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Samantha Mattocks

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

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Home / News (Page 4)
Dating disasters
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Dating disasters

by Samantha Mattocksupdated on 17 August, 202223 July, 2021 Leave a Comment on Dating disasters

I was chatting to a friend this week and online dating was mentioned. She is trying to get her single mum to sign up to a site, but her mum has had too many dating disasters, she doesn’t want to. I understand this. My top two dating disasters are enough to put anyone off using …

Black kitten cat with paws extended in front of him
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Leaving pawprints on my heart

by Samantha Mattocksupdated on 6 October, 202125 March, 2021 Leave a Comment on Leaving pawprints on my heart

So many people lucky enough to be truly owned by a pet often feel bereft at the passing of their beloved four-legged family member. There is no funeral, there is no eulogy, there is no order of service, But the life that they lived with their pet was just as important, just as valid, if …

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 …

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The brilliant @station_366 @goodiesfoodhall bringi The brilliant @station_366 @goodiesfoodhall bringing the 1940s vibe with one of my favourites - Sing! Sing! Sing! 

The 1940s event is on all weekend, so plenty of time to come along and soak up the atmosphere.
Mister Mishkins is weekend ready! Have a wonderful Mister Mishkins is weekend ready! Have a wonderful time, whether you are bedecked in multicoloured feathers or not!

Samantha xx
Have you heard the news? There's a new superhero c Have you heard the news? There's a new superhero coming to town!

Meet NERO THE HERO, the next book from Samantha Mattocks & illustrated by Gerda Smit.

"A charming story with plenty of heart," C Povey, Writer & Artists

Nero is no ordinary dog. This miniature schnauzer has a beard, a bark, and a secret. When danger strikes, he transforms into Nero the Hero, a powerful protector with extraordinary abilities.

Alongside his human, twelve-year-old Jack, Nero dives into fast-paced adventures filled with mystery, heart, and just a touch of fun. But when Jack makes a brave mistake and finds himself in real danger, Nero must face his greatest challenge yet to save his best friend alone.

Perfect for readers aged 8-12, this highly illustrated chapter book blends action-packed fantasy with an engaging, accessible style, making it ideal for reluctant readers and confident young bookworms alike. With short chapters and dynamic illustrations, Nero the Hero is a thrilling start to a children’s fantasy series about friendship, bravery, and daring rescues.

Fans of Claude and The Hounds of Penhallow Hall will love this action-filled adventure starring a heroic dog and the boy who believes in him.

This is a story full of adventure, loyalty, and the power of believing in something extraordinary.
Find me at the @forewordfestivaluk I am thrilled Find me at the @forewordfestivaluk

I am thrilled to share that I will be at the Children's & YA Book Fair in Eye on Saturday 20 June as part of the brilliant Foreword Festival!

Billed as the UK's first Fringe Literature Festival, I will be sharing my books - including early copies of Nero the Hero - at the Eye Community Centre between 11am and 3pm. 

I really look forward to seeing you there, to talking all things bookish, and to introducing a new world of readers to The Magical Mister Mishkins™ series.

#meettheauthor #kidslit #forewordfestival
Stories shape childhood. The books we place into Stories shape childhood.

The books we place into little hands today become the memories they carry forever. ✨

“This book should be a staple on every child’s bookshelf.” ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Discover The Magic of Mister Mishkins. 📚

#MiddleGradeBooks #ReadingForChildren #FantasyFor Kids
As well as being an author, I also do cooking! For As well as being an author, I also do cooking! For those that don't know, I was on MasterChef UK in 2019 and on Saturday 23 May, I will be cooking at Beccles Food & Drink Festival on the brilliant @local_flavoursuk stage. 

The dish is Posh Steak & Chips with a Blue Cheese Sauce - best paired with this amazing Extra Pale Ale from the fabulous @oldhallfarm The steak is also from there , and I will be showcasing the very best of Norfolk and Suffolk food and drink on this plate. 

This dish is perfect for Father's Day, and you can buy everything you need at Old Hall Farm, so what better excuse do you need to visit this gorgeous farm in Woodton? 

Full recipe to follow soon over on The Delicate Diner, but I hope to see you at Beccles. I'll be on stage at 12.30, and you will get to try the dish, so do come along and enjoy the day! 

Samantha xx
Excited to share my first stand of the year with m Excited to share my first stand of the year with my @magicalmistermishkins and a chance to pre-order Nero the Hero, who is out next month! 

I shall be the stunning @sudburyartscentre on Sunday 31 May from 10-3, so do come along and have a browse of some brilliant books, enjoy a cuppa, and listen to the insightful panel talks - which will include me! 

Please share with anyone and everyone you know, and I look forward to seeing you there! 

@indiechildrensauthornetwork
Rainy days are made for curling up with your favou Rainy days are made for curling up with your favourite toy.

#bemorecat
I just missed the Flower Moon rising tonight, but I just missed the Flower Moon rising tonight, but it was worth the ten minute wait for this incredible sight to reappear from behind the cloud. The moon is so large tonight, it is as though you can reach out and touch it. 

Make a wish 🌙
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    Find me at the Foreword Festival!

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    Introducing… Nero the Hero!

  • A ginger tabby kitten is asleep on a soft beige blanket, curled into a ball with its eyes closed and front paws tucked near its face. It looks as though the kitten is smiling.
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    The photo that stole my heart

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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