Brand new book blog

I'm now blogging under a different blog: www.readingwritingbooking.blogspot.co.uk

I won't be posting on here any more so please follow the link above for book reviews, writing news and more.

Book releases for Christmas

Aldeburgh Book Shop shares their literary Christmas present recommendations with the EADT

So much for a Book Mecca, huh?
About six months between posts, I'm setting a record.

Before I start properly I just wanted to say that my thoughts are with all the people effected by the atrocities in Paris.
I wasn't sure whether to write this post, it seems so petty and unimportant in the face of such life-changing events. But carrying on with our lives is one of the best ways to stand up against these people. I'm not saying posting on a tiny blog is somehow going to bring down terror, but by continuing to do what we love we are showing defiance and living must go on.

Anyway, I have to post this today as it's in connection with the Christmas supplement that appears in today's East Anglian Daily Times newspaper.

Myself and my colleagues have been working on the supplement for the last few weeks and it's full of everything festive, from recipes and events, to fashion pages and gift guides.

One of the pieces that I put together was the book page. It sees a local book shop provide its top recommendations for reads for Christmas. This year John from Aldeburgh Book Shop provided his top picks.

He really covered all bases with his choices, appealing to all tastes and he even got a local author in there too. He provides excellent descriptions and I for one have put most of them on my Christmas list.
I'm not going to post them all here as there's still time for you to go and buy your copy of the EADT and read the article...
but here's the local one: Love is my Favourite Thing by (Aldeburgh based) Emma Chichester Clark.

It features Plum, her dog, who became famous on her blog and was previously featured in Chichester Clark's book Plumdog. The new release has lovely illustrations: "We particularly like the illustration of Plum destroying a feather cushion," said John.

Go and buy a copy, there's still time, just!

Becoming a Book Mecca

More than just me...

I've decided to make a bit more effort with this blog and to include, not just information about what I'm doing, but information on all things books and writing. This will hopefully inspire me to write this a bit more and make this blog a little less narcissistic!

I'll start off this new venture with a lovely-looking new children's book from V&A Publishing, Wendy and the Wallpaper Cat written by Jason Hook.

This caught my eye, not just because of the illustrations, but because it's written by the author of Where's the Dragon which is a lovely book that adds a fresh new look to the traditional dragon tales.

I haven't actually read Wendy and the Wallpaper Cat yet so can't comment on the writing but the description sounds great and V&A books tend to be high quality.
I know I shouldn't judge a book by its cover but children's books are a little bit different. Plus, Wendy and the Wallpaper Cat has such a beautiful cover that it's hard not to judge.
The book is inspired by the work of Walter Crane, a 19th century artist who illustrated children's books and was particularly famous for his wallpaper, which had a fairy-tale, surreal feel.

Swan Rush and Iris by Walter Crane

Macaw by Walter Crane

Illustrator Ilaria Demonti takes on this influence in the book.

I'll let you know what it's like when I've had a read, yes I'm going to read it even though I don't have kids, I like children's books.

In a brief lapse back to it being all about me, I'm currently working on the second Halesworth Our Town supplement for the East Anglian Daily Times newspaper. It's out on Tuesday so pick up the paper for a look.

Follow Me On Bloglovin'

Writing Weddings - Bride Magazine

Suffolk and Norfolk brides listen up, Bride magazine is out now and it's pretty damn good, and I'm not just saying that because I've written some of it.

It's produced by Archant, who I write a lot for, and is available in Suffolk and Norfolk at most supermarkets and newsagents. As a bride-to-be myself I know that some local wedding magazines can be a bit...crap, to be honest, but this one isn't. Not only is it lovely and glossy, and designed beautifully by the Archant Norwich team, but it covers pretty much everything to do with weddings and wedding planning. I wrote articles on stationary, hair, makeup, marquees and transport, and that's only a small part. There are lots of real brides inside as well as lots of vendors, I've been noting down a few of my favourites as I've been writing.

Although this was a lot of work I had great fun writing for Bride, I'm sure in part because now that I'm engaged it's actually relevant to me, but also because it's a lovely subject and I got to meet and talk to a lot of different, talented people.

 Here are a few excerpts from the magazine.

 

Catch up and new writing job

This is a very quick post just to update people on what I'm up to. I promise I will write something more interesting soon.

The last few months have been incredibly busy, I've been doing a lot of work for website-creating company HIBU writing web copy. Then, about a month ago I started a new job working with Archant. Most locals will know Archant as the company that produces the East Anglian Daily Times newspaper and the Evening Star. I'm freelancing with the Special Editorial Projects Team. Roughly translated that means we write all the random stuff, including regular supplements, one-off publications and glossy magazines.

I managed to join in a ridiculously busy period and so have been thrown in the deep end somewhat. In the last month I've produced three regular supplements as well as contributed to several other supplements and publications. This includes the Education Supplement and the bi-monthly West Suffolk Lifestyle supplement, both photographed (badly) below.

I've got to say it's great to be back writing for print again and it's incredibly varied so keeps me on my toes. The team are lovely and I actually worked at Archant years ago when I was 18 so I've seen a lot of familiar faces.

FYI I will now be looking after the regular supplements Framlingham: Our Town and West Suffolk Lifestyle. So, if you know of anything exciting happening give me a shout.

I will write a more interesting and less self-obsessed post soon. But not for a week or so as I'm having a well deserved break!

Writing about the Big Subjects: Female Pubic Hair

If you're related to me or of a particularly sensitive constitution, please stop reading.

I wanted to update you some on some work I've been doing for online and e-magazine Raw Attraction. This is a nice change for me as instead of writing about crafts, health or children's clothes, I've mainly been writing about pubic hair.

It all started with Cameron Diaz; she released The Body Book in which she sung the praises of pubic hair and this led me to write an article about female pubic hair for Raw Attraction which is named Is Bush Back? (I'm pretty damn proud of that title) It explores how pubic hair has gone from large 70s bush to bald Brazilian and how the trend is now something in between.

Here's the first page of the article.

In the process of writing this article I asked a couple of experts for comment. One of them is A-list beautician and make-up artist Gemma Aldous who's let me know what her clients expect from a bikini wax.

To get the male point of view I asked porn star Tyler Knight, an expert indeed. By the way, his view is that "real men aren't afraid to get hair in their teeth."

I loved writing this article and I have a couple more coming up with the magazine.

This article is in the latest issue of Raw Attraction which is available here.

By the way, they've called me Elizabeth in the article. This is because they thought I'd be embarrassed to use my own name, but, hell, who cares? They've also said that 'Elizabeth' likes to cook and "make love on the kitchen table," which shows how little they know me. I don't have a kitchen table.

I'll update some more soon. Keep in touch.

Plus, if you have any strong opinions on pubic hair please let me know.

Follow Me On Bloglovin'

How to Work when it's Sunny - Reblog from Ideas Tap

The weather has been glorious recently and I shouldn't complain, but like a typical British person I will; it's so hard to work from home when it's so hot and sunny.

The heat that melts your brain and the sun that's begging you to go outside all work against you.

However, I've just seen this great article on Ideas Tap for freelancers and artists on how to work in the sunshine; it's got some great tips, such as taking a siesta and working in the morning.

I'd also add another; invest in a fan!


I've reposted it below, see the original here.

How to work when it's sunny

British people treat the sun with the kind of casual, reasoned indifference with which moths treat flames. But there are ways to stay on track when the sun is shining....

Find it hard to concentrate when it’s hot? Pals, you’re looking at the girl who did her entire Psychology A-level revision sitting in a paddling pool, listening to Barry White (I got an A, thank you for asking). But here are a few things I’ve learned on the way about getting shit done in the blazing sunshine. 

Get up earlier

Take a tip from our cousins on the equator. My Indian family wakes up at 5am and work through til lunch. A lunch which they spend, like all right-thinking people, having a nap somewhere near a whisper of breeze. 

Of course, in the UK things are milder than a block of cheap cheddar. But the model still applies – to make the most of a lovely, warm day, wake up early and get as much done as possible during the cool, crisp dawn, before things get really glorious. Then you’ve earned a nice midday sun soak, park party of whatever else it is you kids get up to in nice weather. Then, when things cool down and the sun sinks below the horizon, you can get back on track.

Go lo fi

Computers and midday sunshine are about as compatible as thumbs and lit flames. So, wherever possible, leave those winking plug-in borefests at home. Writers – rediscover long hand. Designers – remember pencils? Actors – take your dictaphone to the park. Photographers – are you sure you need to be editing shots, rather than taking them?

Find somewhere with big windows 

Preferably ones that open. If, like 42% of our members, you’re London-based then make like those insufferable chumps in silver paint who pretend to be robots all day, and head to the Southbank. The Royal Festival Hall, for instance, is a lovely place to work when it’s sunny – with the view of the river, ready access to fountains and windows big enough to sink a ship.

So, let’s crowdsource this puppy: where are the nice places with big windows that are nice to work in near you? Let us know in the comments section below...

Ask for flexitime

It is, after all, the law.

Use your phone 

If you have a smartphone then you can get a hell of a lot done away from your desk. Record memos, answer emails, take notes etc etc. Just be sure to turn off your location settings if you’re emailing an office-based colleague as they’ll only start to hate you. 

Go into total denial

When working from home on a sunny day, James Hopkirk – our noble editor and super chief – pulls down his blackout blinds so he can’t be distracted by the sun outside. Now, while the idea of total domestic solar eclipse makes me want to shave my head and go run into a stream, he may have a point. Sometimes, when the sun has put his hat on, it’s best to don your blinkers and get shit done.

Image by **Mary** via Flickr under a creative commons license.