Tag: writing
-
Just for fun: Rollo and Lennon
When I left teaching in 2019, I had the urge to write a children’s book. This urge had been inspired by the great children’s writer, SF Said, and the effect his stories had on me and the classes I taught. I’d also written a Christmas show about two local cats who had to get posses…
-
Fall guys!
My new publisher has asked me which of my novels they should lead with in their publicity campaign. Now, there’s a conundrum. My thoughts always circle back to Ed Diamond in Chapel Field…he is the ultimate fall-guy/underdog/scapegoat, and he takes his revenge in the most perfect way (by letting the truth speak-my favourite form of…
-
Regeneration
My Dad’s lovely wife has died recently, and it’s made me think about priorities. This piece is dedicated to you, Jennifer….. Regeneration I’m nearly seven years away from being a teacher. Apparently, it takes seven years for a body to renew itself – more popular myth than strict scientific truth, but rooted in some fascinating…
-
Tana and Susan…my favourite writers
I ADORE everything Tana French has ever written, and I’ve just finished the last in her Cal Hooper trilogy: The Hunter; The Keeper; The Searcher. Superb, as always. I am also a huge fan of Susan Hill, particularly her Simon Serrailler series. So, with those novels in mind for inspiration, I have almost completed my…
-
Shaggy dog story!
I’m awaiting news from a publisher who loves my latest romance. In the meantime, I’m doing everything I can to push The Silver Road. Here’s another snippet, another taster, a heart-in-mouth scene involving a dog stuck on the sands. You’ll have to read the book if you want to find out what happens! P.S. I…
-
All But The Brightest Star
I finished my second romance novel last summer, only to have it rejected by my now ex-publisher. Was it the prologue that put them off? Was it the duel POV? Or the time frame (1996-2008)? Whatever it was, I feel this is my best novel to date, and the characters (especially Raphael Star) are to…
-
Lenny Diamond
Looking back at my fourth novel, Chapel Field, made me realise how much I love the fictional Diamond family. I keep coming back to them in my writing and musings. The themes are so compelling: small town dysfunctional families, small town secrets; generational trauma. Chapel Field is my favourite novel in the mystery series I…
-
You are no ruin
I entered this piece for the 2024 Nature Chronicles Prize. It didn’t get selected, but I quite like the piece. There are some bits from other pieces I have written, and the tone is quite formal, but if you’re a fan of Furness Abbey, you’ll understand the restorative atmosphere of the place! (title stolen from…
-
Darkwater Farm
(Photo of Biggar Village courtesy of The Sankey Archive) I’ve had a read through my attempt at writing a historical novel set in Barrow. I based it on the farm at the bottom of Ormsgill Lane, reinventing it as Darkwater Farm. It was about twin brothers, William and Gabriel Ward, who buy the farm during…
-
Black Ghyll Falls
I’ve been in the Lake District a lot lately, especially the Ambleside area, where I did my teacher training. Walking up Stock Ghyll got me thinking about setting a novel right there, and I penned a first chapter. I’ve put aside my epic romance now it’s finished, before I think about where to send it.…
Paula Hillman, author 