How a U.S. Holiday Could Inspire Your Next Book

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As much as people dream about writing a book, few actually take the plunge to do so. Those that try often find that it’s more complicated than they thought it’d be. There’s a reason people call it a craft, after all.

One of the main things that can get in the way is a lack of inspiration. While some people have a broad enough imagination that this isn’t an issue, others need something from the real world to help them along.

If you fall into the latter category, then you mightn’t know what to do. As it turns out, there are multiple ways that you can do so. If you’re in a position to, going on a holiday may be the perfect approach, especially if you choose the right place.

One of the best places to consider doing this is America. While you’ll need to think of the requirements for ESTAs and other things, it could be a worthwhile option. If you’re not convinced of this, there are multiple reasons why you should think about it.

Burnout: How To Spot It, How To Stop It

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The last few years have been, by any standards, a bit much for most people. As we entered 2020, we had absolutely no idea what lay in wait. Since then, we’ve had a crash course in dealing with adverse events and, for many of us, that’s come alongside continuing to do our jobs, whether from home or in the workplace. And so it won’t be a huge surprise if you’re feeling some of the symptoms of burnout right now. But how can you tell if you have burnout, and what should you do if you suspect it to be the case?

Book Spotlight: Soul Tempest by Stuart Greystone

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Book Title: Soul Tempest

Author: Stuart Greystone

Genre: YA Contemporary Fantasy

Available on: Amazon.com / Amazon.co.uk

Add it out on Goodreads

Synopsis:

In the space of a single day, Axel Knight accidentally freezes his school, punches a monster (badly), then watches a mysterious police officer annihilate that monster with a snap of his fingers.

As weird days go, that was only the beginning.

Now a recruit in the Otherworld Police Department, Axel soon finds this new world has everything he’s ever wanted: swords, true companions, mythical creatures, big fireballs…and a league of soul-powered warriors, sworn to protect the innocent.

The problem? Axel’s ‘powers’ come in only one fiery flavour: chaotic destruction, with no hope of control. As Axel desperately fights to earn his place at the academy (and not explode his friends), a wave of strange monster attacks sweeps the globe, and the Otherworld’s most feared crime lord plans to steal a power greater than any other…

Book Spotlight: Alexander Lee And The Sunken Ship by Laura Austin

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Title: Alexander Lee And The Sunken Ship
Author: Laura Austin
Available on: Amazon.com / Amazon.co.uk

Synopsis:
Join Alexander Lee as he enjoys each day and discovers so much along the way! He uncovers exciting clues from history and uses them to reveal an intriguing mystery! Read his tale, and you'll want to embark on more adventures with this fun shark!

Author Bio:

Laura has another Alexander Lee title available on Amazon, Alexander Lee To The Rescue and Tag With Jazz- a double feature. She also writes poetry and short fiction. She can be found on Twitter @kyhorrorstory.

Book Spotlight: Gathering of the Four by A.E. Bennett

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Book Title: Gathering of the Four 

Author: A.E. Bennett

Genre: Fantasy

Available on: Amazon.com / Amazon.co.uk

Book description:

"In the Realm, every citizen knows their place." 

Leora of Mae is a young woman orphaned at birth and raised on a remote farm. As a wielder of Xanthcraft, her abilities set her apart from her adoptive family and the other villagers. 

Shortly before her twentieth birthday, she learns of her family’s plot to sell her into servitude. Fearing for her life, she flees from the only home she’s ever known—defying societal conventions and breaking the edicts of the Realm. 

As she runs, Leora meets Roland Shallowbrook, a traveler on the Thieves’ Road; Lady Aurora Verte, daughter of a powerful member of the gentry; and the White Rider Leopold, a soldier with a secret. 

Together, this found family will have to band together to survive. 

Set in the distant future during the return of the Hale-Bopp comet, Gathering of the Four is the first book in the Serrulata Saga. 

Author Bio:

A.E. Bennett (she/her) lives in Washington, D.C. She is originally from North Carolina.

Links:

Website

Email: booksbybennett@gmail.com 

Twitter/Insta: @aebennettwrites

Helping Children To Prepare For Exams- Tips For Parents

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Thousands of children will be taking exams this year after what has been a very challenging, topsy-turvy year. If you have kids who will be sitting exams in the coming months, this guide contains tips to help children prepare.

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Announcements, bookshelf rearranging, writing & reading vlog!

I am now solely making reading vlogs with some cooking and games shown sometimes! This is the first more relaxed vlog with all the announcements, rearranging my bookshelf, writing poetry and reading 3 books. Check out the vlog here.

TBR Challenge: All of the books on my TBR

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So my boyfriend has issued me a challenge: try to read the books on my shelves before buying any new ones. Ok, challenge accepted! 

I've created a list of all of my physical TBR books that I need to read on my Amazon affiliate page (UK-US). Once I've read a book I can move it from my TBR list (UK-US) to my books I've read this year list (UK-US). I'm quite excited for this challenge! I'm not going to put pressure on myself but just have an enjoyable reading time at my own pace. I have a mix of different genres to read and I will be showing some of these books in reading vlogs over on my YouTube channel.

Let me know if you've read any of the books on my TBR list and your thoughts on them or if you also would like to read any of the books on my TBR! 

Think Big: How To Grow Your Small Business

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As a small business owner, you’ll often have dreams of becoming the next big thing. But if you’re still new to the game, you might not know how to take your budding business to the next level.

Just because you’re a small business doesn’t mean you can’t think big. And thinking bigger will actually help your small business grow.

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4 Tips For Ultimate Relaxation In Your Bedroom

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There are only a few things you should do in your bedroom, and one of the most important is rest. Some people choose to play video games, while others prefer to watch movies or read books, and yet others prefer to sleep. Whatever you decide to do, the end result should be relaxation and a restful night's sleep.

So how do you make your bedroom more relaxing?

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Add candles

Putting a few candles in a room can instantly change the vibe. Of course, if you don't like the thought of an open flame in your bedroom, a reed diffuser can be substituted. The reed diffuser has the added benefit of releasing aroma all day.

Many people like jasmine or lavender in the evenings to help them relax. The aromas of the sea breeze and fresh linens help to create a light, airy atmosphere in the room. An oil burner with a variety of essential oils is another wonderful alternative for people who like to make their own custom blend.

Make sure your bed is comfortable

Your sleep quality will be drastically diminished if your mattress is worn, has a sag in the middle, or is really bumpy. Even if you don't realise it, being uncomfortable causes you to toss and turn at night, waking you up.

The ideal mattress will provide both support and comfort. Your mattress firmness is a personal preference. The tog of your duvet can also affect the quality of your sleep. There should be a difference between the seasons of winter and summer. So that you can stay at a comfortable temperature throughout the evening. You will also be disturbed from your sleep if it becomes too hot or too chilly.

If you don't want to store an extra duvet, consider investing in a thick luxurious blanket to layer over your duvet in the winter. If you’re in need of a new bed, take a look at Divan Bed Warehouse for high-quality beds and mattresses.

Keep your bedroom clean

If your bedroom is messy, it will play on your mind and make it difficult for you to relax. There are a few options available to you here. The most obvious is cleaning. However, having better storage in the first place can help. Consider purchasing a fitted bedroom, as they usually have enough storage without sacrificing design or space.

Establish a cleaning schedule so that you declutter and clean at least once a week.

Add some music

If you can't imagine your life without music, bringing it into your bedroom on a more permanent basis could be just what you need. An antique record player may add a sense of class to your room, and you can listen to your favourite vinyl while getting ready in the morning. Of course, most households these days have an Alexa or a Google Home, so you can instantly request any type of music.

Finally, add some plants, whether they're fake or genuine. However, the green they bring is soothing and gives a touch of luxury.