Cover Reveal and Release Date!

What a great way to start the New Year!

Safkhet Publishing have been hard at work and not only does Little White Lies and Butterflies now have a cover, it also has a release date! x

http://www.safkhetpublishing.com/books/soul/9781908208194/Little_White_Lies_and_Butterflies.html

What do you think, guys? x

12 Books of Christmas!

Apologies for being a couple of days late with this, but with no internet access at home I'm catching up as and when I can.

Anyways, the lovely Donna Trinder has featured me in her 'Twelve Books of Christmas' countdown.

Happy reading everyone... and a very Merry Christmas and a happy New Year too x

http://donnasroomforreading.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/12-books-of-christmas-day-9-suzie.html

It's going to be a very different Christmas for me this year...







Christmas is such an exciting time for me. Every year, come the 1st December the tree goes up and the Christmas CD comes out and from that point on there's a constant stream of mince pies in the oven as I sing along to the likes of Band Aid, Slade and Wizzard. The Christmas cards are written and of course, I put together my lucky dip sack so anyone who comes a calling gets a surprise gift. And throughout all of this I'm eagerly anticipating Christmas Eve - not just because I know that's when Santa drops down the chimney, but because I get to spend a whole few days with Robert, Adam, Ben and now the lovely Cindy and all without interruption.

You see there's been this unwritten rule in our house that from Christmas Eve onwards no-one goes anywhere and whilst some of you might think I'm a control freak (which I probably am when it comes to Christmas) let me explain.

When I was about eight years old, my two sisters and I got up one Christmas morning to find Santa hadn't actually visited our house. Not because we'd been naughty or anything, you couldn't get three more well behaved little girls if you tried even if I do say so myself. But having gone out for a celebratory drink with friends the night before, Santa was too busy trying to save my mother's life to finish his deliveries; a drink driver having ploughed straight into her, ramming her against a brick wall, as she and Dad made the leisurely walk home.

That was the year we celebrated Christmas at the end of February - the first time she was allowed home for a couple of days during her recovery and, no doubt, the reason why the fun side of Christmas is so important to me.

So imagine my horror when way back in June my children decided things would be different this year... that they had other plans for Christmas 2012 - plans that didn't include me!

To be fair, they did give me six months notice to get used to the idea and after the initial "Oh my goodness, I don't think so" period I slowly began to come to terms with a Christmas without them. Let's face it, I've been lucky they've shown such understanding for as long as they have - I'm sure at their ages, foregoing the Christmas parties outside of the home must've felt like they were missing out.

And I suppose on the plus side, Robert and I get to spend our first Christmas in a long time as a couple, which will certainly be different. As will our Christmas venue, having decided to spend it here in Greece so I don't think my children are so near, yet so far... Thus, reducing the risk of me crying into the turkey, which I'm guessing wouldn't be pretty!

But come what may I'm at least going to try and have fun and I hope you all will too.

Merry Christmas, Guys, and stay safe x

 



Even more excitement in the Tullett household!

Two blog posts in one day...  I know, very unusual for me!

However, in an up-date to my earlier news I just wanted to let you all know that Little White Lies and Butterflies has since been accepted for publication.

Oh yes, late this afternoon Safkhet Publishing contacted me with the offer of a contract and I'm pleased to say, it's one I accepted - which is why I'm now off to celebrate with a glass of wine x

It's all happening in the Tullett household...

It's been an exciting time for we Tulletts these last few weeks and all of it on the work front.

Firstly, there's my other half, Robert. 

Having been a Dog Handler for the past sixteen years, he's finally decided it's time for a change.  So, three German Shepherds, two Spaniels and a black Labrador later, he's handed in his ticket and is heading off for pastures new. 

Oh yes, he's made the step to start the up and coming new year back on section, so it's bye bye, doggies... hello stab vest.

I have to admit I'm a bit nervous about his move.  I think I got a little too comfortable knowing there was a dog standing between him and the bad guys.  Suddenly though, it feels a bit like when he first began in the job, not knowing what he's going to be walking into and who or what he's going to come face-to-face with.  But at least now he has experience on his side and I just have to trust he'll continue to stay safe.

Then there's Benjamin, who earlier this year was entered into the UK leg of the World Skills competition.   A competition described on Wikipedia as the 'global skills Olympics'; one that gives young people the opportunity to demonstrate their excellence in skilled professions....  And demonstrate Benjamin did!  

 

Suffice to say, a few gruelling rounds and a lot of hard work later he found himself making his way to Birmingham's NEC for the three day final.  And I can now play the proud mother and tell you he came in second, taking home the Silver Medal.  

 

 

Well obviously we're all very proud of him; for a young chap he's achieved so much in his working life already.  And we're keeping everything crossed that he makes the UK team to compete in the World Skills International heats.  Although if he does, with 50 member countries taking part there'll be a lot more hard work ahead of him. 

 

And now we come to Adam, my other gorgeous son...

 I've already talked about how he headed off to China a while ago, a move that I supported even if I did feel nervous about it at the time.  I mean, as parents what else can we do but encourage our children when it comes to their hopes and ambitions? 

 

 

 

Anyway, having had enough of living so far from home, much to my relief and two years on, he finally decided it was time to come back.  Although not to the UK (he's probably having way too much fun to have me on the doorstep) but to Holland.

 

He's been there a couple of weeks now and tells me he's settling in really well.  His colleagues have been very welcoming, he's been rushed off his feet at the salon and all going well, he's found a great little apartment in which to live.  One that I hope to be visiting some time soon, once he's had chance to settle in, of course.

 

Which brings us to me...

 

Not that I've done anything anywhere near as exciting as changing my job, entering an international competition or moved country.  But I have, at last, finished my book. 

 

Oh yes, Little White Lies and Butterflies has finally been sent on its way and hopefully some very interested publishers are reading as we speak.  So just like I have my fingers crossed for the rest of the Tullett clan, I'm guessing they've got their fingers crossed for me!

 

So now you know the recent comings and goings in my household, what exciting things have you all been up to? x

  

A big welcome to my very first guest blogger!

I'm excited to introduce you all to my very first guest blogger today, the lovely Janie Reinart.  A lady I first met a few months ago when she invited me to appear on her own website www.loveyoumorethanyouknow.com  giving me the opportunity to talk about my experiences as a Forces Mum. 

Anyways, without further ado here she is...  Please feel free to leave a comment in support of the fabulous work she does.

Happy reading, everyone x

 

 

 

I Will Dance at Your Wedding by Janie Reinart

When my son, Joe was deployed to Iraq in 2004, he wrote us a heartfelt letter after the loss of one of his fellow soldiers and several of his own brushes with death. A part of the letter said:

I think a lot of nights, restless nights, of the days to come. I ponder and daydream of the good and the bad and the anxiety weighs on me like a ton of bricks. Will I make it back? Will I be so different from when I left? What will I do with my life? Will I be successful? Will I be happy?

 

 

I answered him back: I will dance at your wedding and sing lullabies to your children.

Joe made it back in 2005. He is happy and successful. In two weeks my son is getting married. I will dance!

Fast-forward to Joe and Katie’s wedding day. Mass took place at St. Mary’s in Berea on July 28,2012. The presider was the Rev. Dan Schlegel.

Father Dan sang the wedding mass and gave a wonderful homily. He compared a giant redwood to the love and support of family and our church community. The huge tree has a root system that is only 4 to 6 feet deep. In the redwood forest, the roots of that tall tree entangle with neighboring trees improving its stability. Our family and church community will support the newlyweds so that they will stay strong in their union surrounded by our love and prayers.

 

I am blessed to have the lovely Mrs. Katie Reinart as a new daughter and friend.
The reception was so much fun. We celebrated the joining of our two families. And I danced with my son. I am waiting for the day when the second half of my prediction comes true and practicing my lullabies.

Click here to enter free giveaways of Love You More than You Know Mothers’ Stories About Sending Their Sons and Daughters to War eBooks in honor of our Veterans and their families.

 

 

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this book will be donated to charities benefiting wounded veterans:

ReMIND.org, a Bob Woodruff Foundation initiative for injured service members and their families.

The Semper Fi Fund will also receive donations.

I am committed to continue bringing you true stories of our heroes in uniform, sharing with you the bravery and sacrifices that our troops and their families make everyday for all of us. You are invited to share your story about your soldier here at www.loveyoumorethanyouknow.com as a guest blogger. Send stories to storiesfrommoms@gmail.com

 

About Janie Reinart
As an author, teacher consultant, National Writing Project Fellow, storyteller, and poet, words are my tools. Janie seeks ways to give people a voice to tell their own stories through prose and poetry. She and her husband, Ed, are grateful for their five children and 10 grandchildren. Most weekends, you will find Janie praying and singing with the choir at Holy Angels Catholic Church.

Janie's chapter, “Boots to Ground “ in Love You More Than You Know, won second place in the National Federation of Press Women's 2010 Communications Contest in the category of a chapter/essay in a nonfiction book. Her chapter won first place in the Ohio Professional Writer's Communications Contest.

Janie's blog Love You More Than You Know is a finalist for the 2012 Milbloggies (6th Annual) Best U.S. Military Parent Blog Award.

Synopsis

In these stories, 45 mothers of U.S. service men and women open their hearts and share what it feels like when your son or daughter leaves home to fight a war.

Some were stunned when they learned that their “baby” had enlisted. Others had long been familiar with military life. But all of these mothers knew their world had just changed the day their child called home and said, “Mom, I’m being deployed . . .”

They discovered the strange mix of pride and fear. The anxiety of not knowing exactly where in Iraq or Afghanistan your son is, whether your daughter is facing mortar fire or enduring heat and boredom. Elation at the arrival of the briefest postcard or email message. The daily dread, when returning home from work or a trip to the grocery store, of seeing a government car in the driveway and two soldiers at the door . . .

Anyone who reads their stories will admire their faith and courage–and better understand the sacrifices made by our U.S. service men and women and their families.

 

'Look' Here...!

Playwright, Michael Sands, has tagged me in this blog game which involves searching my current WIP (Work in Progress) for the word ‘look’, with a view to posting the surrounding paragraphs.

 

Now, this couldn't have come at a better time considering I'm in the process of writing the very last chapter of my latest offering, giving me the opportunity to give you a little taste of what's to come.

 

So, without further ado, here's a sneak peak excerpt from Little White Lies and Butterflies...

 

A throng of unfamiliar voices tried to work their way into my head, but my brain had different ideas and refused to acknowledge them.   However, the voices kept on coming irrespective, compelling me to come sufficiently enough to, so I could at least try and survey my surroundings.  I smacked my lips in an attempt to overcome the dryness of my mouth, at the same time putting my sunglasses back where they belonged – on my nose instead of resting on my cheek.  And lazily lifting my head expecting to find myself enveloped by a frolicking crowd of mere mortals, alternatively I found myself surrounded by an abundance of perfectly toned, tanned and attractive bodies.  Obviously I’d died and gone to Greek God and Goddess Heaven, I deduced and happy to be there, I focused my attentions on not one but quite a few of the Adonis’ in my midst. 

Then I realised I hadn’t died at all.  I’d simply woken up!

I bolted upright and in a bid to tidy myself up a bit it very quickly became apparent that either A) I’d awakened to find myself slap bang in the middle of some glamorous photo shoot – one that I would, no doubt, be airbrushed out of thanks to my somewhat slovenly display; or that B) upon my arrival I’d accidentally chosen a section of the beach solely reserved for the islands ‘beautiful people’.  But whichever of the two it was, I was convinced someone was going to come along any second now, tap me on the shoulder and tell me to move on to the area set aside for the ‘uglies’.

I looked about me, just in case, much to my disappointment clocking that the climbers had, at last, descended from their great heights.  “Speaking of which,” I said, watching them somewhat raucously partaking in a game of football over to the left.  “At least they know their place!”  Not that I had any intentions of joining Team Ugly.  After all, I might’ve been a little curvier than all these other women, but my curves were in all the right places.  “Oh yes,” I maintained.  “I can carry a bikini off as well as the best of them.  So just let anyone try and say any different.”

I thought about all the time and money I’d spent over the years, turning myself into the ideal woman for when I did happen to chance upon the man of my dreams.  What with beauty products, waxing, exercising and dieting – the latter not exactly an easy task for a woman who loves her food…  “And let’s not forget the elocution lesson,” I reminded myself, something which I doubted any of these Ladies would deign to put themselves through.  “And surely it’s time these efforts were rewarded somehow,” I told myself.  “Even if the prize is only to stake my claim on a bleeding sunbed!”  Although I knew I stood a better chance of not being booted off if I actually looked the part, which needless to say called for a cool, calm and collected composure.

I began the process of arranging myself into a model-esque type pose, a position that felt a lot more precarious than they’d made it out to be on one of those modelling TV shows.  However, if I could just perfect my balance I was sure I’d be okay… 

“Ouch!” I screamed  A searing sting suddenly swiped my face as something ricocheted off it, catapulting me, legs akimbo, off my much coveted sun lounger. 

 

So, everyone, what do you think? x

 

The Next Big Thing!

Thanks to the lovely historical fiction author, Sue Millard, it’s now my turn to take part in The Next Big Thing!

So here goes, the answers to ten questions about Little White Lies and Butterflies:

 1.      What is the working title of your book?

Little White Lies and Butterflies.

 2.      Where did the idea for the book come from?

Years ago, I remember reading something somewhere about a woman who’d gone on holiday on her own for the first time.  Whilst there, she re-invented herself, making up a job, a personal life etc.  I thought what if someone found out?  What if someone realised she was fabricating a whole life story?  And so the initial idea was born…

 3.      What genre does your work fall under?

Chick Lit, Contemporary Women’s Fiction, Humour – yes, definitely Humour!

 4.      Which actors would you choose to play your characters?

Lydia is quite a curvy, gorgeously confident, fuller figured woman so I’m thinking someone like Jennifer Neala Page would be perfect – as long as she wouldn’t mind dying her hair black.  Then there’s Sam, tall with an athletic build, so an actor like Darren Boyd would be great.     

 

 5.      What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

When you’re digging yourself into a hole, stop digging.

 6.      Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?

As I don’t have an agent at the moment, it’ll be sent direct to publishers and I’ll take it from there.

7.      How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?

Taking everything into consideration and including the planning stage which I absolutely love, probably about four or five months. 

 8.      What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?

Because the book is primarily set in Greece, it would be easy to think along the lines of a Shirley Valentine, Mama Mia or My Big Fat Greek Wedding storyline.  But apart from the setting and the comedy element they don’t really compare.  This story is something different.

 9.      Who or what inspired you to write this book?

You could say my inspiration came from a variety of sources.  I’ve already mentioned the piece I read about a woman re-inventing herself.  But add to that my home here in Greece, the Hellenic way of life, alongside the most colourful of characters and attitudes… there’s so much to draw upon for any writer.

 10.  What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?

Greece, climbing, cooking and characters – now that is an interesting combination!

 

So, those are the answers for the next Suzie Tullett novel.  All that remains now is for me to introduce the writers who'll be picking up the mantel next Wednesday.  These lovely authors will be sharing information about their up and coming releases and introducing yet more writers taking part in The Next Big Thing:

 

http://www.emilyharvale.com/blog  Emily writes about love, fun, friendships, drama, sex and romance.

http://www.lizzielamb.co.uk/ Lizzie writes contemporary romance and her novel Tall, Dark and Kilted is due for an Autumn release.

http://www.celiayeary.blogspot.gr/ Celia Yeary is an author of romance and every story she writes, be it long or short, is based in her native home of Texas, the state she knows so well.

http://catherinegreenauthor.blogspot.com Catherine is a British paranormal romance author and a writer of occult non-fiction.

http://thefearlesspen.wordpress.com/ Fran and Caro, who juggle life as mums and that gnawing need to write.

 

Thanks for stopping by, everyone, and I hope you're looking forward to reading Little White Lies and Butterflies as much as I've enjoyed writing it x

 

Another Review!

I'm seeing that Brit writer/Brit Lit title again and I have to admit, I quite like it!

Thanks to Donna Trinder over at her reading room for a great review! 

http://donnasroomforreading.blogspot.gr/2012/09/going-underground-suzie-tullett.html?showComment=1348999682358

Would be great if you could check it out x

Love You More Than You Know

I'm a guest over at Love You More Than You Know - a site dedicated to Mothers who have children in the Forces.

Here I talk about when my youngest son signed up for the British Royal Air Force... a traumatic yet very proud day for me as his Mum.

Happy reading, everyone x

http://neomilitarymoms.wordpress.com/2012/09/08/what-a-difference-a-day-makes/

Ten Things I've Never Done!

The idea for this post came from the lovely Amanda Egan http://mummymisfit.blogspot.gr/2012/08/ive-never-seen-star-wars.html who challenged her blog readers to come up with 10 things that they've never done. 

Now coming up with such a list seems easy at first thought - after all, not many of us have ever parachuted out of an aeroplane or swam with dolphins, have we?  But as for coming up with a list of 10 seemingly ordinary, everyday things that we maybe should've done or experienced... well this actually takes some thinking about!

Anyways, think and think some more I did and here's what I came up with:

• I've never had brain freeze. 

You know, that apparent pain that shoots up the side of your face when you eat something cold, like ice-cream?  In fact, before I met my husband I'd never even heard of it and unless my children hadn't complained of the exact same thing from time to time I'd probably still think it was something my other half had made up!

• I've never been to a music festival.  

Of course it would be wonderful to see all the great bands taking part and soak up the carnival-like atmosphere of these events, but I do like a shower block nearby when I'm camping and a proper toilet as opposed to a porta loo... and booking into a local hotel would rather miss the point, wouldn't it?

• I've never been hospitalised, broken anything or even been sick.

I know, hard to believe isn't it?  The nearest I've come to flu is having a bit of a blocked nose, the only nausea I've experienced is through pregnancy or travelling and even when it came to childhood illnesses like chicken pox, three spots or so and I was done.  I'm obviously more of a carrier than a sufferer and as I don't want to tempt fate in any way shape or form, long may this continue!

• I've never ridden a horse.

When I was growing up I loved all things horsey and was desperate to have my own pony.  Every Christmas, I'd keep my fingers well and truly crossed that this year was the year and each December 25th I'd race downstairs in the hope of finding Black Beauty in the living room eating the Christmas tree...  Alas, it was never to be - I didn't even get a whiff of a riding lesson, let alone my very own horse. 

• I've never flown a Kite.

Of course, having two sons I've had the opportunity to partake in such an activity - it's just that I've also always chosen not to.  And if you've ever seen me run per se (never mind run whilst dragging a long line of chord with a large piece of plastic attached to the end of it) then you'll understand why!

• I've never smoked a joint.

When it comes to drugs, I have the same attitude as Robert Carlyle does at the beginning of the film 'Train Spotting'.  There he is, pint of lager in one hand, cigarette in the other, saying something along the lines of him not understanding how people can put chemicals into their own body...  Hypocritical but true!

• I've never changed or put air into a tyre.

In fact, I've never done anything with a car except drive it and when I really, really have to put petrol in the tank - anything else and I just wouldn't know where to start.  Although to be fair when it comes to vehicle related questions I'm not a complete lost cause; for example, if you asked me about mine, I can tell you it's red.

• I've never driven a car in Greece

For the last five years, I've been spending more and more of my time out in Greece and continuing with the aforementioned four wheel theme, in all this period I've never actually driven out here.  It's the wrong side of the road thing, coupled with the maniacal scooter riders that prevents me from even trying.  Honestly, tackling the roads here is like undergoing some sort of extreme hazard perception test and without eyes in the back of my head, I'd well and truly fail!

• I've never changed a plug.

Electrics scare the hell out of me and if anyone is going to blow the house and electrocute themselves, it's gonna be me!  In relation to plugs, however, I did once hear Max Bygraves say: 'Blue to the left, brown to the right. Don't get it wrong, or you might get a fright..."  The thing is, he was also known for saying "I wanna tell you a story..." so I've never plucked up the courage to test his theory!

• I've never eaten Sushi

Rice is bad enough for me, but as for raw fish... well it's just plain wrong!


So that's my list done... Now it's over to you.  What things have you never done that by now you maybe should have? x

And The Winner Is...

As you may know for the last month I've been running a competition giving Going Underground readers the chance to win a brand new Kindle.

All readers had to do was answer three book related questions and here they are with their corresponding answers:

1. How far into her pregnancy is Tracey Parkes?

8 3/4 months

2. When Jonathan deserts Tracey, where is he heading?

To Brighton

3. What name is given to Tracey and Jonathan's baby at the christening?

Ruby Melanie

Anyways, thank you to everyone who entered and now to the important bit - the winner!  Chosen at random by my next door neighbour - after all names were written on slips of paper, folded into the minutest of pieces and placed into a cup as I don't have a hat....

Drum roll, please...

ZOULA LEONTI !!!!

Well done, Zoula - your prize will be winging its way to you once you've emailed a delivery address.

Now I just want to take the opportunity to thank not just those who entered this competition, but every single person who's supported me on this past year's journey - long may it continue... 

And I hope everyone past, present and future enjoys reading Going Underground even more than I did writing it x

The Cat's Out of the Bag!

Well, everyone, I didn't expect to be doing another blog post so soon, but thank's to my lovely friend, Donna Trinder, ( http://donnasroomforreading.blogspot.co.uk/ ) I didn't think I had much choice...  Oh yes, the cat is well and truly out of the bag! 

Of course, I knew Going Underground was about to feature in August's edition of Scootering Magazine, but it isn't supposed to be available until 26th of July.  So imagine how surprised I was when Donna posted this onto her Facebook page this morning... and what a lovely suprise it was too!

As you can see, there's an interview entitled 'A Quick One with Suzie Tullett' - a title that made me giggle.  However, it's the review of Going Underground that really made me smile... and I thought I'd share Mark Sargeant's words with you today.

Here's what he says:

"On opening the cover of Suzie Tullett’s debut novel, Going Underground, you find the proclamation ‘It’s not about living in the past, it’s about living with it…’ a single sentence that is an accurate and prophetic overview of the forthcoming story.  Her main characters introduced in the first few chapters, where they are attending the funeral of what is essentially the eighth main character whose demise was due to a freak accident involving his scooter. 

Going Underground explores relationships pushed to breaking point, friendships tested to the limit and beyond, as the three respective journeys take in a number of interweaving experiences heading to the trio of lads’ goal.  Clever use of song titles for each chapter gives a reflection of what is coming next, which adds a kind of comfortableness for the reader, identifying with the characters through the song lyrics.  I’ve purposely avoided giving much of the plot away, as that would be a spoiler, suffice to say it’s a road trip on scooters.  

For me, Suzie Tullett’s debut book would be a must watch film or mini series, should, and I do think it should, make the transition from written word to celluloid. 

Going Underground is among one of the best fictional books I’ve read, it works on many different levels as well as embracing and incorporating contemporary Mod and scooter culture of today as the background to the story.  

A highly recommended read with wide appeal."

Sarge

How lovely is that?  Now if you want to read the whole piece, Scootering Magazine is available through any newsagents and the likes of WHSmith - although depending on where you live you might not be able to pick a copy up until the 26th July!

Happy reading, everyone x

You've heard of Chick Lit, it would seem I'm Brit Lit!

Well I've never been referred to as a 'Brit Lit Babe' before, which is how best selling author Kit Frazier describes me!

http://kitfrazier.com/wordpress/?p=3134

Feel free to leave a comment and if you do head on over, happy reading, everyone x

Put The Phone Down...!

I've never been technology minded.  As long as the computer does what I want it to do I'm happy, which is usually nothing more than to let me email, surf the net and word process... anything else and I'm flumoxed.  And yes, I'm the same when it comes to mobiles; fancy applications for this, that and the other are wasted on me - all I want to do is make a call or send a text.

My other half, however, loves his smartphone.  Not that he's an expert, but what he lacks in knowledge he certainly makes up for in enthusiasm.

At first, it was the quality of the photos he could take that excited him, but then he discovered downloadable apps.  This is when he realised not only could he take pictures, he could also create pictorial collages and despite being no David Bailey he set about putting quite a few compositions together.  From dogs, to our children, to me, can you believe?  And rather proud of his achievements, he insisted I view each and every single one of them. However, there are only so many images of the family pet a woman can look at before they all start to get a bit samey... and not being the best model in the world, I struggle to see anything positive in individual pictures of myself, let alone having loads of them staring back at me, all at the same time! 

But like any caring wife, I simply smiled politely and told him how wonderful his creations were... Big Mistake!

Because that's when he decided to take his new found talent one step further - now moving on to producing slide shows with these rather dodgy photos; slide shows that came with music!  Oh yes, he went from collage to montage... his snapshots now fading in and out with some sentimental tune playing in the background, themed special effects included as standard.

Much to my frustration, I again became one of his favourite subjects, but before you all go thinking I'm just being mean, have you ever tried emailing these things?  No...? Well let me tell you my other half has and they take absolutely forever to attach.  But guess what, growing ever more confident in his technology skills Robert found a much quicker way to enable me to enjoy his latest photographic conceptions... By uploading the damn things onto Youtube! 

Now you can only imagine my reaction when I was told that not only did I have the mispleasure of viewing my not so photographic self, but that everyone on the World Wide Web did too!  And of course, after a fair bit of screaming at him to take them off he duly did, thank goodness.  Nevertheless, it would seem the story doesn't end there.

Just when I thought I'd saved not just me, but also all of you from my other half's extraordinary visions of loveliness, he tells me he's now discovered Pinterest!

Celebrating With a Kindle Comp...

Well, Guys, it's been a year since the official launch of Going Underground and what a year it's been.  I've met some lovely supportive people along the way, both in person and virtually and even though I wish I could give one to everybody, to both celebrate and show my appreciation I'm giving away a brand new Kindle e-reader to one lucky winner!

To be in with a chance to win, all you have to do is answer three easy Going Underground related questions, email me the answers and leave a comment on this post letting me know you've entered...  How simple is that?

Please DO NOT LEAVE YOUR ANSWERS HERE for obvious reasons, lol.  Instead, send them to susan-c-t@talk21.com and I shall look forward to receiving them.

The competition will run until the end of the month and a winner will be chosen at random on the 1st August 2012.

So, here are the questions:

1. How far into her pregnancy is Tracey Parkes?
2. When Jonathan deserts Tracey, where is he heading?
3. What name is given to Tracey and Jonathan's baby at the christening?

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Going-Underground-ebook/dp/B0058RMC4M/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1341343457&sr=1-1

http://www.amazon.com/Going-Underground-ebook/dp/B0058RMC4M/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1341343515&sr=1-1&keywords=suzie+tullett

Good luck, everyone... 

Can't wait to announce the winner!!!!

Going Underground's Soundtrack...

"Do you listen to music when you write?  Anything you would recommend?"

This was one of the interview questions the lovely Michele Fogal asked when I featured on her blog the other day. 

In brief, the answer I gave was no; to have music playing in the background whilst I'm working would be too much of a distraction.  But that doesn't mean I don't hear music when I write.  In fact, I often hear a song playing in my head that feels relevant to what I'm trying to say.  Music's a great way to give a book that extra dimension. 

With Going Underground though, I took this one step further and gave it a definite soundtrack.  A playlist of songs that reflect each chapter either lyrically or in tone.  An element of the book that most readers have picked up on, can see why it works and ultimately rather enjoyed.

Anyways, chatting with a fellow author and twitter friend the other day, he suggested I publish the playlist here.  And I thought why not? 

Some of the songs you should recognise, some you might not... either way, it'll be a trip down memory lane and I hope you enjoy the journey as much as I did.

And yes, the book is set in the Mod/Scooter scene!

So, in order of play, here goes:

1. Funeral Pyre - The Jam
2. News of the World - The Jam
3. Too Much Too Young - The Specials
4. Ghosts - The Jam
5. I've Had Enough - The Who
6. Boy About Town - The Jam
7. Behind Blue Eyes - The Who
8. March of the Gherkins - Madness
9. Going Underground - The Jam
10. Making Time - The Creation
11. Time for Action - Secret Affair
12. Driving in My Car - Madness
13. Doesn't Make it Alright - The Specials
14. Tales From the Riverbank - The Jam
15. My World - Secret Affair
16. Keep Moving - Madness
17. It's Hard - The Who
18. Down in the Tubestation at Midnight - The Jam
19. Save it for Later - The (English) Beat
20. All I knew - Madness
21. 21. It's Up to You - The Specials
22. Town Called Malice - The Jam
23. Runaround - The Lambrettas
24. Faith in Something Bigger - The Who
25. House of the Rising Sun - The Animals
26. Turning Blue - Madness
27. One Step Beyond - Madness
28. I Can't Explain - The Who
29. The Seeker - The Who
30. Walls Come Tumbling Down - The Style Council
31. I'm One - The Who
32. Night Boat to Cairo - Madness
33. Itchicoo Park - The Small Faces
34. James Bond - The Selecter
35. Shout to the Top - The Style Council
36. There's a Ghost in My House - R. Dean Taylor
37. All or Nothing - The Small Faces
38. Poison Ivy - The Lambrettas
39. Dreams of Children - The Jam
40. Summer Nights - The Circles
41. Zoot Suit - The Who
42. And Your Bird Can Sing - The Jam
43. Shut Up - Madness
44. Ghost Town - The Specials
45. Thick as Thieves - The Jam
46. The Bitterest Pill - The Jam
47. Happy Days Toy Town - The Small Faces
48. Don't Push Me - The Lambrettas
49. Walls Come Tumbling Down - The Style Council (Take 2)
50. Time for Truth - The Jam
51. The Young and the Old - Madness
52. Move on Up - The Style Council
53. One's Second Thoughtlessness - Madness
54. Sole Salvation - The (English) Beat
55. Enjoy Yourself - The Specials
56. Leap Before You Look - The Lambrettas
57. Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere - The Who
58. All Out to Get You - The (English) Beat
59. Substitute - The Who
60. Jackpot - The (English) Beat
61. Yesterday's Men - Madness
62. Is it in My Head - The Who
63. Lip Up Fatty - Bad Manners
64. Watch Out I'm Back - The Lambrettas
65. Things Are Going to Get Better - The Small Faces
66. Batman - The Jam
67. The Doors of Your Heart - The (English Beat)
68. Long Hot Summer - The Style Council
69. Maybe Tomorrow - The Chords
70. A Message to You Rudy - The Specials
71. Angel - The Style Council
72. Bank Robber - The Clash
73. The Sun and the Rain - Madness
74. Music Must Change - The Who
75. English Rose - The Jam
76. The Communicator - Madness

Phew! 

So, Guys, do any of you develop a playlist to go with your work?  And would you like to share a few tracks with the rest of us?

Until next time... x

My most in-depth interview so far!

I'm featuring over in Canada today thanks to the lovely Michelle Fogal. This is probably the most in-depth interview I've done yet and it would be great if you could head on over... Please feel free to comment and I hope you enjoy the read x

http://michelefogal.com/blog/author-interview-suzie-tullett#comment-4402

Are You Beautiful Too?

Instead of just my blog receiving an award, I'm pleased to announce that I, too, have finally been bestowed...

Oh yes, it would seem the lovely Suzanne over at http://thetalesofmissusp.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/beautiful-blogger-award.html has nominated me for the Beautiful Blogger Award - although I'm guessing this is for an inner beauty, having just caught a glimpse of my somewhat dodgy exterior in the mirror!

As usual there are certain conditions attached to any acceptance, which are:


1. Write seven facts about yourself:

• My birthsign is 'Pisces' which apparently means I'm shy, romantic, trustworthy, aloof, dreamy, creative, understanding, unrealistic and impractical... These obviously explain why I'm a writer.
• I have a strong dislike for the colour yellow but don't ask me why, I've just never liked it.
• I didn't learn to swim until I was eleven years old and am still not a very strong swimmer to this day.  In fact, I can only do breast stroke, at which I'm very neat but very slow.
• My oldest son once asked me why all my favourite songs of the day were by bands with handsome lead singers...  I told him it was just a coincidence!
• After belting out a rendition of Atomic Kitten's 'Whole Again' as it played on the radio once, my youngest son (about five years old at the time) exclaimed how beautiful my singing was.  Of course, me being tone deaf I did know better and I actually felt physically embarrassed when accepting his compliment... Although to be fair, he did eventually realise his mistake as well and now when I try to sing he pleads with me to stop on account of his ears bleeding.
• Me, Robert, Adam and Ben were once snapped poolside when holidaying in Corfu and (much to my horror) the resulting photograph appeared in a Manos travel agent brochure for about three years running!
• At secondary school I was in every sports team going.  Hockey, netball, rounders... you name it, I was there.  I know, I can't quite believe it myself, especially considering the nearest I get to exercise these days is walking the dog.

2. You link to the blog of the person who nominated you:

Just in case you didn't see it before, here it is again - http://thetalesofmissusp.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/beautiful-blogger-award.html


3. You link to seven bloggers whom you think deserve the award too:

http://itswhatigotnotwhoiam.blogspot.com/  The lovely Kate Rigby

http://ramblingindulgences.blogspot.com/ The fabulous Sarah Tranter

http://donna-lostandfound.blogspot.com/ The gorgeous Donna Trinder

http://clraven.wordpress.com/ The wonderful CL twins

http://mummymisfit.blogspot.com/ The sensational Amanda Egan

http://spookymrsgreen.wordpress.com/ The fantastic Catherine Green

http://gonnabepublishedoneday.blogspot.com  The adorable Debbie White

http://paulamartinpotpourri.blogspot.com The perfect Paula Martin


4. Finally, you let your nominated bloggers know you have given them the award...

Which is what I'm off to do now x

Going Underground Hits China!

I've told you all before about how my oldest son upped sticks with his girlfriend and set sail for China. Not that he really took to the high seas, of course, he actually made the thirteen hour flight, but you get my drift... 

Anyways, being the cool dude that he is, it came as no surpise to hear he was soon creating a bit of a buzz in the Oriental fashion world - I mean he is, after all, a creative chip off the old block (I like to think) and as a top notch hairdresser, very much knows his stuff.  Which is just the kind of chap the Editorial team were looking for when they recruited him to do a monthly feature for their lifestyle magazine In The Red.  A Guangzhou based periodical, covering art, music and fashion - I know, sounds good doesn't it?

Now obviously, as a mother of two I'm very proud of both my sons' achievements.  But the reason I'm telling you about Adam today, in particular, is because it's thanks to him that Going Underground has now hit the streets of China, alongside him. 

Oh yes, upon hearing about Going Underground it would seem the editorial team at In The Red thought I, too, was cool enough to grace the insides of their magazine.  And as such, gave me a full half page mention! 

Of course, that's ignoring the fact that they did, indeed, get my first name wrong, but I'm prepared to let that one slide, if you are?

So, having featured alongside Adam, all that's left is to ask whether or not this means I'm now as cool as he is...? 

I think both my children would probably say not, but I suppose that's sons for you.

Climb Every Mountain...

I've mentioned previously that Kalymnos is a mecca for rock climbers.  They come from far and wide to challenge both their mental and physical abilities on the surrounding rock faces - an activity I don't think I'll ever understand.  Well I wouldn't, would I? Considering I'm afraid of heights.

Not that I haven't sort of given the mountain thing a go - with a husband who enjoys hiking and such like and having lived smack bang in the middle of the Three Peaks at one point, I was bound to try it at some point, wasn't I? 

Which is why one March morning, I arose and suddenly announced to my other half, Robert, that finally we'd be climbing Pen-y-Ghent together... and although it didn't actually involve the use of ropes, I say 'climbing' because at one stage we did literally have to scale rocks.

Mind you, Robert, who'd made this journey previously didn't actually warn me about this bit until it was too dangerous to turn back (yes, I did say dangerous!) probably because he knew I'd have backed out the second I'd been informed. 

Still, you can just picture the scene, can't you?  Me, hugging a rock face, clinging like a limpet as if my life depended on it; at least 80 mph hour winds swirling round the mountain to hit me smack bang in the face - a face that was contorted enough already, thanks to the sheer drop behind me...  And throughout all of this I'm crying and barking orders at Robert to get in simply because I was convinced he was going to get blown right off the edge, leaving me all alone and stuck in that position for ever and ever... 

Of course, at this stage  poor Robert's wondering if now would a good time to call out Mountain Rescue - like I hadn't lost enough dignity already!

Anyway, goodness knows how I managed it, but I did eventually pull myself together enough to scramble my way onwards and upwards.  Only to then go and slam my head into a protruding rock because I was too scared to look where I was going. Although I'm sure you appreciate that at this point I was ready to sod the 'sense of achievement' I'd been hoping to feel and just jump clean off the damn thing.  Which clearly I didn't, I just got on with it - remaining on all fours not just until I was out of the danger zone, but finally at the top. 

Needless to say, I subsequently insisted we took the long route back - no way was I facing that sheer drop again.  But wouldn't you know it when we did begin to make the long trek down, it was then that the whole heavens decided to open. 

Latest Interview!

Just popping in to let you know I'm being interviewed over in the US at Dawn's Reading Nook today!

So if you want to find out why Sherlock Holmes makes me sad, why both Margaret James and Marian Keyes are such an inspiration and learn a bit more about 'Little White Lies and Butterflies' and more, then please feel free to head on over...

http://dawnsreadingnook.blogspot.com/2012/04/welcome-suzie-tullet.html

Happy reading, everyone and thank you x

The Lucky 7 MME Award or se7en!



This week the lovely Donna (http://donna-lostandfound.blogspot.com) awarded me the Lucky 7 MME award.  As did the fabulous clraven (http://clraven.wordpress.com) although unsurprisingly (and I mean that in the nicest possible way) they've decided to call it se7en!

Of course, I have to earn the award...  So what does this entail?

1. I have to go to page 77 of my current WIP

2. I have to scroll down to line 7

3. I copy down the next 7 lines (although clraven also offer the option of the next 7 sentences or next 7  paragraphs at this stage as well) and post them as they are written.

4. I tag 7 authors to do the same

5. I then let them know

So, having followed these instructions to the letter, here are 7 sentences from 'Little White Lies and Butterflies'...  Happy reading, everyone.

You obviously have an over active imagination, I scolded, continuing to observe the rucksack, rope carrying individuals around me.  As instead of the host of handsome, muscular, athletic types that I had hoped to feast my eyes upon, somewhat disappointingly, it’s fair to say I couldn’t have come face-to-face with a scruffier group of crag rats if I’d tried.  I mean wide legged sweat pants were horrific at the best of times, but to wear them a couple of inches too short... well, that was just scandalous.  And what was with the dread locks and Jesus sandals?  Although any disenchantment I was feeling at that point was nothing compared to the developing nausea I was starting to experience – courtesy of the array of tighter than necessary leggings that were on display.  After all, everyone knows these garments aren’t just offensive per se, when it comes to a man’s particular body parts, an air of mystery needs to be maintained at all times...  Honestly, it was enough to make a girl shudder.

                                                                                                                                                         

So now for my nominations as to who I'd like to receive the Lucky 7 MEME or se7en ward.   

1.  http://paulita-ponderings.blogspot.com/

2. http://soyoureawriter.blogspot.com/

3. http://dannii-l.blogspot.com/

4. http://jessiestank.blogspot.com/

5. http://jennymeszaros-author.co.uk/

6. http://www.neetswriter.com/

7. http://www.amberrisme.com/                                          

Now I shall look forward to reading all your works in progress.