I admit that I find it really hard to push myself ‘out there’ in terms of promoting my children’s book. I’m feeling really pleased with myself that I have not one but two bookings at local libraries in the summer. I’ll be reading from my book and getting the children who come along to do some drawing and writing. It feels like a massive achievement.
What are you feeling pleased about this week? I’d love to hear from you.
My Flaunt it Friday this week is a small achievement but one I’d been putting off. Each year, as Spring arrives, I think about the vegetables I might grow in the garden. We now have 2 large raised beds for this purpose, our garden being small. This year, though, we’d made the decision to completely empty the beds. One was bulging underneath, the other we wanted to move to a different place. The reason I’d been holding back is that my right hand and wrist have been very painful; rheumatoid arthritis has taken its toll. I don’t like to give up though so, on a day I felt okay-ish, I put on my wrist support, took some painkillers and we got to it.
Sometimes, the small things give the greatest satisfaction. Now I can get planting, which is much easier.
What have you achieved this week, however big or small? I’d love to hear from you.
I’ve got bookmarks. I ordered them to give out at events promoting my debut middle grade children’s book, The Clocker. They arrived on Tuesday and I’m so excited. I think they look fantastic and I hope children and adults will enjoy them.
Have you done something, however big or small, worth shouting out about this week. I’d love to hear from you.
I’m feeling jolly pleased with myself this week. We hadn’t been abroad since 2017 when we went to Florence for the 25th wedding anniversary of my partner’s cousin. Travelling abroad had become difficult and stressful, Brexit notwithstanding. (Apologies for using the B word!) Insurance for two people with existing medical conditions is outrageous, and waiting for ‘assisted travel’ at airports somewhat like being in a holding pen with no idea when you’ll escape.
We decided to take our holidays in the UK, covering the South West of England to The Highlands of Scotland. We’ve had some amazing times with no regrets but, having had some challenging times in 2025, we decided to try a coach holiday to Belgium; a place we’d never been.
It’s been wonderful, such a beautiful country. Bruges is vibrant and pretty. We also visited Ghent, Ostend and hopped over the border to Sluis in The Netherlands, which was a delight. We’d settled on a five-day break to see how it went and it all went well. So … where next?
What are you pleased with yourself about this week?
I’ve been working through a long list of tasks in advance of my middle-grade children’s book, The Clocker, being published on 28th April 2026. I’ve approved the ebook, ordered some bookmarks, updated my website, had various conversations in relation to promoting the book … The list goes on.
It can be hard to do things you haven’t done before, as well as remind yourself of things you’ve not done for a while. I’m plodding on, taking it step by step and getting there.
You can pre-order my book and see more at:
https://troubador.co.uk/bookshop/middle-grade/the-clocker
It’s been a busy week for me, one of new challenges as I prepare for the publication of my children’s book, The Clocker. As writers, we spend hours plotting stories, bringing characters to life, writing, revising and editing until we’re happy with the result.
Even with the backup of a publisher, there’s still more to do, as an author, and this involves heading into an unknown land. Pushing myself out there, getting help from others, speaking to strangers doesn’t come easily to me. I might be writing Flaunt it Friday but it all feels a bit alien and uncomfortable.
It has been wonderful to receive positive and helpful support not only from friends and family but my writing community at The Writer’s Bureau Let’s Write group.
https://www.writersbureaucourse.com/courses/let-us-write
There’s lots more to do but I’ve made a start. If you’ve achieved something this week, however big or small, let me know in the comments section below.
Find The Clocker at:
https://troubador.co.uk/bookshop/middle-grade/the-clocker
https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-clocker/liz-mackenzie/9781806341719
With my first children’s book due for publication on 28th April 2026, my first Flaunt it Friday is about The Clocker. I have wanted to write a book for children since the age of 11. As I’m now 67, it’s taken a while!
The Clocker tells the story of Nev and his favourite hen, The Clocker. Blurb:
Nev’s life stinks. His mother left, and he lives with his Dad, who is a bit weird. The school bully, Kez, is making his life a misery.
The best things in Nev’s life are his five hens, especially his favourite, The Clocker. He can talk to her, and she understands.
After struggling to find something to write for a poetry competition, Nev decides on a poem about The Clocker. He is chosen to represent his school and read his poem at the Regional Schools’ Poetry Festival.
On the downside, the poem ramps up the bullying. Will Nev ever gain the confidence to stand up to Kez?
The book is for ‘middle grade’ readers (age 8-12) and can be pre-ordered at:
https://troubador.co.uk/author/liz-mackenzie
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Clocker-Liz-Mackenzie/dp/1806341719
https://www.waterstones.com/book/the-clocker/liz-mackenzie/9781806341719
https://www.tgjonesonline.co.uk/Product/Liz-Mackenzie/The-Clocker/15907156
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