Looking back at 2011

As 2011 draws to a close, I thought I would jot down some of my more notable writing achievements that happened over the year.

Firstly, after two years of procrastinating, I started this blog! I am still finding my way in the new parallel universe that is the blogging world, and have yet to firmly establish what the hell I'm doing here, but I am enjoying it nonetheless. I am going to work on all the points Laura Barnes mentioned in her critique and hopefully have a new and improved blog in 2012. I've changed my background already.

Cheesy Christmas Cheer!

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Blog Critique

Today I am having my blog critiqued by Laura Barnes from Laura B Writer. She does this on a regular basis - so go and check out her blog. I think she said some very nice things about my blog (phew, worried there for a moment) but, of course, also things that need improving. I shall consider and try and implement them. (I have cut out 'negative space' already. And stopped the exclamation points - boy, that feels like I am speaking in a monotone. Ooooh wanted to put one there.)

What do you think? Do you agree with Laura? Anything you would rather see or not see? Any blogging tips or secrets that I am missing?

One of the things she mentioned was not having a regular blog schedule. Now this is a tricky one for me. I can be fairly undisciplined and like to be spontaneous. Plus my everyday life (and now work) make it quite hard to find the time to write a blog on a set timescale. How do you guys do it?

Also, a tagline for myself? Yikes, not sure what that would be (well, anything that could go on a public blog, anyway). Suggestions anyone??

Weirdo at Work!

Ranting and Raving! And Some Music

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Book winners & music for the weekend

New Author Blog Hop 2

New Author Blog Hop & Book Giveaway!

Walking The Dog Wisdom!

A little something for the weekend ... ?

I am going to try and post some music every week. Sometimes I am going to focus on one band, like I did with the Stereophonics and sometimes it might be a few different artists. Today I felt like going country. Yee Haw!

Since I got to California, I have really missed the UK music scene. All the music over here is either regurgitated from the 60's and 70's, mainstream pop, or country music, lots and lots of country music. In the past, I had associated country music with people like Johnny Cash and Dolly Parton. I hadn't realised that there was a whole new genre - young and sexy! (Cor, those cowboys ain't half bad!) So, as the old saying goes, if you can't beat 'em, join 'em!

And wouldn't you know it, after a few weeks of listening I actually started to enjoy it and now I'm proud to admit I'm a new country fan! Yes, I know, my indie rock chicks back home are groaning, covering their faces in despair and disowning me, but a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do!

Ebook to Help Harry Help Others

Rachael and Cat have done it! In double quick time they have collated and produced the above ebook containing all the fabulous stories from the three Campaign challenges. Apparently there are 176 stories from 81 Campaigners. It only costs $2.99 and all the proceeds are being donated to "Help Harry Help Others", which is a fund-raising organisation set up by 11 year old Harry Moseley. Harry sadly died of his inoperable brain tumor last month, but not before single-handedly raising over £85,000 (over $135,000).

Here are the links to purchase:

Amazon (US)

Amazon (UK)

Smashwords

Please share this information with as many people as possible and please, please, please buy this fantastic book. The stories are really great and it would be lovely if we could help carry on Harry's amazing legacy.

Read a book, make a difference!

A New Dawn 11.11.11

A little something for the weekend ... ?

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Introduction to Scribd

Choose Your Own Adventure Blog Hop. Ahoy! Sea Serpent?!

Third Campaign Challenge - BABE

Pay It Forward Blog Hop

Q-Tip Madness!

Choose Your Own Adventure Blog Hop!

Second Campaigner Challenge!

Thank you for making me a winner!

Bloggy Awards

First Campaigner Challenge: Flash Fiction

Tag! You're It!

A Little More About Me And My Life …

Well, where to start!

I was born in England rather more years ago than I care to remember and am the middle child of three daughters. I get on really well with both my sisters and my parents (and current step-parents!) and thought this was completely normal, until friends told me that this was absolutely not the case for most of the western world!

Platform-Building Campaign for Writers

Hello :)

Hi everyone

This is my very first blog entry and about bloody time too! I have been meaning to start one for nearly two years and have been saying mañana, mañana, mañana ... well, here it is! Ta dah! Je m'appelle Claire, as you may have gathered from my blog title and if you are also getting a slight whiff of European, then you are right. I am an Englishwoman living in America. I moved here nearly three years ago and cannot believe how 'special' (and not, as my sister likes to say, 'special needs'!) I am made to feel for having a coveted English accent. I love it out here for many reasons, but being constantly told how great I sound is fab. Plus the weather takes some beating.