Thelma and Louise head for the RNA conference in Telford, Shropshire.

Adrienne and I gave a talk to other RNA members at the conference on how to become a successful indie author. It was one of the hottest summers on record and I just about melted in the heat. It was great to catch up with old friends and to make new ones. However, I was keen to return home to start work on the final edits of DARK HIGHLAND SKIES.

Before leaving for the conference I gave my study a massive clear out and came across my old New Writers’ Scheme badge. I am now a full member of the RNA but the badge served to remind me how far I’ve come since I published my first novel in 2012. At the conference I met up with fellow RNA member and dear friend Jessie Cahalin who has worked so hard on behalf of the NWS. We talk frequently over the phone but it was lovely to be be able to spend quality time together. If I’m looking a bit peely-wally (i.e. wan, as they say in Scotland) its because the extreme hear triggered a cluster of migraines. Doh.

August 2022

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Once home we celebrated Mother-in-Law Betty’s 94th birthday. Betty is a great supporter of my work and is always one of the first to read my new novel. Long may she reign. Carole Matthews crocheted Betty this fabulous blanket for her bed for her birthday.

August 11th was our 49th wedding anniversary and to celebrate we headed for Oxford and the Pre-Raphaelite Exhibition at the Ashmolean. We had afternoon tea on the roof terrace overlooking the Randolph Hotel – often featured on Morse, and from where Dave longs to be recruited for MI5. We spotted the Didcot Hoard (AD 54) of Roman coins which set Dave thinking about becoming a detectorist, again. Finally – a Scottish connection – we found a portrait of Flora MacDonald.

September 2022

We (Dave, Maisie, Joan and I) had two mini breaks during September. One, to Salt Mill to see the Hockney Exhibition, had long been on our bucket list. Sadly, while we were there HM the Queen passed away – may she rest in peace. Then to Whitby where we met up with Maggie to celebrate a BIG BIRTHDAY. Shan’t say any more or I might live to regret it. As an added bonus, I was able to meet up with Sharon Booth and Jessica Redland in Scarborough where we exchanged novels and chatted about books, publishing and all things connected. Since then Sharon has been snapped up by Storm Publishing and Jessica has a new book coming out.

October/ November 2022

I was thrilled to be shortlisted for Indie Champion a second time. I didn’t win but there’s always next year, right? I was interviewed on Radio Leicester by Ben Jackson which was great fun. What is they say about ‘a face made for radio’?

My novel had its final read through and proof read before being sent over to Sarah at Goldcrest Books. She is a fantastic publisher, easy to work with and has uploaded all my books on to Amazon. I also got in touch with my cover designer Gail Bradley and, fingers crossed, Dark Highland Skies will be available to pre-order late January 2023. It is my intention to update the covers of all my novels over the course of 2023, with Gail and Sarah’s help.

December 2022

Here are some random images from December when I managed to post off all my Christmas cards, in spite of the Royal Mail’s worst efforts. The table is set in the conservatory morning coffee and I was able to bring out my Emma Bridgewater Christmas Collection. My sister Phyllis sent me some beautiful hand made cards but, due to the postal strike, they arrived too late for 2022. I’m saving them until next year! Who knows, you might even receive one.

What does 2023 hold in store?

Well, to have Dark Highland Skies on pre-order. See cover and blurb below. All I need is the Amazon link and I’ll share that with you as soon as I have it. I hope you’ll fall in love with my hero Tor and root for my heroine, Halley, as I did when writing it. August 2023 will see us celebrating our Golden Wedding anniversary. We hope to spend it caravanning in Scotland and, on the actual date (August 11th), stay at the Fife Arms in Braemar.

If you can’t wait for my new novel to be published, or if you haven’t read any of my previous novels, click on this QR Code which will take you straight to my Amazon page.