Monday, 23 July 2012
Summer finally arrives
Summer has finally arrived in the South Hams after months of rain.
I am still receiving good comments about The Other Canal, and the Cottage Hotel in Hope Cove are selling the book to guests who are thrilled that the Cottage Hotel features in the book.
I am still hoping to see it on the big screen one day, but in spite of trying to read Idiots Screenwriting, I know it is not for me. It really is a specialist field. I would like to thank Michael Mills for his support in sending me great scripts from Canada and also for his faith that I could write a script! In the meantime, lots of folk have asked for a sequel and Nigel's voice is becoming louder by the day!
The Way with Words festival at Dartington was great and next year I will certainly be going to more events.
The South Hams Writers' group goes from strength to strength and hopefully I will have a photo of the Prize Winning dinner at the delightful Hazlewood House in my next post.
I moved from "home" in Bucks here to Outer Mongolia in the autumn and am trying to adjust to the dearth of shops. John Lewis will be opening in Exeter in the autumn. Everyone is excited. Most people were not 10 mins. from John Lewis a year ago. Of course all this is very much compensated by the proximity to the sea and to family.
The last time I went to M & S from here it took me two days. It seemed easier to go the scenic route and stay the night in a hotel.
My dipping my toe in the travel market re writing is coming along with my book "Travels with Ted."
Watch this space.......
In the meantime, do look at Mervyn Cooke's poetry online. Not to be missed.
mervyn_cooke@hotmail.com
Cheers for now from the hot pen of yours truly
Barbara
Sunday, 27 May 2012
Bring me sunshine.....
Bring Me Sunshine.....
At last summer is arriving. After a very wet April, suddenly it is warm and sunny. I went to Dartmoor yesterday and the ponies were just beautiful, as were the hedgerows on the way there.
I needed some time out this week to renew the creative juices! The coves in Brixham were just as magical as when I first discovered them when I was 15. Then I spent a happy time at the Stoke Lodge Hotel in Stoke Fleming and finished with a day on Blackpool Sands. Coming back to more clearing out in the new house is suddenly not so difficult and already ideas for new writings are taking shape.
I am looking forward to a visitor from America next week and will post about that soon.
In the meantime, love and hugs to everyone who may occasionally look me up, but if not then Love and Hugs to me. Get writing BB!
Oh how lovely is the evening, is the evening
When to rest the birds are stealing, birds are stealing
Ding dong, ding dong.
(A round we used to sing at brownies back in the year dot.....)
Wednesday, 4 April 2012
Bucks and back
I have just had a week back "home" in Bucks. That is not to say I don't love it here in the South Hams, but it was lovely seeing so many friends AND John Lewis. I was like a kiddy in a toy shop and have finally chosen some book shelves so I can get some of my hundreds of books off the floor!
Back in Devon I am so happy to see the primroses and daffs. What a lovely sight.
Being away has woken up some creativity after a stressful move, and I now have an idea for the next book! Thanks for everyone who continue to give me good feedback about the book and to Michael Mills who has kindly sent me some scripts to encourage me to write the script for The Other Canal. I do think that script writing is an art in itself and am not sure I am up to it, but I will spend time over Easter reading and pondering!
In the meantime I have prepared my entries for this yeae's South Hams Writers Comp. As the muse has been rather sleepy since my move, I don't hold out much hope of success this year, but who knows. Certainly the group have some very talented members so competition is hot!!
Have a lovely Easter.
Love from the South Hams
Bsrbara
Back in Devon I am so happy to see the primroses and daffs. What a lovely sight.
Being away has woken up some creativity after a stressful move, and I now have an idea for the next book! Thanks for everyone who continue to give me good feedback about the book and to Michael Mills who has kindly sent me some scripts to encourage me to write the script for The Other Canal. I do think that script writing is an art in itself and am not sure I am up to it, but I will spend time over Easter reading and pondering!
In the meantime I have prepared my entries for this yeae's South Hams Writers Comp. As the muse has been rather sleepy since my move, I don't hold out much hope of success this year, but who knows. Certainly the group have some very talented members so competition is hot!!
Have a lovely Easter.
Love from the South Hams
Bsrbara
Tuesday, 6 March 2012
News from the South Hams
We seem to have escaped the snow and cold weather. The hyacinths, daffs. and snowdrops are out in abundance and it has been warm enough on some days to walk along the beach and watch kids making sand castles.
The Other Canal is doing well and I am getting good feedback. I need to find the time to turn it into a script as so many people say it should be a film. I don't know how to find a script writer. There are plenty of sites that will look at a finished script, but I guess the hard work is down to me. I have a deadline for entries to the South Hams Writers' Annual competition, and after that I will have to find more time. This is a bit difficult owing to the tribulations of my new house. Trivial things like mains water leaks, broken shower, unacceptable carpentry, upstairs like a fridge, discovering there are no windows looking on to the garden........Yes, perhaps another book......
I have just read The Caliph's House and enjoyed it immensely. I do have another book in my head, but time....?.I remember a song from many years ago :- "Time, like the wind, goes on hurrying by and the hours just fly. Where to begin? There are mountains I'd climb if I'd time."
(John Rolls I think)
I did write about the good experience with Matador as a self-publisher. After sales has proved disappointing. Courtesy and care go a long way towards recommendations! Nuff said.
Spring springs. Summer is round the corner. Buon giorno!
Barbara
The Other Canal is doing well and I am getting good feedback. I need to find the time to turn it into a script as so many people say it should be a film. I don't know how to find a script writer. There are plenty of sites that will look at a finished script, but I guess the hard work is down to me. I have a deadline for entries to the South Hams Writers' Annual competition, and after that I will have to find more time. This is a bit difficult owing to the tribulations of my new house. Trivial things like mains water leaks, broken shower, unacceptable carpentry, upstairs like a fridge, discovering there are no windows looking on to the garden........Yes, perhaps another book......
I have just read The Caliph's House and enjoyed it immensely. I do have another book in my head, but time....?.I remember a song from many years ago :- "Time, like the wind, goes on hurrying by and the hours just fly. Where to begin? There are mountains I'd climb if I'd time."
(John Rolls I think)
I did write about the good experience with Matador as a self-publisher. After sales has proved disappointing. Courtesy and care go a long way towards recommendations! Nuff said.
Spring springs. Summer is round the corner. Buon giorno!
Barbara
Friday, 6 January 2012
Happy New Year
Happy New Year from the South Hams. The weather, as in most places, has been rather wild! This new house complains like a banshee. A good setting for the next book?
There is a write-up about The Other Canal in New Books! I also spent some time as a Local Author in Totnes bookshop. I am delighted that many people bought the book for friends and family for Christmas presents, and have had good feedback. The latest edition has A Political Thriller on the front cover - just to make it clear that it is not about canals! Do let me know if you would like a signed copy of the new edition.
At the moment the book is being written as a screen script. As many people had told me that it should be a film, I have begun to set things in motion (pardon the pun!) This italic is on the whim of my laptop and I can't revert to plain text! I should stick to my lovely new fountain pen, a gift when I left the Writers' Block and moved to the South Hams.
The South Hams Writing Group is great and members are already looking forward to the next annual competition. I do have a germ of an idea for another book, but as I still have 600 books on the floor here and no shelves, I guess my priority should be the house. But who knows??
Happy New Year.
Barbara
There is a write-up about The Other Canal in New Books! I also spent some time as a Local Author in Totnes bookshop. I am delighted that many people bought the book for friends and family for Christmas presents, and have had good feedback. The latest edition has A Political Thriller on the front cover - just to make it clear that it is not about canals! Do let me know if you would like a signed copy of the new edition.
At the moment the book is being written as a screen script. As many people had told me that it should be a film, I have begun to set things in motion (pardon the pun!) This italic is on the whim of my laptop and I can't revert to plain text! I should stick to my lovely new fountain pen, a gift when I left the Writers' Block and moved to the South Hams.
The South Hams Writing Group is great and members are already looking forward to the next annual competition. I do have a germ of an idea for another book, but as I still have 600 books on the floor here and no shelves, I guess my priority should be the house. But who knows??
Happy New Year.
Barbara
Saturday, 26 November 2011
Devon update
All is well here in Devon although the hedges and walls in the narrow lanes still leap out and damage my car when I have to reverse. Lorry drivers tend to shout as I career backwards out of control. Never mind. All material for the next book!
In two weeks' time I am attending an Author's day at Totnes library. The book is still going well and the lovely Cottage Hotel need some more. I have not yet met Nigel and Fliss up there but I am sure they go there for the lovely cream teas from time to time. (That is if Nigel is still around!)
In a couple of weeks I get the reprint and any typos dealt with, plus A Political Thriller on the cover. It is amazing how many people say it should be a film. Thanks so much for all the encouragement. Tall oaks from ....etc. etc. Watch this space.
In two weeks' time I am attending an Author's day at Totnes library. The book is still going well and the lovely Cottage Hotel need some more. I have not yet met Nigel and Fliss up there but I am sure they go there for the lovely cream teas from time to time. (That is if Nigel is still around!)
In a couple of weeks I get the reprint and any typos dealt with, plus A Political Thriller on the cover. It is amazing how many people say it should be a film. Thanks so much for all the encouragement. Tall oaks from ....etc. etc. Watch this space.
Wednesday, 2 November 2011
PS
As a PS to the Amazon story, the publisher tells me that Amazon had sold out, but have now replenished. Also my bloguru Rodney has tweaked the Amazon link on this blog, so all is well.
Tuesday, 1 November 2011
Availability
I have today looked at Amazon and find that The Other Canal is only listed in dollars and through foreign suppliers. As it was originally available from Amazon I am trying to find out what is happening. It is possible to order from Matador, see blog or log in to Matador Self Publishing sales.
The book is now going into reprint - the cover will now also say A Political Thriller - just to make it clear it is not about canals! It is being entered for best Self Published Novel comp. Fingers crossed!
I am enjoying life in Devon and hope to eventually make friends with the hedges and brick and flint walls that attack my car on narrow roads with passing places. Need to buy some T cut (tea cut?)
I am looking forward to giving the talk on the book at Kingsbridge Library on Thursday (10.30).
I got the keys to my new home yesterday and the removals from store take place on 9th. I have planned to put my desk near a window overlooking fields and for those kind enough to ask if there is to be a sequel to The Other Canal, the reply is "Wait and see!"
Many thanks to Rodney and John. Rodney has been my bloguru and I am very grateful.
Ciao
Barbara
The book is now going into reprint - the cover will now also say A Political Thriller - just to make it clear it is not about canals! It is being entered for best Self Published Novel comp. Fingers crossed!
I am enjoying life in Devon and hope to eventually make friends with the hedges and brick and flint walls that attack my car on narrow roads with passing places. Need to buy some T cut (tea cut?)
I am looking forward to giving the talk on the book at Kingsbridge Library on Thursday (10.30).
I got the keys to my new home yesterday and the removals from store take place on 9th. I have planned to put my desk near a window overlooking fields and for those kind enough to ask if there is to be a sequel to The Other Canal, the reply is "Wait and see!"
Many thanks to Rodney and John. Rodney has been my bloguru and I am very grateful.
Ciao
Barbara
Sunday, 23 October 2011
Write on.
The weather here in the South Hams has been phenomenal and I have been enjoying the sun and the sea. Today was the first day that the winds showed their faces and the waves at Torcross just loved it! Lots of white horses and waves crashing on the shore that was so calm the day before.
Last week I went with a friend up to The Cottage Hotel in Hope Cove, which features in The Other Canal. William, the proprietor, was delighted to have a copy of the book to show visitors. Signed copies of the book are now available from the Hotel. My friend and I sat for a couple of hours on the terrace, drinking tea and soaking up the hot sun whilst looking out over the shoreline and sea. Impossible to think it was so late in the year.
On Thursday 3rd November I am giving a talk about The Other Canal at Kingsbridge Library, 10.30 - 11.30. This will include details of how the book came to be written, the writing process and why I chose the publishing company, Troubador. I will also be reading a couple of exerpts from the book. On December 7th I have been invited to take part in Author's day at Totnes Library. The Totnes bookshop's manager is called Nigel Jones. I have yet to introduce him to his namesake, although they do have a copy of the book in the shop.
It is great to be back with the very talented writers of the South Hams Writers group. Each fortnight there is a new challenge which keeps me on my toes.
Thank you for all those who have given me suggestions for actors for my probably pie-in-the sky notion of a film! What about the Miller half of Armstrong and Miller for Nigel?? Thanks also for the reviews on Amazon and of course the blog.
Last week I went with a friend up to The Cottage Hotel in Hope Cove, which features in The Other Canal. William, the proprietor, was delighted to have a copy of the book to show visitors. Signed copies of the book are now available from the Hotel. My friend and I sat for a couple of hours on the terrace, drinking tea and soaking up the hot sun whilst looking out over the shoreline and sea. Impossible to think it was so late in the year.
On Thursday 3rd November I am giving a talk about The Other Canal at Kingsbridge Library, 10.30 - 11.30. This will include details of how the book came to be written, the writing process and why I chose the publishing company, Troubador. I will also be reading a couple of exerpts from the book. On December 7th I have been invited to take part in Author's day at Totnes Library. The Totnes bookshop's manager is called Nigel Jones. I have yet to introduce him to his namesake, although they do have a copy of the book in the shop.
It is great to be back with the very talented writers of the South Hams Writers group. Each fortnight there is a new challenge which keeps me on my toes.
Thank you for all those who have given me suggestions for actors for my probably pie-in-the sky notion of a film! What about the Miller half of Armstrong and Miller for Nigel?? Thanks also for the reviews on Amazon and of course the blog.
Tuesday, 4 October 2011
Eagle and New Nest
Well, here I am in Devon! The move went relatively smoothly and already I have set up a book signing and talk here in Kingsbridge. This will be at the library on Thursday 3rd November from 10.30 - 11.30
I am looking forward to attending the South Hams Writers Workshop this Thursday and it will be great to reconnect with this talented group.
The Cottage Hotel in Hope Cove features in The Other Canal, so I plan to make a visit to introduce them to Laura, Nigel, Fliss and Ellie!
Thanks to everyone who has given me their thoughts on the actors who might play the parts if ever it becomes a film. Aim high!! You never know........
My 5 year old twin grandchildren, Emily and Oliver, just love having me here to make up a new story every night. I just about manage that whilst recovering from the house move!
The Writers Block group that I have left in Bucks will have their first meeting at a new venue next month. Good luck to the group who are also very talented. There are some first class stories about to emerge!
This past weekend was glorious and spending it on the beach and helping make sand castles with the kids reminds me as to why I moved away after a lifetime in Bucks. The creative juices are already stirring........
Barbara
I am looking forward to attending the South Hams Writers Workshop this Thursday and it will be great to reconnect with this talented group.
The Cottage Hotel in Hope Cove features in The Other Canal, so I plan to make a visit to introduce them to Laura, Nigel, Fliss and Ellie!
Thanks to everyone who has given me their thoughts on the actors who might play the parts if ever it becomes a film. Aim high!! You never know........
My 5 year old twin grandchildren, Emily and Oliver, just love having me here to make up a new story every night. I just about manage that whilst recovering from the house move!
The Writers Block group that I have left in Bucks will have their first meeting at a new venue next month. Good luck to the group who are also very talented. There are some first class stories about to emerge!
This past weekend was glorious and spending it on the beach and helping make sand castles with the kids reminds me as to why I moved away after a lifetime in Bucks. The creative juices are already stirring........
Barbara
Wednesday, 21 September 2011
Horizons New
Well, as I write, my study is the only room left with any furniture. I will NEVER move again! So Devon here I come and I am looking forward to meeting up with the members of the South Hams Writers group again.
The signing at Waterstones in Amersham went well on Saturday 17th September and I was sold out by 3.30. A big thank you to all of you who have given me such good feedback about the book. Once I have taken breath after the move I will try to follow up the suggestions people have given me about approaching agents and also several people say it would be good on Radio 4.
What an interesting world the writing world is. The interview at the weekend with Hilary Mantel was fascinating. Wolf Hall is such an epic - what an achievement.
Looking forward to more comments. Cheers
The signing at Waterstones in Amersham went well on Saturday 17th September and I was sold out by 3.30. A big thank you to all of you who have given me such good feedback about the book. Once I have taken breath after the move I will try to follow up the suggestions people have given me about approaching agents and also several people say it would be good on Radio 4.
What an interesting world the writing world is. The interview at the weekend with Hilary Mantel was fascinating. Wolf Hall is such an epic - what an achievement.
Looking forward to more comments. Cheers
Saturday, 3 September 2011
On the Move!
First, a big thank you to Writing News for publishing news about The Other Canal in the October issue. The book is going really well and I am looking forward to doing the talk at Beaconsfield Library at 11 a.m. on Wednesday 7th Sept. and at Hazlemere Library on Saturday 10th Sept.
Another Bank Holiday and an auspicious one for me as I drove to Devon on Bank Holiday Monday, came back on Wednesday having bought a house! It is in Chillington in the South Hams and I am looking forward to regularly attending the South Hams Writers' group. I am sad to leave Writers' Block in High Wycombe, but the group will continue with the enthusiasm and skills of the members.
I am looking forward to more people voting for who they think would be good actors for the characters in The Other Canal. Please add your choice to the Actors section.
Enjoy the last of the summer......
Barbara
Another Bank Holiday and an auspicious one for me as I drove to Devon on Bank Holiday Monday, came back on Wednesday having bought a house! It is in Chillington in the South Hams and I am looking forward to regularly attending the South Hams Writers' group. I am sad to leave Writers' Block in High Wycombe, but the group will continue with the enthusiasm and skills of the members.
I am looking forward to more people voting for who they think would be good actors for the characters in The Other Canal. Please add your choice to the Actors section.
Enjoy the last of the summer......
Barbara
Saturday, 27 August 2011
Fun with the characters
I remember years ago, when I read The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath, how I was "taken over" by the character for a day and could not shake off an American accent. Well, I had a conversation with a lady yesterday who has just read The Other Canal and is seriously identifying with Laura. She is about to reinvent herself and having great fun doing so, what with shopping trips, hair do and nails. She has already lost 3 lbs. She has a nice husband, so is not looking for an Arthur!
I have a lot to do at the moment - promoting the book and moving house. If there are any difficulties, I would like to call on Nigel, but he seems to have disappeared!
Do add your ideas to the Actors section! It may become real one day.
I have a lot to do at the moment - promoting the book and moving house. If there are any difficulties, I would like to call on Nigel, but he seems to have disappeared!
Do add your ideas to the Actors section! It may become real one day.
Sunday, 21 August 2011
It was very gratifying to sell copies of The Other Canal at Waterstones in High Wycombe yesterday and there was a lot of interest.
"People watching" is a favourite occupation of writers, and I had plenty of that yesterday, seeing all the people visiting the bookshop. The cookery section was very popular, as were the military and history sections. There were those who came to browse as well as those who knew exactly what they wanted. And how lovely to see so many children excited about their new books.
There is something about handling a new book, about the smell of the paper, about the printed page, illustrations and cover designs. No, I don't have kindle.
For those who have read The Other Canal, please do vote for who you think would make a good Nigel, Laura, Fliss, Ellie and Jeff if it were made into a film. Just click Comments. Thanks
"People watching" is a favourite occupation of writers, and I had plenty of that yesterday, seeing all the people visiting the bookshop. The cookery section was very popular, as were the military and history sections. There were those who came to browse as well as those who knew exactly what they wanted. And how lovely to see so many children excited about their new books.
There is something about handling a new book, about the smell of the paper, about the printed page, illustrations and cover designs. No, I don't have kindle.
For those who have read The Other Canal, please do vote for who you think would make a good Nigel, Laura, Fliss, Ellie and Jeff if it were made into a film. Just click Comments. Thanks
Monday, 15 August 2011
Signings and Readings.
I hope to introduce The Other Canal to High Wycombe on Saturday 20th August at the signing in Waterstones from 11.00 a.m. to 6.00 p.m.
Whilst in Beaconsfield today I popped into the Beacon Bookshop. How lovely to still have a real bookshop in the town! It is a flourishing shop and they were interested to learn that I am giving a talk about The Other Canal on Wednesday 7th September at 11.00 a.m. for an hour in Beaconsfield Library. The book will be available at the talk, but will also be on sale at the Beacon Bookshop for those who cannot make it. Having left the bookshop I spent a pleasant half hour in the sun outside Costa with a cappuccino, watching the world go by. Lovely.
There is also a talk in Hazlemere Library on Saturday 10th August at 11.00 a.m.
Whilst in Beaconsfield today I popped into the Beacon Bookshop. How lovely to still have a real bookshop in the town! It is a flourishing shop and they were interested to learn that I am giving a talk about The Other Canal on Wednesday 7th September at 11.00 a.m. for an hour in Beaconsfield Library. The book will be available at the talk, but will also be on sale at the Beacon Bookshop for those who cannot make it. Having left the bookshop I spent a pleasant half hour in the sun outside Costa with a cappuccino, watching the world go by. Lovely.
There is also a talk in Hazlemere Library on Saturday 10th August at 11.00 a.m.
Actors
Today I had two emails from colleagues who enjoyed The Other Canal and said it would make a good film. I spent a pleasant half hour (with a cup of tea, just as Fliss would have done) wondering who to cast. I thought Dominic West would make a good Nigel. Does anyone have any other ideas, or suggestions for Laura, Fliss and Ellie? Plus good old Jeff of course. They would certainly have good fun filming the beginning in Thailand!
Thursday, 11 August 2011
Iain Rennie Hospice
From the Bucksfreepress
BARBARA Butcher will be signing copies of her book, The Other Canal, at the Iain Rennie Hospice at Home shop in Holmer Green on Saturday 30th July to raise money for the charity. The novel is a political thriller based in Thailand. Butcher will also be doing a talk about the book at Hazlemere Library on September 10 at 11am.
BARBARA Butcher will be signing copies of her book, The Other Canal, at the Iain Rennie Hospice at Home shop in Holmer Green on Saturday 30th July to raise money for the charity. The novel is a political thriller based in Thailand. Butcher will also be doing a talk about the book at Hazlemere Library on September 10 at 11am.
Saturday, 23 July 2011
Writers' dinner
This is a picture of the South Hams Writers at the annual prize winners dinner. Barbara Butcher is third from right. All entrants were highly commended by the judges who included
Denise Coffey, Anna Lunk and Steve Harvey, Editor of the Kingsbridge Gazette. Fifth from right is Anabel Farnel-Watson who hosted the evening in her beautiful home, Hazelwood House, Loddiswell.
Official Launch
Everything is in place now for Matador to link with Amazon for sales of The Other Canal on October 2nd 2011. It can also be purchased from Troubador Publishing Ltd. See link on side of the page.
Sales of personal copies have gone well with good reviews. If you have read the book you are welcome to comment on this blog.
Sales of personal copies have gone well with good reviews. If you have read the book you are welcome to comment on this blog.
Thursday, 14 July 2011
Opening
During the course of what she had hoped would be the holiday of a lifetime, Laura Jones took a train from Chiang Mai back to Bangkok. The discovery of an abandoned baby in the toilet sets off a series of events which leads to 'forces' trying to prevent the publication of disclosures which would threaten British security.
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