Thursday, 11 December 2014

Publication, a Win and Father Christmas


Phew - what a week! Firstly, I have had three stories published in the women's magazines.

Two are in Take a Break Fiction Feast. The first, Don't Fall for a Singer, is a Christmas story and the second, Searching for a Jane Austen Hero, was inspired by my daughter and will feature in an inspiration behind the story post very soon.

My story More than Meets the Eye in The People's Friend Special is the second classroom story I've had published (I'm surprised I haven't written more as I've sent most of my life in one!)

Another lovely thing that happened this week was a weekend to Hamburg to visit my daughter who is working there for a year. We timed it so that we'd be able to go to the Christmas markets and what a sight they were! I took the photos at one of the biggest markets held in the main square.




We even saw father Christmas! (I'm rather proud of this photo!)

When I got home, it was to receive the exciting news that I've won a competition held by Karen Aldous (author of The Vineyard and The Chateau) and Tay from book review site Chicks That Read. The prize is a makeover and masterclass with Karen's daughter - celebrity make-up artist Gemma Aldous. I've looked on her website and Gemma has a list of celebrity clients as long as my arm including the gorgeous Pixie Lott and Emeli Sande. I can't wait... though I think it only fair to warn Gemma that she may have her work cut out!


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26 comments:

  1. Lindsay11 December 2014 at 17:56

    Wow, what a week! Congratulations on all the publications and the prize. I went to Berlin for the Christmas markets last year but can see a trip to Hamburg would be well worth a visit.

    As for that prize - the make-up session, well, Gemma will hardly have anything to do at all.

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  2. Rosemary Gemmell11 December 2014 at 18:06

    Wow - that's certainly a wonderful week, Wendy! The makeover sounds great - we'll want photos, of course. And how lovely to get to the German markets.

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    1. Wendy's Writing12 December 2014 at 07:30

      I shall do a blog post on it to be sure, Rosemary.

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  3. Nicola12 December 2014 at 07:22

    What a fantastic end to the year, Wendy. You must be thrilled with your successes this year. What a fantastic achievement. Many congratulations. I look forward to reading your stories when I get back to the UK for Christmas.
    You can't beat a good German Christmas market. We have fabulous ones in Cologne and Aachen too. Makes you feel all warm and cosy inside, doesn't it? Especially when one over indulges in Glühwein or spiked hot chocolate :) Wishing you continued success in the new year, Wendy.

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    1. Wendy's Writing12 December 2014 at 07:32

      I'm sure all the German markets must be the same - they are fabulous (but very busy!) Enjoy your UK visit Nicola.

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  4. Sam Carrington12 December 2014 at 08:13

    Wow! Amazing week. Well done Wendy. Publications aside, which are, of course, very exciting - a makeover?! Brilliant :)

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    1. Wendy's Writing12 December 2014 at 08:16

      Do you think it will work if I just say, "Make me look like Pixie Lott."?

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  5. Joanna12 December 2014 at 09:14

    That is a fabulous week, Wendy. Congratulations on your story publications and the wonderful competition win - what a gorgeous prize. (Not that you need a makeover.)

    I love your pictures. Nothing could be more colourful and Christmassy than the German markets. So glad you had a great time. xG

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    1. Wendy's Writing12 December 2014 at 09:53

      Thanks,, Joanna - I have to say, I was rather pleased with the photos!

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  6. Natalie Kleinman12 December 2014 at 09:49

    I'm breathless just reading about your week, Wendy, but what an exciting time you've had!

    Also now very curious to sample what Nicola refers to as 'spiked hot chocolate'. Sounds yummy.

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    1. Wendy's Writing12 December 2014 at 09:55

      I've no idea what this is either, Natalie but I agree it sounds lovely

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    2. Nicola14 December 2014 at 16:31

      My favourite is hot chocolate with a large dose of Baileys mixed in but you can have all sorts of shots added - Amaretto, brandy, whiskey, Tia Maria - the list in endless and the main rule is to note that one mustn't leave the Christmas market before trying all of them :):) I do miss out the cream though - that is just way over the top :):)

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    3. Wendy's Writing14 December 2014 at 21:57

      I think you'd have to crawl out, Nicola!

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  7. Jane Lythell13 December 2014 at 11:21

    What a terrific week. And well deserved I am sure. I have this theory that good things like your week come to good people. Enjoy the makeover and I hope you'll post the results on your blog.

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    1. Wendy's Writing13 December 2014 at 19:56

      I certainly shall, Jane. Thanks for popping over.

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  8. L13 December 2014 at 14:58

    What an amazing week and thanks for sharing with us.

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  9. Unknown14 December 2014 at 09:14

    Fabulous post Wendy! An extremely good week for you - visiting your daughter, more stories published - you are such a prolific and talented writer! Plus the make-over prize! WELL DONE & Congratulations again! Can't wait to see you again! Xx

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    1. Wendy's Writing14 December 2014 at 09:18

      Thanks Karen. Here's hoping Gemma can find me some cheekbones!

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  10. Teresa Ashby14 December 2014 at 10:09

    Congratulations on a wonderful week, Wendy! And a makeover to look forward too - lovely :-) x

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  11. Julia Thorley17 December 2014 at 09:14

    I'm very late reading this, but wanted to add my congratulations - especially on the photo of Santa. I've just read your 'writer's block' post, too. I'm struggling a bit at the moment, but I think I'm just knackered. I'm hoping that a bit of Christmas cheer will revitalise me.

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    1. Wendy's Writing17 December 2014 at 09:20

      I think we all need a good rest, Julia, to re-charge those batteries.

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  12. Sue Blackburn18 December 2014 at 10:23

    I'm late visiting too Wendy but not too late to add my congratulations on a great week. So pleased for you :0) xx

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