Monday 3 June 2013

My New Virtual Home Is Now Live!

Courtesy of the lovely Nettie Thomson at Meldrum Media, I now have a lovely new website - the place I'll be keeping in touch with everyone from now on.

You'll find info on my books, can catch up with my blog, read news and reviews etc. So please head on over and have a ganders.

http://suzietullett.com/

Thank you to everyone who's followed me here, I hope to see you all at my new virtual home too.

Can't wait to hear what you think of it.

Suzie x





Wednesday 8 May 2013

The Bookworms of Carnforth

As both a reader and an author, it's always nice to chat to fellow book lovers. So when the Bookworms in Carnforth invited me along to one of their meetings obviously I was more than happy to join in the fun.

And what fun it was too...

I met a great bunch of women, each of them sharing a lively interest in all things literature. Which is probably why, after giving me the warmest of welcomes, they happily dove straight in with their questions and why the next two hours or so seemed to pass by so quickly.

During this time we talked about Going Underground, a discussion that included some wonderful and very much appreciated feedback (thank you, Ladies); we discussed aspects of the writing process, as well as the publishing industry in general; and we even touched upon author Stephen King and novel Fifty Shades of Grey... The latter providing an opportunity for one of the group to produce a photograph she'd previously taken - a photograph of a cloud shaped just like a man's... ahem!

And finally, I was asked to do a reading, enabling me to introduce the group to Little White Lies and Butterflies.

As its author, it was lovely to hear everyone spontaneously laugh out loud and in all the right places. Such instant feedback isn't just invaluable from a writing standpoint, it makes the book's up and coming release all the more exciting x

 


 The Bookworms, from left to right:
Mandy Griffiths, Sue Smith, Kay Postlethwaite, Georgina Peacock, Judith Southall, Jeannette Prescott

Wednesday 17 April 2013

Stationery Love

I'm blogging over at Jera's Jamboree today, talking about my love of stationery...

http://jerasjamboree.com/2013/04/17/jeras-jamboree-stationery-love-with-suzie-tullett/

Please hop over if you get the chance. As well as featuring the likes of me, it's a great place to get the latest in book reviews! x

Friday 5 April 2013

Let the New Chapter Begin...

Six years ago this Summer, I found myself moving to Greece. It wasn't planned; it sort of just happened. I mean my dream had always been to find a little cottage somewhere in France.

I'd often envisage myself meandering through the French countryside behind the wheel of a little Ape 50 or Citreon Dolly, nipping into the boulangerie for freshly baked bread or just savouring a coffee whilst watching elderly gentlemen play boules in the village square. Naturally, in my imaginations I was also fluent in the lingo... All very romantic, I know.

We even organised a house hunting trip. The campervan was packed weeks in advance, the ferry tickets were booked and our excitement was building.  But then it started to rain... and rain... and rain... and not just in England either, France was drowning as well.

Honestly, it felt never ending and like most people in the UK that year, we became desperate for a bit of sunshine. Although I suppose Rihanna's 'Umbrella' being at number one in the music charts for seven weeks during that time didn't exactly help any. So out we came to Greece instead, ready for some well earned respite and I've been here more or less ever since.

Tomorrow, however, I leave for good.

Of course, I'm excited about starting a new adventure somewhere else, but I have to admit I also feel a little sad. Although it's not hard to see why, is it?


Kalymnos has been my writing retreat all these years and not only has it provided me with a fantastic setting for the latest book, I've met some wonderful people along the way, some of whom I've included in my blogs from time to time and who I'll no doubt miss.

People like my neighbour, Birgitta. Not that you can really see her in this picture, she's worse than me when it comes to getting in front of the camera and would only let me finally show her face if you can't actually see it!



Then there's the lovely Birgit. A German lady who runs the dog rescue shelter here and is responsible for introducing me to both Roma and Nanos, the newest members of the Tullett clan - both of whom I couldn't be without, so for this I'd like to say a big thanks.




And I can't forget Nicolette and Daniel. Not only does Roma seem to have a crush on their little dog, Gina, they're also lovely neighbours and run the most fabulous ice-cream shop on the island!  On the planet even! Something else that I'll definitely miss when I leave... Wonder if once I'm settled I could pursuade them to up sticks themselves and set up nearby?



Next is Ruth and Carl, fellow Brits and again such lovely neighbours even if they do like to spend their time hanging off one rock face or another! I know, I much prefer the safety of terra firma too, but hey, who are we to judge?



As you can see, Kirsten is more like me - much prefering the calming effects of a glass of wine to the excitement of an adrenaline rush. Although to be fair Carl and Ruth have also been known to partake every now and then - something I saw with my own eyes only the other night.



Next in line is Geraldine, a very nice lady who's become a fixture around these parts over the years. A fantastic climber, who also kayaks and sails and does all the other mad stuff I try to stay away from. Although I'm more than happy to cheer her on from the sidelines, a gesture I'm sure she appreciates. 

She's stood with Stelios, a Greek chap from Athens who spends his Summers here doing Yoga and surprise, surprise climbing... He also likes reading and tried to introduce me to Edgar Allan Poe last year. Unfortunately, the cover alone was enough to put me off but you've probably already guessed that 'scaredy cat' could quite easily be my middle name.  Although for those of you who've read my previous posts, as middle names go, 'scaredy cat' is probably preferable!





Last but certainly not least, is the Klonaris family. From left to right - Sakis, Theme, Panormitis, Petrula and Dimitra... Such a welcoming family you wouldn't believe - they've plied me with coffee every time I've needed a change of environment when writing, fed me and as a woman here on my own a lot of the time, looked out for me. A truly wonderful family that I will never forget. I thank you with all my heart.


Missing from the Klonaris picture is Eleni. I'm not saying she was purposely avoiding the camera, however, she did seem to keep disappearing off in the car whenever I was around yesterday... Sorry Eleni, but I couldn't leave you out and despite what you say, you look as lovely as ever here...





Now I suppose it's onwards and upwards in the next chapter of my life... An exciting prospect tinged with a little bit of sadness as it goes without saying that I'll miss everyone above and everything the island of Kalymnos has given me.

I just hope wherever I end up next it isn't raining... otherwise I just might have to come back! x

Thursday 14 February 2013

I Can Now Reveal...!

A couple of weeks ago, I told you all that I've been keeping the biggest secret ever. Of course, I understand the reasons why I've had to keep schtum, but maintaining my silence has been one of the hardest things I've ever had to do. In fact, I'll go one step further and say it's been torture. I'm such a scream and shout it from the rooftops kind of person!

Anyway, having been given the go-ahead to reveal all (drum roll, please) I'd like you to raise a glass for my son, Benjamin, and his beautiful wife, Cindy...






Yes, everyone, (getting tearful as I type this) they're going to have a baby!

I know, I know, I'm way too young to be a grandmother (and too glamorous, I hear you say - obviously) but I soooooo can't wait. This baby is an absolute gift. And to us, at least, already the most adored little being on the planet.

I wonder if we'll have a little boy to add to our fine male Tullett specimens?




Or a little girl to make the numbers up?




Not that it matters, either way, as long as the baby's healthy.

Although the happy parents-to-be do plan on finding out the sex and I, for one, can't wait... Knitting needles at the ready.

So there you have it. That's what I've been forced to keep to myself these last few weeks.

Anyone of you got any happy news you'd like to share? x

Wednesday 13 February 2013

First Paragraph, Teaser Tuesday!

Every week, the lovely Paulita Kincer (Author of The Summer of France) takes part in a weekly bookish meme. The point being to introduce the first sentence of her current read, along with a random teaser, to all the other Tuesday Teaser participants.

A great way to share books and grabs a readers interest, don't you think?

Anyone can play along, so if you want to join in please head over to Paulita's blog http://paulita-ponderings.blogspot.gr/2013/02/first-paragraph-teaser-tuesday-going.html where you can find all the details.

And guess what, Guys, this week she's featuring Going Underground!

Will my first sentence grab you? x

Wednesday 30 January 2013

That was quick!

 

How exciting, Little White Lies and Butterflies is now showing on Amazon!

Yes, there's still a little while to go before the publication date, but if you pre-order now from the UK you get the price guarantee:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Little-White-Butterflies-Suzie-Tullett/dp/1908208198/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1359394185&sr=1-3

And on Amazon US you can sign up to be notified once it's available:

http://www.amazon.com/Little-White-Butterflies-Suzie-Tullett/dp/1908208198/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1359462211&sr=8-4&keywords=suzie+tullett

Hope you like the cover and blurb; this book was certainly a lot of fun to write.

Happy reading, everyone and as always, thanks in advance for your support x

Thursday 24 January 2013

The Very Inspiring Blogger Award

What a compliment!



The lovely Catherine Green has nominated me for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award. Catherine is the author of the Redcliffe novels - dark fantasy, horror and paranormal stories and you can check her books out here www.catherinegreenauthor.blogspot.com

Thanks, Catherine.

So, here are the rules:

  1. Display the award logo on your blog.
  2. Link back to the person who nominated you.
  3. State 7 things about yourself.
  4. Nominate other bloggers for this award and link to them.
  5. Notify those bloggers of the nomination and the award’s requirements.
 
And here goes:
 
  1. It's long been my dream to live in France.  Of course, dreams do come true, which is why I've decided to try and learn French this year - in preparation for the day this becomes a reality.
  2. I'm a housework freak. Oh yes, I do like to keep a nice, clean and tidy home, although sometimes probably to excess. So imagine my horror when today I decide that for once I'm going to let things slide, only for surprise visitors to go and turn up... Naturally, a patio full drying laundry, washing up in the sink, work out on every available surface, bathroom towel discarded on the floor (need I go on?) isn't exactly the best environment in which to receive guests! So yes, everyone, guess what I was doing the second they finally upped and left?
  3. I once spent about nine months living in Northern Sweden and despite temperatures getting as low as -36, I absolutely loved it. Anyone else ever had the pleasure of experiencing the hairs in their nostrils freezing?
  4. Memory foam matresses make me sea sick... Don't ask me why, but when looking for a new bed I once sat on one and within seconds I came over all nauseous. As I hadn't been drinking at the time, I'm putting this down to the fact that I'm simply one of life's delicates - living proof that images can most definitely be deceiving.
  5. My biggest 'blonde' moment was when my other half and I were watching the start of the Oscars ceremony on TV one year. All the stars were arriving on the red carpet looking as glamorous as ever and from his position inside the building, one of the hosts announced it was 'Limo Gridlock' down there. Well I'd never heard of this particular actor so obviously needed clarification... that's when I turned to Robert and innocently asked "Who's Limo Gridlock?"
  6. Most people seem to think I'm as mad as a hatter and reading some of the things on this list, I'm beginning to see why!
  7. I'm currently keeping the biggest secret no individual should ever have to keep!


So, if you now want to check out my nominations to find out if these gorgeous people are as balmy and/or inspirational as I am... here they are:

  1. http://joskehan.com/
  2. http://donna-lostandfound.blogspot.com
  3. http://itswhatigotnotwhoiam.blogspot.co.uk
  4. http://nickywellsklippert.wordpress.com/
  5. http://guernseygirlie.blogspot.gr/
  6. http://janerisdon.wordpress.com/

So that's it. Can't wait to read all about Jo, Donna, Kate, Nicky and Marilyn... and please feel free, readers, to reveal something about yourselves, too x
 

Tuesday 15 January 2013

A poet in the making?

It doesn't happen very often, but every now and then my other half, Robert, does something romantic. Like the time he didn't just make me a plate of chips, but a plate where each chip had been individually and paintstakingly cut into a love heart... I know, must have taken him hours!

Then there are the occasions when he's written me poetry. Oh yes, I've had a few poems over the years, all for my eyes only on account of his embarrassment, of course. Although he did read one of his verses out to those in attendance when we renewed our wedding vows a few years ago.

Anyways, the other day he asked me if I'd read another one of his poems, except this time it wasn't written with me in mind; he just wanted to know what I thought about it. Obviously as an author I know the last person able to give objective feedback is a family member, so with his permission I wondered if you'd all do the honours on my behalf?

 
Gone
A poem by Robert Tullett
 
Finally, he's fast to sleep
Of no distraction was my weep
I'll bathe my arm, I'll cover my bruise,
I'll clean my face that he abused
I can no longer dance this song
Just having to simply play along
 
Then after making sure it's calm
I'll gently wake our broken kids
I now invoke my strongest charm
So not to raise immense alarm
I reassure to stem their fear
And wipe away their frightened tear.
The light once far and often dim
Now screaming out and well within


Down the landing, to the stair
Scared to death we pass the lair
Relieved, we hear a drunken snore
 Memory of a bully's roar
Tears now streaming down my face
Gulping hard & quickning pace
Its time to leave this bad, mad, place
That screams of utter, sheer, disgrace 


Please cry quietly, little ones
I promise soon we shall be gone
Into the darkest cold of night
We huddle close to beat the fright
We grip, we cling, we feel its sting
Hearts now loud and echoing
And so to safety, so to light
 eradicating all our plight
 
 It did I fear take all my might
But now at least, we can sleep tight!


Personally, I like it. I think it's powerful. But despite having had poetry published I have to say I'm no expert. Which is where I'm hoping you'll all come in. 
 
So, guys, what do you think? Could Robert be a poet in the making? x