Tagging has been the order of the day in the last couple of weeks.First of all I got tagged on FB to list ten books that have stayed with me over the years. (Thanks, Julie - although I agonised over the list, it was great fun!) I finally came up with:The Cuckoo Tree by Joan … Continue reading Books, buckets and blogs…
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The Lakes, Catherine Ryan Howard, and WordPress.com websites…
Just back from a holiday in the Lake District. Its beauty alone makes it a great setting for fiction. Then the lack of mobile coverage in many places is an absolute bonus if you’re writing crime. Your heroine doesn’t need to run low on battery to stop her calling for backup... It's where Anna, the … Continue reading The Lakes, Catherine Ryan Howard, and WordPress.com websites…
Ludlow Castle and missing the RNA conference
Although I couldn't make this year’s RNA conference, I was a stone’s throw away from Telford, where it was held, just a week earlier. We visited Ludlow, and its castle, on a warm, sunny Saturday.I love going round castles. It's all history, mystery and teashops with decent cake.Ludlow Castle was the seat of government for … Continue reading Ludlow Castle and missing the RNA conference
Stuck in the middle
I've just reached the middle section of the novel I'm writing. I went through a low point 12,000 words in, when everything felt like an uphill struggle, but then I hit my stride. However, things have slowed up again in the last week. It’s partly the sheer amount of other stuff happening with life in … Continue reading Stuck in the middle
Recreating the seasons in fiction
Last winter, whilst missing green willows, dangling their branches in the Cam, and cattle out grazing on the commons, I wrote a story set in Cambridge in summer. It was fun to transport myself to the season of long, lazy days, but of course, I had to remember a lot, to get the atmosphere right. … Continue reading Recreating the seasons in fiction
My Writing Process – Blog Hop
Many thanks to Jean Bull for tagging me in this blog hop. Jean is a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association’s New Writers’ Scheme, and her 1929-set novel, Gypsy Moth, is available on Amazon. You can read the lovely reviews she’s had and find out more here. Jean also blogs, and you can follow her … Continue reading My Writing Process – Blog Hop
A publishing deal with Choc Lit!
Words that describe me today include chipper, cock-a-hoop, elated, and, of course, short (as usual). My big news is that I’ve been offered a contract by award-winning, independent publisher Choc Lit. I’m hugely proud and delighted to be joining such a talented team of authors, and to be part of a really forward-thinking enterprise. I’m … Continue reading A publishing deal with Choc Lit!
Interesting reports from the London Book Fair
Just a brief post to say I really enjoyed reading Choc Lit author Liz Harris’ informative write up of a seminar on self-publishing, given at LBF by two of the top New York Times bestselling indie authors. As she points out, much of the advice is applicable to all writers, not just those who are … Continue reading Interesting reports from the London Book Fair
The need for speed – every oven has a silver lining…
Well, actually, it’s aluminium foil. My search for time-saving tips from friends continues, and the latest suggestion comes from Bev, and revolves around lining things to avoid having to clean them. Good one.Nothing beats flowery drawers...She puts a clean, neat bit of foil at the base of her oven to catch stuff, but that’s not … Continue reading The need for speed – every oven has a silver lining…
The need for speed – Snacky Pasta
OK. This one’s just as fast as Salmon Reykjavik, though less partyish – more your quick lunch/supper affair. It started out as a student dish, the only ingredients being pasta, ketchup and soy sauce. Thankfully, it’s come on a bit since then, though as a result, the washing-up's more onerous... Snacky PastaServes 4Cooking/preparation time – … Continue reading The need for speed – Snacky Pasta
Clare Chase 