Today I am featuring two dynamic ladies, both members of the Real Lives Team [sub-group of Books Go Social]
Tracey Samios and Lis Norman have both published the book, 'Mum's the Word.'
Biography
I'm Lis Norman and my best friend of nearly 50 years, Tracey Samios is the co-author of our book "Mum's the Word; Two Mums' take on life with “kids".
I have always been an avid reader and writer and I persuaded Tracey to undertake the task of writing a book with me.
The idea came to me whilst conversing with my 93-year-old Dad, who, although still very much mentally alert, is starting to recount things from the past somewhat differently from the way I remember them happening.
I wanted to record anecdotes and recollections from my twin boys' childhood before my memory too started to fade.
Once I began writing, the germ of an idea to write a book began to grow and I believed with our different aspects, Tracey with three girls and me with twin boys, we would appeal to a wide audience of Mums.
Do you have a specific writing style?
We have adopted a light-hearted approach and sprinkled humour throughout.
Ours is not a book to preach and tell you how to be a better parent; rather it is a collection of our stories and memories that we hope will make you laugh and see that no mum is truly alone; we have been through what other mums will face and we survived!
Tracey and I have undertaken many projects together over the years, and today we run two Etsy businesses; LittleOwlsandPals, which sells various fabric and knitted animals and KidsMysteryGames which sells mystery scripts based on the popular murder mystery games of the 90's, for use at kids parties or in the classroom as a literacy activity.
I have written the majority, and one of my sons, who has inherited my passion for the written word has also contributed.
Tracey is a marvel at social media and marketing, making us a great team, each with our different strengths.
Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
The message that we want to give our readers is that parenting is the hardest job you will ever have, but it also delivers the biggest rewards. Who will argue that the words "I love you Mummy" are worth less than the biggest pay packet in the world - certainly not us!
The aim is also to show that most parents face the same trials and tribulations when it comes to raising their kids, and as long as you and your kids are healthy and happy you are doing ok!
It always helps to realise you are not alone; and lets face it when doing a feed in the middle of the night, you certainly sometimes believe you are the only person in the world that is awake!
Are your writings based on someone you know, or events in your own life?
Our book is based on our kids. Lis has 2 boys & Tracey has 3 girls.
We have dipped into our memories and included anecdotes of raising our children that people can relate to and enjoy.
What book are you reading now?
“I See You” by Clare MacIntosh, it’s this month’s book for our Book Group.
Are there any new authors that have grasped your interest?
Craig Silvey – Australian author of Jasper Jones
What are your current projects?
Our Mum’s the Word Blog page – www.mumsthewordblog.com check it out!
Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.
Our publisher Karen McDermott from Serenity Press supported the publication of our book.
We were able to ask Karen many questions throughout the writing and publication process.
Do you see writing as a career?
This is our first book and we will always leave the door open to writing more.
If you had to do it all over again, would you change anything in your latest book?
No, we love it how it is.
Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?
Some of our stories came from our memories and others have been taken from family diary excerpts.
Who designed the covers?
Lis’ brother in law, a photographer by trade, designed the cover of our book and we couldn't be happier. From the moment the concept of a book came about, we knew exactly what we envisaged for the cover; Oscar the bear is the perfect face to reflect childhood memories.
Do you have any advice for other writers?
Don’t ever give up.
Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
Being a mother is the best experience in the world.
What makes you laugh/cry?
Our family & friends make us laugh and good books & films make us cry.
Other than writing do you have any hobbies?
Lis enjoys doing crafts, cooking & reading & playing tennis. Tracey enjoys doing art, crafts, reading, cooking & playing table tennis. We both love chocolate and wine ( like many other mums) and when not writing or creating we love spending time with our families.
What TV shows/films do you enjoy watching?
We both love watching Netflix and Stan and enjoy the same shows; Outlander, House of Cards, Stranger Things, Fortitude, Broadchurch and The Crown to name but a few.
Favorite foods / Colors/ Music
Lis – food - Schnitzel, colour – purple, music – U2
Tracey – food – Spaghetti Bolognese, colour – crimson, music – Robbie Williams
If you were not a writer what else would you like to do?
We would both also love to be artists.
Note by Brenda Mohammed
This book looks very interesting. Get the book at this link.
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