The NHS Journey Continues ...

I'm into my third week of dealing with the NHS and my mum's hospital stay - the good the bad and the ugly continue to exist and I face each new day wondering which challenges and problems will be thrown at us.

As I said in a previous post on the NHS, there are the shining stars within the caring profession - those who do everything with a smile on their face, go the extra mile and make every patient feel as though they have time for them.

I've seen nursing assistants feed patients with tenderness while painstakingly answering the same question over and over again but in a different way, I've seen physiotherapists taking on the role of nurse and calming an agitated patient with dementia purely with a hug and a few minutes of chat, and I've seen the Sister of the ward dealing with a problem swiftly and efficiently the minute it arose.

BUT ...

I've had a nurse with a heavy accent and speech impediment SCREAMING in my mum's bad ear, first thing in the morning, and telling her to put her hearing aids in.  My mum doesn't wear them and relies heavily on lip reading, a slow measured tone and face to face contact.  This was always going to go nowhere.

A nurse decided that, because my mum was of a certain age, she needed particular sanitary care which is totally unnecessary.  My mum was given no choice in the matter - she was stripped of her dignity and treated like all the other patients. She also asked, on seeing my mum walking gingerly, 'When exactly did you have this operation?' Erm ... perhaps try reading your notes on handover and you'd have seen that there hasn't been an operation and the bone is still healing.

A brain scan was booked for my mum and when I asked why (so that I could explain it to her) the nurse told me that she didn't know and it might be for the wrong patient!  When I asked her to find out, she huffed and puffed and didn't bother to do as I asked.  When I eventually managed to speak to the doctor, I was told so many things that didn't ring true that I eventually had to question that it was actually mum she was talking about.  Failed dementia test?  Had a fall in a physio session?  I'd been there for all of those things and been told that she'd passed with flying colours.  Surprise, surprise  ... within the hour I received an apology as the doctor (I use this term very loosely) had mixed my mother up with one of the ten patients she'd just taken on!  Unacceptable and so frightening - imagine if that information had been given to a patient with no next of kin or no one to discuss it with.

I've had a nurse decide to totally ignore my request for the toilet aid to be put in place in the loo.  She moved pretty quickly, with a tut, when I told her that I hoped that there wouldn't be any accidents.

My mum had a broken bed on the first night- it had a mind of its own and kept rising, falling and folding in the middle.  She was told that if she didn't stay there, the only option was to sleep on the loo all night.  It was eventually dealt with but, even if this passing comment was said as a joke to a hard of hearing patient who had been woken up with a fright in a strange place, it's not on.

My mum is of sound mind and yet she is in a ward where most have dementia. This is not good for her morale. She needs to be with other like-minded, elderly people to aid her recovery and her will to live - not sit in a silent ward surrounded by very sick people who she can't even chat to.  It's like waiting for death.

I've seen patients totally ignored - whether its been for toileting needs, comfort, a fall from bed or even pure hunger.  I've called nurses to help people back to bed and even fed them and delivered calming words just because no one else was around for them.

Physio is meant to be Monday to Friday - nothing happened today.  That's three days on the trot with no rehab.  Sparks may fly tomorrow.

I've witnessed nurses making patients more confused with silly untruths - telling them it's lunchtime at suppertime and vice versa and then laughing when they wonder why they are going to bed after lunch.  Not nice.

I've been told that there aren't enough pillows, wheelchairs or commodes purely because the nurse couldn't be bothered to move her bum and get one.  I now ask one of the 'goodies' and, surprise surprise, whatever I ask for materialises.

I guess you can tell I'm not happy. I don't want my mum there any longer than necessary and I'll be by her side for as much of it as I can or I'll steal her and take her home.

Watch this space ...

UPDATE!  A dementia patient kept the ward awake all night calling for a nurse.  The staff stood around talking and laughing, ignoring her.  Both my mum and another patient told me this this morning.  Today, the day staff were asking where she had got her new bruises from and they then took photographic evidence.  The lady was telling them that she shouldn't be treated that way and that at 84, she didn't want any more babies.  'I'd rather be dead than treated like this.'

Tonight the '12 year old doctor' visited her, after confusion and upset ALL day, and my sister heard the 'doctor' asking, 'Are you satisfied with your life?' and 'Can you manage your interests?'  Even we couldn't figure out what this meant!  This was to a lady who can't even feed herself.  Time to put the text books away, girlie, and focus on patients' real needs, speak her language and calm her down with whichever words she wants to hear.

On the plus side, I've made two new friends - nursing assistants who are helpful and smile.  That's all we want as patients and relatives.

FUNKY FRIDAY - with the Fabulous Book Fiend

It's FUNKY FRIDAY  again and this week I welcome Catriona Merryweather from The Fabulous Book Fiend.  We settled for a gossip in our PJ's with cake and coffee and this is what she had to say.

What made you decide to start a book review blog?

I started chatting to Mary From The Sweet Bookshelf a while ago and she had an abundance of books to review. I offered to help & she ended up giving me a regular review spot on her blog. Through that I went to a few bloggers' events and met Amanda from One More Page and Kerry from Readand Repeat. All three of them encouraged me to start my own blog and so in March I eventually bit the bullet and went at it on my own. They've all been really helpful in getting it set up and making it much easier to get into the hang of posting...

What type of book keeps you turning the pages and up all night?

I'm a big chicklit fan and so if I'm really into a chicklit novel and I'm past 70% there is NO WAY I'm going to sleep. I just love reading about people like me. The more drama and romantic mishaps the better! Lisa Jewell's most recent book had so much drama I couldn't put it down from start to finish!

As an avid reader and reviewer, would you ever put pen to paper yourself?

I would love to write my own stuff I just genuinely don't have the time. When work is busy I only really get reading time at the weekend and I've barely had my television on all summer! If someone handed me some secret extra time that's definitely what I'd do though!

What type of books make you want to chuck them at the wall?

I'm not a fan of crime and mystery and struggle with anything set in other worlds or futuristic lands. I'm a lazy reader in that I like to read about people like me in times and settings I can visualise. Crime and mystery is just too complicated for bedtime reading!

How do you tactfully say you hated a book?  Or do you say it as it is?

I adopt the parents' evening approach. If there's something I don't like I say so, BUT I find something positive to talk about. Quite often too, I can see things other people might like in a book so I try and draw attention to those to. I had to write a review of a book I didn't like recently and I stated that it wasn't my cup of tea.  I would never write that I enjoyed a book when I didn't.

Is there one book you could read over and over again?

Bridget Jones's Diary is the book that kind of introduced me to women's fiction when I was a teenager so I have massively fond memories of that and would love to read that over and over. I could easily read anything by Rowan Coleman, Miranda Dickinson, Milly Johnson, Sophie Kinsella or Lindsey Kelk again and again though-their books just feel amazing to read!

Here is the link to my blog.

My Twitter is @shoefiend1984

Thanks so much for joining me, Catriona.  Us writers need readers like you and we thank you for all you do.

Next week, I welcome writer Neil Doran.

A Stitch in Time

Today I've been called an angel and a life-saver.  I was neither of those things.  I was a listener.

Last night while visiting my mum in hospital, my sister was with my mum in the bathroom and I heard an elderly lady becoming more and more distraught because she'd lost her purse.  As there were no nurses around at the time, I went to help her as she was trying to get out of her chair and I knew (from being nosey) that she's unable to and not allowed to try.

Her purse was under her chair and she cheered up a little. She looked at me with tears in her eyes and said, 'I've not got much in it, but it's fundamental to me.'  We got chatting - she told me all about her late husband and her two sons - one who broke her heart when he went to live in Australia.  She asked me why I only had one son and if I would have more babies soon.  I told her I was too old and she laughed!  She then said that she'd asked nurses to bring her wool to knit and we got on the subject of favourite colours and how she'd like to knit a scarf as she can't follow patterns any more.  I'd heard her ask someone earlier in the day if they could get her some wool and needles and, knowing how busy the staff are, I knew it would probably never happen.

I promised to take her some materials in the next morning and left her with a smile on her face.

My lovely husband sorted through my many craft boxes and we found some spare yarn and a pair of needles.  She'd specifically requested 'that colour you use for boys' and we'd agreed on blue - but it had to be bright!  She was in luck and I packed her a little goodie bag.

Of course I was questioning whether or not she could actually still remember how to knit - I had no idea what sort of health problems or mental issues she might have.  And I also needed to check with a nurse that it was OK for her to have it.  Knitting needles can be a deadly weapon in the wrong hands!

So I arrived bright and early, kissed and hugged my mum, and then got the consent I needed to deliver my gift.  Her face was a picture - she was so delighted, I could have cried when I saw the difference it made to her day.

But the big test remained ... could she actually knit?

It was deep-cleaning day for the ward, so all those who could be moved were taken to the day room.  Within half an hour my new friend had cast on and knitted an inch!  I was almost jumping up and down on the tables.

When one of the physios came to see her she couldn't believe the change in her.  When she found out that I'd taken the wool into her she told me that it was the first time they'd managed to get her to talk.  The tea lady told me the same story.  My friend was soon giving them both knitting lessons - telling them the difference between plain and purl and showing them how to cast off.  She was in control and she felt important.

She has been knitting ALL day!  She hugs the bag I gave her in the way that she'd been hugging her purse.

Tonight she couldn't remember me, or my name.

But I don't mind, I brought some light back into her life when I could - even if it was only for today.

The good, the bad and the ugly in the NHS

A short post about my current dealings with the NHS - I'm sure many more will follow, if only for my own sanity.

My mum was admitted to a ward in the early hours of Tuesday morning after fracturing her pelvis on Monday afternoon.

The care she received in A&E couldn't be faulted. However, since she's been on the ward, we're talking a real mixed bag.  I've seen staff members who are doing a job that they truly love and the fact that they care, and want to make people feel better while bringing a smile to patients' faces, shines through them.

And then I've seen the others ...

Those that make you question why they're doing the job.  Those that make you want to say, 'Would you like your mother to be treated like that or spoken to in that way?' Those that you can only describe as sadists.

If one male nurse can deliver and administer a bed pan with care and ease, why can't another?  How come one can have sensitivity and a light, jokey manner and another, quite frankly, couldn't give a sh*t.  It's OK, I have both names and I WILL take action - the first will be nominated as the 'shining star' that this particular hospital is looking for, the second will hopefully end up flipping burgers and not the elderly.

What worries me is, I'm there to fight for my mum - but what about the times I can't be?  And what about those patients who have nobody?

I know that the NHS is under huge pressure and is short staffed.  I also know that those in the profession work incredibly long shifts but that is never an excuse for rough treatment, harsh words or lack of patience.

My lessons to some of the people I've dealt with would be:

Do not roll your eyes at a patient at one o'clock in the morning when they are in shock and scared, purely because they are hard of hearing.

Remember that you may need someone to care for your mum, dad or grandparent. How would you like them to be treated?  Are you delivering that level of care?

The hard of hearing are not stupid - don't treat them like idiots. Also, don't just assume that they've heard what you've said - they are very clever at nodding and pretending they've heard, purely because they don't want to keep asking you to repeat yourself.

Be gentle and kind. You are in the 'caring' profession - if you're not doing that, leave.

Don't tell a patient to stop taking medication and then ask them why they're not taking it. A) they were told to stop B) it's been taken from them and is locked away.

Never tut at a patient EVER - not for asking for a second commode in an hour and not because they didn't hear what you said. Just don't!

If you don't know the answer to something, don't just shrug. Tell the next of kin that you will find someone who can help.

Don't lock horns with the next of kin - you won't win.  We're watching you and you will pay.

And what have I learned?

To suck up to the goodies - they are our friends and we want to keep them on side.

To have my say, quietly and calmly and then to allow the baddies to mouth off while I nod and make a note of their name.

That every minute feels like an hour.

That I need to be there for as many of those minutes as I can to make sure that my mum is treated properly. It's the least I owe her and I will do it with love, and cherish every moment spent with her.

Sadly, going by my current experience, the baddies outweigh the goodies.

I don't want to get old.

FUNKY FRIDAY - With Author Michelle Betham

Happy FUNKY FRIDAY once again!  This week I welcome my good friend and fellow Indie, Michelle Betham.

Michelle and I started on this journey at exactly the same time and we've supported one another through the highs and the lows.  We settled with a nice, chilled glass of bubbles and had a giggle. This is what I asked her:

Big Brother are doing an Indie Writers Special!  Would you go in the house?

Against my better judgement, yes, I probably would! But I really would try and be a very well-behaved housemate... I've seen the show, I know the pitfalls... Mind you, it all depends on who's in the house with me, doesn't it?

Wow!  You're braver than me - I'd say a definite NO!  OK, now you're going on a chat show - whose would it be and why? 

Alan Carr's 'Chatty Man', because he just makes me laugh, sometimes without even saying anything. I think it would make for a very interesting interview, don't you?

I think it would be hilarious.  He'd be my first choice too - in fact, I blogged about it here. Onto crushes now ... we all know you have a bit of a thing for Bradley Cooper!  He's found out and wants you to interview him!  Where would you go, what would you wear, what would you ask him and would you come home?! 

Oh, this is such a perfect question for me... Now, let me see, where would we go? I think we'd have to go to Las Vegas! Yeah, I'd love to interview Mr. Cooper in Vegas, because that's where The Hangover movies - and my crush on the man himself - all began. So that would be the perfect setting. What would I wear? I think I'd have to stick to my own style here and wear the skinny jeans, the biker boots and a Foo Fighters t-shirt. If I was interviewing someone as gorgeous as Bradley I'd have to feel comfortable, and that's what I feel comfortable in. You never know, he might go for the whole "rock chick" thing!

What would I ask him? I'd ask him if he liked the whole "rock chick" thing!!! No, seriously, I think I'd ask him questions about his own reading habits, what kind of books he likes reading, and whether he'd ever venture into writing himself, be that movies or books. And then I'd ask him if he was free for dinner...

Would I come home? Err, no!

You really let your imagination run away with that one, didn't you?  So now you've been given a day away from the desk and a blank cheque.  What would you do? 

I'd book myself a spa day. I've never had one but I've always wanted one. I'd make sure I got a wonderful massage, manicure, pedicure, the works, then I would just sit and chill poolside sipping fruit juices and listening to Pink Floyd. Perfect! I might do a bit of shopping on the way home, mind... You did say a blank cheque, didn't you...?

I'd definitely join you for that!  OK, back to the desk.  What's the best thing and the worst thing about writing for you? 

The best thing about writing for me is to be able to bring to life all those characters that have lived inside my head for a long, long time. To create them, and their stories, is dream-come-true for me. And when somebody tells you how much they've enjoyed one of your books, that makes it all worthwhile. That's the best feeling.

The worst thing? The loneliness. Writing can be a very solitary thing sometimes, and there are days when I feel really alone. But those days never last for long.

Mills & Boon offer you squillions of pounds to write for them!  Could you (and would you) tame your writing down? 

No, I don't think I could. Not even for all that money! I love writing what I write, and I'm not sure I could, or would, ever compromise that.

I'd have to agree with you on that one - I couldn't write about heaving bosoms and throbbing members! 

QUICK FIRE ROUND

Planner or Winger? 

Winger.

Night or Morning?

Morning.

Doer or procrastinator?

Oh, procrastinator, definitely!

Writing/first draft or editing?

Writing/first draft.

Tea or coffee?

Tea, always!

Thank you so much for joining me, Michelle.  It's been great fun, as always.

You can buy Michelle's books at Amazon for Kindle or at the Kobo site.

STRIKER - the first in the trilogy

EXTRA TIME - book two in the series

Available to download this weekend and official

launch day Tuesday 24th September.

Follow her on Twitter @michellebetham and join her on her Facebook page.

Next week I welcome Catriona Merryweather from the Fabulous Book Fiend blog and we'll be talking reading and reviewing.

NEWSFLASH

The joint edit on my Christmas novella is complete and has gone to my 'Fenella' for a read through. It should hit the shelves around mid October.

I am currently mid way through a solo edit of my December novel but progress is slow as my Mum is in hospital with a fractured pelvis. Thank you all for your kind messages.

FUNKY FRIDAY with Carol Wright from Dizzy C's Little Book Blog

Happy FUNKY FRIDAY to you all - today I'm delighted to welcome an avid reader, reviewer and huge supporter of writers, Carol Wright:

We settled with coffee and a huge cake and had a chat.

Carol, what made you decide to start a book review blog? 

I was looking for book suggestions to read and came across a book blog. I didn't even know what a blog was until that moment. I started following a few and decided I too wanted to share my love of books with others. So began the "little" book blog.  I thought it would just be reviews and a bit of family news.

What type of book keeps you turning the pages and up all night? 

Funny novels, like your novels Amanda, (ooh, I didn't even pay her to say that!) and well researched and written historical fiction/romance.  I like a book that homes in on my kind of humour and can make me laugh out loud.  I also like a book that can transport me back in time and teach me more about history.

As an avid reader and reviewer, would you ever put pen to paper yourself? 

I would love to write my own novel. Historical romance or chicklit.  I am a big history fan and would love to spend days, weeks, months researching for an historical novel.  I have ideas for stories.  My chicklit would be chicklit 40+, but if I draw on my own experiences it may be too much like those true life weepies LOL!

What type of books make you want to chuck them at the wall? 

Celebrity books of any kind, autobiographies, biographies, ghost written novels.

I couldn't agree more - I'm sick to the teeth of every Tom, Dick and Harry 'writing' a book and nailing a publishing deal just because of who they are.  Where do they end up?  In the bargain bucket, where they belong!  Bitter?  Me?  Yep!

So how do you tactfully say you hated a book?  Or do you say it as it is? 

If I don't like a book, I won't review it online anywhere. I don't believe in picking holes in an author's work. It may appeal to other folks. If it was a book sent to me for review I will let the author or publisher know why I didn't personally like it.

That's the sort of reviewer us writers love!  Our books are our babies, try to treat us and them kindly - and as you say, it may not be the book for you but plenty of others may love it.

It's been great to have a reader/reviewer on the blog today - check Carol out on Twitter @DizzyCLBB and on her FaceBook page.  Why not also check out her blog and take a look at the books she's read and what she thinks of them?

Next week I welcome my good friend and fellow Indie MICHELLE BETHAM and we have quite a giggle together as we nip off to fantasy land! 

***** NEWSFLASH ***** 

I'm about to start on the joint edit of my Christmas novella which is due for release at the end of October.  I'm also completing re-writes for my next full length novel which will hit the virtual shelves mid-December. 

MICHELLE BETHAM is on her final read-through of 'Extra Time', the sequel to 'Striker', and it should be available to download any time soon.

GILLI ALLAN has released her latest novel 'FLY OR FALL': “Will the allure of the unknown ever overcome the fear of stepping away from solid ground?”  Now on Kindle at Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com.  Check out her author page to find out more about her other books.  Gilli will be chatting with me here at FUNKY FRIDAY 28th March.

Young Man for Sale

It's a funny old time in the Misfit house - at this time of year our son would usually be back at school but he's currently at home, A level results and CV at the ready, and hoping to grab the right job opportunity.

Because he's one of a 'strange breed'!  He opted out of University - practically unheard of in this day and age.  Only three kids from his year chose not to go - and I know we're talking private school, but it's also clear from his old friends who didn't take the private route, that it's become the done thing.

It's almost considered a bit 'odd' now if kids choose not to do a degree. When I was at school it wasn't the norm to go to University, unless you wanted to be a doctor, dentist or lawyer.

I have to say, as a parent, I don't mind either way - Uni has to be because you want to do it, not because your parents want you to.  I also believe that it's not the be all and end all if you choose to go later in life, as I think so many kids feel like they've had enough of studying by the time they leave school. One boy that went to school with my son told his parents that he felt burnt out with books and just wanted to get a job for a while - they insisted that he go to Uni and he was left with no choice.  I just hope it works out for him but a little part of me doubts it.

I don't like the fact that it's now considered part of the progression to apply to Uni.  I also don't like the looks people give me when I tell them that my son has chosen not to.  It's not for him right now - maybe never, who knows?  But why should that matter?

He's chosen another route - the one that he feels is right for him at the moment. And what does that entail?  Applying for job after job and never hearing a word back from anyone!  How rude is that?  Just a one line email is all it takes - a 'thanks but no thanks'.  And I'm not talking jobs that are way out of his range either - I'm talking bottom rung, internships, apprenticeships, junior roles - some paying less than a hundred quid a week for a full time position but a great way for him to get experience and training while earning a bit of money and finding his independence.

He's currently hanging on to the hope of a job through a contact from his old piano teacher - the classic 'it's not what you know, it's who you know' syndrome, and we have everything crossed for him.  All he needs is a chance at that first job, the first role to put on his CV other than his work experience and the various other design jobs he's completed from home - off his own back, incidentally, from contacts he's made on line and then gone on to complete a great piece of work.

So ...

People!  Don't look down your nose the next time you hear that someone hasn't chosen Uni straight from school. 

Employers!  Think about when you applied for that first job.  Please send that email to tell a young person if they've not been successful.

And if anyone in the London area has a heart of gold and is looking for a hard working IT whizz with a HUGE talent for graphic design, get in touch!  I have just the young man for the job.  You won't regret it and you can help him get his foot on the ladder - how good would that make you feel?

AUTHORS!  Got an image for your book cover but no idea what to do with it next?  He's your man!

FUNKY FRIDAY with Jennifer Bohnet

WOO HOO!  It's my first FUNKY FRIDAY where I get to chat to writers, readers and reviewers.

This week I'm delighted to welcome romantic novelist 

JENNIFER BOHNET

Jennifer lives and writes in Brittany so it seemed only right that we settled with a small glass of wine as we had a 'writerly' gossip - listen in to our chat ...

Jennifer, as a writer of affairs of the heart, what do you do to motivate yourself on a day you're just not feeling it? 

I look through a couple of books I have on writing, maybe do one or two of the mind releasing exercises they suggest, or I flip through a book with lots of pictures, pick one and try to come up with a story about it. I usually end up writing something even if it’s not the next thousand words of the latest novel.

Tell us about your ideal writing day. 

I’ve realised recently that if I don’t start writing first thing after breakfast I get very little done all day. So ideally I’d be in my study by 9.30 and write for the next couple of hours, stop for lunch (cooked by husband) and then walk the dog for an hour before coming back to edit the morning’s work. Answering e-mails and doing social networking I try to do in the evenings.

I have to say that I was a bit jealous about lunch being cooked by your husband and a LOT jealous about the fact that you have a dog to walk!  My cats won't allow me to have one!  So what's the worst thing about writing for you? 

The waiting time between sending stuff out - particularly short stories - and hearing back from editors/publishers.

It's dream time!  Your ultimate dinner party? You can have anyone dead or alive there - who would you have and why? 

Great question as I love entertaining!  Hugh Jackman because - oh just because! Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald so that I could really quiz them about Juan-les-Pins and the Jazz Age down there for a novel idea I have. Elisabeth David - she could help me in the kitchen beforehand and give me all sorts of useful tips. The iceman of Formula 1, Kimi Raikkonen, though I don’t suppose he’d be much of a conversationalist. Erica James because she’s one of my favourite writers and maybe she’d share the secret of how she’s so productive. Dame Maggie Smith because she’s such a brilliant actress and I’m sure she’d have lots of theatrical stories to tell us. Bill Nye because he makes me laugh. Jilly Cooper because I’ve long been an admirer of her writing. And finally I’d have to invite a young, healthy, Muhammad Ali for my husband; they share the same birthday and although not a big fan of boxing he’s always admired him. Should be a great dinner party!

Hmmm!  That's a dinner party I'll attend with bells on!

How do you deal with the dreaded bad review - are you a sulker or a shrugger? 

More of a sulker I’m afraid - it knocks my confidence and I have a hard time getting going again, so I’ve resolved to try and be more of a shrugger and never to look at my reviews again. (Another resolution broken then!)

I'm totally with you on that one but I guess we have to realise that we can't please everyone!  So IF you were offered a squillion pounds to never write again, would you take it?  

If the offer was made when the rejections were pouring in, I’d be sorely tempted and have to say yes! But then I think, No, having all those people in my head trying to tell their stories and not being able to write it down would drive me insane!

Again, I agree!  Once they get in your head they just have to come out, don't they?

QUICK FIRE ROUND

Planner or Winger? 

A winger trying to be a bit more of a planner.

Night or Morning? 

Morning.

Do-er or procrastinator? 

I can procrastinate for England - and France now.

Writing/first draft or editing?

First draft.

Tea or coffee? 

Coffee, coffee coffee.

I'd like to thank Jennifer for being a very brave first FUNKY FRIDAY participant and urge you all to check out her latest book, 'Shadows of Conflict', which is already out in hardback and will also be available as an e-book on 30th September:

Here are the links to her website and Amazon page.

 

You can also follow Jennifer on Twitter @jenniewriter

***** NEWSFLASH *****

FUNKY FRIDAY is now booked out until mid February - thank you all so much for your support.

NICKY WELLS has released 'Sophie's Encore' and has some FAB 5* reviews

KATHRYN BROWN has also released 'Bedknobs and Bachelors' and it's waiting on my Kindle to be read.

MICHELLE BETHAM's romcom, 'Too Much Trouble in Paradise' is FREE on Kindle at Amazon this weekend.  Grab a copy while you can - it's very funny.

JAMIE T DOUGAN's short story, 'The Rubicon Trail' is now available on Kobo as well as on Amazon  He'll be chatting here some time in the New Year.

Next week we welcome to FUNKY FRIDAY an avid reader, reviewer and HUGE supporter of writers, my friend Carol Wright from Dizzy C's Little Book Blog

So that just about rounds up the first FUNKY FRIDAY!   Thanks to Jennifer for dropping by and to all those who have agreed to take part.  Remember, spread the love by Tweeting about this with #funkyfriday

Announcing FUNKY FRIDAY!

Yesterday I threw a little idea out into the Twitterverse - a new spot on the blog called ‘FUNKY FRIDAY’ where I interview writers, reviewers and readers.  This will be aside from my usual weekly blog posts.

It was just the seed of an idea.  I’ve featured on so many other blogs, and had the occasional visit from fellow Indies here on mine, so I thought I’d see if anyone wanted to take me up on the offer to make it a regular feature.

My day disappeared!  So many lovely people jumped at the idea and were willing to see what I had to ask them.  Tweet after tweet, DM after DM and email after email!  I now have nearly forty people lined up for a slot!

So … each Friday, for as long as the interest is maintained, I’ll be interviewing either a writer or a reader/reviewer.  I’ll include all links to their books, blogs, Facebook, Twitter etc. and aim to ask questions that are slightly different to the norm.

I’ll also include a NEWSFLASH section at the end so that anyone involved in the project can include their book-related news.

A HUGE thank you to everyone who has given this support - let’s make this fun and something that works for all of us.

FUNKY FRIDAY’S September line up will be:

Friday 6^th September - Jennifer Bohnet - writer

Friday 13^th September - Carol Wright from Dizzy C’s Little Book Blog - reviewer

Friday 20^th September - Michelle Betham - writer

Friday 27^th September - Fabulous Book Fiend - reviewer

Please feel free to contact me if you’d also like to take part.  Slots are now filled until mid January (!) and I’m doing it on a strictly first come, first served basis.

****** NEWSFLASH ******

I’ve finished the first draft of my new novel due for release in December and am currently editing my Christmas novella ready for October.

MICHELLE BETHAM is due to release ‘Extra Time’ - the sequel to ‘Striker’ some time this month.  Watch this space!

CAROL HEDGES has signed with Crooked Cat and will release her TWELFTH novel at the end of this year.  She’ll be featuring here when she can find time to breathe!

NICKY WELLS will be releasing ‘Sophie’s Encore’ on 5th September and will also be chatting  here soon.

KATHRYN BROWN launches her new chicklit novel TODAY!  ‘Bedknobs and Bachelors’ - I can’t wait to read it and also to feature Kathryn on FUNKY FRIDAY!