I never thought I could write a novel, let alone two – Maggsie McNaughton’s Second Chance, comes out on June 27 2019.  I only got published because of competitions.  Before that, I thought authors were semi-mythical beings and publication was…

This are a few hints I wrote as writing tips for the Lucy Cavendish first novel competition.  I hope you find them useful. 1)  The beginning has to be compelling.  You need to suggest as early as possible that your…

So thrilled with Amanda Salles’ nail art interpretation of Jo Thomson’s beautiful cover!  Who knew you’d ever see a guinea pig on a fingernail!  See and read more of Amanda’s work on The Bookish Manicurist blog and on YouTube

Very pleased to say that Elvira appeared in the US on July 11th 2017 and is featuring well on Goodreads. Read what the American audience thinks. 

Q. What inspired you to write The Seven Rules of Elvira Carr? It’s hard to pin these things down! I work with adults with learning difficulties, my husband used to work in a monkey sanctuary and my mother had a…

Discuss Elvira’s relationship with her mother. Do you think Elvira’s mother cared for Elvira in the best possible way? What are the differences between the two characters? Why do you think Elvira likes to stick to a routine? Describe your…