Hot dog, birthday cake, yellow

Approximately-weekly news, #56

Before we start: I’ve added some workshops on dialogue in fiction to my timetable. (Thank you for the suggestion!) Details and dates of all workshops, how to book, and how to apply for a free place, are now all together, here.

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It got so warm in the UK last week that Harris consented to put his paws in the sea.

This is a big deal for Harris, who is deeply suspicious of the sea. Which is fair enough: it’s never where you left it, it won’t keep still, and it looks like water but it tastes weird.

In the heat, I take him out early, and then he comes home and tries to pretend it’s only ten degrees.

I’m not a fan of the heat either, but I do love a blue sky.

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Something else in my garden is not purple! Look!

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Next week, on 1 July, I will be 54. And, as has been my tradition for the last few years - I’d like you to choose a birthday cake for me to bake for myself, and BMB, and any passing well-wishers.

For new readers, here’s how it works. Message me and tell me about a cake that you love, or ate once in a cafe and have never forgotten, or even really want to bake but it looks insanely complicated. I’ll choose my favourite, bake it, and name a character in my new novel after you as a thank you. (Last year, I couldn’t choose between 3 cakes, which is why the twins in ‘The Second Chance Book Club’ are called Rachael and Tessa, and Marina’s receptionist is Hilary. The year before, Richard suggested I made an opera cake, and got to take over the cafe next to the Lost For Words bookshop in ‘Found In A Bookshop’ for his trouble.)

I’m excited to see what you come up with! And, given that I am handing my book in the day before my birthday, I’ll be very ready for a day of kitchen pottering.

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Talking of the novel… Something else I’m going to do when it’s handed in is hunt down Past Me and explain exactly how unhelpful notes like this in a manuscript are.

I don’t even know what I meant! What is ‘it’? And where is it? Is it elsewhere in the manuscript? Do I need to search my very soul? Honestly, I can’t even.

Aside from unhelpful interventions from Past Me, the novel is going *whispers* quite well. Which is as much as I’m prepared to say, less than a week from deadline. (I don’t usually go right up to the wire like this, but as you know, it has been A Year.)

Oh, okay then, you’ve twisted my arm. Look forward to: a paperweight containing a real crocus (not a murder weapon), Castle Howard, trees aplenty, and bookshop merch.

And books, of course. Lots and lots of books.

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A couple of weeks ago, I attended the (delicious, friendly, fun) launch of this book. I enjoyed it so much I forgot to take any photos.

I had the great pleasure of reading an early version of the manuscript, and mentoring the author. If there is someone in your life who is interested in the Second World War, or aviation, or the human stories of the young who went to war - this is the perfect gift. You can buy it from The History Press, from your local bookshop, or here.

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If you have a novel* or memoir - or idea for a novel, or idea for a memoir - and would like some kind, professional support, now is a good time to get in touch with me. I’m booking in mentoring, edits and manuscript assessments for the autumn. Details are here - take a look and then message me.

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Have a good week, friends, and tune in next week for Cake News and post-submission hysteria. (You are welcome.)

Stephanie x

*I work with most genres, and from middle-grade up. If you write horror I’m probably not your person, because I’m a big old scaredy-cat.