Welcome to my blog!

Welcome to my blog!
This is where you can keep up to date with Alice Parker's adventures. You'll find photos, additional info and the occasional juicy snippet from the next book. Just remember to drop by regularly!

Saturday 22 December 2012

Book 1 of 'Alice Parker's Adventures' is free this weekend, 22nd & 23rd December as a little Christmas gift. As featured on http://www.fkbooksandtips.com/ this morning!

'Alice Parker's Metamorphosis' takes place at Christmas time, making it an ideal holiday read for children aged 9+.

If you're looking for a Christmas story for younger children, or if you're a big kid at heart who can't resist a festive read, don't forget my latest book 'One Strange Christmas!' Happy reading :)
 

Monday 3 December 2012


Meet Ngaire Elder, author of 'The Adventures of Cecilia Spark' series for children.  Last week she kindly sat still long enough to answer some questions and munch on a slice of banana bread from Finwip Village.  Here's what we found out!

 
What inspired you to write for the 5-8 age group?  What do you love most about it?
I think this age group is at such a magical stage in their life for discovering books, and defining their reading habits and genre. I love the step children take towards beginning to read by themselves. Having 4 children I was a major part of their ‘reading with mum to reading on their own’ transition. The books we read were amazing and I think I was captured by the juvenile fiction category … it seemed a natural place to start my writing.

Who is the first person you allow to read one of your completed stories?
My daughter and then my editor.

How many Cecilia Spark books are you hoping to write?
I hope to write at least 2 or 3 more in the series. I published book 2, The Mystical Mountains of Terra, as paperback in October and I’ve started book 3 which I hope to publish in 2013.

Do you have set working hours or a ‘whenever, wherever’ approach?
I’m definitely a ‘whenever, wherever’ writer. M y family come first. If there is an hour or so in between the chores and the school-run then I’ll try and do a bit of writing … sometimes it isn’t always possible other duties call, for example, promoting, marketing, replies to emails, etc.

Describe your writing environment – what do you need to be able to concentrate?
My working environment … let me see. Ah, perhaps a house empty of other humans, coffee, biscuits, a supply of sharp pencils and ‘The Last Samurai’ soundtrack playing softly. Don’t think that’s too much to expect …. do you (laughing)?

What keeps you motivated to write?
Reader comments and feedback.  One reader took the time to tell me that her daughter had started writing her own stories after reading one of my books. That is the best kind of motivation. Also, my children, god love them, always ask me ‘How’s your book coming on, Mum?’




















What kind of books do you enjoy reading for relaxation – and when do you find the time?!
Gosh, I love to read a wide range of books … I’ve become a great fan on Mark Barry’s books (Carla, Hollywood Shakedown). The surge in YA titles, I’m afraid I’ve become a sucker for them.  And also, contemporary fiction, such as Wendy Steele’s Destiny of Angels, I love her writing it is so inspiring and exciting.
My favourite classical writer at the moment is Charles Dickens; I’d say he was the greatest novelist of the Victorian era.
As you can see a wide range of books … and the list doesn’t end there. I tend to read at night, once the kids are in bed, my way of relaxing and switching off!
Tell us one thing that you would like for Christmas this year!
That’s super easy, world peace, sleep and lots of it and if Santa Claus thinks I’ve been extra, special good maybe a couple of paperbacks from The IndieLit Catalogue (link attached) and  Snow White and the Huntsman dvd.
 
Thank you Ngaire!  Hope you, your family, and Cecilia Spark have a wonderful Christmas!
 
http://www.amazon.com/Ngaire-Elder/e/B006VXOUN8    Amazon Author Central Link US
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ngaire-Elder/e/B006VXOUN8   Amazon Author Central link UK
 
 


Wednesday 14 November 2012





'One Strange Christmas' is out now!  A festive story for children aged 7+ and big kids too.

Jake had been expecting a very ordinary Christmas - until he opened the curtains and saw it. All he had wished for was some snow and a bit of excitement!
Christmas Day brings news reporters, mysterious messages, a magical gift from an unknown friend – and all this before lunch!
A spectacular surprise awaits at the bottom of the garden, and before night falls, Jake makes a startling discovery about his future.
Christmas will never be the same again!
 

Thursday 1 November 2012

I'll start with an apology, for not posting to my blog in over a month.  Autumn has been and gone, now it seems winter has arrived.  Halloween for us was a cold, wet affair.  We only saw two 'trick or treaters,' aged approximately three and four.  Great little dracula outfits teamed with warm coats and woolly hats!

Over the last few weeks I've been working on another book.  It's not part of 'Alice Parker's Adventures.'  The Parker family is going to enjoy a well-earned rest this winter.  It's a short Christmas story, for children and adults alike, full of festive fun, magic and ... yes, you've guessed it ... strangeness!  Well, it wouldn't be one of my stories otherwise, would it?

When the cover is ready - hopefully in a few days - all will be revealed!  Until then, I'll leave you guessing.  Ho ho ho ...

 

Wednesday 19 September 2012


Book 3 is now over a month old!  Have you read it yet?
New discoveries.  New creatures.  New mystery.
Things are never what they seem...

Tuesday 3 July 2012

Please call in at Linda Ulleseit's wonderful blog for middle grade readers.  There you will find a summary of 'Alice Parker's Metamorphosis' and a brief author biography!

Don't forget to drop by again tomorrow, 4th July, to catch my 'author interview.'  See you there!

http://ulleseit.wordpress.com/2012/07/03/nicola-palmer-author-bio/

Sunday 1 July 2012

So...Book 3 of 'Alice Parker's Adventures' is well underway so I thought it was time to reveal the title:

'Alice Parker & The Secret of Arcanum Cove.'

Cover preview and hints coming soon ;)

Thursday 21 June 2012

Thank you, Erik the Great, for a fantastic review of 'Alice Parker's Metamorphosis' on your blog!
http://thiskidreviewsbooks.com/2012/06/20/alice-parkers-metamorphosis-by-nicola-palmer/
5 out of 5 bookworms :)

Sunday 17 June 2012

Friday 15 June 2012

This weekend, why not call in at marandarussell.com and check out her feature on the Alice Parker series?  Couldn't have hoped for better!  http://marandarussell.com/2012/06/13/review-of-the-alice-parkers-adventures-fantasy-series/

Wednesday 6 June 2012

'Alice Parker's Metamorphosis' is Book of the Day today!
6th June, on www.indieauthornews.com !

Friday 25 May 2012

Thank you Ellie for the feature and fantastic review on your blog - 'The Selkie Reads Stories.'
If you would like to enter the giveaway to win e-copies of Books 1 and 2 in the Alice Parker series, please click below to visit Ellie's blog:

The Selkie Reads Stories

Wednesday 9 May 2012

I was amazed (and delighted) to discover I had been nominated in the children's category for the eFestival of Words this week.  The festival takes place from 17th-19th August, so please sign up and drop by to browse and vote!  There are many different categories and great books to choose from.  Look forward to seeing you there.

Saturday 28 April 2012

Paperback giveaway on Goodreads

Goodreads Book Giveaway

Alice Parker's Metamorphosis by Nicola Palmer

Alice Parker's Metamorphosis

by Nicola Palmer

Giveaway ends May 11, 2012.

See the giveaway details at Goodreads.

Enter to win

Sunday 22 April 2012

3 signed copies of 'Alice Parker's Metamorphosis' are up for grabs on Goodreads!
http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13378361-alice-parker-s-metamorphosis

Closing date 11th May.  Good luck!

Tuesday 17 April 2012

Book 1 - 'Alice Parker's Metamorphosis' reviewed on AsideFromWriting today.  Thanks Mel!
http://tinyurl.com/cft5oy4

Saturday 14 April 2012

Friday 6 April 2012

'Alice Parker's Metamorphosis' is free on amazon 5th, 6th, & 7th April!  Please grab yourself a copy!

At the time of writing this post, it has reached No. 1 on amazon.com Free in Children's Action & Adventure!

Wednesday 4 April 2012

Today Books 1 and 2 of the 'Alice Parker Adventures' are featured at http://guerrillawordfare.com

A great promotional boost before 'Alice Parker's Metamorphosis' goes free on amazon 5th & 6th April!

Take a look ;)

Monday 2 April 2012

Alice Parker and the Mind Magician at amazon.co.uk
Alice Parker and the Mind Magician at amazon.com


Book 2 in the series is now available!
Here's the blurb:


Alice Parker has adapted well to her extraordinary new identity and abilities; she’s even beginning to enjoy them.

But mysterious things are happening all around her.

People are behaving very strangely. Something or someone is controlling them – but how? Alice confronts a ruthless, relentless villain, and soon discovers his astonishing power. Where is it coming from? What makes him so different? 
 
Disturbingly, the answers to these questions reveal more about Alice than her sinister enemy.

Nothing, it seems, is coincidence...

Thursday 29 March 2012

Well, here it is: the cover for Book 2 in the Alice Parker Series.  There is something more sinister about it than Book 1 - for a good reason!  I hope you all approve.  I'll let you know as soon as the book becomes available on amazon next week.



Thursday 22 March 2012

Book 2 in the series will be available soon!  'Alice Parker and the Mind Magician' is currently being edited.

Alice will face a new enemy. 
What do you think Thomas's ability will be?

Saturday 10 March 2012

The second edition of 'Alice Parker's Metamorphosis' is now available on amazon.  Approx. 3000 words longer, so it may be worth refreshing your memory before Book 2 is released!

Sunday 19 February 2012

Book 2 of Alice Parker's Adventures is nearly done.  I won't reveal the title just yet.  What can I tell you without giving too much away?
Well...
Thomas's 'ability' finally comes to light.  And grandad discovers another one!

That's enough for now...keep checking the blog!

Tuesday 17 January 2012

Well, here it is - the giant oak tree leading down to the Village.  As you know, the letterbox on the side can only be seen by Finwips, so you won't spot it in this picture.  To anyone passing by, someone waiting outside the door with their right hand in the air looks very odd!

Is there a tree like this near where you live?  If so, watch it carefully.  If someone is standing in front of it, then disappears in the blink of an eye, you may have discovered the entrance to another Village.

Monday 2 January 2012

Here are some of the photographs she took at the ball at the castle - definitely a night to remember!