Archive for April, 2008
April 13, 2008
We’ve had a dramatic weekend. Last night we went to The Grand Theatre, Wolverhampton to see Sleuth, a classic thriller starring Michael Praed (ex Dynasty and Robin of Sherwood) and Simon MacCorkindale (Casualty and Falcon Crest). I didn’t know the plot so it was brilliant, full of twists and turns – as well as being very funny.
On Friday we managed to get tickets to see The Merchant of Venice at the RSC Courtyard Theatre in Stratford. I can never make up my mind about Shylock but I think my sympathies lie more with him as I’ve grown older. Launcelot Gobbo was played by William Beck (odious John Thorpe from the BBC production of Northanger Abbey). We asked for him at the stage door but we missed him 
but Miss B did get to chat with Shylock.
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Posted by Phillipa @ 5:07 am | 4 Comments
April 11, 2008
If you’re looking for ‘manly’ names for your characters, particuarly heroes, take alook at this
Personally I’d steer clear of anything topographical like Cliff or Crag or Rock, particularly combined with a metal like Steel. Getting the balance right can be really difficult.
Any ideas for finding heroic contemporary names? Have you seen a name you loved or hated in a romance novel? I particularly like Gregor McLeod (Liz Fielding); Guy Devlin (Christina Jones) and Cory Erskine ( Jilly Cooper). I’d like to nick them when they’re not looking…
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Posted by Phillipa @ 5:05 am | 2 Comments
April 9, 2008
I’m back from the Lakes. I got loads done and even when I read the new chapters back, they still don’t sound crap. Miraculous… I am home vowing to keep off the Internet as I’m so much more productive and happy when I turn that router off! My head feels so clear away from the web and I don’t worry that what I’m doing is pants compared to other people.
I wish I could have stayed longer in the Lakes but I did come back to a copy of my new duo edition of WYWH and DE – and mighty fine it is too. Also very surprising… 
I now need to catch up with my day job.
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April 3, 2008
I’m off to The Lake District for a few days to write, darling. At home, I haven’t been able to work on my novel much because of all the day job work I’ve had and the four-day research trip to Devon (honest, guv).
The characters are in limbo, frozen in time on the page in the midst of dramatic events. I’m bursting to continue their story. Right now, the hero has been standing with his jeans round his ankles for over a week – and while I heartily approve, it’s bloody draughty for him, I can tell you.
It’s very difficult to turn down my journalism and copywriting work because I love it and it pays my bills – but, I need to shut myself away.
In our bolt hole we have no Internet connection, no phone other than mobiles, only four TV channels, a handful of old videos and one shelf of books. There’s no cleaning to do, no visitors, no ironing, almost no shopping. We do have a new Costa about five miles away with free wi fi so that’s a danger…
The main distraction is the view out of the window over Windermere, England’s largest lake. Wordworth used to live up the road and Beatrix Potter had a little place over the lake. I ought to be inspired.
Do you have a retreat for writing or have you ever run off to do it?
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Posted by Phillipa @ 4:26 am | 4 Comments
April 2, 2008
A special limited duo edition of Wish You Were Here and Decent Exposure will be available for a very short time at ALDI stores in the UK at some point in the next few weeks – probably May. Watch this space!
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Posted by Phillipa @ 1:59 pm | 2 Comments
