On Monday 19th December I’ll be back onboard the Wightlink flagship ferry, St Clare, for a festive day of crossings and book signings.
This will be my third signing onboard the St Clare and I’m looking forward to meeting lots of interesting new readers on their way between Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight. We’ll be offering a gift wrap service for every book signed, and if previous visits are anything to go by, I’m sure the staff onboard will keep us well topped up with cups of tea and perhaps the odd mince pie!
I’ve got to know the folks at Wightlink quite well over the past year or so. Thanks to their generous sponsorship, I am now able to travel to the Isle of Wight frequently, where I am researching and writing my third book, which is set there. They’ll be pleased to hear the story is coming along nicely – and my time spent on the island has been an invaluable part of its development.
Interesting fact: readers will often take the time to seek out and thank an author for a book, but very few will take the next step to leave an Amazon review.
Why does it have to be Amazon, you ask? Well, believe it or not, even customers who shop elsewhere will often check the Amazon reviews first, before placing an order with another retailer or visiting their local bookshop.
I recently met an enthusiastic reader who had read both my books. She told me I was now one of her favourite authors. I said: you must leave a review on Amazon for me – that kind of feedback is so valued! She said: oh, well I’m not sure; I don’t think I could do it justice. It seems many readers fear that if they’re not experienced reviewers or particularly creative with words, their review will be of little worth. Not true! In fact, the whole point of the Amazon review system is that it provides lasting comment and feedback from your average non-journalist Joe – and that’s far more likely to encourage others to buy than a high profile review in the national press which goes to print for one day only to then disappear into obscurity.
The other thing I notice is how few close friends have left reviews, despite telling me how they’d enjoyed my books. This could be for a variety of reasons: a) as above, they don’t think their reviewing skills are up to it, b) they’ve seen I’ve had good press reviews and don’t think I need it or c) they’re lying, and they hate my books …
Authors rely on reader reviews – to gain new readers, to encourage their publishers to invest in their future books, to let them know their books are even being read at all – so if you take the time to leave a short recommendation to others, it really is the finest way to thank a favourite authors and help them to keep selling books.
The Thank an Author challenge is this: simply pick out a favourite book or two from the past year. Then limit yourself to the twitter wordcount of 140 characters and post a review on Amazon. My point is this: it doesn’t have to be long, or clever; it just needs to sum up what you loved about it. Here are a couple I prepared earlier, adapted from real reviews:
Took me right back to my own schooldays: the treachery of friendships, the powerlessness of adolescence, the joy of new music… I loved it! (Hurry Up and Wait)
If you lived through the 80s you’ll love this. An intelligent coming-of-age story with vivid characters & dialogue. Poignant, tragic, funny. (Glasshopper)
To all the readers who have read and reviewed my books over the past few years – a big THANK YOU! Thank you for posting them on Amazon, on Goodreads, on your blogs and on twitter …and thank you for making me feel like this mad old writing business really is worthwhile!
‘Ashdown’s storytelling skills are formidable; her human insights highly perceptive’ – Mail on Sunday
To celebrate Christmas, my publishers at Myriad have put together special offers: kindle ebooks of Hurry Up and Wait and Glasshopper for just 99p, and paperback books direct from them at £5.00 with free p&p! Thanks for reading x
This November I took myself off twitter for the month, to continue work on my next novel. How did I get on? As most other writers out there will appreciate, with life and family to take care of too, it’s not all about the writing . . .
Tues 1st Nov Oh, happy day! My first full day back to writing after several months of book signings and gigs … and I’m relieved to report that the story is alive and well. After several hours of writing, I took Charlie for a long walk in the Downs before getting home in time to share leftover spooky spider sweets with the kids. Reading Dave Haslam’s Young Hearts Run Free for research and pleasure.
Wed 2nd Nov Another good day of writing, followed by my monthly creative writing workshop with writing pals Jane and Juliet. My thoughts go out to our Zizzi’s waiter, whose visits to our table seemed universally to coincide with any creative discussions of a tawdry nature. For the inopportune use of the words ‘breast’, ‘sexual tension’ and ‘knob’ I wholeheartedly apologise.
Thurs 3rd Nov Tonight is my last book gig for the month, with fellow Chichester Book Club authors Jane Rusbridge and Gabrielle Kimm. Fascinating book chats with audience, and lovely tea and cake courtesy of Susan at The Beach House Cafe in wonderful West Wittering by the sea.
Sat 5th Nov In a bid to regain some sense of order after a week of writerly neglect, I ran myself ragged, cleaning and trawling through the laundry mountain before getting down to the hell that is the kids’ homework. We survived it, and in the evening went to friends’ for happy family supper and a box of fireworks.
Thurs 10th Nov Pleased to report that the word count is galloping upwards as my story unravels. I’ve made significant breakthroughs, become absorbed in the 70s culture, and uncovered a few secrets I never suspected were there. Feeling good about it all. Spent a few hours away from my office for a bit of freelance work – gag writing, which is (as the name suggests) always a good laugh.
Sat 12th Nov Back late after a family wedding in Andover, just in time for the BBC4 dramatisation of Christos Tsiolkas’ The Slap – only to realise I’d already missed the first two episodes. Thank technology for iplayer – I’ll be catching up on the other episodes this week.
Sun 13th Nov Remembrance Day. Went into town to run a few errands, and ended up buying a much-coveted pair of Doc Marten’s boots, for old time’s sake. My life is now complete. Stayed up late reading Andy Beckett’s When the Lights Went Out, an evocative account of the 1970s – the era in which my next book is set.
Mon 14th Nov This morning, standing at the foot of the writing mountain, looking up, I got a bit wobbly about the huge task ahead. Every now and then this happens. Stopped to fix myself a big iced coffee and a pile of chocolate biscuits, and slowly the fear lifted (probably down to the powerful caffeine/sugar kick and subsequent productive afternoon). Felt much better about it all by the end of the writing day, and looking forward to continuing tomorrow.
Tues 15th Nov ZERO writing today – thrown off course by family visit to the dentist’s, boring but obligatory paperwork and 10-year-old son’s well-overdue visit to the barber’s after school. Some days you’ve just gotta throw the towel in … Felt a bit grumpy about it until the kids showed me this:
Fri 18th Nov An early start, running about like a crazy woman, trying to help dress 13-year-old daughter in something ‘not embarrassing’ for Children in Need day at school. But, now I’m back on track with the writing. Paused between chapters for Parents’ Evening, a day’s gag writing, and Gabrielle Kimm’s latest book launch at Chichester Waterstone’s on Friday night.
Sat 19th Nov Downed tools to visit some old mates in London. On Sunday morning, we enjoyed a walk in the pea-soup mist of Battersea Park, followed by a big pizza lunch. Driving home, the fog gradually lifted to reveal a heart-stopping sunset over Goodwood. Made a fire, poured a small glass of tawny port, and settled in to help kids with the last of their homework.
Mon 21st Nov I wrote all morning, before heading off to our local hospice, St Wilfrid’s, where my 10-year-old son has been a recent visitor with his school. Along with lots of the other day patients and staff, I had the great pleasure of meeting Samson’s new pal, 90-year-old Roger, and heard how they have bonded over a shared enthusiasm for The Beano magazine. We ate cake, listened to music and watched the kids and grown-ups each receive certificates to commemorate their time together.
Tues 22nd Nov Rose at 5am to get a couple of hours writing in before heading off for some more freelance work. At the end of the day, my good husband revived me with a mid-week roast chicken supper and a glass of wine. Looking forward to a clear run of writing tomorrow.
Thurs 24th Nov Oh joy. Now it’s Explorer Day at school, and I’ve got to dress 10-year-old in a ‘not rubbish’ outfit. I refused his pleas to go as a polar bear or penguin, and managed a decent-looking ‘adventurer’.
Delivered him outside the school gates, along with a pound (in 5p pieces) towards special explorer cooking costs, and two bags of swiftly sorted book donations for the Christmas fair. Right … now back to the novel.
Footnote: To my eternal surprise and delight, son came home having won the ‘Best Costume’ award in his year. It’s a family first. I have previous form for bad/sad/embarrassing costumes … but today I am officially elevated to Good Parent status.
Fri 25th Nov Excellent writing day – rewarded with a bracing walk in the hills with Charlie-boy. We paused to gaze down on my old friend, the red kite, hovering over the fields with its eye on some prey below.
A few skylarks still bombing about, and a biting Autumn wind coming in.
Sun 27th Nov A good weekend catching up on life. Went for a favourite family walk before supper; lots of mushroom life in the woods, and birds overhead. Crept into the barns for a glimpse of the owl, who teasingly let us hear its cry, but hid from view. Prompted me to take a few photos and jot down some notes – just little things, but so often those are the things that bring life to a story.
Mon 28th Nov Gave myself the day off for domestic duties, in preparation for a girls’night in at mine. A fun evening; lots of great pals over, food, drink, laughter and chat.
Tues 29th Nov Back to work. Several hours of business stuff – emails, publisher conversations, preparing flyers for events, reworking my website. Stopped for a sandwich at midday, and managed to get some decent writing in before Charlie stared me into taking him for a walk. Am starting to feel a bit panicked that I haven’t organised anything for Christmas yet.
Wed 30th Nov Today I had great hopes of a full day’s writing … but national strikes means both kids are at home with me instead. Oh well, these things happen. We’re making the most of it though, baking jam tarts, making Christmas lists and now – writing my blog.
So, November, and my retreat from social networking, is at an end. I’ve made great headway into the new novel, having had time to fully immerse myself in the characters and their era (I’m now even dreaming in ‘70s hues) and I’m full of the energy I need to keep writing.
I love my social communities, but sometimes the writing demands uninterrupted space to fully expand and develop. And let’s face it – your twitter account will still be there when you go back to it! Saying that, I’d better go and check mine now …
Autumn’s officially here! I love it; welly boots and fallen leaves, open fires and cosy jumpers, homemade soup and toasted teacakes – what comforting and simple things in this hectic life. After the summer launch of Hurry Up and Wait, and several months of interviews, talks and festivals, I’ve decided to shut myself away for the month of November to continue work on my third novel.
So, apart from my daily dog walks with Charlie-boy, and the very occasional night out for reviving pasta and wine, I’m entering the bubble. Good luck with all your own endeavours throughout November (I hear lots of you will be entering into the spirit of NaNoWriMo) and I’ll look forward to speaking/tweeting again in December!
My debut novel Glasshopper tells the story of 13-year-old Jake, a boy growing up in 1980s England, struggling under the weight of his mother’s alcoholism. It was a story I was compelled to tell, one I wanted to write without judgment, but with humour and insight. Apart from his turbulent home life, Jake is an ordinary boy, with everyday concerns like saving for his hi-fi or seeing his dad at the weekend or concealing his teenage crush on Miss Terry . . .
When I first signed with my publishers, I told them: ‘Whilst this is a work of fiction, it’s only right to tell you that it is borne out of my own experience: my father died of alcohol-related illness when I was nineteen. I know there will be journalistic interest around my personal story, and right now, I’m not prepared to discuss it.’ I think my initial reluctance was partly wrapped up in the enormity of being on the brink of publication. It was frightening enough to be putting my creative efforts up for scrutiny – but my private life too?
Guardian Oct '09
A few months later, the Guardian approached me, and having read the book they were interested in running a piece in the Family section, to coincide with Alcohol Awareness Week. I gave it careful thought, and after discussing it with my family members, decided it would be a good thing to do. The piece was emotionally gruelling to write, and after it was finally submitted I was left exhausted and bruised. But my anxiety soon evaporated when I was inundated by messages of warmth and support from old friends and new, as well as from complete strangers who had read the article and taken hope from my story.
Red Magazine, Oct 2011
Over the next two years, I was asked several times, by several publications, for similar pieces. Instinctively, I turned them down, feeling it not right to repeat the story so soon. Then, this summer, Red magazine asked me if I would reconsider. They sent me examples of other memoir features they had previously run, and I was struck by the sensitive treatment of each story. I chatted to the features editor, discussing my thoughts on the subject – in particular how I would want any such piece to not only offer hope, but also to raise awareness of this hidden illness. Again, I asked my family members for their blessing, and the piece went out in the October issue of Red.
Very few of my friends knew I was running the piece, and I had no idea that so many of them subscribed to Red magazine. But over the following weeks many of them contacted me, some of them to say, ‘I never knew’, others to say, ‘me too’ – I was staggered by the numbers of people I knew who had some kind of family experience with alcoholism. Soon after the magazine came out, I was approached by Nacoa, the National Association for Children of Alcoholics – inviting me to become involved with the charity as a supporter. I was already aware of their great work, and naturally, I was honoured to accept their invitation. I’m delighted to say that we are now working together to organise a special fundraising dinner in support of Children of Alcoholics Week in 2012.
Nacoa provides a vital information and helpline service to children affected by their parent’s drinking, with the key message: ‘You are not alone’. It’s a little-known charity, supported by a number of high profile patrons such as Elle MacPherson, Calum Best and Tony Adams, who have added their voices to raise awareness of the issues faced by children in families affected by drink. I couldn’t be more glad that I overcame my initial reluctance to talk about my own childhood experiences and I hope that now, in some small way, I can help to make a difference through my support of Nacoa.
You can support Nacoa by downloading their single A Change is Gonna Come for 79p from iTunes, and you can watch their video here:
Following the success of October’s Meet the Author event in Chichester, local authors Isabel Ashdown, Gabrielle Kimm and Jane Rusbridge will be appearing for another lively afternoon of book chat at The Beach House in West Wittering this November.
The event, to be held at the coastal venue on 3rd November, promises an informal, engaging afternoon of readings and conversation over tea with three award-winning authors, all of whom have strong local connections.
Books are available to buy from The Beach House before or at the event, at the special price of £5.00 each (£6.99 – £8.99 RRP).
For more details about the authors, their books and the delicious cream tea on offer, click on the image to the left. The event is FREE – to secure your place simply phone The Beach House on 01243 514800.
We look forward to welcoming you and your friends on 3rd November!
At book readings and festivals this is one of the questions I’m most often asked, perhaps because character is the element of a story that connects so profoundly with the reader.
The simplistic answer is ‘No’ – as a writer, it would be lazy to purely replicate a real person – not to mention potentially litigious.
However, whilst I don’t write characters straight from life, I do write them from particular character traits I have witnessed, or from small snatches of conversation overheard or from curious facial expressions I may have observed. I was recently asked if the teacher in Hurry Up and Wait was based on someone particular from my own adolescent experience. The answer of course is No, but the character did arise from a multitude of personal experiences with different teachers from my 1980s school days.
I remember one teacher who would habitually bark personal insults as the girls filed in and took their seats – telling me I could do with a good meal, telling my friend she was getting a bit chubby. Another teacher called me out in front of a needlework class and measured my flat 12-year-old chest and laughed with the class as she declared I wouldn’t be needing a bra just yet. Then there was the teacher who turned me away from her office when I went to tell her I’d been followed by a strange man on the bus the night before. “Don’t be ridiculous,” she said, before shutting the door on me. It sounds crazy now, doesn’t it? It’s hard to imagine what could have provoked these grown women to behave with such insensitivity towards the youngsters in their care. Thankfully, there were also some good teachers at the school, but sadly, all too often it’s the unkind words which linger in a child’s memory.
So, you can see how this store of recollection might merge to develop into an entirely independent character – grown out of real experience, but given life in a new form.
Raymond Carver talks about this process of character development in his collection of essays, poems and stories, Fires (1968):
‘Little things – somebody saying something in a particular way; somebody’s wild, or low, nervous laughter; a landscape; an expression of sadness or bewilderment on somebody’s face; and I can remember some dramatic things – somebody picking up a knife and turning to me in anger; or else hearing my own voice threaten somebody else.’
These personal experiences and observations are what equips the writer’s imaginative toolbox – providing us with the little things we might draw upon at will; to rewrite, reshape and give new life.
Wednesday 19 October The Electric Theatre 2.30pm £7 (£5 Friends of GBF, concessions)
Have you ever made a mistake and lived to regret it? This question is a theme common to the books three authors discuss with Elizabeth Buchan at the 2011 Guildford Book Festival.
Grief and guilt cast terrible shadows in Marika Cobbold‘s seventh novel, Drowning Rose. But as this beautifully wrought story unfolds, shifting from present to past, from London to rural Sweden, we learn that generosity, humour and friendship can restore even the most broken lives.
Isabel Ashdown‘s first novel, Glasshopper, was named among the Observer Best Débuts of 2009 and London Evening Standard Best Books of the Year. In her eagerly anticipated second novel, Hurry Up and Wait, Isabel explores the treacherous territory of adolescent friendships, and traces across the decades the repercussions of a dangerous relationship.
In Suzanne Bugler‘s This Perfect World, Laura Hamley lives her dream: a loving, successful husband, two beautiful children, an expensive home. But when she is forced to confront the terrible consequences of her own past cruelty, secrets and a devastating truth are revealed, and Laura’s idyll begins to fall apart. Suzanne Bugler has written two novels for young adults; this, her first for adults, was one of eight titles chosen for Richard and Judy’s Spring Book Club 2011.
Elizabeth Buchan is a writer (Separate Beds; The Second Wife and many more) and broadcaster, and has been a judge of the Whitbread and Betty Trask Awards.
This summer, Sussex-based authors Isabel Ashdown, Gabrielle Kimm and Jane Rusbridgeare joining forces in the run up to an exciting literary event to be hosted by Chichester High School for Girls.
Kate Angus, Library Manager said, “The school is delighted to host the event. It is the first of its kind and it will be great to meet local authors and discuss their captivating fiction.”
The event, to be held at the school on 14th October, promises an evening of readings, conversation and Q&A with the three award-winning authors, all of whom have strong connections with the local school.
“It’s wonderful to be invited into a school with such close personal connections,” says Isabel, a former pupil whose latest book is partly inspired by her schooldays at CHSG in the 1980s.
Part of Jane’s novel is set in a seaside railway-carriage house, like those in Wittering. “We hope a few people will read the books prior to the event,” she says, “and come loaded with questions to ask the authors.”
Gabrielle’s book opens in the baking heat of a 16th century Tuscan summer. A former teacher at CHSG, she says, “All three of us have had daughters at the school and we’re delighted to be helping the school raise funds through ticket sales.”
It’s a public event, and tickets cost £5 each, which includes a free glass of wine. To book: contact Kate Angus or Susan Mulkern at CHSG on tel: 01243 78701401243 787014 ext 2606 or email: kangus@wsgfl.org.uk or ask at Chichester Public Library.
For full details of the evening, the books and the authors, just click on the image above.
On Monday 19th December I’ll be back onboard the Wightlink flagship ferry, St Clare, for a festive day of crossings and book signings.
