Uncle Archie’s Australian Adventures
If you’ve read Horizon Fever 1, you’ll know that my Uncle Archie was not just a famous explorer but also a bit of a rogue. In fact, as Joe was going through Archie’s old scrapbooks, he discovered that Archie was sentenced to three months hard labour by a judge in Innisfail, Queensland.
Continue readingWin the next Old Fools book
The whole Old Fools series has been updated and reformatted with chickens walking through the pages… However, there are not chickens, but sulphur-crested cockatoos in the coming book, Two Old Fools Down Under.
Continue readingAlice, one hundred years old
If you have read Two Old Fools in Spain Again, you may remember that the Salvation Army contacted us and introduced us to Alice.
Continue readingDon’t Do It Like This!
Ever dreamed of a new life in Spain? These three hilarious bestsellers might make you think again. This Kindle boxset is on pre-order at a massive discount. Grab it before 6th June 2018!
***** “Probably the best book I’ve read this millennium!” ***** ***** “Packed with humour and feel-good factor.” ***** ***** “I laughed and I cried.” *****
Let me autograph your ebook!
Did you know that I can now autograph your ebooks? Sounds impossible, doesn’t it? If you have read any of my books and you have them on your reading device, I’d love to sign them for you. All you need to do is click Go!
A new Sixpenny Cross tale
When I finish an Old Fools book, I always feel elated, but exhausted. That’s when I turn to my village and friends at Sixpenny Cross and lose myself in weaving a story that I hope keeps readers guessing.
Stages of a book cover
When I asked my cover artist, Nick Saltmer, to design a cover for C is for the Captain, book 3 of the Sixpenny Cross series, all I said was, I’d like a typical English village pub, please. Within days he had come back with the initial sketch.
The Old Fools series as Audiobooks
Very exciting news! I’ve just signed a deal with the very nice folk at Whole Story Audiobooks. This means that the Old Fools series is going to be recorded and made into audiobooks!
The books will be professionally narrated and then CDs will be manufactured and put on sale. Not only will the CDs be available all over the world, but anybody will also be able to download them from Audible or a host of other retailers, or borrow them from their own library.
I can’t wait!
Lola the Spoodle and her new treasure
Just in case you were wondering how Lola is – here’s an update. Of course I don’t mean Lola Ufarte, the young lady who frequently shocks El Hoyo. No, I’m talking about Lola, our gorgeous but completely insane cocker spaniel/poodle mix.
Two Old Fools in Turmoil is on Amazon
The deadline was Christmas, and we made it with time to spare! The fifth in the series, Two Old Fools in Turmoil, is on Amazon! If you order it now, you’ll get it at a discounted price and on 22nd December it will appear on your Kindle, as if by magic…
Free Old Fools Photo Books, help yourself!
Over the years, we’ve taken loads of photographs and it seems a shame not to share some. So I’ve created some albums, one for each Old Fools book, and I’d love it if you’d like to see them. I’ve also included some photos of the recipes in the books, in case you need serving suggestion inspiration.
My magnetic granddaughter
My littlest granddaughter, Winter, is walking now, and very mobile. She still pops everything in her mouth which is always a worry.
The Old Fools are back!
Last year, when Joe was twice rushed into Intensive Care and put on a life-support machine, everything changed.
The shock was profound and his recovery has been slow and arduous. Thank goodness, Joe is not one to give up, and he is now almost as strong as when the viruses attacked. Thank you so much to the many readers who have been in touch wishing him well.
It’s been nine months since our last newsletter but writing has had to take a back seat. Usually it takes a year to write an Old Fools book but, the latest, Two Old Fools in Turmoil, has taken much longer.
However, I’m on the last chapter and we hope to launch it in a couple of months.
Lola’s boyfriend
No, this is not about Lola Ufarte, the badly behaved young lady in El Hoyo that I’ve told you about in my books. However, Lola the Spoodle (or Cockerpoo) is named after Lola Ufarte. I was looking for a name that would suit a golden, very beautiful, naughty dog. A name that would remind me of Spain. “Lola” seemed like the perfect choice.
Protected: Running round in circles
There is no excerpt because this is a protected post.
A random page from Two Old Fools in Turmoil
The bat and the mayor – a random page from Two Old Fools in Turmoil, the next book in the Old Fools series, to be published this year. *fingers crossed*
Something black shot out, swooped round the room and clung sootily to a picture frame.
“Aaaagh!” I yelled. “It’s a bat!”
I’m not at all frightened of bats outside in the fresh air. I think they are wonderful creatures, and they certainly did a grand job of devouring El Hoyo’s flying insect population. I loved the way they flitted round the lamp posts, and their tiny squeaks made me smile. But I have to admit, I don’t like the idea of bats flying round my head indoors. Specially scared, sooty bats.
“Quick, open the front door,” Joe ordered.
I flung the door open but the bat was too frightened to move, and merely blinked.
“Perhaps we should throw something over it,” I suggested, using the royal ‘we’ as I had no intention of doing it myself.
“Hmmm… Good idea,” said Joe, grabbing my favourite white T-shirt which I’d foolishly left lying around.
He hurled it at the poor creature, but the bat sat tight, its tiny hands gripped… Continue reading
Lola to the rescue!
It’s been crazy hot here in Australia, and we are very lucky because we have a swimming pool. Lola is half cocker spaniel and half poodle, so she’s a water dog. It’s hard to keep her out of the pool.
Piggy is her favourite toy, and as you can see, she’s not going to let him drown!
Forty-eight seconds – new Chickens trailer!
Chickens, Mules and Two Old Fools has a brand new trailer! It’s only 48 seconds long, but I hope it captures the essence of the book. All the pictures come from our personal photo album.
A rollercoaster year
I’ve been looking back on 2016, and it’s been a real rollercoaster of a year. Joe arrived in Australia on January 1st so the year began well. House renovations began.
Then baby Winter, my new granddaughter, arrived in April. And what a joy she is! Full of smiles and naughtiness, she is an absolute delight and her big sister Indy adores her.
B is for Bella, the second of the Sixpenny Cross series, was published in July. Then Joe’s book, One Young Fool in South Africa, followed in September.
It was almost as though Joe used the last of his energy to complete his book. At the end of September he developed a severe chest infection and was rushed into Intensive Care. Three times he was put on a life support machine, and we all thought the end had come.
Joe surprised everybody, except himself, by beating the infection and battling until he was released from hospital. It was a frightening time, but Joe is home now and coping brilliantly.
Through all this, house renovations continued. As I type, we still have no kitchen. I don’t really care because it’s midsummer and we have a barbecue, and… Continue reading
Two baths a day
Now that Lola is one year old, you’d think she’d have outgrown her passion for muddy puddles.
Not so.
Easy Strawberry Mice
Hard to believe it, but it’s true. My granddaughter Indy will be 4 years old on Monday. Her mum organised a cat theme birthday party, and all the food and activities had something to do with cats. My contribution was strawberry mice, recipe below. Continue reading
The other young fool
Here’s a date that’s written in red and underlined on our kitchen calendar. September 9th 2016. Why? Because that’s the date when Joe’s memoir, One Young Fool in South Africa, will be launched.
A baby secret
I have a confession. I’ve been keeping a very big secret. The reason for my silence was just that I couldn’t bear it if something went wrong. But, thank heavens, nothing did.
B is for Bella launches
The second book in my new Sixpenny Cross series is now finished, polished and up on Amazon for pre-order. It’s called B is for Bella and if you’ve read A is for Abigail, you’ll recognise many of the characters and places. If you pre-order from Amazon, the book will magically spirit itself onto your Kindle on July 1st 2016.
Puppy problems and papier mâché
I didn’t know much about Spoodle puppies before, but since Lola came into my life, I have become quite an authority. I now know that Spoodles are very bright, very affectionate and have limitless energy. So I set about finding toys that would occupy her.
Chickpeas and Paprika
Spanish chickpeas are great for making a simple side dish, tapas dip or ingredient in a salad. Here’s a delicious recipe using chickpeas with paprika.
Italian Chickens
Chickens, Mules and Two Old Fools has now been translated into Italian. I love the title – Polli, muli e due vecchi pazzi… Italian has such a ring to it, doesn’t it? Chickens was sold to Polish and Hungarian publishing houses a couple of years ago, and is currently being translated into Spanish, French and Chinese.
Wareham Quay
Big thanks to Zoe Marr who took this fab picture of Wareham Quay this week as she passed through on her way to Swanage. Why do I love it?
Sit!
VT thinks I’m super smart!
It’s only my first full day away from my mum and sisters, and I cried a lot last night, but today VT discovered that I’m a very intelligent little dog. I can’t understand why she’s so surprised.
I’m Lola, and believe me, I’m cute.
I’m eight weeks old and I’m a Spoodle. Some people would call me a Cockapoo. Whatever, I’m a cross between a Cocker spaniel and a poodle, and people pretty much drool over me whenever they see me because I’m very cute.
A secret
How lucky am I? I’ve skipped winter again and I’m embarking on yet another summer. Spring has sprung, but this time not in Spain, but in Australia.
The creation of Sixpenny Cross
The notes for the next Old Fools book are all set up, and I even have a title, but events have been so intense these past months, I haven’t actually started writing it yet.
Instead, I’ve taken my mind off things by doing something I’ve never tried before.
Look out, Australia!
You remember the charming young couple I told you about last newsletter? The ones that loved our house and put in an offer for it?
Well, it’s all going ahead…
Old fools on the move
At last! My latest book, One Young Fool in Dorset, is published. Thank you to the hundreds of you who pre-ordered it. By now it should have appeared magically on your Kindles, iPads, Nooks, or Kobos. It’s also available in Paperback and Large Print. I do hope you enjoy it!
So, what else has been happening?
Naked in Public
Writing a memoir and publishing it, exposing yourself and your innermost thoughts to the scrutiny of strangers is very hard. It’s like taking all your clothes off and walking around in public.
Old Fools’ home for sale
This is probably the hardest village update that I’ve ever had to write since I began in 2008, so forgive me if I keep everything brief.
A Sneak Preview of “One Young Fool in Dorset”
One Young Fool in Dorset is finished! My latest baby is in the hands of my trusted editors and advance readers, and Nick Saltmer has created a beautiful cover. It will be launched 12th June 2015, but is already available for pre-order on Amazon.
And yes, that is a rabbit on a leash on the cover…
Here’s a little excerpt:
The Lost Suitcase
So my Australian visit came to an end. After three wonderful months, I was looking forward to being back with Joe in our little Spanish mountain village. While I’d been enjoying an Australian summer, he’d been in chilly Britain getting various medical tests done.
The bad luck began in the plane at Sydney airport. As the hostesses checked seat belts and locked the doors, black clouds obscured the sky and the captain’s voice crackled into life.
Australian hazards
I’ve spent three wonderful, sun and laughter-filled months in Australia with my daughter, son-in-law and gorgeous granddaughter, two-year-old Indy. Poor old Joe missed out as he needed some medical stuff checked out in the UK. Meanwhile, I’ve enjoyed another summer.
How Victoria Twead turned her life into bestselling novels
Grateful thanks to the Harvard Square Edition and Mary Yuhas for this frank interview.
Chili Rubbed Steak
If you enjoy a ‘kick’ of chili, (or chilli) then this chili rubbed steak recipe is for you! It offers a great flavour and takes on hints of smoky paprika. This simple recipe for Spanish steak served with fresh salad and thick potato chips or wedges will never disappoint.
Two Old Fools and another Fiesta
When we moved to our Spanish mountain village ten years ago, we soon became familiar with the families who lived here. All of them were friendly and charming and we enjoyed watching the kids grow as the years passed. Little Paco next door had a friend, Miguel, who once tapped on our door, eager to show us his white rabbit. The rabbit hopped around our living room and was only evicted when it threatened to nibble through the TV cable.
Mushroom Tostada with Fino Sherry
Mushroom Tostada with Fino Sherry
60 – 70 minutes preparation and cooking
Tostadas are extremely popular in Spain and this dish is ideal served as a tapa or breakfast.
Two Old Fools and Wildlife Photography
After 10 years in our Spanish mountain village, we know what to expect in summer. The village fills up with people we haven’t seen for a year as families arrive to escape the heat of the cities. Children, a foot taller than last year, run wild in the streets and the jasmine-scented air is heavy with the sound of our neighbours’ guitar music.
Book Club Discussion Questions for Chickens, Mules and Two Old Fools
I’m always being asked for discussion questions for book clubs, and I’ve finally put some together. Help yourself, I hope they are useful!
CHICKENS, MULES and TWO OLD FOOLS by Victoria Twead
Book Club Discussion Questions
1. How did you feel about the title, Chickens, Mules and Two Old Fools? Was it apt? Did it make you smile?
Chilli Chutney
This chilli chutney is a great way of savouring the warm summer flavours, long after the heat of the sun has gone and winter draws in. Seasonal eating is a way of life here and towards the end of September you get the last, and the best, of the season’s sweet red peppers and local red chillies. It does have a bite but combined with the chargrilled sweetness of red peppers, the chillies appear warm and the blend is amazing.
Two Old Fools and Jellyfish
With all my thoughts and energies channelled into the launch of Two Old Fools in Spain Again, I haven’t taken much time off this summer. However the book is out now and, with the temperatures still soaring, Joe and I long for a swim.
Cat after cat after cat
Until the Spanish begin to neuter their cats, there will always be a huge feral population. When we moved to El Hoyo in 2004, we were surprised at how many cats roamed the village, but I guess we’re used to it now. Although not domesticated, they all seem healthy and manage to exist on a diet of lizards, birds and anything else they can catch or scrounge.
Old Fool’s Blog – My baby is born
I feel as though I’ve given birth to an elephant. I’m exhausted. In the very early hours of the morning of Friday, 25th of July, 2014, after a long painful labour, Two Old Fools in Spain Again was born, weighing just one pound. That’s the paperback, of course, the Kindle edition weighs nothing at all.
Lemon Sorbet
Sorbete de Limon or Spanish style lemon sorbet is such an easy dessert to do. A most welcome refreshment in the heat of summer or a classy after dinner treat whenever. With an abundant supply of lemons all year round, this dish is welcome at any time of year and depending on the options you choose for added flavour, you can transform this dessert from a cooling, invigorating summer dessert to a fresh, fragrant Christmas indulgence.
