Hello from Saltburn-by-the-Sea!
First, the boring bit. Those of you who subscribe to my email newsletter will notice that I’m now using Substack to send this out, as opposed to TinyLetter. This is because TinyLetter had the audacity to close down (boo!), and as a fairly low-tech person, I find Substack the easiest platform to use. I’ll still only use your email to send out newsletters, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Now for some proper news!
At the end of June, I was excited to be a stop on the Great North Author Tour as part of Independent Bookshop Week. This slightly bonkers event is organised every year by DRAKE the Bookshop in Stockton. A group of children’s authors spend a day touring the bookshops of the North East and Yorkshire (supervised by intrepid bookseller Richard), spreading chaos and signing books. Last Saturday, I had eight authors squeezed into my small shop (see photo!). They left behind lots of lovely signed copies, so please do come and take a look. I even have some early signed copies of Lisette Auton’s new book Lights Up, which I’m VERY excited about as it’s set in the theatre.
I’m also getting a few more book signings in the diary. Local crime author Ronnie Brown has just been in to sign copies of his new novel Unquiet Minds, which is proving popular. My next book signing will be with AJ West, who publishes his second historical novel, The Betrayal of Thomas True, in July. Date of signing to be confirmed! Find out more here
In writing news, I’ve had quite a productive month. I’ve finally finished a draft of my seaside bookshop and theatre novel. I’m pleasantly proud of it, especially as I was stuck deep in the writing doldrums earlier in the year. Now the waiting game begins. I hope it finds a home, and I’ll be sure to share any updates if/when I have them.
I now need to ask myself the big question: what do I write next? I’ve spent the last eighteen months working on two quite different novels, including the one I’ve just submitted. I plan to redraft the second one, but I’m also wondering if it’s time for something new.
I have a couple of ideas. I would quite like to write a story based completely around the rock band that features in The Moon and Stars. I love that band, and I miss writing their contrasting personalities. I also fancy trying my hand at a novella, something wintry and mysterious. Maybe it’s the recent heat, but writing something set at Christmas feels appealing at the moment. In the meantime, I’ve been dipping my toe back into fanfiction. Before my novel was published, I wrote a lot of fanfiction, and it’s been fun to revisit that world and play with some favourite characters again.
Finally, I’ve had the pleasure of reading some wonderful books over the last couple of months. Here are some of my favourites:
The Redemption of Isobel Farrar by Alan Robert Clark: A lovely historical novel set in the 1930s, about a mother reuniting with her long lost son. Beautifully written with some wonderful characters. Read more
Winters in the World: A Journey Through the Anglo-Saxon Year by Eleanor Parker: A history book which takes you on a journey through the seasons through the prism of Anglo-Saxon literature. Wonderful for those interested in folklore, poetry and nature. Buy a copy
The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman: Yes, I know I’m late to the party, but I was absolutely stunned by this. It’s one of the most beautiful fantasy novels I’ve ever read. Possibly also one of the darkest, but also oddly hopeful. I loved it. Read more
Happy reading!
Jenna