The weather may not be encouraging us to get out and about just now but there’s still plenty to notice!
I’ve carried on with the January small stones project, organised by Fiona and Kaspa, and you can see the results of the past week’s writing on my river page.
This really is something everyone should try, even if it’s just for a few days. Taking time out to really look at the world will help you to slow down and appreciate every single day – even the freezing cold ones!
In January it is all too easy to get caught up in the bustle of packing away the old year, going back to work, setting goals and making resolutions. Instead I have been taking part in the River of Stones project – setting aside a little time each day to really notice something in the world that surrounds me, and then choosing just the right words to describe what I see.
There have already been one or two days on which this exercise has been something of a sanity-saver. On those days I’ve caught myself, mid-afternoon, running around breathlessly ‘doing’ things but not necessarily achieving anything of note. So I’ve stopped, I’ve looked out of the window, gone for a walk or just gazed at the room I am sitting in. I’ve taken the time to notice something I find beautiful and I’ve reminded myself to be grateful for it.
To see the results, visit my 2012 river page. It’s not too late for you to join in too!
From the piles of wood that warmed Viking longhouses to modern plasma ‘fireplaces’, the hearth has always been at the centre of our homes.
Whether cooking on it, huddling beside it or just watching it flicker, there is something inherently soothing about gathering beside the fire, especially on darker days.
I hope that you all have a warm place at the heart of your home and that you will have some free time to sit beside it over the next few days. May 2012 bring you peace, health, happiness, laughter and love.
See you in the New Year, and thank you for reading.
Claire.
Today I am delighted to be offering a comfy seat and a refreshing cuppa to the wonderful Nicola Morgan, who is whizzing around the interweb discussing her latest ebook, Mondays are Red. As those of you who know her can testify, I will also need to dust off a footstool for her customary, and impressive, red boots…
Although she now has around 90 books to her name, Nicola vividly remembers how she felt when she first achieved the status of debut author, and she has agreed to describe the experience for us today – over to you Nicola!
‘Tis the season for charity anthologies and this is the second post in a row that highlights an anthology, featuring a piece of my work, that is raising money for a fantastic cause. And this time I am one of the publishers!
Gloriously Us aims to bring the dementia community together through poetry, allowing people to express their feelings and explore cherished memories.
The project is being run by volunteers who hold poetry workshops for people living with dementia and their carers. This first volume contains more than 40 poems and, excitingly, has an introduction from award-winning writer, Joanne Harris.
The book is available in both hard copy and electronic formats and all profits will go to Alzheimer’s Society. To buy a copy, please visit the Gloriously Us website.
I am delighted to have two pieces of my work feature in a new anthology raising money for cancer charities, in memory of the remarkable Harry Moseley.
Harry died in October of this year, aged just 11. Before he died he managed to raise a staggering £85,000 for brain cancer research and all profits from the anthology will go towards increasing that amazing total still further.
The eBook brings together 176 pieces of flash fiction or poetry from 81 writers who met as a result of Rachael Harrie’s ‘Platform-Building Campaign’. It has been edited by Rachael and by Katharina Gerlach and is on sale for a very reasonable $2.99 (or 1.7 cents per story, bargain).
If you followed Harry on Twitter, are a lover of flash fiction or just want to support a great cause then please consider buying a copy. It is available to download from Amazon or Smashwords and you’ll find the links below.
Thank you 
Buy a copy from Amazon or from Smashwords
I am not usually a big reader of ghost stories but something attracted me to the latest offering from Michelle Paver – perhaps the fact that I’m off on a Northern Lights cruise around Norway next year?
Set in the imaginary bay of Gruhuken during the High Arctic winter, the story is primarily told through the expedition journals of Jack Miller, a young man in search of adventure and escape from a life of poverty in 1930s London.
In 2008, Stephanie Butland was diagnosed with breast cancer. Her response? Bah! to cancer.
In a fantastic new book she shares the information and strategies that helped her through treatment and back to health, including the importance of finding the right distractions during long hospital waits. I asked her to tell us a bit more about the role of books in her life and her recovery.
My lovely friend, and fabbie author, D J Kirkby will be hosting a brunch as part of next week’s Portsmouth Bookfest. As part of the event she wants people to contribute a line to form a story chain – one for children and one for adults – and if you help then you could win a Kindle!
To take part, and support this great festival, simply visit D J’s blog between Sunday 23 October and Wednesday 26 October.
I recently had the privilege of seeing renowned novelists and close friends, Ruth Rendell and Phyllis (P. D.) James in conversation at the Soho Literary Festival. They discussed books, inspiration, technology and the history of the detective novel.
