Pam Charles's Blog, page 8

It's my birthday...

Unfortunately, people still want to play pathetic games. I say…LET THEM. Let's face it, bullying only exists if one party stays silent. That is NOT going to happen anymore.

Next week is my 48th birthday. I don't care how old I am because I am the happiest I have ever been in my life. Why? Because I was right all along and I promise you, in time, I will write a book trying to explain it all to you. For now, all you need to know is - the demons are out, chased and extinguished. This means, my birthday next week will be the best ever, celebrated with the most important people in my life. Bring on the party…
I cannot believe how quickly the school holidays have come around again. They do say, 'time flies when you're having fun.' I love the school holidays, the early mornings, no school runs and the noise and laughter in the house.
So far this week I have been really busy doing lots of jobs on my 'To Do' list. The author profile is complete and will be on my website shortly. This will, hopefully, provide information for prospective agents, publishers and production companies. I've been working on a comprehensive list of agents, publishers and production companies with up to date submission details. I need to be prepared for September so I can work on both my PhD and my writing. I know I can do both – organisation is the key and lots of coffee!
Beyond the Past


Have you had the chance to read it yet? Would you like to review it for me?
Read the first three chapters FREE on my website
Available from:
Pegasus Publishers
Amazon UK
Kindle
Amazon US
Or you can order from your local bookshop. The ISBN number is : 978-1-84386-789-0
Beyond the Lies

















Streetwise
This week I revisited the synopsis or treatment. I am incredibly proud of all my work but this project is particularly special. It raises the issues of homelessness and austerity; but for the grace of God.








PhD
I've spent all week wading through research council papers. Remits are submitted and it's a go!
This week marks a month long period of 'A' level exams. It's so important to create the right home environment during examination time. So far my formula of good breakfasts, chilled atmosphere and lots of love and encouragement seems to have worked. A month to go then a wait until the 18th August for the results. I am confident Wes will give his best as he does in everything he takes on and he will be on the course of his choice come September.We have so much to look forward to…
Much love

Party? ...What party?

Unfortunately, people still want to play pathetic games. I say…LET THEM. Next week is my 48th birthday. I don't care how old I am because I am the happiest I have ever been in my life. Why? Because I was right all along and I promise you, in time, I will write a book trying to explain it all to you. For now, all you need to know is - the demons are out, chased and extinguished. This means, my birthday next week will be the best ever, celebrated with the most important people in my life. Bring on the party…
I cannot believe how quickly the school holidays have come around again. They do say, 'time flies when you're having fun.' I love the school holidays, the early mornings, no school runs and the noise and laughter in the house.
So far this week I have been really busy doing lots of jobs on my 'To Do' list. The author profile is complete and will be on my website shortly. This will, hopefully, provide information for prospective agents, publishers and production companies. I've been working on a comprehensive list of agents, publishers and production companies with up to date submission details. I need to be prepared for September so I can work on both my PhD and my writing. I know I can do both – organisation is the key and lots of coffee!
Beyond the Past


Have you had the chance to read it yet? Would you like to review it for me?
Read the first three chapters FREE on my website
Available from:
Pegasus Publishers
Amazon UK
Kindle
Amazon US
Or you can order from your local bookshop. The ISBN number is : 978-1-84386-789-0
Beyond the Lies

















Streetwise
This week I revisited the synopsis or treatment. I am incredibly proud of all my work but this project is particularly special. It raises the issues of homelessness and austerity; but for the grace of God.







 
PhD
I've spent all week wading through research council papers. Remits are submitted and it's a go!
This week marks a month long period of 'A' level exams. It's so important to create the right home environment during examination time. So far my formula of good breakfasts, chilled atmosphere and lots of love and encouragement seems to have worked. A month to go then a wait until the 18th August for the results. I am confident Wes will give his best as he does in everything he takes on and he will be on the course of his choice come September.We have so much to look forward to…
Much love

Because of Meniere's…

I have spent the last ten years of my life fighting the disease, the system, the differing opinions of GPs, some overruling Consultants' opinions then vice versa – on top of trying to raise two boys single-handedly. Some of it is raw, some of it a blur and some of it downright painful.
I was on my knees with no one to turn to and no support. People really did not understand what I was going through and I include the GPs in that category too. My luck changed when I visited my GP surgery and saw a locum whose Mum had Meniere's. She referred me to a Specialist. It only took me three years to get a diagnosis! Once I was diagnosed, I knew life would be challenging and that I would have to adapt to cope with the change.
This diagram accurately reflects the stages I have been through.


Prior to Meniere's, I earned £30,000 a year and had a company car and expenses including private medical and pensions. I loved my job especially the clients I had. I would not have given it up but when it was taken away from me, I was truly devastated. Not only was I ill and didn't know why, I had lost our only source of income. I felt a complete, total and utter failure. It was one of the lowest points in my life. I felt worthless and on the scrap heap, before I had reached 40!
Once diagnosed, the repairs began – emotionally, mentally, if not physically. Don't get me wrong, there have been very dark days and I dare say there will be in the future. It is a living hell but I am more prepared now to cope with the dizziness, the tinnitus, the fullness feeling and the temporary hearing loss. There is no cure. Ultimately though, I have no choice but to adapt. The most amazing part of all this is, I wouldn't be the person I am today, without Meniere's.Because of Meniere's I have
Been at home to influence and help the boys grow up into fine young men.Gone to University and achieved a 1stclass Honours degree.Written and published my first novel – Beyond the PastWritten the screenplay, StreetwiseWritten the sequel to Beyond the Past – Beyond the Lies and be part way through the Nanny.Been able to support Wes on his rugby league journeyRealised just how strong and resourceful I am.Applied and been accepted to study for a PhD – Doctor of Philosophy Computing and Creative Technologies. Me? PhD
This is a project idea I have been working on, in the background, for a number of years now, since I achieved my Undergraduate degree. 
When Wes was studying GCSE ICT, I was shocked he hated it. It is not a subject any teenager, who has a keen interest in technology and helped to html code at home, should find boring. I did some investigating. I discovered, ICT for him meant replicating a magazine in Abode fireworks. It was basically copying, pasting and adding limited special effects. Trust me, I was bored to tears.
The UK Government introduced new computing curricula into High schools but it is delivered, on the whole, using conventional methods of teaching and, in some cases, by teachers who are not qualified or trained in the subject. I got to thinking – dangerous I know! What if the subject was delivered using Cloud Computing – interlinking experts from all fields within the subject? What impact would it have on the teachers and pupils? What impact would it have on improving engagement, innovation and employability? How would the delivery impact on children from low income families and would it attract more, including more girls, to take the subject and improve the staff shortages in the industry.
I was really nervous submitting it to the University and naturally delighted when I received an unconditional offer. I want to help to create a better future for ALL young people and this will be part of my contribution. I am looking for sponsorship but, for now, I relish in knowing my peers have faith in me to deliver this research. I won't stop writing fiction but, for the next four years, this will be a hobby again.
I am nothing special but life is. I am just a Mum determined to show the boys and the world, I will not let Meniere's or labels define me. Life is AMAZING. Don't let obstacles, including people's ignorance, stop you from realising YOUR dreams.

Sometimes…

...you have to accept, you could save a million puppies from drowning and still people will hate you. Sometimes, you write something that people misinterpret because of their inner anger and jealousy. Sometimes, it's not about you at all but you're in the firing line. There is absolutely NOTHING you can do about it. Right?
Wrong…you can do something about it. You can give in and wither away, drowning in abuse and bile, OR you can accept it is confirmation of your gut instinct and use it as a platform to move on and concentrate on the important things in YOUR life. I choose the latter. I choose to continue to focus on my new career and making a better life for my children. I may have set backs but I won't give up. I may be derailed but I will get back on the right tracks.
Today I feel buoyant and happy, satisfied I am on the right track. It was never going to be easy – times are tough for all of us but I have faith in myself and my children have faith in me.
This week is all about tying up loose ends and research. Projects include:

Compiling TV production/ agent informationLooking at writing grantsChasing my PhDCompleting my author profileUpdating my websiteSynopsis and TreatmentsGeneral Housekeeping and accounts.looking for part time work - earn some money.

And…there is a small matter of a HUGE football match on Wednesday evening. I want to wish my beloved Liverpool FC a massive good luck from us all here. We'll be watching – YNWA #JFT96. I have a feeling it is our year.
Next week, I can focus solely on my new project and being a Mum to fabulous, well- mannered boys.
Stay safe and focus on your own dreams.

BULLIES WILL NEVER WIN - updated

The hardest part of life, in my humble opinion, is standing by your own beliefs and principles, even if it means you have to stand alone. Another hard part of life - that you have no control over - are the lies people are prepared to tell to hide their own deplorable actions. What has become clear this week is sticking a band aid on an open wound, does not stop the bleeding. 
I have physically shut myself away from people yet they still Update. Twitter agreesattack me – over something that had nothing to do with them in the first place. Personally, I realise some people look for anything they can cause trouble with and anything they can use as a stick to beat you with. It demonstrates harassment. Trouble causers will be trouble causers. My priority is the safety and wellbeing of my family. I've faced on onslaught of abuse but do you know what? Bullies will never win.
I am respectful and mindful of the words I use and I only write the truth; truth that can be verified with physical evidence. If you think you are going to cause trouble and I am going to turn a blind eye after everything I have been put through, you are very wrong – very wrong indeed.
MY FAMILY
Any other parents out there worry whether they have done enough to ensure their children can survive and thrive through adulthood?  I'm talking emotionally and psychologically, more than physically. I worried about it all the time until this week. Wes has been a total rock. When I've been on my knees, he has been firm and basically told me as it is. My initial reaction was to close all my social media accounts and this blog but he reminded me of why I started them and how hard I have worked to organically grow them. My social media accounts include politics, LFC, F1, books, authors, production, film, etc. He reminded me I should not give them up. He is absolutely right of course but when you are faced with an onslaught of abuse and lies, you do think the best way is to shut it down but then the bullies win.
Wes spent most of Wednesday evening analyzing all the information, data and evidence – I swear he should be studying computer forensics. The report he has compiled is concise and provides an excellent dossier of facts. He was simply calm, cool and collected. He knows I had reached the end of my patience and I am tired and exhausted but he has been simply brilliant and I know whatever life throws at him, he will handle it with dignity and strength. Most of all, he knows the difference between right and wrong and is made of outstanding moral fibre.
MENIERE'S Meniere's is such a strange disease. For a couple of weeks, I have been on cloud nine, just the tinnitus to cope with but even that was manageable. Then wham! Out of the blue, stressful events, out of my control, take over and the brain fog descends, the fullness appears and then the dreaded spinning. I flipping hate being at anyone's mercy, least of all to an alien invader! 
There is nothing more frustrating than setting your stall out to work then it all gets blown up; the brain fog takes away your memory, function and dignity. I had so much planned this week. Oh well, I just have to ride it out again and there's me adding a part time job search on my 'to do' list!
Here’s to the end of a hellish week and in the words of D-REAM… "Things can only get better".
Have a fabulous weekend and week. Love to you all. Don't forget my book ...
Beyond the Past Have you had the chance to read it yet? 

Would you like to review it for me? 

Read the first three chapters FREE on my website
Available from:
Pegasus Publishers
Amazon UK
Kindle
Amazon US
Or you can order from your local bookshop. 
The ISBN number is : 978-1-84386-789-0

BULLIES WILL NEVER WIN

The hardest part of life, in my humble opinion, is standing by your own beliefs and principles, even if it means you have to stand alone. Another hard part of life - that you have no control over - are the lies people are prepared to tell to hide their own deplorable actions. What has become clear this week is sticking a band aid on an open wound, does not stop the bleeding. 
I have physically shut myself away from people yet they still attack me – over something that had nothing to do with them in the first place. Personally, I realise some people look for anything they can cause trouble with and anything they can use as a stick to beat you with. It demonstrates harassment. Trouble causers will be trouble causers. My priority is the safety and wellbeing of my family. I've faced on onslaught of abuse but do you know what? Bullies will never win.
I am respectful and mindful of the words I use and I only write the truth; truth that can be verified with physical evidence. If you think you are going to cause trouble and I am going to turn a blind eye after everything I have been put through, you are very wrong – very wrong indeed.
MY FAMILY
Any other parents out there worry whether they have done enough to ensure their children can survive and thrive through adulthood?  I'm talking emotionally and psychologically, more than physically. I worried about it all the time until this week. Wes has been a total rock. When I've been on my knees, he has been firm and basically told me as it is. My initial reaction was to close all my social media accounts and this blog but he reminded me of why I started them and how hard I have worked to organically grow them. My social media accounts include politics, LFC, F1, books, authors, production, film, etc. He reminded me I should not give them up. He is absolutely right of course but when you are faced with an onslaught of abuse and lies, you do think the best way is to shut it down but then the bullies win.
Wes spent most of Wednesday evening analyzing all the information, data and evidence – I swear he should be studying computer forensics. The report he has compiled is concise and provides an excellent dossier of facts. He was simply calm, cool and collected. He knows I had reached the end of my patience and I am tired and exhausted but he has been simply brilliant and I know whatever life throws at him, he will handle it with dignity and strength. Most of all, he knows the difference between right and wrong and is made of outstanding moral fibre.
MENIERE'S Meniere's is such a strange disease. For a couple of weeks, I have been on cloud nine, just the tinnitus to cope with but even that was manageable. Then wham! Out of the blue, stressful events, out of my control, take over and the brain fog descends, the fullness appears and then the dreaded spinning. I flipping hate being at anyone's mercy, least of all to an alien invader! 
There is nothing more frustrating than setting your stall out to work then it all gets blown up; the brain fog takes away your memory, function and dignity. I had so much planned this week. Oh well, I just have to ride it out again and there's me adding a part time job search on my 'to do' list!
Here’s to the end of a hellish week and in the words of D-REAM… "Things can only get better".
Have a fabulous weekend and week. Love to you all. Don't forget my book ...
Beyond the Past Have you had the chance to read it yet? 

Would you like to review it for me? 

Read the first three chapters FREE on my website
Available from:
Pegasus Publishers
Amazon UK
Kindle
Amazon US
Or you can order from your local bookshop. 
The ISBN number is : 978-1-84386-789-0

Online Trolls

It's difficult to be an open book and not attract criticism from other people. I get that and to be honest the only people I have had online problems with, are people that I know in "real life" – yes, it is true! All the online twitter trouble has stemmed from four people I know. I could not have made it any clearer that this year I am solely concentrating on my writing and being the best Mum I can be to the boys. In spite of keeping these people at arm's length in real life, they have insisted on following my online life and trashing me. I get they don't like me, so why bother yourself with anything I do? Admittedly, I don't know these people very well and VICE VERSA but yet they seem to take great exception at what I am trying to achieve for the boys and myself. They obviously have issues they will not address to my face.
The same pattern of behavior has started to emerge. I block them; they set up new accounts; they read my posts. Even though I'VE BLOCKED THEM, they assume ALL my posts are specifically about them. I don't know what it is about social media and some people. All I can think is their conscience is pricked for some reason. 

People fail to understand the mechanics of social media. Essentially they are a communication tool. Behind the scenes, they provide quality analytical information so you can monitor the success, or failure of posts. In addition, each post leaves a digital footprint. Even if it is deleted, it remains on the service provider's servers. All posts CAN BE traced including the date and time, leaving a chronological order of events categorically demonstrating where, how and when the abuse originated from. People can deny they ever tried to cause trouble but the truth lies in the digital age. I have always taught my boys 'if you're old enough to do the crime, you have to do the time!'
My advice to anyone suffering online harassment is – REPORT IT and BLOCK THEM. Keep screenshots of all the tweets. On some applications you can actually report each individual post. DO IT. Don't suffer in silence. Why should sad individuals spoil your opportunity to connect with people worldwide?
It's funny (or not so) I only get abuse from people who have had their main account blocked. Social Media companies do all they can but ultimately it is a matter of personal responsibility and accountability. I did stoop to their level yesterday but I am only human and instantly regretted it - why? Because I have a conscience. In fact, it has been claimed I called someone a 'brainless tart'. What I actually said was 'Don't you just look up to the skies somedays and say 'stupid brainless tarts' or words to that effect. That is a GENERIC statement non-specific. If you're reading my timeline when you are blocked and immediately take offence and believe it is personally directed at you, then that is on your conscience. Your problem, not mine.  
My followers are truly fantastic; the support and engagement I get is heart-warming. A message to the trolls – PLAY NICE or don't play at all. More importantly, if you get caught out – own it and don't try playing the victim as digital footprints will demonstrate the contrary. It's not even about the comments, it's about the lies and the deceit, dragging people into it that get sucked in by the lies. 

Like life, social media is great but you will always get a small minority who want to spoil it for the majority. I , for one, won't be bullied off social media. Taking the positive out of this situation - at least I was right and justified to cut these people out of our lives.
PhD                          I'm still actively looking for funding, so any relevant suggestions would be appreciated.


Beyond the Past Have you had the chance to read it yet? 

Would you like to review it for me? 

Read the first three chapters FREE on my website
Available from:
Pegasus Publishers
Amazon UK
Kindle
Amazon US
Or you can order from your local bookshop. 
The ISBN number is : 978-1-84386-789-0
Beyond the Lies And the wait continues… 

Streetwise

Touting for a production company – I NEVER give up!
The Nanny
My latest project is progressing well. I love the characters in this. We have two very strong lead characters whose strength has grown from adversity in their childhood.
Today, after the school run, I am shutting myself away to spend the day marketing and writing. Tonight Lucas starts training for a new football club, hopefully the rain will clear by then!
Remember, don't suffer in silence. People behaving badly is not about you or your responsibility – it is ON THEM. Have a fabulous week. 

We... yes you and I, CAN change the world TOGETHER

I absolutely dread to think what my blood pressure levels have been this week. The Establishment is rattled, here in the UK! They know us peasants are becoming restless - sick of the lies, cover ups and dishonesty. You can see their desperation in the smears being fed into the media machine. The fact that the Hillsborough verdict,Orgreave, the Doctors' Strike, Teachers' voting to strike, the failed Housing Bill, the steel industry, the jobs lost in retail, the crumbling economy and the election fraud have not made the headlines, proves the strangle hold the right wing press have over all of us. Austerity and conflict are political choices. We need to educate our children to understand and not be compliant, silent by-standers.  Wes has voted for the first time this year and I am pleased he sees the importance of using his voice. DON'T stand by, have your say. For the first time in thirty years, we have, in the UK, the opportunity to address the inequality, the dishonesty and really dispel all the capitalist myths. No longer can we complain, "they are all the same."
This week, I responded to the Labour's defence review. All party members have the opportunity to have their say. If you're interested in my response, it is available here.  
Meniere's and the timing of meetings vs the boys' needs, makes it difficult to be an active local member – if only all letter boxes were at eye level AND telephone canvassing wasn't so challenging with tinnitus and fluctuating hearing. At least under the new leadership, grass root members have an opportunity to give an opinion and  I feel I am making a small contribution.
Star Wars Day
 I have my very own Jedi knight who keeps me on my toes, shows me the way and always has my back.
May the 4th - we love Star Wars in this house. May the force by with you and new hope too.





BACK TO THE DAY JOB

This week I have taken the opportunity to take a step back and review where I am and where I want to be. Some devastating family news has made me even more determined to ignore the doubters and press on with my plans to world domination – in writing. None of us know how long we have and I at least want to have known I had tried my best.
When I started writing Beyond the Past, I was incredibly naïve and knew nothing of the publishing industry. I have maintained since then, the writing part is the easiest part of being an author. Unfortunately, the industry, like many unregulated industries these days, is full of unscrupulous people trying to make money off other people's hard work. This is the main reason I joined the Writers' Guild of Great Britain – that and the fact that trade unions should be at the heart of all our industries! Don't get me wrong, there are some great agents and publishers but even they will admit there are crooks in the industry that promise everything, deliver nothing. I work incredibly hard and at the moment, we are surviving, just. I am not giving up though, why should I? I know I can write – the 5 star reviews are proof of that. I consider these and the next couple of years are foundation years. You need to learn the industry and craft. This is not a whim for me; it's very much a career choice. Therefore, I need to keep improving and learning hence completing the recent screenwriting course. It all helps. Let's face it when I started this blog, I never imagined we would be close to 35,000 views. You have to build a new career. SO, this week's review has included:

Writing an author profile to issue to publishers; agents; production companiesReviewing social media accountsReviewing the current state of the industry – who is accepting and not accepting new works. I have learned it is vitally important to stay up to date with the industry. It also helps with the days when the isolation becomes overwhelming.Review of outlines/ book ideas.Update and review of my website

This is my job - writing only a small proportion of it; these are just some of the tasks I'm involved in.

WritingEditing ProofreadingMarketingLegal/contract workCustomer servicesPlanning and preparationPublic speakingResilienceTime managementSheer hard work and determinationWeb designSocial media managementBloggingChief negotiator, diplomat, fixerPA, receptionist, tea maker (most important job of all!)
I'm doing this for ME. If anyone can't understand that, then that is on them not me. The truth is, I absolutely love what I do. I believe all my years working in the corporate world has brought me experiences that I use today. I hate that the boys have to make sacrifices BUT they keep telling me they are really happy with their lives AND that means I'm doing another job well! Please, please use your vote this week...

Happy Mummy, happy writer.

British values? LOOK TO LIVERPOOL Mr Cameron!

When Cameron spouted on about 'British values' I shouted at the television screen, screaming the Tories wouldn’t know true values if they jumped up and bit them on the backside. When I challenged his supporters on the meaning of British values, no one could give me a definitive explanation. I gave them an answer – "Go to Liverpool and meet the people." They didn't like it one bit. I was called 'an idiot', 'ill informed', 'typical red' and even 'a defender of murderers'. YEP, it is true!  
I bring my children up on the 'Liverpool values' – family; truth; honesty; integrity and fight for justice. I teach mine the importance of questioning pieces of writing – the motive of the author, the purpose of the article and to question, with respect, authority if they feel something is wrong. I even teach them 'respect' is NOT an automatic entitlement and has to be earned, regardless of who you are. Up to this week, there has been an inner anxiety that I have set them up to fail in a self-serving, dishonest world but I do believe they are now more prepared for the future than most adults I know. 
Let me take you back to the late 1970s and 1980s. I am not a Liverpudlian – I am from Leeds and a true northern Yorkshire lass. My love affair with Liverpool started in the 1970s. My parents are huge Beatles' fans. We spent lots of family days over in Liverpool searching for all the Beatle locations, including primary schools, homes, etc. Those family days are really precious to me and led me to a life-long love of John Lennon and Liverpool FC. They were the happiest days of my childhood. 
For me the 1980s represented then, and still do now, all that is evil about the Conservative party and the establishment they created. No one in my family is politically motivated and I have to thank Colin Burgon for opening my eyes and releasing what was already in my heart – socialism. I was ridiculed and berated for hating Thatcher but in my heart, even before Hillsborough, I had this gut feeling of dishonesty and disingenuity every time she spoke. I was SEVENTEEN. This was in my heart. I should have known then - always to trust my gut instincts. Then came the Miner's strike. At times, it felt like I was the only one who could see the Government was using the police force against its own people – the people they had sworn an oath to protect and serve. We would denounce any other Government for doing this!! The 1980s was a pure class fight, plain and simple. Thatcher could not follow true capitalist policies with a strong unionised workforce. I was SEVENTEEN and I could see it. 
During this time, I had to endure racism at its worst within our extended family. One of our relatives was a police officer and I remember one day she came round to our house bragging about how she'd got a confession out of someone. I lost it. I totally let rip. In front of my Dad, I told her to stick her prejudicial views and her corruption up her a***. I even told her she was part of a fascist plot against working people. I apologised to my Dad after – not for what I said but out of respect for him. 
Then, came Orgreave. I cried. I was devastated to watch the lies unfold. To watch the police batter people who only wanted to save their jobs, feed their families. It was a sad day when the miners were forced to give up their fight. 
Hillsborough was heart breaking. The human suffering and devastation can never, ever be overstated. Anyone who has spent time in Liverpool, with Liverpool families, would never, EVER believe the lies that were told in the aftermath of the disaster. The truth has always been there and always known by everyone involved. The TRUTH has ALWAYS been there!
A couple of days after the disaster, we travelled over to Anfield to pay our respects. I remember the long, silent queue that spanned the perimeter of the fence, which is now the Centenary Stand. Poems and messages had been written all along the fence. The silence was overwhelming. A lady came out of her house opposite the ground and came over to us. She threw her arms around my neck – a complete stranger – and thanked me for coming to her city. That IS Liverpool; that is MY Liverpool. The city of kindness and heart-warming friendliness. 
Years later, I took Wes to his first Liverpool game against Barcelona. There was just me and him. When we got in the ground, a steward smiled and started talking to Wes. He actually walked us to our seat!! That is MY Liverpool. 
Watching the fight, the Hillsborough families fought, makes me immensely proud. Anne Williams was incredible and such an inspiration. She didn't ask for the fight but by God, she took it on and was fierce. I was in awe of her and there is not one word that can possibly explain how much influence her fight had on my life. She is the reason I am the Mum I am today. She taught me how to fight for our children, for truth and justice and she will always be my working class hero.
The Hillsborough verdicts have much wider implications than Liverpool. They are a catalyst for change and we ALL have a responsibility to pursue that change – to stop corruption and put those British values back into the heart of our country – family; truth; honesty and fight for justice; integrity. Thatcher stole these away from US as a nation, it's time to bring them back. 
I stand by my prediction that, in years to come, it will be proven beyond doubt, Thatcher will be the worst Prime Minister in social British history. We know they lied about Hillsborough, I know they lied about Orgreave, what else have they lied about? The 1980s were rotten to the core!
The Government need silent compliance; they need us to roll over and accept their version as the 'truth'. They hate Liverpool because the people refused to roll over; they refused silent compliance. They picked on the wrong city and now, as a country, WE ALL need to FIGHT together to ensure the changes started by the heroism of the Hillsborough families and survivors, continue until we have a fully accountable establishment and media. Jeremy Corbyn and John McDonnell have my full support, not just because they are old, like me, and remember the horrors of the 1980s, but because they are everything that our public representatives should be – HONEST!!!
Thank you to the Hillsborough families, the courageous survivors, the honest people who tried to save lives that fateful day and everyone who wants to see a better world for our children. Most of all thank you to Anne and Sara xx
Rest in Peace at last 96 angels – you'll never walk alone

Never, ever underestimate the power of positive words

Sometimes it only takes one positive word of encouragement to provoke a light bulb moment; a moment of total inspiration.
Yesterday, I accompanied Wes, at his request, to his applicant's day at Leeds Beckett University. I love the university – its buildings, its atmosphere, its history and it was my road to freedom after Meniere's robbed me of my career. The course tutor reminded me of the reasons why I am writing now. It was such a tonic and all I needed to spur me on to keep going. Never, ever underestimate the power of your words!
Wes is so ready for university and the course is perfect for him, combining sport with social justice, history and politics. I'm jealous – it sounds fascinating. I am incredibly proud of the gentleman he has turned into and my children will be my greatest legacy. He just has his 'A' levels to pass now – 'just' as if it is a simple task! I have total faith he will do well…I can't think where he gets his motivation from.
Any of my UK followers willing for the 24thJune? I AM. The EU referendum is utterly and totally doing my head in. I am so ashamed of the rubbish being spouted especially when it comes to race. The elitist and supreme attitude of some is astounding. It's laughable Obama is being slated for having an opinion. He's damned if he does, damned if he doesn’t. All I would say is if he had backed Brexit, I'm damn sure the 'IN' campaign would not have stooped so low as to question his heritage and bring race into the argument. It is absolute arrogance to think, if we leave the EU, all other countries will drop all their current plans and schedules, to sort out urgent deals with the UK. Why would anyone assume, if we decide to isolate ourselves, other countries will bend over backwards to re-negotiate with us. As with everything with the EU referendum, Obama's stance has been blown totally out of proportion by the very media who would benefit from an EU exit.
What worries me more, is the blatant, open racism being spouted by Johnson, also by Cameron in relation to the Mayoral elections. To stoop that low only suggests they are very, desperate, despicable men – and I use the term 'men' loosely. The dark, dark ages of inequality scares me enormously.
Right, work wise, I've been busy…
Streetwise
After my uplifting visit, I came home and spent all night and today, re-writing/editing this screenplay. Now…it IS finished. I am 99.9% happy with it – there's always room for improvement. No one is perfect! Tomorrow, I am putting the finishing touches to the Treatment, then off it goes… another child cast away into the big, bad world.
 The Nanny This is my next major project and then after that, Twin Lies – but that's for another day. The Nanny is progressing well. The plan is complete and I am currently researching the Troubles in Northern Ireland – this forms the back drop to this thriller. I'm having great fun formulating all the main characters and their mannerisms. 
Beyond the Past
Have you had the chance to read it yet? 

Would you like to review it for me? 

Read the first three chapters FREE on my website
Available from:
Pegasus Publishers
Amazon UK
Kindle
Amazon US
Or you can order from your local bookshop. 
The ISBN number is : 978-1-84386-789-0PhD
I'm still waiting to hear about my PhD. Patience is a virtue or so they say! I have a few alternative plans to explore but I WILL be back at Uni soon. My determination has not let me down so far.
Right, I'm off. It's Sunday afternoon, which means uniforms need ironing. There is absolutely no chance of me not having my feet on the ground.





Have a fabulous week. Stay safe but be brave.