A Writer - Not A Blogger

As you can probably tell, I'm not much of a blogger and yet I do keep a diary - and have done since 1981 and I fill it in daily!! - but the attraction of blogging remains a bit of a mystery to me. How on earth do all the bloggers keep up with their blogs - along with Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc, ect, etc and still get their books written??

SO - what have I been up to since October? Besides getting on with novel number 12, I found the time to attend the Dunford Writers' Day in Fareham. Fabulous group of people, and very professional writers so their opinion of your manuscript really counts. (Thank goodness they liked mine!!!) Also did various WI talks around Dorset and only managed to get lost once - and that was the sat-nav's fault! Fancy telling me I was at my destination when I was clearly in the middle of nowhere! I've have no idea why a dog walker was in the middle of nowhere as well, but she was able - thankfully - to point me in the right direction.

As a committee member of the Romantic Novelists' Association I enjoyed the festive lunch laid on for us before the committee meeting. I've been Organiser of the RoNAs (Romantic Novel Awards) this year (and that proved to be a job and a half - with all those spreadsheets it was like being back at work). Don't let anyone tell you that books are no longer getting published by traditional publishers - because my house was filled with books that definitely were!!! After the meeting was the Winter Party and in a massive room packed with writers you almost had to shout to be heard.

At the end of November, my eldest grandson, Tyler, came to help me bring the Christmas decorations down from the loft (At the last count there were 8 Santas either singing, dancing or lit up around my sitting room). Later in the day we were joined by my other grandson, Bailey, and the two of them decorated the Christmas tree between them - with 3 sets of lights, and all the tinsel and baubles available flung onto its branches it is a sight to behold! What a brilliant job!!!!!!!

December so far has been one festive feast after another. Lunch with my ex-colleagues at Bournemouth University was followed a few days later by the Society of Authors regional lunch in Ferndown, then by Wessex Writers' festive tea in Lymington, and then tea and cake with two writing friends at Compton Acres in Poole. Tomorrow I will be at BBC Radio Solent for Katie Martin's Christmas Party live on air at 1pm, and on Sunday I will be at Psychic Robert's (link on my website) for his usual festive meal, then just a couple of lunches with good friends and a Nativity play in the run up to Christmas.

Am I writing? Well, not as much as I would like - but I'm having a great time and there's always next year!!! Hope you all have a fabulous Christmas and a massively productive New Year!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Trip to Swanage

Little trip to Swanage WI to give a talk tonight and anyone who knows me will be able to tell I'm already in a tiz! Yep, I do know where Swanage is - it's the fine tuning when I get there i.e. finding the actual place, that always bothers me. Still, have sat nav (and sister sitting in the car as an added precaution), will travel - and I'm looking forward to meeting my audience. WI members are always lovely in my experience. 

It's a busy life!

Earlier this year I took over the role of  RoNA Organiser for the RNA and suddenly discovered all over again just what busy means. If you are a would-be author don't let anyone tell you that books just aren't getting published these days. I've been amazed by just how many newly published novels have been entered for for the RoNA Awards sent in by both large and small publishing houses - amazed and heartened because it means there is hope for us all.

Dealing with RoNA entries, and all that entails, apart I am working on my own latest novel and wondering how I managed to get to chapter four with practically no time to spare. Besides writing when I get a moment, I also enjoy my role as a speaker for the WI, for local libraries and other various organisations. I don't think anyone has ever yet fallen asleep. I love writing, so talking about how I came to be a writer and how I do it comes very easily. I also really enjoy the question and answer session that follows every talk. Not everyone wants to write fiction, but quite a few people in each audience like the idea of writing their own life story - to inspire even one person to do just that would be fantastic.

Novel number eleven has been accepted for publication

As a writer you never take anything for granted, so I was thrilled when my publisher contacted me to say they wish to publish novel number eleven, It's In The Cards. My books are always about family life and this one is no different. Ellen has reached 40 heart whole and fancy free and is determined to stay that way. Her family are equally determined to see her happily married, so their hopes are raised through the roof when not one, but two men from her past come back into town, and a battle of wills begins.

Am I working on another novel - you bet I am!!!!

Review of NOT WHAT IT SEEMS by The Bookbag on-line reviewer

Not What It Seems by Pamela Fudge

Not What It Seems byPamela Fudge
Genre: Women's Fiction
Reviewer: Sue Magee
Summary: Not great literature but certainly a great read for when you just want to relax.
Buy? Yes	Borrow? Yes
Pages: 224	Date: July 2013
Publisher: Robert Hale
External links: Author's website
ISBN: 978-0719809606
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Owen was a widower with two young children and Evie was recently divorced with three children of about the same age. Friends introduced them - in the way of doing a little matchmaking - but although they liked each other and the kids all got on well there was no spark between them. They both needed help though and they made a business arrangement. Until the children were old enough to leave home they would share a house and the parenting of the children but they would not be involved in a sexual relationship. Friends and acquaintances found this difficult to accept and Evie grew tired of explaining that the setup was Not What It Seems. When we meet Owen and Evie the last child has just left home and as the arrangement has come to an end they're both moving into their own houses.

I do hope that Pam Fudge will forgive me for describing her as a guilty pleasure. I don't mean that I've no wish to admit to reading the book but rather that on a hot night when I couldn't sleep I should have been reading something worthy. After all, I have a veritable Everest of such books at the side of the bed. But what I wanted was a darned good story with characters I could believe in and warm to - and you've got to admit that this is a cracker of an idea

And the beauty of the book is that you can understand why the relationship worked when the children were growing up and why there's a bit of strain when it's all broken up. Fudge has given us a couple of great lead characters in Owen and Evie. You not only believe in them - you sometimes get cross with them when they seem to be doing something silly. You're involved. The greatest praise I can give though is that Fudge brings the five children off the page as individuals and you can understand why they feel the way that they do. Like me you'll probably be wondering about how the relationships between the kids works out and Fudge delves into this quite neatly.

I'm not telling you that this is great literature - it's not. It's a great read and if, like me, you can't sleep, or you're on a beach or curled up in front of the fire then this could be the book to have in your hand. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I'd like to thank the publishers for sending a copy to the Bookbag.

If you've not encountered Pamela Fudge before we recommend that you start withA Change For The Better.

 You can read more book reviews or buy Not What It Seems by Pamela Fudge at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Google play and Waterstones.

Fabulous time at the book launch for Not What It Seems

I already know that I have the best family and friends in the world and to prove it they turned up in their droves on Friday 2nd August 2013 for the launch of Not What It Seems. Waterstones and Hale will be pleased with the book sales, I was just really happy to see so many friendly faces!

Really enjoyed being interviewed by Katie Martin on Solent Radio just before the book launch. If ever a person was in the right job, it's Katie. She's bright, funny and makes you feel right at home. Should have been interviewed by Echo reporter Jenny Awford today but she had to postpone until Monday. However, the photographer did turn up, so cleaning the house from top to bottom wasn't wasted - and perhaps the dust won't have settled again by Monday! On Tuesday 13th August I'm being interviewed by Geoff Carter on Fire FM 107.6 and on Thursday 22nd August I'm being interviewed on Forest FM. So a busy couple of weeks ahead - but I must try to fit some writing in somewhere.

Exciting Times!

Today the complimentary copies of my new novel, Not What It Seems, arrived from my publisher, Robert Hale Ltd. The cover is bright yellow and very eye-catching so it should stand out on the book shelf and encourage readers to pick it up.

The launch is only a week away now. In fact by this time next week it will be all over.

If you live in Dorset it's all happening at Waterstones in Poole on Friday 2 August at 6pm.

I've accomplished the important bit, which was to buy a new dress for the occasion and the lovely Dee at Waterstones has ordered the books - which is even more important obviously!

Meanwhile, I have an interview slot on Solent Radio with the gorgeous Katie Martin at 3.30pm  on Tuesday 30 July, I'll be meeting Faith Eckersall from the Echo on Friday 9 August, and have an interview slot on Forest FM at 2.20 on Thursday 22 August. I'm not a big name - yet! - so I really appreciate these opportunities because the whole point of writing novels is for people to read them - and they won't do that if they don't get to hear about them!

Busy at everything but blogging!!

You must be able to tell that I'm not a blogger by nature - but I do admire those who are naturals and find the time!

Currently I'm brewing up to send out books to readers as the brand new RoNA Organiser for the Romantic Novelists' Association (RNA) with my Deputy, Nora Fountain.

Also regularly giving talks for the Dorset WI and having a great time meeting the lovely members. Likewise with local libraries where it's a joy to meet some of my own readers.

The new novel, Not What It Seems (my 10th) is due out at the end of July with the launch at Waterstones in Poole on 2nd August at 6pm.

Another novel It's In The Cards is already written and the next Not My Affair is now underway and would be even further along if the sun didn't keep tempting me outside!

Dunford Writers' Day

Dunford Writers' Day tomorrow with some top notch authors - I'll just creep in and sit at the back!!  A brilliant day for feedback on your latest literary offering. Critique of the most encouraging kind is what every writer needs. I can't wait!! 

How to …write your first novel with well-known local authors Pam Fudge and Della Galton

Saturday 25 May

How to …write your first novel with well-known  local authors Pam Fudge and Della Galton

Westbourne Library, Alum Chine Road BH4 8DX

10am to 4pm

£30

If you’re thinking of writing a novel, or are partway through one, then this workshop is for you.  If you want to know why some novels sell and why some don’t, then this workshop is also for you.  Novelists, Pam Fudge and Della Galton, will take you through the basics – how to attract an agent or publisher’s attention, how to write that all important first page, and how to keep yourself motivated throughout the writing process.  Both experienced tutors, they will answer any questions you have, and their mission is to have you leaving the session inspired.

To book please call 01202 454844 or visit any Bournemouth library.

What a week!

Gave a talk to Dorset Writers in Wareham on Monday (20th) and what a great bunch they were. I had a great time! Judging the 'Open Mic' Story Slam at Upton Library on Thursday evening with Dr Jim Pope - following the interview on Hot Radio with Geoff Carter earlier in the day (arranged by Liz Gordon of Brilliant Fish For Writers) and - last but not least - there's Saturday's How To Write Your First Novel workshop with Della Galton as part of Bournemouth Festival of Words. Now, what was I saying about a quiet life? It's not happening, but I'm finding that a busy life is actually GREAT! 

The editing begins!

It's been a great week for networking. Monday was RNA regional lunch in Southampton - so lots of news and views there.

Wednesday I was talking to the WI at Winterbourne Kingston and what a lovely attentive audience they were. I met Helen Summer, author of Running Crazy, and Liz Gordon, marketing expert of Brilliant Fish for Writers on Thursday after their very professional interview on Solent Radio.  

Finally! Today has been a day to get cracking on the editing of the new book and I'm now up to chapter 5. Love a bit of polishing after the hard work of writing the book in the first place is done. (Pity I'm not as fond of polishing the furniture!!!!!!!!!) :D

Celebrate World Book Night at Hamworthy Library 23rd April at 7pm

Come and Celebrate World Book Night 2013 at Hamworthy Library on 23rd April at 7pm. There will be refreshments, a book quiz, and a 'My Favourite Book Session' with local Authors Noel Lockyer-Stevens, Eve Bonham, Elizabeth McGregor and Pamela Fudge. To book your free place, call Hamworthy Library on 01202 672750 or just come along on the night.

How to write your first novel with Pam Fudge and Della Galton

Saturday 25 May

How to …write your first novel with well-known  local authors Pam Fudge and Della Galton

Westbourne Library, Alum Chine Road BH4 8DX

10am to 4pm

£30

If you’re thinking of writing a novel, or are partway through one, then this workshop is for you.  If you want to know why some novels sell and why some don’t, then this workshop is also for you.  Novelists, Pam Fudge and Della Galton, will take you through the basics – how to attract an agent or publisher’s attention, how to write that all important first page, and how to keep yourself motivated throughout the writing process.  Both experienced tutors, they will answer any questions you have, and their mission is to have you leaving the session inspired.

To book please call 01202 454844 or visit any Bournemouth library.

www.bournemouthfestivalofwords.co.uk

Not What It Seems - Novel No 10

The printed proofs of my 10th novel, Not What It Seems, have now been checked and returned to the publisher a whole week before the deadline. Interesting experience reading a book you have written after a gap of a few months.
Now looking forward to various writers' lunches that are coming up, the talks I am booked to give and, of course, some warmer weather!!!!

Speaking at Bournemouth University

I did a talk on short story writing and the markets for it at Bournemouth University yesterday for the charming lecturer, Jim Pope, of the Media School. I walking into a huge lecture theatre with about 30 nineteen year old students present and thought, 'this isn't so bad,' and then more students came and they kept coming - and coming. However, the nerves soon fled because the audience were interested in what I had to say, very respectful and enthusiastic, asking a number of questions. It was so lovely to meet these budding new writers and I wish them all the luck in the world - because, yes, luck does play a part in a writer's success or failure. I'm looking forward to hearing news of the first success in this group very soon!

RNA Southern Chapter Lunch

Brilliant lunch in Southampton with the Southern Chapter of the Romantic Novelists' Association. Chatting about writing with writers is a favourite pastime of mine. I always find out something I didn't know and always come away feeling encouraged. For lunch I had a gorgeous chicken and mushroom risotto so, all in all, it was well worth the journey!! :-) The snow storm was pretty while it lasted but I think we all heaved a sigh of relief when it didn't settle!

Dunford Novelists Weekend

Just getting back to normal after a brilliant weekend with the Dunford Novelists in sunny Bournemouth. Wonderful crowd of supportive writers - the time really flew by. Oh, and the food at the hotel was fabulous, so the post Christmas diet went straight out of the window - but it was sooooo worth it!!!

Back to work now and getting on the with the current novel which is about three quarters written now. (Horrible weather out there makes you want to stay indoors in the warm).The New Year has started well with lots of talks booked throughout the coming months around the local area and looking forward to all the lovely people I'll be meeting.