Spring 2015. Issue 2. Contents Pages:

Contributions 3 Editor’s Letter 4 Mini Biographies 5-6 Film Reviews 7 Easter crafts 8 Cool science experiments 9 Student write-in’s 10 Manga montage 11 ADHD 12 Blogging 101 13-14 Guardian Trip 15 I remember the clown 16-17 Music department 18 Interview with Cathy Cassidy 19-20 Guidelines to writing for Equinox 21 Contributions

Thank you to the following people, who helped in the making of this issue: Mrs Evans: For letting the Cathy Cassidy interview go ahead! Ms Abrahams: Organising content, from her class, and generally keeping everything in check.. Laura Whitnall: The mini biographies article-and offers for ICT help! Johan Panicker: Contributing art to the manga montage Emily Brock: Easter crafts article Tymoteusz Kadziewicz , Kate Wieczovek, Sonny Kember-Smyth, and Alex Scarrow: all a part of the student write-ins! Georgina Keane: Guardian trip article.

Mrs Godbolt: ICT coordination of the entire magazine ‘brand’.

Hayden Newham: Music department article.

Nathan Newham: Science experiment article.

Mrs Rowe: for the general feedback, and a last loan of her computer.

Lydia Wilkins: Blogging article and interview with Cathy Cassidy.

Karen Grace: for all the help out in resources and reserving cameras for our use.

Cathy Cassidy: for letting us interview you-it was good to find out about how to write.

Abbie Norman: ADHD article and general feedback also.

Oliver Desbruslais: Story of ‘I remember the clown’. Sorry that we had to cut it down from the over 10,000 Editor’s letter.

Hello, and welcome to issue two of EQUINOX Magazine.

Since we launched issue one, people teachers and students have asked me “Why EQUINOX?” Because this is a school magazine, it made sense to publish an issue each term-so on an almost seasonal basis. An EQUINOX is a seasonal thing- and is a term applied in the standard calendar.

This is our second issue, as stated; but should we have a school magazine at all?

Since I was small, my ambition has been to become a ‘writer’-but students have their own strengths to capitalize on, which can make great readable content. Their may be a band in year seven nobody has heard of, for example; if you match them with a writer, you can find out and read about them. This magazine could also support literacy standards, which some experts have said have been falling for the last few years. Besides, if students wrote for students, you’d be more likely to read it, wouldn’t you?

In this issue, you will find a variety of articles; they range from recipes to interviews, to photo tutorials and jokes. Hopefully, there will be something for everyone to read.

As Editor, this issue will probably be my last; as a year eleven, I will be leaving Oathall this year. Since our inception almost a year ago-Valentine’s Day to be precise was the day the magazine was pitched-everyone who has contributed, even in just a small way, should be proud of themselves. I’d like to thank everyone who helped out- there’s one page for all of you. To them all, I am so grateful, thankful, humbled and so proud. Hopefully EQUINOX will keep running after I’ve left.

Happy reading!

Feedback is always welcome,

Lydia Wilkins Mini Biographies By Laura Whitnall. Channing Tatum Born 26th April 1980 in Cullman, Alabama, USA. His first job was in Miami working as a model for companies such as American Eagle Outfitters and GAP. His acting career began in 2004 when he was offered a role on ‘CSI: Miami’. After this he decided to pursue the acting career full-time. His film debut began with the drama thriller ‘Coach Carter’. His first leading role was in the major box-office film ‘Step- Up’, in which he played Tyler Gage. In July 2009, he married Jenna Dewan. Also during the same year, he received two major film roles in ‘G.I Joe: Rise of the Cobra’ and ‘Public Enemy’ which also starred Johnny Depp and Christian Bale. Other major films that he starred in were ’21 Jump Street’ (2012), ‘Magic Mike’ (2012), ‘Whitehouse Down’ (2013) and most recently ‘22 Jump Street’ (2014), ‘Foxcatcher’ (2014) and ‘Jupiter Ascending’ (2014). He is currently working on the sequel ‘Magic Mike XXL’. Eddie Redmayne Born January 6th 1982 in London, England. He attended Cambridge University and while studying the history of art, he landed his first stage role in ‘Twelfth Night’ (2002). After various similar roles he was awarded the Evening Standard Newcomer Award in 2004. Two years later Redmayne received a supporting role in ‘A Good Shepherd’ which also starred Angelina Jolie and Robert Di Niro.

His television roles include several British historic dramas such as ‘Elizabeth I’ (2005) and ‘Elizabeth: The Golden Age’ (2007). On the London stage, he gave a strong performance in ‘Red’ alongside Alfred Molina. As a result, he was later presented with the Oliver Award and a Tony Award in 2010 for the show’s successful Broadway run. In 2012, he took part in the film adaptation of ‘Les Misérables’. The adaptation went on to be very successful and excelled his career in acting. Before long, Redmayne received the leading role in the ‘Theory of Everything’ where he portrayed the life of Stephen Hawking. This was by far his most successful role in film to date which landed him with a Golden Globe Award and an Academy Award nomination. His most recent role was in the film ‘Jupiter Ascending’ (2015) directed by the Wachowski brothers. He also has an upcoming role in the film ‘The Danish Girl’ which is to be released in early 2016. Born 31st January 1981 in Memphis, Tennessee, USA. He began his career on the US TV show ‘The New Mickey Mouse Club’ in the early 90’s, also starring Christina Aguilera, Britney Spears and Ryan Justin Timberlake (Below) Gosling. In 1995, he became part of one of the most famous boy bands ‘*NSYNC’ with fellow members: J.C Chasez, , Chris Kirkpatrick, and . In 2002, Timberlake decide to pursue a solo career, releasing his own album ‘Justified’ that was later followed with three other successful albums, which later included the No.1 album- ‘The 20/20 Experience’. He has worked with many critically acclaimed artists such as Pharrell Williams, Jay Z, Drake, Madonna and T.I. He has won various awards including the VMA Vanguard Award.

Other ventures involve a fairly successful acting career in both film and television. In 2006, he made his first appearance on ‘Saturday Night Live’ as a host and musical guest. His most successful films were ‘The Social Network’ (2010), ‘In Time’ (2011), ‘Runner Runner’ (2013) and ‘Inside Llewyn Davis’ (2013). JT has also opened several restaurants and has his own record label. He married Jessica Biel in October 2012. He has recently finished his 5th world tour with his new band, the TN Kids, and is soon to release a concert DVD of the tour’s final show filmed in Las Vegas. Taylor Swift Born 13th December 1989 in Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, USA. She was involved in music from the age of five. By the age of ten she was singing at a variety of local events and by the age of twelve she was writing her own songs and learning guitar. To continue her music interest she often made visits to Nashville, Tennessee, the capital of country music. She often performed in the area to try and land a record contract.

In 2006 she released her first single titled Tim McGraw and this reached the top 10 in the country charts. It also appeared on her debut album which was released October that year and sold over 2.5 million copies. The most successful songs included ‘Our Song’, ‘Teardrops on My Guitar’ and ‘Picture to Burn’. This earned her the Horizon Award from the Country Music Association and Top New Female Vocalist in 2007. In 2008, she was won various awards including an AMA (American Music Award). Her next album ‘Fearless’ was also released later that year and remained at the top of the music charts for eleven weeks. In 2010, she appeared on the US TV show ‘Saturday Night Live’ as a host and a musical guest. In the same year Swift also became the youngest person to win the Grammy Album of the Year award and later released her album ‘Speak Now’. She then followed that album with ‘Red’ in 2012. Her latest album was 1989, which caused her to become the first woman in history to release three albums and sell over one million copies in their first week. She is about to start her next tour titled ‘1989’ to support her latest album, which will kick off on 5th May in Japan.

Jennifer Aniston Born 11th February 1969 in Sherman Oaks, California, USA. She began her career by appearing in a few small roles for NBC. However, in 1994 she received the role of Rachel Green in the sit-com ‘Friends’. From the ten years that she appeared on the show as one of the six main characters, she earned a Primetime Emmy award, a Golden Globe and a Screen Actors Guild award. In the final few seasons of the show, she was paid $1 million per episode. In 2004, after ‘Friends’ had ended, she went on to appear in films such as ‘The Break-Up’ (2006), ‘Marley & Me’ (2008), ‘Just Go With It’ (2011), ‘Horrible Bosses’ (2011) and ‘We Are The Millers’ (2013). In 2007, she was announced as the 11th richest person in the entertainment industry with an estimated wealth on $110 million and in 2012 she was one of the highest paid actresses in Hollywood. She has recently starred in ‘Horrible Bosses 2’ (2014) and ‘Cake’ (2014).

Jennifer Aniston (left) Film Reviews: Issue Two. By Lydia Wilkins

Last issue, we had book reviews-to be more precise, a ‘Book Chart’. This issue, we take a look at some of the newest releases and some great classic: 1. Kingsman: Secret Service. A hybrid film genre with the likes of a James bond-esque agents, and a star cast including Colin Firth and Mark Strong. What more is there to possibly love? This is a great film; one with moments of hilarity. You can see little Eggsey grow up to become a secret service agent. Rating: Fifteen. 2. Before I go to sleep. A creepy thriller that will play on your mind. Chrissy can no longer remember the most basic facts-every time she goes to sleep she forgets what happens that day. However, she is in grave danger…..based on the book by S.J Watson. 3. Catch me if you can. Okay, I admit it…..this is quite an ‘old’ film. However, this, being based on a true story, is an awesome film. With Tom Hanks and a very young Leonardo Dicaprio, this is a tale of epic deception. 4. My Sister’s Keeper. This film will make even the most critical film cynic cry. It follows the story of the young cancer patient Kate, and her sister Anna, who is her bone marrow donor. What happens when Anna takes her parents to the courtroom? A real tear-jerker. 5. The Butler. The basic plot is of somebody who lives through significant American history periods; it may contain some very violent scenes. Recommendable for any history student.

So, these are some old, and some new films… what do you think? Have you seen any new films recently? EASTER You will need 1) Envelope 2) Pink construction paper CRAFT 3) Glue 4) Coloured pencil 5) Pom-poms STEP 1 Seal the flap of an envelope, and draw bunny ears on the sealed side. STEP 2 Cut along the line through both layers of the envelope. STEP 3 Flip the envelope over; what was the side of the envelope becomes the bottom of your treat holder. STEP 4 Cut pink construction paper to make eyes and insides of ears, and glue them on the front of the envelope. Use colored pencil for mouth; glue on a pom-pom nose. Fill with yummy Easter sweets. For More Amazing Makes

Go to: www.marthastewart.com Cool Science Experiments As many of you may know, our school is highly specialised in science and I think it is important as a school we realise this. Re- member, without science we wouldn’t have life, we wouldn’t be able to stand, there would not be a human race or a solar system. Not only would we not have these we would not be able to re- search or know about things within our world or have the knowl- edge to respond to essential needs ie. Medicine. Here are some cool science experiments that you can easily do at home: 1.pour a bowl of milk and put food colouring in the middle. Next put your finger in a drop of dishwashing detergent and touch the middle of the bowl where food colouring is. Finally, enjoy the effects. 2.Fill a plastic bottle with water and take off the lid and replace it with cardboard and press down slowly. Tip over the bottle, keep- ing pressure on the cardboard and gradually, when the bottle is tipped, release your hand supporting the cardboard and see what happens. 3.Lastly an explosion. put vinegar in a bottle and gradually add bicarbonate of soda. watch the explosion. For more cool experiments visit sciencekids.com By Nathan Newham Student Write-ins Celebrating Easter in Poland Polish people celebrate Easter more modestly than the English. Polish Easter starts early in the morning . At 9’o clock people go to church to offer Easter food. The priest then blesses the food, which is usually: eggs, meat and bread. When we come back from church we paint eggs. Each egg is painted a different colour. Whilst the family is at church, small children believe that ‘the rabbit’ brings gifts, so they are always really excited to see what the rabbit has given them. After that, we start to eat the holy food. We also make a lot of dishes such as “Golabki” which is cabbage leaves stuffed with spiced meat and “Salatka”, Polish salad. Tymoteusz Kadziewicz Red Nose Day On Friday 13th it was non-school uniform day in schools across the UK. This was to raise money for comic relief to help people across Africa and the UK who are not as fortunate as we are. Children bring in £1 for waering non-school uniform and the money then goes to comic relief to provide items such as mosquito nets, schooling, food, vaccines and basic items every human needs. Many people in some parts of Africa are living in temporary tents with lack of food, where life-threatening diseases are lurking around. They are all suffering and losing hope but we can help them. Just a couple of pounds could save a life. At Oathall, many were wearing jeans and T shirts although there were some funky accessories such as funky eyebrow glasses. Kate Wieczovek

Downlands v Oathall under 13s Rugby On Tuesday 10th March, a rugby match took place at Oathall between Oathall and Downlands. Oathall was captained by Barney Scott. Oathall played well but there was a really quick inside-centre who was very tall and made things difficult for Oathall. He was impossible to get down. However, we still scored some amazing trys from Barney, Kit, Callum and others. In the future I think we could work a bit harder together and tackle the tall guys a bit lower down. Sonny Kember-Smyth

Author Visit by Alex Scarrow Alex Scarrow started off wanting to be a rock star but when he knew that wasn’t goint to happen he became a graphic designer for a games company. When his boss told him none of his ideas were like ‘Call of Duty’ he gave up to become a writer. He wrote a series of nine books called ‘Time Riders’ and last year he finished the final book. He is now in talks with a producer to make a film series. Some students gave their opinions on the visit. William Fry said “This has inspired me to continue with my writing. Faye, from 7JSP said, “I have read the first book and bought the second and read quite a lot last night!” and Sam Anstee from 7JSH said “This book is so good I haven’t been able to put it down.” Because of this, many students have been encouraged to write more and they spent most of their time laughing because Alex made it fun for us. He even said if we followed him on Twitter by midnight he would follow us back, and he did! Manga Montague Last issue, Johan Panicker (in year seven) gave us an interview about how much he loves art. Here, he shares some of his pieces: ADHD By Abbie Norman

ADHD – Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Many people think it’s just naughtiness, but just because it’s not a visible disorder doesn’t mean that it’s not there. It’s just disabling like a person with a visible disability .

Just imagine that you crawled on the floor your whole life but everybody else walked with two legs .You realize that you are different but you know that you should be walking on two legs like everyone else and yet somehow you just can’t fit in .This is exactly the same as ADHD.

When I got given medication for it it’s like getting glasses; everything was a blur before but when I took my medication everything seemed to be in focus. I take them every day which is a struggle ; it just reminds me of how I want to be like any other child, to me what seems ‘normal’.

ADHD can make me forgetful ; I get very frustrated easily and I don’t like certain noises .Many people see this as a green light to annoy me by making noises -such as tapping their pen -because they know that it will annoy me . I feel that often I’m the one who gets blamed for getting angry at them . Trying to explain ADHD to a teacher without trying to make excuses is tough ; it just looks like you are making it all up .I don’t think that many people have a true understanding of ADHD which is why teachers may not know how to handle a student with it. Maybe if they understood a little bit more than they could help another person like me.

My whole school life I have sometimes I have been misunderstood by pupils and teachers .Now I think its time for them to realize that ADHD isn’t being naughty ,it’s a REAL illness .

If you have been affected by ADHD, please go to: http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/attention-deficit-hyperactivity- disorder/Pages/Introduction.aspx Blogging 101: How to create your own personal blog.

By Lydia Wilkins

Have you ever wanted to create your own personal blog, but not sure how? Do you even know where to begin? Although I only know the very basics-having been a history blogger for the past three years-through this article, I will be giving you a few hints and tips.

Getting Started: Before you begin to blog, you need to have reached the core of it. Do you know what subject you wish to post about? What about your blog name? It’s advisable to brainstorm your post ideas-just so you don’t run out of ideas. Next, decide on the platform you wish to go with: there’s a variety to choose from. Try Wordpress, Blogger, Tumblr, or even Weebley. All of these come for free! (Well, that is, unless you wish to purchase any other fancy widget from them-in Wordpress, you can purchase blog themes, your own URL, and far more.) Setting up your blog:

Once you’ve set up the blog by signing up to the platform, you need to form the basis of it. Usually, there are a few pages on the average blog, apart from the home page: About; Blog Roll; Contact; etc. Consider adding all of these! The About page is a basic biography about you and the purpose of the blog. The blog roll is usually a selection of images that a reader can click through, to access other blogs. Contact is a contact page- so you may wish to consider adding your twitter name, email, Facebook account, etc.

Design: An eye-catching design is vital, because the best blogs work well as a brand: the URL should be something unique and unusual to start with. Have a header-the bit at the top of each part of the blog-so you can be easily identifiable. (Mine is at the top of the page!) Equally, have a bold colour scheme for your outlay.

Content: How often do you wish to post? Once a week, every day? The content needs to be quick and engaging-write for an audience, not just yourself. Vary the topics, and have equally clear pictures that always load correctly. If you wish for a good few readers, then it would be advisable to have social media accounts to promote yourself. This includes Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat…. Also, have other bloggers to post for you; this is also known as ‘Guest Posting.’ It’s a way to guarantee readers. So this has been your whistle-stop tour about how to blog-and its been very rapid and quick at that. If you wish to read any other blogs, here are some I’d recommend: Beauty and Fashion: · Youralmostalice.com.

· Throughacatseye.blogspot.com.

· Gemfatale.blogspot.com.

· Thecoolcustomer.wordpress.com. Career: Jumpforjournalism.wordpress.com.

Interior Decoration: · Weboughtafrenchhouse.com. Other blogs: · Mademoisellewomen.wordpress.com.

· Oberjean.blogspot.com. There is just one last tip I’d like to share with you: Use all post features that are offered. For example, on Wordpress you have: Quote buttons; Bold, Italic, Underlined; Tweet scheduler; Photos, tweet, videos embedment; and so much more. Guardian trip

Last Wednesday, a group of year 9 students from Oathall attended a journalism course at the Guardian newspaper, Kings Cross, London. We had to be at school at 7am in order to get the coach to London and arrive on time! Although all were tired, everyone appeared to be in good spirits. The course included checking ‘wires’ sent in by journalists from around the world and displaying them on a professional style front page. One student said, “The course gave me a better insight into journalism.” We were given many deadlines throughout the day and we had access to first-hand information that was updated continuously by real reporters. Along with the excellent experience, the Guardian building was a sight to see. Pleasant views over Regent’s Canal and a calm environment were just two of the many luxurious aspects of the office we learnt in. Some of the headline news stories included a live robbery of a reporter in South Africa, Pharrell Williams and Robin Thicke being sued for copyright infringement and many more. This course, run by the Guardian’s educational officer, Elli Narewska, gave us a taste of journalism as a career and was, overall, an enjoyable day out. I REMEMBER THE CLOWN; part one. As part of our regular features, each issue we will be running fictional stories; this issue, we have part one of I Remember The Clown. By Oliver Desbruslais Dedicated to Jonah Atkins Not-Desbruslais Endless amounts of children filled the streets of the town, all of them going door to door asking for sweets. Some were dressed up as clowns or as vampires or skeletons or zombies or witches. Few used their lights in the darkness of the night — but the braver didn’t. Amongst the small crowd, two zombies, one wizard and two vampires wondered in the middle of the road. They walked past all of the homes and past all of the people. The decorations on the houses just weren't scary enough for them, then needed something more… realistic. The five craved something scary instead of receiving just sweets, although the sweets were a good reward. “Where are we going?” asked a zombie called Jack. “Shouldn’t we tell our parents?” “Nah, it’ll be fine,” replied the wizard known as Ben. “They know we’re in the village.” “But what if we get lost?” asked Tom the vampire. “We won’t,” replied Ben. “It’ll be fun, come on,” said the other zombie. He was called Robin. “It’ll be scary.” “I’m not usually great at scary things…” said the final vampire, Todd. “But you love Halloween,” mumbled Robin the zombie. “Yeah, because we get sweets. Going into the forest won’t give us sweets.” Robin was scared too, but he didn’t admit it. Not to them. If he showed he was scared they might not want to talk to him any more. Even though they had been friends for almost all their lives, he didn’t want anything to happen so that he would lose them.

They wanted to go into the forest simply because it was scary. Robin had to agree with Todd, it did seem a little stupid to go there and not get anything out of it. But if he told Ben that they should go back and trick or treat, he’d just say “Are you a wimp?” and then Robin would go with him anyway. He had always followed Ben. Ben was the cool guy, the one that everyone liked, but he always chose to come with Robin, Todd, Jack and Tom. Robin always assumed he did because they lived in the same village. There had been times in his life where he had wondered if Ben really did like him, but it would never last long. He liked Ben, and Ben liked him. He hoped. Tonight they were all following Ben into the forest. Ben had heard creepy stories about how people had been murdered down there, and that people that went into the forest never came back. Just stories, of course. Halloween was made of stories. As soon as Ben had suggested the idea, Tom had bounced up and said they should definitely go. Because he had said yes, the others had to as well. As the day drew closer, the butterflies would build in Robin’s stomach. And even Tom had lost some of his confidence. Down the road, they broke away from all of the kids and headed towards the forest. In the distance, the dark houses were foggy and the moon was big. Robin could hardly see around and wondered how they were going to see in the forest. Then Jack revealed he had a torch and the road brightened in front of them. “Maybe we should turn of the light,” Ben whispered spookily to them. “Maybe we shouldn’t,” Todd quickly replied. “Is someone scared?” asked Tom as they turned off the road and followed the dry mud path to the forest. From where they stood, only the tops of the trees’ broke out from the fog, leaving them blind to the rest of the forest.

*** The music department- Written by Hayden Newnham

As many of you know, at this school we have a very prized music department. However, there are still many people who haven’t fully embraced the opportunity of being part of such a ‘musical family’. There are many clubs and activities to attend including: On Tuesdays: Orchestra(After school) – welcoming all musicians at any stage On Thursdays: Jazz Band (Lunchtime) – welcoming again any musicians at any stages who are interested in playing Jazz Music – Singing Group – Welcoming any singers good or bad (After School) On Fridays – Band Club (Lunchtime)- Welcomes any people interested in being in a band singers and musicians.

In all these clubs we study a variety of pieces of music from modern artists, to artists who were around a long time ago, but whose music is equally interesting and are still popular now. Each term we will do many different performances and I personally think that it is a great opportunity which we are lucky to have. It really doesn’t matter if you’re not good at music but it’s about coming along and seeing whether you like it or not.

If you play an instrument come along because we really do need more and more people to join. We learn new things at these clubs as well. We asked Year 8 student Andrew Gault what he thought of music he said ‘The department has lots of qualities which can be expressed in music. You can make many new friends through a hobby, you also learn lots. It really helps to improve my knowledge. I enjoy learning a musical instrument as It can provide me a hobby and I can impress people with my passion. It has had a big impact on my life. It helps you to improve in everyday life. I get lots of opportunities. It has given me a chance to express myself. I’ve now got lots of confidence.

The music department is like a ‘big family’ As well as extra-curricular clubs you can also learn a large range of musical instruments. See Mrs MacTaggart for more information. The question is: will you embrace the opportunity? Interview: Cathy Cassidy. Recently, I was lucky enough to be able to interview Cathy Cassidy about how to be an author. Here, you will find some very insightful answers. By Lydia Wilkins.

Lydia: Hello Cathy, thank you for agreeing to this interview.

When growing up, did you have the ambition to be a writer?

Cathy: I always dreamed of being a writer, an artist or both… they seemed like the best jobs ever!

Lydia: What qualities do you think make a good writer and why? Cathy: I am n t sure it's a job you can choose… it kind of chooses you! A love of words and stories is essential, and an ability to step into a character's shoes and see the world through their eyes. I am quite a 'driven' person - I give 110% if humanly possible, and that has to help too. I love being able to spot tiny fragments of real life that seem cool and then being able to dream them into a story...

L: Apart from being an author, do you have any other experience in publishing- such as an editor, copywriter, translator or journalist? C: I was a teen-mag journalist for the legendary Jackie mag for two years after leaving art college, and as a part of that I did basic edits on stories and copy-edits on general features. I also learned to write quickly and to deadline, very important skills!

L:When growing up, who were your favorite authors? C:I loved the Narnia books by CS Lewis, the Little House books by Laura Ingalls Wilder, The Swallows and Amazons books by Arthur Ransome; I also loved Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll and Watership Down by Richard Adams… actually, the list could go on and on forever...

L: Which 3 books would you recommend to our readers and why? C: Ooh! Just three? OK… Stargirl, by Jerry Spinelli Millions by Frank Cottrell Boyce A Boy Called Hope by Lara Williamson

L: Do you think it is important for aspiring writers to have a 'fall-back' career? C: Yes, alas. I didn't become a full-time author until four years into my career as an author… I was still teaching art and being a teen-mag agony aunt until then. Writing is an awesome career, but don't expect to earn a fortune… most authors need to supplement their earnings from books to survive. L: Is spelling a vital tool in publishing? C: Spelling is important, of course, but spelling mistakes can always be corrected (your editor will help with that). The one thing you HAVE to be able to do is tell a story!

L: Which book is your favorite that you have written? C: Always the latest one… I am a bit fickle! At the moment, it is LOOKING GLASS GIRL which is out on 2nd April. It is a modern twist on the Alice's Adventures in Wonderland story, which is 150 years old this year. My book is about a group of girls who go to an Alice-themed sleepover which goes horribly wrong… I think my readers will love it!

L: Currently, do you have any books in the works? C: As well as Looking Glass Girl, there will be FORTUNE COOKIE on 3rd June, the series finale in my Chocolate Box Girls series. It's a little different from the others as it will be told by a Chocolate Box BOY! There is also a non-fiction craft/ fashion/ recipe book called CHOCOLATE BOX GIRLS’ SECRETS which is also out in June - the coolest project ever, I absolutely love it. It brings the whole world of Tanglewood alive, and Chocolate box fans are going to go crazy for it. And then the four mini e- books I wrote last year (extra books in the series) will be collected into book form in the autumn; they have only been available as e-books up until now.

L: For people who wish to follow in your footsteps, do you have any advice? C: Write… a little bit every day. And believe in your dream, even if it takes a while to come true!

L: And finally, one random question-just so you're not bored, being asked the same mundane questions over and over again:

Whose music do you like best out of the following?

-Carly Simon -Dire Straits -QUEEN -Anastacia

C: Um… I really don't like any of them, sorry! My tastes run more to Indie music like Belle and Sebastian, The Cure, REM. Or maybe ancient American folk like Woody Guthrie, or Finch and the Moon, my daughter's indie-folk duo! Guidelines to writing for Equinox. Are you thinking about writing a piece for us, but not sure if you should submit it? Don’t worry, because here are some basic guidelines, that will help you on your way:

1. Be original. All of the idea and content need to be yours. It has to be all of your own work; we cannot publish anything that has been plagiarised. The idea also needs to be original: Do you have an unusual hobby? Why not write a basic outline of it, and send it in? 2. Attach photos. Photos do keep people interested in what you’re writing. If they are of good quality, attach and send alongside your article. They also need to be your own. 3. Be well researched. Any article needs to be snappy, well informed, and articulate. Research your chosen subject-so you could become a mini expert-and add all of that to the article. 4. If we ask you to edit it, please do. Some work submitted to us needs to be edited, so it can become far better content. That’s not to say it’s an awful piece of work; it just needs to be tweaked, to bring out the best side of the piece. It will go into the next issue, if you have reached this stage. 5. If you submit your work, be proud. Having your work published is something to be very proud of. Why shouldn’t you be? Be proud of yourself; also, keep writing. 6. Submit in an easy format. It’s so easy to be flamboyant with words, but really, it needs to be kept in a simple format, so the magazine is easy to form. Use a word document; have a font no bigger than the size twelve, and have a legible font.