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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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travel feature

Home / travel feature
Jerash, Jordan. Copyright Samantha Mattocks
The Writer
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A rich heritage – Jordan

by Samantha Mattocksupdated on 15 January, 20233 January, 2023 1 Comment on A rich heritage – Jordan

In October, I travelled to the historical country of Jordan, home to six UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Dubai Museum of the Future
The Writer
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From desert sands to sparkling skylines

by Samantha Mattocksupdated on 15 January, 20231 July, 2022 Leave a Comment on From desert sands to sparkling skylines

I headed to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates to uncover more about the city that never sleeps.

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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