tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59396137063584054122024-02-21T06:54:23.908+00:00Welcome to Planet PippaChatting about writing and other random things - Love Pippa x
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00543765757043271367noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5939613706358405412.post-7296096238682328612015-09-10T12:29:00.000+01:002015-09-16T16:04:46.379+01:00How Not To Be A Writer - A (bad) day in the life of a typical authorThe first thing I do each morning is make a strong cup of tea. I think about what I'm going to write as I drink it. So far so good. I have a quick look through social media, and two hours later I'm ready to write. So, I write my Facebook and Twitter posts, and then I'm ready to write. For real this time. Until I read through what I wrote the day before. so there's only one thing for it at this point:<br />
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Fingers poised over the keyboard, I hesitate. Maybe I should just check out Facebook. Again. Just to see if anything important has cropped up that I need to be reading about. <br />
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I was right, there was. But now it's time to write. My book. So, I finally manage to get a few words down on the screen. A lack of self confidence has taken over though. I think back to my first two books and panic. I felt like this when writing the first, but I was learning how to actually write a book, for God's sake. And truth be told, I couldn't really imagine anyone reading it at that stage. With the second, I got on with it straight after publishing the first so didn't have much time to think. But I did have days like this when I thought I couldn't do it, and that it was rubbish. Amazingly readers seem to be enjoying the books. Some are asking when this book will be ready to publish. This is my dream come true...but also a nightmare! What if they hate book three? What if they think it's nowhere as good as the others? What if they don't bother asking me anymore and find someone more worthy of their time? And what if I just gave up, too scared to find out? That will not happen. That thought is scarier than anything. So I need to:</div>
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As I tap away I remind myself of all the nice things people have said about my writing. It's the best feeling ever. But then my characters refuse to cooperate, and join ranks to mock and belittle me. 'We wouldn't do that!' They scoff. 'We wouldn't say such a thing!' They tut. I think about what my doctor said, and feel slightly better:</div>
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And he's right. I do! But unfortunately the clock isn't cooperating with me either. Maybe I should check out social media again. There could be a message needing my immediate attention. I'm fooling myself of course. Delaying tactics, because I'm having a bad writing day. I know that really, and I know this too:</div>
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So, I glance at the clock again, decide it's stopped, and that I can:</div>
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But tomorrow I MUST do the following, and somehow get there. </div>
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I know I'm not the only one to feel like this, and that does help. So, in a moment of crazy confidence, I'm saying in public that my third book will be out by the end of the year. Written, edited and published. By saying this out loud to you, I will imagine you judging me if I don't. Badly. And that's the kick up the butt I need. So feel free to check up on my progress and give me hell if you see another post like this one (written by me, obviously) In fact, I'm counting on it!</div>
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Love Pippa x</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00543765757043271367noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5939613706358405412.post-41162509461852182172015-08-07T11:55:00.000+01:002015-09-01T17:46:38.472+01:00Bailey The Rescue Dog's DiaryHello everyone, my name is Bailey. Nobody knows why I ended up as a stray in Ireland. I wish I could talk, and so do Mum and Dad. They rescued me from Dog's Trust almost four years ago, only knowing that I'd been picked up as a stray in Ireland and brought over in the Dog's Trust van to be re-homed. I was at the centre two weeks before they visited the centre and saw me. This photo was taken on that day. I was sad and lonely. The staff were lovely though. They had to shave me because I was so matted. They wondered why I had a tooth missing and part of one ear too.<br />
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Anyway, apparently Mum and Dad fell in love with me straight away. But they couldn't take me home that day because the staff had to check the house to see if it was good enough for me. I cried when they left, thinking I wouldn't see them again. But I did, two days later. This time they led me to their car. I was nervous. I didn't like cars, but when we got to the house I was happy. There was a lovely bed waiting for me, and toys and treats too. Although everything was so nice, I was a bit scared. I wasn't sure what was going on, especially when Mum cuddled me. I thought everyone was going to hurt me, so I growled a lot at first. But eventually I realised this was my home forever. I even got presents at Christmas. I didn't like this present though. Do you think I hid my disgust?<br />
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We live round the corner from a park and I go there every day. My mum says I'm so slow and have to sniff every blade of grass. What's wrong with that? Doesn't she know that grass is social media for dogs? Lampposts and trees are too. I have to wait around for her when she's busy on that Facebook thing! Hey, guess what? My favourite word is car now! I love sitting on Mum's lap and sticking my head out of the window while Dad drives. It's cool. Dog's Trust said I'd never like cars, but they were wrong. We go to nice places in it. This picture was taken on the beach in Whitby where my mum is from. I love digging in sand.<br />
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I'm a lucky boy because my family love me. Guess what? Mum even put me on the front cover of her first book! Apparently Olivia's dog, Buddy, is based on me.<br />
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To buy this book click on the link below</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/OMG-Test-Pippa-Franks-ebook/dp/B00SXKFSZ6/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1438944242&sr=1-1&keywords=the+omg+test" target="_blank">The OMG Test</a></div>
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What I like best though, is that every time she sells a book, she's giving some money to Dog's Trust to help them look after other dogs like me. I sometimes wonder if my friends there all got homes to go to. I hope so, but there will be new dogs arriving every day. Maybe you could rescue one? The trouble is, so many people want cute puppies. Do you like this photo of me? I think I look as cute as any puppy!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimiJ8WyP-cadknhB00mIaDih0gfdtKUt4whnqj089xkqNlpFv8W_U9hSCiOCi-9bWO3GmUXGmykVG1jv9DnNcAVqyzIdTN_nAVLSYNtKtQNJzYuUqPjl6Cl1Y41BelUhbbBY4IpiRF-Mc/s1600/Bailey+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimiJ8WyP-cadknhB00mIaDih0gfdtKUt4whnqj089xkqNlpFv8W_U9hSCiOCi-9bWO3GmUXGmykVG1jv9DnNcAVqyzIdTN_nAVLSYNtKtQNJzYuUqPjl6Cl1Y41BelUhbbBY4IpiRF-Mc/s320/Bailey+2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Right, I want to go for a walk now, so I'm going to give my mum sad eyes. She'll give in and take me. I'll be back to talk to you soon.<br />
Hugs and woofs<br />
Bailey xxxx<br />
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<b>Tuesday 1st September</b><br />
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Hello friends. Last week my mum and dad went on holiday. Without me. What made it worse was that just before they left, they'd taken me to the park and I stood on a bee or wasp. I held up my paw and cried. I couldn't walk. They took me to that vet place. I hate it there! The day was getting worse by the minute let me tell you. I had two injections and soon felt better, but my mum was very upset. Not as upset as I was when they left me with my 'other family' to go away! I mean, I love them, but a guy needs his own bed when he's ill, doesn't he? They nearly didn't go. I should've played on my injury a bit longer. Anyway, I had a nice enough five nights with my friend. I like being at her house more than her being at mine. I don't have to worry so much about her trying to steal my treats. But I was excited when mum and dad arrived to pick me up. Things soon got back to normal, but we saw in the national newspaper that a friend from my kennel days was still there! We were shocked because I've been left four years now. The staff can't understand why nobody wants her. Poor Maxine, she's a lovely girl! Here's the link to her page, underneath her photos. She's at Coventry Dogs Trust, where I was rescued from. Isn't she sweet?<br />
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<a href="https://www.dogstrust.org.uk/rehoming/dogs/dog/filters/ken~~~~~n~/1110991/maxine" target="_blank">The Forgotten Dog</a></div>
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Mum and dad would have her, but they think I would hate having another dog in the house. They're right, but I do hope she gets a family to love her, finally. It makes me sad.<br />
Anyway, it's time for my walk, so bye for now.<br />
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Hugs and woofs<br />
Bailey xxxx<br />
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<b>Wednesday 12th August</b><br />
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Hello again, friends. I've had a friend of mine staying for eleven nights. Fond as I am of her, It's hard for me because she's allergic to the treats I like. Mum can't leave them lying around for me when she's here. I was happy when her mum and dad came back for her. I stay with them when my mum and dad go away. That's okay, but it's always nice to get home. Don't go thinking she's my girlfriend. I have another female friend too, but I'm not into all that funny business. Anyway, even if I did have a girlfriend, I wouldn't live with her. I like my own space, so I guess I'm a confirmed bachelor. Women exhaust me!<br />
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Anyway, come and say hello. Speak soon!<br />
Hugs and woofs<br />
Bailey xxxx<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00543765757043271367noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5939613706358405412.post-82622248392162808092015-07-30T13:07:00.001+01:002015-08-13T16:00:17.191+01:00Reaching Half a Century - Never Too Old To Follow Your Dreams<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's official - I'm middle-aged. Though strictly speaking I probably have been for years but just not realised it. At what age do you become middle-aged? Is it when you reach a milestone birthday? When your hearing and eyesight begin to struggle? Or when you check your plants in the garden before doing anything else each morning? I've never worried about age before, until my 50th birthday loomed. Panic set in. But then I decided I should be grateful I'm still around to see that birthday when so many people don't make it. So it was a time for celebration. I may be getting on, but I'm not ready to stop partying yet!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpfPwzXTcJsNIoAewe6-KAGJR7QJQno07emNWNYYYh9GL_E066CWuzNMpyHK2TJ5YBKfQkFAhGFuhgfA3E8k2vYZii7MyWl4G92raba2ERBCMjnFCGZMxBCwDdEFVz7ZLI33fAjo6DFA4/s1600/DSC_9641-2_pp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpfPwzXTcJsNIoAewe6-KAGJR7QJQno07emNWNYYYh9GL_E066CWuzNMpyHK2TJ5YBKfQkFAhGFuhgfA3E8k2vYZii7MyWl4G92raba2ERBCMjnFCGZMxBCwDdEFVz7ZLI33fAjo6DFA4/s320/DSC_9641-2_pp.jpg" width="212" /></a></div>
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Pippa Franks is the name I write under. </div>
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I'm also known as Cheryl </div>
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(The Peril)</div>
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTqXtGeHUEE" target="_blank">My 50th Party Link</a></div>
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(My speech is around twelve minutes in)</div>
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They say life begins at forty. I'm not sure about that, but the year between being forty-nine and fifty has certainly been one of my most eventful. I got married last year, four days before my forty-ninth birthday.<br />
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<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxKU_0K402c" target="_blank">My Wedding Link!</a><br />
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(My speech is around nine minutes in)</div>
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I've been writing for ten years, but finally published my first two books this year, not long before hitting the big 50. It hit me that life was too short to look back and regret not doing something, so I decided to just go for it. I'm so glad I did! Although I'm far from being a bestselling author, complete strangers are reading my books and enjoying them. The longest dream in history has come true!<br />
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<img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Qee6B4jBjhedANnAfdm7s8rlQdAkEvi4yXBGzJRVxFzjq7yyii6IsAVXFYhO9IlJL4Dghpe8Q2NElIO3l12eYLK01KEv2ttINHcKo7mCmKxU7L2StEf3D_xuvm2Yh2S0JJ8mgYdPEoc/s320/The+OMG+Test.jpg" width="223" /></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/OMG-Test-Pippa-Franks-ebook/dp/B00SXKFSZ6/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1438256747&sr=1-1&keywords=the+omg+test" target="_blank">Link To Book</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Seventh-Day-May-Pippa-Franks-ebook/dp/B00UW3HKHQ/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1438256970&sr=1-1&keywords=the+seventh+day+of+may" target="_blank">Link To Book</a></div>
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So for anyone reading this, if there's something in life that you really want, go for it! Determination isn't relevant to age. Neither is having the mindset of 'I'd rather try and fail, rather than fail to try.' My mum used to say that sometimes in life you have to take a chance. She was right. And maybe, just maybe, an older age can be beneficial rather than a negative in many cases. Like writing for instance. I can write about many different ages because I've either been many of them, or I know somebody of every age group to relate my characters too. </div>
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You're never too old to follow your dream!</div>
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(unless it involves being a lion tamer. Let's leave that one to the young, they can run fast if need be)</div>
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Love Pippa x</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00543765757043271367noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5939613706358405412.post-86148155055853955352015-06-05T12:44:00.001+01:002015-12-11T15:52:41.776+00:00Monthly Musings<br />
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Hi, welcome to my Monthly Musings post. I'll be chatting about writing, publishing and life in general.<br />
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This year has been amazing and it's not halfway through yet. I'm glad about that, because that means a birthday I've not been looking forward to has arrived. They say age is just a number. That may be so, but when you're talking about the number of lines and wrinkles, it's not good! Oh, well, back to happier thoughts...<br />
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For the last ten tears my dream has been to publish a book. Finally, this year, I've done it. Twice. I'd been patient, waiting for the right time. Then I figured I could be waiting for eternity. What exactly was I waiting for? Someone to beat a path to my door, begging me do do it? No, of course not. The reason I waited and waited was because I was terrified. Could I really write anything worth reading? There was only one way to find out: do it! So I did. And it's been amazing. For years I used to dream about strangers reading my books and enjoying them, but it seemed far-fetched. Yet it's actually happened. The novelty of hearing someone tell me why they loved the books will never wear off. Obviously not everyone will like them and that's fine. I don't like every book I read either. But as long as some people enjoy them, then I'm happy. I write for two reasons:<br />
1) I have to write, it's everything to me<br />
2) I love entertaining readers<br />
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It's not easy calling myself an author. It somehow doesn't seem deserved. But it should do for this reason: I've struggled through the novel writing process and typed The End. I've taken criticism and knock-backs and kept going. I've done everything I needed to do, including seeing rejections as simply part of the journey I'm on. I've been lucky enough recently to have had positive feedback from the professionals, and took all their words of encouragement on board, learning from them in the process. I think that probably makes me an author, do you? I never in a million years thought this would happen:<br />
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<a href="http://chicklitplus.com/bookreview-the-omg-test-by-pippa-franks-chicklit/" target="_blank">Chick Lit Plus Review Of The OMG Test</a><br />
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<a href="http://chicklitplus.com/bookreview-the-seventh-day-of-may-by-pippa-franks/" target="_blank">Chick Lit Plus Review of The Seventh Day of May</a><br />
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Writing is a lonely job, just you and your characters. It's easy to get paranoid and have bad days. One of the best things to have happened to me this year, is meeting so many other writers in the same boat as me. We help and encourage each other and that's vital for your sanity. Although we're never likely to meet in person, we feel as though we know each other and there's always someone to help. One writer friend in particular is now one of the closest people to me. I can't imagine not having her in my life.<br />
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I'm writing book three at the moment. Obviously my dream is to be in a position to write full time and call it my job. Who knows if that will ever happen, but even if it doesn't, I'll still write in every spare moment.<br />
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If anyone out there is thinking of publishing a book, go for it! As I keep saying, it's better to try and fail, as opposed to fail to try. Just in case anyone is interested, the links to my books are below :-)<br />
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Love Pippa x<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-OMG-Test-Pippa-Franks-ebook/dp/B00SXKFSZ6/ref=pd_rhf_se_p_img_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=1PGFX2PV8H9WT0HS2DRX" target="_blank">The OMG Test</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNMo05lVljEj5lWpH8KREPvVmM7WAwnVR8oi0M1dsjeEF8GM3c81ZULEWoqYI8EF7SI9GWF8fypQqAY_jSbtZdACf9_TMUOQjMwluK6Ll8tmOqkGuF7gBbFnOHa6-MRbPDFM0N7ADPxfo/s1600/The+OMG+Test.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNMo05lVljEj5lWpH8KREPvVmM7WAwnVR8oi0M1dsjeEF8GM3c81ZULEWoqYI8EF7SI9GWF8fypQqAY_jSbtZdACf9_TMUOQjMwluK6Ll8tmOqkGuF7gBbFnOHa6-MRbPDFM0N7ADPxfo/s320/The+OMG+Test.jpg" width="223" /></a></div>
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<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Seventh-Day-Pippa-Franks-ebook/dp/B00UW3HKHQ/ref=pd_rhf_se_p_img_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=10SBCKKQ55PEX24FVH2S" target="_blank">The Seventh Day of May</a><br />
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Thursday 30th July<br />
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Hi peeps, where has this year gone? I can't believe how quickly time is passing. They say that happens when you get older. Along with failing hearing and eyesight. And a compulsion to check every plant in the garden with your first cup of tea each morning (or maybe that's just me)<br />
It's strange how a wilting flower can suddenly spoil your day. When did this take over from worrying about a bad hair day? I must face the fact that I actually became middle-aged long before I reached my 50th birthday recently. <br />
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I can't honestly say that I like having to say my age anymore. Half a century! Really? But then, I'm lucky to have reached that age. I shouldn't be despondent, it's something to celebrate. And celebrate I did!<br />
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Without sounding too dramatic, I really think life is too short to be terrified of following your dreams. Instead, we should be terrified of NOT following them, shouldn't we? I got married and published two books in the space of nine months. Crazy, but exciting.<br />
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<img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjhP1XNBz2rVbc18zTtmkwOGfu1F1DIrosGsQeHAC0mn6xfNjVsS97A8ElW5SVDNsFg98nyVtx2_ak_JVTIgkn2Ojzk5rLcbHDo7o73rwAIF1c9rJ_PhkjxX4bJo17WwNFMIahf437Mw0/s320/The+OMG+Test.jpg" width="223" /></div>
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<a href="http://ww.amazon.co.uk/The-OMG-Test-Pippa-Franks-ebook/dp/B00SXKFSZ6/ref=pd_rhf_gw_p_img_2?ie=UTF8&refRID=04Y3RQVNY1TEGR2KKAFY" target="_blank">Book Link</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGODo3Zt_ZXKs2BiOI6WNCQmcQ6UTq04-jhxOZeEhfbURmZpu2Cl4-6eyJAC9ycYTJFj3J-rpZkV36sa7r9DyZeAspv9PWHrLV9c44Q10fSt5NG_dnRy-xTqV41zbVRJVG97e0tSFxyGA/s1600/The+Seventh+Day+of+May.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGODo3Zt_ZXKs2BiOI6WNCQmcQ6UTq04-jhxOZeEhfbURmZpu2Cl4-6eyJAC9ycYTJFj3J-rpZkV36sa7r9DyZeAspv9PWHrLV9c44Q10fSt5NG_dnRy-xTqV41zbVRJVG97e0tSFxyGA/s320/The+Seventh+Day+of+May.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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I'm not suggesting you get married (unless you want to) or publish books (unless you feel the need to have stress as your new best friend) but my advice (for what it's worth) is to do that one thing you've always wanted to do. Now. Why not? Unless it involves winning the lottery, of course. I'm still waiting for that to happen so that I can buy the Spanish beachfront villa with five bedrooms, roof terrace, hot tub and pool. But in the meantime I'll get on with finishing book three. In my chilly writing corner. I'm sure I'd write quicker by the pool at my villa. Or maybe not...but I'd love the chance to find out!</div>
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Love Pippa x</div>
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10th September 2015<br />
Okay, where did August go? This year has gone so fast. It'll soon get round to the 'C' word, won't it? How crazy is that? So, what have I been doing with my time? Well...good question! The answer is a bit of writing, a lot of social media, a bit of marketing, a lot of social media. I've literally just written a post on this topic. I've decided that I am allowed to check social media with my first cup of tea each morning, but not again until evening. It's so easy to get drawn in to things, and lose track of the time, isn't it? But I've given myself a goal of finishing, editing and publishing book three by the end of the year, and I'm determined to stick to it. Here's the cover:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaGmmi_QePOtDUp6JXued06iNNgHQP8gzNO7jQumQjC1orRdLLRW7hmm5D8alD7_N8pW_eGSEi8JFVUctiAWGTwv2fgeULZLWvYQUSDidkpI4sm3vKA8_ikEjqGOZ4-e6qjtVFRh5XyT0/s1600/Ebook+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaGmmi_QePOtDUp6JXued06iNNgHQP8gzNO7jQumQjC1orRdLLRW7hmm5D8alD7_N8pW_eGSEi8JFVUctiAWGTwv2fgeULZLWvYQUSDidkpI4sm3vKA8_ikEjqGOZ4-e6qjtVFRh5XyT0/s320/Ebook+%25282%2529.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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I finally have a website which went live yesterday. If you are interested in checking it out, here's the link:<br />
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<a href="http://www.pippafranks.co.uk/" target="_blank">My Website Link</a><br />
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I'll sign off for now, and I'll keep you posted as to whether my goal is in sight!<br />
Love Pippa x<br />
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Tuesday 27th October<br />
Hello, how are you?<br />
As you may or may not know, I published my first two books this year. The third as mentioned above, has taken longer. I realised why: spending too much time on social media, especially Facebook. It's amazing how much time I wasted to be honest. I made the decision to come off social media completely until I typed 'The End.' I've done that, and am elated to have written 55,000 words in two/three weeks. Social media is important in this day and age, however, during my time off it I didn't miss much really. From now on when I'm writing a book, it's banned! What do you think? What does it mean to you? Could you live without it?<br />
Love Pippa x<br />
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Thursday 3rd December<br />
Where, oh, where has the time gone? They say time goes too fast as you get older. They aren't wrong. A month seems like a week just lately.<br />
Finally I'm ready to publish my third book, Grace Me With Your Presents. It will be available on Amazon Thursday 10th December. I will be writing a blog post on that date, explaining what self-publishing entails. If any of you are thinking of going down this route, check out the post. I'll tell it like it is, good and bad with step by step instructions. I had to learn the hard way with certain things, so if I can help anyone and steer them in the right direction, I'll be happy. In the meantime, I'll be posting updates and special offers on my Facebook page, so come and join me there!<br />
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Here's the link: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pippafrankswriter" target="_blank">Pippa's Facebook Page</a><br />
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Friday 11th December<br />
Hi, and a happy Friday to you. Are you doing anything exciting this weekend? I think I will be sleeping through a lot of it. My third book of the year was released yesterday. There was a spell when I wondered if it would happen in time, but I got there in the end. Just. I'm trying to give my brain a rest before working on the next book. I think you need to do that sometimes.<br />
If any of you are interested, I will be posting my experiences of self publishing over the next few days.<br />
The link to my new book is below. It was nice to write about my hometown of Whitby. It has so much history and all the places mentioned are real, although the story is fiction.<br />
Whatever you are doing, have a good weekend.<br />
Love Pippa x<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Grace-Your-Presents-Pippa-Franks-ebook/dp/B01924XLNC/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1449849042&sr=8-1&keywords=Grace+Me+With+Your+Presents" target="_blank">Grace Me With Your Presents</a><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00543765757043271367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5939613706358405412.post-31267254231716377852015-05-11T22:27:00.000+01:002015-07-02T13:45:28.166+01:00 * * * * * * What's On Page 45 * * * * * * <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgZiIttzzpMdrflrf7x-ZVVl6ufR7t4HbX7fYaWdFBWFIH8bkSL24LXixagX4bnbf1BrMgIpdkA0JIPvu_N8fVkDjgWVcHWuHiSXw0AYm8cH6kLx9XgKtn-jfAhtg9TSqBTdez5W1QrKc/s1600/What'sonPage45.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgZiIttzzpMdrflrf7x-ZVVl6ufR7t4HbX7fYaWdFBWFIH8bkSL24LXixagX4bnbf1BrMgIpdkA0JIPvu_N8fVkDjgWVcHWuHiSXw0AYm8cH6kLx9XgKtn-jfAhtg9TSqBTdez5W1QrKc/s320/What'sonPage45.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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In celebration of #ChickLitMay, participating authors will explain what's on page 45 of their chosen manuscript. I'm working Olivia Daly, from The OMG Test, very hard this week. She's still recovering from the Miss Chick Lit Beauty Pageant yesterday! So, page 45 of The OMG Test:<br />
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Olivia is attracted to Connor, but isn't ready to admit it yet. She does, however, want to impress him. Sadly things never go according to plan. Here, he's taking her on a mystery trip in his motor home. She's amazed it has a toilet and asks if it actually works. Then she asks if he can pull up and make a drink at the side of the road, or go to bed anytime he likes. Needless to say, he raises his eyebrows and tells her it's not a problem to stop the van and get into bed. She cringes. The outcome of the trip enriches her life, and gives the first indication that she's falling for Connor, big time.<br />
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Connor asks Olivia if she drives. She tells him <i>'Only people mad.' </i>She goes on to tell him about a driving test she took years earlier, where the examiner commented that she changed gears as if making a cake.<i> 'I'm not sure what he meant though, I don't bake.' </i>Connor asks if that was why she failed. This is her reply:<br />
<i>"No, there was an incident, I nearly ran a lollipop lady over." Olivia closed her eyes.</i><br />
<i>"Oh dear. Was she okay?"</i><br />
<i>"Yes, but unfortunately the same can't be said for her lollipop."</i><br />
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Although Olivia freely admits to not baking, she does tell Connor shortly afterwards that she can cook, and that her dinner parties are legendary. They are, but for the wrong reasons. She invites him to one, then panics.<br />
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I wrote The OMG Test on and off over many years. Not much of the early drafts remain, but the lead- up to the dinner party and the dinner itself were my favourite scenes to write, and haven't changed. To find out what happens, here is the link to the book. I hope you enjoy spending a bit more time with Olivia. She's lovely, but you certainly wouldn't want to be her!<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/OMG-Test-Pippa-Franks-ebook/dp/B00SXKFSZ6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1431725176&sr=8-1&keywords=the+omg+test" target="_blank">The OMG Test</a><br />
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A percentage of all sales of the book go to Dogs Trust, and my own rescue dog is on the cover.<br />
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<b>Grand Prize Giveaway</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhowDgMJeHw1N62UexBI7wZ-veG3vMh8vvEBCehiXSO_zQKHMcGTvKzlCtgXEjY1WUVXhSxyuMePXOAYt1kmrakpkHa0nVW2O0acHssnFKSVCciRBdTac2qv2A-VdnsVqEOowYHqSrDfGk/s1600/1poundcaramelsforchicklitmay.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhowDgMJeHw1N62UexBI7wZ-veG3vMh8vvEBCehiXSO_zQKHMcGTvKzlCtgXEjY1WUVXhSxyuMePXOAYt1kmrakpkHa0nVW2O0acHssnFKSVCciRBdTac2qv2A-VdnsVqEOowYHqSrDfGk/s320/1poundcaramelsforchicklitmay.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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The lovely Whitney Dineen has very graciously offered to donate a prize package of her delicious caramels to this event.<br />
A one-pound package of caramels from Whitney's Goodies http://whitneysgoodies.com/ The winner can choose their flavour from the list below.<br />
This giveaway is open to USA residents only:<br />
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<b>The girl Next Door (Creme Caramels): </b>A scrumptious, full-bodied caramel. Old fashioned, melt-in-your-mouth bliss!<br />
<b>The Charmer (Chocolate Creme Caramels): </b>This smooth, chocolate cream caramel will add panache to your day. An exquisite and elegant morsel, simply irresistable.<br />
<b>The Movie Star (Orange Creme Caramels): </b>A timeless treat that will satisfy caramel fans of all ages. "The stuff that dreams are made of!"<br />
<b>The Bombshell (Lemon Creme Caramels): </b>A bodacious bit of heaven with a bold citrus pallet. They will leave you satisfied and refreshed. <i>Caramels</i> are a girl's best friend!<br />
<b>Always a Lady (Rose Caramels): </b>A delicate bouquet of rose essence infuses this lovely caramel: alluring, tantalizing and reminiscent of another era. They are perfect for weddings and bridal showers. A definite for ladies who lunch or breakfast at Tiffany's.<br />
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<b>How To Enter</b>:<br />
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To enter, answer the following question in the comments section below:<br />
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<b>In 4 or 5 words, why do you think The OMG Test would be a good read?</b><br />
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Entrants must leave their full name, along with an email address. A winner will be chosen via Random.org on <b>Tuesday, May 19th.</b><br />
You may enter at each blog participating in this event, not just this one. You can find a full list of all participating blogs below. That's 36 chances to win! And, of course, you're sure to find lots of fab new books to read too!<br />
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And finally...thank you all so much for joining us to celebrate #ChickLitMay. We hope you've enjoyed it as much as we have. Don't forget, there's more fun to come, and in case you don't know, MissChickLit Beauty Pageant was held yesterday. You can find the links to that on the homepage.<br />
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Love Pippa x<br />
<b><br /></b><b>What's on Page 45 p</b><b>articipating blogs:</b><br />
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<a href="http://www.kristiknight.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Kristina Knight</a><br />
<a href="http://wp.me/p28QA1-1JR" target="_blank">Laura Kenyon</a><br />
<a href="http://wp.me/p2yU7r-gy" target="_blank">Jayne Denker</a><br />
<a href="http://amygettinger.com/" target="_blank">Amy Gettinger</a><br />
<a href="http://www.ginahenning.com/blog/2015/5/4/whats-on-page-45" target="_blank">Gina Henning</a><br />
<a href="http://jenniferammoscato.com/blog" target="_blank">Jennifer Ammoscato</a><br />
<a href="http://www.laurenclarkbooks.com/2015/05/11/pie-girls-whats-on-page-45/" target="_blank">Lauren Clark</a><br />
<a href="http://www.change-the-word.com/2015/05/chicklitmay-whats-on-page-45.html" target="_blank">Laura Chapman</a><br />
<a href="http://womanreinventsself.blogspot.com/2015/05/whats-on-page-45.html" target="_blank">Celia Kennedy</a><br />
<a href="http://jenniferfarwell.com/2015/05/12/whats-on-page-45/" target="_blank">Jennifer Farwell</a><br />
<a href="http://blog.glynisastie.com/2015/05/whats-on-page-45.html" target="_blank">Glynis Astie</a><br />
<a href="http://www.clodaghmurphy.com/blog/item/what-s-on-page-45" target="_blank">Clodagh Murphy</a><br />
<a href="http://staceywiedower.com/blog/" target="_blank">Stacey Wiedower</a><br />
<a href="http://www.abbyphelps.com/musings-from-abby-and-friends" target="_blank">Bethany Turner</a><br />
<a href="http://frankybrown.com/" target="_blank">Franky Brown</a><br />
<a href="http://www.tracykrimmer.com/2015/05/12/page45-2/" target="_blank">Tracy Krimmer</a><br />
<a href="http://jillianne-hamilton.com/whats-on-page-45/" target="_blank">Jillianne Hamilton</a><br />
<a href="http://www.catherinehensley.com/#!Whats-on-Page-45/co4f/554c3fdc0cf24874171a9c22" target="_blank">Catherine L. Hensley</a><br />
<a href="http://www.beckymonson.com/#!blog/c1vi7" target="_blank">Becky Monson</a><br />
<a href="http://georginatroy.blogspot.com/2015/05/chicklitmay-whats-on-page-45.html" target="_blank">Georgina Troy</a><br />
<a href="http://www.zannamackenzie.blogspot.co.uk/2015/05/chicklitmay-whats-on-page-45-and-earth.html" target="_blank">Zanna Mackenzie</a><br />
<a href="http://jennifercollin.blogspot.com/2015/05/whats-on-page-45.html" target="_blank">Jennifer Collin</a><br />
<a href="http://www.moniquemcdonellauthor.com/blog/whats-on-page-45-chicklitmay-tuesday1" target="_blank">Monique McDonell</a><br />
<a href="http://samanthamarch.com/chicklitmay-whats-on-page-45/" target="_blank">Samantha March</a><br />
<a href="http://livinglifewithjoy.com/2015/05/11/chicklitmay-whats-on-page-45/" target="_blank">Sky Greene</a><br />
<a href="http://whitneydineen.com/2015/05/12/page-45/" target="_blank">Whitney Dineen</a><br />
<a href="http://hellopreciousbliss.com/2015/05/whats-on-page-45-with-maggie-le-page/" target="_blank">Maggie Le Page</a><br />
<a href="http://kathrynbiel.blogspot.com/2015/05/whats-on-page-45.html" target="_blank">Kathryn Biel</a><br />
<a href="http://wp.me/p2PJqp-xV" target="_blank">Meredith Schorr</a><br />
<a href="http://wp.me/p3IgXQ-nH" target="_blank">Karen M. Cox</a><br />
<a href="http://rlhammauthor.com/2015/05/11/whats-on-page-45/" target="_blank">Rachel L. Hamm</a><br />
<a href="http://tamunroe.com/" target="_blank">T.A. Munroe</a><br />
<a href="http://thebadmommydiaries.com/" target="_blank">Heather Balog</a><br />
<a href="http://celiakennedy.weebly.com/promotions.html" target="_blank">Jennie Marts</a><br />
<a href="http://wp.me/p2Z7wj-XU" target="_blank">Serena Clarke</a><br />
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<b><br /></b>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00543765757043271367noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5939613706358405412.post-17787968175753622602015-05-10T21:30:00.000+01:002015-07-02T13:45:43.372+01:00 * Miss Chick Lit Beauty Pageant 2015 * <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Olivia Daly wiped a bead of perspiration from her brow. So much for the makeup she'd troweled on. Her stomach did somersaults worthy of an Olympic medal, at the thought of standing in front of thousands of people. But she was determined to be the focus of attention in a positive way for once. There was a first time for everything. The pageant winner would be jetting off on a trip for two, to the sun. A perfect honeymoon. Connor, her future husband, was in the crowd somewhere, with her boss, Gerry. She hopped over to the curtain and peered through. She could almost hear Gerry panting at the thought of so many scantily-clad girls. </div>
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Suddenly, she lost her balance. Despite clinging onto the curtain for support, she stumbled and fell onto the stage. The silence was deafening. There was only one thing for it: pretend it was planned. She crawled along the shiny floor, pausing to kick her legs behind her for effect. The costume may have been her downfall, literally, but it was her saving grace now.<br />
<i>I feel like a fool but as long as I pretend to swim, it'll be okay. They'll all think I'm clever!</i><br />
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"That was quite an entrance." One of the judges stepped forward and thrust a microphone up Olivia's nose. "Tell us a bit about yourself."</div>
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"Hi, my name is Olivia Daly, and I'm representing Shakespeare's home county of Warwickshire. I'm Miss Understood, and I'm a 26 year-old shop manager who adores pink. And my dog, Buddy. My dream is to one day find a cure for Choccochunky."</div>
"Chocochunky?" The judge's brow furrowed.<br />
"Yes. Eating chocolate makes you chunky. I'd love to find a way of taking out the calories." She beamed. "It would be as good for you as eating lettuce or raw carrots. But a lot tastier, obviously."<br />
A murmer of approval echoed around the vast room, almost exclusively from the females.<br />
"That's an unusual costume, Olivia." The judge smiled. "A mermaid, hey? Is that what you'd wear to swim in?"<br />
<i>No, it's to make me look curvy, while covering my wobbly arse! </i><br />
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"Absolutely." She nodded. "If I lived near the ocean...and if I could actually swim, that is."</div>
"I see. So, what's the talent you're going to entertain us with?"<br />
"Juggling." Olivia took the three balls from the waiting assistant, and threw them in the air. One by one they fell in every direction, but her hands. She wiped clammy palms down her sequinned skirt, trying, but failing, to ignore the titters from the crowd.<br />
"Oh, dear," said the judge. "I bet you do it perfectly without a huge audience."<br />
"I've never tried juggling with balls," Olivia answered. "But I'm an expert at juggling credit cards. I thought as I juggled my finances so well, the balls would be a doddle."<br />
The judge cleared his throat. "I see. Olivia, what would you do to make the world a happier place?"<br />
"Well, I'd start with Coventry. It was bombed in 1940 and all the Tudor buildings were lost, apart from one street. The city was rebuilt quickly in ugly concrete buildings."<br />
"So, you'd rebuild the city, back to its former black and white glory?" the judge asked.<br />
"Not quite." Olivia shook her head. "Tudor buildings are pretty, but <i>all</i> black and white is so boring, don't you think? I bet it was that stupid Henry VIII who brought in that rule. I'd bring in a new rule worldwide: every house would be painted at least partly in pink. I know a few men may object, they aren't all in touch with their feminine side. So, I suppose I'd let them off painting, as long as they had something pink outside."<br />
"Like what?" The judge grimaced.<br />
"Erm, well...maybe a pink pig statue. Or something."<br />
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"Thank you, Olivia. You've been most entertaining. We'll see you later." Something in his expression told Olivia he wished this wasn't the case.</div>
<i>What does he know anyway? I thought it went amazingly well! Time for a drink, Olivia...you deserve it!</i><br />
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<b>You can be a beauty Queen too with this $100 gift card US/Canada winner</b><br />
<b>UK winner - £65 gift card for Lush Cosmetics</b><br />
<b>Australia winner - $125AUD for Mecca</b><br />
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<b>In order to be entered, you need to answer the same interview question as Olivia:</b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">What would you do to make the world a happier place?</span></b><br />
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<b>Post your answer by clicking on the comment box at the end of this post, along with your email address. A winner will be chosen via random.org on Monday May 18th. You are free to enter the giveaway on not just this blog post, but also on each of the blogs participating in the pageant. That's nineteen chances to win! You will find the links to the other blogs below. </b><br />
<b>Also, if you've enjoyed getting to know Olivia, the link to 'The OMG Test' can be found below too. Thank you for joining us to celebrate Chick Lit May. Enjoy the rest of the pageants!</b><br />
<b>Love Pippa X</b><br />
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<b><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/OMG-Test-Pippa-Franks-ebook/dp/B00SXKFSZ6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1431724993&sr=8-1&keywords=the+omg+test" target="_blank">The OMG Test</a></b><br />
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<b>Miss Chick Lit Participant Links:</b><br />
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<a href="http://wp.me/p28QA1-1JP" target="_blank">Laura Kenyon</a><br />
<a href="http://www.ginahenning.com/blog/2015/5/3/miss-chick-lit-pageant" target="_blank">Gina Henning</a><br />
<a href="http://traciebanister.blogspot.com/2015/05/miss-chick-lit-2015-chicklitmay.html" target="_blank">Tracie Banister</a><br />
<a href="http://www.catlavoie.com/2/post/2015/05/chicklitmay-miss-chick-lit-pageant-gift-card-giveaway.html" target="_blank">Cat Lavoie</a><br />
<a href="http://wp.me/p4080t-25" target="_blank">Amy Gettinger</a><br />
<a href="http://womanreinventsself.blogspot.com/2015/05/miss-chick-lit-2015.html" target="_blank">Celia Kennedy</a><br />
<a href="http://blog.glynisastie.com/2015/05/miss-chick-lit-2015.html" target="_blank">Glynis Astie</a><br />
<a href="http://www.engyalbaselneville.com/miss-chick-lit-pageant-gift-giveaway/" target="_blank">Engy Albasel Neville</a><br />
<a href="http://www.tracykrimmer.com/2015/05/10/chicklitpageant/" target="_blank">Tracy Krimmer</a><br />
<a href="http://wp.me/p4jZS8-b5" target="_blank">Cait Reynolds</a><br />
<a href="http://frankybrown.com/?p=383" target="_blank">Franky Brown</a><br />
<a href="http://www.moniquemcdonellauthor.com/blog/miss-chicklit-2015-celebrating-chicklit-may" target="_blank">Monique McDonell</a><br />
<a href="http://colleensheartandink.blogspot.com/2015/05/elly-wins-miss-chick-lit-pageant-gift.html" target="_blank">Colleen Oakes</a><br />
<a href="http://whitneydineen.com/2015/05/11/miss-chick-lit/" target="_blank">Whitney Dineen</a><br />
<a href="http://hellopreciousbliss.com/" target="_blank">Maggie Le Page</a><br />
<a href="http://kathrynbiel.blogspot.com/2015/05/miss-chick-lit.html" target="_blank">Kathryn Biel</a><br />
<a href="http://rlhammauthor.com/2015/05/10/miss-chick-lit-pageant/" target="_blank">Rachel L. Hamm</a><br />
<a href="http://www.change-the-word.com/2015/05/chicklitmay-miss-chick-lit-2015.html" target="_blank">Laura Chapman</a><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00543765757043271367noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5939613706358405412.post-49965749210294585572015-04-30T11:30:00.000+01:002015-08-14T11:34:24.003+01:00Taking 'Ex' Out Of ExerciseI'm no fitness expert but I've done enough over the years to know what works and what doesn't.<br />
Many years ago I got obsessed with exercising. I was in my early thirties then. If only I could get that obsession back now, age 50. I hate it, but I want to be as fit as I can be and look as good as I possibly can, so it has to be done.<br />
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At the beginning of 2014 I realised how out of shape I was and was very upset. I was getting married and going on honeymoon six months later, so that was enough motivation to get off my (big and saggy) butt. My husband and I had been looking into the beachbody workouts, Insanity mainly. We knew the clue was in the name, but we decided to give it a go. We were terrified! Rightly!<br />
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<a href="http://www.beachbody.co.uk/product/fitness-training/insanity-workout.do?code=SEMB_SAN_GOOGLE_UK" target="_blank">Insanity</a></div>
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But it was nine weeks out of our life, and we were determined to give it a good go. So, when we were instructed by Shaun T to 'C'mon, y'all, letssss gooo,' we grimaced and got on with it. Two minutes in we were in a sweaty heap on the floor and that was only from the fitness test. The signs were not good. But we followed the programme, going at our own pace, until halfway through when my husband broke his ankle. This was NOT from doing Insanity. He was devastated, not just about his ankle, but because he couldn't finish the programme. No wonder, he lost three inches off his stomach in week one! My motivation to carry on was really put to the test then, but I persevered. Now, maybe I should explain something here. There was quite a lot of moves, especially some of the push-ups, I just could not do. So I didn't. Because rather than staring blankly at the screen, I thought it was better to keep moving and just do some of the other moves instead. Here's the results:<br />
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The first change was in my calves. They became shapely, not bulky. The muscles on the side of my legs also made an appearance early on. I call it 'the line' down the outside of my thighs. I love that! But it wasn't until I looked at before and after photos that I realised how much my body had changed. It was incredible. Most of my body fat had gone. I still needed to tone up certain areas though, that weren't quite there (not far off) so I had two choices:<br />
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Do Insanity another time through or do something else. I decided to do another beachbody workout, Brazil Butt Lift.<br />
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<a href="http://www.beachbody.co.uk/product/fitness-training/brazil-butt-lift-workout.do?code=SEMB_BBL_GOOGLE_UK" target="_blank">Brazil Butt Lift</a></div>
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My main problem was in the butt and hamstring area which I wanted to tighten up. Make no mistake though, Insanity had improved it dramatically. Even cellulite was MASSIVELY reduced. Anyway, I got a shock when I started the Brazil Butt Lift workout. It was bloody hard! Even after doing Insanity. Don't be fooled by the name. The abs section is probably the toughest I've ever done! Leandro may speak gently, but he lulls you into a false sense of security! I did eight weeks of this and was delighted with the results. Not least because for the first time in my adult life I passed the pencil test! Hurray! so, I got married and went on honeymoon happy to wear a bikini. No more saddlebags and saggy butt. Why oh why didn't I carry on doing the routines at least two or three times a week?<br />
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A year on, we are three weeks into Insanity again. I know that seventeen weeks of sticking to these two programmes will get me where I want to be. And this time I AM going to continue. Next summer I'm determined to look how I want to look, even though I'll be 51 then. I believe that the problem with exercise as you get older isn't through age itself, it's lack of motivation as you age. Obviously we get more aches and pains naturally, but it is possible to achieve the same results as someone in their twenties. I know, because I did it!<br />
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If anyone is looking for an easier workout that still works well, here it is:<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Hotpants-Workout-DVD/dp/B00006JY14/ref=sr_1_1?s=dvd&ie=UTF8&qid=1439547915&sr=1-1&keywords=the+hotpants+workout" target="_blank">The Hotpants Workout</a></div>
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Yet again, don't be fooled by the name. It gives you a good workout all over. It's dated though. If you don't mind it being years old, it does work and quickly too. I still go back to it on and off. I wish Dan Karaty would do an updated version. I think I'll send him a tweet and ask lol.<br />
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I'm considering posting before and after shots when I'm done. But this thought is scary to be honest. However, if it will help people I'll do it!<br />
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Love Pippa x<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00543765757043271367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5939613706358405412.post-60838478366641423132015-02-02T09:31:00.000+00:002015-08-13T16:25:31.144+01:00My Path To Self-Publishing<br />
Monday 2nd February<br />
<br />
My writing story began around ten years ago. I'd always loved reading and writing, but had never considered writing a novel. That changed in one moment of light-hearted conversation with my daughter. I never looked back.<br />
<br />
I was 'helping' her with some uni work. When that was done I informed her that I was off to write something. She asked what, and I laughingly told her: 'a book.' She gave me an indulgent smile and wished me luck. If only I had a picture of her face when I showed her chapter one, a couple of hours later. I had no idea what I was going to write about, but kept on going. All I knew was that it would involve somebody called Olivia. I'd write in the middle of the night, before work and as soon as I got home. It became an obsession. Three months later, I typed 'the end.' The problem was, I believed that. Apart from a few changes here and there, it was finished. And I sent it off to agents. Oh yes, I did! This is where I hang my head in shame. The rejections soon came back, but one puzzled me: 'You need to learn to show not tell.' What? At that point I took a step back, and came to the obvious conclusion that I knew nothing about writing. Zilch. Wanting to do it was one thing, but knowing how was a different matter entirely.<br />
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Things happened in my life to prevent me from continuing at that point. But I never forgot the characters and their story. Over the next few years I read books about writing and learned a great deal. Seven years after I wrote that first draft, I read through the manuscript. It was dire. But I believed the main characters should stay. I re-wrote many drafts and 'Think Pink' became 'The OMG Test.'<br />
I found an editor and waited with bated breath for her to read it. Thankfully she thought that with a lot more work it could be really good. And so, the long rounds of editing began. I thought it would never end. I had one single doubt over the ten year period, when I put my head in my hands and wondered if I should give up on the book. I wasn't getting something my editor was telling me. She gave me a kick up the butt, and I was back on track.<br />
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A few months later I re-submitted to agents. The rejections once again came through. But the difference this time,was that I had some positive feedback. I considered what they'd said, did another edit...and decided to self-publish. I didn't want to go through the submission process again, and self-publishing didn't have the same stigma it had years ago.<br />
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I spoke to people who'd done it, all with varying degrees of success. I read about it, and decided that was the way forward. I found a cover designer and the exciting process was well under way.<br />
I'm not technical, but luckily my writer friend and my husband sorted it.<br />
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I hit the 'publish' button a few days ago and poured a large glass of wine. I thought it would take a day or two to go live, but I was wrong. A few hours later, my cousin posted a picture of her amazon order confirmation of 'The OMG Test,' on Facebook. By the time I saw this, other people had ordered it. I cried. After ten years I'd finally done it. What an amazing journey.<br />
Of course it doesn't end here. Now the real hard work begins. Asking people to read it. I know it won't be to everyone's taste, but if some people like it I'll be ecstatic!<br />
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If you are on the same journey as me, I'd love to hear from you. What are your thoughts and experiences of self-publishing?<br />
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The link to the book is below. You can read a free sample if you would like to. Please do! :-)<br />
Thank you for reading.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/OMG-Test-Pippa-Franks-ebook/dp/B00SXKFSZ6/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1422869457&sr=1-1&keywords=the+omg+test">The OMG Test</a><br />
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Love Pippa x<br />
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<b>Update</b><br />
A couple of months after publishing the book, I also published my second.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Seventh-Day-Pippa-Franks-ebook/dp/B00UW3HKHQ/ref=pd_rhf_gw_p_img_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=1JRHN2CNCMNCSRSM2VGZ" target="_blank">The Seventh Day of May</a><br />
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It's all been much harder than I thought it would be. But I wouldn't swap it for the world. Even if I get no further than the point I'm at now, I've already achieved my dream. I'm currently working on book three. Thank you for reading this post!<br />
Love Pippa xAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00543765757043271367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5939613706358405412.post-13804656644919715422015-01-07T22:18:00.002+00:002015-01-07T22:32:49.030+00:00January Yellows<br />
7th January 2015<br />
<br />
Hello and happy 2015!<br />
<br />
Where did 2014 go? Here we are again in January, the longest dreariest month of the year. It's clear from the expressions on faces everywhere that there is an epidemic of the January Blues. Why did poor blue draw the short straw? It's associated with negative feelings such as sadness and depression, as is this current month. It's easy to see why people feel a bit down at this time of the year, an anti-climax following the festive season. Not to mention empty bank balances too, of course. In the past I hated January too. But this year I'm going to embrace it and call it 'January Yellows.' The reason for this sudden change of heart and mindset is because I'm determined to see the positive in everything this year. I'm going to follow 'The Pollyanna Plan.' I read this book by the wonderful Talli Roland a few months ago. It inspired me. The link to the book will follow this post. It will be a great way to start your reading year, and maybe give you inspiration like it did me.<br />
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I admit to being a glass half empty kind of person. I worry and stress about unimportant things. I wish I didn't, but I'm going to try my best to turn that around. So, here follows all the things I'm worried about at the moment and how I'll change them into positives:<br />
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1) The house could be tidier, but it's not the end of the world if the bedroom's a bit messy, It'll get done. My writing is a priority.<br />
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2) Ah, but money's done a disappearing act. Yes, and most people are in the same boat. And anyway, I want to write as much as I can this month and that's free!<br />
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3) After ten years of writing I'm nervous about publishing not one but two books over the coming months. And? Of course it's normal to be nervous, but it's exciting too. I'm doing the one thing I've yearned for and I've worked so hard to get to this point. But everyone may hate my writing. Yes, they may, but I won't know if I don't publish anything, will I? If I fail I fail, but at least I will have tried. Hopefully someone out there will like it!<br />
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4) I'm 50 this year. So what? I'm happier now than I have been for a long time.<br />
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So...January is the start of exciting adventures and doing new things this year. I'm going to grab every bit of happiness I can. Each time I feel myself getting a bit wound up or stressed, I'm going to stop and question myself. Do I really need to be feeling this way? More often than not I know the answer will be no. I'm no saint. By the end of the day I'll probably have had this conversation with myself at least once...but fingers crossed the conversation will be short!<br />
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I've just stubbed my toe. It hurts. BUT...it could've been worse. I could've broken my leg. See? I'm trying. I only swore once. Pollyanna would be proud! If you click on the link below it will take you directly to 'The Pollyanna Plan' book on amazon.<br />
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Love Pippa x<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pollyanna-Plan-Talli-Roland-ebook/dp/B00GNK1XZM/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1420667699&sr=1-1&keywords=the+pollyanna+plan">The Pollyanna Plan on Amazon</a> By Talli Roland<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00543765757043271367noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5939613706358405412.post-85007972001531232202014-12-01T10:16:00.002+00:002015-01-07T23:01:26.778+00:00Mince Pies and Teary Eyes<br />
I thought long and hard about writing this post for two reasons:<br />
It's opening myself up to feelings so personal to me, and the last thing I want is for anybody to think I'm trying to spoil their fun. This is not my intention at all.<br />
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Now that December is here, many of us are looking forward to a fun-filled festive season. Yet a lot of people are dreading it. It's a time to be with family and loved ones, but if you've lost somebody close to you how do you cope? There will be a neighbour, colleague, friend or someone you pass regularly who will be facing the first Christmas without their loved one. Two ladies I know are in this very situation. One, an elderly neighbour lost her husband earlier in the year. Although he'd been ill for some time, nothing could really have prepared her for how lonely she would feel without him. She has family but they don't seem to bother with her much. Her life consists of sitting at her window and watching the world go by. Christmas will be tough for her. She can't remember one without him.<br />
The other lady is young. Her husband went to work one day and she never saw him alive again. All her hopes and dreams for the future snatched away. She got a dog for company and to give herself a focus. She's going to help the homeless on Christmas day, which is great. Nothing will take away her pain though. How could it? Both of these ladies appreciate a few minutes of my time. I'm really busy, but it means so much to them. It's hard to know what to say, but it's enough that I'm prepared to listen if they want to talk. Or just to tell them that I'm thinking of them.<br />
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The last Christmas I truly enjoyed was 2008. The last one with my mum. She passed away on the 6th December 2009. The funeral was two weeks before Christmas and just a few days before my sister's birthday. Somehow or another we managed to hold it together enough to be able to give my daughter and her son a Christmas with the usual presents and nice food. But obviously things would never be the same again. I'd lived with my mum for the last few happy years of her life. We loved Christmas. Our decorations were always up early and we adored having days out to buy gifts. My sister and her family lived five minutes away so we spent the day together.<br />
For the next couple of years we continued to keep things as they'd always been. Well, as much as possible. Then I moved 200 miles away to be with my (now) husband. Christmas was now a bigger problem than ever.<br />
Christmas Eve involved me travelling the 200 miles to be with my sister, and my daughter, who lives in York met me there. Christmas day, I went to York with my daughter, where my husband would pick me up. Five hours driving for him, and no relaxation time for us. He couldn't spend Christmas up north with me as his daughter is still quite young, and he spends Christmas Eve with her.<br />
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This year, for the first time in 49 years, I will not be in Whitby for Christmas. My husband and I got married in June and I promised to stay at home with him this year. I'm happy with this decision but it will be strange. It's time to make a new kind of Christmas though. We're all going to be meeting up and staying in York the weekend before which will be lovely. Then my daughter and her partner are coming to stay with us the weekend after. It'll be really nice. But, try as I might, this time of year upsets me. I can be in town and something will set me off. It could be seeing cards that I want to buy but can't, or hearing carols playing. It doesn't matter where I am or what I'm doing, I feel so sad. This weekend I spent half of it in tears. I promised myself I would make more of an effort to enjoy the run -up to Christmas and I meant it, but you cannot help how you feel. If we could, we'd all be happy all of the time. It brings back such horrible memories and I do not know if it will ever get any easier. I hope so!<br />
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If you are still reading this thank you. You know, it's helped me to write it all down. I hope to report that I did have a lovely Christmas. I've always known that's what my mum would want. And my husband deserves a happy first Christmas of being married.<br />
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If you see anyone who doesn't seem to be getting into the festive spirit, they aren't miserable for the sake of it. They will have a good reason. Maybe they would appreciate you asking them if they are ok?<br />
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Once again, thanks for bearing with me.<br />
Have a fabulous Christmas and I'll catch up with you in the New Year.<br />
<br />
Love Pippa x<br />
PS...If anyone is feeling down, you can always talk to me...<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00543765757043271367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5939613706358405412.post-34258720138565395292014-11-21T17:17:00.000+00:002015-05-20T12:56:12.061+01:00Weekly Witter<br />
Hello, and welcome to my new weekly witter post. I'll be adding to it, yes you've guessed it, every week.
Here I'll be chatting about random things I've seen, done or heard.<br />
Well, this week has been hectic. I've not had time to do much of my second novel, I've been updating this blog. What a nightmare! I'm not technical and although the theme of the blog is red, the air has definitely been blue! The same can also be said for my husband who is doing DIY. He's prowling around armed with tools and an expression to warrant both me and the dog hiding and shaking in corners. If the producers of The Chainsaw Massacre decide to make a new movie, he's their man. Very scary.
But on the plus side, he did make a romantic gesture yesterday. He walked in the house brandishing a bag. As he held it out and said it was for me I wondered what it could be. It was clearly not flowers. The bag was too small to be chocolates. It couldn't be jewellery, not with Christmas approaching. As I peered inside he told me he thought I'd enjoy it. It was difficult to appear grateful though. Much as I like them, I'd got my hopes built up for more than a pork pie. Oh, well, nothing says I love you like a bit of pig in pastry...
Love Pippa x<br />
<br />
Wednesday 20th May<br />
<br />
I'm having a panic attack, oh no, in one month I'll be fifty,<br />
My eyesight and hearing are worsening, my feet are no longer nifty.<br />
I've got a new hobby, it's gardening, I tend to my plants with great care,<br />
Does this mean I'm classed as middle-aged? How on earth did I come to be there?<br />
The makeup routine takes much longer, there's so many deep lines to fill,<br />
But I do have the odd flighty moment, when I feel like a teenager still.<br />
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<br />
And forty-nine's been quite a year, in fact a memorable one in life,<br />
I'm not a dried up grouchy spinster - I recently became a wife!<br />
I also published my first two books, so read them and see which you think best,<br />
Is it The Seventh Day of May, or possibly The OMG Test?<br />
I can write about well-rounded characters, I've been most of the ages you see,<br />
Although I really must confess here, most are a distant memory.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Seventh-Day-Pippa-Franks-ebook/dp/B00UW3HKHQ/ref=pd_rhf_se_p_img_6" target="_blank">The Seventh Day of May</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-OMG-Test-Pippa-Franks-ebook/dp/B00SXKFSZ6/ref=pd_rhf_se_p_img_6" target="_blank">The OMG Test</a><br />
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<br />
Being fifty I'm sure will be okay, I'll wear pearls and a nice twinset,<br />
Grey roots won't be a problem, I can cover them with a hairnet.<br />
I'll be stylish but demure, you know, I'll sip wine, not neck it down,<br />
I'll cover up from head to foot, if I go out into the town.<br />
Oh, I've seen a leopard print cool top, it's gorgeous, oh my gosh,<br />
Maybe I could wear it now and then...when my twinset's in the wash!<br />
<br />
Thanks for reading what's actually my last Weekly Witter, peeps. I'm replacing it with 'Monthly Musings.' The reason for this is because I like talking too much, and I need to focus on my third book, out later in the year:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2_tUxe4eAz6ys4pLry60dq5BsyBCVoucEOG9GIsYIEz9fYEQfpSikHEiUXrVCjRmNboTFtRMNOi1CrTgak7jP8rJzyKjdMaRdsq9uk__tL4fkdgN39L9RlmhryDODO6r29SQcojwZfHk/s1600/Ebook+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2_tUxe4eAz6ys4pLry60dq5BsyBCVoucEOG9GIsYIEz9fYEQfpSikHEiUXrVCjRmNboTFtRMNOi1CrTgak7jP8rJzyKjdMaRdsq9uk__tL4fkdgN39L9RlmhryDODO6r29SQcojwZfHk/s320/Ebook+%25282%2529.jpg" width="213" /></a></div>
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<br />
I'll be back in June, with pics of my 50th birthday,erm, celebrations, and more book news.<br />
Love Pippa x<br />
<br />
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<br />
Monday 11th May<br />
<br />
Hi, Peeps, happy #ChickLitMay!<br />
The celebrations kick off today with the #MissChickLit Beauty Pageant.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2OO5T9mpWnIOaNO7fPpMJ-nEf5NvtDgWT9Rm56PIrC38DkP_HlFuUyWGNFxWCQ0DZhoiOovcBtUJJLjj0Bn_B518mfIFD8y4CUDzKSiJJ32jhQgObTdXALjnb51SwEX3kjfzh4qVFD7M/s1600/Beauty.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2OO5T9mpWnIOaNO7fPpMJ-nEf5NvtDgWT9Rm56PIrC38DkP_HlFuUyWGNFxWCQ0DZhoiOovcBtUJJLjj0Bn_B518mfIFD8y4CUDzKSiJJ32jhQgObTdXALjnb51SwEX3kjfzh4qVFD7M/s320/Beauty.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Olivia Daly from The OMG test is taking part. You can see how she gets on, and read about all the other contestants from the homepage. You can also enter our great giveaway, and you have lots of chances to win! Do you want to be a Beauty Queen too? Check out the details on the homepage.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNCWeGVQFHJGyPfMZRQRh5Rjn6OgujbR5YRRt-LtALut93WnlNHokDPUKJqLwJcJZuhd61aUbgj7AikL-6KqZenWizvXOHDuuPyhK_U784BB-l6UngFmU6fq1G-ev3n6QqFPDULx396h8/s1600/Stage3.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNCWeGVQFHJGyPfMZRQRh5Rjn6OgujbR5YRRt-LtALut93WnlNHokDPUKJqLwJcJZuhd61aUbgj7AikL-6KqZenWizvXOHDuuPyhK_U784BB-l6UngFmU6fq1G-ev3n6QqFPDULx396h8/s320/Stage3.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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Tomorrow we'll be discussing what's on page 45 of our chosen manuscript. If you're looking for some fab new reads, then don't forget to join in the fun here tomorrow.<br />
<br />
As you may know, Bailey, The OMG Test dog, has been ill. Thank you for your messages of concern. He's had a hernia removed, and more worryingly, a lump removed for testing. Hopefully it won't be too serious, but I'll post an update soon.<br />
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A last reminder that my second book, The Seventh Day of May, is free to download, but today is the last day. Life after death, or just death after life? You decide! Here's the link:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/The-Seventh-Day-Pippa-Franks-ebook/dp/B00UW3HKHQ/ref=pd_rhf_gw_p_img_1" target="_blank">http://www.amazon.com/The-Seventh-Day-Pippa-Franks-ebook/dp/B00UW3HKHQ/ref=pd_rhf_gw_p_img_1</a><br />
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Enjoy your week!<br />
Love Pippa x<br />
<br />
Thursday 7th May<br />
<br />
Hi, lovelies, how you doing? I'm going to keep it short and sweet this week. What do you mean, <i>'Thank God for that?'</i><br />
First things first: As it's the 7th May, I thought I'd make my second book, The Seventh Day of May, FREE to download. You have until Monday, peeps. It's paranormal chicklit with a touch of drama and mystery. If you do read it, I'd be grateful if you can spare the time to let me know what you thought. Here's the link:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Seventh-Day-May-Pippa-Franks-ebook/dp/B00UW3HKHQ/ref=sr_1_1_twi_2_kin?ie=UTF8&qid=1431010894&sr=8-1&keywords=the+seventh+day+of+may">http://www.amazon.com/Seventh-Day-May-Pippa-Franks-ebook/dp/B00UW3HKHQ/ref=sr_1_1_twi_2_kin?ie=UTF8&qid=1431010894&sr=8-1&keywords=the+seventh+day+of+may</a><br />
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I'm busy preparing for Chick Lit May, next week. Olivia Daly from The OMG Test, is entering a beauty pageant. That can only mean one thing: chaos! So, if you would like to know what happens, and also enter a fab giveaway, all the details and the pageant will be here on Monday 11th May<br />
<br />
Love Pippa x<br />
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Thursday 30th April<br />
<br />
Hello my lovely witterers. How's your week been?<br />
I'm a bit stressed this week. My little dog, Bailey, has to have surgery next week. He hates going to the vets anyway, so I dread to think how he'll cope. He's having a hernia removed, dental work done and a lump removed for testing. His breed, Lhasa Apso look miserable even when they're not. So I can only imagine the looks he's going to give me when I pick him up afterwards. Here's a picture, to give you some idea. He doesn't look impressed with the present we gave him, does he?<br />
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Some of you will recognise him from the cover of my first book, The OMG Test. Here's a picture of him the first time we saw him at Dogs Trust:<br />
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And a recent one:<br />
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I'll be glad when Tuesday is over and I know he's okay, and fingers crossed the lump will not be serious. I adore this little boy! Remember, a percentage of sales of The OMG Test, are going to Dogs Trust. They do a fantastic job of looking after the dogs they rescue, until they get re-homed. All we know about Bailey is that he was a stray in Ireland. Dogs Trust go over there with vans and pick up the strays then bring them here to hopefully find a forever home. I wanted to take them all, it breaks your heart. If anyone reading this is thinking of getting a dog, please consider rescuing one. It really is so rewarding. Although the book is fiction (rom com) the scenes in the dogs home are only too real. Olivia's dog, Buddy, is based on my Bailey.<br />
Hopefully I'll have good news about his health next week! Here's the link to the book:<br />
Love Pippa x<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-OMG-Test-Pippa-Franks-ebook/dp/B00SXKFSZ6/ref=pd_rhf_se_p_img_1">http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-OMG-Test-Pippa-Franks-ebook/dp/B00SXKFSZ6/ref=pd_rhf_se_p_img_1</a><br />
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Friday 24th April<br />
<br />
Hello again, peeps. This week plans are coming together to celebrate chick lit month in May. I'm delighted to be taking part this year. So, on Monday 11th May, Olivia Daly from The OMG Test will be entering a beauty pageant! Oh, yes, she will. Whether she likes it or not. Which she doesn't...to begin with. Needless to say it doesn't go to plan. I hope you will be part of the audience to see what happens right here :-)<br />
Being included in this celebration is amazing. Once again I feel like a 'proper' author! The first time (apart from my books going live obviously) was when I was featured on Book Mama Blog back in March. It was 'Twelve things you don't know about Pippa.' Here's the link:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://bookmama2.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/the-omg-test-12-things-about-pippa.html">http://bookmama2.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/the-omg-test-12-things-about-pippa.html</a><br />
<br />
But back to chick lit. It gets a bad press which is annoying to say the least. It's evolved a lot from the days of handbags and shoes. Not that there's anything wrong with this anyway, if that's what people want to read. Many of these books though have deeper issues along with the fun and farce. Including mine. OMG in my first book stands for 'Olivia's Misunderstood Gang.' They are a group of four adults with learning difficulties. The story is told in a way that one of the characters is mean to them and doesn't want to be seen out with them in public. This mirrors real life because I've worked in this sector in the past. Olivia soon puts him straight and tells him what she thinks of him in no uncertain terms. My second book, The Seventh Day of May covers guilt, death, life after death and OCD. Yet because humour is a big focus in the books I call them chick lit. I guess I could say romantic comedy, but they are about much more than the romance element. So, what are these books? Women's fiction? Maybe, but a man read both books and loved them. I did not know him, he won one in a giveaway, loved it and then read the other. Both reviews can be read on Amazon. So what does that leave? I haven't a clue to be honest, so I'll stick with what I know and love: chick lit.<br />
I'm working on my third book which will be out later in the year. Do you want to see the cover? Okay, it's here :-)<br />
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Thanks for joining me and I hope you'll visit again next week!<br />
Love Pippa x<br />
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Thursday 16th April<br />
<br />
Hi, this week I was going to talk about world peace, but sadly I doubt this is going to happen any century soon! Then there's the subject of who is likely to win the general election. But as it's hard to believe a word any of them say, I thought I'd stick to more pressing issues: the holiday season. It's so hard to decide what to pack isn't it, girls? So, I thought I'd have a bit of fun with it:<br />
<br />
Excess Baggage<br />
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<div class="MsoNormal">
It’s time for our holiday and I’m going to pack my case,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But when I lay it on the floor I doubt I’ll have the space-<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To take as much as I would like, oh well I’ll have to see,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ll start with towels for the beach- I’d better just take
three.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Bikinis don’t take up much room, I think I will be fine,<o:p></o:p></div>
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They really are so pretty, but I’ll cut them down to nine.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now, pairs of shoes, hmm, tricky, I need flip flops, heels
and flat,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But I’ll be good and just take eight so I’ve done well with
that.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A black bag and a white one, and my bag in nice sky blue,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Maybe my pink and
Jade green, and my sequinned gold one too.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Oh, I’ll need my six best dresses, which smooth out all my
lumps,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
They cling in the right places, and don’t show up all my
bumps.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now my hair extensions, for those posh nights out on the
town,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But shall I take ‘the updo’ or stick to my hair down?<o:p></o:p></div>
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I’ll take them both
and also, my nice ballerina bun,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Hairdryer, tongs and brushes and that’s the hair stuff done.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Right, my eye- shadow palette is a box of 24,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But it’s only got three shades of green, I will need some
more.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Next I will need my lotions, camera and odd things,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
My necklaces and bracelets and a dozen sparkly rings.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I edge around three
full cases- lined up on the floor,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And my husband’s trying- to squeeze his body through the
door.<o:p></o:p></div>
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He’s not looking too happy, and I try to show remorse,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Because I really love him and don’t want a divorce.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I gaze up at his angry face and feel anxiety,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
He says he has excess baggage too, and that he can’t take
me. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Oh dear, I’d better cut it down, one full case and a spare-<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then if I’m short of anything- I’ll buy it when I’m there.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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Love Pippa x</div>
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<br />
Thursday 9th April<br />
<br />
Hello lovely Witterers, and welcome to another week on Planet Pippa!<br />
I have news! My debut novel, The OMG Test keeps appearing in the top 100 chart in humour. How cool is that? Last time I looked (a few seconds ago) it was at number 93. I know when I next look (in a couple of minutes) it may well have disappeared again, but hopefully not for good. Thank you to any of you amazing people who have bought the book and helped to get it there. A big thank you also from Bailey, the rescue dog on the cover (mine) and Dogs Trust who get a percentage of sales.<br />
The winners of the competition from last week are: Sandra Noble and Tracy Matlock who will each receive a signed copy of their chosen book, The OMG Test. Jenna, from my second book, The Seventh Day of May, is a little put out by this. If you're into paranormal chicklit, this is the book for you. You can read a sample of both books over on Amazon. The links are both on last weeks post.<br />
I'm still waiting for anyone who wants to be named in book 3. The details are in last weeks post also. I've just started work on this book, and I can reveal for the first time it will be called, Grace Me With Your Presents. As you'll probably guess from the title, it's chicklit again :-)<br />
Anyway, I must go. I need to check that I'm still in that top 100. Wish me luck!<br />
<br />
Love Pippa x<br />
<br />
<br />
Thursday 2nd April<br />
<br />
Hello again, is it really April? I'm dreaming of barbecues and al fresco dining, and especially sitting at a pavement cafe with a chilled glass of vino. Nothing beats sitting outside with the sun shining down, watching the world go by.<br />
I thought as it's almost Easter I should offer some surprises. What do you think? I have a few up my sleeve (okay, that's a lie, they're in my head) so...if you would like a gift from me read on.<br />
As you may know, I have two books published and a third underway. What I'd like you to do, is to read the free sample from the beginning of both books and tell me which one you would most like to continue reading. Then email me at pippa.franks@hotmail.co.uk, leave your comment at the bottom of the Weekly Witter posts or fill out the contact form. Simple. Two entries will be picked at random one week today (Thursday 9th April) and they will each receive a signed copy of their chosen book. In addition to this, a further two people will have a character named after them in my third book. Don't forget to give me your name and email address, and to keep up to date with this and other offers, make sure to follow this blog. I'll have lots more gifts and surprises coming up so don't miss out. The links to both books are below, so, is it team Olivia in 'The OMG Test,' or team Jenna in 'The Seventh day of May?' Click on the title to start reading.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-OMG-Test-Pippa-Franks-ebook/dp/B00SXKFSZ6/ref=pd_rhf_se_p_img_2">The OMG Test</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiloytoU5hgiZ1Ln67JRR_mefbFNZeTdZadP1IXgwhqWdLGs_KdufaOGfh9d21DbZkp6aFFQxoaEQdmBzTxWlzw3N-xiFxAcj27ET_xay-FT1w50uyTrrjBcz0sx72t0Draxjb2cD477qw/s1600/omg2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiloytoU5hgiZ1Ln67JRR_mefbFNZeTdZadP1IXgwhqWdLGs_KdufaOGfh9d21DbZkp6aFFQxoaEQdmBzTxWlzw3N-xiFxAcj27ET_xay-FT1w50uyTrrjBcz0sx72t0Draxjb2cD477qw/s1600/omg2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Seventh-Day-Pippa-Franks-ebook/dp/B00UW3HKHQ/ref=pd_rhf_se_p_img_3">The Seventh Day of May</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeIvKZ1P8HUlcaHfIoG2azBxlyGAlcdIC2kH07c8rdMIiyPcYeUjOTwAVzzDelcCLl7YZTu9oVgE8aUyuM9I8-bxZsF2mCjk11AQPADXvwNXhsY-4yYZCXgN2EX8FFZ-iVZSoKaZQE2oE/s1600/eboo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeIvKZ1P8HUlcaHfIoG2azBxlyGAlcdIC2kH07c8rdMIiyPcYeUjOTwAVzzDelcCLl7YZTu9oVgE8aUyuM9I8-bxZsF2mCjk11AQPADXvwNXhsY-4yYZCXgN2EX8FFZ-iVZSoKaZQE2oE/s1600/eboo2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Love Pippa x<br />
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Friday 27th March<br />
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Hello lovely Witterers, how are you this week? Anything exciting happened?<br />
I must share my week of excitement with you! Well, I've published my second book, The Seventh Day of May. It's paranormal chick lit. Here's the link if you are interested in reading it :-) Click on the title below.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Seventh-Day-Pippa-Franks-ebook/dp/B00UW3HKHQ/ref=pd_rhf_se_p_img_1">The Seventh Day of May</a><br />
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Also, my debut novel The OMG Test is FREE to download until Monday 30th March. Here's the link, just click on the title below for your freebie. It's chick lit/romantic comedy. If anyone hasn't read my posts before, the dog on the cover is my own rescue dog. A percentage of sales are going to Dogs Trust. I'm excited to tell you that it's currently at number nine in its category in free books. When I think of the two million books on Amazon, I realise how amazing this is. I'm still trying to get my head round it all to be honest. Less than three months ago I didn't even have one book published. To say it's been a bit crazy lately is an understatement.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-OMG-Test-Pippa-Franks-ebook/dp/B00SXKFSZ6/ref=pd_rhf_se_p_img_2">The OMG Test</a><br />
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Anyway, thanks for reading this, and if you are kind enough to read any of my books, I'd love to hear what you think.<br />
I hope you'll join me again next week!<br />
Love Pippa x<br />
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Thursday 19th March<br />
<br />
Hello again, are you having a good week?<br />
Mine's been busy. My second book, The Seventh Day of May will be published this weekend. Two months after The OMG Test. The reason I've done it so soon is because I started writing the second book before I published the first, then concentrated on getting it finished. It's paranormal chick lit. Is it far-fetched? Yes, of course it is...but I did get pushed by a ghost once. They say truth can be stranger than fiction. I have so many stories to tell...<br />
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The last two months have been amazing. I've met so many lovely people, who have supported and encouraged me. A big highlight was being featured on Book Mama Blog, where I listed twelve things about myself. I felt like a 'proper' author :-)<br />
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The only thing I've ever wanted to do was write and to have readers saying they enjoyed the book is incredible. My dream come true! If you are one of them, I'm sending you huge hugs and kisses.<br />
If any writers are reading this, please get in touch. I'm going to write a post on editing howlers! I've had so many and I figured most authors will be the same. It will make for very entertaining reading. I'll put links to the book you're talking about in the post. I'm also planning on writing a post on why I wrote The OMG Test. For anyone who doesn't know, OMG stands for 'Olivia's Misunderstood Gang,' a group of four adults with learning difficulties. Although I write chick lit/rom coms, I like to talk about social issues too. Adding this to the genre was something I thought long and hard about. I've been told by a reader that I've done it well. Her opinion counts for a lot because she has first hand experience. I'll leave it to her to explain in the post which will be published at the beginning of April.<br />
Anyway, I'll leave you with the cover of the new book. Thanks for reading and please feel free to leave any comments below.<br />
Love Pippa x<br />
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Thursday 12th March<br />
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Hello all, I hope you've had a great week!<br />
We took Bailey (the book cover dog) to the seaside at the weekend. He loves the beach and I got to see my family. It's 200 miles from where I live now, in the Midlands. I still say Whitby is the home to the best fish & chips anywhere in the world. Correct me if you think I'm wrong. We did a long walk from Robin Hood's Bay to Whitby so that made me feel less guilty about the tons of junk food consumed over three days! I really need to start an exercise programme soon. Maybe next week...<br />
In other news...The new cover for The OMG Test has gone down very well. So many people have told me they love it. For anyone who doesn't know, a percentage of each sale is going to Dogs Trust. I thought it would be nice to use one of their real rescue dogs on the cover, so I did. Mine. Here he is (he's called Buddy in the book)<br />
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Next week I'll be posting the cover for book two, out at the end of this month. 'The Seventh Day of May' is paranormal chick lit. I'd love to know what you think of the new cover for 'The OMG Test.'<br />
I hope you'll join me again next week.<br />
Love Pippa x<br />
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Wednesday 4th March<br />
<br />
Hello lovely Witterers,<br />
Well as I told you last week, I've changed the cover of The OMG Test. The reason for this is because a percentage of author royalties are going to Dogs Trust. The new cover features their logo and a real rescue dog. Mine! Yes, I'm thrilled to tell you that my little Bailey is on the cover. Of course, in the book he's called Buddy, but shh, don't tell him that! (The legs aren't mine. If only!)<br />
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As a reward for posing, he's off on holiday to the seaside this weekend. He adores the sand. Below, I've added the link to the book and also a couple more pictures of Bailey/Buddy relaxing.<br />
Have a great rest of the week!<br />
Love Pippa x<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-OMG-Test-Pippa-Franks-ebook/dp/B00SXKFSZ6/ref=pd_rhf_se_p_img_3">The OMG Test</a><br />
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Thursday 26th February<br />
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Hello lovely Witterers,<br />
This week I've been busy editing my second book. I'm thrilled to announce that 'The Seventh Day of May,' will be published within the next four weeks. 'The OMG Test,' took ten years on and off to write, so this one has been very quick compared to that! To have two books out within the space of two months will be amazing. I've just seen the cover for the first time and I'm delighted with it. Talking of covers, I'm going to be changing the cover of book one. It's taken from a scene in the book and I love it, but it was night time and a bit dark for the genre (Chick Lit). The other reason I'm changing it, is because I'm going to pay a percentage of each sale to Dogs Trust. The cover will have their logo on, and of course a picture of Olivia's dog, Buddy. Buddy is based on my own rescue dog, Bailey. He can be seen on the back cover currently. All sales so far, and in the meantime, will be taken into account and the percentage will be backdated and paid to them. If you're considering reading the book, you'll also be helping such a great charity. As you can probably tell, it's close to my heart. I should have thought of all this to start with, but I was eager to get the book out and excited. I think when you publish for the first time you make mistakes and learn from them.<br />
I used to think getting an agent and big publisher was everything. But it's not. And do you know what? It's the last thing I want at the moment, because I'm loving the whole experience of self-publishing. That includes making mistakes, but it's a lovely feeling to have done it all yourself, and being in full control. Good or bad, it's my book from start to finish, content, cover, deadlines, publishing date. Everything. I'm delighted with my first two reviews on Goodreads, both five star! I've read them over and over again :-)<br />
Anyway, I'll shut up for now, but I'd love to hear your thoughts on the cover change or anything to do with publishing.<br />
Love Pippa x<br />
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Thursday 19th February<br />
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Hello again, the weeks are flying by, aren't they?<br />
During this past week I finished my draft of book two and sent it off to my editor. Then I bit my nails and drank vino. Then repeated these actions a few more times. I'd worked on book one, 'The OMG Test,' for years on and off, actually learning how to write in the process. The current book hasn't taken long to write in the scheme of things. I obsessed about how good/bad it was before being brave enough to let another pair of (critical) eyes see it for the first time. At best I expected to be told it would be fine, after at least a full re-write and tons of editing. I was prepared for this, and figured I could possibly publish it around summer. During the few days it took her to read it, I got numerous emails telling me she loved the story and characters. I was obviously delighted. When I got the assessment report back I was ecstatic. It's straight on to normal edits, and she genuinely loves the book. The best bit of all was when she said I had improved so much. It's amazing to be told that. All the years of being patient, and blood, sweat and tears, was worth it. The biggest problem I had with early drafts of book one was pacing and structure. Apparently I've got that right first time round with this book. What a relief! I'm really enjoying working on it, it's paranormal. I'm fascinated by the subject, so it's been a lot of fun. I'm planning on writing a full post on the paranormal in the not too distant future, so if you have any stories of your own to share I'd love to hear them! I'm hoping to publish book two around spring.<br />
Have a great week!<br />
Love Pippa x<br />
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Friday 13th February<br />
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Hello Witterers, have you done anything exciting this week?<br />
It's been two whole weeks now, since 'The OMG Test' was published! I can still clearly remember that evening almost ten years ago, when I wrote the first words. If you're interested in how it all began, check out my other posts. You'll see that if I can do it anyone can. If they really want to. The writing and getting it right is only one aspect. Other writers have told me that I've done what most fail to do: finish a book. Sounds crazy, doesn't it? But apparently not. There's thousands of people out there who say they want to write a novel, but don't. Or, they start, discover it's not as easy as they thought and abandon the idea. So, I'm proud of myself for doing it. It's a fabulous feeling to press that publish button. What an achievement.<br />
The problem now of course, is getting my name and book out there. I knew it wouldn't be easy, but I've got this far. And, I've met some lovely people over on Goodreads, who've been so helpful. Quite a few even want to read the book, which is fabulous.<br />
To be honest, most of my time this week has been spent on finishing the first draft of book two. Now it's time to edit. Yes, I'm doing it all over again and I can't wait! The advice I've been given is to get another book out there as soon as I can. I'm loving it and there's no stopping me now. Every single word I write is for readers to hopefully enjoy. When anyone tells me they laughed out loud or had a cry it's the BEST feeling in the world. I'm still pinching myself. The link to my book is below this post. You can have a sneaky peek at a sample over on Amazon, if you'd like to. The genre is Chick lit/ romantic comedy. The book I'm working on now is the same genre, but it's paranormal. So much fun to write.<br />
Anyway, that's enough wittering for this week! Have a fab weekend, and if you have a few moments to spare please get in touch. I'd love to hear from you. I like to talk...about anything!<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/OMG-Test-Pippa-Franks-ebook/dp/B00SXKFSZ6/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1423819940&sr=1-1&keywords=the+omg+test">Book link</a><br />
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Love Pippa x<br />
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Friday 6th February<br />
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Hello lovely Witterers. I cannot believe how quickly the weeks are flying by, can you? I'm beginning to think there was no point putting the Christmas tree away.<br />
Well, it's now been a week since 'The OMG Test' was published. I've spent the week updating profiles on different sites. I didn't even realise you had to do separate ones for Amazon UK and .com. The same for reviewing books. I'm thrilled that bestselling murder/mystery author, Joanne Clancy, wrote a blog post showcasing me and the book. Amazing. She's also helped with countless other things. I don't know what I'd have done without her! Especially as she's just published her 20th book! Incredible! The link to it is below. It's a brilliant read:<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/I-Should-Have-Told-You-ebook/dp/B00SZFK0MK/ref=sr_1_12?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1423215887&sr=1-12&keywords=joanne+clancy">I Should Have Told You, by Joanne Clancy</a><br />
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Writing is lonely. You're in your own little world, just you and the characters. That's fine. But then once you publish, you need to do the exact opposite to shutting yourself away, and shout about the book. That isn't fine, but it's necessary. Although I'm easy going and like to meet people, I'm not one for standing up in front of an audience. I did it at my recent wedding, and I was terrified. My nerves were already in shreds due to a bridesmaid's dress giving way! You can see how much the piece of paper was shaking in my hand in my 'Getting hitched without a hitch' post. So, what do I do? How do I get both my name and my book to stand out from the thousands of other books out there? I always knew this was going to be hard, and I'm sure it'll get easier with time. But I do have to say that I've loved the self-publishing journey. I like the fact that you can dictate your own deadlines, content and cover. Whatever happens, I'll always be proud of myself for getting this far, and actually doing it! And, hard as it's been at times, I'm doing it again. Book two is well under way. The simple fact is this: I love writing so much, and can't bear the thought of not doing it anymore. So nothing will stop me, and I'll have to become braver.<br />
Wish me luck!<br />
The link to the book is below, if you'd like to have a peek. The genre is chick lit/romantic comedy.<br />
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<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/OMG-Test-Pippa-Franks-ebook/dp/B00SXKFSZ6/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1423215566&sr=1-1&keywords=the+omg+test">The OMG Test</a>, by Pippa Franks<br />
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Love Pippa x<br />
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Sunday 1st February<br />
<br />
Hello, and welcome to my Weekly Witter!<br />
For anybody who has been following my Witters, I must apologise for being late this week. I have a good reason: I've finally published by book, 'The OMG Test.' I've had a few technical issues which I wanted to correct, before announcing this.<br />
I found out it had gone live on amazon a few hours after uploading it. My cousin posted an order page from amazon. I nearly fainted with shock! What a lovely feeling. I've waited almost ten years for this moment. I admit I cried. A lot. It's been a long and emotional journey since I wrote the first words all those years ago. But now the real hard work begins: persuading all you lovely people to take a chance on me and give the book a go. It's 99p to download and the paperback is £5.99.<br />
For anybody willing to try it, I'd love to hear your comments. I'm happy to listen to all feedback, both good and bad. Click on the title below and it will take you straight to the page on amazon.<br />
<a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/OMG-Test-Pippa-Franks-ebook/dp/B00SXKFSZ6/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1422788775&sr=1-1&keywords=the+omg+test">The OMG Test</a><br />
You can 'look inside' for a preview.<br />
I'll be back as normal next Friday.<br />
Love Pippa x<br />
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Friday 23rd January<br />
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Hello lovely Witterers...have you had a good week?<br />
On Monday I held a physical copy of my book for the first time ever. What a feeling! Although I've been calling it 'my book' for ages, really it was nothing more than a manuscript. A word document. But now, it's the real thing. I stared at this proof copy for ages. Then I turned the pages slowly. I read the bio and acknowledgements as if I was seeing them for the first time. When I turned to the start of the story I could hardly believe I was seeing the evidence of all that hard work in a <i>real book</i>.<br />
I'm not technical at all, so the formatting guidelines had given me palpitations. Gutter margins? I had nightmares. Luckily for me my husband sorted it. The colour on the cover was much darker than the image we'd uploaded, so that had to be lightened. Apart from that I was happy. Now we need to format the Kindle version. But both should be available on amazon next weekend. Argghhh scary! Exciting though.<br />
I'm going to press 'Publish' next Thursday. I've been told it takes a day or two to go live. I'm hoping this will happen on 31st January. Eight days from now.<br />
Wish me luck!<br />
Love Pippa x<br />
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Friday 16th January<br />
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Hello Witterers...What a week it's been!<br />
Last week I mentioned that I'd just found a cover designer for my first book. A few hours later I saw it for the first time. This was not a hastily thrown together image. It was taken from a scene in the book. By the early hours of the morning (Yes, he worked incredibly hard), final touches had been made. And there it was, the cover for 'The OMG Test.' The man behind this is Paul Beeley of 'Create Imaginations.' Not only did he do the cover quickly, he also designed a Facebook header, arranged my first ever blog interview, AND provided me with a book trailer. All of this was within two days. Amazing! You may think the cost of this package is high, but it's not! If you're looking for a cover designer visit the website and see for yourself.<br />
Here is the cover:<br />
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The scene is where Olivia is looking through a restaurant window to see how a proper table setting should look. She's about to hold a dinner party and wants to impress Connor. She's also imagining being at the romantic table with him. Sadly, her bubble is burst a minute later. I hope you will read the book to find out why!<br />
I aim to publish the book around the end of this month. I'm also halfway through book two. Exciting times!<br />
Love Pippa x<br />
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Friday 9th January<br />
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Hello Witterers, how are you this week?<br />
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The prospect of me publishing a book has become real now. I've written the blurb for the cover, got my acknowledgements ready and I'm in talks with a cover designer. Wow! I can hardly believe it's about to happen at last. Seeing the cover for the first time will be so exciting. After all the blood, sweat and (plenty of) tears it's time to have some fun! I wonder what it'll look like. Although I've had ten years to picture it, I keep having different visions. I can say what I don't want, but not what I do. So, I'll leave it to the professionals and see what they come up with. I can't wait to show you it! I write chick-lit and am proud to say so. I know it's not everyone's cup of tea, but it is still hard to get the writing perfect, as with any genre. Just because it involves humour it doesn't mean that it's easy. It's not! There's still all the issues of show not tell, passive voice, point of view and lots more besides. It annoys me when I hear people dismiss it as being mindless rubbish. My answer is this: There's enough bad news in the world so why not indulge in escapism if you can? Also, my debut novel has adults with learning difficulties in. I wanted to write about important topics along with the farce and humour. My second book covers guilt and death, but will still be classed as chick-lit. However, I <i>can</i> understand why it sometimes gets a bad name, and it leads back to covers.<br />
Many well established authors become annoyed at having little imput into what is effectively their shop window. The covers often show handbags and shoes, which is fine if that's what the book is about. But often it isn't, and bears no resemblance to the story. Here's one important reason why self-publishing is good: complete control. The cover clearly has to be fabulous to stand out however you publish, and self-published authors have the power to make sure this happens.<br />
I love handbags and shoes by the way! :-)<br />
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Onto other news...I'm thrilled to say that in my February post I will be interviewing best selling author Joanne Clancy! Having written and self-published around twenty books now, what she doesn't know probably isn't worth knowing anyway. If anybody has any questions they'd like me to put forward to her please let me know.<br />
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Have a great week!<br />
Love Pippa x<br />
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Friday 2nd January<br />
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Hello and happy 2015 lovely Witterers!<br />
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I hope you all enjoyed the festive period. I've been ill throughout. Typical! Last year was a gum abscess and this year a head cold. Despite this, I still had a lovely time with friends and family.<br />
I must admit though, that a good part of the holiday consisted of curling up under a blanket and watching TV.<br />
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New Year is a time for reflection and I hope I can fulfill the goals I set in 2014 for this coming year. The main goal is to publish my debut novel and to finish my second and publish that too, in the first half of the year. Now that the time is near at last, it's scary. Exciting, but scary. For the first time regarding my writing, I'm on a deadline. By the end of this month I must finish the first draft of book two. And make sure it's been edited once, so that it's ready to send to my editor. I'm a third of the way through. Hmm, sounds tough, but I have to do it. At that point I'll publish book one while I wait to get my edits back.<br />
I can't imagine what it must be like to press that 'Publish' button for the first time. I guess the questions going round in your head must be the same for everyone though: Will anybody buy it? Will anybody like it? Will anybody leave a bad review soon? Will anybody leave a good review ever? Will anyone even find it? How do I make sure people do?<br />
I'm beginning to worry about the actual publishing process now too. I'm not very technical and wonder how hard the formatting is. Plenty of other people manage it, but somehow that doesn't make me feel better about it at the moment. BUT, I'm going to be positive and tell myself it will be fine. It's what I've been wanting to do for almost ten years. I've decided to see the positive in everything this year (barring drastic incidents obviously) and not moan about minor things. I wonder if I'll get beyond this week :-)<br />
This is the subject of my imminent January post 'January Yellows.'<br />
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Anyway, I'm going to sign off for now...the dog has come in and got mud everywhere. Aww, bless him! I'm not cursing under my breath. I'M NOT, OK?<br />
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Love Pippa x<br />
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Thursday 18th December<br />
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Hello again, lovely Witterers. What a week it's been! I'm happy to report that the Christmas cheer finally found me. If you saw last week's post I'm sure you'll agree I've done well!<br />
The presents are all wrapped and I've hit my target of writing a third of my second book by Christmas.<br />
If you don't already know, book one has been out with an agent for the past couple of months. Well, my expiry date has been and gone. I've heard nothing so it's safe to say that it's a 'Thanks, but no thanks.' Or, more likely, only one of those four words. The one with two letters! Am I disappointed? Yes, a little, otherwise I wouldn't have bothered sending it off. However, I have prepared for this: I'm going to publish it myself around the end of January, mid February at the latest. The reason for the timing is because book two will be ready to send to the editor by then. While she's going through it I can concentrate on getting 'The OMG Test' out there. Once I get my edits back it'll be a juggling act of promoting book one and completing book two. It's scary but exciting. To think I'll have two books published by halfway through 2015. This is after writing for about ten years on and off. I may fall flat on my face and get nothing but bad reviews (assuming anyone even buys it) but hopefully it won't turn out to be quite as bad as that!<br />
As I've said before, I'd rather try and fail, than fail to try.<br />
At one time I would've heard imaginary voices of the agents I'd submitted to. They'd be saying: 'She's publishing <i>that?' </i>The time may come where the voices are no longer in my head, and they do say it, but instead of focusing on the negatives and letting them hold me back, I'm going to stay focused on the positives. Two agents, prior to final edits, had the following to say:<br />
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'There's a lot to like here. I quite enjoyed the voice.'<br />
And, from someone who read it all: 'You have the talent and ability to be published and you made me laugh out loud on more than one occasion.'<br />
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That's pretty good, right? I know ultimately they rejected it, but I'm choosing to keep their lovely comments in mind. And also, the book is further edited since these comments were made.<br />
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I'm looking forward to spending a weekend in York with all my family this weekend. We'll be opening presents (If only they knew the state I was in last week) by a real fire in the hotel we're all staying at. York is a beautiful city, especially this time of year. I'm going to really enjoy it. Definitely! If you read my 'Mince Pies and Teary Eyes' post you'll understand that remark.<br />
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So, I'll be using the travelling time to do some edits on my first eight chapters of book two. Once I arrive back in Coventry, I'll be having a little break from writing until after Christmas (If I can keep away), so I'll sign off now and be back in the new year. My January post will be called 'January Yellows' and of course this Weekly Witter will continue then. I hope you'll join me!<br />
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Merry Christmas to you all!<br />
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Love Pippa x<br />
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Friday 12th December<br />
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How's your December going? I can't believe it's halfway through,<br />
I'm really not prepared at all and now I have so much to do.<br />
I started out quite well you know, my cards were posted on the first,<br />
Then I realised I'd forgotten lots, it was then that my bubble burst.<br />
These couple of gifts won't cut it, ah, I could rifle through my drawers,<br />
Hmm, if you're after mismatched socks - well then good news my friend, they're yours!<br />
Okay I need a pick me up, I know - Christmas sherry,<br />
I'm guessing that will do the trick, for it's bound to make me merry.<br />
I'm struggling with the sellotape, the drink's not working, I'm afraid,<br />
Because much as I love Noddy, I'm wishing I could throttle Slade.<br />
Mmm, Bailey's could be the answer, it's a good idea to try it,<br />
Tis the season to be jolly? Well I'm sorry, I don't buy it.<br />
Oh, I think I'll just check Facebook and see what's been put on Twitter,<br />
Maybe write more of my novel, then update my Weekly Witter.<br />
Oh, where's the Christmas fairy, to find and wrap up gifts divine?<br />
I'm looking, but I can't see her, so I suppose that job's all mine.<br />
Our dancing Santa's gloating, as well he might, he's had all year,<br />
He has nothing else to think of, after all it's his career.<br />
Oh, carol singers at the door, and yes, they really sound quite nice,<br />
But disturbing my Eastenders? I've turned the volume up now. Twice.<br />
I screw up the wrapping paper, which is rubbish, it has all torn,<br />
Yet I know I'll get my jobs done - a Christmas miracle reborn.<br />
I've decided on the vino, hey, I'm smiling now at last,<br />
All of this negativity, I'm placing firmly in the past.<br />
I pour myself another wine, oops, is that a little stagger?<br />
I'm dancing around manically, I bet I could impress Jagger.<br />
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Mrry Chrishhmus<br />
Love Pippa x<br />
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Friday 5th December<br />
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Hello lovely witterers. This week has been a toughie for me. I've given the reason why in my new blog post 'Mince Pies and Teary Eyes.'<br />
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I've devoted as much time as possible to my book this week. My aim was to get a quarter of the way through by Christmas. Luckily I'm almost there, so I'm now hoping to write another couple of chapters to make it a third. It's been a fantastic diversion from negative thoughts which this time of year brings. The other thing that helps me is my 3pm dog walk with my 'white dog gang.' We're not racist (or dogist) and our latest member is brown. Four humans make up the gang and we support each other through good and bad times. Even if I've had a terrible day, chances are that by 3.10pm I'll be laughing. A big topic of conversation is my writing. Ridiculous plot ideas are thought up. I'd like to think they are from the others and not me, but I'll let readers be the judge of that when they read my books! We meet some fascinating (and strange) people. 'A walk in the Park' could be the title of a future book!<br />
One minute we can be discussing the merits of different poo bags and the next we can be chasing a flasher through the park. Yes, really. It seems the winter weather doesn't bother him. It should do though, because by all accounts the cold weather makes it difficult for anyone to see what he's actually doing! He's married with young kids. How do I know? Because he was caught and taken to court...and let off due to lack of evidence. What are we supposed to do? Say: 'Hang on, hold that pose while I get a close-up photo?' His wife gave him a false alibi. She probably just doesn't want to believe it. I have to say the police have been great, they are as frustrated as we are by the situation.<br />
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Anyway, if you live in Coventry, near Lake View Park, come and join us. We don't bite and neither do our dogs. Often.<br />
When I first went to the park I spent hours looking for the lake. I wondered how on earth I could miss it. Until someone told me there wasn't one. But on the plus side there's a stream. And on a good day you can't really see the mattress which has been dumped in it. Aside from the mattress it is a nice park but it's the people who make it for me. One of the gang is also going through a tough time. 2014 for her has been a nightmare. Earlier in the year her partner was diagnosed with cancer and it's been a long round of appointments and chemo and radiotherapy. Christmas for them won't be a good one, yet she's busy at the moment making Christmas stockings for all the dogs. We're all praying next Christmas will be a much happier and healthier one for them. Fingers crossed. (If you haven't already checked out my Christmas post mentioned above, maybe you will find it interesting)<br />
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Anyway, thanks for reading. Have a fab week and I hope you'll join me again next week...same time, same place!<br />
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Love Pippa x<br />
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Friday 28th November<br />
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Hello again lovely witterers. Well, along with buying chocolates for Christmas presents and promptly eating them, I've managed to do some writing this week. I've got past introducing a ghost to the main character. She's on an important mission but can only do it with Jenna, the main character's help.<br />
I decided to write a paranormal novel years ago. Why? Because the whole subject fascinates me. Do I believe in it? Yes! If I didn't I would not be writing this book. It must be incredibly difficult to write something you don't actually believe yourself. I believe there is more to life (and death) than we truly understand. I've had so many things happen to me over the years. I appreciate though, that if you haven't had any strange experiences it would be hard to say you believe. One thing's for certain: it is a subject that has been and will continue to be debated throughout time.<br />
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I'll tell you about three episodes which have stayed with me as clearly as if they had happened yesterday:<br />
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Many years ago, I was doing up a house with a view to moving into it permanently. The cottage was run down and needed a lot of work. The first problem was that everytime I was there I felt ill - sick and dizzy. This usually resulted in me going home without getting much done. The bad feelings increased to loud noises close by. Door handles would turn, footsteps could be heard and knocking and banging became louder in volume.<br />
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One morning, I was in the kitchen waiting for the kettle to boil when I was pushed from the side. I stumbled and hurt myself on the worktop. But the worst part was the sure knowledge that somebody or something did not want me there. The feeling in the room was menacing. I left, but returned a few nights later with a friend. I tried to push what had happened to the back of my mind.<br />
My friend and I were going to stay over that night and I didn't mention to her any of the previous incidents.<br />
We listened to music and watched TV. Even above these sounds noises and footsteps could be heard. My friend became alarmed, but we went up to one of the bedrooms which had two single beds. As we snuggled down, we looked over at each other, unable to ignore the scratching and knocking coming from outside the room. Footsteps approached and we heard growling noises. We were absolutely terrified. We jumped from the beds and ran downstairs and out of the door, not even pausing to change from our pyjamas and put shoes on. Luckily I lived nearby so we ran there, waking up my family, and we sat re-living the whole experience all night. I never went back, not even to collect my things.<br />
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The house I lived in had been in my family for 46 years. It was a Victorian town house and the houses on that street had previously belonged to sea captains.<br />
Over the years the family acknowledged that there was more people than us living there. We never felt threatened though. Not like in that cottage.<br />
By the time of the second incident I'm telling you about, I was living in the family home alone. I was packing to move to be with my (now) husband. It was a period of my life where I had mixed feelings - I was going to be starting a new life 200 miles away, and my sister and I were sad because we'd recently lost our mum. It was hard packing up her stuff and mine, our home was becoming an empty shell.<br />
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This particular day I was in the bath. The door was frosted glass and I saw a black figure going past the bathroom and continuing up another flight of stairs, towards the top floor where I was living.<br />
My sister had a key and was at the house everyday, helping to pack and to generally spend time with me before I moved. I called to her: 'I'll be there in a minute.'<br />
But there was nobody there.<br />
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A couple of weeks later, I was washing up in the kitchen when I saw out of the corner of my eye, a black figure coming up the stairs and onto the landing outside the kitchen. My sister had left five minutes before. I said: 'What have you forgotten?' convinced she'd come back. But again there was nobody there.<br />
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I've had many more experiences. I know people reading this may well put it down to an active imagination (I am writing after all) but I know what I saw. Those two incidents happening close together, I feel was to do with the house being turned upside down. Or possibly they were residual hauntings, which is an event from the past playing over and over like a tape recording. Apparently.<br />
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Anyway, the great thing about writing a paranormal novel is having the complete freedom to write whatever I like. I'm having fun with it. And as I know only too well; the truth really can be stranger than fiction...<br />
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So, are you a believer, non-believer or open-minded? I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences!<br />
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I must go now, there's someone at the door. He's much more frightening than any ghost...It's the postman and the pile of brown envelopes he's carrying scare the hell out of me!<br />
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Love Pippa x<br />
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Friday 21st November<br />
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Hello my lovely witterers. I say lovely but own up, somebody has stolen from me. They've taken a few months from my calender. December in under two weeks? It cannot possibly true...can it?<br />
Something else mysteriously disappears too - socks! I think I know the culprit though: the washing machine. We have more odd ones than pairs because they enter the machine never to be seen again. Why is this? I hardly dare put my hand in nowadays in case it develops a liking for them too!<br />
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Anyway...this week has been a bit stressful. Nothing in particular, it's just a case of having a lot on my mind. The run up to Christmas is a hard time for me. It used to be my favourite time of the year, but for the last few years it brings tears. The last thing I want to do is to depress you, I'm writing about it in my December post which will be called 'Mince pies and Teary Eyes.' This will explain all and I'm sure a lot of people will identify with what I'll be saying. But enough of that for this week.<br />
So, what with Christmas looming and getting the house straight from months of DIY and decorating, it hasn't left any time for writing this week. I'm hoping to get three more chapters done by Christmas and then finish the whole of draft one by the end of January. I don't think I'll be sleeping much during that month, approximately 60,000 words to write. Once I set myself a target or deadline though, I stick to it. My gran used to say that if I wanted something done, I wanted it done yesterday. She was right.<br />
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I still need your help with my book. The details are in my witter post from last week, so please check it out. I'm hoping to have details on publishing my first book soon. 2015 is set to be an exciting year for me. Possibly publishing my first two books and starting my third.<br />
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Okay, I'd better go and get on with the sock search. Wish me luck! One thought has just occurred to me though and cheered me up: I've been married for five months now and we haven't mentioned divorce! Yay :-)<br />
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Love Pippa x<br />
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Friday 14th November<br />
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Hello again, lovely readers. I can't believe how quickly this week has gone. I've been busy with my second book, 'The 7th day of May.' No prizes for guessing what date I'd like it to be published...<br />
But there <i>is </i>a prize for helping me with a section of the book. What I need is a name for a singing duo. They are in their twenties. One's male and one's female. They both sing and he also plays the guitar. She's a bit of a rock chick, he's dark, brooding and gorgeous! If any of you can come up with the name of this band, which they set up in the book, I will use it and will mention you in my acknowledgement page once published. Just click on comments below. Don't forget to keep checking as I will announce the winner in a later post. An easy way to do this is to subscribe to my posts. All this means is that you will be notified when I write a new one.<br />
This week I thought I would share with you a scene in the chapter I'm currently writing. I'll quickly explain the setting:<br />
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Jenna, the main character, has just got engaged. She's in a cafe with her future mother-in-law Mona (Or as Jenna refers to her: 'The Mona')<br />
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Mona proceeded to take another sheet of paper out of her bag. She unfolded it and smoothed out the creases with the palm of her hand, before thrusting it over the table. 'I've printed this from the interweb. It took me ages to do but I think this dress will be perfect for you.'<br />
Jenna stared at the smiling face of the model wearing the monstrosity. She must've been desperate for the money when agreeing to pose in that creation for public viewing.<br />
(she thinks to herself)<i> So, the Mona has a vision of me getting married in fancy dress then. She sees me as a snowman. But on the plus side, all I'll need is a carrot nose-mould and a pipe. Voila! Outfit complete!</i><br />
'What do you think?' Mona clasped her hands together.<br />
<i>That there's more chance of me walking down the aisle naked to 'Love Stinks' by J Geils Band, than there is of me wearing that.</i><br />
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I've decided that the above song is the 'theme tune' for the book. It's fitting. Each time I start a new book I'm going to pick a song as the theme. It will help me focus on where I'm heading with the story and characters. Actually, this song would fit my first book, 'The OMG Test' too. I can imagine Olivia, the main character loving it! (details on release date coming soon)<br />
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Anyway, don't forget about the competition. Get your thinking caps on. One more thing to bear in mind - the characters involved are both recovering from the death of loved ones. They make a pact to honour their memory and not waste another moment. Hence the forming of the band.<br />
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I'll be back next week, but in the meantime I thought I would leave you with the theme song. The video is underneath. But beware: I cannot get it out of my head now. Very annoying!<br />
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Love Pippa x<br />
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Friday 7th November<br />
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Hello, lovely readers. This week I've read and reviewed two Christmas novellas and one novel. Luckily they were all good. But what if they hadn't been? Let's say one had been so bad I would've been justified in giving it only one star. What would I have done? Well first I would question whether two stars would be fair. If so, I'd do that. Writing is subjective, after all. But if it was really bad I'm not sure. I probably would've contacted the author and been honest before doing anything else. I'd then go by their reaction. On this subject I thought I would have a bit of fun this week...<br />
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I'll soon be publishing my debut novel. Exciting but scary too! Obviously I hope some readers will enjoy it, but not all will and that's fine. Every single author gets bad reviews. Even bestselling ones. You cannot please everybody in life, but I'm happy when I can please some. I've survived rejections and honestly they did not upset me in the slightest! Why? Partly because I was prepared for them, it goes with being a writer. Also, some of them gave me constructive criticism. This was a positive, enabling me to become a better writer.<br />
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The next hurdle will be the inevitable bad reviews. I've heard and read writers saying they will not be bothered, then go on to rant about them when they happen. My thoughts are this: Everyone is entitled to their opinion and just maybe you can learn something from what they are saying. Especially if the same comments are being repeated. I will always listen carefully to what I'm being told. I will also appreciate every single person taking the time to read and review my book.<br />
BUT... some people cross the line and abuse the author. It becomes a personal attack. There is a huge difference between giving a bad review of a book and being nasty and rude, or even threatening towards the author. And it does happen! Nobody can be prepared for this really. In preparation for the chance of this occuring, which would be the worst thing a writer can face, I've written my own one star review. A borderline abusive one! I will print it off, and each time I get a bad review I will compare it to my printed one. Chances are it won't be as bad... then I will feel better ;)<br />
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Here goes:<br />
I paid a pound for this trash and would've rather thrown it in the gutter. Which is where this so called writer and her scribblings should be! My five year old can write better than her. Do not buy this book! It's rubbish! She can't string two words together properly and I will tell everybody all over the internet not to buy it. If she writes another book I will find out where she lives and send someone round to shut her up! I wish I could've given no stars but I suppose the one reflects the fact that I suffer with insomnia and it sent me to sleep, it was so boring!<br />
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My thoughts (private, not public) if someone really did write this would be: I would've been happy to refund you the money. Your five year old cannot write better, that's just silly. I've strung 76,000 words together actually. The comment about sending someone round will not go in your favour, it will backfire. Yay! I was useful for something: I gave her a good night's sleep!<br />
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I'd love to hear your thoughts on this subject.<br />
Love Pippa x<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00543765757043271367noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5939613706358405412.post-19532824699478277382014-10-15T10:39:00.002+01:002015-07-02T13:50:30.090+01:00The Path To Publication - My Story<br />
I wrote the first words of my first and current novel around ten years ago. Yes, that's right, ten years! Here follows my journey:<br />
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One evening I was helping my daughter revise some work for her English Literature degree. I use the word 'helping' loosely! This is the conversation we had, and the start of my obsession with writing. I must point out here though that I've always loved writing. English was the only subject I truly enjoyed at school.<br />
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Me: I'm going to write something now<br />
Daughter: What are you going to write?<br />
Me: Erm, a book<br />
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(Lots of laughter)<br />
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Daughter: What's it going to be called?<br />
Me: Erm, 'Think Pink.'<br />
Daughter: What will your main character be called?<br />
Me: Hmm, Olivia<br />
Daughter: What will it be about?<br />
Me: I haven't a clue!<br />
Daughter: Get thinking then, and good luck!<br />
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I could see she thought I was going to need it, and how right she was :-)<br />
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Less than two hours later I showed her chapter one! Wish I had a photo of her face! I started writing and didn't stop for three months until draft one was complete. I would write for a couple of hours before work, and then again as soon as I got home. My mind raced constantly, to the point where I didn't sleep much during that time, so often wrote during the night too. I can't remember feeling really tired so I guess it was adrenalin that kept me going. I changed the title to 'The problem with Pink' when I realized another book existed with my original title.<br />
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Once I typed 'The End' I corrected a few things and then sent it to some agents. Notice I say that I 'corrected a few things.' Oh dear! I had so much to learn. The rejections came back quickly, but amazingly I had a couple of personal comments, and nobody said 'don't bother.' One puzzled me: 'You write with energy and humour but you must learn to show not tell.' What did she mean? Another agent advised me to keep the 'tall, dark handsome stranger' to myself! She gave me other hints and tips too, and I've loved her ever since. At this point I bought a book on writing which I should've done in the first place of course. It's all well and good wanting to write, but it helps if you know how to!<br />
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Life got in the way of taking things further at this point. To cut a long (and sad) story short I'm fast forwarding a few years. I was now living nearly 200 miles away with my (now) husband, and had lost both of my parents. It was my partner who suggested I re-look at that manuscript I'd been so proud of years ago. I read lots of stuff about writing and read through my story. The first thing to hit me was that really there was no story. And the title was rubbish. And I'd thought the only point of view I needed to concentrate on was my own, I was the author, right? But yet, I still loved the main characters and the settings. I added some characters which gave me the (final) title 'The OMG Test.' I re wrote the book and searched for an editor to help me shape it. She was fantastic! She taught me so much, but I was my own worst enemy here. I was so tied to the story after living with it for so many years that I couldn't see many more changes were needed. I sent it out to agents and got rejections back. Once again though, some comments were very encouraging. But it still wasn't good enough. I worked on the opening chapters mainly, editing and editing and editing some more. Until finally I feel I cannot do any more with it. I'm happy to send it out for the third and final time. If no agent wants it I will self publish.<br />
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I know how hard it is to get an agent, and even if you do, it doesn't always mean a publisher will take it on. Obviously you need an agent for a publisher to even look at it though.<br />
I'm unheard of, no writing history, and fifty next year. I'm realistic - it will probably be the self publishing route. It's scary, being at this point after so long. But I would rather try and fail, rather than fail to try. I do feel on my own though, and would love to support and have the support of other writers in my position.Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated, and it's a two way thing! Wish me luck!<br />
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Love Pippa xAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00543765757043271367noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5939613706358405412.post-25869517904870162762014-09-23T12:02:00.001+01:002015-02-27T08:49:34.086+00:00Rescuing a dog rescued me - It's a two way thing!A few weeks after moving 200 miles from my home town, to be with my (now) husband, conversations about getting a dog became more frequent. It was always a given that we would, but the question was what breed and where from.<br />
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I'm lucky enough to be working from home, therefore it wouldn't be left alone for long stretches. Other advantages were that we have a secure garden, and overlook a park. There was no reason not to go ahead. We'd discussed puppies, but my heart told me that cute as they are, so many abandoned dogs were literally crying out for someone to take them home and love them. My family had rescued dogs in the past, and I knew how rewarding it could be.<br />
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I began searching the websites, and read about 100's of dogs. Many had been found as strays, and others were there because their owner had died or moved away. We knew one of them would be the new member of our family, but we couldn't rush it. It had to be right for us and the dog. We were attracted to many, but had to be practical. I suffer with my back and shoulder so it had to be a breed and size unlikely to pull too hard on the lead.<br />
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One day I saw a photo of a gorgeous little Lhasa Apso gazing into the camera with sad eyes. That was it. I fell in love with him instantly.<br />
We drove to the kennels at top speed (keeping just within the speed limit) and after having an interview, were taken to see him.<br />
He had part of one ear missing, likewise a tooth, but to us he was beautiful. He resembled a skinned rabbit as the staff had had to shave him, he was so badly matted. But soon he would be ours. We named him Bailey. (He hadn't been at the centre long, so a new name wasn't going to confuse him)<br />
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We had a house/garden check shortly afterwards, and a few days later we brought him home. The first signs of how nervous he was, was in the car. We'd been warned that this would take a lot of work, and the first few times he shook violently. I'm happy to say his favourite word (after walk) is now 'car.' He loves nothing more than sitting on my lap with his head out of the window.<br />
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Three years later I can't imagine being without him. He's stubborn, but adorable.<br />
He's also featured in my debut novel 'The OMG Test.' Here he is called Buddy. The rest is purely fiction. I do not take Bailey out to stalk people in the park, nor do I call him 'Flowerpot.' Oh, ok, I admit I do call him that on occasion...Oh, and for every sale of the book I will be donating a percentage to dogs trust. The cover is in the process of being changed to feature their logo.<br />
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Anyway, we haven't regretted rescuing him for a second, and wish we could rescue them all. It's a great feeling. One of the worst is walking past all the others, and seeing the hope in their eyes. I cried a lot, knowing I was taking that hope away with each passing step.<br />
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We considered rescuing another, this time an older dog. We love the idea of giving one a loving home for the remainder of their life, and spoiling it. We now know Bailey wouldn't tolerate this though. We met another couple in the park, in the same position as us. We love going abroad, as they do, but refuse to put the dogs back in kennels. This wasn't an option given their backgrounds.<br />
Over the course of a few months we slowly built up contact, both outside and in the houses. The dogs then had 'sleepovers' with each other. It was gradual, but we can now pack our suitcases safe in the knowledge that both dogs have a home from home. Bailey however, still doesn't exactly roll out the red carpet for his friend's arrival. He is very territorial. That said, he tolerates it, because he has no choice. There's no getting away from it, dogs are tying, and we do sometimes need to have some time away from them. We're lucky to have this arrangement because we don't have family close by who can help out and dog sit.<br />
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If anyone reading this is in two minds, please go along to your local rescue centre and have a chat with the staff. Dogs are such great company, and like me, you will get to know people through the dogs. We now even have conversations unrelated to our furry friends! You may not feel like walking in the rain or hail on cold winter mornings, but chances are you will meet someone to share a joke with...or like me, give me an idea for a character for a future book!<br />
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On the downside, nice handbags are replaced by poo bags. I've even been in a different country minus pooch, and pulled a stream of them out of my pocket. There's no escape...but I wouldn't have it any other way!<br />
One more thing...If you're out walking and in a rush, do not ask anyone 'How are you?' If you have a few hours to spare go ahead, at your peril :-)<br />
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If you're thinking of rescuing a dog I'd love to hear from you. Also, if you've gone ahead and done it but it didn't turn out as well as you'd hoped. Please click on 'Comments' below, or go to 'View my full profile' and get the links to my Facebook and Twitter.<br />
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Pippa x<br />
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<b>The day we first saw him at Dogs Trust- Kenilworth</b></div>
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<b>First Christmas - 'This isn't what I wanted...Where's the rest?</b>'</div>
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<b>'I love my new home...holidays at the beach in Whitby!'</b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00543765757043271367noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5939613706358405412.post-46267119428471102132014-09-13T17:59:00.001+01:002015-08-13T16:29:35.797+01:00Getting hitched without a hitch - Nervous bridesSo...you've set a date. You're filled with excitement and immediately set to work, scouring the shops and internet for project wedding. All of a sudden you can think of nothing else, there's no getting away from it, you've become obsessed. At least this is what happened with me. Here follows my story...nervous brides read with great caution!<br />
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We set the date nine months ahead. Booked in September 2013 with the date set for 21st June 2014. Plenty of time you might think, so why did I begin to bombard the lucky bridesmaids to be with constant texts and emails urging them to choose a dress asap? The answer is because I'd suddenly become of of those women I'd previously scoffed at. Bridezilla.<br />
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The colour scheme, photographer, venues and cake were all decided on and booked within a week. I was off to a flying start. My husband to be got involved immediately, checking out wedding cars. But then nothing. He wanted to have conversations about things irrelevant to us getting married. How could this be I wondered. But I continued in my quest to wrap everything up at top speed. Until Christmas was upon us, and for a while all things wedding were on hold. The first thing I thought though, on new years day was 'I'm getting married THIS year.' By the end of January the invitations were out. We wanted to give people the chance to plan round it, as for almost everyone, it involved travelling and staying over in York. We got some replies back within a couple of days and it started to feel real at this point.<br />
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Our Friday evenings from then on involved sitting at the computer, doing seating plans (This turned out to be our biggest headache of all, guests were coming then they weren't) and writing lists, and choosing music. Of course we had a drink or two, and had some productive nights...apparently! Not a lot of our written ramblings made much sense the next morning, so we had to start again the following week. And so on...<br />
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We'd been given a wedding countdown and when the weeks went into single figures panic set in. I felt sick, my stomach felt as if I'd spent hours on a roller-coaster and I couldn't sleep. My nerves were in shreds. But why oh why was I nervous? It had absolutely nothing to do with being with my future husband for the rest of my life. I wanted this more than anything, so what was it? At this point I googled 'nervous brides,' and sure enough there appeared to be a lot of people feeling exactly the same. None of us knew why, but came to the conclusion it was a mix of being the centre of attention, and just simply wanting everything to go well. I'd also given myself an added pressure. I'd decided months before to write a speech in verse, which I'd told the register office I'd be doing at the start of the service. What possessed me? But I knew I would regret it if I backed out.<br />
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The day before the wedding an unfortunate salesman chose that time to call me, wanting to sell something. I told him nicely that I was busy, as I was to be married the next day. He proceeded to inform me that it was more important than ever that I listen to him. Once again I told him I didn't have time. His answer inflamed me: 'You mean you can't be bothered to listen.' This was when I finally lost it. I happened to be walking the dog at the time. I'm sure I don't need to elaborate but people in the street inched away from me, and the dog was happy to cut short his walk and leg it home, tail between his legs. But I digress...<br />
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That night we arrived at our hotel in York. After giving the reception room the once over with family, we all agreed it looked gorgeous. A sense of relief washed over me and for the first time in weeks I started to relax. Nothing could go wrong now...could it?<br />
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The morning of the wedding I woke to sun gleaming through the windows. I waited for the familiar nerves to kick in. Nothing.<br />
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The morning was enjoyable, hair, make up, all the usual bridal preparations. Then disaster struck. No amount of planning in the world could've prepared me for my poor sister's bridesmaid dress letting us down at the last minute. The zip was stuck. We pulled and tugged but it was going nowhere. Thank goodness she'd had the forethought to pack needle and thread. My hands were shaking too much to do anything with it though. This is where my daughter saved the day. Now let's just say she is NOT known for her domestic skills, so I could only look on in horror, and then admiration, as she sewed her aunt into the dress. As if this wasn't bad enough, the car people rang our room to say we had to leave early, as traffic was bad. I pulled my dress on as the girls sewed the final stitch into the dress. This was not the way I'd imagined it to be at all. No time for admiring comments to the 'lovely bride,' or relaxing with the bottle of bubbly staring at us mockingly. It was time to go.<br />
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The traffic was clear, and we ended up too early, so parked the car in a lay by. It wasn't long before guests came by knocking on the window. So much for my grand entrance!<br />
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Once I started walking down the aisle though, I was focused on one thing only. The look on my Groom's face as he watched me walk towards him. That was what it was all about. Not the table decorations and cake (Lovely as they were)<br />
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We had a fabulous day, and I'm pleased to report my sister's dress held up well. She almost ran down the aisle (I don't blame her) but the videographer slowed it down beautifully on the DVD!<br />
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She told me later that her husband had trouble cutting her out of it that evening, the stitching was so tight. I was astounded. My daughter certainly has hidden talents there! Anyway, she'd asked her husband to 'Rip off my dress.' He reported that it was a long time since he'd heard her say that :)<br />
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So...enjoy your day, and remember what it's really about. No matter how much you plan, on the day it's out of your control. But do you know what? It doesn't matter if things go wrong because it won't be the end of the world. Not unless you get jilted at the alter of course... (Only joking)<br />
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One important bit of advice though. If you can afford it get a DVD done. Most photographers will do a package. The day passes so quickly, and we almost enjoyed watching the DVD more than the actual day. Especially me...I can watch it and relax, safe in the knowledge that it all turned out well in the end.<br />
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One more thing...Some of our favourite photos and moments of the DVD are of the sewing of the dress. We told him it wasn't a good time to be taking photos and filming. He ignored us and told us calmly that we would laugh about it later. He was right!<br />
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Have a great wedding...and don't forget to take needle and thread!<br />
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I'd love to hear stories about your wedding, and any concerns of brides to be. Please click on 'Comments' below, or go to 'View my full profile' and get the links to my Facebook and Twitter.<br />
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Pippa xx<br />
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