What a busy few weeks it has been! We have been to fairs at Woodfalls, Blandford, Bramshaw and Langford. They were all very well attended, and it was great to talk to all the people who stopped by for a chat. I did a lot of book signing and it was very nice to discover that many of those books were purchased as Christmas gifts destined for people who do not live in the New Forest. I hope the recipients enjoy a little taste of this wonderful setting.
Above is a picture of the Bramshaw event and a special thank you to all the people who braved the horizontal rain, cold wind and puddles to join us there. Had any stall been selling umbrellas, I think they would have had a very profitable day!
Murder in the New Forest is set in Hale, Straw in the Wind in Woodgreen and Killer in the New Forest in Godshill and many people have enjoyed knowing where the action takes place. It is possible to follow the investigation ‘on the ground’ so to speak but it had not occurred to me that this would happen. All the buildings referred to do exist, although some are operating under an alias. The only property that does not exist, other than in my imagination, is Callum’s new house, Hope Cottage. This is sited half-way up Tethering Drove in Hale where the purlieu opens up to the south-east. This is his dream location with a neighbour only on one side, fields to the north of him and expansive views of the New Forest from his tall windows. He can witness the seasons changing the landscape before his eyes and when he gets the opportunity, he can indulge his hobby of catching the stunning views in his paintings.
It is great to get feedback from readers on my website and on Amazon and Goodreads. A recent comment had me casting my mind back to O-level French.
Excellente série que je viens de découvrir. Les trois tomes qui la composent actuellement sont vraiment très bien et m’ont tenu en haleine. J’attends avec impatience le 4ème ouvrage. J’ai aimé les personnages, l’intrigue et les descriptions de ce coin d’Angleterre (New Forest).
It is good to know that these books are being read all across the world. Copies have been sold in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Spain, Portugal, Sweden, Belgium, Brazil, Mexico, USA, New Zealand, Italy, India and a few more I can’t bring to mind. The investigations of Callum MacLean and Daisy Donaldson have reached further afield than I could ever have imagined.
Author Events – look them up on the internet if you have time – organise author-based events in the south of England. I recently attended an author talk by the crime novelist Rachel McLean at Sobo Sommelier in Bournemouth. It was well attended and following her Q&A session with Alex Stone there were plenty of questions from the floor. A good evening was had by all, helped no doubt by it taking place in a food-serving wine bar.
This month we have three events lined up. We have a fair at Forde Inn in Fordingbridge, another at Downton Brewery and a final one before Christmas at Creekmoor. All are craft fairs, so if you fancy a bit of Christmas shopping then do come along and check them out. It is surprising what you find at these events.
On 9th December at Sobo Sommelier in Southbourne I will have books available for purchase at an Author Events evening. I will be there so if you want a signed copy, then come in and see us. There will be books for sale from a wide variety of local authors, so there will be something for everyone. The location using ‘what3words’ is ‘salsa.rewarding.scans’ – if you fancy an evening out.
Now for an update on book four. Currently it has the working title of A Shot at Justice, but this is likely to change when it is published. The first few chapters have gone out to beta readers for their comments. I find beta readers are an essential set of helpers when I am working on a new novel. Anyone can be a beta reader. It just entails reading a few chapters/novel/sections of a novel and answering the questions asked by the author and then adding any further comments that come to mind on the first read through. I find their input invaluable and am fortunate to have a fabulous set of readers who tell it like it is. They are the best!
I hope you all have a Happy Christmas and a Merry New Year,
Keep reading,
Carol cole