Tag Archives: Tracy Baines

Dashing Through The Snow by Debbie Macomber Reviewed: Tracy Baines

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Dashing Through The Snow by Debbie Macomber Reviewed- Tracy Baines

Ashley Davidson is desperate to spend the holidays with her mother in Seattle. Dash Sutherland has an interview for the job of a lifetime in Seattle and must arrive by 23 December. Both frantic to book a last minute flight out of California, Ashley and Dash collide at the airport to learn that there are no flights and only one rental car available.

After a rocky start, the two reluctantly agree to drive to Washington tighter. But their journey isn’t without obstacles, and a misunderstanding  with the law threatens to ruin their holiday plans altogether.

Settle down to be entertained and ride in the back seat of the car that Ashley and Dash are sharing. It moves at a swift pace and the dialogue is sparky. A light and frothy romance with a happy ending. If you’re looking for a little escapism you’ll find it here. Many of Debbie Macomber’s books are made into TV movies and as I was reading I could see it fitting very well into the 3.00pm slot on Channel 5.

To be published 19th November 2015  by Arrow

 

 

Wartski – The First 150 Years by Geoffrey Munn Review by Tracy Baines

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The book is available by ACC, but also at the V&A, where Wartski are sponsoring the jewellery exhibition opening at the end of November.

Whether you have a passion for jewellery or not this book is a fascinating insight into one of the most famous jewellers in the world today. It was the Wartski goldsmith’s who made Catherine Middleton’s wedding ring for her marriage to the Duke of Cambridge.

Finely researched and containing immense detail this book is written by Wartski Managing Director and Antiques Roadshow expert Geoffrey Munn, who started at the firm in 1972 after answering an advert for an assistant in The Daily Telegraph.

 

This unique family business, centring on a small shop in the West End of London, is famous for its association with masterpieces of goldsmith’s work, antique jewellery and most especially those of Carl Fabergé.

 

The book is full of beautiful photographs and illustrations not just of jewellery and objets d’art but of the great and the good who visited the store over the years. Every page has something to delight the eye whether that be necklaces, Fabergé eggs or movie stars from a bygone age.

Morris Wartski, a Polish émigré  and multilingual extrovert, came to North Wales and due to a chance meeting with the Marquess of Anglesey was able to open his first retail shop in Bangnor in 1895

 

What follows is a testament to hard work, ingenuity and salesmanship. It’s a story of chance meetings, philanthropy and business acumen that has set firmly in place the foundations for Wartski’s longevity. The book is worth reading for this chapter alone – I found it absolutely riveting. A true tale of rags to riches.

What follows is not just about the jewels but the people who bought and collected them. There is everything a good blockbuster needs  – tenacity, intrigue, the fabulously rich and the weirdly eccentric. I found it hugely enjoyable and interesting but winced a bit at the hefty price tag. However, a fabulous book for the coffee table and a delight for those interested in the finer things in life.
“Wartski – The First 150 years” is not only the history of a firm but also the biography of a
scintillating society. It gives the reader new insight into the jewellery trade, the fascination of
collecting and the lives of the rich and famous. The lavishly illustrated text opens a window on to
an otherwise private world.

 

 

Nightingales Under the Mistletoe by Donna Douglas Reviewed: Tracy Baines

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nightingalesunderthemistletoe

Christmas 1941 and the nurses at the Nightingale are facing their toughest winter yet.

With shortages everywhere, and every news bulletin announcing more defeats and losses, the British people are weary and demoralised and The Nightgale Hospital is suffering too.Millie is recently widowed and dealing with the demands of her family’s estate.  It’s not long before her old world of The Nightingale begins to beckon, along with a long lost love…

Jess is struggling with her move from East London to the quiet of the countryside.Effie finds herself exiled to a quiet village, but the quiet doesn’t last for long as she soon finds excitement in the shape of a smooth talking GI. As Christmas approaches, even the shelter of the countryside can’t protect the girls from heartache.

This is the first book I’ve read about the nurses at the Nightingale Hospital and it won’t be the last. Even though I came new to the series (this is book seven) it was easy to read as a stand alone and was at no point confusing.

It was a perfect winter read as I sat in front of a roaring fire, mug of tea and a box of choccies to hand. I was soon deep in the world of nurses and country living. The characters are likeable and realistic and the author strikes a perfect balance between the hard, grudging work that nurses do and the camaraderie that comes from pulling together. It doesn’t shy away from the awfulness of war but deals with it in a way that’s informative without being too upsetting and certainly made me wonder at the bravery of people during those trying times. That said there is humour and warmth on every page.

An absolutely perfect read for those who love Call the Midwife.

To be published 11th November by Cornerstone Publishing

 

 

The Words for the Wounded Litfest – Review by Pat Heath

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What a brilliant day at Downley Community Centre, 18th April 2015.

This inaugural one-day opportunity for new and established writers, and for readers, did what it said on the packet. We laughed with, learned from, and mingled amongst, experts in the world of writing at the Words for the Wounded (WforW) LitFest. It was organised by the ‘Writing Grannies’ who run the charity.

The Words for the Wounded Litfest - Review by Pat Heath

To open the day, Matt Pain, Trustee, reminded us that the average age of wounded soldiers is 25 years old, which proved thought provoking.

The Words for the Wounded Litfest - Review by Pat Heathwelcome

Margaret Graham (‘writing grannie’) and Katie Fforde (WforW patron) opened the day with conversazione. These two bestselling authors covered key aspects of fiction writing, including sub-plots, the need to inhabit your characters and how to deal with a ‘soggy middle’. Something that troubles many of us – writers or not.

A massive amount of invaluable information was delivered with quick fire wit, during this hilarious and valuable session. Meg Cannell presented chocolates to Katie.

The Words for the Wounded Litfest - Review by Pat Heathkatiemegmg

After book signing and coffee it was time for some murder and mayhem, with two ‘Midsomer Murders’ TV writers, Rachel Cuperman and Sally Griffiths. Rachel and Sally explained the practical aspects of TV play-writing, punctuated with their own amusing anecdotes.

The Words for the Wounded Litfest - Review by Pat Heathrachelsally

Lunch followed, with wine and coffee, organised by Jan Speedie (‘writing grannie’), Margaret’s family and Josh Edwards. It was partially sponsored by Tesco, Morrison’s and Starbucks. A feast, it must be said, and the team did a fantastic job. Seamless.

Many authors choose the Independent Author publishing route and successful ‘Indie’ writers, Amanda Hatter and Catriona Troth, chaired by Penny Deacon, (writing grannie) described how to produce a high-quality self-published book,. This time Penny Deacon (writing grannie) chaired the session as Amanda gave many useful marketing tips, including how to penetrate large chains such as Waterstones, and Catriona explained the advantages of working as part of a writers’ collective, such as Triskele Books.

The Words for the Wounded Litfest - Review by Pat Heathcallum The Words for the Wounded Litfest - Review by Pat Heathtriskele

Felicity Trew, from Caroline Sheldon Literary Agency was introduced by Penny Deacon and gave a power-point presentation in which she explained the role of literary agents: negotiating publishing deals, making sure the contract protects current and future income opportunities, and chasing payments/royalties.

The Words for the Wounded Litfest - Review by Pat Heathpdprojector

She also advised on how writers should approach agents, using amusing spoof emails to illustrate her points, and she reminded the audience to check agent’s submission instructions. Her agency’s website has a useful list of ‘pet hates’ including applicants omitting the requested information and obvious ‘carpet bombing’ applications.

Felicity was at the LitFest all day, and was enormously generous with her time.

Finally, Jan Speedie introduced Penny Deacon who talked about why she ‘turned her back on romance and took to murder’. She compared her experiences of writing Mills and Boon to that of crime fiction. This was a relaxed and amusing end to an inspirational, funny, information-packed day.

The Words for the Wounded Litfest - Review by Pat Heathjan=pd

Prizes, donated by artist Sharon Bennett, Tesco, (Bollinger champagne) The Wellington, and Katie Fforde were raffled for WforW. Speakers were given boxes of chocolates, partially funded by Thornton’s and delegates were given books donated by Random House. Penny Gerrard made biscuits from heaven and Susan Atkins’ chocolate cake was seriously good.

One clever touch was the notepads and biros on every seat, for invaluable notetaking. Everything was so carefully thought out. It makes a difference.

Next year’s LitFest line up of speakers will include Elizabeth Buchan, bestselling author (patron of WforW) Jemima Hunt, Literary Agent, Catherine Balavage, e-magazine owner (Frost Magazine), and Tracy Baines, successful genre short story writer.

A total of £1,500 was raised by the inaugural LitFest for the rehabilitation of the wounded.

http://www.wordsforthewounded.co.uk

 

 

 

Short Story Workshops Across Dorset by Margaret Graham

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writing

One of Frost’s favourites, author Kate Kelly, who wrote of her experiences at the Edinburgh Festival is featuring as a tutor at one of the free Workshops taking place across Dorset over the next two months.

Short Story Workshops Across Dorset by Margaret Graham

In an effort to reach aspiring writers living in rural communities a series of free-entry creative writing workshops for adults has been devised and take place at twelve venues across Dorset between 12 January to 14th February.

Amongst the tutors is another familiar name. Frances Colville who arranged the Bridport Slam, won by one of Frost’s most fun writers, Wendy Bracken, is teaching. Frances herself has featured in Frost in A Day in the Life. In addition, there is Tracy Baines who I taught, and who is a successful short story writer, so lots for the aspiring writer to enjoy.

Perhaps they would like to enter the Words for the Wounded writing prizes? www.wordsforthewounded.co.uk

writing, writing workshops, short, workshops, writing, Dorset, Margaret Graham

The short story workshops will kick-start DWN’s first e-book anthology. For anyone and everyone who enjoys writing or would like to learn to write short fiction check out the communities listed here: Winfrith Newburgh, Sturminster Marshall, Cerne Abbas, Askerswell, Durweston Horton & Chalbury, Martinstown, Stalbridge, Verwood, Crossways, Upwey, Bourton

To book a place, email sue@dorsetwritersnetwork.co.uk

Taking part gives you free entry to Dorset Writers Network e-book competition. Competition launch event is on Saturday 24th January – 2.30pm – at Dorchester Library.

Come along to hear Natasha Solomons reading from her work and celebrate the launch of Dorset Writers Network’s e-book competition.  Advance booking essential, telephone Dorchester Library on 01305 224440.

 

 

A Day in the Life of Tracy Baines

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traceybaines

 

My life is full of distractions, it always has been. It’s one of the hazards of working from home. These days the distractions are mostly delightful and indulgent. First of all we have a new puppy, Harry, a springer spaniel and for the time being his needs come first. At the moment he’s snoozing in his bed at my feet but mostly he’s biting at my files and books and I am constantly telling him NO. He’ll learn.

harry

Once I’ve fed him and myself I’ll get to work on something easy like a blog post, just to get the writing flowing. If I start with emails it’s all too easy to get distracted so I leave that for later when I need a brain break.

 

I’m working on a book about my experience with my daughter’s eating disorder and the effect it had on the family. It was the kind of book I needed when we discovered how ill she was. It’s hard work as it brings back the awfulness of the situation so after about an hour I’m looking for something lighter to play with.  I might edit a couple of chapters of my novel or work on the second Nelly’s Jellies picture book for children, or an article or short story. I write for magazines such as You, (South Africa), That’s Life Fast Fiction, (Australia) and most of the UK women’s magazines.

 

After lunch my daughter usually appears with my grandchildren, Elsie and Hadley. The kettle goes on and we sit and chat and generally let the grandkids call the tune. So it might be CBeebies with Mr Bloom and Show Me, Show Me, or an hour in the garden. Sometimes my son comes over with his wife and my grandson, Huxley, and then the house becomes full and noisy and before long I want to escape to the quiet of my office and get back to work.

grandchildren I tend to use the afternoons for admin or going out for lunch with my husband. I can’t say long suffering husband as it’s been the other way around for years and now it’s my turn to pursue my writing career. When he goes out to the golf club  I might work for an hour or two in the office, editing a short story unless I’m teaching in which case I might arrive early to class and work on something or catch up on reading and research. I try to use as many ‘bits’ of time as productively as I can to work on my writing as for years that was all that was available to me. I think that’s why short stories are perfect if you don’t have a lot of time to write. You don’t have to hold so much in your head all and yet you have the satisfaction of seeing your work in print. A quick fix if you like.

 

 

 

Friendship Bracelets Are Easy To Make: By Josie And Megan

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Our grandma, Margaret Graham, is an author and wanted to help wounded troops to recover. She started Words for the Wounded, which raises money with writing competitions, donations and events.

 

She has two other grannies who help, author Penny Deacon, and reader Janet Speedie. Another grannie, writer Tracy Baines helps sometimes, and our Uncle Matt does extreme sports to raise money for them, and Uncle Kris and his friend Lee did a Triathlon.

 

The grannies have just done a skydive with Auntie Annie. Next year they are white water rafting. Meg might too, if her back is strong enough after her operation. Auntie Kate does WforW social media and grandpa does the website.

 

Grandma sometimes says when she is tired and very busy doing her books for Random House, or teaching writing,  ‘Why did I start this?’ We know why she did. We all want to help these very wounded young troops.

 

So we thought we’d make friendship bracelets that the grannies can sell at their events.

 

A. This is how we do it, using loom bands. These are available from The Works, Claire’s, and online. You need bands, a hook, a clasp, and a loom if you wish.

friendship

B. Josie is making a chain bracelet which you can make using your fingers. It has a loose link.

friendshipbracelet

C. Start with two fingers and place the first band over them in a figure of 8. This is the only time you use an 8.

howtomakeafriendshipbracelet

D. Place a 2nd band on top.

howtomakeabracelet

E. Use the hook to drag the bottom over top of left finger and release. Repeat with the right. Keep doing this until you have the length you want.

efriendshipbracelet

F. Take the left band from the finger and switch it to the right.

craft

G. Loop the clasp through both ends of the band.

crafting

Megan is making a fishtail loom bracelet using a loom, not fingers. It has a tighter link. Grandpa made her look out of grandma’s wooden knitting needles. Grandma made a bit of a face, but only a bit.

 

1. Start by twisting a band in a figure of 8 round the two pegs. Add 2 more bands, using alternate colours.

craftingjewelery

2. Use the hook to drag the left side of the band over the right hand peg. Repeat the same step with the right side band until it is the right length. You can make a template by measuring a child’s wrist, or an adult.Repeat the same step with the right side band until it is the right length. Measure it round a child’s wrist, or an adult. To  complete: Stop adding bands but continue to use the hook to drag the bands over until you have one left.

howtomakejewellery

3. Once there is only one band on the hook, lift the left side up but keep it on your hook. Then lift up the right and keep it on your hook. I use Josie to pull down the bracelet, then I feed a band through one side of remaining loop and then through the other side.

stitching

4. Then add a clasp like Josie did.

bracelet clasp

5.  Here is the finished bracelet, stretched to show the clasp.

beautifulbracelet

6. There are all sorts of colours you can use. There mood bands that change colour with your mood. We use blue and yellow for Words for the Wounded. If you want to know more about grandma’s charity, go to www.wordsforthewounded.co.uk None of the grannies take any money, so all the money they raise goes to the cause. Grandma does a blog: www.wordsforthewounded.blogspot.co.uk

grands Josie and Megan