Welcome to Spainrico,Thanks for Visiting Why Spainrico? Good question! A name created for a previous venture but now my brand name for my Writing activities. Rico, by the way is Spanish for `Rich´ (not that I am!) and as a bit of a pun Ri are my initials and Co for Company.....moving on..... My profile: I am a Freelance Writer, Photographer, Editor (and occasional media star) Deputy Chairman of the Torrevieja Writers Circle. I have been living in southern Costa Blanca Spain for 10 years.(Fuller profile on my blog) Latest News Updates This is probably the last time (Sunday June 27th 2010) that I will be able to update this site - as the hosting service (Siteground) have decided to try and charge more money by turning off the update system and trying to provide a new one at increased cost. As I am not prepared to pay more monthly fees when there are plenty of free services out there I am sure you will understand. My (free) blog service - good old Google - will keep you updated. Thanks for reading. PS The site may very soon look a little odd due tothe changes they are making. My articles Cover a variety of topical and interesting issues: - Expat life in Spain the good, the bad, the factual and the humorous. - Current events including The Crisis, Expats in Spain - Travel & Walking Reviews - Valencia/Murcia Natural Parks - Interviews with local people including: TJ Miles: Professional Painter For some examples see In the Media I am published monthly in The Inland Magazine (TIM) Take a look at Testimonials - The Inland Magazine can be viewed for FREE In the June edition my published contributions are 'Elche - History Among Palm Trees' an article looking at the historical city of Elche plus:  Spain Going Green Part 1 - The wind turbines
(next month The electric car) Also the page for book lovers with reviews, author bios, book news and competion to win books Bibliomaniac Page on Pg. 10 (See in the Media) You can read some of my previous articles in the on-line TIM E-zine: The Worlds Toughest Race Has the Exodus Begun? Been Back Home Recently?  Short Story Fiction
 I also write short stories and I am delighted that 'Digging for Victory' was published in Issue 2, of Platinum Page and Issue 3 contained my story of intrigue and mystery - 'Fatal Bedtime Drink'
The current edition carries 'The Power of Love' a tale of one womans determination to get her man. More to follow later in the year. Platinum Page Blog Another short story, 'Mediterranean Lady Seeks a Friend' was published by Innoword in their anthology of Expatriate Literature., 'Courting the Bull' One of the reviews: Next comes some short stories with Mediterranean Lady Seeks A Friend, a noir-ish tale of scams before the euro being my favorite. I just wish it were a bit longer. (Ironically it originally was!!) This from Innoword's official press release: "Savor the Secret Sights, Sounds and Sensualities of Spain in Innoword Media’s Inaugural Book Courting the Bull: An Anthology of Expatriate Literature in Spain  Literary Descendants of Hemingway Expose Intimate, Romantic, Thrilling Details of Wild and Wonderful Spanish Culture
Madrid, Spain, September 2009 – Innoword Media announces the release of its exciting, new inaugural book, Courting the Bull: An Anthology of Expatriate Literature in Spain. The collection of short stories, essays and verse highlights the tantalizing, romantic and irresistible aspects of a Spanish culture that captured the hearts and imaginations of a collection of rising modern artists." Available from here On-line Publishing Using new technology I have uploaded some of my previously published work in an anthology format including: - Anthology of Articles - Best Blogs 2008 - Walking and Parks (Updated version now online) - Rob's Bit and Bobs Page Onto the ISSUU platform which provides online document access with page turning software and many other options. Take a look I think it is the best pageturning software onthe net! Blogs I blog on many sites;  My personal blog: Rob in España is where I blog on my writing and associated topics.
It has a number of interesting links to other sites and blogs. The Inland Magazine 'Life in Spain' Blog  I manage the TIM's 'Life In Spain' blog. My blogs have been appearing for a while and I am delighted that some other celebrity bloggers (Dream Team) plus some guests are now blogging alongside me. TIM had a full bio's page in the February edition.
Readers comments from the blog: This from Sue: "It's nice to see that someone is going to and has done some work of these blog pages, and I for one look forward to reading the other bloggers posts when they are on board and blogging on here. Congrats Rob, keep up the great work, love your blogs and your writing in Tim." And thanks to Jason - "I must comment on Rob's blogs brilliant well done. Especially the one about the driving licence."  The expat blog site publishes my articles on their site as part of their Expat Guides. This site receives many hits from readers looking for factual information on Spain - view here:
Grail to Whale - Valencia Paying Spanish Tax Spain's High Speed Train - AVE  In addition, I was an invited `thexpat´ Blog contributor (the dream team!) for thexpat Spain Magazine's web site.
Unfortunately this site became a victim of the crisis, a great shame as it was fun!  I have also joined the team at Expatify
My first article is currently 4th highest viewed: 'The 10 things You did not know about Spain until you live here' is now online. It is currently 4th highest viewed on the site - This from published author Simon Whaley: "Just read your blog - and your Expatify piece. Great piece!" Thanks Simon, I must have had a great tutor! and "A very good and well written article. I agree with all you said and some very good advice in there" Thanks Mavis, Alicante 2nd article now published: '10 Reasons to Move to Spain' click to read Forum Posts You can read my posts on a number of local and Expat forum sites relating to lots of issues concerning living in Spain. Look out for either Robi1305 or Spainrico (one and the same) Editor - 'Chapter and Verse'  I edited 'Chapter and Verse' an E-zine published by The Writers Bureau. (Only available to registered WB students) for a year and produced 4 editions.
I have now moved aside to allow another the experience. I am in discussions with WB about other activities, including publsihing my articles see Latest News Updates above. Students have been commenting on their forum: "Rob, well done again on another great editing job, thanks for delivering our latest issue! " (Ali) "Firstly, thanks to Rob for your work with the magazine" (Michael L.) Torrevieja Writers Circle (TWC) I am a member of TWC and currently Deputy Chairman (voted in by a majority being the only candidate!) More about TWC on their blog Writers Abroad Is a group of Expat writers living around the globe in their adopted countries. We have begun to share our writing knowledge and experiences and critique each others work.We have a site which I helped the founder, Jo (Italy) setup. Writers Abroad Site Wordplay - Writers Group Has been formed in my local area. I will be contributing regularly to their e-zines (available free to everyone, contact me and I will send you a copy or see their web site) and shared my blogging experiences with the other members at a recent meeting. I also joint won a Wordplay competition with a short story. The group has a web site online, (not yet officially launched) with all sorts of exciting options for writers. Book Reviews  I have been posting book reviews onto Book Army - a great site for all sorts of information, competitions (win free books) and quizzes about books - worth a look.
Digital Photos Many of my published articles are illustrated with my own photos, which I manage with Googles 'Picasa' software, I have an online photo album. Quick tip - Picasa is free and is great for managing digital photos. Social Networking Sites I have recently joined Facebook, (along with 350 million others!) which, despite some negative press, is a lot more interesting than some of the others including WAYN, which I have just closed down. I hope you enjoyed your visit and please call by again - Lots to keep you informed and amused - feel free to comment - Best regards, Rob Innis | 
