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Zoe Younger

~ Life Changing Journeys, Life changing Love

Zoe Younger

Category Archives: THE WRITERS’ LIFE

Home again, home again, jiggidy jig

19 Wednesday Aug 2015

Posted by Zoetic Words in LIFE, LOVE, MY BOOKS, THE WRITERS' LIFE, TORN

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

home again, loss, Mother

SelfieWell, it’s all over bar the shouting. The memorial service for my beautiful mother was held yesterday. It was a beautiful tribute to an amazing woman. Above is a copy of a selfie she took in 1950 with a box brownie in a mirror. Maybe I’m biased but I think she was beautiful, inside and out. She was well loved and will be sorely missed.

So I flew home this afternoon. The good news is that my cough has settled down. Not completely gone but under control. It has been a very busy time so I don’t think it’s properly hit home yet that my Mum has gone. It’s good to be home but I’ve got a lot on over the next few days so I’m hoping to just get through them with my sanity at least partially intact. The first load of washing is almost finished and the suitcase is ready to be packed again. This weekend I’m excited to be going to our annual RWA writers conference, this year being held in conjunction with the Melbourne Writers Festival.

I’ll also be pitching “Torn” to some publishing professionals so think of me on Saturday and Sunday as I take some big steps to becoming a published author, one way or another. It’s crunch time. The big decision looms: whether I can find a traditional publisher or whether I should self-publish. Watch this space. Exciting things are on the way.

Now, I have a pile of mail waiting for me to give my full attention, a suitcase to repack, some bills to pay, preparation for the conference to finish and a bed that is calling my name. I’m so happy I had started my preparation before my month went to hell in a handbag. Can this month turn out to be the worst and the best of the year? You know it might yet prove to be just that!

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Where Did I Go?

14 Friday Aug 2015

Posted by Zoetic Words in LIFE, LOVE, MY BOOKS, THE WRITERS' LIFE, TORN

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Statua di bronzo caduti per la patria, PisaFirst of all, I apologise for the long silence. I have been ill and when I was still feeling pretty sick I got the news that my mother had suddenly passed away.

Yes, it was not something any of us had expected so we’ve all been in shock. So where did I go? Up the dark tunnel of disbelief and on a plane to my Mum’s home where I’ve been assisting my family to make all those horrible decisions which have to be made at such a time. I’ll be away from home and internet connection again soon but will be home next week after the memorial service.

As you may have gathered, I am from a large family. The good side of coming from a large family is that there are lots of people to love one another. The down side of a large family is that there are so many to lose. This year we’ve lost three loved ones in the space of four months.

Three in the space of four months is bad enough but in Torn, my leading lady loses her entire family and many of her friends in a long painful lingering death from starvation and disease. One top of her own near death from starvation, could you expect any less than that old black dog of depression and grief to bite hard? On top of that, imagine having to move not just from your home and your hometown but your homeland to a land so rough and harsh as early Australia, such a contrast to Ireland.

Yes, I know, she’s a fictional character. However, throughout history and right up to today there have been and still are many real people in similar circumstances. In fact, that is where the ideas for Torn came from, wondering what it would be like. How would I cope? How would you cope? So, yes, a part of me is in Mary. Part of me wonders how strong I would be in that situation. Would I survive with my sanity and sense of humour intact? I hope so.

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Saturday Night of a Writer

01 Saturday Aug 2015

Posted by Zoetic Words in LIFE, LOVE, MY BOOKS, THE WRITERS' LIFE, TORN

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Tags

Book blurb, Liam O'Brien, Mary Ellen, Writing workshop

Peceful image of open book resting on a arm rest of a couch. Warm fireplace on background.How did I spend my Saturday afternoon/evening? So glad you asked. Last weekend I did a workshop on writing book blurbs with the wonderful writer, Anna Campbell. Read more about Anna by clicking on this link:  Anna Campbell

What is a book blurb you ask? It’s writer speak for the text you see on the back of a book, or the advertisement you read on Amazon before buying it. I wasn’t happy with what I wrote in the workshop so I’ve been playing with it today.

Would you like to read my draft? Would you like to tell me what you think? You would? Well, I’d like to hear your opinion.

Torn
A New Horizons Novel

Famine orphan Mary Ellen’s first challenge was to survive the starvation which took her beloved family. Taken from the docks of the “Harbour of Tears” when she was about to board a “coffin ship”, she has lived in London with a childhood friend for four months, recovering some of her former spirit. Despite her pretence at of being Scottish, she has no intention of ever leaving her beloved homeland, Ireland, ever again.

Despite Liam O’Brien’s deathbed promise to his father at the tender age of nine, he and his English stepfather are fighting a losing battle with their tempers. When war between English and Irish erupts at Ballemore Castle his stepfather helps him decide that Ireland is not big enough for them both.

Forced to risk his horses on a long sea voyage to “The Great South Land”, Liam takes the chance to build a new life on land of his own, responsible only for his men and his horses. Fake Scot Mary and two small boys never figured in his plans for the future.

I’d like to hear your opinion. Would this make you want to read my book?

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Word of the Week: Whimsy

22 Wednesday Jul 2015

Posted by Zoetic Words in LIFE, LOVE, THE WRITERS' LIFE, Word of the Week

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impulsive, lighthearted, quirky, Whimsy

Kids discovering the the healthy sandwich alternative - creative food creatures on plates

Why did I pick this one as my word of the week? Call it a whim. A whimsical whim. So, what is whimsy? Capricious humour or disposition; extravagant, fanciful, or excessively playful expression.

Impulsively quirky. Words which would lighten any mood. It also fits very well with wit doesn’t it!

Sounds pretty good to me. What about you? The world needs a little more whimsy. What can you do today to make yourself and someone else happy? I’d love to hear.

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Four Little Tigers

15 Wednesday Jul 2015

Posted by Zoetic Words in LIFE, POETRY, THE WRITERS' LIFE

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tigers; trophy; revenge

Four tigers resting at the bottom of a cliff

Four Little Tigers

By Frank Jacobs

Four little tigers
Sitting in a tree;
One became a lady’s coat-
Now there’s only three.

Three little tigers
‘neath a sky of blue;
One became a rich man’s rug-
Now there’s only two.

Two little tigers
Sleeping in the sun
One a hunter’s trophy made-
Now there’s only one.

One little tiger
Waiting to be had;
Oops! He got the hunter first-
Aren’t you kind of glad?

I found this poem in a book years ago and have always wondered who wrote it. Now I know.

 

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The Commuter

14 Tuesday Jul 2015

Posted by Zoetic Words in 100 Word Story, LIFE, THE WRITERS' LIFE

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100 word story, Commuter, grief, phone call, Sadness

Beautiful blonde caucasian lady in red dress traveling by metro.She slumps, staring at her notebook, pen poised as though inspiration is about to release those words held hostage by grief.

Weighed down by all her cares, she sits slumped over her empty notebook for most of the commute. Her fellow passengers come and go but she sits immobile. Unable to rest, write or even doodle she frowns at the blank page.

Her phone vibrates to a distinctive sound. She rouses as the significance of the call registers. Her smile wipes away all my sadness on her behalf. “Sweetheart? It’s so good to hear your voice. How far away are you?”

What do you think? Do you like my first attempt at a 100 word story?

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Friday Friend

10 Friday Jul 2015

Posted by Zoetic Words in FRIENDSHIP, LIFE, THE WRITERS' LIFE

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Deepak Chopra, KARM Therapies, Kylie Gilvear, Louise Hay, massage, the Lord's Prayer, Wayne Bennett, working from home

Kylie

Today I am doing something new which I know will become a regular highlight of my week. This post will be the longest I’ve done yet. I’d like to welcome my gorgeous Friend, Kylie who is a Remedial Massage Therapist registered with Australian Association of Massage Therapists (AAMT). You can find her at www.karmtherapies.com.au or follow her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/KARM-Therapies/179616745410762

Kylie, what is your passion in life?
Holistic Wellness and Self Care. You can only be the best person you can be if you take care of yourself. Physical and Emotional Health go hand in hand. Educating and assisting others to be able to incorporate self care into their busy schedule and seeing them flourish is so rewarding.

What do you love most about your work?
The people most definitely. My clients are all treated exactly how I would like to be treated myself. Like attracts like.

How did you make your passion become your job?
I worked in Human Resources for about 7 years, struggling, missing out on quality time with my 3 young daughters. I asked myself “If I could do any job in the world, what would I do?” My angels sent me a very strong response MASSAGE THERAPIST!!!

After 2 years study on top of my work schedule I was able to complete my Cert IV in Massage as well as my Cert IV in Aromatherapy. KARM Therapies (Kylie’s Aroma Relaxation & Massage Therapies) was born – July 2009 and I have never looked back. 2 years ago I also qualified in Remedial Massage and oh what fun I have each and every day.

Most of us dream of working from home. How did you make it work for you?
I did some contracting which made me realise how much I wanted to do things my way. Finding the balance between keeping my business thriving and keeping house and spending quality time with my kids wasn’t easy I modified my work routine and my hours so now my ship is steady, powering along nicely.

I get to do my housework in between clients during the day. This means that I don’t usually stop all day, however the plus side is that once I finish work for the day, everything is done and I get to sit down and put my feet up – or better still soak my feet in a tub of warm water and a handful of Epsom salts.

What’s in store for the future?
In 12 months I would like to get myself to Bali for my first 5 day retreat – something I have never done before, I don’t have a current passport anymore.

In 2 years I would like to accompany my eldest daughter on a humanitarian volunteer trip to Asia and Pacific Islands.

In 6 years I plan to have finished my Bachelor Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics. A New Life Path at the age of 50.

Tell us some fun facts about yourself?
Over time I’ve been a lot of places, backpacking Europe for 12 months. I’ve lived in most capital cities in Australia as well as 14 months in Cambodia, and also in London. We bought our home in Brighton almost 12 years ago and don’t ever see myself leaving, it is just the best place to be.

IKEA is my Disneyland, I love the place.  I once celebrated my birthday by spending an entire day there with a group of girlfriends, I had the best day.

I have 3 sisters, 3 sister in laws and 3 daughters.

Love Love Love Chocolate

My favourite TV characters are from Friends. I have the boxed set and still watch episodes every week (I and my kids can recite episodes). It still makes me laugh out loud all the time.

All-time favourite TV shows: West Wing and Newsroom (Aaron Sorkin). I love the politics side of things.

Favourite Music: Bernard Fanning, Hoodoo Gurus, Crash Test Dummies and Noiseworks. I am also heading along to my 3rd Taylor Swift concert this December with my daughter, one her biggest fans, but I also quite enjoy her music.

Love to exercise and keep fit; mostly gym or Personal Training Sessions most of my adult life as a kids I played basketball.  Loved it – wasn’t great at it as I am just 158cm tall. This year I had QLD Firebirds  Season Pass for Netball and I am beginning to understand with the help of the kids.

Are you a reader?
Of late (the last 7 years or so) my reading has been educational and study materials – textbooks. I love to set myself up in a garden chair in the sun and catch up on my Prevention, Womens Health or Clean Eating Magazines. When we go camping a couple of times a year I will head to a second hand book store I love the adventure and the hunt. Usually Biographies. I will read mostly anything though.

I don’t read novels much anymore – It is an addiction. Once I start a book I have to keep reading and reading until its finished. Even if it is really really bad and I am not enjoying it I will finish it.

Life is too short Kylie! But I must admit I’m similar. What are some of your favourite books?
I hold dear a treasured item a signed copy of Wayne Bennetts book “The Man in the Mirror” (Brisbane Broncos Coach) which I got at an instore book signing. He is my hero and I was speechless and could not communicate when he spoke to me so the inscription reads just Best Wishes. I don’t care, I have his book with his signature.

Also Louise Hay – You Can Heal Your Life. I buy any second hand copies when I see them and then give them to friends/family or clients if they are interested in reading. Last count I have bought 26 copies in 10 years!

What’s next on your TBR (to be read) pile?
I recently bought some Deepak Chopra books, I got a little fire in my belly when watching him on TED TV and remembered how much I loved him so I dug out and found some of his books to re-read.

Who are your mentors/heroes in life?
I think I learn from each and every person who crosses my path, there is always something to be learnt from others. A lot of people I admire are everyday people, and they may not realise just how much they inspire and impact other people’s lives. I want everyone to know that in being the best possible version of yourself you will always inspire others to be better in themselves.

My books are about family and friends. What do you value most in your family and friends?
I love hanging out with my husband and daughters, we laugh a lot and be sill; watching TV; telling them stories about when they were little kids, remember when…

Being open and honest are 2 qualities which I consider most important. I love that I can say how I am really feeling and thinking and that there is no judgement. If I need to be kicked in the butt, they are the ones there to pull me back into line.

My husband is very good at reminding me about my priorities and he always supportive in everything I do and I love him very much for that!

Do you have a favourite saying/mantra/poem?
I can still recite the Lord’s Prayer and it warms my heart.

Thank you Kylie for being my first Friday Friend and for being you. I couldn’t do what I do without you, your magic hands and your gentle reminders to care for myself. Oh and just to clarify, this does NOT mean I’m only your friend on Fridays. But you know that.

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Writing Advice from Dr Seuss

09 Thursday Jul 2015

Posted by Zoetic Words in THE WRITERS' LIFE

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

advice, Dr Suess, words

Book shaped word cloud

It has often been said
there’s so much to be read,
you never can cram
all those words in your head.

So the writer who breeds
more words than he needs
is making a chore
for the reader who reads.

That’s why my belief is
the briefer the brief is,
the greater the sigh
of the reader’s relief is.

Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss.

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The Kindness of Strangers

07 Tuesday Jul 2015

Posted by Zoetic Words in LIFE, THE WRITERS' LIFE

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kindness of strangers

Frau sucht ihr Geld zusammen an der Supermarktkasse

Recently I heard a lovely story about the kindness of a stranger. I hope you enjoy it too.

A lady standing in a line at the grocery store decided she didn’t have time before her bus came to buy the two or three items she had gathered. She excused herself, left the store and went to the bus stop to wait for the bus.

The bus came and she put one foot up into the bus when a man came down the street calling “Lady…”. She turned and the man pushed a bag into her hands saying, “I bought these for you.” Yes, in the bag were the items she had left behind.

What a lovely story. In this world where there are so many negative stories, it’s nice to hear a story every now and then to restore your faith that there are still some nice people out there.

Have you experienced the kindness of a stranger? I’d love to hear about it.

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Thank You Thursday

02 Thursday Jul 2015

Posted by Zoetic Words in Elsa Holland, Emmylou Harris, FRIENDSHIP, Jupiters Casino, LIFE, LOVE, music, musicians, Rodney Crowell, THE WRITERS' LIFE, work

≈ 1 Comment

Hund Welpe schlafend am LaptopHow was your day dear? Woke up tired, pushed yourself to work, a crazy busy day and you’re exhausted? Yes, so was mine but I have a lot to be thankful for today.

Why was I so tired? Because I have the most wonderful friends! My friend Cass was offered tickets to see Emmylou Harris and Rodney Crowell at Jupiters Casino on the Gold Coast. Though she tried very hard, she just couldn’t make it so she suggested that our mutual friend and I might like to go. She knows us so well! So well that she’ll always be my friend, she knows too much!

So reasons I’m thankful today? Do you want them in alphabetical order? No? Oh well, here are just a few reasons:

We were given the opportunity to see a great show which reminded me how much I love music. Especially music where I can hear art in action. I heard each fabulous instrument played by a professional, an artist. Where the singers/songwriters are so talented that their words (which I could hear!) evoked emotions reminding me why it’s good to be alive, I could sing along, mostly silently but I apologise to the people around me for when I couldn’t keep completely silent.

My wonderful friend Mary collected me from work and drove us down and brought me home even, a generous thing to do involving at least 229 kilometres, arriving at my place after one o’clock this morning. Thankfully she stayed at my place to sleep for a while before attempting the drive home.

After about four hours sleep, I pushed my eyes back into my head and set off to work where we are still finishing off last years’ accounts. We haven’t quite finished yet and the tidy up will take a while but I could never have got as far as I did without the generous and cheerful help of Amanda, Grace and our new colleague Paige.

My lovely friend and critique partner, Elsa Holland, has been helping me to establish my platform as a writer and in celebration of all my lovely friends, long term and short, both real and cyber, she shouted my favourite steak sandwich while we discussed our goals and plans for the next few months.

After a frantic afternoon back with the accounts, to top things off, Paige and I caught the train together; the wrong train as it turns out. But you know what, we only went one station in the wrong direction before we realised and when we got out of the train, away from our phones and looked up, there were the last vestiges of a gorgeous sunset. The train back and the right train came along within 5 minutes each so no harm done.

So, thank you everyone who made my day such a good one. Lastly but not least, I’m grateful for my lovely warm bed which is calling to me now. Sleep well. I know I will!

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