Isn’t this just beautiful? đź“–
Where the story begins…
Category: My Literary Lap
Tales and Travels – Scotland
Another little holiday snippet.
Today we visited the most photographed castle in Scotland (perhaps the world), do you recognize it?
We also stopped by Neptune’s staircase, just in time to see this marvellous ship passing through the canals.
Even squeezed in a quick bookshop visit and got a great new historical fiction book signed by the author.
All in all a fabulous day. Although I’m very much looking forward to my own bed and settling back into routine.
Much love.
KL ♥️
Tales and Travels – Skye
Today has been spent seeking out Fairies, Castles, Swords & Gravestones.
Skye is definitely the land of legends and a writers paradise.
Feeling Festive
I’ve always loved Christmas.
The last few years have been devoted to giving my small son the most magical Christmas memories. Not showering with gifts but filling every magical moment spare with memories that will last us (if not him) a lifetime. From visiting friends and family, attending the town centre light switch-ons, spotting sparkly ice sculptures on a trail, a visit to a volunteer-run railway and being amazed at an awe-inspiring castle. This year has been packed, already! Phew.Â
But this year….
This year, we also included a special day out for me.
We included a trip to one of my most favourite places in the world.
Barter Books!
With a book for every genre, and an impressive converted train station to walk around, I reckon this place could convert anyone into becoming a book lover.
After such a magical time, I don’t think I’ve ever felt more festive.
Or more thankful to have gotten to spend this time with my wonderful little family.
The most joyful sight of the day, watching these two cuties sitting in the Book Lorry reading together.
Hope you are all having a wonderful December!
KL ❤
Meet the Author – Geoff Le Pard
I can honestly say I was very excited to write this post. This is my first official participation in an author interview and wow – have I started on a good one. So without much further ado meeeeeettt (in my head at this point I am hearing a drumroll)….. Geoff Le Pard.
Many of you already know Geoff from his blog geofflepard.com, he’s also a regular contributor to the weekly #writephoto challenge and produces some phenomenal stories. He’s recently published a new book titled “The Art of Spirit Capture” (which can be found at the following links: Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com ), so I sent Geoff a few questions to find out about the book, an insight into his writing process and to find out his favourite page-turners. His responses are (as you would expect from Geoff,) honest, brilliant and in places hilarious. I certainly had a huge smile, I hope you enjoy it too.
- Tell us a bit about your book?
It’s a mix of mystery, a bit of magic maybe, a Christmassy setting and possibly some romance. It follows Jason who we meet at the start when he’s been made redundant and is having to meet his ex to divi up their things. His brother is in a coma after a bike accident and very soon Jason’s going to be homeless. While this is happening he hears from a firm of lawyers that he and his brother have inherited his great aunt’s estate. When he goes to see the lawyer he finds out he’s going to be represented by Lotte who he knew as children and of whom he has less than favourable memories. The story centres on a Sussex town of Mendlesham, and its cast of characters who want to know Jason’s plans for his uncle’s captures. What are captures and why are they going to cause Jason so much grief and joy? You’ll have to read to find out.
- Where do your ideas come from?
Ah that old tricky one! This idea, you’ll be pleased to know came from a Writephoto prompt but they can come from anywhere. It might be a phrase (my first novel was based on the legal expression The Right to Roam, my first published novel on an incident in a hotel I worked in in 1976, Dead Flies and Sherry Trifle). I’ve got ideas from: meeting a woman raising money for a soup kitchen in Union Sq, San Francisco; the first time I let our rescue dog off the lead; peering through a hoarding round a building site on my way home from work one evening. As you know, with a lot of short fiction, I am stimulated by prompts.
- Do you start with a character or a plot?
I’d say mostly plot, but the story only has legs if I can find two or more characters who I want to write about. Character is essential if the book is to be readable and coherent.
- Do you do a lot of research, if so, what is your ratio of research-to-writing?
I’m useless at research. My Harry Spittle Series are essentially historic in that they are set, variously, in 1976, 1981, 1987 and the one I’m in the middle of right now, 1997. That means a fair bit of research but mostly to check my memory or find something that happened at the relevant time to build in some credibility. Walking into Trouble is set mostly on the Cotswolds Way, a 110 mile long distance footpath so I needed to make sure I knew the settings (I have walked it but a while back so some things had to be checked). Otherwise I try to avoid it. Apart from forming Dire Straits two years early (I’ve apologised to Mark Knopfler) in my first book, I think I’ve gotten away with it mostly. I take my lead from Graham Swift who said he never did research when asked why he ended his Booker Prize winning novel Last Orders in Margate. Admitting he’d never been there, he said it just seemed right for his characters but he didn’t feel the need to join them.
- Does sitting down to write a novel get easier now that you are on book no (12?)?
Both, I suppose. I’m not intimidated by starting, by the amount of time I know it will take, the fact that writing the first draft is probably the easy bit and finishing that is merely opening Pandora’s box to months, maybe years of editing. But I remain terrified I will not be able to make it work, that the ending will elude me, that the characters will take me so far away from where I was aiming that I have a totally different novel. When I started Walking Into Trouble (under a very different title), it was to be a light comedic tale. In the end it became dark, difficult, exploring fractured relationships and the damage that affairs can cause. There’s little humour. I wasn’t sure I wanted that and as a result two characters were written too flat with no nuance. Once I accepted what it had become, I concentrated on them and it lifted off the page.
- Who do you enjoy reading?
Gosh. In terms of the genres I enjoy: humorous/fantasy has me reaching for Terry Pratchett, Douglas Adams, Ben Aaronovitch, Marina Lewycka, Helen Fielding, Sue Townsend, Neil Gaiman, Fredrik Backman, PG Woodhouse, Graeme Simsion, Grant Naylor; Kim Harrison. Thriller/crime: Ian Rankin, Ann Cleeves, Chris Brookmyre, Stuart MacBride, Tess Gerritsen, Sue Grafton, Sara Paretsky. Jolly good literary fiction: Iain Banks, Lionel Shriver, Graham Swift, Eimear McBride, Rachel Joyce, Emma Healey. Classics: Dickens, Trollope, Wilkie Collins, Patrick Harrison, HG Wells, Harper Lee, Dorothy L Sayers. Non fiction: Bill Bryson, Adam Kaye, Tim Spector. Indie: Anne Goodwin, Phil Taylor, Ali Potts, Ruth Sutton, Don Massenzio. Whew…
- What is in your to-read pile?
           Matilda Windsor is Coming Home by Anne Goodwin, The Authority Gap by Mary-Ann Sieghart, The Tao of Pooh by Benjamin Hoff
Big, Big thank you to Geoff for agreeing to be featured and taking the time to answer all my questions. Also, a big thank you for your continued support with the #writephoto prompt. I’ve downloaded The Art of Spirit Capture and can’t wait to read it (especially in the approaching festive season, it just seems so fitting).
Check out Geoff Le Pard’s Amazon Author Page for more info and see his wonderful collection of publications.
Here are a few intro’s to get you started:
My Father and Other Liars is a thriller set in the near future and takes its heroes, Maurice and Lori-Ann on a helter-skelter chase across continents.
Dead Flies and Sherry Trifle is a coming of age story. Set in 1976 the hero Harry Spittle is home from university for the holidays. He has three goals: to keep away from his family, earn money and hopefully have sex. Inevitably his summer turns out to be very different to that anticipated.
In this, the second book in the Harry Spittle Sagas, it’s 1981 and Harry is training to be a solicitor. His private life is a bit of a mess and he’s far from convinced the law is for him. Then an old acquaintance from his hotel days appears demanding Harry write his will. When he dies somewhat mysteriously a few days later and leaves Harry in charge of sorting out his affairs, Harry soon realises this will be no ordinary piece of work. After all, his now deceased client inherited a criminal empire and several people are very interested in what is to become of it.
Would you like to be featured?
If any New2writing followers have an upcoming book and would like to be featured, please drop me an email at kl.caley@yahoo.co.uk.
I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Take Care.
KL ❤
Happiness at Hay Festival 2016 – Barbara Erskine talks with Peter Florence
I am a book geek but I can honestly say I was very excited to attend the launch of the new novel by the bestselling author, Barbara Erskine who returned to Hay Festival in the year that marks the 30th anniversary of her sensational debut bestseller, Lady of Hay.
Not only did Barbara return but she launched her brand new book, that is also set in Hay, Sleeper’s Castle. The book isn’t scheduled for release until June 30, 2016, but those that attended the festival were lucky enough to buy an early copy and for Barbara to personally sign each copy. Being an addicted fan and also in the throes of writing my own novel I couldn’t help but also ask her to sign a blank page of my own personal writing notebook that I carry everywhere in my handbag. Kindly Barbara happily obliged and I’m hoping that little bit of inspiration will keep me going at times when I need it.
With 30 years novel-writing experience under her belt, Barbara’s talk was actually really inspiring as a novice writer so I thought I’d share a few of her thoughts on here with you (written from my notes):
When writing about historical characters, what do you owe them?
Difficult question. So many historical records contradict themselves on when something happens, how something happened, sometimes even, if something happened. I always try to look for sources written by academics, professors, etc. I also try to remember it’s a story I am writing, it has to be an enjoyable story for the reader, not just filled with historical information.
Do you have an example of Historic Differences?
Speech. I try not to use an historic voice in my writing. At the same time, I try not to put in any modern slang, habits or references. I want the reader to identify with the characters easily, even those in another time period.
Do you start with a character?
With Lady of Hay, it was the character that first caught my attention. I kept seeing Matilda everywhere and knew I had to research her and find out more. This is often the case, sometimes other characters that I have read about and never intended to use worm their way in and tell their own stories. Sometimes a character is just too good to miss.
Where do your ideas from the past come from?
The past is all around us and there are so many places that have these strong links to the past (Hay being one of them). So many little towns have their own castle or fortified houses and their own history. Sometimes the history of these places is unknown even to the local community.
One of the golden rules of fiction is “Never Write Dreams”, yet dreams often feature in one form or another in your novels.
Firstly, I had no idea that was a golden rule. I don’t always write dreams there are so many ways a link to the past can happen, dreams, written accounts, re-incarnation, sleep-walking, etc. Mystical places like the borders often feel that the veil to the past is so thin you could almost reach out and touch it. I guess, if it feels right – write it.
What is your ratio of research-to-writing?
Well, it took me 10 years of research and writing for Lady of Hay but that was because it was just a hobby, something I loved doing and found interesting. With time, this habit has changed. I would say now I spend about a third of the time doing research then just start writing. I write my first draft quite quickly and leave little markers saying fill in detail so that I can go back and add the historical details as I need to.
How do you plot your stories?
I start with a mind map, I then do my research and I then create a linear plot to slot everything together. This gives me a good plan and a clear synopsis of my novels.
Does sitting down to write get easier?
No, you just have to do it, you have to sit down to write. The more you do it the more addictive it becomes. Just keep reading and writing, reading and writing. I think of it as a movie where you get to be the script-writer, director, producer, cast manager, costume designer and more. Only writing a novel lets you do all that and gives you that level of control. You’ve just got to write it.
Who do you enjoy reading?
I try not to read historical fiction novels or time-slip novels they are sometimes called now. I have read Daphne Du Maurier’s House By The Strand and enjoyed it immensely but my favourite genre to read is crime.Â
Any inaccuracies above are from my notes (or memory), my admiration of Barbara’s writing talent is indescribable and I wanted to capture a little bit of her talk here, I later realised I captured Barbara’s answers but not always the questions asked, so I have tried to remember what I could.
Barbara doesn’t have a particularly large online presence so learning from her wouldn’t be an easy thing, seeing her speak so passionately about writing, and noting these little hints and tips has increased my appreciation of her work even more. I hope you enjoyed my notes and got a little glimpse into the talk.
Much Love
KL ❤
Meet the Author – K A Richardson
I had the pleasure this weekend of attending a debut Author talk and 
book-signing event to support an author that lives locally to me. I have never been to such an event before only ever attending Hay Festival which is specifically aimed at such things, so I was impressed with how much I enjoyed this and how good the talk was. Crime author KA Richardson has spent years working in CSI as part of a large police force so her approach to the novel came across as really authentic. Her books are going to expand into a series but with the character viewpoints changing between the novels.
Her debut novel, “With Deadly intent” is told by Crime Scene Manager Cass Hunt and DCI Alex McKay. When they are called to a fatal road traffic collision in the dead of night, not all is as it seems and the last thing they expect is to end up working on a murder case.
What’s the best thing about being a writer?
K.A. Richardson: I’d have to say it’s actually writing – getting the story in your head down in a format that is readable and hopefully enjoyable to the readers – and…moreI’d have to say it’s actually writing – getting the story in your head down in a format that is readable and hopefully enjoyable to the readers – and interacting with other writers and readers too – I love meeting new people and chatting about general writerly stuff.
So, after hearing KA Richardson discuss her novel so passionately, I am delighted to have bought this novel and the review will follow shortly. For those that follow this blog, you probably realize the last thing I need is more books but who can resist a signed copy when you have met the author in person. I think I am going to have to do one of the closet conversions or something to get the best book space (for those that don’t know what I mean check out the amazingly creative bookshelf ideas here). I definitely recommend attending an author event if you ever get the chance in your area. You never know you might discover a new favourite author! KL ❤
Useful Links for you to check out:
Novel – http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01DWG8EY2/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1
Website (here on WordPress) – http://www.kerryannrichardson.com/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/K-A-Richardson-117179681794105/
Happiness in Hay
I have been a lover of literature ever since… well, does Spot the dog count?
Books have played an enormous part of my life for as long as I can remember and this year I took on the monumental task of writing a novel that has been buzzing around in my brain for the last few years.
Along with my final leap into writing I discovered that I love blogging! ♥ That daily link with people all over the world, getting to share the knowledge you’ve learned and getting to know a bit about their world too. ♥
This progression lead me to my love of literature of the modern day and my enthusiasm to go absorb all the UK has to offer. 
The “big cheese” of this is of course Hay Festival. Held in one of the most beautiful parts of the world the Kingdom of Hay-on-Wye. Population – approximately 1500, number of book shops – 25, and a book festival attracting over 100,000 visitors. I signed up and at first the tickets I selected were unavailable, so I forgot all about it until a week later an email landed in my inbox. I immediately booked, booked a hotel and a few months later we were off!
I had no idea what to expect, I’d never even attended an author book signing or a creative writing class. Would I like it, would it all go over my head? With hope in my heart (and a fold-up backpack in my handbag for all the books I was sure to buy), we headed in.
The town was amazing, banners and bookshops everywhere. With the sun shining brightly and musicians playing music in the streets, we were all in the mood to party. After a quick lunch we headed along to the festival site.
A quick scout around the tents, at first I must admit we were a bit disappointed, the town had been so fun and lively, the festival seemed a bit..well..drab. There was nothing (free) going on such as music, readings, or even group activities. We wandered around a few of the stalls, then grabbed a cuppa, tried to head to the one bookstall (at a book festival) but it was so packed and 
warm and stuffy that we had to leave. The town had offered all this and more.
Eventually we started watching the shows we had paid for, at this point the festival truly shines. The star attraction for me, though it may seem cliché was Stephen Fry. He was truly amazing and gave the most, inspiring, heartfelt and honest answers that my partner and I both left the show in Awe! Although his new book has mixed reviews on amazon, hearing him discuss this and many other things I would now purchase it. More than that I now would like to have the audiobook of it, an area of books I have never before 
dabbled in.
Finishing up the evening we had the joy of going to see comedian Jason Byrne. He was amazing and after a day of constant intellectual stimulus, getting the opportunity to sit back with a drink and just have someone make you laugh (until I had tears streaming down my face at one point!) made this trip a wonderful, memorable, joyful occasion.
This has been the highlight of my summer this year. My advice to anyone would be, if you think you want something, go for it! Throw yourself all in, you’ll be surprised were the journey will take you!
New2Writing 