When Estella’s Revenge arrived at Frost HQ I made an audible gasp. The gorgeous cover, the fact it’s a retelling of Great Expectations, Miss Havisham’s daughter is the main character…, I mean, come on. what is there not to love? Was I let down? Not even a little. The writing is exceptional and the story is dark and delicious.
It is obvious that a huge amount of research went into this novel, but also a very deep love for Great Expectations and the characters. The love and knowledge is obvious in every single page. This book is original, gothic and completely unforgettable. It belongs on the shelf next to Great Expectations itself. When reading the novel it feels like not much has changed for women, yet there is hope in this novel. Of women saving themselves and enduring. Of survival. A must-read.
The Memory of Us is a fantastic book. How long did it take you to write it? The Memory of Us took approximately one year to write. I don’t write particularly quickly and would panic if I had to produce a book any faster. When I gave up work to write full-time I thought I’d begin at nine o’clock and work through until five (with an hour for lunch, of course). It wasn’t long before I realised I’m not disciplined enough for that. People might be surprised it takes me twelve months to write a book, but I’m just amazed it doesn’t take even longer!
Where did the idea come from? My books have recurring themes of love, family, and friendship, often set against a life changing moment or event. From the outset I knew I wanted this story to feature two sisters and the unshakeable bond between them. Lexi and Amelia were a joy to write, and I miss spending time with them.
The book has many themes. How did you manage to thread them all together so well? I’d like to say it was a result of meticulous planning – except I don’t plan at all. However, I knew the important plot points, so it was a matter of letting the story unfold naturally and trusting everything would fall into place.
What is your writing routine like? My day starts with a dog walk, when I’ll formulate my plan for that day’s writing and often get ideas for conversations between characters. Before I begin, I go back and edit the previous day’s work. I know many authors prefer to keep their eye on the finishing line, but I’m not happy going forward if I think there’s something that needs fixing. Mornings are not my most productive time, so it’s mid to late afternoon before I usually hit my stride. Before turning off my computer I read that day’s work out loud. I find this to be a useful way of checking both the pace of the story and the authenticity of the dialogue.
What advice would you give writers who want to maintain a career? First, to keep reading in many different genres. Seeing how authors tackle a story, handle the pace, the dialogue and the plot can be very inspiring. It motivates you to bring all you have to the table the next time you begin to write. Next, is to just write. Don’t tell yourself that ‘one day I’ll write a book’. Do it. Do it now. It’s easy to think you don’t have time to write, but you just need to be disciplined and determined. Don’t set impossible goals. If you aim for just 1000 words a day, in three months you’ll have a novel. Lastly, write the book that’s in your heart. It’s more important to be aware of current literary trends than it is to follow them. At the end of the day, you must write the book you want to write and tell the story you have to tell. Perhaps it isn’t the same one that everyone is reading right then; perhaps you are bucking the trend… but it’s just possible you’re starting a new one.
What’s next for you? My next book is well underway and has a working title of PROMISE ME – although I’m sure that will change – they usually do. It is another emotional drama with some strong characters who I hope people will fall in love with every bit as much as I’ve done. I don’t want to reveal too much more, but I will say that I made myself cry writing the very first chapter, which was a first for me.
The Memory of Us’ by Dani Atkins is just published by Head of Zeus in hardback. I loved it. It is a beautiful and heartfelt novel which takes many themes and ties them together beautifully. The characters are divine and I adored the love story. I was fully immersed in this beautiful book. Superb writing mixes with a novel that keeps you guessing all of the way. I can’t recommend it enough.
I love overnight oats. Easy-to-make, good for you and tasty. What more could you want? Linwood have an amazing range of delicious overnight oats with extra benefits. I love them and can’t recommend them enough.
Indulge guilt free with Linwoods Strawberry flavour Energy Overnight Oatswhich deliver energy yielding metabolism and tiredness reduction through its supporting nutrients Vitamins B6 and B12.
Chocolate flavour Protein Overnight Oats are high in plant-based protein for muscle growth, and magnesium which combats tiredness and fatigue and supports muscle function. One 50g serving of this blend delivered 11g of plant-based protein which supports growth and maintenance of muscles.
Or why not try the Energy Overnight Oats in a natural flavour allowing you to customise your own oats with whatever toppings you prefer whilst also adding those energy supporting B Vitamins into your diet.
Known for their health credentials with their milled seed range, Linwoods newest innovation takes the hassle out of developing your own overnight oats recipe. Nowadays our lives are busy and we need convenience but that can’t take away from the importance of a healthy diet, in fact, a healthy diet is a must to feel good and get the most out of life.
Soak: Simply soak 50g of oats with 100ml of your favourite milk and stir.
Chill: Cover and leave in the fridge overnight.
Enjoy: Grab and go or add some of your favourite toppings to make it your own.
No matter what your lifestyle, Linwoods Overnight Oats will get your day off to a flying start. The new range is available to buy now at www.linwoodshealthfoods.com.
Tasty, gorgeous and decadent. No, we’re not just talking about your Valentine’s Date. These macaroons are a gorgeous treat for that someone special and each one has its own delicious flavour – including Dulce de Leche, Pink Lemonade and Chocolate Strawberry.
We bet the humble aubergine never imagined it would become a symbol for things of a steamier nature, but here we are. The perfect gift to spark some flirtatious banter or just make them roar with laughter, you can make it your own with a personalised message.
Love is in the air, and Xīn and Voltaire are poised to redefine romance this Valentine’s Day with their indulgent collection of frozen sorbet cocktails, bringing the joy, sophistication, and unforgettable sensory experiences to every date night and galentines celebrations this year.
These sorbet cocktails taste great and are deliciously alcoholic. They also look great. There are a decadent and stylish treat for a moment of joy.
Xīn and Voltaire has reimagined the way we enjoy cocktails, offering creatively conceived, luxuriously crafted frozen sorbet cocktails that cater to every palate. By harnessing innovative technology and cutting-edge science, Xīn and Voltaire has made it possible to freeze alcohol at a higher ABV, ensuring that for the first time, the complex flavours of bar-quality cocktails are preserved in a frozen format, and elevated with the texture and mouthfeel of a sorbet.
This Valentine’s Day, Xīn and Voltaire invite cocktail enthusiasts to create enchanting moments with their loved ones. Whether it’s a unique gift for a special someone or the perfect low-maintenance, yet elevated welcome drink to a galentines soirée, Xīn and Voltaire’s signature serves are sure to steal the spotlight; savour straight from the tub and serve with a spoon, or scoop into champagne coupes and top with prosecco for an at-home twist on the classic Sgroppino.
With a diverse menu of four vegan, low-calorie and gluten-free frozen sorbet cocktails, each blend is sure to cater to various palates and captivate the senses. From the floral and elegant notes of Florian, the vibrant combination of dark rum, coconut liqueur and mango in Alphonse, the effervescent Giselle with mezcal and raspberry for a twist on the classic margarita, and finally Aurelie’s warming winter notes of wood and caramel released from single malt whisky and amaretto.
Xīn and Voltaire’s on-demand delivery and personalised orders make it easy to enjoy these unique frozen sorbet cocktails in the comfort of your own home. Priced at £9 per cocktail, or £32.40 for their Taster Collection and Love Sharing Collection Boxes. Simply add to basket, select the preferred delivery date and the products will arrive at your door already frozen.
You can also share the joy with an elevated date night at Sabine Rooftop Bar, where Xīn and Voltaire has partnered to create the ultimate Lover’s Week. The secret garden in the clouds is an oasis from The City, allowing guests to be transported to a hidden space away from the busy London streets, and where you can enjoy beautiful views of St Paul’s. Incorporating a bespoke Valentine’s menu running from 13th-17thFebruary, expect the immaculate setting to be accompanied by indulgent sorbet cocktails, sharing plates and entertainment.
For more information about Xīn and Voltaire’s revolutionary sorbet cocktails and to discover the perfect addition to your Valentine’s Day celebrations, visit www.xinandvoltaire.com
So, you’re ready to start your business? Well, there are a few things you’ll have to do to boost your chances of success. The good thing is that technology has made it very easy to launch a business. You should just follow these tips, and everything should go smoothly.
1. Create a Business Website
To create a successful business in this day and age, you’ll need to have a website. This can be done in just a few minutes with a website builder like IONOS. Keep in mind that these services use AI (artificial intelligence) to make the process easier. The best thing is that this website builder will cost you as little as 1 GBP a month to use. After setting up your website, you’ll need to create content to rank your site highlyon search engines. The process of content marketing should be approached carefully to avoid hurting your SEO. Don’t stuffkeywords, and make sure the articles are captivating enough to hold the attention of readers.
2. Take Business Networking Seriously
Business networking is quite important. Interacting with other players in your industry will help you learn about new trends, gain some insights, and identify new opportunities. To network effectively, you’ll need to use online platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook. It’s also important to attendprofessional events, especially those that are related to your industry. Make sure you present yourself properly. For example, you’ll need to speak clearly and confidently to boost your chances of success.
3. Focus on Customer Satisfaction
Today, starting a business is extremely easy, and it doesn’t even take a lot of money. That’s why you’re likely to experience a lot of competition when you launch your business. One way you can set yourself apart from the competition is to focus on customer satisfaction. A good way to determine whether your customers are satisfied with your business is to ask for feedback. Check for patterns in the comments to see whether there is anything most people desire. Do they need different features? Or is your team not communicating properly? Whatever their pain point is, you should take steps to solve them.
4. Hire the Right People
One mistake you can make when launching a business is to rush through the hiring process. It’s important to take the time to find people who fit into your company culture. At the same time, you’ll need to make sure they’re competent. You should look beyond the CV as this document won’t give you the full picture. Make sure you also evaluate their interests, ambitions, and priorities.
Conclusion
If you’re planning on starting a business, you should take a few steps to maximize your chances of success. First, make sure you have a professional-looking website. Focus also on customer satisfaction as this will help set your company apart from the competition. It’s also essential to take business networking seriously. This way, you’ll be able to identify new opportunities in the market. Finally, take your time to hire the right people.
The above card was personalized by Karrie Barron Cards some years ago, when my book The Waterway Girls was published. It was a gift from the Frost’s Food and Drink Critic Michael Rowan and I keep in under a glass dome. It is precious beyond words.
With Mother’s Day on the horizon, I felt Frost Magazine must visit Karrie Barron Cards again, and take a look at a few Mother’s Day cards, bearing in mind that there is an offer of 20% off Mother’s Day cards if ordered before 15th February. Do remember they can be personalised.
Garden Heart is the perfect combination of card and gift. Unique and lovingly hand made in London it comes personalized( free of charge), and is ideal for Mother’s Day. Although this ‘Little World’ seems delicate and fragile, rest assured it comes well packaged in a white presentation box with matching ribbon gift wrap.Dimensions are H15.5 x W11 x D3.5cm @ £23.00 (As each card is individually hand made, please be aware that colours and compositions will vary from the product images.)
Sewing, another one of the lovely Mother’s Day range that I also love. Made in a choice of three colours. Dimensions H15.5 x W11 x D3.5cm @ £26
And another: Mother’s Day Pink/White Bouquet from £13.00
SMALL CARD H15.5 x W11 x D3.5cm
LARGE CARD H19 x W15.5 x D3.5cm
Aren’t they all just gorgeous. And the detail… How on earth do they do it?
Tilly Barron, Creative Director, told Margaret that Karrie Barron Card’s was founded in 1994 by her mother Karrie. Karrie’s concept was to create a miniature world within a greeting card.
She began designing and making from a back bedroom in their family home in Fulham, London and would take them, once a week, to her stall in the Apple Market, Covent Garden. As a child, Tilly’s love of doll’s houses and creativity fired what has become a lifelong passion for miniatures. She worked along side her mother from a very early age, and over the years developed the patience, passion and skills to make and design their ‘little worlds’ herself. In 2007, when her mother retired, Tilly took over their small family run business, and has been running it ever since. The cards unsurprisingly reach a much wider audience worldwide now – online, though thankfully they are still sold from the stall in Covent Garden.
In this world of mass production, you can all see that each creation is made with love and care. No two are ever the same, and I can vouch that they are truly a pleasure to both give and receive. But Tilly says that ‘It is the greatest pleasure of all to make, for which I am truly blessed.’
Covent Garden, London, UK The Apple Market, Covent Garden, Covent Garden Piazza, London WC2E 8BE
Opening hours Wednesday – Sunday 10:00am to 6:00pm TEXT ON THE DAY TO CONFIRM THEY ARE THERE +44 (0) 7533 859220
Who hasn’t had the daydream of travelling for free, or even making money while travelling? This daydream is a reality some travellers are experiencing today thanks to unique work arrangements that allow them to make money abroad.
Let’s look at the two most popular avenues for making money abroad and see if one of these could offer you your dream lifestyle.
Work Contracts Abroad
Finding your next career move is a big task: the stars need to align for the right company, location and career advancement opportunity. This process becomes even more difficult when you zoom out from focusing on your home country and look for jobs in other countries.
Instead of trying to land your dream job in another country, you can make money abroad by taking on a temporary contract outside of your field. Some popular industries include:
● Teaching English as a second language
● Tourism/hospitality
● Agriculture
● Yachting
The variety of work opportunities available will probably surprise you. Did you know that you can get paid to work in Antarctica?! It might not be your dream job or a calculated escalation of your career, but it’s a strategic way to leverage your 40-hour workweek to allow you to travel.
An alternative to paid contracts abroad are work exchanges. These are arrangements where you volunteer your time and are given something free in exchange, such as housing or food. Explore these work exchange platforms:
Not all work arrangements require you to pause your career building in order to travel. If you have the ability to work remotely, consider travelling as a digital nomad.
The term digital nomad refers to remote workers who use their flexibility to work from anywhere. Digital nomads typically fall into one of these categories:
1. Fully remote employee
2. Hybrid employee
3. Self-employed
Beyond the varieties in the type of work, there are a few different ways that this lifestyle can manifest:
1. Mental health break: get permission from your employer to temporarily work remotely for your mental health
2. Working holiday: secure remote work and go away for a few weeks/months of the year with the plan of returning home
3. Working gap year: seek a remote job and travel for a predetermined period of time
4. Fully nomadic: secure remote work, move out of your home and travel indefinitely
I first became a digital nomad in 2017 because I felt like life was passing me by at the nine to five job. Since then, I’ve moved between the labels of digital nomad, expat and immigrant. The journey had twists in the road: I’ve taken on work exchanges and in-person odd jobs when necessary to get by, and ultimately spent years building a business of my own.
It all started with the realisation that I had more options than deferring all of my travel plans for “someday.” If you dream of travelling, I hope that you can leverage technology to turn your world upside down in the same way.
