Terracotta Army

Fantastic, incredible, breathtaking – there are really no words to describe the terracotta army exhibition at The British Museum in London. To think that the first emperor – King of Qin – had around 7000 terracotta soldiers built to look after him in the afterlife – not only soldiers but horses and birds, chariots, musicians and civil officials, everything he had during his earthly lifetime was recreated.
The exhibition included other artefacts – elaborate bells, swords, knives, scoops – all manner of things. Particularly interesting was a tableaux – probably no more than a foot high, showing how the army was made. Each figure was built from the feet up in separate parts, assembling as they went, until finally the head was put on – it was then transported on a trolley of sorts to its final destination.
The exhibition runs until April 6th next year, so if you’re ever in London do go to see it. Or even make a special journey – it’s well worth it.

The other reason I was in London was to attend an author luncheon and a champagne party thrown by Mills & Boon. I always love these luncheons – so many writers to talk to and compare experiences. The talking is non-stop. Writing is a lonely profession so meeting up with other writers like this is like the icing on the cake.

Now it’s back to normality. And a new book to think about. My editor’s promised to get back to me next week on the Australian one. So watch this space!

And don't forget the competition on my website. It only has one week left to run. Already I've had some very well thought out 'journeys' It's going to be a tough job judging.

It's a record

I've read my book through after a few day's break, made a few more alterations, and finally it's gone to my editor. Can you believe it's taken me seven and a half months to write this book? It has to be a record. My shortest ever was six weeks, my average is three months. I had problems all the way along and nearly gave it up and started something new. I always send the first few chapters to my editor to read before I carry on with the rest of the book. In this case the first five chapters had to be re-written as she had issues with them, then I sent off three re-written chapters and there were still problems. So I addressd those and carried on writing the rest of the book. Admittedly I have had a couple of holidays in the middle of it! I'm keeping my fingers and toes crossed now that she will like it.


We're off tomorrow to see the Terracotta Army. I'll let you know what it's like.

Pink Heart Society

It’s going to be an exciting weekend. Over on The Pink Heart Society I’m doing a Spotlight Interview. Do take a look and find out where I get my inspiration from for my books, how I relax and wind down, my most embarrassing moment, and lots of other things about me that you might never know otherwise.

Something else embarrassing - my interview will have a link to my website which has gone completely haywire. Many apologies as I have no time at the moment to put it right.

Re-write

Hurrah, my re-write is finished. It’s been a big challenge but I’ve finally come to the end – and a good thing about it is that it’s longer than the original. I always have trouble making my books long enough. Right from the early days of my writing career I could always finish them at about Chapter 7. I’m having to force myself to delve more deeply into the characters, into their thoughts and emotions, and hopefully my books are stronger for it.

I shall leave it now until Monday when I’ll give it its final read through before e-mailing it to my editor. She rang the other day to see how I was doing. I felt guilty because it’s taken me so long. OK, I had two holidays in the middle of it but is that an excuse? Which is more important, my writing or my holidays? The answer is both. Because holidays are invaluable research. (At least that’s what I tell myself)

Next Thursday my DH and I are going to London. I’m going to an author luncheon on Friday and a Mills & Boon author drinks party afterwards. (where I’ll meet my editor – and I couldn’t face her if I hadn’t finished my book!!!) But one of the highlights of our trip will be going to see China’s Terracotta Army exhibition at the British Museum. It starts today I believe and tickets have been flying out. My DH in particular is looking forward to this.

Blocked blog

Has any computer expert out there got any idea how I can 'unblock' by blog. Since my computer crashed I've been unable to sign in unless I open it in a new window. I've gone into internet securities and tried ticking and unticking various boxes to no avail. It shows Blogger.com as a restricted website and it is blocked. Any help would be gratefully received.

Foreign books

I’ve just received some copies of a 2 in 1 book of mine printed in Italian. Actually I now have six copies! How I wished I’d received them before we went to Rome so that I could have handed them out and perhaps got myself some new fans. Isn’t it always the way of things? What do I do with these copies now? I’ll keep one for my bookshelf, but the others? My local library doesn’t want any more – I think I’ve saturated them. All ideas will be gratefully received.