Back again...

Contrary to rumour-I am still, in fact, alive! I have had a variety of reasons for not writing-but I hope I can resume now and will endeavour to write more frequently.

Some book news-which will be of interest I hope: 

Firstly-many people have been asking me recently when the next Out of Time novel is out! It has been long delayed-both in the writing and the production for many reasons. I am at the point where the story is reaching its conclusion. Its a longer book than the others and has been beset with delays and changes, but its on its way finally. Publication hopefully will be next year. The title is "The Michaelmas Stones" after lots of debate and deliberation. A few twists and turns in this one!

So, one of the delays has come from my other books-I was commissioned to write a picture comparison history of Barrow-in-Furness. This was a successful title and was followed by "Secret Barrow" -my personal favourite and "Work in Barrow". A slight departure came next with the "Lake Windermere, Grasmere and Coniston Water Through Time" and last but not least-"50 Buildings of Barrow." I am commissioned to do two more next year and am in preparation for these. All books are Amberley Books and can be found in the usual places.

A busy time is ahead-writing, a school history project, Patron of Reading Visits and Furness Abbey Fellowship activities. Luckily, my time is my own for five months-seasonal work can be useful! I have lots of fairs planned so my books will be available for Christmas presents.

At the setting of the sun...

December has been a sad month-not least because it marked the passing of a giant of humanity-Nelson Mandela, but because of losses closer to home. It always seems more poignant when there is a loss at this time of year-because Christmas is significantly a time for family and reflection. We lost a very close and dear friend to the scourge that is cancer and we will miss him deeply. His family will have a huge mountain to climb until they can come to terms with his passing and I don't envy them that restlessness and frustration that accompanies grief. The outlet for that is often action and I have a number of friends who have throw themselves into physical activity for charity or set out on a massive campaign to help beat cancer/heart/disability. Its a positive reaction to loss, but care must be taken to grieve properly at the same time. I know only too well that racing around to avoid confronting your grief can be detrimental...and it will get you in the end-when you least expect it!

Life should be lived as though each day was your last-packing every minute with something worthwhile. My Dad used to say every day he woke up was a bonus and he wrung every drop of life out of each day, never regretted anything and had a positive approach to life...and death!

Christmas is coming...too fast!

I have never been so behind with preparations for Christmas! Partly its due to being busy and having no time or energy to get sorted out, but for the first time ever I feel its all too much. I feel resentful sending cards because of the postage costs-but I buy charity cards for Dystonia so its a bit of a catch 22 situation! I haven't a clue what to buy people-and feel much of it is a waste and that people won't really want it...but too embarrassed to say lets not bother in case I sound a Scrooge! Crazy really! Bah! Humbug!

On the bright side I had a cracking day at the Dock museum
http://www.nwemail.co.uk/news/keen-authors-gather-for-unique-book-fair-1.1021061?referrerPath=home/2.3320

It was brilliant to meet all those authors and have a chat as well as look at their books. It was interesting to compare notes on publishing, selling and marketing. Came to the conclusion that writing is the easy 
bit! lol

Return to London

I had a happy return to the capital city this week. My husband Harry and I were invited to an evening at the House of Lords, by Lord MacDonald of Tradestone along with other volunteer fundraisers country wide. We all raise funds and awareness for the Dystonia Society. Dystonia is the second largest movement disorder after Parkinsons but not as easily identified or recognised. We have been working hard for 15 years but its a hard task-we have to compete with many other better known conditions and good causes. Apparently things are improving in the awareness department and thanks to the Dystonia Society we are better known and there are moves to increase research. (see www.dystonia.org.uk)

It was very enjoyable and we got the chance to do a bit of sight seeing and it brought back memories of when we lived there. We had a walk in Baltic conditions along the South Bank, browsed the goods at the Christmas market and ended up at St Paul's Cathedral where we went for lunch. It was over all too quickly and whilst I wouldn't want to live there again,  it was great to visit again.
                                                                                                            

St Paul's Cathedral

Bond Street

To get me in the Christmas mood I was delighted to attend the nursery performance of my grandson Noah. He was a star as a shepherd-even if he did have an unhealthy interest in the Baby Jesus' gifts...but he sang like an angel and we spent the day together. What a lovely day and how blessed I am.

                                               View of the Lake district hills from Birkrigg

Only 20 days to go until Raven's Hoard is out. Its like the last weeks of a pregnancy...waiting and wondering what the outcome will be, being only  fidgety and restless, being unable to settle to do anything. The only thing I haven't had an urge to do is clean the house! I am just sorting out dates for visits and signings and I am going to be quite busy until Christmas.  I am kicking off with the Halloween events-first at Abbey House Hotel on 28th October and then 31st at Abbey Mill Cafe 4-6 and 6-8pm. The book is officially out on 1st November and I am going to be doing a signing at Barrow Waterstones on 3rd November. I really hope lots of you will come and see me at Waterstones particularly as its nice to get good sales in your local book shop!

More events to follow.