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Having the space to think.

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Don’t you find that sometimes life fills your mind with things to organise, things to worry about and general daydreaming moments that whisk you away to distant and silent places. We are only human after all.

I’m currently tightening-up my third novel which comes out this November, and writing the next one in the series for 2014. Finding the space to do all of this whilst running a family life is not always easy. Even finding the space to write a blog post can be problematic. As I’m writing this, I’m listening to music on my Ipod, but I’m still being talked to periodically. I’d like to put up a visible barrier to say, “hey, I’m writing. I love you, but may I have some space?”

The type of space I’m seeking isn’t visible, so it’s hard to define to others around me. There is a risk of sounding harsh, demanding or egotistical, so care is needed not to fall into those categories. So how does one get the space to write and think?

Writers have a vivid and wild imagination, so perhaps we should take ourselves away to the peaceful domain of our dreams. Cast a shadow on the white sand beach and hear the waves lap against the shoreline. I’m halfway there now…

I admire and envy those writers who like to sit in a cafe and write. I would be too distracted by people watching and listening to snippets of conversation. But oh to be able to work in all that noise and sound (thank you Coldplay).

Space is perhaps what each individual makes for themselves an a variety of fashions. We a need to dig deep and find that which we desire, regardless of what is happening around us. I can let guilt swamp me, thinking that my 18yr and 16yr old daughters need my input as much as they did when they were little. They too need their space to do homework, study, listen to music and daydream. It’s not only writers that need space, we all need it at one time or another.

If you fancy reading my second novel, Attic of the Mind’ you may find it here http://www.amazon.co.uk/Attic-of-the-Mind-ebook/dp/B00BHM04NI/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1361708882&sr=1-1

http://www.amazon.com/Attic-of-the-Mind-ebook/dp/B00BHM04NI/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1361708955&sr=1-1&keywords=a

Thank you for supporting me in the drowning sea of authors.
Happy Word Flow One & All.

10 Things You Didn’t Know About Me

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I thought that it would be fun to tell you 10 thing about me which may help you get to know me better. Here is a little glimpse behind the scenes.

1) As a child I was a member of ABBA’s fan club, and I still enjoy their music today. Whenever it comes on the radio you will find be bopping around the kitchen.

2) I am a proud owner of the DVD box set of Agatha Christie’s Marple series in black and white, starring the magnificent Margaret Rutherford. I recommend you see her in action.

3) My favourite nail polish colour is black, for both finger and toes.

4) My kitchen is a homage to Cath Kidston and Emma Bridgewater, but I’m running out of space.

5) I fall asleep laying on my right side.

6) I can raise my top lip and snarl like Elvis. “Very attractive,” I hear you cry.

7) I am an only child. I think my vivid imagination comes from making up games to amuse myself as a child.

8) I love snacking on brie and green grapes.Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.

9) My middle name is Maria.

10) I was a David Cassidy fan in my youth, not a Donny Osmond one. People of my age will know that you fell into one camp or the other at that time.

So there you have it, 10 snippets about me. I hope this was fun and made you giggle in places. It might even have reminded you of things about your past.
Welcome to the latest followers.

Happy Word Flow One & All.

‘Barbed-Wire Butterflies’ by Jessica Kristie

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‘Barbed-Wire Butterflies’ by http://wintergoosepublishing.com/authors/jessica-kristie/ is a novel about human trafficking, published by http://wintergoosepublishing.com/.
It’s an account of a young girl faced with the atrocities of human trafficking and her struggle for freedom.
Due to her research around the issue, Jessica was compelled to become an activist regarding this terrible issue. To think that this still goes on in society is abhorrent.
100% of all print royalties and a percentage of digital copies goes to http://courageworldwide.org/ which is an international no-profit organisation, that is building homes around the world for children rescued out of sex trafficking.
Connect with Jessica Kristie on http://www.facebook.com/JessKristie and see the beautiful Barbed-Wire butterfly necklaces that are for sale. Once again, money raised goes to the charity.
Jessica is a poet, author, writer and activist. She has a huge heart and deserves to do well with this novel. Also check out her poetry on the Winter Goose site, it’s well worth a read.

Oh Yes, Happy New Year!

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It is widely said that an author should not ignore social websites and especially their blog, just because they prefer writing or have editing deadlines to meet. And so what have I been doing? Neglecting my blog.
Yesterday, I sent the final edits of  ‘Attic of the Mind’ to the Editor-in-chief with the publisher. I had spent five hours on the final day checking and re-checking every punctuation and capital letter, knowing that the occasional mistake will still slip in. I’m excited about seeing my ‘newborn’ in print, although I know I need to put in the effort to get her noticed.
So what New Year’s Resolutions have you made? I have ones that carry from one year to the next. Lose a bit of weight and tone up tend to be the top two! It used to be find an literary agent but since finding a publisher, that need has been bypassed for now.
Another resolution is to improve my writing and vocabulary. Both are in constant need of refreshing and updating if my writing is to continue to develop. Not only do I read writing magazines and books, but I also read other author’s blogs and websites, There is a wealth of knowledge at our finger tips on the web, so there’s no excuse to fall behind.
A resolution I should clearly make is to write my blog regularly. You will be able to witness how quickly I fail at this?
But more than just my writing, I’m still trying to develop a more laid-back and patient attitude. I’m calmer than I used to be, but I could do better. But then again, I suppose we all could to some degree or another.
I hope that 2013 brings you all much joy, success and laughter.
Happy Word Flow One & All.

Christmas Wishes

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Christmas is almost upon us and the gifts are wrapped under the tree. Lights decorate the home and the pantry is crammed with festive foods.
This year, however, I’m going to light a candle on Christmas Eve in memory of the children and adults who lost their lives so tragically in Sandy hook elementary school in the USA. As i watch the flame flicker and glow, with my two daughters sat next to me, I will remember those families who have lost loved ones, and remember how lucky I am to have my daughters to hold.
I also have my mind on writing, as ‘Attic of the Mind’ comes out in February, and hopefully the first in my detective series comes out in November 2013. I am busy writing the second detective book. Plotting murder and mayhem feels surreal as I sit near the tree covered in fairy lights, listening to Christmas carols.My mind map grows by the day and the characters are living and conversing in my head.
But I won’t be a selfish writer over Christmas – although I could be tempted! I will obviously unwrap gifts with the family, cook the meals, watch festive programmes and play oodles of card and board games. As is the tradition, we have a new family game for Christmas to add to the plethora we already have.
My wish is to have a peaceful and fun Christmas with my family, and for everyone everywhere to have the same. For those who find Christmas lonely, stressful, poignant or depressing, I hope that peace and love finds a way to them, and cradles them.
It is harder this year, in this time of austerity, but spending time with loved ones is more important than just giving gifts – although I do like to receive and give them!
Last December I signed a publishing contract with Winter Goose Publishing, and this Christmas, my eldest daughter has received a letter informing her of an interview next year for a place at uni as a veterinary student. That was the best present of all!
After years of writing this blog I finally feel like I am talking to friends, and I can sense you here with me as I write this post. Writing can be a lonely experience as well as a daunting one, especially when I see just how many authors there are on Twitter and FB. So moments like this allow me to connect with you and feel in the company of other writers who sometimes feel overwhelmed by the world of writing. we are all in this together.
Happy Christmas dear friends, and if you have the time, Happy Word Flow One & All.

Genre Swapping

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Finding a genre we can settle on as a writer is not always easy to do. We want to be part of a crowd for agents and publishers to know how to promote us, but we also want to stand apart to leap out from the slush pile. 
I have dabbled with several genre, although they all had a dark element to them. I found pure romance difficult to write as dark edges crept in almost without me noticing.
I have ‘labelled’ myself,  with the help of my publisher, as an author of contemporary women’s fiction. However, my next book, ‘Attic of the Mind’, has a dark side akin to a psychological thriller, where violence can also rear its ugly head. I have also written a crime novel featuring two detectives, which is with the publisher now, and I’m currently writing a second one in the series.
I think genre swapping refreshes my writing and imagination. I don’t have time to tire of one specific route, and it makes me view things in a different light. Ways to investigate if another genre would suit you is to have an open mind. Don’t restrict yourself  by thinking that horror or crime is beyond your reach. Challenge yourself and see where it leads. I always fancied writing crime, but I didn’t think I had the power to do it. Now I’m glad I did as my publisher is interested in it. Who knows what’s around the corner when we branch out.
Reading a variety of genres will also open your eyes to what is out there. I recently read a science fiction novel which I found surprisingly enjoyable, but I don’t feel a yearning to write one. Reading different magazines, newspapers and blogs can also highlight new angles and ignite new ideas in your mind. Writing a variety of genres is fun and exhilarating – at least it is for me.
Liberate yourself and try a different genre. Who knows, you may find yourself liking it!
Happy Word Flow One & All