Interviewed today for radio in connection with my talk at Middlesbrough LitFest on 29June, 6- 8pm. The interview has been put on the internet. If you want to hear it go to http://southsidebroadcasting.podbean.com/ The interviewer, Alex Lewczuk and Gill Appleton were in the studio whereas I was on the phone at home so I’m not quite as sharp but it fitted well.
Near Loch Nell
Loch Avich and Mull from the Sound of Mull
More pictures from my holiday
Loch Awe. Road to Oban
I’ve had a requesr to put some photographs from my recent holiday in Scotland on my blog. Difficult to chose from over 200 but here are six.
The cover for my latest Western published in largeprint by Magna. The original hardback was published in 1967. This cover illustration was provided by Gordon Crabb who has done numerous bookcovers for all genres as well as art work in many other fields. This I think is one of the best he has done for my books. Some might think that a western cover needs more action but here we see three people who are very much alive. Their stance is so expressive of their feelings for each other and for the situation they are facing. What is it? They know. And we want to follow their gaze out of picture to find out. The angle of the rifle over the shoulder, and the expression on the men’s faces show a determination to meet the consequences of what they will encounter. And their hands – hers loving would restrain him from facing the danger that awaits them but the expression in it and also in her face is understanding. His hand on her is powerfully protective – he would lay down his life for her, so we also see love in that touch. Thanks Gordon for a wonderful cover.
So little done; so much to do. Anyone know where we can buy more time?
My novel coming along well got interrupted yesterday, well, it was my own doing. I went to a RNA meeting near Harrogate. Of course that’s very much linked to writing so I didn’t feel guilty about not adding a word to the novel. Besides. chatting to fellow writers is always good – prevents one from becoming too blinkered. Heard great news from talented writer of crime novels, Shirley Wells. Look her up on her Website and you’ll see what the news was.
I was out this morning doing a bit of publicity for my latest paperback that came out in May. Now, after sending this blog, words will be added to the novel.
Bye for now
Back from Scotland. Relaxing holiday on the west coast near Oban. Weather sunny and hot. Tailed off towards end of holiday – some rain but not persistent. Sailed to Coll and Tiree aboard regular ferry 3pm to 10 pm round trip. Beautiful evening for it. Relaxed by shore of Loch Awe – atmospheric by Kilchurn Castle and its associations with the Campbells and massacre of Glencoe. Felt for the 19th century slate miners of Easdale not far from the Bridge over the Atlantic. Enjoyed the beauty of Loch Avich and of Loch Nell. So many memories; so many photographs. Those are to be sorted out, but now there’s writing to do, a novel to get on with.
A beautiful book has appeared on my bookshelves. A big book, big in size of page and in page numbers. ( A table or some support is advisable but don’t let that put you off or you’ll miss out on enjoyment especially if you like photography, country matters and its way of life.) A book of this nature naturally has much of a personal touch but the author touches many of the thoughts and feelings we all have for the country. The idyllic country is here but also there are people and the occasions that have made and still make what is the countryside today. The journey through these pages brings me much pleasure and time and time again I find something new, or a distant memory is kindled into life once more.
COUNRTY is by Jasper Conran and is published by Conran Octopus
Last Saturday – signing session Whitby Bookshop. Weather beautiful. Wonderful journey over tghe moors and along the coast. Explored Whitby once again absorbing atmosphere and checking places for future writing, Signing session good. Met pleasant and interesting people who liked to chat about my books. Met one person who I hadn’t seen for about 35 years so that was nice. Surprising what signing sessions can bring. Nice evening ride back home (40 miles)A good day.
Today has been good too. Among other things I visited Pickering library to leave some publicity bookmarks. The staff were delighted to meet Jessica Blair !! (apparently a popular author in that area !!) The library in another market town was closed as was one I visited yesterday but I’ve noted when they will be open.
18,000 words into my new novel. 100,000 words the target by February. A little behind schedule but I’ll get on course.but first I’ll have the proof copy of my previous book SECRETS OF A WHITBY GIRL to check. Email from my publisher told me it was being sent to me today. If you have followed some of my previous blogs you won’t recognise that title. Originally it was to be I WEPT FOR THE MORNING SUN but marketing and artistic departments decided otherwise. So look out for that new title but it won’t be appearing until next February. In the meantime check out the latest hardback SEALED SECRETS or the paperback of STAY WITH ME coming out on May 6th or a paperback omnibus volume that includes earlier Jessica Blair books; THE LONG WAY HOME and DANGEROUS SHORES coming on the same day.
Happy Reading
Chopin born 200years ago.
1940 a 17 year old schoolboy, soon to be going to war, saw a film, Trade Winds starring Frederick Marsh and Joan Bennett in a Yorkshire market town.
Connection? a piece by Chopin – Predules Op28 N07 in A Major featured in that film. It stuck in that boy’s mind and has been a favourite ever since.
And it always reminds me of the regret I feel at refusing to learn the piano . Stupid boy! Yes, I am that boy, writing now under the name of Jessica Blair. But maybe if I had become immersed in music I wouldn’t have become a writer. But that piece and other influences gave me a liking for music. I play a lot of music while writing. (more of that in future blogs) My taste in music is wide, some genres I don’t like, others I lap up. I respect other people’s likes even if they aren’t mine. I am no expert but I know what I like and enjoy. Surely that is the most important aspect of music – bringing delight to the listener whatever the music.
Happy listening and Happy reading !
