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Samantha Mattocks

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

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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 …

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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 …

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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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The summer solstice is upon us. Time is stretched The summer solstice is upon us. Time is stretched to its thinnest point before the elastic tightens once more in our annual circle around the sun.

Later today, I shall walk barefoot on the grass, reflecting upon the last six months and looking towards the next. Setting my intentions. Reclaiming myself, my dreams, my goals. I shall offer a libation of sparkling wine to the goddesses, asking for their guidance as I step into the next chapter of my life. 

This time, I will listen to them. This time, I will be brave and daring. I shall reach for the wildest of my dreams, and hold them close until they are breathed into life. 

A day of contemplation, redefining boundaries and goals, and of fresh determination settling into my soul along with the setting sun.

Samantha xx

📷 by me @omelarab - one of the most soulful places in the world.
Wishing my wonderful dad a Happy Father's Day. The Wishing my wonderful dad a Happy Father's Day. The person who always pushes me to try that little bit harder, be it an opening line to a book, menus I plan to cook, or just living in the moment.

This photograph seems like a lifetime ago. It was taken in February 2019 in New Zealand on my favourite beach in the world. We were there for Arabian horses, and stayed to visit my dear friends at Gerzanne Stud. 

Life is all about making memories, and this one will always be special.

Thank you, dad, for all that you do. And sending love to my friends who are missing their own dad's today.

Much love.

Samantha xxx
I am thrilled to share I shall be doing a book lau I am thrilled to share I shall be doing a book launch for Nero the Hero at the fabulous @oldschoolbooks_burnhammarket on Saturday 27 June between 11am and 2.30pm.

Come along to meet the author, get your signed copy of this exciting new book, plus enjoy amazing coffee and cake in this beautiful bookshop.

Please let me know if you can attend, and I cannot wait for you to meet your next favourite superhero! 

🗓 27 June
🕚 11am - 2.30pm
📍Old School Books, Burnham Market
I see you've all been very busy discussing this do I see you've all been very busy discussing this dog.

Carry on.

🐈‍⬛👑
One week today, Nero the Hero will be released int One week today, Nero the Hero will be released into the world. 🐕📚✨

But before there was a book, there was simply Nero.

A very special miniature schnauzer who stole my heart and inspired the whole adventure.

A week from today, I can't wait to share his story with you.

💛

#NeroTheHero #ChildrensBooks #BookLaunch #MiniatureSchnauzer
Excuse me internet... Nothing to see here, just a Excuse me internet...

Nothing to see here, just a dog riding a horse. 🐕🐎

#NeroTheHero #ChildrensBooks #Bookstagram #DogOnAHorse
Feeling very grateful to my friends and neighbours Feeling very grateful to my friends and neighbours for having me over to watch Rivals last night.

On arrival, this perfect raspberry g&t in this beautiful glass was put into my hands. They found this glass during one of their travels in Scotland; I may need to track one down for myself! 

Thank you J&J for another fun evening, complete with Miss Samantha Pup xx
Happy Gotcha Day Mister Mishkins! It is five year Happy Gotcha Day Mister Mishkins!

It is five years today, almost to the hour, that you officially became an Ivy Cottage Cat. And what a joy you are to have around! Peacekeeper among all the cats, the Best Snuggler and Squiggler, and most important of all, the inspiration behind my Magical Mister Mishkins series. 

I am often asked about where the inspiration for these books came from. Honestly, it was simple. The night before Mishkins arrived, I was playing with names and I settled on Mishkins. I said: "If the name suits him, I'm going to call him Mishkins, I'm going to write children's books about him, and he is going to own an apothecary." The rest, as they say, is history.

So, Happy Gotcha Day to the most incredible cat I have ever been blessed to be owned by. It feels rather appropriate to be starting the first chapter of book three today, due out on September. Yes, Mister Mishkins will return; meanwhile, he is just Mishks to me, and will be celebrating his anniversary with prawns from his favourite fishmonger later. 

Samantha xx
Two weeks tomorrow until Nero the Hero is released Two weeks tomorrow until Nero the Hero is released! I thought I would give you a little bit of background into who Nero is and why he inspired the book.

Please get your pre-orders in & get ready to leave reviews. I cannot wait to share Nero the Hero with you! 

Samantha xx
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  • Ginger kitten with blue eyes looking straight at the camera. His chin is resting on his paw.
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    Happy Gotcha Day, Mister Mishkins!

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    Find me at the Foreword Festival!

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    Introducing… Nero the Hero!

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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