Not only were there some posts last week on my own blog about my "Kero's World" series to celebrate the fact they're now available as audiobooks, but several wonderful bloggers - many of them authors themselves - have taken the time to post stuff for me on their own blogs recently. When I sent the posts to each person, I tried to make them different enough that you can take a little something new away from each post. So, if you missed any of them, you might want to check them out. With that in mind, here's a round-up of the posts:
Posts from my blog:
#KidLit #Books - The Kero's World Series By @VictoriaZigler Now In #Audio! Plus A #Giveaway!
#KidLit #Pets - Kero The #Westie
#Writing Wednesday - A Kero's World Teaser - #KidLit #Pets
Posts from around the web:
Sunday Surprise: An Interview With Kero
Kero Audio Promo
Kero’s World by Victoria Zigler Now in Audiobook
Series Spotlight – The Kero’s World Series
Sally’s Cafe and Bookstore – Author Update – Victoria Zigler, V.L. McBeath and Sacha de Black
KERO, The West Highland White Terrier – Guest Post by, Victoria (Tori) Zigler
Victoria Zigler – Kero Audiobook Promo!
Guest author: Victoria Zigler – Kero’s World
Kero’s World – now in audio book
Thank you to those wonderful bloggers who gave me a spot on their blogs, as well as to those people who took the time to share any of the posts that appeared on either my own blog or someone else's blog.
Wednesday, November 29, 2017
Tuesday, November 28, 2017
The #Writing Ritual Tag (FD)
A couple of weeks ago, I saw this post on Rachel Poli's blog, and thought the writing ritual tag looked fun. So, I'm joining in. I'm not tagging anyone though, so just join in if you feel like it, and - as Rachel says in her post - leave me a link in the comments section if you do, that way I can check out your post... I'd really love to be able to read your answers if you play along.
Of course, with my lack of routine, my writing habits do change a bit from time to time, so this is just how things stand at the moment, or what the answer generally is. Anyway...
1. When do you write? (time of day, day of week)
I try to write every day, whether it be just a few words, or several pages. As for when... Well, that depends on what my sleep schedule is like at the time, what else is going on, and when the furkids - especially our little Westie pup, Lilie, who can be quite demanding - will allow me to do so. At the time I'm writing this post it seems to mostly be late morning or early afternoon, but that could change at any time.
2. How do you seclude yourself from the outside world?
I don't really. But since I don't socialize much, it's mostly just family - furry and otherwise - or the postman who could potentially disturb me most days anyhow. Actually, if I'm honest, it's mostly Lilie, who thinks regular puppy playtime breaks are essential, and doesn't understand my desire to have longer gaps between said breaks.
3. How do you review what you wrote the previous day?
I technically don't. I usually only read the last paragraph or two, just to be sure of where I left off, which isn't really reviewing what I wrote the day before. At least, I don't think it is. I don't review the whole thing until I'm doing the next draft, unless it's been a very long time since I worked on the project in question, which I'm assuming wouldn't be the case if I worked on it the previous day.
4. What song is your go-to when you’re feeling uninspired?
I can't say I have one. There are songs that speak to me, but I wouldn't say I listen to a spacific song when I'm feeling uninspired. Actually, I've not been listening to much music in general lately. When I do listen to music though, it's usually either country music, pop/rock (the lighter side of rock) or - if I'm in the right mood for it - a piece of classical music.
5. What do you always do (i.e. listen to music, read, watch youtube, etc.) when you find yourself struggling with writer’s block?
I'll either go work on another writing project, take a furkid play break, or go do something like read or watch TV and try again tomorrow. Either that, or I'll decide it's probably that I'm tired, in which case I'll take a nap.
6. What tools do you use when you’re writing?
Microsoft Word to do the actual writing, and JAWS to know what I'm writing (JAWS being my screen reader, without which my computer would just be a box with buttons and wires to me, since I wouldn't be able to tell what was on the screen).
7. What’s the one thing you can’t live without during a writing session?
I'm not sure there's anything. As long as I have a way to write, and a way to read what I just wrote if I want/need to, I'm good to go. I do like to have a drink to hand while I write, but I could write without one if I needed to, so I wouldn't say that counts.
8. How do you fuel yourself during your writing session?
As mentioned above, I usually have a drink on hand, be it tea, pop/soda, or juice - sometimes both a hot drink and a cold one. Snacks vary though. Sometimes I have them on hand, sometimes I don't, depending on if I fancy something. If I do have snacks, it would be either cookies/biscuits, crisps/potato chips, dried fruit, nuts, chocolate, or some combination of those things.
9. How do you know when you’re done writing?
With stories, I know when I'm done because the story feels like it's finished. I don't worry about word count or anything like that while writing. I just write, and stop when it feels done.
It's basically the same with poetry, except I get to that point where it feels done much quicker.
Of course, with my lack of routine, my writing habits do change a bit from time to time, so this is just how things stand at the moment, or what the answer generally is. Anyway...
1. When do you write? (time of day, day of week)
I try to write every day, whether it be just a few words, or several pages. As for when... Well, that depends on what my sleep schedule is like at the time, what else is going on, and when the furkids - especially our little Westie pup, Lilie, who can be quite demanding - will allow me to do so. At the time I'm writing this post it seems to mostly be late morning or early afternoon, but that could change at any time.
2. How do you seclude yourself from the outside world?
I don't really. But since I don't socialize much, it's mostly just family - furry and otherwise - or the postman who could potentially disturb me most days anyhow. Actually, if I'm honest, it's mostly Lilie, who thinks regular puppy playtime breaks are essential, and doesn't understand my desire to have longer gaps between said breaks.
3. How do you review what you wrote the previous day?
I technically don't. I usually only read the last paragraph or two, just to be sure of where I left off, which isn't really reviewing what I wrote the day before. At least, I don't think it is. I don't review the whole thing until I'm doing the next draft, unless it's been a very long time since I worked on the project in question, which I'm assuming wouldn't be the case if I worked on it the previous day.
4. What song is your go-to when you’re feeling uninspired?
I can't say I have one. There are songs that speak to me, but I wouldn't say I listen to a spacific song when I'm feeling uninspired. Actually, I've not been listening to much music in general lately. When I do listen to music though, it's usually either country music, pop/rock (the lighter side of rock) or - if I'm in the right mood for it - a piece of classical music.
5. What do you always do (i.e. listen to music, read, watch youtube, etc.) when you find yourself struggling with writer’s block?
I'll either go work on another writing project, take a furkid play break, or go do something like read or watch TV and try again tomorrow. Either that, or I'll decide it's probably that I'm tired, in which case I'll take a nap.
6. What tools do you use when you’re writing?
Microsoft Word to do the actual writing, and JAWS to know what I'm writing (JAWS being my screen reader, without which my computer would just be a box with buttons and wires to me, since I wouldn't be able to tell what was on the screen).
7. What’s the one thing you can’t live without during a writing session?
I'm not sure there's anything. As long as I have a way to write, and a way to read what I just wrote if I want/need to, I'm good to go. I do like to have a drink to hand while I write, but I could write without one if I needed to, so I wouldn't say that counts.
8. How do you fuel yourself during your writing session?
As mentioned above, I usually have a drink on hand, be it tea, pop/soda, or juice - sometimes both a hot drink and a cold one. Snacks vary though. Sometimes I have them on hand, sometimes I don't, depending on if I fancy something. If I do have snacks, it would be either cookies/biscuits, crisps/potato chips, dried fruit, nuts, chocolate, or some combination of those things.
9. How do you know when you’re done writing?
With stories, I know when I'm done because the story feels like it's finished. I don't worry about word count or anything like that while writing. I just write, and stop when it feels done.
It's basically the same with poetry, except I get to that point where it feels done much quicker.
Monday, November 27, 2017
Celebrating My Birthday 2017 (FD)
I had a birthday.
Well, actually, I've had several birthdays, what with being in my 30s and all. But I'm talking about the fact I had one recently. Two weeks ago, to be exact.
We'd planned on celebrating by going out for lunch at Oscar's (the new Southern style place that opened on the seafront earlier in the year). Unfortunately, it seems they've closed for the season, so that wasn't an option, and it was too cold to go to one of the places where we can sit outside with Lilie (Lilie is actually allowed in Oscar's, so it being cold wouldn't have been an issue). So we ordered pizza instead. Then we went in to town the next day so I could have a McDonalds milkshake. I'm not a fan of the food at McDonalds. They don't have much in the way of options for vegetarians, my choice is limited even more by the fact most of their vegetarian options are far more spicy than I like, and I don't think what they do actually do that I'll eat tastes all that great. However, I absolutely love their milkshakes. So Kelly grabbed us a milkshake each, and we sat and drank them somewhere else while enjoying burgers - or, in Lilie's case, a hot dog - from a place in the middle of town that does a veggie burger they call a "crunchy veg" that I really enjoy. It was still pretty cold out, but the outside tables in that area were more sheltered, so it wasn't quite so bad. Plus, McDonalds milkshake...
Anyway, I had absolutely loads of birthday messages, phonecalls, etc... Thanks for those, by the way. I had a few cards too.
These two are from my Dad and my Nan (Dad's Mother):
The one from Nan is the one with the stitched writing on it, and the butterfly one is the one from Dad. My Dad did both the writing and the butterfly on his card with a cool new toy he has. It's a special pen that works something like a combination between a 3D printer and a normal pen, so it makes tactile writing or shapes out of a sort of plastic stuff. Really cool in general, and very useful for him for making cards for me and my brother, Carl (since both of us are blind).
With these next two, the one with the birds on it is from our friends, Lorna and Andy, and the other one is from my Grandma (Mam's Mother) and her Yorkshire Terrier, Jayde Bramblerose:
As for these last two, one is from my Mam, the other is from Rita and her kitty, Annie:
As for what I had for my birthday...
I mostly got books and DVDs, as well as some money I used to buy more books and DVDs. Because you can never have too many of either in my opinion. But I also got these soap flowers from my Mam:
And these soaps and bath salts that Nan made when she tried out soapmaking in a craft group she was involved in for a while:
Plus, I was meant to get this cutting board last Christmas. It's made from recycled wood, and has the word "Bara" on it. Bara, for those who don't know, is the Welsh word for bread. Anyway, it was made by a friend of Dad's girlfriend at the time, but left with Dad to give to me. Except it arrived too late for last Christmas, so he sent it to me for my birthday instead. So, here it is:
He also sent me this cute little seahorse, complete with a shell for it to go in, and a starfish and dolphin to keep it company. This was one of those "I saw it and thought of you" type presents, and he thought of me because it combines my love of horses with my love of the ocean. Plus, it's cool because I like having things to play with while thinking when writing, or while listening to things; my hands sometimes get bored if I'm listening to something and don't have something to fiddle with. Anyhow, here's the seahorse and the bits that came with it:
There was cake too, of corse. Kelly picked me up one of the lemon drizzle cakes our local bakery does, which I really love. That cake is becoming my traditional birthday cake. Not that I'm complaining. Haha!
So, that was my birthday. Perhaps not the most exciting of birthdays, but I enjoyed it, and that's all that matters, right?
Oh, and... No. I don't feel any older. But then, that's hardly surprising, since I feel physically older than my actual age most of the time - we won't go in to details about my mental age. *wink*
Thank you again to those who sent me anything. Whether it was a card, a present, a birthday message, or some combination of those things. I appreciate all gestures - great or small.
Well, actually, I've had several birthdays, what with being in my 30s and all. But I'm talking about the fact I had one recently. Two weeks ago, to be exact.
We'd planned on celebrating by going out for lunch at Oscar's (the new Southern style place that opened on the seafront earlier in the year). Unfortunately, it seems they've closed for the season, so that wasn't an option, and it was too cold to go to one of the places where we can sit outside with Lilie (Lilie is actually allowed in Oscar's, so it being cold wouldn't have been an issue). So we ordered pizza instead. Then we went in to town the next day so I could have a McDonalds milkshake. I'm not a fan of the food at McDonalds. They don't have much in the way of options for vegetarians, my choice is limited even more by the fact most of their vegetarian options are far more spicy than I like, and I don't think what they do actually do that I'll eat tastes all that great. However, I absolutely love their milkshakes. So Kelly grabbed us a milkshake each, and we sat and drank them somewhere else while enjoying burgers - or, in Lilie's case, a hot dog - from a place in the middle of town that does a veggie burger they call a "crunchy veg" that I really enjoy. It was still pretty cold out, but the outside tables in that area were more sheltered, so it wasn't quite so bad. Plus, McDonalds milkshake...
Anyway, I had absolutely loads of birthday messages, phonecalls, etc... Thanks for those, by the way. I had a few cards too.
These two are from my Dad and my Nan (Dad's Mother):
The one from Nan is the one with the stitched writing on it, and the butterfly one is the one from Dad. My Dad did both the writing and the butterfly on his card with a cool new toy he has. It's a special pen that works something like a combination between a 3D printer and a normal pen, so it makes tactile writing or shapes out of a sort of plastic stuff. Really cool in general, and very useful for him for making cards for me and my brother, Carl (since both of us are blind).
With these next two, the one with the birds on it is from our friends, Lorna and Andy, and the other one is from my Grandma (Mam's Mother) and her Yorkshire Terrier, Jayde Bramblerose:
As for these last two, one is from my Mam, the other is from Rita and her kitty, Annie:
As for what I had for my birthday...
I mostly got books and DVDs, as well as some money I used to buy more books and DVDs. Because you can never have too many of either in my opinion. But I also got these soap flowers from my Mam:
And these soaps and bath salts that Nan made when she tried out soapmaking in a craft group she was involved in for a while:
Plus, I was meant to get this cutting board last Christmas. It's made from recycled wood, and has the word "Bara" on it. Bara, for those who don't know, is the Welsh word for bread. Anyway, it was made by a friend of Dad's girlfriend at the time, but left with Dad to give to me. Except it arrived too late for last Christmas, so he sent it to me for my birthday instead. So, here it is:
He also sent me this cute little seahorse, complete with a shell for it to go in, and a starfish and dolphin to keep it company. This was one of those "I saw it and thought of you" type presents, and he thought of me because it combines my love of horses with my love of the ocean. Plus, it's cool because I like having things to play with while thinking when writing, or while listening to things; my hands sometimes get bored if I'm listening to something and don't have something to fiddle with. Anyhow, here's the seahorse and the bits that came with it:
There was cake too, of corse. Kelly picked me up one of the lemon drizzle cakes our local bakery does, which I really love. That cake is becoming my traditional birthday cake. Not that I'm complaining. Haha!
So, that was my birthday. Perhaps not the most exciting of birthdays, but I enjoyed it, and that's all that matters, right?
Oh, and... No. I don't feel any older. But then, that's hardly surprising, since I feel physically older than my actual age most of the time - we won't go in to details about my mental age. *wink*
Thank you again to those who sent me anything. Whether it was a card, a present, a birthday message, or some combination of those things. I appreciate all gestures - great or small.
Sunday, November 26, 2017
November 2017 #TV Talk And #Movie Mutterings
I've missed a couple of months, partially because I haven't watched much, and partially because I've had a lot I wanted to post about as it is. But now it's FINALLY time to take a look at what I've been watching over the past couple of months.
As with the previous posts like this one, just click on the titles to go to a page where you can find out more details about the movie or TV show in question; the title links will usually take you to a page on IMDB.
Don't forget: I watch things across multiple genres, as well as for different age ranges, so you should always check before viewing to make certain something is suitable for the intended audience, especially when children are involved. IMDB will usually provide this information for you, but you'll have to look elsewhere if you can't find it on the page I link to.
OK... On to the reviews!
Ghost In The Shell (2017 movie):
I only watched this one because Kelly - who happens to be a big fan - got the DVD. I wasn't as impressed with it as he was. I think it's a pretty good movie for its genre, but I suspected it wasn't going to appeal much to me from the start, and I was right. With that being the case, I'm disregarding my personal enjoyment level when deciding on the rating for this one, and basing my rating on Kelly's reaction to it, combined with what I know is expected from a movie in this genre. So, with that in mind, I'm giving this movie four out of five stars.
The Boss Baby (2017 movie):
I was pleasantly surprised by this movie. I enjoyed it a lot more than I expected to. This was a very entertaining movie, with some touching scenes, and a great ending. I give this movie five out of five stars.
The Dark Knight Rises (2012 movie):
Not the best Batman movie, but not the worst either. I enjoyed it, but didn't absolutely love it. I'm giving this movie four out of five stars.
The Smurfs (2011 movie):
I used to watch the Smurfs cartoon as a child, but I'm not sure I'd have watched this one if I hadn't been doing so with my Mam (who absolutely loved it, by the way). Still, I have to admit this movie was pretty entertaining, with a great message to share. I give it four out of five stars.
The Smurfs 2 (2013 movie):
Like with the first movie, I'm not sure I'd have watched this one if I hadn't been doing so with my Mam (who loved this one as much as she'd loved the first, by the way). Still, I have to admit I thought this was an entertaining movie with a great message to share. I give this movie four out of five stars.
The Huntsman: Winter's War (2016 movie):
This was an interesting one, with some sweet moments, some entertaining moments, and plenty of action. I enjoyed it, though I didn't love it. I give this movie four out of five stars.
Moana (2016 movie):
Loved this movie! It alternates between being touching and being entertaining, and is well worth watching in my opinion. It also carries a great message about being true to yourself. I give this movie five out of five stars.
Other than watching the above mentioned movies, I've also been continuing to attempt to catch up on watching episodes of NCIS. That's going slower than planned, since I'm not spending as much time watching them as I'd hoped/planned to be doing. There's progress though, and I'm enjoying watching them when I get a chance to do so, which is what really matters.
Oh, and my Mam brought a couple of boxes of DVDs to me when she came for the caravan holiday at the start of the month. Mostly they're Disney movies. A lot of them are ones I've seen but didn't have copies of (and wouldn't mind seeing again). But there were a few among them I've never seen. Regardless, I have a large stack of DVDs to watch now. Not that I'm complaining. Now I just need to find/make time to watch them all.
As with the previous posts like this one, just click on the titles to go to a page where you can find out more details about the movie or TV show in question; the title links will usually take you to a page on IMDB.
Don't forget: I watch things across multiple genres, as well as for different age ranges, so you should always check before viewing to make certain something is suitable for the intended audience, especially when children are involved. IMDB will usually provide this information for you, but you'll have to look elsewhere if you can't find it on the page I link to.
OK... On to the reviews!
Ghost In The Shell (2017 movie):
I only watched this one because Kelly - who happens to be a big fan - got the DVD. I wasn't as impressed with it as he was. I think it's a pretty good movie for its genre, but I suspected it wasn't going to appeal much to me from the start, and I was right. With that being the case, I'm disregarding my personal enjoyment level when deciding on the rating for this one, and basing my rating on Kelly's reaction to it, combined with what I know is expected from a movie in this genre. So, with that in mind, I'm giving this movie four out of five stars.
The Boss Baby (2017 movie):
I was pleasantly surprised by this movie. I enjoyed it a lot more than I expected to. This was a very entertaining movie, with some touching scenes, and a great ending. I give this movie five out of five stars.
The Dark Knight Rises (2012 movie):
Not the best Batman movie, but not the worst either. I enjoyed it, but didn't absolutely love it. I'm giving this movie four out of five stars.
The Smurfs (2011 movie):
I used to watch the Smurfs cartoon as a child, but I'm not sure I'd have watched this one if I hadn't been doing so with my Mam (who absolutely loved it, by the way). Still, I have to admit this movie was pretty entertaining, with a great message to share. I give it four out of five stars.
The Smurfs 2 (2013 movie):
Like with the first movie, I'm not sure I'd have watched this one if I hadn't been doing so with my Mam (who loved this one as much as she'd loved the first, by the way). Still, I have to admit I thought this was an entertaining movie with a great message to share. I give this movie four out of five stars.
The Huntsman: Winter's War (2016 movie):
This was an interesting one, with some sweet moments, some entertaining moments, and plenty of action. I enjoyed it, though I didn't love it. I give this movie four out of five stars.
Moana (2016 movie):
Loved this movie! It alternates between being touching and being entertaining, and is well worth watching in my opinion. It also carries a great message about being true to yourself. I give this movie five out of five stars.
Other than watching the above mentioned movies, I've also been continuing to attempt to catch up on watching episodes of NCIS. That's going slower than planned, since I'm not spending as much time watching them as I'd hoped/planned to be doing. There's progress though, and I'm enjoying watching them when I get a chance to do so, which is what really matters.
Oh, and my Mam brought a couple of boxes of DVDs to me when she came for the caravan holiday at the start of the month. Mostly they're Disney movies. A lot of them are ones I've seen but didn't have copies of (and wouldn't mind seeing again). But there were a few among them I've never seen. Regardless, I have a large stack of DVDs to watch now. Not that I'm complaining. Now I just need to find/make time to watch them all.
Friday, November 24, 2017
#Furkid Friday: Lilie Goes On A Caravan Holiday (FD)
Hi everyone! This is Lilie the Westie.
(The above photo was taken two days after I turned seven months old, which was almost a month ago).
I had a bit of an adventure earlier this month. I went on something the humans called a "caravan holiday" with the Mummy human, and the Nana human (who I sometimes hear talking out of the plastic ringing thing).
Caravan holidays, from what I can tell, mean a long car ride followed by a couple of days in a house on wheels that's smaller than the flat we live in, but without most of my toys and things. Although, the Nana human did bring me this new bed, which I got to use first while on the caravan holiday, and then got to bring home with me afterwards:
The bed belonged to a different dog before, and now it's mine. I don't know why it's mine now, but I had a good time sniffing at all the scents on it. I don't know any of them; whoever the bed belonged to before isn't a dog I know. I don't care though, because it's mine now, and I like sleeping on my new bed.
I got some new blankets for all my beds after we got home. I don't know why I didn't get them the same time as the bed, but they smelled different to the bed, and came in a box the postman brought instead of being brought by the Nana human. They don't smell like other dogs. I like them though. They're all purple and soft and fluffy. I'm sure you'll get to see them in a photo of me some time soon.
Anyway, back to my holiday...
I also got to get some practice in with steps, which I'm now really great at (I wasn't too good at going down steps before) and had lots of time on my long lead that means I don't have to stay beside the humans when they're being lazy and not wanting to do much actual walking while we're out for walkies. There was lots and lots of grass for me to play in:
I did have fun, but I was a bit upset about my routine being messed with. At least the Mummy human remembered to bring my special red ball for bed time, and the Nana human filled it with something the Mummy human didn't like the smell of, but which I thought tasted amazing. It was something called "liver patty" or something like that. I'm not sure who patty is, but she shared her liver with me, so she must be really nice. Mummy human and Nana human made sure I had other good things to eat too, so I guess that was OK. I was sort of glad when it was time to go home though, even though there were lots of interesting smells in that grass (actually, the house on wheels had lots of interesting smells in it too). Having a holiday in a caravan was fun, but I was starting to miss my other toys, and my Daddy human.
There were lots of those firework things while we were there. I wasn't bothered though. I don't mind those things. I've heard most dogs complain about them being loud and scary, but I don't understand why. It's not like they're drums or anything. I just sat and watched them with the humans until I got bored and took a nap. I don't know why there were so many fireworks... There aren't usually that much at a time. The humans kept talking about bones on fire though. At least, I think that's what they said, except I didn't see any bones, on fire or otherwise. Humans confuse me sometimes!
Something else that confused me was the weird thing that happened to the world right before we went home. The ground got all cold, white, and slippery. It smelled different too. The humans said it was called "frost" or something like that. I didn't really care what it was called though. I thought it was strange, but only checked it out a little bit. I mean, it confused me when the world was white and I slipped a bit when I went to run down the steps, and normally I might have been more interested, but at that moment I was much more interested in the news we were going home. There has been more of that frost stuff since then. It makes things smell different, and makes my paws a bit cold, but otherwise doesn't seem to do much. I've decided it's not anything to worry about. I'm still confused about what it's for, but there are too many more exciting things to check out during walkies to worry about it.
Anyway, back to what I was saying...
I was even more excited about going home when my Daddy human was there waiting for me. I love my Daddy human, and really missed him when we were at that caravan holiday place. He had to stay behind to look after the things in cages, which I was sad about. I wish he'd been able to come to the caravan holiday place with us. I might not have minded staying longer if Daddy had been with us, despite walkies only being on my long lead while the humans sat or stood by the steps.
Lots of licks,
Lilie
P.S. For those thinking I've grown a lot... You're right! I got weighed when I went to the vet place again last week, and I now weigh 8kilos (20lbs). That means I'm now more than four times the size I was when I came to live with these humans.
(The above photo was taken two days after I turned seven months old, which was almost a month ago).
I had a bit of an adventure earlier this month. I went on something the humans called a "caravan holiday" with the Mummy human, and the Nana human (who I sometimes hear talking out of the plastic ringing thing).
Caravan holidays, from what I can tell, mean a long car ride followed by a couple of days in a house on wheels that's smaller than the flat we live in, but without most of my toys and things. Although, the Nana human did bring me this new bed, which I got to use first while on the caravan holiday, and then got to bring home with me afterwards:
The bed belonged to a different dog before, and now it's mine. I don't know why it's mine now, but I had a good time sniffing at all the scents on it. I don't know any of them; whoever the bed belonged to before isn't a dog I know. I don't care though, because it's mine now, and I like sleeping on my new bed.
I got some new blankets for all my beds after we got home. I don't know why I didn't get them the same time as the bed, but they smelled different to the bed, and came in a box the postman brought instead of being brought by the Nana human. They don't smell like other dogs. I like them though. They're all purple and soft and fluffy. I'm sure you'll get to see them in a photo of me some time soon.
Anyway, back to my holiday...
I also got to get some practice in with steps, which I'm now really great at (I wasn't too good at going down steps before) and had lots of time on my long lead that means I don't have to stay beside the humans when they're being lazy and not wanting to do much actual walking while we're out for walkies. There was lots and lots of grass for me to play in:
I did have fun, but I was a bit upset about my routine being messed with. At least the Mummy human remembered to bring my special red ball for bed time, and the Nana human filled it with something the Mummy human didn't like the smell of, but which I thought tasted amazing. It was something called "liver patty" or something like that. I'm not sure who patty is, but she shared her liver with me, so she must be really nice. Mummy human and Nana human made sure I had other good things to eat too, so I guess that was OK. I was sort of glad when it was time to go home though, even though there were lots of interesting smells in that grass (actually, the house on wheels had lots of interesting smells in it too). Having a holiday in a caravan was fun, but I was starting to miss my other toys, and my Daddy human.
There were lots of those firework things while we were there. I wasn't bothered though. I don't mind those things. I've heard most dogs complain about them being loud and scary, but I don't understand why. It's not like they're drums or anything. I just sat and watched them with the humans until I got bored and took a nap. I don't know why there were so many fireworks... There aren't usually that much at a time. The humans kept talking about bones on fire though. At least, I think that's what they said, except I didn't see any bones, on fire or otherwise. Humans confuse me sometimes!
Something else that confused me was the weird thing that happened to the world right before we went home. The ground got all cold, white, and slippery. It smelled different too. The humans said it was called "frost" or something like that. I didn't really care what it was called though. I thought it was strange, but only checked it out a little bit. I mean, it confused me when the world was white and I slipped a bit when I went to run down the steps, and normally I might have been more interested, but at that moment I was much more interested in the news we were going home. There has been more of that frost stuff since then. It makes things smell different, and makes my paws a bit cold, but otherwise doesn't seem to do much. I've decided it's not anything to worry about. I'm still confused about what it's for, but there are too many more exciting things to check out during walkies to worry about it.
Anyway, back to what I was saying...
I was even more excited about going home when my Daddy human was there waiting for me. I love my Daddy human, and really missed him when we were at that caravan holiday place. He had to stay behind to look after the things in cages, which I was sad about. I wish he'd been able to come to the caravan holiday place with us. I might not have minded staying longer if Daddy had been with us, despite walkies only being on my long lead while the humans sat or stood by the steps.
Lots of licks,
Lilie
P.S. For those thinking I've grown a lot... You're right! I got weighed when I went to the vet place again last week, and I now weigh 8kilos (20lbs). That means I'm now more than four times the size I was when I came to live with these humans.
Thursday, November 23, 2017
#Fantasy And #Sci-Fi #Audiobooks
Do you listen to audiobooks?
Are you a fan of fantasy and/or science-fiction books?
Then check out this list of fantasy and sci-fi audiobooks.
Are you a fan of fantasy and/or science-fiction books?
Then check out this list of fantasy and sci-fi audiobooks.
Wednesday, November 22, 2017
#Writing Wednesday - A Kero's World Teaser - #KidLit #Pets
Kero thought it was a bit odd that Santa Paws was going to visit while they were sleeping. It sounded a bit suspicious to him. What kind of a creature sneaks in to someone’s house while they were sleeping? No. Kero did not like the sound of that at all.~Above from "Kero Celebrates Christmas" by Victoria Zigler.
After thinking about it for a while, Kero decided there was only one thing for it. He would have to stay awake all night to watch for this Santa Paws. Nobody was going to sneak in to his home while his human was sleeping... Even if he did plan on leaving toys and treats for them!
That evening Kero’s human showed him the stockings.
“When you get up in the morning this will be full of treats from Santa Paws,” she said.
Kero licked his lips. He liked the sound of that.
He decided not to tell his human about his plan to stay up and watch for Santa Paws. Instead he watched her set out the snacks for Santa Paws, then he went along with the usual bedtime routine: going out to the garden, having his bedtime treats, then settling beside his human as if he planned to sleep with her.
Once he was sure she was asleep, Kero quietly got up and went in to the living room where the stockings were.
He settled himself on the back of the sofa where he’d have a good view of the window and the stockings.
Enjoy what you just read? Want to read more about Kero - not to mention, learn if he managed to stay awake to spot the mysterious Santa Paws? Then grab your copies of my "Kero's World" books!
The books are available as eBooks, in paperback, and now also in audio - read by Giles Miller.
Regardless of the format you'd prefer, here's where you can find them:
Book 1 - Kero Goes Walkies
iTunes, Audible, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Chapters-Indigo, iBooks, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, or The Book Depository.
The book also has a page on Goodreads.
Book 2 - Kero Celebrates His Birthday
iTunes, Audible, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Chapters-Indigo, iBooks, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, or The Book Depository.
The book also has a page on Goodreads.
Book 3 - Kero Gets Sick
iTunes, Audible, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Chapters-Indigo, iBooks, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, or The Book Depository.
The book also has a page on Goodreads.
Book 4 - Kero Celebrates Halloween
iTunes, Audible Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Chapters-Indigo, iBooks, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, or The Book Depository.
The book also has a page on Goodreads.
Book 5 - Kero Goes To Town
iTunes, Audible, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Chapters-Indigo, iBooks, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, or The Book Depository.
The book also has a page on Goodreads.
Book 6 - Kero Celebrates Christmas
iTunes, Audible, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Chapters-Indigo, iBooks, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, or The Book Depository.
The book also has a page on Goodreads.
Book 7 - Kero Crosses The Rainbow Bridge
iTunes, Audible, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Chapters-Indigo, iBooks, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, or The Book Depository.
The book also has a page on Goodreads.
Tuesday, November 21, 2017
#KidLit #FairyTale #Book - Asha's Big Adventure Now In #Audio!
This is the story of a little girl who loves exploring, a hungry wolf, three brave little pigs, three nervous goats, a troll with a toothache, and three misunderstood bears.
Based on the author’s own takes on three well-known fairy tales, “Asha’s Big Adventure” tells the story of a little girl named Asha who ignores her parents’ warnings about going exploring in the woods near where they live. Asha soon finds herself getting lost, being chased by a hungry wolf, unable to cross a bridge because of a grumpy troll, and proven guilty of breaking and entering by an angry family of bears.
"Asha's Big Adventure" is now available in audio, read for you by Patricia DeBruhl. The previously published eBook and paperback versions of the book are also still available for those who would rather those formats.
Regardless of your prefered format, here are the main places where you can buy the book:
Audible, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Chapters-Indigo, iBooks, iTunes, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, or The Book Depository.
You can also find the book listed on Goodreads.
Monday, November 20, 2017
#KidLit #Pets - Kero The #Westie
I've mentioned Kero so many times everywhere - especially on this blog - that it almost seems pointless to write a post to tell you who he was. However, for the benifit of newcomers to this blog: He was a West Highland White Terrier who was very special to me, and who crossed the rainbow bridge a little over three years ago.
Also, for the benifit of anyone who isn't totally familiar with the breed, here's what the Kennel Club has to say about a Westie:
Want to read Kero's adventures? Then grab your copies of my "Kero's World" books! The books are available as eBooks, in paperback, and now also in audio - read by Giles Miller.
Regardless of the format you'd prefer, here's where you can find them:
Book 1 - Kero Goes Walkies
iTunes, Audible, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Chapters-Indigo, iBooks, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, or The Book Depository.
The book also has a page on Goodreads.
Book 2 - Kero Celebrates His Birthday
iTunes, Audible, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Chapters-Indigo, iBooks, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, or The Book Depository.
The book also has a page on Goodreads.
Book 3 - Kero Gets Sick
iTunes, Audible, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Chapters-Indigo, iBooks, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, or The Book Depository.
The book also has a page on Goodreads.
Book 4 - Kero Celebrates Halloween
iTunes, Audible Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Chapters-Indigo, iBooks, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, or The Book Depository.
The book also has a page on Goodreads.
Book 5 - Kero Goes To Town
iTunes, Audible, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Chapters-Indigo, iBooks, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, or The Book Depository.
The book also has a page on Goodreads.
Book 6 - Kero Celebrates Christmas
iTunes, Audible, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Chapters-Indigo, iBooks, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, or The Book Depository.
The book also has a page on Goodreads.
Book 7 - Kero Crosses The Rainbow Bridge
iTunes, Audible, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Chapters-Indigo, iBooks, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, or The Book Depository.
The book also has a page on Goodreads.
Also, for the benifit of anyone who isn't totally familiar with the breed, here's what the Kennel Club has to say about a Westie:
The breed was developed from Cairn terrier ancestry and it was the Malcolms of Poltalloch in Argyllshire who developed a white strain of Cairns in the mid 19th century. Many breeders of Cairns had been in the practice of culling white puppies but the Malcolms asserted that they were easier to see when working on the moors. The West Highland White was eventually developed to become a little shorter in the body and with a higher tail carriage than the Cairn.~Above from this page on the Kennel Club's website.
Early names for the breed were the Poltalloch terrier, and the Roseneath terrier – after a strain developed on the Duke of Argyll's Roseneath Estate.
Recognised by the Kennel Club in 1907, the West Highland White remains one of the most popular breeds in the group.
Breed Group: Terrier
Vulnerable Native Breed: No
Size: Small
How much exercise?: Up to 1 hour per day
Length of coat: Medium
How much grooming?: More than once a week
Supposedly sheds? : Yes
Town or Country: Either
Type of home: Flat
Minimum Garden Size: Small/Medium
Lifespan: Over 12 Years
Want to read Kero's adventures? Then grab your copies of my "Kero's World" books! The books are available as eBooks, in paperback, and now also in audio - read by Giles Miller.
Regardless of the format you'd prefer, here's where you can find them:
Book 1 - Kero Goes Walkies
iTunes, Audible, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Chapters-Indigo, iBooks, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, or The Book Depository.
The book also has a page on Goodreads.
Book 2 - Kero Celebrates His Birthday
iTunes, Audible, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Chapters-Indigo, iBooks, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, or The Book Depository.
The book also has a page on Goodreads.
Book 3 - Kero Gets Sick
iTunes, Audible, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Chapters-Indigo, iBooks, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, or The Book Depository.
The book also has a page on Goodreads.
Book 4 - Kero Celebrates Halloween
iTunes, Audible Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Chapters-Indigo, iBooks, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, or The Book Depository.
The book also has a page on Goodreads.
Book 5 - Kero Goes To Town
iTunes, Audible, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Chapters-Indigo, iBooks, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, or The Book Depository.
The book also has a page on Goodreads.
Book 6 - Kero Celebrates Christmas
iTunes, Audible, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Chapters-Indigo, iBooks, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, or The Book Depository.
The book also has a page on Goodreads.
Book 7 - Kero Crosses The Rainbow Bridge
iTunes, Audible, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Chapters-Indigo, iBooks, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, or The Book Depository.
The book also has a page on Goodreads.
Sunday, November 19, 2017
#KidLit #Books - The Kero's World Series By @VictoriaZigler Now In #Audio! Plus A #Giveaway!
Thanks to the narration skills of Giles Miller, my “Kero’s World” books are now in audio!
For those who don't know: The "Kero's World" stories are all about the adventures of my West Highland White Terrier, Kero, who made that journey across the rainbow bridge a little over three years ago. So, read his stories, and see the world from the point of view of a little white dog.
***~~~***
Book 1 - Kero Goes Walkies
Buy "Kero Goes Walkies" as an audiobook, eBook, or paperback - in some cases two or more of these formats - from iTunes, Audible, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Chapters-Indigo, iBooks, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, or The Book Depository.
The book also has a page on Goodreads.
***~~~***
Book 2 - Kero Celebrates His Birthday
Buy "Kero Celebrates His Birthday" as an audiobook, eBook, or paperback - in some cases two or more of these formats - from iTunes, Audible, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Chapters-Indigo, iBooks, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, or The Book Depository.
The book also has a page on Goodreads.
***~~~***
Book 3 - Kero Gets Sick
Buy "Kero Gets Sick" as an audiobook, eBook, or paperback - in some cases two or more of these formats - from iTunes, Audible, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Chapters-Indigo, iBooks, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, or The Book Depository.
The book also has a page on Goodreads.
***~~~***
Book 4 - Kero Celebrates Halloween
Buy "Kero Celebrates Halloween" as an audiobook, eBook, or paperback - in some cases two or more of these formats - from iTunes, Audible, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Chapters-Indigo, iBooks, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, or The Book Depository.
The book also has a page on Goodreads.
***~~~***
Book 5 - Kero Goes To Town
Buy "Kero Goes To Town" as an audiobook, eBook, or paperback - in some cases two or more of these formats - from iTunes, Audible, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Chapters-Indigo, iBooks, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, or The Book Depository.
The book also has a page on Goodreads.
***~~~***
Book 6 - Kero Celebrates Christmas
Buy "Kero Celebrates Christmas" as an audiobook, eBook, or paperback - in some cases two or more of these formats - from iTunes, Audible, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Chapters-Indigo, iBooks, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, or The Book Depository.
The book also has a page on Goodreads.
***~~~***
Book 7 - Kero Crosses The Rainbow Bridge
Buy "Kero Crosses The Rainbow Bridge" as an audiobook, eBook, or paperback - in some cases two or more of these formats - from iTunes, Audible, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Chapters-Indigo, iBooks, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, or The Book Depository.
The book also has a page on Goodreads.
***~~~***
Want to get your hands on a free set of these books in audio? You're in luck, because I have some audible codes to give away for all seven books in the series.
Yes, I did say all seven books: each winner will get a complete set of audible audiobooks.
So, to get your hands on a set of Audible codes for these books, simply be one of the first 12 people to send me an eMail with the subject "Kero's World" to keroberous2004@gmail.com with the answer to the following question in it:
I have codes for both Audible.com and Audible.co.uk - please let me know in your eMail which you would prefer.
For those who don't know: The "Kero's World" stories are all about the adventures of my West Highland White Terrier, Kero, who made that journey across the rainbow bridge a little over three years ago. So, read his stories, and see the world from the point of view of a little white dog.
***~~~***
Book 1 - Kero Goes Walkies
If there’s one thing Kero loves more than going for a walk, then it has to be going for a walk that takes him to more than one place. Today his walk will take him both to the park and to the beach. What will he find there? Who will he see? And what will a little dog like him think of it all?
Buy "Kero Goes Walkies" as an audiobook, eBook, or paperback - in some cases two or more of these formats - from iTunes, Audible, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Chapters-Indigo, iBooks, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, or The Book Depository.
The book also has a page on Goodreads.
***~~~***
Book 2 - Kero Celebrates His Birthday
It’s Kero’s birthday, and his humans are doing everything they can to make it a special day for him. What will Kero think of all the fuss and attention? And what exactly makes a birthday special for a dog anyway?
Buy "Kero Celebrates His Birthday" as an audiobook, eBook, or paperback - in some cases two or more of these formats - from iTunes, Audible, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Chapters-Indigo, iBooks, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, or The Book Depository.
The book also has a page on Goodreads.
***~~~***
Book 3 - Kero Gets Sick
Kero isn’t feeling well at all, and that means only one thing: a trip to his least favourite place in the world... The vet! What will the vet do to make Kero feel better? And will Kero think it was worth the trip to the vet in the end?
Buy "Kero Gets Sick" as an audiobook, eBook, or paperback - in some cases two or more of these formats - from iTunes, Audible, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Chapters-Indigo, iBooks, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, or The Book Depository.
The book also has a page on Goodreads.
***~~~***
Book 4 - Kero Celebrates Halloween
Something strange is going on, and Kero doesn’t know if he’s more confused or frightened. All he knows for sure is that the humans are calling it Halloween. Will Kero be able to make sense of this Halloween thing? Or is it just too scary and confusing for a little dog to understand?
Buy "Kero Celebrates Halloween" as an audiobook, eBook, or paperback - in some cases two or more of these formats - from iTunes, Audible, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Chapters-Indigo, iBooks, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, or The Book Depository.
The book also has a page on Goodreads.
***~~~***
Book 5 - Kero Goes To Town
Kero’s very excited to find he’s going to town with his humans. He’s sure there must be loads of great things to do there, after all the humans go there all the time. But what kinds of things can a little dog do in town? And will it be as much fun as he thinks it will?
Buy "Kero Goes To Town" as an audiobook, eBook, or paperback - in some cases two or more of these formats - from iTunes, Audible, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Chapters-Indigo, iBooks, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, or The Book Depository.
The book also has a page on Goodreads.
***~~~***
Book 6 - Kero Celebrates Christmas
Christmas is here, and with it comes snow and Santa Paws - whoever he is. What will Kero think of the snow? Will he be able to make sense of all the holiday activity? And will he be able to stay up long enough to catch this mysterious Santa Paws?
Buy "Kero Celebrates Christmas" as an audiobook, eBook, or paperback - in some cases two or more of these formats - from iTunes, Audible, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Chapters-Indigo, iBooks, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, or The Book Depository.
The book also has a page on Goodreads.
***~~~***
Book 7 - Kero Crosses The Rainbow Bridge
Kero is sicker than he's ever been before, and has been for a while now. It looks like it's time for another trip to the vet. But this time Kero's human won't be bringing him home; it's time for Kero to cross the rainbow bridge! What does this mean? And what will Kero find on the other side of the rainbow bridge?
This is the final book in the "Kero's World" series, and tells the story of the saddest and very last chapter in the life of a beloved dog, as he goes to the place where all of us must go eventually.
Buy "Kero Crosses The Rainbow Bridge" as an audiobook, eBook, or paperback - in some cases two or more of these formats - from iTunes, Audible, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Chapters-Indigo, iBooks, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, or The Book Depository.
The book also has a page on Goodreads.
***~~~***
Want to get your hands on a free set of these books in audio? You're in luck, because I have some audible codes to give away for all seven books in the series.
Yes, I did say all seven books: each winner will get a complete set of audible audiobooks.
So, to get your hands on a set of Audible codes for these books, simply be one of the first 12 people to send me an eMail with the subject "Kero's World" to keroberous2004@gmail.com with the answer to the following question in it:
There are three terriers closely related to - and close in appearance to - the West Highland White Terrier. Can you name one of those breeds?
I have codes for both Audible.com and Audible.co.uk - please let me know in your eMail which you would prefer.
Saturday, November 18, 2017
Eadweard - A Story Of 1066 Is Now In #Audio! #KidLit #History #BattleOfHastings #1066
It’s October 14th 1066, and King Harold’s Saxon army is about to go in to battle against Duke William’s invading Norman army. Among the ranks of the Saxons are two boys who shouldn’t be there: Eadweard, and his best friend, Cerdic.
Daydreams of becoming great war heroes had the boys convinced to disobey their Fathers and go to war, despite the possibility of punishment if they were caught. Now it’s time for the battle to begin, and Eadweard is starting to wish he’d stayed home after all. But it’s too late to turn back now, and Eadweard finds himself witnessing the events of the battle that would later be called The Battle Of Hastings, and learning how different from his imaginings the reality of war actually is.
*Note: This is a work of fiction, which is based on actual events. It tells the story of the battle between King Harold’s Saxon army and Duke William’s Norman army, which took place a short distance away from the town of Hastings on October 14th 1066, in a place now known simply as Battle. Though this is a children’s story, the recommended reading age for this book is eight years and over, since it is a story that takes place on a battlefield, and therefore contains scenes of violence that are not suitable for younger, or more sensitive, readers.
Previously published in October 2016 to mark the 950th anniversary of The Battle Of Hastings, my book "Eadweard - A Story Of 1066" is now also available in audio, read for you by Danny Letham.
Regardless of whether you'd prefer the new audio edition, or want to grab a copy as an eBook or paperback, here are the main places you can buy the book:
Audible, Smashwords, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Chapters-Indigo, iBooks, iTunes, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, or The Book Depository.
You can also find the book listed on Goodreads.
Friday, November 17, 2017
#Furkid Friday: The Mummy Human Went Away! (FD)
Hi everyone. This is Maizie the chinchilla.
Guess what?
She left us!
The Mummy human... She went away and left us!
OK, so she left that Daddy human here to feed us, make sure we had water, and make sure our TV and light were working when they should be, so we were taken care of. But she left us!
It's supposed to be the Mummy human who feeds us - especially at breakfast time - and she wasn't here to do it. We don't know why, but she was gone for three breakfast times, and three dinner times! The Daddy human had to give us our nibbles. He was good about giving special nibbles like Shreddies as well as regular nibbles, but he's not the Mummy human, and we like her feeding us.
She even missed Saturday afternoon TV time, and we're right in the middle of catching up with episodes of NCIS. How can she miss NCIS time?
I suppose the good thing is, the little white Lilie dog was gone too, so those days were peaceful for us. But that's not the point. The point is that the Mummy human wasn't here.
She did come back though... Eventually.
I hope she doesn't plan to make a habit of disappearing like that, because I didn't like her going away like that, and neither did my chinchilla sister, Mollie, and our degu brother, Joshua.
Oh, and she brought the little white Lilie dog back with her as well. We wouldn't have minded too much if she hadn't done that, but I suppose we've got to put up with it if we want the Mummy human to be home with us where she belongs. Sometimes you have to take the good with the bad, I suppose.
Squeak soon,
Maizie
Guess what?
She left us!
The Mummy human... She went away and left us!
OK, so she left that Daddy human here to feed us, make sure we had water, and make sure our TV and light were working when they should be, so we were taken care of. But she left us!
It's supposed to be the Mummy human who feeds us - especially at breakfast time - and she wasn't here to do it. We don't know why, but she was gone for three breakfast times, and three dinner times! The Daddy human had to give us our nibbles. He was good about giving special nibbles like Shreddies as well as regular nibbles, but he's not the Mummy human, and we like her feeding us.
She even missed Saturday afternoon TV time, and we're right in the middle of catching up with episodes of NCIS. How can she miss NCIS time?
I suppose the good thing is, the little white Lilie dog was gone too, so those days were peaceful for us. But that's not the point. The point is that the Mummy human wasn't here.
She did come back though... Eventually.
I hope she doesn't plan to make a habit of disappearing like that, because I didn't like her going away like that, and neither did my chinchilla sister, Mollie, and our degu brother, Joshua.
Oh, and she brought the little white Lilie dog back with her as well. We wouldn't have minded too much if she hadn't done that, but I suppose we've got to put up with it if we want the Mummy human to be home with us where she belongs. Sometimes you have to take the good with the bad, I suppose.
Squeak soon,
Maizie
Wednesday, November 15, 2017
#Writing Wednesday - November 15th 2017
In case you missed my posts from Saturday and Sunday:
"Bluebell The Fairy Guide" is now available in audio, narrated by Jenny Bacon, with Beatrice Turner as the voice of Bluebell.
And...
"Ulrike's Christmas" is now available in audio, narrated by Jerry Fischer.
Both books can be purchased in audio via Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. For a list of links - including those for eBook and paperback versions, just in case you'd prefer those formats - click on the posts linked to above.
Audiobook production is coming along quite nicely. There have been a few production delays in some cases, but things are moving along nicely and 20 of my titles are now available in audio (12 of them you'll have already seen the announcement posts for if you're a regular reader of this blog). I'm working with Jerry and Jenny on a few of my other stand alone stories. I'm working with a couple of other narrators - Patricia DeBruhl and J D Kelly - on some of the other stand alone stories I have too. I'm also still working with Natalee Pfifer and Tiffany Marz on my Magical Chapters Trilogy and Zeena Dragon Fae series respectively. Giles Miller has completed work on my Kero's World books, so there will be some posts about those next week (those are seven of the books I have yet to post announcement posts for, despite them being available in audio already). Finally, I worked with a wonderful narrator by the name of Danny Letham to produce an audio version of "Eadweard - A Story Of 1066" over the past month or so, which is the other book I have yet to post an announcement for (I'm waiting for the iTunes link). Like I said, things are moving along quite nicely. 20 books down, 31 to go.
If you have books you want to produce in audio too, take a moment to read this post on working with a narrator.
***
Regardless of the kind of thing you write - from blog posts to novels, and everything in between - check out this post on keeping the passion for writing going.
If your problem is that you're feeling uninspired, try these tips for when you're feeling uninspired. Of course, the one about writing down your ideas will only help you if you make a habit of doing it so there's a handy list for when you're struggling to find inspiration, but it's still a good idea. On that note, here are some ideas of how to collect writing ideas while you're procrastinating online. Remember though to beware of Procrastination: A Writer’s Kryptonite.
On the other hand, if it's the demon of self-doubt you're battling with, here's a post on fighting the demon of doubt, and a reminder to stop trying to come up with the most original story idea ever.
Oh, and if you're doing NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) and have fallen behind on your word count, here are some tips for getting word count when you've fallen behind. Most important though is to not panic. Don't let it stop you from continuing with NaNoWriMo and trying to get your 50,000 words written. I mean, it would be amazing if you manage it - I hope you do, in fact. But you deserve a pat on the back for trying in the first place, and any progress you make towards writing your novel is awesome. Just keep writing, be proud of however much you do achieve, and enjoy yourself.
Of course, if you want to do a writing challenge, it doesn't have to be something like NaNoWriMo. In fact, it doesn't even have to be one of the hundreds and hundreds of writing challenges you can find by browsing the internet. You can always invent a writing exercise that challenges you personally. Just a thought.
Anyway...
Many people say you should avoid overused expressions, but that's actually easier said than done. So, here's a short post with some examples of How to freshen up cliched expressions instead.
Also, here's an interesting post on How Being a Wallflower Improves Your Writing, or things to take note of during quiet moments when you can observe the people and things around you while out and about.
Here's how to determine if your novel needs a prologue. However, whether it does or not, check out this next post if you need some tips on how to start that first chapter.
Next, here are three keys to writing effective action scenes and eight things writers forget when writing fight scenes, just in case you have trouble with one - or both - of those things. I know I struggle with the latter; I'm personally not that good at writing fight scenes, so I'm glad to have those tips to bear in mind for the future.
Speaking of writing fight scenes, if you want your fantasy battles to be accurate, this post will help you out with what most new fantasy writers get wrong about weapons and armour. Something that's especially important if you're writing in a medieval setting, or other actual historical period.
On the other hand, if you have either science or magic in your story, you might want to take a look at this post on how science and magic are two sides of the same coin, and bear in mind that magic needs some rules - even if they aren't explained in your story - and science doesn't have to be explained in great detail (not that there's anything wrong with explaining your science in your science-fiction, since some people - myself included - do enjoy some evidence of scientific research, you just don't need to explain every single aspect in perfect detail).
Regardless of the elements in your story, these things causing a sagging middle could help you if the middle of your story has fallen a bit flat.
Last, but certainly not least, always remember that all writing counts, and you are a writer - as long as you write.
"Bluebell The Fairy Guide" is now available in audio, narrated by Jenny Bacon, with Beatrice Turner as the voice of Bluebell.
And...
"Ulrike's Christmas" is now available in audio, narrated by Jerry Fischer.
Both books can be purchased in audio via Audible, Amazon, and iTunes. For a list of links - including those for eBook and paperback versions, just in case you'd prefer those formats - click on the posts linked to above.
Audiobook production is coming along quite nicely. There have been a few production delays in some cases, but things are moving along nicely and 20 of my titles are now available in audio (12 of them you'll have already seen the announcement posts for if you're a regular reader of this blog). I'm working with Jerry and Jenny on a few of my other stand alone stories. I'm working with a couple of other narrators - Patricia DeBruhl and J D Kelly - on some of the other stand alone stories I have too. I'm also still working with Natalee Pfifer and Tiffany Marz on my Magical Chapters Trilogy and Zeena Dragon Fae series respectively. Giles Miller has completed work on my Kero's World books, so there will be some posts about those next week (those are seven of the books I have yet to post announcement posts for, despite them being available in audio already). Finally, I worked with a wonderful narrator by the name of Danny Letham to produce an audio version of "Eadweard - A Story Of 1066" over the past month or so, which is the other book I have yet to post an announcement for (I'm waiting for the iTunes link). Like I said, things are moving along quite nicely. 20 books down, 31 to go.
If you have books you want to produce in audio too, take a moment to read this post on working with a narrator.
***
Regardless of the kind of thing you write - from blog posts to novels, and everything in between - check out this post on keeping the passion for writing going.
If your problem is that you're feeling uninspired, try these tips for when you're feeling uninspired. Of course, the one about writing down your ideas will only help you if you make a habit of doing it so there's a handy list for when you're struggling to find inspiration, but it's still a good idea. On that note, here are some ideas of how to collect writing ideas while you're procrastinating online. Remember though to beware of Procrastination: A Writer’s Kryptonite.
On the other hand, if it's the demon of self-doubt you're battling with, here's a post on fighting the demon of doubt, and a reminder to stop trying to come up with the most original story idea ever.
Oh, and if you're doing NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) and have fallen behind on your word count, here are some tips for getting word count when you've fallen behind. Most important though is to not panic. Don't let it stop you from continuing with NaNoWriMo and trying to get your 50,000 words written. I mean, it would be amazing if you manage it - I hope you do, in fact. But you deserve a pat on the back for trying in the first place, and any progress you make towards writing your novel is awesome. Just keep writing, be proud of however much you do achieve, and enjoy yourself.
Of course, if you want to do a writing challenge, it doesn't have to be something like NaNoWriMo. In fact, it doesn't even have to be one of the hundreds and hundreds of writing challenges you can find by browsing the internet. You can always invent a writing exercise that challenges you personally. Just a thought.
Anyway...
Many people say you should avoid overused expressions, but that's actually easier said than done. So, here's a short post with some examples of How to freshen up cliched expressions instead.
Also, here's an interesting post on How Being a Wallflower Improves Your Writing, or things to take note of during quiet moments when you can observe the people and things around you while out and about.
Here's how to determine if your novel needs a prologue. However, whether it does or not, check out this next post if you need some tips on how to start that first chapter.
Next, here are three keys to writing effective action scenes and eight things writers forget when writing fight scenes, just in case you have trouble with one - or both - of those things. I know I struggle with the latter; I'm personally not that good at writing fight scenes, so I'm glad to have those tips to bear in mind for the future.
Speaking of writing fight scenes, if you want your fantasy battles to be accurate, this post will help you out with what most new fantasy writers get wrong about weapons and armour. Something that's especially important if you're writing in a medieval setting, or other actual historical period.
On the other hand, if you have either science or magic in your story, you might want to take a look at this post on how science and magic are two sides of the same coin, and bear in mind that magic needs some rules - even if they aren't explained in your story - and science doesn't have to be explained in great detail (not that there's anything wrong with explaining your science in your science-fiction, since some people - myself included - do enjoy some evidence of scientific research, you just don't need to explain every single aspect in perfect detail).
Regardless of the elements in your story, these things causing a sagging middle could help you if the middle of your story has fallen a bit flat.
Last, but certainly not least, always remember that all writing counts, and you are a writer - as long as you write.
Tuesday, November 14, 2017
Of Caravans And Things (FD) (Kinda R/WP)
The only thing I did for Halloween this year was eat pasta with pumpkin sage sauce and cheese, follow it up with some lemon cheesecake, and eat some chocolate. I had planned to do more, but everything else that's been going on, combined with a caravan holiday that was planned for the weekend after, meant I abandoned the other plans. I didn't even bother with pumpkin carving this year (the pumpkin for my pumpkin sage sauce came from a can).
The caravan holiday took place from November 3rd to November 6th. The caravan site had fireworks every night that weekend to celebrate the fact it was Bonfire Night on November 5th. The photo at the top of this post was taken on the first night. We didn't take any other photos of the fireworks, since the only cameras we had with us were the ones on our phones. "We" meant me, my Mam, and Lilie. Lilie wasn't the least bit bothered by the fireworks, by the way, and actually sat and watched them quite happily. Well, until she got bored and fell asleep.
Mam's new puppy, Alexis-Hope, was supposed to be there too, but Mam decided to leave her with a friend due to concerns about how such a young puppy would behave in a caravan (Lexi would have only just turned four months old at the time). We were a bit concerned about seven month old Lilie as it was, but she behaved a lot better than expected.
We had some fun times over that weekend, but we won't be repeating the experience. At least, not at that particular caravan park.
Things were set out in such a confusing manner that every time we left the caravan it took us an hour to find it again (bearing in mind it had taken us about an hour to find it in the first place, even with help from someone who lived on site). So after a couple of times we tried to avoid going out of sight of the caravan, and the one time we had to Lilie and I stayed near the caravan while my Mam went wherever it was - to find food, if you really want to know - so Lilie and I could act as a landmark for Mam to find the caravan again. It helped, but still took ages for her to find her way back.
Finding food in itself was a chore, since the only food options on the site for anyone who didn't want fish or sausages was plain chips or to pick up stuff from their little convenience store (where it cost more for bread and milk than I'd usually spend on enough food to feed me all week). A huge problem for someone like me who happens to be a vegetarian. Apparently they had a vegetarian sausage, but we were suspicious of it so weren't going to risk eating it (Mam couldn't see any difference between it and the regular sausage). We took the option of just chips and the very expensive bread and milk on the first night, since it took us long enough to find those things, but the following day Mam left me and Lilie at the caravan and went to find a grocery store to fetch us things to eat for the rest of the weekend.
There was apparently a nice place to walk that led to the sandy beach near the site. We'd planned to take Lilie to it. The beach near us is the kind with shingles rather than sand, so we thought we'd let her see some actual sand. But we didn't end up going, since we were too scared to leave the caravan and not be able to find it again. Her walks mostly involved her getting exercise on her extending lead while one of us held it outside the caravan. We felt a bit bad about it, but - as I said - were too scared to go away from the caravan, for fear we wouldn't find our way back. It was something that made us glad Lexi didn't come after all, since at least Lilie was a small enough dog that she was happy with us just doing that. Lexi is a larger breed, and I doubt she'd have been so easily satisfied.
Also, it was a cold weekend, and the heating system in the caravan was unreliable. When we got there it was way too hot, afterwards we struggled to keep warm even with the gas fire on.
The morning we left was a very frosty one. The temperature was around freezing, and there was a thick layer of frost on the ground. It was Lilie's first time seeing frost like that. She wasn't all that impressed. She stopped to sniff at it a bit, but mostly she seemed more interested in getting to the car to go home.
I think she'd had enough of the caravan holiday by then too. I know Mam and I were glad to be going home.
Monday, November 13, 2017
Some #MondayMotivation
"Optimism is the faith that leads to achievement. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence."
~Helen Keller
"With the new day comes new strength and new thoughts."
~Eleanor Roosevelt
"Our greatest weakness lies in giving up. The most certain way to succeed is always to try just one more time."
~Thomas A. Edison
"Keep your eyes on the stars, and your feet on the ground."
~Theodore Roosevelt
"If you can dream it, you can do it."
~Walt Disney
And remember: every blogger matters!
Sunday, November 12, 2017
#KidLit #Holiday #Book - Ulrike's Christmas Now in #Audio! #Christmas #WinterSolstice #LegendsAndFolklore
Ulrike knows all about the Winter Solstice celebrations of the giants, being one himself. But what he doesn't know is why the humans cut down whole trees, only to take them home to decorate. Other giants tell him to forget about it, but Ulrike is curious; he needs to know why they do it.
Finally, when he's puzzled over it so much his head is sore from all the thinking, he decides that this is the year he'll figure it out, and risks a return trip to the home of the last family he watched to look for clues, despite almost being spotted last time he was there.
That's how he meets Billy, a friendly little boy who loves stories, and is happy to tell Ulrike all about tree decorating, and Santa Claus, along with a couple of stories he knows about them. Stories which Ulrike loves, and which inspire him to add some of what Billy says are Christmas celebrations to his own this Winter, in the hopes that Santa Claus will visit him too.
Published almost a year ago as an eBook, and later also made available in paperback, My book, "Ulrike's Christmas" is now available in audio too, read for you by Jerry Fischer.
If you'd like to grab a copy of the book so you can add it to your holiday reading list this year, or maybe grab a copy as a gift for someone, here are the main places where you can buy the book, regardless of the format you'd prefer:
Audible, Smashwords, CreateSpace, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Chapters-Indigo, iBooks, iTunes, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, or The Book Depository.
You can also find the book listed on Goodreads.
Saturday, November 11, 2017
#KidLit #FairyTale #Book - Bluebell The Fairy Guide Now In #Audio! #Fairies #Blindness
Every time a child gets lost in the woods, the fairies help them find the right path home; being careful not to let any grown ups see them, of course. But when Bluebell the fairy comes across a blind girl lost in the woods, she has a new challenge on her hands. Just pointing the way isn’t going to be enough this time. Can Bluebell find a way to show the little girl which path to take to get home? Or is this one child the fairies can’t help?
Previously only available as an eBook or paperback, "Bluebell The Fairy Guide" is now also available as an audiobook, read for you by Jenny Bacon, with Beatrice Turner as the voice of Bluebell.
Here are the main places where you can buy the book, regardless of the format you'd prefer:
Audible, Smashwords, CreateSpace, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, Chapters-Indigo, iBooks, iTunes, Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Canada, or The Book Depository.
You can also find the book listed on Goodreads.
Friday, November 10, 2017
#Furkid Friday: When The #Chinchilla Taught The #Puppy A Lesson - Sort Of
Hi everyone. This is Mollie the chinchilla.
My chinchilla sister, Maizie, gave the little white Lilie dog a smack.
I thought she'd get in trouble for it. But she didn't.
The human caretakers were busy, so they didn't know right away that the little white Lilie dog was trying to bug us. She doesn't bug us all the time now, and she'd been playing with a toy of hers not far from our cage, you see, so the human caretakers thought at first that was still what she was doing. So Maizie decided she'd help the human caretakers out, and when the little white Lilie dog jumped up at our cage, Maizie gave her nose a smack through the bars of the cage.
Like I said, I thought she'd get in trouble. I think Maizie herself thought she might, actually. I mean, she gets in trouble if she smacks me, and when we had more than just the one degu brother they got in trouble if they smacked each other.
But instead of telling Maizie she was bad for giving the little white Lilie dog a smack, the human caretakers told the Lilie dog it was her own fault for bothering us.
Seems these humans do have some sense, after all. There's hope for them yet!
Squeak soon,
Mollie
My chinchilla sister, Maizie, gave the little white Lilie dog a smack.
I thought she'd get in trouble for it. But she didn't.
The human caretakers were busy, so they didn't know right away that the little white Lilie dog was trying to bug us. She doesn't bug us all the time now, and she'd been playing with a toy of hers not far from our cage, you see, so the human caretakers thought at first that was still what she was doing. So Maizie decided she'd help the human caretakers out, and when the little white Lilie dog jumped up at our cage, Maizie gave her nose a smack through the bars of the cage.
Like I said, I thought she'd get in trouble. I think Maizie herself thought she might, actually. I mean, she gets in trouble if she smacks me, and when we had more than just the one degu brother they got in trouble if they smacked each other.
But instead of telling Maizie she was bad for giving the little white Lilie dog a smack, the human caretakers told the Lilie dog it was her own fault for bothering us.
Seems these humans do have some sense, after all. There's hope for them yet!
Squeak soon,
Mollie
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