Here at last!
Well...it's hard to believe, but after a lot of anxious moments, my latest story is available to read on Kindle. So, if you're looking for a spot of summer reading, why not give it a try, and please, do let me know what you think. If you prefer to handle the pages of a real book, then I hope it will be available very soon. I am awaiting a proof copy, so that I can give it the go ahead. Watch this space!
By far the best part of writing a book are those hours spent cloistered away dreaming up the story, meeting and interacting with the characters, and playing around with words. But this time I have had extra fun designing my own cover. I hope you like it. I chose to have a picture of a waterfall, as that is an important element in my story. This waterfall I have known since childhood, and is very special to me. The wild garlic proved to be a bit of a problem, for it doesn't grow in these parts. On my recent visit to Cahors, I spotted some bunches for sale on a market stall, for it is much prized by cooks. So! I knew that it was in season. But try as I might, I couldn't spot any growing in the wild. Then, as luck would have it, I came across some burgeoning in the hedgerows on our daily walk to the sea from our cottage in Wales. I began to snap wildly, for I knew it wouldn't last. Et voila! I had the all important wild garlic to add to my cover picture. But why is it so crucial? Do read my story, and find out.
The Scent of Wild Garlic
This is to let you know that my latest novel will be coming up soon. All winter long I have been writing this story, transported back to Africa where this fictional family was born, on the wings of memories. Now , thanks to a couple of good friends who have acted as 'first readers' it is ready to be introduced to the world. But here's the rub. Whilst I have discovered the delights of writing, so have many, many others. The market is crowded and it is easy to become submerged. But I am determined to let this new story rise to the surface. Like so many other authors, I am currently sending it to the few publishers who still accept unsolicited submissions. But it's a tough world out there. So, whichever way it is published, either traditionally, or self-published, I will keep you posted. I feel sure that you will enjoy my story.
Torn apart by colonialism , a family gathers from all over the world for a family funeral. But the scent of wild garlic stirs up memories of a childhood holiday here. Suddenly, the past can not be ignored.
A Story about Love, Longing, and Belonging.
At last!
It has been quite an experience learning my way around self- publishing...almost worth a blog section in its own right. But at last I can announce that my latest novel is available to buy both as a paperback and as an e book on Amazon. My story is called 'Ruby Tuesdays.' It is part romance, and part reflection on the state of modern Britain, and how this impinges on its young people. If you should choose to read it, I do hope that you will enjoy it. Either way, I should love to read your thoughts in the form of an Amazon and/or a 'Good Reads ' book review. Happy reading!
Sam and Ella both find life difficult to negotiate, as young people in present day Britain. Sam's mother Eva searches country-wide for her missing son, while Ella's father, an insouciant British politician, seems unaware of his daughter's distress. At some time in the future they all come together around Ruby Tuesdays, a jazz café in London , where Sam and Ella have found the key to happiness.
The best laid plans of mice and men....etc. etc.! I had planned to announce my new book today, after approving the proof copy that is winging its way to me via the French postal system. But alas, our postal delivery was delayed yesterday, and I am still waiting for it. This is a new experience for me, as I have self published my book via the services of Kindle Direct Publishing. But never fear. Tomorrow , it may be here. Fingers crossed it will be ready for public viewing.
Coming soon...
After many trials and tribulations, I hope to be able to announce the publication of my next novel within the next few days. Here are a few clues about the story.
Because You Were There
Bringing the Windrush story to life
"This amazing book is a lovely and delightful read that is thought provoking at the same time, with a pacy, touching, and gripping story line that engrosses the reader."
" ...a wonderfully enjoyable read, a novel driven by a finely paced plot and peopled by engaging characters.
"It is no mean feat for a novelist to gently weave the iniquities of ethnocentricity into an entertaining narrative."
" I could see it as a reference text in secondary schools, bringing the Windrush story to life in narrative form."
"A Compelling read."
Where to purchase your copy :
Available in paperback or e reader from the following sites:
Amazon
Waterstones
Any profits from the sale of this book will be donated to The Runnymede Trust and Scope.