Today, I'm over in my other studio at Famous Five Plus chatting to the hunky Tex from United State of Love by Sue Fortin. Do pop along and meet him, he's a real cowboy, well he is to me! http://www.famousfiveplus.com/
Monday, 9 July 2012
Thursday, 5 July 2012
I'm Talking to a Chukkon!
Today, I'm over in my other little chat studio at Famous Five Plus talking to the life loving, if not a tad strange, Artie from Maycly. He's a Chukkon. I'm serious! Do pop along and meet him and you'll see just what I mean! http://www.famousfiveplus.com/
Wednesday, 20 June 2012
My Dizzy Guest, Carol!
Today in my Chat studio I have a dizzy lady! You might raise an eyebrow, but that is what she is called these days, I kid you not! So sit back, enjoy a piece of Mrs Palmer's shortcake and find out why the lovely Carol from DizzyC's Little Book Blog is Dizzy!
Peggy: Hugging her guest. ‘Lovely that you came along to my little studio to have a natter, but Carol, my dear do enlighten me before we go too far, why on earth are you called Dizzy, you look so charming and in control?’
Carol: Making herself comfortable in the large chair opposite, blushes. ‘Whoa, Peggy you say some of the nicest things, but I’m afraid that’s what I’m called these day. I’m sure you’ve heard the expression Dizzy Blonde, yes I know it’s an un PC reference to females who seem to be a sandwich short of a picnic, not that I am of course, but! As you can see I am a natural brunette, I love my hair colour, but nevertheless I have many blonde moments. I’m inclined to be rather forgetful and repeat myself a lot. Quite a lot at times! One day, when I was having one of my blonde moments, my partner called me Dizzy and it stuck. Hence DizzyC.’
Peggy: Raising an eyebrow. ‘I’m sure he loves you to bits, dizzy or otherwise, but before we launch into my many questions, let us have a nice cup of tea, I’ve ordered some homemade shortcake from Mrs Palmer who lives next door to me and is a dab hand with a mixing bowl and a rolling pin.’
Carol: Reaching forward. ‘Thanks Peggy, I was told you make everyone comfortable and you certainly do.’
Peggy: Chuckling. ‘Now it’s my turn to blush, I just love having super people on my chat show and you are no exception. Now, as we sip our tea and munch away on Mrs Palmer’s shortcake, you can tell me about yourself. You see I’ve been having a snoop around and I know that you have two lovely little blogs. I have one too you know, well of course you do you are going to be a star there. Oh dear, I’m rambling again so maybe it’s me that should be called Dizzy! As I was saying, I see from one of your blogs you’re an avid reader, what do you love really to read and feel free to be honest, there’s only you and me here?’
Carol: Brushing the crumbs from her knees. ‘Delicious shortcake as good as my grandmother used to make. Now as to what I love to read. I admit that my first love is historical fiction, mainly the romance sub-genre. I am also a big fan of chick-lit and chick-lit 40+. I know this genre gets lot of stick for being fluffy and the title doesn't help. I have absolutely no problem with the genre. I have a stressful and complicated family life so reading chick-lit is like having a chat with a friend and listening to their complicated life stories. It stops me from worrying about my own life when I have my head stuck in one of these books.’
Peggy: Frowning. ‘My dear, you do need to find an outlet for relaxation when you live in the fast lane and it is reassuring to know you have. I admit to reading chick-lit too, I just wish I was young enough to be like some of those girls in those novels, what exciting lives they have. Born too late, that’s my problem. So with all that you read do you ever dislike a book so much that you toss it to one side? I know I do!’
Carol: Laughing: ‘Yes Peggy, I do. You know there are so many books to read and so little me time. I’m sure you’re up there with me on that problem. When I pick a book for the first time, I normally give it 50 pages to grab me, if it doesn’t then it will either be put back on the shelf to try again at a later date, or be banished to the Did not finish pile. It doesn’t happen often, but it does happen! Also I sometimes put a book back on the shelf as there are times when I am just not in the mood for that particular genre or I can feel something in the writing, but it is just not right to read now. I hope this makes sense?’
Peggy: Looking at her notes. ‘It makes perfect sense. I too need to be in the mood to read certain books. I’ve made a note here, because this intrigued me, it seems you like to have a peek into what authors are busy doing now, whatever for?’
Carol: Smiling and leans forward. ‘Oh, this part of my blog has become quite a hobby since I discovered twitter. I see tweets asking strange questions and think to myself, "I wonder if that is research for a new novel? What are they writing?" I often see authors tweet that they are holed up in their offices procrastinating instead of tapping away at that word count and wonder what they are working on. I was so curious about what these authors where up to that I set up a feature on my Book blog, I aptly called it WIP Wednesday and it is here where authors can share their Work In Progress with readers. I never realised it would be so popular with both authors and readers alike. Start writing a book Peggy and you can be there too!’
Peggy: Grinning. ‘I leave the book writing to my dear, yet bossy friend, Pauline Barclay, you’ve no doubt heard of her, but for me I’ll stick to what I am best at and that is talking on my chat show to lovely interesting people. Though I think we are alike in many ways, one of them is being nosey! Now as I glance down at my notes I see you have three darlings, well four if you count your other half, talking of which I believe that in less than twelve weeks you will be saying I do, tell me why now?’
Carol: Sitting back in her chair. ‘I can see nothing escapes you and yes you are right. Though I have been married before for over fourteen years, after that I was a single parent for three years and then I met the love of my life, D. We settled together. I’ll be honest with you, I was happy not to get married again. We have been together almost seven years and the last couple have been very testing for me, my partner has been my rock. His commitment to me has really shone through and I now want to cement our relationship in marriage.’
Peggy: ‘He sounds wonderful. It certainly seems to me your partnership is what love is all about. I just might have to read more of those chic-lit books you never know, I might spy a good man whilst I’m browsing. I noticed on your blog you’ve talked about the flowers you’ll be having on your big day, but just as important tell me about the invitations because you designed and made them yourself?’
Carol: ‘Oh thank you Peggy, I’m blushing again. As for my flowers I do hope I can get those shades in September so I can recreate those table decorations. If not I will find other flowers that will compliment what I have in mind. One of my problems is I worry, I even have to invent things to worry about :) When I had only two children, I used to craft a lot, knitting, cross-stitching, glass painting, dress-making, a little card-making, but now I have three children and family life is hectic. Sadly this means I no longer do all the lovely crafty things I did, but I wanted to make my own invitations. I wanted to do this for several reason, one I love doing this kind of thing. Two, I wanted to get exactly what I wanted and three, I guess it was cost effective. There is a step by step on my Wedding blog showing the materials I used and how I created them. Take a peek when you can.’ http://dizzycslittlewed.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/wedding-invites.html
Peggy: ‘I will for certain, but let’s go back to you and book reviewing, what made you turn your love of reading into reviewing?
Carol: Gazing round the room. ‘I had never heard of blogging and then one day, I stumbled across a Book blog whilst looking for book recommendations. I was very interested in what I saw and decided to follow a few of these blogs as I started to order books that were recommended. After a couple of months, I decided I loved the blogging community and the passion these folks were sharing with others about books, so I decided I would like to be part of that environment. From there I set up my own blog, Little Book blog. I expected it to be quite small compared to some of the blogs I was following, but in a short space of time, it grew and grew. I never dreamed when I started my Little Book Blog, that I would be showcasing authors, hosting giveaways and have hundreds of followers. I LOVE BOOK BLOGGING COMMUNITY.’
You can see Carol’s amazing blog sites by visiting:
Little Book Blog http://dizzycslittlebookblog.blogspot.com/
Wedding Blog
Meet Carol on:
Twitter @DizzyCLBB
Monday, 18 June 2012
Amanda Wilson, Rioja & Red Hair!
Today you can find me over at http://www.famousfiveplus.com/ talking to the fiftyish Amanda Wilson from Mini Skirts & Laughter Lines by Carol E Wyer! Believe you me she's changed my thoughts of a raspberry ripple. Anyway, if you fancy a giggle then pop along and help us quaff the bottles of Rioja I has specially sent in. Mind, Amanda has already dealt with one bottle and it's only 10am.... what have I let myself in for?
Friday, 8 June 2012
Cheeky Radio Presenter, Pete Forsyth!
Today I have the lovely, yet cheeky, radio presenter from Replay Radio, Pete Forsyth with me in my chat studio and what an entertaining person he is. Please take a seat, sit back and enjoy meeting the one and only Pete Forsyth!
Peggy: Looking towards the open door. ‘Come on in Peter, don’t be shy, though from the earlier conversations we’ve had I know that is not true, so stop hovering and sit yourself down, we got a show to get through.’
Pete: Settling into the chair opposite a cheeky smile making his eyes sparkle. ‘Before we begin, may I ask you to call me Pete? Only my Mum and other figures of authority, calls me Peter!’
Peggy: Laughing. ‘Good grief you don’t see me as a figure of authority then? Well you can rest assured, you might be able to charm the dickie birds of the trees, but you’ll find I’m not such a soft touch. But for now never mind all that, so Pete it is as you so nicely insisted.’
Pete: Winking. ‘Thanks Peggy, I feel flattered by what you’ve just said, especially about the dickie birds! I like to think I have a sunny personality and yes of course, when I see a lovely lady sitting in front of me my natural charm comes to the fore, though others may say I’m a bit too forward sometimes but that’s just me!’
Peggy: Flicking her hair. ‘Forward, your reputation goes before you, hence why you’re here. I like the rugged, the devilish and the ones who make me smile. Now let’s get down to the nitty gritty. You’re a radio presenter, now let me tell you I love radio, Terry Wogan made my mornings for more years than I care to count as his Irish brogue lifted my spirits. So baring this in mind, I would say your job is about as wonderful as mine with day in day out meetings of super stars and celebs.’
Pete: Laughing. ‘I’ve certainly spoken to some amazing people over the years. Ever heard of Collete Caddle? Not only a talented author, but like you Peggy a lovely lady. Now having said this, unlike you I don’t consider what I do as a “job”. I don’t get paid nearly enough to justify that title and anyway, if it was a “job”, I probably wouldn’t enjoy it as much as I do. I’m a zannie kind of guy.’
Peggy: Grabbing a book from the shelves behind her chair. ‘Heaven only knows what that means, zannie, but suffice to say, I love the word. Now back to this lovely lady, Collete, I’ve got a copy of one of her books here, Always on my Mind, a great read and you’re right of course, I am very much like the lovely Collete, though a tad older, but I have the same striking personality. Oh dear, we’ve rather digressed, let’s get back to you and being a radio presenter. Tell me is it necessary to have your earphones on and right in your face such a big mic?’
Pete: ‘That BIG mic, as you put it, is actually an extension of myself! I am what I say, so to speak. What I saw through that big mic is the real me. Of course there are times when it is important, nay, VITAL, to have it securely switched OFF. But that’s another story!!’
Peggy: Interested. ‘You mean to say you forget to switch it off and little secrets get broadcast. Goodness gracious me! Remind me when you invite me to your studio to have my fingers firmly on the off button. In the meantime, I’ll pay more attention to your show you never know just what I might pick up on. Talking of which, do tell me about this funny voice you do?’
Pete: Running his fingers through his hair. ‘Oh you mean my Thunderbird sketch? It’s not my funny voice, but in fact I mime to a funny sequence I’d put together ages ago when I was living in Tenerife . I play the parts of Parker (the chauffeur), Lady Penelope, and Jeff Tracy. Complete with quick hat changes, it works quite well.’
Peggy: Folding her arms across her ample bosom: ‘Call me strange, but how do you mime on a radio?’
Pete: Shaking his head. ‘Let me explain. When I lived in Tenerife and incidentally, Corfu for a few years, I was DJ in a few fun bars and clubs where I played the kind of stuff drunk, er I mean, happy, holidaymakers wanted. Middle of the road oldie songs and current pop music! To add more fun to the evening I also did a few sketches, one of these sketches was Thunderbirds, like I’ve just mentioned. I’ll admit to you Peggy, but only for your ears, some of my sketches were only for the eyes and ears of the drunken, I mean the happy holidaymakers. And before you ask for details, I’m going to have to stop you as I couldn’t possibly offend your delicate, and may I say not unattractive, ears with what made those merry holiday makers laugh! But one thing I can tell you, and I know this will surprise you, I was responsible for exporting the very first Karaoke equipment to Corfu , way back in 1990 when you were just a slip of a girl.’
Peggy: Wringing her hands. ‘You are a naughty charmer, but I like you. Now let us get back to what we started this show talking about, your wonderful life as a radio DJ’.
Pete: ‘I can see you know which button to press to keep me talking to you and you’ve already got my measure, yes, I love being on t’radio! I broadcast from my studio which is situated in the shed at the bottom of my garden! It only just holds me and I have to squeeze myself in so I can close the door! But once in, I have everything to hand, so to speak! If you wanted to come and see my equipment you’d have to sit on my knee!’
Peggy: Batting her eyelids. ‘Oh my goodness, you are a very cheeky man, but I do love a man who makes me smile and believe you me, you certainly do.’
Pete: ‘Are you flirting with me Peggy? If you want my private mobile number, just ask! I’ll give you an interview that’ll make even YOU blush!!’
Peggy: Laughing. ‘You’ll have your work cut out, but I’m up for being interviewed with a famous DJ anytime. I’ll scribble down your number just as soon as we’ve finished this show.’
Pete: ‘You’re on Peggy, but I’m not sure I’m a famous presenter, yet! But I’m working on it! Mind, I’m actually on three radio stations. Thursdays - 10pm – midnight, I do a golden oldies slot for ex Radio Caroline station Radio Northsea International, I also do an 80s show, Wednesdays 10pm – midnight on my local community radio station Phoenix FM, and I do a LIVE broadcast to the world on Replay Radio, Fridays 8pm – 10pm. All are great fun but Replay is the best because the listeners can interact with me LIVE whilst I’m on air. So Peggy you can natter with me anytime when I’m on Replay Radio and the world can hear us. What do you say to that? Oh by the way did I tell you I’m going to Lanzarote in the summer and it seems the hotel I’ve booked is very close to the sea, but at the top of a short steep hill. You’ll never guess what that nosey author friend of ours told me? She said it’s quite a nice hill. A nice hill? What the f, sorry, what the heck is a NICE HILL? Anyway enough of my chat, I could do this all day you know, but before you press the off button on the mic, it’s been lovely talking to you Peggy and maybe we can do it again sometime, but next time over a glass of three of Merlot? Here’s my number, so just call me.’
If you’d love to listen to Pete on the radio here are all the links
RNI: www.rni.vze.com
Replay: www.replay-radio.net
I also have my own website which I find difficult to keep up with, but here it is anyway: www.peteforsyth.co.uk
Tuesday, 8 May 2012
Meet, Author Jo Lambert!
Peggy: ‘Hello Joanna, lovely to meet you dear, do take a seat, I heard you like bubbly, so help yourself, there’s a couple more bottles chilling in the fridge! As you know, I’ve read all your three books and what a story it is. I’ll not say too much, but my my there are some rather mean people in there. Have you met anyone like your characters in real life?
Jo: Pouring a glass of bubbly. ‘Hello Peggy, call me Jo, it’s what’s on the cover! And thank you so much for giving me the opportunity to chat to you –and a glass of bubbly too! I feel really spoilt! Have I met anyone like my characters? No, actually each of the characters is a complex mixture of many people. I take someone as a general building block and then create my character around them. For instance Mel Carpenter, (Ella’s mother), is an unbelievably dreadful woman with no redeeming features at all. She was based loosely on someone I knew way back but I embellished her character, adding in the traits of some of the most awful women I have ever met.’
Peggy: ‘Mmmm, I’d best watch my Ps and Qs or I just might end up in one of your books if I’m not careful. Hoping of course! Now your books are set in the 60s, which I admit to being as being my era, stiletto heels, fab group the Beatles, a wonderful time. But what made a young thing like you want to write about that decade?’
Jo: Blushing: ‘That’s kind of you, I’m…. well never mind, suffice to say, I’ve plenty of recollection from that buzzing decade. I thought the sixties provided a good setting for the story. It was my growing up era too and a very exciting time – the whole world seemed to open up – fashion, music and above all freedom! I grew up in a village but moved to the town when I was 12, so there are elements of the book which are autobiographical. I know there are people who think us baby boomers tend to go on a bit about the sixties, but it really was a fabulous time to be young. Writing the story brought back a lot of memories which helped enormously with the plot.’
Peggy: Smiling wistfully. ‘My dear we have more in common than just your three lovely books I can tell. But life’s not all about writing and living those heady days and when you’re not writing, I hear you toddle of to buy handbags, Radley no less? Yes I see you’ve brought one with you today. Why Radley?
Jo: Laughing and clutching her bag. ‘Yes, I’ve been a great fan of Radley for a long time, I like their style and the colours. I have to admit handbags are one of my weaknesses and I’ve probably got far more than I really need! Shoes I love too, but that’s another story!’
Peggy: Gazing down at her feet slipped into purple low heels. ‘A weakness of mine too as you can see. Fur is the other love of your life and I don’t mean wearing it, but I hear you’ve got 2 cats, lovely creatures, but I can’t be doing with all that fluff everywhere, tell me a little about your fur balls.’
Jo: Flicking an imaginary hair from her skirt, smiles. ‘They are 20 months old, the female (Mollie) is a short haired grey, the male (Max) a long furred ginger and white tabby. They have the same mother but definitely different fathers – it is possible for cats to have a litter by more than one father. They are absolutely nothing alike in looks and in temperament. Mollie definitely has some oriental in her and Max has Maine Coon – he has an enormous tail! They are both very adorable; Max is the more affectionate of the two and Mollie definitely has a mind of her own a very cantankerous female! This week Max visited a neighbour who was in the middle of decorating his lounge and managed to walk through the paint tray typical Max - but Mollie would have rolled in it!’
Peggy: Smirking and looking down. ‘Goodness me, but they sound adorable and as you can see, I’ve got your three books here on the coffee table, but I heard a whisper that you’re having the covers changed, whatever for?’
Jo: Reaching forward picks up one of the books. ‘They are lovely, but I decided like a lot of my fellow indie writers that my books had to be identifiable; that I had to have a brand which said this is Jo Lambert. I did like the original covers but wanted something which looked more professional and instantly recognisable. A friend who had just had a complete makeover with her own covers recommended designer Jane Dixon-Smith. I have to say Jane was absolutely brilliant and the trilogy covers she produced were amazing and just what I wanted. They say a lot about the books and the Jo Lambert brand.’
Peggy: Tutting. ‘I’m sure they are amazing, well I suppose that’s the way it is with the publishing world. So now you’ve got a new image for you and your books, when can we all expect to see another book from you?’
Jo: Sitting up straight and finishing the last drops of bubbly in her glass. ‘I’ve just finished the first draft on Book 4 and it’s about to go for editing. It’s taken longer than I’d planned, but I had to be completely happy with it before I let it go. I have the cover designed and ready and just need to add the back page synopsis. My publisher is lined up too, so it’s all down to how long it will take for me to do the amendments once the editing is complete. I’m hoping for publication in early summer.’
Peggy: Reaching over and refilling Joanna’s glass. ‘A perfectionist I can tell, but that’s how we were made back then. Tell us this it then, 4 books or are you going to delight us with another one?’
Jo: Laughing. ‘Oh no, there are definitely more books! Once you’re as addicted to writing as I am there’s always something going on in your head that makes you think ‘yes, there’s a potential story there!’ Several scenarios have been going round in my head as I’ve been coming to the end of the draft. Once I decide on which one to run with I’ll spend the summer building the plot ready to start writing again in the Autumn.’
Peggy: Raising her glass. ‘Cheers to success and keeping that head of yours filled with likely stories and a few mean characters.’
You can visit Jo Lambert at:
Twitter: @jolambertwriter
Facebook.com/audreyhawkins
Tuesday, 1 May 2012
Cole Ryan, Too Hot To Handle, Almost!
Today, I have the ice skating super star Cole Ryan from Taking Charge by Mandy Baggot, you are all in for such a treat. Sit down and help yourself to the plate of hot dogs provided by Cole......!
Peggy: Shaking her guest’s hand. ‘Nice to meet you, do remind me again of your name?’
Cole: ‘Hey Peggy, it’s so nice to meet you and thank you for having me on your chat show! My name’s Cole Ryan but you can call me whatever you like!’
Peggy: Raising an eyebrow. ‘Well I’ve never heard that name before, but then I’ve not met anyone from Michigan either, what is it like there, cold, hot, windy, poor, rich or is it just heaving with men full of testosterone like you?’
Cole: ‘Haha! There is certainly a lot of testosterone in the Portage Panthers ice hockey team that’s for sure! We’re all hot blooded young men! I’ve just moved to Portage , Michigan Chicago , Illinois Portage is a town in Kalamazoo County Michigan
Peggy: Laughing: ‘I’m none the wiser as to your part of the world, though the weather has a certain ring about it to the UK
Cole: Leaning back in his chair, winks at Peggy. ‘I thought you’d never ask. You see I’ve been skating since I was about five. Skating and in particular hockey is really big in North America . Most people learn how to do it and if you’re good at it you join a team. I was lucky enough to play for a great team in Chicago Portage
Peggy: Leaning forward and smiling. ‘Only if you look after me whilst I’m there. I’ll take that cheeky smile as a yes and get my flight book straight after our chat. Now, don’t distract me anymore you see I’m finding what I’ve just read in my notes as not only hard to believe, but a tad disturbing because I see a fit young man, very fit, sitting gazing down at me with wicked eyes and I’m expected to believe that you wolf down up to six hot dogs a day, surely this is a ludicrous mistake?’
Cole: Throwing his arms up in submission. ‘You’ve been stalking me on Twitter, Peggy! Yes, I admit it, I do have a soft spot for hot dogs. But they are my only junk food weakness, I do eat quite healthily. I love pasta and fresh vegetables and fruit. It’s all about balance!’
Peggy: Wagging a finger at Cole. ‘I’m glad to hear it, because if you don’t get that balance right you’ll not be answering my next question should it be posed to you again in the future which is, I believe you’ve a string of girls after you and if I was a few years younger I’d be one of them, even if you gobble down hot dogs or not, but are you likely to settle for just one. Don’t worry your secret is safe with me I’m the sole of discretion?’
Cole: Leaning forward and resting his elbows on his knees. ‘I’ve actually just broken up with a girl, just before I moved to Portage Chicago
Peggy: Crossing her legs. ‘Seems I have a chance after all, but we can talk about that when I come to watch you play. More importantly I want to know what it is you’re up to in Lady Baggot’s latest book, Taking Charge, I’ve heard a lot about it, but not from the horse’s mouth so to speak?’
Cole: Rolling his eyes. ‘Lady Baggot is so awesome! We all love her at the Portage Panthers! Taking Charge is basically my platform to tell everyone my story. And that cute girl from the plane ride, well she’s called Robyn Matthers and she’s kind of my boss. It’s a novel about love, new beginnings, family relationships, junk food and ice hockey. I’ve got quite a big role to play!’
Peggy: ‘That sounds right up my street and you can sign my copy when it is out there in the big world. Another thing I hear is that you and your book, Taking Charge is being published by a leading publishing company, Sapphire Star, does that make you feel important and excited?’
Cole: Laughing out loud. ‘The team at Sapphire Star Publishing are amazing people! I know they’ve been fantastic with all the preparation ready for the launch of the book. I know Mandy Baggot is thrilled to be working with a group of people so committed to getting great fiction into the hands of more readers – we’re both so excited to be part of their family.’
Peggy: Leaning over and patting Cole on the knee. ‘Never forget just how important family is, priceless. And finally, Cole, I still can’t get my head around your name, but there you are, though when you’re famous, and I’m sure you will be, will you please come back and tell what it feels like?’
Cole: ‘Without a doubt Peggy! But you’re pretty famous yourself with this whole chat show thing going on! I’ll come back any time but only if you promise to come eat hot dogs with me and watch an ice hockey game – do we have a deal?’
Want to find out more about Cole Ryan – you can! Take part in #askcole on Twitter on 2nd May from 5pm-6pm UK
Taking Charge is published on May 3rd by Sapphire Star Publishing and you can help Mandy Baggot celebrate the launch by joining in with the Twitter party. Just use #TCparty to come along and be passed a virtual glass of bubbly!
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