Ellie Barker Writes

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Ellie Barker Writes

Ellie Barker is a TV reporter and presenter, who is now starting her Next Chapter as an author. Host of 'The Next Chapter by Ellie Barker' podcast

14/12/2024

One of the very best things about Next Chapters is they remind you how special First Chapters and Now Chapters are.

Last night we had our Xmas party . I am so lucky to work with the best, most talented, gorgeous, kindest and hardworking people in the world.. yes world. ( Sorry other ITV Regions… we love you but West is Best.)

Thank you ITV for employing such brilliant people and to for reminding me what it is like to be back in a nightclub after 15 years. Thank you too to DJ Neil for playing my old-fashioned request.

Happy First Chapters gorgeous people and thank you to my also gorgeous colleagues for being you.

01/12/2024

Happy birthday to my podcast The Next Chapter - we have just put out our 100th episode!!!! Yay!!

To mark this momentous moment in our Flowerpot world we will be doing a series of little recorded specials this week just to talk about what I am trying to do with these conversations and how I really hope they will help you.

But in the meantime thank you to every single one of my amazing guests, for trusting me with your story and for being brave and incredible you.

But also thank you so much to all of you have listened to any of these conversations. Thank you for using your very precious time to find a home for these stories. Our mission is to show there really is hope, anything is possible and there is always another way- and you are helping us do this. Cookie and I cannot thank you enough.

Also a big thank you to the enormous team of bakers and creators behind this Next Chapter birthday cake . ( Again, I bet you are watching in awe … not)

We will see you for our special recordings in the week.

But meanwhile Happy Next Chapters you gorgeous people and thank you for helping me so much with mine.

22/11/2024

Are we stuck or are we just a little bored?

What a dose of warmth we have this week on The Next Chapter with the wonderful and brilliant Miranda West founder of .

Miranda’s first chapter was in the world of publishing and what a world it was. She was Editorial Director and a Senior Commissioning Editor among other roles. She zipped around London on her moped while bringing some of our biggest stories and books into the world.

But when family life changed for Miranda she knew she had to do something different. Enter the incredible .

Miranda uses all her experience and knowledge to turn these wonderful talks into books which help us all ( I have three and plan for many more)

But this all came about because of one email she sent to the also brilliant . She had no idea when she pressed send he was hoping to turn these lectures into books.

The message is gorgeous people - send that email. You never know who is waiting for it.

I heard David Hieatt say during an interview ‘ we all need a Miranda’ and I couldn’t agree more.

I loved meeting Miranda. She is honest, funny, brave and insightful plus we have a mutual childhood love of Woman of Substance and Emma Harte.

If you are in the middle of the juggle and have no idea what to do next - I really think this conversation could help.

Happy Fridays gorgeous people and Happy Next Chapters ( here we come!) too.

19/11/2024

Do you have any questions for the wonderful who is back on The Next Chapter for a Deep Dive Special?

Susan has sold millions and millions of books all around the world. She has written 50 novels in all different genres and has a wonderful community of readers who love her work.

She is also one of the loveliest and kindest people you could meet.

Would you like to know about her writing routine?

How has she found the disciple to write 50 yes 50 books?

Or anything non-book related? Time management? Self-belief? Dealing with life’s ups and downs. What was it really like to live next to George Clooney? ( All explained in Next Chapter first episode)

You can send me a DM and I will happily ask.

We are recording tomorrow Wed 20th Nov

Happy Tuesdays gorgeous people and Happy Next Chapter question ponderings too!

X

15/11/2024

Wow! Look who is sharing his Next Chapter wisdoms this week.. the brilliant, lovely and of course well- mannered

William had no idea when his beloved granny gave him a book on etiquette that it would ‘launch a thousand ships.’

He also had no idea the person on work experience at the BBC who showed him the way to the studios for one interview would end up being one of his best friends and co-host of one of our biggest and most loved podcasts

is hosted by William and . They have millions of downloads a month, have recently won the Listener’s Choice Award at the British Podcast Awards and they’ve sold out the London Palladium (twice). The best part it’s created by 4 great friends and is the product of hard work, resilience and lots of fun.

In this episode we discuss:

* How we really can create our own luck
* How they created a podcast which is listened to by millions all over the world
*The true importance of manners ( clue it’s all about respect)
* What happened when a graduate trainee at a well-known bank ate his peas off a knife.

I also make a very embarrassing confession to William - which as you’ll hear- shows just how gracious, humble and lovely he is.

William has so many wonderful stories.. and he shows us anything is possible. Plus he tells us the truth about his assistant Josephine… I promise this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

Thank you for being such a wonderful guest.

You can listen in all the usual podcast places and at elliebarkerwrites.com

Happy Sunny Fridays gorgeous people and Happy Next ( well-mannered) Chapters too!

x

14/11/2024

My novel The Juggle is about a husband and wife who work for a local television show and swap lives (I wonder where I got that idea from?)

They both become slightly addicted to a podcast called Help with Helen without the other one knowing.

Helen begins to help them in ways they could never have imagined. But who is Helen? (Well, you'll have to read the book for that.)

But I thought I'd share a few of Helen's wisdoms with you.. just in case they help you like they helped Molly and Dan.

Happy Thursdays you gorgeous people and Happy Help with Helen too!

x

8m

14/11/2024

Some words of wisdom from one of my favourite characters - former therapist Peggy..

(Are we allowed to have favourite characters btw and do you agree with Peggy?)

Happy Wednesdays gorgeous people and Happy growing in your Next Chapters too
x

09/11/2024

Cookie has just found out the six gorgeous 12 year old boys downstairs are all staying the night… and she’s in charge of bedtime.

Happy Saturday Eves gorgeous people and Happy Sleepovers if you’re having them too.

P.S I can only aspire

X

26/10/2024

Last night Rob and I were lucky enough to go to the 5th birthday for

We have watched in awe how Nick Hounsfield has created this slice of magic - from a wonderful seed of an idea to an incredible reality.

has shown us all how anything is possible and how dreams really can come true. How when surrounded by love from his family and friends like and plus a relentless belief - hurdles can be overcome and magic really can happen.

We are so lucky to have you all in Bristol - that we can all benefit from your this love, belief and hard work.

To have you as our friends- well is really the icing on any birthday cake.

Nick was one of my first guests on the Next Chapter ( because as well as creating dreams he and Juliana are always so supportive too.)

His story is so worth a listen… a reminder of how lucky we are to live in this wonderful city, that anything really is possible no matter the odds and if we are feeling a little down, wobbly or frustrated with something in our lives, it’s a reminder that there is always, always hope.

You can listen in all the usual podcast places..

Apologies Nick and Abby we did not take photos of you as we were so happy to see you we forgot!

Thank you everyone at The Wave for having us. You really are incredible.

Happy sunny Saturdays gorgeous people and may they be filled with magic and dreams too.

X

18/10/2024

Next Chapter new episode alert !!!!

The brilliant & wonderful .

She was told at 7 years of age she couldn’t be an author.. and look how wrong this person was.

Amanda believes we can all overcome our fears to live a life we truly love.. she tells in this conversation how she did it.

We touched on some the tougher side of life on this conversation but warning.. we also laughed A LOT ( as seen below)

Thank you Amanda for being such a wonderful guest.

And thank you to you if you listen. We hope this conversation helps you with your own dreams and ponderings.

You can listen in all the usual podcast places.

Happy Friday gorgeous people and Happy Making Your Dreams Come True

x

06/10/2024

Since I signed my publishing deal I have had gorgeous flowers, messages, pink cupcakes, pain au chocolates, many glasses of fizz and my favourite marzipan from my lovely friends.

This is not a post meant to brag ( apologies if it comes across as this) or make my friends who have not sent flowers feel bad( there is no need… you are amazing!)

But I just wanted to share this as one of the most magical parts of Next Chapter living is knowing the love you have in your corner. Whether it’s a dream job , leaving somewhere that’s not right or a having to start over when you never thought you could - knowing you have that love makes everything so much better. I am pretty certain my friends aren’t bothered how many books I ever sell or readers I find- they just know how much this means to me.

If you are pondering or feeling a little unsure Cookie and I are always here for you. It’s one of the reasons we do our Next Chapter notes - to hopefully help you feel we understand the ups and downs and you’re not alone. We think it’s wonderful wherever you are. We’d love for you to join us if you fancy… the link is in the bio.

Anyway I’m off to have some marzipan now but whatever you’re doing Happy Sunday gorgeous people and may yours be filled with lots of love, fabulous friend and your favourite chocolate too

X

20/09/2024

A little bit of news. After…

14 years of writing

10 years of rejections

And a daily battle with the niggling voice in my head asking ‘ are you sure you are not ridiculous and deluded?’….

I have signed a publishing deal for my books!!!

It is with a brand new publisher Vinci Books. They’re doing something different - bringing the worlds of traditional and independent publishing together - using all their incredible expertise to help improve the lives of authors and their readers. They’re bold, brilliant and brave… ( So, everything Next Chapter living is all about)

So, thank you so much. If you have read my books, reviewed my books, listened to me talk about my books, not made me feel silly for even thinking I could write a book and encouraging me on the days things weren’t going so well… I could never have told that niggling voice to be quiet if it wasn’t for you.

It may have felt a little act for you but it made an enormous difference to me and I can never thank you quite enough.

Enough of the lovey-dovey… I’ll go back to putting it in the books now… but thank you for helping a dream come true .

Happy Fridays gorgeous people and Happy Next Chapters too

( and always remember tiny steps take you where you want to go)

X

01/09/2024

New term. New season. New job … for Cookie at Flowerpot HQ.

She is now Head of Marketing for my books ( after seeing frankly what a terrible job I was doing. )

Her first mission is to tell you the exciting news The Pink Coffee Shop has been selected for a Kindle deal ( which is very exciting in the book world)

Happy Sundays gorgeous people and Happy Next Chapters, new seasons and new terms too!

xX

#⁣bookaddict

16/08/2024

Oh Bristol we love you…

Our summer holidays so far…

Gorgeous blooms
Henleaze lake
Early morning writing
Lots of coffee & cake
Pyjama days
Quiet runs
And the discovery of socks EVERYWHERE ( if any mum of boys has solved this situation I salute you… and please pass on tips)

Happy Friday gorgeous people and Cookie and hope the sun is shining with you.

x

07/07/2024

Thank you, thank you lovely readers who have put The Pink Coffee Shop back in the top 10 in the comedy charts.

Cookie and I are so grateful at Flowerpot HQ. We really hope you enjoy it.

( also the e-book is still on special offer of 0.99p if you fancy a little holiday reading on your Kindle.)

x

28/06/2024

When you go for an Inset day breakfast with your boys and you end up shopping for flowers. I had a wonderful time. They…didn’t.

Happy blooming Next Chapters gorgeous people and for all my lovely fellow mums/co-dwellers of football lovers who haven’t seen much of the remote recently… these are for you too.

X

11/06/2024

PROUD NEXT CHAPTER MOMENT!!!

It was incredible to see Madeleine Hennah on This Morning this week. She is in a drama-documentary on Channel 4 tonight called The Fall: The Skydive Murder Plot ( which will also feature that Robert Murphy Journalist tomorrow and Thursday)

But Maddy was also my very first guest on The Next Chapter. She was the first person I asked and I’m still sure if she'd said no I probably would have thought the podcast was a silly idea and I wouldn’t bother.

But she said yes and she was the most wonderful first guest and still one our most popular episodes. She has also read all my books, been so supportive of both Rob and I and is just an all round incredible super woman.

If you haven’t listened to Maddy’s episode it’s a story of courage, joy and how lucky we are to have women like Maddy help find the justice she does. Plus she tells a lovely story about Midge Ure.

Happy Tuesdays gorgeous people and hope your Next Chapters are filled with incredible people like Maddy too.

x

08/06/2024

What is it really like in the world of celebrity?

And how do we begin to create our own new world when so much of the one we know has changed?

Well, gorgeous people I highly recommend you listen to this week's fabulous guest Lisa Byrne

Lisa was Editor-in-Chief OK! Magazine for 10 years! She's been on boats with George Clooney and Brad Pitt. She's hung out with the Beckhams and pretty much every one (as seen in the photo)

Lisa has always been curious about people and had a love for storytelling - whether it's in the world of celebrity, in her work as a PR consultant today or as writer.

Today, Lisa is writing a series on one of the greatest historical mysteries of all time, what happened to the Princes in the Tower? (The project - called The Cold King - will be based on the theory that King Edward V was secretly sent to Coldridge in Devon.) Her love of stories - old and new - continue.

But Lisa's own story is fascinating. In this episode we discuss:

*what life is really like behind the scenes at a celebrity magazine
*how she believes 'celebrity' changed and not necessarily for the better
*why she is not a big fan of 'the influencer'*
*and how she's used her own personal experience to create a life for her and her family - one which truly suits her now.

Lisa is warm, open and I could have spoken to her for hours. She believes the only person standing in our way is us, and life's far too short to not politely tell ourselves to get out of the way.

Thank you Lisa for being such a wonderful guest and to Christine Talbotfor introducing us. Yorkshire is very lucky to have you both... (and I look forward to a suitable ladies lunch for podcast 'research purposes' of course.. )

You can listen in all the usual places and at elliebarkerwrites.com

Happy Saturdays gorgeous people and Happy Next Chapters too
x

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Videos

Stand back Hollywood and Netflix.. this is how the big guns make a trailer ( who needs to remember their script anyway?) But for one week only - to mark reaching 100 episodes - I am handing the microphone over to @behind_the_crimes and I am the guest on The Next Chapter. Mr Murphy knows he has to stick with the Next Chapter formula but if he says the words ‘ a court heard or the trial continues’ he’ll have to go. You can listen in all the usual podcast places.. And fingers crossed it shows I am absolutely walking the Next Chapter walk with you. Normal business will resume next week ( I will get that microphone back) Happy Saturday gorgeous people and Happy Getting Out of that Comfort Zone too. X #nextchapter #nextchapterinlife #createalifeyoulove #mindset #podcastersofinstagram #authorlife #journalistlife #husbandandwife x

What did you love to do as a child and is this the secret key to unlocking what you really would love to do now? This was such a fascinating topic with this week’s guest the wonderful Miranda West @dobookco . And it’s amazing how often it comes up in The Next Chapter conversations… ( which is why I always start with childhood in the interview so we can connect the dots.) So maybe, just maybe 8 year old You really knew what they were talking about. You can listen to the episode in all the usual podcast places and at elliebarkerwrites.com. Happy Wednesdays gorgeous people and Happy Next Chapter ponderings too. x #nextchapter #createalifeyoulove #midlife #childhooddreams #dreamscancometrue #books #podcastsofinstagram #bookish #youcandoit

I’ve written a little blog about why we really must say goodbye to feeling inferior. It’s all after my first meeting with the wonderful @williamhanson and it is a big lesson I learned. He taught me so much and not just about manners It’s on my website elliebarkerwrites.com/blog I really hope this lesson helps you too. Happy Sundays gorgeous people and Happy Not Feeling Inferior too X #nextchapter #nextchapterinlife #createalifeyoulove #mindset

A Next Chapter Lesson from Flowerpot HQ!!!… Just in case you worry about nobody showing up or seeing your work! I had such a wonderful time @engine_shed with Dr Zara Nanu MBE - you can listen to the conversation in all the usual podcast places. But I am learning sometimes quality over quantity really can be best. Happy Snuggly Mondays gorgeous people and Happy Next Chapters too. We hope this helps Love E & C xX #nextchapter #nextchapterinlife #createalifeyoulove #mindset #findyourpath #nextchapterlessons #inittogether

If you are in my life and I love you, I have a confession to make… at some point I will have wished you’d try a little therapy. It’s not because I think there is anything wrong with you - in fact it’s the very opposite. I have explained all at elliebarkerwrites.com. It’s also the reason why I include a therapist in all my books. I really hope it helps in a little way and I would love to know your thoughts. Happy Tuesday gorgeous people Love from Cookie & Me x #nextchapter #nextchapterinlife #mentalhealth #createalifeyoulove #mindset #livealifeyoulove #wecandohardthings #love

Could this be the reason we are not doing what we really, really want to do? The wonderful @mrsamandaprowse explains in this episode of The Next Chapter how she broke through this mindset and became a multimillion best-selling author. She created a life she truly loves for her and her family ( plus she’s a wonderful person and so much fun too!) You can listen in all the usual places. We hope it helps you- even just a little - to make your dreams come true. Happy Sundays gorgeous people and Happy Next Chapters too. X #nextchapter #nextchapterinlife #authors #authorlife #bestselling #bestsellingauthor #lifechanges #newbeginnings #newchapter #nextchapter #nextchapterawaits #nextchapterbeginsnow #nextchaptercomingsoon #nextchapterinmylife #nextchapterofmylife #nextchapterofourlives #nextchapterstartsnow #rewriteyourstory #togetherwithmethenextchapter #livealifeyoulove

BREAKING NEWS GORGEOUS PEOPLE!!!! Time to clear those podcast decks. The Next Chapter Series 13 begins on Friday Be there or be square ( Cookie’s words, not mine) You can sign up at elliebarkerwrites.com and I will send you a special little note with your episode or you can listen in all the usual podcast places . Happy Wednesday Eves lovely people and we can’t wait to have you with us. Back to you E&C x #nextchapter #nextchapterinlife #newcareer #newjob #newbeginnings #newbeginningsahead #livealifeyoulove #createalifeyoulove #mindset #breakingnews

Hello gorgeous people If your Next Chapter Living/Juggle with the school holidays is not going quite as smoothly as you’d envisaged ( or … says in whisper…as idyllic as some social media posts may have you believe) I thought I’d share this tip I picked up from some of my brilliant Next Chapter guests… Cookie is a big fan - plus it’s allowed us to have lots of time in jimjams watching Modern Family ( and that’s just Cookie) Happy Tuesday gorgeous people and whether you’re juggling or not we think you’re doing a brilliant job. #nextchapter #schoolholidays #notsoperfect #thejuggleisreal #tinysteps #small #smallstepstobigchange #writerslife #writers x

A little fiction therapy for you on this glorious sunny Monday. Happy Mondays gorgeous people and happy magic moments too ⁣ X #author #bibliophile #book #bookaddict #bookaholic #bookcommunity #bookish #booklove #booklover #booknerd #books #booksbooksbooks #booksofinstagram #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookworm #contemporaryromance #readersofinstagram #reading #romancebooks #romancebookstagram #romancenovel #romancenovels #romancereader #romancereadersofinstagram #romancereads #romancestagram #upliftingquotes

Last night we celebrated/commiserated with our annual Fizz O’Clock at Flowerpot HQ which we have for the wonderful mums I was so lucky to meet when our eldest son went to his primary school. ( I started having them because they were all so amazing at volunteering/organising… I was less so but this was my way of saying thank you to them) And now our youngest son is leaving - it is an end of an era. But we will always celebrate the brilliance of mums who juggle, find togas with a day’s notice and always magic up a cardboard box for a nativity scene. I will never stop being in awe of them and anyone who has navigated this even when there weren’t 3 million What’s App groups too. We still don’t really understand homophones and trigraphs but we’ve made lifelong friends - and that’s just us. Happy Next Chapters to everyone saying goodbye to primary school - with the gorgeous and incredible mums we have in the world I think we will be okay P.S Cookie however has just discovered we’ve still got two more days of goodbyes to go x #nextchapter #mumlife #amazingwomen #trigraphs