Archive for July, 2008

July 11, 2008

I’ve got that Friday feeling.

It’s publication day for my good friend Nell Dixon whose book – with an intriguing and funny extract – is now on the LBD website here. Just Say Yes has also appeared on the site – no extract yet but (gulp) soon. Tomorrow I’m going to Nell’s signing. It’s always very exciting when a new book comes out – but also scary. Will people like it? Will they read it and think you have a strange and warped mind? Will they fancy the hero and like the heroine as much as you do?

Last night I went to see Mamma Mia which I loved even though I probably shouldn’t have. Meryl Streep is an amazing talent. Mr Darcy sings -and dresses up like a punk and in platforms. Go see it!

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July 10, 2008

…for purposes of research

I hope that made you sit up and take notice. I’m between books at the moment. I’m waiting for my edits on ISHBM (though I heard on the grapevine my ed is enjoying it so far. I hope she won’t make me take out the spanking jokes and tribal tattoos which are integral to the h/H relationship.)

I’m also very busy with copywriting – lots of interesting projects, one involving trips to London.

Yesterday I had a rather long (and potentially boring) journey home. However, I noticed a 20-something guy sitting close by. He had a buzz cut, a hard-as-nails expression and an intimidating T shirt. He was just the kind of guy you would not like to meet in a dark alley – not unless it was by arrangement, anyway.

However, I was fascinated by his beautiful eyes, razor cheekbones and lovely bone structure… in fact, he reminded me exactly of the hero of Just Say Yes so I felt it was Ok to observe him while I pretended to be asleep.

We were in a Quiet Zone where you’re not allowed to phone, play music, talk, burp, cough or breathe. Suddenly, the guy’s phone rang and he started talking quietly but purposefully.

From behind me, a woman’s voice boomed.

‘Do you know this a quiet zone? How dare you answer your phone in here!”

The guy answered, sternly but politely: “Actually madam, I’m a police officer and this is an urgent call.”

Pompous woman (very rudely): Then you should have some sort of sticker attached to you!”

OK, I thought, this woman wants you to protect us all and put your life in danger, but do it quietly…

“If it’s any consolation, you don’t look like a police officer,” I whispered at him in what I hoped was a warm, non threatening way. He smiled and rolled his eyes.

Thereafter I enlivened the journey by having a mini crush until he got off at High Wycombe, smiling at me and saluting ironically at the woman as he left.

Maybe, I fantasised later, he was on a drugs bust, or an anti-terrorist operation …or perhaps he was just giving his partner his order from the Chinese takeaway. Anyway, I had a whole scenario prepared for him by the time I got to Warwick Parkway.

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July 5, 2008

I finished ISHBM (March 2009) and sent it off to my ed, then I went to Naxos with my family and slept for two weeks.

You may have seen that I was in the RNA Eggheads quiz team with Judy Astley, Julie Cohen, Katie Fforde, Kate Lace and Louise Allen. We had great fun and the programme should be broadcast soon on BBC2. I’ll post the date as soon as they let me know.

In four weeks time, Just Say Yes will be published so I’ll be blogging about how it came to be very soon. The launch event will take place at Waterstones, Greengate Street, Stafford on Thursday 14th August 6.30pm-8.30pm. Please contact the store by email for your (free) ticket or call 01785 222212. I’ll be reading, signing books and there will be Pimms and ‘Cornish’ nibbles.

I’d love to see you.

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