I personally think the Novel Challenge is a great way for people to raise awareness about MS, raise important funds for MS Australia and have fun reading for a worthy cause. 

For me the most important aspect of this event is raising awareness.  

This is why I recently contacted the Geelong Advertiser to let them know that this event - the Novel Challenge - was taking place.   I thought to myself ‘what a great way to raise more awareness'!   If through this article just one more person decided to take part in the event, it would mean all of their friends and family would hear about it as well.  This in my mind was definitely worth my time and energy. 

I honestly didn't expect the Geelong Addy to request an interview with us about Mitchell's diagnosis.  Although I completely understood - they are looking to personalise the story. 

Initially I panicked - Mitch didn't even know I had contacted them and now they wanted to interview him!  After discussing it at great length we decided that maybe raising awareness was more important than the uncomfortable feeling we felt when talking openly about something so private.  
   
I have to admit - before Mitchell was diagnosed with MS I couldn't really tell you what it was.  I had taken part in the MS Readathon; however I was too young to really understand what it meant to have MS.  Even now I can't truly say I understand, however I feel I know more about the disease now than what I did before and it is this knowledge that drives my passion to want to tell people all about it.

Growing up I watched the news and would on occasions hear the word multiple sclerosis or MS.  This audio would usually coincide with vision of people (usually women) with walking difficulties or in a wheel chair.  It's these images I feel most people associate with MS and sometimes it's the only image.

I want people to know what MS is, how it affects people differently and what this may possibly mean for their future. 

That's why we did the interview - it is all about raising awareness.

I think we did well considering how nervous we both were (I write this having not read the article, so I may be completely off track). As part of my job I communicate with journalists daily, however I am always the person organising the interviews, not being interviewed.  Mitch, on the other hand probably went into the interview not really knowing what to expect. 

Miranda was lovely and it felt like a conversation rather than an interview.   She really did make us feel comfortable.  At times I even forgot we were being interviewed, which probably wasn't a good thing as I tend to go off on a tangent and ramble.

Anyway, I do hope that when people read the article, they can say they learnt something new about MS, something that will stay with them for many years to come.  I also hope it increases the interest in the Novel Challenge next year!!    
 
Thank you for your interest.

Em
xoxo

I admit I'm rather predictable...

After trying to decide what book to read next I found myself reading the first couple of pages of the next Vampire Academy novel - Shadow Kissed.  Again I was hooked the entire time while reading. 

So many late nights equalled the continuation of the dark circles under my eyes.  It was well worth it!  Except last night after finishing the book I went to bed rather angry.  I was not impressed with what happened to one of the main characters.  I think I might give this series a rest for a little while; I'm definitely getting too involved in the story line, lol.

I enjoyed reading the breaking news on the MS Readathon's Facebook Fan page this morning about the Challenge being extended until the end of October!  This will help to try and reach the $200,000 target.

Em xoxo

I just finished reading the second novel in the Vampire Academy series - Frostbite. 

Did I mention I read it in three days?  You may wonder how I find the time; I think the dark patches under my eyes are evidence of when most of my reading takes place :)

In short the general story is about the vampire world that Rose Hathaway lives in.  It consists of two races of vampires:

1) the Moroi - they are alive and wield elemental magical, for example fire, and water etc...
2) the Strigoi - they are undead and evil.  They feed on the innocent to survive.

Rose is a half-vampire - also known as Dhampir - who is training to be a bodyguard for a Moroi princess, her best friend Lissa.   Both girls attend the Vampire Academy School and as you can imagine there is everything from drama - to  action and suspense, as well as romance!

I am definitely looking forward to reading the third novel in the series, however I think I might have another break and choose a different book.  I haven't decided what yet and considering I only have one month left (of my three month challenge) to read three more books, I can't afford to be indecisive for too long.

Em
xoxo 

One of my all time favourite writers is international bestselling author Matthew Reilly.  Ever since I read Ice Station I have been hooked. 

In particular I love both the Jack West Series and Scarecrow series, however I still have a soft spot for all of his stand alone novels too. 

I am pretty excited because I just realised there is less than two months before the next Scarecrow novel is released!!  It's called 'Scarecrow and the Army of Thieves'.  I can't wait to read what happens next :)

My quote of the day:

'I think people like escapism, and that is exactly what Ice Station is. Pure, unadulterated, escapist entertainment.'  - Matthew Reilly

Like Water for Chocolate is a popular novel published in 1989 by Laura Esquivel.

The novel follows the story of a young girl named Tita.  She wishes to marry her lover, Pedro, but is forbidden because of her mother's upholding of the family tradition of the youngest daughter taking care of her mother until the day she dies. Tita uses cooking to express herself.

I found the book hard to read.  It's divided into twelve sections named after the months of the year. Each section begins with a Mexican recipe which outlines the preparation of the dish while tying it to an event in Tita's life.

I really did try to enjoy the book as it was a gift for my birthday, however the more I read, the more I disliked it.  Honestly I couldn't wait to finish.  For me the way the novel was written was erratic and the spiritual and supernatural elements were just odd. 

I am positive I have missed the point with this novel and all the hidden messages about love and life.  I also know there would be lots of people out there who love this novel - unfortunately it just wasn't for me. 

Em xoxo

 

My lovely colleagues at CSIRO profiled me and my Novel Challenge efforts earlier on this week in our internal staff newsletter.  This newsletter is distributed to more than 6000 employees.

I think the introduction (see below) should have intrigued people enough for them to continue reading... I hope so!   Either way I am positive more awareness has been raised about the event itself and MS.

I think including some photos from our recent overseas adventures may have also helped entice people to read on.

Meet Emma:
Reading and writing is a standard task of any Communication Advisor's job. This week we discovered that reading books has a more significant meaning for Emma Wilkins than most people.

Thank you to everyone who is continuing to read my posts.  Also a HUGE thank you to those who have donated so far! 

Em
xoxo

photo caption: Mitch and me in the Cinque Terre village of Manarola.  Although this photo was not included in the profile piece, it is still one of my favourites.  

I am not surprised that I have found myself addicted to another vampire related story.  I am so stoked there are six more books to go :) I wonder if they will make a movie? 

Anyway... it wasn't difficult to get addicted to this novel - it is well written and very imaginative.   Again I am amazed at how easily I am transported into the fantasy world of a novel.  It is my escapism from reality - I love it and look forward to it. 

Em
xoxo

photo caption:  Thanks to Mitch who was extremely patient in taking this photo.  I think this was photo number 10 out of 30!

Up until three years ago I would have said crime novels and fantasy (vampires and magic) were my favourite genres to read.
Today however I am finding I am reading a lot more autobiographies, romance and drama novels - and I am really enjoying them.

Described as a love and coming of age story, The Last Song is possibly my favourite Nicholas Spark's novel (so far!) - it was also my fourth book in the Novel Challenge. 

The tale that unfolds is an unforgettable story about love in its different forms - first love and the love between parents and children - that demonstrates the many ways that deeply felt relationships can break our hearts... and heal them.  I am really looking forward to seeing the movie!  I am definitely one for reading the novel first and then watching the film.  I think it makes the reading experience that more enjoyable as you are made to use your imagination to its fullest potential.
 
The only reason this novel didn't receive five stars is because I just didn't want it to end. 
Like all the books I read - I recommend this to anyone who is interested in reading about a summer love story that may or may not stand the test of time.   However make sure you have tissues handy - one thing is for sure where there is a Nicholas Sparks book, there are tissues a plenty.

Em
xoxo

First of all I would like to thank everyone who has donated to this cause for being so generous and supportive!!  Your contribution is greatly appreciated :)

I have finished my third novel - Animal Kingdom written by playwright and screenwriter Stephen Sewell.  This novel is based on the film of the same name (which was inspired by true events) and was in my opinion extremely well-written.  In fact it only took me three days to read, which is quite quick given how hectic life can easily become these days.  

Although it didn't take me long to finish I was disappointed with the plot of the story and eventual ending.  It just didn't work out the way I would have liked.  This is by no means the books fault, it's more my need for a 'happy' ending and my own personal thoughts around what I thought should have happened but didn't.

I would still recommend this to others - especially those who are interested in crime novels - as I honestly believe it is a very well written and engaging novel.  

Em

xoxo  

The second book on my list was The Choice by Nicholas Sparks.  Firstly a huge thank you to Jessica Flahive for introducing me to Nicholas Sparks in the first place - although I must admit I have not read one of his books so far without tears of either joy or sadness.  They are definitely emotion evoking books.   The Choice is a true love story and I honestly shouldn't say anymore because it will ruin the book.  All I will say is whoever reads this novel - doesn't matter if they're female or male - they will fall in love with Travis!  Without a doubt.

I recently took some time out from reading to take part in the Run Melbourne (presented by The Age) half marathon 'fun' run. 

Mitchell's mate decided to create a team in his honour 'Mitchell's runners' - so this event was not only a personal achievement for me personally it was another way to help raise money for people affected by MS. 

I had a fairly disjointed lead up to the run with regards to training due to illness, however I was quite confident leading up to the event that I would be able to make the distance.  

I was quite pleased with my efforts finishing in 2hours and 12minutes.  Even though there were times where I was struggling (big time) I was able to run the entire distance.  I put this down to wanting to make Mitch - who is also my coach - very proud :)   

For further information on Run Melbourne and our team Mitchell's Runners please visit http://runmelbourne.everydayhero.com.au/mitchells_runners.

It felt so good to read again with a purpose.  Don't get me wrong I LOVE reading all the time (just ask Mitch, lol), it's just that when I read for the Novel Challenge I feel like I am accomplishing so much more! 

I have finished my first book in my three month challenge - City of Glass by Cassandra Clare.  I had already read two of her previous books in the Mortal Instruments series and enjoyed them immensely.  This one was no exception.

Stephanie Meyer (internationally bestselling author of Twilight) said "The Mortal Instruments series is a story world that I love to live in. I hate to see the story end, but if it has to end, then City of Glass is the most perfect way for that to happen. Beautiful!" 

I couldn't agree more. 

Signing off,

Em xoxo

Hi everyone!

I am taking part in The Novel Challenge again this year in order to raise funds for people affected by Multiple Sclerosis (MS). 

Many of my friends, family (and even those who I had never met) donated a lot of money last year, which I appreciate immensely!!  As such I understand it's going to be difficult to top last year's effort but I'm going to give it a shot!    If you have a few spare dollars please consider donating to this worthy cause. 

MS is the most common disease of the central nervous system and affects more than 18,000 Australians.

This challenge is very personal for me.  My fiancé was diagnosed with MS in 2010 and as this disease is now part of our lives I would like to try and make a difference, even if it's small. 
 
The average age of diagnosis of MS is just 30 years. My fiancé was diagnosed when he was only 24!!

Please consider donating to MS Australia - all funds raised will go towards supporting people affected by MS.
Thank you!

Emma xoxo