ROMANCE REALLY ROCKS! And it will be doing so in Newcastle in November!

As part of the BOOKS ON TYNE FESTIVAL in November, Newcastle Central Library will be hosting a feast of romantic fiction ….

6 North East authors will be giving readings from their latest novels (ranging from contemporary to historical) and answering questions.

If you are in Newcastle on Wednesday 23rd November, then come along and meet the authors!

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Celebrating Great Writing: Powered by Indie

Excited to be featured on the Powered by Indie Page today  – a celebration of authors who have successfully taken the plunge into independent publishing. I did so over five years ago when digital publishing was in its infancy but it has opened up huge opportunities for many writers.

I hope the stories on the Indie Page will give encouragement to others.

Powered by Indie

#PoweredByIndie

 

Writers, Wine and Warm Welcome this month!

IF YOU ARE IN THE NORTHUMBERLAND area in the middle of November, then come along to a fun literary event at Morpeth’s historic Chantry building!

Six authors – from writers of historical novels to contemporary women’s fiction and non-fiction – will be chatting about life as a writer and giving readings from their latest work (including me!)

 

There will be wine and refreshments during the evening, as well as the chance to win two hampers stuffed full of good reading!

Come and be stimulated, ask questions, mingle with other book lovers and have a great evening out this November.

Contact Morpeth Chantry

I will be reading from my second novel in the India Tea Series – THE PLANTER’S BRIDE

hope to see some of you there!

Janet

Tea, tigers and tennis! The true story that inspired THE PLANTER’S BRIDE novel

Invitation to the paperback launch of my new novel THE PLANTER’S BRIDE –

If anyone is in Morpeth, Northumberland on SATURDAY 7th JUNE then come along to The Chantry Museum at 3pm for a trip back in time to 1920’s India!

 

Unique cine footage that my forester grandfather filmed in the foothills of the Himalayas and never before shown in public will provide the backdrop to readings from the novel. Take a look at the taster clip showing my mum and uncle being transported in a basket on top of a mule along narrow mountain tracks!

 

 

Tales of tigers, tennis and tea parties …. I’ll be talking about the real life experience of my grandparents in India who trekked into remote parts of the Himalayas – and how this inspired the latest novel in my India Tea Series.

 

The event is free but to book a place please email: morpeth.tic@northumberland.gov.uk

or telephone: 01670 623455

http://bit.ly/1gxfs1Q

 

 

REMEMBERING 1984 …..

In commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the Miners’ Strike of 1984, I am putting my novel NEVER STAND ALONE on at a special price.

99p on Amazon.co.uk

When Carol Shannon, the unruly daughter of Brassbank’s pit manager, falls for young miner, Mick Todd, their defiant relationship causes a storm in the close-knit mining village. For the bitterness between their families runs as deep as the coal seams that are Brassbank’s lifeblood. But the hardest battles are still to come for rebellious Carol. With 1984 dawns the year long Miner’s Strike that divides the nation and sets communities at war. Hardship not only threatens Brassbank’s survival, but pushes Carol and Mick’s passionate union to breaking point, leaving tragedy in its wake. Set against the fascinatingly vivid backdrop of a momentous time, Never Stand Alone is an impassioned novel of a woman’s fight for her community, her family and the man she loves.

‘A tough, compelling and ultimately satisfying novel … another classy, irresistible read’
Sunderland Echo
‘She pulls no punches, tells it like it is and taps directly into your emotions. Excellent’ 
Northern Echo 
‘A vivid picture of courage in the face of injustice…Never Stand Alone ought to increase the author’s growing band of fans’ 
Northern Review 
‘The gritty, unforgettable story of families torn apart by the conflict that divided a nation…a powerful story’
World Books

$1.65 on Amazon.com

$1.78 on Amazon.com.au

CDN $1.76 on Amazon.ca

IMAGINE BEING A SUFFRAGETTE – AND WINNING A WRITING COMPETITION!

Signing at Rutherford’s, Morpeth of No Greater Love (with ‘grumpy man’ anti-suffragist behind!) Photo by Jan Rowley

Imagine being a suffragette? Then write your feelings and win a national writing competition! Take a look at this Emily Inspires competition:
http://www.listenupnorth.com/writer-profiles/writing-competition

Just one of the exciting events in the 2013 centenary celebrations of suffragette heroine, Emily Wilding Davison.

My own novel, No Greater Love, was inspired by Northumbrian Davison, and follows the turbulent life of Tynesider, Maggie Beaton in her fight for the vote and personal freedom. http://amzn.to/ZmIOb8

It was recently launched at Rutherford’s department store in Morpeth – the town where Emily’s family used to live – on International Women’s Day.

Husband Graeme got into role as the grumpy man in the bowler hat who argues with Maggie over a suffragette newspaper – but she gets the last laugh!

Jessica of Morpeth was the most stylish of hat-wearers on International Women’s Day!

So go on – have a go at the competition – and good luck!

INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY – suffragettes out in force in Morpeth!

   Morpeth was buzzing today with the first events of the year to mark the centenary of Emily Wilding Davison’s martyrdom in the cause of women’s emancipation.

Werca’s Folk singing The Women’s March by Emily’s grave

A hundred years ago, her protest at the Epsom races for Votes for Women led to her being trampled by the King’s horse. She died a few days later.  Her body was brought back to be buried in the family plot in Morpeth, Northumberland – and huge crowds lined the road to pay tribute to “the wild lass”.

Today, there was a packed church at St Mary’s for a very moving service of tributes and songs, and a procession to the graveside.

Descendants at Emily’s graveside

Lauren Caisley, descendant of Emily’s who spoke at the service – Emily would have been proud!

Later in the day, I was doing a signing at Rutherford’s department store in the town (close to where Emily used to make passionate speeches and throw sweets to local children). A special edition of my suffragette novel, NO GREATER LOVE, with a new ending, has been launch today to mark Emily’s centenary.

The profits from books sold at Rutherford’s will go towards International Women’s Day Oxfam appeal.