Visited White Rose Books whenI was in nearby Thirsk. Good to be in an independent bookshop with its own style of presentation. No dictating from head office ! Sue Lake, the owner, has gathered a pleasant, helpful staff interested in the customer and has developed the shop along interesting lines with the community of the surrounding area in mind but with books at the hub of the enterprise. Her efforts have been rewarded with a prestigious award in the Bookseller Industry Awards this year. Well done Sue. And may we never see the eclipse of the Independent booksellers. They are vital to the trade and our love of books.
Monthly Archives: June 2010
Middlesbrough LitFest – Radio Interview
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.
Scotland
Pictures from Scotland
-
- Near Castle Stalker
-
- Geese, Loch Avich
-
- Bridge Over The Atlantic
-
- Loch Nell
-
- Loch Etive
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.
WESTERN. Cover Art Work
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.
RNA and Shirley Wells
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
Scotland
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.