Chapter 19 Acknowledged by Queen Camilla

GREAT NEWS!

I sent a hardcopy of "Joan - Put on a Happy Face" to Queen Camilla earlier in 2025

I'd heard how she supports those suffering abuse in the home and felt she might be interested in how the most iconic traditional seaside puppet show 'Punch and Judy', famous for it's frying pan scene of Judy hitting Mr Punch, came about.

These days when people think of Punch and Judy, they think of the violence portrayed in the shows. What they don't remember is the message that Judy is giving out

"Speak out when you see Mr Punch being naughty or hitting baby" she calls to the audience.

Violence is not normal. Should never be accepted as normal. If anyone sees or knows about anyone being violent to their partner (or children) they should tell someone. Not hide it in shame or fear of consequences... and THAT is what Punch and Judy try to get across.

My story tells how Joan, a spirited young woman, falls for a charismatic travelling actor ten years her senior, her father challenges the suitor to win her hand. Against the odds, love triumphs—and so begins a marriage filled with passion, hardship, and the unpredictable rhythm of a touring life. As Joan navigates motherhood and the strain of her husband’s absences, Joan begins to perform a puppet show for her baby boy. Her puppets bring father and son together so that they can say goodnight to one another. They can talk, share adventures, and resolve arguments through her puppet-play.

Joan eventually has help in the form of her cousin Polly, a gentle soul the child affectionately calls “Pretty Polly.”

As Joan’s family sets sail for England, they are caught up in a violent clash that leaves them gravely wounded. Offered a mysterious elixir to heal, they accept... unaware that its true power is immortality. Then a mistaken kiss at a royal coronation shatters the fragile harmony and Polly flees, embarrassed and ashamed.

From medieval Italy, through revolutions and royal jubilees, to modern day England, Joan’s family lives on—witnessing centuries of change while grappling with the cost of eternal life. By 1979, their story has become legend... but Joan still wears a happy face.

Hopeful, but unexpectedly, Queen Camilla replied to my letter. I keep hoping that one day she'll read it and let me know her thoughts. It would mean so much to me... I can but dream.

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Chapter 18 A Moment of Reflection on My Journey Into Authorship

A Moment of Reflection on My Journey Into Authorship

I don’t usually write personal posts, but I felt compelled to speak out about something that happened recently.

To everyone who's been following my journey into authorship—thank you. Your support means the world.

As I’ve been learning the ropes of becoming an author, one piece of advice I kept hearing was: build an email list. So I dove into webinars and guidance from supposed experts, including a session hosted on LinkedIn. The manual method they shared was simple enough: send an introductory message, then—if someone replies or follows your page—check their profile, find their email, and add it to your author list.

I gave it a go. I don’t send many emails (truth be told, I often wonder if anyone would care to hear what’s going on in my world—ha!), but I pushed past that doubt and sent out a couple of messages.

And then it happened: someone emailed me requesting removal from my list… and threatened to report me under GDPR.

I was stunned. I’d followed the instructions from a LinkedIn webinar, and the person had followed me back—she was an author herself, so I assumed there was mutual interest. Clearly, I misread the situation.

I responded politely, explained how she’d ended up on my list, and assured her I’d remove her details—which I did, along with any interactions or connections we’d had. But the phrase she used stuck with me: “I never signed up to this email list.”

She was right, of course. And while I’m still finding my footing with social media and outreach, I never intended to upset or offend. I just want to share my stories.

So here’s what I wonder: why has it become so common to respond with threats instead of kindness? Why not simply say, “Please remove me from your list”? We're all just people trying to do our best—and in my case, I’m just someone who’s passionate about historical fiction and excited to connect with readers who might enjoy a dual timeline tale.

If that sounds like something you’d enjoy, you’re warmly invited to download my debut novel, Joan: Put on a Happy Face—free until 22nd July to celebrate my daughter’s birthday (happy birthday, sweetheart!).

Thank you for being part of the journey.

Joan: Put on a Happy Face (The Elixir Chronicles Book 1) eBook : Mottershead, Carol M: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store