This week marks the 200th anniversary of Charles Dickens’s birth. He was a writer most of us have read as some point, or seen his books dramatized or listened to an audio of his works. So apart from taking a great pleasure in joining in with the virtual celebrations, I’m holding one of my [...]
The Amazon promotion of EAST END ANGEL was very rewarding. I enjoyed feedback from so many readers and realize just how wonderful technology is. The Kindle and its kind are bringing readers ever closer to discovering new authors and fresh talent and in my case, the Carol Rivers novels. For those interested in the thrills [...]
Just had to write a few lines for EAST END ANGEL. Amazon Kindle are promoting the book at £1. 99. This is a fabulously affordable price for an ebook and I’m over the moon for the readers. It’s only for a few weeks, but a brilliant opportunity for those Kindle owners who would like to [...]
Drawing to a close, is the old year. And with it, my current novel, set in 1930′s London. This book has no official title as yet but has been great to write! The East End in 1935, had many similarities to today. The search for celebrity on stage and in the music halls was ferocious. [...]
I can’t believe this, but this morning, my book, IN THE BLEAK MIDWINTER, is fifth on Simon&Schuster’s bestselling books list. My editor tells me it has also gone to No3 on the Heatseeker’s chart. The news from MIDWINTER since its publication in October, has been constant and positive. I owe a big vote of thanks [...]
I like to re-read my old favourites and at the moment it’s Harry Bowling. Like Dickens, Harry and Catherine Cookson chronicled stories from the places and people they knew best. They told it all without fuss, elaboration or boastfulness. They used the vernacular of the street combined with an instinctive skills of diarists that make [...]
Nov. 11, 1918 and the conflict of World War I came to an end following the signing of an armistice between the Allies and Germany that called for a ceasefire, effective at 11 a.m. We know this the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.
Dad’s Distinguished Service Cross, awarded during World War 2 at Buckingham Palace by the King, stands on a wooden plinth in Mum’s lounge. The ribbon is torn, the medal dull. Surrounding it are other smaller tributes to his naval days, during service on a British light cruiser, HMS Sheffield. The (late) Lieutenant Commander Skeels, having [...]
Jackie Collins (respect!) has picked up another award. This fabulous Simon&Schuster author has never stopped selling her books. She is feisty, glamorous, talented, exceptionally skilled and a brilliant all-rounder. If anyone needs to learn marketing and promotional skills, just visit Jackie’s webpages and Twitter. She is truly AM-A-ZING! Well done, Jackie! And may there be [...]
A day’s work done and lovely news from my editor. IN THE BLEAK MIDWINTER has crept up to number 29 in the Sunday Times paperback charts. My husband asked me how I felt and really, the overwhelming emotion is gratitude. People have taken the time and trouble, not to mention the expense of precious pennies [...]
