Ring out the old, ring in the new . . .

Now the old year is gone, and we put away the old calendars and look – perhaps with mixed feelings – to the new. Will we be planning to make changes to our life styles? To drink decaffeinated tea and coffee, instead of the hard core stuff? Will we look uneasily at the list of Things That Will Do Us Good (like exercise! Or healthy foods!) and plan to include them in our day’s routine in future? Or will we make excuses of this or that not to do them – just for today – or perhaps to defer till the following week?

I remember hearing at school that Twelfth Night was the occasion on which Shakespeare was expected to write a new play to put on before Queen Elizabeth I, and I wondered at the pressures he must have been under to do so year after year. And then he retired to Stratford-upon-Avon and . . . what happened? Did he never get any more ideas? Was he content to sit on his laurels? Perhaps his stream of ideas had dried up? I’ve heard of that happening to other creative minds, for writers far less inspirational than him. Perhaps this will come to me, too. I’m still being asked for work, but I do get tired and am thinking of slowing down.

                                False Relation . . .

. . . is the name of the fourth and latest adventure which takes Bea and Piers out into the country, into danger, and perhaps into a new life. I believe the proofs have all been agreed and the book is at the printers as we speak. Look for it in the spring. I’ll give you fair warning of when it will be published.

Breaking news! Joffe have bought Severn House, who have been my publisher for the last twenty five years! Joffe have been bringing out e-books of the Ellie and Bea books to some considerable effect. They even put seven (yes, SEVEN!) Ellie stories in a slip case and sold them for 0.99p! Amazing! They’ve also picked up some of the early romances and crime stories I wrote in the previous century. I am amazed, and gratified and wonder whatever next! But that’s very good news for . . .

The next short story . . .

. . . was written for the Methodist Recorder for their end of year issue. It’s called ‘Three Gifts’. I adapted it for our choir concert whereupon someone complained that I’d made her cry just as we were all about to sing ‘Ring out, wild bells!’ My apologies, Alice. This story is all about gifts; not those bought in shops, but those given to us to give to others, such as insight, and encouragement and practical help. You can read it here.

A blessing on those who ask people who live alone to join them for a coffee or a cuppa and a chat. Enjoy!

Veronica Heley