Dear friends,

I wasn’t sure how to write this update. There have been lots of good things happening with my book and I wanted to share them with you, but those of you who know me personally or follow me on social media may know that our family has recently suffered a terrible bereavement. My lovely brother, James, died suddenly and unexpectedly at the end of October. The whole family is devastated. He was a funny, gentle, kind man and we will all miss him desperately. Our hearts and love go out especially to his four children and Paola, his partner. 

I won’t say much more here except that I know that James was really proud of me and excited for my book, so I think he would be ok with me sharing what has been happening. But I couldn’t have done it without acknowledging our loss. I know my words will lack their usual enthusiasm, but that doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate what has been going on.

Firstly, the cover and the text are completely done and are ready for printing. I have some absolutely wonderful endorsements for the book that have left me speechless. I am truly grateful to all five writers, Alan Warner, Conor O’Callaghan, Andy West, Kevin MacNeil and Elissa Soave. I’m also quite star-struck because Morven Callar is one of my favourite novels — strange, dark, with a mordant humour that totally appeals to me. I would never have imagined that the author of this book (Alan) would write an endorsement for a book of mine. 

Secondly, the audio rights for love lay down beside me and we wept have been sold. This is fab news. In the next day or two, I will record a couple of lines of my own voice reading from the book so that the producers of the audio book can find a narrator whose accent matches mine (northwest English mixed with northeast Scotland, a touch of Glasgow, and some southerny bits). I’m intrigued to hear the outcome. 

Thirdly, the book has gone out for review to various publications. Newspapers and magazines are inundated with possible books to review so although I would love to get reviews (albeit tempered with a measure of fear), I also wasn’t counting on any. However, at least one mainstream magazine has said that they are definitely going to review it for their March 2025 issue.

It won’t be long now. By the time Christmas and New Year have passed, it will be almost publication time. Thank you all for your patience. 

 

With love,

Helen