Coffee with Ang

Nipped into Godalming this morning and spent my birthday book tokens and Smith's vouchers. In Ottakar's, I saw that Emma Darwin's "The Mathematics of Love" was on the shelves in the new novels section. Signed as well. So snapped that up, as she's someone I know from Writewords (http://www.writewords.org.uk). But wicked Ottakar's - it's actually not officially published till Monday. So hurrah - I've got an advanced copy. Must admit also, at this stage, to feelings of consuming jealousy - someone I know has a novel published by a mainstream publisher which is actually in the shops without having to struggle. God, that must feel so good. I can't even begin to imagine what it must be like.

And onto coffee with an old Detica friend, Ang. Spent an enjoyable morning drinking tea and catching up, as well as selling her a copy of "Pink Champagne and Apple Juice". I confessed that actually my novel's heroine is named after Ang herself - as I tend to use names of people I know until the last possible moment, and she seemed a good fit. Also enjoyed meeting her 15-month old daughter, Saskia - which is rare for me, seeing as I hate and dread children so much - but Saskia is shy and quiet, so that suits me down to the ground.

At home, I did more work on "The Gifting" and enjoyed it as well - the first time in a long time, or so it seems. Drove into Guildford and gave 5 copies of "Pink Champagne and Apple Juice" to Ottakar's there, as they'd asked for it. A relief that part of it is over. I do so hate PR. Once home again, I responded to my editor's (http://www.jbwb.co.uk) comments on the last two chapters of "Thorn in the Flesh" and started reading it through before I send it out to my agent (http://sff.net/people/john-jarrold/about.html). Which will probably take about a week or so, depending on how much time I have.

Oh, and I've just finished reading Margaret Gill's "The Secret of the Scrolls" - an action adventure for older children, which I rather enjoyed. The settings and pace were particularly good. And, at last, my offering to the recent BBC Southern Counties Radio "Write Hear, Write Now" competition has been published on line and can be found at: http://www.bbc.co.uk/southerncounties/content/articles/2006/06/07/story_anne_brooke.shtml
though no news as to when it will be broadcast yet, darn it. Nice to see me up there though!

Anne Brooke
http://www.annebrooke.com
http://www.goldenford.co.uk