Hello and welcome to my newsletter... |
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For those that don’t know me, my name is Prince Enzo. I am Ericka’s best friend, muse, whatever you want to call it. She’s the writer, not me, but I've been appointed Editor-in-Chief of her new monthly newsletter. I chose the name as well because I am pretty amazing on all fronts; you can read more about me here. You can also read about my brother, Buddy and my sister Wiener. I did ask if they wanted to join the newsletter team but Buddy was too busy barking at a squirrel in the garden and Wiener was asleep in mum’s bed under her heated blanket, as usual. So, it’s down to me. Just as well that I’m more than just a cute face.
First of all, Mum has been busy putting together a new website with the help of Andrew who has done a lovely job. But more importantly, he's a dog person too. Go check out the new site when you have time. The best bits are the videos of me.
And... we can finally reveal some very exciting news about Mum's second book. Keep scrolling! | | |
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"5 Books That Changed My Life" |
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Mum's asked some writers, readers and bloggers if they'd like to share their lists of "5 Books That Changed My Life" for a regular feature on the website. Lots of people said they would and mum was very pleased. We're honoured and delighted that the very first list comes from the fantastic author and all-round lovely person Lorraine Wilson - you can read about her selections on the site now. The list of things that changed my life includes balls, worming tablets and the dirty pizza crusts you find under park benches but Mum said that didn't fit the brief. |
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There was supposed to be another section here but I chewed it up and now we can't remember what it was. Never mind.
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Remember those videos I mentioned? They started off as a design feature on the new site but we had a little film made too - starring me, natch. You can see it on the site and over on YouTube. | | |
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This month, Mum has been ignoring us to read lots of books. As per. You can take a look at what she thought of them in the Reading section of her new site. | | |
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Top Tips For Reading More |
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Mum has asked me to share her Top Tips For Reading More. I told her they were all obvious but she insisted on including them... 1: Have more than one book on the go. Mum has one in her bag, by her bed, in the car, by the fire. Kindle on her phone, you name it.
2: Set a reading time. Mum goes to bed at nine pm with me and Wiener and reads. I’d prefer to watch TV, but Mum is not a fan unless, and I quote: "there is a cutie in it." I’m all the cutie she needs, surely?
3: Just give up on books that are not working for you. Mum is keen to stress that this does not mean the books are bad. It means it’s not the right time, or you are not in the right frame of mind, or maybe it’s just not your thing. We read because we love it! (Mum said that. I can’t read, and even if I did, I wouldn’t. Unless it was recipes for burger cakes with sausage icinng.) 4: Listen instead. Audible is your friend. Mum listens to long books on Audible, (right now she’s listening to Babel). She finds it’s easier to "immerse herself" in fantasy or historical fiction if it's read to her. She strongly recommends:
All The Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
The Name Of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
Kristin Hannah books (The Great Alone, Nightingale, The Four winds)
Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune
Still Life by Sarah Winman
Any Anne Tyler
Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell
The Mermaid and Mrs Hancock by Imogen Hermes Gower
Once Upon a River by Dianne Setterfield
The Wind In The Willows by Kenneth Graham There, that should keep you busy. Please don’t ignore your dog while listening. Mum wears her headphones on dog walks and is often distracted when I’m trying to show her the pretty pinecone I've found or the HUGE stick I’m carrying. She also has them in when washing-up or pushing that evil nasty Hoover thing about. Grrrr. 5: Enjoy it. Sometimes Mum reads kids’ books, poetry books, books she’s read a thousand times before. Some days, she does not read at all, and that’s okay too. Make sure it's a pleasure not a chore. If you'd like some more book recommendations, you can check out my Mum's list of all-time favourites...
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50 Words For Snow: A Short Story |
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In case you missed it, we added a brand new short story called 50 Words For Snow to the Writing section of the website earlier this month. It's a quick read and you can check it out here... | | |
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Book Two News - the Big Reveal |
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I know, I know... you're all pulling at the lead for news on book two. Mum apologises. She said it has been like giving birth to a cow - painful and long. I have no idea what that means. More news will be coming soon but I can tell you that there is a dog in it, that it’s a story about people making connections and that Min is my hero. That’s all I’m allowed to say. Oh, no - that's not all. Actually, I'm allowed to tell you the title. In a major ENZOGRAPH EXCLUSIVE, I'm very excited to let you know that the book will be called... GOODBYE BIRDIE GREENWING But that really is all we can say at the moment. There'll be more news as soon as we have it. Promise.
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Apparently my Mum likes pictures as well as words. I like fox poo. Anyway, we thought it would be a good idea to end the newsletter each month with an image that Mum really loves. This beautiful South Coast seascape is by Brighton-based artist (and friend) Tony Parsons. You can see lots more of his amazing work on his Instagram. He's actually painted my paw-trait but I'm not one to boast. |
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I think that’s all for this month. We hope you enjoyed our first edition. Next time, Mum will be sharing some writing tips, what she’s been reading and maybe more on book two. There'll be "5 Books That Changed My Life" from another great contributor and you'll get an exclusive first listen to a new radio show pilot. If you'd like some great writing tips now, follow @SJ_Watson. He gives the best advice, and his pugs are hotsy-totsy too! Once again, for lots more 'content' (as they call it), please visit Mum's new website. Peace and paws out, people
Enzo |
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