Looking back over my October blog I can see how busy I was. Did that change in November? You tell me.
 
Saturday, 4th November, saw me set up at the Christmas fair in Maidstone, at a hotel that used to be The Hilton. It was a huge event with all the ground floor rooms full of creative folk.
 
Not content with working all day Saturday, on Sunday 5th November I attended a second event the day after at Tonbridge Boys school. What a beautiful place. The historical buildings were breath-taking, and I felt honoured to sit within walls in a room that is used as the OBS (Old Boys school) Art Gallery.
 
The exhibition Karl Blossfeldt: Art Forms in Nature was on display. The exhibition features an original portfolio of 40 photogravures from 1932, which were edited by the artist and published in the year of his death.
 
Blossfeldt (1865-1932) is regarded as one of the defining photographers of the 20th century for his exceptional contribution to the art through his intricate botanical photographs.
During his career, which spanned over three decades and included some 6,000 photographs, Blossfeldt developed homemade cameras and lenses which enabled him to magnify his subjects by up to 30 times.
In doing so, he captured the microcosmic aesthetic of his specimens and revealed the underlying structures of nature, which until then remained unexplored. His photographs also became highly celebrated amongst early modernists and surrealists during the late 1920s.
 
Thursday 9th November saw me at the Ramsgate Recorder newspaper evening launch of their Winter edition. I had cheekily decided to enter their writing competition which I discovered in their Autumn paper. It stated the winning entries would be contacted to be advised of their success. After receiving no communication, a part of me wanted to read who did win.
 
Imagine my surprise to read my piece Dame Janet, within its pages. It appears I was successful after all. Its funny because the same thing happened when I won the Faversham Eye competition with Life After Covid.  in 2020. Again, I wasn’t contacted, and there was a small amount of prize money. Resigned, I drove to Faversham to purchase a copy of the newspaper to see who had won. Opening the copy in the nearby café I discovered I'd won. Even if they did spell my name wrong. You can read Life After Covid on Kindle for 77p. LIFE AFTER COVID eBook : Salter, Carol M.: Amazon.co.uk: Kindle Store
 
Monday 13th November, saw me in a bit of a spin. Picking up my post Monday evening I was surprised to see an envelope marked Buckingham Palace. Inside, a letter from Kensington Palace, written I assume by a member of staff, thanking me for my gift of three copies of Chicken Wizard for George, Charlotte, and Louis. Frankly, I was humbled. Hoping, but never expecting any response for my offering earlier in the year.
 
Tuesday 14th November saw me giving my second talk at a WI Club. This time in Sandwich at the Guildhall. The ladies were very welcoming and the tea and cake awesome.
 
Saturday 18th November saw me at the Angels 4 Dogs Christmas Fair at Birchington.
 
Situated in the heart of Thanet, Kent, Angels4Dogs is a group of compassionate individuals who came together in 2011 with a shared mission: to save, rescue, and rehome stray and unwanted dogs. What began as a small, dedicated team of animal lovers has blossomed into a beacon of hope and transformation for countless canine lives.
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Angels 4 Dogs journey began a decade ago, fuelled by the unwavering belief that every dog deserves a chance at a loving forever home. They recognized the heart-breaking reality that stray and unwanted dogs often face—abandonment, neglect, and a life of uncertainty. It was this recognition that ignited a spark of compassion, and that spark soon blazed into a full-fledged commitment to making a difference. Feel free to follow the link and make a donation, or consider adopting a dog. Angels 4 Dogs: Rescuing, Fostering & Rehoming in Kent, UK
 
Saturday 25th November saw me covering, not one, but two events on the same day. Fortunately, the first was for the Pop-up Bookshop at Pierremont park, Broadstairs. Chris Horn a fellow author has taken it upon himself to run individual pop-up events throughout Broadstairs. Selling his own, and that of other local authors. On this occasion he collected my books, because I was also booked in another fair in Faversham, at the Alexander Centre.
 
I’m please to say I’ve finished line editing my clients book, and also Inspiration Writers Group next publication, Indigo.
 
This leaves me free over December to finally get back to my own work, along with two more fairs.
 
I always appreciate a thumbs up if you enjoyed the read. It lets me know I’m not writing into the ether. Bye for now. Carol

Term One went fast and no mistake, probably helped by me having two gigantic events for two of the weekends in October.
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The beginning of the month saw me in Rochester for the first time ever. Totally humbled after being asked by Under the Rainbow (UTR) Events, to consider joining their fellow artisans at the Rochester Art Fair. Sadly, I saw only glimpses of the beautiful historic city due to early starts and journeys home.

The talent displayed in the artwork at the fair was beyond belief. I don’t know about under the rainbow, their work was most definitely over it. Frankly, I was a bit in awe of everyone around me.

If you didn’t get a chance to pop by—it is a bit of a hike if you live in East Kent—and there are too few examples on the UTR website. I know they have another event planned at Bluewater from 28th November to 30th December, if you are thinking of doing some Christmas shopping.

After Rochester I headed off to Eastbourne and my perennial favourite, Wyntercon. Celebrating its decade anniversary in 2023, this was the busiest I’ve ever seen it. At one point, there were more aliens in the three halls than there were humans. I felt very out-numbered. Like Rochester, every trader and artisan was lovely. No miserable folk, even those trying hard to be so for their roles—it didn’t work they were still sweeties. You can see photos of the event on my Past Conferences page.

And then I met Arnold J. Rimmer.

From the late 1980’s to the mid 1990’s I watched every episode of the twelve series and all the cast members were my icons. Never in a million years did I expect to meet one of the cast, let alone speak to them. To find my table was a mere 30 feet away from Chris Barrie caused me no end of joy. Of course, I sneaked a few photos of him, not very clear at that distance from behind a table. Then someone said I could say hello for nothing. Suddenly, I was a bundle of nerves. What would I say? How would I address a legend? Not to mention his Brittas Empire fame—another favourite of mine.

I decided, after many sideways glances that saying hello wasn’t enough. I’d pluck up enough courage to have my photo etc taken. Then if I messed up speaking it wouldn’t matter, I’d have the proof. He shook my hand. He was nice, kind and polite. I suppose a small part of me thought he’d be a tiny bit like Rimmer & Brittas, but he wasn’t, he was a gentleman. Despite the millions of times folk, including me, gave him the Rimmer salute. He never returned it. Then I saw him, with the last person on day one, he stood up and gave her the salute before he finished for the day. And god did he work. He stayed at that table, smiling, being kind hour after hour. I would have either left or snappily said go away long before. Then he came back a second day and spent six more hours sitting being kind. Maybe, I’m not cut out for fame after all, I’m not sure I could stay so mild-mannered.

But it most certainly was the highlight of my year, and he hugged me. He’s a great hugger too. I could talk about Chris Barrie all night, but I bet you want to hear where I am with the writing!

I’ve got five projects on the go currently. As some of you may be aware, I run my own publishing business. I’ve been line editing a client’s novel, while at the same time proof editing Inspirations Writers Group’s next anthology, Indigo. And also proof-editing my own next novel to be released, Between Here & Hell. In addition, I’m overseeing the illustrations for two new picture books coming out in the new year, Shea Pingle and the Swarm, and Mustard & Marmalade Dachshund dog Detectives, both aimed at 9- to 11-year-olds. Mustard and Marmalade contain photos of local dachshunds on the back page, with their owners consent naturally.

Lastly, I was asked to run a creative writing session for some yr 2 and yr 3 primary school students locally. I was terrified, but I loved it. Hope they enjoyed it too.

Is that enough? I think so. Please give a thumbs up if you enjoyed the read.

Until November, see my News page for details of my next event, its local.
 

 

Summer break over, the children are back to school, and I have two last weekends of calm and serenity before the following eight weeks fire up into a plethora of signing and selling activity.

Starting off on Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th October I’m in the Corn Exchange at the Rochester Art Fair, where I’ve been invited by Under the Rainbow events to sell my novels etc. Chicken Wizard will be making his first appearance at a Regional event and I’m excited for his next step towards fame and forture. (8) Facebook
 
Not that I’m sitting around doing nothing till then. Week day evenings are spent line and developmental editing client work. Weekends are spent editing my next novel Between Here and Hell and overseeing the illustrations for Shea Pingle and Mustard and Marmalade picture books. In between, I work, do Karate, and attend writing groups.

I’m too frightened to write at present. I know if I sit down another novel will be spinning off my fingers. I already have twenty-four more sitting on the laptop from fantasy novels to comedy scripts and more picture books stories. Most people get writer’s block. I wish. What is the opposite of that? What is running away writing called? Writer’s diarrhoea? Maybe not.

Give me a word, a phrase, a sentence, and I’m off. A hedgehog in my garden last night becomes the first pilot on a rocket ship into space. A four-year-old child grows wings and flies off into the sky, while her parents look on in horror. A candle on the dining table melts, slowly grows legs, jumps down off the table and runs away. Mice build a school. Clouds have the ability to speak to certain folk. Mountains do move and Rome was built in a day – by aliens. There is no end to my imagination, or yours. You can write anything, about anything – if you want to.

It depends why you write or want to. Yes, I’d love to be wealthy from being an author, but in these days with every man, and his non-binary dog, fairy, hedgehog, or four-year-old with wings able to read or write, the ability to get published is like winning the lottery. In fact, winning the lottery is a lot easier and more likely. I should know I won £100 on the Premium Bonds this week and still publishers/agents don’t know I exist. I’m an unknown.

You might write your life story to leave a legacy for your family and friends, but to be perfectly honest. Nobody cares. Everyone alive has had an interesting and varied life. Everyone thinks they are the only person ever to experience terror, depression, suicidal thoughts, and conversely ecstasy, happiness, love. But human emotions can be experienced in numerous events and situations. They don’t all have to be Hell on Earth.

So, why write? You might be like me, and you can’t stop. I also would like a tiny part of me to exist when I’m dead. After about ten years I’ll be forgotten, along with most of us. My hubby assures me he will follow my wish and get me turned into a diamond when that happens. I could end up as the new diamond primary drive on a starship to Alpha Centuri. That might be my writing diarrhoea starting up again.

You can write for yourself, but why? You can write for family/friends, but why would they want to read it? I’ve watched those antique shows where relatives bring in beautiful items from their recently dearly departed and flog them. There’s no guarantee they would read your words, instead they might use them to light a fire to keep warm. There are certainly enough books in the world now.

I put my work on-line, but I know electricity won’t last forever. One day that boat will sail too, but maybe for longer than the fire. Writing is demoralising, too many people trying to get their work out there with too few publishing houses. Places that can be so choosy. If I’d been born over a hundred years ago, I would have nailed it. Charles dickens wouldn’t have had a hope.

So, I’m back to waiting for my lottery tickets. Of course, if I win the lottery I will become wealthy. Will I write then? Probably not. Unless my second husband is a hedgehog pilot, and my four year old daughter flies off to Alpha Centuri with her non-binary dog.
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Till next time
 
 
 
 

 Not as much accomplished as I'd hoped over the last four weeks. True one of those was spent onboard the MSC World Europa Cruise Ship. Boarding at Barcelona to join 6,999 others, (Its a hop-on, hop-off style cruise) we travelled to Marseilles, Genoa, Naples, Messina and Valletta.
Quick recap - Staff wonderful, clean throughout. Certain countries don't know how to restrain and distract  their children, preferring to let them run and scream (yes I mean scream) throughout the whole place, including the resturants. Relaxing? Not so much.
They also don't care if they get drunk under 16 yrs old either. I watched one European mum passing cocktails to her obviously drunk son after I saw the bartender make it with enough vodka to put me to sleep.
Add to that smoking is permitted in certain areas which sadly meant I couldn't go near them and we will be looking for an over 18+ no smoking ship next time - if there is one. 
I'd personally like to thank Marko, the cruise director, staff in the British Pub, Mixology bar and our cabin staff.
See my Podcast on YouTube for highlights of the cruise. (carol m. salter)

Last week saw me volunteering the whole weekend at the Heritage Sprint Betteshanger. My husband volunteered as mid-track marshal for the whole weekend too, so I didn't see much of him. I became floating volunteer for the majority of the event. That meant standing outside on the roundabout directing traffic for several hours, and Sunday  doing my own bit of marshalling in an attempt to prevent collisions between wayward campers and folk on demo electric bikes.
Made a new friend too, saying Hi to Paul at Oakley Motorcycles. You really should consider going for a test ride with Oakley M/C. I understand they do traditional bikes as well as electric bikes.

This weekend saw me with a table at St Peters Church Sandwich. There was a bit of a mix up, probably on both our parts, but the staff at the venue were great and set me up. My thanks to all of them and the lady who bought me a lovely cup of tea.
Did you know the church is now run as a second-hand shop with book area and craft stalls on a permanent basis? Its well worth a dip inside if you're ever in Sandwich. Their stock has a rapid turn over and there's always something to catch my eye. Curtains, lamps, small occasional tables, gallons of toys, ceramics, even three seater sofas have been known to arrive and vanish in days. Currently there's a glut of nice small dining tables if you need one. Add to that the craft stalls; semi-precious stones, jewellery, cushions, ingenious wooden craft stall at the back of the hall and there's gifts and presents abound if you're ever at a loss for birthdays etc. 
For me, ever the glutton, there's a welcoming café area with scrummy home-made cakes, they do gluten free too. Plus sausage rolls, scones, crumpets. My mouth is watering at the thought. And the prices? Beats Costa any day. One time I purchased a complete ginger cake and took it home. Told you, the glutton. Didn't take me long to eat it either.

Back to my writing, since I now have several editing projects coming in, I'm going to start sectioning my time. Weekends for my own work, and week day evenings for professional editing stuff. Otherwise, I find myself avoiding doing one or the other. Its funny how the inside of the bins looks interesting, and my son's disgusting dirty sock collection fascinating when you're subconsciously trying to find alternatives to work.

Well I'm here now, sort of because I've now become distracted my my blog, noticing its 21st of the month and I always blast off one a month. Another delaying tactic? Maybe. I'm going to open Between Here and Hell now because my husband will be in one hour asking for food.
Till Sept,

I'm excited to report the Chicken Wizard launch went amazingly well. Hope I haven’t jinxed anything by saying that. I’ve already sold over quarter of the large print run, and I’ve yet to attend several large events booked for 2023.

Locally, the uptake as been humbling, with friends, schools and shops accepting copies. I took a couple of copies to Birchington Primary on behalf of local author Kaz H who donated them. I donated two copies to Holy Trinity & St John’s school, in part to thank them for hosting the Lausanne School Reunion and because I went to the original Holy Trinity Primary school myself.

I’m so glad school holidays are here because I’ve a lots to get through these next few weeks, having not one, Shea Pingle and the Swarm with the illustrator Ellie, but also Mustard and Marmalade Dachshund Dog Detectives; their first case, The Missing Fillet Steak. I was delighted when Ellie told me, and then showed me that she could illustrate these characterful dogs. Seems there are no limits to her skills.

I plan to feature a page of photos of Dachshunds inside the back cover, so if you have such a doggy and would like them to be part of this exciting adventure feel free to send me a lovely photo of them. Bear in mind there is no payment, and by sending the photo you are agreeing to it being shared in the book without copyright. On the positive side, your dog will be around for years and lots of folk will admire and enjoy their image.

Inspirations Writers Group is going from strength to strength with Indigo nearing completion. Every members is working hard to get this, our sixth anthology off the ground. There are a lot of exciting pieces and poems which highlight how much the members skills have increased since joining the group.

In-between critiquing Inspirations work, I continue apace with my own work nearing the end of my current novel, Between Here and Hell. I’m also involved with developmental editing work elsewhere.

I’m pleased that I’ve a short break coming and plan to re-commence my Sackful of Dragons novel during that time. It’s about twins in foster care who find a sack of baby dragons in an alley in Margate, and decide to raise them without their foster carer, Grace, finding out. Not as easy as it seems, especially when the local gang get a whiff of Terri and Todd’s shenanigans.

And if you know any traditional agents or publishers, give them a push in my direction.
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Till August.

PS - click on the photo to see it in full.

These last few weeks have seen things moving backwards and forwards so rapidly I’ve almost given myself an stomach ulcer.

The main focus of my month has been the publication of Chicken Wizard. Its been fraught with emails zooming between myself, my formatter, and the new printing company for my picture books—Swallowtail.
I wanted to use my current printing company but sadly they were unable to furnish the thicker paper that is needed for picture books (who knew!)

I want to take this opportunity to thank Faye and Geoff for their input working on that specific element. Also, to Ellie for her amazing illustrations, and Lucie and Geoff (again) for their efforts making the cover and content so professional. Thank you all of you.

I’ve already taken several pre-orders.

Seems that a remarkable bird wearing a wizarding hat, is collecting some interest, no doubt about that!

Launch Date
Saturday 8th July 2023
 
At 10 am to 12 midday at The Classroom Bookshop, Westgate. CT8 8QY
 
At 1 pm to 3 pm at Taddy’s Barn Eatery & Cafe, Margate. CT10 3BN
 
Whilst Chicken Wizard has been in negotiations, I’ve been attending various events in East Kent. First, the Kent Fest at Quex Park, and though it had a good range of music, food and stalls it wasn’t as good as I hoped.
I’m attending the Kent Country Show on the Sunday 27th & Monday 28th August, also at Quex park so hopefully that will be better as Chicken Wizard will have joined the party.
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I did really well at the Sandwich Le Weekend event just gone, selling a good amount of books. Next on my list is back in Sandwich on is the 1st and 2nd July at the Folk & Ale Festival. The craft fair is situated inside St Peter’s church in the centre of town, you can’t miss it.
 
Books aside, I’m also involved as a volunteer at the Heritage Sprint Weekend, a bike race event being held at Betteshanger Country park, near Deal. If you book tickets on-line its £5 cheaper.
 
Finally, for those who love Aquasapien, you might be excited to know, I was caught by the writing bug and started the first chapter of book Four – Legacy. In between editing Between Here and Hell, of course.

You can pre-order Chicken Wizard using my contact page.

Till the Launch.

​You’ll be pleased to know Chicken Wizard is about to be printed. I have already taken pre-orders for this book, my first picture book aimed at 7- to 9-year-olds. Like all first print runs this is likely to do well.
I’ve seen Aquasapien 1st Edition going for £22 second-hand via on-line book shops.
 
If you’d like to pre-order just leave your details on the contact page and I’ll contact you as soon as they reach my hands.
 
I’m all set to start my next picture book, Shea Pingle and the Swarm, aimed at 9-to 11-yr-olds. Shea Pingle is a fairy who works as a Bee Botherer. Her job is to wake the local hive each morning, then travel around the flowers during the day to wake any bees caught dozing.
 
I’ve been super busy these last few weeks despite recovering from my spine issue and paralysis. On 22nd April I was at a craft fair in Herne Bay selling and signing. The last weekend in April I went to Reeth in North Yorkshire to support my husband doing a charity walk.
Each year he, and five veteran chums, walked the Squaddie hike in Aid of the Queen’s Regiment Benevolent Fund. In the ensuing twelve months one of their number passed away from Bone cancer. Add to that one of our local buddy’s died of the same condition, and my hubby decided to walk the fifteen-mile distance alone in aid of the Bone Cancer Trust.
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/tan-hill-walk-for-paul
 
Monday fifteen of May saw me dashing up to Bluewater after work, following an invitation for Ewa & Louise to display and sell my work at the Under the Rainbow Art Exhibition and fashion show. The pieces of art on show are incredible. If you manage to get up there, do go and visit the exhibition.
This uplifting exhibition showcases both professional and emerging talent from across the UK. Alongside over 60 exhibiting artists, there will be other displays including local schools and community projects, as well as donated artwork for sale in support of local charity, My Shining Star.
The exhibition is open daily in the Lower Rose Gallery from 11 am to 8 pm Monday to Saturday, and 11 am to 5 pm on Sundays.
https://bluewater.co.uk/articles/under-rainbow-art-exhibition-returns-0

This Saturday just gone, I attended a signing and selling event at the Festival of Transport Faversham, and on the Sunday did a bit of recon at MarvelSC Comicon at Quex Park. It was busy and expensive, but it looked like everyone was having a good time. Plus, they have a marquee full of authors, so maybe next year, despite the cost. When I factor in hotels and travels, the large cost for a stall didn't seem quite so large.

On Saturday 3rd and Sunday 4th June I'm at Kent Fest, Quex. I’ve got a Craft Fair at Sandwich on 10th and 11th June, and another pop-up Bookshop in Broadstairs on 25th to 27th June.

Meanwhile, I continue to write. I'm waiting for Ellie, my latest illustrator to come back on-line once she finishes her art assignments. Then we'll begin illustrating Shea Pingle. I'm still editing the heck out of Between Here and Hell which slowed a bit following the dislocation of my thumb two weeks ago. Did I forget to say that?
Till next time, stay safe and well. Carol. M.

So much has happened in the last four weeks, it’s hard to believe it.

Today, was my day for spinal surgery, a discectomy. Removal of a herniated disc that was impinging on one of my spinal nerves. As I’m writing you can see that never happened. To recap, sciatica six months getting worse. Surgery today and 2nd MRI and 2nd consultation to confirm the week beforehand.

That all changed on Monday 13th March when the pain became intolerable. I couldn’t stand up at work. Had to be collected and taken home. I remember lying curled up in my hallway waiting for the analgesia I’d taken to work so I could crawl upstairs to bed.

As the pain eased, so did all sensation down my entire right leg. I’d never been so happy to be pain-free. Was this the price I was going to pay? I wondered. At that point I didn’t care. I didn’t even consider not being able to ride my Harley ever again. I was still in awe of no more pain.

Problems began when I tried standing the next day. Wanting to go to the loo, up till then I’d been out of it on meds, and crawling. The outer side of my thigh, back of my knee, outer side of my calf, outer side of my foot, entire sole, heel, and three toes didn’t exist. I know. I took my sharp embroidery scissors, and points open, poked them in the entire length to check. Nothing. A few specks of blood is all.

Standing got easier. No pain. Lovely, but also no feeling. Returning to the doctor for his comments on the second MRI I was informed my body had done the surgery for him, and it was no longer required. He had seen it happen a couple of times. It appeared my vertebrae, unhappy with the state of affairs had taken matters into their own hands—or should that be bones—and excised the offending piece. He advised me that it would remain floating around in my back.

That statement made me re-consider something that happened 24 yrs ago. I slipped a disc lifting my son off the floor when he was a baby. A short while later, a lump appeared on the left side of my back. It’s still there today, like a piece of gristle. I’ll let you know if the same happens on the right side.

Its weird because I made my first incantation a few days earlier asking my body to pull together in sorting this out. I also decided afterwards, for a really silly reason, to go out on my motorbike one last time, realising I might never be able to ride one again. The potholes might have had something to do with it, but I was careful.

Consultant says, the paralysis is normal, (wish he’d told me that before), and sensation should gradually return. If it doesn’t, I’m planning to discuss my first tattoo with a local artist, phobia be dammed.

This issue has overshadowed my month, but I still managed to complete Chicken Wizard. It’s at the cover designer and formatter now. Already lined up my printing company as my usual one can’t cover picture books the way I want them. Would love an agent for these, but I know it’s not going to happen. Deep into Between Here & Hell. About to start Shea Pingle and the Swarm.

Other activities continue apace. Been to a Ladies night. Did a signing and selling event in Faversham, have another in Herne Bay on;

Saturday 22nd  April at Herne Bay High school.

Did a ride-out to the Heritage Sprint event at Betteshanger Park. Was a bit dubious but managed fine. Luckily I’m left footed, so always lean to the left. Right foot only ever use inner part of foot and big toe. Amazing what you discover, even at my age.


Managed to get to grips with the layout for my writing group’s next anthology Indigo, so that’s in progress. A new layout and newly designed cover being developed.
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​ In 2020, the Faversham Eye on-line newspaper announced a competition. We had Covid going on, so they aptly entitled the entries, Life After Covid. 

It was a dark time. I had plenty of time of my hands, my mind, and my imagination. So I entered, not thinking I'd get anywhere. I hadn't got anywhere in the other comps I'd entered over the years.

Following the country's mood, I decided to make it dark, very dark. I considered worst case scenarios, and as usual followed my instincts, not knowing where the story was leading me.


I didn't expect to win. I actually found out by mistake. A few weeks after the closure date, I decided to get the courage up to read the winning entries in their paper. I'd received no contact from the paper, so assumed someone else had won. I almost fell off my chair. I had to re-read it several times. I read the runners-up. They were okay, not emotional, not urgent like mine. More descriptive. 

I was elated until I noticed they'd spelt my name wrong. I contacted them to tell the paper it was me who'd won and also request they amend my surname. They could do this on-line but not in hard copy because the print run was done. I wish I'd been their proof editor!

Its taken me some time to float down on my airy cloud after that. Nothing new has happened. I purchased several hard copies of the edition it was published in. I name dropped - a lot. It made me feel like a proper writer at last. Someone actually liked it. I like it too. I've had a number of folk ask me for the book, seeing this as the first chapter in a dystopian world - which it is.

Currently, I'm really busy with From Here to Hell which is going to need such a re-write no one is going to recognise it.  Chicken Wizard is around the corner. Shea Pingle in in the wings (literally), and Mustard and Marmalade are poking their heads above the parapet. Had enough clichés?

My illustrator for CW is doing Shea Pingle too. Check out the blurry draft image on the Shea Pingle page here. I'm  currently interviewing a 2nd illustrator for Mustard and Marmalade - no confirmed name yet.

The pop-up Bookshop in Broadstairs did quite well, I sold a few copies. Chris Horn plans to run another couple through the year. I ended up buying 4 books, and it was fascinating to meet all the writers and feel part of a 'tribe'. Yes I learnt some new words last night on a writers social. Just trying to keep you updated, we don't want to fall behind on the world social scene. Tribe describes, your social group these days. I also received an education on Gammon and Karen which left me speechless. In turn I shared my word, which a couple of folk didn't know, vivarium. Not on a par with the others but still I knew it, and they didn't, so I had a brief nano-second of smugness.

On a personal front, I'm likely to have some time to move the above novel onwards due to heading off for spinal surgery in the next four weeks. Yes I'm terrified, but if I wait any longer I'll be part owner of the companies who manufacture, Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, Codeine, Tramadol, Co-codamol, & Voltarol at this rate.
I'm more gutted about not being allowed to do Karate, street dance and yoga for a minimum of three months. No driving for 2 - 4 weeks and worse still probably no Harley out for eons. Sad face emoji.

Till next time.
Please give me a thumbs up if you like my words, sometimes I feel like I'm writing in a vacuum. Or should that be hoover? Feel free to comment.

In January, I was thinking I had a few months to relax before the start of my hectic author signing commitments for 2023. I’ve booked twenty-three events so far. Along with my literary festivals, and weekend-long ComiCon’s, I’ve a gaming convention, classic car weekend, and a large number of craft Fairs dotted around the county.
We’re in February and my first event now starts next weekend. Chris Horn, another local author, is taking a leaf out of my book. This time he’s beat me to it and managed to organise his very own Pop-up Bookshop. And he’s invited yours truly to sell her books there. Thanks Chris.
The event runs from Friday 24th to Sunday 26th February, at 27 Albion street, Broadstairs. There are books to suit everyone’s taste, including mine of course. Twenty-three authors are bringing their wares, and many, like me (I’m doing Saturday afternoon and Sunday all day) will be there to sign their books so you can get a unique copy.
My Aquasapien Metamorphosis signed copy is currently selling for £22 on Book Depository and Amazon. I’ve realised what I need to do is sign them and put them direct on Amazon myself for £22. I knew I’d gone wrong somewhere!
Please consider coming to visit the shop over the weekend, just putting your face in the door to support us would be amazing. Its near Bradstow Mill pub I believe.
On another topic, writing (what else LOL) Last night saw me finish my seventh novel renamed Between Here and Hell. Originally, it was Between Worlds because that’s where they go, but I decided it wasn’t the whole story so renamed it. I’ve got to think of a cover next and of course edit it until I’m brain weary. Can’t believe at 75,000 words I was thinking it’s not far from finished, I’ll just do a few more pages and that will be it. I finished it at over 98,000 words and I’m guessing it won’t be ending there once editing changes are made.
I’ve noticed a pattern in this blog I didn’t see at the beginning. It’s the year 2023. I’m doing 23 events, there are 23 authors going to the Pop-up bookshop and I’ve written 23,000 words. If the lottery comes up with number 23 in it this week, let me know, and if you win millions think of this aspiring writer who assisted you in reaching your dream. A few bob would come in quite nicely about now.