Write On!

Back at My Usual Home

2011-05-01T16:35:00.003+01:00

Thanks to everybody who came by here while Blogger fixed my blog! I'm back at my usual place now, thank goodness.

Yay! Wedding and Giveaway

2011-04-29T10:36:00.006+01:00

Second last day of the A to Z! And it's a big day here in London. To celebrate, I'll be giving away two copies of the wonderful novel, The Golden Prince.

First, though, a big thanks to everyone who commented yesterday and offered their help for my blog situation. You can see I'm still here, and I've no idea how long -- if ever -- my 'rightful' blog will be returned back to me. I'll keep everyone posted. I realise losing a blog isn't the end of the world, but I must admit I had a few tearful moments yesterday along with several bouts of rage! I've worked so hard to connect with people and maintain those connections, and then to have it all pulled away without any warning... or chance to direct people elsewhere... well, you can only imagine how I'm feeling. I'll write another post on the whole thing at a later date, but for now, can you please just keep your fingers crossed that Blogger/ Google give me back my blog?

Anyway! On to better things: The Golden Prince.

Edward VIII became notorious for abandoning the throne for Mrs Simpson, but in the summer of 1911 he was a prince straight from the pages of a fairy-tale. Raised by the harsh disciplinarian King George V and his unfeeling Queen Mary, the prince longed for the warmth that had been deprived of him.The high society Houghton girls' lives however, were full of fun, both at their magnificent family seat Snowberry, and at the whirlwind of glamorous parties which punctuated their lives. When a moment of serendipity brings Edward and Lily Houghton together, the pressures of a stuffy court are replaced with the lightness that Edward has dreamt of.

But a future monarch could not choose his own Queen, and even an enduring love might falter under the furious gaze of a King. Could the devotion of Edward and Lily triumph against him and the impending doom of World War I? Or would they bow to the inevitable and set in train events that could bring down the Crown, and change the course of history forever?

I'm not usually one for historical romances and such, but I really enjoyed this insight into the restrictive life of the monarchy and the oh-so-romantic love story. Mixing fact with fiction, the novel weaves history into the different characters' lives, and the effect is a cracking good tale.

Thanks to Harper, I have two copies to give away, anywhere in the world! Just leave a comment below.

And over at Chick Lit Love, my Top Tip Number Three is up. Pop over if you get a chance.

I'll see you tomorrow -- probably still here, sigh -- for the end of the A to Z!

XXXXXXXX!

2011-04-28T10:44:00.002+01:00

Oh, hello. It's me, Talli! Why the different blog, you ask? Well, it's because sometime around six a.m., Blogger decided to remove my shiny lovely Talli blog, thinking it was SPAM. How insulting! Sure, I talk about wine (a lot). And coffee (a lot). But those are the finer things in life, not spam!

Anyway, I'm here until a) Blogger Support (who replied quite swiftly, so kudos) decide to give it back again; or b) Blogger Support decide not to give it back again, in which case... I don't even want to think about that right now. I've put hours and hours of hard work into that blog, and I can't face thinking otherwise at the moment!

This is an old blog I used to have before starting up my Talli one -- thank goodness I didn't delete it so it's around for emergencies like this one! And once I start a bl**dy challenge, I'm damned well going to finish it. So, X. XXXXXXXXXX! *insert swear word of choice there* Because that's exactly the frame of mind I'm in at the moment!

It's not too early for wine. It's NOT!

Bye Bye Blog

2010-12-13T14:33:00.002Z

You may have noticed I've been posting here with decreasing frequency. The truth is, it's very hard to keep two blogs going on what are essentially the same topics: writing, life and London!

Can I urge you all to come join me at my Talli Roland blog, where I also talk about London and the foibles of an expat life? I'll also be providing news of everything related to my travel writing, along with my fiction. Also - added bonus - I actually return all comments on my Talli blog as opposed to here, where I'm too darn lazy.

I hope to see you there, and I'll still pop in here every once in awhile to say hello!

Thank You - And Web Splash Results!

2010-12-04T08:27:00.000Z

What an amazing day Wednesday was for me -- and all down to the help and support of people on Twitter, blogs and Facebook. An enormous thanks to all who spread the word about my debut novel and what I was trying to accomplish. As a fellow blogger, I know posting something like yesterday's post often receives low comments -- and as a reader, I realise it can get quite tiresome seeing the same thing again and again. So... thank you!

I'm thrilled to tell you that I made the Amazon Kindle Bestseller Top 100! More than that, actually -- I made it into the top 25! My best rank was number 24. Amazon.com (which I reckon has many more books and therefore more competition) came in at number 460 on the Kindle list, a number I'm ecstatic about, too.

One of the craziest moments of the day was when my publisher sent me an email with a link to the Amazon Movers and Shakers -- I was at number 1, ahead of Dickens (!) and Sophie Kinsella!

I'm not ashamed to admit at several points, I actually welled up at how many people were supporting me. If you followed the hashtag #TheHatingGame, you could see friends and complete strangers buying, retweeting, tweeting --- even one amazing tweeter @PamReader live tweeting as she read my novel!

And then when I hit the blogs! I was so chuffed to read all the wonderful comments and posts about my novel. I tried to make it around to everyone (and I'm still trying; please bear with me!), but by the end of the day, I felt like I'd run a marathon trying to keep up with everything and around midnight I collapsed, stuffed full of celebratory cake (courtesy of my husband) and pizza (courtesy of the local takeaway). Big thanks also to my parents who organised a wonderful bouquet of flowers to be delivered!

A few people have asked me if my Web Splash met my expectations. The answer? No. It didn't. It was so much better than I'd anticipated. Without a doubt, it was one of the most exciting days ever, and quite honestly I couldn't think of a better way -- or better people -- to spend my novel's birthday with.

Thank You.

The Hating Game - Web Splash!

2010-12-01T15:37:00.000Z

Hard to believe the day has finally come! I am so excited -- and so grateful for everyone's support. Please drop by Twitter (hash tag #TheHatingGame) to keep an eye on the Amazon stats and to get your virtual champers and assorted munchies!

UPDATE - As of 1 p.m., The Hating Game was number 32 on Amazon UK Kindle and number 25 in Fiction! I'm into the Top 100! Starting to move on Amazon.com, too. I can't say thank you enough!

15:35 GMT - Now number 25 on Amazon UK and in the 1700s on Amazon.com! Wooo!

Thank you a trillion and one times for helping me with this! It sounds cheesy but I really feel like you're all behind me, and it's a fantastic feeling.So without further ado, I bring you THE SPLASH!Help my debut novel THE HATING GAME hit the Kindle bestseller list at Amazon.com and Amazon.co.uk by spreading the word today. Even a few sales in a short period of time on Amazon helps push the book up the rankings, making it more visible to other readers.

Amazon.co.uk: http://amzn.to/hNBkJk
Amazon.com: http://amzn.to/hX2ieD

No Kindle?

Download a free app at Amazon for Mac, iPhone, PC, Android and more.

Coming soon in paperback. Keep up with the latest at http://www.talliroland.com/.

About THE HATING GAME:

When man-eater Mattie Johns agrees to star on a dating game show to save her ailing recruitment business, she's confident she'll sail through to the end without letting down the perma-guard she's perfected from years of her love 'em and leave 'em dating strategy. After all, what can go wrong with dating a few losers and hanging out long enough to pick up a juicy £200,000 prize? Plenty, Mattie discovers, when it's revealed that the contestants are four of her very unhappy exes. Can Mattie confront her past to get the prize money she so desperately needs, or will her exes finally wreak their long-awaited revenge? And what about the ambitious TV producer whose career depends on stopping her from making it to the end?

Exciting Things!

2010-11-28T12:15:00.005Z

It's almost December, and the weather is certainly obliging -- as I type this, my fingers are freezing, thanks the chilly air drifting in through our ancient sash windows. I've been rather neglectful of this blog recently, mostly down to exciting events with my alter ago, Talli Roland.

My first novel, The Hating Game, is due out this Wednesday, December 1, as an ebook ahead of its paperback launch next year! I've organised a Take On Amazon Web Splash, with almost 450 bloggers, Facebookers and Tweeters helping to spread the word about my quest to get as high as I can in the Amazon sales rank.

I often take for granted people know what sales rank is and why it's important. If you look on any book listing on Amazon, you'll see the book has a number beside the words 'sales rank'. The more copies people buy, the higher (or lower, depending on how you look at it) the bestseller list the book climbs. If you manage to get into the top 100, it can make a massive difference to your sales. The book is more visible and being labelled a bestseller gives it validation. Not only that, good sales figures for an ebook can also generate pre-orders for the paperback and hopefully make it easier for the hard copy to get into bookstores.

A number of sales over a short period of time (say, one day) has the power to get the book even higher up, since the sales rank algorithm takes into account not just the sales but the period over which the sales were made.

So! All this to say, fingers crossed for December 1! If you'd like to take part in the Web Splash, all the information you need to post (just copy and paste onto your blog on Dec 1) is here! And if you'd like to buy a copy of the book on that day, that would be fantastic, too! Just click the link for Amazon.com or Amazon.co.uk. If you don't have a Kindle, you can download the app for PC, Android, Mac, iPad and more. And if you're using Amazon.com, you can even buy Kindle ebooks for others as gifts now.

Sales pitch over! I'll be back on Wednesday with the Splash! Until then, have a great week.

Book Birthdays and More!

2010-11-07T16:18:00.003Z

Every time November rolls around, I always shake my head in disbelief that the year's almost finished. This time more than ever -- it's been one year since 24 Hours London was published! You can read about my year in review over on my Talli Roland blog.

With everything that's been happening, time has certainly flown. Electronic proof copies for The Hating Game are ready, and things are gearing up for the Dec 1 e-book release! I've now got over 400 people signed up for my Web Splash; big thank you to those participating!

And now, I leave you with this little gem. Ah, The Daily Mail...

Remember, Remember

2010-10-31T15:17:00.005Z

Remember remember the fifth of November

Gunpowder, treason and plot.

I see no reason why gunpowder, treason

Should ever be forgot...

While it's not quite yet the fifth of November and time to 'celebrate' the infamous Guy Fawkes' attempt to overthrow Parliament, a balmy Saturday night before Hallowe'en provided a great excuse to head over to Notting Hill for a bonfire with friends -- and a few hundred of their closest neighbours.

Me in red, standing by the hottest bonfire ever! My face was burning (or maybe that was from the mulled wine...).

A fireworks show went on for a good ten minutes or more.

Happy early Bonfire Night!

Hidden London: Lamb's Conduit Street

2010-10-24T11:48:00.003+01:00

As the nights draw in and the days get colder, I confess I find it harder and harder to budge from the cozy confines of my flat. But yesterday, the chapter meeting of the Romantic Novelists' Association motivated me to move from my sofa and head down the Central Line to Bloomsbury -- to The Lamb pub on Lamb's Conduit, to be precise.

Although I've been to Russell Square countless times, I'd never been down this small stretch. Partly pedestrianized and lined with independent shops and galleries, it's a feast for retail-hungry eyes. The street is named after William Lambe to recognize the donation he gave to rebuild a nearby conduit in 1564 (source: Wikipedia).

At the end of the street, The Lamb (photo: Wikipedia) is chock full of charm. Built in the 1720s, Charles Dickens is said to have been a frequent punter. What better place, then, to hold a literary lunch?

Take a stroll through the street with Monocle.

Book Review: Mrs P's Journey

2010-10-17T17:57:00.004+01:00

Embroiled in the final edits for my novel The Hating Game (out as an e-book December 1; sign up for my web splash here), I've been shying away from fiction and towards non-fiction. As such, I turned to Mrs P's Journey which, shamefully, I've had for almost a year.

Here's the blurb (from Amazon):

Disproving the theory that women can't read maps, this is the story of Phyllis Pearsall, the eccentric British artist who single-handedly mapped London's A-Z and created a publishing phenomenon. Born Phyllis Isobella Gross, her lifelong nickname was PIG. The artist daughter of a flamboyant Hungarian Jewish immigrant, and an Irish Italian mother, her bizarre and often traumatic childhood did not restrain her from becoming one of Britain's most intriguing entrepreneurs and self-made millionaires. After an unsatisfactory marriage, Phyllis, a 30-year-old divorcee, had to support herself and so became a portrait painter. It is doing this job and trying to find her patron's houses that Phyllis became increasingly frustrated at the lack of proper maps of London. Instead of just cursing the fact as many fellow Londoners probably did, Phyllis decided to do something about it. Without hesitation she covered London's 23,000 streets on foot during the course of one year, often leaving her Horseferry Road bedsit at dawn to do so. To publish the map, and in light of its enormous success, she set up her own company, The Geographer's Trust, which still publishes the London A-Z and that of every major British city.

Most Londoners are familiar with the trusty A-Z map. In my first weeks here, it proved invaluable as I shunted from one side of London to the other in my daily supply teaching duties. I have no idea how I ever would have tracked down some of the hidden-away schools I voyaged to without it!

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this engaging story of Phyllis and her family. Her determination and ambition -- despite a pretty terrible childhood -- are incredible. The book reads like a work of fiction (and the author has taken certain liberties, of which she warns us) but it's a fascinating biography of talented, driven woman.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2010-10-10T15:39:00.004+01:00

The Anish Kapoor sculpture in Kensington Gardens.

To all Canadians near and far... Happy Thanksgiving! I actually forgot it was this weekend until a blogging buddy (thanks, Jemi!) reminded me yesterday. To that end, The Man and I took a wonderful jaunt through Kensington Gardens in the Indian-summer air, then over to the local Tesco's to buy a bird. Despite trying to explain what 'traditional' turkey means (i.e., plain) The Man still insisted on stuffing the fowl with cracked wheat -- but I'm not complaining, at least he's doing the cooking!

Have a great gratitude-filled weekend!

Home Again, Home Again

2010-10-05T15:05:00.003+01:00

I'm back! The vacation was glorious, but it's good to be in my other home -- London. We flew in early Friday morning and after paying a £600 fine and picking up the car at the Chelsea pound (don't ask), we settled back in to our London life!

It was great fun touring around the Maritimes (Nova Scotia and PEI, anyway) and everywhere we went, The Man kept exclaiming: 'It's like a different country!' The last time he went to Canada, it was covered in snow and -40 C, so fair enough!

There's something very endearing about showing your partner from a completely different culture the customs of your homeland. From ceilidhs and run-drinking to lobster-eating and sea shanties, I can definitely say The Man now fully appreciates Maritime culture. I'll leave kissing the cod and Newfoundland for another visit!

In Websplash news (I've changed it from Blogsplash since I want to also incorporate Facebook and Twitter), I'm now up to 298 people participating! With two months remaining, I might just makes my goal of 1000. You can join the Facebook Event Page here, read the recent Websplash email, or sign up if you haven't already. All you need is a blog, a Facebook page or a Twitter account!

And now, a couple more photos...

Gone Canoeing

2010-09-15T12:46:00.002+01:00

As an expat, the concept of 'home' can be a difficult one. I feel London is my home, but Canada will always be home too -- no matter where I am or how long I've been away.

I'm going home tomorrow for two weeks and after two years away, I really can't wait. I won't be blogging again until after October 1, but I'll drop in from time to time on Twitter!

Thank you to everyone who has signed up to my Take On Amazon Blogsplash -- I'm up to 160 people now. Have a great few weeks and I'll see you on the other side!

Regents Canal Cruise

2010-09-07T18:03:00.005+01:00

A few weeks ago now, The Man and I -- along with my step-daughter -- took a lovely cruise along Regents Canal. It was quiet and peaceful and in some places you've never actually believe you were in London at all! Until you get to Camden Market, that is..

Starting out in Little Venice.

Passing canal-side mansions.

One of the many boats on our way.

Shops in Camden Market.

Fishy pedicure. Yuck!

Interesting seating arrangement in Camden Market!

Help Me Take On Amazon!

2010-09-03T16:33:00.004+01:00

Happy Friday all! Apologies to those who follow my Talli Roland blog, but I wanted to spread the word on this blog as well!

On December 1, The Hating Game will be released as an e-book, ahead of its UK hard-copy launch in early 2011. I can't wait! I'm excited because anyone, anywhere in the world can buy a copy of the e-book version on Amazon. You don't even need to have a Kindle to read it -- you can download the Kindle software to your computer and read it that way. Plus, it will be very reasonably priced (likely well under a fiver in the US and the UK).

Here's where you come in. It's amazing how few copies it takes to rocket your sales rank on Amazon. Wouldn't it be incredible if people bought copies of The Hating Game ebook -- all on Dec 1 --- and brought it up the charts? If for one brief moment in time (or maybe more), The Hating Game was an Amazon Kindle bestseller?

So on December 1, I'm hoping you can all join me in a Blogsplash to help spread the word. If you sign up, all I ask is that on Dec 1 you post a short paragraph about what I'm trying to accomplish and The Hating Game blurb. I'll send you all the content so you just have to cut and paste! I am aiming to have one thousand bloggers take part (I know, I know -- but it might happen! I'm thinking big!) so anything you can do to spread the word would be FANTASTIC.

Please leave a comment with your email or just email me at: marshawrites@gmail.com to take part.

And... of course if you could purchase a copy of the book on December 1, that would be fab as well. The closer together in time the sales are, the higher the book climbs in the ranking. I understand not everyone may be able to so no worries if not! There will be prizes for those who take part in the Blogsplash, there will be more prizes for those who buy, and there will be even more prizes for anyone who writes a review! I should clarify this is just for the ebook launch; the hard-copy launch will be coming in the New Year (you'll be sick of me, I'm sure).

Thank you all for reading this and for all the wonderful help and support you've given me so far! You rock!

Notting Hill Carnival!

2010-08-27T15:59:00.003+01:00

Yes, I have been a very bad blogger. On this blog, anyway. I have some nice photos to post of a little jaunt down Regents Park Canal, but downloading them created multiple issues and I got tired of trying. Maybe next week!

It's the August Bank Holiday weekend -- the last holiday before Christmas! And every year at this time, almost a million people flock to the Notting Hill Carnival for music, food and the pinnacle of it all: the Parade, where hundreds of drummers pound out the beat as crowds line the streets.

Here's a few photos from last year's celebrations to get you in the mood.

Have a great long weekend!

On Author Nicola Morgan's Blog...

2010-08-16T13:42:00.002+01:00

Happy Monday!

Today I'm over at author Nicola Morgan's blog talking about, well, blogs! Since I started my Talli Roland blog, I've seen a massive difference in the increase of followers over there versus here.

Why? Click to read more!

The Life of an Expat

2010-08-12T17:35:00.004+01:00

I read this post by Kim in Dublin on expat frustrations and it just clicked with me. Living in a place long-term is far, far different than spending a week there. Real life -- miles from your family and everything you're used to -- is often hard work and, once the shiny glow wears off and routine descends, sometimes downright lonely.

It takes awhile to make your home in a brand new place and to build up a network of friends. One of the things I find most challenging is that London's a revolving door. Often the good friends I make leave to go up North, back to Canada or America or Australia or Spain or... you get the picture. I've been here for six years and in that time more friends have come and gone than I can shake a stick at (not that I can find a stick to shake in central London). Of course it's better to have loved and lost, but still!

Life in a new country is exciting and a wonderful experience. But that doesn't mean it's always going to be easy!

Boris Bikes

2010-08-10T15:03:00.007+01:00

We didn't get off to a good start with the new Barclays Cycle Hire scheme (or Boris Bikes, as I like to call them). We registered, then waited and waited... and waited to get our keys in the post. I rang them up to ask where our keys were, only to be told they'd call back. Which, of course, they didn't. Then we got a notice in the post saying someone didn't pay the postage and we had to cough up £1.10 to get our letter.

And guess what? Surprise, surprise: Transport for London hadn't put the proper postage on our keys. Not a great beginning. But once we got on our bikes, it all changed. Sure, it was a bit difficult figuring out the logistics of the whole thing (redocking was a bit of a mystery -- there didn't seem to be any instructions but there were plenty of confused people around) but once we sorted it out, we had a great time flying through Hyde Park on our Boris Bikes. The bikes themselves are quite heavy and the handlebars very sensitive but they're comfortable enough for short journeys.

There's something very magical about moving around London on a bike. It makes you see how small the city actually is -- we went from Kensington to Leicester Square in about twenty minutes! I loved gliding under the trees, past Buckingham Palace and right into Trafalgar Square. Riding over Tower Bridge was another story (and not one I'd like to repeat anytime soon), but it was certainly an experience.

It's the second weekend the bikes are available and we felt a bit like stars as people pointed and stared. Many actually stopped to talk to us about the bikes and it was great to see Londoners chatting with each other -- something that never happens on the Tube!

I loved the bikes and despite my rather sore butt I'll definitely be out again soon!

One Year On

2010-08-06T16:49:00.004+01:00

All week I've been meaning to post and all week I forgot! I've been busy working on edits for The Hating Game and my mind has been swamped with character arcs and plot points. Today I finished this round of edits and sent it off, breathing a big sigh of relief. I'm desperate to take some time away from it!

Then I got some great news from The Times' Travel Editor: my article 'Paris for Kids' came out today! If you subscribe to The Times, you can check it out here.

And... Sunday if my first wedding anniversary with The Man! For schmoopy photos, head over to my Talli Roland blog.

Happy weekend!

Doctor WHO?

2010-07-31T18:13:00.002+01:00

Confession time.

Doctor Who.

I just don't get it.

I've been here for six years and I've tried and tried to understand. Why the obsession with bad sets, clunky costumes and strange skinny men? Every time I try to watch, I cringe and turn it off. There's something in my genetic programming that simply doesn't understand why so many are obsessed -- to the point that last weekend, the Proms held two dedicated Doctor Who concerts.

Can anyone provide illumination? Am I alone in this?

What Makes You Smile?

2010-07-29T16:24:00.002+01:00

A few days ago, I got an email asking if I'd like to take part in The Science Museum's latest project, Who Am I?

Since The Science Museum was one of the first museums in London to stock my book, 24 Hours London (followed by the British Museum and the London Museum of Transport, yay!) I was definitely keen to help return the favour in my own small way.

More details of the project here, on their Facebook page or on Twitter.

Just leave a comment on my blog or send them a tweet (@sciencemuseum; hashtag #smwhoami) telling them what makes you smile.

What makes me smile? A nice long bubble bath at the end of a productive writing day. And wine.

Your turn!

On Yer Bike!

2010-07-25T14:15:00.005+01:00

Ping-pong aside, it's now my turn to be excited! Because finally, London's Cycle Hire Scheme is about to begin! And even more thrilling, one of the rental docks is just around the corner from where we live.

The empty rental docks in Kensington.

I haven't had a bike since my uni days (and I'm not going to say how long ago that was). Although I've contemplated several times buying a bike in London to glide through the pathways of the park, I've always come up against a typical London problem: storage. But now -- starting on Friday -- I can round the corner, pop in some change, and cycle my rented bike all the way from Kensington Gardens to Hyde Park and beyond!

The cycle hire sign, ready for its debut this Friday.

Since I'm terrified of traffic, I definitely won't be going on-road. But come next Friday, if you see a blonde streaking past you (not that kind of streaking!) in the park, I'm finally on my bike!

As Promised: Ping Pong!

2010-07-21T15:57:00.004+01:00

The Serpentine Pavilion in Kensington Gardens.

Who knew the potential of playing ping-pong could be so exciting? Certainly not I, but when The Man found out the new Serpentine Pavilion featured ping-pong tables he was practically salivating. Having grown up playing the game, he was now itching to put his skills to the test again.

The beautiful game.

Desperate to stop his bragging at just how good he really was, on a hot and sunny day we marched through the park and over to the tables. The two of us playing any game is usually a recipe for disaster -- we'll practically kill each other to win -- but we'd be in public so I was confident we could control ourselves. That, and we'd sipped a glass or two of wine while waiting in the shade for our turn at the tables.

Thankfully we were both a bit out of practice and the only thing heating up was our bodies under the beating sun. We soon retreated back to our shady patch, wine in hand... until the next match!

Parks, Ping-Pong and Paris

2010-07-20T17:19:00.003+01:00

I had an exciting post planned today -- all about my ping-pong exploits in Kensington Gardens -- but a technology fail means they'll have to wait until another day, sadly!

However, three very nice things happened over the weekend:

1. My article on surviving jet-lag in Paris appeared on Bonjour Paris, which has already boosted Kindle sales of 24 Hours Paris;

2. Polly-Vous Francais did a great review of 24 Hours Paris, listing 24 reasons why she likes the book! You really can't get a better review than that! and

3. I had this lovely blog post pop up on my Google alerts!

Oh, how I love nice surprises.

Coming soon, when technology decides to co-operate: ping-pong in the park!

To Prom -- Or Not to Prom

2010-07-17T20:19:00.004+01:00

Me and my dearly departing Canadian friend at the opening night of the Proms last night.

It's my favourite time of year: Prom time!

No, it’s not a graduation dance for freedom-drunk teens – it’s one of the biggest classical music events of the year. Started in 1895 with the goal of bringing classical music to the masses, the BBC Proms is an annual eight-week series of concerts by symphonies and orchestras from around the world.

Short for Promenade Concerts, Proms refers to the walking or strolling some audience members used to do inside the hall. Now, it refers to the standing areas in the hall, where you can buy a ticket on the day for only £5. Queue up for access to the Gallery – where you can lounge on the cement floor high above the Royal Albert Hall. Or, you can stay standing at ground level in the Arena. Either way, you can’t get better music at a better price. (Extract from 24 Hours London)

With yet another expat friend heading back to Canada after a three-year stint in London, we decided to mark her departure with a final dose of British culture at the Proms. I've been to loads of Proms -- and the final night at Hyde Park, which has an atmosphere all its own -- but I've never been to the opening night. Due to broken trains, though, we didn't join the queue until around 6:45 pm, by which time it stretched outside the Royal Albert Hall, down a small side street, and back again.

The queue outside the Royal Albert Hall.

Sadly, we didn't get in -- we weren't even close! Still, we managed to drown our sorrows with a final pit-stop in Soho, so all wasn't lost.

The ornate facade of the Royal College of Organists.

The side of the Royal Albert Hall.

The Albert Memorial and the top of the Royal Albert Hall.

Surviving a Conference!

2010-07-14T16:54:00.002+01:00

Happy Bastille Day! 24 Hours Paris was just named a hot July read by Girls' Guide to Paris, so I'm having my own little celebration! If you're on Twitter, tweet me any time before 9 pm GMT today to be entered in a draw to win a copy of 24 Hours Paris.

As you know from my previous post, I've just returned from the wonderful Romantic Novelists' Association Conference. It was my first writing conference and I thought I'd share a few tips for survival!

1. Don't wear high heels. Seriously. I attempted to do so on the first day and I paid the price, big time. It was the hottest day of the year, my feet were swollen, and several lovely little blisters quickly sprouted. Just... don't.

2. Take Nurofen, just in case. The first day of the conference (and the second, but that was due to, ahem, too much champagne) I had a brutal headache. Honestly, if I didn't have my trusty Nurofen, I'm sure my head would have exploded.

3. When there's food, eat it! Due to nerves and the heat, I wasn't really that hungry during the day which meant by around 4 pm, I was almost ready to fall over! While eating usually isn't a problem for me, I would have been able to concentrate better if I'd chowed down when I could.

4. Don't be afraid to introduce yourself to people. I'm usually the sort who slips off into the corners when faced with a large group of people I don't know -- particularly if that involves big-name authors, editors and agents. But if you're friendly and don't interrupt them mid-conversation then they're usually very open and friendly themselves!

5. Take business cards/ promotional postcards, etc. I had some postcards done up for The Hating Game just in time for the conference, and I'm glad I did. It was great to be able to hand people something so hopefully they'll remember me when the book comes out.

All in all, it was a fantastic conference and I'm so glad I went. Next time: no high heels, lots of chowing down, and boatloads of Nurofen!

Hidden London: The Old Royal Naval College

2010-07-12T16:14:00.005+01:00

While you could hardly say it's 'hidden', this collection of Baroque buildings is a world away from the hustle and bustle of maritime Greenwich. I've been to Greenwich several times but never had I thought about wandering into the campus of the Old Royal Naval College, just a five-minute walk from the Cutty Sark DLR.

Last weekend, I attended the Romantic Novelists' Association Conference held within the grounds of the College. As nervous as I was, as I approached the building where the conference was being held I couldn't help but look around me in awe. Every building loomed over me with perfect proportions; it was almost like wandering around the Vatican!

Designed by Sir Christopher Wren as a hospital for pensioners, the College took over the buildings after the hospital closed in 1869. Admission is free and you can take a wander around the grounds -- including the chapel and the Painted Hall -- anytime between 10 am and 7 pm. For information, go here.

If you want to here more about the conference and see a few extra photos, head over to my Talli Roland blog.

Happy Monday!

Summer in the City: What to Do?

2010-07-06T17:53:00.004+01:00

This year -- for the first time in many -- we're having a proper summer. By 'proper summer', I mean that it's not raining every day of the week, the temperature's above 15 C, and you don't need to head out swathed in scarves to brave the elements. (I'm not joking. One year, I didn't even unpack my summer clothes.)

So to celebrate, this post will be all about my favourite summer things! (Apologies to followers of my Talli Roland blog for the duplicate, but I thought this post worked well for both my blogs!)

1. Pimms. Pimms is a yummy liqueur that you mix with lemonade, cucumbers, strawberries and gin. I know it sounds strange but it can actually be very refreshing. And lethal. A friend of mine once streaked through Richmond after consuming too much Pimms.

2. Proms. Every night from mid-July to mid-September, you can attend wonderful classical music concerts at the Royal Albert Hall for only £4!

3. The Serpentine Pavilion. Each summer, a new architect is commissioned to design a pavilion in Kensington Gardens. It's up for about two months and then they dismantle it.

4. Stripy deck chairs in Hyde Park. Plop one down by the lake, lean back, and watch the trees sway above your head. Bliss!

5. Regent's Park Open-Air Theatre. The only permanent professional outdoor theatre in Britain, Regent’s Park Open-Air Theatre holds over a thousand people. With its pitched seats, though, you’ll feel like you can practically touch the actors on stage. Founded in 1932, the resident company is the New Shakespeare Company. At least two Shakespeare plays are performed each summer – one of them usually A Midsummer Night’s Dream, which lends itself perfectly to the park’s leafy environment.

6. Swimming in the ponds at Hampstead Heath. Bizarre but true - if you fancy a dip in a secluded pond, head up north to the Heath. There's a men's pond, a women's pond and a mixed pond.

7. Opera Holland Park. Every summer, a massive open-air opera stage is constructed in Holland Park. Tickets range from £10 to £57 and if you're a young person (not me...) then you can get free tickets here.

8. Pavement Cafés. Being able to sit on the street and eat probably doesn't seem that exciting, but when you live in a country where the sun rarely makes an appearance then it's downright intoxicating (in more ways than one).

9. South Bank Stroll. I may have mentioned several thousand times that The Man proposed and we got married on the South Bank, so it's no surprise strolling along the Thames when the sky is brilliantly blue is on my top 10 list.

10. Sun. SUN! SUUNNNN! Although technically, I'm not sure sun can really be classified as part of a British summer, when it does make an appearance we appreciate it that much more!

Guest Post and Giveaway!

2010-07-05T15:20:00.005+01:00

Happy Monday!

Today, I'm over at Hell or High Water talking about how I attempt to juggle fiction with non-fiction!

And if you're in the UK and you'd like a chance to win a copy of 24 Hours Paris, head here to enter.

Happy Fourth of July to all my Amerian friends! Hope you're all enjoying the long weekend.

Canada Day!

2010-07-01T16:49:00.002+01:00

It's July 1, the one day Canadians feel it's actually OK to show we're proud to be Canadian. So what is Canadian?

I have pondered this question several times during my six years living in the UK, and my two years in Poland. What is it that makes us so different from our unforgettable neighbours to the south? And are we really that different?

I'm often mistaken for an American, due to my accent. I'm always quick to point out that I am, in fact, from a completely different country. But when people ask me what's the difference, I'm at pains to answer succinctly. Is it that we like hockey? No, Americans have that passion (obsession, some might say) as well. Tim Horton's? Nope, it's spread across the States. Crazy cold winters and lots of snow? Again, it's like that in the US, too. Perhaps it's the way we say 'about' (I've never understood that one, but apparently it's different!).

I'm not sure Canadian is something that can be defined. Perhaps it's in the way we react to events that find their way through to our little peaceful piece of the world. Like the 9-11 tragedy, when the people of Gander, Newfoundland -- a town of only 9,900 people -- took in 39 trans-Atlantic flights forced to land there, with over 6,600 passengers and crew, opening up their own homes and even organizing sight-seeing outings for those stranded.

Or, indeed, in the referendum of 1995, when the Quebecois voted on the possibility of Quebec independence. Over 100,000 Canadians from across the country travelled to Montreal to show their desire for Quebec to stay Canadian. And it did, with a narrow majority voting to remain in the country.

I don't know what it is but I do know this: I'm proud to be Canadian! And many thanks to Lynn for making this Canada Day particularly special by mentioning me on her Great Reads by Canadians post! I'm so honoured and thrilled to be in such great company.

Have E-Book, Will Travel

2010-06-29T17:14:00.003+01:00

24 Hours Paris is now available as an e-book for Kindle and is coming soon to all good ePub formats near you! :) It's great if you're travelling and don't want to carry your travel books with you. 24 Hours London is next in line.

And in other news, 24 Hours Paris just got another great review, courtesy of Nayu's Reading Corner! Check it out here.

Happy Tuesday!

Monday?!

2010-06-28T12:15:00.003+01:00

Crikey (yes, I've just said crikey; it's my new favourite word), I can't believe a week has gone by since I've last posted here! Time flies -- and I've been busy working on lots of projects.

I've just finished the second draft (a complete rewrite!) of The Hating Game, my novel due out next year under pen name Talli Roland. While the basic elements are the same, I've made several plot changes which had a fairly major cascading effect, necessitating a lot of plunder and rewriting. I started the third draft today and while there is still a lot of work to be done, it's coming along! (You can add it to Goodreads here, or preorder from Amazon here.)

I've also started giving some thought to my next novel, and I've been hard at work writing a short story for a competition being held next week at the Romantic Novelists' Association Conference, which I'm looking forward to attending! The topic is anniversary, and let's just say my story has to do with an anniversary of a rather non-traditional kind... It's been ages since I've written a short story and I have to say, as fun as it was, it was also very difficult to get a whole story arc into 1400 words!

All that, and 24 Hours Paris will soon be available as a ebook via Amazon and Smashwords.

And that's basically where my week went! It's a scorcher here in London today and I may go curl up under a tree in the park. So much for productivity...

The State of Publishing and What We Can Do

2010-06-21T16:11:00.003+01:00

On her wonderful blog, author Nicola Morgan recently wrote about the difficulties facing the writers these days. Good writers are being dropped from their contracts if there aren't enough sales, and what was already a tough industry is getting even tougher.

Before I was published, I didn't understand just how important it was to support an author. Small things like Amazon reviews, asking for the book in your local bookshop, or even pre-ordering can help authors immensely.

India Drummond wrote a fabulous post on how people can help authors, and vice versa. Take a read to see what you can do to support your favourite author!

Friday Interviews!

2010-06-18T11:44:00.003+01:00

I can't believe it's Friday already - the week seems barely to have begun!

Today, I'm over at The Literary Project where the lovely Gemma Noon interviews me on pen names, travel research and so much more!

And on my Talli Roland blog, I interview short-story author Nik Perring, who has recently published a brilliant collection of short stories.

Happy Friday!

In with the Big Guns

2010-06-17T17:48:00.007+01:00

Two very nice surprise reviews this week: one for 24 Hours London on Lost & Found in London (in French! thank you so much, Fabienne!) and one on the lovely Catherine Ryan Howard's blog for 24 Hours Paris!

Both reviews compare and contrast the 24 Hours books with other big guides and travel books, and it's so great to see that my book stacks up!

Over on my Talli Roland blog today, I speak about how I'm suffering from sleepyitis.

(Photo by Fabienne. Can you spot my book?)

Hidden London: Debenham House

2010-06-15T17:08:00.006+01:00

As readers of my Talli Roland blog know, I recently did a photo shoot at the lovely Debenham House, just outside of Holland Park. One of the things I love about Holland Park is all the gigantic houses scattered about, popping up behind fences and rearing over walls, taking you by surprise.

Just off of Addison Road, Debenham House is definitely one of those. In the early-evening light, the glazed blue and green tiles sparkles like jewels, looking oddly out of the place amidst the rather dull stucco exteriors of its neighbours.

Built in 1906 for the chairman of the famous department store chain Debenham's, the house is now worth around £30 million -- and it's up for sale, if you have the dosh!

Here's what the estate agent has to say about it:

The house is a mixture of the Arts and Crafts movement, neo-classical and Byzantine styles. Glazed tiles are used extensively inside this ten-bedroom, five-bathroom house. Some depict peacocks, eagles, flowers, galleons and mythical beasts. Many may have come from an assignment originally commissioned for the Russian czar's yacht Livadia, built in the 1870's. In addition, there is a covered walkway from the road, a front garden laid out in a formal Dutch style and an Orangery in the back garden, where there is also a croquet lawn and a coach house with two-bedroom suites.

Go on, treat yourself!

Paris Porn

2010-06-11T21:05:00.003+01:00

Ahem. Did that get your attention?

Today, I'm at the HiP Paris blog, talking about some of my favourite Paris places alongside some stunning photos of Paris! If you don't follow the HiP Paris blog, you're missing out on some truly great Paris photo porn.

If I haven't excited you too much, hop over to read more!

Where I'm At

2010-06-09T20:33:00.003+01:00

Just a quick one to say I'm over at author Nik Perring's blog, talking about why writing 400+ travel-guide listings isn't boring!

And on my Talli Roland blog, I ask: if you had the choice, would you write full-time?

Happy Wednesday!

To Kiss or Not to Kiss

2010-06-08T18:44:00.002+01:00

Something has been bothering me for the past six years. I'm really hoping for some answers!

You know when you meet someone for the first time, and there's that awkward moment? They lean forward and in one split second, you must decide: to kiss or not to kiss?

Since I moved over here, it's a constant conundrum. Some people shake hands. Some kiss on one cheek, some on both. What to do?

So someone, please, tell me: how do you know to kiss or not to kiss?

24 Hours Paris - Reader Reviews!

2010-06-07T21:02:00.002+01:00

Only two weeks after the launch of 24 Hours Paris and reader reviews are starting to roll in! Here's a few of the notes we've received. Thanks to everyone who's bought a copy and reviewed it!

And I've broken over 100 followers (Jen was my 100th)! Thank you all for reading and following along over the past year and a bit -- I really appreciate it.

Received the book within five days and have read it cover to cover twice. Highlighted everything I want to do. That would take extending our travels however! But my list is certainly looking different than it was a few days ago. I'm sure this trip to Paris will be so distinct from my previous visits because of you. I will be back to you upon my return and report. Thanks so much for all your research. I will certainly recommend your books to anyone I know traveling to London and Paris.
-- Marcy Eisenberg, USA

What a fun, intriguing book! I've been to Paris only once. However, I shall return. Soon. I'll have 24 Hours Paris with me.
-- Rosemary Henley

Whether you are passing through, staying awhile or starting a new life, there are some books about Paris that are a must and this is one of them. You may have been before, you have searched online as what to do, you have asked friends, STOP. This book offers the alternatives to the regular "things to do in ......" Yes, it still offers the best places to eat, drink and see but it also offers a quirkier side to this amazing city. This book will take you that little bit further under the skin of this great city. 24 hours is never enough in Paris, but if that's all you have, then what a 24hrs you will have. Already in the bag for the next visit. A great book for every type of visitor.
-- Mr MJ Blades, New York

Paris is, unfortunately, a city I seem to end up in while 'just passing through'. Be it on the way to the Disney resort, or stranded there while waiting for a connecting flight to India. On both occasions, we just 'did the sights' I wish I had this book back then. Pocket sized (essential!) and easy to flip through and set out in sections relating to the time of day, you simply turn to the hour you're in and voila, instant suggestions for places to visit and eat. Most of them are quirky, interesting and different, there are plenty of places to visit for the whole family during the day-light hours along with more unusual haunts for the more adventurous (sewers and sex shops anyone?). In short this book allows you to get the most out of a city at any hour of the day, perfect if you're passing through or spending a long weekend. Looking forwards to seeing what city Marsha tackles next!
-- Fenschwing, UK

Author India Drummond to Be Published!

2010-06-04T09:58:00.007+01:00

I am so thrilled to have an interview today with friend and writer India Drummond, who has just signed a contract to have her novel Ordinary Angels published!

India and I 'met' through our blogs and Twitter -- over a year-and-a-half ago now! Through phone calls and emails, we've shared the pain of trying to get published, lots of laughs and a little (OK, quite a bit) of snark, too. India gives the best critiques ever, and she's been so helpful to me in my own journey to get published. I've read Ordinary Angels and I think she has a hit on her hands!

Here's the blurb:

Most of Zoë’s friends are dead, but she doesn’t mind because they died long before she met them. Then one Tuesday night an angel takes her salsa dancing and turns her world upside down. Grim reality closes in when she discovers a body in her company’s boiler room and Higher Angels accuse her best ghost friend of murder. Knowing she’s the only one who can stand against them, Zoë resorts to lying, stealing and summoning. In the end, getting blood on her hands forces Zoë to question herself.

You’re an American living in Scotland writing about angels. Tell us more about how you got to Scotland and the paranormal!

I moved to Scotland nine years ago after marrying a Certain Highlander. We'd met a few years before when we had been working at an American company on their Y2K project (remember those?) and became good friends. A few years later we got back in touch, found we were both single, and he said the single most romantic thing I've ever heard uttered: "I can't let you go again." (Awww!) Actually, the kernel of the idea of Ordinary Angels came from him. He was saying to me one morning after a rambunctious bout of mischief (you have to watch those Highlanders... very mischievous), "What?!?! I'm a perfect angel!" And I replied something along the lines, "Yeah, some kinda crackhead angel you would make." This silly moment made me think about what angels would be like if they were real. The story unfolded naturally from there.

You’re going to have your first book published. What was the process to get there, and what’s it about?

The road to publication has been fraught, as it is for most authors! I had my share of rejection from agents, and then I started doing the math. I realised that most agents want celebrities, people with huge platforms, or experts in a field because they need a book to be a super-seller before they can make much money. Remember they're making 15% of a paperback's 5-10% royalty. That's why a debut author with no sales record is such a risk. So after banging my head against that wall with requests for partials and even fulls that would get "almost, but not quite" replies, I decided to look at smaller presses that would take submissions without agents. This year I sent to three publishers, one of which was Lyrical Press. They offered me a great contract, their authors love them, and their standards are really high (judging from their books I have purchased and read for myself), so I know I made the right choice!

What’s the one thing you found most frustrating about the journey to publication? And what’s the best thing once you have a signed contract?

The biggest frustration by far is the uncertainty. Is my work any good? Am I wasting my time? I felt like the school dork asking the class president to the prom... over and over every day! I can't tell you how great it felt to get a "Yes!" The best thing about having that contract is the surge in confidence it gave me. Making it over that first hurdle told me I could jump all the ones to come. Since receiving that contract, I've really been feeling energised and inspired on my current works-in-progress.

Describe your writing space.

I have a PC in a home office I share with a Certain Highlander. I tend to get up early in the mornings, so I have a couple hours to myself before he comes in and starts bothering me. (I swear it's what he lives for!) Recently, though, I did get a new laptop, and I've enjoyed the mobility. Now I sometimes write in the living room or the bedroom. I'm not as pernickety about these things as I used to be. The more I write, the more naturally it comes... no matter where I am.

What are you working on now? An epic on sheep farming in the Scottish Highlands?

Sorry! No sheep in this one. Will have to work some into a story sometime. I have to admit, I love the sheep. So adorable! I have a few projects that I've been tinkering with, but the one that is getting the most attention is a romantic sci-fi called Wildings. The blurb will go something like this (although it's still rough, I admit): The Overlords have captured Avid, a rogue human, and discovered he has a psychic ability which makes him incredibly valuable in their society. They send him to be trained by Rain, a telepathic slave who is both repulsed and fascinated by the Outland barbarian. He must somehow convince her to give up everything she's ever known and to help him escape before it's too late.

And finally, a question of utmost important: cupcakes or donuts?

Ooh, that's a tough one! I'm such a tart for pastries. (I know... bad pun. Sorry!) I'd say I'd take either, as long as it came with sprinkles.

Thank you, India, and CONGRATULATIONS! If you can, please hop over to India's blog to say hi!

Arts Mentoring: Launch Party!

2010-06-03T16:33:00.003+01:00

I'm in an utter disbelief that it's actually June! And for once, London weather seems to be co-operating. After a week or so of being plunged back into winter, we've emerged into the light: pale, blinking and stunned. The sun is shining, people are going crazy with shorts... I hope it lasts!

This Saturday night, The Man and I will be putting on our finery (if I can find some) and heading down to Westbourne Grove for the launch party of the Arts Mentoring Charity. I can't wait -- it's going be a blast and it's for a great cause; who could ask for more? If you're in London and want to get a ticket, go here.

Here's some more information on the charity:

Arts Mentoring is a new charity set up by 3 Notting Hill residents who wanted to bring the joy of the arts to children around the world who have not had the chances we’ve had. We decided to do something about this and Arts Mentoring is the outcome. We will be raising funds and recruiting artists to spend time in orphanages bringing their own talents and enthusiasms to those children.
By ‘arts’ we mean everyone involved in artistic expression from singers, to actors, to painters, photographers, musicians but not limited to these at all!

At Artsmentoring we know we have had the luxury of personal experience in the arts and have always been keen supporters but we know that these experiences are not typical for millions of children around the world and in the UK and it was time to help change this. Children whose lives are hard can find joy through the arts as they see another side to life, have a chance to express themselves and learn skills that may change their lives.

See you there!

WAG: The Unexpected

2010-06-01T13:54:00.004+01:00

I've missed out on the past two-ish WAGs due to, well, a basic lack of organisation... but I'm back! This will be short and sweet, though, as I've just written 3000 words and I'm brain-dead!

Today's WAG topic:
“Unexpected”. Surprise is the hardest thing to fake (in real life and in fiction), but something essential to a well-written story. So observe (or imagine) someone who is experiencing something they didn’t see coming. It can be something big or small. Sometimes the smallest surprises have the biggest impact!

She sat down at her desk and, as always, looked out the window to the street outside. But something was not quite right.

Where was it?

Her eyes scanned the pavement, searching frantically back and forth. Her mouth formed a silent O and she rose with disbelief.

This could not be happening. She blinked, but when her eyes opened nothing had changed.

The rubbish bin was gone. GONE! Disappeared into the night, along with its hidden treasures so frequently searched for by those who sought she knew not what. Now, she would never know. Now, she'd have to do more work instead of indulging in free rubbish-bin entertainment.

Now, life would never be the same.

(Yes, I miss my RUBBISH BIN! RIP, rubbish bin.)

For this week's other WAG participants, follow the links below:

Bank Holiday Catch-Up

2010-05-30T18:28:00.002+01:00

The past few weeks have been a bit of a blur, with the 24 Hours Paris launch, my parents visiting, and my citizenship! I've spent this long weekend trying to catch up on all my emails and updating my website (if you have a chance to take a look, I've completely redesigned it)! With rain, wind, and the random bit of sun thrown in, it's actually been a good time to delve into the pile of work awaiting and start hammering away at it.

With edits of my novel The Hating Game well underway, I've also added the book on Goodreads -- and it's now available for pre-order on Amazon! I don't know how this happened, but people must be pre-ordering because earlier today it was at 22,000 (better than it sounds!) in the salesrank! Roll on 2011!

Now I need to really get my head down and focus on my novel edits. I'm about one-third of the way through and doing some major rewrites, but it's much stronger already and I'm starting to get really excited (and nervous) about releasing it to the general public. There's something so anxiety-inducing about knowing your work will be seen and judged (hopefully in a good way!).

Happy Bank Holiday weekend, everyone!

A Picture's Worth a Million Words

2010-05-27T16:20:00.004+01:00

Still basking in the glow of my new citizenship, but what better way to remind me of how great my fellow expat countrywomen are than by seeing this on Within Ireland's blog?

Thank you so much -- you made my day!

I'm In!

2010-05-26T16:23:00.006+01:00

Thank you for all for the congratulatory messages yesterday! I'm happy to report that I'm now officially a British citizen!

The ceremony, held in Kensington Town Hall, was lovely and surprisingly ceremonial.

I've been to one or two of such ceremonies back in Canada, and (although it may be slightly unpatriotic to say this), I have to say this one was better.

Maybe it's because I was taking an active part, but the individual oaths that we had to take, the Alderman in his ceremonial dress and the music that played throughout the ceremony certainly put a tear in my slightly jaded eye.

Afterwards, we had tea and biscuits with the ceremony officials, where we learned that Kensingon is one of three Royal Boroughs in the country (the other two are Kingston and Windsor).

And then The Man and I took off to the nearby pub for a celebratory Pimms in the sun.

What better way to celebrate being British?

My Brit Birthday!

2010-05-25T11:42:00.004+01:00

With about two hours to go until my Citizenship Ceremony this afternoon and my wardrobe all decided thanks to the help of some friends on Twitter, I've decided to make this post a tribute to my adopted homeland! I'll try to drop by later to upload some photos from the ceremony.

So here's England's most patriotic anthem, based on Blake's poem Jerusalem:

And did those feet in ancient time,
Walk upon Englands mountains green:
And was the holy Lamb of God,
On Englands pleasant pastures seen!

And did the Countenance Divine,
Shine forth upon our clouded hills?
And was Jerusalem builded here,
Among these dark Satanic Mills?

Bring me my Bow of burning gold;
Bring me my Arrows of desire:
Bring me my Spear: O clouds unfold!
Bring me my Chariot of fire!

I will not cease from Mental Fight,
Nor shall my Sword sleep in my hand:
Till we have built Jerusalem,
In England's green and pleasant Land.

Wales!

2010-05-24T20:47:00.007+01:00

A great few days in Wales! Here are a few photos - enjoy! Drop back tomorrow when I BECOME A BRITISH CITIZEN! Yay!

Chepstow Castle.

Tintern Abbey.

Isolated graveyard on the Gospel Pass, Black Mountains.

On top of the Black Mountains.

The Wye River, Hay-on-Wye.

The largest second-hand bookstore in the world, Hay-on-Wye.

The Olde Ferrie Inne, Symonds Yat.

On Little London

2010-05-22T20:07:00.003+01:00

I'm back from an amazing trip to Wales and Hay-on-Wye (pictures to come!), but I just wanted to post a link to my interview on Little London Observationist. Take a peek if you've got the time!

Hit the Hay

2010-05-19T15:46:00.003+01:00

Just a quick one to say that my parents are in town and tomorrow we're heading off to the wonderful world of Wales -- in particular, Hay-on-Wye! I am so exicted because if you like books, this is paradise. The town has over 30 bookshops!

And here's where we'll be staying...

It's all French to Me...

2010-05-18T11:39:00.003+01:00

Just came across this wonderful poem by Irish writer Niamh Boyce, which scored her a copy of 24 Hours Paris from Me and My Big Mouth (Niamh, hope you don't mind me stealing it to post here...).

Pour Marianne
À l'âge de 37,
j'avais enfin plaisir à Paris,
parce que j'ai gagné livre de Marsha
sur le site de bouche grande fantastique...
Donc je laisse le téléphone sonne de la conserver,
comme je sat y twittering doucement à tous mes amis à la maison,
debout sur les fours électriques...

Head over to the comments section on her blog to see the translation! Thanks, Niamh!

Six Years in London

2010-05-15T08:11:00.006+01:00

In all the excitement of last week, the six-year anniversary of my arrival in London slipped right by! This year more than ever, I really feel like London is my home. When I first landed here, I barely knew anyone; I was about to embark on a career in teaching; and I didn't know much about the city. Now, I'm married, I'm a full-time writer and I've written a book about London (and Paris, too)! And I'm going to have a novel published... set in London, of course. What a difference six years can make!

After the wedding ceremony at Dali Universe.

London has played such an important role in my life. The Man and I met on the South Bank and despite both of us being from other countries, we knew it was where we wanted to get married. With our ceremony practically under the London Eye and our reception on the Thames, our wedding felt like a celebration of London, too.

The Millennium Bridge from our boat on the Thames.

Career-wise, London was very helpful in quickly giving me guidance that I really did not want to teach here -- long-term, anyway (thanks, London... I think). It provided the subject matter for my first book, 24 Hours London, which taught me so much about the publishing process, promotion and lots of other details I'd naively thought would magically take care of themselves. Now, with my first novel set to be launched next year, I feel even more grateful. If I hadn't been living here, I never would have met the publisher who helped set my publishing career in motion.

The latest cover design for my new novel, under pen-name Talli Roland.

So... here's to six years in London! I hope the next six will be as brilliant.

The Winners!

2010-05-13T18:26:00.002+01:00

It's the day after launch and everything went well! Thanks to everyone for all the lovely comments here and on Twitter. I'm over at writer India Drummond's blog today with the top five Paris places for writers. Thanks, India, for hosting me!

And now for the winners of 24 Hours Paris and 24 Hours London!

24 Hours London goes to... Gemma Noon, who prefers London! Here's her reason:
Paris has effortless chic and is, I think, the more refined and grown up of the two cities. London is the more daring. It gets things wrong. it also gets them oh so right. Culturally it is more willing to embrace those that give it a go than its posh neighbour.Paris is chic. London is cool.Hell, I'm still in my twenties. I vote for cool :-)

24 Hours Paris goes to... Virtual Onion, who prefers Paris! Here's the reason:
Hard choice but I'd have to say Paris. It is a city of romance, beauty, 1920s writers and existential debates in little cafes. It inspires and refreshes. It feeds the body and the soul.

If you could both please email me your postal addresses (marshawrites AT gmail.com), I'll get the books out to you! Congratulations!

If you haven't won, don't worry! You can still win a copy of 24 Hours Paris on Me and My Big Mouth. All you need to do is write something in French (hello, Google Translator!) in the comments section and he'll choose the winners on the weekend!

24 Hours Paris Launch Day

2010-05-12T13:50:00.007+01:00

It's finally launch day (and I'll stop harping on about it soon, I promise!).

Lots of exciting stuff going on! The 24-Hour Tweetathon is in full swing -- starting from this morning at 12 a.m., every hour for 24 hours, I'm tweeting top tips from 24 Hours Paris. You can follow along here.

On his brilliant book blog Me and My Big Mouth, Scott Pack will be giving away 5 copies of the book. All you need to do is write something in French (hello, Google Translator!) in the comments section and he'll choose the winners on the weekend.

And you can still enter to win a copy of 24 Hours Paris or 24 Hours London. Just click here and write in the comments section which city you prefer: London or Paris. You don't need to have been to either; just use your imagination! I will make the draw tomorrow and post the results then.

Oh, yes, and to buy the book you can go here or to Prospera Publishing. Thank you all for putting up with my plethora of Paris posts and if you do read the book, I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it!

24-Hour Tweetathon!

2010-05-11T20:16:00.003+01:00

Well, two reasons to celebrate: it looks like Britain may finally have a government! That, and the 24-Hour Tweetathon starts tonight at 12 a.m.! Every hour for 24 hours, I'll tweet top tips from 24 Hours Paris. You can follow along here.

And for anyone with some spare time on their hands, here's the link to my BlogTalk interview with Sean Barry of Casting Couch.

24 Hours Paris Launch Week!

2010-05-10T16:30:00.003+01:00

It's launch week and I'm busy getting all my ducks in a row for Wednesday! I've got my hot little hands (cold little hands, actually, the weather's freezing) on ten copies of 24 Hours Paris and I've even signed one already for a Canadian friend!

Tonight, the wonderful Sean Berry of BlogTalk Radio's The Casting Couch will be interviewing me about my Paris book; you can listen along at 6 p.m. EST, or I'll post the link tomorrow. Having spoken with Sean back in November, I'm less nervous this time around. I just hope I can stay awake until 11 p.m. my time!

And you can still enter to win a copy of 24 Hours Paris or 24 Hours London. Just click here and write in the comments section which city you prefer: London or Paris. You don't have to have been to either; just use your imagination!

Election Day!

2010-05-06T09:59:00.003+01:00

So it's finally Election Day here in the UK! Polling stations have been open since 7 a.m. this morning, and the whole country (well, at least 20 per cent) is eagerly awaiting the results of what the media is claiming to be 'the most exciting election of the last 50 years'. Will it or won't it be a hung parliament? Will Nick Clegg (otherwise known as the White Obama -- no, I'm not kidding -- come out on top in a triumph for change?

Although I'm not yet quite a British citizen (two more weeks!), as a member of the Commonwealth I am allowed to cast my vote. So bright and early, I trotted down to the nearby library to have a go at exercising my civic duty. The polling station was quite small compared to the one at home, but manned by four smiling faces who located me on the voter registry and handed me two papers: one white, one green. Gah?

Pretending I knew what I was doing, I was pointed to a nearby cubicle where I learned that green was for council elections and white was for the general election. Scanning the lengthy list for the general election, I had to giggle: where else on earth would you have a 'Lady Catherine' running (for the UKIP, naturally)? I made my X (oddly, there was no box to make the X in -- and I can assure you the X was not made by a Conservative name), then put my ballot in the box.

Will a change be coming? Either way, I've done my part for the politics of my adopted nation!

24 Hours Paris Launches One Week from Today!

2010-05-05T11:47:00.004+01:00

Yet more excitement! Can you handle it? I'm certainly trying to stay sane!

Time has flown and 24 Hours Paris launches one week from today! We have a snazzy new cover and some great reviews. To get a taste of the book and to see how to win free copies, head over to the 24 Hours Paris blog. But wait!

Because you can win your very own 24 Hours Paris book right here (gosh, I sound like a TV advert) or a copy of 24 Hours London. All you need to do is either write in the comments section or email marshawrites AT gmail.com with the answer to this question:

Which city do you like more -- London or Paris -- and why?
(Note: nation bashing does not count as a reason!).

Let's see if we can reignite the great English-French battles, shall we? I'll be giving away one copy of 24 Hours Paris and one copy of 24 Hours London to the two best (or most interesting) answers.

The contest is open until launch day -- May 12, 2010. I'll post the winners on that day. Also on launch day, I'll be doing a 24 Hour Tweetathon on Twitter, where every hour from 12 a.m. on May 12th until 11 p.m. that same day, I'll be posting tips from the book. Follow along here.

Right. Now where's my coffee? I need more caffeine...

WAG: First Time

2010-05-04T11:15:00.003+01:00

This week's WAG theme is 'First Time':

Everything we’ve ever done had a ‘first time’. Think of an activity (either of your own or something you observe of someone else) and write about the first time of that experience, and perhaps even compare it to subsequent experiences. Maybe even pick a moment that might have looked mundane from the outside, but made a significant change to the person experiencing it. Not a lot of rules, as usual… just let your imagination flow!

My eyes bulged and I gasped, mouth open like a panting dog. I flapped my hands in the air, trying to summon the Arctic winds to quell the volcano erupting inside of me. Streams of lava seared my throat and flowed through to my stomach, bubbling gleefully inside me. My tongue darted out to wet my lips, setting them on fire. The was one thought, and one thought only my frantic brain could form. I would never, ever eat Scotch Bonnet peppers again.

Here's what others have posted:

How to Join the Writing Adventure Group
Sue O’Shields
Caroline Dickie (Follow Caroline on Twitter)
Melanie Trevelyan (Follow Melanie on Twitter)
Kate McIntire (Follow Kate on Twitter)
Marsha Moore (Follow Marsha on Twitter)
Miss G (Follow Miss G on Twitter)
JM Strother (Follow JM on Twitter)
India Drummond (Follow India on Twitter)
Mickey Hoffman

The Writing Adventure Group is on Facebook. Join us there too, and get weekly reminders so you never miss an adventure.

There is now a Writing Adventure Group list on Twitter! Follow the list and never miss a WAGger tweet! I’m working on adding some past WAGgers too… if I’ve missed you, please drop me an @mention and I’ll add you!

Win a Copy of 24 Hours Paris from Francophilia!

2010-05-03T20:30:00.003+01:00

The wonderful weather joy of the Bank Holiday weekend has climaxed with hail (yes, hail!). But if you fancy dreaming about somewhere other than London, you can win a copy of 24 Hours Paris over at Francophilia. Just enter before the end of May!

Happy Monday!

Lucy Luck, Lorella Belli and Juliet Pickering: Agent Round-Up

2010-05-01T08:37:00.003+01:00

Last week I went to a great talk by agent Lucy Luck at the London Writers' Club (if you're in the London area, you should check the club out; it's a great way to network with other writers and industry professionals). Over the past year, I've also been to talks by agents Juliet Pickering of AP Watt and Lorella Belli, so I thought I'd do a round-up here of all their great advice!

Lucy Luck, April 2010

The publishing industry has always been tough; it hasn't really got any tougher
Writers generally sign with the agent, not the agency
Translation rights, American rights and film rights are the most important things for writers to hang onto, to maximise later
There is a real disparity between the 'branded' authors and new authors in terms of what publishers are prepared to take risks on
What makes her commit to a book? If she reads the first bit, then puts it away and still remembers it after a few weeks and wants to read more, then she'll take another look. For her, it's all about cadence and voice
She works closely with authors to edit their MS but will usually only do three rounds of MS edits with them
DON'T begin your MS with a character waking up from a hang-over -- clichéd and she sees this loads of times
First person and present tense are incredibly hard to pull off
You have to practise writing. You wouldn't expect a concert pianist etc to be great right away. You must write because you enjoy it, not just to get published.
Personalise your approach to agents. Do research on their websites.
Online presence and promotional skills are good (like the icing on the cake), but what's really important is the writing!

For more notes from the session, click here (if you scroll down, you can also read my guest post on organising your writing day).

Juliet Pickering, January 2010

It's better to approach in hard copy than email (for her, anyway), as email is easily dismissed.
As more editors are taking on more and more work (due to cuts etc), agents are increasingly acting as editors
Agents in the UK typically take 15% commission
Advances are usually split in three instalments: first instalment after the contract signed; second instalment upon delivery of MS; third instalment upon publication
Ultimately, promotion is the publisher's responsibility, not the agent's
Book launches happening less frequently now due to economic conditions
Royalties generally paid twice a year
If your book sold averagely, you can expect to see a return on sales within 12 to 18 months (must earn out your advance first)
Most books are not published in hardback anymore: published first in trade paperback then paperback
Publishing is changing rapidly due to eBooks - uncertainty as to how publishers are dealing with electronic rights

Lorella Belli, February 2009

There are now more than 120,000 new titles published a year.
Choosing to become a professional writer is a bit like starting a business and should be approached the same way.
There are over 150 literary agents in the UK.
Commission charges are pretty standard in the industry: 15% (UK sales); 20% (US sales)
Lorella Belli Agency is interested in non fiction, women's fiction - strong memorable characters, original storyline, pace and good story-telling.
Reading a novel is like watching a film: when you start watching it, if you think it's boring, you change the channel. That's what agents and publishers do if your work isn't strong enough to engage them

WAG: The Results

2010-04-29T11:04:00.003+01:00

Just want to say thanks to everyone for all the lovely comments here and on my Talli blog! The blogs will stay separate, so feel free to check back at both to see what I'm up to.

A lot of people have asked me about the pen-name. It's mainly because I'm with the same publisher for my fiction and non-fiction work, so a pen-name is an easy way to draw a clear line between the two. I'd love to say it's because of smutty content in my fiction... but while there are a lot of crazy happenings and characters, there's not a whole lot of smut!

Without further ado, here are the results of last week's WAG!

WAG #19 Results and WAG #20 instructions below. All are welcome to join next week’s adventure!

The theme for the Writing Adventure Group 19 was “Pick a Pocket”: Pick someone out of a crowd and describe what (you imagine) is in their pockets (Unless you want to be brave and ask them!) Give us both meaning and physical details, and don’t forget to let yourself be surprised.

————————–
How to Join the Writing Adventure Group
Isaac Liljedahl (New to WAG!)
Caroline Dickey (New to WAG!)
Melanie Trevelyan
Peter Spalton
Miss G (Follow Miss G on Twitter!)
Marsha Moore (Follow Marsha on Twitter!)
Sue O’Shields
Gunnar Helliesen (Follow Gunnar on Twitter!)
India Drummond (Follow India on Twitter!)
JM Strother

The Writing Adventure Group is on Facebook. Join us there too, and get weekly reminders so you never miss an adventure.

Next Week: The First Time
Everything we’ve ever done had a ‘first time’. Think of an activity (either of your own or something you observe of someone else) and write about the first time of that experience, and perhaps even compare it to subsequent experiences. Maybe even pick a moment that might have looked mundane from the outside, but made a significant change to the person experiencing it. Not a lot of rules, as usual… just let your imagination flow!

I'm Going to be a Published Fiction Writer!

2010-04-28T06:34:00.003+01:00

Yesterday, I hinted at some news that has been in the works for awhile. It's just been announced in the Prospera Publishing newsletter (sign up for some great publishing tips!), so now I can let out my breath and share!

I'm going to be a published fiction writer, under the pen-name Talli Roland! While I feel incredibly lucky to have my non-fiction published, of course, anyone who's been reading this blog for the past little bit knows that fiction is my real passion. I love travel writing and will continue to work on the 24 Hours series but I've always wanted to have my fiction out there in the world! This is the sixth novel I've written and while it still needs a lot of work before it sees the light of day (my editor is peppering me with great suggestions!), words really cannot explain how excited I am!

So what's it all about? Called The Hating Game, here's a brief blurb:

When man-eater Mattie Johns agrees to star on a dating game show to save her ailing recruitment business, she's confident she'll sail through to the end without letting down the perma-guard she's perfected from years of her love 'em and leave 'em dating strategy.

After all, what can go wrong with dating a few losers and hanging out long enough to pick up a juicy £50,000 prize?

Plenty, Mattie discovers, when it's revealed that the contestants are four of her very unhappy exes. Can Mattie confront her past to get the prize money she so desperately needs, or will her exes finally wreak their long-awaited revenge? And what about the ambitious TV producer whose career depends on stopping her from making it to the end?

Who will win The Hating Game? Find out in early 2011.

Thank you all for helping me along this jouney so far!

New Look, New Book!

2010-04-27T10:21:00.003+01:00

In honour of the upcoming 24 Hours Paris launch (well, not really -- I just got tired of the blue background), I have decided to go with a cleaner look for my blog. Hope you find it easier to read.

In other news, I recently wrote an article for BonjourParis.com about my Parisian explorations beyond the Eiffel Tower. You can read more here.

And in even more news, my alter-ego Talli Roland (my pen-name for fiction) might have some good news to share soon about a fiction project! Stay tuned or watch out for Prospera Publishing's bi-monthly newsletter for more details coming soon. I'd love it if you'd join me over at my fiction blog where I promise I am much better at returning comments and follows (I've been very lame here, I know!). If you tweet, you can also follow me as Talli there, too!

Why the pen name? There's no element of secrecy; it's just to draw a line between my work as a travel writer and a fiction writer. I'll still be updating this blog regularly with London and travel news, as well as tidbits from my daily life (exciting, I know), but my fiction blog is more focused on all the delightful things writers struggle with, including writer's arse. It's lighter and fluffier and loads of fun to write and I'm really enjoying all the interaction with other bloggers from around the world.

Thanks to everyone for continuing to follow me along on this roller-coaster journey (especially those who know me -- or follow me -- as both Marsha and Talli)! Fingers crossed for future developments!

WAG: Pick a Pocket

2010-04-27T08:52:00.004+01:00

This week's WAG is "Pick a Pocket": Pick someone out of a crowd and describe what (you imagine) is in their pockets.

Every day at 7:30 am, there's a woman who waits at the bus-stop across the street. She's been there each week-day morning since I can remember -- for at least five years now. Stout with a serious mask on her fleshy face, I imagine her sensible denim pockets are stuffed full of practical bits and bobs for the day ahead as a cleaner of Kensington's posh mansions. A band to tie pack her shoulder-length no-nonsense bob; enough change for a packet of crisps for her morning snack. Her mobile makes the pocket bulge, so she transfers it to her jacket, its grey chunky casing so unlike the sleek phones of the City bankers waiting with her. She shoves it away quickly before they can see -- not that she cares what those poncy blokes think of her, anyway. She sighs and pulls out her bus-pass as the red monster lunges up the street towards her. Another day begins.

London Marathon

2010-04-25T11:56:00.002+01:00

It's a muggy rainy day here in London, yet the city is buzzing. The London Marathon is on! Most of the top runners have crossed the line now, and the crowds are about half-way through. Although I love to marvel at how anyone can run so quickly for so long, what really gets me is watching the 'regular' athletes struggle through.

The Marathon is a huge fundraising event for British charities and many people run on behalf of charities, donning a variety of costumes to do so. I've seen The Angel of the North (how anyone could run with such a sculpture on them is beyond me), a UK Mail parcel, and a rhino. You have to applaud the sheer bravery of someone willing to draw a rhino costume along London streets!

I'd love to run the Marathon. I even applied a few years ago, but it's super hard to get in. One day!

WAG: The Results!

2010-04-21T08:29:00.001+01:00

The theme for the Writing Adventure Group 18 was “Invisible Object” Look around your workspace, favourite chair, back yard, etc. and notice the objects around you. Choose one that is so familiar that you no longer notice it, even though it’s right next to you. Describe it as though you’re seeing it for the first time and particularly any feelings you have about it, past or present. Would you miss it if it was gone?

And the participants:

How to Join the Writing Adventure Group
Peter Spalding
Melanie Trevelyan
Mickey Hoffman
Kate McIntire
JM Strother
Marsha Moore
Miss G
India Drummond

Next Week:
“WAG #19: Pick a Pocket”

Let’s do some stalking people-watching for this one! Pick someone out of a crowd and describe what (you imagine) is in their pockets (Unless you want to be brave and ask them!) Give us both meaning and physical details, and don’t forget to let yourself be surprised. (This week’s topic inspired by my son Bear.)

How to be added to the “results” post next week:
*Write whatever you like based on the theme suggested
*Post the results on your blog
*Email THE DIRECT LINK TO YOUR WAG POST (not just your blog) to India AT IndiaDrummond DOT com (or use the handy-dandy web form). This way I can link back to you in the next post! Please include the word WAG in your subject heading. Please include the title of the post (if any) and your name as you want it to appear on the listing. If you do not do this, I will use the name as it appears on your email.

To get more people involved, please use Twitter, FB status, myspace, your blog, etc to tell your writer friends about the group and talk about your own writing adventure!

All are welcome to join, so spread the word!

WAG! Invisible Object

2010-04-20T07:33:00.003+01:00

The lovely India Drummond has resurrected the Writing Adventure Group! Anyone is welcome to get involved; just email India to participate (her email is below. Here are this week's instructions:

“WAG #18: Invisible Object” Look around your workspace, favourite chair, back yard, etc, and notice the objects around you. Choose one that is so familiar that you no longer notice it, even though it’s right next to you. Describe it as though you’re seeing it for the first time and particularly any feelings you have about it, past or present. Would you miss it if it was gone? No rules! Just write! Post the results on your blog.

After you post your results, email THE LINK TO YOUR POST (not just your blog) to India@IndiaDrummond.com This way I can link back to you in the next post! Please include the word WAG#18 in your subject heading so I don't miss it! (I get a lot of email) Please include the title of the blog/post (if any) and your name as you want it to appear on the listing. If you do not do this, I will use the name as it appears on your email.

And my 'Invisible Object':

Dusty and slumped, it sits under my desk like an abandoned dog. I can almost imagine it casting reproachful looks my way. How could you do this to me? You used to like me!

It's true. There was a time I loved the rough feel of the leather, the large stitches holding its patch-work together, the way the strap sat just so on my shoulder. I'd even brought it with me half-way around the world, from Europe to Canada and back again. But now... I gave it a kick as I stretched out my legs. Now, it was just one more annoying object stuffed underfoot.

To Quote a Few...

2010-04-19T13:20:00.004+01:00

Time flies -- and so does volcanic ash, apparently! In the past few days, I've been finishing up a draft of a fiction project and running around like a chicken with its head cut off trying to get some last-minute quotes for 24 Hours Paris before our press deadline. I might have mentioned once (or several!) times how hard it is to ask people (experts!) to review your book. Well, throw a deadline into the mix and I've found it's much easier to bite the bullet and go for it!

This time around, I did find it easier to get over the cringe factor. Not only did I have 24 Hours London behind me, but I'd done it before and had some sucess (thanks Toni and Mike and everyone else who reviewed my last book!).

A big thank you everyone who looked at the ARC and got back to me with such brilliant quotes -- I appreciate it so much and I can't wait to hold a hard copy of the book in my hands!

Here's what the Paris experts said about 24 Hours Paris! (I realise I'm blowing my own horn here, but I'm proud of the book!)

"Marsha Moore steers us away from tired postcard imaginings of Paris and provides good ideas for encountering the city in its authentic, contemporary and un-shiny complexity."
Courtney Traub, Guide to About.com Paris Travel

“From pissoirs to parrots – Marsha Moore’s new guidebook 24 Hours Paris by Prospera UK is an absolutely original guide to Paris, chock full of unusual ideas for touring hidden areas and attractions in the City of Light. Bravo to Marsha for coming up with a totally new and creative way to see my favorite town.”
Doni Belau, Founder, www.girlsguidetoparis.com

“This incredible guidebook offers an hour-by-hour roadmap for exploring the hidden wonders of this remarkable city, making it a must-have ... even for people who think they know Paris.” Linda Donahue, Editor-in-chief, ParisienSalon.com

“Moore’s guide to Paris is a real encyclopaedia of the hip and the quirky, full of insider facts and trivia, that will banish all thoughts of ennui for much longer than the stated 24 hours.”
Duncan Rhodes, Editor, Urbantravelblog.com

“In spite of the fact I’ve lived in Paris for 22 years, this book is a real eye-opener and I’m keeping it next to my bed in case I awaken at 3 a.m. and want to go out. I’ve read so many guidebooks but this one has different take on the City of Light. It’s fun in addition to being illuminating. Marsha, thank you for making Paris even more exciting."
Karen Fawcett, President, Paris New Media, LLC, www.bonjourparis.com

"24 Hours Paris takes up where the conventional guide books leave off, with fresh and sassy bite-sized tips on Paris."
Pamela Poole, The Francophilia Gazette

"It's like having a Parisian in your pocket 24/7."
Craig McGinty, This French Life

I Need an Obama!

2010-04-14T14:30:00.004+01:00

It's that time of year here in the UK: Election Time! Coming up in a few weeks' time, the country will vote on who they want to be their leader. Do we want hang-dog Gordo, who looks as if he's been hit in the face with a pot, or do we want Cameron whose 'Power to the People' included such gems as 'Hug a Hoodie'? Or do we want... um, the other guy, whose name no-one can ever remember?

Is there even any difference between them? The Conservatives have become Liberal, the Liberals Conservative, and the Liberal Democrats -- well, who really knows what the heck the stand for. And the UKIP and BNP aren't exactly viable options. I joked the other day that I may vote BNP and, as an immigrant, offer to kick myself out to help them achieve their party platform of getting rid of non-natives (I'm putting it crudely, yes, but they put it rather crudely, too).

What we need in this country is a British-style Obama. Someone to inspire us, to draw us out of our apathy and get us out to vote. But sadly, that's not going to happen this time around.

Someone give me a coin to toss...!

Soulmates!

2010-04-11T11:52:00.005+01:00

Thank you to the very supportive Deniz Bevan at the Girdle of Melian, who was so kind as to pass on the Soulmates award to me!

The rules for this award are:

1. Choose five followers/commenters that 'get' you
2. Write something fake (preferably not too mean) about them
3. Link to them, and link back to this post to comment your receipt of the award

In the spirit of generosity (and, let's be honest, laziness), I'm going to offer this up to every single person who reads my blog! I really appreciate it and a big thanks goes out to all of you!

Can it Finally Be Spring?

2010-04-10T19:24:00.002+01:00

This winter has been long and hard (by UK standards, anyway). Snow, snow, ice, cold... it's almost like Canada all over again! And if there's one thing I'm not so fond of, it's snow and cold. I don't know what it is, but I just can't stand piling on all that winter gear and hoping - praying - you'll be able to stop shivering at some point.

But those days are behind me now, because spring has finally sprung in London. The birds are singing, the flowers are blooming, the trees are coming out... people are even BBQing!

This summer is supposed to be the hottest summer on record (again - they say that every year!). But maybe, just maybe, it might be true!

Fingers crossed!

I Love Paris in the Springtime...

2010-04-08T17:24:00.004+01:00

Phew! I have just finished three exhausting days of proofing 24 Hours Paris in preparation for its coming launch on 12th May! It's amazing how many finicky errors can slip through, and I'm sure there are many lingering. Still, it gives me a great feeling when I look back through all the research, all the writing and, yes, all the wonderful eating!

Starting on Monday, I'll be updating the 24 Hours Paris blog with hour by hour tips, right up until launch day. There are already a few bits and bobs on there; feel free to have nose around!

And here's a little blurb about the book:

In a city like Paris, it’s tempting to stick to the beautiful but beaten paths leading straight to the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame and the Champs Elysée. But Paris is so much more than a collection of clichés; it’s bursting with life, from early morning markets to midnight movies. But how can you know where – and when – to get the best of what’s beneath the city’s gilded surface? The only thing for it is to break down the day, hour by hour, and make your choice from Paris’ top picks. That’s exactly what 24 Hours Paris does. From weaving tapestries to jazz in an underground torture chamber, you’ll see the best of what’s on offer city-wide at any moment in time.

Now, with the rare sun streaming in my London window and my work done for the day, I actually do feel in a spring-like mood!

Hyde Park Easter Sunday

2010-04-05T20:47:00.004+01:00

With gusting winds and a little bit of sun peeping through, The Man and I took a stroll yesterday through Hyde Park, stopping for a cheeky glass of wine by the Serpentine Lake. The wind was a bit fresh (i.e., cold) but the flowers were gorgeous.

Happy Easter!

Easter in London

2010-04-03T16:05:00.003+01:00

Happy Easter everyone! I'm spending a quiet weekend with The Man, working away on last-minute Paris stuff and generally trying to corral my life into some kind of order! But for those of you who are out and about -- or just want to know what to do over the Easter weekend -- here are a few suggestions (with modified text from 24 Hours London: because I'm just that lazy!).

For the few seconds it's not actually raining, the parks are always a hit on Easter weekend. Stroll around, see some birds or even take a dip if you're brave enough.

Hampstead Heath

In North London, the ancient parkland that is Hampstead Heath provides a great spot to work off the Easter chocolate. London’s largest park covers 790 acres of grassy fields and woodlands and is one the highest points in London. If you work up a sweat, take a dip in one of the three outdoor ponds. They are open all year, and were originally used to provide refreshment for the River Fleet.
Tube: Hampstead. www.hampsteadheath.net.

Kensington Gardens

You’re spoiled for choice with Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park. These interconnected parks offer a wide variety of jogging routes. Or, you can take a plunge in the Serpentine Lake. Enter the park from High Street Kensington. You’ll see Kensington Palace straight ahead. Saunter by the former home of Princess Diana and past the black railings where mountains of flowers were heaped when she died in 1997.

Run by the man-made Round Pound, taking in the ornate Albert Memorial through the trees to your right, and go down to the Serpentine Lake. So-named for its snake-like shape, the lake is actually a river that was dammed by order of Queen Caroline as part of the redevelopment of Hyde Park. As you jog by the long arm of the lake, take in the oval-shaped Diana Memorial to your right, then cool off by braving the water at the roped-off swimming area at the Lido.
Tube: High Street Kensington or Bayswater. For opening hours go to www.royalparks.org.uk.

Holland Park

One of the most romantic – and smallest – parks in London, Holland Park is a mix of secluded trails, open fields and romantic courtyards filled with blossoming flowers. Situated on the grounds of former Jacobean mansion Holland House, the park has everything from squirrels to peacocks, plus an up-to-the-minute playpark for kids up to 14. Relax in the Kyoto Japanese Garden built for the 1991 London Festival of Japan, grab coffee or a sandwich at the café, or have a spot of tea at The Belvedere, located in the Summer Ballroom of Holland House. Or perhaps become an opera buff – in the summer, the park is the site of the open-air Opera Holland Park.
Tube: Holland Park

St James's Park

If you’re full but want to watch others enjoy their food, go to St James’s Park. The first royal park to be opened to the public, it’s home to five greedy pelicans – one from Louisiana
and four from Eastern Europe. The park’s pelican tradition was first introduced in 1664 when the Russian ambassador presented Charles II with the birds. They’re fed 12 pounds of fish – along with a vitamin supplement – every day at around 2:30 pm.
Tube: St James's Park.

Something for Sunday - Take a walk through town or check out a market.

London Walks offers a selection of walks on Easter Sunday. Check out www.walks.com for more information.

Spitalfields Market and the cacophony that is Brick Lane buzzes as usual on Easter Sunday. Head down around lunchtime to really take advantage of the atmosphere. Tube: Liverpool Street.

Have a great long weekend!

Getting Published

2010-04-01T14:03:00.002+01:00

Just a quick one today to say that my publisher Prospera Publishing has launched a new blog which will host the content for its ongoing newsletter, Getting Published. You can read there or sign up to receive the instalments via email!

Happy Thursday!

Me and my eBook Reader

2010-03-31T12:55:00.003+01:00

Last Wednesday was my birthday -- smack in the middle of the week, not that it makes a whole lot of difference for me! The Man surprised me with a wonderful Ibsen play, Ghosts, then dinner at a nearby Aldwych 1 restaurant. It was a great night.

But the best bit was when we got home and he unveiled... a Sony eReader!

I've read so much about these darn things I could barely believe it was right there, in front of my eyes. The future of publishing. The end of publishing. The killer of books. And there it was, nestled in its purple leather case, staring unblinkingly up at me.

I shivered with trepidation. The I reached out, touched it, and...

I fell in love. The 100 free classic books! The ease of choosing a book I wanted and having it... within seconds! And the best bit of all: the fact that my lovely Kensington and Chelsea has a digital library with a wonderful selection of books to choose from! It's amazingly easy: you put in your library card number, select the book you want to download... and voila. You have a limited time to read the eBook before it reverts back to the library (I think; I haven't fully investigated the 'return' of library ebooks yet).

I'm not saying the eBook Reader will take the place of other books in my life. But it is certainly handy to carry around with you to use when you're in that 'I need something to read, now!' state. A little anecdote: last Monday night I was stuck in a Tube tunnel for about 30 minutes on the 'new and improved' Circle Line. I'd finished reading one book already. In my former world, I would have sat there and been forced to listen to the annoying bloke beside me braying about how he forgot to set two places for invited guests during his wedding reception (yes, really). But with my eBook Reader, I simply opened another book I had downloaded, and let him fade away into oblivion.

If only real life could be so easy...

Breathe!

2010-03-30T21:22:00.002+01:00

Phew. Well, I did it! I managed to get through the BBC London interview.

I don't know quite why I was so nervous -- I've worked in PR and in journalism. I know how these things go. And I swatted up big time, making up cheat sheets and refreshing my memory. Still, when it came time for the producer to ring me, my hand were cold and clammy and my heart was pounding.

All in all, I think it came out OK. Here's the link to the interview. Fast-forward to about 15 minutes in if you don't want to listen to the whole show, and I'm on! (The link's only up until a week from today.)

In other news, I'll be launching a contest soon for 100 followers -- it may take awhile to actually hit the mark but I really appreciate everyone who's helped me get there even if I've been absolutely rubbish at returning comments! Thanks everyone and stay tuned.

Tomorrow: My new eReader!

On the Radio

2010-03-29T10:20:00.003+01:00

I'm going to be on the radio! If you're in London, tune in to BBC London at around 12:15 pm GMT tomorrow (Tuesday) where I'll be talking about late-night London with host Robert Elms. Here's hoping I can form coherent sentences! If you're not in London but you still want to listen, you can listen live here. I'll try to get a clip somehow, too.

And in other news, I've been severely remiss in returning comments and follows and I'm very sorry! I've think I've caught up with the follows but please feel free to give me a nudge.

Happy Monday!

The End of Publishing... Or Is It?

2010-03-26T11:35:00.000Z

Get Yer Tickets!

2010-03-25T18:48:00.002Z

I remember where I was when I first heard London was awarded the 2012 Olympics. It was Sport Day at the secondary school where I was teaching, a humid dank day, and we'd just finished running the teacher relay. The headmaster came on the tannoy and announced to the 500-odd hyped-up kids that London had won the games. Much screaming and cheering ensued, and the whole experience left me feeling quite patriotic and proud of my relatively new country.

Now, a few years later, the Games are just around the corner and the wangling for tickets has already begun! Although they haven't yet been released, you can sign up to be kept up-to-dated with tickets sales here.

The Man and I are wangling for tickets to Athletics. Fingers crossed! Just another two years and the Games will be here!

The Class System and... Books!

2010-03-23T18:51:00.002Z

Ah yes. The Great British Class System has now been extended to books! At the top of the heap: poets. At the bottom: crime authors.

And my question is this: where is romance? Where is women's fiction?

Apparently they're so far off the radar, they don't even deserve a mention.

I'm In!

2010-03-22T17:51:00.002Z

About a month ago, I posted about sending off my application for British Citizenship to the never-never land that is the Home Office. Advice on the Home Office website said it could be anywhere between three and six months before I heard anything, so I braced myself for the worst.

Saturday morning, I noticed a thin letter with a Liverpool post code in our front hallway. My heart sank. The Home Office was in Liverpool - they must be contacting me to tell me I've missed out something. I tore it open and out fell... an invitation to attend my citizenship ceremony on May 25! My application had been approved in just a month -- and I now declare May 25 to be my British Birthday.

I will never bad-mouth the Home Office again. (Not that I ever did in the first place, of course. I love you, Home Office, if you're reading this...). Just one request: can you please relocate my passport and driver's license, as they appear to be MIA?

Bring on the Yorkshire Pudding. Bring on the warm ale. I'm in, baby!

Hidden London: Thackeray Street

2010-03-21T11:51:00.004Z

Just off High Street Kensington (almost directly behind the massive Whole Foods) is a small winding street called Thackeray Street. Although it's literally a stone's throw from the shopping crowds, it's a whole other world -- and century -- away.

The street is named for William Makepeace Thackeray, the 19th century English novelist, who lived nearby. You can almost picture him striding into Riders & Squires for his equestrian gear, or pulling up a chair outside Montparnasse Café for a baguette.

Peer through the windows of the art galleries or sip a coffee at Ottoemezzo and get a taste of le vrai Kensington.

Ghost Signs Archive

2010-03-20T16:18:00.003Z

Awhile back, I posted on Ghost Signs in and around my neighourhood. I'm happy to report there's now an initiative launched to document these rapidly disappearing glimpses of the past. The Ghost Signs Archive is a gallery of signs in and around the country. Take a peek!

Happy Saturday!

Coming up tomorrow: Hidden London

What's Going On

2010-03-18T15:14:00.004Z

Spring is in the air here in London and my mind is busy buzzing, so I thought I'd give a little update on what I've been working on lately.

24 Hours Paris is due out in May (you can pre-order on Amazon... sorry, had to put that in!). I'm now working on finishing touches, final edits and filling in lay-out gaps here and there. It's always exciting when you get a proof of how your work will look in book-form!

I've also been busy researching material for 24 Hours Sydney, which we plan to release in e-book and iPhone format, so keep your eyes out for that!

And 24 Hours London continues to roll along, too: Babes About Town recently gave the book a really lovely review. Thanks again to everyone who's helped out and supported that project along the way!

And on the fiction front, I'm happy to report that things are moving forward! I'm still managing to get in my daily word count despite the non-fiction work. Good things are a-comin' and I'll update soon.

Happy Spring (not official yet, I know, but I'm in the spirit!). Here's to a productive season.

Ode to Beckham

2010-03-17T17:41:00.002Z

Phew. I'm still in recovery after five days with two five- and seven-year-olds who are a great deal of fun but endless bundles of energy! All respect goes out to parents who deal with children 24-7... I'm exhausted!

In between the play areas of Kensington Gardens and Hyde Park, I stumbled on this poem by the UK's Poet Laureate, Carol Ann Duffy. Duffy holds a special place in my heart as The Man and I decided to have one of her poems read at our wedding.

Enjoy!

Achilles
by Carol Ann Duffy, inspired by David Beckham's Achilles' tendon
injury

Myth's river — where his mother dipped him, fished him, a
slippery golden boy flowed on, his name on its lips.

Without him, it was
prophesied, they would not take Troy.

Women hid him, concealed him in
girls' sarongs; days of sweetmeats, spices, silver songs...

But when
Odysseus came, with an athlete's build, a sword and a shield, he followed him to
the battlefield, the crowd's roar,

And it was sport, not war, his
charmed foot on the ball...

But then his heel, his heel, his heel...

Blog Interview!

2010-03-12T11:56:00.000Z

I recently did an interview over at the lovely blog Define Fabulous. Click here to find out about my very exciting days and what I find most difficult about the writing life.

I'll be missing in action the next few days as family visit from Egypt via Paris, but I'll be back early next week. Have a great weekend, everyone!

Sing to Your Own Tune

2010-03-11T11:35:00.003Z

There are some amazing buskers in Tube stations around London. One of my favourites was a Spanish guitar player at Tottenham Court Road a few years ago. The melodic chords of the music seemed so surreal set against the grimy white tiles of the station corridors. Some of the coolest buskers I've ever seen are at my 'home' station of Notting Hill Gate.

Buskers in London need a license to perform, and competition to get one is fierce. So Boris Johnson has launched 'Busker Idol'.

If you want to be a Busker Idol, you must do the following:

Entrants must upload a video clip of themselves performing on the ‘Rhythm of London‘ You Tube page: www.youtube.com/group/SOTUauditions2010 and complete an online registration form at: www.london.gov.uk by 6 April 2010. Judges will then select 100 people to be filmed performing at busking slots across London on 24 April and ask the public to vote for their favourite busker. The top ten will then perform live later this year at a ‘busk off’ for the final prize.

So: who will be the next Busker Idol (uttered in a Ryan Seacrest-style voice)? If I was auditioning, I'd sing my karaoke fail-safe: Bon Jovi's 'Living on a Prayer'. (It's good! Really!)

What would you sing?

Don't Catch the Bug!

2010-03-10T15:03:00.003Z

Thanks, everyone, for sharing your writing book recommendations!

Still on the theme of improving your writing craft (for those who hang out here for London-based stuff, there's a post coming up soon -- promise!), I came across this today on Lynn Viehl's Paperback Writer blog. It made me laugh several times (in recognition of things I'd done), so I thought I'd share it!

Ten Things You Might Catch from Other Writers' Books

Dragonorrhea: the prevalence of countless, beautifully colored, magically-endowed, bejewel-eyed dragons in a story when said dragons are not logical to the world-building, have no lives, apparently have nothing better to do than suck up to puny mortals, and (no matter how enormous or powerful they are) usually behave like fanged, flying, fire-breathing bunnies.

Good Girlitis: A serious and often grotesque inflammation of the heroine's moral pulchritude, which results in her utter inability to acquire flaws, make bad decisions or otherwise mess up like the rest of the ordinary mortals on the planet.

InfoMumps: Swollen, boring and largely unattractive monologues offered by dull characters who seem to serve no other purpose except to be on hand to confirm what Bob already knows.

HEAlzheimers: no matter how emotionally screwed up one or more main characters were during the first nineteen chapters of the novel, in the twentieth they forget all their troubles, commit to a serious relationship for which they were always incapable of trying much less sustaining in the past, and otherwise present a permanently welded-on mask of unnatural, lobotomized bliss.

Projectile Dysfunction: the unreasonable, unrealistic but steadily persistent eruption of guns, knives, swords and other phallic symbols wielded by the hero to underscore or serve as visual substitute for his masculinity, heterosexuality, virility, or any other manly man attribute.

Pseudo-BadBoydom: a surface condition which presents the hero as a nasty dirty lowdown mean leather-wearing foul-mouthed ingrate who should be publicly flogged for his innumerable sins and yet mysteriously and instantly vanishes whenever the heroine confesses her love, self-doubts, troubles or any situation in which a real bad boy would actually come in rather handy.

For more, click here.

My Favourite Books on Writing

2010-03-08T15:33:00.003Z

Thanks for some wonderful, thought-provoking comments on my previous post. Theresa asked if I had any book suggestions. Great question, since I do have a few!

Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott is a wonderful, easy-to-read and entertaining book on writing. Full of great life advice, too.

On Writing by Stephen King has practical tips -- such as axing those pesky adverbs -- and also discusses the writing techniques that work best for him.

How to Write a Damn Good Novel by James Frey: Terrible title, but if you can get past that it has very good tips on conflict and 'raising the stakes'.

Wanna Be a Writer? by Jane Wenham Jones was one of the first books I bought when I started out on the writing journey. Funny and irreverent.

Any other favourites out there?

Can Writing Be Taught?

2010-03-07T15:10:00.002Z

Over the past few years, I've read quite a few books on writing -- all of which I have found helpful. But in the back of my mind, I've wondered: can someone learn to become a writer? Or is it something that's innate inside you?

I've gone back and forth on this. I believe writing is a craft, and like any craft you can hone your skills and uncover more about its nuances. But there's also a lot of creativity irequire to develop stories and character, and I'm not sure that's something you can learn.

What do you think? Can writing be taught?

Happy World Book Day... Again!

2010-03-04T17:16:00.004Z

My previous post was becoming too long and cumbersome, and I wanted to put these next two authors in a post just for them! Out of all the people who helped me over the past year -- and there have been many -- these two stand out.

Mike Harling, author of Postcards from the Across the Pond: Dispatches from an Accidental Expat, and Toni Hargis, author of Rules, Britannia, were quick to respond to my requests for blurbs, passed many promotional leads my way and did their utmost to support my book both on their blogs and others'. I can't say thank you enough for everything they have done.

So without further ado, here are their books!

Mike Harling, Postcards from the Across the Pond: Dispatches from an Accidental Expat

Postcards from across The Pond began as a means of keeping in touch with the folks back home in the USA, but it soon expanded into a humorous commentary on British life by an accidental expat.

"Laugh out loud funny regardless of which side of the pond you call home... Bill Bryson move over, there's a new American expat in town with a keen sense of humor."
Jeff Yeager, author of 'The Ultimate Cheapskate's Road Map To True Riches'

"A very funny book indeed. I was literally laughing out loud whilst reading this book; not only did I enjoy it, but I am now craving more."
Steve Gillen, moderator of Ukusforum.com

"I savored the bubbling flavor of this Yankee reaction to Saxon country in the form of perky postcard-style epistles."
Eileen Swift, former syndicated travel writer for Newsday

Toni Hargis, Rules, Britannia

Born and raised in England, but living now in Chicago, Hargis offers perspectives from both sides of the pond, proving once again that the United States and the United Kingdom are two countries divided by a common language. In chapters such as "Words That Guarantee Giggles" and "Grub and Other Delicacies," the author explains differences in pronunciation and usage between American English terms and British English terms: "In the U.K., Hush Puppies are a type of comfy shoe, and a sloppy joe is a sweater." Such discrepancies, obviously, can fill a book. Throughout, Hargis also includes lists of "British words that might require translation" (their sleeping policeman is our speed bump, and blokes named Randy or Willy will likely get stroppy and not at all cock-a-hoop after taking the piss from a tosser about their names) and "American words that the Brits don't share" (busboys and the concept of bussing a table are "totally meaningless in the UK"). Sections on road rules, real estate, fashion and employment will be handy for readers planning on staying longer than a vacation (or, in Brit: holiday).

Happy World Book Day!

2010-03-04T12:11:00.013Z

To celebrate, I'm going to recommend some books from bloggers and twitterers who have helped me, made me laugh and entertained me over the past year. This is the first post of 2... more to come later today!

Fairytale of New York, by Miranda Dickinson

Rosie Duncan is happy. Or so she thinks. Her florist store in New York's Upper West Side, which she took over from the enigmatic Mr Kowalski six years ago, is flourishing. She has a wonderful life in her adopted city, surrounded by friends that love her. While Rosie refuses to discuss her past - or why she won't consider looking for a relationship - her assistants Ed (the human iceberg) and Marnie (who appears to have dated the whole of Manhattan), together with inimitable New York Times columnist Celia (a one-woman tornado), do their best to convince her to open her heart. But when hopelessly optimistic Rosie meets self-confessed pessimist Nate, their blossoming friendship over coffee at her store begins to shake her resolve - and unravel the mystery surrounding her arrival in New York. Then a chance meeting brings Rosie face to face with her past – and now she must choose which way her life will go. Is she falling for Nate? Will she be able to love again? And what is going on with her best friend Ed?

Naked in Knightsbridge, by Nicky Schmidt

With mounting debts, threats from a crazy landlord and a cleaning business that was going well until she set fire to someone s house, Jools Grand is about to find herself homeless. She has to come up with a plan, and fast. So with an acute sense of desperation, Jools decides to auction herself online in a marriage of convenience. Who knows, she might even find romance? What Jools isn t banking on is a bidding war between two not-so-eligible bachelors a wealthy, gay, would-be politician who needs a wife as a cover; and a deranged loner with a newly-refurbished basement prison. Add to that a lecherous father, some soon-to-be-exposed secrets and an addiction to pastries, and Jools is set to discover that nothing comes without a price.

Farm Girl by Karen Jones Gowen

Farm Girl, the heart-warming journey of a girl coming of age on a 1920's Nebraska farm, is an authentic account of that era. It is a story told with warmth, gentle humor and amazing detail. Many cherished remembrances helped to shape the young girl into an educated, gracious woman--one of the worst dust storms in history when people got lost in their own yards, a beloved cousin who came to a sad end, the father who carried a burning kerosene tank out of the house with his bare hands. Be transported to another time and place as you visit the Marker farm in western Nebraska. Where horses were back-up transportation for cars. Where children were educated in one-room schoolhouses. And when no one ever heard of television. If you like the books of Laura Ingalls Wilder or Willa Cather, you will enjoy Farm Girl. It is set in the locale of Willa Cather's Nebraska novels, and there is even a chapter in the book about the Marker Cather connections. Richly photographed throughout with over 60 authentic photos documenting the people and places of the story. This historical, easy-to-read small book is suitable for use in the classroom from fifth grade up.

Dream Man, by Nancy J Parra

A NO NONSENSE WOMAN…Dr. Eva Stanford only wants to help her patient sleep through the night. Little does she know that the old woman holds the secret to a thirty-year-old mystery that threatened the political life of a presidential candidate and Eva’s own family.
A MAN WITH A DREAM…FBI Agent Nate Cancaid has a reoccurring dream of a woman with dark hair and blue eyes whose murder he is unable to prevent. When the blue eyed doctor enters his office, he feels the hairs on the back of his neck stand on end.

A MYSTERY THAT TRANSCENDS TIME…It’s bad enough when Eva’s patient claims that Eva and Nate are her married assistants, but coincidences grow too complicated for her scientific mind when some of the clues come straight out of Nate’s dreams. Can Eva keep from losing her heart to a man of intuition or has fate already dealt her a losing hand?

Death Watch, by Nicola Morgan

Someone is watching Cat McPherson. Is it a young schizophrenic, a retired scientist, or Cat’s ex-boyfriend? Or it could be someone else entirely. An obsession with insects seems to link them all. And Cat hates insects. She’s easy prey, especially as she has given away so much about herself on an internet site which her parents have forbidden her to use. But does she even realize that she’s being stalked? A talented athlete, she's too busy with the pressures of training and deciding whether she really wants to run for a living. The trouble is, soon she will have to run for her life…

Guide to Teaching in London, by Victoria Westcott

In this 110 page guide, you'll find:

• job hunting advice
• visas explained
• stories from Canadian teachers on the front lines
• UK curriculum guidance
• lesson planning assistance
• assessment strategies
• tried and tested behavioural management strategies that really work!
• supply teaching tips
• interviews with Canadian teachers in London
• interviews with recruiters in London
• words you need to know, movies you should watch and books to read
• comprehensive resources that will help you with your move across the pond

What Do You Do All Day?

2010-03-02T18:43:00.002Z

Sometimes, when people ask me if I have a 'day job' and I answer no, I can see the unspoken question floating in their head: how does someone who works from home -- as a 'writer', no less -- fill the hours, day after day, on their own?

Truth be told, it was something I struggled with when I first quit my daily slog of a corporate job. I still had a part-time job -- the thought of not going out into the world to do something was too scary at that stage -- but the hours would sometimes stretch out before me like a desert to be crossed. I'd sit at my desk in the morning, with no colleagues to chat with, no coffee to make, and no emails to ignore, and stare at the blank screen. With only me to motivate myself, work became harder than ever.

Now, two years later and more than a year since I stopped 'working' altogether, I often wonder where the day has gone. While in the beginning I often found it very hard to concentrate, now I can sit and write for much longer periods of time without heading to the kitchen to snack -- or, heaven forbid, checking my Twitter. I'm more productive and while I still have my 'off' days, the hours are no longer as scary. They pass by even faster than when I was in the office, and they're infinitely more enjoyable.

It's taken two years, but I think I've finally trained myself to sit in a chair and write. Sounds easy but it's one of the most difficult things I think I've ever done!

Blogsplash: Thaw by Fiona Robyn

2010-03-01T16:07:00.000Z

Ruth's diary is the new novel by Fiona Robyn, called Thaw. She has decided to blog the novel in its entirety over the next few months, so you can read it for free.

Ruth's first entry is below, and you can continue reading tomorrow here.

*

These hands are ninety-three years old. They belong to Charlotte Marie Bradley Miller. She was so frail that her grand-daughter had to carry her onto the set to take this photo. It’s a close-up. Her emaciated arms emerge from the top corners of the photo and the background is black, maybe velvet, as if we’re being protected from seeing the strings. One wrist rests on the other, and her fingers hang loose, close together, a pair of folded wings. And you can see her insides.

The bones of her knuckles bulge out of the skin, which sags like plastic that has melted in the sun and is dripping off her, wrinkling and folding. Her veins look as though they’re stuck to the outside of her hands. They’re a colour that’s difficult to describe: blue, but also silver, green; her blood runs through them, close to the surface. The book says she died shortly after they took this picture. Did she even get to see it? Maybe it was the last beautiful thing she left in the world.

I’m trying to decide whether or not I want to carry on living. I’m giving myself three months of this journal to decide. You might think that sounds melodramatic, but I don’t think I’m alone in wondering whether it’s all worth it. I’ve seen the look in people’s eyes. Stiff suits travelling to work, morning after morning, on the cramped and humid tube. Tarted-up girls and gangs of boys reeking of aftershave, reeling on the pavements on a Friday night, trying to mop up the dreariness of their week with one desperate, fake-happy night. I’ve heard the weary grief in my dad’s voice.

So where do I start with all this? What do you want to know about me? I’m Ruth White, thirty-two years old, going on a hundred. I live alone with no boyfriend and no cat in a tiny flat in central London. In fact, I had a non-relationship with a man at work, Dan, for seven years. I’m sitting in my bedroom-cum-living room right now, looking up every so often at the thin rain slanting across a flat grey sky. I work in a city hospital lab as a microbiologist. My dad is an accountant and lives with his sensible second wife Julie, in a sensible second home. Mother finished dying when I was fourteen, three years after her first diagnosis. What else? What else is there?

Charlotte Marie Bradley Miller. I looked at her hands for twelve minutes. It was odd describing what I was seeing in words. Usually the picture just sits inside my head and I swish it around like tasting wine. I have huge books all over my flat; books you have to take in both hands to lift. I’ve had the photo habit for years. Mother bought me my first book, black and white landscapes by Ansel Adams. When she got really ill, I used to take it to bed with me and look at it for hours, concentrating on the huge trees, the still water, the never-ending skies. I suppose it helped me think about something other than what was happening. I learned to focus on one photo at a time rather than flicking from scene to scene in search of something to hold me. If I concentrate, then everything stands still. Although I use them to escape the world, I also think they bring me closer to it. I’ve still got that book. When I take it out, I handle the pages as though they might flake into dust.

Mother used to write a journal. When I was small, I sat by her bed in the early mornings on a hard chair and looked at her face as her pen spat out sentences in short bursts. I imagined what she might have been writing about; princesses dressed in star-patterned silk, talking horses, adventures with pirates. More likely she was writing about what she was going to cook for dinner and how irritating Dad’s snoring was.

I’ve always wanted to write my own journal, and this is my chance. Maybe my last chance. The idea is that every night for three months, I’ll take one of these heavy sheets of pure white paper, rough under my fingertips, and fill it up on both sides. If my suicide note is nearly a hundred pages long, then no-one can accuse me of not thinking it through. No-one can say; ‘It makes no sense; she was a polite, cheerful girl, had everything to live for’, before adding that I did keep myself to myself. It’ll all be here. I’m using a silver fountain pen with purple ink. A bit flamboyant for me, I know. I need these idiosyncratic rituals; they hold things in place. Like the way I make tea, squeezing the tea-bag three times, the exact amount of milk, seven stirs. My writing is small and neat; I’m striping the paper. I’m near the bottom of the page now. Only ninety-one more days to go before I’m allowed to make my decision. That’s it for today. It’s begun.

Continue reading tomorrow here...

What Would You Do?

2010-02-26T15:26:00.002Z

Today a press release pinged into my Inbox and instead of reading through it quickly then deleting it as I usually do, I immediately headed over to the link it provided. Here's a quick synopsis:

Co-Create London is a new social initiative giving everyone who has ever been to London the chance to change the city.

The project is designed to capture the everyday problems and ideas of the general public by asking the simple question ‘What Would You Do To Make London a Better Place?’

The best ideas from the co-creation workshop phase of the project will then be taken to Town Hall and presented to London Mayor Boris Johnson.

Now, I realise this is very likely a direct initiative from our beloved mayor himself (Update: a recent comment below by Fran shows I may have been overly cynical - or paranoid...). But hey, why not have a think about how you could improve your city? I suggested a book-swap-style kiosk in every Tube station so you could pick up new books to read and recycle those you've already read.

What would you do to make your stomping ground a better place?

I Spy

2010-02-25T16:42:00.001Z

When I took the Tube every day to work, reading material was essential. Every Monday I'd leave the office at lunch and venture up to the Finchley Tesco's to see what my fiver could get me. In most cases, it was a paperback on the bestseller's list, which I'd then devour over the course of my journeys that week. I'd covertly check out what my fellow passengers were reading, too.

Now that I don't take the Tube, I can't tap into into the collective mind of the London underworld. Or, at least, I couldn't -- until now.

CoverSpyLondon has launched a nifty website where you can see what the Tubites are reading without actually having to undergo the pain of travelling by Tube yourself!

Bloody brilliant.