Drum-roll, please…the winner is…MaryAnne!

The Judge was very impressed with the quality of all of the entries (and I’m relieved to say that there were no negative ones), and had the following to say about MaryAnne’s review:

“I liked the way it didn’t give away too much of the story but described the book really well. It made it sound like it really is - a funny book with lots of surprises, and not a tragic story as someone might expect if you just said it’s a book about someone who is ill & people are nasty to them.”

So, I won’t keep you waiting any longer. Here’s the winning review of Karma:

Amusing, entertaining, satisfying.
I first read the opening chapter of Karma in the Bookforce “Undiscovered Authors” competition. Holly A Harvey then went on to win for the North East of England and the result was this highly entertaining book.

After making her way through school as an object of ridicule and practical jokes, Paige has still not managed to pull her life together at the age of 28. Her working life is unsatisfactory and illness has left her straddled with debts that she just can’t clear.

In the office things are not going to plan. After 4 years she is still not happy there and office politics are a constant dark cloud. When Paige applies for promotion things really come to a head ; Karma needs a bit of a helping hand!

In the midst of this arrives an invitation to her school’s 10 year reunion. She bravely decides to face her fears and attends with her close friend Sarah. There are, after all, some scores to settle!

I loved the way the book unravelled. Thanks to karma, and with a little assistance, the bad get their just desserts - but not necessarily in the way you’d expect.

Witty and erudite, this is a must-read for all fans of better quality, non formulaic Chick-Lit.

MaryAnne has also kindly placed her review on Amazon. I hope you enjoy spending your Amazon voucher…on more books?

PS Haven’t managed to arrange joint radio-interviewee blog yet - maybe next week?

I’m having one of those days which go from bad to good to odd in succession (nothing major just a bit of an uppy-downy day, mood-wise).

I haven’t mentioned this to many people, but I’ve been doing a counselling course (thinking that if I ever get back to my old self, it might be a career I could pursue, alongside my massage therapy). However, today it dawned on me that I would make a terrible counsellor: I’m fairly opinionated and like to help people solve their problems - these aren’t characteristics of a good counsellor, as counsellors aren’t supposed to give advice (I don’t think I could help myself). Perhaps the course will help with my writing, as I may have more of an insight into the characters, so it isn’t a complete loss. Must look on the good side!

On the subject of writing (which is why I’m here), I’ve decided to start working on “Angela of the North” (cheesy title?) to keep me occupied, as I really need to rest up. Other writers have mentioned how hard it is to work on book number two, but I don’t feel any stress, as I’m only writing it for my own benefit - there are no publishers issuing deadlines, no agents and no pressure to complete it. It should keep me out of mischief for a while…some people will be glad to hear that!

Back on topic, the realisation that I’ll never make a counsellor was a bit of a low point. Then I got home to find the post woman had a package for me: two books and a note saying “Two more books to follow.” Strange, as I hadn’t ordered any. Then, minutes later, there was a knock on the door. A deliveryman handed me a large box which contained FOUR books (2 copies of 2 different titles). Peculiar! The only conclusion I can come to is that I won one of the many competitions I entered (via www.loquax.co.uk - great site to look at if you are bored or settee-bound). That was good and odd at the same time.

This weekend, I have some more to say on the topic of the BBC Radio Newcastle interview, but am hoping to do a joint posting with another Blogger. Intrigued? Watch this space. I will also be posting the winning Karma review this weekend.

Gotta go - websites to read, emails to check!

Well, the interview didn’t go to plan, did it? I was there early, but the show was running late - this gave me ample time to get nervous and need the loo (that might be too much information, but I said I was going to be honest with this blog)! The interviewer was on outside broadcast, so I was in the studio on my own. I was thrown when Mr Parr called me Holly Hunter (promoting me from local author to Hollywood film star), and didn’t recover. I thought he may have mentioned the book’s name, since he asked where it was available, but alas no - before I had the chance, my four minute slot was over. I don’t think that I did myself, ME/CFS sufferers or my book justice - I am very tired and very annoyed with myself.

Don’t think BBC Radio Newcastle will ask me back, based on that performance!

First things first: I’ve just spoken to Charlie Charlton from BBC Radio Newcastle - she was SO nice and friendly, and they’d like me to do a short spot on The Mike Parr Breakfast Show tomorrow. It should air about 8.19am, and will cover both the book and ME/CFS. Again, I’m reluctantly providing a link so you can witness, first hand (or first ear) me possibly making a fool of myself: http://www.bbc.co.uk/tyne/index.shtml I believe the Listen Again option is available for 24 hours after a show airs. Many of you know that mornings are not my best times, so please bear that in mind if I say anything stupid!!! Glad to know Tony from the ME Association will be a guest too, and will provide sensible advice and information on ME/CFS.

Now, back to reality. All my days of resting were almost to no avail when my neighbour decided to have a party on Saturday evening. I don’t begrudge anyone a party, but I didn’t enjoy hearing karaoke-type singing VERY loudly at 12am. Needless to say, I wasn’t at my best the following day. Anyway, due to a couple of no-shows, we got an unexpected invitation to M&V’s Wedding Breakfast - we had a fantastic time (and I didn’t stick my head in the chocolate fountain). The bride was stunning, the groom was relaxed, the people were friendly, the food was good and the speeches were very, very funny! In the evening, we had good company (an old school friend and his wife) and I spoke with a real writer: the groom’s sister. Now, this lady has done things the right way, having studied ‘the craft’ extensively. She has suffered knocks to her confidence, but still speaks with passion about writing - I really admire this, and once again, feel like a complete fraud in comparison!

And the hotel? With regards to the wedding breakfast and reception, it was amazing. However, on the basis of our accommodation and breakfast, I don’t feel it was worth the money we paid. Half-cooked black pudding is not something I wish to see first thing on a morning, considering what it’s made of, but I did enjoy the hot jacuzzi afterwards!

Finally, before I go back to bed, you may have noticed a few changes on the website. I’m running my blog through WordPress at www.hollyaharvey.co.uk and through the Blog site. Both will be updated, eventually. My photo gallery is also now available on my website and is a little more user-friendly, I think.

I hope my alarm clock goes off tomorrow morning (and that I’m able to get out of bed) and I’ll try and get a picture outside Radio Newcastle this time… Wish me luck!