If I believed in astrology I would definitely be looking out for strange planetary alignments and something moving into my house of somewhere this month. It seems to be a time of new beginnings. This is my last blog for Girls Heart Books and, while I have only been writing here for a year or … Continue reading
I have just received a copy of a translation of one of my books into Lithuanian. It’s quite fun to look at because I don’t speak a word of the language. There are occasional words I recognise from the context or because they are from the same root, but mostly it’s all very different. I’ve … Continue reading
I have exactly 30 minutes to write this. Starting now! I have been talking to my Creative Writing students this week about time management. Time management is one of those things writers seem to struggle with greatly, and I am no exception. Having a new batch of students made me realise this is something I … Continue reading
Over Christmas, I read the lovely book Sweet Pizza by G. R. Gemin. It’s set in the Welsh valleys, where I grew up, and tells the story of Joe, a boy who wants to find out more about his Italian ancestors and the history of his family’s café. It’s a touching, funny, modern day story, … Continue reading
IT’S CHRISTMAS!!! There. I’ve said it. Now I know there are lots of you shaking your heads, wagging your fingers and tutting, ‘It’s not even December, yet.’ (Although, might I add that I’ll bet everyone doing that is over 25). I know it’s not actually, officially, properly December but I have an excuse – this is … Continue reading
I have bought myself a present. Not that this is unusual, I’m more than happy to buy myself the occasional pressie – but this is perhaps the best one yet. I should just say here that I am obsessed with murder mysteries. I am never happier than when I’m absorbed in a good death! My … Continue reading
This week I have been doing lots of fun reading in the name of research. I must admit that the line between research and procrastination gets a bit blurred at times, particularly since I’ve started reading about 19th Century slang. The Victorians had some wonderfully descriptive words. I am on a one woman mission to … Continue reading
Today I got a lovely surprise. An e-mail from a reader in New Zealand. I find it so exciting that someone has been reading about Emily Sparkes on the other side of the world! Isn’t that amazing? A character I made up sitting in my bedroom in Suffolk is now making someone laugh over 11,000 … Continue reading
We have a caravan! We actually bought it a few months ago but haven’t had the chance to use it yet – but next week we are off – my husband, our daughters, the dog and me – five go off in a caravan! It’s quite an old caravan, not old enough to be cool, … Continue reading
What a week it’s been. So much tension over the EU Referendum, then the embarrassing football debacle and a whole week of Maths mocks for my daughter. At the moment it seems like everyone in my house is stomping, stropping or shouting about something! At times like this being a writer is the best jobs in … Continue reading
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