Happy New Year

To all my family and friends...

All the best for 2017!

Hope 2017 is full of unexpected surprises and smiles.

2016 has flown by for us again and I have to say that my life has changed a lot. 

I seem to have lost my "stay-at-home" mum status by going back to "work"... not sure how I feel about that now?!

As a mum, I have never stopped working. And becoming a writer there never seemed to be a time when I actually switched off. However, going back to teaching means I have set hours I have to be somewhere, and I have a lot of planning to do in the background.

Structure in life is helpful. Also, being in a "role" give you a sense of belonging. But, for all the writers out there... your work is brilliant and at times totally unappreciated - just like being a mum!

So, let's all keep our heads held high in whatever we are doing and take pride in what we achieve.

I hope anyone reading this keeps in touch and sends me books that I must read. I will find the time!

All the best,
Vanessa

Distraction for #Writers

It's not difficult to find something else to do at this time of the year! So much going on...

However, it has been my pleasure to help an author, A.G. Lyttle, I met a few years ago online to prepare his book for the market! He is planning to publish his book, based on the Easter Rising of 1916, in 2016 to mark 100 years since the occasion!

Not only is his book a fantastic read, but I have been having fun trying to design a cover too. All of this is great practice for my own book publication should I fail to get representation! (I might add that I am yet to send it off to any agents - chicken that I am!)

To read about the feedback I got on my new novel read THIS! I was thrilled to get the feedback, but am only now going over the edits!

I have also been reading a lot recently. I find that it relaxes me a lot, and feel that writing will come... no point forcing it. BUT, every day my mind conjures up new ideas, so I know my creative side will not be quashed!

I have gone back to teaching maths part-time and am enjoying it - I know some of you will doubt this, but I CAN make maths exciting! I am lucky to have a great group of children to work with.

Life is busy, but I'm happy. Ultimately, I love helping people too much to hide at home.

To all of you - have an amazing Christmas period! 

Spend time with friends & family and LAUGH a lot! Very therapeutic...

MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Vanessa :)

20,000 views... WOW

I just realised whilst updating my blogs that I have had over 20,000 views on this blog!

Awesome... Thank you to anyone who has come and had a look at my rambles!


Anyway, I had a fantastic Christmas with my sisters in Tewkesbury... we stayed in a massive converted barn (I did however look forward to my shower when I got home since the shower head was so big it flooded you, so I bathed instead... it was quite nice actually). I hope you all had a great Christmas too...

I am going to try and keep this blog updated with extras (like recipes, etc) in the new year... I know there are a lot of cake fans out there!

Saying this, I ate a lot of food (still am - but I made a soup today... phew) so I am going on a "diet" in January - when the clothes start to get tight, it's time to do something. My diet will mainly consist of exercise, more fruit & veg (tuna salads!) and less chocolate :(

It has to be done... So, here are my New Year resolutions

1) More exercise
2) Less processed food
3) Write again...
4) Major clear up - yes, some books HAVE to go to the charity shop!
5) Read... (this is easy!

What are your top ideas?

Happy New Year to you all
All the best,
Vanessa :) xx

P.s. if you want to read my debut novel, HYBRID, as an eBook for free, then head on over to The Evolution Trilogy for all the links to Amazon, Kobo, Nook, etc - I have had over 1000 downloads in the US already! :)

A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL...

It's Christmas Eve and for once I have not had the family around... it is strange!

Usually, we open presents with my in laws today, but this year it is happening tomorrow. 

So, I have made minced pies with my daughter, we had leftovers (roast chicken dinner from yesterday), and I played board games with them.  My husband is at work...

But, then I have things to do (like blog...lol) so I have left the kids to their own devices... They are now arguing (I just had to go to lay down the law...or try to!) and I hope I survive the next few hours... I sympathise with any single parents out there - I feel like one!

Anyway, I don't know how peaceful your households are, but I find the day before slightly painful with kids... they are way too hyper!

We did go to a lovely Carol Service yesterday to remind them that Christmas is actually not just about eating and presents... I hope we all try to remember the real meaning of Christmas.  Religious or not, it is a great time to reflect...

Anyway, if you do have the time tomorrow and on Boxing Day to get your Kindles out I have a few freebies & promotions...

Please download and spread the word!

A FESTIVE FEAST (FREE ON CHRISTMAS DAY & BOXING DAY)

Amazon UK

Amazon US

FIRST DATE (FREE ON CHRISTMAS DAY & BOXING DAY)

Amazon UK

Amazon US

OUT OF DARKNESS ((FREE ON BOXING DAY)

Amazon UK

Amazon US

HYBRID is also reduced for Christmas...

Amazon UK Only 95p

Amazon US Only $1.54

Smashwords

And Complications is now available...

Amazon UK

Amazon US

Smashwords


MERRY CHRISTMAS

Lots of Love & best wishes
Vanessa :) xx

Gurnard Pre-School Christmas Market

Last week Gurnard Pre-school held its second Christmas Market.  I organised it, with some amazing help... What an incredible team!

From the parents - Nicki, Jenny, Claire, Kirsty, Suzanne, Jane. From Cowes Baptist Church - a particualr mention to John , Graham & Sarah. From the Gurnard Pre-School Staff - Val, Christy, Bev, Jane, Clare, Pat, Kelly.  And to anyone else who helped - THANK YOU...

We raised just over £800 on the day, and then we managed to flog (thanks Clare & Pat) the rest at the main school Fair... so raised over £850! RESULT!

Anyway, all money raised will help the Pre-school complete the building program imposed by the change of location. It's all coming together...

Enjoy the photos of the event

Vanessa :) xx