Blog Tour

Blog Tour:

A writing friend, Paula Read AKA Champagnewhiskey, tagged me in a blog tour. Paula is a writer and environmentalist, cloud gazer who is located somewhere in France. Her blog is diverse and interesting, of course it is also a great read! Just like Paula, I don’t usually comment on my writing via my blog, although I obviously do write, but lately it hasn’t been as often as is usually normal for me! Anyway, I will endeavour to write about my writing, so thanks for tagging me Paula!

Upon What Are You Working?

I have a habit of skipping from one project to the next. My writing habits match my reading habits actually. Generally I have to be in the mood for whatever it is I read, therefore I often have five or six books I switch between, so to it is the same for my writing!

I have been writing a ‘trilogy’ novel since I was 24, which could be categorised as horroresque, I suppose. I also write short stories, which again have the hint of horror about them, and of course the political press releases and columns I write currently for my work.

How does your work differ from others in the genre?

Well, that I can’t answer! Every writer likes to think they are unique, yet, in reality we are all influenced by what we read and enjoy. I’m not so bold as to claim I’m new and fresh and funky! I haven’t reinvented the wheel here! In my case I know I have a good stock cupboard in my mind, whereby the words and styles of other authors linger as reference points. Authors such as Stephen King, Clive Barker, Ramsey Campbell, M R James, Robert Bloch, James Herbert, Shirley Jackson and so on and so forth, have been part and parcel of my reading and imagination process since I was tiny! I wrote because of these authors, which might seem sacrilegious to you folk out there, but horror was my first love. Horror made me enjoy reading, and writing, well before Charles Dickens or Emily Bronte ever did. Therefore, these horror authors laid the foundations of my writing style.

If I say one thing about my work or style though, I do like to think that I don’t write artificially, I.E, it’s not just regurgitation of other classic horror tales, regardless of the influence they have had upon me! I also like to remember that horror can be horror in any context, it doesn’t have to be some surreal and fantastical plot or circumstance to unnerve. My style/genre is true to me and what I know and feel; it is always my story, told my way.

Why do you write what you write?

Well, either I write short stories or have to live with a running commentary going on in my mind! I write because I hear, visualise and feel my characters. I can be out walking, and will pass someone or someplace, see something, and without warning I’m inspired and a story begins weaving its way into my mind. From this point I think about the characters and I flesh out the plot. In doing this the characters world becomes stuck in my world, so, I have to write it down or face hearing voices! Does that make me crazy?! Probably, but it works to inspire me, and it always makes the story/plot/character more real to me. If I can’t hear my characters speak to me, then I can’t write the story.

How does your writing process work?

Sometimes I finish a writing project straight through to the end, depends on the length of the story really. In the case of my trilogy novel, it has been some years of editing and rewriting, but amazingly, after what could be a year break from writing it, I can pick up the plot and carry on! As I have said, my characters talk to me! They are ghosts intruding in my reality, and they never shut up!

Usually I do a rough draft of a story on my laptop first, which I then edit until I am finally happy with it. I sometimes write in notebooks too. I love the written word, pen to paper, so often I will scribble an idea or even edit something whilst I am taking a flight somewhere (I’m never without one of my precious notebooks and favourite writing pens)!

I write anytime and anyplace, literally. I have woken up at 3 a.m and been struck by an idea, merely from looking out of the window at a car passing by! If an idea buzzes around inside my head, well, I have to write it down regardless of the unGodly hour or how inconvenient it might be. I must confess, I even used to write my stories whilst at work! No one ever knew, and it was a great way to escape the dull working day!

Who am I tagging?

Well, I’m tagging all of you out there. If you feel so inclined to participate in this Blog Tour Q&A’s then just do it! Please let me know though, as I would love to read what you answer! This might be the lazy option, but cut me some slack as I am writing this on my iPad, and you know I think it isn’t the best tech for long winded writing malarkey!

 

Updates!

Yes, well I thought it about time to update everyone, and anyone interested in recent and interesting events.

Things, seemingly, have settled down.

Is this the power of positive thinking at its best? I am inclined to think so!!!

OK, I have, *cough* and drum roll, officially become an English teacher. How the Hell did that happen?! She asks bemused!

I mean I had to be THE most unlucky and hap-hazard teacher in ALL of Madrid. Everyone else had floods of students, and me, well I couldn’t catch a fish if, well, if I fell in the river and, however the saying goes!

 

Yet, with a little ‘networking’; hehe, get me, a little networking, well I never! Seems that International Politics degree did give me some skills to transfer into my life after all! I’m being cynical, it has worked wonders for me so far, honestly.

What makes the work situation better, is that I am calling the shots. This is the great thing about taking on private classes! Oh, but I may have an interview on Friday.  Just thought I’d throw that one in the mix too! It has taken long enough, so I am EXTREMELY happy!

NO jinxing me, please! Remember, what goes around WILL come around.

So, from all of this soon to be teaching, there is money in the bank? Well, not yet, but it will happen! Yipppeeee! So, I can tick one ‘to do’ off my list then? Hoping so!

The social groups are revealing THE most interesting people. ‘Like attracting like’ (rules of attraction); there I go again, blowing my own trumpet, dear me.

I have met so many people who have just been able to open the relevant doors for me. I actually feel, although reticent to say it allowed, blessed.

For once in a long while, I feel my direction is going in a direction! I feel like I am walking on rose petals and not poisoned thorns, a little dramatic I know, but so true.

There is fertile ground, land ahoy, the storm is over – OK, not over, just a temporary reprieve and I am sure it will resume soon enough. So, I err on the side of caution, BUT, maintain a positive outlook!

I have also managed to meet some pretty cool friends too. I have been a bit of a social butterfly recently, and am loving it! Why not, I am young and although not single, I am free (not cheap, merely free).

The volunteering is still going well, I am chief researcher; ta dah! I maybe a real ‘geek’ , but I LOVE research.

Oh, and I am writing for ANOTHER blog, as a guest writer! This is great, as there is a ready made ‘fan base’. I am so unused to lots of people merely just liking my writing without prompt, I could get used to it!!!!

Finally, but not nor ever will it be THE end of it; my Spanish practice. Mas or menos igual; in other words, it is more or less equal to what it was. Though, I am feeling more confident.

Today I have had to speak to people in Spanish via the telephone. What the Hell has happened to me????!!!! Actually speaking on the telephone in a language I have been quite afraid of using!!! Telephone conversations were posing an obstacle for me on the confidence stakes. Yet, I managed it, although, not in a hurry to repeat it.

Oh, but I have found THE best ‘intercambio’ partner though. She is a Spanish teacher, and so nice. I do feel my confidence to increase my communication is on the rise, yes actual conversation, woo hoo! Watch this space people, anything is possible!

 

 

 

 

 

Consider Her Ways

Now I LOVE fashion (or style), always have and no doubt, always will. BUT (and this must be a significant ‘but’ for me to begin a sentence with it); I despise the notion that summer fashion equals everything on show for all to see.

Now before people pull me up on being anything but my usual ‘each to their own’, I have NO issue with individuality, freedom to express yourself and your own fashion tastes. All I ask is why can’t people CONSIDER their ways a little more for the sake of others, who, might struggle to retain their lunch upon viewing such things?

I am sick of sun = flesh equation, because this equation has detracted clothes from ladies considerably over recent years. Especially here, in Madrid.

Now I know how warm it becomes here, I am suffering and the temps aren’t even at their highest yet. I am from the UK, we are lucky to see 24 degrees for a summertime! So, perhaps I am allowing myself to feel shocked at what effects the sun can have upon people’s minds, and how it often causes a lack of clothes to occur.

Anyway, I just call for some public ‘decency’. I really don’t care if anyone feels I am being prudish or whatever else, because I don’t see how walking half naked equates to ‘liberation’ or ‘fashion’.

I ask the men out there; would you like to see the bum cheeks, and goodness knows what else, of fellow men as you go about your daily routines? Half naked men everywhere, all the time? It wouldn’t bother me, but then I am a woman!

Women will pass by with their bum cheeks (et al) on show as you eat. Standing on a packed metro train they pass you by with their bottoms rubbing upon you. After they have sweated upon seats you too will have to then sit upon. HYGIENE PLEASE!!

I mean women wear as little as possible, underwear little. I just wonder what is left to take off and expose?

OR, who ARE THEY exposing themselves too??

If their skirts blow up, and they are wearing teeny tiny thongs they often feel embarrassed, or they yank down their short skirts to keep them from exposing whatever. If a man stares at them they return his stare with a glare as though he is the pervert for looking at their nakedness! So, I am confused!

Do women feel they are dressing with everything on show for men, themselves or could it possibly be for the benefit of other women?

Could it be that any human forced into a ‘pack’ reverts back to archaic psychology – ‘top dog’ attitude, the top of the pecking order? Having to prove to their pack that they are THE ALPHA, THE BEST mating partner?

If it is dressing for themselves then, well, what can I do; but it doesn’t stop me becoming nauseous! Having to walk about and bear witness to the bare really makes me feel a little dirty!

Yes, dirty! I can’t explain it, and this is no doubt my psychological issue as much as theirs, but I see this ‘cave woman’ dress as just something I don’t need nor want to do. Also, I don’t want to see other women’s bits and bobs on display, I really don’t ‘feel’ it!

All I know is that I have always been my own person, and if someone can’t appreciate me fully clothed then I am not interested in them. I don’t need to strip to be accepted, included or validated.

Maybe I am beginning a new revolution; keep your clothes on!

If someone says that wearing little clothes is progress I’ll scream – the Victorians had the Whale bone corset, and we have the dinky, teeny, tiny butt cleavage shorts! Think about it – what has changed?

Oh, and for the record I don’t want to be ‘tan-tastic’ either – I love my paler skin tone – thanks!

Your Turn!

OK I was forwarded this by Brandon Board

I’m not fully sure how this ‘tagging’ has materialised on WordPress, but it is now doing it’s rounds amongst the blogsphere!

Anyway, it looks like it could be a bit of harmless fun so I’m going to do what has been asked with good humour 🙂
I just hope the bloggers I ‘tag’ in turn will be as easy- going about it!

So what is ‘tagging’ –

1. Post the rules.….
2. Post a photo of yourself and eleven random facts about you.
3. Answer the questions given to you in the tagger’s post.
4. Create eleven new questions and tag new people to answer them.
5. Go to their blog/twitter and let them know they have been tagged.

MY PHOTOGRAPH:

Me!

ELEVEN FACTS ABOUT ME:

I love coffee, I like to dance, I enjoying reading a variety of genre (accept romance), I love horror films, I used to be ‘gothic’, I have a degree in Politics, I have worked as a tutor, I once organised a rock concert for a UK charity, I have done an ‘intern-ship’ at a political party,  I used to have a dog called Toby, I was blonde as a child.

MY ELEVEN QUESTIONS SET BY BRANDON BOARD:

1. When you make a cup of tea, do you add the water first or the milk? – I add the water first, the tea diffuses quicker! 

2. Please name at least one ‘guilty secret’ within your CD or music collection. – ‘The Eye Of The Tiger’ Rocky Soundtrack!!!

3. What was the last photograph you took? – Whilst in Parque del Retiro, Madrid (January time) 

4. If you could be anywhere right now, where would it be? – Moscow

5. What’s your favourite meal? – At the moment salads with nuts, feta, mixed green leaves, Brussel sprouts, peeled roasted peppers, tomato frit, warm bread, olives and gherkins. 

6. Do you prefer to cook or prepare it or have someone do that for you? – I like to cook and be cooked for. 

7. If you could perform live with any artist or act (music or otherwise), who would it be? – No One, though I would like to sing in Radio One’s Live Lounge. 

8. How long do you imagine you’ll continue maintaining and using your blog? – Who knows!!!!

9. When you eat an apple, do you also eat the core? – NO, YUCK!

10. Do you believe there is life on other planets? – Probably, its a big universe. 

11. Are you an apostrophe pedant? – Yes, I like to think so anyway!

MY QUESTIONS SET TO THE BLOGGERS I WILL ‘TAG’ :

1. What or who annoys you the most?

2. If your were an animal what would you be?

3. Are you a morning lark or night owl?

4. What has been your biggest fashion faux pas?

6. Do you believe in a God?

7. What are your aspirations for the future?

8. Would you like to be rich?

9. What makes you happiest?

10.  What does life mean to you?

11. If you were stranded on a desert island what one object would you have to have with you?

THE BLOGGERS I AM ‘TAGGING’ ARE:

Julie I Am
En el Jardín de los Elefantes
Green Embers
The Musings Of Lady Gwendolynn
A Student Living With Mental Illness
Truthseeker247
Change My Body, Change My Life
Tuttacronaca

The Clothes Horse

I wanted to add some Fashion flavour into the mix of my blog posts. This post is not going to dictate what is hot and not, what you should wear and go out and immediately buy. I also don’t want to focus on high end, designer or couture, nor do I want to burden you with raving on about vintage. There is nothing wrong with these, or with blogs dedicated to these, but many people don’t have the budget nor do they have access to great vintage stores.

I feel that Fashion is, or at least should be a statement of style reflecting your own individuality, and not only that but your budget, size and shape. Many things deemed to be fashionable are unobtainable by the masses; clothes can be out of their price ranges and also wouldn’t suit them. Fashion isn’t merely dictated or limited by shape and size, or budget though; its imagination. I am not laying down fashion rules here either; I hate such fashions ‘norms’ stating that larger women should wear this and thinner women wear that, NONSENSE! Doesn’t matter on size or shape some items just won’t suit you regardless! You know your shape, you know what works and doesn’t.

I going to aim my focus on what is available from the ‘High Street’, what is cheaper and accessible. I am also encouraging you to SHOP AROUND! The selections of clothing that I have chosen for this post can be purchased online, but these are not the ‘b’ all and end all of what WILL be available locally to you, and also there will be cheaper alternatives! The items included in this post are just IDEAS, a taste of what is out there.

I would suggest that before you go out to shop ALWAYS have the style in mind that you are looking for; think of the item you require. Keep in mind what you already have too; buying into a ‘trend’ for the sake of doing so is a waste of money if you have nothing to compliment it, and again not everything suits everyone! I tend to sketch my Fashion ideas in a little pad, and look for something either specific to that idea or as near as I can find. I ALWAYS search for cheaper too; if something is £40 in River Island, I’ll go and look in H&M, Primark or anywhere else to find something similar if not exactly same thing.

Of course I am not advocating completely ruling out more pricier garments. Buying one good item that will last into the next seasons is an investment, but you will be taking the chance that your choice fits this bill, as fashion does change quickly. Try to avoid overt statement pieces of one particular trend; maybe look at adding a flavour of that trend into your wardrobe, but not the whole nine yards! I have managed to make a few purchases that were pricier than I’d normally be comfortable forking out for, but they have stood the test of time. Of course it is up to you what you choose. I am also not ruling out vintage and second hand stores completely either! If you have them local to you, and you know them well enough, and they are cheap, use them! I know here in Madrid they are my first option. I bought a ‘Coatigan’ last year for 20 euros, opposed to the River Island prices of £70 – £90! Bargain!

Pick the bones outta this one:

OK, let’s talk about the bones; Dogtooth and Herringbones to be precise!

The Dogtooth print is quite the thing this season, yet it is a print that can be hit and miss, even crass to carry off. There are dresses, tops, trousers, jumpers and coats on sale with this print all over them, but choose wisely. It all depends on the right type of the print and the style of the outfit.

My choice for this one is an idea that fits the bill perfectly. I have chosen an over-sized cardigan; over-size being another trend this season. This unfortunately is a vintage item; though as I have already mentioned it is an idea of a style, it is not the only item available in this style. I searched for something I would wear, and this was the one I decided I preferred, plus although it is vintage the price is right too!

This vintage black and red wool mix cardigan is listed on asos.com link below:

https://marketplace.asos.com/listing/cardigans/vtg-black-red-wool-mix-dogtooth-print-cardigan-oversized/538138

Next up, the Herringbone.

I admit I am mixed on very specific and bold print types, especially on coats as they look good now, but again, will they be the ‘thing’ next winter? Admittedly there is more flexibility with fashion currently, as eclectic seems to be the thing, so perhaps these prints will last the test of time!

I am a bit of a coat fanatic; I adore the styles, shapes and tailoring of these garments. I do believe that a coat which is not too ostentatious can be a better bet, again thinking on the long term, especially if you do plan to spend a good portion of money on it!

If it is cheap you want then Primark do have good stocks of pretty decent coats and jackets. The key there is to check the tailoring as it can be hit and miss sometimes; how sharp are the shoulders and how neat are the sleeves, what are the darts like to nip in your waist, what buttons have been used and so on. I have recently seen a version of the ‘River Island army jacket’ on sale in Primark; I will include this later on.

The coat I have selected is from River Island and is a great example of the Herringbone print, and the everlasting ‘boyfriend’ or now over-sized style.

River Island Grey Herringbone Boyfriend Coat, 25% wool, £75.00: link below

http://www.riverisland.com/women/coats–jackets/coats/grey-herringbone-boyfriend-coat-626441

Re-take on River Island Army Jacket:

Primark have taken the army jacket with leather sleeves and re-created their own version. Interesting and uncanny, as after I saw the River Island version I went into Primark searching for such a re-creation to purchase, with no luck! Now, they have graciously accommodated me, thank you Primark for reading my mind! I have no doubt this offering will be half the price of River Island’s version. A possible great buy for the season; leather and army combined!

http://www.primark.co.uk/page.aspx?pointerid=0dea055bcdff4321bb85f635c18f55d2&ptype=snk

Keeping Warm:

Woolly knits are available in a wide variety and range of styles, prints and added with embellishments. Again try to always look for the cheapest alternative. I have recently seen a thick (almost cable) knitted cardigan in Topshop with spike and stud detailing on the shoulders, roughly £48. I think that is over-priced, as there are similar cardigans on sale at the moment in Primark, OK, they are minus the spikes and studs. Now this might seem an issue, but spikes and studs can be purchased on any jewellery item, as this season they are everywhere. Failing that a good jewellery and bead or haberdasheries shop will sell them. If you feel up to it, you can always add the spikes to the cardigan with a needle and thread, or glue gun.

I think that the fine and soft knits with lace panels inserted, are very unusual, although seemingly quite popular too. They do add a certain charm and fashion detail if all else fails.

The cardigan I have selected has a ‘Navaho’ or a rock / 1960’s festival feel; depending on your mood!

It is from H&M, Black Jersey Cardigan with short sleeves, fringes, and no buttons: link below

http://www.hm.com/gb/product/05050?article=05050-A

Now for those cautious of the stud and spike trend, and wanting to avoid an all-out ‘punk’ look. This black studded jumper from oasis, £55, is classic and demure and yet has a little rough edge. Perfect for jeans, leggings or if you are feeling adventurous, leather trousers.

http://www.oasis-stores.com/studded-neck-jumper/knitwear/oasis/fcp-product/3610163901

Trousers:

Talking about leather trousers there are plenty of PU mock leather options available, tight and almost legging like; they seem to be an ideal choice to rock up any outfit. Yet, cheap imitations can often be tacky and nasty. When choosing any fabric that is fake make sure it looks as good as possible next to the real deal. I am aware leather trousers are expensive, so I’m not advocating buying real leather. Just make sure your choice is a good one, and not a waste of your money.

Dr Denim Faux Leather Trousers for £105.86, so good in fact that they are currently out of stock. Shop around ladies; I have seen Warehouse do a version too.

http://www.asos.com/Dr-Denim/Dr-Denim-Faux-Leather-Trousers/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=1423405&cid=2640&sh=0&pge=17&pgesize=20&sort=3&clr=Black

Alternatively, if you want high fashion here is a pic of Mrs Beckham, in a pair of oh so tight leather; OUCH!

Printed Jeans:

I have selected a pair from Topshop, and I do like them. However, I am aware they will not suit everyone’s shape and size. These are a more muted shade and print, not as garish as some prints or colours available. Long line over-sized denim shirts, jumpers or tops could be worn to cover any areas you may feel uncomfortable exposing. However, if you feel up to it I have also included a sheer sleeveless shirt to accompany them, again with the stud detailing.

The jeans are a Moto Laser Print Jamie Jeans, £45.00, in Burgundy: link below

http://www.topshop.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?beginIndex=61&viewAllFlag=&catalogId=33057&storeId=12556&productId=7519147&langId=-1&sort_field=Relevance&categoryId=208527&

The sheer chiffon sleeveless shirt is from Hearts & Bows, £35.27. It has a point collar with spike stud embellishment and button fastening through the front: link below

http://www.asos.com/Hearts-Bows/Hearts-Bows-Stud-Collar-Blouse/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=2556603&cid=2623&sh=0&pge=15&pgesize=20&sort=-1&clr=Khaki

ABOUT HEARTS & BOWS
‘Hearts & Bows reign with their trend-led collections original vintage and vintage inspired pieces, creating a cool, street style inspired grunge-girl. Studded blouses and collar tips add a tough edge to chiffon blouses and mini dresses, layered under oversized Arran knit boyfriend cardigans and ‘90s check shirts. Look out for hi-shine leggings and Hearts & Bows’ signature high waisted rave pants, as skater skirts’.

Skirts:

Now this chiffon over lay skirt looks great with the army jacket and the grunge ‘tee’, but the price seems very steep for what it actually is. Fabric can be purchased and made up into a quick wrap around skirt to mimic this very style, alternatively search cheaper retailers for similar options.

b + ab Chiffon Overlay Skirt is a mind boggling £63.52! Details of the item include; an elasticated, high waist with a short underskirt: link below

http://www.asos.com/BAB/b-ab-Chiffon-Overlay-Skirt/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=2487030&cid=2623&sh=0&pge=15&pgesize=20&sort=-1&clr=Black

ABOUT B+AB
‘Part of Hong Kong’s renowned I.T. fashion group, B+ab take a trend-led approach to their collections, inspired by London’s street style and a vintage girl aesthetic. Military detailing, leather jackets and flashes of colour add a tougher edge to B+ab’s fairy-tale chiffon mini dresses and romantic flowing skirts’.

Leggings:

How many more incarnations can these go through?! Well take a look at these Peacock feather print offering from BamBam.

They are a bold choice no doubt, but look great coupled with the biker jacket in the pic. BamBam Leggings in the Peacock Print are £49.40. They are crafted from a super stretch fabric: link below

http://www.asos.com/Bambam/Bambam-Leggings-in-Peacock-Print/Prod/pgeproduct.aspx?iid=2501047&cid=2623&sh=0&pge=16&pgesize=20&sort=-1&clr=Multi

ABOUT BAMBAM
‘Bold, fun and fresh, Australian label BamBam began in the living room of two Queensland based brothers. Taking an irreverent approach to laidback style with an East coast perspective, BamBam take a grunge aesthetic and run with it; think heavily distressed denim with studs and patchwork, and leggings, bodysuits and bodycon dresses covered in galactic digital prints’.

Hair Accessories:

This River Island bow is an interesting alternative to the traditional hair clip; a grunge, rock or even Gothic look.

It would look fab with going out dresses or even jeans and jumpers.

Black Spike PU Bow Hair Clip, £6.00: link below

http://www.riverisland.com/women/accessories/hair-accessories/Black-spike-PU-bow-hair-clip-627504

If you have any comments on my post, or would like to discuss ideas and make suggestions about the fashion for this season then please do so! I would like to know what you think about Fashion, trends, styling and even the prices of clothes.

Many thanks for reading!

Copy Right Notice:
© Bex Houghagen and The Savvy Senorita, 2012. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Bex Houghagen and The Savvy Senorita with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.