This post was originally published at Novelicious.com and is now at WritingTipsOasis.com. WritingTipsOasis.com acquired Novelicious.com in June 2022.
By day, Shaz Goodwin works as an inclusion lead and dyslexia therapist in a junior school. At night, she indulges her passion for reading and all things literary at Jera's Jamboree, which won her the title of Romance Blogger of the Year at the 2013 Festival of Romance. Here, Shaz invites us to take a peek at the books currently making their home on her bedside table.
I don’t keep a lot of books on my bedside table … you’ll find most of mine in our three bookcases and piled up by the side of the fireplace. The ones on my bedside table do have meaning for me (and I wonder what they say about me!).
During term-time, the only time I get to read is in bed – it’s my escape and my haven! I’m always more comfortable snuggled up. You’ll always find a notepad, pen and post-its on the bedroom floor too.Here are my books:
Dane Rudhyar’s An Astrological Mandala. I’ve always been interested in astrology and have many books on this (I don’t mean sun sign astrology but how a nativity changes and grows reflecting how we change and grow and how transits and progressions show us the possibility of changes).
Rudhyar has reinterpreted the Sabian symbols and applied them to basic human experiences, which can be used for divination. I open at any page and have found throughout the years that the degree I’ve chosen offers insight to what is happening in my life at that time. Bibliomancy at it’s best!
Heidi by Joanna Spyri. A favourite for many years. It reminds me that although a situation may seem at its bleakest, with no way out, that things change. Miracles do happen!
My East End by Gilda O’Neill. I spent over three years researching both mine and my other half's family histories. Having lost my dad when I was quite young, I never had the opportunity to find out what it was like growing up for him. It’s definitely not the type of conversation I ever had with my parents during my teens. I think it’s only when you get older that you want to find out more about your roots and your place in the world. Dad moved away from the East End to Bournemouth and lost contact with his family. I dip into this book to glean a little of what it would have been like for him, growing up in the East End.
Jamie’s 15 Minute Meals by Jamie Oliver. This is a new addition to the pile from Christmas! Never having much time to be that domestic goddess I would love to be, I’ve only managed a quick browse at the moment, but intend to choose a recipe and see if I can do it in the 15 minute time frame (not very hopeful to be honest, but worth a shot).
Take Me Home by Daniela Sacerdoti. This is my current read (on the top of the pile). Although this could have been loaded with sadness, Sacerdoti has added humour which uplifts the tone. I’m enjoying being a part of the community at Glen Avich (it feels so real!) and am intrigued by how Inary will find a resolution. I couldn’t put this down last night and my intended early night just didn’t happen.
Thanks, Shaz!
If you would like to be featured in in the My Bedside Table feature, you can email kerry@writingtipsoasis.com