Thursday 4 April 2019

Mixed bag

What with the weather undecided and our politics in turmoil, is it any wonder that I can't settle at the moment? It's been a funny old couple of days.

Good news: one of my clients has won a national award! 

Brightkidz has been listed in the highly acclaimed 2019 NatWest SE100 Index, a national scheme that celebrates the growth, impact and resilience of successful UK social ventures. Brightkidz is a company that I've watched grow over the last 15 years. I've been involved with it from the beginning and have done various writing jobs for the team there, as well as a fair bit of cheer-leading. I'm a huge fan of what they're trying to achieve. It's a social enterprise that promotes safe, active, sustainable everyday travel for children. It provides information and quality resources for schools, local authorities, businesses and parents to support walk-to-school, cycling and road safety initiatives. Please pop over to its website here to learn more. 

Bad news: our independent bookshop is closing

Defeated by low footfall and general apathy, Bookcave Limited in Wellingborough is closing its doors for the last time tomorrow. This is very sad. I went over today to collect the few copies of my books they still had in stock and had a word with one of the owners. Part of the problem has been that people had been coming into the shop (and others in the same development) to browse while waiting for someone before going to the next-door deli for lunch. Who are these strange people who can afford coffee and an an overpriced sandwich, but can't find a couple of quid for a second-hand book? 

Could-go-either-way news: feedback on my current WIP

'It's beautifully written, but...' Oh.

How's your week going?

6 comments:

  1. Yay for Brightkidz, but sorry about the bookstore. Best of luck on your WIP.

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  2. Oh, Julia. I know that feeling so well when you submit and it comes back with a big BUT ....
    Fingers crossed for good news soon!
    And I know what you mean about the price of a book and the price of coffee. People have become too used to discounted books and don't value books the same any more.
    Never mind - onwards & upwards!

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    1. I know this person's comments are 'coming from a good place'. I trust him, and actually it's more valuable that him lying and saying how fabulous it is!

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  3. Great news about Brightkidz, Julia. Sorry to hear about the bookshop closing. Funnily enough, I've heard of two just opening in Scotland, one a children's book shop. Hope they can survive.

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    1. I hope so, too. A children's book shop sounds very precarious!

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