tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81463813873399823372023-11-15T08:36:12.143-08:00The Accidental GuruHome of the new novel from Laura Essendine - meet the characters; Judi, Paula, Aurora and MelLaura Essendinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04336063075454155969noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8146381387339982337.post-32512939429817939272011-03-13T07:09:00.000-07:002011-03-13T07:41:04.887-07:00Is there life beyond chicklit?At a recent writers' conference I met some very interesting fellow writers, most of them women over the age of 40. Whilst chatting about each other's work, we discovered that we're all writing something similar - that is, upbeat stories for women who are past the first flush of youth.<br /><br />The younger market - 20 to 35 year old - has a wonderful selection of authors to choose from, all producing fun, exciting, hopeful stories that cheer the heart. For women beyond this market, available literature is sparse and, where it exists, often tackles issues like a husband leaving for a younger woman, problem teenagers, decrepit parents or depression over the empty nest. <br /><br />Speaking as a woman of 50+ I find that these novels might reflect a part of women's lives but they mostly leave out the fun, energy and ambition we all still possess. Of my contemporaries, two have recently embarked upon happy new relationships; another has started a successful business; one has achieved promotion that takes her all over the world and another loves the fact that an empty nest gives her and her husband time to travel when holidays are cheaper.<br /><br />A completely different picture to that painted by much contemporary literature. The fabulous Jane Green is one of the few writers that has made the transition from chicklit, aging beautifully with her readership and giving us satisfying, complex stories relevant to women over 40. If she can do it, why can't more authors be given the chance?<br /><br />This is therefore a plea to publishers and agents. There is a HUGE demand out there for upbeat, interesting stories pitched at women who've outgrown chicklit and moved on from finding Mr Right. If you ever receive a manuscript about older women having fun and doing something fulfilling, please give it a chance. Move on from the misery memoirs and celebrity biographies and create a new genre specifically for that massive readership with time on their hands, money in their pockets and very few great books to choose from.<br /><br />If you're a reader or fellow writer, please leave a comment - I'd love to find out if you feel the same.<br /><br />Laura xLaura Essendinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04336063075454155969noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8146381387339982337.post-16343415300473215042011-03-08T11:55:00.000-08:002011-03-08T12:37:27.203-08:00Getting down to some serious workAfter leaving my characters to do all the talking over the past few months, I thought it was about time I said hello and gave you an update on <span style="font-size:130%;"><strong>The Accidental Guru.</strong><br /></span><br />Things are not going well. If prevarication were an Olympic sport, I'd be captain of the England team and on for a gold medal in 2012. The first draft of <strong>The Accidental Guru </strong>is finished and parts of it are just luscious (even though I do say so myself). However, it's also huge, more War & Peace than women's fiction, and the re-writes are taking for ever because Twitter is such a terrible distraction.<br /><br />I love my tweeps - they're so funny and endlessly fascinating - but by the time I've checked their blog posts, the publishers' new releases and seen photos of the ladies' new shoes, the morning's gone and I've wasted hours. Every single day.<br /><br />If 2,000 tweets average out at 20 words each, this adds up to a 40,000 word novella, written in bursts of 140 characters. When put like that, it brings into very sharp focus the amount of time I've spent away from my work in progress since joining Twitter.<br /><br />Therefore, as well as chocolate, I'm giving up Twitter for Lent. When I took a year out to study recently, I didn't log on once and ended up earning an MA with a distinction. This time around, I'll settle for some brilliant edits and a novel of distinction ready to submit to agents.<br /><br />I'd still love to hear from people though so please leave me a comment here or let me know how you're getting on by email. I can be found at <strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Laura (dot) Essendine (at) gmail.com.</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;"></span></strong><br />Wish me luck. Lots of Love - Laura x xLaura Essendinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04336063075454155969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8146381387339982337.post-76052772106219863132011-02-28T01:48:00.000-08:002011-02-28T02:03:20.354-08:00Colin, we love youAurora Sheridan, actress and radio presenter, is beside herself with excitement over Colin Firth's Oscar win last night. She hosted a drinks party so Paula, Mel and I could watch the results with her and we had a great time sitting up until the early hours drinking champagne and bitching about the dresses.<br /><br />As you might imagine, Aurora peppered the commentary with many theatrical anecdotes of her own - most of which were highly questionable, if not downright slanderous. She's currently working on her memoirs entitled <em>My Life In The Spotlight</em> which, to be frank, makes her appearance in a yoghurt commercial sound like an Oscar-nominated role. Never one to live life with a matte finish, she gives everything her own special gloss. <br /><br />One thing you have to say about Aurora Sheridan, she's never been short of self-esteem.<br /><br />Knowing that we'd be feeling tender today, we all stayed over in Aurora's penthouse apartment and took the day off work. Paula's done us proud with home-made muffins for breakfast whilst Mel is throwing back the black coffee like nobody's business.<br /><br />May I therefore ask you to raise your own glass of orange juice to His Royal Highness Colin Firth, who's come a very long way since that wet shirt. God save the King!<br /><br />Love Judi xxxLaura Essendinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04336063075454155969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8146381387339982337.post-27411254533910447462011-01-22T12:47:00.000-08:002011-01-22T14:37:19.889-08:00If it ain't broke...says AuroraHello fans,<br /><br />Laura phoned me just before Christmas. "Aurora," she said, "I'm asking each of you to blog your new year's resolutions. I want you to let my readers know what you'd like to change about yourself in 2011".<br /><br />And there lies the problem. I don't want to brag, but there's nothing about me that <em>needs</em> altering. I mean...I'm in great shape, I watch what I eat, buy premium beauty products and would never leave the house without make up. I'm confident, sexy, successful and have a high profile career, not to mention a great pair of boobs.<br /><br />The arts programme I host on BBC Radio Sherwood Forest brings me to the attention of a wider public and I'm in constant demand for public appearances and endorsements. Wherever I go, there's a fan there with an autograph book, grateful that I'm able to shine a bit of glamour into their otherwise dull lives.<br /><br />So as you see, there's absolutely nothing about me that <em>needs</em> altering, which is why I'm so late blogging about my plans for self-improvement during 2011. Therefore, I'm going to keep on doing what I'm doing because, if it ain't broke...<br /><br />Lots of love and kisses, Aurora Sheridan x x xLaura Essendinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04336063075454155969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8146381387339982337.post-66131700526891653082011-01-13T14:57:00.000-08:002011-02-01T04:47:15.889-08:00The Artist Formerly Known as...Laura's asked me to blog my new year's resolutions so here goes. I've decided that this year is going to be a little bit special. I've decided to say goodbye to the old Paula Lawrence and make room for a new Paula.<br /><br />After Mum died I hit an all time low and it made me ask myself whether I wanted to spend all my time doing things for other people. Until then, my life had been full of charity work and supporting my husband, Dennis, in his career. But I thought that wanting time to myself made me incredibly selfish. My daughter, Avril, soon put me straight! She told me it was about time I started "carving out my own space" and that I shouldn't feel guilty about pursuing my own interests, even if it does leave Dennis to fend for himself occasionally.<br /><br />As Dennis has been less than supportive over Mum's death, I decided to take Avril at her word. I've therefore resolved to take up painting again. I did very well in my fine art degree and even won a scholarship to study in New York. But Dennis's career was just taking off and he didn't want us to jeopardise this, so I turned my place down. I won't say I've regretted it exactly, but I have often wondered what it would have been like to spend a year in New York, living and breathing painting every day.<br /><br />So, I'm changing that in 2011. This is the year when the artist formerly known as Paula Lawrence picks up her brushes again. You can read all about the consequences of this in <em>The Accidental Guru, </em>hopefully coming soon.<br /><br />Best wishes and good luck with your own resolutions, PaulaLaura Essendinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04336063075454155969noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8146381387339982337.post-38918770599136693482011-01-07T02:51:00.000-08:002011-01-07T03:17:15.866-08:00Judi's New Year Resolutions<p>I begin every new year with the determination to :-</p><ol><li>lose two stone in weight</li><li>take up jogging (and stick to it)</li><li>read War and Peace</li><li>become fluent in Spanish</li><li>be more efficient over housework/ replying to school letters/ buying milk</li><li>redecorate the lounge</li></ol><p>Sadly, none of these has worked over the past decade so I'm scaling down my ambitions and aiming simply to achieve on a smaller scale.</p><p>In my alter ego as motivational guru I'd be warning you against making unrealistic resolutions because you're setting yourself up to fail by the end of January. Instead, make smaller goals, aim lower, then build on your success to achieve more. Instead of War and Peace, go for an easy read but read every day. Rather than take up jogging, go for a brisk walk every Sunday morning holding hands with your husband/ partner/ significant other. If you want to redecorate, pick up some paint charts and home decorating magazines to inspire you</p><p>But in real life, things rarely work out that way. I can't tell you how many tester pots are on the wall behind the bookcase and how many home magazines clutter up my shelves. I've turned procrastination into an artform and, if time wasting were an olympic sport, I could captain England. Therefore, my resolutions for 2011 are:-</p><ol><li>To seize every minute and enjoy it</li><li>To spend at least half an hour every day in self improvement </li><li>To stop checking my Twitter profile every two minutes and do some work</li><li>To take my lovely husband out to dinner once a week </li><li>And finally, to pay my daughters to paint the lounge.</li></ol><p>Sorted!</p><p>Love Judi xxx</p><p></p>Laura Essendinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04336063075454155969noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8146381387339982337.post-22143425105008943512010-12-28T07:17:00.001-08:002011-01-22T14:33:21.133-08:00Mel's New Year's ResolutionsHi,<br /><br />Laura's asked us all to write down our resolutions for 2011 as a way of making us stick to them. I came up with mine in no time at all - I make the same one every year so you can guess how bad I am at keeping it!<br /><br />I'm giving up smoking in 2011 and, <em>this time</em>, I really mean it. I only started ten years ago, to calm my nerves when the taxman was banging on the door for the VAT and the building society was getting tetchy about missed mortgage repayments.<br /><br />Lester's always smoked and, to a fifteen year old school girl, it gave him an air of sophistication and glamour. However, I see now that it didn't give him panache - only fag ash. We lived with Lester's parents when we were first married and it was like being in the house with the Battersea power station chimneys. Tony was newly born so I spent every waking minute out of the house to give him some fresh air. Hours and hours I walked around Nottingham, rain or shine, trying to escape the smoke and Lester's witch of a mother. One winter's day, I walked all the way across town and didn't have the bus fare back so I sat down in a park shelter and cried my eyes out.<br /><br />I'll be telling you the whole story about this, and my life with Lester, in <em>The Accidental Guru</em>. Although I've known Paula, Aurora and Judi for over twenty years, parts of my story came as a complete surprise but mine wasn't the only secret. To find out who else was hiding from the past, keep your eyes open for <em>The Accidental Guru's</em> launch in the new year.<br /><br />Good luck with giving up your own vices!<br /><br />Love, Mel xLaura Essendinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04336063075454155969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8146381387339982337.post-40154120587584397452010-12-23T06:18:00.001-08:002010-12-23T06:29:24.259-08:00Quickly falling behindSo how are the Christmas preparations coming along for you this year? If you're anything like me, you're disorganised, behind with everything and haven't wrapped any presents yet.<br /><br />Sadly, delivery companies have missed the boat too and half of my orders haven't arrived - note to self, order before 20th December next year.<br /><br />As a "motivational guru for the menopause generation" (according to the <em>Robin Hood Review,</em> our local newspaper<em>)</em> I should know better and will be building Christmas time management into one of my future courses. Heaven only knows where the time goes during December!<br /><br />The only thing I am organised with is Christmas cards which all went out weeks ago, thanks to lovely Paula. She invited me, Aurora and Mel to her house for a girls' night in during November and, after a wonderful winter supper, we wrote all of our cards. Sadly our writing deteriorated as we worked our way through our address books and wine bottles. Therefore, there's no guarantee that Alan and Mary Youngs' card arrived but the thought was there.<br /><br />Dashing out now to buy a turkey crown (you can't beat Marks) and I'm praying someone, somewhere has some sprouts left.<br /><br />Good luck with the rest of your preparations and have a lovely Christmas.<br /><br />Judi xxxLaura Essendinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04336063075454155969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8146381387339982337.post-60760273878730354792010-12-15T07:17:00.000-08:002010-12-15T07:34:22.829-08:00Don't mention the snowThis will be a weather-free post - guaranteed.<br /><br />I thought you might like to find out how I became the Accidental Guru of the book's title. Believe it or not, it was all as the result of a bet with Aurora. When am I ever going to learn?<br /><br />We'd been to see a Brogan McKendrick, a world famous motivational speaker up in London - you know the type; all cosmetic dentistry and soundbites. I'd gone along for the shopping and the free meals but Aurora took it all very seriously and bought all his books, DVDs and motivational messages. Reach for the stars, live the dream and all other such platitudes.<br /><br />Anyway, I accused Aurora of wasting her money when a monkey with a pencil could turn out something equally as profound as Brogan McKendrick's drivel and she dared me to do something better if I could. Stupidly, I rose to the bait. Before I knew it, she'd booked a venue and announced on her radio show the date for my first motivational talk.<br /><br />What the talk was about and how it went is another story - one which can be found in <em>The Accidental Guru </em>which is coming soon. Why not follow the blog for further gossip and updates?<br /><br />Speak again soon,<br /><br />Judi xxLaura Essendinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04336063075454155969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8146381387339982337.post-48392948523824373482010-12-09T06:03:00.001-08:002010-12-09T06:14:55.892-08:00Hello againAs it's been so long since you first met "The Gang" I thought it would be a good idea to re-introduce you to the stars of THE ACCIDENTAL GURU, the forthcoming novel from Laura Essendine - funny, heart-breaking, romantic and restoring your faith in friendship. A book to snuggle up with and wallow in.<br /><br />Judi, Aurora, Mel and Paula have been friends for over twenty years; supporting each other from ante-natal classes to university applications. Until their lives change irrevocably over six months.<br /><br /><strong>Paula </strong>– perfect housekeeper and pillar of the community who's thrown into emotional and domestic chaos by the death of her mother and the reappearance of Charles Waddington.<br /><br /><strong>Mel </strong>– whose three children undergo tests for a fatal, genetic condition but only she appreciates the devastation the results will bring.<br /><br /><strong>Aurora </strong>– failed actress, radio presenter and self-proclaimed sex-goddess who refuses to relinquish either her youth, or her hold on a succession of toy-boys, until a young American forces her to expose a past that she’d buried long ago.<br /><br /><strong>Judi</strong> – who'd abandoned her dreams to travel and write when she fell pregnant at university. Twenty-five years and four children later, she unwittingly becomes a motivational guru for <em>The Menopause Generation.</em> The media attention and book advance turn her dreams into reality but success is marred by Aurora’s jealousy and increasing alienation.<br /><br />Is it possible to turn your past into your future and, if you do, will it be everything you’d hoped for, or the one thing you were always afraid of?<br /><br />Why not sign up for regular updates on the girls themselves and the progress of the novel?<br />Join them for the six months that will change their lives for ever.<br /><br />I'd love to hear from you so Tweet me on <strong><span style="color:#c0c0c0;">@bookslimited. </span></strong>Laura Essendinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04336063075454155969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8146381387339982337.post-20957879327211635192010-12-04T06:32:00.000-08:002010-12-04T06:39:32.043-08:00Really going to finish it this time!I know, I know.<br /><br />You've heard it all before<br /><br />But this time I definitely mean that I'm going to finish <em>The Accidental Guru</em>.<br /><br />I've taken a year out to study (very hard) for a degree and this hasn't left any time for writing (or sleep, come to that). As a result, I'm just getting to the revision stage on my first draft, am filling in plot holes and generally making <em>The Accidental Guru</em> a much more exciting read.<br /><br />I can't tell you how much I've missed chatting with Judi, Aurora, Paula and Mel and will be bringing you updates again very soon.<br /><br />Sorry it's been so long.<br /><br />Laura X<br /><br /><strong><span style="font-size:130%;">Don't forget to follow me on Twitter <span style="color:#33ffff;">@bookslimited</span></span></strong>Laura Essendinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04336063075454155969noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8146381387339982337.post-70532789006283312162009-08-20T08:11:00.000-07:002009-08-20T08:17:56.464-07:00Thanks for waitingYou're such a patient lot out there but, never fear, the first draft is finally finished and I'm moving on to rewrites.<br /><br />Therefore, I'm giving Mel, Aurora, Paula and Judi a well earned rest before I plunge them into the story second time around. Luckily, it's easy to see where the cuts need to be made and I'm really pleased with the way that the manuscript is shaping up.<br /><br />So no one gets confused between edits, I'm pulling down the free sample chapters from Authonomy and Lulu for the time being. However, don't feel you've missed your chance to comment and contribute. If you email me I'll happily send you a PDF of the first chapter in its raw version. I've taken on board all the comments I've received so far and will be making a number of changes so every email I receive is like gold-dust to me.<br /><br />laura (dot) essendine (at) gmail (dot) com<br /><br />Looking forward to hearing from you and, if you are on Twitter, why not give me a tweet?<br /><br />Laura @bookslimitedLaura Essendinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04336063075454155969noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8146381387339982337.post-37944260166939754312009-07-17T05:24:00.000-07:002009-07-17T05:25:21.616-07:00A quick updateWhilst the weather outside is the wrong side of awful, storm clouds are brewing as Laura finally brings our story to a close. I obviously know how it's all going to end but I've sneeked a peak and the final chapters are packed full of suprises, tears and fun.<br /><br />In the penulitimate chapter, Mel's son's disappeared and isn't answering his phone. Aurora is just packing her suitcase for a weekend in London where she has some auditions lined up but she ends up in a role she never anticipated. Meanwhile, Paula is in for a shock that turns her life upside down and from which there's no going back.<br /><br />And as for me, I'm off up to London too (although Aurora doesn't know yet) and I'm about to receive some very good news indeed. Finally I can pay back Neil in a five star way.<br /><br />So hang on for just a while longer (I know I've been saying this for ages) but the light is at the end of the tunnel. For at least one of us, that light is an oncoming train. Life for all of us is going to be very topsy turvy before it eventually calms down<br /><br />Judi xxxLaura Essendinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04336063075454155969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8146381387339982337.post-63802696738839929752009-06-17T01:00:00.000-07:002009-06-17T01:10:55.315-07:00Time for a moanLaura probably won't thank me for using this blog to talk about Paula's husband, Dennis, but something just has to be said!<br /><br />He's giving Paula such a hard time about going back to work full time when anyone can see how much she's enjoying it. She's blossomed since joining the gallery, and she's wonderful at her job, but all Dennis does in moan about the dusting not being up to standard and his suits being stuck at the dry cleaners.<br /><br />Quite frankly, I don't know how she puts up with him. He's stuffy, opinionated and my Neil says he could bore for England. The other husbands dread getting together with him whenever Paula invites us round for one of her famous barbecues. I think Paula's a saint because I would have told Dennis a few home truths by now, had he been my husband.<br /><br />The real issue is, he's madly jealous about Paula working with the absolutely gorgeous Charles Waddington (think George Clooney on a good hair day) but the way Dennis is carrying on, it's enough to drive Paula straight into Charles's arms. <br /><br />Whether she ends up there is all part of the story so you'll have to read <strong>The Accidental Guru</strong> to find out. Should be with you very soon. But read the first two chapters for free as a starter.<br /><br />Off to Sainsburys now, followed by a trip to the waste dump with the garden rubbish. I tell you, the life of a motivational guru is all glamour!<br /><br />Speak soon, Judi xxxLaura Essendinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04336063075454155969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8146381387339982337.post-90462315089141304792009-05-31T12:53:00.000-07:002009-05-31T13:30:17.673-07:00Britain's Got Talent - but not where I wasWhilst the whole world was glued to the Britain's Got Talent final last night I was unfortunately the celebrity judge at Whitwell Bottom's very own version of the competition. Myself, the parish clerk and the vicar sat through round after endless round of home-grown (lack of) talent in the hope of finding someone good enough to be branded mediocre.<br /><br />Instead of listening to the dreamy, saxy tones of Julian Smith or watching Diversity and Flawless strut their stuff, we were treated to Wilf And His Performing Ferrets, the local ballet school's interpretation of Swan Lake performed in wellington boots and endless renditions of Let Me Entertain You (but no one did).<br /><br />The piano playing of Kylie Marshall won the night - not because of her perfect recital of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star (because it wasn't) but because she's the 7 year old daughter of the local builder and repairs are needed on the village hall.<br /><br />I looked stunning in my new red dress, very similar to the one Amanda Holden wore on BGT. However, Whitwell Bottom's village hall is incredibly draughty (one of many problems they want the builder to fix) so I had more goose pimples than a plucked chicken by the end of the night.<br /><br />It would have been all right if I'd had a Simon Cowell on the panel with me but the vicar is to charisma what Cornish pasties are to low-calorie snacks. And the parish clerk was more Piers Plowman than Piers Morgan as he was a farmer and had just been muck-spreading by the smell of him.<br /><br />Still, nights like these are the price one pays for being in the spotlight and I hate to say no to my public. Whilst an actress's life might look all glamour I can tell you that sometimes, you can't beat a night on the sofa with a glass of wine!<br /><br />Lots of love, Aurora xxxLaura Essendinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04336063075454155969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8146381387339982337.post-29821031365547686702009-05-21T05:56:00.001-07:002009-05-21T06:01:28.204-07:00Twittering onI've finally joined the Twitter Generation and registered as Bookslimited/ Laura Essendine. If anyone out there would like to give me a tweet, I'd love to hear from you, particularly if you're a writer too or if you have comments on The Accidental Guru.<br /><br />I've also opened a profile on <a href="http://www.redroom.com/">The Red Room </a>and hope to be uploading work there too for critique and to connect with other writers.<br /><br />I became a follower of The Red Room on Twitter and was delighted to see myself billed as the 900th follower which got me a couple of mentions and a link to my Red Room page.<br /><br />If anyone else would like to connect, I'd love to hear from you. And keep your comments on The Accidental Guru coming. They're so helpful.<br /><br />Laura xxLaura Essendinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04336063075454155969noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8146381387339982337.post-62172300598269350132009-05-16T08:29:00.000-07:002009-05-16T08:43:33.433-07:00Worshop successOn Saturday I did my first full day workshop for women of a certain age. To say it was a success would be an understatement. We held it in a posh hotel in Nottingham, took over two conference rooms and could have sold twice the amount of tickets. I hate to sound big-headed but they <strong>loved</strong> me.<br /><br />My lectures went down a storm, particularly the one inspired by Aurora - <em>Allure is a state of mind and not a state of undress</em>. She gave me lots of ideas for this one but you know what she's like. I had to tone it down a bit otherwise the censor would have closed me down! They gave me a standing ovation at the end. I tell you, I nearly cried.<br /><br />Who would have thought six months ago that I'd have been here doing this. How much has changed in so short a time. Hopefully, Laura will be telling you our whole story soon.<br /><br />Chat again in the very near future.<br /><br />Judi xxx<br />(motivational guru for the menopause generation - it's official!!!)<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The first chapter of THE ACCIDENTAL GURU is available for free on </span><a href="http://www.lulu.com/"><span style="font-size:85%;">www.lulu.com</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> or email Laura and she'll send you a copy. If you want more, two chapters can be found for free on </span><a href="http://www.authonomy.com/"><span style="font-size:85%;">www.authonomy.com</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">. We'd all love to hear what you think.</span>Laura Essendinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04336063075454155969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8146381387339982337.post-504037918465453002009-04-18T14:45:00.000-07:002009-04-18T14:58:28.990-07:00Another recipe from PaulaI can't tell you how complicated my life is at the moment. Laura's doing her best to get it all down on paper as quickly as she can so I don't want to give anything away here.<br /><br />However, my mind has recently been taken off my own problems by Mel's revelations. We're all rallying round her because she needs all the help and support we can give her at this very difficult time. But even close friends can only do so much - sometimes, things just have to run their course whilst we stand by with a safety net.<br /><br />Therefore, as I always turn to cooking when I'm stressed, I thought I'd share one of my quick and easy recipes that's great for a family dinner and can be left to do its own thing - Ham and Leek Cheesy Bake<br /><br /><ul><li>allow one to two leeks per person. Clean and cut into 2 inch lengths. Put in an ovenproof dish.</li><li>chop a packet of honey roast ham and add to the leeks.</li><li>Make a cheese sauce - you can't go wrong with Delia - and pour over the leeks. Stir to mix well</li><li>put on a lid and bake at 180/Gas mark 6 for around an hour. </li><li>Great with baked potatoes so put these in at the same time and, when the potatoes are done, the leek bake will be ready too.</li><li>You can prepare the day before or even cook and reheat.</li></ul><p>Check back soon for further updates.</p><p>Love, Paula</p>Laura Essendinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04336063075454155969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8146381387339982337.post-11245900193003202662009-04-08T23:51:00.000-07:002009-04-09T00:07:02.042-07:00My secret's outHi, it's Mel again.<br /><br />Last night I met the girls at Judi's house and told them everything. It's such a relief to have it all out in the open after keeping secrets for so many years. I didn't really know where to start, there was so much to tell and so much I'd kept hidden.<br /><br />I'd worried about the girls' reaction - I wasn't exactly blameless after all - but they were all wonderful to me, particularly Paula. They were all so supportive and I count myself very lucky to have such true friends.<br /><br />There were tears, of course. The girls were all very upset to think that I'd been carrying this secret alone for so long. They're also very worried about me and for what comes next, and offered to be with me when I break it to Lester and the children.<br /><br />But even when you have the best friends in the world, there are some things you need to do alone.<br /><br />Mel xxx<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">You can meet the characters and read the beginning of their story in a free download of the first chapter of <a href="http://www.lulu.com/content/4787924"><strong>The Accidental Guru.</strong> </a>Or read more and leave critique at <strong><a href="http://www.authonomy.com/">Authonomy</a></strong>. If you want to contact Laura you can find her on Facebook or email her at <span style="color:#ffffff;"><strong>laura (dot) </strong></span><a href="mailto:at@gmail"><span style="color:#ffffff;"><strong>essendine(at)gmail</strong></span></a><span style="color:#ffffff;"><strong> (dot) com</strong></span></span>Laura Essendinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04336063075454155969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8146381387339982337.post-68160672640433136452009-03-10T06:17:00.000-07:002009-03-14T06:37:09.311-07:00Two chapters posted on AuthonomyI've finally worked out how to post the early chapters of The Accidental Guru to <a href="http://authonomy.com/Profile.aspx?userid=3d32e9d9-5cc8-4662-a7c5-dfe615333e2b">Authonomy.</a><br /><br />Why not follow the link and pop across there right now to take a look at this extended preview? You don't need to be an author and you don't need to join Authonomy to see the book.<br /><br />However, if you want to comment or post to the forum, you'll need to log in. There are lots of great, unpublished books up there to read for free and thoughtful critique is always welcome.<br /><br />If you cast your vote, it'll push The Accidental Guru up the rankings and give it a much greater chance of being read by the editors at Harper Collins.<br /><br />If you've already downloaded and enjoyed The Accidental Guru, look out for me on Facebook or email me direct with your comments at laura dot essendine at gmail dot com.<br /><br />Looking forward to hearing from you. Laura Essendine xxLaura Essendinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04336063075454155969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8146381387339982337.post-35892713318066707522009-03-06T05:31:00.000-08:002009-03-06T05:35:06.556-08:00Read even more for freeI'm currently trying to upload two chapters of The Accidental Guru to Authonomy, the Harper Collins site for aspiring authors. Fellow members read and critique the work and, with luck, the manuscript is picked up by Harper Collins themselves.<br /><br />Or that's the theory. At present the upload form won't work and I'm waiting to hear back from the Authonomy technical team.<br /><br />I'll let you know when the chapters are available and for those of you who've read it already, don't forget to send me your comments. Thanks to those who've written in so far.<br /><br />Laura xxxLaura Essendinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04336063075454155969noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8146381387339982337.post-3228291335266417302009-02-22T14:38:00.000-08:002009-02-22T15:00:28.474-08:00A few motivational thoughts from JudiLaura's asked me to say a bit more about my motivational speaking without giving too much away.<br /><br />Aurora and I saw an American motivational speaker called Brogan McKendrick - reach for the stars, hold the dream, to infinity and beyond, etc. She was completely taken in by him but I thought he was toe-curlingly insincere and utter tosh.<br /><br />When Aurora tricked me into my first motivational lecture I was prepared to do a complete spoof but then I decided to teach her a lesson. I came up with some thoughts aimed <em>at women of a certain age</em> opening with,<br /><br /><em>It is a truth universally acknowledged that any woman in possession of a family must be in want of an identity...</em><br /><em></em><br />No sooner were the words out of my mouth than the crowd were on their feet, cheering and clapping. From then on, this whole thing has had a life of its own. My husband, Neil, and I have been swept along on this unexpected turn our lives have taken, although sometimes it's a mixed blessing.<br /><br />Laura's about two-thirds of the way through writing up our story so, fingers crossed, it won't be long now. Read the first chapter for free at <a href="http://www.lulu.com/content/4787924">Lulu.com </a>and email Laura with your thoughts.<br /><br />I'll post some more thoughts soon. I call them <em>pearls of wisdom</em> but Neil says they're often more like rabbit droppings. Cheek! If I get any more famous I'll swap him for a newer model.<br /><br />Lots of love, Judi xxLaura Essendinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04336063075454155969noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8146381387339982337.post-5500444550008469252009-01-28T01:14:00.000-08:002009-01-28T01:28:45.081-08:00Paula's Polish CakeThis is a recipe given to me by my mother-in-law and it never fails to please! I don't know whether this is pronounced Polish (as in the nationality) or polish (as in polished-off). My advice is to double the quantities given here as it disappears far too quickly.<br /><br />100g margarine<br />2 dessert spoons golden syrup<br />1 dessert spoon sugar<br />2 dessert spoons cocoa<br />100g chocolate<br />200g digestive biscuits<br /><br />Put all ingredients, except for the biscuits, into a large saucepan and melt together over a gentle heat.<br /><br />Tip the biscuits into a sturdy plastic bag and roughly crush with a rolling pin, leaving large and small pieces.<br /><br />Stir the broken biscuits into the chocolate mixture then pour into a greased tin. Leave to set in the refridgerator. Cut into small squares to serve.<br /><br />Delicious but utterly fatal for the waistline! Check back soon for more recipes.<br /><br />Paula xxx<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">If you'd like something delicious that doesn't endanger your waistline, why not download the first chapter of The Accidental Guru for free <a href="http://www.lulu.com/content/4787924">right here</a>. And don't forget to email Laura, the author. She'd love to hear from you and she always passes on your messages.</span>Laura Essendinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04336063075454155969noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8146381387339982337.post-59295586251310664282009-01-14T14:27:00.000-08:002009-01-14T15:55:13.981-08:00Ciao from AuroraGosh, where do I start? I had trouble fitting my life into my memoirs (<em>My Life In The Spotlight</em>, available soon at all good bookstores) so how can I do it in a blog?<br /><br />I'm Aurora Sheldon and an actress at heart, although Judi calls me a drama queen. I've appeared alongside all the famous names and in all the top series on TV. You maybe saw my portrayal of an adulterous florist in <em>Midsomer Murders </em><em>- </em>the director told me I died a complete death on camera. I've added this compliment to my CV!<br /><br />My theatrical background made me the perfect choice to present a daily arts programme on Radio Sherwood Forest here in Nottingham. It's full of reviews, interviews and lots of delicious gossip from the world of stage and screen. It gives me access to all the red carpet events in the area and, if Nottingham has a <em>glitterati,</em> I'm certainly part of it.<br /><br />Of course, with such a successful career, I didn't have time for a home and family and have followed my own star, so to speak. I'm currently dating Brett, a 22 year old lighting technician and I'd be the first to admit that he isn't the brightest bulb in the chandelier. He may have been at the back of the queue when they were handing out brains but this is more than made up for with seductive eyes, staying power and a bum to die for. Our relationship is a little like being marooned in the German speaking part of Switzerland - you can't have a meaningful conversation but there's all that beautiful scenery to to drool over.<br /><br />OK. OK. Judi's giving me the wind-up signal. So I'll just tell you that my part of the story in <a href="http://www.lulu.com/content/4787924">The Accidental Guru </a>is a roller coaster of excitement that makes your average bonk-buster sound tame. Stay tuned for further updates and, hopefully, you'll hear all our stories very soon.<br /><br />Ciao for now. Aurora xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx<br /><br />Why not download the first chapter for free <a href="http://www.lulu.com/content/4787924">right here?</a>Laura Essendinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04336063075454155969noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8146381387339982337.post-46937453633430422572008-12-07T08:25:00.000-08:002008-12-07T08:45:56.945-08:00Hi. I'm MelAnyone who knows me will say that I'll tell my life story to someone at a bus stop. But when someone asks you to introduce yourself.... <br /><br />So here goes.<br /><br />I'm ten years younger than the rest of the <em>Gang</em> and met them at the ante natal group. I was only fifteen when I fell pregnant and the rest of the girls were so kind to me - they sort of adopted me and have been mother hens ever since. I love all three of them like sisters.<br /><br />So, whilst everyone was taking their GCSEs I was a new mum and getting ready to marry Lester Harper, my baby's father. Lester was only 21 himself at the time with little or no prospects. Sad to say, he fulfilled this early lack of promise! He's now a jobbing builder and our eldest, Tony, works with him (or, in Lester's case, avoids work wherever possible). <br /><br />My daughter is 16 and a very clever girl - I can't believe I was pregnant at her age - she seems so young. I also have another son, John, who's 20 and has a lovely kind heart. There was no money for college so he's taking an environmental sciences degree with the Open University. All this studying has set me thinking that I ought to return to school to get some sort of education - I don't want to spend the rest of my life slicing bacon!!<br /><br />My share of the story in <a href="http://www.lulu.com/content/4787924"><span style="color:#33cc00;">The Accidental Guru</span> </a>is a particularly difficult one and I couldn't have got through it without my <em>sister friends</em>, Judi, Paula and Aurora. Why not <a href="http://www.lulu.com/content/4787924">download the first chapter for free </a>and see how it all started.<br /><br />I hear Aurora's introducing herself next. Hold on to your hats!<br /><br />Love Mel xxxLaura Essendinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04336063075454155969noreply@blogger.com4