Vibrant Imaginative People

October 2022, Issue No.12

Your VIP Newsletter from Soulla's Writing Room

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Hello my VIP and welcome to your October newsletter!

Thank you for bearing with me and apologies again for the week’s delay in getting this to you.

In my last newsletter I mentioned how writing my next two stories has made me yearn living somewhere quieter and more rural, at least for some of the time! Greece called me at the right time.

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Greece late summer vibes

These early October, Greece late Summer vibes have been rejuvenating.

Being away gave me time to rest, to think, unencumbered by the usual daily demands of life, and to eat the most delicious, freshly prepared meals. The sea air in my hair, as blustery as it was, felt magical, the sea was a glistening blue and the sky above the most beautiful canvas ever. I collected pink-tinged tiny pebbles from the shingly beach and read a beautiful book, Paper Boats, by an Indonesian author, Dee Lestari, which has been on my To Be Read pile for too long.

Despite a few breezy days, the sun shone brightly, and I did a lot of walking averaging 18,000 steps a day and being with my two sisters and cousin was really special.

We visited The Holy Monastery of St Ephraim and also the Archaeological Museum of Marathon – both overwhelmingly emotional and yes, I cried.

We talked and shared confidences, we hugged and supported each other, we enjoyed meals together and to top it all off we went clubbing! Had the best night ever. And I don’t know whether it was their company or just letting go, but I even had a cocktail or two!

Have you had a holiday this year? Where did you go? What is the best memory you have of your time away?

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From The Village House to A Palette of Magpies

The Village House is almost out – the book has been on pre order for a few weeks – so I hope you’ve ordered your copy.

If you haven’t pre ordered the book in your favourite format you can here. The Village House goes LIVE on 21^st October and I just can’t wait!

Please share pictures of the book for me across your social media. It's the best time to spread the word and your support is a vital part of the book's promotion and its success. #togetherwecan

I will have very little stock of the paperback and so won’t be able to sign your books unless we meet at my upcoming book celebration party; please look out for an announcement with the full details on my social media.

If you’ve bought a copy and would like a personalised book signature plate to stick into the front of your book, I have commissioned some beautiful stickers and I would be delighted to sign one for you and send it out to you in the post with no charge – a little thank you gift from me. Please let me know and I will pop one in the mail.

A Palette of Magpies is almost ready for a beta read so if you'd like to be on the team and have a read of the story prior to its formatting and release please let me know.

The story is set in a fictitious village in the Cotswolds and delves into the life of a retired art teacher who returns to the village after leaving as a disgraced teenager. It is full of mystery and a little sprinkling of magic, romance (of course) and a happy ending for all the wonderful characters you'll meet along the way. You're going to adore Judith and her friends in the village!

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Ready... Steady... Soulla's Books Facebook Group

I've taken the plunge and created a very special Facebook Book Group. I'm going to be sharing all my book news there as well as inviting you to share your best reads, your book recommendations and book news and memes.

I want it to be a place where we can talk about our love of reading and our most loved stories in an open, kind and supportive way. I hope you'll join me (and if you join today you can take part in a special book competition!)

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Kindness Matters and The Sleepless Maple

Kindness has been showered upon me most generously these past few weeks and I have been feeling so blessed.

A signed book gift from Roselle to me and my kouklitsa (little doll in Greek). This children’s author and illustrator's story, has brought Eleni (and me!) so much joy. Roselle and I have been Instagram friends for a while now and so holding her book in my hands is very special for me.

Eleni and I have read The Sleepless Maple over and over and we have also created some fun art sessions from it. The illustrations have kept us chatting long after closing the last page. So if you're looking for a children's picture book, full of nature and inspiration, this is it. I hope you'll order a copy for your little one.

We spent some time outdoors collecting crunchy autumn leaves and grass and created an autumn tree picture. Eleni loved crunching up the leaves and pasting the glue on the page… needless to say the glue was everywhere and days later I was still sticking to the table as I was tutoring. So funny. 

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VIP Member Spotlight

I have devoted this newsletter's VIP Member Spotlight to Louise from Hijinx & Tea. I cannot tell you how overwhelming the kindness of this lady has been.

Her beautiful mail arrived the morning I was setting up for my MacMillan Cancer Support event and, in the middle of the chaos and running around to get things done, the postcards and her little message brought a smile to my otherwise frantic face and my anxious heart.

During my trip to Greece I used one of the postcards as a bookmark and it made me smile. What a thoughtful gesture. Louise made my heart melt.

So if you're looking for a special gift or something to cheer up your home I hope you'll browse her website. Let me know if you find that special something.

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Until next time...

I hope you've enjoyed all my news. You really are a sweetheart reading and I hope that you enjoy what's left of this beautiful transitional season.

I will be back with you on Thursday November 17th and until then please keep in touch, don't get too spooked out over Halloween and stay cosy (or cool, depending where you are)!

Lots of love always, Soulla xxx

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