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 [...]
I felt so excited this morning, as I stood in Tesco’s book department and was amazed to discover the paperback edition of IN THE BLEAK MIDWINTER, was standing proudly on the top shelf – at number 6! How awesome is that? I forgot all about my shopping and stayed to chat with some of the [...]
This is paperback publication day for my historical saga/thriller, IN THE BLEAK MIDWINTER and I’m so pleased to be able to say that Tesco, Asda, Morrison and Makro are just some of the supermarkets who are stocking the book. WHSmith High Street are featuring MIDWINTER in their chart in their larger stores and Asda always [...]
October – a very exciting time of year for me! IN THE BLEAK MIDWINTER, my eighth novel is set in 1919. There is, of course, a central romance between my heroine, Birdie Connor and her shop-keeper sweetheart. But Birdie’s loyalties are tested when brother Frank, veteran soldier and accused deserter, escapes from prison. The idea [...]
