Blog
Books are my bag
Maureen Urquhart lives in Blairgowrie and volunteers her time and talents for Mary’s Meals. When she advertised her “Made with Love” service I contacted Maureen to commission her to make book bags especially for my Corrie’s Capers book series.
Priced at the bargain price of £7 for each bag (or just £5 if you purchase all 3 books in the series as well), these bags makes a fabulous gift! ALL profits from my book and bag sales are donated to Mary’s Meals.
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‘Commended’ in the Scottish Association of Writers (SAW)Competition 2021
I am an indie author but engage the services of a professional illustrator, editor, typographer and have a team of people who help me make my picture books as good as they can be. I have entered my books in the Barbara Hammond Trophy, a competition hosted by SAW, for the last 3 years to receive unbiased, honest feedback from independent adjudicators. Although I’m always somewhat apprehensive, I know my writing can’t improve without this level of critique.
This competition is for all genres of books which have been self published and is judged on several elements from writing style, characterisation, the story, setting, overall impression, formatting, covers, editing, interior formatting to marketing. There is always a large entry and I was absolutely thrilled to hear ‘Corrie’s Curling Capers’ was “commended” in 2021.
“A lot of action and interest packed into such a small book. Gently educational and enjoyable for adult and child”
“Vivid, varied and enjoyable”
“A keeper!” says the adjudicator, well that’s good enough for me :-)))))
I have the luxury of writing for pleasure and am truly delighted when people buy my books. The great news is that all the proceeds from Corrie’s Capers book sales help to feed and educate children living in desperate circumstances. Whether people buy my books because they want to support me, like West Highland Terriers, the Scottish theme or wish to donate to Mary’s Meals doesn’t matter, I am just really grateful for every sale.
Thank you!
(The Westie Fest was “highly commended” in the 2019 competition so the Corrie’s Capers series has done well.)
Corrie’s Art Competition
Over 40 entries were received from all over Scotland and as far south as Hull. Our judge, Mrs Jean Bowden, pored over the drawings and paintings and decided on our winners.
Meredith (Age 5) from Lamlash with her drawing of Corrie at Sannox Beach
Lucia from Bridge of Allan with her drawing of Corrie at Edinburgh Castle.
Kirsty Palmer with her picture of Corrie overlooking Holy Isle
We had 2 Highly Commended Entries
Corrie visiting North Berwick and Corrie at Glen Rosa
Alison also awarded two “well done” prizes
Corrie’s Art Competition
Draw or paint a picture of Corrie visiting your favourite place in Scotland.
Two children’s prizes will be awarded – one for the best entry in the Age 6 and under and the other for Age 7 and over.
There is also an adult category!We may not be able to travel around at the moment but think of where you enjoy visiting and take Corrie with you!
Closing date is extended to 20 January 2021
Entries can be e mailed to corrie@westie.scot
or posted to:-
Corrie’s Capers, 11 Kinneil Park, Lamlash, Isle of Arran KA27 8JG
Children’s entries should include their name, age and be their own work. Please include contact details
The judge is Mrs Jean Bowden and her decision is final.
Westies & Besties
Thanks to Kim for this fab Corrie’s Capers feature in the December 2020 issue of Westies & Besties. The UK’s only magazine dedicated to West Highland Terriers and their owners.
The Westie Fest
Book review from Scottish Field in their December 2019 magazine.
Corrie paintings – Sandbank Early Learning Centre, Dunoon
Williamston Primary Virtual Visit
I had the pleasure of preparing for Book Week Scotland with Mrs Stephen, P3 teacher at Williamston Primary School in Livingston. The children have been enjoying reading Corrie’s Capers and sent me some of their super artwork! Pawsome
Corrie’s Curling Capers
Corrie’s Capers 3rd book had a soft launch thanks to Covid-19 but people have been ordering on-line and buying from my lovely stockists – thank you! Another busy time for me is normally around Book Week Scotland.
School visits aren’t possible so I have recorded myself reading the books for use in schools and nurseries. Please use the website contact tab if you would like to purchase books for your school classroom libraries and gain free access to these digital resources. Timing doesn’t have to be around Book Week Scotland, these can be used at any time of year.
Corrie’s Capers continue…
Things are progressing well with the illustrations for book 3 and I hope “Corrie’s Curling Capers” will be ready for publishing in August this year.
This will be the last book in the Corrie’s Capers series. Profits from book sales will be donated to Mary’s Meals to help reach the next starving child in school, or possibly at home while the world get to grips with Covid-19.
As I type, “Love Reaches Everywhere” has just been launched. This is Mary’s Meals latest film featuring film star Gerard Butler alongside Magnus MacFarlane-Barrow, the founder of Mary’s Meals. You’ll be able to see them visiting schools in Liberia and Haiti where Mary’s Meals provides support.
www.marysmeals.org.uk/lovereacheseverywhere
It’s looking highly unlikely that I will be able to host a book launch or attend many events over the summer to boost book sales. Please order your books from the shop on this website (if you want them signed and dedicated) or purchase from other stockists. I’m offering free p&p in the UK and a discount for posting further afield during June and July 2020.
I am happy to offer book readings in schools, nurseries, churches, libraries + once social distancing and C-19 restrictions are lifted. We can plan in something to look forward to. Use the contact button to get in touch.
Stay well.
Alison x
