Tag: World

Books, Life, Self-publishing

Round-up of the week 26th May 2019

gibbsdream

World:

Rescued hiker: ‘It came down to life and death and I had to choose’

A hiker found alive more than two weeks after she went missing on Maui, Hawaii, has spoken from her hospital bed. Amanda Eller said she faced a choice between “life and death”.

Ms Eller, 35, was last seen on 8 May. Family and friends had launched an intense search effort and offered a cash reward for her safe return.

London:

World War Two bomb found near Kingston University
A controlled explosion has been carried out on a World War Two bomb found near Kingston University, the Metropolitan Police said.
The unexploded device was found on a building site on Thursday morning.
Nearly 1,500 homes were also evacuated and the Met warned some may be without gas and electricity while surveyors carried out checks.
Police cordons in the Kingston area will remain in place while the site is assessed, the Met added
The controlled explosion was carried out by the armed forces’ specialist Explosive Ordinance Disposal team.
On Thursday, Kingston Council confirmed two polling stations being used for the European elections had to be shut while the bomb was being dealt with.
Students and staff from Kingston University’s Penrhyn Road and Knights Park campuses, as well as the University’s nursery and some student halls, have been affected by the cordon.

My World:

Three and a half months at my ‘new’ job and had my probation review and I’m pleased to say I’m still there. LOL
The WWII bomb that was found in Kingston was just down the road from where I work in Surbiton and many of the roads around me were closed off. I went out to do a property visit on Thursday but was stopped by a police cordon and the policeman explained that an unexploded bomb had been found, the road I wanted to go to was being evacuated at the time. My colleagues heard the controlled explosion on Friday, although I must be hard of hearing because despite being right next to them I heard nothing.
Still decorating, the wallpaper is almost halfway up and I’m going stir crazy, want my home back to normal.
A lovely day spent with my mum, dad, sister and niece Sophie who turned twenty on Wednesday.

My Word:
Started the final edit on book three and hope to have that released very soon. Watch this space!

Have a lovely week.

Books, Life, Self-publishing

Round-up of the week 24/2/2019

gibbsdream

Round up of the week

World

A forty-seven-year-old woman who was told her tissue was too similar to her husband’s had to be made allergic to his sperm in order to have a successful pregnancy.

Kathryn, a laboratory manager from Derbyshire who’d had four miscarriages turned to the help of her colleagues when normal channels came up blank. The couple was found to be tissue type matched which meant her body wasn’t seeing the sperm part of the embryo as foreign so as a result the pregnancies weren’t being nurtured.

After injecting her with her partner’s white blood cells, her body was able to recognise it as a foreign body. The couple now have a beautiful baby girl

My thoughts: After looking at many depressing news stories this week, I found this and thought I would spread this beautiful story of hope.

London

There was chaos on the streets of Hounslow on Thursday 21 February after a what is described as a severe accident closed off the A4 westbound road from Sutton Lane to Vicarage farm road.

My thoughts: I was told about this by a friend who’d sat in this traffic and said that everyone was executing crazy and dangerous manoeuvres in an attempt to access other routes. This kind of thing can be very frustrating for us having to deal with in our daily lives but I tried to consider how much worse it could be, there but for the grace of God and all that.

Me

Week 2 successfully completed in my new job and still really enjoying it. To complement the fantastic training I went to the office I’ll be mainly based at and was able to start helping my new manager. The team is so supportive and I feel like—fingers crossed, touch wood and all that—I have found the place I want to be.

I woke up Saturday morning with a stinking cold/sinus infection like I didn’t have enough of those last year to last a lifetime!!!!

Every year my friend Jules and I make each other Christmas presents which could be something simple which hasn’t taken long or a long and complicated craft project—this year I’ve plumped for the complicated one and this is going to take me a long time. The supplies I needed arrived this week so I will be starting today. Unfortunately, I can’t say anything about it as she might read this blog!

I got up early (ish) Sunday morning so that I could take my slot in the online book event “Our books are not free” which is the second of its kind. It’s a great event aimed at promoting the value of paying for books which as an author is something I am very passionate about. Check it out. A whole bunch of awesome authors who are not giving away the products that they’ve laboured hard on and paid much for.

https://www.facebook.com/events/565616523906689/

https://www.facebook.com/events/565616523906689/577292512739090/?notif_t=admin_plan_mall_activity&notif_id=1551019190416927

Writing

I have to admit I haven’t reached my writing targets this week. Need to crack on my April deadline is fast approaching to get this book to the editor.

Books, Life, Self-publishing, Uncategorized

Round-up​ of the Week.

gibbsdream

Chuckles-3

 

globe-1290378_640News from around the world

Parents of a young man with Downs-Syndrome in Delhi were told when he was a child that he wouldn’t be able to do anything. Now years on he can drive and has a pottery studio which he set up with his mum.

Truly inspirational

Check this young man out for yourself:

 

LondonNews from London

A teenager has been charged with the murder of an 18-year-old man who was stabbed to death in east London. A 17-year-old male appeared at Thames Magistrates’ Court, charged with murder and possession of an offensive weapon, he will be appearing at the Old Bailey on Tuesday.

 

Me.1

My News

Another busy week at work.

The weekend started well, a busy day yesterday but woke up with a raw throat this morning, struggling to swallow and pain in my ears so will be off work for a while until this viral infection clears.

 

 

Me.2

Writing News

Sins of the Father went back to the editor and I started book three of the series set in Brazil which has a working title of ‘The Other Side of the Streets.’

Books, Life, Self-publishing, Uncategorized

Round-up of the Week

gibbsdream

Chuckles-3

News from around the world

China’s governing Communist Party has proposed removing a clause in the constitution which limits presidencies to two five-year terms. This is in an attempt to allow the current President Xi Jinping to remain as leader after he is due to step down.

News from London

A Letter containing a substance sent to St. James’s Palace is being treated as a ‘racist hate crime”. The substance was tested by the Met Police and was found not to be harmful. The letter is said to have been addressed to Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

My News

I have finally finished decoration my living room at home, which has taken quite a while being a weekend only job. I now need to replace the carpet and furniture but really pleased with how it’s looking so far.

Writing News

This week I’ve focused on the last minute tighten up of Sins of the Father which is due to head to the editor on Thursday which will be a nail-biting experience. I even managed to get a newsletter out for the first time in about 5 months.

Books, Life, Self-publishing, Uncategorized

Round up of the Week

gibbsdream

Round up of the Week

World

Australian counter-terrorism police have stopped a suspected plot to bring down an aeroplane. They seized materials in the raid that could have been used to make an improvised explosive device.

Extra security has been put in place at domestic and international airports.

Although it is frightening to think of another terror attack it is heartening to know that this one was foiled and no harm came to anyone.

London

The family of a man who died after being apprehended by police has appealed for peace after violent protests in the wake of his death. Twenty-year old Rashan Charles was wrestled to the ground in East London, on 22nd July and died about an hour later. He became ill after trying to swallow an object.

Clashes broke out on Friday night as protesters blocked part of Kingsland Road and set mattresses alight.

A spokesman for the family called for “dignified” protest, adding “Burning down homes will not give justice.

My thoughts and prayers go out to Rashan’s family.

My World

This week started out tough as I teetered on the edge of a breakdown. I won’t go into any real detail but after some tough words, amazing support and love I managed to turn it around and take back the power in my life. Until the issue, which is causing me distress has been resolved I will be doing the bare minimum.

Had a nice time with my good friend and her son last night as we devoured a curry and watched “Daddy’s Back.”

My Word

Mainly only editing done this week, I’m about half way through before I return it to my editor for the second round.

The winner of the author of the month prize went to Pamela Dykes Jones who has yet to claim her copy of one of Rose English’s books.

Books, Life, Self-publishing, Uncategorized

Round up of the week

gibbsdream

Round up of the Week

World

Builders in the Canadian city of Quebec have unearthed a live cannonball fired by the British in 1759 when they besieged Quebec while fighting the French at the Battle of the Plains of Abraham. The builders posed for photos with the 90kg shot unaware that it was still potentially explosive. Archaeologist Serge Rouleau, who examined the munition before the army noticed that it still contained a charge and said it was more of an incendiary bomb than a cannonball. A Senior munitions technician was quoted as saying, “The ball would break and the powder would ignite, setting fire to the building.

Seems as though the builders had a lucky escape.

London

A 31-year-old man has been stabbed to death by two attackers on a moped during an early-morning altercation in south-east London, police said.

The victim was fatally wounded during a clash in which shots were also fired in King William Walk in the centre of Greenwich

The assailants, both male, then fled the scene on the moped and emergency services arrived to find the man with stab injuries. Paramedics tried to revive the man but he was declared dead at the scene.

We seem to be seeing more crime from people on scooters/mopeds/bikes including an epidemic of bike theft with the perpetrators going out with machetes and other weapons. Every morning the first thing I do is check that my bike is where I parked it.

My world

This week my cousin’s 23-year-old daughter came from Wolverhampton to stay with me in London for a few days. Despite the big age gap, we get on incredibly well but then maybe that’s because I don’t act my age. Unfortunately, I had to work but Kat was able to go off and explore the city without me and we caught up in the evenings for pizza and prosecco.

Last week I mentioned that there was something potentially on the horizon for me which I couldn’t discuss this is still on the down low.

I’m ending the week with a family meal as we all catch up for my mum’s birthday.

My Word

I’ve been anxiously waiting while the editor slashes my book with her red pen but I should be out of my misery by the middle of next week as she returns the first edit. Or will I be in more misery lol.

I’ve been working on the spin off from ‘A Boy from the Streets’

I’ve also been thinking a bit more are a follow on from ‘As Dreams are Made on’ and after seeing a picture I wanted have had JC Clarke from The Graphics Shed design me a cover that has left me speechless. (I know right! Me speechless LOL)

Books, Life, Self-publishing, Uncategorized

Round up of the week

gibbsdream

Round up of the Week

World

 

More than two thousand refugees and migrants have been moved off   the streets of Paris, where they have been sleeping rough for week.They were taken to temporary shelters in school gymnasiums on      Friday morning.

Hundreds of refugees and migrants had arrived in the Porte de la   Chapelle area of Paris and were sleeping under road bridges and on the side of the road with almost no access to water, food or       sanitation.

 

This makes me realise just how lucky I am.

 
London


A heist took place Thursday night from the Masterpiece art fair in Chelsea which was swarming with security and staff in what has been likened to the infamous Pink Panther films. Gems up to £3 million  were stolen with no apparent witnesses and no explanation of how  or when.


Can't help thinking it would make a great story although there are many such stories out there and maybe this one isn't for me.


My World


It has been quiet week but I do have an exciting potential         opportunity (non-writing related) that I can’t mention yet until I find out whether it will pay off. I've just come back from a visit to my parents' house where I also caught up with my brother and    nephew. Looking forward to a visit by my gorgeous cousin tomorrow. I've just finished reading Girls & Boys by M B Feeney which I can  highly recommend. My review will be posted next week. I also       finished the novella Laura's Locket by T M Lacoba, another great   read.

 
My Word


I sent a sample of 'Is this Love?’ to the editor and happy with her I will be sending the full book to her on Monday.

I have also continued writing the spin off story from A Boy from   the Streets which follows the life of Carlos. I’m getting quite    excited by this one.

I received another 5* star review for A Boy from the Streets and   was informed that I reduced the reader to tears. I must be doing    something right.

Catch you next week.

Maria x

 

Books, Life, Self-publishing, Uncategorized
gibbsdream

Round up of the Week.png

Each week I will be doing a round up of the week which will be a piece of global news, London news, my own week and what I have been up to as an author. It may be news/information you already know or it may be something you haven’t heard – either way I hope you like these little posts. I look forward to hearing your thoughts and any news you would like to share in return.

World: Online retail giant Amazon is buying Whole Foods in a £10.7bn deal ($13.7bn). Whole Foods has more than 460 stores in the US, Canada and the UK employing 87,000 people.

It would seem that Amazon are taking over the retail industry in the way that supermarkets took over from the local shop.

London: This week has seen the tragic events unfold at the Grenfell Tower in West London. This twenty-four storey tower block burnt down leaving an empty shell, the latest numbers suggest 58 people dead or missing, leaving a community homeless and devastated.

Londoners and people from surroundings communities have come together in an amazing show of unity to provide practical supplies, giving of their time and money. People from across the globe have started raising funds to help those affected. People from all walks of life have come together in support to show what a great community we have when we work together. My heart goes out to everyone affected.

My World: A fairly normal week for me, work, writing and visits to the gym to try to shift the excess weight that has crept up on me and is clinging like an octopus and refusing to leave. Friday night I combined a social visit with my friend Shirley, we’ve been friends since about the age of ten years old, with a visit to her gym, a swim and jacuzzi. Felt very pampered and chilled afterwards, the perfect way to start the weekend. A relaxing day of sunbathing on Saturday combined with some writing, oh and I was also able to pick the first batch of my homegrown spinach. Today, Sunday, is Father’s Day and very shortly I will be meeting my parents and my sister at a local restaurant. So a nice family day to round off my week.

My Word: I haven’t written very much this week as I’ve been focusing my attention on editing. The first novel I wrote is finally approaching the stage where it will be given to my editor.

I started writing it approximately fifteen years ago and it has gone through numerous edits and lost about 80,000 words in an attempt to make it a tighter, readable book. I put it aside for a number of years as I worked on other books, including the three novelettes and one novel that I’ve published already. I also have a backlog of forty something WIPs (Work in Progresses) in various stages of completion. But I digress, and now you can see why I had to purge 80,000 odd words, LOL.
Anyway I have about 2700 more that I need to remove to get it to 80,000 words and then I will hand it over with trepidation to a new editor and hold my breath (not literally of course) until I receive the red-marked pages back.

I have also taken the plunge and set up an email sign up on my website so that I can email out a monthly newsletter. If you would like to hear from me occasionally then please add your details to the pop up and then check your junk mail as they often get sent there.

What can you expect from me by signing up? 

I’ll keep you informed of any new releases from me, some you might like/love and others you won’t as I can’t stick to writing in one genre, I write anything that is in my head and needs to be released. A sometimes scary prospect. 🙂

Giveaway: Once a month I am planning on doing an author slot from the Indie authors I love which will include one free kindle copy of one of their books going to one of my readers who will be picked at random. More details to follow.

Little snippets of information that I think you might find interesting – forgive me if I get that wrong sometimes – please let me know what you like and what you don’t like and what you’d like to see more of.

As this is new to me it will grow organically and hopefully you will look forward to finding my newsletters once a month in your inbox.

Maria x