy.
My book’s a historical-fiction political drama set in the Soviet Union from 1914 to 1991. Lots of backs and forths but mainly covers 1927, 1939, the war in Stalingrad and finally the late eighties. Still lots more to write. Let’s hope I get it done soon enough.
Hi Andy.
Very intrigued by your upcoming novel, the snow stone. Hope it sells well, as you’ll never make a living as a photographer
Looking forward to the release of Sliding on the Snow Stone; I enjoyed the preview.
Hi Andy, I’m looking forward to publication of this, and having my own copy! It deserves to do well. Good luck.
And I like your photography…
Hi Andy
Great work here, I was sent your way by Alex from LTLF, he name checked us both in his recent piece, love the opening to your snow piece, would like to read it all, I’m also interested in getting hold of your rock n roll twitter collection. Keep it up !
Hi Andy,
Nice blog. As you know, I’m a great fan of Sliding on the Snow Stone.
I wish you best.
Hi Andy! Just finished Sliding On The Snow Stone on my Kobo. Thank you so much for writing it! It needs to be read by many–especially by those too young to remember the scourge of Communism and Nazism. Your book meant a lot to me because I am of Ukrainian descent, third generation,and though most of my relatives are over here (Canada mostly) I kept thinking as I read that some of my kin were a part of that story. I was also jolted when I heard that one of Stefan’s (Your Dad?) best friends was named Fedor. Fedor is my maiden name, and just to make it interesting, my Mom
was a Fedorowich, got married and cut her name in half! There are some mysteries swirling around my grandfather, Fedor (who came to this country early, 1904, before Stalin), as you can read, briefly, in my spiritual suspense memoir Graffiti On My Soul (Amazon). I think you may be interested…
Hello Johanna,
Thanks for the feedback, I’m so glad you enjoyed Sliding on the Snow Stone. Fedor was his Christian name – his surname was Dubay (don’t know if that’s the correct spelling).
It’s great to be reaching out to a global audience in Canada and the US, where there are so many Ukrainians. I believe I may have some relatives in the US, and have made contact, via Facebook with a Szpuk in the US. Sadly he doesn’t have any in-depth knowledge of his family history so I’m unable to look any deeper. I do think it’s a wonderful thing that the younger generation are showing so much interest in this story.
I’ll certainly be taking a look at Graffiti On My Soul as soon as I can.
A joy to hear back from you this morning! We are truly an international community!
I don’t know how common Fedor is as a first name, but I do know that it harks back to the time when people went by only one name (followed by “son of…” as in Fedorowich. Fedor I and II were tsars of Russia, and the origin of the name is Theodore, meaning gift of God, the first Theodore being St. Theodore, a Roman legionary who died a martyr early in the fourth century. If your Dad’s friend Fedor is still alive perhaps he doesn’t know his illustrious roots!
Perhaps we can write reviews for each other’s books….
Hello Johanna!
Alas, Fedor is no longer with us. I hadn’t considered the significance of his name or its spelling. Perhaps I’ll ask my mum about it when I next see her. It’s quite possible Fedor himself would have known about the roots of his name, Ukrainians are generally very devout Christians and have a good knowledge of their history. The religious aspect was something I tried to put across in Sliding on the Snow Stone.
I’d love to get a review from you, and once I’ve received Graffiti On My Soul, I’ll be more than happy to review it, it sounds really interesting.
Happy New Year!
I have sent a book review on Sliding on the Snow Stone to Amazon today–might take a day or so to appear. Johanna
Thanks so much, Johanna. It’s a wonderful review, with so many brilliant observations. I particularly appreciated your comments on the ‘mysterious Peter’ chapter. I should be receiving Graffiti on My Soul’ soon, and am looking forward to it.
Happy you liked it, Andy! I have ordered a print copy of Sliding on the Snow Stone for my daughter’s upcoming birthday, and will be passing the word about your book to my (Ukrainian) relatives. Blessings! Johanna
It’s a fine analysis, and thanks for the wonderful support. I hope your daughter appreciates the book, and also thanks for spreading the word. If you’re on Facebook or twitter, look me up – it would be great to keep in touch.
Andy
Hi Andy, you’ve got some great stuff here!
Thanks so much for the like on my story, and good luck with your book! It sounds like a very moving tale
Hi David, your post was really entertaining, and made me smile, so thanks for that.
Hi Andy, and thanks for visiting my blog today and clicking on the “Like” button to my most recent post. I hope to hear from you again soon. Wishing you the best of success in your book publishing. Cheers!
Hi James, the diversity and quality of the blogging community here on WordPress is a wonder. Your post was inspirational.Thank you.
You, my dear sir, are an inspiration to all writers out there. Especially me- one day I’d hope to get published. It sort of restores the little faith I have that one day my writing will be on Amazon, like yours. But this isn’t about me- your blog is fantastic and when I get around to reading your novel I’m sure it’ll be fantastic as well. Keep up the tremendous work.
aha! Another Night Publishing person (I’m ex Night Publishing)
Congrats on getting your book published and thank you for visiting my blog
x
Thanks for stopping by. I really like your quote: “The present and the future are precious, but the past anchors us; we should not forget it.”
Thanks, Jesse. I really appreciate your feedback.
Just wanted to say thanks for liking my post Andy and I will check out your books as well!
I bought both Sliding on the Snow Stone and The History of Rock and Roll in 99 tweets. Regarding the latter Harry had one hell of a life now didn’t he? Not that lucky with the women. On the former the image of little Stefan about ready to toss that stone at the soldiers is clearly etched into my mind. Very good work Andy!
Thanks for the feedback. onecool. Hope you enjoy Sliding on the Snow Stone!
By the way my nam is William. Barnard Jr. nice to “virtually” meet you! I like your writing style it seems to be smooth and effortless.
Hi William. Nice to meet you too!. Thanks once again for the feedback. The ‘smooth effortless style’ requires a heck of a lot of work writing, editing, editing editing . . .
Glad you liked the post at Necessary Miscellany! Thanks for stopping by!
Beautiful book cover! What was the process of getting that designed and agreed like?
Thanks, Alexia. It’s a long story. And not so exciting to tell. Maybe that would be a good challenge – to find a way of telling that story that would be dramatic. Thanks for the idea.
Thanks for visiting my blog, Andy. I’d love to read some of your work. Is any available for the Nook?
Hi Susan. It was an interesting article. Family histories hold so much. Sliding on the Snow Stone is available as an ebook from Amazon and Smashwords, and also from Barnes and Noble as a Nookbook. Hope that helps, and if you decide to buy, enjoy!
I will check it out on Barnes and Noble for my Nook. Many thanks, Andy.
Thank you for visiting my blog and enjoying my story. I am eager to read some of yours now. Peace be with you.
Hi Olive, cruising WordPress blogs is always entertaining and enlightening. Hope you enjoy the read!
Thanks for the “like” on my post. You’re the best!
It was a stimulating article, and I like the title ‘Dead is the New Black’. Blog looks good too.
Thank you Andy! That is the truth about words like you so eloquently wrote!
Thanks for YOUR kind words, Stephanie!
You’re welcome, my pleasure!
Hi Andy, I was tickled pink that I got a ‘like’ from a real writer! (^_^) Your posts will surely help me through the horrible rush hour traffic later. Thank you for dropping by my blog!
Hi Wenggee, your post made me smile, and that’s what I like about the WordPress community you can always find something different.
Hey Andy, thanks for liking my last post! It made me smile!
Hi Anna, I enjoyed your post. It made ME smile!!
Sliding on a Snow Stone… I just like the way that sounds. I see a lot of work here. Good for you. Hard work makes for great reads… Very best to you in your journey Dana Smith
Wow! I would love to read the preview of your novel….the title sounds great!Thanks for liking one of my posts
The Road to Repentance was a rolling here-and-now affirmation of the self and of faith. It was really inspiring.
You can read a preview of Sliding on the Snow Stone right here, on the book’s page – there is a document attached containing chapter one, or Amazon have a preview read.
Thanks for the like on my post – My Hand Has…
Your book sounds really interesting and I will have to order a copy from Amazon. I agree with you – even though I have a Kindle, I prefer a book in my hands and nothing draws me in more than a library or an old book store. I get lost for days. Look forward with interest to the read.
Thanks. The Hand Has was really inspiring and thought-provoking, and well put together IMHO. Hope you enjoy the read.
this is awesome, one !like! from a real writer at my blog; i’m glad you liked it; actualy, i’m writing two books, i’m not a profesional writer. however, i would like it my books would be published someday; thank’s for visiting my blog… and remember, any advise or comment will be allways wellcome.
Keep going, don’t give up. It’s hard work, but worth it.
thanks… it means a lot
Thank you for liking my post! I actually was just in the middle of finishing it ;p If you’d like you can check out the last half — haha.
Images are incredible, I totally agree. I’m only just learning how to stitch together all the media and art forms that I want to weave with. Hmm.
Thanks again ~
Kate
I will take another look, Kate, thanks for letting me know.
Thank you for liking my post Grief Poetry. I appreciate your taking the time to read it. I shall look into your work further.
Best wishes,
Casey
haha, “word lab.” I like that. Some pieces just need dissection–cut the cancer out.
I’ve been looking over your site. Good to know you, Andy.
Thanks, Brian. There’s always room for improvement, and the tools are in the lab with me wherever I go. Good to meet you mate.
Andy
Interesting site here, Andy. I like your combination of general book news/commentary and information on your own titles. I look forward to seeing what you do here.
Thanks, Matthew. The Word Lab continues to develop and grow in all sorts of directions.
Hi Andy, and thanks very much for the like
No worries, Felix, nice to meet you. Thanks for stopping by.
Thank you for the like on my post. Wish you good luck with your book. I am looking forward to explore your blog
Andy, I just wanted to thank you for visiting my site and leaving a footprint. We laboratory worders must stick together.
Hi Sandy,
keep weaving em – and I’ll try too,
Hi Andy,
Thanks for dropping by (again I think) and liking my post Reflection.
It was a return visit. You liked Elle’s Lament last week. I woild have dropped by earlier, but a wrenched shoulder had me out of action for a few days.
I’ve got one of those, hope it gets better soon!
What you say is so absolutely true. Loss of intimacy in relationships is a downside of cyberspace, but the ability to reach out and link to folks around the world – find writers who are new to us! – is an amazing upside.
“Words” are nothing short of miracle, dragging poems and stories along with them. Look forward to reading some of yours.
Nice to “meet” you…
Jamie Dedes
Nice to meet you too, Jamie. And you’re right – too much time is spent in cyberspace. Nonetheless, it’s a fascinating voyage, with doors opening into some real treasure boxes, and inpiration all around us.
“Words can make grown men cry, or paint a smile on the face of a child. Words become sentences to carry ideas along the roads of knowledge.”
much truth spoken there! congrats on being a published author…really cool to have you visit my blog …
Thanks Reggie. I get so much inspiration from the blogs here at WordPress – there’s some great work here.
Andy, thanks for liking my blog post. Glad to know about you.
Thanks for stopping by my blog Andy. I like what you had to say about writing being able to move men to tears.
Hi, Andy! Thanks for stopping by my blog! I look forward to reading the results of your efforts in the Word Lab!
Hi Andy,
Thanks for “like”-ing one of my posts. Words frequently make me cry and I too am one of those dinosaurs who enjoys the smell and touch of a good book (and even some not so good books). I have a reader, too, but it is not the same.
Keep up the good work!
I love your comments about words being memories… and thanks for reading my blog, and leading me to your own. I will follow and read with interest.
Thank you for visiting “Poet’s Paddock” and liking my post “Horse Couture.” … Two of my favourite things are eating and words — though I hope I never have to eat my words, I look forward to indulging in a few of yours …
See you anon in Poet’s Paddock! Shakespeare “The Equine”
Very interesting
Thanks for subscribing to me!
Thanks for the like!
Thank you for the like! I’ll be giving your novel a read!
You’re a great writer, keep it up.
Hi Andy, I have nominated you for the versatile blogger award today. Cheers Liz
Thanks for the Like Andy !
You’re welcome!!
Andy…. saw you stopped in to read and Liked one of my posts… thanks! I make a habit of checking the sites of those who read my work, and this looks like just my cup of tea, word junkie that I have been for the last 50+ years… I hate to be unoriginal without attribution, hence quotation marks, “I’ll be back”……
See you in the Lab, or around the comments….Take care, & Blessed Be….
The photo of the dog on the surfboard was ace! And WordPress blogs do inspire.
Hi…..
Andy, thanks for liking my blog post. its honor to know about you.
Hey Acep,
I loved your poem, and it’s an honour to meet you too.
the pleasure is mine andy.
thank you so much.
Hi Andy, glad you like my post. Love you blog. Great to see authors contributing directly to culture through blogs like this.
Come back anytime to visit.
Hi Andy! Thank you for visiting my blog “Musings of a Horse Mom” and liking my post “Ham Horse Gallery … Dissecting the Shakespearean Roll.” It means a lot that a writer such as yourself would take some time out of the word lab to offer input on my own word experiments.
… As well, congratulations on your recent publishing success. Connecting with someone who’s “done it” fuels my own aspirations. … Be well, Dorothy 
You too, Dorothy, and thanks for stopping by.
Hi Andy, Thanks for taking the time to like one of my posts. I am always appreciative when someone gives of their time.
I haven’t had the opportunity to read your book yet, but I’m ordering it next.
Thanks again and be encouraged!
Andy, Your book looks good…just ordered it off of Amazon (US)…be encouraged!
Regards and blessings to you, Stephen.
Nice phrase: “Words become sentences to carry ideas along the roads of knowledge.” Fine word craftsmanship is becoming a rare skill – but is becoming more and more important in today’s world. Enjoyed the post
Hi Andy, I started writing in earnest fairly recently, and it is only now that I am actually writing myself that I am able to fully feel a part of the stories I read. When I write, I put myself in the place of my characters and I find that it has helped me to be write with more feeling. I just wanna say, I love the way you express “writing” at the top of this page. It is really true.
Hi Kate,
it’s so great to be part of this blogging community – thanks for stopping by!
I couldn’t agree more
Hi Andy – you’ve got a great community here.
Good times indeed, thanks for stopping by!
When a more rounded and experienced author stops by your site and throws you a ‘like,’ well, let’s just say I’ve been walking an air all day today. Thank you, Andy.
I’m still learning, just like you. It doesn’t get any easier, but it’s always a blast. Thanks for stopping by!
Hey Andy how’s it going thanks for the click, cool blog!
Cheers
Michael
Hi, Andy! Thanks for the like!
Hi Sandy, thanks for stopping by!
Hi Andy, thanks for the like.
No worries, you’ve got a good vibe going there.
Tweeting this to my followers. Hope you don’t mind. Good day, sir.
Thanks, Randall!
Don’t mention it. Best of luck on the book.
Regards
~RDS
Thank you for the visit. I’m glad you liked my Haiku with the bald title…I still prefer Morning Frost. Had there been LIKE button I would have liked ‘The Page’
Hi, interesting work
So pleased you came by and introduced yourself and your work. After a quick look ’round, I’m looking forward to reading much more!
Cheers,
Kathryn
Hi Andy. I really like your writing and I am quite flattered that you have liked my post. Thanks! Means a lot coming from a published writer.
Thank you for dropping by my Music of Poetry blog and “liking” one of my latest. I recently split a blog, and am in the process ot republishing some from emariaenterprises to blogs that are more specific…. sigh… Still, I may start putting some chapters from my new (first) book in a blog…
Would that be a good idea or a bad idea? I have 7 written so far, and several more in my head just waiting for time to get them in print.
thanks for the like. best of luck on your being published.
Thanks for reading my posts, mate. I enjoy yours. Good luck with the work, that’s why we do it.
Thanks for the “like” on my post. Best of luck with your own endeavors. Best, Katherine Owen
I’m glad to have your eye on my work. I wish I keep on getting your attention continuously.
Looks good. Keep it going!
hi
thanks for liking.. i was overwhelmed.. i’ll keep on improving~
Thank you!
stopped by to check out your blog and say thanks for the like, and as you said above the connectivity of the readers and writers, it is an amazing time. and we all write because of the greats of the past too.
We do indeed.
Thank you for the like on my post Walks, Perfumes & Chocolates
It means a lot!
Hi Andy, happy to find you following me this morning…I look forward to reading your work!
Sounds interesting. I look forward to reading this.
Hi Andy!
I can’t wait to read ‘sliding on the snow stone’, it looks like something right up my alley. A dream of mine, since college, was to write a book, maybe one day you’ll read mine!
thanks for the ‘like’! I was so excited to see someone other than friends read a post!
Hey Posh. Keep following the dream. I’d love to read your book one day.
Andy,
Thank you for stopping by and liking my latest post. More importantly, it brought me to your blog. I just ordered your book “Sliding on the Snow Stone” from Amazon because your introduction speaks to me on the deepest level. I can’t wait to read it and look forward to following you. Thanks for opening a new portal for me.
Rhonda
Andy, if you enjoy powerful meaning in small doses…I encourage you to visit a blog particularly good at it. It is http://fivereflections.wordpress.com/
I think you will enjoy it. He inspires me to think in a new perspective, to say a lot with a little.
All the best,
Rhonda
Thanks for the like, Andy!
Thanks for visiting my blog, reading The Roller Coaster, and liking it. You’ve quite a resume of written work. At 62, I feel like I’ve only just begun, paraphrasing the song. I’ll come back and visit and taste a few of your selections.
62′s a great age. A good place for beginnings.
Beats the alternative.
nyc .. check mine too .. follow me there http://thewaleedkhan.wordpress.com/
its my new blog … u click on follow. it ask u ur email id … u write .. then a request is fwd to ur mail .. then u have to open ur mail and follow from there
Hey Andy, I’m glad you stopped by and thanks for liking my little shower scene. I’ve been thinking of you…I’m 1/2 way through your book and I LOVE IT. So easy to read. Just wanted to let you know!
Rhonda
Hi Rhonda. Good to see you weaving the magic here again. And thanks for the feedback!
Such a way to make one smile. thanks and you are welcome
Hi from the sunny Bahamas Andy. Thanks for liking my Mother’s Day post and congratulations in the publication of your book. All the best with your writing. I will stop by and visit your blog from time to time. Shalom!…Kim
Hi Andy! Thanks for passing by Blood Petals and for the “like” on my latest post. All the best from Jes
Hi Jes,
Thanks for the return visit. And good luck with your work.
Andy
Thanks Andy
thanks for the ‘like’ on my post. It’s encouraging to see that.
Thanks for your visit and like. Slowly poking around your site.
Hello, Thank you for stopping by my blog and liking a recent post. It’s quite an honor to receive a “like” from an established author! I look forward to reading your work. Best wishes for continued success.
Thanks Wendy.
Thanks so much for stopping by my blog and liking my post!
Hi Ethan, thanks for stopping by!
Hi Andy,
Thanks for visiting my blog and liking a post. It’s fun to see who else is out there. I’m following your blog and looking forward to reading more.
Nancy
Thank you for stopping by- as a first time author, I find your blog to be very encouraging. Thank you. I am going to have to take a read and check out this new book of yours.
thanks for the like. good luck with the book. It must be satisfying to go from idea to book.
I’m still learning from you, as I’m trying to achieve my goals. I certainly love reading everything that is posted on your site.Keep the information coming. I enjoyed it!
Great home page. Makes you want to subscribe right away, which I did. Your use of language had me at “Hello”
Thanks Paul. That author bio just popped out one day, and I knew I should use it. Looking forward to taking a closer look at your site.
your work is intriguing. i am glad you found my blog so i could be led to your work. i will be letting my curiousity roam. nice work!
Hi Andy,
Just letting you know that I nominated you for a Kreativ Blogger Award!
http://coreymp.wordpress.com/2012/05/28/kreativ-blogger-award/
Corey
Thank you for the like, and congratulations on your success as an author! I shall have to check out your books sometime very soon.
I am ordering your book with Amazon. I was only talking to my 16 year old earlier about political psycopaths and political cruelties in history. Keep writing- keep telling your/their story…
Thanks and I hope the book is worthy – it’s a powerful story. I hope I’ve done it justice.
Thanks for reading my blog, Andy. I am new to this world. Your book “Sliding on the Snow Stone” looks very interesting. The title also captures the imagination. There is a man across the street from me who is 93 years old….he was in the U.S. Army during WWII. It would be interesting to write his stories down, but he keeps saying that he didn’t really do anything that important (in spite of all his medals).
But the past is important and soon it will be lost forever if it is not written down. We need to remember, before we forget.
hey there, what an interesting blog!
I think I may have read you somewhere before – did you write a short story on going out to dinner on a blind date (or one just hurridly arranged!) that goes awfully wrong?
Anyway, great blog.
I wonder if you’d be interested in sending us some stuff to look at for a new site?
It can be any kind of writing as long as it’s a short (about a page) piece?
I’ll just direct you to the site and you can have a think!
http://tenofthebestshortpoetry.wordpress.com/
Hi kolembo,
I don’t remember writing a short story about a blind date, but have a bit of a back catalogue so it could be something along similar lines.
Your site looks like it has real potential. I’ll get something together if I can and submit.
Hi Andy! Thank you so much for ‘liking’ my blog entry! I agree, words are magic. And the ability we have now to share our hearts through words to so many people – who knew that technology could be fun? I am going to follow up on your book… but I just got up and need my coffee first! Please stop by again!
Thanks for stopping by my post on format. I’m a WORD junkie. But ever since we started writing them down, texts have become increasingly visual.
Thanks for stopping by our blog and liking our latest post. A huge compliment especially since this is coming from a published author like you!
And thanks to you for stopping by.
congratulations on your published work…how fantastic!
Thanks Michelle.
Thanks for reading Bookshelf. You might enjoy a related post: The World’s Most Expensive Book: $23.9 Million. Enjoyed reading some of your posts. You are an inspiration to many writers: keep up the good work.
Why no credit for your mentor and and adviser, Mr.L.Lynch in your novel?
I hear his novel ‘Tripping on the kerbstone’ will be published soon.
Hello Mr Lynch. I like your word count. It’s rather tidy.
I’m intrigued and interested in knowing more about you. Am going to kindle your book. Sounds like a good read. Thanks for sharing, this is a very nice blog site.
Oops, meant to say intrigued. Got momentarily distracted. Sorry about that!
No worries. I do endeavour to correct when typos slip into people’s comments. It’s so annoying when that happens.
thanks for stopping by liliespen. I’m dipping into the idea of adapting hundreds of my columns into a collection of short stories, so your site is very helpful. thanks, LL e
Thank you for ‘liking’ Bloodcry. Be blessed.
And blessings to you too.
thanks for visiting thewavewithin andy. keep up the good work!
Lovely book cover! I’m giving Sliding on the Snow Stone a go, but I’m rather a squeamish sort, so if I don’t finish it, that’s why.
Thanks for stopping at my blog and best wishes with the writing!
Thanks Anna, and good luck with your writing!
Hi Andy, Thanks for liking my blog today. I’ll be busy catching up on your blog. Lots of good reading here.
Andy, unsurprisingly, your blog like your work is amazing! Just wanted to let you know that I’ve nominated you for the Sunshine Blogger Award! Well done! http://wp.me/p28GQX-oK
Thank Sophie!!
Entirely my pleasure! Must say, at the end of a long tiring day, I often pop in to read some of your poetry and it never fails to calm and inspire me! Well done!
Hey! I’ve got something for you on my blog! Good Day!
Thanks for your recent visit to my blog. Your books look very interesting. Best of luck with your writing endeavors!
Just downloaded the Kindle edition of your book. Wonderful that I can get books in English in Brazil where I live now. I look forward to reading it as this part of our history has always held a strong bond to me. Thanks for the retweet for it helped me find you. hugs, pat
Hi Pat, I hope it’s worthy. Many thanks. And I’m looking forward to taking a closer look at your work,
Cuddles, Andy
My family members all the time say that I am killing my time here
at net, except I know I am getting knowledge all the time by reading these good posts.
Yes. Thanks for stopping by, and my best wishes to your family.
Hi Andy!
I just finished Sliding on the Snow Stone and loved it. I read a lot and it is definitely in my top five books I’ve read in 2012. It kept me up at night and I found myself reading it whenever I could, whether waiting at the bus stop or in line at the grocery store. I don’t cry often when it comes to books, but I was blubbering like a baby when I finally turned off the kindle. It’s a book I’m going to pass on to my nine year old son and daughter when she gets old enough, because I want them to know why our freedom is so precious.
Thank you for writing this story,
R.A. Hobbs
Thanks, it was quite a roller-coaster writing it, and I’m so pleased people appreciate it. Many, many thanks.
Andy
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Hi, Andy. Thanks so much for stopping by my blog page. I wish you and yours all the very best in this new year!
Hi, i read your blog occasionally and i own a similar one and
i was just wondering if you get a lot of spam feedback?
If so how do you prevent it, any plugin or anything you can recommend?
I get so much lately it’s driving me insane so any support is very much appreciated.
Mine all goes into a spam folder – I don’t get so much, but clear it out now and again. Contact the Happiness Engineers.
First, I would like to thank Andy and Stefan for bringing this story to life in such a complete and well written way, it would have been a shame if Stefan would have passed on and not told all of us his story. With regard to my rating, I would have given it ten stars if that rating were available. Second, I think the book publishing industry has lost its capacity to make judgements about books. The fact that this book was not published by a major publisher and instead has to be virtually self published and sold at a low cost is an indictment of the publishing industry.
This book is a real eye opener to those of us in the west who have never personally experienced the evils of war and the battle between Nazism and Soviet communism. It is unfortunate that this story has only recently been told, to me it is as significant as Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn’s “Gulag Archipelago”. It would have been helpful to all of us if it would have been published during the sixties or seventies as Solzhenitsyn’s book was as it would have revealed the depths of the evils of the Stalinist and Soviet systems.
I will not attempt to recap the Stefan’s journey, you will have to read it for yourself. For not being a professional writer, Andy has really done a great and poetic job of explaining the wonderful and the horrendous moments of the journey. I agree with a couple of other reviews that said it would have been interesting to know about what happened to his brother and mother during and after World War II. How did they both manage to survive the war and what happened to them during all of those Soviet years. All the relatives still live in the Ukraine and this would be a great story for a Kindle epilogue or perhaps a second book. In any case, congratulations to Stefan for having survived and returned to his homeland after his journey through hell and congratulations to Andy for doing such a great job of communicating it to all of us.
Earl, many thanks for so many kind words. And yes, there are more avenues to explore in all this. The stories of Stefan’s mother and brother are more difficult to construct because they are no longer around to provide details – but it would be a good basis for a fact-based drama, one I have considered, and may come back to. I’m currently working on ‘Fate and Circumstance’ which is centred around the forced expulsion of the Lemkos from their home in the Carpathian Mountains, just after World War Two – to break the support they gave to Ukrainian Partisans who were still active. It’s another little documented piece of history, and an education when working on it.
Andy
Hi, just to let you know I nominated you for an award – pop over to http://www.mandyevebarnett.com to pick it. Have fun!