Mistletoe, Mulled Wine and being compared to Richard Osman

Another busy week in the life of a wannabe full-time author

Photo by Jan Kopřiva on Unsplash

Hello and welcome!

This week, I have been busy dealing with a raft of text messages, emails and voicemails relating to my insurance claim. Considering the incident is a ‘no fault’ claim, it is proving to be extremely wearing, wading through the mass of forms, waiting endlessly for my calls to be answered and, one week on, my stress levels have gone through the roof. So, it’s time for some Zen.

On a more positive note, I visited my local library (always a lovely, de-stressing thing to do), and when I walked up to the desk, a Librarian looked at me and said, ‘Rosy Gee!’

I was flabbergasted. ‘Ooh, am I famous?’ I asked, thrilled that somebody had recognised me. I was holding a copy of my book, The Mysterious Disappearance of Marsha Boden, and he said, ‘I have an email from your publisher which I need to respond to.’ What are the chances? We both laughed. My timing for once had been impeccable and, following an earlier visit in the summer, before my book had been published, we had agreed that I would drop in a complimentary copy to go on the ‘Local Authors’ stand, which I happily did.

Several people who have read my book, unknown to me, I must add, have compared my book to those of Richard Osman. Wow! Bring it on! And as the reviews continue to pile up, one phrase keeps popping up.

What an absolute thrill to read those six words. Here is the full review.

What a great read. The plot is well crafted. The characters are interesting.
I couldn't put the book down.

That is such an accolade and makes the process of writing the novel all worthwhile. I just need to keep the marketing ball rolling and wish I had a fraction of Mr Osman’s marketability. I need to get on TV. (All and any offers considered!)

One more review. Sorry, I can’t resist sharing them!

This book is the best read I have had in some time, it gripped me from the beginning to the end. I read it in one day, I could not put it down. I can't wait for another one.

Whilst out in the countryside this weekend, I was surprised to discover that mistletoe is the cuckoo of the plant world. It is a parasitic plant that grows on other trees and shrubs and as it takes nutrients from the tree or shrub, although it doesn’t kill it, it does weaken it. Who knew? I have often been intrigued by the large spherical shapes high up in trees and now I know. It’s mistletoe! Just like the cuckoo, which doesn’t build a nest of its own but rather ousts other birds out of theirs, this plant latches onto another plant and makes it their home.

Mistletoe - the cuckoo of plants

While recovering from the shock of our minor RTA last weekend, my husband and I decided to treat ourselves to lunch at Csons in Ludlow, and what a delight it was. As we sat overlooking the weir on the River Teme, a Kingfisher perched on a branch right outside the window. The river was still in full spate following the floods, and the Kingfisher was a welcome splash of colour in the otherwise watery, brown landscape. The meal, as always, was mouth-wateringly delicious, and I treated myself to a glass of warm mulled wine. It was just what I needed, all served by highly efficient and friendly waiting staff. If you are in Ludlow or Shrewsbury, I would highly recommend a visit to Csons. But be warned! They do get busy, so book ahead to avoid disappointment. I love the fact that the menu is eclectic and has some brilliant flavours with a Middle Eastern and Scandinavian vibe. We have booked to go there with friends for a pre-Christmas meal and thankfully, there won’t be turkey in sight! If you do visit, I can’t guarantee a Kingfisher will make an appearance but I can guarantee delicious food in a wonderful, friendly atmosphere and a beautiful setting. Highly recommended.

Following my uplifting library visit, I went to visit a writer friend of mine. We first met at a local Writers Group and hit it off right from the start. She is as passionate as me about writing and we meet up as often as our busy schedules allow. It is always heartwarming and uplifting to sit and chat about our respective writing projects. I think it’s important to have a writing friend who you can bounce ideas off, and talk things through with. Things that perhaps others outside of our writing worlds might not quite grasp in the same way that we do. Afterwards, I always feel fired up and go home freshly inspired and raring to tap out words on my keyboard. Thank you, Alicia, for being such a good friend and loyal supporter. I am glad we met and long may our friendship flourish, as I have no doubt whatsoever that it will.

On the subject of friendship, I met another lovely lady at my Shrewsbury book signing, who is going to feature me in her Substack. More news next week!

I have also been featured in Shropshire Life, Shropshire Blues magazine, The Shropshire Star and next week, you can see the full video interview of me sitting in The Swan Hotel, which is featured in The Mysterious Disappearance of Marsha Boden.

Don’t forget to subscribe to my reading club so that you don’t miss out!

And on that positive note, I am going to end this week’s roundup of my busy week. Oh, I forgot to mention, in amongst everything else, I bought a new car! Things are definitely looking up and I hope you have a positive and uplifting week.

Best wishes,