My Work in Progress

So I guess now that I've told you I'm a writer, it's time for me to tell you all about my work in progress. I have already written a novel and a half and a fragment of a third, so I guess this is my fourth attempt - but it's the only one I feel is up to much!

This book is about Henry VIII and his six wives, but in a modern day setting. I have always been fascinated with the Tudor royal family, these incredibly strong women all with such different voices and experiences, all linked by this one man. You can't help but think if a man had six wives and two daughters who he treated the way Henry VIII treated the women in his life, how would people react to it? So I decided to write a book about that, bringing these strong voices forward into the 21st century and 'translating' their experiences into modern ones.

I have just over 51,000 words - of course it needs some serious redrafting and of course it might never see the light of day! If anyone is interested in reading the first couple of chapters I'm happy to send you over a PDF for your opinions.

Review of "The Guardian Angel's Journal" by Carolyn Jess-Cooke

Ruth is sent back to earth to become her own guardian angel after her untimely death. It seems like the perfect opportunity to right all the wrongs of her life, but it quickly becomes clear that nothing is that simple, even for angels...

What's 'right' with it?

"The Guardian Angel's Journal" is incredibly well-written. Carolyn Jess-Cooke's imagery is just beautiful - the idea of water flowing down an angel's back, the metaphors she uses - the language is incredibly powerful and moving.

The characters are really likeable and you quickly become invested in them. Carolyn has an amazing gift - in just a few sentences she can craft a three-dimensional, realistic 'person', perfect in their imperfection. You are drawn right into the middle of the story and completely absorbed in the struggle of the protagonist - something which is difficult when the narrator is a supernatural character such as an angel.

What's 'wrong' with it?

The book is fast-paced and at times I felt like some parts could be expanded on, like the story of Rose, but I think this would have taken away from the flow of the book, which evokes the feeling that life can pass you so quickly.

The plot is at times very bleak, especially when the focus is on Margot's early years in foster care - this isn't the book for you if you are looking for a peaceful, 'angels floating on clouds' novel.

I think you'll enjoy this book if you like novels by...

Vanessa Diffenbaugh, Alice Hoffman, Rosamund Lupton, Joanne Harris, Audrey Niffenegger.

Rating

5/5

This a really unusual, absorbing read that manages to weave the supernatural into a realistic storyline. It's hard to believe this is a debut novel and I can't wait to read Carolyn's next book!

My Very First Post

So – this is my first blog post – and I’m nervous!

I am a North East librarian who shares my life with many animals – rabbits, guinea pigs, chinchillas, hamsters and degus! In my spare time, of course, I love to read and I also enjoy writing. One day I would like to be a writer.

So what is this blog about? Well, me I suppose, but that’s pretty boring. This blog will be about reading – what I enjoy reading, my venture into eBooks, things I’ve noticed doing research as part of my job – and writing – my ‘journey’ as a writer.

I will read pretty much anything – chick lit, crime, thrillers, fantasy, YA – I’ll give any book a try.

My writing is, I suppose, a modernisation of classic stories, fact and fiction. At college I did some work on modern versions of fairy tales and a modern twist on the vampire story. My ‘work in progress’ – which is slowly shaping itself into a novel – is a modernisation of the Tudor story.

Now that my cards are on the table, so to speak, please let me know what you want from me and what you're interested in hearing from me.