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With the Hull launch of Maria in the Moon only next week, and the excitement of having Hull singer/songwriter Carrie Martin perform her beautiful song that accompanies the novel at the event, we decided to do a little giveaway. First, enjoy the stunning video for the song, Maria in the Moon, from Carrie’s forthcoming albumContinue reading “Maria in the Moon Book and CD Giveaway”

I had to write something – anything really – to acknowledge every reviewer and blogger and reader who has shared their thoughts at any time on anything I’ve ever written. Thank you. I don’t know what else to say. So, I’ll say it again. Thank you. Writers work in a bit of a black hole.Continue reading “For the Bloggers, Reviewers, and Readers…”

I was lucky enough to see an advance preview of Mucking Fuddles’ Dirty Bitches at Kardomah in Hull before I jetted off to Paris for my hols. Women of Words pal Lynda Harrison is at the heart of this beautiful, gritty, and well-researched play. She not only wrote it, sang the gorgeous song at theContinue reading “Dirty Bitches, Lovely Ladies”

A book we want to read, regardless of who does or doesn’t like it, regardless of whether it’s a ‘classic’ or not, or what bestseller list it’s on or isn’t on, or what award it has or hasn’t won, or who tells us we’re supposed to or not supposed to be reading it. If youContinue reading “Ten Books Every One of Us Should Read”

This is one of the stunning images from the filming of the Maria in the Moon video yesterday. The beautiful song at its heart came from Hull talent, Carrie Martin, after we talked about my new novel a few months ago. I was describing its themes and story-line while she cut my hair. And asContinue reading “Words and Music”

How did I get a book deal? It’s one of the things I’m frequently asked about at book events and festivals. How did I get published? Unless the person asking – usually a hopeful writer, like I’ve been most of my life – has five hours, the determination to still keep writing despite my reply,Continue reading “How I Got Published”

I was made in Hull; I even lived in the city for a while. It was in fact the first place I lived, if only for six months, when my young parents rented a flat off Pearson Park. Apparently, I loved being pushed up and down the pathways in my pram, likely even then planningContinue reading “Made in Hull”

This mother wears a flower corsage pinned upside-down on her lapel – as though it’s saying goodbye to the gentle spring just passed – and she asks me if her daughter’s nose can be chiselled into something less monstrous. I tuck a wayward curl behind my ear and explain gently, without insult, that only shadowContinue reading “The Light Room”

The other day, I shared on social media a scrappily-put-together meme of the me I like to think I am when I write… and the truth. My publisher, Karen Sullivan, was rather tickled, and we invited other writers to do the same. And what delights were revealed in the wake of my honesty. Want toContinue reading “Writing – The Fantasy versus The Reality”

Recently, I’ve been watching Dave Gorman’s Modern Life is Goodish each night in bed, while attempting to switch off from all the writing and editing and reading and promoting and thinking of something new to have for tea. He offers a look at life that is interesting enough to stimulate, and light-hearted and bite-sized enoughContinue reading “It’s A No…”