A writer influenced by her Swedish heritage and Yorkshire upbringing
Author: Annika Perry
I’m a versatile writer whose books span across various genres.
My first venture into publishing is "The Storyteller Speaks" and this a collection of short stories, flash fiction and poetry. Published in January 2018 "The Storyteller Speaks" has received over twenty-five glowing reviews on Amazon.
"Oskar’s Quest", my second book, it is a beautifully illustrated children’s book for younger children (and all young at heart!). "Oskar’s Quest" is an engaging story of adventure and courage.
I have also completed one more story for children which is as yet unpublished.
"Island Girl", my first full-length novel, is in its final edits and I’m looking forward to publishing this in due course.
Writing has been a passion since childhood although it is only in the past few years that I have seriously started to write fiction.
Initially, a writing course gave me encouragement and direction with my writing. Furthermore, the tutor recommended blogging and in January 2015 I set up my blog, Annika Perry’s Writing Blog. I never imagined the friendships I would make and I’ve been overwhelmed with the warmth and incredible support from people around the world.
In spring 2014 I won First Prize in a Writing Magazine’s Short Story Competition which was a fantastic surprise and joy. Furthermore, I was short-listed for an Ink Tears Short Story Competition the same year.
The recognition of my writing ability outside of my family and friends was a huge boost to my self-confidence and as a result, I started the mammoth undertaking of writing my first novel.
Meanwhile, in early 2017 I was greatly encouraged by my friends and writers to publish some of my numerous short stories in a book. It was with great excitement and sense of achievement to launch the publication of my first book, "The Storyteller Speaks", in December 2017 with the paperback released in January 2018.
The latter part of 2018 and throughout 2019 was busy with the realisation of a dream project, to publish a children’s book. Like so many parents, my son when young would request a bedtime story. These I tended to make up and a couple became his and my personal favourites. I revisited one of these stories and after much rewriting, editing and finding a wonderful illustrator, "Oskar’s Quest" was ready!
Overall my road to publication has been circuitous and aided by the support of my family and friends.
After gaining my BA Honours Degree in German Language and Literature from the University of Leeds I started working as a journalist. Following a serious illness, I changed career and gained a position as Administration Manager for a busy timber import company. I worked here for many years before leaving to pursue my passion for writing.
I am now a full-time writer, blogger and book reviewer.
I was born in Gothenburg, Sweden and at the age of six, moved to the UK with my family where we settled near Ilkley, West Yorkshire. Since then I have moved many times but now live in a small village in North Essex, England with my husband and occasionally my son, when he returns during university holidays.
I am on the following social media sites and look forward to seeing you there. If you have a specific enquiry please use the form below.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnnikaPerry68
Author Website: https://annika-perry-author.com/
Amazon Page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Annika-Perry/e/B0789NNWFX/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/55576285-annika-perry
Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/annika-perry-5a9ab8a6/
As a longtime fan of Shey’s blog I was thrilled to be invited for an interview with the notorious Dudes…how could I resist those charming friendly hamsters (see, I’m trying hard to get on their good side!!) These hamsters are like no others and it was with trepidation and excitement that I popped by to say hello and answer some questions. We veered from parachuting hamsters to writing woes, from future dreams to my mother’s famous (within the family) recipe for Pepparkakor (Swedish Cinnamon Biscuits).
Do read the rest of the interview over on Shey’s blog … I promise it is both entertaining and informative. Only then the full truth behind the comment on the picture above will be revealed!
Our lives are a series of journeys – traversing various paths along the way, some straight and clearly signposted, others winding, confusing. We stumble over obstacles, the cracks in life. What matters is we move forward – time is never still, nor is life.
We might not be sure what is at the end of a certain road…but that is no reason not to explore, examine in detail. Take a risk, walk on.
Be aware how those oft travelled roads change form with the seasons. For a day or two a busy car-laden highway becomes a mystical wintry snow grotto where only the odd car passes.
The norm is never just that…a new angle, emotion is required to see the road in a new light…to see the view ahead in a manner transformed.
That doesn’t mean we should charge through life obliviously – take time to notice, be aware of the surroundings. They will raise a smile, ignite creative thoughts, inspire stories, poems, art.
Along the way we stop for nourishment, sharing a meal with friends and family.
Here we not only satiate our physical hunger but that of the soul as well; the location often setting the ambience and mood for the occasion.
Birds and their flight of freedom never fail to grab our imagination; their elegant effortless glide into the skies, their expanisve wings stretched to the full.
How often don’t we dream of just that – stretching out, soaring away. But then again, perhaps we already do – every moment of our lives…unconscious of the mystical flight of living.
Finally, I would like to wish each and everyone of you a wonderful celebration on New Year’s Eve and may 2018 be a peaceful year filled with joy and creativity.
As I’m hosting a New Year’s Eve dinner party, I’ve been busy preparing a menu which I would like to share with you.
A HUGE thank you to you all here on WP – it’s been another wonderful year of close friendships, learning, inspiring, creating.
It’s an honour to be part of a community that encourages each other with our various projects, supports one another through our lives, shares the joys as well as the travails of life.
Personally, a heartfelt thank you to everyone for your fantastic and enthusiastic response to my short story collection which I released in December. It’s been a crazy hectic time and it is with regret I haven’t been able to visit as many of you as I would have liked … thank you for your patience and I look forward to catching up with you all in the beginning of the year.
Until then I wish you all a magical Christmas filled with warmth, love, peace and joy!
It is with great pleasure I can now announce that The Storyteller Speaks is available on Amazon.
The Storyteller Speaksebook is available on Amazon UK or Amazon US or any other Amazon outlet.
The paperback will be published in January 2018.
About the Book
It only takes one event to change a life. What is that action, decision, occurrence? Whose life is affected? Changed forever?
In this eclectic mix of 21 short stories, flash fiction and poetry the pendulum swings between first love and murder, from soul-destroying grief to reconciliation. The tales veer from the sweet satisfaction of revenge to new beginnings, from heart-breaking miscarriages of justice to heart-warming Christmas misadventure.
One common thread binds them all; the belief that there is no such thing as an ordinary life; they’re all extraordinary.
Open your hearts and minds as The Storyteller Speaks.
Did you hear that whoop of joy? That screech of overwhelming excitement and happiness? It is with utmost delight and sense of pride that I can unveil the cover of my collection of short stories entitled, The Storyteller Speaks.
The ebook will be out in a few days.
No book cover reveal would be complete without the accompanying blurb.
About the Book
It only takes one event to change a life. What is that action, decision, occurrence? Whose life is affected? Changed forever?
In this eclectic mix of 21 short stories, flash fiction and poetry the pendulum swings between first love and murder, from soul-destroying grief to reconciliation. The tales veer from the sweet satisfaction of revenge to new beginnings, from heart-breaking miscarriages of justice to heart-warming Christmas misadventure.
One common thread binds them all; the belief that there is no such thing as an ordinary life; they’re all extraordinary.
Open your hearts and minds as The Storyteller Speaks.
In moments of thrilling ecstatic elation I just need a quick bop and this is is one of my all-time favourite songs to which I let my hair down and dance – I hope you can join me.
A week ago I posted my publishing woes when I was let down. Just as I had accepted the inevitable long delay before starting anew my journey to publication an email from Sally Cronin at Smorgadbord – Variety is the spice of life popped up my inbox.
I read it over and over. Could it be true…I both laughed and cried with joy; my hope re-kindled.
Sally wrote to say how sorry she was for me and that as she and her husband are publishers they would only be too happy to take on my book and prepare it for publication. David runs the publishing company and I was soon in touch with him at Moyhill Publishing.
Both Sally and David were adamant that we could get the book out by Christmas and ever since emails have been winging their way back and forth between David and myself.
David Cronin is a true professional, a joy to work with. His speed in returning amended proofs and answering questions is unbelievable. No query was too much, every step of the way was explained…all in the midst of proofreading and for him formatting the manuscript.
Meanwhile, there was one major hurdle – the cover, or rather lack of one! I remembered Debby’s beautiful cover of her latest book. I looked at her book cover designer’s website and found a fabulous cover for my book. I immediately emailed Yvonne Less at Art4Artists. Within minutes and despite the early morning in Australia I had a reply! After this initial email it only took a few days until I had the finished cover.
I cannot thank David and Sally enough for coming to my rescue; they are both such warm, wonderful people. They work with great professionalism and expertise and the past week has been very uplifting for me.
I am overjoyed and honoured to be published by Moyhill Publishing.
The paperback book is ready however we are just waiting for print proofs and space at the printers. It will be published in January 2018.
Very little stops time in its tracks. Takes one back to our roots of dark and light.
As the vast and magnificent St. Paul’s Cathedral was cast into complete darkness, a hush descended over the crowd. The usual shuffles, sniffles, and coughs were awed into silence by the depth of dark and then the distant tones of Sankta Lucia could be heard. From behind us, she appeared and with her maids, they slowly made their way down the three aisles. All around us the glow of candles lit up their faces, the singing clearer, louder as they passed up to the front of the cathedral.
As photography was strictly forbidden (ignored by a few) this video from 2011 shows the entrance of Lucia at St. Paul’s Cathedral.
An overwhelming sense of purity and joy filled the building, the singing, still only lit with candles, wondrous and at times spine-tinglingly glorious. Too beautiful, tender, moving for words.
For once everyone was fully focussed, caught in the moment, no distractions. The wholeness was complete and utter.
As the bitter chill of outside penetrated the cathedral (it was minus three centigrade outside) people huddled closer to their loved ones.
This was the final song of the evening before Lucia and her maids walked back down the aisle…listen with some volume and wait until the moment the choir joins in. A shudder of emotion shook us all…many moved to tears. The pettiness of the world ceased to exist as the song carried us to new levels.
Lucia is celebrated on the 13th December in Sweden and I wrote about the festival here two years ago. For the first time this year, my family and I went to see the celebration at St. Paul’s Cathedral – a most unique and special occasion.
The Church of Sweden organises a series of Sankta Lucia services across London during December and the Ulrika Eleanora Church Choir takes part in them all. We were lucky enough to have internationally-renowned Swedish Soprano, Miah Ovenden, singing this year. Also, we enjoyed a Christmas Service with guest speakers including The Ambassador of Sweden who was joined in the congregation by numerous other Ambassadors, including those of Finland, which celebrated its 100 years of independence last week. I’d read about this on Khaya’s lovely blog and you can read ten things she loves about her second home here
I know we will be back next year to Lucia at St. Paul’s Cathedral…hopefully some of you might be able to join us.
Sometimes we don’t need to travel far to journey a long way.
With a publication agreed weeks ago it was with a song in my heart and a dance in my step that I prepared for this major event in my life.
My first book was due out in the world!!
A wonderful celebratory party away was planned…local to us all but a special place to be spoilt and dine in style!
As the date for publication drew closer, delay followed delay and to my shame, lowered my spirits. Worst of all was the lack of communication from the producer and broken promises. In my naive trust, I waited and believed. Until now. At last, our cooperation had to be terminated.
As for the celebratory weekend – I was all set to cancel. My family refused to accept this, insisting that after all the book is ready; apart from the elusive cover! (And final proofread before publication!)
So we set out to celebrate life and what has been achieved – I hope you’ll join me in reliving the wonderful weekend.
It’s not easy to get anywhere high up in Essex…it’s a pretty flat county but Wivenhoe Park is situated on top of a hill and it is here that Wivenhoe House was built. Wivenhoe House’s fascinating history stretches back to 1759 when Isaac Rebow asked Thomas Reynolds to build the mansion house, which is now Grade II listed.
Stepping out of the car we admired the same landscape painted by the English Romantic artist John Constable in 1816.
The building escaped mostly unscathed apart from a few broken chimney pots following the country’s worst earthquake in 1884, was requisitioned by troops during WWII before becoming the original home to Essex University in 1964. It is now a hotel.
The university campus is close by in the park, the tall 1960s tower blocks iconic and for the first time ever I wander amongst them, past a delightful library full (!) of students, past a modern theatre, into the main campus site.
Lakes and fountains adorned the area; ducks and coots pecking amiably on the cold ground. A stunning sunset greeted us and we paused to let the peace and beauty sink in – not too long though as the bitter chill bit through our coats.
Heading round we realised how hungry we were on seeing this unusual cafe…a Routemaster double-decker bus cafe – closed alas but probably just as well as dinner was soon.
The hotel was impeccable with friendly staff who were eager to help. The bedrooms were superb.
The balcony overlooking the park was a bonus – even if it was too cold to use the welcoming table and chairs.
The brassiere dining room was delightful and we were welcomed by the sommelier who recommended his original cocktails. How could we refuse! By the end of the evening, my spirits rose even further when presented with the ‘Congratulations’ platter.
The next morning we just had time for another walk around the grounds; this time to hunt out the two famous cork oak saplings which had been smuggled into the country in the boots of General Redbow following the Peninsular War. What had they witnessed in their two hundred year existence, I wondered?
These impressive trees were both enthralling and majestic; languidly they grew along the ground as well as upwards, their trunks dramatically pock-marked and small leaves reaching in bunches for the sky.
Gazing at the trees I felt a certain sense of calm for the first time in weeks…their strength and timeless aura transcended my worries and concerns. During this trip, I once again became re-aligned, my inner journey to renewed energy and belief reignited during our short sojourn.
Finally, my deepest apologies to you all…your warm, generous and enthusiastic support for the publication of my short story collection has been overwhelming and it has been hardest to let you down. I hope you will bear with me and kindly ask for your patience until the launch of my book.
Supermoon photo taken through the trees in the evening.
‘Painting is but another word for feeling.’ John Constable.
I would just substitute the word painting with writing in this case!
*There’s many a slip ‘twixt the cup and the lip is a very old proverb, similar in meaning to “don’t count your chickens before they hatch”. It implies that even when a good outcome or conclusion seems certain, things can still go wrong. (Wikipedia)
I’ve been thrilled to take part in Sally’s ‘Posts from Your Archives’ and it’s been a delight to both make new friends here on WP and say hello to existing ones. Thank you so much Sally for all your hardwork and the opportunities here on your blog.
This final of my four instalments features one of my shorter stories which is also included in my short story anthology out soon. Enjoy!
It was a delight to share my obsession of notebooks on Sally’s blog earlier this week as part of her archive series. Journals were an integral part of Oliver Sacks’s life and he reckoned he’d filled over a thousand with his words. Please pop over to Sally’s site to read more!
Marje is never one to hang about! Following my DM on twitter plea for help last night regarding Amazon KDP tax form, she came back with with an excellent link today. Realising my dilemma and frustration are no doubt shared by many she was inspired to write this post – fantastic links regarding all aspects of self-publishing! Many thanks, Marje…so happy to have form all sorted! Bookmarking these – they will be invaluable!
Recently, I was asked by fellow blogger and friend Annika Perry how to fill in tax details for publishing on Kindle KDP. I messaged Annika the link below via twitter and this encouraged me to write this post to help others with some of the painstaking detail of self-publishing.
I have been collecting many other links which might be useful to people considering self-publishing. Most of these are related to publishing on Amazon Kindle:
Annika Perry 