Menna Van Praag's Blog, page 23

Look what loveliness arrived on my doorstep this morning!...

Look what loveliness arrived on my doorstep this morning!! Advanced copies of THE DRESS SHOP – out Dec 30th – so excited!!

“Happiness is earned, like everything else.” ― Marisa de los Santos

Marisa is one of my favorite modern writers & I love this quote. It reminds me that happiness isn’t determined by good luck or chance. Of course when painful things happen, it’s harder to be happy. But many people manage it, those inspirational people who keep smiling despite circumstances that might flaw the rest of us. So, whenever life isn’t showing up the way you want it to, when your dreams still seem too far away, remember this quote, be grateful for all you have, & you’ll soon be on your way to achieving happiness again…

Pic: Southbank Market, London. I got very excited when I saw these chocolate scones – can’t believe I’ve never thought to make them before! I’ll be correcting that oversight asap…

“We struggle to climb, or we struggle to fall. The thing is to discover which way we’re going.”― Daphne du Maurier

The first 10 years of my writing life wasn’t happy time. I was riddled with self-doubt with a bit of self-loathing thrown in for good measure. But, as Daphne says, “sometimes it’s a sort of indulgence to think the worst of ourselves, we think we don’t have a choice but we do.” Then I read a book, Working on Yourself Doesn’t Work. It transformed my writing & my life. I started taking workshops with the authors & learnt I did have a choice, to think well of myself or poorly. And, when I chose the former, both life & writing started to become a bright & brilliant experience. Now, I know it takes a lot of practice to learn a new lifestyle. But if you really want to, I also know it’s possible. It’s up to you.

Pic: Czech editions of Men, Money & Chocolate & Happier Than She’s Ever Been – the 25th language – exciting stuff!

Flying back from an AMAZING workshop in Hamburg – inspiri...

Flying back from an AMAZING workshop in Hamburg – inspiring, moving, mind-blowing, heart-expanding & SO joyful! – I saw this beautiful piece of writing in the airport. Great writing – unusual, unique & true – always makes me smile

“We all have to find our way toward what ever miracle awaits us.” ― Juliette Fay

I used to feel lost. I had no idea what to do with my life (the idea of being a writer seemed so impossible I couldn’t even consider it) & no hope that I would ever love anything very much. Forget about miracles. Then, very gradually, I began to feel my heart & find my courage. I began to believe, to hope, that one day I could be a writer. Life is a miracle indeed & mine shows that anything is possible for anyone!

Pic: my springtime office

Starting a new story is a little like falling in love… On...

Starting a new story is a little like falling in love… On Saturday I began something new after buying a glorious new notebook (big, blue suede) & writing it on the train. I’m giddy with joy. The story is in my thoughts & in my heart & I can’t stop writing… What a gift it is to follow your bliss. If you aren’t doing so yet, I urge you with all my heart (no matter what it takes – and it took me a lot & a long time) not to stop until you are!

Happy Mother’s Day!

Happy Mother’s Day to all you lovely Mamas out there!! Big hugs to y’all & I hope you spent the day doing lots of gorgeous things & being very well loved. You deserve all that & more! I spent my day being throughly spoiled with flowers, food & lots & lots of cake. Thanks O&A. Happy sigh

The Mind Body Spirit Festival: Earl’s Court, London May 23rd @2.30pm!

So, now I’m doing something even braver! I’m teaching a mini writing workshop at the  Mind Body Spirit Festival in London, May 23rd. Very scary, very exciting! I remember the days I was too terrified to talk in front of groups & now I say YES to it, I find that by focusing on simply sharing wisdom & inspiration – caring about my audience – I forget about myself & my fears. Of course it makes for a very fun time, for us all If you’d like to join me here, I’d LOVE that too!

I did something a little brave today – visited my local b...

I did something a little brave today – visited my local bookstores to ask if they’d stock HOPE & put it on display. I always feel a little embarrassed to do such things but nowadays us writers must promote ourselves, so such things need to be done. Then, I walked into Heffers (a Cambridge institution) & found that they’d already stocked it, without my request – how lovely! It left me smiling all day

HOPE is out today!! Available online & in lots of good bo...

HOPE is out today!! Available online & in lots of good bookshops I’m very proud of this book & I’m delighted it’s out in the world – lots of love & BIG THANKS to all my readers!!! Thank you for buying my books, sending me lovely messages & all the nice comments – I appreciate you all more than I can say…