Ten years ago I wrote the words ‘The End’ on my children’s novel, sent it off to my then agent and waited with excitement as she started submitting it to publishers. At the time I thought that this was the beginning of my journey as a children’s author. But it wasn’t to be. Instead, ten years on and my first adult thriller is about to be published.

The publishing industry, and children’s publishing in particular, is very much at the mercy of fashions and trends. I was fortunate that Red Rock, a science fiction thriller set in a world beset by climate change, caught the tail end of the popular wave of dystopian fiction. But that trend was coming to an end. Suddenly dystopias were out of favour. My publisher declined my second book. My agent let me go shortly after.

So there I was. Back where I started.

At first I was sad. I felt I had failed. But then I realised that I was free. I could now write whatever I wanted. I could write the story that I wanted to read. What at first seemed like a bad thing was in fact liberating.

I have always enjoyed thrillers. It’s probably my favourite genre, although I still love a decent bit of science fiction. As a result, it seemed natural that I would try my hand at writing in this genre. And it was such fun to do. My first effort was a mix of science fiction and thriller which I absolutely loved writing. I sent it out to agents and publishers and received a lot of positive replies. But they all said the same thing. It didn’t fit squarely into either genre. It was too speculative for a thriller but not enough Science Fiction for SF.

Once again I was at the mercy of market forces. Several publishers told me that if I wrote a straight thriller they would be interested in hearing from me again.

And I thought – why not. I sat down and wrote a new novel, another thriller, and this time I toned down the speculative aspects (although it’s still there, in the background if you look hard enough). I drew on my love of espionage and conspiracy theories and the result was The Sleepers. Since Bloodhound Books had responded positively to my earlier novel I decided to skip trying to find an agent and put them top of my list.

Needless to say they offered me a contract and The Sleepers will be out on April 26^th 2022.

Thrillers are such fun to write, as well as being hugely popular at the moment. So for now I’ve found my niche. I’m halfway through penning another thriller.

I guess in a way I’ve let my writing be directed by the market, and I think all writers face this choice at some point. Do you write solely for yourself, in which case you can do whatever you like, or do you want a publishing deal. For me it is the latter.

It’s not uncommon for authors to switch genre. Many authors write in more than one, often using a pen name to do so. Writing under a pen name can be a good way of separating your writing identities. So I decided to change my name, ever so slightly and reinvent myself as KM Kelly, thriller writer.

I look forward to sharing The Sleepers with the world, and hopefully many more books to follow.

Obtain The Sleepers here

Becoming a parent can be among the most priceless and rewarding things in life for most folks. Nurturing young ones, educating them, and teaching them critical life skills and moral values can be highly fulfilling. However, several people can quickly become intimidated by these tasks, struggling to look after their brood because they do not know how or where to begin.

Thankfully, parent coaching can help individuals focus on the critical aspects of being a nurturer to impressionable juveniles. They can be especially pivotal to those raising kids with special needs as these children often require a specific type of care.

The ensuing information elaborates on the crucial aspects of this unique training approach that can benefit new parents, those who wish to become better caregivers, and folks with babies on the way.

About the concept

Before you grasp the idea of a coach for effective parenting, understand who a parent truly is. In simple terms, it does not have to be someone who has children of their own; it can also be a caregiver such as an older sibling, an aunt, or an uncle who looks after young children day in and day out.

This special training can help any carer become abetter nurturer by dealing with straightforward and complex issues deftly. The experts use various care models, treatment plans, counseling sessions, and support strategies to help people cope with the challenges of caring for kids of all ages.

Moreover, they can help expectant couples understand the challenges of parenthood and better prepare for it. As research points out, parenting is key to child health and overall development, making this coaching especially valuable.

How it can help

Browse the following list to understand how helpful hiring these specialists can be in becoming the best guardian for your child.

What to look for in a reliable coach

Parent Coaching is not as easy as it sounds since it involves a challenging process of consultation, problem diagnosis, and a customized approach. So, it is prudent to find a licensed and experienced trainer with exceptional skills to help you deal with personal issues. Additionally, it would help if they provide various other counseling services such as teenage anxiety and depression, couples therapy, DBT, and marriage counseling.

Besides, even if things seem to be perfect at the moment, an excellent coach can help improve family dynamics to a vast extent. Therefore, consider the amount of experience a professional has, what their clients say about them, and their manner of communication to determine if they suit your needs. You can also consider professionals who offer online counseling and flexible payment options. 

Furthermore, you can ask about confidentiality agreements, treatment plans, counseling effectiveness, number of sessions, and other vital information to ensure you make the right choice for your children’s present and future.

Summary 

Remember that seeking professional guidance or help to rear strong, independent, and emotionally stable children is among the noblest things you can do as a parent. It can enable them to grow into mature adults and lead fulfilled lives. So, find a dependable coach as soon as possible to enjoy healthy and happy family life.

What do you usually look for in an RC truck? If you’relooking for something that has a classic style or design with all the modern features, then the Classy Chevy C10 is the best choice.

This truck comes equipped with an all-wheel-drive system, making it easy to take on any terrain. This article will explain the key features you can check in an RC Chevy C10.

1) Type Of Batteries

Electric motors or rechargeable batteries usually power remote control toys. Two types of batteries can be used in RC toys: alkaline and lithium. Alkaline batteries are cheaper but have shorter life spans, while lithium batteries are more expensive but last longer.  In hobby-grade RC trucks, you’ll usually find NiMH batteries or LiPo batteries.  LiPo batteries require more care and experience, so if you’re just getting started, stick with the NiMH.

2) Performance

The RC Chevy C-10 has a powerful brushed motor that provides plenty of torque and speed for off-road driving. The truck also includes an all-wheel-drive system that helps it maintain traction on slippery or uneven surfaces.

The truck’s suspension system absorbs shocks and provides a smooth, comfortable ride even on rough terrain. The tires offer good traction and stability, even on slippery surfaces. An RC C-10 is an excellent choice for anyone looking for an RC truck to handle off-road driving conditions. Its powerful motor and all-wheel-drive system provide plenty of torque and speed.

The V100 chassis is a challenging and durable platform that can handle the rigors of off-road driving. The all-wheel-drive system helps maintain traction on slippery or uneven surfaces, while the suspension system absorbs shocks for a smooth ride.

3) Radio System For Remote Control

The classy Chevy C-10 comes with a radio system to control it remotely. It is an excellent feature for those who want to be able to drive their car without having to worry about being in the way. It also has a 2.4 GHz Radio System included. The remote control ranges up to 100 feet (30 meters). One can drive the car forward or in reverse.

4) Waterproof Components

The RC C-10 is built with waterproof components so that you can take your truck out in all kinds of weather conditions. Plus, it comes with a water-resistant ESC and receiver box to keep your electronics safe.

5) Drivetrain

The V100-S comes with a powerful brushed motor capable of reaching speeds of up to 30mph. It also features an all-wheel drivetrain that provides incredible traction and handling on any terrain.

The advanced All-Wheel-Drive (AWD) powertrain delivers excellent traction, while the V100 chassis offers a smooth, neutral handling vehicle that is enjoyable to drive.

6) Replacement Parts

Replacement parts for the RC Chevy C10 are widely available and relatively inexpensive. Whether you need to replace a broken component or upgrade to something better, you won’t have any trouble finding what you need.

7) Warranty

Warranty is the crucial part of any product you buy. If the product has a warranty, the company trusts its quality. The classy C10 comes with a 90-day limited warranty.

The warranty is applicable on:

-Parts

-Workmanship

-Manufacturing defects

8) Licensed Body and Graphics

The vehicle’s body looks like the classic Chevy trucks from the 1970s. With officially licensed graphics and branding, this truck is sure to turn heads both on and off the road.

So, if you’re searching for an authentic and realistic RC experience, this is the truck for you.

Conclusion

The RC Chevy C10 is one of the most impressive remote control cars. It’s an excellent choice for anyone looking for an RC car with a classic look with molded grill, bucket lights, bumper lights, AWD shaft-driven drive terrain, and plenty of other features with remarkable performance.

The Lord of the Rings   by J. R. R. Tolkien.   Illustrated by Alan Lee .  With a new preface by the artist

The Folio Society – www.foliosociety.com – publishers of beautiful books, is publishing another spectacular Limited Edition today – a three volume The Lord of the Rings set with illustrations by Academy Award Oscar winner Alan Lee, the art director behind Peter Jackson’s film series of Tolkien’s epic trilogy.  Recent show-stoppers have included The Complete Short Stories of Philip K. Dick and Dune – both sold out in a matter of days.

This 3-volume set with map and print is limited to 1,000 copies signed by the artist.

‘Him indoors’ is a devotee or J R Tolkein’s wonderful 3 volume The Lord of the Rings. I am too, so much so that I will pass a tree in a wood, and am sure it is an Ent.  But back to the business in hand. Let me tell you that this Limited Edition is quite frankly a masterpiece. The illustrations could be framed and arranged on the wall of your sitting room, study or whatever.

Available exclusively from The Folio Society – www.foliosociety.com   This limited edition is quite exquisite. I do feel I want to say priceless, but actually one of the 1000 sets can be bought for £1,000 / US $1.500.

Each of the 1,000 sets is numbered and signed by Alan Lee. Quarter – bound in leather with cloth sides blocked in silver and inset with illustration labels, with circular limitation tip printed letterpress on Tintoretto paper hand tipped within a gold border.

There are 1,504 pages in total over three volumes, set in Dante with Testament as display and is printed in black and burgundy on Munken Pure paper.

There are 53 colour illustrations and I can vouch that they are all of exceptional quality, printed on Veltique paper tipped within printed borders with 57 illustrated chapter openers. There are printed illustrated endpapers with burgundy satin ribbon markers. Two maps are printed together in black and red and enclosed in a case covered in blocked cloth …

Hand-made cloth-covered slipcase blocked in silver and gunmetal with printed illustration inside. There is a separate print presented in a folder of Pergamenata paper. Lastly, the book size is 12″ x  7¾”

All for the neat and tidy price:  UK £1,000 | US $1,500 But this is as nothing for a masterpiece.

For more information:  www.foliosociety.com

As a Mum and Grandma I know that we all want the best for our babies. From sunrise to sunset, parents across the nation go above and beyond to put a smile on their children faces. Despite this, if your child has slept poorly, so have you, and the day can become longer and increasingly difficult.

In this situation, you can try establishing a night-time routine. This includes bathing your baby, changing them into cosy pyjamas, and playing them a lullaby. In days gone by, mum might have sung. Trust me, my children would not have benefitted from my voice having a go. But a good lullaby may, indeed,  encourage your baby to sleep through the night. And doesn’t a soundless sleep sound priceless right now?

To help your baby through the night, Nuby, a leading baby brand in the UK, has created a list of the best sleepy songs. This is based on how many times these songs appear on Spotify baby sleep-related playlists – a sure-fire sign that they’re successful in getting your little one some shut-eye. Then you can start your night-time routine with confidence, one lullaby at a time.

10. Puff the Magic Dragon (Laura Hanson)

‘Puff the Magic Dragon’ transports us to another time. You might recognise this song from the animated Puff the Magic Dragon (1978), and Laura Hanson’s cover is just as charming. We can see why her dream-like piano lulls little ones to sleep.

9. Twinkle Twinkle Little Star (Charlie Francis)

‘Twinkle Twinkle Little Star’ is a classic lullaby. Charlie Francis’ interpretation of this song is peaceful enough to make any child (or adult) relaxed. The tinkling piano and slow, melodic rhythm is perfectly soothing and is an updated version of the song that probably eased many of us to sleep as babies!

8. Itsy Bitsy Spider (Mingmei Hsueh)

‘Itsy Bitsy Spider’ is another song straight from the history books. Mingmei Hsueh, a talented pianist and musician, has gifted parents with this calming, wordless lullaby. Try not to sing the lyrics alongside this instrumental – if you can.

7. Hush Little Baby (Beth McLaughlin)

‘Hush Little Baby’ by Beth McLaughlin sounds just like the original. Similar to the previous songs, this doesn’t include any lyrics. The soothing tune is perfect for bedtime.

6. A Whole New World (Purple Tulips)

It doesn’t matter what time it is, ‘A Whole New World’ by Purple Tulips is enough to make any baby sleepy. Even though we know this song from Aladdin (1992), this is another reimagined classic that we could easily drift asleep to – the piano rendition is so graceful.

5. Can You Feel The Love Tonight? (Rita May)

Rita May’s ‘Can You Feel The Love Tonight?’ will definitely you think of the comfort of your own bed – but also The Lion King (1994) and Elton John’s smooth voice. Who’d have thought that so many of our favourite Disney classics could be translated into gentle instrumental lullabies?

4. Colors of the Wind (Rita May)

A talented pianist, Rita May deserves to be on our list twice. ‘Colors of the Wind’ reimagines the beauty of the familiar song found in Disney’s Pocahontas (1995).

3. Clean White Noise (White Noise Baby Sleep)

White noise can be extremely beneficial for your little one. It comes in many forms, including static frequencies. This is also a continuous song, so you can put this on repeat without any breaks interrupting your baby’s sleep.

2. Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star (Adelmar Borrego)

Similar to Francis’ cover, this song is ideal if you’re looking for calming piano music. Considering this is the second time a reimagining of the original has appeared on our list, we think this lullaby will make any baby sleepy!

1. Brahms’ Lullaby (Beth McLaughlin)

Finally, ‘Brahms’ Lullaby’ by Beth McLaughlin is, it appears, the best sleep-inducing song for your little one. This song features the most in Spotify playlists for baby sleep songs. So if you’re in need of a good night’s sleep, this one is for your baby to drift off to.

There you have it – the best songs for babies to fall asleep to. Mums and dads alike can use this as a guide to make a night-time playlist for their little ones. Get your nightlight, speaker, and sleeping bag for your newborn ready. Each child is unique, however, so you might find they respond better to piano music than white noise, or vice versa. Which song will you play first?

To learn more: Nuby: https://nuby-uk.com/