tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-68116781762560494952024-03-19T02:47:49.241+00:00Get On With ItA blog about writing and my journey to publication. I'll probably mention cake from time to time.Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986874444030474719noreply@blogger.comBlogger316125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6811678176256049495.post-57266081447756857122023-05-25T16:35:00.002+01:002023-05-25T19:40:19.642+01:00Time for another book<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">I can't believe it's been so long since I updated my blog, but here I am on a mild and sunny May day, happy to have had a first look at the cover of my next book, </span><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Best-Friends-Secret-thrilling-unputdownable-ebook/dp/B0C5T84RW3/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2LMI2KG2QEPHG&keywords=my+best+friend%27s+secret+karen+clarke&qid=1685027193&s=digital-text&sprefix=my+best+friend%27s+secret+karen+clarke%2Cdigital-text%2C84&sr=1-1" style="text-align: left;">My Best Friend's Secret </a><span style="text-align: left;">and I'm very happy with it. Due out in digital format on 23rd July with paperback and audio to follow, and available to pre-order now.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Best-Friends-Secret-thrilling-unputdownable-ebook/dp/B0C5T84RW3/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2LMI2KG2QEPHG&keywords=my+best+friend%27s+secret+karen+clarke&qid=1685027227&s=digital-text&sprefix=my+best+friend%27s+secret+karen+clarke%2Cdigital-text%2C84&sr=1-1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2125" data-original-width="1403" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs9XwzcWDGvc3CRA6XtGx3LpUt4KDOKLsqcgxw84nJY1llcM5baz3j6JNKwMHlAatVsV1HeDW1brjucqB0QYuw-003CdfLqbvUdNXiC6q4q_rxmYFHdt_AULSYu4-1rxCz6Hm_uiaNjhdmszAgL0WXOmsVhigdWgQgrk0U6AH6lmdV_wwaXcJCACCr/s320/MyBestFriend'sSecret.png" width="211" /></a></div><p></p><p>Elsewhere, I had a lovely time at the <a href="https://joffebooks.com/">Joffe</a> publisher's garden party a couple of weeks ago where I met up with co-writer <a href="https://www.facebook.com/search/top?q=amanda%20brittany%20author">Amanda Brittany</a> and we were able to celebrate <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/unputdownable-psychological-thriller-breathtaking-twist-ebook/dp/B0BJFH8S23/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8">The New Wife </a>having received over 1000 reviews. It was good to mingle with other lovely writers and finally put faces to names.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-rT6EESBwYWV4OKL01RmXDZQn_KIoNw3dDntvDOq2sgTOrdbTtiwna5ZKhj2QwiQZLIfg8R6UlJ_XLfenfvhghyIwJjJakMcAcFzD1oMO-Z-_qCBM4kH6Ic47-Jq-U_3EtlOWzW3kbSzEMe3x8xptSD3sTYiC_dQl-lX2HziucenvlRkIBGy4Y46V/s921/party1.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="921" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-rT6EESBwYWV4OKL01RmXDZQn_KIoNw3dDntvDOq2sgTOrdbTtiwna5ZKhj2QwiQZLIfg8R6UlJ_XLfenfvhghyIwJjJakMcAcFzD1oMO-Z-_qCBM4kH6Ic47-Jq-U_3EtlOWzW3kbSzEMe3x8xptSD3sTYiC_dQl-lX2HziucenvlRkIBGy4Y46V/s320/party1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqgtF9Ducbk1sJQBgHoKjYtMn-GPiOxaZlFm_p7r1HvzVZEZp7Nnc0LpFsnZAtPLSsJyvwZOjkc7Ab2lZYoo2qlzbmd-CDb8IG04eN-IyFzrPmzTvJycxdRJ01c7XNs7JkzdfNZ3Y0Fhs12gew2S5f05geLI1Gxzfq97JlQGned1vZELZKQ0iqA12v/s2048/party.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1213" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqgtF9Ducbk1sJQBgHoKjYtMn-GPiOxaZlFm_p7r1HvzVZEZp7Nnc0LpFsnZAtPLSsJyvwZOjkc7Ab2lZYoo2qlzbmd-CDb8IG04eN-IyFzrPmzTvJycxdRJ01c7XNs7JkzdfNZ3Y0Fhs12gew2S5f05geLI1Gxzfq97JlQGned1vZELZKQ0iqA12v/s320/party.jpg" width="190" /></a><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">In between celebrations Lovely Husband and I managed a trip to Thornton-le-dale in North Yorkshire, and caught up with family and friends via Grimsby and Scarborough. For once, the weather was as good as the company, so we got lucky as it normally rains the se</span><span style="text-align: left;">cond we arrive anywhere! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy5DjCoz_l8fS57dLft5Uc30QT7xsobjYIBP8fIdWp15lM-1TtQ9t04Z_tnozmMib8VWEqKOd-AfmwXlp7f9oSZ5roD5trAxB8v9Of9Hos39_sySjbhIFj_SbDUlaHfr1okOuTlBvrcG2W6C90asTrzeu0DJZBW_LflWC_4hvKxMl73cCUbk3hpiUU/s581/cottage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="581" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy5DjCoz_l8fS57dLft5Uc30QT7xsobjYIBP8fIdWp15lM-1TtQ9t04Z_tnozmMib8VWEqKOd-AfmwXlp7f9oSZ5roD5trAxB8v9Of9Hos39_sySjbhIFj_SbDUlaHfr1okOuTlBvrcG2W6C90asTrzeu0DJZBW_LflWC_4hvKxMl73cCUbk3hpiUU/s320/cottage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i>Thornton-le-dale</i></div><p>And now it's back to reality. I'm currently working on the plot of my next book and might even start writing it any day now.</p><p>It's lovely to see the lighter evenings and to spend time in the garden when I'm not writing or looking out at the birds on the feeders! Wherever you are, I hope you're having an enjoyable spring and looking forward to summer.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ewJ0ie939PIQYv9EpYbclnWXfdZyj1QBsUjXScaKjPJBBDbCbgP7khptBjxLm58USsspJUcW5TszPHhyd10gm4rGtC4HvQsPoQarJsx3l3su6dpK_PrckUv16EQiq3zsHTlquxIwcXHKQ3WNPCwwGDF6ba9XtI8b2jjAjwZp8e90VXYifPx-Hcdr/s2048/writing.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="922" data-original-width="2048" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9ewJ0ie939PIQYv9EpYbclnWXfdZyj1QBsUjXScaKjPJBBDbCbgP7khptBjxLm58USsspJUcW5TszPHhyd10gm4rGtC4HvQsPoQarJsx3l3su6dpK_PrckUv16EQiq3zsHTlquxIwcXHKQ3WNPCwwGDF6ba9XtI8b2jjAjwZp8e90VXYifPx-Hcdr/s320/writing.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986874444030474719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6811678176256049495.post-73184221185421372892022-10-04T12:37:00.002+01:002022-10-04T12:38:58.792+01:00Autumn<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi__B10IGx_lD_O-M5ISX9z4KqQyNBuNA8m9zeimv_INpHNRqzgaNFkKlnDd-aJzSDMdDsw8kCnaAGLcBzWVVObRL_8JSOducQdJt7MAnVoJouRGYQygllOtU6Uj-PnKLS33OHmtimr8GSZycLYCl7-5uBmrYRraupdsMqZ6dx7m_C5CwmXs7rTWEze/s903/20220926_193154.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="903" data-original-width="903" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi__B10IGx_lD_O-M5ISX9z4KqQyNBuNA8m9zeimv_INpHNRqzgaNFkKlnDd-aJzSDMdDsw8kCnaAGLcBzWVVObRL_8JSOducQdJt7MAnVoJouRGYQygllOtU6Uj-PnKLS33OHmtimr8GSZycLYCl7-5uBmrYRraupdsMqZ6dx7m_C5CwmXs7rTWEze/s320/20220926_193154.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: left;">The long, hot, dry spell of summer feels like a long time ago now that autumn has arrived, with rain, wind, cool air, and green, green grass once more. Hard to imagine that a couple of months ago, I was sitting outside to write, wearing as few clothes as possible (sorry for the visual) periodically watering the plants, until the hosepipe ban hit, but time keeps flying along.</span></div><p></p><p>On the writing front, <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/My-Husbands-Secret-gripping-emotional-ebook/dp/B09Z77X3SG/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1664883064&sr=8-3">My Husband's Secret</a> has been published in paperback and audiobook, and my publisher ran a competition for readers to win a bundle of my titles, which was fun. </p><p>I've signed a new contract for two more novels (hurray!!) both scheduled for publication next year. The first is written and with my editor, and while I wait for her notes I'm planning my next book and working on a new thriller with <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?i=digital-text&rh=p_27%3AAMANDA+BRITTANY&s=relevancerank&text=AMANDA+BRITTANY&ref=dp_byline_sr_ebooks_1">Amanda Brittany.</a> Our next novel THE NEW WIFE is due out at the end of November and we're eagerly awaiting the first sighting of the cover - always a big moment.</p><p>Writing aside, there's not much to report, other than I'm already hooked on the new series of <i>Strictly Come Dancing</i> - despite it reminding me that Christmas is on its way - which makes me think I need to get out a lot more!</p><p>I hope you're having a happy and productive October ππ</p><p><br /></p>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986874444030474719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6811678176256049495.post-63865147154419484842022-07-03T13:55:00.006+01:002022-08-24T10:34:48.161+01:00A New Book<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigx9SSKnGUKSTj1ZVtYQvuT8GiozSnDhaCS22xqnmTkcMyI0X2zyJH4iCqLpy_V7lTGYaAnpqgKPacrnl6sBmnGgIig8lPxduh9zUB322xLdqdCl80jZRFD0BtzmYy2GCBy2ZblbytwMF3S_yP-mE3owBzyAnaOm12MNr6obxYQRuxNFWDqoWDhQcq/s1600/MyHusbandsSecret_Shareable1_EB-1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigx9SSKnGUKSTj1ZVtYQvuT8GiozSnDhaCS22xqnmTkcMyI0X2zyJH4iCqLpy_V7lTGYaAnpqgKPacrnl6sBmnGgIig8lPxduh9zUB322xLdqdCl80jZRFD0BtzmYy2GCBy2ZblbytwMF3S_yP-mE3owBzyAnaOm12MNr6obxYQRuxNFWDqoWDhQcq/w400-h225/MyHusbandsSecret_Shareable1_EB-1.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/My-Husbands-Secret-gripping-emotional-ebook/dp/B09Z77X3SG/ref=sr_1_2?crid=187DX4PYLIQFU&keywords=my+husband%27s+secret&qid=1656790452&s=books&sprefix=my+husband%2Cstripbooks%2C73&sr=1-2">My Husband's Secret </a>is finally out in the world, in eBook at least - paperback and audiobook to follow on August 18th. That sounds so far away, but being as I've just realised it's July already, it'll come around quickly. </p><p>Reviews so far have been great, and I hope readers enjoy this one, set in Robin Hood's Bay in North Yorkshire, not far from Scarborough where I grew up. Though I've lived in Buckinghamshire for much longer and consider it home, my family still lives in Scarborough and I'm hoping to visit before the summer's out and take a trip to Robin Hood's Bay.</p><p>June flew past in the blink of an eye, with some lovely weather that made it stand out, and a trip to Aldeburgh with Lovely Husband, where we stayed in a characterful cottage close to the sea, visited Sutton Hoo, where the film <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt3661210/">The Dig</a> was filmed - well worth a watch - and generally chilled out for a couple of days.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1QjtYY5_cP4VGP8fA_wDiho8e4g1uC9uOef6AKTO3EvvijZkGpHAdWezwzK3yVIixGoKRiOAtD4pAF5JCcpIhFShk4fz5odDroeSM9_-I3FNMOPtVzGAqoMb2lnqm4lM1voGNrn_UCCRtvKR-YN7lpdod8nF-jNKyTySX0OPEmvPhIkw8LiKOFv1z/s2880/aldeburgh.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2880" data-original-width="2880" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1QjtYY5_cP4VGP8fA_wDiho8e4g1uC9uOef6AKTO3EvvijZkGpHAdWezwzK3yVIixGoKRiOAtD4pAF5JCcpIhFShk4fz5odDroeSM9_-I3FNMOPtVzGAqoMb2lnqm4lM1voGNrn_UCCRtvKR-YN7lpdod8nF-jNKyTySX0OPEmvPhIkw8LiKOFv1z/w400-h400/aldeburgh.png" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p>I also had gallbladder surgery, which has been on the cards for a while and I'm thankful to have got out of the way, but it meant missing my publisher's summer party, held this year in the gardens of the Victoria and Albert Museum, as I didn't feel up to a trip into London - apart from anything, I haven't been on a train in over 3 years - and standing up for a long time. Maybe next year!</p><p>My next book is almost finished, and I should be signing a contract any day - always an exciting moment. This will be my fifth psychological thriller and sixteenth book overall (including the two I wrote with <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Amanda-Brittany/e/B075WT8HWG%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share">Amanda Brittany</a>) which, if anyone had told me ten years ago would be happening, I wouldn't have believed.</p><p>In other exciting news, Amanda and I have been offered a contract by <a href="https://www.joffebooks.com/">Joffe Books</a> for our next novel, and will find out soon when that's going to be published.</p><p>I always forget to mention some of the amazing books I've read and would recommend, so here are a selection I've recently enjoyed if you're looking for a good read (apart from mine of course!) I listen to a lot of audiobooks too and <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Audible-Lessons-in-Chemistry/dp/B09BW19BTY/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1DUK2IGMKA6H3&keywords=lessons+in+chemistry&qid=1656835800&sprefix=lessons+%2Caps%2C560&sr=8-1">Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus </a>is the best I've heard in a while, the narrator did a superb job of bringing he outstanding main character Elizabeth Lott to life.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrLTT2_IIqmmoRyskmAaA6BDcl2liZnHGkyn7u4NxR02ON1I4JuKobzVET7k1ial1-JGhevKYbKjafhJd4ESTCe6GSOUHxUXkn3wrrL0aSODtrxVkYinuo5OT9jVuJLKy-ghvAWckPan1DjqrddJVi7V6-G1I6SVMN1oB2jxnVVCazwjJKBO57Z_hV/s2738/books.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="2738" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrLTT2_IIqmmoRyskmAaA6BDcl2liZnHGkyn7u4NxR02ON1I4JuKobzVET7k1ial1-JGhevKYbKjafhJd4ESTCe6GSOUHxUXkn3wrrL0aSODtrxVkYinuo5OT9jVuJLKy-ghvAWckPan1DjqrddJVi7V6-G1I6SVMN1oB2jxnVVCazwjJKBO57Z_hV/w400-h263/books.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Summer is officially here, so I'll be writing in the garden whenever I can and photographing the long-suffering birds and butterflies!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwcKGVkTq_dAheHnKTWOM8mWiUmcbdOGuqSVXOidFh63FrNqdfAqdPbUh1EwZPcqyQsMSrqcsEmeegtlUsDW0CixXVe3eci5le5q-iSjT7GacZIcCKDk6SRSWOjbwAtJZZCM6jZVnw9d13_t1JFNtM7ZdwNsP13y5Yz6jojARvYEPSI01LIX48W-xG/s1080/birds%20Social%20Media%20Post.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwcKGVkTq_dAheHnKTWOM8mWiUmcbdOGuqSVXOidFh63FrNqdfAqdPbUh1EwZPcqyQsMSrqcsEmeegtlUsDW0CixXVe3eci5le5q-iSjT7GacZIcCKDk6SRSWOjbwAtJZZCM6jZVnw9d13_t1JFNtM7ZdwNsP13y5Yz6jojARvYEPSI01LIX48W-xG/s320/birds%20Social%20Media%20Post.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Wherever you are and whatever you're doing, stay safe.</div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986874444030474719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6811678176256049495.post-30164740797885340482022-05-16T10:26:00.005+01:002022-08-24T10:35:18.301+01:00And Another book is almost ready<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha39lNSr7x3V19oYgUJm_PsFEMwcMxw1R6s3QHpfDJjzJzGB6PdlPYB0amQ5PB08oDc7AlKwp54wk-39RMRNoQJOVQWmaHNAx23nGQLnplbeVjp-kWusqT51UCwTRgaPcbAs6mFe_nX-qIfYJR3lpVQp3UKHNlp-cAJ_A2-uR7tbm7EkweC8m8jYsc/s1049/sisterschildbestseller.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="645" data-original-width="1049" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha39lNSr7x3V19oYgUJm_PsFEMwcMxw1R6s3QHpfDJjzJzGB6PdlPYB0amQ5PB08oDc7AlKwp54wk-39RMRNoQJOVQWmaHNAx23nGQLnplbeVjp-kWusqT51UCwTRgaPcbAs6mFe_nX-qIfYJR3lpVQp3UKHNlp-cAJ_A2-uR7tbm7EkweC8m8jYsc/s320/sisterschildbestseller.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>It's been an exciting time author-wise since my last post, as <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/My-Sisters-Child-gripping-emotional-ebook/dp/B09KZ6219G/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2HS3BMGDEHT80&keywords=my+sisters+child+karen+clarke&qid=1652693045&s=digital-text&sprefix=my+sister%27s+chil%2Cdigital-text%2C72&sr=1-1">My Sister's Child </a>achieved a bestseller banner on Amazon, something of a holy grail for authors, giving sales a further boost due to whatever algorithms are triggered (or something else technical I don't really understand!) The book has had some lovely reviews too, and feedback like that, knowing readers have been entertained and taken away from reality - in a good way - means the world and inspires me to keep writing.<p></p><p>On that note, I've now seen the cover of my next book <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/My-Husbands-Secret-gripping-emotional-ebook/dp/B09Z77X3SG/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2S27GC31Z9YCF&keywords=my+husband%27s+secret+karen+clarke&qid=1652692624&sprefix=my+husband+s+secret+karen+clarke%2Caps%2C84&sr=8-1">My Husband's Secret</a>, which will be out in ebook on June 30th (audio and paperback a couple of months later) and I think it's my favourite to date. The cover designer has done a great job in making it stand out, something that's vital for potential readers skimming through books online, looking for their next read, when there's so much great competition out there.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHGn69ZUA5C5uGPQMNdZlDO94AIbt0v4F3V5WWDU-a0LaBZd9mWnd9Th-GCata08jtoXaLOrUZbYF6J4Kwj2rbJe3M5I6f1xQKbHSeGgciIdLk__vbeVwpk1QRH9gar8wNst2JB3reYCzw3ybXMgNQJi4ao3IKwjMz8olGCPPMOK5eFrxmBzsDzwUt/s1080/MyHusbandsSecret.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHGn69ZUA5C5uGPQMNdZlDO94AIbt0v4F3V5WWDU-a0LaBZd9mWnd9Th-GCata08jtoXaLOrUZbYF6J4Kwj2rbJe3M5I6f1xQKbHSeGgciIdLk__vbeVwpk1QRH9gar8wNst2JB3reYCzw3ybXMgNQJi4ao3IKwjMz8olGCPPMOK5eFrxmBzsDzwUt/s320/MyHusbandsSecret.png" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p>I'm now working on my next book and getting to know the characters and am excited about the story unfolding, which often ends up being just as much of a surprise to me as I hope it does to the readers.</p><p>Meanwhile co-writer <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Amanda-Brittany/e/B075WT8HWG/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_ebooks_1">Amanda Brittany</a> and I are waiting to hear from an editor who may be interested in publishing our next book, so we're keeping everything crossed for that.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyC_h8orShewKqIIqwZGClCmmslNZYSWXoEalPi8MEAhkvOkdF817AqEBhoBHzWtSq3zNQWWr3HUoRRnUfTdyNUoN8c7scWyTWHgIzg4aZXPbD6Cp81fmDNRV820L7p91NVofPdvkD_uIxeqye2QauVXlsYVSiSmwoKZjIRt_KpeMDj_Qu_g9cN5PR/s2560/20220514_190907.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1152" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyC_h8orShewKqIIqwZGClCmmslNZYSWXoEalPi8MEAhkvOkdF817AqEBhoBHzWtSq3zNQWWr3HUoRRnUfTdyNUoN8c7scWyTWHgIzg4aZXPbD6Cp81fmDNRV820L7p91NVofPdvkD_uIxeqye2QauVXlsYVSiSmwoKZjIRt_KpeMDj_Qu_g9cN5PR/s320/20220514_190907.jpg" width="144" /></a></div><p>Spring is pushing towards summer now and everything in the garden is blooming. I'm trying to resist dashing out there too often and be more disciplined with my writing - not easy when my writing corner is in the lean-to conservatory overlooking the garden, but I love it here, away from the main house, where I can hear birdsong, and, occasionally a lawnmower - or, more annoyingly, a chainsaw - and I don't have far to go to put the kettle on.</p><p></p><p>We're still hoping to take a couple of days away by the sea at the beginning of June, but I tend not to make too many plans these days, never quite knowing what's around the corner, though maybe it should be the other way round - I should be making lots of plans, because you never quite know what's around the corner!</p><p>Whatever your plans are, I hope they work out for you βΊ</p>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986874444030474719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6811678176256049495.post-4134591926995692362022-03-07T11:08:00.004+00:002022-08-24T10:35:45.684+01:00Nearly spring<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgphRXndxqNxoHEf2k8tImmd80_txEkhiLQ8osCB0HoyzJLkTDiVaEZtjEO1VCGrcOXmNDNN-qU1GM6i294jRp5ATNsmGgPHks6lx4YgKpYVVoVX3FyYoOckdzNNp0jBwogBRMyoOpWcgDbDshC1TWDh61a0gW2IOGTzQ58x22hnsK87UJz1v1cPdai=s1080" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="499" data-original-width="1080" height="185" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgphRXndxqNxoHEf2k8tImmd80_txEkhiLQ8osCB0HoyzJLkTDiVaEZtjEO1VCGrcOXmNDNN-qU1GM6i294jRp5ATNsmGgPHks6lx4YgKpYVVoVX3FyYoOckdzNNp0jBwogBRMyoOpWcgDbDshC1TWDh61a0gW2IOGTzQ58x22hnsK87UJz1v1cPdai=w400-h185" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span>Bench at Gaynes Park Mansions Wedding Venue</span></i></span><div><p>March is well underway, which means spring is on its way (bit of unintentional (bad) poetry, there.) Not that the weather has realised yet, it's very cold at the moment. I went to a wedding over the weekend, my first for 30 years (apart from my own!) and how the bride coped with the outdoor photo session without turning into a block of ice is testament to the power of love (or maybe she was wearing thermal underwear.)</p><p>I've finally had the okay to write 2 more books for my publisher, which is both a relief and a thrill, and has given me a big burst of motivation. Knowing my writing efforts will be rewarded with publication and - most importantly - be read by actual people fills me with inspiration. I can't wait to get going. I have the plot worked out, but will probably deviate slightly, as usually happens - though the ending rarely changes once I have it fixed in my mind.</p><p>I've worked out another two stories as well, but am unsure yet which of those will be next. I'll need to break off soon to complete edits for my already-written book, out later this year, but that's always how it works - one being written, one being edited, and a later one swimming about in the recesses of my mind.</p><p>Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Amanda-Brittany/e/B075WT8HWG/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_ebooks_1">Amanda Brittany</a> and I are in the process of submitting our next novel to publishers, which is exciting and a bit daunting as there are no guarantees, but we're confident it will find a home, and soon we'll be embarking on our next book as we have the outline ready. </p><p>Marking out these things brings home the passing of time and how quickly it flies, but there will hopefully be other nice things happening apart from writing - maybe even a tiny holiday at some point.</p><p>One thing I'm looking forward to is getting back in the garden, which I barely look at during the winter months. The grass desperately needs cutting, and the pots need replanting. My inner teenager is telling me I must be getting old - gardening is what my granddad used to do - but I've reached the age where the attractions are obvious: being in nature; exercise that doesn't feel like exercise; the reward (that word again) of seeing the seeds that were planted last year grow into something beautiful - just like a book βΊ</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZcIDifl-516atv4zAhpzJ57LY_gyVCdCNwBKIIGNS_QobQviWzrO09cvwKV349R0nG08Vv113PC1oqOao6V_us7W-PGyDFfhpiq85VRvJi4HaC8A7RPV2FiWhJw__GhGSQAHO1kUtSHyDBQgyj6_IViLZNiX5kJ33nycSwVS24_c1lv0CNRz-P1Nl=s2257" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2257" data-original-width="1805" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZcIDifl-516atv4zAhpzJ57LY_gyVCdCNwBKIIGNS_QobQviWzrO09cvwKV349R0nG08Vv113PC1oqOao6V_us7W-PGyDFfhpiq85VRvJi4HaC8A7RPV2FiWhJw__GhGSQAHO1kUtSHyDBQgyj6_IViLZNiX5kJ33nycSwVS24_c1lv0CNRz-P1Nl=w256-h320" title="Spring is springing" width="256" /></a></div><p><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span> Spring is springing... </span></i></span></p><p>Here's hoping your spring is mild and fruitful!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986874444030474719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6811678176256049495.post-74175091008941877382022-01-17T19:46:00.005+00:002022-08-24T10:36:06.479+01:00New Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilGKsn136dNeF3u-xE5n-Ps0w-DhbS7ZMcKxvgZzvhOoPaTFTubeEG-PhqJSrvzsegp1f5pZ8WGM0YyMrr3XQDQ6Gj0y1VRz9eNc78hnPDqz-JpQ8QjKg8NoPgMS7OkxnaXSQSsxVDOPDX5T_IN_ETBXtbn-d28YyvAa-rBLXW3CKJzFEfmCWpxjd6=s800" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="566" data-original-width="800" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilGKsn136dNeF3u-xE5n-Ps0w-DhbS7ZMcKxvgZzvhOoPaTFTubeEG-PhqJSrvzsegp1f5pZ8WGM0YyMrr3XQDQ6Gj0y1VRz9eNc78hnPDqz-JpQ8QjKg8NoPgMS7OkxnaXSQSsxVDOPDX5T_IN_ETBXtbn-d28YyvAa-rBLXW3CKJzFEfmCWpxjd6=s320" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p><p>So, it's 2022, a year that looks and sounds futuristic - the sort featured in an old episode of Star Trek, when it was imagined we'd all have flying cars and be dressed in silver jumpsuits.</p><p>I like the promise of a new year, a blank page waiting to be filled. I don't make resolutions as such when it comes to writing, but picture myself being more productive/disciplined and focused though - in truth - it'll no doubt be more of the same: lots of procrastinating, interspersed with deadline-panic-motivated writing followed by a sigh of relief and a burst of housework.</p><p>I'm currently finishing a thriller with co-writer <a href="http://writingallsorts.blogspot.com/p/a-bit-about-me.html">Amanda Brittany</a> and we've outlined a new idea which is being submitted to our publisher in the hope we'll be offered a new contract. So, that's exciting.</p><p>In the meantime, I'm waiting on edits for my latest book, and for the paperback and audiobook publication of <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/My-Sisters-Child-gripping-emotional-ebook/dp/B09KZ6219G/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1642447964&sr=8-1">My Sister's Child</a> on February 3rd. <a href="https://www.theworks.co.uk/search?q=karen+clarke&search-button=&lang=en_GB">The Works </a>is taking 5,000 copies which is a thrill as all writers love to see their books on shelves. I'll be darting into various branches taking 'shelfies' and grinning inanely - and perhaps strong-arming customers into buying copies. (I won't be doing that.)</p><p>The weather's typically cold and frosty for January, but it doesn't stop me walking every day, working off the Christmas Quality Street and mince pie excesses, fixing plot holes as I go and enjoying the scenery when I look out from the imaginary world in my head.When the sun's shining as it has been today, it doesn't seem too long now until Spring, which these birds - pictured in a tree in our garden - also seem to be looking forward to.</p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgG9UT0v486h_25XiRfFpPDAi8sqbKCyrWwH7LPNfsaAuFDbwp5h_ulGop_0MGoCf6-OH_D_yxAys4uVTqhd9YUNvFU2PEeA993WZ3iQEYBkgA81AzDhHbiHeJZ6RJGhhZb2CFmLhB4NhtzZKmQJdVktBG_Ol-tVuaWdXWcvM6fRcrLcDK8fqrJz4qQ=s1080" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgG9UT0v486h_25XiRfFpPDAi8sqbKCyrWwH7LPNfsaAuFDbwp5h_ulGop_0MGoCf6-OH_D_yxAys4uVTqhd9YUNvFU2PEeA993WZ3iQEYBkgA81AzDhHbiHeJZ6RJGhhZb2CFmLhB4NhtzZKmQJdVktBG_Ol-tVuaWdXWcvM6fRcrLcDK8fqrJz4qQ=w200-h200" width="200" /></a></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi__helB6W3zOpsOHuRBvgGYtkRmO8zKZ2CzBBx63tyvf43n8UslgMP7NIWLsKrTvJNWfM1p9IsOzA-Oje8xowJPzJ6OZthPu856pY7n-A-VymhxQ5wq0jj7eNG0Q-_BxvkSmLLYpnC6dyPgIhz6nVHMHqA4tKZibLtGNS_sWmK-wPS7MGzyysINz5Q=s1080" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi__helB6W3zOpsOHuRBvgGYtkRmO8zKZ2CzBBx63tyvf43n8UslgMP7NIWLsKrTvJNWfM1p9IsOzA-Oje8xowJPzJ6OZthPu856pY7n-A-VymhxQ5wq0jj7eNG0Q-_BxvkSmLLYpnC6dyPgIhz6nVHMHqA4tKZibLtGNS_sWmK-wPS7MGzyysINz5Q=w200-h200" width="200" /></a></div><p></p><br /><p>Whatever you're doing this January, stay warm and safe.</p>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986874444030474719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6811678176256049495.post-14201504003305459842021-12-08T12:51:00.002+00:002022-08-24T10:36:31.299+01:00Publication Day<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgv25lCgaO604PTELtegfUofE3-CN8MNWeA9pS-tcD8jzNCKeAnKu_Fv_F_7FsjGtqACwy8F6mxhbpL3gkAXPg0iwUh-hQEwUC3ZTGBRKRYd9k1evuqSzDfOVMqEIvi5XhNJI28cmRNTxYqN_juobjYpenvAJYHhLwEmvh6KybL__5eltY2TbTCFMEM=s1600" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgv25lCgaO604PTELtegfUofE3-CN8MNWeA9pS-tcD8jzNCKeAnKu_Fv_F_7FsjGtqACwy8F6mxhbpL3gkAXPg0iwUh-hQEwUC3ZTGBRKRYd9k1evuqSzDfOVMqEIvi5XhNJI28cmRNTxYqN_juobjYpenvAJYHhLwEmvh6KybL__5eltY2TbTCFMEM=w400-h225" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p>It's eBook publication day for my third psychological thriller <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/My-Sisters-Child-gripping-emotional-ebook/dp/B09KZ6219G/ref=sr_1_1?crid=20H0GERMM4OLR&keywords=my+sisters+child+karen+clarke&qid=1638966879&sprefix=my+sister%27s+child%2Caps%2C171&sr=8-1">My Sister's Child</a>, and I'm thrilled to see it finally out in the world. It's my twistiest story yet, but packed with emotion too, and I can't wait for readers to ... well, read Jess and Rachel's story.<p></p><p>Early reviews have been great, which is always a huge relief, and my editor emailed today to say that <a href="https://www.theworks.co.uk/c/books">The Works</a> will be taking copies when the paperback comes out in February, which is another thrill as there's nothing more amazing to a writer than seeing their printed books on a shelf in a shop. It's also a great way to get more copies into readers' hands, which is the aim after all!</p><p>In the meantime, I'm racing towards the deadline for my next book, provisionally titled The Lies You Told. It's the first time I've written a solo book from alternate viewpoints, told in alternate chapters, but I'm enjoying getting to grips with two very different female characters.</p><p>Hard to believe we're now in December, with Christmas around the corner. I took some time off writing to put up the tree this week, which involved the inevitable battle with the fairy lights, which still got tangled despite me being sensible and wrapping them up carefully last year! I got there in the end ....</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiEWgZHUR6MS8KVdOjwNJuYNUO9-gbL6mc5LB46pajbfplBIrNNZIGvuzxjleZOWBZG4gp_QI_sVcbGdXhcPstjb2fS3aS9nMNqqDI9PYrT9xPsNwaKXmd8mPrqPF0KUHDBh3WkGkZGliGiaf7YDwtzl39KjMJFtKCsZFEU1We3mJ7rHNXpV6ammqhL=s2560" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2560" data-original-width="1184" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiEWgZHUR6MS8KVdOjwNJuYNUO9-gbL6mc5LB46pajbfplBIrNNZIGvuzxjleZOWBZG4gp_QI_sVcbGdXhcPstjb2fS3aS9nMNqqDI9PYrT9xPsNwaKXmd8mPrqPF0KUHDBh3WkGkZGliGiaf7YDwtzl39KjMJFtKCsZFEU1We3mJ7rHNXpV6ammqhL=s320" width="148" /></a></div><br /><p>I also took a day off writing (always happens close to deadline, I do anything but write) to meet my lovely friend and co-author <a href="http://writingallsorts.blogspot.com/">Amanda Brittany</a> for a hot chocolate and lots of chat about writing and life in general, and came away feeling motivated to Get On With It, as always. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhpHHkau_z4-2d3cCE43tOdhB3ZCfqG2WEK2x2hviGAnxpKAhwFSxQObYSqJEVfmIEXrCK9WHop_RUD1ntYUQN2d-OKwXNMLYtYZh4DGPLaW50GNodnStjNnv3_LQ7dpMYUA3aiG4aDuOdPSkVlkbFU3gcm6qsf7MwjZhI1FEWCjnAgI2syXrFKfK2c=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1474" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhpHHkau_z4-2d3cCE43tOdhB3ZCfqG2WEK2x2hviGAnxpKAhwFSxQObYSqJEVfmIEXrCK9WHop_RUD1ntYUQN2d-OKwXNMLYtYZh4DGPLaW50GNodnStjNnv3_LQ7dpMYUA3aiG4aDuOdPSkVlkbFU3gcm6qsf7MwjZhI1FEWCjnAgI2syXrFKfK2c=s320" width="230" /></a></div><div><br /></div> (The polar bear had a lovely time too!)<div><br /></div><div>Whatever you're doing for Christmas this year, I hope it's happy, healthy and stress-free and that 2022 is the year we finally get back to Normal! </div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986874444030474719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6811678176256049495.post-90175387836231419692021-09-01T14:14:00.005+01:002022-08-24T10:36:52.749+01:00Still writing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO0O1RnMCvtBYqmNosTnITlMXUaA33N2UzUZr90yVZJHUPT8p4O3mIX_R6NBeGAqn3T4bnGrTmDHO1NYhpAx6idWLML5ur8bZR0zfbcnQAmqQQ0blptFh2ez6YV_wv5xIVKxYCoBJlgTQ/s960/leaves.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO0O1RnMCvtBYqmNosTnITlMXUaA33N2UzUZr90yVZJHUPT8p4O3mIX_R6NBeGAqn3T4bnGrTmDHO1NYhpAx6idWLML5ur8bZR0zfbcnQAmqQQ0blptFh2ez6YV_wv5xIVKxYCoBJlgTQ/s320/leaves.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>September has appeared without warning. Hard to believe we're this far along in the year. It doesn't seem long since I was jamming the Christmas tree out of sight and wrangling the fairy-lights back into their box. <div><br /></div><div>The weather already feels autumnal, the July heatwave a distant memory. The leaves are starting to turn, and there's a chill in the air. It's hasn't been the best summer weather-wise, but other countries have had it worse - flooding in Germany, wildfires in Greece - so in a way, we're lucky. (I'm still craving sunshine though.) </div><div><br /></div><div>I haven't yet received my edits for my latest book - my editor is overworked after a busy summer - but in the meantime have continued writing with <a href="https://www.facebook.com/amandabrittany2/">Amanda Brittany</a>, enjoying the process of getting words down and seeing them grow at twice the usual rate; a benefit of having a co-author! </div><div><br /></div><div>One of the pleasures has been researching prop hire companies as our main character runs one, and we're hoping to pay a visit sometime to see how it all works. </div><div><br /></div><div>My next solo book - which I've started well ahead of deadline for once - is set in Robin Hood's Bay in North Yorkshire, so I've been wandering around there virtually thanks to the wonders of Google Maps. I had hoped to visit the area on a recent trip to see my family in Scarborough, but didn't have quite enough time. Luckily, I have vivid memories of visiting the bay growing up, and took my children there when they were small, so at least have something to draw on. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJMQfZt2FC2GdLJhGwMpJIYlW6TNQeE80VBtZQ9zahUix5VePT26G_r8EXVY8lQt8z1c3ktp8xtXRGZA6BTEUAgYIqfcs3NU9__IVz_Zolv9YXH-2GJz15WJ3rDg55jZJmGgMfGbM8lb4/s1000/Robin-Hoods-Bay-2-1-of-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="667" data-original-width="1000" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJMQfZt2FC2GdLJhGwMpJIYlW6TNQeE80VBtZQ9zahUix5VePT26G_r8EXVY8lQt8z1c3ktp8xtXRGZA6BTEUAgYIqfcs3NU9__IVz_Zolv9YXH-2GJz15WJ3rDg55jZJmGgMfGbM8lb4/s320/Robin-Hoods-Bay-2-1-of-1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><br />Robin Hood's Bay</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div>As usual, when working out plots, I seem to spend a lot of time doing things unrelated to writing - baking and gardening in particular - but my mind is ticking over all the time and when I eventually sit down to write, I find the words are there. At least, that's what I tell my husband and children when they see me hacking at the ivy on the garage roof, or making yet another batch of scones. I think I've perfected the recipe now!
In the interests of... well, no one really, I think I ought to sample one (or two.) </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXgqsRSE-DfY0Y5eihNOuMrt5ePa3ynUlhX39QnhKO0iMdWdqQjbVXTbBpey6CRcfDX_h3XhDOgw2wknr54w8480e4MHLl2LDG0gxncsEts6G6MUzZRpoCOVucCH9EA_fDlT1YeVruG1s/s1297/scones-1.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="1297" height="158" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXgqsRSE-DfY0Y5eihNOuMrt5ePa3ynUlhX39QnhKO0iMdWdqQjbVXTbBpey6CRcfDX_h3XhDOgw2wknr54w8480e4MHLl2LDG0gxncsEts6G6MUzZRpoCOVucCH9EA_fDlT1YeVruG1s/s320/scones-1.png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Whatever you're doing, stay well, and have a happy autumn.</div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986874444030474719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6811678176256049495.post-42945330041572046212021-07-21T12:07:00.005+01:002021-07-26T11:27:24.461+01:00Writing during a heatwave<p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN4ydLXbAmdWPQH1PrRhChyGkp53Glwf7FRYX4L3Q2rYedm0sbBxNFWrxKPiO2o6rZBJdIZ-tjUL06KNbmHAxiKevrFWko3Q5p6zwa7CyUb_Jz4Saf29sYrwJjzoPrLVOjdwe45RYne1E/s2048/writing.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1209" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN4ydLXbAmdWPQH1PrRhChyGkp53Glwf7FRYX4L3Q2rYedm0sbBxNFWrxKPiO2o6rZBJdIZ-tjUL06KNbmHAxiKevrFWko3Q5p6zwa7CyUb_Jz4Saf29sYrwJjzoPrLVOjdwe45RYne1E/s320/writing.png" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Chiltern Brew Cafe Garden</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table>It's thirty-one degrees today and while we've been waiting - it seems - forever for summer to arrive, the humidity makes it hard to do anything but gently perspire. As some Covid restrictions have now been lifted, I've found myself veering back to air-conditioned cafes and coffee shops to write for the first time in nearly two years. A cool blast of air and a pot of tea - maybe a slice of cake - does wonders for my creativity.</p><p>Since my second psychological thriller <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08YWF93TV/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i4" target="_blank">And Then She Ran</a> came out in April, I've signed a contract to write two more with HQ/HarperCollins and have started plotting my third. It's different to the one I initially outlined for my lovely editor Belinda Toor and I'm currently waiting to hear whether I can go ahead with it. It's one of those ideas I don't want to let go of and have presumptuously written the first two chapters.</p><p>Alongside that, <a href="http://writingallsorts.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Amanda Brittany </a>and I are writing our third thriller, spurred on by the success of <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Perfect-Nanny-suspenseful-psychological-breathtaking-ebook/dp/B08V4T2P6P/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1626865074&sr=8-2" target="_blank">The Perfect Nanny.</a> As with our last two books, we're thoroughly enjoying the experience, bouncing ideas off each other and writing a chapter a day, motivating each other to keep going. Motivation (or maybe it's discipline) is something I struggle with when writing solo - until two weeks before the draft is due when I write about 10,000 words a day. (Not recommended.)</p><p>Lovely Husband and I managed a weekend away last month - the first in nineteen months - to Whitstable, Kent. The weather wasn't great but it was good to have a change of scenery, and I had a wander around and made notes as I'd like to feature the area in a book at some point. Author Julie Wassmer has already written a whole mystery series based there - <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Whitstable-Pearl-Mystery-Mysteries-Book-ebook/dp/B00T6L14G8/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1626864080&sr=8-3" target="_blank">Whitstable Pearl </a>- which has been made into a <a href="https://uk.acorn.tv/whitstablepearl/" target="_blank">TV series</a> and we're currently enjoying watching that, yelling 'We went there!' and 'That's where we ate oysters!' (Newsflash: I didn't eat oysters, but my husband did - I couldn't face them.)</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmQAYZBG-LHggVYkyIzEll9w1DYuLwQgyFSnrnICezFqdzAsowl5TeQsKfZh-svtAlBsZAHgB4Jm3LD7Pt81PYVadpSYAUxcVdUHxAh0I72Cy9bNNe2dXQ-Fm1RntwPauC18IJV_RAY4c/s2608/whitstable.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1205" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmQAYZBG-LHggVYkyIzEll9w1DYuLwQgyFSnrnICezFqdzAsowl5TeQsKfZh-svtAlBsZAHgB4Jm3LD7Pt81PYVadpSYAUxcVdUHxAh0I72Cy9bNNe2dXQ-Fm1RntwPauC18IJV_RAY4c/s320/whitstable.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Whitstable</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br />Whatever you're up to this summer, I hope it's a good one in every way.</p><p><br /></p>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986874444030474719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6811678176256049495.post-3349143576045055102021-04-28T09:00:00.002+01:002021-07-21T12:07:50.954+01:00Cat and Mouse<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjflAbkCwVfp8KlSSNvR1kIxcZnRLmr2GSDoGwBsw2AH9XqXpq10-xbe-lD0bsu7puINqUB-8kMVo6T7mvLUnbarpfvwuicUdAXuUIMZ6LLASa_Jwz_ORXzw7Eq18CvtiYsFoDpo6at7mw/s670/tom-and-jerry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="377" data-original-width="670" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjflAbkCwVfp8KlSSNvR1kIxcZnRLmr2GSDoGwBsw2AH9XqXpq10-xbe-lD0bsu7puINqUB-8kMVo6T7mvLUnbarpfvwuicUdAXuUIMZ6LLASa_Jwz_ORXzw7Eq18CvtiYsFoDpo6at7mw/s320/tom-and-jerry.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />It's publication day for <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=and+then+she+ran&i=digital-text&ref=nb_sb_noss_1">And Then She Ran</a> my second psychological thriller, described as a cat-and-mouse story as the main character Grace flees America with her baby, but suspects she's being followed.<p></p><p>I've always enjoyed the cat-and-mouse plot element in fiction, the pursuit, near capture and flight, the near misses and showdown, the psychological dance between characters that keeps me on the edge of my seat. I've read and watched many stories on this theme over the years and have picked out a few of my favourites.</p><p>1. <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/MADAM-WILL-YOU-TALK/dp/B000IOLJT4/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=madam+will+you+talk&qid=1619427890&s=digital-text&sr=1-2-catcorr">Madam Will You Talk</a> by Mary Stewart</p><p>A classic cat-and-mouse tale set in the south of France where a war widow becomes involved with a gang of murderers and a plot to kidnap a young boy and has to figure out who the villains are. Plenty of twists and turns in a story that stands the test of time.</p><p>2. <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Split-gripping-thriller-Sunday-bestseller-ebook/dp/B07WRW4GSS/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+split&qid=1619427965&s=digital-text&sr=1-1">The Split </a>by Sharon Bolton</p><p>One of the best books I read last year, described as 'a chilling, pulse-racing, emotionally charged thriller about a woman on the run, a deadly cat-and-mouse game at the edge of the world' which I agree wholeheartedly with. Gripping stuff.</p><p>3. <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7985576/">The Serpent</a> BBC</p><p>The true story of the so-called 'hippie-trail killer' Charles Sobhraj, accused of murdering Western tourists in the seventies who plays a long cat-and-mouse game with the police over many years. Great performances - and outfits.</p><p>4. <a href="https://www.netflix.com/gb/title/80211991">YOU</a> Netflix</p><p>A stalker/serial-killer series adapted from Caroline Kepnes' novel of the same name, with an oddly charming and likeable protagonist in bookshop owner, Joe (despite him being a stalker/serial killer.)</p><p>5. <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0044079/">Strangers on a Train </a>1951</p><p>The Alfred Hitchcock film, based on the book by Patricia Highsmith, is a classic cat-and-mouse tale and one of my favourites - a chance meeting between two men on a train, speculating what it would be like to commit the perfect murder, with a private investigator on their case. A brilliantly constructed story.</p><p>6. <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7153766/">Unsane</a> 2018</p><p>A film starring Claire Foy as a woman who tries to join a support group after being pursued by a stalker and finds herself trapped in a psychiatric hospital. It's shot on iPhone, adding to the unsettling atmosphere of being stuck in your worst nightmare fighting to be believed. It veered a little too close to horror at times - I'm a coward - but well worth a watch if you're braver than me.</p><p><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Published at HQ Stories 28/4/21</span></i></p>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986874444030474719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6811678176256049495.post-24413106250324998142021-04-05T20:54:00.005+01:002021-04-20T16:45:26.194+01:00Another day, another book.<p>The end of March saw the digital release of <i><a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Perfect-Nanny-suspenseful-psychological-breathtaking-ebook/dp/B08V4T2P6P/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+perfect+nanny&qid=1617652314&sr=8-1">The Perfect Nanny,</a></i> the second thriller by me and the lovely Amanda Brittany. The paperback and audiobook will be out in May.</p><p></p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlvrTlyRagOL-Lqy96ZgKk3nQJ9bdMAiWkqmTNBeL3xiw_fzdjAI5AKOu0_6_QjGZt70x2Ijnbcbg-HvFoCuKR1LPP1-HXi0ioIGoBVilQuXwRx101x6VBbKHyq_-C8SdsijtwzMAVRPM/s607/And+Then+She+Ran+cover.PNG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="607" data-original-width="396" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlvrTlyRagOL-Lqy96ZgKk3nQJ9bdMAiWkqmTNBeL3xiw_fzdjAI5AKOu0_6_QjGZt70x2Ijnbcbg-HvFoCuKR1LPP1-HXi0ioIGoBVilQuXwRx101x6VBbKHyq_-C8SdsijtwzMAVRPM/w210-h320/And+Then+She+Ran+cover.PNG" width="210" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>In the meantime, I've completed edits for my second thriller <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Then-She-Ran-absolutely-psychological-ebook/dp/B08YWF93TV/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=and+then+she+ran&qid=1617652348&sr=8-1"><i>And Then She Ran</i>,</a> and the proof copy has been receiving lovely reviews on NetGalley. It's a little bit odd to know the words I've written are being read by strangers, but a massive relief that they don't hate them all.</div><p></p><p></p><p>Now, I'm pressing on with my next book, provisionally titled <i>Her Sister's Child</i> as I like to have a title while I'm writing, even though it will undoubtedly change before publication. My deadline is May 5th and I'm nowhere near finished (as usual) but hoping now I'm getting to know my characters that the words will keep flowing.</p><p><br /></p><p>I don't know how it's April already, it's been exceptionally cold with a flurry of snow this morning, but things are blooming in the garden and I've been out hedge-cutting and chatting to a friendly robin. I tend not to notice anything about the garden during winter, then one day, when the wind is in the right direction, I zone in, cut the grass, replant the flower pots and declare that summer has arrived (even if it's snowing.)</p><p><br /></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX2gHkojn6yCDfiHWTgSfj3YEAzUd8wb_WqicLE5lvLqn2x0Vm4TzkqbKITe4E36w-O7H3Rz7ylPEOvFdRhvyKiiEZzrUun7SWOX4or3F8CTRTbqpzqyRMuMyo-Wcz7-z3g4ehMPhvybM/s698/robin.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="698" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX2gHkojn6yCDfiHWTgSfj3YEAzUd8wb_WqicLE5lvLqn2x0Vm4TzkqbKITe4E36w-O7H3Rz7ylPEOvFdRhvyKiiEZzrUun7SWOX4or3F8CTRTbqpzqyRMuMyo-Wcz7-z3g4ehMPhvybM/w200-h151/robin.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>It's good exercise, considering I've eaten my own body weight in Easter eggs over the weekend. Sadly, sitting about writing doesn't burn many calories though at the rate I'm going, I'll be writing so many words a day for the rest of the month, I'll be a shadow of my former self when I've finished.<p></p>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986874444030474719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6811678176256049495.post-67073869087330191342021-02-11T10:29:00.001+00:002021-02-11T10:29:06.663+00:00Midwinter<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipCNJuGSAzpc5qonhk8b744EiBPa6zByx9150MNBVEfbPOKblc1a8HvGJZ2Jcih0eO7iMEYCQQM39WzjzJOVARqoWoZNK9vLdEhuu2gI3La9FbAmlnRdDBSigfePGzd230aoLOyHhyphenhyphen4AI/s1080/snow.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipCNJuGSAzpc5qonhk8b744EiBPa6zByx9150MNBVEfbPOKblc1a8HvGJZ2Jcih0eO7iMEYCQQM39WzjzJOVARqoWoZNK9vLdEhuu2gI3La9FbAmlnRdDBSigfePGzd230aoLOyHhyphenhyphen4AI/w200-h200/snow.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>The 'bleak midwinter' seems a fitting description of the weather right now - below freezing, snow and ice on the ground, a bitter chill in the air; bare branches etched against a bone-white sky. And we're in lockdown again, albeit with the promise of better things to come in the shape of a vaccine. <p></p><p>I'm thankful to be in the business of writing, something I can do anywhere though the mindset isn't always right during the current circumstances. Walking helps with that, even when it's snowing - especially if it's sunny at the same time.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI1eF7iqr0hEBEUCzBbSEHRSOPd6Ywm1sP_1K-f7zEl3-2trBSRCbu2xZdXHkA5eplav0UG0aKwTSvwN5DyF8iFfuKxV3s5-Y3zJdW0KfScfScJfP-7hTzNbvEI-UGDwo-Ic8dSm3Ewrw/s2048/karenclarke.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI1eF7iqr0hEBEUCzBbSEHRSOPd6Ywm1sP_1K-f7zEl3-2trBSRCbu2xZdXHkA5eplav0UG0aKwTSvwN5DyF8iFfuKxV3s5-Y3zJdW0KfScfScJfP-7hTzNbvEI-UGDwo-Ic8dSm3Ewrw/w150-h200/karenclarke.jpg" width="150" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><p>A bright spot this month was seeing the cover for my and <a href="http://writingallsorts.blogspot.com/">Amanda Brittany's </a>second thriller THE PERFECT NANNY, due out on March 31st. It's been receiving good comments on NetGalley, where new books go to be reviewed before release. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXMys4Q-R-_v_s2b76uMFs3xukRKALPE8A3PFUV22LpRvmCjIKiEXX9wJIu8h1sUK1SxlWyly2-bRQcsl0LlnJxXovHLAxIjhjeNpESQE-u2VK39uS4mUXKAmgpmeSv-NDzG2T3_Zaqm4/s346/perfect+nanny.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="346" data-original-width="226" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXMys4Q-R-_v_s2b76uMFs3xukRKALPE8A3PFUV22LpRvmCjIKiEXX9wJIu8h1sUK1SxlWyly2-bRQcsl0LlnJxXovHLAxIjhjeNpESQE-u2VK39uS4mUXKAmgpmeSv-NDzG2T3_Zaqm4/s320/perfect+nanny.jpg" /></a></div><br />Hearing what readers think - and that they're enjoying our book - brings home how much we love telling stories, which are needed more than ever at the moment. I'm reading far more than I usually do (and I read a lot!) but I've put that aside, for now, to work on the edits for my next psychological thriller - title and cover to be revealed soon - which will be out in April. I'm hoping by then, the sun will be shining and life will be returning to some kind of normality. <p></p><p>In the meantime, I feel lucky that my loved ones are safe and well and I hope you and yours are too.</p><p>Ooh, and here a few of the books I've enjoyed, if you're looking for recommendations: </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSvXyQp2UHPynLQTJdjOlsgtp3k9jdZZvJ8oSpxeJv7Bv21KQqmNuPqo4Tvgw9FZhNpBmt_83GmLonbhmn11npyEUgkwFqfURtiTwSdE-O5AfS4HvWnFiPutNVmYRm95IiOeh7-PvtNY0/s2048/print+books.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1232" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSvXyQp2UHPynLQTJdjOlsgtp3k9jdZZvJ8oSpxeJv7Bv21KQqmNuPqo4Tvgw9FZhNpBmt_83GmLonbhmn11npyEUgkwFqfURtiTwSdE-O5AfS4HvWnFiPutNVmYRm95IiOeh7-PvtNY0/s320/print+books.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3gFFApLyVd60kCgULU672aYToDh2zyUb_dd_Oh-XK75pwdQrPoZQLUai1a-qqwEAoSPgDEqsLWXynrxOrkvbcvl3U8ei1UNgPDJ28vGWyAOjlBTJWXbJTKIMSrDBfJgxOWn6xPq6Kvew/s708/kindle+read.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="708" data-original-width="592" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3gFFApLyVd60kCgULU672aYToDh2zyUb_dd_Oh-XK75pwdQrPoZQLUai1a-qqwEAoSPgDEqsLWXynrxOrkvbcvl3U8ei1UNgPDJ28vGWyAOjlBTJWXbJTKIMSrDBfJgxOWn6xPq6Kvew/s320/kindle+read.png" /></a></div><br /><p><br /></p>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986874444030474719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6811678176256049495.post-90302491927598055152020-12-31T20:30:00.007+00:002020-12-31T20:58:41.792+00:00What a Year<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9yT4eeGHrIDIQ3HwLypNuXS2AbP6mKxENnxJLjklSQREycY8vfpyhRBwVNONdMT5DNDiPMZVZU0nSBW2wgotCHoqN9rH2kwos8LcsgVZLMhebxtJEDDc_Pw5pksMSVClMW3zA7YVvLDc/s991/2021.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="520" data-original-width="991" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9yT4eeGHrIDIQ3HwLypNuXS2AbP6mKxENnxJLjklSQREycY8vfpyhRBwVNONdMT5DNDiPMZVZU0nSBW2wgotCHoqN9rH2kwos8LcsgVZLMhebxtJEDDc_Pw5pksMSVClMW3zA7YVvLDc/s320/2021.png" width="320" /></a></div><p><br /></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">What a year it's been, and a very different Christmas and New Year's Eve to finish it off. Much quieter than normal, we managed to have a lovely, relaxing time and I'm grateful we've made it this far and stayed healthy, though there have been low moments during the year and not all related to the pandemic!</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">As ever, writing and reading - the world of words - has been a great solace and a welcome distraction. I'm proud (and amazed) that in spite of everything, I managed to write a whole novel - due out in April 2021 - as well as one with my fellow writer and friend, Amanda Brittany, which will be published in February. We're excited to see the cover early in the New Year.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I'm thrilled that my editor would like to continue working with me, so hopefully, there will be two more thrillers next year and I'm excited to start working on the first, provisionally titled <i>My Sister's Child</i>. (Titles always change, so I won't get too attached to it!)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">2020 may not have resulted in the happy ending we were hoping for, but there's still a lot to be thankful for and I'm heading into the New Year with that thought in mind and hoping that wherever you are, whatever you're doing, 2021 will be kind to you and yours. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuQBErtrNvWLvwPmCXaMsTIrWvgKNb6PrWqOmnA0VSPOBWsfq2YsANwcYbPfNZ8cgHDXh_Vs8SU6DpaOhzLdYwFNzuteXWfHhNXanxmBMt4J0AaAL_JWD6CNjP2B8T77ClqqOA2w4nbGY/s794/new+year.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="528" data-original-width="794" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuQBErtrNvWLvwPmCXaMsTIrWvgKNb6PrWqOmnA0VSPOBWsfq2YsANwcYbPfNZ8cgHDXh_Vs8SU6DpaOhzLdYwFNzuteXWfHhNXanxmBMt4J0AaAL_JWD6CNjP2B8T77ClqqOA2w4nbGY/s320/new+year.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986874444030474719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6811678176256049495.post-71950020673976204472020-12-31T19:53:00.002+00:002020-12-31T19:53:12.709+00:00Switching Genre<p></p><p><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTnC8H5bCjCWGrzldOwOiMovxjAMFaeM5k-nEpeuvmglz7dgrGevMNTQjTxjQznNXOkdpQPMOdCluCaHmGxCELNvHct9SvnQaq_uXULV4IFiqKRBwZHbCqMtP0blVNZ1QScqM-DUGernQ/s1518/blog+genres.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="759" data-original-width="1518" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTnC8H5bCjCWGrzldOwOiMovxjAMFaeM5k-nEpeuvmglz7dgrGevMNTQjTxjQznNXOkdpQPMOdCluCaHmGxCELNvHct9SvnQaq_uXULV4IFiqKRBwZHbCqMtP0blVNZ1QScqM-DUGernQ/w400-h200/blog+genres.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="color: red; font-family: helvetica;">Rom-com to thrillers</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></div><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />Switching from writing romantic comedy to
psychological suspense has been a challenge Iβve enjoyed
rising to. It's a genre Iβve loved reading for years, having long had a
fascination for what makes people tick and do the things they do, which led to
me studying psychology as a mature student.</span></span><p></p><p><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I started writing a thriller years ago, before diverting to comedy and knew I would drift back it one day. All
my romcoms have a mystery running through them and a little twist at the
end, and after co-writing a thriller with a writing friend last year I knew
it was time to make the leap for my next solo project.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In romantic comedy some topics are off-limits and while I loved
reaching for the humour, hoping to make my readers smile and experience a warm
glow, I found myself drawn to writing about more complex, grittier issues that wouldn't be possible in a romance. I love creating tension in
the lives of ordinary people, exploring the emotional aspects of relationships after
a dramatic event and that works well in both genres, but with suspense, thereβs the
scope to dig deeper and go darker with the story<i>. <o:p></o:p></i></span></span></p>
<p><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Writing suspense is more
technical in some ways, it's not such a straightforward journey with a neatly
tied up ending. There are red herrings and clues and dead ends that must make
sense and build to a believable and satisfying twist for the reader, while
remaining true to the characters, and I hope I've created some genuine
surprises during Beth's story in <i>Your Life for Mine.</i><o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; orphans: 2; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">My search history has certainly been different than when I was researching
the backgrounds for my rom-com characters, from βwhat does owning a bakery
involve?β and βwhat do events managers do all day?β to βwhat is gaslighting?β
and βwhat is secondary drowning?β and 'how long would someone have to be underwater to drown?' I had to explain to my husband that I wasn't planning to bump him off.<o:p></o:p></span></span></p>
<p><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Unlike in previous books, I found
writing the ending first β the twist β helped keep me racing towards that point
and the ideas flowed as I wrote. Consequently, <i>Your Life for Mine</i> is the
fastest Iβve ever written a book and Iβm looking forward to continuing my journey into the dark side. </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></p><i><a href="https://www.hqstories.co.uk/2020/10/26/switching-genres-with-karen-clarke/">First published at HQ Stories</a></i><p></p>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986874444030474719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6811678176256049495.post-16352694130348222032020-10-15T17:39:00.008+01:002020-12-31T20:31:32.096+00:00Publication<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb619Q3PFpN-hpDh1yx1TXOo5QNbbXqsMJCuw5BK6kRQbz-Rk04e8MO88PuXTbANkbjUc8GUi0poZSHtXd5qn6M8jDive1TYxlRtiTefMd3cmYUlBJp8GHlzFqFRpptk_J6mf0PBahjTA/s1518/your+life+for+mine+blog.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="759" data-original-width="1518" height="254" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb619Q3PFpN-hpDh1yx1TXOo5QNbbXqsMJCuw5BK6kRQbz-Rk04e8MO88PuXTbANkbjUc8GUi0poZSHtXd5qn6M8jDive1TYxlRtiTefMd3cmYUlBJp8GHlzFqFRpptk_J6mf0PBahjTA/w507-h254/your+life+for+mine+blog.png" width="507" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Finally, my debut psychological thriller <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Your-Life-Mine-absolutely-psychological-ebook/dp/B08HWDP1FG/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=your+life+for+mine&qid=1602779682&s=digital-text&sr=1-1">YOUR LIFE FOR MINE</a> is out in the world! At least, the ebook version is available to download now, the paperback and audiobook will follow on December 10th.<p></p><p>To celebrate publication - apart from eating cake (obviously) - I've been talking about writing over on <a href="https://thebandwagonvp.wordpress.com/2020/10/13/author-spotlight-karen-clarke/">The Bandwagon</a> with bestselling author <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Vikki-Patis/e/B01MRGDDFF?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1602766724&sr=8-1">Vikki Patis </a>and enjoying reading different author responses to her questions. I love to hear how other writers work, what advice they'd give and their inspiration/motivation techniques and I'm in awe of anyone who manages to plot their entire book and stick to it!</p><p></p><p>It's been a damp October so far and I'm rapidly losing interest in the garden, which has become home to a sea of mushrooms all over the lawn, crowding out the plants, but's it's a good excuse - after spending so much time out there over the summer - to get my head down and carry on writing!<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy17ybXuzXiGIfbQedvAY6B_rJy4hg9DEbEqa7rLztg5_YEJmFPYErxFxeag1Y3PAiduzKt_8ZtzvuPc5m4VKAREbDhl8FpftOaarqoX3wGCoIa8CFoDy5T4Nq_djksyttlHq-_v6l6EY/s918/armillaria_tabescens_02.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="582" data-original-width="918" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy17ybXuzXiGIfbQedvAY6B_rJy4hg9DEbEqa7rLztg5_YEJmFPYErxFxeag1Y3PAiduzKt_8ZtzvuPc5m4VKAREbDhl8FpftOaarqoX3wGCoIa8CFoDy5T4Nq_djksyttlHq-_v6l6EY/s320/armillaria_tabescens_02.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p>Shall I mention that it's not long until Christmas now? </p><p>Maybe not ...</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>
<iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="598" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FKarenClarkeWriter%2Fposts%2F3348833381861402&width=500" style="border: none; overflow: hidden;" width="500"></iframe>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986874444030474719noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6811678176256049495.post-47341192612186341762020-09-16T11:43:00.007+01:002020-09-18T10:17:55.162+01:00Cover reveal from my office.<div class="separator"><br /></div><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRldCYP99gPXqvwg5NsFyLozfqcwbtp1lnEToVY8iG88L8dMmHTea1a6hxRj6ogCuQfYl2FJe5W-ebOH_B5Y_ehR_3xf7lyoX2TO_g2jANH0cLEcg4Pbmo3jk0jXDZSftrp9CkknzVIjw/s2048/Your+Life+for+Mine_concept2+%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1335" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRldCYP99gPXqvwg5NsFyLozfqcwbtp1lnEToVY8iG88L8dMmHTea1a6hxRj6ogCuQfYl2FJe5W-ebOH_B5Y_ehR_3xf7lyoX2TO_g2jANH0cLEcg4Pbmo3jk0jXDZSftrp9CkknzVIjw/s320/Your+Life+for+Mine_concept2+%25281%2529.jpg" /></a></div><br />It's always thrilling for an author to see their book cover for the first time. We don't get much input and have to trust the publisher and marketing team know what works, but I've loved them all so far. It was particularly exciting this time as <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08HWDP1FG?pf_rd_r=J4R1MGJ7KS8WV642P69B&pf_rd_p=e632fea2-678f-4848-9a97-bcecda59cb4e">Your Life for Mine</a> is my debut psychological suspense novel - out on October 14th - with a new publisher, but I wasn't disappointed. It perfectly sums up the story and the colours and image are striking, so I couldn't be happier.<p></p><p>Even more nerve-wracking, my book is now on NetGalley where bloggers and reviewers get to read an unproofed copy before publication, so I'll be anxiously chewing my nails, hoping they like it, don't guess the twist (too soon) and don't tell me I should have stuck to writing romantic comedy. Obviously, it won't be everyone's cup of tea, and readers who enjoyed my previous series' may not want to read it, but that's part of the process of switching genre. Maybe I'll win some new fans (a writer can only hope.)</p><p>In the meantime, as family continue to work from home and I'm on a deadline for my next book, and expecting edits back next week for my second psychological thriller with Amanda Brittany, I decided it was time to look for somewhere I could work where I wouldn't be disturbed, or sabotage myself by doing housework or popping into the garden every five minutes, and am now proudly renting a tiny office space. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbZaaaAETcfiPISOZd5uhrdKngKUQUPKsuMxt2JNUcTWDDS9kLKWBgbYKI71EDuxZGHHgq8mhzkmqh63ZWWp1g0Zd-8rTJlYucGI58DKFTJ8qmrNZwAi4WaHvnX6fgSlf3PGV6uA0nwXU/s2914/20200914_110524.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2914" data-original-width="2343" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbZaaaAETcfiPISOZd5uhrdKngKUQUPKsuMxt2JNUcTWDDS9kLKWBgbYKI71EDuxZGHHgq8mhzkmqh63ZWWp1g0Zd-8rTJlYucGI58DKFTJ8qmrNZwAi4WaHvnX6fgSlf3PGV6uA0nwXU/s320/20200914_110524.jpg" /></a></div><p>By tiny, there isn't a window and it's a good job I don't have a cat as there wouldn't be room to swing one, should I wish to (which of course I don't.) It's all I can afford, but I love it, and already feel more productive as there's nothing to focus on but writing - and popping to the kitchen to make cups of tea as necessary (fairly often.) I'm giving myself a forty-minute lunch break, as there are nice gardens nearby where I can sit in and eat a sandwich and think about my book and to take a walk (to think about my book) and so far it's working well. Mind you, it's only day 3 . . .</p><p>Talking of the lovely <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Secret-Sister-K-Clarke/dp/0008376255/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3MOJCGFOM5HB4&dchild=1&keywords=the+secret+sister&qid=1600249917&sprefix=the+secret+sis%2Caps%2C154&sr=8-1">Amanda Brittany</a>, we managed a meet-up a few weeks ago, at a garden centre cafe near her home town, and it was lovely to chat in person, discuss our book and eat cake. And the sun shone too. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNYgUXF6unUvDb96DfMS_B0W8p19ei0L0d1CZxkMcy6u4le79ZIlw_e6MeyEg8uhlrLwQizxK_37wwFv0MVk4zQTUQAJay2w6jpKn_-66xeG0ACSuYEGs6RVHc9W5gi7E9I7Fm0ULwNyE/s2608/20200818_154305.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1956" data-original-width="2608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNYgUXF6unUvDb96DfMS_B0W8p19ei0L0d1CZxkMcy6u4le79ZIlw_e6MeyEg8uhlrLwQizxK_37wwFv0MVk4zQTUQAJay2w6jpKn_-66xeG0ACSuYEGs6RVHc9W5gi7E9I7Fm0ULwNyE/s320/20200818_154305.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Our first book <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Secret-Sister-K-Clarke/dp/0008376255/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3MOJCGFOM5HB4&dchild=1&keywords=the+secret+sister&qid=1600249917&sprefix=the+secret+sis%2Caps%2C154&sr=8-1">The Secret Sister</a> is in The Works now and it was lovely to see it on a shelf, in good company.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-6DRGJwAfDM41lx8RqpBWuTM5Fa9u_JhUTOw6TOQhs9r13B-oteVhlWg-Kya1rxHvZOsrpARJlZ0q2oimkH_FuK53vYTU4V9Ywrm0IqSfXYih37lqMYjtUXEJHFeivluG09AzQCmvtWk/s4128/20200825_144904.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2133" data-original-width="4128" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-6DRGJwAfDM41lx8RqpBWuTM5Fa9u_JhUTOw6TOQhs9r13B-oteVhlWg-Kya1rxHvZOsrpARJlZ0q2oimkH_FuK53vYTU4V9Ywrm0IqSfXYih37lqMYjtUXEJHFeivluG09AzQCmvtWk/w236-h120/20200825_144904.jpg" width="236" /></a></div><p>Still strange times at the moment, with talk of bubbles and masks and shielding, and hard to believe we're into September already, but as always, writing is a great escape and I hope to carry on - once I've watered my plants (the ones in my office, not the garden.)</p><p>Hope you're all keeping well.</p>Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986874444030474719noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6811678176256049495.post-67799030203684137472020-07-01T13:23:00.001+01:002020-07-01T13:33:56.067+01:00Still writing, walking and gardening<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbV58Gslt92hCaSe417SJnocRngJv1dSL6HVkc9aOv9zP2npyZp1cAihLsw4Joe86vVS0K6lDhiwbU8KyIP3uRadBFRW94VufJVOZjjmewFkjdQYllerRbS4GoIK7M2C_vmxCyoXVLXkY/s1600/writing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbV58Gslt92hCaSe417SJnocRngJv1dSL6HVkc9aOv9zP2npyZp1cAihLsw4Joe86vVS0K6lDhiwbU8KyIP3uRadBFRW94VufJVOZjjmewFkjdQYllerRbS4GoIK7M2C_vmxCyoXVLXkY/s320/writing.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
So, it's July, the start of summer, and lockdown is slowly being eased (for now.)<br />
<br />
It's been an unusual few months, to say the least, a period of adjustment. Thanks to some wonderful weather and a garden to escape into, and fields and woods to walk through, I feel as if I've adjusted fairly well... that's not to say I'm not panicking slightly at the thought that my husband and daughter may never return to full-time working. I hadn't quite realised until this week how much I value my own space! But, overall, I consider myself lucky to have not been badly affected, and it's good to spend more time than I usually would with some members of my family. And I haven't had to home-school, which is a bonus π¬<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkEnr1IuXoUeqFr6TN5Fm9cMrxEo1ombcmSJy9Z_1_zq7uLsTYCswvIYjfr6Ac45jBIVougQK5rb8FHvxOnUQk-synRNzGvrx2YzmruOVVnji5ccu3iJ7nPVGeYR6ln3QI1rHehWQuKvo/s1600/fields.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkEnr1IuXoUeqFr6TN5Fm9cMrxEo1ombcmSJy9Z_1_zq7uLsTYCswvIYjfr6Ac45jBIVougQK5rb8FHvxOnUQk-synRNzGvrx2YzmruOVVnji5ccu3iJ7nPVGeYR6ln3QI1rHehWQuKvo/s320/fields.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I've managed a few socially distanced walks with a friend, and am planning to meet up with another very soon, and although my mum won't be coming down from Scarborough for her usual summer break, we stay in close contact via the magic of WhatsApp - probably more so than usual.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgElWbaVOA4O_0gJJheRWAm19isCOTpeu22qU3qaIoaktW8takFUhocPDpCLE575WUo3ncpSFOd3lRWkCHe87-MLRaFw3KCw24xJzjM7Co9RUDZqOZ68I0zUhqjDIpeNAOI5WF1YLXSC2U/s1600/walk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgElWbaVOA4O_0gJJheRWAm19isCOTpeu22qU3qaIoaktW8takFUhocPDpCLE575WUo3ncpSFOd3lRWkCHe87-MLRaFw3KCw24xJzjM7Co9RUDZqOZ68I0zUhqjDIpeNAOI5WF1YLXSC2U/s200/walk.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
<br />
As ever, writing has proved a wonderful escape. <a href="http://writingallsorts.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Mandy </a>and I have almost finished the first draft of our joint pscyhological thriller, provisionally titled The Bad Friend, and have thoroughly enjoyed the process once again. Knowing that Mandy's waiting for my chapter and vice versa is incredibly motivating, as neither wants to let the other down, and the ideas have kept on flowing. And our first book <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Secret-Sister-twisted-psychological-thriller-ebook/dp/B07TXS2VPS/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=the+secret+sister&qid=1593606746&sr=8-1" target="_blank">The Secret Sister</a> is going into <a href="https://www.theworks.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Works</a> this month, which is exciting.<br />
<br />
I've recently finished working on the structural edits for my solo book and thankfully, my editor loves the story and is excited as I am to see it published, hopefully in October, though schedules are a little uncertain due to the current situation.<br />
<br />
I've made a start on my next novel and am enjoying doing some research. It's set mostly in a remote part of Wales and I'm drawing on my vist there last year, up near the mountains. It might be a while before we can go anywhere again, so thank goodness for the internet to fill in the blanks.<br />
<br />
Hard to believe we're more than halfway through 2020. I've gone past the baking and jigsaw phase, but am still reading a lot, and am keen on getting to grips with the garden. I've even dug out a border and planted some flowers, which I wouldn't have imagined doing before lockdown. It wasn't easy as there were a few old shrubs with stubborn roots to remove and the soil is full of stones, but there was a nice sense of acheivement when I'd finished. Okay, I was smug as hell.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc5IrjfxCDP_0GQWvz3lq9jxjbqKwhA9luPP6OjulM4FfxN8JZs-4IoRir7szYcxVYx52u4DjDJHSXn_fr_r5q4g2RaQRmsOIz082V5xTiGsgO3GgO3KxKXhfQZlXijQKrua0Tb9jGyw4/s1600/flower+border.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="733" data-original-width="1600" height="145" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc5IrjfxCDP_0GQWvz3lq9jxjbqKwhA9luPP6OjulM4FfxN8JZs-4IoRir7szYcxVYx52u4DjDJHSXn_fr_r5q4g2RaQRmsOIz082V5xTiGsgO3GgO3KxKXhfQZlXijQKrua0Tb9jGyw4/s320/flower+border.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I often take my camera with me when I go for a walk these days and enjoy snapping flowers and local wildlife, though there's plenty in our - and my mother-in-law's - garden. The birds and animals have got used to seeing me pop up and seem to strike a pose - probably wishing I'd clear off.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJQVdgX_tDervJQANlDF7uA3Eg8a6x7xKCJ1a0eHAk0-ZS_Ncw13Ge7aXqRH7wGLOtw5KKoLF5PPyGISMtkzu28bi8tcYV9Q00YZYVMfEStbGCvR0VvHW6nyTiIrYctbmdNmAfXpTflB8/s1600/animal+bird+collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJQVdgX_tDervJQANlDF7uA3Eg8a6x7xKCJ1a0eHAk0-ZS_Ncw13Ge7aXqRH7wGLOtw5KKoLF5PPyGISMtkzu28bi8tcYV9Q00YZYVMfEStbGCvR0VvHW6nyTiIrYctbmdNmAfXpTflB8/s200/animal+bird+collage.jpg" width="200" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGinCXeexmKGwHLgzjir0emKGD-iOVyxFP9JAvfrlTnLzVep2tOKcetPhOtRxmGxFD5BAeZwmHrx7hpWX9XP4piMJyMKNx1430seU-JV8Y1l-hs_qRZNnLsjUxkpIJK4uvnR5mSmbZ53k/s1600/PhotoCollage+flowers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGinCXeexmKGwHLgzjir0emKGD-iOVyxFP9JAvfrlTnLzVep2tOKcetPhOtRxmGxFD5BAeZwmHrx7hpWX9XP4piMJyMKNx1430seU-JV8Y1l-hs_qRZNnLsjUxkpIJK4uvnR5mSmbZ53k/s200/PhotoCollage+flowers.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I hope your year so far has been safe and healthy and maybe even productive - and if you've been home-schooling you have my undying admiration. I hope it hasn't been too fraught β₯Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986874444030474719noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6811678176256049495.post-66291160857605595472020-04-02T08:32:00.000+01:002020-04-02T08:32:10.031+01:00LockdownA couple of months ago, I was looking forward to meeting my friend and writing partner <a href="http://writingallsorts.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Amanda Brittany</a> in London, to celebrate the paperback and audiobook release of our psychological thriller The Secret Sister.<br />
<br />
How quickly and dramatically life has changed tince then with the country (world) on lockdown due to the highly contagious coronavirus. It sounds like the plot of a dystopian novel, but is sadly all too real.<br />
<br />
It's the second week of lockdown and after days of being on an emotional rollercoaster, when I was certain this couldn't be happening and that surely it was fine to go to shopping - where empty supermarket shelves and queues outside the chemist's brought home the reality - there's been a period of adjustment and acceptance.<br />
<br />
A week of sunny, mild weather made it possible to get out in the garden, and to go for walks and fresh air, and limiting exposure to the news and social media, apart from a check of the headlines each morning, has made it possible to focus on writing, at least in short bursts - mostly in the garden.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPyhCdmxnyJwJNTsqn9QJJWWrT_ChhPxvg9ucKMyimSYlj8Wp5vkPkBIip9nGp2Rycc-iHVn_QVhr4d6PfYIf5dZ4FSN8_LkvgxR4LhNZ9pYtoHzMWPApdwpWkz5rY1j4kBsKDE_hLMiQ/s1600/Karen+clarke+notebook+writing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="533" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPyhCdmxnyJwJNTsqn9QJJWWrT_ChhPxvg9ucKMyimSYlj8Wp5vkPkBIip9nGp2Rycc-iHVn_QVhr4d6PfYIf5dZ4FSN8_LkvgxR4LhNZ9pYtoHzMWPApdwpWkz5rY1j4kBsKDE_hLMiQ/s320/Karen+clarke+notebook+writing.jpg" width="177" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
I've developed a routine of writing longhand every morning, so I have something to type up later on, and now have plenty of notes for my second psychological suspense novel. I'm aiming to get the first draft in early, which will be a first! I'm also expecting the edits for book 1 back any day, so that should keep me busy, and Mandy and I have have made a start on our second joint book.<br />
<br />
One thing I've learnt is, I don't need a cafe or coffee shop to write, I can do it just as well from the dining table, or sitting out in the garden, so I'm saving a fortune on cups of tea and slices of cake. (Still eating cake, but only homemade until all the flour runs out.)<br />
<br />
Reading continues to be a solace and an escape, as I'm sure it is for many people. If you're in the mood for a thriller <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Secret-Sister-K-Clarke/dp/0008376255/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=1585767703&sr=8-1" target="_blank">THE SECRET SISTER</a> is available now in paperback and audiobook. Mandy and I will look forward to celebrating when lockdown is over - which may not be for some time.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1177" data-original-width="825" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1OQJ4Sn2YdIFPpQMzU1t6xKjky2QwktS-fJVhifP44gwAKEYwKIDzcczjatM0EFiBE3umtFNWEWXhlqXpnXD4M-fvG1E2jEN7e-DfEWv5FTk-kSmngv2sewQj-SzEHvzymxYQRC5bz0M/s320/secret+sister.jpg" width="224" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
Wherever you are, stay safe and healthy xx<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986874444030474719noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6811678176256049495.post-62076979884212682702020-01-11T15:52:00.002+00:002020-01-11T16:06:15.981+00:00The Secret Sister<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="383" data-original-width="680" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhawjCcbZbxSHoXY_A-gyZvJrGr7zbRScPQ9iZk2bA_ttZZZBdTs6z2OhrA2WmDQOcdBGktjjbdJdOIHFCrmY-u-z-OpQIRJR9764t3hicmxwWZ4ja7rS2TDifFjxs_nV4LhnHPJWEi654/s320/EMEYR8gWoAAZTcl.jpg" width="320" /></div>
After a lovely Christmas, the new decade got off to a great start with the digital release of <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Secret-Sister-twisted-psychological-thriller-ebook/dp/B07TXS2VPS/ref=sr_1_1?crid=3V5IMEFGMY6EW&keywords=the+secret+sister+clarke&qid=1578756350&sprefix=the+secret+sister+%2Caps%2C168&sr=8-1" target="_blank">THE SECRET SISTER</a> which has had some great feedback from readers already. (The paperback will follow in April for those of you who prefer print books!)<br />
<br />
It's nice to celebrate these things, so co-writer Mandy and I headed into London for lunch and inbetween stuffing ourselves with pizza, talked non-stop about writing, in particular our next book, due out next year, which has the working title <i>The Bad Friend.</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9bWxlwf5FCo5uvWhb4QsVQyUBjzlWkdRBIRKH9Kvk1jZcitNu9ZKKk2hOZzSRQn0hgOag9aQHFHijTcmdw2M5AoZ7DXfq6OCzOHeeoZS-ay1vDot6RuWZ2DrsBOqNMLKIITzjI4Kf5nw/s1600/K+Clarke+%2526+A+Brittany.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="678" data-original-width="1080" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9bWxlwf5FCo5uvWhb4QsVQyUBjzlWkdRBIRKH9Kvk1jZcitNu9ZKKk2hOZzSRQn0hgOag9aQHFHijTcmdw2M5AoZ7DXfq6OCzOHeeoZS-ay1vDot6RuWZ2DrsBOqNMLKIITzjI4Kf5nw/s320/K+Clarke+%2526+A+Brittany.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
After signing a 2-book contract with new publisher HQ/HarperCollins, I'm excited to be working with them on my first, solo psychological suspense novel, and I'm a few thousand words into that and enjoying writing it.<br />
<br />
My romcoms are still selling well, thanks to the wonderful team at Bookouture sourcing special promotional opportunities, and my first <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Beachside-Sweet-Shop-romantic-comedy-ebook/dp/B01MYWXUB7/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=the+beachside+sweet+shop&qid=1578757895&sr=8-2" target="_blank">THE BEACHSIDE SWEET SHOP</a> will be in a Kindle Deal in Austraila later this month.<br />
<br />
Aside from writing, it's been a wet, grey start to the year, but I've done plenty of walking through muddy woods and fields, which has been good for getting my brain away from mince pies and Christmas cake and back into writing mode (and good for working off all that festive food!)<br />
<br />
Whatever you're doing this January, I hope your year has got off to a good start.Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986874444030474719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6811678176256049495.post-8732230153526805992019-11-06T10:08:00.000+00:002019-11-06T11:58:19.201+00:00Cover reveal<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ksC5qFPJDg_oWj0GDvHk6cn2hsgKffPVEcopJbpWWXFqCbZRwG_4_hmcF9hocK-d9DLhfSTs-tv2C_y9GoO7nDJscj14Rwlsw1jgE2vvgBdBqMdMUlZtHpoS428VGNiIBEFGhU9LAWc/s1600/cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1043" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3ksC5qFPJDg_oWj0GDvHk6cn2hsgKffPVEcopJbpWWXFqCbZRwG_4_hmcF9hocK-d9DLhfSTs-tv2C_y9GoO7nDJscj14Rwlsw1jgE2vvgBdBqMdMUlZtHpoS428VGNiIBEFGhU9LAWc/s320/cover.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
Yesterday, <a href="https://www.amandabrittany.co.uk/news/" target="_blank">Mandy</a> and I revealed the cover for our psychological thriller <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Secret-Sister-twisted-psychological-thriller-ebook/dp/B07TXS2VPS/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=the+secret+sister+K.A+Clarke&qid=1573033975&s=digital-text&sr=1-1" target="_blank">THE SECRET SISTER</a> which was an exciting moment. It really stands out, and hopefully, the blurb will draw readers in. Those clever people at HQ/Harper Collins have even made ME want to read it π It's out in January and only 99p - less than the price of a cuppa!<br />
<br />
We're currently getting our second book underway, and after a lovely meeting last week, I've been working on outlines for a couple of solo psychological suspense novels and keeping my fingers crossed I'll be given the go-ahead to write them, as I'm excited about the stories.<br />
<br />
In rom-com news <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ill-Be-Home-Christmas-heartwarming-ebook/dp/B07W85JH9B/ref=sr_1_1?crid=182ICRG0R2GK7&keywords=ill+be+home+for+christmas&qid=1573034443&s=digital-text&sprefix=I%27ll+be+home+%2Cdigital-text%2C138&sr=1-1" target="_blank">I'LL BE HOME FOR CHRISTMAS</a> is selling well, and it feels okay to talk about it now that the shops have burst into full festive-mode - though I still prefer not to do any bursting until December's well under way!<br />
<br />
Anyway, we've only just had bonfire night with fireworks all around for at least a week. Having owned a dog, I'm not as big a fan as I once was, as our Molly used to be so terrified we were genuinely afraid she'd have a heart attack. If only they were confined to displays, and only on November 5th.<br />
<br />
Ah well, off the soap box and back to plot-wrangling - and trying to ignore that it's nearly time to start untangling the Christmas tree lights...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHMIpOH3UgHk0FECP8DR4qNKIa1RWwNfopa0gMJ83XP43BHwRvHEtpk0ji0giemB5j6qbeGRFWtfsHJTZ8Ha3uNR89ssntV1r7FqTVOR6ooOWOEiNPNHsIROq9dcIYDz_7vy4v1Fh1zY0/s1600/Tangled-Christmas-tree-lights.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1200" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHMIpOH3UgHk0FECP8DR4qNKIa1RWwNfopa0gMJ83XP43BHwRvHEtpk0ji0giemB5j6qbeGRFWtfsHJTZ8Ha3uNR89ssntV1r7FqTVOR6ooOWOEiNPNHsIROq9dcIYDz_7vy4v1Fh1zY0/s200/Tangled-Christmas-tree-lights.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986874444030474719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6811678176256049495.post-87428265293106057512019-10-07T13:29:00.000+01:002019-10-15T13:11:08.505+01:00Book news<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNTR0zAEk1Zo1V-wGmoo8UnCFIsGxb-3gycXU4QsxSX5XjpSwPIbGTtLBhbuct6k2YmmqdlzbTCAYTWquz_wzY2a7KaG472ycxH0C-zRtsmhSoeIRT5Odhwum261h4_Pp5yLG9I01MmHw/s1600/beautiful-christmas-garland-vector-1681006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="392" data-original-width="990" height="78" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNTR0zAEk1Zo1V-wGmoo8UnCFIsGxb-3gycXU4QsxSX5XjpSwPIbGTtLBhbuct6k2YmmqdlzbTCAYTWquz_wzY2a7KaG472ycxH0C-zRtsmhSoeIRT5Odhwum261h4_Pp5yLG9I01MmHw/s200/beautiful-christmas-garland-vector-1681006.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Along with the release of <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/Ill-Be-Home-Christmas-heartwarming-ebook/dp/B07W85JH9B/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=i%27ll+be+home+for+christmas&qid=1568622204&s=gateway&sr=8-1" target="_blank">I'll be Home for Christmas</a> I'm excited to announce a joint writing project that's finally come to fruition.<br />
<br />
Back in 2015, I <a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6811678176256049495#editor/target=post;postID=761939982313935696;onPublishedMenu=template;onClosedMenu=template;postNum=20;src=postname" target="_blank">blogged</a> about writing a psychological suspense novel with my lovely writing friend Amanda Brittany, which we put aside to focus on solo projects. After finally submitting it to Mandy's editor at HQ Digital/Harper Collins earlier this year, our book is going to being published. We now have a 2-book contract and a fabulous agent <a href="https://katenashlit.co.uk/" target="_blank">Kate Nash.</a><br />
<br />
The first book will be released in January 2020, the second a year later, and we're currently excited to see a cover and title (to be revealed) which we'll be sharing via our joint Twitter account <a href="https://twitter.com/ClarkeBrittany2" target="_blank">@clarkebrittany2</a>. It's all very exciting (for us, anyway!)<br />
<br />
After writing nine (hopefully) uplifting romantic comedy novels in three years and selling over 160,000 of them (beyond my wildest imaginings) I'm putting them on hold for the moment while I attempt to write a standalone suspense novel, alongside the one with Mandy. I may regret it, but might also regret not trying, as it's something I've wanted to do for a while. I'm sure I'll come back to romcoms - I love writing them too much not to - but for now, I'm going to take a walk on the dark side and see what happens (hopefully, nothing too grim and murdery.)<br />
<br />
Aside from that, it's hard to believe how fast the year has flown, as they increasingly seem to these days, but I'm lucky to have had some nice trips; to Barcelona, Cornwall, Devon and Snowdonia in Wales. The weather there wasn't great, but that somehow added to the atmosphere, especially travelling up Mount Snowdon, and I couldn't help thinking it would make a great setting for a novel. Then again, I think that everywhere I go...<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOLTW-vH8m574aPqLhBlBFDqeHdVq4THCRNawRNreTcvsVBMpjFzQWUoIaXlhWrbwpkf_vOUZsMniW3tM6CeRp-Oo3aKaaAzyULzj0E5vMIytCoqNTEO1gkJuW_MLQn8Ef9-kAgFLsDa8/s1600/Snowdon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="900" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOLTW-vH8m574aPqLhBlBFDqeHdVq4THCRNawRNreTcvsVBMpjFzQWUoIaXlhWrbwpkf_vOUZsMniW3tM6CeRp-Oo3aKaaAzyULzj0E5vMIytCoqNTEO1gkJuW_MLQn8Ef9-kAgFLsDa8/s320/Snowdon.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I hope whatever you've been doing your summer's been a good one, and if you fancy a festive read to get you in the mood for you-know-what, I can recommend a funny, feelgood book by...me βΊοΈ <i>(other festive-themed books are available.)</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07W85JH9B?pf_rd_p=330fbd82-d4fe-42e5-9c16-d4b886747c64&pf_rd_r=2623H48JZ1GTY972NC5E" target="_blank"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="326" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2nGJdSXZ80jHLEK4QX7Ns6IVDoyKnKQyejTAtAvLWz7XyNxa5AbbKptuGeP7eKDslbUa5Zm91rMYwMdHozhgRFs_vtX7XNpNJeA-N55IwzbSoGR_hiPsb9lG9S1waJB9bn8xm5hj199s/s320/Christmas+book.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
<br />Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986874444030474719noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6811678176256049495.post-62265945002875819942019-07-02T08:20:00.000+01:002019-07-02T08:21:04.493+01:00Shelfie<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFoQXLWVCG7ezrTBq-xzRWwv-vg7L6zo4rqdw_OnuL0dPZIGl_qxkHooIar9o2EjX6sL5KpvclcdbO6wljiP6IALKs-10J7x9LNYRH3sbBL_8WHEi79yByXKcBpk6kCqNIn0SmABpQoX0/s1600/Square+Graphic+-+Summer+at+the+Little+French+Cafe+%2528Graphic+3%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="1008" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFoQXLWVCG7ezrTBq-xzRWwv-vg7L6zo4rqdw_OnuL0dPZIGl_qxkHooIar9o2EjX6sL5KpvclcdbO6wljiP6IALKs-10J7x9LNYRH3sbBL_8WHEi79yByXKcBpk6kCqNIn0SmABpQoX0/s320/Square+Graphic+-+Summer+at+the+Little+French+Cafe+%2528Graphic+3%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07QXSBZBJ" target="_blank">SUMMER AT THE LITTLE FRENCH CAFE</a> has now been released into the world and it's getting some lovely reviews, which is always music to a writer's ears.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, my first book (with Bookouture) The Beachside Sweet Shop has appeared in paperback in The Works. It's long been a dream to see a book on a shelf in a shop, so I was down at our local branch waiting for it to make an appearance so I could capture it for posterity!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1j2Mv_4W9zlPx-z-mEdQT-8tl2u1j_cB1rrsjU47-Jv1qUKBkWG4w0ZE01R5o8ekyvuE_TKZw9arawexTzMwAKpoCBjehtqFH8u9mfL9REmeYd6V2QtG9MbgIJqjuoFe-U9S-S3yx9bQ/s1600/65581462_10157445584958011_1674923158223716352_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="882" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1j2Mv_4W9zlPx-z-mEdQT-8tl2u1j_cB1rrsjU47-Jv1qUKBkWG4w0ZE01R5o8ekyvuE_TKZw9arawexTzMwAKpoCBjehtqFH8u9mfL9REmeYd6V2QtG9MbgIJqjuoFe-U9S-S3yx9bQ/s320/65581462_10157445584958011_1674923158223716352_n.jpg" width="261" /></a></div>
<br />
A proud moment after 10 years of this writing lark and hopefully not the last!<br />
<br />
Now I've finished the final book in my Cafe series, I'm having a think about what to do next - lots of options and ideas whizzing about, but nothing settled just yet.<br />
<br />
I've just had a break in St Ives in Cornwall with my daughter, and it's so beautiful, even when it's raining (which it did on our second day) that I can see now why so many authors choose to set their novels there - maybe it will crop up in a future book!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEPE6GtV_lqIFCibDWVJtPzOXPhXi-i2KnSQAUPbbqylhf4XL6peNkkzSNLGjR4cZxtISiUh1KDGHTAwMCGrWzt8LCYqTgjUHwtdhu5A0wwYRCnXD40wbQxYmw_2BHJdS3es9IaCclPGU/s1600/64527819_10157409719443011_6212429426387320832_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEPE6GtV_lqIFCibDWVJtPzOXPhXi-i2KnSQAUPbbqylhf4XL6peNkkzSNLGjR4cZxtISiUh1KDGHTAwMCGrWzt8LCYqTgjUHwtdhu5A0wwYRCnXD40wbQxYmw_2BHJdS3es9IaCclPGU/s320/64527819_10157409719443011_6212429426387320832_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
In the meantime, I hope you're all having a wonderful summer whatever you're doing.<br />
<br />
<br />Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986874444030474719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6811678176256049495.post-90159658193909269982019-04-26T19:46:00.002+01:002019-04-26T19:46:15.562+01:00Summer's arrived early<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM9xOc5IBh5e7pcEqv0djigybyh50a0uF2gz7J5oeoB3qVcrXOPZIG-I14ZbsqH4x8RETwCvonA7OfEsUyeenw5-b0DfsWcQHeXpSfvjIITMQESn2nidnPAFjWmXBrDp5h-OeuU6ytuhQ/s1600/D464nx8WAAEbk54.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="782" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM9xOc5IBh5e7pcEqv0djigybyh50a0uF2gz7J5oeoB3qVcrXOPZIG-I14ZbsqH4x8RETwCvonA7OfEsUyeenw5-b0DfsWcQHeXpSfvjIITMQESn2nidnPAFjWmXBrDp5h-OeuU6ytuhQ/s320/D464nx8WAAEbk54.jpg" width="208" /></a></div>
<br />
The cover for <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07QXSBZBJ" target="_blank">Summer at the Little French Cafe </a>has landed and really evokes that seaside, sunshine feel - lovely when the weather is currently wet and stormy!<br />
<br />
I loved writing this story, and revisiting some of the characters from the first in the series, and am currently engrossed in book 3, which is set around Christmas. I have a new editor and am looking forward to working with her. I love the editing process - making the book better, like a carpenter whittling at a table until the legs are even, ensuring the coffee cups won't slide off. Terrible analogy, but you get the drift (wood)!<br />
<br />
With summer fast approaching, I'm looking forward to a trip to St Ives in Cornwall with my daughter. I've heard a lot about the light there, inspiring artists - and hopefully, writers. I'll be taking a notpad and pen and looking for inspiration for a new book, but in the meantime, it's back to the mince pies and Christmas Carols.<br />
<br />
<i>Ding-dong, merrily on high...</i><br />
<br />Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986874444030474719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6811678176256049495.post-89554754387416022652019-03-22T18:57:00.000+00:002019-04-26T19:31:36.405+01:00New Book Alert<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikZRyCP5d-nqxaFQW1X5gXuhL9b_1EQNv8I_Z1Y_b6zWI1Rmqa041_RshvSynSz5GCP6v-kulO39fzvdn8eIlheqrCBdJT26XkLNejgNgCZjJBjfV-3uDZLJSCdrAfFvHsSuEJzfJ3ymA/s1600/Escape-to-the-Little-French-Cafe-Kindle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1050" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikZRyCP5d-nqxaFQW1X5gXuhL9b_1EQNv8I_Z1Y_b6zWI1Rmqa041_RshvSynSz5GCP6v-kulO39fzvdn8eIlheqrCBdJT26XkLNejgNgCZjJBjfV-3uDZLJSCdrAfFvHsSuEJzfJ3ymA/s320/Escape-to-the-Little-French-Cafe-Kindle.jpg" width="210" /></a></div>
I have a new book out! <a href="https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07LG91GTT/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_bibl_vppi_i2" target="_blank">ESCAPE TO THE LITTLE FRENCH CAFE</a> is the first in a series of three that can be read as standalones, but with recurring characters popping up in each one.<br />
<br />
It's the first time I've set a story abroad. I thoroughly enjoyed researching and writing it, and hope it has a different feel to my English-based novels. The best compliment I could have is that readers would love to visit the area once they've finished reading.<br />
<br />
I'm currently editing book two in the series and preparing to start book 3, which will be wintery - more of a challenge as the Ile de Re, on the west coast of France, rarely has rain, never mind snow, so I'll be creating an unusual weather pattern; which isn't such a stretch at the moment!<br />
<br />
In April I'm off to a marketing workshop in London to learn how to be better at social media, but first, Lovely Husband and I are taking a short trip to Barcelona, which I'm looking foward to as I've never been - and it should be warmer there than it is here at the moment.<br />
<br />
Maybe if I write another series, it'll have a Spanish theme πKarenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986874444030474719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6811678176256049495.post-4728786751228557392019-02-18T10:53:00.001+00:002019-02-18T10:53:18.993+00:00February New Year's Resolution (better late than never)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj66Q6lx28UkpFIQ3rwl6KjSFjqxBG25JcgJj3Pbh4UMPJv512FR-0BKTUfsJ2yB74qVG1w9zWg01aqWhpcP351-SRjTZxisJ8u7AqqNq_HKEN-XC4K_9ajMuKJUMSVjiWcmKHcWc1CIf0/s1600/im-not-a-procrastinator-i-just-prefer-doing-all-my-13654298.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="500" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj66Q6lx28UkpFIQ3rwl6KjSFjqxBG25JcgJj3Pbh4UMPJv512FR-0BKTUfsJ2yB74qVG1w9zWg01aqWhpcP351-SRjTZxisJ8u7AqqNq_HKEN-XC4K_9ajMuKJUMSVjiWcmKHcWc1CIf0/s320/im-not-a-procrastinator-i-just-prefer-doing-all-my-13654298.png" width="285" /></a></div>
<br />
Well, Christmas flew by in a flash - and lovely it was too - and January got off to a busy start as I had a deadline for the second book in my <i>French Cafe </i>series, as well as copyediting and proofreading book one, which will be out in March.<br />
<br />
After leaving the bulk of the writing (again) for the final month - writing 10,000 words in 16 hours at the end, to leave myself a day to read through the draft and make sure it made sense before submitting to my editor - I'm determined to manage my time more effectively with book three. Even though deadlines are tight, writing three books a year, I know I can do it better, but need to start by banning myself from the internet. Never does social media appeal more seductive than when my deadline starts approaching like a speeding train. I used to turn into a domestic goddess, doing loads of housework and baking, crubbing floors and dusting skirting boards, which was at least productive. I'm not sure 'liking' other peoples' dinner - however tasty it looks - or retweeting memes about procrastination is half as useful, however much I like to call it 'networking'.<br />
<br />
So, a resolution of sorts for 2019 - to faff less, write more - and stay away from the internet (unless it's for research - and to look at puppies, and find out what everyone else in the world is doing). <br />
<br />
I may have said this last year, but this time I mean it.<br />
<br />
(I may have said that too...)Karenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05986874444030474719noreply@blogger.com2