THE NEWS
Somehow I missed the longlist announcement, managed to catch the shortlist email for Retreat West's Echo-themed flash fiction competition and am over the moon to report my story won!
I workshopped it with Dean Writers, so many thanks to them. Retreat West recorded the winner and runners-up. The actor has done a fantastic job of mine. Listen to it here, it's worth it!
Keepers
Last month I mentioned my fun visit to Mitcheldean Library to talk about Keepers to their reading club. The wonderful person who couldn't put the book down left me a review* on Amazon. It's short, so I can share it here -
This is a beautifully written book, uplifting and heart warming. I could not put this book down and read it in one session. I do hope you will write another book soon.
I'm getting there! Encouragement like this helps. This reader isn't the first to have to keep going to the end. Raine, Teddy and Alf have even converted some 'I don't normally read this genre' readers. (Take a look at this review - her best book she has read this year.)
Guardians of the Forest
Best news of the year! A teacher has asked me to talk with a group of 'reluctant readers' about the trilogy after I gave her a set for the class (now three sets). One lad romped through it, several others are loving it and want more books to read. Result!!
I have said I will recommend some 'reluctant reader' books for her. If you have one which converted you or your child into an avid reader, please let me know.
The High Alps of Asfarlon has now gone to a reader to pick it apart for characters, plot etc. This person was an elementary teacher for many years and I'm very lucky to have her undertake this task. It won't be out before Christmas, but it will be a better book for not rushing it.
*A word on reviews...
Reviews are critically important in helping others decide whether this is a book they want to read. Also, once you get 50, Amazon's mystical algorithms do more to promote your book. So if you want to make an author happy this holiday season, write a review. It will be all the gift they want! And it's free!
|