Book cover updates

Apparently, it’s not just what’s on the inside that counts. In a saturated market, book covers really matter and people do judge novels by their sleeves. As much as it pains me to have to think this hard about the outside of my books, I’ve been considering what changes are needed to make them more appealing, and to give them the best chance of finding their readers. I’ve already updated covers for ‘The Tipping Point’ and ‘Never To Be Told’’ using Canva’s free book cover templates, which are amazing. But I’m struggling to find one that works for ‘Death on the Common’. So I’ve been outside in the sunshine taking photographs and playing around with filters on my phone. I’m not sure if any of them will work for the book, but here’s a photo I took that I quite like anyway (no filter on this one, all natural).

I won’t be changing the novel cover straight away but I’m preparing for when I write the next murder mystery also set in Brythgate.

Currently working on…

A love story (of sorts) about a young Elvis impersonator and his girlfriend / manager who are both secretly questioning their relationship. This one has been on my list for about six months as a possible short story. I had the idea after listening to Dire Straits’ song ‘Calling Elvis’ for the millionth time in a row. I’ve written 10 chapters and I think it’s working. This is always the scary part; after investing hours in writing a first draft, it’s only after the first edit that it starts to take shape and the characters come alive. Then I have to decide if I like the story and if it’s worth continuing.

I’ll keep you posted.

The Butcher of Duke Street. This is the next murder mystery set in Brythgate. I’ve written three chapters but paused because I felt like working on the love story/ not love story. Also, this is a gruesome murder so I might have to write it in stages when I’m feeling brave.

Currently reading…

The Anxious Generation by Jonathan Haidt. This is a non-fiction recommended and gifted to me last Christmas. It’s about the Mental Health epidemic in young people due to way technology has rewired their minds and changed childhood forever. First published in 2024, I’ll be interested also to read what changes have been implemented based on the recommendations.

Dating After The End Of The World by Jeneva Rose. The only time I can read two books at the same time is when one is fiction and one is non fiction. This is a fun, easy read Zombie apocalypse romance. Available on Amazon, I got it on offer.

Recently read…

A Short Stay In Hell by Steven L. Peck. This short story (novella) is about a man who dies and goes to hell which is a library of everything that’s ever been written or could be. The only way out is to find the story of his life. The gentle lead in gives a false sense of security. As the story develops, you realise that this afterlife is truly the stuff of nightmares. I was awestruck by the writers ability to create horror with depth in just 104 pages. Highly recommended.

  • I’m late to the party with this one, but bought the books (this is the first in the trilogy) after watching the TV series Silo because I wanted to know what happens next, and couldn’t wait for the next season. Unfortunately (or perhaps predictably) the TV series doesn’t follow the book. I was thrown out by the differing timelines and one character who is male in the novel but female in the show. I still really enjoyed it; it’s a clever story, well paced and very well written. But it’s definitely one of those books that should be read before the film / series comes out. It took me ages to finish it because I don’t have a lot of time to read. I’m taking a break before reading book 2: Shift. If you missed it when it was popular, if you love science fiction and haven’t seen any of Silo, you’ll probably enjoy Wool.

  • I listened to the audio book which was a new experience for me. This was a very hyped book and I love sliding doors stories so I was excited to listen to it. A mother goes to register her son’s birth and his life splits into three timelines (alternate realities) according to each name she chooses. It was beautifully written and refreshingly unique but I didn’t enjoy the story. It’s about the devastating impact of domestic violence - throughout - which I wasn’t expecting but would have known if I’d read the blurb or reviews (my bad). I’m sorry to say I found it long and draining, and the ending unsatisfactory. The novel has been highly praised for it’s prose and it’s uniqueness, so if you enjoy unabated, unflinching realism, you’ll like this book.