A Summer Fling

You have all heard the one about the writer in their Ivory Tower - but we do climb down to the real world sometimes - and when we do it is usually noisy! 

That happened the weekend before last, in Birmingham. The Romantic Novelists' Association has dropped their conference frequency to once every two years because of organisational issues and costs, and this year was not one of them. Instead there was a one day event in Birmingham - the Summer Fling. A large group attended from my local RNA Chapter - the Cariad group - and I think I am pretty safe in saying a good time was had by all. We managed to make the change of trains successfully at Bristol - at the moment there is not always a direct service from Cardiff - and we didn't get asked to leave either train- possibly because the others ignored my repeated requests for cowgirl hats. I have clearly seen too many hen parties for my own good. We went out for dinner that night (Friday) and next day was a packed programme at the very swish Grand Hotel, living up to its name. Apparently the building was derelict in the recent past, but you would never have known. We all actually stayed at the Premier Inn across the square, which was fine and a bit cheaper! The day was taken up with sessions on the writer's craft, some behind-the-scenes looks at the publishing world, advice on promotion, procrastination, and plotting for emotional tension with a break for lunch - a bit spicy for me but very nice deserts - and all rounded off with a glass of fizz. I also managed a quick look at the Cathedral in the company of lovely Anni Rose. The stained glass windows were superb on a sunny day. I hadn't realised they were by Edward Burne Jones, very remiss of me, knowing my enthusiasm for the PreRaphaelites.  As much as anything the weekend was a chance to see friends and spend time with my tribe. I came back on Sunday very tired but happy, over a few days well spent. Looking forward to next year's conference now. 

The Daughter of Time

 For those who don't know, this is a 'crime' novel by the author Josephine Tey, which considers the life of Richard III and the fate of the princes in the Tower as if it was a criminal cold case. It is a Golden Age novel that predates the 'King in the Car Park' discovery, which is consistently heralded as one of the greats and in 1990 was actually voted number one in a poll of the greatest crime novels of all time, organised by the Crime Writers' Association. I was introduced to it by my history teacher while still at school, and have been a confirmed Ricardian ever since.  

In the book Josephine Tey's series detective, Alan Grant, is in hospital, confined to bed with a broke leg and a spinal injury after falling through a trap door in pursuit of a suspect. Not sure about the spinal injury but with a broken leg these days he would be hopping about with a cast, but things were different in 1951. To help with boredom, glamourous actress friend Marta Hallard brings him a set of pictures of famous people with mysteries attached to them, for him to choose one to 'solve'. Caught by the conviction that the portrait of Richard is not one of a malformed murderer Grant starts a cold case, with the help of friends and researchers. The book makes a strong case for the death of the princes at Richard's hand as a piece of Tudor propaganda supporting Henry VII's rather shaky claim to the throne. It's stood up remarkably well to the discoveries made in the intervening years. I'd recommend it if you are interested in history and cold case research. 

And now it has been translated to the stage, for a run at the Charing Cross Theatre in London. I saw it the week before last, and I loved it. The dramatic version is true to most of the book although the ending and the conclusion of who might have been responsible for the murders was changed. Apparently this was on the basis of the playwright's own research and interpretation of events, but not sure I'm convinced.  Didn't stop the enjoyment though. There was a new romantic sub plot which involved Grant being the subject of a Much Ado About Nothing type plot to make him realise that he is in love with Marta which was fun and broke up the investigation a bit. The set and costumes were simple but fabulous, as was the acting. I had a great evening, worth the trip to London and an overnight stay. If you are planning to go and have not read the book it might be a idea to read it first to enhance the enjoyment but probably not essential provided you enjoy history, know a little about the time period and keep your wits about you!

Note - The Daughter of Time is Truth.

Indie Love 2026

 In the late autumn of 2023 I took part in Indie Love 2023 - a fabulous event in the Parkgate Hotel in Cardiff that brought together a large room full of romance authors and their readers in what was an amazing day. Tables of books, swag, the chance to have a chat with a favourite author and find a few new ones, get a book signed. If you are a romance fan, particularly of spicy romance, and you weren't there you did miss a treat. But not to worry because it's all happening again in 2026, this time in Swansea at the Brangwyn Hall on 26th October. So make a note in your diary. And keep an eye open for more details. There is a Facebook group that you can join for up dates. 

I don't have a table this time, but I hope to attend as a reader. Maybe I'll see you there. 

Acknowledgements

 You've seen them - that place in the back of the book, or sometimes the front, where the author says a (usually effusive) thanks to everyone who has had a hand or even a finger in the production of the book. Having written them myself, the effusiveness is genuine - we are grateful for all the help we can get and you never know when you will need it again. The only exception to this I am aware of is Harlen Coben, who regularly blames all the people he name checks for any mistakes - but if you are Harlen Coben you can do that sort of thing.

Do you read them? I do. I am perpetually nosey and I love to know all the people who have featured in the writing of the book, right down the the author's pet hamster - especially the pet hamster. Unpublished authors who were looking for a publisher used to be advised to look for names of editors and agents who they might approach with their own work. I'm not sure if that is still a thing? Lists of names can read like an Oscar winner's laundry list, but these days I often find people I know listed - on one memorable occasion I found my own name - and I can't for the life of me remember where it was. Old age setting in. Including people who have given special, often specialist, help is a small way of repaying. When I ask for something and get a response I always ask if I may acknowledge them and am pleased when permission is given. If it is not, I wouldn't go public with a name. 

Writing your acknowledgements takes time. Assembling all the people who should be included, making sure that you have spelled their name and that of any organisation they represent correctly - I check those several times, you know what wily critters those pesky typos can be - making sure you haven't forgotten anyone. It is not an afterthought, or a chore, it's a chance to celebrate those who have contributed to the production of a brand new book. It's a record of the village that it takes to make a book. That's why I like to read them.