New Beginnings
Well, this is it—my first attempt at writing and posting my journal on the new web site. Firstly, I want to say thank you to everyone who has contacted me, both personally and through the message board, since the site went live. Webmaster Mark and I are both delighted that you like the new design and format.
I’m sitting at my desk writing this and listening to the Goon Show on BBC 7 at the same time, which is a peculiar combination! But I’ll try not to be overly influenced… 
Summer has arrived; we’ve already had some wonderful weather here in Cornwall, and even though it’s cloudy and showery today, it’s very warm. I’m hoping that the gods will grant us a fine weekend, as this Friday (15th) sees the start of the annual Sea Shanty Festival in Falmouth, which is one of the year’s highlights for Cas and me. The festival is organised by the Falmouth Shout shanty group, with whom we’ve been singing for a couple of years now, and its purpose is to raise funds for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. As Cas is a launcher with our local lifeboat crew, and I’m station treasurer, it’s a cause close to our hearts. This year promises to be the best yet, as we have singers coming from as far afield as the Republic of Ireland and Brittany, all giving their services for free. So if you happen to be anywhere near Falmouth this weekend, come along and join the fun! There are full details on the Shout’s own web site (see my Links page)
As well as Shout singing activities, writing is keeping me busy. I’m working on Mermaid Curse, a new children’s quartet for Puffin, which I’m very excited about. Like Sea Horses it’s set in Cornwall, and is the story of a girl called Lizzy, who discovers the astonishing truth about mermaids—and is led into conflict with their evil Queen. The first two books, The Silver Dolphin and The Black Pearl are finished, and I’m now totally engrossed in The Rainbow Pool. Publication starts in February 2008; more details in due course. There are further new projects in the wind, but my superstitious side is urging me to hold back on talking about those until I have some definite news…
I must confess that I haven’t been in the sea yet—the water’s still too cold! But there’s plenty to do in the garden at this time of year. I’ve been trying to get a good photo of Simba. our black cat; only snag is, he won’t keep still for long enough. But I think I’ve managed one that puts his lovely personality across. He’s a very tall cat, if you know what I mean; not fat, but big. A friend of ours said on first seeing him, ‘He’s not a cat, he’s the Beast of Bodmin!’ He’s also very vocal; when he comes in from the garden he announces what he’s been doing, at great length and great volume. It’s a shame that we can’t speak Cat; I’m sure his adventures have been fascinating. Anyway, here he is, just about to roll over and ask to be made a fuss of…
I think I’ve probably waffled enough for my first journal. It’s a learning curve, as the saying goes; as time goes by I’ll get better and more coherent ( ). For now, though, hope you’ll enjoy this snippet, and I’ll be posting again soon.
