…it’s a white-knuckle ride that can make you sick! Who needs soap operas and the like when their real life is like an episode of the Jeremy Kyle show? I’m not going to elaborate at the moment, except to say that if I published a book about current events, readers will think it’s fiction rather than fact. Let me assure you fact can indeed be stranger than fiction.

I’m about to start working on a book (for my own sanity’s sake) that I had pretty much laid to rest. Recent experience tells me that the story is far from over and I can’t see how it could possibly have a happy ending (except with some wishful thinking on my part). I started to get all philosophical about this, and wondered about the point of me being a good person if it’s so easy for people to screw me over. Why be nice if all that you get in return is misery and heartache? The answer is, because that’s who I am. I feel. I think. I care. I don’t really want to change that, despite the upset it brings me.

Where’s that notepad - I need to start writing. Maybe it won’t make me feel better, but sometimes just consigning thoughts to paper can be helpful…

I’m back and while I haven’t been posting, some interesting things have been happening. Firstly, I took the bull by the horns and emailed Borders to ask why people weren’t able to order my book there. I got a reply from the General Manager, who I spoke to on the telephone and he was very helpful. He said I should ask my publisher to contact him, personally, and Natalie did so - Borders have ordered 20 books and will be in touch when they’ve arrived, with regard to a SIGNING!

You may remember that some time ago, I emailed a few authors who I really admire and had inspired me…well, didn’t I get an email from Pauline McLynn?! I was so delighted as I absolutely love her books, and her characters are so realistic, you feel as though you’ve known them personally. Anyway, she asked where she could get my book!!! I practically begged her to let me send her a copy - it would mean a lot to me if she actually read it. I was chuffed to bits to hear from her (is that just a Northern expression - it means I was really, really happy).

Today’s email came from Gateshead Libraries, who have finally been able to order the book. I’ve been invited to attend a Reader’s Group in September - as it’s in home territory, I’m both excited and nervous. Imagine the anti-climax for the locals hoping to meet a glamorous writer and then realising they’ve seen me at the chip shop, with no make-up on, or out walking the dogs in my old clothes! It sounds as though it’s a friendly group, so I hope they’re gentle with me.

I’ve also had a message from someone who said they were feeling a bit rough and read my book, and it cheered them up. You have no idea how much little comments like this mean to me.

Hopefully, I’ll be back to posting regularly about my attempts to make it in the book world. If you’d like to compare and contrast, take a look at Claire Allan’s site. She’s published through Poolbeg, a rather large publishing company. Radio campaigns, meetings with Buyers, newspaper articles and photoshoots - I’m not sure I would have coped well with that. I don’t think I would’ve slept for weeks! Anyway, I have no doubt that Claire will be a huge success. On the topic of book promotion, I read an interesting article on the Trashionista website about the true cost of promotion within some bookstores. It was such an eye-opener.

Finally (what a bumper post this was), I came across this blog just before my last BBC Radio Newcastle interview and we were intending to do a joint blog (but both of us were busy with other things). However, Jack contacted me to say he’d created a post called The Mike Parr Survivors’ Club. This guy’s site is really interesting, and the thing I love about it is that he isn’t scared to speak his mind. An entertaining, enlightening read from ‘The Web Chemist’.

Just a brief message to those of you who have contacted me recently and had no response: Sadly, my grandma Jones passed away today. I’ll be concentrating my energy on my family until after the funeral, but will reply to you soon. I’ve found this poem very comforting.
Sometimes even writers forget how powerful words can be…

The organiser of the book event at Blaydon apparently got in touch with Sarah to ask if she was still attending the event this evening (in the capacity of book seller). This conversation was yesterday (very short notice indeed). Unfortunately, the organiser didn’t contact me, so I have missed out on participating in yet another local event. I probably wouldn’t have attended, given the current circumstances, but could have arranged for some leaflets to be left at the venue. To be honest with you, my heart isn’t in book promotion at the moment…it’s miles away with my grandma Jones, which is where it will stay for the forseeable future. So, I’m sure you’ll forgive me for putting booky-things on the back-burner for a little while.