Monday 9 July 2012

Brand new blog

I've decided to close my two separate blogs and combine them into one new and improved blog called Nuts and Crisps . I want to thank all my followers and contributors and invite you over to pull up a stool and have a snack!

Thursday 5 July 2012

Welcome to she said, he said: ONCE REMOVED with KIM WALKER today.

Welcome to she said, he said: ONCE REMOVED with KIM WALKER today.: I'm delighted to welcome fellow Crooked{Cat}Publishing author, K. B. Walker, today. She's going to enlighten us about the background to th...

Tuesday 3 July 2012

A Novel in a Week


First I'd like to point out that I, KB Walker, am not going to attempt to write a novel in a week! This is the crazy idea of novelist, David W Robinson, a fellow author from the Crooked {Cat} establishment. This is what he has to say about it:
I’m going to write novel in week.
Pauses for gapes and gasps of utter astonishment.
Why?
No reason at all. I’m semi-retired, dogged by poor sleep, mainly through poor health, so I spend a lot of hours at the computer, filling the time by writing and pottering about the web. Then I read this piece about someone else who had tried it and I thought, “yeah, why not?”
As anyone who knows me will testify, my output is prodigious. To write one of my popular, light-hearted Sanford 3rd Age Club Mysteries, takes about month. Major thrillers, such as The Handshaker and Voices, take a little longer, but never more than three months when the ideas and words are flowing.
But a novel in a week? It’s impossible isn’t it?
I would agree, but I’m still going for it.
Let’s be clear on this; I don’t expect to produce a perfect, publishable work in seven days, but I do expect a solid, working first draft, and my calculations, based on a typing speed of 25 wpm, indicate that I can do it.
It will mean changes to my regular writing routine. For a start off, there will be more hours on the word processor rather then the Web. Secondly detail planning is needed. I’m not a planner; never have been, but without some kind of written plan, I have no chance. I have to take into account our weekly jaunts to Tesco’s to pick up life’s necessities such as food and teabags, and the dog will be going for shorter walks… that’s slightly misleading. Thanks to my arthritic knees, if the walks get any shorter, he’ll only get as far as the front gate.
I have several advantages, if they can be described as such. I’m quite hard of hearing so the TV and radio do not distract me. Not that I watch TV even when I have the chance. The missus doesn’t distract me, either … mind you, she doesn’t even talk to me unless she’s nagging about trivia like rent, gas and electricity bills.
I’m also quite focussed. Although I tend to keep two or three projects on the go at a time, to stave off the threat of boredom, when I’m on song with one of them, I stick with it.
The be all and all is I’m going to try. It’s not a bet, it’s not for charity, it’s not for any reason at all other than the same reason people keep climbing Everest. Because it’s there.
And the result? Whether I write 70,000 or 20,000 words, the end product will be revised, polished, tidied up and sent to my publishers, Crooked Cat Books, and if they don’t want it, I’ll probably self-publish.
Would you like to follow the progress of this insane idea? As well as writing the actual novel, I’ll be blogging the result at http://novelinaweek.blogspot.co.uk You’re more than welcome to tag along.

Monday 2 July 2012

New review on Multi-Story

Once Removed is now listed on the Multi-Story book blog multi-story.co.uk

This is what they had to say:
Written with sensitivity and perception this novel deals with the complex subject of self-harming. Through convincing characters and a wholly believable story line it examines the social and emotional issues involved

Thursday 28 June 2012

The I-Spy Murders

Crooked {Cat} Publishing launch The I-Spy Murders today. It's a new cosy crime novel by David W Robinson and is the second in the series. They're 1st Lady Detective meets Murder She Wrote. If you enjoyed The Filey Connection, you'll love this.

Wednesday 27 June 2012

Marina Lewycka an inspiration

I had a great day on Saturday, managed to fit in everything I wanted to do, sold a few books and had a lovely day. Marina Lewycka (author of a Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian) was an inspiration. So inspiring, in fact, I've got an new idea for a novel and since the one I was working on has stalled this might be just what I needed... Watch this space.

Friday 22 June 2012

Busy Saturday

Writers' meeting in the morning, poetry reading in the afternoon and listening to Marina Lewycka (A Short History of Tractors in Ukrainian) at the Holmfirth Arts Festival in the evening!

Chance to Win

I've got a guest post today on the blog Book Sake . You can read a bit about the story behind the book. There's a chance to win a copy of Once Removed.

Saturday 16 June 2012

Jonas Centre Wensleydale

Just off to the Jonas Centre to lead a Writing From Life workshop for a women's retreat. Hoping to cheer up a wet day.

Thursday 14 June 2012

New Treats

There are now five genres represented in the Readers' Treats section; romance, contemporary fiction, memoir, historical fiction and fantasy. The latest book is How To Look Like You, with some great prizes on offer. There's still lots of room for other books and genres.

Great article on book promotion

"Your book is your child. You can't recognize its shortcomings, any more than a proud parent can consider their child dumb and ugly." Joe Konrath 
Check out this article for good advice on book promotion. What works: Promo for ebooks 

Friday 8 June 2012

Guest speaker in Slough

Just gathering my notes ready for a talk I'm giving in Slough next week. Plus cleaning the house for my niece and friend who will be looking after my dog ;0) A busy month, with a poetry day tomorrow, talk Tuesday, leading a writing workshop next Saturday in Wensleydale, then another writers' day the Saturday after that, followed by a reading from Gardens, Gifts and Grace. Will there be any progress on the new book??

Friday 1 June 2012

All new format for Once Removed Blog

In an effort to connect with fellow readers as well as authors I've updated my blog. It now includes a Readers' Treats page, where readers can have access to special 'extras' to increase their reading pleasure, and a Writers' Goodies page with information, workshop ideas and anything else that authors might appreciate.

Thursday 31 May 2012

International reviews!

Kimberley in Brisbane has written to say she loved Once Removed. Added to all the 5 star reviews in the US and UK, makes it internationally acclaimed ;0)

Wednesday 30 May 2012

Beware of writing’s “X Factor”



Some good advice comes to us today from KB Walker, author of 
Beware of writing’s “X Factor”

If you’ve ever watched X Factor, in the audition stages, you’ll have seen 
how many people have only shared their talent with loved ones wearing 
rose-tinted spectacles and
 seriously modified hearing aids
 (
there are lots 
of cringe-making videos 
on 
YouTube, if you’ve missed out).



You may also have noticed the huge numbers of people who turn up for these 
auditions. Your manuscript will be up against similar numbers, if you want it 
published. Even if you decide to self-publish, your work must be polished to 
perfection or people won’t buy it. It’s vital to get critical feedback. Even
bestselling authors have trusted readers who read drafts before they are submitted 
for publication. Writing a novel takes time and you are too close to it to see it objectively.

To see the rest of the article visit The Writers ABC Checklist http://thewritersabcchecklist.blogspot.co.uk/2012/05/beware-of-writings-x-factor.html?spref=fb 

Tuesday 29 May 2012

Brilliant review from a Top 500 Reviewer


4.0 out of 5 stars A novel of depth and sensitivity28 May 2012
By 
Nicola F (Nic) (United Kingdom) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)   
This review is from: Once Removed (Kindle Edition)
*Full disclosure: the author sent me a copy of this novel in the hope that I would review it. All opinions are my own.*

I was excited to read this novel as I instantly realised it would touch on some very topical, sensitive themes and I was curious to see how the author would handle them.

This is the story of newly-qualified teacher Abriella (Abby), a woman with a bit of an emotional background of her own, and who recognises in twelve-year-old pupil Beth, that *something* is also amiss. Abby isn't sure if Beth is being bullied or if she is self-harming, but as she tries to get close to the girl and be her confidant, the repurcussions may have disastrous consequences for both of them...

I enjoyed the way the author tackled this story from various perspectives as it gave the reader a chance to understand more deeply what was happening in the narrative, which flowed very well. I feel that Beth's voice and emotions were depicted realistically and to be honest, my heart broke at what she was going though and at the secrets she was bottling up inside. Though I liked Abby enough, I have to confess that it took me a long time to warm to her, which I think was supposed to be the point as her background was slowly unravelled. Initially I felt her weak and unable to stand up for herself, with both her family and her abhorent boyfriend, though this frustration did eventually pass, and I found myself caring about what would happen to her too.

The settings felt authentic and the development of the main characters was solid, though I have to say that I didn't particularly warm to any of Abby's friends much- aside from Ryan. I also loathed most of her family, and low-self esteem issues aside, I still can't believe she put up with how they treated her! The 'witch hunt' was also well conveyed too- and put me in mind of a few recent British tabloid stories.

Though the story is indeed written well, there were a few lapses in tense towards the end of the story- between first and third person, which I found a bit jarring. I also think that some of the subject matter was a bit glossed over in points- i.e. a particular situation with loss and grieving could have been handled more comprehensively, it felt just a bit rushed within the storyline and certain feelings therein didn't seem to be elaborated on to a great extent.

Generally, this was a well-written, fast-paced novel that sensitively and accurately handled some strong, emotional themes and the author should be commended for that. I would welcome reading more from her again in future and would recommend trying this book if you enjoy novels of depth that aren't afraid to tackle some controversial subject matters that other writers might shy away from. Brilliant review

Monday 28 May 2012

Michela interviews me on Words in a Jar


Pheeeew! Took ages to fiddle with formatting on Blogspot, but I did it at last. Here's a lovely chat to Kim Walker about her books, her experience with self-publishing, publishing with Crooked Cat, teaching and being an American "enjoying" the British weather :)
words-in-a-jar.blogspot.com

Charlotte Bronte

Sunday, I went on a guided tour of Red House and Oakwell House both featured in Shirley, a less well known book by Charlotte Bronte. Fascinating to hear about Charlotte and her friends who lived in these two properties. They were a powerful voice for women in their day. I'm only part-way through reading Shirley. It's not easy going but interesting, as it looks at the Luddites and independent women.

Shirley wasn't well received at the time because it was challenging. A friend on the walk told me she'd read my book, Once Removed. She'd found it "uncomfortable to start with but it quickly became a real page-turner and was quite an accomplishment". Something in common with Charlotte Bronte? Now that would be amazing.

Wednesday 23 May 2012

An interview on Maria Savva's Goodreads blog


I enjoyed reading Kimm's poignant and inspirational memoir A Life Less Lost. I was excited to hear that Kimm has recently published a novel Once Removed. I'm very much looking forward to reading it. Kimm's a very talented writer. When I heard she had a new book out I decided it was about time I introduced her to all of you.


As well as agreeing to answer my questions, Kimm is very generously offering to give away a Kindle or pdf version of Once Removed and a paper version or a voucher for a digital copy of A Life Less Lostfrom Smashwords

To be in with a chance to win a copy of one of her books, please leave a comment below, or simply 'like' this blog post. Winners will be picked on 10th June 2012.

Here's my interview with Kimm:


I read your memoir 'A Life Less Lost' in 2009. It's very moving and inspirational. What made you decide to publish a memoir at the time?



It was a story I wanted to tell and in 2004 I finally had the opportunity. The first draft poured out in 4 months but then it took 5 years to polish it. By that time I was doing speaking engagements and people were disappointed there weren’t copies to buy. When I had the opportunity to speak alongside Adrian Plass, I decided I couldn’t wait for the slow wheels of publishing and did it myself.

Your son's battle with cancer is featured prominently in your memoir. Has he read the book, and if so did he give you any feedback on it?

A very interesting question, Maria. James gave me permission to write and sell the book but he hasn’t read it. His father and brother have and were surprised by the different ways in which we each experienced and remembered what happened. James says it’s taken him long enough to come to terms with his own interpretation of events and he doesn’t want to cope with mine.

You self-published A Life Less Lost, but with your new book, a novel, you have decided to use a publisher. What was your reason for not self-publishing this time?

As you know, Maria, self-publishing is extremely hard work. But I was losing confidence in myself as a writer. I needed that seal of approval that someone who didn’t know me thought enough of my book to take a risk on it.

How did you go about looking for a publisher for your novel?

I studied the Writers & Artists Yearbook for people most likely to be interested in my story and then checked out their websites and submission guidelines. I met and spoke to a PR person at an author event and she asked to see a sample and recommended three publishers. But none of that came to anything. Once Removed doesn’t fit easily into any genres so was too risky for the more established houses. A friend suggested a few e-publishers who are trying to build a presence in the market and actively seek out new and unusual work. I studied their websites and went for Crooked {Cat} Publishing, who quickly signed me up.

I'm looking forward to reading your new novel, 'Once Removed'. Can you tell us a bit about it and how long it took to write?



It’s about a young teacher who suspects one of her pupils is self-harming. Abby risks everything to try to help Beth but it all goes horribly wrong. It looks at the impact relationships have on us but also the way in which our own self-image affects those relationships.

I’ve had much to learn about writing (I did science at university!) so have taken courses, worked my way through self-help books and written lots of other things alongside this novel and my memoir. In seven years, Once Removed has been through many transformations. I’m certainly hoping my next book will take less time!

You have said that an experience in high school gave you the idea for Once Removed. Are you able to elaborate on that?

In high school, a girl felt close enough to me to reveal the razor slashes she’d made in her legs. I didn’t know what to do. At fourteen, new to the school and recently bereaved, I basically ran away. But I still wonder about that girl and what’s happened to her. In the '90s, when self-harm was in the media, I did some research and a story was born which explores this complex behaviour through the eyes of these two characters.

I saw on your bio that before you published your memoir, you'd had several poems, short stories and articles published and won a handful of local prizes, as well as being invited to speak at events in the UK and US. Can you tell us a bit more about these?

I’ve won competitions run by Huddersfield Authors’ Circle, been shortlisted in a Huddersfield Literature Festival competition and won second prize in a short story magazine. I learned a great deal about dialogue working collaboratively on two radio plays, even though they weren’t taken up. These were early on, when I was writing widely to get feedback and learn the craft. I’ve had articles published in various places and edit my church magazine. My poems appear in several anthologies but my main passion is for novels. They are what I read and know the best.

The speaking events began out of the blue and grew from there. I did set up a mini ‘book tour’ when I went to the States to visit my family. We went to five states, slept in ten different beds and sold over seventy books. More sales have followed but they’ve been slow. I plan to do more promotion over the Internet, once things settle down with Once Removed.

You have a book trailer for Once Removed. Who produced that?

My youngest son, David, is a filmmaker working for Bluprint. He and a couple of friends made it for me as well as the one for A Life Less Lost.

What's your opinion of book trailers in general? Have you ever decided to buy a book after seeing the trailer?

Personally, I have such a huge pile of books I want to read I haven’t used book trailers but when you are an unknown author you have to try everything to get some attention.

Which do you prefer reading e-books or print, and why?

I resisted getting an e-reader for ages but eventually the shrinking luggage allowances convinced me and I love it! I read walking my dog and don’t need to take my mittens off to turn the page, can read while eating my lunch without the book closing and in bed without my hand getting cold. It’s dangerously easy to buy the next book immediately after finishing the last one, too.

Who are your favourite authors and what is it about their work that you like?

That’s a hard question! I like Jodi Picoult, although her books do get a bit samey. I love the way she explores complex social issues through realistic characters. That’s what I’ve tried to do with Once Removed. But I also love crime writers like Jo Nesbo and historical fiction authors like Bernhard Cornwelland Philippa GregoryC.J. Sansom usefully combines both genres! I like interesting stories like A Thousand Splendid Suns and We Need to Talk About Kevin. I love the Fire and Ice fantasy series (A Game of Thrones ) even though I don’t usually like fantasy. I like anything with good characters and pace, really.

Are you working on any other books at the moment?

At the moment, I’m spending all my writing time trying to promote Once Removed. But next month I plan to get back to my new novel inspired by an agoraphobic woman who vanished.

When you're not writing, what's your favourite pastime?

Reading has been a passion all my life. I also enjoy sports like skiing, swimming, badminton and walking. I’ve a big soft spot for animals and live on a farm, although we’re not farmers. Baking, eating out, cookery programmes and cookbooks fill a big chunk of time. Recently I’ve discovered an interest in growing food, losing hours in the garden.


Thanks for being a fabulous guest, Kimm!


---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

You can find out more about Kimm and her books at her website and on her publisher's website

And don't forget to leave a comment below, or 'like' this blog post for your chance to win a book! Good luck!

Once Removed: Another five star review on Amazon!

Once Removed: Another five star review on Amazon!: 5.0 out of 5 stars   Once removed , By  A. Calder "Helmeboy"  (Yorkshire England)  KB Walker draws us into the dark heart o...

Another five star review on Amazon!


5.0 out of 5 stars Once removed,
By 
A. Calder "Helmeboy" (Yorkshire England) 




KB Walker draws us into the dark heart of the sensitive subject of self-harming, an all too common perplexing aspect of human behaviour. She explores the subject through the eyes of an apparently naïve trainee teacher and one of her history pupils. We watch in horror as the teacher goes way out on a limb beyond the sensible modern limits for teacher/pupil relationships to try to get to the root cause of the pupil's problem. The inevitable happens and the teacher ends up as the accused for a period before the police identify the problem within the family. It is very much a story of family relationships and the undermining effect on individuals when these are destructive. Gradually, we become aware of the reason for the teachers motivation to help and the cathartic effect that the experience has on her. The writing shows considerable insight and sensitivity in handling a difficult topic. I found the book very absorbing and read it in a day. It is strongly recommended for specialist and general readers.

Tuesday 22 May 2012

Need a creative recharge?

There's a wonderful post about recharging your creativity on this blog today: http://mudpiesandmagnolias.blogspot.co.uk/

Thursday 17 May 2012

Once Removed: E-publishing vs self-publishing

Once Removed: E-publishing vs self-publishing: A Seal of Approval A fellow author, fed up of rejection, decided to self-publish (SP). He knew I’d self-published my memoir in 2009 and...http://www.facebook.com/groups/184690671579672/

E-publishing vs self-publishing


A Seal of Approval
A fellow author, fed up of rejection, decided to self-publish (SP). He knew I’d self-published my memoir in 2009 and was surprised that I’d chosen to go with epublishers, Crooked {Cat} with my novel. His question was, ‘Why settle for less than 100% royalties and total control over your book?’
It was precisely because of my experience of self-publishing that I was determined to find a ‘proper’ publisher for my novel. Although, my memoir was relatively successful, as SP books go, 100% control also means 100% of the work. I had to research printers, organise all of the promotion and a million other things that I’d never done before. And I was fortunate in having a publisher, Richard Netherwood, to mentor me through the process, helping me avoid the many traps that await the novice. Most of my sales were through public speaking engagements, which are time consuming and stressful (something else I’d never done before).
My debut novel, Once Removed, doesn’t fit easily into current genres. Coupled with the economic crisis, this made bigger publishers reluctant to take on my book. But there is a growing, thriving epublishing market out there, often eager to take on new authors and those with an unusual “voice”.
But do your research before submitting. Check out their portfolio. Use the “look inside” feature on Amazon to see the quality of their books. Visit the author blogs, perhaps even contact an author or two to see what they thought of the publisher. If a publisher wants money from you, walk away!
Not every SP author realises the vital importance of professional editing. Some have never even sought feedback on their manuscript before going to print and it shows. There’s an enormous amount of amateur dross out there and it taints all SP work. Many reviewers won’t review SP books because of this. Publishers understand that their reputation is fundamental and work hard to protect it.
Members of my writers’ group gave me feedback on early drafts of Once Removed and I’d also had it professionally appraised. Then Crooked {Cat} Publishing did three further rounds of edits to polish it even further, ensuring professionalism.
Publishers understand the market and know which reviewers are best suited to different genres. I was provided with ten free copies to use in promoting my book along with suggestions and encouragement. Crooked {Cat} also approached reviewers on my behalf. A request from a trusted publisher is more likely to be taken up than one by an unknown author.
Crooked {Cat} provide support directly and through three Internet writers’ groups. This enables all their authors to share ideas, review each other’s books and pass recommendations on to their friends. The whole experience is less overwhelming and much more exciting.
Because the sales go through the publisher, filling in tax returns are easier, too. Dealing with US sales has been complicated and I’ve yet to be paid for some of the books I’ve sold over there.
Being published means someone is prepared to risk their time and effort on your work and that is worth a lot to me as an author but also to readers. You still have to put in the time and energy to promote your work but you do it with the confidence of that seal of approval.

Wednesday 16 May 2012

Wanted: a body double

Weekend in the Lake district with friends ~ brill. Finally planted broccoli, peas, cabbage, beetroot & cauliflower, phew! Hail didn't kill them all yesterday either, double phew! Finished editing church magazine, large weight off the shoulders. But almost no writing or book promotion done ~ eek. Failing finding a body double, must try harder.

Thursday 10 May 2012

Once Removed on sale this weekend

Crooked {Cat} Publishing are having a sale this weekend. Check it out on Amazon. They have a wonderful selection of books, there's something for everyone.

Five star review on Goodreads!

This is the first review from a total stranger!

's review
May 10, 12

5 of 5 stars false
bookshelves: kindlemodernabusive-relationships
Read from May 07 to 10, 2012

K.B. Walker is a very good storyteller and Once Removed is, I felt, a story close to her heart. When I read the author’s notes after I’d finished the book, I understood why.
The two main characters, Abriella and Beth, have very low self esteem and they have developed similar ways to cope with their self-loathing. However, Abriella Garside is ten years older than Beth, and recognises the emotional pain and signs of self abuse that she sees in the girl. Abriella is desperate to help Beth, but finds that, as her teacher, her efforts are often misconstrued.
I was totally absorbed. This is not the sort of novel that I would normally read, but I was quickly drawn in by the characters and the plot. Having worked in schools for many years until retirement, the setting and dialogue had a real authenticity for me. It was not only a book about abuse, self abuse and how to deal with these terrible problems, but also about making judgements on people without knowing the whole story. We are all guilty of this at some time or other and it does no harm to be reminded of this.
Once Removed is a well-constructed, absorbing novel, which I recommend to anyone who likes real life, gritty stories.

Tuesday 8 May 2012

Another 5* review!


5.0 out of 5 stars A remarkable debut7 May 2012
By 
Once Removed is a remarkable debut novel from author KB Walker, confronting head-on a challenging issue that many seasoned writers would balk at. Yet far from sacrificing narrative to prove a point, Walker has cleverly used parallel storytelling to illustrate the complex social and emotional issues that can surround cases of self-harm. The story is totally engaging and believable.

The novel explores with great sensitivity the turmoil in the minds of its protagonists, the subtle influences on human behaviour and the imperfections in human character that make us both despicable at times and endearing at others. Furthermore it stimulates a degree of introspection, self-reflection and courage in a wholly unpatronising way.

Like Alison Brook, above, I was hooked by the dramatic and emotional rollercoaster that is Once Removed, and devoured this book within 24h. I would highly recommend it.

Competition winner!

Rebecca Emin is the winner of the competition to win a free copy of Once Removed. Thank you to everyone who entered.

Monday 7 May 2012

First Five Star review on Amazon!


5.0 out of 5 stars Once Removed - a must read!7 May 2012
Amazon Verified Purchase(What is this?)
This review is from: Once Removed (Kindle Edition)
This is an easy-to-read book which is hard to put down; infact, I was still reading it in the early hours as it had me hooked from beginning to end. KB Walker really gets into the head of an abused young teenager with low self esteem. It highlights the difficulties faced by teachers when dealing with youngsters with clear emotional issues/suspected abuse. It is a thoroughly good read.

Saturday 5 May 2012

Top 5000!

Once Removed has made it into the top 5000 on Amazon and it's only day 3!

Friday 4 May 2012

I've been interviewed!

Cathie Dunn writes...: Welcome, contemporary author KB Walker: Today, I welcome another fabulous Crooked Cat author to my blog, KB Walker. KB, also known as Kim, has already published a memoir, s...

Thursday 3 May 2012

Win a copy of Once Removed


To celebrate the release of Once Removed, I'm offering a free electronic copy. All you need to do is write the name of your favourite book reviewer in the comment box below. (Ulterior motive ~ me ~ as if??)

To win a copy, simply comment below, not forgetting your email address

Excerpt:
The shriek scraped down my spine. Hugging my black cardigan more tightly around myself, I stopped. The noisy teenagers flowing in the direction of the school cafeteria barely paused.

Scanning the crowd, I fervently wished for someone more senior. But only chattering children, shuffling and laughing, pushed past. A deep sigh deflated me. Clearly, I still had plenty to learn about vanishing during break times. Tempted to pretend I hadn’t heard, the memory shivered along my back and forced me to respond.


Wading through the torrent into a shadowy side corridor in the direction of the scream, the small knot of gawpers melted away. Megan, a tall year seven girl, slumped against the grubby wall squeezing her hand in front of her like a gun. Blood dripped from two fingers pointed at the other girl. Freckles glared from Beth’s pale face cowering beneath bushy ginger hair. The low growl of obscenities pouring from Megan’s white lips stopped as soon as she saw me.


It didn’t make sense. Megan was a pretty girl, confident and always followed by a crowd of hangers-on. She was too polite in class, all angel-eyes standing in the midst of the trouble she’d stirred up. Beth, on the other hand, sat alone in the furthest corner. Watching the river of young people cascade through the corridors, this girl had seemed an island protected by a reef of sadness. Not your classic bully. A craft knife, glittered amongst the spilled contents of a discarded bag on the floor.


“Well?” I asked, pushing my dark rimmed glasses back up my nose and looking from one girl to the other. Brilliant, Abby, just brilliant, you are way out of your depth here. Trust you to land up in the middle of Marfield High School’s first ever knife crime!


“It was an accident, Miss.” Pulling herself upright, Megan flicked back her carefully styled hair. The shiny blonde layers settled over darker roots. “I picked up Beth’s bag by mistake. Isn’t that right, Beth?”


I was surprised Megan’s laser fierce glare hadn’t set Beth’s school uniform on fire. The child looked smaller than ever beside an in-charge Megan. The ginger head dipped in agreement.


“I was scrabbling around for my phone when I caught my fingers on that blade.” Megan pointed with her dripping finger.


“Beth,” my tone was as gentle as I could make it, “why did you have a knife in your bag? You must know it’s against school rules?”


The girl opened her mouth and furrowed her brow a few times before any words came. “Art class... didn’t realise... must have dropped it in my bag without thinking.”


Beth looked as though she’d been caught running naked down Marfield’s High Street and would disintegrate if any more fuss were made. But she was lying. Despite my inexperience as a teacher, I could tell. Scenarios flashed across my mind and none of them were pleasant. I didn’t know what to do. I thumbed my glasses back into place. My university lecturer’s voice sang in my memory. When in doubt, feign confident authority. I took a deep breath.


“Right, Beth, you go on your way to lunch. I’ll make sure this craft knife gets back to the art department.” I swooped down and plucked the blade from the rest of the debris. “Megan, you come with me and we’ll put something on those cuts. Perhaps you’ll be more careful whose bag you pick up in future.”


I stormed off, my heels rattling in the now empty corridor. Megan marched beside me, radiating fury.
My mind spun and fizzed. Megan always had an answer for everything so why wasn’t she kicking off now? I peered at her through the corner of my eye and noticed she had a leather bag slung over her shoulder, quite different from Beth’s canvas one. The bag she claimed to have picked up by accident.
Slamming through the door into the office I stopped. Anger wouldn’t help. I took a deep breath and reached for the first aid kit.


“Show me your hand, please, Megan. Are you allergic to plasters?”


She narrowed her eyes and shook her head. Her jaws were clamped tight.


I cleaned the wounds and applied butterfly plasters, careful to follow school
procedures to the letter.


“Please sign here.” I pointed to my brief entry in the accident book. “Can I go now?” Megan glared at me.


Unable to think of a single sensible question, I nodded. 

Wednesday 2 May 2012

Tomorrow's the big day

Once Removed will be launched tomorrow. I have no idea what to expect but can't wait! It'll be available from Amazon.co.uk, Amazon.com & Smashwords.

Sunday 29 April 2012

Two Valleys Radio

I'm reading an excerpt from Once Removed in a couple of hours on Two Valleys Radio http://www.twovalleysradio.co.uk/ It's an internet radio programme so anyone can listen. You may also be able to hear David singing & playing the piano... 

Thursday 26 April 2012

Wednesday 25 April 2012

Yesterday (sung plaintively to Beatles tune)

The bookmarks arrived yesterday in time for today's talk in Cowcliffe AND Rebeca helped me sort out my problems with Triberr ~ hooray. Sadly, today my internet connection is driving me mad and not allowing me to access the final round of Once Removed edits ~ aaarrrgggh!

Tuesday 24 April 2012

Where are all the teenagers when you need them?

I've set up accounts all over the place in preparation for launching Once Removed but I'm struggling to get them all to link up. It's like trying to learn a new language without a guide!

Wednesday 18 April 2012

Bookmarks

 Just put the finishing touches to my bookmarks. Hope they get here in time for my talk next Wednesday!

Tuesday 17 April 2012

Advice on self-publishing

I had a request for help from someone wishing to self-publish and thought I would share my reply:

My advice would be to work hard at producing the most professional book you possibly can. It will provide the first impression of your work to your readers and they will not recommend it to their friends or look for your next book if it isn't good enough. You are hoping to persuade people to part with their cash (self-published books are often more expensive than best sellers) & spend time reading your book over something by an author they know & already like. You will have to work harder at marketing and promotion than you did writing the book. 

Smashwords provide detailed instructions on how to self-publish an ebook. It is free and a good way to test the waters but you will still have to work at the marketing. 

Have several people (including experienced authors), whom you trust to give honest feedback, read your ms before you consider publishing. And pay for a professional editor. My memoir was read by 8 people including authors, teachers, a PR person and a doctor. Despite their input, my editor found a full page worth of technical errors that needed correcting. None of these things had been picked up by my spellchecker.

My novel is being published as an ebook by Crooked {Cat} Publishing. They are a new company and very professional. They edited my manuscript but I'd had several people read it, including an appraisal done by Cornerstones, before I submitted it. 

Monday 16 April 2012

Director pleased

David's delighted with the film he took on Friday. Just needs to edit, add sound and text... Can't wait to see Once Removed's trailer!

Saturday 14 April 2012

Book trailer

The great David Brook, from Blueprint Film, is working on a video trailer for Once Removed. Can't wait to see it!

Friday 13 April 2012

Launch Date

The edits have been returned to Steph at Crooked Cat Publishing and a launch date of the 3rd of May has been suggested. Watch this space!