Authors at The Grand

#AuthorsAtTheGrand

25th Oct – 7pm

Meet the Authors:

Karen Aldous, Kerry Barnes, Tony Barnes, Tony Basset, Michelle Birkby, Roger Nolan, Lizzie Chantree, Elaine Everest, Elaine Roberts, Lindsay Fairgrieve, Jean Fullerton, Katie Ginger, Colette Kebell, Natalie Kleinman, Joy M Lilley, Sue Moorcroft, Emma Pullar, Sarah Stephenson, Greta Sykes, Denis Pepper, Philip Hadland and DA Kent – Joint Authors       

The Grand front (Photo courtesy of The Grand)

Apart from meeting 25 fabulous authors at The Grand and the opportunity to WIN 25 BOOKS – what else can you see and do in Folkestone?

As a frequent visitor to Folkestone and Hythe for many years staying with friends who live in the area, I’ve had the privilege of getting out and about and exploring this amazing coastal resort first-hand and still enjoy this pleasure immensely. One reason in particular is that access has improved enormously. For example, from London St. Pancras the journey time is just 53 minutes. From Ebbsfleet International which is closer for me, it’s just 36 minutes, and Ashford International, only 15 minutes. Travelling by car may not be as quick but is also easy as Folkestone is only a few minutes from the M20 making it just an hour and forty-five-minute drive from central London. And naturally, should you need somewhere to stay, The Grand is a beautiful aparthotel on The Leas of Folkestone which overlooks the vast English Channel, walkable from either Folkestone Central or Folkestone West as The Grand is in a striking position on The Leas. Parking is also easy and it’s a great spot from which to start exploring.

• A graceful majestic character, The Grand dates back to 1899 when it was completed by builder Daniel Baker and opened not only to the public, but to British royalty. King Edward VII was a frequent visitor and who, by his regal presence, enticed many people to the Leas and The Grand and its elegant dining rooms and iconic Palm Court. It was the place to see and be seen and remains a hub of activities. Keppels wine bar and award-winning bistro continues with period functions offering jazz nights and vintage dances. The Grand’s amazing history and versatility will astound you. It’s a wonderful place to stay as well as an icon of the Folkestone skyline. Photo provided by The Grand.
  

  The Leas (The Grand) last Century black and White

• Situated high on The Leas just in front of the Grand is a great spot for whiling away the hours by the bandstand imagining long gone eras and bands playing those nostalgic tunes whilst enjoying the superb views across the English Channel and on finer days, a glimpse of the French coast. It’s like travelling back in time. But before you get too comfortable take a stroll along the esplanade along the cliff and gardens feeling the soft breeze on your skin whilst contemplating your evening entertainment at the Leas Cliff Hall, a nearby entertainment venue advisable to book in advance. Acts are varied, whether touring bands, comedians, musicals or theatre productions, there’s something for every taste.
• From the Leas, the zig-zag path leads to the lower promenade and a stretch of a beautiful sandy beach. It’s useful to know all this is achievable by bicycle too. In fact, it’s possible to cycle most of the coast on the wide, flat esplanades. You have the luxury to choose to walk or cycle down the zig-zag path to the beach and Mermaid Cafe through the lower coastal park. This takes you via a grass amphitheatre and adventure play area, where many free activities take place in summer before heading for the beach. Explore further too walking along the lower promenade towards Sandgate or the bustling harbour central Folkestone.
  

  Folkestone Warren

  

  Folkestone toward harbour

• After that delightful stroll or ride taking in the beach and sea air, your appetite will soon be grumbling so will appreciate what’s in store. The harbour area and Harbour Arm have recently become a highlight of any visit to Folkestone due to fine dining options around the harbour and the numerous pop-up bars, music and restaurants on the harbour arm. You’ll hear the buzz feel the vibrancy as you approach, especially at the weekends. Breweries and bakeries fight with Champagne and cocktail bars, tasty plant-based cuisine complete with Greek delights, Indian street food, hog roasts and a whole host of artisan treats, not to mention fluffy pancakes. It’s an experience you’ll not want to miss before heading for the Creative Quarter and art galleries of the High Street.
• If its wet and blowy however and you’d rather find shelter, head back up again to the Leas and The Grand for their traditional ‘Afternoon Tea’ at their Salon de The via the Leas lift. A funicular railway which is around 135 years old, Grade II listed, and one of the oldest water lifts in the country but it will carry you up and back to another time – towards the Grand or another option is the Folkestone Museum exploring even more of the town’s people and history. In the Town Hall, Guildhall Street, explore ancient, military, maritime and natural artefacts as well as fashion and social. Adults as well as small adults will enjoy the displays and interactive activities this little gem offers. If it’s more of the military history that appeals, you’ll need to travel to RAF Hawkinge, a bus from the harbour every 30 mins or a 10 minute car journey north, to visit the Kent Battle of Britain Museum. A must see. Owned by a devoted enthusiast and helped by equally enthused volunteers, it claims to be the largest private museum dedicated to the heroes of 1940.
  

  author even prize drawer poster

• So, I hope you’ve been tempted to make a weekend trip to Folkestone on Friday 25^th Oct beginning with the #AuthorsAtTheGrand event at The Grand meeting many authors who are on standby to say hello, have a chat about their books, their genre, sign books you can purchase from them on the night at discounted prices and of course, meet other readers and discuss books with them too. Like the other authors, I hope to see you there.
  

  Six books Banner

La Tzoumaz

Inspired not only by my love of the snow-covered Alps and skiing but of course my beautiful, loving friends. Like I said, all my novels so far have evolved around romance and family dynamics so I thought it was time to experiment with some of the other relationships that are a major part of our lives – friendships. Naturally, I’ve steered away from divulging anything about my real friends’ personal lives, but I’m sure they will recognise snippets of themselves on the ski-slopes and the après ski scene we’ve enjoyed. We’ve had so much fun over the years on and off the piste!

Five Ladies Go Skiing

None of us started skiing from an early age, but we’ve had a wonderful time learning as adults and found its something all our children have taken to and created some of the best family holidays as well  friends. Pushing ourselves to learn a new skill has been one of the most challenging, but also one of the best experiences. I can’t pretend it wasn’t hard work and it helps to get your fitness up before you go, but along the way, there are so many things you learn about each other as friends too. In one of my friends, one that had been skiing a few years more, I found a new realm of faith and trust. Just one example is when she offered me her time and patience when I was gaining confidence not only as a first-time skier, but, since -  safely taking me and showing me around some of the most challenging slopes in Europe and of course, some of the most amazing mountain restaurants and après ski Europe has to offer.

Her generosity and skill took my own skiing to level to do the something similar for others including our other friends and wider family. And I can say, hand on heart, skiing has enriched my life so much, that even now at a ripe age of 21 and a bit (ha ha) I still love and enjoy skiing with my children and small grandchildren, who even at the age of five, whizz ahead of me! One of the many joys of being an older woman is being a gran.

So this story in particular may appeal to older readers who can identify with the characters more. It’s a risk for me as an author with a younger, wider readership, but I believe friends are a subject worth celebrating and I hope it’s still a fun read for any age.

 Five Ladies Go Skiing

In ebook and paperback

Five ladies, one unforgettable trip…

Escape to gorgeous Switzerland this winter with the brand new, uplifting read from Karen Aldous.

When Ginny Watts’ husband passes away, she is left grief-stricken, not only over her husband’s death but the secrets he has left behind…

Luckily for Ginny, she has four wonderful friends – Lou, Cathy, Angie and Kim – poised to whisk her away on a ladies’ skiing holiday to beautiful La Tzoumaz, Switzerland.

While all of them appear to have their lives together from the outside, little do the ladies know that every single one of them is fighting a secret battle.

As the trip unfolds, they realise that fears of tumbling down the slopes after too much après-ski fun is the least of their worries and all is not what it seems…

A novel of love, loss and friendship, perfect for fans of Jules Wake, Erica James and Cathy Kelly.

Available in ebook 5th Nov 2018  – Paperback 13th Dec 2018:

AmazonUK

AmazonUS

AmazonAus

ibooks

Nook

Kobo

Rosemary Goodacre

What was the inspiration for your debut ‘A Fortnight is not Enough’?

I began with the fantasy of enjoying a holiday so much that I refused to come home.

2. What was is that drew you to the setting for your story?

We enjoyed a holiday in the south of France in 2016. Its connection with famous artists provided a way of developing the story.

3. Tell us about your main character – what motivates her, what are her dreams, and what is her worst nightmare?

Imogen is 18 and finding her way in life – in fact this could be regarded as a Young Adult novel. She loves painting and would like to work as an artist. She is being manipulated by an older boyfriend when she meets Jules, an art student, who motivates her to follow her dreams.

4. What was the very first novel you penned and where is it now?

I’ve written various novels for years. The earliest one I still have on the computer has a theme of Good versus Evil. It concerns a woman whose dabbling in magic brings her under the influence of and attractive but sinister man.

5. What are you currently working on?

I’ve recently completed a novel entitled The Day of the Dolly Bird, which is a romance set in the Swinging Sixties. Through the New Writers Scheme of The Romantic Novelists’ Association it has received a largely favourable report from a professional novelist.

I’m currently working on a historical romance set in World War I.

6. When did you first realise you wanted to be a writer?

I’ve always loved reading and had the urge to write. I used to dabble as a child, and a friend and I used to produce little monthly magazines.

7. What would you advise a new novelist?

Be persistent! Of course, you need to study the market, but still bring your own ideas to the writing.

8. Other than writing, what other hobbies or interests do you enjoy?

I try to keep fit by doing Zumba and taking country walks with a group.

I do voluntary work one day a week for a charity which trains disabled adults.

I love travel, particularly to the continent, and enjoy classical music.

9. What is your favourite part of the UK?

I particularly love spectacular scenery, like in the Lake District, or Perthshire.

10. Which writer or writers inspire you most?

Jane Austen is hard to beat, and George Eliot. Among contemporary writers I love the humour of Terry Pratchett and the quirky stories of Marina Lewicka. I enjoy books by Barbara Kingsolver and I was recently very impressed with Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale, and mean to read some more of her books. I also loved The Time Traveler’s Wife by  Audrey Niffenegger. Amazingly it was her debut novel.

11. If you were to invite three prominent people, dead or alive to dinner, which three would you invite and why?

What a tough choice! At least one needs a strong sense of humour. I’ve decided on Leonardo da Vinci and Marie Curie with Victoria Coren Mitchell to provide an element of wackiness.

12. What would be your favourite menu? Starter – Main – Desert

Salade Niçoise, Noisettes of Lamb and Strawberry Pavlova – yum.

Karen, thank you very much for hosting me on your Blog.

• 

  A Fortnight is not Enough

   

  Links:

  You can purchase a copy of Rosemary’s novel here:

  https://www.amazon.co.uk/Fortnight-not-Enough-Rosemary-Goodacre-ebook/dp/B079M7BXPC/

  Follow Rosemary here:

  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100010332099458

  https://twitter.com/RoseGoodacre

Wendy Clarke

Whatever your idea of the perfect Christmas (and I’ll be the first to put up my hand and say that I love this time of year) there are so many things that can go wrong. So much potential for disappointment. In my Christmas story collection, Silent Night, there are a diverse cast of characters who take centre stage: young, old, male and female and it’s fair to say that not all their Christmases go to plan. I’ve used their stories to create my own list of potential pitfalls to help you to make the very best of this festive season.

1. Don’t always presume the grass will be greener on the other side.

In my story ‘Finding Santa’, Marie thinks that her children would rather be jetting off to sunny Tenerife than spending it at home without their dad after the marriage break up. It takes bad weather and a cancelled flight for her to see how wrong she’s been. I sometimes think that it might be nice to go somewhere completely different at Christmas and get away from the dodgy weather, the re-runs of bad sitcoms and fighting my way to the till at the supermarket but, in reality, I know I’d miss the family traditions and the chaos that makes the day so special.

2. Don’t leave the Christmas shopping to the last minute.

This is what Keith does in my story, ‘All I Want for Christmas’. His step-daughter, Rachel, wants a Moshi Monster more than anything else in the world – but so do all the other children in the area. By the time poor Keith hits the shops, the shelves are bare. Luckily for him, a chance encounter with a neighbour gives him an idea for an even better present. I hate leaving Christmas shopping to the last minute – What about you?

3. Don’t think the best presents are always the biggest.

David, in the story ‘The Greatest Gift’, stands outside the department store, trying to think of the perfect gift for his girlfriend. As a child, he’d always thought that the biggest box contained the best present – surely Lyndsay would think the same. As he stands there, hoping inspiration will strike, he watches people as they walk past and learns an important lesson. I think too much importance is placed on material gifts, but I expect my grandchildren would tell you different!

4. Don’t plan Christmas in too much detail – you might regret it.

Ryan in ‘On My Own’ thinks that to make Christmas successful, the day has to be organised with military precision. Unfortunately for him, his girlfriend, Bella, thinks otherwise. She leaves him to his spreadsheets and spends Christmas alone. I’m sure plenty of us have fantasised about renting a little cottage by the sea for some ‘me time’ at this busy time of year… But would we really like it? I’m not so sure.

5. Don’t expect this Christmas to be the same as the last.

In the opening story, ‘Project Christmas’, Andrew wants to make Christmas the same as it’s always been for the sake of the children after his wife dies. But does he need to? With a little help from his sister and the kids, he discovers that, in some circumstances, different can be a good thing. It’s easy to stick to the same traditions and I know that, out of habit, I find myself buying the same food, decorating the tree in the same way and organising my day as I always have. Maybe this year I’ll try something a little different… be more adventurous.

However you spend your special day, I hope that you have a wonderful time. Who knows, it might even snow and you’ll be able to make a snow angel like the grandfather in my story ˜Do you Believe in Angels’.

Wendy Clarke – Biography

Wendy Clarke is a writer of women’s fiction. Her work regularly appears in national women’s magazines such as The People’s Friend, Take a Break Fiction Feast and Woman’s Weekly. She has also written serials and a number of non-fiction magazine articles.

Wendy has published three collections of short stories, Room in Your Heart, The Last Rose and Silent Night and has just finished writing her second novel.

Wendy lives with her husband, cat and step-dog in Sussex and when not writing is usually dancing, singing or watching any programme that involves food!

Silent Night – kindle cover

 Links:

https://wendyswritingnow.blogspot.co.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/WendyClarkeAuthor/

https://twitter.com/WendyClarke99

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B075PSXFWW

Elaine Everest 1

Interview  with

Elaine Everest
Bestselling Author of The Woolworth’s Girls has a brand-new release 4th May
The Butlin’s Girls

Elaine, welcome to my blog, it’s lovely to have you here with your new novel, The Butlin’s Girls. I can’t wait to hear more about you since your success with The Woolworth’s Girls and learn more about your writing career. For readers, scroll down for my review of The Butlin’s Girls

Firstly, could you tell us what inspired such an original and nostalgic story?
Thank you for hosting me on your blog today, Karen. The Butlins Girls was the second book in my first two-book contract with Pan Macmillan with the contract stating ‘The Woolworths Girls and one other.’ No pressure there! I wanted my story to remain in the Erith, Kent area as that is my ‘patch’ for my sagas. With a new cast of characters I thought I’d move on in time slightly and started to research what was happening at the end of WW2. It was then I noticed that Billy Butlin was reopening his holiday camps after having them requisitioned and wondered if one of my girls fancied working in a holiday camp - and more to the point, why would she leave her home to do so…?

How did your writing career begin?
I’ve been writing for twenty years professionally although for the first few years I supplemented it with some part time temporary work until my cash flow was at a level I could call it an income. 1997 was the year my dad died and it made me realise I need to start following my dream of being a writer and not just playing at it. I suppose you could call it my ‘light bulb year’. I started with short fiction, there were many more markets back then, and quickly moved to writing features specialising in features for the canine market as my hobby (or life style) was in breeding, exhibiting and judging dogs. Novel writing was still a dream at that time.

You also successfully run Creative Writing Classes in Kent, what made you want to be a creative writing tutor?
The opportunity to teach creative writing came about in 2003 after I won the BBC Radio Kent Short Story Writer of the Year. I’d previously attended a creative writing class at the Dartford Adult Education Centre and was approached to teach classes there and also at Meopham and Gravesend. Although I was able to teach my subject through my own experience I did study and obtain the right qualification to teach adults of sixteen and over. It was an interesting course but to this day I don’t feel that all tutors in Adult Education need such certificate. Lace makers, quilters, holistic therapists… Why do they need a paper certificate. This has been the downfall of adult education centres.

What top three tips would you give a would-be journalist starting out today?
1. Decide what kind of journalist you wish to be and stay focused on your dream.
2. Ask yourself if you need to take three years out to gain a degree or instead learn on the job and via evening classes.
3. Join online forums for freelance journalists. There’s wealth of information to be found and so many helpful journos to guide you on your way.

What top three tips would you give a would-be short-story writer starting out today?
1. Read the magazines. If you don’t how will you know the market. If you don’t like the stories you see in publication then don’t bother trying to write short fiction.
2. Attend workshops and classes and learn your craft. Don’t expect overnight success.
3. Be professional. Writing short stories is not a hobby, you are joining a profession so never write for free and follow the rules.

What top three tips would you give an aspiring novelist starting out today?
1. Join an association. If you have romance in your stories then join the Romantic Novelist Association. Their New Writers’ Scheme is second to none.
2. Read, read, read the genre you wish to be published in.
3. Attend workshops, events and network. Get to know the publishing world. Novel writing is no longer a solitary occupation.

Finally, if you didn’t write your lovely and well-researched historical novels, what genre would you choose specifically and why?
I would love to be a crime writer. Most of my novels do have some crime in them. In fact I am a member of the Crime Writers’ Association on the strength of the crime in my romance sagas! However, I’m very happy to be writing historical sagas.

And what can we expect next from Elaine Everest?
At least one more Woolworths story will follow later this year with another novel currently being written for May 2018.

The Butlin’s Girls Cover

LINKS:
Amazon
Author Facebook Page
Twitter: @elaineeverest

Book blurb:
‘Molly Missons gazed around in awe. So this was Butlin’s. Whitewashed buildings, bordered by rhododendrons, gave a cheerful feeling to a world still recovering from six years of war. The Skegness holiday camp covered a vast area, much larger than Molly expected to see.’
Molly Missons hasn’t had the best of times recently. Having lost her parents, now some dubious long-lost family have darkened her door – attempting to steal her home and livelihood…
After a horrendous ordeal, Molly applies for a job as a Butlin’s Aunty. When she receives news that she has got the job, she immediately leaves her small hometown – in search of a new life in Skegness.
Molly finds true friendship in Freda, Bunty and Plum. But the biggest shock is discovering that star of the silver screen, Johnny Johnson, is working at Butlin’s as head of the entertainment team. Johnny takes an instant liking to Molly and she begins to shed the shackles of her recent traumas. Will Johnny be just the distraction Molly needs – or is he too good to be to be true?

Thank you, Karen

So Welcome Elaine, and I’m sure The Butlin’s Girls will fly off the shelves – it’s the perfect nostalgia summer read.

My 5* Review of The Butlin’s Girls by Elaine Everest

The Butlin’s Girls by Elaine Everest had me gripped from the very beginning. I adored The Woolworth’s Girls so was eager to read Elaine’s second novel and it’s a read I would thoroughly recommend. From the start, the story takes you on a warm summery ride into the life of Molly who has just suffered the tragic loss of her parents. When the evil villains, Harriet and her son Simon, enter her home, she is forced to seek a safe sanctuary and with the help of her parent’s old friends Kath and George, she discovers Butlin’s is a natural choice. Here she meets not only her film idol, Johnny but two amazingly warm but also troubled friends, Bunty and Plum. The novel is beautifully paced with each of the character’s individual stories steadily unfolding, providing one another with so much love and support, their troubles are steadily resolved, including Molly’s. You won’t fail to want to keep reading. And, Johnny may find her amusing to begin with, but you will just love the way his sweet care and devotion brings her so much happiness. A real pleasure.

Vineyard

Being a romantic, and a reader, I wish more than anything for my readers to escape. One of my favourite and inspirational books is The Island by Victoria Hislop. I bought it at the airport on my way to Crete and I would go as far to describe reading it as my Eureka moment. This novel made me realise the type of novel I wanted to write. The ingredients were a perfect combo; it’s set in the stunning Greek island of Spinalonga, the story has elements of history entwined, a former leper colony, plus, its choc-full of family drama and romance. I loved it, and I managed to take a boat trip to the island of Spinalonga whilst reading it. I knew afterwards exactly what and why I wanted to write. Yes, of course I want readers to engage in the characters and their lives, but I want readers to feel they are drifting off to the sunshine and travelling too. For me its Europe, France, Italy and Greece, Switzerland etc., and I suppose it stems precisely from the toe-curling pleasures such beauty evokes in me.

A classic example is Provence. This was the setting for The Vineyard and The Riviera. On my first visit to Provence, many years ago, I stayed in Aix-en-Provence. Hubby and I had hired a car and as it was late in the season, it was a fantastic opportunity to drive out on the quiet roads and explore the numerous villages of the Luberon. And wow, as I stood in Bonnieux overlooking rolling hills with the sun bursting over burnt orange rooftops my character Lizzie arrived to let me know this was where she wanted to be. I, however thought she was rather young to be out here alone, so it was on another trip, to Cannes, at a beautiful apartment I stayed at overlooking a busy colourful market, that I found her home and business; a beauty salon. She had a buzzing cosmopolitan environment with glamourous rich playboys and yet, she still yearned to be among the vineyards of Provence. It made a beautiful contrast for the story and thus, provided me with the motivation for my first story.

Chateau de Chillon

With The Chateau, the character and setting arrived quite differently – from a dream! I saw a ragged-looking female struggling to breath in the water and trying to keep her grasp on a rope. The only clue to where she was, was a medieval stone arch and a iron-barred door which I guessed was an entrance to a dungeon. As I tried to make sense of it all the following day, I immediately thought of the Chateau de Chillon on Lake Leman (Geneva) in Switzerland. I had often driven passed it on ski trips, and nearby Montreux had been beckoning and so it was to be. When I researched the castle, I discovered much about its history and the witches it held as prisoners, and thus my main character Gina, who along with the man she meets in Montreux, Ollie, set out on a quest to discover more, and to free the spirit of Agnes-Francesia. The beautiful setting by the lake and mountains on the Swiss Riviera was perfect, capturing the story and my heart.

And so to One Moment at Sunrise, my latest novel. I know this will also sound bizarre, but as soon as I stepped into the villa in the Languedoc, my character Evie was there. She wasn’t happy though and as I questioned her, I began to get a picture of who she was and her tormentor; the reason she was sad. It wasn’t until the following week when I cycled along the Canal-du-Midi that I was struck by the setting. The canal and its landscape provided such inspiration and I just knew I would have to relocate her villa beside the canal. Then cycling out to the villages, the plot developed, but it was cycling to the town of Bezier which then added another dimension. Seeing the statue of Pierre-Paul Riquet, the builder of the canal was exciting and as I researched the canal’s history, I discovered that mountain peasant women had been key to building the canal and Riquet’s success. Their story had to be included too. Both my heart and mind captivated, both lungs doing their job.
I can’t imagine any other career as fulfilling as writing and travelling.
Karen’s books published by CarinaUK/Harper Collins are available at most ebook retailers. Amazon:

One Moment at Sunrise

One Moment at Sunrise
The Chateau
The Vineyard
The Riviera

You can also follow Karen:
Twitter: KarenAldous_
Facebook: KarenAldousAuthor
Pinterest: KarenAldousPinterest
Website: KarenAldousAuthorWebsite

Canal du Midi 1

My inspiration for writing was originally just enjoying moving my pencil or pen as a child, but then reading, escaping to another world, listening to voices of characters, gave me an instinctive drive to want to create my own. Loving romance, drama and exotic locations, I read Victoria Hislop’s The Island, and that story ignited a deeper understanding of what it was I wanted to achieve. It had all the above and something more, for me, originality. The idea that the author had discovered a place and a snippet of history, so accessible, yet so new to me, fascinated me. I then understood the exact direction I wanted my writing to go. One Moment at Sunrise, published in ebook by CarinaUK/HarperCollins, I feel has those similar elements.

This novel was conceived on arrival at a traditional double-fronted French villa, blue shutters, a central sweeping staircase, cool marble flooring, high ceilings, contemporary décor with tasteful furnishings, French doors leading to a vine-covered terrace and the crystal-clear waters of a pool and overlooking the most magnificent canal ever built! This was the moment the inspiration struck. My character appeared before my eyes; wheeling a bike in through metal gates, her cheeks pink, her forehead etched with an inscrutable frown as her head hung low. As she peered around the echoing walls inside her home, her eyes appeared hostile, lacklustre, and her mouth sloping downwards. Why? She lived in this stunning villa, had a gorgeous little girl, and her man – so what was wrong? Why was she so swarmed in darkness?

Cycling under dappled light of the trees, along gently rippling waters and admiring the ripening vineyards bursting with fruit under a Mediterranean sun, I listened to Evie as I cycled along the Canal-du-Midi. Her voice revealed what was troubling her and I immediately fell in love with her and sympathised with her situation. Frequently, I would stop on the banks of the canal to open my pad so that her words and my thoughts could tumble on to the page; her story gradually deepening and at the same time, ideas forming. The setting provided such an abundance of inspiration and although my real villa wasn’t beside the Canal du Midi, it was actually in a village several kilometres away, it was fitting that Evie lived and breathed the canal and to set her story there.

Canal du Midi 2

It was after a visit to Bezier and seeing the statue of Jean-Paul Riquet that further stimulus encouraged me. I began to explore the man, the visionary and the history of the Canal-du-Midi in more depth. From a snippet I read, I found my character had more in common with some of the canal’s past characters too. From my research, I discovered just how instrumental Pyrenean peasant women were in building this monumental canal and I was moved by the fact that they failed to ever receive recognition for their contribution. So not only did I have Evie’s story, I felt I also had their story which had to be told and so I developed the plot to include them.

This blend of past and present gives me such a stir because the common theme is disempowerment; strong, intelligent women who had so much capacity and talent as individuals becoming so overruled, isolated and quite possibly like Evie, immersed in a self-fulfilling prophecy of self-doubt. We can never know how these peasant women felt about their names eradicated from the payroll four hundred years ago, but we can help bring their story out for further discussion, and praise.

One of the reasons I love being a fiction writer is because anything is possible; if it doesn’t exist, you can invent it, if you need to find out more, you research, then you can explore. My job is to make it real for the reader. I let my characters speak to me, tell me their problems, then I can help them and discover something unique or at least interesting for the readers. Like many of my contemporaries, writers of women’s fiction, my motivation for my characters, is not just about finding romance and living happy ever after, I wish my characters to travel the journey, discover something about themselves as well as others and the world around them so they become strong independent women who find fulfilment in some form for themselves.

Karen’s books published by CarinaUK/Harper Collins are available on Amazon:
One Moment at Sunrise

One Moment at Sunrise

The Chateau
The Vineyard
The Riviera

Cover The Woolworths Girls

Thank you, Karen. I’m delighted to be on your blog today. Thank you for inviting me.

The Woolworth’s Girls is a great title – where did you get the idea?
I have to reply honestly and say that the Pan Macmillan team came up with the title. I’m pleased they did as I really like the The Woolworths Girls and it is much better than my working title, Sixpenny Sarah,

Tell us how and what you did to research The Woolworth’s Girls?
The book is set in Erith, Kent, which is where I was born. I lived in the area most of my life so know the people, the old streets that no longer exist and even the Woolworths store where my story is set. One of my characters lives in a house in Alexandra Road where I lived when first married. The council (LB Bexley) archives were a great help as was the archivist of The Woolworths Museum. It was a joy to dig deep into stories that I grew up with.

If the Woolworth’s Girls was made into a musical, what ten songs would you feature in it?
I do have a playlist for The Woolworths Girls that is mentioned throughout the story and I write in the back of the book about my songs. So many have personal memories for me from my family singing them at parties and wedding although I couldn’t squeeze in Are you Lonesome Tonight or My Way!
The ten songs I would feature in my musical would be:

Goodnight Sweetheart
I’ll See You in my Dreams
If You Were the Only Girl in the World.
Hello, Hello, Whose Your Lady Friend?
The Man Who Broke the Bank at Monte Carlo
Take Me Back to Dear Old Blighty
Bless ‘Em All!
Over My shoulder (goes one care)
By a Waterfall
I Found a Million-Dollar Bay – in a five and ten cent store
(The American version of Woolworths)

Your Woolworth’s girls were likely to have bought their Christmas presents in the store. What presents do you imagine they would give to each other and the people they know?
The girls did purchase calendars for their mothers one Christmas. Remember those pretty chocolate box cottage pictures with a piece of ribbon to hang on the wall? Make up became scarce as the war progressed and to get hold of a lipstick for each other would have been a delight. Maisie was the seamstress and was always sewing pretty items as well as make do and mend. Her gifts were often items of clothing whilst Freda would knit something practical and useful.

As well as a musical, I believe The Woolworth’s Girls would make a lovely Sunday evening drama – who would play your major characters?
I would love my main character, Sarah, to be played by Jessica Raine from Call the Midwife.
Sheridan Smith would make the perfect Maisie and Sophie McShera, who played kitchen maid, Daisy, in Downton Abbey, would make an ideal Freda.
For the handsome Alan it would have to be Julian Ovenden, again from Downton Abbey. He is also an amazing singer and Alan did like to sing.
I’d always envisaged Victoria Wood as Sarah’s nan, Ruby, but sadly that could never be now.

As well as writing your novels Elaine, what else do you fit into your time?
Anyone who knows me knows that I’m mad about dogs. Since the seventies I’ve exhibited, judged, sat on committee and bred the occasional Old English Sheepdog litter. These days we just have Henry, a Polish Lowland Sheepdog, who has already qualified for Crufts 2017. Apart from that I always have my nose in a book and enjoy writing retreats and writerly events with friends.

And, as my tutor, and very good one at that, could you share how you came to start ‘The Write Place’ Creative Writing School and what you have in store for its future?
Thank you! I am a qualified teacher of adults and for some years taught creative writing for Kent Adult Education Services. However, it became apparent that the management only really cared about ‘bums on seats’ and I wanted to help students become published writers. So, I upped and left. Soon after I set up The Write Place (www.thewriteplace.org.uk) at The Mick Jagger Centre in Dartford and have never looked back.
For the future: I will keep waving my ‘big stick’ so you all keep writing and will continue to enjoy our celebrations (cake and wine) as all the fabulous students become published, win competitions and sell more books. We have a fab crowd of wonderful writers at all levels of their writing careers. It’s a very special place.

What would be your top six writing tips?

Author – Elaine Everest

1. Keep writing
2. Interact with other writers
3. Don’t be despondent
4. Never stop learning
5. Read a lot!
6. Never believe your own PR!

And finally, The Woolworth’s Girls is bound to be a big success, can you tell us what’s next?
I hope so – wouldn’t that be lovely? It’s been a fascinating journey to be with a major publisher and have a fabulous agent. Next is The Butlins Girls (Pan Macmillan) that will be published in early 2017. The story starts in Erith and moves to Skegness as Billy Butlin reopens his holiday camps after WW2. Love, friendship, intrigue and lots of fun!

Wishing you every success Elaine,  can’t wait to read it and look forward to your next. Thank you for visiting my blog.
Thank you so much, Karen, for asking such interesting questions. Xx

About Elaine I was born and brought up in the North West of Kent and love to write stories set around Erith and Slade Green – places I know so well. It is heartwarming to know that many people look back with fondness to the town, the people and a life long gone. Twenty years ago I moved a few miles away from Erith and now live in Swanley with my husband, Michael, and Polish Lowland Sheepdog, Henry, where I write nostalgic stories set in and around the county.

Elaine’s new Novel The Woolworth’s Girls is available from: Amazon

And you can also find Elaine on Social Media: Facebook Author Page Twitter: @ElaineEverest

Rebecca Pugh is the author of the beautiful title Return to Bluebell Hill which is her debut novel, and her latest novel, A Home in Sunset Bay. Rebecca is also an avid reader who has her own book blog writing reviews and interviews with numerous authors. I feel honoured to have her on my blog today.
Rebecca, welcome. Lovely to have you here telling us about your writing.

Thank you so much for having me, Karen. I’m delighted to be here!

Return to Bluebell Hill

I just loved your debut novel Return to Bluebell Hill and can’t wait to indulge in your second, A Home in Sunset Bay. The title evokes such a romantic setting; why did you choose it?
First of all, thank you so much for your lovely words, Karen. I am delighted that you loved Return to Bluebell Hill.
Secondly, you know me! I’m all for the romance, and what isn’t romantic about a sunset? I really wanted to capture the whole seaside feel and a sunset set the tone perfectly for me. And then when Carina sent me my final cover, I was bowled over. They’d captured the image in my mind perfectly.

Where did the idea for the story come from?
Sisters have always been a massive part of my life, so that’s definitely where the main idea came from. I wanted to explore the relationship between Mia and Laurie, while having fun at the same time. People get their wires crossed, family included, so often, and I wanted to take a closer look at how that could affect Mia and Laurie’s life, despite the fact that they’d gone their separate ways.

If A Home in Sunset Bay was to become a film, who would play your two leading characters and why?
Mia, the younger of the Chapman sisters, would definitely have to be played by Anne Hathaway. Not only because she is one of my favourite actresses, but because she’s so brilliant at what she does. And, without sounding like I’m insulting Anne (which I would never, ever, ever do!), she plays the harassed/rushed off her feet woman so perfectly. That’s what Mia would be like, I think. She’s always so busy with the diner, very rarely taking time out for herself.
For Laurie, the eldest of the sisters, I’d choose Rachel McAdams, as a brunette. I love her, and think she’d make the perfect big sister if A Home in Sunset Bay were to be made into a film. Laurie has spent her entire life performing to please other people. Finally, she’s taken a break. Sunset Bay makes her realise more than a few things, and with her little sister by her side, realisation dawns. They’d make a fantastic pair!

A Home in Sunset Bay

Are you a planner or a panster?
I try to plan. I really do. But the majority of the time, my ideas spill straight from my head onto the page. I make notes here and there, jot little bits and pieces down, but that’s as far as it goes usually.

Because of your lovely Becca’s Books blog, we know you love to read a lot, did this start as a child and at what point did you know you wanted to write?
I can’t really pinpoint exactly when my love for reading began. My mum always tells me a story about when I was younger and in school, about how the teacher had to have a word with her because I wasn’t doing too well with my reading. We sat down together that night, and I have no idea what happened, but I haven’t stopped since. Reading is a part of my life. It’s something I do every single day.
And I think I’ve always known, somewhere deep inside me, that I wanted to become a writer. It was always one of those dreams that I’d sometimes fantasise about, but didn’t actually expect to ever become a reality. And do you know what the craziest thing about it is? It’s still sinking in. Even after two publication days, reviews coming etc. I can’t really believe that this is me now. That this is what I do. Life truly is full of surprises.

From your reading, who are your most memorable characters?
Heroine, Hero, Antagonist, friend
Heroine – There’s quite a few for this one but the heroine who always stays with me is Susannah Leyton from Charlotte Betts’ The Apothecary’s Daughter. Susannah fights so many tough battles throughout her journey in this novel. I’ll always remember how I felt, in the richly described setting. It completely overwhelmed me and I was lost to it! It was the first of Charlotte’s that I read and I absolutely loved it.
Hero – I love, love, love Travis Maddox from Jamie McGuire’s Beautiful series. I felt as if I couldn’t breathe throughout reading!
Antagonist – I’m going to go with Saskia from Ellen Faith’s Dear Darling. One of those characters who really grinds your gears and makes you want to step into the story to have a word with them yourself. Sit down, Saskia. Sit down.
Friend – Sarah Smith from Rebecca Raisin’s The Bookshop on the Corner is my fictional twin! She is addicted to romance novels just like me, and finds books absolutely magical. I think that if Sarah were a real person, we’d get on beautifully!

Which three Authors, dead or alive, would you invite to lunch and why?
Jill Mansell. I adore her. Her novels are beautiful and heart-warming and incredibly uplifting, and I don’t think I’ve ever come across one that I didn’t enjoy. Jill just “gets it”.
Stephen King. I have so many questions for this man. I went through a phase a couple of years back where I read nothing but Stephen King books. Cujo, The Tommyknockers, Needful Things (FAVOURITE!!!), IT and Thinner. I’ve always been in awe of King’s imagination. I would love to see what goes on in that mind of his. It must be amazing, and a little wild (in a good way!).
Cathy Bramley. This author is new pyjamas, hot chocolate and a crackling log-fire all rolled into one. Cathy’s books never fail to warm me from the inside out, and to sit down for a cuppa with her would be magical.

Ultimately, who is your favourite book or author?
Karen, I’m so sorry about this but I really can’t choose! Since I began my book blog Becca’s Books, I have been introduced and re-introduced to so many wonderful authors. The genres I usually stick to have been widened, and there are so many authors now who I just adore. I can’t pick between them. I can’t do it!

Rebecca Pugh Author Photo

Where can we find out more about you and, of course, buy your books?
You can find me in all sorts of places, and please do come and say hello!
Website – http://thisisbeccasbooks.blogspot.co.uk/
Twitter – https://twitter.com/beccasbooksUK
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/Beccas-Books-1436342789930632/

And you can find Return to Bluebell Hill and A Home in Sunset Bay on –
Goodreads – https://www.goodreads.com/author/list/13851165.Rebecca_Pugh
Amazon UK – http://www.amazon.co.uk/Rebecca-Pugh/e/B00ZOU3L9I/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_ebooks_1
Amazon US – http://www.amazon.com/Rebecca-Pugh/e/B00ZOU3L9I/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_ebooks_1
Thank you ever so much for having me here today, Karen. It has been absolutely lovely!

A real pleasure, Rebecca

Welcome Sophie…

Sophie Hedley with Author Julie Cohen

Sophie, the obvious question. You have reviewed hundreds of books on reviewedthebook.co.uk in less than three years, supporting authors with reviews, Q&A’s, guest posts etc, How did this happen and why?

In the summer holidays before I started University, I began reading a lot more and browsing various book blogs. I joined Goodreads and posted a few short reviews and in the end I just thought why not, and made my own blog. Honestly, I didn’t think I’d keep going more than a few months. I’d really not read an awful lot before I began blogging. But then I found the book community on Twitter, I met lots of lovely readers and authors on Twitter, discovered tons of book recommendations and completely fell in love with reading. It wasn’t until life became really tough that I realised how books have the ability to not only distract you from your problems but to inspire, motivate and make you feel something again. My reviews (the positive ones anyway) are my way of paying back to the authors a little bit of what their writing has done for me, and I hope they encourage readers to buy the books and see for themselves.

What grabs you most about a book?

I’m drawn to a cover first and foremost, so if the cover or title doesn’t get my attention, it’s less likely I’m going to turn it, read the synopsis and buy the book. But as for the content, I love a book that can hook me straight away. The first thing that needs to grab me is the main character. I want to know their voice and see their personality shine through very early on. Of course, I love a dreamy setting and a sweep-you-off-your-feet romance (or a thriller full of shocks and unpredictability) but whatever book I’m reading, whatever genre, it’s the characters that need to grab my interest and have me turning the pages.

Speaking of Characters – Of all the books you’ve read, which characters have remained with you? Hero, Heroine, Antagonist, Friend, Setting?

Great question!  Hero – Jed from Mandy Baggot’s Made in Nashville. He’s not your typical hero but that made him all the more attractive. I think I fell in love with him. Heroine – Can I pick two? Grace from Carmel Harrington’s Beyond Grace’s Rainbow is a really special character – she’s strong, positive and brave in the face of adversity and a really inspiring character. More recently, my favourite heroine has been Jacks from Perfect Daughter written by Amanda Prowse. She’s also a really inspiring person but too down-to-earth a character to realise that, and I love those honest, genuine characters you’re allowed to really get to know and root for. Antagonist – This is a toughie. Probably Patrick from Death Sentence by Sheryl Browne. We get to hear from his perspective and he is vile – disgusting, creepy, unrelenting. But a brilliant character. Friend – I love books that revolve around a group of friends – The Year of Taking Chances by Lucy Diamond, Nicola Doherty’s Girls on Tour series, Jill Mansell’s Three Amazing Things About You, The Vintage Cinema Club by Jane Linfoot and The Time of our Lives by Jane Costello are some of my faves. But if I’m picking a supporting character then probably my namesake Sophie from your book The Vineyard and Midnight from Tilly Tennant’s Mishaps in Millrise series because both characters are really supportive but lots of fun too – the ideal friends. Setting – Ashford from Rebecca Raisin’s Gingerbread Café books is magical and my absolute favourite. Who wouldn’t want to live in a town with a café selling the most mouth-watering cakes, a set of lovely, friendly villagers and a dreamy bookshop on the corner?

Sophie with Author Karen Aldous

With the many invites you have to book launches, what are among your most memorable moments?

• I still can’t believe I get invited to book launches, and my aim is for one day not to be the awkward one stood in the corner. I remember being at the launch for Pippa Croft’s Oxford Blue series and spotting Julie Cohen somewhere in the mass of guests and being completely star-struck and shy until the bloggers I were with dragged her over to chat to me. I was the same when I met Katie Fforde at the Festival of Romance. Passing Katie her handbag was about all the excitement I could cope with that day. The blogger launch party for Helen Lederer’s Losing It was another memorable experience, mostly because she was quite drunk before we got there and disappeared half way through (though she did chat to us all first!). Really, all these events are memorable to me and through signings, launches, parties, afternoon tea and meet-ups, I’ve met almost all of my favourite authors, so I’m very lucky.

With all that you do, including your studies in sports journalism, how do you manage your time?

• With no sleep! In all honesty, time management is not something I’m good at, I just get up early and stay up very late to try and squeeze everything in. When I’m at Uni, most of my free time is spent in the library either reading, writing, prepping some blog posts or catching up on some of my sports journalism work so I can crack on with my blog when I’m home. Now I’m trying to get into the habit of writing daily too, my routine is to spend the first hour or two of my day writing, study during the day, blog during the evening and read on the commute, in my breaks and until about 3/4am at night. Weekends I relax, tweet and occasionally say hello to my family and then back to it Monday. It won’t last forever but it works for now.

If you could lunch with three authors, dead or alive, who would they be and why?

Oh no, I’m useless at these questions, and a total nightmare of a dinner guest. I would just have to cop out and pick Amanda Jennings, Rowan Coleman and Carmel Harrington, one because I’ve already met them so I wouldn’t hide under the table (much) and two, because they’re writers of three of my favourite books so I could steal all their ideas and inspiration.

What inspires you?

There’s so many things I take inspiration from. As a person, my mum has been my biggest inspiration for making the most out of life. For being strong and being kind. As a writer, it’s a bit of a cliché but there’s always something to inspire me. Books, nature, music, daydreams, other people’s conversations… I’m a big people-watcher, so there’s always something!

Social networking is an essential tool for you and, part of what you do, which medium/portal do you enjoy the most?

Twitter because it’s quick and interactive. It’s the best place to connect with authors, bloggers and publicists, and those people you’d feel a bit creepy sending a friend request to on other social media sites. From a blogging perspective, most of my readers have found me via Twitter and it would be pretty pointless for me to blog without using Twitter too.Facebook is a bit more personal but I tend to, other than linking to blog posts, only use it when I have some news to share. I really don’t care for all the attention seeking and selfies. Shelfies, however…

Thrilled that you have now begun your own novel and have recently become a member of the Romantic Novelists’ Association New Writer’s Scheme – Can you tell us about your novel?

Of course. It’s a contemporary romance, set in the run up to Christmas. Kayla and Jay’s relationship is in a bit of an extended honeymoon period, where they’re blissfully happy and madly in love, looking forward to their first proper Christmas together. But life begins to get in the way. There’s family crisis, work crisis, secrets revealed and then tragedy strikes, and Kayla and Jay are hit with the strong possibility that their first Christmas together could also be their last .I’m hoping it’s one of those books that will have you smiling one minute and moved the next. It’s set in a fictional seaside town and I’ve very optimistically planned out the next two books in the series. We’ll see how it goes.

Beautiful bookworms – Sophie and her mother

Your young and beautiful Mum, who died recently – what do you think she would say about your journey so far?

Mum was the biggest bookworm and so I know she’d love where things have taken me. She’d have been proud when I won the Romance Blogger of the Year award – in fact, I’m pretty sure she’d have told everyone she knew and turned me into a local celebrity. She’d already started stealing the books I was sent to review so I think my TBR would be much smaller, instead of the complete chaos it is now. Mum always wanted to write a book, if she’d been well enough, and so I think she’d persuade me to keep on going with mine, although I know she wouldn’t let me get away with writing a bad one! She’d probably tell me to stop writing such soppy romance and go chop some characters’ heads off or something, because crime and thrillers were her favourites. It was the way my mum spoke about the books she was reading that made me take an interest in books too, so I like to think she’d know she’s the inspiration behind where my life is taking me.

Where do you see yourself in five years time?

I try to not think too far ahead. But, nice house, two cats, working with a successful sports broadcaster, three books published, another book driving me mental, still reading, still blogging, still dreaming a bit too optimistically.

Just You – Just for fun:

• Summer or Winter – Summer
• Book or Kindle – Both! Kindle at a push
• Pepsi or Coca Cola – Pepsi
• Handbag or Rucksack – Handbag
• Foyles or Waterstones – Waterstones
• Skirt or Trousers – Trousers
• London or Bradford – Bradford, just
• Train or Bus – Train

Where can we read your reviews and amazing Bookblog or find you on social media:

Blog: http://www.reviewedthebook.co.uk

Twitter: https://twitter.com/sophiertb

Personal Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100004910118967

Blog Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reviewedthebook

Google Plus: https://plus.google.com/u/0/+SophieHedley1/posts

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sophiertb/

Goodreads: http://goodreads.com/reviewedthebook

Thank you so much for taking time out to tell me more about yourself Sophie. You really are a shining star!