Rachael Phillips's Blog, page 3
February 4, 2014
Goodbye my Larry, goodbye my friend...
The time has come and I have to say I am feeling quite emotional about it. I have almost finished the final Larry the Liger story. A lot of love went into bringing the little liger to life and I am proud to say I wrote the ten stories.
It's always amazing how a simple idea can turn into something wonderful. I had a good feeling about Larry ever since Fergus suggested we write about a liger cub who was abandoned outside a Prague zoo: Larry the Liger - his father was a lion, his mother was a tiger! The stories pretty much flowed from me and Larry's character grew and grew, as will he! Once I had the illustration for Larry by the talented Des Campbell I really felt like I knew Larry. He became one of my children and got lots of attention from me when I was able!
I think, as a writer, once you feel that flow and the writing comes naturally then you know you are onto a good thing. I had a spell of writer's block last year but that wasn't Larry's fault and once I sat myself back in position with my bacon crisps the magic returned once again. To feel the words flow from your finger tips is a gift from somewhere unseen. It makes me truly appreciate the opportunity I have had to work with little Larry.
So the last story in the Larry the Liger series, number ten of ten, is nearly ready but I need to do some final editing as it is a little longer than I would like for a short, chapter book but then this final story (currently unnamed!) will be published to Amazon for download. I am very excited and also sad that this is the end of Larry's journey.
I can honestly say, "Larry it has been a true pleasure and I will miss you very much. Should the world beg for more then we can pick up where we left off."
Release date coming soon - watch this space. Share the Larry love. His journey is coming to an end...
www.larrytheliger.co.uk
It's always amazing how a simple idea can turn into something wonderful. I had a good feeling about Larry ever since Fergus suggested we write about a liger cub who was abandoned outside a Prague zoo: Larry the Liger - his father was a lion, his mother was a tiger! The stories pretty much flowed from me and Larry's character grew and grew, as will he! Once I had the illustration for Larry by the talented Des Campbell I really felt like I knew Larry. He became one of my children and got lots of attention from me when I was able!
I think, as a writer, once you feel that flow and the writing comes naturally then you know you are onto a good thing. I had a spell of writer's block last year but that wasn't Larry's fault and once I sat myself back in position with my bacon crisps the magic returned once again. To feel the words flow from your finger tips is a gift from somewhere unseen. It makes me truly appreciate the opportunity I have had to work with little Larry.
So the last story in the Larry the Liger series, number ten of ten, is nearly ready but I need to do some final editing as it is a little longer than I would like for a short, chapter book but then this final story (currently unnamed!) will be published to Amazon for download. I am very excited and also sad that this is the end of Larry's journey.
I can honestly say, "Larry it has been a true pleasure and I will miss you very much. Should the world beg for more then we can pick up where we left off."
Release date coming soon - watch this space. Share the Larry love. His journey is coming to an end...
www.larrytheliger.co.uk
January 21, 2014
2014: well hello there!
A delayed Happy 2014! We have said farewell to 2013 and I have been racking my brains to try to remember how I spent those 365 days! It all seems a bit of a blur...
2013 for me was a period of adjustment and acceptance. Adjusting to life without Dad and accepting he is no longer physically with us. It is hard to believe Dad was gone a year on 19th December 2013. We had all those first milestones since Dad's death to contend with and I am assured each special date will become easier to bear. I truly hope so and will have to take others' words for it...
2013 was the year I turned 40. Another thing to adjust to. Turning 40 definitely had an effect on me! That, and no longer having my Dad, converged into deep thinking and over analysing. Thankfully I have accepted my new, middle age and am embracing it. Yes, I know, I am still young, blah, blah, blah... but sometimes it takes certain things to become defining moments and it certainly doesn't hurt to stand back and take a good look at yourself so long as you don't overdo it!
So what did I discover? I overanalyse. I worry about things too much. I worry, far too much, about what others think of me. I am a day dreamer. I complain too much. The list was growing until I realised that all the negative, self focus was doing me no favours whatsoever! I began to look at the more positive traits I possess (there are some honestly!) and realised this is something I need to do more often. I spend so much time worrying about my family, others, and numerous, other, insignificant things, that I often overlook someone very important... me! Yes I am important and realising this has made me feel much more focused on doing positive things with a more positive outlook.
I am determined to embrace 2014 and use the convenient timing of a New Year to kick myself up the rear and stop messing about dwelling on things I cannot change. I am determined to spend time on those that lift me and bring out the best in me because sadly often the issue with how you feel is the effect of those around you...
I'll share some of my positives from 2013. Writing eight Larry the Liger stories and self publishing them on Amazon with some great reviews received. Being invited to a local school to hold an Assembly all about Larry the Liger. Watching my youngest start preschool and take to it like a dream :). Watching my eldest daughter go into Year 1 and thrive under the pressure of proper school work :) - hard for children of this age as Reception is still a little like preschool and Year 1 is a bit of a shock for them I feel. Spending more, quality time with my family as we never get this time back. Performing in New Wickham Court Players' spring production of 'Small's Talk' and the panto 'Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood'. Admiring my mum for getting out and about as a new widow and learning to make choices alone (she made some really good ones I might add). Spending some quality time with my mum and catching up with family at Christmas time - so valuable and lovely. There have probably been many more positive things but at this moment they are tucked away in my memory for me to say, 'oh, yes, that happened!' just after I publish this blog!
So how has my 2014 been so far? I have been working on the final Larry the Liger story, number 10 in the Series. I began this story a while ago but ended up writing the Winter Surprise as I couldn't seem to finish it. With fresh eyes and a rested brain the words are flowing once more and I am very excited about the final story. Each story can be read independently of the others but there are recurring characters which make the entire series lovely to read too.
For those who haven't met Larry the Liger: his father was a lion, his mother was a tiger! His adventures begin when he is abandoned outside Prague Zoo. With great reviews I can safely recommend these stories to you all. They are short, chapter books so will appeal to independent readers but are equally lovely as read-to stories , for younger children, too.
I really cannot wait to share the final Larry the Liger story with you all and thank everyone who has read the stories so far. I hope you enjoy the final story as much as the other nine. It will be available for download very soon.
So here's to a positive 2014! May your year be filled with happy moments, wonderful memories and lots and lots of time to read. Larry's journey is almost complete...
UK http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=larry%20the%20liger%20
US http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=larry%20the%20liger%20
and all other Amazon territories.
2013 for me was a period of adjustment and acceptance. Adjusting to life without Dad and accepting he is no longer physically with us. It is hard to believe Dad was gone a year on 19th December 2013. We had all those first milestones since Dad's death to contend with and I am assured each special date will become easier to bear. I truly hope so and will have to take others' words for it...
2013 was the year I turned 40. Another thing to adjust to. Turning 40 definitely had an effect on me! That, and no longer having my Dad, converged into deep thinking and over analysing. Thankfully I have accepted my new, middle age and am embracing it. Yes, I know, I am still young, blah, blah, blah... but sometimes it takes certain things to become defining moments and it certainly doesn't hurt to stand back and take a good look at yourself so long as you don't overdo it!
So what did I discover? I overanalyse. I worry about things too much. I worry, far too much, about what others think of me. I am a day dreamer. I complain too much. The list was growing until I realised that all the negative, self focus was doing me no favours whatsoever! I began to look at the more positive traits I possess (there are some honestly!) and realised this is something I need to do more often. I spend so much time worrying about my family, others, and numerous, other, insignificant things, that I often overlook someone very important... me! Yes I am important and realising this has made me feel much more focused on doing positive things with a more positive outlook.
I am determined to embrace 2014 and use the convenient timing of a New Year to kick myself up the rear and stop messing about dwelling on things I cannot change. I am determined to spend time on those that lift me and bring out the best in me because sadly often the issue with how you feel is the effect of those around you...
I'll share some of my positives from 2013. Writing eight Larry the Liger stories and self publishing them on Amazon with some great reviews received. Being invited to a local school to hold an Assembly all about Larry the Liger. Watching my youngest start preschool and take to it like a dream :). Watching my eldest daughter go into Year 1 and thrive under the pressure of proper school work :) - hard for children of this age as Reception is still a little like preschool and Year 1 is a bit of a shock for them I feel. Spending more, quality time with my family as we never get this time back. Performing in New Wickham Court Players' spring production of 'Small's Talk' and the panto 'Robin Hood and the Babes in the Wood'. Admiring my mum for getting out and about as a new widow and learning to make choices alone (she made some really good ones I might add). Spending some quality time with my mum and catching up with family at Christmas time - so valuable and lovely. There have probably been many more positive things but at this moment they are tucked away in my memory for me to say, 'oh, yes, that happened!' just after I publish this blog!
So how has my 2014 been so far? I have been working on the final Larry the Liger story, number 10 in the Series. I began this story a while ago but ended up writing the Winter Surprise as I couldn't seem to finish it. With fresh eyes and a rested brain the words are flowing once more and I am very excited about the final story. Each story can be read independently of the others but there are recurring characters which make the entire series lovely to read too.
For those who haven't met Larry the Liger: his father was a lion, his mother was a tiger! His adventures begin when he is abandoned outside Prague Zoo. With great reviews I can safely recommend these stories to you all. They are short, chapter books so will appeal to independent readers but are equally lovely as read-to stories , for younger children, too.
I really cannot wait to share the final Larry the Liger story with you all and thank everyone who has read the stories so far. I hope you enjoy the final story as much as the other nine. It will be available for download very soon.
So here's to a positive 2014! May your year be filled with happy moments, wonderful memories and lots and lots of time to read. Larry's journey is almost complete...
UK http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=larry%20the%20liger%20
US http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=larry%20the%20liger%20
and all other Amazon territories.
December 17, 2013
The magic of the season
Christmas is coming and there's a bustling atmosphere wherever I go; everyone rushing to get everything just right for Christmas. There is a lot of excitement in our house with a three year old and a nearly six year old (Ella is 6 on Thursday 19th December!). Amy, my youngest, thinks Father Christmas isn't coming as she's been waiting ages for her Peppa Pig bike to come down the chimney! We aren't allowed to put anything in front of the chimney in case it blocks Santa's way in. I sneakily move my flowers back when she's not looking.
I have had the pleasure of seeing both of my girls' Christmas Concerts and they both did a fantastic job. Ella as a sparkly angel dancing around and Amy standing up to sing 'Dear Father Christmas' song. Both were a nice balance of traditional, Christian focus and modern-tradition reference. Well done girls!
Amy turned 3 in November and she had a little party to celebrate with two friends from pre-school. They had a lot of fun. On Sunday we had a party for Ella's 6th Birthday ahead of her actual birthday. There were more children and it was a little bit more loopy but they all had fun and that is what it is all about.
It's an emotional time for me as it's almost a year since Dad passed away from Mesothelioma. We lost him 5 years and 25 minutes after my first born Ella came into the world. It's going to be a day of highs and lows. I am not sure how the day will be but I will be a brave mummy and smile a lot for my Ella. She deserves a lovely birthday especially because I wasn't here for it last year.
Some days I feel low and others I feel ok. Sometimes something happens that just brightens my day and the Christmas Concerts definitely lifted my spirit. Today I found three fantastic, new reviews for some of the Larry the Liger stories and they have made my day. If you ever wondered just how important reviews are then imagine the little face of a hard working writer when they read them! Mine was a beaming and very chuffed one :D
I will share the reviews and hopefully you will get the urge to get yourself some Larry love too! Seasonal greetings one and all. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a New Year full of the best life can give. Enjoy every moment as you just never know...
"5.0 out of 5 stars 'Worth a read',
This review is from: Larry the Liger - The New Home (Kindle Edition)
This story is a lovely story I highly recommend this book and the rest of the series of larry the liger amazing books for children."
"5.0 out of 5 stars 'Cute',
This re...view is from: Larry the Liger - The New Friend (Larry the Liger Series) (Kindle Edition)
This is a lovely story of friendship definitely worth getting to read to your children I love it as an adult."
"5.0 out of 5 stars 'Lovely Lovely Lovely',
This review is from: Larry the Liger - The Easter Liger (Larry the Liger Series) (Kindle Edition)
Its a lovely story about not to judge a book by its cover and continues the magic of easter for children highly recommended to buy and read."
I have had the pleasure of seeing both of my girls' Christmas Concerts and they both did a fantastic job. Ella as a sparkly angel dancing around and Amy standing up to sing 'Dear Father Christmas' song. Both were a nice balance of traditional, Christian focus and modern-tradition reference. Well done girls!
Amy turned 3 in November and she had a little party to celebrate with two friends from pre-school. They had a lot of fun. On Sunday we had a party for Ella's 6th Birthday ahead of her actual birthday. There were more children and it was a little bit more loopy but they all had fun and that is what it is all about.
It's an emotional time for me as it's almost a year since Dad passed away from Mesothelioma. We lost him 5 years and 25 minutes after my first born Ella came into the world. It's going to be a day of highs and lows. I am not sure how the day will be but I will be a brave mummy and smile a lot for my Ella. She deserves a lovely birthday especially because I wasn't here for it last year.
Some days I feel low and others I feel ok. Sometimes something happens that just brightens my day and the Christmas Concerts definitely lifted my spirit. Today I found three fantastic, new reviews for some of the Larry the Liger stories and they have made my day. If you ever wondered just how important reviews are then imagine the little face of a hard working writer when they read them! Mine was a beaming and very chuffed one :D
I will share the reviews and hopefully you will get the urge to get yourself some Larry love too! Seasonal greetings one and all. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a New Year full of the best life can give. Enjoy every moment as you just never know...
"5.0 out of 5 stars 'Worth a read',
This review is from: Larry the Liger - The New Home (Kindle Edition)
This story is a lovely story I highly recommend this book and the rest of the series of larry the liger amazing books for children."
"5.0 out of 5 stars 'Cute',
This re...view is from: Larry the Liger - The New Friend (Larry the Liger Series) (Kindle Edition)
This is a lovely story of friendship definitely worth getting to read to your children I love it as an adult."
"5.0 out of 5 stars 'Lovely Lovely Lovely',
This review is from: Larry the Liger - The Easter Liger (Larry the Liger Series) (Kindle Edition)
Its a lovely story about not to judge a book by its cover and continues the magic of easter for children highly recommended to buy and read."
November 27, 2013
My message of goodwill
I am so pleased to share the latest Larry the Liger story with you all. Larry the Liger - the Winter Surprise is now ready for download from Amazon.
This book is a joy to share because it was mostly written after a spell of serious, writer's block. I began to write it a few months ago but then something halted me and I could not write... at all. It was one of the most frustrating periods of my life because I knew I could do it but nothing would come... not one, single word.
So I sat back and allowed being a mum, and also my rehearsals for the local pantomime with New Wickham Court Players, to distract me from it and I would even avoid turning on my laptop because the sight of it annoyed me so much.
In the last few weeks something changed and I felt the words bubbling up inside me desperate to escape so I gave the laptop a warning look and took up my usual writing position. I began to type and I could not stop. I had to of course because I have two, young children to look after but whenever I could I would get back to the story and not for one minute did I even have to really think about the way the story was going to go because it just did... go!
When I finally finished the story I knew it was a good one. Yes I am entitled to say that because the story literally came out of me and I do wonder if there is an angel somewhere very pleased they got me to write it for them!
So what will you think of The Winter Surprise? Well the only way to find out is to read it and I am pretty certain it will warm your cockles and bring a smile to even the meanest person out there.
The Winter Surprise is all about Larry facing the changes the winter period brings for the other animals. He faces a period where potentially he will have no one to play with. Even the school is closed. One of Larry's friends decides that something must be done to cheer their sad, liger friend and preparations begin.
The ending is seasonal and festive; it will make you believe in the wonder of the season and the importance of goodwill. It makes a humorous observation of just how distracted we all are at this time of year. This is my message of goodwill as told through Larry the Liger. This book is for children of all ages right up to 110!
So what are you waiting for?
www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00GY15HIY
www.amazon.com/dp/B00GY15HIY
and all other Amazon territories.
Winter seasonal greetings everyone :)
This book is a joy to share because it was mostly written after a spell of serious, writer's block. I began to write it a few months ago but then something halted me and I could not write... at all. It was one of the most frustrating periods of my life because I knew I could do it but nothing would come... not one, single word.
So I sat back and allowed being a mum, and also my rehearsals for the local pantomime with New Wickham Court Players, to distract me from it and I would even avoid turning on my laptop because the sight of it annoyed me so much.
In the last few weeks something changed and I felt the words bubbling up inside me desperate to escape so I gave the laptop a warning look and took up my usual writing position. I began to type and I could not stop. I had to of course because I have two, young children to look after but whenever I could I would get back to the story and not for one minute did I even have to really think about the way the story was going to go because it just did... go!
When I finally finished the story I knew it was a good one. Yes I am entitled to say that because the story literally came out of me and I do wonder if there is an angel somewhere very pleased they got me to write it for them!
So what will you think of The Winter Surprise? Well the only way to find out is to read it and I am pretty certain it will warm your cockles and bring a smile to even the meanest person out there.
The Winter Surprise is all about Larry facing the changes the winter period brings for the other animals. He faces a period where potentially he will have no one to play with. Even the school is closed. One of Larry's friends decides that something must be done to cheer their sad, liger friend and preparations begin.
The ending is seasonal and festive; it will make you believe in the wonder of the season and the importance of goodwill. It makes a humorous observation of just how distracted we all are at this time of year. This is my message of goodwill as told through Larry the Liger. This book is for children of all ages right up to 110!
So what are you waiting for?
www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00GY15HIY
www.amazon.com/dp/B00GY15HIY
and all other Amazon territories.
Winter seasonal greetings everyone :)
A winter surprise
Fergus writes:"What is the collective noun for a Group of Ligers? I wish I knew!Larry was lonely in Rachael’s latest A Winter Surprise with no siblings to keep him company. I think I’ll ask Rachael? What do you think? Is it a Pride of Ligers? No that’s Lions. Is it a Society of Ligers?It is becoming contagious. I find myself say 'My father is a Scot and my mother English! I am British!' Fergus."Well, Fergus you are right Larry does indeed feel a little alone in the upcoming release, The Winter Surprise. His friends are all preparing to have their long sleep and Larry wonders who he will play with. There is a surprise in store though and everyone will have to download the ebook to find out what happens.As for a group of ligers: some say a pride, some say a streak or ambush, however I have decided that for Larry, should he ever find others like him, it will be called a legion of ligers. What does everyone else think?Larry the Liger - the Winter Surprise is coming soon and is full of seasonal wonder for you and your little ones. Here is a sneak preview of the new cover :)
Enjoy the journey...
September 13, 2013
What does the fox say?
'What does the fox say?' This is the type of question my writing often forces me to ask. Yes, my research time is often spent trying to find out what noises certain animals make in their efforts to communicate. The Larry the Liger stories have sent me on a learning journey of all things animal related. Thank goodness for the Internet is all I can say; it has saved me hours of becoming one with all things outdoors.
Recently when I was asking Google one of my strange and bizarre questions about animals, their noises and expressions, I discovered something I never quite expected. 'A song about a fox?' I thought and I had to check it out. Well, what can I say? You need to see it to believe it really! This is a song I could almost have written myself such is my knowledge now of animal noises! ;) It seems I am not the only one asking such questions. The Fox by Ylvis can be found here http://youtu.be/jofNR_WkoCE
This is a funny video and I ended up reading all about how it has been received. Some people appear to have missed the humour element of it but, regardless of all the reactions, if it's that stupid how come I find myself asking these rather ridiculous questions on a daily basis? I do believe I have discovered the next Gangnam Style hit and if this does go global then remember where you heard it first :)
Is it any wonder I don't get much writing done some days?! Now to discover what a worm says...
Recently when I was asking Google one of my strange and bizarre questions about animals, their noises and expressions, I discovered something I never quite expected. 'A song about a fox?' I thought and I had to check it out. Well, what can I say? You need to see it to believe it really! This is a song I could almost have written myself such is my knowledge now of animal noises! ;) It seems I am not the only one asking such questions. The Fox by Ylvis can be found here http://youtu.be/jofNR_WkoCE
This is a funny video and I ended up reading all about how it has been received. Some people appear to have missed the humour element of it but, regardless of all the reactions, if it's that stupid how come I find myself asking these rather ridiculous questions on a daily basis? I do believe I have discovered the next Gangnam Style hit and if this does go global then remember where you heard it first :)
Is it any wonder I don't get much writing done some days?! Now to discover what a worm says...
July 27, 2013
To mark the birth of the new Prince George...
It was so nice to finally hear the news of the names given to William and Kate's new baby son: George Alexander Louis and he was named pretty quickly too.
To mark the wonderful occasion of the birth of the new Prince George of Cambridge, and third in line to the throne, I am going back to the start of my journey and making the Anastasia Omnibus editions free!
I began writing this blog after the first Anastasia stories were published on Amazon. I had no idea at that time I would end up writing so many! There are now over 30 Anastasia eBooks and 3 Omnibus editions of the Series! A lot of work went into those stories and it's amazing to think just how Anastasia took over and changed my life!
The stories began as individual, short stories intended to be read as independent stories. As more stories were written it became clear there was a lot of scope for the character of Anastasia, the young, horse riding detective.
In Series I we meet Anastasia and learn of her love of horses as she spends her summers at Boughton Lodge. This is the start of her crime fighting adventures as she rides her horses through the Kent countryside, solving crimes and mysteries along the way.
In Series II Anastasia and her great friend Charlotte continue to solve crimes in the beautiful, Kent countryside and we learn more of who Anastasia really is.
In Series III a teenage Anastasia takes on some of the world's worst criminals. Action packed adventures with insights into the worlds of people and drug trafficking, we learn even more about Anastasia with some amazing revelations.
Series I and II are aimed at 6 to 12 year olds and Series III is for 13 years upwards due to the content of those stories.
If somehow you missed these stories then why not take a look while they are free and see what you think. Anastasia has a big following and is loved in countries around the world. I hope you enjoy her journey; it's where my self publishing journey began.
Anastasia Omnibus' of Series I, II and III are free from Monday 29th July through Friday 2nd August and are available in all Amazon territories. The journey has begun...
Series I UK www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B008KMEHPY
Series I US www.amazon.com/dp/B008KMEHPY
Series II UK www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0090P1K5U
Series II US www.amazon.com/dp/B0090P1K5U
Series III UK www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00A823NJA
Series III US www.amazon.com/dp/B00A823NJA
To mark the wonderful occasion of the birth of the new Prince George of Cambridge, and third in line to the throne, I am going back to the start of my journey and making the Anastasia Omnibus editions free!
I began writing this blog after the first Anastasia stories were published on Amazon. I had no idea at that time I would end up writing so many! There are now over 30 Anastasia eBooks and 3 Omnibus editions of the Series! A lot of work went into those stories and it's amazing to think just how Anastasia took over and changed my life!
The stories began as individual, short stories intended to be read as independent stories. As more stories were written it became clear there was a lot of scope for the character of Anastasia, the young, horse riding detective.
In Series I we meet Anastasia and learn of her love of horses as she spends her summers at Boughton Lodge. This is the start of her crime fighting adventures as she rides her horses through the Kent countryside, solving crimes and mysteries along the way.
In Series II Anastasia and her great friend Charlotte continue to solve crimes in the beautiful, Kent countryside and we learn more of who Anastasia really is.
In Series III a teenage Anastasia takes on some of the world's worst criminals. Action packed adventures with insights into the worlds of people and drug trafficking, we learn even more about Anastasia with some amazing revelations.
Series I and II are aimed at 6 to 12 year olds and Series III is for 13 years upwards due to the content of those stories.
If somehow you missed these stories then why not take a look while they are free and see what you think. Anastasia has a big following and is loved in countries around the world. I hope you enjoy her journey; it's where my self publishing journey began.
Anastasia Omnibus' of Series I, II and III are free from Monday 29th July through Friday 2nd August and are available in all Amazon territories. The journey has begun...
Series I UK www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B008KMEHPY
Series I US www.amazon.com/dp/B008KMEHPY
Series II UK www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0090P1K5U
Series II US www.amazon.com/dp/B0090P1K5U
Series III UK www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00A823NJA
Series III US www.amazon.com/dp/B00A823NJA
July 24, 2013
Welcome... happy tidings :)
Welcome to the world Royal baby boy! A new prince for us all although hopefully the news channels will let us know what else is going on in the world too! I personally love hearing all about it but others certainly are getting a little fed up from what I've heard.
So what will they call the little fella? As a future monarch the happy couple will have to choose very carefully indeed. As a parent I recall the list of potential names my husband and I had as we awaited the births of our girls. We struggled with boy's names so it worked out well we had girls!
Whatever he is named I truly hope he has opportunity to enjoy a relatively normal childhood. And you never know he may become a Larry the Liger fan!
It is a week of welcomes. The school summer holidays have begun and my time will be filled with entertaining two lively, five and two year old, girls! It's hard to believe my eldest daughter has completed her Foundation year at school and it's been very welcoming how she has progressed.
We have also managed to keep the sunshine in England so another welcome especially when you look at previous summer weather! Some days it's been a whole 10 degrees warmer than last year.
My final welcome is to the latest Larry the Liger story: The Rainy Night. This story was published on 22nd July so shares the same birthday as the new prince!
I have wanted to write this for a while and started it when I first saw the terrible Central European floods back in June. Scenes of big cats, sedated and being moved to safety were amazing. The zoo staff worked through the night to move as many animals as they could. It wasn't the first time Prague Zoo had flooded and I'm sure the rescue operation was meticulously pre-planned on the back of the previous awful flood.
The River Vltava, Czech Republic broke its banks in June and a State of Emergency was declared. The largest animals of the zoo took priority and were moved, however some smaller animals sadly perished in the floods. As an animal lover I found the news stories very moving and was glad so many animals were saved.
In Larry the Liger - the Rainy Night, Larry finds himself in a precarious position at his home with the zookeeper and the zookeeper's wife. They have raced off to assist the evacuation of the animals in the main part of the zoo leaving Larry alone. The zookeeper attempts to make the house as waterproof as possible but the flood waters find a way in...
Larry and Chloe the cat set off in search of higher ground and to help the small creatures and animals of the wood. It is a perilous journey and we learn how animals cope in such heavy rains. We also learn how important it is to help one another in times of crisis.
This is the eighth story in the Larry the Liger series and I truly hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Welcome to our new, future monarch; school holidays, hopefully with more sunshine; Larry the Liger - the Rainy Night; and good riddance to the yucky flood water. And remember happy reading makes happy children :)
UK - www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00E3RDAXA
US - www.amazon.com/dp/B00E3RDAXA
Germany -www.amazon.de/dp/B00E3RDAXA
Italy - www.amazon.it/dp/B00E3RDAXA
France - www.amazon.fr/dp/B00E3RDAXA
Spain - www.amazon.es/dp/B00E3RDAXA
Canada - www.amazon.ca/dp/B00E3RDAXA
India - www.amazon.in/dp/B00E3RDAXA
Brazil - www.amazon.com.br/dp/B00E3RDAXA
Japan - www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B00E3RDAXA
www.larrytheliger.co.uk
So what will they call the little fella? As a future monarch the happy couple will have to choose very carefully indeed. As a parent I recall the list of potential names my husband and I had as we awaited the births of our girls. We struggled with boy's names so it worked out well we had girls!
Whatever he is named I truly hope he has opportunity to enjoy a relatively normal childhood. And you never know he may become a Larry the Liger fan!
It is a week of welcomes. The school summer holidays have begun and my time will be filled with entertaining two lively, five and two year old, girls! It's hard to believe my eldest daughter has completed her Foundation year at school and it's been very welcoming how she has progressed.
We have also managed to keep the sunshine in England so another welcome especially when you look at previous summer weather! Some days it's been a whole 10 degrees warmer than last year.
My final welcome is to the latest Larry the Liger story: The Rainy Night. This story was published on 22nd July so shares the same birthday as the new prince!
I have wanted to write this for a while and started it when I first saw the terrible Central European floods back in June. Scenes of big cats, sedated and being moved to safety were amazing. The zoo staff worked through the night to move as many animals as they could. It wasn't the first time Prague Zoo had flooded and I'm sure the rescue operation was meticulously pre-planned on the back of the previous awful flood.
The River Vltava, Czech Republic broke its banks in June and a State of Emergency was declared. The largest animals of the zoo took priority and were moved, however some smaller animals sadly perished in the floods. As an animal lover I found the news stories very moving and was glad so many animals were saved.
In Larry the Liger - the Rainy Night, Larry finds himself in a precarious position at his home with the zookeeper and the zookeeper's wife. They have raced off to assist the evacuation of the animals in the main part of the zoo leaving Larry alone. The zookeeper attempts to make the house as waterproof as possible but the flood waters find a way in...
Larry and Chloe the cat set off in search of higher ground and to help the small creatures and animals of the wood. It is a perilous journey and we learn how animals cope in such heavy rains. We also learn how important it is to help one another in times of crisis.
This is the eighth story in the Larry the Liger series and I truly hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Welcome to our new, future monarch; school holidays, hopefully with more sunshine; Larry the Liger - the Rainy Night; and good riddance to the yucky flood water. And remember happy reading makes happy children :)
UK - www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00E3RDAXA
US - www.amazon.com/dp/B00E3RDAXA
Germany -www.amazon.de/dp/B00E3RDAXA
Italy - www.amazon.it/dp/B00E3RDAXA
France - www.amazon.fr/dp/B00E3RDAXA
Spain - www.amazon.es/dp/B00E3RDAXA
Canada - www.amazon.ca/dp/B00E3RDAXA
India - www.amazon.in/dp/B00E3RDAXA
Brazil - www.amazon.com.br/dp/B00E3RDAXA
Japan - www.amazon.co.jp/dp/B00E3RDAXA
www.larrytheliger.co.uk
July 1, 2013
Being a child...
When I was a very, young child I always felt safe when with my mum, I always marvelled at her confidence; the way she could talk to anyone, her ease at traversing around town, her unflappability and her efficiency to get things done. I recall wanting to be just like her when I grew up. I also remember she walked very, very fast and I would often listen for the 'click, click, clicking' of her stiletto heels to find her in a crowd!
I was always bored as a child, never knowing what to do with my time. My mum would be creative at times and often sing songs like 'Oh, Rachael is a funny 'un, has a face like a pickled onion, a nose liked a squashed tomato, etc'! And sometimes to cheer me up if I was sad she would get everyone to play instruments of pots and pans and wooden spoons... Our house was rarely quiet!
I recall crying if mum was leaving me because I felt I couldn't cope without her but I always did. I suppose when writing about Larry I am remembering the fear of venturing out on your own as a child; desperate to experience new things but also afraid to not have your mum there to keep you safe.
This is where I understand Larry and how he would feel being a young, liger cub. I remember that uncertainty and the desire to have someone show you the way. Larry lacks the role model of a mum or dad as he was abandoned and this is why the mother hen is so important in the stories - she is the voice of reason and comfort. Every child needs a bit of that and I was lucky enough to get lots of it from my mum and dad.
You can read Larry's latest adventure: Larry the Liger - the Magical Sport's Day, which has just been released! It is a lovely story where we find Larry excited and nervous as he prepares for his first ever, school, Sport's Day. When he gets the chance to use magic to help him Larry must face the consequences of his actions.
As my eldest daughter's first, school, Sport's Day approached recently I felt inspired to write this story. She did very well in her races and was proud to be part of a team.
I hope you love the latest story and with positive messages to encourage your children, what's not to like?
Check it out here: www.viewbook.at/B00DPWAAZA
I was always bored as a child, never knowing what to do with my time. My mum would be creative at times and often sing songs like 'Oh, Rachael is a funny 'un, has a face like a pickled onion, a nose liked a squashed tomato, etc'! And sometimes to cheer me up if I was sad she would get everyone to play instruments of pots and pans and wooden spoons... Our house was rarely quiet!
I recall crying if mum was leaving me because I felt I couldn't cope without her but I always did. I suppose when writing about Larry I am remembering the fear of venturing out on your own as a child; desperate to experience new things but also afraid to not have your mum there to keep you safe.
This is where I understand Larry and how he would feel being a young, liger cub. I remember that uncertainty and the desire to have someone show you the way. Larry lacks the role model of a mum or dad as he was abandoned and this is why the mother hen is so important in the stories - she is the voice of reason and comfort. Every child needs a bit of that and I was lucky enough to get lots of it from my mum and dad.
You can read Larry's latest adventure: Larry the Liger - the Magical Sport's Day, which has just been released! It is a lovely story where we find Larry excited and nervous as he prepares for his first ever, school, Sport's Day. When he gets the chance to use magic to help him Larry must face the consequences of his actions.
As my eldest daughter's first, school, Sport's Day approached recently I felt inspired to write this story. She did very well in her races and was proud to be part of a team.
I hope you love the latest story and with positive messages to encourage your children, what's not to like?
Check it out here: www.viewbook.at/B00DPWAAZA
London Welsh by Fergus
"Aunt Judith took me on an outing to Rochester Cathedral light evening to hear the London Welsh Male Voice Choir. A very good evening for me. I was talking to someone I knew in the Choir who played rugby for London Welsh when I was playing for London Scottish. That was 45 years ago.
A lady approached us and spoke in Welsh. A tongue I have never attempted to master. I assumed she wanted to talk to my Welsh friend but no she was being courteous in interrupting in Welsh but she wanted to talk to myself. In English of course.
"Tell me what has happened to Anastasia?" she asked. "She is having a bit of a holiday," I explained. "When will the next book be out?" "We have four books to go with Larry," I said. "I know that! But when?"
At that point I did not know book 7 would be awaiting me on email when I arrived home.
I felt I had to say something so I let the cat out of the bag - well slightly. Today we had an offering from The Sound of Music. Yes my favourite musical she said and today I heard it in Welsh for the first time.
You will find something about The Sound of Music in the next Anastasia Book. In Welsh? She hoped for too much. No German.
Sorry I can say no more!
Await the publication of the ebook dear reader.
In the meantime do read Larry the Liger. What a Goddess Rachael Phillips is to me." Fergus
A lady approached us and spoke in Welsh. A tongue I have never attempted to master. I assumed she wanted to talk to my Welsh friend but no she was being courteous in interrupting in Welsh but she wanted to talk to myself. In English of course.
"Tell me what has happened to Anastasia?" she asked. "She is having a bit of a holiday," I explained. "When will the next book be out?" "We have four books to go with Larry," I said. "I know that! But when?"
At that point I did not know book 7 would be awaiting me on email when I arrived home.
I felt I had to say something so I let the cat out of the bag - well slightly. Today we had an offering from The Sound of Music. Yes my favourite musical she said and today I heard it in Welsh for the first time.
You will find something about The Sound of Music in the next Anastasia Book. In Welsh? She hoped for too much. No German.
Sorry I can say no more!
Await the publication of the ebook dear reader.
In the meantime do read Larry the Liger. What a Goddess Rachael Phillips is to me." Fergus
