Time marches on, stopping for no one, not even me. Recently walking again without a limp. I'm back at Karate and Yoga, albeit with some amendments to the moves that involve my Achilles tendon. This Saturday see's the launch of my writing group Inspirations, Indigo Anthology. The sixth in the series and the best one yet. Bigger in size and pages, larger font to make it easier to read. It's a credit to the members of the current group and I am so proud of them. The launch is happening this Saturday 23rd March 11.00 to 12.30 at Westgate Galleria, Station Rd, Westgate & 1 to 3pm at Taddy's Barn Eatery, St George's Hill, Northdown. (Free Tea & Coffee) Please consider finding the time to come along and support them. Following on from the anthology, my own eighth novel Between Here & Hell is due for release hopefully in late May. I promised a sneak peek at the cover and here it is, together with the back cover blog. "Emma Marnier’s life shatters one quiet night at home with her cat Widgett. Discovering multiple dimensions exist, and the complexities of love, she journeys to understand why she is being hounded. Her path leads her to Hell. Do its denizens and horrendous punishments really exist? And if so, will Emma survive to uncover the truth? " Details of the launch to follow in my April blog. Meanwhile writing continues apace. My next picture book, Shea Pingle and the Swarm is heading towards its final illustrations and I've just signed another illustrator Danny for the first picture book about Timmy and His Magic Toe Beans.
I've a total of seven picture books waiting completion, where are traditional publishers when you need them? I've also picked up and restarted my novel, A Sackful of Dragons to continue writing that story. Its about twins in foster care in Margate who discover, you've guessed it, a sack full of baby dragons and decide to rear them without Grace, their foster carer, knowing. Nothing could be easier could it? Unless you add a bullying kids gang into the mix. This story exists alongside the Witch on the Warpath trilogy time frame. Over time I've found it never does one good to become too confident in this writing lark. There are many ways you get knocked back down and put in your place. The highlight of mine being the 146 rejections letters I received in the past. My heart broke each more with everyone till only chocolate held me together. Once published be prepared, that doesn't change. rejections come in all manner of formats just like books. In lockdown 2020, I decided to read all of my first novel, Witch on the Warpath out on my YouTube channel. Its still on there, one chapter a week for 26 weeks. I was devastated to discover as I read that it contained spelling, and grammar errors. Once I knew they were there I couldn't live with them. They ate away at my writing soul, while I succumbed to feasting on chocolate once more. I re-edited the book, then paid for another print run, casting any original copies away. My heart easing after. Last year, someone pointed out there was a spelling mistake on the blurb of What If? Again devastation and chocolate. I did not discard the whole print run, can't afford to at £500+ per run. Saturday? You've guessed. There's one letter missing in Chicken Wizard! Noooo. Where's the chocolate, give it to me now! Both these will be amended in the next print runs, but for now I can't afford to do it. Plus, someone has mentioned that if I ever did become famous these copies might just be worth more. So, hold on to your original copies, store them in the attic, or better still, wait till the next print run. Chocolate? Who needs chocolate?
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I need to accept that none of my months are quiet. You’d think if I had no events in the winter months, I’d have time to rest, enjoy and recuperate, even sustaining an injury which has had me on crutches, my world races along like a formula one driver on a go-kart track. Maybe that should be around the other way?
January saw me become victim to a poorly handled and controlled overloaded warehouse food trolley which careered into the back of my left leg cutting through my Achilles tendon. Three days non-weight-bearing on crutches (one day off work because it was the weekend) Then back to work on crutches which were riskier partially weight-bearing than without. I did away with them after one day. Four weeks later, still slight limp and still open wound on heel, but returning slowly to health. Thank goodness no events until March, I don’t know how I would have managed any of them on crutches, as I hit the ground running then with eight events almost back-to-back. The week before the injury I went to London for the weekend (my Christmas pressie from hubby) and walked miles. Going to the Ritz for high tea – not as impressed as I expected to be, and then the Waldorf – stunning. Publishing continues apace. I am so proud to say, my writing group Inspirations, launches their sixth anthology in the rainbow series, INDIGO, on Saturday 23rd March. At Westgate Galleria, Station Road, Westgate from 11 to 12.30 pm. And Taddy’s Barn Eatery from 1pm to 3pm (free tea/coffee ) You will also be able to purchase the previous books in the series too. They look amazing on the shelves together. This series is a limited edition. Only one print run was ever completed. We only have seven copies of Red left so if you’d like them on your shelves please come along. The members have endured much recently and made a great effort to ensure Indigo is a shining example of their work. With only Violet to go, we will be moving into genre inspired anthologies once the end of the rainbow draws to a close. And well as completing Indigo formatting, cover, printing, proofing, press releases and marketing, I’ve finished my next novel, a dark fantasy, Between Here and Hell. It’s in the final post-formatting. The draft cover arrived today, and I love it. Watch out for my March blog when I’m adding a sneak preview. On the publishing front all aspects have increased in price meaning a small increase in my prices too to cover costs. To be honest in reality I’d need my books to cost £50 each to cover my total costs. Writing, formatting, illustrating and printing are only small part of the finances. You could write the best novel in the world, but if you don’t spend many hours and lots of money advertising it, marketing, attending events and promoting it, it will be to no avail. I’ll bet somewhere there’s an awesome book (in addition to my own of course) that could have made millions – we will never know. Writing rarely makes you rich. It’s the same in any creative/artistic environment. There are thousands of us producing quality work, but only a select few get that lucky break and reach stardom and fame in their chosen world. And that fame is in the hands of the Gods and fate, which considering the subject of creative writing novels could come to fruition at any point in my life. Remember check my blog in March for the cover sneak preview. When was Christmas? Its hard to remember with Easter eggs appearing in stores. I’m sure we are not the only family who has packed away all the Christmas decorations only to find one small dec left out. This year it’s our singing robin. Our cat, Kipper, often sets it off, its sound activated. I’m attempted to leave robin out all year Christmas bobble hat an’ all.
This year I went overboard on the tree chocolates, fed up with everyone scoffing them days before the big day. Instead I brought, A LOT and hid them. As a result we’ve still got three packets of baubles to get through! I’m sure, like you, they won’t last in our house. On the writing front, things are going full steam. Indigo Anthology is finished, and currently in printing. Inspirations writing group meets this Saturday 27th for its first meeting of 2024 and one of our agenda items will be the launch date. We will also be looking further forward to starting Violet, the last anthology in our Rainbow series, before we commence our themes anthologies. Remember folk who write and are interested are welcome to attend. The first meeting is free, and membership is £10 per year. See our Website for details. INSPIRATIONS WRITERS GROUP - HOME & NEWS (weebly.com) Regarding my own work. Shea Pingle and the Swarm continues apace, page nine has been returned by Ellie, there thirteen in this book as its aimed at year nine to eleven. Indeed my head is getting overwhelmed by my children book themes. With Chicken Wizard out and selling well, and Shea Pingle next. This genre is filling me up with ideas. As you probably know Mustard and Marmalade Dachshund Dog Detectives and the Case of the Missing Fillet Steak is next. Followed by The Tales of Timmy and his Magic Toe Beans. Now you can add, The Unshakable mouse, Further Tales of Timmy and his Magic Toe Beans, The Hairy Tortoise, and a follow-up to Chicken Wizard that I’ve yet to find a title for, about duckies and swanies. On the health front, I’m currently wobbling around on crutches after a terrifying ordeal, which was so not fun. This will be my fourth time using crutches, and you’d think I’d have the hang of it by now. But no. Yesterday trying to be clever I decided I could easily hop on one leg from the toilet to the bedroom. I reached the bedroom door. Grabbed the frame and, you’ve guessed it, slipped. My hands slid down the frame and the door catch plate cut my index finger almost in two. Fortunately my finger nail saved it from make a complete circuit. Several homemade steristrips and a pressure dressing later, the blood had stopped. Despite the crutches etc; I’m planning to crutch it—that doesn’t sound right—hobble, wobble, wibble. (typical writer trying to find the correct word before committing it to permanency) Struggle, that will do, into work. Won’t be doing much in the way of moving about, but can still speak to folk and offer advice, make calls and such. I almost forgot, my next novel a fantasy thriller, Between Here and Hell, is also finished and with Geoff my fabulous formatter. Hoping Pegu designs will come up with an awesome cover. The launch will follow Indigo Anthology, then later we’ll have Shea Pingle’s. And just like that December and 2023 is almost gone. And was this month quieter for me? In some ways yes, but in other ways the six Xmas lunches and dinners had me groaning with belly-ache. Fortunately, I checked today and no weight gain, despite no karate, or yoga (excluding one retreat) for two weeks.
The 6th saw me at my last ever fair in St Peter’s Church Sandwich. I was sad to be leaving this venue, despite how cold it can sometimes get—and this year it was freezing. The folk inside this venue are permanent and friendly, which makes any fair a bonus. Plus the full-time second-hand shop they run there is amazing. I have personally purchased many items for my home. Add to that the lovely café which has recently had a re-fit and it’s the perfect place to pop your partner in the café while you browse. They’ve got a bookshop corner too. The 9th saw me in Faversham for the last Eventissima event of the year—more booked there for 2024. I’m not sure why I go there, I certainly don’t sell much, but like before the bunch of traders there are amazing, the crafts on sale awesome. I usually spend a lot—come on there’s handmade chocolate! Also Jo and Nick have to be the most supportive organisers ever. They spend their entire days promoting each event. 10th December saw the family Christmas Shopping. This is a tradition my husband and I started long ago. Fed up with the stress of locating presents and items along the year and throughout December, we hit upon a plan which works perfectly for us and only induces one single day of stress per year—Christmas-wise. We pick a date; we pick a nice location. We find a really nice place that does a super breakfast and after that sumptuous meal we write our list of every present we require. Phones are very useful because we don’t need to actually write it out any more. We go down the list deciding what present each person will have, be it relatives, work colleagues, secret Santa’s, or friends and neighbours, then we go buy it. Its that simple. We return to the car 2 or 3 times during the day and at the end of it, we’ve completely finished. Stress done. It feels brilliant too. This year, for the very first time, we included our son, now 24, in the family tradition and he loved it too. Not only did we all spend the day together, a rare feat these days, but we have a good time doing it. I can thoroughly recommended it. A few more meals and meeting up with friends and Christmas Day was upon us. By the way, my separate Estore is closing down due to the host being sold off, my books are all part of this website now. See my STORE tab. Prices sadly are increasing due to my publishing and selling costs escalating. I’m always on the lookout for businesses interested in selling my books, on commission naturally. I have five more in the 2024 pipeline, in addition to the nine already out there. We’ve managed a couple of ride outs with our local 055 group of like-minded people, though to be honest its had to be by car due to the weather and someone’s recent karate injury. Our son is back at work already, god bless him. My husband’s gone to investigate a new bike and I’m off out to visit relatives. Till next year. X Carol Please feel free to comment, or leave a like, just so I know someone has looked at my blog occasionally. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. |
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February 2024
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