Carolyn Mandache

I have recently watched in amusement as my children play pretend games with American accents. I can remember doing exactly the same thing at their age. I suppose the main reason is that a lot of the films and cartoons have American voices, so it seems "cool" to imitate them. I like to think that following the release of "Brave", the Disney/Pixar film, that there are some American children copying the Scottish accent, but I guess that's unlikely. I am now extremely proud of my Scottish accent, acknowledged as one of the nicest in the world, but that's not to say it always makes life easy for me. For example, voice recognition and the Scots, are not good friends. On an automated phone system, given the option to say my choice, or press a number, I learned long ago to stick to the numbers. I have more reason than most to have an interest in accents:my husband is Romanian, and almost two years ago, our two nieces from Romania came to live with us.....

My books Andrew's Fairy Tale, and The Bankrupt Tooth Fairy are both written in rhyme. I view that as a positive thing, a format children would enjoy. Sadly, the modern world of publishing does not seem to share my viewpoint. For this reason, I decided to self-publish my work. Whilst researching how to approach publishers and agents, the advice and statistics I found, were very off-putting. Books for children, particularly rhyming ones, seem to be a very difficult market to crack. There were very few publishers I  found  that were willing to accept poetry, and literary agents seemed highly unlikely to take on poetry. My own children very much enjoy my stories, and enjoy writing poems at school. I've also found that a homework task to learn a song or poem is always a popular one. I find it strange that this fun way of reading is not readily available to young children, who should be encouraged to enjoy learning to read as much as possible. I came across some posts on the...

Writing a blog is a strange experience, like writing a kind of diary for all to see. I have been fretting a little over the lack of comments on my posts...a big fat zero. I'm beginning to feel a little crazy, like I'm having conversations with myself. Just as well I can access the stats on my blog, and can take reassurance that people are actually reading my humble opinions (all be it very quietly). I've read other blogs about this issue, pleased to learn I am not alone in having no one add their views. It can be very hard to strike up conversation, particularly with someone you don't know. I suppose replying to a blog is the technological equivalent. One tip I read is to use a different username and type a comment yourself. That seems like cheating to me, and I've never been great at pretending to be something I'm not. My solution? I'm going to start a conversation, break the ice, with myself.  I may even use my alter ego, disagree with my blogger self....I...

I have four young children at home, three of whom are rapidly losing their baby teeth...an expensive business for parents! This is what inspired me to write my short story The Bankrupt Tooth Fairy, which is now available on Amazon. I also came up with my own answer to the question we've all been asked...what does the tooth fairy do with the teeth? Read more about my story, and find the link to my book here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bankrupt-Tooth-Fairy-Carolyn-Mandache/dp/0957698917/ref=la_B00A7RQZ50_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1383674104&sr=1-2 My own tooth fairy experiences: I am trying hard to keep the kids believing in the tooth fairy as long as possible, but it's not always easy. Creaky stairs to reach a top bunk, and then rummaging under the pillow to find the tooth is not an easy task. A set of wings, or elastigirl type arms would  come in handy in such instances, but sadly I have no such magical aids. I have also given myself extra work, by writing ...

I recently had to make a tough decision: send my youngest to school at four and a half, or leave it another year and send him at five and a half. There were pros and cons to both options, but in the end, I decided to keep him another year at nursery. I've always felt four and a half was very young to spend a full day at school, especially now when the primary ones are "thrown in at the deep end", from day two (the initial half days are now a thing of the past). My eldest, unfortunately was starting primary school when this new system was introduced, and going from 2.5 hours of nursery to a full day of school was actually quite traumatic for him, (not to mention myself, left holding back the tears in the playground as he was peeled off me and went into school crying his heart out). My youngest is certainly a different child altogether from his elder brother, but my bad experience was definitely preying on my mind as I weighed up my options. My son is certain...

Many a Glaswegian would agree that the Scottish weather is proving to be extra disappointing this year. Instead of barbeques and visits to the seaside at the weekend, it's yet another visit to a play area with the kids. I've decided to try and focus on the positives to our unsummery summer weather: Winter wardrobes can easily be adapted to summer weather, lose a layer, and you're good to go. Children can enjoy jumping in muddy puddles Peppa Pig style, the entire year round. Rain provides good hydration, essential for healthy skin. Less wrinkles due to sun damage, and fewer freckles (in my case anyway). Money saved on unlikely need for sun cream can be used towards heating bills. Bad hair days have become the norm, making the occasional good hair day extra special. Occasional glimpse of sunshine combined with rain can result in impressive rainbows. The few really sunny days we do enjoy in the summer seem almost magical, and nearly every Scot is in a good mood. Fe...

Many a parent will have struggled with this issue, myself being one of them. My son is a wonderful, kind hearted, sensitive boy full of imagination, who likes fairies. I knew it would just be a phase, and he is starting to outgrow his fascination with the magical winged creatures, but at the time I found it hard to deal with. My husband and I tried to discourage him playing with fairies, until one day I stopped and really took time to think about it. I realised, it doesn't matter what toy he plays with, if it makes him happy, that's all that's important. People have certain expectations of how boys (and girls) should behave, and what toys they should like. I remember briefly studying about this in sociology. The topic stuck in my head; if a child were left to choose the toys they liked, without the influence of adults, they would not necessarily choose the toys associated with their own gender. Children learn what are "boys" toys or "girls...

Well, you found me, welcome to my blog. My name is Carolyn Mandache, a children's author living in Scotland with my husband and children. I'll write here about my books, my opinions, my family, and anything else I think will make for interesting reading. Hopefully you'll agree, and visit again! About me : The boring (yet relevant) details: Degree in English Lit. (University of Strathclyde), HND in Graphic Design (Glasgow Metropolitan College). Not so boring: Author of "Andrew's Fairy Tale", available for the Kindle on Amazon. I like to write stories which challenge the norm, and have received 5 star reviews for doing so. The link to my ebook is: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Andrews-Fairy-Tale-ebook/dp/B00A2YTA82 I create my own illustrations and enjoy being able to combine my skills in both writing and drawing. My new story, "The Bankrupt Tooth Fairy" shall soon be available as a printed book...will keep you posted. I aim to update my blog weekl...