My thoughts about books, writing, life and so many other things….Judy Leigh/ Elena Collins.
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. …
This week I went to the RNA Awards Ceremony as a nominee for Historical Romantic Novel. The Wicked Lady. It’s the first time I’ve been nominated, so I had no idea what to expect. I’d seen The BAFTAS on TV and I assumed that’s what it would be like. It was. Pretty much. A really …
Continue reading The Speech That I Should Have Made At The RNA Awards
I spent a long weekend in the Highlands a week ago, so that I could research another book. I don’t want to give anything away at this stage, but part of the research involved standing at the top of a long winding hill and shuddering at the thought of what happened there many years ago. …
I researched The Cornish Witch in Mullion, a wild village on the coast of Cornwall, and the location was perfect. From the tops of the craggy cliffs the witch could watch the villagers unseen. There was a misty cove with whispering waves at nightfall, and a chill breeze. Tiny, old fishermen’s cottages, full of atmosphere. …
Continue reading The Real Story Behind the Ghosts in my novel The Cornish Witch
You remember a few weeks ago when I was deliberating the question of which famous personality I’d choose to go on a Valentine’s date with, and I couldn’t think of anyone at all? I ended up spending my hypothetical romantic evening with Pikachu, or someone completely inappropriate, because I couldn’t think of a suitable partner. …
Continue reading Remember the search for a Valentine’s Date? I’ve Changed my Mind.
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 …
When I started thinking about writing The Wicked Lady, the dual timeline was a central focus. I knew what I wanted to write about Katherine Ferrers. Her story has been sketchily recorded in history, with plenty of gaps for me to fill with creative speculation. But I needed a modern character to parallel her story. …
Well, dear friends and readers, hopefully the summer is round the corner. I keep picturing the sizzling cover of that Stevie Wonder album, Hotter than July. Here in the south west of England, it’s lukewarm, to say the least. Cooler than April, most mornings. But I won’t be deterred. This is what I’m up to …
We don’t ask to be born into privilege. But privilege is something we have in varied amounts, whoever we are. Perhaps being male, being white, being educated, being wealthy are privileges. It depends on complexities, who you are, where you are, and what your situation. There are, of course, many more privileges than this. Certainly, …
That quintessence of dust 