Hi Folks,
I've just returned from Altrincham Leisure Centre, 25 books lighter wearing a warm, feel-good glow, or is it just too hot to wear jeans today? I've met some lovely people, all of whom seemed genuinely happy to receive a free book! Three of them were patients of mine, so I was really glad that they got one of my books for free.
There were a few individuals who instantly put their 'leave me alone- I'm very busy' faces on and I don't blame them because it's an expression that I wear frequently. I hate being bothered when I'm out and about.
My next target is to revise chapter 7 so that my publishers can launch the second edition. I've also just sent two entries out for short story competitions so fingers crossed!
Anyway, for all of you who have been given one of my books, 'Children's Health -the Essential Guide', I hope you find it to be very useful. It was lovely chatting to you today too!
Cathx
Saturday, 27 July 2013
Thursday, 25 July 2013
Free Book Giveaway for First Twenty-five Lucky Readers.
Hi folks,
I hope you've all been enjoying this fantastic weather. I hadn't realised that the last time we had a heat wave was way back in 2006. What with hot flushes and those sweltering sleepless nights, It seems I'm constantly trying to come up with new ways to cool down. My favourite escape routes currently are the ice rink and the local swimming pool.
Although I do have another reason why I'm looking forward to going to the local leisure centre. This Saturday, I'm visiting Altrincham Leisure Centre at 10 am with the sole purpose of giving twenty-five copies of my second book away ABSOLUTELY FREE. I'm so excited!
Yes, that's right, free-no-strings-attached copies. And the reason for this madness? Well, the second edition of 'Children's Health-the Essential Guide' with Need2Know Books is due to be released in October. As I'm so delighted that my current sales figures are far beyond what I ever expected, I thought I'd give my remaining first edition copies away.
I know, I'm a total fool and I'm never going to get rich this way but do you know, I don't really care. It is a joy to be able to do this.
Take care,
Cath x
I hope you've all been enjoying this fantastic weather. I hadn't realised that the last time we had a heat wave was way back in 2006. What with hot flushes and those sweltering sleepless nights, It seems I'm constantly trying to come up with new ways to cool down. My favourite escape routes currently are the ice rink and the local swimming pool.
Although I do have another reason why I'm looking forward to going to the local leisure centre. This Saturday, I'm visiting Altrincham Leisure Centre at 10 am with the sole purpose of giving twenty-five copies of my second book away ABSOLUTELY FREE. I'm so excited!
Yes, that's right, free-no-strings-attached copies. And the reason for this madness? Well, the second edition of 'Children's Health-the Essential Guide' with Need2Know Books is due to be released in October. As I'm so delighted that my current sales figures are far beyond what I ever expected, I thought I'd give my remaining first edition copies away.
I know, I'm a total fool and I'm never going to get rich this way but do you know, I don't really care. It is a joy to be able to do this.
Take care,
Cath x
Thursday, 6 June 2013
Being well informed can help you to access better asthma care.
Hi folks,
Sorry for not blogging for so long. With working full-time, writing, gardening and performing in ice skating Gala's, ( I'm not joking), there's not much time for anything else.
However, I was able to spend time with my lovely family last weekend in Stratford-Upon-Avon at the Premier Inn, Waterways. It was our annual get-together and as usual, we all had a great time. It's always reassuring that as soon as we meet up, we all start asking, 'Where are we going next year?' Long may it last. Life is so short, we all must make sure we manage to spend quality time with our loved ones, don't you think?
Now, one of my cousins has recently been diagnosed with adult-onset asthma. She told me about it briefly over the phone some time ago.
'Have a book,' I said. Her copy of 'Asthma-the-Essential Guide' soon fell through her letterbox.
I'd forgotten all about it until last Sunday, during our get-together, when she tried to give me a tenner for it. 'No, its a free copy,' I protested.
Well, we argued for a short while and she finally gave in. Then she told me how she had ended up in her local casualty department. She had had the terrifying experience of being unable to breathe properly and didn't know what to do. She was diagnosed with asthma and given an inhaler to relieve her symptoms. But was she given information? Well let's just say, it was sadly lacking. She wasn't advised to make an appointment at her surgery within 48 hours, as indicated in the N.I.C.E guidance. Actually, she wasn't told to make an appointment any time soon! My cousin's husband was so concerned about the lack of information and ongoing care, that he even suggested they book a private appointment with a respiratory consultant.
When my cousin received her copy of my book, she read it from cover to cover. Armed with a long list of questions about her rights to regular reviews, written self managment plans, and inhaler technique demonstrations...the list goes on, she made sure that she was given the information that she needed and deserved. I had to laugh when she described how she flashed my book under her pracice nurse's nose. Apart from feeling a little sorry for the unsuspecting nurse and a little bit guilty, I was delighted to hear that my cousin was given everything she asked for and more.
However, It alarmed me that my cousin was not advised by her casualty department to arrange an appointment at her local doctor's surgery. When she did visit her G.P, she wasn't really given any information that made any sense to her. If she hadn't had access to my book, and hadn't been assertive, would she have been left stranded, not knowing what to do? More worryingly, could she have ended up needing emergency treatment again, or worse?
Call me naive, but I was under the impression that is was the norm that practices would offer great advice, written information and regular follow-up. Our surgery does. We have two dedicated nurses who provide a full asthma service. In fact, we used to have three.
My book doesn't promise to give you a magic cure (there isn't one) but it will arm you with information and advice which will help you to better manage your condition, understand your triggers and have a better understanding of your treatment. If your symptoms become troublesome, my book will advise you on when to see your doctor or practice nurse. There is also a very useful chapter explaining how to recognise and manage an asthma attack.
If you have any feedback for me, I would be very happy to read it. Or, if you have any questions that need answering, fire away!
Cheers,
Cathx
Sorry for not blogging for so long. With working full-time, writing, gardening and performing in ice skating Gala's, ( I'm not joking), there's not much time for anything else.
However, I was able to spend time with my lovely family last weekend in Stratford-Upon-Avon at the Premier Inn, Waterways. It was our annual get-together and as usual, we all had a great time. It's always reassuring that as soon as we meet up, we all start asking, 'Where are we going next year?' Long may it last. Life is so short, we all must make sure we manage to spend quality time with our loved ones, don't you think?
Now, one of my cousins has recently been diagnosed with adult-onset asthma. She told me about it briefly over the phone some time ago.
'Have a book,' I said. Her copy of 'Asthma-the-Essential Guide' soon fell through her letterbox.
I'd forgotten all about it until last Sunday, during our get-together, when she tried to give me a tenner for it. 'No, its a free copy,' I protested.
Well, we argued for a short while and she finally gave in. Then she told me how she had ended up in her local casualty department. She had had the terrifying experience of being unable to breathe properly and didn't know what to do. She was diagnosed with asthma and given an inhaler to relieve her symptoms. But was she given information? Well let's just say, it was sadly lacking. She wasn't advised to make an appointment at her surgery within 48 hours, as indicated in the N.I.C.E guidance. Actually, she wasn't told to make an appointment any time soon! My cousin's husband was so concerned about the lack of information and ongoing care, that he even suggested they book a private appointment with a respiratory consultant.
When my cousin received her copy of my book, she read it from cover to cover. Armed with a long list of questions about her rights to regular reviews, written self managment plans, and inhaler technique demonstrations...the list goes on, she made sure that she was given the information that she needed and deserved. I had to laugh when she described how she flashed my book under her pracice nurse's nose. Apart from feeling a little sorry for the unsuspecting nurse and a little bit guilty, I was delighted to hear that my cousin was given everything she asked for and more.
However, It alarmed me that my cousin was not advised by her casualty department to arrange an appointment at her local doctor's surgery. When she did visit her G.P, she wasn't really given any information that made any sense to her. If she hadn't had access to my book, and hadn't been assertive, would she have been left stranded, not knowing what to do? More worryingly, could she have ended up needing emergency treatment again, or worse?
Call me naive, but I was under the impression that is was the norm that practices would offer great advice, written information and regular follow-up. Our surgery does. We have two dedicated nurses who provide a full asthma service. In fact, we used to have three.
My book doesn't promise to give you a magic cure (there isn't one) but it will arm you with information and advice which will help you to better manage your condition, understand your triggers and have a better understanding of your treatment. If your symptoms become troublesome, my book will advise you on when to see your doctor or practice nurse. There is also a very useful chapter explaining how to recognise and manage an asthma attack.
If you have any feedback for me, I would be very happy to read it. Or, if you have any questions that need answering, fire away!
Cheers,
Cathx
Sunday, 7 April 2013
Competition winner named!
Congratulations goes to Trish Crank, who has just had her name drawn out of the 'hat' and is the winner of a signed copy of my book, 'Asthma-the Essential Guide' with Need2Know Books. Well done, Trish. I really hope you find my book useful. Keep well and thanks so much for entering.
Also, thanks to all of you who entered. Every single like, share and retweet was entered. I'll be posting another competition soon, where the winner will be given a signed copy of my second book,
'Children's Health-the Essential Guide'.
Cathx
Also, thanks to all of you who entered. Every single like, share and retweet was entered. I'll be posting another competition soon, where the winner will be given a signed copy of my second book,
'Children's Health-the Essential Guide'.
Cathx
Sunday, 31 March 2013
Spring Asthma Triggers- Win a signed copy of my book.
What is an Asthma Trigger?
An asthma trigger is anything which causes the inflammation of the airways, leading to the symptoms of coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath, that you normally would associate with asthma. Your triggers can be numerous and varied. They can be in the form of an allergen or an environmental exposure to an irritant.
Common allergens at this time of year can include many of the spring pollens. Did you know that the tree pollens become active as early as the end of February? Tree and grass pollens are some of the more common allergens which trigger asthma. Also, did you know that asthma and hay fever often co-exist? Interestingly, Hay fever alone can be an independent risk factor in the development of asthma.
Some research suggests that when hay fever and asthma co-exist, treating the hay fever with nasal inhaled steroids can effectively control the asthma at the same time.
Would you like a chance to win a signed copy of my book, 'Asthma-the Essential Guide'?
If so, follow the link and get 'liking' and 'sharing'. The winner will be identified next Sunday. Good luck!
http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/172305162836612/?fref=ts
An asthma trigger is anything which causes the inflammation of the airways, leading to the symptoms of coughing, wheezing or shortness of breath, that you normally would associate with asthma. Your triggers can be numerous and varied. They can be in the form of an allergen or an environmental exposure to an irritant.
Common allergens at this time of year can include many of the spring pollens. Did you know that the tree pollens become active as early as the end of February? Tree and grass pollens are some of the more common allergens which trigger asthma. Also, did you know that asthma and hay fever often co-exist? Interestingly, Hay fever alone can be an independent risk factor in the development of asthma.
Some research suggests that when hay fever and asthma co-exist, treating the hay fever with nasal inhaled steroids can effectively control the asthma at the same time.
Would you like a chance to win a signed copy of my book, 'Asthma-the Essential Guide'?
If so, follow the link and get 'liking' and 'sharing'. The winner will be identified next Sunday. Good luck!
http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/172305162836612/?fref=ts
Saturday, 9 March 2013
A children's short story.
I hope you like my children's story. It's about a little boy and his brilliant invention!
THE END
SENSIBLE SCOTT’S NEW PUPPY.
By Catherine Short.
8.3.13
Now here is a very strange and
happy story about a sensible boy named Scott. He liked vegetables and he liked
to help out at home. Scott was kind and helpful to others and had beautiful manners.
He was always invited to children’s parties, as he never misbehaved. Carry on
reading and you will soon find out that being sensible helped Scott to save
someone very special.
Scott’s new, very best friend in the whole world was his cute little
Cocker Spaniel puppy, named Pippin. The
golden haired puppy was given to Scott for his seventh birthday, as a special
present for being such a good and helpful little boy. Scott was delighted to
have the much-loved pet. He had been begging his parents’ for a puppy for a
very long time. Scott’s Mum and Dad loved the dog also.
They were all very worried when it soon became obvious that all was not
well with the little dog. Pippin kept sneezing whenever he went near people.
Also, he would cough and wheeze when he was asleep during the night. Pippin
didn’t seem to be able to run and play and chase for sticks like the other dogs
in the park. He became out of breath far too quickly.
On one particular night, Pippin became very poorly indeed, and Scott and
his parents’ feared that he might be seriously ill. Luckily, by the next
morning, Pippin seemed much better.
Scott’s parents’ were very concerned that they had bought an unhealthy
dog from the breeder. Scott overheard his parents discussing this one night.
“I think we may have to take Pippin back dear,” Mum whispered to Dad.
Scott was distraught! He couldn’t allow his puppy to go back! Scott couldn’t
stop thinking about Pippin and the mysterious illness. Suddenly he had an idea!
“ Mum. I think I know what’s wrong with Pippin,” Mum looked at Scott with
a kind, but sad expression.
“I
think he’s got asthma!” he continued.
“I don’t think he could have, dear,” Mum replied.
Scott was not going to be put
off. Scott had asthma, and he knew all about this illness as he had been to see
his practice nurse at the doctor’s surgery many times. Being sensible, he had
listened carefully to what the nurse had told him about his Asthma.He knew all
about the things that made it worse. Scott knew exactly how to take his
inhalers and how they helped him to breathe more easily. Thank goodness he had listened!
Scott explained to his Mum that Pippin seemed to be worse around people,
and that Pippin appeared more ill when he exercised. He also seemed to cough
and wheeze late into the night. Mum realised that Scott was perfectly right.
Pippin was showing all the signs of Asthma!
Now Scott’s father liked to think of himself as a bit of an inventor. He
was always trying to invent some new gadget that would be useful. However, he
hadn’t invented anything of real value so far, until now that is. When Scott’s
Dad heard about his son’s brilliant discovery, he worked all day and night
until he came up with the perfect solution for Pippin’s problem.
He
designed a ‘Doggy-haler’. It looked just like the plastic bubble that Scott had
used to help him take his medicine. The “Doggy-haler” was round, with an opening
at one end where the inhaler fitted perfectly. The other end went over Pippin’s
head and attached to his collar.
As an experiment, Scott and his parents gave two puffs of Scott’s brown
inhaler through the “doggy-haler” twice a day, and two puffs of the blue
inhaler whenever the dog had his breathing problems. Within two weeks, Pippin
started to make a miraculous recovery.
Life for Scott and his dog became pretty perfect after that. Soon Pippin
was able to run and play for hours at a time. He never kept the family awake at
night and he could enjoy hours of cuddles without sneezing. He grew to be a
fine, strong, dog that the whole village admired.
Another marvellous thing happened due to Scott’s clever idea. His Dad’s
invention became very popular. Before long, all the vets in the country were
talking about the brilliant ‘Doggy-halers’.
Scott’s Dad couldn’t keep up with the number of orders and had to expand
his business. In no time at all, Scott and his family became very rich. Thank
goodness for sensible Scott. He truly was a wonderful and clever boy and to
Pippin, he was a real friend.
Word count 770
THE END
Saturday, 23 February 2013
Are the bigger booksellers destroying diversity and choice for readers?
http://pulppusher.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/guest-blog-matt-hilton.html?showComment=1361635408129
An interesting blog, highlighting bad practice by some major booksellers and how their lack of respect for less well known writers is ruining chances of book sales. If you love to read, please take a look. Support diverse literature and promote your favourite writers today.
An interesting blog, highlighting bad practice by some major booksellers and how their lack of respect for less well known writers is ruining chances of book sales. If you love to read, please take a look. Support diverse literature and promote your favourite writers today.
Wednesday, 13 February 2013
CHAPTER 3 continued.
CHAPTER 3 cont...
At times she longed to be away from him, but being alone terrified her. Samantha seriously contemplated moving out, but the thought had quickly disappeared. Just when she least expected it, Scott could be so kind and considerate. She just wished that there could be more continuity in his behaviour. He was a lovely man when he wanted to be, so long as she gave him sex when he wanted it. He could be quite a pussycat really. In anycase, she still loved him.
Samantha hadn't been very well lately. Stress and anxiety had played havoc in the past with her periods, and it looked as if it was all setting off again. Initially, she hadn't been too concerned. After all, she has stopped her period when she has sat her O'levels, and four C-grades and two A'grades later, her cycle had returned. But this time she felt different. She hadn't actually been sick but nausea occured each moring and she was worried. Samantha wanted to tell Scott, but she hadn't found the right moment. The first thing was to do a pregancy test and then she was to see the doctor the next morning. Facing Scotts parent's was the last thing she needed tonight.
The drive to the family home in the small village of Stocksfield took only twenty minutes. As they pulled into the long private drive, Samantha's anxiety intensified. She gazed in dread at the beautiful victorian mansion, with it's luscious driveway borders, only to be reminded yet again that she didn't fit in. She was just an ordinary girl with nothing to offer this ostentatious family. The thirty thousand pounds which she had inherited from her parent's estate was no match to the wealth of Scott's family. She'd never told Scott about the money. Appart from being her safety net, her 'get out of jail free card', she couldn't think of using it. In her guilty eyes, she saw it as blood money. In anycase, no way could it come anywhere close in replacing her long lost family.
'Oh, come in,' offered Mr Carter, as he answered the door; a pleasant enough man who was completely monopolised by his overbearing wife. Samantha followed Scott into the lounge. Opening the drinks cabinet and taking out a crystal decanter filled with whiskey, Mr Carter offered them both a drink. Luckily, they were not dining there tonight, having already eaten. Scott and Samantha sat side by side, on the sofa.
'So, darling...how is work at the moment,' enquired Mrs Carter.
'Very good Mother. Jack has offered me a pay rise this month.' was Scott's self-satisfied reply.
'Oh that's wonderful, darling,' replied Mrs Carter. 'And what about you Samantha...how's the shop? Where is it you work again?'
Samantha bristled, trying to think of a suitable retort. Scott's mother knew only too well that she worked in the local supermarket.
'Things are going well thanks. I've just learned how to role a joint actually!'
Alarm flew accross Mrs Carter's face as she looked questioningly at her beloved son. What did she mean by a joint? The only kind she knew of, she was ashamed to say, was a the type she has smoked during her hazy 'Flower Power' days.
'I meant a bacon joint,' sniggered Samantha, pleased to have the upper hand for once. 'They're quite hard to do actually.'
Mrs Carter sniffed and changed the subject. The main focus of the evening was discussing how well Scott's sister, louise was doing at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, where she was trainging to be a nurse. Suddenly, the focus was returned to Samantha.
'You had a grammar school education,' announced Scott's Mum. 'When are you going to get a proper job?' Samantha's eye brimmed with tears of indignation as she tried to think of a suitable reply.
'Oh, I'm just there until something better comes along,' and then looked towards Scott for support but none was forthcoming.
Samantha shouldn't have been surprised at such a rude and demeaning remark. Mrs Carter had no qualms at telling her if her hair was a mess, correcting her speech or making remarks about her manners. In all, Samantha knew without a shadow of a doubt that in Mrs Carter's eyes, Samantha was nowhere near good enough for her precious son. She was an unwanted distraction.
At times she longed to be away from him, but being alone terrified her. Samantha seriously contemplated moving out, but the thought had quickly disappeared. Just when she least expected it, Scott could be so kind and considerate. She just wished that there could be more continuity in his behaviour. He was a lovely man when he wanted to be, so long as she gave him sex when he wanted it. He could be quite a pussycat really. In anycase, she still loved him.
Samantha hadn't been very well lately. Stress and anxiety had played havoc in the past with her periods, and it looked as if it was all setting off again. Initially, she hadn't been too concerned. After all, she has stopped her period when she has sat her O'levels, and four C-grades and two A'grades later, her cycle had returned. But this time she felt different. She hadn't actually been sick but nausea occured each moring and she was worried. Samantha wanted to tell Scott, but she hadn't found the right moment. The first thing was to do a pregancy test and then she was to see the doctor the next morning. Facing Scotts parent's was the last thing she needed tonight.
The drive to the family home in the small village of Stocksfield took only twenty minutes. As they pulled into the long private drive, Samantha's anxiety intensified. She gazed in dread at the beautiful victorian mansion, with it's luscious driveway borders, only to be reminded yet again that she didn't fit in. She was just an ordinary girl with nothing to offer this ostentatious family. The thirty thousand pounds which she had inherited from her parent's estate was no match to the wealth of Scott's family. She'd never told Scott about the money. Appart from being her safety net, her 'get out of jail free card', she couldn't think of using it. In her guilty eyes, she saw it as blood money. In anycase, no way could it come anywhere close in replacing her long lost family.
'Oh, come in,' offered Mr Carter, as he answered the door; a pleasant enough man who was completely monopolised by his overbearing wife. Samantha followed Scott into the lounge. Opening the drinks cabinet and taking out a crystal decanter filled with whiskey, Mr Carter offered them both a drink. Luckily, they were not dining there tonight, having already eaten. Scott and Samantha sat side by side, on the sofa.
'So, darling...how is work at the moment,' enquired Mrs Carter.
'Very good Mother. Jack has offered me a pay rise this month.' was Scott's self-satisfied reply.
'Oh that's wonderful, darling,' replied Mrs Carter. 'And what about you Samantha...how's the shop? Where is it you work again?'
Samantha bristled, trying to think of a suitable retort. Scott's mother knew only too well that she worked in the local supermarket.
'Things are going well thanks. I've just learned how to role a joint actually!'
Alarm flew accross Mrs Carter's face as she looked questioningly at her beloved son. What did she mean by a joint? The only kind she knew of, she was ashamed to say, was a the type she has smoked during her hazy 'Flower Power' days.
'I meant a bacon joint,' sniggered Samantha, pleased to have the upper hand for once. 'They're quite hard to do actually.'
Mrs Carter sniffed and changed the subject. The main focus of the evening was discussing how well Scott's sister, louise was doing at the Royal Victoria Infirmary, where she was trainging to be a nurse. Suddenly, the focus was returned to Samantha.
'You had a grammar school education,' announced Scott's Mum. 'When are you going to get a proper job?' Samantha's eye brimmed with tears of indignation as she tried to think of a suitable reply.
'Oh, I'm just there until something better comes along,' and then looked towards Scott for support but none was forthcoming.
Samantha shouldn't have been surprised at such a rude and demeaning remark. Mrs Carter had no qualms at telling her if her hair was a mess, correcting her speech or making remarks about her manners. In all, Samantha knew without a shadow of a doubt that in Mrs Carter's eyes, Samantha was nowhere near good enough for her precious son. She was an unwanted distraction.
Monday, 4 February 2013
Chapter 3...an excerpt
'Hurry up Sammy,' bellowed Scott, as he brushed his jacket and trousers with the clothes brush his Mum had given him the previous Christmas. It wouldn't do at all to visit with even the smallest trace of fluff ; to ruin his immaculate appearance.
This was the time that Samantha dreaded the most. The weekly trip to visit Scott's parents was always a trial for her. Nevertheless, it had to be endured for peace and quiet at home. She couldn't decide what was worse, Scott's over bearing obsession to please his parents, or his Mother's constant snipes and critisisms.
Samantha rushed down the stairs, missed the last step and fell awkwardly on the floor. Scott looked at the crumpled heap with disdain.
'For goodness sake, stop pissing about and hurry up.'
Feeling foolish, Samantha dusted herself down and rubbed her arm which she had scraped along the banister rail. She mumbled an apology, grabbed her bag and followed Scott out of the front door. She gulped back the tears of humiliation and confusion; emotions which had been her close companions these days.
'Well, lock it then,' ordered Scott. 'Do you want us to get burgled?'
'Just a minute, Scott,' replied Samantha, as she fished about in the bottom of her bag. Finally, she found the keys and locked the door. Much to Scott's annoyance, she couldn't resist the urge to check again, for one final pull at the handle.
'For God sake, hurry up,' and then, as Samantha slid into the passenger seat, 'Now can we go?'
The red sports car purred into action as they pulled out of the driveway. Scott sped through the estate, while Samantha gripped the sides of her seat. Fast cars made her uneasy and he knew it.
'Please slow down,' she begged.
'Well, it'll be your fault if we have a prang. You always have to piss about when we go to see Mam and Dad.'
Rising panic spewed into her throat. She felt helpless yet strangely responsible. Wasn't it her fault after all? Just like last time when, through her own lack of thought and consideration, she'd been the cause of the fatal car crash which had wiped out her family.
She wished she could do better, please Scott instead of making him angry. If she tried harder, maybe they could go back to how it was in the beginning. Scott seemed to despise her, yet he wouldn't let her out of his sight. It felt at times like she only existed for his pleasure and comfort.
This was the time that Samantha dreaded the most. The weekly trip to visit Scott's parents was always a trial for her. Nevertheless, it had to be endured for peace and quiet at home. She couldn't decide what was worse, Scott's over bearing obsession to please his parents, or his Mother's constant snipes and critisisms.
Samantha rushed down the stairs, missed the last step and fell awkwardly on the floor. Scott looked at the crumpled heap with disdain.
'For goodness sake, stop pissing about and hurry up.'
Feeling foolish, Samantha dusted herself down and rubbed her arm which she had scraped along the banister rail. She mumbled an apology, grabbed her bag and followed Scott out of the front door. She gulped back the tears of humiliation and confusion; emotions which had been her close companions these days.
'Well, lock it then,' ordered Scott. 'Do you want us to get burgled?'
'Just a minute, Scott,' replied Samantha, as she fished about in the bottom of her bag. Finally, she found the keys and locked the door. Much to Scott's annoyance, she couldn't resist the urge to check again, for one final pull at the handle.
'For God sake, hurry up,' and then, as Samantha slid into the passenger seat, 'Now can we go?'
The red sports car purred into action as they pulled out of the driveway. Scott sped through the estate, while Samantha gripped the sides of her seat. Fast cars made her uneasy and he knew it.
'Please slow down,' she begged.
'Well, it'll be your fault if we have a prang. You always have to piss about when we go to see Mam and Dad.'
Rising panic spewed into her throat. She felt helpless yet strangely responsible. Wasn't it her fault after all? Just like last time when, through her own lack of thought and consideration, she'd been the cause of the fatal car crash which had wiped out her family.
She wished she could do better, please Scott instead of making him angry. If she tried harder, maybe they could go back to how it was in the beginning. Scott seemed to despise her, yet he wouldn't let her out of his sight. It felt at times like she only existed for his pleasure and comfort.
Wednesday, 30 January 2013
Wednesday, 16 January 2013
Book signing at Timperley Library 12.1.13
Well, that went well!
Hi folks,
Today, I thought I would share with you how my first book signing went. As some of you know, it was held at Timperley Library on Saturday 12th January. I have to say, I’ve never been so excited. So much so, that the night before, I had to down rather a lot of cake and a few scoops of left-over Christmas sherry, and the result was a very disturbed night, due to recurrent symptoms of gastric reflux!
My poor little Vauxhall Corsa’s boot was packed to the brim with all that I needed for the day, from the books themselves to a bowl full of sweets, three thermos flasks filled with orange juice, a bag full of half price plastic beakers from the Co-Op, my new book signing pens and pencil case which my best friend Sarah gave me for my birthday, thank you letters, bottles of wine for my lovely helpers, a box of chocolates for the librarians, flyers, tablecloths my A-frame and my red money box!
I was very grateful to Sarah as she had offered to help with the money side of things. We were able to set up really early so that when the library opened, we were organised and ready for the crowds. My A-frame sat outside the main entrance, showing off my posters for both my books, framed by colourful balloons and fluorescent stickers.
To advertise my event, the library had made a lovely eye-catching display on their notice board. I was really impressed. It meant a lot that they had gone to so much effort.
Well, there weren’t the crowds that I was expecting but a steady stream of interested people came to chat and some bought books. I was so giddy with excitement that I wrote the wrong date on one of them, in fact I nearly misspelt my own name.
My friend and photographer, Mandy came as pre-arranged and she took a selection of photos. Her friend Shirley came to help and it was lovely to meet such an interesting lady.
I was well supported by some great friends and family and I’m really grateful. I learned a lot from the event too which will help me to better organise my next event. I’m currently thinking about where to hold my next signing. Contacting mother and baby groups could be a good start, so if any of you know any such groups who would like me to come and give a talk about ‘childhood immunisation’ or ‘accidents in the home’ or ‘common childhood illnesses’ then please let me know.
That’s all for today so see you next week
Cathx
Thursday, 10 January 2013
Have you had your
flu jab yet?
Hi folks,
The dreaded flu virus is
circulating once again and cases seem to be rising fast, causing misery for
many, and possibly hospitalisation for some. For this reason, I thought it
would be a good idea to give those deemed ‘at risk’ who’ve yet to have their
flu vaccine, a bit of a nudge, as they may still be able to get the flu jab.
If you have asthma, chronic lung
disease, diabetes, heart disease, kidney or liver disease, are pregnant, over
sixty-five, or suffer with neurological problems, then you are entitled to
vaccination. Unfortunately, influenza vaccine stocks are very much dwindling so
if you feel you fall into the ‘at risk groups’ and would like protection, speak
to your G.P surgery for advice urgently.
If you are not deemed at risk,
you will not be able to get the vaccine on the N.H.S. However, it is available
through some private service providers such as pharmacies and some
supermarkets.
There is one more point I would like
to make. The Flu immunisation programme starts early in October, long before
the flu season is expected. There is very good reason for this. The flu vaccine
is different each winter and it can take up to three weeks once vaccinated, before
individuals are offered full protection. This is why it is very important that
you get vaccinated at the beginning of the flu vaccine programme. Why not put
an eye-catching reminder for next October on your new calendar now!
See you all next week,
Cathx
Wednesday, 2 January 2013
Hi folks,
Sorry for not blogging for so long but I've been busy with Christmas and New Year, as I'm sure you have!
I wonder how many of you have set any New Year's Resolutions? My list seems to go on for ever. However, those related to writing are as follows:-
Firstly, I've decided to get 'cracking' with organising more book signings, once my debut launch at Timperley Library on Saturday 12th January is over. It starts at 10.30 am and I'd be so 'chuffed' if you were able to come along. There will be cake too! I'm launching 'Asthma-the Essential Guide and Children's Health-the Essential Guide', both with Need2Know Books.
Secondly, I've decided as best I can, to blog weekly, regarding a current health topic. It will be very much related to what I've been dealing with locally at work in my role as a nurse practitioner so it should be useful.
Thirdly, I shall be posting some excerpts from my novel (work in progress) and short stories for your comments and feedback. From a writer's point of view, reader's comments are so much appreciated and actually extremely necessary. It helps writer's to develop and improve their craft and become more in touch with what their readers enjoy. Feel free to leave as much feedback as you wish, but please keep it constructive.
That's all for now but speak to you all soon. Would really love to see you at Timperley Library on the 12th.
Cathx
Sorry for not blogging for so long but I've been busy with Christmas and New Year, as I'm sure you have!
I wonder how many of you have set any New Year's Resolutions? My list seems to go on for ever. However, those related to writing are as follows:-
Firstly, I've decided to get 'cracking' with organising more book signings, once my debut launch at Timperley Library on Saturday 12th January is over. It starts at 10.30 am and I'd be so 'chuffed' if you were able to come along. There will be cake too! I'm launching 'Asthma-the Essential Guide and Children's Health-the Essential Guide', both with Need2Know Books.
Secondly, I've decided as best I can, to blog weekly, regarding a current health topic. It will be very much related to what I've been dealing with locally at work in my role as a nurse practitioner so it should be useful.
Thirdly, I shall be posting some excerpts from my novel (work in progress) and short stories for your comments and feedback. From a writer's point of view, reader's comments are so much appreciated and actually extremely necessary. It helps writer's to develop and improve their craft and become more in touch with what their readers enjoy. Feel free to leave as much feedback as you wish, but please keep it constructive.
That's all for now but speak to you all soon. Would really love to see you at Timperley Library on the 12th.
Cathx
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