Archive for October, 2007

October 30, 2007

I have some good news today – which I do need right now.:)

Before I tell any of this story, I need to say that, while it’s unlikely anyone at the company referred to has the time or inclination to read my blog, I’m going to assume they do. I think they’ve looked at it once, at least, for reasons that will become clear. So I’m going to do them the courtesy of being totally positive and optimistic – because that’s the way I feel anyway, today.

Six months ago, I was on a special 20th anniversary holiday with Mr B in Grenada (our first without Ms B). I was checking my emails in the hotel reception – mainly because Ms B wasn’t well – and I found a message from a ‘producer’ in Los Angeles asking about the movie rights to my first Little Black Dress romance, Decent Exposure. I tried to be calm and in the British way, told myself: Right Yeah. A Hollywood producer is emailing me about my book. Whatever.

However, it didn’t stop me shrieking and rushing off to tell random people round the pool who’d I’d known for all of two days.

Anyway, this deal hasn’t turned out to be a deluded fantasy on my part. It has actually happened. Over the past six months, negotiations have been finalised and now, the rights to Decent Exposure have been optioned by Fox, who are part of 20th Century Fox. Apologies for that, I’ve been waiting for six months to do it and also this may be well be a once in a lifetime event. This kind of thing isn’t supposed to happen to a mum from the Midlands. Every time a Fox film or show has come on TV or we’ve visited the cinema, we’ve been giggling and shaking our heads in disbelief. To be noticed by Fox? It’s bizarre. It’s surreal. It’s totally ace.

Now, anyone who has anything to do with publishing will know that only a very few of the books that are optioned for films, actually get made. I know that and I’m realistic. However, no matter what happens, I’ve had a wonderful time just getting a tiny glimpse into the film world. I only know a little about Fox’s plans myself. They have bought an option for the TV and movie rights so, potentially, could do either or both at some point inthe future. I wouldn’t have any say over casting or location but I wouldn’t be human if I didn’t have a bit of fun in that direction. But more of that later…

The fact my book has been optioned has nothing to do with my writing and everything to do with sheer luck. My book was spotted on Amazon.co.uk by the producer browsing the site from the US. And in the words of Harry Hill, what are the chances of that happening?

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October 26, 2007

Just a quickie. Richard Armitage is reading the Letters of Ted Hughes (UK’s former Poet Laureate) on Monday on Radio Four at 2.15pm. There is a trailer of him reading HERE.

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October 25, 2007

My DD is coming home for the weekend tomorrow and I’m really looking forward to seeing her. And I just had a lovely email from A Reader. I won’t quote it but it’s made a mixed week much better. To have notes from readers who went out and bought your book is the best thing in the world about being a writer.

Smudge seems better too, btw. He’s the one who draws out the competition entries but he has been suffering from a rabbit illness with a very long name. Every morning, my OH’s dad has to hold him captive while I inject a syringe of medicine into his mouth. Oh, how he loves it! Not.

I’m hoping to run another contest soon, of an unusual nature, but right now, I know Julie Cohen has a competition in full swing and wants you – and your granny – to enter!

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October 22, 2007

This event has been postponed – more news as and when!

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October 20, 2007

Liz has made my day by spotting a real person reading WYWH by the pool in Dubai. Yes, I know it’s pathetic of me, but as a relatively new author, it’s still an enormous buzz to realise that actual people you don’t know buy your book and, shock horror, actually seem to enjoy it. Even though you have seen the sales figures and realise you can’t possibly know them all in person – you don’t assume that the reader will ‘feel the love’ too! When they do, it’s just the best feeling.*

And hello (waves) to all the Richard Armitage fans visiting via imdb. Yes, I did start writing as a direct result of watching RA in North & South. It’s all true – just ask my OH!

*Apart from England winning the rugby world cup. Fingers crossed… oh, Jonny, Jonny…

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