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If you’re looking for some book inspo to level up your wellbeing here’s my round up of the best of the best.  Whether you need tips to manage stress, make life changes or easy hacks to feel good, I’ve got you covered. 

Thrive, Richard Sutton

This perfect book for anyone feeling stuck right now.

Richard has worked with some of the world’s top sports stars such as Martina Navratilova and Maria Sharapova on performance and unlocking their full potential.  In this book he shares unique practical skills and tools that are easy to apply to help you develop and harness your resilience and to realise your fullest potential. 

Available from Watkins Publishing, RRP £18.99

Choosing Me, Kelly Weekers

This is for anyone who needs to take back control of aspects of their life.

Reading this book is like having a chat over a cuppa with a wise best friend.  Psychologist, Kelly Weekers who specialises in authenticity, shares her advice that not only will empower you, but remind you that you are allowed to put yourself first and are capable of living a life of greater fulfilment. However, in order to make the changes, you must first get clear on your true desires. Choosing Me is packed full of easy to digest tools and prompts to make the reader pause, reflect and self-enquire so they can move forward with clarity.  

Available from Amazon, RRP £18.24

The Queendom Within, Heidi Hauer

If you’ve fallen to the bottom of your ‘to-do-list’ you need this book.

Heidi Hauer is on a mission to help every woman realise that she has choices in her life and that everything she is seeking is already within her power to fulfil.   Heidi’s book, “The Queendom Within – Rewrite Your Fairy Tale and Create Your Own Happily Ever After” is a practical and explorative guide for women to reclaim their energy, rediscover who they are, decide what they really want and take tangible steps towards it, with or without a romantic partner by their side. Practical, reassuring and truly inspiring, Heidi’s book encourages you to invest your time and energy in yourself.

Available from Amazon, RRP £12.99

A Year to Change your Mind, Dr Lucy Maddox

Tips and advice from a therapist without getting on the couch.

Dr Lucy Maddox takes you through typical highs and lows of an average year, month by month introducing helpful ideas and tools to help you survive.  Whether you struggle with change in January or find the summer holiday season stressful, she provides solutions to manage everyday dilemmas, spot repeating patterns and make shifts to help us feel better and improve situations.

Available from Waterstones, £16.99 (Hardback)

Calmism, Dr Alex Willett

If life is getting on top of you this will give you solutions.

Dr Alex walks you through developing eight habits for complete rest and wellbeing, based on science and personal experiences.  Packed with simple activities, Calmism takes a fresh look at the essential habits for rest and offers a menu of easy-fit options to give you the variety that’s key to overall wellness. With just a few minutes’ attention each day, you can cultivate positive, daily habits that stick, to help you feel ultimately revitalised.

Available at Waterstones, RRP £12.99

At one point or another in students’ academic journeys, they are required to conduct an extensive study about certain topics related to their field. During academic research, there are lots of things you need to have. They include having complex skills, study skills, and time to ensure that it is successful.

In the academic sector, research is quite a popular term used professionally and loosely. What does it really entail? Are you looking for ways to strengthen your skills in this regard? Our article provides helpful details about suggestions for research, tips to improve academic work, and the best ways to improve your writing skills. So, let’s dig in!

The Importance of Research in Academic and Professional Development

Research is a type of study that concentrates on a particular subject matter to solve the problem surrounding it using scientific procedures. You may hire essay writers to do academic papers for you or do the job yourself. There are online APA paper writing service sites like PapersOwl where students can hire a writer to do the hard work. This professional research help has many super-experienced writers who are great at writing research papers in almost every academic field. There are also advantages like direct contact with writers to make academic papers for you that are plagiarism-free, include citations, guarantee submission on time, etc.

Various career pursuits require study. They include job positions relating to history, report writing, marketing, and the tech industry, to mention a few. It is an inevitable part of whatever career path you decide on. So, it is one skill to learn, and a way to pick up and learn how to improve skills is from your academic days.

Why Research Skills are Important for Students?

In the 21st century, where even soft abilities matter, research skills are one criterion employers look for when hiring. They are ready to compensate people, which can also benefit the company. It includes knowing how to write reports, discover competitions, assess investment decisions, boost the company’s productivity, and even learn new technologies. There are many ways to gain investigative skills; the simplest is the Internet. Others include books, journals, articles, interviews, and documentaries, to mention a few. The interesting part about this skill is that they are not hard to get once you know how to do the basics.

Hence, having these skills included in your resume is one reason to have them. Students must provide that extra edge to getting hired, being able to think critically, and planning.

Research Types

Different research types aim to achieve the different results you expect. Below are some of them.

Qualitative

This is an exploratory type, and it aims to comprehend the “why’s” of things better. What it does is help develop an idea without any particular prior pattern. College students use this research type when writing long essays, dissertations, and theses. Examples are group discussions or face-to-face interviews.

Experimental

Similar to the basic research style, this type uses very particular steps, which usually begin by experimenting. What follows is sharing the experience to provide adequate data on it. The derived data concludes the research in quite a detailed manner.

Quantitative

It usually focuses on statistics and numbers and uses primary data to prove facts, frequently with a large group of people’s help relating to the issue.

Persuasive

It often describes a problem from two varying viewpoints. Both pros and cons are weighted to prove that the preferred choice is the best. There is an exploration of many logical facts before reaching a final destination/decision.

Analytical

This type is usually conducted from a neutral perspective. In such a case, the researcher aims to break all biases concerning the topic to find an objective one. The collation process involves getting information from many different sources.

Survey

A survey is another type that is conducted by asking questions about the subject topic to various people who fall into the category. You’ll get a factual conclusion after analyzing the answers.

How to Do Research

Below are the best research tips for students to achieve the extra kick to help improve their papers.

Understand the Topic

The first of the steps to writing a research paper is comprehending the background topic. It is the only way to begin to form the thesis statement. Understanding the subject helps in having a well-structured work. The basis of every study work is the knowledge acquired during the process, and with the right idea of the subject matter, the journey becomes more accessible.

One day is not enough to complete a study. You need time to understand and gather materials to help state the case. So, having a schedule for what to do and when to do it helps.

Search and Read Extensively

Even as a student conducting an academic study, Wikipedia should not be the only source of information but a starting point. Spend time exploring other reliable sources to get the hang of the topic. You can also mine the bibliographies behind any good book, journal, or article.

Ask for Help

You may ask for help from professors, colleagues, librarians, and any other person you feel has come into contact with the topic at one instance or another. It is one of the best research tips students tend to ignore, so better don’t.

Have an Idea Book

In the beginning, it is best to have an idea book on you all the time so that you may jot down any idea that comes to you. It is possible to forget, so document everything you come up with regarding the essay introduction.

Avoid Plagiarism

This is a significant issue when it comes to writing research work. So, it is best to learn more about it or ask teachers to avoid making mistakes. Avoiding plagiarism is one of the best ways to improve your writing skills.

Conclusion

Research is an essential educational aspect that students must encounter in college. Since writing an essay as a college student is inevitable, you need to start practising the steps to writing a study paper now.

As you’ve seen above, there are tips for research to help sharpen your edges when it comes to conducting analysis, which is also crucial to writing a good essay. You should know how to discern helpful information from unreliable and irrelevant ones. This way, your research paper is unique and intentional. All the tips above are steps to presenting a good essay to teachers. You can also hire a custom APA paper writing service for further assistance with your academic research writing.

Are you eager to tap into your inner explorer and enhance your bushcraft skills? One of the best ways to gain knowledge and inspiration is through the power of books. In this guide, we present to you a curated list of the top bushcraft reads that will fuel your adventurous spirit and equip you with valuable insights and techniques.

From survival guides to wilderness narratives, these books offer a wealth of wisdom, practical tips, and captivating stories that will ignite your passion for the great outdoors and help you navigate the wilderness with confidence. Whether you’re a seasoned outdoor enthusiast or a beginner looking to go into the world of bushcraft, these recommended reads are sure to captivate your imagination and empower you on your journey as an intrepid explorer.

Get ready to immerse yourself in the pages of these remarkable books and embark on an extraordinary adventure into the wild.

Classic Bushcraft Books

These classic bushcraft books are hidden gems, containing a wealth of knowledge and insights that have been accumulated and passed down through generations of wilderness enthusiasts and experts. They are a testament to the wisdom and experiences of those who have spent countless hours in the great outdoors, honing their skills and learning the art of surviving and thriving in the wilderness.

“Woodcraft and Camping” by George W. Sears

First published in 1884, this book is a timeless classic that showcases the author’s experiences and knowledge of the wilderness. George W. Sears, also known as Nessmuk, shares valuable insights on camping, canoeing, fire building, and outdoor cooking. His minimalist approach and connection with nature make this book an inspiring read for modern-day bushcraft enthusiasts.

“The Complete Walker IV” by Colin Fletcher

Although not specifically focused on bushcraft, this book is a renowned guide to backpacking and hiking. Colin Fletcher’s detailed advice on gear selection, navigation, camping techniques, and outdoor ethics makes it an invaluable resource for those venturing into the wilderness. This book will enhance your outdoor skills and deepen your appreciation for the natural world.

“Northern Bushcraft” by Mors Kochanski

A notable work by Mors Kochanski, “Northern Bushcraft,” goes deeper into the specific skills and techniques required for survival in northern regions. With a focus on cold-weather environments, this book covers topics like snow shelters, ice safety, winter travel, and traditional bushcraft methods. It is a valuable resource for those exploring colder climates and seeking specialized knowledge.

Survival Stories and Adventures

These books inspire and captivate, reminding us of the boundless spirit of exploration and the inherent risks and rewards of venturing into the unknown.

“Into the Wild” by Jon Krakauer

This gripping true story follows the journey of Christopher McCandless, a young man who gave up his comfortable life to live in the Alaskan wilderness. Krakauer explores McCandless’s motivations, the challenges he faced, and the lessons learned from his tragic adventure. “Into the Wild” serves as a cautionary tale and a thought-provoking exploration of the allure and dangers of the wilderness.

“Touching the Void” by Joe Simpson

In this gripping memoir, Joe Simpson recounts his harrowing experience of survival in the Peruvian Andes. After a mountaineering accident leaves him stranded and presumed dead, Simpson battles extreme conditions and overwhelming challenges in a desperate attempt to make it back to civilization. This book is a tale of determination, courage, and the indomitable will to survive.

“The Long Walk” by Slavomir Rawicz

Based on the author’s own account, this remarkable story recounts the escape of a group of prisoners from a Soviet labor camp during World War II. The group embarks on an extraordinary journey on foot, traversing thousands of miles across Siberia, the Gobi Desert, and the Himalayas. It’s a tale of endurance, survival, and the unwavering human spirit.

Wilderness Skills and Knowledge

Whether you’re a novice seeking to learn the basics or an experienced adventurer looking to enhance your skills, these resources offer practical guidance and empower you to navigate and thrive in the natural world.

“The Bushcraft Field Guide to Trapping, Gathering, and Cooking” by Dave Canterbury

This comprehensive guide provides practical information on essential wilderness skills, including trapping, gathering, and cooking. Canterbury shares his expertise and offers step-by-step instructions on building traps, identifying edible plants, and preparing meals using natural resources. This book is a valuable resource for those seeking to enhance their self-reliance and survival skills in the wild.

“Outdoor Survival Skills” by Larry Dean Olsen

Larry Dean Olsen, an experienced outdoorsman and survival instructor, shares his knowledge and insights in this practical guide. From building shelters and starting fires to finding food and navigating, this book covers a wide range of essential wilderness skills. It also emphasizes the importance of understanding and connecting with nature to thrive in outdoor environments.

“The Complete Guide to Edible Wild Plants” by the Department of the Army

This guide, published by the U.S. Department of the Army, provides valuable information on identifying and using edible wild plants. It covers a wide range of plant species, highlighting their nutritional value and potential uses. With detailed photographs and descriptions, this book is a valuable tool for foragers and outdoor enthusiasts interested in wild food sources.

Nature and Environmental Connection

These books offer profound insights into the interconnectedness and importance of the natural world.

“The Hidden Life of Trees” by Peter Wohlleben

In this enlightening book, Peter Wohlleben explores the complex world of trees and their interconnectedness. He rummages into the ways trees communicate, support each other, and adapt to their environment. By uncovering the fascinating aspects of tree biology and ecology, Wohlleben deepens our understanding of the intricate relationships within nature and highlights the importance of preserving and respecting the natural world.

“The Nature Principle: Reconnecting with Life in a Virtual Age” by Richard Louv

In a time when technology often distracts us from the natural world, Richard Louv advocates for reestablishing our connection with nature. He highlights the numerous benefits of spending time outdoors and presents compelling arguments for incorporating nature into our daily lives. The book offers insights, research, and practical suggestions to help individuals and communities cultivate a stronger bond with the natural environment.

“A Sand County Almanac” by Aldo Leopold

Aldo Leopold’s classic book invites readers to contemplate the beauty and significance of the natural environment. Through a collection of essays, Leopold shares his observations and reflections on the changing seasons, wildlife, and our role as caretakers of the land. “A Sand County Almanac” urges us to embrace an ethical relationship with nature and fosters a deeper appreciation for the environment.

Reading Is Fun and Can Help You on Your Next Adventure!

Reading is not only a source of knowledge and information but also a gateway to thrilling adventures and new discoveries. The books mentioned above offer a wealth of insights and wisdom from experienced authors who have ventured into the wilderness, faced challenges, and triumphed over adversity. By immersing yourself in their stories and teachings, you can tap into a treasure trove of skills and techniques that will enhance your survival abilities and make your next adventure even more fulfilling.

So, pick up a book, read through the words of experienced adventurers, and let the knowledge and inspiration flow. Reading not only equips you with essential skills but also enhances your sense of wonder, curiosity, and appreciation for the natural world. With every page turned, you’ll be one step closer to unlocking the full potential of your next adventure and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

If you are writing an epic novel about love and war set in 16th Century Spain, I would expect you to know the pendejo meaning. In order to capture the time period and character of the story, historical accuracy will always add more depth to your work.

There are scenarios where slang, (not to be confused with hashtags for social media), truly benefit your novel, and times when it doesn’t. Following are a few examples of instances where using slang is beneficial, and some where it is not.

Dialog

Most writers will tell you that writing dialogue is one of the hardest aspects of writing. Much like J.R.R. Tolkien, most of us could write for chapters about a blade of grass, but how do you make a casual conversation in a novel sound authentic and real?

Adding slang or even curse words to dialogue is a way to make characters seem more natural and less flat, but as with anything, less is often more. In addition, improper use of slang in dialogue can have the opposite effect.

If you are writing about a character in 16th Century Spain, they are likely to be heard calling someone a “pendejo” (asshole). If you choose to add that dialogue, not only does it have to be an appropriate word for the time, but you also must determine if it’s authentic to the character.

When writing dialog, the careful utilization of slang is extremely beneficial for character development and historical accuracy.

Location

The use of slang based upon geographic location in the world can be a great way to give your novel authenticity. You will have to do your research and really narrow down the specific area to find the proper slang expressions.

For example, the Spanish word “pendejo” directly translates as “pubic hair.” It’s intended slang meaning can be “asshole,” “coward,” or even intended as a compliment depending on which Spanish-speaking country you are writing about.

It’s also important to not “copy” slang or phrasing from already well-known fictional or real-life characters, simply because they were written in the same region. For example, you shouldn’t try to channel Scarlett O’Hara for every Southern female character you write about, look for slang or expressions that were used at the time and keep it original, yet authentic.

Timeless

One interesting fact to keep in mind when considering whether to include slang in your novel is its timelessness. In the old days, language took a long time to develop and change. It could have taken up to 100 years for a slang term to be entered into the written lexicon.

These days, with instant communication, slang words, catch phrases and hashtags become trends in mere minutes. There are many cherished classic novels that show their timelessness with their “slang” and language. These things added to the accuracy of the story and enhanced the characters we all came to know.

As writers, we can freeze moments in time and keep them for all prosperity. By documenting language, slang, and even swear words like “pendejo,” we are writing history in a sense. That is a particularly good reason to include timeless slang in your novel.

Make it Up

You should always research the location and time that any characters (real or fictional) in your novel lives. That is the only way to make it truly authentic. By adding slang and well-known phrases to character dialog, you can make them seem more authentic.

If you want to be different however – make up the slang yourself. I am sure you have read a “one-liner” from a fictional character and adapted it into your own vocabulary. For example, “Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re gonna get.”

This particular reference from Forrest Gump, is an excellent example. Here you have a fictional character, immersed among real-life, historical characters. His language is accurate and specific to the region (as he was a character from the Southern state of Alabama). His accent is depicted in the phrase as such, yet this is not a “typical” saying associated with the South.

While I realize Forrest Gump is a movie, not an epic American novel, we as the audience completely believe him as a real character because the writers did an excellent job of making him authentic, but original. By adding slang or expressions that are unique to the characters you create, you will make them memorable.

Final Thoughts

In short, the answer is yes – you should use slang in your novel. Keeping in mind the dialog, time, and place, slang phrases and words add to your characters and enhance the story.

When researched and used properly, slang can be truly effective and add incredible depth to your novel.

Just a short walk from Battersea Power Station, perched on the edge of the river Thames is Embassy Gardens, an impressive residential and business development which is home to the iconic Sky Pool.

The iconic Sky Pool

House of Coco was invited to stay in one of the prestigious apartments overnight and access all the facilities which included the extraordinary floating pool. Suspended between two skyscrapers, 200 metres from the ground, this glass bottom pool floats in the air allowing residents to swim from one building to the next. Set against the dramatic backdrop of the London skyline you can take in views of the Houses of Parliament, London Eye and new US Embassy which is located next door.

The spa and cinema room at Embassy Gardens

The development has a five star resort come private members club vibe which is reflected in the outstanding facilities, the Eg:le Club, allows you access to the Sky Deck (that’s where the Sky Pool is), this includes an indoor pool, state of the art gym, private cinema, concierge service and the Orangery rooftop bar. All the facilities are extremely plush and on the sunny morning we visited, we couldn’t believe our luck when the pool was empty. Similar to swimming in a giant aquarium, it is entirely transparent and structure free, 25m long, 5m wide and 3m high with a water depth of 1.2m. It was an upgrade on the usual gym swim and imagine that on a Saturday afternoon in the summer it feels more LA pool party than South London.

The apartments here start at £650,000.00. Our stylish apartment was spacious with an open plan kitchen, dining, and living area, two bedrooms, and two bathrooms, one with a bathtub and one with a shower. The balcony on the lounge offers views of the Thames and is the perfect spot to chill with a drink in the evening. The interiors are contemporary, and the overall spec is high with lots of marble, state of the art appliances and products.

Embassy Gardens is fast becoming a lifestyle and commercial hub for London, benefitting from a huge influx of shops, cafes, bars and restaurants This ultra-chic neighbourhood, has its own green space, spin studios and beauty bars. There’s plenty of places to socialise too. We visited Darby’s, an oyster bar, bakery and grill restaurant. Inspired by the legacy of internationally acclaimed Irish chef Robin Gill’s jazz musician father, Darby’s signature dishes include arancini, Exmoor caviar and truffled brie. The night we went there was an event with author, Dolly Alderton. Penguin Random House are also located here so there’s often co-curated evenings held in one of the bars or restaurants.

From its architecture to its luxury amenities and community vibe – Embassy Gardens is an entire neighbourhood designed for vibrant, urban living. London living never looked better.

Find out more about Embassy Gardens by visiting www.embassygardens.com (T) 020 3930 2554 or follow @embassygardens on Instagram.

Most authors can trace back the source of their writing passion to a very special moment or person from their youth, and according Dr. Bunmi Oyinsan, world-renowned author and African culture thought-leader, her impressive body of work was inspired by the female heroines of her maternal grandmother’s stories.

“My grandmother’s stories always depicted women as strong and valiant, and she also told stories about Dahomean women warriors,” Dr. Bunmi said. “Most of the literature I was made to read in school were by men and I found the women in these narratives were quite different from those in my grandmother told. So, I was eager to write stories that would celebrate the powerful and inspiring women from my grandmother’s tales.”

Trying to close the cognitive dissonance between the heroines of her grandmother’s tales to the often invisible women of the African literature she was surrounded with, Dr. Bunmi set out to write about real and inspiring African heroines. “Most of my works have developed in response not only to the flat, negative, and often invisible portrayal of African women in some novels but also as a result of the recognition that ours is still predominantly oral culture… In addition to being inspired by works of other women writers, I situate myself firmly within the traditions of women story tellers.”

We sat down with Dr. Bunmi Oyinsan to discuss her literary roots, the importance of placing women at the centre of story-telling, and her latest book ‘Three Women.’ Commenting on her latest novel, Dr. Bunmi says, “My novel Three Women has been about claiming a voice or voices for women as the case may be, by creating female characters from a woman’s perspective… I also believe that it is important to show women not only as victims, but as active determinants of the course of their lives as well as active elements in their communities.”

We also talk about her philanthropic work with ‘Lekki Affordable Schools’ in Nigeria, how the concept of ‘Sankofa’ informs her writing and why celebrating African voices amid the context of the Black Lives Matter movement, is more important than ever.

“It is as important now as it has always been for African stories to be told by African voices. If the global Black Lives Matter Movement has taught us anything, it is the fact that racism is a global pandemic,” Bunmi says. “At any given time, there seems to be only room for a few writers of colour and the big prizes and publishers who are not people of colour are the ones who determine whose voices get heard. We need to change this.”

Dr. Bunmi Oyinsan

Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background?

I was born in Lagos but spent my formative years in Port Harcourt. I started my post-secondary education in the UK and then studied for my masters and doctorate in Canada, where I now live. I started writing as a teenager. I was inspired by the stories that my maternal grandmother told me when I was growing up. Sometimes she told traditional stories, but she also made up her own stories to keep me entertained.

Her stories always depicted women as strong and valiant (her family had migrated to Lagos from Dahomey, now Republic of Benin) and she also told stories about Dahomean women warriors. Sometimes her stories were about real women, her contemporaries like Mrs. Funmilayo Ransome Kuti and Sisi Obasa (Mrs. Charlotte Obasa) to name a few. Unfortunately, most of the literature I was made to read in school were by men and I found the women in these narratives were quite different from the women in the stories my grandmother told me. So, I was eager to write stories that would celebrate the powerful and inspiring women from my grandmother’s stories.

What inspired you to seek out your current career path and eventually become a thought-leader for African culture?

I started the Sankofa Pan African Series because I’ve always loved history. I have many fond memories from my earliest history lessons about the great African civilizations and historical figures, like Mansa Musa, Emmanuel Aggreh, Jaja of Opobo, Nana of Itsekiri to mention just a few.

Although, I must confess that because my maternal grandmother who as I said earlier regaled me with stories about women, I quickly figured out that the history I was being taught at school was incomplete because there were hardly any women in them!

This foundation made me question, even more, the history I was taught in secondary school, which while purporting to be world history was mostly European history. My children’s generation was worse off because they were not taught African history in primary school like I was, despite the fact that they attended primary school in Nigeria. Another reason why I started the Sankofa Pan African Series is because it is, of course, important for the future of Africans and Africans in diaspora to have as many voices emphasizing the fact that civilization did not originate in European countries as most of the history books out there try to lead us to believe. Neither does civilization end in the countries that now represent the so-called developed world.

Tell us more about your latest book for adults ‘Three Women’ as well as your latest children’s books?

Three Women is my latest novel for adults. I have, since the release of Three Women, published four illustrated children’s story books. These children’s illustrated books come in two different series: The Legends of Africa Series, which introduces children to the stories of noteworthy Africans and people of African descent who have made a significant impact in the world. Currently, the series has two books: Mansa Musa: The Richest Man Who Ever Lived and Phillis Wheatley: The Girl Who Wrote Her Way to Freedom.

The Second Series is the Adventures of Anansi And Sewa. The first book in that series is Rainy Day and the second one is The Missing Black Panther. With the Anansi and Sewa Series, I am introducing the beloved trickster figure in many African and Caribbean stories, Anansi to children of this age who might not necessarily find a lot in common with the traditional folktales that my generation and others grew up with. So, the Anansi in my stories is a young Spider boy who sometimes gets into scraps with his sister Sewa. We see them as anthropomorphised creatures interacting with other members of the Spider family.

What is Three Women all about? How has your own personal history influenced your writing?

My work for adults, including my novel Three Women, is about claiming a voice or voices for women as the case may be, by creating female characters from a woman’s perspective. Most of my books, stage plays, and films have had female protagonists. I have found myself reacting to orature because of the role which story-telling played in my choice of vocation. In addition to being inspired by works of other women writers, I situate myself firmly within the traditions of women story tellers.

Most of my works have developed in response not only to the flat, negative, and often invisible portrayal of African women in some novels but also as a result of the recognition that ours is still predominantly oral culture. Although the temptation initially was to create only ‘perfect’ characters, I have tried to acknowledge — where a female character has flaws — that I focus on the causes of such flaws rather than to propagate the assumption that women are naturally weak, evil or devious. I also believe that it is important to show women not only as victims, but as active determinants of the course of their lives as well as active elements in their communities.

My interest in orature is also illustrated by the fact that when I sit down to write, I find myself responding to several stimuli. Sometimes it is the lyrics of a song, a particular proverb, the strands of a conversation I have heard somewhere, something I read or saw in a stage play or on the television which plays at the back of my mind. It was also in a bid to interact with the various elements with which I was determined to create a dialogue that I ventured into film-making.

Your prolific literary works have helped put African stories on a global stage. In your opinion, how important is it that African voices be heard in the context of 2021?

It is as important now as it has always been for African stories to be told by African voices. If the global Black Lives Matter Movement has taught us anything, it is the fact that racism is a global pandemic. Its manifestation might be different, but it is not restricted to the borders of individual countries. Racism is at the bottom of the way in which a continent as rich as Africa is, is also the poorest continent. Yes, most African leaders are corrupt, but corruption is not the only culprit responsible for the situation of Africa.

What is responsible for the warped global economic structure which ensures that African countries are not in control of their natural resources? African farmers can continue to slave from now till kingdom come and if they cannot determine the prices of their produce, they will remain poor. African voices must continue to be raised in any way Africans can to denounce the continued pillaging of the continent and the continued oppression of people of African descent all over the world.

Your written works are known to embrace the concept of ‘Sankofa’ could you tell us more about this?

The word Sankofa comes from Ghana. An Adinkra symbol for Sankofa represents it as a mythical bird flying forward with its head turned backwards. For many years, I used to wear a bronze bracelet with this symbol on it. The bird depicted in my bracelet had an egg in its mouth which I was told represents gems of knowledge available in the past. The bird on my bracelet held an egg in its beak and was poised as if ready to take flight forward. I know that there could be several interpretations for this, but my favourite is that the bird takes from the past useful knowledge which helps it to build a positive present thereby laying a solid foundation for future generations.

In the same vein, I believe that by knowing our history, we will know how we got to where we are today and be better positioned to structure our present and a future for generations of Africans in the diaspora. As such, the Sankofa Pan African Series explores African experiences and the realities of a global relationship from a variety of viewpoints. We look at transnational territories – and possible territory that might exist for a new generation of Africans and Africans in diaspora.

Outside of your work as an author, you have also dedicated your life to supporting a number of non-profit organisations with a special focus on those that support children’s rights, women’s rights and economic empowerment. Tell us more about your philanthropic work. Could you elaborate on what has been the most fulfilling milestone so far?

I am really pleased with the modest contribution that I have made towards Nigerian education through our schools. I co-founded Lekki Peninsula College in Lagos, after Maroko was demolished under a military government. I had no interest of running a school, but I saw too many teenagers who had dropped out of the system, who I knew would have a brighter future if only they had the opportunity to get a proper education. We set up the Lekki Peninsula Nursery and Primary School a sister school when we realised that we were doing too much remedial work with students that were going into the secondary school. We wanted to intervene earlier. Collectively, the two schools are known in the Lekki area as Lekki Affordable Schools. We also set up Equality Through Education Foundation (ETEF) to raise scholarships and other kinds of support for children and youths.

As a woman of colour, what has been the biggest challenge you’ve had to overcome in your career?

As a woman of colour and as an author, the greatest challenge has been contending with the issue of access to publication. Very few publishers and even literary agents are interested in taking on writers of colour especially women. The problem with accessing publication is no different to the challenges that actors and other artists of colour face. At any given time, there seems to be only room for a few writers of colour and the big prizes and publishers who are not people of colour are the ones who determine whose voices get heard. We need to change this.

Dr. Bunmi Oyinsan

The history of the Earth is littered with wonderful and fantastical historical tales; some are a myth, some are fiction, and others are regarded as history. Here are five of the best books written in 2020 based on famous stories from humanity’s past.

The passage of time often makes it difficult to separate fact from fiction from the millions of myths and fables that permeate human history. Still, the stories are almost always captivating and fascinating.

That’s the reason why people, even in 2020, love to go back and delve into the histories to try and find out the truth or present a new angle to a story that everyone thinks has already been told. These are three of the best that were published over the past 12 months.

Troy: Our Greatest Story Retold – by Steven Fry

You’d be hard-pressed to find someone that hadn’t heard of the battle between Greece and the Trojans at the battle of Troy, even before it was turned into a major motion picture starring none other than Brad Pitt as Achilles. The story is so popular, the idea of a Trojan Horse has become ubiquitous with the feeling that something seems too good to be true, and it has impacted pop-culture massively.

For example, there are a plethora of Troy-themed movies such as The Odyssey. Moreover, there are numerous video games like A Total War Saga: Troy, which was released last year. There is even a slot game based on Troy’s story, Legends of Troy, that can be found on various no deposit bonus casinos such as 888 Casino.

Steven Fry doesn’t add any new information to the story. As the title suggests, it is just a retelling of one of the greatest stories ever told with the added benefit of being done up with the Englishman’s typical flair.

Instead, this book’s big selling point is Fry’s artful high-brow humour and the plethora of detail. It is clear Fry is a big fan of the story and setting because he dives deep into the details. It is a must-read for fans of human history, greek mythology, war stories, or even Fry’s witty prose.

Beneath the Moon – by Yoshi Yoshitani

Those with a more general interest in fables need to look no further than the excellent Beneath the Moon: Fairy Tales, Myths, and Divine Stories from Around the World by Yoshi Yoshitani. Rather than delving deeply into a single particular story, Yoshtani unpacks 78 of the Earth’s fascinating legends and myths in this superb opus to the World’s fantastical history.

Unlike Fry’s book, which does a deep dive into a story that is believed to be reasonably close to natural history, Yoshitani’s novel instead tries to find the real-life roots in stories many consider to be works of fiction, such as the Italian origins of Sleeping Beauty and the old German fable that spawn the story of Repunzel.

As an Asian-American of Japanese descent, Yoshtani’s multi-cultural perspective brings a fascinating and compelling element to the stories that will resonate with a wide range of people. Not only is the book thought-provoking and entertaining, but it also provides an exciting context to some of the World’s oldest-known stories.

Race To The Sun – Rebecca Roanhorse

The final book on our list is a bit different from the others in that it is a work of fiction. Still, it is a fantastic book on its own and an essential read in modern times, especially for American readers.

Rebecca Roanhorse’s Race To The Sun is a young adult fiction novel that is the story of seventh-grader Nizhoni Begay as her and her brother’s lives are turned upside down when their father mysteriously disappears one morning after leaving them a note that says: “Run!”.

Aside from being an excellent read, the book makes it onto the list because of its strong use of Native American cultural ideas, particularly Navajo mythology. It is an essential book for young Americans, mainly because of how interesting and relatable it makes some of the important concepts and ideals of the people who originally inhabited that land.

Along their adventure, Nizhoni and her brother learn essential lessons about sacrifice and loyalty and the importance of their people’s history. And they are lessons we can all learn through their exploits in this beautiful book.

A year of tier changes, lockdown, and a constant need to adapt has meant we have all had to create new routines. Like everyone else, my world today is very different to how it was 12 months ago and as a result I have had to be kind to myself, remember that I am not operating at the same level I was pre-COVID-19 and adjust my wellness routine to reflect this.

Making small changes to your daily routine can help boost your emotional wellbeing and support your mindset in tricky times. Here are my top five wellness routines to help get you through lockdown.

Slow Mornings

Gone are the days of dashing for the train to work and grabbing a coffee on the go. Make the most of being at home and create a slow morning routine that will set you up for the day and put you in a calm space. Wake up at the same time but instead of spending 90 minutes commuting, use that time for a workout or to make a tasty nutritious breakfast. Plan your day with a cup of tea in bed, write down your to-do-list and set your intentions for a dose of clarity and positivity.

Tune out

Tune out from all the negative news and instead get lost in a good book. Reading relieves stress as it diverts your attention and stops you from thinking too much. Try and take some time out over lunch to read a few chapters and relax.

Taste the World

While we currently cannot travel, experience new cultures through cuisine. Use your evenings to cook up delicious, dishes from around the globe. Recreate that amazing Paella from Seville or transport yourself to a bustling Jamaican beach bar with some home cooked Jerk Chicken. Cooking is also great way of being mindful as it requires you to focus and be present. Global cooking might even inspire you to book your next trip.

Exercise to Reflect your Mood

WFH can leave you sedentary so getting 30 mins of exercise a day is essential to boosting your wellbeing. Build your exercise around your mood and listen to your body. If you need to wind down after a busy day then try yoga or if you are feeling tense from back-to-back Zoom calls, lace up your trainers and hit the street for a run.

Night Walk

After dinner wrap up and take a brisk 45-minute walk. This is a great way to decompress and clear your head. Listen to a positive podcast, some of my favourites include On Purpose with Jay Shetty or Oprah’s SuperSoul Conversations. If you do not fancy a podcast use the walk to focus on all the things you are grateful for. A night walk will help you wind down and tire you before bed.

Just because we’re not spreading our wings just now, doesn’t mean we can’t dream of exotic lands…

We love delving into a good book and while we can’t travel we’re relying on the world’s wordsmiths to transport us to to all of those dreamy location we’ll be booking next year when we’re allowed to explore the world again.

While you’re at it, why not eschew the big guns this Christmas and support local? The brilliant bookshop.org has been set up to support the UK’s independent booksellers and stocks hundreds of tomes from independent bookshops around the country.

Chocolat by Joanne Harris
An oldie but a goodie, close your eyes and you can picture yourself strolling the cobbled streets of many a sun-dappled French village, such is Harris’s wonderfully descriptive writing. It may not have a chocolate shop, but Montolieu in the L’Occitane region, named The Village of Books, could be the book’s Lansquenet-sous-Tannes, with its wonderfully characterful streets.

Love After Love by Ingrid Persaud
Set amid the tropical beaches of Trinidad, Love After Love tells the tale of a widow, her son and their lodger and the real meaning of family. Written in Trini dialect, you can almost hear the locals leaping out of its pages.

Call Me By Your Name by André Aciman
You can’t fail to fall in love with the Oscar-winning movie adaption of Aciman’s love story. The pages of this one will transport you to the dusty days of an Italian summer, with its bike rides to the market and lazy hazy afternoons in the sun . We know where we’ll be booking next summer.

A Theatre for Dreamers, Polly Samson
Set on the bohemian Greek island of Hydra in the 1960s, A Theatre For Dreamers tells the tangled tales of writers and poets, musicians, artists and hippies, free spirits and magnetic personalities. If it doesn’t immediately stir a longing to be barefoot on an island paradise I don’t know what till.

The Old Drift by Namwali Surpell
This award-winning tome is set in 1904 on the banks of the Zambezi river. It tells the tale of three warring families, against a vibrant Zambian backdrop in the shadows of the magnificent Victoria Falls; prepare to be googling flights before you’re halfway through…

There isn’t much that pulls me out of the extreme malaise of an Instagram rabbit hole, but there is, however, one unfailing exemption. That is, the premise of spotting someone’s coffee table; with my thumb firmly pressed onto the screen to freeze frame their interior, my tapping frenzy is brought to a halt as I squint to decipher the spines of their colossal hardbacks. But, how has a cumbersome compilation of words and illustrations come to bear such cultural prominence?

No doubt they serve their purpose of curating an aesthetically pleasing home, but a coffee table book epitomises something greater. They’re a dinner-party conversation starter, a first date ice-breaker or – if we’re being honest – a very pricey place to rest your cuppa.

Whilst Douglas Sirk believed that the “homes that people live in exactly describe their lives”, the same could be said about their coffee-table companions when describing an individual. From architectural landscapes to vintage cocktail recipe guides, every cover is less an ornament and more a window into the soul of its owner.

This Christmas, should you find yourself trapped within the quandary of yuletide spending, gift someone the opportunity to live vicariously through one of House of Coco’s tabletop requisites. Just try not to spill on the pages.