Is it Cheating?

On the recommendation of a friend at Torrevieja Writers Circle (TWC) I used for the first time today a product called - Wordcounter. You cut and paste your work into the product and it magically counts and reports on all word repetitions within that text. To be honest it was a real eye opener - sub consciously I obviously have very many favourite words (oops just used them again!) It is a very useful tool so for those who are not intentionally trying to alliterate it is a great help with the editing. Is it Cheating? No I don't think so , no more so than using spell check. Took the photo today in Torrevieja for potential use with the article that has been through the Wordcounter - try it for yourself!

Spanish Bureaucracy - No problem!

Living the Expat life throws up many challenges not the least of which can be the Spanish bureaucracy, of which the Brits usually endlessly moan. Ironic as having a Spanish wife, who has lived in England, she has had the experience the other way round, so to speak. Proving the Spanish have not in fact cornered the market when it comes to officialdom and papers. So it always gives you a great sense of achievement to visit an official Spanish government building and leave with a 'mission accomplished' especially after only one visit. Today I took my friend to Orihuela, a lovely little city with plenty of history and government buildings. He needed a paper to confirm his Spanish national health cover entitlement. We got our ticket and waited for our turn. When it came the lady seemed a bit officious but did she come up trumps. Not only did we get his paper but also a European Health card as well - the jackpot! I answered her questions in Spanish, adequate to give her the required information, so we came home to Torrevieja for well earned Fish and Chips feeling rather chuffed with ourselves. Spanish bureaucracy - bring it on! And of course these experiences can always add detail to an article.

Back in Business

Regular readers of this blog, and followers of Spainrico - my web site, will know that I was one of the dream team of ExpatSpain bloggers which unfortunately became a victim of the crisis (or financial downturn) but like a phoenix you can't keep a good Expat down. After searching around for another opportunity to vent those Expat blogs The Inland Magazine has launched (well almost, this is inside information) a blog site for Expat bloggers and readers.......so let the blogs commence My first contribution involves technology in a medical setting and my entertaining the assembled masses. Just another day in the adventures and mishaps of an Expat. Enjoy.

Writing Buddies at Borders

Writing can be a lonely pastime so having someone to chat too and spark ideas around is a real benefit. Fortunately I have a writing buddy - Penny Legg, and thanks to email and Skype (free phone calls) we are able to exchange lots of ideas (and gossip!) The idea of Writing Buddies has lead to Penny approaching Borders Bookshop in Southampton who love her suggestion of hosting a Writing Buddies meeting - this from her blog: I am pleased to announce the formation of a new, informal writers' group, Writing Buddies, which will meet fortnightly at Borders Bookshop in Southampton, from Friday 22 May. She already has lots of interest, including published authors, maybe if it really takes off there will be meetings in all the Borders shops Borders Southampton - Find out more about your local store Good Luck Penny!

Rob's Bits and Bobs Page

I have added some published Rob's Bits and Bobs Pages to ISSUU, the on line publishing site, which is attracting a lot of interest. Because I am so impressed by the site's facilities I have been recommending it to a lot of my friends and associates.

Open publication - Free publishing - More spainrico

Writers's Feedback

I have mentioned before how much writers need and enjoy feedback and it can come in many formats. For instance recently I received an email from a budding writer based way down in Barcelona asking if I could share some 'thoughts, advice or comments' about writing. Well I have some but whether they will help him to become rich and famous I don't know but I hope so. My 'Grail to Whale' article (see previous blog) generated this response from a reader: 'Rob,also really enjoyed your latest piece from grail to whale, very interesting indeed.' and then she goes onto say that she is now planning a trip to see the Holy Grail for herself. And from a published author on my latest interview: 'What a brilliant piece, I've sent it off to my agent who is pushing it over to Hollywood. I think your one page of text sums up Horace and the story wonderfully well' The challenge for me is keep the words flowing. Fortunately Spain provides plenty of material. On a different point - I have now edited the first edition of 'Chapter and Verse' an Ezine for the Writers Bureau - so for any students checking this blog - it will be out soon and I hope I was able to include you work.

The Inland Magazine now on ISSUU

The May edition of The Inland Magazine is now available online. It features my article 'Grail to Whale' written after my recent sojourn in Valencia. The next interview in my series, this month with Horace Greasley (the worlds oldest author?) and of course my regular Rob's Bits and Bobs page. Check these and more out via the amazing ISSUU online publishing service