Like many writers, I tend to disappear into the writing cave and become a little reclusive while I’m working on a new novel. I’m sure if the house caught fire, I wouldn’t notice, I’d be too busy writing another chapter. TC has taken my beloved Colin’s place, lying on the laptop and ‘editing’ with his paws as I write thousands of words. Then, when I’ve finished, I come out of the cave again and it’s party time. I can read widely, walk more, visit friends, have fun. Then an edit arrives or another idea comes along, and I’m back in the writing cave again. This time of year, it’s with fingerless gloves and a warm heated blanket wrapped around me…

At the moment, I have two books to edit. There is the second novel from the Seal Bay cozy crime series, due out in April – I think the actual title is Bloodshed on the Boards. I’m excited for you all to catch up with Morwenna Mutton again, my wonderful Cornish sleuth who rides a bicycle, swims in the sea and finds herself getting into mischief as she attempts to solve crimes. The other novel I’m editing doesn’t have a title yet – it’s due out in June next year. It’s a story I’ve enjoyed writing a lot, about two women who are like chalk and cheese, but they learn that their friendship is so special when they embark on a journey with a baby.

               My stories about older women, whether Morwenna the sleuth and her family or my books about older protagonists, come from a special place in my heart. My mum always wanted to read about ordinary women with extraordinary potential like herself, and as she got older, I realised that it was important to make a statement about ageing, and to refute so many prejudices. Now, as I get older too, I am aware that often we are judged by the number of our years. In the past, in many books, older people were background characters, but that’s no longer appropriate. I want to feature characters who are warm, caring, attractive, talented people who have great lives, whatever their age. My main characters range from sixty years old to ninety something, although I do love an inclusive cast of characters of all ages, and I draw on so many inspirational people from real life.

It’s good to see so many other writers promoting older characters in their novels now. And I am delighted when people message me about how they ‘get’ my books. The stories are not just about older people finding happiness in a community, a hobby, or a relationship. I like to deal with important issues too. In ‘The Vintage Village Bake Off,’ the three siblings, Robert, Hattie and Bunty are products of their upbringing. We all are – it’s hard to be a parent. Robert is a loner who doesn’t know his potential. Bunty was a cute child whose prettiness allowed her to get her way, and has a hard lesson to learn. And Hattie is a subservient wife who did what was expected of her, and is bullied by a controlling husband. Their story, told with humour and warmth, is about how they each learn to flourish and become the best version of themselves.

Once, I encountered a reader who said she didn’t ‘like’ a subsidiary character in one of my books and I was mystified by her lack of empathy. He was a lonely man, working in a job he hated and had a marriage that made him sad, and that’s not a person to be given anything but kindness. By the end of the story, he’s a changed man; he has grown into a happier person because of his life experiences and others’ generosity of spirit. But thank goodness not all readers are so judgemental. People enjoy my characters, who are flawed but full of heart. Different strokes.

I love the opportunity to write about these issues, flawed characters who make it to a place where they are fulfilled, happy and strong. Do you remember Billy, the brave biker in ‘Heading over the Hill’, who was still suffering from PTSD? Or Jeanie and Barney in ‘The Golden Oldies’ Book Club’ who couldn’t get used to the loneliness of retirement or shake off the need to feel useful? Or Mary in ‘The Golden Girls’ Getaway’, who had never told anyone what happened to her years ago? Or Josie, in ‘The Silver Ladies Do Lunch’, trying so hard to get used to being newly widowed? I love a nuanced character who grows throughout the book. I hope they give my readers someone to empathise with and to root for.

One thing about becoming older is that we have a long and complex past, and my characters all grow because of previous experiences and learn to love themselves. I hope my readers will love them too.

Now I’ve emerged from the writing cave, I can tell you that I’ve written an Elena Collins. That’s another historical, dual time line novel. I’m always so excited about writing in this genre. It is all about inclusivity for me: I like to create characters from all walks of life. I love the chance to travel, to meet people and to delve into historical research.

My first three Elena Collins books have been met with such wonderful comments, and I loved writing this next one. It’s set in Cornwall, and I spent time in Mullion, which is the perfect place to research, it’s so atmospheric and filled with history. I sat at the edge of the sea, watched the dawn rise and the story came to me almost at once. I even wrote a sea shanty to accompany the book with some musician friends. I can’t wait to tell you all about it. That one will be out in August next year, and I love the characters so much! I can’t wait for you to meet them.

So now, I’m reading, researching my next book, and doing simple things like baking bread and catching up with friends. Then it will be Christmas and the New Year, a time for all sorts of exciting things. Including new ideas and new stories…

Sending you my best wishes and love, as always.