I hope you and yours are safe and well. I've been in lockdown for nearly three weeks and so far, so good. I've kept myself busy with my usual daily writing routine as I am half way through a new project. It originally started as a rewrite but that has developed somewhat, but I'm pleased with the current progress.

Outside of writing, I've ploughed through numerous reading books in various genres as a means of escaping the modern world. I didn't watch 'The Stranger' recently shown via Netflix so purchased Coben's book instead - a gripping read and a worthy recommendation. I've returned to my Classics with a reread of Austen's 'Emma' and continued my 2020 Agatha Christie Challenge reading 'Appointment With Death'. I've attempted to participate more in my on-line bookclub via Goodreads - which offers groups for every kind of reader - a trawl through the discussion forums certainly throws up some fairly polarized ideas about specific authors/books!  

My church bellringing ceased weeks ago, so I've filled my evenings by digging out my knitting needles and crafting a project. I've opted to knit blankets for a premature baby unit who uses traffic light colours to denote the level of care required. It's kept me busy whilst enabling me to watch numerous films, which I don't tend to do.

I've continued with my sketching which is a weekly occurrence for me. Last weekend, I monopolised the dining room for the day and indulged with my pencils. I was pleased with the end results given my lack of tuition, but hey, if you don't try you'll never know! This weekend, I might step outside of my comfort zone and attempt a watercolour or two.

Stay safe and stay creative, folks xxx  

As the month draws to a close I thought I'd share the titles I've finished reading this month. An eclectic mix if I'm honest, but then I do like to switch genres. Some took a matter of days to read, 'Victoria' took me three months due to the level of detail. 

Victoria: a life - A.N. Wilson - a fabulous read if you're interested in the life, family or reign of Queen Victoria. The level of detail is incredibly high so I'd imagine it might bore some readers if she isn't one of your life-long obsessions. She is to me, so I wallowed in every tiny detail. A highly recommended read as it portrays her closest relationships, her empires, her unpecidented involvement with polictics and the extensive interaction with her European family tree! A serious account of her life, which is told in a fair and seemingly unbiased manner - it must have taken years to have researched and written this book.

I let him go - Denise Fergus - I cried within three pages. A beautiful account of a mother's love for her little boy, James. If you know the story, then you've heard of the worst scenario for any parent. I admired Denise Fergus before reading her account now, I have untold respect for the lady - she truly deserves never to shed a tear of sadness in her life. I read this book within 24 hours - I couldn't put it down.   

Dracula - Bram Stoker - Being an English teacher you'd expect that I'd have read this before now, but sadly not. I had started it years ago but didn't get very far, who knows why? Any way, this time I loved it! Admittedly, I couldn't read it at night, I don't do thrillers - my imagination is far too strong for such activities. On finishing, I admitted that I think it's better than Frankenstein by Shelly, which is a mighty claim by little old me.

Agatha Christie - you all know that I've started to reread my collection. I've added another two to my accomplishments. As always, I get lost in her world of crime and emerge feeling renewed having revisited my teenage years. I hope I never lose that ability to time travel. 

Bound To Her Blood Enemy - Tora Williams (not shown in the photograph) - I don't tend to read historical genre so this made a pleasant change from my usual choice. I was fascinated and full-submerged my imagination into their quest to survive certain circumstances. Tora is a friend of mine so, I was able to feedback directly. An enjoyable read. I appeciate the effort and difficulty researching such a specific era.  

Last night, I began reading The Stranger by Harlan Coben - I know it was shown on TV a few weeks ago but I missed it.  Being a book worm, I purchased a copy. I'm only a few chapters in and already I know this will be done and dusted by the end of the weekend. I simply love the way Coben snags the reader's attention then makes us second-guess on every page. 

Well, what a shocker - no one predicted this for 2020! At New year, I had ultra high hopes for this year and now, I'm spending each day avoiding everyone! Though its fair to say as an author I've been self-isolating for years trying to sneak off away from people to spend my days alone writing. 

I haven't any symptoms, but chose to remove myself from the daily routine - one less person playing virus tag on the streets!

My plan is to finish editing my current project - which will keep me out of mischief for a few weeks. If needs be, I'll start writing a new book which I planned a few weeks ago. It's simply strange busily working yet, seeing most of my neighbours at home - I'm usually the only one in at this time of day!

Given the severity of the situation, all my author talks have been cancelled to be rearranged at a later date. A shame, but a necessary move.

In the meantime, I shall be editing, writing, sketching and reading so, get ready for a whole host of blog posts when I'm not occupied or fed up talking to my assistants!

I have to say it's not every day that I attend a library and find I have a bookshelf to myself displaying my publications, but that happened today at Warwick!

I was there to give an informal talk to their coffee morning participants about my books and my journey towards publication. I was thrilled when I found myself seated before 25 library users for the hour long session. They were a bright bubbly bunch which made the chat so easy as I explained my stumbling journey towards a book contract. They were so nice, they even laughed at my jokes!

Anyhow, I managed to answer all their questions regards writers' block, juggling careers, the pressures of writing to deadlines and shared an insight regards character creation.

At the end of the talk it was so lovely to see so many from the audience select one of my books from the shelf and take it home. I only hope they enjoy the book, enjoy their coffee coaster freebie from me and have a chuckle at some of my anecdotes.

Check out the 'home' page to view the location of my next author talk.

On Thursday, 27th February, I spent a delightful day travelling around a small area of Birmingham courtesy of the mobile library unit and their fantastic team.

I'd asked if I could be shown the ropes on how the mobile unit functions and to potentially meet and greet some of customers who use the service on a regular basis. I have to be honest and say, I was blown away by the organisation and sheer complexity of their home base; not only is it home for the mobile library crew but also the 'Library at home' scheme. I was given tour of the home base by the wonderful Jackie prior to our 'rounds' for the day - it was a treasure trove of delights for any book lover. I secretly wanted to get locked in over night so I could trawl the book shelves which contained everything you could think of from audio books, magazine subscriptions, reference books, a full range of diverse languages plus boxes of jigsaws!

As I walked about in amazement at hearing the number of library users supported in this manner, the number of requests, the sheer volume of material which is dispatched my mind began to comprehend just how vital such library services are. My love of books has been central to my life, so I couldn't imagine not being able to attend a local library due to health reasons, circumstances or difficulties with my mobility. The library services offered by Birmingham must feel like a life line to some users.

By half nine we were out and about on the road in the mobile unit following a simple timetable for the day. And, what a joy it was! I was lucky enough to meet and chat with so many people during our six stops. I was amazed at the number of returns they brought back - which they'd read in just one week! Seriously, I read about 30 books a year which is nothing compared to some of the readers I met on our travels. It was wonderful to see library users waiting for our arrival, collecting requests and having books reissued. I loved that the mobile team knew the names of every person using their service. There was a genuine rapport and friendship shown to each user, real care and consideration - that personal touch which is so important. One of my highlights of the day was towards the end when the mobile library was filled with tiny little children and their parents choosing their weekly selection of books - ah bless them, you forget how excited tiny people get about books.

I had a super day. Which was made more delightful by the fabulous duo, Jackie and Bash, who put up with my endless questions. I arrived home as excited as the children waving their plastic library cards ready to share my observations with anyone who would listen. 

Once again, a huge 'Thank you' to the team for granting me a wish and enabling my visit to happen. I shall see you soon.

For further information about Birmingham Library services: click here.

My week is getting better and better. Firstly, I've had a fabulous writing week where the words for my rewrite are simply flowing from my finger tips. Each day of this week has been more productive then the previous day - that will soon end, trust me, so I'll gladly welcome it. 

Today was a special day, as I was invited back into the studio of Radio Tamworth 106.8fm to chat all things bookish with the gorgeous, Kiren Parmar. Boy did we talk non-stop! It amazed me how we sit with an empty desk apart from mics, glasses and a mobile phone for checking Tweets yet, are able to fill two hours. We don't have oodles of paper or cue cards - we literally think on our feet and the discussion goes wherever it goes.

On arriving, Kiren gave me a brand new Radio Tamworth tea mug, my very own to bring home and use - I was quite touched.  Even more so because it relates to tea and you all know how much I love my tea!

If you missed the live radio show then the on-demand links are below (I'll put them up when received) so you can listen at your leisure. I can promise you'll have a giggle; we are always funny, regardless of the topic. 


Click here http://radiotamworth.com/player/?ondemandid=19530… for the ON DEMAND link to today’s Book Club on
@radiotamworth

Click here http://radiotamworth.com/player/?ondemandid=19531… to catch up on the second half of the show

What a morning of fun I've had alongside the gorgeous Kiren Parmar of Tamworth Book Club and talented novelist Abda Khan on air at Radio Tamworth 106.8fm. It never ceases to amaze me how quickly a two hour time slot can fly by. At 10am, you wonder how we're going to talk books non-stop for two hours and at midday, I'm thinking there is so much I didn't say, I think we need another 30 minutes! 

The other thing that I love about Kiren's book show is that nothing is scripted. We literally have desk space and a mic in front of us, there's no notes, cue cards, nothing ... except lots of chocolate treats which Kiren always provides.

I can't believe how much we discussed today and the range of topics was huggggggge! Modern day slavery, Jane Austen, Leap year proposals, disability, Bradford, Romeo and Juliet, book prices, St Valentine day hinting, society issues, pantsters and planners, book themes and connections. Plus, Kiren managed to slot a few tunes in between the chatter!

If you missed the live session, I will post the links to the on-demand recording as soon as I receive them.

​Now, I'll love and leave you as it is time for me to write.

Click here http://radiotamworth.com/player/?ondemandid=19362… for the 1st hour of the show.

Click here http://radiotamworth.com/player/?ondemandid=19363… for the 2nd hour of the show.
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My latest book 'Taking A Chance On Love' revolves about my fascination with 29th February and the age old tradition of females proposing to their beaus. Personally, it is not something I would choose to do but even so, I love the very idea that some women do. 

Whilst completing my research, I posed the question to numerous women as to whether they would propose to their partners. Just a handful of women said 'yes' they would which led to me asking more probing questions in search of details and reasoning. After a couple of weeks, I began asking males if they would have liked their partner to propose? I received some eye-opening responses, one man was incredibly honest in relation to his wishes for his young daughter.

I have written an article for Bookends blog, in which I outline the findings of my research: to ask or not to ask on 29th February? 

Bookends article: press here to read




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January is nearly over, thankfully I've managed to finish certain reading books this month. I know many people dislike January after the lively buzz of December but personally, I love it. For me, January is a time of new beginnings and goal setting. This year, one goal is to share my reading books with my readers.

David Copperfield - Charles `Dickens 
This book has taken me a couple of months to read given that I've only dedicated a small portion of reading time each day. I do love Dickens so, tend to read him aloud to enjoy the syntax, rhythms and assonance of his written word. Thankfully, my dog simply curls up and listens to me chuntering away page after page. This book had been on my TBR pile for years. I'd avoided it due to the mixed option of others. I admit, I was wrong. I loved it. And, should have read it before now. Typical Dickens, with a huge cast of characters, lengthy descriptions and entwining conflicts, holds your interest throughout.

Dumb Witness & The Mysterious Affair At Styles - Agatha Christie
Those who have followed me for numerous years know I adore Agatha Christie. Her crime books transport me back to quiet Saturday afternoons when I'd lie on my bed as a teenager and read all day. Dumb Witness was my first read of hers and so, I reread it on New year's day to begin my challenge. I'd remembered who the murder was but not the method or means so, it was lovely to immerse myself for the day.

The Mysterious Affair At Styles - was first published in 1920 so, it seemed apt to choose it. Not my favourite Christie book but entertaining with the introduction of Hasting's narrative and Poirot's 'little grey cells'. I have been tweeting whilst reading the crime books as part of the #ReadingChristie 2020 challenge organised by @AgathaChristie group on Twitter.

The Great Gatsby - F. Scott Fitzgerald
My paternal grandmother would have celebrated her 100th birthday this month so, I decided to reread her favourite book. She gave me her actual copy during my twenties so, I felt it was a fitting tribute. It has been many years since my initial read  and I'd forgotten how suave and sophisticated Jay Gatsby's parties were.

You've probably realised that I have several books on the go at the same time. I'd started another book Victoria: a life by A. N Wilson but I didn't manage to finish it this month - it'll overflow into my February's reads.