I post a photograph every day on https://www.blipfoto.com/Cathaber. It’s a wonderful visual diary. So here are some highlights of the year which is drawing to a close
January
Chinatown
First time in London for over 3 years. And met up with my very good friend Katsy for her birthday lunch.
In writing: I began reading entries for the Cheshire Novel Prize, something that would take up more and more of my time over the following months. It taught me a lot.
February
Coming round the mountain
Walking has been a very important part of my life this year. Here, with the Abergavenny Women’s Walking Group on Table Mountain. Also, longer and shorter walks with one or two friends.
Venice
Had to put in an extra photo to remember a very special trip with OB to Venice, a magical city.
In writing: Talked to a local WI about writing, but didn’t do much of it!
March
A new novella
Between the Virgin and the Sea. Published in Novella Express #3 by Leamington Books in Edinburgh.
In (new) writing: Started work on a substantial short story for the first time in ages.
You may know already that Louise Walters is closing her publishing company at the end of June. This will be a huge loss to the world of independent publishing. She has been indefatigable in her support of her authors over the past 6 years, but everyone has their limit.
There is much to say about this, but for now I just urge to take advantage of last opportunity to buy from Louise Walters Books. All her books are on sale from her online bookshop with a 25% discount until the end of June. After that, they will no longer be available.
Maybe you already have my book, In the Sweep of the Bay. Maybe you have all the other books Louise has published. If so, thank you, that’s great, but now you could do one or more of the following:
buy a book for a friend
ask your local library to buy one or more books – or a set for bookclubs. If their budget does not permit this, you could buy one or more yourself and donate them.
spread the word on social media
tell your friends who don’t use social media
This is not about me wanting money. This is about me wanting to support excellence. And it’s about kindness. Something that is easily forgotten in the world of publishing.
I leave you with a rose from my garden. Thank you for reading this and take care.
I’ve been writing, and I’ve completed the draft of a sequel/prequel (what do you call that – a sprequel , maybe?) to In the Sweep of the Bay. It’s currently with beta readers.
Bay has been doing well, I’m pleased to say, and was shortlisted for Best Novella in the Saboteur Awards2021 It’s still available to buy from my lovely publisher, Louise Walters Books or from your local bookshop. Several book groups have chosen to read it and Louise offers a deal on purchases for book groups.
I’m working on another novella-length story – one I started last year and put aside. It’s currently rather baggy and has some significant holes in it. Like an old jumper, but not comfortable like that! I’m hoping to pull it into shape very soon.
Meanwhile I’ve had minor successes – some flashes published, a few longlistings and shortlistings, and one win! I’ll be updating my Stories page with these very shortly.
I’ve also been reviewing for Lunate – reading critically is, I think, an important skill for writers to develop.
So, on this Midsummer’s Day I give you roses from our garden, and wish you sunnier times.
In this time promotional tours for books cannot happen. But fortunately technology gives us alternatives, and I’m taking every opportunity that comes my way to help put the word out about my new book.
For book bloggers this is #NovellaNovember, which is serendipitous rather than planned for my novella In the Sweep of the Bay. It was a pleasure to talk about novellas with writer and blogger Kathryn Eastman for Nut Press. Kath is also doing a generous giveaway of copies of both my books – leave a comment on her blog to be in with a chance.
Then there’s the world of podcasts. I talked with Wayne Kelly recently for The Joined-Up Writing Podcast. Or rather I talked, a lot, and he got a word in edgeways from time to time.
I’m not keen on counting, but it’s good to review the year and consider some very lovely times.
Month by month, here are my writing highlights and a celebratory photo for each.
January
Delighted to have a rare poem published in Visual Verse
Saw Emma Rice’s company in the brilliant ‘Wise Children’ here
February
Had three flashes published this month. Particularly proud of The Man I Am Not Marrying, published in Spelk
Miri, one of the cats at Ty Mawr convent where I went on retreat
March
After a nail-biting time, signed a book deal with Louise Walters Books for my second novella, In the Sweep of the Bay, due to be published on 17th September 2020.
Walking in our lovely hills on the first day of Spring
April
Took part in both the Abergavenny Writing Festival and the Llandeilo Litfest.
Abergavenny welcomed friends from our twin town in France, Beaupréau, for an Easter weekend of sunshine and music
May
A wonderful week at Palazzo Forani in the village of Casperia in the Sabine Hills, north of Rome, led by ace flash fiction writers Kathy Fish and Nancy Stohlman. New writing, new friends, new food!
Learning to make pasta, Italian-style, with Gianna and Carla
June
Spent a day at the Flash Fiction Festival in Bristol. More great writing experiences – and lovely to meet so many writers I knew from internet connections.
Dear Feely, enjoying a lazy June day
July
Spoke at another LitFest, this time in Caerleon.
Visited a lovely garden on my birthday
August
Structural and line edits of In the Sweep of the Bay completed.
In training for September’s big walk!
September
Copy editing time for the novella. Challenged myself to write a (long) short story of which of which I was given paragraphs 1 and 20. Could be the bones of a new novella…
Trekking on Hadrian’s Wall with Elizabeth, Eileen and Jane to raise money for the charity PSPA
October
Busy weekend at the beginning of the month: up to Leicester for the launch of this anthology one day and at the Crickhowell LitFest talking about novellas the next.
Wonderful kippers for breakfast on a little trip to Whitby
November
Finally started writing the story of my Auntie Phyllis, internationally famous circus artiste!
Having a drink at our local vineyard with OB and the Three Amigos, visiting us on their world tour
December
Five flashes published this month, after a lean time.
Origami Christmas star – and a lucky stone with a hole!
Cath Barton 