Hello, and thank you for visiting my site. I hope that you'll return often and always find something of interest about my world and what inspires me to pick up a pen. (This is a figure of speech, unfortunately. My handwriting is terrible!) Here's what I've been up to recently...
Sister Act the Musical
REVIEW: ‘Dazzling’ Sister Act musical set to open at Harrogate Theatre – Your Harrogate
Always happy to write a review for local groups, I found attending the dress rehearsal of RAOS Musical Company’s dress rehearsal at Harrogate Theatre a truly joyous experience.
It’s a long time since I trod the boards there myself – as one of the Mamas in Fiddler on the Roof – but I could well imagine all the frenzied activity backstage. Well done, everyone!
The link above will take you to the full review.
18 April, 2024 - Make the first comment on this story
Featured in Writers’ Narrative
I’m pleased to have this article in the latest issue of Writers’ Narrative. It’s a great magazine and has helped to fill the gap left by the unfortunate demise of Writers’ Forum.
18 March, 2024 - Make the first comment on this story
A small triumph for Write-On! Ripon
As well as our regular Tuesday meetings, where we share whatever we’re currently working on, some of us like to get together once in a while for a quiz evening.
The photo shows us at a Boroughbridge High School fundraiser, where we came out a clear ten points ahead of the runners-up. Not bad, eh?
13 March, 2024 - Make the first comment on this story
The wonders of modern technology
When I sent a letter to Who Do You Think You Are? magazine, I attached some images stored on my computer. Very close to the deadline for publication, I was asked if I could provide a better digital image of the regimental photograph and had to explain that it was now in the possession of a second cousin in Australia. I did, however, send my relative a message via Facebook and he was able to oblige – all this within a few short hours. The magazine will now be able to supply a digital copy of the photo to any family history researcher who requests it. How wonderful is that!
1 March, 2024 - Make the first comment on this story
Advice for authors
I was very happy to contribute to Debbie Emmitt’s blog, which you can read here. https://www.debbie-emmitt.com/how-authors-of-books-set-in-france-overcome-challenges-in-their-words/?fbclid=IwAR2rcZVveVaQF4dVGp1hjRHtvGIKvpX-wA5YhRKL6EhKYsyPhaf6QwN6QO8
The advice referred to the research I did when writing my long novel ‘Shadows of the Past’ and is reproduced below:
‘Shadows of the Past’ and, even more so, its prequel ‘Foreshadowing’, have a large autobiographical element to them and were a real labour of love to write.
9 February, 2024 - Make the first comment on this story
Swanwick Writers Summer School Diamond Jubilee
This is going to be a very special year for ‘Swanwick’ and I’m very pleased to be running one of the short two-part courses again.
I’ve been going to ‘Swanwick’ regularly since 2006. Booking is now open, so why not think about joining me this year?
3 February, 2024 - Make the first comment on this story
A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL MY READERS!
Despite the wishful photo of Maggie the Viking above, created by a wonderful Facebook app, 2024 is definitely going to be a time to look forward rather than back. Long cherished plans include bringing out a new book, essentially a memoir about a glorious summer spent ‘riding the Dog*’ across the USA. Scary moments such as being mobbed on the New York subway and chased out of a brothel in El Paso were amply compensated for by the camaraderie experienced along the way and the warm hospitality offered by many different American families and individuals.
*The Dog in question being the wonderful Greyhound Bus Line
WATCH THIS SPACE!
3 January, 2024 - Make the first comment on this story
A story for Christmas
By a very happy coincidence. this came out yesterday on my birthday and it can also be found in today’s issue of Love Sunday (Sunday People).
Originally written as a story for children, a few tweaks made it appropriate for all ages. Who hasn’t dreamed of an unexpected windfall when money is tight? That it was very well deserved in this case is, I think, a bonus. Honesty was definitely the best policy for struggling young mum Daisy and even the villain of the piece came good in the end.
Merry Christmas, everyone!
24 December, 2023 - Make the first comment on this story
Christmas celebrations with Ripon writers!
I was privileged to celebrate with two different groups this week. The photo above (thank you, Nicky) is from Write On! Ripon’s Christmas meal at the Claro Lounge, which was very enjoyable. The conversation flowed as freely as the drinks and the wearing of cracker sourced hats was purely optional.
The following evening, I was at Ripon Writers’ Group’s pre-Christmas event, which featured less food and alcohol – although members did bring contributions to a small festive buffet – but also boasted a quiz, seasonal readings including a short play by our newest member and a Secret Santa.
Good fun all round and I’m very happy to have so many friends who ‘get’ why I write.
19 December, 2023 - Make the first comment on this story
A Great New Read!
If you’re looking for a gift for a lover of crime fiction, I can heartily recommend Val Penny’s latest book, published, like her other novels, by SpellBound Books Ltd.
DI Hunter Wilson is looking forward to spending a holiday in India with his girlfriend Dr Meera Sharma, away from the cold, wet winter of Edinburgh. He looks to share his happiness with others when he is attacked by Santa Claus, he says. His team swing into action to catch his attackers but then receive information about an elf found dead in a car park and a car stolen by Mrs Claus. Are the crimes by these Christmas characters connected? Can Hunter’s team restore peace and good will to Christmas?
Hunter’s Christmas and Other Stories includes tales about DI Hunter Wilson and DS Jane Renwick along with those about new and different characters in this gripping collection of short stories especially for crime fiction readers.
The multi-talented Val Penny, American by birth but now happily based in SW Scotland with her husband and cat, has a wide variety of books to her credit and no wonder! Never short of inspiration, this graduate of both Edinburgh and Napier Universities has been amongst other things a hairdresser, waitress, banker, azalea farmer and lecturer.
Val’s books are widely available and she can be contacted through her website http://www.valpenny.com
10 December, 2023 - Make the first comment on this story
Check Out My eBooks
