Plato advised us that: ‘Knowledge is food for the soul’ I’ve been thinking about this quote, which led me to thinking about books and reading. I started to read when I was around four years old (according to my mum!). Since that tender age I have rarely been without a book in my hands. IContinue reading “Food for the soul”
Tag Archives: fiction
Undertaking research for a crime thriller: some useful tips
I am joined on my blog today by crime thriller suspense author, Helen Christmas, who is going to share some fascinating stories about some of the research she has undertaken for her decade-spanning series ‘Same Face Different Place.’ Following on from her first article, on the Chindi Authors website, where she described her journeys intoContinue reading “Undertaking research for a crime thriller: some useful tips”
What makes a great author?
I’ve been finding out more about that wonderful Queen of Crime, Agatha Christie. Having just read her biography, I have discovered some interesting facts about her. Here are some of them: her ideas for plots, characters and settings came in a random way – she filled numerous notebooks, but there was no order or organisationContinue reading “What makes a great author?”
Dreaming of Italy!
If you are waiting for Janie Juke’s next adventure ‘The Invisible Case’, I can confirm that progress is good! The first draft is complete and plans are in place for publication some time in June…watch this space… Meanwhile, I can share with you that I have tapped into my Italian roots for Janie’s newest mystery. Continue reading “Dreaming of Italy!”
Tamarisk Bay!
At last, readers of the Janie Juke mystery series can find their way around Janie’s home town of Tamarisk Bay with the aid of this wonderful map. For those of you who live in Sussex, see if you can spot some familiar landmarks! Look out for the second edition of The Tapestry Bag and LostContinue reading “Tamarisk Bay!”
Agatha Christie’s secrets
I’m continuing to follow the trail of Agatha Christie! (while channelling Janie Juke, of course!) I have come across a fascinating book, entitled: Agatha Christie’s Secret Notebooks. The author, John Curran, had the great fortune to have ‘unfettered access’ to all of Agatha Christie’s papers, as well as the hospitality of her grandson, Mathew Pritchard. Continue reading “Agatha Christie’s secrets”
On the trail of Agatha Christie
In the Janie Juke mystery series, my protagonist, Janie, refers to her passion for Agatha Christie novels. In particular, Janie loves the stories featuring Hercule Poirot and has learned many of her investigative skills from him. As she tackles the mysteries occurring in Tamarisk Bay, she draws on many of Poirot’s techniques to follow theContinue reading “On the trail of Agatha Christie”
Feeling inspired
So much has happened over the last few weeks, all of which has helped to inspire my writing. First off I was lucky enough to spend a few days in Denmark with my two writing buddies! Spending hours talking and thinking about books is my idea of heaven, plus we got to see a beautifulContinue reading “Feeling inspired”
A brave lady
I read an article this week that made me feel sad and inspired, in equal measure. It was an interview with the daughter of the wonderful, and much missed, Helen Dunmore. I have loved Helen’s writing since I first discovered her novels, maybe 15 years ago or more. The first title of hers that IContinue reading “A brave lady”
Italian memories
The second book in the Janie Juke mystery series (Lost Property) introduces Janie’s aunt, Jessica. Jessica has been travelling around Europe for a few years and is now planning to return to Tamarisk Bay. In the third book of the series we hear much more about Jessica and her mysterious Italian friend, Luigi. As I’veContinue reading “Italian memories”
Isabella Muir 