Shanties, seashells, series and… summer?
What a month of contrasts June was! So many summer activities, but all taking place in weather that felt more like March, and an extremely wet March at that. However, the elements didn’t daunt any of the hundreds who turned out for the Falmouth Shanty Festival, and I think it’s safe to say that it was the best yet. Everyone sang themselves silly (our group should have been renamed Falmouth Croak by the Sunday evening! 
) and it was lovely to make new acquaintances and renew old ones. Even the dashes through the downpour from one venue to another were fun, in their way. And above all, we raised a lot of funds for the RNLI, to help in their work of saving lives at sea.
Here’s a shot from the Rogues’ Gallery - I love those umbrella hats! The photo was taken by my lovely friend Alisoun, who came over from Seattle especially for the festival. Now, that’s what I call dedication! Oh, and I suppose I’d better explain the parrot. Our mascot, Keelhaul, was indisposed (furry toy parrots don’t like getting wet) so one of our number, the indefatigable Mark, volunteered to take his place… If you really want to see more, the gallery on www.falmouthshout.com reveals all…
As well as having fun, Cas and I have been busy workwise, too – and I’m delighted to be able to announce two exciting pieces of news. I’l give details in the order in which they’re happening…
OUR FIRST ‘REAL’ PUBLICATION!
Dancing Mackerel, our own – and as yet very small – imprint, is proud to launch What The Urchin Saw, its first physical (as opposed to eBook) publication! It’s a delightful children’s story, written by our friend and fellow Falmouth Shout singer Penny Anne, and illustrated in full colour by Cas. It will be available in various outlets throughout Cornwall, and also through the shop page on this site. Which brings me to apology time, as the shop isn’t yet up and running. My fault entirely; I’ve been tardy in getting the copy together, and webmaster Mark is being very patient with me… But we should be there soon, and full details will then be available by either clicking the Shop link on this site, or by going to www.dancingmackerel.com. Thanks for your patience!
A NEW LOUISE COOPER CHILDREN’S QUARTET
I mentioned in my previous journal entry that I’m now working on Mermaid Curse, a new children’s quartet with a Cornish setting. Well, Puffin have just sent me the cover visual for the first book, The Silver Dolphin - and I can honestly say that it’s one of the most fabulous covers I’ve ever had! I’m waiting to get the OK to post it on the website; as soon as I do, it’ll be here in glorious colour. I can’t wait for everyone to see it! I’m utterly engrossed in writing the quartet, to the point where I’m even dreaming about the story, which I always take as a good sign. And as it takes place in August, I can even use it to imagine that it’s summer…!
More soon – and apologies again that some of the pages aren’t yet up and running. As the old song goes, ‘It’s coming on by degrees…’
Louise