MuseItUp Publiishing is selecting its 4th Anniversary with 50 - 80% off selected novels.
The Link is.
https://museituppublishing.com/bookstore/index.php/component/content/article/3-about/about-us/470-museitup-4-year-anniversary-specials#top
My historical novels set in the reign of Queen Anne Stuart 1702-1714 are included in the specials.
Far Beyond Rubies. 50% off £1.90 $ 3.09 When Gervaise sees Juliana for the first time, he recognises her, but not from this lifetime…
Tangled Love. 50% off. £1.84 $2.99 Tangled Love set in England in 1706 during Queen Anne Stuart’s reign, a story of two great estates, duty, betrayal and passionate love.
The Captain and The Countess 50% off £1.99 $3.09 His heart captured by the Countess only Captain Howard sees pain behind her fashionable façade and is determined to help her.
To read the first three chapters and view the book trailers visit www.rosemarymorris.co.uk. Rosemary will be pleased tor read your comments.
Thursday, 2 October 2014
Wednesday, 1 October 2014
MuseItUp Publishing 4th Anniversary
MuseItUp is celebrating its 4 Year
Anniversary with 50% to 80% OFF specials until the 31st October.
My historical novels are included in the
specials.
Sunday’s Child. 80%off. £0.77p. $1,25
Tangled Love. 50% off. £1.84 $2.99
Far Beyond Rubies. 50%off £1.90
$ 3.09
The Captain and The Countess 50%off £1.99
$3.09
To view the book covers and read the first
three chapters of each novel please visit my website.
www.rosemarymorris.co.uk
MuseItUpPublishing Fourth Anniversary
MuseItUp is celebrating its 4 Year
Anniversary with 50% to 80% OFF specials until the 31st October.
My historical novels are included in the
specials.
Sunday’s Child. 80%off. £0.77p. $1,25
Tangled Love. 50% off. £1.84 $2.99
Far Beyond Rubies. 50%off £1.90
$ 3.09
The Captain and The Countess 50%off £1.99
$3.09
To view the book covers and read the first
three chapters of each novel please visit my website.
www.rosemarymorris.co.uk
Tuesday, 30 September 2014
Ladies' Drawers, Snuff Boxes, Regency Wedding Dresses
Great fun researching my novel Monday's Child set in the Regency era. This morning I sat in bed with a pile of research books beside me working on my laptop.
Drawers were ankle length made in various materials and colours without a gusset, pin tucked and edged with lace at the hem. At first drawers were considered indecent. However, Princess Charlotte wore them and did not care if anyone glimpsed them.
Snuff boxes were made in gold, silver and other metals, tortoiseshell, semi-precious stones and various materials.. Some were engraved, others set with precious stones and, for example, mother of pearl. Those in the shape of naked ladies were popular with gentlemen. These small snuff boxes sometimes had a tiny drawer in which a note or memento could be concealed. Others were miniature music boxes. The Prince Regent and many noblemen collected snuff boxes and displayed them in glass cabinets.
Finally, I chose the design for my heroine's wedding dress - more fun.
Drawers were ankle length made in various materials and colours without a gusset, pin tucked and edged with lace at the hem. At first drawers were considered indecent. However, Princess Charlotte wore them and did not care if anyone glimpsed them.
Snuff boxes were made in gold, silver and other metals, tortoiseshell, semi-precious stones and various materials.. Some were engraved, others set with precious stones and, for example, mother of pearl. Those in the shape of naked ladies were popular with gentlemen. These small snuff boxes sometimes had a tiny drawer in which a note or memento could be concealed. Others were miniature music boxes. The Prince Regent and many noblemen collected snuff boxes and displayed them in glass cabinets.
Finally, I chose the design for my heroine's wedding dress - more fun.
Monday, 29 September 2014
Recipe: Quick Sauce:pasta, couscous, soup, stew
My tomato plants have produced abundantly this year so, this morning, I made huge pot of sauce to freeze for various uses.
The sauce is delicious on pasta and sprinkled with grated cheese. Sometimes I add slivered almonds and a few raisins to the sauce and serve it on couscous. And, the sauce makes a base for soup or stews.
Thick slices of the following vegetables.
1 medium leek.
4 medium carrots.
1 large red pepper.
A dozen mushrooms.
and 1 pound tomatoes.
I added a handful of basil leaves, half a handful of marjoram leaves, two tablespoons of tomato puree, a desert spoon of sugar, a teaspoon of salt and pepper and 1 pint of water.
I cooked it in the pressure cooker (but it can be simmered in a saucepan with a tight lid) and when all the vegetables were well cooked I put them in the liquidiser with the liquid.
After tasting it I added a little more salt.
The sauce is delicious on pasta and sprinkled with grated cheese. Sometimes I add slivered almonds and a few raisins to the sauce and serve it on couscous. And, the sauce makes a base for soup or stews.
Thick slices of the following vegetables.
1 medium leek.
4 medium carrots.
1 large red pepper.
A dozen mushrooms.
and 1 pound tomatoes.
I added a handful of basil leaves, half a handful of marjoram leaves, two tablespoons of tomato puree, a desert spoon of sugar, a teaspoon of salt and pepper and 1 pint of water.
I cooked it in the pressure cooker (but it can be simmered in a saucepan with a tight lid) and when all the vegetables were well cooked I put them in the liquidiser with the liquid.
After tasting it I added a little more salt.
Sunday, 28 September 2014
Writing and Gardening.
A friend wrote in her newsletter that Stephen King said novelists should finish a new book in 3 months. Ouch, it's taken me much longer to write each of mine. Anyway, this morning I wrote Chapter 27 of my new novel, Monday's Child (the sequel to Sunday's Child) set in the Regency era, and began the next chapter. Approximately 7,000 words to write before I finish the book, revise and edit it before I submit it. Phew!
I spent the rest of the morning working in the greenhouse and the garden. I picked tomatoes, cucumbers, runner beans and radishes, planted out lettuces weeded and tidied up. It's a sunny day, the sky is blue and the bees were busy collecting nectar from the lavender and other flowers.
Now I'm tapping away on the laptop with my feet up. Later on I'll probably pop out in the garden to do a bit more.
I spent the rest of the morning working in the greenhouse and the garden. I picked tomatoes, cucumbers, runner beans and radishes, planted out lettuces weeded and tidied up. It's a sunny day, the sky is blue and the bees were busy collecting nectar from the lavender and other flowers.
Now I'm tapping away on the laptop with my feet up. Later on I'll probably pop out in the garden to do a bit more.
Saturday, 27 September 2014
Special Offer:Tangled Love:Set in 18th C England
Tangled Love was shortlisted at the Festival of Romance for the best Historical e-book in 2012.
Extract from a 5* Amazon review. "Set during a time of religious turmoil in England, 'Tangled Love' is a worthy historical novel as well as a fast-paced romance. Through its pages the reader learns of the social and divisions of faith during the time of Queen Anne and is shown the very limited destinies available to women at the time. There is also a mystery here concerning possible secret, hidden treasure and a lively sub-plot involving a second romance between two of the subsidiary characters."
Tangled Love is on special offer for £.84 and $2.84 from:
www.amazon.com
www.amazon.co.uk
https://museituppublishing.com/bookstore
Extract from a 5* Amazon review. "Set during a time of religious turmoil in England, 'Tangled Love' is a worthy historical novel as well as a fast-paced romance. Through its pages the reader learns of the social and divisions of faith during the time of Queen Anne and is shown the very limited destinies available to women at the time. There is also a mystery here concerning possible secret, hidden treasure and a lively sub-plot involving a second romance between two of the subsidiary characters."
Tangled Love is on special offer for £.84 and $2.84 from:
www.amazon.com
www.amazon.co.uk
https://museituppublishing.com/bookstore
Friday, 26 September 2014
Can't Take It
4 and 3/4 year old granddaughter cane out of her reception class at primary school, looked at her mother, pressed her hand to the side of her forehead and said: "I can't take this any more."
Daughter thought. Sorry kid you've got ten more years to go.
Mind you granddaughter's excellent teacher said she has settled in very well and made several friends.
Daughter thought. Sorry kid you've got ten more years to go.
Mind you granddaughter's excellent teacher said she has settled in very well and made several friends.
Thursday, 25 September 2014
Change in the Weather
The weather is very mild for this time of the year but after a few chilly nights all the scarlet flowers fell off my runner beans. It's almost October and the weather's will become colder. Hopefully, I'll be able to re-pot my blueberries and prepare for winter.
Sunday, 21 September 2014
Scribbled Notes
Apart from my shorthand notepad full of scribbled notes, which I have dealt with, I also have a notebook with scribbled details of websites, reviewers, blog spots, e-mail addresses etc., etc. I am now working through it methodically. Visiting on-line sites, contacting people etc., .
I always enjoy the after effects of tidying up my office aka the spare bedroom, and shredding all the junk mail etc., which I add to the compost heap. I’ve also enjoyed filling a new notebook with neat entries which I can find without squinting at any scribbles or having panic attacks because I can’t find something important.
Saturday, 20 September 2014
A House Divided by Pearl Buck
A couple of days ago, I finished reading the novel, A House Divided by Pearl Buck, which was first published in 1935.
I found this literary novel, in which Pearl Buck tells the fictional story of Wang Yuan, son of Tiger, a Chinese war lord. difficult to read due to its style.
In childhood, Yuan feared his father whose sword was never far from his hand. At the age of nineteen Yuan joined the revolutionists, 'who were the enemies of all lords of war such as the Tiger was.' He returns home wearing his uniform. His father is about to kill him " But for the first time in his life the Tiger's son showed the anger he had in him, but which he had never dared to show before his father."
A House Divided reveals the era prior to the Chinese Revolution, as well as Wang Yuan's uncertainties, selective memory and narrow-mindedness.
Although Yuan is arrested for being a revolutionary, he escapes execution after his family bribe the authorities. He is sent to America where he studies agriculture with the hope of one day improving ordinary Chinese people's lives. Seven years later, he returns home.
Pearl Buck tells the reader how Yuan reacts to America and Americans as well as his reactions when he returns to China, where poverty- stricken people's situation, and the upper class's attitude towards them has not changed. Daughter of missionaries Pearl Buck's descriptions of beggars and naked children obviously came from her heart.
A House Divided is not only about the effects of change on Yuan and his family but also about Yuan's divided, uncertain heart.
All in all, I am glad I persevered and read the entire novel because I learned so much about past times.
I found this literary novel, in which Pearl Buck tells the fictional story of Wang Yuan, son of Tiger, a Chinese war lord. difficult to read due to its style.
In childhood, Yuan feared his father whose sword was never far from his hand. At the age of nineteen Yuan joined the revolutionists, 'who were the enemies of all lords of war such as the Tiger was.' He returns home wearing his uniform. His father is about to kill him " But for the first time in his life the Tiger's son showed the anger he had in him, but which he had never dared to show before his father."
A House Divided reveals the era prior to the Chinese Revolution, as well as Wang Yuan's uncertainties, selective memory and narrow-mindedness.
Although Yuan is arrested for being a revolutionary, he escapes execution after his family bribe the authorities. He is sent to America where he studies agriculture with the hope of one day improving ordinary Chinese people's lives. Seven years later, he returns home.
Pearl Buck tells the reader how Yuan reacts to America and Americans as well as his reactions when he returns to China, where poverty- stricken people's situation, and the upper class's attitude towards them has not changed. Daughter of missionaries Pearl Buck's descriptions of beggars and naked children obviously came from her heart.
A House Divided is not only about the effects of change on Yuan and his family but also about Yuan's divided, uncertain heart.
All in all, I am glad I persevered and read the entire novel because I learned so much about past times.
Friday, 19 September 2014
Vegetable Pie
As soon as I arrived at my son and daughter-in-law's house to stay for a week while she is in Cyprus, my granddaughter asked me to make a vegetable pie, and her brother asked me to make a curd cheese and spinach curry - the recipe for which is at the end of my novel, Tangled Love.
I spread a little butter on a large plate and then sifedt some flour onto it to stop the pie sticking to the plate. Next I spread a little cornflour overt the pastry- to stop the filling seeping through - and then spread sliced cheese over it.
The filling is a finely sliced leek sauted in a little oil or butter until it is soft and finely chopped or cut vegetables in a white sauce flavoured with salt, black pepper and parsley. I pile the mixture onto the pastry and top it with sliced cheese. I dampen the edge of the pastry and then cover it with another circle of pastry and press around the perimeter with my finger to make sure the two layers are sealed and the filling won't escape. After brushing to top with milk I bake it in a pre-heated over gas mark six and cook it until the crust is golden-brown. About 35 -40 minutes.
Today vegetables are a mixture of French beans, cut into quarter inch lengths,quarter inch cubes of carrots cut,small pieces of broccoli and some sweet corn kernels.
The pie tastes good hot or cold and can be served with cooked potatoes or potato salad and peas or green salad.
This vegetable pie freezes well and is good picnic fare.
I spread a little butter on a large plate and then sifedt some flour onto it to stop the pie sticking to the plate. Next I spread a little cornflour overt the pastry- to stop the filling seeping through - and then spread sliced cheese over it.
The filling is a finely sliced leek sauted in a little oil or butter until it is soft and finely chopped or cut vegetables in a white sauce flavoured with salt, black pepper and parsley. I pile the mixture onto the pastry and top it with sliced cheese. I dampen the edge of the pastry and then cover it with another circle of pastry and press around the perimeter with my finger to make sure the two layers are sealed and the filling won't escape. After brushing to top with milk I bake it in a pre-heated over gas mark six and cook it until the crust is golden-brown. About 35 -40 minutes.
Today vegetables are a mixture of French beans, cut into quarter inch lengths,quarter inch cubes of carrots cut,small pieces of broccoli and some sweet corn kernels.
The pie tastes good hot or cold and can be served with cooked potatoes or potato salad and peas or green salad.
This vegetable pie freezes well and is good picnic fare.
Thursday, 18 September 2014
Walk in the Woods
My daughter-in-law has gone to Cyprus for a week so I'm staying with my son and his three children to give a helping hand. Having fun playing board games, hearing the younger ones read and helping with homework.
This evening, before dinner I plan to take them for a walk in the woods behind their house and pick blackberries, or elder berries or rowan berries. The path skirts the woods and leads to paddocks where the children like leaning over the fence to look at the horses.
During the day my times my own and I've been writing and sorting out the scribbled addresses etc., in my notebooks.
This evening, before dinner I plan to take them for a walk in the woods behind their house and pick blackberries, or elder berries or rowan berries. The path skirts the woods and leads to paddocks where the children like leaning over the fence to look at the horses.
During the day my times my own and I've been writing and sorting out the scribbled addresses etc., in my notebooks.
Wednesday, 17 September 2014
Special Offer, Tangled Love: Historical Novel, Special Offer
Tangled Love by
Rosemary Morris
Prologue
England -1693
Nine
year-old Richelda Shaw sat on the floor in her nursery. She pulled a quilt over
her head to block out the thunder pealing outside the ancient manor house while
an even fiercer storm raged deep within. Eyes closed, she remained as
motionless as a marble statue.
Elsie, her mother’s personal maid,
yanked the quilt from her head. ‘Stand up child, there’s nothing to be
frightened of. Come, your father’s waiting for you.’
Richelda trembled. Until now Father’s
short visits from France meant gifts and laughter. This one made Mother cry
while servants spoke in hushed tones.
Followed by Elsie, Richelda
hurried down broad oak stairs. For a moment, she paused to admire lilies of the
valley in a Delft bowl. Only yesterday,
she picked the flowers to welcome Father home before arranging them with tender
care. Now, the bowl stood on a chest, beneath a pair of crossed broadswords
hanging on the wall.
Elsie opened the great massive door of
the great hall where Father stood to one side of an enormous hearth. Richelda
hesitated. Her eyes searched for her mother before she walked across the floor,
spread her skirts wide and knelt before him.
Father placed his right hand on her bent
head. ‘Bless you, daughter, may God keep you safe.’ He smiled. ‘Stand up,
child. Upon my word, sweetheart, your hair reminds me of a golden rose. How
glad I am to see roses bloom in these troubled times.’
Richelda stood but dared not speak for
she did not know him well.
Putting an arm round her waist, he drew
her to him. ‘Come, do not be nervous of your father. Tell me if you know King
James II holds court in France while his daughter, Mary, and William, his
son-in-law, rule after seizing his throne?’
‘Yes, Mother told me we are well rid of
King James and his Papist wife,’ she piped up, proud of her knowledge.
With a sigh, Father lifted her onto his
knee. ‘Richelda, I must follow His Majesty for I swore an oath of allegiance to
him. Tell me, child, while King James lives how can I with honour swear
allegiance to his disloyal daughter and her husband?’
Unable to think of a reply, she lowered
her head breathing in his spicy perfume.
Father held her closer. ‘Your mother
pleads with me to declare myself for William and Mary. She begs me not to return
to France, but I am obliged to serve King James. Do you understand?’
As she nodded her cheek brushed against
his velvet coat. ‘Yes, I understand, my tutor explained why many gentlemen will
not serve the new king and queen.’
‘If you remain in England, you will be
safe. Bellemont is part of your mother’s dowry so I doubt it will be
confiscated.’
If she remained in England! Startled,
she stared at him.
Smiling, he popped her onto her feet.
‘We shall ride. I have something to show you.’
*****
Before long, they drew rein on the brow
of a hill. Father pointed at a manor house in the valley. ‘Look at our ancestral home, Field House. The
Roundheads confiscated it soon after the first King Charles’ execution. Richelda, I promised my father to do all in
my power to regain the property.’ Grey-faced, he pressed his hand to his
chest. ‘Alas, I have failed to keep my
oath,’ he wheezed.
Richelda not only yearned to help him
keep his promise to her grandfather, she also yearned to find the gold and
jewels legend said her buccaneer ancestor, Sir Nicholas, hid.
She waited for her father to breathe
easy before she spoke. ‘If we found the treasure trove you could buy Field
House.’
‘Ah, you believe Sir Nicholas did not give all
his plunder to Good Queen Bess,’ he teased.
‘Elsie told me legend says he hid some of his
booty in Field House,’ she said excited by the thought of a treasure trove. ‘In
his old age, when Sir Nicholas retired from seafaring, is it true that he put
his ship’s figurehead, Lady Luck, in the great hall?’ she asked by now less shy
of him.
‘Yes, for all I know she is still above
a mighty fireplace carved with pomegranates, our family’s device.’
‘I would like to see it.’
‘One day, perhaps you will. Now, tell me if
you know our family motto.’
‘Fortune favours the brave.’
‘Are you brave, my little lady? Will you
swear on the Bible to do all in your power to regain Field House?’
To please him, she nodded.
* * * *
Tangled Love, is on special offer for £1.84 OR
$3.05.
Available
from:-
https://museituppublishing.com/bookshopwww.amazon.com.www.amazon.co.uk
kobo, nook, barnes and noble and elsewhere.
View
the book trailer and read the first three chapers at:
Tuesday, 16 September 2014
Help Please re:nasty review.
Vicious Attack.
I am not the only novelist to have
received a distressing, vicious review of one or more novel.
Another novelist suggested we should
take action by replyitng and readers cab support us by replying No to amazon’s query “was this review helpful to you?”
Unfortunately, in spite of other 5*****
reviews, two people replied Yes to the question re:my novel Tangled Love which currently on special offer.
If it is not against your conscience, I
would be grateful if you would visit www.amazon.co.uk search the
kindle store for Tangled Love by Rosemary Morris, visit the reviews, find the
only 1* review and reply: No this review was not helpful.
Amongst other things the reviewer
commented on clichés in Tangled Love. As I explained yesterday, my contents and
line editors would dispute their use and I would agree not to use them, unless I used a cliché
very occasionally in conversation.
I would be pleased to do this for
another novelist who receives an unjustified attack on a novel.
Personally, if I can’t give a book a
4**** or 5**** review, I don’t post one – in other words if I don’t have
anything nice to write, I don’t post anything.
All the best,
Rosemary Morris
Historical Novelist
Visit my website to read the first three chapters and view the book trailer.
Monday, 15 September 2014
Nasty Review of Tangled Love. 18thC Novel, Special Offer
Someone posted a vicious review of Tangled Love. Amongst other things she stated that it is full of clichés. This makes me ask myself if she actually read the novel as my contents editor and line editor wouldn't allow me to use them unless it is very occasionally in dialogue. I'm glad to say all the other reviews are 5*****
Sunday, 14 September 2014
Tangled Love.18th Century Novel. Review + Special Offer
5.0 out of 5 stars A highly enjoyable read!, May 13, 2012
By
Maggi
Andersen "Maggi" (Australia)
This review is from: Tangled Love (Kindle Edition)
In
1693, loyal to his oath of allegiance to James II, ten year old Richelda's
father follows James to France. Before her father leaves he gives her a ruby
ring and makes her swear an oath to try and regain their ancestral home, Field
House.
The story begins when Richelda at 18 is orphaned, and lives in run-down Belmont House with her mother's old nurse and her dog, Puck. Richelda can only dream of living the life she was meant for and hopes her childhood friend, Dudley, will honor his promise to marry her.
When Richelda's wealthy aunt, who had been disinterested in her welfare up to now, takes her to London and arranges her marriage to Viscount Chesney, the new owner of Field House. Richelda is both delighted and dismayed. She cannot trust the handsome Chesney, even though she is desperate to honor her oath to regain Field House
I enjoyed this historical romance very much, it's well written and Morris knows her history and understands the society of the period well. The heroine and hero are both attractive and likeable. I wanted to see them get together in the end. What stood out for me in this romance is the shrewd knowledge of human nature, Morris displays. Her character's rash actions, mistakes and foibles are always understandable, and never detract from the good characters of both.
The story begins when Richelda at 18 is orphaned, and lives in run-down Belmont House with her mother's old nurse and her dog, Puck. Richelda can only dream of living the life she was meant for and hopes her childhood friend, Dudley, will honor his promise to marry her.
When Richelda's wealthy aunt, who had been disinterested in her welfare up to now, takes her to London and arranges her marriage to Viscount Chesney, the new owner of Field House. Richelda is both delighted and dismayed. She cannot trust the handsome Chesney, even though she is desperate to honor her oath to regain Field House
I enjoyed this historical romance very much, it's well written and Morris knows her history and understands the society of the period well. The heroine and hero are both attractive and likeable. I wanted to see them get together in the end. What stood out for me in this romance is the shrewd knowledge of human nature, Morris displays. Her character's rash actions, mistakes and foibles are always understandable, and never detract from the good characters of both.
Available from:-
https://museituppublishing.com/bookshopwww.amazon.com.www.amazon.co.uk and elsewhere.
Saturday, 13 September 2014
Tangled Love. Historical Novel. Special Offer.
www.amazon.com.
www.amazon.co.uk
and elsewhere.
Friday, 12 September 2014
My Friend the Robin
Every time I go out into my organic garden a little robin appears. He has become so friendly that he perches only two feet away from me and watches every move I make. If I leave a watering can, the garden frame on which I kneel or even an pile of earth, when I return he is perched on one of them.
This morning, I left the greenhouse door open while I had a cup of rooibos tea. When I returned he was in the greenhouse. However, when he saw me coming in he panicked and stayed in mid air fluttering his wings to maintain his position.
I stepped out. He flew away but returned a few minutes later to see what I was doing.
This morning, I left the greenhouse door open while I had a cup of rooibos tea. When I returned he was in the greenhouse. However, when he saw me coming in he panicked and stayed in mid air fluttering his wings to maintain his position.
I stepped out. He flew away but returned a few minutes later to see what I was doing.
Wednesday, 10 September 2014
Sugar and Spice and All Things Nice
No matter how well-stocked my kitchen is I never seem to have enough spices. Today, I was very pleased when I popped into a large shop, which mostly sells items for an Indian cuisine, and found a small jar of mace which I had not been able to find elsewhere. Although I was short of time the sight of exotic fruit and vegetables, a large variety of spices and sweetmeats as well as chutneys and pickles made my mouth water. I shall shop there again at leisure.
As a vegetarian I cook dishes that originate in many parts of the world and often made Indian curries, soups and much more. I even included a recipe for a favourite curry at the end of my novel Far Beyond Rubies, in which the delightful hero had served in India with the East India Company and earned the nickname Beau Hindu
As a vegetarian I cook dishes that originate in many parts of the world and often made Indian curries, soups and much more. I even included a recipe for a favourite curry at the end of my novel Far Beyond Rubies, in which the delightful hero had served in India with the East India Company and earned the nickname Beau Hindu
Tuesday, 9 September 2014
The Fortune Hunter
Since childhood I have enjoyed reading. All too often a novel that seems promising disappoints me. That is not true of The Fortune Hunter by Daisy Goodwin. Based on historical fact it is the tale of a love triangle. The three people involved are Elizabeth, (Sisi) Empress of Austria - the Princess Diana of her time - Charlotte Baird, the Lennox heiress and Bay Middleton, a distant ancestor of Prince William's wife, the Duchess of Cambridge. The Fortune Hunter begins in July 1875 when Bay Middleton, the best equestrian in the united kingdom, is chosen to pilot the empress on the hunting field. Daisy Goodwin has used fact and her imagination to create a fascinating read that kept me awake until I couldn't keep my eyes open any longer.
Monday, 8 September 2014
First Day at School
Today was my youngest granddaughter's first day at primary school. The four year-old had been insisting she would only go if the uniform was pink. Yesterday evening while I put her to bed she said she knew she would be sad at school. Her oldest brother was going on a school trip to Wales and had to be at school at 7 30 a.m. so I stayed at my daughter's house overnight. My daughter dressed her in her uniform in the morning and handed over her red book bag and red sports bag. When she came downstairs my granddaughter was bubbling over with smiles and enthusiasm.
She knew her class teacher, who had taught her older brother. The teacher asked them to go into the classroom and sit down in a circle. My little 'princess' was first through the door and first to sit down. When my daughter collected her she was very happy. Phew!
She knew her class teacher, who had taught her older brother. The teacher asked them to go into the classroom and sit down in a circle. My little 'princess' was first through the door and first to sit down. When my daughter collected her she was very happy. Phew!
Sunday, 7 September 2014
Apple Cider Vinegar
If you have painful joints and/or muscles apple cider vinegar can help. I drink two teaspoons of Bragg Organic Raw unfiltered, unpasteurised apple vinegar in a glass of water twice a day. Besides helping with aches and pains a c v has too many benefits for me to list. I suggest you google it to find out more. To use a cliché, the proof of the pudding is in the eating, and I know I have benefitted from dosing myself with a c v.
Saturday, 6 September 2014
Busy Morning, Writing, Gardening & Cooking
I enjoyed myself this morning working on 'writerly matters', mostly applying scribbled notes in my shorthand notepad, looking for places to let people know about my historical novels.
At ten o'clock I went into the garden where I planted out purple sprouting broccoli, which I shall enjoy next year. I did some weeding, picked runner beans to prepare for the freezer, apples, pears and tomatoes.
Next I pulled up the last of the white radishes, aka mooli aka daikon. I made spiced mung with thinly sliced mooli in it and ate it with brown rice at lunch time.
At ten o'clock I went into the garden where I planted out purple sprouting broccoli, which I shall enjoy next year. I did some weeding, picked runner beans to prepare for the freezer, apples, pears and tomatoes.
Next I pulled up the last of the white radishes, aka mooli aka daikon. I made spiced mung with thinly sliced mooli in it and ate it with brown rice at lunch time.
Friday, 5 September 2014
Peaches for Monsieur le Cure
Yesterday evening, I was enthralled by Peaches for Monsieur le Cure, turned the pages and read until I finished the novel at midnight. At one point while reading descriptions of the chocolate truffles, Vivanne, the heroine, makes my mouth watered. I went downstairs to the kitchen to see if I could satisfy my sweet tooth, but as I'm dieting had to settle for a peach. I'm sure it was as succulent as the one Vivanne gave to Monsieur le Cure.
Thursday, 4 September 2014
Massage
Let’s
face it, many of us work for hours on computers, which can lead to back
problems and aches and pains. I am no exception so I had another deep tissue
massage by a lady with excellent qualifications. She also recommends drinking a
dessert spoonful of organic apple cider in a glass of water three times a day in
order to dissolve the salts that build up in the spine and joints. Another one
of her recommendations is to take two flaxseed tablets twice a day. Also a
medicinal tea made with grated ginger and turmeric root relieves pain. I
sweeten mine with organic honey.
Wednesday, 3 September 2014
Organic Gardening in Early Autumn
September 3rd, autumn is here in S. East England although the weather is mild the leaves are beginning to change colour.
As a vegetarian (I don't eat meat, fish or eggs) my ambition is to be as self-sufficient as possible throughout the year. At the moment, my curly kale and black kale, cabbages, chard, New Zealand spinach and lots of herbs are flourishing in my organic garden and will last until spring. Under cover there are cherry tomatoes and three other varieties ripening including a delicious grafted one called Indigo Rose, as well as cucumbers. And there are other vegetables such as carrots, lettuce, white radish aka mooli aka daikon, small radishes and much more.
This morning I planted out spring greens, aka collards, and covered them with netting to keep off the pigeons, which would strip the leaves bare. I will also plant out purple sprouting broccoli to enjoy in the spring. In the meantime I shall grow winter salads in the greenhouse and move the tender herbs into it.
As a vegetarian (I don't eat meat, fish or eggs) my ambition is to be as self-sufficient as possible throughout the year. At the moment, my curly kale and black kale, cabbages, chard, New Zealand spinach and lots of herbs are flourishing in my organic garden and will last until spring. Under cover there are cherry tomatoes and three other varieties ripening including a delicious grafted one called Indigo Rose, as well as cucumbers. And there are other vegetables such as carrots, lettuce, white radish aka mooli aka daikon, small radishes and much more.
This morning I planted out spring greens, aka collards, and covered them with netting to keep off the pigeons, which would strip the leaves bare. I will also plant out purple sprouting broccoli to enjoy in the spring. In the meantime I shall grow winter salads in the greenhouse and move the tender herbs into it.
Tuesday, 2 September 2014
False Pretences, Regency Mystery and Romance
Perhaps you would like to view the book-trailer for False Pretence (a traditional Regency novel: Mystery and Romance) at: www.rosemarymorris.co.uk.
False Pretences.amazon.com/dp/B009YK1MFO
If you watch it, please leave a comment to let me if you like it.
False Pretences.amazon.com/dp/B009YK1MFO
If you watch it, please leave a comment to let me if you like it.
Sunday, 31 August 2014
Novelist's Shorthand Notebook.
I'm am relieved and feel virtuous because I had a shorthand notepad on which I scribbled notes on both sides of each page. Bit by bit I've visited websites and blog spots, joined groups, added to my list of books to be read, typed up notes about history etc., etc.
Last time I caught up with my scribbles I told myself I would keep up to date with everything, well it's said the road to hell is paved with good intentions, but I think I can be forgiven mine.
Last time I caught up with my scribbles I told myself I would keep up to date with everything, well it's said the road to hell is paved with good intentions, but I think I can be forgiven mine.
Saturday, 30 August 2014
Home Grown Organic Salad .
Delicious lunch today. The only two things on my plate which were not home grown were an avocado and some Port Salut Cheese, even the salad dressing was homemade with extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, salt and home grown herbs.
Menu.
Drink. Apple Juice made with apples from the garden
First Course
Lollo rosso lettuce mixed with a small grated courgette and shredded dandelion leaves.
Mixture of runner beans, carrots and the last of my new potatoes with chopped chives in home made mayonnaise
Cherry tomatoes.
Cucumber with a little celery salt.
Avocado with a dash of vegetarian Worcester sauce.
Dessert.
Plain Yoghurt with summer fruit jelly made last year.
Yummy, yummy for the tummy, as my young grandchildren say.
Mind you, I couldn't do so much organic gardening without a gardener who comes once a fortnight and does all the heavy work.
Menu.
Drink. Apple Juice made with apples from the garden
First Course
Lollo rosso lettuce mixed with a small grated courgette and shredded dandelion leaves.
Mixture of runner beans, carrots and the last of my new potatoes with chopped chives in home made mayonnaise
Cherry tomatoes.
Cucumber with a little celery salt.
Avocado with a dash of vegetarian Worcester sauce.
Dessert.
Plain Yoghurt with summer fruit jelly made last year.
Yummy, yummy for the tummy, as my young grandchildren say.
Mind you, I couldn't do so much organic gardening without a gardener who comes once a fortnight and does all the heavy work.
Friday, 29 August 2014
Silver Car
Blog.
Before my son dropped off the second car Vauxhall Corsa he bought on my behalf I had a 2 hour, full body deep tissue massage. By the time I reached home I was too tired to test drive. Prior to driving it today, I studied the instruction manual. Somewhat nervous about the various controls I drove it this morning. The car is in excellent condition. The engine is quiet. I enjoyed a smooth, enjoyable drive. I’m smiling again although the AA mechanic misdiagnosed the problem with my old car.
According to the mechanic the problem was the starter motor. As it broke down on a Sunday the car was taken to Quick Fit. The new parts cost almost £500 which will be met by my AA repair cover. The car would not start and had to be relayed to Mercedes-Benz. The verdict – the throttle valve needed to be replaced. It would cost £700 + vat + £300 for labour and it might need some other parts.
My son and I decided the car was not worth repairing. Now, as the car can’t be driven and it is ten miles or more away from home we have to sort out how to dispose it – sell it for parts or scrap it.
Thursday, 28 August 2014
New Car
I decided to scrap my car. It needed more repairs than it is worth. I am now the proud owner of a Silver Vauxhall Corsa. Its compact, easy to drive and cheap to run. Lucky me. After the fiasco with the AA and being stuck at home it's a relief to be mobile again.
Wednesday, 27 August 2014
A Broken World edited by Sebastian Faulkes with Hope Wolf
I've finished reading A Broken World, Letters, Diaries and Memories of the Great War edited by Sebastian Faulkes and Hope Wolf.
At times the poignant words of those who endured the First World War brought tears to my eyes.
I've now made a list of fiction set in the era and non-fiction also set in the era which I would like to read.
At times the poignant words of those who endured the First World War brought tears to my eyes.
I've now made a list of fiction set in the era and non-fiction also set in the era which I would like to read.
Tuesday, 26 August 2014
Lots to Do on a Rainy Day
It rained steadily all day. The sky a light but dull grey, the light soft on the grass and trees in the garden which seemed greener than ever. I popped out to the green house to feed the cucumbers and tomatoes then returned indoors to greet 9 year-old grandson and 4 year-old granddaughter. My grandson and I cooked together while granddaughter watched a dvd of Cinderella for the umpteenth time. She is besotted by 'fairy princesses' and girlie Walt Disney films. Grandson was delighted with our freshly made gulab jamons (spelling?) Indian sweetmeats fried in ghee and then boiled for five minutes in sugar syrup. They are delicious but definitely not slimming. However, he loves them, and I don't begrudge him a special treat once in a while. Not sure whether he likes them or his his new Manchester United Football kit most which his Mum bought him for the new football season.
Monday, 25 August 2014
Guest on Sara-Jayne's Blog
Today, I am fortunate to be a guest on the following blot.
http://sayssara.wordpress.com/2014/08/25/mondays-friend-rosemary-morris/
www.rosemarymorris.co.uk
Sunday, 24 August 2014
Not a Bowl of Cherries
Two
weeks ago my car broke down.
The AA mechanic said it needed a new starter motor and said: “Don’t turn off the ignition and take it to a garage.” I replied that it was Sunday and the garages were closed so I would prefer to take the car home and, if it would not start on Monday, ask the AA to relay it to a garage.
The mechanic instructed me to take it to Quick Fit. He told me that the AA would not take the car to a garage on the following day because I could not call on them for a problem which had already been dealt with by him. Pressurised and vulnerable I took the car to QF.
From then on there as a long saga at the end of which the starter motor had been replaced after which a new ignition (coil?) was needed. After the coil had been fitted the sensor (?) did not recognise it.
Fortunately, I have AA repair cover so I will be reimbursed for the above repairs which add up to £461. However, the car had to be taken to Mercedes-Benz. When I first approached the AA I was refused a relay. I then queried it and, finally, after ‘your call is important to us…etc., explained the tale of the breakdown and my need for the car to be relayed. Thank goodness the relay was authorised.
I will have to pay Mercedes £120 for looking at the car and further repairs, if the car can be repaired.
Deep, deep sigh, heaven only knows if or when I will get my car back.
Saturday, 23 August 2014
Black Kale and Runner Beans
Pleasant day, today, the weather slightly chilly but warm enough to dry the washing on the line. I like the smell of clothes dried in fresh air. Finally, II planted out some black kale which had outgrown its pots.Son number two popped in to replace the lock on the garden shed. As part of out lunch we had thinly-sliced, fresh runner beans and decided they are one of my favourite vegetables.
Friday, 22 August 2014
Z is for Zest
Z is for Zest
Zest, or
enthusiasm and keenness, are essential for a novelist. Would be published
novelists have told me they wrote, for example, a quarter or half of a novel
and gave up. Either they lost interest in the plot and theme, or they abandoned
their would-be masterpieces because they couldn’t find time to write or because
it was too difficult to finish them.
Published or
unpublished authors need zest, by which I mean enthusiasm for the novel, and
they also need to be keen enough to persevere no matter how many times their
books are rejected.
In my early
twenties my first novel was accepted by a reputable publishing company. I
didn’t know that to ensure publication the date on which my novel would be
released needed to be included in the contract. The publishing house changed hands
and the new commissioning editor didn’t like my novel. I continued to write for
some years before my circumstances changed and I did not have the opportunity
to do so. Years later, my late husband encouraged me to pursue my dream of
writing historical fiction. It was the nudge I needed to write all the stories
which had been in my mind for years. After enough rejections to paper the wall
in my lavatory I acquired an agent. Deep, deep sigh, he didn’t secure a
contract for me. More disappointments followed until my publisher accepted
Sunday’s Child.
My keenness to
be published and a string of rejections are not uncommon. Many other novelists
have had similar experiences.
It is zest
which separates published and unpublished writers from those who don’t finish a
novel, which is a huge achievement, from would-be-writers.
e-books
available from https://museituppublishing.com,
www.amazon.com, www.amazon.co.uk &
elsewhere. Sunday’s Child, False Pretences, Tangled Love, Far Beyond Rubies,
also available as a print book, & The Captain and The Countess.
Rosemary
Morris
Thursday, 21 August 2014
Y is for Year Books
Y
is for Year Books
The
Writers and Artists Year Book, Children’s Writers and Artist and Year Book, The
Writers Handbook, Writers Digest
Yearbook, contain lists of agents, publishers and other useful information can
be consulted in libraries before deciding whether or not to buy one.
Wednesday, 20 August 2014
Buzz Deal
FINAL DAY…NEW BUZZ Deal…ends Thursday,
August 21
The throne has been usurped by James
II’s daughter and son-in-law, Mary and William of Orange. In 1693, loyal
to his oath of allegiance, ten year old Richelda’s father must follow James to
France.
Tangled Love by Rosemary Morris
Historical Romance
Shortlists for Festival of Romance
Retails: $5.95
Sales price: $0.99
Discount: $-4.96
The throne has been usurped by James
II’s daughter and son-in-law, Mary and William of Orange. In 1693, loyal
to his oath of allegiance, ten year old Richelda’s father must follow James to
France.
Before her father leaves, he gives her
a ruby ring she will treasure and wear on a chain round her neck. In
return Richelda swears an oath to try to regain their ancestral home, Field
House.
By the age of eighteen, Richelda’s
beloved parents are dead. She believes her privileged life is over.
At home in dilapidated Belmont House, her only companions are her mother’s old
nurse and her devoted dog, Puck. Clad in old clothes she dreams of
elegant dresses and trusts her childhood friend Dudley, a poor parson’s son,
who promised to marry her.
Richelda’s wealthy aunt takes her to
London and arranges her marriage to Viscount Chesney, the new owner of Field
House. Richelda is torn between love for Dudley and her oath to regain
Field House, where it is rumored there is treasure. If she finds it,
Richelda hopes to ease their lives. But, while trying to find it, will
her life be at risk or will she find true love?
Available at:
Amazon: http://amzn.to/1sPgfjy
MuseItUP: http://bit.ly/1yQYfDO
Special Offer. Tangled Love. $0.99p. £0.77p.
Tangled
Love by Rosemary Morris set is available until midnight on Thursday the 21st
August for $0.99 from https://museituppublishing/bookstore
and for £0.77p from www.amazon.co.uk.
Tangled
Love by Rosemary Morris was short listed for the best romantic e-book at The
Festival of Romance, Bedford U.K in 2013
Tangled Love is the
story of two great estates. The throne has been usurped by James II’s daughter
Mary and her husband William of Orange. In 1693, loyal to his oath of
allegiance, ten year old Richelda’s father must follow James to France.
Before her father
leaves, he gives her a ruby ring she will treasure and wear on a chain round
her neck. In return Richelda swears an oath to try to regain their ancestral
home, Field House.
By the age of eighteen,
Richelda’s beloved parents are dead. She believes her privileged life is over.
At home in dilapidated Belmont House, her only companions are her mother’s old
nurse and her devoted dog, puck. Clad in old clothes she dreams of elegant
gowns and trusts her childhood friend, a poor parson’s son, who promised to
marry her.
Richelda’s wealthy aunt
takes her to London and arranges her marriage to Viscount Chesney, the new
owner of Field House, where it is rumoured there is treasure. If she finds it
Richelda hopes to ease their lives. However, while trying to find it her life
is in danger.
www.rosemarymorris.co.uk
Tuesday, 19 August 2014
X is for Xray
Historical Novelist’s A-Z of Writing
X is for X-ray
By
the time I finish a novel, I am so familiar with it that my brain switches off
and I see what should be on the page instead of what is actually on it.
I
need X-ray eyes to make sure the novel is as perfect as possible before I submit
it to my publisher.
First
of all, I use the grammar and spell check to make sure there are no grammatical
errors or spelling mistakes.
Next,
I read the novel from beginning to end checking the contents. Are the details
correct? Is there too much or too little description? Is there enough emotion?
Is the pace too fast or too slow in each scene? Is there a hook at the end of
each chapter which will make the reader want to read on?
With
regard to the last question, I was delighted by an e-mail from a policewoman in
South Africa, who was due to go on duty at 6 a.m. Before she went to sleep she
decided to read a little from my novel Tangled Love set in Queen Anne Stuart’s
reign 1702-1714. Many cups of black coffee later when it was nearly dawn she
finished reading it.
After
checking the contents, I check the linguistics by highlighting words such as
and, was, were, had, that and because to see if I have used them too
frequently. Whenever I have I rephrase the sentence.
A
final check of the formatting, spelling and grammar and it’s time to submit the
novel.
Rosemary Morris
Historical
Novelist
Published by MuseItUp Publishing.
e.books
available from MuseItUp Publishing, amazon, nook, kobo and elsewhere, Sunday’s
Child, False Pretences,Tangled Love, Far Beyond Rubies,also available as a
print book, and The Captain and The
Countess
Monday, 18 August 2014
W is for Writer's Day
W is for Writer’s Day
If
I had a pound for everyone who told me they could write a book my savings would
have increased, and if I had one for everyone who told me they started a novel
but couldn’t finish it they would have increased even more.
Every
published author I know organises their time in order to write.
I
not write historical novels, which requires research and visits to places of
historical interest. I also blog and deal with ‘writerly’ matters.
My
writing day begins at 6 a.m. With a break for breakfast I work until 10 a.m.
After lunch I work for an hour and more often than not I work from 4 or 6 p.m.
to 8 p.m.
This
is my routine on every day of the year except for Christmas and even then I’ve
sneaked a look at my e-mails. But I confess that this year, when I went on holiday
with my daughter and her children, writing took the proverbial back seat.
The
point is that an author needs to organise their time. For those with little
time to spare by writing a page a day a non-fiction book or a novel can be
completed, edited and revised within the year.
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