Monthly Archives: May 2008

31 May 2008

At eight o’clock this morning I was enjoying a walk in a valley not far from where I live. It was a beautiful morning – blue sky and sunshine, the slightest nip in the air which made for clarity. Apart from the physical exercise I find the peaceful atmosphere helps me think. I plan what I am going to write. I think of the people who are dear to me and how lucky I have been with my life. When I came home I boiled some milk, sprinkled it with cocoa which has a hint of ginger in it – it is only recently that I have had this and I find it a very pleasant drink. I checked the writing I did yesterday, did some research and some reading and this evening I have watched a Western. 

 

29 May 2008

You will notice that, at the present time, the other five categories in my blog set-up are related to authorship and therefore  writing and books – natural, as writing is my life. But I have other interests – essential for a writer even if they are only a relaxation, a diversion of the mind away from writing which, even away from the actual practical side of putting words down on paper (or in the modern world on the computer), can occupy the mind with – what am I going to write next? Writing is never far from the mind. So what other interests have I? How else do I occupy my time?

I try to walk every day. I believe half hour plus of brisk walking every day is better than a long hike once a week. I watch TV in the evening – chiefly as a form of relaxing entertainment but I am choosy. I read a lot (a natural thing for a writer – who must see and learn from how other people handle words; not to copy but to enhance his own way of expressing himself. Not that this aspect is occupying my thoughts all the time because I read a lot for enjoyment. I listen to music and I play a lot of music while I am writing. I have a wide taste but sadly never learned to play a musical instrument. I am interested in cricket (my first sporting love), soccer, golf and athletics.

Of course it goes without saying my big interest is my family. I have just sent off today three birthday cards – one to my eldest daughter (31st May) and one to my son (1st June). If my son had been born half an hour earlier we would have had four children with two birthdays – my other two daughters are twins. The third card sent today went to my son-in-law.

 

25 May 2008

Part of my writing life involves running a book review column in a local weekly paper. So I read a lot of books and the range is wide. Writing such a column has certainly widened my reading. I have just finished reading THE MONEYPENNY DIARIES – FINAL FLING by Kate Westbrook published by John Murray. Moneypenny – probably the best known secretary in the world loves James Bond known as OO7 – Is that love returned? Ostracized by the Service they disappear but Miss Moneypenny is very much involved in trying to discover why she has become an outcast. Kate Westbrook has written an intriguing novel that moves from London to Jamaica and the Outer Hebridies and spans the 1960s to 2007. It is nicely constructed and kept me reading to the last word of a telling last sentence that reveals all. It is a must for Bond aficionados for they will have Moneypenny in their hearts. Even those who aren’t Bond fans will find this a good story.

22 May 2008

4 o’clock. I have just finished Chapter One of my new novel. I am quite happy with it. The way ahead is visible and I look forward to treading the paths with my characters, getting to know them better and sharing in their lives. I will also get to know new characters and weave everyone’s lives through webs of intrigue, romance, heartache, and adventure. I see an exciting time ahead.

I am also starting to explore, over and above what my publisher might do, means of publicizing my fothcoming publications:  DANGEROUS SHORES paperback on 6th November 2008, WINGS OF SORROW paperback on 5th February 2009 and STAY WITH ME hardback also on 5th February 2009. 

21 May 2008

From Bill.

My comment of two days ago did not come true. I did get a word in !!!!! We discussed aspects of my new novel – it is good to have family as sounding-boards. And I would say they are my severest critics. I understand from talking to other writers that this isn’t always so in other families. Indeed I am fortunate. They always have been and still are avid readers and have developed a great critical ability. The twins are artists by trade. Geraldine has just sold a picture which was in an exhibition in York and Judith has just sold one that was exhibited in Bradford Cathedral. You can check their art on their Website – Brabos Arts. Back to writing – we also discussed possible publicity for my forth coming books but more of this in the days ahead. Apart from being a pleasurable visit it was also a profitable one. Now it needs me to get on with the actual writing of the novel – I have almost finished the first chapter and two of the main characters are beginning to interplay against the background of Whitby and the wild North York Moors.

 

19th May 2008

Had a good weekend writing the first chapter of my new novel the background of which will be the ironstone mining in Rosedale a picturesque dale in the heart of the North York Moors. The novel is set in  middle nineteenth century. There will be a great deal of research much of which will be done by my daughter Judith who lives in West Yorkshire. She is visiting me today and tomorrow to discuss some aspects of this work, something she could have done by email but unfortunately her laptop had gone on the blink but it is being looked at as I write. Once that is up and running again work for her will be much easier. Her twin sister who lives in Lincolnshire will be arriving later today. Will we get much work done? Or will it be all talking when I won’t get a word in edgeways !!!!!!

15th May New Novel

I got started on the new novel yesterday. I am fortunate in that the first begining I see is the one I nearly always use. I do know writers who agonise over the beginning and may change it over and over until they have the impact they want. We all work differently.

But today I have not been able to continue as I was informed the electricity was going to be off for some time for maintenance work to be carried out so I got on doing other things. As it turned out I wasn’t without electricity as were nearby houses in the village. Frustrating as far as the novel was concerned but maybe I’ll do some this evening.

13 May 2008 New Book

13 May 2008

Yesterday I was commissioned to write my new novel Sealed Secrets. This came after I had submitted an outline. An exciting day ! The first acceptance is probably the most memorable – you’ve burst into print and your book will sit alongside Shakespeare, Dickens, the Bronte sisters and your favourite authors! But I have been lucky to experience the same memorable moment on two more occasions; when I switched genre, firstly to Westerns and then to historical sagas under the name of Jessica Blair – the name under which I am now writing. Really for me any new acceptance is exciting. I look forward to living with my characters and experiencing all the traumas of their lives.

 

Whitby 2

British seaside resorts are on the up. So I read in a newspaper yesterday. What interested me was the list of the top 10. Number 9 was Whitby on the North Yorkshire coast. It is there that I set my Jessica Blair novels. When needing inspiration and atmosphere I go there, walk the old streets, haunt the harbour, visit the ruined abbey high on the cliffs, and walk out on the old stone piers. The mind soon drifts back. I can see Adam Thoresby saving David Fernley from the Press Gang; Genetta Turner involved in the jet industry and I feel for Eliza and John Mitchell when they inherit an estate in Cornwall provided they leave their beloved Broomfield Manor Close to Whitby. Yes, Whitby has provided me with many a story. But it has also provided other pleasures – sea and sand, great fish and chips, ice cream a plenty, boats, and friendly people.

Wings of Sorrow

Chapter One: part three online preview of Wings of Sorrow

‘How many crew members do you have?’

‘Six. My Dad. My brother, myself and three others. They come with us from Lowestoft and have three days off while we are at the cricket. They’ll all be t’gither tomorrow, getting ready to sail in the evening. There’s the same number of men on the other drifters.

Jane enjoyed their company until they reached the Corner Café where Nell and Ewan decided they would return to the digs where they stayed every year; three fishermen’s cottages handy for the harbour in the old part of Scarborough.

‘What about tomorrow?’ asked Nell.

‘You two meeting up?’ queried Ewan.

‘We thought about it.’ replied Nell. ‘You’ll be busy preparing to sail.’

‘Yes, I’m afraid so.’

‘We could spend the day together and finish up by seeing them sail,’ Nell suggested to Jane.

‘Good. I’ll meet you at the harbour at ten?’

‘Couldn’t be better.’

Mavis and David, who were enjoying a cup of tea when their niece walked in, were struck by her joyful mood.

‘You seem to have had a good day, love,’ commented Mavis.

‘Oh, I have,’ Jane replied. As she poured herself a cup of tea from the pot on the table, she told them all about it.

‘I heard it was a good match,’ said her uncle.

‘I’m so pleased you met some nice people,’ said Mavis.

‘I’m meeting Nell tomorrow at the harbour at ten.’

‘Why not bring her to lunch?’

‘Can I?’ queried Jane enthusiastically.

‘Of course,’ Mavis insisted, pleased that her niece had found a friend. It could be a real turning point in her life and Jane deserved a change in fortune.

‘Thank you,’ Jane came over to give her aunt a kiss. ‘And I’ve decided I’m going to try and do something about getting a job, or at least earning myself some money.’

Both her uncle and aunt looked at her in surprise.

‘Don’t think you have to,’ her uncle was quick to assure her.

‘I know, Uncle, but it is time I started to do something; I can’t depend on you all the time.’

Her aunt reached out and took her hand. ‘Jane, we are delighted to have you with us, and whatever you decide, you know we will back your decision.’

There was love and gratitude in Jane’s smile when she replied quietly, ‘Thank you.’

‘What are you thinking of?’ asked her uncle.

‘I’d like to try some freelance journalism and if I was reasonably successful I might even consider journalism as a career.’

‘Good for you,’ Mavis encouraged.

‘Show some determination and you’ll succeed,’ her uncle agreed. ‘You’ll need a typewriter. Go and get one, a good one. I’ll sign a cheque and you can fill in the rest. It can go on my business account.’

Jane was speechless for a few moments, then with a cry of thanks she hugged her uncle.

‘There were tears of love and appreciation in her eyes as she straightened up. ‘What have I done to deserve you two?’ she said at length.

‘You have brought us joy,’ said Mavis, ‘when we thought the chance of it had passed us by.’

‘And we’d rather see some benefit from our money while we can,’ added David.

Scarborough’s foreshore was already a hive of activity around the amusement arcades, shops, ice cream parlours and cafés when Jane reached the harbour the next morning. The quayside was busy too as pleasure boat owners tried to entice holidaymakers to take a sea trip, and the men from the three Lowestoft drifters checked the gear and prepared for the evening sailing.

She turned on to the quay. As she passed the Silver King she heard a shout: ‘Hi, Jane!’ She glanced across at the nearest ship and saw Simon in his shirt sleeves. He waved and give her a broad grin.

She was flattered by such enthusiasm and returned it with equal fervour, then stopped to exchange a few words with him.

‘You two spending the day together?’ he asked, inclining his head in the direction of Nell who was talking to Ewan beside the Lively Lady.

‘Yes. Don’t know what we’re going to do, but I have some shopping to get.’

‘Nell will love that.’

She saw Nell look in her direction and wave.

She waved back and then said to Simon, ‘Will she really?’

‘She will. Doesn’t get much opportunity to shop with someone of her own age, and you two seemed to get on so well yesterday.’

‘We did, didn’t we?’

‘Nell’s that type of person. Easy to get on with if she takes to someone. And from her comments when she and Ewan got back yesterday, it was obvious she liked you.’

‘I’m so pleased. I liked her too from the moment I met her.’

‘She’s a fine girl.’

The tone in Simon’s voice made her wonder if the relationship between them was more than merely friendship. But Nell was with Ewan at this moment, and it had been Ewan who had suggested he and Nell accompany Jane home yesterday.

‘I’d better go and see her,’ she said. ‘I’ll be back here this evening to see you all sail.’

‘You will?’ The eagerness in his voice was not lost on Jane and again she felt a twinge of pleasure.

‘I’d better go.’

‘Good morning, Jane,’ Nell and Ewan chorused.

‘Hello,’ she replied, and glanced at Ewan. ‘Is the weather going to be good for you tonight?’

‘I think so. The signs aren’t bad. The wind is freshening a bit but that won’t bother us.’

‘How far out do you go?’

‘About forty miles. Depends where we find herring.’

‘How do you know where they’ll be?’

‘They tend to be that distance away, give or take a few miles. Dad has a built in instinct when he gets out there. Comes from spending years in the trade. Then when we get close to the area where he believes there will be herring, he’ll have a look-out at the bow. He’ll be waiting for the tell-tale phosphorescence that shines off them … that’s one of the reasons herring are known as the “silver darlings.”.’ He glanced towards the wheel-house. ‘I’d better be going. Dad’s looking a bit stern with me for wasting time talking to you. Enjoy yourselves.’

‘I want a quick word with my dad,’ said Nell, taking Jane’s arm. They moved on to the Sea Queen where George Franklin was on deck overseeing the preparations. When the two girls appeared he came down the gangway on to the quay. ‘What are you two planning on doing?’

‘I have some shopping I need to do, Mr Franklin,’ replied Jane.

‘Oh, goodness me. My daughter’s chief failing!’ He looked heavenwards as if hoping to find divine help in curbing the enthusiasm he had seen coming over Nell’s face.

‘We’ll have a smashing time,’ she said eagerly.

‘You do that, love. Here.’ He fished in his pocket and handed her five one-pound notes.

Nell gave a loud whoop, hugged her father and gave him a big kiss on the cheek. Though he liked it and loved to indulge his only child he tut-tutted with embarrassment. ‘Off with you now and have a good day.’

‘We will, Dad, we will,’ laughed Nell.

The two girls set off along the quay calling goodbye to Ewan and Simon as they passed their vessels.

‘My Aunty Mavis has invited you to lunch,’ said Jane, ‘so I suggest we have a leisurely walk home then after lunch we’ll go shopping. I’m looking for a typewriter.’ She went on to tell Nell how that had come about.

‘That sounds splendid,’ she approvedl. ‘I know nothing about journalism or writing, but I’m sure you’ll do well. You’ll need good ideas for articles and stories, though.’

‘I’ve just had my first,’ replied Jane, excitement colouring her words.

‘You have?’

‘Yes. The drifters and the work they do.’

‘But what do you know about them?’

‘Very little at the moment, but I’ll find out and then write about it. Having met you, I have a golden opportunity.’

‘Speak to any of the three owners. I know they’ll be only too willing to help you out, and so will Ewan and Simon. But you’d do well to tackle Simon first. He’s never wanted to do anything but herring fishing, can see his whole life bound up in it. Ewan less so. He’s restless. He’d leave tomorrow if he dare.’

‘Why doesn’t he?’ Jane was curious.

‘His father expects him to carry on in the business but Ewan doesn’t really see a future there. The opportunity to leave without incurring his father’s wrath, could come when his brother’s old enough and competent enough to take his place. Ewan figures his father wouldn’t be so strongly opposed to losing him then. In the meantime he puts up with the life. Don’t get me wrong, he’s a good fisherman but his heart and soul are not in it. Not like Simon’s.’

These revelations made Jane wonder. Was Nell, too, bound up in the fishing industry? If so, would she lean towards Simon? If not would she seek to escape with Ewan? Where did her heart truly lie? Then Jane wondered: What about me? Both young men had flirted with her, and she liked it, but she had noted Nell’s fleeting reactions. . Jane knew she must tread warily; she did not want to lose this friendship which already meant a lot to her. It had given her more to think about, driving away the bad memories and showing her a glimpse of a richer, more stable future, if she could only grasp it.