You are not forgotten!

Hello Substack readers, are we still friends??

Dear readers, although I have monumentally dropped the Substack ball, I haven’t been twiddling my thumbs and I hope you’ll have me back. I signed up to the Cheshire Novel Prize, Novel Writing course, for a mad six weeks of superb tutorials - and homework - from the very brilliant Sara Naidine Cox, editor to the stars. I followed this with the Advanced Course because you know, rude not to, and it was equally inspiring. I thoroughly recommend these courses to any writer wanting to really push their editing knowledge and techniques to the limits, whilst enjoying much support, inspiration and writerly camaraderie from fellow writers.

First though, you need to enter the Cheshire Novel Prize where all entrants receive comprehensive feedback on their entry from a group of talented readers and editors. I was very happy to reach the third round of the competition but it was the feedback which has really changed my novel’s life. Entries are now open for this year’s competition, and you can find out more, here

And then it was Christmas.

However, somehow, although chaos reins around me, I can say that my latest novel, Five Strangers in a Taxi, is now out on submission, and I’m a crazy mix of relieved and excited about this.

Can this count as this week’s, Nice News, please 😉

Whilst I haven’t posted, I have been collecting Nice News stories. There’s the one about the young pupils taking over the streets on their bikes, the happy busker and his unexpected audience, oh, and wearing the wrong boots. So, I’ll be back. And if you have any Nice News tibbits, including praise for hearing-friendly places (Cosy Club in Harrogate, I salute you) please do get in touch.

Meanwhile, how has your year started? Do you do the New Year’s Resolution thing? And if so, have you made it through the first few days…?? Massive pat on the back from me if you have. I stopped doing resolutions years ago when I realised they were the kiss of death on my ambitions. But I did start the year as I do every year with an excited anticipation that this WILL be the one where I get on top of workload and wash the sheets more regularly – does that count?!?

Happy new year everyone! Whatever you plan to do with it, I hope it’s a wonderful one for you 😊

I’m hosting an Open Mic for writers (and an enthusiastic audience) in a fabulous, arty café in Harrogate on the evening of Thursday 25 January. Are you local-ish, love writing, love to hear a great story? Writers and audience, please click here for more info. I’d love to have you along!

Maximum twelve readers. No limit on enthusiastic supporters. Spot Prizes

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