Well… what a summer eh folks-phew! Apologies for lateness of updates-and events already gone-although my web site is being revamped to include my new- YAF children’s book The Conker Tree Kids. There’s also a quick mention for grown-ups about a ‘one-off’ romantic thriller ’Richer not poorer’; more of that in the pre- Advent bulletin. Many readers will know I do occasionally venture into ‘big boy and girl’ genre as I did with my 60’s book ‘Winding the Clock Back’-still very popular too!
Talking of which on 24th September I bumped into my delighted ‘old’ Maths and English husband and wife teachers, David & June Hindley (think it’s June but nee Miss Eaton to me!} from my old secondary modern days at Hartford. A lovely, devoted couple and smashing to reflect and reminisce about-what really were-the good old days of the 60’s and catch up a bit. Special all round.
There is quite a bit of news and reviews including a competition appearing before Xmas. Autumn has quickly arrived so I will endeavour to run the current bulletins up to November. As with any self-publishing Author when I’m not writing-rare-there is always loads of PR work to do be it canvassing, street ‘hawking’ or doing talks and presentations. Writers with main stream publishers and/or an agent don’t have this problem but that’s the way it is in the industry. However book sales are still going well thanks especially to all the support I get from family, friends, Moulton Village and Vale Royal Writers Group. See VRWG www for events there. The rest is foot peddling all over Cheshire and England. It is so hard to get a break at this ‘game’ or have the luxury of having all your bills paid by it-maybe one day! Of the many mentors I meet along the way-Jon Mayhew-said in June at a writing seminar that the vocation of a writer was akin to purgatory. No-one disagreed!
The highlights of the summer were undoubtedly the Moulton Crow Fair and the Nantwich Food and Craft festival late August/early September and my radio ‘appearance’ with Northwich FM on the 21st August with Jeff Stuart aka Barry Gibson-great thrill! Sales were healthy especially Nantwich at the where I stood outside the ‘Well’ at the Parish Church-great spot for foot traffic and banter! I shall be in the same pitch for the next quarterly Craft fair there on the 6th October 2018. I seem to have good sway in East Anglia, the Cotswolds and Nantwich especially, due largely to the all the footwork and telephone canvassing I do and touting independent bookshops. There are no shortcuts!
Nantwich also hosts a writing festival all day on the 29th September at the Market Street Church hall opposite the Civic. All welcome. Visit the independent Book Store whilst in this gorgeous Cheshire town-a readers and writers’ dream. Again in Nantwich library I am doing a children’s book presentation and read am. the 1st. November similar to the one in May but with no Royal wedding clash this time!
If any readers’ grown-ups are interested in crime writing as a result of all the naughty pranks, tom-foolery, speeding bicycles,prison break outs and pub, sweets and toffee raids and racketeering you get up to, tell them about Martin Edwards’ workshop on the 24th November at Winnington Rec. Northwich. A very interesting, popular and successful crime writing author nationally and a nice chap to boot. Lives in Cheshire too.
Some other dates to note:
10th November 2018 – Nantwich Xmas Vintage market, all day book presentation and sales.
17th November 2018 – Chester Cathedral and library all day
24th November 2018 – Stockton Heath Methodist Church Xmas Fair, Warrington
1st December 2018 – 11am Children’s’ read and Book presentation at Nantwich library all welcome and free! Then onto Altrincham indoor boutique market Hall pm!
15th December 2018 – Inkdoktor shop all day opposite Northwich library.
Next year-doesn’t bear thinking about-I shall start preparing Part 2 of the Mystery of Cloverdaisy Cottage. Those who read Part 1 will remember the end left things open to… sorry no spoilers!
The library reads and presentations for kids leading up to the festive season resume late November/early December. I will post dates for these and everything else happening nearer the time once confirmed. However Moulton’s Xmas fair will take place in the Village Hall on Saturday 8th December at 1.30pm. It will be bigger and better than ever. All welcome!
As it’s now officially autumn cherish the changing seasons and enjoy yourselves. Keep smiling and be happy. Adios!