My thoughts about books, writing, life and so many other things….Judy Leigh/ Elena Collins.
I've taken to writing poems to take to the writing group I am part of, Solitary Writers. The group is held once a month; they are some of the loveliest and most talented people who meet to share their ideas. I always feel inspired by their writing. They are a diverse group, some already published, …
So, what am I up to? I'm having so much fun. The weather is chilly, so I’m about to set off into the cold to research an Elena Collins novel. I’m going to start writing it from the middle of this month. It’s a venture into history, fiction, fact, speculation, lots of exploration and the …
Dear Reader This morning, I discovered that I have sold one million copies of my books with Boldwood. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you, and to tell you just how much that means to me. Nine years ago, I was working as a teacher of theatre. It was my dream job and …
Have you ever read a poem called YgUDuh by EE Cummings? I read it years ago and loved the unusual style. It’s written in the slurred speech of a belligerent racist drunkard, presumably from New York, and it really has to be read out loud. Give it a go. It's fun, and a great exercise …
Recently I was doing one of those authors’ talks where I read an excerpt from a recent novel and then I answer questions from the audience. Someone was saying how they enjoyed the characters I create, that they were like friends, and I was so pleased. Someone else asked about location – they were very …
Continue reading I’m Just A Vegan Writing About All Sorts of Food…
I belong to a great writing group. Once a month we meet and share all sorts of different writing, and all of it's wonderful. They're a special group of people and I always come away feeling inspired. But this month, I was so busy with writing and editing, I nearly didn't get anything done. I …
Continue reading A short poem, because I didn’t have time for a longer one…
Those of you who know me might recall the blog I used to write a few years ago, under the name of Tuppence (*) Cataldo, called Dream Catching, in which I interpreted people’s dreams. Well, here’s the one I had the other night. I’m eighteen, a student again, and it’s almost the summer. But I …
The things we do for art… In the name of researching a book, I have to check my facts. And most of the time, fact checking is very pleasurable. Take going on location, for instance. Research trips have taken me to France, Scotland, The Isle of Skye, Cornwall, East Anglia, St Albans, Dublin. It’s only …
I recently did an author’s talk at a library. I love these events, and it’s always a great opportunity to meet readers and talk about my books. People are fascinating and an inspiration, ad it's always good to get positive feedback. Often, people tell me that one thing they like about my ‘golden girls’ novels …
A frined of mine runs a brilliant writing group where she teaches others to improve their skills. Another friend runs a great monthly group where people share what they've written, offering supportive comments. They are an exceptionally nice and talented group of writers. Quite often, I'm busy putting novels together so I'm pushed for time …
That quintessence of dust 