Le parole segrete

~ December 2008 ~

At last, another update, and once again I have to apologize for allowing myself to get so out-of-touch this year, but, as my blog probably reflects, things have been happening so fast that I barely have time to keep up with them. I’d always assumed that an author’s life would be quiet, reflective, perhaps even rather dull at times; turns out it’s a kind of eternal mad scramble from one project to another, with occasional diversions along the way into the land of parenthood, visits from friends, family life, housework (yes, all right, everyone knows I don’t do any), not to mention trying to get Anouchka through some trying times at school and finishing another couple of books –

Well, let’s just say it makes teaching look easy. Last month saw the publication of Runemarks in Italy and Lollipop Shoes in France, which meant that November, like October, September, and in fact, most of the summer, was mostly touring. This month I’m at home, which means that I can give some real attention to the new book, which is finally beginning (fingers crossed) to take on some kind of shape (albeit a rather twisted and complicated shape), before setting off to Togo, West Africa in January for PLAN UK, a charity which hopes to improve conditions in education and to provide more opportunities for young people, especially girls, to escape the cycle of poverty.

Runemarks fans, I haven’t forgotten you. The sequel to Runemarks is coming along slowly, but quite nicely so far, although Anouchka (a stern critic) thinks I ought to be further along with it than I am at present. For that, I’m sorry. I wish there were more hours in the day, more days in the month in which to write. However, next year, Loki-fans will be able to read my new story Wildfire in Manhattan, (which will be included in a book of short stories called STORIES being published by Morrow Publishers and which is due for publication towards the end of 2009 – when we get an exact date we will let you know) in which a few old friends re-emerge in a slightly different Aspect, in a very different place. Hope you like it – and know that I’m thinking of you.

Lastly, I always try to post a story in December. This year I’m posting one called Rainy Days and Mondays. (Click here for the story). Let’s hope that doesn’t turn out to be a Christmas weather forecast. Season’s greetings to all of you, and all the best for 2009!