Seriously, I'm that excited for NaNo 2020; it is the first event since March which has remained on my calendar even, my birthday was scraped!

My 'To-do list' is complete:

A freezer full of food ✅
A stock pile of tea bags ✅
All essential tasks cleared for the whole month ✅
New eye drops purchased - just in case the late nights/screen use plays havoc with my eyes ✅
New stationery pad, pencils and pens - as if I haven't enough already! ✅
Downtime reading books chosen ✅
Freshly painted writing room - I know, I went the extra mile! ✅

​It's official: I'm ready to start.

Below is a snap shot of my NaNo progress chart - I'll change that day by day! 

Update: a second lockdown has been announced - it appears that everyone will be living like an author doing NaNoWriMo! Make the most of it and invent your own month long creative venture`:: read, write, draw, paint, sing, photograph, knit, dance or craft in any way you can.

NaNo started at midnight and so did I, but you knew that! I'll update my progress photo at regular intervals but this year I'll be saving the words for NaNo rather than posting a daily blog update.  

​Word count: 25,033/50,000

Good morning, if you're a regular visitor you'll have realised weeks ago, that I have a new publishing contract with Headline Publishing Group. I have two brand new books being released in May 2021 and September 2021! Both books are set in Shetland, which I was lucky enough to visit during 2019. For the first time, I've written a series linked by a beautiful setting and loveable characters. 

​Amazon links: For pre-orders 

From Shetland, With Love

When Jemima loses her beloved grandfather, keeping his allotment alive seems like ideal way to feel close to him. She's never fitted in before - is this her chance to find where she really belongs?

Finally Melissa has the allotment she's been longing for to distract her while her husband works away - even if it is chest-high in weeds. But when she looks for help in the wrong place, she finds she's the hottest topic of gossip.

For Dottie, her allotment and part-time job of 'a little light dusting' at Lerwick Manor keeps a spring in her eighty-year-old step - and her ears open for secrets.

Though generations apart, these three women are about to find a common bond in a new-found passion and that true friendship can grow anywhere.


From Shetland, With Love At Christmas

Verity is embarking on a better-late-than-never gap year now that her sons have flown the nest, and dreams of turning a lifetime's hobby of knitting and crocheting into a profitable new enterprise at Lerwick Manor's gallery. 

Nessie has returned to Shetland after two years spent retraining as a blacksmith on the Scottish mainland. She's determined to do whatever it takes to reignite the traditional craft and prove that gender is no obstacle taking on her family's heritage. 

Isla is fresh out of catering college, but she is desperate to prove she has what it takes to run Lerwick Manor's artisan café. Focused on perfecting her grandmother's traditional recipes, Isla has no time for anything else - especially not her pesky ex.

With the island's Yule Day celebration fast approaching, it's the ideal moment for their crafts to shine. But they can't do it alone - and their friendship might turn out to be their greatest creation yet...

More exciting news for 2021!

​I can't believe I have more news, but I'm greedy like that!

Four of my books are being released in audio format which means you can listen whilst you're on the move. I'm never without an audio book on dog walks or cleaning duties so, it's exciting to imagine others listening to my stories whilst plodding about.

Plus, slightly secret news ... so shhhh, but "the February book", you know the one, is heading into a big supermarket ready for the new year 2021! 

​ 
NaNoWriMo 2020 is happening! There’s no chance of cancellation, wavering on dates and definitely no restrictions. Since it began in 1999, NaNoWriMo has always been “Covid friendly” given that I spend the entire month of November in self-isolation, before a screen and messaging on-line buddies for support. Seems uncanny, but I’ve unknowingly been preparing for this episode of my life for the last ten years!
 
It’ll be the first event of my year which hasn’t been struck from my calendar. So, today is the day when I upload my novel details, begin my planning and start stashing the freezer with easy cook meals.
 
I’m delighted to be writing a Christmas book during the winter season as previously I’ve written Christmas books at the height of summer – it was slightly weird playing Christmas tunes in July! 
 
I’m sure my regular band of buddies are planning ahead too; given that we’ve undertaken this annual journey for numerous years.
 
For further details: www.NaNoWriMo.org