Click here to read the first week of this feature, and follow the links at the end of each post.
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London – October 7th, 1988
The interview I had yesterday has been on my mind all day. One thing it has done is to build my confidence up. There’s nothing like a job interview to boost one’s spirit, although I know that many people would have found it all very nerve-racking.
Some sad news I got on Wednesday was confirmed today. Marty is in hospital after overdosing on some substance. I didn’t want to believe he was taking drugs, but it’s now been confirmed that he is, and has been doing so for quite some time. I did warn him about it when I first heard that he was taking drugs, but he did nothing but call me a ‘kill-joy.’ It’s ended up putting him in Charring Cross hospital. I may visit him on Sunday if I get the time, but I do feel furious about it, especially with his so-called friends who led him into it in the first place.
There’s some talk between Simon and me about having a weekend trip to Amsterdam in two weeks time. I’ve never been before, so it sounds quite exciting. It could be the perfect pick-me-up.
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Welcome to this new feature for 2018 on Hugh’s Views and News. In this feature, I’ll be sharing snippets from my diary of 1988. We’ll also take a trip in Hugh’s Music Time machine to hear some songs from the 1980s which have been chosen by some specially invited guests.
This week my guest is the author, writer and blogger, Olga Núñez Miret. Olga is another one of my guests whom I’ve had the pleasure of meeting in person. We both attended the Llandelio Christmas Bookfair, both as authors, in December 2016 and enjoyed our catchup in person.
A writer and bookworm who worked for many years as a forensic psychiatrist, with a PhD in American Literature, and an MSc in Criminology, Olga started publishing her stories, in English and Spanish, in 2012 and now has over twenty books available in a variety of genres.
Olga also has a blog (in English and Spanish) and translates books for other authors (English-Spanish and vice versa). Although she lived in the UK for over 25 years, Olga has recently returned home to live in Barcelona, Spain, in search of inspiration for her stories.
One of Olga’s books, Angelic Business 1. Pink Matters has recently become available as an audiobook.
Book Blurb –
You are Pink, not the prettiest girl, but smart and with plenty of resources. What do you do when your best male friend offers to have sex with you because he thinks you’re a lost cause? You plot your revenge with your two best female friends, of course!
It seems you’re in luck when a new and mysterious student appears. And, to top it all, he seems interested in you too. He could take part in the plan. But then, he seems to have a plan of his own… He insists he’s not just an ordinary boy. And what seemed so easy, to begin with, gets more and more complicated when Heaven and Hell come knocking at Pink’s door.
Pink Matters is the story of Pink, a 17-year-old girl, a good student, articulate and smart. But she has never been the centre of attention or made the top ten in the rankings of the most popular and attractive girls at school. When two guys, both claiming to be angels, insist that she is, indeed, ‘special’, fight for her attention and help, and tell her she is the key to the future of the universe, she is quite cynical. But these guys can ‘do’ pretty amazing things, even miracles, so she has to wonder….
17 years old Pink is ‘the elected’ to end up the conflict between Heaven and Hell, and angels and demons fight over her. Who can she trust to help?
Being special is not all that’s cut out to be. Ask Pink.
Click here to buy the audio version on Amazon.com
Click here to buy the audio version on Amazon.co.uk
Check out a sample of the audiobook on YouTube
Connect with Olga.
Join Olga’s email list by clicking here.
Olga’s song choice is Hold On Tight by Electric Light Orchestra.
Released in 1981, Hold On Tight was the first song to be released as a single from the band’s album Time. Apart from France, the song made it into the top 10 of every country it was released in, peaking at number one in Spain and Switzerland. Thanks for the excellent song choice, Olga.
In October 1988, it looks as if Marty was holding on tight to life, despite his encounter with the drug scene. Do you have a favourite song connected to holding on to something? Share a link to it in the comments.
Next week, find out what happens when I visit Marty in hospital. Click here to find out what happened.
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Sorry to read about Marty (I am way behind in my blog reading this whole week) but clicked on your next post before this one…so all is good! Great to see Olga! What a set of credentials!
Yes, Olga is an incredible person in what she has done and achieved, Terri. I’m so pleased to have met her in person.
Job interviews make me sick to my stomach! I hope Marty is okay. I’ve known people who get caught in drugs’ clutches and can’t get out. It’s really sad.
I’m not familiar with this song but am familiar with Olga. 🙂
It’s an awful situation to find oneself in, Kat. When I heard the reason why Marty was in hospital, I was sick to the stomach, yet all around me guys were taking drugs. I’m just glad that I seemed blind towards it and never found myself at the temptation door of trying them out.
I’ve never tried drugs. When I was younger I was terrified of them= and then as I grew up, I found that I had no use.
Drugs are terrible things, Hugh. Olga’s new book sounds lovely. I have just bought my audio book copy. I was so excited about the book, I nearly forgot to listen to the song – good choice.
I’m glad you purchased Olga’s book, Ribbie. I hope you enjoy it. The narrator has a fantisic voice.
Lovely to meet you Olga. ELO are a great band and a bit different from many others. I hope Marty managed to heal and free himself from his addiction. It wrecks so many lives including loved ones. Not easy. 🌼
Tomorrow’s diary snippet will reveal all, Brigid.
Oh dear poor Marty, That must have been a terrible time for you, Hugh! Hope all turned out ok, but as you’ve said to others, you’ll be letting us know 🙂 Thank you for introducing Olga. What a talented lady, with such an interesting career. Olga’s book, Pink Matters sounds so good!
It certainly was a horrible situation, Sam. I didn’t know whether to visit Marty or stay away. If I did visit, what would I say? Find out tomorrow. 😀
Now I’m curious as to how the Hugh of 1988 will approach the hospital visit… supportive or critical about Marty’s messed up situation.
And what a bright guest you have this week, Hugh! A forensic psychiatrist, over twenty books published and a translating career as well!? Sometimes I really wonder about how some people can be so productive and multi-talented!!
I know, I don’t know how Olga does it all, Liesbet. I’m so pleased to have met her in person.
As for the hospital visit to see Marty…we’ll find out next week.
I’m pleased to hear the job interview boosted your confidence, Hugh, and a trip to Amsterdam sounds like it might be a good distraction from the other goings-on. I look forward to finding out if Marty survives in next week’s edition.
It’s lovely to catch up with Olga here. Her book ‘Pink Matters’ sounds interesting (I listened to the first little bit). I like that it’s available on audiobook. I’ll have to keep it in mind for when I finish my current book.
‘Hold onto your dreams’ – what a great song. Who could disagree with that?
It did boost my confidence, Norah. However, I can reveal that I never got the job, but it did open up new doors for me. 😀
I’ve just been writing next week’s post and dipped into what was happening for the cliffhanger I always leave at the end of each of these posts. We’ll find out a little more about Amsterdam in a few weeks time.
It’s always good to have a boost in confidence, Hugh.
I look forward to catching up on Amsterdam news in a couple of weeks.
Thanks, Norah. I thought somebody would have beat me to that song but was lucky nobody had. The same narrator will be working on the other two books in the trilogy, so if you get to listen to it and enjoy it, there should be more to come (and if you prefer to read it, the first one is available for free in most places).
Have a great weekend!
Thank you, Olga. I’ve got it on my TBL (list of audiobooks to be listened to). 🙂
Hmm, you’re back with Simon? Lol, I can’t keep track of your vast love life you heart breaker! Poor Marty though. I would have liked to know how that happened? But awesome to find Olga here today and love your song choice Olga!!! ELO one of my all time favs! ❤ xx
No romance was going on at this time in my life, Debby. Simon was only ever a good friend and became a housemate. It goes to show that the gaps between the dates in this feature are confusing the story. Only another nine weeks to go before it comes to an end, and I have to then decide whether to fill in those gaps or not. 😀
xx
Sorry Hugh, perhaps your large cast of characters confused me. It’s a great reading challenge though, keeping us in detective mode, lol. I for one, think it would be fun to read the whole story. Something for you to consider after your next publication? 🙂 ❤
lol, yes, something for me to think about, Debby. I was visiting my 92-year-old aunt today, and she asked about my next book. I told her I was publishing my diary extracts. You should have sen her face. 😳
Lollllllll, I bet she can’t wait to read them!!!! 🙂 ❤
Thanks, Debby. I know you like a good jive! ♥
Fact my friuend! ❤
As usual, I hit enter too soon. I love this cast of characters, Olga.
Thanks, Rob. It is nice to meet across here as well and very much enjoy your art and your collaboration with Teagan. I love the visual arts but my only talent is in recognising the talent of others. ♥
You have a great reading voice. I feel inspired. 🙂
By 1987 almost everyone I knew had entered A.A. or N.A. regardless of whether they drank or used. I attribute the death of the counter-culture to speed and HIV. Thank you for highlighting Olga. I’m listening to the reading now. Olga has a pleasant voice.
Having only been living and working in London for 2 years in 1988, it wasn’t something I came across much, Rob. However, I knew it was going on but it always kept itself away from me until Marty ended up in hospital.
Olga is a lovely lady. Somebody I was really happy to have met in person.
When I lived in Honolulu in the 1970’s I was in the thick of it and in the 1980’s I watched men use drugs in their grief and it destroyed them. I very much enjoyed learning more about Olga.
Olga is one of the nicest people I’ve ever met, Rob. She’s always very supportive of other writers, too. It’s a pleasure introducing her to you all.
I’m sorry to read about Marty (even if it was long ago). Hopefully all turns out well for him.
Thank you for introducing us to Olga — I look forward to checking out here site.
It was a real shock at the time, Donna. We’ll find out next week how my visit to see him in hospital went.
Thanks so much, Donna. Have a good weekend.
Hi Hugh and Olga,
I definitely want to follow the expertise of your guest. I’m sure I will learn from and enjoy her post. Nice meeting you Olga.
Now the saga takes a turn. An unexpected turn at that. I must be confused, I thought Simon was at odds with you. Now you are going on holiday with him. Mmm. The Princess is sly too. Was I asleep or was there previous discussions about a new job? My, my, I’ve got to keep up. 🤔
That’s the trouble with too many large gaps between the featured dates in this feature, Chuck. Simon was at odds with me, but only because I set him up on a date with Nigel. It was Nigel and Simon who never really got on. I’m pleased to say that it all soon blew over.
Again, with the job, it’s something that materialised between the last entry from my diary and this one.
Thanks, Chuck. Nice to meet you too and thanks to Hugh for the opportunity.
Great to see you on Hugh’s blog, Olga! I hadn’t heard that song, but it’s good 🙂
Sorry your friend went through that, Hugh. I’ve lost someone I cared about from drugs, too. It’s a scary disease.
It is, Jacquie. Thank goodness I’ve not come across it since. I’m sure it goes on, but I’m glad I don’t know anything about it.
Thanks, Jacquie. We keep meeting everywhere! Hugh’s is always a good place to visit. ♥
Oh Marty!!!!
And I confess to not knowing this song!!! But Hi Olga!
Thanks, Ritu! I hope you enjoyed the song nonetheless. The ELO were pretty big in Spain, as Hugh says, and a few of my friends were big fans as well.
I did Olga!
An overdose is pretty serious stuff. My son has lost a few friends from drug overdoses. Scary times. I do hope you got to Amsterdam. Love to see Olga here. She is an amazing talent and good blogger friend to all.
It was really scary at the time, Darlene. This was the first time I was faced with the situation. I just didn’t know how to handle it. It took me a lot of courage to go and see Marty in hospital. Next week, we’ll find out how that visit went.
So sad for your son and the families. Thanks so much for your encouragement, Darlene.
A joy to see Olga featured here, Hugh. She is a complete blogging marvel, and a great support to all those in her community. Of course, she is also a wonderful writer, and a warm and caring person. You are lucky to have got to meet her.
Best wishes, Pete.
It was wonderful to have met Olga in person, Pete. Although our book tables were not next to each other I did call over during the day to catch up with her. I agree Olga is very supportive of the blogging and writing community. In fact, she is one of many who supported and encouraged me in my writing journey when I first started to blog. It went on to me publishing my first book.
Thanks, Hugh. Your stories are fabulous and I’m sure we’ll see many more. Sorry, but I got an error message when I tried to post a comment and it seems I’ve ended up uploading two… Oh well! 😉
No worries, Olga. I deleted the duplicated comment. A gremlin must have made a quick visit when you got that error message. I’m pleased it didn’t stay. 😀
Thanks so much, Pete. You’ve been a supporter of my blog and my writing for a long time and I have enjoyed your stories, your memorable posts about work, Ollie, rock bands, and even mystery bras on trees. We managed to convince Hugh to publish his stories and I know some of yours have appeared in magazines. I wonder…
Maybe one day… 🙂
Thanks, Olga.
A very sad time Hugh,, when someone spirals out of control despite the support and love of friends. Lovely to see Olga here and always have time for ELO.. hugs to you both.
This was my first real encounter with drugs, Sally. It was like entering a dark tunnel with no light at the end of it. A place I didn’t want to face.
I can imagine Hugh.. Some people were smoking pot at college in the late 60s, but more for the fashion than anything.. the hard stuff was confined to the groups who suddenly found themselves flush with cash and fame. But I guess by the mid to late 80s, especially in big cities it was taking hold.. dreadful stuff.. hugsxxx
Thanks so much, Sally. It is a difficult situation indeed, especially because you feel powerless. Thanks for all your support and thanks to Hugh for choosing to feature this song that brings back great memories.
Delighted to share Olga…hugs xxx♥
♥
So much to comment on, Hugh. First of all, the overdose… what a scary thing to happen, and I can understand your fury at all those who enabled Marty’s poor choices. On the other hand, wonderful to see Olga here. She’s so talented and congrats to her audiobook. I’ve always loved that cover. Finally, great song! Makes me want to hop up and dance!
I was so angry when I found out what had happened to Marty, Diana. However, he seemed to be angry at me for trying to spoil what he called ‘a little bit of fun.’
Yes, a great choice of song, isn’t it? One I’d not heard for a long time.
Thanks so much, Diana. Sad post but some positives (hopefully) in the horizon. Thanks for the comment on the cover. It’s my favourite as well. I love the ELO and used to listen to them in the car often but now I don’t have a car… I must remember to listen to them more. 🙂
How wonderful to meet Olga, and what an interesting background she has. All too often people are suffering overdoses here in the US, Hugh. The opioid epidemic is claiming way too many lives. I hope your friend, Marty, is able to recover. It is so sad and frustrating to see loved ones lose their lives and spirits to such a powerful addiction.
I agree, Molly. To be honest, this was one of the first encounters I had with drugs (from what I can remember). It scared the life out of me. And given what Marty called me, I was not very keen on visiting him in hospital.
We’ll find out, next week, how my visit went.
Thanks for your comment, Molly. It is a big problem everywhere and terrible for those involved as it is difficult to know what to do for the best.
What a wonderful way to start my Wednesday — Olga and Hugh together! 😀
I love that song — so positive and the beat is… well, upbeat! It’s energizing.
Pink has herself quite a pretty predicament. This is a wonderful series from Olga, Hugh. Thanks for featuring it and her. Did you know she recently translated my “Atonement Tennessee” to Spanish? That version is called “Expiación y Magia”! I wouldn’t trust anyone else to translate it.
Hugs to you both.
No, I had no idea that Olga translated ‘Atonement Tennessee’ for you, Teagan. All I can say is that you were in excellent hands. Having met Olga, she’s one of the nicest people I have met. I hope our (in person) paths cross again.
Have a wonderful day. I’ll be over soon to read the latest from Copper, the alchemist, and the woman in trousers.
Hugs to you.
Thanks so much, Teagan! You’re very kind and I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity to translate Atonement. And it also means I have it fresh in mind and I’m well prepared to read Atonement in Bloom. I can’t wait! Hugh’s series is fabulous!
It is a helpless feeling when someone does something like an overdose. The first thought is one of anger. Good luck in unwinding in Amsterdam. Nice to see Olga here.
I’m not sure I ever got to Amsterdam, John. We’ll find out in the next few weeks. If I did, then it must have been very uneventful. 😀
I suppose you are right.
Thanks, John. I had plenty of experience in my profession, although with drug use some of the overdoses were accidental, but that does not make it any less devastating.
I agree, Olga.
Reblogged this on Just Olga and commented:
Thanks to Hugh Roberts (@HughRoberts05) for featuring me and one of my books in his fantastic series of blogs 49 Days In 1988. If you love short stories with fabulous twists, don’t forget to check his book ‘Glimpses’. #short-stories
Thanks so much for having me, Hugh. It’s an honour. A day of bad news but a positive outlook and the future looks bright. And thanks for featuring my song. It always lifts my mood.
All the best!
You very welcome, Olga. I’m delighted that you accepted my offer to be a part of this feature. Thank you for taking the time to get everything over to me.
Best wishes,
Hugh
x
♥