Pen & Ink Designs

On the 9th September I announced I was sleeping my Facebook due to health issues. At the time I did not want to expand on this. This has, of course, meant I have not been available for over 3 months.
After much thought I have now decided that the support I have received from people in the know has now spread and so I am bringing you all up to date on my current situation.
This is NOT to garner any sympathy as I am not the only person who is suffering from some form of Cancer. All are needing our thoughts, prayers and wishes to get well soon.
HERE GOES:
Wednesday we visited the Oncologist at Velindre Cancer Hospital for the results of my recent CT Scan. The aim was to check my chest after picking up Long Term Covid which has left me with a 3rd heartbeat. Most strange. And to check on my progress.
I will summarise what has happened over the last few months. Forgive me if I am repeating anything you might already know.
OCTOBER – Having been diagnosed with a rare type of cancer (Neuroendocrine) I started the chemo treatment. At that time I was unaware that I had contracted a chest infection and Covid. Trust me, not a nice mix. This resulted in my being poorly, going into hospital for a few days whilst having to face moving to a new apartment on a limited amount of notice.
NOVEMBER – This month appeared to improve and in the main I felt okay. Had one or two problems which were quickly sorted by Velindre. Was going to have a second dose of chemo but this was delayed for 2 weeks due to my bloods and immune system not able to cope.
The comedy of it all was an invitation to meet a new doctor at The Cardiff City Hospice. Believe you me this was worrying until we discovered they were there to help both Derek and Me cope with what I am going through. My sister Margaret (ex-nurse) laughed as she thought it hilarious that I was thinking they knew something I didn’t.
DECEMBER – A big improvement. Had 2nd Chemo and did okay although it has left me weak and unable to walk far without tiring. Got a Granny Mobile (wheelchair from the Hospice) and my driver does his best, although I do worry it might tire him too. Velindre organised a CT Scan to check up on how the chemo is doing, even after only 2 treatments.
TODAY we got the results but unfortunately it is not what we wanted to hear. The Chemo hasn’t worked with the problem being in the liver. After a long discussion I made the decision that I will not let down all those people across the world who are supporting me. The fight will go on and I’ll get these little so and so’s out of my body.
Thank you to all those who have sent me messages of support, love and prayers. All are very much appreciated.
And that’s it. Derek and I wish you all a great Xmas. We hope Santa (who ever that is) brings you all the goodies you want. Love from Ann & Derek. xx

P116 VIVIDLY DESCRIBE YOUR CHARACTERS
Making sure you have characters that are realistic means describing them vividly. It is your job as the writer to ensure that your reader can envisage the characters in their mind when reading about them. Todays podcast gives you some insight into how to do this.

Mentoring Writers Resource Box: P116 VIVIDLY DESCRIBE YOUR CHARACTERS Making sure you have characters that are realistic means describing them vividly. It is your job as the writer to ensure that your reader can envisage the characters in their mind when reading about them. Todays podcast gives you some insight into how to do this.

B091 BEING A GHOST WRITER: Being a ghost writer can be both easy and hard. The easy part is that you are taking someone else's ideas and helping them create a story or writing about their life. But it can also be hard especially if writing a memoir. In this case you must remember to ensure you write as if the person in the memoir but also are able to do it without losing your own writing style. In this podcast we explain more.

Mentoring Writers Resource Box Mentoring Writers Resource Box podcasts offer new and developing authors assistance as they travel their writing journey (whether self- or traditionally published). We mentor adult writers of all ages worldwide while mentoring under 18's through our sister organisation Kids4Kids.org.uk. With over th...

Understanding the use of ISBN's. In todays podcast we briefly explain the history of ISBN's, why they are needed, where you get them from, and their uses.

Mentoring Writers Resource Box: B090 THE TRUTH ABOUT QUICK WRITING AUTHORS We have all probably heard about quick writing authors. Those writers who appear to churn out a new book as easily as if baking a cake. You are may be one of those authors or perhaps one of the many hundreds of other writers who sit and wonder how do they do it. In this podcast we will look at what....

I was delighted the week before last to interview the five ladies of The Ten Penners. An Australian writing group which is a part of the Gold Coast Writers Organisation down under. I have known at least 3 of the current members for some years now through membership of SCBWI and through my visiting my family in Aus.

The interview went well and was a delight and a joy to do. There are two versions. A podcast version which is available on the Mentoring Writers Resource Box Podcast Show and a video version available on my YouTube Channel. Check what the ladies have been up to and the fun we had recording the interview.

Podcast link: https://sites.libsyn.com/273518/site
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9n9leagFqg

In Conversation With The Ten Penners (full video version) The Ten Penners is an off-shoot Group of the Gold Coast Writers organisation in Australia. Recently they launched their latest anthology. Today I talk with t...