I’m chuffed to have been accepted as a full member of the Crime Writers’ Association (CWA) on the back of my Poppy Denby Investigates series. I’ve attended a number of their events over the years – particularly the Crime Fest in Harrogate – but never thought I’d actually be a member. Happy face.
Going back in time
I had a flapulous time (to quote a friend) at my publicity shoot for the up-coming novel, The Jazz Files. With only three weeks to go until publication, I thought I’d get into costume and into character. I made the dress (see post below) and borrowed the car. A beautiful 1928 Ford Pheaton owned by the very generous Alan and Christine Simpson of Crawcrook. For more on the Poppy Denby Investigates series visit www.poppydenby.com
A 1920s telephone
Look what arrived today! Unfortunately it’s a reproduction not an original 1920s telephone. They go for £300 – £500 so will need to sell lots of Poppy Denby books before I can afford one of those. But this will do splendidly for my photo shoot at Waterstones in a couple of weeks. Speaking of Waterstones, put Friday 25th September, 6.30 for 7pm in your diary. The Jazz Files will be launched at the Newcastle Waterstones on that date, complete with a jazz trio and bubbly! More details anon …
A new frock for Poppy Denby
I’m going to challenge my dressmaking skills to try and make this fabulous outfit from an original 1920s pattern. If it’s a success I will wear it to a photo shoot in August to publicise the launch of The Jazz Files, the first in the Poppy Denby Investigates series in September. If it’s not a success I’ll wear it anyway and insist on low light.
Supporting act for the Gruffalo
I was recently invited along to help open the new library of Woodlawn School in Whitley Bay http://www.woodlawn.org.uk/. However, when I got there I discovered I was a mere supporting act. When the Gruffalo arrived the children squealed with delight and queued up to have their picture taken with him. I managed to kick a few of them out of the way to make sure I had a chance with him too 🙂 After he left, I donated a set of my Young David Picture Books on behalf of SPCK Publishing and read some stories to the younger children. I then spent some time with the senior students talking about the life of a writer. I hope the children and staff will spend many happy hours in their new library – it’s a magical place.
Get rid of that loincloth!
I gave a talk on adaptation – the process of transferring stories between different media – at an ACW conference in Leeds last weekend. Had a wonderful time meeting old and new friends. Other speakers included Corin Child giving tips on taking opportunities to promote your own writing and Steve and Mandy Briars on getting books into bookshops. One of the delegates summed up what he’d learned during the day:
- Get rid of the loincloth
- Write in your pyjamas
- Sleep with a skeleton
- Some church people misunderstand writers
Now I’m going to be a real tease and not explain any of that!
