Ascot party at Llosa de Camacho

Tell Me a Story - current affairs....


Okay, so we all have our daft moments. Mine was last night at an Ascot theme party.

I made a 'top-hat' out of cardboard and covered it with an old sheet. The jacket was crumpled for three days to make me look like a loser. I lost my shirt at the races with heavy betting. My pocket kerchief was a pair of red knickers and the bowtie was something my wife used at halloween last year.

All in all we had great fun, even though it had been raining just before the party began.

Below, me in my strange outfit.


Most of the ladies wore strange attire too....


Mine host was David Regnard - looking suave, as ever.



My friend, ex-international model, Micheline de Marsac done up like a dog's dinner.

A great view across the valley and Llosa de Camacho

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A good time was had by all, until it started to rain again shortly after midnight. Still, there's always next time... next theme.

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Thanks to David and Brenda for staging the party.

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End of post - Ascot party at Llosa de Camacho

Jayne Ann Krentz publishes her novel on Twitter

Tell Me a Story - comment.

Most writers get frustrated at not being able to publish their work. I've been incredibly lucky to have mine in print, but it wasn't always like that. If you're struggling, here's a novel way of getting your book out there..... If you find it useful or encouraging, please give me a thumbs up on Stumble, Digg or whatever Social Bookmark site you use....

Jayne Ann Krentz, a New York Times best selling novelist is transporting one of her popular characters, private investigator, Fallon Jones, to cell phones and laptops of readers everywhere.

Jayne Ann Krentz about to launch novel on Twitter.

Looking for ways of reaching new readers, Jayne Ann had already dismissed Twitter as a way to tell people what she is ‘doing right now’’ as being far too boring –I have to agree. I’ve only just started exploring Twitter, and as far as I can see most people tweet shit.

However, instead of writing about what she’s doing, Jayne is taking her tweets and publishing a micro-novel, 140 characters at a time.

Wow! Talk about a serialized novel…. This has to be the ultimate in bite sized reading….. I might consider doing it myself if I get sufficient followers on ajbarnett …

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End of post -Jayne Ann Krentz publishes her novel on Twitter

Danny Gokey raises money for charity

Tell Me a Story - comment.

American Idol star, Danny Gokey, has helped raise $10,000 for charity. He used his popularity to persuade Tweeters to ‘follow’ football star, Nick Barnett (@nickbarnett ) raising Nick's followers’ to 10,000 followers!!!

Incredibly they pulled it off it in only 9 hours!!

Well done Danny. Now another Professional football player, David Clowney ( @davidclowney )will also donate $5,000 if Danny can persuade 5,000 people to follower him by the tenth of July.

So, if you’re on Tweeter, get your fingers twiddling and help Danny to raise another $5,000 for charity.

*** Danny Gokey, Danny Gokey, Danny Gokey ***

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Adam Lambert's first album

Tell Me a Story - news

I told you Adam Lambert followed me on Twitter. Well I've now returned the compliment and I'm following him too. I've just had my first tweet.

The tweet from Adam Lambert (American Idol) reveals that 19 Recordings have signed him to a record deal. Along with this exciting announcement, it was also disclosed that his first album will be licensed to RCA Records for release this autumn.

Great news, Adam. I wish you all the best. With your talent, I know you'll do incredibly well.

*** Adam Lambert, Adam Lambert, Adam Lambert ***

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• .Next post on Tell Me a Story.

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Book writing, 20 ways to polish that manuscript
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End of post - Adam-Lambert first-album

Adam Lambert is following MY Tweets

Tell Me a Story - comment.

I cannot believe this. I am blown away. I have recently started to tweet. Twitter is still an unknown quantity to me, so I'm only just about fumbling my way through. I've had a handful of people 'follow' me so far but today...... Wow!

Today my mind is reeling. At 16:25hrs (local time) I had a new follower .... The incredibly talented ADAM LAMBERT from American Idol.

ADAM LAMBERT is following what I say..... Can you credit it..... I am gob-smacked .... I've been a fan of his since first seeing him perform.... I only hope I say things he wants to hear.

Adam Lambert, Adam Lambert, Adam Lambert, Adam Lambert,

• Next post on Tell Me a Story.

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End of post - Adam Lambert and My twitter.

Alice Hoffman on Twitter

Tell Me a Story - comment.

Twitter was bound to be abused at some time.

In this particular case it was furious author, Alice Hoffman, when she took the decision to use Twitter to distribute a reviewer's phone number and email address. She attempted to persuade followers to get back at Roberta Silman, after she published a not-so-good review of Alice Hoffman's most recent book, The Story Sisters, in the Boston Globe.



Alice Hoffman raised a few eyebrows whilst the literary world brooded over whether reviewers should really be punished for saying what they think.


Apparently, the literary world sided with the reviewer. After receiving bad replies for the injudicious tweet, Hoffman attempted to metamorphose the tantrum into an ethical standpoint, saying, "Girls are taught to be gracious and keep their mouths shut. We don't have to. Just the same as we writers don't have to say nothing when someone tries to destroy us."

I’m afraid it’s one of the crosses we authors bear when we put our work up for public perusal, my dear. You know what they say, if you can’t stand heat, get out of the kitchen….

Still, looking on the bright side, I suppose it will bring plenty of publicity for the book ..... Or am I getting a tad cynical in my old age ....

*** Alice Hoffman, Alice Hoffman, Alice Hoffman ***

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End of post - Alice Hoffman on Twitter

Jim Howell, Copper Eyes

Tell Me a Story - crime writer.

They say write about what you know. I know I do it when I write, as do many more authors, and so it seems does Captain Jim Howell.

Jim Howell pursued offender for 33 years at Dallas County Sheriff's Department. However, Jim Howell is also a writer with two novels under his belt; one of them a crime novel set right there in the Sheriff's Department.

Jim Howell controlled the agency's criminal investigations department until retiring to spend more time with his family, which also allows him time to write more novels.


Howell's second book is called Copper Eyes, about a Dallas County sheriff's detective who suspects her sergeant is a serial killer.

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. . We wish you well, Jim.

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End of post - Jim Howell, Copper Eyes

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Jk Rowling sued for plagiarism

Tell Me A Story - comment.

When I saw the headline JK Rowling sued for plagiarism, my first thought was 'Not another Stephenie Meyer'. I felt cheated that yet one more top-paid author had written over someone else's work.

It's hard enough for me coming to terms with celebrities jumping on the bandwagon and ousting REAL writers, without highly-paid authors messing about - and JK Rowling is the most highly paid of them all.

The worst of it is, 5% of authors cream off 95% earnings (if you think all writers are dripping with money - think again). So if one of the top-paid writers is cheating.....

Most of us write books and stories because we love writing - but we get zilch returns - just a drop of goodwill from readers every now and then.

However, having read the article - and providing the information is correct, I feel there is hardly a case to answer.

Take a look at JK Rowling sued for plagiarism, and tell me what you think.... Not that I go along with JK Rowling having such a large slice of the ever-decreasing cake, but I hate for the image of writers to be tarnished.

*** JK Rowling, JK Rowling, JK Rowling ***

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End of post - Jk Rowling sued for plagiarism

Stuart Neville, The Twelve

Tell Me a Story - technology.


I’ve always advised new writers to keep a notebook handy – ideas are ephemeral; they develop a nasty habit of slipping from us if we don’t jot them down immediately.

However, technology changes things. As much as I dislike change for the sake of change, I admit to tentatively embracing it. I don’t want to get left behind. Lately, I’ve been experimenting with an Olympus digital voice recorder to record those little ideas that seem to jump into my head at inconvenient moments.

It seems I’m not the only one to embrace technology. Author, Stuart Neville, has discovered his own way of taking notes.


The Twelve, by Armagh writer, Stuart Neville, first saw light of day life on the screen of his mobile phone, before ending up with approval from none other than novelist James Ellroy.

Ellroy, author of LA Confidential and American Tabloid, said that Stuart Neville's thriller was, "The best first novel I have read in years".

"The book started life on my mobile phone," Stuart Neville explained. "I literally got up out of bed with this idea in my head for a novel and the first thing I put my hand on was my PDA phone. I started writing it digitally there and then on the mobile screen because it was handy, and then later copied it onto my computer."

So there you are. I always knew mobile phones were useful for something…. most people are welded to them for no good reason…. but as a notebook…. great!

*** Stuart Neville, Stuart Neville, Stuart Neville ***

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End of post - Stuart Neville, The Twelve

Creative writing - dialogue

Tell Me a Story - Dialogue.

AJ, can you help me? My dialogue never seems ‘real’. Have you any tips you can share?

Hi, Pauline. You're right to pay attention to it because dialogue is VERY important. Your novel needs to contain around 50% - 60% dialogue to keep it moving along.

I know it sounds trite, but try listening to the way people talk. Study the selection of words, and the tempo used. People don’t speak in long sentences, so make sure you write your dialogue in short, sharp sentences.

As you listen, decide which of those spoken words are actually suitable for your writing. In real life, when we meet someone, we greet each other with worn-out phrases, asking how they are, etc. This is monotonous stuff.
Readers are intelligent and understand that small talk occurs – they simply aren’t interested. They want to get to the substance of the conversation without everyday fluff. Remove the minutiae; give the readers what they want.

You also need to append dialogue with body language. Without body language, readers can’t always appreciate the value of words. Readers need to see the protagonists in their mind's eye as they talk - do they grimace, smile, frown? Body language can completely alter the meaning of words.

Adding body language can also alter the pacing of the work. There are times when brisk dialogue is necessary, and times when we want to slow it down. Describing body language can slow it quite subtly without altering the substance.

One thing I must point out. Be VERY careful if your character has a dialect. Writing in heavy dialect can become distracting and time-consuming, and most readers tire of it quickly - one of the rare times when you should TELL, not SHOW.

Hope this helps a little, Pauline – and good luck.

• Next post on Tell Me a Story.
• Romantic Suspense

The Dublin Literary Award

Tell Me a Story - comment.

So first-time writers can get recognized after all! It's about time. There is hope for us !

Boston-born writer, Michael Thomas has been bestowed the Dublin Literary Award for his debut novel, 'Man Gone Down'.


The prize is among the literary world's most rewarding, with a grant of $140,000 - pretty incredible.





Michael Thomas overcame a solid consortium of writers in the final list that even included Junot Diaz' Pulitzer Prize winning 'The Brief and Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao'.

Well done, Michael. Let's hope there is more to come from you. You give all new writers hope.

*** Michael Thomas, Michael Thomas, Michael Thomas ***

*** Dublin Literary Award, Dublin Literary Award, Dublin Literary Award ***

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End of post - The Dublin Literary Award
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Freedom of speech and author, Liu Xiaobo

Tell Me a Story - Opinion.

Wow! This makes me feel humble. I might spout off every now and then, I might moan about things I don’t agree with, but would I do it if there were a threat of a jail sentence hanging over me for doing it?

Freedom of speech.

We in the Western world, forget just how lucky we are. We forget that freedom of speech has to be fought for. We forget that most people in the world are afraid of mouthing their opinions in case of state retribution… To wit: -

Even though his jail sentence has just been completed, the Chinese writer, Liu Xiaobo, remains in custody in Beijing, as the establishment maintains he is still in violation of China’s criminal law.

Mr Liu, 53, was detained by police on December 8, one day before the publication of the Charter ‘08 document that he co-authored with more than 300 fellow intellectuals who were calling for a new constitution, human rights, elections, freedom of religion and expression and an end to the Communist Party’s hold over the military, courts and government.

“The Public Security Bureau say they must keep investigating his case,” Mr Liu’s lawyer said.

Surely, all they were asking for were basic human-rights, things we take for granted over here?

I suppose it just reinforces how much importance is actually placed on writers. We tend to forget that people actually read our work .... and some might even follow our advice ....

*** Liu Xiaobo, Liu Xiaobo, Liu Xiaobo ***

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Lauren Conrad and L.A. Candy

Tell Me a Story - rant.

One more celebrity has nudged their way into the publishing world.

TV star, Lauren Conrad, has released her first novel, L.A. Candy, and boy does it piss me off.

Celebs and their publishing houses know they’ll make a mint from their work. They already have a ‘face’ - they’re known to millions, so millions will buy.

We writers – the ones who try to avoid daft sentences, the ones who strive to produce sensibly structured work – struggle to get a foot in the door – we can’t get publicity - yet a celeb goes viral as soon as they put pen to paper.

We all know promotion is required to sell books – but how does an unknown author achieve it?

I've tried it all, read various blurbs that guarantee to show us how to achieve notoriety - been there got the ‘T’ shirt - no results.

In a classical Catch 22 situation, publishing houses rarely promote ‘unknown’ authors - only well known authors who don't really need it get a push. Newbies have to make their own way - and if you’re with an independent publishing house – forget it – no budget for you my friend.

How do we achieve celebrity status…… Maybe shooting somebody or robbing a bank would make a difference…… Anyone got a gun....

Just thought I’d let you know it hacks me off – just in case you hadn’t already realised.

*** Lauren Conrad, Lauren Conrad, Lauren Conrad ***

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End of post - Lauren Conrad and L.A. Candy

Stephenie Meyer and MySpace

Tell Me a Story - comment.

Stephenie Meyer, infamous author of the best-selling, vampire romance series, Twilight, announced on her website that she’s kicking her social networking page, MySpace, into touch.

"It was a lot of fun while it lasted, and I really miss the early days when I could hang out with people online," Meyer wrote. "Many of you are hilarious and insightful, and I wish it was easier for me to talk to everyone the way I used to."

Wow! There’s nothing quite like biting the hand that feeds you!

Stephenie Meyer will probably protest that I’m wrong, but I was led to understand that one of the reasons behind her tremendous and unlikely, leap to fame was due to her presence on MySpace. She apparently milked the system by invoking the viral effect that can sometimes come from such public exposure. She used it to promote her work. She found the right buttons to press.

Bully for you, Stephenie, you obviously feel you’re above all that now – after all, when you reach your position, who needs fans.

Well, I’m here to tell you folk, I’M not about to leave FaceBook. If you want to partake of a few words as my FaceBook friend, then feel free. I welcome one and all.

*** Stephenie Meyer, Stephenie Meyer, Stephenie Meyer ***

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Author, Nick Sabatino

Tell Me a Story - comment

If you think you've left it too late to start that novel - you're wrong. It's never too late. Nick Sabatino proves you’re never too old.

If you really want to, you can write and you can succeed, no matter what your age. At age 90, Nick Sabatino has just published his first children’s book.




Those of you living around CENTERVILLE, could be in for a real treat. If you have a few minutes spare between 9 a.m. and noon, Saturday, June 13, take a stroll down to Bill’s Donut Shop, 268 N. Main St.,

Strange location it might be, but Bill’s Donut Shop is about to play host to a local author. If you’d like to support a book signing by author and illustrator Nick Sabatino, then pop along.

Sabatino’s book is called The Tiny Donut with a Big Heart – hence holding his big moment in a donut shop

Nick Sabatino’s children’s book was published in April by PublishAmerica, Baltimore, Md.

Well done Nick. You're an inspiration to us all.

Next post on Tell Me a Story.

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End of post - Author, Nick Sabatino

Sales of romance novels on the increase.

Tell Me a Story - comment.

It seems that inexpensive romance novels are providing succour for many readers struggling with the wheezing economy. Publishers are reporting strong sales in the romance genre even though other categories are in decline.

Harlequin Enterprises, the global giant in romantic fiction, reported sales up 32 percent over the same period last year.

Sales of travel books were down 16 percent; detective/mystery and self-help were each down 17 percent; and adult fiction overall, was increased by 1 percent.

Jennifer Enderlin, associate publisher for St. Martin's Press, said romance is doing so well that the publisher is releasing 32 titles this year (more could be added), in contrast to 26 last year. Romance novels from established authors are experiencing healthy sales, she said.

Enderlin and other publishers are not surprised by the genre's success. "If you really think about it, there is a little romance in virtually every book," said Laurie Parkin, vice president and publisher of Kensington Publishing, which has seen a 5 percent increase in sales. "But especially when business is bad or business is down, people want to escape a little bit."

Well I must say I find that heartening, especially since my novel, Without Reproach, has been classed as a romantic drama. As Parkin says, there’s a little romance in almost every book, which is why I included it in mine. After all, isn’t that what real life is about – finding love interest…

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Marilynne Robinson and the Orange Prize

Tell Me a Story - news

American writer, Marilynne Robinson, has been awarded the 30,000-pound Orange Prize for Fiction, which pays tribute to work by female writers worldwide.


The judges called the Pulitzer-prize winner's latest novel "Home" as "exquisitely crafted."

The novel, which is only Robinson's third book in almost thirty years, tells the story of a prodigal son who returns home after twenty years, seeking a safe haven and hoping to make peace with his past.

"A kind, wise, enriching novel, exquisitely crafted. We were unanimously agreed, it is a profound work of art," said panel chairwoman Fi Glover.

Robinson wrestled with rivals such as first-time novelist, Samantha Harvey, Americans, Ellen Feldman and Samantha Hunt, Irish writer Deirdre Madden and Pakistani-British author Kamila Shamsie to win the 14th Orange prize.

Jonathan Ruppin, of Foyles bookshop, described Robinson as "Simply one of the outstanding prose stylists of recent years."

All I can say is, well done, Marilynne. I can only applaud you. Lets hope it doesn't take quite so long next time...

*** Marilynne-Robinson, Marilynne-Robinson, Marilynne-Robinson, ***

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End of post - Marilynne-Robinson, Orange-Prize

Website for writers

Tell Me a Story - information.

I'm a member of several online sites. One of the members, (Robin Stanton Web Design/Advertising Agency for Small Businesses) seems to have a good idea for authors.

I have no personal experience of the website she's advocating, but I thought it worthy of passing the information on. Let me know how you go on if you give it a whiz.

Online marketing idea
I have a site: http://www.shopmyattic.com/ and am always on the lookout for new items to sell on there. I would love if anyone would be interested in selling their book (s), ebooks, business books on the site. Your book would be featured for the entire day for sale and I also like to give back - anyone with childrens books, could work something out for each book sold would be donated to a cause for children. Would love to hear any feedback you may have!

Thanks,
Robin

In my opinion, anything that gives struggling writers a legup is worth supporting. Well done Robin. Hope it goes well.

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President Obama and the National Book Festival,

Good news is about to take place in the world of literature.

President Obama and first lady Michelle Obama will play host to approximately seventy authors and lyricists at the annual National Book Festival, which will be maintained on Sept. 26 at the National Mall in Washington, D.C.

The previous first lady, Laura Bush, initiated the festival, in 2001, to advance enduring interest in literacy. The occasion, controlled and subsidised by the Library of Congress, will be free to the public.

I can only hope that good will come from the affair. Kudos to the event. Let there be more, worldwide.

*** National Book Festival, National Book Festival, National Book Festival ***

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End of post - President Obama and the National Book Festival.

Interview with Singer/songwriter, Nick Wilson

Tell Me a story - Interview.

I’d like to introduce you to a singer/songwriter friend of mine, Nick Wilson. He’s a local lad, worthy of global recognition. Nick, perhaps you'd like to tell us a little about yourself.

Hello and thanks, AJ. I’ve been in Spain for nearly 4 years and loved every minute.

Music was new to me when I arrived, but after singing in Bar La Luna in Alcalalí a couple of times, my fledgling musical career took tentative flight and I began performing at fiestas. This helped me to come out of my shell. After being in front of soooo many people, I was ready to take on the world.

I journeyed back to the UK to take part in X factor, but unfortunately didn’t get placed - in fact, I actually stopped singing for over a year because it knocked my confidence so much. With the benefit of hindsight, and after taking part in X factor, I wouldn’t really advise anyone to enter for it. No matter how strong or confident you think you are, it’s a real put-down to be rejected.

I recently performed in panto at the Care-Line Theatre. The show was Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, and I was selected to play leading male as Prince Lancelot. The tights I had to wear were a bit embarrassing but I really enjoyed it. It means I now have acting experience under my belt, which is always a good thing. Now, I’m waiting for the finals of Star Search 2009, Javea, Spain. If I win, I’m hoping to be able to support mum and dad, and hopefully dad will be able to retire.

So, Nick, what compelled you to write your first song?

The first song I wrote was called "Break Up" it was written after my girlfriend and I finished. I was really gutted and I guess writing the song helped me come to terms with it.

Have you always wanted to be a singer/writer?

Always, but never had the confidence to attempt it until recently.

And are you currently working on any projects our readers should watch for release soon?

I am, AJ, I’m taking part in Star Search 2009, Javea. If I win, you’ll hear my 4-track demo live on Bay Radio.

Great. I'm looking forward to that. Your work has already been on radio. How did you feel the day you heard your first song on air?

Wow, it felt surreal to hear my voice on radio. I’m no different to anyone else - I don’t suppose many people enjoy the sound of their own voice – it’s just the same when I watch a video of myself - I cringe.

I know what you mean, Nick. I hated my first radio interview, but authors are expected to do it as part of the publicity. Tell me about your songs. Do you find that you put a little of yourself into your songs or do you create them to be completely different from you?

They’re all based on personal emotional experiences; that’s the only way I can express myself.

So, what about when growing up, did you have a favourite singer?

Yes, it was always Ronan Keating, in my opinion he is a living legend.

And now: who is your favourite singer and what is your favourite genre?

It’s always going to be Ronan. His world is the world I’d like to embrace.

Location and life experience can sprinkle their influence in your creativity. Tell us about where you grew up and a little about where you live now - city? Suburb? Country? Farm? If you could live anywhere you want to live, where would that be?

I grew up in Worcester, and still have family there. I also loved it on the farm in Bristol where my grandparents lived until I was 12. It was like something from a fairytale. I’d feed the animals and play in hay bales; it was amazing – so tranquil. My goal in life is to have sufficient money to have my own farm or ranch.

Okay, let’s come back to your music. How long did it take you to write your most recent song? When you started writing, did you think it would take that long?

Well, AJ, the most recent is Expectations - I’m still working on it. The words took about two days. The music isn’t finished yet, so who knows.

And is there anyone you'd like to specifically acknowledge who has inspired, motivated, encouraged or supported your writing?

I would certainly like to thank friends and family who’ve helped me through everything. With decisions comes responsibility, they helped me make the right choices.

Nice one, Nick. Great sentiments. Is there any one particular song that when you heard it, you thought to yourself, "I wish I'd written that one!”

Yeh! It’s called If Tomorrow Never Comes by the one and only Ronan. The lyrics are magical and so full of meaning. It written like all music should be

Thinking about your song-writing career, is there anything you'd go back and do differently?

I’d like to be able to spell properly.

I guess you could always use a dictionary, Nick. Your musical creativity is the most important thing. What is the main goal or purpose you’d like to see accomplished by your work?

I’d love to sing a song that could change someone’s life. I’d love to be the one who made a difference in the world.

Nick, before we end, is there anything you want the readers to know, anything you count as important in life?

The most important piece of information I can think of, is never forget those who help you. Friends and family are the most important things in your life, they’ll inspire you and help you achieve your ambitions. You’re never alone in this business there are so many people in the same situation, I have lots of friends who helped me start and if I find global success with my music, I’ll never leave them behind.

I'm off to see my girlfriend now because she’s most probably the biggest inspiration on my music. KEEP WRITING YOUR IDEAS DOWN OR YOU’LL FORGET THEM.

Thanks for that, Nick. May I wish you luck with your career.

*** Ronan Keating, Nick Wilson ***

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End of post - Inter with Nick Wilson.