Geek Girl Eats Cake

Indie Author-Indie company

I love being an author, when I imagined it, I thought I would write all day in an outside café or terrace overlooking Paris with the culture and smells of fresh food surrounding me tempting my tastebuds. The reality however is somewhat different.

I love being outside, as many of you know I work on my lawn surrounded by nature. It’s as close to my Paris dream as I can get. I published Isolation Tales independently on Amazon as it was really important to me people read the book as the lockdown was happening around them. So, due to time constraints, only one option was open to me. And I don’t regret it. There was a lot of hype about the book, I went to town on the countdown on social media, local people were waiting for it and then without me hardly trying, the book sold over 100 copies in its first week which is good for a first self-published book with no mainstream media. The hype continued to follow the release and the book, and my story appeared in lots of local and national press. It was a great hook-local Cornish girl achieves her dream during lockdown raising money for the NHS. It was perfectly timed. Everyone wanted to help the NHS and had no idea how, and it also served as a perfect memento of this unique time.

People enjoyed the book and wanted another. I knew having just one book wasn’t brilliant as an author, so I found the quickest way to get another one out there. A short story collection profiling my journey as a writer. I thought I would have a bulk of material already; I would just need to write some new pieces and freshen the work up. I ended up writing 60-70% new material, but it was okay as the ideas kept coming. It needed to mean something, so I made it personal. Everything I cared about was within those pages as well as showing my scope as a writer covering as many genres as I could.

I laid myself bare, used personal photos, and did a social media event giving an inkling of what to expect with the new release. I worked harder than I had ever done before, and it was the most challenging project so far. But where the timing was perfect with Isolation Tales, in December people had no energy and were fed up. Money was wearing thin and they were anxious about Christmas and every day since people have been more and more lethargic and finding it harder to keep their spirits up. I understand and will hopefully be able to gain more sales once lockdown is finished. Lockdown worked beautifully for me the first time but now it was working against me.

I didn’t realise how hard being an indie author is. You have to come up with your own marketing and promotional strategy, you have to chase media, design covers, research, format, edit, have a strong presence on social media platforms and maintain it, have a website (I am trying to learn how to do one and currently working on it), create adverts, learn about new network opportunities, assemble a mailing list, and on top of that write your novel and your blog. You have to be original and stand out from everyone else. You have more roles and wear more hats than a Barbie Doll and you do it virtually voluntarily.

So why do it? I hear you ask.

Well, no two days are the same. I am learning constantly, always busy, always being creative, always being challenged. I get to do what I love every day. I love to write, and not all the days I get to but mostly I can squeeze some in. I have created a bar to which all work must meet, my bar of quality. And it gets higher and higher every day. I know I am the best writer I have ever been but in ten years, I will be better again. I create, I learn, I aim. My job satisfaction is when someone reads my work, enjoys it, and want to read more.

I don’t need to earn millions or even thousands, just enough that I can carry on and get better. With Isolation Tales, one review said they started to view the world differently after they read my book. That is one of my proudest moments- to change the way someone thinks just from my writing. And that moment was worth all the money in the world.

Online Addiction

Lockdown has been hard on everyone, but a group of people who have had their work increase by an obscene amount is the delivery men. We have all become parcel monsters.

Let’s face it, going to shops is a hassle. First of all, you have to wear a mask-which isn’t too bad but when we take them off and we all breathe that sigh of relief and relish air. Some days it’s like we are all starring in our own freedom movie. We couldn’t breathe but we made it! We did our duty. Our heroic story could be told in interpretive dance and lure even Daniel Day-Lewis out of retirement. Others we forget we have it on and keep wearing it, realise, feel like you have gone the extra mile and now you are in no doubt no trace of the virus is within you as you have taken extra precautions.

I used to see going to the supermarket as a trip out. Believe me, I know how sad that sounds but when you become a parent, you get more than an hour of alone time and you get to shop-it’s pretty exciting. You stroll instead of power walking everywhere. Take your time, negotiate prices, maybe a cheeky coffee in the café (especially Waitrose) It was fun. Now it is stressful. I have to clean. Something I hate doing even in my own home. But I have to clean my trolley before I can enter, then a one-way system (always go the wrong way), you have to keep two metres apart. Enter school me when you hold your arm out straight and shuffle across. You have to wait a mile away from the till so no one knows who’s waiting where and when you can put your stuff on the belt. And then you have the pressure of never forgetting your pin. Thank goodness they are putting the limit up for contactless as my brain has been fried since I pushed three babies out my cakehole and a night’s sleep turned into a mysterious myth parent-free adults tell the world!

No, shopping is no longer fun. It is complicated. And this is where we worship the internet! I am on chatty terms with all of my delivery men. I have seen them all more than my best friends, in-laws, or extended family. Pretty much every day they visit and every time I am happy to see them. Amazon Prime is the most convenient. Next day delivery. I had Mango and passionfruit curd in less than 24 hours. Incredible!

I am sure online clothes and department stores have made sure sales are the best they have ever been. I have redoubled my wardrobe in under a year! First- summer. Hot weather in lockdown meant no end of sunbathing amongst the hours of pretending to home-school, giving me the best tan I have had in my lifetime. Next- autumn jumpers! Snugglesome days inside-we might as well be comfy! Then Christmas. After such a rubbish predicament I am going all out on Christmas-we are all going to look fabulous! January was the keep fit phrase new clothes to work out to the lovely Joe Wicks. I am ignoring the fact the workout is meant for school children. For five minutes I entertain the idea of running showing off my new gear now I have a sports bra that fits. But I quickly barter I don’t look good with wet patches and might attract wasps and abandon the idea. So, after my several personality changes, additions to my knee-high boots collection-after two pairs simultaneously decide lockdown isn’t for them and slowly combust drowning my tight covered feet on rainy days- the delivery guys have all come to know me pretty well.

So well in fact, they beep me as they pass, and we wave like old friends. There was an incident recently when one thought I was going to murder him but that’s another story and we both learnt to laugh about it. He took a bit more time as he ran for his life, but we chuckled in the end.

The Sanctuary

When I was a kid, there wasn’t a lot of after school care, and my mum was in hospital quite a bit. My father was a builder-self employed so couldn’t turn down work. Having three children all school-age who went to school miles away from home posed a problem. Our school bus dropped us way outside our village, so we needed picking up but cutting a day short wasn’t an option if my father were to remain on the job. The solution he came up with? My brothers and I met each other after school, and all went to the local library.

I spent hours in the library when I was a child, reading, and scouring through newspaper reports from random dates. Looking up reference books, reading books I was considered too young to. The library became a sort of sanctuary- almost a second home. I did my homework on the table, I surrounded myself with a wealth of knowledge.

I’m not sure what the librarians thought-us turning up day after day, but they never asked any questions. They offered a cheery welcome every time we walked through the doors, and as long as we were quiet and behaved, they seemed happy for us to hang out.

I had always loved books, and I have always loved libraries. So many titles, so many worlds of imagination and creation to explore, new friends to meet and grow to love, the world of literature held many wonders.

The first thing I did when my children were born was to sign them up for a library card. I took them to the children’s section for an hour, made it a fun place to be and explore. Now, of course, the library does the summer reading challenge encouraging schoolchildren to use this great and underrated asset. Little prizes come with different stages of the challenge being met and the idea has been more and more popular every year.

They say libraries are dying out, and I hope this isn’t true. I don’t know what I would do without them. I still have my goal of seeing a book I wrote on the library shelf and I hope to achieve that one day. Then maybe, if a child were using the library as a sanctuary for whatever reason, I could help them while away the hours with a good book. Entertain them, transform them to another world, another imagination, keeping the magic of our libraries alive.

The Book Shelfie -Porn for the bibliophiles!

Being an author, you can not escape the need of an online presence. And so, whenever I hear of an app or site that has a way to reach readers, I try it out. Some work, some don’t. But one of the more popular platforms is Instagram.

I was nervous about Instagram. I am a woman of words, not pictures, although I do appreciate pictures of every form. From photographs of people (perfect for swipe files) to cake and recipe ideas to googling shirtless pictures of Jason Momoa (I don’t really do that. Unless of course, my phone needs a new wallpaper 😊)

However, there is one craze on Instagram that seems to be gaining popularity: The Book Shelfie.

It is as described- a photo of a shelf of books but for some reason it is alluring, it is sexy, and you cannot scroll past without trying to decipher every spine. I guess it is no different to television shows where they are in their study or library and you desperately trying to make out the titles behind them to see what they are into. (By the way, if all that is faked then a lot of people may be disappointed Cate Blanchett doesn’t have 20 volumes of the Oxford Dictionary)

We love being nosey, and if you are a fan of the written word it is very telling what titles grace your bookshelf. Many a time titles have been added to Amazon wish-lists when featured on several feeds just to see what the fuss is about!

So, for all my fellow Book Shelfie lovers, I have provided several photos below taken from our seven bookcases. I hope this helps you get your fix. Enjoy!

OPERATION VACCINE: STAGE ONE COMPLETE!

So, yesterday I got a letter letting me know I have jumped the queue and was being offered the vaccine for this pesky Coronavirus. Here in the UK, we had nine groups of order and I was either too young or too healthy to be considered of importance. On one hand really happy (I am young! I am in prime condition! Seriously? With all the wine, doughnuts and eye wrinkles? The bags alone from lack of sleep for the last 15 years alone make me look about 100); but on the other hand, it means I am in danger! Every cough and sneeze could land me in peril.

Alas! There is a ray of hope I was not aware of. As I am a carer of my gorgeous vulnerable son, I am queue jumping and getting the jab. All I need to do is sign on to the NHS website and fill out my slots (bit personal). So on I go, surprisingly easy process. Booked myself in for the next day and a couple of months away. Now the place.

Choice 1: A pharmacy in Truro- not too far away, sounds good and as it turns out the only logical option.

Choice 2: A field. Otherwise known as the Royal Cornwall Showground.

Choice 3: Devon.

Think I’ll go with choice one. Now the time. Weirdly, lots of ten minute intervals. So I pick one and write everything on the calendar. Including my booking references, NHS number, filling the entire day space as I do. Thank goodness we aint got much on other than making an Iron Man Lego helmet.

So, today I drive to Truro, carpark isn’t charging and it’s got loads of spaces- bonus. Although it makes the morning trip to the post office to get change for the car park a little pointless.

I walk to the pharmacy, there is a long queue outside. Bugger.

I join a nice looking lady. Right beside us are two old ladies sitting 2m in a pub beer garden drinking Costas. This is obviously not their first time. In my head I applaud their genius and wish I thought of it.

Lucky for us the sun is shining. Quite quickly the queue lengthens, making me wonder if they actually have an appointment or they are being British: saw a queue and decided to join it. The guy behind me talks repeating all the small talk I just had with the nice lady in front of me, so I stand in between them and we discuss why we’re here. The lady is a carer like me. The guy gives the reason so many have before. I’m old. Fair play mate, fair play.

People pass on the opposite side of the road and try and stare at different people in the queue, obviously under the illusion they have suddenly developed mind reading and can find out what’s going on by squinting.

After a while my name is called. A man in a mask and apron takes my name and appointment time. He tells me to stand to the first section after the next person is gone. Sanitise. Wait for further instruction. I nod. I understand. I take a deep breath, I am ready.

The next person moves, I’m in. I walk to the first stand bit. Sanitise. Nailed it!

A lady comes in front of me, She has a power belt of spray and cloths. A cleanliness badass. In my head she is called Gladys. She says hello. I am awaiting further instruction. Gladys tells me:

-When I tell you the way is clear, go in and sit on a chair (done that before, even sofas, booths, expert at parking my ass. Simple)

-Then wait for an admin station to be free (wait. Got it. Then I sit down on the free chair, don’t worry Gladys, I got this!)

-Wait for me to wipe the chair before you sit down (Dammit! Raced ahead-rookie mistake!)

-Sit down, do the admin and go sit down on the booth (yep! Not my first booth.)

-Wait to be told to go in, have the jab, go out this way. (Sorted. Longer instruction but I’m ready!)

She starts whizzing about like a Tazmanian devil, and calls me in. I go into a room with two desks, a couple of make-do computers, chairs either side and the much-talked about boothed area. It reminds me of the job centre. I immediately like the situation as I sit down cause everyone turns to me and says “hello.” It’s like being Norm in Cheers. Awesome.

I sit and almost immediately a chap gets up. The people behind the table look at me and say “Next.” I don’t move. I am following Gladys’s instructions, this could be a test and Gladys is far too much of a badass for me to betray her trust. I will stay defiantly in my chair and declare “I was told to stay put until the chair is cleaned.”

The people look proud. As a reward, Gladys whizzes in and sprays the shit out of the chair and wipes it. We smile at each other as she tornados back out. Now I will move. Slightly smugly.

Two ladies now face me. One on the computer and one with a very large printout. Turns out I don’t need to write down all my details because they had it already.

I ask if they want my NHS number but the printout lady says “nope, we got it” they then go slow-mo. Each number is said, repeated, and said again but even slower. Then my surname. In the mean time Gladys is creating tornados checking if people have finished or something needed wiping.

Finally, they give me a card, which is cool. And tell me to sit in the booth, but not too close to that gentleman. I look, the guy is old and sitting in the corner.

“Not on his lap then?”

The whole room laughs, and I think blimey they must be bored.

The old man leans over to me and says, “I wouldn’t mind you sitting on my lap to be honest.” Saucy sod. I don’t think we have enough disinfectant for that.

They call me in, I tell the Doc it’s heard to find a vein and she informs me “we don’t want to put it in your blood. Its not even certified.” (So many thoughts of becoming a superhero right now.) She asks me which side I sleep on- bit personal as we only just met. And she injects me- its quick, painless, nothing but a scratch, and I’m practically ordered to go shopping as I cannot drive for 15 minutes.

I take this as a prescription me to visit the doughnut shop and follow doctors orders grabbing some to take home. I was told you get a sticker and a lollipop, maybe I get that at Stage 2. I hope so, I love lollipops! Especially red ones. 🍭

Merry Christmas 🎅

🎄Merry Christmas Everyone 🎄
It has been a monumental year for myself, and I hope somewhere over the last 12 months you have something good to celebrate when we welcome in 2021.
A strange time for us all, but I hope you experience joy, glad tidings, and warmth in your heart.
Thank you for all your support this year, join me in the next, as there are many more adventures yet to begin. Seasons Greetings from my home to yours, and all your loved ones.
Have a magical time 🎅 See you in 2021 🎆

“I truly believe that if we keep telling the Christmas story, singing the Christmas songs, and living the Christmas spirit, we can bring joy and happiness and peace to this world.”

–Norman Vincent Peale

“Happy, happy Christmas, that can win us back to the delusions of our childish days; that can recall to the old man the pleasures of his youth; that can transport the sailor and the traveller, thousands of miles away, back to his own fire-side and his quiet home!”

–Charles Dickens, The Pickwick Papers

MINI COLLECTIVES: GRIGOR AND MARLEY

For the last day of the event of Mini Collectives, I wanted to leave with something hopefully inspiring and festive. My favourite story at Christmas is without doubt, A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. I feel it brings such joy to the heart and really shows what the season is about. Being kind and enjoying the love of your fellow man. When I found out about the story of Dr Miles Marley, Charles Dickens, and a connection with Cornwall, I couldn’t resist creating a little story.

Thankyou for joining me on my first big social book event, The Collection is released tomorrow Monday 14^th December at 9am. A new chapter is beginning, and it’s a wonderful way to finish the year. I can’t wait for you to join me once more in my world of imagination. Merry Christmas!

Grigor and Marley

Grigor was the oldest elf. He had been around for centuries, and like so many other elves he will continue to live forever as God intended his world to be full of magic and all things good. The smartest decision he had made was Santa Claus. He had conquered his role better than Grigor had ever imagined. People adored him and he really gave the elves a good image that was so easy to love. Before Santa, Christmas was a lot lower key. Grigor handed out fruit and coal to homes around the world. But at that time, it was still a wondrous and incredible gift to receive.

Grigor poured the hot milk which was now bubbling on the stove and added nutmeg and, cloves to the mixture and stirred. A cinnamon stick bounced around the creamy liquid and seemed to welcome the new additions. Grigor bent down and took a deep breath in. The smell was glorious, and he was excited to have it but made himself be patient.

He went to the cupboard and took out a grey pewter tankard and placed it beside the pan. Then he came into the next room with his chair and book of A Christmas Carol placed gently on the chair. The fire crackled beside him. He glanced at his watch and came back to the stove. The drink was ready. Grigor poured the mixture into his tankard and came and sat down. He placed his drink on a little side table beside him and picked up his book. He had read it over and over but never grew tired of the story.

As he began the tale, he opened the page to reveal Marley’s Ghost and his mind travelled. He remembered the day Marley came into Charles Dickens’s head. It was long ago and thanks to a Physician based in London, who then lived in a little English County called Cornwall….

It was St Patricks Day in Westminster, and Dr Miles Marley was having a party to celebrate. The guests arrived in their finest gowns and attire looking forward to an interesting evening. One of the most anticipated guests was the popular and always animated author Charles Dickens.

Marley and Dickens heard of each other through mutual friends and were yet to meet. The author arrived promptly and mixed with the guests. Apart from a quick greeting at the door, Dr Marley could not speak to his special guest until dinner when they were all sat down.

They began with a creamed potato and cauliflower soup, and conversation flowed freely. After the soup bowls had been cleared away and the wine glasses topped up, Dr Miles Marley spoke about the chatter of his guests toward the author.

‘Mr Dickens,’ he began in a raised voice. ‘I do enjoy your books, but I was wondering where you came up with your ideas? How the Devil do you know what to write about?’

Mr Dickens chuckled. ‘Why, the world around us provides much inspiration. You only need your eyes open and be aware of the surroundings in order to benefit from it. People walk around blind. I always find it strange for instance, how little notice, good, bad, or indifferent, a man may live and die in London…’

‘I think I am happy not to notice the bad men,’ interrupted a young lady sat opposite Mr Dickens. ‘Otherwise, I shall find London a lot more terrifying place to live. I shall have to move to the country and paint trees!’

The Lady’s remarks were greeted with chuckling among the guests.

‘My dear lady,’ replied Mr Dickens smiling. ‘If there were no bad people, there would be no good lawyers!’

And the guests laughed.

‘May I ask Mr Dickens, what are you working on now?’ the young Lady asked.

The table all chorused her request, and Charles Dickens smiled.

‘I do have a little tale brewing,’ he began. ‘But it is still at the early stages. I am still forming the story. The characters are appearing to me as we speak.’

‘Now?’ asked Dr Marley. ‘Is that how it works?’

‘Indeed. The hard part is finding their names,’ smiled Mr Dickens.

‘How do you normally acquire them?’ replied Dr Marley.

‘I get inspired, Dr Marley. By people.’

‘So, you would just use the people you meet?’

‘Yes, Doctor Marley,’ explained Mr Dickens. ‘It has proved most effective in the past.’

‘Have you used any of us here tonight?’ the young Lady enquired with a smile. ‘Mind you, I think our host is safe!’

The room chuckled. Dr Marley most of all. ‘Yes, Felicity. I do believe Marley would be most unsuitable for a Dickens book. Pickwick has a rhythm to it, don’t you agree? And Marley is not nearly as interesting as Barnaby Rudge or as dastardly as Fagin. No, I believe I shall never have the good fortune.’

‘On the contrary Dr Marley, I believe Marley is an excellent name and from the moment I received your kind invitation to dine tonight I thought with your permission, of course, I would use it. It would be perfect for my new story.’ Mr Dickens took a sip of wine and savoured his moment. ‘In fact, by the end of the year, Marley will be a household name!’

And Charles Dickens was right. A Christmas Carol turned out to be the most successful book of the 1843 holiday season. Soon after the St Patricks Day Dinner, Dr Miles Marley moved to Cornwall where he entertained Mr Dickens many a time. Mr Dickens was a fan of the county and featured it in several scenes of A Christmas Carol. Dr Marley enjoyed the story of Scrooge for ten Christmases to follow but passed away in his home at Port Isaac shortly after.

Grigor sipped his spiced milk and read into the night. He, like Dr Marley, never thought his name was special. But Grigor found and mentored the man who brought the magic into Christmas. There are always the big stars of tales, such as Santa and Ebenezer Scrooge. Both of these men are considered the spirit of Christmas to so many. But behind them, at their beginnings are the people who set them on their way, like himself and Jacob Marley. No matter how ordinary you believe your self to be, you can help others achieve greatness, guide them on their way. You never know the impact you can bestow. Especially at Christmas.

MINI COLLECTIVES: CHRISTMAS TALES

Christmas Tales

One thing I do like to do which is featured in the upcoming book, The Collection, is looking at different experiences, yet they have the same thing at their core. Considering the time of year, I decided to write three mini-stories about Christmas. All of these are inspired by real events.

A Pause in War

Carols travelled over the earth, men exchanged tobacco, hats, and food. One man knelt in front of another as he cut his hair. A soldier snipped away at the threads of another man’s buttons and did the same with his own. They placed them in each other’s hands with a message of thanks. Gatherings of men from different lands spoke of stories of home, and what they left behind. Sweethearts, motorbikes, homecooked meals and good homes.

A week before, these men were enemies. Soon they would be enemies again, but in 1914 for a short period, they lay down their weapons and came together to celebrate Christmas. They brought peace and a welcome break of the horror that had been endured for months before. They wrote letters home to loved ones confessing they wouldn’t miss this unique and weird Christmas for anything. For that fleeting period, the guns were silenced, and instead impromptu games of football were played.

2. Christmas in the USA

Chris took a walk through his little quaint hometown. He ventured down Comet Street, Cupid Avenue and came into Bethlehem. You may think we are within Chris’s imagination or playing with toys in a map he made at school but in fact, Chris lives in Florida, America. Chris’s hometown is Christmas. Every day on his daily walk, Chris passes a massive 200ft crocodile outside a jungle adventures theme park. A huge contrast to the year-long Christmas tree standing proud beautifully decorated. Or the permanent nativity scene or festive gift shop. Now, word has got out, Christmas has become a favourite tourist destination for many, it boasts the largest cypress forest in the state and Chris writes letters to Santa all year round.

3. The gift of £50

The shoppers browsed and did their shopping. Many had already gone into the supermarket once that week, but supplies ran low, special dinners needed to be made and children had run out of things for their pack lunches.

There was one shopper who was not there to shop, instead, he was there to find people. One by one he chose the people who stood out to him for small reasons. They had a nice smile, they looked poor and on hard times, or he was just drawn to them.

One by one he approached without them being aware, they carried on shopping. He slipped the envelope into their trolleys and hurried away before he could be seen. Eventually, each of the chosen arrived at the till and discovered what he had done.

Inside each envelope was a £50 note and a letter.

‘I recently came into a windfall. It is more than my family and I need so I wanted to spread the wealth and make your Christmas a little easier. This is not a trick, there’s no hidden cameras or catch. Just have a Merry Christmas.’

Every recipient’s day was brightened and they never forgot the stranger’s kindness. Some re-examined how they helped others and swore to do better, others just had a great story to tell that made them smile and feel warm every time they shared it.

BEHIND THE COVER

BEHIND THE COVER

We chat to Cover Designer and Artist, Gemma Warne, to find out more about that breath-taking cover of the upcoming release, The Collection.

1. Congratulations on the cover, it looks amazing! Is it true this was the first time you have designed one?

Yes, this is the first time I have done anything like this. Thank you so much. I am so happy with how it looks.

2. Why did you want to be involved in this project?

When Mel asked me to help design a cover for her new book, I was so excited! It was such an amazing thing to be asked to do. I wanted to be involved with designing as well as helping out my friend, and it just sounded so much fun. I love designing, making, and creating, so I thought it would be perfect for me.

3. What is the inspiration behind the picture? Can you talk us through the significance of the tree and the items on and around it?

After speaking to Mel about what her book was about, she gave me some keywords she wanted to include and see represented on the cover. I used these to help create the design. The tree is important, as we wanted the cover to stand out and be different, and I think a tree on a beach is definitely different! One of Mel’s keywords was ‘Nature’, so the tree represents that. Also, a tree was perfect for hanging the other bits on. We have two origami birds which represent that this is Mel’s second book. These birds were made out of the Shakespeare play Romeo & Juliet, which has a large significance in her life. The crochet hearts represent Love, and I also crocheted them in the colours of the Rainbow as that was another keyword. We added the boots as they represent Journey.

4. How important was the location of the shoot? Can you tell us a little about why you chose that beach?

We wanted to use this beach as our location for the shoot as it is local to us both in Cornwall and ties in with the photo on the back of the book. This beach is really pretty, and we chose to get the photo as it was starting to get dark so then the tree and lights would stand out.

5. How did you achieve transferring the vision from the authors head to reality on camera?

Mel had an idea of what she wanted to include on the cover of her book, so I just used the brief she gave me. We had various ideas going back and forth until we agreed on a design that we both loved and thought would represent the book perfectly.

6. We understand some items weren’t readily available and had to be made, can you talk more about these? Did it come in handy you being a craftswoman?

Yes, I made the origami birds, and I crocheted all the hearts. It came in handy as I already had all the materials, I needed to create these decorations. Making them for the cover of the book was so much fun. I still find it crazy now that things that I have made are on the cover of a book. I enjoyed making them unique to Mel. For example, the origami birds are made out of pages of her favourite play. I was able to make things that you can’t go and buy in shops.

7. The author Melanie Stephens said she asked you to be involved because she thinks of you as “extremely creative and you think outside the box.”, is that how you see yourself and your work? How would you describe yourself to someone yet to discover you and your creations?

Yes, I would describe myself as highly creative. I love designing and making things. I love things to be different and stand out. I find I can’t just sit and do nothing, I always have something I’m making, whether it’s knitting, crochet, gluing, or drawing!

8. Where does your inspiration for new projects usually come from?My inspiration can come from anywhere. I see things and think what can I do with this? It all goes from there really. I find going for a walk also helps when I’m trying to think of new ideas.

9. Are you pleased with the cover and your experience? Do you hope to do it again?

Yes! I love how the cover came out! It looks exactly like the original plan; I think it stands out and looks so pretty. I would love to do this again as it has been such an amazing experience. It is such an incredible feeling when you see your design and creations on the front cover of a book

10. What are your hopes for the future? What is coming up for you next?

I am not too sure yet. I love creating things and I would love to share my creations with more people. I would also love to do more projects like this, as it has helped to boost my confidence. It has been a brilliant experience working alongside Mel as she creates her second amazing book. Mel is such an incredible person, and I am so pleased that she is doing what she loves. I can’t wait for the book to be released so other people can share the excitement that both Mel and I have got for this book.

THE COLLECTION IS AVAILABLE EXCLUSIVELY FROM AMAZON FROM MONDAY 14TH DECEMBER.

The finished cover:

MINI COLLECTIVES: IN ANOTHER TIMEFRAME

In the book, love shows itself in many forms. One of the most explored is forbidden love or love that cannot be. I find it fascinating how the main thing everyone wants in life from the moment they are formed, can appear in ways you don’t expect or ironically want. One of my favourite poems is Never Seek to Tell thy Love by William Blake. Instead of telling you how great love is, Blake gives almost a warning against following your heart.

The powerful emotion of love, affection, and desire overrides our thought, common sense, and sometimes good judgement. It can take over our minds, bodies, even our lives. It’s interesting uncovering new ways love takes control, even when the person you fall for, you know isn’t right for you at all!

In Another Timeline

HIM

In another timeline, the woman I think so much of

Could have been mine, we could have fallen in love.

In our world we are trapped, we belong to another

We must stick to moments, where we can be lovers.

I cherish each kiss, every promise she makes,

She explains away reasons for the risks we must take.

I quiver under her touch, no matter how small,

If she asked me to be hers, I would leave it all.

We are always on a timer, fleeting moments we seize

We cannot spend a night together or do as we please.

Life can be so cruel when it steals my lady away,

But she knows I am thinking of her every single day.

HER

In another timeline, this affair I am part of

Never would have happened, I would have been more in love

with my husband, and not be looking for another

man, to excite me. There would be no need for a lover.

I enjoy our time together, every orgasm he makes

When I become dominant and order him to partake.

He satisfies me. Thankfully, he is not small!

And when we get passionate, he gives it his all!

We do it all over the house, dangerous moments we seize

And down on my knees, I am eager to please!

How long will it last before passion fades away?

For now, we keep going, taking it day by day.