Rob in España

International Conferencing Writers Circle

2009-11-10T09:05:00.001+01:00

Noticing a piece in the Writers News concerning an Expats Writers Circle for writers living abroad I emailed Jo Lamb, the organiser, and was delighted to be invited to join a dedicated circle of writers living in the far flung corners of the world including Australia, USA, Italy, France, Germany, Spain, Bangkok, Belgium and the UK.

Many of whom have been published (including The Oldie, incredible!) and competition winners.

Apart from emailing they also hold online meetings in which I will be participating this weekend.

The world of writing continues to shrink!

A Blog about....Blogs

2009-11-06T16:46:00.003+01:00

My blogs on this blog - 'Rob in Espana' are mainly connected to my writing activities and those of my writing buddies and associates.

Many peoples blogs are witty anecdotal blogs concerning a particular topic close to their heart, they are usually entertaining, informative and sometimes worth a comment or two...

So today I thought I would blog here about my other blogs (confused, I promise this gets easier to follow)
therefore here are some extracts from my other blogs (the witty, anecdotal ones)

How to cause a Queue with 21,80€

I got fed up with carrying my small change around in my pocket. Because it regularly fell out, down into the gaps around my cars handbrake. Convincing me, that one day, it would cause the hand brake to fail leaving me rolling backwards down a hill in a panic.......(For more click on the title)

CRISIS OF ANOTHER KIND

Ever had one of those days when you just want to scream? The nervous breakdown is but one small incident away and you just want to time switch yourself into a different world – No? Well where do you live?

I was preparing our villa for a 2^nd viewing, yes really, in this market unbelievable – but true!
(For more click on the title)

Lucky I was Hungry

If I shared with you that I have just spent an entertaining hour in the local butchers (carniceria) you would probably think - now he really has lost it. But to understand why spending an hour in the butchers really can be a good crack you have to appreciate the facilities in [...]
(You've guessed it)

Anyway just thought I would mention my 'other' blogs....enjoy.

Great article on this millenium but oh dear

2009-11-04T15:12:00.000+01:00

As I have blogged before writers love to receive feedback from their readers. So today via The Inland Magazine editor I received the following email from Ann P. regarding my article 'They Think It's All Over It (Nearly) Is Now' published in the November edition:

Email subject as per the title of this blog -

really enjoyed your reminder of all the things that have happened since 2000.

but what happened to a mention of the terrible bombings in London amid the joy of announcing the Olympics.
never mind cant expect you to remember everything I suppose.
keep up the great work.
regards Ann P.

Thanks for reading the article Ann and yes you are right perhaps these events should have been included.

Happy 5th Birthday The Inland Magazine

2009-10-30T14:29:00.001+01:00

I have just read the editorial in the November The Inland Magazine, I could not believe it was TIM's birthday again so soon.

In this edition my article:

They Think It's All Over It (Nearly) Is Now

reviews the events of the first decade of the 21st century - which seems to be drawing to a rapid close without a whisper:

Given everyone’s obsession with financial downturn and the value of their house, the end of the first decade of the 21^st century has crept up on us with hardly a whisper.

Don’t you think it is incredible? It only seems like a few weeks ago we were knee deep in Millennium this and Millennium that – remember the hyped threat that the world was going to end because of the computer bugs surrounding the date change? So here we are and the world has nearly ended, thanks to the banks overpaid directors mismanagement of our capitalist society, bombs and natural disasters, but the good old microchip did not let us down.

Further on in the magazine my regular feature - Life on The Coast takes a look at the local salt industry, illustrated with some of my photos.

I wonder what TIMs 6th year will bring as we enter the 2nd decade?

I am now published on Expatify

2009-10-29T10:26:00.000+01:00

My article entitled:

10 Things You Didn't Know About Spain - Until You Lived Here

has now been published on the online site - Expatify, an interesting site with information about Spain, including blogs etc, and many other countries.

I will be offering more of my work in the future.

Freelance Market News

2009-10-27T18:33:00.001+01:00

The November FMN (published by the Writers Bureau) has just appeared and carries my letter regarding having a writing buddy - someone to turn too when you want to scream or celebrate.

Writing can be a frustrating lonely occupation. Trying to manipulate those words into a coherent sentence to express what is in your head but reluctant to appear on the screen.

I am lucky to have a writing buddy and may even have met a 2nd one. If you are a writer be on the look out for a buddy - someone to confide in, spark ideas around and of course share those publishing successes with!

Think about joining a writing circle or if you are in Southampton area I know you will be made welcome at Penny Legg's Writing Buddies group.

Be brave, share your work with others - we all need constructive feedback.

Best of My Blogs

2009-10-25T14:44:00.002+01:00

On Spain - Are here.........

Also here

Facebook

2009-10-22T17:46:00.000+02:00

Regular readers of my blog are probably wondering how Rod Stewart (yes he is still going) slipped into the blog last time.

Well I was surfing around and ended up clicking on an invitation to hear some sound clips from Rod's latest CD - and that click lead me to Facebook.

I had been resisting joining yet another web service but to hear the music (surprise surprise) you had to register and so I became a Facebooker (?) and actually made contact with a cousin and some long lost friends.

And yes I ordered the CD (through play.com, great site for books, CDs etc etc) so thanks Rod for getting me into another new technology stream....

Rod Stewart

2009-10-20T09:20:00.001+02:00

Today something different!

Writers Bureau

2009-10-17T09:11:00.000+02:00

Having returned from my adventures in the Alicante mountains it is time once again to focus on the Writers Bureau students submissions for their magazine - Chapter and Verse.

Lots to read and edit. They were given a free choice of theme so it will no doubt be interesting to read their work.

The magazine is only published for Writers Bureau student access. If you are looking for a writing course, they offer many, why not have a look here.

Mountain Walking in Alicante

2009-10-09T13:03:00.000+02:00

Once again, it is time to disappear amongst the mountains of Alicante. To wander amongst the verdant hills alive with nature and aromas of wild herbs. The peace will come as a contrast to my normal environment with its sounds of city life going on around me. Children laughing and shouting at play, the next generation up screeching past on their noisy motor bikes, car alarms, ambulance and police sirens, exploding crackers on football match nights. Have Madrid scored again? Just count the crackers going off echoing around in only the way the acoustics of Spanish buildings permit.

Walking in the Las Muntanyas d'Alacant is a visually stimulating experience but seldom is it interrupted by other hikers, apart from you own small group. This suits me perfectly, although I enjoy the sociability of other walkers it is pleasant not to have to compete for a narrow path or be beaten to the best lunch spot by a deluge of opposing walking boot clad persons, like many of the UKs best walking trails.

Naturally, I shall be hoping for inspiration to strike me during this sojourn with nature. Some more articles or maybe fiction just might be encouraged to enter my brain as I attempt to keep up with my co-walkers. The other joy is to gather round the dinner table, appetite honed to perfection by the days exertion, and enjoy a Spanish meal in the company of others – exchanging stories and anecdotes, perhaps another source of a writing opportunities?

I hope you have a good week as well……….

PS If you are a walker - visit here:

http://www.mountainwalks.com/index.php

TWC and TJ Miles

2009-10-07T20:55:00.001+02:00

Wednesday is Torrevieja Writers Circle (TWC) meeting morning. We had a good turn out including a potential new member. Group members read a variety of work and I experimented with a book review on Ken Follett's 'A Dangerous Fortune' - more on the TWC blog

Being a typical blue sky sunny October day on the Costa Blanca I decided to share a lunch time tapa with TJ Miles, my painter associate, who also is a member of TWC. He has recently been exploring in China, Mongolia and Russia. Which he has been busy blogging on. He is currently busy with local exhibitions, if you are in this area check Procomobel (N332, Guardamar) and Torrevieja casino from this Saturday (see my Life on the Coast in TIM for more)

We discussed future plans, projects, ideas, dreams and generally let our imaginations run away with us whilst we sat overlooking the Med. in Torre de Horadada. I am lapsing into holiday mode as I am planning an adventure in the Alicante mountains next week........more to follow.

The Inland Magazine - October edition

2009-10-04T13:38:00.001+02:00

My latest articles appear in the October - The Inland Magazine

This month I take a look at the sad state of the UK pub scene compared to Spain's thriving bar culture in:

Time Gentlemen Please on Page 20 - here is the opening paragraph:

Around 52 pubs a week are being lost in the UK, going out of business, boarded up and abandoned. Yet in Spain, I see new bars regularly opening up around town despite the fact we do not appear to have a shortage of drinking establishments. So why is the UK losing and Spain gaining bars? Are the British joining the world’s ranks of teetotallers or are Spanish becoming the world’s greatest alcoholics?

Also my regular feature - Life on the Coast appears on Pages 34 - 35 with my photos.

For more click below.

Open publication - Free publishing - More october

Writing Magazines

2009-10-03T08:45:00.002+02:00

It has been a very successful week for two of my writing associates.

Firstly Penny Legg, founder of Writing Buddies and recently appointed Writers Bureau tutor, appears on the front cover of Writers News magazine. The article covers in detail her recent commissions and other exciting news concerning her writing career.

Well Done to Penny!

(By the way the photo was taken by yours truly)

Another good friend of mine, Simon Whaley, had his letter to MacWorld published as their 'Star Letter' and won 900 pounds worth of software for his Mac computer - nice one Simon!

I am still awaiting to see a copy of 'Writing Magazine' which I understand (thanks to Nik Mortons email and Simon's blog) has printed my letter concerning their recent George Orwell based article.

So a successful week all round.

COURTING THE BULL

2009-09-28T11:19:00.000+02:00

As planned I met Sarah E. Rogers, Editor at Innoword Media, and some of my fellow contributors to the Expats anthology at Jhambala (a rather chic tea drinking establishment) C/Perez Galdor, Madrid. We were presented with copies of the book and had a group photo session (with mixed results!) but many thanks to Shiva's friend (Ann) for taking the photos.

The rest of the weekend I was in fiesta mood with family at friends in a typical Castilla-La Mancha village with plenty to eat and drink plus, of course, the running of the bulls which was all rather appropriate given the title of the anthology.

Fiesta Time

2009-09-23T17:24:00.000+02:00

Having just managed to squeeze in some work after their annual August holidays the Spanish now get into Fiesta mode, so more down tools and on with party.

So if you can't beat them (and who would want to ?) join them and taking my own advice I am disappearing off into the hinterland of Castilla-La Mancha for a few days serious fiestering.

I will take a few hours off to meet with Innoword in Madrid to receive my contributors copies of the anthology I have been recently blogging about.

So I hope you enjoy your weekend and lets hope the weather is kind....

Matter Closed

2009-09-20T11:48:00.001+02:00

Following on from my recent posts the illegal use of my work issue has been resolved by the offending site removing the page and apologising. I declined their offer of writing content for them.

I would like to thank my writing colleagues, Simon Whaley and Penny Legg for their advice and support.

Returning to other matters - the first of my Book Army prizes has arrived and I am currently reading Mathilda Savitch and will be posting a review later on their site.

I am looking forward to a few days away to enjoy a Spanish village fiesta at the end of this week and I will be going into Madrid to meet my Editor, Sarah E. Rogers, of Innoword, the publishers of the anthology (see earlier blog) which includes one of my short stories.

As my writing circles Euromillones lottery tickets did not have the winning numbers to scoop the 100 hundred million Euro jackpot prize (1 winner somewhere in Europe, but not Spain) I must get back to work...

Simon Says! (Simon Whaley's Tutor Blog): The Dangerous World of Writing

2009-09-17T18:44:00.000+02:00

Simon Says! (Simon Whaley's Tutor Blog): The Dangerous World of Writing

Reproduction without Permission

2009-09-15T14:45:00.000+02:00

I have recently come across a web site that appears to have published my original work and edited it into a 3rd party article along with another's photos without either my knowledge or authority. My name and web address to my Picasa online photo album appears at the bottom of their online page.

My article was originally published in 'The Inland Magazine' June 2008 and was entirely my own work illustrated by my photos. TIM print a clause expressly forbidding any reproduction without prior consent and none has been given or requested.

I have emailed the site requesting an explanation and explaining how harmful this can be.

If some of your work has appeared online attributed to me I can only apologise as this has been placed online by others totally without any submissions or permissions from me to this particular site.

I await their response prior to instructing my solicitors.

Courting the Bull - Expat. Literature Anthology

2009-09-09T15:11:00.003+02:00

I was delighted a while ago to have my short story: 'Mediterranean Lady Seeks a Friend' accepted by the publishers, Innoword, for their Expat anthology which has now been published under the title of:

Courting the Bull

To quote from the publishers press release:

Savor the Secret Sights, Sounds and Sensualities of Spain in Innoword Media’s Inaugural Book Courting the Bull: An Anthology of Expatriate Literature in Spain

Literary Descendants of Hemingway Expose Intimate, Romantic, Thrilling Details of Wild and Wonderful Spanish Culture

Madrid, Spain, September 10, 2009 – Innoword Media announces the release this month of its exciting, new inaugural book, Courting the Bull: An Anthology of Expatriate Literature in Spain. The collection of short stories, essays and verse highlights the tantalizing, romantic and irresistible aspects of a Spanish culture that captured the hearts and imaginations of a collection of rising modern artists.

“There is a moment – and every expatriate remembers theirs – when a foreign city begins to unfold before their very eyes. Capturing that moment is the essence behind the literature,” said Innoword Media Editor Sarah E. Rogers. “It is with great pleasure that we unveil these mysterious moments in our new collection, Courting the Bull: An Anthology of Expatriate Literature in Spain.”

Whether one has already booked a trip to the alluring country of Spain, whether travel plans are still in the works or whether one simply feels an insatiable curiosity, Courting the Bull is a literary work that entertains, engages and captures the imagination.

One of the reasons Hemingway held onto his long-standing love affair with Spain may be summed up in his book, The Sun Also Rises: “Nobody ever lives their life all the way up except bull-fighters.”

Courting the Bull: An Anthology of Expatriate Literature in Spain is priced at $15.99 in the US, €11.99 in Europe and £9.99 in the UK. For more information, or to purchase a copy, please visit Innoword.com.

About Innoword Media
Innoword Media is an independent press that publishes books about art, food, literature and travel.

My story involves an unwitting Expat Brit. who becomes involved in a fraud after having met a Spanish lady in Barcelona. However maybe she has under estimated her victim as events unfold and things do not go exactly as she had planned...

I have been offered the chance to meet the publishers in Madrid to be presented with my complimentary contributors copies. More to follow.

Peace One Day - September 21st 2009

2009-09-04T17:19:00.001+02:00

I like to try and help people and support worthwhile charities. I don't make political statements because I am not qualified - but here is a cause that I hope many will support

The Inland Magazine - September

2009-08-31T16:17:00.002+02:00

Open publication - Free publishing - More september

My 'Walk in the Park' article is on Page 6 and my regular feature 'Life on the Coast' appears on Pages 34/35

Our over worked post lady

2009-08-28T11:28:00.002+02:00

Our post lady is going to be rather overworked owing to my having won not one but two Book Army prizes. Naturally I would like to blog that these were awarded for my incredible literary output benefiting all of mankind. However that would be slight exaggeration, well OK rather a grand one.
So what did I do to merit my prizes? Well the first was for a rather punctual post regarding Victor Lodato's 'Mathilda Savitch' novel - "a poignant, furiously funny and tender page turner from an extraordinary debut novelist" says the review, so I am looking forward to reading it.
The second is rather more prestigious and personally satisfying in Book Army's words "All of your help and friendly behaviour this week" One begins to wonder if on all the other weeks my behaviour was unfriendly.
What is this prize? Well at this stage that is unclear so I can enjoy a few days of anticipation until the post lady arrives with her trolley loaded with my goodies.
Why not visit the Book Army site - but remember you must be on your best behaviour.

PS Her trolley will also be carrying additional burden as my friend and writer Simon Whaley is sending me a complimentary copy of his recently published 'Bluffers Guide to Hiking'

Why do people....

2009-08-25T14:25:00.000+02:00

Send spam, stupid email scams or add totally irrelevant comments to blogs ? Because they have nothing better to do or lack the creative ability to contribute something more useful ? I don't know but now I have had to turn on the filters to stop this nuisance from detracting from this blog. Apologies to my 'commenters' for the inconvenience.

The weeks continue to fly by which means the September edition of The Inland Magazine will be out next week with another of my 'Life on the Coast' features and an article on the La Mata - Torrevieja Natural Park, entitled 'A Walk in the Park' highlighting the Association of Los Caminos y Las Rutas de las Sal.

Great to get Feedback

2009-08-21T15:34:00.003+02:00

The latest version of the Writers Bureau students magazine - "Chapter and Verse" was recently published online and students have been posting messages on their forum:

This from T.H.
"Thank you Rob for putting together another inspirational Chapter and Verse"

Also this from Catherine F
"Thanks Rob, I have really enjoyed reading the published pieces"

I am pleased that the students are enjoying the magazine and I expect that we will soon be receiving submissions for the next edition.

(If you are a WB student reading this - the theme is open choice and deadline is October 15th - for more see the Students site)