52 Weeks of Wellbeing – go from frazzled to fulfilled

January is always a bit meh. We’re supposed to reinvent ourselves but it’s cold and dark. We need all of the help we can get. 52 weeks of wellbeing is a fantastic book written by an author who is smart, original and full of fantastic advice. 
The authors personality is shot through with an incredible amount of research. This book is so inspirational and I will be dipping in and out of it for the rest of the week. Brilliant. 

52 Weeks of Wellbeing to Transform Your Life - from ‘Kintsugi’ to embrace your flaws to ‘Cold Therapy’ to boost stress tolerance & ‘Timebox’ to handle email overload

A simple wellbeing technique for every week of 2024 – to go from frazzled to fulfilled

WHY THIS BOOK MATTERS

Three billion people are miserable at work according to Gallup. And, unsurprisingly, anger, stress, worry and sadness hit record highs in 2021 and have been rising for 10 years
The book is packed with 52 simple, practical, accessible habits, techniques and tips – one for every week of 2024 – that ANYONE can do to cultivate a happier life and make you your priority
After a rugby accident left him unable to walk for a year and suffering from depression, suicidal thoughts and bulimia, author Ryan Hopkins embarked on a mental health mission
Now Chief Impact Officer at pioneering mental health platform JAAQ and Deloitte’s former Future of Wellbeing Lead, he delivers talks everywhere from TEDx to Microsoft to Jimmy Choo on mental health and regularly writes for everyone from the FT to LinkedIn
Ryan Hopkins is on a mission. He wants to reach 1 billion people to transform our wellbeing – from the toilet. That probably needs some explaining…

Many of us prioritise work over wellbeing. A third of UK workers eat ‘aldesko’ (aka at our desks) and 67% feel pressured to be available at all hours of the day. Global unhappiness has risen by over a third since 2010. Something needs to change.

Back to the toilet then. After a rugby accident left Ryan wheelchair-bound for a year and suffering from severe depression, anxiety, bulimia and suicidal thoughts for nearly a decade afterwards, he began building doable wellbeing habits and techniques into his everyday life. They’re so simple ANYONE can do them, even on the loo, but, combined, they have the power to radically improve our wellbeing. To prove it, he created his now viral ‘Toilet Break Wellbeing’ video series – which has reached tens of millions of people and counting.

In his new book 52 Weeks of Wellbeing: A No-Nonsense Guide to a Fulfilling Work Life, Ryan reveals a simple wellbeing technique for every week of the year to help transform us from anxious and frazzled to happy and fulfilled. Combining the latest academic thinking with his powerful experience of recovering from rock bottom, the book is a highly practical, accessible, funny and engaging guide to improving our mental health.

To make real, lasting change, wellbeing and self-care should be something we proactively make space for every day, not only addressed reactively in response to a problem. Packed with small, smart wellbeing habits you can easily fit into even the craziest of busy days, they accumulate to make drastic change. They include:

Breathwork for stressful times
The Japanese art of ‘Kintsugi’ to embrace your flaws
‘Cold Therapy’ to boost stress tolerance
‘Timebox’ to handle email overload
Cosmic insignificance theory to combat anxiety
Bringing back the Great British Tea Break to kickstart productivity
Wellbeing is a lifelong pursuit – some weeks it’s easier to master than others – but armed with the knowledge, tips and tricks from this book, Ryan hopes to provide 1 billion people with the tools needed to lead a healthier, more fulfilling life at work and at home.

“The ultimate guide to a better you. A fascinating and inspiring read.” Mo Gawdat, former Chief Business Officer for Google X

“Ryan combines his trademark sense of humour with a pragmatic view of well-being, making this an engaging and informative read.” – Dr. Clare Fernandes, Chief Medical Officer, BBC

“A book of bite-sized bits of brilliance.” Isabel Berwick, Financial Times

52 Weeks of Wellbeing by Ryan Hopkins is published by Kogan Page, 3rd January 2024, RRP £12.99

Three Easy Mocktails from Blake Lively’s Betty Buzz Soft Drinks 

One of the best things about being an editor is the opportunity to try lots of exciting things. I love Blake Lively’s films and was excited to try her range of drinks, Betty Buzz.
The range is gorgeous. They look great and taste even better. They are fresh and original. Almost like they have been home made. I will definitely try them again in the future. Here are three mocktail ideas from Betty Buzz.

Betty Buzz is made with fresh ingredients, free from artificial preservatives, sweeteners, colours and flavours, resulting in the perfect mixers for easy at home mocktails. 

Betty Buzz Ginger Apple 

1/2 bottle Betty Buzz Ginger Beer | 50ml Cloudy Apple Juice | 15ml Lemon Juice | Cinnamon Syrup | Apple Fan 

Combine ice, apple juice, lemon juice and cinnamon syrup. Shake well and strain into a Collins glass over fresh ice. Pour Betty Buzz Ginger Beer over top. Garnish with an apple fan

Betty Buzz Ginger Beer – Clean, fresh ginger taste with the perfect balance of spice and bubbles. 
RRP:  From £2.50 per 266 ml bottle 
Available from: Whole Foods Market

Betty Buzz Sparkling Grapefruit Spicy Sparkling Faux – Loma

1/2 Bottle Betty Buzz Sparkling Grapefruit | 15ml Lime Juice | 3-4 Jalapeño Slice 

Salt the rim of the glass (if desired). Fill shaker with ice, jalapeños and lime juice. Close and shake generously to combine. Pour into a lowball glass over ice and top with Betty Buzz Sparkling Grapefruit. Garnish with jalapeño slices

Betty Buzz Sparkling Grapefruit – made with 24% real Pink Grapefruit juice this delivers a tangy, lightly sweet and fresh citrus hit. 
RRP: From £1.80 per 150ml can and £2.50 per 266ml bottle and as a multiple pack from Amazon  24 x 150 ml cans from £29.99

Betty Buzz Lemon Lime Flirty Shirley 

1/2 Bottle Betty Buzz Sparkling Lemon Lime | Splash of Grenadine | Cherry 

Add ice to a highball glass and add a splash of Grenadine. Pour Betty Buzz Sparkling Lemon Lime over top. Stir together gently. Garnish with cherryBetty Buzz Sparkling Lemon Lime – Refreshing with deliciously authentic flavours
RRP: From £1.80 per 150ml can and £2.50 per 266 ml bottle and as a multiple pack from Amazon  24 x 150 ml cans from £29.99

A Round Up of Great 2023 Books

My Murder Katie Williams

I adored this smart speculative thriller. It’s original and lots of fun. This is in development by Archewell, Prince Harry and Meghan’s production company. This brilliant book is a about a woman who is murdered, brought back to life as a clone, and then solves her own murder. A must read.

The Returned Amanda Cassidy

This book had me completely hooked. It is about a woman who is told her son died in a fire, only for her son to seemingly come back to life decades later. A detective is called back to her hometown and the memories she left behind. It was smart and full of stunning prose. Amanda Cassidy is a writer to watch. I rarely reread a book but The Returned has earned a place on my book shelf. Cassidy is a stunning voice in Irish crime fiction. This book is disturbing and twisty. Leaving me hooked from the first page.

The Miraculous Sweetmakers: The Frost Fair Natasha Hastings

This dazzling historical fantasy novel sweeps you up to a beautiful world. Natasha Hastings is a stunning writer. This middle grade novel is heartwarming and perfectly written. My children aren’t quite old enough for it yet, but I loved it. I can’t wait for the follow up next year.

It’s winter, 1683, and the Great Frost has swept into London. By day, thirteen-year-old Thomasina and her friend Anne peddle sweets on the frozen river, hearing rumors of the magical Frost Fair that awakens there at night. They say if you can find it, Father Winter himself will grant any wish you have. And Thomasina has an impossible wish: the return of her twin brother, whose death left her family fractured.

Unfortunately Yours Tessa Bailey

I love Tessa Bailey and these two characters from Secretly Yours were my favourite and I could not wait for the sequel. I was not disappointed. This enemies-to-lovers story fizzles with chemistry and racy sex scenes. It is fun and heartfelt as Natalie and August find their way to each other.

The Last List of Mabel Beaumont Laura Pearson

This book about an eighty-something woman who’s husband dies and then she decides to tick of his last list. It says Find D. Mabel decides to find their old friend Dot. What follows is a heartwarming story with great characters. Fantastic.

Nineteen Steps Millie Bobby Brown

I loved this historical fiction novel from the star of stranger things. While there was some controversy around the ghostwriting, it is a fantastic and immersive novel based on Millie’s grandmother’s story. I loved the ending.

The American Boyfriend Ivy Ngeow

The American Boyfriend has all of the hallmarks of a great thriller. Fantastic characters, a great location (Florida) and a plot that keeps you guessing. This pacy book is full of great moments. I loved the ending. Just brilliant.

The Shallows Holly Craig

The Shallows was definitely one of my favourite books of 2023. I could not put it down. Everything from the plot to the characters is pitch perfect. It’s a brave and wild ride.

Emma and Ariella, neighbours in one of Sydney’s most exclusive suburbs, appear to have it all—perfect homes, perfect husbands, perfect lives. But they both know dark secrets lurk beneath the surface and shallow waters can’t hide Ariella’s. Now she has been found murdered.

Peppersmith Perfect For Christmas and Beyond for Guilt Free Snacking

We loved Peppersmith. Delicious and unhealthy; they are the perfect snack.

Naturally tasty, feel good treats. Peppersmith Mints, Gum and Pastilles are bursting with 100% natural flavours and thoughtfully sourced ingredients that are actively good for you. 

From zingy Lemon Mints and Strawberry Pastilles to refreshing Peppermint Mints and Gum, the natural flavours include peppermint and spearmint oils, explosive eucalyptus, Sicilian lemons and delicious strawberries, giving you banging flavour, freshening up your breath and caring for your dental health all in one!

All Peppersmith products are sugar free, gluten free, vegan friendly, free from palm oil and nut free – and because they contain xylitol, which contains a whopping 40% fewer calories than sugar, they’re guilt-free and great for anyone with wobbly blood sugars too.

There are six different flavours to choose from, including Peppermint Mints and Gum, Spearmint Gum, Extra Strong Mints, Sicilian Lemon Mints and Strawberry Pastilles. Plus the Peppermint Mints and both flavours of Gum come in Mighty Boxes too – freshness to the max.

And if you can’t decide which to pick, there’s a totally tantalising mixed taster box bursting with all of the flavours. The perfect way to taste what all the fuss is about. 

Peppersmith Mints, Gum and Pastilles cost from £1.30 (15g gum, Ocado) and are available from health shops and supermarkets nationwide, including Holland & Barrett, Waitrose and Sainsbury’s. Mighty Boxes and mixed taster boxes are also available online from www.peppersmith.co.uk

SAY CHEESE… 5 SMILE FACTS YOU MAYBE DIDN’T KNOW

  • Half of British adults hate their smile because of the condition of their teeth, and a majority have been affected by “Posh Spice Syndrome,” which occurs when a person is considered miserable because they smile so sparingly.

Source: www.studyfinds.org

  • The sweetener Xylitol has been proven to help reduce tooth decay. It can stunt bacterial growth by up to 90%, so not only does it neutralise the acid in your mouth but also prevents them from starting in the first place, making it extremely hard for plaque to stick to your teeth. 

Source: https://www.cgdp.com/2022/11/05/is-sugar-free-fine-for-your-oral-health/

  • The NHS could save £8.2 million a year on dental treatments – the equivalent of 364,000 dental check-ups – if all 12-year-olds across the UK were to chew sugar-free gum after eating or drinking, thanks to the role it plays in helping to prevent tooth decay.

Source: https://www.dentalhealth.org/news/chewing-sugarfree-gum-could-save-the-nhs-82-million-a-year

  • It is estimated that three quarters of the British population chew gum regularly. They buy 980 million packs a year, and spit out more than 3.5bn pieces.

Source:https://www.theguardian.com/society/2005/feb/23/localgovernment.environment

  • Smiling enhances positive emotions. Everyone has both positive and negative emotions swimming around in their heads. When you choose to smile and laugh often, you tap into your positive emotions. 

All the more reason to say cheese whenever you can!

Source: https://smilesincluded.com/the-psychology-of-smiling-anxiety-and-depression-resources

Last Minute Christmas Presents

To entertain the whole family

Michael McIntyre’s The Wheel board game available from Amazon 

Get into a spin this year with the ultra-competitive Michael McIntyre’s The Wheel based on the hit TV series.

This time, you’re the contestant in a race to complete your own set of seven questions and make it through to the End Game, where one final question stands in the way of victory. Compete alone or get into teams to pool your expert knowledge of the vast array of categories, but it’s not that simple, as success all depends on the spin of The Wheel…Land on gold and you’ll be rewarded with an easier ride… but watch out for the red as you’ll be shut down and thrown off The Wheel.

Now included with any purchase of The Wheel board game is the new web app allowing users to play the TV show music when spinning the board games wheel, creating the full feeling of being on the show! It’s available for all new and existing owners of the game and can be played on any web browser on mobile devices and computers. You can now sing ‘The Wheel, The Wheel, The Wheel’ to your hearts content!

With all the dizzying fun and nerve-jangling suspense of the show, it’s the board game ‘revolution’ you’ve been waiting for! The game has a vast array of question categories including science, movies, sport, TV, superheroes, video games, history and social media so something for the whole family.

Mr & Mrs Family Edition board game available from Amazon.

Mr & Mrs Pocket Edition available from Amazon

Would you be surprised to find out what your partner really thinks, or can you read them like a book? Pair up with your romantic other half, or even a friend or family member to answer in-depth and entertaining questions about each other with the Mr & Mrs Family Board Game based on the hit TV show All Star Mr & Mrs, hosted by Phillip Schofield. 

Mr & Mrs Family Edition contains questions suitable for adult couples, families and even boys and girls from the age of 10. With over 1,000 new questions designed to uncover things you may not know about your nearest and dearest, Mr & Mrs Family Edition is a great way for players to spend time together. The game features an improved Paddle Round where players sit or stand back to back and answer questions about each other such as ‘Who complains the most?’ or ‘Who is the most generous?’ It also includes the ‘It’s a Match’ bonus game – a true or false game where you can still score points for being on the same wavelength as your partner, even if you’re both wrong. It even includes some blank cards so you can write your own embarrassing questions. Guaranteed to cause laughter, blushes, blank looks and a whole lot more! The Mr&Mrs Family Edition board game is available for an RRP of £19.99 [currently discounted to £18.75] from Amazon with the Pocket Edition available for an RRP of £9.99 [currently discounted to £8.99] from Amazon

To protect hearing health and keep kids entertained

Puro Sound Labs BT2200 Plus Volume Limited Kids Headphones – available from Amazon.co.uk for £100 [currently discounted to £70]

In keeping with Puro Sound Labs mission to protect consumers’ hearing, the headphones are made to protect young listeners’ eardrums from early hearing damage being volume limited to 85 dB as recommended by the World Health Organization.

While the headphones are volume limited to the maximum safe listening level, they certainly do not compromise on sound quality. The Puro Balanced Response® Curve technology is engineered to deliver the finest genuine studio sound with clear, crisp vocals and full dynamic bass suitable for all genres of music. Additionally, the BT2200 Plus features a fully passive design which blocks 83% of the ambient noise @ 1kHz just by wearing them, ensuring that users can listen to their favourite tracks, audio books or YouTube undisturbed, or find their own space in shared environments.

Designed with both comfort and style in mind, the BT2200 Plus headphones boast a lightweight, construction that truly stands the test of time. As well as a durable, supple protein leather headband and ear cushions, guaranteeing a comfortable listening experience while relaxing at home or on the go. The BT2200 Plus also comes with interchangeable ear cups so children can switch from on-ear to over-ear for a better seal and more comfort. It also has a built in microphone, ideal for online learning and children will love the Daisy Chain sharing cable so favourite tracks and YouTube videos can be enjoyed with friends or siblings. 

We wish you a less wasteful Christmas

Party Kit Network offers new solution to disposable tableware and decorations 

With the new ban on single-use plastics now in place, a UK company offers a solution to Christmas party organisers concerned about the cost and environmental impact of plastic waste generated by partyware. Party Kit Network was founded by Winchester-based Isabel Mack in 2019, concerned by the amount of single-use plastic she saw ending up in the bin at the end of children’s parties.

Party Kit Network offers a ‘sharing economy’ solution to finding fun, affordable, and reusable Christmas party items (such as plates, cups, cutlery and decorations) in the UK, Australia and beyond. Party Kit Network has tapped into two current trends: the growing interest in keeping plastic out of landfill and looking after the planet; and connecting with others to rent items rather than buy them – like the growing number of clothing rental and car sharing apps out there. 

Each party kit is independently run by eco-minded individuals, school PTA groups, community lending libraries, small party businesses and zero waste stores. The benefits are huge: the kits help to avoid unnecessary waste from single-use items, which can take hundreds of years to decompose in landfill. For a party with 30 guests, switching to reusables and hiring a party kit saves an average of 100 single-use items from landfill. And it’s often cheaper to hire a party kit than to buy the equivalent disposables, plus it’s more convenient, with everything provided in one handy box.

“Party kits offer a simple solution to a waste problem”, says Isabel. “Like the wider sharing economy, I believe they also strengthen community connections (I’m often referred to as ‘the plate lady’ in Winchester). And they can act as a catalyst – by making the swap from disposables to eco-friendly reusables easier we hopefully inspire more people to look for sustainable options in other areas of life. The appeal is truly global – we’ve just had a kit from Oklahoma join!”

What better way to have a less wasteful Christmas than sharing your party supplies? Visit https://www.partykitnetwork.org/ to find a kit near you.

The Best Christmas Winter Cocktails By Lixir Drinks

It’s no secret we love cocktails at Frost. ONE of the best things about Christmas is the gorgeous and indulgent food and drinks that we can enjoy, guilt free, in the name of celebration and these Christmas cocktails by Lixir drinks will not fail to disappoint! Lixir have opened their drinks cabinet and bought you the best seasonal flavours, that not only taste divine but will visibly impress your guests, all with limited effort. 

Christmas Negroni

Ingredients:

  • Lixir Blood Orange & Cinnamon Tonic 
  • Gin 25ml
  • Campari 25ml
  • Lillet 25ml
  • Garnish with dehydrated orange & a candy cane 

Instructions:

1. Add the Gin, Campari and Lillet into a mixing glass. 

2. Stir for 1-2 minutes 

3. Pour over ice into a short Tumblr. 

4. Top up with Lixir Blood Orange & Cinnamon Tonic

5. Garnish with dehydrated orange and a candy cane

White Margarita

Ingredients:

  • Lixir Classic Indian Tonic 
  • Coconut syrup 25ml
  • Milk/ Oat milk 100ml
  • Silver tequila 50ml
  • Triple sec 20ml
  • Lime juice 15ml
  • Coconut rim around glass
  • Garnish with Cranberries & Lime 

Instructions:

1. Caught the rim of the glass with lime juice

2. Add the coconut flakes to the rim

3. In a shaker pour the milk/oat milk, tequila, triple sec, lime then add ice. 

4. After shaking pour into highball glass full of ice

5. Top with Lixir Classic Indian tonic to lengthen & lightly stir

5. Garnish with lime wheel and cranberries

Santa’s Bellini (Lower ABV)

Ingredients:

  • Lixir Rhubarb & Ginger Tonic 50ml
  • Prosecco 50ml
  • Sugar 25ml
  • Garnish with Mint leaves and some Jazzie sprinkles 

Instructions:

1. Combine Lixir Rhubarb & Ginger Tonic, prosecco and sugar into a shaker

2. Shake for about 2- 3 minutes

3. Then slowly pour into a flute glass

4. Garnish with mint leaves and jazzie sprinkles

Gingerbread Martini 

Ingredients:

  • Lixir Ginger Beer or Lixir Ginger Ale 
  • Vodka 50ml
  • Fresh lime juice 20ml
  • Ginger syrup 25ml
  • Garnish with Biscuit/ shortbread crumbs around rim

Instructions:

1. Add into the shaker the vodka, fresh lime juice and ginger syrup

2. Shake aggressively

3. Then pour into a chilled martini glass

4. Top with Lixir Ginger Ale or Lixir Ginger Beer

4. Garnish with Biscuit crumb rim

Photo credit @RGNproduction

Drinks development @private_mixologist

From self publishing to Penguin Random House without an agent: A Writing Journey By Ivy Ngeow

Pitching to Penguin after being signed to small publishers and being self-published.

Beginnings: I had not planned to be an author. I grew up believing that books were written by others, not me, for us to enjoy. Three or four events in my life, like special occasions, led me to “think” I was a writer. I was raised in a rich environment of stories, via my mum, my aunts, my grandparents, my dad, my teachers. I enjoyed hearing them so much that I also began telling them. I had a little burst of success as a 16-year-old in a national short story writing competition with the New Straits Times. I felt that indescribable buzz when I saw my byline among 30 highly-commended entries. 

The hotel rooms: As a university student and an adult, I wrote nothing. I only started when I started travelling for work in hospitality and resort design. I was in hotel rooms and airports a lot. I learned that I really valued and enjoyed observation and being alone, which of course, are the prerequisites of the writing life. I was surprised to be flooded with ideas which had nothing to do with work. I began writing again because as you know, you don’t need any fancy tools or equipment. In those days, I printed and posted my stories from airports, or the nearest post office to the hotel. This period led me to believe I had again some chance of success because I was getting accepted by the Sunday magazines. One story was bought and broadcast by the BBC World Service. I had meetings with agents in Soho back in London, which led to nothing but an inkling that my writing was getting attention, any attention. I took writing more seriously when I invested in an MA in Writing at Middlesex University. As you know it’s not free, so I was taking a big chance but I was working and it paid for the fees. I was astonished to discover that I won the Middlesex University Literary Prize in an international competition, a cash award large enough to cover a third of my fees. The judge was Penelope FitzGerald and about my story, she said she had never read anything like it in her life. 

The agent: I was snapped up by an agent immediately following the prize, a decision that was poor. I had no other offers. After 5 years, she did not get me a deal despite my writing not one but two novels for her to market. I did not write a word for 10 years. My writing stayed on my hard drive. It was deliberate. I had two children whom I wanted to give 120% of my attention. After 10 years and they were in primary school, I started submitting the novel again, and following 87 rejections I won a prize in Hong Kong, also a large cash prize. This novel, my debut, Cry of the Flying Rhino, was the turning point for me, because I now was an author. My entire family flew out to Hong Kong for the award ceremony and the publication. It was a small publisher, like my second novel’s, Heart of Glass.

The pandemic: Following the two novels with small publishers which were given zero marketing and publicity and unsurprisingly, hardly earned any royalties, I started to wonder if indeed they had even been published. I wrote another, Overboard. I got 50 rejections and I decided to start an imprint to publish it as I consider it to be my best book yet. I think my limit for rejections is now 30. I do think there is a limit otherwise you will be querying until you die. I don’t think I have the time or the patience to withstand 87 rejections like I did with the first, and 55 with the second. There’s no point and nobody cares. It’s an art form. It’s not a pizza which is edible and sort of OK even when bad. During the 2-3 years of the pandemic. I ate, sleep, wrote, published. Repeat. It was like a bumper sticker. 

Keep going: I did online courses on self-publishing, keywords, genres and copywriting to study the market. I cannot stress how important it is for a writer. Without knowing the market and the audience, you can’t pitch. I learned to write through editing other people’s work and through reading hundreds of books in the genres I was interested in. The MA will not teach you these skills. My objective had always been to write the best book that could write. This kept me going in the lockdown years. I published a couple more, short stories, and another novel, White Crane Strikes.

Perfect pitch: A famous author, unfortunately I forget who, said that if you cannot tell your story in 17 words, you don’t know your story. That intro letter, one-page synopsis and first paragraph in your manuscript is everything. I wrote The American Boyfriendin November 2021 which I decided I would query until that magic self-imposed 30 rejections before I would publish it myself. I would trade the complete control and higher royalties in self-publishing for a traditional deal because of the connections. By the time I started querying again post-pandemic, I had already distilled my book to the most grabby Netflix 40-word synopsis. I saw a window of open submissions from Penguin Random House Southeast Asia. I was just about to release my book, because I got to 27 rejections. 9 months after querying, in August 2022, I got the best email ever. It was from Penguin and consisted of 5 words: has this manuscript been acquired? 

Worldwide connections: The worldwide connections have been the most astounding and rewarding part of the publishing experience. Having a publicist was already mind-blowing as I had never had one before with self-publishing (that would be me) or with the small publishers I had been with (that would be no one). 

The Penguin publicity, marketing and sales team have opened doors from day one: no. 1 Sunday Times authors providing the cover endorsement quotes, media and press outreach including World Literature Today, Nerd Daily, Culturess, Book Riot, The Telegraph and Elle, being no. 4 on the Straits Times bestseller list in its opening week, being on sale at WHSmith at the airport departure lounge, book launch at West End London bookshop and in the USA, in Barnes and Noble physical bookstores throughout USA and at the airports such as in Key West, Miami International and JFK. I have also been invited to the Jaipur Literary Festival (“the greatest literary show on earth”) in February 2024. I have also seen an uptick in the sales of my other books. These opportunities to build audience trust and author visibility would not have been possible without the Penguin label. This experience has changed the way I see publishing as I come from a “nothing happens” school of thought from my previous publications. I am proud that my book now belongs with the orange-spined classics I grew up reading. I am inspired to keep writing. Stories keep us alive. Stories are more than ever what we need in these times.

My parting words and 5 rules of writing: Persevere. Learn to write. Write the best book that you can write. Believe that top quality writing always stands out. Above all, read.