It's eight years since I started writing 'Lily's War'. It was a reaction to a couple of things-firstly, to try to rediscover my mum after she died at the age of 90. Anyone with an elderly relative will understand that in the last few years of life, you can lose sight of the younger person... Continue Reading →
Welcome to Monday. Hang on, is it Monday? Is it still April? Are we still in this grim parallel universe? I feel like asking in a mystical, deep voice: "Is there anyone there?" I remember at University doing philosophy as part of my English course and the theory of solipsism ( had to look it... Continue Reading →
I am a published author! Well, it’s on e books at the moment, the paperback version is coming out on 23rd Jan. The publishers emphasised this was a soft launch so I didn’t really get too excited but then everyone around me started to make a fuss and I suddenly thought: “No, this is a... Continue Reading →
So anyone still out there? Not hiding under the duvet? Tempting though isn't it? Enough of this Covid nonsense ( Oh, yes please!) I'm starting to think about a talk I'm doing in December entitled 'It's never too late to write a novel' - you can book to join it on Zoom here: https://www.wherecanwego.com/item/e1426299/its-never-too-late-to-write-a-novel-an-online-wirksworth-heritage-centre-talk-by-local-author-shir -... Continue Reading →
Well, it's been a funny old summer so far, hasn't it? There have been moments when it's all seemed OK and I've felt incredibly lucky and other times when I've felt cheated by this bloomin' virus. I know that living in the wonderful county of Derbyshire I have no reason to complain but last night,... Continue Reading →
You remember Marion, the stuck-up one in 'Lily's War'? Well, I was commissioned to write a short story for Woman's Weekly last month and I thought Marion had had a bit of a bad press so I wanted to give her a back story that might make you find her a little more appealing. I'm... Continue Reading →
Right, I'm confident you're bored with Lockdown, you've watched all the box sets, you may have even done all the ironing so I thought you might like a change. Tonight ( Tues 5th May 7pm) I am doing a talk and Q and A on my book 'Lily's War' and the good news is, you... Continue Reading →
Why does last week seem like another era from a different universe? I think we all feel we've gone through a time warp and, just to let you know, Captain Kirk, I'd like to go back now. Now, is that strictly true? I'm guiltily aware that we are very lucky to live where we are... Continue Reading →
We're all doomed! Apparently. Oh help, so what do we do? We're supposed to be going on holiday at the weekend to Cyprus and although I'm packing, I'm not sure we should be going and the Whatsapps are coming in thick and fast from our daughters as to why their very elderly parents shouldn't be... Continue Reading →
I sent off what I hope are the final re-writes of novel #2, Bobby's War yesterday, so what do I do now? Novel #1 is published but for the past seven years, I've always had that 'homework' sword of Damocles hanging over me. Now, there's just a blank screen. I feel bereft! It was such... Continue Reading →
Oh, I can't tell you how I've always longed to say that and this year, I think I can finally say it. Apparently, the e book of 'Lily's War' has been selling really well and I've certainly been thrilled by the reviews so I can honestly say, yes, I have some readers! It was the... Continue Reading →
