Goodbye 2021

As the year comes to a close, I thought I would reflect a little. 2021 hasn't been all bad, (thanks to journaling my 3 positives a day) although it does feel like it amalgamated with 2020 a bit. I am so done with Covid! I really hope we do see the back of it in 2022! 

Mistletoe At The Manor has remained in the top 500 in the UK Amazon charts for a month! I can't believe this. It's been No 1 in Inspirational Religious Fiction (only because it's set at Christmas lol!) and as I type this, it's No 2 in British and Irish Humour and Satire Fiction - which is a little more my category! This is a great way to end the year with my writing career. 

I do have edits for my third novel (due summer 2022) which I will look at next week. But I have really taken the last two weeks off. It's been hard to concentrate with the kids home and getting ready for Christmas, from cake decorating, mince pie making and present wrapping! 

One of my best friends bought me a Jane Austen puzzle for Christmas, and I have spent time finishing this. Something I'm not very good at doing is taking time to do nothing - without feeling guilty about it. Christmas feels like the only time I can justify stopping everything and doing a puzzle. So I did! 

With my UW business, it came to a halt with not many people wanting to take a look at their bills with Christmas approaching - completely understandable! But in 2022, I really want to help more people save money on their bills. There are more price increases coming, and the cost of living is just going up and up. With this in mind, I'd also love to help people make some extra cash like I do. £250-500 extra a month to most people will make a huge difference to their everyday lives. I know it does with me. 2022 we have a holiday in Corfu to look forward to, and I wouldn't have been able to book this without my UW business income. 

But UW hasn't just given me a financial benefit. It has taken me on a path of personal development no other organisation I've worked with has even thought to give me. I want to grow and develop and be a better version of myself in 2022. And I hope that will make me a better person to support the people closest to me. 

Also, if I want to get another book out there, I need to start writing properly again, so I'm setting myself a word target for each week of 2000 words. 

I'm not really one for New Year Resolutions, and if anything, I've learnt it's best to set goals. Do you set goals? If so, what are they? 

Another of my goals is to find a part-time job as I really need to get out of the Post Office!

On that note, Happy New Year, everyone. I hope 2022 brings you happiness and health, because these two things are what makes real wealth. 

Xxxx 

I'm A Bit Pants At Blogging

Have you noticed that I'm a bit pants at blogging? I've not blogged since March and my son's 14th birthday. 

I think when I started blogging, social media was all new and exciting... but now there are sooooo many platforms to update, that I just forget to blog! Newsletters are the new thing... which I mean, is a blog, but just going direct to your email address. 

So then I think what shall I blog about!? 

My latest newsletter is out and is here. Please remember to subscribe! 

I had these marvellous mugs made by Mug Express (a local company), and I have a couple more up for grabs over the coming months. 

I've just realised I've also not told my blog followers that Cocktails at Kittiwake Cove is now available for pre-ordering! 

You can do that HERE! 

So I think that's me covered. I will try harder to blog... I promise. 

Do you know my most visited blog post is this one? It's had nearly 8000 views! It's my most viewed post! I wonder if people are googling kitchen gadgets... 

What Should I Blog About Next?

I'm having trouble thinking about what to blog about. I've lost all inspiration.

Sometimes I've shared my deepest feelings about my dating experiences and my poor old broken heart - and that gets a lot of views. And sometimes I blog about my writing.

My greatest blog post which has received the most views is Must Have Kitchen Gadgets For Women. 

I wonder if it's coming up in searches for 'kitchen gadgets'. Or is it something a bit more naughtier... It does say kitchen in the title, not bedroom!

I will say, I am now dating a chef :) (I refer to him as The Boss, which is a bit of a joke between us. Because clearly I am The Boss ha ha!)

It's hard to know how much to share at times, too. Or I feel I'm going over the same old ground... So I'm opening it up to my readers... What would you like me to blog about?

Pick a topic and maybe I'll come up with something...

Advent Calendar Day 17 #KateyLovell

Opening door number 17, and it's Katey Lovell!

Creating Christmas traditions for my son has always been very important to me, especially as there were certain little things my own mum would do every year that became Christmas rituals.

Firstly, we always had a new pyjamas on Christmas eve. I think the idea was that we'd open our presents whilst wearing our new pyjamas, but I've never been very good at staying in my PJs after getting out of bed! I've continued this tradition though and Zachary is DEFINITELY good at staying in his new pyjamas...in his world, every day is a PJ day!

We'd also have a supper of pickles, cheeses and meats on Christmas eve night and there would always be a hexagonal box of lemon and rose Turkish Delights on the day itself. In fact, I love Turkish Delights and still buy Mum a box every year (and they're a pain in the bum to wrap!)

With Zachary, we try to ensure we see every lighting of the advent candle at church, which is always a moving moment. It's a peaceful moment in the hectic build up to Christmas, and a reminder of what the celebration is for.

I've always read him The Night Before Christmas as I tuck him into bed on December 24th and the other tradition we started was letting him choose a decoration for the tree each year. One day, when he's got a home of his own, he'll have a collection of random ornaments he's selected over his lifetime (he probably won't thank me for the gaudy gold and sequined spiral I let him choose when he was 2. It's ugly.)

Some of my happiest childhood memories are of Christmas, and I'm hoping Zachary's will be too.

Katey Lovell is the author of The Meet Cute series. The fourth title in the series, The Boy Under the Mistletoe is released December 17th.

Connect with Katey on twitter, @katey5678 or via Facebook www.facebook.com/kateylovell.

Meet Teresa Morgan @Teresa_Morgan10 #BFILoveFest

Meet ME! I'm over on the #BFILoveFest :) Just follow the link! 

http://romance-festival.com/2015/11/18/meet-teresa-morgan-teresa_morgan10-bfilovefest/

Fake Friday with Rhoda Baxter

It's been a while since I've had a guest visit my blog, and so today I have Rhoda Baxter returning to promote her new book - Please Release Me. 

Hello, Rhoda! So.... 

If you weren’t a writer, what would you be instead?

Chocolate taster. Or maybe a bookshop ‘character’ who doesn’t actually do any work, but hangs out in the armchair in the bookshop, drinking tea, chatting and recommending books to people. I’m doing lots of reading and eating chocolate to keep my eye in, in case the opportunity comes calling…

Oh, that does sound like a fantastic job. Doesn't pay so well though... 

If your latest book was made into a film, who would you want to play

• Your hero? Ben Wishaw. Oh yes.

(I need to check out this guy... I have no idea who he is).

• Your heroine? I’ve got two heroines in my book. For Sally, Keira Knightley. For Grace Ayesha Dharker (Grace is mixed race and I pictured her as a kind of taller version Ayesha Dharker).

Have you ever read a book that you’ve wanted to throw against the wall?

Oscar and Lucinda. I simultaneously love and hate that book. It’s wonderfully well written and I cared about the characters SO MUCH. And then… that ending… gnnnnh. I’m going to have to go have a lie down until smoke stops coming out of my ears. Excuse me.

Oh, I haven't read that book... maybe I won't now, if the ending isn't so satisfying... 

What do you like to achieve in your writing?

I want to make people laugh, pause and then think. I think I understood a lot about how other people felt by reading. I want the same thing to happen with my books. I write comedy because I’d rather have fun people talking in my head than grim ones. That said, they have very angst-ridden lives sometimes.

The Wuthering Heights debate – do you love or hate Heathcliff?

Oh, I don’t like him. I think he’s a wrong ‘un. Don’t like Cathy much either – wild wicked slip of a girl.

Phew! I agree. She's probably the reason Heathcliff became so vile. This book isn't a romance, it's a tragedy.

What’s your favourite TV show?

At the moment, it’s The Big Bang Theory. I’m very fickle though. Next week it’ll be Firefly again.

From TV, books or film:

Who is your favourite all time hero?

Easy. Willy Wonka. He’s a genius. He’s a millionaire. He looks like Johnny Depp under all that make up… and… He owns a chocolate factory. (I’m assuming he pays the Umpa Loompa’s decent rates and is a good employer, obviously.)

Who is your favourite all time heroine?

Amelia Peabody Emerson from Elisabeth Peters’ books. She’s an archaeologist, amateur medic and a total kickass lady. She and her husband Radcliffe get up to all sorts of adventures.

Some fab answers there! Thanks so much, Rhoda, for taking the time to answer the questions for my blog. 

Please Release Me

Buy link: myBook.to/PleaseReleaseMe

The very silly Lego book trailer: https://animoto.com/play/DBE2BHWxYkaRBiFK2Yehww

Blurb:

What if you could only watch as your bright future slipped away from you?

Sally Cummings has had it tougher than most but, if nothing else, it’s taught her to grab opportunity with both hands. And, when she stands looking into the eyes of her new husband Peter on her perfect wedding day, it seems her life is finally on the up.

That is until the car crash that puts her in a coma and throws her entire future into question.

In the following months, a small part of Sally’s consciousness begins to return, allowing her to listen in on the world around her – although she has no way to communicate.

But Sally was never going to let a little thing like a coma get in the way of her happily ever after …

I will be donating 50% of my royalty earnings to Martin House Children's Hospice http://www.martinhouse.org.uk/

My website link: www.rhodabaxter.com

Twitter: @rhodabaxter

Bio:  Rhoda Baxter likes to write about people who make her laugh. In real life she studied molecular biology at Oxford, which is why her pen name might sound suspiciously similar to the name of a bacterium.

After trying out life in various places, including the Pacific island of Yap (it’s a real place!), Nigeria, Sri Lanka and Didcot, she now lives in East Yorkshire with one husband, two children and no pets or carnivorous plants. She has a day job working in intellectual property and writes contemporary romantic comedies in whatever spare time she can grab.

She can be found wittering on about science, comedy and cake on her website (www.rhodabaxter.com) or on Twitter (@rhodabaxter) or Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/RhodaBaxterAuthor).

Fake Friday with Angela Campbell

Oh, look, I've got fellow Harper Impulse author, Angela Campbell, on my blog, talking about writing and her new book, Spirited Away. Let's get to the questions! 

Have you always wanted to be a writer?

I’ve wanted to be a writer for as long as I can remember. In elementary school, I would write stories and act them out with stuffed animals.

Did you manage to get the first book you wrote published, or is it tucked in a drawer somewhere?

It is tucked away somewhere, and I don’t even know where it is. Pretty sure it was garbage.

My Twitter style question: Describe your hero in 140 characters.

Dark. Mysterious. A total hottie who is only too happy to help his enticing new neighbor when she gets in trouble. Has ulterior motives.

My Twitter style question: Describe your heroine in 140 characters.

Borrowing from a reviewer (Chicks That Read): A tech geek. Give her a computer and she has the confidence of Naomi Campbell, but when the boss asks her to pet and housesit chaos ensues.

Why do you like writing romance?

It’s the only genre where a happy ending is pretty much guaranteed, and real life has too many sad endings. I’d rather write and read about happily ever afters.

Which of your characters is your favourite, and why?

I am fond of them all, but Spider is my favorite character so far. She’s so darn funny! We could totally be best friends.

What do you read while you write, or don’t you?

I read whatever I can fit into my schedule, which isn’t much. It’s always something in romance. When I’m writing, it takes most of my free time.

Do you have a favourite author?

No. I can’t pick just one!

What do you do with a paperback once you’ve read it?

I keep it! I absolutely cannot throw a book away, and it pains me to give it away. Occasionally I’ve exchanged them for different ones, but only if I didn’t particularly like the book. I have hundreds, maybe thousands of books in storage.

What advice would you give to new writers?

Everyone gets discouraged. EVERYONE. Determination and persistence are assets you will absolutely need to succeed in publishing.

Are you nervous about friends reading your book?

Yes. I have a very difficult time telling anyone I know that I’m published.

Cocktail or shot? 

If so, what one? Neither. I don’t drink alcohol. True story.

Tea or coffee? 

Tea!

Chocolate or ice cream? 

Chocolate.

Dogs or cats? 

Both!

BLURB:

Book 3 in the brilliantly witty ‘Psychic Detective’ series from Angela Campbell – perfect for fans of the Sookie Stackhouse & Stephanie Plum books!

Who knew pet-sitting could be so dangerous…or so sexy?!

Socially awkward Emma “Spider” Fisher prefers her laptop to people, so she’s more than happy to oblige her boss when he asks her to pet- and housesit while he honeymoons in London.

But it doesn’t take long for accident-prone Spider to lose a dog, get locked out of the house, and set off the house alarm!

Thankfully, her hot new neighbour is more than happy to come to her rescue. But Noah West is a mystery to Spider—and one she intends to solve.

AUTHOR BIO:

Angela Campbell read her first romance novel at 16 and immediately attempted to write one, too. Many attempts (and a couple of decades) later, she finally published her first novel. A mild-mannered newspaper reporter with more than 15 years experience as a general assignment reporter, features editor and graphic designer, she has also worked as a production assistant in TV and film. Learn more about her books at www.angelacampbellonline.com.

BUY LINK:

http://smarturl.it/campbellspirited

Summer Holiday Antics and Book Signings

In between Jill Mansell & Lindsey Kelk :)

Dear Lord! I'm neglecting my blog again.

In my defence, it is the school holidays!

And there is only a week left then they are back to school.

I'm not sure if I've got the uniform ready or what. I'm not even sure if they need new school uniform. Tough if they do. I've spent all my money entertaining them.

The boys were with their dad for the first couple of weeks, and in that time I did manage to do my book signing. I wrote the experience up and posted it on the Harper Impulse blog. So check that out too!

It was great! I sold out. I had lots of support from friends. The hardest part was knowing what to write inside the book when signing it.

Below are some of the photos - proof I have been entertaining the kids!

Fact's The Way To Do It, Lad!

I have lots more but I haven't had a chance to download them from my camera yet. But you can see we've been fairly busy. We've seen steam trains, a Victorian home, fairground rides, a Gromit and fed swans. We've played rounders on the beach and even paddled, albeit a bit cold (it's felt like February not August).

I know I'll be glad when the kids are back at school. I'm in need of a rest. Plus, I might actually get back into the habit of writing. All these day trips out are very tiring, and not so good when it comes to trying to write words to a story. The kids have been having late nights, and I've been following very shortly after. September I will write, honest.

GWR Steam Train Museum

Brean Leisure Park

An afternoon on the beach... albeit a bit cold

And of course, Slimbridge. 

The Winners Are...

To celebrate the release of my book Plus One is a Lucky Number I ran a little blog competition. It closed Wednesday 14th May at noon UK time. There are two prizes. First prize is a copy of Plus One is a Lucky Number in paperback, and the second prize is a £5 Amazon voucher.

I knew the boys would argue - so glad I did two prizes.

As Ben was the eldest he picked out the first name... *drum roll please*

And the winner is: 

Wendy Lou Jones picked out by Ben

And second prize goes to: 

Bube P picked out by Kieran

Ben and Kieran took great delight at pulling the names out of the hat! (A fancy dress police helmet!)

If the prize winners could private message me in some shape or form... You can use my website form here, or DM me via Twitter or Facebook. Wendy I need your full postal address and Bube P I need an email address I think to send the Amazon voucher across to you.

Thank you to everyone for taking part!

My Type Of Guy

Friday night I watched "What's Your Number?" with Chris Evans (the American actor, not the British radio DJ with red hair!) and Anna Faris.

Evans as Captain America!

Now, I recommend this film on the nudity of Chris Evans alone! He usually has a towel or something covering his nether regions, but OMG the man is LUSH.

The film is fun actually, a chick-flick romantic comedy, and starts very much like Bridesmaids, the heroine sneaking out of bed to do her make up and brush her hair so she looks pretty when the guy she's in bed with wakes up.


Anyway, I'm not here to talk about the film, I'm here to talk about the blue eyes.

I do tend to love blue eyes and blond haired males... and my heroes in my books will take on this.  Bradley Cooper anyone? ...Daniel Craig, Josh Holloway...

But with my latest addiction of Henry Cavill - The Man of Steel - he certainly doesn't have blond hair.

It's certainly left me torn between Captain America and Superman!

So do I have a type?


I think it has to be the eyes! I prefer blue over brown... It has nothing to do with being Drop Dead Gorgeous and one fit body... I'm looking at only their eyes - honest!

Even in real life, I tend to fancy men with blue eyes...

Do you prefer your heroes to have blue or brown eyes? Or do they just have to be good eyes?

A Reflective Blog Post

This time last year I posted this blog post... "Is That Light At The End Of The Tunnel?" 

I can honestly say, I survived! Yay! I haven't starved - yet! And I am paying my bills. Not only have I come into the light, I think I've found a rainbow too.

I've had my book published - Plus One is a Lucky Number. I didn't know that would happen a year ago... or that I would be smitten with Henry Cavill. (He's definitely going to be hero inspiration for book three).

Sometimes looking back at an old blog post is good news.

Nearly one year in my house, and it really does feel like home. There is still a lot that needs doing to make it mine, but it will come with time. It's not a race, I intend on being here a while. (I might not have any choice in the matter). Luckily, it's in good tasteful decorative order, so I really can take my time about it... and worry about finishing my second book.

Now I'm settled, my writing time is gradually coming back to me... yay! I'm getting back into my old routine.

12 Days of Christmas Tour with Jane Lark

Welcome to the 12 Days of Christmas Tour with Jane Lark. 

After signing with publisher Harper Impulse, Jane, author of the smash-hit Marlow Intrigues series, has decided to end 2013 with a bang! She’s gathered together some of the industry’s best authors to create one enormous Christmas giveaway.

The huge prize is made up of more than 30 books, a combination of signed paperbacks and eBooks, and two gorgeous book bags. It’s the perfect early Christmas present for any bookworm and all you’ve got to do to win is feast your eyes on the details below and enter via the Rafflecopter . . .

To kick off the prizes, Jane is giving away copies of her much loved The Illicit Love of a Courtesan and its highly anticipated follow-up The Passionate Love of a Rake

    

Jane's books have been a huge hit with fans, leading to an ever-increasing fan base and comments such as:

"Jane Lark has an amazing talent to draw the reader in from the first page onwards."

 - CosmoChickLitan

And to celebrate her upcoming December release of NA novel I Found You, you could also win a unique rucksack.

The book is already causing excitement among readers and looks set to be the must-read NA of 2014.

                

But that's not all folks! As if Jane's books weren't enough, check out the other amazing books included in the prize pot, you're sure to find one or two of your fav authors getting involved . . .

Entry to Jane Lark's 12 Days of Christmas giveaway extravaganza is easy, just follow the authors on Facebook or Twitter, plus maybe give the comp a shout-out tweet (or two) all via the Rafflecopter below and you're golden. But don't forget to keep your fingers crossed too!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Please take a moment to read through the giveaway terms and conditions:

This is an international giveaway.

Signed paperbacks are to be sent from the authors themselves. Jane Lark, BestChickLit and/or any authors involved accept no responsibility for delivery failures. The winner must be open to accepting eBooks in any format i.e. Kindle copies and via iTunes voucher, from different sources. In the event of .mobi copies, the winner must have an Amazon Kindle account and be prepared to add selected addresses as approved emails on their Personal Document settings.

Some of the books involved in the giveaway contain adult and sexual content and this should be taken into consideration before reading. Jane Lark, BestChickLit, Harper Impulse and any of the participating authors are free to amend any of the giveaway details at any time.

Good luck!

Life Is A Lottery

When my customers (in the ickle shop I work at) buy a lottery ticket and  subsequently moan that they don't know why they bother because they never win, I always tell them you've got to be in it to win it.

You can't dream about how you're going to spend your millions if you haven't entered the lottery.

Well, I've realised this theory works on a lot of things. I can't dream of blogging for Mills and Boon if I don't enter their competition. So I have!

I can't dream of working in a school, term time hours only, to fit around me and the boys, if I don't apply. So I have.

These things are a bit of a lottery. I believe that some element of luck works in your favour as well as your skill and ability. It's very hard to get a job in a school, so I am treating it a bit like winning the lottery. I'm buying a lot of tickets... i.e. applying for every job I'm qualified to do. Thus increasing my odds.

I imagine it's even harder to become the blogger for Mills and Boon, too. *sigh*

And I can't dream of being a published writer if I'm not writing... yeah, yeah, I know! I am trying to get my writing mojo back. But at this rate I'm going to need a refresher course in punctuation because I'm currently having a mental block as to where the full stop or comma goes - inside or outside of speech marks! It's a bit like when you're standing at the cash point, and all of a sudden, for love nor money, you can't remember your pin, and the machine is beeping at you. I'm sure it will all come back to me.

Ok, so ready for tomorrow - it is Thursday, after all. Here's a treat. A Shirtless Daniel Craig.

Now I need to get back to brainstorming my short story... as I can't dream of winning a short story competition, if I don't enter, right?

Next Big Thing...

The Next Big Thing happens on a Wednesday and last week I was tagged by the charming Francis Potts, my Twitter and writing pal, for my Next Big Thing. When Francis asked me if I wanted to be tagged on his blog post the 'Next Big Thing' I did ask if it counted thatI hadn't been published. And he replied, of course, you could be the Next Big Thing. Thank you, Francis, for saying that I'm lovely.

So here goes...

What is the title of your next book?

Perfect Isn't An Option

Where did the idea for the book come from?

I've always been fascinated how Hollywood stars can marry and divorce so quickly, and not really work at it. They don't need to really, they've got plenty of money. So the idea stems from the likes of the recent Katy Perry/Russell Brand split. Were they even married a year? The idea is that Steve returns to the UK to see his sister. He's now made it big in Hollywood, but just split with his fiancée. He's feeling sorry for himself, and wonders how he will find true love now he's a celebrity. Will they love him for him, or his money and fame? Ruby comes up with the idea that he should live a normal life, under disguise, and try to find love that way.  

What genre does your book fall under?

Contemporary romance - I hope!

What actors would you choose to play the characters in the movie rendition of your novel?

Bradley Cooper is my inspiration for Steve, so yes, if I ever get this book published and the film rights sold... Bradley Cooper to be cast as Steve please! It would slightly be like Helen Fielding naming her character Mark Darcy after Colin Firth's Mr Darcy portrayal, and being thrilled that Colin then get's to play her Mark Darcy in Bridget Jones' Diary. It's on the DVD extras if you haven't seen it! I found a picture of Keira Knightley with short hair... she's my Ruby inspiration (who is Steve's sister) so they can cast her too.

Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?

I would like it published... but probably go through a smaller publisher where I can skip the agency lol! 

How long did it take you to write the first draft of the manuscript?

I started writing Perfect Isn't An Option in 2011 as part of the May You Write Your Novel - 80,000 words in 80 days. But failed finishing it, as I started editing my first novel. So it's probably taken a year. 

What other books would you compare this story to within the genre?

Not so much books... but films. It's a little Notting Hill with lots of references to Superman and Clark Kent, because that's what Steve feels like. 

Who or what inspired you to write this book?

Bradley Cooper! lol! No seriously... he did. The name Steve comes from his character in 'All About Steve'. 

What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?

Oh, I don't know... that the hero looks like Bradley Cooper, isn't that enough? Well, it's turned into a bit of a relationship development for sister and brother, and as well as a love interest for Steve (that's the whole point of the story) there is a love interest for Ruby too. 

For all my raving about Bradley Cooper, we better have a picture to brighten up my blog... 

Hopefully in a book shop near you... one day... Perfect Isn't An Option. 

Next week visit Alison Runham and her Next Big Thing. She's another Twitter and writing pal of mine. 

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.

My Writing Therapy...Blogging

Zzzzzzzz!

I am so tired I can't see me editing tonight, however much I feel guilty that I should. So I thought I would at least blog instead. (It's sort of writing therapy I find).

I have a plan, you see. July will be spent editing Perfect Isn't An Option to the best I can get it (which might still appear to be a first draft in the RNA New Writers' Scheme hands), then send it off, so that August can be used to concentrate on editing The Wedding Favour to under 60,000 words for the 'interested' publisher.

Also, I always feel guilty when I'm not doing something writing related, just because I feel I ought to otherwise I should be out doing a 'proper' job. But I find, like this weekend, when I do a 'proper' job (i.e. I get paid albeit just over minimum wage) I am so tired, I can't write. Just tried reading two chapters of a book (as reading is classed as WRA), and my eyes felt heavy and itchy, wanting to close.

I've put myself down for some overtime, but I know that my writing will suffer for this. One, it's evenings I'm doing - and that's when I do my most writing related activities (WRA), and two, I'll be tired the next day, or whenever, and that just zonks me out.

I'm even failing miserably at the moment reading my Writing Magazines. But I won't cancel the subscription. I just find it hard to sit down and make time for magazines at the best of times - hence I stopped the non-fiction side of my Writers' Bureau course, and swapped to the fiction. I find if I have time to read, I want to be reading a book. (I'm even lacking a bit on my Goodreads target, though I've read a book that actually hasn't been released yet, so can add that later). 

Anyway, I am trying to stay positive with everything else that's going on around me. (Not always easy with this bloody weather!) I vowed it on the 1st July. The next 6 months would be positive. I do have wobbles, but I give myself a mental kick when I find myself spiralling downwards. I yank up Maroon 5 on my PC (found a fab remix of Payphone and I'm loving their new album Overexposed) and that usually helps. Music really does help my moods. It always has. Especially stuff that makes me want to dance like a loon. That's why Kiss FM is always on in my kitchen on my digital radio!

So by typing this I've had some writing therapy. It makes me feel I've done some WRA.

And now for something romantic and inspirational....

Don't you just love this picture? Isn't it gorgeous? It was on Facebook and I shared it there, too.

I do wonder if it's an odd camera angle or something, but that third arm must be her right arm tucked across her body so they could fit in the bath. (The photographer should have told her to keep it in the water!). It just looks long.

Feel free to give me a kick! 

Some Fun...

Rachel Lyndhurst tagged me for a bit of blog post fun! Well, she did say she'd get me back. I needed to do a blog post, and this is perfect as I really wasn't sure I had much to say right now. These are a list of things you may or may not know about me. Well, if you didn't know them, you do now:

Four places I have worked:

• A theme park
• A multinational manufacturing giant of household and cosmetic products.
• A company that sold O rings. Sounds much more interesting when I say I worked in rubber! lol!
• A aircraft manufacturing company.

Four movies I could watch again and again:

• Love Actually
• The A-Team 
• Stardust
• Footloose (edited... I can't believe I forgot this movie. There are lots of movies I'd watch over and over actually).

Four TV shows I watch:

• Desperate Housewives
• Doctor Who
• Torchwood
• Sherlock

Four places I have travelled:

• Turkey
• St Lucia
• Barbados
• New Zealand

Four authors I enjoy:

• Sue Moorcroft
• Liz Fielding
• Anne Rice
• Charlaine Harris

Four websites I visit daily:

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Goodreads
• Livejournal

Four favourite foods:

• Crispy chilli beef (Chinese).
• Chicken Tikka Masala with peshwari naan
• Smothered chicken (bacon, cheese and bbq sauce).
• Pasta - a good carbonara or something. 

Four places I'd rather be:

• Sunning myself somewhere hot beside a pool, cocktail in hand, reading a good book.
• Sitting in (or outside if sunny) a café (ideally in a European city), sipping lattes and watching the day go by.
• Drinking an ice cold lager on the seafront. 
• Walking anywhere in New Zealand, ideally holding the hand of the man of my dreams.  

Four people I want to tag:

• Rachel Brimble
• Mandy Baggot
• Doris O'Connor
• Sally Quilford

This is only a bit of fun, but if you want to play, then make your own list and tag me back! (Because obviously I want to read).

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.