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.
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
I left my blog hanging in the last few months of 2025, a run of health issues sapping my energy and sometimes, though not always, my creativity.
Nonetheless, 2025 was a year of writing, of finishing pieces and continuing to go to my supportive writing group. Most significantly, I finished my children’s (middle grade) novel and it will be published at the end of April 2026. Here’s a sneak preview …
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Clocker-Liz-Mackenzie/dp/1806341719
The front cover image will be finalised shortly. It’s very exciting.
Whatever your plans are for creative writing this year, I wish you well. Keep at it. I first dreamt of writing a book for children when I was 11. By the time The Clocker is published, I’ll be 67, so never give up on your dreams.
I’m delighted to be on the next leg of my book tour with Liz. Thank you for having me, Liz. I’m bringing you all details of my new children’s book for 5-7 year olds. It’s called The Secret Dragon and is the first in the Saffy’s Secret Quest series. Publication day is 28th July, but the book is available for pre-order. Here’s a little bit more about it:
The blurb
When Saffy discovers a dragon statue at the bottom of her garden, her boring summer holiday becomes full of excitement.
The statue is a real dragon called Lily. She’s from the magical world of Mandoreum, a place that’s in danger and in need of Saffy’s help.
There are clues to solve, a wicked witch to battle and secrets to be kept at all costs. Will Saffy be able to save Mandoreum before it’s too late?
Extract:
Saffy watched anxiously as Lily raced towards Narla, ferocious flames flying from her mouth. They turned into hundreds of bubbles which quickly burst. Lily’s legs stretched out for Narla, ready to grasp her. In the moment she reached the witch, cotton wool balls replaced her claws and now Lily looked like the dragon Saffy held in her hand.
She shook her head, unable to believe what Lily was showing her. Little by little, Mandoreum and all its people were becoming tattered and torn. Magical stars, sparkles and shimmers whipped up into a whirlwind. They leapt into the tip of Fairy Godfather Freddie’s wand which was held tightly in Narla’s hand.
“You poor things,” Saffy said. “I don’t think I need to see any more.”
Author bio:
Esther has been a freelance writer for over twenty years, regularly writing articles and short stories for magazines and newspapers such as Writers’ Forum, Writing Magazine, The Guardian, Best of British, The Cat, This England, Yours and The People’s Friend.
Winner of several competitions, including those run by Writing Magazine and The Global Short Story Contest, she has also had the privilege of judging writing competitions and relished being given the role of head judge of the Writers’ Forum monthly short story competition.
Esther loves writing but equally enjoys helping others, which she achieves in her role as a tutor for The Writers Bureau. She also runs their monthly writing club, Let’s Write.
She has had two how-to books on writing published as well as two collections of short stories. Her first children’s book is coming out in July, where she writes under the name of Esther Moonstomp.
Blog: https://estherchilton.co.uk
Buying links:
UK: Paperback: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Secret-Dragon-Saffys-Quest/dp/1836283881
Ebook: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0FCMZ6LMW
US: https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Dragon-Saffys-Quest-Book-ebook/dp/B0FCMZ6LMW
On Tuesday 24th June 2025, I will have a visitor to my site. This is new experience for me and I look forward to telling you all about her and her new children’s book.
Watch this space to find out more.
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