Scotland, Bucks Fizz and Hugs!
Dear all,
Wow, it’s been a busy couple of weeks.
First, I want to thank everyone who has already bought the second book in the Mike Atwell series – Death of an Ice Cream Salesman. I can’t believe how well it is selling, particularly in the US, or how well the series is being received. So, thank you, thank you, thank you.
Second. I am also so grateful for my life right now.
The past two weeks have been amazing. In the run-up to my birthday on Friday last, I drove up to Scotland, enjoyed good food and good company, and started writing two new books, as well as edits to book three of the current series. I wrote using Velma, my retro distraction-free writing tool – seen here on the deck at Dunksey.
I spent five days with author friends from around the globe in the most idyllic Scottish setting. Several of the group went fishing, tried archery, went wild swimming, and took long cliff walks. I managed a more leisurely stroll along the stream, cooked marshmallows at the beach bonfire, and helped with transport. I landed the role of designated driver around the estate. For me, one highlight of our trip was our visit to the big house where the laird and his wonderful wife gave us the most amazing tour. Champagne greeted us when we arrived and their pet dog was just too cute!
Though we parted ways as we travelled on across the UK, I reconnected with them again at the Self Publishing Show Live at London’s Southbank.
Steve Higgs was the opening speaker. He did such a great job. I also met up with other members of his publishing team and we had a lovely lunch together on the second day.
I had last met them at a ‘work’s do’ Steve organised in the local pub. Not only is he highly successful as a writer, but is incredibly generous and supportive as a publisher. I am so blessed he chose to work with me.
I also stopped by to visit my friend Sally – who helps me with this newsletter and my social media. Sally and I have known each other for years, and she has many talents. A hug was long overdue.
After the conference on Wednesday, I met up with some of my children who now live in London. We had a meal at the Cote Brasserie in Hays Galleria. The table overlooking the Thames was perfect. London was experiencing a heatwave, so the breeze from the water was most welcome.
Hay’s Galleria sits on Tooley Street, and in a pub there sixty years ago my mother met my father for the first time. My Mum used to take us there every summer to visit HMS Belfast and reminisce about her youth, first as a barmaid serving thirsty tailors and then as an assistant in the local printers. It all ended when she fell pregnant with me, so it felt very appropriate to revisit this area to celebrate my birth.
And on my big day, I returned to London to watch The (Bucks) Fizz at the O2 Indigo. What a fantastic show! My friend, Caroline sadly, was very unwell and couldn’t join me, but my youngest daughter took her ticket at the last minute.
All this excitement has left me exhausted but exhilarated for the year ahead. It will be a year of significant change and transition for me, but bring it on!
I will share my journey here and would love to hear from you about your plans for 2024/2025. Let me know what you are doing. Isn’t life full of adventure?
Love,
Penelope x
