Clutter in the Loft

 Clearing the Clutter

It's a job we all mean to do - clearing the clutter from our homes.  Sheila Walker (57) my protagonist in Novel 1 (written but as yet unpublished) tackles this job.  Her eldest daughter, Lily-Anne is getting married and needs something that's stored in the family home's loft.  Retrieving it Sheila sees the mess and is determined to tackle it.  In doing so she gets more out of it than she bargained for.  

I wonder what you would find in your loft space?  Having just moved house I had hoped that downsizing would see rather less between the new rafters but alas it still seems to be a lot of 'stuff'.

We have sold things, given items to charity and thrown stuff away.  But when a home has more than one occupant, the amount of 'stuff' is doubled, trebled, quadrupled etc.  Many a bag or box goes into that space without a label so sifting through to find something becomes a bind. 

I am guessing like me you would probably find old school books, childrens toys, curtains, rugs, boxes of bank statements/bills etc., spare kettles or toasters; folding chairs; things to be mended; material; Christmas decorations and the tree in your loft?  My husband and I have numerous framed pictures which we know will never be on the walls again; and ornaments too never again to adorn shelves or window ledges. They too must go! Letting go of memorabilia is not always easy.

A loft can be a problem area of the house in other ways - squirrels, rats, bats, bees, flies etc can become unwanted residents.  Or they can be a delightful conversion space for a spare bedroom or office.  

Only one property I lived in temporarily, didn't have a loft.  This was in a village flat roofed house in Paphos, Cyprus, where there was very little storage space too.  However, as our UK property was rented out whilst we were away for 6 years, all our worldly goods/treasurers/junk was locked away in the roof space, the hatch battoned down for safe keeping.  On return it was some time before it saw the light of day again.  An access ladder was installed, flooring fitted and an electric light to make it safer to mooch about in.  Part of Sheila's story was inspired by my own experience though I love how it differs as my imagination took on Sheila's life.  

 

 

A Feather on the Doormat

A Feather on the Doormat

No, it's not a book title.  Though it could be.  But it's not the title of my (as yet unpublished) first novel.  

I have blogged my novel writing progress over the years: showing you my writing space; blogging about courses I've attended; books I've read etc etc.  I know some of you share my hope that one day my book will be published and available for you to read having spent so much time in the writing, editing, re-reading, editing again and again, sending off to publishers and agents and I am now 50,000 words into its sequel. 

So what's this about the feather?  A white feather on a doormat.  If you found this on your return home what would you think/feel?   This feather on the doormat is found by my protagonist, Sheila Walker, and is to her a sign from her departed mother.  A feather appears at special moments throughout her life that comforts her, encourages her, 'speaks' to her.  Sheila talks to her mum in her head and on this occasion does not receive a clear message back.  She needs to do something, but not quite sure what.  She commences on a quest to find out, acting on impulses and instinct.  It leads to a clearer headspace, a tidier home and eventually a change of direction.  Intrigued?  I hope so.  I will blog some more snippets later, so watch this space.

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Perhaps you have lost a loved one and have had a similar experience?  A robin, a butterfly, a flowering rose on the anniversary of the death of someone close.  Or a whisper on the wind, an inner sense of the deceased being near, a warm breeze rubbing past your shoulder.  There are many different believed signs of life beyond our earthly one.  I hope you find comfort by such occasions in times of grief.

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I know for some people feathers would evoke fear - the fear of feathers is called 'Pteronophobia' and the irrational fear of being tickled by feathers brings about a very high anxiety state, from the mere thought, let alone the action which would undoubtedly lead to a panic attack.  They would be likely to avoid places where they will be in contact with or see feathers ie. a bird park, avairy or visiting anyone with a pet parrot or budgerigar. Perhaps you know someone like this?

However, I hope for you, like me, feathers are lovely to see.  Soft, gentle, reminders of nature and beautiful birds.  Something to sink your head into - a pillow full of duck down, or cover you at night with a feathered quilt.  Perhaps your sofa cushions are feather filled or you have a 'dream catcher' in your window with the feathers blowing in the breeze?  Perhaps you will notice feathers more often after reading this blog?  Do let me know in the comments box below or via Twitter @tweetsue13.

 

Wild Swimming

 

Dosthill Quarry, Tamworth is a place I'd never visited.  Many, many years ago it would occasionally be in the local newspaper as a danger spot, indeed some had drowned there as I believed it was unmanned, unlike the very well supervised place it is today.  Its natural beauty is stunning.  

Apparently it is mentioned in the Domesday Book.  Much later it was renown for granite excavations and a fresh water spring flooded the quarry.  By 1958 scuba diving, cliff jumping and swimming were being established.  In 2015 the famous Milk Tray cliff diving advert was filmed at this location.

I can't see myself being brave enough for jumping or diving but over the years have been interested in people swimming in cold water, 'how on earth do they do that?!' I would think, seeing them run down to the sea in winter or into a lake.  

During the Pandemic of Covid 19 in 2020 when I was prevented from enjoying the warm waters of a swimming pool I recalled a lovely memory of the one time I swam in the river Lune in Lancashire with an elderly lady friend.  It was an experience that would see me well when my daughter told me her friend's mother swam regularly outdoors in various locations.  

I was also in awe of Reverend Kate Botley, in her swimming costume and woolly hat, swimming wild on the television.  Ben Fogle swam in a lake too in his 'Living in the Wild' programme.  I think my daughter was astonished when I said I'd like to do that too and no sooner said than arranged.  Live life whilst you can is a motto both of us use.

The first occasion we hired wet suits and floats and the attendant made sure we could float and swim, giving us instruction where to swim as the divers entered and emerged from the depths at certain points.  I really did not want to think about how deep the quarry is, knowing that there was nowhere to touch the ground, but good to know I was being held up by the wetsuit and float.  I had no hesitation of entering the water, I so wanted to do this!

Having arrived with my cossy on under my joggers and jumper (for warmth afterwards) I then had the first experience of squeezing myself into a really tight one-piece, not a quick and easy feat.  And after the swim peeling it off whilst trying to be quick to dry myself was awkward.  But how can I describe the joy I felt after the first open water swim?  The clearness of the water, fresh and mineral filled, not salty like the sea or warm and claggy like the chlorine of swimming pools but pure and exhilarating.  I loved it!  

Being surrounded by greenery, and on our third visit being watched by a heron, is just heavenly.  I can only say I felt totally at peace, at one with the world such as it is with its horrors, diseases, tragedies and tribulations.  Everything but the moment melts away.  Pure bliss.  I don't want to get out but find the feeling of calm and exhilaration carry on for sometime afterwards.

This borrowed 'shorty' suit was so much better to swim in and now I have my own wetsuit, an early birthday present from my daughter.  I'm not sure I'll be up for the depths of winter swimming and might defer to indoor swimming if all Covid restrictions are lifted, but I now look forward to my once a week wild swim.  Never too old to try something new!

Afterword : Dosthill Quarry can be found on YouTube for those interested in Scuba Diving.  It is 24m deep and the water temperature has been 16-18 degrees on my visits.  It is home to a variety of fish, and hidden in its depths, there are various wrecks to be explored.  

A Moving Experience - Part 3

We're in.  We've survived.  We love our new abode but oh heck, how stressful was that.  

Two Friday afternoons prior to moving date were the most stressful of times.  Phone calls, emails, solicitors, agents, previous occupiers, buyers - we were in hot pursuit of them all. Last minute panic about exchanging contracts, removal date etc saw me with a very poor night of sickness and diarrehea prior to commence moving day.  

Boxes, boxes, boxes.  Cleaning, cleaning, cleaning.  I was exhausted.  But without a look back I stepped out of our home of 30 years with a 'goodbye house' and no regrets.  Stepping into the bungalow started the reverse of events.  The removers were brilliant - calm, helpful, cheerful.  Unloaded all our worldly goods into various spaces and only a cheap clock face was broken.  Now where's the kettle.  I made everyone drinks and felt the relief flood through my vains.

We have now emptied most of the boxes or stuffed things in cupboards, cabins, shed or the loft until we find proper homes for all items.  In the meantime its a daily occurrence to say 100 times 'where's the... ' to each other.  

Cleaners and an oven firm came in as a one off - I employed someone else to do some essential (mindful of Covid) work.  It immediately feels like home and settling in is an on-going process of meeting the neighbours, being acquainted with the locality and its amenities etc. 

Thanks to everyone who has sent us good wishes on social media, cards and gifts.  It delights my soul to know you care.

A Moving Experience - Part 2

The process started last August when we decided to put our house on the market.  We had three agents give us a valuation and we chose one, not for the highest valuation but an interesting pitch whereby all we would have to do would be to sign a contract - solicitors were included in the package.  It turned out not to be a good choice and we soon changed to get our own solicitors.  This was a costly mistake.  However, we were pleased with the solicitor we ended up with.  The stress for a week whilst this was being arranged was scary.

We saw a bungalow we liked but with no buyer for ours at that time it sold and we lost it.  But I believe everything happens for a reason and after the winter we had our block paving drive cleaned and asked our agent to post a new picture of the front of the house.  We then viewed another bungalow and fell in love with it immediately but contained any hope/excitement.

Then a buyer came to view ours (we'd had two other couples previously).  We all wore face masks and were keeping our distance.  I cleaned before and after their visits as the Pandemic was still rife.  They fell in love at first sight of our place too.  They have a young couple interested in their property so it was all systems go.  Offers were put in and accepted and we were 'Sold Subject to Contract'.  

That was back in February.  Lots of emails and phone calls back and forth to the Estate Agents and Solicitor, paperwork to fill in and a contract to sign (but not date) has been submitted pending a completion date.

Meanwhile lots of activity of decluttering our possessions by way of emptying the loft.  I have sold stuff on Shpock; given good items to the church for their next open air pop up sale, given three sleeping bags, a quilt and blanket for the homeless; an old but useable sewing machine went to sewing people making masks for the NHS, a laptop went to a group who were making them fit for school children to use, clothes have been put in charity bags and books sold via an app on my phone.  All in all very productive and satisfying.  My sister and nephew have had home and garden furniture too.

Now comes the big clean - not that my house is dirty but places I don't get round to normally are being wiped down, kitchen drawers lined, net curtains washed, inside windows cleaned etc.  We have boxes of items labelled up and are at a stage of being anxious to know all is well with our buyers and theirs.  Its hard living with uncertainty but if all goes well we will be moving at the end of April, beginning of May.

I have to say I think the process is all so very wrong.  No contact for weeks gives you time to doubt that all is well.  Just a phone call or email each week saying what the state of play is would be helpful, even if no change from the last week, after all the agents/solicitors get a good fee from property sales.  So tension builds and anxiety saps my energy.  I tell myself it'll all be worth it and so glad I am doing this now and not when I am any older.  Even younger people find it stressful - it used to take top spot on the Life Changes stress chart but now I see it has been kicked off the No 1 stressor and features below 'death of a spouse' and 'divorce'.  

Changes to the procedure I would make:  

• Agents - have a pack ready of 'Things you will need proof of during the selling process' - for example we had no idea that windows and doors fitted by a non-FENSA registered builder/fitter would need an Indemnity Insurance certificate.  Make sure you have a gas boiler/gas safety certificate.  Have knowledge of any trouble with neighbours house and outcomes of any applications to the Borough Council re TPO's (Tree Preservation Orders).  
• Solicitors - Have an agreement of how much contact can be expected, charges etc.

All our dealings have been done during the Pandemic and therefore by 'phone or email only, so personal visits not allowed other than in the initial stage.  The lack of contact, personal or otherwise can mean the difference between a good review of your service or not.

Our stumbling blocks were as follows and I list them in case readers of this blog have similiar issues:

• Gas Safety Register - a new boiler has been fitted in the property we are buying and because the house number is, lets say, 123A, it had been registered wrongly to No 123.  This took a good while to put right which should have been really simple.
• A Tree Preservation Order on a tree outside of our property boundary also caused confusion, one solicitor wanting clarification it was not in our garden and the other insisting it was.  The local council office finally shed light on the situation after we chased them for information.  Did you know that if a tree that has a TPO on it and its branches overhang your garden wall you have to get permission to cut off said branches?  Good job they were out of our reach all those years we dealt with the falling leaves.

Communication between Solicitors seems very confusing, one saying they have sent information and another saying they are still waiting for it.  Meanwhile we draw closer to the date that the person at the top of the chain needs to complete by and no-one in the chain has had this date verified in order to make arrangements with removal companies etc.

So we are now on our third date for completion/moving.  Exchange of contracts are taking place and removals on Monday 10th.  What a journey this has been but in the end - all is well.  Our boxes are packed and a closing of a chapter will take place over the weekend.  Wish us well for Monday and the new start that is to come.

A Moving Experience - Part 1

It has been 29 years since we moved from a bungalow to our current house.  It was an experience we have never forgotten as TWICE the sale fell through at the eleventh hour and we lost the house of our dreams - a show house on a nearby new housing estate.  It took over 2 years to find a buyer who completed the process and then we had to quickly find a new place to live.  

When I saw this property with its challet type roof it didn't really appeal to me from the outside.  But as the saying goes 'never judge a book by its cover.'  It is very spacious inside and we bought it.   Our teenage daughter and her friend slept on the floor in the lounge before we actually moved in - I think they had a scary but fun night.  We made the place our own and have lots of memories - especially selling all our furniture and for six years rented the house out as we went to live in Cyprus and then Lancaster.  On our return many house improvements took place, oh the mess!  But of course the result was a luxury kitchen, bathroom, cloakroom etc etc.

Time has come, however, to think about our autumn years and minimising our belongings.  In a space of two weeks both our daughter and ourselves recently had eventful happenings.  She is in the process of buying a property she had previously rented for a while and loved dearly, and we have 'sold subject to contract' having viewed and are in the process of buying a nearby bungalow!  The Pandemic's big surprise.  It is exciting, scary and stressful in view of our previous experience and having to deal with agents, solicitors etc etc. as well as adhering to strict guidelines of sanitising, masks and distance of course.  My sleep pattern is off the scale during flurry of activity.  I had been used to slow, sometimes boring days of #stayhome, #staysafe.  Now though is the big box up and clean up.  It's exhausting. 

There is a small chain of four couples all ready to go so we are hoping for a good, smoother transition than all those years ago.  I have to say I think the whole process is wrong - Scotland seem to have a better way of doing things. We trust all is well as we anxiously await the signing of contracts and completion.  Meanwhile we are downsizing our possessions and preparing for a big change.  Please hold us in your thoughts and wish us luck.

P p p p pick up a penguin .....

No, not the chocolate biscuit, something far more fulfilling and longer lasting.  This book....

Available from WHSmiths, Waterstones, Amazon etc
Richard & Judy Bookclub Pick 2020
Published by Transworld Publishers Ltd.

Hazel Prior has done it again.  I couldn't put this book down and it left me with a great need to own a fluffy baby penguin, so I ordered a toy one to bring me comfort (see below - you know I love teddies etc, he's soooooo soft). It will give me a lasting memory of the Antartic, global warming and nature in decline.

Everyone needs a Granny in their life right?  I haven't had one for most of my adult life but 'adopted' one or two older people over the years, sadly most are now gone.  One remains and is VERY much like Veronica in this book.  She would do exactly as this character has done by having one last adventure and using her money to good cause.

The story was both heartwarming and joyous intertwined with awkward moments and hard decisions.  The Antartic comes to life and I was right there in the midst of the penguin colony with Veronica and the scientists.  I really didn't want the book to end but couldn't help turning the pages to see what happened next.  

Patrick/Pip the orphaned penguin was adorable.  I was happy to know from the 'acknowledgements' that Hazel had researched at the Living Coasts centre in Torquay which I visited myself a few years ago, but sad to learn that it has now closed down and I wonder at where all the animals have been rehomed.

Our planet needs the David Attenborough's amongst us, not just to watch his programmes of how our planet has changed and what is becoming of our world, but it also needs activists and generous people to donate money where they can to keep the animal kingdom from extinction.

Away with the Penguins addresses this in a beautiful story of  hard lives, relationships and how money does not make us happy but can help a troubled world.  It will make you smile and ponder your own life and love of nature.

Five star review on Goodreads and Amazon.  

My (Eco friendly made) Pip saying hi from my writing room.

Harps, a Pheasant and Exmoor's natural beauty

      

You may wonder what anyone could write about these three subjects which seem very much unrelated.  But I know a fellow Swanwick Summer School writer who has done the most excellent of jobs combining the three into a fabulous novel.  Her characters of Dan and Ellie you will love, Clive, Rhoda and Jo you may not, harps and pheasants may not hold much of a interest until you have a heightened awareness and if you have not visited Exmoor you surely will want to after reading ...

Hazel Prior is a freelance Harpist.  The harp is an instrument that isn't high profile but sounds divine.  I've heard her play.  Her two novels were on my 'TBR' (to be read) list and winning a competition on Twitter I was thrilled to receive a copy which I dipped into immediately and enthusiastically.  I read nine chapters straight off.

Ellie is an Exmoor Housewife, her husband Clive likes her at home but out on a walk one day she comes across the Harp Barn where Dan makes harps and gets great pleasure from being outdoors in nature.  They become friends and he gives her a harp to learn to play, which doesn't go down well with Clive.  

Dan leads a simplistic life and thinks he is made differently from most people.  He likes counting and making sandwiches apart from making exquisite harps in his workshop.  One day out walking he saves a pheasant from being shot but in doing so is injured himself.  He gives the pheasant a safe haven and Ellie helps Dan with his wound dressings.

This book has secrets and lies, happiness in the soul, friendship, hate, destruction from rage, true, pure love and an awakening for the reader of understanding difference.

I gobbled it up like the pheasant and his feed, my heartstrings were plucked like the F cord of a harp, my mind was educated and I felt as if I had been through some trauma and then rewarded with a nice big creamy cake (or a plum jam sandwich).

Highly recommended read, 5 star review on Goodreads.  

Hazel's website is www.hazeltheharpist.co.uk.  Please do take a minute to look her up and listen to her recordings of playing the harp or excerpts of her stories. 

Ellie and The Harp Maker is published by hbright@penquinrandomhouse.co.uk.  available at all good bookshops. 

Look out for this too.....

If you use Twitter her handle is @HazelPriorBooks.

 

The Family Gift

 

This book is utter brilliance.  It takes all the 'shit happens' in Freya's life and magnifies it.  

It starts with boxing up belongings and moving house - an exercise that immediately resonates with me.  Freya has been married 10 years, is 42, very tall and unhappy with herself.  Having moved house and unpacked the boxes this book soon shows us 'life is not perfect'.  She tends to her children's needs for the internet and television but the reader soon is introduced to 'Mildred' - the voice in her head who gives her lots of negative thoughts that she has to fight off.  She has a fear or two and as I read I was worried Freya was heading for a nervous breakdown.

This story is about a large family, working parents, moving house, harbouring fears, keeping a lot of spinning plates in the air and living life in the fast lane.  If this resonates with you, you will love it as Freya blindly tries to be superwoman, which many people sandwiched between growing children and elderly parents try to be, with some success to others but failing themselves. 

I like the way the author takes another view of well known, well meaning sayings ie. 'when life gives you lemons, make lemonade' and 'dance like nobody's watching.'  Cathy Kelly certainly knows how to make her reader laugh and think deeply.  She portrays our 'masks' as Freya puts on a brave face to her teenage daughter and hides her fears, but how not being real can go pear shaped.

Freya's internal voice gives her truths and reality.  We so often say we are 'fine' when actually we carry a lot of worries, and the larger the family the more concerns we have.  Freya's family is large and has many worries that keep her awake at night as well as a pressurized job.  She juggles so many plates in the air and as the reader I felt her harbouring a fear and that something was going to have to give.  It's an intense read.  You will worry that a car crash is about to happen.

It was good to be affirmed that others 'talk to themselves in their heads'.  Self talk can be annoying - a battle - or it can have a positive affect on mental health if one learns to silence or tame it.  It is a subject not very often brought out into the open.

Freya eventually gives in to attending a support group where she talks it all out in the safety of being with others where their lives have been shattered by events too.  Realisation of changing from hiding the 'not coping' to using it in a different way - slowing down, caring for others, smelling the roses and cooking to heal - all dawn on her as being her 'real self' and that hiding stuff equals hurting; being open and honest leads to healing.

The book is a keeper, a reminder that life is too short and precious to bear pain, grudges and negative outlooks.  Five stars is not enough.  It exceeds excellence.  Go read it now.....

Meet the Author - Erin Green

 

As it was a New Year it seemed an appropriate title and a good follow on theme from my previous read.  I was soon on my imaginary holiday in the lovely harbour town of Brixham enjoying a solo holiday with Benjamina, Emma and Ruth.  I like books that are written in the first person and this one is broken up with the character’s name within each chapter so you know whose viewpoint you are reading.  For anyone who likes a 'girls' weekend away or a holiday with a difference, this is a delight.

 

The 3 ladies soon make friends and start to pursue hobbies in order to make the most of their time away.  They find happiness in these activities and new adventures open up being away from their normal commitments and concerns.

 

Some of their new beginnings also have endings, some are traumatic, sad, funny but all are life changing.  Will they remain friends and keep in touch, will they return to Brixham?  Will Benni (Benjamina) and Ziggy be reunited in love?  A page turner for sure.

 

I loved it.  Well done Erin Green *****

 

Read how Erin enjoys her writing:

 

Q – Which was your favourite character to write and why?

A – My favourite character is Benni due to her honesty and difficulties in life. In real life, I seem to have met many Benni’s in various sectors of our society. Women who dearly wish to follow a dream, master a specific skill or venture to pastures new but daren’t for fear of what others might think or simply a lack of self-confidence in their own ability. Benni puts herself down before anyone else has the chance to – which is really sad as she has a huge heart and much love to give. She talks herself into booking a ‘solos’ holiday in Brixham knowing that she must step out of her comfort-zone and begin participating in life rather than shying away.

Q – Have you ever been out to sea catching fish (I loved Benni’s trip and I’d be ill like she was) or horse-riding?

A – I have sailed on numerous boats, but have never been sea fishing though, I’d love the opportunity! As a child, I went horse riding whilst on holiday in Wales, the pony was called Rocky which indicates how long ago that was! My last occasion on horseback was a decade ago when I had a riding lesson at a local riding stables in Amington, Tamworth. The lesson was purely for research for a book I was writing back then which I later scraped, but the research notes and experience of the riding lesson came in useful for ‘New Beginnings At Rose Cottage’. I did ‘help’ to muck-out a stable for research purposes whilst writing Benni’s story; I’m a firm believer in author’s gaining as much experience as possible when writing a specific plot-line.

Q – What is your favourite ice cream flavour (not necessarily in the book)?

A – Mint chocolate chip. My choice has never changed since I was a child. I had a lot of fun researching the unusual ice cream flavours and even more fun actually blending and tasting them!

Reply - Wow, I'm impressed, I'm not very adventurous with tasting new foods, especially ice cream.

Q – Is Rose Cottage based on a place you have stayed in?

A – The idea for ‘New Beginnings At Rose Cottage’ actually came to me whilst holidaying in Brixham and staying at Rose cottage. I arrived on the Saturday and by the Tuesday, as we drove to the local town of Totnes, I noted details relating to my three ladies: Benni, Ruth and Emma into my mobile phone. My muse was captured by the sights and sounds of the surrounding scenery. On the Thursday evening, I sat in the rear garden and wrote the synopsis - thankfully, my editor and agent loved the premise straight away.

I’ve received emails from readers who have holidayed in Brixham and gone in search of the cottage only to follow some of my characters’ routes through the town, sightseeing or to the local pub. Which is a thrill for any author to know that readers have gained a further enjoyment and insight having read the book.

Q – If you could go on holiday this year (Pandemic/Covid19 allowing!!) where would you go?

A – I would happily go back to Brixham for a two-week break. I’d start my day like Benni visiting the fish market, possibly indulge in a champagne breakfast and spend the day walking around taking in the stunning scenery. At midday and at eight o’clock on the evening, I would listen out for the church bells playing ‘Abide with me’ – which was a particular delight given that I’m a bell ringer (when Covid19 allows).

Q – what are you writing at the moment?

A – Until the 27^th January 2021, I’ll be editing next year’s Christmas book, which is part two of a series set in Shetland. I always wanted to visit Shetland as a child, so booked a holiday for Easter 2019. I was there a couple of days when my muse took over and I began making notes. Experience told me, I’d be writing about the beautiful scenery in no time! The first book, ‘From Shetland, With Love’ is published in May 2021 with the sequel, ‘From Shetland, With Love At Christmas’ being published in September 2021, both are available for pre-order via Amazon.

My true delight as an author is writing rather than editing so, on New Year’s Day, I began writing a new book, almost a secret one, which allows me to indulge my love of writing whilst polishing the Christmas book.

Reply : Thank you for your time, hope we can meet again soon and good luck with your new books. 

 

Meet the Author - Lin Treadgold, Goodbye Henrietta Street

Goodbye Henrietta Street is a romance novel with interesting issues. It is set in the 1970s when there were no mobile phones or internet. This island story represents all the peace and quiet of a desert island—a great read during the lockdown. The islands are among the best in the world. Scilly has to be seen to be believed that you are still in the UK. There are palm trees and white beaches and excellent seafood. Each day is a new experience, There’s one drawback, you must book well in advance. The population is over two thousand people, and the number of houses for visitors are limited. The new helicopter is now running, and it is hoped you can fly by plane from Newquay, once the crisis is over. The ferry sails in the Spring and Summer.

My review:

Pippa, having lost a son, takes 3 weeks out of an awkward marriage to visit the Isle of Scilly from her home in Whitby. She meets Sven, a handsome Norwegian birdwatcher tour guide who shows her around Hugh Town and further afield.  Her best friends back home have their own marital problems as a secret affair comes to light.  Phone calls to her own husband brings little comfort although he receives news of a windfall and meets his biological family, but by this time Pippa is well smitten with the life-style and Sven, and is dreading going home.

 The ending is full of tension – will Pippa leave Henrietta Street or not?  Sven takes a trip to the mainland after complications with his ex-girlfriend.  Will she leave behind the gravestone of her son to pursue a new job prospect in Scilly?

 I loved this story, a five-star recommended read ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Interview with Lin:

Do you live in Whitby? If so, for how long?

I was born in Saltburn-by-the-Sea, 20 miles from Whitby. Whitby is a historical town and popular holiday destination; Henrietta Street does exist. I walked down the famous 199 steps from the Abbey, and when I reached the bottom, I saw the street’s name. It seemed right to use that name for the book, even my character’s house exists along that street, but the reader has to go there and guess which one could be hers.

How many times have you been to the Scilly Isles?

I first discovered Scilly in 1969 on a day trip from Penzance. I was so taken with the place, I returned for two weeks’ holiday the following year. Scilly is lovely, and at my latest count, I have visited fifteen times. I have booked for September 2021 hoping that the Covid situation on the mainland will change. Many people have told me they remember the book’s landmarks or wish to go there on holiday. Scilly is somewhat dependent on tourism, and so my book has often influenced tourists to visit.

There are some serious life issues in your book – death, 3 lots of relationships gone wrong etc.  How did it make you feel writing these scenes?

As this was my first novel, I became emotional when writing it, but now I see things differently. I was keen to get the story written and through the editing process. However, I think a novelist has to have deep feelings for the reader to feel the same way.

Are you a birdwatcher/Twitcher?

Oh yes, most certainly. Nature has always been a part of me, and now that I live in Devon on the banks on the River Taw I need that peace and quiet to help me write. I watch dippers and kingfishers. I recently saw a goosander on the river.  I volunteered on a nature reserve when I lived in Holland and with the RSPB in the UK.

How long did it take you to write/get published?

From the beginning, I think it was about ten years. Like most new writers, I dipped in and out of ideas for a novel, wrote them down and never really thought about being a ‘famous writer’. I think if it wasn’t for joining the Romantic Novelists’ Association, I probably wouldn’t have got this far. They are a great bunch of like-minded people with lots of interesting ideas. I think if I’d done this earlier, I would have been published a lot sooner.

What previous experience in writing do you have, i.e. courses, career etc.?

I’ve always enjoyed writing since school. However, I studied a creative writing course whilst I was a driving instructor. I then became an instructor trainer and wrote my own training courses. I retired in 2001, after 25 years of teaching when I followed my husband and his job to The Netherlands.  After realising my skills as a teacher were transferable, I am now assisting new writers in moving ideas for a novel into something real and achievable. I can provide positive encouragement for them to become successful novelists. My time is on Zoom or email with the student, helping them understand the skills needed to make it all work.

The Viking was a stunning character – is he based on a real person/s?

Sven, (The Viking) is purely fictional. However, I’m aware that everyone loves Sven. Many of my readers have complimented me on this character. He’s caring, he loves nature, and he’s adorable. I suppose the idea of every woman’s dream man. Where I found him, I have no idea. He came to me one day in a flash of inspiration. I love him too.

What are you working on next?

I am now on my fourth book, The Trail to Freedom with my third one in the submission stage. It’s a WWII story based on letters my father wrote from a prison camp in Italy. Book No. 4 is a modern sequel with a working title of Sulmona, The Forgotten Years. My second book, The Tanglewood Affair, is set in the 1980s, a family romance saga, based on witchcraft and deceit.

Do you have any advice for would-be authors?

Get help as much as you can if you want to write a book. Ideas can always be turned into something exciting, and if you run it by someone who knows how to write and is published, it can save you a lot of heartbreak. I like to give confidence to the new writer. My role is not to tell someone their writing isn’t good enough or to judge how they write. It’s all about goal setting and learning techniques to make ideas work. I allow the writer to think for themselves and help them improve what they already have. My advice is not to struggle alone, get help, and your confidence will shine through.

Links for further information: https://itslinhere.wordpress.com

Twitter: @itslinhere

Publisher: www.silverwood_books.co.uk

 

A New Beginning

 A new beginning by Sue Flint©

 

The tiny bulb stretches.

The dark, deep down days were about to birth a new beginning;

The earth worm slithers past not noticing.

Slowly, so slowly her shoots extend

Reaching for light above the soil

Its hard work, but once begun

The bulb cannot stop the process of change.

 

Comfort of known existence changes to fear

Of the unknown world it is heading for.

Green stems break the icy cold surface

Its tips soaking up the light.

 

The stretching continues, air and freedom excites

Little roots go deeper, leaves pushing upwards with joy.

Day follows night and night follows day,

The soil warms and the bulb pushes out a stem

And then, a bud, and finally its energy is burst –

A white bell shaped petal opens up, delicate and beautiful;

Sparkling against the brown and green around it.

 

It shakes a little and blooms to its full capacity;

“A snowdrop,” the little girl shouts beckoning her mother

To draw alongside her.

Yes, my love, its telling us Spring is on its way,” she replies.

 

Writing for Wellbeing

with Leonie Martin.  A zoom group monthly writing group based in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, Uk but, as with any zoom, participants can be from anywhere in the world.  This month's meeting welcomed a lady from Singapore and whilst she looked sunny and cool, the UK participants were in winter woolies.  

Leonie is an author, freelance writer and facilitator of writing workshops, living with MS.  She guides the group into writing just a sentence at first and offering participants to read it out aloud to the group if we want to.  She is a natural encourager and we feel safe and more confident about writing in her care.  Next may be a 3 minute exercise writing about a picture relating to the topic of the month, this month was 'Beginnings'.  Again we read out our work and receive feedback from Leonie.  If it is particularly good others in the group may clap or write a comment in the chatbox.  The third and fourth exercises in this two hour group zoom is a five minute write, followed again by a sharing of our work.  It is lovely listening to other peoples interpretation of the same picture.

Leonie uses 'screen share' to show the group beautiful 'prompts' to aid our scribbles.  Here's two pictures and my stories that came from nowhere, such is inspiration!

No matter where I stood I could not find the coloney of penquins that I had filmed five years ago.  My heart was beating so fast that I thought it would burst within my chest.  I wasn't dressed for the ice today, I was being picked up by helicopter and transported back to concrete towns and busy offices.  

I pleaded to get just a glimpse; "I know their numbers have declined, but please God let them not have been wiped out."

Just as I heard the helicopter overhead, its blades whirring and the air around me stirring, a black and white head appears before me, then a body, then a jump and a waddle followed by another and another and another.  My heart leaps for joy as the helicopter lands behind me on firm ice.  Time to go home.

©SueFlint

The inscription on the back of the pocket watch told me it had been presented to Bill Middleton for 50 years service at M.C.H.  I 'googled' the name and workplace initials and gained a list so long it seemed an impossible task to find its owner.  'Perhaps I should just hand it in at the local police station?'

I decided to send a brief email to the first 20 Bill Middleton's and that was the beginning of a beautiful friendship with a local hero.  His son, by the same name, invited me to visit as his dad had just turned 90.  I spent days with him chatting about his work at M.C.H., his heroic act and how he lost his watch.

A few years later I was moved to tears to receive the watch in his will.

©Sue Flint

Feedback included the thought that I could continue to make this into a short story, readers/listeners wanting to know what the heroic act was.  

Hope you enjoyed my tit-bits of writing?  Comments are always welcome here or on Twitter @tweetsue13

One August Night

 

I have awaited this sequel to The Island for a very long time - it's been 15 years!  Having supported the Leprosy Mission charity for 40 years, The Island gave me a visualisation of the colony on Spinalonga, off the greek island of Crete.  Victoria Hislop is a favourite author of both myself and my husband - he has read all the books in between The Island and this one, so, newly published I felt it an ideal Christmas present - we don't read many hardback books, preferring paperbacks and receiving this newly published edition was a temptation too far.  I secretly read it first handling it with great care.  Shhh don't tell him....

Anna, having gone into depression after the birth of her baby girl, Sofia, began to recover when her husband arranges the christening and asks his cousin to be the Godfather.  She puts on a red dress and her affair with her sister's fiance continues.  The reader suspects he, Manolis, may be the child's father.  Her sister, Maria, has been away on Spinalonga in the Leprosy colony.  News is increasing that there is now a cure and people are being sent home.  Anna fears for her relationship with Manolis, she doesn't want to lose her lover.

A tragedy befalls the family whereby Anna's husband is imprisoned and her lover flees to mainland Greece.  Maria marries her doctor and they take Sophia in, raising the child as their own.  Manolis and Maria then become the main characters and the story unfolds with thrilling and graphically told events.

It is so exquisitly written, plain and simple to understand and follow; it's gripping.  The intermingled, intriguing relationships leads the reader to rush to the end.  I think it's the best book I have read all year. 

Sometimes hubby reads the last page before he gets to the end. I KNOW! Sacriledge.  However, if anyone else has this habit it will NOT give you an idea of what goes on between the beginning and end.  The end, however, does leave you wanting more.  Will a grown up Sofia trace her roots?  Will Manolis marry?  Will he ever return to Crete or mainland Greece?  What becomes of Maria?

Perhaps readers will not have much knowledge of Leprosy and think it is assigned only to biblical times.  Or perhaps they have some recollection of Princess Diana visiting such patients in the 1990's.  A cure for this dreadful, disfiguring disease was found in 1957 but it is still contracted in third world countries today.  It has been around since early 1900's.  Imagine 50+ years of Covid19!!  How fortunate we are that a vaccine has been made against the world-wide disease.  It doesn't mean Covid19 will disappear and neither has Leprosy.  I hope one day both will be irradicated.

The island of Spinalonga would be a place to visit now as an historic site, much like the war museums and underground hospital on Jersey.  Perhaps I should visit it when we are out of this pandemic; when flights and holidaying become safe again.  I know that this precious book will grace our bookshelves and be a favourite of both mine and my husband's (I will tell him I have read it when the time is right!)  There are not many books we would both read and Victoria Hislop is the only author that has inspired us both.

 

Reflections of 2020

There are SPECIAL MOMENTS in every year and as this crazy/sad/awful/surprising year of 2020 comes to an end I reflect here on moments that stand out for me. 

However, firstly I acknowledge the fact that the Virus, Covid19, has dominated the news, destroyed businesses, lives (66,000+ in the UK to date), relationships etc. I truely hope it has also taught us all lessons in kindness, endurance, what really matters and globally, I hope the environment and our way of living will be changed for the better. It highlighted our mental health, our NHS and keyworkers, our need to wash hands frequently, wear face masks and keep social distance. Being in the 'vulnerable' category I have never 'stayed home' so much but totally thankful I have a nice one, a garden and places to walk to. I am thankful too that I have a laptop and i-phone, have had on-line shopping delivered and partaken in many a Zoom meeting, Facebook live events, FaceTime calls and other platforms to keep in touch with family, friends and people in the world of writing/publishing. The blues didn't hit me until this month of December when the dark, dank days leading up to an unusual Christmas drained me of energy, happy hormones and excitement about the end being in sight with a vaccine on the way. Thankfully it only lasted a weekend and I remembered my mantra of: THIS TOO WILL PASS .

So now for the good news, my special moments, in this year that will go down in history.  Before the word 'Pandemic' reached our ears I took a winter break back in February to the Highlands of Scotland where I was fortunate to see wild deer at the foothills of snowy mountains and, due to Storm Dennis I led a Writing Group in the hotel where we were kept inside for safety.  This tale was later printed in the People's Friend magazine and I felt so proud of my courage to step up and amuse residents on a dismal day.

In March, just before things became worse, I was in Bournemouth having won tickets to the Russian Ballet.  It was a fabulous show and although tense about attending such a large gathering as the news was stepping up a pace, I enjoyed the time away from home in a B&B, eating meals out and taking a taxi to the pavillion and being engrossed in the ballet.  

Also in March I visited Chesterfiled to see a friend and saw this famous spiral spired church.

So then we were all into LOCKDOWN LAND and I spent time in the garden, planting and growing vegetables, creating window displays for cheering passersby and neighbours, celebrating VE day on the driveway and Thursday nights clapping the the staff of the NHS.  So proud of my nephew:

Wasn't May and the summer wonderful?  Sunshine, actual FRESH air (no pollution), appreciation of nature and a little respite before lockdown restrictions/tiers came into force again.  Hubby and I did manage a weekend away in the remote Derbyshire village of Castleton where we had some lovely country walks and an outside coffee stop.

As the year drew on I felt I was adapting well.  I took pleasure in the garden far more than ever and grew vegetables for the first time in over 30 years.  The cherry tomato plants produced so much; peas, potatoes, lettuce, raddishes and herbs were experiemental too.  The flowers bloomed giving colour and joy as well.

Bird watching was another joy - we had a regular robin visiting and numerous other varieties, but what an absolute treat that a pair of great tits used the bird box on my cabin to nest and raise their young which we anxiously awaited to see how many fledged.  There were five in all but sadly the last one didn't make it onto the nearby fence and perished overnight.

My biggest special moment was when one baby tit flew into the open door of my cabin and allowed me to rescue him, hold him in my hands for a short while before freeing him to fly again.  Not sure I've ever had that priveledge in my life before.  

Another special moment was my great-niece's first birthday.  Thankfully we were able to have a small family gathering to celebrate but no hugs were shared (something I've missed dreadfully). 

There have been many special moments of meeting friends outdoors, walking, chatting, finding a bench and sitting apart with a flask and cake.  Being outdoors and walking has helped keep me positive and this tree hug was for all the people I love.  Tyson the Bengal cat came to stay to keep us company for a few weeks and he wanted to be part of my window display!  Doorstep visits have been appreciated but so unnatural not to ask people in, especially our lovely daughter.

We made the big decision to put our home of nearly 30 years on the market but to date we have been disappointed with very little response.  However, we are in no hurry so I guess the timing is not right just yet.  Another highlight of this year was that I, at last, received my pension and bus pass.  I join the Senior Citizens rank not feeling as though this is real, but having waited six years for my pension it is very welcome.  

My other passtimes have been card crafting, knitting, reading novels and writing. Those who follow me on Twitter (@tweetsue13) or Facebook (Sue Flint, Author) will know that as I write this blog my manuscript is out for appraisal and novel 2 has been harder to be disciplined about.  However many zooms have been extremely helpful and hopefully I will spring back into writing action again very soon.  Here's my knitted snowmen - I managed a small amount of the 1,000+ that the local church wanted to spread cheer in the Parish of Wigginton; and just a few of all the Christmas cards I made.   

 

Sadly we lost the son of our dear friends, to that other dreadful disease - Cancer.  John was such a big hearted young man, aged 41, who was an inspiration to all who knew him.  Funerals this year have been so different from the 'norm' and John had made arrangements for his own way of people 'saying goodbye' which was close family celebrating his life on a nearby beach.  We paid our own respects by

planting trees through the woodlandstrust.org.uk in his memory.

And now as the year comes to an end we have news of the first vaccinations against Covid19 being administered here in the UK giving us all hope that next year will see the relief of Lockdowns, Tiers and closed venues of enjoyment.  I guess it will take us all sometime to feel 'safe' again but this at least is a step in the right direction.

Special moments are there in every day, every month, every year if we but notice them.  I hope you have many stored in your memory bank and that you draw on them whenever life throws a curve ball.  Thank you for reading my blog, comments can be made below or on Twitter @tweetsue13 or email: sueflint13@hotmail.com. 

May your Christmas and New Year celebrations be safe and wishing you all the best for 2021.