Flaunt it Friday

~ my word (s) ~ 7 Comments

What are you pleased about this week? I was very touched by a review of my book, The Clocker, My Books from a 8 year old boy who is passionate about his own hens.

I’m really proud of myself because this is the biggest book I have ever read in my life, the review starts.

I feel really bad for Nev, you know? His mom left just like that and I don’t like that he gets bullied ‘cause I know how that feels. My young reviewer continues that he’s glad Nev has his hens, Samantha and his dad. He’s funny. I like how he talks obvs.

Finally, my wonderful reviewer says, this is a really good book for kids to read … you know how you say you don’t always know the full story … like how bullies can bully ‘cause they’re having a hard time too? That made me think a lot.

What an insightful boy. Comments like these make all the time spent writing worthwhile.

Wordy Wednesday

~ my word (s) ~ 11 Comments

A fellow blogger recently posted one in a series of blogs about his life experiences – https://charlierobinsonbooks.blog

I always enjoy the lively writing in Charlie’s blog and hearing about his escapades. I’d commented about his mention of another niggle and that I was looking forward to what came next. Charlie replied, “there’s always something niggling away which leads to shenanigans.”

Struck by what a great word shenanigans is, I resolved to use it in a future Wordy Wednesday. The word originated in the mid 19th century and, according to my Oxford English Dictionary, is of unknown origin. It refers to secret or dishonest activity or manoeuvring; or silly or high-spirited behaviour. From reading Charlie’s blog, there is certainly a lot of the latter.

Thank you Charlie for a splendid word. I’m looking forward to more shenanigans.

Sum up Sunday

~ my word (s) ~ 8 Comments

Happy Sunday everyone. How has your week been? Let me know in 25 words or less. Here’s my week:

One morning volunteering

Two poetry events

Three days September

Four October

Five rooms cleaned

Six hours of writing

And seven nights of sleep …

October is here

Flaunt it Friday

~ my word (s) ~ 6 Comments

This week I have completed a second developmental edit of my next children’s book. I’ve made changes, added some bits and removed others. This book will focus on Samantha, who appeared in my first book, The Clocker. My Books

My next task is a line edit and to then send it off for feedback before getting it published. I’m getting closer and feeling pleased.

What are you pleased about this week? I’d like to hear from you.

Wordy Wednesday

~ my word (s) ~ 7 Comments

In the online writing group I’m part of we have a virtual common room. This is used to post news, share information and writing successes. Recently, I asked if any of the group members would like to share a word for Wordy Wednesday. The word could be in any language.

I was delighted to receive a wonderful word, with meaning, from Susan. This is what she says:

“Thanks for  the invitation to bring a word to your Wordy Wednesday.  As you were talking about drizzle, I’ll give you our local Basque word for that same dreary rain: “txirimiri” (pronounced chirimiri).  I like the word – not so happy about the rain, though.”

Thank you Susan and what a fabulous word. It’s great to have a word I’ve never heard before. I listened to the pronunciation and love how it sounds.

Next time it’s drizzling I’ll think of the word
txirimiri and smile

Sum up Sunday

~ my word (s) ~ 3 Comments

Have you had a good week? Busy, chaotic or relaxed , I’d love to hear about it in 25 words or less. Here’s my sum-up:

Bus trips

Bearded Badger Books – Derby

Check library venue for author visit – Stapleford

Sense and Sensibility – Nottingham

Plus writing and writing group

Mowed the lawn

Flaunt it Friday

~ my word (s) ~ 7 Comments

This week I have focused on contacting the libraries in my region to ask them to consider stocking my book. Nottingham and Nottinghamshire libraries are already stocking it and I thought I’d spread the net a bit wider. I am delighted to have already had one positive response from Derbyshire Library Service. They’re going to order a few to see what the take up is like and then consider ordering more. It’s very exciting to imagine my book on the shelves in libraries waiting for children to pick it up and take it home.

My Books

Libraries are a great resource and a gateway to reading for many children

Wordy Wednesday

~ my word (s) ~ 11 Comments

A few Sundays back, I went to The Garage in Chilwell where they hold food and craft markets every weekend. I was keen to find Dukki Gifts’ stall as I’d started following them on Instagram. They’re an independent online gift shop and use a lot of Notts / East Midlands words and sayings such as, “ayup me duck”.

I was looking at a tea towel of Nottingham phrases, with translations, when I came across knobby greens. I’d never heard that expression. It means Brussels sprouts and I imagine many a Nottingham child has been told to eat up your knobby greens. What a cracking phrase. I love it.

Here’s a link to Dukki Gifts. Great products at really good prices.

https://dukkigifts.co.uk

Does anyone remember that Christmas on The Vicar of Dibley with Dawn French?

Sum up Sunday

~ my word (s) ~ 5 Comments

I hope you’ve all had a good week? Let’s sum up in 25 words or less.

Volunteer x 2

Fantastic film

Write, write, write

Lunch with friends

Brilliant Carlton Brass Band

Harrogate Flower Show

Whirlwind week

Went to our wonderful independent cinema to see Pressure

Flaunt it Friday

~ my word (s) ~ 7 Comments

How’s your week been? I’ve had an industrious week writing-wise. As well as continuing with the editing of my second children’s book, I’ve started work on two other short pieces.

One is for TenX9 Nottingham, where nine true-life pieces of no more than ten minutes are read. The theme for the next one is waiting.

My second piece is for Let’s Write, an online writing group I attend. This month we had a choice of three prompts. I spent some time deciding which prompt to use and made a start on my piece.

I’m feeling satisfied.

What are you pleased or satisfied with this week?

Ticking off writing tasks