‘As a woman my country is the whole world.’ Three Guineas, Woolf
My country is the world. There are no borders, no passports and no countries in the world of social media; only portals to other people’s imagination and musings.
In Three Guineas, Virginia Wolf wrote, “As a woman I have no country. As a woman I want no country. As a woman, my country is the whole world.” And via social media, I have connected with writers from all over the world. My endless stream of consciousness travels around the world through: tweets, my blog and Facebook posts. People of the world open the virtual door to peek at a representation of my world, and I can walk over the threshold to visit their thoughts.
“A woman must have money and a room of her own if she is to write fiction.”
I weave in and out of articles, thoughts, pictures and moments of others. Everyone is documenting stories from their own viewpoint with unique and shared images. I have the liberty to hop aboard someone’s narrative then return home to my own world. Social media allows me to explore the texture of other people’s lives to search for inspiration.
A writing room of my own, connected to the world.
Like Virginia Woolf, I have a room of my own, but I have the company of a computer connected to the world.
While contemplating this brave new world, I wondered if Virginia Woolf would have engaged in social media.
Owing to the power of social media, I could knock on the virtual door of an internationally acclaimed Woolf scholar. Professor Maggie Humm wrote this in her email:
Waiting for Snapshots of Bloomsbury
“I think Virginia might well have used social media. She did write for Vogue with a photo of herself; did photograph from the age of 15 (I included over a hundred of these in my Snapshots of Bloomsbury); spoke on the BBC several times and enjoyed seeing a range of films from The Bengal Lancer to newsreels.”
Maggie Humm’s eloquent response made me feel as it I was speaking to Virginia Woolf, in cyberspace.
Snapshots of Bloomsbury
Snapshots of Bloomsbury showcases the photographs of Virginia Woolf and her sister, Vanessa Bell. Humm’s commentary provides a critical insight into Woolf’s world and ‘the culture and artistry of the period’. Virginia Woolf represented her intimate world in photographs, decades before we became attached to our mobile phones. Now, this is a book I would be proud to own, but I will place it in my battered briefcase. Snapshots of Bloomsbury needs to be enjoyed in the physical rather than digital form. However, I can’t help wondering what images and words Woolf would have chosen to share via social media. If only, I could invite Virginia Woolf to my Chat Room.
The Tryo must have spent a lifetime perfecting their art and teasing out every single note.
Enchanted by a musical trio, we joined a crowd as they danced, swayed and tapped their feet to the beat. The international language of joy spread across everyone’s face.
Situated next to the Roman Forum, musical notes suspended us in a moment. The entertainers beamed at their audience’s response. As I tapped my feet, I realised how few people placed money in the guitar case, and no one would part with ten euros to buy the compilation. Many people expected the impromptu entertainment to be free.
The Tryo must have spent a lifetime perfecting their art and teasing out every single note. I tried to imagine their stories. Who were the loves of their lives? How did they manage perform the music with such soul? As a gesture of kindness from a writer to musicians, I decided to pay the ten euros for the CD. The trio smiled again but looked a little surprised. My action prompted a few others to buy the music. I do believe that people had forgotten that we can’t always expect to be entertained for free. Alas, other people continued to record the music on their phones and never looked up. However, I did hear the happy clang of coins hitting the guitar as I walked away.
Here I am feeling happy in Delfryn Abbey (inspired by Tintern Abbey).
Listening to the CD at home takes me back to Rome and a moment that bonded a diverse group of people in the city of Romance. This weekend, I was suspended in another moment of joy when readers, across the world, paid ninety nine pence for ‘You Can’t Go It Alone’. My book climbed the charts, and I performed my happy dance. I imagined the coins falling into my handbag ready for me to buy a coffee and another book.
Olivia, Rosa and Matteo’s Olive Tree Café and music venue.
I do wish I could gather the readers of my novel together, smile at them and say thank you to them for buying my words. I would love to be able to invite the readers to the Olive Tree Café, in You Can’t Go It Alone, and ask Rosa, Olivia and Matteo to perform music for them.
As a Yorkshire lass visiting Lancaster, I entered the city with trepidation. Would I be safe? Would I be welcome? With my white rose hidden in my handbag, I approached Lancaster University and entered the magical world of the Romantic Novelists’ Association.
I exchanged my white rose for a pink lanyard, grabbed a black bag of bookish goodies and planned my battle for the day. A wave of nerves washed over me when I saw my name listed on the one-to-one timetables.
Romantic Novelists’ Association is a shield protecting writers
With the ‘Sound the drums and trumpets’, the day commenced with a meeting of authors on the New Writers’ Scheme led by the wonderful Immi Howson. Listening to the success stories of the NWS authors made me realise the Romantic Novelists’ Association is a shield protecting writers and giving us to tell our stories. Writing can be a battleground and as many said, ‘we all have downs’, but with the support of the RNA one can survive ‘the slings and arrows’ of the process.
Encouraging smiles and greetings from fellow authors lifted my heart throughout the day. Lynda Stacey, my fairy godmother, prepared me for the first meeting. Members of the South and West Wales Chapter offered constant support. Surrounded by the warmth of the writers, I calmed down and looked around for familiar faces.
When Jessie met Angela
But the ‘sound of drums and trumpets’ heralded again and a knight from the House of York pushed me towards a writing heroine, Angela Petch. Her presence glowed in the room and I knew I would be safe from the ‘slings and arrows’ of my writing doubts. She handed me a notebook with ‘Dream big because dreams do happen’ written on the cover; these words started to ring in my ears for the rest of the day. It was overwhelming to meet this lovely lady in person and snatch chat time between meetings. Her kind words armed me with confidence, and I mused on how I felt as if I have always known Angela.
She handed me a notebook with ‘Dream big because dreams do happen’ written on the cover; these words started to ring in my ears for the rest of the day.
The one-to-one meeting with the industry professionals were enjoyable but too short. My writing was praised, and I began to smile again. It was a pleasure to introduce Pearl and Jim to new people, and I was delighted everyone loved naughty Doreen.
Being involved in the RNA is ‘a kinda magic’ that enables authors to slay the self-doubts and carve out a pathway towards achieving one’s dream. All I can do now is wish on a star, edit, write and ‘dream big’.
I hoped thoughts of my characters wouldn’t disturb my enjoyment of the performance.
The orchestra tuned up prior to the Russian State Ballet’s performance of Cinderella. The discordant notes reminded me of the collection of ideas for my work in progress and blog posts. I hoped thoughts of my characters wouldn’t disturb my enjoyment of the performance.
The ballet opened with a clock projected on the screen and dancers represented the mechanism. Time ticking reminded me it was already the end of another year and it was almost time to press the button on my New Writers’ Scheme application.
My work in progress is still a pumpkin waiting for the final transformation.
A forlorn Cinderella appeared on stage, like the character of Sophie I have left behind in my second novel. The erratic movements of the stepmother and ugly sisters reminded me of the clunky sentences I have abandoned. But these characters distracted me with their humour. The man playing the wicked stepmother was expressive in both physical and facial movements. He had planned every single movement to correspond with the music. I feel as if I choreograph every single movement of the characters in my book and sometimes it appears forced, until the characters take on a life of their own. Doreen, in my work in progress, possess the same sort of pantomime dame presence as the stepmother but she isn’t wicked.
Cheers to Lizzie Lamb and Lynda Stacey
A malevolent force dominated the ballet: good wrestled with evil. The evil dissolved when the fairies appeared and then they distracted me from my writing. During my blogging year, I have also encountered my very own fairies who have added magic and to my year. Lynda Stacey invited me to the RNA York tea and encouraged me to apply for their New Writer’s Scheme, while Lizzie Lamb, an RNA member, is always on hand to provide me with indie author expertise. Angela Petch and Jena Henry are my fairy godmothers. They have become twinkling stars on my Books in Handbag Blog. As I write, I know exactly what Angela and Jena will ask.
Jena Henry and Angela Petch are my fairy godmothers
‘Who are the ugly sisters and wicked stepmothers?’ I hear my fairy godmothers ask.
Well, I am like the wicked stepmother trying to force my characters to fall in love or get back home before it’s too late. Male and female characters can get ugly when they don’t want to behave.
Transfixed, I watched the transformation of Cinderella and marvelled at the re-telling of a classic. Good, beauty and the truth prevailed when the story ended. This confirmed I must pursue a love story in my second novel.
After the bows for the ballet, the curtain dropped, lights went on and the spell was broken. My neighbours rattled their sweet packets and settled down as the dusty, blue curtain closed. Having been transported into a dreamlike state, I knew I would pursue Pearl and Jim’s romance further but with a backdrop of humour and the seventies.
With a letter from the RNA, my new year has a happy beginning.
My work in progress is still a pumpkin waiting for the final transformation. Happily, I have just discovered I have been accepted on the RNA New Writers’ Scheme. With a letter from the RNA, my new year has a happy beginning. I can’t wait for the RNA reader to add some magic. The RNA Conference and RNA York Tea will also be significant events in my year.
‘I leave you with a sense of humour and memories. Think of me when funny things happen.’ That’s what my late father told us when we discovered he had only got weeks to live. He insisted that we didn’t sit around the hospital bed and weep but laugh at memories. He started a conversation with, ‘Do you remember when…’, and then engaged us in funny stories of past events. Everyone in the ward laughed along at the stories – it was magic. I can still remember my dad holding his belly as he laughed out loud. What a great way to distract us all from the sadness! That was thirteen years ago.
Dad’s philosophy helped us through this year. As we haven’t been able to get together with extended family, we have treasured memories of past events and shared photos of past get togethers. We aimed to find photos that capture laughter!
I found a photo of me when I was about nine years old.
I found a photo of me when I was about nine years old. I urged Mum to take a photo of Dad reading the newspaper, so we could record the progress of his bald head and present the photo as evidence. He loved this and said, ‘Hair today, gone tomorrow.’
Photos that capture a moment are a gift. For example, in Northumberland, I decided to take a closer look at the sea and when I jumped off the wall, I was rewarded with a splash from a freak wave. I was the only walker who did not escape the water, and my husband was able to snap the moment as he was taking photos of the sea at the time.
I decided to take a closer look at the sea and when I jumped off the wall, I was rewarded with a splash from a freak wave.
‘Please tell me that wasn’t planned,’ said an elderly gentleman, crying with laughter.
‘No, it was especially for you,’ I replied.
He held his stomach as he waited for the laughter to subside. It felt as if Dad was there with us in that moment, instigating his usual mischief.
Of course, sharing stories and old photos is not the same as the face-to-face contact, but it cheered us up. For us, Dad is an absent present in those moments of hilarity and it’s comforting. My heart goes out to those people who have lost their loved ones, and I am thinking of you and wishing you comfort in those memories captured in your heart.
Which photos capture your fondest memories and make you smile?
‘The Millennium Centre looked bold in its bronze armour…’ You Can’t Go It Alone by Jessie Cahalin
Storm Dennis raged in Wales, and I sought sanctuary in the Millennium Centre for an experience on my bucket list – my first opera.
The space age reception area of the theatre prepared me to be transported to the alien world of opera. ‘Beam me up, Mozart,’ I muttered as I waited for The Marriage of Figaro to begin. Convinced I would need to abscond from the three and a half hours marathon during the interval, I planned the best route for the exit.
The space age reception area of the theatre prepared me to be transported to the alien world of opera
My great uncle, a coal miner from Barnsley, was a great fan of opera and blasted out the music on his gramophone. I never met Great Uncle Jimmy but of family legend deemed him eccentric for a Barnsley lad. Always amused by an opera loving miner in the family, I had to discover if one could inherit this passion.
Opera seduced me with the very first note. The poetic actions of the performers showed me the way into the narrative. And the incredible harmonies of the signing convinced me that my Level 2 seat was in heaven. Performers blended their actions and singing and taught me the emotional language of an operatic performance. Suspended in the drama, I hardly looked at the subtitles.
Inside the theatre before the performance
For three hours, I felt as if I was able to interpret the Italian language that seemed perfect for the expression of the emotions. Wow! I now understand that Uncle Jimmy would enter a trance like state to escape the darkness and toil of his life under the ground. And I know he warned my late father, ‘Don’t go down the pit, lad.’
There were layers and layers of humour and then emotions. I do not think I blinked throughout the entire performance because I could not miss one single detail of this musical tapestry. I loved the way the opera tested loyalty and love and relationships, but I was not prepared for the wonderful comedy.
I am in love with opera
To me the final scene seemed to be an expression of joy and happiness when everyone found their equilibrium. I reached in my handbag for water to ease the emotion in my throat. I couldn’t believe it! The curtain call arrived too soon. It couldn’t possibly be the end because I hadn’t heard Figaro’s Aria – the tune I’d attempted to warbled for months before this experience. Where was it? Well, now I realise this is in the Barber of Seville. A perfect ending for me as I will have to return to watch the Barber of Seville later in the year.
I am in love with opera. However, I’m unsure if this love is passed down through Uncle Jimmy, my father’s uncle. My mother also attended the opera for the first time and adored it too. I have found a new love!
“I speak of love awake I speak of love in my dreams, To the water, the shadows, the mountains, To the flowers, the grass, the fountains.” Mozart, The Marriage of Figaro.
The Crime and Coffee Festival beckoned me to Cardiff Library to solve the mystery of writing and publishing. The workshop: Cut, Slash and Perfect promised to reveal more about the writing and traditional publishing journey. As I passed the crime scene tape surrounding the bookshelves, I did wonder if any authors had been lost during the cutting, slashing and perfecting process. I went undercover to find out more about traditional publishing. Would I need an agent, and would I need a sharper pair of scissors?
The panel discussion with: Thorne Moore, Caroline Oakely and Judith Barrow. Has Judith spotted Jessie?
Authors, Judith Barrow and Thorne Moore, chatted with the editor, Caroline Oakley, of Honno Press about publishing. The entertaining chat provided food for thought for all authors who wish to publish their work. As I listened, I captured some of the main points and discovered what makes editors cut and authors cry. The panel put me at ease, and I was able to remove my disguise as an indie author.
Introducing Caroline Oakley who is the editor at Honno Press
Caroline has worked in general trade publishing for over thirty years and has edited a number of award winning and bestselling authors. Caroline works for, Honno Press, an independent Welsh Women’s publisher in Wales.
Clues from the Editor
Caroline gave a balanced overview of publishing
Big publishers only work through agents.
A good editor is key to success for all authors
Agents often have useful contacts within the publishing world and deal with the contracts. Care must be taken when selecting an agent because, as in all businesses, there are inefficient, self –styled experts, with little experience, out there. Google and search for those authors who write in your genre to find out the names of the agents who deal with your kind of book before submitting. You can approach independent and smaller publishers with or without an agent. Find out what this kind of publisher wants before approaching them. Research their website; look at the work of the signed authors. Take your time to select the appropriate one for your genre; consider how much advance that publisher pays, the amount of royalties for sold books you will get, your rights (such as audio and foreign rights for your work) and the terms and conditions of your contract. You must read the small print!
Don’t get disheartened with rejection letters sent to publishers. Hope your manuscript reaches the publisher at the right time (by this I mean that it’s not a miserable Monday morning for them, or they’ve not had a quarrel with a partner or their family – or they’ve not had a week of wading through a pile of “not very good” manuscripts before they get to yours)– it is subjective.
Indie publishing has its challenges, but it gives you more control and you get all the profit. The Indie author deals with every element of the process; from the writing to choosing the cover, the blurb formatting, publication and marketing. Traditionally published authors also are expected to promote and market. Indie publishing is time- consuming but as I said before, they do have complete control over their work.
The venue – Cardiff Library
Whichever publishing route you choose, you must get yourself an editor! Although time-consuming (and sometimes devastating!) you must go through the cut, slash perfect process. A good editor will identify gaps, things that possibly don’t work in your writing, mistakes such as change of dates of characters’ birthdays or colour of eyes in different parts of the book, errors in time scale etc.. But will not tell you what to do, only point out those mistakes and suggest changes to make your work stronger.
It is advisable that every author, whether self-published or traditionally published, has a website, blog and social media accounts.
Judith Barrow has published four books with Honno Press. She writes historical family saga fiction. She has also self-published books and a collection of short stories of the minor characters in her trilogy.
What did Judith say about her publishing journey?
Judith Barrow and Thorne Moore are published by Honno Press
I love working with Honno Press. The staff are friendly and accessible. As a writer you learn what you can and cannot get away with. I have built up trust with the editor who I know has had a long and professional career in all genres. And, although Honno Press also organises the front cover for the books, they have allowed me input to the final decision .
Working with Honno Press provides me with quality, professional editing. I cry every time, I get the editor’s comments, but I know, in my heart, it makes the work better. An editor will read your book line by line and give an overview. A good editor will ask the right questions but will not give you the answers. When you edit your work, you must keep your own voice.
I do not send my very first draft to an editor and probably have about ten revisions. I ask my friend, who is an author, to give me an honest opinion on anything I have doubts about. I am also a member of a writing group and we email sections of our books for discussion. But do, avoid too much input from too many sources into your work as it can confuse you – have a small trusted network of writers. Believe in yourself! The cut, slash and perfect stages involves a first general edit, as many more detailed edits then necessary to get the writing to its best, a line by line edit to weed out any noticeable mistakes and then a proof read by the publisher’s proof reader. Finally, it comes back to me for a last read to make sure all is correct. I do like this final stage; it does make me feel as though I have control over the end product to some degree.
Thorne had published three books with Honno Fiction and writes domestic noir and psychological fiction. Thorne has self-published and works with two publishers.
What did Thorne say about publishing?
She has self-published short stories in order to market a published book. The different publishers are relevant to the books promoted. Regardless of how the books are published, the author must have a good editor.
A writer needs an editor to stand on the mountain and look down on your work. During the writing process the author becomes too absorbed to be objective. Through the feedback from the editor, you learn to write. The editor will locate your common mistakes then you will avoid these in subsequent drafts.
You do need a small critical group of friends who will give you constructive criticism.
Don’t worry about the reviews. Jane Austin has plenty of one star and two star reviews on Amazon.
Don’t give up! I was rejected by Honno at first. In an interview with Thorne, she told me about the trials and tribulations of her publishing journey. This story of Thorne’s publishing journey will be published very soon.
A good editor is key to success for all authors: traditionally published and self-published need a good editor. A good editor will identify gaps in your work and ask the right questions. My editor forced me to ask lots of questions about my book and rework sections. I learnt a great deal about my writing through this process. As a self-published author I have involved a professional editor, beta readers and other authors. One must be careful of making new mistakes in a new edit – it is expensive to pay for all the various stages of the edit. I understand the security of working with an independent publisher who provides an editor. The indie author has greater control of the book but must complete all stages of the process including the book cover and the marketing. In the end, all clues pointed towards the importance of a professional editor during the publishing process. No matter how many times the author sharpens the scissors to cut, they still need an editor and dosh to pay for quality. Clearly, this wasn’t an open and shut case and more investigation needed to be completed.
Clue of the Day
Narbeth Book Fair – see Judith, Thorne and Jessie!
Caroline suggested the market for the unreliable narrator in all genres will change. Like fashion in clothes, fashion in books also changes. No one knows what will be the next ‘in thing’ for novels.
You can book individual session with Caroline Oakley of Honno Press for £35. For more information visit the Narberth Book Fair website. Children’s writers can book sessions with Firefly Press.
On our pilgrimage to Canterbury, we decided to stop in Wye, Kent, for provisions. We collected our daily bread in Wye Bakery, Kent, and I found myself lost in another age. Allow me some creative liberty in my tale…
The quaint Wye Bakery is accessed via an ancient, mysterious corridor constructed three hundred years ago.
An ancient, mysterious corridor constructed three hundred years ago
Walking through the corridor transported my imagination back in time. The Franklin, from The Canterbury Tales, invited us inside to taste the bread. Alas, we did not wish to dip the lovely bread into wine, particularly at such an early hour. We thanked the Franklin for his hospitality and bid him to return to Chaucer’s England. The ancient vision dissolved, as the aroma of fresh bread brought us back to the present day.
Mother and daughter are passionate about the health benefits of traditional, slow baking.
Inside, we were greeted by the baker, Mrs Hickson, and her daughter. Mother and daughter are passionate about the health benefits of traditional, slow baking. It is hoped that Mrs Hickson’s daughter will be able to apply her Nutrition Degree to the business.
The pastries were buttery, crumbly and utterly delicious. The bread had a wonderful robust structure and a delicate taste like sour dough. Is there anything more comforting than simple bread and butter? One could taste the attention to detail in every single crumb.
I heard Robert Browning say:
‘If thou tasteth a crust of bread, thou tasteth all the stars and all the heavens.’
‘If thou tasteth a crust of bread, thou tasteth all the stars and all the heavens.’
Indeed, the taste of the bread is heavenly. I only wished that we could have consumed the bakery’s cakes, in the lovely coffee shop opposite.
I urge you to visit Wye Bakery. It is refreshing to listen to Mrs Hickson wax lyrical about a business that consumes sixteen hours of her day. Taste the delights of the labour of love that could be your daily bread.
I filled my bag with bread and cakes, rather than books on this day
I filled my bag with bread and cakes, rather than books on this day. At the time of writing this article, the adjacent shop was being renovated to house the bakery. I hope to return to see this finished, but if you have visited recently then email me about it.
Morley in the seventies. Nothing much has changed apart from the cars parked on the roadside. Photo from David Atkinson Archive, Morley Memories.
Hiraeth is a delicious Welsh word as it captures that nostalgic longing for home. As a Yorkshire lass living in Wales, I often yearn for Morley, a town in Leeds, where my family still live. Yet I also feel at home in certain places in Wales that connect to the spirit and soul of place I long for. Maybe it’s the spirit of the industrial past that connects me to South Wales.
Morley is a large town in West Yorkshire that was constructed from the blood, sweat and tears of coal and textiles. The stone buildings of Morley are crooked and leaned towards me with whispers of secrets. I always identified a beauty in the urban landscape of home and feel so happy when I return to visit my family. There is a community spirit in Morley and people will always chat and make me laugh.
I imagined Jim driving along this road in his Zephyr. The photo is from Wales online and is captures Cardiff fifty years ago.
Last year, I stumbled on some newspaper photos of Cardiff in the sixties and seventies and the people huddled together chatting connected me to a familiar community spirit and evocated a nostalgia. When imagining the people’s stories, I met Pearl and Jim, characters from my novel,Loving You (working title), searching for their dreams in a fictional Welsh town near to Cardiff.
Photo of the Welsh factory woman in the sixties is from BBC News in an article written by Gwyneth Rees, BBC Wales News
Pearl is a seamstress who dreams of becoming a singer. Jim is a car mechanic who yearns to be an artist. Secrets about Pearl’s late father thrive in Aberynys as people still gossip about him. Pearl and Jim’s dreams push them together and pull them apart. Pearl is immersed in a community, but Jim is a loner. Both characters are shaped by their lives in Aberynys and want to escape in different ways. Pearl’s friends in the sewing factory are influenced by the people my grandmother brought to life for me when I was a child, and their sense of humour is both northern and Welsh. Of course, a colourful cast of characters also barged into the book, and my fictional town of Aberynys is a port which was also influenced by visits to Barry Island, Cardiff Bay and the Valleys.
This photo of the Valleys inspired Aberynys.
Aberynys is the nostalgic place in my heart: a place built on stories I listened to when chatting to folk in Yorkshire and Wales. I created a place name with lyrical Welsh words: Aber is the Welsh word for estuary and ynys means island. Aberynys is a montage of my life experiences and a place that makes folk dream their dreams. Loving You remains one of my works in progress as I just love to visit the place in my heart where I can seek sanctuary from what is happening to us all at the moment.
Which place do you call home and is this different to place you live in now?
South and West Wales Chapter celebrate sixty years of the Romance Novelists’ Society.
The South Wales and West Chapter had a birthday party to celebrate sixty years of the Romantic Novelists’ Association. Each member of the group presented a sixty word slice of their novel or work in progress, along with a biography as a gift to romance readers. Our words and chat put the fizz into the celebrations. Unwrap the tiny parcels of words and meet the authors. Enjoy
Georgia’s glossy curls were piled high. As she moved, the light caught seed pearls scattered in her hair. Her creamy velvet dress clung to her curves. Nick watched the joy on her face when she first caught sight of him and longed to give her the world. That moment was, and he prayed it always would be, fixed in his consciousness.
Jill Barry lives close to the estuary dividing Wales from England. Her historical and contemporary romantic fiction is mainly character-driven and she delves into her life experiences to colour her writing. She enjoys bringing different eras to life and, as a multi-published author, enjoys helping fellow RNA members to realise their dreams. Jill is a co-organiser of her local chapter.
Stelios took her in his arms. Dipping and swaying in time to the bousouki music, Elin felt familiar flutterings in her stomach. She’d promised herself that there’d be no romantic liaisons when she was in Greece. So why did the handsome woodturner have this effect on her? His hot breath on her neck and earlobe made her whole body tingle.
Jan lives in Cardiff and writes novels about families and their secrets. An author with Ruby Fiction, her debut novel, will be published in digital and audio in April 2020. Joining the RNA and its wonderful New Writers’ Scheme in 2016 was her best decision as a new writer. She’s joint organiser of her local RNA Chapter.
For the first time, his skin touched her skin as they held hands. It was the closing of a gap, a circle joined. He remembered that quiet moment, in the midst of the restless, big city. They were like a boulder, solid and immovable, while the river raged around them. It was the moment Arthur fell in love with Pearl.
Catherine lives near cliff tops in South Wales, a view which inspires her every day. With published short fiction, articles, a magazine column and a non-fiction book to her name, a published novel is next on her wish list. She is determined, with the help of the brilliant RNA New Writers’ scheme, to become a published novelist and professional daydreamer.
Each member of the group presented a sixty word slice of their novel or work in progress.
The unmade bed became their island, and clothes washed up on the shore. In exchange for three hours together, Jack scattered the opera tickets. Sophie dug inside her handbag for bruised bananas and chocolate to sustain them until the buffet breakfast. She expected their unused Paris guide to remain in the hotel room like buried treasure.
Jessie is a Yorkshire author living in Cardiff. Wales and words have a special place in her heart. She wants everyone to meet the characters who’ve been hassling her for years. Besides writing, Jessie adores walking, talking, cooking and procrastinating. She joined the RNA New Writers’ Scheme in 2018 and is impressed with the opportunities and support.
The fading evening light caught the russet highlights in her hair and cast a faint pink glow across her face. Her eyes were alight with wonder and her lips were slightly parted. For one mad moment, he wondered what it would be like to kiss them.
He cleared his throat, trying to drive the disturbing thought out of his mind.
Liz lives halfway between the Brecon Beacons and the sea, in the South Wales Valleys. She writes light-hearted, uplifting romantic fiction, with liberal doses of humour. She joined the RNA to make friends with other writers and is now part of the admin team and a reader for the NWS, to repay the help, support and kindness she’s been shown.
We got to the heart of our books with the collection of extracts.
As they began to descend yet another endless hill Ellena turned and caught a glimpse of her home. She could make out the flags fluttering atop the turrets of Castle Swein before it finally disappeared from view. She slowly turned around in her seat and gripped the pommel tightly. The conviction she’d made a terrible mistake hardened in her stomach.
Ella Matthews lives and works in Wales. When not thinking about handsome heroes she can be found walking along the coast with her husband and their two children (probably still thinking about heroes but at least pretending to be interested in everyone else). She writes cosy crime and romance novels. Her first Mills and Boon title is out in April.
Imogen Martin can generally be found behind a laptop in her writing nook, or book in hand in a café, or on a beach in Sardinia. She has two daughters and lives with her husband in South Wales. Her debut novel is a pioneer story set in nineteenth century America. She is a member of the RNA New Writers’ Scheme.
She shrugged. ‘It’s my big romantic birthday break.’ She indicated the vacant chair beside her, straight-faced. ‘Durr. Can’t you see my hunky, virtual boyfriend?
Jake swivelled his eyes to the empty seat and back at her, raising his eyebrows in mute enquiry.
‘And no, I don’t want to talk about it.’
We invite you to post your own parcels of words on your FB pages and blogs as a gift to romance readers
Living on the South Wales coast, Sue McDonagh finds inspiration for both her novels and her art in her beautiful surroundings.
Motorcycles, her other passion, can also be found in the pages of her Art Café trilogy, the third of which will be released in July this year. Her writing explores real life events, with a light touch and humour.
I step inside the shed, hauling the net of footballs. He’s behind me. There’s something invisible pulling me to him. I turn around and he takes my hand. A surge of electricity powers up my arms. We come together in a passionate embrace. Every single bone in my body turns to jelly as he treats me to a sensuous kiss.
Lucy Mitchell is the author of Instructions for Falling in Love Again, an uplifting romantic comedy about second chances and friendship. She’s also the author of the award-winning blog, BlondeWriteMore; which records the emotional highs and lows of her life as a romance author. On her blog she also reviews romance novels and regularly falls in love with male characters.
‘Summer Island’, Natalie Normann
Jack liked seeing her laugh. The first time they met, she had been so furious with him, but right now she was happy.
‘You look beautiful,’ he said.
Ninni frowned. ‘No, I don’t.’
‘Yes, you do. You are beautiful.’
‘No need to flatter me. I won’t throw you overboard.’
She was teasing him and he enjoyed it. ‘Doesn’t change anything.’
Natalie Normann lived in Cardiff for two years, then sadly had to return to Norway, bringing home inspirations and good memories. A week after arriving in Wales, she joined the RNA and her local chapter, and still can’t believe something this good exists. She writes contemporary romance set in Norway and is determined to show Nordic is more than noir.
She was living a fairy-tale that many women could only imagine. And it was worth it, even if her nights ever after would be cold and bitter. You can’t undo love. Every moment, from here on, must be etched in her memory. The place, the time, the man. Memory she could fall back into, during those long, cold nights.
Evonne has been a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association for thirty years. While this makes her feel very old, it also means that she has been to a lot of fabulous parties and made some wonderful friends in the romance writing community. She is currently working on two new books in her romantic mystery series, set on the Riviera
She crept into the bedroom where Owen lay asleep, Bridie looked at his sleeping frame, his thick hair spread over the pillow. She knew nights like this would be few. She slipped in beside him, wrapping her arms around him. Wherever he would be sent, his spirit would always be here at her side. That would have to do for tonight.
Pat a retired ward sister and nurse lecturer lives in Cardiff and is writing a novel about two people one from Ireland and one from Wales both away from home in London and divided by war. She has plans for a second novel based in Wales. A member of the RNA New Writers Scheme hoping for a chance of publication.
‘The point is that you, Rosy, are not just the sexiest women I know, you’re the most honourable, tenacious, well, every quality there is and of course I want to kiss you right now, strip you naked and tumble into the back seat but I also want to wake up with you tomorrow and the next day and the next.’
Kitty Wilson lived in Cornwall for twenty-five years having been dragged there, against her will, as a stroppy teen. She is now remarkably grateful to her parents for their foresight and wisdom – and these days spends her time writing romantic comedies with heroines who speak their mind. She loves the RNA and all the opportunities and support it offers.
The South Wales and West Chapter hope you will raise a glass, eat cake and celebrate the 60th anniversary of the RNA with us. We invite RNA members to post your own parcels of words on your FB pages and blogs as a gift to romance readers. Let’s share the love, and ‘champion the quality and diversity of romantic fiction.’ Happy Birthday to the Romance Novelists’ Association.
Presenting (clockwise): John Jackson, Rhoda Baxter, Lynda Stacey and Anne Marie Brear
A tiny oak door opened into the warmth of the Romantic Novelists’ Association event, and a hearty welcome glowed from Lynda Stacey and John Jackson. The guests of the RNA York charmed me, and I fell in love with a family of romance writers.
I found a home and a place to rest my bag for a while. Word wizards distracted me from the beauty of the medieval setting. I wondered how many years of writing experience the authors had amassed between them. Would I be able to cram all the authors novels into the nooks and crannies of the ancient Merchant Taylors’ Hall? It was obvious there would need to be bags and bags of books. Inspired by the moment, I invited authors to be photographed with their books in their handbags.
The ancient Merchant Taylors’ Hall
Readers
are now invited to take a seat beside the fire and meet the heroes and heroines
of my narrative. Look at their books and the range of genres available. I must
admit I did suffer from book cover envy when presented with the glorious front
covers. Besides admiring books, I discovered gems of advice from the writers. Authors
told me about the magic of Canva, Photoshop and Word Cloud. Magic words that
certainly did not echo around the room six centuries ago.
What a palaver! I attempted to take a selfie with Milly Johnson and Rhoda Baxter.
Chat with the word wizards encouraged me to step outside of my Books in my Handbag Blog and talk about writing my book. I found myself spellbound by Milly Johnson who had the power to conjure my Yorkshire accent from the depths of my handbag. I was back home, in Yorkshire, with friendly writerly folk. Milly reassured me the writing process is still agony for her after sixteen books. Rhoda Baxter joined the conversation, and I could have listened to the comedy duo all afternoon. If only I had recorded the conversation. I am in awe of how Milly and Rhoda manage to write comedy with such flair. They explained that comedy is channelled through the characters and flows naturally – words of comedy experts. In a classic comedy moment, I fumbled with my phone to take a selfie with Rhoda and Milly but had the lens pointing at the table in front of me. Flummoxed by technology, I felt ‘as daft as a brush’, but the grand lasses just laughed.
Chair of Romance Novelists Association, Nicola Cornick. This is the kind lady who poured me some tea.
Suspended
in the glow of the RNA heaven, I became lost in the moment until the afternoon
tea arrived at our table. Chair of Romance Novelists Association, Nicola
Cornick, poured me tea from an enormous teapot that was the size of a small
house. We ate buttery scones, zingy lemon
drizzle cake, and indulgent chocolate brownies with chips. Well, you must have chips at a northern
afternoon tea. I almost forgot the delicate array of posh sarnies. The happy nattering of the RNA family filled
the room until the guest speaker was introduced. It was time to ‘shut me cake
‘ole’.
Jean Fullerton, guest speaker, showcasing her popular historical fiction.
Guest
speaker, Jean Fullerton, spoke passionately about her writing journey. She also
celebrated popularity or the romance genre and challenged prejudice. Congratulations
to Jean on her successful historical fiction novels set in the East End of London.
According to Jean, ‘to write about life is to write about love.’ She handed over her gift of hope that,
‘sometimes, just sometimes, love does win and dreams come true.’
That day, I fell in love with the RNA and it is my dream to be adopted by this family one day. I forgot to take photos of the cakes because I was busy eating them and chatting. Overwhelmed by the RNA world, I departed into a rainy Saturday afternoon. I regret I did not see, blogging legend, Anne Williams and the authors I have met in the Handbag Gallery. Despite the realisation I need glasses, I had a ‘reight good time’ and found ‘me’ old Yorkshire accent hiding in the medieval hall. I hope to move back to Yorkshire. I would also love to meet Sue Moorcroft in the future. The tiny oak door was left ajar, so I can return next year. I look forward to finding out if the magical medieval setting may inspire some more romance stories.
Meet (clockwise): Lesley Field, Ellie Gray, Ros Rendle, Chrissie Bradshaw, Sylvia Broady and Rosemary Smith
Congratulations to Lynda Stacey on a wonderful event. Best of luck with the release of her new book, ‘The Fake Date’. I am looking forward to interviewing her, with the book due to be released on 18th September.
Earlier this year, I chatted with Rhoda Baxter about my blogging adventure and was delighted to feature on the RNA website.
Cheers to the Romantic Novelists’ Association! Congratulations on 60 years.
Laptop, notebooks, sandwiches, party banners and sparkling wine crammed into my rucksack, I set off on my writing adventure in a department store. Rather than shopping for the latest bargains in store, I shopped for story ideas at a writing retreat in the community room of John Lewis Department Store. The writing retreat was organised by my local writing group. Party fever to celebrate sixty years of the Romantic Novelists’ Association was scheduled for the middle of the day.
I was serious about writing.
I collected my writing fuel at the coffee shop before venturing through the store’s security. When we walked through the corridors behind the store, I convinced myself we were about to board a plane. On reflection, I am pleased we did not meet any pilots because the factory girls are easily distracted. However, Pearl could have performed a stunning rendition of ‘Fly Me To The Moon’.
In a room aptly named the Discovery Room, we all braced ourselves for take-off into our own writing worlds. I panicked I would not be able to find any words. Nudged by the sight of authors working, I managed to get my imagination to take flight. I also deleted a character who had stowed away in one of the chapters. Once aboard the writing retreat, I had to delve into my imagination and was not tempted to chat.
The final chapter of ‘Loving You’ awaited my attention. Following edits, I realised my characters were not happy with their destinations. They needed to find out more the secrets haunting them. Armed with a huge notebook, I knew I had hidden the clues in there somewhere.
The writing party and words are in full flow for Jan Baynham.
There is a time to write and a time to relax. Before lunch, we celebrated sixty years of the wonderful Romantic Novelists’ Association. We marked the occasion with the party fever and shared sixty words from our romance novels. It was great fun guessing who had written the extracts. On Valentine’s Day, I will share the photos and celebratory parcels of words from the writing group.
Guess who wrote the extract?
Since the writing retreat, I crafted more chapters of ‘Loving You’. Jim and Pearl have offered gentle guidance and Doreen, one of the lively factory women, has gatecrashed a party. The writing retreat kick started my final chapters, and the support of the other writers helped to build my enthusiasm.
More serious writers at work.
Many thanks to my lovely writerly friends from the South and West Wales Chapter. I enjoyed attending the writing party and am now fizzing with words and ideas. Without membership of the New Writers’ Scheme, I would not have enjoyed this wonderful opportunity.
Do you enjoy writing retreats, or do you prefer to write in a room of your own?
Imagine walking into a bookshop and buying the entire shop. Three years ago, Mel Griffin bought a bookshop. It was an honour to meet the woman who is living my dream. Step inside Griffin Books, located in Penarth, and turn the pages of Mel’s bookshop story. Meet Elin who is the social media guru for the business.
Jessie: Owning a bookshop has been my dream since I was a little girl. Tell me about your story. Why did you decide to buy a bookshop?
Bookshop in my Handbag
Mel: As a teenager, I had a Saturday job in a bookshop and dreamed of owning one. Having worked in a global IT company for thirty years, I decided it was time for a new challenge. I visited this bookshop regularly and it rekindled my ambition to own a bookshop. The owners talked of retirement, so I asked if they wanted to sell. An impromptu question changed my life. Following a two year hand over period, I received the keys in 2014.
Jessie: It must have been exciting to receive the keys to your new life. Wow! This sounds like the narrative for a feel-good story.
Mel: I suppose it does but it is also hard work. It was great fun to rename the bookshop then build a new identity. My daughter helped me to choose the name. Initially, we were considering ‘Books, Books, Books’. In the end we decided to use our surname – Griffin – which then enabled us to create a great logo based on the mythical creature.
Jessie: How has the bookshop changed?
Rachel and customers present reviews and recommendations for the readers
Mel: I’m trying to emphasise contemporary literary fiction as well as more popular fiction and the classics. The stock is split equally between: fiction, non-fiction and children’s literature. I aim to stock unique books: different to the supermarkets. I’m delighted when my customers compliment me on my choices. Customers, friends of Griffin Books, are encouraged to write the reviews we display around the shop. I select books to suit my regular customers’ taste – it is their bookshop. For example, I bought the first in Julia Chapman’s Dales Detective Series with a customer in mind – the customer then wrote a very positive review which built up a bit of a following for Julia locally, eventually resulting in an invitation to the author. We hosted a lovely afternoon tea with Julia where she talked about the series and her future writing plans.
Jessie: Is it the customer focus that gives your bookshop its unique identity?
Elin: We have a regular customer base and it’s a friendly, warm environment: the bookshop is the hub of Penarth. Customers know we can make recommendations. But, the bookshop’s ethos involves more than selling books. We reach out to the community in lots of different ways.
Mel: Yes, this is a bookshop for the local community. The monthly book club is so popular we have set up a second group. Story time for the under-fives is great fun.
We also like to tackle issues to support the wellbeing in our community. Recently, we organised an event to help people reconnect with those suffering from dementia. We invited two local, self-published authors who had written about dementia. Elizabeth Webb-Hooper’s ‘Pennies from Heaven’ is about her personal experience of caring for a father with Dementia. Jane. M. Mullins’s ‘Finding the Light in Dementia’ is written from her viewpoint as a dementia nurse. Members of the local community supported the event and it was very successful.
To celebrate World Book Day, we visited the local schools and took the free books to the pupils. We are also happy to act as a base for ticket sales for local events.
Jessie: I’m impressed with the way you’ve developed a significant role in the community. I noted you narrowly missed Independent Bookshop of the Year 2018. Do you work with other independent bookshops?
The author events have also been building up over the years
The author events have also been building up over the years, because we have been working with Bookish, Crickhowell and Cover to Cover, Mumbles: we have formed the South Wales Independent Bookshop Consortium thus enabling us to attract higher profile authors. On Sunday, 3rd June, former Chancellor and PM Gordon Brown will be featuring in an event to talk about his memoirs: My Life, Our Times. Griffin Books is also organising the Penarth Literary Festival from 6th – 8th July. This will have an emphasis on writing from and about Wales, including local authors.
Jessie: What is the most popular genre?
‘Children’s books are the most popular genre.’ Elin
Elin: Children’s books are the most popular genre. I featured A Year in the Wild, by Ruth Symons and Helen Aspornsiri, on Instagram. Children like the experience of choosing a book here, as we have such a vibrant selection. I have been coming here since I was a child. I completed my Work Experience here and now I am working here. I love it! It is exciting to watch the business develop.
Jessie: Elin, your enthusiasm is evident, and your job will inspire job envy amongst the bookish community. I love your tweets about the statements your customers have made – so funny.
Mel, do you have plans to buy more bookshops?
Mel: No, I want to keep my arms around this shop where I am living and feel part of the community. I’m dedicated to developing the shop as the hub of the town.
Reading Journeys
Step inside Griffin Books, located in Penarth, and turn the pages of Mel’s bookshop story.
I was made to feel very welcome in Griffin Books. Walking into the shop is like stepping into a friend’s house. It was incredible to go behind the scenes and find out more about the life of a bookshop. I certainly don’t think there is much time for reading. However, I couldn’t resist finding out what inspired Mel and Erin’s reading journeys.
Mel, Elin and Rachel laughed about the impact of Enid Blyton Chalet School Series and Malory Towers Series. Apparently, they enjoyed the midnight feasts, skiing and adventures. Mel recalled reading Swallows and Amazons books at the age of six. She is currently reading Midwinter Break by Bernard Maclaverty.
Meet Rachel, Mel and Elin at Griffin Books.
I recommend you visit Griffin Books if you like to talk about books. Mel, Elin, Rachel, Dawn and Annie will be delighted to welcome you and offer you a complimentary cup of coffee while you browse. A bookshop very similar to Griffin Books was responsible for inspiring my own love affair with books. I wish I could cram this entire bookshop in my handbag, so I could escape there at a moment’s notice.
The quirky vintage appearance of this shop symbolises the essential old-fashioned focus on the customer. However, the website and social media pages display Mel and her team’s vision for a twenty first century bookshop that reaches out to the community.
I hope Griffin Books will celebrate Independent Bookshop of the Year 2019.
‘Autumn is the best time of year for me to write because the tranquillity inspires reflection.’
The light is magical in October and bathes everything in a warm glow. There is also a stillness in the air, suggesting nature is waiting to go to sleep so that it can create more colour in the spring. Autumn is the best time of year for me to write because the tranquillity inspires reflection.
As leaves flutter to the ground, characters come to life. The promise of the festive season hovers as winter waits patiently to present the first shimmer of frost. It is no wonder, then, that I am delighting in penning a Christmas scene at the moment.
I am writing a novel set in World War Two. It is a joy to escape to the era where my grandmother was a young woman and the festive season required creativity. At Christmas time, my grandmother made her own festive wreaths and table decorations with foraged holly, ferns and berries and added bows and gold paint. She told me stories of how my great grandfather spent months making and renovating toys in the lead up to Christmas. I have given this resourceful nature to the characters. Everyone was creating Christmas decorations the last time I visited my novel.
‘Thanks to my grandmother’s memories of the era, love and laughter are shining in the scene packed with friends and family.’
Thanks to my grandmother’s memories of the era, love and laughter are shining in the scene packed with friends and family. Furthermore, families are collaborating to celebrate Christmas and there are some heartwarming moments, especially when gifts are exchanged. Romance is also sparkling but a mystery lurks beneath the Christmas magic.
‘As leaves flutter to the ground, characters come to life’
When I listen to the characters chat, I reflect on how we can create a unique Christmas without all the expense. Recent events have made me very aware of how much people matter and my characters teach me new things all the time. I am excited to share this heartwarming story one day, but for now I am enjoying the process of cutting back the scenes and walking amongst the words that have fallen.
Wishing you all a calm and creative autumn.
For more information about my writing and how Wales inspires my stories, please click on the links to the Frost Magazine below.
Each day the hills became easier and easier until I broke out into a consistent fast pace – almost jogging.
Writing takes me to another place and lets my mind travel. Alas, my imagination doesn’t burn off the calories and wandering through cyberspace does not count as exercise. In January, I knew I had to fight the constant fatigue caused by a sedentary lifestyle and word workouts. As a writer my income does not furnish me the opportunity to pay £700 in gym fees, so I used my imagination to build a fitness regime. Back in cyberspace, I found new trainers and decided to rediscover the power of walking.
At first, I completed half a mile each day and thought it better than no exercise. On my travels, I found concealed lanes and grabbed snippets of people’s lives along with stray sentences from conversations. I soon became hooked on the daily escape from my desk and decided to switch off my phone. Each day the hills became easier and easier until I broke out into a consistent fast pace – almost jogging. Within a month, I travelled to supermarket on shanks’s pony rather than firing up the car. I also let my mind do some walking when I pound the pavement. It is a two mile round trip. My rucksack replaced my handbag as is a brilliant way to carry the shopping and enhance the benefits of the walk. On opening my front door, a flood of words arrived without any effort. Better to let the words walk out of the mind rather than squeezing them out when sitting stationary at the laptop.
Within two months, the exercise boosted my energy and inspired me consider other changes to my lifestyle. The easy change was to reduce the portion sizes of my food. I love food and have no idea how these portions have crept up. I blame my husband’s wonderful cooking. I also abandoned my trusty builder’s tea for a selection of green teas as they aid digestion. I learned that green tea is loaded with antioxidants so thought I’d give it a try. Believe me it was difficult to give up my mug of dark brown Yorkshire tea, but as my habits changed, I became accustomed to it. Now I can’t face the many cups of brown tea and prefer the light refreshing tea; sometimes I rehydrate with a cup of warm water. Though I admit I do still drink my filter coffee as I can’t resist the aroma and taste. Habit had turned me into a serial tea drinker.
Cheers to your health and a creative approach to staying healthy and happy.
Over time I also noticed my stomach was swollen and uncomfortable. Having taken antibiotics, I researched the dangers and noted they can upset the gut flora. I realised that sauerkraut could make a difference. The bought sauerkraut is pasteurised, so I had to make my own. It did improve my digestion and I love it. Little did I know there is a whole trend in the consumption of fermented food. I highly recommend the homemade sauerkraut but be warned that you need to buy a fermentation jar with an air release valve. It is also essential to use salt without an anti-caking agent – it must be pure salt.
Researching healthy foods, I also stumbled on Greek yogurt which is a probiotic with many benefits. I have switched my plain yogurt for this delicious alternative. I eat the yogurt with chopped walnuts. The nuts have vitamins and minerals we require for a balanced diet. I love the texture of the Greek yogurt and like to pretend it is ice-cream. Sometimes I add a little Manuka honey to the combination. Pure luxury!
I love a happy ending! These simple changes have made a huge difference. I have a spring in my step again and am full of energy again. However, I must admit that I do allow myself treats and still can’t resist an afternoon tea: it’s about achieving a balance.
However, I must admit that I do allow myself treats and still can’t resist an afternoon tea: it’s about achieving a balance.
The journey to better health has been painless and I wanted to share them with you. Cheers to your health and a creative approach to staying healthy and happy.
If you have any health and wellbeing tips then please pass them on by leaving a comment. I am also happy to answer any questions.
The Sunshine Blogger Award empowers bloggers to celebrate other bloggers who are creative and bring positivity to the blogging community.
A nomination from Patricia Furstenberg for the Sunshine Blogger Award greeted me on a drizzly day in Wales. Patricia is a talented author and blogger and her kindness shines.
The Sunshine Blogger Award empowers bloggers to celebrate other bloggers who are creative and bring positivity to the blogging community.
Having blogged for three years in March, I am thrilled to receive this accolade and my first award. I never dreamed my blog would lead me to a global community of sunshine people. Connecting with people via my blog has gifted me with some lifelong friends and gives me such a warm feeling.
Here are the 11 questions set by Patricia for her nominees, with my answers:
Share one thing about yourself that would surprise your followers. I have a terrible fear of heights and once tried to get off a ski lift when it was ascending. I soon came to my senses when I saw how small the pine trees appeared from the lift.
Which do you prefer, mountain or sea?
The sea, the sea! I always visit the sea when I need inspiration. I like to let my mind wonder out to the horizon. I love to sit in a pier coffee shop when the weather is stormy.
The sea, the sea! I always visit the sea when I need inspiration.
What is the highest / furthest point you travelled to?
I have managed to walk up Pen y Fan one step at a time. We travelled to Singapore to stay with friends. What an experience! Singapore is so clean and never stops. The food markets were vibrant. I would like to return and then travel on to Australia.
You stand on a 1m high brick wall. Would you jump off or climb slowly?
I was once chased by a bull, made the leap of faith from a high wall and was absolutely fine. I may try it again!
If you would only start your writing career now, where would you begin?
I would begin by writing career by making an application to join the RNA News Writers’ Scheme. The support from the scheme is wonderful for a new writer.
Which animals you feel it represents you best?
I am like a loyal dog who values friendship and kindness, but sometimes I like to be let off the lead to roam free and explore new territory. And at other times I like to crash out in front of the fire and sleep.
Are you an early riser or night owl?
I do get up early but tend to have my writing inspiration in the evening, and I am certainly more creative when I have had lots of sleep.
Was writing your first choice as a career? If not, what was it?
Writing was always my dream, but I pursued a career in education. I thoroughly enjoyed making a difference to children’s lives and inspiring their creativity. I am blessed to have the opportunity to pursue my own creativity these days.
What is your comfort food?
Yorkshire puddings are my comfort food and the best ones taste like sunshine to me. The taste and smell takes me back to the lazy Sundays of my childhood.
Best way to relax and recharge?
I walk daily. Walking untangles any plot niggles, let’s me spend time with my characters and energises me.
What is your favourite word?
At this time of year my favourite word is hygge. The quality of cosiness and comfortable conviviality that engenders a feeling of contentment or well-being is evoked in one simple word – hygge. Though I am not sure I say this word correctly.
I also discovered this lovely quotation from The Book of Hygge.
“Just living isn’t enough,” said the butterfly, “one must have sunshine, freedom and a little flower.” -Hans Christian Anderson”
― Louisa Thomsen Brits, The Book of Hygge: The Danish Art of Living Well
Congratulations to the shiny sunshine people I have nominated
Blogging takes me to a happy place, and I love it when people join me. Thus, it is fitting to acknowledge some sunshine friends by nominating them for the Sunshine Blogger Award.
Congratulations to the shiny sunshine people I have nominated. I want you receive recognition for reaching out with your creativity and kindness. I appreciate you may not have time to respond with a blog so do not feel under pressure. I am happy for you to simply enjoy the glory and celebrate with coffee and cake.
If you choose to accept the Sunshine Blogger Award nomination, there are a few rules:
Thank the blogger(s) who nominated you and link back to their blog.
Answer the 11 questions the blogger asked you.
List the rules and display the Sunshine Blogger Award in your blog post.
Nominate 11 new bloggers & their blogs. Do leave a comment on their blog to let them know they received the award and ask your nominees 11 new questions.
Here are 11 questions for my nominees:
Which three photographs would you present to capture your life? Feel free to include these in this post if you can.
I believe laughter is one of the best tonics in life. When was the last time you could not stop laughing?
Explain the last act of kindness you showed to a friend or stranger.
Do you prefer the winter sun or the summer sun? Explain your response.
Describe your perfect Saturday evening.
What sorts of characters do you prefer to meet in novels?
Give one sentence of advice to yourself when you were sixteen.
Is there a friend from the past you would love to get in touch with and why?
What is your food heaven and food hell?
Share your favourite recipe.
If you could travel back in time where would you visit and who would you take with you?
Wishing you all a wonderful Twixtmas. My late gift to you is a little Christmas quiz, so grab a drink and a mince pie and see how well you do. The final five questions involve guessing the answer to Christmas cracker jokes I collected on Christmas Day. Good luck!
Grab a mince pie and a drink and let’s get quizzing.
How many ghosts turn up in A Christmas Carol?
The movie Miracle on 34th Street is based on a real-life department store. What is it?
What words follow “Silent Night” in the song?
Which Hollywood actor played six different roles in The Polar Express?
Which Christmas song contains the lyric “Everyone dancing merrily in the new old-fashioned way?”
Which one of Santa’s reindeer has the same name as another holiday mascot?
Which country started the tradition of putting up a Christmas tree?
According to the song, what did my true love give to me on the eighth day of Christmas?
Which country has been donating Trafalgar Square’s Christmas tree to London every year since 1947?
What gift did Harry Potter receive from the Dursleys during his first Christmas at Hogwarts?
In the 2008 Gavin & Stacey Christmas special what gifts does Nessa give to everyone?
Question: Who was killed off in 2012’s Downton Abbey‘s Christmas special cliffhanger?
Which British monarch is thought to be the first to enjoy turkey on Christmas Day?
In what year was the first Christmas card sent?
If you were born on Christmas Day, what star sign would you be?
Who originally sang Santa Baby?
In which country do folk give books as gifts on Christmas Eve?
How many people watched the Queen’s Speech on Christmas Day?
Christmas cracker joke challenge.
Cracker jokes!
What happened to the person who stole the advent calendar?
Where do snowmen go to dance?
Who is Santa’s favourite singer?
What do you get when you cross a snowman and a vampire?
Why can’t Christmas trees knit?
Raising a glass to you all to wish you health and happiness for 2022.
Which country started the tradition of putting up a Christmas tree?
Answers
1. Four, 2. Macy’s, 3. Holy night, 4. Tom Hanks, 5. “Rocking Around The Christmas Tree”, 6. Cupid, 7. Germany, 8. Eight maids a milking, 9. Norway, 10, Fifty pence, 11. One chocolate each from a box of celebrations, 12. Dan Stevens’ Matthew Crawley, 13. Henry V111, 14.1843, 15. Capricorn, 16. Eartha Kitt, 17. Iceland, 18. Tom Smith, 19. Boxing Day was a traditional day off for servants in which they received a ‘Christmas Box’ from their master. 20. 7.4 million viewers, 21. He got 25 days, 22. Snowball, 23. Elf-is Presley, 24. Frostbite, 25. Because they always drop their needles!
