The Literary Sofa
Writing
Autumn 2021 on the Sofa
It’s great to be back in circulation after a long break from blogging and social media and even better to have got my usual September fired-up feeling back after it went completely AWOL last year. In huge contrast to summer 2020 I’ve been extremely lucky over the last few months, spending a lot of time … Continue reading
(Writing) Each Book is a Different Story
I said you wouldn’t be hearing from me until Summer Reads at the start of June, but I’m hoping you’ll be interested in (Writing) Each Book is a Different Story, a piece I wrote for the fantastic Women Writers website on trying new methods, strategies (and misjudgments, but it’s all good) in the making of … Continue reading
The Sweet Scent of Gratitude
It’s a week since the launch of Scent (and reissue of my debut Paris Mon Amour) and today I’d like to share some thoughts, links and above all, thanks to so many people for making my publication week so joyful *despite everything*. Last year I really felt for the authors who had to navigate publication … Continue reading
On my own Sofa – Catherine McNamara interviews me about Scent
To celebrate publication of my second novel Scent and the reissue of my debut Paris Mon Amour by Muswell Press, something very different’s happening today: for the first time ever, I am the guest on my own Literary Sofa and my good friend, short fiction maestra Catherine McNamara is playing host – we could have … Continue reading
My new novel SCENT – Cover reveal and opening pages
I said I had something exciting for this week and here it is: the cover of my new novel Scent, which will be published in the UK on 1 April 2021. I am absolutely thrilled with it and very grateful to talented designer Jamie Keenan and my publishers Sarah Beal and Kate Beal at Muswell … Continue reading
Back on the Sofa
This is just a quick hello and update as you haven’t heard from me in a while and it’s lovely that the blog is still getting readers and new followers despite my absence. I hope you are coping OK in these times of fear, frustration and rage, and for many, terrible hardship and sadness. It’s … Continue reading
Too much information: blurbs, reviews and spoilers
As I mentioned at the start of the year, I’m taking a relaxed approach to the blog in the run-up to my Spring Spotlight on 11 March. At the moment top priority goes to a pitch for a project I can’t talk about and preparing material for a retreat I’m leading in a few weeks’ … Continue reading
Two books about three women
One of the scariest things about writing is realising that you have no say over how anyone interprets or receives your work – the reader encounters any narrative through the prism of their own knowledge, beliefs and life experience. Nothing has brought this home to me more than readers seeing all kinds of interesting things … Continue reading
Publication News – SCENT, spring 2021
For those who haven’t heard, I’m thrilled to return to the Sofa with the news that my second novel Scent will be released by independent publisher Muswell Press in spring 2021 – and for those who do know, here’s a bit more about it. Yesterday was such an exciting and emotional day when the acquisition … Continue reading
The notebook, the craft and the long hard graft
Firstly, thanks so much to everyone who entered the Literary Lunch competition and a big welcome to new subscribers. The number of entries topped all previous years and once again resulted in a brilliant and eclectic list of book recommendations. Next week I’ll publish them in list form and you can join me in picking … Continue reading
My new novel SCENT – out in paperback on 19 May 2022
The Literary Sofa 