The Business of Books: Fiction, Friends and New Beginnings – Choc Lit’s latest signing Carol Thomas takes over!

Posted on October 18, 2017 by Jane Cable

I’d like to start this post by saying thank you to my fellow Chindi Author and friend Jane Cable for inviting me along to share the experience of getting my first publishing contract. She has left me to it, so I am titling this piece Fiction, Friends and New Beginnings and dedicating it to Jane.

This week, I have been delighted to announce that my next novel, currently titled Regret Me Not, will be published by Ruby Fiction – a new imprint of the award-winning independent publishers Choc Lit.

The deal came as a result of attending a Choc Lit live event and pitching to an editor in May 2017. I had never imagined pitching face to face, and probably never would have, had it not been for a conversation Jane and I had just weeks before.

Jane had read my debut novel, Crazy Over You, and said my writing style was well suited to Choc Lit. She told me (in a lovely polite Jane way) I should stop thinking about it and get on and submit to them. With her words in mind, I put my name down for a pitch slot. I then spent a week researching how to pitch, preparing what to say and generally panicking.

I needn’t have worried. Jane accompanied me to the event and shared a fortifying tea and cake before the pitch. The live event was great, and the authors were lovely, as I knew they would be. I have followed Choc Lit for several years and have enjoyed meeting the authors and building online relationships with them since the start of my writing journey. And Choc Lit editor, Lusana Taylor, quickly put my nerves to rest and got me chatting about my book and online presence. At the end of my session, Lusana requested I send my manuscript into the Choc Lit tasting panel (a panel of readers who give feedback before publishing decisions are made).

Three months later I got a call from Lyn Vernham, director of Choc Lit, who said they wanted to moveforward with publishing my book and that it would be one of the first books to be published under the new imprint, Ruby Fiction. I signed my contract a week later.

And so exciting times are ahead. I am told the title of my novel will change, and I await the first glimpse of the cover. All of which is new to me; as a previously self-published author, I have made my own decisions about titles and used my own illustrator for covers. I am keen to see how the publisher and the cover designer will interpret my book and I can’t wait to be able to share it.

I am thrilled to be starting this new phase of my writing journey with Ruby Fiction – along with Angela Barton and Caroline James who have also recently been signed.

I know that as I begin promoting my book, I will have the support of the fantastic team of Choc Lit authors whose online response to Ruby Fiction has been warm and welcoming, the support of my new Ruby Fiction family and, of course, my fellow Chindi Authors by my side. Without Jane Cable’s friendly nudge in the right direction (that’s the polite way to put it), I might have missed this great opportunity. New beginnings are exciting, but even more so when you have good people by your side. Thank you Jane x

To follow Carol Thomas’ journey to publication visit:

www.carol-thomas.co.uk

http://facebook.com/carolthomasauthor

http://twitter.com/carol_thomas2

www.chindi-authors.co.uk

Penclic B2 And Penclic B3 Review | Time To Change Your Mouse?

Posted on October 17, 2017 by Catherine Balavage

Some technology seems to stay the same, and the humble computer mouse may have changed in some ways- became wireless, have different buttons- but really it is a design that has stayed the same. Now Penclic has changed that thanks to high-quality Scandinavian design. These mice are more like pens, and the design has helped many people with RSI or carpel tunnel. In fact, it was designed to help people with RSI. And it does. We reviewed the B2 and the B3. We are a fan of Penclic. It looks great, is easy to use, even if it does not look like it would be, and is easier on your poor hands and wrist. Penclic B2

If you dont have any left over USB ports the Penclic Mouse B2 connects seamlessly to both PC and Mac through bluetooth. The sleek pen looks great in white.

- The supported platforms for Penclic MouseTM are all operating systems that support HID 1.1. These include Windows XP or later, Mac OSX version 10.1 or later and most Linux/BSD flavors. No extra software/driver installation is needed.
- Bluetooth connection (not supported by standard iOS).
- Operates on almost any surface without any pad or tablet.
- Implements a 5-button and scroll wheel. The left click, right click and middle click are on the pen shaft’s right side. On the pen shaft’s left side the backward click and forward click for surfing are positioned.
- AAA 1.2V NiMH Recharging battery (Everyday use last approximately 1 months before charging is needed).
- LR 03/AAA/1.5V Alkaline None rechargeable battery can be used. NOTE: Do not recharge.
- Energy saving mode starts after 10 minutes, press a button to start.
- Wireless reach, minimum 5 metres.Dpi setting 1200.

A wonderful mouse. Highly recommended.

Penclic B3

The Penclic Mouse B3 is perfect for both lefties and righties, it connects seamlessly to any pc or mac by bluetooth.

The supported platforms for Penclic Mouse are all operating systems that support HID 1.1. These include Windows XP or later, Mac OSX version 10.1 or later and most Linux/BSD flavors. No extra software/driver installation is needed.
Bluetooth connection (not supported by standard iOS).
Operates on almost any surface without any pad or tablet.
Implements a 3-buttons and scroll wheel mouse.
AAA 1.2V NiMH Recharging battery (Everyday use last approximately 1 months before charging is needed).
Charging via USB.
LR 03/AAA/1.5V Alkaline None rechargeable battery can be used. NOTE: DO NOT RECHARGE
Energy saving mode starts after 10 min, press a button to start.
Wireless reach, minimum 5 metres.
Dpi settings 800 – 1200 – 1600.

The dpi button is located under the mouse, the cursor will move faster for each setting. It will rotate around frequency from 800-1600 and then go back to low 800. Once the power is shut of the dpi setting will return to its default setting, 1200 dpi.

A great mouse which can be used with either hand. Convenient and stylish..

Penclic is available here.

Juice Burst is a Hit With Schools

Posted on October 16, 2017 by Kesh

With so many healthy juices cropping up on our supermarket shelves daily, it’s hard to know what to actually go for. With many brands boasting their products are “100% natural” or “made from 100% fruit”, it’s difficult to know whether that means that they are actually healthy for us with many of these products largely exceeding our recommended daily sugar intake. Whats more, if we are picking ones that are indeed full of the good stuff, how many are there that actually taste good?! Well, we went in search of something that checked the healthy and tasty box and was also approved by schools and found you Juice Burst. Juice Burst not only promise a juice drink which is one of your five a day, they also claim to be the ‘tastiest juice drink on the planet.’

So, “what’s so good about Juice Burst?” you say; Juice Burst not only come in a variety of thirst-quenching flavours, they were one of the first manufacturers to produce a school approved range stocked in 1 out of 3 schools in England. The product contains no artificial sweeteners and includes 1 of your 5 a day. The flavours are carefully considered and picked to give you more than just average flavours including; Pink Lemonade, Tropical and Orange Passionfruit to name a few. Our personal favourite, Sour Cherry.

To find out more including where to buy Juice Burst, check out www.juiceburst.com

The GoodFather: Becoming a Dad For the First Time Without Losing Your Mind, Changing Your Identity, or Emigrating by Lee Price

Posted on October 16, 2017 by Catherine Balavage

A humorous and well written book on becoming a father. Has some good advice- and some bad: like do not buy a nappy bin or wet wipes, seriously, do not listen to that part- and many great insights and advice. It will make you laugh. Buy it for the dad to be in your life, but have a flick through yourself as it is funny and has some great tips.

Part-diary, part-guide, part-warning – The GoodFather is a light-hearted but invaluable look into the world of first-time fatherhood.

Detailing the author’s eye-opening path of discovery, the book charts his journey (alongside that of his partner and their baby) as he goes through pregnancy for the first time. The nuggets of information he picks up along the way, the tips to help smooth the process for all parties, and the precious opportunities to bank some brownie points, are all detailed.

This isn’t your typical lecture on pregnancy and fatherhood, rather a real, tangible, honest account of what will happen, and how to survive it.

In this book:

> Learn essentials such as key dates, what happens at maternity appointments, what to pack for the hospital, and how to avoid blowing your cash on needless baby tat.

> Dig into an A-Z terminology guide to help you navigate the ridiculous amount of jargon that comes with being an expectant father.

> Get up-to-speed on baby milestones and size guides, some painfully-learned maternity shopping advice, and the importance of good snacks.

> Oh, and a chapter about sex. Don’t get your hopes up. Seriously.

> This book also features regular ‘real parents tips’ from mothers and fathers whose comments haven’t been passed through some rose-tinted filter.

The Author. Lee Price is an award-nominated national print journalist and published sportswriter. Previously of Shoot! magazine, and a feature writer at The Sun newspaper, Lee is currently ‘PR & Mischief Champion’ at Paddy Power. Lee has written a number of previous titles including: FIFA Football: The Story Behind The Video Game Sensation, The Bundesliga Blueprint: How Germany became the Home of Football and Turning My Back on the Premier League.

The GoodFather: Becoming a Dad For the First Time Without Losing Your Mind, Changing Your Identity, or Emigrating by Lee Price is available here.

Half term approaches – what to do, what to do… by Milly Adams

Posted on October 16, 2017 by Margaret Graham

Scamp Theatre present Stick Man

Leicester Square Theatre – Saturday 21 October 2017 – Sunday 7 January 2018

This joyful adaptation of Children’s Laureate Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s bestselling book, Stick Man, returns to Leicester Square Theatre for another enchanting festive adventure. Touching, funny and utterly original, Scamp Theatre’s (Tiddler & Other Terrific Tales, The Scarecrows’ Wedding) fantastic production features a trio of top actors and an hour of fun for all the family.

Leicester Square Theatre, 6 Leicester Pl, London WC2H 7BX http://www.leicestersquaretheatre.com/

Spun Glass Theatre present Princess Charming

Ovalhouse Tuesday 24 – Saturday 28 October, 2.30pm

A cabaret for kids. Some boys like pink. Some girls like football. Whatever. It’s time to sing, shout, stamp, dance, dress up, and be ourselves. Princess Charming explores gender stereotypes for children aged 7-11 in a fun, questioning and celebratory way using a variety of acts and toys, skits and dressing-up. Join in with Spun Glass Theatre’s cabaret extravaganza!

Ovalhouse, 52-54 Kennington Oval, London SE11 5SW

www.ovalhouse.com, 020 7582 7680

Mouths of Lions present Dr Zeiffal, Dr Zeigal, and the Hippo That Can Never Be Caught!

Ovalhouse

Tuesday 24 – Saturday 28 October, 2pm

Help the forgetful Dr. Zeiffal catch the crafty Hippo with her patented Hippo Instruments. Bring your hippo catchers and your hippo google goggles, because Dr Zeiffal has most likely lost hers! Expect belly laughs, belly flops, surreal slapstick and fantastical falling over in this interactive family comedy created by Mouths of Lions.

Ovalhouse, 52-54 Kennington Oval, London SE11 5SW

www.ovalhouse.com, 020 7582 7680.

Bringing Back That Old Looks After Giving Birth

Posted on October 15, 2017 by Frostie

After giving birth, no matter how difficult was your labor; it’s only natural to take it slow with everything. This especially goes for bringing back your old-self before the birth of your child. For the past nine months, your looks have drastically changed, as it should according to the laws of Mother Nature. Getting back in shape will require your patience and some time as to get the best results. There is no need to rush with fitness routines and diets, on the contrary, the best results are achieved in a long run.

Therefore, here are some tips on how to get back in shape after giving birth:

Start with baby steps

Little by little, some easy-to-do activities can help you begin with the workout. Before six weeks have passed, it is not recommended for women who gave birth by a C-section to engage in any sports activities. Generally, they can start with workout only after bleeding has ceased. Don’t urge yourself to start right away with the intensive workout, but rather start with baby steps. Some simple activities like walking or yoga only a couple of months after giving birth are a good idea.

Listen to your body

Always listen to your body because it knows just what type of pressure it can handle. With crunches, you might put the pelvic floor under a lot of pressure which can lead to health issues later one. Pilates is not the best choice either. Do an exercise that will make the muscles of the pelvic floor stronger e.g. Kegel exercise. You can do this on a daily basis. If the abdominal separation occurred, consult a health care specialist on how to proceed with the physical therapy.

Breastfeed and burn calories

No need to give your baby its bottle just yet. Actually while continuing to breastfeed, your body will burn a staggering number of calories. Some studies suggest loosing up to 500 calories only by breastfeeding. In addition to this as being a fast weight loss method, breastfeeding will help to tighten the uterine muscles as well. Therefore, while breastfeeding, along with caring for your baby; you will be taking care of the weigh. When you think about it, it’s a win-win situation, for you and for your baby, too.

Even at home, make yourself at the gym

Needless to say, since the baby has come, your free time has never been so limited. After you find a balance between sleep time and baby time, try to find some free time and use it to work out in the comfort of your home. Motivate yourself with the right sports equipment like the yoga tights & pants by Lasculpte . With the right outfit, you will be able to move easily and keep track on your progress. Nowadays, exercising at home has never been easier with online workouts tutorials. Not to mention that you can even find various healthy diets and recipes.

The power of protein

Protein is considered as an energy booster because it helps to obtain muscles mass. It is often recommended to mothers who are breastfeeding as well as to pregnant women. Using it can help you not only build mass but lose calories, too. Therefore, protein powder for weight loss is a quite effective weapon in this battle. When buying a protein powder, make sure it doesn’t contain sugar substitute. Always consult your doctor about which protein powder you should use and do not neglect to get your regular protein intake from food e.g. fish, eggs and meat.

Getting back in shape

Getting back in shape is indeed a hard work, physically and emotionally. One thing that you have to remember is that it’s all about patience and taking it slow in the beginning as to get the optimal results later on. So, take your time. Listen to your body and act according to it. Start with your workout at home. Get your energy up with enough protein intake. Many women tend to put themselves under pressure in order to look like a red carpet celebrity just a couple of months after giving birth. Never fall for that. Indeed, it’s a hard task to get back in shape, but being a full-time mom is even harder.

By Ian Pearson

Hape Swimmer Teddy Wind-up Toy Review

Posted on October 13, 2017 by Frostie

Frost loves this adorable wind up bath toy. It is cute and makes children giggle and squeal in delight. A great little bath toy. It is easy to use, just wind it up and watch it go. It has fast become a favourite of the Frost toddler.

With Swimmer Teddy Wind Up Toy watch the adorable little teddy do his thing as you wind him up and watch him go round and round for entertaining delight. Children can enjoy the magic as Mr Teddy performs his swimming tricks.

With Hape Little Splashers bath time will never be the same again!

All Hape products are created using non-toxic finishes, water based paints and only the highest quality child safe materials. So, while your child enjoys hours of fun, you have peace of mind knowing they are gaining essential skills for the years ahead.

Suitable for 12 months +, £12.89 from Amazon

Highlights from the Knitting & Stitching Show 2017

Posted on October 12, 2017 by Aidan

The Knitting and Stitching Show 2017 is on this weekend (until Sunday 15th October) and it is so much fun. Having spent a day immersed in creativity and inspiration, it’s hard to pick the top ten highlights, but I’ve had a go at doing just that. And so, in no particular order, here they are…

Gorgeous pompom rug by Multipom, who sell pompom kits that can make up to 20 pompoms in one go (presumably, you have to be in the room at the time).

A fantastically realistic embroidered beetroot (apologies for the glass glare) courtesy of the Royal School of Needlework

A wild 3D ram’s head, brought to you by Quillting Antics.

Buttons that look almost good enough to eat – they are the work of hours of wool felting by hand and foot on the part of Sophie’s Wild Woollens.

My personal favourite – a chance to add your name, in embroidery, to the Campaign for Creativity in Schools (craft doesn’t seem to be all that high on the agenda of the national curriculum, and this petition is working to make it so).

A lifesize needlefelt hen (you know you want one) made by the geniuses at The Makerss, who are holding a workshop to make a large felted animal in the New Year.

Delicious felt squares in watermelon shades, by 21st Century Yarns.

More needlefelting by one of the leading names in the field (pun intented), Fi Oberon – see her giving an introduction to the craft here.

The best faux flowers I’ve seen to date – big South African beaded ones made by street sellers in Johannesburg and sold in the UK by Best of African Design.

And finally, a fantastically detailed and nostalgic ‘book cover’ by Sara Rickard, created for the Embroiderer’s Guild Exhibition.

Get down to The Knitting and Stitching Show at London’s Alexander Palace if you can – there are some great bargains to be had and it’s amazing to have experts right there to answer your questions. There must be more inspiration per square metre here than just about anywhere else I can think of. Till next year, when I hope to have completed my needle felt dachshund, my crochet cushion cover, my knitted socks and a jumper made with bargain wool from the show.

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