News

A busy month!

In the blink of an eye, we have gone from my book launch in September to the start of December. I am a little behind with my writing and admin to say the VERY least but, sometimes, our elderly relatives need our time far more. And, although it has meant that my writing has had to go on the back burner (as they say) for a few months I am forever grateful that I have been in a position to dedicate my time to a loved one who has really needed it. 

Going forward I’m hoping to get back into a writing routine in January. I have the fourth book in The Fairy in the Kettle series needing its final check before being sent off to Debbie Bellaby to be illustrated and then it’s straight into another novel that I started back in the summer…I only got to chapter three so there’s still lots to do…but I can’t wait to get started again.

In the meantime, below is all my bookie news from the last few months… 

 

Book Launch for A Life of Their Own – Waterstones, Perth, 27th September

Firstly, a huge thank you to Waterstones manager Anne- Marie, who made the launch of A Life of Their Own a night to remember.

It was great to celebrate with my husband, children, friends, family, and all-around bookie people…and, yes, the question was asked many times, how to do go from writing fairy stories to tackling the subject of domestic abuse? To be honest, even I don’t have the answer to that one; it’s just what I wanted to write at the time! 

But, a great night was had, and the usual colouring sheets from my children’s events were replaced by Prosecco and nibbles…

 

 

               

The Morning After!

As everything went quiet after the previous night’s launch, another official 5-star review came in via Netgalley. Just sharing a snippet though, so there are no spoilers…

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

“I loved this heartwarming story of love and trust, kindness and patience. I would recommend this book.” S McAllister, Reviewer

 

3rd of October

This was a day of signing and enveloping as signed copies of A Life of Their Own were sent out into the big wide world. Many were early Christmas pressies from people far more organised than me this year!

 

…and more copies from The Fairy in the Kettle series fluttered into the lovely Beatrix Potter gift shop at The Birnam Institute in Dunkeld & Birnam…

Children's Books - The Fairy in the Kettle cover image Children's Books - The Fairy in the Kettle's Christmas Wish cover image

 

12th October

I was delighted to be interviewed by Hollie Bruce from the Courier and it was inside their weekend magazine…

Unfortunately, copyright law means I am unable to share this with you here.

 

17th October

More books in ‘The Fairy in the Kettle’ series made their way to Wigtown and the fabulous Curly Tale Books Ltd.

A gorgeous little children’s book shop full of wonderful books for your little readers…

 

18th October

Yup, it’s the 4th book in The Fairy in the Kettle series and I was working on reducing my word count…just a little…now it’s ready for a final edit!

 

19th October

More copies of A Life of Their Own arrived in Waterstones Perth.

A huge thank you to everyone who has bought a copy and supported a local author 

 

19th October was also…

Where it all began!

The Fairy in the Kettle has just had its 3rd birthday and is still going strong. After more bookshopschool, and library events than I can count I’m still enjoying introducing this book to new fairy fans.

Now with three books in this series published and the manuscript for the fourth almost finished I can only thank Leona fans for enjoying this series as much as they do 🥰

 

22nd October…was a day to celebrate!

Have I just finished the fourth book in the Fairy in the Kettle series?

I think I just might have 😉

Now it’s filed away for a few weeks and then it will get a final check with fresh eyes 👀

 

Also

This was the day A Life of Their Own was spotted on a shelf in Blackwells in Gogarburn, Edinburgh…

 

16th November, Waterstones Perth book signing.

To coincide with the Perth Christmas Lights Switch On I was in Waterstones signing copies of A Life of Their Own.

A huge thank you for having me along and to everyone who popped in to hello and get their own signed copy.

 

It’s BookWeekScotland!!

18th November

A huge thank you to Bridgeton Library in Glasgow for having me along as part of their BookWeekScotland celebrations and for such a warm welcome. Also to the brilliant P4 pupils from St. Anne’s Primary School who came along to hear The Fairy in the Kettle Gets Magical. Your questions were fantastic!😀

 

20th November

My BookWeekScotland travels continued with a trip to Sunshine Play School in Kirriemuir

This may have been a younger audience but they were wonderful and were completely engrossed as I read The Fairy in the Kettle. Decorating fairy wings went down a treat too! Thank you for asking me along today.

Some pics from the event and just look at the wonderful fairy village they have created in their garden 😍

     

 

21st November

BookWeekScotland continued with…

A huge thank you to Blair Atholl Primary School today for a warm welcome once again.

I read The Fairy in the Kettle Gets Magical to pupils from Nursery to P3 before chatting to pupils in P4 to 7 pupils about writing. They wowed me with their stories and poetry….some of which has even been published!

Lovely pics were taken, hopefully, I will be able to share these with you soon.

 

22nd November

My 5th event for BookWeekScotland was in Morningside Library in Edinburgh where I read the first chapter from A Life of Their Own before chatting and answering questions.

Thank you for asking me along today and for the lovely welcome.

 

24th November

😍😍😍

Looooook what I just spotted in Waterstones Perth…

Would make a lovely Christmas pressie or Christmas Eve read with its reviews and beautiful illustrations.

and

A little pre-Christmas advertising was done for A Life of Their Own. It’s had fantastic reviews, some I can’t share with you because they are from people who have suffered personally from domestic abuse in some form or another and it’s not my place to share, but the fact that they have identified with my character, felt her every emotion and given it great reviews means that hopefully A Life of Their Own will inspire others suffering to either look for help or find the strength to make changes in their own lives.

This review, however, I can share…

“It was a beautifully written novel by an extremely talented writer. Excellent character depiction, plus an exciting storyline make for a roaring success. Highly recommended.”
J.S, Reviewer UK

With 5 star reviews A Life of Their Own would make a wonderful gift for any book lovers Christmas

 

 

25th November

My last event for BookWeekScotland took me back to Glasgow with a visit to Barmulloch Library and the P3 pupils from nearby St. Martha’s Primary School.

It was lovely to read The Fairy in the Kettle’s Christmas Wish to them and hear all about their reading and writing.  Of course, no visit to a library is complete without choosing a book to take away AND just check out the wall display behind me 😍😍

Children's Books - The Fairy in the Kettle's Christmas Wish cover image

and they had another fantastic wall display for all to see…

 

28th November

BookWeekScotland may be over but I was still busy, this time preparing gift sets for local festive events. With a Christmas market in our local WalkIn Cafe in Spittalfield and a Christmas fair later this month there was plenty to do!