Posts Tagged ‘Spain’

Sheila Beecham, lives in Nerja, Spain, with her husband, Brian. She has just released her new book, Avoiding The Inevitable, which explains some of the common myths around schizophrenia.

Why did you decide to write this book?

I saw something on television that was very misleading about schizophrenia and I thought something should be done to correct it. I realised that I was in a good position to do so myself having had the illness. By writing a book about modern schizophrenia I hoped I could persuade many people that the common outlook about the condition was far from the truth.

How did you come up with the idea?

From personal experience I thought the best way to write the book would be for people who
had a relation or partner with the condition. My own family had no knowledge of the illness at all and were of no help to me. It wasn’t until after I married that my husband realised I was not well mentally and he got me some medical help.

How long did it take for you to write the book?

Three months in total.

Can you describe the book in a couple of sentences?

Avoiding The Inevitable is an attempt to dispel the myths surrounding schizophrenia and to educate the general public in laymans terms the true nature of the condition.

What kind of people do you think will enjoy reading your book?

Anybody who knows somebody with schizophrenia.

How did you know there was a market for your book before you wrote it?

I researched the situation and could not find one book about schizophrenia that explained the condition in laymans terms.

What reader feedback have you had so far?

Everybody that I have sold the book to personally has told me that it is interesting, informative and helpful.

What steps are you taking to let people know about your book, both offline and online?

My publishers are marketing my book in England and America. I am doing so locally in Spain by approaching bookshops and getting it mentioned in magazines.

What advice would you give other’s who want to write a book?

Take the time to plan the book, especially the beginning and ending. Having written it, leave it for two weeks, then read it out loud. This will show you any faults.

Have you plans to write any more books?

I have already written another book of short stories in draft form, and I’ve just completed the second volume of my autobiography which should be available to the public in time for Christmas.

Order Avoiding The Inevitable by clicking here!

Love & Light

The Word Queen xx

If you’re struggling to find the time to write your book, or you’re not feeling creatively inspired from the desk in your office, then perhaps attending a writer’s retreat is the answer to your prayers?

Castillo De Los Nisperos is set in the mountains, in the Axarquia region of Spain. It’s a beautiful property, which has been carefully planned and designed by the owners, Mr and Mrs Dent.

What makes this particular writers retreat so special is that three meals a day are included in the price. And not just any old meals. In fact, Angela Dent is famous in the region for her extravagent dinner parties and exquisite cuisine. So expect to be treated like royalty!

Imagine spending all your time writing, only interrupted every few hours by the smell of freshly-prepared food wafting from the kitchen.

Along with the food, the house itself is a constant hub of inspiration for writers. The garden floats amongst a myraid of colours and textures, which appear different night and day. If you’re very still you can even hear the blades of grass shifting in the gentle breeze.

When you fancy a break you can take a dip in the pool to feel refreshed, or simply lie on a sun lounger with a cold drink. You could even take a stroll up to the Castillo De Salia, which is a local ruin, literally on your doorstep.

Believe me you’ll never run out of ideas in this house. There are so many areas to write in that you’re spoilt for choice! There’s the Morrocan-style roof area, the pond zone, the little table under the tree, the ruins, from the hammock, the swimming pool and gardens, or even the porch!

For more information about staying at Castillo De Los Nisperos to write your book call Angela on 0034 669 069 251, or email angeladent@hotmail.co.uk

Meet my first published book, Sol Searching – a Fun-Filled Tale Of a Modern Girl’s Move To The Costa Del Sol!

It’s all about my relocation from the rain-sodden streets of London, to the sun-streaked beaches of the Costa del Sol, Spain. Back then I was searching for more than just freedom, an all-year-round tan and sangria on tap. I was searching for my soul and my ‘dharma’ (purpose in life).

By the end of the book you’ll learn that I made great progress within the first five years of the adventure. But it’s only now that I’m really fulfilling my dream, by helping other authors bring their books to life, at the same time as fuelling vibrational change in the world.

The whole book-writing procedure – from the initial idea ‘seed’ to holding the final printed copy in my hands was a long and gruelling journey; sometimes joyous, often heart-wrenching and occasionally emotional. But I did it. I reached my goal…so there’s no reason why you can’t too!

The inital step is undoubtedly the hardest part of the journey, as that’s the moment when you leave your comfort zone and move into the unknown; an unfamiliar territory where success is desired and failure is feared.

Fear is a goal-setter’s worst enemy. Recognise it, stamp it out and continue YOUR unique journey with confidence.

Stay tuned for my regular blog posts about the writing journey I endured to land a publishing deal and see my first book on the shelves.

In the meantime, read a few of my fave review quotes, taken from Amazon:

Sol Awakening
By Tom Evans

“I love books that look and purport to be one thing on the surface but that deliver a deep undercurrent that surprises you. On one level, it’s a great manual for how to move to, survive & thrive in a foreign country.
But what grabbed me was the back story.
This book is really about Keidi’s awakening as a deeply spiritual woman. She is someone who is in tune with her karmic mission and generally in tune with life being an adventure, a learning and an evolution.
Dave doesn’t know what he is missing and I can’t wait to read The Path.”

Don’t let the Bridget Jones comparisons put you off
By Howard Mellowes

“Personal, heart-warming, occasionally provocative, always entertaining. And by the end you’ll feel you know Keidi Keating like the best friend you never had.
What will she do for an encore?”

A little taste of single life in Spain
By M.S. Blazye

“This is a lovely honest story of a single-woman’s move to Spain. Nothing is left to the imagination as Keidi shares her deepest feelings and thoughts with us – the readers, through her eyes. In places I laughed out loud, especially at some of the ‘man’ scenes. But it didn’t have me in stitches all the way through. The funny parts are interspersed with the more serious side of Keidi’s personality, which includes a very spiritual angle. I got a real sense of her journey and how her circumstances changed as she did. All in all, if you’re thinking of moving to Spain, or if you already live there and need some inspiration, (or just to know that you’re not alone), then I’d recommend reading Sol Searching. You’ll be surpised at what you learn… “

Click here to buy Sol Searching on Amazon