Emma Hogan BA(HONS) Animation, illustrator of the front cover of my book Keeper of the Enchanted Pool is an extremely talented artist. Her remarkable talent for painting lifelike pictures of wildlife was spotted by The Wallington Gallery. Her watercolour paintings of birds are now included amongst their collection of Fine British & European Paintings for sale, including, among many other talented artists, William Hoggatt and Bill Hindmarsh. The Wallington Gallery is based in Corbridge, Northumberland and run by run by Brian Alger with involvement from the well-known and respected Mrs. Gillian Fairless.

Emma’s eye for detail is remarkable. It has been said that her paintings look like photographs. With an ability to draw and paint in any medium and any subject, I am sure that Emma will be a name to watch out for in the Art world.

Her paintings are available from The Wallington Gallery framed and with free postage and packing Worldwide for all paintings bought on line.

My thoughts and prayers are also with the people of Japan…

Lottie and the Pipples can now be read in Kindle form.  I have finally been able to master the technology to turn my Children’s novel into a digital book.

 So anyone with an iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch or computer (download the free reader from Amazon) can start reading in a few seconds.  It’s a lot cheaper, too.

I, as many of you, will always prefer ‘the real thing’ to read and adorn my bookshelves, but I quite like this instant and very readable new fangled idea.

I would like the Kindle for Christmas please, Santa.

Hurricane's Coming

My sister, Tricia, has recently rediscovered painting.  The last time she painted was at school!  In Chicago, she is too far away to belt me if I say how long ago! :)  I’m very proud of her work and want to share it with the world.  I’m not seeing the paintings through ‘rose coloured glasses’ as you can see for yourself if you follow the link to her blog.

Douglas Jackson’s Claudius, the sensational sequel to Caligula, is nothing short of excellent. Whilst I would highly recommend reading Caligula first, it is not necessary, as it is an exceptional ‘stand alone’ historical novel.  

The author has woven in his two characters from Claudius, Rufus, the slave and Bersheba, the loveable, mischievous elephant, into the historical account of Rome’s conquer of Britain in a way that gives another dimension.  ‘Seeing’ and ‘hearing’ Rufus’s version of events brings a personal touch to the proceedings, making it even more compelling.

The obvious in-depth research and poetic licence brings Claudius ‘to life’ with stunning clarity.

Devious plots, battles and their aftermath are portrayed in stark detail.  Together with Douglas Jackson’s own brand of wit and a few unexpected twists, it will be extremely difficult to do anything else until one has finished reading.

This is not just history; it’s another epic from Douglas Jackson.

I have been busy on YouWriteOn.com again after a long absence, too.  There are quite a few new faces on there with a lot of great talent.  I am really enjoying reading their work and catching up on the news, tips and gossip on the message boards.  It makes me wonder how I managed without my YWO ‘fix’ for so long.

My crime/thriller Green Eyes, Black Heart is starting to feel ‘right’, if ya know wot I mean!

On a more personal note, a big hello and mwahxxx to all my friends who I haven’t contacted in ages.  I hope you are all well and still writing like nutters.  And I hope all your books are doing great!

Love

Lucy xx

After a long spell in isolation, I think it is about time I pulled myself up by the bootstraps and poked my head out over the parapet. I’m hoping not to get shot down from behind by anything else in my world.

I have begun to write again, something I haven’t been able to do for months. Losing a husband (no, not in that way, he’s still alive…) can play havoc with your writing. Not to mention the illness of various family members and mine. I went to Chicago to see my sister and not only was there an earthquake, but one of the worst snowstorms in ages! Well, according to Jonathan Cainer, things are going to get better for everyone and I didn’t see anything saying ‘Except you, Calamity Jane’. So, fingers crossed… Today is the first day of the rest of my life.

I have been reading though. Mostly books written by my fellow members of YouWriteOn.com. One of the important tasks I have is to write reviews about them all and post them on here among other places.

I even have a nice new style for my blog.

Toodle pip for now

Love

Lucyx

Meanwhile, I am thrilled to let you know that one of the most hilarious books I have ever read is now on sale worldwide.

Chickens, Mules and Two old Fools by Victoria Twead.  Do visit her website  for a taster of chapters, Spanish recipes and much more.

Till the next time…

Love

Lucyx

I will also be making a podcast and am thinking of prostituting myself on U Tube! Anyone else done this? I would be greatful for tips

Lucyxx