Children’s Books

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

Flaunt it Friday

~ my word (s) ~ 4 Comments

It’s that time of the week to share what you’re pleased with.

A few months back, I contacted Young Page Turners UK to ask if they’d consider reviewing my children’s book, The Clocker My Books

I got a response quite quickly saying yes and asking me to post a copy to the reviewer, which I did. This week I had an email with an apology for the delay and a link to the review on their website. Young Page Turners are passionate about books and they provide independent reviews of children’s and YA books. They do not charge for this service.

Not only was the review 5* but gives a comprehensive insight into the book and its appeal. I loved this – “ The Clocker, in particular, becomes a symbol of courage and self-acceptance. Through his daily care he provides for his hens, Nev also learns to care for himself, discovering an inner strength he didn’t realise he had.”

See the full review here https://youngpageturners.co.uk/the-clocker-by-liz-mackenzie-review/

To use a Wordy Wednesday word, I’m chuffed.

Flaunt it Friday

~ my word (s) ~ 6 Comments

Share something you’ve achieved, or are pleased with, this week. It doesn’t matter how big or small; go ahead and flaunt it.

In the last week, I have taken my children’s book, The Clocker, to two local libraries. I’ve met lots of children and their families and had a wonderful time. Each session has started with me reading a few chapters of my book, followed by a writing/ craft session. I’ve been very impressed at how many children know what a blurb is and where to find it on a book.

Each child, as well as some of their family members, thought of an animal whether real or imaginary they’d like to write a book about. They came up with titles, drew pictures and wrote a mini blurb. What fantastic ideas they had, from Superflea, to The Finx, from Flight (about a bird called Blue Bell), to Fun Facts About Snakes. There’s definitely some budding talent out there.

Thank you to Nottingham Central Library and Wollaton Library for inviting me; I loved it.

This is the first thing I saw when I arrived at Nottingham Central Library My Books

Sum up Sunday

~ my word (s) ~ 11 Comments

How’s your week been? If you’d like to sum it up in 25 words or less, I’d love to hear from you.

Charity shop Monday

Write and clean Tuesday

Write more on Wednesday

Friends on Thursday

Library event Friday

Shop and write Saturday

And it’s Sunday again

Having the chance to read some of my children’s book, The Clocker, at the library was fantastic My Books

Flaunt it Friday

~ my word (s) ~ 7 Comments

Today’s the day to share anything that you’re pleased with this week. Here’s mine:

Having had my debut children’s book, The Clocker, published this year, I have been beavering away on a second children’s book. It’s a follow on, with a focus on a different character than the first book.

I’m delighted to have now written over 30,000 words. Although it’s very much a first draft, that feels quite an achievement.

I’m looking forward to adding this book to My Books

Sum up Sunday

~ my word (s) ~ 6 Comments

It’s time to sum up your week in 25 words or less. Here’s my week:

Guitar sale at charity shop

Cataract appointment comes through

Support at Let’s Write

First draft of second book moves on

The boiler is serviced.

As a writer, it’s good to have a supportive writing community

Flaunt it Friday

~ my word (s) ~ 10 Comments

After some set-backs, this week has been positive. Despite the challenge of not being able to drive at the moment (cataracts), I’ve picked myself up and got organised. Train and hotel bookings are sorted so that I can still get to Liverpool Book Festival in August, where I’m sharing a stand with a fellow children’s author. I’ve calculated the maximum number of books and bookmarks we can manage to take. Phew.

On Monday, I heard from my contact at the library that there’d been some bookings for the 2 library events I’m doing next month. She’s also asked me to sign some books as they’re going to be given as prizes for a different library event. All very exciting and uplifting just at the moment I needed it.

I’m off to Liverpool Book Festival – https://www.boxpark.co.uk/venues/liverpool/events/liverpool-book-festival-summer-special

Wordy Wednesday

~ my word (s) ~ 9 Comments

This week, I’m going to hand over to Nev, the main character from my children’s book, The Clocker. Nev likes to make up his own words and he’s going to share one of them.

I love making up words. Sometimes there isn’t one that exists that says what you want. I started making up words when I was little. It made people laugh so I made up more. The first made up word in The Clocker is ‘slumpfolded’. It means you’re slumped and folded over all at once. It described how my dad looked when my mum had left us. Apparently, that word also means something to do with a geographical feature but I think my meaning is better.

Have you ever made up a word, either by adding two words together or creating your own word? I’d love to hear them (and so would Nev).

https://troubador.co.uk/bookshop/middle-grade/the-clocker

Flaunt it Friday

~ my word (s) ~ 8 Comments

It’s Friday again. What are you pleased with yourself about this week?

I’m delighted to have had several more reviews of my children’s book, The Clocker. Especially gratifying were these two comments: “Once I started reading the Clocker, I couldn’t put it down” and “I can’t imagine a young person who wouldn’t love this book”.

It’s an amazing feeling when people not only read your book but take the time to write a review. It reminds me of the importance of doing this for other authors.

Oh, I also managed a volunteer shift at the charity shop with no internet, ergo no card payments. Cash only – like being back in the 70s.

5 star reviews – whoo hoo

Flaunt it Friday

~ my word (s) ~ 7 Comments

It’s been a good week. I met with someone from Nottingham Central Library Service. We have dates in the diary for 2 library events during the summer holidays, plus 2 days of school events in local libraries. I’ll be reading from my book, The Clocker, and doing a writing session with the children.

As well as these events, I’ll be doing more with Leicester Libraries Service.

I’m really looking forward to introducing my book to groups of children.

It’s going to be an exciting summer.

What have you done that you’re pleased with this week?