Weekend away

I had been looking forward to a weekend in Cardiff at a reunion for months as they are usually in beautiful hotels in parts of the country I haven’t explored. We have been to Wales before but not this hotel. It started badly. The hotel was enormous and the underground car park full. We had to unload and then take the car to an NCP car park a little way away. The weather was damp and gloomy and we went up to our room on floor 12 with trepidation. The actual room was lovely with a large TV and the usual teas and coffees. The meal on the Friday night was OK but the drinks were very expensive.

Next day, after the AGM, we had a swim in the very popular pool and I was happy as I had sold three copies of my latest book. The evening meal was billed as a gala dinner but our choices had not reached the staff so they didn’t know what to serve us. We had given them in the day before but there were four of us who had to wait for our meals.

Sunday dawned wet again so after a lovely Full English breakfast we hung about until it dried up and then went exploring. We found a falafal place for lunch and some gift shops near the castle. At last it began to feel like a holiday! Then,in the evening, we were given the same menu as Friday and told to choose two courses again. At least I knew the starter – a chicken and leek terrine, but the main course was not as good as the previous time.

We came back over a different bridge and went to pick up our little dog. Next year the event is in Scotland – too far for us, I think!

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Writing Magazine

I was reading this month’s magazine when I came upon a little piece about me and my books. It was such a long time since I sent it in I had forgotten all about it.

I should have added a web address but otherwise it was fine, although I always think other writers cannot possibly read books by all the authors who submit to Writing Magazine. Just occasionally a review or a story might make a reader search out more by that writer and one can hope that a publisher might be curious enough to find out whether one would be a good bet for promotion.

Having been told once that my work was’not commercial’ I gave up sending to agents. It is enough to constantly be asked for another book by the folk who do buy a copy. It will be interesting to find out if anyone shows an interest at the UK Southern Book Show on 28th October at Field Place, Worthing. It should be a great showcase.

Fun verse.

I often claim I’m not afraid of anything that Nature made.

I let the little bees buzz by; I gently brush away each fly.

I watch the wasp approach the jam and quickly cover, while I can.

The dustpan’s great for the wood louse – I rather like the tiny mouse!

But pity me, and do not laugh – I’m scared of spiders in the bath!

Folk Night

Geoff has a new name for his monthly charity folk nights -“The Village Stage” which is very apt as it is in Angmering Village and the performers are on a stage. Last night the charity was Worthing Homeless and the performers included a bunch of nine musicians who sang a variety of songs with a harmonica, a banjo, a flute, a violin, a squeezebox, guitars and other instruments. It was a glorious set and finished off the evening after the individual performers beautifully.

I didn’t take my camera phone. One day I’ll remember!

No Great Story….

“Here, drink this.”

“What is it?”

“Only water – you fainted.”

“I’m sorry, Joe.”

“It’s OK, Mary.”

( No great story starts with a glass of water – quote on twitter)

Planning ahead

Still not writing, but I am planning. First we have the UK Southern Book Show in October and I have to give a ten minute talk, then we have a charity gig in November when the Sea Scribes and the Friends of St Barnabas in Worthing are combining to entertain with stories, poems and songs. Although my singing is atrocious I have been trying to learn a song to sing at the folk club we attend , on an Open Mic night.

The rest of the time I am designing posters and advertising. I don’t have a publishing package so I do it on Open Office. I really should get some more book marks done, or at least, some up to date business cards.

I’ll try to load up one of my recent efforts.

A Bend in the Lane flyer

Review: “The Second Coming.”

Maybe I’m a bit daring , writing a review of this book on an international blog but John Niven’s book both shocked and enthralled me.

This was political satire disguised as humour and I’m glad I picked up the red cover version as I thought the one with the face tasteless, but then the whole book is designed to upset and provoke.

A swearing and disappointed God sends his musical son back down to earth to try to tell people to stop fighting and be nice to one another. In order to become noticed Jesus (JC) enters a talent contest. Does he change the world? What do you think?

Set in the USA and taking pot shots at Christianity throughout this is a story designed to make one think. Unforgettable.