Have we forgotten to be caring? — When my husband Jonathan Townend, RMN worked in mental health, he worked in the private sector and for the NHS He has looked after famous people, famous relatives, and non-famous people. He has done many tiring shifts, including nights, and he has come home exhausted at times, often in tears…

When she finally realized she could make herself… —

Ella’s first experience at a teenage dance party. — Chapter One Ella sat in her room not knowing what to do with herself. Today was her fifteenth birthday party. She hated birthdays because it meant that she had to grow up, and she didn’t want to grow up. She had been given a big bundle of teddy bears and chocolate from…

What you need to know about submission guidelines — Welcome to The Chocolate River. Here at The Chocolate River, stories flow like chocolate down a river. Imagine tucking into bed with your favorite cup of hot chocolate and your favorite read. That makes a sweet bedtime read for anyone, young or old! I am excited to launch my first publication on Medium. The publication…

We all get stressed, but at least we can live to tell the tale! — This week has been frustrating! I have felt like screaming every day for over ten days. I think that we all have days when we want to scream; especially on those days when nothing feels right. Here Is Your New Kitchen (Argh!) Here is what has happened over the last ten days: We have had builders…

Because safeguarding is everybody’s responsibility. — I haven’t written much at all this month. I have been fighting with balancing my time during a period that has been a bit stressful. The council finally started fitting us a much-needed new kitchen in our council home. At the same time, our daughter returned home after struggling to…

Impersonating a celebrity is not respectful. — I love my social media I use it for the following reasons: Follow my favorite celebrities Find my favorite and new music Meet other creators and writers Find interesting news and ideas Post my work for others to read. I like the social aspect of being able to share ideas…

A girl’s walk through an orchard turns magical. — I walk through the orchard on a warm sunny day. I’m surrounded by baby fruit trees that are just growing up, Apple trees that smell sweet just like my Grandma’s Apple Pie, Peach trees, Pear trees, and more. The smells all combine to create a fruity fragrance in the air…

Where the magic of stories tastes like chocolate. — I love chocolate. It tastes sweet, especially when it melts in your mouth. I like to drink a warm, sweet, mug of hot chocolate when I’m reading fiction, and when I’m creating fiction. Not all fiction needs to include sex, horror, or swear words. Welcome to The Chocolate River where…