Happy and Busy August

I meant to write something here at least once a month but the best laid plans etc... It has been a busy month. Selsey, where I live, have a three week festival and most of the groups in the village take part. Selsey Writers Circle organised a Meet the Author afternoon which was a great success I'm happy to report. Twenty authors, some famous, some not but all enthusiastic 'scribblers' attended and as the title of the afternoon says, met their public and their public were able to meet and chat to them. Many bought books which of course they had signed. During the afternoon Peter Lovesey and Simon Brett, two of our top crime writers (well they both write in other genres too but are extremely well known for their crime work) entertained us with readings first from Simon, then from Peter and then two short but hilarious pieces as a duo. It was great fun, and as one emailer said afterwards, truly a class act, it was brilliant. I couldn't agree more- so next stop the Palladium maybe? If you go to my website: joanmoules.co.uk there will eventually be some pictures of the event for you to see.

Away from writing for a few lines now - August has seen most of my family down here and that has been great fun. One of my granddaughters and I went to London for the day and had a trip on one of the open decked bus tours which was really good. We hopped off at Trafalgar Square spent an hour in the National Gallery, off again at Covent Garden for a quick look round, then onto St. Pauls Cathedral . It is many years since I was in there and it was a wonderful experience to see it all again. I sat under the dome while her young legs carried her up the 400 odd stairs to the Whispering Gallery and then to the balcony where she took photographs of a misty London skyline. I like them, gives them terrific atmosphere. My youngest grandson is here still - I return him to his parents tomorrow then on Wednesday it is back to work, but with happy memories of a great August. We-ell, maybe not until Thursday. I think I need a day or two to ease myself back in!

The other exciting news is that my next book, The Straw Halter will be published on August 30th and will be available from Waterstones, Smiths and most other bookshops. If they do not have it in stock they will order it for you. Published by Robert Hale the ISBN is 978-07090-8276-7. Set in 1820 it tells the story of a young girl sold to a farmer to be his wife.

July seemed to escape me, as I see my last posting was in June, but I will try and update this blog early in September and put some pictures of The Straw Halter and the Authors Day on it. See you next month. Good wishes from Joan.