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Samantha Mattocks

Award-winning author and journalist, photographer, publisher, and foodie. MasterChef 2019

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News

Home / News (Page 4)
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Competition time!

by Samantha Mattocksupdated on October 6, 2021January 15, 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 October 6, 2021October 10, 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 October 6, 2021September 7, 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 October 6, 2021September 1, 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 October 6, 2021July 14, 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 October 6, 2021June 30, 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 …

A plate of Norfolk food and wine
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The Norfolk Foodie Series

by Samantha Mattocksupdated on October 6, 2021June 20, 2020 Leave a Comment on The Norfolk Foodie Series

With lockdown resulting in all horse shows around the world being on a pause, and printing of The Arabian Breeders’ Magazine on hold for the time being, I have had the luxury of time to explore other avenues in my life. One of these has been a long-held desire to conduct a series of interviews …

Blue and purple delphiniums
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Beautiful June

by Samantha Mattocksupdated on June 1, 2020June 1, 2020 Leave a Comment on Beautiful June

Pinch punch, first of the month. I hope that everybody is keeping safe and well. As we all know, we are living in challenging times, and I find it easier to concentrate on what I have, rather than have not, right now. We are all seeing so much change and uncertainty, and for me, I …

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A collection of years

by Samantha Mattocksupdated on October 6, 2021May 2, 2020 Leave a Comment on A collection of years

For The Arabian Magazine Collectors’ Edition, I used to do a feature called The Editor’s Year, which was a summary of my year – the horses I had seen, the places I had been, and some of the many magical moments along the way. These used to be on my old website, but rather than …

Sandstorm cover
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Sandstorm – available now!

by Samantha Mattocksupdated on October 6, 2021April 24, 2020 Leave a Comment on Sandstorm – available now!

I have decided to bite the bullet and put Sandstorm live, the first book in my Arabian Storm Series. I began working on Sandstorm over 10 years ago and have published it on Amazon Kindle. You can order your copy here. Set in the exciting Arabian horse showing world, Sandstorm follows the halter horse trainers …

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The first review is in! I always worry about sha The first review is in! 

I always worry about sharing reviews - it's that thing of not wanting to come across as boastful or 'look at me', but if I don't share then, them no one will know! So, here goes...

"5 stars
"More cats, rainbows, butterflies and a dog!

"A gorgeous further glimpse into a magical, colourful and supportive world.
"Such a beautiful backdrop of kindness and fun.

"Gently acknowledging and addressing everyday fears and concerns for middle grade children(7-10 ISH). Great for reading with younger children who are entranced with the charming illustrations, and accessible for confident readers.
"Love the introduction of a dog this time, and all are eagerly awaiting more stories of both cats and dogs and of course the magical Mister Mishkins."

Thank you so much to the reviewer. If you are intrigued and would like to support my dreams, you can order your copy online, pop into your local bookshop and order it in, or request via carrier pigeon. Thank you. 

Samantha & Mister Mishkins xx
Here it is - my BBC Upload interview with the bril Here it is - my BBC Upload interview with the brilliant Rob Jelly! In it, I talk all things Mister Mishkins, the life of an authentic writer, inspiration, and more. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z_ueZTrUPYo&t=12s

Honourable mentions to @scbwi_british_isles @bookbugsdragontales @papermoonbookseller Ernesto's Cat Sanctuary, @catsprotectioncentralnorfolk @john_ferguson_photography @cathousenorwich and @2055_dog

Happy listening! Samantha & Mister Mishkins xx
The most active I have been this weekend: making p The most active I have been this weekend: making peanut butter and dark chocolate cookies in the air fryer.

Sitting still does not come naturally to me, but I have been struggling with my health since March. I am now into the realms of chronic-fatigue syndrome, not really a place I want to be, and awaiting yet more blood test results. 

August has been an intense month, with the book launch, GCAT London, and more that I have not shared here. With that in mind, I have taken advantage of the long weekend and firmly pressed the pause button.

Resting truly is the power of good, and I felt renewed enough to throw these ingredients together and bake. I think this may be the first time I have baked this year, and certainly not what I had planned. But these nutty, chewy, chocolatey cookies hit the spot. Less than five minutes hands-on time, and 45 minutes later, you have delicious cookies to enjoy.

I am now in the garden, enjoying the sunshine and listening to the wind blowing through the trees. Bliss. Rest. Breathe.

Have a lovely bank holiday, all, and a great week ahead. Samantha xx
It was a year ago on Monday that Ricky decided it It was a year ago on Monday that Ricky decided it was time to stop running and instead chose us as his new home. He went missing from his owners 18 months previously, and with their blessing, he joined our cat family.

I rather think he forgot himself today, showing how totally relaxed and trusting he is with us. Ricky has the loudest purr, and he is just the happiest cat. How blessed are we that he chose us!
Tonight's night! Listen to me talking to the fabul Tonight's night! Listen to me talking to the fabulous Rob Jelly about all things Mishkins, writing, and the second book. 

The programme will be on both tonight and Saturday from 6pm, and you can listen via the free BBC Sounds app - https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p08q3hsh 

I hope you enjoy! Samantha xx

@bbcupload @theejellyman
We enjoyed watching the best river life today whil We enjoyed watching the best river life today while catching up with family.
I am in London for an incredible horse show, GCAT I am in London for an incredible horse show, GCAT London, but The Magic of Mister Mishkins has come with me. I am enjoying brunch before heading to the Royal Chelsea Hospital this afternoon.

I found a super cute coffee shop - @katcoffeecompany - and I ordered a honey kat juice: carrot, ginger, lemon, and honey, not appreciating that it would be orange in colour! It is the perfect drink to go with the book, and I am sure that Mister Mishkins would approve.

It will soon be time to get ready and head to the show to see the stunning mares and stallions, but for now, I am going to linger a while, and ponder upon all things feline.

Samantha xx
I am now in London for the Global Champions Arabia I am now in London for the Global Champions Arabians Tour in beautiful Chelsea and this is the stunning rug that is being given to the senior champions on Sunday. I think we are in for an incredible event!
The Magic of Mister Mishkins is now out in the wor The Magic of Mister Mishkins is now out in the world - and now we need your help in order to spread the word!

Doing any of the the things on this post will cost you nothing, but will help me hugely as an author. If you can do just one of these things, that would be amazing. 

Thank you so much in advance. 

Samantha xx
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    The Magic of Mister Mishkins book launch

Contact

E-mail is the best way to reach me - please use the address below and I will get back to you as soon as possible! Thank you, Samantha

  • write@samanthamattocks.com

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