Pam Charles's Blog, page 17

Star studded Night in Wetherby.... hopefully many more to come

You can see from these photographs why it is such a perfect location for writers and their content. Wetherby is a beautiful market town on the outskirts of Leeds. It boasts lots of thriving shops, businesses and restaurants. At the time I wrote Beyond the Past both boys played rugby at Wetherby Bulldogs and Lucas played for Wetherby Athletic. Most of the book was drafted in the car park of Wetherby Sports Association, Costa Coffee or Sant Angelos - outside of Wetherby Harewood House, Roundhay Park and even outside both boys' schools. 
If I was stuck for inspiration though, I headed to Sant Angelos, my little piece of Italy in Wetherby. There I could have a bite to eat, a coffee and write in peace but with a relaxing ambiance that always seemed to cure my writer's block. When Catherine offered to host my book launch and signing, it was a no brainer for me. There is something captivating about this place. The food, the atmosphere, the location and the people.My boys will say it's the ice cream!
What made the night even more special was it was Wetherbyhour Live too. This is a twitter networking group for local businesses. I have been to many of these now and they are really good fun. The success of the evenings can be attributed to the hard work and drive of Joanne Maltby the founder and, well superstar really and I don't use that term lightly! Jo works tirelessly to help build business and awareness of Wetherby. Her hard work has quite rightly earned her the Townperson of the Year award. She organised the very special guests 'stars' for the evening and I am very grateful for her and Catherine's help.
The evening was a huge success for me. My children (Erin I include you in that x) came to support me along with my Mum and Dad and my editor, but most of all big Sister, Lisa. I received a very warm reception and a great deal of intrigue and excitement was shown in the book. I couldn't really ask for anymore.
I had my book trailer running all evening and signed lots of books. It was incredibly hard work but I loved every minute of it. To top it all the evening was attended by some fine guests and if I'm honest I was a little starstruck! When I told Lucas who was coming he had this horrified look on his face. He asked, "Jeff isn't going to be like Cain is he?" Oh, the power of television!

Guests included Ryan Sidebottom (Yorkshire CC), Patrick Dunlop (StrayFM), Jeff Hordley (Cain Dingle, Emmerdale), Alex Cann (StrayFM) and Stephanie Moon
(Celebrity & Consultant Chef) and not forgetting the brightest star of all Wes Charles, Sheffield Eagles (sorry but proud Mum alert!!)

I lucky I am to have such incredibly talented guests but most of all lucky to be part of such a vibrant community. Wetherby - you really do rock!


Whilst I was working hard, a number of guests disappeared to the ice cream parlour, including my supportive children! I don't blame them though but there is only thing to ask - Where's mine? Now my children are totally converted and plan to go to the restaurant this weekend, without me!! The cheek of IT!




Images courtesy of : Yours Truly Photography
A special thank you to Irene Maltby for sharing your review of the book with everyone. It was much appreciated x
Thank you to everyone who came and supported my first event. It really did mean a lot to me. I do have some signed copies left so if you want to get hold of a copy email me or tweet me @beyondthepast1. They are £10.99 or available through the links below. To think this all started from a character called Annie, rugby league and a location!!

My next event is on the 14th October 2014 at Wetherby Library for an author talk.

You can purchase my debut novel, Beyond the Past from 
Pegasus Publishers  
Amazon UK  
Amazon US
Kindle

OR ORDER FROM YOUR LOCAL BOOKSHOP.

 




Twitter
Facebook
www.pamcharles.com
LinkedIn

Persistence, Patience & Pitching

 
Many people mistake caring, consideration for others and admitting your faults as a sign of weakness. I hate it when people won’t just hold their hands up and admit they were wrong. EVERYONE makes mistakes, it is part of being a human being. Strength of character is admitting and knowing the difference between right and wrong and acting upon the wrong and putting it right. Strength is supporting people instead of dragging them down and strength is accepting we are all different and embracing diversity.


This weekend has been pretty naff really. It started well with Lucas playing football and playing really well with some fantastic skills on display. Eagerly anticipating two encounters in the afternoon, we got all our chores done. We need not have bothered as both the Leeds Rhinos and Liverpool lost. Oh well, the Rhinos won the Challenge Cup and its early days in the football season and we are in Europe. I can’t do with these fans that call for the managers sacking or take to twitter to slate individual players. It’s only a game for goodness sake! (Sorry Shanks but it is).

Then Sunday we needed to be in Sheffield by 9.45am and with roadworks on the M1 it meant leaving the house an hour before. That wouldn’t have been a problem if I hadn’t tried to juggle a plate multi tasking and re-decorated the whole kitchen in hot milky coffee (not latte I'm from Yorkshire)!! Typically, it smelt lovely but it resulted in us being late and I hate being late! The match was tough but Wes was rewarded with a very well earned Man of the Match. He loves the rugby in this higher division – every cloud really does have a silver lining.
This week I took a time out just to take stock of my past and chill for a little bit. Life is so hectic that sometimes I just don’t have time to think. When you are on your own you don’t have anyone to bounce thoughts off and it is so easy to get stuck in a reactive environment which can lead to you falling backwards instead of moving forwards. So now and again I take stock. I talk to myself, I zone out and I look back which then helps me to look forward. Try it sometime and see how it works for you. I’d be interested in your thoughts.
It’s funny how life changes, isn’t it? My life has taken so many twists and turns and it does resemble a F1 track only my finish line keeps moving. When I enrolled on my degree course, I had in mind that I would run my own website design business and build websites and databases – I love databases, sad I know! BUT that really wasn’t what I wanted to do. I WANTED TO WRITE!!! There were two parts of studying that I loved – research/reading and writing. The writing element gave me great satisfaction especially seeing the end results. My best work was looking at the impact of the strategic management of information systems on the Rugby Football League (YES! Rugby again – it gets everywhere!). I got my highest mark of 81% for it (yes I was naffed off I didn’t get higher!). When I graduated I never envisaged I would directly use so many of the new skills I’d learned in my new career as a writer. However, I do, things like Innovation & Enterprise, Computer Forensics, Javascript programming, database design and website design and management. I have put all these skills to good use, as well as my sales and customer service experience gained in twenty years as an Insurance Broker. All paths lead to this moment in time. I realise whilst writing this blog, that writing takes up a very small proportion of my working time. Hopefully one day I will have people to help me carry out all the non writing tasks.
I knew developing a writing career would be tough but it is much tougher than tough yet strangely rewarding! I am more than up for the challenge and believe this is the right time to put all my previous life experience to good use. There are no quick results, no multi million pound handouts – in fact there are no handouts full stop. As well as the ability to write, you need sheer hard work, persistence, patience and pitching. I’m in it to be successful, failure is definitely not an option.
Persistence DO NOT GIVE UP!!! I repeat DO NOT GIVE UP!!! Oh it’s easy to say I know but much harder to maintain BUT if I’d have given in after every no or after every nasty, vindictive attempt to put me off, I don’t know where I would be now, probably six feet under if I'm honest. I look back over the knock backs I have had in my life  and know the majority of people would have thrown in the towel long before now but I’m a fighter!! I will keep fighting until there is no breath left in me.
Patience As a new writer, success won’t happen overnight. It’s encouraging that my first EVER novel has been published but it is only the start of it. Once your book is published, you need to get out there and sell it, build an audience and keep plugging away. In addition, as with any new career I am learning on the job. I listen to my peers and sift out the information from the internet. I already feel my writing has improved and I will continue to learn and improve.
Pitching & Plugging No one promotes you better than yourself. You have to convince people they not only want to read your work but they need to read it. I thought I would get more support in this but only because I assumed I would. Lesson learned. There are so many paid services on offer for authors but when it is your first novel you could easily spend more than you earn tenfold. I am steering clear of these types of services. I have used one and felt it was not worth the money, they promised and did not deliver.
The story so far... my grand plan
You can purchase my debut novel, Beyond the Past from 

Amazon UK  
Amazon US
Kindle
OR ORDER FROM YOUR LOCAL BOOKSHOP.

 This is what I have done so far to promote my work.
I have written and maintained my own website 
I am on twitter @beyondthepast1 and @charlespr2d2
My facebook account is here
I am on Linked in and have joined lots of groups and discussions – it is hard to keep up with them all at the moment
Google Plus – I have a google plus account attached to the blog and I do like google plus.
I am on Instagram but have to confess I don’t use it as much as twitter.
Local Press – so far I have been in the Yorkshire Evening Post & Wetherby News







Local interest – I have been into Wetherby , where the story is set and leafleted and spoke at the local high school. Getting out there is a great way of raising your profile. In October I have an author talk at Wetherby library
Joined networking groups – we are very lucky because we have Wetherbyhour. I was a member of the group prior to publication but it is a great group organised brilliantly by Jo Maltby. It is Wetherbyhour and Sant Angelos that are hosting the book launch this Tuesday.
Joined other websites – I am on the Authors Database, Goodreads, The Bookshelf Cafe, Amazon UK and .com in Author Central and many other book websites. In addition I have contributed posts to an Authors Way.
Blogging – I wasn’t even planning on writing a blog and I certainly didn’t know what to include in it. It is really fun to do and I am not short of topics, as you can probably tell.
Goodreads Giveaway – I currently have two copies of my book listed for a giveaway and within 24 hours of listing it, over eighty people added the book to their reading list and over 180 people have entered the competition. You can enter here.
Book Trailer – This was produced by Pegasus Publishers and has been a bit of a hit. It is excellent, even if I do say so myself. - this is pinned to the right hand side of this blog or my website x
I am sure I have missed something and will find some other ways of promotion. That is the beauty of a new career. I am learning on the job. Apart from the book trailer, I have organised everything else myself so I'm giving myself a huge pat on the back! Especially when I know how hard it is to cope with Menieres and bringing the boys up alone. Life is tough but I'm tough too.


The effects won’t be felt overnight but being seen and heard are the only keys to successful marketing. You do have to work hard in anything you do and this is no different. I am confident the rewards will follow.

Scotland   I must admit the Scottish referendum last week was absolutely fascinating for me. I love politics particularly when it comes to people’s behaviour. I am relieved the ‘no’ vote won but for totally selfish purposes. All us Northerners have to stick together, although a Yes vote would have sent Westminster into a spin which would have been interesting to watch and would have possibly led to a few resignations! The problem with Westminster now is it is full of ‘career MPs’ not ‘caring MPs’. The latter are few and far between now and that is sad.  All we can hope for is the Scottish referendum teaches us all to speak out and challenge the powers that be. Personally, I think we didn’t give Gordon Brown a chance but that is my personal opinion and his speech last week was inspiring.
BBC Short Story Awards   This week the BBC short story awards shortlist was announced. Out of 550 entries, 5 were shortlisted. Congratulations to my fellow authors. This was my first year I was eligible to enter and I will be entering next year too, My entry, Bank Holiday will be available on my website Tues/Weds of next week for you to read FREE – my gift to you x
My next blog will be all about the Book Launch and signing – I am nervous but excited too. I just hope people turn up and I’m not left twiddling my thumbs.


Well I’m off to do the ironing.  I know I lead such a glamorous life but that’s what us Mums so and boy we do it well.
My final two targets for this year are to get onto a health fitness regime and to find a partner in crime, someone to have fun with. This time though, it will be for the right reasons.
Have a great week and thank you for your continued support.

BOOK LAUNCH - ALL WELCOME

** BOOK LAUNCH & SIGNING**
 FREE EVENT - ALL WELCOME

Sant Angelo's, Wetherby, LEEDS

Tues 23rd September 2014 7pm  - 9pm


     It will be great to see you all there

     Full details on my website

    
You can also purchase my debut novel, Beyond the Past from 
Pegasus Publishers  
Amazon UK  
Amazon US
Kindle

OR ORDER FROM YOUR LOCAL BOOKSHOP.

 




Twitter
Facebook
www.pamcharles.com
LinkedIn    
    

Don't look back in anger... fresh starts are the most satisfying

My past is laid to rest and from now on MY LIFE, MY FAMILY, MY RULES – I am the master of my fate!


 Book Launch
TUESDAY 23 SEPTEMBER 2014 7PM – 9PM
YOU ARE ALL INVITED! Regular readers will know, I rave about my little piece of Italy in Wetherby, Sant Angelos. The restaurant features in my sequel Beyond the Lies and is the perfect location for my first EVER book signing. If you can make it, we would love to see you.


Book Marketing
You know I told you the easiest part of a book is the writing and the hardest is getting it published. I was wrong. The hardest part is the MARKETING. It’s a time consuming minefield and for novice writers it can make or break your book. At times over the last few months, I have been close to throwing in the towel just out of sheer frustration. I find cleaning a great reliever of frustration, or swimming.
After reading hours of literature and surfing the net, I find myself going round in circles reading contradiction after contradiction. My advice: MAKE YOURSELF KNOWN. Your greatest asset is YOU and people don’t know of YOU unless you tell them about YOU. It’s not bragging!!! YOU! YOU! YOU! Raise your profile. No one will do it for you. So no matter how hard it is to put on a smile, you need to do it for YOU. And do you know what?  YOU CAN DO IT!
Whatever your background, wherever you have been – dust yourself down, pick yourself up and GO FOR IT!

This week is usual madness – two trips to Sheffield, active marketing for Beyond the Past (could be renamed making a nuisance of myself), writing the sequel, Mummy duties and all the other mundane yet wonderful things that are thrown my way. Persistence and hard work are everything.
Goodreads Giveaway  Don’t forget my book giveaway on Goodreads – its open until the 2nd October. Two signed copies just waiting here for lovely new homes.
Have an amazing week everyone. MAKE IT COUNT

You can purchase my debut novel, Beyond the Past from 
Pegasus Publishers  
Amazon UK  
Amazon US
Kindle

OR ORDER FROM YOUR LOCAL BOOKSHOP.

 




Twitter
Facebook
www.pamcharles.com
LinkedIn






 

Inequality: the way you made me feel

We all make mistakes. We all have bad days. We all have bad things that happen but it is how you view them, react to them and move on from them. My life has been one disaster after another. The trouble is I blamed myself for everything and I mean EVERYTHING! I was with my childhood sweetheart sixteen years and I thought we were in love. As it turned out, he was a very good liar and tried his luck with a number of my ‘close’ friends. He was a master manipulator. I never understood why he would put me down and do things to deliberately hurt me like refusing to make me a coffee when he’d made guests one and I’d just given birth or causing argument so he did not have to come to hospital with me when I had a breast cancer scare. The trouble was we met at school and very quickly he learned that I was pretty much treated like a second class citizen. You see my family have a toxic, morbid obsession with the first born in a generation and it's not the first born's fault. They can do no wrong even when they blatantly do wrong. It’s hard to cope as a child when you are constantly compared to someone else and even harder as a new parent when two days after your child is born you are told to take precautions because you could also end up with a second unwanted child – enough to give anyone post natal depression! I could literally write a novel series with the things that happened and I may do one day but for now I will just say it has affected me more than I ever imagined.
I was always told I had middle child syndrome (the fact it has a name sets alarm bells ringing!) but I have spent years trying to please everyone, trying to make the grade, so to speak and trying to achieve the impossible so that I would be elevated to the dizzy heights of superiority. When I brought it up I was told I was jealous or paranoid. I couldn’t win. I know that now!
The thing is I told myself it did me good. It set me in good stead because I became a fighter. I always worked extra hard and proved to myself that I was way better than peoples’ expectations. It really was a driving force for me to get a first class honours degree and become a writer. True I did these for myself, my own personal development and satisfaction but without doubt it was a contributing factor that drove me.
It has reared its ugly head once more, now in the next generation. Only I won’t let it happen to the boys. They are EQUAL and no matter who tries to drive a wedge between them, it won’t work and believe me, people have tried. It is a sad state of affairs when you have to fight inequality and prejudice from within the family but I guess it probably happens a lot more than we know about. However, the saddest part of all is seeing it happening again and it was only when it started happening to the second generation, that I realised how much it had affected me and my adulthood. If you can’t trust your family, who can you trust? Then there’s the manipulators who cottoned on to the inequalities and exploited them. The mixers, the ones that could see the injustice and lit the fuse to deliberately cause trouble. You know who you are! The worst thing of all is I blamed the wrong people and I include myself in that. No longer am I going to allow manipulators and liars to abuse my silence. I have a voice and my boys will also always have a voice. More importantly they have an ear listening to them.
I am my own worst enemy because I let it happen time and time again, ultimately always getting hurt in the process. I’ve spoken to the boys at length about it and they’ve told me of incidents that had happened when I haven’t been there. It is easier now because Wes is a fabulous babysitter and Lucas asks me constantly if I have arranged some more nights out – two a year is more than enough for me, I’m a lightweight. I have explained to the boys what I need to do to move forward including the self-preservation mechanism I need to implement and they are just brilliant beyond words. At fifteen, someone suggested to me that I needed to get away and spread my wings. I thought he was mad but now I really wish I had taken his advice. The only time it’s too late to start again is when you are dead!
Seeing members of the new generation suffer like I did, makes me even more determined to stand my ground. I have given too much respect out at the expense of my own self-respect and that is a huge lesson to learn. This was the last piece of my past that needed laying to rest and now it is done. I have spent the whole of my life justifying my existence, my every decision and my every move. I’ve allowed too many people give their opinions and allowed them to sway my decisions out of respect for them and my own low self-esteem. I have had a few weeks of extremes – extreme anger, extreme sadness and extreme honesty with myself.  I didn’t feel I had the courage to challenge it and face up to it. It was much easier to ignore it and hope it went away. I challenge it now because I can see other’s affected by it and now I understand why Wes went through a stage of  being miserable when I was at work and why bullying spilled into school. So now my illness was probably a blessing in disguise! It helped me to re-focus my priorities. I take huge credit for how the boys are developing and quite frankly, actions speak louder than words. No more justification, no more explanations. The only regret I have is being silent for too long.



My past is laid to rest and from now on MY LIFE, MY FAMILY, MY RULES – I am the master of my fate!


Book Launch
TUESDAY 23 SEPTEMBER 2014 7PM – 9PM
YOU ARE ALL INVITED! Regular readers will know, I rave about my little piece of Italy in Wetherby, Sant Angelos. The restaurant features in my sequel Beyond the Lies and is the perfect location for my first EVER book signing. If you can make it, we would love to see you.


Book Marketing
You know I told you the easiest part of a book is the writing and the hardest is getting it published. I was wrong. The hardest part is the MARKETING. It’s a time consuming minefield and for novice writers it can make or break your book. At times over the last few months, I have been close to throwing in the towel just out of sheer frustration. I find cleaning a great reliever of frustration, or swimming.
After reading hours of literature and surfing the net, I find myself going round in circles reading contradiction after contradiction. My advice: MAKE YOURSELF KNOWN. Your greatest asset is YOU and people don’t know of YOU unless you tell them about YOU. It’s not bragging!!! YOU! YOU! YOU! Raise your profile. No one will do it for you. So no matter how hard it is to put on a smile, you need to do it for YOU. And do you know what?  YOU CAN DO IT!
Whatever your background, wherever you have been – dust yourself down, pick yourself up and GO FOR IT!

This week is usual madness – two trips to Sheffield, active marketing for Beyond the Past (could be renamed making a nuisance of myself), writing the sequel, Mummy duties and all the other mundane yet wonderful things that are thrown my way. Persistence and hard work are everything.
Goodreads Giveaway  Don’t forget my book giveaway on Goodreads – its open until the 2nd October. Two signed copies just waiting here for lovely new homes.
Have an amazing week everyone. MAKE IT COUNT

You can purchase my debut novel, Beyond the Past from 
Pegasus Publishers  
Amazon UK  
Amazon US
Kindle

OR ORDER FROM YOUR LOCAL BOOKSHOP.

 




Twitter
Facebook
www.pamcharles.com
LinkedIn






 

What is this world coming to?

I don’t normally do a mid week blog but I am definitely making an exception!!
SO Thursday was one of those days that started off well but went downhill rapidly. Lucas’ guinea pig died. She was six year old and had been ill for a while. Thankfully I found her after he had gone to school and by the time he came home and I told him he was very good and understanding. In fact his response was, “okay can we get a puppy now.” Guinea pigs are very sociable animals and the one we have left is now showing signs of stress and loneliness. So here is my dilemma. Do I let her be lonely and probably end up shortening the poor animal’s life or do I go and buy another two for her to befriend? My head is telling me not to be so bloody stupid but my heart is urging me to go shopping. Decisions, decisions.
Wes has started his A level studies and he is finding it tough but manageable. I have to say though the stress has nothing to do with the actual learning or the teaching. His school has lost my support this week. Of course I will support Wes in his studies but in all honesty if it was up to me, I would be ringing around local colleges now to find him an alternative place. Last year the dress code for the sixth form was smart/ casual. We bought clothes over the summer conducive to the rules and based on what last year’s intake wore. A week before Wes was due to start, and after I had bought all his gear the school decided to advise the dress code. The shoe code for boys is smart shoe. That’s it! ‘Smart shoe’ so we had already bought VANS canvas shoes (not pumps - shoes). In addition we spent an astronomical amount of money of smart black trousers, not jeans but similar. Wes was advised both shoes and trousers were not ‘business like’ and therefore unacceptable. Nowhere in the letter they sent to us did it say ‘business like’ so I challenged them on their definition and I am still waiting the courtesy of a response. So today, whilst still waiting for a response, Wes came home from school to advise that unless he has the right trousers before Monday they will send him home from his studies. 
Really? Really?  Am I the only one that thinks this is just so incredibly ridiculous? I understand they don’t want hoodies, trackies and snapbacks. I get that but what is wrong with smart casual? The school has spent the first two weeks of term on what the students are wearing!! Yes two weeks. Never mind teachers have not been available to actually teach, never mind four A levels on top of the Academy is tough going, never mind the stress it has caused in this house. So sending them home achieves what exactly? Oh yes, they fall behind on their studies, they become demoralised and they give up!! Great going school! Really proud of your stance on pupil engagement. There are a number of issues:
Why ‘business like’ – the 6th form should be a prerequisite to University – sorry but I never wore business clothes for Uni. 6th form is supposed to be enabling the transition to University. How is that working exactly?I teach mine that appearance is not as important as substance and hard work. You can be the best dressed and the least productive worker! Appearance is now such a big issue we forget the real reason why they students are there – TO LEARN!!What makes me laugh even more is that girls are allowed to wear leggings (providing their bum is covered!) and flowery trousers, ballet shoes, etc. Don’t tell me there are not double standards in play here and gender differences that are bordering on equal right infringements. Schools need to understand, listen and practice what they preach. They want independent learners, committed to their studies yet are very quick to threaten exclusion even in the 6th form. Instead of studying we spent five hours looking for trousers that fit their brief (no pun intended) and that Wes was comfortable in. So another £60 down (after forking out over £100 on books too) we have trousers that comply with the ‘business like’ requirements. Which are – CHINOS – the most ‘unbusinesslike’ trousers I have ever seen in my life! Why? Why? What real purpose in life does it provide? It’s not about looking smart, it’s about control! So often we surround ourselves with insignificant constraints and rules. If we actually stopped and thought for a moment we would see that the majority of these decisions really pale into insignificance in the grand scheme of life. 
GET A GRIP!!! This has truly been a waste of everyone’s precious time and damaged relations between us and the school. No longer will they get my backing if they continue with meaningless, pathetic rules. No school books, cheeky, disrespectful, answering back, not turning up to lessons are all reasons why schools should take steps towards sending pupils home NOT because they don’t wear CHINOS!!
Now I’ve got that off my chest. When at the White Rose we grabbed some tea. A KFC, not great but the best of the worst in the time we had. We headed for a quiet spot of the food hall and sat down to be greeted with ‘sorry you can’t eat that here – this is the Spudulike seating section, not for KFC customers.’ There were two other families sat in the section eating? – Yes, you got it right, KFC!!! Really, the world has gone SO completely MAD!!! 

Inspirational In spite of the ridiculously stupid rules, the world is full of inspirational and fabulously courageous people and my heart fills with pride when I hear and read stories of them overcoming obstacles and achieving what most would regard as the impossible.I greatly admire people who don’t give up. Sometimes you have to turn your back on things so you retain your sanity but that is not the same as giving up. There is no one braver than the armed forces, giving their own life selflessly to protect our liberty (even though liberty means stupid, insignificant rules – sorry, just had to stick that in). However, even more courageous than our armed forces are those that serve and end up with life changing injuries. Hat’s off to Prince Harry. It would be easy for him to sit at the palace and do absolutely nothing but his legacy of the Invictus Games is too amazing for words but then it is not the only legacy of the young royals. If the media stopped bashing them, they would see all the benefits of the work they actually do, not just here but all over the world.

Back to the Invictus Games. I am in awe of every single competitor and their families because, to go through what they have been through and pick themselves back up and compete in front of millions is just, well inspiring and totally and utterly amazing. I cried through the opening ceremony not out of pity or sorrow but sheer admiration and pride that these people, not only served their country but now represent that very same country in sport. I know it’s a cliché but sport is a great healer and motivator.  The motto of the games is “I am the master of my fate.” BRILLIANT. That is what we should be teaching our children. That one sentence, I think the whole country should adopt it as our motto but then again I am sure some politically correct know it all would render it sexist and unusable! BUT we are going to adopt it in our family from now in. “I am the master of my fate.” SAYS IT ALL.
So many unsung heroes in this beautiful world and I hope I leave a legacy that my children are really proud of.
I also read many stories of people overcoming adversity to be where they are today. You just have to remember that you CAN do it. Keep going, surround yourself with positive people who believe in you and keep going. 
The Scotland debate has been enthralling this week but I have one question. Why has it taken politicians until one week before the vote to get out of their ivory tower in London and go on the road? It is also interesting at the spin the media are putting onto it because quite clearly the editors of Sky News are behind the NO vote. Whatever the outcome, I just wish more people would show this amount of interest so we can openly debate the NHS, Education (again!) and other issues so fervently.
Two years ago the Independent Panels report was released into the Hillsborough disaster. My thoughts are with the inspirational families and supporters that have fought with dignity and determination. 
Justice is coming.




I am off to write now but wanted to share these thoughts with you. We are back at Sheffield this evening for pre, pre-season training and that makes me very happy because it means my son is working towards doing something that he loves for a living and that is the secret to a happy life, okay it’s not that much of a secret! Sunday we have a rugby league game so I will be doing my usual book blog later after the game.
Have a safe and happy weekend. In spite of silly people and silly rules, this world is a great place filled with great people.  If you get chance look up the Invictus Games and Help for Heroes - truly inspirational. Be someone's inspiration xxx

You can purchase my debut novel, Beyond the Past from 
Pegasus Publishers  
Amazon UK  
Amazon US
Kindle

OR ORDER FROM YOUR LOCAL BOOKSHOP.

 



Twitter
Facebook
www.pamcharles.com
LinkedIn

Book Trailer, Goodread Giveaways and Life… does it get any better?

This week has been a massive turning point in my life. I have learned that being nice, helpful and wanting to see the good in the world labels you, in some people’s eyes, as a sociopath, passive aggressive and somehow manipulative. In reality, it is very much me being manipulated to change to a selfish, negative, pessimistic human being. Exactly the opposite of what I am or desire to be. So I’m not perfect but I work hard, play fair and take people at face value. I don’t judge, ridicule or turn my nose up at things I don’t understand or don’t buy into. Does that make me a bad person? I think not. I am strong enough to know when something is not good for ME. I don’t want to make people feel uncomfortable about themselves or how they live or what they wear. If that makes me a freak, so be it but I know the difference between right and wrong, good and bad, truth and lies and only liars are scared of the truth.  I’m really not interested in getting involved in childish, pathetic, high school behaviour. Let's face it whatever you say to some people, they won't believe it or they jump to their own conclusions. Switch them off, cut them out.

Don’t let other people’s insecurities and narrow mindedness stop you from living the life you want to live. You don’t have to justify yourself to anyone, just remember that! I’m having it made into a plaque for the dining room wall.I pose three questions:


Can you trust your own instincts?Have you ignored your instincts and its cost you dearly?Do you know when it is time to say enough is enough?

I answer ‘yes’ to all of these NOW. I have ignored my instincts to my detriment BUT in my defense, it has always been to protect the boys. It’s so ironic that when push came to shove and I explained the situation from my point of view, the boys actually turned around and said, ‘we wouldn’t have been bothered if you’d asked us to support you.’ The moral of that story is to talk about everything to the boys and that is what we have done this year. It has been a revelation. I have learned how well adjusted they are and how they are willing to listen and make a valued, level headed judgement – something I wish I would have been taught as a child. I have always taught them the most important tool you can have in life is to ‘listen’, not just listen to reply but listen to understand, there is a difference. Does anything else really matter?
This week I have decided to address one of the long standing, hardest issues in my life and it is done. I feel liberated and it was the final piece of the noose hanging around my neck from my past. I have been on such a journey over the last two years and at first I tried to tackle every single issue head on at once. That was a complete disaster but once I had broken it down, it became much easier and guess what? I have succeeded in every goal I set out to achieve so far. Now I am determined to see the rest of this year out, smashing all the other goals I have. I look back over 2014 and think ‘WOW!’ I have my first, ever book written published (honestly, how many can say they have done that?), the sequel is more exciting and my eldest has already fulfilled two of his dreams in passing his GCSEs and earning a place in a rugby league academy. That is what life is about – following your dreams and putting yourself in a position to allow you the choices to succeed.
I really don’t care what people think of me now – that really is their problem and says more about the people they are. The only problems I have are short term cashflow problems but who doesn't have them?  My kids are healthy, well-adjusted individuals - learning how to become decent human beings and following their dreams, my business is being re-launched and I have a book deal. That is the sum total of my life and I LOVE IT!!!

Beyond the PastYou can find everything on my website   My biggest flaws are wanting everything to be perfect first time and putting myself under so much pressure to get everything done at once. I have been working on these this week and have worked out a coping strategy which will help me to achieve more of my goals.
I also get really frustrated when things don’t happen immediately – I’m impatient and want success but don’t we all? The truth is success only comes from rolling your sleeves up and mucking in. Hard work = success. There is no artificial substitution. This week I sat and worked out a marketing strategy for the book and the business – separate ones of course.






Just as I paced myself for the work for the remainder of the week – this landed in my inbox. It is a short video promotion of Beyond the Past. The link is on the top right hand corner of this blog or here






Suddenly my carefully orchestrated plan went out of the window, typical! But what a position to be in. Having something as professional and superb as this trailer – courtesy of Pegasus Publishing, who I cannot thank enough. The feedback has been astonishing.
The timing was actually, ironically perfect as I have a number of events I am planning at the moment.

AmazonI have an author page now on Amazon.

Amazon UK  

Amazon
GoodreadsI am giving away two signed books through goodreads. Pop over using the link above and enter - you never know it could be you! Good Luck everyone x

Book LaunchDon't forget to join me on the 23rd September 2014 at Sant Angelos in Wetherby. It is going to be a great night in a fabulous location. Come and sample their fantastic food and ice cream. For full details, see my facebook events page
 Author TalkOn the 14th October 2014 I am giving an author talk at Wetherby Library at 6pm. More details will follow but the details are on facebook. Again this is a free event and you are more than welcome to attend.

I hope you all make the most of your time this week and do it for YOU and because of YOU!
Enjoy and be brave x

You can purchase my debut novel, Beyond the Past from 
Pegasus Publishers  
Amazon UK  
Amazon US
Kindle

OR ORDER FROM YOUR LOCAL BOOKSHOP.

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Facebook
www.pamcharles.com
LinkedIn

Pam Charles - Beyond The Past Book Trailer ( Pegasus Publishers)

What a week!

It’s been very much a week of reflection and coming to terms with issues I’d swept under the carpet for far too long. Now onwards and upwards.  I have spent some time this week readjusting my goals and aspirations, all achievable of course. It’s true was doesn’t kill you makes you stronger or insane – can’t quite decide which, but I suppose there is nothing wrong with being an eccentric writer, that’s what I keep telling myself anyway. I really embrace being different and pushing the boundaries of the ‘norm’ even if it is not intentional at times.
Oh Boy! The most stressful part of this week was not the hectic birthday party but organising uniform and new footwear which in this house includes school shoes, trainers AND football boots. I hate shopping – HATE IT!!
How on earth can shoes bought less than two weeks ago suddenly be too big for Lucas? 

I mean battleship BIG! A Friday night trip to the shops for replacements was not what I had planned but it did make me laugh because only my kids’ feet can shrink in two weeks!

Lucas has decided to concentrate on football and not play rugby league. Seeing his brother treated so badly by his amateur side has really put him off the game but I am sure once he spends time with the Sheffield Eagles family he will learn to appreciate that not everyone in rugby league behave so badly. So for now he is playing football, which started again this weekend and it was great. In fact, Saturday morning, I was standing on the touchline writing most of this blog in between beaming with pride at how well Lucas behaved and listened. Multi-tasking is my forte, as it probably is for many Mums. The sun made an appearance which is always a good sign, not that I expect every weekend to have sunshine – we do live in the north of England!
Part of my week reflection included whether I should take on part time work. Looking for part time work to pay the bills on top of the new business, writing books and bringing two boys, reminded me of why I am working on building up a new business, writing books and bringing two boys up. There is a massive lack of part time work for Mums to fit around school. In fact, ZERO! All of my projects are long term and not short term cash flow fixes but I refuse to give up on my goals. My choice is to persevere with being temporarily broke and be here to help develop the boys into decent human beings and to ensure Wes gets a fair crack at fulfilling his ambition of being a professional rugby league player. 
Being an effective Mum is so under supported and under-valued. So I will continue to fight the financial wolves at my door, be temporarily broke and be here to help the boys and work on my goals and hopefully in the future, I will provide employment for Mums who need a genuine part time, flexible job in order for them to be there for their children too. And the first thing I'm going to do in the morning is shout 'WHITE RABBITS' it may work and bring me some good luck.


Books
The books have arrived for the book launch and signing and it is getting super exciting. I am waiting for the posters and invites which should be here in the next couple of days. I am really looking forward to spending the evening with the lovely people of Wetherbyhour and at my favourite place, Sant Angelos. If you have not been yet, why not? You really are missing a treat and the tribute nights are AMAZING! Trust me, go along you won’t be disappointed.
I have decided this week to finally plan a social media campaign and combined scheduled tweets with live tweets. I did start out with this plan but it fell by the wayside when I went into headless chicken mode. Now I am focused and am going to practice what I preach – take one job at a time and complete it well. That is until some urgent job lands on my doorstep and I have to ‘reschedule’ or should I say, ‘jumble’ everything up.
Screenwriting
My next target, oh yes I still have other ideas!! My next target is to master the art of screenwriting and what better way to practice than to change Beyond the Past into a script. It is half way there with the amount of dialogue but I have always wanted to write scripts ever since seeing Shoestring – do you remember Shoestring? With Trevor Eve? Lol now you know how old I am, a bit like last week when I posted a status about being like Kato out of the Pink Panther films and jumping out and surprising Wes – no one remembers Pink Panther?? Or maybe they are just not admitting to it.
A massive congratulations to the Sheffield Eagles Under 20s who reached the Academy Grand Final on Friday night and a massive shoutout to the Hallam Eagles who have had a remarkable unbeaten run ALL season – that is some achievement and demonstrates the future of the club and the commitment by all. So proud Wes is part of the club.
I really can't believe he starts A Levels on Tuesday and he is in the academy - where did the last sixteen years go? Still, so so so so flipping proud!


And WOW! WOW! WOW! We have Mario fever in our house. Liverpool’s win today was a much needed lift into the start of the school term routine. I have a great feeling about this season and can’t wait to see them play again. The football is how I remember it in the 1970s.However, I have one complaint – Capital One cup organisers are very, very inconsiderate on making Liverpool play the tie against Middlesboro on Tuesday the 23rd September when my book launch is. You could have at least consulted me first haha.




I found this on the internet this week - SO TRUE 


Well that’s me for this week. I have to go and organise uniform, packed lunch and school bags but first the dreaded shower call that will be met with cries of ‘not yet’, another ‘five minutes’. What Lucas doesn’t realise is I start the call ten minutes before I intend to shower him anyway, that way he thinks I’m giving him extra time – LOL works every time. Wish me luck! 
I hope you all have a lovely, trouble free week. Spare a thought for all those who live in uncertain and dangerous times.


Paul's Giving Plenty to Twenty


You can give on Paul’s Justgiving page for the Sick Childrens Trust and the Rugby League Benevolent Fund at http://www.justgiving.com/teams/givingplentytotwentyYou can donate through JustGiving or text SICK66 £1 TO 70070 or text TRYZ77 £1 to 70070 (or more if you would like).



You can purchase my debut novel, Beyond the Past from 
Pegasus Publishers  
Amazon UK  
Amazon US
Kindle

OR ORDER FROM YOUR LOCAL BOOKSHOP.

Twitter
Facebook
www.pamcharles.com
LinkedIn

That damned ugly black cloud

The great thing about doing a blog is you soon realise you’re not alone in how you feel, you’re treated and your views on  life. I really thought no one would read my blog but the feedback has been phenomenal. Sorry it’s a bit late this week but we had a little matter of an eight year old's birthday to celebrate and what a celebration it turned out to be.
This blog has taken me a while to write. Robin Williams’ untimely death was a great shock to the world. For me, it was a reminder of how lonely this world can be and that the ugly black cloud can cover even the most brightest of people and lives.
I’ve been there! On the brink of taking my own life! That admission will upset some people (or not!) but I have! More than once! What saved me? My children. So, why tell the world now? Why not? I have been too ashamed to admit it before now especially when I look at the reasons which all relate to nasty, ignorant, vicious and vindictive people I have had the misfortune of allowing in my life. I am also ashamed of how I have let people manipulate me.  I am NOT ashamed to admit it though. Life is incredibly hard and people can be very judgmental. Until now, I’ve let other people’s opinions, perceptions and ideals all influence my life and stunt my own personal growth. Thank goodness I didn’t act on those dark thought processes! 
The problem we have as a society is ignorance and fear. If life is not lived in a certain way, designed by media propaganda and a previous generation’s expectation of what life should be, we are not ‘normal’. I defy anyone to explain to me what is ‘normal’. My advice, for what it is truly worth, is live YOUR life YOUR way. Don’t fall into the trap, as I did, that you’ve failed because you are not in a ‘normal’ 2.4 children ‘family’, you don’t have a ‘normal’ job and you don’t live a ‘normal’ life.  Even when I turned to members of my own family for help, I was told to ‘just get on with it’ or ‘pull yourself together’. It’s very hard to get help when you don’t know what is wrong. You can’t put your finger on it. It took me ages to get out of the dark spiral and I found it’s much easier for people to ignore it than help you through it. The turning point for me was being diagnosed with Menieres. On really ill days, my then partner would say, “I like you like this because you’re vulnerable.” The thought of someone who is supposed to love you relishing the fact you are ill, repulses me but it made me realise how strong I must be.  This weekend has made me reflect on growing up, relationships and my life and I can honestly say, hand on heart, it has put so many ghosts to bed. I no longer care or are interested in other people’s opinions of my life. I’ve managed to bring myself back from the brink of self destruction, raise two damn fine children, set up my own business and have my DEBUT, yes my first EVER book published. 
We all have an individual responsibility to ensure we are kind, considerate and supportive. That’s why I am kind to people – not because I’m a sociopath. My motive in life is solely to be a supportive and proactive member of society and to ensure my children grow up to be the same. I support charities that mean a lot to me personally. 
Round 25 of Super League is dedicated to the State of Mind charity – it’s an incredibly innovative and proactive charity supporting mental health in the rugby league community. Please take time to support them.
Because of my past, I ensure my boys understand the importance of being able to talk openly about any subject. They know they can talk to me about anything and they do, literally anything! They know I won’t judge them and no matter how bad things get, I will always be there to support them through it. I've also taught them how to listen to understand not to listen just to reply. All too often people do the latter to dire consequences. Our close relationship is what I am most proud of.
Now I celebrate every achievement like it is our last. I embrace being a single mum and I support the boys 100%.
GCSE Results Day
The results day came and I don’t know who was more nervous – I do, me! Not because I didn’t have faith in Wes but because I know that the results are wrongly manipulated. Anyway, we arrived at school and he decided, quite rightly he wanted to go in with his friends. So Lucas and I sat, and we sat waiting for him to emerge. Other students came and went, and still we sat there. It was worse than waiting in the dentist’s! Finally, I sent him a text saying ‘you are killing me right now lol!’  He came sauntering across to the car with his usual poker face, something I have never mastered. Pleased as punch, he read through his results – 1 A, 6Bs, 2Cs, 2 Distinctions and 1 merit. I am so incredibly proud of him especially knowing that this is on the back of giving 100% to the scholarship. What is even more important, he has given himself a decent ‘leg up’ to the next level, A Levels. He can now take the ones of his choice – Chemistry, Maths, English & History. Hard work provides choices. You just have to sign up for it.

8thBirthday weekend
Last week was such a big week for us. I booked a long weekend away to Lucas’s favourite place in Southport – go karting, golf, table tennis, amusements and the beach. For my eight year old this is heaven!! I paced all my work out so I could have four days off, just concentrating on having fun and family time with the boys, especially after GCSE results day.
You really know you are doing well as a parent when your boys tell you they miss home when they are not there. I think this will resonate with many parents who set up their own business or follow their dreams, you do worry about your kids missing out. We are on a shoestring budget until the book sales and the business take off and I do worry that the boys are missing out on lots of things but they reassured me this weekend that they love the life they have. They enjoy the sports they are involved in and they love the pyjama days. I suppose I can stop worrying about them now and get on with being a successful writer and business woman – well, I won’t ever stop worrying.
Lucas has told me he had an amazing weekend and wants to go back again next year.He is also super excited he can have Mario on the back of his LFC shirt!!! Great signing and looking forward to seeing him play.

We came home Bank Holiday Monday to have his birthday party and what a party it was. My sister decided to do her Ice Bucket Challenge at the party much to the delight of the children especially Wes who took great delight in ensuring she was thoroughly soaked. The younger guests were disappointed I wouldn't let them do it. It was a fabulous day and more importantly Lucas hugged me and told me it was his best ever birthday and could be do it again Tuesday - both Wes and I need to recover first!!


Beyond the Past – Kindle Offer
Sod’s law, the weekend I decide to stop working and concentrate on some quality time with the boys, Amazon decide to place my book on a Kindle offer. I promised myself I wouldn’t work over the weekend away so I frantically set up some twitter and facebook statuses and it’s a good job I did. Southport does not have any O2 coverage!! Maybe someone was trying to tell me something haha.

So what does September bring?
Autumn is my favourite time of year. I don’t know what it is but to me it’s always the start of something new, perhaps as the schools go back, it allows me to take stock and plan for the rest of the year. This September seems very different to the last. Having the weekend away and spending time with the boys made me realise what is important and that certain things that have happened in the past have taught me very valuable lessons, particularly in how to treat my boys equally and fairly. So this September I am moving forward with such clarity and determination that I scare myself! Only joking but it’s exciting and I feel renewed and refreshed.


Book Launch and Signing  I am so grateful to Catherine at Sant Angelos in Wetherby and Jo Maltby at Wetherbyhour for their support for my book launch and book signing. I wouldn’t want to have held my first event anywhere other than my little piece of Italy in Wetherby. In Beyond the Past, DCI Fisher and DS Davies are based at Wetherby Police Station. Thank you Wetherby for being such a lovely town. I hope you can all come and see me.
   Beyond the Lies I decided this month to put this on hold for a couple of weeks while I concentrate on promotion and marketing of Beyond the Past – there’s only so many hours in the day! However, once the boys are back at school work will continue with a new deadline date but I’m not telling you when, not yet.
Mr Fluffington and his Feathers.
Lucas is busy working on his children’s book and I have to say his imagination is fabulous and I am really enjoying working with him, even if he is bossy!
Sheffield Eagles Academy
Wes starts pre pre-season work for the Academy although to be fair he has worked over the summer to maintain his fitness and has been very strict with his diet although he did take a day off for Lucas’ birthday. He is a determined fellow and I will be there every step of the way supporting him.

A massive congratulations to Leeds Rhinos for the Challenge Cup win. Thoroughly deserved.





On reflection, we can always do things better. Don’t forget your past but use it to drive you into the future. I’m going to be working on some promotional work this week and getting ready for the return to a routine that is far from ‘normal’. Have a lovely week and GO GET THEM!
Paul's Giving Plenty to Twenty


You can give on Paul’s Justgiving page for the Sick Childrens Trust and the Rugby League Benevolent Fund at http://www.justgiving.com/teams/givingplentytotwentyYou can donate through JustGiving or text SICK66 £1 TO 70070 or text TRYZ77 £1 to 70070 (or more if you would like).



You can purchase my debut novel, Beyond the Past from 
Pegasus Publishers  
Amazon UK  
Amazon US
Kindle

OR ORDER FROM YOUR LOCAL BOOKSHOP.

Twitter
Facebook
www.pamcharles.com
LinkedIn