My Blog

On location

It was a thrill to spend an afternoon at Cresswell Pele Tower, setting for much of 'Star of the Sea'.  Thanks to an inspirational comunity archeology project the once-derelict building has been superbly restored - .see here: www.cresswellpeletower.org.uk.. It was a...

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Launch event for ‘Star of the Sea’

Preston Tower was the fantastic venue for the launch of 'Star of the Sea'. Around 80 people attended on a glorious June evening; the original portrait of Elizabeth Cresswell, the novel's heroine, was on display and guests were able to enjoy the view from the top of...

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Star of the Sea

I’m very excited that we are getting close to publication date for my new novel, Star of the Sea. It will be available from June 15th, and there’ll be a launch on June 10th at Preston Tower. Get in touch if you live locally! Although, like the Cuthbert novels, it is...

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Wordsworth’s daffodils

The unexpected mildness after the late March frosts and snow has brought a surge of spring growth. Suddenly there are daffodils everywhere, in gardens and hedgerows, on roadsides and trading estates, ubiquitous clumps of yellow, shouting aloud, spring is here! Have...

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In praise of dullness

I started my career as a writer when we – my husband and myself – were living with my elderly father and looking after him. As his condition deteriorated, the demands on us increased till it became difficult to sustain any outside commitments. I adored my father and...

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Endings

July brings two endings:  the first draft of the new novel and a house move. As to the novel, of course a first draft is only the beginning of the end. All the business of first readers, publishers, re-drafting and editing lies ahead. But that daily assignment with...

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