tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12428079013624010712024-03-13T23:37:04.518-07:00Venturing into the unknownCorrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02495811784741507484noreply@blogger.comBlogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242807901362401071.post-8940784211267659002019-01-11T13:34:00.000-08:002019-01-12T00:01:12.046-08:00“What I Want to Accomplish in 2019” Gr8Blogs bloghop<div class="_2cuy _3dgx _2vxa" style="box-sizing: border-box; direction: ltr; margin: 0px auto 28px; overflow-wrap: break-word; width: 700px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: georgia, serif; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-family: georgia, serif; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5mWILWrfZGM/XDjylHn5dgI/AAAAAAAABCo/h_x3NbxOqMUEJQqeA6IjSaIB0Uhw-zaZgCEwYBhgL/s1600/blog1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="287" data-original-width="366" height="248" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5mWILWrfZGM/XDjylHn5dgI/AAAAAAAABCo/h_x3NbxOqMUEJQqeA6IjSaIB0Uhw-zaZgCEwYBhgL/s320/blog1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: georgia, serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span style="color: purple; font-size: 12pt;">My writerly pals and I are sharing our hopes - on the creative road and in our family life - for 2019 in our </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/gr8blog?source=note&epa=HASHTAG" style="font-size: 12pt;">#Gr8Blog</a><span style="color: purple; font-size: 12pt;"> hop: “What I Want to Accomplish in 2019.”</span></div>
<div style="font-family: georgia, serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Please have a read, and then visit the other </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/gr8blogs?source=note" style="font-size: 12pt;">#Gr8Blogs</a><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> linked at the end of this post for</span><span style="font-size: 17px;"> </span></span><span style="color: purple; font-size: 12pt;">more smiles and inspiration.</span></div>
<div style="font-family: georgia, serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5mWILWrfZGM/XDjylHn5dgI/AAAAAAAABCk/HSnlTYkrxogobc79hCXxazpz9UBu_WlswCLcBGAs/s1600/blog1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: 12pt;">The start of a new year is like a blank slate, and we don’t know what will be written upon it, but to me that’s half the fun of it.</span></a></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://media.giphy.com/media/l4pTfx2qLszoacZRS/giphy.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://media.giphy.com/media/l4pTfx2qLszoacZRS/giphy.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #1d2129; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<i><span style="font-size: 12pt;">I promised myself not to tell the world about my plans before I</span> </i><i style="font-size: 12pt;">did them as sometimes they go right out of the window! So there are some super </i><i style="font-size: 12pt;">exciting projects in the pipeline but, until I know they are definitely </i><i style="font-size: 12pt;">happening I am keeping my lips sealed.</i></div>
<div style="color: #1d2129; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<i style="font-size: 12pt;">The main big news that I can officially share now is that I have launched my online shop for <a href="https://splatterinkart.com/" target="_blank">Splatterink Art</a>, yes I am doing a happy dance. </i><i style="font-size: 12pt;">Honestly I have never known anything take so long to put together. I felt like I was just redoing and correcting everything over and over again. Being a faffer has not helped, I have got to be more decisive! Those with the more logic minded brain would probably have done it in half the time but me being me had to look at 5000 different options first only to stick with my first choice with pretty much everything I touched… sigh. Anyway it is done, woohoo!! </i></div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: georgia, serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<i><span style="background: white; color: #070707; font-size: 12pt;">The main aim with</span><span style="background: white; font-size: 17px;"><span style="color: #1d2129;"> </span></span></i><i style="color: #1d2129; font-size: 17px;"><span style="background: white; color: #070707; font-size: 12.0pt;">this range is to uplift peoples hearts which is why the option of including a </span></i><i style="color: #1d2129; font-size: 17px;"><span style="background: white; color: #070707; font-size: 12.0pt;">personalised message on all the products has been included at no extra cost. There is nothing more heartwarming than receiving a gift from someone you hold dear that is personal to you.</span> I am hoping these products will create many happy memories out there and put a smile on peoples faces.</i></div>
<div id="product-component-42fe431e595">
</div>
<script type="text/javascript">
/*<![CDATA[*/
(function () {
var scriptURL = 'https://sdks.shopifycdn.com/buy-button/latest/buy-button-storefront.min.js';
if (window.ShopifyBuy) {
if (window.ShopifyBuy.UI) {
ShopifyBuyInit();
} else {
loadScript();
}
} else {
loadScript();
}
function loadScript() {
var script = document.createElement('script');
script.async = true;
script.src = scriptURL;
(document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0] || document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0]).appendChild(script);
script.onload = ShopifyBuyInit;
}
function ShopifyBuyInit() {
var client = ShopifyBuy.buildClient({
domain: 'splatterink-art.myshopify.com',
storefrontAccessToken: '9864a75c2cee8c4e0cde0c370826f932',
});
ShopifyBuy.UI.onReady(client).then(function (ui) {
ui.createComponent('product', {
id: [2209008910400],
node: document.getElementById('product-component-42fe431e595'),
moneyFormat: '%C2%A3%7B%7Bamount%7D%7D',
options: {
"product": {
"buttonDestination": "modal",
"variantId": "all",
"contents": {
"imgWithCarousel": false,
"variantTitle": false,
"options": false,
"description": false,
"buttonWithQuantity": false,
"quantity": false
},
"text": {
"button": "VIEW PRODUCT"
},
"styles": {
"product": {
"@media (min-width: 601px)": {
"max-width": "calc(25% - 20px)",
"margin-left": "20px",
"margin-bottom": "50px"
}
}
}
},
"cart": {
"contents": {
"button": true
},
"styles": {
"footer": {
"background-color": "#ffffff"
}
}
},
"modalProduct": {
"contents": {
"img": false,
"imgWithCarousel": true,
"variantTitle": false,
"buttonWithQuantity": true,
"button": false,
"quantity": false
},
"styles": {
"product": {
"@media (min-width: 601px)": {
"max-width": "100%",
"margin-left": "0px",
"margin-bottom": "0px"
}
}
}
},
"productSet": {
"styles": {
"products": {
"@media (min-width: 601px)": {
"margin-left": "-20px"
}
}
}
}
}
});
});
}
})();
/*]]>*/
</script>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<div id="collection-component-169fc51870e" style="color: #1d2129;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #1d2129; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mdbUSfye_hc/XDkOomjeWyI/AAAAAAAABDg/qPbLcB1z0LcS81BvYN-2ryp1pz7lYnBOQCLcBGAs/s1600/flamingo%2Bprint3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3J67mDu0zjk/XDkMyflezqI/AAAAAAAABDY/YFwAZIP4ke8xq27vJ1RaUk1YyHozwOI4wCEwYBhgL/s1600/robin%2Bframed%2Bprint%2Bmessage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3J67mDu0zjk/XDkMyflezqI/AAAAAAAABDY/YFwAZIP4ke8xq27vJ1RaUk1YyHozwOI4wCEwYBhgL/s320/robin%2Bframed%2Bprint%2Bmessage.jpg" width="320" /><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mdbUSfye_hc/XDkOomjeWyI/AAAAAAAABDg/qPbLcB1z0LcS81BvYN-2ryp1pz7lYnBOQCLcBGAs/s320/flamingo%2Bprint3.jpg" style="color: #1d2129;" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #1d2129;">
<script type="text/javascript">
/*<![CDATA[*/
<div id='product-component-42fe431e595'>
</div>
<script type="text/javascript">
/*<![CDATA[*/
(function () {
var scriptURL = 'https://sdks.shopifycdn.com/buy-button/latest/buy-button-storefront.min.js';
if (window.ShopifyBuy) {
if (window.ShopifyBuy.UI) {
ShopifyBuyInit();
} else {
loadScript();
}
} else {
loadScript();
}
function loadScript() {
var script = document.createElement('script');
script.async = true;
script.src = scriptURL;
(document.getElementsByTagName('head')[0] || document.getElementsByTagName('body')[0]).appendChild(script);
script.onload = ShopifyBuyInit;
}
function ShopifyBuyInit() {
var client = ShopifyBuy.buildClient({
domain: 'splatterink-art.myshopify.com',
storefrontAccessToken: '9864a75c2cee8c4e0cde0c370826f932',
});
ShopifyBuy.UI.onReady(client).then(function (ui) {
ui.createComponent('product', {
id: [2209008910400],
node: document.getElementById('product-component-42fe431e595'),
moneyFormat: '%C2%A3%7B%7Bamount%7D%7D',
options: {
"product": {
"buttonDestination": "modal",
"variantId": "all",
"contents": {
"imgWithCarousel": false,
"variantTitle": false,
"options": false,
"description": false,
"buttonWithQuantity": false,
"quantity": false
},
"text": {
"button": "VIEW PRODUCT"
},
"styles": {
"product": {
"@media (min-width: 601px)": {
"max-width": "calc(25% - 20px)",
"margin-left": "20px",
"margin-bottom": "50px"
}
}
}
},
"cart": {
"contents": {
"button": true
},
"styles": {
"footer": {
"background-color": "#ffffff"
}
}
},
"modalProduct": {
"contents": {
"img": false,
"imgWithCarousel": true,
"variantTitle": false,
"buttonWithQuantity": true,
"button": false,
"quantity": false
},
"styles": {
"product": {
"@media (min-width: 601px)": {
"max-width": "100%",
"margin-left": "0px",
"margin-bottom": "0px"
}
}
}
},
"productSet": {
"styles": {
"products": {
"@media (min-width: 601px)": {
"margin-left": "-20px"
}
}
}
}
}
});
});
}
})();
/*]]>*/
</script>
<i style="color: #070707; font-size: 12pt;">Setting the shop up </i><i style="color: #070707; font-size: 12pt;">was probably the easiest bit, now I have to market the bad boy lol. </i><i style="color: #070707; font-size: 12pt;">Which </i><i style="color: #070707; font-size: 12pt;">brings me to</i><i style="font-size: 17px;"><span style="color: #1d2129;"> </span></i><i style="color: #070707; font-size: 12pt;">the next thing I will be doing this year, marketing! I am continuing to do my </i><i style="color: #070707; font-size: 12pt;">course and hope to complete it this year. </i>
</div>
<div style="color: #1d2129; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CqtWx4Y4vp4/XDkB2NArZFI/AAAAAAAABCw/14W-EQHWHOQqLdX6cdCV0qAzZOtdw2zmACLcBGAs/s1600/pexels-photo-733852.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="281" data-original-width="486" height="185" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CqtWx4Y4vp4/XDkB2NArZFI/AAAAAAAABCw/14W-EQHWHOQqLdX6cdCV0qAzZOtdw2zmACLcBGAs/s320/pexels-photo-733852.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<i style="color: #070707; font-size: 12pt;">Sharing a big tip</i><i style="font-size: 17px;"><span style="color: #1d2129;"> </span></i><i style="color: #070707; font-size: 12pt;">here that I encourage any business owner to do…. Pop down to your local </i><i style="color: #070707; font-size: 12pt;">university and ask to collaborate with students on your chosen field. I have done this with the business and marketing department and am going to be working closely with some students for a year starting in March. I cannot wait for this! I think it will teach me so much and hopefully they will find it highly beneficial too, it is a win win situation. </i></div>
<div style="color: #1d2129; font-family: georgia, serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<i style="color: #070707; font-size: 12pt;">So basically they</i><i style="font-size: 17px;"><span style="color: #1d2129;"> </span></i><i style="color: #070707; font-size: 12pt;">want to offer the students two projects to work with, my Splatterink art </i><i style="color: #070707; font-size: 12pt;">collection and relaunching my illustration’s website. They will pitch the projects </i><i style="color: #070707; font-size: 12pt;">to the students at the end of this month and then the ones that want to work </i><i style="color: #070707; font-size: 12pt;">with me have to put together a video presentation of why I should choose them. </i><i style="color: #070707; font-size: 12pt;">Then I go with whoever feels right for the job and then that’s it, got me a </i><i style="color: #070707; font-size: 12pt;">mini guru for a year. How super awesome is that!</i></div>
<div style="color: #1d2129; font-family: georgia, serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<i style="color: #070707; font-size: 12pt;">Along with me doing</i><i style="font-size: 17px;"><span style="color: #1d2129;"> </span></i><i style="color: #070707; font-size: 12pt;">my Richard Branson bit (a girl can dream right lol) I have several books lined </i><i style="color: #070707; font-size: 12pt;">up for the first half of the year so will continue to illustrate for others and </i><i style="color: #070707; font-size: 12pt;">I am putting together a proposal for an after school art club for a primary </i><i style="color: #070707; font-size: 12pt;">school. I feel I need to get out of my comfort zone again and this seemed like </i><i style="color: #070707; font-size: 12pt;">the right thing to do. I think it is extremely healthy to face your fears now </i><i style="color: #070707; font-size: 12pt;">and again, it really does push you in the right direction.</i></div>
<div style="color: #1d2129; font-family: georgia, serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<i style="color: #070707; font-size: 12pt;">Outside of work I will</i><i style="font-size: 17px;"><span style="color: #1d2129;"> </span></i><i style="color: #070707; font-size: 12pt;">continue to spend time with my nearest and dearest. My eldest is heading into </i><i style="color: #070707; font-size: 12pt;">his final years of high school now and has his work experience this year so </i><i style="color: #070707; font-size: 12pt;">important years for him now. My youngest has adapted well to high school and </i><i style="color: #070707; font-size: 12pt;">has seemed to taken up a musical passion lately which is lovely, she and my husband </i><i style="color: #070707; font-size: 12pt;">are bonding over their love for music which has inspired my husband to pick up </i><i style="color: #070707; font-size: 12pt;">the guitar again so our little home is a creation station at the moment. Both </i><i style="color: #070707; font-size: 12pt;">of them are excelling at school and are big dreamers when it comes to what they </i><i style="color: #070707; font-size: 12pt;">want to do afterwards. I admire them for having a vision and sense of direction at such a young age, those two make me proud every day.</i></div>
<div style="color: #1d2129; font-family: georgia, serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<i style="color: #070707; font-size: 12pt;">I will be meeting up</i><i style="font-size: 17px;"><span style="color: #1d2129;"> </span></i><i style="color: #070707; font-size: 12pt;">with my best friend from primary school in Zambia at the end of January, we </i><i style="color: #070707; font-size: 12pt;">haven’t seen each other for 23 years so it is going to be quite a surreal </i><i style="color: #070707; font-size: 12pt;">moment. I can’t wait to hear about how her life has developed since then. There </i><i style="color: #070707; font-size: 12pt;">is another big thing to look forward to but again not saying anything until I </i><i style="color: #070707; font-size: 12pt;">get the green light tee hee. </i><br />
<i style="font-size: 12pt;">So there we have what I know is coming up, but like I say half</i><i style="font-size: 17px;"> </i><i style="font-size: 12pt;">the fun of the year are all the surprises that pop up along the way so who </i><i style="font-size: 12pt;">knows what weird and wacky little u turns might appear. </i></div>
<div style="color: #1d2129; font-family: georgia, serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><i>I am not sure if I will continue to run this blog for the </i></span><i style="font-size: 12pt;">remainder of the year as I will be doing newsletters and a routine blog through </i><i style="font-size: 12pt;">the <a href="https://splatterinkart.com/" target="_blank">Splatterink Art</a> site so I will post most of my content on there from now. </i><i style="font-size: 12pt;">If you did want to sign up to the mailing list then you will be kept up to date </i><i style="font-size: 12pt;">with all the latest news / blog posts and any new products / artwork added to my shop not to mention the giveaways and discounts. </i><br />
<span style="color: purple; font-size: 13pt;">Thanks for stopping by! What do you want to tick off your bucket list this year? Please share in the comment section.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span style="color: purple; font-size: 13pt;">For more inspiration, visit my </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/gr8blogs?source=note" style="font-size: 13pt;"><span style="color: #365899;">#Gr8blogs</span></a><span style="color: purple; font-size: 13pt;"> pals below. </span></div>
<div style="color: #1d2129; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span style="font-size: 17.3333px;">==============================</span><span style="font-size: 17.3333px;">=================</span><span style="font-size: 17.3333px;">=========</span>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">If you blog and want to join us on this hop, just add the family-friendly link to your blog post in the comment section. We’ll visit and give you some blog love-:D </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span style="font-size: 13pt;">==============================<o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-size: 17.3333px;">==========================</span></div>
<div style="color: #1d2129; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span style="color: purple; font-size: 13pt;"><a href="http://www.catmichaelswriter.com/cats-corner-blogging-about-books-writing-and-more/3-things-i-hope-to-tick-off-my-bucket-list-in-2019-even-if-i-dont-win-the-lottery" target="_blank"><b>Cat Michaels</b><b> </b></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span style="color: purple; font-size: 13pt;"><a href="https://sandrabennettauthor.com/blog/2019/1/8/im-not-much-of-a-goal-setter-but-here-i-go" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: #365899;">Sandra Bennett</span></b><b> </b></a></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<b><span style="color: purple; font-size: 13pt;"><a href="https://rovingvegans.com/spread-a-trail-of-peace-world-tour/" target="_blank">Jacqui Letran </a></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<b><span style="color: purple; font-size: 13pt;"><a href="http://babyboomerbliss.net/baby-boomer-looks-forward-to-2019-with-exciting-book-announcement/" target="_blank">Julie Gorges </a></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<b><span style="color: purple; font-size: 13pt;"><a href="https://authorshanagorian.com/2019/01/10/what-i-want-to-accomplish-in-2019-even-if-i-dont-win-the-lottery-blog-hop/" target="_blank">Shana Gorian</a> </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<b><span style="color: purple; font-size: 13pt;"><a href="https://booksbyrose.com/index.php/2019/01/10/https-booksbyrose-com-index-php-k" target="_blank">Rosie Russell</a> </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<b><span style="color: purple; font-size: 13pt;"><a href="http://carmeladutra.com/blog-post/1354/" target="_blank">Carmela Dutra </a></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; line-height: normal; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<b><span style="color: purple; font-size: 13pt;"><a href="https://rebeccalyndsey.blogspot.com/2019/01/happy-2019.html" target="_blank">Rebecca Lyndsey</a> </span></b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-weight: 600;"><span style="color: purple;"><a href="https://wp.me/p3RsfU-2kw" target="_blank">Jim Milson </a></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #1d2129; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G7yTVybNzx0/XDkLAaGnT-I/AAAAAAAABC8/OS8GadvRWmUqDWbHCd-eJgnZKX558gzTgCLcBGAs/s1600/etsy%2Bbanner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="1600" height="160" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-G7yTVybNzx0/XDkLAaGnT-I/AAAAAAAABC8/OS8GadvRWmUqDWbHCd-eJgnZKX558gzTgCLcBGAs/s640/etsy%2Bbanner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="color: #1d2129;">
<b><span style="font-size: 13pt;"><br /></span></b></div>
</div>
<div style="color: #1d2129; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
</div>
<div class="_2cuy _3dgx _2vxa" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #1d2129; direction: ltr; font-family: georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; margin: 0px auto 28px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap; width: 700px;">
</div>
</div>
</div>
Corrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02495811784741507484noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242807901362401071.post-91216853211555152432018-12-06T07:57:00.000-08:002018-12-07T00:10:12.456-08:00"My Ups, Downs, and In Betweens on the 2018 Creative Road" - December Blog Hop 2018<div class="_2cuy _3dgx _2vxa" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1d2129; direction: ltr; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; margin: 0px auto 28px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap; width: 700px;">
Was 2018 a crazy roller coaster ride for you? Smooth sailing? Milestone events? </div>
<div class="_2cuy _3dgx _2vxa" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1d2129; direction: ltr; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; margin: 0px auto 28px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap; width: 700px;">
My writerly pals and I are remembering the happy moments as well as lessons we learned from challenges this past year in our blog hop: The Ups, Downs and In Betweens on the 2018 Creative Road.” Check out our personal reveals, then visit the other <a class="_58cn" data-ft="{"type":104,"tn":"*N"}" href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/gr8blogs?source=note&epa=HASHTAG" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">#Gr8Blogs</a> linked at the end of the post for more shared recollections and lessons learned along the way. We hope you'll be inspired to dive into your own special memories of 2018!
=============================================================</div>
<div class="_2cuy _3dgx _2vxa" style="box-sizing: border-box; direction: ltr; font-family: georgia, serif; margin: 0px auto 28px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap; width: 700px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="_4yxp" style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: inherit; font-size: large; font-style: italic;"><b>So what important life lessons did I learn this past year? Here are four of them...</b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; color: #1d2129; font-size: 17px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z_ldLsEqV60/XAk7_CT-hoI/AAAAAAAABB4/Sr8pu1sMM341wPHpWybxY20Z2SrRhKwyQCLcBGAs/s1600/buddha4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1132" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-z_ldLsEqV60/XAk7_CT-hoI/AAAAAAAABB4/Sr8pu1sMM341wPHpWybxY20Z2SrRhKwyQCLcBGAs/s400/buddha4.jpg" width="280" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span class="_4yxp" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;"><i style="background-color: transparent;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><b>Never stop believing </b></span></i></span></div>
<div style="font-size: 17px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 17px;">
<i>So in October 2017 I had a panic moment career wise and was in that fun position of job hunting. Now what I should have done was to have faith and know that things would have worked out, but instead I went into panic mode and I landed up starting up another venture in the form of a singles social club, random I know! It landed up taking up so much of my time and energy away from my creativity and in the process left me feeling incredibly lost and confused for most of the year. I also took on a part time job in a school which I adored but again began to hinder me in the end. The funny thing was, that as soon as I had committed myself to this other venture and accepted the position at the school my art then decided to take off and SplatterInk Art was born. If only I had trusted my inner voice more and held off I could have avoided alot of headaches, drama and confusion. I have finally managed to rectify the situation and feel a tonne of weight lifted which has resulted in me being more focused and I have gained some much needed clarity on where I am heading now.</i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 17px;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<i><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><b>Releasing negative relationships with money</b></span></i><br />
<div style="font-size: 17px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 17px;">
<i>I continue to do alot of inner work and I am constantly developing my mind to work for me rather than against me. The biggest change I have seen this year was releasing my negative relationship with money. Now I know I am still a baby when it comes to being a full time artist and I knew this road wouldn't be easy to begin with, but I felt like I was just going round and round in circles when it comes to finances. Dead broke one minute, ok the next. It was beginning to get tiresome going through the same thing time and time again so I thought enough is enough this needs to stop. </i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 17px;">
<i>So I started attending online courses about how to attract money, keep it, grow it etc. For the first time ever I started to record all of my finances down and get full control of my income and expenditure. I used to avoid this because it scared the hell out of me but I knew it was time to face it. I started researching success stories, signed up to loads of life coaching channels and listened to them daily. I began to change how I viewed money and then I finally released the hold it had over me by doing something that would have seemed highly foolish at the time. I had no jobs in the pipeline and barely any money in my account and I signed myself up to an expensive marketing course that felt so right for me and which could be paid in 3 installments. I took out a credit card, yes I know I know lol and paid my first payment. Guess what? Within that week I had a book offer and that month I had agreed to work on 4 other books. Since that day more and more work has been steadily coming in, and 2018 has turned into the most creative year I have had to date. Funnily enough so much work has come in that I didn't have time to do the course so I just chip away at it as and when I can and it will get completed eventually. I have a completely different relationship with money now and respect it rather than fear it.</i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 17px;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<i style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><b>Sometimes you have to be selfish in order to be selfless</b></span></i><br />
<div style="font-size: 17px;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 17px;">
<i>I tend to do a lot of extra things in the background to do my bit in the world and hopefully raise a few vibrations out there. As a result I take on too much, work myself into the ground and scatter my energy all over the place. The last year I had to make some very tough decisions in cutting some of these things out of my life. I stopped some volunteer work that I loved doing, I recently stopped running the singles social club and I had to cut back my hours at the school. All of these choices were decisions I found incredibly difficult to make as they bought me so much joy, but it was something that needed to be done. I feel I need to put all my focus and energy into my creative work now so that I can do the things that I am being guided to do. Once I have done that and have the backing I need to start giving back fully, then I can return to giving more, but the main thing I have learned that it is NOT good to give from an empty cup. Looking after yourself is top priority, as hard as that is to do when you are a bit of a people pleaser.</i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 17px;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 17px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1q2-NH9zvqA/XAk-bOSY9YI/AAAAAAAABCE/GoeD22ULe7Is7pcWqczpphBxXX3pLqvBACLcBGAs/s1600/pexels-photo-433495.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="627" data-original-width="940" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1q2-NH9zvqA/XAk-bOSY9YI/AAAAAAAABCE/GoeD22ULe7Is7pcWqczpphBxXX3pLqvBACLcBGAs/s320/pexels-photo-433495.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
<i><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><b>People make you happy</b></span></i><br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 17px;">
<i>And last but not least, I always knew seeing others happy makes me happy but the last year has reinforced that even more. I have had an amazing time meeting new people and watching new friendships being formed around me. I have witnessed a couple fall in love and so much happiness being shared. Being with other people really lifts your spirits, we are social beings and are meant to be around others. I strongly recommend that everyone should try and go out and meet new people at least once a month and if that's not possible then pick up the phone and connect with your inner circle. All this online stuff is no good for connecting people, to find true happiness you need to go back to the old school way and do it in person.</i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 17px;">
So there we have it, the top four life lessons 2018 has shown me. I say it every year but.... it's been one hell of a ride ha ha. As much as it has been a challenging one it has taught me so much. It didn't feel like I was learning anything through it at the time but now when I look back it all makes sense. Life truly is a magical puzzle and I am super excited about the opportunities I have presented to me for 2019.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 17px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; font-size: 17px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1j3h1URgZAo/XAk_ANRs0pI/AAAAAAAABCM/m31YFUMzVwcKorhMVyxl4s3UaC0DgQXYQCLcBGAs/s1600/etsy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="1600" height="160" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1j3h1URgZAo/XAk_ANRs0pI/AAAAAAAABCM/m31YFUMzVwcKorhMVyxl4s3UaC0DgQXYQCLcBGAs/s640/etsy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="_2cuy _3dgx _2vxa" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1d2129; direction: ltr; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; margin: 0px auto 28px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap; width: 700px;">
==============================================================</div>
<div class="_2cuy _3dgx _2vxa" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1d2129; direction: ltr; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; margin: 0px auto 28px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap; width: 700px;">
Thanks for stopping by! How was your year? What was your biggest accomplishment/event? Most powerful thing you learned the past 12 months? Please share in the comment section.</div>
<div class="_2cuy _3dgx _2vxa" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1d2129; direction: ltr; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; margin: 0px auto 28px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap; width: 700px;">
For more inspirational recollections and lessons learned, visit more <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/gr8blogs?source=note" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;">#Gr8blogs</a> below. </div>
<div class="_2cuy _3dgx _2vxa" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1d2129; direction: ltr; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; margin: 0px auto 28px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap; width: 700px;">
And if you blog and want to join us on this hop, just add the family-friendly link to your blog post in the comment section. We’ll visit and give you some blog love-:D</div>
<div class="_2cuy _3dgx _2vxa" style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1d2129; direction: ltr; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-size: 17px; margin: 0px auto 28px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap; width: 700px;">
<a data-lynx-mode="asynclazy" data-lynx-uri="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbooksbyrose.com%2Findex.php%2Fkidlit-blog-by-rosie%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR39TzwyNWMAUlY46KYHXo4RMyxTygEscDcTn2LHNsEDUvuMHc-UgJ_Yx9Q&h=AT2hXIybPvEcyZ6hdmQJNvVXLuPc7BzEGK7zltpk7_hQwSGZypuTwl-fu5OSrM-lB815mUrdmbwF9tWNeIWB8ZNVtgicwdbr1WXiQgKkXBxshkCZwGuynDl1_CvXsS1jOj_pHcQ4KAvqJhRl4oM" href="https://booksbyrose.com/index.php/kidlit-blog-by-rosie/?fbclid=IwAR39TzwyNWMAUlY46KYHXo4RMyxTygEscDcTn2LHNsEDUvuMHc-UgJ_Yx9Q" rel="noopener nofollow" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: Georgia, serif; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Rosie Russel</a><br />
<a data-lynx-mode="asynclazy" data-lynx-uri="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Frebeccalyndsey.blogspot.com%2F2018%2F12%2Frockin-around2018.html%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR1-TEdPmG9hOqj-C8jSpGB1-fxepXYbyzT0vCv4E8p8MMI7gq3aR7ty3-A&h=AT2eWhmKhAQfI7U7Wee9uj3wt3v5hExeXKz_KlR2ScfwPFIRwHT_mtXjxRL-UDtckQZl0EZfy9__cVrlhMWBfGGGTxojcFWjoqpR7tlzEpmY_zmDrtppO88cxQD5BLakbGPI5l1JK6mewADH0MM" href="https://rebeccalyndsey.blogspot.com/2018/12/rockin-around2018.html?fbclid=IwAR1-TEdPmG9hOqj-C8jSpGB1-fxepXYbyzT0vCv4E8p8MMI7gq3aR7ty3-A" rel="noopener nofollow" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Rebecca Lyndsey</a><br />
<a data-lynx-mode="asynclazy" href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F2G17SQf_IndieAuthor2018%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR2bdqknT6Eh_Kf8DcDErBbgtAJqmXIDGCN8IGp9Xjvbe315H4HL8T8Z6l8&h=AT0stwjfDMBhUAEjXm2l_U0Zogu2fwI0ZdCDCSIKotz9ekQosRIbDhrz25Na-9HZEqI0b8FniMRNX1TYqiUz1f7THTYZ7ag1KtFz2bVDXlZF39gxwG5Rvq5ZTsTVXqv1Sxk9H78NWc7prZfVUmY" rel="noopener nofollow" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Cat Michaels</a><br />
<span class="_4yxp" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;"><a data-lynx-mode="asynclazy" data-lynx-uri="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fcarmeladutra.com%2Fblog-post%2Fthe-ups-downs-and-in-betweens-of-2018%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR0ztftgcJhcS1k9FIBvJFoFN8nHB6MSje71RJPg6SGuhnYimJKyvUMz8K8&h=AT1TWS2xIxKlCPCLIkAPb8XOJcACFba8QPSqEzNSsA1HGik9JVx0ey5TcolS0C7ViXno01QY7jDVosSIMyzkroQmmDSQjzZZiKORrusvwZ8-WeYA5rMCAFZGgKol5HG2XTWjZDEkdvesMV0BmkM" href="http://carmeladutra.com/blog-post/the-ups-downs-and-in-betweens-of-2018/?fbclid=IwAR0ztftgcJhcS1k9FIBvJFoFN8nHB6MSje71RJPg6SGuhnYimJKyvUMz8K8" rel="noopener nofollow" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Carmela Dutra</a></span><br />
<span class="_4yxp" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;"><a data-lynx-mode="asynclazy" data-lynx-uri="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fsandrabennettauthor.com%2Fblog%2F2018%2F11%2F28%2Fhighlights-and-lessons-on-the-bumpy-road-to-writing-in-2018%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR1809hYeAJttD-IgLTIJ1aMvOlVssmZlFrFqheOriYHe6LLftQGuplybi0&h=AT3c2XqnNfW1PuBOoSfzxnn_7bkEgNuorVZRf3mWiFQzGKuSvwPzDhti8OVMU_dPSMT0M0huIaFBBM0lRgR_leHA50mcMIFs5RnPx7OHIso5xfmNi9PsjHm-O0SINaT_nLAvDg-OMbgIwpqtF6c" href="https://sandrabennettauthor.com/blog/2018/11/28/highlights-and-lessons-on-the-bumpy-road-to-writing-in-2018?fbclid=IwAR1809hYeAJttD-IgLTIJ1aMvOlVssmZlFrFqheOriYHe6LLftQGuplybi0" rel="noopener nofollow" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Sandra Bennett</a></span><br />
<a data-lynx-mode="asynclazy" data-lynx-uri="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.audenjohnson.com%2F2018%2F12%2Fblog-hop-2018-my-ups-downs-and-in.html%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR2Rb7emLLchNyJEmRklPPS1fBxNgvhV7EWs-ao-aZDWCyHTMDPbLT_2v6I&h=AT1t8y7eHXtnV5lgNCY9LByEa6Nn9_s6YrrxM3qjczqyGsuPYZ2sXoKErIAsMRottcSPXPpF2RYT9wS4qUabFWshpRaICxiv98mnOzJQAPEl2a37QrPvnDoy9BVnX8uxE7KRarAp14kWMCmtyiA" href="https://www.audenjohnson.com/2018/12/blog-hop-2018-my-ups-downs-and-in.html?fbclid=IwAR2Rb7emLLchNyJEmRklPPS1fBxNgvhV7EWs-ao-aZDWCyHTMDPbLT_2v6I" rel="noopener nofollow" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span class="_4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;">Auden Johnson</span></a><span class="_4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;"> </span><br />
<span class="_4yxp" style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic;"><a data-lynx-mode="asynclazy" data-lynx-uri="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fbabyboomerbliss.net%2Fa-baby-boomers-ups-downs-and-in-betweens-in-2018%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR1kRMLrgbUHJTS899N8V3jG9FZVuyjvcxz8RNDCt4CcEaa3-YrOd29i5rw&h=AT36F2GGO7irpYknauBoAY7_12Aqaha1owcnAjbDsCGc9I8Z343AV8AURba3PEBlXEHIJDn-PyLz6LUcsE5FuWZjO7bpApuYoDMECciZis1nSYpStiwSDMcaY8X1ZiafG4CUf4kcyzlljJ-TtyA" href="http://babyboomerbliss.net/a-baby-boomers-ups-downs-and-in-betweens-in-2018/?fbclid=IwAR1kRMLrgbUHJTS899N8V3jG9FZVuyjvcxz8RNDCt4CcEaa3-YrOd29i5rw" rel="noopener nofollow" style="color: #365899; cursor: pointer; font-family: Georgia, serif; font-style: normal; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Julie Gorges</a></span></div>
Corrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02495811784741507484noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242807901362401071.post-36624885056713112912018-07-13T15:22:00.000-07:002018-07-13T15:31:33.359-07:00Finding your art style, sometimes it's best not to try so hard. How an accident turned into a blessing.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rnSrZo-gLdE/W0kM8ZF7mPI/AAAAAAAABAw/bCLx8Nw_lD4DUrOH8h-xiJVvRJ030b8IwCEwYBhgL/s1600/ink%2Bbanner.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="1200" height="160" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rnSrZo-gLdE/W0kM8ZF7mPI/AAAAAAAABAw/bCLx8Nw_lD4DUrOH8h-xiJVvRJ030b8IwCEwYBhgL/s640/ink%2Bbanner.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">For years I have tried to find my style. Flitting from one medium to the next and generally feeling like a 'Jack of all Trades' and master to none.... know the feeling? Well last year I finally had an halelluah moment. and do you know what, it came about completely by accident!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">I have been experimenting with my art for many many years now and have painted with all different mediums and in different styles to find that niche that felt right. I have loved experimenting, but I won't lie it has been incredibly frustrating as well! Hours and hours of work goes into trying to perfect your craft, and we are our own worst critics, so if it doesn't feel right we tend to beat ourselves up over it. I have always felt like a Jekyl and Hyde character with my art, one minute you can be all airy fair and little miss positivity and the next minute it's self sabotage / abuse and a heady mix of anger and frustration... or maybe that's just me ha ha</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Anyway I have pretty much dabbled with all sorts of styles and techniques over the years, you would be forgiven to think that my work had been done by different artists as my portfolio is that diverse. I would always admire artists that had their style and just focused on that, it seemed so alien to me as one minute I would be drawing cartoon characters, the next a landscape, or a decorative piece and if I was feeling the need for a release, something dark. Nothing seemed to flow at all.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QbPZVvlRk30/W0kjVmRqV4I/AAAAAAAABBY/hpnccsCK3CESiSMMVKRUa_eGqnVTCPEIgCLcBGAs/s1600/swift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QbPZVvlRk30/W0kjVmRqV4I/AAAAAAAABBY/hpnccsCK3CESiSMMVKRUa_eGqnVTCPEIgCLcBGAs/s320/swift.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Last year something changed all of that. I was going through quite a lull with things, work had dried up and I had totally lost my art mojo. I had well and truly hit a wall career wise and wasn't sure where I was heading at all. I had been given some acrylic inks for my 40th birthday earlier that year but what with broken legs and hip replacements I hadn't had a chance to use them. So when I saw the official Inktober list appear in my newsfeed I thought why the hell not, what better excuse to try these babies out. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">For those that don't now the Inktober challenge is held every year and invites all artists to create something every day in October in ink and share it online under the hashtag #inktober</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So I did a very quick study of a swift and popped it on Facebook and Instagram. I didn't really put any effort into it, it took literally half an hour and was a half hour of pure enjoyment for me. I just fancied trying my new inks out. So I posted my little creation online and what happened next blew my little mind, loads of people went gaga over it. That one little painting had more attention and sales than anything had done over my entire art career....crazy! I started getting asked if I would sell prints, then I was getting requests to do inky creations for their own ideas. As each day went on more requests started coming in, to the point that I couldn't continue with Inktober as I had a backlog of orders to get through. Then it went on to dog portraits and what with it coming up to Christmas I landed up doing loads of them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-clZ-2T0sxp8/W0kNFwpRxMI/AAAAAAAABA8/5wtb0Jbpoz03tzABCpEV5dGsNtz1B-oswCEwYBhgL/s1600/cushion%2Bflamingo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="524" height="213" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-clZ-2T0sxp8/W0kNFwpRxMI/AAAAAAAABA8/5wtb0Jbpoz03tzABCpEV5dGsNtz1B-oswCEwYBhgL/s320/cushion%2Bflamingo.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Fast forward nearly a year and I am still painting with inks and still taking commissions, the latest being portraits. I have done some big pieces now and experimenting with different backgrounds, but it is safe to say that these are staying! I just love working with them, and each piece is a joy to do. I have opened up an online store to start selling them wider afield, but that requires a fair bit of marketing which is going to be my next challenge. I am not claiming that I am a hugely successful artist now, but what I can say is that sometimes it is best not to try so hard and just to go back to the basics of loving what you do. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/SplatterInkArt">https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/SplatterInkArt</a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hItyv0W06Q0/W0kNjg4yuPI/AAAAAAAABBM/RnoULSb5zRgFVZfdMb5q-IH6OMqr0gQuQCEwYBhgL/s1600/phoenix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="910" data-original-width="694" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hItyv0W06Q0/W0kNjg4yuPI/AAAAAAAABBM/RnoULSb5zRgFVZfdMb5q-IH6OMqr0gQuQCEwYBhgL/s320/phoenix.jpg" width="244" /></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bh0o4AUb8ZQ/W0kNj5gFKkI/AAAAAAAABBQ/Zdel5Kzm0FYLFGHyslNFjoSrAo8isVIoACEwYBhgL/s1600/orobouros.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="971" data-original-width="750" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bh0o4AUb8ZQ/W0kNj5gFKkI/AAAAAAAABBQ/Zdel5Kzm0FYLFGHyslNFjoSrAo8isVIoACEwYBhgL/s320/orobouros.jpg" width="245" /></a></div>
Have you got a similar story of how you found your style? Curious to know if this resonates with other creatives out there :)Corrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02495811784741507484noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242807901362401071.post-53956577440884666952018-03-30T04:43:00.000-07:002018-03-30T04:43:28.199-07:00Can You Really Change Your Thoughts To Change Your World?<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FgVGa1nnBTc/Wr4fCfDopsI/AAAAAAAABAE/hSOUAbykbTYFQNjBnl8n_GLf_z5NHWjmQCLcBGAs/s1600/swift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FgVGa1nnBTc/Wr4fCfDopsI/AAAAAAAABAE/hSOUAbykbTYFQNjBnl8n_GLf_z5NHWjmQCLcBGAs/s320/swift.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So here
I am hitting yet another phase of the end of month struggles and frankly the
novelty has well and truly worn off. So a bit of history as to what has moved
me to pick up my writing again after 2 years ….</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bookmark: __DdeLink__105_754586044;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So just over a year and a half ago I decided to take the brave and what some would call a
highly stupid move of leaving a well paid job and security to pursue my dream
of becoming<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a full time creative. So as
you can imagine it has been a colourful period mixed with highs and lows. I
didn't go into it completely fool hardy, I saved up enough to keep me
comfortable for 6 months and within that time secured some illustration jobs
and concentrated on getting my business Artypeace off the ground. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bookmark: __DdeLink__105_754586044;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So as
soon as I made that momentous change in my life synchronicities started to
happen and people started coming into my life which were key to where I needed
to go, everything was flowing beautifully and I felt unstoppable. However about
a year in things took a downward dive and work dried up, I started getting into
debt, I had to go job hunting and was applying for job after job and not even
getting an interview. Things were bleak and I felt a failure. I could feel my
energy changing and I didn't like it so I had a moment of enough is enough,
this shit needs to change now! I started to really look at my relationship
with money and tried a new approach. I pretended I had no financial worries, I bought
the good quality food that I wanted my body to have, I signed up to a
meditation library that I felt my mind sorely needed. I started reading
affirmations out aloud every day and made an effort to appreciate everything I
had rather than panicking about what was lacking. Guess what, things took a
very surprising turn. I stumbled across an art style while mucking about with
the Inktober challenge that suddenly took off online and orders started
flooding in, a book deal I had been waiting on for months suddenly got the
green light. Things started flowing again and I felt like things were on the up. More job offers were coming through and I finally felt like I was
getting my life back on track.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bookmark: __DdeLink__105_754586044;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Skip to
several months later and I am back in the same boat as I was before, all these
job promises that were there have gone quiet, debts are mounting up and fear is
beginning to creep in again. So time for some more healing and self reflecting.
This time I want to get rid of these blocks I have once and for all as there is
clearly more work that needs to be done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So I am going to do some deep work and am also looking into finding a
life coach. So the first step I have taken is to do a life abundance course by
Liz Barallon. I have just read the first steps for week one and am instantly
compelled to write this blog post. I haven't written anything in nearly two
years but I am hoping this kicks me back into it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--9zUC7cROcs/Wr4fJBKJOlI/AAAAAAAABAQ/PRG4TSDdwt8pig-0XVL3flPqvp6hHFyfQCEwYBhgL/s1600/february.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1158" data-original-width="1600" height="288" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--9zUC7cROcs/Wr4fJBKJOlI/AAAAAAAABAQ/PRG4TSDdwt8pig-0XVL3flPqvp6hHFyfQCEwYBhgL/s400/february.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bookmark: __DdeLink__105_754586044;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So the
first thing I am going to tackle to start manifesting some changes is to change
the way I communicate and stop complaining! Now I don't know about you but, I
complain a lot! I seem to be constantly moaning about hardships, all the things
that are going wrong or that frustrate me and I am beginning to realise that
this could well be playing a big part in why I do have these times of struggle.
So I am going to make an effort to quit complaining and if I cant say anything
nice about my day to say nothing at all. So any friends or family reading this,
if I start moaning slap me ha ha. This is going to be a huge test to overcome
as I moan a lot, its funny because I am actually a very positive person and I
love life yet what comes out my mouth tends to be negative and self sabotaging.
I then started reflecting on all the people I hang out with and all the conversations
that are had during the day and the majority is complaining about something, it
made me wonder what conversations we would actually have if there were no
complaints at all, would we turn into a bunch of mutes with nothing to say.
Anyway I want to try this little experiment and see if it has any benefit at
all on me and others around me as we do tend to mirror each other so I am
curious to see what happens. I am looking forward to completing the course and
I will try and share anymore little tips or insights that I pick up along the
way when I can. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-bookmark: __DdeLink__105_754586044;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It would
be amazing if it does help shift some blocks as when life flows effortlessly it
is so much fun and I really want to get back on that road again, I know the
detours help me grow and learn but I think it's time to just ride the wave for
a bit now….. no more struggling. So can changing your thoughts really change
your world? I am about to find out, watch this space xx<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-size: x-small;">With
special thanks to Jerry Sargeant at <a href="http://www.starmagichealing.com/">www.starmagichealing.com</a> who's meditation library
has helped me immensely the last 2 years and to Liz Barallon at <span class="InternetLink"><a href="http://www.sylaaustralia.com/">http://www.sylaaustralia.com</a></span> for offering her services freely
through the life abundance course. I have already taken so much from it from
just the 1<sup>st</sup> week.</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />Corrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02495811784741507484noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242807901362401071.post-61207363231086925942017-02-03T11:58:00.000-08:002017-02-03T11:59:02.301-08:00Celebrate International Book Giving Day with our HUGE book giveaway<div style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #1d2129; direction: ltr; margin: 0px auto 28px; white-space: pre-wrap; width: 700px; word-wrap: break-word;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JxooVTFxFyY/WJTeiWbqBGI/AAAAAAAAA5g/TtyD_BxzcgM5gCMCys-ozRDXHgPiDAGuwCLcB/s1600/book%2Bgiving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JxooVTFxFyY/WJTeiWbqBGI/AAAAAAAAA5g/TtyD_BxzcgM5gCMCys-ozRDXHgPiDAGuwCLcB/s320/book%2Bgiving.jpg" width="233" /></a></div>
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Did
you know that not only is February 14 a special day for all you love
birds out there, it is also International Book Giving Day! So what
better way to spread some love than giving away some books!</span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">My
writerly pals and I are feeling the vibes of this special day and
decided to do a Blog Hop devoted to the love of books, and because we
are feeling extra loved up we are giving away a load of our own
books too! Please have a read and enjoy. Then visit the
other </span></span></span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/gr8blogs?source=note"><span style="color: #365899;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">#Gr8Blogs</span></span></span></span></a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> listed
at the end of this post for more Book Giving inspiration. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<h3 class="western">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">So
what exactly is International Book Giving Day?</span></span></span></h3>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background: #ffffff;">International
Book Giving Day’s focus is on encouraging people worldwide to give
a book to a child on February 14th. </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">The
aim being that we get books into the hands of many children as
possible. </span></span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background: #ffffff;">It
is a 100% volunteer initiative aimed at increasing children’s
access to books and to encourage their enthusiasm with reading. There
are many ways of doing this from donating books, giving them as
Valentine gifts, swapping books, creating events etc. For more ideas
of how to celebrate this day or to learn more about the event please
click <a href="https://bookgivingday.com/blog/about-2/" target="_blank">here</a> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="background: #ffffff;">I
am sure you will all agree with me on how important reading is for a child.
Here are just a few things I can think of...</span></span></span></span></div>
<ul>
<li>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><i>It
encourages your child to set their imagination free and use their
creativity.</i></span></span></span></div>
</li>
<li>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><i>Reading
aloud to your child encourages more bonding between parent and
child.</i></span></span></span></div>
</li>
<li>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><i>Stories
provide inspiration, thought and reflection.</i></span></span></span></div>
</li>
<li>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><i>Books
provide a constant source of knowledge and learning.</i></span></span></span></div>
</li>
<li>
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><i>It
provides your child with some time to escape reality and still their
mind.</i></span></span></span><br />
</li>
</ul>
<div align="justify" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BU-qpBVYsZE/VAn1Ychd6EI/AAAAAAAAAUo/_uL9Jw_tA_QNT6GNDfJ9ZM0ysuJMCYnmgCPcB/s1600/animania%2Bcover%2Bsmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BU-qpBVYsZE/VAn1Ychd6EI/AAAAAAAAAUo/_uL9Jw_tA_QNT6GNDfJ9ZM0ysuJMCYnmgCPcB/s200/animania%2Bcover%2Bsmall.jpg" width="144" /></a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">I
could write more but I shall control myself. You get the jist
though.... reading is kinda important! So much so that days like this
are created. So to help celebrate this day we are giving away some of
our books which includes <span style="background: #ffffff;">14
signed print books and 4 ebooks.....that is a total of 18 books!! not
bad eh! I am participating by giving away 2 signed copies of Animania for UK entries
only.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div align="justify" style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">For
a chance to enter this giveaway please go to the rafflecopter tab on the main screen where you can choose which books you would like to win and follow the instructions on how to do so.</span></span></span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Thanks
for stopping by! For more International Book Giving Day reading,
visit the </span></span></span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/gr8blogs?source=note"><span style="color: #365899;"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">#Gr8blogs</span></span></span></span></a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> below.
And don’t forget to enter the rafflecopter for your chance to win
autographed copies by some amazing authors. And hey, if you’re a
fellow book lover just add your family-friendly International Book
Giving Day link to your blog post in the comment section. We’ll
visit your blog and give you some blog love!</span></span></span></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Cat Michaels, <a href="http://www.catmichaelswriter.com/cats-corner-blogging-about-books-writing-and-more" target="_blank">Cat’s Corner</a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span>
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Julie Gorges, <a href="http://babyboomerbliss.net/celebrating-international-book-giving-day-free-book-giveaway/" target="_blank">Baby-Boomer Bliss</a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Carmela Dutra, <a href="http://carmeladutra.com/blog-post/book-giving-day-giveaway-extravaganza/">A Blog for your Thoughts</a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">JD Holiday -<a href="http://jdswritersblog.blogspot.co.uk/2017/01/february-14-international-book-giving.html">JDs Writers Blog</a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></span>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">James Milson - <a href="https://jamesmilson.com/2017/02/02/international-book-giving-day-why-reading-is-so-important/">Writing and Things</a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">
</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><div style="text-align: left;">
Tracy Bryan - <a href="http://tracybryan.com/blog/valentin...">Tracy Bryan</a></div>
</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><div style="text-align: left;">
Rosie Russell - <a href="http://booksbyrose.com/kidlit-blog-by-rosie.html" target="_blank">Books by Rose</a></div>
</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><div style="text-align: left;">
Sandra Bennett - <a href="http://www.sandrabennettauthor.com/international-book-giving-day-coming-soon/">Sandra Bennett Author</a><br />
<span style="color: #8e7cc3;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="_4yxp" style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-style: italic;">Terms and conditions: There is NO purchase necessary to enter or win. Eight winners (still to be determined exact amount) will be randomly drawn through the Rafflecopter widget within 48 hours and notified by email once the giveaway ends. The winners will then have 72 hours to respond. If the winner(s) do not respond within 72 hours, a new winner(s) will be chosen. This giveaway is open to all who live in and outside of the US. However, as there are several sponsors of this giveaway who live both domestic and international. Print books are available only for domestic country of author origin; ebooks offered outside author's country of origin at their discretion.</span> </div>
</span>Corrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02495811784741507484noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242807901362401071.post-77034369426172423262017-01-13T02:49:00.000-08:002017-01-18T10:38:03.060-08:00Tackling Dyslexia and Author Interview with Willy Robins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yJ4gr8CE48Q/WHis3rxTIZI/AAAAAAAAA4s/5xe-Tao4Ifgpa4VpeGPkDvfzjOAv7eIfwCLcB/s1600/cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yJ4gr8CE48Q/WHis3rxTIZI/AAAAAAAAA4s/5xe-Tao4Ifgpa4VpeGPkDvfzjOAv7eIfwCLcB/s320/cover.jpg" width="195" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">What better way to kick off the new year than celebrating the new release of a book I worked on last year. <b><span style="color: purple;">Nogard the Dyslexic dragon</span></b> is written by Willy Robins and is about an adorable little dragon who is going through the process of finding his wings. However things aren't plain sailing and he has a few obstacles to overcome first as he soon discovers that his dyslexia is a bit of a hinderance when it comes to map reading. Not one to give up, he overcomes all of his challenges thanks to some helpful new friends and his teacher. I absolutely loved bringing this little guy to life, well and truly fell in love with him.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Willy will be hosting a facebook launch party on <b><span style="color: purple;">Thursday the 19th of January</span></b> to celebrate the release of the book. It will then be available to purchase through <a href="http://amzn.to/2jG2BOB"><b>Amazon</b></a></span><br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I wanted to dedicate this post to the book and the author so I have asked Willy if she would kindly answer a few questions so that we can learn a bit more about the book and the creator of this little fella. So without further ado, I give you the lovely Willy Robins....</span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3Jyl_KVr1ds/WHitky7iRsI/AAAAAAAAA4w/fLNTsdIeqGUnP8gmib84xwD22eKV_R-6QCLcB/s1600/willy.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3Jyl_KVr1ds/WHitky7iRsI/AAAAAAAAA4w/fLNTsdIeqGUnP8gmib84xwD22eKV_R-6QCLcB/s200/willy.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Willy Robbins grew up in the middle of the Ozarks in Missouri. She was raised on the family farm, where she resides today. Willy grew up with the love of reading, as her first grade teacher, Mrs. Chapman can attest. Willy was the first one to reach the moon that year with the number of books that she read. Reading and writing continue to be an integral part of Willy’s life, she has taught them both for 17 years as an elementary educator.</span></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v1JVOSyp9sE/WHivxr1oVMI/AAAAAAAAA5A/pGjW1-2X4oMpLTC2Xu8ipXiHy1B5pM-vACLcB/s1600/Illustration2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v1JVOSyp9sE/WHivxr1oVMI/AAAAAAAAA5A/pGjW1-2X4oMpLTC2Xu8ipXiHy1B5pM-vACLcB/s320/Illustration2.jpg" width="230" /></a></div>
<h3>
<span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">What made you choose a dragon as your main character? </span></h3>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Dragons are so cool to kids. My favorite dragon as a kid was H.R. Puffnstuff and Pete the Dragon. Dragons never get old for a character, as they can be portrayed with so many different personalities.</span></span></div>
<h3>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;">How long did it take to write Nogard? </span></span></span></h3>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">Nogard didn't take a long time to put on paper, it did take a bit of time to get him out of the drawer. He was an idea that was put in my head about two and a half years ago.</span></span></div>
<h3>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Nogard is about an adorable dragon learning how to cope with dyslexia. What made you choose this topic for the book? </span></span></span></h3>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Dyslexia is not a diagnosis that I see a lot with my students, but I see a lot of students with various symptoms of Dyslexia. I started paying attention when so many kiddos, were flipping their letters or numbers all the time, not just once in awhile like we all experience. I took it upon myself to start researching Dyslexia, but the whole time I did that research, my mind kept wandering to ways to get the word out that kids need to be monitored more closely in their formative years when learning reading and writing.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<h3>
<b style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;">How does being a teacher affect your writing?</b><span style="background-color: white; color: purple; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></h3>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; white-space: pre-wrap;">It affects me by having an educational theme in my stories. I just can’t seem to get school out of my writing, as it is a major part of my day to day life. You write what you know...right? I also get to brag that I have books published...some of the kids think that is cool.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<h3>
<span style="color: purple; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">How long have you been writing and when did you publish your first book? </span></span></h3>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I have been writing since forever, but I helped write a screenplay in 8th grade for an English project. I don't remember much about it except it was titled The Adventures of Bleep and Bloop. Alas, I had to wait until 2014 to get published.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;">What is your writing process like? </span></span></span></h3>
</div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Honestly, I don't have a process that can be described in a text book situation. But it begins with a funny story, joke, over heard idea, a piece of conversation that stands out, or an epiphany of something I have seen of years and think HEY, that is a good children's book topic...then I decide my hero.</span></span></div>
<h3>
<span style="color: purple; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span><span style="color: purple; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">What advice do you have for other </span><span style="background-color: white;">writers? </span></span></h3>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Write, network, write, oh, and don't forget to write.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<h3>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Have there been any things that have surprised you with the publishing process?</span></span></h3>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">What surprised me is how much time it takes to market. If you have the ability, find 5 or 6 people you completely trust, and have them help you. This is called a street team. I don't have one, but need one so that I can have extra hands tweeting, google plus-sing, face booking for me a few times a week. </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<h3>
<span style="color: purple; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">If you had to do something differently as a child or teenager to become a better writer as an adult, what would you do? </span></span></h3>
</div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">I would pay attention in Math. Why Math? Because, if I was better at Math, then my college career choice would be a HIGH paying job, so that I could save a lot, then retire early, like let's say 25, and write and write. </span></span></div>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;">What were your favourite subjects at school and did you always know you wanted to be a writer?</span> </span></span></h3>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">My favorite subjects in school were History and English. I had no clue I wanted to write, but I was always a creative writer. The closest thing I can get to a professional reader (which is my first love) is to teach reading and write children's books.</span></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<h3>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;">What is the hardest part of being a writer and what is the most rewarding? </span></span></span></h3>
</div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The hard part of writing is realizing not everyone thinks your book or story is the best-it's a tough pill to swallow. The most rewarding is being able to take a mini vacation with family to England and meet the person responsible for giving Nogard his colors.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thank you so much Willy for taking the time out to answer a few questions and more importantly for giving me the opportunity to bring this little guy to life. I can't wait to meet you in person this summer and I wish you every success with the book launch.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">You can connect with Willy through the following channels....</span></span></div>
<h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://twitter.com/RobbinsWilly" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Twitter</span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://wrobbins34.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://wrobbins34.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Blog</span></a></div>
</h3>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Much love to you all</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Corrina</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<ol style="background-color: white; font-family: calibri, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px;">
<li style="margin-left: 15px;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "pt serif" , serif; font-size: 14pt;"></span></li>
</ol>
</div>
Corrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02495811784741507484noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242807901362401071.post-64217172470647776282016-12-30T04:04:00.001-08:002016-12-30T04:13:58.200-08:002016... What A Year!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ih4WmL-7a5U/WGZJqY6dcFI/AAAAAAAAA4E/alMb7fEX_hcXIn2MwLhU1S7bYVhqaxvqACLcB/s1600/quote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ih4WmL-7a5U/WGZJqY6dcFI/AAAAAAAAA4E/alMb7fEX_hcXIn2MwLhU1S7bYVhqaxvqACLcB/s320/quote.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Well that's another year over, where on earth did that time go! 2016 has been a funny old year with so many great icons taken from us and I know some people have really suffered this year. My heart goes out to all that have had a difficult year and I hope next year will be much kinder.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Firstly I hope you all had an amazing Christmas and wishing you all much love, luck and happiness in 2017. Thank you to all that have been supporting me throughout the last year. It has been a year of huge changes for me as most of you know. I haven't felt comfortable blogging about my experiences as it's all very new to me still and I didn't feel like I was in any position to give advice on taking such a drastic leap of faith as I did, because I won't lie....it is a scary old jump to make.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">So for those that don't know, I left my day job of 15 years in August to become a full time artist. It wasn't a decision that I took lightly I can assure you. It was reckless and risk taking as all I was going by was pure faith and following my heart. I had no jobs in place, just savings and my gut instinct. My poor husband deserves a medal for what I have put him through as he is very much Mr realistic, and well... I live in la la land. There were many clashes over my decision, some people were like " Yeah you go girl", some not so much. It took a year of thinking long and hard until enough was enough and I handed my notice in. So what happened? Well.. I landed a big book deal illustrating a series of spiritual based childrens stories about a month after I left. All going well this will see me through until spring. After that is anyones guess, I am hoping some more work comes through to keep me living this new life for as long as possible. If this is truly what I am meant to be doing then I am sure things will work out and the universe will provide, if not then it's not my time and I need to learn new life lessons elsewhere.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8CgqSLeMwgM/WGZKXtmdhVI/AAAAAAAAA4I/fYiMUBI-vd0T7U1x_UZHvZhGIE1O4PaBACLcB/s1600/awakening.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8CgqSLeMwgM/WGZKXtmdhVI/AAAAAAAAA4I/fYiMUBI-vd0T7U1x_UZHvZhGIE1O4PaBACLcB/s320/awakening.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">I am collaborating with other people and might well be branching into new territory next year with my art. It could be through fine art as I am working on a bunch of spiritual paintings to approach galleries with or it could be in a whole different area of art that I am keen to explore. I can't say too much yet, one thing I am learning to do is to not announce things before they happen. I read that somewhere and it is so true.... the times I have got excited about stuff and mentioned it, nothing comes of it so this time I am keeping my lips sealed until things do actually happen. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">My writing will have to take a bit of a back burner for now, as I need to focus on Artypeace and everything else going on. Oh and my business Artypeace.... well not much to report there I'm afraid. Setting up a business is hard work! I am just treating it like a hobby for now. I still believe it will take off eventually, it's just trying to figure out which direction to go in, as the ones I have tried have been pretty pitiful. I have started an online art therapy course which I am finding very interesting and experiment when I can with new workshop ideas. So I am slowly working on it, but it will take a lot of time. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FKCHvCeJ_eU/WGZK_fNvxUI/AAAAAAAAA4Q/HHZcY0vBxs8zhFvalC-lefDcb5LdNY4HACEw/s1600/despair.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="203" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FKCHvCeJ_eU/WGZK_fNvxUI/AAAAAAAAA4Q/HHZcY0vBxs8zhFvalC-lefDcb5LdNY4HACEw/s320/despair.jpg" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I am also doing a bit of volunteer work which I started back in September that deals with people going through depression and mental health issues. It is very challenging and probably the scariest thing I have put myself through to date, but it is doing me the world of good, and I am learning so many new things through it which I am hoping will be put into use alongside Artypeace somehow. I am not sure how yet, but there is obviously a reason why I have been drawn to this area, and it feels so right. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S6_Ho38U4go/WGZLYQEZbgI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/NlQAGuVUrAY8y9FxMjKzHvttxWNVLjqmgCLcB/s1600/flic%2Bquote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-S6_Ho38U4go/WGZLYQEZbgI/AAAAAAAAA4Y/NlQAGuVUrAY8y9FxMjKzHvttxWNVLjqmgCLcB/s320/flic%2Bquote.jpg" width="246" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Thanks to my daughter for her artwork in this XX</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">I don't want to write a big post on me me me, so I will keep this short and sweet. It was a quick post to say thank you so so much for being in my life and for all the people that have encouraged me and supported me throughout the year. Hopefully next year I will be in a more secure place and will feel confident enough to share some tips and advice, but for now I have only just bought my arm bands and not a clue where I am swimming to ha ha. One thing I can say, I have never felt more alive before and every day brings new surprises. As reckless as I have been with throwing away a steady wage and security I do not regret my decision in the slightest, and as much as I have the odd wobble of this could go horribly wrong, my faith and heart tell me that no matter how things will turn out, it will all help me grow as a person in the long run. So I embrace 2017 with open arms and I encourage everyone to embrace their fears, live a little recklessly, let your inner child free, live in the present and help others.... this is my key to happiness. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Much love to you all</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">xx</span>Corrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02495811784741507484noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242807901362401071.post-27420649613810101372016-11-03T08:46:00.001-07:002016-11-06T02:49:10.118-08:00C*U*R*R*E*N*T*L*Y - Fall Blog Hop<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A-cXBLrv1D4/WBtJeu3Q3BI/AAAAAAAAA24/Ub_mQkw8hNwNH5Ve-5LD8qUFzfbyvzeFgCLcB/s1600/bloghop4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A-cXBLrv1D4/WBtJeu3Q3BI/AAAAAAAAA24/Ub_mQkw8hNwNH5Ve-5LD8qUFzfbyvzeFgCLcB/s400/bloghop4.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><i>Brilliant
foliage. Jack-o-lanterns. Apple cider. Fall is in the air! My
writerly pals and I are sharing autumn moments in the
C*U*R*R*E*N*T*L*Y - Fall Blog Hop. Please have a read and enjoy. Then
visit the other <span style="border: none; display: inline-block; padding: 0cm;">#Gr8Blogs</span>
listed at the end of this post for more Fall 2016 C*U*R*R*E*N*T*L*Y
inspiration.</i></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="color: purple;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "lucida calligraphy" , cursive;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: 13pt;"><b>Loving
</b></span></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "lucida calligraphy" , cursive;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: 13pt;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Absolutely
loving my new lifestyle. I took the leap of faith in August and left
the dreaded day job to pursue creativity full time. It was the most
scariest decision I have ever made and was not one I took lightly.
However as stressful as it was, it is the best decision I have ever
made. I am finally able to put more time into doing what I love and
my art is coming along leaps and bounds with all of my experimenting.
I have no idea how long this will last, but I am thoroughly loving
the new lifestyle even if I do resemble a hobo most days due to the
lack of makeup and permanent wear of jim jams and dressing gown ha
ha. </span></span>
</div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="color: purple;"><span style="font-family: "lucida calligraphy" , cursive;"><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><b><br /></b></span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JgAyTs5XB6k/WBtHFqhz_dI/AAAAAAAAA2k/_H2WT7UkOdgdvjnqKkSEZTtc08Fa1JJ6gCLcB/s1600/bloghop3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JgAyTs5XB6k/WBtHFqhz_dI/AAAAAAAAA2k/_H2WT7UkOdgdvjnqKkSEZTtc08Fa1JJ6gCLcB/s320/bloghop3.jpg" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /><b style="color: purple; font-family: "lucida calligraphy", cursive; font-size: 18.6667px;">Reading</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">I
am currently reading Jerry Sargeants book Star Magic. As most of you
know energy healing and meditation has been a big part of my life since last
Christmas after it snapped me out of a slippery slope to doomsville.
It is the healing of Jerry Sargeant that has transformed my life and
helped me find my true self. I was so lost last year, but after
tapping into meditation and energy healing everything suddenly made
sense. I knew what I needed to do, and most importantly I no longer
let my fears control me. </span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">So much has changed this year, people have entered my life who seem to be key to my journey and opportunities are constantly coming in that all seem to be linked somehow. I just love this new game of life, it's like trying to piece together a very elaborate and colourful puzzle. I found my missing piece and now I just need to put it altogether, exciting stuff. I really need
to write more posts about all of my experiences with this new “reality”. I am handwriting them all down in my journal and
one day I will blog about it all. Anyway I am fascinated with Jerry's
work and when I heard his new book was out I had to buy it. Its a very interesting read, quite nuts in parts but I love the unusual so it's
right up my street. I am hoping it will help me understand more about
it all and how I can use everything I am learning to help others. I would love to do one of his facilitator courses in the near future.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "lucida calligraphy" , cursive;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: 14pt;"><b>Listening
To</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "lucida calligraphy" , cursive;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: 14pt;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Now
that I am working from home I have been taking a trip down memory
lane and listening to a lot of alternative and ecclectic sounds. I
usually like my dance / house music but lately I have been listening
to things like Enigma, Paul Oakenfield, Enya and a few tribal beats.
I might do musicals next week, fancy a bit of Les Mis and Phantom of
the Opera, although that was my Dad's favourite and might not be the
most productive choice, never a dry eye when thats playing, stunning
soundtrack though.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="color: purple;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "lucida calligraphy" , cursive;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: 14pt;"><b>Thinking
About</b></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<span style="font-family: "lucida calligraphy" , cursive;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: 14pt;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NLKC2v1Y8Ak/WBtHrkY--MI/AAAAAAAAA2o/tG4U-QY19Y8czO09Z3BtG9X8pz1cXGLtQCLcB/s1600/rox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="158" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NLKC2v1Y8Ak/WBtHrkY--MI/AAAAAAAAA2o/tG4U-QY19Y8czO09Z3BtG9X8pz1cXGLtQCLcB/s320/rox.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Gosh
what am I not thinking about! Well I am still trying to get my
business Artypeace off the ground so that takes up a lot of my
thoughts. The latest thing I want to try this weekend is decorating
candles so if that goes well I will run a little Christmas workshop
for the kids again as I thoroughly enjoyed Artypeace's trial birthday
party. There is still so much to do with the business but it's going
to be such a slow process as the illustrating has to take precedence
seeing that illustrating is what's paying the bills. I have recently
handed a tonne of leaflets out for the painting party packages so I
am hoping I will get a booking soon. It can be frustrating when
things get stuck but you just have to keep going and think of
different angles, it is one big learning curve! So far the workshops
seem to be the most successful so I will have to plan more of them
next year. It is fascinating seeing how much creativity does benefit
people though, I am thoroughly enjoying all the experiences I have
had through the company so far and am looking forward to all the ones
to come.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C-RGsKs6-2Y/WBtH1-BhIeI/AAAAAAAAA2s/FEhEDp5XGmgUUjxdAFl5seNUel9vuKKQwCLcB/s1600/ap%2Bparty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C-RGsKs6-2Y/WBtH1-BhIeI/AAAAAAAAA2s/FEhEDp5XGmgUUjxdAFl5seNUel9vuKKQwCLcB/s400/ap%2Bparty.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><b><span style="font-family: "lucida calligraphy" , cursive;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: 14pt;">Anticipating</span></span>
</b></span></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><b><span style="font-family: "lucida calligraphy" , cursive;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span></span></b></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-80nNM0pARtg/WB8Kl3ITNDI/AAAAAAAAA3o/qfSWvW1KyL0US8C3VTSNivIwa43bMiLngCLcB/s1600/Untitled.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-80nNM0pARtg/WB8Kl3ITNDI/AAAAAAAAA3o/qfSWvW1KyL0US8C3VTSNivIwa43bMiLngCLcB/s320/Untitled.jpg" width="251" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">I
am off to Australia at the end of the month for my sisters 30<sup>th</sup>.
I will be going by myself so I am a little nervous about the flight,
but can't wait to see my family out there again, I miss them so much!
I am also going to meet an Art gallery director out there so I am
trying to get a few story telling pieces together for it. Fingers
crossed they will agree to have my work on display and hopefully we
can collaborate in some way with bringing their concept to the uk. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">I
am also currently working on a spiritual themed range of children's
stories at the moment which have been written by Jerry's daughter…
see what I mean about the right people coming into your life! I am
very curious to see how these books will turn out, there seems to be
big plans for them and Jerry certainly is a man who makes his visions
happen so I have a feeling that they will do just fine! </span></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "lucida calligraphy" , cursive;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: 14pt;"><b>Hot
off the easel</b></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Around
illustrating, launching a business and the usual motherly duties I
have been able to squeeze in some other artwork to keep the creative
juices flowing. I participated in inktober over on Instagram which
was great fun and I have painted several new experimental pieces, trying out different mediums and techniques. I am trying to incorporate everything I have learned over the past years and bringing them together somehow. My style seems to be slowly coming together, taken long enough! I
have also launched an online shop through </span><span style="font-size: 14.6667px;"><a href="https://www.curioos.com/corrinaholyoake">https://www.curioos.com/corrinaholyoake</a></span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> for prints of my
work. Here are some of the things I have been working on......</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZmiDwE9xNR0/WBtLLg4GoKI/AAAAAAAAA3M/J3K-8Quj97IxXj11OALhyz24h5ZA18frACLcB/s1600/bloghop2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QCZFNsQTXo4/WBtLL0AdrqI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/qlNHjOg5VFIEolO5yoxbPWGviB5AXoZqwCLcB/s1600/bloghop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QCZFNsQTXo4/WBtLL0AdrqI/AAAAAAAAA3Q/qlNHjOg5VFIEolO5yoxbPWGviB5AXoZqwCLcB/s320/bloghop.jpg" width="230" /></a><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZmiDwE9xNR0/WBtLLg4GoKI/AAAAAAAAA3M/J3K-8Quj97IxXj11OALhyz24h5ZA18frACLcB/s320/bloghop2.jpg" width="276" /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LDGQlUuunoU/WBtLYN5RtjI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/_Lw9kQLx2eIqO3a8s3ZSeN55GJpOvxsuQCLcB/s1600/bloghop5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="492" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LDGQlUuunoU/WBtLYN5RtjI/AAAAAAAAA3Y/_Lw9kQLx2eIqO3a8s3ZSeN55GJpOvxsuQCLcB/s640/bloghop5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PgdaRhVDvJ8/WBtLYNSvboI/AAAAAAAAA3U/0a1tt_z64vsH7yjk2-aJKRSfrAnX8BUugCLcB/s1600/bloghop6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PgdaRhVDvJ8/WBtLYNSvboI/AAAAAAAAA3U/0a1tt_z64vsH7yjk2-aJKRSfrAnX8BUugCLcB/s320/bloghop6.jpg" width="228" /></a></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Thanks
for stopping by! For more </span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><i>Currently
- Fall 2016</i></span></span><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">
moments, visit the </span></span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/gr8blogs?source=note" target="_blank"><span style="color: #365899;"><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">#Gr8blogs</span></span></span></a><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">
below. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">And
hey, if you’re pumped about writing your own <i>Currently - Fall
2016</i> post, just add your family-friendly <i>Currently</i> link to
your blog post in the comment section. We’ll visit your blog and
give you some blog love! </span></span>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>Cat
Michaels</b> <a href="http://www.catmichaelswriter.com/cats-corner-blogging-about-books-writing-and-more/currently-fall-blog-hop-find-your-autumn-inspiration" target="_blank">Cat’s Corner </a></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b>Julie
Gorges,</b> <a href="http://babyboomerbliss.net/currently-fall-2016-blog-hop-how-im-finding-my-bliss/" target="_blank">Baby-Boomer Bliss</a> </span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Carmela
Dutra</span></b><b>, </b><a href="http://carmeladutra.com/blog-post/currently-fall-blog-hop-finding-my-bliss/" target="_blank">A Blog for your Thoughts</a> </span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><b><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;">Auden
Johnson</span></b><b>, </b> <b><a href="http://audenstreasury.blogspot.co.uk/2016/11/currently-fall-2016-blog-hop-autumn.html" target="_blank">Dark Treasury</a></b></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<b style="font-size: 15.4px;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sondra Robbins Rymer </span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://fairytalesimagination.wordpress.com/2016/10/30/currently-fall-2016-blog-hop-finding-my-bliss/" target="_blank"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Fairytales Imagery</span></a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 100%; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
Corrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02495811784741507484noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242807901362401071.post-83177274117543949932016-06-16T03:31:00.000-07:002016-07-07T07:47:04.206-07:00C*U*R*R*E*N*T*L*Y Blog Hop - Summer Dreaming<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 21pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fTGYClXfUY8/V2ZgnxZj2WI/AAAAAAAAA10/-ng-ZeU8XoA3XwULlgxSslPDBKFhyRp_gCLcB/s1600/dreams.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fTGYClXfUY8/V2ZgnxZj2WI/AAAAAAAAA10/-ng-ZeU8XoA3XwULlgxSslPDBKFhyRp_gCLcB/s400/dreams.jpg" width="323" /></a></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 13pt;">Yay another blog hop! I
do enjoy these as it gives me a chance to catch up with the lives of my
writerly pals. In this blog hop we share our summer dreams with you. Please
have a read and enjoy. Then visit the other <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/gr8blogs?source=note" target="_blank"><span style="color: #7030a0; text-decoration: none;">#Gr8Blogs</span></a>
listed at the end of this post for more Summer 2016 C*U*R*R*E*N*T*L*Y
inspiration.</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: 21pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b><span lang="EN" style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 13pt;">My plans for summer are like no other summer I have had
before. Huge life changes are happening in the background and will come to fruition
by the end of July. So what’s been going on these last couple of months, well….</span></b></div>
<b><span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 13pt;"><br /></span></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1e4i_MBm_J0/V2J2iGR37mI/AAAAAAAAA1M/nvtY0u08_tIUELnHOQaFuJCBNK8q8-1vwCKgB/s1600/camping2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1e4i_MBm_J0/V2J2iGR37mI/AAAAAAAAA1M/nvtY0u08_tIUELnHOQaFuJCBNK8q8-1vwCKgB/s320/camping2.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 21pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;"><strong>Loving</strong></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: 21pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; font-size: 13pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I am still very much into my
new found love of energy healing and meditation. I must write up a blog post
about the star magic workshop I went on by Jerry Sergeant </span><a href="http://www.starmagichealing.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri";">http://www.starmagichealing.com</span></a><span style="font-family: "calibri";"> it
was an experience that I will never ever forget and I didn’t realise how much
my fear was controlling my life until I attended it. It gave me some extremely
deep healing and really opened up my world in ways I didn’t think possible. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have done a huge amount of self discovery
this year through meditation, reading endless blogs / articles about the whole subject
and connecting with fellow like minded people. I have made some amazing
friendships through it and met some real characters! I feel completely at peace
and things are all snowballing into a crazy little whirlwind of much fun and
excitement, with the odd spell of fear thrown in ha ha. One of the biggest
changes this year, is my growth in confidence! I am surprised with what I have
been throwing myself into, there is no way in the world I would do half of the
stuff I am doing this time last year. I am so curious to see just how far I
will push myself with it all, but the more you face your fears the stronger you
become, in all areas of your life. My blog <a href="http://corrinaholyoake.blogspot.co.uk/2015/09/dont-let-being-introvert-stop-you-from.html" target="_blank">Don't Let Being an Introvert Stop You From Living Your Creative Dreams</a> gives some tips for those introverts out there. Don't let this trait run your life for you, if I can do this... seriously, anyone can!</span></span></div>
<span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; font-size: 13pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dFuSPoTsCWw/V2J3GGUcqtI/AAAAAAAAA1g/nXaH_wqdxbsSSCUiBpR3VphnFZSExVTbACLcB/s1600/heart.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="228" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dFuSPoTsCWw/V2J3GGUcqtI/AAAAAAAAA1g/nXaH_wqdxbsSSCUiBpR3VphnFZSExVTbACLcB/s320/heart.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://anjaphotos.com/" target="_blank">with thanks to http://anjaphotos.com/</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 21pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: magenta; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;"><strong>Anticipating</strong></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: 21pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; font-size: 13pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">So a couple of weeks ago I
decided to do a new moon ritual to manifest my goals and desires. Are you
starting to back away? Ha ha. Yes I know all this sounds nuts, but this is what
is working for me and what I believe in, so as crazy as it sounds I feel I should
share it. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I personally get affected by
the moon a lot, and I know many others do too. It will either be a case of being
on an extreme high or an extreme low or even full on internal rage…. It might
just be a woman thing ha ha. So I came across a post advertising Sarah Prouts new
moon manifestation ritual. The New moon was a few days away which was ideal
timing to do the ritual so I thought, why not. You have to try these things
right.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: 21pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; font-size: 13pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">The new moon signifies
beginnings so is the perfect time to put your intentions forward. I have had
some major decisions to make this year and will be taking a massive leap of
faith so I kinda need all the support I can get out there. So I thought lets
give this a bash, what have I got to lose. The <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>ritual consisted of writing your 5 intentions
out 55 times in a meditative state. I won’t give away all<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the instructions as they are not mine to
give away, but if you are interested then please do check Sarahs website out <a href="http://sarahprout.com/">http://sarahprout.com</a>
</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: 21pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; font-size: 13pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Now two have already come true!
The first one was to lead a healthy lifestyle and stop smoking the second
was to be chosen for an art competition that would be an opportunity of a life
time. I can’t say too much as I am still waiting to see if I have made it to
the finals, but I got as far as the 2<sup>nd</sup> stage which I am absolutely
blown away by. Out of over 1000 artists, I was chosen as one of the 200.
Apologies for gloating, but I am so dam proud of myself! Anyway we will see
what happens there, but it well and truly gave me the reassurance I needed for
my plans this summer.</span></span></div>
<span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; font-size: 13pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: 21pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="background-color: magenta; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;"><strong><span style="background-color: white; color: magenta;">Reading</span> </strong></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: 21pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; font-size: 13pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">My intention of stopping
smoking happened in an odd way. I put my intentions out to the universe
and the next day I was struck down by an infection that literally wiped me out
for a week. So while I was stuck in bed I thought I would try finding another
hypnosis video for stopping smoking, I have tried them twice before and lasted
a week and then the will power crumbled. </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: 21pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; font-size: 13pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I stumbled across a video clip
mentioning <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Allen-Carrs-Easy-Stop-Smoking/dp/1405923318/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1466070383&sr=8-1&keywords=stop+smoking+with+allen+carr" target="_blank">Allen Carr's Easy Way to Stop Smoking</a>. Now any smokers out there will
know how difficult it is to stop, I have lost count of the amount of times I
have tried! Well this book was amazing! It encourages you to smoke the whole
way through it which is every smokers dream ha ha </span></span><span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; font-size: 13pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: 21pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; font-size: 13pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I just found it a fascinating
read more than anything because it makes you really look at the whole
psychology behind smoking and you start to see the truth for what it really is
and that is MIND CONTROL! It really does make you look at smoking in a whole new way, fascinating stuff. Now
you can’t force people to stop, you either want to do it or you don’t, but if
you really do, then honestly… download the book! What<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>have you got to lose? If anything it really
is a good read. </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: 21pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; font-size: 13pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">You are encouraged not to stop
smoking until you finish the entire book and after that you set your stop date.
I was very skeptical, but while I was reading it I was finding I didn’t really
want to smoke even though I was being told to go and have one. When I
finished<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>the book I was eager to start
there and then and it has been so painless! <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I won’t pat myself on the back yet as it has
only been a week and a half but I will dedicate a blog to it when I reach a
month, and I WILL reach it. </span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7nI2jqbdp7I/V2J2iFVFtFI/AAAAAAAAA1U/_IY-lBcwRiU3JC6NudywWQ-fR3gv3hLiQCLcB/s1600/CAMPING6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7nI2jqbdp7I/V2J2iFVFtFI/AAAAAAAAA1U/_IY-lBcwRiU3JC6NudywWQ-fR3gv3hLiQCLcB/s320/CAMPING6.jpg" width="211" /></a></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 21pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="color: magenta; font-size: large;"><strong>Making Me Happy</strong></span> </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: 21pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; font-size: 13pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Everything is making me happy
right now, my family, friends, the people I am meeting through my workshops and
creative endeavours. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We recently went on
a camping trip with some friends to the New Forest which was amazing. It was
the children’s first camping trip and they absolutely loved it. We loved it so much,
all of us are doing it again at the end of August. It was so lovely to get in
touch with nature and to leave the gadgets behind. Days were spent on long
walks followed by bbqs and pub lunches. Then the evening was spent playing
cards and hanging out. Most people know my obsession with trees so this little
trip was heaven on a plate for me. Beautiful part of the country!</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--bHbYfU_70Q/V2J2iCIQ8gI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/uxi3rEsazsADXHA9muPbD7XDrv8RHNMYACKgB/s1600/camping1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="412" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/--bHbYfU_70Q/V2J2iCIQ8gI/AAAAAAAAA1Q/uxi3rEsazsADXHA9muPbD7XDrv8RHNMYACKgB/s640/camping1.jpg" width="640" /></a><span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; font-size: 13pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: 21pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; font-size: 13pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">We have started to become green
fingered again and started doing bits and pieces in the garden. I have a little
vegetable patch on the go which is lovely, hopefully we will have some
tomatoes, green beans, pumpkin, courgettes, corn and strawberries on the go. We
are also planning to deck out the side garden so that we can do some summer
entertaining and for the childrens art workshops that I want to run from home.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: 21pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; font-size: 13pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">August is going to be a month
that I am a grin on legs. My sister is having a baby… yay!! So that is super
exciting and my other sister is coming down for two weeks from Australia. I
haven’t seen her for over a year so I cannot wait for that. My Mum is also back
from Australia for a while so it will be so lovely having most of my family
around me again. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Most of my family live
in Australia which at times can be difficult as we are all very close, they are
my best friends. Thank goodness for skype though, at least that makes things
easier. August also marks the time that this bird finally flies. I think that
is a rather nice little thought to end this blog post on.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: 21pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; font-size: 13pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Thank you to all who do read my
blogs, if you have any questions at all on any of the subjects that I talk
about or just want to connect with me then feel free to get in touch. I love
getting to know new people and listening to their tales. Life is one big game
and learning experience, there is nothing better than sharing it with people
and just spreading the love.</span></span></div>
<span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; font-size: 13pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: 21pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; font-size: 13pt;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Namaste</span></span></div>
<span lang="EN" style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 13pt;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: 21pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 13pt;">For more <i>Currently
-Summer 2016</i> inspiration, visit the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/gr8blogs?source=note"><span style="color: #7030a0;">#Gr8blogs</span></a> below. </span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: 21pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 13pt;">And hey, if you’re pumped
about writing your own <i>Currently - Summer 2016</i> post, just add your
family-friendly <i>Currently</i> link to your blog post in the comment section.
We’ll visit your blog and give you some blog love! </span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: 21pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: 21pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 13pt;">Auden Johnson, Dark
Treasury </span></b><br />
<span style="color: #7030a0;"><a dir="ltr" href="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fow.ly%2FDQrK301hW8U&h=dAQHhF82o" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><!-- react-text: 93 --><span style="color: blue;">http://ow.ly/DQrK301hW8U</span><!-- /react-text --></a></span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: 21pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 13pt;">Cat Michaels, Cat’s
Corner</span></b><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 13pt;"><a dir="ltr" href="http://goo.gl/2OIYQg" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><!-- react-text: 43 --><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: blue;">http://goo.gl/2OIYQg<!-- /react-text --></span></span></a><span style="color: black; font-size: small;"> </span><strong> </strong></span></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 13pt;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100007463490174"><span style="color: #7030a0; text-decoration: none;">Carmela Dutra</span></a><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">, A Blog For Your Thoughts</span></span></b><br />
<div style="background: white; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: times new roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 28px;"><u>http://carmeladutra.com/blog-post/currently-a-blog-hop-of-what-im-up-to/</u></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: 21pt; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 13pt;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/JDspage"><span style="color: #7030a0; text-decoration: none;">Jd Holiday</span></a><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">, JD Writers Blog</span></span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://jdswritersblog.blogspot.co.uk/2016/06/currently-what-im-up-to.html">http://jdswritersblog.blogspot.co.uk/2016/06/currently-what-im-up-to.html</a></span></span></span><br />
<div style="line-height: 28px;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 13pt;">Julie Gorges, Baby Boomer Bliss</span></b></div>
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 13pt;"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="line-height: 28px;"><u>http://babyboomerbliss.net/currently-how-im-finding-my-bliss-the-summer-of-2016/</u></span></span><strong style="color: #7030a0; font-size: 13pt; line-height: 28px;"> </strong></span></div>
Corrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02495811784741507484noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242807901362401071.post-47616870918470323712016-05-05T06:01:00.002-07:002016-05-09T02:01:31.329-07:00How to help unleash the therapeutic powers of creativity<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U3ZthPtG_34/VzBRT_k4oVI/AAAAAAAAA08/W4BzQTTNA9MSDqkotMd6pH7pcoOopqT9ACLcB/s1600/ap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U3ZthPtG_34/VzBRT_k4oVI/AAAAAAAAA08/W4BzQTTNA9MSDqkotMd6pH7pcoOopqT9ACLcB/s1600/ap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U3ZthPtG_34/VzBRT_k4oVI/AAAAAAAAA08/W4BzQTTNA9MSDqkotMd6pH7pcoOopqT9ACLcB/s320/ap.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">Creativity has such an important role in
society and I don’t think people realise how therapeutic it can actually be.
When you are doing something creative, you are allowing your mind to switch off
for that moment in time while you are focusing purely on the present, nothing
else. Whether it is through, drawing, painting, dancing, singing, playing an
instrument… whatever creative outlet you choose, that time that you decide to
give yourself is so beneficial to your mind and soul.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">I would like to share some tips below on how you too can benefit from the healing powers of creativity.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;"></span><div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="color: purple; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><strong>How you can help unleash the therapeutic powers of creativity</strong></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><em>Choose something that you are passionate about</em></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">When you do something that you truly love it can fill you with so much happiness, you literally get lost with what you are creating. So find a topic that is close to your heart, mine is art, but the possibilities are endless with subjects to choose from. A good way of finding something you are passionate about is to ask yourself, what did you like doing as a child? What activities truly made you happy? </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><em>Take some time out now and again to create just for you</em></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">I do this a few times a year where everything gets pushed to the backburner for a day or two and I literally throw paint on a canvas. It is so important to take some time out just for you now and again, it really does help. We are all very busy in this day and age, but I cannot stress how important it is to allow yourself this time. It helps rid negativity and anxiety and balances your energy out on to a more level plane.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><em>Keep things simple</em></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">To truly enjoy the therapeutic process of creativity, don’t over think things. You are not creating your next masterpiece… you are simply having fun. If it turns out awful, who cares, just enjoy the time you have given yourself to be creative. With the workshops I ran some children were not comfortable with drawing, so I had a load of colouring sheets on hand too of some designs. The colouring in seemed to be just as beneficial to the children as creating the designs.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="color: #8e7cc3; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><em>Get people involved in group activities</em></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">By far the best and most therapeutic form for me personally, is when I actually go out and interact with people. Whether it is at a school reading, at a painting party or at workshops, all of them fill me with so much joy. Children are so easy to please, as long as you are willing to spend time with them, encourage them and listen, that is all they need to have a happy experience. By seeing other people happy, it makes you happy. I was on a complete high after two days of interacting with children and being creative with them.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">You can create groups to suit your creative outlet, volunteer with organizations, run a club… so many options. Hanging out with like minded individuals will feed your soul.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="background-color: white; color: #8e7cc3; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><em>Create from the heart</em></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Listen to what your heart is telling you, if you are feeling sad and blue, or angry then express that in your chosen creative outlet. By releasing what is within, you will feel so much lighter and your heart less heavy. Likewise if you are on a high then channel that into your creation and you will most probably fall in love with what you have created. It’s amazing how different moods can effect the outcome, but the main thing to get the therapeutic benefits, is to go with what’s in the heart, don’t think just do.</span></span></div>
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DjsKgFMgXpY/VzBPPW4di_I/AAAAAAAAA0w/dcxEte3g6Msk5iYpwdsTDQTVw1bSXikpACLcB/s1600/matisse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DjsKgFMgXpY/VzBPPW4di_I/AAAAAAAAA0w/dcxEte3g6Msk5iYpwdsTDQTVw1bSXikpACLcB/s1600/matisse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DjsKgFMgXpY/VzBPPW4di_I/AAAAAAAAA0w/dcxEte3g6Msk5iYpwdsTDQTVw1bSXikpACLcB/s320/matisse.jpg" width="256" /></a></div>
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Being creative has always been a massive
part of my life and always will be. Some people are naturally gifted in this
area but everyone, and I mean everyone can draw. Just because your level of
drawing skills goes as far as stick men, it does not mean that there is no
creativity in you. It does make me sad when people say things like, “I can’t
draw” or “I am rubbish at art”. You do not need to be an artist to benefit from
the therapeutic powers of creativity.</span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-size: large;">
</span><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Creativity allows us to embrace our inner
child, a quality I believe we should all embrace with open arms. To see life
through the eyes of a child is truly the best way to make the most of your
life. It is no wonder that so many creatives are big kids at heart. Life can be
difficult at times and it is so easy to get sucked into the seriousness of
being a grown up, but taking up a creative pass time allows you to find that
playful side to you.</span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-family: "gabriola"; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: x-large;">“Every
child is an artist, the problem is staying an artist when you grow up.”-Pablo
Picasso</span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dgxHPdAX72o/Vys9k3iBqHI/AAAAAAAAAzo/PfMPu8R0JigiVMxD1gbPDouqR_i1jK4bwCLcB/s1600/artypeace2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dgxHPdAX72o/Vys9k3iBqHI/AAAAAAAAAzo/PfMPu8R0JigiVMxD1gbPDouqR_i1jK4bwCLcB/s400/artypeace2.jpg" width="315" /></a></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">All forms of creativity is incredibly
therapeutic and it helped me through a bad time in my life. I still rely on it
to this day along with meditation to get me through dark spells. When things
get too much as they tend to do at times, I literally throw paint on a canvas;
this is usually when my darker pieces get painted. It works every time though,
I literally feel a weight lifted, and I am able to approach things with a fresh
head after.</span></span><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;"><br /><span style="color: black;">
</span></span></div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;"></span><div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">This year I want to explore the therapeutic
side of creativity more, by using everything that I have learned over the years
to help others. My first step is to work with children and to see how art
benefits them. I ran my first children’s workshops last weekend on creating mandala
designs for my new business venture Artypeace. The great thing about these
designs are that they are so easy to do yet look quite complicated. It also
turns out that a mandala is the symbol used in hinduhism and budhism to assist during
meditation... my angels did a great job sending that little nugget into my
head, I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect subject for my workshops.</span> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tFKFYRPrHWs/Vys_q1MQ4NI/AAAAAAAAA0A/FG3lW9o8-vcblZFF_gjaZSuc0GZVCsZPQCKgB/s1600/blog5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tFKFYRPrHWs/Vys_q1MQ4NI/AAAAAAAAA0A/FG3lW9o8-vcblZFF_gjaZSuc0GZVCsZPQCKgB/s640/blog5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="color: black; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">I had the most amazing weekend hanging out
with kids of all ages. There were so many different personalities, you had the
very confident children, the cheeky ones, the shy and the quiet ones. Some kids
would come in and just want to sit with me, have a natter and colour in, others
just wanted to zone out with their creations. I cannot tell you how rewarding
it was to see all these different personalities and age groups get stuck in and
really enjoy what they were doing. Some children were with me for hours and the
whole experience is one I will never forget. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">I heard a lot of “I can’t draw” and the
look on their faces after I guided them with creating their own mandala was
priceless. I can’t wait to do more events to help children appreciate
creativity more. The dream eventually is to study art therapy to help people on
a<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>deeper level, but that will require
much studying and time so I am really not sure how that will pan out. For now I
am just having fun with it all and learning from each experience. The main
thing that did stand out was how beneficial creating something is for children,
I already knew how it has helped me as a grown up.</span> </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-padZ72cCTQg/VytB6mMn2CI/AAAAAAAAA0g/shWNW136vssUzfqcnXkLTmF4mWSPGzU_gCLcB/s1600/blog6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-padZ72cCTQg/VytB6mMn2CI/AAAAAAAAA0g/shWNW136vssUzfqcnXkLTmF4mWSPGzU_gCLcB/s640/blog6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="color: black; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Every one of us can find at least one
creative outlet, the tricky part is making the time to utilise it. I guarantee
though, if you do let your inner child out to have a play once in a while, you
will grow to love that side of you.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="color: purple; font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Do you use your creative hobby as a form of
healing? If so what works for you? Please feel free to leave your feedback in
the comments below.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Much love to you all.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Namaste</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">-X-</span></span></div>
</div>
Corrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02495811784741507484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242807901362401071.post-63267897422158623672016-03-19T01:04:00.000-07:002016-03-22T02:01:59.795-07:00Station Creation Blog Hop - Our Creative Spaces<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aS7FFTyogeg/VcZSFZvU63I/AAAAAAAAAlo/WHPXw5MspCsYEeKJCHe4nziydu121V86Q/s1600/banner%2Bweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aS7FFTyogeg/VcZSFZvU63I/AAAAAAAAAlo/WHPXw5MspCsYEeKJCHe4nziydu121V86Q/s640/banner%2Bweb.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">I don’t know about you, but I just love seeing the
work spaces of other creative folk…. from getting more of an insight into the
lives of my online buds to being in awe of how the professionals have created
their perfect workspace. This has inspired another blog hop between my writerly
friends and I on sharing our creation stations with all of you. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">So I would like to take you all on a little journey
around my current workspace, going through how I have been working in the past,
how I work now, to my dream workspace. Please also visit the awesome bloggers at
the end of the post to find ideas and inspiration with how they create their
perfect space to get their creative juices flowing. </span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VzIRgMYvudI/VuxYMpEiWwI/AAAAAAAAAy8/jVcBFvV0oMsUFrxn_1Dg0xxDipz8P6ffQ/s1600/studio1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VzIRgMYvudI/VuxYMpEiWwI/AAAAAAAAAy8/jVcBFvV0oMsUFrxn_1Dg0xxDipz8P6ffQ/s320/studio1.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Creative Space 1</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">So how have I worked in the past… well… it’s a good
job I have a sense of humor that’s all I can say! My workspace has for the last
6 years, been, what one can only describe as a tip! I have literally taken over
our kitchen / dining area and filled it with my endless supplies of art
materials. Having a husband who is extremely laid back has been a god send as a
tidy house is not something our family has been used to, between me and the
kids we really do know how to trash a house in style. </span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "calibri"; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;">Countless evenings were spent of me losing art
materials down the sofa and wondering around the kitchen muttering a few choice
words of where I had left the last sketch, rubber, pencil, tablet.. you name
it… I could lose it. Then I had the delights of sitting down for all of five
minutes and then being told someone was hungry, bored, had just been bashed
over the head by their brother / sister. Yes, very hard to concentrate! I would
paint on the easel in the kitchen, living room… anywhere that fits really…paint
splashes would appear everywhere no matter how careful I thought I was. Yes our
last house was very, very... erm lived in, shall we say.</span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: "calibri"; line-height: 150%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6h4vArphO9M/VuxYfkwBFUI/AAAAAAAAAzA/0wJNZDW9B4oWSTN876G3Gs2hoDsxglNCw/s1600/studio2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6h4vArphO9M/VuxYfkwBFUI/AAAAAAAAAzA/0wJNZDW9B4oWSTN876G3Gs2hoDsxglNCw/s640/studio2.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Creative Space 2</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #141823; font-family: "calibri"; line-height: 150%;">Well last year we moved house and I had a spare room to use as an art studio but due to a complicated house move I wasn't able to use the room until last month. At long last, I now have my own room to create in and we have an area just for eating! The house is
tidier, we sit down and eat our meals on a clear table and have more family meals
together….it truly is a transformation.</span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: "calibri"; line-height: 150%;">
</span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: "calibri"; line-height: 150%;">I had always dreamed of the moment I would have my own private space to
work in, but after so many years of working on a sofa I was convinced that I
wouldn’t use it, thinking that it would take the pleasure of painting away, as
it would then turn things more “worky”.</span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: "calibri"; line-height: 150%;"> </span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: "calibri"; line-height: 150%;">I
think I just told myself that to appreciate what I had at the time. Well, I
take back my words because I absolutely love it! I still need to put my stamp
on my room, I want to dedicate a wall to all the gifts I have been given over
the years by artist friends. Then It will be my little haven, it already has a
lovely calming vibe to it.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;"></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kPLSLF7m56o/VuxZdnvIY1I/AAAAAAAAAzM/zr7ttRIMZsUpiN-ywC7eApow_xSlofkFQ/s1600/studio%2B3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kPLSLF7m56o/VuxZdnvIY1I/AAAAAAAAAzM/zr7ttRIMZsUpiN-ywC7eApow_xSlofkFQ/s640/studio%2B3.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Creative Space 3</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">I get so much more done now, with not as many interruptions
or distractions, although the kids do seem to be hijacking my room quite a lot…
lock on the door sorts that out ha ha! Seriously though, even the children are
benefiting from it, my daughter has started writing again and my son has started
doing his homework in there and even started sketching again. Not sure how long
all that will last, we will see.</span></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">The next step will be to have a bigger space in the
garden to run workshops, but that will be a long way down the line, or I might
even look into renting a bigger space. It all depends how my new plans evolve,
there are big dreams that I am working on right now. For the now I am perfectly
happy with what I have got, it suits my needs perfectly. All I have to watch
out for is not hiding in there too much, so I am trying to find the perfect
work / home life balance.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I believe I
will have this in oooh,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>lets say, five
months ha ha. I will write a blog later on this year about everything that is
going on in the background, for now I will have to go quiet for a bit while I
put my plans into action.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">So I shall leave this post on that cryptic little
nugget he he. Will be back with more posts on inspiration, energy healing,
living your dream, stepping out of your comfort zone, empowerment and taking
control of your life later this year when hopefully I will have the proof to
back me up.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: large;">Looking forward to seeing the work spaces of the
other hoppers. </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: purple; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Thanks for stopping by.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>For more ideas and inspiration about writerly
work spaces, please visit these #Gr8blogs today.</b></span></span></div>
</div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Auden Johnson, </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><a href="http://audenstreasury.blogspot.co.uk/2016/03/my-creation-station-blog-hop.html">Dark Treasury</a></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Cat Michaels</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><a href="http://www.catmichaelswriter.com/cats-corner-blogging-about-books-writing-and-more/be-inspired-with-a-visit-to-my-creation-station">Cat's Corner</a></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Julie Gorges</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><a href="http://babyboomerbliss.net/home-office-design-tips-for-writers/">Baby Boomer Bliss</a></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">K. Lamb</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center;">
<div style="line-height: 150%;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><a href="http://klamb.net/blog-3/">K. Lamb, Author</a></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 150%;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Leigh Shearin</span></div>
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; line-height: 24px;"><a href="http://leighshearin.weebly.com/blogs/starlight-alchemy-the-anatomy-of-a-workspace">Leigh Shearin, Writer</a></span></div>
<br />
<div style="line-height: 150%; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="color: purple; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>If you
have a PG-13rated blog about work space, we'd love to have you post your blog
link in the comments section below, and we'll give you some blog loving!</b></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
</div>
Corrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02495811784741507484noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242807901362401071.post-49958998014102233392016-01-29T04:06:00.000-08:002016-01-29T04:06:14.566-08:00How I Beat The Blues Through Meditation and Energy Healing<span class="TextRun SCX234510969" style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; white-space: normal;" xml:lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: x-small;"><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX234510969" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><div class="Paragraph SCX234510969" paraeid="{5948c922-f89f-46d2-9cfb-729b496c1be3}{177}" paraid="253146902" style="-ms-word-wrap: break-word; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">
<br /></div>
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GiT9zh5VFbE/U7HH5sc0gyI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/SgPR6bJln_Y/s1600/blo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: small;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GiT9zh5VFbE/U7HH5sc0gyI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/SgPR6bJln_Y/s400/blo2.jpg" width="300" /></span></a></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">We all go
through the dreaded D word at some point in our lives and it really isn't a
pleasant experience. Everyone has their own battles to fight and depression
affects us all in some form or another. I am hoping this post will bring
comfort to those currently going through it and to reassure you that these
phases are only temporary and the blues can be beaten. This is what is working for
me…</span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><div class="Paragraph SCX234510969" paraeid="{5948c922-f89f-46d2-9cfb-729b496c1be3}{177}" paraid="253146902" style="-ms-word-wrap: break-word; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">
<br /></div>
</span><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am usually a very upbeat and positive person, but I have struggled in the past with depression. I suffered a bad spell in my late teens that lasted about a year or so and then last year I seemed to be attacked by it again.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">What
causes it? A whole manner of things, but for me personally the root cause seems
to be from a huge insecurity complex that I have battled with for years. Last
year we had some big changes, a very complicated house move, a family health
scare. I took on way too much work in the terms of illustration work on
top of all the other things I have to juggle, and
there were lots of other incidents that contributed to my
mental state. I completely lost myself and started turning into a
different person. I was very depressed, I suffered panic
attacks, I was over stressed and generally a right miserable git. I
was consumed by so many negative qualities, self loathing,
bitterness, anger, jelousy, the feeling that everyone didn’t like me
and I was not worth anything. These are all traits I am strongly against so as
you can imagine the whole thing was rather disturbing. I retreated
from the world and from people, I was even
contemplating anti depressants… something I am dead against using but
that is how low I felt.</span> </span></span></div>
<span style="mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: small;"></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /><br /></div>
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-grLbZgTKWTE/U7HFKZuGqOI/AAAAAAAAAIM/SS2qSbA8UAs/s1600/bl9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-grLbZgTKWTE/U7HFKZuGqOI/AAAAAAAAAIM/SS2qSbA8UAs/s320/bl9.jpg" width="248" /></span></a></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Depression
is a horrible thing to go through and I know many of us have felt like this at
some point in our lives. I have had the odd spell now and again but nothing to
this extent. It is not something that you can easily snap out of and you just
feel like you are wandering about under a permanent dark cloud. I
was desperate to get the old me back and was looking into all sorts
of ways to try and get rid of all the negativity that seemed to be around me. I
started to read blogs about depression and ways to combat it, without resorting
to drugs. It was through Dale Preece Kelly, founder of <a href="http://www.critterishallsorts.co.uk/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Critterish Allsorts</span></a>
where I was eventually guided towards meditation, specifically energy
healing. Well what can I say…my mind has been blown! I literally feel
reborn, I only wanted to<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>find my old
self again but it has gone beyond this, not only have I found me again, I have
found the “true” me. I have learned to change my mindset which has put me at
peace with everything and I now have a clear vision of what path I am heading
towards. It’s all very exciting and I am embracing this self
discovery and spiritual journey with open arms.</span> </span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><div class="Paragraph SCX234510969" paraeid="{5948c922-f89f-46d2-9cfb-729b496c1be3}{177}" paraid="253146902" style="-ms-word-wrap: break-word; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span></span><div style="background: white; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;"><strong><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;">What is energy healing?</span></strong> </span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><div class="Paragraph SCX234510969" paraeid="{5948c922-f89f-46d2-9cfb-729b496c1be3}{177}" paraid="253146902" style="-ms-word-wrap: break-word; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span></span><div style="background: white; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Well
put very simply… we are all made up of energy and when your energy is
unbalanced it can have a huge affect on your emotions
and mental well being. By changing your mindset you can get
rid of all these blocks and shift the energy so that you are more
balanced. Energy Healing is a broad term for
any therapy that stimulates the energy flow in or around the human body to
restore balance on all levels, thereby enabling the physical body to heal
itself. Basically clearing blocks and interferences from the biofield. By
balancing this energy you will eradicate all negative feelings, you will
start to feel good about yourself, people will want to be around you and good
things start happening without you even trying.</span> </span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><div class="Paragraph SCX234510969" paraeid="{5948c922-f89f-46d2-9cfb-729b496c1be3}{177}" paraid="253146902" style="-ms-word-wrap: break-word; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span></span><div style="background: white; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: purple; font-size: large;"><strong>How
can you shift this energy?</strong></span> </span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><div class="Paragraph SCX234510969" paraeid="{5948c922-f89f-46d2-9cfb-729b496c1be3}{177}" paraid="253146902" style="-ms-word-wrap: break-word; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The
key… meditation. I have been meditating every day now for the past
two months using the methods of Jerry Sargeant aka The Facilitator </span><a href="http://thefacilitatorhealing.com/jerrysargeant/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Click here for website</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: blue;"> </span>His energy
healing is quoted as being the most powerful form of energy healing currently
out there, even healers using other methods have said that this “star magic” is
more powerful than any other form of practice that they have tried. Jerry has
kindly agreed to do an interview for me next month so I shall get him to
explain in more detail about this form of healing in the next blog post.</span> </span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><div class="Paragraph SCX234510969" paraeid="{5948c922-f89f-46d2-9cfb-729b496c1be3}{177}" paraid="253146902" style="-ms-word-wrap: break-word; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">
<br /></div>
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uxoc7hmzYnQ/VqtI7Yw1iKI/AAAAAAAAAys/KgN5p2AI8yg/s1600/facilitator.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uxoc7hmzYnQ/VqtI7Yw1iKI/AAAAAAAAAys/KgN5p2AI8yg/s1600/facilitator.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">So <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I started by signing up
to Jerrys newsletter where I was sent an 11 day audio clip for a half
hr meditation that you had to do either standing or sitting for 11 days. I
probably didn’t choose the best time to do this as it was literally over the
festive period but I didn’t use that as an excuse not to do them.
This first step was crucial to do as it teaches you to love yourself. Now
I must admit I initially found the concept of loving yourself a tad odd, it
sounded so narcissistic, but it really does work! As you can imagine, when you
are not feeling very good about yourself to learn to love yourself was a
struggle and I found these sessions extremely powerful and very
emotional. After a few days I started to notice things really changing, my
worries melted away, I became much happier, all negative thoughts
disappeared. However I also had a few side effects that are
natural with the process of acceptance. Mine were extreme lethargy, loss of
appetite, the feeling that I wasn’t in my body, suddenly being very aware of
your surroundings and seeing things differently, tingling in my hands and head,
feeling very emotional but not in a sad way. If you have just started out with
energy healing and experience anything like this, please know that you aren’t
going mad, it is completely natural. That phase only lasted
a week, I have now fully accepted what has happened / is happening and
feel on top of the world. I probably found it more hard going due to the bad
place I was in to begin with, you might well not have any of these
experiences. </span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><div class="Paragraph SCX234510969" paraeid="{5948c922-f89f-46d2-9cfb-729b496c1be3}{177}" paraid="253146902" style="-ms-word-wrap: break-word; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">
<br /></div>
</span><div style="background: white; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Anyway
I did that and then moved to a 21 day transform your life session, we will
see how that pans out. There are loads of videos you can choose from on Jerry’s
you tube channel </span><a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/JerrySargeantML/videos"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">https://www.youtube.com/user/JerrySargeantML/videos</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> , not just meditation clips but also videos on how to live the
best life you can. They are very motivational and empowering, I just love his
approach to life. Thanks to these sessions I now know what I need to do
with my life, it is like I have found the missing piece to my puzzle. It will
take time to put things in place but a whole new world has opened up for me
that I want to explore. I will continue down this “healing” path and I
have taken a huge leap out of my comfort zone and will be going to one of
Jerry’s worskshops next weekend to understand it all more. I have also had my
first reiki session and will be looking into learning this for use on friends
and family. Art therapy is another thing I am being guided towards. Art
will always be a big part of my life and I have always wanted to do something
more with it. I believe this is the way forward for me and am currently putting
my plans into action… exciting stuff.</span> </span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><div class="Paragraph SCX234510969" paraeid="{5948c922-f89f-46d2-9cfb-729b496c1be3}{177}" paraid="253146902" style="-ms-word-wrap: break-word; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3pD011j1ZVs/U7HFIy_QamI/AAAAAAAAAH8/dh0upKEHheo/s1600/bl5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="326" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3pD011j1ZVs/U7HFIy_QamI/AAAAAAAAAH8/dh0upKEHheo/s400/bl5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The
past month has been such an eye opener and I have been reading non
stop about energy healing, mindfulness and spiritual awakenings. It has
been a huge moment of self discovery for me and I can’t wait to see
how this all evolves. I am hoping by blogging about my experience it might
spur others that are going through a bad time to reach out and try this for
themselves, just to get them back on a happy plane. I know there is a lot of skepticism
out there surrounding this way of life and many people won’t
touch this concept with a bargepole but it works! Absolutely anyone can do
this, you just need to let go and try it, what harm can it do? Half an hr every
day of lying there and listening to someone is a small sacrifice for how you
will feel after. I was very skeptical and really wasn’t
expecting anything, all I wanted was to be happy again. Well it has
gone way beyond that, it’s amazing. I haven’t felt the feelings from last
year since I started this and my heart is bursting with love, such a lovely
feeling.</span> </span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><div class="Paragraph SCX234510969" paraeid="{5948c922-f89f-46d2-9cfb-729b496c1be3}{177}" paraid="253146902" style="-ms-word-wrap: break-word; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">
<br /></div>
</span><div style="background: white; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">The biggest
change I have seen apart from the happy business is that people are entering my
life and things are happening that all seem to be key to where I am
guided to go. It is all so spooky but great things are happening behind
the scenes. It is amazing how differently people react to you after you have
changed your mind set. By learning to love myself and to let go of
absolutely every little worry and negative thought good things are
starting to happen. I have had situations at work that should have really
ticked me off, the usual monthly hormonal joys, a couple of full moons and I still
I haven’t felt low… that really is quite something. Last year I
would have a bad spell at least once a week and at one point it
seemed to go on forever. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><div class="Paragraph SCX234510969" paraeid="{5948c922-f89f-46d2-9cfb-729b496c1be3}{177}" paraid="253146902" style="-ms-word-wrap: break-word; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">
<br /></div>
</span><div style="background: white; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">On top
of meditation I am also following the reiki principles. I take
a moment day and night to say these to myself, thinking about each one and
making sure my mind is at peace before I move to the next one. It really does
help you start the day on a good footing.</span> </span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><div class="Paragraph SCX234510969" paraeid="{5948c922-f89f-46d2-9cfb-729b496c1be3}{177}" paraid="253146902" style="-ms-word-wrap: break-word; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2g3aA3b9hhw/U7HFGuKFwZI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/YQyJSAOu45M/s1600/bl10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2g3aA3b9hhw/U7HFGuKFwZI/AAAAAAAAAIQ/YQyJSAOu45M/s320/bl10.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: large;">For
today I will: </span></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX234510969" paraeid="{5948c922-f89f-46d2-9cfb-729b496c1be3}{177}" paraid="253146902" style="-ms-word-wrap: break-word; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span><div style="background: white; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Not be angry </span></span></i></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><div class="Paragraph SCX234510969" paraeid="{5948c922-f89f-46d2-9cfb-729b496c1be3}{177}" paraid="253146902" style="-ms-word-wrap: break-word; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">
<br /></div>
</span><div style="background: white; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Will not
worry </span></span></i></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><div class="Paragraph SCX234510969" paraeid="{5948c922-f89f-46d2-9cfb-729b496c1be3}{177}" paraid="253146902" style="-ms-word-wrap: break-word; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">
<br /></div>
</span><div style="background: white; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Will be
grateful</span></span></i></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><div class="Paragraph SCX234510969" paraeid="{5948c922-f89f-46d2-9cfb-729b496c1be3}{177}" paraid="253146902" style="-ms-word-wrap: break-word; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">
<br /></div>
</span><div style="background: white; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Will be diligent in
my work</span></span></i></b></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><div class="Paragraph SCX234510969" paraeid="{5948c922-f89f-46d2-9cfb-729b496c1be3}{177}" paraid="253146902" style="-ms-word-wrap: break-word; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">
<br /></div>
</span><div style="background: white; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Will be kind to
others</span> </span></span></span></i></b></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS; font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></i></b></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><div class="Paragraph SCX234510969" paraeid="{5948c922-f89f-46d2-9cfb-729b496c1be3}{177}" paraid="253146902" style="-ms-word-wrap: break-word; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">
<br /></div>
</span><div style="background: white; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Off
course things still niggle me, I am not a super hero now ha ha,
but I can tell when my thoughts are spiraling and I am able to nip them in the
bud so that I remain balanced. The other day I could feel old emotions start
coming up and I went to have<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a lie down
for 15 minutes and repeated the reiki principles in my mind while focusing on all
the energy in my body….it sorted me right out.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><div class="Paragraph SCX234510969" paraeid="{5948c922-f89f-46d2-9cfb-729b496c1be3}{177}" paraid="253146902" style="-ms-word-wrap: break-word; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">
<br /></div>
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: small;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="background: white; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I hope
these posts will help some people out there. I am throwing caution to the wind
with speaking so openly about this. I am aware that some will question all
of this but if my writing can help just one person through a bad time
then it is worth it.</span> </span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><div class="Paragraph SCX234510969" paraeid="{5948c922-f89f-46d2-9cfb-729b496c1be3}{177}" paraid="253146902" style="-ms-word-wrap: break-word; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span></span><div style="background: white; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Have
you had a spiritual awakening or had experiences with energy healing? How did
it change your life? I would love to hear more. Also have you battled with
depression? If so what methods helped you beat the blues?</span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><div class="Paragraph SCX234510969" paraeid="{5948c922-f89f-46d2-9cfb-729b496c1be3}{177}" paraid="253146902" style="-ms-word-wrap: break-word; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span></span><div style="background: white; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;"><em><strong>Much
love to you all </strong></em></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;"><div class="Paragraph SCX234510969" paraeid="{5948c922-f89f-46d2-9cfb-729b496c1be3}{177}" paraid="253146902" style="-ms-word-wrap: break-word; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">
<em><br /><br /><strong><span style="color: #a64d79;"></span></strong></em></div>
</span><div style="background: white; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="color: #a64d79; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;"><em><strong>Namaste</strong></em></span> </span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><div class="Paragraph SCX234510969" paraeid="{5948c922-f89f-46d2-9cfb-729b496c1be3}{177}" paraid="253146902" style="-ms-word-wrap: break-word; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">
<br /><br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span></span></div>
</span><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX234510969" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX234510969" paraeid="{5948c922-f89f-46d2-9cfb-729b496c1be3}{177}" paraid="253146902" style="-ms-word-wrap: break-word; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</span><div class="OutlineElement Ltr SCX234510969" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; -webkit-user-drag: none; -webkit-user-select: text; background-color: white; clear: both; cursor: text; direction: ltr; font-family: 'Segoe UI', Tahoma, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 8px; margin: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; position: relative;">
<div class="Paragraph SCX234510969" paraeid="{5948c922-f89f-46d2-9cfb-729b496c1be3}{177}" paraid="253146902" style="-ms-word-wrap: break-word; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px; text-align: left; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">
<br /></div>
<div class="Paragraph SCX234510969" paraeid="{5948c922-f89f-46d2-9cfb-729b496c1be3}{177}" paraid="253146902" style="-ms-word-wrap: break-word; background-color: transparent; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">
<span style="font-size: small;"></span><br /></div>
</div>
Corrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02495811784741507484noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242807901362401071.post-58363201242724363082016-01-21T11:34:00.002-08:002016-07-07T07:47:30.186-07:00Blog Hop Tour - A Letter To Your Younger Self<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">My writerly pals and I would like to share an open letter to a younger self.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">So what would I tell a younger me, hmmmm…. Where do I start! I still feel like I am growing as a person but I am pretty clued up with where my life is heading now and there is a tonne of stuff I wish I knew back then! So here goes, come here my little mini me, let me enlighten you he he</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pm8LxPdlf24/VqExwKQ6auI/AAAAAAAAAyc/nNml8oMOpaY/s1600/mini%2Bme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pm8LxPdlf24/VqExwKQ6auI/AAAAAAAAAyc/nNml8oMOpaY/s320/mini%2Bme.jpg" width="275" /></a></div>
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Dear little Nean,</span></span></i></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #7030a0; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Well, what can I say….what a colourful little life you will lead! Your life will not be boring that’s for sure. You will do some amazing things and meet some great people who open your eyes to a different way of thinking. As each year passes you will gain more wisdom and knowledge, all of which will assist you in helping others. People will fascinate you and are key to your journey, and you will find that you attract a variety of people into your life with <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>different cultures and backgrounds, and they will all inspire you in their own little way. The child within you will never disappear, and as a result you will live your life to the fullest, enjoying every experience that is thrown your way. Laughter will be a big part of your life, and will get you through some tough times.</span></span></i></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #7030a0; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So what can I pass down to you….The biggest thing by far is, you must listen to your heart! You will always have a battle between heart and head but I tell you now, your heart knows so much more than you give her credit for. By following your heart you will have such a fulfilling and fun packed life. There will be times when that head of yours shouts to be heard or other people do the shouting for you, but you just have to trust your gut instinct and ignore the ‘rational’ <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>thinking at times. It won’t always be easy and by living this way you will make mistakes, but these mistakes are key learning points. Never, ever look at a bad experience as a negative thing, these times are what makes you stronger, and what makes you grow. Things will scare you.. A LOT! But you are a tough cookie and love a challenge, so you will push yourself to do these things, because you know it will make you grow in confidence. You will always enjoy the experience, so never ever not do something because you are scared.</span></span></i></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #7030a0; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Your life will be abundant with highs but there will be lows…. and they aren’t great. There will be loss, heartaches, frustration, confusion and self loathing. This will be caused by a number of things, but no matter how lost or confused you feel about your life, trust that this stage is only temporary and that you need to go through the fog to get to the light. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When the time is ready it will all suddenly make sense and <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>you will realize that everything you have been doing is all part of your journey. You will look back one day and will be amazed by how mapped out everything has been. You will see signs throughout your life, do not shrug these off as coincidences, take note and keep following that heart of yours.</span></span></i></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As a 38 year old woman I still have much growing to do but these guidelines have been key to my journey so far and I try my best to live my life by them.</span></span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #c00000; font-family: "copperplate gothic bold" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Listen to your heart</span></div>
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Do not let others views cloud your judgement, only you will know what is the right thing to do. By all means listen to advice and take other peoples views on board, but at the end of the day let your heart make that final decision.</span></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #c00000; font-family: "copperplate gothic bold" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Learn to love yourself</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #c00000; font-family: "copperplate gothic bold" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"></span><span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">You will have a lot of insecurities to deal with, but it is so key to learn to love yourself. Once this has been done you will find that everything is suddenly so much better<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and you will find true inner peace. The older you get, the less you will care about how others view you and this is key to your development.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #c00000; font-family: "copperplate gothic bold" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Learn to let go of negativity</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #c00000; font-family: "copperplate gothic bold" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"></span><span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Most of this is caused by you over thinking situations that don’t even exist. Yes there will be times when it is clear that there is an issue, but the best thing you can do is to let go of all these negative feelings. Learn to only focus on the good in people, ignore the niggly traits. You cannot change anyone so learn to love people for who they are and simply let go. If things do not improve then it is time to step back from these situations. Do not let others negativity get in the way of your happiness.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Stop worrying about the what ifs and the past, they do not exist. You cannot change anything that has been done nor can you predict the future so live for the now!</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #c00000; font-family: "copperplate gothic bold" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Love everyone with all of your heart</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #c00000; font-family: "copperplate gothic bold" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"></span><span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">You have a big heart Nean and it confuses you at times, but just have faith in the fact that you are meant to love people. The need to help and care has a purpose for you and that will become clear later on in life. You have always known that a part of your jigsaw was missing and it takes much self discovery to finally know what it is. When you do, you will feel complete.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #c00000; font-family: "copperplate gothic bold" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Be Grateful</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #c00000; font-family: "copperplate gothic bold" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"></span><span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Be thankful everyday for all the good things in your life, you have so much to be thankful for, always remember that.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #c00000; font-family: "copperplate gothic bold" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Work hard and never give up.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #c00000; font-family: "copperplate gothic bold" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"></span><span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Keep working towards your goals no matter what life throws at you. Even if it is only a small step forward, all the baby steps will get you closer to where you want to go. Don’t ever give up and don’t stop loving what you do. As soon as the love goes away then it is time to rethink things and to step back. Take time out to take care of yourself and find the love again, when it has returned everything will flow perfectly.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #c00000; font-family: "copperplate gothic bold" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Be kind to others</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #c00000; font-family: "copperplate gothic bold" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"></span><span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">It is simple but so true, by making others happy it will make you happy.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #c00000; font-family: "copperplate gothic bold" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Meditate and tap into energy healing!</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #c00000; font-family: "copperplate gothic bold" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"></span><span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">A bit random but this will be the key to your self discovery and will give you that missing piece of the puzzle. I will go into more detail about this in next weeks blog. You have been warned ha ha.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Believe in yourself Nean, you know in your heart what you need to do, so keep following that path and the rest will take care of itself. Try not to get too frustrated, take one day at a time and have faith. Love every day of your life like it was your last, love life, love people, love nature and most importantly love you!</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Namaste</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">Thanks for stopping. For more letters to a younger self, visit these #Gr8blogs today.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">Auden Johnson, Dark Treasury</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;"><a href="http://audenstreasury.blogspot.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://audenstreasury.blogspot.com</span></a></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">Cat Michaels, on Cat’sCorner</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;"><a href="http://www.catmichaelswriter.com/cats-corner-blogging-about-books-writing-and-more">http://www.catmichaelswriter.com/cats-corner-blogging-about-books-writing-and-more</a></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">How a Forgotten Journal Helped Me Move Beyond a Painful Past</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">Cat shares excerpts from a journal written by her painfully insecure 15-yo self to OlderDarlin’ --- the adult she wished to become and hoped she would do proud.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">Julie Gorges, Baby-Boomer Bliss</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;"><a href="http://babyboomerbliss.netjuliegorges.com/" target="_blank">http://babyboomerbliss.netjuliegorges.com</a></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">Leigh Shearin, Leigh Shearin,Writer</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;"><a href="http://www.leighshearin.weebly.com/" target="_blank">http:/www.LeighShearin.Weebly.com</a></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">*************************************************************************</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">On 1 February, two more #Gr8blogs share their letters to a younger self:</span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">Carmela Dutra, A Blog for Your Thoughts</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;"><a href="http://www.ablogforyourthoughts.com/"><span style="color: blue;">http://carmeladutra.com/blog-post/letter-to-my-younger-self/</span></a></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">Karen Emma Hall, Kid LiteratureBlogspot</span></b></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;"><a href="http://kidliteraturetoday.blogspot.com/">http://kidliteraturetoday.blogspot.com</a></span></div>
Corrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02495811784741507484noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242807901362401071.post-37521576173068499942016-01-14T11:24:00.000-08:002016-01-15T01:31:12.345-08:00Inspirational Spotlight - Celebrating the new release of Patrick S Brook's first novel Deathcat Sally <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img height="297" src="https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xft1/v/t1.0-9/12507483_174350922923243_1768021299192147396_n.jpg?oh=84a6a685f0cb42e4f6b0c85fd35fbaef&oe=570940BA" width="640" /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
</div>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Happy New Year
everyone! I hope everyone had an enjoyable festive break and are all bright
eyed and bushy tailed ready to tackle the new year ahead. My break was quite an
eye opener and I have had what can only be described as an awakening. I shall
be letting you all in to my new outlook on life soon enough, I am still getting
my head around it all, but I can honestly say I have never felt so uplifted and
at peace with myself. I feel like I should be living in one of Patrick’s illustrations
he he. His latest colour collective piece above is very fitting!</span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
<br />
</span></span><br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Anyway enough nutty
ramblings, I have plenty of time to weird you all out over the course of 2016
ha ha. </span></span></span></span></div>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
<br />
</span></span><br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Let’s get down
to business. I can’t think of a better blog post to kick the new year off than
with celebrating the new release of the super talented Patrick S Brooks first
book release “Deathcat Sally” released on January the 21st 2016. </span></span></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></span>
<span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I was lucky enough to read this on my holidays at
the beginning of 2015 and I couldn’t put the book down. As soon as I came home
I started reading it to my 11 year old son Dylan and he loved it too. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have a huge soft spot for the main
character, Zachary the cat. He has got a wicked sense of humour and I have well
and truly fallen in love with the little fur ball. Really hoping it is not the
last we see of Zachary.</span></span></span></span></div>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
</span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If I were asked to
describe this book in a simple sentence, it would be <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“a Clive Barker for the younger reader,
thrilling, captivating, funny and a little gruesome”… a winning combo in my eyes.
</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/R9z7X6orWA8/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/R9z7X6orWA8?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></span></span></div>
<br /></div>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
<br />
</span></span><br />
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span lang="EN-GB"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have been
following Patrick’s work for just over<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a
year now and had a gut feeling that there was more to him than meets the eye.
Not only is he a gifted artist but boy can the man write! On top of this he is one of the nicest people I have come across. So I wanted Patrick
to tell us all a bit more about his work and his hopes and dreams. So without
further ado I give you the genius that is Patrick S Brooks.......</span></span></span></span></div>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
<br />
</span></span><br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><strong><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Tell us a little about yourself
and your background.</span></strong></span></span></h3>
</div>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: purple; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
</span>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: purple; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
</span></div>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">
</span></span><br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: purple; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I’ve
been drawing and illustrating since I was a child and was creatively inspired
by Western and Eastern cartoons and animated films. Early favourites included ‘Kimba
the White Lion’, ‘Thundercats’, ‘Battle of the Planets’, ‘The Real Ghostbusters’
and numerous Disney and Warner Bros titles. My Grandfather Brooks was a painter
who specialised in oils and acrylics, so I was artistically inspired by his
work also. </span></span><br />
<h3>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> What were your favourite subjects
at school?</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"></b></span></h3>
</div>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
</div>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
</div>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: purple; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Art
and English were my favourite subjects – from an early age I would draw
characters from Disney and Warner Bros shows and films. I studied Art through
GCSE, A Level, Diploma and Degree. It was in High School that I began using
pastels and found I particularly enjoyed using them. I started using Photoshop
in college for my Diploma and have used it ever since.</span></span></div>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
</span><div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;">
<h3>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"></b></span></h3>
<div>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FnATke0m9mc/VpfxpqP-j_I/AAAAAAAAAxo/Zo71SA0nBxM/s1600/Sally%2Billustrations.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="444" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FnATke0m9mc/VpfxpqP-j_I/AAAAAAAAAxo/Zo71SA0nBxM/s640/Sally%2Billustrations.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></h3>
<div>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">How would you describe yourself
as a child?</span></b></span></h3>
</div>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: purple; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I
enjoyed escaping into fantasy worlds through animation and films and
particularly liked the original Star Wars trilogy and Ghostbusters. I would
write and illustrate my own stories about them with my older sister. I was
never really into playing sports or following football like many other
children, I preferred to watch cartoons and fantasy/sci-fi films and play Sega
Master System games such as Sonic the Hedgehog and Wonderboy. The style of
early video games also inspired me and introduced me further to anime. </span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: purple; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;">
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">You are an author and
illustrator, do you enjoy both equally as much? Did you always want to be both
or did it just naturally happen?</span></b></h3>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: purple; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I
always liked creating characters and writing stories, but primarily focused on
illustration for a while. It wasn’t until I suffered from a nerve injury in my
neck in 2010 that I fully focused on writing – mainly because I could no longer
illustrate as the injury affected my right hand. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: purple; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;">
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">DeathCat Sally is your first book
to be released in the big wide world. Can you tell the readers what the book is
about and where the concept came from.</span></b></h3>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: purple; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Deathcat
Sally was inspired by a lucid dream I had on 7<sup>th</sup> January 2011. I’d
been struggling with the nerve entrapment since the previous September and was
on a cocktail of neuropathic medication and painkillers. As I could no longer
illustrate, I spent more time at the local RSPCA looking after a large group of
cats. This combined with the severe neuralgia down my right side likely led to
the dream I had. In the dream, a female teacher who had knocked over a cat
later found that half of his talking spirit was fused to her shoulder. When I
woke, I immediately started scribbling notes down and then turned on my
computer and started typing. </span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: purple; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: purple; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The
book follows a 17 year old teaching assistant called Sally Rancher who
accidentally knocks over a cat named Zachary with her car while rushing home.
Trying to help, she is hit by another vehicle and is comatose. When she wakes,
she finds that half of Zachary’s talking spirit is fused to her shoulder. Sally
finds she can communicate with other animals and that both Zachary and her keep
being pulled into a dark place called ‘No Man’s Land’ – a realm of lost animal
spirits. Together they must find a way to separate and uncover the reasons why
they are bound together. </span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: purple; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: purple; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br /></div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BiWMGCDdT6A/VpfyKBjJEcI/AAAAAAAAAxw/x6Y25NALTdc/s1600/Sally%2Bpromo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BiWMGCDdT6A/VpfyKBjJEcI/AAAAAAAAAxw/x6Y25NALTdc/s640/Sally%2Bpromo.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></b></h3>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">How long did it take to complete
the book and what has been the most challenging aspect to date?</span></b></h3>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: purple; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">It’s
taken nearly five years to complete the book and it has altered quite a lot
during the writing process. Originally, Sally was older and the novel was
approx 133,000 words. Based on feedback from editors and proofreaders, I cut
44,000 words to get it to a more streamlined 89,000 words. Several characters
and subplots were cut, but I feel this helped with the pacing of the story. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: purple; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Originally
the story was far more adult based – Zachary used excess profanity and there
was more violence and gore. Due to feedback from others, I found that aiming
the book at a young adult readerbase would suit the story better. Much of the
dialogue had to be changed and the violence toned down to a more 12A movie
certificate level. </span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: purple; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: purple; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Another
challenging part was incorporating the changes from the publisher’s external
proofreader and keeping track of everything through Track Changes in Word.
Perhaps strangely for a writer, I have a form of visual dyslexia called Irlen’s
Syndrome, which means I struggle to read large blocks of text in certain fonts
due to severe migraines and visual disturbances. For me to be able to read
extensive amounts of text, I require a pink coloured overlay and have to
convert type into a handwritten font and increase the line spacing. Any time I
get an email for example, I have to copy/paste into Word and convert the
font/line spacing. There are some instances where this cannot always be done
(for example scanned documents with proofreader notes). </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: purple; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I
think overall finding how the publishing process works and having some things
be very different to preconceptions was also challenging and a steep learning
curve. </span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: purple; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;">
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The options of getting a book out
there is so vast these days. What route did you decide to take with Death Cat
Sally and why?</span></b></h3>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: purple; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I
didn’t feel confident enough to self publish on Kindle for example – as
Deathcat Sally is my first full novel, I knew I had to get more external
feedback on the story and see how others were responding to it. Although it
can’t be considered a mainstream release, I feel as though due to the external
comments from editors, proofreaders, writers’ groups and associates I have
become a better writer and know what things to watch out for when writing and
submitting my next novel. My second book is called ‘Cyborg Critters’ – a young
adult sci-fi/horror following an escaped bionic guinea pig, rabbit and ferret.
I’ll be approaching agents and publishers this year when it’s ready and hope to
make it into the mainstream. There’s potential for a Cyborg Critters trilogy,
but the first book will also work as a self-contained novel. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: purple; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;">
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">The publishing industry seems to
be a bottomless pit of things to learn, I feel like I have only just scratched
the surface with it all. Do you have any top tips or has there been incidents
that have opened your eyes to the whole publishing industry?</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: purple; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span></b></h3>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: purple; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">It
is a minefield out there and you just have to learn from experience. I would
recommend to fully research agents and publishers who specialise in the genre
your novel is in. I’ve had a few horror stories with the industry - projects
being cancelled, publishers going into administration etc, and unfortunately
sometimes there are some things you can’t prepare for. Unless you get very
lucky, getting a major bestseller with your first novel is going to be tricky,
but although it is an incredibly steep learning curve, you will learn. If you
persevere and believe you can accomplish something worthwhile that resonates
with readers, then don’t let anyone dissuade you. That isn’t to say you
shouldn’t be open to constructive criticism and comments that will help you
improve your characters and story. If you want to be a writer, then dealing
with and taking on board the feedback from others is essential – it’s not
always easy to hear, but it might just help you improve in the long run. </span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: purple; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;">
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">How will you be marketing the
book?</span></b></h3>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: purple; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I
designed and printed my own marketing and promotional materials. In my
marketing packs are bookmarks, badges, postcards, toy cats etc. I’ve had banner
stands printed and bought a cat puppet for any potential book signings/events.
I’ve also hired an external marketing company to assist with contacting
reviewers/bloggers to try to get the book more exposure. I need all the help I
can get with the book really! I have no idea how successful the book will be,
but as far as the marketing aspect goes, this is my test run to see what works
and what doesn’t. Wish me luck! I hope those that read Deathcat Sally will pass
the book on and recommend it to others as I think this is how the book will
find its readerbase. I’m also intending to send copies to animal welfare and
conservation charities/groups, libraries and schools/colleges. </span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: purple; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;">
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">What’s your views on social media
for marketing and which social network worked best for you?</span></b></h3>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: purple; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I’ve
found Twitter incredibly helpful since I started using it just over a year ago.
Primarily it’s helped me connect with other illustrators and writers and
through the illustration group Colour Collective has allowed me to improve as
an illustrator, gain exposure and secure representation by Advocate Art. I
prefer Twitter to Facebook, which I’ve only just started using, but also see
the potential to gain exposure through the Artist, Illustrator and Writers’
groups.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: purple; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hmv0782dpvY/VpfyaGxQSeI/AAAAAAAAAx4/FKBcq8nvHIM/s1600/Print%2B%25236%2BA3%2BSailing%2BHome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="148" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hmv0782dpvY/VpfyaGxQSeI/AAAAAAAAAx4/FKBcq8nvHIM/s320/Print%2B%25236%2BA3%2BSailing%2BHome.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">One of the things I love about
you is that you are a compassionate soul and like most creatives want to make
the world a better place somehow. Can you tell us what your dream / purpose is
with the book and future creations of yours.</span></b></h3>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: purple; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Thanks!
For Deathcat Sally I’d like to think it could raise awareness in young adults
and older readers about animal welfare and conservation. I didn’t set out to
write a lecture or have a preachy agenda, but aimed to create non human
characters that the reader could empathise with. It also deals with mental
health issues and is partly an allegory about Bipolar Disorder. I think it’s a
very long road ahead with Deathcat Sally, but I’d love to see it as an animated
or live action film one day. For my children’s illustration work I’m aiming to
get picture books published and hope that my work brightens up the
reader/viewer’s day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: purple; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;">
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">What advice would you give to
your younger self?</span></b></h3>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: purple; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Don’t
give up! No matter how bad or hopeless things get, never quit. Have faith and
hold onto the hope that things will get better. </span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: purple; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: purple; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"></span><br /></div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;">
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Now going into what drew me to
you originally.. your illustrations. As we know, big fan here he he. You create
a whole new world with your illustrations, an ethereal world which both animals
and humans would forever be at peace. Can you tell us where you get your
inspiration from. Have you always created these worlds or is it something that
evolved over time?</span></b></h3>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: purple; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I
think the human/animal scenes have evolved over time. As mentioned, I watched a
lot of animated shows and films when I was young (still do!) and many have
anthropomorphic animals. Most animated creatures from shows and films have
human personalities, so you have more empathy for them. I think most of my
illustrations have a dreamlike feel to them, I suppose some could be considered
idyllic – where humans and animals co-exist peacefully, but I think this is
part of the ethereal nature of much of my work. As a child, I was shielded from
the harsh reality and raw brutality of nature, as perhaps many children are.
Maybe some of my illustration work is in a way, capturing a glimpse of that
innocent state of being. Deathcat Sally presents a reality where animals
communicate with one another and have unique personalities and talk as people
would. Cyborg Critters is set in a world where, aside from the cybernetically
enhanced mammals, animals do not have human-like personalities and do not
communicate with one another beyond basic natural instincts. Growing up and in
popular culture, it’s clear that the natural world is so inspiring in the
creation of captivating non-human characters. </span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: purple; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w3s0blAG5jg/Vpfy0dP2U0I/AAAAAAAAAyA/XJXtKJgKOgM/s1600/Print%2B%252311%2BA3%2BRacoon%2Band%2Bthe%2BMoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-w3s0blAG5jg/Vpfy0dP2U0I/AAAAAAAAAyA/XJXtKJgKOgM/s640/Print%2B%252311%2BA3%2BRacoon%2Band%2Bthe%2BMoon.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: purple; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;">
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I think another reason your work
stands out to me is the story telling within. Illustrators are good at telling
stories with their work, that’s what we are here to do after all, but your
illustrations to me seem to have something extra, like a hidden meaning. Are
there any hidden meanings lurking about in the background or am I just being weird
ha ha</span></b></h3>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: purple; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I’m
very glad you think so! I always like to try to include a narrative in my
illustration work and sometimes leave it open to the viewer’s interpretation. I
try to convey a sense of fun in some of my illustration, while in others I try
to convey a sense of wonder and discovery. I think some of my illustrations
focus on being in awe of the natural world and the concept of the spiritual.
Light, and the Sun/stars are often in my scenes – I like including these as to
me they represent the beauty of life and the vastness of creation. Many times I
try to have a sense of warmth from the Sun in my illustrations. I think having
celestial elements prominent is about searching for meaning and answers too, whether
that is through faith and the belief in a higher power, meditation, or learning
about the natural order of the world and why the universe is as it is. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: purple; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UZ_HGMeR1iU/Vpfv6zKMJgI/AAAAAAAAAxU/JBOUenXF2Ro/s1600/donkey%2Band%2Bsquirrel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UZ_HGMeR1iU/Vpfv6zKMJgI/AAAAAAAAAxU/JBOUenXF2Ro/s320/donkey%2Band%2Bsquirrel.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<h3>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Can you give us a brief step by
step outline of the process behind your illustrations. Do you still use
traditional methods with your work now?</span></b></h3>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: purple; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I
primarily work in Photoshop now and use custom pastel and paint brushes. I
still use scanned traditional paint and pastel textures too though. I use a Wacom
tablet for all my work. For most of my children’s illustrations I create the
sky/background elements first. I usually start throwing down different colours
and textures into Photoshop and experiment with the layer opacity and layer
properties to get the colour tones that I want to use. When I have a good idea
of the environment, I start planning the composition of where the characters
need to be. Sometimes where they begin is not where they end up, other times I
might start with one creature, then decide another would work better in the
scene. The images are built up gradually in many layers in Photoshop and I use
the custom pastel, paint and canvas brushes to create texture, giving the
images a more traditional media feel. </span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: purple; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TJIxul3Po5I/VpfwNttyKLI/AAAAAAAAAxc/ZkbQewR4hQ4/s1600/Print%2B%252317%2BA3%2BOrigin%2Bof%2BStarfish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TJIxul3Po5I/VpfwNttyKLI/AAAAAAAAAxc/ZkbQewR4hQ4/s320/Print%2B%252317%2BA3%2BOrigin%2Bof%2BStarfish.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<h3>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">For budding illustrators out
there, what methods have you found to be the best way of marketing your artwork
and getting people to notice you?</span></b></h3>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: purple; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I
think Twitter has helped me enormously to get feedback from other illustrators
and writers. It’s also helped a great deal as I’ve become inspired by so many
talented illustrators on Twitter. Becoming a regular contributor to illustrator
groups is also an excellent way of getting more exposure. Initially, I started
with Daily Doodles and Sketch Dailies, but then focused completely on Colour
Collective. I like to try to support other illustrators by Retweeting and
Liking their work and it’s important to regularly upload your illustrations
onto social media. It’s incredibly competitive out there and you have to
persevere and maintain a strong online presence with increasing and improving your
portfolio. </span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: purple; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;">
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Where would you like to see
yourself in say five years time?</span></b></h3>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: purple; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">I’d
like to have picture books and at least one novel in mainstream publication. My
dream is to have Deathcat Sally or Cyborg Critters (or both!) made into good animated
or live action films one day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: purple; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;">
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Now the most important question,
where can we get our hands on a copy of DeathCat Sally?</span></b></h3>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: purple; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Deathcat
Sally is available to buy from 21<sup>st</sup> January – please have a look! </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: purple; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">It’s
probably going to be a very long time before I make any kind of personal
profits from book royalties, but if I do I’d like to donate percentages to
animal welfare and conservation charities. In the meantime, I’ve become a
sponsor for Cats Protection and hope to increase awareness of their work. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: purple; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Thanks
very much for the questions and all the best for 2016!</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: purple; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Patrick</span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: purple; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: purple; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;">Thank you so much Patrick, I really enjoyed learning more about you and your work and I absolutely cannot wait to get a copy.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: purple; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: purple; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;">If you would like to follow Patrick's work then here are all the appropriate links:</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: purple; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: purple; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="color: black; font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://www.psbrooks.com/" target="_blank">Website</a></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: purple; font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://www.psbrooks.com/novels" target="_blank">Further information about Deathcat Sally</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/PSBrooksIllustration?ref=l2-shopheader-name" target="_blank">Online store for prints</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/PS-Brooks-1663951833851188/?ref=hl" target="_blank">Facebook</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Twitter: @P_S_Brooks</div>
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 3pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt 18pt;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
I would like to end the post with one of Patrick's prints that I cherish. He included my little Pip and Squeak from Animania. One of my highlights from 2015....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lRRFQQTTOT4/Vpf0gTSO0EI/AAAAAAAAAyM/HuWhk-SUPLI/s1600/ps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lRRFQQTTOT4/Vpf0gTSO0EI/AAAAAAAAAyM/HuWhk-SUPLI/s640/ps.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
</span><br />Corrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02495811784741507484noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242807901362401071.post-86198098403746101992015-12-12T07:16:00.000-08:002015-12-13T09:39:31.696-08:00Inspirational Spotlight – Interview With Sondra Rymer, Founder of Fairy Tales Imagery<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ywE7-SIuGPI/VmwxM4s6t_I/AAAAAAAAAv8/wXHxLbeYae8/s1600/Sleeping%2BBeautyFINALUPDATE2014WEB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ywE7-SIuGPI/VmwxM4s6t_I/AAAAAAAAAv8/wXHxLbeYae8/s400/Sleeping%2BBeautyFINALUPDATE2014WEB.jpg" width="266" /></a><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #0070c0; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">For my 2<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">nd</span></sup>
inspirational spotlight feature I would like to introduce you all to the multi
talented and all round super woman Sondra Rymer aka <a href="http://www.fairytalesimagery.com/" target="_blank">Fairy Tales Imagery</a>. I have
known Sondra for about<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a year now and we
met through the wonderful twitter hub. I refer to Sondra as twinny as she is the
complete mirror image of me, but I am the more lazier one ha ha. We have had
many chats and rants about our creative journey and one thing that always
amazes me is how much this lovely lady is capable of! I have no idea how Sondra
fits everything in, at times I have wondered if she is super human because the
amount of work that she puts in is ridiculous. Not only for her own creative
pursuits but also in helping and supporting others in the creative community.
On top of being a working Mum Sondra is also a photographer, graphic designer,
blogger and active on pretty much every social media platform out there.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #0070c0; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Sondra’s work
has always made me smile, she creates worlds of happy ever afters and you just
wish you could transport yourself into one of her images. Sondra manages to
capture<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>unique worlds by digitally
manipulating images using her own photos, occasional stock photos and props. Her children also feature
in some pieces and are so soooo adorable! </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #0070c0; mso-bidi-font-family: Helvetica; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Sondra does
many interviews with other creatives and I was honoured to be featured on her
<a href="https://t.co/66YlzlIdpo" target="_blank">Artist Spotlight Interview</a> recently. So I thought it was about time we knew more about this super
woman. So with further ado<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I bring to
you Sondra Rymer aka Twinny….</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 24pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Tell us a little bit about you and what you do</span></i></b></div>
</div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Howdy! I am a conceptual photographer and digital illustration
artist specializing in children's and YA fantasy and fairy tale art. In
college my time was spent primarily in photojournalism, theatre arts, graphic
design and English literature. As life goes my career has taken many different
turns from managing a photography department of a large curriculum and book
publisher to freelancing photography from my home studio. I have ALWAYS wanted
to be a creative visual storyteller. When I worked on newspaper feature
stories, I adored telling a story through my photography and I think this has
always stayed as a core value and desire in my work through the years.
Making art personable, engaging, and unique has always been key
components in my profession. I have a desire to want to engage an audience with
photography and art that tells a story. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 24pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What inspired you as a child? Did you ever know that you wanted
to pursue a career in the creative field?</span></i></b></div>
</div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q03gSTjoyYs/VmwyI2Hdy-I/AAAAAAAAAwI/u1ysNzKnjZA/s1600/Frog_King_FINAL%2BARTWEB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q03gSTjoyYs/VmwyI2Hdy-I/AAAAAAAAAwI/u1ysNzKnjZA/s400/Frog_King_FINAL%2BARTWEB.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Yes, I do believe I always knew I would pursue a career in the
arts. From early grade school days I distinctly remember always leaning heavily
on my favorite courses such as art, photography, reading, literature, language
and music. Unfortunately, courses like math and science held little interest
for me. I have always had a rather wild, vivid imagination and can easily get
lost in a good book or day dream for hours, days and weeks. haha. As a child, I
was always attracted to fantasy and fairy tales story books and theater. I
loved the costumes, the lighting, the music, the story.... much like I still do
today. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Did you have any further training when you left school to hone
your creative skills?</span></i></b></div>
</div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Since graduating from college, I have taken several courses over
the years to brush up on skills and learn new ones. But honestly, nothing
really replaces just getting in there and submersing yourself in a creative
project where you have to learn on the spot. I think that is what I favor the most
as I have never been a "read the directions first" kind of gal. New
camera? Just take it out and start shooting. I rarely read instruction manuals
on anything, haha. I just want to DO (said in my best YODA voice, lol) and get
going already with it all! So nothing to me beats being able to constructively
and in a positive moving forward type manner learn, figure out, and grow in
various capacities necessary in creating whatever project I am currently
involved in... for now this is conceptual fairy tale photography and digital
art. </span></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></i></b>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Did you always know which area you wanted to work in or did you
discover that as you went along your artistic journey?</span></i></b></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I discovered it in the VERY beginning. I adored photography,
storytelling, fantasy and theater. And then I lost it completely for a good 15
years. How wild is that. Different career moves, what jobs I thought I
had to be involved in, and personal choices led me away from the very things
that I so loved to do creatively. It was not until I had children that I had a
significant wake up call and complete turn around heading back to my first
love. I just needed to figure out how to combine my love for visual
storytelling, fantasy, photography and theatre arts. It was all there in the
beginning, I just was too young and immature to fully grasp what direction I
could take and be capable of career wise. But hey, all roads lead to where we
are suppose to be. I could not be more happier then where I am creatively at
this point in my life and the direction I hope to continue to explore, learn
and take with my art career. I hope for this journey to keep going strong as it
will be so amazing to see where I am at say 10 years from now. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fT4IxQDBll4/Vmwyi6-Xn1I/AAAAAAAAAwg/VNrTIyfpPeU/s1600/DorothyOZ_final%2BWEB%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="500" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fT4IxQDBll4/Vmwyi6-Xn1I/AAAAAAAAAwg/VNrTIyfpPeU/s640/DorothyOZ_final%2BWEB%2B2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 24pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Can you run through your creative process with us.</span></i></b></div>
</div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="background: white; color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My creative process always starts with
storyboards.. well, actually, in my head. I saw the funniest profile blurb on
someone's twitter last week something along the lines of </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">"</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #292f33; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I think it in my head
and draw it. Yep, that's about it." haha. how great is that. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #292f33; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Either way, if I am working for a client or just doing something
for fun and my portfolio, I always start with storyboard sketches. I am not
by any means skilled at hand drawing (one of my goals is to take lessons as I
believe this would greatly enhance my skill level in all my other art work,) so
the storyboards are rough but important to set the start of the project and
concept in place. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #292f33; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">From there I pick up my camera and plan, organize and execute
the necessary photo shoots with models, costumes, specialized props, and / or
on location or in my studio. This is one of my favorite parts of course of the
whole process. I adore taking the pictures that I will be using in my art. I
also enjoy finding or having created original costumes, specialty props and
finding the models. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #292f33; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">After the photo shoot, I spend quite a bit of time editing all
the images to select out my top ones that will be used in the feature art
piece. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #292f33; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Next, I go to my computer and the digital art process begins. I
first arrange and place out all the main images, taking a look at which of
those I will be utilizing and if there is anything that I will need to
digitally paint or illustrate myself to complete the art. I spend quite a bit
of time cutting out my models from backgrounds, or cutting out scenics, props
or animals to use in the art piece. I am SUPER picky about how my imagery is
cut out and applied, nothing is worse then seeing a bad Photoshop cut out job.
ugh. So I probably spend more time then necessary in this step alone to insure
that my art is going to blend WELL and consistently throughout the whole art
piece. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #292f33; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">In all honesty, I do not care much for sitting long hours at my
computer, but I can get totally lost in creating a new art piece! This can take
a few days or a long week as my pieces usually involve MANY layers and details
by adding textures, light, color enhancements, DOF, and all the other little
tweaks here and there. It's all about the light, color, textures, details, more
details, and making sure the piece just looks completely polished and put together.
I check my lighting to make sure it is consistent all through the piece
(nothing is a dead giveaway that a piece has been "pasted together"
then 1. bad cut outs as I mentioned above of the models and other picture
elements and 2. when the lighting is NOT consistent... yes this is fantasy and
fairy tales, but the image STILL has to have some things "real" and
consistent in order for it to BLEND WELL together. I am a little obsessed about
blending, can you tell. I can look back at some of my earlier pieces and pick
out immediately parts that I feel were not blended well with my incorrect cut
outs, lighting or color balance. Makes me crazy. haha. Even on art pieces that
I recently finish, I will go back with a critical eye and see things I should
have done better. All part of the learning and growing process as an
artist. </span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 24pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gdeqK6QwITg/Vmwy0IrnLXI/AAAAAAAAAws/wvVEeJWCWag/s1600/Jack%2BDino%2Bexplorer%2BWEB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gdeqK6QwITg/Vmwy0IrnLXI/AAAAAAAAAws/wvVEeJWCWag/s400/Jack%2BDino%2Bexplorer%2BWEB.jpg" width="400" /></a><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Do you use all of your own photos to create your imaginary
worlds?</span></i></b></div>
</div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I would say I use 95%.. I really make a HUGE effort to use my own
imagery and I am constantly taking pictures where ever I travel to build up my
personal stock library. Even so, I might stumble upon something that I need as
a main component in a fantasy art piece that I can not myself photography or
digitally draw. A prime example of this is my recent Jurassic park children's
art with a little explorer. He is surrounded by dinosaurs and looking at a
fossil egg he holds in his hands. The fossil egg was designed and created by my
good friend Robert de la Pena, dlpStudios who creates all my speciality props.
His work is amazing! As for the dinosaur art that is featured in the piece, I
can not draw or photograph dinosaurs! haha I knew the style and look that
I wanted for the dinosaurs, so I went to one of my favorite online stock
agencies and legally purchased the dinosaur art. I am always SUPER careful
about copyright laws, due to my journalism background. If I think I am going to
sell my art, I purchase the correct applicable rights and licensing of any
stock imagery. If I am not going to sell the art or I am not working for a
client, then I seek out basic royalty free images that can be used on personal
work. I have a number of stock agencies I have purchased art from over the
years as well as other favorite sites such as deviantart.com from which I
obtain images that I can not create or photograph myself. Again, I am always
super careful on deviantart.com to make sure I am using someone's else art or
image with the correct rights and legal permissions. </span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 24pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></i></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You are diverse with your subjects, which images and worlds do
you like creating the most?</span></i></b></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I hope when I look back on my portfolio that I will see a evolving
style and experience level as well as a diverse imagery gallery. I get
restless easily so I hope I am always moving forward and that my gallery will
one day reflect this in terms of subjects and stories. My favorite worlds to
create right now are the children's fantasy storybook and fairy tale imagery. I
also have a growing to do list of more realistic imagery that I hope to find
time to tackle one day. </span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Where do you get your
inspiration from?</span></i></b></div>
</div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My children. Books. Music. Art. :) </span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">My children as their whole world of storybooks and games are so
entirely and passionately driven by fantasy, stories, light and color, love
it! </span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Fantasy books I have read as both a child and as an adult ~ I have
always been an avid book reader. I dream about the stories and form
images in my mind that are ever changing and evolving about the characters and
the story line. For example, I will read a favorite fantasy book and for months
afterwards day dream about the characters and evolve their storylines further
in my mind while thinking of imagery to go along with each scene. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Music. I love music. Soundtracks. Lots and lots of soundtracks.
80's. some classical. even some opera. Unless I am doing something super
difficult and challenging in Photoshop where I have to really concentrate,
I have to have music. It is just the gel to my soul while I am working
creatively. Art comes together in response to what music I am playing as it
sets the tone and mood in my mind so to speak when I have my favorite music
playing that "matches" the direction, energy and feel I want my work
to take.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Art. Specifically, as this may surprise you because it is not
current fantasy or fairy tales per say, haha, the Renaissance Art sculptures
and painters ... those deep beautiful realistic rich oil paintings by the likes
of Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo,</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #252525; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> and Sandro Botticelli.. basically all the Italian
Renaissance painters as well as Dutch "Golden Age"and Flemish,
French, and Spanish Baroque. I can stare all day long. :) Jump to modern
day and I find so many exceptional talents via the creative fantasy / fairy
tale communities on Flickr and Deviantart. Too many to name... but the talent
is jaw dropping inspiring and overwhelming. I will be doing a good job if I can
create something even with half the creativity and talent of those whose work I
admire in these communities. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zFCihwTsHi4/Vmwzo0QYQ6I/AAAAAAAAAw4/qAzN-Fv2RiA/s1600/The%2BLittle%2BMermaid%2BWEB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zFCihwTsHi4/Vmwzo0QYQ6I/AAAAAAAAAw4/qAzN-Fv2RiA/s320/The%2BLittle%2BMermaid%2BWEB.jpg" width="213" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--3Jooowf9o8/Vmw0MaZCdwI/AAAAAAAAAxA/vldFL43zku0/s1600/robinHood_FINAL_WEBsize.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-family: 'times new roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--3Jooowf9o8/Vmw0MaZCdwI/AAAAAAAAAxA/vldFL43zku0/s320/robinHood_FINAL_WEBsize.jpg" width="213" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></i></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I am constantly amazed
at how much you do in the background. Not only do you create these amazing
pieces of art you are also an active blogger and do a lot of online marketing. On
top of this you are a busy mum who also has a day job lurking in the
background… how on earth do you fit this all in? </span></i></b></span></div>
</div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I don't. I am constantly dropping all the balls I seem to try to
juggle in the air ~ like hot air balloons I will feel for a moment like I have
everything together and then slips a handful as they vanish off into the sky.
haha</span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As a mother, my children and family always comes first. As an
artist and professional creative I have to "balance" (I say that
almost jokingly bc I never feel like I have anything balanced) the time for
creative art and the time for marketing, social media and the blogs I love
running which feature interviews with other creative colleagues. I adore
doing the interviews partly because of my journalism background, but also
partly because I spent a lot of time inside my home office or busy with my
children. Honestly, gone are the days when I would have time to get out and
socialize at venues or events with other like minded creatives. So doing the
interviews feeds the part of myself that still wants to connect with other
artists on a regular basis. I feel like I also grow in my work in one way or
another by these connections. They help motivate, support and provide enormous
inspiration and goals for my own work just by taking a peek into their creative
world. I have learned the value and wonderful importance of being
involved in a creative community. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Unless an artist has an agent or money to throw at resources to
help with marketing and social media strategy and content management on a
weekly if not daily basis, everything has to be done ourselves. I feel
often as much as I try to organize this properly, I am running sloppy at the
end of the day and exhausted. So, I constantly have to sit back, prioritize,
accept what I will get to do and what I will not and just be ok with it
all. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I have put time and energy this year into taking specific social
media marketing courses with the intend to run things all around better and
more professionally (which is actually not like me.. but see, that is not
my favorite thing to do, so therefore, I just want to learn the quickest and
easiest way possible rather then how I usually am about figuring things out and
experimenting myself in photography and digital art) So that time in doing
all that marking and social media work took precious time away from what time I
have for my art. I see a huge dip in my portfolio when I am throwing a great
deal of my time at the marketing management but you can't have one without the
other these days. Sooooo at the end of the day, I am not much help in detailing
out how this balancing act can be done more successfully. Spread too
thin... that is what I always feel like in this regard. One aspect of this
whole way of life for now that I find difficult is my desire to be able to sit
down a JUST work solidly on a creative piece until it is done. Now I have to go
in spurts either in an established time frame set by a client to meet a
deadline or if it is just personal, starting something that I know I may not
even get a chance to finish a year later it seems. I am sure this is the case
for many creatives that balance many different jobs and or freelance work. I
have to work in time slots throughout the day, get done what has to be done,
and let go of the craziness of all the rest. Tomorrow is always another
day! </span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x4xcjmeSOCM/Vmw0eU2DE4I/AAAAAAAAAxI/VRupIsrHFYg/s1600/Jack%2Bjump%2Bcandlestick%2BWEB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x4xcjmeSOCM/Vmw0eU2DE4I/AAAAAAAAAxI/VRupIsrHFYg/s320/Jack%2Bjump%2Bcandlestick%2BWEB.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 24pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></i></b>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Can you give us a
brief outline of what your typical day comprises of</span></i></b></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">oh my, this is difficult because every day seems to go at a
different pace and all... I kinda like it though to be honest. I have always
struggled with too much organized same ol same ol days... don't fence me in!!
haha Having children has forced me to be much more organized that is my
go with the flow nature.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I try to get up a little early before the children are up... nice
to have a little quite time to just get emails done and social media started.
Mornings are a mix of taking kiddos to school, checking in with my mom to see
if she needs help with anything, and more time spent on social media and
looking for work. Even if I am in the middle of freelance work I am always
thinking ahead to the next months and trying to set something up work wise. One
of my goals this year was to try to manage a bit more exercise for a healthier
lifestyle so I try to fit in that several times a week about mid morning. Then
there are errands and household management. Afternoons are spent working in
some capacity either on one of my "day" jobs, freelance or other
client work. After kiddos are done with school I am focusing on personal family
time. After they are in bed I go back to work. Again, more social media time or
mostly work on freelance and my art. Of course all that I just said gets
flipped around like pancakes and every which way as life happens. I never have
a "set schedule" but I enjoy that as it fits more my personality and
nature. I just have to be free! </span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As a working mother, I do everything revolving around my children
and family, finding the spaces for work as I can and working at night. Just
writing this is confusing, isn't it? lol On one hand I have to be scheduled and
organized (yikes!) and on the other hand I have to be very "go with the
flow" (yah!) Honestly, no one will understand this unless they
themselves are "in" it similar themselves. I know I sure never
imagined all that I would be doing as a working full time artist and mother!</span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What would you say are
your top tips out there for other creatives just starting out?</span></i></b></div>
</div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">You know I often ask this similar question to other creatives I
interview, just wondering if others are working smarter and on a better path to
finding how to make a livable and working career as an artist. And what I find
for both myself and with others is that NO ONE seems to have any good tips or
suggestions that is per say hugely applicable to where I am at because
everyone's goals, life circumstances are different! Keep at it. Learn as much
as you can and work as hard as you can to find your creative "voice"
and style, what you are passionate about expressing whether it is children's
literature art, painting street art murals or sculpting! Yes, we all know this.
Being a successful artist is all about having a huge desire for creating and
getting better at what you create, hard work and determination, and ... good
fortune. I have seen some amazingly talented artists get passed over and
ignored and some others that I consider to be a little less experienced or
professional get picked up for amazing jobs. go figure... we all have seen
these things happen. In a professional art world where connections are just as
important if not more as talent, I would say to other creatives just starting
out that getting into a community of talented artists that you can learn from
and also gain creative and technical support is crucial to paving the road to
having a decent art career. </span></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I think as artists, a lot of us start out very independent and
working solely "in" our art. I knew the importance of connecting with
other artists but it took me a long time to truly "get it", make time
for it, and realize how vital this was to moving forward in my career. See,
there it revolves back to all those hours in social media and networking. And
of course not just networking to make connections that are based on quantity
over quality. I am talking make real quality connections ... establishing a
sound group of supportive and networking artists that you actually DO get to
know well and that care in return about you as an artist and your work. I had
no idea of the importance of this when I was younger, or if I had an inkling I
didn't actually "get it" until much later when I realized that 500+
connections on LINKEDIN do not matter in the least unless you actually really
KNOW and connect with them. So if you are anything like me when I first started
out, you will read this and go, oh, ok, totally get it (but don't really) and
go right back to what you were doing which is creating your art and in a hurry,
trying to make the "important key" connections of Art Directors and
Publishers in the industry, but sadly ending up with a bunch of empty followers
and quite a bit less work then desired. Yes, been there, done that. :()</span></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></i></b>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What is the best
resource / tool you have found for gaining more exposure with your work?</span></i></b></div>
<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Again, goes back to the connections. Getting involved in
mastermind and like minded community groups on FB, IG, Flickr, and Twitter that
help support and pass around art. It's all about making those quality
connections with other artists that are not competitive but genuinely wanting
to be involved with colleagues in their group in a supportive way. Just look at
this... I became friends with you on Twitter and FB. We now have a friendship
based on similar interest, life experience and work endeavors. You asked me to
do this cool interview which in turn gets passed around YOUR group of
colleagues and artist creative friends. How amazing is that and THAT is exactly
how it works. It does not come from having a 1,000 followers on Twitter that
have no idea who I am and what I do. It comes from making those real
friendships and connections, so that if say something DOES come up that you
hear about fitting for my work you pass my name along and vice versa.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 24pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list 36.0pt; text-indent: -18pt;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></i></b>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">What is your dream,
where would you like to see yourself in say five years time?</span></i></b></div>
</div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">ahhhh. this is a hard question for me right now. I am at
a turning point ... Do I get a "day" job in photography / graphic
design and work for a publisher, putting my fairy tales and storybook
children's book art dreams on the back burner as more of a hobby for now (but
still enjoying my day job) ... doing it only when I find the time but not as a
main career? Or do I continue to try to make my photography and digital art my
career while juggling all kinds of crazy part time freelance work? I am all
over the place. There are certainly pros and cons to each scenario. Ask me
again in about a year's time and I will see what happened. :) </span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #0070c0;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Wowsers! Thank you
Sondra…Well I thoroughly enjoyed reading that and it was so nice to learn more
about you. I thank the lucky stars that our paths crossed and I look forward to
seeing where our odd little paths take us and being part of your creative
journey. Thank you for everything you do Sondra and for giving us such an
insightful interview.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #0070c0;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #0070c0;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">To connect with Sondra you can find her on any of the following social media platforms:</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #0070c0;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #0070c0;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/FairyTalesImagery/?fref=ts" target="_blank">Facebook</a></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #0070c0;"><a href="https://twitter.com/FairyTalesImage" target="_blank">Twitter</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.pinterest.com/fairytalesimage/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a></div>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #0070c0;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #0070c0;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><b>Well that’s me done
for 2015. Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas and may all of you have much
love, luck and happiness in 2016. What a year!</b></span></span></div>
</div>
Corrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02495811784741507484noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242807901362401071.post-7562392880584954732015-11-27T13:09:00.000-08:002015-11-29T12:33:24.595-08:00A school visit to remember - Tips on how to have a successful school author visit<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6WkC8b0qWQM/Vli4h-76isI/AAAAAAAAAt4/4e7W_Po2Vy8/s1600/blog2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6WkC8b0qWQM/Vli4h-76isI/AAAAAAAAAt4/4e7W_Po2Vy8/s400/blog2.jpg" width="367" /></a></div>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">A
month ago I had my first school visit for Animania at my children’s school. We
had a whirlwind afternoon of visiting all of the key stage 1 children in the
space of 2 hours. For my American friends that covers all years within the 4 to
8 age range, which is the perfect age for learning the alphabet</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">The
visit was a huge success and I owe a lot of that to Critterish Alllsorts who Animania
sponsors. You can read more about the organization in my earlier post <a href="http://corrinaholyoake.blogspot.co.uk/2015/07/animania-sponsors-critterish-allsorts.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><strong>Animania Sponsors Critterish Alsorts</strong></span></a> Dale
from Critterish Allsorts kindly offered to come down for my first school visit
so that we could read the book and introduce the children to some of the
critters. I didn’t tell the children about Dales visit, it was all kept hush
hush. So a couple of weeks before, I gave the school a load of posters and
leaflets to pop into the kids school bags to tell them about the author visit. I
mentioned Critterish Allsorts and said that all percentage of the sales will go
to them. I said that it would be an author visit with a twist, but that was as much as I gave away.... I do like a tease.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-abA4hkCqSk0/Vli45Kh0ULI/AAAAAAAAAuA/dL7mBNY9m2o/s1600/school4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-abA4hkCqSk0/Vli45Kh0ULI/AAAAAAAAAuA/dL7mBNY9m2o/s400/school4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">We
only had 20 minutes in each classroom which was a bit tight, so I decided the
best thing to do was for me to go in and read some of the book to the children. After this I mentioned that Animania was sponsoring Critterish Allsorts and that I
had a surprise for them. That’s when Dale came in with one of his critters. We
had Stoosh the skunk, Connie the boa constrictor and Shiver the Blue Skink. Well,
you can imagine the excitement that caused! The looks on their little faces was
absolutely priceless!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Dale was amazing
with the kids and told them all about what the organization is about and then
gave a little talk about the animal he had bought in. The children then had a
chance to handle the animals briefly before we rushed off to the next room.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H81kYPO_KhM/Vli5PGHYljI/AAAAAAAAAuI/yety3vaoJRs/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H81kYPO_KhM/Vli5PGHYljI/AAAAAAAAAuI/yety3vaoJRs/s200/blog.jpg" width="175" /></a></div>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">The
whole experience was so much fun! The children’s excitement was infectious and
I felt like a big kid again. It was so rewarding to finally share my work with
children and I was blown away with their enthusiasm and interest. Sadly due to
distance issues this combined author visit will be the only one of it’s kind as
we live quite a distance away from each other. Such a shame as we made such a
good double act and the interest was definitely there for both the book and the
organisation. </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">My
plan with future visits is to use my artistic abilities to add the extra
factor. Animania is about completely made up animals so I thought at the end of
the session the children can help me create their very own Animania character
which I can draw out for them. We could have a lot of fun creating a new
character and discussing what their characteristics would be, what we should
call them, what they will look like etc…hey you never know, it could well
trigger a new book concept he he.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2i6mPz_-o8w/Vli9S6CvqaI/AAAAAAAAAuU/DjJ3wTb8wrc/s1600/blog3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2i6mPz_-o8w/Vli9S6CvqaI/AAAAAAAAAuU/DjJ3wTb8wrc/s320/blog3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Another
success was introducing the colouring book. At the end of Animania I included a
couple of colouring sheets and some blank sheets for kids to create their own
Animania character with. So when I finished reading the book, they saw the
colouring page and there was alot of excitement over that. So when I heard the
“oooo a colouring sheet” response it was the perfect opportunity to show them
the colouring book which I had recently published. The colouring book is
basically the entire book republished in line art so that the children can
colour in their own version of Animania. The colouring book did very well and I
took many orders that day so another little tip, colouring sheets go down very
very well!</span></span></div>
<br />
<h2 style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: purple;">So
how can you have a successful author visit?</span></span></h2>
<div>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: purple;"><br /></span></span></div>
<h2 style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">Find
something that stands out from the norm</span></span></h2>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">I
can’t thank Dale enough for helping me with the first visit. The combined
double act really added a little something special to the visit and made it a
more memorable experience for the children. Try and think outside of the box a
bit. Have a think about what your book is about, is there anything you could
utilise that would be a fun little twist on the visit? There could be
organizations or people out there that could help out. So for example, say your
book includes a magician… get a magician in to do a couple of tricks. If it’s
about an animal and you know someone who owns said animal then ask if they
could come in with you. You might want to dress up or have some friends that
are happy to dress up for you, you might even have some budding actor friends
who would like to act some of the scenes out.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The possibilities really are endless, you can be as crazy and whacky as
you like, that’s the beauty of children, you really can’t put a foot wrong.
They will enjoy whatever you do but giving them something that leaves a lasting
impression will make the occasion more memorable.</span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span></span>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Another fellow author </span></span><strong style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18.4px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://booksbyrose.com/index.html" style="line-height: 18.4px;" target="_blank">Rosie Russell</a> </strong><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">shared with me what she does with her school visits to make them tailor made for her.....</span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.3091px; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;">I go and do a reading of my Maggie, Millie, and Merrie's Magical Adventure" book. There is an art project in the back so the art teacher I know invites me to do this with her 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders. The students really love this project. </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.3091px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I give them each a bookmark and they all enter a chance to win a box of school supplies. (The supplies are in the story.) I also talk to them about how they can become authors and illustrators.</span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Twitter @RosieRrbjj / <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Books-By-Rose-683636425012139/?fref=ts" target="_blank">Facebook</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<h2 style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">Interact
with the children</span></span></h2>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18.4px;">Kids love interacting with you so ask lots of questions throughout the reading and get them involved with the story.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18.4px;">Ask them if they can guess what happens next, or if any of them can relate to a scene in the book. You will find this happens naturally anyway, kids will certainly put their two pennies worth in.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18.4px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">Another indie author </span><a href="http://www.ajcosmo.com/" style="font-family: calibri; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><strong>AJ Cosmo</strong></span></a><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"> has recently had a school visit and I wanted to share one of his pictures with you.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">I loved how AJ actually sat down on the floor with the kids, making himself at their level so that he in essence was just a big kid there inspiring them.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">I thought it was a great idea for AJ to actually get on the floor with the kids, I am going to have to pinch that idea he he.</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">So</span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;">let your inner child out and be one of the kids for the day.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;">AJ also gave some invaluable advice on self publishing in a past blog post </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri";"><span style="line-height: 18.4px;"><a href="http://corrinaholyoake.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/to-self-publish-or-not-self-publish-j.html" target="_blank"><b>To Self Publish or not Self Publish</b></a></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "calibri"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 18.4px;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rj_CNn1drlE/Vli_vle0V1I/AAAAAAAAAug/nE2RPPbHVDA/s1600/aj.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="230" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rj_CNn1drlE/Vli_vle0V1I/AAAAAAAAAug/nE2RPPbHVDA/s320/aj.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Twitter: @AJCosmokids / https://www.facebook.com/ajcosmokids/</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<h2 style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">Dress
to impress</span></span></h2>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">You
could go the whole hog and go for the full fancy dress costume, you will
certainly get noticed that way and guaranteed to make quite an impact. If like
me though you are a little more introverted than that, then choose an outfit
that stands out. I am a bit of a girly girl hippy chick anyway so my style is a
bit in your face at times. I chose one of my favourite long skirts, a bright
purple layered number and the little girls loved it, they made me feel like a
princess. I was sitting there reading and these little fingers kept playing
with the ruffles on the bottom of my skirt, it was very cute. So go for
something bright and cheery and if you are brave enough to go for a costume
then go for it, they will love it!</span></span></div>
</div>
<br />
<h2 style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">Set
some tasks so that the memory of your visit lives on</span></span></h2>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">You
want your visit to leave a lasting impression so set some tasks for the
children so that they are still talking about the visit days after. For our one
Dale came up with the idea that each of the classes were to create an Animania
character based on the facts they had learned for each of the animals. They
could draw the character or come up with a verse for it and then they could
share it on the board outside of the classroom so that other classes could see
each others ideas.</span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">This
will encourage the children to carry on discussing the book and characters
after the visit too. Again be inventive and think of a task that specifically
relates to your book.</span></span></div>
</div>
<br />
<h2 style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: blue;">Everyone
loves a Freebie</span></span></h2>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s3t5rVnUbXE/VloxeF9Db-I/AAAAAAAAAvA/lCz2Vj2-6CA/s1600/A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s3t5rVnUbXE/VloxeF9Db-I/AAAAAAAAAvA/lCz2Vj2-6CA/s200/A.jpg" width="154" /> </a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lAsBJiohQR0/VloxjIDQSkI/AAAAAAAAAvM/gOedK_E-bls/s1600/N.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lAsBJiohQR0/VloxjIDQSkI/AAAAAAAAAvM/gOedK_E-bls/s200/N.jpg" width="154" /></a> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gb-eORAPl8o/VloxeFr1KCI/AAAAAAAAAu8/e409St2Daj4/s1600/cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gb-eORAPl8o/VloxeFr1KCI/AAAAAAAAAu8/e409St2Daj4/s200/cover.jpg" width="151" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: calibri; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">You
can’t go wrong with freebies. I went for colouring sheets with mine, they are
the most affordable option and kids love them! I have supplied a few sheets to
other authors I have worked with in the past by using the preliminary line
drawings as a basis for a colouring sheet . From an illustrators point of view
creating colouring sheets are super easy to do. So have a chat with your
illustrator and see if they can do some bespoke sheets for you. Or like Rosie Russel did for her recent book launch reach out to people to ask if they are happy to
donate some colouring sheets.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: calibri; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5npF-tLivHs/Vltg1Ee2ObI/AAAAAAAAAvc/1GPF_pnfqUk/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" height="202" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5npF-tLivHs/Vltg1Ee2ObI/AAAAAAAAAvc/1GPF_pnfqUk/s320/blog.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">There is a fantastic group on face book called
</span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/Colouringinwithcolor/" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;" target="_blank"><strong>Colouring in with Colour</strong></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">. This group is packed full of amazing creatives and
are always offering free colouring sheets. I gave Rosie some of mine and so did
Karen Emma Hall founder of the colouring group and the fabulous </span><a href="http://www.kidliteratureauthors.com/" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;" target="_blank"><strong>Kid Literature Authors</strong></a><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> group. I am sure there will be people on there happy to donate some of their colouring sheets, I am more than happy to share mine too.</span></div>
</span></span></div>
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "calibri";">Other
inexpensive ideas are stickers, bookmarks, badges etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You could even bake something , again chose
something that relates to your book.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: "calibri";"><em>Have
you any other tips you would like to share with fellow authors on what
particularly works well with your school visit? If so then please do leave a
comment below.</em></span></span></div>
Corrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02495811784741507484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242807901362401071.post-74876108610138388452015-10-09T10:34:00.000-07:002015-10-11T07:34:22.927-07:00Taking the leap of faith - Will it ever be the right time?<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RAEiUxCxFaE/Vhf4cNTE1AI/AAAAAAAAAsM/MGm8jzFHuZY/s1600/AS4%2BIllo13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RAEiUxCxFaE/Vhf4cNTE1AI/AAAAAAAAAsM/MGm8jzFHuZY/s200/AS4%2BIllo13.jpg" width="163" /></a></div>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Warning,
I am being a moaning minny so apologies for the doom and gloom, but I feel this
is an important topic to cover. I am sure that I am not the only one out there who
is going, or have gone through these struggles. </span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So
good news first (yes there is some lol), I have officially been given another
book to work on… yay! So that is two I am working on for the rest of the year.
Now the bad news… it might well kill me ha ha. Well ok, maybe that’s a tad on
the dramatic side, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>but it is safe to say
that I am going to be a teeny bit busy up until Christmas. For the first time ever
I have had to tell people that I cannot physically do any more work until 2016. </span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></span>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am so grateful that I am fortunate enough to have job offers coming in but I <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>am also a little wary. I haven’t had a break
since February now so I won’t lie…. as much as I am really looking forward to
working on the new books I am also a little concerned that I will have yet
another burn out spell. Generally I try not to do more than 2 books a year as
they are quite time consuming. Juggling commissions around the day job,
children and general day to day stuff is really quite tricky. I vowed when I
was working on Animania and Animal Stories For The Young 4 earlier this year that
I wouldn’t put myself in that situation again….. famous last words!</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">This
year I have worked on 4 books plus my Animania colouring book. This is on top
of a very complicated house move and a family health scare… just in case I get
bored. It has been a year that has been quite ridiculous, at one point I really
thought someone up there was having<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a
laugh. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a result I have been run down
with insomnia spells, woman flu, and what I can only describe as a panic attack, that was a horrible feeling! I have been more snappy and not listening to what others
are saying, literally floating about in my own little bubble. It is not all
doom and gloom some great things happened this year which I am so grateful for,
I moved into a lovely home and will have my own little studio next year. I
published my first book and finally seeing results with my work so there is a
lot of good going on too.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">However,
here comes the moan….It has got to the point now that I am struggling to do
this and my day job. My typical day comprises of getting up, doing the school
run, go to work, school run, cook dinner, general housey and mumsy stuff then
by about 8ish I can start painting/sketching. I occasionally have a day off but
more often than not it doesn’t happen. In fact it has got to the point now that
when I do actually watch something on telly I feel really guilty, it just feels
so naughty sitting there and relaxing.... this isn't a healthy way to live your life.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Before
I go off on a rant and play the “poor me” card I do want to stress that I love
what I do and I am so so grateful that I have commissions coming in, but it’s
getting to the point where I am having to seriously think about the future. There
have been a few comments now that have hit home, the children have commented on the fact that I am
art obsessed and working too much, my husband has said he wants his old wife
back… can you imagine how heart breaking this is to hear. I hate that I am
changing and I try so so hard to not get stressed or snappy but it just get’s
too much at times. My biggest fear is that the children will grow up thinking
that their Mum is some work obsessed mentalist who didn’t have time for them.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lyam_2c1jf8/Vhf5P0hc7YI/AAAAAAAAAsU/oqXB-28sWQc/s1600/blog1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lyam_2c1jf8/Vhf5P0hc7YI/AAAAAAAAAsU/oqXB-28sWQc/s400/blog1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">So
last week I had to sit down and have “the chat” about the possibility of
leaving the day job and doing this full time. Well it went down like a lead
balloon and the whole thing was rather depressing. It really kicked me in the
stomach, all I have been working towards is to do this full time and now I am
beginning to think it will never happen and I am destined to either a) give it
all up or b) just do it as a hobby or c) carry on working like a nutter and
turn into some kind of crazy scary woman in the process, that everyone will come
to resent. I stumbled across this quote and it sums up exactly how I feel right
now<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>“It’s hard to wait around for
something that may never happen; but it’s even harder to give up when you think
it’s everything you want” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">You
see my job works perfectly around the school hours and is quite well paid so at
the end of the day, could I earn as much through what I am doing? The answer is,
I really don’t know, it is such a risky choice to make. I was convinced I could
make a go of this, but now I am feeling incredibly insecure about it all, what
if it does all go pear shaped? At what point do I take the leap? Right now is
not the right time but at what point is it the right time? Do I really
have<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>to run myself to the ground to find
out? So many questions have filled my head the last week.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I
have seen many people make the transition but the majority is because they have
been forced into the situation, the timing was right for them. They have no
regrets though and even though there is that worry of an unsteady income the
overall vibe I have received is that it was the best thing they ever did, they
are living their dreams. But then there are some that are really struggling to
find the jobs to pay for their rent. It is such a tough choice to make and
something you cannot take lightly when you have little mouths to feed.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I
am in limbo with the whole thing now. I have started contacting agents again,
if I had an agent on my side then that would give me a security blanket but so
far we are 7 rejections in and as much as I am trying to stay positive I am not
so sure anymore. So where does this leave me? Well I will carry on as I am, get
these two books finished and then assess the situation again. If any more jobs come
in next year then something needs to change,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>because I refuse to go through another year like that again. It is so so
hard balancing family life, work life and pursuing a different career path but
my family will always come first. The last week has been a real wake up call
and it is time I start to prioritize things differently. I am going to have to be much quieter on social media for a start so apologies now for being distant.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pbpHmaqywQs/Vhf6a1-DLEI/AAAAAAAAAsg/RLhtNpHOx2E/s1600/bl5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pbpHmaqywQs/Vhf6a1-DLEI/AAAAAAAAAsg/RLhtNpHOx2E/s320/bl5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I
am normally a very positive person and always try to make others happy so I
hate writing posts like this, but it is important to show that life isn’t always
a bunch of roses. We all struggle and the black spells happen to everyone. I
think that is why I always try to make people laugh or put on this positive
happy, happy front, it’s because I know what<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>it’s like to feel worthless, insecure and inadequate…. Strong words I
know, but this is genuinely how I feel at times, more so this year. It is a horrible
feeling, but luckily these spells do pass and the majority of the time I am all
about the lols. My heart goes out to people who suffer from depression because
it must be awful when you can’t talk yourself out of it. When I have a bad
spell I try really hard to focus on all the good, that helps me a lot. I also
remind myself of the bigger things going on in the world and how my silly
little meltdowns are really irrelevant in the grand scheme of things, there are
people out there who are really suffering and do not have the things that I do.
I have my health, my children, a loving husband, amazing family and friends and
a roof over my head... there is a lot to smile about.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Anyway
the remainder of my posts will all be happy, happy now for the rest of the year,
even if I do age 20 years ha ha. I have taken my frown and turned it upside
down. </span></span></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: purple;">Have you taken the leap of faith and left all that was comfortable to live your dreams? I could really do with some input on this one so please do leave a comment below.</span></span></h3>
<br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt;">
<br /></div>
Corrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02495811784741507484noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242807901362401071.post-26064226483518089842015-10-02T03:00:00.000-07:002015-10-02T09:38:45.715-07:00To self publish or not self publish - A J Cosmo's success story<em>
</em><br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kFYO-I4GtOc/Vg6xlqcS2hI/AAAAAAAAArw/3yOMpL1mpag/s1600/cat%2Bconfused%2Bcartoon%2Bfaces.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kFYO-I4GtOc/Vg6xlqcS2hI/AAAAAAAAArw/3yOMpL1mpag/s1600/cat%2Bconfused%2Bcartoon%2Bfaces.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pic by http://confusedcartoon.blogspot.co.uk/</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #632523; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #632523; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent2; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themeshade: 128;">As you might be aware I recently self
published my first children’s book Animania.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #632523; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #632523; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent2; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themeshade: 128;">It was not a decision I took lightly, I off
course wanted to try to get a traditional publisher on board. However
after<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>a year of rejections from both
agents and publishers I decided enough was enough, it was time to do this on my
own. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #632523; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #632523; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent2; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themeshade: 128;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #632523; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #632523; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent2; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themeshade: 128;">In this day and age it is so simple to
self-publish a book. I never thought I would say this but the actual production
of the book is the easy part. How to market yourself and your work is a whole
new ball game and one that I am still struggling to get my head around.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #632523; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #632523; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent2; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themeshade: 128;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #632523; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #632523; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent2; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themeshade: 128;">I have learned a lot the past year with the
self publishing versus traditional publishing routes and I am continuing to
learn each day. I think it will be a good couple of years until I have
established myself as a children’s author. I have had a great start with it,
but it is going to take more time and alot more writing/illustrating before I
start seeing the results I am working towards.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #632523; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #632523; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent2; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themeshade: 128;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #632523; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #632523; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent2; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themeshade: 128;">One of the main ways I have taught myself
about the wonderful world of publishing is by connecting with fellow creatives and
swapping stories/ideas. I am always fascinated with everyone’s stories about
how they have got to where they are today, it inspires me and keeps me
motivated to keep going. I thought I would interview a few people that I look
up to in the hope that their success stories will inspire me and other hopefuls
out there. I will try and do this once a month as a new feature.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #632523; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #632523; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent2; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themeshade: 128;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #632523; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #632523; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent2; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themeshade: 128;">A J Cosmo is the first person I have chosen
to quiz. This super lovely chap is a creative machine when it comes to writing
and illustrating books. Over 40 self published books to date, and his first
book was published only 4 years ago… see what I mean about a creative machine!
When I first came across A J Cosmo earlier this year I remember going through
his website and thinking wow, this is exactly how I would like to see myself a
few years down the line. You can’t help but admire the level of success he has
achieved all by himself. It just goes to show that self publishing can work
providing that you have the passion and commitment to see it through. So here
we have a few questions that I wanted to ask the man himself…</span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #632523; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #632523; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent2; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themeshade: 128;"><br /></span></div>
<h3 style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
</h3>
<h3 style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
INTERVIEW WITH A J COSMO</h3>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K-4y1_Bwma0/Vg6yV-IKecI/AAAAAAAAAr4/AHdsoU-dIGg/s1600/books_r7_c7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K-4y1_Bwma0/Vg6yV-IKecI/AAAAAAAAAr4/AHdsoU-dIGg/s640/books_r7_c7.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">You are an illustrator
and an author; did you have any training in either field?</span></b><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">I have always taken art and writing classes,
my best subjects, and have an undergrad in fine art and a master in film with a
minor in painting. I have also worked as an airbrush artist for many years,
which gave me my speed, and written screenplays in my spare time to try to
break into film. </span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">When did you realize
this was your path in life?</span></b><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">Children's books were one of many spokes I had
in the fire when I found myself unemployed. People responded after the third
piece and I have been creating children's </span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">book
sever</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">
since.</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">When did you publish
your first title and how did it feel?</span></b><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">My first children's book for Kindle came out
in December of 2011. It was called Gordon's Gravy and has since been
discontinued. It felt like a naked relief. I never expected fame or fortune,
still don’t, but I was happy to simply have something out there. So much of my
artistic life has revolved around asking permission; so simply publishing
something, anything, was a breakthrough.</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The self-publishing
industry has a huge learning curve. Did you find it easy to publish your first
book?</span></b><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">Publishing is easy. You can find hundreds of
tutorials and services to get a book on Amazon. Publishing professionally,
creating something of value people want, that's hard. Self-publishing has a bad
reputation because so many people forget that our audience has been fed filet
mignon for years. They have high expectations and want indie writers to match
or exceed the professionalism of traditional publishers. </span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Did you invest much
financially in your first book?</span></b><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">No. Doing almost everything myself, I invest
very little in each of my books. Doing things this cheaply means that I spend a
huge amount of time on each project. Luckily I am quick. It also means that I
have had to acquire every skill that a book needs to be created. The past four
years have been one long education. I do not recommend people break the bank
with each book. Rather, spend thriftily and where it matters (cover and
content) and expect that your investment will never show returns. </span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">You have self published
all of your titles, did you ever try to go down the traditional publishing
route and how did you find it?</span></b><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">I have tried half-heartedly and still think of
trying to this day. Traditional publishers frustrate me because everything is
on their terms and they are painfully slow. It's also bizarre to talk to
traditionally published authors who brag about their one book and be looked
down upon myself for having sold twenty times their numbers.</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">What made you decide to
go down the self-publishing route?</span></b><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">Fear of rejection from traditional publishers
and ease of entry combined with the newness of the technology. It became a job
as soon as I started treating it like one and it definitely gives back in
proportion to what I put in.</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">What are your top 3 dos
and don'ts for self-publishing?</span></b><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">Do</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">1) Be professional.</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">2) Pay attention to your market.</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">3) Be humble, expect nothing.</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">Don't</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">1) Carelessly throw anything out there.</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">2) Assume that you cannot be better.</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">3) Rely on magical thinking, easy solutions,
or other people.</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">At what point in your
career did you feel like you were on the right track and started to see
significant results?</span></b><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">There's an assumption that once you do well
you will always do well. Make no mistake, I struggle same as everyone else. I
have had mind-blowing months and heartbreaking months. You cannot have success
without failure and often they are mixed together. I'm just now coming out of a
personal recession, so to speak, and I'm still not entirely sure whose fault the
whole ordeal was. Regardless, if this is something you want, expect to keep
working even after you do well. That's why it's so important to value the craft
over the rewards.</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I have found marketing
to be the hardest part about self-publishing. Did you have any help with this
or was it a case of picking things up as you go along?</span></b><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">I have asked many questions of people who call
themselves marketers. I have read many books on marketing, taken many online
courses, read articles, and watched countless videos, but the most useful
advice I ever found was that <u>you need to be of use to other people</u>. No
one cares that you wrote a book; they care if you can help them make their life
easier. If your book can stop a child from crying at night, you will sell a
billion copies. Realizing that the customer, the reader, is the most important
person in the world is the first step in effective marketing and is what I
stress when teaching marketing to others. </span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Have you
ever paid for help with marketing and if so was it beneficial? </span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Yes I have and I encourage everyone to
try whatever he or she can at least once. What works for one person may not
work for another. As for me, the most useful paid advertisement has been with
the email blaster services such as BookBub and FreeBooksy. Those both require
either substantial discounts or for you to offer books free, so to take full
advantage of them you need to have an email subscription shell around their
promotion. </span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I was
researching awards recently but was quite shocked with the fees for entering.
What is your view on awards and paying for reviews, in your opinion is it worth
the investment? </span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">Awards can be a cash cow to the creators
of the awards (same with contests) so you would do well to research the
notoriety of the award before entering. You want an award that is hard to get
and that people care about. Unfortunately, so many authors have slapped award
seals on their books that I'm afraid it has lost a lot of meaning (same as palm
fronds with films) so the value of the award might be in the recognition that
the award gives to its audience, not on what you can stick on your book. </span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">I have found the journey
so far to be a rollercoaster of emotions, a mix of extreme highs and lows. Did
you go through similar feelings when you were starting out?</span></b><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">Always have and always will. Fear is a sibling
of creativity. Depression is the shadow of joy. Even the simplest walk has a
vast variety of surfaces on the path. It's best to make peace with your
emotions and use all that as a fuel to power you. I believe in feeling emotions
fully, cherishing them, and then releasing them. It can be very good to be
afraid.</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">What plans
do you have for your future writing and illustrating? </span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";">I plan on continuing to create, market,
and help in whatever ways I can. I just want to be able to continue to do what
I'm doing because it feels right. Sure, other things may come up, but I plan on
producing at least one book a month until something stops me. There are a huge
variety of projects on the slate from new middle-grade novels, to sequels, to
multimedia iBooks, as well. I want to create something for everyone. </span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">What would be the
biggest bit of advice that you would give people like me that have only just
dipped their toes in the huge self-publishing ocean?</span></b><span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">Three steps:</span></b><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></b></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">1) Decide if this is really what you want.
Some people may only wish to publish one book and be done, that's perfectly
fine.</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">2) Be honest with yourself. Look at your work like
others would. See the faults and the strengths. Look at your work like a
stranger would look at you, not someone who is invested in you.</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">3) Never stop learning. This industry changes
quickly. Learn everything you can about business, marketing, art, graphic
design, publishing, everything, and teach whenever you can (the best way to
learn.) Knowledge will give you confidence and confidence will give you
endurance.</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">Thank you Corrina for this opportunity to
speak. It was a pleasure.</span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";">If any readers have a question for me I'm
always available through email at </span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Georgia","serif";"><a href="mailto:aj@ajcosmo.com"><span style="mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"><span style="color: blue;">aj@ajcosmo.com</span></span></a></span></i><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Georgia","serif"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Segoe UI";"> </span></i></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
You can contact AJ at:</div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.ajcosmo.com/">Website</a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/ajcosmokids?fref=ts"><span style="color: blue;">Facebook</span></a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"><a href="https://twitter.com/AJCosmokids">Twitter</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #632523; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #632523; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent2; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themeshade: 128;">Thank you so much for the fantastic interview AJ, you are a true
inspiration… keep up the fantastic work!. AJ has always been so helpful when I
have had any questions, so do get in touch with him if there is anything I
haven’t covered here.</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #632523; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #632523; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent2; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themeshade: 128;">I still have a lot to learn but the biggest thing that came as a
shock to me was the harsh realization that selling books is HARD work!. Please
don’t be disheartened if you don’t sell many copies. I had a huge amount of
support when I published Animania but the actual sales of the book was
incredibly disappointing, to the point where I had a bit of a grey spell over
it. I soon found out though that this is quite normal and even AJ himself said
that the average sales of your first book is 20 copies! Well that made me feel
a load better and I have been plugging away ever since. Sales are beginning to
trickle in now and I am sure there will be more once I start getting myself out
there in person. There is only so much you can do online, it is time to now see
how sales go through things like author visits, Christmas fairs etc. </span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #632523; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #632523; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent2; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themeshade: 128;">As they say “Rome wasn’t built in a day” so even if initial sales
are disappointing you mustn’t give up, keep plugging, get yourself out there
and start writing and producing more books. It will take time but with strength
and determination you can get there. I won’t lie deciding to go solo is scary,
there is a lot to get your head around but the actual process of getting the
product together is really very simple and very affordable. I encourage anyone
to give it a go, you really can’t lose with it. The hard bit is the work after,
but if you like a challenge and have the passion then anything is possible, AJ
is a prime example of this. </span><br />
<span style="color: #632523; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #632523; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent2; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themeshade: 128;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: blue;">
</span></div>
<h4 style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #632523; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-style-textfill-fill-alpha: 100.0%; mso-style-textfill-fill-color: #632523; mso-style-textfill-fill-themecolor: accent2; mso-themecolor: accent2; mso-themeshade: 128;"><em><span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif;">Have you self published a book? Do you have any tips on what helped
you with your journey? If so please do leave a comment. If you have any
questions at all then do feel free to ask me, I may not know an awful lot right
now but I know a lot of people who do ;)</span></em> </span></h4>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; text-align: center; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="color: #7030a0; font-family: "Brush Script MT"; font-size: 20pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Happy writing xx</span></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br /></div>
Corrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02495811784741507484noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242807901362401071.post-38441979883284353512015-09-18T12:32:00.003-07:002015-09-18T13:23:09.865-07:00Animania Meets Critterish Allsorts - We Learn About Animals and the Healing Power of Pet Therapy<br />
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0cm 12pt -0.75pt;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E5nHT-fFeXk/VfxehQzU7NI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/PBtnSaIw-hs/s1600/cas3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E5nHT-fFeXk/VfxehQzU7NI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/PBtnSaIw-hs/s320/cas3.jpg" width="186" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Stoosh</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As mentioned in my previous post </span><a href="http://corrinaholyoake.blogspot.co.uk/2015/07/animania-sponsors-critterish-allsorts.html"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strong>Animania sponsors Critterish Allsorts</strong></span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> I decided earlier this year to sponsor Critterish Allsorts through my new book Animania. Well last month we actually went to visit Dale and his critters to learn more about the animals and the organization. We had the best day ever and learned so much. It will be a day that none of us will forget in a hurry.</span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0cm 12pt -0.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">We were introduced to every one of the critters and had a cuddle with a few too. What amazed me was how all of them were more than happy being handled by complete strangers. It just shows how much time and commitment Dale puts into looking after and caring for his animals. </span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0cm 12pt -0.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I wanted to explain in more detail what this organization is about, so here is an interview with the man himself.</span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0cm 12pt -0.75pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></div>
<h2 style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0cm 12pt -0.75pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple;">Interview with Dale Preece Kelly, founder of Critterish Allsorts</span></h2>
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0cm 12pt -0.75pt;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hbhzsv-Qy0g/VfxZyC9DRaI/AAAAAAAAApw/lUph-2IaJ7k/s1600/cas2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hbhzsv-Qy0g/VfxZyC9DRaI/AAAAAAAAApw/lUph-2IaJ7k/s1600/cas2.jpg" /></a></div>
<strong style="color: blue;"><br /></strong>
<strong style="color: blue;">How long have you been
running Critterish Allsorts?</strong></div>
<ul><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span></ul>
<div style="background: white; margin: 12pt 0cm 12pt -0.75pt;">
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em>Critterish Allsorts was
founded in August 2010 so a little over 5 years</em></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em><br /></em></span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0cm;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong><span style="color: blue;">What made you decide
to get into pet therapy?</span></strong></span></div>
<ul style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span></ul>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin: 12pt 0cm;">
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em>I got the opportunity to
work inside a secure psychiatric hospital with people with severe mental health
problems (like paranoid schizophrenia, psychosis, severe depression etc) with
brain injuries and severe forms of aspergers and autism. I saw the difference
my visits made to these people and had psychologists and speech therapists
asking how it managed to get the responses it did. The fact I was helping
people, well I was facilitating my animals to help people, made me feel very
proud and fulfilled. It’s such a great feeling. I decided there and then this
was the direction I wanted to follow with Critterish Allsorts rather than the
traditional animal man route - this was a really special thing to do. So I set
about researching everything I possibly could about pet therapy and realised
that nobody else was using the animals I was using in this way, people were
just using dogs cats rabbits and horses. That was in 2011, I am now recognised
worldwide as a pioneer in the field</em></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em><br /></em></span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0cm;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong><span style="color: blue;">How do you become a
qualified pet therapy practitioner?</span></strong></span></div>
<ul style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span></ul>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin: 12pt 0cm;">
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em>At the time there were no
college courses I could attend, no degrees to do, I was the only person doing
it in this way with this range of species. I found an online course with the
British School of Yoga. It was based around dogs and horses but the course
materials and content were excellent. It taught me a lot - the history, techniques,
counselling methods etc more importantly it taught me why and how it worked and
allowed me to understand exactly what I am doing with my animals. At the same
time, I taught the college a lot about using different types of animals in
different ways - they were blown away by my assignments and case studies, using
skunks and reptiles and insects. I won their student of the year award!! There
is now a degree course at a university in Yorkshire, but that too is a distance
learning course. A lot of universities teach about my work when students
courses touch in animal assisted therapy, and every year I get approached by
anywhere up to 30 students who want to do dissertations on my work or come and
make academic studies of its effects. That’s a great feeling. I believe I am
still the only "animal man"/animal encounter company who is qualified
as an animal assisted therapy practitioner. Many companies offer pet therapy,
but many give a type of animal assisted activity, they do not practice the
therapy side, which has real identifiable and measurable goals. I do both
working one to one with patients and mental health professionals, to give
measured results to the patients. If it was not a successful treatment there is
no way that we would have the contracts that we do with the huge public and
private corporations that we do</em></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em><br /></em></span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0cm;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong><span style="color: blue;">How many animals make
up the Critterish Allsorts team?</span></strong></span></div>
<ul style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span></ul>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin: 12pt 0cm;">
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em>Somewhere between 50 and
60 unless the stick insects have babies in which case it can increase by more
than a hundred!!</em></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em><br /></em></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0cm;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong><span style="color: blue;">Can you tell us a bit
about the healing powers of pet therapy?</span></strong></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></div>
<ul style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">
</span></ul>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin: 12pt 0cm;">
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em>There are so many.
Animals don’t judge for starters, they expect nothing, they ask no questions.
Animals just exude love and thats all that many people need. For psychiatric
patients it offers a focus that takes their minds off everything else thats
going on, to be able to just sit with their thoughts and feel loved and wanted
by another being. The most profound thing I have had a patient tell me came
from a paranoid schizophrenic who told me that when he was with my animals all
of the voices in his head disappeared and he was free of noise. That made me cry,
to think you have done something like that for somebody who has been plagued by
voices for decades just blew me away. He was able to have rational lucid
conversations with his doctors for the first time. For others its the only
session they will attend because it offers them respite from the pressures.
Patients who identify with snakes (each person identifies with a different
animal as their therapy animal) get 4 dimensions and snakes do wonders for self
esteem...imagine feeling really down about yourself and then doing something
nobody else is prepared to do. Suddenly you feel like a hero and so good about
yourself. I am currently developing a new revolutionary form of animal assisted
therapy that will go into territory as yet uncharted but more on that when its
developed (thats an exclusive)</em></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: x-small; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em><br /></em></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0cm;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong><span style="color: blue;">What is the most
rewarding part about your job?</span></strong></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></div>
<ul style="line-height: normal;"><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><em>
</em></span></ul>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin: 12pt 0cm;">
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><em>Seeing what it does for
people. When we are educating it’s how it affects the kids. The looks on their
faces when they meet and interact with the animals and the interest they take.
With the therapy work, its’ just watching in awe at how amazing my animals are,
they seem to know what they are there for and act differently in both settings.
They make me so proud, and the results that they achieve are phenomenal. Such a
satisfying aspect of it. I also love that I am one of the only people in the
world doing what I do the way that I do it, it makes me very proud of what I
have accomplished. I’ve always said from day 1 that if I won the lotto or for
some other reason became a millionaire, I would continue to do the work but I
would do it for free</em></span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0cm;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong><span style="background-color: white; color: blue;">What future plans do you
have for Critterish Allsorts? </span></strong></span><br />
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong><span style="background-color: white; color: blue;"><br /></span></strong></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4-yF86coGK8/VfxeSPgLksI/AAAAAAAAAqI/9cqK9djGSvg/s1600/cas5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="164" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4-yF86coGK8/VfxeSPgLksI/AAAAAAAAAqI/9cqK9djGSvg/s200/cas5.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<em><br /></em>
<em><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Who knows what the future
holds? I have never had a business plan, I just let the universe guide me (try
explaining that to a bank manager) but its worked so far. I come into contact
with people by chance and they change the direction of my life. I am a completely
different person now than I was in 2010...better, more grounded, I have a
better understanding of how all sentient beings work, I work personally on a
higher plain than I did then (if that makes sense - I don’t mean I’m above
anyone but that I understand more about life about what makes me tick and
everything else...in the last 5 years I’ve discovered myself), I have also
grown with my animals (I am connected spiritually with each and every one of
them and we have a true relationship, they are not just my pets, they are my
friends, they are my heroes, they are my equals, they are my colleagues, they
are me we are one, they speak and I hear – that’s one of the most important and
special things that we have and it’s what makes it work so well).....this
possibly sounds like a really pretentious answer – it’s not meant to nor is it
my intention but its honest. I have no plans for the future I take everything a
day at a time, recent events have taught me that lifes too short to plan
anything, you just have to live for the now because truthfully tomorrow is of
no consequence until tomorrow. Makes living life so easy. I’ve also discovered
a spiritual side in the past 6 months that I never realised I had and I am very
much in touch with that, and I know from 4 years of believing the universe will
see me right, that whenever I am in need the universe will provide (I could cite
so many examples of when it has) so long as I lead my life in the right way and
think in the right way too (if any of that makes sense)</span></em></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; margin: 12pt 0cm;">
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HRSL6FVIeDQ/Vfxe10S5nMI/AAAAAAAAAqc/_RHmMkLfpYg/s1600/cas11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HRSL6FVIeDQ/Vfxe10S5nMI/AAAAAAAAAqc/_RHmMkLfpYg/s400/cas11.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><strong><span style="color: blue;">You are also the author of the life
changing book <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Organic-Guinea-Pigs-Health-Revolution/dp/1785107372/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1442572853&sr=8-1&keywords=organic+guinea+pig">Organic Guniea Pig</a>. Have you ever thought about writing books
based on your animals?</span></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span id="goog_1212311102" style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HPUPpFYOSOc/VfxfRlEPteI/AAAAAAAAAqg/YIzyfP6ZEV8/s1600/organic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HPUPpFYOSOc/VfxfRlEPteI/AAAAAAAAAqg/YIzyfP6ZEV8/s1600/organic.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">Haha...many times Corrina, but I never
thought I could write. Then I met Gerry Roberts when I attended one of his
talks, completely random decision. Went on my own, took it all in, and got
really excited about it. Went away and wrote that book in 3 months !! I am now
working on my 2nd book "You Can" which will hopefully inspire people
to follow their dreams as I have for the last 5 years - this one is taking me
longer to write unfortunately, due to current demands on my time, but its all
good it will be written. I also have another 6 which I have titles for. Now
that I know how, nothing will stop me !! I love writing.</span></em></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></em></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">In terms of writing about
my animals....there may be a book about my work at some point. I did consider
writing some kids books about the animals adventures and that would be really
kewl, but I had no idea how to do it or how I would illustrate them - Success
Skunks has allowed me to become connected with a few children’s authors and
illustrators, but I think I'll leave the children’s books to the experts (hint
hint!)</span></em></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></em></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<em><span style="font-family: Times, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">I wont write any kids
books now, when I had the opportunity the time wasn’t right for me. If someone
else wanted to write them, emphasising the great work they do, then that would
make me very happy because they deserve the recognition and kids are always so
interested in the idea of animal assisted therapy esp in the States. I visited
a high school in Virginia last year to take part in a class and debate on the
subject with a group of final year students. I became the mentor of the student
who organised it all and she graduated with top marks</span></em></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0cm;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> ********************************************************</span></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2_NNcJeVR2w/VfxhN_dtTMI/AAAAAAAAArc/CKnsA03xCC0/s1600/cas%2Bus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2_NNcJeVR2w/VfxhN_dtTMI/AAAAAAAAArc/CKnsA03xCC0/s640/cas%2Bus.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0cm;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Thank you so much Dale
for such a fascinating and insightful interview. I am sure a lot of people will be enlightened and touched by it, I certainly was. I am also a great believer in
the power of positive thinking and trying to live your life to it’s full
potential despite what life may throw at you. I wonder if anybody else out
there can relate to this spiritual side too. Do you ever feel that sometimes
your life is mapped out? I do at times, you try and go down one path and then
things happen forcing you down another. I see any failure or disappointment
(and trust me, I have had a few !) on my part as a stepping stone to something
better. I may not be where I want to be right now but I am quite content living
in the now, even if it does get hard going at times. There is a lot to smile
about and meeting Dale and his critters was an experience that my little brood
will never forget. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0cm;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I can’t explain why I
was drawn to help Critterish Allsorts, I had never met Dale before, I hadn't even spoken
to him before yet something touched my heart and I wanted to help. People didn’t get
why I was doing it and it certainly raised a few eyebrows. I can’t explain it myself, it was never part of my plan…
it just felt right and things just slotted into place naturally. Over the last few months
I have got to know Dale well and we are very similar with our
beliefs and outlook on life. He is one of the nicest and kindest people I know, it’s another
example of how some people come into your life for a reason. </span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0cm;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I have no idea where
things are going, Like Dale I am leaving it all up to the universe, yes I will
work really hard but not a clue where it will take me. I am just looking
forward to what other fun opportunities come up. For now I am really looking
forward to Animania and Critterish Allsorts first joint school visit in October
at my children’s school. I am sure there will be other collaborations between
the two of us in the near future. I would love to think one day we can work on an animal book together, watch this space.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0cm;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mWhykEc_Dnc/Vfxf8GGrW5I/AAAAAAAAArE/AhWW2UzgveI/s1600/cas4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="159" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-mWhykEc_Dnc/Vfxf8GGrW5I/AAAAAAAAArE/AhWW2UzgveI/s200/cas4.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><b>Have you had any
experiences with pet therapy or using the power of positive thinking? If so I would love to hear them so please do leave a comment below.</b></span></h3>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You can contact Critterish Allsorts via:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.critterishallsorts.co.uk/">Website</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/critterishallsorts?fref=ts">Facebook</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://twitter.com/CritterishUK">Twitter</a></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0cm;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; line-height: normal; margin: 12pt 0cm 12pt -0.75pt;">
</div>
<div style="line-height: normal;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: normal; margin: 0cm 0cm 10pt 36pt;">
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Corrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02495811784741507484noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242807901362401071.post-75733944923260904902015-09-11T12:16:00.001-07:002015-09-12T09:45:58.625-07:00Don't Let Being an Introvert Stop You From Living Your Creative Dreams<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vTW8jsOkXGw/VfMrE1XKRQI/AAAAAAAAAos/cbXK6_SrKHE/s1600/INKY%2BSTINKY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="190" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vTW8jsOkXGw/VfMrE1XKRQI/AAAAAAAAAos/cbXK6_SrKHE/s320/INKY%2BSTINKY.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 20.8266677856445px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If somebody outlined what I do now to a younger me years ago I would have thought they were having me on. See, I have never been your little Miss Confident. I am getting much better with age but I have always been a very quiet person. I was quite shy as a child and painfully shy as a teenager. I barely spoke a word in my teens. </span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 20.8266677856445px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 20.8266677856445px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Over the years I have overcome this by literally throwing myself at any challenges that come my way. I try to embrace every ‘scary opportunity’ as an opportunity to gain a little bit more confidence. I still get scared and hate hate hate public speaking. I don’t think I will ever overcome it fully, but I am much more comfortable in my own skin now. This blog is to reach out to all other introverts out there and say, look, if I can do it…. anyone can!</span></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 20.8266677856445px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As you can imagine being an introvert does not go hand in hand with splashing yourself all over social media and trying to market yourself. If you want to get your product in the hands of people you need to jump out of your comfort zone and get yourself out there. Easier said than done I know, but if you start taking baby steps now then you will start to see a difference and before you know it, you will be ready to embrace any challenge that comes your way, heck you might even enjoy them!</span></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 20.8266677856445px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Do you know, most creatives I have spoken to over the years are actually quite shy. They would much rather sit in their studio and just paint, or stay in the comfort of their study writing, I would too! But that isn’t the way you will get your work noticed. You need to get out of your comfort zone and start connecting with other creatives and you will soon see many opportunities coming your way. I am not promising that these tips will make you the next Steven King or Andy Warhol, but what I can promise is that it will build your confidence. You will soon start meeting like minded folk who will want to include you in their brainstorming sesssions, and hopefully make some very special friendships along the way.</span></span></div>
<h2 style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 20.8266677856445px;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">So how can you take control and combat those fears?</span></span></h2>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 20.8266677856445px;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7M33ui6PJJM/VfMgYwN0RXI/AAAAAAAAAoA/LD7bZezS1Og/s1600/12348107_f520.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7M33ui6PJJM/VfMgYwN0RXI/AAAAAAAAAoA/LD7bZezS1Og/s1600/12348107_f520.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Found on engelta.hubpages.com</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em; text-align: center;">
<b style="line-height: 20.8266677856445px;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">1. GET SOCIAL ONLINE</span></b></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 20.8266677856445px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When I started out on my artistic rebirth journey one of the first things I did was to discover the wonderful world of social media. Now, this is a great way to connect with people in the comfort of your home and the more you do it the more comfortable you will feel with interacting with others.</span></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 20.8266677856445px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The first page I set up was my facebook page and then from there I started signing up to all sorts of art sites and social media sites to get my work out there. I have found that it is best to stick with just a few rather than plastering yourself all over the internet. Try them all out to begin with, then find the ones that you connect with the most and stick to them. When I first started out my top sites were Facebook, Fanart, RedBubble and Deviantart. </span></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 20.8266677856445px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.fanartreview.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;"><span style="cursor: pointer; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 20.8266677856445px;">http://www.fanartreview.com/</span></span> </a> was the site that pushed me down the illustrating path and was the most sociable and interactive site I found. You could post artwork on the site and had the option to promote this on their home page. To do this you would have to review other artists work in exchange for member dollars which you would then use to promote your own work. It was quite a time consuming site to be part of, but back then I had nothing else going on so I thoroughly enjoyed it. They even held competitions and had chat forums, so it was a very social site.</span></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 20.8266677856445px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">They also had a sister site called <a href="http://www.fanstory.com/">Fan Story</a> where the artists had the option to share their work with the authors so that they could use them for the writing they posted. I will always be grateful for my time on this site, without it I might never have stumbled into the illustrating world.</span></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 20.8266677856445px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When I first joined up I was very nervous about posting my work, I was incredibly insecure about what I produced, and I was intimidated by the other art that was clearly of a professional standard. I will never forget posting that first painting and thinking ”please be nice, please be nice”. Well long story short it was the best thing I did and I met some wonderful people through it.</span></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 20.8266677856445px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">These days my platforms of choice are <b><span style="color: purple;">Facebook</span></b> and<span style="color: purple;"> </span><b><span style="color: purple;">Twitter</span> </b>with <b><span style="color: purple;">Instagram</span></b> and <b><span style="color: purple;">Pinterest</span></b> in the background, I really must get back into them. Oh and a little nosey on <b><span style="color: purple;">Linkedin</span></b> now and again.</span></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 20.8266677856445px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I can’t advise which ones will suit you, all I can say is give them all a go and then stick with the ones you like the most, only you will know which feels right.</span></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 20.8266677856445px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Twitter for me really opened up a floodgate of opportunities and new connections. It’s a bit strange to begin with, but stick with it. I didn’t have a clue what I was doing on there at first and thought the whole thing was a ridiculous concept. Try it for a fortnight, follow people, retweet posts you like, look for groups to join and I can guarantee you will love it. Within a month I was meeting all sorts of people and have made some great friendships through it. As a start you can follow these groups which I highly recommend. All are a great way to meet other people with the same interests:</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OHA202y-qsk/VfMi5f6zpOI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/kb1tO_q8dSY/s1600/blog8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OHA202y-qsk/VfMi5f6zpOI/AAAAAAAAAoQ/kb1tO_q8dSY/s320/blog8.jpg" width="232" /></a></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 20.8266677856445px;"><b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Twitter group for Illustrators:</span></b></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 19.8799991607666px;"><a href="https://twitter.com/Daily__Doodle" style="cursor: pointer; font-weight: inherit;" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">@Daily__Doodle</span></span></a></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 19.8799991607666px;"><a href="https://twitter.com/Clr_Collective" style="cursor: pointer; font-weight: inherit;" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">@Clr_Collective</span></span></a></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 19.8799991607666px;"><a href="https://twitter.com/Sketch_Dailies" style="cursor: pointer; font-weight: inherit;" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">@Sketch_Dailies</span></span></a></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em; text-align: center; vertical-align: top;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 19.8799991607666px;"><span style="cursor: pointer; font-weight: inherit; text-decoration: none;"><a href="https://twitter.com/pinchpunchpost" style="cursor: pointer; font-weight: inherit;" target="_blank"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">@pinchpunchpost</span></a></span></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em; text-align: center;">
<b style="font-size: 14.6666669845581px; line-height: 20.8266677856445px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Twitter group for Authors:</span></b></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 19.8799991607666px;"><a href="https://twitter.com/KidLiterature" style="cursor: pointer; font-weight: inherit;" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">@KidLiterature</span></span></a></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 19.8799991607666px;"><span style="cursor: pointer; font-weight: inherit; text-decoration: none;"><a href="https://twitter.com/inkspokes" style="cursor: pointer; font-weight: inherit;" target="_blank"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">@inkspokes</span></a></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 20.8266677856445px; line-height: 20.8266677856445px;"></span></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #8899a6; font-family: Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 19.8799991607666px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 20.8266677856445px;"><b><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">2. DON'T BE AFRAID TO REACH OUT TO PEOPLE</span></b></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 20.8266677856445px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">One of the biggest things I have learned over the years is that there are some wonderful people out there who are all willing to share their knowledge with you. I have learned the majority of what I know today through my connections with other like minded peeps. If I get stuck with any technical issues or even get stuck with a drawing or concept there has always been someone there to give me some advice.</span></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 20.8266677856445px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Most people love to chat to others and offer advice so don’t feel afraid to reach out to people. My approach is very much a bull in a china shop, sometimes it works sometimes it doesn’t he he. You have absolutely nothing to lose so make the first move, say hi, compliment them on their work and show an interest, before you know it friendships will be formed and great connections made. Also don’t take it personally if you don’t get a reply, these things happen and it really is no reflection on you as a person, the creative bunch are ridiculously busy! So the odd snub here and there is perfectly normal. Don’t be intimidated to reach out to the high profile creatives either, from my experience they have all been interactive and have answered any questions I have had. Don’t forget we all had to start somewhere once so don’t be intimidated with reaching out to the pros, they are more than happy to help with any questions you have.</span></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 20.8266677856445px;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AifxDkIt6y4/VfMjoRk16cI/AAAAAAAAAoU/8DC95t88nqc/s1600/10364147_782713055102133_761560483700597973_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AifxDkIt6y4/VfMjoRk16cI/AAAAAAAAAoU/8DC95t88nqc/s320/10364147_782713055102133_761560483700597973_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;">3. GET SOCIAL OFFLINE</span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EZqRVUuLdPY/VfMj_KS3c5I/AAAAAAAAAoc/RftDU21WnLI/s1600/as4%2BIllo%2B19%2B-%2BMonkey%2BArtists.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-EZqRVUuLdPY/VfMj_KS3c5I/AAAAAAAAAoc/RftDU21WnLI/s400/as4%2BIllo%2B19%2B-%2BMonkey%2BArtists.jpg" width="332" /></a></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 20.8266677856445px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Another thing I did at the beginning was join my local art club. Now I was a bag of nerves as you can imagine, walking into a room full of people I didn’t know was incredibly daunting. I won’t lie, it was scary but at the same time I knew that it would really help me out. Not only to meet other people but also to improve my skills. There are usually local clubs for artists and writers, if there isn’t then why not start one?</span></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 20.8266677856445px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I have been involved in all sorts of little events over the year that has lead to social occasions with other artists and meeting new people. Once you start getting yourself out there and start connecting with people who have the same interest, you will soon find a whole new world open up. I can’t comment on the author side of things as this area is very new to me, but I know for artists, there are loads of opportunities out there. Art clubs, local art oganizations, art trails and tours. Have a google and see what’s near you then sign up!</span></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 20.8266677856445px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 20.8266677856445px;"><span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b>4. REPEAT AFTER ME "I CAN DO THIS"</b></span></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 20.8266677856445px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As Richard Branson quoted</span> <b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">“If someone offers you an amazing opportunity and you’re not sure you can do it, say yes – then learn how to do it later”</span></i></b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">This is very much how I do things, what harm can it do after all. So I have got involved in all sorts of different ventures the last few years and this year is no exception. I was asked to read to my children’s school earlier this year…. Aaaaarrrggh! Me and public speaking are not best friends! But I did it, and you know what….. I thoroughly enjoyed it and had absolutely nothing to worry about. Ask me again when I have to do it again in October he he. </span></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 20.8266677856445px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">The biggest challenge so far was an hr long live interview on The Ron Shaw Show on the 17<sup style="line-height: 17.3555545806885px;">th</sup> of August. I really put my poor little body through the paces with that one. I was in what one can only be described as a “state” on the day itself and the butterflies started a week before. Yes I didn’t want to do it, I was petrified but I kept telling myself “What is the worse that can happen?” Life moves on and if it really was terrible people would soon forget about it. If it was truly awful then it could probably even work in my favour as it might attract more listeners he he. Anyway I did it…. and you know what?.... I absolutely loved it! Even though everybody kept telling me I would be fine, I really didn’t feel that way on the day, but they were right.</span></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 20.8266677856445px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So as the good old saying goes, “There is no such thing as can’t” Yes you will be scared and yes sometimes things don’t go as well as you would have hoped for, but at least you are trying.</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"> </span><b><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You can’t control what happened yesterday or what will happen tomorrow so try to live for the now</span></i></b><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">.</span><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Keep telling yourself that you can do this!</span></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 20.8266677856445px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I hope this blog inspires other introverts, it is a horrible trait to have at times but it doesn’t need to control you. Baby steps in the right direction is all it needs.</span></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 20.8266677856445px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 20.8266677856445px;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b><i>Have you had to overcome the dreaded introvert curse? What techniques did you use to overcome a fear on a particular situation? I would love to know, so please do leave a comment below.</i></b></span></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 20.8266677856445px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 20.8266677856445px;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">And if you fancy a giggle here is my interview with Ron Shaw:</span></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20.8266677856445px;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 20.8266677856445px;"><a href="http://66.49.193.35/ArtistFirst_Ron_Shaw_2015-08-17.mp3">http://66.49.193.35/ArtistFirst_Ron_Shaw_2015-08-17.mp3</a></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20.8266677856445px;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6666669845581px; line-height: 20.8266677856445px;"><a href="http://artistfirst.com/ronshaw.htm">http://artistfirst.com/ronshaw.htm</a> Twitter: <complete id="goog_1308640603">@RonGizmo</complete></span></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<br /></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<br /></div>
Corrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02495811784741507484noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242807901362401071.post-64141214640802920772015-08-16T03:04:00.000-07:002015-08-17T01:34:54.703-07:00Animania goes live<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4s7kiHmlA3g/VZbvyHo4drI/AAAAAAAAAhc/G--CR-uCBlE/s1600/cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4s7kiHmlA3g/VZbvyHo4drI/AAAAAAAAAhc/G--CR-uCBlE/s320/cover.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 21.7733325958252px;">Yay, it has been quite the journey but I can officially announce that my first book Animania is available in both print and as an e-book. I have inflated my arm bands, donned the flippers and ready to take that dip into the huge self publishing ocean.</span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em; text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 21.7733325958252px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Animania-mrs-corrina-holyoake/dp/0993350100/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1439642776&sr=8-1&keywords=ANIMANIA" target="_blank">Amazon UK</a></b></span></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em; text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 21.7733325958252px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Animania-mrs-corrina-holyoake/dp/0993350100/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1439642725&sr=8-2&keywords=ANIMANIA" target="_blank">Amazon US</a></b></span></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em; text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 21.7733325958252px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://www.neansdream.com/store/c1/Featured_Products.html" target="_blank">Signed Copies</a></b></span></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 21.7733325958252px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 21.7733325958252px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 21.7733325958252px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<h2 style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 21.7733325958252px;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>GIVEAWAY TIME</b></span></span></h2>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 21.7733325958252px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To celebrate this huge milestone I am giving away the following bundle.</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wewx247j9FI/Vc81ntimEeI/AAAAAAAAAms/hYiJ48K7_ZA/s1600/giveaway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wewx247j9FI/Vc81ntimEeI/AAAAAAAAAms/hYiJ48K7_ZA/s320/giveaway.jpg" width="307" /></a></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 21.7733325958252px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 21.7733325958252px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Comprising of:</b></span></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 21.7733325958252px;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i>1 signed copy of Animania, 2 crochet mice, colouring sheets, an original sketch and some handmade cards. </i></span></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 21.7733325958252px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The winner will be announced on <b>Sunday the 23<sup style="line-height: 18.1444454193115px;">rd</sup> of August</b>. To enter either visit my <a href="https://twitter.com/Ais4Animania" target="_blank"><b>Twitter</b></a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/aisforanimania?fref=ts" target="_blank"><b>Facebook</b></a> page or subscribe to my blog so that I can contact you if you have won :)</span></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 21.7733325958252px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<h2 style="line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="background-color: white; line-height: 21.7733325958252px;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>What is Animania?</b></span></span></h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h2qf3u8C8As/Vc83Po1buWI/AAAAAAAAAm4/cnLsAYD59KU/s1600/KISSIES.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h2qf3u8C8As/Vc83Po1buWI/AAAAAAAAAm4/cnLsAYD59KU/s400/KISSIES.jpg" width="308" /></a></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; line-height: 21.7733325958252px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; line-height: 21.7733325958252px;">For those that don’t know, Animania is an animal alphabet book with a twist... the twist being that these are not your normal animals! </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 21.7733325958252px;">This book shows the true essence of what my work is about and that is to create some giggles out there. </span></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; line-height: 21.7733325958252px;">An utterly ridiculous rhyming picture book aimed at the 4-8 year age range. </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 21.7733325958252px;">The book is made up of short catchy 4 lined verses for each letter of the alphabet, a</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; line-height: 21.7733325958252px;">nd is full of characters that will leave a lasting impression, and hopefully give you and the little ones much to talk about.</span></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; line-height: 21.7733325958252px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; line-height: 21.7733325958252px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am afraid this is going to be a bit of a self indulgent post based on Animania. I have worked my socks off the past year to get to this point. There have been highs and there have been lows. It has been a roller coaster of emotions, and there were moments of “why am I doing this”. Seeing the reactions from the children so far has been priceless and to me the book is already a success regardless of whether it sells or not. So I shall continue my self indulgent journey in this post by sharing links to some of the guest posts and interviews I have been blessed to be part of during the last couple of months to promote the book. Thank you so much to everyone for the continued support.</span></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; line-height: 21.7733325958252px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<h2 style="margin-bottom: 1.35em; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 21.7733325958252px;"><b>The Fantastic Support Behind Animania So Far:</b></span></span></h2>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; line-height: 21.7733325958252px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">First up an interview that bought a tear to my eye, hosted by the lovely Nelson Ward at Inkspokes. </span></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 18.8999996185303px; text-align: justify; word-wrap: break-word;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; word-wrap: break-word;">Inkspokes</span></span><span style="background-color: #fcfcfc; line-height: 18.8999996185303px; text-align: justify;"> is an online literary magazine that publishes articles on indie book trends, book reviews of independently published and small press works and author interviews. They also showcase some of the incredible work being produced by book illustrators, especially those working independently, and provide resources for indie authors and publishers to assist them in their writing, book craft and the publishing of their works.</span></span></div>
<div align="justify" style="background-color: #fcfcfc; box-sizing: border-box; line-height: 18.8999996185303px; word-wrap: break-word;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Their goal is to build an inviting, supportive community where authors, readers, illustrators and other publishing creatives can make connections.</span></div>
<div align="justify" style="background-color: #fcfcfc; box-sizing: border-box; color: #444444; font-family: 'PT Sans', sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18.8999996185303px; word-wrap: break-word;">
<br /></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em; text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 21.7733325958252px;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.inkspokes.com/2015/08/07/interview-with-corrina-holyoake-illustrator-and-author-of-animania/" target="_blank"><b>Chick here for Interview by Inkspokes</b></a></span></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 21.7733325958252px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">I am also proud to say that Animania has been given the Inskspokes select book award.</span> <a href="http://www.inkspokes.com/2015/08/03/review-animania-by-corrina-holyoake/" target="_blank"><b>Chick here for Review by Inkspokes</b></a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 21.7733325958252px;"><a href="http://ajcosmo.com/blog/index.php/corrina-holyoake/" target="_blank"><b>Chick here for A J Cosmo’s guest feature post </b></a></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 18px;">A. J. Cosmo's stories are crafted to help parents teach their children simple everyday lessons in an easy to understand manner. By artfully marrying beautiful illustrations and language, children are challenged to explore his magical worlds.</span></div>
</div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="ecxMsoHyperlink" style="line-height: 20.8266677856445px; text-decoration: underline;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 21.7733325958252px;"><span style="color: red; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><a href="http://motherdaughterbookreviews.com/guest-post-new-animania-by-corrina-holyoake/" target="_blank">Chick here for Mother and Daughter review</a></b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #444444; text-align: center;">
<span class="ecxMsoHyperlink" style="color: blue; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; text-decoration: underline;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 21.7733325958252px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="ecxMsoHyperlink" style="line-height: 20.8266677856445px;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 21.7733325958252px;"><span style="line-height: 18.5px; text-align: start;">A mother-daughter team who love to read. They have created a space where kids under the age of 13 (sons, daughters, nieces, nephews, grandsons, granddaughters, stepkids) and their grown-ups (mom, dad, grandpa, grandma, aunt, uncle, babysitter) can share their opinions about some of the books they’ve read.</span></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="ecxMsoHyperlink" style="line-height: 20.8266677856445px;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: red; line-height: 21.7733325958252px;"><a href="http://www.successskunks.com/en/successskunks/ANIMANIA_Animal_Alphabet_p4656.html" target="_blank"><b>Chick here for Interview by Stoosh and Skittles from Success Skunks</b></a></span></span><a href="http://www.successskunks.com/en/successskunks/ANIMANIA_Animal_Alphabet_p4656.html" style="color: blue; font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><span style="line-height: 20.8266677856445px;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 20.8266677856445px;"></span></span></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span class="ecxMsoHyperlink" style="line-height: 20.8266677856445px;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="ecxMsoHyperlink" style="line-height: 20.8266677856445px;">Success Skunks are an organization that helps inspire children globally. They interview a variety of people from different professions to show children</span><span style="line-height: 18px;">, how they "Wished Upon A Time " and with Passion, Compassion and hard work created a life they can't wait to wake up to.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; line-height: 21.7733325958252px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Here are some of my favourite reviews so far on Amazon:</i></span></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; line-height: 21.7733325958252px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 20.8266677856445px;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/review/R2KZZ3QIE7U4IC/ref=cm_cr_dp_title?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B010SX14Q2&channel=detail-glance&nodeID=341677031&store=digital-text" style="color: blue; cursor: pointer; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 20.8266677856445px;" target="_blank"><b style="line-height: 20.8266677856445px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 22.7199993133545px;">A colourful and fun read</span></b></a></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 20.8266677856445px;"><b style="line-height: 20.8266677856445px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 22.7199993133545px;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vrkH2L1lU8g/Vc9VDbtfffI/AAAAAAAAAnI/zCslPBYqIJI/s1600/ELECTROSHELL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vrkH2L1lU8g/Vc9VDbtfffI/AAAAAAAAAnI/zCslPBYqIJI/s400/ELECTROSHELL.jpg" width="308" /></a></span></b></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 22.7199993133545px;"></span><span style="line-height: 22.7199993133545px;"></span></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 22.7199993133545px;"><i>We love it! We are just starting to teach my daughter her phonics, so it is perfect as it is a cheerful way to remember letters and sounds. She loved Naughty Nipper and Inky Stinky. It is very colourful and creative. We played spot the mice and we talked about what the mice were doing. She found it highly amusing that the mice were using a flower like an umbrella to protect them from Booger Bat's runny nose!</i></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span style="line-height: 22.7199993133545px;">I loved that it rhymes. A rhyming book is always a favourite for me </span><span style="line-height: 22.7199993133545px;"><img alt="Smiling face with smiling eyes" class="Emoji$1F60A$AE0 RenderedEmoji" src="https://a.gfx.ms/emoji_1F60A.png" style="height: 19px; line-height: 22.7199993133545px; vertical-align: middle; width: 19px;" title="Smiling face with smiling eyes" /></span><span style="line-height: 22.7199993133545px;">I will definitely be buying copies for my friend's children.</span></i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span style="line-height: 22.7199993133545px;"><br /></span></i></span>
<br />
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 20.8266677856445px;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/review/R6LG6PKN9QYQN/ref=cm_cr_dp_title?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B010SX14Q2&channel=detail-glance&nodeID=341677031&store=digital-text" style="color: blue; cursor: pointer; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 20.8266677856445px;" target="_blank"><b style="line-height: 20.8266677856445px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 22.7199993133545px;">Lovely book</span></b></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 22.7199993133545px;"></span><span style="line-height: 22.7199993133545px;"></span></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 22.7199993133545px;"><i>This book is an absolute joy to read. The words and colourful illustrations are extremely well executed. It contains imaginative creatures and hilarious descriptions of what each letter in the alphabet stands for, in a way that's never been thought of before. My daughter and I were thoroughly entertained from the beginning to the end. I would definitely recommend this book to put a smile on any little one's face and adults of course. Excellent value for a lot of fun and entertainment.</i></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 20.8266677856445px;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/review/R2WJU7BVEN9Z0C/ref=cm_cr_dp_title?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B010SX14Q2&channel=detail-glance&nodeID=341677031&store=digital-text" style="color: blue; cursor: pointer; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 20.8266677856445px;" target="_blank"><b style="line-height: 20.8266677856445px;"><span lang="EN-US" style="line-height: 22.7199993133545px;">Have fun learning with Animania!</span></b></a></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 22.7199993133545px;"></span><span style="line-height: 22.7199993133545px;"></span></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 22.7199993133545px;"><i>What a wonderful children's learning book! Filled with a group of colourful and cute characters, Animania will make reading fun for youngsters (I'm sure it will make their parents smile too!). The rhyming verse compliments the illustrations very well and will allow kids to think of their favourite creatures when learning the alphabet. I’m sure this book would do great in any young class library, so recommended for teachers also. If you have young children, work in a school, or are just a big kid at heart, certainly give Animania a read!</i></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 0px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<br /></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 14.25pt; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 20.8266677856445px;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/review/R1WIXKMBXBTYPP/ref=cm_cr_dp_title?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B010SX14Q2&channel=detail-glance&nodeID=133140011&store=digital-text" style="cursor: pointer; line-height: 20.8266677856445px;" target="_blank"><span class="ecxa-size-base6" style="line-height: 20.8266677856445px;"><span style="color: blue; line-height: 18.9333324432373px; text-decoration: none;"><b>An incredible and marvelous book for all ages!</b></span></span></a></span><span style="line-height: 18.9333324432373px;"><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #444444; line-height: 18.9333324432373px;"></span></span></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 14.25pt; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 18.9333324432373px;"><i>Whimsical does not begin to adequately describe this beautiful book. Author, artist Corrina Holyoake has created a wonderful book for boys and girls that may well be one of the best children's books of all time. I would go so far as to call this fine work unique within the genre.</i></span><br />
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 18.9333324432373px;"><i><br /></i></span>
<br />
<div style="color: black; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #111111; line-height: 18.9333324432373px;">The author's art is amazing. Her highly creative story and characters from A to Z are simply brilliant and dazzling.</span></i></span></div>
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #111111; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 18.9333324432373px;"></span><br />
<div style="color: black; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span style="color: #111111;"><span style="line-height: 18.9333324432373px;"><br /></span></span><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #111111; line-height: 18.9333324432373px;">ANIMANIA is the whole package for children, parents, and grandparents of all ages.</span><br /><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #111111; line-height: 18.9333324432373px;">Looking so forward to seeing more works in print by this author.</span><br /><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #111111; line-height: 18.9333324432373px;">I love this book!</span></i></span></div>
<div style="color: black; line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><span lang="EN-GB" style="color: #111111; line-height: 18.9333324432373px;"><br /></span></i></span></div>
</div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="line-height: 21.7733325958252px;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>What happens next?</b></span></span></h2>
</div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; line-height: 20.8266677856445px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Right now I am still at the beginning stages of marketing Animania, so that is taking up all of my free time. I have so many fun things happening in the background, here are just a few of the things I am most excited about.</span></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20.8266677856445px;">17<sup style="line-height: 17.3555545806885px;">th</sup> August</b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20.8266677856445px;"> Interview on the Ron Shaw Show on the Artist Finder network</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.8266677856445px;"><br /></span></span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20.8266677856445px;">25th August</b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20.8266677856445px;"> I am meeting Dale from Critterish Allsorts and his 65 critters. I can’t wait to finally meet Stoosh and Skittles. Animania is sponsoring Critterish Allsorts and I am donating a percentage of my royalties to them so I am really excited about this visit. More details about the sponsosrship can be found here: </span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20.8266677856445px;"> <a href="http://corrinaholyoake.blogspot.co.uk/2015/07/animania-sponsors-critterish-allsorts.html" target="_blank">Animania sponsors Critterish Allsorts</a></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.8266677856445px;"><br /></span></span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20.8266677856445px;">September</b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20.8266677856445px;"> Date to be confirmed for a book signing and press release in Chichester.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 20.8266677856445px;"><br /></span></span><b style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20.8266677856445px;">October 13<sup style="line-height: 17.3555545806885px;">th</sup> </b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 20.8266677856445px;"> Author school visit with Dale and a few furry friends</span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; line-height: 20.8266677856445px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lr6YPGniMRw/Vc9VeM2AVuI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/_wp842JoXIE/s1600/colouring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Lr6YPGniMRw/Vc9VeM2AVuI/AAAAAAAAAnQ/_wp842JoXIE/s400/colouring.jpg" width="308" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; line-height: 20.8266677856445px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; line-height: 20.8266677856445px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span lang="EN-GB" style="color: black; line-height: 20.8266677856445px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The next priority is to get a colouring book published, where kids have the chance to colour in their own copy of Animania. I am aiming to get that published for my school visit in October. Once Animania calms down then I will think about the next book. It will tie in with Animania, but how is something I have yet to figure out. I am hoping this is the start of many more silly books from yours truly. I have no idea where this little journey of mine is taking me, but one thing’s for sure, there is never a dull moment!</span></span></div>
</div>
Corrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02495811784741507484noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242807901362401071.post-8508529110347952462015-08-09T10:47:00.000-07:002015-08-13T12:54:52.487-07:00Book Lovers Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yM0x4nRwIxc/VcXQUq8VIVI/AAAAAAAAAkk/NnmQEA_3Xaw/s1600/as2%2Bcover%2Bfinal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yM0x4nRwIxc/VcXQUq8VIVI/AAAAAAAAAkk/NnmQEA_3Xaw/s320/as2%2Bcover%2Bfinal.jpg" width="304" /></a></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15pt; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 19.8799991607666px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; line-height: 15pt; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 19.8799991607666px;">In honor of Book Lover's Day on 9 August, my writerly pals and I are having fun by sharing all the ways we adore reading. There is nothing better than getting lost in a good book but sadly it has been a while since I have picked one up due to this year being…. Well, ridiculous! When I heard it was book lovers day I thought now this is the perfect opportunity to put some time aside and indulge in one of my favourite past times.</span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15pt; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<br /></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15pt; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 15pt; margin-bottom: 1.35em; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.8799991607666px;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>How we will be celebrating book lovers day</i></b></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 15pt; margin-bottom: 1.35em; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.8799991607666px;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VOcmNviJrn8/VcXQwvRE8nI/AAAAAAAAAks/tSbCqpPdfhU/s1600/ink%2Bkla.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="306" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VOcmNviJrn8/VcXQwvRE8nI/AAAAAAAAAks/tSbCqpPdfhU/s320/ink%2Bkla.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 15pt; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span lang="EN" style="line-height: 19.8799991607666px;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>READING TO MY CHILDREN</b></span></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 15pt; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; line-height: 19.8799991607666px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I always used to love reading to my children when they were little but I must admit over the years this fizzled out as these things tend to do. However as part of the national read aloud month in March I thought it would be fun to read my kids a bedtime story, even though they are now 8 and 11. Do you know what, it proved that you are never too old to be read to! We carried on with the nightly bedtime reads way beyond the month of March. The kids loved having that extra bit of mum time. We would get our jim jams on, cuddle up in bed and read a story. My daughter, Flic, would insist on taking it in turns to read, which really helped her reading skills at school. Dylan was more than happy just to lie back and wait for my terrible attempts at accents. I too enjoyed the break from the drawing board and it gave me a chance to study the art of writing more, and to see what things worked with the kids and what didn’t, so it was a good learning experience too.</span></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15pt; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6_zaCj6HHko/VcXRE8hv5YI/AAAAAAAAAk0/9fFC68OhD8w/s1600/reading.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6_zaCj6HHko/VcXRE8hv5YI/AAAAAAAAAk0/9fFC68OhD8w/s200/reading.jpg" width="193" /></a></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.8799991607666px;"><b>PUTTING SOME TIME ASIDE TO READ SOMETHING</b></span></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 15pt; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; line-height: 19.8799991607666px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am ashamed to say that the last few months we have stopped the night time reading ritual, so much has happened the last few months but that is an entire blog in itself. Its been an erm…. Interesting year! So for book lovers day I am putting some time aside and I have told the children that we will start reading again starting from Sunday. My latest book commission comes to an end this week so it’s about time that the paintbrushes are put down and the books picked up.</span></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 15pt; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<br /></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; line-height: 15pt; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span lang="EN" style="line-height: 19.8799991607666px;"><b><span style="color: purple; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">READ SOMETHING FROM A NEW AUTHOR IN A GENRE THAT IS DIFFERENT TO MY TYPICAL CHOICE</span></b></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 19.8799991607666px;"></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PVuaL207bAY/VcXO9_FZk_I/AAAAAAAAAkc/THwJuD0R7Mk/s1600/as4%2BIllo%2B12%2B-%2BSt%2BBernards%2BDay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PVuaL207bAY/VcXO9_FZk_I/AAAAAAAAAkc/THwJuD0R7Mk/s400/as4%2BIllo%2B12%2B-%2BSt%2BBernards%2BDay.jpg" width="286" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 19.8799991607666px;">My usual book of choice is a good horror, something gritty with the shock factor. Favourite authors including the likes of Steven King, Clive Barker and Martina Cole. However as I have grown up a little more, I have stepped out of my comfort zone and started reading a bit of historical fiction. This was quite the eye opener as I found I thoroughly enjoyed this genre. Lesley Pearse is now another name added to the fave list; so don’t be afraid to start turning the page on a book because it isn't something you would normally read, you might just be pleasantly surprised.</span><br />
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 15pt; margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; line-height: 19.8799991607666px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The more I am networking with authors the more my eyes are being opened to different styles of writing and genres out there. I have read some real gems the last year, titles that I would never have read if it wasn’t for the friendships that have been formed. I have now read autobiographies, children’s fiction, teen fiction, erotica, horrors, the list is endless.</span></span></div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 15pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; line-height: 19.8799991607666px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So to celebrate Book Lovers day, I have several books I have dowloaded from fellow author buds and I shall be reading the Yellow Bus Boys written by Ron Shaw for my bedtime reading and Felicity will be reading Pretty Please by Princess Polly by AJ Cosmo. Dylan will be reading </span></span><span style="color: #111111; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 1.3;">Pedro The Ugliest dog In The World by Papa G</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 15pt;">
<span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; line-height: 19.8799991607666px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: blue; font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 19.8799991607666px;"><b>Thanks for stopping by. For more book love, please visit these awesome bloggers next.</b></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white;">
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.8799991607666px;"><br /></span></span>
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GJRtsrA5Xns/VcZFP9rOvYI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/VoU6tAhZJpQ/s1600/blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GJRtsrA5Xns/VcZFP9rOvYI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/VoU6tAhZJpQ/s320/blog.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 19.8799991607666px;"><b>Cat Michaels</b></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 19.8799991607666px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.catmichaelswriter.com/cats-corner-blogging-about-books-writing-and-more" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 19.8799991607666px;" target="_blank"></a><a href="http://www.catmichaelswriter.com/cats-corner-blogging-about-books-writing-and-more" target="_blank">Cat's Corner</a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 19.8799991607666px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="line-height: 19.8799991607666px; text-align: center;">
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
Cat marks Book Lovers' Day with a wink and a smile in her RAP (Really-Awful-Poem) "Ode to Books" with apologies to Gertude Stein, the Bard, Dr Seuss and true poets everywhere.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rla0DKbeos4/VccUdWnDwxI/AAAAAAAAAl4/ae9uSxsP4aA/s1600/blog2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Rla0DKbeos4/VccUdWnDwxI/AAAAAAAAAl4/ae9uSxsP4aA/s320/blog2.jpg" width="215" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 14.6181812286377px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Söndra Rymer</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 14.6181812286377px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 14.6181812286377px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://fairytalesimagery.tumblr.com/post/126217884878/safe-said-mr-beaver-dont-you-hear-what-mrs" target="_blank"><span style="color: purple;"> Fairy Tales Imagery</span></a></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 14.6181812286377px; text-align: left;">Söndra marks Book Lover's Day by slipping into the past to pick up a </span><span style="line-height: 14.6181812286377px; text-align: left;">belov</span><span style="line-height: 14.6181812286377px; text-align: left;">ed children's book and quietly obsess over "This is where it all BEGAN!"</span></span><br />
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-78rIl3dSoYE/VccVi0AV8BI/AAAAAAAAAmE/3PNQ1841Acc/s1600/blog3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-78rIl3dSoYE/VccVi0AV8BI/AAAAAAAAAmE/3PNQ1841Acc/s320/blog3.jpg" width="255" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 14.6181812286377px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Auden Johnson</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 14.6181812286377px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: purple; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://audenstreasury.blogspot.co.uk/2015/08/bookluvhop-finding-comfort-company-in.html" target="_blank">Dark Treasury</a></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 14.6181812286377px; text-align: left;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 14.6181812286377px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Books showed me I wasn't alone</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 1.35em;">
<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>Carmela Dutra</b></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.ablogforyourthoughts.com/" target="_blank"><span style="color: purple;">A Blog For Your Thoughts</span></a></span></div>
<div style="color: #444444; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #444444; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 14.6181812286377px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Did you ever read a book that just made you fall madly in love with it? </span></span></div>
<div style="color: #444444; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 14.6181812286377px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #444444; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 14.6181812286377px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 20.8266677856445px; text-align: center;">
<span data-reactid=".5l.1:5:1:$comment715369565275553_718450228300820:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0.0.0" style="background-color: white; cursor: pointer; font-weight: bold; line-height: 14.6181812286377px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><a class=" UFICommentActorName" data-ft="{"tn":";"}" data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/hovercard.php?id=100002230924621&extragetparams=%7B%22hc_location%22%3A%22ufi%22%7D" data-reactid=".5l.1:5:1:$comment715369565275553_718450228300820:0.0.$right.0.$left.0.0.0.0" dir="ltr" href="https://www.facebook.com/leigh.shearin?fref=ufi" style="cursor: pointer; font-weight: bold; line-height: 14.6181812286377px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: black;">Leigh Emery Shearin</span></span></a></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 20.8266677856445px; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://leighshearin.weebly.com/blogs/paging-mr-seagullmr-jonathan-livingston-seagull" target="_blank">Leigh Shearin, Writer</a></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 20.8266677856445px; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 20.8266677856445px; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 14.6181812286377px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"How I found the secret to life on the big oak bookcase"</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLCeDjmLJ9o/VcesbWc-QFI/AAAAAAAAAmY/htT0cP7v8yY/s1600/blog4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLCeDjmLJ9o/VcesbWc-QFI/AAAAAAAAAmY/htT0cP7v8yY/s200/blog4.jpg" width="200" /><b style="color: #141823; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 14.6181812286377px;"></b></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLCeDjmLJ9o/VcesbWc-QFI/AAAAAAAAAmY/htT0cP7v8yY/s1600/blog4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLCeDjmLJ9o/VcesbWc-QFI/AAAAAAAAAmY/htT0cP7v8yY/s1600/blog4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZLCeDjmLJ9o/VcesbWc-QFI/AAAAAAAAAmY/htT0cP7v8yY/s1600/blog4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; display: inline !important; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b style="line-height: 14.6181812286377px;"><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b style="line-height: 14.6181812286377px;"><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b style="line-height: 14.6181812286377px;"><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b style="line-height: 14.6181812286377px;">Karen Emma Hall</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://kidliteraturetoday.blogspot.co.uk/2015/08/book-lovers-blog-hop.html" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 14.6181812286377px;" target="_blank">Kid Literature Today</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 14.6181812286377px;"><b><br /></b></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 14.6181812286377px;">"Enjoy Book Lovers day by making time to read"</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; line-height: 20.8266677856445px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="color: #141823; line-height: 14.6181812286377px;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="color: #444444; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="color: #444444; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="color: #444444; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #444444; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 20.8266677856445px; margin-bottom: 1.35em; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="ecxMsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: 15pt; margin-bottom: 1.35em; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="color: blue; font-size: large;"><b><span style="line-height: 20.8266677856445px;"><span lang="EN" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 19.8799991607666px;"><i>If you have a blog about book love, post your link in the comments section, and we'll give you some blog loving!</i></span></span></b></span><span style="color: #444444; font-size: 10.5pt;"><span lang="EN" style="color: #141823; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 10.5pt; line-height: 19.8799991607666px;"></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Corrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02495811784741507484noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242807901362401071.post-29868719685896778462015-07-03T13:46:00.000-07:002015-07-03T13:47:05.713-07:00Animania sponsors Critterish Allsorts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P9blk__nOAw/VZbn7jN0vFI/AAAAAAAAAg0/xdibtU380EI/s1600/newsflash.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="96" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-P9blk__nOAw/VZbn7jN0vFI/AAAAAAAAAg0/xdibtU380EI/s320/newsflash.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vx5-hvJMkn4/VZbpakHSWcI/AAAAAAAAAhA/3rxXKMNFEzg/s1600/gecko.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vx5-hvJMkn4/VZbpakHSWcI/AAAAAAAAAhA/3rxXKMNFEzg/s200/gecko.png" width="183" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 16.3090915679932px; margin-top: 10px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have been itching to announce this and now I can, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 16.3090915679932px;">woohoo! Over the last month I have been liaising with </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 16.3090915679932px;">Dale Preece Kelly, founder of <a href="http://www.critterishallsorts.co.uk/" target="_blank">Critterish Allsorts</a> about </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 16.3090915679932px;">this exciting little partnership.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 16.3090915679932px; margin-top: 10px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have always wanted to give a little back with my </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 16.3090915679932px;">work </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 16.3090915679932px;">and now that I am self publishing <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Animania-Corrina-Holyoake-ebook/dp/B010SX14Q2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1435954230&sr=8-1&keywords=animania" target="_blank">Animania</a> it </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 16.3090915679932px;">seemed like the ideal opportunity to do just that. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 16.3090915679932px; margin-top: 10px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 16.3090915679932px;">I was </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 16.3090915679932px;">introduced to Critterish Allsorts last year through Paul Cody </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 16.3090915679932px;">(co Founder of </span><a href="http://www.successskunks.com/" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 16.3090915679932px;" target="_blank">Success Skunks</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 16.3090915679932px;">). </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 16.3090915679932px;">I was fascinated with the concept behind pet </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 16.3090915679932px;">therapy , so I watched a tv documentary based on one of Dale’s visits to a </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 16.3090915679932px;">nursing home to give me a better understanding of what he does. I was so </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 16.3090915679932px;">touched to see the joy that his visit and the animals bought to these people, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 16.3090915679932px;">their faces literally lit up as soon as they held the animals, it was so lovely to </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 16.3090915679932px;">watch. I have since been following his work and seen him go all around the </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 16.3090915679932px;">country visiting the elderly and people with mental health issues not to mention </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 16.3090915679932px;">the numerous school visits to educate children on the importance of animals. I </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 16.3090915679932px;">think what he does and what his organizations stands for needs to be shared </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 16.3090915679932px;">with as many people as possible so I wanted to help. I have decided to donate </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 16.3090915679932px;">half of all e-book sales to Critterish Allsorts to help Dale continue to grow the </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 16.3090915679932px;">business and reach as many people as possible.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 16.3090915679932px; margin-top: 10px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9lR1xihMHjs/VZbqDlnrlGI/AAAAAAAAAhI/w1DYuhi54lE/s1600/critterish-allsorts.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9lR1xihMHjs/VZbqDlnrlGI/AAAAAAAAAhI/w1DYuhi54lE/s1600/critterish-allsorts.png" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 16.3090915679932px; margin-top: 10px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 16.3090915679932px; margin-top: 10px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To learn more about the organization and the powerful healing properties of pet </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 16.3090915679932px;">therapy then contact via:</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 16.3090915679932px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.critterishallsorts.co.uk/" target="_blank">Website</a></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 16.3090915679932px;"> </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/critterishallsorts" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 16.3090915679932px;" target="_blank">Facebook</a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 16.3090915679932px;"> </span><a href="https://twitter.com/CritterishUK" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 16.3090915679932px;" target="_blank">Twitter</a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 16.3090915679932px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 16.3090915679932px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This is a video clip of the episode I watched...</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/T2wphp0Rxo4/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/T2wphp0Rxo4?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 16.3090915679932px; margin-top: 10px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
I am planning to visit Dale this August, with my son Dylan at his soon to be </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 16.3090915679932px;">Critterish Cottage, I will share our experience with you all. We are both very </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 16.3090915679932px;">excited to be able to meet these 65 plus critters that he lives with and I </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 16.3090915679932px;">thought </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 16.3090915679932px;">this would be a perfect bonding experience for me and Dyls. He is </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 16.3090915679932px;">going </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 16.3090915679932px;">to high school in September so my baby boy is entering that next </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 16.3090915679932px;">chapter </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 16.3090915679932px;">of his life and turning into a little man, bring on those mood swings!</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 16.3090915679932px; margin-top: 10px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 16.3090915679932px;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4s7kiHmlA3g/VZbvyHo4drI/AAAAAAAAAhc/G--CR-uCBlE/s1600/cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4s7kiHmlA3g/VZbvyHo4drI/AAAAAAAAAhc/G--CR-uCBlE/s320/cover.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 16.3090915679932px; margin-top: 10px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I am so pleased to be a part of this and I hope I </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 16.3090915679932px;">am able to help, as they </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 16.3090915679932px;">say every penny helps, so let’s hope Animania </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 16.3090915679932px;">can pull a few in for them. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 16.3090915679932px; margin-top: 10px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Please show some support by following Dale’s </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 16.3090915679932px;">work and you can now also </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 16.3090915679932px;">purchase the </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 16.3090915679932px;">e-book of Animania for $2.99 </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 16.3090915679932px;">or £ 1.99 at:</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 16.3090915679932px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Animania-Corrina-Holyoake-ebook/dp/B010SX14Q2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1435954812&sr=8-1&keywords=ANIMANIA" target="_blank">Buy E-Book at Amazon UK</a> </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 16.3090915679932px; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Animania-Corrina-Holyoake-ebook/dp/B010SX14Q2/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1435954704&sr=8-3&keywords=animania" target="_blank">Buy E-book at Amazon US</a></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 16.3090915679932px; margin-top: 10px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 16.3090915679932px; margin-top: 10px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 16.3090915679932px; margin-top: 10px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 16.3090915679932px; margin-top: 10px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Dale is also co founder along with Paul Cody of Success Skunks. Stoosh and </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 16.3090915679932px;">Skittles the skunks are the mascots for this group and they interview people </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 16.3090915679932px;">who Plant Passion in Kids for the Arts, Music, Writing, Science, Business, Sports </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 16.3090915679932px;">& Life! I was honored to have been interviewed myself last year. You can read </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 16.3090915679932px;">the interview here:</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 16.3090915679932px; margin-top: 10px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.successskunks.com/en/successskunks/Illustrator_Corrina_Holyoake_p4318.html" target="_blank">Interview with Success Skunks</a></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 16.3090915679932px; margin-top: 10px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Another great group who’s aim is to educate and inspire children. You can </span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 16.3090915679932px;">follow success skunks at: </span><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 16.3090915679932px;"><a href="http://www.successskunks.com/" target="_blank">Website</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SuccessSkunks" target="_blank">Facebook</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/successskunks" target="_blank">Twitter</a></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 16.3090915679932px; margin-top: 10px; white-space: pre-wrap;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
Corrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02495811784741507484noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242807901362401071.post-51342569199527977872015-06-21T10:46:00.000-07:002016-04-21T02:04:38.859-07:00The Secrets to a Successful Book Launch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pFVyvrbpWW0/VYbtTMu13xI/AAAAAAAAAgg/qGkKbvV4sKM/s1600/BANNER%2BTWITTER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pFVyvrbpWW0/VYbtTMu13xI/AAAAAAAAAgg/qGkKbvV4sKM/s640/BANNER%2BTWITTER.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>I have recently made the decision to self publish my book <a href="http://www.neansdream.com/animania.html" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Animania</span></a>. I am in the process of uploading the book to createspace and have started to put together a marketing plan for the book launch. As if by magic I came across an advert on facebook for a webinar on how to host a successful book launch by Joel Friedlander, talk about perfect timing! I shared the post and one of my fellow author buds suggested I write up a blog on what tips I pick up as they couldn't attend the webinar. So here I am to share my findings with you. I must admit at the end of the session I was a tad overwhelmed and came to the conclusion I really need to be doing this full time. However, I was pleasantly surprised that I am actually doing what they suggested albeit in a half hearted manner but at least I'm on the right track. Anyway here is what the session covered, I hope it helps some of you too, it was certainly an eye opener...</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>So the first thing that was covered was the 14 reasons that most book launches fail. I have picked the points that stood out to me the most, and thrown in a few of my own comments.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Why Most Books Fail</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.99px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Refusal to Collaborate and Socialize</span></b></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.99px;">It is vitally important that you network your socks off way before your book is launched. You should engage with people throughout the whole development process. T</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 19.99px;">heir input will help you identify what matters most to them, the benefits they want your book to deliver etc. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.99px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.99px;">The more invested people are, the higher the value they will place on your work – because they helped create it.</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.99px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.99px;">Encouraging a social, community-oriented mindset builds trust and and makes people feel that they are part of something special. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.99px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.99px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Social media is a fantastic tool for this, so get out there and start networking, you won't look back. If you haven't signed up to twitter then you are missing out. I was dead against it to start with, but I cannot stress how valuable it is as a networking tool. The other sites facebook, pinterest, instagram etc are all great ways to connect too, but for me personally it was twitter that opened up a whole new world.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.99px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 19.99px;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.99px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b>Rushing to Get It “Out There” </b></span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.99px;">It is very tempting to rush to get your book out there, but for a successful launch you need to do your research before and come up with a marketing plan that is achievable. Once you announce your launch date stick to it and allow for a bit of extra time for breathing space. There is nothing worse than getting a stress head on because unplanned events get in the way of your very tight schedule. So avoid that and give yourself some extra time to make everything run as smoothly as possible. S</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 19.99px;">tart your planning process early – ideally while you’re still writing or editing. </span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.99px;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 19.99px;">Have your author website or book landing page ready and functional. Make sure it’s not only easy for people to buy your book, but easy for them to share the information with their friends.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.99px;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 19.99px;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.99px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b>Assuming Book Launches Are Only for Big Name Authors or People with Deep Pockets</b></span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.99px;"></span></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.99px;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.99px;">A successful launch doesn’t require heaps of cash, a huge network or a secret handshake. If you have a well planned launch, with clear goals and objectives you expect to achieve, your launch may be dramatically more effective and fruitful than a well-financed but unfocused one.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.99px;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.99px;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.99px;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.99px;">
Putting together a book is no easy task, why shouldn't you celebrate all of the hard work you have undertaken. You have every right to be proud of what you have accomplished so share this with everyone. It doesn't need to be something fancy just a gesture to give yourself a little pat on the </span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 19.99px;">back and a chance to celebrate with all the people that have supported you throughout the process. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.99px;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 19.99px;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.99px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b>Enveloped in an Author Identity Crisis</b></span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.99px;">You need to get to know yourself, s</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 19.99px;">elf-knowledge is a very powerful tool, and knowing who you are, what you’re about, and why you do what you do can provide a significant and compelling way to break through the noise.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.99px;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.99px; margin-bottom: 1.53em; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Spend some time getting to know yourself and the reasons you write what you write. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.99px; margin-bottom: 1.53em; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Infuse your personality and message into every piece of content you share, and your uniqueness will give you your competitive edge. W<span style="line-height: 19.99px;">hen you discover and build on what makes you different, you eliminate your competition.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.99px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; line-height: 19.99px;"><span style="line-height: 19.99px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b>Being The Lone Wolf</b></span></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 19.99px;">It takes a village. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 19.99px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 1.53em; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 19.99px;">T</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 19.99px;">he most successful authors have used the power of the group to increase their sales. This all boils down to networking again. When you start networking and building friendships with people you will naturally start to collaborate with like minded individuals. This key group of supporters will be the basis of your success. </span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 1.53em; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 19.99px;">To gain the support you must be willing to help others too, it is a two way game. If you support others and build friendships then they will want to help you in return. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 19.99px;">Reach out and start making connections early so that relationships have time to develop, and clever ideas for joint ventures during your launch can be fleshed out. There are loads of ways you can collaborate with others such as blog tours, interviews, guest blog features etc</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 19.99px;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 19.99px;">Many people claim that they can't possibly do this as they are born introverts. Well I hold my hand up to being the dreaded i word and from what I have learn't over the years in this industry is that most creatives are. If you really want to be a success you have to try and overcome this, it is hard and it takes time, but the more you network and start meeting like minded people the more your confidence will grow. There are many things that still freak me out, but I am willing to step out of my comfort zone because I have to.... and you know what, I am actually enjoying it. Don't be afraid to reach out to people, you will find that the majority of people out there are more than happy to strike up a friendship and if not, no biggy, not everyone will get you so don't take it personally if some people have their guard up.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 19.99px;"><br /></span></div>
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 19.99px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Failure to Ride the Wave</span></b></span></li>
</ul>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.99px; margin-bottom: 1.53em; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It’s tempting to take a much needed break after all the excitement – and you should take time to celebrate. You’ve just launched your book to the world!</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.99px; margin-bottom: 1.53em; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">But having a plan in place to leverage your launch momentum, to follow up with new opportunities and to analyze and measure the results of your launch, is critical.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.99px; margin-bottom: 1.53em; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Don’t be tempted to pull back. Use the energy and buzz you’ve generated to open even more doors.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 1.53em; padding: 0px;">
<div style="line-height: 19.99px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Note what worked well, what didn’t, and take the time to personally thank everyone who contributed to, or supported your launch in some way. Their help was no doubt indispensable.</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 19.99px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 19.99px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 19.99px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i>To see all 14 tips you can view their blog here.... </i></b></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 19.99px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b><i><a href="http://www.thebookdesigner.com/2015/06/kimberley-grabas/" target="_blank">14 Ways To Crash Your Book Launch</a></i></b></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 19.99px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 19.99px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 19.99px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The next part of the session was based on the 6 essential elements of a flawless book launch</span></div>
<div style="line-height: 19.99px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 19.99px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 19.99px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>The Six Essential Elements of a Flawless </b></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 19.99px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Book Launch</b></span></div>
<div style="line-height: 19.99px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 19.99px;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Define Your Launch Objectives</span></b></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 19.99px;"></span></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 19.99px;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 19.99px;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="line-height: 19.99px;">
</span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.99px;">Try to get a bird's eye view of your launch and it's relation to your overall career path. What do you want to accomplish?</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.99px;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 19.99px;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Get Clear on Your Message and Positioning</span></b></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.99px;">Master your message, what do you want to say, who do you want to say it to. Get to know yourself. When you connect to your purpose and can articulate clearly on what you have to offer, your ideal audience will respond. Focus on you passions, strengths and goals, discover who you are and what you are trying to do. Outline your unique values and clarify what makes you unique and different. Your story is what people will connect to on an emotional level. One of the best strategies to quickly establish credibility and to get known and </span>differentiate</span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.99px;"> yourself is to share our why. So attach your launch to a bigger story and give people a reason to care.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.99px;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 19.99px;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Take Inventory</span></b></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.99px;">Use all of your assets to their full potential. Your author website/blog, social media, email lists etc. Often it is your early adopters that are the best supporters so reach out to them and get them involved in your book launch. It's not the tools but the implementation that matters, if you use these assets to their full potential you can be sure to have a successful book launch. </span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.99px;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 19.99px;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Make Them an Offer They Can't Refuse</span></b></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.99px;">A hard truth but people don't care about your book, they care about what your book can do for them. Focus on launch content that will add value and not that solely pushes your book.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.99px;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 19.99px;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Gather Your "A" team</span></b></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.99px;">As mentioned before, you really need to network and collaborate with people throughout the entire process. Gone are the days of the introverted writer, connections are critical and incorporating networking in your launch strategy is a must. To survive you have to have a shift in mindset, you need to have the approach of what can I do for them rather than how can they help me.</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.99px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 19.99px;">Once you have a team of "super supporters" include them in your launch strategy and give them extra special attention and care. Help them tell the story, create resources, pre written blog posts, images, videos, quotes... whatever you can to get your team excited. Create an insiders list and give them advance copies of your book. Get feedback on content and encourage them to get invested in your project. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.99px;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<ul>
<li><span style="line-height: 19.99px;"><b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The Launch Plan</span></b></span></li>
</ul>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.99px;">Your launch plan is your blue print to your entire book launch. It combines the task involved and the sequence of events for the launch. It should include the tools you use (implemented in the right way), the tasks completed, day by day plans before launch. </span></span></div>
<div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 1.53em; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.99px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.99px;">Your plan needs to include what you need to do, when you need to do it and how you will get it </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.99px;">done.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><br />
<br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>I have condensed all of this down for you to give you a rough idea of what was said. Their were loads of other tips but these key points stood out to me the most. </i></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: purple; font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>Have you launched a book? What worked / didn't work for you? Maybe you have some tips that you could share in the comments section.</b></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Corrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02495811784741507484noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1242807901362401071.post-62060107586464953512015-04-10T11:26:00.000-07:002015-04-14T04:54:40.120-07:00Happy Birthday Kid Literature Authors<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-drac6Pipx1A/VSgRUTyFTBI/AAAAAAAAAfk/E9MpZVjk8Tw/s1600/card%2Bmouse%2Bcupcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-drac6Pipx1A/VSgRUTyFTBI/AAAAAAAAAfk/E9MpZVjk8Tw/s1600/card%2Bmouse%2Bcupcake.jpg" height="400" width="175" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I have been quiet lately trying to complete Animania and working on Animal Stories For The Young Part 4. So as you can imagine blogging and social media have taken a bit of a nose dive.</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I had to put some time aside to put together a very special blog though and that is one to dedicate to <a href="http://kidliteraturetoday.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Kid Literature Authors</a> first birthday. For those who do not know about team KLA they are a group that formed on twitter and facebook with the aim to create a place where authors, illustrators and kid lit enthusiasts could share their works, but to also create a place where we can all encourage each other and support one another. To grow, to give back and to inspire children world wide. The group comprises of <a href="http://kidliteraturetoday.blogspot.co.uk/2015/04/happy-one-year-in-kid-literature.html" target="_blank">Karen Emma Hall</a>, (founder) <a href="http://writerhaunted.blogspot.co.uk/2015/04/first-anniversary-of-kid-literature.html" target="_blank">Steve Conoboy</a>, <a href="http://www.catmichaelswriter.com/cats-corner-blogging-about-books-writing-and-more" target="_blank">Cat Michaels</a>, <a href="http://ablogforyourthoughts.com/wp-rss.php/2015/04/the-magic-that-is-kid-literature/" target="_blank">Carmela Dultra</a>, <a href="http://hilaryshammock.blogspot.co.uk/2015/04/celebrating-one-year-of-kidliterature.html" target="_blank">Hilary Hawkes</a> and <a href="http://creativeillustratingandwriting.com/dear-kid-literature/" target="_blank">Carolin Palmer</a>. Each one of them will be helping celebrate this huge occasion from the week of the 13th-19th April. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: purple;">So what will they be doing to celebrate this big occasion??</span></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eEx-y3rAq7U/VSgOaYjC9fI/AAAAAAAAAfI/Vbn61HhP1vg/s1600/happy-birthday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eEx-y3rAq7U/VSgOaYjC9fI/AAAAAAAAAfI/Vbn61HhP1vg/s1600/happy-birthday.jpg" height="106" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
<br /><br />To mark the occasion there will be a week long celebration of fun on their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/KidLiterature?fref=ts" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/kidliterature" target="_blank">Twitter</a> pages which everyone is invited to. There will be videos, games, giveaways and much more, so do come along and join in the festivities. I will also be giving away some cards and prints as part of the rafflecopter feature and will post updates on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/corrinascreations?fref=ts" target="_blank">Facebook </a>and <a href="https://twitter.com/corrinaholyoake" target="_blank">Twitter</a> pages. Do come </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">along and show some support for everything this amazing team does.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To kick start the festivities, here is a chance to enter the first rafflecopter hosted by <a href="http://www.catmichaelswriter.com/cats-corner-blogging-about-books-writing-and-more" target="_blank">Cat Michaels </a> For a chance to win a copy of her " Sweet T and the North Wind" just click on the rafflecopter tab on my page. This will be updated as new giveaways come along.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Here is a little video to show what these guys have been up to the past year...</i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/k8uPODt_2cA/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/k8uPODt_2cA?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: purple;">Why team KLA are such an important part of my life</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b><span style="color: purple;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q9Vfsh0T7hg/VSgPs4aYxRI/AAAAAAAAAfU/ft30s_lc7Gk/s1600/ink%2Bkla.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q9Vfsh0T7hg/VSgPs4aYxRI/AAAAAAAAAfU/ft30s_lc7Gk/s1600/ink%2Bkla.jpg" height="382" width="400" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I signed up to twitter a couple of years ago and didn’t get it at all. After a couple </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: center;">of days scratching my head with it I decided to not pursue tweetsville any further. It was only after reading a blog about how to get your artwork noticed that I decided to give it another bash a year later. One of the top things to do was to join twitter, so off I went again. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: center;">As much as I was a rabbit caught in headlights at first, I stuck with it and started striking up friendships with people. Team KLA were one of the very first groups to reach out and show support to my work. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: center;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: center;">I was blessed enough to help out behind the scenes with spreading the word of KLA and in return I have been rewarded with constant inspiration, tips, support and most important of all friendship. This group homes some of the nicest people out there, people who have a wealth of knowledge under their belt about the whole children’s literature industry, from writing to illustrating to publishing and marketing. I have learnt so much the past year and the majority of that has been through the lovely folks at KLA. I am just tipping my toes in the author world and I tell you this much so far.... it's not an easy road to go down! Promoting artwork is a piece of cake compared to producing and marketing a book. It's an upward struggle at times but the support and inspiration from all members of the group has been invaluable and has kept me going.</span></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lSsCZ-XS2kg/VSgUmqXf5aI/AAAAAAAAAfw/ibUVSQgB_cs/s1600/squidge%2Bbday.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lSsCZ-XS2kg/VSgUmqXf5aI/AAAAAAAAAfw/ibUVSQgB_cs/s1600/squidge%2Bbday.JPG" height="200" width="187" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">So wishing all at Kid Literature a huge Happy Birthday. I am so lucky to have seen you start from nothing to this flourishing hub of creativity, all in the space of one year. Each and every one of the admin team deserve a massive hug for all they do.</span></div>
Corrinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02495811784741507484noreply@blogger.com5