Living in the past

I am a master of self doubt, procrastination and indecision. These are the three things which probably propel me into the fantasy worlds I create with the books I write. That isn't necessarily a bad thing...but I reach overdrive quite quickly and rush to hide in my fantasy world to avoid the "real" things that worry or concern me.

I have been troubled for months about the books for instance. I want them to be accepted, enjoyed and to reach a much wider audience. However, this is proving very difficult and I become quite frustrated. So I retreat to avoid looking at marketing strategies-which I hate!

My children say I live in the past and am too absorbed with history and the "olden days", but I don't see this as a bad thing, because it is a wonderful diversion. Today we were at Eskdale Show, which is held in one of my favourite places. I was first introduced to it on Sunday Schools trips in the 1960s. We used to catch a train from Barrow station to Ravenglass, walk across the bridge to the station for L'ile Ratty-the miniature narrow gauge railway to Boot in Eskdale. At the terminus-Dale Garth we alighted and went down into the field behind the station-which is much reduced these days to accommodate the motor cars which inundate the place. When we went, there were no cars usually, because everyone went via the Ratty-which is surely the whole point? We all had picnics on the grass, paddled in the river and played communal games until it was time to pack up and make the return journey home again. This went on for many years as it seemed to be the preferred venue for St Perran's church and it was wonderful...except for one year!

Mum and Dad got us ready, packed the picnic and we raced down to Roose station to catch the train-with my baby sister in the pram (they would travel in the guards van)...we reached the platform to find....the train had left...without us! Dad swore, Mum looked deflated and I cried (I was 7). We trudged home again and as a treat we had the picnic on the floor in the lounge...which didn't actually have a settee at this time as we had just moved and it hadn't been delivered yet! We cheered a little and then something terrible happened! My secret prayer had been answered...it began to rain! By 3 o' clock it was torrential. We all knew what it would be like at Eskdale....wet...wet...wet! I commiserated with my parents about the trip being ruined...but a little tiny-if guilty part of me, was just a little bit pleased!

I remembered this today and mused about past Eskdale Shows-which I knew my great Granny Elizabeth Hodgson from Penny Hill Farm, Boot has experienced. My dad told me many tales about the short rather plump little woman I had seen in photos (so -we know where I got those genes from!). She had been born and bred in Boot and had told her grandson-my dad tales of the Shows and Meets when she was allowed to help. Apparently in return for the help at the King of Prussia pub-now the George IV -(the name change at the start of the Great War) she and the other young people were allowed to riddle the sawdust on the floor for dropped change. This story has fallen into family folklore-and I don't know how accurate it was-but one year she was lucky enough to find a sovereign for her trouble!

I smiled to myself whilst I was standing at my book stall today when I thought of these memories and stories. I wondered what she would have thought of her great granddaughter selling her own books-and it made me think. Even if the range of the books remains "local"-does it really matter? While I am waiting to be "discovered" by a mega publisher, or Melvyn Bragg tweets about my "Cumbrian" stories I can still enjoy sharing them, writing them and talking to children about them. Perhaps, that's all I need to do...enjoy? After all, it has provided a very different and varied life style since I took up the life of an "author"-so I will do what I can and stop being paralysed by the necessity for marketing and the anxiety of promotion and instead I will reach the audience I can, and start to enjoy the fantasy, the writing and the pure escapism it all provides. 

What a fantastic day

Iron Shepherds

Ace Puppets aka Sian Hunter performing Guy the Grumpy Gargoyle at the Furness Abbey Fair

 

We did it! We had THE most amazing Medieval Fair at Furness Abbey and the weather was perfect...I wont go into too much detail here because I really ought to blog on the FAF blog...but cant not mention what a great day we had. The best thing was that we must have had 1200 plus visitors and the families who came really enjoyed it. We passed muster with English Heritage and I believe they will allow us to make this an annual event. Iron Shepherds who did the historical re-enactments were fantastic...well researched, thorough and exciting. The other highlights included Patrick Corbett as a scribe-creating beautiful illuminated letters, Iain McNichol as Brother John explaining the use of herbs and Owen Jones making swill baskets. Helen Elvin weaving traditional baskets and Ralf Bidder doing wood turning and finally the Dorian Players providing a musical interlude.

 

We had a lot of fun and if you go to the FAF blog you can read more....meanwhile back to routine! We are back to work and this will include a mega attempt at some promotion for the books! At least there is some down time for now from FAF...but watch this space more will follow!

 

Friendship is the wine of life (Edward Young)

Rather apprehensive today...only two days until the Furness Abbey Fellowship Medieval Fair. Its taken lots of work but at last its here. However its make or break as we really need to attract lots of people to help raise visitor numbers.
We shouldn't have an issue with this because the fantastic crozier and ring are returning for the day!

It is going to be amazing...we have lots of things planes-activities for kids adults -everyone. I wont tell you what...come and see for yourself!

Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another: "What! You too? I thought I was the only one.”
― C.S. Lewis

It has made me reflect because since I have become so involved with the abbey through writing my books,I have made so many new friends-both real and virtual. I have seen amazing generosity and the less pleasant side of human nature too...but mostly have come into contact with amazing people who I may never have met.


I love the variety of friends that I have... new and old, pragmatic and eccentric, creative and practical...just a huge array of interesting humanity. When you feel a bit despondent about human beings its nice to reflect on those special individuals who make life special. Real friends demand nothing, listen to all your moans and worries, don't worry if you don't ring, pick up instantly where you left off and are ... just there.


Then there are those who are family...but are some of the best friends you can have...because they understand you and accept you (maybe cos they have to) warts and all! So here's to friends we have had in the past, those we have now and those we have yet to meet!

 

Lynn-a friend posing as a customer and fan

An old friend and teaching colleague Wendy-been through tough times together

a rabble of interesting friends-old and new

Summer events-Medieval Fair at Furness Abbey

I've been busy with writing new chapters of Out of Time 3:The Cistercian Conspiracy and working for my new Press Officer post too. I am sending the books off to agents as well as I think I need some help in taking writing to the next level. But mostly...I have been organising along with colleagues from Furness Abbey Fellowship the Medieval Fair at the end of August in Furness Abbey.

Some of the FAF Committee

It should be a good day and we have finalised most of the details for the day. The big event is the Abbot's crosier and the ring returning for the day. However we have a fantastic array of re-enactors, artists, performers, craftsmen and activities for the day. It is well worth a visit and all we need now are the visitors and the good weather.

The Cloister Range

Entry is the usual English Heritage fee of £4 for adults £3-40 concessions and £2-60 children. For this you have full access to the Medieval Fair and all activities and visits as well as seeing the crosier and ring and having tours of the building.

Medieval Fair at Furness Abbey 31 August from 10am to 4pm

What British summertime should be like

Had a really lovely day today at Kirkby Gala. I was lucky enough to be invited by friends...not old friends...but good friends nevertheless...Patrick Corbett and Anne...who I met through a mutual passion for Furness Abbey. You sometimes meet people who you instantly connect with and its like you are already old friends-well these are two such people. They are generous and open, artistic and talented and powerfully imaginative. Together they provide art tuition and are incredible artists-I am in awe of their work...as a Sunday painter...I can only admire. You can check out Patrick's website atwww.limnstudio.co.uk/‎

I had a pitch today next to theirs and was fascinated to watch them creating amazing illuminated letters with a captivated audience of children. I was pleased to sell a lot of books today and engaged with many interesting people. I even saw some old friends...and met children who had the books already and was even asked to have my photo with a lovely young lady called Imogen. 

The whole day was delightful with all of the traditional things you would expect...cakes and tea, puppet shows, competitions, flowers, jam, local history, stalls and so much more...and even a stray Dalek-which made my grandson Noah's day! It was a brilliant day-community based and well supported-hats off to the organisers. Additonally, we had lots of publicity over the tannoy from Jonathan Lee (NWEM) telling people about the upcoming   Medieval Fair at Furness Abbey on 31 August! Lots of interest and a nice starter for my summer tour of fetes, fairs and galas...

Noah and the Dalek

Everything you need to know about book signings...

Hello-long time no blog!-In short-completed K2B walk, got 7 year tankard,very busy, had shingles, had new grandchild, got another new job...no time management skills!

I have been back on the road today signing books at one of my favourite Waterstones-Carlise! I always feel so welcome there and the staff are very supportive. In between signing I had a bit of head space and was able to untangle a few ideas and prepare for writing again...which has been impossible recently! I couldn't help but muse about the nature of signing...

me waiting for customers at Carlisle Waterstones todayVTech Kidizoom Twist Camera Blue (Google Affiliate Ad)VTech Kidizoom Twist Camera Pink (Google Affiliate Ad)Vivitar V20 2MP Digital Camera - Black (Google Affiliate Ad)Vivitar V5119 5MP Digital Camera - Black (Google Affiliate Ad)

You are sitting (usually) surrounded by copies of your book (s) in the middle of thousands of titles written by much more famous authors than you-intimidating in itself! You look at the shelves groaning under the weight of books of all shapes, sizes and genres-wondering how all these authors managed to gain a book deal...wondering how they market themselves...wondering-as you dont recognise many of their names how they get their book out there and tempt readers to buy...when you notice your first prospective customer.

They hover, smile nervously...then walk past...
Its fascinating watching the human being in all its guises.
There's the one who catches sight of you early on...sticks their head in the air and almost runs past...
Then there's the one in the cloak of invisibilty...they pretend they aren't there and refuse to give eye contact....
or you become invisible and this customer sails past, the air rippling with the speed of their transit past your table...
The old friend approach...a smile and a nod...enought o raise hope in your breast...and then they too walk by on the other side...but on returning...give you a silently mouthed goodbye and cute wave...
The tutter...glares at you, sneers at the book as he/she saunters past tutting with derision
The "Im not taking a leaflet-it may well infect me with plague" attitude...
Then...at last...one engages in conversation...asks all about the book...enquires about the career...the success...the genre...and says either "Oh kids books/dont have anyone that age/dont like fantasy etc" or "ok thak you-well done"
Next...the roadrunner...on track to bump into your table...at the last minute...veers off to the side, back or round another display to avoid you
Of course my particular favourite is the teaser...looks interested gives you eye contact and then leaves...but just as you lose hope...comes back and gets three copies signed for little Ethel, Fred and Cynthia...
Best of all...the dear old lady who takes your bookmark/leaflet, listens to the spiel and then says..."Have you got that book on Carlisle/ Barrow/ Crewe-or wherever?" You say-"Er no I dont work here Im an author signing theses books..." "Oh well Ill ask at the desk then!"
But better still the person who chats, looks interested, takes the leaflet, gets a book and really engages with you as a person...you want to swop emails and keep in touch!

So...be ready for a roller coaster of emotions, hope, pleasure, irritation, surprise, gratitude...and enjoy! Human nature in all its glory!

Countdown to 47th Keswick to Barrow Walk

   

                                                                                                                                

Busy week ahead-meeting re some FAF business...all very exciting, work and writing and then sorting our wonderful K2B teams out for Saturday. This will be a challenge with 80 walkers-drinks, first aid, food and transport...and ID tags and t shirts to be given out.

K2B or Keswick to Barrow Walk is a fantastic charity event home-grown here in Barrow! Its been going for 46 years-47 this year and has raised phenomenal amounts yet is not well known away from Furness and Cumbria. I will be attempting my 8th walk and if I complete will have 7 under my belt! It sounds a long way and it is! Its 40 miles of undulating, hard lake-land terrain-taking in some of the most beautiful countryside along the way. At one point it rises over 1000 feet and we are privileged to walk the full length of Coniston Water. Its hard, tiring and sometimes painful...but it is for good causes and local charities.

The feeling on the day is fantastic-the companionship, good nature and friendly buzz is electrifying and for one day at least one can reflect on how amazing and good hearted human beings are. The rewards are as many as you want-you can raise large amounts for your chosen charity or can donate into the generic pot. 

Money is shared to help local schools, groups, charities and larger causes like the Hospice, Alice Escapes and Motor Neurone Disease-ours is the lesser known Dystonia Society-a neurological condition. Our local group has had the privilege to receive money for our cause for about 12 years and we have had walkers or teams for 10. We have raised amazing amounts of sponsorship and this year have 2 Coniston to Barrow teams and 5 Keswick to Barrow teams. Its a fantastic day and everyone gets out what they put in...but at the end of the day it is fun, challenging and hugely gratifying-which is why I keep on doing it.