2020... not sure about this year at all

I realised the other day that the only post from this year was one full of optimism and positive thoughts.

Hmmm... Seems that when 2020 happened none of us knew what the year had in stock.

Solent view from the Isle of Wight, April 2020

I have read many blogs and articles that have commented on the crazy events leading to this point, but no-one could have predicted the Coronavirus pandemic - truly an event I would have thought to read about in a fiction novel, or seen in a disaster movie.

Is anyone else suspended in disbelief, hoping that as Dallas did with Bobby Ewing many years ago, we will all wake up tomorrow and find that it was an extravagant dream? Wouldn't that be amazing?

I keep thinking that now is the time to get back to writing fiction; I have so many ideas swirling in my mind. But, it is actually a great chance to get ahead on my teaching - so as some of you may have realised my time is not spent doing maths not english! But, maybe, just maybe... I can use this time to put ideas together and plan.

The question is what will you do to make your time in lockdown something you can look back on positively?

Personally, I am trying to do the following things:

• Doing exercise every day - either a fitness class, walk or cleaning (this really does count)

• Try to achieve something in the house - clearing a cupboard, baking (and eating - exercise needed definitely), or cooking

• Spend time with family - talking, playing games or making a jigsaw puzzle

• Watch some news (really have to control how much I watch here since it was getting silly)

• Try to do some work... lots of maths just waiting!

Next week, I will be working from home again, so will have to get some lessons planned/ be there for students that need help.

I am also reading a series (on the last book)... so will try to post a review when I am done!

So for now, can I wish anyone that reads this good health and all the best during these troubling times.

Vanessa

Walk the Wight #IsleofWight

Today, I walked the 4 mile Schools Walk with my 7 year old daughter to support the Mountbatten Hospice. We had already walked the 26 miles over the past month getting a sticker for each 30 mins. It was a great incentive to keep her going...

My husband & 13 year old son walked the entire distance of over 26 miles. My 12 year old daughter did about 15 miles!

My new walking boots caused me some problems, but the pain is nothing compared to the work this wonderful charity does.

If you are inspired by any of the stories and by our walking please donate to the Mountbatten Hospice now via their website => CLICK HERE OR Facebook Page

Victoria Hislop @IOWLF 2015

An inspiration!

I was lucky enough to go and watch Victoria Hislop on Friday at the Isle of Wight Literary Festival. The venue was St Mary's Church in Cowes, and it was a brilliant setting, made more funny by the fact that at times Victoria hoped anything she said would not be taken against her!

Her talk was fascinating and insightful, as she talked about her latest book, The Sunrise.

"In the summer of 1972, Famagusta in Cyprus is the most desirable resort in the Mediterranean, a city bathed in the glow of good fortune. An ambitious couple are about to open the island's most spectacular hotel, where Greek and Turkish Cypriots work in harmony. Two neighbouring families, the Georgious and the Özkans, are among many who moved to Famagusta to escape the years of unrest and ethnic violence elsewhere on the island. But beneath the city's façade of glamour and success, tension is building.

When a Greek coup plunges the island into chaos, Cyprus faces a disastrous conflict. Turkey invades to protect the Turkish Cypriot minority, and Famagusta is shelled. Forty thousand people seize their most precious possessions and flee from the advancing soldiers. In the deserted city, just two families remain. This is their story."

The blurb via Amazon tells you what the book is about, but it truly does help to listen to an author and understand their passion and reasoning for writing their novel. Every book is unique and should not be measured by another.

I have read her second novel, The Return, and loved it. I have started this one and can understand why she spends a lot of time describing the place - it's important to understand, as she said, that the place in her books is just as important as the characters.

I am enjoying the book a lot, but do think a lot of characters have come on the scene and I am struggling to keep up! I will review the book when I finish and give my verdict then.

FIND MY 4 STAR REVIEW BY CLICKING ON HERE

Overall though, I think Victoria was personable and interesting and I hope she continues to be inspired to write many more books in the future.

I have to admit that I was relieved when she told us it takes her 3 years to write a book, 2 years just for research! Since I have taken under 2 years to finish my first historical fiction book I can breathe a sigh of relief! It's normal! PHEW...

I hope you all have a fabulous week.

All the best,
Vanessa                                          

Meet the Authors, @IOWLF 2015

Andrew Weale & "Spooky, Spooky House"

What a fantastic day! 

All of the authors I met today where brilliant and I thoroughly enjoyed watching their talks/ workshops!


First up, I watched Andrew Weale who read from two stories, including Spooky, Spooky House, which was so much fun with it's huge array of hidden surprises under a multitude of flaps!

Kev Sutherland

Next, was the "Cartoon Workshop" - more Comic workshop to be honest. Kev was incredibly funny, talented and entertaining!

I have to admit the fact he worked for The Beano made me in awe of him!

As a child, I wanted that job!







The amazingly talented, Diana Kimpton, was next...

She was excellent with the children.

They thoroughly enjoyed her various acts and role-plays (she chased children around), funny voices, and excerpts from her stories.

The children (& adults) asked a lot of questions at the end.

Very interesting overall.

The Big Draw with "Bridget Marzo"

Next up, was Bridget Marzo with her Tiz & Ott's Big Draw.

She had all the children and adults (myself included) on the floor drawing!

My youngest (aged 6) managed to see her at school and I managed to get her a signed copy of the book which she read to me tonight.

It truly is a brilliant book for children. Especially to encourage creativity with art.

Nicholas Allan

Lastly, I watched Nicholas Allan who entertained us not only with his books, but with magic tricks galore & an assortment of chocolate prizes!

What a brilliant way to end the day...


Tomorrow, you get the chance to see Andrew Weale, Diana Kimpton, and Nicholas Allan again... so come along and join the fun!

Ghost Walks to the Cellars!

You can even visit the ghostly cellars!

I highly recommend you come along to the IOWLF

Vanessa :)

For more information on the authors read my first blog! HERE

SJ Watson, @IOWLF 2015

After mulling over whether to do some work (i.e writing - I am on a roll at the moment) or go and be inspired by listening to a bestselling author, I chose the latter.

SJ Watson is the best-selling author of "Before I go to Sleep" - a book I really enjoyed back in 2012!

The same year I published my first novel coincidentally. Unfortunately, I have not had the same level of success...

I had no idea about his past and was intrigued to find out that he worked in the NHS, having an aptitude for Science (Physics), before realising he really wanted to be a writer. Having said this he always loved writing, but was put off it as it was not seen to be a viable career (boy, do I relate to this!)

He was approaching 40 and decided to go for it... (hmmmm, sounds like a lot of us writers think alike!)

Anyway, he worked part-time, enrolled on a creative writing course (that cost thousands) and worked on his debut novel for 6 months, before he fortunately met his agent (over a few drinks) who showed an interest in his novel.

Voila!

Lucky guy, he got the illusive book deal, not to forget the film, etc... I mean, come on COLIN FIRTH as a bad guy! (sighs!)

BUT, let's face it, if the novel had not been any good she would have sent him packing! So, it's a case of being at the right place at the right time, and having a fantastic idea!

His new novel, SECOND LIFE  sounds interesting, but I have to admit that he did not sell it to me enough to buy the £14 hardback - I'll just wait for the price to drop on kindle (sorry)

There have been a lot of thrillers on the book market recently and I have to admit that as much as I like to be shocked, I like romance too much to stray away for too long.

However, for SJ Watson, once you've got a taste of success, if you keep your readers happy you should be in the game for a long time.

What I found most interesting was the fact that he is an avid reader. I always struggle to understand how anyone can call themselves a writer and not be...

Anyway, I'll be heading off to listen to Victoria Hislop tonight! Can't wait.

All the best,
Vanessa :)

P.s. I did see Mary Berry today before her talk with Alan Titchmarsh (does a happy dance)

I took a photo for my daughter and even though I wished I could have stayed to listen to it, I knew I'd have to rush out to do the school run so did not think it was worth my getting a ticket and hovering in the background!

Besides, the room was PACKED!

Isle of Wight Literary Festival 2015, @IOWLF

Well, October is here and it's that time again in Cowes!

AUTHOR TIME!

Last year I was fortunate enough to both volunteer and act as a speaker. To find out about my experience as a speaker click HERE, or to read about my thoughts as a reader click HERE.

It was fun, but I'm glad that this year I am only volunteering! (My nerves were in bits last year)

I am lucky enough to be responsible for authors in the Youth Program - which is amazing this year! The enthusiasm and drive of the volunteers organising this event never ceases to amaze me.

In a bid to get acquainted with their work prior to the event, I thought I would post a bit about them on A Reader's Perspective. I hope some of you will be tempted to bring your children along or look them up online. Find links to my post below by clicking on the authors. Read all about it...

If you are planning to visit, get your tickets now at the IOWL Festival Official Site - I know some events are already sold out!

Hope you enjoy finding out a bit about the Festival and look me up if you visit! I am always happy to day HELLO.

Vanessa :)

See you at the IWLF - get your YOUTH PROGRAM tickets HERE

On Saturday 17th October I will be introducing...

10:00 AndrewWeale SPOOKY SPOOKY HOUSE

11:00 Cartoon Workshop

14:00 Diana Kimpton GREEN SHEEP What Animals Might Say

15:00 Bridget Marzo TIZ & OTT’S BIG DRAW

16:00 Nicholas Allan A LITTLE BIT OF MAGIC

On Sunday 18th October I will be introducing...

09:00 Story-Telling & Fancy Dress

11:00 AndrewWeale SPOOKY SPOOKY HOUSE

12:00 Diana Kimpton THERE MUST BE HORSES

14:00 Sara Grant MAGIC TRIX

15:00 Nicholas Allan THE QUEEN’S KNICKERS

A historic building, wonderful authors, and lovely children!

I have been waiting for something like this to blog... what a brilliant weekend at the IOWLF (or Isle of Wight Literary Festival!)

The beautiful setting of Northwood house and the extra facilities brought in this year created a buzz and yet relaxed environment where people could discuss and buy books at their leisure.

This was my third year as a volunteer at the festival. This time I was lucky enough to be involved as a speaker and attend several talks, so I basically experienced the best of everything.

I hope you enjoy finding out about it...

Vanessa

FRIDAY

I booked to see Dr Sam Willis & Horatio Clare mainly to help me with my research into life at sea, both in the past and the present.

I never expected to be entertained by music! Dr Sam Willis is not only a respected historian and excellent speaker. He is also a gifted musician, which proves my point that "us" writers are a truly creative bunch.

To start off, we were treated to a sea shanty played with a banjo and accompanied by melodic lyrics (he is a very brave man). I had no idea that he would then enrich our minds with a wealth of incredible information about the glorious years of British naval history which were bound and preserved in a beautiful edition. Even though this book was presented to the nation and includes original dispatches from the seven major fleet battles, it was kept a secret until he stumbled upon it in 2010! The contents of the book are truly fantastic and they can tell us a lot about the period of time, the mentality of the men writing the letters, and the incredible heritage we should always remember. The talk had us all entranced and the fact he ended with a sea shanty he played with a guitar set off all with a smile.

On a personal note, I find it incredible that there was (and is) so much honour in massacres committed for the protection of the crown and trade routes, but war is something human beings are very good at! I think we have come a long way in understanding the value of mediation and empathy since then, but unfortunately the modern world is still fractured by many who are willing to commit horrific crimes in the name of duty...

You can find out more about this fascinating book HERE

The one thing I can say for Horatio Clare is that he is extremely funny and he made us all imagine vividly his tales of life on board the vessels of Maersk.

The readings from his book captured my imagination and gave me a further insight into life at sea. The fact that my husband works for a shipping company, my father-in-law was a sea captain and I have actually named a vessel, gives me an advantage over most people... I know something of this lifestyle!

Overall, I really enjoyed the talk. For more information, I suggest you read this insightful GUARDIAN REVIEW.

I was lucky enough to be invited to the Royal Yacht Squadron  for an author reception. I went along with my husband and we loved looking at the pictures on the walls and soaking in the atmosphere. I spoke to several lovely people and had a few canapes, before my husband and I decided to go for a nice meal on our own... quality time is important too! Ended up in a Chinese restaurant eating dim sum! YUM!

SATURDAY

I was posted as a volunteer in the Author Meet & Greet area on Saturday morning. Met a very nice journalist who took my picture... you never know, he might actually use it! Easy job and I served Ann Widdecombe her lunch! My claim to fame...

I was off schedule during the afternoon so I bought last minute tickets to see Simon Callow. I am so glad I did since his talk was amazing! I could have easily listened for another couple of hours. He spoke about his fascination with Charles Dickens and brought to life some of his own experiences in acting out a range of roles. Absolutely FANTASTIC! GUARDIAN REVIEW

In the evening, I was posted at Trinity Theatre - a place which hold fond memories since I acted and sang on the stage a few times! My best role was as Mitzi in A Murder is Announced! Click on the link to read the review! :)

I enjoyed listening to Jay Rayner, but I did think it was a bit too serious for a Saturday night... I did not expect to listen to an intense discussion on the evil nature of supermarkets, the quest for sustainability, and the pending threat of China eating more meat! Oh well...

On a side note, I watched an amazing program the next evening on the BBC about the Yangtse River, which discussed similar issues in a much friendlier way.

SUNDAY

In the morning, I ran a children's workshop which was FANTASTIC! I was also told that I was the most organised workshop yet! Love it...

A huge thank you to my friends - Donna, Tamsin, Maria (a fantastic local author who did all the face paints) & my wonderful daughter, Elsa!

I could not have done it without them! These are some pictures and the lovely creations... books, bookmarks & painted faces!

In the afternoon, I gave a talk about my Evolution as a Writer - I have blogged about this HERE!

The Evolution of a Writer...

"What exactly I said is a blur, but I think everyone enjoyed it. 

Ultimately, I could have said so much more, but I focused on the lead up to my writing career and read excerpts from my trilogy that focus on topics such as relationships, war, my upbringing in Gibraltar, and personal conflict."


THE AUTHORS I WATCHED

Dr Sam Willis is one of the world’s leading authorities on maritime and naval history. His writing is infused with his own experience and knowledge of seafaring. Sam is the author of numerous books on maritime and naval history including the bestselling Hearts of Oak Trilogy and the Fighting Ships Series. Sam is a regular broadcaster on both TV and Radio. In 2013 Sam presented a three-part series on Shipwrecks for BBC4 and recreated the first ever voyage down the Grand Canyon for BBC2 in 'Operation Grand Canyon'.


Horatio Clare is the author of two memoirs, the best-selling Running for the Hills and Truant; the travel book A Single Swallow - which follows the birds' migration from South Africa to the UK - and a novella, The Prince's Pen. His new book is the bestselling travelogue Down to the Sea In Ships, based on voyages around the world on cargo vessels. Currently the Miriam Allott Fellow for Creative Writing at the University of Liverpool, he writes regularly in the press on nature and travel and contributes to Radio 4. He was awarded the Somerset Maugham prize by the Society of Authors, and is a Foreign Press Association Travel Writer of the Year.


Simon Callow is an actor, director and writer. He has appeared in many films, including the hugely popular Four Weddings and a Funeral.   His  books include Being An Actor, Shooting The Actor,  an  acclaimed biography of Charles Laughton, a biographical trilogy of Orson Welles (of which the first two parts have been published) and Love Is Where It Falls, an account of his friendship with the great play agent Peggy Ramsay.

My Life In Pieces  - An Alternative Autobiography  won the Sheridan Morley Prize in 2011. Simon's Charles Dickens and the Great Theatre of the World Was published  to coincide with the bicentenary of Dickens' birthday in 2012.


Jay Rayner is the Observer's restaurant critic and a novelist. His latest book is the Oyster House Siege.

Cowes Week 2014

Another Cowes week has gone by and it feels strange to think that summer is a few weeks from coming to a close. For those of you who have not heard of Cowes week, it is a week when tons of sailors and their yachts descend on Cowes for a jolly good show! CLICK here for more

Since I do not sail it is a bit wasted on me, but the atmosphere is great and there are lots of people sat on the green watching... what exactly I never know, but I assume it is the racing (if you can see or understand what is going on!)

The best fun is to be had on the streets during the day as a range of musicians busk and entertain the masses!

This year they also had a big wheel which gave amazing views of Cowes.

Northwood House

In the evening, bands come out in force and its brilliant (one day I'll go out every night... babysitter needed!)

The weather on the Isle of Wight has been fantastic over July, BUT last week it was not great... and this week it has been even worse. I think I have gone swimming in the sea twice so far, which is pathetic!

Anyway, at least the red arrows managed to make an appearance even though it poured the whole day... I was glad we live walking distance away and only went out at the last moment.

I felt so sorry for the families with children that had been out in the rain for 8 hours just so that they could get a parking spot!

Anyway, the kids will be back at school soon, the routine will return and I will be able to get some writing done... maybe?


Enjoy the pictures & enjoy the rest of the summer.

Vanessa :0) xx

A year ago... walking on the IOW

The abyss...

A year ago I blogged about a family walk on the Isle of Wight with my family... SMUGGLERS WALK.
Well, I did the same walk on Saturday and it is clear that my level of fitness has, well (have to be honest here) DECREASED... I was huffing up the hill/ steps and thinking "please get to the top soon". Today (2 days later), my back and legs hurt and I feel drained... so time to get fit & healthy again, me thinks.

I have not blogged about this much since I did not really want to talk about it last year, but basically 2 years ago I decided to put my health first for a change again.



At the top... still smiling! :)

I have never been massive, but at 5'1" I easily pile on the pounds if I don't exercise and watch what I eat. When I was a teenager I used to swim competitively so with all the training, etc, I could eat what I wanted and was a size 8/10.

When I left home for university I found comfort in junk food and was amazed at how cheap a portion of chips & pizza slice was compared to healthier options. I also did not exercise as much and so over the course of the 3 years moved to a size 12.

When I started working I starting watching my diet again, walking more and doing aerobics... I went back to a size 10 easily enough.

 



It was when I started teaching that I drove to work, ate snacks, larger lunches, late meals, etc that I moved to a size 14... and when I got pregnant I reached a weight of 95kg (nearly 14 stones)! Yep, I was huge - & I only carried one baby!

I have to go down THERE?

 I remember looking at myself in the mirror after I had my son and thinking "what the hell have you done?" I was now a size 16... now this might not seem much to some of you, but for someone my size it's not healthy. I was obese.

I went on a proper diet and over the course of 7 months lost the weight and resumed my size 10. I then got pregnant again, but this time did not gain the weight (I did have a baby to help me keep active!)

However, as with my previous examples I slipped again and 2 years ago I was a size 14, and resigned to the fact. I was huffing and puffing again, and depressed since I hated food and found it easier to eat crisps, chocolates & cakes than a proper meal. So, I went to see a dietician and changed my diet to a healthier one. It worked and the weight fell off, this time leaving me a size 8 - as you see on the post last year!

Stormy times...

This year, again, I started to lose interest and the weight has started to creep up again - but I am determined to stay this size - shopping gets expensive! But, I find it hard to stay focused...

You see, I think I am addicted to sugar and every time I crave more, and get hungrier. The question is how to keep off it when its all around us? (I do love chocolate)

So, I will remind myself and you (if interested) of the basics...

- use more natural sugars (agave syrup is great)
- eat less bread & dairy products
- eat more fresh fruit & vegetables
- DRINK lots of water
- keep snacks to a minimum

Tell me what you do to keep the weight down, or have you always been the lucky type that can eat whatever they want?

And to finish off have a look at my latest author interview... it is so nice when a near enough stranger says nice things about me! (It's because he has not met me - ha ha ha)

ENJOY :)

Vanessa :) xx

INTERVIEW WITH MASSIMO MARINO

A note from  MASSIMO...

I wrote fantastic stories and science fiction since I was a kid, short stories and novellas, but never had anyone read them. It was a personal thing: My father and my older brother received “Astounding Stories” and other Sci-Fi ‘zines, but I was too little to be allowed to read them, so I looked at the covers…and imagined things for myself.

Then, work and life took their toll and I stopped writing those tales. Slightly over two years ago, in 2011, for various reasons, I started again with some burning inside that needed to come out. On the first weekend I got over 15000 words, then subscribed to critters.org for peer review, lurked a year keeping on writing and getting feedback, and last September my debut novel, "Daimones", saw the light.

It received the 2012 PRG Reviewer’s Choice Award in Science Fiction. A debut novel among so many established authors in the competition. This September, "Daimones" won the 2013 Hall of Fame – Best Science Fiction from Quality Reads UK Book Club in collaboration with OrangeBerry Book Tours, shortlisted among thousands of other great candidates.

I’m writing now Vol.3 of the Daimones Trilogy,  published the Vol.2 "Once Humans (Daimones Trilogy)", and a small collection of short horrid stories, "Stranded Love"

So, what about me now… I’m Italian, and because even in Italy that means everything and nothing at all, I should say, I am Sicilian. I was born in Palermo, and as it happened with countless Sicilians, I left it, back in 1986. I lived more years abroad than in my home country, and I have changed in many and different ways than my old friends there. It is always a pleasure to go back, but it is now 6 long years since my last visit. Saudade? Maybe, a little.

I lived in Switzerland, France, and the United States. I am a scientist as a background, and have spent over 17 years in fundamental research. Most of my writing are then academic stuff, and I always wonder at how much Google is able to find about everyone. I am sure one has to Google oneself so not to forget too much…I worked for many years at CERN—an international lab for particle physics research near Geneva, Switzerland—then in the US at the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. Fantastic moments and memories from those years. In 2005 I moved to the private sector, worked with Apple Inc., and then for the World Economic Forum.