Frost is thrilled that James Swallow has found time to write about his writing day for us – enjoy. And read his novel NOMAD, a belter of a book.

‘Bedtime? Forget it. This is one you won’t put down until it’s finished. We need a new strong character in this genre, and fresh for the New Year, Marc Dane is one.’ Frost Magazine

‘Unputdownable…a must read’ Wilbur Smith

‘nail-biting debut thriller for the post wikileaks world’ Mail on Sunday

‘a globe-trotting espionage thriller…very enjoyable.’ Guardian

James Swallow is a veteran author and scriptwriter with over 15 years of experience in fiction, television, radio, journalism, new media and videogames. He is the three-time New York Times bestselling author. He was nominated by the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) for his writing on the critically acclaimed DEUS EX: HUMAN REVOLUTION, 2013’s blockbuster videogame with over 2.18 million copies sold.

Frost is thrilled that James Swallow has found time to write about his writing day for us – enjoy.

The alarm wakes me around 8:00am, and if I haven’t been working ridiculous hours the night before it will have the desired effect and rouse me. Strong coffee and a breakfast snack come next, so the caffeine hits my system around the time I’m at my computer and logging on to the rest of the world. By far the best part of my working day is the commute; I have to travel a lengthy 12 or so metres to my home office, and as someone who used to have a long and dull journey into work back when I had a day job, it’s not something I miss!

At my desk, I skim the internet for the day’s news, check social media and sift through my emails, but my hope is to be into the work for the day by around 10:00am. I start by reviewing the previous day’s writing, whatever it may be – part of a book’s chapter, a piece of short fiction, or script pages – and I edit as I go, fixing things and tightening the writing. By the time I’m done with that, it’s like my writing engine is firing on all cylinders and I’m ready for the main event. I review my plan for the day – how many pages of script I need to write or what my word-count target is – and then settle in to start ‘cutting metal’. At other times, my day might be all about editing if I’m reviewing a finished draft; or it might be a pure study day spent building up a Google search history that which thanks to being a writer of modern espionage thrillers would raise eyebrows at GCHQ and MI5! Other times, I’m off-site working with videogames studios or on location for research.

I’m typically at my desk six days out of every seven, although being your own boss does allow you the luxury of voting yourself a free day whenever you feel you need one! The trade-offs are good and bad – the writer’s lot can be a lonely and isolating one if you allow it to be, so it’s good to break up the schedule with the occasional walkabout or lunch at a local café. It’s also important to keep up a regular connection with your fellow authors in person, or online, if only to share the high and lows of the writer life, brainstorm ideas or just act as a sounding board.

Just a bit of James’ research.

Lunch break comes sometime after 1:00pm, but occasionally it will slip to later if I’m not watching the clock – especially if I am working on something that really captures my attention! I eat at my desk more often than I should, but sometimes I’ll take my lunch on the sofa or out in the garden during the summer months. Then it’s back to the task at hand and I do my best to be done by the time my wife returns from work in the early evening. If I get finished early, I’ll reward myself by unwinding with music, a movie or a game.

But no matter where I am or what time of day it is, I will always have a notepad and a pen within arm’s reach just in case an idea occurs to me outside of “office hours”! As most writers will attest, we are all of us always writing, but we’re not always writing it down…

Published by Zaffre, paperback, £7.99

http://jamesswallow.blogspot.co.uk/               #Nomad

It’s time to celebrate the remembered joys of the festive season so how about a Twelfth Night supper?

Perhaps a lightly spiced Asian meal (why not a takeaway after the feverish home cooking) followed by dessert, and perhaps a light blue cheese. What to drink though? Nothing better for Frost Magazine is the 56 Hundred 2017 Chenin Blanc which can keep you company from starter to the cheese.

Crisp, cool, with a scent of pineapple and peach – a hint of the summer to come. Excellent honest wine.

The Nederburg is an interesting South African winery which has created an initiative in partnership with the Qhubeka charity to raise money to build bikes to transform lives in South Africa.

#DoYourPart is encouraging people to  ride your bike and raise money to get communities across Africa mobilised by making bikes to get them moving – whether it be to work, school or simply just to make it possible to get around.

Sign up or donate at www.nederburgbelieves.co.uk and you can start logging miles for bike parts or a whole bike. Fundraising cycle packs are sent out to inspire one and all to get on their bikes and raise money to build bikes on the Nederburg vineyard in South Africa at a special assembly facility which has been built to support this life changing initiative. The facility, which assembles a minimum of 5,000 purpose-built bicycles a year, will not only offer employment to the community, but also provide all employees with their own personal bicycle, enabling them to improve their lives as well.

If you’d like to know more about Nederburg’s partnership with Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka to mobilise communities across Africa, visit http://www.nederburgbelieves.co.uk/or search #DoYourPart on social media.

So let’s step back into the sitting room, and bask in the glow of the fire, and let the talk drift to Christmas, the relatives, and how long the pine needles will lurk hidden in the carpet, and while doing that, why not sip a whiskey?

We suggest the twelve year old Johnnie Walker Black Label which brings together the flavours from the four corners of Scotland, to create a rather special flavour.

I wonder what John Walker would feel about the amazing empire he built up. He was a farm lad when his father died in 1819 but somehow he wasn’t cast down, but  instead he  powered onwards.

The farm was sold, and the money used to set John up in a grocer’s shop in Kilmarnock, which was far more John’s cup of tea, or should I say, shot of whiskey. Because it was in whiskey distilling where his real genius lay. He began to blend whiskey’s together to get some sort of reliability of taste.

In the 1850s John popped his clogs, and Alexander, his son, took over the business. It was the time of improved transportation: trains and ships and in 1867 Alexander launched Johnnie Walker’s first commercial blend and called it Old Highland Whisky. Before long, this unique blend was available around the globe.

What I didn’t realise was that it was then that the famous square bottle was introduced to reduce breakages, and the label, slanted at precisely 24 degrees. John’s son knew a thing or two about branding. The rest is history.

So here we are, sitting in front of the fire, drinking Johnnie Walker Black Label with its rich, complex and incredibly well balanced in flavour. Full of dark fruits, sweet vanilla and a signature smooth finish which is layered with rich smoke, pea and malt, it creates an impressive whisky to share on any occasion.

Of course, you can enjoy Johnnie Walker Black Label in any way you like – on its own, with a dash of water or alongside your favourite mixer.

But maybe for Twelfth Night you’d like to try a Johnnie Ginger – a spicy mix of Johnnie Walker Black Label and ginger ale, served over ice and garnished with a slice of orange or lime.

Either way, just lift your glass to 2018, and thank John Walker for his distilling skills.

Available from The Whiskey Exchange: https://www.thewhiskyexchange.com/p/550/johnnie-walker-black-label-12-year-old

Milly Adams is the author of several bestselling novels. The latest of which is The Waterway Girls. pub Arrow. £5.99

The rellies have gone home, the house no longer rings with laughter or arguments, the decorations are about to come down, the pine needles will be lurking for months, the walls will look bare, Oh no, do they need decorating?  Arghhh yes, perhaps they do. The children are back at school, we’re back at work, the days are still short, the resolutions have been made and probably breached…

Sounds to me like it’s time to toast farewell to Christmastide, or so it was termed by the Brits, when the Council of Tours – long long ago – decided that Christ’s birthday should be celebrated from Christmas to Epiphany, the last day of which is the twelfth night.

How better to toast this warm hearted Christmastide with wine, and support a charitable initiative at the same time: the Nederburg/Qhubeka partnership.

First a couple of the initiative wines:

56 Hundred Pino Grigio: I love a Pino Grigio. At my favourite hostelry  in London, The Wellington on the Strand I don’t have to order whilst waiting for my meal, it just comes. Is this Nederburg Pino Grigio good? The name is intriguing, honouring the vision of Philippus Wolvaart who paid 5600 guilders for the land that became Nederburg, and the wine is fresh, with a touch of fruit, a touch of sweetness. It has a good heart and great with Italian or Asian dishes, though with pretty much anything actually, or alone. Just the ticket.

56 Hundred 2016 Pinot Noir: Another good hearted wine, red, smooth but vibrant and happy to be glugged with seafoods, poultry, pizza and pasta. Loved it.

Now the initiative: The South African award-winning premium winery, Nederburg, is working with the charity Qhubeka, to raise money to build bikes to transform lives in rural South Africa.

In Africa, the majority of the rural population suffer from limited forms of transport. By providing bicycles to these communities, the Nederburg/Qhubeka continued partnership enhances lives by cutting travel time, hence improving quality of life and facilitating employment and activities that have not up to now been possible.

To this end Nederburg will donate five pence from every purchase on selected Nederburg wines, in Tesco stores nationwide. The bottles on the shelf have a bright neck collar to make them stand out. The promotion runs in store until the end of January 2018.The wines are priced at £5.75.

But still on the cycling theme, the partnership has been taken further: Nederburg believes that cycling, like wine, is complex, intense, requires passion, discipline and evokes real emotion. And so, in partnership with Team Dimension Data (professional cycling squad –led by Mark Cavendish – team leader of Tour de France) and Qhubeka, the Do Your Part initiative was born.

Why not lose some of that weight put on over Christmas: sign up or donate at www.nederburgbelieves.co.uk and you can start logging miles for bike parts or a whole bike. Fundraising cycle packs are sent out to inspire cyclists (and the team) to gather funds to help  bikes to be built at a special assembly facility on the Nederburg vineyard in South Africa. The facility, which assembles a minimum of 5,000 purpose-built bicycles a year, will not only offer employment to the community, but also provide all employees with their own personal bicycle, enabling them to improve their lives as well.

If you’d like to know more about Nederburg’s partnership with Team Dimension Data for Qhubeka to mobilise communities across Africa, visit http://www.nederburgbelieves.co.uk/ or search #DoYourPart on social media.

The wine promotion runs in Tesco stores until the end of January 2018.The wines are priced at £5.75.

And a happy, healthy, fit New Year from all at Frost Magazine.

No, not the ‘snow falling, crunching into balls, and hurling at someone – ho ho ho. Ouch that hurt…’ type, but the smooth-talking, smooth swallowing type? Well, whether you do or not, Warninks Advocaat is back as a retro treat.

Just the thing for 12^th night, when you might be downcast at the sight of no more flashing lights in the towns, and the treeless corner of your sitting room.

Warninks is synonymous with the snowball cocktail, made from Warninks Advocaat, freshly squeezed lime juice, lemonade or soda and topped with a hint of cinnamon.

Shake the Advocaat and lime juice or lime cordial together. Pour into a high ball filled with ice. Top up with lemonade or soda

Drink with snacks, or mince pies, whatever rings your bell as we see out Christmas and welcome 2018. Deja vu for me, but perhaps the first time for you? Enjoy.

Warninks Advocaat Available from all major supermarkets in the UK,         RRP £12, ABV 17.2%, 70cl

Tips for keeping your pets safe this winter from Pawbo

With the cold freeze creeping in we leave the house wearing a t-shirt, jumper, big woolly coat, hat, scarf and gloves. But while we are warm and cozy, we often leave our furry friends to cope with the wild winds and snowstorms on their own. This could get them ill and bring much discomfort to them. Unconditional love deserves protection, so ensure to apply for reliable and affordable pet insurance today to help cover your pet’s care.

A classic Christmas jumper

Some dog breeds are blessed with thick fur that naturally keeps them warm in winter, but for others why not dress them up in a matching Christmas jumper so while you’re out for a walk they look festive as well as warm! Do keep in mind that even with a jumper, short haired dogs will still get cold very quickly so don’t keep them outside for too long.

Check for ice balls

If dogs start lifting up their paws, whining or stopping mid-walk, their feet might be painful from the cold and wet ground. If their paws are too cold, ice balls may form between the pads and toes of their feet. Make sure you trim the hair around their paws and keep an eye on how they’re walking.

Clear your cat flap

Cat flaps can often be blocked by snow so make sure you clear the pathway for your cat. Cats may also wander off to find warmth and hide underneath car engines so take care when starting the car as cats can be seriously injured when the engine starts. It is also advisable to microchip your cat, so if they are found they can be traced back to you.

Keep an eye on your pets whilst you’re out and about this Christmas

It’s hard leaving your pets at home but with the Pawbo⁺ interactive pet camera, you can easily check in on your animals to make sure they are safe and sound. Whilst you’re out spending the evening with friends or visiting family for Christmas lunch, the Pawbo⁺ interactive pet camera easily lets you hear and see your pets, talk to them, take photos, give treats and even play games with them.

Along with the live feed, videos can be stored allowing you an in-depth look into your pet’s behaviour and giving piece of mind. You can also add accessories including the Pawbo Flash, a light that lets you see pets when the room is dark, and the Pawbo Catch, a teaser toy for cats proving more interaction and exercise.

At a glance: Pawbo⁺

• Treat dispensing camera designed for small dogs and cats (can also be used for rabbits)
• 720P HD live video and 130° Wide-Angle Lens, supported by high-quality sound
• Allows up to eight users to chat with your pet through Pawbo at one time, with all users able to operate the interactive functions simultaneously
• Six built-in ringtones to attract your pet’s attention
• Built-in games for interacting with your pet, with the capability of extending functions via wireless connection
• Push-to-Talk function allows your pet to hear your voice at the touch of a button
• Via the Pawbo Life app users are able to control multiple Pawbo⁺ devices and operate multiple Pawbo accessories
• The app is also compatible with social media platforms, enabling users to instantly upload images of their pets

Pawbo⁺, RRP £149

Pawbo Illuminate Kit, RRP £169 (Pawbo⁺ with Pawbo Flash)

More information from Pawbo.com

HeLENE’s FERMONT’s novel shows how a man who is highly regarded in his professional life is a selfish coward in his private one.  Lies can turn lives upside down and cause unhappiness to all. An overheard family secret causes a rift between siblings which has lasted for years.

Jacques Beaumont is an Air France pilot who flies between Paris and Gatwick. He holds a closely guarded secret which is that he loves two women and doesn’t want to lose either of them. Unfortunately, Jacques health suffers because of the stressful double life he has to lead and he is found dead in an airport hotel from a heart attack. The consequences of his double life are exposed to all.

His wife, Patricia, struggles to come to terms with the unexpected death of her loving husband and the revelations that are revealed – who is the unnamed beneficiary of a large sum of money in his will and why? Will Jacques sister Coco be able help her find the truth?

Meanwhile, Isabelle, Jacques mistress, lives in Paris with her controlling husband and must learn to cope with keeping Jacques’ guilty secret.

Patricia has a twin sister living in Malmo, Sweden. During a party to celebrate the twins 10^th birthday years ago Jasmine overheard a secret conversation that affected her relationship with her twin and the rest of her family. Will the death of an elderly aunt help resolve this rift?

HeLENE slowly weaves a pathway through the problems the secrets and lies have caused and eventually the truth emerges.

HeLENE has lived in London for the past twenty years. His Guilty Secret is her third novel and she is busy working on her fourth.  She was born and brought up in Malmo, Sweden by her bilingual family. Following a brief career on Swedish TV and radio she trained as a teacher and eventually a child therapist.  HeLENE loves to return to her native Sweden and enjoy the tranquillity and spectacular scenery to help her creative process.

His Guilty Secret by HeLENE FERMONT   Fridhem Publishing in paperback priced £9.99

Canine Cutz in Downley, High Wycombe is now in its 4^th year, and business is booming and it’s not hard to see why. Owned by Mum and Daughter team, Joanne and Stephanie, they not only have a way with the dogs, but the owners too. It is always a laugh a minute and a massive welcome for the two legged ones as well as the four.

Joanne and Stephanie are experienced groomers and breeders, and both are knowledgeable about dog breeds, standards, grooming and dog health.

Joanne has been showing and breeding Bernese Mountain Dogs for nearly 30 years, and also judges at Championship Dog Shows around the country. She has bred a number of Champion Bernese (Bernsteph Bernese)

Let’s not leave out Stephanie though, as she is following in her mum’s footsteps and showing a number of different breeds from Bernese to Bichons, and Cavaliers to Newfoundlands. Not content with that, she owns, shows and clips horses.

Canine Cutz use only the best products and highest quality equipment but it doesn’t cost the earth. In fact it is remarkably reasonable.

This year, Stephanie has created a bountiful Christmas ‘market’ in the salon, with gifts galore for those most important members of the family, the dogs, which expect their housekeeping staff (us) to at least look at, and then to buy. Or is that just Rosie and Polly? So we do, and are glad that we have. How pretty they look.

The stock has proved so popular that it is depleting fast, so get there while you can. And book a groom for that most important of family members. No, not the husband, the dog.

www.canine-cutz.com

Canine Cutz Dog Grooming, High Street, Downley,High Wycombe, HP13 5XJ

Email: info@canine-cutz.com

Tel: 01494 443349

Treasures of the Mughals and the Maharajas – The Al Thani Collection – author Dr Amin Jaffer, Chief Curator of the Al Thani  Collection arrived in the office, and that was that as work stopped for a few hours.

Frost Magazine loves SKIRA books

Not only are they fascinating and informative, but so beautifully presented that we can’t actually leave them alone. It’s like walking through an exhibition but without the crowds.

This book full of defined images of worked gold, jewels, diamonds is a journey through the history of Indian jewellery from the 16^th century to the present.

Indian jewellery is an interest of mine. My dad was stationed in India in the war, and my mum too and he was constantly being offered gifts that he had to decline. But they were so exquisite, so excessive, so… well just about everything.

The glory of the gems is down to the region of the Indus Valley, so rich in real gemstones: Golconda has the highest grade diamonds, Kashmir, where my parents honeymooned, produced sapphires of glorious hue, and so on, and so on.

This book, published on conjunction with the extraordinary exhibition in Venice, explores the jewellery traditions of the Indian subcontinent from the Mughal period to the modern day and is a fount of information.

The evolution of gem setting and jewellery is shown through over two hundred and seventy exceptional pieces from The Al Thani Collection, plus major works from prestigious institutions and private collections.

You must absorb the images of the historic Indian diamonds, the precious objects and legendary pieces of jewellery as the book reveals taste and technique in India’s jewelled arts as they were refined over FIVE centuries.

Exceptionally interesting are the major developments in traditions from the peak of 17^th century Mughal patronage through the ensuing years of political chaos and colonisation in 18^th century and up to the age of the Durbar. (great ceremonies that provided Indian sovereigns with a new setting in which to show off their jewels during the time of the British Raj).

A central theme is the Mughal visual culture as is the dialogue it created with Europe from the Renaissance onwards. Take note of the Wine of Cup of the Emperor Jahangir, and the Shah Jahan Dagger.

The volume doesn’t ignore contemporary jewellery made by Indian jewellers, or inspired by India.

Treat yourselves, you really must. And share it with the children so they can see the intricacy of exceptional creations.

Treasures of the Mughals and the Maharajas. The Al Thani Collection. 388 colour illustrations. Hardcover. Price: £50.00