​Recently, I have been mostly doodling.

I find doodling very relaxing. Below is a drawing I did of Darwin College, Cambridge (my old college). I also drew a wheelbarrow in the grounds of Jesus College.

There is something about nature that I love to draw. I don't tend to draw people. I leave those to the world of words in my head. They seem to be always talking, talking, talking at me. So would never sit still long enough to be able to draw.

Having said all that, my next project is to draw Professor Elizabeth Green, Godric and Inspector Abley. You will be the judge of my success when you see them.

In the meantime, hope everyone is enjoying the sunshine in the UK. And for those around the world, I wish you a happy weekend.

​Cxx

​Recently, I have been finishing a script. I wanted to set the story in Cornwall and it was great to visit all the locations I included. I have been revisiting some of the photos from my last time there, just to check I represent the place accurately. 

When you write scripts for TV, you never know if they will be made.  You hope, but if you are like me and don't have a TV agent, the dream becomes even harder. 

I have found that I don't need an agent to publish my novels, and they have done well, but TV is a different game.

There are many competitions, however, for budding TV and film writers, where you can find ways onto the ladder without one at the start. One of the best place to check out the opportunities if you are in the UK is the BBC Writersroom.

I was lucky enough to work there for six months, and they were lovely people. I am absolutely sure nothing has changed. The core reason it exists is to find new writers and encourage them on their journey. 

So, if you are thinking about it, why not give it a try?
Cxx

​Sometimes writers are asked what they do in their spare time? Write of course!

But when I'm not writing I'm either walking the dog, playing the piano, watching TV or drawing.

I'm increasingly turning to music and art to relax. I don't know if it is the time of my life. Reflective rather than hurried, but they bring me closer to my own emotions and at the same time I feel more connected to this crazy beautiful world.

So, I thought I'd share my scribbles on www.lovelydayart.com 

I've never really spoken about why I draw, paint or scribble. Sometimes I do it when I'm sad about the world. Sometimes I do it when I'm thinking about a plot. But, every time I do it I feel great.

​I highly recommend picking up a pencil and scribbling. I got started years ago doing the same. Then I bought procreate for my phone and used to scribble when I was on the train or waiting for a meeting. 

Love to you all, hoping you have found the thing that makes you happy. One of my scribbles below, of which you can find out how I drew them on YouTube here.
​Cxx

Hello friends,

​I wanted to post some photographs of the beautiful blossom in Cambridge at the moment. It is really cheerful and joyful to see.

​It has been a long winter, not cold, but a lot of dark days. Spring is always so lovely in England. Perhaps because of the temperate weather, the seasons are always so gentle as they blend from one to another. 

I have been finishing a screenplay this week. I started back in the summer and keep going back to it. Writing scripts is so different to novels, but I do enjoy it very much.

Hope everyone has a great weekend.
​Cxx

Hello friends,

tonight I have put POISON, Book 1 of The Cambridge Murder Mysteries on sale. It has come down from US$7.99 and UK£5.99 to US$2.99 and UK£2.99.

I am going to keep the sale going for a week, so grab a bargain!

Also, VALENTINE'S DAY - KISS OF DEATH is now on sale in the US at US$0.99, down from US$7.99. 

I will be sending out a newsletter this weekend, so if any would like to receive, don't forget to sign up here.

Happy reading and happy weekend.
Cx

Hello friends,

I wanted to post a short blog about Goodreads. I know that it is a great resource for readers who want to find books in a genre they enjoy.

As a writer, I have yet to understand how to connect with readers who enjoy my books on the platform. Some authors do so really well. If any readers have thoughts about what works well on Goodreads I'd love to know. I saw one author running polls about their characters on Goodreads.

With so many different places to join, connect, talk on and comment through, I must admit I do find it hard to keep up!

If ever you want to get in touch with me, I'm usually on Twitter every day. I like it most because it has gone after eight minutes most of the time (viral tweets not withstanding). I like the immediate nature of the posts. The easy way to connect with anyone. Perhaps I should have called this blog Twitter.

Perhaps I will come to understand how, as an author, I can enjoy Goodreads more.  But, I think for now, I am stretched too thin.

Cxx

I wrote a poem this morning...

Can’t Take My Soul
I knew a man who once was there,
who once there was, I knew a man.
A man I knew who was not good, no good
this man was everywhere.

​I knew a man who came to ravage
Ravage our land,
from left and right
and right and left,
and up and down and down.
And up.
He took it all. He took our children.
He wouldn't stop until the end.

But at the end was left my soul.
My soul was still,
but still at the end was my soul.
My soul was at the end.
He could not take that
Take my soul he did not.
For he did not know me,
or I him a stranger from afar.

He thought he'd win.
Win, to win, to win.
But he lost.
Hearts and minds.
Mothers and sons.
Fathers and daughters.
He lost us, he lost them
He lost everyone.

He took. Took took
Everything but not our souls,
not our spirit
No matter how he fought.
He never understood.

Pity the man who cannot feel
Who cannot share, cannot love
For he is truly alone in this land and no friend of ours this man

Charlot King

Hello friends,

I wanted to let you know that I have started a book club. It might take some peoples' minds - if just for a short while - away from all the heartbreaking things going on in the world.

I am sure my book club will be very small, but in case anyone else would like to read 'Where the Crawdads Sing' Delia Owens, I shall be posting about it next weekend with my review. If you have read it, do let me know what you think. Link below to Book Club. 

Happy reading!
Cxx

Hello Friends,

today I am posting a link in case you'd like to download 'Valentine's Day Kiss of Death' along with other books available through something called BookFunnel which are either free or currently on sale. Valentine's Day is currently only 99 pence at the moment.

Hoping you all have a lovely day.
​Cxx