Someone has posted a lovely review of my novel Paint Me A Picture, over on Facebook. I particularly like the phrase 'beautifully undulating' in the post - at least I do when it's about my book. I might not be so keen if it referred to the author! Paint Me A Picture is available here … Continue reading A lovely review
Wednesday word of the week – Clarigation
My writer friend Sheila Crosby shares my enthusiasm for unusual and interesting words, and suggested a few for this blog, including today's. A clarigation, is a demand for restitution of a wrong or injury. If that wasn't received, war would be declared! Sounds as though it should be something friendlier, doesn't it? Apparently clarigations … Continue reading Wednesday word of the week – Clarigation
Can’t choose your family
Can't Choose Your Family, my collection of 25 'related' stories, is currently reduced to 99p / 99c Chloe's dad wishes she'd talk to him. How can he help her without knowing what's wrong? There's a way he can find out, but not without losing her trust. He can't risk that. Doug's dad would rather not … Continue reading Can’t choose your family
A double bouquet of free stories
Two of my short story collections are currently free to download. In The Garden Air Dorothy used to hate the noise of lawnmowers starting up, like a kind of horticultural Mexican sound wave, but that was before Luke was the one in charge of the machine. Betsie used to hate the awful Valentine's gimmicks people … Continue reading A double bouquet of free stories
Wednesday Word Of The Week – Idyll
An idyll is a simple, happy and peaceful situation or period of time, or picturesque scene or incident. Often they're rustic, rural or romantic (or all three). It can also mean a poem or other artwork which describes something so idyllic. Some of the places we visit with our van are idyllically suited to my becoming an idyllist.
A Change
My story A Change Of Outlook is in the current (April) edition of Take A Break's Fiction Feast. It's not unusual for editors to change the title the author gave the story. In this case that hasn't happened, but a character's name has been changed - form Edith to Patricia. I've no idea why, although … Continue reading A Change
A year and a bit, for less
My romantic comedy, A Year And A Day, is currently on sale through Amazon UK at 99p and Amazon US for 99c. Despite Stella's misgivings, her best friend Daphne persuades her to visit a fortune teller. Rosie-Lee promises both girls will live long and happy lives. For orphaned Stella, the fortune teller's claims include the … Continue reading A year and a bit, for less
Wednesday word of the week – Pareidolia
Pareidolia is what causes us to see faces in inanimate objects, such as this big toothed, none too happy, bloke at Clun Castle, Shropshire. I don't know the name of the opposite thing - where I catch sight of my own face and see a crumbling ruin!
Being A Mother
I have a story in the current issue of My Weekly. It's called Being A Mother, and this is the week before Mother's Day here in the UK - it's like someone plans these things!* *Of course someone does - no doubt very carefully.
Bargain book
Paint Me A Picture is reduced to 99p / 99c for the next few days 'Death with manners... a page-turner in the very gentlest of ways, almost reminiscent of Alexander McCall Smith's writing style.' 5 stars 'A very satisfying, uplifting read.' 5 stars 'Intriguing page-turner.' 5 stars Get it here