Thursday 17 February 2011

A Sprinkling of Blog Magic

Bloggie friends!!!

The fabulous Guy Saville who has helped me and many many many others with their writer-ly journeys, is finally having his book Afrika Reich published today.

It has taken him 12 years to get to this stage. The Times calls his book “a horrific re-imagining of the Dark Continent” (29 Jan 2011) and the Daily Telegraph gave his book 4/5 stars (12 Feb 2011). Historian Simon Appleby at Bookgeeks says his book is both “action packed and thought provoking”.

This really could not be happening to a nicer guy – he is one of those quiet types who never self-advertises the assistance he gives, but will always help and advise. I wish him all the best.

If you are able, please do check out his website where you can sample a chapter of The Afrika Reich.

The lovely Kim from Musings on a Small Life/Fuzzy Tales has lost her special kitty, Annie. When I read this, I wept. Kim is a lovely astute and wise woman whose daily life experiences are a joy to read. I feel as if I live next door to her and share many of her ups and downs.

I started this blog when I was losing my cat and I know in the great scheme of things this is tiny and non-pet people may not understand, so it was a lifeline to stumble upon Kim’s blog and to realise I wasn’t alone.

Charlie says: One day I shall learn how to open this window.



It’s nearly Friday!! Have a great weekend, everyone!

37 comments:

Luna said...

I will be sure to check out that book! Always looking for something new to read, especially from debut authors.

I feel so sad for Kim. Annie's picture reminds me of a cat we had when I was younger. Her name was Elvira.

Sharon K. Mayhew said...

Congratulations to Guy and best wishes....

I will go and offer my sympathies to Kim. The cat blogging world really came to my rescue when my Stripes died last April. It's a huge loss when you've had a pet in your life for a long time....they love you with no expectations...

I think that's when I met you Jennifer. :)

Beth Zimmerman said...

Losing someone you love is always hard ... no matter what species they are! Wishing comfort and peace to your friend!

m.q said...

hii Charlie...

Margo Berendsen said...

I think almost anyone who has had a pet would understand!

Katnip Lounge said...

I bookmarked this book...it looks fascinating. I intend to devour a book a day while recovering!
I left condolences with Kim, we kitty slaves know how hard it is to remain behind.

Lydia Kang said...

Congrats to Guy! and I hope Charlie doesn't learn to open that window. Wouldn't want him to get lost!

Lydia Kang said...

Oh, and poor Kim! I hope she recovers from her loss.

Summer Ross said...

So nice of you to give a shout out the a new author! Sounds well deserved.

Unknown said...

I'm sorry about your friend's cat. I don't have a cat but I have a dog and I know what it's like to lose a beloved pet.

I will check out both websites.

Kea said...

*Thank you*, Jennifer.

And congratulations to Guy; this is fabulous for him.

-Kim

Anonymous said...

I have a Annie-shaped heart today... :(

Al said...

I shall have to check it out.

Good luck with the window Charlie!

Susan Fields said...

Thanks for letting us know about Guy's book - what awesome reviews he's gotten!

I'm so sorry about your friend Kim's cat. Losing a pet is such a difficult thing. I'm sure it helps her to have the support of wonderful friends like you.

Anonymous said...

Awh that does sound sad. I know exactly how she feels. I always tell my feline friends how special they are and when I tell my youngest that he is a looney tunes, I add but you're lovely.
Congrats to your writerly friend, too. It sounds well deserved. :O)

Margo Benson said...

Will go and check out Guy Saville. So sorry about your chums beloved cat, I've just given my two an extra snuggle. They mean more to me than I can say.

Marilia said...

Dear Charlie and family!!
Have a great weekend!!!
Hugs from Brazil

AFSocksScylla said...

Charlie just meow really loud and we bets your Mommy will open it for you. That is how WE open windows. Guy Saville sounds really nice we will check out his book.

To answer your question Sandra & Bo are our Mommy & Daddy. We thinks Daddy drafted us along with Mommy to work on his campaign. Looks as if we are working cats now.

Admiral Hestorb said...

It's past time that I meet you, my friend. I say my friend because I have read your comments many times. The compassion you have expressed as for example on Kim's loss makes me feel a part of your blog family.

I feel the same way about my dearest fur babies past and present. They are an important part of my life.

Hannah and Lucy said...

Charlie - are you trying to copy Houdini and learn how to escape - just remember that Jenn cuddles you, feeds you, loves you and generally is your servant. If you manage to escape you'll have to do that all yourself - best wait till the weather's warmer and dryer and the nights are lighter - in fact you'll be much better staying there where you're loved.
It is very sad about Annie and we have left Kim a message - Nicky and Derry will be wondering where she is too.

Brian's Home Blog said...

That Guy guy sounds like one cool dude! Oh I was so sad about sweet Annie, you're right, they feel like close neighbors.

Hilary Melton-Butcher said...

Hi Old Kitty and Charlie .. must mention Charlie - he does love his window .. and I hope he's a he?!

The first chapter of Guy's book certainly drew me in - both in its description of an English farm, but the Africa connection - having lived there .. I am certain it will be a best seller .. really, really interesting ... thanks for telling us about him.

Good to be here - cheers Hilary

SASS....Sammy Andy Shelly Sierra said...

We will have mama check out his web
site.

We are so very sad that Annie has left us, but we're happy that she is no longer in pain. We will really miss her though.

You are such a handsome dude, Charlie!!!!!

Love to both of you.

Manzanita said...

You have such great frends and you are also my kind, dear friend. I value you and will check out the book.

No Charley, no open windows. You don't want to get lost.
Love and peace.

Marg said...

That is very exciting for that man to be publishing his book after all this time.
We were so sad about Kim losing Annie. We know that Annie is out of pain now.
Charlie, keep working on it and you will get that window open.

Anne R. Allen said...

I've seen your comments on lots of blogs, but for some reason I haven't visted yours before. I came over from Ann Best's. She's right. Short posts are more fun and easier to read.

12 years! I love stories like this. We all have to keep on keeping at it.

Rene said...

Wow, your post has both ups and downs. Congrats to your friend! I will go and look at the sample. LOVE to read just about anything.

We too were saddened by the loss of Annie. We are continuing to send gentle purrs and headbutts to their family.

Hart Johnson said...

Very happy for your mentor/friend--the book sounds fascinating! And very sad for your other friend to lose her kitty...

Big day of ups and downs, eh?

Talli Roland said...

Congrats to Guy (I hope I've got his name right; my memory I like Swiss cheese this week!). And hi to Charlie, and condolences to your friend.

Soggibottom said...

I always love to see Charlie.
I can't imagine life without four legs and furry's around the cottage. Rats, mice, birds they make every one welcome.
Thanks for all the great links, going over to visit now :-) x x x

KarenMcG said...

Thank you for letting us know about Kim and Annie and Guy.

Now, Charlie, we're thinking you might want to come away from that window.

Claudia Zurc said...

Dear Kitty,
Congrats to Guy Saville! Kitty, it's very sweet of you to applaud his efforts since you say he's a reserved person.
RE: Annie; losing a pet is not easy. They're part of our family. So I do understand Kim's sadness.
I hope Kim finds solace in other pets.

Golden Eagle said...

Congratulations to Guy Saville! I'll have to check out that book.

I'm so sorry to hear about your friend's cat.

Cat and DOG Chat With Caren said...

you and Charlie have such beautiful hearts and spirit...we are so thankful to have you in our lives (((((hugs))))) to you both for how you lift sooooo many of us with your kindness xoxo

Theresa Milstein said...

How nice for you to give Guy Saville a shout out. I've been teaching about Africa to the seventh-graders, so I've been thinking about the continent a lot.

Sorry for Kim. When I lost my first cat, it was such a sad time. Hope it gets easier soon, Kim.

Jans Funny Farm said...

Yes, it is wonderful to know one is not alone! Guess every pet blogger has felt the same joy in learning that.

We stopped by and read the first chapter. Intriguing. Should be a good book.

William Kendall said...

Charlie looks seriously cross!