Stereotypes

I am conforming to a stereotype. I have, slowly and subtly, turned into a mad elderly woman writer with cats. My eldest son says I am turning into a recluse. I am depressed. And I STILL haven't finished Murder Imperfect.

This, of course, may have something to do with the depression. It's a long time since I was diagnosed with clinical depression and it was due to external reasons (can't remember the official term now) so I'm guessing it might be now, as I am not naturally a depressive. But the symptoms are vile. And the sense of persecution is appalling.

I have some experience of the illness in family members, and I have learnt the hard way not to believe everything you see. Some people are brilliant at putting on the good face. I used to tell my children when they were young that if they pretended they were being good, that's how it would look to the general public. "Play at being good while you're with Auntie Thing, and she'll think you really are!" Perhaps this is not necessarily a good thing, although if you go about with a face like a kite and refuse to talk to anybody, those around you will walk away. Possibly for ever.

So I must get myself out of it. Now, don't you go saying "Pull yourself together, Lesley, look at what you've got to be grateful for." I know, I know. And I'm sure, when I've finished the book - nearly there, now - and started going out and seeing people again I shall return to my usual self.

But there, you see. I'm conforming to the picture of the tortured writer. Who knew?

New review

I was delighted this morning to receive a message from Paul Magrs to tell me he'd reviewed my first Libby Sarjeant book, Murder in Steeple Martin. I was even more delighted to find he was a highly respected writer and academic. His website is http://www.paulmagrs.com/(still can't do proper links) and the review is here: http://www.facebook.com/l/dc2d9;paulmagrs.com/blogs/?p=526

Having suffered from some kind of viral infection for nearly two weeks, I got even more behind with Murder Imperfect, but I'm on the home straight at last. Perhaps it would be A Good Thing to get on with the next one as soon as this one's gone off!

Deadlines, LBF and contracts

Murder In The Green came out early and has received very good feedback. Hazel Cushion, the MD of my publishers, Accent Press, invited me to their party at the London Book Fair, an event sadly depleted by the cloud of volcanic ash preventing overseas editors and agents from galloping in with cheque books in hand. However, the party was good, we went on to dinner and I got drunk. Telling people at home was odd - they were all surprised. I have an unfortunately good tolerance of alcohol...

Good thing was, I have been offered a new three book contract over two years following publication of the next book, Murder Imperfect, due out in October. Bad thing is, deadline for said book has been brought forward, as they want it out at the BEGINNING of October, not the end. So I'm currently buried in the office with a "Go Away" message on the answerphone.

My son, Leo, has gone back to Manchester to work, daughter Phillipa is just embarking on the very last phase of her course at the Royal Academy of Music, where she is playing the lead in the Sondheim show "Assassins" for the end of term production. Son Miles and daughter Louise are still more-or-less where they were, except that Louise is beginning to work again. Last weekend two gigs with her old band the Pasadena Roof Orchestra. So good luck to all, and I'll try and remember to post more regular updates!

How Publishing Really Works

There is a terrific blog of this name, read by many in the publishing business, including authors and aspiring authors. The lovely lady who runs it, Jane, had her arm twisted up her back to persuade her to allow me to contribute, which I have now done. You can read my post here. Any of my nearest and dearest who take issue with anything I've said (Lies! Lies! It's all Lies!) please email me privately!

A bereavement in the extended family caused a couple of weeks of upset, made worse by coming, as it did, on certain anniversaries. I intend to make up for it beginning tomorrow, Mother's Day. Actually, starting tonight, as I'm going to a party. Mother's Day tomorrow, and will see 3 out of 4 children, as dd1 has her own children now. I have, however, sent her a card. Monday, jollies at the theatre with friends while my mate Ali auditions people for her variety show in the summer. Well, we are a seaside theatre company. Just because we haven't got a pier...

Tuesday's a big day. I shall be attending the Romantic Novelists' Association Awards lunch, sitting with my friend Christina Jones and meeting up with many others. There have been pictures on here of previous occasions, where I look somewhat - um - tired and emotional. This year, however, I won't have the chance, as instead of going to the pub afterwards and falling out in time for the last train, I have to hot-foot it back to Whitstable as I'm going to see Barry Cryer in the evening with family and friends. We have now seen Harry Hill (who will be coming back in June), Jo Brand and Paul Merton over the last few months, courtesy of a Whitstable newcomer, Nick Wilty, himself a comedian. We are now comedy capital of Kent. Pleasing alliteration.

Wednesday I shall go back into my shell and get back to work. Murder Imperfect is at last going reasonably well, although still only on Chapter Eight, and I've got ideas rattling round for the next one already.

Once again, could I ask anyone who reads this blog (anyone? At all? No?) to comment below? Otherwise, I have absolutely no idea if it's worth it! And "no comments" makes me feel like Wilhelmina no-mates.

Possible update after Bank Holiday Monday, when Murder in the Green escapes into the wider world. See you then.