What a week! A radio interview, feature on Indie Press It, reading to school children, reviews, and editing...

WOW... sometimes everything seems to happen at once, and I have to hold my breath and think "seriously, did that all happen to ME?"

Anyway, here it is... MY WEEK!

LIVE INTERVIEW via Lydia's Literary Lowdown with Lydia Aswolf

Okay, so first of all I got interviewed LIVE by the lovely Lydia (follow her on Twitter www.twitter.com/lydiaaswolf)

You can hear the interview by clicking here... BLOGTALK RADIO...

The feedback so far has been great from those who have listened to my rambling... (I did say a lot of uh huh, and yes, and blah blah... it was great FUN!)

Honestly, I am still in shock about the fact Lydia loves my writing so much... Maybe, just maybe, people aren't just being nice after all?!?!

Favourite quote... "You are hiding your light under a bushel"

FEATURED ON INDIE IT PRESS



After Lydia asked me to be interviewed, I was asked to write an article for INDIE IT PRESS... and it was accepted.

This is what I wrote (pictures added by Indie It Press)

http://indieitpress.com/indie-author-vanessa-westers-journey-tiny-dancer-to-titanic/

I am really happy with the feature, and am very grateful to Leisa Greene for featuring me (follow her on Twitter www.twitter.com/indieitgal)

ARDINGLY ARTS FESTIVAL

Over the past month or I have been featured in an Indie Pop Up Bookshop run by Daisy White (follow her on Twitter www.twitter.com/daisywhite1922)

I finally managed to go to one of the "Pop Ups" this Monday at Ardingly Arts Festival.  I had to drive over an hour each way, and get a ferry to get there... (yep, a VERY long day) but I finally met the lovely Daisy and left her some stock of my books to sell - and they are signed! A rare item indeed...

It was a great day, where I got to read to pupils at the school extract of both HYBRID and READING IS MAGIC. They seemed to enjoy both, but unfortunately had not brought money to buy books - this was unfortunate! When I went to an event with my son a few months ago, we were told to bring money to buy the books...

I then had to leave at 6pm so missed the main event (when Judi Dench would be there) courtesy of Wightlink, who only had a ferry running back to the Island at 9pm or Midnight...

Anyway, it was good to see what it was all about... Best of luck to Daisy in trying to sell my books!

REVIEWS

Last night I got a brilliant phone call from an acquaintance who bought HYBRID months ago. She finally read it whilst on holiday and loved it so much she is now recommending it to all her friends... YAY! It made my night... and I have now sold a few "paperbacks" on amazon - I know, amazing...

Her comment was that she would never have expected to like that type of book. It does make me think my description is all wrong. As Lydia said on the interview, the Trilogy is a human story NOT a vampire tale. This is absolutely true!

Another reader has called it a thriller... so this is my take... a paranormal suspense thriller with real bite! Maybe, maybe not? Either way, just read it... then you'll know why everyone seems to like it!

EDITING

Well, I can finally say that I have finished the Trilogy!!!! (Did you hear the fireworks go off there?)

Last week I finished writing the story. I now have to spend a few months editing, and I started by reading HYBRID again. I found a few minor things to change, and the new updated version is now online.

I am now going to read COMPLICATIONS before I start work on editing the finale.

This editing lark takes time to get right. The book will then go to my trusted readers for feedback, and I will then wait and keep my fingers crossed before starting the edit all over again!

Anyway, I have a swimming teachers meeting to prepare for now... my work never ends!

Speak soon
Vanessa :) xx

AMAZON AUTHOR PAGE LINKS UK    US

The reason for my being so busy...

I find it hard to believe what I have managed to do over the past month... Unfortunately (before some of you ask), I have not finished my Trilogy. BUT, I have managed to get ready TWO short story compilations...

All details are on my latest blog for children - www.kids4books.blogspot.com

The first, READING IS MAGIC, was published last week... and is in aid of the NSPCC. I have got to know some more lovely, new authors. For some of them, it is the first time they have had work published and I really hope they are pleased to have been a part of this.

I am particularly pleased with this cover (especially since my son is sitting in it!). It was probably the hottest day of the year so far, and the sea water was lukewarm - I couldn't believe it! I took the photo on my phone, and used it to create the cover (not bad, huh...)

I have to add that my son is honoured to be on the cover too... fame & fortune await! HA!

The second, GURNARD'S BOOK OF DELIGHTS, is published as an eBook (paperback to be finalised in the next few days). This collection is in aid of my children's Primary School.

It came about after I ran a literary competition at the school. The funny thing was it all started from my buying a book off an author I knew online. I was so impressed I bought some for my school, and then decided to present them to the school, then thought Oooo... I could run a competition... and then... yep, the collection! Some day I'll learn to just focus on one thing!

Truth, I am exhausted... but proud of what I have done! And I hope both raise some lovely cash for both causes.

I hope that now I can get my head back into my Trilogy!

BUT, I do have some exciting news...

I am going to be at the Ardingly Festival on the 24th June... courtesy of Daisy White and her POP UP INDIE BOOKSHOP details here - http://www.ardingly.com/Ardingly-Arts-Festival/

Even Dame Judy Dench is going to be there... Eek!

My slot is at 4:30 PM!

To get involved as an author on future POP UPS... contact Daisy White:

www.daisywhiteauthor.co.uk 

https://www.facebook.com/#!/DaisyWhiteAuthor

https://twitter.com/DaisyWhite1922

http://pinterest.com/daisywhite1922/

http://www.tumblr.com/blog/daisywhite1922

I have no idea how it'll go... but I had to give it a go! whatever happens it'll be a fun day out!

I am also going to be interviewed by Lydia Aswolf on Saturday 22nd June on her BlogRadio station... this is in the US!!!

Again, fingers crossed it'll go okay - either way I'll have a good chat!

Lydia recently read my book and blew me away with an excellent Goodreads review:

"You know that habit...the one where you think you know where things are going in the book you're reading? Check such expectations at the door. Vanessa Wester isn't going concede to any expectations on behalf of her readers with her debut novel, HYBRID. No, she blows them to smithereens with real skill and panache. Solid, sympathetic characters, a breathtakingly fresh premise, and a pace that resulted in me finishing the book and immediately grabbing COMPLICATIONS, the next book in this series. I look forward to more from this talented author...and I've put my money where my mouth is to that effect."

Anyway, after all of this I hope to finish my Trilogy before school breaks up for the summer (fingers crossed).

Thank you again to all of you who constantly encourage me!

Vanessa :) xx

I have too much to say...not enough time

Okay, so my blogging has seriously been lagging behind recently, mainly because on a toss up with writing my novel and blogging writing wins!

So, a quick update before I have to go be mum again (half term week)

My daughter, Elsa won an award for swimming and I was very proud of her... she was even interviewed and was featured in the local IOW radio station! Woo hoo

My son completed his SATs, then went to Kent for a week, and then had Scout Camp for the weekend.  Exhausting, but he had a fab time...

I have been extremely busy finishing the finale of the Trilogy (it's getting there) as well as putting together two short story compilations to be published this summer! Phew!

I have also been working with a group of authors via Facebook to help with promotion and the amazing Gordon has put together a website...

http://foodies.cucinavivace.com/indieauthorpromos/

There are currently many titles on there for only $0.99 or £0.77 so please go and take a look!

I also ran a free promo for HYBRID and FIRST DATE yesterday and it went really well.  They are both only 77p now anyway... Thank you to anyone who downloaded!

Enjoy the rest of your half term week... may the sun shine some more!

Speak soon,

Vanessa

What to do?

I have not blogged too much recently since I have been trying to concentrate on writing the finale to my Trilogy.  I have also been reading more, which is always relaxing, and spending time with my family.

I have to admit that I went through a real low patch last week (the cloud still hovers over my head) where I started to think that maybe I was an idiot to think I was a writer. I mean, I am supposed to be a Maths Teacher - isn't it time I got back to the day job? So, I have mulled it over and I'm going to wait another year before I think of applying for teaching jobs again.

I was mega busy this weekend, and so didn't think about my writing and then on Monday I saw my latest review via Gary, an author I know a little bit from Twitter and the Short Story compilations.

Truth, I am stunned by what he has written in his review... I really did not expect it!

It means a lot to me to know I can connect with another reader, and gives me the added push to keep on writing.

Enjoy and thanks again for your support,

Vanessa xx

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent first book, you'll be hooked May 19, 2013

By Gary Henson

Vanessa Wester has a great first book in 'Hybrid'. If this is her first, we all have a lot to look forward to in the coming years as she brings out more of this series and hopefully other stories.

The opening is set at a University in England. Wester immediately drew me into the worlds of the two main characters, Steven and Caitlin, as well as some very well established secondary characters. I was invested in her creations right away.

Then Vanessa throws me a unique twist I was totally unprepared for, even though I had an inkling of what was eventually going to happen. It's not a simple 'young vampires in love' story by any means. There is a lot more to the core story and how it drives her characters forward. I was actually disappointed when it ended; I wanted more. And from the epilogue, I believe the next book will be even better!

As a further note, I read both 'Hunger Games' and 'Twilight' at the insistence of my family (all female). 'Hybrid' was much more engaging and believable than either of those books. I found 'Twilight' very shallow and simple. 'Hunger Games' is better but still just 'Gladiators' for kids. 'Hybrid' is a step above both these books and I would not be surprised to see it on film some time soon.

'Hybrid' is an engaging, fun, twisting, page turner that bodes well for Ms. Wester's writing career. I'm ready to grab books two!

The Evolution Trilogy

A New Computer...

It's been a while since I blogged for several reasons...

1) My computer was VERY slow... so I now have a new one! Yippee...
2) When I got time to write, I needed to crack on not blog (in fact I should be working on my book now... oh well)
3) I have been spending more time with my kids, and the weather has meant that I have wanted to get out and about and go for nice long walks (again not a bad thing).

So, anyway...

It's been a year since I published HYBRID now, both on smashwords and Amazon so I decided to put the price permanently at 98p or $1.45.

It's hard to imagine a time when I did not write, when I was not on Twitter, when I didn't blog... I do love it all, but it was starting to take over my life.  So, I decided to take it back.

I have been watching more TV (and relaxing), I have been reading a bit (but find that I get easily side tracked since I need to keep my head in my book), and I have been trying to look after myself more by eating better, etc.

Anyone that is a parent knows how time consuming children are (and I have three of them).  But, from September my youngest will be at school and I will have more time (maybe).  I can only do so much after all, and those that know me better know I regularly get "attacked" by killer migraines, which is obviously not great when you are trying to do any computer work!

I have also been busy getting together a collection of short stories after a I ran a competition at my children's primary school... as well as starting to get ready the next two collections for the Short Stories Group (submissions still welcome).

Okay, so I have loved the sunny weather over the past few days... but, now the sun has gone and it's time to get some work done.

I hope you are all happy with whatever you are all doing...

Speak soon,

Vanessa :) xx

GUINEA PIGS & SHARKS...

After months of "harassment" from my girls I finally caved... but instead of getting a dog, I bought 2 new guinea pigs! We have called them fluffy & Guylian (yep, after the chocolate - my daughters favourite!) and they are SO sute... I have had a hamster before but I did not like the feel of the little feet on my hands. But, guinea pigs are so soft and nice to touch.

They do poo everywhere, but my daughter is in charge of cleaning the enclosure! We have made a make shift run in the garage using the cardboard box the enclsoure came in and a spare plank! It works and they seem happy to be moved around now. They even stay waiting for us now (animals, huh! ... humans = FOOD ... Lol)

This is pet training... in a few years time, if the guinea pigs are well looked after we will look into a dog. Since guinea pigs live for 4 to 8 years I have given myself some breathing space! Phew...

Anyway, seeing as they got there pets I decided to indulge and get some more of my favourite ... FISH! I finally own a SHARK... two in fact - silver sharks! They are so graceful... can't afford a tank to house a Great White yet! LOL

They make a great addition... and our male gourami now has two females to keep him company... hmmm!

Do any of you have pets? If so, which ones? Go on then, leave a comment and tell me about the fun you have...

Speak soon,
Vanessa :) xx

Beautiful Blogger & HUG Nomination

Thank you Kaykay for nominating me... I decided to give one the awards a miss! But, thanks for the other two.

Vanessa :) xx

PS: For the nominees, you are not under any obligation whatsoever to take the awards.
 

The Rules:
1. Copy and place the Beautiful Blogger Award in your post.
2. Thank the person who nominated you and link back to their blog.
3. Tell 7 things about yourself.
4. Nominate 7 fellow bloggers for the Beautiful Blogger Award, tell them by posting a comment on their blogs.

Now 7 Things About Me:
1. I used to be a competitive swimmer
2. I love listening to music
3. My favourite novel is Pride & Prejudice
4. I was born & raised in Gibraltar
5. I am bilingual (speak Spanish... seeing as I am Gibraltarian/ llanita! ha ha)
6. My favourite desert is Tiramisu
7. My signature dish has to be... (so many to choose from - HA) ... Gambas al Pil Pil (Prawns in a chilli sauce)

My Nominees

Angela Kelman
Gary Alan Henson
Carol Hedges
Charlie Plunkett
Olga
Scarlett Flame
Gary Henry

The HUG Award© was initiated by Connie Wayne at A Hope for Today, which promotes hope, love, peace, equality, and unity for all people.

The HUG Award© is for people with an expectant desire for the world, for which they: Hope for Love; Hope for Freedom; Hope for Peace; Hope for Equality; Hope for Unity; Hope for Joy and Happiness; Hope for Compassion and Mercy; Hope for Faith; Hope for Wholeness and Wellness; Hope for Prosperity; Hope for Ecological Preservation; Hope for Oneness

This award also:
- recognizes and honors those who help keep hope alive in our current world, which is plagued by war, natural disasters, and economic recession. They nurture hope, in any of the above areas (in italics), by the work they do, or in their personal lives with things such as blogging, public speaking, charity work, etc.
- is for people who, without giving up or compromising their own religious, spiritual, or political beliefs, are able to nurture hope and respect the dignity of all people.
- is for those who, without bias or prejudice, use their resources and gifts to make the world a better place for everyone.
- is for people who have a hope or an expectant desire that the work or talents they use in things such as blogging, public speaking, charity work, etc., will make a positive impact on the world.