Welcome to my blogspot. I'm Joan Moules and new to 'blogging.' I'm a writer and my latest book was published by Robert Hale of London last week. It is called Tin Hats and Gas Masks and is about two evacuees, Johnny Bookman and Anita Evesham, who are sent from London to Somerset during world war 2. Their experiences during that period are destined to change both of their lives and the lives of their families.

Robert Hale and Waterstones Bookshop of Chichester held a launch party for the book on April 13th and it proved to be a great afternoon. Lots of books sold, delicious nibbles and drinks on hand, and much chat about books, bookshops and authors. Here's the beginning of the first chapter to whet your appetite I hope.

Johnny felt miserable. The misery had been building up inside him all the way down in the train. Or was it up - did you go up or down to the country from London? He didn't even know the teacher who was travelling with them. She was just 'Miss.' He had seen her before - she took the top class in school, and it was only this morning that he knew his own teacher wasn't coming.
'Miss Power will be travelling with the evacuees,' she said as she marshalled them into the playground. 'Now remember to behave properly, both on the train and when you reach your new homes. I don't suppose it will be for long.'
'Where are we going, Miss?' someone asked.
'I don't know, and that's the truth, but you'll be safe there until the war's over.'
His mum was at the station. 'Now you behave yourself and don't forget to post the card as soon as you get there,' she said, hugging him. 'And put a message on it, tell me if you're all right. I'll be down to see you in a week or two, once you've settled in like.' She clenched her fist and pretended to box him under the chin. 'Don't let us down now,' she said, then she was gone and he didn't really see her go.

Tin Hats and Gas Masks is available from all good bookshops. The ISBN is 978-0-7090-8235-4. Hardback. Price. £18.99.

In August Hales are publishing The Straw Halter and in December It's One Of Ours, so this is a good writing year for me. I am currently working on a crime book.

I live in Sussex, near the sea but I have moved around the country a bit during the years, living in London, Wiltshire and Hampshire. I write fiction and non-fiction, like reading, walking, the theatre, music hall (my first book had a music hall background), and Victorian jewellery.

I would be interested to hear from other writers, agents, publishers, and of course from readers. Good wishes and happy reading from Joan.