Category: Uncategorized

For my sins I look after the second-hand uniform cupboard at school. Whilst I love the accounting side of it – counting money and sharing the proceeds of sales between school and parents – I’m not so keen on the cupboard itself. I felt sick at the beginning of term when I opened the doors,… Continue reading Are Boxes the Answer?

Today I am pleased to have an interview with author Sue Watson. We live close enough to each other to have a coffee now and then. We chat non-stop when we do meet. Sue’s wonderfully named “Fat Girls and Fairy Cakes” was released by Rickshaw Publishing on 8 September 2011. Sue’s blog can be found… Continue reading Interview with Guest Author – Sue Watson

I’ve been away and I never like to advertise my holidays on social media sites, so I apologise to those who thought I’d disappeared or ignored them. We went to East Devon and unfortunately the weather wasn’t particularly kind. The place we stayed was lovely, with lots of activities for little one. The second week… Continue reading Holidays

In honour of Sally Quillford’s 48th birthday we were asked to come up with blog posts based on the number 48, so I’ve written a list of 48 ideas to help you finish your manuscript. Some of these are serious others a bit silly and most depend on your character – take what works for… Continue reading 48 Ways To Get Your Manuscript Finished!

Today I am pleased to have an interview with author Sue Johnson. I am particularly pleased to have Sue on my blog on the occasion of the launch of her debut novel, as I have been attending her writing courses for a couple of years now.   Fable’s Fortune is released by Indigo Dreams Publishing on… Continue reading Interview with Guest Author – Sue Johnson

A comment by Serenity Woods reminded me about a blog post I have been meaning to write. She said that her husband always knows she is contemplating a new book when she takes her book of baby names off the book shelf. So how can you find inspiration for names? Here are ten suggestions:- 1. Baby… Continue reading 10 Ways to Name Your Characters

Just over a week ago I was feeling elated about having written 80,000 words of my current WIP. Now reality dawns. I need to get into this, for me, new arena called editing. With the school holidays underway and a very bouncy eight year old demanding amusement, my writing time will be limited for the… Continue reading Just When You Think You Have Finished!

On Saturday (9 July) I set off in great trepidation to drive to Caerleon in Wales for the RNA conference. It made me realise that I don’t drive far these days, but thanks to the satnav and Ellie Swoop keeping me awake we arrived safely. It was lovely to see people I knew, people I… Continue reading Toe in Water – RNA Conference

For those of you who have missed my many update posts on Twitter (@MSGray53) and Facebook, I finished my 80,000 word writing challenge yesterday. The aim was to write 80,000 words in 80 days and I finished early. Don’t worry this isn’t going to be a bragging post. I am pleased with myself, but I… Continue reading I Did It!

Last Friday evening (1 July 2011), I attended another book signing. This time it was at Waterstones in Worcester and was for Elizabeth Chadwick’s ‘Lady of the English’. Ellie Swoop accompanied me and it felt very strange walking through the deserted streets of Worcester after hours with all the shops shut and dark. We even… Continue reading Lady of the English – Elizabeth Chadwick