Busy Bee!
Posted on 23 May 2011 by Freya North
I love the period around publication – not merely the excitement of finally seeing my book out there, holding its own on the shelves in shops, supermarkets and on-line; at last a real item in readers’ hands, reviewed (favourably, for the most part) in the press, larger-than-life posters in rail stations….
For me, it’s also the time when I have the chance to gad about – and I really love doing that. Remember, I spend most my working year in silence surrounded by people who don’t actually exist (it pains me to admit it, because my characters seem so real to me…) So it’s a real thrill to go out and about, meeting people and indulging the chatterbox side of my nature (as well as swiping all the fancy smellies from the lovely hotels I’m fortunate to stay in). I love doing TV and radio and interviews/articles. But best of all, perhaps, are the events I do where I meet my lovely readers. This year, for Chances, it’s been quite a scaled down mini-tour (next time, for the new novel Rumours, I hope to criss-cross the UK…and beyond!) On Tuesday 24th, I’ll be in York and on 17th August, back in my spiritual home of Saltburn-by-the-Sea.
Do pop over to my facebook page – I’m just about to announce the winners of the new competition. I asked for ideas for which actor would best suit which character – and the suggestions have been inspired. Interestingly, of all my male characters, it has been Django who’s had the greatest number of responses! David Essex, anyone? How about Bernard Cribbins? Genius! I’ll be posting a run-down of the results here on the website soon. And a new competition for the website too – for those of you who find the social-networking thing a little onerous… (I’m with you on that one… but needs must!)
July 6th, 2011 at 9:00 am
We feel that is is necessary to bring to your attention how our book clubs feel about Freya North’s books. We certainly wouldn’t allow our teenagers to read them!
We have made a decision that we will no longer be buying her books and she has spoilt her stories that could be poignant and beautiful with profanity,l vulgar descriptions and graphic language and frankly we feel that this mars what could be such lovely stories and our book clubs find this offensive and rude- we are not prudes but feel this world is ugly enough without reading about it as well in what we believe should be stories to enhance our lives and bring enjoyment but in fact just bring di – some constructive criticism to pass on!
August 24th, 2011 at 11:18 pm
I think that Mrs IM is being extremely rude. If you do not like a book, that is fine and your opinion, but I think it is offensive that you spend your time slamming an authors skill. I think Freya North is an amazing writer and once I pick her books up, it is hard for me to put them down. Her books are about relationships, and an important part of relationships and life is sex. She is merely trying to convey the normal lives of women in this country, and i’m sure other countries around the world. There is some constructive criticism for you!
August 24th, 2011 at 11:28 pm
Dear Mrs Im & her Book Club, after reading your constructive criticism, as a huge Freya North fan, I just felt that I had to respond. Firstly I would like to say that NOTHING about Freya’s books are ‘ugly’. They are some of the most moving, thought provoking, funny stories I have ever read. I had an extremely stressful and intense job, and love nothing more than emersing myself in Freya’s world, full of colour, energy, passion, humour and most of all were love conquers all. Sure there are a few naughty moments along the way and a few swear words, but they are timed to perfection and never fail to make me giggle! ‘Ugly’ is reading about abuse/war/neglect/homelessness/racism/homophobia/murder. All much more offensive to me when I want pure escapism from the realities of life. So please do continue to enjoy your book club, and whilst I am finishing off ‘Home Truths’, may I recommend ‘The Hungry Caterpillar’ (although you may be offended by the inferred obesity!)
x