I’ve been in the writing cave recently. I’ve had two edits back to back – one for Golden Girls on the Run, which is out in December and I can’t wait for you to read it – and one for the new Elena Collins novel, published early next year. I’m really excited about that one. It deals with a subject close to my heart and it has some powerful scenes. More about that soon.

Yesterday I went to Plymouth Proprietary Library to do a talk with Stephanie Austin, who writes cozy crimes set in Devon. I know her books well, as I research a lot of different writers of cozy crimes before I launch into a new series. Stephanie has a great location, a lively bubbly sleuth. Lots of style. You’ll love her books.

It was a great event, as ever. The library is run by Darren, who always gives the warmest welcome and I always look forward to being there. The tea and cakes are also a big deal. Lyndsay is so much more than a baker of cakes, but her cakes are famously good.

The audience are always fabulous in Plymouth. The talk was a sell-out and the questions were, as ever, spot-on.

I took two writer friends, Rob and Avril, and Big G with me and it was great to have some solidarity and good conversation on the way there and back.

More about the writer friends later as their books emerge. They’re exceptional talents.

So, back to the writing cave. I enjoy editing. It’s the stage of a book where, if a single word doesn’t work hard for the story, then it’s ripped out. I rip out so many, without a care. That’s as it should be. And the editors I work with are special – if an author trusts their editor, the book has the best chance of being a belter.

Once the edits are done, I’m back into writing cozy crime.  I’m 60k through the first novel in my new series. That’s 80% done. I’ll be writing the dénouement, the big reveal, the ending. I can’t wait to share this one with you. Archie Darling, my latest protagonist, is on location in one of my favourite places in the world. Four books. Four crimes. And Archie’s a new sort of everyman hero.  

The first novel is out next year, and I know you’re going to love Archie as much as I do already.

My plan’s to write the first two back to back, so there’ll be plenty of impetus from one book to the next.

Anyway, that’s it from me. I’m off to slog away in the cave for a while, then when I’ve finished, I’ll take some time to walk and read and chill a bit. I’ve already started Alexandra Walsh’s Daughter of the Stones. It’s really really good. Highly recommended.

I hope you’re enjoying the mellow fruitfulness of autumn. I’m making fire cider and quince vodka and greengage jam for Christmas. Maybe I’ll blog the recipes later on. Let me know if you want some.

See you soon xx.