Shanta Everington

2012-01-02T13:26:00.000-08:00

Happy 2012:

All those lovely blank pages to fill...

2011-12-24T11:20:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas
and a Happy New Year
to all...

Photo credit: babi

2011-12-13T05:44:00.000-08:00

Interview with Mike French

This month, I had the pleasure of interviewing Mike French, Senior Editor of The View From Here literary magazine and debut novelist, about his extraordinary novel, The Ascent of Isaac Steward published by Cauliay Books earlier this year. To read my review of the novel, please visit this Amazon link.

How did you conceive The Ascent of Isaac Steward?

I think it started off as a very small grain of sand conceived after my mind kept niggling away at me until I had to get to the keyboard and work it out of my head. That grain of sand was more about the desire to write rather than an idea and I had to find the story, form, tone, style – in fact everything as I went along as I had no experience of writing fiction before - unless you go back to my school days when I used to enjoy writing short stories. The whole experience was like finding and exploring a hidden room in your house that’s been bricked up for hundreds of years.

The book has been described as 'insanely ambitious, startlingly odd... One of the most extraordinary novels I have ever read' by R. N. Morris. That's quite an accolade, isn't it? I'm interested to know whether you set out to write something very clever or very weird or whether the book just took on a life of its own?!

It took on a life of its own and I had to reign it in and bring definition to the shape in the editing process. I wasn’t trying to be particularly clever or obtuse, I was just enjoying myself and writing what entertained me. In a sense it is a very honest novel where I allowed the book to breathe and to grow organically and I was careful that my own sensitivities didn’t get in the way. I think it’s fresh and different because of that.

How would you define the book's genre? Is it magical realism? Can a narrative that mixes memories of a fatal car accident and a Punch and Judy show with temporal prostitutes and custodians not to mention religious references even be defined?!

I’d say it was a literary novel but really it’s hard to box it in and I suspect that however you define it, it would find a way of escaping and popping up unexpectedly at some party where it would embarrass you in front of the host by ripping of its cover and jumping into the fountain.

I was moved by Isaac and felt the need to come away with a clear vision of what happened to him and so I did. But perhaps we all read our own stories into the same text... Did you have one interpretation in mind when you wrote it or do you see multiple meanings?

There is one central story but as to if that is actually happening or just Isaac’s mind reconstructing a version of reality around him or a mix of the two is left open for the reader to decide. But certainly yes there is one interpretation in my mind and I was just writing it in a way that seemed natural for me and mixing in layers much like adding fine detail into a painting. I think because I decided not to do a guided tour of what was happening all the time then people who want signposts all over the place with short attention spans get fed up and assume it’s just so abstract that any meaning goes. I think some people want books to have post it notes labelling everything like: this is Isaac … this is the field that Isaac is in. Isaac is sad. Poor Isaac.

What would you like your readers to take from the book?

I really have no specific thoughts on this other than a desire that you take away a sense of being immersed in something that connected and resonated in a personal way. I guess I’d like you to feel you’ve just spent an afternoon in an art gallery where you were surprised to see bits of your own life woven into the exhibits. Part of you wants to go back in and have another look and part of you wants to get some brown paper and cover it all up. Move along … nothing to see here.

What are your influences as a writer? What drives you?

Comics have been a huge influence on me. Stuff from Frank Miller like Sin City, Alan Moore’s Watchmen, Peter Milligan’s Shade the Changing Man from Vertigo comics. The strong visuals and storytelling and the way you can control the pace of a scene in comics and cause a reader to slow down at key moments all have been put in the melting pot of how I approach writing. I’m driven by the need to create something, as long as I’m creating I’m happy.

Can you tell me a bit about your life as a stay-at-home dad, writer and magazine editor? Are you living your dream life?

Well my life as a home dad has really moved onto school runs, washing and cooking, trips to the doctors etc. as my kids are all full time at school now and have been for years. I gave up my job as an optical engineer twelve years ago to become a stay at home dad and found the pre-school years very rewarding and very challenging! And am I living my dream? I think so, certainly as far as being published, but it feels more like I’ve been parachuted into the edge of it and I’ve yet to reach the centre where I’ll have to take a heavily fortified citadel. Who knows if I’ll survive that? I hope so!

I understand that you were looking for a publisher for Isaac for six years. Did you ever feel like giving up? What kept you going?

No I never felt like giving up although I had given up that it was going to happen soon and thought maybe it would be later in my life. What kept me going was the vision I kept in my mind of succeeding and reaching the top of what I knew was going to be a long hard climb. I can also be very stubborn and that helped! The whole experience was like having limbs hacked off you and then responding, Monty Python style, “it’s just a flesh wound,” before carrying on.

How much input did you have into the cover design, and why does it feel like rubber?!

My publisher kindly accepted my suggestion that Vicky Delfosse, the artist who works on The View From Here, be given the design brief. She came up with the most amazing cover and it’s really helped the book, especially in the shops where it looks great on the shelves. Vicky really ran with the whole thing and my only involvement was making choices when Vicky stuck different ideas or variations on the design in front of me. The rubber cover is so you can read the novel in the shower – have you tried that yet?

Er no! Moving swiftly on... so what's next for Mike French?

Well book 2 is finished. Called Blue Friday, it’s set in a dystopian society in the future where working hours are strictly controlled by the government and follows Leviticus, the leader of the Underground Overtime Network who fights for the right for people to choose when they can work. It really taps into the problems of using law to bring about social change. And book 3 is also done: it’s a children’s book called Dr Snouss Pouss about an inventor who makes things using cream cakes. I’m currently doing the artwork for it which at the moment involves concept sketches of one of the characters - a bear in a woollen spacesuit! After that it’s back to an adult novel again for book 4. Hopefully I’ll know more about when you’ll see these projects soon.

Thank you, Mike, and the best of luck with all your writing.

To find out more about Mike, visit http://www.mikefrenchuk.com/.

2011-11-03T03:50:00.000-07:00

Read all about it!

The first review of Unthology number 2, including a little bit on my story, Hang Up, has been published at Sabotage Reviews. It's always a curious experience reading someone else's interpretation of your work. My intentions for the characters in Hang Up were actually somewhat different from the reviewer's interpretation. But that's the beauty of the written word - all readers bring their own meaning.

Oh, and if you want to know how the Luton Book Festival thingy went, you can read all about that at The View From Here.

I can't get that Professor Green track out of my head now...

2011-11-01T04:00:00.000-07:00

OUT TODAY!

Unthology No.2 (featuring my short story, Hang Up) is published today with Unthank Books.

Available from the Unthank Bookshop, Amazon and from iTunes.

The book will be launched at the UnLit Book Festival in Norwich on 10 November 2011.

2011-10-14T05:01:00.000-07:00

Violent Possibility

Eighteen years ago, I was twenty-one years’ old and on my way to London’s Leicester Square to meet my new boyfriend when I knocked a pedestrian down. I was driving alone. The stereo would have been blaring R&B but I don’t recall the soundtrack; when I replay that night in my mind, there is no sound at all. I drive my dad’s red Sierra past the train station, the rush of people spilling out, shouting silently [...]

Read my life writing piece in full in issue 3 of Friction Magazine here.

Photo credit: Paramedix

2011-09-30T06:11:00.000-07:00

The View From Here ... Soldiers, ASBOs and Luton Book Festival NEWS

Some very exciting stuff going on at The View From Here literary magazine.

First up, I had the honour of interviewing the very talented Danny Rhodes, author of Soldier Boy and Asboville, who also happens to be a creative writing colleague at The Open University. Find out what Danny has to say about his inspiration, eureka moment and latest venture into e-publishing right here.

Secondly, I will be joining the master, Mike French, Senior Editor of The View From Here and author of The Ascent of Isaac Steward, to co-facilitate a workshop on Editing Your Book at the Luton Book Festival on Thursday 20 October at Luton library, 11.30am to 1.30pm. Written your novel, but don’t know where to start with editing it for publication? If so, come and join us! Tickets cost £3.00/person. Booking Essential. To book, contact the Box office 01582 547474 or book online.

2011-09-22T01:47:00.000-07:00

Practical Parenting Book Give Away!

My publisher, Need2Know Books, has arranged an exciting promotion for my new book, Baby's First Year: A Parent's Guide. 65 copies of the book will be given away in November's issue of Practical Parenting & Pregnancy Magazine (which comes out in October).

Every month, Practical Parenting & Pregnancy features a range of give aways, such as books, toys and childcare equipment. So if you'd like the chance to win a copy of my book, or any of the other goodies on offer, don't forget to pick up your November copy and head to pages 136-137!

2011-08-24T04:48:00.001-07:00

Back to school!

Well, I hope you're all enjoying the remnants of the great 'block and brolly' summer. As the school holidays draw to a close and The X Factor returns (yes, I'm addicted already), I'm getting ready to step up the writing for my new project, a young adult dystopian trilogy... (watch this space).

I've enjoyed spending glorious time with Smallboy over the summer, and having recently been commissioned as a Rough Guides contributor for the second year running, we've been able to experience some brilliant days out all in the name of research!

Also this month, the lovely Victoria Wilkinson grills me on parenting advice and becoming a writer for a blog interview over here!

2011-08-16T03:36:00.000-07:00

Guest blogger Dawn Evans talks about her experiences of her daughter Leila's first year.

Today I’m tired. And I know that when I’m tired I become less patient and more snappy. Lack of patience is not a good thing when dealing with a (nearly) two year old. I find it hard to achieve that balance between getting things done in a business-like manner and just letting things flow, and Leila knows it and exploits it (with a cheeky grin all over her face). But the point of this post is not about Leila as a two year old, but the first year that we spent together and what I learnt from that. And one of the main things that I learnt was the unconditionality of love that you feel for your child. Even when I’m at my least patient and my most snappy, I’m milliseconds away from gathering Leila up in my arms and covering her face with kisses. Because I love that face, and I love the little body that’s attached to it, and the arms and legs and each one of her fingers and toes. And even if my stating the fact makes you want to deposit your lunch in a bucket, I make no apology. I love my daughter.

Perhaps it’s obvious, perhaps it doesn’t need stating. But I think a lot of pregnant women have an occasional moment of panic that they might not love their new child. Many report the sense of relief when they first see their child and experience a massive surge of love, and for others it takes months. In my case, Leila was whisked away so quickly that the whole fact of her seemed like a surreal dream. I didn’t feel her actually enter the world because I’d had a spinal block. She didn’t cry, they didn’t tell me that she was a girl until I asked and then dad and baby were taken back to the labour ward while mum’s bleeding was staunched. And then I lay in the blessedly dark and cool recovery room, vaguely wondering where my baby was, but really just wanting to sleep. The big moment came when they wheeled me into the room where baby lay sleeping in dad’s arms and it was the most amazing thing that I’d seen in my entire life. Still I wouldn’t exactly describe it as love but an instinctive urge to protect my family, with claws and teeth if necessary.

And from there, everything that I thought I knew about the kind of mother I was going to be went out of the window. I didn’t have a colicky baby. I didn’t have a fussy baby. If Leila cried it wasn’t about getting dressed or being cold or not wanting a bath. She didn’t have to cry for food, because I fed when she rooted. If she cried, it was because she didn’t want to be separated from me. And frankly, I didn’t want to be separated from her either. Pre-motherhood, I’d thought controlled crying inherently sensible – nope, not for me. Pre-motherhood, I’d always said no to co-sleeping – at nearly 2 years, we still partially co-sleep. And the love came in truck-loads. And the thing that surprised me from the start was that I loved her as a person. I didn’t just love her as a baby or even my baby. I loved the little person that she was right from the beginning; I loved those little flashes of personality that at first only myself and my partner could see, but are now evident to everyone she meets. So my big piece of wisdom for the first year with your baby isn’t to do things the way I’ve done them. My big piece of wisdom, and I hope it holds good for the next 16 years too, is trust your instincts, trust your baby and trust your love. Oh and, sometimes you’re allowed to be tired and snappy, but if it’s everyday don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Dawn shares her experiences as a case study in my book, Baby's First Year: A Parent's Guide, out now with Need2Know Books.

2011-08-11T05:06:00.000-07:00

Guest blogger Jenny Kearney (the-gingerbread-house.co.uk) shares her personal experiences of her baby's first year.

(Pictured: Jenny's son at 6 days old)

I look back on my sons' first year and wonder where the time went! He is now a healthy and robust 16 month old, so different from the tiny baby we brought home from the hospital.

Like any parent to be I read everything I could get my hands on. As soon as finished work I would get out a baby magazine on my commute home and read it from cover to cover. I also had a shelf full of books, ranging from celebrity diaries to how-to manuals. I have to admit that I probably didn't finish many of the books, they were either too detailed, not detailed enough or had the wrong tone and got my back up! Many books have a preachy style which isn't helpful as new parents need advice and reassurance, there is no right or wrong way with a baby.

Thankfully with help from family, friends, a few choice books and the internet we struggled through those hazy first weeks and months. My son was quite an easy baby and I enjoyed every minute I spent with him. I loved watching him grow and we struggled through establishing a routine, getting out and about and weaning. Now I'm pregnant again I've ignored many of the baby books I squirrelled away. I have read Baby's First Year which was a great refresher and I'm also looking forward to having the confidence to trust my own instincts.

Jenny kindly interviews me about my new book, Baby's First Year: A Parent's Guide, over at the-gingerbread-house.co.uk

2011-08-01T05:11:00.000-07:00

OUT NOW!!!

Available from Amazon
or direct from Need2Know Books (with FREE e-book!)

2011-07-11T05:04:00.000-07:00

What happened to June?

Well, my baby turned five and we had a huge party at home with a bouncy castle in the garden and about 50 kids and adults... Next year I'm thinking take a SMALL group of kids to a play centre or somewhere where they will be entertained without resorting to making water bombs in my kitchen and throwing all the footballs into the neighbour's garden!

And I've been busy blogging elsewhere, interviewing the wonderful novelist Glenis Stott about the publication of her two novels, How Brother'Lijah Built the Ark and Without, over at The View From Here, and musing about how teaching creative writing for the Open University has influenced my own writing practice over at the OU Creative Writing tutors' blog.

School holidays are nearly upon me so I will be typing frantically on my latest work-in-progress until the end of next week, when I will hang up my writer's hat for a few weeks to enjoy the summer!

2011-05-31T07:06:00.001-07:00

The proof of the pudding

I've just finished going through the final bound proof for Baby's First Year: A Parent's Guide. This is the third proof I've looked at, it's been through the proof reader and should essentially be ready for 'signing off', so why is it that I spotting 101 new things that I want to change?!

My internal critic is screaming: Did I really write that? Oh, that doesn't sound right. It would be better if I changed that sentence around. I think the order of those paragraphs sounds much better the other way round and there really should be a comma there, shouldn't there? I'll just add a little bit more in there about ... Argh! Enough! It's supposed to be FINAL. I can't look at it anymore!

Move away from the bound proof, lady ...

PS Thank you for your patience, Trudi. I really am finished now. :)

2011-05-25T09:12:00.000-07:00

Stripped

Yesterday, I attended some really good training on Writing for the Web with The Media Trust, aimed at helping charities communicate more effectively.

Our trainer, Dan Fielder, was very engaging and knowledgeable. One thing he said that particularly struck me was that it takes a certain confidence to write plainly, and that simple writing comes from clear thinking. We are often tempted to dress our writing up with flowery prose to hide our insecurities. Stripping our prose bare can leave us feeling exposed. But we must always think about what we are communicating to the reader when we write.

The importance of Plain English isn't limited to writing for the web and it certainly isn't a new idea - George Orwell advocated the use of Plain English in 1946 in his essay on 'Politics and the English Language' - but one that can take a bit of getting used to.

This is something I will take away, not just when writing for the web but in all writing. We all want to sound clever, but when it comes to the written word, less is definitely more.

2011-05-17T05:56:00.000-07:00

NEW Rough Guide to Accessible Britain - Family Days Out

Last year, I had a lot of fun as part of the reviewing team for the Rough Guide to Accessible Britain: Family Days Out which has just been published online as part of the Motability website, with foreword by Emma Bowler.

Predictably, Smallboy's favourite pick of our local attractions was Adventure Island, although he was, more surprisingly, rather taken by Westminster Abbey too. I enjoyed reliving my childhood over at the V&A Museum of Childhood and the whole family enjoyed a stroll in Battersea Park.

Read about lots of other great family days out with over 75 attractions included in the guide, which can be searched by geographical area, attraction type or access criteria. Whether you, a friend or a family member has a disability, the Accessible Guide is the perfect tool to help you plan a great day out.

2011-05-08T04:46:00.000-07:00

Unthank Books...

... have accepted my short story, 'Hang Up', for publication in the Unthology no.2 to be published in November 2011. Yey, yey, yey! A long time coming - I've been looking for a publisher for this story for nearly six years! It was written in 2005 for an assignment on my MA Creative Writing and shortlisted for The Bridport Prize in 2009. I suppose it's a little unconventional in subject and form so it has found a perfect home with Unthank Books:

Unpredictable. Unconvential. Unthank. www.unthankbooks.com

2011-03-31T09:43:00.000-07:00

The View From Here - article on literary consultancies

Can working with a literary consultancy really help you to secure that elusive publishing deal? If your work is any good, it will eventually get picked up by an agent or publisher anyway ... won't it? So, why spend your money on getting your work appraised? Shanta Everington talks to five authors who have found success after turning to Cornerstones literary consultancy.

Read more in The View From Here Magazine article published online today...

2011-03-18T06:23:00.000-07:00

The proof of Baby's First Year: A Parent's Guide arrived this morning. Very excited to see it all laid out and looking lovely. It's almost a real book now!

Now I must go through everything very carefully ...

2011-02-26T05:16:00.001-08:00

Delivered!

Finally delivered the manuscript for Baby's First Year: A Parent's Guide to my publishers, Need2Know Books. Now all I can do is chew my nails and hope they like it! :)

2011-02-09T07:21:00.000-08:00

Final edits

Frantically doing final edits on my manuscript for Baby's First Year: A Parent's Guide, due with my publisher by the end of the month.

Been reading the Oxford Style Manual: The essential handbook for all writers and editors to assist with the editing process. Is it helping? Hmm, well, it is certainly a comprehensive tome setting out everything a writer needs to know about how to present their work. Is it making me feel better about my manuscript? Er, no.

I think we can safely say that I am now at the learning stage commonly known as 'conscious incompetence'.

2011-01-30T07:52:00.001-08:00

A new poem today on Cauliay Books Poetry Page:

Aquatic Alice

High speed artist of
the invisible world,
walking on water,
bouncing on her giant
trampoline, she swirls
colours below long legs,
shiny elastic surface

through the looking glass.

Can you see her?
Image intensifier. Look
closely. Be still. She
has something to say.
It is happening so fast.
It is happening so slow
Can you see her now?

2011-01-14T07:12:00.000-08:00

Good stuff!

A good review of 'The Terrible Twos' in 'The Woman Writer', magazine of The Society of Women Writers & Journalists. And a glowing report for the 'second' draft of my next YA novel, from a well known literary appraisal service (with a *whisper* kind of invitation after final edits). Scarily exciting... Eek!

2011-01-03T04:18:00.000-08:00

Goodbye 2010, Hello 2011!

Wishing all my fellow writers, bloggers, mummies, humans and creatures big and small a healthy, joyful and exciting 2011.

2010 certainly had its ups and downs for me. The first half went up and then things threatened to come crashing down :( so I'm pretty pleased to see the back of it, even though I suspect there may be a few mountains to climb before I reach steady ground again...

Some good things happened on the writing front in 2010 - I had my first parenting book published, with the second due out this year, was Writer in Residence for a project at Redbridge Book & Media Festival, commissioned as a Rough Guides contributor and had a few short stories and poems published too. Oh, and my debut novel (Marilyn and Me) was selected as the Summer Book Choice by the lovely ladies at Westcliff Women's Institute.

On the home front, we navigated the momentous transition of Smallboy starting school. My baby started school! And, just like everyone said he would, he started to sleep later in the monrings, yey! And - drumroll - he began to read (can you tell I am SO proud), joined a dance and drama group, and will be starting swimming lessons in a week. I look at him and wonder how he got so grown up when it seems like only yesterday he was born!

I have a lot to be thankful for. I can't really talk about the rubbish stuff but I'm glad it's behind me. Here's to 2011.

Care to share your highlights for 2010?

2010-12-24T04:34:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas everyone x

2010-12-18T03:33:00.000-08:00

Still shopping?

If like me, you've left your Christmas shopping to the last minute, don't panic! It's not too late to order some gorgeous Christmas gifts from two creative mummies I met in Smallboy's school playground... There are a lot of us about!

Divine Stone Carvings offers stone carvings, such as figures and statues, as well as carving words of wisdom or inspirational poetry into stone. Also available are fruit carvings and flower arrangements.

The Practical Gift Company offers a range of Christmas Gift Hampers such as The Cheese and Wine Hamper, The Christmas Baby Hamper and (my personal favourite) John Lennon Working Class Hero.

Order today for Christmas delivery or treat yourself in the New Year. :)

And if settling down with a book crammed full of short stories is your idea of heaven, then short story anthologies Mosaic (Bridge House Publishing) and Even More Tonto Short Stories (Tonto Books) could be right up your street. More info on my website here...

2010-12-09T04:47:00.000-08:00

'Easy-to-read... down-to-earth, practical and common-sense advice'

NCT review of The Terrible Twos: A Parent's Guide:

You’re shopping with your toddler in the supermarket. The trolley is overflowing, the frozen food is starting to drip and your little treasure decides to have a full-on tantrum in the middle of the sweets aisle.

Quick-thinking is needed to diffuse the situation. Will it be bribery, a firm voice, reassurance and cuddles, or a cowardly run for the checkout?

The Terrible Twos by Shanta Everington is an easy-to-read guide which talks parents through what is often a testing and thoroughly exhausting time. Shanta was inspired to write the book when her own son started to show challenging behaviour, and she offers down-to-earth, practical and common-sense advice on a whole variety of issues affecting two-year-olds ranging from tantrums to fussy eating, toilet training to sleep problems.

Shanta is never nannying in her advice on how to deal with different issues and scenarios, acknowledging that in parenting there is never one right answer.

In a bid to increase parents’ understanding of why a child may behave in a certain way, Shanta tries to give a toddler’s take on situations. Life can seem quite overwhelming in their little world and if we can see things from their point of view it might make it easier to see why difficult behaviour is happening.

With my fourth child about to enter the terrible twos, I will pinch her idea of writing a list of ten great things about your toddler to stick on the fridge ready to look at during those ’tear your hair out’ moments.

Reading The Terrible Twos is never going to transform your two-year-old overnight, nor does it promise to, but it will certainly give you some fresh ideas on how to arm yourself for tomorrow’s battles at the supermarket...

By Rachael Newman-Sanders © NCT maintains copyright on all content for this review.

2010-11-23T04:34:00.000-08:00

In The Guardian today!

Congrats to the very talented Tim Rushby-Smith on his article in The Guardian today and a huge thank you for plugging DPPI's new guide!

http://www.guardian.co.uk/society/2010/nov/23/challenges-disability-pregnancy

Pregnancy, birth and early parenthood - a guide for physically disabled parents is available from DPPI here.

2010-10-29T08:25:00.000-07:00

Oops, what happened to October?

It's been a long time since I've gone a whole month without posting but then it's a long time since I've been quite this busy!

I've been slogging away at my second parenting book, 'Baby's First Year: A Parent's Guide', which will be published in May 2011. We now have a fabulous cover image - yey - and the book is available to pre-order on Amazon (this is when the panic sets in that I haven't actually finished it yet!) However, having just read the first Amazon 5 star review! (thank you! thank you!) for 'The Terrible Twos: A Parent's Guide' I'm calming down a little and allowing myself to believe that it will all be okay.

Other news: I was recently approached by Rough Guides to contribute to the Accessible Guide to Britain Third Edition which focuses on family days out and am conducting 'mystery shopper' style days out at the weekends with my husband and son. Fingers crossed it doesn't rain this weekend then...

There's been plenty going on with my part-time jobs too. At Disability, Pregnancy and Parenthood International, we have just launched 'Pregnancy, birth and early parenthood: a guide for physically disabled parents' (more info here soon). And as the academic year has started, so too has my online teaching with The Open University - I'm working with a lovely bunch of enthusiastic students and best of all, except for the odd Saturday tutorial, I don't even have to leave the house! Now that's what I call family-friendly accessible working...

Oh, and I sort of committed myself to a little voluntary work with my local branch of the NCT (National Childbirth Trust) as you do.

Now all I need to do is carve out a pumpkin and organise some food and fun for Sunday... [Collapses in a heap]

2010-09-30T01:00:00.000-07:00

A big thank you...

... to everyone who took part in The Terrible Twos blog tour this month.

I am very grateful to all the parents who shared their experiences on my blog and also to the lovely bloggers who interviewed me or hosted guest posts about my experiences of writing the book. Kate Lord-Brown, Rachel Pattisson, Samantha Barrett-Acquah, Katina Wright, Dawn Colclasure-Wilson, Karen Dalgado, Megan Taylor, Marianne Whooley, Elaine Hobbs, Colette Colcannon - you rock!

Also, a big thank you to my publisher, Kate Gibbard, from Need2Know Books, for being interviewed here and to Mike French at The View From Here magazine for letting me plug the book over there too! I would also like to thank Westcliff Women's Institute for having me at their book event on 9 September and my local Yellow Advertiser for featuring a very cheesy picture of me holding 'The Terrible Twos: A Parent's Guide' lol.

And if reading all those wonderful posts hasn't been enough to tempt you to buy the book, maybe the price will... Right now, you can buy the Ebook for £3.99 direct from Need2Know Books, or buy the print copy for £9.99 and get the E-book absolutely FREE!

2010-09-25T01:00:00.000-07:00

I am honoured to be interviewing my publisher, Kate Gibbard, Imprint Manager for Need2Know Books. Read on for an inspirational behind-the-scenes look at this exciting and fast growing imprint, publishing self-help guides in a range of areas from parenting and health to business and lifestyle titles.

Hello Kate. How long have you been involved with Need2Know Books?

I've been working with Need2Know for the last 3 years. There were no more than 4 titles when I first joined the company, and this week we've celebrated our 100th commissioned title!

Wow, that is an impressive rate of growth! How did the Need2Know Books imprint start off?

Ian Walton, managing director of Forward Press Ltd, was the inspiration behind Need2Know. He saw that there was a gap in the market for books which 'did exactly what they said on the tin.' Guides written by experts that could be read by anyone at anytime. Ian was fed up with reading books that waffled on - he wanted to produce a range of books covering everything a reader would, excuse the pun, 'need to know' on a particular subject.

Can you describe a typical day at the Need2Know Books office?

I switch my computer on at 7.30am (after making myself a large black coffee!). I spend 30 mins checking emails and then plan the day's action before the N2K team arrive at 8am. If it's a Monday, we have a team meeting, going through action for the week. If we have a book ready to go to print, I will spend the morning signing off the final cover and insides, and will then meet with production to go through printing schedules. I will meet with despatch to ensure books are being packed on time, and I'll also take a look at the day's orders. In the afternoon I will look at the marketing being carried out for the week and provide my input. I will catch up with the sales reps and may sign off advertising. Throughout the day I will take calls from authors who wish to discuss their work. By 4.30 it's time to go home - usually armed with new proposals to read!

No day is the same at N2K, which makes it a very exciting imprint to work for. Yesterday, for example, we spent the day researching new titles and brainstorming for 2011/2012!

I approached Need2Know with The Terrible Twos proposal after seeing the list of topics you were actively seeking proposals for on your blog... How do you identify which topics you are particularly interested in?

We know what titles we are looking for - we do extensive research and use input from our sales reps to work out what titles could be a success; i.e. is there an existing market? Is the market changing? What is the competition? How can we be different? What's our unique angle? However, often authors submit ideas that we've not thought of (always welcomed!), backed up with their own research into the market. This is great, as it gives us even more variety.

What was it about my Terrible Twos proposal that particularly appealed to Need2Know?

Most importantly, your proposal was really well written and you had the personal and professional background to back up your words. You followed our guidelines and style perfectly, so it was obvious that you'd done your research. You included a synopsis, chapter breakdown, draft introduction, sample chapter, market analysis and author profile; with all angles covered, you gave us the assurance that you could confidently write about this subject.

Thank you. :) What do you look for in a potential Need2Know author?

First and foremost, an author who can write really well and keep to deadlines. We also look for authors with strong backgrounds in the particular subjects they're covering.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors who would like to be published with you?

Visit the website (http://www.need2knowbooks.co.uk/) and look at our existing set of titles. If you have a particular title in mind, do your research. Then, get in touch with us to discuss (sales@n2kbooks.com) and we will send you an information pack. The information pack will also include the list of titles that we're seeking authors for, so do get in touch if you're interested in writing for us.

What topics are you currently seeking authors for?

Heart Disease, Dental Hygiene, Foot Care, Book Keeping, Becoming a Childminder, Leukemia, Step Parenting, Home Schooling, Wedding Planning on a Budget, ID Theft (how to protect), Nutrition for the Elderly - and the list goes on. We encourage authors to contact us for the full list and an information pack.

Thank you Kate for taking time out of your extremely hectic schedule (7am starts!?!) for a very interesting interview!

And today, for my final appearance on this blog tour, I'm over at The View From Here magazine, musing about what it means to be a writer.

2010-09-22T01:00:00.000-07:00

Today, we hear from Elaine Hobbs, another of the amazing mums featured in my book, The Terrible Twos: A Parent’s Guide.

Hi Elaine. What did you find to be the main challenges (if any) of the terrible twos?

The main challenges of the Two’s for me I think were firstly, the dealing with her asserting herself. I want her to feel she has choices and a say in what she does. But trying to strike a balance between letting her choose and trying to get her to understand why I didn’t think it was such a good idea and encouraging her to change her mind was….interesting. The ‘I want to wear a strappy summer dress in the snow’ situation!! While I would love to let her learn from her mistakes, within reason!! I then don’t want a child with a serious cold and who cannot sleep, eat or just sit without being comfortable and being grumpy. This was when she was a bit older, but things like don’t pull that Etana, there’s a book on that and if you pull it, it’ll bump you on the head! And she pulls it anyway!

Problem number two was the battle of the food! I encouraged Etana to eat a wide range of foods, as I’m a very very picky eater, and didn’t want her to be! Weaning was fairly easy, but the when I tried to introduce options and choice, many a bowl ended up on the floor! I tried giving her the things she liked with another added ingredient, but she always new and pushed it away. Or she changed he mind, and I’d end up doing a whole new meal for her! Kids are way too smart, even at two!!

Do you have any top tips for other mums and dads in coping with this stage?

My top tip is to chill out. She had a healthy appetite, just not for a range of things. I eventually got in the frame of mind that at least she was eating something, as she’d had a nasty ear and throat infection and didn’t eat for three days!! It was horrible. So like I said, as long as she was eating, she was getting some sort of nutrition and soon bored of that food anyway!! And I say we all learn by trial and error, just make sure it’s not a dangerous lesson!! Let them try a few things for themselves, if they see that you’re advice was right, they may possibly, but probably not, listen to you in the future.

Did you read any parenting books that helped (or hindered)?

I didn’t read any help books as such. A few times I referred to the one the NHS gave me for things like trying to get a sleeping routine, but mostly went by instinct. The thing is, every family is different. Different backgrounds, different social, employment and financial situations. It’s all very well saying take the time to do this, but if at the kids bedtime, you’re due at a meeting, or your shift at work starts, where’s the bit in the book for that?? I know of parents that religiously followed guidance in books, for example, Gina Ford, but again, that’s aimed at parents who have the chance to ‘obey the rules’ of the regime. I had to return to work when Etana was 9 months old and so any thing like that was out. I basically just went with the flow. She’s hungry, feed her, Dirty? Bathe her, Bored? Played with her, etc

Why did you agree to be a case study in The Terrible Twos: A Parent's Guide?

I liked the idea that this book was by parents for parents. Not just experts whose kids are 40 years old and married with kids themselves! As a single parent, the old style advice isn’t always fitting. I have had to rely on the help of close friends and family. And that’s ok. I don’t feel bad about it; it’s just the way things are. And that’s just it, to hear a view of someone in the same boat may help someone deal with it a little better. The families in the book are all so diverse it’s lovely to read that’ it’s not just us!’

Your case study was about Etana's favourite play activities. Have they changed as she's got older?

Oh yes! I don’t get away so lightly anymore!! Gone are the days when a blob of play dough would entertain her for ages!! . Though saying that, she’s really into drawing and early attempts at writing, which is easily catered for. Paper and pencil! She now likes ‘equipment’ to play with. A bike, scooter, a princess wand that MUST be Disney! She does love to dance, so I always carry an mp3 player to keep her occupied and interested. Still a lot of role play/dressing up, but again, If I don’t get the lion roar just right…….!

What was the best thing about parenting a two-year-old? How does four compare??

The best thing about having a two-year-old is the amazing development! New words, her understanding of the world around her as she finally works out I’m still there even when I cover my face with my hands! And the improvement in communication. It’s great when they can make themselves understood, even if it is by the bowlful of cereal on the floor that you now know they don’t like that!!

For me personally, I think they’re incomparable. The changes are so different. For instance, Etana now has no problem making her point known and herself understood, but she is smart enough to quote adverts at me and tell me ‘ don’t just eat it mum, taste it! And ‘I want another yoghurt, yoghurt is good for me, it’s got milk in for my bones!’

And the challenges differ too. At two, our main problem was understanding each other. Now, at four, she just chooses to ignore me to the point that I end up clicking my fingers right in front of her nose and she tells me off for being so noisy! I know she hears me, but she chooses to ignore! Until I say something like’ oh well, no park today then!’ that usually grabs her attention!

Thank you, Elaine, for your fascinating answers!

You can read an extract from my book The Terrible Twos: A Parent's Guide for free today over at http:www.funkymammy.blogspot.com so TRY BEFORE YOU BUY!

2010-09-18T03:08:00.000-07:00

I hope you are enjoying reading the different experiences and tips from all the parents featured in my book, The Terrible Twos: A Parent’s Guide. Today, it is Marianne Whooley's turn... Marianne has the joy of 'double trouble' as the mum of twins!

Hi Marianne. What did you find to be the main challenges of the terrible twos?

Having only just entered the terrible twos phase I'm still holding my breath and waiting. However, I have noticed an independence in both girls with regards to eating what they want and more importantly On Their Own. I have also noted Bessie's phenomenal success in throwing a tantrum. I have no idea where she learnt this from, it seems to come naturally, and she seems to be perfecting it as she goes along. It keeps me on my toes.

Do you have any top tips for other mums and dads in coping with this stage?

Remember tantrums are born out of frustration and more often than not a hug, a cuddle and a quiet talking to will help calm the situation down.

Did you read any parenting books that helped (or hindered)?

I read many books, I loved Twins! and Double Trouble also the TAMBA book. I did not like Gina Ford's book one bit and consequently gave it away.

Why did you agree to be a case study in The Terrible Twos: A Parent's Guide?

I enjoy reading other people's experiences and hope in return I can pass on some good knowledge to others in the same boat. There's nothing like word of mouth is there?

Your contribution to the book was around your daughters' meal time routines and eating habits. How are Bessie and Alice doing in this area now?

We are doing very well. However it easy to fall into the trap of only serving what they know and like rather than keep offering new tastes knowing they will come up with initial disapproval as they don't recognise what's on the plate. I do keep insisting with new foods but when I'm exhausted I too drag out the fish fingers or the chicken nuggets for my own sanity.

What do you enjoy most about parenting your two-year-old twins?

The girls were two in July and I love that they can now communicate with us and I adore listening to them talking and coming up with new words every day. I love the fact they can occupy some of their own time now and get on with a game or task (e.g. colouring) without me being there 100%. I only wish I had more time in the day to do everything I would like to!

Thank you, Marianne for taking time out of your very busy day to answer my questions!

Marianne has also kindly interviewed me about The Terrible Twos: A Parent's Guide over at her blog here.

2010-09-15T01:32:00.000-07:00

Today, we hear from Karen Dalgado, another of the amazing mums featured in my book, The Terrible Twos: A Parent’s Guide.

Hi Karen. You have two young sons (now aged four and two). What did you find to be the main challenges of the terrible twos first time around and second time around and how did you deal with them?

The first time around everything was new, so even though I'd heard of the terrible twos, I wasn't really sure what to expect or how best to deal with it. I found it difficult to understand why my son's behaviour had suddenly changed. I think with the second I'm a lot more relaxed, understanding and don't expect as much. My second son always seems younger, he's always the baby so I expect him to act like a 'baby'. It's really just my perception that has changed and so my younger son has an easier life which is better for everyone.

For instance, both boys used to nap in the day and wake up fine and happy but during the second year they started to wake up in a really bad mood. With the first it was a real annoyance and I couldn't understand why, plus I had a little baby to deal with too. With the second I just deal with it by giving him a big cuddle and when he's ready he gets off my lap and goes and plays happily. I couldn't really do that with the first, he was unlucky in that way, he was forced to grow up faster because he had a younger brother already.

Last night for the first time my second son (now two years old) had a big tantrum where he was crying hysterically and kicking and hitting. It was something his brother used to do, where he'll want something but when I give it to him he says he doesn't want it so I'll take it away and then he'll scream that he wants it again and whatever I do he always says he wants the opposite and nothing makes him happy.

With my first son it used to drive me crazy and I wouldn't know what to do but with my younger son last night I gave him a few chances and then when I realised nothing was going to make him happy I just picked him up and gave him a cuddle and carried him while I was hoovering and whatever I needed to do and it worked like a charm, he just stopped. I think cuddles work wonders and my first son didn't get enough of them during when he was two. It's also good to really try to work out what they're saying or ask them to show you if you can't work it out because it gets very frustrating for them to constantly be trying to get their point of view across.

Do you have any top tips for other mums and dads in coping with this stage?

Don't let it get you down, it will pass eventually. Give them lots of cuddles because human contact and the feeling of each other's skin is very important; children are very tactile at that age. Cuddles are good for everyone, even older people, they really dissipate anger.

Tiredness can have a really big effect on behaviour. I know I am really different depending on whether I've had a bad night or not. If I haven't got much sleep I am much less tolerant, easier to anger and have much less patience. If it makes so much difference to an adults' behaviour, imagine the effect it can have on a two year old. Tiredness has a lot to answer for so try and be patient and understanding even when they seem to be being so unreasonable, maybe all they need is a nap.

Don't expect too much and try to understand how difficult it can be to be someone so small with such little power or control. Being repeatedly told 'no' or 'stop' must be very frustrating so if you have to say it try to recreate what they were trying to do in a safer or more agreeable way.

I also would really like first time parents out there to know that there is not one prescriptive way to raise children. There are many different types of people doing it very different ways, so always do what's best for your family rather than just because some 'expert' has told you it's what you should be doing. Nobody knows your child like you and if something seems too difficult for you/your child it might be because it's not right for you. We're all individuals.

Did you read any parenting books that helped (or hindered)?

I hadn't read anything with my first son but began realising there were different styles of parenting after watching the Bringing Up Baby programme on Channel 4 a couple of years ago. I got more into reading about different types of parenting after my second son was born which helped me a lot.

My top book of all time (so far) is Raising Our Children, Raising Ourselves by Naomi Aldort. It is amazingly helpful I think and one book that I would recommend to every parent. It helps to be open minded and find out about different ways of doing things even if only to say it's not for me.

I also really liked Winning Parent, Winning Child: Parenting So Everybody Wins by Jan Fortune-Wood. This book really opened my eyes to a whole new perspective.

Unconditional Parenting: Moving from Rewards and Punishments to Love and Reason by Alfie Kohn. Another great book that helped me understand the futility of the whole punishment and reward system that we as a society have going on throughout life.

Three in a Bed: The Benefits of Sleeping with Your Baby by Deborah Jackson. I loved this book. I already slept with both my babies in my bed from day one but had no idea about the history to do with it, how beneficial it is for babies and mothers. I would never do it any other way after reading this book.

What Mothers Do: Especially When it Looks Like Nothing by Naomi Stadlen. This book is beautiful and made me want to cry. I wish I'd read this book when I first became a mum then I would have known the truth from the start that instinctually as mothers we know what is best for our babies and don't need other people to tell us the right way to care for them.

What is the best thing about parenting a two-year-old?

I just really love having this tiny little walking talking person who follows me around and gives me lots of cuddles. Who thinks I'm the most important person in the world and wants to go everywhere with me and be involved in everything I'm doing. I love going shopping and having my son in the trolly chatting away to me asking me questions, saying funny things pointing at things. I love that everyone loves them and wants to talk to them even strangers. I love that at this age they are their own little people with their own likes and dislikes and opinions on everything. I think the best thing of all is probably seeing or hearing them learn new things everyday, like coming out with a new word or sentence or having the courage to go on the climbing frame alone. Oh and I love to watch his little babyface sleep, they're soo beautiful.

Thank you, Karen, for your insightful answers!

Today, I am also being interviewed by the talented novelist, Megan Taylor, about writing The Terrible Twos: A Parent’s Guide, at www.megantaylorblogstories.blogspot.com.

2010-09-11T01:00:00.000-07:00

Today, I am delighted to host a guest post by fellow writing parent, Dawn Colclasure-Wilson, who lives in the USA. Dawn is also featured in my book, The Terrible Twos: A Parent’s Guide.

Careful What You Wish For: Living Through the Terrible Twos

I am beginning to think that the whole "terrible" part of a child's second year of life is different for every parent. I mean, the "terrible" can be because of the child or because of this experience for the parent. Or both.

I know that [my daughter] acts negatively not because she is "bad" but because of other factors: She's tired, scared, hungry, confused, hyper, etc. I have to remind myself of this the next time she screams for something she can't have or does nothing but cry after she wakes up from her nap. She just doesn't understand things and her limited vocabulary makes it even harder for her to understand me when I tell her why she can't have something, why someone has to leave, etc.

But it is "terrible" for me in that I can hardly have a moment's rest. She is so active!

These words were written in a blog I kept during my first child’s early years of life. I remember commenting to members of my family on how I didn’t understand why they called the second year of a child’s life “the terrible twos,” because my own 2-year-old was such a good girl.

But that was then. This is now. Now I have another two-year-old in my life, and I’m learning exactly what the “terrible twos” is all about!

My second child has always been prone to causing mischief, yet it seems that since he turned 2, that mischief-causing factor has grown off the charts. He will purposefully get into his big sister’s belongings – using her markers to write on the walls, emptying her wallet on the floor and tearing pages out of her books. Or, sometimes, he’ll stand around holding something he knows he is not supposed to have – my digital camera or his father’s nicotine lozenges, for example – and wait until somebody notices him just so he can be chased around the house. Then there are the times he’ll zero in on my spice cabinet, emptying out the cinnamon or pouring out the vanilla, as well as the many occasions he has shut off the computer while a family member was right in the middle of something on it. A favorite mischievous activity of his is getting hold of the hose in the back yard, turning the water on and pointing a stream of water at his sister, who up until then had been quietly playing in another part of the yard. Once, he connected the idea of using the hose to the fact that the back door was open, pointed it inside, and flooded the house.

Still, I know that sometimes, the things he does are not so much him being “bad,’ but more of how he wants to do things himself. Many times he’s thrown a tantrum because he could not operate the microwave by himself, or he has gotten scolded because he thought he was old enough to use his big sister’s toothpaste and pour out the stuff onto his own toothbrush. Other times, it is just a matter of being patient with him, talking in a calm voice, allowing him to figure things out on his own and not trying to rush him so much as he learns how to open a door or put things where they belong.

My son’s actions have introduced him to a common form of punishment we use: Time-outs. He has also been sent to his room, denied dessert and sent to bed early. These “terrible two” experiences of my son causing so much mischief have created a lot of stress and chaos in our small family, but we are getting through it together. It’s a whole new avenue of parenting we are exploring together and I know that as long as we enforce discipline and let our growing boy know that certain things are a no-no, he will come around and understand that when he causes mischief, he will likely get into trouble.

Chalk it up to kids being kids or pass it off with the popular comment of how “boys will be boys.” I can only see all this mischief my little one causes and know that I am definitely experiencing what the “terrible twos” is like this time around. I wanted to know what that was all about and now I am living through it! The terrible twos? Oh, yes. I know this term so well, because now I can say with confidence that I have been there and done that!

Dawn is also kindly interviewing me on her blog over here today so check it out!

2010-09-08T01:00:00.000-07:00

Today, I am talking to Samantha Barrett-Acquah, mum to Nia, who kindly acted as a case study in my book, The Terrible Twos: A Parent’s Guide.

Hi, Samantha. What did you find to be the main challenges of the ‘terrible twos’?

I have to say that my expectations of the ‘terrible’ the twos were a lot worse than I actually found it. The main challenge I think has been trying to understand how Nia would push the boundaries. Not wanting to go to bed was one example, especially as she was in a good routine, then one day she decides she doesn’t want to follow the routine anymore! Frustrating to say the least, and when you have had a long day at work and are tired yourself it is so easy to just say, ooh never mind, just let her stay up and fall asleep when she is ready. Nia has also developed the skill of sulking like a teenager! Folding her arms and pushing her bottom lip out!! At times, it makes me want to laugh but generally I try to ignore it. And this sulking can be for the smallest of reasons like not wanting to sit at the table to eat her food!

Do you have any top tips for other mums and dads in coping with this stage?

Try and stick to the good routines you already have in place. I have been tempted and have on some occasions slipped from her routine because at the time it seem easier than dealing with the sulking and crying. But in the end it was better to be consistent. Sticking to a routine as much as possible seems to help and now Nia is the one reminding me of her routine!

Also, speaking to other parents who have children of the same age. It is reassuring to know that what you are experiencing is normal. Sharing ideas and coping mechanisms has really helped me. Also reminding myself that everything I am going through with Nia is a first…so it’s one big learning curve.

Did you read any parenting books that helped (or hindered)?

I did not read any parenting books as I now live in Ghana and the books are not as accessible as in the UK. I did read a few websites, however, on things to expect and the stages of development.

Why did you agree to be a case study in The Terrible Twos: A Parent's Guide?

To share my experience. It has been helpful for me to speak to other parents of children of this age, to get help and share ideas and I wanted to pass on what little experience I could to others. Every little helps!!

Your case study was about settling your daughter into nursery. How is Nia doing now?

Nia is fully settled in at nursery now, attending five days a week from 7.30 to 3pm. She is much more confident and vocal and I get lots of feedback from her teachers on her progress. She can now tell me what she has done at nursery that day, who her friends are, the names of her teachers and what she ate for lunch. The worries that I had about her settling in are now a distant memory.

Thank you, Samantha.

To read about how I started out as a writer and find out more about the terrible book and my other projects, pop over to Katina Wright's fabulous blog The Wright Story today to read my interview.

2010-09-04T01:00:00.000-07:00

Today, I am talking to Rachel Pattisson, British Mummy Blogger member, who kindly provided quotes for my book, The Terrible Twos: A Parent’s Guide.

Hi, Rachel. Can you describe a defining moment that captures the key challenges of parenting during the ‘terrible twos’?

It is bedtime but FP disagrees. This has been going on for days, now. Night after night, I put FP to bed and she gets up again. I put her back into bed and tell her it’s bedtime. She gets up again. Over and over. It would be almost tolerable if I wasn’t trying to feed and settle the baby at the same time. I understand that my toddler is pushing her boundaries and is, perhaps, also a little jealous of her new sister. Nevertheless, my patience is wearing thin.

FP has angelic blond curls and blue eyes. She has a happy hello for anyone who greets her. In public, she’s bright, sociable, cute and two. Behind closed doors, she can be every bit as terrible as the books suggest.

I don’t so much mind that she is asserting her opinions and wanting to have her own way: I love the fact that she has a mind of her own. What I hate is the unreasonable drama of it all. The slightest thing – the very slightest! – can trigger exaggerated cries of protest that must, through the window, sound as though I am torturing my offspring when I have merely suggested that she cleans her teeth.

I'm sure many parents will empathise with that! :) Do you have any top tips for other mums and dads coping with this stage?

Clear boundaries are important. You must be consistent and firm.

How have things changed as your daughter has grown?

She's three. Things are much easier now - hardly any tantrums.

What is the best thing about being the parent of a two-year-old?

So many 'best' things - she was (is!) cute, funny, fun, good company, amazed by the world, developing So Fast - and I get to play all day :)

Thank you, Rachel.

Rachel Pattisson blogs about all aspects of mummying at Really Rachel. Today, Rachel is kindly hosting a guest post by me about The Terrible Twos: A Parent's Guide. Read my top tips for coping with the terrible twos over at Rachel's!

2010-09-01T01:00:00.000-07:00

OUT TODAY!!!

To help celebrate the official release of The Terrible Twos: A Parent’s Guide, published today with Need2Know Books, I am holding a blog tour throughout September.

I’ll be popping up on various blogs run by other parents and writers, talking about strategies for coping with the terrible twos, as well as the process of writing the book. So first up, head over to What Kate Did Next: Tales of Babes and Books to find out more about how the book came about.

A host of lovely mums will also be talking on my blog about their experiences of the terrible twos and the terrific twos, starting this Saturday, so watch this space.

Hurrah!

2010-08-18T09:00:00.000-07:00

They say good things come in threes...

Firstly, I was sent three possible cover designs for ‘Baby’s First Year: A Parent’s Guide’, out with Need2KnowBooks in May 2011.

Secondly, I was sent proofs of the Mosaic anthology soon to be published by Bridge House Publishing, which contains my short story, ‘Graft’.

And thirdly, I discovered that the Even More Tonto Short Stories anthology, edited by Caroline Smailes and containing my story, ‘Yasmina’s Elbow’, is available to buy now on Amazon.

I think I might burst!

2010-07-28T00:00:00.000-07:00

Bloggers wanted for blog tour!

To help with publicity for my forthcoming book, The Terrible Twos: A Parent's Guide, out on 1 September with Need2Know Books, I am planning a blog tour and I need your help!

I am looking for fellow bloggers to invite me on tour during September. (Parent-bloggers could interview me about the terrible twos, and writer-bloggers could interview me about getting a non-fiction book published etc.)

I can offer reciprocal publicity linking to your blog. I am looking for parents to write guest posts about their experiences of the terrible twos for my blog throughout September. If you are a writer-blogger and have a book or other writing project to promote, I am very happy to interview you on my blog when your book is out.

There are 30 days in September and I'd like to fill as many of them as I can! If you are interested in taking part, please email me via shantaeverington at hotmail.com to get the ball rolling.

Thanks!

2010-07-18T02:28:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to Penny Legg...

... on the publication of her first book OUT NOW.

Folklore of Hampshire, a look at the legends, stories, customs and traditions of the county through the ages, is out now, published by The History Press, priced at £14.99.

Penny Legg is a freelance writer, editor, photographer and tutor. She is the current editor of The Woman Writer magazine for the Society of Women Writers and Journalists (SWWJ) and tutors non-fiction students for the Writers Bureau.

Folklore of Hamphsire is the first of a series of five books that Penny is writing for The History Press. For more information about Penny and her books, visit Penny's website.

I had the pleasure of meeting Penny as her tutor on The Open University Creative Writing course and am so pleased to hear about her many successes. I will be interviewing Penny for a forthcoming issue of The View From Here literary magazine to appear soon so watch this space ...

2010-07-01T21:00:00.000-07:00

BABIES!

So now The Terrible Twos book has passed the first proof stage and is nearly ready for publication on 1 September, Need2Know have accepted my proposal to write a second book on Baby's First Year: A Parent's Guide.

I have the contract in my hands. YEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(Gina baby, be afraid. Be very afraid!)

I will NOT go into panic mode. I will NOT wonder what an earth I can contribute on the subject of babies that hasn't been said before. I will NOT, I tell you, NOT. Because I guess they must have quite liked the first book, right?

It will follow the same format as The The Terrible Twos: A Parent's Guide and explore a range of approaches and ideas, backed up by real case studies. It will aim to inform, reassure and empower parents to trust their instincts.

So I'm on the scrounge for parents to help me with quotes and case studies again... Preferably mums and dads whose children are currently under or just over a year old. You can be quoted in the book by full name, first name only or pseudonym and you will get a free copy of the book!

If you are interested/willing, please get in touch by email via my profile page in the first instance. I look forward to hearing from you! :o)

(Photo credit: gabi menashe)

2010-05-22T12:17:00.000-07:00

I've been interviewing more lovely people!

I talked to ...

The very talented Keris Stainton about her fantastic debut YA novel Della Says: OMG! over at The View From Here literary magazine.

Secret Millionarie Liz Jackson about her experiences as a visually impaired mother and Charlotte Foulkes, a single parent with arthritis, about social services assessments for Disability, Pregnancy and Parenthood International (DPPI).

If you are a writer, agent, publisher etc and would be interested in being interviewed for The View From Here literary magazine, please email me at shantaeverington at hotmail.com.

If you are a parent with any type of disability or chronic health condition and would be interested in being interviewed for the DPPI journal, please email me at shanta at dppi.org.uk.

2010-05-12T02:13:00.000-07:00

Finding Hope

I went along to the Seeking Refuge launch at Lumen last night, not quite sure what I'd find. I'm pretty new to the poetry 'scene' and I don't really know the rules for these kind of events. I wasn't planning to read, I told the inspirational organiser and poet Ruth O'Callaghan. But she simply said, Oh well you're going to, with a big warm smile.

There are big names as well as us newcomers in the anthology sold as part of the Camden and Lumen London Poetry Project which runs regular readings to support the cold weather shelters.

The anthology is sponsored by Cinnamon Press, who published my debut novel in 2007. It was surreal to finally meet my editor, Jan Fortune-Wood, who I met online at Manchester Metropolitan University Virtual Writing School in 2003. There have been many hugs and kisses via email over the years and there she was in front of me, arms stretched wide for a real one! Thank you, Jan!

I stood up and read a poem called Girl's World, about a childhood memory featuring my 'little sister', who was sitting in the audience, quite unaware that I was going to read a poem about her (or even that I'd written one!)

I heard many talented poets read, including Joanna Ezekiel, Anne Welsh, Adele Ward and Ruth O'Callaghan herself. The room was full of amazing people. It wasn't just their writing skill that moved me but the event itself, especially when last year the project raised 60% of the funds needed to keep the shelters open. There was a lot of love in the room. :)

It was a very humbling experience indeed to discover that when we'd finished reading, the chairs would be cleared away so that homeless people could sleep in that very room. So please support the project and buy the book from Inpress Books here. All proceeds go to the shelters.

2010-04-25T13:28:00.000-07:00

Life Jackets, Centuries of Skin and The Olympics

I had a wonderful Sunday afternoon on the boating lake at Valentines Park with my family (although Smallboy was most upset that he didn't get to keep the orange life jacket!).

Then my mum took Smallboy home and Hubba and I (mostly dry!) headed over to the Valentines Mansion for the launch of Joanna Ezekiel's first poetry collection, Centuries of Skin, hosted by Redbridge Book and Media Festival 2010.

Joanna treated us to a superb reading from her beautiful, evocative poems, and I was honoured to join the line-up of guest poets taking part in reading. I went home with a lovely signed copy to devour at my leisure. Why not treat yourself and support an up and coming poet by buying Centuries of Skin from Ragged Raven Press here.

I am also delighted to be further involved in the Redbridge festival as South Woodford Writer in Residence, offering the opportunity for under 25s to submit stories and poems with an Olympic theme, for personal feedback and one-to-one surgery sessions, with the best submissions published on Redbridge i.

For more information on the under 25s programme and other festival events, contact Redbridge Arts and Events via email at Arts&Events@redbridge.gov.uk or telephone 020 8708 2855.

2010-03-28T04:31:00.000-07:00

Seeking Refuge

I'm deeply honoured to have two poems included in this wonderful anthology, sold in aid of two vital London cold wether shelters. Publication date: 9 April 2010. London launch event: 11 May 2010.

Each year poets, both well-known and those beginning to write, contribute to the shelters through a series of readings in London organised by Ruth O’Callaghan – by buying tickets to events and reading their work, the best of which is selected for the annual anthology, poets make a real difference. In the last two years we have seen bitter winters and the shelters would be under threat without the contribution of the poets. All the profits go straight to the shelters.

This is an eclectic and lively anthology featuring work by Fiona Sampson, UA Fanthorpe, RV Bailey, Alan Brownjohn, Marilyn Hacken, Ruth Fainlight, Alison Brackenbury and John Luca alongside new poets honing their craft.

The book normally costs £8.99, but if you order by Friday 9th April it is available at the special pre-order price of £7.00 or order ten for only £6.00 each and help us to show that poetry can make a difference.

Buy online here

Come along and show your support on 11th May:

Cinnamon Press & Ruth O’Callaghan

warmly invite you to the launch of

Seeking Refuge

A Lumen event in aid of the Cold Weather Shelters

88 Tavistock Place, WC1 H9RT,

Tubes: Russell Square or Kings Cross.

Doors open 6.30 for 7pm

£4/£3. Wine

All Welcome

2010-03-13T06:47:00.000-08:00

Women's Institute Summer Book Choice

I am deeply honoured to discover that my debut novel, Marilyn and Me, has been chosen by Westcliff Women's Institute Book Club as their summer book choice.

And the lovely people have invited me to go and talk to their members in September, about writing life and the inspiration behind the book.

A huge thank you to Westcliff WI for such a great boost!

2010-03-09T13:52:00.000-08:00

Sunday, 25th April - Joanna Ezekiel Presents

I will be taking part in a poetry reading to launch Joanna Ezekiel’s first collection 'Centuries of Skin' (Ragged Raven Press) at Redbridge Book and Media Festival.

Join Joanna Ezekiel as she launches her first book of public works. Enjoy an evening of readings from Joanna and guest poets including: Anne Welsh, Adrian Green, Shanta Everington, Christopher James, Claudia Jessop.

Admission: Free
Time: 6pm
Venue: Valentines Mansion
Enquiries: 0208 708 2857

Please do come along!

2010-03-08T09:35:00.001-08:00

On the radio

I took part in a pre-recorded interview with the lovely Louisa Hannan at BBC at Oxford, which was aired this morning, as part of a discussion around Debenhams being the first high street retailer to use a disabled model.

My angle was how mainstream fashion/art/media etc influences people's perceptions of disability. I said quite a lot but I was too shy for blatant self-promotion so didn't mention my novels featuring disability, as I had planned to! They introduced me as an author so possibly someone might google me, and buy my books - you never know! ha ha

Anyway, I think you can listen again here for the next seven days should you feel so inclined. (I'm about half an hour in.)

My experience of listening to myself talk on the radio was even more horrifying than witnessing footage of me flinging about the dance floor at a friend's wedding. Certainly no smooth operator! There is a reason I choose to express myself in writing!

2010-03-03T03:30:00.000-08:00

Revamped website

I've revamped my website to include some of my poems and articles, as well as news and events, and a new home page with a book widget. It's so lovely that I just can't stop looking at it! (Yes, I know that is very very vain.)

The new DIY sections mean I'll be able to keep the site more up-to-date with new content (once I get used to the editing tool - I am such a technophobe).

Thanks to Steve at Word Pool Web Design for his patience and hard work in revamping the site.

Please take a look and let me know what you think!

(If the old one still shows, you might have to click refresh.)

2010-03-01T02:22:00.001-08:00

Fiona Robyn - Thaw

Ruth's diary is the new novel by Fiona Robyn, called Thaw. She has decided to blog the novel in its entirety over the next few months, so you can read it for free.

Ruth's first entry is below, and you can continue reading tomorrow here.

These hands are ninety-three years old. They belong to Charlotte Marie Bradley Miller. She was so frail that her grand-daughter had to carry her onto the set to take this photo. It’s a close-up. Her emaciated arms emerge from the top corners of the photo and the background is black, maybe velvet, as if we’re being protected from seeing the strings. One wrist rests on the other, and her fingers hang loose, close together, a pair of folded wings. And you can see her insides.

The bones of her knuckles bulge out of the skin, which sags like plastic that has melted in the sun and is dripping off her, wrinkling and folding. Her veins look as though they’re stuck to the outside of her hands. They’re a colour that’s difficult to describe: blue, but also silver, green; her blood runs through them, close to the surface. The book says she died shortly after they took this picture. Did she even get to see it? Maybe it was the last beautiful thing she left in the world.

I’m trying to decide whether or not I want to carry on living. I’m giving myself three months of this journal to decide. You might think that sounds melodramatic, but I don’t think I’m alone in wondering whether it’s all worth it. I’ve seen the look in people’s eyes. Stiff suits travelling to work, morning after morning, on the cramped and humid tube. Tarted-up girls and gangs of boys reeking of aftershave, reeling on the pavements on a Friday night, trying to mop up the dreariness of their week with one desperate, fake-happy night. I’ve heard the weary grief in my dad’s voice.

So where do I start with all this? What do you want to know about me? I’m Ruth White, thirty-two years old, going on a hundred. I live alone with no boyfriend and no cat in a tiny flat in central London. In fact, I had a non-relationship with a man at work, Dan, for seven years. I’m sitting in my bedroom-cum-living room right now, looking up every so often at the thin rain slanting across a flat grey sky. I work in a city hospital lab as a microbiologist. My dad is an accountant and lives with his sensible second wife Julie, in a sensible second home. Mother finished dying when I was fourteen, three years after her first diagnosis. What else? What else is there?

Charlotte Marie Bradley Miller. I looked at her hands for twelve minutes. It was odd describing what I was seeing in words. Usually the picture just sits inside my head and I swish it around like tasting wine. I have huge books all over my flat; books you have to take in both hands to lift. I’ve had the photo habit for years. Mother bought me my first book, black and white landscapes by Ansel Adams. When she got really ill, I used to take it to bed with me and look at it for hours, concentrating on the huge trees, the still water, the never-ending skies. I suppose it helped me think about something other than what was happening. I learned to focus on one photo at a time rather than flicking from scene to scene in search of something to hold me. If I concentrate, then everything stands still. Although I use them to escape the world, I also think they bring me closer to it. I’ve still got that book. When I take it out, I handle the pages as though they might flake into dust.

Mother used to write a journal. When I was small, I sat by her bed in the early mornings on a hard chair and looked at her face as her pen spat out sentences in short bursts. I imagined what she might have been writing about; princesses dressed in star-patterned silk, talking horses, adventures with pirates. More likely she was writing about what she was going to cook for dinner and how irritating Dad’s snoring was.

I’ve always wanted to write my own journal, and this is my chance. Maybe my last chance. The idea is that every night for three months, I’ll take one of these heavy sheets of pure white paper, rough under my fingertips, and fill it up on both sides. If my suicide note is nearly a hundred pages long, then no-one can accuse me of not thinking it through. No-one can say; ‘It makes no sense; she was a polite, cheerful girl, had everything to live for’, before adding that I did keep myself to myself. It’ll all be here. I’m using a silver fountain pen with purple ink. A bit flamboyant for me, I know. I need these idiosyncratic rituals; they hold things in place. Like the way I make tea, squeezing the tea-bag three times, the exact amount of milk, seven stirs. My writing is small and neat; I’m striping the paper. I’m near the bottom of the page now. Only ninety-one more days to go before I’m allowed to make my decision. That’s it for today. It’s begun.

Continue reading tomorrow here...

2010-02-15T05:44:00.000-08:00

Thank you

First of all, a huge thank you to all the parents who have so generously volunteered their case studies for inclusion in The Terrible Twos: A Parent's Guide.

As you can see by looking to the left, we have a cover image already!

Gulp! I'm very excited but just a little bit scared because ...

... whispers...

The book is now available to pre-order direct from the publishers Need2Know books or from Amazon.co.uk.

Don't tell anyone. Oh, go on, then. If you must!

2010-01-30T11:42:00.000-08:00

Ink, Sweat and Tears

My prose poem, Old Dear, is published today on Ink, Sweat and Tears, a webzine that explores the borderline between poetry and prose.

2010-01-30T00:58:00.000-08:00

Parents of young children - I NEED2KNOW YOU!

I'm always going on about writing from the heart and how if stuff gets published later it's an added bonus. But every now and then, it is rather nice to actually get commissioned to write something, especially when it is something you feel passionately about.

Uh hum *** drum roll*** I have been commissioned by Need2Know Books to write The Terrible Twos: A Parent's Guide.

Move over Gina Ford! My book will not be a prescriptive manual telling parents what to do. It will be a collection of parenting approaches and ideas compiled by a parent (and I am actually a qualified early years teacher too).

Now for the exciting bit ... It will feature other parents' experiences - those who are brave enough to share! So this is when I start begging for case studies!

If YOU are a PARENT and have something to say about the 'terrible twos', I NEED2KNOW YOU! Or maybe your child had the 'terrific twos' - let me know! Dads, I need you too.

You can be quoted in the book by full name, first name only or pseudonym.

Please get in touch by email via my profile page in the first instance. I look forward to hearing from you! :o)

2010-01-22T11:44:00.000-08:00

Hanging On

Read Hanging On, a mini collection of my poetry, published online in the January issue of Women Writers: A Zine - rockin' third wave feminism since 1998!

2010-01-12T11:39:00.000-08:00

Talking to Jo Bloomfield

Here is a recent article I wrote for the DPPi journal, talking to the very inspirational Jo Bloomfield about some of the challenges of parenting with MS. Jo also features in a short film on YouTube raising awareness of how extended school hours can help parents.

The interviews I write up for the DPPi journal are single-quote formats, where you cobble all your notes together to create a continuous narrative, almost as though the interviewee has written it herself.

I really enjoy interviewing on the phone or in person - that sense of establishing a rapport with someone, hopefully setting them at ease and encouraging them to talk openly.

I'm looking at ways to incorporate interviewing into other writing projects. I'm starting to do interviews for The View From Here literary magazine, and will also soon be looking for parents to interview for a book I'm working on, so watch this space!

2010-01-09T03:13:00.000-08:00

NO is the new YES

Happy New Year 'n all that. Yes I'm a bit late. Life gets in the way of blogging sometimes.

I'm not really one to make New Year Resolutions. Go to the gym (no thanks, I'd rather walk in the park than drive to a building to pretend to walk on a treadmill). Eat healthily (I do alright except when it's Christmas, or I need chocoloate or I'm PMT - the latter two may indeed overlap). Be nicer to people (only if they deserve it) blah blah blah.

But I do always have a Secret New Year Plan which sets out my goals, hopes and aspirations for the year. It's a bit like making a wish on a dandelion. Or a star. Or a wishbone. Or anything else you fancy. You can't possibly tell or you lose the magic.

However, there is one thing I absolutely resolve to do this year. And that is learn to say NO.

The point is ... life gets in the way of blogging sometimes. And blogging gets in the way of life. And everything gets in the way of something. Am I making sense? Like most people - certainly working mothers anyway - I have too much going on. Multi-tasking isn't even touching the sides. And something's got to give.

In the words of Gandhi, "'No' uttered from the deepest conviction is better than a 'Yes' merely uttered to please, or worse, to avoid trouble." Mohandas Gandhi (1869-1948)

(Pleas note, I don't like getting into trouble but I always seem to anyway, so I might as well stop trying to avoid it. Or worrying about what other people think. Or trying to be perfect. Or any other such nonsense.)

Because if I learn to say NO when I really should be saying NO, then I might be able to say YES when it counts. And that would be a really good thing.

So, that's me. Care to share any of your New Year resolutions, goals or dreams?

2009-12-26T12:16:00.000-08:00

Happy Boxing Day

Okay, this is the closest thing to a Christmas post that I can manage. Hope everyone had a good day yesterday and is still talking to their families ... (coughs nervously)

Smallboy got a LOT of presents. He has been entertaining himself by playing boats, spaceships, aeroplanes, trains, drums, ghosts ... And that was just the cardboard box.

So ... is that why it's called Boxing Day?

2009-12-11T03:22:00.000-08:00

Lucky, lucky, lucky

This week I found out I'd won a pack of 5 mystery books in a prize draw with Mslexia, the magazine for women who write.

I've been lucky enough to win:

An Education by Lynn Barber
Blonde Roots by Bernadine Evaristo
An Empty Death by Laura Wilson
Remarkable Creatures by Tracy Chevalier
Self-Portrait in the Dark by Colette Bryce

And I can't wait to start reading them. A fabulous Xmas present to me!!!

Now I don't want to be greedy but as I'm having a lucky streak, I'm wondering if it would be a good time to go and buy a lottery ticket ...

2009-12-04T03:21:00.000-08:00

The Fear

My first article for The View From Here is up now!

'Can you write a monthly piece about writing?' I was asked.

'No problem,' I thought. I'm always writing. I love to write. How hard could it be?

Then I sat down to write my first article and I went 'Argh! What to say? What to say?' It's all been said before, been said better I'm sure, by all the magnificent writers on the team.

I was suffering from a severe case of stage fright. And that's the theme of the article.

Read it here.

2009-11-23T09:24:00.001-08:00

The View From Here

I was honoured to be approached by The View From Here magazine to join their fabulous crew and write a monthly article starting in December!

TVRH is a print and on-line literary magazine with author interviews, book reviews, Exclusively Independent News, original fiction and poetry and articles, designed and edited by an international team, and read by over 7,000 online readers. Yey, The View From Here rocks!

You can read the zine here or order a print copy for £4.99 UK delivery ($6.89 USA or Canada) via the same page. (Yes, I should think so too. Get your credit cards out and show some support!)

2009-11-15T02:04:00.000-08:00

Fiona Robyn Blogsplash

Fiona Robyn is going to blog her next novel, Thaw, starting on the 1st of March next year. The novel follows 32 year old Ruth’s diary over three months as she decides whether or not to carry on living.

To help spread the word she’s organising a Blogsplash, where blogs will publish the first page of Ruth’s diary simultaneously (and a link to the blog).

She’s aiming to get 1000 blogs involved – if you’d be interested in joining in, email her at fiona@fionarobyn.com or find out more information here.

2009-10-28T05:28:00.000-07:00

Medical Attention

The Book Doctor has delivered the diagnosis on YA adult novel no. 3 (frankly I suspect no. 2 has dropped dead doing the rounds). Surgery is required but there is still hope that the patient can go on to live a full life if the operation goes well.

Preparing to go in with scalpel - this may be messy and there will almost certainly be screams...

2009-10-23T01:20:00.001-07:00

Shortlisted for The Bridport Prize 2009

OMG excuse me while I faint my short story has been shortlisted for The Bridport Prize 2009 ...breathe...

Before you get too excited on my behalf, I'll just add that I'm not in the top thirteen winners being published in the competition anthology. But still... to be shortlisted... for The Bridport Prize... out of several thousand entries... The winners and shortlist will be announced on their website from 22nd November.

The story in question, 'Hang Up', has a rather turbulent history. I wrote it over four years ago for my MA Creative Writing transmission project on The Short Story. If I remember correctly, it got a decent but not fabulous mark and there was some question or other about how well it worked as a short story. It centres on a helpline call and focuses on internal and external dialogue. It possibly breaks a few short story conventions. It is very dialogue heavy. And it features the 'c' word. Not to everyone's taste obviously but it's not gratuitous.

At the time, it was accepted for publication by a start-up literary journal. Which then folded before it was published. :( I felt the thing was doomed and tucked it away on an old floppy disk, as you do. Then earlier this year, while teaching the Going Public part of the Open University A215 Creative Writing course, determined to practice what I preach, I dragged out a couple of old stories and a few new ones written while teaching the Fiction part and put them through the mill, redrafting and editing them, before sending them out.

A few other successes have been mentioned in my previous posts :) but this one was the biggest surprise and confidence boost. I wonder if I can find a publisher for it after all ths time...

2009-10-11T03:19:00.000-07:00

Officially on a roll...

I am speechless.

But thankfully I can still type.

My short story, 'Yasmina's Elbow', is a winner in the Even More Tonto Short Stories Competition.

You can even pre-order the anthology here if you feel so inclined.

Caroline is clearly a wonderful judge (and much better than Simon Cowell).

Now I must go and collapse in shock.

2009-10-09T01:59:00.000-07:00

I'm just a little bit chuffed that two of my poems, 'Drowning in Cherryade' and 'Before you were ours', have been accepted for publication in the fantastic Envoi poetry journal.

Hurrah to submission success!

Now I just need to find a publisher to accept my next novel...

2009-10-02T01:01:00.000-07:00

Obsessions

Oooh, I'm so excited!!! I've just got my first ever Blog Award, from the talented Megan Taylor.

But there's no such thing as a free lunch. Or in this case, award. Oh no, you have to do some work first before you get your hands on the prize. In this case, list your 5 obsessions and then tag five more award worthy blogtabulous people.

So, my 5 obsessions TODAY are:

1) The size of my belly (after someone offered me a seat on the train and I am NOT PREGNANT!)
2) Anonymous blogging (yes, I have several hundred other identities - so much more fun when nobody knows you)
3) Procrastination (you might have already guessed that)
4) Writing (you might have already guessed that too)
5) Eating (well I have got a humungous belly, after all)

SO, I tag:

Anne Brooke

Sweetie and Me

Lola Jaye

McKoala Days

Not short of something to say

2009-09-16T01:25:00.000-07:00

Back to the future

Just returned from a glorious week in sunny Spain with Smallboy and Hubba, spent frolicking on the beach, splashing in the sea, hurtling down water slides, spotting dolphins, lying low on li-los, and generally chilling out. The biggest decision I had to make all week was what to eat for lunch.

Of course I took my writer's notepad, with grand plans of jotting down observations and story ideas when the muse struck. Of course it stayed firmly tucked inside my bag. The biggest literary achievement of the week was expanding Smallboy's vocabulary and teaching him all the Spanish I know - hola, por favor, gracias amigo!!!

I did manage to read one book when Smallboy slept, The Fruits of Labour - Creativity, Self-Expression and Motherhood (edited by Penny Summer). Very inspiring, I would highly recommend it to any mother with a penchant for the creative. And I came back fully refreshed and raring to go.

So what's next? I'm meeting up with a friend next week who's just reviewed my memoir of motherhood, to discuss her feedback and decide whether I want to try to get this published or keep it as a private record. And I've decided to send the manuscript for my next teen novel off to The Book Doctor to be stripped down and examined with the possibility of major surgery to follow.

And soon I will be welcoming my next class of OU creative writing students on board to join me in having lots of fun with words. With the risk of sounding like Siavash - but let's be clear that I never watched Big Brother - it's all good.

2009-08-28T01:56:00.001-07:00

First Edition

Another submission success... Conquering the world one short story at a time! My short story, Talking in Tongues, has been accepted for publication in First Edition Magazine. Hurrah!

First Edition is a high-quality monthly 'coffee-break' magazine showcasing new writing from many different genres. My story should be out in issue 8, available from WHSmiths and Borders throughout the UK or order direct online.

Thank heavens for outlets which encourage new and emerging writers. We need more!

2009-08-23T02:18:00.000-07:00

The X Factor's back!

So that must mean it's the end of the summer, and I haven't even been on holiday yet! It's that time of year when one has to pretend that one never watches such trash. One only watches mind enhancing programmes, of course. Like documentaries or historical films.

Or better still, one doesn't even own a television. One listens to the radio (but never MAGIC FM) and reads the papers (broadsheets obviously) and goes to the theatre and occasionally the cinema (art house).

Oh that thing in the corner? That's just er, there for emergencies. Like other people's children wanting to watch CBeebies when they come round. (Stop singing the theme tune to Bob The Builder, Smallboy!)

You must understand that I have never EVER watched Big Brother. But do you agree that Sophie looks pregnant? Do you? Of course I wouldn't know, not me.

But The X-Factor... yes the auditions do make me a bit uncomfortable. Seeing people's dreams trampled on because I'm a senstive soul and I don't want to trample on anyone's dream. (But honestly, what do you expect if you come on singing like a strangled cat and say you want to sell more records than Madonna?)

Those who get through can sing and those who don't can't. You can either sing or you can't. You can have singing lessons to improve your raw potential but there's got to be something there. A bit like writing, I guess. There's good writing, bad writing and writing that makes your skin tingle. And that's the elusive factor that we all want to possess.

2009-07-31T01:39:00.000-07:00

The Yellow Room

Hey, a little submission success! I've just had a short story accepted for publication in The Yellow Room, a new bi-annual literary magazine for women writers, founded in 2008 by Jo Derrick (previously editor of Quality Women’s Fiction).

The Yellow Room is:

...a predominantly literary collection, which will appeal to the intelligent female reader

...a place where women writers can gather for support, encouragement and friendship

...where women writers can explore issues affecting women in particular, and show how women view the world

It's really rather wonderful. And it has a lovely yellow website.

Step inside The Yellow Room and see for yourself.

2009-07-17T01:36:00.000-07:00

Keep Cinnamon Press thriving!

As you may know my book 'Marilyn and Me' is published by Cinnamon Press.

Small presses are having a hard time at the moment, but Cinnamon Press is managing to stay afloat in a tough climate and produce 25 great books a year.

Like all small presses they need readers and CP currently has a summer sale and you can buy one of their novels or memoirs for only £6 or any two for only £10 or buy one of their poetry titles for only £5 or any two for only £8. What’s more,if you buy 4 or more books (from any genre) they add a fantastic anthology free (and the offer includes p+p in UK).

Please buy a book from the website this summer (or more if you can) – www.cinnamonpress.com (where you can also sign up to the regular email newsletter and be kept in touch with offers and launch parties).

Small presses keep the publishing industry vital and ensure that there is always a place for independent and literary works, so please pass this info on to all your book loving friends.

2009-07-04T02:45:00.000-07:00

Making a twit of myself

I feel like 'someone's mum at a wedding' (to coin a Simon Cowell phrase). I'm trying to be 'relevant' and 'current' but am only succeeding in dancing embarrassingly to Roxy Music in last season's tie-dye!

What is the woman going on about? you might well ask. It's just that when I started this blog, it was still enough to 'just' blog. Reluctantly I eventually joined MySpace and then I resisted Facebook for an Age until I had so many email friend requests I thought sod it.

But accidentally signed up to Tag which is the dodgy bogus virus copycat which proceeded to email EVERYBODY in my address book with dodgy spam, yes, including publisher and agent contacts who may have sent me a friendly email once upon a time but surely won't be again. :)

When I finally got onto the RIGHT thing, I got more than a little addicted to Facebook. And now it seems that everybody who is anybody is on Twitter (not that I am in any way some kind of sheep who is programmed to follow the herds you understand... You do understand?)

I want someone to explain (in easy language suitable for 'someone's mum at a wedding') what Twitter can offer that's different to Facebook other than you have to squeeze it all into like two and a half characters or something?

As it is I'm regurgitating the same old stuff from this blog into MySpace and Facebook so won't I just be duplicating it all over again?I know some cool and technical people have automatic feeds or whatever the term is (I don't know I'm 'someone's mum at a wedding') but if the same people are reading all the sites, why do we need to tell them the same stuff four times?

What with all the writers' online sites such as WriteWords (I had to go cold turkey), Authonomy, Book Army, Red Room etc, I want to know how writers get time to actually, you know, write? And what about having a life AWAY from the computer? Does anyone know if it's allowed?

2009-06-24T13:53:00.000-07:00

My first radio appearance!

I am typing this around midnight having just appeared live on the Richard Bacon show on 5 Live (909/693AM). I was contacted at short notice for a filler item sparked by the Abercrombie and Fitch case in the news today (woman with prosthetic limb taking employer to tribunal for disability discrimination after being shoved in the store room for not fitting the company image -or something to that effect).

I was asked to talk as a 'disability voice' and was up against Carol Collins, an 'image consultant' (whose website says she can 'make you shine' with image coaching, colour analysis, personal grooming and wardrobe audit...)

I was trying to challenge the misconception that disability and glamour/beauty/aspirational imagery are mutually exclusive but only got to say two of my five planned points in my very brief alloted time! And certainly didn't get to plug my novels ha ha!

I'm not sure whether you can actually listen to it again on the programme website the next day (just in case you weren't glued to the radio like half my family - what were the other half doing you might well ask!)

Right - off to bed!

2009-06-22T04:28:00.000-07:00

Anyone fancy a Donut?

Having gorged on too many of the things at Smallboy's third birthday party on Saturday, I felt compelled to spread the word about a different kind of donut - Donut Press - a micro publisher creating beautiful bespoke poetry books.

In these different times with independent presses struggling to stay afloat and big publishers not prepared to take a chance on new writers, we should all be supporting the little people by buying fabulous books by small presses.

I am particularly taken by Liane Strauss's slim debut, Frankie, Alfredo, which is described a 'feminine metaphysical verse'. I love it for its irony and subtle humour, and its accessible intelligence. The title poem has got to be my favourite, with lines such as:

A real poet must live in stripy jumpers
and two pairs of glasses, eschew irony
and mascara, and tend countrified passions,

Let Lianne challenge your perceptions of poetry with her 'push-up bras and low-riding tangas' and 'ten bona fide inches of stiletto'. This is girl power at its finest.

Frankie, Alfredo is available directly from Donut and you can even read a proper sample here. Liane's first full collection, Leaving Eden, is forthcoming from Salt Publishing.

Go on, support the little people and treat yourself to a bite today!

2009-06-12T01:01:00.001-07:00

Don't give up the day job(s) part two

I've also been very busy for day job number two, working as an associate lecturer in Creative Writing for The Open University (which at least I can do at home and in my pyjamas if I really want to!)

I've just finished my first year of teaching, although there is still plenty of marking to do... I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to support my wonderful group of students on their creative journeys. Their writing has entertained me, moved me, informed me, surprised me and most of all, inspired me.

I'm a great believer in walking the walk and not just talking the talk, so as the students have worked their way through the five parts of the course - The Creative Process, Writing Fiction (short stories), Writing Poetry, Life Writing and Going Public - I've been working on my own material alongside them.

This has been quite a challenge for me at times. Ask me to write a 60,000 word novel over a 10 line poem any day! However, I now have a small collection of edited short stories, poems and life writing pieces which I am starting to submit out to the world. So keep your fingers crossed for me...

2009-06-05T02:58:00.000-07:00

The 'S' Word

Last week, we celebrated our sixth wedding anniversary. 16 years with the love of my love, six years married and nearly three as parents to our precious Smallboy. And I sat back and said to myself, My God woman, you are one lucky girl (okay, I'm a bit old to qualify as a girl).

We celebrated being in love and being loved, being happy and growing old together. Yes I gave in to the 'S' word and surrendered to sentimentality. As all writers know, sentimentality is generally to be avoided at all costs. You see it on book blurbs and reviews everywhere. You know the sort, 'Funny, wise, heartbreaking, hopeful but never sentimental'. Heaven forbid you be sentimental.

The Collins dictionary definition of sentimental: feeling or expressing tenderness, romance, or sadness to an exaggerated extent. You're allowed to be a little bit sentimental in real life surely if not in fiction. And if ever there was a good time to be sentimental, it's a wedding anniversary (well, not the sadness bit, we hope).

2009-05-23T02:32:00.001-07:00

Don't give up the day job(s)

I don't talk much about my day jobs (yes there are two) but sadly writing alone doesn't pay the bills. And anyway, life might get rather dull hanging about the house in my pyjamas writing all day (if only). So when I'm not writing or tending to Smallboy's every need, I do actually have to leave the house and go to the office.

I've been working hard lately at day job number one as Deputy Editor of Disability, Pregnancy and Parenthood international journal. The spring issue is out NOW and packed full of moving and thought-provoking features, including two written by yours truly: a fascinating interview with Russell Hine about Fatherhood and Schizophrenia and a review of guides for disabled parents of teenagers. I hope you will enjoy browsing through the issue.

2009-04-25T04:04:00.001-07:00

On selling more copies than Mark Haddon...

Thursday's Bookseller Bulletin reported that David Fickling have bought rights to a children's book by Mark Haddon, which was originally published by Walker Books in 1992 called Gridzbi Spudvetch, and apparently only sold twenty-something copies.

Well this cheered me up no end, I can tell you. Not the fact that David Fickling have bought the reworked verion (now titled Boom) but the fact that someone as hugely talented and successful as Mark Haddon could ever have had a book published that only sold twenty-something copies.

The fact is we all know that many 'star' authors report receiving 'thousands' of rejections before getting plucked out of the slush pile, but we don't hear much about those whose early books bomb going on to success. Before she became a national treasure, Jacqueline Wilson apparently published a load of adult crime books which didn't sell too great either (probably not twenty copies though).

As a 'new' author, one is often advised that it is better to be unpublished than published and unsold, as new publishers will look at previous sales as an indication of your likely success. (Of course they don't know about the zillion rejections - you are just a shiny new thing, untainted by failure.) When you are published by small presses, with limited marketing and distribution opportunites, it can be very difficult to make the kind of sales that are likely to tempt a mainstream publisher.

But there is always hope!

2009-04-12T06:46:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter to all

Anyone else scoffed too many chocolate eggs? I'm enjoying a relatively lazy bank holiday weekend (well spring cleaning aside). My OU students' life writing essays are due in at the end of the week so it's a case of the calm before the storm when life gets crazy juggling marking, working, writing and motherhood. But I do so enjoy reading their work and I'm looking forward to their life writing.

It's pretty timely as I've just completed a very rough first draft of my own life writing, a memoir about new motherhood. And I know I am NOT Myleene Klass or Jools Oliver (obviously) or famous in any way whatsoever at all so why would anyone want to read my story? But normal women are mummies too! I'm about to show it to a trusted reader for some preliminary feedback. I have stage fright! It's so scary...

2009-03-19T07:37:00.000-07:00

Last night at the EI reading...

Well, it was a grand night - funny and bizarre and overwhelming but good. I barely had the time or energy to get nervous; I'd been up since 5.30am with Smallboy and running around after him all day until Hubba came in and took over so I could do a quick change and dart across to the other side of London. But people actually came and the library was packed out!

I was proud to join the author line up shown left to right above: Kevin from Bluemoose Books (Stephen Clayton's publisher), Stephen Clayton, Peter Cave, moi, Megan Taylor, Michael Bullen, Woodrow Phoenix and Michael Marr. Oh, and there's me and Megan sharing a moment as the only two women on the panel (thank God I wasn't alone!)

Thanks for much to Lauren from Legend Press for all her hard work in organising the event. More photos and news at: http://www.exclusivelyindependent.com/

2009-03-12T05:47:00.001-07:00

I'm a Guest Blogger today...

with Exclusively Independent as one of a series of entries by peeps involved in their first event next Wednesday. Read my ramblings here...

2009-02-27T00:29:00.001-08:00

Come join us on the evening 18th March...

...when I'll be reading from my teen novel 'Give Me a Sign' at Hammersmith Library (London), at the first event of the new Arts Council funded 'Exclusively Independent' initiative.

I will be joined by the dazzling Megan Taylor reading from 'How We Were Lost' (Flame published the best authors, don't you know), Michael Marr, Peter Cave, Stephen Clayton and Michael Bollen. So it'll be an opportunity to meet some seriously talented literary writers, oh and you can talk to me too if you want ha ha!

Doors open at 7.30pm but you need to pre-book your free ticket from Hammersmith Library by calling 020 8753 3812.

Please come and smile at me!

2009-02-15T03:08:00.000-08:00

Feeling ill on Valentines Day is not fun.

But Smallboy did come home from nursery on Friday with a sticky handmade card and two cakes with pink hearts on them which made me smile (even if he did eat them on the way home). And Hubba gave me a lovely bunch of flowers, or rather bouquet - I wouldn't want you thinking this was the petrol station variety! We tried to have a romantic evening after Smallboy went to bed but he kept waking up because he's not too well either, so we gave up and that was the end of Valentines!

And there is nothing much to say about writing life because I am waiting waiting waiting for so many things. Sigh.

2009-02-06T02:15:00.000-08:00

Is everyone enjoying the snow?

Here's a really funny collaborative poem written by six children aged 4-8yrs that I found on a teacher's blog (really sorry I lost the link - if this is yours, please let me know!)

The Snow Poem

One day it was snowing,
And the snow it was glowing.
The snow is on the duck,
And the duck is in the muck.
The snow is cold and freezing,
And all the children are sneezing.
The snow is falling on your head,
And now its time to go to bed.

You can't argue with that!

You can find lots of snowy poems written by big people here should you feel so inclined.

What's your favourite snow poem? Written any you'd care to share?

2009-01-23T01:59:00.000-08:00

Smallboy stories

My Mum came home with Smallboy (now two and a half) following their weekly 'Nanny day' and said, 'He read the whole train book, word for word, cover to cover! He's a genius!'

While I secretly agree that of course he is a genius, we both knew that what she really meant was that he retold the memorised story word for word (but he did point at the words, so it's sort of reading, right? I trained as a primary teacher a long time ago...) And how amazing is that!

Anyway, he can now do this with a fair little selection of books and I'm pretty proud. Reading books is up there with his all-time favourite activities, just behind 1) scoffing copious amounts of chocolate 2) crashing round the dining table on his red motorbike and 3) throwing himself on the floor and screaming (usually in that order followed by a nice CALM story...)

The other day he picked up a copy of my teen novel, 'Give Me a Sign', and went, 'That's mummy's book.' He doesn't do that with all the other zillion books in the house. That spooked me out. How can he know that I wrote it? (Probably because you went on about it for yonks, you fool!) Yes, yes, I loved him saying it.

Then he sat at my desk 'writing' with a biro while I 'talked to my students' (this is what he calls it when I am on the computer. I do a lot of things at the computer aside from online tutoring but yes better to have him tell people, 'Mummy was talking to her students while I did my writing' rather than 'Mummy was buying trash on Ebay while I drew on the walls!')

Oh, I hope he continues to share my passion for writing and reading for a very long time....

2008-12-31T09:21:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year!

Wishing all my fellow writers, bloggers, mummies, humans and creatures big and small a healthy, joyful and exciting 2009.

2008 hasn't been a bad year for me (except flu over Xmas but you can't have it all). I had my second novel published and started lecturing for The Open University, so no, I can't complain. But 2009 is going to be even better! I don't exactly do resolutions any more but I do have a wish list as long as my arm! (No, I can't tell because it destroys the magic. You know the rules - think blowing out birthday candles, think pulling wish bones...)

I don't know if anyone else watched this programme but ages ago, I saw this woman talking on daytime TV (I'm thinking perhaps Richard and Judy?) about how she wrote a 'shopping list' of the things she wanted and 'sent' it to the universe, starting with a new boyfriend. The next day she had a date. Or something like that...

Anyway, I thought I'd try sending out some vibes to the universe so I am writing all my wishes down in my journal. Of course, I will also be working bloody hard to do my best to make the things I want to happen actually happen!

Hope you get all you wish for in 2009 too!

2008-12-19T01:36:00.000-08:00

Exclusively Good News!

I'm delighted to announce that 'Give Me a Sign' has been selected for Exclusively Independent, an innovative scheme to bring independent bookshops and independent publishers together, organised by Legend Press, in conjunction with Arts Council England. With the aim of creating a shelf-size display of the best books from independent publishers, selected on a monthly basis by an industry panel, the initiative will offer POS, promotional discount and high-profile marketing support to the bookshops.

'Give Me a Sign' was chosen for the first month's selection, from a wide range of submissions by many different publishers. The scheme is now in action and the books should be in a range of indie bookshops just in time for Christmas! Who knows whether it will boost the sales in these are uncertain times, but in any event, the panel chose my book. Hurrah!!!

2008-12-12T01:24:00.001-08:00

Ebay Addicts Anonymous

My name is Shanta and I am officially addicted to Ebay.

Selling on it, that is. In these hard times of recession (are we there yet?) one has to do one's bit to save the household from slipping into economic decline. Plus I have to fund my rather expensive book-buying habit, not to mention smallboy's Xmas presents. So I am being vaire vaire strict with self and only allowing myself to buy new books out of my Ebay proceeds. No Ebay sales, no new books to sniff, kiss and devour. Simple.

Hence, I am running round the place like a mad woman on the scavenge for hidden treasure.It all started when hubby decided we should sort out the garage, which in the absence of a car, had become the general dumping ground for anything 'we might need later'. Most of the boxes have been there for a good three years, so we kind of started wondering whether we might not need any of it at all. Except, of course, hubby's precious vinyl collection and my precious book collection. (Still mainly packed up in boxes! Criminal! Where oh where are my lovely oak shelves?)

Now that I've sold most of my vintage Sindy stuff and the two Barbie items that I deemed worthy circa 1983, Fluff, the fully poseable kitty and Barbie's boyfriend Ken, I am moving onto household crap - blue beaded lampshade anyone? It's on Ebay right now, don't miss out! It's truly amazing what bits of junk people will pay good money for.

I have just bought my new MSLEXIA diary, a year's subscription to Envoi, Tag by Stephen May and Hearing Voices by Ruth Bidgood so it's all worth it. Sorry, Ken.I must now wait until hubby isn't looking and rifle through his wardrobe to see what else I can find...

2008-12-04T06:44:00.000-08:00

One thing I'll do in 2009

So I've taken a day's leave from the day job to do some things for myself and what do I end up doing? Watching Smallboy look miserable and snotty on the nursery webcam and feeling guilty that I am a Bad Mother who puts her child in nursery when he is not well when she doesn't even need to because she's AT HOME. And dreading the phone call to come and collect him early again because I do need to and I fall asleep on the bed because I am exhausted.

I wake up two hours later to a bright blue sky that lifts my mood. But I don't do any of the things I am supposed to do (tidying my study, sorting paperwork, filing bills, wrapping presents, and actually you know, writing - I'd set myself a chapter). No, I spend my precious time procrastinating, discovering new bloggers, daydreaming, thinking, wishing, planning. Maybe this is what I need to do.

I seem to have started the end of year meltdown early - reflecting on what I have and haven't achieved this year (always more time spend on the haven't) and thinking about what I want for 2009. I've just signed up for NanoWrimo 2009. Every year I look at their website and say, yeah, I should do that (write a 50,000 words novel in a month). I should set myself that challenge.

Then I come up with all my usual excuses - don't be ridiculous, I have two jobs and a two and a half year old child! I do not have the time. But I've been reading blogs by lots of writing mums who've done it... So I CAN. It's a month, it doesn't matter, I can try. Plus, it's not until November 2009 and Smallboy will be three and be in nursery for an extra morning and it's eleven months away! Now I've announced it I have to do it.

So I have planned one thing for 2009. One safe thing that is eleven months away. Now I just need to think about the first ten months...

2008-11-28T04:14:00.000-08:00

A very important interview

Yesterday, I received an email from a year 9 pupil who wanted to interview me for her PSHCE homework on careers as she was considering a writing career. It was such an honour to be asked but oh the responsibility! I remember how impressionable I was at that age...

I wanted to get across that writing is a joy but also darn hard work. I wanted to inspire not depress her but it also felt important to be realistic about what it means to pursue a writing career - the difficulty getting published, the rejections, the crap money and so on.

She'll probably go on to be the next J K Rowling and wonder what I was going on about!

I really hope she does. ;)

2008-11-14T03:27:00.000-08:00

Stale Bread and Miracles

I’d like to showcase a book that I’ve just finished reading, which has influenced my thinking on the novel form.

Stale Bread and Miracles by Jan Fortune-Wood is a powerful novelised sequence of prose poems based on Jan’s own life experiences as a priest. I’ve never read anything quite like it before. This innovative cross-genre book turns the novel on its head by distilling the story down to a series of prose poems. Beautifully crafted, unique and compelling, Stale Bread and Miracles exposes an institutionalised world that is outwardly safe, yet constantly on the edge of danger.

Highly recommended for fiction and poetry lovers alike.

Here, Jan Fortune-Wood talks about the process of creating this inventive piece.

You mention that the novel is fiction based on life writing in your journal. What made you decide to write this as a novel rather than a memoir?

As memoir there wasn’t sufficient distance from the material. A lot happened, much of it quite traumatic, but I didn’t want the book to be therapy or inward looking. I think this has worked as I’ve had lots of responses from people who have connected with the experience across a range of institutions and backgrounds.

What were the advantages and challenges of creating fiction so closely based on your own experiences?

It took a lot of drafting and redrafting – for a long time it was a book in search of a form that would allow the whole the thing to breathe and communicate. The biggest challenge was probably to be patient – I normally write fast and although I do lots of redrafting I’m usually able to keep up the pace. This book needed personal distance from the events that only time could bring. It also had a very different writing pace. Unlike my full length novels that were complete within 18 months this 80 page collection of novelised prose poems took eight years.

Can you tell me about your decision to structure the novel as a series of prose poems?

The book began as a full length novel of 90,000 words. I had some interest from an agent and worked with her recommendations to take it down to around 70,000 words, but it wasn’t right. As a long novel it was such a miserable read. Although the events on which it was based were true and not nearly as bad on paper as in reality it still felt too heavy and too introspective. It depressed me to read it so I couldn’t see why anyone else would want to read it. I also knew there was a really interesting story in there waiting to get out.

The inspiration came when I was editing a collection of microfiction – the subject matter was completely fictional and sometimes quite bizarre, but I was impressed by how engaging the form was and the feeling of movement despite the intensity of the pieces. I started to experiment with distilling whole chapters down to a single page and it was really liberating, for me and the material.

Were you influenced by other novels-in-verse or novels as serialised microfiction?

I did some research to try to find something similar and found references to an interesting Canadian example written in 1945, By Grand Central Station I Sat Down and Wept by Elizabeth Smart, but I didn’t manage to get hold of a copy so I was working without particular models. I’m also a fan of Gogol’s Dead Souls – again a very different type of work, but there are comparisons with an internal society in which strange things happen that somehow seem sane to those insane, but clearly are not. I’m also a fan of the prose poetry of Charles Simic, though mine is very different in style and also of the tradition started by Baudelaire and continued by Oscar Wilde which used prose poetry as a subversive break-away form. I think that suited the tone of the book.

How would you say prose poetry or microfiction differs from free verse contemporary poetry?

Free verse relies on different formal decisions particularly in terms of line endings and tends to have more metrical constraints (even if it is a changing metre) as well as a stress on lyricism. Prose poetry walks a fine line in terms of the boundary between prose and poetry. There may be more metre than would normally be found in prose or more imagery and the attention to language will certainly be more like poetry. There is a lot of discussion about whether prose poems should contain a moment of epiphany, almost like the change of pace or turn in the last line of a haiku.

How has your book been received so far?

I’ve had a lot of personal correspondence from people, mostly women, who echo some of the experiences in all kinds of backgrounds. I’ve also had some good media coverage in Wales and one reviewer is trying to place something in the national media. It’s the book that I feel happy most happy with and the reviews are good so I hope it’s going to find its way into people’s hands.

What are you working on at the moment?

I’m currently working on two things – a collection of poetry, with the working title of Knot-work and a novel that incorporates a range of genres and uses the theme of mirrors, which doesn’t yet have a title. I’m also toying with the idea of a sequel to The Standing Ground which has had a lot of feedback wanting the next instalment.

And lastly, what are you reading at the moment?

I usually read several books at once as well as all the books I’m currently editing. I’m reading Bernard Schlink’s short stories, Flights of Love, having just read his Homecoming. I have just begun Devotion, a novel by Nell Leyshon about the unravelling of domestic life – I loved her novel, Black Dirt, for the attention she pays to the small moments in life and to the gaps between what people say. In poetry I’ve just finished Jasmine Donahaye’s Misappropriations, which is very spare and powerful and also have Mario Petrucci’s Sappho and George Szirtes brilliant and enormous New and Collected Poems on the go.

Stale Bread and Miracles is out now by Cinnamon Press.

Jan's previous books include three novels, A Good Life (bluechrome publishing, 2005); Dear Ceridwen (Cinnamon Press, 2007); The Standing Ground (Cinnamon Press, 2007) and a collection of poetry, Particles of Life (bluechrome publishing, 2005). She has also written widely on alternative education and parenting.

2008-11-07T02:41:00.001-08:00

The View From Here

A big thank you to Jenny Persson for the fabulous interview on
the view from here magazine blog.

The view from here is a literary magazine which exists to provide an environment for authors and poets to feel connected, informed and inspired so they can become better writers and gain exposure.

2008-10-24T03:26:00.000-07:00

Taste it

A few days ago, I received my first ever royalty cheque for sales of Marilyn and Me.

Okay, it was a pathetically small amount but it was still a momentous occasion because because because it meant that people had actually PAID. MONEY. To buy my book. To read what I had written.

Soo... I celebrated in style by splashing out on an Indian takeaway for hubby and me. After we'd stuffed ourselves there wasn't much money left ;) but it was the best meal I'd ever tasted.

2008-10-15T04:38:00.000-07:00

Something to say in MSLEXIA

The latest issue of Mslexia, the magazine for women who write, features Flame Books in the Independent Press profile on page 51. They included mini reviews of the three latest titles, which includes my book, Give Me a Sign.

"Liz... is a teenager... with self-esteem issues that verge on the heartbreaking - at one point, looking at herself in the mirror and mulling over her body hair and non-existent cleavage, she even thinks, 'Maybe I am turning into a man.' She has enough external problems to keep her distracted, including an impossibly well-behaved friend Meiying, and a crush on the gorgeous Doug Williams. This is a story of first love and finding yourself, and Everington manages to write about a range of issues - deafness, teenage insecurity, cultural pressures - with authenticity and a light touch."

They sum up with "What each of these books have in common is a commitment to story, which is really just another way of saying that these three writers have something to say."

2008-10-08T12:05:00.000-07:00

The Tuesday Wife

Life is busy. The new academic year has begun and I've started tutoring my online students. I've attended writerly events like book launches (Caroline's not mine. It was, she was, great.) And been editing my next teen novel.

I missed smallboy's parents' evening and now I feel like such a terrible mother. But I never got the letter. Honest. And they are letting us reschedule an appointment.

And my Tuesday wife is back! I came home from my Pilates class on Tuesday night and hubby had put smallboy to bed and there was dinner on the table. All I had to do was pour the wine.

Ah, life is busy. But life is good.

2008-09-24T11:23:00.000-07:00

Go Caroline!

I'm very excited because tomorrow evening I'm going to the book launch for Caroline Smailes' Black Boxes at Borders, Oxford Street, London. I heard Caroline read from her brilliant first novel, In Search of Adam, at Manchester Central Library last September (when I was also reading from my debut, Marilyn and Me - gosh was that really a whole year ago?) and she was fabulous. She is fabulous. Go girl, go!

2008-09-14T01:45:00.000-07:00

Go Brian!

I promised my blog buddy Brian that I'd spread the word about a sponsored 24-hour video game marathon that he's taking part in on Saturday, October 18th, 2008 to help raise money for a children's cancer centre. I'll be supporting Brian as he plays games for 24 hours! Brian, I hope you don't get 'claw hand' (remember Chandler on Friends?)

He tells you all about it here: Extra Life Fundraiser

Please join in and support Brian in this worthy cause!

2008-09-12T04:15:00.001-07:00

Those who can...

I'm delighted to tell you that I've been appointed to teach on The Open University Creative Writing A215 course in London.

Some of you may know that I actually trained as a teacher yonks ago but haven't done a lot of it, although I have facilitated learning in a wider capacity in lots of my other work. I knew that I wanted to return to teaching in some shape or form some day and this feels like the ideal opportunity for me.

I'm a passionate advocate of online learning, having studied for my MA Creative Writing online, and I'm really excited about teaching via this medium. I can't wait to get my hands on those lovely students!

I will be going for my induction next weekend. Wish me luck!

2008-08-29T04:58:00.000-07:00

The mother of all books

I've been very quiet on the blog front lately because I've been busy actually writing (and trying to have a life). Yonks ago, I wrote on the blog that I was working on a book about early motherhood. But it sort of well... disappeared.

[On the right: Smallboy all grown up!]

When smallboy was a few months old, I was so consumed by new motherhood that I could think of nothing else and it seemed fitting to write about it. After all, that's what I do... Yet I was sort of too close to it all and I decided that the best kind of writing on motherhood for me at that time was in my diary.

I started reading it the other day and I was startled at the intensity of it and oh yes, I was right back there. Now smallboy is a big ol' two, I've realised that if I'm not careful I'm in danger of becoming too distant from those overwhelming feelings, those crazy days of morphing from a woman coming home from hospital with a baby into a fully fledged mummy.

So... I've decided the time is right to start on the reflective process of writing about that first year. I scoured my diary for raw material and typed up a load of ramblings to see what I had. About 15,000 words of unstructured drivel. But there is a kernel of something there.

Maybe it will never be submitted anywhere. Maybe it is just a way of chronicling my own journey. Who knows. But it looks like I'm writing it again.