Welcome to my blog page.

Today is the special day that I and my new children’s book have been waiting for—Publication Day - Saturday 28th, February. The eagerly anticipated and utterly adorable: Stikki the Squirrel: Tree Spirits, book two, is now out in the big wide world and available to purchase.

This is how my day started.

After a quick breakfast, I got straight onto social media and began posting the promotional banners I had made in advance for my book launch using my Canva design app. I didn’t have long to wait before I received some lovely comments about my new book, which happily led to sales on both the ebook and paperback editions.

I spent most of the day interacting with supportive author friends, well-wishers and readers. The day flew past in a haze of excitement, with the iPad glued to my hand so I could keep abreast of the responses about my book. The day drew to a close with a small family gathering, a lovely meal, and a bottle of Prosecco to toast my new book.

It was a successful launch day in terms of book sales, creating visibility for myself and my book. Plus receiving support from family, old school friends, and even from our eldest son and his family living across the pond in the U.S.A. 

Overall it was a fun, productive day.

I am proud to announce that my children’s book, Stikki the Squirrel, has won a Gold Book Award. I was so delighted when the email arrived from the Literary Titan team. I am honoured and chuffed to bits that my adorable little squirrel, Stikki has won such a prestigious award. Enjoy him, folks, as much as I do.

We love to stay at this beautiful park, to relax in one of their luxurious cottages nestled among the trees, and to visit their gift shop. I’m thrilled to mention that my young adult adventure books, GoldenEars, and my children’s book, Stikki the Squirrel are on sale in their gift shop. Browse the array of soft, cuddly animal toys, books, games and other goodies in the shop. The Christmas Festival of Light this year was spectacular. We enjoyed it so much.

Here is a little bit of history for those of you who are unfamiliar with Longleat.

Longleat opened its doors to the public in 1966 as the world’s first drive-through safari park outside Africa. Home of the 8th Marquess of Bath. In addition to the main house, attractions include a Safari Park, the Longleat Railway, and Half Mile Lake. Take the jungle cruise and feed the sea lions, and if you’re lucky you might spot a hippopotamus or four swimming in the lake.

The drive-through safari park takes about two hours, during which you’ll see exotic animals roaming free. So, whether you opt for a special V.I.P tour or use your own car, it’s an experience to remember.

It’s always a pleasure to visit Longleat and certainly helps us unwind before we have to say goodbye and turn homeward bound.

I hope everyone is keeping well. These cold, shorter days and even longer, dark wintery nights can spell havoc for our health and well-being. Colds and flu are prevalent at this time of year, and alas, Covid hasn’t finished with us yet, it seems. The dull winter months can be depressing. I try to keep busy, both mentally and physically. But you can’t be busy all the time. Well, for me, squeezing in a little ‘me’ time now and then is a great way to relax and unwind tensions and helps put life back into perspective. There’s nothing I like more than snuggling in a comfy armchair close to the fireside, a favourite book in hand, a cup of tea, and a homemade fruit muffin to nibble on as I read. Bliss!