Hello again,
It is great to have rain. It always amazes me how quickly the parched grass responds and returns to green. I am pleased to hear grumblings about having to get the mower out before the lawn is long enough to cut for hay – although it is rather late in the season, and too dewy to make that an easy task.
The recent rain did add a frisson of difficulty to a planned activity. A friend, Irina Gaveika-Subashov, has a business – Irina GS Photography. During the hot weather she suggested we do a photoshoot out in the forest. I remember her exact words. ‘The weather is lovely. It will be fun.’ Irina was partially correct. It was fun.
We met at Blackwater, near the Ornamental Drive which was a stunning location. The trees are majestic and ‘made a lovely backdrop’ – her words; ‘made a lovely shelter’ – mine. It rained. Below are a couple of the photos she took, one of which I have shared on social media.
If anyone is looking to have photos taken for Christmas gifts, or just because you want to, then have a look at her website and send her a message on irinagsphoto@gmail.com.
No guarantee about the weather though!
September events
I have attended various types of event during September, ranging from a book signing in the lovely Hotel Chocolat in Ringwood to Romsey Show at Broadlands. I was invited to a lunch club at Godshill during the month and what a great way to meet people – and of course, sell some books. When we arrived, all the tables were laid up and ready for what turned out to be an extremely good lunch, so thank you to the team for the invitation – it was very much appreciated.
It was also good to be able to answer questions from readers such as ‘Did my publisher suggest that I had a Nigerian officer in Callum’s team to fulfil a representational quota?’ I had not considered the make-up of the team in that way before, but I understand why the question was asked. I was able to confirm that my publisher had no input in that respect as I had already written the first two books before they came across my work and offered me a publishing deal. I was very comfortable in making DC Almadia Levens, aka ‘Legs’, an African officer, as my daughter-in-law is a Kenyan.
One other satisfaction of speaking to readers in situ, is discovering the history we share, both in terms of events and the people we have in common. People also share snippets of information that might well find a place in the plot of a future case for Callum and the team. I am referring to a comment by Jo about her friend digging up some Roman coins in their garden. What if it began as a search for artefacts in Woodgreen and when the finds were taken for identification, the small bones were identified as human fingers? And then, what if…? Actually, I might save that idea for a plot. Thanks Jo.
Mystery in the New Forest book four in the DI Callum MacLean series.
This is available on pre-order from 1st October and can be purchased from the 8th. The paperback version will be out on the 22ndOctober.
I have asked for a map to be inserted in the front of the book to help those readers who do not know the area well. This will assist readers in seeing where all the action takes place. It should make more sense of the geography of the setting. This is a picture of the map that, I feel, does a good job of showing the area.
Upcoming books
I have some news about books 5,6 and 7 but I can’t share it just yet but will do as soon as I am able.
Fairs
In October we will be at the following venues.
- 4th Lyndhurst Community Centre
- 5th Book club event in Southampton
- 10th and 11th at Burley – for the cider festival!
- 14th Silver Salisbury event
- 17th at Verwood book fair
- 24th at Romsey town hall when Mystery in the New Forest will be available for purchase.
If you are around, do pop in and say hello.
Happy reading, Carol