Ever Onwards, The Duo Go, Heading For The Rocky Mountaineer by Jan Speedie and Margaret Graham

Posted on July 10, 2015 by Margaret Graham

Jasper reminded us of the bush towns of Australia with its pioneer homes.

Whilst there we saw many lakes, and rivers, always with the mountains in the background, and a coach which bore the wonderful sign, totally appropriate for women like us, with delusions of grandeur.

This coach took us to Maligne Lake and Canyon. It is the most tranquil of lakes where sound carries extraordinarily clearly, so it didn’t remain peaceful once our lot hit it.

Then, it was the day of the birthday. Margaret was greeted with a banner on the door. No more can she say 21 years of age and on to the station, where the Rocky Mountaineer waited. We were in a red leaf carriage, the bottom of the pile, we suppose, but it was nonetheless fantastic.

We had the lovely Shino to ply us with food and drink, and a viewing platform either end of the carriage. We began our journey along the ‘First Passage of the West’ retracing the steps of the early 19^th century adventurers. We was as always, the snowy mountains, forests and tranquil lakes. Aware that we were leaving the Rockies, we looked long and hard. Never have we seen such scenery, and never have we seen such a l-o-n-g train.

Jan had arranged a cake, so happy birthday was sung, but no bumps. Then the Rocky Mountaineer gave her a couple of prints and a bottle of champagne. Obviously she shared it all (well, not the prints)

We follow the path of the Fraser River until we join the North Thompson River to Kamloops where we stop for the night. Shino kept us entertained with stories of the early pioneers and their perilous journeys and we ware always on the lookout for the elusive wild life. The only thing we saw were bald eagles, but too far away to photograph.

Finally we drew into Kamloops, and another birthday celebration in the evening.

www.rockymountaineer.com

The Ongoing Odyssey of Two Old Dears on The Loose in Canada By Jan Speedie & Margaret Graham

Posted on July 9, 2015 by Margaret Graham

All our body clocks were still grappling with real time, Canada, and Margaret’s had rather more to worry about, so while she lazed about in a darkened room, Jan hit the road with the gang, heading for Lake Louise.

Before we arrived at this iconic lake we made several stops on our way always looking out for wildlife –black or grizzle bears, elk, moose, big horned sheep and mountain goats.

Our first stop was the Lake Louise ski centre. Surrounded by snowy peaks everywhere it was easy to imagine the winter scene. The only occupant of the piste was a black bear, looking for a fresh patch of dandelions, their favourite pudding.

Back on our coach, the next stop was the Spiral Tunnels an amazing piece of engineering and design, built in 1909 to prevent further fatal accidents as the trains struggle to ascend and descend Big Hill in the Kicking Horse Pass. The tunnels form the shape of a figure of eight, and although a longer route, it reduces the gradient and provides a safer passage for the freight and passenger trains. It is still in use today.

We stopped to look at many waterfalls on our way to the Emerald Lake which is one of the 61 lakes in the Yoho National Park. The lake is enclosed by mountains and was discovered by Tom Wilson in 1882. The remarkable colour is caused by the fine particles of glacial sediment (Rock Flour) descending into the lake. From November to March the lake is frozen but for our visit the weather was perfect and the colour incredible.

This beautiful lake is surrounded by larch trees and overlooking the lake is the famous Fairmont Chateau hotel. No hotel lunch for us, a picnic admiring the lake and a quick wander on one of the many trails surrounding the lake.

Bow River, Yoho National Park

Two Old Ducks Hit The Canadian Rockies by Jan Speedie & Margaret Graham

Posted on July 8, 2015 by Margaret Graham

It seemed like a good idea at the time, but was it? As all things do, it began with just one question: ‘Where shall we go to celebrate this sort of birthday?’

We met at primary school when we were nine, a million years ago, and both had one of those birthdays this year. We decided on the Rockies, by train. Would we go it alone, or with a company? We decided on Great Train Journeys. Dr Diffey was in charge of us, a former headmaster, which caused some palpitations as detentions were a feature of Margaret’s school days. He was far from the usual model, a real legend.

We landed at Calgary at the beginning of June, imagining Calgary to be a small rodeo town, but it’s thriving and huge. We set off by coach across the prairies, heading for Banff, in the Rockies.

We saw the Rockies from a great distance, and why not, they’re huge. We were lucky and arrived in a heatwave. Normally there is a British amount of rain and the mountains can be hidden, but we had a full frontal view at all times.

Feeling a little travelled out we hit Banff, toddling into the Caribou Hotel with our luggage. Margaret was smug because she had stuffed her clothes into something little bigger than a weekend case. Jan was just a small step up.

Then a quick look round in the clean clear air of the mountains. Banff is a tourist town, but why not? A perfect centre, with restaurants, shops, and lots of activities on offer. The next morning, Keith Diffey gathered us up, assuring us that it wasn’t like herding cats, but not sure we believed him. We clambered on board a converted school bus, and headed for Bow River where we were to – no, not white water raft, but just raft for an hour.

Another glorious day it was, as we were ‘oared’ rather than rowed along this most shallow of rivers. It has very few fish, as there isn’t enough to sustain more than the odd trout. The same could be said for the land either side. We saw the occasional caribou, but no bears, which we had rather expected. We passed weather eroded rocks.

And stopped to see the golden willow, which the First Nation Indians would use for headaches. Much as we use aspirin for ours, though willow is common to both medications.

We reached a gently sloping bank, and there was the bus, waiting to return us to Banff. As Margaret reached terra firma, she began to feel dreadful. Travel sickness? Onto the bus we went, Margaret with her voluminous handbag as always – thank heavens. (much like Tinky Winky the teletubby) As we travelled, she upchucked into the only receptacle, the handbag, of course, or rather the scarf lying on the top. A memorable moment for in the vicinity .

Jan spent a delightful afternoon dawdling along the river bank at Banff – alone. Margaret did not see the light of day for a good 24 hours, wondering quite where the high temperature had come from. There is, you will be thrilled to hear, no illustration of these events, especially not a selfie.

She did not emerge for the trip to Lake Louise, but instead managed to get into Banff and gave a chemist the option of shooting or medicating her. He gave her antibiotics, and anti-this, and anti-that, which got her upright and so the odyssey continued. More later.

https://www.greatrail.com/

Words for the Wounded Independent Author Book Award Part 3

Posted on June 20, 2015 by Margaret Graham

Over the last two weeks we’ve highlighted First and Second Place in the recent WforW Independent Author Book Award. Today we have the final winner, Eric Sinclair who achieved Third Place.

As I keep saying to people, The Independent Author Book Award has been a revelation. There are just so many good writers out there, which made our task hugely enjoyable, if difficult. At last we decided on those who were to be commended, highly commended, and then – the winners. In the end, our decision was unanimous. Great books all of them. Thank you all so much for entering – rest assured that 100% of the entry fees go to the wounded.

Thank you, Palamedes PR for sponsoring a professional press release for the winner, and the opportunity of a discounted press release for 2^nd and 3^rd. Thank you Frost Magazine for publishing a review of the top three

The great good news is that Felicity Trew, of the highly respected Caroline Sheldon Literary Agency, is now representing the winner, Jane Cable.

Felicity Trew will also be our final judge for the 2015 Independent Author Book Award. The excitement is immense.

3^rd place

Man, Dog, Stroke by Eric Sinclair

This is the story of one man’s experience of the devastating effects of a major stroke, and his attempts to recover from it. It is also the story of a dog’s experience of life with unpredictable, irrational human beings.

Judges’ comments: Man, Dog, Stroke is a beautifully written and moving memoir of a stroke victim, with a chapter from time to time from his whippet’s point of view. This is a whippet who sees life, and events, from his side ‘of the pond’ and is a fantastic idea.

We laughed out loud, held our breath, and longed for Eric Sinclair to survive, and to thrive. Man, Dog, Stroke brought out the isolation experienced by stroke victims, the powerlessness when their lives are changed in just a few seconds, in of all things, a strange hotel room. The fear, the long fight back. ‘…The trouble was I didn’t seem able to move my legs or arms at all. With growing fright and disbelief I tried to roll over.’

It made us understand what a patient needs, and how absolutely crucial is good post stroke therapy.

It could happen to any of us. Read this. Laugh, and learn. It’s beautifully written.

Proceeds from the book will be donated to The Stroke Association.

Biog.

Eric Sinclair is a writer and education consultant living in Aberdeenshire who has worked in schools and colleges in West Africa, Turkey and Germany, as well as the UK. For ten years he was Head Teacher of Kirkwall Grammar School in Orkney, and subsequently was Head of Aboyne Academy, Aberdeenshire, before setting up his own education consultancy and training business in 2000. He was a part-time selector with the Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) Assessment Team in London from 1989 – 2004.

Since suffering a major stroke in 2004, he has undertaken voluntary work for the Stroke Association, and is vice-chair of their Scotland Committee. In December 2011, he published – Man, Dog, Stroke – describing his experience of recovering from stroke in Oslo and Aberdeen. The sequel to this book is a blog of the same name. He has also published a number of articles in The Scottish Review.

Eric has been a public partner with NHS Healthcare Improvement Scotland and has extensive experience of managing change in a variety of settings, as well as the lived experience of dealing with a chronic health condition. In January 2015, he was appointed by the Scottish Government to the Board of NHS Grampian, which provides health and social care for Aberdeen and the north-east of Scotland.

Eric relaxes by walking and communing with his whippet, Archie, and by singing in a local choir.

Words for the Wounded Independent Author Book Award Part 2

Posted on June 13, 2015 by Margaret Graham

As I said last week, The Independent Author Book Award has been a revelation. There are just so many good writers out there, which made our task hugely enjoyable, if difficult. At last we decided on commended, highly commended, and then – the winners. In the end, our decision was unanimous. Great books all three of them. Thank you all so much for entering – rest assured that 100% of the entry fees go to the wounded.

Last week we highlighted First Place achieved by Jane Cable with The Cheesemaker’s House, in the recent competition. Today we have the second place winner, Janet O’Kane.

The great good news is that Felicity Trew, of the highly respected Caroline Sheldon Literary Agency, is now representing the winner, Jane Cable.

We’re totally delighted to reveal that Felicity Trew will also be our final judge for the 2015 Independent Author Book Award. The WforW team is so excited.

2^nd Place.

No Stranger to Death by Janet O’Kane

Zoe Moreland is a GP who stumbles upon a corpse. Set in the Scottish Borders, her own life experience is revealed, alongside the unfolding crime story.

No Stranger to Death Janet O’Kane

Judges’ comments. A crime novel must grab you from the first sentence. This one does: “Zoe Moreland saw her first dead body at the age of twelve … “ You also need a reason for the person to be consulted or somehow involved with a dead body, especially if you want to keep open the possibility of a series. Tick number two: she’s a GP. This sets everything up well for a crime novel and the other necessities for any novel, including interesting setting described with a vivid sense of place (the Scottish Borders) and rounded characters with distinctive personalities and back stories which appear gradually, are all here. Tick, tick, tick. We particularly liked the way Janet O’Kane lets facts and personalities emerge naturally, by incremental details rather than through the dreaded information download. She credits the reader with the ability to put details together. This crime novel has a well-constructed plot with interesting characters and we look forward to reading the next one in the series. Well done.

When Janet O’Kane outgrew Enid Blyton’s books she moved on to what her Mum liked reading: crime novels. And despite occasional dalliances with other types of fiction, that’s where she has happily stayed.

Her career before turning to writing full-time included selling underpants to Roger Moore in Harrods of Knightsbridge and marketing nappies for Boots the Chemist. It was when she helped run a GP surgery that she decided a doctor would make an excellent main character for a series of crime novels.

Janet lives in the Scottish Borders with her stonemason husband, a cat, two dogs and far too many chickens. She is now writing the sequel to No Stranger to Death and learning to tap-dance. She’s delighted to have been placed second in a competition which raises money for such a good cause.

Words for the Wounded Fiction/Memoir/Poetry Prize Results

Posted on June 9, 2015 by Margaret Graham

Words for the Wounded Fiction/Memoir/Poetry Prize Results by Margaret Graham

Words for the Wounded have had a wonderful time reading all the entries for the Fiction/Memoir/Poetry Prize – 400 word maximum 2015.

It was a tough call because as always the entries were many and varied. In the end our decision was unanimous, and we thank everyone who entered, as every penny raised goes to where it should because the organisers absorb all the costs of the charity.

1st: Next of Kin. Sue Hawkins
2nd Worms Hannah Froggatt
3rd A Soldier’s dream of glory. G. Mortensen

Highly Commended

The Call of the Merman. F. Colville
The Factory Machine J. Elford
Heart’s-ease. C. Elstow
Adeline on Tuesday Morning C. Givern
Colour K. Hood
The Undressing J. Moran Neil
Piano Legs and Loose Knickers. M.Rowan.
Lost and Found. A. Taplin
One Day D. Waite.
The Solicitor’s Letter M. Wright

Commended

Under the Hen’s Bottom W. Breckon
Clipped Wings A. Campbell Kearsley
Ephraim Climbs Mount Kilimanjaro P. Heath
Two little faces C. Hewitt
Mr Percy Flint T. Loader
No Secrets T. Oswick
Pickled Turnips M. Pieris
Ronald Dawe J. Pollinger
The Beatles: My part in their rise to fame C. Tolson

The great good news is that Felicity Trew, of the highly respected Caroline Sheldon Literary Agency, is now representing the winner of WforW Independent Author Book Award Jane Cable run at the same time.

Further: Felicity Trew will be judging next year’s Words for the Wounded Independent Author Book Award – open for entries on 11th November 2015.

www.wordsforthewounded.co.uk to read the short prize entries and judges’ comments.

Words for the Wounded Independent Author Book Award By WforW Founder Margaret Graham

Posted on June 6, 2015 by Margaret Graham

The Independent Author Book Award has been a revelation. There are just so many good writers out there, which made our task hugely enjoyable, if difficult. At last we decided on commended, highly commended, and then – the three winners. In the end, our decision was unanimous. Great books all three winners. Thank you all so much for entering – rest assured that 100% of the entry fees go to the wounded.

Roll of drums for the list of winners, highly commended and commended.

1^st The Cheesemaker’s House. Jane Cable

2^nd No Stranger to Death Janet O’Kane

3^rd Man, Dog, Stroke Eric Sinclair

Highly Commended

Alphabetical order

The Grown-ups Wouldn’t Like it. Diane Kay

Callum Fox and the Mousehole Ghost. A. C. Hatter

Commended

Alphabetical order

The Roman Citizens from Class 6B Kevin Brooke

Run fast, keep low Eleanor Broaders

Ruby’s New Coat Jane Carling

Chasing the Dark Clouds Courtney Hulbert (Guy Mortenson)

Brandy Row Shelagh Mazey

Orange Juice and Codliver Oil. Peter Morley

Pegasus to Paradise Michael Tappenden

The Unorthodox Arrival of Pumplin Allan Susie Twine

The Labyrinth Year Clare Weiner

The great good news is that Felicity Trew, of the highly respected Caroline Sheldon Literary Agency, is now representing the winner, Jane Cable.

Also we are honoured to announce that Felicity Trew will be our final judge for the 2015 Independent Author Book Award.

Let’s have a closer look at our winner, Jane Cable, with The Cheesemakers’ House that achieved First Place in the inaugural WforW Independent Author Book Award. Congratulations!

First Place: The Cheesemaker’s House by Jane Cable.

Alice Hart’s husband runs off with his secretary, she runs off with his dog to lick

her wounds in a North Yorkshire village. Soon she decides to start renovating the barn next to her house and opens a whole can o’ worms.

Judges’ comments: The Cheesemakers’ House by Jane Cable was the only possible winner. The clarity, structure and story line was immediately inviting, the characters interesting. They weave, twist and develop towards the denouement, always keeping us with them. Cable is adept at peeling back the layers; the writing is snappy, the tension implicit. She holds back, and you have to keep turning the pages unable to work things out until she wants you too.

There is a paranormal flicker, which can be clumsy, but in this case we found it believable, and in keeping with the book. Alice is the main character, a survivor of a marital breakup, but unembittered. Owen is the secondary character and is complicated; infuriating, almost fey. All this set against a rural village setting, which Cable ‘gets’ perfectly.

The Cheesemaker’s House is Jane Cables’ first published novel, but it is the work of an experienced writer. Has she many discarded novels in a drawer? Or has she worked with writing groups and really learned her craft? We do wish this is the case with more writers, because until clarity, organization and structure is achieved, fiction won’t work. It is only then that characters haul you into their world.

Jane Cable’s biog.

I have lost count of the number of stories I have started over the years but my first breakthrough came when I actually finished one. It was a romance about cricket and completely unpublishable. But it made me a much better writer. A few more followed, before I started The Cheesemaker’s House. I changed to writing in the first person and it felt different – it felt as though I had found my voice.

In May 2011 The Alan Titchmarsh Show announced a competition to find a new author – a People’s Novelist – and my mother persuaded me to enter The Cheesemaker’s House. I did and was shortlisted, and then made it through to the final. Though I didn’t win, it gave me confidence.

Mainstream publishing was becoming so risk-averse it was harder than ever to get a contract unless you were already famous and this was making many very talented writers go it alone. I had already come across Matador at a self publishing conference organised by The Writers’ & Artists’ Yearbook. I like them because they are selective about the books they take and very, very professional.

The Cheesemaker’s House was really well received by book bloggers and readers and at the time of writing has sold around a 1,000 copies. I am absolutely thrilled to have won the Words for the Wounded Independent Author Book Award (such a good cause) and a professional press release from Palamedes, and publicity in Frost Magazine. My next novel, The Faerie Tree is now finished. Life is good.

Havoc Dyed Ink: Hockney by Adam Birtwistle

Posted on May 28, 2015 by Margaret Graham

by Margaret Graham.

Piano Nobile, 129 Portland Road, London W11 4LW Friday 8th May – Saturday 13th June 2015

Havoc Dyed Ink presents David Hockney by Adam Birtwistle: Pop Art’s foremost icon seen through the eyes of Britain’s pre-eminent portraitist.

I wasn’t altogether sure what to expect, but Birtwistle’s drawings are excellent.

I choose that word – excellent – carefully. With drawings the faint hearted are spotted immediately: all those feathery strokes and light pencil marks. Not here though – Adam Birtwistle whacks in, his work giving the impression of effortless talent. Here you could think is someone who picks up a pencil and ‘just does it’. The lines flow, the red braces draw you in.

It’s not as simple as that, though. There’s that other thing, talent. And what about the sheer hard graft, and perception? What about the ability to see the nuances of expression, and the ability to convey them? Birtwistle captures Hockney. We see the humour, the thoughtfulness of the man. We collude with the artist and the sitter, joining in and recognizing the joke, the thoughts, the body language.

We see the pre-occupation, and sometimes the look of ‘What, really?

The roots of Havoc Dyed Ink began with a fortuitous meeting in 2001 when Adam Birtwistle visited David Hockney in his studio. The following year Birtwistle painted two portraits of Hockney using studies made during this meeting.

Havoc Dyed Ink unites Birtwistle’s studies from 2002 and 2014 with a new painting of Hockney from 2015. Throughout his career, Birtwistle has painted many other icons, such as Jeremy Irons, and Elvis Costello. But it is to David Hockney that Birtwistle keeps returning.

Hockney’s status as a national treasure has continued to grow, yet Birtwistle strips away the noise of fame, recognising Hockney as a kindred creative spirit. Candid, playful and revealing, these studies and one painting give the sensation of sustained time in the company of Hockney. Birtwistle captures shifting poses and attitudes.

Downstairs at Piano Nobile are his – well what? Hogarthian paintings, with witty, or scathing commentary ditties? Some will love them, some won’t. Not my bag. I’ll stick with Hockney, but interesting nonetheless. Good for Birtwistle. I like artists who experiment.

Go and see it all. A feast, it is.

Frost Magazine

Books and Lifestyle

Tag Archives: Margaret Graham

Ever Onwards, The Duo Go, Heading For The Rocky Mountaineer by Jan Speedie and Margaret Graham

The Ongoing Odyssey of Two Old Dears on The Loose in Canada By Jan Speedie & Margaret Graham

Two Old Ducks Hit The Canadian Rockies by Jan Speedie & Margaret Graham

Words for the Wounded Independent Author Book Award Part 3

Words for the Wounded Independent Author Book Award Part 2

Words for the Wounded Fiction/Memoir/Poetry Prize Results

Words for the Wounded Independent Author Book Award By WforW Founder Margaret Graham

Havoc Dyed Ink: Hockney by Adam Birtwistle