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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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my writing motivation

Home / my writing motivation
#meethegym fountain pen on paper Beth Kempton
The Writer
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Meet the Writer Day 3 – Motivation

by Samantha Mattocksupdated on 10 July, 20237 July, 2023 2 Comments on Meet the Writer Day 3 – Motivation

Day 3 of #meethewriter, where you can find out more about my creative life, as prompted by Beth Kempton.

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It is time for me to introduce my next book, featu It is time for me to introduce my next book, featuring two Christmas adventures and two very special characters in one festive book. This Christmas, Mister Mishkins and Nero the Hero are joining forces in a special book featuring Mister Mishkins Saves Christmas and Nero the Hero and the Snowman’s Nose. This book is designed to read alongside the YouTube videos - as yes, if you haven't already heard the news, Nero the Hero gets his own story this year! The book will be available in early November, ready for the festive season. It would make a lovely gift for a young reader, and is perfect as part of a Christmas Eve box. Pre-orders are now open - more details via the link in my bio.
Instagram post 17974738788156072 Instagram post 17974738788156072
Before I head to @aplacetowrite2 in Wales for a we Before I head to @aplacetowrite2 in Wales for a week's writing retreat, I wanted to properly share my interview in the @eastern_daily_press I was honoured to be interviewed by them for this feature, and also to be part of their Born & Read in Norfolk scheme. Encouraging reading among children is so important. It opens up whole worlds for them, let alone their imagination. And it doesn't matter what they are reading - as long as they are enjoying it, that is everything. Thank you again to the EDP for this piece. It's now time for me to head to Wales and spend a week writing more words for children, hopefully, fall in love with. Samantha xx
"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
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