Seven Things...

This has taken me a lot longer to post than intended, but I had a trip to Ashdown House to report on. 

Diane at Tales From Baggins Bottom has tagged me for "Seven Things About Me." As you can see by her blog post, she's a very busy freelance writer.

Actually reading what she has on the go makes me feel like I'm not doing anywhere near enough. Chasing two kids, a part time job and keeping a house tidy sometimes gets in the way of what I really want to do - write. But Rachel Brimble did reassure me (whilst at Ashdown House) that as my kids get older, my writing time will increase - phew!

I did send The Wedding Favour to another publisher, and they asked for the full, but it ended with a no thank you. Therefore, I will continue editing it (I've done eight chapters so far) to resubmit to the publisher who gave me a revise/resubmit rejection.

Anyway, here are my seven things...some facts you may already know.I couldn't really thinking of anything that interesting, actually. Sorry.

1. I have a bottle of champagne (only a cheap one) in the fridge, waiting for when I get my first writing contract. It's been in there a while now.
2. I find it easier to type an "!" than a "." and it's a habit I need to break.
3. When I was 15 I wanted to be a TV make-up artist.
4. This time last year, I was a stone heavier. I think this is due mainly to my running, and hoping not too much due to the stress going on in my life at the moment.
5. My favourite James Bond is Daniel Craig, but then I do have a thing for blonds and blue eyes.
6. I used to work at Thorpe Park. I was a litter picker. Every person on this planet should do this job - they would never drop litter again!
7. It took me three times to pass my driving test. My dad couldn't understand it. He'd been teaching me to drive since my feet could reach the pedals. (It was down to nerves actually).

Now I have to nominate seven blogs/friends. I know that some of these people are very busy, and therefore don't expect them to carry on the tag. But I've nominated them because they have helped and encouraged me, (I could have listed more!) and I want to say thank you in some way.

In no particular order... 

1. Rachel Lyndhurst
2. Rachel Brimble
3. Annalisa Crawford
4. Becky Black
5. Morton Gray
6. Carol Hedges
7. Kerry Harrison

(I've updated with a seventh thing! lol! How did I miss it?)

A Special Award For Friends

I was awarded this award by Annalisa Crawford for my love for Footloose. That's the original by the way... none of this remake stuff. You can not beat Kevin Bacon! Thank you, Annalisa, for this award.


You can read here  why the creator, Michelle Gregory, created it.

It is interesting, because if you look back into your past, you can see how many people you've met, that have been friends. From going on holiday and making friends, to a new job, people touch your life. And being the sentimental fool I am, I try to stay in touch with as many as possible (thank God for Facebook now!). But some do leave our lives and we do lose touch. It is physically impossible to stay in contact with everyone.

Anyway, I thought I would carry this little award on to those that are helping me currently with my journey, on life and writing. There is by no means any obligation to continue this on. There are no rules.

But a few people who stick out for me are:

Morton Gray - we both joined the RNA NWS this year, and both got in! We were up till midnight on the 1st of January messaging each other. And she's been generally encouraging about my life and writing

Helen Collard - we met through the Writer's Bureau and have been encouraging each other. She's helped me with both editing and research, and helps to keep me motivated. Thank you.

Becky Black - I have to always mention Becky, because without her I never would have been writing. I just wouldn't be here, right here, where I am now.

Rachel Lyndhurst - because she inspired me to post hot pics... I mean inspirational material for heroes. And she too has been a great boost to me lately.


Actually there were loads of people who stuck out. But I couldn't list them all. Everyone who reads my blog, chats to me via Twitter and Facebook are all special friends.

Only fair I finish on a Footloose-Kevin-Bacon picture.

Sunshine Award

I've been awarded the lovely Sunshine Award by Mama J over on Mama J Hearts Chick Lit.

And with all the sunshine, (though not today) it feels rather good to be receiving this award. So thank you Mama J! It was a lovely surprise this morning.






 
The rules of the award are:

Write five things about yourself.

Include the award's logo in a post.

Nominate five other bloggers. 

Link to your nominees.

Link the person who nominated you. 

So here's my five facts about me:

1. I used to work at Thorpe Park (from the age of 15 to 19) and it was one of the best, fun jobs I did  - ever! Even if it was picking up litter! lol! Met so many wonderful people and had so much fun. Loved it. Have never dropped litter since (not that I did anyway - my dad brought me up proper!).
2. I hate celery.
3. I've never watched the film Titanic with Kate Winslet and Leonardo  DiCaprio. I did actually catch a bit of it one time, and thought it looked pretty good. But never got to watch it all. 
4. One thing I'd like to do before I 'die' is rally driving!
5. I am a born worrier. I worry about everything. I think I even worry that I worry too much.

*drum roll* And my (five) nominations are:

Morton  S Gray

Annalisa Crawford

Sarah Pearson 

Becky Black 

Rachel Lyndhurst

They are all writers, either published or aspiring, who I try to keep up with - but sometimes fail miserably - sorry. They often comment on here, too, which I am always grateful for. (And they are not obliged to carry on this award, or if they've already been awarded it, then no need to post again!)

Thanks again, Mama J! You made my Friday.

Another Blog Award!

I have been meaning to blog for a couple of days now, but I'm so desperate to get the last few chapters of The Wedding Favour edited, I've sort of put all else aside.

Yesterday, however, I was awarded by Annalisa Crawford over on her Wake Up, Eat, Write, Sleep blog the Dream Launcher award! Thank you so much.

I won't lie, Annalisa did the research. Apparently the award was instigated by Doctor Faerie Godmother to thank people who'd made a difference in their writing/blogging. So I feel quite honoured that Annalisa has awarded me this. Not sure how I've helped... maybe all those hot men, inspirational photographs did it.

It's not obligatory, like some awards, but I would like to award the Dream Launcher to a couple of bloggers/writers who've inspired and encouraged me.

So drum roll please. 

Firstly, I would like to award the Dream Launcher to Becky Black, because I just wouldn't be here without her help, encouragement, support and general honesty to me as one of my Beta readers. I just wouldn't have the confidence to do this.

Another is Morton Gray. I met Morton through the Mills and Boon New Voice competition in 2010 and then physically met her at the RNA Conference last year. And even now I remember her saying, we must try to get into the RNA New Writers' Scheme - this will be us next year. And we both did! On 1st January 2012, the pair of us were messaging each other, saying our emails were ready and at 1 minute past midnight, turning the 2nd January, we both pressed the send button!

Morton also has a competition going on, so get in fast and have a go! You have until the 16th March.

And last but not least, (I would award Annalisa as she's equally as supportive but she already has this award and was the one to give it to me), I would like to award Sarah Pearson as she is always commenting and supporting my blog. And it sounds daft, but we all like to see comments on our blogs, it confirms that it is in fact being read for a start!

So these are some flowers for you all - my miniature daffs that are out at the moment!Next blog post I promise hot men inspirational material.

Thank you to everyone who leaves comments on this blog, and supports me with my writing and blogging. This award is for everyone really. Without you I wouldn't have the confidence and determination to continue writing.