Summer
2009
Life
in Spain.
The
summer heat is upon us here in Spain with temperatures in the 40s
and the noise of the cicadas driving us all potty.
The only cool place to be, I’ve decided, is either in an
air-conditioned shop or supermarket, preferably the former, the
car, or my office, although I dread to think what the electricity
bill will be. Air conditioning in the bedroom is a mixed blessing, as you
can wake up close to suffering from hypothermia.
The Spanish wisely do absolutely nothing during August, and
if possible leave and head north.
As the tourists pour in, they evacuate.
However,
we’ve had evacuation for real as fire has spread across the
region. You may have seen it on
the news already but the fires started with a lightening
strike, then they returned the following week, fanned by the hot
winds, to rage again. Watching
the fire fighters was impressive.
There were bomberos and military vehicles, earth moving
equipment operated by the army to create fire breaks, plus a
couple of dozen sea planes and helicopters.
They scoop water from the sea with amazing skill, swooping
up without losing speed despite the weight of water they’ve just
taken on, before heading back into the fire. Some lost their
lives in other parts of Spain, fortunately none here. They got it under control after a couple of days but the
hills are black and still smoking, the danger of it starting again
is still very real and barbecues of any kind have been banned.
You can read more about this on my Blog.
Blogs
Yes, I’ve succumbed at last.
A friend told me about a new historical saga blog which she
thought I should join. Not
wanting to mess up their site with my ham-fisted contribution, I
decided I’d better learn how to do it properly, so set up my own
first. I still have a
lot to learn but will try to do an entry a couple of times a month
if possible, talking about books and Spain and writing.
They are both new so will take time to build, but do
please visit and join in the chat:
www.fredalightfoot.blogsp
And
here you’ll find some of your favourite authors:
www.historicalsaganovels.blogspot.com
Libraries
Library
borrowings are up again. I'm thrilled to be now ranked as number
60 in the list of
most borrowed authors in the UK. In the top 10 of saga
writers.
Speaking of libraries, I saw a lovely piece in the news which said that
Stranraer library was holding a little celebration for one of
their clients, Louise Brown, originally from Castle Douglas.
She is 91, and has just borrowed her 25,000 book.
Her average take out is 6 books a week and she has never
paid an overdue fine. How
about that for a record?
Here are a couple of pictures of the talks I did at Maryport, Whitehaven and Millom. I also spoke at the Ulverston Townswomen Guild Anniversary Lunch. I thoroughly enjoyed meeting you all, ladies.
Whitehaven Library Millom
RNA Conference
& talks
I also
attended the RNA Conference, which was great fun as well as
invigorating and inspiring. The
Romantic Novelist’s Association welcomes aspiring writers as
well as published ones. You
can join the New Writers Scheme which will give you a critique of
your work for a reasonable sum, enable you to take part in all events and
receive the Romance Matters magazine.
My
friends and I have been members for years, once being aspiring
writers ourselves. Here is a picture of us enjoying ourselves in true
conference style. At
least we did once the food and drink was all served.
From the
left: Elizabeth Gill (Dream Breakers); Catherine King, saga
writer, (A Mother’s Sacrifice); Joan Emery (writes for
DC Thompson pocket books); me; Leah Fleming, saga writer (Mothers
and Daughters); Trisha Ashley, writes very funny books, (Wedding
Tiers).
I also
took a
photo of our lovely Chairman:
Katie Fforde, about to present the Elizabeth Goudge trophy.
