To explain yes I was still reading in October and November, but as it was National Novel in a Month my focus was mainly in my writing. Reading was my relaxation and also my inspiration throughout the month.
I did achieve the word count of 50,000 words and that is nowhere near the end of the story., which I will allow to rest for a month and then look at again.
These are the books that I read in October
A Seaside Affair by Fern Britten
An easy and relaxing read, Fern’s own television experience has obviously informed the insights into how reality TV is constructed.
At times reminiscent of those old movies where a bunch of amateurs try to save a theatre by ‘putting on a show.’That is essentially what happens here, only with professional actors. Producer Penny is able to call in some favours to recruit stars of TV and film to help save the old theatre. Fern name drops Downton Abbey’s Maggie Smith and Hugh Bonneville and writer Lord Julian, Fellowes believably and with ease. A good holiday read,
Talk of the Town by Rachael Johns
An enjoyable read with an engaging duo of Megan and Lawson at its centre, as well as a supernatural element. I personally really enjoyed the supernatural aspect of the story and would have liked to have seen more of it.
Megan has moved interstate in an attempt to leave her past behind her. Perhaps she hadn’t reckoned on country town hospitality and curiosity? in spite of being wary of revealing too much about herself, Megan is unable to resist Lawson, and his adorable and incorrigible eight-year-old son, Ned. The characters are well drawn, relatable and appealing. The mysteries of the Old Store and Megan’s past are revealed slowly and satisfyingly.
How to Market Your Book by Rachael Bermingham.
A thoroughly practical and useful book, written by someone who as she says,’made all the mistakes’.She shares her insights and expertise and as she is a best-selling- author, Rachael is the best advertisement for her methods.
Chapters cover so much ground from media release tips to marketing plans How to get your book into libraries and how to obtain testimonials. How many promotional copies you should send out. Many of the suggestions simply require you to use your time rather than money. A worthwhile book for anyone with a book to promote
Body on Baker Street By Vicki Delany
A Sherlock Holmes Bookshop Mystery.
Although I had not read book one of this series Elementary, She Said, It is an oversight that I will rectify. In spite of that. I was able to connect easily with the characters and the story,
The Sherlock Holmes Bookshop and Emporium and Mrs Hudson ‘s Tea Rooms are situated in West London, Massachusetts The bookshop is currently being run by British Expat Gemma, during the prolonged absence of her Uncle Arthur. Her friend Jayne runs the tea rooms, which are handily situated next door.
When a famous author Renata Van Markoff who writes, a pastiche Holmes series decides to visit the store it is a tremendous boost to the bookshop sales.That is until she is murdered there. It happened after a very public argument during the book signing. Gemma’s amateur sleuthing abilities are put to the test, and it sets her at odds with the local police department. Worse, there is an embarrassment of suspects, many of whom wanted to see Renata dead, Who will solve the case first?
It is a More Abbreviated List for My November Reading
A Trail Through Time By Jodi Taylor
Book Four in The Chronicles of St Mary’s Series; The Battle for St Mary’s.
A brilliantly original idea and a great concept, but for me, it is all getting a little too complex and confusing,
When historians cross and recross the timelines and St Mary’s itself has several different incarnations, then the story can become too complicated. While the introduction of the Time police in this book whose job is to monitor the timelines was an innovative touch.Adding to my confusion with the story is that the two major characters Max and Leon have both died at various times in some timelines. By crossing and recrossing the timelines, loves, lives, memories and relationships are all being challenged both by the past and the future interactions. This popular series continues.
Still Writing by Dani Shapiro
I was prompted to read this book as it was recommended by author Natasha Lester at a workshop that she gave.
While there are no outstanding insights, I felt that Dani Shapiro was an encouraging voice who understood the doubts, fears and insecurities which plague most writers.Her advice is sound and she reminds us via words from poet Jane Kenyon to ‘Be a good steward to your gift’
I loved the irony of the title, as ‘still writing?’ is the query that writers, whether paid or not, hear most frequently. The subtext apparently being ‘what haven’t you got a proper job yet’
Sonia Bellhouse- Author. 
50,000 words – that’s incredible. Well done, Sonia. How on earth you’ve managed to read as well I dont know, although I note you read for relaxation, so it’s an ideal balance. ❤
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Thank you. It is quite achievable you simply write about 1667 words a day and if you fall short then make up the amount the next day.Many people do much, much more. I am not a fast writer so I was pleased with the amount.It made me make writing a priority.
I will always try and find time to read, it is my favourite form of relaxation. Often I have two books on the go at the same time, one fiction and one non-fiction.In that month I also Read The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstein, as it was recommended an author talk given by Natasha Lester that I attended. She used it as an example of descriptive writing. I did not include it on the list as I had already read and reviewed it previously.
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