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Samantha Mattocks

Award-winning author and journalist, creator of the Magical Mister Mishkins™ & Nero the Hero series

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Samantha Mattocks

Home / Samantha Mattocks (Page 6)
Sandstorm, debut novel by Samantha Mattocks
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Sandstorm in the press!

by Samantha Mattocksupdated on 6 October, 202119 March, 2021 2 Comments on Sandstorm in the press!

I was delighted to be interview by Emma Lee for a feature in this weekend’s Eastern Daily Press Heaven supplement. The interview was all about my debut novel, Sandstorm, and it was an honour to be able to talk about the writing process with Emma. This weekend’s supplement is a book special, and will be …

a library full of books
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Interview for World Book Day

by Samantha Mattocksupdated on 19 March, 202111 March, 2021 Leave a Comment on Interview for World Book Day

I had great fun this morning as I was interview by a group of Year 6 pupils as part of their World Book Day celebrations. I went to university with the form’s teacher, Mrs Gresty, and the class at the Hollins Grundy school in Bury had some great questions! These ranged from have I always …

different women celebrating International Women's Day 2021
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International Women’s Day 2021

by Samantha Mattocksupdated on 8 March, 20218 March, 2021 Leave a Comment on International Women’s Day 2021

To all the women who think that they are not good enough – you are. To all the women who think they are useless and unworthy – you are valued. To all the women who think they are ugly – you are beautiful. To all the women who think that they are unlovable – you …

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Mad March hares

by Samantha Mattocksupdated on 6 October, 20211 March, 2021 Leave a Comment on Mad March hares

It was something of a relief to turn over the calendar to a new month this morning. January was full of dark and grey days and, in spite of it being my birthday month, I struggled. Then came the rain and snow of February, and it felt as though winter would never end. Spring always …

enter sign
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Competition time!

by Samantha Mattocksupdated on 6 October, 202115 January, 2021 Leave a Comment on Competition time!

I thought I’d do my first giveaway of 2021 and this one is all around reviews! I know that so many of you have read and enjoyed Sandstorm. Reviews really are the lifeblood for an author, so if you are able to leave a review either on goodreads, Amazon, or The Arabian Magazine Shop, that …

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An interview by Business Life Online

by Samantha Mattocksupdated on 6 October, 202110 October, 2020 Leave a Comment on An interview by Business Life Online

During the height of lockdown last summer, I had the pleasure of being interviewed by Business Life Online for their podcast. The brainchild of Richard Maun and Anna Stevenson, the podcast (which is also available on Spotify) The focus was on writing – how I write, how I got into writing and, of course, Sandstorm …

Summer days July 2020
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September days

by Samantha Mattocksupdated on 6 October, 20217 September, 2020 Leave a Comment on September days

Oh autumn, how I love thee… The bounty in the hedgerows, that amazing light as the sun begins its descent in the sky, and that slight chill in the air that makes you begin to think about log fires and big bowls of veggie-packed stews and soups. There is no doubt that 2020 has been …

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Sandstorm – an update

by Samantha Mattocksupdated on 6 October, 20211 September, 2020 Leave a Comment on Sandstorm – an update

Wow, I have been totally blown away by the response to my publishing Sandstorm in print. And print is definitely not dead – this edition has outsold the digital by 2:1. Great news! What has amazed me most are the amazing reviews coming in for my debut novel – even from people who are not …

Sandstorm cover
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Sandstorm – moving into print!

by Samantha Mattocksupdated on 6 October, 202114 July, 2020 Leave a Comment on Sandstorm – moving into print!

I am like a child at Christmas right now, waiting for the proof copy of Sandstorm to arrive! Yes, the time has come for me to launch my debut novel in print. I am hoping that the book will be available by 1 August, and am now taking pre-orders. It has been so well received …

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100 days of lockdown

by Samantha Mattocksupdated on 6 October, 202130 June, 2020 Leave a Comment on 100 days of lockdown

Today marks 100 days of lockdown here in the UK. I have just written my latest column for Norfolk Online and in that I lament the loss of one of life’s greatest pleasures – one that we definitely all took for granted – and that is a cup of coffee with a friend. Whether spontaneous …

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Samantha's Instagram

"There is no such thing as a wrong book." So exci "There is no such thing as a wrong book."

So excited to share my interview with you as featured in today's Eastern Daily Press, and why I believe reading should be about confidence, curiosity and enjoyment, rather than getting it “right”.

Thank you to the EDP for featuring me as part of their Born & Read in Norfolk campaign. As a self-published author, getting such publicity can be hard, so I really appreciate their featuring me like this. 

If you'd like the link to the article, comment 'CATS' below and I'll send it over!
Mister Mishkins. That's all. 😻🧡🦋 Mister Mishkins. 

That's all.

😻🧡🦋
I have had a lot of new followers lately, so I tho I have had a lot of new followers lately, so I thought I would reintroduce myself and share a little about the books I create.

My name is Samantha and I live in picturesque South Norfolk, where I write richly illustrated stories for readers aged 7–11, starring my own magical cat, Mister Mishkins, and a special miniature schnauzer with a beard, a bark and a secret.

At the heart of my books are the big feelings we all experience, whatever our age: fear, worry, sadness, courage, kindness, and the discovery that we're enough just as we are.

The Magical Mister Mishkins books are inspired by the magic of cats and the ways they help us see things differently. Nero the Hero brings his own brand of adventure, bravery and friendship. All the cats are real, as is Nero the miniature Schnauzer, and I love how they have inspired this series. 

While the stories are written for children, there is a little something for the grown-ups reading alongside them, too.

So, whether you've been here since the beginning or have only just found me, welcome. I'm glad you're here.

Tell me - are you a cat person, a dog person, or happily both? Post your photos of your pets below, I'd love to see the four- and two-legged characters who share your lives!

I look forward to discovering more about you and if you would like to know more about my books, please drop me a message. 

Samantha xx
My 1,000th Instagram post. Written on a sunny Octo My 1,000th Instagram post. Written on a sunny October Sunday, with the woodburner lit for the first time this autumn/winter season, the @f1 from Singapore on the television, the cats in various stages of slumber around us.

It was my friend @the_susan_george who first persuaded me to have an Instagram account. And I am so very glad that she did. I have made so many friends, discovered so many events, and become part of dynamic movements such as @indiechildrensauthornetwork and @the_rebel_reading_society

The best bit has been you. All your interactions, all your reposts, story shares, words of encouragement when things don't quite go the way I planned - and your incredible support when they do! 

Thank you for being part of my journey. I will be raising a glass to you all later. For now, it's lights out and time for watching cars go around and around a track, something that has fascinated me since I was pit crew as a teenager. But that's a story for another day...

Cheers, my friends.

Samantha xx
I'm all set up at Saxlingham Village Hall for thei I'm all set up at Saxlingham Village Hall for their Early Christmas Fair!

I have some new Mister Mishkins Christmas decorations - there are only six left, so if you want one, shout! 

There are also gift-wrapped copies of the book, all ready to go underneath the tree.

Take the pressure off yourself and get some of your shopping done early. I'm here until 4pm.
It is three weeks today since The Kindness of Mist It is three weeks today since The Kindness of Mister Mishkins was released and I am conscious I had to drop everything to travel for business/have a much-needed, and highly-awaited, family break. So, to say I a little behind on promotion would be an understatement...

I have yet to ask people for reviews, visit bookshops, remind the world that the third book in The Magical Mister Mishkins series is out there for all to enjoy. 

Yet, I have had one very special review from the wonderful Amy Moore @moore_books

"This beautiful book is the big healing hug that everyone needs."

Wow. Just - wow. 

Thank you so much Amy, for this wonderful review - you can read in full on her page and on Amazon. 

And Mister Mishkins, I promise I will be back to promoting you very, very soon...

Samantha xx
Our lovely Rickle Pickle, and an Apothecary Cat, h Our lovely Rickle Pickle, and an Apothecary Cat, had dental surgery today. He is now home and recovering - this is an earlier photo - with Mister Mishkins and Queen Sheeba taking on nurse duties. 

I hope he's in not too much discomfort tomorrow when the meds wear off. 

Poor Pickles.
Gorgeous week away. Now home to this one - and Mis Gorgeous week away. Now home to this one - and Mister Mishkins would like to remind everyone that a) he has a book out and b) Amazon has finally caught up so you can get it tomorrow! 

Had just the most gorgeous time in North Norfolk. Now to enjoy the weekend - things go crazy busy from Monday, but I do escape to Wales and @aplacetowrite2 in two weeks time, via a night with friends. 

October is always my most creative month. I am hopeful for the same again this year.

Samantha xx
I travel a lot but very rarely have an actual holi I travel a lot but very rarely have an actual holiday. You know, the one where you don't need to rush, you can take your time and listen to the rhythm of nature gently bustling around you, and time becomes meaningless. 

Last year, we tacked on some extra days to an overseas conference for that precious downtime. Rather than unwinding, a client came in with a rush job - so all my planned chill time went on that.

This week, we have taken ourselves away for four nights. Just the location of the sun in the sky to guide us on where we should be. To be honest, I have forgotten that I can look this relaxed. A quick selfie in the majestic ruins on Binham Priory. Taken after a morning spent painting, and before we headed to one of my favourite childhood haunts.

Bliss.

Today is our last full day. Serenity awaits. How long I have longed to be wrapped in arms of such bliss. I promise not to leave it so long before I find it again.

Samantha xx
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