Children’s author. Passionate about being a mum, writing, and quiche. WARNING: Magic Can Be Dangerous! - out now. WARNING: May Contain Dragons - coming 2025.
It’s time… for a term-time GIVEAWAY!
Like, share, follow & comment (with the name of the school you’re nominating) to be in with a chance to win.
Oh… and I do
#FREE
school visits, too. So, if you think your school might be interested in an author visit (with a free sticker and
✍🏼📚If you’re a fellow writer and I’m not yet following you, please come and say hi. My TwiX feed is still far too full of all the wrong words, and I’m desperately seeking more bookish stuff!!!📚✍🏼
When one
#GIVEAWAY
closes, another one opens. Or is that doors? Anyway… there was so much interest in my last GIVEAWAY that I thought it would be rather nice to do another one. To be in with a chance to win a signed copy of WARNING: Magic Can Be Dangerous! and a fab
#Lego
set,
If there are any MG writers still left on here, please say hi. My feed needs you and your writing news to drown out all the other stuff that’s been sneaking in lately! Thank you.🫠
For a chance to get your hands on a
#FREE
signed and dedicated copy of my debut middle-grade novel, simply like, repost, and comment.
One winner will be chosen at random (from all those who've commented) on publication day - 30th April.
Will ship for free worldwide.
Hello
#mgbookchat
! I'm an MG author--365 DAYS TO ALASKA (2021) and LOST KITES AND OTHER TREASURES (coming up on 2/6/24). Happy to be here! Hello, everyone!
I turned 48 today! (And yes, I did have to do the maths to check I’d got the number right.) 😊
Time seems to be speeding up. Or am I… in fact… slowing down? 🤔
I see some things quite differently now to when I was younger. But I definitely can’t see anything close up
✍🏼📚If you’re a fellow writer and I’m not yet following you, please come and say hi. My TwiX feed is still far too full of all the wrong words, and I’m desperately seeking more bookish stuff!!!📚✍🏼
WOW, you guys! 🤩 You made my day yesterday, and made TwiX great again. Thank you!!! The
#writingcommunity
really is something special. I hope every author out there can hang on in! Perhaps together we can make a difference… and make all feeds more bookish going forwards. 🫶
If there are any MG writers still left on here, please say hi. My feed needs you and your writing news to drown out all the other stuff that’s been sneaking in lately! Thank you.🫠
I'm looking to build a street team for my debut
#MG
#book
, WARNING: Magic Can Be Dangerous! If anyone would like to join, then please leave a comment on this thread. I'll happily be part of your street team, too. Digital ARCs available soon. (Book blurb is in follow-up comment).
#WritingCommunity
, it’s perfectly normal to cry your eyes out when your first NetGalley review lands, isn't it?!? Last night, WARNING: Magic Can Be Dangerous! received praise… and I shed 297 tears. (Yes, I’m talking BIG tears.)
I know we all want people to read our stories, but
I’ve just spent a blissful morning reading the most amazing book: Aliya to the Infinite City. I only intended to read a chapter or two today, but I simply couldn’t put it down! I believe this is Laila Rifaat’s children’s debut, and the first in a series of
Seeing my children’s book in the library of my old grammar school,
@CCGrammarSchool
, is a dream come true. And yes, it may be a little young for secondary school pupils, but I hear it went down rather well in a Year 7 English class the other day! One copy will be staying in the
CALLING ALL TERRIFIC
#TEACHERS
AND HORRIFIC… I MEAN HEROIC
#HEADTEACHERS
– especially those within a one-hundred-mile radius of Gloucestershire (UK).
Is your school able to accommodate author visits? If so, I’d relish the opportunity to attend an assembly for your Year 4, 5,
Being an author, words are supposed to be my thing. But I really can’t begin to explain how it felt going into Waterstones Cheltenham (
@cheltwaters
) today and seeing my book on a shelf in a bookshop for the very first time! And yes, I did cry… TWICE. Well, wouldn’t you if you
@Nickyshearsby22
Oh, yes! It’s amazing what you can HEAR that you don’t read. It really helps to spot repetitions of words, too. I often get my phone to read the manuscript to me. The voice is a bit stilted, but it’s a fresh voice that helps my tired brain spot things it didn’t notice before.
Whose idea was it to offer free popcorn for all pupils on my author visits? Ah, yes… mine! And tomorrow’s school has taken me up on the offer. Five hours in and 250 bags of popcorn finally popped and packed, I have a feeling I may need to rethink my idea going forwards. But then
On my very first school visit (May 1st this year), I was asked what it was like to be a children’s author. Regrettably, I didn’t have an answer at the time. I remember telling the girl who posed the question that I’d have to get back to her, as my debut children’s book had only
What a wonderful way to start the weekend - an author event at
@watworcester
. Thank you, Maddy, Jess, and the team, for arranging everything and making today so memorable! My very first bookshop event; I still can’t quite believe it!!! I’d love to come back during the October
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Draws you into the spookiness from the very first page!
From the moment I started reading The Witchstone Ghosts, I knew I wasn’t going to be able to put it down until I’d finished it. It’s pacey from the off, has a brilliant storyline, and builds to a phenomenal
It’s such a thrill seeing the look of joy on the face of a child who’s reading your book. THIS is what being a children's author is all about. Thank you, KB, and all the other parents who are now sending me photos. My heart melts every time I receive one! Please keep them
In less than four weeks, my debut children’s book will be hitting bookshops. I’m still finding that so hard to believe!
I had such fun writing WARNING: Magic Can Be Dangerous!, and I’m hoping it will sprinkle a little fun, silliness, and magic (but definitely no danger) here
When your first 5* review lands on NetGalley, you’re allowed to celebrate, right? Because it’s just gone 10 p.m. in the UK, and I’m planning to reward myself with… a much needed early nigh…
Okay… it’s official… I’m old! I now have five different pairs of glasses, despite apparently having 20/20 vision. How does THAT work?!?
So, there’s my reading glasses - that I’ve needed ever since turning 40, my glasses for watching TV or driving (I’m a little long-sighted in
Into single figures now… just 9 days to go, then my children’s debut will be out in the big wide world! I don’t think my nerves can cope!!!
-
@Waterstones
-
@AmazonUK
-
@Amazon
I’m heading south with WARNING: Magic Can Be Dangerous! on Friday July 26th. So, if your 7–12-year-old likes reading, writing, fun, silliness, magic, or mischief – and you’re not too far from Waterstones Southampton, Westquay - then you might like to check out my upcoming event.
What a crazy day! And there I was thinking publication day was going to feel a little flat. It was utterly brilliant! Thank you, everyone, for your kind wishes throughout today. My last task tonight is to choose a winner for the
#GIVEAWAY
once the final entries have come in at
WARNING: Magic Can Be Dangerous!
Join 11-year-old Tyler as he embarks on an exciting yet turbulent venture, with newfound magical powers at his fingertips. Unfamiliar with his new abilities, will Tyler be able to control the chaos that is left in his wake?
#KidsBooks
I’ve put the Do Not Disturb sign up on my bedroom door, as I’m treating myself to some more reading time! The cover for Starminster by
@meganrkhopkins
is absolutely stunning, and I can’t wait to get stuck in. Am I ready to fly? You bet!
#starminster
#kidlit
#middlegradebooks
I’ve been so nervous about my first school visit. But the pupils at Dinglewell Junior today were so engaged and receptive for the whole time I was there. It was actually quite overwhelming how much they got involved. There were so many hands up in the air and numerous questions
I now have a book prop!!! Huge thanks to
@Hobbycraft
for the foam board,
@ajgreenprinting
for the amazing print job, and my wonderful husband for his commitment to the cause. (Yes, I'm handling it with kid gloves. I'm so clumsy, I'm afraid I'm going to wreck it... or get sweaty
Hi
#writingcommunity
,
I’m wondering whether any of you might be able to help me, please.
The other day, I walked past my local
@WHSmith
and saw giant books in the window. No, not books about giants. Actual GIANT books! If you haven’t seen them, you must! They look amazing!
I
Yesterday’s school visit was just a short walk around the corner from home. But today, I was out on the road at 6.30am to ensure I arrived at
@ccpslichfield
- Christ Church Primary, Lichfield - in plenty of time for their morning assembly. Tiredness is definitely catching up with
Two weeks until it hits the bookshops! Somebody pinch me! Thank you to everyone who’s come along for the ride. I couldn’t have done it without you. (And if any of you have really neat handwriting, please could I enlist your services for book signing. My scribble is awful! I’ve
Sharing a tent with a group of incredible children’s authors at Cotswold Fest today was a real privilege and a joy! I’ve been flying solo with my book for so long that I hadn’t realised just how much fun it would be to do an event with fellow writers. I hope this was the first of
Today, someone told me that WARNING: Magic Can Be Dangerous! is one of her favourite books, and that she’s just finished reading it… for the second time! How cool is that? (Especially as it was only published on April 30th!) It’s the little moments like these that absolutely
WARNING: Magic Can Be Dangerous! has received 4* reviews across the board so far on
#NetGalley
- huge thanks to everyone who’s read and reviewed.
And if you want to get your hands on a copy, then pop over to
@Waterstones
where it’s now available for pre-order.
What a magical day! This morning, it was just a short walk around the corner from home to Lakeside Primary (
@LakesideChelt
) – the school my son and daughter used to attend!!! I found the nerves really kicked in, given my special memories of this school. But they soon abated once
There needs to be a ‘care’ button on TwiX. So many posts I see tug at my heart. But I worry that if I hit the ‘like’ button, it may come across the wrong way. If there was another button you could tap to show empathy, I think that would be rather lovely.
#showyoucare
Seven school visits down, and 777 to go…🤣I wish!!! But I’m game if I can get the bookings. My diary is full for May, but I’m now taking bookings for June and July. So, if your school would like a
#free
author visit - and is situated in or around Gloucestershire, UK - then
This beautiful indie bookshop,
@CleeveBookshop
, is local to me. And I’ll be hosting an event there on Saturday June 8th from 10am until 11am. All copies of WARNING: Magic Can Be Dangerous! sold at the Cleeve Bookshop now come with a free sticker sheet and
Thank you so much, Tredington Primary, for sending the photos of my author visit over. It’s lovely to be able to relive the day through the pictures and to see all of your imaginative book cover designs. I thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent with you all and hope to return again
'Warning: Magic Can Be Dangerous! delivers a thrilling adventure that demonstrates how mixing magic with everyday wishes can quickly spiral into chaos for a bored child on a school break. Tyler's journey to correct his magical mishaps keeps you on the edge, shouting "don't do it"
Now booking
#FREE
school visits for September onwards!
Since WARNING: Magic Can Be Dangerous! was published on April 30th, I’ve hosted assemblies and KS2 workshops in 32 schools around the country. All of my author visits are provided free of charge, and I also donate a free copy
Thanks to all of you, I’m through to the next round! It's not looking likely that I'll end up with a digital badge to flaunt everywhere… by coming 1st, 2nd, or 3rd. But I'm ever the optimist, so I’m not giving up just yet!!! (Not while magic is at play.)
With half term over in a flash, I was back out on the road today for school visit number fourteen. Whiteshill Primary pupils and staff were certainly relaxed and rested after a week off, as they were an amazing audience today, from assembly time right through to school closing!
So, the good news is that it looks as though I may have sold a few copies today, as WARNING: Magic Can Be Dangerous! has jumped from 987th to 77th in Magical Realist Fiction for Young Adults on . But the bad news is that it’s now showing delivery for
Well, that’s a wrap! After 32 school visits over the last 52 school days, I’m knocking off for the summer. And what a way to end this term!!! The Batt School in Witney is beautiful… as is the market town itself. And despite the sweltering heat, it was another unforgettable day.
In three weeks, my debut hits the shops, so I’ve gone into a blind panic. (And before you ask, it's not because I've misplaced all five pairs of my glasses.) Does anyone else lose all faith in their book just before it’s published? Or sit for hours staring at the
#NetGalley
tab,
Seeking middle-grade ARC readers... those who dare!
Physical ARCs have all been snapped up. But if you’d like to receive a
#FREE
digital ARC of WARNING: Magic Can Be Dangerous!, then please:
1. Repost this post.
2. Leave a comment.
3. DM me ‘ARC’ along with your email address.
Yesterday, I showed 12-year-old Theo Jarvis the final proof for the cover of WARNING: May Contain Dragons. I first met Theo at Brookthorpe Hall School during one of my author visits. Next month, my publisher will reveal the incredible cover… illustrated by 12-year-old Theo! I
So tired tonight that I can’t keep my eyes open for much longer. But if anyone hasn’t yet pre-ordered WARNING: Magic Can Be Dangerous! and would like to, then the link is… Zzzzzzz
School visit number 7 was to St Paul’s C of E Primary in Gloucester, where many of the children liked the idea of turning their sister into a spider and washing her down the plughole! (Don’t worry, I won’t tell your sisters.) Thank you to all the pupils and staff for being an
I’ve set aside the whole weekend to finalise my content for all the school visits I have booked in. But I’d welcome any advice from the lovely
#writingcommunity
on how to make author visits as engaging and enjoyable as possible for Years 3, 4, 5 & 6, please. My middle-grade debut
Don't be fooled by the cute image... magic doesn't always go according to plan!!!
And if you don't believe me, leave ARC in the comments for a
#FREE
digital Advanced Reader Copy of WARNING: Magic Can Be Dangerous!... and then maybe you will.
NetGalley ARCs will be available
Thank you to everyone I haven’t yet mentioned today who’s played a part in my journey to publication. From my friends and family who have listened to me drone on and on about the book for years, to
@Lolascupcakes
for the brownies,
@ajgreenprinting
for the poster used to make the
Another school visit in the glorious sunshine. Today I spent the afternoon at Withington C of E Primary School and Foundation Unit – but I almost didn’t! With a closed main road determined to keep me from getting there in time, and satnav continually looping me back to that very
Well… the GIVEAWAY went down a storm! Thank you to everyone who got involved. And the winner is…
@MrsShaw060810
Congratulations! Please DM me your address and who you’d like the book dedicated to.
#warningmagiccanbedangerous
#warningmcbd
For a chance to get your hands on a
#FREE
signed and dedicated copy of my debut middle-grade novel, simply like, repost, and comment.
One winner will be chosen at random (from all those who've commented) on publication day - 30th April.
Will ship for free worldwide.
My last school visit this week was to St Thomas More Catholic Primary School. There was lots going on there today (including rowing!), so I ended up following my assembly with classroom visits for Years 1, 2 & 4. It was great fun spending time with some younger pupils for a
I can finally share some real photos of my children’s debut out in the big wide world! Thank you, AP, for sending this to me. I’m glad your pre-order arrived safely, and I’d love to hear what your son thinks of the book once he’s started reading, please.