How did you first get into writing short stories?
I’ve always written short stories, ever since I was a small child. My mum was a writer, and I suppose I assumed that’s what everyone did.
Many of the stories in this collection have been published before. Would you like to tell us a little about your journey to and through publication?
When a short story is published in a magazine, it’s great, but then I file away the magazine and it’s forgotten about. Now and again, I re-read old stories or are reminded of them for some reason and I always feel it’s such a waste when they’re worth sharing. So, I was delighted to discover Bridge House Publishing publish Single Author Collections. This was exactly what I was looking for, and I’ve really valued the efficiency and friendliness of Bridge House every step of the way.
Do you have a favourite story in the collection? Why do you like this one so much?
I like The Gentleman Gypsy because of the characters. This actually grew into a novel of the same name. The Secret Everyone Knew is about a small-time pawn-broker. The more I learnt about pawn-brokers, the more I developed my characters and eventually wrote Adam’s Emporium. The Promise always makes me smile and I was pleased with the way I could turn a sad situation in Waiting for the Wedding, into something more hopeful.
Is there one that was more difficult to write?
Moving Forward is the story of a woman coming to terms with miscarriage. It was inspired by a talk I went to on Japan. This was one little anecdote which really touched me. I did check, and double check that it was OK to share this story, although she bears no resemblance to my main character and my story is as much about friendship as moving forward.
Who do you see as the reader?
I see a mature woman, rather like me. Very probably a busy person who doesn’t always have time to get into a novel but likes to read something before going to sleep. It’s important to me that my stories are uplifting. Now, more than ever, we need to see the best in people and to be reminded that a little kindness is never wasted.
Are you working on any new projects?
I always seem to be juggling lots of stories. I’m writing the third book in my series, The Biscuit Girls.
I regularly write short stories for the women’s magazine market and have a thick folder of ideas which I dip into. This is ongoing.
I’m proof-reading An Honourable Wager which is being republished by Bridge House Publishing in the new year. Having had some experience now of promoting and marketing a book, I keep adding ideas to my file, so that when it’s released, I will feel organised and approach the challenge in a focussed and professional way.
I’m researching the Edwardian period for a potential new novel. I do have to be careful not to get too engrossed in the research, but stick to the facts that I need to move my plot forward.
In November I’ve got Isaac’s Oak coming out with Ulverscroft, in Large Print, followed by United We Stand in March 2025. I will need to encourage libraries to buy them. I will then have 12 Large Print novels available and others being considered.
Do you have any events planned?
My priority at the moment is promoting Feel-Good Stories, especially with Christmas approaching. I think it would make an ideal Secret Santa gift or stocking filler. With this in mind, I’m doing a book event on 20th Oct at H’artisan’s, Wargrave. Followed by The Whiteknights Bowls Club Christmas Bazaar in Earley on 16th November. Then, on Saturday 23rd November I’ve been invited to an Author Event at Newbury Library which is another chance to showcase my books and to network.
There are two other events I’m waiting to hear back from as I need more information.
These events are like my ‘shop window’ but in the background, I’m working on getting reviews on Amazon, Goodreads and Waterstones. I’ve potentially got some local stores to stock my books and hope to venture further afield with this. I’ve planned a ‘tour’ with a large bundle of A5 posters - in order to spread the word and sell more copies.
I’ve got a few more ideas up my sleeve, if I can fit everything in. There really aren’t enough hours in the day!
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