Vanessa Wester's Blog
March 21, 2021
Time for Charity
I guess that my life as a blogger has come to a pretty much complete standstill over the last few years.
Since I still sell some books, and want to keep giving money to charity I decided it was easier to give monthly by direct debit since proceeds are not that much.
So I now donate to UNICEF, British Red Cross, Red Nose Day and the NSPCC from proceeds of my own books.
And I am donating to Diabetes UK, Cancer Relief UK and the British Heart Foundation for the Anthologies.
Every little helps... or so I have heard said!
Hope you are all keeping well.
Vanessa :-)
Since I still sell some books, and want to keep giving money to charity I decided it was easier to give monthly by direct debit since proceeds are not that much.
So I now donate to UNICEF, British Red Cross, Red Nose Day and the NSPCC from proceeds of my own books.
And I am donating to Diabetes UK, Cancer Relief UK and the British Heart Foundation for the Anthologies.
Every little helps... or so I have heard said!
Hope you are all keeping well.
Vanessa :-)
April 15, 2020
Inspirational
This morning I was watching the news and saw the inspirational story of the 99 year old veteran, Tom Moore, walking for the NHS.
"Tom was born and brought up in Keighley, Yorkshire. He went to Keighley Grammar School and later completed an apprenticeship as a Civil Engineer. Tom went onto being enlisted in 8 DWR (145 RAC) at the beginning of the war, and in 1940 was selected for Officer training. He was later posted to 9DWR in India, and served and fought on the Arakan, went to Regiment to Sumatra after the Japanese surrender and returned to be Instructor at Armoured Fighting Vehicle School in Bovington."Watch Tom on the move on YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4V2b25sB9jf33aQlKCO8cQ
I believe his aim was to raise £1000 at first, and as of this moment he has nearly raised £8,000,000
WOW
Truly amazing...
Let's do our bit and give him the best 100 Birthday EVER by getting him to £10 million raised for our amazing NHS!
GO TOM
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/tomswalkforthenhs
Vanessa
"Tom was born and brought up in Keighley, Yorkshire. He went to Keighley Grammar School and later completed an apprenticeship as a Civil Engineer. Tom went onto being enlisted in 8 DWR (145 RAC) at the beginning of the war, and in 1940 was selected for Officer training. He was later posted to 9DWR in India, and served and fought on the Arakan, went to Regiment to Sumatra after the Japanese surrender and returned to be Instructor at Armoured Fighting Vehicle School in Bovington."Watch Tom on the move on YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4V2b25sB9jf33aQlKCO8cQ
I believe his aim was to raise £1000 at first, and as of this moment he has nearly raised £8,000,000
WOW
Truly amazing...
Let's do our bit and give him the best 100 Birthday EVER by getting him to £10 million raised for our amazing NHS!
GO TOM
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/tomswalkforthenhs
Vanessa
April 14, 2020
2020... not sure about this year at all
I realised the other day that the only post from this year was one full of optimism and positive thoughts.
Hmmm... Seems that when 2020 happened none of us knew what the year had in stock.
Solent view from the Isle of Wight, April 2020
I have read many blogs and articles that have commented on the crazy events leading to this point, but no-one could have predicted the Coronavirus pandemic - truly an event I would have thought to read about in a fiction novel, or seen in a disaster movie.
Is anyone else suspended in disbelief, hoping that as Dallas did with Bobby Ewing many years ago, we will all wake up tomorrow and find that it was an extravagant dream? Wouldn't that be amazing?
I keep thinking that now is the time to get back to writing fiction; I have so many ideas swirling in my mind. But, it is actually a great chance to get ahead on my teaching - so as some of you may have realised my time is not spent doing maths not english! But, maybe, just maybe... I can use this time to put ideas together and plan.
The question is what will you do to make your time in lockdown something you can look back on positively?
Personally, I am trying to do the following things:
Doing exercise every day - either a fitness class, walk or cleaning (this really does count)Try to achieve something in the house - clearing a cupboard, baking (and eating - exercise needed definitely), or cooking
Spend time with family - talking, playing games or making a jigsaw puzzleWatch some news (really have to control how much I watch here since it was getting silly)Try to do some work... lots of maths just waiting!Next week, I will be working from home again, so will have to get some lessons planned/ be there for students that need help.
I am also reading a series (on the last book)... so will try to post a review when I am done!So for now, can I wish anyone that reads this good health and all the best during these troubling times.Vanessa
Hmmm... Seems that when 2020 happened none of us knew what the year had in stock.
Solent view from the Isle of Wight, April 2020I have read many blogs and articles that have commented on the crazy events leading to this point, but no-one could have predicted the Coronavirus pandemic - truly an event I would have thought to read about in a fiction novel, or seen in a disaster movie.
Is anyone else suspended in disbelief, hoping that as Dallas did with Bobby Ewing many years ago, we will all wake up tomorrow and find that it was an extravagant dream? Wouldn't that be amazing?
I keep thinking that now is the time to get back to writing fiction; I have so many ideas swirling in my mind. But, it is actually a great chance to get ahead on my teaching - so as some of you may have realised my time is not spent doing maths not english! But, maybe, just maybe... I can use this time to put ideas together and plan.
The question is what will you do to make your time in lockdown something you can look back on positively?
Personally, I am trying to do the following things:
Doing exercise every day - either a fitness class, walk or cleaning (this really does count)Try to achieve something in the house - clearing a cupboard, baking (and eating - exercise needed definitely), or cooking
Spend time with family - talking, playing games or making a jigsaw puzzleWatch some news (really have to control how much I watch here since it was getting silly)Try to do some work... lots of maths just waiting!Next week, I will be working from home again, so will have to get some lessons planned/ be there for students that need help.I am also reading a series (on the last book)... so will try to post a review when I am done!So for now, can I wish anyone that reads this good health and all the best during these troubling times.Vanessa
January 2, 2020
Happy New Year 2020
2020 ... really?
Is it just me or is life just whizzing past, whilst giving me a cheeky face followed by a wink
Is it just me or is life just whizzing past, whilst giving me a cheeky face followed by a wink
May 27, 2018
JOURNEY TO GIBRALTAR ~ Paperback now available
Since my last post... months ago... (I know my blogging is scarce and insignificant at the moment! So sorry) I am pleased to announce that I have reached another milestone.
JOURNEY TO GIBRALTAR now is available as a paperback, with a brand new cover & background.
I have also had two five star reviews and lots of lovely comments from family and friends that have made the time I spent on it so worthwhile. One of the reviews is from a top 500 reviewer... pretty amazed to get that one! Thank you.
My father is busy arranging the official book launch in August (Tuesday 7th for anyone interested). It sounds like it might be a busy event!
I also got featured in a GBC news program in Gibraltar - a pleasant surprise.
Anyway, I am so glad that it has finally come together. The challenge of editing, formatting, cover design, etc, is always HUGE! But, I am a sucker for punishment.
Getting up-to-date with A level work has also been taking its toll on me, but with Summer around the corner you never know... I might actually get back to writing one day!
Thank you for reading & all the best in your endeavours,
Vanessa
JOURNEY TO GIBRALTAR now is available as a paperback, with a brand new cover & background.
I have also had two five star reviews and lots of lovely comments from family and friends that have made the time I spent on it so worthwhile. One of the reviews is from a top 500 reviewer... pretty amazed to get that one! Thank you.
My father is busy arranging the official book launch in August (Tuesday 7th for anyone interested). It sounds like it might be a busy event!
I also got featured in a GBC news program in Gibraltar - a pleasant surprise.
Anyway, I am so glad that it has finally come together. The challenge of editing, formatting, cover design, etc, is always HUGE! But, I am a sucker for punishment.
Getting up-to-date with A level work has also been taking its toll on me, but with Summer around the corner you never know... I might actually get back to writing one day!
Thank you for reading & all the best in your endeavours,
Vanessa
November 4, 2017
Journey to Gibraltar by The Beanland Family
I finally got this book ready! Just in time to celebrate my father's Birthday on the 14th November. Happy Birthday, Dad!I have spent months writing up all of the letters in this edition, and probably started working on it back in 2015! I definitely lost track of time...
The only reason I finally got it done was since this year, 2017, marks 150 years since the arrival of the first Beanlands on the Rock of Gibraltar, and I realised that after doing all the hard work I had to invest the time for the final leg of this journey to include the photos, edit, etc.
I am proud of my past and hope many from the North of England and Gibraltar find the letters left behind by my relatives of interest.
Thank you for taking a look & please share with anyone that might enjoy a window to the past.Vanessa
PRE-ORDER LINK TO AMAZON
The discovery of letters, diaries and a memoir, whilst clearing out the Beanland home in 1997, led to family secrets being revealed, giving us a window into the world of the 19th Century.
Bolton Beanland, born in Colne, Lancashire, leaves a life in the mills at the age of 18 to join the army as a Gunner and through his accounts we find out what it was like to be in service during 1861. Via numerous letters, mentioning events such as the death of the Prince Consort in 1862, during his time in Woolwich, and the conflict in Jamaica in 1865, we discover the life of a soldier during testing circumstances.
His marriage to Emma Saword, in Jamaica, in 1865, and subsequent posting to Gibraltar in 1867 are celebrated, in this publication, by the Beanland family in Gibraltar to mark 150 years since their ancestors' arrival on The Rock.
However, tragic circumstances befall the family and are described by letters written by his wife and brother, Emmett. In addition, Bolton's daughter, Harriett, brings these years to life in a vivid and beautifully written memoir.
Two dairies written by Bolton's youngest son, Charles, also recall life in Gibraltar during 1889 and life in England during 1895, when he visited his relatives in Lancashire and London.
We then get a glimpse of the Second World War in Gibraltar, through the eyes of Albert, the son of Charles, in 1942, and his warm views of his father on his passing in 1851.
Finally, recollections from Bolton's great grandson, Malcolm Beanland.
By meticulously reviving these accounts and the addition of numerous photographs, Malcolm and his daughter, V. J. Beanland, have managed to bring to life family history that would otherwise have been forgotten or lost again in time. Delve into the past and read accounts that were never intended for this world-wide audience.
The only reason I finally got it done was since this year, 2017, marks 150 years since the arrival of the first Beanlands on the Rock of Gibraltar, and I realised that after doing all the hard work I had to invest the time for the final leg of this journey to include the photos, edit, etc.
I am proud of my past and hope many from the North of England and Gibraltar find the letters left behind by my relatives of interest.
Thank you for taking a look & please share with anyone that might enjoy a window to the past.Vanessa
PRE-ORDER LINK TO AMAZON
The discovery of letters, diaries and a memoir, whilst clearing out the Beanland home in 1997, led to family secrets being revealed, giving us a window into the world of the 19th Century.
Bolton Beanland, born in Colne, Lancashire, leaves a life in the mills at the age of 18 to join the army as a Gunner and through his accounts we find out what it was like to be in service during 1861. Via numerous letters, mentioning events such as the death of the Prince Consort in 1862, during his time in Woolwich, and the conflict in Jamaica in 1865, we discover the life of a soldier during testing circumstances.
His marriage to Emma Saword, in Jamaica, in 1865, and subsequent posting to Gibraltar in 1867 are celebrated, in this publication, by the Beanland family in Gibraltar to mark 150 years since their ancestors' arrival on The Rock.
However, tragic circumstances befall the family and are described by letters written by his wife and brother, Emmett. In addition, Bolton's daughter, Harriett, brings these years to life in a vivid and beautifully written memoir.
Two dairies written by Bolton's youngest son, Charles, also recall life in Gibraltar during 1889 and life in England during 1895, when he visited his relatives in Lancashire and London.
We then get a glimpse of the Second World War in Gibraltar, through the eyes of Albert, the son of Charles, in 1942, and his warm views of his father on his passing in 1851.
Finally, recollections from Bolton's great grandson, Malcolm Beanland.
By meticulously reviving these accounts and the addition of numerous photographs, Malcolm and his daughter, V. J. Beanland, have managed to bring to life family history that would otherwise have been forgotten or lost again in time. Delve into the past and read accounts that were never intended for this world-wide audience.
June 6, 2017
Donations to Charity
After a few years, I finally have enough money collected to make some more charity donations from the anthologies I published some years back!
I had a lot of fun finding authors willing to give up their stories, and the hours of editing will hopefully make a difference...
To find out more visit the anthologies page on this site that will direct you to the blogs with all the info!
Vanessa
The charities that have benefited are...
Cancer Research - £10 for ... A FESTIVE FEAST
Diabetes UK - £20 for LOVE IS IN THE AIR
British Heart Foundation - £30 for OUT OF DARKNESS
December 30, 2016
Happy New Year
To all my family and friends...All the best for 2017!Hope 2017 is full of unexpected surprises and smiles.
2016 has flown by for us again and I have to say that my life has changed a lot.
I seem to have lost my "stay-at-home" mum status by going back to "work"... not sure how I feel about that now?!As a mum, I have never stopped working. And becoming a writer there never seemed to be a time when I actually switched off. However, going back to teaching means I have set hours I have to be somewhere, and I have a lot of planning to do in the background.
Structure in life is helpful. Also, being in a "role" give you a sense of belonging. But, for all the writers out there... your work is brilliant and at times totally unappreciated - just like being a mum!So, let's all keep our heads held high in whatever we are doing and take pride in what we achieve.
I hope anyone reading this keeps in touch and sends me books that I must read. I will find the time!
All the best,
Vanessa
December 7, 2016
Back to School... #Writing versus #Maths
My mind is full of numbers at the moment... I have gone back to teaching maths and although I am enjoying it my mind boggles. Words have left and numbers have taken over!
Writing seems like a million miles away and I find it hard to believe that I wrote several books and published them not that long ago.
I am still working on my historical fiction book, but am apprehensive about publishing it until I am completely satisfied that it works. I also need to finish it since I decided not to make it a series.
The truth is that I still hold on to the dream of a publisher... my new book would really benefit from the advice of an agent.
So, my challenge for 2017 is to...
* FINISH IT
* SUBMIT IT TO AGENTS
* FINISH IT...
If all else fails, I will publish it myself... when I finish it!
It seems strange to think that I started this writing journey 7 years ago... and now it feels like nothing more than a dream.
I wonder how other self-published authors have done? Have any, like me, lost heart and decided to go back to the "day-job"?
After being a stay-at-home mum, I lost faith in my ability and hope that by teaching I can help some children to aspire to be more, to want more, and to achieve more than they ever dreamed possible.
It seems that nowadays it is easy to lose heart, to give up, and yet we have so much to smile about.
Happy Christmas to all! Let's think about what we truly consider important next year.
Vanessa
Writing seems like a million miles away and I find it hard to believe that I wrote several books and published them not that long ago.
I am still working on my historical fiction book, but am apprehensive about publishing it until I am completely satisfied that it works. I also need to finish it since I decided not to make it a series.
The truth is that I still hold on to the dream of a publisher... my new book would really benefit from the advice of an agent.
So, my challenge for 2017 is to...
* FINISH IT
* SUBMIT IT TO AGENTS
* FINISH IT...
If all else fails, I will publish it myself... when I finish it!
It seems strange to think that I started this writing journey 7 years ago... and now it feels like nothing more than a dream.
I wonder how other self-published authors have done? Have any, like me, lost heart and decided to go back to the "day-job"?
After being a stay-at-home mum, I lost faith in my ability and hope that by teaching I can help some children to aspire to be more, to want more, and to achieve more than they ever dreamed possible.
It seems that nowadays it is easy to lose heart, to give up, and yet we have so much to smile about.Happy Christmas to all! Let's think about what we truly consider important next year.
Vanessa
November 6, 2016
#BLOG TOUR with @SilverDaggerSxx 3rd Nov - 3rd Dec
I was approached recently asking if I wanted to put my books on a blog tour. Since I recently given up on paid advertising, etc, I agreed to let Silver Dagger feature the books. What do I have to lose after all? I will send a signed paperback and have given copies of my eBooks for free. Time will tell whether it is successful.
What is helpful is if any of you visit the pages and comment - especially those of you who have read my books. So, if you have time, do you mind going to these sites?
Host site - SILVER DAGGER
Tour Dates & Sites...
Nov 3rd- kickoff at the Silver Dagger Scriptorium Nov 4- VampyreLady Nov 7 - The Reading Spot Nov 8 - Romance Reviews Today Blog Nov 10- Don't Judge, Read Nov 14- Cheshire Cat's Looking Glass Nov 15- Lisa Loves Literature Nov 16 - Mel's Shelves Nov 17 - Author's Blog Nov 21st - Travelling Through Pages - review Nov 22 - Mello & June Nov 23 - Rainne's Ramblings -Nov 25 - Bound 2 Escape Nov 30 - Cat's Reviews Dec 1st - Kronicles of Korthlundia Dec 2nd - The Booklandia - reviewThank you for your support. I know that there are many more books out there and appreciate you taking the time to support mine!
Enjoy the rest of your day,
Vanessa
