Guess Who I Met Last Weekend!

We'd been planning it for months, and the day finally came!

I think we first talked about it in May; it was so hard to find a weekend we could all make... so, on October 10th, I went to Sheffield to meet four friends from Rosie Amber's Book Blog ~ I was so intrigued to meet the lady for whom I've been reviewing books since last Christmas, the mysterious Rosie (!), along with three others: Cathy Ryan (from Between The Lines book blog), Barb Taub and Alison Williams.  Before this post gets too filled up with links, I'll just say that a click on their names leads to their Twitter pages and all links to blogs that I haven't already included, etc!

Sheffield, why Sheffield?  We chose this city because it was mid way between us all - we were coming from as far north as Glasgow and as far south as Hampshire.

Barb travelled on the same train as me and we met the other three outside the hotel.  I knew what Alison and Cathy looked like from their Twitter photos, but Rosie?  I was looking for a lady in pearls with a big hat, a trug filled with roses, and a pair of secateurs...  

....but here they are!  Barb, Alison, Cathy, and ~ Rosie! 

Rosie Amber's Review Team #RBRT!!

We lunched at an Italian place and then spent a great afternoon in the hotel lounge/bar over coffee, discussing Rosie's blog, blogging/tweeting in general, reviewing, books we've read, plans for #RBRT, such as annual book awards and a new hashtag (more to come!); the hours flew by and I was so surprised to look at my phone and see it was 5.45 (nostalgia alert ~ do you remember when everyone used to consult watches for the time, rather than phones?).  What struck me most was this: how lovely it is to make new friends so late in life ~ we range in age between 46 and 61.  I've become a lot less sociable in recent years, my attitude being 'right, I've got enough friends now', and I often find I can't be bothered to socialise, looking forward to going home when I'm out.  Saturday, though, made me realise it's all about being in the company of people who are obsessively interested in the same things as you.

We left the booking of the dinner venue to Barb, who was threatening to go elsewhere on her own for her favourite sushi ~ Rosie, Cathy and I hate it (I totally love all fish, but I like it to be at least on speaking terms with a grill, or any other cooking appliance).

I've long been interested in the dynamics of groups of people; my mother used to be a therapist who led many group therapy sessions, and said that there is always one who directs which way the conversation goes; I'd say that was Barb, though Rosie and I were pretty vocal, too (well, we're both Leos!) while Alison and Cathy listened more and talked less.  Mum told me there is usually a group 'clown' and sometimes an antagonist, too ~ I am not sure who wore those hats (or maybe I just don't like to consider it!!). 

Barb and me ~ clown/antagonist/group leader?

Cathy and Alison ~ listening to Rosie, Barb and me doing most of the talking!

Our partying days all being over, we were back in our hotel rooms by 11.30 ~ aaaah!  I very much enjoy staying in hotels on my own - I don't hang anything up or put stuff away, I just lay my clothes out on the sofa, and have my phone, glasses, iPad, etc, next to me in the empty space.  Out like a light and slept really well.  I'm not saying that my husband's snoring wakes me up during the night, of course, I just happened to have a really good night's sleep on my own....  

Me when I got in ~ you can tell my drinking days are over, too; 

look at my unaccustomed-to-wine eyes, and the slant of the camera!!

An early morning call enabled me to have several cups of coffee and play several games of 'Plague' on my iPad (you have to destroy all human life on earth by means of virus, bacteria, etc, I'm totally addicted).  And so to breakfast, which was fabulous, the meal I enjoyed most!  Couldn't you just sit there all day with those buffet breakfasts?  I had muesli with all sorts of stuff on, and eggs and tomatoes, and fruit, and a ton more coffee...

I love this picture of Barb and Rosie!

And then it was nearly time to go....

Must get some lowlights in that hair, I look like Lucius Malfoy...

To sum up ~ it was great, we all thoroughly enjoyed it and got on so well, even though we're all quite different.  Shows how similar interests can bring people together so successfully.  We're planning another meeting, in Spring next year, if all goes well.  There's so much still to discuss!

(We're wondering whether to call the review team 'Rosie's Angels'...!)

 

The Z Files: Catherine Hokin ~ Scorpio

Welcome to The Z Files!  I invited a selection of writers and bloggers to show how the characteristics of their star sign influence their work; the instruction was to treat the subject as seriously, cynically or lightly as they liked.
Links to all previous posts can be found at the end of this one.

"...vampy and dressed in scarlet like a souped-up Veronica Lake..."

Sneaking down a dimly lit alleyway in dark glasses, all the way to my blog, is Catherine Hokin ~ another deep, dark Scorpio!  I discovered Catherine via Twitter, she has an excellent blog called Heroine Chic (click for link) and, best of all, is bringing out a book about Margaret of Anjou in January 2016, which will go straight onto my to-read list!  (I've just discovered that Margaret was born under that fellow Mars-ruled sign, Aries.  A more typical female ram I couldn't imagine :)

So, Catherine, how is being a Scorpio writer working for you?

Bad Moon Rising

Scorpio - it is the best of signs, it is the worst of signs…

"Sensual, intense, deep thinking, loyal, philosophical...cruel, dogmatic, possessive, jealous. It’s a writer’s dream! To be honest I’ve always been rather proud to be a Scorpio – the female images are usually vampy and dressed in scarlet like a souped-up Veronica Lake. I also like the sting-in-the-tale aspect – sarcasm is only the lowest form of wit if you don’t know how to use it and I’ve always considered a sharp intake of breath and a slight look of panic as a compliment when I’m being ‘funny’."

"It wasn’t until Terry asked me to do this, however, that I looked at my writing in terms of my star-sign. It explains a lot – from my blog Heroine Chic to my short stories to my forthcoming novel, my work has Scorpio rising. My female characters are a bit twisted, very self-willed, always strong-minded – they do what is expected for as long as they can and then they rebel, that’s why I like them. Margaret of Anjou, the protagonist in my forthcoming novel Blood and Roses splits opinion like Marmite. Love us or hate us, I know which one is safer." 

S  Sexy

C Crafty

O Observant

R Ruthless

P Private

I  Inscrutable

O Opinionated

I've got two self-willed, strong female Scorpio writers for Catherine!

Determined to get away from the image of women writing light romance ~ 

Mary Ann Evans, aka George Eliot...

...and ultra cool Zadie Smith 

(whose 10 Rules of Writing I love - read it HERE)

 

Follow Catherine on Twitter ...if you dare... and find out more about her book and others to come on her website, HERE.

Next Up: a very precise Virgo!

Previous Posts (click name to view article):
Leo and Aries: Terry Tyler and Julia Proofreader 
Leo: Anne Goodwin, Alex Johnson
Aries: Cynthia Harrison
Gemini: John Privilege, Shelley Wilson
Aquarius and Capricorn: Nicky Black
Aquarius: Cathy Ryan, Lynda Renham
Sagittarius: Wendy J Lennox, Katrina Mountfort
Cancer: Katie Oliver, Mark Barry
Virgo: Barb Taub
Pisces: Sacha Black
Scorpio: Jenny Twist
Taurus: Val Poore

The Z Files: Cynthia Harrison ~ Aries

Welcome to The Z Files!  I invited a selection of writers and bloggers to show how the characteristics of their star sign influence their work; they were asked to treat the subject as seriously, cynically or lightly as they liked....  links to all previous posts can be found at the end of this one.

★.:*´`*:.☆

Today it's the turn of Aries writer from Michigan, Cynthia Harrison, one of the most charming people I've met in the writerly Twittersphere.  She writes mostly romantic fiction, published by Wild Rose Press, though is branching out sideways soon ~ all will be revealed.  Last year I read her book Lukes #1 Rule (romance/family drama including a very insightful take on addiction); my review is HERE.

Tell us about your astrological self, Cindy! 

Aries (with Libra Rising)

"As a fiction writer, I hide behind my laptop screen telling stories, which doesn’t seem like something an Aries would do.  Aries is a fire sign, they like to be first, they tend to take the lead, they want to front the band. Libras are a little less out there. So I get my introversion from the Libra side and my intense drive to create from the Aries end of things."

"I’ve always known I was not a typical Aries, because these folks are not known as shy. I have plenty of Aries friends and they have no problem voicing their opinions and telling you exactly what they think you should do. I tend to go along with what everyone else wants. I’m a peaceful person and avoid conflict, something many Aries don’t mind one bit. They don’t mind getting up to make a speech at a party, either, while I have a panic attack just thinking of myself on a stage or behind a microphone.

I let my Aries out through my characters, who tend to be fearless take-action types. They help me get my Aries daredevil fix in an safe environment wearing yoga pants."

Libra and Aries

You know how you don't see in yourself the traits that others do?  I'd like to add that Cindy is delightfully (and Aries-ly!) straightforward and honest about areas of difficulty within her own life, blogging about them in such a way that others can relate to them, too.  She's generous and helpful - most ram-like :) The balanced and harmonious influence of her Libra rising obviously calms down the Aries fire in a good way! 

You can read more from Cindy on her website and follow her on Twitter

Let's find two excellent Aries writers for her....

...here's Lauren Weisberger, the author of The Devil Wears Prada, 

one of my favourite books (much better than the film) 

and the excellent Everyone Worth Knowing

...and Aries poet and activist, 'we are not worthy' Maya Angelou

Up Next: A scary Scorpio!

Previous Posts (click writer's name to view):
Leo and Aries: Terry Tyler and Proofreader Julia
Leo: Anne Goodwin, Alex Johnson
Gemini: John Privilege, Shelley Wilson
Aquarius and Capricorn: Nicky Black
Aquarius: Cathy Ryan, Lynda Renham
Sagittarius: Wendy J Lennox, Katrina Mountfort
Virgo: Barb Taub
Pisces: Sacha Black
Scorpio: Jenny Twist
Taurus:  Valerie Poore
Cancer: Katie Oliver, Mark Barry

 

 

The Z Files ~ Wendy J Lennox ~ Sagittarius

Welcome to The Z Files, in which writers/bloggers show how the characteristics of their star sign influence their work; contributors were invited to treat the subject as seriously, cynically or lightly as they like!  Links to all previous posts can be found at the end of this one.

Ooh, look, a Sagittarius ~ catch her before she dashes over the horizon in search of another adventure!  Welcome Wendy J Lennox, YA fantasy author of The Crystal Keeper trilogy (Book One on Amazon HERE)~ a wonderfully typical Sag, I think.  Best line: 'even on the days I've put on my pants of despair by mistake' ~ love it!

How does being a lady archer affect your writing life, Wendy?

"I was born a mythical centaur. A match made in heaven you could say, considering I spend my days dreaming up fantastical worlds inside my head. Known as the philosopher of the zodiac, the centaur gazes skyward, his arrow aimed at the stars as he ponders the meaning of life. Yes, that’s me. My inherent curiosity and restless soul has always driven me to gallop with reckless abandon across life’s boundaries in my thirst to explore the world around me. But having never been at one with nature, (which has habit of chasing me whenever possible) nowadays most of my adventures begin and end on my sofa."

"I might not be able to wander as freely as I used to B.C. (Before Children), or am quite as impulsive as my younger self (that’s a good thing, trust me) but this hasn’t reined in my need to broaden my horizons. Whether it’s chatting into the wee small hours about the wonders of the universe, expanding my knowledge or immersing myself in a new creative project, if I didn’t channel my restless energy somewhere, I’d probably spontaneously combust. Fortunately for me, there’s enough challenges that come with being an independent author to keep me out of mischief for many years to come."

"Independent, ambitious and enthusiastic are three valuable Sagittarian traits I’m fortunate to have in abundance. Without them, I wouldn’t have been brave enough to fly solo and self publish my first YA fantasy novel, or had the determination to park my bum and carry on writing, even on the days I’ve put on my pants of despair by mistake. On the flip side, this drive to succeed can also bring out my impatient, stubborn and tactless side. But whenever I have a Wendy wobble, make yet another stupid mistake or forget to engage brain before speaking, it’s my archer optimism that makes me readjust my aim and take another shot."

Thank you, Wendy, a piece I think will make all fellow archers nod in recognition.  Ah, the Sagittarian who dares to take a punt; sometimes it's a more sensible one, unlike the glued-to-the-card-table Sag gambler with whom I used to live.  You can follow Wendy on Twitter, look at her website ~ and here's the cover for the second part of her trilogy, which will be out in January 2016 :)

Here are some fellow Sagittarian writer-adventurers for Wendy:

....the wonderful C S Lewis, theologian, speaker (for adventures are not always of the physical self!), and creator of the ultimate in children's/YA fantasy 

(back in the days when they were called 'children's books'!) ~ Narnia.

....and a man of many journeys, a Sagittarian speculator in new ventures: Mr Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain :)

Coming next time: My most sceptical post so far ~ a Gemini non-believer!

Previous Posts (click on writer's name to view):

Leo and Aries: Terry Tyler and Proofreader Julia

Leo: Anne Goodwin, Alex Johnson

Gemini: Shelley Wilson

Aquarius and Capricorn: Nicky Black

Aquarius: Cathy Ryan, Lynda Renham

Sagittarius: Katrina Mountfort

Virgo: Barb Taub

Pisces: Sacha Black

Scorpio: Jenny Twist

Taurus: Valerie Poore

Cancer: Katie Oliver, Mark Barry

 

The Z Files ~ Katie Oliver ~ Cancer

Welcome to The Z Files, in which writers/bloggers show how the characteristics of their star sign influence their work; contributors were invited to treat the subject as seriously, cynically or lightly as they like!  Links to other posts can be found at the end of this one.

Scuttling sideways through the damp sand with a red rose from Mr Darcy, I am proud to present The Z Files' second Cancerian, best selling chick lit author from Washington DC, Katie Oliver.  Published by Carina, her books are adored by many lovers of cupcakes, daft shoes and dating on both sides of the Atlantic!  'If you like a bit of comedy with your romance'... read more HERE!

Katie has started her post with a rundown of traditional crabby traits...

Cancerians love home-life, family and domestic settings. They are traditionalists, and enjoy operating on a fundamental level. They love history, and are fascinated with the beginnings of things (heraldry, ancestry, etc.). The moon is their ruler, so they can be a bit of a contradiction and sometimes moody. However, they are conservative, so they'll be apt to hide their moods from others altogether. They have a reputation for being fickle, but they'll tell you that isn't true, and it's not. Cancerians make loyal, sympathetic friends. However Cancerians need alone time, and when they retreat, let them do so on their terms.

"According to my astrological sign, I'm a homebody and a traditionalist who likes history, and food. Check, check, and check. I'm also a loyal friend - just like your devoted pet spaniel - but am subject to moods ranging from amiable sociability to fits of Greta Garbo-ish, 'I-vant-to-be-alone' behavior. I can be 'a bit of a contradiction.'

Oh, boy. Can I ever. 

My moods are unpredictable - although not as unpredictable as they were in my twenties, or thirties (or even my forties). They can range from face-on-the-floor, why-do-I-even-BOTHER despair, to the giddy, whirling, open-armed joy that Maria demonstrated in the opening scene of “The Sound of Music.” And this manic/depressive behavior is even more pronounced when it comes to my writing. 

When the creative process is going well - the sentences and ideas are flowing, the plot's working, and the dialogue isn't coming off stilted and weird - I'm ecstatic. (Coffee helps, too.) When things aren't going so well, and every word feels like a struggle, the doubt and despair creeps in. Why did I ever think I could write?? Who am I kidding? I will NEVER finish this stupid book."

"Also true to my sign, alone time isn't merely a preference when I write - it's a necessity. The smallest distraction throws me off, yanking me out of Scotland or Majorca or wherever my story's set and landing me right back in reality. Which is not where one wants to be when one is writing. 

So there you have it...I fit my zodiac sign to a 'T.' (Or a 'C.') And that's mostly a good thing, I think. My moods (so often annoying to Mr Oliver) are an advantage; they help me empathize with whatever fictional dramas my characters are going through. (Confession - I’ve been known to make myself cry at my own sad bits. Pathetic.)"

Me too, Katie - I thought that was normal!  But then I have got Cancer rising, so I know a little of this sign...I really get the 'alone time' thing, too, and the need to completely immerse yourself in the world.

I was looking for famous Cancerian chick lit authors to trio-up with Katie, when I came across this lady crab...

....who, I suppose, was a chick lit author of her time!  

(Barbara Cartland, for anyone who doesn't know!)

.... and a more contemporary chick lit Cancerian ~ Lisa Jewell:)

You can follow Katie on Twitter and/or look at her Prada and Louboutin filled books on Amazon.com or Amazon.UK   

Next up: a truly adventurous Sagittarius

Previous Posts (click name to see post):
Leo and Aries: Me, and Julia Proofreader
Leo: Anne Goodwin, Alex Johnson
Gemini: Shelley Wilson
Aquarius and Capricorn: Nicky Black
Aquarius: Cathy Ryan, Lynda Renham,
Sagittarius: Katrina Mountfort,
Cancer: Mark Barry
Virgo: Barb Taub
Pisces: Sacha Black
Scorpio: Jenny Twist
Taurus:  Valerie Poore