How To Get The Most Out Of Your Book

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Reading a book is an enriching experience. Not only does it allow you to escape into another world, but it can also teach you new things and help you grow as a person. Whether you’re reading for pleasure or personal development, there are certain ways to get the most out of your book. This blog post will discuss some tips on how to read books effectively and extract the most value from them!

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Why I Got Kindle Unlimited and Why I Love It

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Kindle Unlimited is a service where you can first get a free trial and then you pay a small monthly fee to access millions of ebooks. You can read as many books as you like and you don't need a Kindle to read, you can get the Kindle app on your phone, tablet, laptop or computer.

I've been thinking about getting Kindle Unlimited for a while, and here is what finally made me decide to get it and why I am so glad I did:

1. I can read as many books as I like

Kindle Unlimited literally has millions of ebooks, from both self published/small press authors and from those traditionally published too. There are so many different books on there from fiction to graphic novels. This allows me to find shorter reads alongside or between my current reads. I can also change the font type, size and page colour through the Kindle app which makes reading books easier for me when I have headaches or fatigue. 

2. It helps authors

I have spoken to some indie authors who have all said how much reads on Kindle Unlimited helps them! Authors get paid for reads so whenever you take out a book using Kindle Unlimited and read it for free, authors are actually earning money from their work, without you specifically spending any money! I love this and I am aiming to read as many indie books as I can to find new awesome reads and to support indie authors.

3. It is very cost-effective

Kindle Unlimited, after the free trial is £7.99 a month or $9.99, if you're in the US. For this price you get to read as many books as you like! There is no limit. So as long as you read a few books a month, it is so worth it and with the range of book lengths and genres, it makes it really easy to read more.

4. There are books I want to read on there

There are books that I have been wanting to read that are actually on Kindle Unlimited! So instead of waiting to be able to buy them, I can read them straight away through Kindle Unlimited. There are also so many exciting titles that I want to read by indie authors on there and I can't wait to read and review more indie books! Might I also suggest checking out The Fast Little Fox by Jill Horton? An adorable and educational children's picture book that you can read for free on Kindle Unlimited. 

Deal alert!

If you're in the UK, Kindle Unlimited is running a deal where you can get 3 months of Kindle Unlimited for 99p a month. The usual deal is a free trial for 2 months then it is £7.99 a month so getting this 3 month deal actually works out cheaper! It ends on the 30th January.

Do you have Kindle Unlimited? If so, you might want to check out my page where I list posts about books that are on Kindle Unlimited, this is regularly updated. If you don't have Kindle Unlimited, are you thinking of getting it?

Thank you to my Ko-Fi members!~

Jill Horton- check out her children's book! 

Izzy Matias- check out her YA contemporary book and one of her blog posts!

Adam Peter Johnson- check out his sci-fi dystopian book!

Free Books on Kindle Unlimited #2

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Hi everyone! Welcome back or welcome to the series on my blog where I share books by self-published/small press authors that are free on Kindle Unlimited! Kindle Unlimited is a service where you can get a free trial and then you pay each month and receive unlimited access to millions of ebooks! I'd highly recommend if you love reading ebooks. See part 1 of this series for more free books on Kindle Unlimited! 

So let's take a look at some more indie books that you can read for free on Kindle Unlimited.

A Heart Made of Gold

Her hands are blessed with the power to transform anything she touches into gold. A single mindless touch changes the course of her life forever.

After her husband’s sudden death, Queen Kalyca of Aristos must protect herself and the vacant throne from a tyrant hellbent on becoming king. With the help of newfound allies—a divine-borne, a flirtatious hero, a famous strongwoman, and a determined youth—she finds all the strength she needs to survive in a cruel world where gods are eager to play behind the scenes.

The Mourning Rose

Manners meet magic in this tale, where curses mix with curtseys, and Charm takes on a whole new dimension Georgette Heyer and Jane Austen fans will love this romantic fantasy, set in a Regency that never was.

Eglantine Mayland is this Season’s Reigning Toast, and seems destined to make a good marriage. When the wealthy Lord Valremer, a confirmed bachelor, begins to court her seriously, Eglantine’s cousin Polyantha senses that not all is well. Too many of his actions seem to be part of a web of evil that twines itself around the Mayland family.

And why is a well-known rogue and smuggler so interested in their plight?

A Glade of Elves

From the Award winning author of "Time Stands Still: La Sombra"," A Glade of Elves" :In a world of magic, in a place out of time, Elven 'Lead' Zoe and her small Elven Guard encounters a curious other-world human Wizard with strange magical powers that rivals their own. He comes from a world outside their own. nor did they know that such a thing was possible.. The Wizard had magic no human in their world of 'Pan' should have. The Wizard's quest, soon becomes theirs too. They must help rescue this Wizard's kidnapped people from his world, held captive in theirs, to help avert a future war in their Elven Glade, a future war they can't win. They must stop it now. They must put themselves at risk and peril. They must succeed or perish trying.

Time Stands Still: La Sombra

In a twist of fate, a young Latina girl acquires a strange gift and can control time only for herself.

Penny reminds us, "Time is strange, and I would have thought it had many paths, but for some reason, you can't go back. My path lead to ruin."

Penny's only hope, she thought, was to steal a "Time Machine" and go to an unknown future where she finds things become more terrible than she ever thought possible.

Penny then takes the time to tell us her story. With the nature of what time is,the trip can only lead one way. There is no path back home.

Bemused (When Muses Misbehave)

Even the Greek Gods need time off… Hedone, Goddess of Pleasure and daughter to Eros and Psyche, wants to give her parents the perfect dinner for their anniversary and maybe save their marriage. But Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love, wants more money and her plan is to keep her son working, even if it means getting rid of Psyche... especially if it means getting rid of Psyche! Hedone despises the self-absorbed Aphrodite. She refuses to let her grandmother drive a wedge between her parents. It's Aphrodite vs. Hedone, which love goddess will win? Bemused is the prequel novella in the series When Muses Misbehave by L. W. Lowe.

Masquerade in Chaos: Kable VonSable (Choosing Chaos Book 1)

Hi, my name is Kable VonSable. I own a local shop and I'm a practicing Chaotian. That's Chaos magic user for those that don't know. I live in City 7, Southeast, United States. My shop, Tea Leaves and Tomes, also sells potions and other things. If you're ever in the area you should stop by.

So, I'm about to turn thirty and suddenly the whole universe seems bent on stirring my potion pot. My mother is planning a birthday party, my dead best friend is popping up, my cousin is playing matchmaker, and, oh yeah, someone is trying to kill me. My life is pretty full at the moment and I have to figure out who is going to kill me and when I'm going to die; preferably before, I, ya know, die.

Flashbacks: (an unreliable memoir of the '60s)

A collection of memories about growing up hippie in Toronto, during one of the most interesting periods of the 20th century. Not to mention the sex, drugs and rock and roll…

Morgan Smith was only twelve during the Summer of Love, but her parents had plunged headlong into the Age of Aquarius, and she was no mere bystander. From paisley shirts to protest rallies and from Be-Ins to hash brownies, she lived through one of the most ground-breaking and outright joyous periods of the 20th century as a participant, and through her memories, she shares what it was like to watch the world change.

Extremes: Couples

Coming forth from the shadows is another deranged instalment of the Extremes series, chasing after those that beat a bloody path before it.
This time around it is Couples being driven to all manner of Extremes to contend with a horror show of nightmare situations and circumstances.
Genuine couples, prospective couples, happy couples, unhappy couples. Would-be couples, never will be couples, friends, unusual duos. Good pairings, bad pairings.
All of them are about to be propelled into dark places and horrifying scenarios where calling upon extreme behaviour is the only answer, and even that is no guarantee of survival.
The newest addition to the escalating Extremes universe throws myriad couples into worlds of horror where darkness dwells, pain reigns supreme, and all hope goes to die.
These are tales of bloodshed and brutality, depravity and dread, terror and twisted souls.
After all, what’s better than forcing one character to go to Extremes? Taking Couples and making them go to Extremes together.

The Goddess's Binding (Chronicles of Azaria The Goddess Saga Book 1)

Cursed by the Goddess, a healer’s daughter must fight for her freedom…even if it means unleashing a forbidden power that could destroy her.

Seventeen-year-old Eliza dreams of becoming a healer. Yet over her shoulder looms the Binding; an ancient spell that can seize anyone’s heart against their will. It already took her sister, and she’ll do anything to avoid the same fate.

Her nightmare is realised when an accident strands her with Ryan, a bounty hunter on the run. Now Eliza has no choice but to join his game of cat and mouse.

As a relentless tracker edges ever nearer, a blood-thirsty cult hungers for revenge, and her own feelings turn against her, Eliza must find a way to break free.

But overcoming a thousand-year magic has a price.

The kingdom…or her life.

The Coming Storm

Elon of Aerilann, Elven advisor to the High King and Council, negotiated the treaty between his people, Dwarves, and Men. He suddenly finds that fragile truce under threat by an unknown enemy. Ailith, Heir to Riverford, may hold the key. Can he convince King and Council to act before it's too late? At what cost...?

A Trashy Pirate Romance

Paid to be taken away by her greed-ridden aunt, Charlie planned to use the situation of her forced marriage to the pirate captain's son to her advantage. Unfortunately, some plans go the way of the wind and waves, with greed and lust walking hand in hand.

A Trashy Medieval Romance

Lust and love are such fickle things. One day you are pursued by one, the next day, the other pounces. Teagan dedicated her life to the care of the war orphans in her kingdom, thinking only of them until she is forced to do otherwise.

Do you have Kindle Unlimited? Let me know if you read any of these books! If you're an author and your book is on Kindle Unlimited, please feel free to link it in this thread and it might be included in another post in this series!

Thank you to my Ko-Fi members!~

Jill Horton- check out her children's book! 

Izzy Matias- check out her YA contemporary book and one of her blog posts!

Adam Peter Johnson- check out his sci-fi dystopian book!

Free Books on Kindle Unlimited #1

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Hi everyone! Welcome to a new series on my blog where I share books by self-published/small press authors that are free on Kindle Unlimited! Kindle Unlimited is a service where you can get a free trial and then you pay each month and receive unlimited access to millions of ebooks! I'd highly recommend if you love reading ebooks. So let's take a look at some indie books that you can read on Kindle Unlimited.

The Fast Little Fox

Have you ever wanted to go on an adventure through the forest? Follow the fast little fox as he discovers more than he can imagine along the way! What will he learn? Can he make it home in time for supper? Read on to find out!

The Hush Society Presents...

Cameron dives into the world of secret shows & a spontaneous summer tour to face his biggest rival: himself.

One night, Cameron and his best friends, Benji and Eric, fellow musicians themselves, stumble upon a series of underground live music shows called The Hush Society. There they find a community of new musicians who inspire each other and help one another succeed—in music and life. Cameron is instantly drawn to the community—and its founder, Cassie, an enigmatic, artistic wild spirit.

When Cassie invites Cameron and his mates to join The Hush Society's summer tour, he decides to give his passion a go one last time. But Cameron sees this as his last shot and feels he must commit fully—sans safety net—if he wants to make it in music. So he does the unthinkable: he drops out of University. Even if his bean-counting father already put in the down payment. Even if it dents his parents' fragmented relationship further. Even if his Dad’s ultimatum (go to Uni or don't ever come home) scares the hell out of him. Will Cameron finally be able to overcome the part of him ruled by fear? Or will he destroy his chances of success, his friendship with his best mates, and ultimately return his doomed life in Beverley?

Dyrwolf

Lea Wylder has spent so long hunting werewolves that now one is stalking her in her sleep. In the unforgiving forests of the north, shape-shifting wolves have enslaved the sole human city for hundreds of miles, driving survivors up into the mountains. When Lea tracks a shifter and finds him caught in a trap, she’s convinced he’s the white wolf from her dreams. Not that it matters. He’s one of them. And they’re at war.But as Lea pulls back the bowstring, Henrik shifts to human and begs her not to shoot. By name. But how could he possibly know her? In twenty years, the wolves have never crossed the river over to their side.Injured and unable to walk, Henrik needs Lea’s help to get back home. If he could be turned against the pack, it could change the course of the war. But first there’s the small problem of returning him to the wolves—without getting caught.

Cauldron's Bubble (Netherfeld Trilogy Book 1)

A magical bubble transports Alda through time and place to a realm of witches and curses, pirates and princes, and the lost worlds of Shakespeare. She, along with a cabin boy called Dreng, must navigate the conflicts and characters of Macbeth, Hamlet, and The Tempest. But will they escape with their lives? Or will they become lost and forgotten?

Branches: A Novel of Other Timelines

SOMETIMES IT FEELS LIKE LIFE TOOK A WRONG TURN … WHAT IF IT DID?

This isn’t your life.
This isn’t your timeline.
And there’s a way out.

A mindbending page-turner in the tradition of Dark Matter and The Midnight Library, this surprise Amazon bestseller will make you question everything you know.

“A powerful piece of inventive and topical science fiction [that] will undoubtedly resonate with readers in a way that many stories reach for, but few achieve.” –The BookLife Prize

For one man, the past few years have delivered one shock after another. The election of an authoritarian president. The sudden loss of his mother. A series of debilitating seizures. Now, as America descends into a nightmare, he’s shocked to discover the explanation for his seizures: He’s in the wrong universe.

A drug trial promises to return him to the timeline where he belongs. With his family life strained, his job gone and tanks in the streets, he jumps at the opportunity. But what will he find on the other side?

Take a reality-bending trip filled with surprises and second chances. Visit alternate timelines where life played out very differently, yet one man keeps dying in every one. Explore the roads not taken. Question the nature of fate. And find an answer to the biggest question of all: in a world that feels like it’s spinning out of control, what would it take for one person to make a difference?

Now an international Amazon bestseller, Branches is at once a twisty cerebral drama and a deeply personal journey through fear, grief and redemption.

First in a series.

The Cursed Item Merchant: A Young Adult Fantasy of Cursed Enchanting Tales

The cursed items are powerful... But not as strong as their friendship.

Menda spent her whole childhood living a simple life in the village. A serene and happy existence surrounded by the love of her family and friends. But all changed on one perilous evening when the blight of the Dark Dragon emerged, raining fire down upon the people of her home.

In a chance encounter, a cursed coat binds to her as a power source saving the town by absorbing the fire of the dragon’s breath. Fulfilling her part of the deal, Menda's life changes forever. After a separation and a reunion the two learn to become friends.

Together, they journey the land discovering other cursed items and finding opportunities for the mysterious artifact to find mighty attachments just like theirs…

An illustrated fantasy packed full of stories of cursed items that will entwine and wrap around the reader. For Young Adults, New Adults, and Adults. A low Fantasy tale with beautifully drawn illustrations not to be missed.

Grab your copy of “The Cursed Item Merchant” Now and find out how indestructible a friendship can be.

The Curse's Light

Skylar Prescott is the only girl who knows the truth about their small little town. The town of Lawnsdale is cursed. No one believes the town's crazy girl. Until a strange boy finds himself thrown into the town, and now he can't leave. With Will by her side, Skylar may be able to finally figure out the missing details of the curse, including who's behind it. As Skylar and Will get closer, they can finally uncover all the secrets. But Skylar may find out how she's truly connected to this.

Jasmine Perez and the Wicked Sorceress (Jasmine Perez Series Book 1)

This is a story about Jasmine Perez. She is the Princess of one of the many Kingdoms in that Realm. But one day, a Wicked Sorceress kidnapped her people, including her father, the King. Jasmine has to leave her Palace, even though she has never left the Kingdom walls, along with two servants and her fiancé. They go on a long journey and find something that can help the on their mission, and find people who can help them as Jasmine practices her newly discovered magic. There is love, hate, adventure, action, anticipation, and lots of magic. Will she be able to stop arguing with her companions long enough to stay focused? Will she be able to defeat Lilac and save her people? Watch as Jasmine figures out who she is in time to save her Kingdom, and her entire Realm.

Joss Paper: And Other Horror Stories

Terror lurks in the prettiest places.

Holiday destinations. Sun-drenched beaches. Pristine rainforests. But what comes out to play when the sun sets? Vengeful spirits. Malignant ghosts. Horrific creatures from Asian folklore. Sometimes the old wives’ tales are real.

East meets West in this collection of seven short horror stories set in the United States and Southeast Asia.

American ghost hunters investigate a tropical island with a dark past …

A man returns to a Thai resort that was devastated by the 2004 tsunami …

A woman travels to Singapore to claim her inheritance after her father dies in a freak accident …

And more …

Children of the Outback (Tales From the Outback)

Sometimes those with the worst reputation are your best chance at survival.

A long-ago civil conflict has left Australia divided into two societies, the urbanized New Australian Republic to the east and the rural Outback to the west, separated by the now electrified dog fence. Elite dark magic wielders maintain order in the Outback while slaver gangs patrol the border searching for trespassers to capture and add to the slave trade.

Grace Walker has become one of those slaves. Captured at a young age, she has spent the past four years confined to a slave camp, but now it’s her time to become a part of the trade. If that wasn’t bad enough, she finds herself at the mercy of “one of the greatest torturers in the Outback”.

Skar Shepard has always walked a dangerous path, but entering into a deal with a Republic soldier isn’t just dangerous. For a magic wielder, it’s outright suicidal, but his conscience won’t let him refuse. Now, he’s forced to uphold his end of the bargain while the soldier struggles to follow through on his end.

Rudolfus Lesikar is no stranger to darkness. Born into a family infamous for their work with torture magic, he’s used to people regarding him with fear. But, when the evil and trauma from his past threatens his future, he can either face it or try to run from it.

The 13th Zodiac: Book One

The 13th Zodiac is a High Fantasy, slow-burn romance with a hint of Anime. Originally, L. Krauch wrote it as a comic book in High school. Now, 20 years, and three kids later, she sat down and wrote a novel. So, grab some tea, slice up an apple, and enjoy this mulit-PoV journey 20 years in the making.

Running from his past finally catches up to Jase Raion, an ex-member of the Ashen Guard and the Crown Prince of Chall. After settling on the island of Aria, he receives an unexpected contract: The lost princess of Aria was discovered living in the port town of Brighton, on the outskirts of the island Kingdom.

A trip to the markets in Brighton ends abruptly as Liya Fairaway stumbles into Jase. She vanishes in the busy marketplace when Jase realizes who she is, the lost princess of Aria and the bearer of the 13th Zodiac: Eternity. And his target.

Something ancient pulls them together, a bond that neither can deny. Reluctantly at first, Jase joins Liya and the other Zodiac to end the threat of Soren Raion, the King of Chall.

Time is not on their side, and Fate has other plans.

Colours of a Cultural Chameleon: “Where are you from?” Life gets interesting when one has no simple answer

This book tells the story of Kamala’s quest for answers. Growing up in Belgium, India and the Netherlands, she is a third culture kid (TCK); a cultural chameleon. Kamala seeks to unravel the meaning of citizenship and the ability to belong to a community. She gains a deeper understanding of herself, while travelling through the South American continent and further beyond through the splendours and perils of the Silk Road. Exploring her boundaries, she soaks up new cultures, discovering what joins us as humans. During this process she also deciphers what the future has in store for her and her family. Kamala’s mantra becomes: trust a stranger and new doors open. Coming of age and seeing the world through personal interactions and intercultural mingling, this is the essence of Colours of a Cultural Chameleon.



Do you have Kindle Unlimited? Let me know if you read any of these books! If you're an author and your book is on Kindle Unlimited, please feel free to link it in this thread and it might be included in another post in this series!

Thank you to my Ko-Fi members!~

Jill Horton- check out her children's book! Amazon.com - Amazon.co.uk

Izzy Matias- check out her YA contemporary book and one of her blog posts!

Lucy's Media Challenge: Beat the Anxiety Over Watching New Things Update 1

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Hi everyone! So something that might be familiar to some of you is the avoidance of wanting to watch new films or TV shows due to the familiarity and comfort of watching things you've seen before. Well, this year I decided to challenge myself to watch some popular TV shows I haven't seen before and to catch up on more recent films that I haven't seen.

Here's some of my list so far, please let me know if you think of anything else I should add:

TV shows

Buffy the Vampire Slayer

What If...

Arcane

Eternals

WandaVision

Gilmore Girls

Vampire Diaries

Supernatural

NCIS: LA

Films

Black Widow

Ant Man and the Wasp

All of the new Spiderman films

Shangri-La

Hawkeye

Disney films

So far, I have watched the first episode of Gilmore Girls and started Buffy. 

I liked Gilmore Girls but didn't feel a particular pull to watch more episodes, although I am going to when I feel like watching something chill and more contemporary. 

I am excited to watch more of Buffy. Charmed was one of my favourite shows and Buffy gives me definite Charmed vibes. 

Thank you to my Ko-Fi members!~

Jill Horton- check out her children's book! Amazon.com - Amazon.co.uk

Izzy Matias- check out her YA contemporary book and one of her blog posts!

Reading & Stuff Update 1

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Hello, I have decided to start doing daily or almost daily updates about my reading and other stuff as I used to love making vlogs but I'm currently not well enough to make them any more. So if you'd like to see the books I've read so far this year, please check out my Goodreads.

There's a lot of stuff I can't do right now so one of my main focuses is reading! I love reading so much. It's not always easy with my mental health but thankfully I have managed to get into the habit of reading more which I am so grateful for.

My loose goal is to try to read 100 pages a day, whether that be across one read or more than one. I say loose because sometimes I get chronic migraines which can last for many days and it also depends on my fatigue and pain levels etc. But I am going to try my best to read at least a bit almost every day if I can.

So at the moment I have a few books on the go (I have already done some reading today but never mind):

The Gift of Dark Hollow- this is the sequel to The Legend of Podkin One-Ear which I read this year and absolutely loved. I am currently on page 34. Total- 304 pages.

The Book of Stolen Dreams- I think I started this in December but didn't get very far. I am now on page 44. Total- 380 pages.

The Scum Villain's Self-Saving System- This is one of Mo Xiang Tong Xiu's books which have started to be translated. The cover is beautiful and glossy. I am really enjoying this even though I don't understand everything and I am frequently confused! I am on page 54. Total- 291 pages.

I am also reading the Rainbow Magic fairy books. I'm not sure how many I read as a child but I remember loving Ruby the Rainbow Fairy, the first book. I am now up to Georgia the Guinea Pig Fairy so I will be reading these alongside other books. I am trying to read them in order but some series are harder to find than others! (There are so many series within the main series).

I also started Aru Shah and the Song of Death which is the second book, the first being Aru Shah and the End of Time which I finally read last year and loved. This is kind of on hold for now (I was enjoying it, just ended up picking up other books) but I will be going back to it.

So far today I have read some of The Scum Villain's Self-Saving System and The Book of Stolen Dreams. The latter of which is quite gloomy at the moment but I am going to plough through (my mental health was not feeling great).

As for other updates, I wrote a blog post about writing a gratitude/positivity journal that I am really proud of. We also got our second Ko-Fi member yesterday!! Please do check out my members at the end of each blog post, they are amazing.

I will update you in my next post, probably once I have read a bit more. My updates will be shorter than this but as the origin post, this ended up being longer. Please let me know what you're reading in the comments!

Thank you to my Ko-Fi members!~

Jill Horton- check out her children's book! Amazon.com - Amazon.co.uk

Izzy Matias- check out her YA contemporary book and one of her blog posts!

Why You Should Start a Gratitude/Positivity Journal & How I Do Mine

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Hi everyone! So as most of you probably know, I am dealing with chronic physical symptoms, as well as mental health. One thing that I have found really helpful for tackling my mental health and the mental impact of being chronically physically ill, is to do a gratitude or positivity list daily. I want to chat through what I have been doing and I would love to hear if you've done this or would like to!

Gratitude/positivity list

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One method is to simply grab a notebook, piece of paper or a notes app on your phone and what I do is write the short date and then list everything I am grateful for; everything good in my life and good things that happened that day. So this could include people in your life, something you achieved or managed, small nice things that happened, maybe you had a slightly better afternoon than usual- anything really. Some of the things will be repeated and that's ok. The aim is to remind yourself, and your tricky brain that life is not as bad as your mind makes you feel it is and to start having a more positive view on things. 

I know this might sound silly but if you repeat this over and over again, it can really help you to feel a bit better. If we only ever focus on our worries or things that make us feel bad, we will just feel bad but if we try to have a more positive approach to things, even when it's hard and you can't think of much, you can feel a bit better. This really helps me. I try to keep a daily log and also when I feel my mental health dipping I aim to write down some positive things that have happened in that day or recently or just good things in my life in general. Which brings me on to another method I use: 

Positive things that happened today

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I have a beautiful planner with a to do list for each day. Within each day, I tend to have 3 headings: ideas for today, jobs and good things today. Ideas for today are things that I'd like to do, whether that's hobbies or blog-related or something else. I don't have to do all of them. Jobs are things I have to do so this could be your housework, phone calls etc. Good things today is where I list things like what I managed to do, for example, read some of my book or wrote a poem. I also list anything nice that happened, so, for example, if I had some kind messages from friends or I got a new Ko-Fi member. 

I like to do this to remind myself that it doesn't matter how much I do in the day but that things are good regardless. I want to focus on how I felt and just positive things, instead of thinking 'oh I didn't do xyz' and feel bad.

Summary

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Try to create a gratitude list, good things in your life in general and nice things that have happened lately- it doesn't matter how small.

Make a positivity list in your daily to do list- try to focus on good things instead of productivity and feeling bad about what you did or didn't accomplish.

It isn't always easy but try to keep it up and I hope it helps you to feel a bit better!

I'd love to hear your thoughts and if you try this please do let me know!

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Thank you to my Ko-Fi members!~

Jill Horton- check out her children's book! Amazon.com - Amazon.co.uk

Izzy Matias- check out her YA contemporary book and one of her blog posts!

Indie Showcase #6 Poetry Books

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Writers work really hard, pouring all of themselves into creating their passion projects and achieving their dreams. One thing that I want to do is to help authors to reach a wider audience and make more sales. Something very important for all authors, is receiving reviews. Reviews on Goodreads, Amazon, Waterstones and other shop websites help authors to find even more readers. Sometimes authors will run deals such as offering their book for free or for a cheaper price so that readers can access their books and review them for others to find. In these indie showcase posts I am going to share some of these books. Please check out any books that you are interested in and leave reviews online! See other indie showcase posts on my book lists page.

Check out these poetry books by self-published/small press writers!

The Beauty in Breathing: a collection of poetry

The Beauty in Breathing is a collection of poetry about loneliness, pain, hope, love, growth, healing, and trying to see more beauty in the world and in ourselves. It’s about a journey towards a better life.

Purple Sky Vol.1 : Talking to the moon

There are times where we all feel blue and other times where we're so happy we see the vie en rose. The sky of our life is full of these colors, and together they make a beautiful purple sky. "Talking to the moon", the first volume of the Purple Sky series, is a collection a poems related to themes such as grief, heartbreak and how to grow from them, hope for a better future, and love. So much love, for ourselves, and for others.Take on the first step of this dreamy journey; you won't be the same once you're done reading.

Collected Quirks: 2005 - 2020

The collected published works of poet and writer Sam Rose from 2005 to 2020.

The collection begins with her first published poem, printed in an anthology of love poems at the age of 17, and rounds off with more recent musings about the joys of cheese.

Between lighter reads, Sam Rose navigates early adulthood through the lens of cancer survivorship, with much of the poetry and prose featured tackling themes around illness and trauma, as well as nature.

An offering of hope and compassion for cancer 

survivors, caregivers and medical professionals alike.

Empowerthy

"I tease the knots out of my hair
like they’re the ones in my stomach,
remembering with each stroke
an easier existence."

Empowerthy is a collection of poems about being a cancer survivor and living with Lynch syndrome, a genetic condition which makes people more likely to develop certain cancers in their lifetime.

The poems are written to empower and empathise with readers – whether you are a cancer survivor, previvor, or simply a survivor of this world so far.

Linear

Linear is a poetic story of recovery. It's triumphant, it's raw, and it's real. Linear shows both the bad days and good days in the mind of someone with mental illness. It is poetically and painfully beautiful, because after all, healing isn't linear.

The Many Personalities of Me

** content warning. This book discusses mature themes such as mental health, suicide, self harm, and depression. Comprised of poems hand chosen by the author, The Many Personalities of Me tells a story of struggle, triumph, heartache and above all perseverance. Stories and poems based on first hand experience from my every day life living with mental illness.

Warm Cinnamon Rolls on Sunday Morning

No matter how much money there was, there was always something baking at Laura S. Tarasoff's childhood home. Concoctions from flour, sugar and butter went a long way to filling their home with wondrous aromas that relieved the stress of life.The simple pleasures of joy and hope found in the small, still moments, can be found throughout Warm Cinnamon Rolls on Sunday Morning. Laura S. Tarasoff reaches out a hand of friendship and welcomes the reader to find connection with a familiar memory. She hopes that you find here a poem that touches the heart and stirs the spirit in the still small way to lift the reader up and find their way to a path of light and hope.

The Cuddle Puddle: A Picture and Poetry Book

The Cuddle Puddle contains a collection of kitten photographs and poetry that is perfect for the entire family. Many of the kittens featured were once part of a rescue and now have loving forever homes. We hope you find them a cute as we do.

The Dream is Free but the Hustle is Sold Separately: A collection of poems and thoughts

A collection of poetry and thoughts.

Organic eMotions: Poetry for hUmaNITY

The inspiring poems are an introspective portrayal of deeper feelings of melancholy, confusion, hope, self-love, healing, wholeness, and empowerment. The verses capture both the transient and the prevailing emotions through a vulnerable lens, using a powerful and electrifying nuanced artistic expression. A rejuvenating, poignant, lyrical reflection of trauma liberation during humanity's evolution.

Ananda: Poetry for the Soul

Ananda, the bliss within, is an inspirational poetic sonata for the evolution of the Soul. With harmonic verses, each healing poem provides therapeutic, meditative, and transformative reading for self mastery. A handbook for the wellbeing of the Soul, with messages of hope and transcendence imbues each page and highlights the interconnectedness of humanity. “When we operate from the space of heart-centered consciousness, every Soul becomes our mirror and our teacher. We are all connected within this web of radiant life force energy called Love.” —Lali A. Love

Thank you to my Ko-Fi members!~

Jill Horton- check out her children's book! Amazon.com - Amazon.co.uk

Izzy Matias- check out her YA contemporary book and one of her blog posts!

Book Spotlight: Racing Devil: A 'Ride or Die' Romance of an F1 Driver by P.J. Scarlet

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Title: Racing Devil: A "Ride or Die' Romance of an F1 driver
Author: P.J. Scarlet
Genre: Romance, Sports Romance

Available on: Amazon.co.uk - Amazon.com (Also free on Kindle Unlimited!)

Book description

After a racing accident, Myles Carlton, the famous Formula 1 driver struggles to accept that his face has become disfigured, and there is no way to fix it.

Everybody keeps saying that it’s a curse. He has been insulting, selfish, and irritable. He lacks sportsmanship and regularly breaks women's hearts.

But then he meets Nicky who checks every box for him, and most importantly, she never acts like she was repulsed by his face. The playboy driver decides to go on a mission to win her heart.

Nicky's life has been going well. She was a management expert, and even better at controlling her emotions, until she has to work as Myles’ manager.

He makes her feel flustered, lightheaded, and she is about to lose control.

Falling in love with a dangerous man was the last thing in the world that Nicky wants to risk her heart with, resisting his charms and his burning desires for her has also proven to be a very difficult task.

If a fair maiden's kiss could break the beast's curse,

Will her love be able to help this hunter beast break his curse as well?

Author bio

P.J. Scarlet is the pen name of a Thai female author who has published over ten books in the Thai language. She is also an award-winning author in the country. She is a hedonist who lives with anxiety. She loves listening to music and reading about people. She believes in the power of passion, dream, and determination, and she sets out to live her life accordingly. P.J. Scarlet has a rare disease. Writing fulfils both her life and her heart. Follow P.J. Scarlet on Twitter @PJScarlet_novel or write her at PJScarlet.author@gmail.com.

Book Spotlight: Dig Deep, Stand Tall: How to Connect with Your Heart, Take the Limits Off of Life, and Finally Reach Your Dreams by Adrian Hayward

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Title: Dig Deep, Stand Tall: How to Connect with Your Heart, Take the Limits Off of Life, and Finally Reach Your Dreams
Author: Adrian Hayward
Genre: Self help / Personal development
Available on: Amazon.co.uk - Amazon.com - Book Depository - Kobo - Barnes & Noble
(Currently only 99p/99 cents on Kindle)

Book description
You’re tired of things in your life not working out for you.

You’ve given everything but nothing seems to stick.

You wonder, “Why can’t I make things happen? I’m trying so hard.”

And that’s why you’re searching for books on how to be successful.

Well, you’ve found the one that can help.

I have spent the last 20+ years learning how to turn dreams into reality while achieving lasting change. I have devoured thousands (literally) of books to build on my understanding. And I've given everything I have to overcome abuse, trauma, addictions, illness, and much more. I now love my life and want to show you how you can, too.

In This Book, I’m Going to Show You:

● How to search deep inside for the answers you’ve been missing so you know what choices to make
● How to break through obstacles no matter how tough they seem
● How to change the parts that have seemed completely stuck FOREVER – like crippling fears, addictions, and trying to shed excess pounds

What You’ll Get:

● An assessment of where your life is right now
● A simple 10-year plan you can create in just a few hours
● Wisdom and encouragement on how to Dig Deep so you can Stand Tall
● Guidance and personal examples for every step in the process

This is a book about lasting change. About how to design your life, YOUR WAY.

Don't let this opportunity to change your life be one of those that passes you by.

Author bio

Adrian Hayward is the author of Dig Deep, Stand Tall—a message of solidarity and a guide to self-transformation for those yearning for a rich, fulfilled life. He believes in the wealth that’s inside of us: our vital selves, our inner directions, and the intuition that guides us. Having overcome everything from abuse to addiction, homelessness, mental illness, and physical pain, he is passionate about sharing his learnings with anyone facing their dark moments. Adrian writes in a style that’s hopeful, challenging, honest, and inspirational—and his one goal: to help as many people as he can to experience the profoundness of living a life of their dreams.