Treading water

Now we are in 2019 I feel I should be starting something new. I have completed my talk and once I decide on the readings to accompany it I will be ready to try it out.

The other task I wanted to complete was to publish a poetry anthology, either on my own or with another member of the Sea Scribes but that needs finding and sorting an I’m not in the mood.

A twitter writer suggested turning Christmas cards into book marks, but my book marks are part of my marketing strategy so giving away alternatives wouldn’t work.

I wish all my followers from all over the world a Happy New Year. I am grateful for any comments and always ready to contribute to discussions if I know anything about the subject.

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A New Talk

Instead of wasting time on twitter I am spending the rest of the day writing a new talk. Most local groups have now heard me speak on my life and works so I am creating a new talk on Sussex in Fiction. This gives me the opportunity to show the two different ways Sussex can be used in novels, either absolutely accurately, as in the books of Peter James, or as an inspiration as used by Simon Brett. The more I look into the writing of Sussex authors the more crime stories I find. Of course, there are also historical romances, like those of Pam Weaver. I have been buying books and taking some out of the library so that I can quote from each author. The most interesting part will be if the listeners can identify places that are not named in the books. It’s easy enough in my books when I don’t name the town but do say it has a pier, a hospital, a Leisure Centre and is near the Downs!

Happy Christmas, everyone

The Band- from ‘Reflections’

Good music lifts the spirit or soothes the soul

The steady heartbeat of the double bass

A bell-like banjo tinkling out a rhythm

While racing drums that stir the listener’s blood

Cause feet to stamp and hands to clap in time.

The mournful trombone adds its rousing sound

A vibrant trumpet next takes up the tune

But, over all, the soaring clarinet

Makes listening to jazz a pure delight.

We may arrive in tired or harassed mood

But hearing this great band has done us good.

Planning a Gig

After my debut performance at Woodies folk club I am now back to planning for our Charity Gig on November 23rd at Lancing Leisure Centre.

The Sea Scribes and the Friends of St Barnabas are combining to host a “Tunes and Tales” event with stories, music and the odd verse. We shall have a raffle for the charity and a prize for the lucky ticket and a number of folk musicians have offered to play and sing between the readings.

All I have to do is work out a programme. The writing group members will be timing their contributions next week and then I need to slot them between the other performers. Last time it ended too soon so I have a few limericks ready to fill in the spaces. We also have books for sale. St Barnabas is our local hospice and almost all of us know someone who has been involved with the charity or used their facilities. Not only will I be offering our novels but we also have anthologies for sale which will make ideal gifts.

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!

Folk on the Downs

Taking note of advice from Hugh I’m using one of my twitter names for this post.

On Sunday we had a spotlight at Woodies folk club with Peter and Geoff and I remembered to take my smartphone so I thought I’d treat you to a picture.

Wonderful review of “A Bend in the Lane” on Goodreads today made me happy.

Jazz tonight so maybe I’ll get another photo.

Proof reading

I hate it when I see lower case ‘i’ instead of I and now I’ve done it! Too much of a rush to get out in between showers.