Having my cake…

AND NEEDING HELP TO EAT IT

I love baking. This Black Forest Gateau was such an interesting throwback to the ‘80s. In The Stand-Up Mam, it’s the pudding Georgie has for her wedding reception. Method writing with nutritional benefits. Four of us ate it, should have fed 8-10!

If anyone is interested in knowing more about what inspired me to write my book I did an interview about it all for the ArtyParti podcast. There was a great range of interesting, creative people speaking about their work as well. We were hosted by Port Independent café in Sunderland and the recording was created and produced by the brilliant Jay Sykes. I’m on after a funny poet Hester Dowling, about 10 minutes in. Link here.

My current book is STILL nearing completion and I’m hoping the sunny weather stops, very selfishly, as it is not helping. To take advantage of the warmth we had a family trip to one of my favourite beaches, Runswick Bay in North Yorkshire. Totally recommended, especially walking from Staithes across the cliff tops.

I’ve met more authors for the first time last month than I’ve ever done and it’s been excellent. One of them was Yvonne Vincent, who is a self-publishing whizz with thousands of reviews for her series of books, as well as stand-alone novels. I’ve just finished the first book in her comedy cosy crime series, called Losers Club. It’s an excellent, funny novel, with laugh-out-loud moments and plenty of twists.

Through a group called the Northern Lasses Lounge and another independent authors group, I’ve had lots of interesting conversations with a host of writers. They’ve been so generous with their advice, especially about self-publishing and marketing.

I’ve been to three interesting book events – the first was different as I arrived a week early! On the right night, Michael Wood, a former journalist was very impressive and despite planning to not buy anything, as I have a big TBR (to be read) pile, I bought his latest book called Chapter One. It’s about a crime writer, who ends up being at the heart of a murder investigation and I can’t wait to get stuck in. He had a great interview with Vic Watson and James Routledge.

The second August event was at the French Quarter, always a treat. It was an Optindiebooks James Routledge interview with Peirene Press’s James Tookey. His publishing firm translates novels into English and it has fascinating books. The book I bought, yes I know TBR … slaps hand on forehead… is about a chiropodist in East Berlin and her clients’ tales. I would never have found this book without the event. It promises to be a great story.

And a week ago I listened to two Northern writers, Helen Aitchison and CJ Grayson about writing crime, part of The Word’s Write Festival. They had sound advice and reassuring words including how to stay calm when you feel your first draft is rubbish and don’t worry if you find you’ve put characters from one series into another by mistake. It’s all part of the journey, but remember to sort it out!

Watching

I always laugh at double-entendres and am very old school sometimes with what tickles my funny bone so the original Airplane was a good rewatch. I also enjoyed the new one with Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson. Most of the jokes landed very well.

The Bear on Disney + is another favourite. I’ve picked it back up on Season 3 but can’t watch it before bedtime as the stress levels of that kitchen stay with me and I’m cooking haute cuisine in my sleep.

Thanks for reading this.