Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
The tree’s up (here’s Ralph doing quality control) so it’s time for the traditional round up of the year.
2022 had its ups and downs. The good stuff involved getting three books out, having several short stories accepted by The People’s Friend and signing to Bloodhound Books.
The Harper Collins Summer Party was a highlight of June, the RNA Conference was a great way to spend a weekend in July (in a heatwave. Hard to remember all that heat as it’s -2C in Devon today!). A quick trip to London for the RNA Winter Party in November was fun. I also broke the barrier of my comfort zone by doing a live online interview with Suzanne Snow and had a (snow) ball.
There have been the usual Zoom meetings with writing groups, online courses and meetings in real life with writing chums. I enjoyed getting creative by doing a stained-glass course as research for my next book and attended one or two local author events. It’s been busy!
A family bereavement saw me attaining Frequent Flyer Status on the M5 as I now have to drive back to the Midlands more frequently. This is a blessing in disguise as I also get the chance to catch up with friends still based there. And a spell in hospital saw me taking most of September off as I recovered.
Writing has certainly been squeezed in, in fits and starts and the Roman timeslip is taking nearly as long to write as the Romans were in power …
As a result of all the above, I haven’t watched much TV. I snaffled a cheap copy of Northern Exposure to watch on DVD as I loved the series back in the day and am devastated to report that it hasn’t aged well. Sometimes it’s best to leave memories well alone. Even Strictly has failed to work its magic on me this year. I am, however, really looking forward to Detectorists returning in a one-off special. Can’t wait! I’ve thoroughly enjoyed Between the Covers on BBC2 and have picked up one or two recommended reads from that. Oh – and loved Lucy Worsley’s documentary on Agatha Christie.
Book highlights of the year include Pamela Hartshorne’s Time’s Echo, The Fever of the World by Phil Rickman, Philip Gray’s Two Storm Wood (a Between the Covers recommendation), Mudlarking by Lara Maiklem and the fantastic The Witch’s Tree by Elena Collins.
Book of the year is this one:
It’s a completely engrossing dual narrative by an extremely accomplished writer and has a gorgeous hero who I completely fell for. Go buy it to start your 2023 reading year off with a bang.
Research book buys include books on SOE agents during WW2, the German invasion of Guernsey and the Victorian Water Cure in Malvern. Ideas are brewing but I haven’t decided what to do with them yet. Watch this space!
Next year I’ll have a new book out with a new publisher and can’t wait to share Jago Pengethley and his family with you – and the brand-new seaside setting of Lullbury Bay. I’m hoping it’ll be the first in a new series. Here’s a clue – it’s a Christmas book!
The real highlight and pleasure of 2022 has been spending time with friends in real life and not just via a computer screen. Tech was invaluable when we were all locked down (and still is) but it can never replace a warm hug from a good friend.
It just remains for me to thank you all for buying, reading, sharing and reviewing my books this year and to wish you all a fabulously festive holiday and a sparkling New Year full of truly wonderful books.
Love,
Georgia x
