Sunpenny Publishing (and Imprints)

Giveaway for If Horses Were Wishes by Elizabeth Sellers

2011-12-15T21:06:00.000Z

A giveaway for If Horses Were Wishes by Elizabeth Sellers has now been launched on the bookish social networking site Goodreads!

About If Horses Were Wishes:

Daydreaming Katy Robinson, an unhappy young foster child, daydreams constantly – of a proper home with her parents, of having good friends, and of being as popular at school as Sandra Magill. Sandra has an enviable lifestyle in the countryside, with her parents and her horse Tommy, and is always surrounded by friends.

But when Katy dreams of doing something admirable to impress Sandra, the results aren't quite what she had in mind! Her initial shock at waking up to her new status as a horse gradually grows into acceptance. Being cared for by Sandra’s posse, and becoming friends with Tommy, all help. But Katy-the-girl is officially missing and being looked for by the police – and when Sandra and her friends decide to undertake to find their schoolmate, Katy finds she is able to lead them in the right direction.

Through various adventures, including putting the school bullies to flight, unexpected friendships and discoveries develop, and the question is – will Katy decide she prefers being a horse, or would she try to find a way to become a girl once more?

Praise for If Horses Were Wishes:

"If Horses Were Wishes" is delightfully imaginative, entertaining to follow,

and the life-lessons presented therein - about friendship, self-worth, and how to

recognize what’s truly meaningful - are readily absorbed. This novel is sure to

become a favourite on the shelves of young people who love horses.'

Karen Molson, author & biographer

Captivating, Stimulating and Educational. Sellers writes from her heart and her

experience. She describes in detail the very soul of the young teenager, as well

as the spirit of the horse.

Sheila Pennington

How to Enter and Terms:

To be in for a chance of winning a copy, you can visit the giveaway page on the Goodread's website here: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13108263-if-horses-were-wishes

The giveaway is open to the UK, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

You must be member of the site Goodreads and you can register here. It is a fantastic website for book lovers where you can keep track of the books you read and share your views with other people.

The giveaway closes on the 31st January 2012.

Please read the Goodreads guidelines on the site before entering as well.

Thank you to everyone who enters!

If Horses Were Wishes is available for purchase online at:

Guest post from author Valerie Poore: The inspiration for her newly released book The Skipper's Child!

2011-12-07T16:45:00.001Z

The Skipper's Child by Valerie Poore was released this week and it is the first book in our new imprint for children and teenagers Sunberry.

On the blog today, the author Valerie is sharing her inspiration behind her storyAbout the story:

Arie Kornet hates school holidays on his family’s barge, RIVAL, which is home to Arie, his two sisters, his father, and his deaf mother. But because his father is a commercial skipper, all they do is travel from one place to another on the Dutch and European waterways. Arie is intensely frustrated with it all. It seems there is nothing for him to do, and no escape.

That is, until an unexpected brush with Russian secret agents, international plots, and a startling stow-away bring him far more excitement than his dreams had ever bargained for! Suddenly his own life, and those of his entire beloved family, could be in danger. Arie has difficult choices to make, and even more difficult actions to take.

Welcome Valerie:

The Skipper’s Child - inspired by my own skipper’s child!

There are all sorts of reasons why a writer is compelled to write, but that’s the point really. The compulsion. I have been writing stories since childhood. I have also been a voracious reader since childhood. At the age of 12, I was reading a book every two days or so, and the books I loved were read several times over. One of my favourite authors was Elizabeth Goudge with The Little White Horse being absolutely top of my list. I also loved the Railway Children by E. Nesbitt, as well as all the other stories written by these two great writers.

I am still a voracious reader, and when I decided to try my hand at a full length fictional book, I remembered these favourites of my early teenage years. What I loved about them was that although they were stories for and about children, they had some substance to them. They were for children but not childish in their exploration of feelings and ideas. They were what I have come to call ‘kidult’ books. I suppose this why Harry Potter has also had such enormous appeal. JK Rowling has tapped into that special area of fiction that can appeal to both the very young and the much older. The stories of my youth did much the same, as I remember my parents enjoyed them as much as I did.

Anyhow, going back to my own writing, I decided I wanted to try and write a ‘kidult’ book. I also wanted to write something I would enjoy reading as much as I enjoyed writing it.

The inspiration for the eventual story came from my partner. When I first came to the Netherlands and moved onto a barge, I became fascinated by the lifestyle of the commercial skippers who plough their way up and down the inland waterways of Europe. It all seemed so romantic. However, Koos, my partner, soon destroyed the romance of that image. He was born a skipper’s child and the stories he told me about his early years were intriguing because it was such a different way of life. But what also came through was that for a child on board, it was incredibly boring (excuse the pun). There was nothing to do and nowhere to go.

I questioned Koos endlessly about his background, his family and his life. The anecdotes his own parents had told him about smuggling and secreting not only goods but people across borders during the war and post war periods were quite thrilling. For me, it didn’t sound boring at all, but I could well imagine that for him and his sisters, most of their life was routine drudgery: cleaning the ship, coiling and uncoiling ropes and cables, endless locks, eternal ribbons of canal with nothing much to view on either side except lonely farms.

I started musing about a story in which a bored skipper’s child finds adventure. I wanted to set it in the period when Koos had been a child, the early sixties, and so I decided on 1962, the year of the Great Winter. I also thought it would be nice to give it a Christmas focus. My musings were what have led to this, my first, and I hope not my last, complete novel. I so hope my younger readers will get caught up in Arie’s story as much as I did, and that it will be a book they will read not just this Christmas but in the following years too, just as I did when I was their age.

Thank you Valerie for that fascinating insight!

If you're interested in purchasing The Skipper's Child, it will be available from all good online stores such as Amazon by over the next few days; meanwhile you can order directly in time for Christmas by emailing orders@sunpenny.com to request your copy. Price is £7.99 plus a post and packaging cost of £1.50.

To find out more about Valerie, you can visit her website.

Look our for more news on The Skipper's Child on here and our Facebook page!

Interview with Julie McGowan, author of The Mountains Between (newly re-released)

2011-11-23T07:17:00.003Z

The Mountains Between by Julie McGowan was originally published in 2007 and became an immediate regional bestseller in Wales. On Monday 21st, it was re-launched for a more international audience.

About The Mountains Between:

"The Mountains Between" tells the story of a small girl fighting to keep her balance in the face of an unbalanced mother and the deepest heart-blows a child can bear. It's a story of strength and courage; of a girl-woman with a huge heart who took what life threw at her and kept on loving - the story of a survivor.

It's the story of a Big Pit mining family who suffered an unspeakable horror that nearly killed them, but they got up and got on because that's what those amazing people did. And it's a story about two young people who could have and should have found each other much sooner, but their valleys were separated by the mountains and never the twain, in those days, would meet.

It's a war story; a love story; a hate story. But more than all this, it's the story of a chunk of Wales's lifetime slashed like a scar on a mountainside - about the people of Wales, the people of the mountains and the valleys who formed the beating heart of that country; the people who enable the current Welsh to stand proud and hold the Red Dragon high, because of what their forefathers did.

This book is the story of their essence.

Reader's Reviews

I can honestly say it was the best book I have read in years. I could not put it down.

- Peter Davies

It is so well written and the characters really come alive on the pages. Thank you for being such a clever and interesting author. I look forward to reading more of your work.

- Eileen Carr

You captured the contrast in lifestyle and culture between Blaenavon and the other side of the Blorenge beautifully.

- Lorraine Reed

About Julie McGowan

Julie McGowan has had over 40 short stories and features published both nationally and internationally, and is an ardent playwright for the Welsh theatre. She has won numerous writing competitions over the years, as well as penning various features, a newspaper column, and a local annual town guide. Well known in her home town of Usk, Monmouthshire, for her work in the community, Julie runs a young people’s drama workshop, Stageright, as well as a full theatrical group, performing variety shows and witty pantomimes to sell-out crowds every year. She also co-runs “Is It?”, a theatre company which tours secondary schools in Wales with productions covering health and social issues. And her talents don’t stop there – Julie is also a trained pianist!

Interview with Julie on The Mountains Between:

Describe The Mountains Between in five words.

Riveting, moving, entrancing, atmospheric saga.

2. Where did your inspiration for The Mountains Between come from?

When I returned to live in Wales 19 years ago, I started taping my parents’ memoirs, and as they talked I felt that there was a novel waiting to be written. Also, returning to my homeland made me want to write about it.

3. The Mountains Between is set in Wales. How did your childhood there near Abergavenny influence the writing of it?

It was a huge influence; I spent my childhood in Blaenavon and never lost the sense of close community and family life that characterised the town. My grandparents still lived in Nantyderry throughout this time – the place where the Abergavenny side of the book is set – and much of my childhood was spent visiting relatives on both sides, and listening to their chats about what was happening in both communities.

4. Can you tell us about the writing process for The Mountains Between?

As I said, the first ideas for it came from the taped memoirs of my parents, and I then went on to ask them to describe broader pictures of life in both communities in the first half of the twentieth century. It struck me how very different their early lives had been, living on different sides of the mountain, and how those experiences had made them the adults they became. I began to really identify with this lonely little girl living on a farm, and this young lad trying so hard to be a man and they then became characters in their own right – quite separate from my parents. As the story developed, I could actually feel myself back in these places that I knew so well, in those decades, and see my characters walking the streets and living their lives etc.

5. Are any of your characters based on real people?

Most of the main characters are composites or exaggerations of deceased members of my family, although of course the story has been developed beyond what actually happened to them all in real life. Most of the subsidiary characters are pure invention.

6. What do you hope readers of The Mountains Between take away with them after reading it?

I hope they have become as immersed in the lives of the families and become as fond of them all as I was when writing it. I hope that they have been moved by the plight and resilience of the main characters; that they have a greater understanding of what life was like in those communities at that time; that it gives them a fondness for the Welsh community that they may not have previously had, and that they can’t wait to read more of my books!

7. Can you share a favourite quote from The Mountains Between?

‘Just as with the first couple who stood before the Tree of Knowledge, the revelation brought despair and pain, the enormity of which they could not share for the moment, and in silent distress they turned away from each other’

8. What actors would you pick to play the characters if The Mountains Between was being made into a movie?

Catherine Zeta Jones to play Katharine (although she might think she’s too young for it!) Ioan Grufydd to play Harry. My actor son and daughter, Daniel and Catherine to play the siblings, perhaps. The other main parts I would like to see taken by other less well-known Welsh actors as it’s so difficult for actors to get work and recognition.

9. What do you think of the new cover design for The Mountains Between?

I’m very pleased with it. It gives the book a more contemporary feel whilst still making its historical context obvious. It’s a good translation of what I had in my head when Jo first asked me to imagine a new cover. I think it has good ‘pick-up-off-the-shelf’ appeal.

10. What is life as an author like and what is your favourite thing about being an author?

Life as an author can be solitary, very up and down and can also be a long waiting game when what is happening is out of your hands. But it’s also tremendous fun and has its exciting moments when work is accepted and you see it in print, whether it’s a magazine piece or a book. My favourite thing about being an author is that wonderful feeling when one is so immersed in a story that it seems to take wings and almost writes itself and nothing can distract one (as my family will testify) from sitting there and carrying on with it.

What writing project are you currently working on?

I’ve just completed my 14^th pantomime, which is being performed at the end of November, and am writing my 4^th novel, which is set in the early 1970s in London.

Quick fire questions for fun:

Would you rather be invisible or a mind reader?

Invisible

Music or TV?

Music

14. Reading or writing?

Reading

Thank you Julie! You can find out more about Julie McGowan, the Mountains Between and her second book Just One More Summer on her website and the re-release book with the newly designed cover will be available on all good online book stores by the end of November.

If Horses Were Wishes by Elizabeth Sellers is released today!

2011-11-21T07:38:00.000Z

Our first Sunberry book, If Horses Were Wishes by Elizabeth Sellers is released today (21st November) with a launch taking place in Gloucester today! About If Horses Were Wishes:

But when Katy dreams of doing something admirable to impress Sandra, the results aren’t quite what she had in mind! Her initial shock at waking up to her new status as a horse gradually grows into acceptance. Being cared for by Sandra’s posse, and becoming friends with Tommy, all help. But Katy-the-girl is officially missing and being looked for by the police – and when Sandra and her friends decide to undertake to find their schoolmate, Katy finds she is able to lead them in the right direction.

For all young adults and children who have a passion for horses, it's characters are unique and engaging and the descriptions are vivid, especially when it comes to horses!

What readers have been saying:

"If Horses Were Wishes" is delightfully imaginative, entertaining to follow,

and the life-lessons presented therein - about friendship, self-worth, and how to

recognize what’s truly meaningful - are readily absorbed. This novel is sure to

become a favourite on the shelves of young people who love horses.

Karen Molson, author & biographer

Captivating, Stimulating and Educational. Sellers writes from her heart and her

experience. She describes in detail the very soul of the young teenager, as well

as the spirit of the horse.

Sheila Pennington Ph.D., psychologist and author

of “Healing Yourself: Understanding How Your Mind

Can Heal Your Body” and “The Dragon Within: A Tale of

Self Discovery and Healing.

About Elizabeth Sellers:

Elizabeth Sellers has loved horses all her life. Born in London,England, she moved with her family to the country at the age of four.There, to her delight, her older brothers would borrow ponies and propher up on them. After emigrating to Canada when she was six,subsequent homes were within the city of Ottawa. For each of her birthdays thereafter she wished for a horse, but never lived where she could keep one. She took riding lessons in Gatineau, Quebec, where herlove of horses grew into a passion. After graduating from high school she chose to learn to teach riding, which she did while living in various parts of England and Scotland. Elizabeth, now a parent of two teenagers, has written many stories about horses for children.

Knoydart Book Launch

Earlier this week, the book's first launch was held in Knoydart, Iverness with a talk from Elizabeth and a book signing. Here are some photos from the event:

The youngest reader!

If Horses Were Wishes will be available from all good online stores such as Amazon by the end of November; meanwhile you can order directly by emailing orders@sunpenny.com to request your copy. Price is £7.99 plus a post and packaging cost of £1.50.

(The Book Depository offers free postage on all orders worldwide, so we’d suggest waiting until it is available on their website.)

If you're interested in finding out more, look out for an author interview for an insight into the book and more photos from the launches coming soon. In the meantime, you can check out Elizabeth Seller's website and Facebook page for the latest updates and information!

New books to be released soon!

2011-11-18T17:06:00.005Z

In the next few weeks, Sunpenny are releasing four new and exciting books from our different imprints- just in time for Christmas! To celebrate the releases, there will be posts featuring the books such as author interviews, guest posts, interviews and.... give-aways!. The books are:

If Horses Were Wishes by Elizabeth Sellers (Sunberry) – 21 November

The Mountains Between by Julie McGowan (re-release) – 21 November

Mother’s hand swung round and slapped Jennie across the ankles. “Don’t be so disgusting!” she hissed. “Get out of here!”

Despite a comfortable living, surrounded by lush farmlands, Jennie’s life under the critical eye of her tyrannical mother is hard. Desperate for affection, she stumbles upon dark secrets and into the uncertain murmurings of love.

It was daylight before the cage wheel began to turn and the first of the casualties was brought up. It finished only when there were nine bodies laid out on stretchers.

On the other side of the scarred mountainside, and in the wake of a disaster that tears through his family and their tight-knit mining community, Harry finds the burden of manhood thrust upon his young shoulders.

Through the turmoil of the Depression years, life for both Harry and Jennie takes many unexpected turns, with love won and lost. But the onset of World War II brings changes that neither could have imagined.

This is the extraordinary tale of two young souls living in different worlds, yet separated only by the mountains between them.

The Skipper’s Child by Valerie Poore (Sunberry) – 30 November

Far Out by Corinna Weyreter (Boathooks)

Tired of their careers in the oil industry, Corinna and Gjalt van der See sailed away from the rat race in search of freedom and adventure in the fabled South Pacific. Taking only what could justify its space on their 41-foot yacht, they abandoned materialism to discover how little a person really needs in order to be content. Trading with fishermen in Belize, learning desert island survival from the lone inhabitant of a Polynesian atoll, swimming with humpback whales beside the coral island of Niue, attending the wedding of a Chief’s son in Vanuatu ... they entered an enchanting new world. But Earth is under threat from humanity. During a period when the human population doubled, animal species plummeted by more than a quarter. 41% of all oceans have been strongly affected by Man’s activities, 19% of our coral reefs have died, and 29% of fisheries have collapsed. The young couple found a beautiful world beyond the urban sprawl and rampant consumerism of mankind, but its future is fragile. In Far Out, Corinna takes us into that disappearing world and shows us its fragility with sensitive first-hand knowledge.

A Little Book of Pleasures by William Wood (Sunpenny) – 10 December

This delightful anecdotal collection, told with wry humour and a gentle, sometimes quirky style slightly reminiscent of a bygone era, contains a mixture of description and observation, with a smattering of autobiographical incident. William Wood has lived in many places of the world, is well travelled and well written, with a keen sense of enjoyment of what he sees and experiences, and a talent for bringing that visually to the mind of his reader. The short, usually self-contained pieces make wonderful cameos both for those who do their reading in snatches, and those who will want to devour his stories in one sitting.

Books make perfect Christmas presents and there's a title to suit all ages in this releases list so if you're interested in purchasing any of these new titles, look out for updates here on the blog as to when they are available in the Sunpenny store and many other bookstores! If you want to subscribe to updates to this blog to make sure you don't miss any of the posts for the releases, make sure you click the 'follow' button in the sidebar if you have a Google account or subscribe through email (top right hand corner) to get notifications in your inbox.

2011-10-21T17:56:00.003+01:00

This is the second in a series of author interviews with Sunpenny authors.

Debbie Roome

Description of her book Embracing Change:

When Sarah Johnson's fiancé is killed by a hijacker in South Africa, Sarah carries out his wish to continue with their plan and moves to New Zealand, taking his ashes to scatter there. In her grief she hasn't counted on her gradual healing coming from two unexpected sources: Jesus Christ, and His new plan for her - Joel Baxter.

But will Joel's old flame, Mandy, succeed in destroying Sarah's fragile progress in both her spiritual and earthly paths? And will she ever break free of the oppressive power still held over her by the hijacker who murdered her fiancé and attacked her, too? — It takes a journey halfway back across the world for Sarah to face her demons, and finally forgive.

Now for the questions- welcome to the blog! :-

Can you tell us 5 random facts about yourself?

I sold my first story to a Johannesburg newspaper’s children’s section when I was eight.

I love dogs and have a Jack Russell that is referred to as my ‘hairy child’.

I owned a toy and baby-ware shop for 12 years while living in South Africa.

I got my first grey hair at 16 and they haven’t stopped since then.

The first time I saw snow was when I was 30.

1. Your book Embracing Change has settings of both South Africa and New Zealand. What inspired you to set it in these diverse countries?

I was born in Zimbabwe but later lived in South Africa for 15 years before immigrating to New Zealand. Because I experienced the good and bad of life in both countries, I wanted to include them in Embracing Change.

What do you hope readers take away from Embracing Change?

That there is always hope, and forgiveness and reconciliation are paramount if you want to live in peace with those around you.

Did you plan the whole of the plot for Embracing Change first or just start writing?

I wrote the first chapter first ... and then wrote several of the dramatic scenes before going back and filling in the rest of the story. The plot grew as I worked on it and the end result was different to what I initially envisaged.

Who is your favourite character in Embracing Change?

It’s hard to say but probably Joel.

How did you feel when you saw Embracing Change in print for the first time?

It was a lifelong dream come true. One of the most exciting days of my life!

What is your favourite time of day to write?

Late at night. I concentrate better when the house is quiet and there are no interruptions.

What is your favourite thing about being an author?

The flexibility of the lifestyle and the ability to create fictional worlds that captivate readers.

Do you like to read yourself? Who are your favourite authors?

I read all the time and enjoy a number of authors. My current favourites are John Grisham, Nicholas Sparks, Richard Paul Evans, Karen Kingsbury and Robin Cook.

What are you working on writing currently?

I’ve just finished the manuscript for Magnitude 7.1 & 6.3 which is a compilation of stories about the Christchurch earthquakes.

Have you got any tips for budding writers and aspiring authors?

The more you write, the better you will become. Enter competitions where judges give feedback and learn from their comments on your work.

Quick fire questions for a bit of fun- which do you like best?:

Reading or writing? Equal

Writing or typing? Typing

Hardback or paperback? Paperback

Chocolate or ice cream? Chocolate

Thank you for answering our questions!

If you're interested in finding out more about Debbie or Embracing Change you can visit the Sunpenny page for the book, visit Debbie's fantastic website. You can purchase Embracing Change directly through the Sunpenny shop or on Amazon.

Introducing our new Editorial and Marketing Co-ordinator

2011-10-13T09:17:00.002+01:00

Over the past weeks, the Sunpenny staff has changed slightly and whilst Vinita Byrne has left our personnel, I am pleased to introduce our new Editorial and Marketing Co-ordinator Cora King.

About Cora:

I began my career in retail when I was fifteen years old, working for a British shoe corporation company at weekends and during the summer holidays.

I then moved into fashion, working for a retail giant of the fashion world, where I moved through the ranks. My career path then lead me into telecoms and finance, working in various roles.

My role with Sunpenny is Editorial and Marketing Co-ordinator.

She also answered some fun get-to know you quick fire questions.

Paperback of hardback books? - Paperback
Cheese or ham?- Cheese
TV or films?-Films
Blue or black pen?- Black
Swimming or running?- Swimming

Look out for a post later this week about other latest news!

Author Interview with K.C Lemmer

2011-09-17T18:43:00.000+01:00

Over the next few weeks, you can look forward to a series of author interviews with some of Sunpenny authors, which will help you get to know the authors better and get more of an insight and behind the scenes look into their books. Today, we're starting the series with an interview with:

KC Lemmer

Author of A Flight Delayed

Description for A Flight Delayed:

When career-focused Amanda McCree discovers that her controlling Great Aunt, as a last request, has especially asked that she be the one to carry her Aunt’s remains to Cape Town, South Africa, Amanda is furious. The last thing she wants to do is travel to another continent with her Great Aunt’s ashes - even less to visit her parents after so many years of bitterness over their rejection. Amandais even more horrified to find herself stranded at her stopover in Zimbabwe due to fuel shortages.
But over the next month, through the love of a family that takes her in, the economic crisis of Zimbabwe, and a man who daily lives with his own guilt and heartbreak, Amanda realises that God is more interested in her than she had ever thought. As all Amanda’s plans go haywire and she finds herself suddenly helpless in the heart of the African bush, surrounded by wilderness and dangerous animals, miles away from her needful friend who is suffering from anorexia, and as she is let into the hurting world of the handsome Caleb Jacobs and his family, Amanda is forced to face her own family divisions and to depend upon the God she thought had failed her.

Now for the questions- welcome to the blog!-:

1. Can you tell us a little bit about yourself?

I grew up in Zimbabwe and then went on to study in South Africa because I did not want to stay in my home town to train to teach. I eventually found myself in the UK, one of the places I had told God I was not keen on moving to, (in particular, England for some reason). I now live in England and am teaching English to teenagers – I’m loving it! Surprise Surprise!

One major hobby would probably be sport: I’ve always been keen on sports and had a lot of opportunity throughout school life to be involved in various sports, in particular field hockey. I tend to now jog more and have run a half-marathon and marathon this year. I usually find this to be stimulating but restful time to think and spend time talking to God (although hills result in a lot of complaining!)

2. Your book A Flight Delayed is set in Zimbabwe. How much of your own experiences from growing up there did you use to write the book?

I have to admit that I grab ideas from all over, not all are my personal experiences – some were rumours and stories that passed through our community. Quite a few incidents were experiences that I did have, however. For example, the idea of a flight delayed came from an incident where I overslept and missed my flight back to University in Cape Town. Fortunately the airport was able to put me on another flight (it was all around the same time fuel shortages were happening and we speculated whether my flight was actually grounded – perhaps it was just me trying to console myself for poor management!). Growing up in Zimbabwe, I have so many memories of the surroundings, of holidays on game reserves and community get-togethers; I tried to show just some of these beautiful scenes and experiences in “A Flight Delayed”.

3. Describe A Flight Delayed in a short sentence.

A story showing how God can do anything He wants to, even if it means creating an unexpected visit to an unknown country to teach someone about His love.

4. Where do you like to get your inspiration for stories from?

From personal experiences and from listening to and watching others. Sometimes I hear something and my mind trails off wondering how the circumstances could have been different if certain things had not or had happened. On other occasions, I might hear a snippet of conversation in a public place but not enough to know what is happening; my mind runs through a thousand possibilities of what is actually being said and creates a whole story (usually my imagination takes the scenario way beyond reality). For example, I recently overheard a couple chatting in an airport queue in front of me. I caught the phrase, from a distraught looking woman, “we shouldn’t travel...then we would not have to be separated”. Within ten minutes I had the wedded couple (they wore wedding rings) on the brink of a possible divorce having just had a holiday to try and mend their fractured relationship, and I was on the verge of tears for them wondering how on earth their relationship could be saved. When we were on the plane, I discovered they were sitting in two different rows on the aeroplane! So for me, there’s always stories happening – some real and some not.

5. What appealed to you about writing in the genre of Christian inspirational romance?

God is the author of romance and I am constantly amazed at the romance He shows throughout scripture between people, like the fascinating story of Isaac and Rebecca, the faithful commitment of Joseph and Mary, a (Roman?) Priscilla married to (a Jewish?) Aquila working together in a practical way making tents, while serving God, as well as so many more unusual but beautiful romances. I think God loves romance, after all He calls the church His Bride, and that He has high hopes for a Christian relationship. I believe that if two people follow Him and seek His will together, He can use a godly marriage in profound ways.

6. How did you feel when you saw A Flight Delayed in print for the first time?

Amazed but delighted – and maybe just a little nervous.

7. If you were given the opportunity to live in your book, which character would you like to be?

Probably Kari, in some ways parts of her story is my story.

8. Where is your favourite place to write?

Anywhere! Most of all I love a quiet place with a view where you can see for miles; there is scope for the imagination then.

9. How long did it take to get A Flight Delayed from first draft to published book?

A few months – to be honest, I can’t remember.

10. Do you like to read yourself?

I love reading. Collecting novels is one of my vices (I wish it was a slightly cheaper one). A top favourite is Francine Rivers – I find her books challenging but inspiring. Lately I’ve been reading more of Ted Dekker; I find the plots fascinating and unusual.

11. What are you working on writing currently?

I’ve just finished writing the sequel to “A Flight Delayed” where the plot surrounds Kari, Amanda’s friend.

2. Have you got any tips for budding writers and aspiring authors?

I found it especially useful to base my plot around actual places and include some life experiences and insights. My ideas and details flow easier when I have experienced aspects of what I am writing about, or have detailed information on it.

Quick fire questions for a bit of fun- which do you like best?:

1. Reading or writing? Reading

2. . Writing or typing? Typing

3 Winter or summer? Oooh – a tough one. Probably summer though – sun or rain.

4. Paperback or hardback? Paperback

Thank you for such interesting answers- I definitely enjoyed reading them!

If you're interested in finding out more about K.C Lemmer or 'A Flight Delayed,' you can visit her website here. You can also buy 'A Flight Delayed' through the Sunpenny store or Amazon.

Sunpenny Writing Competitions

2011-08-18T11:35:00.002+01:00

The 2011-2012 Sunpenny writing competitions are now open! The successful Sunpeny writing competitions are now accepting entries for the 2011-2012 competitions in 4 different categories:

Rose and Crown- New Novels Competition

Young Writer's Short Story Competition

Open Short Story Competition

Christian Short Story Competition

There's a category to suit all budding writers whatever genre or style you like to write in (as long as it's clean) or whatever age you are. Open internationally, you can enter wherever you live in the world as long as your story is written in English.

We believe firmly in competitions as a way to encourage writers (a) to put pen to paper, and (b) to believe in themselves. Practice of your profession is essential, and this is one way to get people writing with purpose. Many people also love the challenge, and it drives them to produce material they might not otherwise have explored, developing them in unexpected ways!

To find out more about each of the categories, please visit the competitions page on our website for more information on submission guidelines, rules, prizes, entry fees and deadlines.

So if you love to write or know others who do, please spread the word and.... get writing! Put pen to paper or fingers to keyboard- we look forward to reading the entries we receive!

The 'New' Sunpenny and an Introduction!

2011-07-25T17:14:00.002+01:00

As mentioned in the last post, Sunpenny has received investment and to form the new Sunpenny Limited, several new staff have joined the Sunpenny team as the expansion of the company begins. The imprints that fall under the company are now Sunpenny Publishing (general), Rose & Crown Books (inspirational romance), Boathooks Books (boating and sailing), and Sunberry Books (children and young adults) and new books will be published soon.

I am delighted to introduce myself as Stephanie Higgins, the person who will be looking after the social networking side of the company, updating our Facebook page, Twitter account, the Rose and Crown blog and this blog too. I will also be training as a reader for initially submitted manuscripts.

About me:

Since a very young age, I've loved reading and it continues to be one of my favourite hobbies, along with writing stories. This passion for the written word is the reason I also have a personal book review blog. In the future, I aspire to work (as a full time job) in the publishing or journalism industry and would love to have a book of my own published.

A photo of me (Stephanie Higgins).

Another of the personnel joining is Vinita Byrne, who will be working as a full time Sales and Marketing Coordinator. Vinita began her career in the publishing industry in 1996 with Prentice Hall, a publishing house of international repute and has worked in various roles across diverse sectors. She is now responsible for the sales and marketing of all Sunpenny's works.

I am really looking forward to sharing with you the latest updates on what is happening at Sunpenny and in the world of book publishing. In the future, I hope to set up author guest posts and interviews and other exciting posts! To ensure you can read the updates, make sure you are a 'follower' by clicking on the 'followers' link in the sidebar and if you would like to join our Facebook and Twitter pages too, click on the relevant links in the sidebar. Do please feel free to ask any questions in the comments or make any suggestions of things you would like to see on this blog or would find helpful- it would be most appreciated!

Radio interview, and moving again!

2011-05-15T09:56:00.000+01:00

Quick update between packing and prepping to move tomorrow (yes, again! lol!) ... off the narrowboat and into a real life bricks and mortar apartment - well, a "modern coach house" as it's billed! Either way, it expands Sunpenny's space enough to accommodate the partnership expansion we are gearing up for and the increased staff, so it's all good. The new address is on the Contact page of our web site, should you need it - http://www.sunpenny.com.

And right after moving, I'm doing the Inspirational Breakfast show again (last appeared early February 2011). This time it's on Wednesday 18th May, in the 07:50 to 09:00 slot, and will be talking about Sunpenny's latest news and imprints, as well as whatever else the two interviewers bring up - including, I believe, my testimony. For details and to listen in, it's all here: http://www.premierradio.org.uk/inspirationalbreakfast.aspx ... if you get time to listen in, please do. Phone in, even! I need all the support I can get. :-)

So, should you happen to be either a marketing/sales person with experience in the publishing industry, or a budding young enthusiast wanting to get into publishing on the first rung (assistant to me, with a view to being trained into editing and/or other aspects) feel free to get in contact. Quickly, lol!

We are also looking for manuscripts for next year's lists, so get writing - check our guidelines before emailing your query though, please?

All for now. Hopefully soon this blog will be kept up to date better. See you in print!

-- Jo

Creeping back up to working status ...

2010-06-21T13:33:00.000+01:00

Good grief, who knew moving onto a narrow boat would involve this much doing and arranging?? Oy vey! I know I said we'd be up and running again a couple of weeks back, but in reality I'm only managing to creep a bit of work in here and there so far. BUT: we have finally secured a mooring from 1st July, at Packet Boat Marina at Cowley Peachy - we signed this morning for it, so I can safely report that our lives are progressing towards normality (well, for us, anyway!). I have run out of apologies; "it is what it is". But as my dear friend Lucy said the other day: in spite of all the hectic work to get settled, "you sound happy". Yes, thinking about it, I am happy. Madly stressed, but loving living on a boat again. I promise, the moment I have time, I'll do a photo album! ... Meanwhile, I have half a day to snatch for actual real work. Here I go ...!

MOVING BLUES

2010-05-26T06:31:00.000+01:00

Such a long time since my last post, yet it's flashed by in a whirl of events, busy-ness, craziness, things going wrong and things going right ... and here we are at the end of May, having bought a narrowboat and in the flurry of moving on board. I am exhausted already, and we have only just begun!

Please everyone note that Sunpenny and its imprints are all closed until 7th June, by which time we should be settled in and ready to roll once more. I have been trying to do bits of work in between packing etc, but it's just not happening as I would like.

Most stressful, of course, are the goodbyes! We're VERY very sad to be leaving our lovely apartment above DRL Marine boatyard/boat hire, at Womack Staithe, and especially to be leaving the wonderful people of our church (North Broads) and bible studies, of DRL Marine, and the Norfolk Broads in general. Exchanging all this for a canal near Slough just doesn't seem a great move, right now! LOL! But Andrew will be close to his work, and it brings an end to 18 months of him travelling home every weekend. And this was clearly demonstrated to be a good thing when, two weekends ago, he wrote off his car while travelling home Friday night. Praise the Lord, both he and the other driver were absolutely fine! And a car is just a hunk of metal, after all. But it brought home to us that the move will be a good thing.

Additionally, it brings Sunpenny Publishing into London, effectively, which is also good! More author meetings made possible, more easily, quite apart from anything else. So business wise this should be an excellent move.

Think positive! ... and now, back to packing and sorting and arranging, for me. Yay. Not. ;-)

DEATH, TAXES AND CHILDBIRTH

2010-01-27T05:16:00.000Z

"Death, taxes and childbirth! There's never any convenient time for any of them." (Margaret Mitchell, in Gone With The Wind) Sadly, for us the last three months have been swallowed up by first my father's descent into his death, then the aftermath doings that go along with death, and now a mad rush to get our taxes done before the January 31st deadline for online returns. And, waiting in the wings, the huge amount of catch-up work to do! Makes me feel like Scarlett : "I'll think about that ... tomorrow!"

Unfortunately all this has meant missing deadlines for our Sunpenny book releases, and pushing back the launches for our two new imprints, Rose & Crown, and Boathooks Books. Manuscript submissions have gone unread, letters and emails unanswered, web sites fallen by the wayside, blogs subsiding into silence. And when we did take a two week holiday to try and recover, we both promptly fell ill and spent our time in Cyprus - beautiful Cyprus! - trying to feel energetic enough to explore, and then collapsing the next day from overdoing things in our weakened states.

Consequently we have not begun 2010 as we had hoped: refreshed, energised and enthusiastic! Rather, we are still under the weather, under the circumstances, and under strain. We covet your prayers so that we can recover rapidly and work through our backlog and overload quickly and efficiently, and somehow by the middle of the year be caught up to where we had planned to be by then!

As Christians we are to be filled with the joy of the Lord, but that isn't a feeling, it's a state of being. Jesus went through his own ups and downs and totally understands our struggles on an emotional level when things get rough. All He wants is for us to know that He is our Immanuel - the mighty power within us (yes, say that again, Mighty Power Within Us, Strength With Us!). So while we grieve for my father's loss, we rejoice that his suffering is over. While we struggle with our workload and to get back onto an even keel, we give thanks that we have work to do! While our bodies come under attack from illness, we are so grateful for healing and health. And while we strive against the oppression of low spirits, we are gladdened that we have good fellowship, and praise music to lift our souls to God!

(Oh, and while we're thinking about all this, Lord, a quick note: Can we talk about this menopause stuff please? A little private chat perhaps? These little tropical vacations and hormonal roller coasters? -- Not one of your best plans, Lord. Just so you know.)

Keep praising and praying on our behalf: we have God's work to do before we quit! And meanwhile: Up and At 'em! Hundelay, hundelay!

Apology to our authors, customers and site visitors!

2009-09-28T07:01:00.001+01:00

Over the last 10 days our sunpenny.com domain received the equivalent of a "denial of service" attack when tens of thousands of email spams were sent out by a hacker who broke in to our server. We apologise to anyone who received these spams; they did not come from us! As a result our server was blacklisted by major servers around the world and our technical people spent a lot of time sorting it out, as we ourselves did with the mop-up afterwards. Now fixed, we hope!

We had to shut down two of our email addresses for a while. If you sent us an email between the 18th and 28th of September and have not received a reply, please send again.

You may have noticed you could not reach our site on and off during that time, or that you ended up facing the Sunberry Books division instead of our main site, which is our default page. Sorry about that too!

And no, it wasn't a personal attack - they simply use software to range the internet looking for passwords it can break, and then they're in. We do NOT understand what kind of people DO this! They steal our resources, blacken our listings and our name, and apparently do not care. Our security has been hugely tightened now, and hopefully their software won't find a way in again. Personally, we'd like to see these people hunted down and jailed for life, but ....!

Rose & Crown has its own blog now!

2009-09-10T15:00:00.000+01:00

Great news! Our romance imprint, Rose & Crown, is now blog-ready. Check it out here! Keep up to date with us as we approach the launch of this imprint.

And by next year, our boating and sailing imprint will also be blogging - Boathooks Books.

Anchored and Free!
Jo

Death, and Life

2009-09-10T08:54:00.002+01:00

Hello everyone! I can't believe it's so long since I blogged - and that once again, I'm blogging "off-topic", but both issues here have my passionate attention.

First: I am reminded that tomorrow is the 11th September, and we will all be remembering where we were when we learned of the incredible aeroplane attack(s) by Muslim terrorists, on Americans and many, many other nationalities. Me? I was at the time living temporarily in a small flat in The Strand, outside Cape Town, South Africa. Andrew telephoned me from Hartbeespoort to tell me to turn on my television; the first plane had hit the Twin Towers and at the time no-one had realised it was a terrorist attack - but as we watched, the second plane hit, and it slowly dawned that this was no accident. And gradually the news came in of the other two planes. The world was in shock; I was certainly in shock - physically and mentally and emotionally. My soul was incredulous, and the pain lasts through to this moment, and every moment I think about it.

And this is just days after the reminder of something equally horrific that happened in Rhodesia, September 3rd 1978 - the deliberate shooting down of a passenger Viscount at Kariba, by Joshua Nkomo's ZiPRA terrorist forces - and then, on the ground, the slaughter of the survivors.

Perhaps, having been in the forces during the Rhodesian terrorist war, and through this appalling demonstration of indiscriminate hatred for innocent civilians (and the world's indifference!!!!), I was predisposed for this attack on American soil to affect me so deeply. Either way, the beginning of September holds three things for me: my mother's birthday, the Viscount (I was acquainted with the pilot), and 9-11.

The circle of life, and death. The insanity of hatred, the treachery of politicians, the tragedy of life cut short ... and yet the continuation of life, through birth.

Please remember, with me at this time, the families of the victims, and pray for the perpetrators.

NEXT: Following on to my previous off-topic delight about my grand-nephew: Meet Ethan!

No need to comment. :-)

I promise the next blog will be on topic: PUBLISHING!

About to achieve GREAT AUNT status!

2009-07-27T12:05:00.004+01:00

Oh my goodness! It's all happening so fast, where did the last 8 months go? In two days' time my gorgeous niece and extreme-to-die-for-handsome nephew-in-law (??) will give birth to my first great-nephew. And on the same day this has come to my attention, we had just decided to launch our children's imprint in time for Christmas next year. Is that not fitting, that both should happen on the same day? Coincidence? I think not. ;-)

I don't yet know if a name has been chosen for the little newcomer (well, not so little, I understand - he is occasioning a C-section due to his size!), but I can't wait to welcome him! It seems so wrong that I'm so far away, across two continents (he is being born in South Africa, while I'm in England), but such is life when you belong to a gypsy-footed family. We're spread all over the world, which makes for interesting conversation but somewhat empty arms when it comes to hugging.

Never mind: I shall now not be able to concentrate on work, I'm sure ... must put this aside and get on with life, for two days at least. Am I allowed a most unprofessional, un-publisher-like, "Whoo-hooooo!"? I think so. ;-)

Winners of the Rose & Crown New Novels Competition

2009-06-15T12:43:00.003+01:00

Absolutely thrilled to announce the winners of the Rose and Crown Books "New Novels Competition", at last! It's been hard work, but we got there.

1st Place: "Embracing Change", by Debbie Roome. Prize: £200 and publishing contract.

2nd Place: "A Flight Delayed", by Burgandy Savanna. Prize: £100 and publishing contract.

3rd Place: "Blue Freedom", by Sandra Peut. Prize: Publishing contract.

Details and downloads of excerpts are available at the Rose & Crown Books web site.

Burgandy and Savanna, if you're reading this, please contact me ASAP? Thanks!

Note to all those entrants who have asked me individually for detailed responses to their manuscripts: I'm really sorry but this would take far too much time. I am willing to do a detailed critique of your work for a very low price of £75 (and since this takes anything up to 10 hours, this really IS a very low price!) - but I simply can't do it without charging. You will be receiving a short email from me with a very brief note from the judging process, however.

The Sunpenny Short Stories competitions are still in judging; we are hoping to have results on or around the 25th of June. Thank you for your patience!

NOTE: The 2010 Rose & Crown New Novels Competition is now open for entries. Fee: £18. Deadline: 31st March 2010. Winners to be announced end of June 2010. Full details at the Rose & Crown web site.

Back to work for me ... thanks for listening!

The WriteLink Community

2009-06-03T08:26:00.004+01:00

Hello, Writers!

Just popping in very quickly to let you know that the new site for WriteLink is up. If you don't already know about them, go and take a look - I've been a member for several years now. It's a friendly space in which to showcase your writing, test out and get feedback, and even earn money for your work. Speaking of which, I'd better get back to the final competition judging; no time to dally ... as for you, go visit WriteLink and get your creati ve juices flowing all over the pages!

No time to blog - judging at full speed!

2009-05-31T18:02:00.006+01:00

Hello! Sorry everyone, madly busy with final judging on our writing competitions. They were due to be released end of May, and we now have the short lists, but I anticipate another 2 weeks (to mid-June) before final results are out. Meanwhile, no time to blog ... catch up with us later; don't shoot the messenger! :-)

Meanwhile, I'm conducting an interest poll - w'ere introducing full colour gift books that combine beautiful images (themed) with Sudoku. Our first offering is "Sudoku for Bird Lovers", followed by "Sudoku for Sailors", and we have plans for many others, but we need to know how popular these might be. Let us know if you think this is a good idea, and what themes you might like to see - horses? Ballet? Ice skating? Cats? Dogs? etc ...

Check out our online store and let us know what you think - more methods of payment? (I'm adding the ability to purchase with credit cards without having to be a member of anything, via Nochex and Kagi.) Prices right? Other thoughts?

Back to competition judging ... check back soon!

Birthday Blessings!

2009-05-21T09:27:00.006+01:00

Today I have reached the wise old age of 51 (I must be postitively a sage!), and sitting here with my morning coffee I can look out over my balcony and see a gorgeous sunny morning that has spread itself like a blanket of light over the park and water below, and sprinkled itself among the trees that surround Womack Staithe. Pic below taken this morning!

The breeze is lifting the Rhodesian Flag I proudly fly from my patio, and carrying birdsong and boat noises to my willing ears. (Yes, I know this is backwards; it's taken from behind the flag, because if I were in front of it I'd be on the roof of the fishing tackle shop! lol!)

For some reason unknown to me, last night I slept 8 hours straight (anyone who knows me well, knows that achieving 4 good hours in a row is about the best it usually gets) - Blessing Number One: I am rested!

Knowing that hubby is working in London and therefore is not with me today, my daughter has slathered presents and flowers and messages all over me in the hopes I'll get a birthday tan of happiness (it worked!). I've had birthday messages from school buddies of loooooong ago, back in Rhodesia ... and my best friend Lucy is driving across from Bunwell to meet me for lunch, which will be taken at the Swan in Horning. (Hello, Christine!) ... and I haven't even had time yet for either breakfast, or for checking out all the e-cards I've been sent. Even CP gave me a birthday voucher of $5 (ooooh!). I'd rather have one from DAZ3D of course, but I don't think they give birthday vouchers! Har!

I have not had time to think about work yet today, and in fact am under instruction from my daughter Luana NOT to think about work. So I am avoiding thinking about work - at least until after lunch. ;-)

I do intend to put another writers' tip up on the Sunberry Books blog today, but if it's not there till tomorrow - forgive an aging birthday girl. Lunch will have been one bridge too far ... especially since I'm planning on having the twice-roast duck on a bed of sweet potato ...

... and NO SALAD AT ALL! har!

The Sunberry Blog

2009-04-29T08:13:00.002+01:00

As I slowly work my way through the pile of manuscripts on my reading list, it strikes me over and over how astonishing it is that so many would-be writers haven't taken the time to learn the basic courtesies concerning submitting their work.

Why would any writer want to gain mental black marks before the publisher even begins reading? Wouldn't you think they'd rather make a good first impression? Fascinating! When there are so many books out there to teach new writers their trade, so much information on the internet for those who can't afford the books - anyone with half a noggin can find out what they need to know. Come on guys, make the effort! I love reading your stuff, but to be honest, I'd love it a whole lot more if it was neatly and properly presented in a way that makes it easiest for me to read and enjoy.

I've just written about this on the Sunberry Tips for Authors and Writers Blog, giving the basic rules for submitting a book manuscript, and will over the next weeks continue to give info from a publisher's perspective on that blog, so if you're interested can I suggest you click to "Follow", so you receive notification whenever I put something up? (You might want to do that for this blog, too.)

Vent over. Back to the reading pile ... which I do truly love, believe it or not! LOL!

Write on!
:-)

#BlogNor09: Blogging Norfolk!

2009-04-23T22:57:00.007+01:00

Just discovered this site today, sadly quite late before I was able to join and take advantage of the special 23rd April day! Living on Womack Staithe, on the Broads, and having lived in rural countryside previously (also in Norfolk of course), I have a great love for this area. Starting our publishing company here has been a great joy, and we'll soon be releasing the first novel of our first Norfolk novelist, Christine Moore - who also lives on the Broads.

Christine's book, "Going Astray", is a thriller that starts out nice 'n slow and moves on into high suspense and drama. A Christian family finds itself carried along as their church is taken over and then becomes a cult - can they all escape in time, alive?

We're also working with another Norfolk writer on his book about owning a riverboat hire company in the Broads. What can I say? We love Norfolk!

And just to make you completely envious, here's a shot taken from our balcony just the other week. And no, you can't invite yourself over. Well, not unless you bring coffee cake! :-)

London Book Fair - over at last!

2009-04-23T19:22:00.005+01:00

I see that my last post was a month ago - my excuse is that during that time, between preparations for the London Book Fair, releasing Rowland Evans's latest book "My Sea Is Wide"; driving up and down to Yorkshire to see my father (who is now in respite/rehab care there, waiting to move down to a care home in Norfolk to be near us), searching for the right care home for him, the writing competitions coming to their close, and in between normal work - well, I haven't had a lot of time or energy left, lol! But you can follow our Tweets on Twitter (link to the left of this post), make friends with us on Facebook, or watch our web site for all the latest news. Back soon! Thanks for listening!

Survival of the Pigheaddedest, and: Moving Day Approaches!

2009-02-24T08:59:00.008Z

...
As many of you will have seen from our web sites, we are moving premises (and home!) at the end of February. Although this was a rather sudden decision, we felt we could manage in the 28 days from date of decision. Of course, we hadn't counted on the sky falling on our heads (i.e. Life As She Is!) ... my father deciding this was a good month in which to approach death's door, and thus various family members arriving from around the world and expecting all arrangements to be taken care of by the Resident Daughter in the UK ... me. Not that I mind; I just wish it had all happened NEXT month, when we'd have been safely ensconced in our new home, with lots of extra beds to offer, and the move (and all encumbent arrangements for) all behind us.

All this comes right after our discovery in November that the funds we had planned on to carry out all our lovely publishing contrivances for the rest of this year would not in fact be realised, due to the bank crashes. So the last few months have been very trying as we have been making hard decisions - do we close down and give up? Or do we fight, and find new ways to survive and continue, even if they aren't what we would prefer to be doing?

We chose to survive, and although we're working out details still, we now have a way forward. We apologise heartily to all those who have had manuscripts with us for such a long time; during the last few months we have done NO manuscript readings at all. However, once the move is over, we'll be getting back into a rhythm and will be contacting everyone we haven't yet communicated with. Please be a little more patient? :-)

Competition entries, likewise, have been received but not officially acknowledged yet. I am trying to get to it, I promise!

My father is still in hospital, in Yorkshire - about 4-5 hours' drive from here. I am traipsing up and down, between moving arrangements, and trying to keep up with urgent work. Things are very much in the air right now, including my stress level ... blood pressure, blood sugar, etc, ha ha!

And so I must stop blogging, and move on. Bear with me, please; you are much appreciated!

In Search of a Red Hat!

2008-05-19T15:42:00.002+01:00

Yes folks, today is the day I've been awaiting, for - never mind for how long. Today I get to join the Red Hats of the world! The purple clothing I have already worn most of my life, being a dedicated Purple People. (In fact, I wore purple last night, while giving a creative writing workshop in Diss. A purple sparkly Indian dress over purple harem pants.) I have also worn hats of many shapes and styles, and colours, including purple. (It must be admitted that even while working in the TV/Film world, my own oddity colleagues were prone to saying that I dressed very ... unusually. "Weird" is a term I have heard, too!)

But today, I am officially a Red Hatter, and this morning I am heading into Norwich market to find for myself - yes - a RED HAT! With bells on! (Oh yes, that would do nicely, thank you. Perhaps an embroidered belly-dancer's hat: I wonder if the good Norfolk stallholders will stretch to that? I shall report back!) I intend to then celebrate with lunch at the Thai On The River restaurant, followed by a bone scan at the Norfolk & Norwich. At 50, one can't be too careful.

I became authorised for the above mission shortly after midnight - at about 00:04, if my mother is to be believed. I was asleep by then, of course - at 50, one should observe the beauty niceties. The surprises have begun already: my erstwhile husband got up about an hour earlier than usual, to get me coffee and wish me happy birthday. (He forgot to get me a present. I'll make him pay for that later, at the market.)

I have been instructed by my daughter (and therefore by default also my son) to wait at home for a delivery this morning - a token gift to mark the day, since we'll all be getting together in June to celebrate the fact that we have a string of family birthdays during the next three weeks, not to mention Mother's Day and Father's Day to throw into the mix.

So I watch the sun frolicking on the fields outside my window as I drink my early morning coffee, and enjoy a thrill of anticipation.

After all, it's not every day that one reaches one's half-century.

Jonty Rhodes, eat your heart out!

In Search of the Perfect Croissant

2008-05-17T06:51:00.003+01:00

When we set off on our Indian Ocean voyage, heading first for the French island of Mayotte in the Comoros archipelago, we had read in a sailing magazine article and been told by other sailors about a bakery on Pamandzi that was like no other. Nothing would do but that we should hie ourselves hence the moment we had anchored, and experience heaven in pastry. Our lives would not, could not, be complete any otherwise.

As it happened, we arrived in Mayotte in the afternoon, scampered around Dzaoudzi bay looking for good anchorage while avoiding myriad ferries plying back and forth between the yachts (!), and then had formalities to complete with corrupt officials (well okay, only ONE corrupt official, but that's another story altogether) - by which time it was evening. But, we promised ourselves, the very next day we would feast on the legendary croissants!

Not so. We searched for days for the famed bakery, but never found it. Even the locals frowned in puzzlement when asked about it, and pointed us to Pamandzi, where we indeed found a strange little bakery - without produce. We went back several times during our 8 week stay, but only once did we find that boulangerie open, and it's day's stock was almost gone. In our search we had covered all of Pamandzi and Dzaoudzi, and most of Mamoudzou, and had almost given up on finding a cheap cup of coffee with croissants - when we discovered, way over the other side of the main island (and a double taxi-fee away as it was in the next zone), an actual real supermarket with actual real supermarket food, and a little cafe that did pastries and coffee.

Bliss! and we make the best of this for the last few weeks that we remained in Mayotte. True, we had found other pastries, and even one place that did croissants (at an exhorbitant price, as it was the main tourist hotel in Mamoudzou!) - but everything else we had experienced was just plain "flat" against the ideal that had been described to us, and which we were vainly convinced must be out there somewhere.

The point of this little tale is: are we not all constantly searching for that perfect but mythical croissant, in a manner of speaking? Nowadays I find myself searching not for a croissant, but for the perfect manuscript (although a darned good croissant would not go astray!). Each time I pick up an author's beloved work, I am excited. Will this be The Big One? I hope against hope that it will be, but if you're about to sink several thousand pounds and a whole lot of work into launching a book, you had better absolutely and utterly LOVE that book! And, let's face it, love is a very personal thing. Otherwise we'd all be wanting to marry everyone else's spouse, wouldn't we?

And so it is with choosing a book to expend the next couple of years on. I have to adore the book. I have to believe it's a winner. I have to then adore the author. I have to believe the author will be a winner. I have to feel that wild urge to work on the manuscript, and to work with the author; that heart-flipping excitement that lights up a new relationship - in fact, that elusive passion that will drive this book forward and make it a success. My success, as well as the author's.

These pearls of great lustre are few and far between. Oh, many pearls do turn up, many of them with a very tempting sheen (still more, sadly, with little or no sheen at all) - many that I would really enjoy working on, if I had the capital or was being paid to do so - but every publisher has a budget, and I keep holding on for the next absolutely perfect oyster who will present me with an absolutely breathtaking pearl.

Or - a baker with an exquisite croissant would do, too. Cappucino with that, please ...

Catching up in time for Christmas

2007-12-16T07:01:00.000Z

Well, it's been a while; sorry !! - Okay, I have to admit that I'm not going to be the most regular blogger in the world. Life seems so full, and as we raced towards the end of 2007 there were so many exciting - and some less exciting - things to be done ... (excuses, excuses - or, as my Dutch mother would say, "Smoosjes!"! (And no, I have no idea how one spells that!)

"The Mountains Between"

First, we decreed a release date for Julie McGowan's "The Mountains Between", and it was all systems hundelay! to prepare the manuscript for printing, design the cover, make all the arrangements, and do a slew of pre-publicity to prepare Wales for this fantastic book. Julie was (and is!) fantastic at all kinds of things - contacts, ideas, talks, interviews, and just plain hard work. We are very blessed to have her as our first author; she has, I fear, spoiled us for whoever else may yet come!

On 27th November was the launch party, held at the beautiful old Sessions House in Usk, Wales. Julie and her talented family and friends had arranged a wonderful program of music and readings; the venue was packed with people, including several from the media (see, for instance, the photospread in County Times Magazine, and other coverage in the Western Mail, Argus, and others). It was great fun, and the next day we drove on to meet another Welsh author with whom we are hoping to sign a contract in early 2008 - watch this space; he is a VERY exciting writing talent!

Julie (in rose lace) signing copies of her book at the launch.
(Pete Newman, radio show host at BRfm, standing behind her.)

Another mountain - the 'flu!

I did, however, pick up 'flu whilst there, and by the weekend felt rather as though I might not see Christmas at all ... and of course by Monday, hubby had nursed me so well he'd got it himself. And here we are, mid-December, still both sick, though I am very happy to discover that yesterday I think I turned the corner toward a slow recovery.

Availability of "The Mountains Between"

Despite the 'flu, life does go on, and we've worked hard at following up the orders for "The Mountains Between", supplying customers, and being accepted by Bertrams distribution - a HUGE milestone for us, as it means the book will shortly become available in the major chain stores like Waterstones, WH Smith and Borders. We believe from customers that at present, those large chains can't be bothered going further than their computers to check their listings, and if it's not on there they simply say it's not available.

Untrue! Bertrams were shocked to hear this, since even before it was on their listing, they had taken individual orders from independent booksellers for it. Apparently if your local large chain bookstore is telling you they can't get it, they're - ummm - using a terminological inexactitude, to quote the great Churchill (as he tactfully avoided using the L-word in Parliament).

Either push them to order it (tell them it's now ON the listings at Bertrams), or better still, snub them and go to an independent bookshop, where you'll get far better service and the book will be obtained for you post-haste if it isn't already on the shelves - and in addition, you will be supporting the Little Man against the tide of Big Unconcerned Uncaring Chain Stores. :-)

Examples of bookshops that have it in stock right now: Mandalays in Usk; Brownings in Blaenavon; Abergavenny Bookshop ... (note to book sellers: if you would like to stock this book, it's available at normal wholesale discounts, SoR, directly from us, or from Bertrams distribution).

Or, of course, you can order directly from our web site at www.sunpenny.com - no postage is charged. There is still time to order for Christmas; if you order by Wednesday 19th, you will receive it by Friday or Saturday - or if the Post Office is slow, by 24th December. We do post out either the day of receiving the order (if it's before 2pm), or the next morning.

But I digress. So: the push to let the world know about this fabulous book is working; orders are flying in, and we're foreseeing a second print-run in the near future. We are also getting GREAT feedback; people are loving the book, and coming back for more and more copies to give to friends!

So far we have only let South Wales in on the secret, but we are about to publicise it to the rest of Wales, and the UK. Next year ... the World! Aaaaahahahahahahah!!

Writing Competitions

In between all this, we were judging the September-deadline writing competitions. Five of us were involved in the judging process, and every entry was read by at least three people. The top entries were then read by our guest judge, Lucy McCarraher, and we were quite proud that despite all our busy-ness and the 'flu, we managed to get the winner announcements up on the web site only a week later than we'd aimed for. Prize cheques have been sent, and the prize books will be in the post on Monday (20th). We hope everyone is delighted with their winnings!

We had a low number of entries, due we suspect to the fact that we are new on the scene and many people weren't sure whether to trust themselves to our competitions. This meant that most of the prize money wasn't covered by the entries, but no matter - our enthusiasm for encouraging writers is boundless, and we paid out very happily!

The winning entries, details of our winners, and our Commendations and their authors, are all presented at our web site. We were delighted, on the whole, with the high standard of the entries!

We also learned lessons - most importantly that we had a vast spread of experience across the entries, from obvious newbies (and at least one very young writer), through to people who write professionally and enter (and have won) many competitions. We hadn't really foreseen this (silly of us!), and so have developed two new categories, thus giving four competitions:

Young Writers - for entrants up to the age of 14 (i.e. below 15) by closing date of March 31st 2008;

Writers' Challenge - for entrants who have had more than 2 items published or broadcast previously; this is a challenge to pit themselves against their peers, in support of the newbies in the other categories;

Open - as before, but with restriction on (a) each entry not having been published/broadcast previously, and (b) the entrant not having been published/broadcast more than twice previously;

Christian - as before, with restriction as for the Open writers' competition.

Closing date for entries is 31st March (for all competitions), and winners will be announced at the end of May 2008. Best entries will go into an anthology of short stories, which will hopefully be published in time for Christmas 2008 - a great Christmas gift!

All details for our writing competitions can be seen at www.sunpenny.com - please do read guidelines before entering. We have also put up a Judges' Comments page based on the entries we received for the September competitions - lots of tips and information on what to do, and not to do, when entering competitions. Things to consider; we hope they're helpful to you.

And that's about it for today. I shan't promise when I'll be back - I can only say that I promise to try harder, and be better at this. More frequent, shorter posts, for your delight and hilarity as we bumble forward! Do bookmark us. You never know when we'll finally blog something that's relevant to you! :-)

Buy "The Mountains Between" - it's a wonderful book! And have a wonderful Christmas and New Year season. Rest! Enjoy!

... and so, to bed ...

Just Another Day in Paradigm

2007-08-07T18:52:00.000+01:00

Okay, I have to admit that as a first-time blogger (essentially) I do feel rather foolish sitting here, knowing I have a potential audience of thousands out there all ready to hang assiduously on my every word. Yes, I know I've written for audiences of thousands before (especially all those television scripts), but somehow this is different. How DOES one compose oneself when faced with that very first empty blogspace? What's the form? What's the format? What's the ... paradigm? Would Syd Field know? Would he care? Would his guru?

Enough of that. Clearly something has spiked my blood sugar levels. This is meant only as an introduction to my brand new blog - after spending hours setting up the settings, tampering with templates and pre-designing my profile, I'm too exhausted to think straight. Who knew?

Besides, today I have also met with a potential author for lunch, strewing her with advice and hopefully not muddying the waters whilst stirring them up, and that's always exhausting in itself. I have dealt with cover design for another author, creation (in part) of a contract, sorting through photos, registering writing competition entries, doing home-made chicken soup for freezing in several portions (all low carb, every one of them, I swear), and wolf-whistling at my man as he stood on a step ladder with a highly dangerous looking power tool, trimming high hedges (I feel that's enough encouragement from the little wife for one day).

I know that tomorrow morning I must make a batch of coconut icecream and fresh brownies to take to an author friend whose husband has recently been diagnosed with Parkinsons, to lunch with them and lend an ear. Tomorrow little work will be done in a business sense, but much will be achieved anyway, I hope. There is more to life than money, and enjoying these gentle people's company is one of those mores.

So here I am, sitting high in my 17th Century cottage deep in rural Norfolk, listening to nature wind down outside and my man prepping dinner inside (his turn), and considering how blessed one can be in the midst of turmoil. I have experienced such evenings staring out over Lake Malawi with hippo splashing offshore; preparing food over a campfire in the twilight bush in lion country; peeling freshly caught prawns on the deck of our sailing yacht in Kenya as the sun sank in the bay; waiting for the puff of dolphins in the middle of an otherwise empty moonlit sea ... and so many other situations I can't begin to list here.

Is there a "paradise" anywhere on earth? - Yes. Everywhere. You just have to learn see it that way.

Goodnight, children. Go read my book, Dance of Eagles. You'll love it. ;-)

Sleepily yours,
Jo
www.sunpenny.com