May is here already, we moved house end of April and now the big project begins! I'm pacing myself, knowing it will take several months if not a year, as we are planning minor building works as well as redecorating. While the garden needs attention, I was thrilled to discover a small and well-cared-for bay tree. Now it's fresh bay leaves with everything! Not quite the Forest, but the park across the road is a godsend for Sammy's slow rambles. The beautiful liquidamber in the image above is one of many lovely trees there.
THE NEWS Absolutely thrilled to show off the cover of my September release, River Witch. Drawn by the talented Lauren WIllmore, I'm sure these gorgeous images will tempt the readers. It's the detail I love, like the wildflowers on the river bed which merges the two key influences in the protagonist Hester's troubled life.
The eBook is on pre-order herewhich means you can order it now and be charged on release day in September. If you're a paperback fan, you'll need to wait until then. I'll remind you!
Much of the setting takes place in a fictional version of Newnham-on-Severn, once a thriving river port not many miles from where I live. The kind people at Newnham Library are hosting the book's launch sometime in early October, which will be wonderful! More of that later.
Editing of River Witch isn't over, but here's a short passage (a 4 min read) to whet appetites. Click on the image below to take you there. And enjoy!
Sabrina whispers under a profligate blue sky, telling Hester she is good, as she did when Hester was as small as Annie. Hester breathes in the goddess’s murmuring approval, uses it to shore up the courage she has had to dredge from deep within herself...
OTHER NEWS
I was excited to have Keepers chosen by the highly regarded Discovering Diamonds historical fiction site for a review which was released on May 2. A great review, but I especially loved the praise for the 'fantastic' editing 'team'. Well, that'll be me then! Nice!
Here's the review to see the lovely things said about the actual story!
Paula is one of my critique partners, that is, we share our drafts with each other and go to town on them! I was lucky to find her (along with our third brilliant partner Jodi) and to work with her on Protected, her debut novel published by Elk Lake Publishing. In this interview, Paula talks about the influences in her writing, and introduces us to Protected.
WRITERS ARE READERS TOO
The Yield
I was drawn to this because it's a book about Australia, and it certainly is. Read my thoughts on The Yieldhere.
WRITER'S CORNER
Writers are told to Resist the Urge to Explain. Well, of course – only, what does it mean in reality? Take a look at this blog post to find out what NOT to do and what TO do to help make sure readers keep turning those pages! Click on the button!
More bits and pieces on River Witch, renovation update (see how sane we still are), and a fun guest spot with my favourite romcom author. Don't miss it!
Cheryl
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