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!
I love the spring, with its fresh greens, and bluebells and the may (hawthorn) trees coming into flower. I’m getting out into the hills as often as possible now, training for a sponsored trek on Hadrian’s Wall! And walking is always a great way to refresh the brain and inspire writing.
I’ve had lots of writerly good fortune these past few weeks, with both my second novella AND my collection of short stories signed. So, all being well, I will achieve my ambition to have three books published by the time I’m 70! And The Plankton Collector got a special mention in the Saboteur Awards Novella category this year.
I’m so delighted that Retreat West Books are going to be publishing The Garden of Earthly Delights, my short story collection inspired by the paintings and drawing of Hieronymus Bosch. They’re a publisher with a great environmental ethic. And on the shortlist for the Saboteur Awards in the Most Innovative Publisher category. Voting is open until 12th May.
I’m also very excited to be going to Italy next week, to write flash fiction in a group being led by Kathy Fish and Nancy Stohlman. Hoping for wine and sunshine too!! Report at the end of the month!
Bluebells at Coed-y-Bwnydd hill fort, Monmouthshire
Festival time is a-coming. Not for me – at least not yet! – the heady heights of Hay, but I will be speaking at two writing festivals in April.
Abergavenny Writing Festival, Thursday, April 11th, 2.30pm
Do we all have a novel in us?
I’ll be on a panel with fellow authors Jack Strange, CG Menon and Penny Ellis. We’ll be in discussion with Abergavenny Focus Magazine editor Hannah Hill.
I’m excited to have my very own event at Llandeilo, where I’ll be in conversation with fellow writer Jane Fraser, whose debut collection of short stories, The South Westerlies, will be published by Salt in June.
Cath Barton 