Hello! Happy November! Book News . . . Last month, I mentioned that I’ve been working on a new short story set in the world of my latest novel, Dirt. I’m happy to report that the story is now finished – apart from some final polishing – and will be appearing in a new anthology published by Habitat Press in the New Year! I’m also eagerly waiting to hear from a team of teenage beta readers, who’ve been given a nearly-final-draft of my novel, Nourish. They’ve volunteered to read the manuscript...
29 days ago • 2 min read
Hello! Happy October! Book News . . . When I was a kid, I chose books by weight. If there was a choice between two novels, I’d select the biggest one – then, if I liked it, there was all the more to enjoy. All my life, my bags have been heavy with books as big as bricks! So it’s been an unusual change for me this month to be writing a short story! And, to my surprise, I’m really enjoying it. It’s a completely different challenge from writing novels, and it’s also given me the pleasure of...
about 2 months ago • 2 min read
Hello! Happy September! Book news . . . August was a busy month, with glamping at the wonderful Green Gathering Festival (where I met not one but three of my eco-heroes!) and a family train-travel-adventure through France and Brussels. I read a lot of books, but freely admit I didn’t do much writing! A quieter September has given me the chance to revisit two manuscripts – my YA novels Nourish and Enough. These were due to come out with Neem Tree Press (the publisher that went bust, as I...
3 months ago • 2 min read
Hello! Happy August! Book News, Good & Bad . . . One of the lovely things about putting a book out into the world is encountering unexpected readers. I’ve had comments and reviews from people of all ages, and was particularly delighted this month to hear from a retired soil scientist who had read Dirt! I did a lot of research while writing the book, as I didn’t want to get any farming facts wrong, and according to my scientific reader the agricultural studying paid off: “Scientists aren't...
4 months ago • 1 min read
Hello! Happy July! Book news . . . I’ve been busy promoting Dirt in a variety of ways – it was exciting to receive a set of Dirt bookmarks in the post, to give away at bookshops and festivals! I also really enjoyed being interviewed by Denise Baden, founder of Habitat Press and Professor of Sustainable Practice at the University of Southampton – we talked about the writing of Dirt for her monthly newsletter on Creative Climate Communication. I’ve posted the interview on my website in case...
5 months ago • 2 min read
Hello! Happy June! Book News . . . Last week I spent a very enjoyable evening meeting members of the Northfields Community Library YA book group, talking about Dirt and writing and imagination activism! If you think your library, school or book group would welcome a visit, do get in touch. Dirt has been out for a few weeks now and it’s been wonderful hearing readers’ opinions! My favourite comments so far include: “Dirt is such a good book that it’s definitely in my top three!” (R, age 11)...
6 months ago • 2 min read
Hello! Happy May! Book News . . . Hooray – my new book, Dirt, is out this week! A dystopian eco-romance for young adults, Dirt shows that even on stony ground, hope can grow. As a subscriber to this newsletter, you’re entitled to a free copy of the eBook (which you can read on Kindle, Kobo, in browser, etc.). To claim your download link, just reply to this email with the words ‘Dirt please!’ For anyone who prefers reading ‘real’ books, the paperback is available to order here at a bargain...
7 months ago • 1 min read
Hello! Happy April and Happy National Tea Day (today) and Happy Earth Day (tomorrow)! Book News . . . I’m so excited to confirm the publication date for my novella, Dirt, which will be released by Habitat Press on 22nd May! I have a limited number of free eBooks to give away during the launch period, and all current newsletter subscribers will get the download link next month. If you know someone who would appreciate a free digital copy, tell them to sign up here before 22nd May! For those of...
8 months ago • 2 min read
Hello! Happy March! Books and other cultural offerings . . . This month, I want to recommend a film instead of a book. I am as surprised as you are by this turn of events, so do forgive me! My family recently persuaded me to watch Strange World, a Disney animated film. I did not expect to enjoy it. It looked a bit weird and I’d never heard of it (even though it’s been around since 2022). But Strange World turned out to be utterly charming and enthralling! Not only is the ‘strange world’ of...
9 months ago • 2 min read