Remarkable machines, feisty heroines and tea – 5 reasons why I love #Steampunk

With the publication of my first Steampunk novel, The Dirigible King’s Daughter yesterday I’ve been thinking about what first drew me to write steampunk. Like many people I suspect I came to it via Gail Carriger and then realised that I’d already read some steampunk books like The Golden Compass.  I’d also been to Whitby … Continue reading Remarkable machines, feisty heroines and tea – 5 reasons why I love #Steampunk

Fictional Yorkshire

I’ve just read a lovely novel set in ‘God’s Own County’ (which is what Yorkshire folk call the place where they live). It’s ‘There Must Be An Angel’ by Sharon Booth which is set in the fictional village of Kearton Bay which is based on Robin’s Hood Bay on the North Yorkshire coast.  For me … Continue reading Fictional Yorkshire

Knitted Together

Last weekend I went to the Unravel, Festival of Knitting in Farnham in Surrey.  I’m an occasional crocheter (I used to do a lot more before I started writing novels) and am just about competent with a pair of knitting needles.  I saw some amazing hand-crafted garments, beautiful wool and yarn in every possible shade … Continue reading Knitted Together

Deck the Halls

I tend to be a bit last minute when it comes to Christmas.  My tree goes up the weekend before, presents are wrapped on Christmas Eve and that’s when I really start to feel festive.  But this year things have happened to get me into the Christmas mood a little sooner. At the weekend I … Continue reading Deck the Halls