Hurrah!

Having worried like mad about Murder in Bloom, expecting it to flop into the inbox with Rejection! stamped all over it, I've just heard from Kind Editor Bob that he's up to his neck in paperwork, but he doesn't think there's any need for major rewrites. I can now set up the Waterstones signing and anything else we've got lined up without the embarrassment of having to cancel it all because I've been dropped. Could, of course, be dropped afterwards, so I'd better get on with writing the stand-alone in the hope that Clever Agent Kate can sell it...

I've been asked to contribute a piece to Crime Time Online: http://www.crimetime.co.uk to coincide with the escape of Murder in Bloom, and, of course, I'm hoping to do some publicity for Criminal Tendencies, the charity anthology to which I've contributed: http://www.cremedelacrime.com/books.htm. Also, with advice from my friend Jenny and Clever Agent Kate, I'm going to attempt to beef up my online presence - viral marketing they call it...

As I'm writing this on the new laptop I don't have a cover picture to upload, but as soon as I'm sent a replacement I'll pop it on. Watch this space. (If you can be bothered.)

Blooming Murder

The book, Murder in Bloom, is about to wing its way to the publishers at last. It's been a struggle, but who said being a novelist was easy?

Much excersised by media controversy surrounding the exploitation of one's own children. I am now very wary of reporting anything to do with my hugely talented, beautiful and extraordinary children! (Do hope they read this.) I have recently reported the birth of my grandaughter, Kitty; perhaps I shouldn't have? However, that was included in the newspaper report of my burglary (don't ask - will post a picture of the placard), so is in the public domain. What I haven't reported is that one of those hugely talented etc etc, Phillipa, has gained a place at the Royal Academy of Music, one of the most prestigious conservatoires in the world. This is a huge step towards her dream, which has been held since she was 12. She has achieved her degree in Music, she teaches it and performs, but this would be the pinnacle. So now we're going all out for sponsorship. Anybody got any ideas?

Youngest of above mentioned etc etc, Leo arrives for a week's visit today. Aah, my baby's coming home...

News and Blues

After alarums and excursions of February, I am delighted to announce the arrival of Kitty Coombes to Louise and Jarrod, born on March 1st at 7.50 pm (sensible time), a sister for Gus. She weighed in at 7lbs 7oz after her mother arrived at hospital for her water birth half an hour before! And born in the caul, if anyone knows what that means!

My birthday on March 3rd, and Miles and Phillipa took me to dinner at our local Thai restaurant. I have found another car - a Seat Arosa - although I'm having to top up the insurance settlement, naturally. Gone are the days when I could buy a new car.

My poor book has suffered during this period. I haven't reported the subsequent theft of Phillipa's car by the villains who took mine and her spare key. Hers was discovered a few days later in Milton Keynes with £1000 damage, mine has not been recovered and the incident now connected to a much more serious crime, about which we know nothing, but have to be kept in the loop, apparently.

I have new 5 bar mortice locks front and back and a quote for an alarm system which I can't afford. I am very p*ssed off at the cost of this burglary; even with insurance one ends up doling out money every which way. Not to mention the paranoia which means I'm still wary about coming out of my room in the morning and worried about what I will find when I come home if I've been out.

Book will be finished this weekend, then I will have to start on the next one. I'm very grateful that I still have gainful employment...

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