We’ve all been there. When a non-book lover makes a comment or just gives you a strange look.

In fact, I have a great story to share with you. I get the train to work – not for lack of a drivers’ license, it’s just easier all round. Winchester is a nightmare for parking and the station is ten minutes from my house. So I get the train.

When you do commute by train, you begin to recognise certain people who travel at the same time as you. Most of these people you’ll never speak to – us Brits don’t like being in conversation with strangers, it’s why we don’t make many friends…

Except there was this one guy who would start chatting to me. He was nice enough, it was harmless. The awkward joke of ‘I always see you on the train’ etc. and the occasionally time I had to sit next to him because there were no other seats.

Then there was the development to asking about holidays, plans for the weekend etc. and everything was fine.

One day, I get to the platform and, as standard, pull out a book – one of the best bits about commuting by train is the time to read! He approaches me and asks how I am, makes an awkward joke that he always sees me reading. Continue reading

Originally, I was going to create a post on the most inspirational author quotes, but then I know that’s been done before. It’s not hard to Google author quotes on writing, so I wanted to be a bit more original.

Considering a lot of my work is with Indie authors, and I’m a patron of the self-publishing world, I thought why not ask for quotes from Indie authors? I mean, if you’re looking to self-publish, then who better to get you’re inspiration from?

So, I posted in one of my favourite Facebook groups; Women Writers, Women’s Books and asked the female Indie authors of the world to help. The response was overwhelming, and so here are my favourite quotes from some very inspiring ladies. Continue reading

Whether you embrace social media or shy from it, it’s crucial for authors to master both Facebook and Twitter. Here are my tips for becoming a top Tweeter:

Read the full post here.

Social media is fast becoming an all-consuming part of our lives and for authors it’s more important then ever to make sure you’re using it to the best of your abilities. Here are my top tips for mastering Facebook:

Read the full post here.

On Saturday 27^th February, I travelled to London to take part in Foyles Discovery Day where I was able to pitch my novel to a literary agent from Curtis Brown or Conville and Walsh, followed by a mini Q&A session with another agent. Exciting, I know.

I decided to be extra prepared, so I put together the synopsis of my novel, printed out the first page and packed my bag the night before so I was all ready to go. Being me, I was secretly looking forward to the train journey, the ability to sit down and crack on with stuff I’d been meaning to do for a while, or continue reading the irresistible A Hundred Pieces of Me by Lucy Dillon – I’ll be posting a review of this one soon! Continue reading

The final day of our trip was dedicated to another family member. Someone who often gets forgotten because of his shy, mild-mannered nature but is the loveliest grandparent you could ask for. He never forgets a Christmas or birthday card – ever – and is always willing to open his home to his children and grandchildren. And that’s Grandad.

My favourite childhood photo is on Grandad’s garden bench where he has one arm wrapped around me, a cheeky smile on my face and blonde bunches visible on top of my head – yes that’s right, I made the pineapple-look fashionable – and of course I’m wearing some horrible 90s outfit. I think a bright pink reebok sweatshirt with some horribly patterned leggings. Back when I was all cute and innocent.

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I love going to educational lectures. I love learning stuff. That’s a good thing right? But sometimes I find myself getting so annoyed, it just ruins it. Now I’m quite a passionate person and those who know me best also know I can get passionate, or should I say angry, about silly little things. Pet peeves is what we Brits call them. Well I have a hundred of them and this is just one.

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The following day we enjoyed a lazy morning, getting up a little later, taking our time in getting dressed before heading out to the reason why were there in the first place, that’s right Mama’s birthday lunch.

We arrived at the hotel after a bit of a hairy ride in the car. Having only been insured for a matter of days, it’s safe to say that the Lover wasn’t the calmest passenger in the car. And on twisty turny roads that were unfamiliar probably wasn’t the place in which to learn how to handle the Astra.

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As the Lover drove into the Nottinghamshire countryside, I was squirming in my seat. He obviously questioned my actions with a ‘what the hell are you doing’ and the simple explanation of ‘getting changed’ did nothing to explain my situation to him.

Have you ever tried to get changed in a moving car? It’s not the easiest. In fact it’s bloody difficult. Especially when dealing with tights, which let’s face it are not the easiest garment to get on and off. Let’s also not forget, that I was having to first undress myself from my leggings – another item of clothing that is hard to change in a hurry – before then getting into the tights. A tricky task indeed.

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After a hectic morning at work counting down the hours and for once having more to do than I could handle. I could finally be whisked away on a magical long weekend for my Nan’s birthday. My Nan is in fact called Mama, something to do with my cousin having the inability to say Grandma.

So of course, my train was running late. Only four minutes behind schedule but it was enough to set me on edge. Come on! So the normally relaxed stance reading whichever book I’m halfway through was replaced by some nervous pacing. The train finally arrives with a relief and I don’t hesitate in boarding – in fact I may have elbowed some people out of the way in my haste. Not deliberately of course.

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