The Bowl on the Laundry Basket

On October 30, 2017October 30, 2017 By Annika PerryIn Writing

What a wonderful surprise today to see my lovely friend’s post this morning. Touched to tears, I couldn’t stop smiling at Sarah’s beautiful drawing of my ‘infamous’ laundry basket and her words will have you smiling and touch your heart.

Art Expedition

The Bowl on the Laundry Basket – inspired by my dear friend Annika (micron ink and water color on paper, Oct. 2017)

I´m sure you will all agree with me when I say that even if we first thought that with blogging it would be all about ourselves, we learn very fast that actually it´s all about connections, friendships and learning from others.

For me blogging is also very much about inspiration – both, about the one I might evoke in others, but especially about the inspiration I get from my fellow bloggers and friends.

A wonderful example for this is the drawing I did this weekend –

My dear friend Annika over at Annika Perry´s Writing Blog wrote in one of her latest post “CHIPPING AWAY!” wonderfully about the sometimes arduous process of editing her first novel and how it influences her and her family´s everyday life on…

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CHIPPING AWAY!

On October 22, 2017 By Annika PerryIn Short Stories, short story, Writing172 Comments

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Editing is a strange process.

I’m finding the task both hugely satisfying and exhausting. Like a skilled artist, I imagine myself adding those final touches to a painting that will lift my work. As I carve away at my stories I’m falling for the characters all over again, getting to know them intimately, their stories engraved on my mind. Even when not at the computer, chipping and adding away, my thoughts are constantly with my creations…I want to honour them by presenting them in the best way possible.

My distracted state has not gone unnoticed at home. Returning from school one day my son cautiously asked why a breakfast bowl was on the laundry basket in the bathroom. A very good question and I had no sensible answer – no doubt a new edit idea struck me between rooms. I’ve warned him to expect a lot of these unusual distractions as I battle against my perfectionist nature and concentrate singlemindedly to complete my first book.

With a selection of my short stories with a professional editor, with discussions underway for a book cover, I have been reassured that completion before Christmas is possible.

Yikes! On hearing this deadline my stomach flip-flopped with excited elation (and terror!) whilst my mind nearly overloaded as I careered through everything that needs to be done. Then, ever the Virgo, organisation took charge and with a new notebook in hand, I made lists, lots of them. These I’m slowly ticking off…

Whilst editing I have noticed my predisposition for certain words which I’ve harshly erased; even as I berate myself for my persistent use of these lame and weak phrases, I’m pleased to learn more about my writing, how to improve it with immediate effect.

Who are the culprits? Stand up words, wave goodbye and bow out!

* Also *Now *Then *At last *Just

*After all *Of course *Finally

Finally (noooo!!) one chap’s name appeared in three different stories…sorry, there’s only need for one George!

‘My short stories are like soft shadows I have set out in the world, faint footprints I have left. I remember exactly where I set down each and everyone one of them, and how I felt when I did. Short stories are like guideposts to my heart…’ Haruki Murakami

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JOY #WORDLESSWEDNESDAY

On October 18, 2017October 18, 2017 By Annika PerryIn Nature, Writing

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MYRTLE THE PURPLE TURTLE: A BOOK REVIEW

On October 15, 2017 By Annika PerryIn Book Review, Book Reviews, Writing140 Comments

‘Myrtle the Purple Turtle’ is one of the most striking, original children’s books released in recent years.

I was immediately drawn in by the welcoming cover of Myrtle proudly striding along and quickly became engaged with this wonderful character.

As a purple turtle, Myrtle has never considered herself any different from the other turtles and is happy and confident in her life. Until one day a rude turtle laughs and taunts her for even daring to consider herself a turtle.

What follows next is a touching and tender story to which we can all relate when faced with inconsiderate hurtful comments. As Myrtle sets out on a journey of self-discovery and understanding…with some help from her mother and friends along the way, she learns to accept herself and others.

I quickly lost myself within Myrtle’s world and empathised with her hurt and confusion … cheering her on as this feisty creature sought deeper understanding.

The language of the book flows with ease and it is well written in brief sentences, which are kept lively with the use of direct speech. Children and adults alike will be enraptured by Myrtle and captivated by her story.

The illustrations are the crowning glory of this book – they are superbly and deftly drawn with a huge emotional impact and are visually appealing. The drawings, which are vibrant and luscious, are fun and often cheeky; I couldn’t stop giggling at the image of the two head-butting turtles. The illustrations and story blend seamlessly together to lift the story onto a deeper level, exploring the themes of what makes us unique and ultimately learning to embrace ourselves and others. As Cynthia Reyes herself says ‘Love Your Shell’.

I thoroughly enjoyed ‘Myrtle the Purple Turtle’ and it is an entertaining and uplifting book which deserves to be on every child’s bookcase…it is one they (and you) will happily return to time and again.

I received a free no obligation preview copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.

RATING: 5 out of 5

PUBLISHER: Weaverback Press

AVAILABLE: Amazon UK (Paperback) Amazon UK (Kindle)

Amazon US (Papaerback) Amazon US (Kindle)

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10 Statements – Annika Perry

On October 8, 2017October 8, 2017 By Annika PerryIn Inspiration, Writing53 Comments

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I am an avid fan of ’10 Statements’ at Karen Oberlaender’s blog mytrainofthoughtson.com and eagerly look forward to learning more about every featured writer.

What spurs them on in the morning? Who is their inspiration in life?

Wistfully I imagined what my own responses would be…

How could I sum ‘me’ up in ten short statements? What was my personal motto? What was the best advice I’ve ever been given?

My idle daydreams became reality recently when Karen kindly invited me to take part in her series and I accepted immediately. What an honour!

However, I soon started to overthink the answers, scribbling down various possible replies, in my diligence I started to dither, falling into a turmoil of confusion with every new thought.

Finally one morning I put my writings aside and opened a clean sheet of paper in my notebook, took my favourite pen in my hand and whilst scanning the statements, I wrote from my heart, letting my controlling brain drift to the wayside.

I hope you’ll pop over to see my final answers on ’10 Statements’ and also read the excerpt of one of my short stories (which might be familiar to regular readers – apologies!). Enjoy!

Please press here to read full article: 10 Statements – Annika Perry

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