|
With the strain of lockdown restrictions, and anxiety snapping at our heels, right now we’re almost too mental-health aware. But this week isn’t only about awareness; click on image to peruse the range of resources on the Mental Health Foundation website on managing our mental health in these difficult times.
|
|
|
I’m sure you’re aware that lockdown in Spain has been especially strict, but you might not know that my lovely publisher has been stranded in Madrid since March. You can read about how she’s been coping in this blog post from my fellow Inspired Quill author, Clare Stevens. (Click on the image.)
|
|
|
If you’re looking for something to read in lockdown, check out the recommendations in April’s newsletter by clicking on the image.
If you want some advice on finding a novel on a particular theme or in a specific location, just ask, I love telling people what to read.
|
|
|
Getting books
when libraries and bookshops are closed
For print:
Many independent bookshops now accept orders by email. The fabulous award-winning Five Leaves Bookshop is even offering mystery boxes based on your reading preferences.
If you prefer to order online, do consider using the retailers that support independent bookshops, such as Hive (UK), Indiebound (US) and Bookshop (US).
Many small independent publishers are selling directly from their websites.
For ebooks:
Most libraries have ebooks available for loan.
Some small independent publishers – including my publisher, Inspired Quill – also supply ebooks.
|
|
|
One of the hardest things for me in lockdown is not being able to meet readers face-to-face at events. So it’s great that some of our favourite festivals have moved online. I’ll be reading one of the stories from my collection, Becoming Someone, sometime between 3 and 4 p.m. on Sunday May 24th, as part of a session from Five Leaves independent bookshop. Grab a drink and pull up a chair!
|
|
|
New feature: writers in lockdown
On one of my morning walks recently, I was pondering how I might add variety to my newsletters and support other writers. I decided to begin by featuring some of my subscribers who are also writers. Initially, I’ll prioritise those with a book being launched in lockdown, but I want to extend the invitation to writers of all persuasions. Writers, if you’d like to be featured, get in touch! Readers, let me know if you have any thoughts on how this might work best for you! Just hit reply!
|
|
Name that asylum … and win
a signed copy of my forthcoming novel
I’m looking forward to the publication of Matilda Windsor Is Coming Home in May next year. It’s about a brother and sister separated for fifty years against the backdrop of the psychiatric hospital closures of the late 1980s and early 1990s. The fictional hospital is currently called St Peter’s, but I’m sure you can help me pick a much better name. If your suggestion is selected, I’ll mention you in the acknowledgements and send you a signed copy (anywhere in the world) prior to publication.
|
|
|
If you need inspiration, click on the image for a list of the 119 ‘county asylums’ in England and Wales. But don’t pick one of these! I’m looking for something similar but different (and probably not called after a saint).
|
|
|
My fictional hospital is located in Cumbria, a largely rural county in north-west England with pockets of socioeconomic deprivation amid the natural beauty of Lake District. Fictional and fictionalised place names for other locations in the novel include Briarwood, Tuke House, Stainburn, The Marsh.
But, hey, no need to swot up, this isn’t an exam! Simply reply to this email with a suggested name for the hospital by Friday June 12th to be in with a chance of winning a book.
|
|
Terms and conditions
To be eligible for a free copy of Matilda Windsor Is Coming Home, you must remain subscribed to this newsletter until publication in May 2021. There will be three competitions overall, but no entrant may win more than one book. If one of my close relatives wins a prize, I’ll pick a second winner.
|
|
Good luck, stay safe and see you next time!
|
|
|
|
