Friday 30 October 2015

When did the world turn upside down?




I tell you, the world has gone mad… M.A.D.

I haven’t done a blog for a couple of weeks, my absence due to yet another family crisis and writing The Nanny. I become absolutely submerged in the story I am writing. I should change my occupation to ‘crisis management consultant’ or ‘fire fighter’, that’s how I feel sometimes. It’s blooming hard work bringing up two boys, writing, running a home, managing Meniere’s, all single-handedly. It’s made even harder by the people who barely begin to understand all of it but claim to be expert analysts of my life!

Why do some people get so angry at someone not singing the national anthem or wearing the right colour poppy yet ignore children in poverty, the homeless on the streets, disabled people cruelly losing their life as a direct result of cuts and human beings dying fleeing from war? Really? Explain it to me because I do NOT understand the warped sense of loyalty to tradition yet not to the human race.

I imagine every writer to go through stages of self-doubt and low self-esteem. I know I do but mine is also fuelled by Meniere’s and other people constant battering and bitching about me. Honestly, I do try to just get on with my life but it is really hard to ignore when it is members of your own family. Over the years of my life, I seemed to have attracted some right maniacs – ‘maniac magnet’. I naively let them into my life only to find they have some sick, deep rooted hatred, usually borne from gossip and pre-conceived ideas of what I should be, not what I am. Regrettably this includes family members which has been proven beyond all reasonable doubt this week. Devastated yet resigned that my instincts were right all along. My circle of friends will stay exclusively small and I am quite happy to become a recluse.  I don’t know why people want to be evil, I just don’t get it. I don’t understand why people want to knock other people down. I am genuinely happy for anyone to succeed through their own hard work, determination and vision. Maybe one day, someone would be kind enough to explain it to me. The fact is people who have not striven for dreams or out of their comfort zone do NOT understand that you have to take the knock backs on the way to the top. You can either sit out life on the side-lines or get out there and get stuck in. Criticism is given to people who dare to have a go by people who are nothing more than merely existing. Am I mad? Probably. Am I sensitive and caring? Definitely. Am I wanting to show my children that you don't have to let life pass you by? HELL YES!!!



Yesterday we went to see Spectre. It was great having both boys with me and both are huge James Bond, and Star Wars, fans. This was the first time we could all go see Bond together as Lucas was too young when Skyfall came out. He has seen it about ten times since!! The cinema used to be one of my favourite past times but Meniere’s has robbed me of enjoying it. I’ve been on strong pain killers since yesterday because of the Dolby surround system. Still, I’ll gladly suffer the pain to see my little 007 sit on the edge of his seat and shout ‘NOOO!’ when the DB10 plunged into the river! Priceless, petrol heads all three of us! I highly recommend the movie but, in my opinion, it is not as good as Skyfall.

Writing


One job at a time, that is what I keep telling myself until of course I am woken in the middle of the night with a new story line. At the moment it is all about The Nanny.




The Nanny

This is proving a fabulous challenge as I am writing it with flashbacks to the 1970s. I love it. The beauty of writing is, not one day is the same. When I am writing I am lost in another world, the world I am creating. This is the first time I have used detailed flashbacks. I am really enjoying the research and the writing. The more I write the more I fall in love with writing. Once the money appears and takes the financial pressure off, I will be in my perfect place.

#RIP Uncle Danny


My uncle died yesterday. I have so many happy memories, particularly of the stories he told of Ireland. We had some amazing discussions about The Troubles and he is one of the inspirations behind The Nanny. He taught me to look at the conflict from so many perspectives. RIP Uncle Danny and thank you xxxxx

Beyond the Past

My book is available in the UK, USA and now in Australia, which is pretty amazing. Next week, I am going to be doing some intensive online marketing, specifically targeted at Australia. I know they love rugby league. Watch out for me on social media.




Have you had the chance to read it yet? Would you like to review it for me?
Read the first three chapters FREE on my website
Available from:
Pegasus Publishers
Amazon UK
Kindle
Amazon US
Australia
Or you can order from your local bookshop. The ISBN number is : 978-1-84386-789-0

I recently came across a 5 star rating I had received in the USA which was a much needed boost. It really gives me the confidence to keep going. Thank you.



That 'P' word

Politics has always played a big part in our family life. We have great debates, all three of us – yes Lucas can hold his own when it comes to his beliefs! We are loving the revitalised left wing movement, not just in the UK but in places like Portugal. The times they are a changing and all the lies are being exposed. Watch out world!!

It was a very proud moment this week when we attended a University Open Day and one of the lecturers on a course admitted he wanted Wes on his course because of his interest in politics and current affairs. The course is right Wes' street and his enthusiasm for the course resulted in an incredibly intelligent personal statement. I’m looking forward to him opening his horizons at University, the debates will rage on.

You could always join Momentum and help shape a better world for our future generations.

In spite of the ridicule and derision, I am glad I have stood my ground and brought the boys up my way. I am proud they are growing up into independent leaders not followers. They know their own minds but are not arrogant as to not listen to other viewpoints. They know what is right and wrong and they know their Mama is proud and unconditionally in love with them.

Have a fabulous week. Don’t let people put you off what you can be and don’t judge people by what comes out of other people’s mouths. Stay true to who you are.










Sunday 11 October 2015

Give peace a chance...



This week I’ve been accused of being boring now I am a lefty and a ‘delusional witch’. It does make me smile…it really does. People are so easy to make totally inaccurate judgements based on their own narrow mindedness and prejudice. Unfortunately it is the way of the world now to insult and lie.

I’ve always been a ‘lefty’ and I am proud of it too. I have been berated and ridiculed for it ever since I was fifteen years old. My own family thought it was funny to get me a Russian flag cake for my fifteenth birthday. Ignorance tends to breed fear. The truth is, with my outspokenness it is likely I would be arrested in Russia. Instead of insults and personal attacks, people need to concentrate on the real, life changing horrors that are occurring in the world. I dread to think what the world will look like by 2020 and even more so what this country will look like by then – the discrimination, the debt that has increased not decreased, the death of the NHS, the staffing shortages in teaching, the destruction of human rights and trade unions. It is a very frightening prospect for millions of hard working families. 

We are supposed to live in a democracy where we can all have our view. However, those views should be based upon facts not nasty, vindictive lies. Let’s hope we can all work together to bring a much kinder, more tolerant world. I’d happily be labelled a ‘delusional witch’ for not sitting back and letting life pass me by or for not just moaning and letting someone else do all the hard work. My boys and I have already discussed and agreed I can’t sit back and let this country be ripped apart. The war thirsty world leaders need to give peace a chance but won't because of financial interests, to hell with the human suffering.
 
Do you want to make a difference - join Momentum - help change the future. 

John Lennon


This week it would have been John Lennon’s 75th birthday. I was eight when he was murdered and it had a profound effect on me. To this day, I can’t really explain why. Maybe it is because I understood his peace message, his love for Yoko and the horrible abuse she received from ignorant people. I despised the lies and prejudice even back then. Maybe that is one event that started to mould me into who I am.

John’s music is still a firm favourite for me today. RIP John.

Rugby League


A massive, massive, huge well done to the Leeds Rhinos. What an achievement – all three trophies in the same season. Wes and I have been reminiscing over the games we have seen this group of players play together in – the grand finals we have witnessed. Wes has never seen a Leeds team without Kevin Sinfield but I am truly thankful he aspires to be like one of the true greats, not just as a player but as a true gentleman too.

Meniere's


If I could have one wish it would be to have one day, JUST one day without any symptoms. I have got to the stage now where I have to write EVERYTHING down – appointments, times to pick the boys up, what days Lucas needs his PE kit, saxophone, football kit, etc, etc. Even writing everything down, I still managed to send Lucas and his Dad to the wrong venue for his football match on Saturday. I felt so stupid and incredibly GUILTY especially when I couldn’t go in the first place as I was at a university open day. Honestly, this disease robs me of so much!

 

Writing


In spite of every obstacle and pain, writing is my future career. There is no doubt about it now and I will be successful, I will! Spending time with Wes on Saturday at the university open day made me realise why I am putting myself through all of this. He inspires me. He knows exactly what he wants and how he is going to achieve it. I wish I had had his courage and drive way back when…

The Nanny


I love this script – the characters, the plot twists and the backdrop. It excites me to write the dialogue and that is a huge bonus when you’re writing. It makes the job easy and thoroughly enjoyable.

Beyond the Past



Have you had the chance to read it yet? Would you like to review it for me?

Read the first three chapters FREE on my website
Available from:
Pegasus Publishers
Amazon UK
Kindle
Amazon US
Or you can order from your local bookshop. The ISBN number is : 978-1-84386-789-0

Streetwise


I am still waiting… hopeful... expectant and with fingers, toes and everything else crossed. Just remember, the answer will always be ‘no’ if you don’t ask the question. 





You know, whatever anyone thinks of me, I am proud to be a fighter. Until I draw my last breath, I will fight for my children and for my beliefs. I want to see a world of peace, equality, fairness, honesty, justice and tolerance and thankfully, so do my children. It is not impossible!


Listen, whatever you do, do it with the right intentions and for the right reasons. Surround yourself with doers not doubters and believe me, you will achieve your dreams. Pursuing what you believe in, is not being deluded, it's being ambitious. 

Have a fabulous week.