September/October Round Up

So, I’ve been even quieter than usual on my social media. It’s good news! 😊 I’ve been commissioned for two series/serials, the first set in 1850s Norwich and the other in 1890s Southwold, which I cannot divulge until next year. 

The first project is something I never thought I would get the chance to do. I’m so excited to have this opportunity.

For my other stories, I’m still waiting to hear back on The Sweetest of Dreams, but another short story, The Vanishing Plough, was recently accepted. It was inspired by a rural tradition where a plough is blessed after the new year. The day is called Plough Monday with Morris dancers, a special pudding and a nonsense play. My story is a coming-of-age tale told from a male perspective.

A Countryman's Favour Part Three - The People's Friend Magazine

 

Tragedy strikes in the third instalment of A Countryman's Favour... Available until Tuesday in The People's Friend magazine, which can be found in UK newsagents, and the Readly app for overseas readers :) Illustration is by Sailesh Thakrar.

A Countryman's Favour Part Two - The People's Friend Magazine

 

Part Two of A Countryman's Favour is now available in this week's The People's Friend magazine :) Available in UK supermarkets and newsagents as well as the Readly app.

August Round Up

A few bits of good news for this month! To start with, my six-part serial, A Countryman’s Favour, is in The People’s Friend weekly magazine, which is available in most UK supermarkets and newsagents and on the Readly app for overseas readers.

Illustration by Sailesh Thakrar

A Countryman's Favour is a romance family drama following the lives of the Rose sisters as love and tragedy takes them across Norfolk, from Wheatacre to Great Yarmouth and Norwich. The story’s plot was heavily inspired by the county’s mustard history and methodism, when itinerant preachers, known as ranters at the time, would spread the word on Norfolk's village greens.

I’ve also heard back on my New Year short story, The Mystery of the Ruby Necklace, and it was accepted! The Sweetest of Dreams was also submitted last week. Hopefully I’ll hear something soon 😊

That just leaves, as mentioned last month, The Gingerbread House and Follow the Stars. Follow the Stars has actually grown a few extra limbs, with the main character’s family demanding more page space, so I might end up turning this into a longer piece.

June/July Round Up

Five days late due to getting some short stories finished, oops 🙀 This time around, I’m combining my June and July Round Ups.

Writing News ?

One of my short stories, Unforgotten Love, is currently available in The People’s Friend magazine until Tuesday. It’s a romance mystery set in Santon Downham and inspired by the village’s church. During the 1800s, convicts on their way to the Norwich assizes were held there overnight, with only a small spyhole to watch the church service and think on their sins.

Illustration by Jim Dewar

The Mermaid's Gift - Fishy Tales, A Magical Sea Stone and Romance

 

Gorgeous artwork is by Sailesh Thakrar

In The Mermaid’s Gift, an old family story about a mermaid encounter brings romance and drama.

♡

“My grandfather, Josiah Young…” he began, coughing as he always did. I once heard Grandmother say to Mum that she always knew the old boy was lying when he coughed, but I didn’t believe that. “…once saw a mermaid.”

May Round Up

So, it’s the end of May and here in Norfolk the miserable weather has returned. I’ve recently sent off several story proposals and currently I don’t have any publishing news to share.

There’s a weary anticipation – waiting to hear back on submissions, waiting for the rain to let up so I can finally finish the raised bed I’m making for my pumpkins – while hoping the sun will soon emerge.

My great-gran used to say, “Don’t throw your clout until May is out,” which is from the original proverb “Ne'er cast a clout till May is out”. Basically, don’t put away your winter gear as there’s no promise good weather is near.

Let’s all have our fingers crossed for June tomorrow!