Whoohoo

This pic is a great reminder of when I got reviews just before The Stand-Up Mam was published. Me celebrating on Seaburn beach, Sunderland with curry sauce and chips. Favourite food.

July’s been a canny month.

I’ve been longlisted for the Comedy Women in Print self-published novel award. Quite a mouthful.

To be honest I shouted out loud when I saw the email and my husband was concerned in case I’d hurt myself as he said, ‘it wasn’t your spider scream’.

I find out in mid-September if I’ve been shortlisted and then, if I have, I get to go to the Groucho Club in Soho for an award event. Big mistake. I googled the club and it looks very exciting. Keeping everything crossed.

There has already been some exciting results from this – see the above screenshot. It’s everything I’d hoped for from The Stand-Up Mam. The link to it is here if you fancy a read.

I’ve now finished line edits on my second book Halloween Lanterns which were hard to fit in with general life, as is the case with everyone I’m sure.  However, I got a lucky break, not literally but nearly, as I damaged my knee ligaments and have been stuck in with ice packs on it. Things really get done when you stay in!

Pre-knee-July was also busy with an interesting trip to Birmingham for two Wilson’s to see the Black Sabbath and Ozzy Osbourne final gig. It was amazing for them and now so poignant with his passing. I really enjoyed seeing all the band’s landmarks around the city centre including a bridge, bench, art exhibition and the first pub they played in.

Coming from Sunderland, the city can sometimes feel like a bit of poor relation to Newcastle’s cultural scene. But, times are changing. The Sunderland Literary and Philosophical Society has started up. I went to its session on Rebel Women at Pop Recs. It was fantastic.

Fun Fact. George Orwell’s first wife, Eileen O’Shaughnessy was educated in the city. After her untimely death he wrote 1984 but it was called something different, the publisher didn’t like the name. Eileen had written a poem called 1984 on similar themes and one can assume he suggested the now-famous title. The rest is history and all that.

Reading and watching

I’ve not had time to read much but am half way through the Whalebone Theatre by Joanna Quinn. It’s a very atmospheric book about an upper-class family from the point of view of the young daughter. It’s a beautiful depiction of early 20th century life and the adventures to be had.

I’m also looking forward to reading Love Beyond Lindisfarne, the second book in a romantic comedy series by my self-published friend Kimberley Adams. Her first one was great fun.

On TV I’ve been very impressed with Us Brave Girls (BBC3) written by and starring Kat Sadler. It’s about a mother who lives with her two daughters and coping with their mental illness – with hilarious results – which not something I thought I’d every type. Warning, it does have some very rude scenes so not for the squeamish.

Thanks very much for reading this random stuff.

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