Everyone has a "Bucket List". A list of things they want to do before they reach a certain age or before they die. It might not be a known bucket list. You might be the only one that knows but we all have one because we all having something we'd like to do or see before we're no longer here. Mine used to be quite long and a bit silly. But over the last year, I narrowed it down to three things I'd like to do before I'm 50... The first thing - get a tattoo. Tattoos and body art were never really my thing until about ten years ago. Before that, I always saw tattoos as something that most people got done while drunk and then has to live with it for the rest of their lives. Most people I knew with them, regretted getting them. But our views on things change as we grow older and that's certainly true of my views on body art now. Though saying that, they have to be in the right places. Facial tattoos are definitely not my thing. So, I sat and thought about what I'd have if I were ever to get a tattoo. Some sort of tribal design up my arm was an idea.. My friend had something like that done a good few years ago. But I don't really have the type of arms that would be best suited for that kind of design. I'm skinny and have thin arms. I also thought about maybe getting something done on my leg somewhere but could decide on what. Then one night, while watching an episode of Chicago PD, I noticed that one of the characters had a tattoo of some Roman Numerals on his inner bicep. That got me thinking... Getting my bicep inked wasn't an option, like I mentioned before, skinny arms and all that. And having it somewhere I'd not see it much was out of the question. So I thought about getting something on my forearm. Somewhere I would see it and often and something close to my heart. After that, the design and what I wanted written in Roman Numerals just fell into place... the birthdates of my two sons. And here it is...
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One thing that frustrated me in my last attempt at being a published author was the amount of work I put in on promoting myself and the lack of return for it. It really felt like a total waste of my time. So this time, with a little help from author friend Elaine Chissick pointing me in the direction, I've enlisted the help of Gary Walker and his services at www.look4books.co.uk And what a help it has been. Not only has Gary created some excellent promotional posters for my books, he's also helped get me exposure through his own website and through Twitter and Facebook. This has been exposure that was lacking the last time round and I'm really grateful for it. Not only has Gary been very active in promoting me and others through his social networking and website, but a few others have also been very active too, like Genevieve Greene who is equally active on Twitter, helping me and other writers/authors. So this little blog is to thank them for what they do for us writers/authors and also to give them some exposure, Gary for his website and services and Genevieve for her social networking activities. Thanks guys! Today on my blog, I have fellow author Rachel Strong. Her new book That Girl is out on various formats on 9th June. So as part of the pre-launch build up, she's agreed to be answer some random questions. Firstly, welcome to my blog Rachel. Hi. I'd just like to say thanks again for having me here. It's a pleasure. Shall we get started? Sure, fire away... Okay, here goes... Back to the Future - If given the chance, what would you go back and change, if anything, in your life? If I could go back in time, I would have done something about my writing sooner, instead of hiding it from everyone because I was embarrassed. Putting your feet up - Where do you see yourself in 20 years’ time? Hopefully in 20 years’ time I’ll be a best seller, living somewhere warm and sunny - sorry that’s such a typical answer. Big Brother or I'm a Celebrity... - Which of the reality TV shows would you like to appear on and why? I don’t even need to think about this answer - I’m a Celebrity! It’s my favourite TV show, and I love Ant and Dec. I get so excited every year when the adverts for the new series start, just hearing that little teasing bit of music gives me goose bumps- me and my son are hooked every year. Though, if I went on it, I would draw the line at the eating trials and I’d probably be really irritating and scream at everything - I’d be the one that everyone would vote to do the trials, just so they’d get a good laugh. Prime Minister for the day - You have been made Prime Minister for a day and have been allowed to make or change five policies. What would you do? I don’t know if I have five policies that I would like to change, I’m not really into politics, but there are a couple of current issues that are really bugging me at the moment. The first one is the current state of the NHS - in particular the junior doctor situation. This argument has almost sent hubby and I to the divorce courts. As a Health Care worker myself, working in an NHS hospital, I see first-hand how hard our junior doctors work and the situation they are in at the moment is heart breaking. So, if I was in charge for a day, I’d tell Jeremy Hunt where to stick his new contracts! The second issue is the policy of fining parents when they take their children out of school, for a family holiday. I have three children and, to me, family time is very important - a family holiday is probably the only time of the year when we are together as a family and none of us have other things going on. The price rise in the school holidays is ridiculous, making it near impossible for families to afford a nice family holiday. So, if I was Prime Minister for the day, I would scrap the current policy on this matter and bring in a new one that states, as long as children have a good attendance record, they can have up to ten days out of school for a family holiday. Travelling, seeing different countries and cultures, is just as much an education as anything they learn in a classroom. Worth the divorce - Who is your celebrity crush? This is embarrassing, but I have a BIG crush on Joe Hart - Manchester City and England goalie - my best friend finds it highly amusing and gives me quite a lot of stick for this - she calls him bum chin, because of his little chin dimple. Soggy Veg – Who would you gladly slap around the head with a wet lettuce? Jimmy Carr - I absolutely hate him! Just the sight of his face fills me with rage. My hubby thinks he’s the best thing since sliced bread and can’t understand my hate for him. I didn’t, did I? – Have you ever woken after a good but drunken night out and suddenly remembered something embarrassing from the night before? Urgh! There has been a few of these, especially when my best friend has been involved. The most memorable one was a few years ago, on holiday in Majorca. Me and the bestie had been drinking all afternoon, barely ate anything, and then went out. The night involved more shots than I care to remember and some BAD singing on the karaoke! The whole night is a blur to be honest; all I remember is waking up on a sun lounger, by the pool, and the bestie in a shopping trolley, after we lost each other in a night club smaller than my front room. The term ‘blind drunk’ springs to mind! Forgive me Father, for I have sinned – Anything you’d like to confess? Oh dear, yes. I did something quite bad recently and I feel so guilty about it - I ate the last bit of my son’s last Easter egg and told him he’d eaten it. The worse thing was, he believed me. I’m a terrible mother, I know, but, I was having a bad day and I NEEDED it! No way! – Something about you that would surprise people. This is quite a difficult question because I’m a pretty open book, plus I can’t keep anything to myself - about myself. Long arm of the law – Have you ever done something that could have got you arrested or has got you arrested? Nope, I have never done anything that would break the law - I’m a good girl – honestly! Joe Hart, really? Only kidding Rachel... a little haha! That was great, thanks. As I previously mentioned, Rachel's book "That Girl" is available in various formats from 9th June. You'll find it on Amazon - Kobo - Nook & iBook You can also follow her on Twitter Thanks again for having me on your blog Thomas! Hi Amelia, welcome to my blog. Firstly, can you tell us what you're currently working on? Hi Tommy. Thanks for having me here. I'm working on a second novel, featuring the heroine, Cassie Foxwood, first encountered in Reprehensible and my notes on King Lear will be out in print in August ready for the new school year. I'm also keen to promote my short stories - Take Ten as I want to encourage young people to read and a short story is a good place to start. That's great, I hope you have success in both those things. Now, time for some questions... Back to the Future - If given the chance, what would you go back and change, if anything, in your life? I don't like to dwell on the past. Glance back, learn from the past and look forward is my mantra. Having said that, I'd love to have seen Freddie Mercury in concert. Sorry I missed Prince too. Such a loss to the music industry. I'd love to have seen Alan Rickman on stage, especially starring in Shakespeare. I did see George Best play football when I was a kid. Didn't appreciate it. I really must make more of an effort to see the greats live, performing in their chosen field of endeavour. Putting your feet up - Where do you see yourself in 20 years time? I have visions of my good self lounging languorously on a beach, my brand new reconditioned twenty-five-year-old body soaking up a few harmless rays of sunshine. I'm being served cold non-alcoholic gin and tonics with a slice of cucumber, not lemon. Why, in this day and age, can't we make a soft drink that tastes like gin and tonic? Perhaps if I had the opportunity to go back in time, I'd pay more attention in science and home economics. I love the taste of gin and tonic. Big Brother or I'm a Celebrity... - Which of the reality TV shows would you like to appear on and why? I'm not a fan of reality TV shows as I know they are far from real. I've lived on my own for years and love my own company. I'm far too self absorbed, selfish, self interested. Are you noticing a pattern here? I'd be a very boring participant as I'd just sit around and read, write or sleep. I'm sure I'd be voted off before the opening title sequence! I would like to be an extra in a production of any Shakespeare play performed at The Globe. I'd have happily been a footstool in Benedict Cumberbatch's Hamlet. Prime Minister for the day - You have been made Prime Minister for a day and have been allowed to make or change five policies. What would you do? I would instigate a three and a half day week immediately. There are more people on the planet than ever before and too many people are overworked and others unemployed. We need to share the load. A three and a half day week is far more civilised. With regard to education I would insist all young people learn to read and type. This writing lark is so out-dated!! Typing is the new cursive script. As for health, I'd tax sugar through the roof. It's poison. The exemption would be dark chocolate. Do you really need five? One step at a time. Sort out the working week, education and health, the rest will follow. Although I'd demand scientists start work on that faux gin and tonic and then hold a party, inviting all my celebrity crushes, if I could find a venue big enough!! Worth the divorce - Who is your celebrity crush? Changes every second day, although I love Gerard Butler and Idris Elba, not only for their good looks but also for their acting ability. Butler did a great job in Coriolanus and Law Abiding Citizen. I love Luther. Hope Idris does more but I'd love to see him as Othello, with Butler as Iago. (Please excuse me whilst I daydream for a few moments of a stunning performance with me playing Emelia.) I'm a huge fan of Christian Bale too, but I think he's as batty as a box of frogs, so we probably wouldn't get on. Sorry Mr Bale, but keep up the great work on screen. Oh, I almost forgot, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, (yowser) Dwayne Johnson, (ahhh) Keanu Reeves (whoa), Kiefer Sutherland (yea), Samuel L Jackson (ooh), Daniel Craig (ooooaaahhh), Jason Statham (swoon) and what's your man's name in..? (fainted) Soggy Veg – Who would you gladly slap around the head with a wet lettuce? If I have to resort to violence, then I'd rather use an Uzi than a wet lettuce. Less chance of comebacks! I had a hit list when I was young and foolish. Now I'm old and cynical I can't really see the point in violence, although I watch plenty of it on TV. I love those shows that have a warning before them about sex, violence and horror from the start. They're always the best! I didn’t, did I? – Have you ever woken after a good but drunken night out and suddenly remembered something embarrassing from the night before? Absolutely not! Forgive me Father, for I have sinned – Anything you’d like to confess? I'm a pathological liar. All the best writers are. I make stuff up every day. It's great now I'm making a little money from it. And I mean a little. No way! – Something about you that would surprise people. I can knit. I used to knit all my own jumpers but have gone off the boil recently as I can't knit and type. I'm a really good swimmer too. I can't knit and swim at the same time either. Long arm of the law – Have you ever done something that could have got you arrested or has got you arrested? Don't be silly! A well-honed pathological liar cannot be caught and I have a more than healthy respect for the law. Great answers Amelia, and very amusing too. Once again, thanks for agreeing to be interviewed for my blog. Thank you for interviewing me, now please go and buy my books, which I'm sure you will enjoy. You can check out Amelia's website at http://www.aechambersnovelist.com/ And she can be followed on Twitter and Facebook Her books are available on Amazon And finally you can write to her. She loves receiving constructive comments from her readers. Her email: [email protected] The idea of writing a story set in the world of football, or soccer to some, stems from being a football fan. I’ve been a fan of Rangers FC all my life, having been born into a Rangers supporting family. My dad used to run the local supporters club.
Like almost every young boy growing up in Scotland, I dreamed of being a footballer. And for a while, I did play for my school team but somehow ended up being better at running and took up cross-country running instead. But my dream never died… instead of a reality, it stayed a dream. I created a fictional life as a footballer in my head. Many years later, that dream became a story… Throughout my life, I’ve been fortunate to experience the world of football as a fan, a player and as someone working behind the scenes in the game. My time as an event safety steward allowed me to see things that normal fans don’t get to see and be in parts of a football stadium that fans don’t get to go to. So it was a combination of my dreams and my experiences that I decided to write a story about a fictional footballer. But being a romantic at heart, I decided to make it more about the footballer and not so much about the game he plays, well the game he plays on the football field that is. Work first began on the first part of my recently released novel, Playing Offside! in December 2012. To be honest though, it actually started about a year or so before that as a fictional blog story. But I wanted to attempt a full novel instead of the few short stories I’d already published. So around September 2012, I began work on my first attempt at a novel. It was initially called Extra Time. It was put together from notes and bits of that fictional blog story. For NaNoWriMo 2012, I decided to write a prequel to Extra Time called Caught Offside. During NaNoWriMo I had another idea. That was to abandon the whole idea of Extra Time and take what I had written, rework it and turn it into a story about a fictional footballer called Shane Henderson From there, Playing Offside progressed from what was originally two novels called Offside! & Caught Playing Offside to the combined novel it is now, covering various stages of Shane’s slightly complicated love life. Shane isn’t a typical footballer. He shuns the publicity, doesn’t like the attention. Avoids the fast cars and fast women. Stays away from the casinos and nightclubs. He’s really just an ordinary guy who plays professional football. Playing Offside is written as a journal type story of Shane's life from his teenage years and his dream of being a footballer, right up to present day and the complications of his love life and his successes on the football field. Will there be a follow up to Playing Offside? Well, only time will tell on that one and only if I have the time. Playing Offside is available for Kindle and Kindle reader apps from Amazon This week, I updated my mobile phone to the latest version of the Android Operating System, comically named Marshmallow 6.0
What happened in the few days after that wasn't funny. A clash of software versions caused something in my phone to stop working and I ended up with a screen that just kept flashing on and off. Anyhoo, all came good when I sought some advice from various sources and fixed the problem myself. What struck me most during the 12 hours or so that I didn't have the use of my phone is how much we rely on them. Whether that be for phoning, texting, checking social media, taking selfies, or just checking the time. We've become a species reliant on a device that we feel naked or lost without. Kinda sad really. Rome wasn't built in a day!
One thing I've learned since my early days of writing and publishing is not to rush things. Don't be in a rush to write a story and don't be in a rush to publish something you've previously written. And also, don't expect a rush of sales either. Everything takes time. A week ago, I officially launched my new book Playing Offside. One week on and and sales have been slow, as I expected they would be. But that doesn't bother me because I'm not in this game to make loads of money. I write for fun. Over the last week, I've checked sales figures maybe two or three times. Over the coming weeks, I'll check them even less. Instead, I'll be doing other things and worrying about other things. There will also be rush to get the next book out there. Unlike when I published my first short story (under my old pen name) when I published a second within a few weeks. That was down to some poor advice from someone I thought knew what they were talking about. Rookie mistake! I am working on something new at the moment but it's early days with it and I'm not settled on it yet. All in good time I say. Yup, I'm back!
Back at writing and back at blogging. A couple of years ago I decided to retire. I retired from writing, I retired from blogging and I retired my pseudonym, Jamie Tucker Dougan. But now I'm back. I've a new book out on Amazon for Kindle I'll mostly be blogging about my writing but I'll also throw in some random stuff and my reviews on some of my favourite TV shows, like Chicago Fire, Person Of Interest and Game of Thrones. Stay tuned! |