Writing – JO LAMBERT

A DRIFT INTO AUTUMN written 29.10.24

Posted on September 4, 2024November 5, 2024 by Jo Lambert - Author

Yes, I’ve been absent since my March/April update. Where has the time gone? It’s been a busy year, with lots of distractions, and suddenly here we are, almost at the end of October. Last year seemed to rush by as far as summer was concerned, probably because the weather followed a more balanced pattern. This year, constantly yo-yoing between rain and sunshine, and never seeming to settle for long bouts of one or the other (although there has sadly been more wet than warmth), the season seems to have stretched.

All in all, it has been a good year. Although a week in Derbyshire in May was a bit of a wash out, Fowey in June proved exceptionally sunny and dry. The week was busy, meeting family and old neighbours for lunch. In addition, friends came to stay with us for a few days. We had our usual Sunday lunch at the Fowey Harbour Hotel, where we discovered from staff that there were seagull deterrents in the form of giant water pistols placed on outside terrace tables. It’s one of the problems when eating outside and we have experienced Fowey seagulls in the past – at best cheeky and at worst determined to get you to share your meal with them!

Staying in Fowey proved a great opportunity for soaking up the atmosphere and getting back into my Kingswater mode. For those who are unaware, my fictitious Cornish coastal town is loosely based on a mix of Fowey and Dartmouth. Although I had planned to be part way through a new book by now – one based in Somerset, I got so far with the story and then somehow everything stalled. The work will not be for nothing though, as I have filed it for later use, when the Somerset muse comes calling again! No, what did influence the change can be blamed on the fact I had convinced myself that there was room for a fourth book in the Kingswater series. Another story that needed telling. So, I’ve been working on this with a view to begin writing in November. I usually write through the winter anyway, as there are too many distractions during summer months. Now, with our final two trips (one for a week in South Devon, the other to Brockenhurst in the New Forest, to celebrate our wedding anniversary), I can give my total concentration to writing.

Still on the subject of books, I hit my Goodreads 2024 target of 40 books read a few months back and can now add an additional 22 to the tally. Currently I am 55% over my target. Really pleased to have been offered a pre-published copy of the new Kate Atkinson novel, which I really enjoyed. I also have a copy of Annabelle Thorpe’s latest book, due to be published in March 25. This is the sequel to The Enemy of Love (renamed The Village Trattoria) which I read and reviewed in April 2023. Set in 1940s Italy during WW2, the story finished in a way that meant a sequel might follow. And happily it has. The Moonlit Piazza will be published in March 2025 and I’m hoping it will be every bit as good as the first book. If you are a fan of WW2 fiction then I recommend reading The Village Trattoria and following Sophia and Georgio’s journey.

And that’s it until next time. I’ll be back in the run up to Christmas. In the meantime I’ll leave you with a few photos of our holidays.

FOWEY, MEVAGISSY AND CHARLESTOWN ,CORNWALL (JUNE)

Seagull deterrent at The Harbour Hotel, Fowey

BAKEWELL & LADYBOWER DERBYSHIRE (MAY)

KINGSBRIDGE, DEVON (SEPTEMBER)

BROCKENHURST, HAMPSHIRE (OCTOBER)

Writing

A MARCH/APRIL CATCH UP

Posted on April 29, 2024April 28, 2024 by Jo Lambert - Author

What’s that famous saying about March? In like a Lamb and out like a Lion? Or vice versa. Well, now we are about to wave goodbye to the third month of the year, looking back, my lasting memory will be one of rain, rain and more rain. Yes, we’ve had one or two days when you get the feeling warmer, dryer days are about to arrive, but sadly, we’re eventually back to rain again. With the bank holiday imminent, and the fact British Summertime begins on Sunday maybe the weather might start behaving itself. Who knows? Miracles might happen.

I may in the past have mentioned that we look out onto green fields. A couple of years ago this came under new ownership and has been undergoing planting to turn it into a conservation area. During this last week in March, tree and hedge planting has been on-going, interspersed with visits from Roe Deer, pheasants and squirrels. Oh, and the pigeons have returned, which means once they begin nest building we’ll be back to having them wake us up each morning with their special version of the dawn chorus.

Writing News

I’m still working steadily on my new book. No title as yet, which is unusual as I normally have something in mind during the early days of my projects. I’m not duly concerned at the moment, what is more important is getting the story written. Looking back on my notes, it’s interesting to see how things have changed since I wrote my original outline for the book. As writers all know, inspiration comes at the most unexpected moments and can take you in new and totally surprising directions.

In 2018 I signed a one book contract with Choc Lit, under their Ruby imprint. A Cornish Affair was published in 2019 and I was working on a sequel until the moment I received a cancer diagnosis. All writing was understandably abandoned. I parted company with Choc Lit and the book remained available as an e-book. I am happy to say that after three years of monitoring I appear to be clear, although I have to return for a final procedure next year. I did pick up my keyboard again, but as an indie author and wrote my Cornish Coastal trilogy, the last of which was published in April 2023.

Last year, award winning Joffe Publishing took over Choc Lit and have been working with its authors. All previously published work has been given a new cover, some a new title, and been republished. A Cornish Affair, my first novel set in Cornwall (on the north coast) will join the others soon.

And finally, I’ve just joined a group working with Birmingham University as they explore Reading British Romance in the UK and Australia. The group will run for five weeks. During that time we read and share our thoughts on Shirley Conran’s successful 1980s novel Lace. Books in this genre became known as ‘bonkbusters’ because of the amount of sex they contained. I had originally read this back in the 1980s when it was first published and doing the rounds with it again, forty plus years later I’m reading it from a different age perspective, and very much seeing it with different eyes. So far it’s been interesting to see the thoughts of other members of the group. As I do a lot of reading and reviewing, it’s also interesting to see how different the structure of the novel is compared with modern day novels and also how female characters have changed.

So that’s it for now. I’ll be back again at the end of May, fresh from a holiday in the Peak District and hopeful we’ll be treated to some decent late spring weather.

Best wishes

Writing

2023 – Goodbye to another year…

Posted on January 3, 2024January 2, 2024 by Jo Lambert - Author

WRITTEN ON FRIDAY 29TH DECEMBER, 2023

So here we are. The final post of 2023 has arrived at last. Although I’m sad to see the end of another year, I always feel full of optimism at what the new year will bring.

It’s official. Goodreads have notified me that I’m in the top 25% of reviewers for 2023. I admit that since my last novel was published in April this year, I’ve taken a step back from writing. The mojo seemed to have left the building…fled in fact. Not sure the reason, but the fact I’m looking at book number thirteen and am just a tiny bit superstitious might have something to do with it! Actually, it’s not really number thirteen as in 2019 I decided to update the last of my Little Court novels and The Other Side of Morning became Wicked Game. It means if you look at things in a slightly different light, I’m about to embark on book number twelve! Despite this, I took the rest of the year off, embedded myself in reading and reviewing, and it appears the forty books I set myself on the Goodreads 2023 Challenge, has expanded into 86!

I must admit I have enjoyed being able to escape into other writers’ fictional worlds and avoid the dreaded writer’s block for a while. Even after having written eleven books, it is still capable of putting in an appearance, and throwing a spanner in the works when you least expect it. I’ve also found some new writers I’ve become very much a fan of. Wes Markin, Sarah Goodwin, and Jenny O’Brien, all creators of either psychological thrillers or crime. These two genres are my stable favourite reads, but occasionally something a little different catches my eye and I think ‘yes, that looks interesting.’ And so I have added Rachel Burton, Phillipa Nefri Clarke, Anne Madden and Imogen Martin to my list of writers to watch. Looking at my TBR list for 2024 I have new books by three of these writers lined up and can’t wait to read them.

So what about my own writing? Well, I hit the buffers during 2023 and yes, I know, a book won’t write itself, and you just have to get up, dust yourself off and get on with it, but I just felt I wasn’t ready. I’d had several false starts. The inspiration was there but nothing I wrote seemed to work. There were all sorts of reasons. The last two books had been part of a trilogy so the people and surroundings were familiar and the stories almost wrote themselves. Now here I was, with a new cast and new location. Whereas with the last two books I could easily decide that a character ‘wouldn’t do that,’ here I was in unfamiliar territory. So I decided to take a step back for a while and have a rethink about the whole project. And I’m glad I did, because I’m ready – new year, new challenge. With my reading for the year over and the decision to limit myself to four books a month for 2024, my current plan is to get some serious writing underway from 1st January. Wish me luck!

And now my reads for December. Unlike some of the previous months, December has seen quite a slowing down, probably because the month is a busy one with Christmas just around the corner and the inevitable socialising and food organisation that comes with it. This month I chose three very different books – Crime, a Psychological Thriller and an historical novel set in Ireland. The latter has joined my list of favourites for 2023.

So that’s it from me. Have a Happy New Year everyone, and see you on the other side!

Best wishes

Jo xx

Writing

NOVEMBER CATCH UP

Posted on December 4, 2023December 5, 2023 by Jo Lambert - Author

I’m writing this on the last Friday in November, which means at the end of next week we’ll be welcoming in December. Of course, for weeks we’ve been aware that the festive season is just around the corner. TV advertisements and some shops already sporting decorations. Our local Christmas Market opened yesterday (23rd) and will be open until mid-December, bringing shoppers into the city. This year, as I worked on my gift list for friends and relatives, the thought of past Christmases conjured up some memories

Santa Claus

One of my strongest childhood memories was meeting Santa Claus. I must have been about six when one of the girls in my class told us how she’d not only met him, but had actually spoken to him. Of course, once I’d heard that I knew I’d have to meet him too. There were questions that needed answering. Like how did he get around the whole of the world delivering presents in one night? And how did his sleigh work when we rarely had snow before Christmas? Then there was also the question of negotiating our chimney. All the drawings of him were of a large, tubby man. Surely he would get stuck. On Christmas Eve I snuggled down under the blankets to wait for him, excited and apprehensive, with all these questions lined up in my head. When I heard the door to my bedroom creak open, I was about to sit up and face him when I heard familiar voices whispering, followed by the rustle of presents being left at the foot of the bed. The door closed and I lay there. All my questions had been answered, but sadly not by him. Was I disappointed? It’s so long ago, I can’t remember. I know didn’t tell anyone about my discovery. They would find out soon enough for themselves.

Carol Singing

As a member of the Sunday School, I would join the rest of the children as we were packed into two cars and driven from one end of the village to the other to entertain the locals with festive songs. Not sure we were appreciated everywhere though – I remember at least one house where the lights went out as soon as we began singing!

Nearer Christmas, the church held a carol service where each child added a figure to the nativity display. The church was decorated with holly and lit by candle light, very atmospheric and a great childhood memory that comes back to me every year.

The Christmas Bird

My grandfather kept chicken and ducks, together with a few geese which he fattened up for Christmas. For most of my childhood, it meant goose was the bird of choice within the family. I recall my grandmother used to save goose grease in a tub – a hand me down remedy for colds and chest infections when mixed with honey. Rubbed on the chest and back, then covered with brown paper – doesn’t bear thinking about, does it?

Christmas Tree

During my early childhood, the era of the artificial tree had yet to arrive. Instead we bought the real thing, usually off the local farmer. Unlike today, they came with roots, and if small enough, could be planted in the garden and reused for several Christmases to come.

And finally, One of Santa’s Little Helpers

Years later, one of my bosses thought it would be a good idea if his children had a typed reply from ‘one of Santa’s elves’ to make things a little more exciting for them. He roped me in to create a response and although I was a little sceptic, they loved it! Was this the start of my journey into writing fiction? Not quite, but a small creative moment nonetheless.

AND FINALLY, NOVEMBER READS AND REVIEWS

My favourite read was Calico. Not at all what I expected, but definitely worth five big stars from me.

Next month I’ve only three books for review which suits me fine as there’s so much going on in the run up to Christmas. I’ll catch you all after the turkey and tinsel. Have a very Happy Christmas!

Best wishes

Jo x

Writing

OCTOBER ….

Posted on November 10, 2023November 10, 2023 by Jo Lambert - Author

This post, although written well before 31st October, has become like a sticky toffee paper on the bottom of my shoe. It’s reluctant to be dislodged, keen to stay where it is. It seems to me that since I left the workplace behind, the endless amount of time I thought I would have, meaning I’d get so much more done, has not, in fact materialised. Instead, I always seem to have quite a lengthy ‘to do’ list. What is worse, because unlike work any urgency to get a piece of work out (i.e. my monthly update) is all down to me and doesn’t affect anyone if it’s late. However, I am now finishing up and today (10th November) it will be published.

29th October, 2023

It seems that 2023 is now on some sort of toboggan run as October has simply flown by. It’s been a really strange few weeks. Returning from an amazing holiday in the Italian Lakes – clear blue skies and 34 degrees for seven whole days – both of us went down with a virus the day after landing at Bristol Airport. Was it Covid’s latest offering? Well not according to the rapid flow test we both took. Whatever it was, we spent three weeks trying to shake it off, the first ten days indoors and avoiding everyone. It felt as if we were going back to the good old days of 2020. A week after we stepped out into the world again, we had our Covid and Flu shots at our local medical centre. Just as last year, it was well organised, with minimum waiting time and thankfully not much in the way of side effects other than hot, aching upper arms for 24 hours.

Since then, life has got back to normal. I’ve written a Christmas gift list and am now working out what to buy – a complete headache, but I hate copping out and giving everyone gift vouchers. The predictable envelope isn’t half as much fun as a festively wrapped package. I’ve also bought my cards which are tucked away ready for another dose of writer’s cramp as I sign and seal, ready to post. I’ve cut down the number this year as the postal rates are simply crazy. I remember back in the 80s when the Boy Scouts were allowed to issue a specially reduced priced postage stamp which would enable them to deliver local Christmas cards. Sadly, those days are long gone. For Christmas shopping we usually alternate between Salisbury and Winchester. This year it’s Winchester’s turn. The huge open area surrounding the cathedral enables the city to set its Christmas market well away from the main shopping area. Although crowded, it gives good access and isn’t such a crush as many other markets are.

Writing is progressing slowly. I have a few other plans which have taken my attention away, but I hope to be back on course soon.

Of course the monthly news wouldn’t be complete without listing my reading for the month. Of particular mention are Wendy Dranfield’s Her Lonely Bones – the sixth in her Detective Madison Harper series and yet another unputdownable read. Then Jenny O’Brien, The Puppet Maker and Alex Pine’s The Night before Christmas, both of which are addictive reads and highly recommended.

So that’s all for now until the end of November. Since our return from Italy in mid-September, the weather going into autumn has given us brief glimpses of sunshine amongst the wind and rain. However, I always choose a background image on my PC to remind me that the winter will eventually end and the better weather will be with us once again. On this occasion, I’ve chosen one of the shots from our Italian holiday. It reminds me of that afternoon when after a two hour ferry journey, we disembarked in Garda town for a wander and some lunch. Great holiday memories and looking forward to more in 2024.

See you next month

Jo xx

Holidays, Italy, MONTHLY UPDATE, READING AND REVIEWING, WEATHER, Writing

AUGUST UPDATE…

Posted on August 25, 2023August 24, 2023 by Jo Lambert - Author

August had the potential to save summer. To inject some sunshine into those last thirty one days before September arrived. Unfortunately, that didn’t happen. Okay, there were moments of warm sunshine. Days when the beach beckoned, or eating in the garden was possible. But somehow the rain just kept coming back, bringing with it gloomy grey skies. I’ve always seen the August Bank Holiday weekend as the gateway to autumn. Having said that, both September and October can often surprise us with unexpected sunshine and unseasonably warm days. So, who knows, maybe this year, an Indian summer awaits us. We can only hope!

AUGUST READS

August has been a quiet month for reading. I’m still working on the outline for my new book, which I plan to begin writing at the end of September. I think that probably cut the number of reads. All in all, it proved to be a month of quality rather than quantity, with Kate Ryder’s Echoes on a Cornish River definitely coming out on top as my favourite read.

September starts with a holiday. Our long awaited trip to Italy. This was booked in February, which seemed ages ago, but suddenly, here it is, less than a fortnight away. We are returning to Desenzano on Lake Garda. It’s my first trip abroad since 2018 and the fated ankle break while staying in Menorca. It was followed shortly after by Covid, which curtailed our ability to take holidays, even in the UK. It will be our fourth trip to the lake and second to Desenzano (where we stayed in 2016) . Italy is one of my favourite holiday destinations. I love everything about the country – the weather, the food, the people…and, of course, the history. I’m so looking forward to this trip, which will be followed by our Ruby Wedding Anniversary in October. And then, we’ll be thinking about Christmas…

Well, that’s all for now. I’ll be back at the end of September. In the meantime, wherever you are, enjoy the coming Bank Holiday.

Contemporary Romance, Costal Romance, Holidays, ROMANTIC SUSPENSE, Writing

ADIOS TO SUMMER…

Posted on August 31, 2022August 31, 2022 by Jo Lambert - Author

Yes, I know that seems a little depressing, but for me, the August Bank Holiday weekend has always been a symbol of the ending of summer. It feels like a door closing behind us, moving us on towards autumn. Looking back on this month, I have to confess that it’s been one of the most uncomfortable ever. Sunshine is definitely therapeutic. It energises me, makes me feel relaxed and puts a different face on the world. However, although the heatwave that arrived in the UK during August was very welcome, it soon turned uncomfortable. Despite having all the windows and doors open, some days there was little air. And nights, with most of those windows still open, still meant at times it was difficult to sleep. Open windows also proved an irresistible invitation for insect life. Moths are an expectation. Crickets maybe not, but the worst intruders were spiders, who seem to get bigger and bigger each year. All were given a helping hand out of the bathroom window never to be seen again.

I was around during the 1976 heatwave/drought (whatever you want to call it), when we had ten whole weeks without rain. Gardens were watered with bathwater, lawns went from green to brown (as they have this summer), and stand pipes were issued in some places, leaving people to queue with buckets to collect water. The stand pipes didn’t reach my road and thankfully the country has not experienced such draconian measures now. I remember ironing in my underwear because it was so hot and wondering if it would ever rain again. Comparing them both, Summer 2022 has definitely been the worst experience of the two. In those days there were no talks of global warming, it was just a very long, hot summer. Now what is happening has far reaching implications for both the planet and us in general. Looking forward, I guess the downside of all this is that we will have a very wet autumn. Mother Nature normally balances the seasons, and despite global warming, I have a feeling when the rain does arrive, there will be lots of it.

WRITING: At the beginning of the month my manuscript left the building for editing. Unfortunately, part way in my editor hit a problem. One which needed it to be returned and some comprehensive rewrites undertaken before she could continue. It’s the first time this has happened to me, and I guess it won’t be the last. Even after eleven books, I’m still learning. The delay has meant my hope of a late September publication date has had to be shelved. Instead, I’ve moved it to the New Year, probably late January or early February.

HOLIDAYS: In three weeks we’ll be in Cornwall. Fowey is a place I never tire of. It’s somewhere that really influences my writing. It’s a place where Daphne Du Maurier wrote in her house on the estuary next to the Boddinick Ferry. In fact, in my latest novel, I have taken something from the town – the Old Quay House Hotel – as inspiration for the Estuary House Hotel, which is central to my story. At this moment, with the completion of the third and final part of my Cornish trilogy imminent, I’m fairly open minded about what happens next. It’s always good to discover another part of the West Country where I can put down ‘roots’ and create another community, weaving romance and mystery around the lives of everyday folk. However, there are still characters in my fictitious estuary town of Kingswater who might be able to provide enough interest for a fourth book. I’ll just have to see what soaking up that Cornish atmosphere does. Watch this space!

READING & REVIEWING: And finally, my reading for the month. You can find my reviews on Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/thewriterwhoreads

So that’s all for now. I’ll be back at the end of September. In the meantime take care everyone…

Writing

September Update

Posted on October 5, 2021 by Jo Lambert - Author

Another month over. I’ve had my Cornish break, a relaxing week enjoying some fabulous food, visiting two amazing houses and gardens and soaking up the atmosphere in Fowey in preparation for my next book: the third and final part of my Cornish trilogy.

Back in July I’d booked all our evening meals weeks before our trip to South Devon. This time, however, I convinced myself that things would be back to normal. That meant booking Sunday and Friday lunches, our first and last meals, and working from there. So when we returned from Sunday lunch, I scanned my mobile for the names and numbers of places in Fowey where we had previously enjoyed great food. The first restaurant I called apologised and told me they were fully booked until the following Saturday! It appeared staycation was very much alive and well. The return of the new autumn term may have seen families disappear but a new and older set of holiday makers had arrived and the place was buzzing. However, all came good in the end and I managed to book us in on all but one of the remaining evenings.

One of the pubs I managed to book (twice actually) was The Old Ferry Inn at Boddinick. Luckily we were staying right next to the Boddinick Ferry which takes both cars and foot passengers. It meant we could hop on the ferry, enjoy our meal, and hop back on again to return to the apartment. The pub’s dining room had a wonderful view of the estuary, looking up towards Polruan. On our first meal there, it was a warm, clear evening and we not only had the benefit of a great menu but also a fabulous view from our table as you will see from the photo below. The white house with blue shutters on the left side of the picture is where author Daphne Du Maurier wrote her many novels.

As with most holidays, the time went quickly and soon we were packing our cases for the homeward journey. Fowey had became a bit of an oasis. Time to just chill out and think about nothing in particular – whether we were spending time with a glass of wine on the apartment’s patio, or watching the water traffic on the river. In my case there was an element of busman’s holiday. Walking through its streets, I soon became drawn back to my fictitious estuary town of Kingswater. My third and final book of the trilogy features one of the lesser known characters. Until that week, I still had no idea about her life or her family background. That had still to be created. Happily, it wasn’t long before it all began to come together. Now I’m almost ready to begin, and feel quite excited at the prospect of creating another story, which like the others, will contain not only romance, but an element of mystery and suspense.

Fowey Estuary with Daphne Du Maurier’s house in the foreground

In my last post I mentioned I would be talking about real life characters who had inspired my writing. In my first books, set in the fictitious Somerset village of Meridan Cross during the 1950s and 60s, I took the opportunity to incorporate one or two individuals I remembered from childhood. One character in the book was an old village man called ‘Doggie’ Barker. He lived in a cottage in the village with his canine companion, a border collie. Doggie’s character was taken from someone in the small Wiltshire village where I grew up. I remember him as ‘Brusher’ Stone, a nickname given him on account of the heavy moustache he sported, so my grandfather told me. A retired farm worker, he would spend most of his time during summer evenings leaning on his gate, chatting to locals who passed. His dog, a black and white Labrador cross, was named Toby, a name I kept for my fictitious canine. Central character Ella’s grandmother, Laura Kendrick, was also based on someone I ‘borrowed’. Marjorie Welch lived in the manor house and was our Sunday School teacher. Married to a retired army colonel and a former debutante (in the time when debs were presented at court), she moved in with her family when I was around eight years old. She thoroughly immersed herself in village life, running the elderly to GP appointments, collecting prescriptions, and even personally delivering a barrow full of logs to a young couple with a new baby when we were snowed in one winter. A wonderful character on which to base Ella’s strong, capable grandmother.

Of course drawing on childhood memories proved useful for my first novels, but as I moved on into contemporary romance, it became all about visualising my characters instead of ‘exporting’ them from the past. Having said that, I have to admit to still getting inspiration for my heroes from stars of both the big and small screen.

And just before I sign off, I’m pleased to announce that I have completed my Goodreads challenge for 2021. However, I’m planning to continue reading until the end of the year – there are so many good books out there. These are my September reads. I don’t usually make recommendations, but have to say Sarah Goodwin’s Stranded and Sheryl Browne’s The Liar’s Child are, in my opinion, a couple of the best psychological thrillers so far this year.

So that is it for the moment. Will catch up again at the end of October.

And now off to write, wish me luck!

Best wishes

Writing

NEVER WORK WITH CHILDREN OR ANIMALS…

Posted on August 11, 2021August 10, 2021 by Jo Lambert - Author

Or so says the famous quote. As a writer, I avoided both, although in the Little Court series, my first set of books based in rural West Somerset there were two collies – Gaffer and Laddie – owned by farmer Richard Evas. They were working dogs who got a few mentions. Someone I used to work with way back owned two collies. The younger dog, called Gaffer, became the muse for one of the fictitious duo. Then there was ‘Doggie’ Barker the old village man who had his faithful friend Toby.

There were no more canine characters until my eighth book A Cornish Affair and mother and son Gussie and Gulliver, Cat Trevelyan’s father’s much loved Labradors. Cat’s great aunt Emelia (Em) also got in on the act with her West Highland Terrier Hamish, a small dog with a reputation for absconding. During one of his bids for freedom, as Em searches for him she becomes a key witness in a murder investigation.

Up until that moment, dogs had only played a minor role in my stories. After all, as far as I was concerned, there was only a limited amount canines were capable of. That’s until I introduced Erik into my storyline for A Kingswater Summer, released today (Tuesday 10th August). Erik is a Schnauzer and owned by Stella Wynter, a retired actress who lives at Penmarra, a beautiful old house on the banks of the Kings River. An unexpected meeting sees my central character Kiera Merrick employed to assist in creating a memory room for Stella in the old house. I did not have any plans for Erik beyond being Stella’s companion. As far as I was concerned his role would be similar to Hamish. But as often happens, the characters take over and in this case, as the book progressed, so Erik’s role became more prominent.

First, he was instrumental in bringing Kiera and brooding actor Jake Paterson together. Without giving too much away, when he became parted from Stella, and Kiera took over responsibility for him, he gained a whole load of new fans. Kiera’s father Eddie, not a great lover of dogs, became his companion for evening walks by the river. On some days he kept the team at Merrick’s boat builders company, on others he’d spend time with the crew of the Estuary Princess on her afternoon excursions. And on occasions, he even accompanied Eddie and Kiera’s brother Jory to the local pub. Finally, he became a real hero, attacking an intruder and burying his teeth in the burglar’s leg, sending him bolting for the door.

As always happens when I finish a book, I’m sad to say goodbye to the cast, and I can say hand on heart, I’m going to miss Erik. He really was a great character!

So there we are, a small dog who ended up with quite an important part to play. As I wrote I grew to love him. I hope you will too.

A Kingswater Summer, is now available in e-book at a special publication price of 99p/$1.37 Or read for free with Kindle Unlimited…

Uncategorized, Writing

Tea and Talk at Sally Lunn’s with Serena Fairfax

Posted on April 28, 2013 by Jo Lambert - Author

Welcome Serena to Tea and Talk at Sally Lunns, it’s lovely to see you here in Bath today.

This is a treat in more ways than one. A scrumptious tea in Georgian Bath, following where Jane Austen did not fear to tread. The last time I visited this architectural gem was ages ago when I came with a boyfriend who had a job interview scheduled. I wandered around sight seeing whilst he underwent a gruelling afternoon being asked a lot of trick questions. He didn’t get the job – the feedback being unsuitable as lacking in entrepreneurial ambition although he eventually ended up employing himself with outstanding success!

Now that we are settled and waiting for our food to arrive could tell me a little about yourself?

I spent my childhood in India. My father was an international businessman (I kind of persuaded myself that was his cover story and that he was really a secret agent!) so wherever he was posted – we followed. Then I was sent to boarding school in England – a really fun place with inspiring staff- midnight feasts in the dorm etc – and thence to University where I read law. Joined a large London firm and am still in the day job!

When did you start writing and what was it that made you decide to be an author?

There were the usual juvenile compositions but I started writing category romances in the early 1990s when I heard Mills & Boon were looking for new authors ( I’ve not been able to crack that nut!) Robert Hale published my first two and they went into large print. Then nothing for ages, as I was busy earning a living. When I’d laboured sufficiently in the vineyard, I became eligible for a Sabbatical so grabbed it and not being someone who does things by halves, traded bricks and mortar for a houseboat, dusted off a mothballed typescript from the bottom drawer that eventually morphed into WHERE THE BULBUL SINGS which I self-published as an e-book and hard copy.

And what was your route to publishing?

Well, like true love it didn’t run smooth! More downs than ups but always exciting and challenging. Being an indie – author is like setting off on a journey without a compass or road map. There are unknown perils and pitfalls but ultimately there’s the real pleasure of unchartered waters and a safe haven.

You have written five books, all different. Was that a conscious choice or did the inspiration for each just strike and make you think ‘yes, this is what I’ll write next?’

Six at the last count. Four – STRANGE INHERITANCE; PAINT ME A DREAM; GOLDEN GROVE and WILFUL FATE are unashamedly 50,000 word romances. WHERE THE BULBUL SINGS is a sprawling saga of 150,000 words that cried out to be told and IN THE PINK (40,000 words ) is an experiment and quite different from the others. I can’t say it was a conscious choice as it depends on what mood I’m in when type that first sentence. It’s capable of luring one down an entirely different path.

What is your advice for would-be writers?

I wouldn’t presume to give advice, as I’m not a household name. All I can say is enjoy what you’re doing, keep b—-g on and drink lots of red wine.

If you could change one thing in your life, what would that be?

I’d like to experience a process that would render me invisible. That would be amazing because you’d be able to everything people normally only say about you behind your back and don’t dare to say to your face! Also I could happily gatecrash celeb dos and no one would be the wiser.

And lastly, who would you most like to meet and why?

That’s a difficult one. If I’m allowed to time travel I’d choose William Harvey (he of the circulation of the blood) a brilliant, short, rather irascible man whose innovative theory was truly revolutionary and impacted hugely on modern biology and anatomy. He became known as the person who arrived to a great proficiency in Cat and Dog cutting.

Many thanks Serena for coming along today and giving such a great interview, it was lovely to meet you.