Hi folks, I'm having a little problem with my published blogs. It seems that whatever I've written, regardless of the original format, the piece of work appears without the original paragraphs, headings or indetations. Does anyone have advice for me as to how I can avoid this? Thanks, Cath.

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

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

 

  

 

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