Another year bites the dust... Goodbye 2013

And now, the end is near...

I find it hard to believe that this is the last day of 2013 - where did that year go? UNBELIEVABLE!

Anyway, to top up the year, my blog has been featured by Jill Edmondson, I have been interviewed online, and I was nominated for an award... pop goes the weasel! HA!

When it rains it falls... but as I have said in my blog post, ON GIBRALTAR BOOKSHELVES, nothing can compare to seeing your book for sale on a real bookstore!

The reviews from readers have also made me smile, and made me think that perhaps I am a reasonable writer after all - thank you...

So, here goes - ENJOY

HAPPY NEW YEAR - I hope 2014 does not whizz by as fast as 2013 did!

Vanessa Wester :) xx

Reflecting on the last year, my thoughts at the end of 2013, is live on THE EVOLUTION TRILOGY blog, and has been featured by Jill Edmondson - LINK HERE

Interviewed by Tony Gilbert, thank you - LINK HERE

Nominated for...

This nomination came from Scarlett Flame - a very feisty red-head who is all heart! Thank you

All details on this award can be found HERE

I have received these "awards" over the last year and have to admit that I find them to be a bit like chain letters... you either are into them or you are not. Either way, I am glad someone thought of me and so I will recommend some bloggers who I wish to "award" now. By the way, you can collect up to six stars... ooooooo

So, a very Happy New Year to the following bloggers - please attach this badge of honour to your site if you wish...

Terry Tyler   Susan Buchanan   Val Poore   Carol Hedges   James Smith   Francis Potts

Can I also remind you that HYBRID is now FREE, please tell your friends and download. Thank you :)

= >>>>>> CLICK ON THE LINK FOR AMAZON, SMASHWORDS, NOOK, KOBO, etc...

BOOK LAUNCH in GIBRALTAR: THE EVOLUTION TRILOGY

I have just got back from Gibraltar... its amazing how much you can pack in in three days! PHEW...

Anyway, it truly is an incredible place - tell me anywhere else where you can call an old school friend (thank you Paula Latin) in the morning and then get mentioned on the radio station, have a TV crew sent to you for an interview that afternoon, and then get interviewed by local newspapers resulting in my first ever one page interview! I know, WOW...

Thank you so much to Alice Mascarenhas from the Gibraltar Chronicle for the feature.
LINK http://www.chronicle.gi/headlines_details.php?id=32150



And this is the GBC live TV interview - yes, I exist... for all of my virtual friends - I am not a BOT! :)

Newswatch - 17/12/13

LINK http://www.gbc.gi/television/tv-player.php?programme=475&episode=6328

Anyway, this is me signing books I sold... what a nice feeling!

Please head on over to my Trilogy blog (LINK) for more information... and spread the word about HYBRID being FREE as an eBook...

Thank you so much for you support & encouragement,

MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY NEW YEAR

Vanessa :) xx

Cakes and Carol (Hedges that is...)

I love Twitter (love is a strong word, I know) but seriously what a fantastic place! I have made many friends and I do have so many laughs... yes, it is terribly addictive - I could have written 3 novels by now (wishful thinking), but it's all worth it in the end!

Through Twitter I met Carol Hedges... and I was lucky enough to have her interview me on her blog. I snuggled up on her Pink Sofa and made myself comfortable. There were not too many crumbs either, which was impressive since we share an afinity for CAKE...

Anyway, before I share with you my latest invention - BANANA & CARROT MUFFINS - here is the link to the interview... The Pink Sofa Welcomes Vanessa Wester

My highlights:

"I had permission to write - I was not being silly if I wrote."

"The best thing about writing is the complete and utter escapism that comes with it."

"The worst thing about writing (since I am self-published) is the EDITING."

"Thanks Vanessa. And a special thank you for bringing a lovely selection of tempting home made cakes and mince pies with you."

Anyway, the CAKES... My own invention (I love being SCIENTIFIC!)

RECIPE

1. 3 eggs

2. 125g soft margarine or butter

3. 75g muscovado or brown sugar

4. 50g caster sugar

5. 175g Self raising wholemeal flour

6. Teaspoon of vanilla essence

7. 1 teaspoon baking powder

8. 25g mixed dried fruit

9. 1 carrot, grated

10. 2 ripe bananas, mashed

METHOD

Measure out 1 - 7 in a mixing bowl and whisk together (I could be bothered to do them separately).  Then add 8 -10 and mix well.  Place in 12 muffin cases (deep ones) and bake in a pre-heated oven at 180 degrees for approx 20 minutes (check for a golden colour).

ENJOY! Let me know if any of you make these...

Vanessa :) xx