December almost gone, two days before another year begins; so how was December? Busy busy busy, but mostly satisfactory. I was late with Christmas shopping, but nothing new there and as always happens, everything is always ready by Christmas Eve, give or take one or two presents to be wrapped.
The day after the Hull Literary Luncheon where I spoke along with fellow writer Mike Pannet, I flew off from Humberside Airport to visit the daughter of a friend in Stockholm; it's such a lovely place to be in the run up to Christmas. No snow this year, unlike last, and not so cold, but nevertheless the city was very festive with shop windows beautifully decorated and almost every house and apartment window displaying decorous Christmas lights; not a sign of a blow up Father Christmas or flashing rooftop reindeer.
We once more enjoyed a delicious Yulebord, a wonderful Christmas concert in the Royal Opera House, visited a museum where work by Turner, Monet, and Cy Twombley, an artist I haven't come across before, were on show. We walked by the quayside and breathed in the icy Baltic air and thought what a great way to begin the Christmas month.
On our return, I had two more signing sessions with another visit to Hull Waterstone's and WHSmith, two speaking engagements, one draw of a raffle at HERIB, always a good place to be invited, a visit to the dentist, Christmas carols at St Mary's in Beverley, and then the delivery of family presents, and at the last minute, a Christmas video to all of my lovely readers -- or as one of my daughters wryly remarked, my message to the nation!
But now everyone has gone; we were six for Christmas lunch, and various friends and family called in over the holiday. The time goes so rapidly and the New Year will be upon us before we can blink an eye. I hope whoever is reading this, that life treats you kindly in the coming year, that you have good health, loving friendship to sustain you, lots of books to read and enlighten you and above all wish you a very happy New Year.
Thursday 29 December 2011
Tuesday 1 November 2011
Here we are at last in November, my busiest month of the year when a new book is about to be published; but first let me tell you about September and October which here in East Yorkshire had been mild weather wise. Then I went off to enjoy a short holiday in beautiful Portugal which was hot hot hot! We stayed in Cascais, next along the sandy beach from Estoril, famed for its lively casino, and only a short train journey to Lisbon which is always a joy to visit.
After returning home and even before I unpacked I was interviewed by Debbie Hall of the Hull Daily Mail Journal. We chatted over a cups of tea about all kinds of things but mostly books of course, which is why she came. The article should appear in the magazine at the end of November. Following this I spoke at two meetings, one in Hull, the other in Bridlington and attended the AGM of Home-Start Hull, the children's charity of which I am local patron. They have had a very difficult time recently as so many charities have through loss of funding. Fortunately, they are managing to keep going; the volunteers and staff are all very dedicated and they do so much to help families in difficulties it would be terrible if they should have to close.
Libraries too are hanging on by their finger nails to keep open and one enterprising librarian from a library near Wolverhampton has been getting in touch with authors to ask them to write a short letter to readers at the library to encourage them to try different authors and thus enable them to keep up their book lending. I was certainly pleased to do that.
I have been asked if I will be patron of the Friends of the Hull Memory Clinic. Who are they? They are a group of people with dementia, their carers and families who are determined to do what they can, to live as well as they can with this disease. Alongside the professional staff members of the clinic they are dedicated to promoting a positive attitude towards living with memory problems. Having known through personal experience how difficult this can be, how could I possibly say no?
At the Beverley Literature Festival I spoke about my forthcoming book -- more of this in a moment -- alongside the popular author Mike Pannett.
Socially I have been making the most of the various concerts, the Moscow Philharmonic, the Hull Male Voice Choir with the Brighouse and Rastrick Band, and 'Live' opera from the Met being shown at Cineworld. Don Giovanni A rare treat!
But now to November. My new book THE HARBOUR GIRL set in 19thc Scarborough and Hull will be published on the 10th so just over a week to go and the excitement has begun. Waterstone's Hull is the venue. Time 5.30 pm and EVERYONE is welcome.
After returning home and even before I unpacked I was interviewed by Debbie Hall of the Hull Daily Mail Journal. We chatted over a cups of tea about all kinds of things but mostly books of course, which is why she came. The article should appear in the magazine at the end of November. Following this I spoke at two meetings, one in Hull, the other in Bridlington and attended the AGM of Home-Start Hull, the children's charity of which I am local patron. They have had a very difficult time recently as so many charities have through loss of funding. Fortunately, they are managing to keep going; the volunteers and staff are all very dedicated and they do so much to help families in difficulties it would be terrible if they should have to close.
Libraries too are hanging on by their finger nails to keep open and one enterprising librarian from a library near Wolverhampton has been getting in touch with authors to ask them to write a short letter to readers at the library to encourage them to try different authors and thus enable them to keep up their book lending. I was certainly pleased to do that.
I have been asked if I will be patron of the Friends of the Hull Memory Clinic. Who are they? They are a group of people with dementia, their carers and families who are determined to do what they can, to live as well as they can with this disease. Alongside the professional staff members of the clinic they are dedicated to promoting a positive attitude towards living with memory problems. Having known through personal experience how difficult this can be, how could I possibly say no?
At the Beverley Literature Festival I spoke about my forthcoming book -- more of this in a moment -- alongside the popular author Mike Pannett.
Socially I have been making the most of the various concerts, the Moscow Philharmonic, the Hull Male Voice Choir with the Brighouse and Rastrick Band, and 'Live' opera from the Met being shown at Cineworld. Don Giovanni A rare treat!
But now to November. My new book THE HARBOUR GIRL set in 19thc Scarborough and Hull will be published on the 10th so just over a week to go and the excitement has begun. Waterstone's Hull is the venue. Time 5.30 pm and EVERYONE is welcome.
Wednesday 5 October 2011
October 5th
I've needed to check my desk diary to find out what I've done or not done since I last wrote within this blog. Time seems to move ever faster and without my diary I wouldn't be able to keep up. Many people I know use their mobile phones to record or remind them of appointments etc, but I feel safer with a pen or pencil and a diary where I can turn a page.
Towards the end of August I recorded a Podcast with the lovely James Nash which will be available soon. That same week I visited the Ferens Art Gallery in Hull to view Hockney's 'Bigger Trees near Warter,' which was absolutely beautiful and I'm so pleased that I made the effort to see it. It's gone now from Hull but I think still continuing the tour of the UK. If you haven't seen it yet then do try to catch it somewhere.
On the first of September with other local authors we attended the Northern Branch meeting of the Romantic Novelists' Association at the Smiths Arms in Beckwithshaw near Harrogate (we call ourselves The Flying Ducks -- but that's another story). Our speaker was Lincolnshire based Margaret Dickinson who is also a member of the RNA and a friend of mine. She told us of how she began as a novelist and of the books she has written. A very interesting afternoon and before driving home, some of sat outside revelling in the sunshine which has been in such short supply this August.
The final proofs for The Harbour Girl came in the following week and because it was imperative that they were checked before I left for holidays the week after, I missed the events which were being held in Hull for the Heritage Open Days. A great success, however from what I heard. I checked the proofs within a week and fortunately they contained only one error -- mine -- which I spotted immediately and was able to rectify. My daughter Ruth and grandson Alex came to spend that weekend with me, and two days later I was on my way to Portugal with my other daughter Catherine and her partner.
Hot hot hot! I had expected it to be warm but as usual if I go abroad I never expect it to be as hot as it is and despite lathering myself with Factor 50 I still managed to burn. We stayed in Cascais, a coastal resort near Lisbon, which is a wonderful city, and had a very enjoyable and relaxing time, well set up now for the busy weeks ahead.
My first day home I was interviewed by Debbie Hall of the Hull Daily Mail Journal. Debbie was very warm and friendly and we sat and talked about many things over cups of tea at my kitchen table. The profile will probably be included in the November issue. The Journal photographer came and took dozens of photographs. There has to be one which is flattering!
My last appointment of September was with the ladies of Time For You at the Freedom Centre in Hull. A more friendly group of ladies you couldn't hope to meet.
Towards the end of August I recorded a Podcast with the lovely James Nash which will be available soon. That same week I visited the Ferens Art Gallery in Hull to view Hockney's 'Bigger Trees near Warter,' which was absolutely beautiful and I'm so pleased that I made the effort to see it. It's gone now from Hull but I think still continuing the tour of the UK. If you haven't seen it yet then do try to catch it somewhere.
On the first of September with other local authors we attended the Northern Branch meeting of the Romantic Novelists' Association at the Smiths Arms in Beckwithshaw near Harrogate (we call ourselves The Flying Ducks -- but that's another story). Our speaker was Lincolnshire based Margaret Dickinson who is also a member of the RNA and a friend of mine. She told us of how she began as a novelist and of the books she has written. A very interesting afternoon and before driving home, some of sat outside revelling in the sunshine which has been in such short supply this August.
The final proofs for The Harbour Girl came in the following week and because it was imperative that they were checked before I left for holidays the week after, I missed the events which were being held in Hull for the Heritage Open Days. A great success, however from what I heard. I checked the proofs within a week and fortunately they contained only one error -- mine -- which I spotted immediately and was able to rectify. My daughter Ruth and grandson Alex came to spend that weekend with me, and two days later I was on my way to Portugal with my other daughter Catherine and her partner.
Hot hot hot! I had expected it to be warm but as usual if I go abroad I never expect it to be as hot as it is and despite lathering myself with Factor 50 I still managed to burn. We stayed in Cascais, a coastal resort near Lisbon, which is a wonderful city, and had a very enjoyable and relaxing time, well set up now for the busy weeks ahead.
My first day home I was interviewed by Debbie Hall of the Hull Daily Mail Journal. Debbie was very warm and friendly and we sat and talked about many things over cups of tea at my kitchen table. The profile will probably be included in the November issue. The Journal photographer came and took dozens of photographs. There has to be one which is flattering!
My last appointment of September was with the ladies of Time For You at the Freedom Centre in Hull. A more friendly group of ladies you couldn't hope to meet.
Sunday 21 August 2011
Sunday 21st August
Glorious sunshine for most of today; however no sooner did I come inside to top up my suncream and fetch a book to read than the clouds darkened and the sun disappeared behind them, ah well it was nice whilst it lasted, and the rain last night came in time to water all the plants that I'd put in yesterday.
On Thursday the 11th I was invited to Radio Humberside for Carl Wheatley's Summer Show. We chatted for almost an hour; he asked me about my life as a child in the West Riding of Yorkshire and had obviously done his research very well for he picked up on the time we spent at my granny's house and as she didn't have electricity but only gas, I took a candle up the stairs to bed. Carl said it sounded just like a scene from one of my books which made me think, not only of how ancient I sounded, but wondered how we ever came to grow up to be fit and safe and healthy without the rules of Health and Safety to follow and adhere to!
Last week I had a meeting with Andy Barber of the KC Smile Foundation and Linda Monday, a volunteer with the Hull Memory Clinic. There will be more to report on this meeting in due course.
I'm to appear at the Beverley Literature Festival on October 15th and share a spot with Mike Pannett. I haven't met Mike before but I understand from those who have heard him speak that he is very entertaining. I shall be speaking of my upcoming novel, The Harbour Girl due out in November and read a taster from it. In the festival brochure I am described -- for the first time ever, as Beverley's own Catherine Cookson, which I find very strange as Catherine Cookson was quite unique. The title has probably come about because I won the Catherine Cookson Award way back in 1993. The other thing is that I am billed as Val Woods. Catherine Cookson I am not. Val (or Valerie) Wood I am.
On Friday an informal meeting with East Yorkshire authors, Linda Acaster, Penny Grubb and Sylvia Broady. We enjoyed a shared lunch in my garden and a glass or two of Pimms; the day kept fine and we caught up with news. I took photographs which as soon as I remember how to do it I will post up on the Blog.
In the meantime, the novel in progress continues on. The characters are well formed and are taking on their own lives with a little help from me.
On Thursday the 11th I was invited to Radio Humberside for Carl Wheatley's Summer Show. We chatted for almost an hour; he asked me about my life as a child in the West Riding of Yorkshire and had obviously done his research very well for he picked up on the time we spent at my granny's house and as she didn't have electricity but only gas, I took a candle up the stairs to bed. Carl said it sounded just like a scene from one of my books which made me think, not only of how ancient I sounded, but wondered how we ever came to grow up to be fit and safe and healthy without the rules of Health and Safety to follow and adhere to!
Last week I had a meeting with Andy Barber of the KC Smile Foundation and Linda Monday, a volunteer with the Hull Memory Clinic. There will be more to report on this meeting in due course.
I'm to appear at the Beverley Literature Festival on October 15th and share a spot with Mike Pannett. I haven't met Mike before but I understand from those who have heard him speak that he is very entertaining. I shall be speaking of my upcoming novel, The Harbour Girl due out in November and read a taster from it. In the festival brochure I am described -- for the first time ever, as Beverley's own Catherine Cookson, which I find very strange as Catherine Cookson was quite unique. The title has probably come about because I won the Catherine Cookson Award way back in 1993. The other thing is that I am billed as Val Woods. Catherine Cookson I am not. Val (or Valerie) Wood I am.
In the meantime, the novel in progress continues on. The characters are well formed and are taking on their own lives with a little help from me.
Sunday 31 July 2011
Sunday 31st July
The first day of August tomorrow. Once more the weeks have flown by. July; the most predictable thing about this month is that weather -wise it is always unpredictable. Here in the East Riding of Yorkshire we have had a month of thunderstorms, sunny spells, a deluge of rain and glorious sunshine.
July is the month for garden parties. I have been to two, both in aid of local charities, Dove House Hospice and a Scanner Appeal. One which I have mentioned previously, organized by Probus in the garden of Jim and Gill Stansfield was a water world spectacular: the Morris dancers and the local dance school were both jolly and delightful and with a 'show must go on' enthusiasm in spite of the pouring rain. They gained great applause from the welly booted, mackintosh clad audience. Amazing how the Brits seem to thrive on adverse weather conditions! I'm sure money was made for the charities and a great deal of effort was put into the day to ensure its success.
The following Sunday was different again. In a delightful private garden in Hotham, we enjoyed brilliant sunshine and I for one wondered if I was wearing enough suncream. We were entertained with live music and ate a mouth watering picnic courtesy of Tina Cerrutti and many lucky people went away with some excellent raffle prizes. No, not I, but never mind, I enjoyed the day.
Last week, I was recorded on video for You Tube which is now up and running. It's very odd that I have no difficulty in speaking to an audience, either for recording or live, but speaking into a camera is quite different and I am very critical of myself. Voices too sound different; I can hear the northern-ness in my voice, but whether it is West or East Yorkshire I can't decide, probably a little bit of both although having lived most of my life in East Yorkshire I suspect that is where my accent hails from -- sorry Castleford!
Speaking of which, I have received an invitation from my old Castleford school now re named the Henry Moore Smawthorne Lane School, to visit them sometime in the autumn term. It will be lovely to go back again and to meet up with people from the town of my birth. The last time I was there was to attend the centenary of the library. The town has changed enormously since I lived there as a child; the pit head has gone and in its place the Xscape, the dairy across the road from my granny's house has housing in its place. But the people remain the same, warm and friendly.
My copy edited manuscript of THE HARBOUR GIRL came back for checking last week so I have spent each day at my kitchen table re reading it before it goes off for printing. I haven't seen it since I sent it off to my editor back in February and as I have been in the process of creating another novel with new characters, during the re reading of it I find I can read it in a more detached way than I could whilst writing it. Although I must admit to spilling a few tears. How emotional we authors become over our characters.
July is the month for garden parties. I have been to two, both in aid of local charities, Dove House Hospice and a Scanner Appeal. One which I have mentioned previously, organized by Probus in the garden of Jim and Gill Stansfield was a water world spectacular: the Morris dancers and the local dance school were both jolly and delightful and with a 'show must go on' enthusiasm in spite of the pouring rain. They gained great applause from the welly booted, mackintosh clad audience. Amazing how the Brits seem to thrive on adverse weather conditions! I'm sure money was made for the charities and a great deal of effort was put into the day to ensure its success.
The following Sunday was different again. In a delightful private garden in Hotham, we enjoyed brilliant sunshine and I for one wondered if I was wearing enough suncream. We were entertained with live music and ate a mouth watering picnic courtesy of Tina Cerrutti and many lucky people went away with some excellent raffle prizes. No, not I, but never mind, I enjoyed the day.
Last week, I was recorded on video for You Tube which is now up and running. It's very odd that I have no difficulty in speaking to an audience, either for recording or live, but speaking into a camera is quite different and I am very critical of myself. Voices too sound different; I can hear the northern-ness in my voice, but whether it is West or East Yorkshire I can't decide, probably a little bit of both although having lived most of my life in East Yorkshire I suspect that is where my accent hails from -- sorry Castleford!
Speaking of which, I have received an invitation from my old Castleford school now re named the Henry Moore Smawthorne Lane School, to visit them sometime in the autumn term. It will be lovely to go back again and to meet up with people from the town of my birth. The last time I was there was to attend the centenary of the library. The town has changed enormously since I lived there as a child; the pit head has gone and in its place the Xscape, the dairy across the road from my granny's house has housing in its place. But the people remain the same, warm and friendly.
My copy edited manuscript of THE HARBOUR GIRL came back for checking last week so I have spent each day at my kitchen table re reading it before it goes off for printing. I haven't seen it since I sent it off to my editor back in February and as I have been in the process of creating another novel with new characters, during the re reading of it I find I can read it in a more detached way than I could whilst writing it. Although I must admit to spilling a few tears. How emotional we authors become over our characters.
Friday 8 July 2011
Friday 8th July
A good meeting with James Hoggarth at Radio Humberside on Tuesday. I won't tell what topics we discussed as the broadcast hasn't been aired yet. From there I went on to the Talking Magazine studio for my voluntary work; this week my colleagues and I had our editors' hats on as we prepared material for the Thursday recording.
I've had quite a good week of writing and the first draft of the present book is progressing, slowly but reasonably well as I come to know my characters and what they are getting up to. I have a rough idea of where I am going with it, but sometimes I'm surprised by the events which unfold, as in one thing can often lead to another which I hadn't planned. I've also had time to meet friends for coffee which is so important and such a nice thing to do.
On Saturday 16th July a Garden Party given by the Holderness Probus Society is to be held by kind permission of Mr & Mrs Jim Stansfield at 15 Windsor Close Cottingham, and is in aid of Dove House Hospice and the Yorkshire Scanner Appeal. There will be a barbecue and stalls, putting and games, and a raffle. I shall be there signing my books supplied by Barkers of Cottingham. The garden is open from 11am to 5pm and all are welcome.
I've had quite a good week of writing and the first draft of the present book is progressing, slowly but reasonably well as I come to know my characters and what they are getting up to. I have a rough idea of where I am going with it, but sometimes I'm surprised by the events which unfold, as in one thing can often lead to another which I hadn't planned. I've also had time to meet friends for coffee which is so important and such a nice thing to do.
On Saturday 16th July a Garden Party given by the Holderness Probus Society is to be held by kind permission of Mr & Mrs Jim Stansfield at 15 Windsor Close Cottingham, and is in aid of Dove House Hospice and the Yorkshire Scanner Appeal. There will be a barbecue and stalls, putting and games, and a raffle. I shall be there signing my books supplied by Barkers of Cottingham. The garden is open from 11am to 5pm and all are welcome.
Tuesday 5 July 2011
Tuesday 5th July
I'm about to visit Radio Humberside studio so thought I'd write a quick blog before I leave. I'm expecting to be talking to James Hoggarth about the Humber Mouth Lit Fest which was on last week and for the rest of this. I think it has been successful in spite of the cuts in Arts and the departure of several people who have previously been involved in it. I attended two events; one at the Hull Central Library where Oxygen Books, who produce the City-Pick books came to look at Hull through the eyes of local writers. City-Pick books are not just travel books even though they cover cities as diverse as Amsterdam, Venice, London and Paris, and now have visited Hull and gained an impression -- hopefully a good one through the work and description of those of us who write about it. Submissions of various works were submitted by readers and writers and to be honest I didn't think mine would be chosen as I write of 19th c Hull and not as it is today. However, mine was there alongside Andrew Marvell, Philip Larkin, Winifred Holtby and those with a contemporary slant such as Linda Acaster, Penny Grubb, Sue Wilsea, John Godber, Nick Quantrill and others. It was very interesting to see how different writers see the city. It is also hard to define what it is that attracts writers and poets to the region. Is it the Humber, the wide skies, fantastic sunsets, the sense of history or the slight sense of isolation? Or is it the people? I suspect all of these things play a part in creativity. Sometimes Hull gets a 'Bad Press' and yet it is a very special place for those who live here.
Another event was at the Hull History Centre, of which I have spoken previously. How lucky the city is to have such a splendid building and amazing facility for searching through the past.
The meeting took the form of a workshop day and those who were interested were invited to write a short piece relating to either their own experience or of someone from the past or just pure fiction. My role was to explain how I use research to write my own brand of 19thc novels merging fact and fiction. More anon
Another event was at the Hull History Centre, of which I have spoken previously. How lucky the city is to have such a splendid building and amazing facility for searching through the past.
The meeting took the form of a workshop day and those who were interested were invited to write a short piece relating to either their own experience or of someone from the past or just pure fiction. My role was to explain how I use research to write my own brand of 19thc novels merging fact and fiction. More anon
Sunday 19 June 2011
Sunday 19th June
I decided that I should step back into the 21st century. Most of my time when I'm working is spent in the 19thc, which might seem rather odd -- but then one does need to be fairly odd to be an author -- but unless I think and breathe an earlier period then it's not possible to make it tangible for my readers, in much the same way, as I have said previously, I must breathe life and put flesh on the bones of my characters to make them seem real too. But I digress; I said I am stepping back into the 21st century and to this end I have joined Face Book and Twitter. I have been asked 'why' and the reason being is that very many of my fellow authors have already joined, and I didn't want to miss out on the party! Of course, when I say that I have joined Face Book and Twitter, what I actually mean is that I have been helped to be there and to have a brand new web site by professional people who actually know what they are doing.
Last Friday my two daughters and I joined Yorkshire artist Ashley Jackson at the 10th anniversary of the Holderness Art Show in Burton Pidsea village, Ashley opened the show and commented on the many fine pieces of work displayed. I, with my daughters, presented a spelted beech bowl given as an annual Peter Wood Memorial Prize in commemoration of my husband's life, to first time winner Rebecca Clark.
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Last Friday my two daughters and I joined Yorkshire artist Ashley Jackson at the 10th anniversary of the Holderness Art Show in Burton Pidsea village, Ashley opened the show and commented on the many fine pieces of work displayed. I, with my daughters, presented a spelted beech bowl given as an annual Peter Wood Memorial Prize in commemoration of my husband's life, to first time winner Rebecca Clark.
Sunday 5 June 2011
Sunday 5th June
Well, there's another month gone by and busier than I anticipated as I really did intend getting down to some serious writing. The first few chapters of a new novel are always the hardest as the author becomes familiar with new characters. If you imagine meeting someone for the first time; you take in the initial appearance of them; their bearing, their demeanour or manner, their personality and so on, and you generally know whether or not you are going to like them, but perhaps don't immediately become friends. It's rather similar with creating new characters for a novel; then there's the business of deciding where you will place them, what kind of setting will they be living in and do they have parents, sisters or brothers and so on, and that is why it is so important not to rush the beginning. It has to feel just right before the author can continue with the tale they have to tell!
There are of course many aspects to an author's life other than sitting down and writing; you will have heard of the fateful news of intended library closures which have been threatening for quite some time and many authors have signed in protest of these. We are all agreed that libraries are an essential part of most lives; most authors have spent at least part of their childhood in them, borrowing books for pleasure or for research and many a literary career began there. Alan Bennett was particularly incensed over one library closure and created a considerable wordy furore. I was asked to contribute to this debate on Radio Humberside and questionedon whether I agreed with Mr Bennett's comments to which I replied that although I wouldn't have chosen his words -- he is more eloquent than I, I did consider it to be akin to criminal to deprive children, the elderly, the blind and partially sighted who read and listen to large print and audio books, and those who cannot afford to buy books from the High Street of this wonderful facility.
On July 2nd at the Hull History Centre and part of the Humber Mouth Festival there is to be a day devoted to 'Telling a Story in which people are invited to do just that. It can be a fictional story or a real one, perhaps something that has been passed down from one family member to the next. Rupert Creed of the Community Play fame will be planning the workshops, two 'Fishermen's Wives will be telling what kind of life they led and I will be speaking on how I research my 19thc novels. It should be very interesting and although not all the details are yet in place (we have had one session of brainstorming), if anyone would like to know more then get in touch with Rachael Drew at the Hull History Centre who is arranging the day.
So an interesting few weeks -- and more to come.
There are of course many aspects to an author's life other than sitting down and writing; you will have heard of the fateful news of intended library closures which have been threatening for quite some time and many authors have signed in protest of these. We are all agreed that libraries are an essential part of most lives; most authors have spent at least part of their childhood in them, borrowing books for pleasure or for research and many a literary career began there. Alan Bennett was particularly incensed over one library closure and created a considerable wordy furore. I was asked to contribute to this debate on Radio Humberside and questionedon whether I agreed with Mr Bennett's comments to which I replied that although I wouldn't have chosen his words -- he is more eloquent than I, I did consider it to be akin to criminal to deprive children, the elderly, the blind and partially sighted who read and listen to large print and audio books, and those who cannot afford to buy books from the High Street of this wonderful facility.
On July 2nd at the Hull History Centre and part of the Humber Mouth Festival there is to be a day devoted to 'Telling a Story in which people are invited to do just that. It can be a fictional story or a real one, perhaps something that has been passed down from one family member to the next. Rupert Creed of the Community Play fame will be planning the workshops, two 'Fishermen's Wives will be telling what kind of life they led and I will be speaking on how I research my 19thc novels. It should be very interesting and although not all the details are yet in place (we have had one session of brainstorming), if anyone would like to know more then get in touch with Rachael Drew at the Hull History Centre who is arranging the day.
So an interesting few weeks -- and more to come.
Friday 20 May 2011
Friday May 20th
I can hardly credit that it is over a month since my last entry, so what have I been doing in that time? Well, catching up on new writing for one thing now that the paperback signings are finally over. I had one more talk to give in Dunnington Reading Room, Dunnington being near York and a delightful village which has apparently won the Village in Bloom award for the last couple of years. It was a very pleasant evening with a full house, the audience being very receptive.
Then of course came the Royal Wedding which I watched on TV all day! My daughter Catherine came over and we ate a proper cooked English Breakfast followed by coffee and cake and toasted the wedded couple in Bucks Fizz.
On the 4th May I attended Mike Ulyatt's event at the Hull Royal Station Hotel which commemorated the 70 th anniversary of the Hull Blitz which caused such devastation and misery. There is a booklet and DVD on sale to recall those terrible times, lest we forget.
And since then I really have been writing, but in between, meeting friends, attending concerts and the most marvellous production of Die Valkurie, Live Opera at Cineworld. Outstanding!
Last night I wore my other hat, that of Editor at The Hull and District Talking Magazine for the Blind, a charity I have been involved with for over twenty five years. The occasion was the AGM in which the last of the original founders of the charity, Harold Milner, stepped down after thirty four years of sterling work. He has relinquished his role as Chairman and we have asked him to be our President.
Back to work!
Then of course came the Royal Wedding which I watched on TV all day! My daughter Catherine came over and we ate a proper cooked English Breakfast followed by coffee and cake and toasted the wedded couple in Bucks Fizz.
On the 4th May I attended Mike Ulyatt's event at the Hull Royal Station Hotel which commemorated the 70 th anniversary of the Hull Blitz which caused such devastation and misery. There is a booklet and DVD on sale to recall those terrible times, lest we forget.
And since then I really have been writing, but in between, meeting friends, attending concerts and the most marvellous production of Die Valkurie, Live Opera at Cineworld. Outstanding!
Last night I wore my other hat, that of Editor at The Hull and District Talking Magazine for the Blind, a charity I have been involved with for over twenty five years. The occasion was the AGM in which the last of the original founders of the charity, Harold Milner, stepped down after thirty four years of sterling work. He has relinquished his role as Chairman and we have asked him to be our President.
Back to work!
Thursday 14 April 2011
Thursday 14th April
Last Thursday as predicted, the charity lunch at Tickton Grange in aid of HERIB was great fun and the food delicious as always; the speaker Jane Thornton was excellent as she outlined both her acting career and that of playwright and scriptwriter. A multi tasker of the first degree.
Monday the 11th April saw the start of the Scarborough Fringe Festival. I was speaker at the West Ayton Library and was delighted to see all the chairs occupied by a friendly and receptive audience. I outlined my long connections with Scarborough and area and told of how Scarborough often plays a part in my books, particularly THE HARBOUR GIRL which will be published in November this year.
Wednesday; another charity lunch, this time at Cerutti 2 in Beverley and hosted by Tina Cerutti; this was in aid of the Dove House Hospice Love You 2 Appeal which aims to raise £2.5 million in 2.5 years to fund the running of their new respite unit. Tina demonstrated how to make easy and delicious fish recipes, which we then enjoyed.
Thursday; another run up to Scarborough; I drove from Beverley through Driffield and towards Staxton and Seamer. Although the morning was cloudy and a little cool, it was so obvious that spring is definitely with us; the daffodils on the verges through the villages of Langtoft and Foxholes were just past their best, but were a bright and sunny gold which gladdened the eye and lifted the spirits, the trees are now dressed in their fresh spring green.My outing today was to hear Sarah Waters at the Scarborough Library talking to James Nash about her books and her research into them. What an absolute treat to listen to such a talented author.
Tomorrow, Friday 15th. My final signing session at WH Smith of Whitefriargate, Hull. It has been a long tour, but a most enjoyable one. Next week, I must get down to some serious writing!
Monday the 11th April saw the start of the Scarborough Fringe Festival. I was speaker at the West Ayton Library and was delighted to see all the chairs occupied by a friendly and receptive audience. I outlined my long connections with Scarborough and area and told of how Scarborough often plays a part in my books, particularly THE HARBOUR GIRL which will be published in November this year.
Wednesday; another charity lunch, this time at Cerutti 2 in Beverley and hosted by Tina Cerutti; this was in aid of the Dove House Hospice Love You 2 Appeal which aims to raise £2.5 million in 2.5 years to fund the running of their new respite unit. Tina demonstrated how to make easy and delicious fish recipes, which we then enjoyed.
Thursday; another run up to Scarborough; I drove from Beverley through Driffield and towards Staxton and Seamer. Although the morning was cloudy and a little cool, it was so obvious that spring is definitely with us; the daffodils on the verges through the villages of Langtoft and Foxholes were just past their best, but were a bright and sunny gold which gladdened the eye and lifted the spirits, the trees are now dressed in their fresh spring green.My outing today was to hear Sarah Waters at the Scarborough Library talking to James Nash about her books and her research into them. What an absolute treat to listen to such a talented author.
Tomorrow, Friday 15th. My final signing session at WH Smith of Whitefriargate, Hull. It has been a long tour, but a most enjoyable one. Next week, I must get down to some serious writing!
Wednesday 6 April 2011
Wednesday 6th April 2011
Today I'm preparing my lecture for the Scarborough Literature Festival Fringe event to be held at West Ayton library on Monday the 11th April at 7pm. For further details Heather.French@northyorks.gov.uk
I'm really looking forward to being there as, although the event is to be held a few miles outside Scarborough, the town remains my most favourite seaside! I spent many memorable holidays there as a child, staying with my paternal grandparents and also with a favourite aunt in Irton, not far from West Ayton.
The following Friday, the 15th, my final official paperback signing of HOMECOMING GIRLS, an extra, by special request at WHSmith in Whitefriargate, Hull at 12 noon. Be there if you can!
Regretfully, the scheduled tea party and signing aat SIMPLY BOOKS of Pocklington on Sunday the 9th April has had to be cancelled. We hope to re schedule at a later date. It's a great little independent bookshop. Do call in if you're in the vicinity.
Tomorrow, I'm attending as a guest, a Ladies' Lunch in aid of HERIB -- Hull and East Riding Institute for the Blind -- at Tickton Grange Hotel, near Beverley. A lovely location, a guarantee of good food and a very worthy cause. One of my favourite charities. The speaker is to be Jane Thornton, the well known and much acclaimed playwright and screen writer. Should be a good event.
A library event is to be held at Dunnington Reading Room, Church Street, Dunnington, nr York on Thursday 28th April at 7pm. For further details tricia.raxworthy@york.gov.uk
I'm really looking forward to being there as, although the event is to be held a few miles outside Scarborough, the town remains my most favourite seaside! I spent many memorable holidays there as a child, staying with my paternal grandparents and also with a favourite aunt in Irton, not far from West Ayton.
The following Friday, the 15th, my final official paperback signing of HOMECOMING GIRLS, an extra, by special request at WHSmith in Whitefriargate, Hull at 12 noon. Be there if you can!
Regretfully, the scheduled tea party and signing aat SIMPLY BOOKS of Pocklington on Sunday the 9th April has had to be cancelled. We hope to re schedule at a later date. It's a great little independent bookshop. Do call in if you're in the vicinity.
Tomorrow, I'm attending as a guest, a Ladies' Lunch in aid of HERIB -- Hull and East Riding Institute for the Blind -- at Tickton Grange Hotel, near Beverley. A lovely location, a guarantee of good food and a very worthy cause. One of my favourite charities. The speaker is to be Jane Thornton, the well known and much acclaimed playwright and screen writer. Should be a good event.
A library event is to be held at Dunnington Reading Room, Church Street, Dunnington, nr York on Thursday 28th April at 7pm. For further details tricia.raxworthy@york.gov.uk
Tuesday 29 March 2011
Tuesday 29th March
Almost at the end of March. Where has the month gone? Last Monday the 21st, I spoke at the wonderful Hull History Centre. A most incredible building packed with so much information and collections of local, regional and national importance relating to the city and surrounding area. My role on that day was to speak of my current novel THE HOMECOMING GIRLS and of its significance to the Hull area. To this end a slide show was shown of photographs of old Hull in the late 19th and early 20th century, which surprisingly, many were exactly as I had imagined the courts and alleys to be. There were several of my regular readers there and amazingly they seem to know my books and characters better than I do!
On Wednesday I attended the Hull Literary Luncheon where as usual we were entertained by excellent guest speakers; actor Larry Lamb, author Simon Scarrow, and maritime historian Dr Robb Robinson.
Dr Robinson, Robb to all who know him, is a Hull based author historian whose new book FAR HORIZONS is just out and I can say with authority is a crackingly good read. Not only as a member of an old fishing family does he know what he is talking about, I can affirm he is also more than willing to share his information and expertise.
Saturday the 26th. Back to the Hull History Centre for a meeting with the Society of Authors North. The society is open to published authors and gives advice on all matters relating to writing, authorship and publication. We covered many topics including e books and enjoyed an excellent lecture given by archivist Judy Burg who spoke of some of the archived material held at the centre and then gave us a tour of the building.
Monday I went to the market town of Hedon, close to where I lived for almost forty years until three years ago. The reason for my visit was to sign books at Beckett's newsagents who always stock my books. I found a complete restoration of the shop -- a face lift/makeover and it was lovely to go back and catch up the news with so many people.
Today I managed to work on another chapter of the first draft of the new book and as usual start to think I shall never finish it in time! But of course I will.
Saturday the 2nd April I shall be signing at Hull Waterstone's, the day before Mother's Day. 2pm if you can make it to come and say hello!
On Wednesday I attended the Hull Literary Luncheon where as usual we were entertained by excellent guest speakers; actor Larry Lamb, author Simon Scarrow, and maritime historian Dr Robb Robinson.
Dr Robinson, Robb to all who know him, is a Hull based author historian whose new book FAR HORIZONS is just out and I can say with authority is a crackingly good read. Not only as a member of an old fishing family does he know what he is talking about, I can affirm he is also more than willing to share his information and expertise.
Saturday the 26th. Back to the Hull History Centre for a meeting with the Society of Authors North. The society is open to published authors and gives advice on all matters relating to writing, authorship and publication. We covered many topics including e books and enjoyed an excellent lecture given by archivist Judy Burg who spoke of some of the archived material held at the centre and then gave us a tour of the building.
Monday I went to the market town of Hedon, close to where I lived for almost forty years until three years ago. The reason for my visit was to sign books at Beckett's newsagents who always stock my books. I found a complete restoration of the shop -- a face lift/makeover and it was lovely to go back and catch up the news with so many people.
Today I managed to work on another chapter of the first draft of the new book and as usual start to think I shall never finish it in time! But of course I will.
Saturday the 2nd April I shall be signing at Hull Waterstone's, the day before Mother's Day. 2pm if you can make it to come and say hello!
Sunday 20 March 2011
Sunday 20th March 2011
Yesterday I had a successful day signing paperback copies of HOMECOMING GIRLS in Smiths Books of Beverley, and Sokell's of Driffield. It was a glorious sunny day -- hopefully the first of many more to come -- and there were lots of people about; many of my regular readers came in to chat and to buy.
Today the eldest of my talented daughters linked this blog to my website. I do hope you are able to access it!
Today the eldest of my talented daughters linked this blog to my website. I do hope you are able to access it!
Tuesday 15 March 2011
Tuesday 15th March 2011
Yesterday I began a new novel. I'm a few weeks behind schedule as I've been digging out my office, which is what I always do on completing a manuscript; The Harbour Girl is now in the safe hands of my editor and as I eagerly await her comments, there is only one thing to do and that is start another.
I wrote five hundred words and found a title which I won't announce just yet as it might change before I finish it! I doubt that I will write more today as I'm working on a lecture which I'm to give at the Hull History Centre on Monday the 21st March, which--help --is only six days away!!
Tonight I shall be doing my voluntary work as editor of The Hull and District Talking Magazine for The Blind. This is a charitable organisation which provides recordings of local news and information on memory sticks for those unable to read printed matter. Most of us have been with the charity for close on thirty years.
Thursday I begin the signings of the paperback version of HOMECOMING GIRLS.
I wrote five hundred words and found a title which I won't announce just yet as it might change before I finish it! I doubt that I will write more today as I'm working on a lecture which I'm to give at the Hull History Centre on Monday the 21st March, which--help --is only six days away!!
Tonight I shall be doing my voluntary work as editor of The Hull and District Talking Magazine for The Blind. This is a charitable organisation which provides recordings of local news and information on memory sticks for those unable to read printed matter. Most of us have been with the charity for close on thirty years.
Thursday I begin the signings of the paperback version of HOMECOMING GIRLS.
Sunday 6 March 2011
World Book Night 5th March 2011
Last night at Hull Waterstone's we celebrated the world of books by speaking of books we had read and authors we had known, read and loved. Amongst my favourites were Sarah Waters, always assured of a good read, ditto Tracy Chevalier, Kate Atkinson, Isabel Allende, and my absolute favourite series of books at the moment the Otori Trilogy by Lian Hearn. Amongst the books given away were those by Margaret Attwood, David Mitchell, Alan Bennett, John le Carre et al; an excellent mix of contemporary and classical writing. And for free! Hope you too were able to participate at your local bookstore.
Saturday 5 March 2011
Homecoming Girls - Paperback Launch Events
I'm delighted to announce that Homecoming Girls is out in paperback from the 17th of March and I'm doing a range of talks and signings in around the area - you're all welcome so please do come along & say hello!
March
Thursday 17th March 2.00pm
WHSmith Whitefriargate Hull
Friday 18th March 12 noon
WHSmith Prospect Centre Hull
Saturday 19th March 11-
Smith’s Books Beverley
Saturday 19th March -
Sokell's of Driffield
Monday 20th March -
Hull History Centre -
April
Saturday 2nd April -
Waterstones -
Monday 11th April -
Scarborough Literary Festival
Thursday 28th April -
Dunnington Reading Room
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