graffiti…
Posted on 21 April 2009 by Freya North
Look at what I did to the sand at Saltburn on Sunday…
I thought it rather inspired marketing….and it was clearly visible for all on the pier to see! Saltburn Pier has been awarded the Best Pier in Britain for 2009 (Pier of the Year sounds better…). As most of you know, Secrets, my 10th novel (out on 30th April) is set in this wonderful, quirky Victorian seaside town.
Here I am, chasing Felix and Georgia off my handy work!
We were up in the North East because I was invited to give a talk in Whitby. It was excellent and I am so grateful to the staff of the Library (especially Allison) and all the lovely people (hullo Sharon Stone!) who came from far and wide to listen to me blether.
I also took videos at the Transporter Bridge, as well as at Saltburn, to provide you with my own tours of the settings of Secrets. I did the same for the settings of Pillow Talk (Stokesley and Great Ayton) and when I’m feeling particularly brave and technical, I’ll do my best to upload them for you!
I have to beaver away this week on a short story for Radio 4′s “Love in the Afternoon” which will be broadcast in June. I HATE writing short stories – it’ll take me longer to write than it takes me to write a couple of chapters. I think it was Browning or Byron or Someone Else Worthy Beginning With B who said “it would have been shorter had I had more time”. Give me 140,000 words over 2,000 words any day. How on earth can I fit a beginning, a middle and an end into THAT? Grrrrr.
Tags | North Yorkshire, Pillow Talk, Saltburn, Secrets, writing
April 21st, 2009 at 11:50 am
That’s amazingly inspired, Freya! And what beautifully clean sand for a canvas.
Tell you what – I’ll write your short story if you write my next novel. Fair exchange?
April 21st, 2009 at 1:03 pm
I’m SO looking forward to getting hold of Secrets.
It will be my 10th wedding anniversary on May 1st, so hopefully Somebody will treat me! (If not, I’ll have to!)
I’ve read all your other books and loved them all.
In particular, Chloe, Polly and Home Truths and Pillow Talk.
The only thing is, I regret finishing them because I haven’t found another author I like as much as you- I then have quite a wait till the next one!
Any suggestions Freya?
At the moment I’m reading Jill Mansell, who isn’t bad.
April 21st, 2009 at 1:56 pm
Hallooooo F,
Well done on the marketing – super duper freebie girl! Ingenious idea!
Oh how I know you loathe the dreaded short story – good luck! I’m sure it will come to you at just the right moment (5mins before it has to be sent off hahaaaa)!
Take it easy, my fabulous friend!
Ems xx
PS: Babs, I totally agree – NO ONE beats Freya in the “chicklit” stakes! Have a look at Marian Keyes also. Her books can be very quirky, and often incorporate taboo everyday subjects but in a non-confrontational way.
April 21st, 2009 at 2:06 pm
Jan, Emma and Babs – thanks for taking the time to post! Writing in sand is surprisingly back-breaking…I kept thinking ‘where does the ‘r’ go in Secrets’. Plus I had the kids scampering all over it like mad things!
Babs, try Jessica Adams “I’m a Believer” (fab book – made me cry). Also “What Was Lost” by Catherine O’Flynn and EVERYTHING Maggie O’Farrell has ever written! One of my fave books is “A Widow For One Year” by John Irving. A novel which kick-started my desire to write was “Brother of the More Famous Jack” by Barbara Trapido… Enjoy!
April 21st, 2009 at 9:59 pm
Ooooh yes. I’m a believer is a cracking read – tissues at the ready! The tears will be streaming, sometimes with laughter!
April 30th, 2009 at 3:37 pm
Who filmed you writing on the beach from above?
really good!!
x
April 30th, 2009 at 8:30 pm
It was filmed on one of those groovy ‘Flip’ cameras…from Saltburn Pier…which has just been crowned the Best Pier in the UK! Thanks Joanne!
May 22nd, 2009 at 9:32 am
Hi.
Love you work! Cant wait to read this new novel, I live bout six miles from Saltburn, and its our Fav Sunday morning stroll with the dogs. Its a beautiful beach and deserves a bit of fame!
May 31st, 2009 at 9:46 pm
Hi
I’m half way through your book and I just want to write and say how fab it is! I live in Saltburn (born and bred!) and it’s fantastic to actually know the places you are writing about. I’m so pleased that it is one of your favourite places, I wouldn’t live anywhere else.
July 29th, 2009 at 12:14 am
I love this book… am just over halfway…. have just looked up Saltburn… and its all real !!!! Wow it has bridges, cliff lifts, a pier, minature railway…. loving this town. I am from Kent… so its a long way from home x
September 25th, 2009 at 1:44 pm
I have just finished Secrets – great book, my lunchtime at work will not be the same next week. did not want it it finish – would love a sequel
January 15th, 2010 at 2:48 pm
Just read your book and like you I adore Satlburn. I moved here 7 years ago from Muswell Hill. My husband Lawrence used to run a quiz in the John Baird – your local I believe! So readihg this book was an odd but very enjoyable experience and your affection for my home town shines through. I work for Teesside Uni and in the last couple of years finished working on a project which required researching many of the bridges around the world designed and built with Middlesbrough’s steel. It was called the British Steel Collection and it has its very own website, should you be interested. Keep up the great work!