Exciting News!

Today I was thrilled to receive a copy of the cover of my book on Haunted Worthing, being published by the History Press. I must say I am absolutely delighted with it. This book is due to hit the bookshops in early September, so watch this space for more inforamtion. Meanwhile I am working on my next book, Shipwrecks along the South Coast, in between enjoying the glorious sunshine. At last the warmer weather has arrived.

This week started with a big event for any writer, the three day London Bookfair held at Earls Court. This year due to volcanic ash invading our air space there were fewer overseas stands - many left empty - and fewer visitors, which made it pleasant to walk around. Another significant difference was that most publishers were interested in talking to authors about their various projects and were very generous with practical information. What did come over loud and clear was that authors are expected to do the majority of the promotion and publicity for their book themselves through their own websites and blogs, and are encouraged to do book signings, radio interviews, and talks whenever possible. The days of the 'shrinking violet' author have gone!
Back at my desk I am working on the final draft of The Story for Gower. This was the first book I wrote back in 1992 and it has been in print ever since. Now I am working on a new edition which will be roughly twice as long with colour and black and white illustrations. Obviously this being my first book it is very special to me and I must thank my publisher Myrddin ap Dafydd at Gwasg Carreg Gwach for the opportunity to update this book.
I am also working on a new book for The History Press entitled Shipwrecks of the South Coast, which I am enjoying researching. Being born and brought up a stone's throw from the Gower Peninsula I have always had a special affinity with the sea, which can be so powerful. There are so many shipwrecks to write about that I think I will need to be extremely selective.
Next week on Tuesday 27 April I am running a Day for Journalists and non-fiction writers in London. Anyone interested in learning more or attending, please contact me.

When I started this blog my ambition was to post every week, or even twice a week, but work always seems to catch up with me, leaving me wondering what has happen to the previous week.
On 8 March I attended the SWWJ Southern Regional meeting held at Chichester, and after enjoying meeting and greeting fellow writers we settled down to a most interesting morning discussion on amongst other topics, the value of writing competitions, should writers specialise, query letters, and the state of the market in general. After a lunch break in Chichester and another opportunity to network, we were treated to an excellent short story workshop run by the the award winning crime writer Peter Lovesey, who seems to have picked up as many awards as he has written books. His gentle approach managed to get us working and several came away with the bones of a short story, including me. I'm afraid this will be on 'the back burner' until Haunted Worthing is safely with The History Press with deadline looming around the corner.
Following on from this meeting I agreed to talk at Selsey Writers on 6 July 2010 about using Myths and Legends as a source for material, which I have used in both fiction and non-fiction. I am looking forward to an enjoyable afternoon and meeting new friends. All my books on regionals in Wales have a chapter on folklore, and it is a subject that fascinates most readers.
Unfortunately a day away from the computer means several days back in front of the screen trying to catch-up, but I am pleased to say that Haunted Worthing is taking shape with several places lined up to be visited in the next week.
Yesterday was the SWWJ Council meeting, which are always held in London. We have some very exciting events coming up shortly which I will be post as they come up. If you are a writer and not a member of the SWWJ do visit our website and consider joining. Do also look at our events page. I certainly would not be the writer I am today without the help and advice of the SWWJ.