Let us Celebrate!
On Wednesday, October 16th, I achieved a very special day . . . not another birthday because that had come and gone . . . but fifty years of being published in the traditional way. The very first was called SUE FOR MERCY, published by Robert Hale. Incredibly, it is now once more available through Lume Books, who are now part of Joffe and doing very well indeed.
Mine has been quite a journey through early crime and romance stories through years of writing for children, and then . . . the Ellie Quicke series was born, to be followed some years later by Bea Abbot.
So we had a party, and not only friends but also two of my lovely publishers came and raised a glass and ate some delicious food. We only had one speech which was from me, and I kept it short. ‘I’ve had 89 books published traditionally, with 12 different publishers. There are also 65 short stories, 217 newsletters and three agents.’ Cue for light applause. And apparently I am to continue writing . . .
Strangely enough, Joffe were bringing out MURDER FOR NOTHING on the very day of the party, having brought out MURDER BY SUGGESTION on 6th October. I’ll try to find the covers for these so that you can see what they look like…
Meanwhile, Severn House have said they like my idea for the next Bea Abbot story while the last one I submitted – FALSE GOLD – goes through the usual processes of copy-editing and proof-reading, preparing for publication next year. Their next question is; ‘When can you deliver?’ And I say, ‘Please, sir; remember my grey hairs. I need to slow down!’ So any day now, I’ll start up the computer and type in ‘Chapter One’ of FALSE RELATION.
Another short story for you. ‘DEATH BY CHOCOLATE’ is a very early Ellie Quicke, which I thought might amuse you. Read it here.
The anthology from a number of Christian Writers –THE JEWELLER’S HEART – is now available. My story, called ‘This Will Keep You Safe’, was based on my own family history involving Huguenots and lace-making, and of how hand-made work became taken over by machines. Details here.
A blessing on all who recommend my books to others!
Veronica Heley