Writing, Eating and Walking...

Another sunny day in VnG...

And today I've almost finished the file update for the re.-release / second edition of Winner- The story is the same of course, but I've improved the grammar and found the typos that were missed by the last edit - going through it all carefully myself this time page by page.

Jane is well into reading 'Take Two'. I spoke to her this morning and she told me she had been reading it at the hairdressers but had to put it down so as not to make a show of herself an burst out crying there and then- I am so pleased (not to make her cry, well, yes and no) that the emotions I poured into the story have come through, and she's hardly half way through yet!

Today is Julie's birthday so I've baked a coffee and walnut cake to take to school. Those teachers are well-spoiled, only yesterday they had raspberry muffins for another of the teacher's birthdays. It's not the most beautiful cake I've ever baked, but it was baked with love and from the offcuts we've tried it's DELISH!

Tonight, after school, we're off to Gilda's again for dinner to celebrate.

And finally, I must just mention my new project- CAMINO 2013!!
Yes I've been wondering where to walk, or whether to walk at all next year, but having had a couple of coincidental things happen telling me about the Camino Ingles I've decided that YES I will be walking again.  (you can find details HERE). It's just 110 -116kms depending on which site you look at, and should take just 4-5 days depending on how many stages we decide to do. And I say we as I have spoken to Janey about it and she's keen to come along again next year. WE are also thinking about then going on to Finisterre (and/or Muxia) on the coast.

SO if anyone would like to join us either for just the Camino Ingles (only 5 days - you know you'd love to!!!!) - we'll see you onto a plane in Santiago, or for the whole thing -we'd love for you to join us. Oh and if you want to walk with us 'virtually' just watch this space as I'll be putting up more news as I find it. Incidentally, today I've been net-surfing to find out about the route an albergues etc

TulStig News

So.... what's been happening at Casa TulStig lately? - not much really -the usual stuff:

Friday I had a delicious lunch with Julie in Cubelles, whilst Tone stayed in bed having spent the night sick, then feeling too washed out to come. And talking of washed out the whole day was a wet one

On Sunday I did a massage - my first in ages, which felt good. As usual the Reiki kicked in so it was two for one offer. Jordi (Sue's partner) had hurt his back and wanted some help- MT to the rescue, and I believe he is okay now.

This week I finished reading 'The Pillars of the Earth' and thoroughly enjoyed it. It's set in the early middle ages, and tied up nicely with my history studies from back in the day. It's a big book (over 1000 pages) but well worth the effort. I now have to check the bookcase for something else that awaits me there. I was pleased to note I've also passed my reading goal for the year. I wanted to read 20 books this year and have read 22 so far.

I've spent a lot of time this week reviewing the updated copy of Winner, and am in the process of editing it and putting out a second edition, which will be better than the first. having ben on the Lulu site I was pleased to see taht changing the edition is much easier than I though it couild have been. Hopefully I'll have it all sorted yb the end of next week.

Today was one of the other teacher's birthdays so I made some raspberry muffins, knowing that he loved raspberries as much as me. As usual they were much appreciated by all my colleagues. Tomorrow is Julie's birthday so perhap I have a surprise for her too!

And for no other reason than I love the colours here's a photo of a stall at the Barcelona Boqueria Market that I took the other week:::

And the winners are...

The morning started off with a lesson from the law of attraction....

On Monday we went into a key-makers to get a copy of the car key made, just in case I should ever lose it -strange as it's never worried me before. After having made the key the keysmith found out he didn't have the right 'chi' to activate the key, so no spare was purchased.

Today I was about to rush out and went to pick up my car key off the hook - it wasn't there - "but it's always there," I cried. Turning the house upside down ensued, trying to retrace my steps, wailing and gnashing of teeth accompanying all actions.  After at least half an hour of hell I found the key in Cuddy's toybox -how it got there is a mystery -but it was definitely a message from the universe - that what you consider will be delivered.

At midday the draw for 'The Magic of the Camino' prize book draw took place -All the names were put in a hat (all 98 of them) and I drew two for the prizes:

And the winners are: Heidi Kirchhof and Nick Brennan. Both have been sent messages. Nick, already having the book has chosen to get some 'Camino goodies'. As yet I've not heard back from Heidi.

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And today's photo challenge: Together

I had so many ideas for this one, but finally settled on this photo taken by Nick a couple of years back. It's one of my favourites of the two of us:

Arrival

Today we've been out shopping for new clothes for our upcoming holiday, and then when we got back on the doorstep was the first copy of my latest novel: 'Take Two'. So not only was the shopping trip great fun and so rewarding there was a super 'prize' on the mat when we got home.

 

So now there are three published books in the House of TulStig collection. Life is wonderful and truly surprising - I never, ever thought that I would publish one book let alone three, and I'm still in the process of writing another. 

Now my job is to give it a final proof- work has already started on that, before releasing it for sale.  If I have time before we  go away at the weekend I will do it, but if not it will be joining me on-board the Costa Favolosa for a little light work whilst we cruise the Adriatic. Tony had suggested I leave it until we get back and have a complete break, but I know that there are some of you out there waiting to find out the fate of the characters in Winner. The Diva in me is saying 'Oh but my public require it'!!! 

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And today's photo challenge prompt - BLACK AND WHITE 

                    So who of you could have guessed:

Vinci- and he really is upside down - he takes up this position when he wants a tummy tickle, which is quite often.

More promo

What fun last night Tweeting like a nutter during 'X-Factor' to promote 'Winner'. Doing a bit of the same last night, but the whole system seems a little slow. Thanks to Mr Brennan for helping out too -where were the rest of you Tweeters?

Been working on the Website again today - enjoying the creative process of putting pages and idea  together, but a bit scared about putting together the 'shop' part. Janey's agreed to be UK distribution for HoT products, just as well as there are already some on their way to Sussex.

As well as promoting all my own stuff I want to promote other Indie authors- anyone up for putting their products on my guest page? and how about an interview?

There's also going to be a News / blog type page giving out all the HoT news and anything related.

At the moment I am so tied up in the promotion and website set up that I'm rather neglecting the writing- there just aren't enough hours in the day- well there are but i guess I'm just not utilising them best. I'm really enjoying the 'other' creative processes at the moment, and then I'll have a holiday -after that I'll be getting back into the writing groove for sure.

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And today's photo prompt -something I do most weekends- well that'll be a visit to the Passeig maritime (Seafront) for a little drinkie: 

BTW - The glass is crooked.

General Updates...

This morning Tony was at the dentist for an update on his teeth (or lack of). He now has to wait until next week to get a temporary set fitted ready for our holiday next weekend.

After Tony's appointment and a bit of shopping I had a lunchtime drink with some of my chums from work, and even surprised Sue by holding Lilly and calming her down. It is well known I don't do babies!

This afternoon after a much needed siesta a little bit of writing.

So here are the updates for my works in progress and the published ones.

HouseofTulStig Webpage
I now have the domain and have been playing around with building a website. I have to admit to having got a bit stuck. Not quite sure what I want it to look like, and want it to be right before I go live with it. This is possibly a project for after our hols ... any suggestions, helpful hints etc all welcomed...


The Magic of the Camino
I'm still promoting the book through Facebook. The school I work for has included a link on their page, and now I've well over a hundred 'likes' of the MOTC page. Next week there is a draw for two free copies of the book which has helped the promo no end.
The translation to Spanish is going well. Victoria is currently translating chapter 29. I'm hoping for a Christmas publishing date.

Winner
Sales are stalled at the moment, and I have to admit I've not down a lot of promotion, but intend to start a big push this weekend during 'The X-Factor' as suggested by Nick. It will be a twitter bonanza. If you're on twitter I'd love for you to join in and help with the push. Watch out for hashtags: #JoeyFischer #Winner #PopSensation all attached to the hashtag of the programme. I fyou are willing and able I'd be so pleased if you could use any of these hashtags creatively, and/or just retweet what I'll be putting out. 
Watch out for a Facebook innovation too.... 

Michael is still busy translating this one into German. Publication date probably in the new year.

Take Two
Still waiting on the proof copy to arrive in the post. Once it's here I'll be checking it thoroughly, revising what's necessary and setting up for sale. Then I'll be popping out  the promos for that too. 

The Key
Chapter Two is under way - And part of the secret is revealled as Aaron steps up at lunchtime at Nana's. Who knows where this story will take me, but I do have a good feeling about it. 

So I guess that just about is a round up of my writing projects. One thing  I do know is that there will be a blog-like page on the new website which will have all these updates. 

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And so on to today's photo challenge. The prompt is 'Every Day' 

A story of the day...

What a day, What a wonderful day.

This morning I had a phone call from two friends I made on my last Camino: Lennie and Jan from Holland. They were in Austria and fed up with the rain so asked if they could come stay for a few days. They are currently on their way by car, ETA sometime this weekend.

My next job of the morning was my daily trip to feed Dominic, Denzel and Doris -my current charges.  Whilst with them I spent some 'me' time reading.

Next shopping, and when I came out of the supermarket it was raining cats and dogs - a blessed relief - which has continued on and off all day. Hopefully it'll stop before Lennie and Jan get here.

MY ongoing promotion of 'The Magic of the Camino' is paying dividends. I now have 94 likes for my 'Facebook' Magic of the Camino Page, and sales are up on last month.

I've even spent some time writing for my new project, which is currently without a title. Yesterday I introduced 'The Guardian' today let me introduce Erasmus:

Some of you may recognise him as R2 one of our twins, but don't be fooled he is also Erasmus, a cat of incredible intelligence and a travelling companion for uncle Vern!


 

Gardening and the guardian, plus...

I love our garden even when it surprises me with critter like the one above, which is actually bigger in real life than in the picture. IT jumped a bit when I took the photo causing a girlie scream to burst from my lips -well I was up close and personal! It is truly beautiful, but scary at the same time. Fortunately the cats haven't noticed it, or they have and are staying well clear- whichever that's good. 

Today I have been pondering on my next writing 'assignment'. I have been unsure whether to start on the children's book that has been bouncing round in my head for a while, or to set to with my next true Camino adventure.  Well as often happens the universe took a hand in my decision:
First of all in an e-mail conversation with Nick he made it clear which I should be writing next.  Then I got an e-mail from someone who is interested in doing the illustrations for the children's book (the last one didn't work out!) - so I sat down and thought about a plot outline and had it down on paper in no time. Even my little garden friend at the top of the page make an appearance -he's a semi-baddie who is a guardian.
As for the basic story:

A has been entrusted with a secret, or at least with the essence of a secret, by his great uncle Vern, who has mysteriously disappeared. A believes he knows where and why. 

It is down to A to convince his brothers and cousins to work together and help him find the parts of the key which when fitted together will open the chest which holds the book of REAL magic.

The book of REAL magic holds the knowledge to reshape the Earth's future, and reset the balance that has for too long been missing.

Whilst collecting the parts of the key A and his band of adventurers encounter all manner of special beings who can either help them in their quest or stop them in their tracks. 

Interested? I am and it would seem my muse is ready to work again......

DUNNIT !!

A quick update this evening.

I have just finished the uploads necessary to complete my second novel -'Take Two'.

The book follows the story of some of the characters who we first met in 'Winner' -I say we as it was also in this book that the characters introduced themselves to me, one by one.

I have loved the writing process again, and am happy, more than happy, with the finished product.

I am now waiting for the proof copy of the book to arrive (hopefully within 7 days) and once I've proofed it I shall make it available for general sale on www.lulu.com just like the others.

So if you've been waiting to catch up with Joey and Vick, Gisela, Lucy and some of the other characters your wait will not be much longer. However, be warned not everyone made it to the second book!!

Check ups, write ups and weekend surprises.

Today we have had our final vets visit for the year's vaccinations with Sprout's visit this morning. Interestingly all the kids have put on weight this year, with Sprout adding the lest, and of course Cuddy the most.

This afternoon I got back to 'TAKE TWO'. I had completed the first edit, but today started to add the final couple of chapters and as I was doing so a twist in the plot came up of which I have taken full advantage. I have to say that the writing today was flowing well and exciting for me.

Tomorrow is Tony's 60th birthday and I don't expect to have much time for the writing, nor over the next few days as Andrew and Jane arrive on Thursday and I am planning a busy weekend. The details of which you'll have to await on the publishing of the blog over the next few days.

and just cos I thought R2's pose was amusing here he is in the hammock this evening - Buddha-like

Editing....

Today the editing of 'Take Two' has gone on unabated. I have gone all through the printed off pages and made corrections, changes, additions and even scratched some out, and now I have finished with my red pen and highlighters. 

I now need to update everything on the PC before doing another final proof and edit. Then we'll be all sorted. 

I'm dead happy with the story, especially with the twists that I didn't see coming at first. With no more melt downs in Casa TulStig I can see the first proof copy winging it's way to our letterbox well before the end of August. I know this a little later than originally planned, but hey no better late than never. 

Once that's done I intend to get my kids gang off on an amazing adventure.....

 

FIRE, Walking and Writing

FIRE

First of all a quick update on last night's awful events, which I originally thought I had overdramatised slightly..... 

This evening walking home from school I looked up at the hills behind our house and was shocked to see the awful effects of the fires, and even more shocked to see just how close they had come to our house. It was great luck that the wind died down and the Bomberos took control. The helicopters etc are still flying around and keeping an eye on everything, but it looks like we're in the clear.

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WALKING

This morning I dragged out my rucksack and started the preparations in earnest for next week. This of course included a trip to Decathlon this afternoon on my way to a class in Sitges.

I checked out the rucksacks to see if there was a lighter model, but decided I would stick to my old faithful. I did, however, get myself some nice new  bright white socks, some smart sunglasses and a new pair of lightweight shorts. Little by little I'm getting there....

Don't forget to join me on TWITTER and help me on my way by tweeting back. It'll also mean that you'll be there as my next Camino Book takes on its own life.

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WRITING

Today I am ashamed to say I haven't written anything in Take Two, but I shall rectify that tomorrow with a special extra push. 

I spoke to Michael this week and he sent me the first part of the translated (into German) Winner. He's translated the first five chapters and says he's getting a feel for it.

As for The Magic of the Camino Victoria is pushing on with the Spanish Translation well, and I'm really enjoying reading my story in another language. It's like a whole new story and I'm thoroughly enjoying it.

Amn't I lucky to have such wonderful friends who buy into my passion so well. With a bit of luck sales will go wild and both will be recompensed more than any of us can imagine.

Thursday thoughts from your Truly.

I spent the morning shopping today- a trip to Ikea in Barcelona in time for it to open. My first job was to return a small cupboard door I'd bought back in February and wasn't sure if they'd accept it after such a time, but it was no problem. Then to check out a few bargains. With a trolley-full of goodies I arrived at the checkout, armed with a 'gift card' I earned from previous shopping. I had no idea how much money was on the card so when it turned out to be over fifty euros I was thrilled, especially as with the refund for the returned door I only had to pay a very small amount. So you can see just how the law of abundance is always working in my favour- believe and it is YOURS!

Returning home with a couple of storage solutions (yes Janey I just can't resist them) Tony and I packed away the winter clothes making more space in our wardrobes. That felt good, especially as we added some of the clothes to the charity pile for getting rid of.

This afternoon I took part in a spot of sunbathing - ah the luxury of it all, followed by a bit of writing. I'm loving the way the story is coming along. 1650 words later (mas o menos) I left the characters for a while. I've even been writing a few lyrics for them to sing, or are the writing them through me? Once again they are the ones telling the story, and they want to be heard. I love it. Scarily one of them has already suggested a follow up telling their story, so that's another to add to my list...

School is gradually winding down now. For my first class this evening only one student turned up so we had a great game of Scrabble, and yes of course I won! My other class there were enough so I taught them 'The passive tense' passively- They did the work I enjoyed the process, and I'm pretty sure they did too.

Take Two

Life is good, no scratch that -Life is great. The laws of attraction and abundance are working so well in my favour at the moment:

Firstly as the school year comes to end, and with it the monthly dosh it could be a struggle during the summer, apart from my abundant belief that we are always 'loaded'. Just recently I have picked up two new private classes, both are previous students who I just happened on by chance again- but I think we all know that there's no such thing as coincidence. So that'll keep me in 'pin money'. where on earth does that expression come from? Although it does remind me that I need to get some nappy pins for the Camino just in case I want to dry my clothes on my backpack as I walk.

Writing has been flowing well this week too. Today I wrote over 1900 words before the laptop battery warning went off and I had to stop. The book is going well, and I am rushing towards another exciting ending. Do you know what it's like when you're getting to the end of agood book you're reading adn you want to rush to hte end but you don't want it to finish- well that's where I am with my writing at the moment. 

The first mock up of the cover for the book arrived from Alan this morning, and is just what I was looking for. So here goes..... (drumroll please)..... My new book is called ' TAKE TWO' and here's the first design for the cover. I've blocked out part of the story blurb as it contains some 'spoilers' that I'm not sure I want included yet, other wise you can get the idea of where we're going with it.... 

So if you haven't read WINNER yet you'd best get a move on as this will hopefully be available during the summer... watch this space....

and finally I just want to say thanks to the people that have started following me on Twitter too. When I am walking you will be the first to know where I am at and what i am doing. I intend to do brief updates on and off, with a more detailed story on the blog at the end of the day.. of course this is all connectivity permitting. TWENTY days and counting .....

PS -almost forgot to say I've even received the first part of 'Winner' in German -Thank you Michael, and thank you Thomas for helping out with the specialist terminology! 

Just another Monday.....

This morning I was up with the larks - Summer is here for sure, and the light bursting through our bedroom window is waking me earlier. Today I just couldn't lie there and longer so jumped in the shower, cut my hair and set off out into the field with Cuddy and Xali. It was beautiful.

Everything is becoming to take a Camino focus here at Casa TulStig. At least once a day I slip off into the Camino part of my mind. This morning I found a thread, via Facebook, about Albergues on the Camino Primitivo, which was very helpful. It lists the ones to stay in and the ones to avoid, all notes have been transferred to my guidebook for use on the Way.

Tone popped down town for a few essentials, and to surprise him for lunch I made a chilled Mediterranean tomato soup, which was refreshing and delicious. 

 I spent the afternoon adding another couple of thousand words to the Winner sequel and this evening just had a couple of classes. Nothing too stressful. This evening I've been back in the book reading what I've just written today and tidying it all up. Over the next few days I'm going to contact my cover-designer cousin for a mock up of the cover. Once we've agreed this I intend to let anyone who is interested in on the title....

This morning began well with the delivery of the guide book for the Camino Primitivo, which I immediately ripped open and had a butchers at it. Later on after having walked the dogs I settled down for a proper look, and I can tell you the level of excitement is ratcheting up!!



Later on I had an e-mail chat with Nick about smart phones. I'm a little clearer on what i might want and will be visiting the Movistar shop to see what my points will get me and what kind of deal I can sort out. I really like the idea of tweeting as I walk, and if I can update the blog regularly whilst on the road I am hopeful that some people may even read it. I must say the comments on the blog when we were walking before really boosted our spirits, knowing there as a whole support team all over the world wishing us on.

I am now sitting her watching the Eurovision Song contest (missed the first half an hour or so as i was working!) as I type I am so happy that I bought this laptop now. From not getting used to it I am now happy typing away on it. In fact this afternoon I managed to type over 2100 words of the sequel before even realising it- I really was in the zone, and the story is really coming together.

After writing for only about an hour or so in the garden, such luxury, I put one of the chair cushions on the floor, settled down on it and fell asleep in the sun for while- as I said, what luxury.

So that was my day -another good one  great one. How was your day- have you had fun?

Writing and Walking...

Winner:

Today I spoke to Michael, who is doing the translations of my books into German. He has been working hard on Winner to translate it and has had some problems with some of the 'gayer' terminology, so I have enlisted the help of a dear friend off Facebook to help out with these all important words and phrases.  We chatted on Skype about the characters and the story in general. Michael is now planning to get a copy of 'The Tales of the city' by Armistead Maupin in German, to get some idea of how that translates, as the Tales are written in the same informal style which I favour.

Winner's sequel:

Today I made a commitment to write at least 1000 words a day to push my novel towards its conclusion. Today I have actually written over 1600, and am very satisfied with what I have achieved.  I am also interested (not sure if that's the right word) in how I've kept to a commitment I 'publicised' when I hadn't pushed myself before or made that commitment to myself?!

Camino:

With just twenty seven days to go till I fly off to Oviedo I have had a bit of a wobble. Firstly I was worried that I might get lost as I don't have a guidebook in English like I have had for the last two Caminos. So I found a brilliant site with loads of pictures and lo and behold there are the 'shells' and 'arrows' all clearly pointing the way- that panic over then. And, for goodness sake, I have a book on the way- in Spanish, but I read the language well!! The pictures on the site also gave me a good idea of what to expect -I just looked at the first two stages, and it got me really excited to be on my way.

Another reason I'm keen to  get going is because today, after another Friend's post on Facebook I weighed myself, and found that I am quite hefty at the moment, almost the heaviest I've ever been. I am attributing this partly to my convalescence from Sciatica recently, and overuse of the bus instead of walking, but also know I eat too much.  Walking the Camino will change all that, and I shall return more slimline, once again. 

I've also been wondering whether to update my phone to a smart phone so that I can 'tweet' whilst walking, and with wifi be able to update this blog more regularly.  Although I've spoken to both my supplier and some others I don't really feel I know any better. So Nick I could be on the messaging in the morning with questions. If anyone else can help please 'comment your two penneth'!!

Coming Together...

Isn't it great when things come together. A couple of days I had a chat with my guardian spirit and he'd really been working overtime to bring things into focus for me.

At last our 'new door' project is coming to fruition. Fernando, the carpenter, came round and gave us the best quote ever -he's currently got no work on and is ready to start. We're more than happy to employ him, as not only are we getting what we want we're supporting him in the best way possible.

Yesterday  I started a major re-write of my sequel - when I woke I knew that something was wrong with the story as it was and also had a different plot i my head. Today I've written more than I have for days- it's really flowing again, and at today's rate of writing the end wont be too far away.. 

I have also been bemoaning the lack of written communications through our door lately. Today a card arrived from the wonderful Michelle in Australia, enclosing a  recipe for Thai curry too - now that's the kind of mail I really like. Thank you Michelle. 

My Camino plans are coming together too. today I received a tweet about the albergues on the Primitivo route. Perfect additional information. This had a link to a guidebook for the route, which I followed and that should be winging its way to me as I type. 

And finally for today's rambling it's Tony's mum's 93rd birthday. She hasn't been too well recently but yesterday had a bit of a family do. Tony phoned at just the right time - during said do and had nice chat with his mum. Lynne sent us a few photos yesterday evening but as they're on my PC and I'm currently on the laptop I'll add one in tomorrow. Which incidentally is Xali's 13th birthday, so here's a picture of our wonderful lad relaxing with Vinni this afternoon.

Saturday in brief.

Walked dogs

School for four hours

Lunch with Julie in a place we hadn't tried before

Writing for a few hours

Bowl of fruit for supper

That was Saturday

That was great

THANK you.

A little self-promotion....

Today I've had a busy day, despite feeling quite fatigued when I woke this morning.

Walking the dogs, and further than usual (Xali was up for a good run), blew the cobwebs away and I returned home feeling slightly more energetic. 

Time for a bit of self promotion I decided. Spurred on by Nick the other day I have been shamelessly promoting my books through Twitter and am really starting to get my head round it all.  I've even got a couple of new (literary) followers and have started following some folks in the literary world too.

Anyway today I set up a 'page' on facebook for 'The Magic of the Camino'.  Why I didn't do it before I don't know- well I do- something to do with being afraid of self promotion. Anyway I set the page up and let it go live at about 14.00. It's now just 22.30 (more or less) and already I've had 28 'likes' and a host of comments and questions on how to get hold of a copy.  Fantastico. 

This promotion meant that some of my chums from the Camino got in contact too, and so my mind went racing back to The Way, and how much I enjoyed the experience and value the friendships made on it.  I added a few photos to the page as well and the memories flooded back as to where, when and why I took the photos. Ah good times.

 Day One: Daybreak in the Pyrenees.

And a little further on with new friends.

OH, how much am I looking forward to getting back out. I am sure the Camino Primitov has more adventures in store for me....

Next job - to improve my profile on Amazon..... so if you have read 'The Magic' and you use Amazon please (pretty please) would you mind going to 'The Magic of the Camino' sales page and leaving a review... Thank you.