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.

Society of Authors Regional Christmas Lunch

Yep, first Christmas lunch of the season today. Society of Authors regional lunch and very nice it was, too. Turkey and all the trimmings, but so pleased I chose chocolate torte over Xmas pudding, because that was gorgeous (and MUCH bigger!). Oh, and I should mention that the company was brilliant - which, of course, is even more important than the menu!!

AND yesterday copies of the large print version of 'Never Be Lonely' (the novel before the last one) arrived in the post. Very nice new cover and print so large I reckon I could read it without my magnifying glass (erm, that was a joke - honestly!!)

Half finished novel is currently on hold while this author gets to grips with Christmas preparations of the kind that don't involve cooking anything.

RNA Winter Party

Off to the Romantic Novelists' Association Winter Party in London tomorrow. Travelling there with my author friend Nora Fountain - the train journey will pass in a flash with so much to talk about - and hoping to meet many more friends when I get there!

The Next Big Thing

My Next Big Thing

Posted on November 18, 2012 by Pam Fudge

I have been tagged to write a post about my next big thing by DJKirkby  The way it works is that I answer the questions below and then tag 5 other bloggers to do the same on their blogs on the 28th November.

What is the working title of your book?

I am currently working on It’s In The Cards which will be my eleventh novel.

Where did the idea come from for the book?

The idea for the book came when I sat down with a pad and played around with a few scenarios set around family life and threw in a few ‘what ifs?’

What genre does your book fall under?

Women’s fiction.  I would say my writing style bears a passing resemblance to Cathy Kelly’s and Jane Elizabeth Varley’s because they also deal with family issues.

Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?

I would leave that decision up to whoever was in charge of the casting for the film.

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

Not everyone has a burning desire to fall in love and be married.

Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?

So far I have followed the traditional publishing route and I hope that will continue.

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?

The manuscript is only half complete and so far it has taken 3 months.

Who or What inspired you to write this book?

I’ve always taken to heart the advice to ‘write about what you know’ and I know an awful lot about family life.

What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?

A Comment from TheBookBag regarding a previous book was ‘If you’re looking for a deep book which you’ll ponder over then this isn’t the one for you, but if you’d just enjoy a good, light, well-written read then look no further.’ I would say that is what I'm aiming to achieve with each book that I write.

Tagged bloggers

Nora Fountain

Helen Summer

Adam Dickson

Liz Gordon

BrunaZanelli