Catch Up...

I have a confession. I am a terrible blogger. I've only just realised how long it's been since my last post. I really have no excuse other than that I've been busy doing other things, for instance my novel which btw is coming along nicely. In fact straight after I upload this I'll be back to typing up my indecipherable scribblings from this last week. In all honesty I've been so wrapped up in the world of Emily (my main character) that I've not wanted to work on anything else. One day it'll be finished and I can't wait to share it with all of you.

This is more of a catch up post I suppose. Just to let you know that I am still lurking lol. And I promise to try upload more frequently. I decided that while I am catching you lovelies up, I may as well share some of my favourites from this last two weeks.

I love my magazines. I don't spend half as much money on them as I once did but I still have a few staple monthly reads.

Writing Magazine is a MUST for any writers, aspiring or published. Filled with helpful advice, and competitions to hone your skills. At £4.10 it is on the pricey side but I don't have many vices so I can justify this one!

Vogue is not one I'd usually buy to be honest. I find it's just crammed with adverts. But... I bought the June issue at £3.99 purely because one of my favourite ladies was on the cover. Hello to the Duchess of Cambridge! Are there any other Kate fans out there? This issue was still filled with loads of adverts but I also found myself being inspired by the skilled photography featured.

I subscribe to Love From... and I suppose yes you could say I'm biased because I write the Let's Talk column but I DO so love this little publication. It's just different from anything else on the market. I love that we include fresh new talent and that we don't conform to the 'style' of other traditional glossy magazines. The birthday issue is no exception. In fact I'm going to go out on a limb and say it's the best issue yet. LF's first birthday also sees the re-launch. As such if you order currently, you'll get it for free! Featuring informative articles, helpful tips, inspirational pull outs, recipes for cheesecake and of course an interview with the founder/editor Florence! Try it for size and let me know what you think! Click HERE to visit the LF website and to order your free copy.

Last but not least I want to mention the new book I bought just yesterday by Paige Toon, 'The One We Fell In Love With.' I began this last night and ended staying up rather late as I got drawn into the story of three beautiful women (identical triplets) and their love for one man, Angus. I don't want to spoil the story for any of you but it's an easy going read, perfect for de-stressing after a hard day. Plus who doesn't love a bit of romance? As a paperback format it's a standard £7.99 but you can usually pick it up cheaper online or in the supermarkets. If you click HERE you'll be redirected to Paige's website.

Well it's been rather nice doing this post. I forgot how much I loved blogging! Hope you all have a fabulous weekend and I'll catch you soon... xxx

Career Insight: Magazine Journalism

Happy Wednesday folks! Sorry that this is the first post in a couple of weeks. I've been super busy as per. Talking of busy, I'd like to introduce you all to a lady who surely never sleeps! She holds down three jobs, writes for two blogs plus various publications, studies Journalism AND has founded her very own magazine. I'm exhausted just typing all that! Everyone say hello to Florence Grace!

I've been promising these 'career' posts for a while now and Florence is the first to kick start the series. The aim is simple. To give an insight into various jobs/occupations. So whether you're a teenager looking for ideas, or someone older simply plotting a career change, I hope that these posts help to inspire you!

This particular post is all about starting and producing your own magazine, something I didn't even realise was possible until I came across Florence.
If you've ever had a yearning for this, now is the time to sit up and pay attention... Over to my interview with the founder/editor in chief of LoveFrom...

Firstly Flo, could you please tell us a bit about your background...

I attended an all girls grammar school, completing GCSE's and then A Levels (with my two main subjects being English lit/lang and Communication and Culture).
I was accepted in to my first choice uni, London South Bank, to study photography but I just didn't feel right... I knew nothing about cameras or photography, I just enjoyed taking photos! So I decided to defer for a year, allowing me time to study photography at my local college.
When I went to enrol, they shifted me from photography to a brand new university level course called Creative Business. This involved studying a creative subject (for me, photography) and learning how to make a business from it.
Throughout the course I began blogging and doing my radio shows, along with numerous other media work experience days and the likes, and realised photography wasn't what I wanted to do at all... Media work was.
I used my course materials as a starting point for my brand Love from, Florence Grace, which branded me as a 'content creator' meaning I could specialise in freelance writing, social media work and also start my magazine!
Towards the end of the course, I knew this was what I wanted to do, so I very nervously withdrew my university application. I just didn't feel I needed a degree to do what I was already doing successfully! However, not long after I saw an online discounted NCTJ diploma, and thought 'hey, here's a great qualification that journalists value more than degrees, it's discounted and I can do it in my own time, so why not?' I enrolled on this course and still do this in my free time now. I specialise in Magazine Journalism.

What on earth possessed you to start your own magazine? Or rather what was it that inspired you?

I was trying to break into the media industry and started this with a blog. I found my love of writing from my childhood came flowing back and so I really wanted to get a writing job for a magazine!
I managed to get a few voluntary positions for small or up and coming magazines, which is great don't get me wrong! But I knew no magazine would take on someone like me - a then 18 year old with no journalism experience/qualifications - so I thought alright then, I'll start my own!
So that's exactly what I did ha ha! Now that I'm actually running the magazine, I realise that subconsciously I had wanted to fill a niche in the market too. All women's magazines focus mainly on women's bodies, clothes and looks. I decided to steer my magazine away from all of these topics, and whilst we have one article on how to do make up looks and one article about fashion, we talk about more exciting things, like gaming reviews, music, feminism, personal issues, travel... We are predominantly a lifestyle magazine and I don't see many of those kicking about.

Very true. We definitely could do with more lifestyle magazines! Describe how an issue of LF gets put together, from beginning to end.

First of all I pick a cover star. It has to be someone that readers will want to hear about, someone readers will be interested in. I then approach the cover star and ask if they're interested. If they are, I send them over interview questions and arrange a photoshoot or for them to send me a suitable photo to be used for the cover.
I then plot out articles written by both myself and my writers. As Love from... is released at the start of each new season, the issues are seasonal and this helps very much! I check what articles all the writers plan on doing and whether they're suitable, plan my own articles and then set the deadline. During the waiting time, I plan out the page order (although this changes on almost a daily basis, right up to the day of publishing!). I create eye catching titles in bright colours and fonts, source images that I can use legally and design different page layouts.
One by one as the articles drip into my emails I write them up into the magazine layout via copy and paste and then edit them as I go along. I might change the odd word here or there, correct some grammar, things like that. I also insert photos if the writer has provided none.
I go through the magazine, making sure every single page is perfect and then I send it off to print! (Whilst all of this goes on over the space of three months, I also promote continuously over social media, engaging with the audience all of the time so they don't forget about us between issues!)

Where did the name LoveFrom... come from?

It came to me whilst on a walk with my sister as I discussed what I would name a magazine I intended on making in the future. (the not so far off future as it turned out!)
I said, "Well, my blog is called Love from, Florence Grace, and that's me, so the magazine could be Love from... and then the name of whoever is on the cover, e.g. Love from... Rihanna". Low and behold that is the name that I chose. It links back to my blog and me, and so really ties in with my overall brand.

What would you say to a GGD reader who wants to start their own magazine? Where would they start? Can anyone do it?

I would say don't! Ha ha, I'm joking. I mean, it is super hard work... My days are often as long as 18 hours and you have to work all the time. It's not just design the magazine and you're done. You have to constantly create content, hire writers, treat friends who may write for you as employees, even fire people sometimes. You have to promote on social media, try to make an income, try to raise awareness.
It is a huge challenge but it is incredibly fun, you get some great opportunities and you never know where it's going to take you! I would definitely not start the same way as I did (with no clue what I was doing and taking on three random people to contribute a column!) but plan it all out first. What software you'll use, who will write for you, how often you'll release an issue, everything like that. Have a really detailed idea about what you're doing!

Any long term aspirations for both LF and yourself?

To see LF in shops like Smiths and Tesco so that people can pick it up and buy it whenever, not just via the internet and my PayPal!

I also want to increase readership and to be able to pay my writers!

For myself, to keep developing as a writer, a content creator and a magazine editor... Also to get a breakfast show at Radio 1! That is the dream my friends, that is the dream!

And a mighty fine dream it is Flo! Wishing you all the luck in the world.

If you would like to read Flo's magazine then check out lovefrommag.bigcartel.com where you can buy a copy from as little as £1. Alternatively you can order print issues for £2.50 each or subscribe for £10 per year. Flo is currently running a prize draw for those that pre-order the next issue and also for subscribers! If you want to be in with a chance to win a £50 gift bundle then don't delay, order asap!
 

You can keep up with Flo on a daily basis via her blog LoveFrom,FlorenceGrace or via Twitter @flomatthews_

 

The magazine LoveFrom... now has it's own website. Click here to be redirected.

 

If you are interested in getting involved whether it be contributing a piece or advertising then please drop Flo a line at lovefrommag@gmail.com or over on Twitter @lovefrommag

 

Facebook link: lovefrommag

 

Platform for starting your own magazine as used by Florence - blurb.co.uk

That's a wrap for one evening! Hope you enjoyed the read. Have any of you ever wanted to start your own magazine? Do let me know in the comments below! Catch you all soon...

As always, sending you lots of love

Justine xxx


*All photos supplied by Florence Matthews

August Favourites

Summer Delights!

 

Hello lovelies! Did you all enjoy the book review from Murphy's Mother last night? Today it's my turn to share a post. (Long overdue I know.) Sorry for being so terrible of late. However on a positive, I've been working on several new blog pieces and I plan to stick to weekly updates once more. Which brings me to two other pieces of good and rather exciting news! A publishing house contacted me a few weeks ago and asked if I would review a book from a rather well known author. I cannot reveal anymore than that but what I can say is that the lovely MM is currently reading said novel and will soon be working on the review so keep a look out!
My second piece of good news is that I am now officially a permanent columnist with brand new UK based quarterly lifestyle magazine... 'LoveFrom.' I feel like I can actually 'legitimately' call myself a writer now. I'm super excited about it and feel lucky to be part of Flo's team.
If you would like to order a copy then please email the editor/founder, Florence Matthews at lovefrommag@gmail.com.

Now I've updated you on all that, I'll get to what this post is about... My August favourites. Sit back, grab a cup of tea, put your feet up and enjoy!

First up...

 

The Girl On The Train by Paula Hawkins

 

*Please note possible spoiler alert

What's it about? 

They say everything changes in a moment...

Rachel catches the same commuter train into Euston every day. She knows it will wait at the same signal each time, overlooking a row of back gardens. She's even beginning to feel as if she knows the couple who live in number fifteen. Their life - according to Rachel - is perfect. She wishes her life could be just so. But then in one fleeting moment, Rachel sees something and everything changes. She now has a chance to become part of the lives she's been watching from afar... But will she end up embroiled in more hot water than she can handle?

I'm going to be straight with you all. I thought I'd hate this book. After being hugely disappointed in 'Gone Girl' I expected to feel the same about this. Afterall, comparisons have been made between the two. I'd read plenty of rave reviews on the internet but some of my friends had said how poor it was. That said, I decided to give it a whirl. I was initially a little bored and confused with the plot. The constant back and forth in timescale added to the change in narrative meant I had to keep flicking back pages just so I didn't feel lost. (Granted it could just have been exhaustion on my part to blame.) But fifty or so pages in, things started to get exciting. Tess Gerritsen described this novel as thrilling and tense and when the second main character - Megan - disappears, it does become an altogether more tense and thrilling read. Yes in honesty I did work out who had killed Megan long before the big reveal, but I was still pleasantly surprised with the novel as a whole. 
It's safe to say that when I stay up all hours gripped by a novel it must be good. So all in all I'd recommend you give this one a go. 

Movie of the month... Disney Pixar's Inside Out

 

They say kids tell it like it is. Well if my eight year old nephew is anything to go by he described this movie as 'Awesome!!' and I heartily agree. Being a big kid at heart myself, it wasn't exactly a hardship to see this at my local Odeon. (But the ticket prices!!?? So expensive these days!) 

In a nutshell the story revolves around 11 year old happy-go-lucky Riley and the five emotions who are 'running the ship' that is her mind... Anger, Disgust, Joy, Fear and Sadness.
When Riley is faced with a huge life change - a move from the rural midwest to San Francisco - everything starts to go wrong. Unbeknown to her, the five 'emotions' are also having difficulty adjusting to the move. The story reaches it's peak when Joy and Sadness get accidentally thrown from 'headquarters.' 

With neither Joy or Sadness now in the driving seat, Riley no longer has the ability to feel these two major emotions. Her life begins to unravel as she struggles to express herself to those around her. 
I won't spoil how the movie ends but needless to say turmoil unfolds as the other three emotions - Anger, Disgust and Fear - try to fix things and there are life lessons learned aplenty! (Note, take tissues if you tend to cry at movies!) It's by far one of the most vibrant, colourful and feel good movies I've seen in a long time. Perfect for both adults and children alike.
Novelist and junior psychiatrist, Rosie Claverton wrote an interesting blog post about this movie titled, '5 Mental Health Truths From Inside Out.' It's well worth a read. She says ALL the words! It was my favourite blog post of the week. Click here to read.

Useful pretty things...

I'm currently in the process of organizing and am always on the lookout for useful items such as box files and tins. Whilst out in Lytham shopping with Murphy's Mother... (We had so much fun discussing future blog posts!) we made a beeline for what can only be descibed as 'my kind of place.' I used some of the birthday money I had left to buy this gorgeous tin and notepad from shop 'Something Special.' Aren't they pretty? Note the two Lucy Diamond books too... Both gifts from MM! Cannot wait to read them both. If you also recall, MM reviewed 'The Beach Cafe' a few weeks back. Click here if you missed it.

Perfume

Another empty perfume bottle sitting on my bedside cabinet... Armani White Diamonds is now another firm favourite! My sister gave it to me as she wasn't so keen but I loved this scent. I think I've said this before but I find that a good perfume always makes me feel that little bit more glam and confident.
Fragrance notes include Lychee, Rasberry, Rose, Lily Of The Valley, Patchouli, Freesia, Vetiver, Amber and Vanilla.

Birthday Gifts

I was fortunate to get lots of lovely gifts for my birthday this week. But this notepad pictured lower left has to be hands down my favourite of them all. Again a gift from my sister, (Thankyou Joelle!) it's made of actual wood. One of the most robust notebooks I've ever come across! Engraved with my details this will be one keepsake that I'll treasure for years to come. I'll be doing a 'birthday haul' next week to share with you all the new goodies and books I received!

And that's it for now...

Hope you've all had a fantastic week. I'd just like to take a moment to thank you all for your kind messages, tweets, emails and cards. It really did help me during a difficult time. Obviously I miss my Nanna so much but your love and support really pulls me through on my not so good days. 

Sending you all lots of love...

GGD xxx

P.s... If you don't follow me on Twitter but would like to enter this international competition to win both Girl Online and Girl Online On Tour by Zoe Sugg, simply email your details to jamachin07@aol.com. Closing date 1st November. Winner drawn at random.

*Photos taken from the following

The Girl On The Train http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/books/reviews/the-girl-on-the-train-by-paula-hawkins-book-review-suburban-noir-goes-native-9984287.html

Inside Out Header http://m.disneystore.co.uk 

Inside Out Sub-Header https://thewaltdisneycompany.com/blog/disney-news-week-inside-out-trailer-released-frozen-fun-coming-disneyland-resort-watch-disney-b

Catch up...

Well it's the end of a busy week. Have you all enjoyed your weekend up til now? I hope so. I have to apologize as I didn't get chance to post on Friday and I haven't really had time to so much as breathe since. But rather than leave you all with nothing I thought I'd share this short update. 

This week has been a positive one in regards to my writing. I submitted a feature to the lovely Florence Matthews in the hopes she'd choose me as one of three contributers for her new publication... 'Love From' magazine. As always, stuck for time, I threw a feature together and emailed it Flo late Wednesday night. By some miracle she loved it. And then she made my entire week when she informed me I was going to be one of the three contributers! Safe to say I was one happy bunny! If you want to pre-order a copy then you're best speaking to Flo. Her twitter handle is... @flomatthews_ 

Other than that I've just been working all week and trying to catch up with myself. I have many author interviews in the pipeline. I'd love to share names but for now my lips must remain sealed. I will however divulge that several are chart topping bestselling novelists! (Hugely excited!)

That's all for now... Hopefully I'll have chance to upload a proper post this week. In the meantime I've been enjoying discovering new blogs. If you want me to check out yours then please leave your links in the comments box! 

Lots of love to you all... Now I must catch up on sleep! :) GGD xxx