Author Archives: Frostie

London Book Fair 2024 – Day 1 Round Up

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The largest Spring gathering of the international publishing industry assembled at Olympia today, as The London Book Fair kicked off its first day. Thousands of exhibitors and visitors from the UK and around the world gathered to do business, share expertise, network, and attend sessions covering topics including platforming marginalised voices, sustainability, tips for writers, social media, and new global trends.

Gareth Rapley, Director of The London Book Fair,said: “What an amazing opening day of LBF! It’s been brilliant seeing global publishing all under one roof and the excitement in the room has been so great to see. the buzz has been incredible. From our International Author of the Day, Taylor Jenkins Reid, to the Selfie Awards and incredible talks from authors including Gavin Esler, Lemn Sissay, Kit de Waal, and Joe Haddow, it’s been an incredible first day. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back across the next two days.”

Clockwise from Top Left to Bottom Right: Gavin Esler, Lemn Sissay, Kit de Waal and Joe Haddow on Author HQ, A busy Olympia for The London Book Fair 2024, Taylor Jenkins Reid, International Author of the Day, Jonathan Karp of Simon and Schuster in conversation with Porter Anderson

Highlights from Day One of the Fair:

There was a Welcome Address from BBC and Sky Arts journalist Geeta Pendse which was followed by Esther Fung, Social Media and Marketing Coordinator at Pangobook, and Lea Crumpton, Content Creator and Bookseller, discussing the growing influence of BookTok and Bookstagram, and how these spaces are revolutionising reading habits.

Jonathan Karp, President and Chief Executive Officer at Simon & Schuster, and Porter Anderson, Editor-in-Chief at Publishing Perspectives, held the opening keynote address, which explores S&S’s outlook on the evolving world of content and the innovative directions they envision for the future.

Jasmine Richards, Founder of Storymix, Vicky Palmer, Creative and Marketing Director, Hodder & Stoughton, Ken Wilson-Max, Publisher at Kumusha Books and HarperCollins Children’s Books, and Hannah McMillian, Director at Midas, delved into their expert advice on how to prepare for the publication of your next book, with

Lisa Sharkey, Senior Vice President Executive Director of Creative Development at HarperCollins Publishers, Ain Chiara Bensenouci, Publishing Consultant, Jojo Schlattner, Senior Social Media Manager and Ashley Baugh, Associate Director at Midas, shared how authors can use social media to boost their brand and promote their books.

International Author of the Day, Taylor Jenkins Reid, New York Times and Sunday Times Bestselling author of Mailbu Rising and The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, joined Leonel Teti, Editorial Director at Urano World on the Main Stage to discuss her career and inspiration behind the strong women featured in her popular quartet. Guests at The Fair were excited to hear that Reid’s new project will involve “a good love story.”

Jaclyn Swope, Senior Account Manager at Nielsen BookData, provided an insightful talk of the local and global factors driving varied book markets in 2023, through the combined data of Nielsen BookScan and GfK. The talk revealed that there were over 1bn book purchases in 2023, the top three countries for book sales were France (325m), UK (199m), and Italy (105m)t, and Colleen Hoover remains on all top five bestseller lists across EU and outside.

During the How I Write panel, authors Gavin Esler, Lemn Sissay, Kit de Waal, and Joe Haddow, shared a glimpse into their writing life, and offered insight into how they wrote their best-known books and poetry, find creative inspiration in the everyday, value feedback from the people around them, and how important it is to uphold the human voice in all writing.

Alexander Buchler, Director at Literature Across Frontiers, Dr Richard Davies, Publishing Director at Parthian, Bianca Bellova, Author, and Shelia O’Reilly, Board Member at European & International Booksellers Federation celebrated the European Union Prize for Literature and its evolution and impact on translation across European literacy scenes over the year.

Sir Chris Bryant, Shadow Creative Industries and Digital Minister visited The Fair, adding: “It was a pleasure to visit The London Book Fair and to see the UK’s publishing industry in action. The sector is a huge driver of economic growth in the UK and we are proudly the largest exporter of books in the world. We need to address publishers’ concerns so the industry can thrive and continue to contribute to the wider success of the UK’s Creative Industries.”

The 2024 BookBrunch Selfie Awards winners were also announced with Julia Boggio, taking home Best Adult Fiction for Shooters, Jill Michelle Smith and Jennifer Watson taking Best Children’s Book for Extraordinary Extinct Prehistoric Minibeasts: A First Guide to Fossils, and J F Penn winning Best Memoir/Autobiography for Pilgrimage: Lessons Learned from Solo Walking.

One In Eight Children’s First Read is The Gruffalo.

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World Book Day is upon us and The Gruffalo a first read for 1 in 8 children.

The Gruffalo most popular first read for British children as nation prepares to celebrate World Book Day

  1. One in eight children have The Gruffalo read to them as their first book
  2. The Very Hungry Caterpillar and That’s Not My… series complete the top three
  3. 44% of parents read to children from birth
  4. However, those parents who were late to reading themselves could be stunting their own child’s progression

As the nation prepares to celebrate World Book Day on March 7, a new study has unveiled that The Gruffalo is the go-to book when it comes to reading to our children for the very first time.

The survey, commissioned by The Works, aimed to uncover reading habits among parents and children and whether our own experiences of reading influences how we read to our children, as well as the top books we read to children today.

And the results proved overwhelmingly favourable towards Julia Donaldson titles, with The Gruffalo taking the crown as the number one read book to children. Joining The Gruffalo among the most popular, but just outside the top 10 were the likes of Zog and Room on the Broom, meaning one in five children have a Donaldson book read to them as their very first story.

Donaldson books were joined by some old favourites, including The Very Hungry Caterpillar, which is still the second most read book to children as a first read despite being over 50-years-old, while the That’s Not My… series, written by Fiona Watt, is the third most common set of books read to children as their first reads.

The full top 10 first books parents read to their children:

  1. The Gruffalo
  2. The Very Hungry Caterpillar
  3. That’s Not My… 
  4. Guess How Much I Love You
  5. Peppa Pig
  6. Spot 
  7. The Tale of Peter Rabbit
  8. Dear Zoo
  9. Winnie the Pooh
  10. Harry Potter

When it comes to the age in which we’re reading to our children, book lovers will be pleased to see that 44% of parents pick up a book to engage their children in storytime from birth, while a further 27% of parents do so from under the age of two.

However, the study also revealed that 10% of adults today don’t remember reading their first book until they were in secondary school, resulting in parents 20% less likely to read to their child under the age of two. Alongside this, less than one in five parents that don’t recall reading until after the age of 12 will introduce reading to their own children from birth.

You can view the full study at: https://www.theworks.co.uk/theworks-blog/book-inspiration/the-first-book-we-remember.html

World Book Day takes place on Thursday March 7, 2024. The Works are supporting the charity and are encouraging children and parents to bring their £1 book token into stores between February 15 and March 31 to exchange their token for a book from the World Book Day 2024 range.

You can find out further information here: https://www.theworks.co.uk/page/world-book-day.html

Frost Loves Linwoods Overnight Oats Range with Benefits

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I love overnight oats. Easy-to-make, good for you and tasty. What more could you want? Linwood have an amazing range of delicious overnight oats with extra benefits. I love them and can’t recommend them enough.

Get your mornings off to a great start with Linwoods as today they unveil a delicious range of Overnight Oats with functional benefits in three tasty variants; Strawberry Energy, Chocolate Protein & Original Energy.

Indulge guilt free with Linwoods Strawberry flavour Energy Overnight Oats which deliver energy yielding metabolism and tiredness reduction through its supporting nutrients Vitamins B6 and B12.

Chocolate flavour Protein Overnight Oats are high in plant-based protein for muscle growth, and magnesium which combats tiredness and fatigue and supports muscle function. One 50g serving of this blend delivered 11g of plant-based protein which supports growth and maintenance of muscles.

Or why not try the Energy Overnight Oats in a natural flavour allowing you to customise your own oats with whatever toppings you prefer whilst also adding those energy supporting B Vitamins into your diet.

Known for their health credentials with their milled seed range, Linwoods newest innovation takes the hassle out of developing your own overnight oats recipe. Nowadays our lives are busy and we need convenience but that can’t take away from the importance of a healthy diet, in fact, a healthy diet is a must to feel good and get the most out of life.

Linwoods Overnight Oats recipe are so simple to make in 3 easy steps:  

  1. Soak: Simply soak 50g of oats with 100ml of your favourite milk and stir.   
  2. Chill: Cover and leave in the fridge overnight.  
  3. Enjoy: Grab and go or add some of your favourite toppings to make it your own.   

No matter what your lifestyle, Linwoods Overnight Oats will get your day off to a flying start. The new range is available to buy now at www.linwoodshealthfoods.com.

Frost Loves Baked by Steph: Perfect For Valentine’s Day

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Baked by Steph Launches Dreamy Valentine’s Day Collection

Delicious treats that look as good as they taste. We adored the macarons. Treat someone you love today.

Love Macarons, £14

Tasty, gorgeous and decadent. No, we’re not just talking about your Valentine’s Date. These macaroons are a gorgeous treat for that someone special and each one has its own delicious flavour – including Dulce de Leche, Pink Lemonade and Chocolate Strawberry.

Personalised Eggplant Letterbox Cookie, £9.50

We bet the humble aubergine never imagined it would become a symbol for things of a steamier nature, but here we are. The perfect gift to spark some flirtatious banter or just make them roar with laughter, you can make it your own with a personalised message.

Flirt with your senses this Valentine’s Day: Explore Xīn and Voltaire’s frozen sorbet cocktails

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Love is in the air, and Xīn and Voltaire are poised to redefine romance this Valentine’s Day with their indulgent collection of frozen sorbet cocktails, bringing the joy, sophistication, and unforgettable sensory experiences to every date night and galentines celebrations this year. 

These sorbet cocktails taste great and are deliciously alcoholic. They also look great. There are a decadent and stylish treat for a moment of joy.

Xīn and Voltaire has reimagined the way we enjoy cocktails, offering creatively conceived, luxuriously crafted frozen sorbet cocktails that cater to every palate. By harnessing innovative technology and cutting-edge science, Xīn and Voltaire has made it possible to freeze alcohol at a higher ABV, ensuring that for the first time, the complex flavours of bar-quality cocktails are preserved in a frozen format, and elevated with the texture and mouthfeel of a sorbet.  

This Valentine’s Day, Xīn and Voltaire invite cocktail enthusiasts to create enchanting moments with their loved ones. Whether it’s a unique gift for a special someone or the perfect low-maintenance, yet elevated welcome drink to a galentines soirée, Xīn and Voltaire’s signature serves are sure to steal the spotlight; savour straight from the tub and serve with a spoon, or scoop into champagne coupes and top with prosecco for an at-home twist on the classic Sgroppino.  

With a diverse menu of four vegan, low-calorie and gluten-free frozen sorbet cocktails, each blend is sure to cater to various palates and captivate the senses. From the floral and elegant notes of Florian, the vibrant combination of dark rum, coconut liqueur and mango in Alphonse, the effervescent Giselle with mezcal and raspberry for a twist on the classic margarita, and finally Aurelie’s warming winter notes of wood and caramel released from single malt whisky and amaretto.  

Xīn and Voltaire’s on-demand delivery and personalised orders make it easy to enjoy these unique frozen sorbet cocktails in the comfort of your own home. Priced at £9 per cocktail, or £32.40 for their Taster Collection and Love Sharing Collection Boxes. Simply add to basket, select the preferred delivery date and the products will arrive at your door already frozen.  

You can also share the joy with an elevated date night at Sabine Rooftop Bar, where Xīn and Voltaire has partnered to create the ultimate Lover’s Week. The secret garden in the clouds is an oasis from The City, allowing guests to be transported to a hidden space away from the busy London streets, and where you can enjoy beautiful views of St Paul’s. Incorporating a bespoke Valentine’s menu running from 13th-17thFebruary, expect the immaculate setting to be accompanied by indulgent sorbet cocktails, sharing plates and entertainment.  

For more information about Xīn and Voltaire’s revolutionary sorbet cocktails and to discover the perfect addition to your Valentine’s Day celebrations, visit www.xinandvoltaire.com 

Tips to Help You Build a Successful Business

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So, you’re ready to start your business? Well, there are a few things you’ll have to do to boost your chances of success. The good thing is that technology has made it very easy to launch a business. You should just follow these tips, and everything should go smoothly.

1. Create a Business Website

To create a successful business in this day and age, you’ll need to have a website. This can be done in just a few minutes with a website builder like IONOS. Keep in mind that these services use AI (artificial intelligence) to make the process easier. The best thing is that this website builder will cost you as little as 1 GBP a month to use. After setting up your website, you’ll need to create content to rank your site highlyon search engines. The process of content marketing should be approached carefully to avoid hurting your SEO. Don’t stuffkeywords, and make sure the articles are captivating enough to hold the attention of readers.

2. Take Business Networking Seriously

Business networking is quite important. Interacting with other players in your industry will help you learn about new trends, gain some insights, and identify new opportunities. To network effectively, you’ll need to use online platforms like LinkedIn and Facebook. It’s also important to attendprofessional events, especially those that are related to your industry. Make sure you present yourself properly. For example, you’ll need to speak clearly and confidently to boost your chances of success.

3. Focus on Customer Satisfaction

Today, starting a business is extremely easy, and it doesn’t even take a lot of money. That’s why you’re likely to experience a lot of competition when you launch your business. One way you can set yourself apart from the competition is to focus on customer satisfaction. A good way to determine whether your customers are satisfied with your business is to ask for feedback. Check for patterns in the comments to see whether there is anything most people desire. Do they need different features? Or is your team not communicating properly? Whatever their pain point is, you should take steps to solve them.

4. Hire the Right People

One mistake you can make when launching a business is to rush through the hiring process. It’s important to take the time to find people who fit into your company culture. At the same time, you’ll need to make sure they’re competent. You should look beyond the CV as this document won’t give you the full picture. Make sure you also evaluate their interests, ambitions, and priorities.

Conclusion

If you’re planning on starting a business, you should take a few steps to maximize your chances of success. First, make sure you have a professional-looking website. Focus also on customer satisfaction as this will help set your company apart from the competition. It’s also essential to take business networking seriously. This way, you’ll be able to identify new opportunities in the market. Finally, take your time to hire the right people.

How To Make Money While Travelling Abroad: Fund Your Lifestyle And Maintain A Career

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Who hasn’t had the daydream of travelling for free, or even making money while travelling? This daydream is a reality some travellers are experiencing today thanks to unique work arrangements that allow them to make money abroad. 

Let’s look at the two most popular avenues for making money abroad and see if one of these could offer you your dream lifestyle. 

Work Contracts Abroad 

Finding your next career move is a big task: the stars need to align for the right company, location and career advancement opportunity. This process becomes even more difficult when you zoom out from focusing on your home country and look for jobs in other countries. 

Instead of trying to land your dream job in another country, you can make money abroad by taking on a temporary contract outside of your field. Some popular industries include: 

● Teaching English as a second language 

● Tourism/hospitality 

● Agriculture 

● Yachting 

The variety of work opportunities available will probably surprise you. Did you know that you can get paid to work in Antarctica?! It might not be your dream job or a calculated escalation of your career, but it’s a strategic way to leverage your 40-hour workweek to allow you to travel. 

An alternative to paid contracts abroad are work exchanges. These are arrangements where you volunteer your time and are given something free in exchange, such as housing or food. Explore these work exchange platforms: 

● Workaway

● Crewseekers

● Trusted Housesitters

● World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (WWOOF)

Work Remotely As A Digital Nomad 

Not all work arrangements require you to pause your career building in order to travel. If you have the ability to work remotely, consider travelling as a digital nomad. 

The term digital nomad refers to remote workers who use their flexibility to work from anywhere. Digital nomads typically fall into one of these categories:

1. Fully remote employee 

2. Hybrid employee  

3. Self-employed 

Beyond the varieties in the type of work, there are a few different ways that this lifestyle can manifest: 

1. Mental health break: get permission from your employer to temporarily work remotely for your mental health 

2. Working holiday: secure remote work and go away for a few weeks/months of the year with the plan of returning home 

3. Working gap year: seek a remote job and travel for a predetermined period of time 

4. Fully nomadic: secure remote work, move out of your home and travel indefinitely 

I first became a digital nomad in 2017 because I felt like life was passing me by at the nine to five job. Since then, I’ve moved between the labels of digital nomad, expat and immigrant. The journey had twists in the road: I’ve taken on work exchanges and in-person odd jobs when necessary to get by, and ultimately spent years building a business of my own. 

It all started with the realisation that I had more options than deferring all of my travel plans for “someday.” If you dream of travelling, I hope that you can leverage technology to turn your world upside down in the same way. 

Kayla Ihrig bought a one-way ticket out of the United States in 2017 and has spent most of her time abroad ever since. She is the author of How to Be a Digital Nomad: Build a Successful Career While Travelling the World, (out now, Kogan Page).

My Heart is in Venice by Helga Jensen Book Review

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I love Helga Jensen’s books. They are the perfect mixture of exotic destinations and romance. Her character’s are always unique and different. My Heart is in Venice is set in Wales and Venice. It’s lovely to see a book set in Wales.

The characters are also older which is refreshing.
Helga has a way of writing highly original and fun characters. I loved Libby and was rooting for her. If you want a great midlife second chance romance novel then this is it.

I highly recommend this entertaining and enchanting novel. It has wonderful, unique destination in Wales and Venice, along with wonderful characters and a great plot. I loved this escapist novel. Grab a copy now.

Venice was where it all began… Libby and Will spent a glorious honeymoon in this magical city. They didn’t have much money, but they had a whole lot of love and a bright future ahead of them. And Venice was where it all went wrong… Two kids and twenty-five years later, they are struggling with money problems but somehow Will manages to fulfil his promise to Libby to take her back to Venice for their anniversary. This time, they are doing it in style and a masked ball awaits. But among the beautiful buildings and romantic canals, Libby learns that her husband has a secret that breaks her heart. The trust is broken and the marriage is over. But there are decades of love and two grown sons between them. Can they ever find their way back to each other or have they missed their chance forever?