Busy Bee!

Categorized | Blog

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!)

Tags | Chances, Rumours

12 Comments For This Post

MRS IM Says:
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!
MissF Says:
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!
Yvonne Says:
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
clare Says:
August 25th, 2011 at 12:12 am
I wonder what Mrs IM felt she was going to achieve by posting that comment? Her life is obviously poorer for not having such wonderful enjoyable stories in it, maybe the books have made her realise that something was missing! As Miss F said the books are about relationships be it between family members or members of the opposite sex and lets face it sex plays a part in the relationship between a man and a woman. No one forces people to read the books and quite frankly I wouldn’t have said there was anything in any of the books that most teenagers wouldn’t any ready be aware of(or indeed doing!) Maybe the next book Mrs IM and her book club should pick something like the bible-although I suspect that they would still manage to find something offensive in that too! And maybe brush up on her english whilst she is at it!
Claire Says:
August 25th, 2011 at 12:35 am
Mrs IM…..might I suggest a delightful (very un-twenty first century) Mills & Boon novel for your next book club experience? You can then leave the reading of Freyas wonderful, down to earth & realistic novels to those of us who can’t get enough of them……
R Says:
August 25th, 2011 at 12:10 pm
I’m sure “our teenagers” know more about the real world than Mrs M does. The sales figures speak for themselves.
Deb Says:
August 25th, 2011 at 2:50 pm
Dear Mrs IM,
As Freya’s daughter points out, “my Mummy is fully grown” and I’ll think you’ll find her books are written for other grown women who live their lives to the full. Sex is a part of life (indeed, there would be no life without it) and is neither vulgar nor ugly. I appreciate the fact that Freya writes with a wide, descriptive, true-to-life vocabulary. I suggest you hide your dictionaries from the teenagers in your book clubs, as I think you’ll find all these words are in there too. But I’m sure you’ve already complained to Oxford and Collins about that. Freya’s stories are beautiful and poignant and lovely. On a more personal note, reading one of Freya’s books gave me the confidence I needed to get out of a long term, emotionally draining (you could even say ugly) relationship, and Secrets helped me to confront my financial problems and contact the right people to formulate a solution. I never thought the novels I read for some fun, relaxation and escapism would be a catalyst to change my life, but I’m a happier, more rounded individual as a result. And of course, I have a much greater appreciation for the Tour de France! So Mrs IM, I do hope you change you mind about Freya’s books, but even if you don’t, maybe my comments will be read by the people you direct to read your “constructive” criticism, and I won’t have written this in vain. With kindest wishes, Deb
SLC Says:
August 25th, 2011 at 9:07 pm
MRS IM clearly has far too much time on her hands, and how rude. I’d love to know what actually makes it on to her reading list! Freya’s books are great!
Freya North Says:
April 15th, 2012 at 9:58 pm
Hey Deb – thanks for your impassioned response. I’ve touched by your support. I’m also very moved to hear how my novels have been a comfort and support to you in difficult periods of your life. All the best – and keep in touch! Freya
Becky carter Says:
May 2nd, 2012 at 2:43 pm
That rude woman obviously living in the dark ages!! Freya’s books are so up to date and relevant, I personally love the saucy bits!!!!! Maybe try reading Dickens!!!!
Becky carter Says:
May 2nd, 2012 at 2:46 pm
Oh just read chances, loved it. Actually think I’m in love with oliver!!!!! x
Freya North Says:
May 2nd, 2012 at 9:59 pm
Thanks, Becky! I’m chuffed to hear it. I have a feeling you’ll fall for Xander, the hero in my new novel Rumours out next month! All the best, Freya

MRS IM Says:
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!

MissF Says:
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!

Yvonne Says:
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

clare Says:
August 25th, 2011 at 12:12 am

I wonder what Mrs IM felt she was going to achieve by posting that comment? Her life is obviously poorer for not having such wonderful enjoyable stories in it, maybe the books have made her realise that something was missing! As Miss F said the books are about relationships be it between family members or members of the opposite sex and lets face it sex plays a part in the relationship between a man and a woman. No one forces people to read the books and quite frankly I wouldn’t have said there was anything in any of the books that most teenagers wouldn’t any ready be aware of(or indeed doing!) Maybe the next book Mrs IM and her book club should pick something like the bible-although I suspect that they would still manage to find something offensive in that too! And maybe brush up on her english whilst she is at it!

Claire Says:
August 25th, 2011 at 12:35 am

Mrs IM…..might I suggest a delightful (very un-twenty first century) Mills & Boon novel for your next book club experience? You can then leave the reading of Freyas wonderful, down to earth & realistic novels to those of us who can’t get enough of them……

R Says:
August 25th, 2011 at 12:10 pm

I’m sure “our teenagers” know more about the real world than Mrs M does. The sales figures speak for themselves.

Deb Says:
August 25th, 2011 at 2:50 pm

Dear Mrs IM,
As Freya’s daughter points out, “my Mummy is fully grown” and I’ll think you’ll find her books are written for other grown women who live their lives to the full. Sex is a part of life (indeed, there would be no life without it) and is neither vulgar nor ugly. I appreciate the fact that Freya writes with a wide, descriptive, true-to-life vocabulary. I suggest you hide your dictionaries from the teenagers in your book clubs, as I think you’ll find all these words are in there too. But I’m sure you’ve already complained to Oxford and Collins about that. Freya’s stories are beautiful and poignant and lovely. On a more personal note, reading one of Freya’s books gave me the confidence I needed to get out of a long term, emotionally draining (you could even say ugly) relationship, and Secrets helped me to confront my financial problems and contact the right people to formulate a solution. I never thought the novels I read for some fun, relaxation and escapism would be a catalyst to change my life, but I’m a happier, more rounded individual as a result. And of course, I have a much greater appreciation for the Tour de France! So Mrs IM, I do hope you change you mind about Freya’s books, but even if you don’t, maybe my comments will be read by the people you direct to read your “constructive” criticism, and I won’t have written this in vain. With kindest wishes, Deb

SLC Says:
August 25th, 2011 at 9:07 pm

MRS IM clearly has far too much time on her hands, and how rude. I’d love to know what actually makes it on to her reading list! Freya’s books are great!

Freya North Says:
April 15th, 2012 at 9:58 pm

Hey Deb – thanks for your impassioned response. I’ve touched by your support. I’m also very moved to hear how my novels have been a comfort and support to you in difficult periods of your life. All the best – and keep in touch! Freya

Becky carter Says:
May 2nd, 2012 at 2:43 pm

That rude woman obviously living in the dark ages!! Freya’s books are so up to date and relevant, I personally love the saucy bits!!!!! Maybe try reading Dickens!!!!

Becky carter Says:
May 2nd, 2012 at 2:46 pm

Oh just read chances, loved it. Actually think I’m in love with oliver!!!!! x

Freya North Says:
May 2nd, 2012 at 9:59 pm

Thanks, Becky! I’m chuffed to hear it. I have a feeling you’ll fall for Xander, the hero in my new novel Rumours out next month! All the best, Freya