Well, there’s a bit of catching up for me to do for you… August was a quiet month during which I really knuckled down to Pip – it wasn’t all work and no play, though – Jessica Adams‘s launch party for her wonderful novel “I’m a Believer” was fun. It would have been more fun had I not been in the throes of morning sickness which, for me, was all-day, all-night sickness. I stuck to mineral water but toasted my pal and her publishers. September was exciting with Fen rampaging up the charts. It was thrilling to see her strutting her stuff at no.4 so a big thanks to all of you who helped her on her way. I spoke at the Cheltenham and Guildford literary festivals, both of which were fun and rewarding. I also visited loads of bookshops including many in the Hammicks and Methvens chains – a warm thank you to the staff who give my girls a fantastic helping hand.
I spent the autumn devoted to Pip – plus selling our house and buying another. We’ve moved about a mile away and gone from Victorian to Edwardian. It’s lovely having large square rooms – and a real luxury that one of them is a beautiful study. There was little to do to the house apart from a lick of paint here and there. I often have a giggle at the bathroom – I call it a ‘hotel bathroom’ on account of its state-of-the-art taps, double sinks, separate shower and bath so huge I can do lengths in it.
I finished Pip the week of my birthday in late November and, predictably, had a good sob. My publishers are planning to publish her in August 2003. I’ll miss the McCabe girls – we’ve shared some amazing times over the last 4 years. Some wacky and wild, some sobering and tough. However, I have a feeling that they’ll come back again – the three of them together – in a couple of books time. Currently, though I’m meant to be on maternity leave, I find my mind wondering to the two best friends who are to dominate my 7th novel. I’m going to start writing again in the summer. Perhaps before – if Felix and Baby allow! Christmas was gorgeous up in North Yorkshire and I’ll be posting photos of us all on Saltburn beach on Christmas morning, soon. New Year, though, was the dullest on record. Being then 8 months pregnant and knackered from the house move, it was as much as I could do to stay awake until 12.10 a.m. We had Sainsbury’s ready meals for supper and watched The Great Escape for the zillionth time on DVD.
Well, I’d better go and have my afternoon nap as I predict it won’t be long at all before months of sleepless nights. Felix reckons everyone has a baby in their tummies – including himself. Watch this space for ‘the news’! Keep in touch – but forgive me if my replies aren’t prompt.

Tags | McCabes, Pip, Saltburn