BECKSTONE – Seeds for the Plot ‘There is much to be said on both sides.’ So said Sir Roger de Coverley, a wonderful fictional character created by Joseph Addison. Sir Roger had just been asked his opinion on which side of an inn sign was better. Ever since reading this tale I have been addicted… Continue reading Seeds for Plots
Category: Blog
Title spoiler – Mulberry Duck
Title spoiler – Mulberry Duck. Read the book first. Do you ever play the game ‘find the oddest inn sign’ when on holiday? One day I found ‘The Mulberry Duck’, my first title, in a Nottinghamshire village. It depicted a white, boat-shaped bird, probably an Aylesbury duck nibbling at very ripe, purple mulberries. On the back of… Continue reading Title spoiler – Mulberry Duck
SERENDIPITY – searching for the happy accident
How it all began Serendipity – the secret of longevity? When asked about the secret of her longevity, a New Zealand centenarian answered just that, ‘Serendipity’. Did she mean that she was born with the good fortune to have lucky genes which kept her alive and well? After a pause she explained, ‘The happy accident, you know.’ … Continue reading SERENDIPITY – searching for the happy accident
‘A historical? Write me a Georgian Romp.’
Historical? ‘Write me a Georgian romp,’ an agent requested. Pseudo historical, I realised, desperately hiding my curling lip. I said I would try. ‘Georgian romps are very popular,’ she added. Rule One. Don’t compete in a crowded market Everybody from Jane Austen onwards looked on ‘Georgian’ as early 19th century, or the late 18th. That is certainly the historical… Continue reading ‘A historical? Write me a Georgian Romp.’
A 17th Century Nun’s Prayer – Anon – Cautionary Guide
Lord, Thou knowest better than I know myself that I am growing older and will some day be old. Keep me from the fatal habit of thinking I must say something on every subject and on every occasion. Release me from craving to straighten out everybody’s affairs. Make me thoughtful but not moody: helpful but not… Continue reading A 17th Century Nun’s Prayer – Anon – Cautionary Guide
KILBADDY – why publish alone
Why does nobody want to publish a manuscript which has won prizes and been highly praised by judges and agents? Wrong genre? Probably because it does not fit neatly into a genre. Or it fits into too many to provide ease of placement on a bookseller’s shelf. We need to remember that it is the finance… Continue reading KILBADDY – why publish alone